I enjoyed the lighthearted story telling of Susan Mallery. The romantic connections were believable as well.

Beach Vibes brings us siblings Rick, surgical resident, and older sister Beth, owner of Surf Sandwiches shop in Malibu Beach. Beth has spent her life trying to give her brother the best life possible after a less than ideal early childhood, including giving up her own dreams of culinary school to ensure her brother had the money to go to medical school. Beth becomes friends with Jana through their volunteering at the local food bank, but soon they both learn that Jana’s new man is Beth’s younger brother, Rick. Beth then meets Jana’s brother, attractive widower Teddy, and starts falling for him. Suddenly, the friendships and relationships are more entangled than ever.. and then Beth catches her brother cheating on Jana with another woman. Beth has to choose between continuing to protect her brother, as she always has, or protecting these new relationships she’s formed with Jana and Teddy. How do you decide when someone deserves a second chance or when they might not?

Truthfully, I had a bad feeling about Rick from the beginning, but the family drama and twists definitely surpassed what I expected based on the foreshadowing alone. Beth was so intent on protecting her brother at all costs and ensuring he succeeded in every way possible that it took her way too long to really look at her brother for who he was as adult Rick. I enjoyed the narrator in this one, and I enjoyed that everyone (except Rick!) seemed to want to do the best they could in a difficult situation, despite being imperfect human beings themselves. I liked that this story challenged me to think about what I, as an imperfect human myself, would do in a less than perfect situation like the one these characters find themselves in. Do you protect your sibling, or do you protect your new friend and the person you may be falling for, head over heels? And will you be forgiven if you make the wrong decision?

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC! 😊

Oh the drama of it all! Set in Malibu so there is some beach vibe to it. Beth a self made entrepreneur owns the Surf Sandwiches shop and is doing well. Life is good, has a brother who is a surgeon and a brother she adores. Sometimes she does wonder about her biological clock, but there is no one it her life. She finds a new friend with Jana who she volunteers with. And as they say what a small world it is, as their friendship grows Jana meets Rick, Beth brother and they start dating. Unknown to Beth by either of them, because no one ever says a name. (I find that hard to believe). And to add more complications, Beth meets Jana brother, a widower with three kids and falls fast.
Rick is not happy about that, being that it is awkward for him. As the story progresses and more is revealed about Rick, Beth is in the middle with hard choices to make.
A good read with a lot of drama in Beth’s life. Although wasn’t quite as intriguing as other books by this author it still was enjoyable. The narrator was excellent. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own. #BeachVibes

Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery was a book I received for free on NetGalley but unfortunately it wasn’t a favorite of mine. There were a couple things just to do with the writing that I didn’t like. The first is that the book is written in third person. I personally don’t like books that write in third person because I feel like I can’t connect to the characters. I want to read what the character is thinking and feel their emotions, not read that she thought something. The second is that this book had the point of view of both Jana and Beth which is fine. I actually like multiple point of view books. The problem was that I read this as an audio book and it would switch back and forth between Jana and Beth so I got confused at who’s point of view it was on. I prefer designated chapters for multiple point of views to keep things clear and easy. As far as the story I think it was okay. I liked it, however, I found it a little predictable. I would give this book 2.5/5 stars. If you’re okay with third person books and the back and forth of the point of views it might be something you’d like. However, the synopsis gives away what would be an exciting twist.

🏖️ 𝙄’𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨, 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪?

Susan Mallery never disappoints. I love sibling stories, and 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙑𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨 has two sets of siblings who become entangled in a web of friendship, love, and betrayal.

Beth and Jana meet and become fast friends. Both need friendship, and both have brothers they are fiercely protective of. But when they start dating each other’s brothers, the dynamic shifts.

Jana’s child and her brother's children play significant roles, adding depth to the story. Beth's loyalty is tested when she discovers her brother's infidelity, but the book's overall tone remains light and enjoyable.

There is a bit of repetition and overthinking, but this is a fun, breezy family drama that is easy to finish in a day.


🎧 I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Tanya Eby. She brought out the emotions and personalities of the characters, including the children.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you @harpercollins @harlequinbooks @htpbooks and @susanmallery for this gifted ebook.
Thank you @harlequin_audio for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley.

Beth and her brother, Rick, were raised in foster care. Rick is now a surgeon and Beth owns her own business. Beth becomes even happier when she learns Rick is now dating her best friend, Jana. Life seems to be going just right. Then Beth discovers a secret about Rick. Does she tell?

This is 3 and 1/2 stars rounded up, basically because I felt the conversations were a bit stilted. This is not my favorite Susan Mallery book. But it is a quick read, perfect for a trip to the beach.

I did enjoy Beth…up to a point. She is a bit beaten down by certain people in her life. But she comes into her own. Then there is Rick…you will have to read this find out…but boy did I want to beat him up!

Need a good tale with a huge family betrayal…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

So what I've come to know about Susan Mallery is that I seem to LOVE every single book that she writes. Initially, I remember the sappy, sweet romances involved... but then, as I am reading the new book, I remember how she interweaves REALITY, KNOWLEDGE, STRENGTH, FAMILY, FRIENDS, KINDNESS, TRUTHS, as well as ...getting over hurdles... yourself... problems... and life in general...

And, this is why I will try to read everything that she writes... because in the end, it is SO worth the read!!!

This one was a bit different. Beth and Rick are brother and sister. They were in foster care together as kids, and then apart for a while. When their Aunt Agatha found out that her sister had died, well, she immediately took them in. But, that was a few years after she had passed... and time went on for these kids... in their respective foster homes.
Beth is the owner of a terrific sub shop now that makes specialty sandwiches, in Malibu, near the beach. She has a great personality. Great staff. And a great reputation for great food!!

Rick is an established surgeon. And, Beth is proud to have helped to put him through medical school, by giving up her own dreams in part... They are very close, and spend a lot of time together.

Jana and Teddy are also sister and brother. Jana works in the medical field, but dreams of becoming a nurse. She had to put all her dreams on hold though, 5 years ago, when she became pregnant with her daughter. Teddy is a massage therapist and acupuncturist. They are also very close.

Jana meets Beth at a food kitchen where they both volunteer... and they become fast friends. They speak of their lives, their families, etc...

And then one day, Rick introduces Jana to his sister... as his girlfriend!

I'm going to stop it here, as I don't want to give too much away... but, this is just the beginning! Just the tip of the iceberg!

It goes on from here and will reel you right in...and get you involved. So much so that you will want to reach through the book and slap some of them... at least once!!

And, I can only say that I LOVE Aunt Agatha! And, I only wish that each and every one of us could have one of HER in our lives!!! She is older. She is wiser. She knows exactly what to do in pretty much every situation!! She is a treasure!!

#BeachVibes by #SusanMallery and narrated by #TanyaEby.

4 big beautiful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date was March 18, 2025 so look 👀 for it on shelves now !! ***

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this ARC!

There’s so much I have to say about this book. To start this book wasn’t bad by any means but it was not my favorite Susan Mallery book. For one the audio version does not indicate who’s talking which threw me off multiple times while I was listening. That was unbelievably frustrating and made me almost stop listing multiple times. When it comes to the actual plot of the story I thought it was super cute that Beth fell in love with her best friend’s brother. Seeing their relationship thrive was the highlight of this book along with the friendship. However Beth’s brother was the absolute worst and I hated everything about him. It also made me so angry that Beth covered for him even though she knew she would possibly sacrifice her two closest relationships. I was screaming at her the whole time to tell the truth and just ended up frustrating myself. All in all it’s a 3.5 for me. Wasn’t bad but wasn’t the best either.

While Beth may have found love, it won’t be an easy journey. In the meantime, she’s made a new friend in Jana. Soon, Beth and Jana discover that they’re each dating one another’s siblings. Both couples are drawn to each other, but problems arise.

In addition to the conflicts in Beth and Jana’s dating relationships, this latest novel by Susan Mallery also explores family dynamics. Beth is living with her loving Aunt Agatha and is very grateful that she and her brother Rick were adopted by their aunt after being separated for a time while they were in the foster system. Jana is very close to her widowed brother Teddy. She is the mother of a little girl, and he is the father of three children, and they all live in his large house. Soon Beth begins dating Teddy.

With the excellent narration by Tonya Eby, it was easy to stay engaged in the story. However, one thing that annoyed me throughout, even more than the major conflict, was how Rick’s character was portrayed, making him rather unlikable from the start.

I enjoyed the family aspect of the story, especially the bond between Gina and Rick, despite some of the friction that existed between them. The bond that Beth has with her young daughter and her brother, as well as his children, also added a warm and heartwarming vibe to the narrative. Knowing from the blurb that at least one of these relationships wouldn’t work was a bit of a distraction, but the book itself was a good read that I was able to enjoy in just a couple of sittings.

Many thanks to HQN and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book, though I didn't get beach vibes. It's a cute story, I'm not sure how I feel about how one of the characters turned out. Quick read!

A light, beachy read with Beach Vibes, but while the setting and friendships were enjoyable, I struggled with the actual dynamics of the story, particularly Rick’s blatant lying and gaslighting.

What I Liked:
The Setting – Malibu, a cozy beach shop, and the laid-back atmosphere made for a perfect summer read. Beth’s passion for Surf Sandwiches added charm to the story.
Beth & Jana’s Friendship – Their bond felt real, and the emotional stakes were high when Beth had to decide between loyalty to her brother or protecting her best friend.
The Romance Potential – The chemistry between Beth and Jana’s brother had its sweet moments, and I wanted to love their story, but Rick’s drama overshadowed it.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Rick’s Lying & Gaslighting – He was frustratingly manipulative throughout the book, making it hard to root for him. His actions weren’t just mistakes; they were calculated and harmful, making Beth’s dilemma more frustrating than compelling.
Beth’s Inner Conflict Dragged On – While the emotional weight of the situation was understandable, her hesitation felt overly drawn out. At times, it seemed like she was enabling Rick rather than confronting the truth.
Overall, Beach Vibes had moments of heart and charm, but Rick’s behavior and the way it was handled dulled the enjoyment. If you enjoy beachside drama with strong friendships, this might still be a worthwhile read—but be prepared to be frustrated with one particular character.

This is the best Susan Mallory book I have read/listened to. I really liked Beach Vibes a lot. The characters were well developed, very likable, but human. It had twists and turns, but seemed to have more depth than most of Ms. Mallery's books. It seemed to have more depth in both the storyline and the characters than some of her other books. I listened to the audio version and found the narrator to be great. Enjoy!!!

the setup…
Beth Nield runs a sandwich shop, Surf Sandwiches, on Malibu beach. She’s divorced and lives with her Aunt Agatha, the woman who rescued her and younger brother Rick from the foster care system. He’s a successful surgeon but Beth still feels the need to protect and look out for him. She also volunteers at a food bank and has a burgeoning new friendship with one of the other volunteers, Jana Mead, who is also a part time medical billing clerk. When Rick introduces Beth to the new woman he’s dating (Jana), both are stunned that he knowingly never told either one about the other. It gets even more complicated when Beth begins dating Jana’s widowed brother Teddy. Had enough? No? Beth later catches Rick cheating on Jana.

the heart of the story…
Whew! This is the ultimate in family drama. I had misgivings about Rick the moment he found it funny to spring the surprise about him dating his sister’s best friend on them. It felt a little twisted but Beth seemed blind to his character deficiencies. Her dilemma when faced with the decision to either protect her brother or look out for her best friend is the ultimate test, threatening not only that relationship but her developing romance with Teddy.

the narration…
Tanya Eby is a great storyteller and she had her hands full with this one, including voices for four young children. She had me enthralled.

the bottom line…
No one was perfect in this story but they all (sans Rick) were trying their best to do the right things. The conflicts weren’t easily resolved, no matter how clear it may look from the outside. I’m a fan of family drama and this one had substance and character. What would you do in similar circumstances?

