A meta, angsty love letter to romance tropes that turns every cliché into something raw, emotional, and unforgettable

Goodreads

Release date: June 16, 2026

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

In this lush, slow-burning romance, two childhood neighbors, connected by a shared tragedy, unexpectedly reunite to ghostwrite a love story for a reclusive author. Spending the summer at her secluded Hamptons estate, they soon discover that dozens of classic romance tropes, including the ones they’re crafting on page, are mysteriously playing out in real life.

Katie Caruso is a completely normal twenty-five-year-old girl. At least, for the past eight years, she’s tried to be. She likes glitter and sequins and flirting with cute boys at New York City bars. She’s also a ghostwriter for Meredith Bradford, the bestselling romance novelist of all time. But then Tyler McNally walks back into Katie’s life, and that bedazzled facade crumbles at her platform-sneakered feet.

Katie and Tyler haven’t seen or spoken to each other since the overdose death of Katie’s older brother, a standout MLB pitching prospect. Tyler was her brother’s best friend, and Katie—naturally—was the girl next door. But now, Tyler is a sleeve-tattooed, Ivy League-educated aspiring literary fiction novelist, nine years sober . . . and Katie’s writing partner for the summer.

As genre conventions require, Katie and Tyler soon find themselves removed from Manhattan and instead writing their love story in “forced proximity” at Meredith’s isolated Southampton home. As the summer unfolds, the tropes Katie and Tyler have written into their novel begin to play out in their own lives. Call it destiny, fate, or magic It’s clear their love story is unfinished. This time, though, they’ll fight for their happy ending.

Heart-wrenching and tender, Tropesick is a love letter to the romance genre. With a wink and a nod, Okie has packed the novel with listeners’ favorite 

Grumpy/Sunshine Brother’s best friend Girl next door Forced proximity Forbidden love Kissing in the rain Groveling hero Second-chance romance Slow burn Only one bed

Review:

This book is essentially a love letter to romance readers, but not in a light or fluffy way—it’s reverent, self aware, and emotionally loaded.

What stands out most is how Lauren Okie takes familiar romance tropes and makes them feel almost uncanny. Instead of feeling predictable, they feel charged, like the story is aware of itself in a way that deepens the tension instead of softening it. That “book within a book” structure adds a really fun meta layer, especially as fiction starts bleeding into Katie and Tyler’s reality.

But this is not a soft romance. It’s deeply angsty, often heartbreaking, and unafraid to sit in uncomfortable emotional spaces. Both characters are fully realized and flawed in ways that feel intentional rather than polished. Katie’s emotional armor and Tyler’s sobriety journey both add weight to every interaction between them.

The romance itself is a slow burn that hurts in the best way. When it finally turns physical, the spice doesn’t feel decorative, it feels like release after restraint, and it hits hard because of everything that’s been held back. There’s also a strong thread of grief throughout the story—especially surrounding loss, addiction, and the long shadow of trauma. The author doesn’t rush healing, and that makes the eventual emotional payoff feel earned.

This is the kind of book that leans into messy love. Not idealized, not easy, just real in a way that lingers after you finish. Lauren Okie is now firmly in “auto-read” territory after this one—because she doesn’t just write romance tropes, she makes you feel why they exist in the first place.

Perfect for Readers Who Love

• Romance that leans heavily into angst and emotional depth
• Meta romance / books about writing romance
• Slow burn, high tension relationships
• Grief informed love stories with emotional weight
• Forced proximity and second chance dynamics
• Stories where tropes are both embraced and subverted
• Character driven romances with messy, complicated healing

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Funny, emotional, and utterly magical from beginning to end.

Goodreads

Release date: June 16, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A heartbroken romance novelist is forced to address her writer’s block when the villainous cowboy character from her books shows up in the real world, desperately in need of his own Happily Ever After. . . from the bestselling author of GMA book club pick The Love of My Afterlife.

Gertie Bickerstaff writes happily-ever-afters for a living. . . . Or she did, until her own love life fell apart. Now her ex is thriving, her deadline is looming, and she can’t write a single word.

The last thing Gertie needs is more drama—like waking up to find a confused and rugged cowboy on her sofa. And not just any cowboy, but River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel. Somehow very real . . . and very shirtless.

River wants to go home. Gertie wants her life back. So they strike a deal: he’ll use his cunning ways to help her win back her ex, she’ll finish the novel, and, surely, he’ll return to whatever world he rode in from.

But as River Oakley proves to be so much more than just the bad guy, Gertie has to choose: the ending she thought she wanted . . . or the plot twist she never saw coming.

Review:

Kirsty Greenwood has done it again with Romantic Hero, a whimsical, heartfelt romance that completely swept me away. Blending magical realism with emotional depth, this story feels effortless in the best possible way—equal parts charming, funny, romantic, and surprisingly moving. What begins as a quirky premise about a fictional cowboy stepping off the page quickly becomes a beautiful exploration of grief, healing, self worth, and finding happiness where you least expect it.

Gertie Bickerstaff stole my heart from the very first chapter. She’s the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for, flaws and all. Watching her navigate heartbreak, self doubt, and loss while slowly rediscovering her own value was incredibly emotional. More than once I wanted to reach into the pages, give her a hug, and remind her that she deserves so much more than she’s settling for. And then there’s River Oakley, the supposedly villainous cowboy who proves that first impressions don’t always tell the whole story. He’s funny, swoony, protective, and absolutely worthy of book boyfriend status.

What truly made Romantic Hero shine for me was its characterization. Greenwood creates characters who feel wonderfully real despite the fantastical premise, making every emotional moment land with impact. I laughed, smiled, teared up, and ultimately finished the book with a full heart. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why romance can be so magical. A joyful, emotional, and utterly enchanting five star read.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Magical realism romance
• Quirky heroines
• Cowboy book boyfriends
• Stories about grief and healing
• Character-driven love stories
• Books that make you laugh and cry
• Writer protagonists
• Heartwarming happily-ever-afters

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Addictive Satirical Fiction for Your Summer Reading List

Goodreads

Release date: June 16, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

Pride and Prejudice for the modern a fresh and stylish debut following a family of women who are thrust into the spotlight in the wake of a scandal and expertly exploit their newfound fame, perfect for fans of Blue Sisters and Good Material .

When Lili Lowe gets caught having an affair with her married boss, an admired local politician, she finds herself at the epicenter of a scandal that could dismantle her life as she knows it. She turns, as many women would, to her mother. But Lydia Lowe is not the kind of mother to offer gentle words of consolation. Instead she devises a strategy that doesn’t just manage the fallout, it actively exploits it, and Lili goes from making coffee and booking meetings to making headlines and booking talk shows. Soon, thanks to the commodification of Lili’s scandal, the whole world knows the Lowe family.

Lili’s three sisters—Stevie, Iris, and Katie—have differing reactions to being in the spotlight, but once the wheels are turning, it seems impossible to stop what’s in motion…and it doesn’t take long for the craziness surrounding the Lowes to spiral out of control. Money and celebrity, the Lowes discover, come at a price—sometimes, the louder one’s voice (especially a woman’s), the more others will seek to silence it.

With a potent blend of spectacular style, compulsive voice, sharp social commentary, and ferocious heart, The Lowe Job is escapism with a contemporary book club novel for the modern listener looking for fresh fiction that is at once funny, sexy, incisive, and heartfelt.

Review:

The Lowe Job is the kind of novel that feels tailor made for readers who love a little scandal with their summer reading. Pitch it as The Kardashians meets the Monica Lewinsky scandal, filtered through sharp British wit and biting social commentary, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re getting into. When a political affair catapults Lili Lowe and her family into the public eye, the resulting chaos is equal parts hilarious, messy, outrageous, and impossible to look away from. The behind the scenes celebrity drama, media circus, and endless family complications make for compulsive reading from start to finish.

What surprised me most was how effectively Grace Alexander balances the novel’s cheeky, satirical tone with genuine emotional depth. Beneath the gossip, headlines, and viral fame lies an exploration of ambition, identity, family loyalty, and the cost of becoming public property overnight. Each member of the Lowe family reacts differently to their sudden celebrity status, creating layers of tension that keep the story feeling fresh and nuanced.

Despite tackling the darker side of fame and public scrutiny, The Lowe Job remains incredibly fun. The humor is sharp, the dialogue sparkles, and the entire novel has a bold, unapologetic energy that makes it a perfect poolside read. Juicy, sexy, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful, this is escapist fiction with substance—a novel that entertains while still having plenty to say about modern celebrity culture and the people caught in its orbit.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy

The perfect summer romance read

Goodreads

Release date: June 16, 2026

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

From USA TODAY bestseller Kayla Olson, a new rom-com about a high-maintenance woman who embarks on a wilderness trek to prove to her ex how low-maintenance she can be—only to find herself with no makeup and an extremely attractive trek leader.

Sadie Whitlock has always been praised for being the most prepared person in the room, the one who’s thought of everything—and every backup plan—for any given situation. She knows exactly what she wants, exactly what she loves, and goes to great lengths to make sure her life runs perfectly as planned.

So, when her laidback boyfriend breaks up with her for being “too high-maintenance,” Sadie is eager to prove him wrong, and signs herself up for a weeks-long guided wilderness adventure in the High Sierras of camping, hiking, rappelling, and kayaking. It’s the most miserable, uncomfortable situation she can think of.

Sadie’s a five-star resort girl at heart, but she has a compelling—and suspiciously attractive—tour guide August Thorn. Thorn lives for adventure and always keeps a professional distance from the trekkers under his care…but there’s just something about Sadie, and for the first time, he finds himself wanting to get closer. As they explore the wilderness together, Sadie realizes the great outdoors might truly be great with the right person.

Review:

Kayla Olson’s The Great Outdoors is a charming and entertaining rom com that combines adventure, self discovery, and romance against the stunning backdrop of California’s High Sierras. What begins as a humorous attempt by Sadie Whitlock to prove she’s not “high maintenance” quickly evolves into a story about embracing uncertainty, challenging your own perceptions, and discovering that growth often happens far outside your comfort zone. The wilderness trek provides a unique setting that feels fresh and immersive, adding both excitement and genuine stakes to the story.

Sadie is an easy protagonist to root for. Her meticulous planning and preference for luxury make her a fish out of water in the rugged outdoors, but watching her adapt and push herself beyond her limits is incredibly satisfying. Her dynamic with trek leader August Thorn is equally compelling. Their differences create plenty of humor and tension, while their growing connection develops naturally throughout the journey. Olson balances swoony romance with personal growth, allowing both characters to evolve in meaningful ways.

With beautiful scenery, engaging characters, and a romance that unfolds amid unexpected challenges, The Great Outdoors is the perfect summer read. Equal parts heartfelt, funny, and adventurous, it’s a story about taking risks, embracing change, and discovering that sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never planned to take.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 9, 2026

Publisher: Crooked Lane

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman uses AI to create the perfect friend and finds herself trapped in a cat-and-mouse game in this ticking clock thriller, perfect for fans of Blake Crouch.

Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a “perfect” life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.

Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on; Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.

Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world “friends” never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views “protection” as “destruction,” and if pushed too far, “elimination.”

Penn quickly realizes she hasn’t created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect” reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves?

Review:

This Is a Lie by Cleo Ballard is one of those thrillers that sneaks up on you and lingers long after you’ve finished. Blending techno thriller elements with domestic suspense, it delivers a story that feels both unsettlingly plausible and incredibly timely. Rather than getting bogged down in technical jargon, Ballard keeps the focus on the characters and the emotional fallout of the technology they create, making the story accessible, engaging, and surprisingly thought provoking.

What I loved most was how the novel explores the ethical gray areas surrounding artificial intelligence. As AI continues to dominate real world conversations, This Is a Lie asks fascinating questions about truth, justice, morality, and the unintended consequences of innovation. Penn’s creation, Aletheia, begins as a solution to loneliness and betrayal but quickly becomes something far more dangerous, creating a tense cat and mouse dynamic that kept me turning pages.

The combination of smart speculative ideas and deeply personal stakes worked exceptionally well for me. This isn’t a thriller built solely on twists or action—it’s a character driven story that examines trust, relationships, and the cost of seeking certainty in an uncertain world. Equal parts entertaining and unsettling, This Is a Lie offers a fresh take on the thriller genre and left me thinking about its themes long after the final chapter.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 30, 2026

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of Look Closer comes a new domestic thriller about betrayal and murder inside one twisted family

Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.

When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, Luke is right there by her side.

Until the murder investigation exposes secrets that could tear their family apart.

An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A shocking betrayal. How do they explain Finley’s death? And why are the siblings suddenly avoiding each other?

As past tensions resurface, the truth might lie a little too close to home…

Review:

Keep Them Close by David Ellis is the kind of domestic thriller that grabs hold from the very beginning and never loosens its grip. Built around a web of family secrets, betrayals, lies, and long buried truths, this is a twisty, tension filled story that constantly keeps readers questioning what they know. I loved the structure, with multiple points of view, short chapters, and a timeline that moves between the events leading up to the murder and the fallout that follows. The pacing never slowed, and every chapter seemed to reveal another piece of a puzzle that was far more complicated than it initially appeared.

At the center of the story is a family whose history is layered with secrets, resentments, loyalty, and deception. Ellis does an excellent job exploring the complicated dynamics between siblings Allison and Luke while also weaving in decades of backstory that enriches the present day mystery. The result is a thriller that feels both emotionally complex and incredibly suspenseful. Every revelation raises new questions, and just when I thought I understood where things were headed, another surprise shifted the narrative.

With smart, sharp writing and an intricately plotted mystery, Keep Them Close delivers everything I want from a domestic suspense novel. It’s engaging, surprising, and packed with family drama, making it nearly impossible to put down. Fans of layered psychological thrillers filled with trust issues, betrayals, and shocking twists will find plenty to love here.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 9, 2026

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Narrators: Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin and Mia Wurgraft

Synopsis:

For readers of Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods, a small-town detective reopens an unsolved case, sending shock waves across generations of women in this gripping new mystery from the Edgar Award–winning author of Please See Us.

1994. In the myth-riddled woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, sixteen-year-old Annabelle Riley’s twin sister, Sabrina, has been having an affair with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle is determined to uncover what’s going on. Then, inexplicably, both sisters disappear.

In this same town years later, newly instated Police Chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that unexpectedly resurrects details from a heartbreaking cold case. As she digs deeper, the past and the present collide, challenging everything Callie believes about right and wrong, about who she is, and about the town she’s always called home.

A propulsive mystery as incisive as it is forgiving, Heatherbears a visceral reminder that the truth of a woman’s life is often complicated and unknowable—to those on the outside, and sometimes even to herself.

Review:

Heather by Caitlin Mullen is the kind of slow burn mystery that gradually wraps itself around you and refuses to let go. Set against the eerie backdrop of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, the story weaves together a decades old disappearance and a present day investigation, creating an atmospheric and deeply layered cold case mystery. The alternating timelines are equally compelling, and I found myself just as invested in uncovering what happened to Annabelle and Sabrina in 1994 as I was in following Police Chief Callie Hauser’s present day search for answers. Mullen takes her time building the story, but every piece feels intentional, resulting in a rich, character driven mystery packed with emotional weight and complexity.

The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Bailey Carr, Christine Lakin, and Mia Wurgaft each deliver phenomenal performances, bringing depth, vulnerability, and distinct voices to the multiple perspectives. Their narration captures the emotional range of the novel beautifully, from grief and longing to determination and heartbreak, pulling me even deeper into the story. The shifts between past and present feel seamless in audio, and each narrator helps create an immersive listening experience that enhances the haunting atmosphere.

While slower paced thrillers don’t always work for me, Heather kept me fully engaged from beginning to end. This is less about nonstop twists and more about unraveling the complicated lives, secrets, and choices that ripple across generations. Thoughtful, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant, it’s an excellent pick for readers who enjoy police procedurals, cold case mysteries, and character driven suspense that takes its time developing but delivers a rewarding payoff.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 9, 2026

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

In the vein of Pineapple Street and Such a Fun Age, a smart, heartfelt debut novel about two expecting mothers navigating motherhood, family life, and female friendship, whose bond is threatened by a shocking revelation.

Victoria and Liz barely breathe the same air, but they collide headfirst when they meet in a group for expectant mothers and find common ground against all odds.

Victoria, forty-three, is confident, poised, and powerful, on the fast track to major career success in finance. Having kids is not in the plan. She had avoided love for decades—and hadn’t been too keen on female friendship either—when she fell for Ace, a dashing man twenty years her senior.

Liz, thirty-two, lives a fairly unstable life, trying to make her situationship work and navigate a job on a vile reality dating show. She’s desperately wanted to experience motherhood for her entire life, but anxiety and insecurity have landed her with a laundry list of failed romances. It’s an accident—ish—when she gets pregnant with her emotionally elusive boyfriend Chase’s baby just shy of a year into dating.

When Liz and Victoria meet in a parenting class, they both feel out of place amongst these pregnant women who seem to have it all figured out. They roll their eyes at the classic sign-off peppering the new mommy group TIA (thanks in advance!). Alienated from these other women and due within a week of each other, Victoria and Liz’s bond becomes a lifeline as they navigate their pregnancies and relationships. They grapple with impending motherhood together and lean on each other to navigate important decisions about family, career, and love. It’s the first successful female friendship in Victoria’s life and the first time Liz has felt so connected to an older, wiser confidante. Maybe, just maybe, it will all be okay.

But as they grow more secure in their futures with each other’s support, the friends confront a shocking turn of events that will change the course of both their lives. Victoria and Liz then must reckon with their relationships, their impending journeys of motherhood, and the strength of their own bond in this unforgettable work of women’s fiction.

Review:

Laura Lekkos’s All the Little Ways is an emotionally rich debut that explores motherhood, friendship, identity, and the unexpected connections that can change the course of a life. Through the perspectives of Victoria and Liz—two women whose paths seemingly should never cross—Lekkos crafts a compelling, character driven story filled with humor, heart, and remarkably astute observations about modern motherhood. What begins as an engaging exploration of pregnancy, relationships, and finding your place quickly develops into something much deeper, examining the many forms family can take and the ways women support one another through life’s biggest transitions.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its authenticity. Victoria and Liz are wonderfully imperfect women whose fears, hopes, and insecurities feel genuine and relatable. Their friendship becomes the emotional anchor of the story, and watching it evolve was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. Leckos balances heavier themes with warmth and humor, creating a nuanced portrayal of motherhood that feels honest rather than idealized. The novel also takes a surprising turn that adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, sparking thoughtful conversations about family, loyalty, and personal choice.

Heartfelt, emotionally mature, and deeply engaging, All the Little Ways is an impressive debut that will resonate with readers who enjoy character focused women’s fiction. With its thoughtful exploration of friendship, found family, and motherhood, it’s the kind of book that lingers long after the final page and would make an excellent pick for book clubs looking for a discussion worthy read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

May felt like the real start of summer reading season — the kind where I start gravitating toward anything light, bingeable, and a little bit escapist. I leaned heavily into beachy settings, summer vibes, and comfort reads, while also sneaking in a few thrillers and romance favorites that totally delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s your catch up, plus what I’ve been reading, listening to, and loving lately.

May Book Recommendations

A mix of summer romance, thrillers, and easy binge reads perfect for the start of the season.

→ Read the full list here

May Reading Wrap Up

→ Read the full list here

I also shared:

• My full Summer Reading Guide — officially kicking off the season

→ Read the full list here

A roundup of books with “summer” in the title (peak seasonal fun)

→ Read the full list here

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE MAY READS

The Final Target — Nora Roberts

A classic Nora Roberts blend of romantic tension, suspense, and page turning pacing. This one had all the familiar strengths fans love — strong character dynamics, high stakes, and a storyline that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish.

→ Read the full review here

My Forever Girl — Laura Pavlov

A heartfelt, small town romance full of emotion, loyalty, and that signature Laura Pavlov warmth. This felt like such a satisfying, comfort driven read with strong chemistry and a deeply rooted sense of family and connection.

→ Read the full review here

Reality Bites — Amy Mass

A fun, engaging romance with plenty of charm and tension. Easy to fly through, emotionally satisfying, and perfect for that early summer reading mood when you just want something addictive and enjoyable.

→ Read the full review here

CURRENTLY READING / LISTENING / WATCHING

• Reading: Fully in my summer reading era — bouncing between beachy romcoms and popcorn thrillers as I build out upcoming content.

• Listening: The Seaside Café Mysteries by Bree Baker — narrated by Therese Plummer, who will forever be my comfort narrator. Cozy, coastal mystery perfection.

• Watching: The Off Campus adaptation on Prime — and I have feelings. I adore Elle Kennedy, so I was nervous going in, but I’m honestly so happy with it. Gimme season two immediately (Allie and Dean when??).

• Listening (music): “The Cure” by Olivia Rodrigo — impatiently waiting for the next album drop and fully in my feelings about it. Sad girl summer indeed.

WHAT’S NEXT

Summer reading season is officially here, and I’m leaning all the way into it.

Coming soon:

• a popcorn thriller roundup (fast, twisty, bingeable reads only)

• beach read recommendations + seasonal stacks

• “books for vacation” guide

• cozy mystery spotlight (because I am still fully in that era)

• more romance recs inspired by TV adaptations and book-to-screen moments

May felt like a really good bridge into summer reading — fun, fast, and full of comfort reads that made it easy to fall into new stories. I’m fully embracing the slower, sunnier reading rhythm ahead and excited for all the seasonal content coming next.

Thanks for being here — whether you’re reading every post or just stopping by when something catches your eye, I appreciate it more than you know 🤍

Goodreads

Release date: June 9, 2026

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The next riveting summer suspense by the author of THE BLOCK PARTY, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, and THE LAKE ESCAPE Jamie Day.

Holly Sinclair, a struggling writer, is forced from her cherished New York apartment and returns to her family’s seaside cottage in the charming town of Beauport, Massachusetts—a home she hasn’t seen in nearly twenty years. Guilt grabs her the moment she arrives. Years ago, her sister died here, and Holly still blames herself.

She arrives on a mission from her literary agent to write a best-selling novel. Her future depends on it. But she’s not the only one with an agenda. Someone is watching Holly’s every move from the shadows. Desperate for a good idea, Holly makes the fateful choice to write about her past. The Watcher sees all and knows what Holly doesn’t: Some secrets must remain buried.

As threats from the ominous Watcher become increasingly sinister, Holly realizes that, even though the past is a faint echo, it is still close enough to be deadly.

Review:

Beach Thriller by Jamie Day was exactly the kind of summer suspense read I gravitate toward: fast paced, addictive, and impossible not to binge. This is pure popcorn thriller energy, but with enough depth and sharpness to keep it from feeling forgettable. The coastal small town setting was one of my favorite parts, all the gossip, buried secrets, wealthy families, and long held grudges created such an immersive atmosphere. Beauport felt charming on the surface while still carrying that eerie undercurrent that something terrible happened here years ago and never truly stayed buried.

I also loved the structure of this one. Multiple POVs always make thrillers more entertaining for me, and the anonymous “Watcher” chapters added such a creepy, sinister edge throughout the story. The book within a book angle was another fun layer that made the mystery feel more layered and engaging. I kept changing my theories as the story unfolded, which is always a good sign, and I appreciated that the twists didn’t feel overly predictable. The pacing stays steady the entire time and moves quickly without sacrificing atmosphere or character drama.

At its core, this is a solid cold case mystery wrapped in a juicy beach town thriller full of secrets, suspicion, and simmering tension. If you love messy small town dynamics, coastal settings, unreliable vibes, and thrillers that feel tailor made for summer reading, this one absolutely delivers. It’s dramatic, creepy, and ridiculously easy to fly through in just a couple sittings.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.