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Between the Waves
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?
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?
- GenresContemporary Romance
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2026
84 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 30, 2026
a MUST read!!!
February 3, 2026
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
February 4, 2026
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!
I’m really excited to read more from this author and cannot wait to check out Rachel’s story!
December 17, 2025
“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!!
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!!
February 3, 2026
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😭😭😭😭
February 23, 2026
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.
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.
February 21, 2026
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
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
November 10, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
November 21, 2025
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.
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.
November 18, 2025
Wow. Just wow.
First: Some books say they have banter, but this book HAS BANTER. Like, actual back and forth witty conversations that read like real life. It's a prime example of how life and love are built around the little moments with others and the silly conversations and inside jokes that cement connections. I also LOVE the way Liv brings those conversations back around later on (definitely shed a tear over it ngl).
Second: This book is beautifully written with characters that think, act, and feel like real people. The struggles are heart-wrenching, and the big voice cuts right to the core.
Third: The bedroom scene is *chef's kiss.* I am a big believer in the idea that those scenes need to be doing something for the plot or character arcs to be necessary, and this one not only plays a key role in both of those things, but it also is done so perfectly. It's not about the action itself but the emotional connection being tightened through it. I loved the lack of specific descriptions and the focus on the romantic intimacy of the moment rather than the physical. If I had to describe the "spice," I would say it's like a bedroom scene montage in a movie where you know what's happening without seeing anything R rated while a soft ballad plays in the background.
Fourth: I NEED Rachel's story ASAP. Will be waiting anxiously to purchase the sequel!!!
Content Ratings:
Language: PG
Substances: PG
Romance: PG13
Violence: PG13
Overall: PG13
First: Some books say they have banter, but this book HAS BANTER. Like, actual back and forth witty conversations that read like real life. It's a prime example of how life and love are built around the little moments with others and the silly conversations and inside jokes that cement connections. I also LOVE the way Liv brings those conversations back around later on (definitely shed a tear over it ngl).
Second: This book is beautifully written with characters that think, act, and feel like real people. The struggles are heart-wrenching, and the big voice cuts right to the core.
Third: The bedroom scene is *chef's kiss.* I am a big believer in the idea that those scenes need to be doing something for the plot or character arcs to be necessary, and this one not only plays a key role in both of those things, but it also is done so perfectly. It's not about the action itself but the emotional connection being tightened through it. I loved the lack of specific descriptions and the focus on the romantic intimacy of the moment rather than the physical. If I had to describe the "spice," I would say it's like a bedroom scene montage in a movie where you know what's happening without seeing anything R rated while a soft ballad plays in the background.
Fourth: I NEED Rachel's story ASAP. Will be waiting anxiously to purchase the sequel!!!
Content Ratings:
Language: PG
Substances: PG
Romance: PG13
Violence: PG13
Overall: PG13
December 1, 2025
I laughed, I cried, I snickered and I blushed. This book has captured all the feels and emotions I didn't know I needed.
Going through infertility and reading this book has made me realize how my own grief has so many similarities. Even though I don't not have the same grief as Margo and Anderson, I was able to relate to what they were going through throughout the book.
The writing makes me feel like I'm actually there. I love the back and forth perspectives of Margo and Anderson. But the banter back and forth between the two was chefs kiss.
My favorite quote from the book: "For the first time in my life, I finally understand why people give up control, and ruin their lives chasing the high."
“Where do you picture yourself in five years?” The shift is instant. She crosses her legs. Uncrosses them. Her fingers grip the glass tight, knuckles whitening as she edits herself right in front of me.
...
“I’ve learned that no matter how I picture the next five years, I have no real control over what it looks like.” Her voice stays steady, but there’s something buried in it. “So, I don’t really plan like that anymore.”
Going through infertility I felt this one deep. The uncomfortableness she finds herself in when asked those kind of questions. Ive been there and have felt that. When you have no control over a situation you do not know what you're future looks like and that's scary.
Going through infertility and reading this book has made me realize how my own grief has so many similarities. Even though I don't not have the same grief as Margo and Anderson, I was able to relate to what they were going through throughout the book.
The writing makes me feel like I'm actually there. I love the back and forth perspectives of Margo and Anderson. But the banter back and forth between the two was chefs kiss.
My favorite quote from the book: "For the first time in my life, I finally understand why people give up control, and ruin their lives chasing the high."
“Where do you picture yourself in five years?” The shift is instant. She crosses her legs. Uncrosses them. Her fingers grip the glass tight, knuckles whitening as she edits herself right in front of me.
...
“I’ve learned that no matter how I picture the next five years, I have no real control over what it looks like.” Her voice stays steady, but there’s something buried in it. “So, I don’t really plan like that anymore.”
Going through infertility I felt this one deep. The uncomfortableness she finds herself in when asked those kind of questions. Ive been there and have felt that. When you have no control over a situation you do not know what you're future looks like and that's scary.
February 20, 2026
Margo’s husband passed away two years ago, and she’s still learning how to navigate life without him—clinging to every small piece of him she can. When she travels to Charleston, SC for a bachelorette party with her best friend and sister-in-law, the last thing she expects is to meet Anderson.
Anderson is no stranger to grief. After losing his father five years earlier, he built a life that is structured, predictable, and carefully controlled—anything to avoid more loss. But something begins to shift when he keeps “randomly” crossing paths with Margo in Charleston.
As the two spend time together, they’re forced to confront the question: Can they honor their past while still allowing themselves to live fully in the present? Can they learn to live between the waves of grief instead of being pulled under by them?
Ohhh man. This book wrecked me in the best way. Have your tissues ready—I didn’t, and my shirt paid the price… repeatedly. You’ll want to read this in one sitting, so clear your schedule ahead of time.
Margo and Anderson are beautifully written, layered characters with so much emotional depth. And I loved Rachel too—watching her navigate the grief of losing her brother while supporting her best friend who lost her husband added another powerful dimension to the story.
I will be anxiously awaiting more from Liv Arnett. Her writing is stunning—raw, captivating, and deeply moving.
Anderson is no stranger to grief. After losing his father five years earlier, he built a life that is structured, predictable, and carefully controlled—anything to avoid more loss. But something begins to shift when he keeps “randomly” crossing paths with Margo in Charleston.
As the two spend time together, they’re forced to confront the question: Can they honor their past while still allowing themselves to live fully in the present? Can they learn to live between the waves of grief instead of being pulled under by them?
Ohhh man. This book wrecked me in the best way. Have your tissues ready—I didn’t, and my shirt paid the price… repeatedly. You’ll want to read this in one sitting, so clear your schedule ahead of time.
Margo and Anderson are beautifully written, layered characters with so much emotional depth. And I loved Rachel too—watching her navigate the grief of losing her brother while supporting her best friend who lost her husband added another powerful dimension to the story.
I will be anxiously awaiting more from Liv Arnett. Her writing is stunning—raw, captivating, and deeply moving.
January 2, 2026
“I haven’t let myself feel anything in a long time. And now I feel like a floodgate opened. I didn’t give it permission.”
“Maybe it just needed a crack.”
“I feel like I’ve been underwater. And the other night, with you, it was the first time in so long I could breathe.”
“Then stay above the surface with me.”
“I’m not asking you to move on Margo. I’m asking if you’ll let me stand beside what’s left. If there’s room for both of us.”
The grief in this book consumes Margo. And Anderson even still dealing with his own grief, softens that grief for her. He is sweet, kind, patient, but her grief makes her panic and believe that she is too broken for him. She gets through it with help from her best friend and her therapist and hopes she’s not too late to have Anderson be part of her life.
I loved the relationships in this book. Anderson and his sister, Slone, had a great relationship. And their banter I love. And Rachel not only was Margo‘s best friend, but she was also the sister of Margo‘s deceased husband. You don’t see a lot of Rachel’s grief, but you know it’s there. But she never ever stopped trying to help Margo.
The only little thing I wish was that it had more in the epilogue. But it was a great book.
“Maybe it just needed a crack.”
“I feel like I’ve been underwater. And the other night, with you, it was the first time in so long I could breathe.”
“Then stay above the surface with me.”
“I’m not asking you to move on Margo. I’m asking if you’ll let me stand beside what’s left. If there’s room for both of us.”
The grief in this book consumes Margo. And Anderson even still dealing with his own grief, softens that grief for her. He is sweet, kind, patient, but her grief makes her panic and believe that she is too broken for him. She gets through it with help from her best friend and her therapist and hopes she’s not too late to have Anderson be part of her life.
I loved the relationships in this book. Anderson and his sister, Slone, had a great relationship. And their banter I love. And Rachel not only was Margo‘s best friend, but she was also the sister of Margo‘s deceased husband. You don’t see a lot of Rachel’s grief, but you know it’s there. But she never ever stopped trying to help Margo.
The only little thing I wish was that it had more in the epilogue. But it was a great book.
February 23, 2026
Guys. This book is so, so achingly beautiful. It's the perfect balance between swoon worthy, stunningly written scenes of a connection between the main characters and the heart-wrenching realness of life after loss. Margo and Anderson (our MC's) are so lovable, but especially Anderson. He is a yearner!!!!!! Oh my gosh is he a yearner. His empathy is also admirable, but he also doesn't sugar coat his feelings. He's honest and knows what he wants.
We really get an up close and personal look at Margo's and Anderson's grief, but also their love. So much love. As someone who has not experienced grief in the way these characters have, it was really hard to read, but also helped me understand the feelings of those who have been through this. I think reading books like this can help us all empathize with other humans a lot more when they are grieving. The scene in the second half of the book when Margo goes back to therapy is actually what made me cry the most. Her raw words stung and cut so deep. I haven't lost anyone like she did specifically but some of her feelings definitely made me feel seen.
The girl power in this story is also amazing. Rachel such a strong, supportive best friend and I loved her role here. I am so, so excited to read her personal story, which I think is next. I know her story goes so much deeper than what we see of her in this book. I think it will be equally as beautiful and gut-wrenching.
I love that I thought I knew how the story would progress and then eventually end, but the author actually made me re- think it mid story. That is something I love about reading new authors, it's kind of unpredictable. Will they put your heart back together after they break it? I was left wondering at about chapter 24 -will Margo be able to get through this, will Anderson??? You'll have to read for yourself to find out!
This is Liv Arnett's debut novel and I am SO impressed. I really felt like I was reading a book by Elsie Silver or Christina Lauren. The back of the book didn't lie when it compared it to Love and Other Words. The writing is so well done, and the story was well flushed out. No loose ends, no plot holes that I caught.
Spice Level for those who wonder: .5 🌶️
We really get an up close and personal look at Margo's and Anderson's grief, but also their love. So much love. As someone who has not experienced grief in the way these characters have, it was really hard to read, but also helped me understand the feelings of those who have been through this. I think reading books like this can help us all empathize with other humans a lot more when they are grieving. The scene in the second half of the book when Margo goes back to therapy is actually what made me cry the most. Her raw words stung and cut so deep. I haven't lost anyone like she did specifically but some of her feelings definitely made me feel seen.
The girl power in this story is also amazing. Rachel such a strong, supportive best friend and I loved her role here. I am so, so excited to read her personal story, which I think is next. I know her story goes so much deeper than what we see of her in this book. I think it will be equally as beautiful and gut-wrenching.
I love that I thought I knew how the story would progress and then eventually end, but the author actually made me re- think it mid story. That is something I love about reading new authors, it's kind of unpredictable. Will they put your heart back together after they break it? I was left wondering at about chapter 24 -will Margo be able to get through this, will Anderson??? You'll have to read for yourself to find out!
This is Liv Arnett's debut novel and I am SO impressed. I really felt like I was reading a book by Elsie Silver or Christina Lauren. The back of the book didn't lie when it compared it to Love and Other Words. The writing is so well done, and the story was well flushed out. No loose ends, no plot holes that I caught.
Spice Level for those who wonder: .5 🌶️
February 7, 2026
Please run, don’t walk, to read this book! Between the Waves had me absolutely captivated from the very first page. If you are an empath, be prepared for heartache, grief, and hope to completely consume you throughout the book. The incomprehensible grief that Margo is forced to endure, the devastating effect of Anderson’s own, and the safety net that they unexpectedly provide for each other are aspects that made this story feel so real and full of emotion. Anderson and Margo each have very real burdens that they are carrying and flaws that make them real people but what I love most is how they acknowledge them, how they learn, grow, and heal (I’m here for the therapy rep!) so that they can live their lives more fully, initially for themselves as individuals but later for each other too.
If you are looking for a slow burn that is full of real emotion, laughter, and healing, this is one you should definitely check out! I cannot wait for Rachel and Rhett’s story next!
If you are looking for a slow burn that is full of real emotion, laughter, and healing, this is one you should definitely check out! I cannot wait for Rachel and Rhett’s story next!
December 29, 2025
If you’re looking for a romance that feels real, heartfelt, and completely immersive, Between the Waves is a must read. Anderson and Margo’s story isn’t your typical love story it’s messy, emotional, and incredibly human. Margo’s journey through grief after losing her husband is written so authentically, and her struggle to open her heart again is both heartbreaking and relatable. Anderson is patient, kind, and the kind of character you can’t help but root for. I also loved Rachel, Margo’s friend and Josh’s sister whose support and loyalty shine throughout the story. She’s such a grounding presence, and I’m so excited for her love story next!
This book will pull at your heartstrings, make you smile, and leave you thinking about the characters long after the last page. Even if you don’t normally read romance, you’ll fall in love with this story!
This book will pull at your heartstrings, make you smile, and leave you thinking about the characters long after the last page. Even if you don’t normally read romance, you’ll fall in love with this story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gave me all the feels. The author did a beautiful job of portraying the reality of life after loss. As someone who has not experienced this level of grief, this book truly put that into perspective for me. This book kept me up late and I was sneaking in a few pages whenever I could. The realness of this book is like nothing I’ve ever read before and I absolutely can not wait for the rest of the Invisible String series!
Also, the romance??? The banter, the attention to detail, the yearning! I think I’m in love with Anderson but I’ll wait until I read the rest of the series to choose my book boyfriend.
Dying to find out who the next books will be about but I am hoping Sloane finds someone a little more tolerable than Aaron.
Keep it up Liv, the people NEED more!
Also, the romance??? The banter, the attention to detail, the yearning! I think I’m in love with Anderson but I’ll wait until I read the rest of the series to choose my book boyfriend.
Dying to find out who the next books will be about but I am hoping Sloane finds someone a little more tolerable than Aaron.
Keep it up Liv, the people NEED more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know how to put my feelings into words, this book was everything. Hot and steamy, emotional, and real! I felt like I was there the whole time I was reading this with all the emotions involved. The way they love, the way he was there for her and supportive about Josh. That’s not something you see happen in real life! I cannot wait to read the next book about Rachel and Rhett, I feel like we got teasers about their past relationship when Margo and Josh were together, but now I can’t wait to see their relationship unfold.
I can’t thank Liv Arnett the author of this book for sending me a copy of it to read! She’s probably the sweetest soul I’ve ever conversed with!
I can’t thank Liv Arnett the author of this book for sending me a copy of it to read! She’s probably the sweetest soul I’ve ever conversed with!
January 30, 2026
This book grabbed my heart in the first chapter and refused to let go. Margo’s story is raw and haunting in the best way — a woman caught between who she was, who she lost, and who she could be. Anderson’s quiet, immediate connection with her? Instant emotional whiplash, and I loved every second.
The coastal setting, the bachelorette-trip chaos, the slow undoing of her walls — it all blends into a beautifully crafted story about choosing life again. If you love emotional, character-driven romances that explore the space between past and present, this one hits deep. Soft, stunning, and brave.
This book was everything and more.💕
February 1, 2026
BETWEEN THE WAVES by Liv Arnett. You guysss I’m obsessed with Margo and Anderson. “Between The Waves” is such a beautiful story that discusses grief and the courage it takes someone to not only survive it, but learn to thrive again. Liv perfectly showcases the importance of friendship, patience and understanding whilst never undermining the reality that grief will never go away, and that’s okay too. A gorgeous beach vacation romance with a side of girlhood and a helping of giving up control for a better future. I cried, giggled and gasped aloud. Such a good reading experience, I hope you all do it ASAP.
February 20, 2026
Tender, resonant, and deeply moving, Between the Waves blends romance with profound emotional depth, weaving a character-driven story where delicate connections meet the heavy, lasting weight of loss, all while stolen glances, hesitant confessions, and slowly building tension create bonds that feel both fragile and achingly real.
But beyond the romance, it's a story of healing-of learning to truly live again after heartbreak, rediscovering the parts of yourself you thought were lost, and realizing that opening your heart is both terrifying and courageous.
As a whole, it's perfect for readers who crave emotionally rich love stories, exploring old wounds, raw vulnerability, and the quiet yet undeniable hope that comes with choosing love-even when it feels scary, uncertain, or impossible.
But beyond the romance, it's a story of healing-of learning to truly live again after heartbreak, rediscovering the parts of yourself you thought were lost, and realizing that opening your heart is both terrifying and courageous.
As a whole, it's perfect for readers who crave emotionally rich love stories, exploring old wounds, raw vulnerability, and the quiet yet undeniable hope that comes with choosing love-even when it feels scary, uncertain, or impossible.
November 25, 2025
I just finished this book, and I LOVED it. This author brings such a holistic perspective to Margo's experience. The writing was raw, real, and beautiful. I could visualize every scene like it were a movie. It’s emotional, passionate, and heartfelt without ever feeling overdone. There are moments that will stay with you long after you finish, and the way the author explores love, loss, and the fragility of life is unforgettable. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel everything—this is it. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’ve ever experienced grief before, you know it’s not a linear journey. It’s messy and complicated and Liv does such a great job showing us the rawness of that experience with Margo. Margo is grieving the loss of her husband from a horrific car accident that still haunts her years later, but when Anderson shows up in her life unexpectedly, she has to face if she’s actually ready for a second chance at love. And Anderson? Yeah he’s perfect and I love him!!! Can’t wait for book 2 and so stoked I got my hands on this before the world did!
February 2, 2026
I am UNWELL after reading this.
First - I am such a firm believer in the invisible string theory; it’s exactly how I found my husband 🤍
ANYWAYS - This book tells a story of love and grief, and the difficult way of finding a balance for them to coexist. I felt every single emotion possible - each depicted so well, so raw. These characters feel so real, and genuine. I absolutely adored the fun banter between Margo & Anderson; and, the bond Margo shares with her friends (especially Rachel).
This was absolutely fantastic. I will be thinking about it, Margo & Anderson forever 😭
First - I am such a firm believer in the invisible string theory; it’s exactly how I found my husband 🤍
ANYWAYS - This book tells a story of love and grief, and the difficult way of finding a balance for them to coexist. I felt every single emotion possible - each depicted so well, so raw. These characters feel so real, and genuine. I absolutely adored the fun banter between Margo & Anderson; and, the bond Margo shares with her friends (especially Rachel).
This was absolutely fantastic. I will be thinking about it, Margo & Anderson forever 😭
February 6, 2026
Absolutely exceptional book, I’m so glad I picked it up.
Liv explores the heaviest parts of grief within these pages and honestly I cried enough I probably could have washed my dishes with my tears.
This book absolutely destroyed me in so many ways I’m not sure I have anymore tears left to cry. My eyes feel like sandpaper, when she describes the loss you feel like you are living it. That it is your grief to carry, and you find yourself in that “what if this had happened to me” mindset as you’re reading it and that is the highest form of heartbreak.
6 ⭐️ read for me honestly.
Liv explores the heaviest parts of grief within these pages and honestly I cried enough I probably could have washed my dishes with my tears.
This book absolutely destroyed me in so many ways I’m not sure I have anymore tears left to cry. My eyes feel like sandpaper, when she describes the loss you feel like you are living it. That it is your grief to carry, and you find yourself in that “what if this had happened to me” mindset as you’re reading it and that is the highest form of heartbreak.
6 ⭐️ read for me honestly.
February 18, 2026
I don’t even know how to put my love for this book into words. This wasn’t my usual type of read, but I’m so glad I decided to try it out. Liv’s writing style described every feeling and situation so perfectly. I felt like I was in every moment with the characters and so much of it was relatable. I laughed and cried which is everything I could want.
I’m also obsessed with all of the different relationships portrayed. From siblings, to lovers, to best friends, it’s all there.
Anyways, if you haven’t read this already and want to explore a story of grief, love, and friendship, please read this!
I’m also obsessed with all of the different relationships portrayed. From siblings, to lovers, to best friends, it’s all there.
Anyways, if you haven’t read this already and want to explore a story of grief, love, and friendship, please read this!
February 23, 2026
Get ready for this book to absolutely tug at your heartstrings. I found myself thinking about it all day, just waiting for a quiet moment so I could dive back in.
I adored Anderson and was rooting so hard for Margo through every single hard moment. Watching her navigate such deep, heartbreaking grief — and all the messy ups and downs that come with learning how to keep living — felt so real and emotional.
This story is raw, powerful, and beautifully written. Such an incredible read. I’m already so excited to continue this series and spend more time with my other favorite characters!
I adored Anderson and was rooting so hard for Margo through every single hard moment. Watching her navigate such deep, heartbreaking grief — and all the messy ups and downs that come with learning how to keep living — felt so real and emotional.
This story is raw, powerful, and beautifully written. Such an incredible read. I’m already so excited to continue this series and spend more time with my other favorite characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So, so good!! I felt all the emotions - the good, the bad, the ugly. And in the end, I was so happy to see Margo come out on top. You could feel her pain every step of the way, and her joy too! I loved how it changed POV from Anderson to Margo because I loved getting his side of the story too. You can't help but root for these 2 throughout all the ups and downs.
Highly recommend! Excellent job, Liv!
Highly recommend! Excellent job, Liv!
February 22, 2026
This book was beautifully written!! I would definitely recommend reading it! The characters felt super unique and realistic and the way Liv wrote and described all the emotions, thoughts, and so on WOWWW!! The book had me on an emotional roller coaster in the best way!! The love between Margo and Anderson was so special and I loved their relationship/the pacing of it. It felt super natural!! Also the friendship between Margo and Rachel was so cuteee!!
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