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The Pull Beneath
493 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 7, 2026
Alexis leaves behind everything she’s ever known—her family, her home, her entire past—in search of a fresh start. But it quickly becomes clear she isn’t just moving on… she’s running.
Settling into the small town of Agerstone, Alexis slowly begins to rebuild. New friendships form, her guarded walls start to crack, and a gentle, slow-burning romance begins to take shape. For the first time in a long time, she feels like she might finally be okay—like she’s found a place where she can breathe again.
But the past doesn’t stay buried forever.
As the story unfolds, the truth behind Alexis’s past is revealed piece by piece, and it’s nothing short of heartbreaking. Just when she reaches her happiest point—when everything finally seems to be falling into place—her past comes crashing back into her life in the most devastating way.
And that ending… completely shattered me.
The Pull Beneath is an emotional, slow-burn romantic suspense that pulls you in gently before tightening its grip and refusing to let go. It’s a story about running, healing, and the reality that sometimes the things we try hardest to escape are the ones that find us anyway. 💔
Settling into the small town of Agerstone, Alexis slowly begins to rebuild. New friendships form, her guarded walls start to crack, and a gentle, slow-burning romance begins to take shape. For the first time in a long time, she feels like she might finally be okay—like she’s found a place where she can breathe again.
But the past doesn’t stay buried forever.
As the story unfolds, the truth behind Alexis’s past is revealed piece by piece, and it’s nothing short of heartbreaking. Just when she reaches her happiest point—when everything finally seems to be falling into place—her past comes crashing back into her life in the most devastating way.
And that ending… completely shattered me.
The Pull Beneath is an emotional, slow-burn romantic suspense that pulls you in gently before tightening its grip and refusing to let go. It’s a story about running, healing, and the reality that sometimes the things we try hardest to escape are the ones that find us anyway. 💔
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC from Booksirens.
This book has a lot going on and a lot of characters, which means really only the main character has much depth, and it's mostly cloaked under the big secret of her past that led her to move to Agerstone. Her character is good though. How she deals with her depression and trauma is graceful and hopeful. It was mostly enjoyable, but definitely has a lot of triggers. Sexual assault, suicide, pretty raunchy sex scenes (finally almost at the end) Add an un satisfying ending where you have to read book 2 to find out if the main character gets her man. I doubt I will read book 2, as book 1 really dragged at times. I did like the beach setting and small town, and the group of guys that become her family.
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This book has a lot going on and a lot of characters, which means really only the main character has much depth, and it's mostly cloaked under the big secret of her past that led her to move to Agerstone. Her character is good though. How she deals with her depression and trauma is graceful and hopeful. It was mostly enjoyable, but definitely has a lot of triggers. Sexual assault, suicide, pretty raunchy sex scenes (finally almost at the end) Add an un satisfying ending where you have to read book 2 to find out if the main character gets her man. I doubt I will read book 2, as book 1 really dragged at times. I did like the beach setting and small town, and the group of guys that become her family.
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April 7, 2026
Firstly I would like to thank Sophie for letting me be an Arc reader for this book. I went into this book not knowing what is was going to be like. I can safely say that this book broke my heart put it back together then broke it again.
I will say it does end of a cliffhanger also check the trigger warnings. I love the side characters and if you pick up this book you will too
I will say it does end of a cliffhanger also check the trigger warnings. I love the side characters and if you pick up this book you will too
April 18, 2026
3.75⭐️
I feel very grateful to receive this book as an ARC, and I’ve also had such a lovely experience interacting with the author, Sophie!
This story takes the reader on a deeply emotional journey, and I found myself particularly invested in the FMC Alexis. Her experiences were genuinely moving, and I often felt a strong sense of empathy towards her. The found family element was also a standout aspect for me, as it’s a trope I always enjoy.
However, I did feel that certain sections of the book were somewhat overextended. Some conversations and plot points felt unnecessary and occasionally disrupted the pacing of the main storyline. Additionally, a few of the characters came across as younger than their intended ages.
One aspect that stood out was the development of the MMC (potential spoiler). For the majority of the book, he is presented in a consistent and likeable way; however, towards the end, his behaviour shifts quite abruptly, which felt somewhat inconsistent with his earlier characterisation. I will be interested to see how this is addressed in future developments!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable (and very emotional) read!☺️
I feel very grateful to receive this book as an ARC, and I’ve also had such a lovely experience interacting with the author, Sophie!
This story takes the reader on a deeply emotional journey, and I found myself particularly invested in the FMC Alexis. Her experiences were genuinely moving, and I often felt a strong sense of empathy towards her. The found family element was also a standout aspect for me, as it’s a trope I always enjoy.
However, I did feel that certain sections of the book were somewhat overextended. Some conversations and plot points felt unnecessary and occasionally disrupted the pacing of the main storyline. Additionally, a few of the characters came across as younger than their intended ages.
One aspect that stood out was the development of the MMC (potential spoiler). For the majority of the book, he is presented in a consistent and likeable way; however, towards the end, his behaviour shifts quite abruptly, which felt somewhat inconsistent with his earlier characterisation. I will be interested to see how this is addressed in future developments!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable (and very emotional) read!☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
Obsessed 😍
This book was everything I imagined it to be! The FMC has such a strong personality and aura about her, the characters are so full of emotion and depth! So many ups and downs .. you think you’ve guessed what’s going to happen .. to be proven wrong and given a completely new angle 😫
This book was everything I imagined it to be! The FMC has such a strong personality and aura about her, the characters are so full of emotion and depth! So many ups and downs .. you think you’ve guessed what’s going to happen .. to be proven wrong and given a completely new angle 😫
April 7, 2026
Review of advanced copy received
Utterly obsessed with this book and so so grateful that I’ve been able to read it before publication!! 🥹
If you love small town romances, found families, and bad boys turned lover boys then you NEED to add this to your TBR! I found myself resonating so much with the FMC, now just waiting for the MMC to show up for me🤣🤞🏼
It hit all the themes perfectly and I cannot wait until the next book comes out! 😮💨
Utterly obsessed with this book and so so grateful that I’ve been able to read it before publication!! 🥹
If you love small town romances, found families, and bad boys turned lover boys then you NEED to add this to your TBR! I found myself resonating so much with the FMC, now just waiting for the MMC to show up for me🤣🤞🏼
It hit all the themes perfectly and I cannot wait until the next book comes out! 😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars 🌟
This book honestly took me by surprise and hasn’t let me go since I finished it.
The Pull Beneath is one of those stories that quietly pulls you in and then suddenly you’re completely invested in every single character. Alexis is such a beautifully written main character, she’s carrying so much grief and trauma, and you can really feel how hard she’s trying to keep moving forward, even when everything in her wants to shut down. There’s something about her that just feels… real.
I loved the setting so much. That small seaside town in England had such a comforting, almost cosy atmosphere, but with this underlying heaviness that matches the story perfectly. It really adds to the emotional depth of the book.
The found family in this story absolutely stole my heart. The way Alexis meets the boys at the coffee shop and how they slowly become her safe place was just everything. Their dynamic felt so genuine, the banter, the support, the way they show up for each other through the highs and especially the lows. You really laugh with them, and then suddenly you’re crying with them too.
What stood out to me the most was how this book handles mental health, grief, and trauma. It’s done in such a respectful and almost gentle way, but still hits hard. It doesn’t feel overdone or cliché…it feels honest, and at times, very relatable.
There’s also a bit of a mystery woven into the story which completely caught me off guard. It added this extra layer of tension and intrigue that I wasn’t expecting, and I was fully hooked trying to piece everything together.
Even the side characters shine in this book! they don’t feel like background noise at all, they each bring something meaningful to the story and you end up loving them just as much.
And that ending?? Actually rude. I need book two immediately because I am not okay.
This book honestly took me by surprise and hasn’t let me go since I finished it.
The Pull Beneath is one of those stories that quietly pulls you in and then suddenly you’re completely invested in every single character. Alexis is such a beautifully written main character, she’s carrying so much grief and trauma, and you can really feel how hard she’s trying to keep moving forward, even when everything in her wants to shut down. There’s something about her that just feels… real.
I loved the setting so much. That small seaside town in England had such a comforting, almost cosy atmosphere, but with this underlying heaviness that matches the story perfectly. It really adds to the emotional depth of the book.
The found family in this story absolutely stole my heart. The way Alexis meets the boys at the coffee shop and how they slowly become her safe place was just everything. Their dynamic felt so genuine, the banter, the support, the way they show up for each other through the highs and especially the lows. You really laugh with them, and then suddenly you’re crying with them too.
What stood out to me the most was how this book handles mental health, grief, and trauma. It’s done in such a respectful and almost gentle way, but still hits hard. It doesn’t feel overdone or cliché…it feels honest, and at times, very relatable.
There’s also a bit of a mystery woven into the story which completely caught me off guard. It added this extra layer of tension and intrigue that I wasn’t expecting, and I was fully hooked trying to piece everything together.
Even the side characters shine in this book! they don’t feel like background noise at all, they each bring something meaningful to the story and you end up loving them just as much.
And that ending?? Actually rude. I need book two immediately because I am not okay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The Pull Beneath - Sophie Millar
What did I just read?!
I started this last night, and as with any new read, I was unsure what to expect but my god, I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite books so far this year.
The story is part of a duet (more on that in a second) and follows Alexis and Darien, with some unique side characters thrown in 😍
As soon as I started reading this, I saw similarities between the character of Lexi and a friend and started sending screenshots to show my thoughts 😂❤️
The backstory of previous events surrounding the FMC are a key theme to the first part of the book and you’re left wondering what the full story is, whilst the author gives you regular flashbacks throughout which work really well until more is revealed 👀
Every time you think you’ve sussed it out, BAM, you have not and I am all here for the suspense and surprises.
Now, let’s talk more about that ending because
What the hell is that ?
I am NOT okay
When is the next book out?
When can I read more?
Here’s to hoping that the second half is just as good - I will certainly be reading when it’s released!
The Pull Beneath - Sophie Millar
What did I just read?!
I started this last night, and as with any new read, I was unsure what to expect but my god, I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite books so far this year.
The story is part of a duet (more on that in a second) and follows Alexis and Darien, with some unique side characters thrown in 😍
As soon as I started reading this, I saw similarities between the character of Lexi and a friend and started sending screenshots to show my thoughts 😂❤️
The backstory of previous events surrounding the FMC are a key theme to the first part of the book and you’re left wondering what the full story is, whilst the author gives you regular flashbacks throughout which work really well until more is revealed 👀
Every time you think you’ve sussed it out, BAM, you have not and I am all here for the suspense and surprises.
Now, let’s talk more about that ending because
What the hell is that ?
I am NOT okay
When is the next book out?
When can I read more?
Here’s to hoping that the second half is just as good - I will certainly be reading when it’s released!
Review of advance copy
Sad to say, The Pull Beneath just wasn’t for me. I enjoyed the location being, and don’t get on me if my geography is off, Australia and/or New Zealand. I dig reading different areas than my hometown. As fun as the nostalgia is when an author writes about where you’re from, I don’t travel nearly enough so reading about places is the next best thing. My bugaboo was our narrator and FMC, Alexis. She, and if I’m being honest, the whole cast came off as so immature in how they spoke and their actions. They’re supposed to be in the 27-28 year bracket, but they come off as 18. There is a serious undertone with a secret Alexis was hiding from pretty much everyone, but I just couldn’t get past my dislike to be drawn to her character like I usually do with trauma victims in books. Maybe it’s my age getting in the way? At 28 I was divorced with two Kids trying to pay rent, not telling off a customer at my 2nd job? The writing was good- just my connection to characters.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. I’ve left my review voluntarily.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. I’ve left my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I tell you I like a book to ruin me, I'm glad I was an ARC reader for this book.
I like devastation, I want my heart ripped out, feeling all the feels, if you like that too then read this book by @authorsmillar
Lexi oh how i loved her. Saw myself in her. A book girlie, loving Blood and Ash hello also nod to Fourth Wing and many others, I smiled. Her past is haunting, I thought I had it figured out, I did not. Its not a dark romance it tells you that at the start with the trigger warnings but there are off page elements.
Meeting the boys. I love them all in so many different ways. I now need to know all their stories past, present and future.
Dare, what can I say about Dare, obviously I love him. There's a point when he realised he's in love and I was so drawn in by the moment I felt like I was in the room with him coming to the realisation that he figures out what love is.
Can we talk about the end? I'm not over it. I finished this 2 days ago and I'm still stood in their kitchen. Iykyk.
Please read it and come talk to me about it.
5 ⭐️
I like devastation, I want my heart ripped out, feeling all the feels, if you like that too then read this book by @authorsmillar
Lexi oh how i loved her. Saw myself in her. A book girlie, loving Blood and Ash hello also nod to Fourth Wing and many others, I smiled. Her past is haunting, I thought I had it figured out, I did not. Its not a dark romance it tells you that at the start with the trigger warnings but there are off page elements.
Meeting the boys. I love them all in so many different ways. I now need to know all their stories past, present and future.
Dare, what can I say about Dare, obviously I love him. There's a point when he realised he's in love and I was so drawn in by the moment I felt like I was in the room with him coming to the realisation that he figures out what love is.
Can we talk about the end? I'm not over it. I finished this 2 days ago and I'm still stood in their kitchen. Iykyk.
Please read it and come talk to me about it.
5 ⭐️
April 27, 2026
I found this book through a friend who had done an arc read and I was super excited to give this a go but unfortunately I could not finish the read on this one.
It’s the authors first book and I do want to acknowledge how much blood, sweat and tears must of gone into this however it just didn’t stick the landing for me.
Several chapters in and it was just so much rambling that didn’t seem important, it’s slow and there is no flow to the story. I find the male characters insufferable and one minute they’re talking about “tits” and legs and the next it’s like they’re trying to be portrayed as these sweet fun loving guys, it doesn’t mesh for me.
The writing and dialogue is very immature and felt more like a cringy wattpad story rather than a published book, I don’t think this book has seen an editor?
I appreciate the story the author is trying to tell and I hope she continues writing and improves her craft.
It’s the authors first book and I do want to acknowledge how much blood, sweat and tears must of gone into this however it just didn’t stick the landing for me.
Several chapters in and it was just so much rambling that didn’t seem important, it’s slow and there is no flow to the story. I find the male characters insufferable and one minute they’re talking about “tits” and legs and the next it’s like they’re trying to be portrayed as these sweet fun loving guys, it doesn’t mesh for me.
The writing and dialogue is very immature and felt more like a cringy wattpad story rather than a published book, I don’t think this book has seen an editor?
I appreciate the story the author is trying to tell and I hope she continues writing and improves her craft.
April 25, 2026
I’m not sure where to begin with this review. I’m still not over the fact I can’t read the second book right now. When is it coming???
From the prologue and first chapter I was hooked. What has happened to Alexis? What’s she escaping from? Immediately I wanted to know more and so I had to sit and read until I had finished. And now I still want more ha!!
Im a sucker for a small town romance novel so this was right up my street. Except with the added bonus of secrets and suspense with a few twists and turns to surprise you along the way. If you love a good book with romance, family, humour and an excellent writing style this book is for you!!
I would rate it 5 stars and I cannot wait to read more in the Agerstone series.
From the prologue and first chapter I was hooked. What has happened to Alexis? What’s she escaping from? Immediately I wanted to know more and so I had to sit and read until I had finished. And now I still want more ha!!
Im a sucker for a small town romance novel so this was right up my street. Except with the added bonus of secrets and suspense with a few twists and turns to surprise you along the way. If you love a good book with romance, family, humour and an excellent writing style this book is for you!!
I would rate it 5 stars and I cannot wait to read more in the Agerstone series.
Review of advance copy
Review of advanced copy received from Author.
I really loved this book. The storyline kept me hooked, especially with how the past was revealed in small pieces — it made me want to keep reading to find out more.
The friendships and characters were a real highlight and felt very genuine, and I also loved the love interest and how that developed, but it broke me in the end
Overall, it was an emotional and engaging read, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven romance. I can’t wait for the next one.
I really loved this book. The storyline kept me hooked, especially with how the past was revealed in small pieces — it made me want to keep reading to find out more.
The friendships and characters were a real highlight and felt very genuine, and I also loved the love interest and how that developed, but it broke me in the end
Overall, it was an emotional and engaging read, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven romance. I can’t wait for the next one.
April 11, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this book & I really enjoyed it! Loved the small Cornish town setting and I loved the boys immediately. I felt a lot of emotion for the FMC and her backstory, and I did not expect the ending at all. I will say there were a few filler chapters that I think made the story feel a little slow towards the end and the characters seemed a lot younger than their supposed ages, but overall a really enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't think I'll be able to forget this book, because let alone the plot being twisty and gripping the characters are all funny and relatable.
I would 10000% recommend this to anyone
(the ending is painful) 🤐😢⛱️💕📚☕️
I would 10000% recommend this to anyone
(the ending is painful) 🤐😢⛱️💕📚☕️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book.
For all the romance readers I would highly recommend, amazing characters, found family, slow burn romance, small town & a protective MMC which come on who doesn’t love!
I’ll be patiently waiting for the next one!
For all the romance readers I would highly recommend, amazing characters, found family, slow burn romance, small town & a protective MMC which come on who doesn’t love!
I’ll be patiently waiting for the next one!
Review of advance copy
I am speechless… I can’t deal with the ending, I need the second book now! Thoroughly enjoyed this read, love the storyline and the characters! Honestly need the second book asap!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews