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The Beach Trap
11 hours, 14 minutes
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.
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.
Audiobook
First published June 14, 2022
413 people are currently reading
26760 people want to read
About the author
Ali Brady
6 books1,426 followersAli Brady is the pen name of writing BFFs Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey. They are the USA TODAY Bestselling authors of romantic, heartwarming, funny novels including The Beach Trap, The Comeback Summer, Until Next Summer, and Battle of the Bookstores. Their books have been “best of summer” picks by The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parade, and Katie Couric Media. Alison lives in Chicago and works as an advertising creative director. She’s also the Founder and Co-President of The Artists Against Antisemitism, and the author of You and Me and Us and Little Pieces of Me. Bradeigh lives in Utah with her husband, four children, and two dogs. She works as a doctor and is the author of psychological thrillers Imposter and The Followers.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliBradyBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliBradyBooks/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,825 reviews
December 14, 2021
Guys, I feel so lucky that I got to read this book! I loved it so, so much. It's funny, sexy, heartfelt, layered... I cried three times in the last few chapters (I can't say when bc spoilers but it has to do with sisterly feelings that overtook me and with a (very temporary don't worry) break up) and then this book healed me and made me so happy! I literally finished it last night and then this morning re-read the epilogue bc I wanted one more hit of all the good feels!
I’m going to be honest: I went into this thinking I’d be mostly interested in the romance parts (and I LOVED them, don’t get me wrong: Noah and Henry are total snacks, if you like single fathers and tortured men with very strong cereal mascot opinions you're in for TWO TREATS) but the relationship between Kat and Blake just stole the scene and was so beautiful and rewarding to read. As someone who has a pretty complex relationship with her sister it really spoke to me, and also made me feel hope and warm and fuzzy inside. My semester break just began yesterday and this book was the perfect start-I recommend it to everyone (especially to fans of Libby Hubscher and Emily Henry!!) Believe me, you want to take this book on vacation with you!!
Disclosure: I received a free ARC from the publisher (Berkley) which is also mypublisher.
I’m going to be honest: I went into this thinking I’d be mostly interested in the romance parts (and I LOVED them, don’t get me wrong: Noah and Henry are total snacks, if you like single fathers and tortured men with very strong cereal mascot opinions you're in for TWO TREATS) but the relationship between Kat and Blake just stole the scene and was so beautiful and rewarding to read. As someone who has a pretty complex relationship with her sister it really spoke to me, and also made me feel hope and warm and fuzzy inside. My semester break just began yesterday and this book was the perfect start-I recommend it to everyone (especially to fans of Libby Hubscher and Emily Henry!!) Believe me, you want to take this book on vacation with you!!
Disclosure: I received a free ARC from the publisher (Berkley) which is also mypublisher.
July 14, 2022
Terrific beach read debut!🌴👒
"Beach Trap" brings two very different half-sisters, Blake and Kat, together after their father left them with a dilapidated beach house in Destin, Florida. Blake desperately wants to sell the place for her granddad's eldercare expenses while Kat wants to keep the house for childhood memories. There's a lot of tension from the inheritance and also from their dad's doing in the past.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sisterhood story with some family drama. There's a double romance with medium steam. I find all characters including secondary ones very likable. Although I detect some 🧀 it was very mild. Overall a very delightful read! What a great collaboration for the authors' first novel. If anything, I wish I had read this sooner for July 4th, you'll know what I mean when you read it.🤩🌟
I'm lucky enough to get a DRC from Berkley Books via Netgalley and borrowed an audiobook from my library. The audio read by Brittany Pressley and Imani Jade Powers was wonderful and I couldn't stop listening!
