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High By the Beach
A summer of healing.
That’s what my mother calls it.
But Grove isn’t some magical fix. It’s a place to hide while the dust settles — except dust doesn’t settle when your twin sister‘s been in the ground for six weeks, and the ache in your chest won’t stop echoing the goodbye you never said.
I’m not here to heal.
I’m here to forget.
So the plan is simple: run fast, drink deep, and steer clear of the ocean.
That last rule falls apart my first night here.
One high.
One slip beneath the surface.
One pair of hands pulling me back up.
Carson Eli thinks he has me pegged from the jump — party girl, shallow, reckless.
He wants no part of me.
Hates that I’m taking up space in his circle.
But the thing is… he keeps watching.
And maybe that’s why he starts to see pieces slipping loose.
Starts showing up on days I’m fading into nothing.
Disdain softens.
Numbness fractures.
And everything starts to hurt in colour again.
But the thing about chasing highs — there’s always a come-down.
Carson might be teaching me to stay above water, but he still doesn’t know the reason I keep going under.
And if he gets too close, he won’t just get pulled in — he’ll drown with me.
That’s what my mother calls it.
But Grove isn’t some magical fix. It’s a place to hide while the dust settles — except dust doesn’t settle when your twin sister‘s been in the ground for six weeks, and the ache in your chest won’t stop echoing the goodbye you never said.
I’m not here to heal.
I’m here to forget.
So the plan is simple: run fast, drink deep, and steer clear of the ocean.
That last rule falls apart my first night here.
One high.
One slip beneath the surface.
One pair of hands pulling me back up.
Carson Eli thinks he has me pegged from the jump — party girl, shallow, reckless.
He wants no part of me.
Hates that I’m taking up space in his circle.
But the thing is… he keeps watching.
And maybe that’s why he starts to see pieces slipping loose.
Starts showing up on days I’m fading into nothing.
Disdain softens.
Numbness fractures.
And everything starts to hurt in colour again.
But the thing about chasing highs — there’s always a come-down.
Carson might be teaching me to stay above water, but he still doesn’t know the reason I keep going under.
And if he gets too close, he won’t just get pulled in — he’ll drown with me.
442 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
16 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
September 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.
I want to preface this review with saying that while I enjoyed this book immensely, this was a very difficult read for me personally. I’m a twin, and reading about Brielle’s loss of her twin sister left me feeling devastated. I spent a lot of my time reading through my tears. It’s hard to put into words the bond that twins share, but Wren captured it in a beautiful and heart-wrenching way.
Brielle is reeling after the loss of her twin sister, finding solace in the highs of partying. Her and her family have come to Grove for a summer of healing, and after a less than ideal meeting with a brooding boy on the beach, Brielle slowly finds a group of friends in Grove. Carson, the swimmer from the breach, seems to dislike her, but as the summer rolls on and secrets come to light, can they find comfort and healing in each other?
What a phenomenal debut! Brielle’s journey with grief and life after loss is beautiful in a heartbreaking way. Her pain through the story is palpable, and Wren’s poetic writing makes you feel like you’re on the journey with her. As I said earlier, having a twin sister myself made this such a hard read for me, but I felt so immersed in Brielle’s emotions and think anyone who reads the book will too.
Her relationship with her friends, and especially with Carson, is the real shining star of the story. There are so many highs and lows when it comes to grieving, and the process is never over. Carson became such an anchor for her, as did Aspen, Dylan, and Reese. He truly saw her pain and didn’t shy away from it. He had his own grief to deal with, and their relationship wasn’t always easy, but it was wonderful to see them grow as individuals and together.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.
I want to preface this review with saying that while I enjoyed this book immensely, this was a very difficult read for me personally. I’m a twin, and reading about Brielle’s loss of her twin sister left me feeling devastated. I spent a lot of my time reading through my tears. It’s hard to put into words the bond that twins share, but Wren captured it in a beautiful and heart-wrenching way.
Brielle is reeling after the loss of her twin sister, finding solace in the highs of partying. Her and her family have come to Grove for a summer of healing, and after a less than ideal meeting with a brooding boy on the beach, Brielle slowly finds a group of friends in Grove. Carson, the swimmer from the breach, seems to dislike her, but as the summer rolls on and secrets come to light, can they find comfort and healing in each other?
What a phenomenal debut! Brielle’s journey with grief and life after loss is beautiful in a heartbreaking way. Her pain through the story is palpable, and Wren’s poetic writing makes you feel like you’re on the journey with her. As I said earlier, having a twin sister myself made this such a hard read for me, but I felt so immersed in Brielle’s emotions and think anyone who reads the book will too.
Her relationship with her friends, and especially with Carson, is the real shining star of the story. There are so many highs and lows when it comes to grieving, and the process is never over. Carson became such an anchor for her, as did Aspen, Dylan, and Reese. He truly saw her pain and didn’t shy away from it. He had his own grief to deal with, and their relationship wasn’t always easy, but it was wonderful to see them grow as individuals and together.
October 5, 2025
𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
don’t be fooled by 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩’s cover : how cute, summery, and vibey it looks. the book will wreck you. i ventured into it knowing it juggled some heavy themes, but i didn’t quite realize it would ruin me the way it did. it was simply heartbreaking, absolutely a masterpiece, to picture how it affected me : i closed it with puffy eyes and a running nose.
Brielle is the female main character, and the novel is mainly recounted through her perspective. at the exception of two chapters narrated from the male main character’s point of view — Carson— and those, too, were absolutely gut-wrenching.
i appreciate how it was a real slow burn in every sense of the word. the protagonists truly took their time: first judging each other, then slowly becoming friends, and eventually, lovers.
what amazed me most is that this was the author’s debut novel. her writing was stunning — delicate yet raw, emotional without ever feeling forced. i was completely starstruck by how she portrayed her characters and captured their emotions with such depth. grief in this story wasn’t just a theme; it was alive, breathing through every line. dare i say.. so poetically elegiac? i loved watching Brielle slowly find her way back to light felt so natural and moving and how her healing journey counted the beautiful secondary characters i fell in love with. i would quite literally read anything this author writes in the future.
many thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍
——————
this one gonna break me i feel it..
spoiler alert : it destroyed me 😀
"I fucking love you, Brielle."
His lips barely brush mine, but the sensation ignites. "My guiding light," he whispers. "My Polaris."
don’t be fooled by 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩’s cover : how cute, summery, and vibey it looks. the book will wreck you. i ventured into it knowing it juggled some heavy themes, but i didn’t quite realize it would ruin me the way it did. it was simply heartbreaking, absolutely a masterpiece, to picture how it affected me : i closed it with puffy eyes and a running nose.
Brielle is the female main character, and the novel is mainly recounted through her perspective. at the exception of two chapters narrated from the male main character’s point of view — Carson— and those, too, were absolutely gut-wrenching.
i appreciate how it was a real slow burn in every sense of the word. the protagonists truly took their time: first judging each other, then slowly becoming friends, and eventually, lovers.
what amazed me most is that this was the author’s debut novel. her writing was stunning — delicate yet raw, emotional without ever feeling forced. i was completely starstruck by how she portrayed her characters and captured their emotions with such depth. grief in this story wasn’t just a theme; it was alive, breathing through every line. dare i say.. so poetically elegiac? i loved watching Brielle slowly find her way back to light felt so natural and moving and how her healing journey counted the beautiful secondary characters i fell in love with. i would quite literally read anything this author writes in the future.
many thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍
——————
this one gonna break me i feel it..
spoiler alert : it destroyed me 😀
October 9, 2025
I loved this book! 📖 I am quite the sucker for a book that will emotionally wreck me. The book did in fact emotionally wreck me but it also put me back together whole. This is a book about grief and love and it was truly perfect. This is a not very spicy slow burn and I really enjoyed it. I devoured this book a lot faster than I thought I would and I CRIED. Both Brielle and Carson are dealing with loss but this book is not just about loss. It’s also about healing and moving forward. This book was so raw and so beautifully written. Everyone should give it a chance.
October 5, 2025
Thank you to the author Wren Amari for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
High By The Beach is an emotional read dealing with grief and how to move on when your twin sister has unexpectedly passed away. I found myself rushing to finish it as I was truly taken in by the story. The prose is poetic and the plot is very character driven. There were some pacing issues and I found myself slightly confused by who was saying what at times as well as the ‘geography’ of Grove (for example I didn’t realise how close their houses were until nearly the end of the book).
The relationship between Carson and Brielle was well written and their slow burn was one of the best I have read for a while. They had such a strong dynamic. I found myself getting frustrated with her for not letting him in and telling him what she was experiencing. The ending did feel a bit sudden and I was hoping for an epilogue set in the future so we could see how Brielle and her family were getting along.
The side characters were a highlight of the book and I wasn’t sure if they were being set up to have their own stories (one comment between Aspen and Reese implied some history…). A strong debut and I wouldn’t mind returning to Grove in the future.
High By The Beach is an emotional read dealing with grief and how to move on when your twin sister has unexpectedly passed away. I found myself rushing to finish it as I was truly taken in by the story. The prose is poetic and the plot is very character driven. There were some pacing issues and I found myself slightly confused by who was saying what at times as well as the ‘geography’ of Grove (for example I didn’t realise how close their houses were until nearly the end of the book).
The relationship between Carson and Brielle was well written and their slow burn was one of the best I have read for a while. They had such a strong dynamic. I found myself getting frustrated with her for not letting him in and telling him what she was experiencing. The ending did feel a bit sudden and I was hoping for an epilogue set in the future so we could see how Brielle and her family were getting along.
The side characters were a highlight of the book and I wasn’t sure if they were being set up to have their own stories (one comment between Aspen and Reese implied some history…). A strong debut and I wouldn’t mind returning to Grove in the future.
November 7, 2025
It was…. Such a beautiful book. A book that healed a part of me, that helped me in more ways than I could have thought. The story was amazing, I loved the characters (I would LOVE to see Aspen’, Dylan’s and Reese’s books!) and found family. I was able to connect with them. Fell in love with both Brielle and Carson, two beautiful souls whose hearts were shattered in many ways and that are trying to get all those pieces back together. Their relationship was slow, full of understanding, helping, caring. I always wanted to read the next chapter, the next moment. The writing… it’s so beautiful, poetic, I could always imagine everything that the author was presenting. I immersed myself fully in it. Wren, you are incredible. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to read your book. I can officially say that this book became one of my favourites this year ❤️
October 28, 2025
This is more 3.5 rounded up. The way the author handles loss and grief is really well done. The pacing at times threw me off a bit it was almost like watching season one of the Witcher on Netflix, where you’re jumping around and not entirely sure what’s happening but still vibing. The side characters really make this! Thanks to the author for the advanced copy and this is my honest thoughts 💜
September 25, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up!!
Ugh, this book was beautiful! I finished this is one sitting. The storyline is so well written and the characters are easy to connect with. Brielle is overcoming traumatic experiences and the tragic death of her twin sister, cue the MMC Carson. Carson is her anchor saving her from herself. He was the spark she needed to see the light and color in life again. Each character has their own story that serves as a reminder that you’re never alone in your grief or pain. Although you’re never alone in grief or pain, you’re also never alone in wanting life to feel warm and beautiful again. After reading the special note the author left for us ARC reviewers, I can strongly say that I love the characters just as much.
A perfect book to read if you’re wanting a refresher, or if you want a quick and engaging read. The book is fast-paced, but it flows so well. There are trigger warnings for substance abuse and numerous instances of grief/loss.
Ugh, this book was beautiful! I finished this is one sitting. The storyline is so well written and the characters are easy to connect with. Brielle is overcoming traumatic experiences and the tragic death of her twin sister, cue the MMC Carson. Carson is her anchor saving her from herself. He was the spark she needed to see the light and color in life again. Each character has their own story that serves as a reminder that you’re never alone in your grief or pain. Although you’re never alone in grief or pain, you’re also never alone in wanting life to feel warm and beautiful again. After reading the special note the author left for us ARC reviewers, I can strongly say that I love the characters just as much.
A perfect book to read if you’re wanting a refresher, or if you want a quick and engaging read. The book is fast-paced, but it flows so well. There are trigger warnings for substance abuse and numerous instances of grief/loss.
November 16, 2025
This book wrecked me. It had me crying and laughing. It pulled me in and I felt like I was right there with the characters. I fell in love with Brielle and Carson. Brielle’s journey is so relatable to real-life healing experiences. Carson has a heart of gold, he may be broody but he sees Brielle, really sees her and can’t help but care for her. He is just what I love for MMC. Their relationship had me in a chokehold with all the ups and downs. Dylan, Reese, Aspen were the best support system, their banter brought so much warmth to the story. Little Hannah was the sweetest through it all. High by the Beach may be filled with heartbreak but it is also full of healing. If you love a book with a Broody MMC, a misjudged FMC, grief and healing, slow burn, found stability,and angst then this book is for you.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC of you debut novel Wren Amari.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC of you debut novel Wren Amari.
September 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
The debut novel follows Brielle, who comes to Grove to heal. That’s what she was told. Her and her parents rent a beach house, and this is the summer to heal.
But Brielle doesn’t want to heal, she wants to forget.
Carson Eli finds her on the beach, in the water and pulls her to shore.
He thinks he knows what’s happening. He has no idea.
This book was an emotional read, I lost count of how many times my eyes watered and leaked. 😭
Lots of assumptions, loss, grief, substance abuse, panic attacks. Real emotions.
You will fall in love with Carson. You will have Hope for Brielle. And you will heal.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙨.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝.”
The debut novel follows Brielle, who comes to Grove to heal. That’s what she was told. Her and her parents rent a beach house, and this is the summer to heal.
But Brielle doesn’t want to heal, she wants to forget.
Carson Eli finds her on the beach, in the water and pulls her to shore.
He thinks he knows what’s happening. He has no idea.
This book was an emotional read, I lost count of how many times my eyes watered and leaked. 😭
Lots of assumptions, loss, grief, substance abuse, panic attacks. Real emotions.
You will fall in love with Carson. You will have Hope for Brielle. And you will heal.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙨.”
October 10, 2025
🌊
What a beautiful debut novel. The beach setting really set the whole vibe of the book. It’s slow and moody and I loved it. This story starts with Brielle in a bad place. It was heartbreaking to see her dealing with her trauma and grief. This book was a wonderful slow burn. I especially loved that this book didn’t rely on the romance to fix all of Brielle’s problems. I really really loved Carson though! This book was tragic in many ways but also leaves you with a lot of hope. I would be so happy to get a book about the other friends in their friend group! 🤞
if you enjoy an emotional read about dealing with heavy grief then I def recommend. Please check TW though because there’s a few in this.
What a beautiful debut novel. The beach setting really set the whole vibe of the book. It’s slow and moody and I loved it. This story starts with Brielle in a bad place. It was heartbreaking to see her dealing with her trauma and grief. This book was a wonderful slow burn. I especially loved that this book didn’t rely on the romance to fix all of Brielle’s problems. I really really loved Carson though! This book was tragic in many ways but also leaves you with a lot of hope. I would be so happy to get a book about the other friends in their friend group! 🤞
if you enjoy an emotional read about dealing with heavy grief then I def recommend. Please check TW though because there’s a few in this.
October 9, 2025
I couldn't be more excited to write the review for this book today.
This was a change for me in what I have been reading 📚, but change is good.
I was instantly so captivated by the story instantly. The words felt like they were just floating off the page in the best way.
I was hooked right away just like when I have read popular titles from authors like Rebecca yarros and Sarah J. Mass a d Chloe Walsh.
I fell in love with this story. I didn't ever want it to end and I still cannot believe this is her debut book.
This was a change for me in what I have been reading 📚, but change is good.
I was instantly so captivated by the story instantly. The words felt like they were just floating off the page in the best way.
I was hooked right away just like when I have read popular titles from authors like Rebecca yarros and Sarah J. Mass a d Chloe Walsh.
I fell in love with this story. I didn't ever want it to end and I still cannot believe this is her debut book.
September 24, 2025
I am so grateful to have received an arc for this book because oh my god I haven’t read a book this fast in at least a year or two. I am so whole again 😭! This book encapsulates grief in so many ways. It makes you cry, it makes you feel warm, it makes you feel like you are the one riding the wave of grief. Wren wrote this book so beautifully, I felt like I was with the characters through it all. I was in calls with my friends at times when reading and I got so lost in the book that I forgot they were talking in the background. Bri and Carson have my whole soul. The love, the grief, the healing, the found family, ALL of it truly just so beautiful I wish I could truly express in words how amazing this book was! I will miss Bri, Carson, Reese, Aspen, Dylan, and of course Hannah so much.
October 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW
High by the beach
Brielle and Carson’s first encounter isn’t the best but she befriends his friends when retrieving her phone that he picked up that night.
Their relationship is rocky with her secrets and grief rocking her from being authentic. While he realizes he was being hard on her, she still keeps him at arms length.
I think the story had great potential but it jumped around a lot and I didn’t know the timeline half the book.
I loved the emotions that were drawn out from this story. The side characters were valuable to the story.
I think it would have benefited from being dual POV so we got Carson’s point of view more than just one chapter randomly towards the end of the book.
It ended abruptly so I had unanswered questions of how things ended with certain plot lines that seem to be thrown in towards the last half of the book.
High by the beach
Brielle and Carson’s first encounter isn’t the best but she befriends his friends when retrieving her phone that he picked up that night.
Their relationship is rocky with her secrets and grief rocking her from being authentic. While he realizes he was being hard on her, she still keeps him at arms length.
I think the story had great potential but it jumped around a lot and I didn’t know the timeline half the book.
I loved the emotions that were drawn out from this story. The side characters were valuable to the story.
I think it would have benefited from being dual POV so we got Carson’s point of view more than just one chapter randomly towards the end of the book.
It ended abruptly so I had unanswered questions of how things ended with certain plot lines that seem to be thrown in towards the last half of the book.
October 28, 2025
“Everything he said…he sees me. I don’t want him to see me. I don’t want anyone to see me.”
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of High By the Beach. This story revolves around a grief-stricken twin named Brielle. One night she is pulled back onto shore by Carson. From here, they seem to keep crossing paths. Carson gives off frigid and uninterested vibes towards Brielle or at least that’s how she interprets his attitude and actions. However, the more time they spend together the more they begin to break down each other’s walls. At times it feels like they’re begging each another to reveal more and more and end up getting nowhere. I guess I’ll pin it on the slow burn aspect. However, the pacing is what made me rate it 3.5. The story felt slow and longer than it needed to be while the ending felt somewhat sudden and rushed. I do appreciate that it brings awareness to topics such as mental health and substance abuse.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of High By the Beach. This story revolves around a grief-stricken twin named Brielle. One night she is pulled back onto shore by Carson. From here, they seem to keep crossing paths. Carson gives off frigid and uninterested vibes towards Brielle or at least that’s how she interprets his attitude and actions. However, the more time they spend together the more they begin to break down each other’s walls. At times it feels like they’re begging each another to reveal more and more and end up getting nowhere. I guess I’ll pin it on the slow burn aspect. However, the pacing is what made me rate it 3.5. The story felt slow and longer than it needed to be while the ending felt somewhat sudden and rushed. I do appreciate that it brings awareness to topics such as mental health and substance abuse.
September 26, 2025
I absolutely adore this book I loved
everything about the characters,
how the grief was depicted, how the
romance was written in, small themes
about struggles with addiction.
The way the love between the two characters was shown.
This was my first ARC ever, I am definitely happy that it was! I never wanted to put the book down
It started raining on my last day
reading it which was just perfect!
everything about the characters,
how the grief was depicted, how the
romance was written in, small themes
about struggles with addiction.
The way the love between the two characters was shown.
This was my first ARC ever, I am definitely happy that it was! I never wanted to put the book down
It started raining on my last day
reading it which was just perfect!
October 19, 2025
4.75⭐️
wow.
what an incredible book.
what beautiful writing and characters.
this is a story about grief and addiction that broke your heart in one chapter and started piecing it back together in the next. i was hooked right from the beginning, brielle and carson completely owned my heart. their romance was such a slowburn in the best way, messy and tender and so worth every page of the build-up.
but honestly, it wasn’t just the romance that got me. the friendships between brielle, carson, reese, aspen, and dylan were everything.
wren’s writing was stunning. emotional without being over the top, this book hurt, but it also healed. i loved it.
wow.
what an incredible book.
what beautiful writing and characters.
this is a story about grief and addiction that broke your heart in one chapter and started piecing it back together in the next. i was hooked right from the beginning, brielle and carson completely owned my heart. their romance was such a slowburn in the best way, messy and tender and so worth every page of the build-up.
but honestly, it wasn’t just the romance that got me. the friendships between brielle, carson, reese, aspen, and dylan were everything.
wren’s writing was stunning. emotional without being over the top, this book hurt, but it also healed. i loved it.
October 16, 2025
ARC Review
4.25 ⭐️
Wow! What a great debut! I could not put this book down. I finished it in less than 24 hours. This book was so raw and emotional. I loved the connection between Brielle and Carson. The slow burn was everything. The healing journey they went through together, as well as individually was written so well. Also, I loved the found family among all the characters. This book definitely took me on an emotional journey and it will stick with me for a long time. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this beautiful story and I look forward to reading more from you in the future!!!
4.25 ⭐️
Wow! What a great debut! I could not put this book down. I finished it in less than 24 hours. This book was so raw and emotional. I loved the connection between Brielle and Carson. The slow burn was everything. The healing journey they went through together, as well as individually was written so well. Also, I loved the found family among all the characters. This book definitely took me on an emotional journey and it will stick with me for a long time. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this beautiful story and I look forward to reading more from you in the future!!!
October 10, 2025
⋆⊹ ⤿
pre-release
|| ~ releases 10 . 9 . 25
MY FIRST ARC FROM AN AUTHOR AFTER STARTING A BOOKSTAGRAMMMM!! the lovely author contacted me and i got to start today, oh my goodnesss!! i'm already in love <3
MY FIRST ARC FROM AN AUTHOR AFTER STARTING A BOOKSTAGRAMMMM!! the lovely author contacted me and i got to start today, oh my goodnesss!! i'm already in love <3
November 25, 2025
First of all thank you so much to the author for the ARC.
I didn't know what to expect when I received this book but it wasn't THAT (in a good way). I'm scared this review won't do this story justice.
Opening this book I totally expected a cute little summer romance but don't be fooled because this story will wreck you.
It deals with heavy topics and I didn't realise it would crush me that way as well as healing me.
There is not one part of this whole story that wasn't gut-wrenching. It's about grief, loss, love and everything in between, it tackles real life experiences, that I think everyone can see itself in.
Brielle's narrative dug deep inside me, she was so raw with what she experienced and how it affected her. I was blown away to feel how much her character resonated with me, I could fell myself be in her shoes, experience the butterflies in my stomach, my heart beating so hard but also the deep grief that made me want to throw up from how much it hurt.
The events she went through changed her entire life and the way it was portrayed in the book was perfect. Her journey through new relationships, rekindling her old and new life and battling with unrestrained and violent emotions had me in tears.
I absolutely fell in love with her character.
Carson, Aspen, Dylan, Reese and even Hannah just made so much sense to fit into this new life, though we couldn't always see it, they were always so patient, and full of love for Brielle when they didn't even know her whole story.
Time was needed to tell this story and have a realistic grip on what the characters went through, and it was flawlessly executed, any interogation I had was answered.
The love between the main characters wasn't immediate and was questionned especially given the context in which they found each other. It was absolutely moving and made sense in every possible way.
I'm still blown away to know that this is Wren Amari's debut. Her writing is so inspiring and share so much emotions so naturally. It's quite rare for me to feel this strongly for a book, but the love that was poured in it make it this special.
It's with puffy eyes, tears lined up eyes, a running nose and an inside out heart that I closed this astonishing piece of art and can only hope everyone will give this book a chance.
I didn't know what to expect when I received this book but it wasn't THAT (in a good way). I'm scared this review won't do this story justice.
Opening this book I totally expected a cute little summer romance but don't be fooled because this story will wreck you.
It deals with heavy topics and I didn't realise it would crush me that way as well as healing me.
There is not one part of this whole story that wasn't gut-wrenching. It's about grief, loss, love and everything in between, it tackles real life experiences, that I think everyone can see itself in.
Brielle's narrative dug deep inside me, she was so raw with what she experienced and how it affected her. I was blown away to feel how much her character resonated with me, I could fell myself be in her shoes, experience the butterflies in my stomach, my heart beating so hard but also the deep grief that made me want to throw up from how much it hurt.
The events she went through changed her entire life and the way it was portrayed in the book was perfect. Her journey through new relationships, rekindling her old and new life and battling with unrestrained and violent emotions had me in tears.
I absolutely fell in love with her character.
Carson, Aspen, Dylan, Reese and even Hannah just made so much sense to fit into this new life, though we couldn't always see it, they were always so patient, and full of love for Brielle when they didn't even know her whole story.
Time was needed to tell this story and have a realistic grip on what the characters went through, and it was flawlessly executed, any interogation I had was answered.
The love between the main characters wasn't immediate and was questionned especially given the context in which they found each other. It was absolutely moving and made sense in every possible way.
I'm still blown away to know that this is Wren Amari's debut. Her writing is so inspiring and share so much emotions so naturally. It's quite rare for me to feel this strongly for a book, but the love that was poured in it make it this special.
It's with puffy eyes, tears lined up eyes, a running nose and an inside out heart that I closed this astonishing piece of art and can only hope everyone will give this book a chance.
September 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | NO 🌶️ (Releases October 9th)
Thanks to Wren for providing me with an ARC of her debut novel!!! 💕 All opinions are my own.
This is a HEAVY story - if you are sensitive to mentions of drug abuse, grief, and trauma, definitely check the warnings before reading.
Our story follows Brielle, who is, for lack of a better word, crashing out after the death of her sister. Spending a summer in Grove, she creates a found family in her new friends, and slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) falls in love with our MMC Carson. Mind you, Carson also has some shit of his own going on too.
One thing I do love about this book is the characters. Everyone is so easy to love, even Carson who starts out the epitome of a brooding grump. Aspen, Dylan, and Reese are all very strong characters in their own right, and despite their relatively small screen time, they ooze personality and I have a super clear grip on all of them and who they are as people, what makes them tick.
The pacing of this book is a little hard to follow at times. Sometimes it feels like weeks have passed, then it is revealed to have only been days or sometimes, the same day? I do also think that they very frilly language can sometimes make the plot confusing - almost every single sentence is embellished with adjectives and fluffy words that I feel like I can’t tell what’s often going on because the meaning is lost in a bunch of unnecessary flavor. It also felt like every line of dialogue was followed up with a description, emotion or characters voice. Sometimes I just want free-flowing conversation without a mental pause!!
That being said though, the characters were very much the highlight and in a book that tackles very heavy subjects, you want your characters to be a central focus. Everyone in this book is dealing with *something*, some big, some small. I appreciate that the small scale issues are treated with the same respect and dignity as some of the larger and more pressing traumas. It feels like Wren has really done her research here into grief, trauma and the healing/therapy process.
I did feel like the ending chapters were quite rushed, a LOT of storytelling was jammed into them. I love slow burn romances, and the first half of this book nails that, but it feels like once the big reveals are all said and done, several plot points rush by in the blink of an eye. I know the book is already quite long, but I would have loved to have seen those final few story beats fleshed out a bit more and have some time to breathe. The book ends on an unfinished note, I was left wanting more (good!) but in the sense that it felt like this story was literally unfinished. This could be my interpretation though, it is possible it was MEANT to finish on an unfinished note, maybe something more is coming in the world of Grove….?
If you like:
💕 Slow burn romances
💕 Hurt/Comfort
💕 Heavy topics
💕 Found family tropes
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine (sort of…)
Then I think you will get something out of this book. Also worth mentioning, this book has NO spice, literally none. Very refreshing and really gives focus to the romance between the characters, I really enjoyed that!!
Thanks again to Wren for the opportunity to advance review her debut novel 💚
Thanks to Wren for providing me with an ARC of her debut novel!!! 💕 All opinions are my own.
This is a HEAVY story - if you are sensitive to mentions of drug abuse, grief, and trauma, definitely check the warnings before reading.
Our story follows Brielle, who is, for lack of a better word, crashing out after the death of her sister. Spending a summer in Grove, she creates a found family in her new friends, and slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) falls in love with our MMC Carson. Mind you, Carson also has some shit of his own going on too.
One thing I do love about this book is the characters. Everyone is so easy to love, even Carson who starts out the epitome of a brooding grump. Aspen, Dylan, and Reese are all very strong characters in their own right, and despite their relatively small screen time, they ooze personality and I have a super clear grip on all of them and who they are as people, what makes them tick.
The pacing of this book is a little hard to follow at times. Sometimes it feels like weeks have passed, then it is revealed to have only been days or sometimes, the same day? I do also think that they very frilly language can sometimes make the plot confusing - almost every single sentence is embellished with adjectives and fluffy words that I feel like I can’t tell what’s often going on because the meaning is lost in a bunch of unnecessary flavor. It also felt like every line of dialogue was followed up with a description, emotion or characters voice. Sometimes I just want free-flowing conversation without a mental pause!!
That being said though, the characters were very much the highlight and in a book that tackles very heavy subjects, you want your characters to be a central focus. Everyone in this book is dealing with *something*, some big, some small. I appreciate that the small scale issues are treated with the same respect and dignity as some of the larger and more pressing traumas. It feels like Wren has really done her research here into grief, trauma and the healing/therapy process.
I did feel like the ending chapters were quite rushed, a LOT of storytelling was jammed into them. I love slow burn romances, and the first half of this book nails that, but it feels like once the big reveals are all said and done, several plot points rush by in the blink of an eye. I know the book is already quite long, but I would have loved to have seen those final few story beats fleshed out a bit more and have some time to breathe. The book ends on an unfinished note, I was left wanting more (good!) but in the sense that it felt like this story was literally unfinished. This could be my interpretation though, it is possible it was MEANT to finish on an unfinished note, maybe something more is coming in the world of Grove….?
If you like:
💕 Slow burn romances
💕 Hurt/Comfort
💕 Heavy topics
💕 Found family tropes
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine (sort of…)
Then I think you will get something out of this book. Also worth mentioning, this book has NO spice, literally none. Very refreshing and really gives focus to the romance between the characters, I really enjoyed that!!
Thanks again to Wren for the opportunity to advance review her debut novel 💚
October 1, 2025
Another day, another ARC. I was contacted by someone with the question to ARC read this book. I applied for a copy and got around to reading it! I finished this book in 2 days.
I had zero expectations for this book. I did read the blurb and got an overview of the tropes in advance, but it was a debut and I wanted to give it an honest chance. From the point of view of our main character Brielle, this author told a story about dealing with grief in different ways. We did get one chapter from our male main character's POV, but that ended up just being one.
The story starts with a particular bad day for Brielle. Intoxicated, she tries to face her fears by dunking herself in the ocean. What she didn't expect was a stranger taking care of her and walking her home. You would think the two will hit it off, but the meeting between Carson and Brielle doesn't go so well. Neither does their second meeting, which is full of tension and unspoken judgement. Will Brielle and Carson find a middle ground?
I got to say, Brielle has decent taste. A Moët & Chandon champagne for a first meeting? Good choice. But Brielle has it rough. The loss of her twin sister weighs on her, but also her parents. Her mother sometimes will speak to her, naming her Bryce instead of Brielle, which means the burden keeps on weighing her down. She gets kicked back into her grief again and again, even by those who are supposed to be closest to her. Although it is said by her and those around her that therpay was helping, didn't mean it wasn't rough and gritty. It did trigger the third act breakup, something I am not usually a fan of.
Carson on the other hand, starts off grumpy, but it is very soon revealed that he is a big softie. It becomes quite obvious that this guy has a big heart early on. The interactions with his sister are also very sweet to read. He did however have the tendency to jump to conclusions too quick, but I guess that was just one of his flaws.
Some issues I ran into while reading, apart from the third act breakup (but let's face it: it's a romance book), was that the move from the house her parents were renting to Carson's house was off page. It took me a while for my brain to catch up that that specifically had happened.
I have to say this too: Aspen was amazing. No notes on her, stellar friend.
With its short chapters I flew through this book in less than 24 hours, even though it was over 400 pages. But the feelings in this book were so well written. The lack of smut made it so that the relationships came forward a lot more. I finished this book craving more of it and flipping through my ereader to check if that was all. Maybe the ending was a little abrupt, but next to that I thought this was a wonderful read.
Before I leave you to go about the rest of your day/night/evening I was to say thank you to Wren Amari for letting me ARC read this book for you. I hope your debut novel does wonderful and I hope to see more stories from your hand soon!
I had zero expectations for this book. I did read the blurb and got an overview of the tropes in advance, but it was a debut and I wanted to give it an honest chance. From the point of view of our main character Brielle, this author told a story about dealing with grief in different ways. We did get one chapter from our male main character's POV, but that ended up just being one.
The story starts with a particular bad day for Brielle. Intoxicated, she tries to face her fears by dunking herself in the ocean. What she didn't expect was a stranger taking care of her and walking her home. You would think the two will hit it off, but the meeting between Carson and Brielle doesn't go so well. Neither does their second meeting, which is full of tension and unspoken judgement. Will Brielle and Carson find a middle ground?
I got to say, Brielle has decent taste. A Moët & Chandon champagne for a first meeting? Good choice. But Brielle has it rough. The loss of her twin sister weighs on her, but also her parents. Her mother sometimes will speak to her, naming her Bryce instead of Brielle, which means the burden keeps on weighing her down. She gets kicked back into her grief again and again, even by those who are supposed to be closest to her. Although it is said by her and those around her that therpay was helping, didn't mean it wasn't rough and gritty. It did trigger the third act breakup, something I am not usually a fan of.
Carson on the other hand, starts off grumpy, but it is very soon revealed that he is a big softie. It becomes quite obvious that this guy has a big heart early on. The interactions with his sister are also very sweet to read. He did however have the tendency to jump to conclusions too quick, but I guess that was just one of his flaws.
Some issues I ran into while reading, apart from the third act breakup (but let's face it: it's a romance book), was that the move from the house her parents were renting to Carson's house was off page. It took me a while for my brain to catch up that that specifically had happened.
I have to say this too: Aspen was amazing. No notes on her, stellar friend.
With its short chapters I flew through this book in less than 24 hours, even though it was over 400 pages. But the feelings in this book were so well written. The lack of smut made it so that the relationships came forward a lot more. I finished this book craving more of it and flipping through my ereader to check if that was all. Maybe the ending was a little abrupt, but next to that I thought this was a wonderful read.
Before I leave you to go about the rest of your day/night/evening I was to say thank you to Wren Amari for letting me ARC read this book for you. I hope your debut novel does wonderful and I hope to see more stories from your hand soon!
October 6, 2025
ARC review!!!!
High By the Beach by @authorwrenamari
This was my first ever ARC read and it was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Diving into the reality of love after loss, the impact that the loss of a loved one has on every member of the family. When Bryce Jameson makes a decision that cost her the ultimate price, the ripple effect it has on her surviving family is devastating and borderline irreparable. Her polar opposite twin sister Brielle struggles to find the strength to move on when not only does she have survivor’s guilt but her own parents make no effort to keep the family dynamic in tact.
One summer at The Grove changes everything. As Brielle turns to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, anxiety, and feelings of abandonment; A moment of despair is interrupted by a beacon of safety found in Carson Eli. Cold, Brash, Devastatingly handsome Carson Eli.
As much as he tries to distance himself from her, there is always something pointing him in her direction. A force out of either of their control something almost as if it was written in the stars.
Brielle and Carson are forced to orbit in the same group as his friends take her under their wing. As the summer progresses, they are exploring and embracing this gravitational pull they have towards each other.
When they finally realize that the feelings are mutual and they both begin to heal from their own tragic stories, a heartbreaking realization makes Brielle question everything. Are the feelings real or is she trading one addiction for another?
This book really does take you through all the stages of grief and really delicately highlights the reality of loss when you lose a family member it truly makes you question everything and every relationship that you have in your life. You feel so lost and disconnected from what your life used to be and you have to kind of refined your center of gravity and that’s definitely easier said than done and loss doesn’t have to just mean death losing someone to addiction can be just as detrimental, and I feel like this book beautifully encapsulated all of that.
High By the Beach by @authorwrenamari
This was my first ever ARC read and it was so heartbreakingly beautiful.
Diving into the reality of love after loss, the impact that the loss of a loved one has on every member of the family. When Bryce Jameson makes a decision that cost her the ultimate price, the ripple effect it has on her surviving family is devastating and borderline irreparable. Her polar opposite twin sister Brielle struggles to find the strength to move on when not only does she have survivor’s guilt but her own parents make no effort to keep the family dynamic in tact.
One summer at The Grove changes everything. As Brielle turns to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, anxiety, and feelings of abandonment; A moment of despair is interrupted by a beacon of safety found in Carson Eli. Cold, Brash, Devastatingly handsome Carson Eli.
As much as he tries to distance himself from her, there is always something pointing him in her direction. A force out of either of their control something almost as if it was written in the stars.
Brielle and Carson are forced to orbit in the same group as his friends take her under their wing. As the summer progresses, they are exploring and embracing this gravitational pull they have towards each other.
When they finally realize that the feelings are mutual and they both begin to heal from their own tragic stories, a heartbreaking realization makes Brielle question everything. Are the feelings real or is she trading one addiction for another?
This book really does take you through all the stages of grief and really delicately highlights the reality of loss when you lose a family member it truly makes you question everything and every relationship that you have in your life. You feel so lost and disconnected from what your life used to be and you have to kind of refined your center of gravity and that’s definitely easier said than done and loss doesn’t have to just mean death losing someone to addiction can be just as detrimental, and I feel like this book beautifully encapsulated all of that.
September 26, 2025
High by the Beach ARC Review‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book destroyed and pieced me back together.
