Thank you to NetGalley and Paper Moth Publishing for this ARC!

I really felt like Bermuda came to life in this book! I went in expecting the typical tourist meets island local trope romance novel, but the historical fiction woven with mystery and romance felt much more unique than your typical rom-com. The only element I wasn’t sold on were the dreams. I’m not a huge fan of magical realism though!

This book was such a fun mix of romance, mystery, and self-discovery. I loved how the author wrapped up the story in the last chapter - and I’m still left wondering what happens next!! I’d love to know what happens back in Bermuda after Lena leaves too!

If you like Katherine Center this story has the wit and sass of a fun and strong main character! Thank you to Netgalley, Dani and the team at Paper Moth for the eARC!

What To Expect:
⭐ Healing after heartbreak
⭐ Forced single vacation
⭐ Vacation Hook Up
⭐ Romantic Holiday
⭐ Strangers to lovers
⭐ A definite beach read

My Thoughts:
I wanted MORE from the ending! The whole YEAR in between leaving her vacation & reconnecting is TOO LONG!!!! I did not read the novella... I didn't know there was one that went with this. It is very well written the main characters are lovely and the way they connect to each other in the story seems authentic and real. Lena is witty and snarky all at once. She brings her sass out in some of the best ways. She is an amazing and strong main character. When she meets Ash she is fearless and a go getter. She does at times allows her insecurities get in her way a bit, but eventually heals the hurt that causes it and finds she is so much stronger than she thinks. Seeing her find herself, rebuild herself, and take what she wants with life is inspiring.


Synopsis:
Lena Rodriguez has her whole life under control. She’s running her coffee shop Café Mesa, keeping her boundary-pushing family in order, and leveling up her relationship with a proposal she’s sure is coming. Life is just as she planned. But when her pre-vacation dinner turns into an unexpected—and very public—breakup, Lena is forced to make a choice: suffer heartbreak at home or take the romantic trip she planned . . . by herself.

Bermuda is objectively paradise, with pink sand beaches, crystal clear caves and pastel-colored houses. It’s also the home of Ash Hayward, a local marine archaeologist, who pushes Lena’s buttons from the moment they meet. Try as she might, Lena’s efforts to relax and “enjoy herself” on vacation prove impossible.

So when Lena learns her haunting island dreams overlap with a secret in Ash’s family, it feels like a sign. She is determined to solve the century-old mystery buried in the ocean for both of them. This trip will mean something, if she can just get Ash to listen to her. But Ash—and the island—aren’t taking Lena’s directions so easily, and she is forced to face herself and her past.

Will the ocean give Lena the healing she needs or will the riptide pull her under?

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read Wrecked and Rising early!

Right away, the cover and premise totally grabbed me—emotional chaos, a dramatic breakup, and a getaway that promised something new and maybe even healing. That kind of story arc is right up my alley, so I went in excited.

And honestly, the story had so much potential. I loved the idea of Lena having dreams that might hold clues to her past and some bigger truth to help Ash solve his family mystery. But the way those dreams played out felt really disconnected. They were intriguing at first, but nothing ever really came of them, and she never even shared them with Ash, which felt like such a missed chance to deepen their connection. I think the storyline suffered without a clear understanding of why the dreams were included.

Now, about the romance... I wanted to root for Lena and Ash, I really did, but it just didn’t work for me. Their relationship felt rushed and kind of awkward. Lena often came off as immature, and Ash had moments where he just seemed kind of mean or dismissive. Their dynamic didn’t feel emotionally grounded—it was more like plot points strung together than a natural progression. And that cave scene? Hurricane passion? It didn’t hit.

On the upside, I did appreciate Lena’s personal growth. Her learning to let go of control and lean on her family was a highlight for me. That part of her story felt real and meaningful.

In the end, I really wanted to love this book. The concept was there, but the execution, especially around the characters and their relationships, just didn’t land the way I hoped.

When Lena Rodriguez breaks up with her partner in a very public manner, she is forced to go on the romantic holiday to Bermuda that she planned by herself. There she meets Ash Hayward, a local marine archaeologist, who pushes Lena’s buttons from the moment they meet. Yet as she spends time with Ash, she learns that the dreams she is having connect to his grandparents. Try as she might, Lena’s efforts to relax and “enjoy herself” on vacation prove impossible. She is determined to solve the century-old mystery buried in the ocean; if only others would believe her.
A slow-burn romance with plenty of chemistry adds to the story, connecting Lena to the mystery of Ash’s family. From the start, the attraction between them is evident, and their witty exchange made for a great read. I enjoyed reading about Lena’s dreams, and it is only with these dreams that Lena gains resolution.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Pleasantly duped into thinking this would just be a romantic tropical vacay for a gal with a broken heart but it was so much more!

