Two best friends torn apart by a life-altering secret. They have one summer to set the record straight.

When twelve-year-olds Kat Steiner and Blake O’Neill meet at Camp Chickawah, they have an instant connection. But everything falls apart when they learn they’re not just best friends—they’re also half-sisters. Confused and betrayed, their friendship instantly crumbles.

Fifteen years later, when their father dies suddenly, Kat and Blake discover he’s left them a joint inheritance: the family beach house in Destin, Florida. The two sisters are instantly at odds. Blake, who has recently been demoted from regular nanny to dog nanny, wants to sell the house, while social media influencer Kat is desperate to keep the place where she had so many happy childhood memories.

Kat and Blake reluctantly join forces to renovate the dilapidated house with the understanding that Kat will try to buy Blake out at the end of the summer. The women clash as Blake’s renovation plans conflict with Kat’s creative vision, and each sister finds herself drawn into a summer romance. As the weeks pass, the two women realize the most difficult project they face this summer will be coming to grips with their shared past and learning how to become sisters.

4.5 stars

This was my first time reading from this author duo, and wow, this book came so close to being a five-star read for me. The only reason I knocked it down to four stars was because of the heavy foul language and a couple of pretty graphic, spicy scenes, which I would rate three peppers.

This story completely surprised me in the best way. It honestly felt like such an underdog read. I went into it not expecting much, and now, weeks later, I’m still thinking about it. If I had the time, I would genuinely reread it already because it was just that good.

At first, I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about the story, but I immediately loved Blake. She was by far the most likable character for me. She’s down to earth, intelligent, witty, resourceful, kind, and caring. She also looks after her grandfather, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and is living in a nursing home. She felt so real and genuine, like someone I could actually be friends with in real life.

Kat, on the other hand… I really, really disliked her in the beginning. She came across as shallow, fake, snobby, superficial, and, honestly, pretty arrogant. But as the story unfolds, she slowly starts becoming aware of her flaws and questioning her behavior, her past, and even the way she was raised. What I appreciated most was that she genuinely wanted to change and become a better person. That was so refreshing to read. So many characters expect everyone around them to change, instead, but Kat actually took accountability for herself.

The two sisters could not have been more different, and at the start, they genuinely hated each other. At times, they were honestly cruel to one another. But little by little, the story peels back all the hurt, resentment, and confusion between them, and we begin to understand the experiences that shaped both of them into the women they became. Because the character development was built so carefully, watching them grow and change felt incredibly rewarding.

This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. It made me sad, angry, hopeful, happy, uncomfortable, emotional, and even laugh out loud at times. I felt everything while reading this.

Along with all the family drama, both women also had romantic storylines, which added another layer of fun to the book. I really enjoyed both love interests, but Noah was definitely my favorite.

I also loved how beachy this beach read felt. Since most of the story takes place in Florida, the setting felt so vivid and immersive. I could practically smell the saltwater air and hear the seagulls overhead. It completely put me in a summer mood and honestly made me wish I were sitting on a beach somewhere with a drink in my hand.

This was such a quick read for me, too. I think I finished it in just a few days because I didn’t want to put it down. Overall, this was such a sweet, entertaining, emotional summer story with a really satisfying ending. I honestly wanted more by the time it was over. I don’t think there’s a sequel planned, but I genuinely wish there was because I’d absolutely read more about Blake and Kat.

Definitely recommend this one, but just be aware going in that there’s a lot of cursing and a couple of very spicy scenes.