All the Ways You Break Me

Sandy Harbor #2

by Melissa Wiesner

“Promise you’ll be there?” Ian’s eyes plead with me. I take a shaky breath and nod my head even as my heart is shattering into a million pieces. I thought the boy in front of me would be my future. But I’ll have to break my promise if I want to keep my family safe…

Ten years after fleeing Sandy Harbor Island, Josie’s hometown is the last place she wants to be. But she’s maid of honor for her sister Madeline and determined to give her the beachside wedding of her dreams.

Josie hadn’t reckoned on the best Ian. One look in his sky-blue eyes and she’s back to the summer she turned eighteen, waitressing at the sailing club. She never expected the son of the island’s wealthiest property developer to notice her. But sun-kissed days out on the water showed Josie that Ian had the kindest heart and biggest dreams.

Their future had only just begun when Josie’s life was torn apart. She can never tell Ian why she ran away. She’ll just avoid him all week and leave as soon as the wedding is over.

But Ian’s oceanside cottage is the only place to stay, and wedding events throw them together in all kinds of ways. It’s clear from every lingering glance and accidental brush of hands that neither of them ever forgot that fleeting, magical summer…

But the harder Josie falls, the more danger she’s in of revealing her secret. Ian is the one person who can never, ever know what she did on that life-shattering day a decade ago. But if Josie runs away—forever this time—will she break her own heart all over again?

An absolutely heart-shattering and gorgeously escapist romance, perfect for fans of Carley Fortune, Catherine Cowles, Mia Sheridan, and anyone who believes in second chances.

If you love these tropes, this book is for Second chance romance Forced proximity Sister’s best friend Forbidden love Best man and maid of honor Small town romance
R

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 17, 2026

About the author

Melissa Wiesner’s mother didn’t allow her to watch much TV as a child and instead, made her play with paint, colorful pipe cleaners, random bits of fabric, and all manner of other crafty things. This set Melissa up for a lifetime of creative pursuits, and it was only a matter of time before things took a bookish turn.

A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of both emotional women’s fiction and romantic comedies. Melissa’s book, His Secret Daughter was an Amazon bestseller, The Second Chance Year was a Book of the Month add-on pick, and It All Comes Back to You will soon be translated into almost a dozen languages.

Along with her charming husband and two adorable children, Melissa splits her time between the big city of Pittsburgh, PA and rural West Virginia.


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Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
All The Ways You Break Me by Melissa Wiesner
Publication date: 17th February 2026

Thoughts
Ian and Josie's story ❤️‍🩹 my babies 🥹 this book was everything I didn't want to binge it but here's me hoping there's more books in this series 🤞🏻 this universe is so beautiful -- the attachment is real🥲 the characters, the plot, pacing of events, the writing style.. everything was just perfection! Ian is my new book boyfriend🫠 he's so patient, caring, selfless.. Just loyal to the core! The communication between Josie and Ian is the key factor to this read being deeply emotional ( in my opinion) I'm obsessed with this author's writing style and books in general ( yes two books ) were more than enough to consume me! I can't wait to discover her other works!

⚠️ CHECK CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️

What to expect
▪︎ Second Chance Romance
▪︎ Forced Proximity
▪︎ Sister's best friend
▪︎ Best Man and Maid of honour
▪︎ Forbidden love

Plot Summary
Josie hasn’t returned to Sandy Harbor Island in ten years, and she plans to keep it that way—until her sister’s wedding brings her home. Focused on giving Madeline the perfect day, Josie is unprepared for the memories the island stirs up, especially when she crosses paths with Ian, someone from a summer she’s never truly forgotten. Old feelings resurface as wedding preparations force them together, and the past presses in closer than she expected. With secrets she can’t risk exposing. Josie must decide whether leaving is the only way to protect herself—or if staying might cost her everything.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC

My Bookstagram

[Sadie E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

3.5: This book is angsty. Sit-on-your-bed-staring-at-the-wall angsty. So much emotional baggage and unresolved trauma, and characters who are messy, sad, trying their best, and occasionally making choices that made me whisper bestie no out loud.

The emotional moments hit hard. I loved how raw everything felt, especially the way grief and healing were handled. The romance is tender and intense in that "we’re both broken but trying" kind of way, which I’m always a sucker for.