"Beach Trap" brings two very different half-sisters, Blake and Kat, together after their father left them with a dilapidated beach house in Destin, Florida. Blake desperately wants to sell the place for her granddad's eldercare expenses while Kat wants to keep the house for childhood memories. There's a lot of tension from the inheritance and also from their dad's doing in the past.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sisterhood story with some family drama. There's a double romance with medium steam. I find all characters including secondary ones very likable. Although I detect some 🧀 it was very mild. Overall a very delightful read! What a great collaboration for the authors' first novel. If anything, I wish I had read this sooner for July 4th, you'll know what I mean when you read it.🤩🌟
I'm lucky enough to get a DRC from Berkley Books via Netgalley and borrowed an audiobook from my library. The audio read by Brittany Pressley and Imani Jade Powers was wonderful and I couldn't stop listening!
June 9, 2022
This book was aptly named. The story of two sisters who discover each other at summer camp is reminiscent of the beloved classic "The Parent Trap." And, in addition, that beach house they both inherit is in its own way also a trap. The estranged half sisters cannot agree on keeping or selling. Will this be a flip? A flop? Or can it become something more? I really loved watching the house be transformed along with the relationship between Kat and Blake. Seeing the story from each woman's perspective in alternating chapters also gives us an inside look at the motivation of the narrator. Not having that information leads to a number of misunderstandings, when grace is not given. As we watch these young women grow throughout the summer, we are also reminded that others carry burdens we cannot see. This new author duo is off to a promising start. Their bedroom doors are open a bit long for me, but I know other readers will enjoy the extra steam.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2022
A great beach women’s fiction while I’m on the beach 🏖 This brings back memories of summer camps in which one friend can capture all the feels of a sister. As Kat and Blake practice for the Talent show, Kat gets an unwanted message that her dad is picking her up because her grandfather passed away. When her dad opens the car door, Blake realizes Kat’s dad is also her estranged dad. He doesn’t want to explain to her but hustles Kat away. Blake’s situation has been one of heartache since her mom died when she was young and raised by her grandparents. Kat’s life has been a privileged one, and does not want to accept her dad’s abandoned secret family. Two friends torn apart by someone else’s faults.
15 years later, no words are shared between the two until their father dies and an attorney informs them of a shared inheritance of a Beach house in Destin, FL.
The story is enlightening with forgiveness and acceptance as well as some hot love scenes when they both find romance beach vibes. The sacrifices are understandable and you might think of The Parent Trap except it is The Beach Trap! A very enjoyable read that will bring tears, anger and happiness to the table!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
15 years later, no words are shared between the two until their father dies and an attorney informs them of a shared inheritance of a Beach house in Destin, FL.
The story is enlightening with forgiveness and acceptance as well as some hot love scenes when they both find romance beach vibes. The sacrifices are understandable and you might think of The Parent Trap except it is The Beach Trap! A very enjoyable read that will bring tears, anger and happiness to the table!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 3, 2025
This is a Women's Fiction/Chick-Lit/Romance. This book is about two half sisters that never really know each other getting to know each other as an adult. Both of the sisters think the other one had a better life. I love the storyline, and I loved getting to know both of the main characters. I love the very slow moving romance. This book was a very fun read and it was a book I did not want to put down. I loved it so much. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Berkley Books) or author (Ali Brady) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 26, 2022
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Kat and Blake met at summer camp and became instant best friends- but an unexpected, mind-blowing revelation changed all that in one felled swoop.
Now, fifteen years later, the two former-friends find themselves thrown together again- but make no mistake- they have no plans to rekindle their friendship or any other relationship that might have been forced on them. The goal- the ONLY goal is to flip the beach house and then sell it. But Kat has an emotional attachment to the house, while Blake just wants her fair share so she can care for her grandfather. The house, unfortunately, is in bad shape and the two must work together to restore it… which, as one might expect, doesn’t go well…
This summer I overloaded myself with ‘Beach’ reads. Now as the summer is winding down, I’m furiously reading all the books I planned to read before fall. Yes, this is one of those misleading 'cartoon' covers- No, this one is not comedy. The story has its share of emotion, but not anything too heavy. In fact, this book is a great blend of drama and romance, with just the right amount of emotional depth, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
The reader may be tempted to take sides- Team Blake or Team Kat- and I’m betting most will go for team Blake merely because she’s less histrionic and accusatory. I liked both characters- Kat because she was an interesting character study, and the one I felt had the most work to do, and Blake because she was down to earth and more flexible, though she has just as much emotional damage to work through. The story immediately drew me in, especially after the big revelation. Except for the unnecessary steaminess, I enjoyed every minute of it- front to back.