The perfect slow burn book, because it wasn’t just about 2 people falling in love, it was about 2 broken souls finding each other, coming together and helping each other heal. Putting each other back together. Building trust and friendships.
Carson and Brielle were magnetic. Pulling me in. And the rest of the characters were just as important. Aspen, Reese, Dylan and even Hannah all had roles. They completed this family that Brielle craved in a way she didn’t know she needed.
I cried so much reading some of these chapters. Feeling all the angst and loss. Grieving along with Brielle. But this book also made me smile, laugh and hope. It showed me that healing after loss is possible if you surround yourself by the right people. Brielle’s fate could have been so much worse after that first night on the beach. She was already spiraling but meeting Carson put something else into motion. He grounded her. And in more ways than one whether he realized it or not, he stopped her from spiraling out of control. Beginning that night on the beach, then again at the country club, and finally just by being present. It was also Brielle who saved Carson. They saved each other.
Carson may not have liked Brielle to begin with, but she slowly moved into his heart and his space. He fought it for so long and so did she but in the end, we got it. That love we all crave. And it’s not happily ever after, because it’s so much more. It’s raw, real and imperfect. The perfect beginning.
Wren Amari wrote this masterpiece, and she truly captured grief and what it feels like. Drowning, the need to feel numb, the need to find something else to fixate on, to find a high. She brought this book to life. While shedding light on substance abuse and the consequences that come with it. She tore my heart open but pieced it back together chapter by chapter. This book was everything I knew it would be from the moment I read the Synopsis. I can’t fully describe how much this book meant to me and how much I loved it.
It was perfect in every way. I seriously cannot wait for her to write more books! We need Aspen’s, Reese’s and Dylan’s stories asap! Even a continuation of Carson and Brielle while focusing on Hannah.
Keep your eyes open because Wren Amari is going to take the book world by storm! I just know it!
Thank you Wren, for writing this masterpiece and sharing it with me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book destroyed and pieced me back together.
The perfect slow burn book, because it wasn’t just about 2 people falling in love, it was about 2 broken souls finding each other, coming together and helping each other heal. Putting each other back together. Building trust and friendships.
Carson and Brielle were magnetic. Pulling me in. And the rest of the characters were just as important. Aspen, Reese, Dylan and even Hannah all had roles. They completed this family that Brielle craved in a way she didn’t know she needed.
I cried so much reading some of these chapters. Feeling all the angst and loss. Grieving along with Brielle. But this book also made me smile, laugh and hope. It showed me that healing after loss is possible if you surround yourself by the right people. Brielle’s fate could have been so much worse after that first night on the beach. She was already spiraling but meeting Carson put something else into motion. He grounded her. And in more ways than one whether he realized it or not, he stopped her from spiraling out of control. Beginning that night on the beach, then again at the country club, and finally just by being present. It was also Brielle who saved Carson. They saved each other.
Carson may not have liked Brielle to begin with, but she slowly moved into his heart and his space. He fought it for so long and so did she but in the end, we got it. That love we all crave. And it’s not happily ever after, because it’s so much more. It’s raw, real and imperfect. The perfect beginning.
Wren Amari wrote this masterpiece, and she truly captured grief and what it feels like. Drowning, the need to feel numb, the need to find something else to fixate on, to find a high. She brought this book to life. While shedding light on substance abuse and the consequences that come with it. She tore my heart open but pieced it back together chapter by chapter. This book was everything I knew it would be from the moment I read the Synopsis. I can’t fully describe how much this book meant to me and how much I loved it.
It was perfect in every way. I seriously cannot wait for her to write more books! We need Aspen’s, Reese’s and Dylan’s stories asap! Even a continuation of Carson and Brielle while focusing on Hannah.
Keep your eyes open because Wren Amari is going to take the book world by storm! I just know it!
Thank you Wren, for writing this masterpiece and sharing it with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
Thank you to Wren Amari for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
This book is about loss, resilience, and the way love can anchor us through grief. It’s an emotional story that doesn’t shy away from heavy subjects, so I recommend checking trigger warnings before starting — especially around substance abuse, depression, and death. If you’re not in the right place mentally, it’s okay to wait. The story will still be there when you’re ready.
Brielle is drowning. After losing her twin sister, she numbs her pain with drugs and alcohol, retreating from the world. Her parents take her to a beach house for the summer, hoping for a reset. What follows is a raw journey of reckoning — one that brings Brielle face-to-face with her grief, her mistakes, and the possibility of healing through friendship, connection, and eventually, love.
Brielle and Carson’s relationship was the highlight of the story for me! Their tension and tenderness balanced beautifully, and the romance itself stayed sweet and clean, which felt refreshing. Brielle’s growth was powerful, though I wished Carson’s healing had been explored in more depth. The conclusion, while satisfying in many ways, felt a bit abrupt — almost like it ended one chapter too soon.
Wren Amari delivers a heartfelt and poignant read, weaving themes of love, healing, and hope throughout. While I sometimes struggled with pacing — some sections rushed, others drawn out — the emotional pull of the story made it an engaging read overall.
This book is about loss, resilience, and the way love can anchor us through grief. It’s an emotional story that doesn’t shy away from heavy subjects, so I recommend checking trigger warnings before starting — especially around substance abuse, depression, and death. If you’re not in the right place mentally, it’s okay to wait. The story will still be there when you’re ready.
Brielle is drowning. After losing her twin sister, she numbs her pain with drugs and alcohol, retreating from the world. Her parents take her to a beach house for the summer, hoping for a reset. What follows is a raw journey of reckoning — one that brings Brielle face-to-face with her grief, her mistakes, and the possibility of healing through friendship, connection, and eventually, love.
Brielle and Carson’s relationship was the highlight of the story for me! Their tension and tenderness balanced beautifully, and the romance itself stayed sweet and clean, which felt refreshing. Brielle’s growth was powerful, though I wished Carson’s healing had been explored in more depth. The conclusion, while satisfying in many ways, felt a bit abrupt — almost like it ended one chapter too soon.
Wren Amari delivers a heartfelt and poignant read, weaving themes of love, healing, and hope throughout. While I sometimes struggled with pacing — some sections rushed, others drawn out — the emotional pull of the story made it an engaging read overall.
October 16, 2025
SO GOOD - This book will be sticking in my mind for a LONG time. This was a hugely reflective book for me as an identical twin 👯♀️, and just as someone familiar with grief. It took me a minute to be able to write a review as I wanted time to digest it and also to make sure I had time to really give this book review justice.
First, the plot...
Brielle is navigating the loss of her identical twin sister. She is also dealing with her parents who are struggling with their own complicated grief, and are barely able to look at Brielle who reminds them so much of the daughter they lost. They are absent in their social excursions as they seemingly aim to process grief by pushing feelings under the rug. Meanwhile, Brielle trudges along, finding comfort in some substance abuse to help numb her feelings.
While on a summer "vacation," Brielle finds solace in a new group of friends--Aspen, her new bestie who refreshingly knows nothing about her past, and Carson--the broody boy with a traumatic past who seems to have mixed feelings and judgmental opinions about Brielle based on their first meeting. She is able to spend time with them when wanting to escape, but clearly isolates when she slips into her moments of deep to-the-core grief.
Carson is a D1 swimmer, opening his home on the beach to his friends for the summer. Upon meeting Brielle with the troubled eyes, he can't help but experience a surge of feelings related to his own past and his complicated relationship with his mother. He knows something is going on with Brielle, but she will not open up to him despite a slow burning friendship and clear romantic feelings being developed as well.
Will Brielle and Carson find a way to be more open with each other, finding healing in the process? Can Brielle learn to be an individual, no longer "one of two" as is so strongly felt as an identical twin? Can she go back to her old life and live in it without her twin sister?
This is not a light-hearted book. I haven't cried with a book in a LONG time--but this one tore my heart out thinking how I would feel if my identical twin died suddenly. The rawness, the complicated family dynamics, not being able to look in the mirror as you'd see your sister in you--woah. Wren Amari PEGGED a lot of what this would be anticipated to feel like.
One of my favorite, most heart-wrenching quotes:
"Twinless Twin...It's wrong. God, it's wrong. How is there a world where those words exist? They feel stitched together by something cruel, unnatural, like fate went off-script. How do we enter the world together, only for one to leave first?"
GAHHHH tear my heart out already!! 💔
If you are navigating some type of grief, and especially if you are a twin wanting to feel deeply, you NEED this book. I ran out and bought this book after reading the ARC because I NEED this one on my shelf. 🏃♂️➡️📖
Thank you to the author, Wren Amari, for the advanced review copy of her amazing debut novel in exchange for my honest review. Hands-down 5 bright shining stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
First, the plot...
Brielle is navigating the loss of her identical twin sister. She is also dealing with her parents who are struggling with their own complicated grief, and are barely able to look at Brielle who reminds them so much of the daughter they lost. They are absent in their social excursions as they seemingly aim to process grief by pushing feelings under the rug. Meanwhile, Brielle trudges along, finding comfort in some substance abuse to help numb her feelings.
While on a summer "vacation," Brielle finds solace in a new group of friends--Aspen, her new bestie who refreshingly knows nothing about her past, and Carson--the broody boy with a traumatic past who seems to have mixed feelings and judgmental opinions about Brielle based on their first meeting. She is able to spend time with them when wanting to escape, but clearly isolates when she slips into her moments of deep to-the-core grief.
Carson is a D1 swimmer, opening his home on the beach to his friends for the summer. Upon meeting Brielle with the troubled eyes, he can't help but experience a surge of feelings related to his own past and his complicated relationship with his mother. He knows something is going on with Brielle, but she will not open up to him despite a slow burning friendship and clear romantic feelings being developed as well.
Will Brielle and Carson find a way to be more open with each other, finding healing in the process? Can Brielle learn to be an individual, no longer "one of two" as is so strongly felt as an identical twin? Can she go back to her old life and live in it without her twin sister?
This is not a light-hearted book. I haven't cried with a book in a LONG time--but this one tore my heart out thinking how I would feel if my identical twin died suddenly. The rawness, the complicated family dynamics, not being able to look in the mirror as you'd see your sister in you--woah. Wren Amari PEGGED a lot of what this would be anticipated to feel like.
One of my favorite, most heart-wrenching quotes:
"Twinless Twin...It's wrong. God, it's wrong. How is there a world where those words exist? They feel stitched together by something cruel, unnatural, like fate went off-script. How do we enter the world together, only for one to leave first?"
GAHHHH tear my heart out already!! 💔
If you are navigating some type of grief, and especially if you are a twin wanting to feel deeply, you NEED this book. I ran out and bought this book after reading the ARC because I NEED this one on my shelf. 🏃♂️➡️📖
Thank you to the author, Wren Amari, for the advanced review copy of her amazing debut novel in exchange for my honest review. Hands-down 5 bright shining stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 18, 2025
This was a heart wrenching, emotional journey through grief with FMC Brielle who is struggling with the death of her twin sister. I thought this was written really well and I completely related to Brielle and the unhealthy coping strategies that she used, as it reminded me of a period in my life when I was younger. It was a very emotional read so prepare for tears.
When Brielle and her family go to Grove for the summer she continues on her path of self medicating and ends up becoming friends with a group of swimmers: Carson, the moody, standoffish MMC, Aspen, Reese and Dylan.
I really wasn’t a fan of Carson for the first half of the book. If someone acted that way with me I would just avoid them at all costs, so it took me a little while to come round to their slow burn relationship. However, we finally learn more about him and through the ups and downs I was rooting for them by the end.
I loved Reece, he was my favourite character, flirty, funny and outgoing. He was so much fun. Aspen was a sweetheart too.
This book was told from Brielle’s pov, except from a couple of chapters from Carson. I really would’ve loved dual pov throughout to get into Carson’s head and see things from his perspective.
The romance is very slow burn with ups and downs but no spice, in case anyone was wondering. I liked that though and it wasn’t needed for the story.
This was a well deserved 4 stars for the emotional rollercoaster I’ve just experienced. Beautifully written for a debut novel.
When Brielle and her family go to Grove for the summer she continues on her path of self medicating and ends up becoming friends with a group of swimmers: Carson, the moody, standoffish MMC, Aspen, Reese and Dylan.
I really wasn’t a fan of Carson for the first half of the book. If someone acted that way with me I would just avoid them at all costs, so it took me a little while to come round to their slow burn relationship. However, we finally learn more about him and through the ups and downs I was rooting for them by the end.
I loved Reece, he was my favourite character, flirty, funny and outgoing. He was so much fun. Aspen was a sweetheart too.
This book was told from Brielle’s pov, except from a couple of chapters from Carson. I really would’ve loved dual pov throughout to get into Carson’s head and see things from his perspective.
The romance is very slow burn with ups and downs but no spice, in case anyone was wondering. I liked that though and it wasn’t needed for the story.
This was a well deserved 4 stars for the emotional rollercoaster I’ve just experienced. Beautifully written for a debut novel.
October 17, 2025
Book: High by the beach
Author: Wren Amari
Rating: 5 ⭐
Losing a part of yourself can affect you in a way that brings you closer to ruin.
Half of Brielle was torn from her in a brutal way. Then came the distancing of her parents, who began to see her as someone else. She was pushed aside. Forgotten. Looked at with contempt simply because she reminded her mother of someone else.
The night Carson entered her life, they both tried to break away from reality, to cope with the world that seemed to have trapped them in it.
I didn't like the way Carson looked at her, just because he saw her only once and formed a bad opinion of her. But after that I discovered his truth and I understood him. I understood why he reacted the way he did. I understood how he felt when he saw Brielle in the sea.
But Brielle was far too caught up in her world and realized too late how she reacted to him that night.
They both have monsters from their pasts that haunt them.
But hers seem to be much worse than those of everyone in the new group of friends that Brielle made.
However, she managed to get back on track and over time she began to give up the vices that were still a little and were destroying her.
Even though things were different at home and she discovered something about her mother.
Although their relationship started out on the wrong foot, along the way, even if they didn't want to, they began to get along well.
Carson no longer looked at her with disdain or pain. Brielle no longer tried to avoid him.
His hard gaze softened.
Brielle became attached to him.
I loved how their relationship went. How it was about healing on both sides and how Carson took back his right to choose.
There were such sad moments that I cried for more than half the book. For Brielle. For Carson. For what they both lost. But I smiled too.
And Carson made me like him. Not instantly, like Reese did. But I couldn't hate him.
×××
I woke up thinking about them and drank my coffee reading two chapters until I couldn't put my phone down. I still have tears in my eyes and they sting. But it was worth it. I love this book and I can't wait for it to reach you. I can't believe I finished it 🥹. I wanted more 😭. Especially after Carson's decision. To see all three of them together 🥹.
Author: Wren Amari
Rating: 5 ⭐
Losing a part of yourself can affect you in a way that brings you closer to ruin.
Half of Brielle was torn from her in a brutal way. Then came the distancing of her parents, who began to see her as someone else. She was pushed aside. Forgotten. Looked at with contempt simply because she reminded her mother of someone else.
The night Carson entered her life, they both tried to break away from reality, to cope with the world that seemed to have trapped them in it.
I didn't like the way Carson looked at her, just because he saw her only once and formed a bad opinion of her. But after that I discovered his truth and I understood him. I understood why he reacted the way he did. I understood how he felt when he saw Brielle in the sea.
But Brielle was far too caught up in her world and realized too late how she reacted to him that night.
They both have monsters from their pasts that haunt them.
But hers seem to be much worse than those of everyone in the new group of friends that Brielle made.
However, she managed to get back on track and over time she began to give up the vices that were still a little and were destroying her.
Even though things were different at home and she discovered something about her mother.
Although their relationship started out on the wrong foot, along the way, even if they didn't want to, they began to get along well.
Carson no longer looked at her with disdain or pain. Brielle no longer tried to avoid him.
His hard gaze softened.
Brielle became attached to him.
I loved how their relationship went. How it was about healing on both sides and how Carson took back his right to choose.
There were such sad moments that I cried for more than half the book. For Brielle. For Carson. For what they both lost. But I smiled too.
And Carson made me like him. Not instantly, like Reese did. But I couldn't hate him.
×××
I woke up thinking about them and drank my coffee reading two chapters until I couldn't put my phone down. I still have tears in my eyes and they sting. But it was worth it. I love this book and I can't wait for it to reach you. I can't believe I finished it 🥹. I wanted more 😭. Especially after Carson's decision. To see all three of them together 🥹.
September 23, 2025
High by the Beach by Wren Amari
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC REVIEW
Just wow! High by the Beach was an emotional rollercoaster that completely wrecked me. If you’re seeking a heart-wrenching romance, this book is the perfect choice for you!
Brielle, our FMC, is grappling with overwhelming grief after the loss of her twin sister. To cope, she’s resorting to unhealthy habits. Throughout the book her struggle with grief and depression destroyed me. Despite her challenges, she shows such strength, proving that she’s stronger than she believes. I just wanted to envelop her in a hug and assure her that everything will be alright.
Carson Eli, this man! He’s the epitome of broodiness and a master of miscommunication. His past trauma has made it difficult for him to see Brielle beyond the reckless persona. However, that perception shifts dramatically when he discovers the woman beneath the mask.
High by the Beach, Wren Amari’s debut novel, is a gripping tale that explores themes of loss, angst, and an irresistible slow-burning romance. The story follows two college-age adults who come together during a summer of healing and self-discovery after loss. I was particularly drawn to the development of Brielle and Carson’s relationship and couldn’t help but fall in love with Carson’s tender gestures of love. His small displays of affection for Brielle were simply swoon-worthy. These two characters have captured my heart completely!
Carson’s roommates, Aspen, Reese, and Dylan, were truly amazing. I was particularly drawn to how their relationship with Brielle evolved and the unwavering support they provided her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC REVIEW
Just wow! High by the Beach was an emotional rollercoaster that completely wrecked me. If you’re seeking a heart-wrenching romance, this book is the perfect choice for you!
Brielle, our FMC, is grappling with overwhelming grief after the loss of her twin sister. To cope, she’s resorting to unhealthy habits. Throughout the book her struggle with grief and depression destroyed me. Despite her challenges, she shows such strength, proving that she’s stronger than she believes. I just wanted to envelop her in a hug and assure her that everything will be alright.
Carson Eli, this man! He’s the epitome of broodiness and a master of miscommunication. His past trauma has made it difficult for him to see Brielle beyond the reckless persona. However, that perception shifts dramatically when he discovers the woman beneath the mask.
High by the Beach, Wren Amari’s debut novel, is a gripping tale that explores themes of loss, angst, and an irresistible slow-burning romance. The story follows two college-age adults who come together during a summer of healing and self-discovery after loss. I was particularly drawn to the development of Brielle and Carson’s relationship and couldn’t help but fall in love with Carson’s tender gestures of love. His small displays of affection for Brielle were simply swoon-worthy. These two characters have captured my heart completely!
Carson’s roommates, Aspen, Reese, and Dylan, were truly amazing. I was particularly drawn to how their relationship with Brielle evolved and the unwavering support they provided her.
October 17, 2025
I LOVED this book! There were some spelling mistakes but I had an ARC so I’m assuming the final copy fixed those. Just letting you know incase that is a big deal to you as a reader!
Besides that, I was completely immersed in this world. Carson and Brielle may be one of my favourite book couples ever. The yearning was probably my favourite part. Seeing how much he takes care of the people he loves was a close second.
Unravelling Brielle’s grief with her made it feel so real. I hope this becomes a series, it would be cool to have a book from the perspective of Aspen. I’d love to read more about her and her world. It was all so intoxicating and hard to put down. I carried my kindle with me everywhere just incase I found one minute to read, that’s when I knew I loved it, love them!
Summary:
Brielle and her parents have come to Grove in order to heal from the trauma of losing Bryce.
It’s hard to heal when you don’t let yourself feel.
Not only does grief pull Brielle down, she also has an intense fear of drowning. Meeting Carson and his friends comes at a perfect time. Reese begins to teach her how to swim but she’s distracted, not by grief but a new feeling, one that seems to have been awakened.
Besides that, I was completely immersed in this world. Carson and Brielle may be one of my favourite book couples ever. The yearning was probably my favourite part. Seeing how much he takes care of the people he loves was a close second.
Unravelling Brielle’s grief with her made it feel so real. I hope this becomes a series, it would be cool to have a book from the perspective of Aspen. I’d love to read more about her and her world. It was all so intoxicating and hard to put down. I carried my kindle with me everywhere just incase I found one minute to read, that’s when I knew I loved it, love them!
Summary:
Brielle and her parents have come to Grove in order to heal from the trauma of losing Bryce.
It’s hard to heal when you don’t let yourself feel.
Not only does grief pull Brielle down, she also has an intense fear of drowning. Meeting Carson and his friends comes at a perfect time. Reese begins to teach her how to swim but she’s distracted, not by grief but a new feeling, one that seems to have been awakened.
October 28, 2025
3.5 Stars
Spice: Closed Door Romance
“𝖲𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖿 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝗉𝗌 𝗌𝗈 𝗍𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖨 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾.”
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
did this book break my heart? 𝐲𝐞𝐬
will I recover? 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭
This is a beautiful debut novel highlighting the heartbreak and struggles of grief, depression and substance abuse. Our fmc is in a real bad place, and you see her battling with feelings and past trauma whilst trying to make friends and heal during her summer break.
This delivers the sweetest slow burn starting with dislike, friends, to epic lovers. It’s tragic, gut-wrenching and emotional, but also trickles in those feelings of hope and healing which was a wonderful journey.
The writing is raw, honest and in depth for the themes covered here, it really made me 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋 and I adore when a book emerses me into it like that.
The setting is simply serene, from the starry nights to the warm beach days, it felt like just what I needed to set the scene.
If you love an emotional read where the characters really build strong connections overtime this is the perfect read for you!
“𝖺 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀?”
“𝖺 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀”
Spice: Closed Door Romance
“𝖲𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝖾𝖿 𝗀𝗋𝗂𝗉𝗌 𝗌𝗈 𝗍𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖨 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾.”
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
did this book break my heart? 𝐲𝐞𝐬
will I recover? 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭
This is a beautiful debut novel highlighting the heartbreak and struggles of grief, depression and substance abuse. Our fmc is in a real bad place, and you see her battling with feelings and past trauma whilst trying to make friends and heal during her summer break.
This delivers the sweetest slow burn starting with dislike, friends, to epic lovers. It’s tragic, gut-wrenching and emotional, but also trickles in those feelings of hope and healing which was a wonderful journey.
The writing is raw, honest and in depth for the themes covered here, it really made me 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋 and I adore when a book emerses me into it like that.
The setting is simply serene, from the starry nights to the warm beach days, it felt like just what I needed to set the scene.
If you love an emotional read where the characters really build strong connections overtime this is the perfect read for you!
“𝖺 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀?”
“𝖺 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀”
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