A charming beach town in dire need of some modernization is the backdrop of this addictive best friends to rivals to lovers tale. Dive in and ride the waves!

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Tanya ‘Breezy’ Brees has lived in the quaint tourist town Coral Bay since birth and she never wants to leave. She has a three guys for best friends and they hang out like all kids do in a small town. Doing all sorts of odd jobs in the tourist industry while growing up, she meets Juliette Peralta for the first time at 13. Sitting at a table of the restaurant between her business minded parents, Juliette is stunning and Breezy is hooked immediately. Of course she agrees to becoming Juliette’s penpal for a schoolproject. Every summer Juliette and her parents come back to Coral Bay, the Peralta development business is slowly buying more property in town to turn into tourist businesses. Breezy hates seeing her beloved hometown change, but she knows it’s not Juliette’s fault.

Juliette. The girl that spikes all sorts of confusing feelings over the years. At 17, Juliette is on the brink of starting college and knows her life will change forever. Breezy is thrilled that Juliette admits that she is in love with Breezy. But after one night of sharing their love, Juliette leaves Coral Bay, never to return. Cut to sixteen years later. Breezy is the owner of the Inn and restaurant where she worked as a teen. A hurricane has damaged a lot of businesses in Coral Bay, including the Peralta’s hotel. That’s when Juliette strolls right back in to town. But she will not capture Breezy’s heart again. Nope, she will not.

It is hard not to love Breezy and Coral Bay from the very first page. She is fierce and soft all at once. Her instant connection to Juliette is thrilling. Her figuring out her feelings for a girl is not a big deal in the story and I love that. Being gay is not an issue, how refreshing! Breezy loves her town and she’ll do anything to stop the Peraltas from turning it into a commercial tourist town.

Breezy held onto her anger towards Juliette for sixteen years. When she rolls back into town Breezy is not about to forgive her at all. She is such a strong woman, protecting what she loves and of course her own heart. The quarreling between the two women is witty and hilarious, but Breezy can’t deny the magnetic pull that is Juliette for long. Especially when Juliette explains why she left that last time.

It is very hard not to want them to get together at last. And it wouldn’t be a sapphic romance if there wasn’t an HEA. The way Hartnett gets to it is very enticing and it is extremely hard to put down this book once you’ve started. I’ve read most of Hartnett’s other books and let me just say, her work gets better and better. It would be a shame if you didn’t give this one a try!

In life, change is inevitable. But when do we know when to fight it, and when to let the tide take us where it may lead? In Comes in Waves, a novel by Ana Hartnett, we get to explore this question as it pertains to family, love, and home. Thank you to Ana and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC copy of this compelling novel.

Tanya Brees - “Breezy” to her friends - has lived her whole life in Coral Bay, a coastal tourist town that she loves about as much as her aunt and uncle who have raised her there. When Juliette Peralta and her lock eyes, though, she can’t help but want to get to know the non-townie in a way she’s still trying to understand. Through years of exchanged letters and brief visits they become closer until they’re torn apart by life. Over ten years later they reconnect, but Tanya doesn’t know how to let go of the pain - especially when their reunion is marred with the knowledge that Juliette will change Coral Bay forever.

Telling its story over two decades, I loved watching the characters both grow and stay stagnant in ways indicative of reality. The supporting cast of friends and family brought a lot of depth to Comes in Waves, and I loved seeing Tanya constantly of two minds about herself, struggling with whether to hold grudges or let herself be swept up in Juliette once again.

At times I found character choices frustrating, though I can’t say they’re far from a realistic set of decisions. I can see people making those same choices, and always appreciate an honest novel. I will say that I feel Juliette’s major life decision towards the end was a bit hard for me to believe, but I’m glad she did it all the same.

If you’re looking for a fun summer read that will take you on a journey, Comes in Waves is a fantastic choice. Thank you again to Ana and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC, and make sure to pick up a copy!

**Book Review: *Comes in Waves* by Ana Hartnett Reichardt**

Ana Hartnett Reichardt’s *Comes in Waves* is a poignant exploration of enduring first love set against the backdrop of a charming coastal town. The novel follows Tanya Brees, who relishes her adventurous childhood in Coral Bay until her idyllic life is disrupted by the arrival of Juliette Peralta. Their burgeoning romance, which begins in the innocence of their teenage years, is marked by a deep and genuine connection, but is also overshadowed by the challenges of differing family values and the inevitable distance that separates them. Reichardt masterfully captures the intensity and complexity of first love with both warmth and nostalgia.

The novel's narrative takes a compelling turn when a hurricane forces Juliette to return to Coral Bay, reuniting her with Tanya. Reichardt skillfully explores the emotional turbulence of rekindled feelings, weaving a story that delves into themes of love, loss, and the struggle to reconcile past and present selves. The tension between Tanya's desire to hold on to her first love and the reality of Juliette’s changing circumstances creates a gripping and emotionally charged atmosphere that keeps readers invested.

*Comes in Waves* is a beautifully written testament to the power of love and the impact of place. Reichardt’s vivid portrayal of Coral Bay not only serves as a nostalgic backdrop but also enhances the story’s emotional depth. The novel’s exploration of how love can resurface and transform, despite the challenges and changes that life brings, makes it a touching and memorable read for anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of enduring affection.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review

Breezy aka Tanya and Juliette meet when they were teens and form an instant connection and every summer when Juliette visit with her family that connection is still strong but it’s becomes more but Juliette have obligations that her parents have set and leaves Coral Bay. Years later Tanya runs a restaurant she inherited that she work at as teen and Juliette is returning to run her parents hotels that been developed in town as they get thrown together thoses feelings they had return or never really gone in the first place. It was cute read a second chance at a love that never got to start.

I thought this was fine romance for the most part. Because of the way it’s written we miss a lot of the actual romance. Therefore, it lacks depth on that front for me. Otherwise, it was fine and I was enjoying it for what it was.

The reason for the low rating is because Breezy’s best friend, Oscar, and her love interest, Jules, intentionally get her to sign a contract under false pretenses. This deception is excused because she “never would’ve agreed otherwise” and is basically laughed off and ignored for the rest of the book. And it was even worse with how easily she did agree once they explained things. I just couldn’t get past that and stopped rooting for the romance after that.

It comes in waves is a second chance, friends to lovers sapphic romance that starts when the main characters Breezy (Tanya) and Juliette are 13 years old. Breezy is a townie she has lived in Coral Bay her whole life and Juliette is a tourist her and her parents visit Coral Bay on vacation during the summer. When the two first meet there is an immediate connection between them and they become friends. Every summer they are together brings them closer and closer together until their feelings for each other start to change into something more. But Juliette is under a lot of pressure from her parents and she leaves Coral Bay suddenly and they lose contact. This story takes place over many years, the first half when they are tee

Everything you could want for a summer read! I buzzed through Breezy and Jules 2nd chance romance in a couple of days. These two come from opposite worlds but quickly mesh together to fall apart again. I loved Breezy and you could feel every emotion she was going through over the years. Jules and Breezy had great banter and chemistry. This is a wonderful read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review

Tanya and Juliette are the main characters in this book. Tanya is a life long resident of Coral Bay. When she meets Juliette, there is an instant connection. Juliette's parents are interested in building hotels on Coral Bay, The two become pen pals when Juliette has to leave with her parents. When Juliette comes back, she, Tanya and their friends play truth or dare. Tanya is dared to kiss Juliette, which she runs from. Juliette follows her and they do kiss and more.
Juliette leaves Coral Bay and writes a note to Tanya to not contact her anymore.
Fast forward 10 years, Tanya has inherited the restaurant she worked at when she met Juliette. Tanya finds out that Juliette is going to be back in town because her parents have put her in charge of the hotels that are there and having walkways built. The two have been thrown together to participate in the Coral Bay festival. The more that these two spend time together, Tanya is not as mad at Juliette for the way she left. Juliette tells her that her parents were going to disinherit her if she kept spending time with Tanya. The two continue to spend more time together and realize that they were meant to be together.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4🔆
This was a perfect sapphic summer read. When I saw the cover I immediately requested an arc and it didn’t disappoint.
I was completely invested in the story between Breezy and Juliette. It has feelings, all the feelings and a bit of spice. The characters were relatable which is a must for me.
It was a light read but with depth so I couldn’t stop reading.

I got an arc via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and rate this novel. It was one that is outside of my usual reads and I’m so glad I took the chance. The characters are relatable, they felt real in doing everyday things down to the teenage nonsense that most of us have experienced in one way or another. Their growing connection and then loss is something I think everyone can connect with and the second chance was done beautifully. I can’t wait to see this on the shelves!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

coral bay a small coastal town
a gentle way of life for teenagers to enjoy before work overtakes them.

tanya breeze never really had that luxury being abandoned by her mom but she was taken in by her aunt and uncle and had a good life... she worked part time in a bar

it was where she first met Juliette Peralta aka jules with her very rich parents.... they came every year after that always some business and when they were there jules joined in with tanya and her mates

but as they grew up life got in the way .....

16 years later jules is back but is it a good sign or not....or will jules betray them all again ....

wow what a read.... enjoyed every minute of it...cant wait for the next book by this author

A love story of the townie and the tourist. Tanya Brees is a townie in the small coastal town of Coral Bay, Florida. She is only 13 when she first meets Juliette Peralta. Jules suggests they become pen pals and then they catch up every summer. Jules' family are wealthy real estate developers who live in Atlanta. Told from Brees POV, the first half covers their meeting and time together until they are seniors in high school. The second half contains a time jump of fifteen years when Jules returns to Coral Bay to oversee development of her family's latest building.

Harnett is great at getting to the emotions of the characters. Brees is connected to her town as they are her family. Jules represents change. But the pair are always drawn together. Side characters add some depth but the women are the stars. There are some time jumps that I wished were more explicit. The big one is evident but others of weeks, months or years were unclear. I felt a few things were left out like did Brees ever attend college so she could better run her business? Did she have past relationships or only Jules. They never talk about their fluidity. And it is a small thing but I didn’t feel that Jules was really free yet to start up again with Brees.

I think I wanted more information because I really liked the characters and wanted to know more about them. The story is easy to read and I zipped through it almost in one sitting. I enjoyed this book and the author's Alder series and will look for what she writes next.

This story captures the joy and difficulties associated with small towns and childhood love. Told from the point of view of Breezy as she recounts her experiences overcoming grief, betrayal, and her ultimate journey towards love and happiness. When Juliette Peralta visits Coral Bay with her family for the first time, she and Breezy immediately hit it off and agree to be pen pals. Juliette lives in Atlanta but her family comes to Coral Bay every year during the summer to check on their investment. Every time Juliette visits, Breezy’s feelings for her get stronger and stronger, until one summer they finally share a heated kiss and everything seems to shift. When Juliette is 17 she visits one last time before vowing never to return.

Breezy was such a great character because I could feel everything she was feeling in the moment, whether that was excitement, nervousness, betrayal, sadness, pure bliss, etc. She is in love with her town and the people who live in it so she is determined to keep things from changing. Unfortunately when Juliette arrives 10 years later with plans to add new infrastructure to the town, Breezy is left hurt and confused all over again. Unable to truly banish her feelings for Juliette they basically pick up right where they left off as kids. Even though I think Breezy was a bit passive at times, especially when it came to Juliette, her passion and perseverance made up for it in the end. Breezy’s relationship with her Aunt and Uncle was so precious, and even her friendship with “the buys” was fun and cute. I loved the whole group dynamic actually, they all seemed to compliment each other in a special found family kind of way.

As for Juliette, I felt very hot and cold for her. One minute I loved her and adored her banter and loving nature towards Breezy, and the next I hated her because she totally broke Breezy’s heart multiple times. Once you learned her full story and had a better reasoning as to why she did the things that she did, you start to develop more of an understanding of her character and complexity. Her chemistry and relationship with Breezy was hot and emotional and had a good amount of spice. Even with all the back and forth, I couldn’t help but root for them in the end. All the characters to me were well written and distinguished and developed enough that you remember them, which I think many novels these days have trouble accomplishing.

Something also refreshing that I appreciated was that the story took place over a long period of time rather than the typical year or two and trying to believe a romance that happens within a month. I thought the book was well balanced between childhood and adulthood and helped me understand the characters better. The only problem was that the amount of time elapsed was not indicated at the start of the chapters so several times I had to guess how old the characters were or how many years had gone by. This also made for some chapters to feel incredibly rushed as opposed to others, especially the ending.

As opposed to other novels, I felt the conflict was well done and purposeful that it felt real. It wasn’t just something that could be solved with a conversation, there actually needed to be work done and compromises to be made. I know this is a very real issue for small towns, especially beach communities, with big businesses and corporations taking over, so I appreciated that the author portrayed it from both perspectives. Yes there was some conflict/conversation avoidance covered up by rushed intimacy, but I think overall the characters did a good job of working through it.

Ultimately I really enjoyed the fun yet emotional storyline and characters, small town summer vibes, the aspect of friendship and found family, and felt the chemistry and romance between Breezy and Juliette to be well developed and believable.

Funny side note: based on the title, I just knew the author was going to reference one of the characters “coming” like waves lol.

Well I clearly need to go back and read this authors previous work. I liked their writing style a lot. I was really a fan of not only the characters, but they way we moved through time with Breezy and Jules.

I did think Breezy was a bit more forgiving than I would have been about the eventual conflict, but it was also nice to see a character not avoid confrontation and instead talk to people when they asked to hear their side of the story. The book was still angsty, even with better communication, when that real turmoil happens (not the obvious teenage turmoil).

Will totally read another book by this author and would recommend this one to people.

Second chance novels that start at teenage/childhood years are even better than regular ones. The first part of the book really built the foundation of Breezy/Tanya and Jules relationship. I really like that because most of second chance novels, the first relationship happens behind the scene. We could really understand how strong the bond was and how deep the pain was in consequence.
Hartnett's writing is really immersive : I really felt in a summer vacation bubble. We got to follow the MC's on a handful of days during dfferent summers of their teenage years. As a result, you really seem them grox and the relationship evolve. Characters really act and talk like teenagers. I loved the first part. Second part was the second chance part. The initial tension when they meet again is delightful. The book is written in Breezy's POV so I carried with her the anger and the hurt and I dont know how much time really pass but the grudge and tension part was a bit short for my taste, I wanted to suffer more and make Juliette suffers more 😝 (yes I am cruel..though I think it's more time in the characters' life but the timeline wasn't clear to me). Same for the third act break up : even if Breezy had to open her eyes on some things, this woman is a saint for being so forgiving when I wanted more groveling!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has good secondary characters, a good pace and as you can see is quit immersive, as I felt really passionate about it

Tanya Brees enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the small coastal tourist town of Coral Bay, skimboarding, racing ATVs through sandy trails, and getting into mischief with her small band of friends. Things are clear: stick with the locals and hope the high-rises don’t take over their small fishing community.

When Tanya is thirteen, Juliette Peralta walks into the restaurant at the Coral Bay Inn with her parents and catches the eye of all the teens in town, especially Tanya. Every summer Juliette spends in Coral Bay brings them closer until first love blooms. But Juliette always leaves, her parents keep acquiring property to develop in town, and Tanya can’t take it anymore. No matter how much she loves Juliette, their family values are too different, and they lose touch as adults. That is, until a hurricane forces Juliette to return to Coral Bay indefinitely.

This is such a sweet, beautiful story. I love Hartnett's writing style. This was a summer read with all the feels. The characters were super relatable and I really enjoyed this! Great way to spend a summer afternoon! Sun, waves, and a heartwarming story to warm your soul!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this story! It's got everything I want in a book, and I really liked the two main characters.

As teenagers, they forged a bond that transcended the societal divides that would later seem so stark. At first, they weren't aware of why they were attracted to each other; they were too young. That's why their initial actions were so sweet and innocent. "As they grew older, the realities of society forced them apart, despite their belief that they could overcome family expectations and achieve their dreams. But it wasn't to be. They drifted apart irrevocably.

Fate would bring them together again, years later, as mature women with defined sexualities and a clear understanding of their feelings for each other. But one woman's self-serving interests clashed with the other's desire to preserve the peaceful, rural atmosphere of her coastal hometown.
I appreciated how both characters, especially Breezy, showed remarkable growth. Breezy's ability to forgive Juliette, even after everything she's been through, is truly admirable. And while Juliette's choices were understandable given her circumstances, a more honest conversation would have been beneficial.

I highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down.

Apparently second chances books are what I'm reading today. This was like Romeo and Juliet and true love that ends not well.

Tanya (Breezy) Brees is a townie of Coastal bay, Florida and has had a great childhood so far when she meets Juliette Peralta at thirteen. For the next few years, they communicate with letters and a couple of visits during the summer when her family has business in town. They share their first kiss at seventeen and confess their love for one another when Juliette disappears without a trace except for a note.

Sixteen years later, they meet again when Juliette is there to get the family resort up and running. They dance around each other for awhile, but it was inevitable they'd hook up again. There was the classic miscommunication/not telling everything, but it was resolved fairly quickly. I wish we'd gotten Juliette's POV to flesh the story out a little more.

I enjoyed the side characters of Oscar, Austin and Benny as well.

This was a great summer read though and I do recommend it. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a quick, cute, fun, and slightly steamy book about finding your first love, losing them, and finding them again. The main character, Breezy, is totally relatable from when we first meet her at 13 (infatuated with a pretty girl after one quick meeting) and all the way up through her teen years into her 30s, where the back half of the story takes place. I loved her relationship with her Aunt and Uncle, the “boys”, and especially her early relationship with Jules. When they finally reconnect, the sparks are still on the page. I found myself rooting for them the whole way through, despite all their roadblocks.

My biggest setback with this book is that there just isn’t enough! It’s under 250 pages, which is nice if you’re looking to bang out a book in a day, but as a reader, I wanted more buildup to their reunion, a little more tension, and some more drama, so their reconciliation was even sweeter and more rewarding. I think Hartnett has a great story, and I just think there was so much left to tell.

Overall, this was a great story with so much potential. I loved the HEA and hope the best for Breezy and Jules.

I was a little hesitant at first with this book when it started when they were teenagers. However I was soon into it and I loved it.
It combined life in a small, sleepy, seaside town with the journey from teenagers to successful business women. It moves through time without mentioning it, so don't expect a chapter to be headed 5 years later or anything like that. You have to work out for yourself that time has passed and they have aged accordingly.
There is also the push and pull in their friendship and relationship. As adults there is also conflict about their various life and business choices.
Whilst there is little doubt what the ending between the 2 of them will be, there are some surprises thrown into the mix.

There is of course an epilogue - providing an update on their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is the 1st of her books that I have read - I shall no doubt now want to read more