Overall, I’m glad this is one of my final ‘beach reads’ of the season, because it is a great way to cap off the summer!
4 stars
Kat and Blake met at summer camp and became instant best friends- but an unexpected, mind-blowing revelation changed all that in one felled swoop.
Now, fifteen years later, the two former-friends find themselves thrown together again- but make no mistake- they have no plans to rekindle their friendship or any other relationship that might have been forced on them. The goal- the ONLY goal is to flip the beach house and then sell it. But Kat has an emotional attachment to the house, while Blake just wants her fair share so she can care for her grandfather. The house, unfortunately, is in bad shape and the two must work together to restore it… which, as one might expect, doesn’t go well…
This summer I overloaded myself with ‘Beach’ reads. Now as the summer is winding down, I’m furiously reading all the books I planned to read before fall. Yes, this is one of those misleading 'cartoon' covers- No, this one is not comedy. The story has its share of emotion, but not anything too heavy. In fact, this book is a great blend of drama and romance, with just the right amount of emotional depth, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
The reader may be tempted to take sides- Team Blake or Team Kat- and I’m betting most will go for team Blake merely because she’s less histrionic and accusatory. I liked both characters- Kat because she was an interesting character study, and the one I felt had the most work to do, and Blake because she was down to earth and more flexible, though she has just as much emotional damage to work through. The story immediately drew me in, especially after the big revelation. Except for the unnecessary steaminess, I enjoyed every minute of it- front to back.
Overall, I’m glad this is one of my final ‘beach reads’ of the season, because it is a great way to cap off the summer!
4 stars
July 22, 2022
Aww, I love this cover, title, and what’s inside, too.
Kat and Blake become fast friends one summer at camp. They don’t realize that they are connected and are actually half sisters, sharing the same dad. Once that is revealed, their friendship is shattered.
Several years later, their father passes away, and he leaves his daughters a fixer upper beach house with good bones and a great location in Destin, Florida. Through their work renovating the house, the relationship is revived, but not without some drama along the way.
Smoothly written and filled with heart, The Beach Trap is just the kind of easy reading I needed this summer. Bonus, since there are two sisters, there are two romances when each sister finds love.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Kat and Blake become fast friends one summer at camp. They don’t realize that they are connected and are actually half sisters, sharing the same dad. Once that is revealed, their friendship is shattered.
Several years later, their father passes away, and he leaves his daughters a fixer upper beach house with good bones and a great location in Destin, Florida. Through their work renovating the house, the relationship is revived, but not without some drama along the way.
Smoothly written and filled with heart, The Beach Trap is just the kind of easy reading I needed this summer. Bonus, since there are two sisters, there are two romances when each sister finds love.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 19, 2022
3.5 rounded down, had to force myself to finish this one. Seriously disliked the spoiled, influencer princess sister in this so very much that it just totally ruined it for me. The romances were fine, I wish I'd had more on fixing the house & a little less entitlement on display. Based on other reviews, I'm an outlier, so please do check them out.
August 31, 2022
In The Beach Trap Kat and Blake meet at summer camp at age 12 but once an unexpected secret reveals that they are half sisters, it changes (as in, ends) their friendship. 15 years later, they are reunited when their dad leaves the family beach house in Destin to them as a joint inheritance. Blake is eager for the opportunity to cash out and take her share of the money to address other issues going on in her life. Kat is irate that Blake feels she has any right to the property and determined to keep the house where she has made memories. They agree to work on renovating and staging the house throughout the summer, alternating their weeks onsite. Along the way though, Kat and Blake are forced to engage with each other and confront buried feelings about their much different lives.
The Beach Trap is a great summer story, with a good balance of drama, character growth, and romance. If I hadn’t listened to a podcast featuring coauthors, Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey, I wouldn’t have known there was more than one author — The alternating POVs worked well. I really liked this one.
The Beach Trap is a great summer story, with a good balance of drama, character growth, and romance. If I hadn’t listened to a podcast featuring coauthors, Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey, I wouldn’t have known there was more than one author — The alternating POVs worked well. I really liked this one.
April 21, 2022
So much ❤️❤️ For this one!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I first started this story I didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary. A typical women’s fiction book, right? Not for me. Somewhere along the line this book really started getting into my heart.
The whole half sister twist took on another dimension that gets right into your soul. The hurt and pain you can feel right along with them. The distrust of old pains and the fresh new hurts makes it hard to see through to the other side along with a solution.
The authors took all of that emotion and bundled it into a story that is fresh with delicate raw, tender feelings as the half sisters try to heal and move forward. The budding romances help the healing process while adding some levity and clarity to it all. Plus the guys are great characters too.
The Beach Trap is a beautiful beachy read that sings of family, love, and acceptance through broken, yet healing hearts. And love really does win in the end. I cannot wait to read more from these two.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-beach-tr...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I first started this story I didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary. A typical women’s fiction book, right? Not for me. Somewhere along the line this book really started getting into my heart.
The whole half sister twist took on another dimension that gets right into your soul. The hurt and pain you can feel right along with them. The distrust of old pains and the fresh new hurts makes it hard to see through to the other side along with a solution.
The authors took all of that emotion and bundled it into a story that is fresh with delicate raw, tender feelings as the half sisters try to heal and move forward. The budding romances help the healing process while adding some levity and clarity to it all. Plus the guys are great characters too.
The Beach Trap is a beautiful beachy read that sings of family, love, and acceptance through broken, yet healing hearts. And love really does win in the end. I cannot wait to read more from these two.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-beach-tr...
November 11, 2023
I was tricked into thinking this would be good by the cute cover. Turns out, that was the REAL trap in this book.
Clearly, I wasn’t the right audience, because I’m left wondering if the two authors it took to write this precocious narrative are each blaming the other for how bad it actually turned out. I should have DNF’d when they started with the “privileged wealthy” crap. I kept on because, I hate to DNF, especially books that I have paid for. So on I pushed. And it took me a lot longer to get through this than it should have because I struggled with getting excited to pick it up. Lesson learned.
Each sister was absolutely absurd. Each time I got frustrated with one, the other would come along and act more ridiculously. But don’t you know, everything was wrapped up saccharin-sweet with a delightfully charming bow and now I have a headache because I’m so aggravated.
If you love trite predictability, Instagram influencers, crybabies, and a male character who reads toxic masculinity books, this is your jam.
Also? No, Blake. You most certainly did NOT “single handedly” remove a sixty year old bathtub.
Ugh.
Clearly, I wasn’t the right audience, because I’m left wondering if the two authors it took to write this precocious narrative are each blaming the other for how bad it actually turned out. I should have DNF’d when they started with the “privileged wealthy” crap. I kept on because, I hate to DNF, especially books that I have paid for. So on I pushed. And it took me a lot longer to get through this than it should have because I struggled with getting excited to pick it up. Lesson learned.
Each sister was absolutely absurd. Each time I got frustrated with one, the other would come along and act more ridiculously. But don’t you know, everything was wrapped up saccharin-sweet with a delightfully charming bow and now I have a headache because I’m so aggravated.
If you love trite predictability, Instagram influencers, crybabies, and a male character who reads toxic masculinity books, this is your jam.
Also? No, Blake. You most certainly did NOT “single handedly” remove a sixty year old bathtub.
Ugh.
May 23, 2022
A must read book of Summer 2022! Seriously, this book has EVERYTHING! Romance, family secrets, friendship, fashion, home renovation, Jewish representation and more - what's not to love!
When half-sisters Blake & Kat jointly inherit a beach house, they are horrified at the thought of having to spend any time together - they are truly the furthest thing from sisters in their minds! But when circumstances beyond their control force them together, the claws begin to retract a bit and they start to find out that blood truly is thicker than water.
An easy five stars for me and I highly recommend throwing this in your beach bag this summer!
Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
When half-sisters Blake & Kat jointly inherit a beach house, they are horrified at the thought of having to spend any time together - they are truly the furthest thing from sisters in their minds! But when circumstances beyond their control force them together, the claws begin to retract a bit and they start to find out that blood truly is thicker than water.
An easy five stars for me and I highly recommend throwing this in your beach bag this summer!
Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2022
Obsessed would be an understatement!! Going into this book I thought I would mostly be interested in the romance parts (which I loved obviously, Henry and Noah were literally perfect) BUT what stole my heart with this book was the relationship between Kat and Blake.
Their relationship was so beautiful and to see their growth from the very first page to the last was very rewarding. I experienced so many emotions with this book (I sobbed at the last 5% because of how amazing and bittersweet the story ended).
I can wholeheartedly say that this is one of my favorite women’s fiction novels ever. Please add this book your tbr, it is so worth the read and it is the perfect summer read. 💛
“I will choose my sister. I will always choose Blake.” 🫶🏻
Their relationship was so beautiful and to see their growth from the very first page to the last was very rewarding. I experienced so many emotions with this book (I sobbed at the last 5% because of how amazing and bittersweet the story ended).
I can wholeheartedly say that this is one of my favorite women’s fiction novels ever. Please add this book your tbr, it is so worth the read and it is the perfect summer read. 💛
“I will choose my sister. I will always choose Blake.” 🫶🏻
September 13, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 ⭐️ (Seriously, Goodreads, we are overdue for a half star option).
This book was a breath of sea salt air! Set mainly on the shores of Destin, FL, two half sisters work together to repair their outdated and decrepit beach house AND their broken relationship.
What I loved about this book:
☀️ Everything came full circle by the end. Each character had their own story within the story that naturally played out.
☀️ The character growth in Kat, specifically. I started out the book sort of hating her and ended it with a fond appreciation. She bothered me a lot with her obsession with “‘Grammable” photos, staying on brand, and treating life like a fashion show, but she really did a 180 by the end.
☀️ The sympathy and love I felt for Blake had my eyes welling with tears throughout.
☀️ Noah 😍 This guy and his love for dogs, his quick witted, hilarious responses to everything, AND his confidence in pursuing Blake were everything. 10/10 on Noah.
☀️ This story is a perfect example of “every cloud has a silver lining” and honestly that’s a reminder that I needed in 2022.
I took off half a star for just how annoying I found Kat for the first ~60% of the book, but that was probably the whole point 😅
All in all, this is as a perfect book to close out my summer reading and I’m so glad I picked it up.
Content warnings:
Grief
Death of a parent
Infidelity
Dementia
Mild/moderate cursing
Car accident
Brief mention of cancer
This book was a breath of sea salt air! Set mainly on the shores of Destin, FL, two half sisters work together to repair their outdated and decrepit beach house AND their broken relationship.
What I loved about this book:
☀️ Everything came full circle by the end. Each character had their own story within the story that naturally played out.
☀️ The character growth in Kat, specifically. I started out the book sort of hating her and ended it with a fond appreciation. She bothered me a lot with her obsession with “‘Grammable” photos, staying on brand, and treating life like a fashion show, but she really did a 180 by the end.
☀️ The sympathy and love I felt for Blake had my eyes welling with tears throughout.
☀️ Noah 😍 This guy and his love for dogs, his quick witted, hilarious responses to everything, AND his confidence in pursuing Blake were everything. 10/10 on Noah.
☀️ This story is a perfect example of “every cloud has a silver lining” and honestly that’s a reminder that I needed in 2022.
I took off half a star for just how annoying I found Kat for the first ~60% of the book, but that was probably the whole point 😅
All in all, this is as a perfect book to close out my summer reading and I’m so glad I picked it up.
Content warnings:
Grief
Death of a parent
Infidelity
Dementia
Mild/moderate cursing
Car accident
Brief mention of cancer
June 16, 2022
Review coming soon.
December 19, 2022
When Kat Steiner and Blake O'Neill were twelve years old, they met at Camp Chickawah and became the best of friends. Their friendship was shattered when they learned that they were half-sisters. Fifteen years later, after the death of their father, the two women are forced to see each other again when they jointly inherit the family beach house in Destin, Florida. Kat wants to keep the house as it is her connection to her childhood. Blake, who is in need of money, wants to sell the house or be bought out by Kat. While the house has a great beachfront location, it is sorely in need of renovation. Blake decides she'll put in the work to fix the house up. Kat, a popular social media fashion influencer, has her own style opinions and can't get past her desire to have nothing to do with Blake. But with a common goal, the two are forced to reconnect. And potential romance is in the air for both with two local men.
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady (a pseudonym for two authors in their first joint writing effort) came out this past June. Having felt I had enough beach reads on my plate last summer, I held off reading it. And I'm so glad I finally read it. Kat and Blake are two very different types of women both deeply hurt by their father. Their childhood friendship was so precious to them both that the desire to see these two women find their way back to one another made for a very enjoyable read. And I adored the two love interests. The cover of the book led me to think this was a very light story, but it turned out, very much to my pleasure, that it had a lot of emotion and heart. And while it is not a heavy book, there are serious issues addressed. It's a book that will leave you smiling.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady (a pseudonym for two authors in their first joint writing effort) came out this past June. Having felt I had enough beach reads on my plate last summer, I held off reading it. And I'm so glad I finally read it. Kat and Blake are two very different types of women both deeply hurt by their father. Their childhood friendship was so precious to them both that the desire to see these two women find their way back to one another made for a very enjoyable read. And I adored the two love interests. The cover of the book led me to think this was a very light story, but it turned out, very much to my pleasure, that it had a lot of emotion and heart. And while it is not a heavy book, there are serious issues addressed. It's a book that will leave you smiling.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
June 18, 2022
The Beach Trap hits the summer sweet spot for setting, steam, and sister drama. 🏖
Thank you @kccpr and @berkleypub for the gifted book. It’s available now!
Kat and Blake were fast friends at the age of 12. After all, isn’t summer camp the perfect place to make lasting friendships? Soon torn apart when it’s revealed that they’re actually half siblings 🫢 we flash forward fifteen years and their father has passed away and jointly left them a beach house in need of a facelift. The girls hold a lot of animosity towards one another and at times you want to shake them and tell them to just sit down and talk. Nonetheless, the journey is one you can’t help but fall into. I smiled, laughed and even shed tear. I also love that we got TWO swoon worthy romances. 🔥. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author duo.
If you’re feeling a slump coming on, I suggest you pick up The Beach House where a modern take on The Parent Trap meets HGTV.
Thanks to @novelgossip for the extra nudge to pick this one up.
Thank you @kccpr and @berkleypub for the gifted book. It’s available now!
Kat and Blake were fast friends at the age of 12. After all, isn’t summer camp the perfect place to make lasting friendships? Soon torn apart when it’s revealed that they’re actually half siblings 🫢 we flash forward fifteen years and their father has passed away and jointly left them a beach house in need of a facelift. The girls hold a lot of animosity towards one another and at times you want to shake them and tell them to just sit down and talk. Nonetheless, the journey is one you can’t help but fall into. I smiled, laughed and even shed tear. I also love that we got TWO swoon worthy romances. 🔥. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author duo.
