Between the Waves and the Stars

by B.P. Lynch

Kiko Rodriguez thought the summer after high school would be all sunsets and surf sessions. Instead, he's stuck: grieving his dad, ghosting his best friends, and flailing through a barista job he may or may not be qualified for. When a random run-in with the magnetic and unpredictable Troye leads to something that almost feels like a romance, Kiko starts to wonder if he's finally finding himself... or just getting pulled further from who he used to be.

Then there's Dylan. Quiet, thoughtful, and way too good at seeing through Kiko's defenses, he offers the kind of friendship that might actually mean more. If Kiko's brave enough to let it.

Set against the vibrant streets and hazy beaches of Los Angeles, Between the Waves and the Stars is a coming-of-age story about love that surprises you, friendships that anchor you, and the messy, beautiful ways we figure out who we are.

298 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

B.P. Lynch is a writer based in New York and the author of Between the Waves and the Stars. He writes stories about identity, connection, and the in-between moments that shape who we are. His work focuses on characters figuring themselves out, navigating shifting friendships, uncertain feelings, and the space between who they are and who they’re becoming.

He's especially drawn to stories about self-discovery and belonging, particularly for characters who don’t always see themselves reflected in the world around them. He tries to write the kinds of books he needed when he was younger: stories that are real, honest, and holding on to a little bit of hope.

Outside of writing, he is honored to serve on the board of his local Pride Center, supporting LGBTQ+ programs and community work. When he's not deep in a draft, he can probably be found on a hiking trail, curating a playlist, or scrolling through travel reels to plan his next trip (and just maybe his next story setting).

Between the Waves and the Stars is his first novel.

Reviews

[Jessica Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the Waves and the Stars is a book that captures a feeling most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. Whether it’s deciding on a career path or figuring out who we truly are, that sense of uncertainty is all too familiar. I loved the author’s vivid descriptions—they made me feel as if I were right there alongside the characters. It’s a quick, engaging read, and I’m excited to see what else this author has in store!

[Chris Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Wanted to give it 5 1/2 stars but Goodreads doesn’t let you. This book emphasizes the kind of emotional moments that stick with you long after you've finished reading, as well as being both grounded and honest.

The plot is easy to follow, and the settings feel real, but what stood out most to me was how the book handles identity, grief, and the awkward process of finding out exactly who you are. It is not just a romance or a story about coming out, but also about maturing and attempting to understand who you are in the face of uncertainty. The friendships in the pages feel real and significant.

If you have ever felt stuck or unsure of the person you are becoming, this book will probably hit close to home. It is quiet, heartfelt, and full of small moments that add up to something meaningful.

Couldn't imagine letting this book collect dust on my shelf, unread. Can't wait to read what else this mysterious author has coming for us next.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book

Great read and the characters seemed so real. From great friends to good people to rotten boyfriends this book had it all. I believe the author did a lot of research on skateboarding and water surfing in order to write this book. The author definitely nailed everything and I highly highly recommend reading this book.

[Mark F · Rating 4 out of 5]

My latest read was Between the Waves and the Stars, B.P. Lynch’s first novel. I was fortunate enough to be given an ARC of this book, but this review is given voluntarily.

Between the Waves and the Stars is a coming-of-age tale centered around Kiko Rodriguez, a young man, and recent high school graduate, who’s navigating life and trying to find himself after the death of his father a few years earlier. This while coming to terms with the fact that he is gay and worrying that his friends and family might not treat him the same way once they find out. It’s got a wonderful cast of colorful characters, each with their own story, who form Kiko’s support system, even though it may take him a while to realize it.

Kiko feels lost, stuck, not knowing how to feel differently, and his low self-esteem is putting him in a position to be taken advantage of. Most times, he’s his own worst enemy, constantly doubting himself, feeling like he isn’t good enough, and often catastrophizing events in his life. Not all that unusual for someone who gets stuck in their own head because they feel like they have no one else to talk to, for fear of losing them. But this is also a story about friendships, both new and longstanding, betrayals, love, grief, and beginning the journey of becoming who we’re meant to be.

Though I understand that this is a coming-of-age story, and written for a younger audience, I think the story would have benefited by reducing the overly repetitive self-doubt, and the words “spiraling” and “low-key”, while not affecting the story in any way. I get it, it’s young adult lingo, but its repetitiveness was a bit much at times, though I should add, not enough to ruin the story for me.

I must say, I was quite impressed with this being a debut novel. I give it a 4 out of 5 and look forward to B. P. Lynch’s future work.

[Maria Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiko Rodriguez thought the summer after high school would be all sunsets and surf sessions. Instead, he's stuck: grieving his dad, ghosting his best friends, and flailing through a barista job he may or may not be qualified for. When a random run-in with the magnetic and unpredictable Troye leads to something that almost feels like a romance, Kiko starts to wonder if he's finally finding himself... or just getting pulled further from who he used to be.

Then there's Dylan. Quiet, thoughtful, and way too good at seeing through Kiko's defenses, he offers the kind of friendship that might actually mean more, if Kiko’s brave enough to let it.

Set against the vibrant streets and hazy beaches of Los Angeles, Between the Waves and the Stars is a coming-of-age story about love that surprises you, friendships that anchor you, and the messy, beautiful ways we figure out who we are.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been much of a reader of YA, but novels like this one make me feel like I'm missing out. 'Between the Waves and the Stars' featured a cast of believable characters struggling with what life throws at them and ultimately finding ways to thrive. I particularly enjoyed reading from the first person perspective of a person quite unlike me, in many ways, who nonetheless is experiencing a situation, having the thoughts and doubts that I can recall when I was his age. I also really enjoyed the sense of being in a dialect novel as Kiko's way of speaking is certainly not how I speak, but I very quickly adapted to understanding his turn of phrase. I'd thoroughly recommend this novel.

I received an advance copy of the book from BookSirens free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiko is the main character in this book. He just graduated high school. He's recognizing he's gay & doesn't believe anyone will be there to help him through this. His dad recently passed, his mom he feels is too much into her religion to understand. His friends are moving on and he feels like he's at a standstill with no-one to help guide. There are ups & downs in his journey. There's little to high angst, believable supporting characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A very touching debut YA novel. Kiko is struggling to discover himself and his place in the world and with people around him. Despite being surrounded by quite a few people who would be happy to be there for him, Kiko often felt very insecure and alone, and these feelings were particularly well described by the author. The characters and situations felt really realistic, and it all fit together beautifully.

[Emily Lupo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book followed Kiko who has recently graduated high school and is unsure of what to do next. As a person in a similar situation, this book really resonated with me. The characters were very realistic and their situations were as well. Nothing felt forced or gimmicky. This was an overall quick and enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the pictures at the top of every chapter.

I loved watching Kiko go through the up’s and down’s of figuring himself out and what he wants to do Career wise.

[Kayla Pinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about finding oneself and struggling to deal with friends and family in the process. It is about a boy trying to find his true identity. A true coming of age story. I highly recommend this book to those looking to find themselves.

[Sarah Hepworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapters were so ingaging . I found some chapter didn't engage me as much . I found the story really enjoyable to read . I foubd the chapters are good length . I overal enjoyed the book.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something new compared to what I usually read, and I really enjoyed it! I love how relatable the characters are and how the author makes you feel like you are in the room with them , going through the same struggles and feeling every emotion. If you're looking for something new to end your summer reading, I'd definitely recommend this one.