REVIEW: Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery

Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery: To say Beth and Rick had an awful early childhood is almost an understatement. Beth was always protective of her younger brother and was devastated when things got so bad they had to go to different foster care. Thankfully, their aunt Agatha learned of their dire plight and took them in.
Beth gave up going to culinary school so Rick could have help in going to medical school. Through various circumstances, Beth now owns Surf Sandwiches and it’s very successful due to her hard work and care of regular customers and employees.

In the few hours of her spare time, Beth volunteers at a local food bank. She doesn’t have any close friends so she’s thrilled to meet Jana. Jana works, takes classes and is raising a young daughter. They become close and Beth brings Jana sandwiches every Thursday night.

Beth finds out Jana is now dating her brother Rick. She is happy for them both. Jana invites Beth to the home she shares with her brother Teddy. Teddy is a widower with three children of his own who helps with Jana’s daughter. Teddy is drawn to Beth right away. Beth is a little nervous about Teddy’s children and if he still is too attached to his late wife.

Just about the time everything seems to be going well for everyone, Beth catches Rick out with another woman. Should she reveal what she saw to Jana and Teddy and take a chance on losing them both?

Jana, Beth and Teddy are all lovable. They go out of their way to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Teddy’s friend Dex was a child actor who has used his money to help others. He has been there for Teddy during the darkest times. He loves all four of the children and takes them once a week to do extra fun things. Jana has tackled challenges to make her dream career come true. Beth has sacrificed a great deal over the years, but has been content with her life.

Rick seemed charming to start with, but the author weaves in clues that show he isn’t what he seems to be. The reader slowly sees what a manipulative, selfish man he is underneath the handsome exterior. He’s definitely the villain in this book. He may have had a tough time in foster care, but that’s no excuse. Unfortunately, it seems some people can be entirely different from other siblings no matter how that sibling loved them. I know about boys/men who claim to love you and are cheating on you behind your back.

Despite the Rick issues and the trauma he causes, this story is one of hope and love. Susan Mallery has written so many marvelous novels over the years. BEACH VIBES can be added to tales that will touch your heart.
The cover is one of most colorful and fitting that will catch your eye to pick up this book.

Book Info:

Publication: March 18, 2025 | Canary Street Press |

What would you do if you caught your brother cheating on your best friend?

While Beth is proud of her Malibu beach shop, Surf Sandwiches, she’s even prouder of her charismatic brother, Rick, who rose from foster care all the way through surgical residency. She makes subs, he saves lives. Things takes a turn for the happy after she finds out Rick is dating her new best friend, Jana. Then Jana’s handsome brother adds even more sparkle to Beth’s days…and nights.

But when she catches Rick with another woman—like, with with—her visions of an idyllic family future disappear in one awful instant. Either she betrays her brother or she keeps his secret and risks losing the man she loves and her best friend.

Love and loyalty collide with secrets and betrayal in this witty and emotional tale about the lengths we’ll go to for family, from Susan Mallery, bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop.