Between the Waves

by Liv Arnett, Kalyn Allen (Illustrator)

What if surviving a devastating loss wasn’t enough, and the real courage was learning how to live again?Two years ago, Margo Collins lost everything in a single, sweeping moment when life as she knew it was ripped from her blood-stained hands. She has learned to survive, but not to live. When a reluctant weeklong bachelorette trip to Charleston throws her back into the world she has been avoiding, she meets Anderson Rhodes—a man she can’t outrun.

When Anderson Rhodes shows up, their connection is immediate, disarming and impossible to ignore. He makes her wonder if, maybe, she’s still capable of feeling something real again. But the past doesn’t loosen its grip easily. Every step forward forces Margo to confront the choice she has been to keep surviving in the shadow of the past, or to choose life fully, messily and bravely between the waves.

Between the Waves is a novel that blends the intimacy of romance with the introspective nuance of grief and identity. Margo’s journey is not defined by loss, but by what comes after. It highlights the quiet, messy reclamation of hope. It is a love story in every romantic, yes, but also a story of friendship, of reconciling past and present selves, and of daring to become the person we are brave enough to be.

For readers who loved The Last Letter , Every Summer After , and Love and Other Words , this emotionally rich debut invites you to fall not just for two people—but for a love story woven between friends, between past and present selves, and between who we once were and who we’re brave enough to become.

Will she stay trapped in the tide of grief, or risk everything to embrace the life waiting between the waves?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Emotional

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Emily Shatek]

Don’t mind me. I cried while eating Mac n cheese reading this book.

[Sienna]

3.00🌟


“If I could trade places with him so you didn’t have to carry that pain, I would. I would bring him back to you if it meant you never had to feel that loss again.” A tear slips down her cheek, and I brush it away with my thumb. “Even if it meant I never got to love you, Margo.”


It just took to long to read and get through. I felt like it was tooo slow but then at 75% it got way better so that’s why it’s as high as a 3 star otherwise it would’ve been 2 or even 1.5 stars. Yes it took me so long to read this but yet it felt to fast. The characters, I like Anderson, Margo she’s alright.. idk this book I don’t how to feel about it, because I thought it was gonna be 4.5 or 5 but I’m just disappointed.

[Lucy Santos]

Stumbled upon a TikTok about this book from the author and decided to read it because I love finding little hidden gem kindle unlimited books. I think this was really beautiful!!! There were some really wonderful moments in the writing (especially how Margo’s grief was written) and I liked both of the main characters individually + together. It was definitely insta love but I didn’t even mind because it felt like actual love (not just insta lust lol). I will say that the descriptions of every moment were lengthy and got repetitive, convos between the main characters (and nicknames) sometimes made me cringe, but I think the deeper/heartfelt moments in the writing still made it a beautiful story

[Rach Reads]

Okay so may be a little harsh here but like I enjoyed this, and it was the right pacing for how I like these kinds of books... I'm only not marking this at 5 stars because I'm so tired of reading romance books and it's so predictable that they get engaged at the end?? like, i understand that is what will likely happen in the future but it's not needed to be in like every epilogue? it's boring and i just want the romance story

[Olivia Culm]

Accidentally started book #2 without realizing it was a series so I went back and started this instead. Holy I’m so glad I did!!! It starts the series off perfectly. The way grief is depicted throughout it brought tears to my eyes, and if I wasn’t in public I would’ve sobbed. I love a yearning man!

[Monica Venzke]

a MUST read!!!

[Quinn Lorino]

Too much smut and not enough actual storyline. And the smut was kinda cringey too.

[Brynna Barker]

3.5 stars! Liked the characters and the plot! No tears shed from me though!

[Gracelyn Cate]

"Love doesn't vanish. It changes shape. It softens, shifts and finds its way back to you in new forms. It can belong to more than one person, in more than one lifetime, and still be true every time. That is the miracle of it."

WOW. JUST WOW. This was truly a phenomenal debut 👏🏼 I am in awe of this book and Liv's writing. I don't even know if I have the words. Liv's ability to tackle a topic as heavy as losing a partner in a way that only left me as the reader feeling hopeful is astounding. The characters, message, setting, and vibes of the story were just so good and uplifting. I want to go to Charleston even more now after reading this! This story was made to be read on a beach 💙

I loved Margo and Anderson together. I've never read a second-chance romance quite like this before. There was such a delicate balance of grief and hope that was truly beautiful to read.

Honestly, I've never been able to wrap my head around the idea of finding a different partner after losing a spouse–which is not from a place of judgement, but I just never imagine myself being open to that (but does anyone really??) I mean it when I say that this book truly opened my eyes and reshaped my perspective on this topic ❤️‍🩹

This book had such a wonderful romance arc and many tender moments–but it was more than that for me. Margo's arc and journey with grief was genuinely so impactful to read. I highlighted the heck out of this book because of how profound it was. I love books that intertwine romance with a greater message about life and this book 100% did that.

Definitely, definitely, definitely recommending!! Although the topic of grief is sad at times, this book was not written in a way that leaves you feeling heavy. Genuinely such a good romance and I think everyone should go read it this summer!! THANK YOU LIV FOR SENDING ME YOUR BOOK!!

I cannot wait for the next books 👀

[Veronica Iris]

I absolutely loved this book. The way Margo and Anderson were written felt so beautiful, raw, and painfully real. Both of them are carrying their own heavy grief, yet they fit together in a way that neither of them expected.

Having lost loved ones throughout my life- I felt that Margo’s POV was real. When you’re trying to just exist even when you don’t really want to because you don’t understand the WHY of you still being here when the person you love most no longer is.

You go through so many emotions as a reader because if you’ve ever lost someone or love someone who has- you know that grief isn’t One Size Fits All. Grief comes in waves and sometimes those waves really almost drown you. Anderson and Margo become the air that helps the other not just breathe again, but WANT to breathe.

Anderson shows you that it’s possible to have more than one great love in a lifetime, and that opening your heart again doesn’t erase the love that came before. He is just perfectly made for Margo.

This is a story about friendship, love, loss, and the long, painful, hopeful journey of healing after losing not only someone you love, but pieces of yourself along the way.

[Randi Wolfe]

2.5 ⭐️ YASSSSS girl, give us nothing!!!!!!

[Jennifer Zielinski]

Closer to 3.5 stars

[Maddy Preston]

A deeply moving, exceptional story! While the story contains elements of romance, it focuses more on grief, healing, and the emotional journey that follows loss. The novel explores the stages of grief and shows how deeply it can consume someone, affecting their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
The story is written in an emotional tone with vivid detail, allowing the reader to truly feel the characters’ heavy emotions and trauma. Arnett’s writing draws the reader into the character’s experiences, making the struggles with loss and vulnerability feel realistic and powerful. The ocean also plays an important symbolic role throughout the novel, representing both loss and renewal.
Overall, Between The Waves is engaging and well-paced, never feeling rushed as the emotional journey unfolds. It is a thoughtful and moving story that goes beyond romance to explore deeper themes of grief, recovery, and human connection. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to start the next book in the series The Long Way Home which releases on the 7th of May!

[Victoria Rivera]

Oh my God! This is my second book Ive read by Liv Arnett and it blew me away again! Actually love the way she writes her characters and their stories and WOWWW what a book!! I have laughed, and sobbed all the way through! Andersons "If I could trade places with him..." actually broke me, and the story of 'that night' had me sobbingggg, I mean wow what a story! The way Liv portrayed grief in that form was incredible 🫶

[Jess Evans]

I will never stop thinking about this book. Truly this was so beautifully written and handled difficult topics in such a graceful way. Anderson is truly THAT book boyfriend. I have so many thoughts and reactions to this book, but they’re truly all in Liv’s DMs lmao

[Sofia Pereira]

Sometimes I wonder if I put myself through emotional turmoil on purpose, choosing books that capture grief in such a raw and beautiful way. Between the Waves completely swept me up, it was everything I hoped for and more. I was especially struck by how it portrays grief not as something constant, but as something that quietly seeps into even the lightest, happiest moments, catching you off guard.

I have a feeling this is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time

[Katelyn]

I read this book in one day, 14 hours. I could not put it down.

This book perfectly encapsulates a grief I hope to never, ever have to experience. As well as the raw, unreasonable emotions that come with it.

[Courtney]

If you’re looking to be captivated by a story then this is the one. The writing completely immersed me from the start, it had me laughing and crying alongside the characters. Margo and Anderson felt like genuine real people and I was absolutely rooting for them through all their ups and downs.
I’m really excited to read more from this author and cannot wait to check out Rachel’s story!

[Hannah Baker]

4.5 beautifully written about grief and finding love after loss

[Vicky]

😴😴😴

[Megan Gordon]

Everyone needs someone as understanding as Anderson 🥹

[Abigail Arnett]

“A life that moves with grief, but isn’t trapped by it. A space where grief still lives but doesn’t have to define me.”

What a beautiful exploration of life, loss and love.


Did I mention this is a series and my favorite character is getting her book next?! You don’t want to miss this!!

[Andi Parks❤️‍🔥📚]

NO BECAUSE WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS A DEBUT?!? You’re joking. The way this story had feeling so many emotions. The way the writes the mundane while still writing heavy topics in a way that feels so raw and real. I can not😭😭😭😭

[JustJen]

DNF @ 30%

[Jessica's Book Review]

I really wanted to love this one. It had emotional written all over it and you all know how much I love my emotional reads.