This novel explores the themes of family, romance, betrayal, and personal growth. The story follows Beth, who has long devoted herself to her brother Rick but begins reclaiming her own identity after a divorce and years of sacrifice. She starts running Surf Sandwiches, forms new friendships, and grows close to Jana, a nursing student she meets while volunteering. As Beth falls for Jana’s brother Teddy, and Jana's relationship with Rick blossoms, everything seems to be aligning. However, when Beth discovers Rick’s infidelity, she faces the dilemma of whether to expose the truth or protect him, forcing her to confront the true meaning of love and loyalty.

The novel skillfully explores complex family dynamics, showing that healing and redemption are possible even in tough times. Beth’s emotional journey, grappling with love, loyalty, and self-respect, is both relatable and empowering. Though the vivid California beach setting is appealing, it could have played a more central role. Rick’s actions are harder to connect with, but overall, the book provides a poignant exploration of relationships, grief, and resilience, leaving readers with a sense of hope. This is a must-read for those who enjoy stories of growth, forgiveness, and redemption.

Susan Mallery delivers another heartfelt and engaging story in Beach Vibes, a novel that beautifully blends love, loyalty, and the complexities of family relationships. Set against the stunning backdrop of Malibu, this book explores themes of grief, healing, and the power of friendship, all while serving up a side of romance and heartache.

At the heart of the story is a sandwich shop by the beach—a place that becomes a symbol of resilience and fresh starts. As secrets unravel and betrayals come to light, the characters navigate dating, heartbreak, and the bonds that tie them together. Mallery masterfully balances wit and emotion, crafting a tale that tugs at the heartstrings while keeping readers thoroughly entertained.

Tanya Eby’s narration brings the characters to life with warmth and depth, perfectly capturing the full range of emotions in this moving story. If you love books that explore family dynamics, personal growth, and all the feels, Beach Vibes is a must-read!

Quotes:
“My days don’t seem right if I don’t see you.”
“He kissed her with a fierce desperation that spoke of loneliness and regret, along with forgiveness.”

This book had some questions that make you wonder what would you do in the same situation. What do you do when your actions come down to a question of choosing your friend or your family. I liked both main female characters and completely relate to how do you make new friends as an adult. The friendship between Beth and Jana was new. But their bond was strong. There were a few surprises in the story that I didn't expect, but I fully enjoyed the story. I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the narration and the story equally. The book was emotional and had me pulled in right away. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! I loved this book! I literally couldn't stop listening to it. I usually only listen to audiobooks while I'm driving but couldn't wait to find out what happened next with this wonderful story. In fact, I loved it so much, I just pre-ordered the ebook. Also, a special shout out to Tanya Eby for yet another great narration of one of Mallery's stories.

This story had all the great elements of Susan Mallery's books. I loved the main characters and the supporting cast. I loved the snarky dialogue. I loved the heartwarming family relationships. I loved the unexpectedly twisty turny plot lines. I loved the satisfying HEAs. AND I loved hating on the bad guy.

I strongly recommend reading and/or listening to this book. It's wonderful!

A smattering of profanity and PG-13 love scenes.

Although Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery didn’t feel like a beach read, I really enjoyed the story. This novel was full of family drama, secrets, love, sacrifice, and betrayal. It highlighted the complexities of relationships between friends and family and tested the boundaries of loyalty.

Sooo the cover on this one is a little misleading as this isn’t really a beach read. It’s more of a story that takes place near a beach.

I really enjoyed the audiobook! The narration is great and truly harnessed the characters and their story arcs.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press, and the author for the ALC and ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was not really a romance, except at the very end that came out of nowhere. This was more of a story about a sister, Beth, who owns a sandwich shop in a beach town, and her brother, whom she gave everything up for. Her brother is dating a new girl whom Beth is skeptical about. The characters did develop nicely throughout the story. Unfortunately, I walked away knowing that this book would be unmemorable. While the story line was somewhat interesting, there wasn’t anything specific that kept me truly engaged. I was expecting more of a beachy read and this wasn’t really it.