What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Rock Beach #1
Black Rock Beach
For years, Madison longed for answers about her estranged father and his side of the family. She never expected those answers to come in the form of a stranger on her doorstep with news of a will and an unsettled estate. Now there are siblings, grandparents, and a family business to contend with. Not to mention her mother, who never wanted Madison to be acquainted with the Moores, despite giving her their last name. To get the complete story, Madison must travel across the country to Black Rock Beach and confront the family she’s never known.
If you like stories that explore complicated relationships, family secrets, and second chances, this is the series for you!
If you like stories that explore complicated relationships, family secrets, and second chances, this is the series for you!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 17, 2026
Having read a few books from SM Grady, I can fully say I've never been disappointed. This book follows Madison, a child born out of wedlock. After her father’s death, like all stories, she chooses to visit with a little convincing. Going in without any prejudice, what she finds isn't what she expected.
SM Grady has mastered the art of grabbing readers' attention. I love her writing style whereby she involves POVs from different characters, making one feel connected to all the main characters. Being a few-page novel, I read it all in one sitting. The love dynamics had my heart wrenching at some point. No one should have to have a future promised only for it to be crashed. Sadly this book might be a mirror in someone's life. It was entertaining to read through this book.
SM Grady has mastered the art of grabbing readers' attention. I love her writing style whereby she involves POVs from different characters, making one feel connected to all the main characters. Being a few-page novel, I read it all in one sitting. The love dynamics had my heart wrenching at some point. No one should have to have a future promised only for it to be crashed. Sadly this book might be a mirror in someone's life. It was entertaining to read through this book.
May 11, 2023
Black Rock Beach, written by S.M. Grady, is a compelling love story that captures the essence of humanity in a way that resonates deeply with readers. The novel follows the classic plot of a girl falling in love with her dream man, but their relationship is hindered by his family commitments. Despite their love for each other, their circumstances keep them apart, and when they finally rekindle their love, she becomes pregnant but getting together for a lifetime still remains out of reach.
Years go by, and the plot twists in unexpected ways. The story takes on a different direction, and the reader is left hoping for a happy ending while enjoying a quick and easy read. While the plot may not be entirely original, the author's genius lies in the twists and turns that will surprise and captivate readers.
What sets Black Rock Beach apart is how it captures the very essence of what it means to be human. The characters are relatable, flawed, and authentic, and readers will identify with their struggles and emotions. The story is written in a way that draws you in, like you are hanging out with your best friend, and it encourages you to settle in for the ride.
Grady's writing style is simple, yet powerful. She has a way of painting a picture with her words, bringing the story to life and making it feel like you are right there beside the characters. The story is set against the backdrop of a small beach town, and the author's vivid descriptions of the town's sights, sounds, and smells create an immersive experience for the reader.
At its core, Black Rock Beach is a story about love, loss, and the human experience. It reminds us that life is unpredictable, and sometimes the things we want most are not within our reach. But it also shows us that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that true love endures even in the face of adversity.
Overall, Black Rock Beach is a beautiful, heartwarming novel that will leave readers with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the power of love. It is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, and one that you will want to share with your friends and family.
Years go by, and the plot twists in unexpected ways. The story takes on a different direction, and the reader is left hoping for a happy ending while enjoying a quick and easy read. While the plot may not be entirely original, the author's genius lies in the twists and turns that will surprise and captivate readers.
What sets Black Rock Beach apart is how it captures the very essence of what it means to be human. The characters are relatable, flawed, and authentic, and readers will identify with their struggles and emotions. The story is written in a way that draws you in, like you are hanging out with your best friend, and it encourages you to settle in for the ride.
Grady's writing style is simple, yet powerful. She has a way of painting a picture with her words, bringing the story to life and making it feel like you are right there beside the characters. The story is set against the backdrop of a small beach town, and the author's vivid descriptions of the town's sights, sounds, and smells create an immersive experience for the reader.
At its core, Black Rock Beach is a story about love, loss, and the human experience. It reminds us that life is unpredictable, and sometimes the things we want most are not within our reach. But it also shows us that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that true love endures even in the face of adversity.
Overall, Black Rock Beach is a beautiful, heartwarming novel that will leave readers with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the power of love. It is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, and one that you will want to share with your friends and family.
May 20, 2023
This is such an easy read and simple story line, and for some reason I loved it all from beginning to end. I enjoyed how each chapter generally introduced a different character's perspective, which made the story feel more well rounded without dragging things out. I particularly loved following the main character, Madison, and also diving into her mother Leah's head as well, because all of the pain and heartache in Madison's life stems from actions that Leah took in her past.
What I most enjoyed is that all of the characters are black. It's not often you find a book that depicts a wealthy black family, thriving (well they "look" like they are thriving) in the hotel industry and then experiencing all this family drama at the same time. It was interesting seeing the "uppity" black family and Madison, who didn't grow up with money and or the prestige of the Moore family and now has to merge herself into their world. Honestly this book could be a Netflix series and I would definitely watch it. I think there is a lot that has happened in the past that still needs to come to light and characters we haven't even really dived into yet in regards to their history. I'm ready to read more.
S.M. Grady knocked this out of the park for me. The pacing was perfect, the story felt complete but also left you wanting more, and the author successfully jumped around between past and present without making things confusing. I'm looking forward to more work by this author.
What I most enjoyed is that all of the characters are black. It's not often you find a book that depicts a wealthy black family, thriving (well they "look" like they are thriving) in the hotel industry and then experiencing all this family drama at the same time. It was interesting seeing the "uppity" black family and Madison, who didn't grow up with money and or the prestige of the Moore family and now has to merge herself into their world. Honestly this book could be a Netflix series and I would definitely watch it. I think there is a lot that has happened in the past that still needs to come to light and characters we haven't even really dived into yet in regards to their history. I'm ready to read more.
S.M. Grady knocked this out of the park for me. The pacing was perfect, the story felt complete but also left you wanting more, and the author successfully jumped around between past and present without making things confusing. I'm looking forward to more work by this author.
May 15, 2023
Despite sharing the same last name, Madison Moore grew up never knowing her father or his side of the family. One day, Madison receives an unexpected visit from a lawyer named Shane, who brings the news that her father, Will Moore, has passed away. She's surprised to learn that her father had included her in his will but now finds herself stuck in the legal mess of his unsettled estate and a family hotel business. Hoping to learn more about her father, his family, as well as the family business, Madison leaves Atlanta and flies out to Black Rock Beach, California. There, she learns more about the Rockaway Resort Hotel and the Moore family, including her step siblings, Nathan, Jasmine and Shayla, her aunt, Carmen, her grandparents, and Will's wife, Sheree. Though the Moore family hardly welcomes her with open arms, Madison grows close with Shayla, while Carmen, who also happens to be Madison's mother's ex best friend, is determined to make up for lost time with her niece. In midst of all this, Madison must deal with her growing feelings for Shane, which are more than professional, and learning to navigate her rocky yet slowly healing relationship with her mother, Leah. Filled with family drama, secrets, and complicated familial relationships, this predictable story set against the backdrop of a sea side town makes for an entertaining and short beach read.
May 18, 2024
I feel the synopsis for this story is misleading. I was expecting a story about Madison meeting her long lost family. Instead I got stories about several different people.
We started with Madison (whom I didn't find very likeable at the beginning) but then we went back in time to the story of Madison's parents. This took up a pretty big chunk of the book. We also got quite a bit about Madison's paternal aunt, a little about the lawyer whom she starts a relationship with and back stories on her 3 closest friends. A very little about her 3 siblings and brief mentions of her grandparents and her father's widow.
I kept waiting for something to happen but it never did, the whole book felt like it was just a nice story about a family and the people around them. I knew when I started that this was the first book in a series, but it's actually more like a serial than a series.
There were several times throughout the series when I got confused as to who was talking and had to go back and re-read the last few sentences.
There were a few glaring grammatical errors (went instead of gone, took instead of taken etc) and also the word black is always written with a capital B. 'Black families', 'Black history', 'Black businesses' etc. I assume this is an American thing, but as someone who isn't American I found it jarring.
We started with Madison (whom I didn't find very likeable at the beginning) but then we went back in time to the story of Madison's parents. This took up a pretty big chunk of the book. We also got quite a bit about Madison's paternal aunt, a little about the lawyer whom she starts a relationship with and back stories on her 3 closest friends. A very little about her 3 siblings and brief mentions of her grandparents and her father's widow.
I kept waiting for something to happen but it never did, the whole book felt like it was just a nice story about a family and the people around them. I knew when I started that this was the first book in a series, but it's actually more like a serial than a series.
There were several times throughout the series when I got confused as to who was talking and had to go back and re-read the last few sentences.
There were a few glaring grammatical errors (went instead of gone, took instead of taken etc) and also the word black is always written with a capital B. 'Black families', 'Black history', 'Black businesses' etc. I assume this is an American thing, but as someone who isn't American I found it jarring.
August 5, 2026
The first book in the Black Rock Beach Series, this page-turner will grab audiences and not let go. Madison is a successful 20-something in Atlanta with a great job and a home until everything changes. Her biological father, William Moore, has died and written her into his will and a handsome lawyer is knocking on her door. She discovers that she can take a lump sum and walk away, or pursue joint ownership in the family business, a luxury beach resort in California. Madison is suddenly torn between her old life and new possibilities, and she must decide if she feels a sense of loyalty to her father’s legacy or is content to walk away. A powerful story of love, loss and resilience, BLACK ROCK BEACH will leave audiences reaching for the next book in the series.
BLACK ROCK BEACH should be in everyone’s vacation bag this summer. S.M Grady writes a fun and engaging story that kept me reading late into the night. I was inspired by Madison’s confidence and success and could easily relate to her hesitation to leave her life for new opportunities in California. Grady does an excellent job with this character-heavy narrative and presents each individual in a way that readers can easily absorb. A family drama, this story explores the themes of belonging, acceptance and new beginnings. While a fast read, this story has real substance.
BLACK ROCK BEACH should be in everyone’s vacation bag this summer. S.M Grady writes a fun and engaging story that kept me reading late into the night. I was inspired by Madison’s confidence and success and could easily relate to her hesitation to leave her life for new opportunities in California. Grady does an excellent job with this character-heavy narrative and presents each individual in a way that readers can easily absorb. A family drama, this story explores the themes of belonging, acceptance and new beginnings. While a fast read, this story has real substance.
July 31, 2023
Heart-warming and Relatable
Black Rock Beach follows the story of Madison, a young woman who was raised by her mother and grandparents. Her life changes when she receives word that her estranged father, has passed away. Surprisingly, he included her in her will, alongside his other children, her half-siblings.
Madi sets out to meet her estranged family, settle legal affairs, and hopefully move on with her life. Only that things don't quite go according to plan. This is a story about secrets, love, forgiveness, and family drama.
The author does a good job of making her characters human and relatable. They make mistakes and bad decisions, they hurt, grow and love. I found myself cheering on some, and loathing others. The story is well-paced, and the author managed to flesh out the different characters through multiple POVs. This allows you to truly relate with each of the characters.
All in all, this was a lovely quick read.
Black Rock Beach follows the story of Madison, a young woman who was raised by her mother and grandparents. Her life changes when she receives word that her estranged father, has passed away. Surprisingly, he included her in her will, alongside his other children, her half-siblings.
Madi sets out to meet her estranged family, settle legal affairs, and hopefully move on with her life. Only that things don't quite go according to plan. This is a story about secrets, love, forgiveness, and family drama.