BUT. The pacing was kind of all over the place for me. Some parts dragged, some conflicts wrapped up way too neatly after all that buildup, and I wanted more from a few side characters who felt like they were about to be important and then… weren’t.

Overall though? I cared about the characters and I was invested in their fates. It's not perfect, but it's absolutely worth the read if you like sad people falling in love and working through their equally sad stuff.

[Heather Adores Books]

February cannot come soon enough! I have unanswered questions!

[Chandler (chapterswithchan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely obsessed with book one of the Sandy Harbor Series, All The Ways You Save Me, so I couldn’t wait for book two. While Madeline’s story felt beautifully wrapped up in the first book, there were still unanswered questions that had me counting down to the next installment.

In All The Ways You Break Me, we dive into Josie’s story, told through a dual timeline that weaves between what happened eleven years ago and the present day during Madeline’s wedding week. When Josie’s hotel plans fall through, Ian, an old friend from her past and the wedding’s best man, offers her a place to stay. Unfortunately, staying with Ian is the last thing Josie wants. He has no idea why she packed up and left all those years ago, and she’s not sure she can ever bring herself to tell him the truth.

Josie and Ian were absolutely adorable. Melissa did an incredible job revealing their history piece by piece, and every timeline switch left me impatiently waiting to learn what happened next. I loved revisiting Madeline and Garrett, and seeing them in this story made it even more special.I adored this book and really hope that Melissa continues with Chloe and Everly’s story next, because I am not ready to leave Sandy Harbor!

Thank you to the Author and her team for an ARC!

[Sara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought Wiesner couldn’t write a book that surpasses All The Ways You Save Me, she writes this masterpiece. Bravo!

In this novel we follow Ian and Josie. Between present scenes and flashbacks, we find out these two first met at 18 when Josie worked at a country club for the summer and Ian attended rowing practice at the dock. It was love at first sight for these two, but after a tragic end to the summer, Josie runs off and Ian doesn’t see her again. Not until she is back in town for her sister’s wedding. Is now their chance at love?

This book was beautifully written. I love how Ian did everything he could to correct his fathers’ real estate wrongs and make Sandy Harbor a great place for locals. I liked him since the last book, and this only solidified how much of a good person he is. Josie was equally amazing and so strong. When we discover what she went through, my heart broke for her.

I will say, check the trigger warnings. There is one slightly graphic scene of a situation too many women have found themselves in, but thankfully she gets away. It brought tears to my eyes and had me wanted to hug this character through the book. I want to give kudos to the author for how she handled this topic and scene. It was handled in a way the readers will appreciate.

This author has become an instant read for me. You can’t go wrong with one of her novels.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel completely stole my heart. It is emotional, romantic, and impossible to put down. From the first page, I felt pulled into Josie and Ian’s story and didn’t want to leave Sandy Harbor Island.

Josie returning home after ten years is filled with tension and pain, and the moment she runs into Ian again, you can feel everything they never said hanging in the air. Their past summer together is tender and sweet, while the present day story is heavy with longing and regret. I don't usually love dual timelines, but I loved how the story moved between past and present, slowly showing why Josie ran and what it cost them both.

One of the strongest parts of this book is the emotional maturity of the characters. Instead of relying on miscommunications, the story focuses on real fear, real love, and real consequences. Josie’s secret adds a layer of suspense that kept me turning pages, even when I thought I understood what had happened. The emotional payoff was worth it.

Ian is the kind of love interest that’s hard not to fall for. Gawd, he's kind, steady, and deeply loyal. His patience and quiet strength made every interaction between him and Josie feel meaningful. This is a powerful second chance romance about love, sacrifice, and finding the courage to face the past.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All the Ways You Break Me by Melissa Wiesner (Sandy Harbor #2)

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would so I’ll begrudgingly settle for five. After giving the first book in the Sandy Harbor series five stars, I didn’t think it was possible for Melissa Wiesner to outdo herself, but somehow she did.

The writing is absolutely incredible. The emotions feel raw and real, the characters are deeply layered, and the story completely pulls you in from start to finish. This book broke me in the best way and then put me back together again. I was fully invested, heart racing one minute and aching the next.

Melissa Wiesner has such a powerful way with words, and this series truly showcases her talent. I cannot recommend her books enough, but especially the Sandy Harbor series. If you’re on the fence don’t be. This one is unforgettable.

[Marina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a roller coaster! The suspense, the build up, the ending? PERFECT! I wish there was more 🥲

[Heather Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, way better than the first one

[Kat Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been feral for this book. I checked NetGalley multiple times knowing it would be released soon and finally it was there. I started reading it the same day I got approved for it and read it in less than 24 hours.

This one was a romantic suspense. And while I loved the first book in this series, I loved this one even more. I figured out early on what happened with Josie and Ian, but it was still such a great read to see it all play out. And there was a twist in there that I didn’t see coming and that pleasantly surprised me.

The best part of this book? There were so many opportunities for the author to use misunderstandings as a trope, but she didn’t do it. The characters acted like mature adults who cared about and trusted one another.

While you probably don’t need to read the first book, All the Ways You Save Me, in order to enjoy this one, I do recommend it. It did a good job setting the stage for this one and providing a bit of context.

This one is perfect for fans of:
—> romantic suspense
—> second chance romance
—> small town romance
—> dual timelines and dual POVs

A giant thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved this one and hope you do too! It releases on 17 February 2026.

[Dallas Chandler O’Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m loving this series! Such an enjoyable read. I would classify it as cozy romantic suspense. A genre I didn’t know I needed! There were so many unanswered questions I had about Josie and the Sullivan family after book 1 that I was dying for in book 2! It did not disappoint! Overall the suspense kept me hooked and the love story was chefs kiss.

[Summer Munroe {sum.mun.reads} · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5🌟

If you need a quick palate cleanser…might I suggest this book!?! Gosh I am such a sucker for a sweet contemporary romance that has a HEA! Both of the Sandy Harbor books are page turners and I highly recommend them! This book does have an open door spicy scene but it is not descriptive! I’d rate it 0.5-1 🌶️ but it is there, just so you know.
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for the eARC. This voluntary review is my honest thoughts and opinions about the book. I think you’ll love this book if you like second chance romance, siblings best friend, coastal town vibes, forced proximity, small town romance. It’s just a really good, unputdownable read! This is the second book I’ve read from this author and I would read anything she wrote at this point!

[Seanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨

A fast paced second chance romance that had me hooked from page 1! I loved the suspense and the twist had my jaw dropping but I was hoping for a bit more build up from Josie and Ian’s relationship. This is a story with unexpected depth and if you’re a sucker for a sweet and wholesome MMC this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC 🫶🏼

[Lexy Foghture · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC REVIEW

All the Ways You Break Me by Melissa Wiesner
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture

💜 Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a free ARC copy. This is my honest review. 💜

Let me start with a confession:
I am not a second-chance romance person.
I am not a flashback person.

I usually avoid books with those tropes. Hear me out. I don’t hate them, but they’re often poorly executed. And it’s really hard to get me to like them. Messy timelines, repetitive angst, miscommunication stretched too thin. You get the idea.

This book? Completely proved me wrong.

I devoured All the Ways You Break Me in almost one sitting. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

What worked (aka: why I loved this)

Josie and Ian’s story is deeply emotional without being manipulative. Their history is heavy, yes, but it’s handled with maturity and care. The dual timeline (past summer / present return to Sandy Harbor Island) is working out. Every flashback adds context instead of padding the story, slowly revealing why Josie ran and what it cost both of them.

The second-chance romance here doesn’t rely on endless miscommunication. Instead, it focuses on real fear, real trauma, and real consequences. That alone made it stand out for me.

Ian is the kind of MMC I don’t usually expect to love this much. He is not only strong, but he is patient (which don’t he me wrong doesn’t happen a lot here in real life or even fiction), emotionally steady, and deeply loyal..

Josie returning home after ten years feels heavy from page one. It’s like the aching sensation that’s making you tick. You can feel everything they never said hanging in the air, and the emotional payoff is absolutely worth the slow burn. (Emotional turmoil that made me sit till 1 am reading)

Things I usually dislike but didn’t here:

✔ Second-chance romance
✔ Flashbacks
✔ Dual timelines

All of it was done beautifully.

The pacing is excellent, the writing is emotionally immersive, and the island setting adds this quiet, bittersweet atmosphere that fits the story perfectly.

This book surprised me in the best way. It took tropes I usually avoid and executed them so well that I couldn’t stop reading. It’s emotional, mature, and thoughtfully written.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly recommend, especially if you think second-chance romance “isn’t your thing.” 💔❤️

[mane cg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind and didn’t realize until I was already in it that it was actually the second book in a series. Because of that, there were definitely a lot of references and callbacks to the first book that I didn’t fully understand, but honestly that’s on me, not the story. Even without all the context, I was still able to follow along and stay invested. I did figure out pretty early on why Josie left, but that didn’t take away from the story at all or stop me from wanting to keep reading, especially since second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and this book really leaned into that. One thing I really appreciated was how the author addressed the way powerful men are often protected when accused of sexual assault by young women, while also showing that times are slowly changing even though there is still a long way to go. That aspect added weight and realism to the story. Ian was easily my favorite character and honestly the highlight of the book for me. That said, I struggled a bit with the idea that his connection with Josie was supposed to be this deep, lifelong bond when they only knew each other for about two weeks at eighteen and barely spent time together. It made that “once in a lifetime” connection feel a little underdeveloped. I also found Josie frustrating at times, especially when Ian finds out the truth about his dad and she completely ignores what he’s going through, choosing to focus on wedding prep instead. A simple text to Ian or even Gareth would have gone a long way instead of getting her hair and nails done and just hoping for the best, which honestly made me roll my eyes a little. Still, overall I really enjoyed this book. It never felt boring, it kept me wanting to turn the pages, and even without reading the first book, I stayed engaged the whole time. And once again, Ian completely stole the show for me, no contest.

[Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the ways you break me...

I went into this expecting to feel devastated by the end, but that moment never fully landed for me.

This story follows Josie as she returns to Sandy Harbor, a small island she fled over a decade ago after a traumatic encounter with a powerful man who believed himself untouchable. Coming back for her sister's wedding forces Josie to face not only the past she has tried so hard to bury, but also Ian, the boy she once quietly fell for before everything fell apart.

Wiesner delivers an emotional second-chance romance rooted in power, trauma, and the long shadow of what happened the night Josie ran. The book moves quickly, with smooth transitions and an easy, accessible writing style that makes it a fast read. I especially appreciated how grounded Josie's anxiety felt when she returned to the island, and the tension of being in such close proximity to Ian, particularly once circumstances push them under the same roof.

That said, I wanted a bit more depth to their shared history and a little more emotional weight between Josie and Ian. Their past connection is meaningful, but I wanted the story to linger longer in those moments to fully earn the heartbreak and healing the premise promises. The plot is engaging, and the pacing is steady, yet I expected a touch more intensity from their reunion and from the fallout from what happened all those years ago.

Overall, this was a good read with a strong setup and a smooth narrative flow. While I hoped for a deeper emotional exploration, especially regarding their past, I still enjoyed the story and think readers who like quick, heartfelt second-chance romances with a suspenseful edge will connect with it.

[Anna Christodoulou-Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review: All the Ways You Break Me by Melissa Wiesner ✨

This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way. 💔🌊

From the very first page, you can feel the weight of promises made too young, love that never really faded, and secrets that cost everything.
Josie returning to Sandy Harbor Island for her sister’s wedding is the kind of emotional setup that already has your heart bracing for impact. And then Ian. The boy she loved. The man she never stopped loving. The one person she can never tell the truth to. 😭
Their story is tender, aching, and filled with those quiet moments that say everything lingering glances, accidental touches, conversations heavy with what’s left unsaid. The forced proximity (hello, oceanside cottage 👀🏡) only turns the emotional tension way up, and the slow unraveling of Josie’s past had me holding my breath.
What I loved most was how real this felt. Love doesn’t disappear just because time passes. Sometimes it waits. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it asks if you’re brave enough to risk everything—again. 💞

This is a heart-shattering, beautifully written second-chance romance about forgiveness, survival, and choosing love even when it terrifies you.

🖤✨ Tropes you’ll love:

• Second chance romance
• Forced proximity
• Best man & maid of honor
• Small-town coastal vibes 🌊
• Forbidden love
• Sister’s best friend
• Long-held secrets
If you enjoy emotional, angsty romances with deep longing and big feelings, this one will stay with you long after the final page. 📖💔

A box of tissues, and a reminder that some love never truly ends.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always know when I open a Melissa Wiesner book that I’ll be treated to “a totally unforgettable and emotional romance.”

As the title suggests, this book is centered around a broken promise. Thankfully, it’s also centered around a second-chance romance. The interplay between despair and hope is well done, and the characters’ yearning for forgiveness and reconciliation pulled me in and gave me more to cheer them on. Josie Sullivan left Sandy Harbor Island in the dark of night ten years ago and never looked back. With her, she carried the secret about the day Ian Langley’s (her boyfriend) dad died.

Being in her sister’s wedding party meant that Josie had to return, and despite her intentions to steer clear of Ian, she discovers she needs his help before she even arrives. When she realizes that Ian is the best man at her sister’s wedding, she has a choice to make: run away again or face the past.

This is a bingeable book, so clear your schedule. Grab tissues, too. I keep declaring that each book I read of Melissa’s is my favourite, but this one is my absolute favourite. The characters felt like real friends of mine, the setting like somewhere I’d been before, and the twists/revelations broke me, and the denouement stitched me back together again. I loved Ian and Josie’s story and encourage you to visit the author’s site for trigger warnings.

Book one, All the Ways You Save Me, is Melissa Sullivan's story. Book two is her sister's story. It an be read as a standalone, but I'm sure you'll want to follow the Sullivan sisters and understand the background.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Wiesner continues to prove how effortlessly she can blend emotional depth with accessible, immersive storytelling. All the Ways You Break Me is a beautifully written second-chance romance that leans heavily into character, memory, and the quiet ache of unfinished love.
What stood out most to me was the writing itself. Wiesner’s prose is smooth and intentional, pulling you into both timelines with ease. The dual structure never feels clunky or forced — instead, it carefully layers the past and present, allowing the emotional weight to build naturally. Each shift adds clarity rather than confusion, deepening our understanding of Josie and Ian’s history and the choices that shaped them.
The pacing is steady and controlled, giving space for reflection without ever dragging. Even when the plot feels familiar, the emotional beats land because of how thoughtfully they’re written. Josie’s anxiety, her guilt, and the long shadow of what happened years ago are handled with nuance and care. Ian’s quiet steadiness balances her beautifully, and their reconnection feels grounded rather than rushed.
This isn’t a story driven by shocking twists — it’s driven by emotional honesty. Wiesner excels at capturing longing, regret, and the fragile hope that comes with second chances. The small-town coastal setting adds warmth and atmosphere, but it’s the character work and clean, confident writing that truly carry the book.
Thank you to Melissa Wiesner, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Megan megmakestimetoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series (despite the soap opera-ish ending) and was excited to read this book about side characters from the first novel. I like that it was a combination of mystery and romance, though the mystery was so easily solved in this, it was more realistic than the first book's. The dual timeline of high school and present day really lent itself to the story, creating tension and investing you in the characters of Josie and Ian. Again I felt the high school reflections were stronger than the present day story. I think this book could've been longer (I know, but I wanted more, especially towards the end in present timeline). Both main characters were so easy to like and invest in. Ian had such a good heart, despite the trauma he endured as a teen. I appreciated that both books concerned how addiction affects the lives of everyone related to the addict. I felt for both of these characters, whose loves were irrevocably changed in one moment. I wanted so much for them to be honest with each other, and I am glad they were, eventually.

Pros:

Ian was steadfast, romantic, and forgiving
Teen Josie was so innocent and sweet
Still loving the small town vibes of the summer town off Sandy Harbor.
More Adam and Madeline

Cons:

Why is the mom so immature? I get the whole "me too" thing, but its 15 years later dude! You still feel the same way? You still encourage lying?
No one could see that Ian's dad was sketchy? Really? Esp. the manager of the club, really? she kept allowing old men to give under age girls $100 tips and thought nothing of it? really?

This was a fast read, read it in 3 hours, 4 stars. Great for fans of Betty Corello or Catherine Cowles (but less spice). Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Ways You Break Me by Melissa Wiesner may be the first book I’ve read by this author but it most definitely won’t be the last. What an incredibly well-written story! Of course, now I’m itching to grab the first book in the Sandy Harbor Series, All The Ways You Save Me, because I’d love to delve deeper into Madeline and Garrett’s story. That being said, this is most definitely a standalone and could be read without reading the first book because I did so and it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of it at all. Ian and Josie’s heartbreaking and emotional story spans eleven long years. Ms. Wiesner is an unbelievably good story teller. The present to the past was seamlessly written and well executed. I loved both of these characters so much. Even when Ian and Josie were young 18-year-olds, there was a maturity about them that was so refreshing. The whole novel focuses on real life, real decisions and real love. There may be some miscommunications but it’s done with understanding and kindness and that’s something I haven’t found in many stories. I’m so glad Ms. Wiesner handled the whole back story the way she did – flawlessly. I would call this a contemporary romance with some suspense elements but more than that--it was about courage and sacrifice for those you love and the belief that all things work together for good. And they do--we just have to believe. I’m very grateful to NetGalley to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

[I8mzbhvn2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im giving ALL THE WAYS YOU BREAK ME 4.25 ⭐️

When Josie left her small hometown of Sandy Harbor Island 10 years ago, she never looked back. She never returned either --- until now, for her sister's wedding. She is not prepared for all of the feelings and memories that being back on the island bring up ---especially with Ian, a boy, now a man, from her past. The one that she has truly never forgotten. Josie's feeling for Ian seem to resurface and spark to life again as the wedding draws near. Forced to be in close proximity, her being the maid of honor and Ian being the best man, its no wonder that sparks start to fly.

Now Josie must decide whether to leave, to protect herself and the secrets that she keeps, or stay and risk everything.

The writing is incredible and the plot very well thought out, planned and executed. The characters have depth and their emotions and feeling are so real and raw. This book broke me in a good way and then put me back together again. I can't wait to see what happens next!

If you like second chance, forced proximity, small town, best man/maid of honor, and romantic suspense... then this book is for you! This is also the 2nd book in the series, but can read it as a standalone. It's easy enough to put the missing pieces together.

As Always.... HAPPY READING!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy small town romance, second chances, forced proximity and maid of honour + best man romance, this book will tick a lot of boxes for you!

Josie returns to Sandy Harbour for her sister’s wedding, only to be reunited with Ian who she had a short tryst with one summer. With Ian being the best man, she knew she’d have to spend time with him in the lead up to the wedding but she hoped to keep it minimal. But her hotel plans fall through, everything else is booked, and lucky for Josie, Ian has a spare room she can use.

The chapters go back and forth between Josie and Ian’s POV, both in the present and more than ten years ago when they first met. Josie has been holding onto a big secret, one that made her family abruptly leave Sandy Harbour.

I liked the romance in this book and the build up was good. I had a strong suspicion early on as to what caused Josie’s family to leave, which meant that some parts of the story felt a bit predictable. I was hoping for a bit more spice, especially because there seemed to be good chemistry and banter. I enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Josie and Ian, both of whom were quite sweet and thoughtful.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cassidy Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing the first book in the Sandy Harbour series, I was genuinely excited to dive into this one—there were unanswered questions I needed resolved, and this book delivered.

I loved Josie as the FMC right from the start. Her instinct to put others’ feelings first was handled beautifully. It was never forced or overdone, but naturally woven into her actions across both timelines. It made her feel more genuine.

While I did anticipate some of the major plot points fairly early on, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. If anything, it kept me hooked as I waited to see how everything would unfold, fully aware that the journey there would be emotional and heavy.

One thing I especially appreciated was that the story didn’t end the moment all the secrets were revealed. Instead of an abrupt conclusion, we’re given space to sit with the aftermath and see how the characters begin to move forward. That choice felt refreshing as I find sometimes authors very quick to wrap things up and end the story.

Overall, an emotional, well-paced continuation of the series. I want more from Sandy Harbour. I need everyone’s stories!

Thank you to Bookouture and Melissa Wiesner for the ARC! I’m forever thankful! ⭐️

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Melissa Wiesner and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I read the first book in the Sandy Harbor series, All the Ways You Save Me, and really enjoyed the emotional ride that Melissa took me on. So, when I was able to read this second installment, I couldn’t wait to find out just what I was in store for. Ian and Josie’s story was everything it should have been. Melissa has done it again, and this time it is in the form of a second chance, forced proximity, small-town romance. Hello, all the things I truly adore in a romance novel! I would like to point out that, once again, Melissa does a dual timeline that WORKS. Usually, they have a tendency to confuse me, but I’m learning that the stories I’ve read in the past with dual timelines were just done incorrectly. This is the second book by Melissa that utilized them, and not only was I not confused, but I felt like they really added depth and substance to the story. Melissa has a really beautiful way of writing emotionally charged romance novels that are not surface-level and allow you to really connect to and relate with the characters. If you have not had the pleasure of diving into the world of Sandy Harbor, I highly suggest you find out what it’s all about!

[Julie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second book in this series and, while it had a somewhat different vibe, it resonated with the Sandy Harbor I remembered from the first book.

Josie and Ian’s story felt slightly more mystery driven and less heartbreaking, which was good because the first book completely tore me apart.

There’s a lot of switching between past to present day to uncover all of what’s been holding Josie back from returning to the one place she used to be the happiest in. And while the reveal was highly predictable (maybe for the best, this isn’t exactly a middle of the night thriller) it delivered such an emotional punch at the very end, making me sigh in relief that this is a romance novel and there will be a happily ever after.

I absolutely loved the charming small beach town feel that Melissa Wiesner describes so well and I’m hoping this isn’t the last book in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:
This book tells the story of a secret that changed the lives of two seventeen-year-olds and followed them for eleven long years, only to finally come to light on the night before her sister’s wedding to his best friend. The timing of the revelation creates a shocking and emotional plot twist that completely reshapes everything the characters — and the reader — thought they knew.
The sudden ending of Josie’s relationship, caused when she and her family abruptly leave town, is heartbreaking, especially because she believes it was all her fault. That misunderstanding lingers for years, making the eventual truth both painful and deeply satisfying. The author does a great job showing how guilt, regret, and unresolved love can quietly shape people’s lives over time.
What made this story especially enjoyable was seeing the characters finally confront the past and get the happy ending they deserved. After so much emotional buildup, the resolution felt earned and rewarding. Overall, this was a gripping and emotional read with a powerful twist that kept me invested until the very end.

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
​After being totally gripped by Madeline’s journey in book one, All the Ways You Save Me, I had high expectations for the sequel. While the first book felt like a complete story, there were lingering threads that made me desperate for book two.
​This time, we follow Josie’s story through a dual timeline that expertly jumps between a pivotal summer eleven years ago and the present-day chaos of Madeline’s wedding week. When Josie’s accommodation plans collapse, she’s forced to stay with Ian—an old friend and the best man. The catch? Ian is the last person she wants to face. He’s completely in the dark about why she vanished years ago, and Josie isn't sure she can find the words to explain.
​Josie and Ian are just precious. Melissa piece-by-piece unraveled their history so well that I was on the edge of my seat with every timeline jump. Seeing Madeline and Garrett again made it feel like a true reunion. I loved every second and really hope we get Chloe and Everly’s stories next!
​A huge thank you to the author and her team for the ARC!
​Go to my profile @TheLitWhisperer for more small-town romance series you'll want to live in!

[Tatnai · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★.5

All the ways you break me is a beautiful and emotional story that kept me hooked from start to finish. While parts of the plot feel predictable, the way Josie and Ian’s story unfolds makes it completely worth the read.

The timeline shifts between past and present, showing us two teenagers falling in love, full of dreams and promises that were suddenly taken from them. Eleven years later, the wedding of Josie’s sister brings them together, along with a second chance and a secret that could change everything.

Ian and Josie completely earned a place in my heart❤️‍🩹 I wish we had gotten more moments of them as a couple because it wasn’t enough 😭 but I still cherish every moment we did get. What they went through filled me with frustration. I truly despised Ian’s father, and it hurt to be reminded that men like him still exist in the world and often get away with everything…

This book is filled with realistic and emotional moments. The premise was good, though I did expect it to be sadder and less predictable. By around 40%, I had already pieced the puzzle together and had pretty clear idea of what had happened, yet it still managed to to leave me (a little) stunned (even when you know where it’s headed 🤔😅).

Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc❤️

[Jen Grá · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3 5 stars- rounded up⭐️
I didn't realise that "All the Ways You Break Me" was the second in a on-going series so before I could begin, I read the previous Sandy Harbour book, "All the Ways You Save Me". I was hooked from the off. It's a little more melodramatic than my usual taste but so well done that it held my attention throughout. The time changes between past and present are swift, keeping the plot moving and not bogging the reader down in either era. The second in the series follows a similar format and is just as engaging.
Josie arrives back in Sandy Harbour for her sister's wedding. It is her first proper time there in many years after the family left suddenly. She immediately finds herself in the path of her first teenage love, Ian, who also happens to be the best man at the wedding. The pieces of the past slot into place via flashbacks and current POVs. It's fairly predicatable but it works and I had a great time.
I hope that there's more in the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.