Lena’s adventure in Bermuda was an absolute breath of fresh air, she got to break out of her routine, make new friends, indulge in some slight dislike to lovers romance and go somewhere she’d never been before (both literally & figuratively).

Adored this lil gem! Hope Dani writes more!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author!

Lena is a smart, driven, and passionate coffee shop owner who gets dumped by her boyfriend the night before they’re supposed to leave to go on a romantic getaway to Bermuda. Heartbroken and angry, Lena goes on the trip alone and befriends a few locals and a solo tourist like herself. While there, she has vivid flashbacks as someone from the past and inexplicably finds out they’re linked to one of her new friends. As she struggles to find joy and figure out the future of her life she goes on an adventure to unlock the mysteries of the past.
This book has a lot of Latinx representation and I was here for it! I loved that aspect of the book. The setting was really unique and I even learned some facts about Bermuda that I didn’t know. The plot was also nicely paced.
What I think could be better is the banter. A lot of the time it didn’t feel like banter, it didn’t flow smoothly and at times Lena just seemed plain mean. Also, the language use was a bit off kilter. I just did not enjoy a grown man calling his best friend Ellie-Boy.
This book is great for fans of treasure hunting, mystery, and romance.

Wrecked and Rising by Dani Keen is a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and self-discovery. The story follows Lena Rodriguez, who, after a public breakup, embarks on a solo trip to Bermuda. There, she meets Ash Hayward, a marine archaeologist, and together they unravel a century-old mystery, all while navigating their growing attraction.​
dani keen

What to Expect:
-Romantic Chemistry: The slow-burning romance between Lena and Ash is beautifully developed, with their connection deepening through subtle gestures and meaningful moments. ​
-Mystery and Adventure: The plot weaves a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged, blending seamlessly with the romantic elements. ​
-Vivid Descriptions: Keen's evocative writing transports readers to Bermuda, making them feel the island's breeze and hear the ocean's waves. ​

If you're seeking a contemporary romance that's equal parts heartfelt, adventurous, and steamy, Wrecked and Rising is a must-read. Dani Keen has crafted a story that's engaging and impossible to put down. ​

#WreckedAndRising #DaniKeen #RomanticAdventure #MysteryRomance #BookTokRecs #SwoonyReads

this book was wonderful. it had so much more than i thought i needed. and it restored so much in me that i didnt know id lost from some of the tropes i was getting bogged down with(not such a bad thing but nice to be reminded of the other side of things)
the romance was just so warm and whose some. not in a twee or ick way. but it didnt need to be steamy or show offy. it was just pure and well, like love. it developed and they cared for each other and showed each other how they would show up. and the tender moments and slight words or touches were all so blooming lovely. i wanted these two to be together forever. i was rooting for them as if the were real people. and i think everyone needs a bit of their relationship in their lives.
this book also had the mystery factor which was another tick. but it didnt so that didn't make it feel unrealistic.
and the descriptions of the scenes was just beautiful. i am a lover of that sound of the sea. the shore line tune is one i could happily hear day in day out. ive grown up with my respite being a place by the water. and i managed to feel this in book form from the authors descriptions.
this book was just really really good. it was good in that fantastically effortless way where it just seemlessy took you in,sat you down and enveloped you into the pages from start to finish.

Wrecked and Rising is the perfect blend of vacation vibes, mystery, and romance, wrapped up in a story that’s as heartfelt as it is engaging. Dani Keen delivers a tale of self-discovery, adventure, and love that will have you rooting for the characters from the very first page.

The romance is slow-burning and beautifully developed, with Ash and Lena’s chemistry practically leaping off the page. Their adoration for each other is shown through subtle gestures and meaningful moments, making their connection feel authentic and deeply satisfying. And let’s not forget the spice—this book has just the right amount of heat to keep things sizzling! 🔥

If you’re looking for a contemporary romance that’s equal parts heartfelt, adventurous, and steamy, don’t miss this gem. Dani Keen has crafted a story that’s honest, engaging, and impossible to put down.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with a free ARC of this book.
So glad that I had the chance to read this wonderful story! I truly deeply enjoyed the book.
The writing was beautiful. The scenery description was so stunning that I could feel island wind on my skin and hear ocean waves next to me.
I love how the main characters’ relationship and feelings were developed. No need for any love declaration, their adoration for each other was overflowing through each word and each gesture. The mystery side was a nice extra touch to the story. I cannot wait for the second book.
In the mean time, I need to check out the first book about Lena’s best friend, Cali.

Dani Keen did a fantastic job with this book! I could not put it down. I loved the characters, and the way it was all built up and unfolded. It was wonderful. Highly recommend. A great summer read for 2025!