The author does a good job of making her characters human and relatable. They make mistakes and bad decisions, they hurt, grow and love. I found myself cheering on some, and loathing others. The story is well-paced, and the author managed to flesh out the different characters through multiple POVs. This allows you to truly relate with each of the characters.
All in all, this was a lovely quick read.
August 8, 2023
Quirky! Easy to read and intriguing group dynamics!
Black Rock Beach by S.M Grady is the perfect start to a series for any reader who wants to be transported to a beautiful quaint beach town with mysterious family members and motives. Black Rock Beach’s characters show their true emotions and are not the type to hold back and play nice.
With a stubborn, quick-witted, and independent main character up against family she didn’t know she had - the plot is always hurdling towards the next argument between cousins. A cute lawyer and sights of the sea make for a great break from all the enticing drama that this series lays out for its reader. This book is a great read for those of us who want family gossip, secret itineraries, hidden relatives, alongside a cute romance.
Black Rock Beach is the start to a series of love, hope, dreams, and discovery.
Black Rock Beach by S.M Grady is the perfect start to a series for any reader who wants to be transported to a beautiful quaint beach town with mysterious family members and motives. Black Rock Beach’s characters show their true emotions and are not the type to hold back and play nice.
With a stubborn, quick-witted, and independent main character up against family she didn’t know she had - the plot is always hurdling towards the next argument between cousins. A cute lawyer and sights of the sea make for a great break from all the enticing drama that this series lays out for its reader. This book is a great read for those of us who want family gossip, secret itineraries, hidden relatives, alongside a cute romance.
Black Rock Beach is the start to a series of love, hope, dreams, and discovery.
May 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a tale as old as time in that boy meets girl, fall in love only to have family issues come between them. The book is written with each chapter giving the point of view from the main characters so the reader sees and understands each persons thoughts and feelings. There’s twists and turns along the way but anyone reading would be hoping for a positive ending.
The one overriding thought whilst reading the book is the importance of communication. This is a common thread with all the characters just as in life. I think most readers would be able to relate to this book even in a small way and if this lovely story helps in real life then even better. I look forward to reading more by this author.
The one overriding thought whilst reading the book is the importance of communication. This is a common thread with all the characters just as in life. I think most readers would be able to relate to this book even in a small way and if this lovely story helps in real life then even better. I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 31, 2023
I began reading on my vacation to the Jersey Shore this week... finished it in one sitting! Black Rock Beach is a cute love story that is extremely relatable to anyone who has experienced a romantic relationship. The story tests the main characters true love for one another, as their circumstances keep them alienated from each other. With the story set in a beautiful and quaint beach town, it was the perfect read for my beach vacation. Additionally, S.M. Grady's storytelling ability made it feel as if I was physically there! Grady possesses a unique skillset of character development, as she demonstrates through the main protagonists. An easy read, but that does not mean it was without substance. I thoroughly enjoyed this touching love story, from start to finish!
August 2, 2023
"Black Rock Beach" by S.M. Grady is a touching novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, family dynamics, and the tapestry of human emotions. The story revolves around Madison, a young woman on a quest to unravel the enigma surrounding her estranged paternal lineage. The unexpected news of a will and an unresolved estate suddenly land on Madison's threshold, igniting a voyage of self-discovery and forging new undiscovered connections. Against the captivating backdrop of the scenic Black Rock Beach, Grady's vibrant depictions whisk readers away to this idyllic coastal town, delivering an enchanting and immersive journey. Grady's art of storytelling shines brilliantly through a tapestry of emotions, crafting genuine, intricate, and lovable characters.
August 15, 2023
Black Rock Beach is a touching story that deals with overcoming the past, finding family, and being open to love. After the father she never met passes away, Madison is left with part ownership of the family legacy hotel. At the encouraging of the young attorney handling the will, Madison goes to visit the property and meet the family that struggles to accept Madison. Through her journey old relationships are mended and new ones are formed as the past is finally laid to rest. This story was a quick read that went by even faster thanks to the captivating dynamics of the characters and getting to see multiple points of view. Although not overly emotional, this book is a good read for those that enjoy moving tales of bonds broken and formed.
September 19, 2025
While I think I enjoyed reading this book, I'm not sure I was expecting what I got. Does that make sense? I expected a fish out of water story, with the lovechild meeting her father's other family and the complications that would bring. But this story was full of other characters and points of view, and while that moved the story into new directions, it just felt weird. Like maybe this could have been two novellas?
Regardless, I loved how Madison was able to stand up for herself, take what was hers and shine - not letting anyone stand in her way. Altho, most of the time when someone did get in her way, it was herself. I enjoyed the dynamic relationship Madison shared with her aunt and youngest sister. It was great that she had people on her side.
Regardless, I loved how Madison was able to stand up for herself, take what was hers and shine - not letting anyone stand in her way. Altho, most of the time when someone did get in her way, it was herself. I enjoyed the dynamic relationship Madison shared with her aunt and youngest sister. It was great that she had people on her side.
August 8, 2026
Black Rock Beach by S.M. Grady was such a fun read. It’s a quick, easy read, but packed with family drama, romance, secrets, and twists that keep it engaging.
The story follows Madison: a stubborn, quick-witted, independent young woman who grew up in Atlanta, raised by her mother and grandparents. Madison’s life turns upside down when Shane, a charming young lawyer, arrives with shocking news: the father she never knew has died and left her part‑ownership of the Rockaway Resort, a legacy hotel she must now share with half‑siblings she didn’t even know existed. Hoping to settle the estate and find answers, Madison heads to a scenic seaside town in California, where she’s quickly pulled into a storm of secrets, family drama, and old wounds.
The story follows Madison: a stubborn, quick-witted, independent young woman who grew up in Atlanta, raised by her mother and grandparents. Madison’s life turns upside down when Shane, a charming young lawyer, arrives with shocking news: the father she never knew has died and left her part‑ownership of the Rockaway Resort, a legacy hotel she must now share with half‑siblings she didn’t even know existed. Hoping to settle the estate and find answers, Madison heads to a scenic seaside town in California, where she’s quickly pulled into a storm of secrets, family drama, and old wounds.
May 10, 2023
There is nothing earth-shattering and original about this story, but all the same, its genius lies in the twists. The author, S.M. Grady, lures you in with an easy read and a comfortable, seemingly predictable plot, but the twists are where this book will take you by surprise.
Black Rock Beach is a very human story that I think readers will identify with in a powerful way. It is written in a way that makes you want to keep reading--kind of like you're just hanging out with your best friend. This book quietly grabs you and asks you to settle in for the ride.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to where Grady will take us next with these characters!
Black Rock Beach is a very human story that I think readers will identify with in a powerful way. It is written in a way that makes you want to keep reading--kind of like you're just hanging out with your best friend. This book quietly grabs you and asks you to settle in for the ride.
I enjoyed this read and look forward to where Grady will take us next with these characters!
Read
May 22, 2023S.M. Grady tackles the complexities of family dramas, relationships, secrets and romance with a deft hand spinning an engaging story that is also a quick and easy read. She keeps you hoping for a happy ending throughout the plot's twists and turns. The longing between Madison and the man of her dreams is palpable as they explore their desires and what can and cannot be. Readers will walk away with deep feelings centered on this relationship. Her characters are well-rounded and relatable and resonate with their truths and flaws. I highly recommend this book for those who like to get caught up escapism. I can't wait for the next in the series
August 5, 2023
This book was fine for me. The story was pleasant and heartwarming and the characters that were supposed to be like-able were. There was nothing about this story that particularly caught me-I was happy to pick it up and read a couple of pages when I was able. It seemed like there were storylines for some side characters (like Madison’s friends from Atlanta) that were mentioned and left hanging. It seems like there are other books in the series that may pick those unfinished threads up, but left hanging, these seemed like sloppy writing/editing.
August 22, 2026
This was a fun and quick read. However, it did remind me of a soap opera. But I’m a fan of soap operas so that’s ok. A young woman finds out that the father she never met has died and included her in his will. Along with this comes a whole new family, including siblings, she never knew. She could take the money and run or join the family business (resorts) and get to know her long-lost family. There’s a lot of family drama, a romance, and lots of twists and turns. It was a fun book to read. Looking forward to more in the series.
March 11, 2023
Finding peace with your hidden family
Same old story with a different twist and a better ending. Girl falls in love with her dream man but his family commitments means he can't marry her. Later they rekindle their love, she becomes pregnant but getting together for a lifetime can't happen. Years later, the plot twists and the story has a different ending, the reader will continue, hoping for a happy ending during a quick easy read.
Same old story with a different twist and a better ending. Girl falls in love with her dream man but his family commitments means he can't marry her. Later they rekindle their love, she becomes pregnant but getting together for a lifetime can't happen. Years later, the plot twists and the story has a different ending, the reader will continue, hoping for a happy ending during a quick easy read.
September 6, 2025
It was an average story. Basically it's about Madison, but brings in her parents' relationship, why her father was never around, and then introduces us to his family, some friendly, some not so. There was never a whole lot of tension. It was a nice, comfortable read about a screwed-up family situation. A lot was left out, probably to be addressed in another book, but it wasn't really a cliffhanger, just not a resolved romantic interest.
August 2, 2026
Good beach read
This is a quick weekend read with interesting characters and a unique plot.
The main character meets family she didn't know she had after her dad dies. The story focuses on these new relationships as well as her relationship with her mom and friends. It also contains romance.
The book is the first in a series. I am looking forward to the next one to see how the story continues.
This is a quick weekend read with interesting characters and a unique plot.
The main character meets family she didn't know she had after her dad dies. The story focuses on these new relationships as well as her relationship with her mom and friends. It also contains romance.
The book is the first in a series. I am looking forward to the next one to see how the story continues.
August 4, 2026
I really enjoyed reading BLACK ROCK BEACH. It was a short and sweet read with characters that all felt real and lovable. It was really refreshing to read a book with all (or at least mostly) black characters!
The main character was super likeable and her relationship with her mom was very realistic. There is a fun romance plotline that works really well into the story without taking it over completely. Overall a very nice short read, highly recommend!
The main character was super likeable and her relationship with her mom was very realistic. There is a fun romance plotline that works really well into the story without taking it over completely. Overall a very nice short read, highly recommend!
September 15, 2025
Black rose beach
This is a nice story about a mother over protecting her daughter. A family her daughter knew and how she discovered them by an attorney not giving up on her. It is a short story that is easy to read.
This is a nice story about a mother over protecting her daughter. A family her daughter knew and how she discovered them by an attorney not giving up on her. It is a short story that is easy to read.
March 4, 2026
I didn’t even finish and I really wanted to like this book. But it ended up just being poorly written. Basically a B- version of a soap opera. You can see the poor acting and poor writing on the screen in your head. Very disappointed.
September 1, 2025
at least it was short
September 2, 2025
Good story
This was a very good story actually rather sad to think of a girl going her whole life without her father only to become acquainted with his family after his death.
This was a very good story actually rather sad to think of a girl going her whole life without her father only to become acquainted with his family after his death.
September 2, 2025
This was a good book that held my attention from the beginning to the end
September 10, 2025
Great Story
I really liked this book. I liked the authors style. Thinking this is a series since the ending left you hanging.
I really liked this book. I liked the authors style. Thinking this is a series since the ending left you hanging.
September 14, 2025
life is never over.
Search for answers to your past. A father she never knew gave her the family she had missed out on.
Search for answers to your past. A father she never knew gave her the family she had missed out on.
September 30, 2025
Not much story or character development. Ending was too abrupt. I do not recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews