When the Tides Shift

by Megan Monte

A 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.
__

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.

Genres: Romance, Beach Reads

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

Megan 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.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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”

[Maddie Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5! My first ARC! This book was a cute, summery read, but it wasn’t anything special. The first third to half of the book really dragged for me… literally did not want to pick it up. As the story continued and the “enemies” became lovers, I enjoyed it more! Liked the little nods to Oysters and Rhode Island (except for the “pearl”, which kind of grossed me out). If you’re looking for a summer read and you have read all of the popular ones, this isn’t a bad one to read for, just not in my top summer reads!!

[Loryn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! I am blushing just thinking about this book! I loved every single part of it, the slow burn, the enemies to lovers, the forced proximity, ALL OF IT. I was reading this book on a plane yesterday and I had to cover my face. I was smiling so hard. Grayson and Eliza, ugh both so strong willed and stubborn but so perfect for each other. This is the perfect summer book! I have never read a book about an oyster farmer, but if Megan is writing it, I am for sure reading it! My first Megan Monte book, but definitely not my last! If you’re looking for a book with top tier banter, a sassy pet duck, and a slow burn that will have you begging in the best way possible, this book is for you!

[Aliciaalejo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet summer read set in a coastal town in Rhode Island.

Honestly nothing bad about it (except the pearl thing, wtf) but also nothing special about it.

Tropes:
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
☀️ Boss x Employee
☀️ “enemies to lovers”

Thank you to the author for an ARC!

[Bevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: spice, referenced loss of parents, some others

Thank you to the author for the ARC! “When the Tides Shift” releases May 26, 2026!

The duck is her arch nemesis and that’s all you need to know,

When a cheating boyfriend and surprise change in job status throw a wrench in Eliza Attleburn’s well-laid plan, she does what anyone would do—she runs. Just for the summer. A temporary position as social media manager for a small oyster farm on the coast should be a perfect reset. Except Grayson Gold wants nothing more than for the city girl to get lost and leave his farm in peace.

I’m not kidding about the duck; he’s probably my favorite character. Fowl fiends aside, this book had me in a chokehold. There are exactly 0 things I did not like about it, and I would sacrifice multiple organs to have another Garnet Shores installment.

The banter? Immaculate. I could not get enough of these characters, and the sass is unparalleled. Eliza and Grayson can both give as good as they get, and the quips are genuinely funny. They’re the kind of characters that make you want to be best friends with them because you just know it’s going to be a good time.

The romance is the perfect blend of slower build and all the sparks. I don’t know if I’d call it an entirely slow burn, but that payoff? THE moment? I literally gasped out loud and immediately gave thanks that I was not in public.

Speaking of public, the spice?! I just….No notes. It’s not even like there’s an over abundance of it; this book definitely focuses on the relationship build-up instead of just being all smut. But once we get there? My god.

It’s been hours since I read the last page and I still haven’t gotten myself back together. These are likeable characters with a compelling story that’s just really fun to read. It’s rare for me to find a romance where I genuinely like both of the MCs to the same extent; usually one or the other has something going on that makes my eye twitch. No such issues here, just delightful, hilarious adoration.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly the vibe I’ve been looking for lately! It was short, sweet, a little spicy, and fun for the start of summer.

My thoughts:
- Grayson is maybe my ideal man and I’m now contemplating moving to a small coastal town
- I love grumpy sunshine, ESPECIALLY when he is only a grump for her, and everyone else thinks he’s the nicest guy ever
- Dave is a hilarious addition to the plot line
- Eliza’s parents are the absolute worst
- Dawson sucks??

Watching these two fall in love even though they both didn’t want it was so much fun and heart warming. I loved all the side characters on the oyster farm and can’t wait to read more about them in the next book.

Thank you to author Megan Monte for the Advanced Reader Copy!

[zoeereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect summer read!🤭

Loved the writing style, the costal town and oyster farm setting and how i actually felt like i spent a couple summer days in new england while reading this.🥹
Big fan of how the author managed to not make any trope too chliché, the banter felt natural and the development of their relationship too. 🤍
Eliza and Grayson were layered characters and I loved how they communicated through their differences and fears to make it work! ☺️
Would‘ve loved to see Eliza stand up for herself against her parents but I don‘t mind too much that that wasn‘t further discussed.✨

If you‘re looking for a summer-y, coastal town small town romance with grumpy x sunshine and lots of banter, this is the one!!🤭🤍🌸🌞

[Nikelle Hollender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Great yearning and slow burn with characters that weren’t annoying and a duck (fun). Also, I enjoyed the presence of plot and conflict, etc. without an insufferable 3rd act breakup! My one complaint is that she started cooking all meals for him almost immediately (mothering?!?!). Even though it was under the guise of a repayment, that felt like a window into the future of a patriarchal relationship. Nice set up for future books, hooray!

[Tracy Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy/ARC of this book from the author, Megan Monte, and I’m so glad I did!

Delightful book about two genuinely likable main characters. I loved the setting and the interactions with all the other characters. I have a special softness for Kenny.

It seems like we’re being set up for a handful of the other characters to find love in their own books and I’ll gladly return to Garnet Shores to see how their stories unfold.

Thank you, Megan for the ARC!

[Kiana Telano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from author

Absolutely loved this summer romance book. The perfect beach read, especially set in New England. I loved all the small details. Couldn’t put it down towards the end.

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!

[AbbyisBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book had a fun premise and gave big summertime vibes. I enjoyed the banter and enemies to lovers. I fear that I won’t remember much about it next week, but I will continue the series when the next book comes out.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Megan, the author, for an ARC of this summer romance!

I knew this book would be for me the second Megan described it as a cowboy romance but with a New England oyster farmer!
Not only were the characters well written but their banter made me laugh out loud multiple times.

My favorite line from the book was when the FMC asks how the MMC unwinds after work and she says “I’ve got it. Parking at the entrance to the town like a little bridge troll and harassing vacationers who dare cross your path.” 😂

I am so excited to see the response to this book when it finally publishes!!
Plus, I can’t wait for Anson’s book!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Megan Monte for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was the perfect summer read! I enjoyed every second of this!

This was so easy to read. It felt like I escaped into the world of Garnet Shores, and this was all happening to me.

The banter between Eliza and Grayson was so delicious. I was laughing at so many moments and I loved seeing their back and forth.

The characters and their lives were natural and compelling. There were a decent amount of side characters, but I thought they were in it just enough to have a personality, but not too much that they overshadowed the main characters and their romance.

I loved both Eliza and Grayson’s POVs. I really loved Eliza too. I liked that she was strong willed, a great worker and didn’t take crap from no one. But she also showed a very mature and emotional side. She was very complex in a compelling way to read.

I really liked Grayson, but he didn’t stand out to me as much. He was kind of a typical MMC in a romance novel. He was a great guy though. I liked that he could admit when he was wrong and cared for Eliza when she needed it. I really liked the two of them together.

I liked that both Eliza and Grayson had their own problems. Eliza with her bad friend and terrible boyfriend, and the pressure she felt with her mom and her work; how she needed to have a better “go go go” career. While Grayson had issues with his brother and the hard work on the oyster farm. They were able to come together and help each other out and understand one another, which was really cool to see.

I loved that Eliza realized that sometimes the slower moments in life are better, and as long as you are happy, that is all that matters.

The couple had an “enemies to lovers” type storyline, but I thought it flowed really nicely into them not getting along, to getting along and finding attraction. It wasn’t right away that they were obsessed with each other. They had their moments that they still didn’t like each other. I can’t stand when books have you think they hate each other, but they think about how hot the person is constantly. Thankfully this book didn’t have that. It flowed very naturally to “okay I think the other person is hot or they are getting me flustered,” but there were still moments they didn’t quite get along. Or even when they were getting along, they still bantered back and forth. They didn’t lose that fun rapport.

There was a couple of miscommunications happening between the two of them, which I never love, but thankfully it got resolved really quickly, so it wasn’t enough to be annoying. They communicated pretty quickly after the argument or misjudgment, so it wasn’t like we were spending the whole book with them being upset at one another. I didn’t really feel like there needed to be a third act drama, almost breakup, but again, thankfully that didn’t last long.

Normally I’m not a big romance person, but their chemistry was off the charts. It was a little cheesy at times, but not enough where I was cringing super hard.

There were a couple of sex scenes. They were well written, but I am not really into that kind of thing, so that was hardest for me to read. If you like reading smut, there was enough in it to keep you satisfied. If you aren’t a huge fan of smut like I am, it was pretty quick to get through.

If you are into a witty romance, beautiful setting, fun vibes and ducks, this is the book for you!

Now I am craving some oysters! 🦪

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BOOK OF THE SUMMER

Devoured this book! From the moment I started reading I was hooked and did not want to put it down at all.

Synopsis:
Ambitious and high-achieving Eliza leaves Boston for the summer after being laid off and cheated on. She finds a marketing contract position on an oyster farm in a small town. A nice break from her life as she searches for her next big opportunity. All is going according to plan until she meets Grayson Gold, the owner of the oyster farm who didn’t know his brother hired her and wants absolutely nothing to do with her. Cue intense banter, binge-worthy tension, and a budding romance between the two.


What I loved:
•Enemies to lovers: I HATED Grayson at first but once you see all the layers to him and how hard he grovels for Eliza, you start to love him.
•The character’s depth: every character has layers to them and it makes them feel very real and authentic
•The tension: Eliza and Grayson had incredible witty banter and the tension lasted for a while, keeping the plot moving without feeling too slow paced
•Dave the duck: personally I love when there’s animal side characters and Dave was no exception
•So many adorable moments! From their first tour, to the basketball game, the stormy night on a boat, when she cut her hand and he cared for her, etc. There’s so so many amazing moments between the two and you are swooning as a reader
•The setting: east coast summer, vibrant sunrises/sunsets, and days on the water. What’s more to love?!
•Eliza’s career arc: this felt very relatable as Eliza decides whether to stay after her contract ends or to go back to her life in Boston. The book discusses different definitions of success and how that can evolve in someone’s life over time.
•when he gave her the nickname Boston (heart eyes emoji)

What I didn’t love:
•There was no real conclusion with Eliza’s parents. They pushed her to go back to Boston and we don’t see her resolve things or share how she feels about her career. It could’ve been a fun family moment.
•There was mention of Eliza’s friends in Boston but we also don’t see how that resolved or any confrontation with them other than her internal monologue.
•There’s side characters galore but none you feel deeply connected to. I wish there was more of a found family vibe to the book and you could see Eliza really being taken in by the town not just with Grayson.

Overall, this was a fabulous book and the perfect summer read.

THANK YOU to the author Megan for allowing me to read as an ARC. I loved it much more than I ever expected and I’m so grateful!

[Nina Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the tides shift by Megan Monte
Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Review:
***Contains spoilers!
This book is the perfect summer romance read! It’s fun, refreshing and delightful. I love that it’s just a small-town Hallmark-esque romance but set in a coastal area instead of a small western town. The two leads are relatable and enjoyable. Eliza is the high-powered city gal who’s resetting her life while working in a small coastal town for the summer. Grayson is the grumpy oyster farmer who doesn’t believe the city slicker can handle farm life. It’s cliché and perfect. I loved their banter because it was always flirty and never turned into mean bullying. When they had conflicts, they actually resolved these problems like adults (with apologies and changing their behavior). I hate when romance books have “apologies” that are just meaningless gestures or deflections. This book has none of that, which is incredibly refreshing. This book felt so lovely and relaxing to me because the leads actually liked each other! The chemistry built so honestly and naturally, it made perfect sense how they complimented each other and that they would end up together.
Additionally, I loved how each character (Grayson and Eliza) had their own character growth. Grayson was super guarded around Eliza because of a traumatic past relationship. As the story progresses, he realizes that he can’t be judgmental and defensive, and instead needs to move on from his ex. Eliza is trapped in the perfectionist cycle with her high-powered job and can’t really enjoy her own life. As she lives at Garnet Shores and the farm, she discovers a slower paced life that allows her to have genuine friends and her own hobbies. It was really nice to see them both settle into healthier patterns. I do wish Eliza actually told off her parents for being controlling and micro-managing her life, which is why I decreased the rating of the novel overall.
In summary, this book was absolutely delightful. The quaint coastal town, flirty banter, and loveable protagonists made for an amazing summer read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope that there will be more books in the Garnet Shores series!
Note: I received this book as a free eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. No AI was used to read or to review this book. I thank the author and their team for allowing me to read and review this book early!

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Tides Shift completely swept me away from the very first chapter. Megan Monte has such a beautiful way of writing stories that feel emotional, authentic, and impossible to put down. Not only is Megan an incredibly talented writer, but she is genuinely one of the sweetest and kindest people, and being part of her street team and supporting her books has been such an amazing experience.

This story had everything I love in a romance. Emotional depth, incredible chemistry, tension that builds so naturally, and characters that felt so real. Eliza was such a relatable FMC. Watching her try to rebuild herself after having her life completely flipped upside down hit hard in the best way. She was strong, stubborn, vulnerable, and determined to find herself again, and I loved every second of her journey.

And Grayson... Absolutely obsessed. The gruff, hardworking oyster farmer with the golden eyes and walls built sky high completely stole my heart. The tension between him and Eliza was so addictive. Their constant clashes, the stubbornness on both sides, and the undeniable pull between them made this book impossible to stop reading. What started as frustration and resistance slowly transformed into something tender, emotional, and deeply beautiful.

One of my favorite things about this book was the setting. Garnet Shores felt alive. Megan painted such a vivid picture of the oyster farm, the coastal atmosphere, and the small town charm that I felt completely transported there. The entire story had this comforting yet emotional summer romance feel while still carrying so much depth underneath it all.

This book was about more than romance. It was about finding yourself after heartbreak, letting go of the plans you thought defined your life, and realizing that sometimes the unexpected path becomes the one that truly feels like home.

Megan Monte delivered a heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully written romance that left me smiling long after I finished. This was an easy 5 star read for me and one I will absolutely be recommending to everyone who loves emotional small town romances with incredible chemistry and all the feels.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars

As my first ARC, I started this book and genuinely could not put it down. I finished it in one sitting!

Since I grew up on the coast of Massachusetts, Garnet Shores felt like home in the best possible way. The setting is charming and familiar, and Megan Monte does a wonderful job grounding the story in a coastal atmosphere that helps to move the plot along in a fun, and at times whimsical, way.

Eliza and Grayson were both likable MCs and easy to root for, individually and as a couple. One of my biggest pet peeves in romance is when authors manufacture drag out conflict with endless misunderstandings that a single honest conversation would solve. I was so relieved that When The Tides Shift doesn't fall into that trap. The conflict resolution between the MCs is refreshingly clear and concise, which made the HEA feel genuinely earned.

Dave was an absolute delight. His comedic timing was im-peck-able (hehe 🦆) and provided the perfect levity to balance the emotional beats of the story.

A few things kept this from being a five-star read for me. The relationships between the MCs and the supporting characters felt underdeveloped at times; particularly the unresolved tension surrounding Eliza's family and the strained relationship between Grayson and his brothers. I found myself wanting more closure on both fronts. These feel like loose threads that I hope get tied up in future books, but their absence here did leave me wanting more.

That being said, I'm already eager for the next book. Anson's story is clearly brewing, and I'm particularly intrigued by the complicated family dynamics Megan has set up. There's a lot left to unpack there. Highly recommend for fans of coastal small-town romance with humor and heart.

[Jacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Megan Monte for an eARC of When the Tides Shift!

WOW.

When I applied for this ARC, I was so excited to have a summer read lined up and man, this did not disappoint!!

When the Tides Shift follows Eliza, a heartbroken, down on her luck 26 year old city girl, who takes a chance on a social media position at an oyster farm. Eliza is staying on a rickety old boat, working with a grumpy farmer that wants her gone, and trying her best to prove she can bounce back from a breakup and a layoff. Our grumpy oyster farmer Grayson is the nicest guy you’ll meet, unless your name is Eliza and you’ve swooped in to his farm and changed his routines. After an angry encounter and tense exchanges, tensions rise between the city girl and the stuck-in-the-past farmer.

Eliza and Grayson’s banter was to die for!!! I was obsessed with the idea that Grayson was the “nice guy” until it came to Eliza. Eliza’s fire and Grayson’s tendencies to argue were so entertaining. The physical tension between the two of them was incredible.

The growth we see both characters have was my favorite part of this story. Reading along, we see Grayson’s walls come down and Eliza’s fierceness change him for the better. Eliza, who was all too ready to let other people dictate her life, learned how to choose herself and live for her with Grayson’s help.

I will FOREVER be a fan of a little angst and misunderstandings over a third act breakup, and we got that in the best way here. I was tearing up reading their love shine through their story, and seeing them both choose themselves and thus each other.

If you need a summer read that will make you laugh, feel the love, and maybe cry a bit then please do yourself a favor and pick this up!

[Beatrice Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "A story that felt like coming home, even while navigating the unknown."


Some books entertain you, and some books find a way to settle into your heart. When the Tides Shift was one of those books for me.

From the very beginning, I felt completely immersed in the story and emotionally connected to the characters. Megan Monte has a beautiful way of writing relationships that feel real—the kind that are messy, vulnerable, and worth fighting for. I found myself rooting for the characters through every setback, heartbreak, and moment of growth.

What I loved most about this book was its message that life doesn't always go according to plan, and sometimes the most unexpected shifts lead us exactly where we're meant to be. The story is filled with emotion, but it never feels heavy without purpose. Instead, it offers hope, healing, and the reminder that love can endure even through life's most challenging seasons.

The coastal setting added so much atmosphere, making the story feel even more immersive. It felt as though the tides themselves mirrored the characters' journeys—constantly changing, sometimes turbulent, but always moving forward.

When I turned the final page, I wasn't ready to say goodbye. This book left me reflecting on resilience, forgiveness, and the beauty of trusting the journey, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

When the Tides Shift is a heartfelt, emotional read that stayed with me long after I finished it. If you love stories that make you feel deeply, believe in second chances, and remind you that growth often comes from life's unexpected turns, this book is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you for this wonderful ARC, I cannot wait for book 2!

[Mara Rouleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Tides Shift | Megan Monte | ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eliza x Grayson

“Well, if he thinks I’m going to throw in the towel and leave, he has another thing coming. I’ve played victim enough recently, and I’m done. I’m going to kick ass at my job, blow Anson away, and make Grayson Gold drop to his ungrateful knees and thank me by the time August rolls around. That, and touch every single thing on this farm.”

“When her eyes lock onto me, her entire face falls into a scowl. Except that scowl is framed by a few pieces of hair that fell out of her ponytail, making it less mean and more like a disgruntled kitten. I have a feeling she’d shank me if I shared that comparison out loud.”

“It lends itself nicely to the whole disgruntled bear image.”

______________________________________

Thank you Megan Monte for the opportunity to read this book! As a New England girlie I always get nervous reading books about New England. Historically, they just haven’t done them justice, but my god Megan killed it.

Eliza needs to get out of Boston so she takes a job running PR on a small oyster farm in costal Rhode Island. Grayson and his brother own that farm, but Grayson isn’t expecting the whirlwind that is Eliza.

This small town enemies to lovers is full of banter, cute moments and a slow burn romance that fits perfectly with the enemies to lovers trope. The perfect summer read that will have you giggling and kicking your feet. Oh and the spice? It’s spicing!! 🌶️🦪❤️


TROPES:
🦪oyster farmer x city girl
📷enemies to lovers
🦪forced proximity
📷all the banter
🦪slow burn (with spice)
📷small town x coastal summer

[Miranda Nicely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful to have received this ARC for this fabulous book!

Megan Monte is an instant read author for me. She could write a manual on the best way to watch paint dry, and I would read it.

Seriously though, she does such a fabulous job creating places and characters that it hurts a little you can’t experience them in real life. When the Tides Shift is no exception.

Eliza is an incredibly smart, ambitious, and successful FMC. When her entire life is upended, she does something about it! I love an FMC who takes action and goes after what she wants. Even more so when she is brave and makes changes to her life when she finds herself wanting something different than what she (and her family) originally planned.

Grayson Gold. I love him. He may seem like an ass at first, but he really is someone who cares about (and would do anything for) his farm, family, and friends. He is thoughtful, hard-working, and understandably a little guarded in the beginning. I love an MMC who can both express his emotions and look hot doing manual labor. 😉

As a New Englander myself, I was instantly sucked into this enemies-to-lovers romance on a coastal New England oyster farm. This story has such a good mix of humor, romance, and relatable challenges. Not to mention, the quick remarks and banter were absolute gold. When I say I could not stop reading, I mean it. I began and finished this book in one day!

I cannot wait to return to Garnet Shores in the future! For now, I will have to survive by yapping about how much I loved it.

Standing ovation for Dave the duck! 🦆

[Bailey Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4.25 stars⭐️

Thank you to Megan Monte for my ARC of When The Tides Shift!! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to fall in love with another small town romance series!

After losing her job & a bad break up, Eliza Attleburn takes a job 2 hours from city life in Boston and begins working as a social media on an oyster farm. She has pressure that she has to get back to a high paying job in the city. The catch is that the hot farm owner, Grayson Gold, is grumpy and intends to make her job miserable. With lively banter, sharp wit, and sometimes revenge, Eliza & Grayson find out that they may have more in common than they think.

My first impressions of the book were that I love New England towns & and hate that I live in Texas. I loved the feeling of being in a small coastal town. The author is so good at writing detailed descriptions of Garnet Shores. I loved the banter between Eliza & Grayson! I liked audibly chuckled. This is a classic enemies to lovers story. It has the Hallmark movie vibe, which includes all the sweetness and charm of a small town. So many of the characters are lovable and have a lot of charm.

The pacing of the book is a tiny bit slow in the beginning, but you barely notice through all the witty banter. The overall story is good, but I am hoping with book 2 we may get more insight to see if some of the unresolved story with families(both Grayson & Eliza) is answered more. Truly, I devoured this in one day, because the story got so good that I needed to know what happened. Thank you again for the ARC of this book!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5! This was my first ARC, and I enjoyed reading this so much. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it.
Summary:
After losing her job, her boyfriend, and pretty much her dignity in one brutal week, Eliza Attleburn escapes Boston for a temporary gig as a marketing director on an oyster farm in Rhode Island. She hopes it will be a nice break from city life while she figures out what’s next for her. Grayson Gold, the owner of the oyster farm, has no idea his brother hired Eliza and wants nothing to do with a city girl. This book is packed with flirty banter, addictive tension, and undeniable chemistry.

Honorable Mentions:
Dave!! He was completely unexpected, and I loved him!
I loved reading about Garnet Shores, and I felt so immersed in the town while reading. It was described so well that now I feel influenced to visit the New England coast!

The reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because the ending felt a bit rushed. I also felt like we didn’t get much closure regarding the conflicts between the MC’s families. I’m hoping in the next book we get some resolutions. Regardless, I will be reading the next book and I can’t wait

This book was the perfect introduction to summer and such a cozy coastal romance read for me! I had so much fun reading it that I had trouble putting it down. The setting, banter, and chemistry made this such an addictive and enjoyable read from start to finish.

Thank you, Megan Monte, for my ARC. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read and review this story early, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Emily Leyland · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Tides Shift is just about a perfect New England summer read. As a life-long New Englander, I'm a sucker for anything that can capture that vibe, and Megan Monte certainly does. I can see the sunsets, the hydrangeas, and the peace of the early-morning ocean through the pages.

If you're looking for a summer beach read, When the Tides Shift will be right up your alley. Eliza and Grayson are great characters, both individually and together. There's just the right amount of snark and teasing to believe they could go from enemies to lovers. I so appreciated that the miscommunication trope wasn't overused. They communicated like adults and didn't let assumptions fester too long. Their chemistry was palpable, and I, for one, am perfectly fine with a pearl metaphor. Who knew shellfish could be even in the realm of sexy? As someone who doesn't eat them, not me.

My complaints about this book are minor - Eliza's family didn't feel real to me, they felt like villains for the sake of it. It would have been nice to reach a resolution with them, as well as with Eliza's Boston friends, but I can see how both might just add unnecessary length to the story. Otherwise, the cast of side characters added nice depth to the setting, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.

I would definitely recommend this book! Ideally, on a summer trip to New England so you can eat a lobster roll while reading and get the true experience!

[Diana James · Rating 5 out of 5]

There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t love about this book! An enemies-to-lovers romance set in New England with a grumpy oyster farmer who is absolutely determined not to work with his new social media director? Say LESS. This was the perfect start-of-summer read.

After getting laid off and dumping her cheating ex, Eliza Attleburn moves to Garnet Shores for a summer contract as a social media director. That’s where she meets Grayson Gold, the broody oyster farmer whose business she’s been assigned to help promote.

From the moment they meet, Eliza and Grayson clash. Grayson is determined to run her off the farm, but Eliza doesn’t scare easily. She meets every challenge head-on and quickly proves she’s more than capable — not just as his opponent, but as one of his biggest assets.

This book also confirmed that I absolutely have a type when it comes to romance characters. I loved Eliza so much — she was smart, witty, independent, and determined to succeed. And Grayson? Exactly the kind of MMC I fall for every time: soft-hearted and kind underneath that rough, gruff exterior.

The banter between Eliza and Grayson was top tier, and I found myself giggling throughout the entire book. I’m already looking forward to the next installment in the series (which I’m assuming will be Anson’s story), and honestly, it has big shoes to fill because Eliza and Grayson were that good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[reading_with_chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
When the Tides Shift by Megan Monte
5⭐️

Looking for a book that will have you losing track of time and staying up for hours instead of sleeping? Then this is the perfect book for you since that’s exactly what I did! My “one more chapter then I’ll sleep” lasted 4 hours!

I genuinely loved this book so much! Between the witty back and forth banter, yearning, heartfelt moments, Dave the Duck sidekick, the hot and hardworking oyster farmer, and the studious city girl trying to do her job while also ruining his day all while taking place in a small coastal town, this is the perfect summer read! I was blushing, screaming, giggling, and kicking my feet with happiness throughout the entire book!

And the spice, boy oh boy, I can’t look at oysters the same now, and that’s a good thing! Greyson really knows how to please a woman, even when it’s not with his hands. This book is definitely a slow burn, but when things finally ignite, it’s absolutely worth it!

This book isn’t just another summer romance, it has character depth, a proper backstory, and amazing character development. Both characters face hardships, battle internal struggles, and have to come to terms with what or who will make them genuinely happy, despite what they thought brought them happiness before.

I can’t recommend this book enough, so get your copy now!

Thank you Megan Monte for this ARC for an honest review! All opinions are my own!

[Madi (madifett.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Monte is a new author to me, but I cannot WAIT to read more of her work. When the Tides Shift is her first contemporary romance, and she absolutely killed it. I had so much fun reading this book - literally found myself kicking my feet and giggling so many times. Thank you Megan for the opportunity to be on your ARC team!

Oh, Eliza and Grayson 🥹 I was a little unsure of Grayson at first, but boy did he win me over. His grouchy demeanor makes so much sense when you understand his backstory, and I truly felt for him. And Eliza! The epitome of eldest daughter. I saw a lot of myself in her, and my heart ached for her throughout the book. Watching Eliza and Grayson go from hostile coworkers to hesitant friends to lovers was such a joy. Their banter is hilarious and incredibly sharp, and I absolutely melted at how they took care of and loved each other.

I also really admire how Monte created Eliza’s character - it seems like the eldest daughter experience is personal for her. I could be completely off the mark, but it seems lived and genuine. And it made the book so much more of a delight to read.

Books set in New England have the BEST vibes. They’re nostalgic and just feel like summer. Monte’s created a beautiful world in Garnet Shores, not just in the physical setting but also through the community. The community truly is like a family, and I loved watching Eliza become part of that family. I am so excited to see what happens next in Garnet Shores!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.