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You By The Lake
The summer their love was meant to come to light…
Harrow Bellefield is haunted by memories she can’t escape. A two-week getaway on a lake with her family and best friend, Everest Tate, is supposed to help her heal. But the past keeps creeping in, threatening to upset the fragile balance she’s clinging to. The last thing Harrow wants is for anything in her life to change. Her dark secret could destroy everything.
Everest has loved Harrow for as long as he can remember, and this summer may be his last chance to confess it. But Harrow is different—something has shifted and he can’t understand what. Desperate to see her smile again, Everest wonders if revealing his feelings will bring them closer or push her further away. Whatever she’s hiding could break them both.
In a summer full of hidden truths and unspoken love, will they find their way back to each other—or will the weight of her past keep them apart?
TRIGGER • On page SA student/teacher (18/23) • Depression • Trauma • Anxiety/panic attacks • Talks of suicide • Abortion • On page sex scenes • Possessive/obsessive side character • Grooming • Abuser still communicating with FMC • Letters from abuser of invented scenarios • Physical assault with a blade on page • Blackmail to get out of prison • Stalking • Abuser claims FMC killed their baby • Gun use, FMC gets shot
Not for readers under the age of 18.
Harrow Bellefield is haunted by memories she can’t escape. A two-week getaway on a lake with her family and best friend, Everest Tate, is supposed to help her heal. But the past keeps creeping in, threatening to upset the fragile balance she’s clinging to. The last thing Harrow wants is for anything in her life to change. Her dark secret could destroy everything.
Everest has loved Harrow for as long as he can remember, and this summer may be his last chance to confess it. But Harrow is different—something has shifted and he can’t understand what. Desperate to see her smile again, Everest wonders if revealing his feelings will bring them closer or push her further away. Whatever she’s hiding could break them both.
In a summer full of hidden truths and unspoken love, will they find their way back to each other—or will the weight of her past keep them apart?
TRIGGER • On page SA student/teacher (18/23) • Depression • Trauma • Anxiety/panic attacks • Talks of suicide • Abortion • On page sex scenes • Possessive/obsessive side character • Grooming • Abuser still communicating with FMC • Letters from abuser of invented scenarios • Physical assault with a blade on page • Blackmail to get out of prison • Stalking • Abuser claims FMC killed their baby • Gun use, FMC gets shot
Not for readers under the age of 18.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 8, 2025
Right from the start, this book had me hooked. The opening was so engaging—it pulled me in, and I just wanted to keep reading. Everest is an absolute sweetheart, and I loved how he was always there for Harrow. Their connection felt deep and real, and the way he cared for her was truly heartwarming.
The writing was amazing, and I was fully invested in Harrow and Everest’s story. Their love for each other felt genuine and powerful.
My only critique is that, given Harrow’s past with SA, their transition into a sexual relationship felt a little rushed. I would have appreciated a bit more sensitivity and buildup to make it feel more authentic and respectful to her healing process.
That said, I still absolutely loved the book and will always pick up anything by Alyssa Milani. She never disappoints.
The writing was amazing, and I was fully invested in Harrow and Everest’s story. Their love for each other felt genuine and powerful.
My only critique is that, given Harrow’s past with SA, their transition into a sexual relationship felt a little rushed. I would have appreciated a bit more sensitivity and buildup to make it feel more authentic and respectful to her healing process.
That said, I still absolutely loved the book and will always pick up anything by Alyssa Milani. She never disappoints.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
3.5 out of 5 stars — beautiful story that touches on some sensitive subjects
A sweet story that brings all the feels. All the characters have such a strong bond and create a tone throughout the whole book of love and admiration.
This story definitely has some triggers and I encourage everyone to read them before diving in.
The FMC is harboring a very traumatic secret that she believes defines herself and her future relationships — on a lake trip with her family and family best friends she try’s to navigate love and old bonds all while believing she isn’t capable of love, is “damaged goods”.
The story goes into the past through her own memories and “love” letters from someone she thought she could trust but abused it. While he isn’t present in the book much, his parts are very dark and sensitive, abusing his power and age.
During this time she finds solace and safety within her best friend and long time secret love. They navigate their feelings together and share a deep love that can withstand any push or pressure.
I enjoyed this book and found it super easy to read and stay hooked. It was simpler writing, but I loved how we got the perspective from both the FMC and MMC.
Thank you Alyssa Milani for selecting me to be an ARC reader!
A sweet story that brings all the feels. All the characters have such a strong bond and create a tone throughout the whole book of love and admiration.
This story definitely has some triggers and I encourage everyone to read them before diving in.
The FMC is harboring a very traumatic secret that she believes defines herself and her future relationships — on a lake trip with her family and family best friends she try’s to navigate love and old bonds all while believing she isn’t capable of love, is “damaged goods”.
The story goes into the past through her own memories and “love” letters from someone she thought she could trust but abused it. While he isn’t present in the book much, his parts are very dark and sensitive, abusing his power and age.
During this time she finds solace and safety within her best friend and long time secret love. They navigate their feelings together and share a deep love that can withstand any push or pressure.
I enjoyed this book and found it super easy to read and stay hooked. It was simpler writing, but I loved how we got the perspective from both the FMC and MMC.
Thank you Alyssa Milani for selecting me to be an ARC reader!
June 8, 2025
This one hit deep in the softest, quietest way.
Harrow is carrying something no one else can see—something that changed her, that she’s never said out loud except to her mom and her therapist. She’s trying to find her footing again during a family lake trip, where everything feels too loud and too quiet all at once.
Then there’s Everest her best friend. Loyal, kind, golden retriever in human form. He’s been her best friend for years, but he’s done pretending that’s all he wants. Even without knowing what she’s been through, he never pushes. He just… shows up. Constant, calm, patient.
Their story isn’t about fixing her…it’s about giving her space to take her power back. It’s about friendship, trust, and slow, gentle firsts that asks for nothing but honesty.
And when things shift at the lake? It’s messy, real, and just wow!
This book had me laughing, gasping, and going did that just happen!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Harrow is carrying something no one else can see—something that changed her, that she’s never said out loud except to her mom and her therapist. She’s trying to find her footing again during a family lake trip, where everything feels too loud and too quiet all at once.
Then there’s Everest her best friend. Loyal, kind, golden retriever in human form. He’s been her best friend for years, but he’s done pretending that’s all he wants. Even without knowing what she’s been through, he never pushes. He just… shows up. Constant, calm, patient.
Their story isn’t about fixing her…it’s about giving her space to take her power back. It’s about friendship, trust, and slow, gentle firsts that asks for nothing but honesty.
And when things shift at the lake? It’s messy, real, and just wow!
This book had me laughing, gasping, and going did that just happen!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
June 20, 2025
ARC Review
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I really enjoyed this book the relationship development, plot and spice was all so good. The friends to lovers trope is always such a favorite for me and this one delivered! Harrow and Everett’s story was emotional yet not over done or just throwing emotions everywhere to make a good story. The only thing is I do wish there was a little bit more time from the start when we hear of the “bad” to harrow and Everett coming together.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I really enjoyed this book the relationship development, plot and spice was all so good. The friends to lovers trope is always such a favorite for me and this one delivered! Harrow and Everett’s story was emotional yet not over done or just throwing emotions everywhere to make a good story. The only thing is I do wish there was a little bit more time from the start when we hear of the “bad” to harrow and Everett coming together.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews