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Beach Vibes
By: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing
Pub Date: 3/18/25
Satin Malibu, California Beth runs a sandwich shop that she bought from her uncle. Her brother Rick is a surgeon who she gave up everything to get through medical school. But everything changes when Beth finds out that Rick is dating her best friend Jana. While she is dating Jana's brother Teddy. Only things are going to get messy when Beth finds out that Rick isn’t the person or brother she thought he was.
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I love love LOVED this book and just could not put it down. I’m typically more of a romance person so this book was slightly outside of my “typical” romance reads, and I absolutely devoured it!

Set against the sun-drenched beauty of Malibu, Beach Vibes is more than a romantic escape—it’s an emotional and layered story about love, loss, friendship, and starting over. Susan Mallery has a way of pulling you right into her characters’ lives, making their experiences feel personal and real.

This was one of the quickest reads I’ve ever had—I finished it in just two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. I felt all of the emotions - anger, irritation, happiness, heartbreak, you name it and I felt it! The pacing is smooth, the emotions are authentic, and the characters are flawed in all the best ways. While romance plays an important role, the heart of the story lies in healing from the past, rebuilding trust, and the kind of friendships that anchor you when life gets messy.

PERFECT for fans of heartfelt women’s fiction with just the right touch of romance and real-life emotion.

This is a light story set in Malibu. It’s about new love and friendship. What is more important, family ties or commitment to new relationships whether friends or lovers?

The drama starts late in the book as it feels it was a long introduction to the book blurb. It did keep my interest as I Read it pretty fast but it is not earth shattering.

I’m going to be very up front with you. This review is going to contain spoilers because I don’t think I could write it without them. Also, I was very disappointed at the inclusion of a Harry Potter reference in a book published in 2025. It’s made me question whether or not to continue reading this author and kept me from bumping up my rating, which I would normally do when a book is a “half-star” between ratings for me.

Ok, now into the story. We know cheating happens, because it’s included in the synopsis, so that may have colored my first impressions of Rick, but he was just smarmy the entire way through the book. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities, and it’s the way that he treats Beth that really pissed me off.

Jana is actually the hero of the story for me. I feel like most of the book focuses on Beth and we only get shorter insights from Jana’s POV, but she is the character that I most connected with and most championed. She had integrity, compassion, and a great sense of self. Yes, she did beat herself up over her past, but she didn’t allow it to hold her back and she worked hard to go after what she wanted, on her own. She reacted to the situations in the story rationally.

The other characters who are flawless are Dex and Kai . They are fantastic friends and great sounding boards.

Ok, onto the last two characters that I will be discussing. Of the two, Teddy is the least problematic, but still has a few things that irritated me. First, two instant loves in his life? In my experience, that seems a little unbelievable. Secondly, yes, Beth did not initially tell him (or Jana) about Galaxy, but he readily admits that he would have done the same if the positions were reversed. His refusal to initially forgive her, long after Jana already had, is just really hypocritical.

And finally we come to Beth. I had a lot of problems with Beth. Yes, she had a rough childhood and wanted to protect her brother, but she never grew up. She let her brother gaslight and abuse her generosity, and she never called him on it because he struggled as a kid. And her initial reaction to the idea of her brother dating a single mother was repulsive, no matter whether she was a receptionist or a medical biller. That to me, was worse than her not telling Jana about Galaxy and what she’d seen (she also should have said something to Galaxy in my opinion). I understand that she was afraid of losing her relationship with Teddy as well as her friendship with Jana, but friends don’t treat each other that way.

There were parts of this story that I did really enjoy. The kids were awesome, as was Beth’s aunt. I liked that Beth finally started doing things for herself once she woke up to what Rick was doing. And I 100% predicted and support Jana’s new relationship at the end of the book. In fact, everything that happened at the end was great.

While this book was not necessarily for me, I have enjoyed other books by this author in the past.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC through HTP Book Tours and NetGalley in exchange for a spotlight post and review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A great beach town read with just the right mix of sunshine and drama. The relationships are messy, real, and emotionally layered. The characters had such strong development. I really grew to care about them and didn’t want the book to end. Perfect if you enjoy character-driven stories with heart, growth, and a bit of scandal.

Malibu beach shop, Surf Sandwiches is owned by Beth and she is so proud of it but even more proud of her brother Rick who is a charming surgeon who raised himself up from foster care. She makes sandwiches while he saves countless lives. Life is funny-it can turn at a moment. All of a sudden it turns happy after she finds out that Rick is dating her good friend Jana. Jana’s handsome brother then adds radiance to Beth’s life day and night.

In one terrible moment Beth’s life is shattered after she catches Rick with another woman realizing her dreams of an amazing family future may end. Either she risks the love of her life and best friend by keeping her brother’s secret or does she betray him.

Susan Mallery brings to you in her new novel of romance love, loss and the bonds of family. There is a struggle between throughout. Is the bonds of family stronger than the loss of love and a great friendship? She pushes that to the limit. You’re tore between the two. Hoping for one side and realizing the defeat. I even shed a few tears at one point. It was such a good read! Romantic with happiness and sadness all in one with a beachy vibe to it like the title. Definitely a book you want to escape in. Great book to read on vacation or anywhere. She’ll bring the beach to you! A must read of hers you won’t want to miss! Don’t pass this one by!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.

I did not connect with this story. It had a very slow beginning and I had a difficult time investing in the characters. The setting was really fun and had potential for a great book, but it took too long for the plot to develop and I lost interest.

Beth runs a successful sandwich shop on the Malibu beachfront. She gave up her dreams of further education to support her brother Rick who is now a surgeon. She befriends Jana, a young single mom, who shares her shift at the local food bank. Jana starts dating Rick and Beth becomes involved with Jana’s handsome brother. There is one major twist but overall the story is too predictable. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I'm a huge Susan Mallery fan and know that her books leave me feeling happy. This one was just a bit off for me from the start. I didn't enjoy it in the same cozy way as I usually do her stories and I can't quite put my finger on why. It was a so/so book for me and it won't stop me from reading all of her future books!

Beth always took care of her little brother, Rick. Putting aside any plans of attending culinary school, she gave him her savings toward his medical school aspirations. Now he's a surgeon and Beth is newly divorced and living with her aunt, whom they found after their mother's death, and going through the foster system.

Beth has to 'reboot' her life. She discovered all her friends were 'their' friends and her ex-husband kept them all. Determined to remake herself, she signs up to help out at a food distribution center on days off from the successful sandwich shop she owns. When she meets Jana there, they become friends. Jana is a single mom, working on a nursing degree as well as working at a busy doctor's office. Rick meets Jana and begins dating her, though neither woman realizes it. Beth is upset that Rick knew and thought it a joke to get them together. The women work through that and Jana even takes Beth home to meet her family. Jana and her daughter live with Jana's brother and children. His wife died quickly and unexpectedly from cancer and Jana is as protective of Teddy as Beth is of Rick. Beth forms a connection with Teddy and his children but when it's discovered Rick is also dating another woman, Beth is beside herself, fearing that she will lose not only her friend but her possible romance.

The two women have to reconstruct their relationship and tempers flare as they each become protective of their brothers.

This book is tough to put down and will be a great beach read. Recommended for fans of 'relationship' reads

Amazing book. Loved this book, has a wonderful storyline and amazing characters. I love the beach. This book has me hooked right away.

Beth and Jana, though a decade apart in age, become fast friends while working at a local food bank in Malibu and encountering some similar life and love situations. As their lives become more entwined, their friendship is tested when one's loyalty to family seems to overcome that bond. But is that loyalty misplaced, and can their friendship endure? Beach Vibes is a truly intense, page-turning tale of family, friendship, life, and love that is very highly recommended! Five stars, indeed!

Beach Vibes is a story that delivers on the promise of its name. It’s a story that is perfect for beach reading season, with a focus on friendship and romance, and which has a surprising amount of substance to it as well. A great choice for an afternoon spent at the beach.

Thank you Susan Mallery, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an excellent book as all of hers are and I loved the characters. Beth and Jana meet and become friends. As time goes on, each of them falls in love - unknowingly with each other's brother. At the food pantry, Beth meets single mom, Jana. Not only is she raising her daughter, but they moved in with her brother, Teddy, after his wife passed away suddenly, leaving him with 3 small kids. Jana is working part-time while putting herself through school and waiting to hear if she got into nursing school. Over shared sandwiches after their volunteer shifts. At the same time, Jana meets Rick in line to get coffee, which he buys for her once she realizes she doesn’t have her wallet. He has an office in the same building as her part-time job. Over time he wears her down to go out with him. Jana is immediately smitten with Rick and they start spending time together. Beth and Jana became friends. This was good read with some in-depth character development. There was love, friendship and so much more.

Any reader of a Susan Mallery book knows what to expect -- an enjoyable story line, with likeable, relatable characters and maybe a plot twist along the way. And Beach Vibes fits the bill. More than mere chick lit, this novel tells the story about two best friends, each of whom is dating the other's brother. It deals with topics like loyalty, honesty and integrity -- and where defense of a family member conflicts with the right thing to do. A quick read, perfect for summer!

This was a cute light summer read. I found a lot of the text to be repetitive. I did love the women supporting other women part of the story.

There are really to hs in this story. One is a single mom who lives with her brother. The other is a divorcee who owns a sandwich shop in Malibu. They become friends working a food kitchen One of the women is working at a hospital while preparing to go to nursing school. . She meets the other woman's brother, who is a doctor. He and his sister were first in foster care and then went to live with their aunt and uncle. He was always pampered and give his way.. Turns out he isn't a nice guy, and is dating someone at the same time he is dating our h. The other h is dating the other h's brother.. I was disappointed int his book. I usually enjoy her books, but not this one.

I received an ARC from Net Galley

DNF at 50%. This did not feel like a beach book at all. It’s romance and disjointed and uninteresting at best. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audio. Thank you, Net Galley for the advance copy.

An absolutely fantastic summer beach read even it if came out in Spring.  Families can anchor a person while at the same time uproot everything you've ever believed and spit you out.  
Beth runs a successful sandwich shop in Malibu and has just started going out to do something for herself when she meets Jana.  Jana, a single mother lives with her brother, can't stop raving about her boyfriend whom she is deeply in love with.  Wanting to spread her happiness, she introduces Beth to her brother Teddy. Turns out Jana's boyfriend is no other than Beth's brother Rick, a successful surgeon whom Beth has brought up. 
Happy Families? Perhaps especially after Beth gets over her knee jerk reaction that Rick falls for unsuitable types who take advantage of him. Then horror! Beth finds out that Rick is cheating on Jana. With her new romance with Jana's brother just getting off the ground what should she do? Clearly, she decides to make the wrong decision and decides to keep Rick's secret on the down low, convinced that Rick will drop the other girlfriend. 
Truth as we know always wins out and it is not pretty. Poor Beth is now on the outs with Teddy and Jana and Rick as well.  As it turns out Rick is not who Beth believes him to be despite having raised him. Can she wade through this mess her life has become and find her happily ever after? 
Sometimes, these women's fiction can become slow and draggy, but this one just kept me in the moment, and I truly enjoyed how it all came about.

I am never disappointed in a Susan Mallery book, and this was no exception. The beach setting is always one of my favorites, I loved everything about that.

The story itself got a bit of a slow start for me, but quickly formed on the theme of friendship, between Beth and Jana. The friendships in these books are always a highlight for me. I was very sad when I found out what happened with Rick, but the idea that we find family has always resonated with me.

Anyone who enjoys Mallery's books will enjoy this one.