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When the Tides Shift
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Expected 26 May 26A summer marketing gig on an oyster farm is the simple reset she needs. Well, it would be—if not for the gruff, golden-eyed farmer determined to wreck all her plans.
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Eliza Attleburn has been striving for success since her parents taught her the meaning of the word. Hustling hard in corporate Boston, she was making steady progress—until a layoff, cheating boyfriend, and social implosion knocked her off-kilter in one fell swoop. Overwhelmed, she finds herself in Garnet Shores, Rhode Island, for a three-month social media position on an oyster farm. It isn’t exactly ideal, but it’s a chance to escape the storm and diversify her resume as she plans her return to corporate life. And no man is going to ruin that.
Grayson Gold’s oyster farm isn’t just some small-town spot. It’s an award-winning name, his family legacy, and the salty blood in his veins. But none of it’s guaranteed. So when a pretty, strong-willed city girl shows up for a job he never posted, looking like an echo of last year’s near-catastrophic mistake, Grayson wants her gone. The problem? His brother hired her, and Eliza refuses to leave, clashing with him head-on instead.
But as summer heats up and Eliza and Grayson keep colliding, mutual loathing transforms into something else, and what began as Eliza’s escape starts to feel more like a discovery.
Still, her future lives in Boston.
That’s what all her plans said, anyway.
__
Eliza Attleburn has been striving for success since her parents taught her the meaning of the word. Hustling hard in corporate Boston, she was making steady progress—until a layoff, cheating boyfriend, and social implosion knocked her off-kilter in one fell swoop. Overwhelmed, she finds herself in Garnet Shores, Rhode Island, for a three-month social media position on an oyster farm. It isn’t exactly ideal, but it’s a chance to escape the storm and diversify her resume as she plans her return to corporate life. And no man is going to ruin that.
Grayson Gold’s oyster farm isn’t just some small-town spot. It’s an award-winning name, his family legacy, and the salty blood in his veins. But none of it’s guaranteed. So when a pretty, strong-willed city girl shows up for a job he never posted, looking like an echo of last year’s near-catastrophic mistake, Grayson wants her gone. The problem? His brother hired her, and Eliza refuses to leave, clashing with him head-on instead.
But as summer heats up and Eliza and Grayson keep colliding, mutual loathing transforms into something else, and what began as Eliza’s escape starts to feel more like a discovery.
Still, her future lives in Boston.
That’s what all her plans said, anyway.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
327 people want to read
About the author
Megan Monte
3 books63 followersMegan Monte’s first stories were born on the sidelines of her brother’s
soccer games as an elementary schooler. What began as a way to entertain
herself became an infinite obsession with getting lost in fictional worlds,
either through reading or writing them. Her go-to genre is anything with
a blend of slow-burn romance and high-stakes adventure. And, as much
as she loves getting lost in characters’ adventures, she also likes to create
her own in real life. When she isn’t writing, reading, or working her day
job, you’ll find her surfing, hiking, skiing, cooking, traveling, trying (and
failing) to handstand, or spoiling her pup in New England.
soccer games as an elementary schooler. What began as a way to entertain
herself became an infinite obsession with getting lost in fictional worlds,
either through reading or writing them. Her go-to genre is anything with
a blend of slow-burn romance and high-stakes adventure. And, as much
as she loves getting lost in characters’ adventures, she also likes to create
her own in real life. When she isn’t writing, reading, or working her day
job, you’ll find her surfing, hiking, skiing, cooking, traveling, trying (and
failing) to handstand, or spoiling her pup in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 12, 2026
top 5 horror stories
1. not being enemies to lovers with grayson gold
2. not being an oyster
3. not being dave
4. not being one of joy’s cinnamon rolls
5. hearing someone call my cl*t “pearl”
1. not being enemies to lovers with grayson gold
2. not being an oyster
3. not being dave
4. not being one of joy’s cinnamon rolls
5. hearing someone call my cl*t “pearl”
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun read and is perfect for the summer - finished it in about a day! I loved that the setting was not at a random beach, resort, or lake - but at an oyster farm! The setting really added to the story and the New England spring sunrises and sunsets were perfectly described. I also died every time the "Boston finance-bros" were mentioned -- too spot on!
I thought Eliza was so relatable as an FMC for someone who also works in a high pace, competitive, male dominated field. She was driven and focused on her career, but also kind, caring, and definitely in need of a break and new friends (c'mon Jane!!). I also loved Grayson as the MMC. He was an arrogant ass in the beginning, but giving him his own chapters worked well in learning that first appearances are definitely deceiving. I also loved his dynamic with Anson and JJ. They all had an emotional maturity that is sometimes lacking in romance books.
The "enemies to lovers" trope was well played out here. I thought the sharp witted banter between Eliza and Grayson was great, and really relatable. Their teasing and fighting was so fun and refreshing, it did really feel like they hated each other for a short time. It was a fun journey to watch them fall in love.
Having just read a book where miscommunication was used too much, and if characters would have spent time talking, all would have been well, this type of miscommunication was lightyears above. Yes, there were some misunderstandings, and internal spiraling (happens to everyone!), but Eliza and Grayson ultimately acted liked adults and instead of just assuming they knew what the other was thinking, they asked! There was no big dramatic misunderstanding driving the book, which was refreshing as that trope feels overused lately.
The only thing I wish happened was more of a concrete conversation between Eliza and her overbearing parents. They treated her horribly and the last thing we read about that was her acquiescing to a job interview. Would have loved even part of a chapter of her standing up for herself!
Thank you, Megan, for the opportunity to ARC read this story! I really hope we get to see Anson's story, which I can only assume, involves the woman living in the "shack" on his property. I also want to actually "meet" Kitty! I feel like she might be a good fit for JJ!
I thought Eliza was so relatable as an FMC for someone who also works in a high pace, competitive, male dominated field. She was driven and focused on her career, but also kind, caring, and definitely in need of a break and new friends (c'mon Jane!!). I also loved Grayson as the MMC. He was an arrogant ass in the beginning, but giving him his own chapters worked well in learning that first appearances are definitely deceiving. I also loved his dynamic with Anson and JJ. They all had an emotional maturity that is sometimes lacking in romance books.
The "enemies to lovers" trope was well played out here. I thought the sharp witted banter between Eliza and Grayson was great, and really relatable. Their teasing and fighting was so fun and refreshing, it did really feel like they hated each other for a short time. It was a fun journey to watch them fall in love.
Having just read a book where miscommunication was used too much, and if characters would have spent time talking, all would have been well, this type of miscommunication was lightyears above. Yes, there were some misunderstandings, and internal spiraling (happens to everyone!), but Eliza and Grayson ultimately acted liked adults and instead of just assuming they knew what the other was thinking, they asked! There was no big dramatic misunderstanding driving the book, which was refreshing as that trope feels overused lately.
The only thing I wish happened was more of a concrete conversation between Eliza and her overbearing parents. They treated her horribly and the last thing we read about that was her acquiescing to a job interview. Would have loved even part of a chapter of her standing up for herself!
Thank you, Megan, for the opportunity to ARC read this story! I really hope we get to see Anson's story, which I can only assume, involves the woman living in the "shack" on his property. I also want to actually "meet" Kitty! I feel like she might be a good fit for JJ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to ARC read Eliza and Grayson’s story. I loved that the book takes place in a New England coastal town, which felt like such a refreshing change from many of the books I usually read. Megan does a lovely job describing Rhode Island and the oyster farm—I honestly want to plan a trip there now! I also loved that the MMC is an oyster farmer, which felt totally unique and refreshing.
I have a newfound appreciation for oyster farmers after reading this book. Grayson is the perfect grumpy MMC. And the thing this man does with an oyster shell just to prove to Eliza that oysters really are an aphrodisiac? WOW. I will never look at an oyster shell the same way again without thinking of this man. I seriously MELTED.
Eliza is such a strong FMC. She sticks to her guns even when her family tries to dictate her life. She’s experienced some major setbacks recently, but she keeps pushing forward and refuses to let anything stop her from pursuing what she wants in life and her career.
I also LOVE when a book has a good “f**k it” moment, and this one absolutely delivered. The chemistry between the two main characters is incredible, and the tension between them makes for an even better slow-burn romance.
AND THERE’S A DUCK!!!
Thank you, Megan, for the opportunity to ARC read this story! I truly hope there’s more to come from the oyster farm and the community of Garnet Shores.
I have a newfound appreciation for oyster farmers after reading this book. Grayson is the perfect grumpy MMC. And the thing this man does with an oyster shell just to prove to Eliza that oysters really are an aphrodisiac? WOW. I will never look at an oyster shell the same way again without thinking of this man. I seriously MELTED.
Eliza is such a strong FMC. She sticks to her guns even when her family tries to dictate her life. She’s experienced some major setbacks recently, but she keeps pushing forward and refuses to let anything stop her from pursuing what she wants in life and her career.
I also LOVE when a book has a good “f**k it” moment, and this one absolutely delivered. The chemistry between the two main characters is incredible, and the tension between them makes for an even better slow-burn romance.
AND THERE’S A DUCK!!!
Thank you, Megan, for the opportunity to ARC read this story! I truly hope there’s more to come from the oyster farm and the community of Garnet Shores.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book, and I absolutely devoured it in two days.
From the very first run-in between Grayson and Eliza, I knew I was hooked. The immediate electric connection between them was pure perfection. Whether they were arguing or begrudgingly working together, the banter between them had humor, feeling, and authenticity, making every exchange feel natural and genuine.
The author bottled up everything that makes a summer romance great: the tiny misunderstandings that spark both tension and tenderness, the delicious “will they or won’t they?” suspense, and the slow, satisfying unraveling of love between two stubborn people burned by past hurts. As miscommunications escalated into arguments, I found myself grinning like an idiot, kicking my feet, and feeling the anticipation that only a top-tier enemies-to-lovers story can deliver.
The setting, for me, was great. It was so accurate and familiar for a New England native like me. The Boston ‘finance bro’ details had me cracking up. The struggle of living up to the expectations of others, whether it came from parents or from family legacy, felt raw and real and added dimension to the characters.
Overall, When the Tides Shift is everything I wanted in a summer romance: it was funny, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
From the very first run-in between Grayson and Eliza, I knew I was hooked. The immediate electric connection between them was pure perfection. Whether they were arguing or begrudgingly working together, the banter between them had humor, feeling, and authenticity, making every exchange feel natural and genuine.
The author bottled up everything that makes a summer romance great: the tiny misunderstandings that spark both tension and tenderness, the delicious “will they or won’t they?” suspense, and the slow, satisfying unraveling of love between two stubborn people burned by past hurts. As miscommunications escalated into arguments, I found myself grinning like an idiot, kicking my feet, and feeling the anticipation that only a top-tier enemies-to-lovers story can deliver.
The setting, for me, was great. It was so accurate and familiar for a New England native like me. The Boston ‘finance bro’ details had me cracking up. The struggle of living up to the expectations of others, whether it came from parents or from family legacy, felt raw and real and added dimension to the characters.
Overall, When the Tides Shift is everything I wanted in a summer romance: it was funny, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve heard people describe “kicking their feet” while reading a book, and honestly, I never really understood what that meant… until I read When the Tides Shift. Now I get it.
I had a good damn time with this book. I was smiling while reading it, just completely wrapped up in the characters and their dynamic. The banter? Top tier. The sass? Immaculate. It made the whole story feel so alive and fun, and I absolutely devoured it.
I’ll admit, I was a little unsure going in. As a very avid fantasy/romantasy reader, modern-day summer romance isn’t usually my lane, and I wasn’t sure how I’d connect with it. But wow, this completely won me over. The premise pulled me in, and I ended up loving every minute of it.
I originally applied for this ARC because I follow the author after reading "Waykeeper" (which I loved, btw), and I’m so glad I did. This has such a different vibe, but it still has that same engaging storytelling that just keeps you turning pages.
At the end of the day, this was just pure fun; a good vibes read with a solid plot and a love story I couldn’t get enough of. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who just wants to have a genuinely great time reading.
Also, David the Duck, 5 stars.
I had a good damn time with this book. I was smiling while reading it, just completely wrapped up in the characters and their dynamic. The banter? Top tier. The sass? Immaculate. It made the whole story feel so alive and fun, and I absolutely devoured it.
I’ll admit, I was a little unsure going in. As a very avid fantasy/romantasy reader, modern-day summer romance isn’t usually my lane, and I wasn’t sure how I’d connect with it. But wow, this completely won me over. The premise pulled me in, and I ended up loving every minute of it.
I originally applied for this ARC because I follow the author after reading "Waykeeper" (which I loved, btw), and I’m so glad I did. This has such a different vibe, but it still has that same engaging storytelling that just keeps you turning pages.
At the end of the day, this was just pure fun; a good vibes read with a solid plot and a love story I couldn’t get enough of. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who just wants to have a genuinely great time reading.
Also, David the Duck, 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I want to say Wow! 🤩 I am so blessed for this to be my first ARC book! Megan Monte created a beautiful place in my mind with amazing characters, including Dave! I lack imagination sometimes but her descriptions painted such beautiful pictures in my head, the back and forth, the tension, all felt like a rubber band being pulled and pulled until it pops!
I love that regardless of the BS she just went through in Boston with her ex and losing her job, Eliza doesn’t let that stop her from starting over fresh at an Oyster farm far from all that baggage. She picks herself up and continues to push through it all, even if that rugged Oyster Farmer, Grayson is out to make her life a living hell!
Grayson, Grayson, Grayson… What can I say about this man? His first impression was not the best, but I understand why he flipped his lid when he found a complete stranger trying to wrestle with Dave, haha! He has a good heart, regardless of what he’s been through. I love that even though this man is such a grump with other ladies, this Oyster farmer knows a thing or two about finding that pearl 😉
I love that regardless of the BS she just went through in Boston with her ex and losing her job, Eliza doesn’t let that stop her from starting over fresh at an Oyster farm far from all that baggage. She picks herself up and continues to push through it all, even if that rugged Oyster Farmer, Grayson is out to make her life a living hell!
Grayson, Grayson, Grayson… What can I say about this man? His first impression was not the best, but I understand why he flipped his lid when he found a complete stranger trying to wrestle with Dave, haha! He has a good heart, regardless of what he’s been through. I love that even though this man is such a grump with other ladies, this Oyster farmer knows a thing or two about finding that pearl 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️ Feeling so so blessed to be an ARC reader for this book.
I read this book in one sitting. The characters hooked me in at the very start and the way Megan wrote about the scenery of New England, I knew this was going to be a good one.
Grayson and Eliza’s romance from the very start had me giggling and kicking my feet. Their banter and the one liners were absolute perfection in the build up of their story. It was a mixture of slow burn, enemies to lovers, and he falls first books. The transition from each romance theme was seamless and every detail of their story felt intentional from the first meeting, to the oyster tours, and to the very end!
I was blown away by how she described Boston and Rhode Island (it’s giving Narragansett area if you know RI). A Rhode Island sunrise is unbeatable, and her writing is hands-down the best literary description to it for anyone who hasn't been here.
Overall, I truly haven’t read a book like this before, and can’t recommend this book enough to everyone. Can’t wait to see what Megan Monte has next!
I read this book in one sitting. The characters hooked me in at the very start and the way Megan wrote about the scenery of New England, I knew this was going to be a good one.
Grayson and Eliza’s romance from the very start had me giggling and kicking my feet. Their banter and the one liners were absolute perfection in the build up of their story. It was a mixture of slow burn, enemies to lovers, and he falls first books. The transition from each romance theme was seamless and every detail of their story felt intentional from the first meeting, to the oyster tours, and to the very end!
I was blown away by how she described Boston and Rhode Island (it’s giving Narragansett area if you know RI). A Rhode Island sunrise is unbeatable, and her writing is hands-down the best literary description to it for anyone who hasn't been here.
Overall, I truly haven’t read a book like this before, and can’t recommend this book enough to everyone. Can’t wait to see what Megan Monte has next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
first, huge thank-you to the author for providing me an ARC!
this book was released at the perfect time of year -- it is a perfect beach (or pool) read! I wanted to read this book because I'm an east coast girl who has done a lot of work in the environmental field, including working with shellfish & shellfish farmers. I was totally obsessed with the idea of a romance novel about a city girl moving to the shore, discovering the charm of coastal life, and falling for a grumpy oyster farmer. the book did not disappoint!
if you like romance books, you'll love this one. it's well-written with realistic dialogue, believable characters, nice pacing, and nice vocabulary that never felt out of place. the ending might be a little predictable, but it was very satisfying and it felt well-earned. I'm hoping there may be more books in the future that bring us back to Garnet Shores... maybe some books about Ansom & Amanda?? I'll be keeping an eye out!
this book was released at the perfect time of year -- it is a perfect beach (or pool) read! I wanted to read this book because I'm an east coast girl who has done a lot of work in the environmental field, including working with shellfish & shellfish farmers. I was totally obsessed with the idea of a romance novel about a city girl moving to the shore, discovering the charm of coastal life, and falling for a grumpy oyster farmer. the book did not disappoint!
if you like romance books, you'll love this one. it's well-written with realistic dialogue, believable characters, nice pacing, and nice vocabulary that never felt out of place. the ending might be a little predictable, but it was very satisfying and it felt well-earned. I'm hoping there may be more books in the future that bring us back to Garnet Shores... maybe some books about Ansom & Amanda?? I'll be keeping an eye out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am not Megan's normal demographic, but I adore her Through an Amethyst Gaze series so I applied to ARC her newest book, got selected (!), and just finished. What a fun book! She promised slow burn, spice (lordy!), enemies to lovers, and delivered on all of them. But she also promised "banter" and this book has absolutely superb banter. If banter is your thing, you should pre-order this one right now. Tides also PERFECTLY captures the small coastal New England town vibe. If you're not fortunate enough to live in such a place, this book will make you want to visit. It also captures the special relationship that folks have with salt water. Morning swims, oyster farming, being a tiny bit sunburnt, a whole lot salt-encrusted, and loving every minute of it. Lastly, it features a duck with one line (delivered several times) that steals every scene he waddles through. A perfect summer read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Megan for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! Your previews kept popping on my fyp and I jumped at the opportunity to get a copy of this story as fast as possible.
The setting of this book is on an oyster farm, a good change from the romance novels I’ve been reading. The descriptions painted this coastal town beautifully and was the perfect summer read. It was also what city girl Eliza needed. Homegirl was going through it and grumpy Grayson was just adding fuel to the fire right from the beginning. Eliza was determined to do her job, marketing for his families oyster farm, despite all the pushback Grayson was giving her. But Eliza didn’t play to get even, she played to win. Their banter and slow burn chemistry was perfectly paced. All the side characters were so enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more from the town of Garnet Shores!
Also I will never ever EVER look at an oyster the same way… and I’ve always been a pearl earring girly
The setting of this book is on an oyster farm, a good change from the romance novels I’ve been reading. The descriptions painted this coastal town beautifully and was the perfect summer read. It was also what city girl Eliza needed. Homegirl was going through it and grumpy Grayson was just adding fuel to the fire right from the beginning. Eliza was determined to do her job, marketing for his families oyster farm, despite all the pushback Grayson was giving her. But Eliza didn’t play to get even, she played to win. Their banter and slow burn chemistry was perfectly paced. All the side characters were so enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more from the town of Garnet Shores!
Also I will never ever EVER look at an oyster the same way… and I’ve always been a pearl earring girly
Review of advance copy received from Author
So grateful I got to be an ARC reader for this!! I finished this book in hours I loved it so much. Growing up in Boston and now being a marketing professional myself I knew I needed to read this.
When The Tides Shift is a refreshing take on enemies to lovers. It had forced proximity, workplace romance and definitely set the stage for (hopefully) an interconnected / found family series. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the beginning was a bit slow for me but once it picked up BOY did it pick up!! I was kicking my feet and giggling through the rest!
And having now finished the book it makes total sense why things went a bit slower in the beginning, it really helped set the stage for the backgrounds of not only the main characters but also their friends and family.
This is the perfect summer read, especially if your visiting a Rhode Island beach😉
When The Tides Shift is a refreshing take on enemies to lovers. It had forced proximity, workplace romance and definitely set the stage for (hopefully) an interconnected / found family series. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the beginning was a bit slow for me but once it picked up BOY did it pick up!! I was kicking my feet and giggling through the rest!
And having now finished the book it makes total sense why things went a bit slower in the beginning, it really helped set the stage for the backgrounds of not only the main characters but also their friends and family.
This is the perfect summer read, especially if your visiting a Rhode Island beach😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
To all those who love coastal summer romances, you’re in luck. I just finished this arc from Megan and it has all the New England, small-town vibes that make you want to put Noah Kahan’s album on repeat.
She paints such a vivid picture of the oyster farm and the surrounding atmosphere that it sets the tone perfectly for Eliza and Grayson’s chemistry, with tension that acts as the cherry on top of their slow-burning sizzler.
And although the enemies-to-lovers trope may not be people’s top choice, I think Megan also does a good job at balancing its moody nature with humor and witty banter that you’ll be cackling over. Like, seriously—there’s even A DUCK. And I’m not even kidding when I say that she had me with the first “Quack.”
So, considering that this is only book one of the Garnet Shores Series, I seriously can’t wait to read what Megan writes next!!
She paints such a vivid picture of the oyster farm and the surrounding atmosphere that it sets the tone perfectly for Eliza and Grayson’s chemistry, with tension that acts as the cherry on top of their slow-burning sizzler.
And although the enemies-to-lovers trope may not be people’s top choice, I think Megan also does a good job at balancing its moody nature with humor and witty banter that you’ll be cackling over. Like, seriously—there’s even A DUCK. And I’m not even kidding when I say that she had me with the first “Quack.”
So, considering that this is only book one of the Garnet Shores Series, I seriously can’t wait to read what Megan writes next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun, summer, cozy romance with a touch of heat!! When Boston native Eliza takes a summer job working in Marketing at a small oyster farm in Rhode Island, she expects to bide her time, pad her resume & work on her tan until she can return to the corporate Boston world. Instead she finds herself working with a grumpy duck and an even grumpier, but very hot, oyster farmer. But he's only grumpy to her and seems like sunshine to everyone else. The water maybe cold, but eventually things begin to thaw between them and she realizes Grayson is not the person she first met. As the tide shifts, she has some big decisions to make regarding love, loyalty and what truly defines success. And of course, will she ever win over Dave the Duck?
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC READ:
This book was such a fun and refreshing read! You have a small-town oyster farmer who has been burned before and a big shot marketing woman who needs a break from her stressful life in the big city. The banter was top notch. I loved that it was not an instant love and that they truly got to know each other throughout the book. I am so happy and grateful I was able to read this in advance. Thank you to the author, Megan Monte, this book was a great time from start to finish! I definitely need to make a trip to Rhode Island and find me an oyster farmer!
P.S. If you haven't checked her other two books out, you should! Series: Through an Amethyst Gaze, Book 1-Waykeeper and Book 2-Waytreader. I can't wait until book 3!
This book was such a fun and refreshing read! You have a small-town oyster farmer who has been burned before and a big shot marketing woman who needs a break from her stressful life in the big city. The banter was top notch. I loved that it was not an instant love and that they truly got to know each other throughout the book. I am so happy and grateful I was able to read this in advance. Thank you to the author, Megan Monte, this book was a great time from start to finish! I definitely need to make a trip to Rhode Island and find me an oyster farmer!
P.S. If you haven't checked her other two books out, you should! Series: Through an Amethyst Gaze, Book 1-Waykeeper and Book 2-Waytreader. I can't wait until book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute, easy summer read with just the right mix of emotional weight and lighthearted romance. The story follows a woman who is dealing with being cheated on and unexpectedly losing her job. In an attempt to reset her life, she takes a temporary social media job for the summer at an oyster farm.
Once she arrives, she meets the gruff, not-at-all-enthused head of the farm, who is less than thrilled about having her there. What follows is a slow burn of tension, misunderstandings, and subtle chemistry that builds into a very soft, satisfying enemies-to-lovers arc.
Overall, this is a charming romance that works perfectly as a summer beach read.
Thank you Megan for the advanced copy!
Once she arrives, she meets the gruff, not-at-all-enthused head of the farm, who is less than thrilled about having her there. What follows is a slow burn of tension, misunderstandings, and subtle chemistry that builds into a very soft, satisfying enemies-to-lovers arc.
Overall, this is a charming romance that works perfectly as a summer beach read.
Thank you Megan for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This is the perfect novel to get you in the summer mood! I read this book after being in a bit of a slump and it is one of the first books this year that had me grinning ear to ear throughout. The characters, dialogue, and writing overall were great. I especially love that the book is set in coastal Rhode Island so others can experience a sliver of what true New England summers are like. More importantly, the MMC actually acted his age and like a real, mature adult (other authors take note!).
Overall, this is a quick, fun read perfect for lounging by the ocean, pool, lake, or wherever your summer adventures take you. I look forward to hopefully more to come in the series.
Lastly, are oysters actually aphrodisiacs? Guess you will have to read this book to find out!
This is the perfect novel to get you in the summer mood! I read this book after being in a bit of a slump and it is one of the first books this year that had me grinning ear to ear throughout. The characters, dialogue, and writing overall were great. I especially love that the book is set in coastal Rhode Island so others can experience a sliver of what true New England summers are like. More importantly, the MMC actually acted his age and like a real, mature adult (other authors take note!).
Overall, this is a quick, fun read perfect for lounging by the ocean, pool, lake, or wherever your summer adventures take you. I look forward to hopefully more to come in the series.
Lastly, are oysters actually aphrodisiacs? Guess you will have to read this book to find out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this small town romance. The unique setting of the oyster farm made it really stand out and made it have all the perfect summer vibes. Eliza and Grayson had a really good enemies to lover arc and some really enjoyable banter. The supporting cast of characters was also really fun (I hope Anson gets his own book one day). The pacing of the story was fantastic, it didn't rush from them fighting/not getting along to liking each other but felt like the transition to friends and then a romantic pair felt natural.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good summer small town romance. The book is very heartfelt and the characters are amazing.
I really enjoyed this small town romance. The unique setting of the oyster farm made it really stand out and made it have all the perfect summer vibes. Eliza and Grayson had a really good enemies to lover arc and some really enjoyable banter. The supporting cast of characters was also really fun (I hope Anson gets his own book one day). The pacing of the story was fantastic, it didn't rush from them fighting/not getting along to liking each other but felt like the transition to friends and then a romantic pair felt natural.
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good summer small town romance. The book is very heartfelt and the characters are amazing.
May 12, 2026
When the tides shift by Megan Monte was such a sweet story! We all love an enemies-to-lovers slow burn, but Eliza and Grayson’s relationship was everything.
I’ve read my fair share of New England-based romance novels, but never one set on an oyster farm! I loved this added dynamic and really enjoyed learning more about the oyster farming process throughout the story. As an oyster lover myself, I thought it was such a fun touch!
And let’s not forget Dave the duck… easily my third favorite character 😂
I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series and seeing what happens next in Garnet Shores!
I’ve read my fair share of New England-based romance novels, but never one set on an oyster farm! I loved this added dynamic and really enjoyed learning more about the oyster farming process throughout the story. As an oyster lover myself, I thought it was such a fun touch!
And let’s not forget Dave the duck… easily my third favorite character 😂
I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series and seeing what happens next in Garnet Shores!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off let me just say, this is exactly what I’ve been needing!! I was bored of the same old town romance because they all had the same descriptions, but this was exactly what I needed to get over the slump. The way some parts regarding Eliza and Grayson had me laughing out loud and cackling like a giddy school girl, I won’t spoil but readers will know what I’m talking about when I mention pushups, and finding a pearl HAHAHA. To the author, this was amazing and I hope to read more in the future! I will never look at oyster shells the same way.
May 10, 2026
first, I have to thank Megan for this ARC, I am honored to read this before published. I never know what to expect when it comes to coastal books, especially centered around fishermen. fisherman’s daughter here, I often worry it’ll be too embellished or cheesy. this book was neither. the perfect amount of angst, the hatred that slowly morphed into love, and the banter. I loved it all. I read this in less than 12 hours and am really hoping Anson gets his own book 🤭🤭 five stars all around
May 11, 2026
This was my first time receiving an advanced readers copy and it absolutely did not disappoint! This book was so fun to start off my summer reads, and I completely fell in love with Garnet Shores. Being a New England girl, who’s spent a lot of time in Rhode Island, this felt like such a fun homage to coastal summers. Eliza and Grayson were such a fun couple, and all of the side characters have me counting down till I’m back in Garnet Shores for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gave what it needed to give! I was completely in a romance reading slump, but this drug me right out of it. The banter between the main characters, the well thought out side characters, the perfectly timed humor, and the door for a possible second book with the hot, rich vineyard owner?! It was the perfect read to get ready for summer. Can’t wait to read even more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok….. this book brought me back to the same feeling I felt when picking up Nicholas Sparks books back in my youth. This was seriously beautifully written. The pace was incredible and the characters drew me in. I felt like I was in the story with them! I love romance books that truly tell a story that make you feel like you know the characters personally. Loved this one!
May 8, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this and it was delightful. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump but I finished this in 24 hours! Great banter, great characters, set in New England, everything I needed in a romcom. Hoping for more in this series!
May 10, 2026
Baby’s first ARC!
I love an enemies-to-lovers, yearning, big city / small town trope. Add on top of that, I have a deep love for coastal storylines. We vacation in Maine every year, and the next door neighbor is a literal oyster farm, so this checked off all my asks.
I love an enemies-to-lovers, yearning, big city / small town trope. Add on top of that, I have a deep love for coastal storylines. We vacation in Maine every year, and the next door neighbor is a literal oyster farm, so this checked off all my asks.
May 10, 2026
Was lucky enough to get an ARC of this and boy am I happy I did. The perfect Summer read to add to your list. Beautiful setting, great character development, amazing banter. Will be looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book brought me pure happiness! Read in a middle seat on an airplane - made the time feel like it was flying by but also wish I was somewhere else for those spicy scenes 🙈 Normally not the type to re-read books, yet I can genuinely say that I cannot wait to pick this up again!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First Megan Monte read and loved it!!! Will absolutely read more of her books and continue to be a fan.
Perfect read coming into summer!
Perfect read coming into summer!
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