Margo is a widow. She lost her husband in an accident nearly 3 years ago and hasn’t really lived since. She is living in the past and holding onto him. While on a bachelorette trip she meets Anderson. He is pretty perfect and amazing. It’s the first time Margo gets close to anyone but she runs away from him. Breaking his heart and hers. Time goes on and Margo is trying to learn to live.

The story is definitely emotional but it was hard to get into. I felt the writing was a little too poetic for me. If that’s a good way to describe it. Everything was so overly described and a little dramatically written out. I wanted more focus on the story than the characters and their story than their inner dialogue… it just was too much


The book has a lot of potential and I wanted Margo and Anderson together. They deserved to be happy and in love. Unfortunately I just didn’t love this one. I give Between the Waves by Liv Arnett 3 stars.

[Anna Lynn]

Adding to this because it’s my second time reading it. I can’t even form proper words to express what this story means to me. It felt like Liv opened my brain, saw what I was feeling, dug it out and put it into words. The way she can depict a feeling and put it on paper just blows my mind. I love these characters, the realness, the rawness, I annotated like half this book. I sat and read the last paragraph fifteen times and just cried because no matter how many times I read it, I feel it so deeply in my chest. The writing blows me away. I even annotated the authors note at the end, like come on!!! One of my greatest blessings in life-meeting Liv through this book.

The message, the characters, the story, all of it, wowza. Grief is expressed in a way that’s validating for anyone who has experienced loss in a traumatic way. I can’t believe this is a debut novel 😭 I can’t wait for the next book in the series

[Carli.Reads.A.Latte]

This book hit me hard, and I mean that in the best way. It's not just a romance; it’s an intense, honest look at what happens when you’re utterly destroyed by loss and have to figure out how to be a person again.

​The Devastation and The Great Escape
​What I absolutely love about this book is how real the grief feels - it’s messy and totally unsanitized. Margo's life stopped the day her husband, Josh, was killed in a brutal car crash. The author writes Margo's inner guilt - her fear that wanting anything good (or anyone new) is a betrayal to Josh - so authentically.
​Then there's Anderson Rhodes. He’s dealing with the loss of his own dad, and he tries to handle it by becoming this ruthless control freak - all work, zero feelings. When Margo crashes into his world in Charleston, it's immediately disruptive. He's forced to realize that the structure he built for safety is actually just leaving him hollow.
​When Margo wakes up after their first night and the overwhelming guilt triggers a devastating panic attack tied to the trauma of the crash, she doesn't just retreat - she flees Anderson’s house without a word. You feel the devastation instantly because she wasn't running from him; she was running from the terrifying, beautiful realization that she’s still capable of love, and that scares her more than anything.

​The Pillars of Support: Rachel and Slone
​Margo and Anderson would totally fall apart without their siblings, who are honestly the best.
​Rachel is the best friend everyone needs. Her strength, holding Margo up even while she grieves her own brother, Josh, is unbelievable. She’s the one who delivers the hard truths but wraps them in unconditional love. She basically tells Margo that her fear isn't strength - it's just fear - and she does it because she loves her.
​Then there's Slone (Anderson's sister) and her hilarious take on life. She’s the perfect antidote to Anderson’s overthinking. Whether she’s playfully lamenting his childhood "essentials bag" or mocking his choice to date a "screensaver," Slone reminds us that laughter is absolutely essential, even when everything else is falling apart. I lived for her quick wit!

​The Moment I Felt Attacked (and Why I Loved It)
​Speaking of essential truths, the book is spot-on with its cultural references. I felt personally attacked when the author nailed that specific type of emotional release:
​"The intro to that song starts. The one every girl with emotional baggage and a Spotify Premium account knows by heart. “Live your life with arms wide open…”"
​It proves how perfectly this author understands us!

​Why This Story Matters
​The core message - the slow-burn reunion in Atlanta - is so powerful. Margo finally chooses bravery, seeking Anderson out to lay out the full, traumatic story of Josh’s death and the car crash. This frees her, allowing Anderson to step up and prove his commitment isn't conditional. He’s so changed by Margo that he quits his senior partner finance job - the pinnacle of his controlled life - and chooses a messy life with her instead.

​This ending makes it so clear: you don't move on from loss; you learn to move on with it. The happiness Margo finds with Anderson is a new chapter earned through immense bravery - a life lived, as the title suggests, "between the waves" of enduring love and inevitable grief.

​If you need a story that validates the messiness of healing and gives you hope that a broken heart is still a working heart, seriously, add this to your list.

[John Mattox, II]

Fair warning: You will love this book, but there will be times when you will set it aside, breathe deeply, and come back to it later.

Why will you love this book?

The plot is simple, yet powerful—a second chance love story. The FMC, Margo, is invited to a bachelorette party weekend in Charleston with her best friends. She wants to celebrate with them, but she is still grieving the tragic death of her husband. She knows she needs to go, and they know she needs it too. Reluctantly, painfully, selflessly, she goes.

She settles into the beach house, but there are times when she needs to step away. While getting coffee for the group at a local café, she meets Anderson. Despite an immediate attraction and nervous banter, she downplays the event and doesn’t get his number.

Then by chance later that day while sunning with her friends on the beach, she sees Anderson again. After much anguish and debate with herself and her friends, she finally introduces herself and they go for a walk. It is the beginning of the rest of the love story where they get to know each other cautiously but earnestly. Unfortunately, she hasn’t shared with him the one thing that has consumed her adult life. They part, returning to Atlanta, but do not connect—despite a few genuine efforts by Anderson.

During the rest of the story, the author shares details about Margo’s healing process and the support she receives from her friends and family. It is a beautiful and healthy example of long-term coping and closure. Unfortunately for the reader, this is when the author shares with perfect timing the tragic details of the crash that killed Margo’s husband two years earlier. This is one of those moments when you are likely to set the book aside, not because it is graphic, but because you will be so fully invested in Margo that you will feel her pain. This is not the only time you will need tissues.

Writing is supposed to do this. It should make a reader stop, to feel someone’s pain deeply, to view the world differently, to celebrate renewal. These are reasons enough to read this book.

Spoiler alert: Margo and Anderson reunite. It is awkward, but they move past it and restart their love story. Margo’s past haunts her. Anderson’s patience is unfathomable. Their friends and family are the right mix of chiding, plotting, and supportive—all the things needed to drive the story and bring these two together for good.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thankfully, the author is writing a second book. More to come.

[Anahi Garza]

This was beautiful. Every single aspect of this book was beautifully illustrated. The friendship between Margo and Rachel was so heart wrenchingly touching. The relationship that Margo and Anderson built together was so heartbreakingly beautiful, the way that they healed each other was portrayed in such an incredible way. Anderson is the man of the year, the way he understood where Margo was coming from and accepted her in every single way she deserved was lovely. Margos story was so heartbreaking, but the way her healing journey was written had me wrecked than put back together in the span of 300 pages.

“I’m in love with who she is right now. The woman sitting in front of me. I love her even if all she ever has to offer are pieces. Even if all I'm allowed to do is sit beside them. Because even in her quiet undoing, even with her sharp edges, she's already enough for me.”

"I don't want you to hide the parts of him that live in you," I admit. "You don't need to quiet your memories around me. If something reminds you of him, say it. If the silence gets too heavy, fill it. I want to hear it. I want to know him, because he's part of you."

"I am so in love with you, Anderson I want you to know, I choose you. Over fear. Over the uncertainty Over anything else that could ever try to take this from us. I want to spend all the days I have left loving you, the way you've shown me I deserve to be loved.”

“If I could trade places with him so you didn’t have to carry that pain, I would. I would bring him back to you if it meant you never had to feel that loss again.” A tear slips down her cheek, and I brush it away with my thumb. “Even if it meant I never got to love you, Margo.”

“People talk about soulmates as if they can only be something ro-mantic, but I think they te wrong. I think sometimes your soulmate is your best friend. The woman who knows how to pull you back from the edge without asking for anything in return. The one who reminds you of wito you are when you've forgotten Rachel does that without even thinking.”

[Kelsey | KLS Reviews]

I came across Between the Waves while scrolling on TikTok and was immediately drawn to the book aesthetic. I love a good contemporary romance and Between the Waves is that and so much more. I LOVED Anderson and Margo. There's a lot I want to say about them but I don't want to give away spoilers. I feel like this book is the perfect summer beach read. There are some serious topics mentioned in the book such as loss and grief, but there is also a story of healing and starting over again. I loved reading about Margo's friends, such as Rachel, and Anderson's sister, Slone. They definitely added humor and substance to the storyline.

Between the Waves is a 5/5 for me. It made me laugh, smile, and ugly cry all at various points throughout the book. I also felt connected to Margo when it came to losing someone they loved. While my loss may not have been the same, I do know what grief is like so when those moments are talked about in the book...it hit a bit harder than expected. I loved seeing how Margo became more open about her loss and how she opened up herself to a new beginning.

I highly recommend Between the Waves to those who are contemporary romance readers and like reading about sisterhood and healing. Anderson is the type of guy I dream about meeting, so for those who like books who like reading about kind-hearted men who just want the best for the people in their life, this is the book for you.

Thank you, Liv, sending me an early copy of the book. I can't wait for the physical copy to be in my hands in January and I can't wait to read about Rachel and Rhett's story in the next book.