If you’re feeling a slump coming on, I suggest you pick up The Beach House where a modern take on The Parent Trap meets HGTV.
Thanks to @novelgossip for the extra nudge to pick this one up.
July 25, 2022
I mean...how many stars is too many? Asking for myself. About this book.
I have tried to think of how to review this title. Do you feel me? Sometimes it is harder to review a book that you adore than it is to review a book you didn't. That is where I am.
Let's give it a whirl.
"emotions are complex and it's okay to be angry with a person and still miss them at the same time."
Ally Brady, The Beach Trap
That quote...that one right up there. It hit hard. Why did I choose that one? It resonated the most....for me. That was the appeal for this book. I think most people can find something in common with this book. Something will hit. Within this cute cover you get a complex story of two sisters...one dad....and a sweet little beach house in Destin, Florida. Add in some delightful romance and this is the perfect beach read. I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I loved. At the end of the day...that's what I will remember. The love story. Spoiler....it may be the sisters love story.
Pick it up. PICK IT UP. Sorry for yelling...but if you enjoy Romance with a great story and a study in family dynamics. Pick it up.
Triggers:
Grief and fractured relationships.
I have tried to think of how to review this title. Do you feel me? Sometimes it is harder to review a book that you adore than it is to review a book you didn't. That is where I am.
Let's give it a whirl.
"emotions are complex and it's okay to be angry with a person and still miss them at the same time."
Ally Brady, The Beach Trap
That quote...that one right up there. It hit hard. Why did I choose that one? It resonated the most....for me. That was the appeal for this book. I think most people can find something in common with this book. Something will hit. Within this cute cover you get a complex story of two sisters...one dad....and a sweet little beach house in Destin, Florida. Add in some delightful romance and this is the perfect beach read. I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I loved. At the end of the day...that's what I will remember. The love story. Spoiler....it may be the sisters love story.
Pick it up. PICK IT UP. Sorry for yelling...but if you enjoy Romance with a great story and a study in family dynamics. Pick it up.
Triggers:
Grief and fractured relationships.
July 16, 2025
This is my second Ali Brady book and I loved it so much. It’s the perfect mix of family drama, romance and a little humor.
June 15, 2022
Based on the cover I was expecting a light,summer beach read with a little romance thrown in and I was okay with that. You know, one of those books that's good while you're reading it but so easily forgotten.
What I got was a whole lot more.
Oh my, this book is so heartwarming and full of emotion.
As preteens two girls go to the same summer camp and become best friends,do everything together and promise to stay best friends for life. While at the camp the girls come to realize they have the same father so they're half-sisters. Feeling betrayed,hurt and confused they break off all contact with each other and these feelings have years to fester.
Years later they learn their father has left his beach house to both of them.
Now these two sisters couldn't be more different, one is a star influencer,polished,highly fashionable,always on and ready to take that filtered photo for her adoring fans. The other is down to earth,sensible and ready to get the job done,whatever job that may be.
The stipulation is the girls can not just sell the beach house but how can they possibly get along to make the decisions concerning the fixing up of the beach house when they can't even carry on a normal conversation without screaming at each other?
From one fiasco to the next from guy trouble to fashion mishaps and home improvement flops can the sisters learn how to be civil to each other?
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the sisters growing and changing.
There is so much family heartache and misunderstanding and blame that finally comes to light.
Through an olive branch being extended and many talks and tears there is light ahead.
Very heartwarming. I'll be reading this one again!
Pub Date 14 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
What I got was a whole lot more.
Oh my, this book is so heartwarming and full of emotion.
As preteens two girls go to the same summer camp and become best friends,do everything together and promise to stay best friends for life. While at the camp the girls come to realize they have the same father so they're half-sisters. Feeling betrayed,hurt and confused they break off all contact with each other and these feelings have years to fester.
Years later they learn their father has left his beach house to both of them.
Now these two sisters couldn't be more different, one is a star influencer,polished,highly fashionable,always on and ready to take that filtered photo for her adoring fans. The other is down to earth,sensible and ready to get the job done,whatever job that may be.
The stipulation is the girls can not just sell the beach house but how can they possibly get along to make the decisions concerning the fixing up of the beach house when they can't even carry on a normal conversation without screaming at each other?
From one fiasco to the next from guy trouble to fashion mishaps and home improvement flops can the sisters learn how to be civil to each other?
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the sisters growing and changing.
There is so much family heartache and misunderstanding and blame that finally comes to light.
Through an olive branch being extended and many talks and tears there is light ahead.
Very heartwarming. I'll be reading this one again!
Pub Date 14 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
March 11, 2022
I am so happy I got to read this book early as it was so fun.
I loved that this book focused mostly on the half sisters and their relationship. I loved Blake immediately. I just felt for her and her situation throughout her life. I loved to hate Kat. She seems so self centered and is unbelievably rude and jumps to conclusions, but I felt she had grown by the end. She just needed to be told a few things for her to look more inward towards herself and how and why she acts the way she does.
I liked that they found a way to (sort of) peacefully coexist while each putting their own individual talents into the beach house.
Of course, I liked the romances for each of them. Both men are DELICIOUS in their own ways but I felt more love towards Noah than Henry.. though I appreciated them both and what they brought to their relationships with the girls.
I loved that this book focused mostly on the half sisters and their relationship. I loved Blake immediately. I just felt for her and her situation throughout her life. I loved to hate Kat. She seems so self centered and is unbelievably rude and jumps to conclusions, but I felt she had grown by the end. She just needed to be told a few things for her to look more inward towards herself and how and why she acts the way she does.
I liked that they found a way to (sort of) peacefully coexist while each putting their own individual talents into the beach house.
Of course, I liked the romances for each of them. Both men are DELICIOUS in their own ways but I felt more love towards Noah than Henry.. though I appreciated them both and what they brought to their relationships with the girls.
May 10, 2023
INSPIRING!
THE BEACH TRAP is a perfect uplifting beach summer read by the talented debut author Ali Brady — An enchanting, witty, and heartwarming story about sibling rivalry; the families we're born into—and the families we choose for ourselves.
Two unlikely twelve-year-old girls, Kat and Blake, from different walks of life, meet Camp Chickawah and develop a friendship.
However, things fall apart quickly when they learn of a long-buried hidden family secret. They are half-sisters, sharing the same father. (this is a shocker when the dad shows up). His big secret. His other family.
One mother is married to the father (Kat), and the other's mom (affair) is dead and unacknowledged. (Blake) With hurt, confusion, lies, emotions, and betrayal, they go their separate ways with no contact.
Fifteen years later, when their father dies, they are once joined together by a will (inheritance) and a summer beach house in Destin, Florida.
Things are tense and they can barely tolerate one another.
Blake has little money, a nanny, now a dog nanny for the summer with hefty bills (out of reach) and expenses with the burden of caring for her loving grandfather. She wants to sell the home for the money.
Kat, a privileged social media influencer, wants to hold on to the family house where there are fond memories. She does not want to share.
SIBLING RIVALRY: The two clash when they join forces to renovate. While they are at odds, they both find romance and finally common ground and what is really important. It is never too late to listen and think about the other person's feelings and what they might be going through - to make amends.
SISTERHOOD: Messy and complex family drama, a bittersweet journey to finding forgiveness, understanding, love, finding yourself, and becoming sisters and best friends—infused with wit, charm, romance, home renovation, and some wise life lessons.
THE BEACH TRAP is ideal for fans of authors Katherine Center, Wendy Wax, Mary Kay Andrews, and Elizabeth Berg. A perfect book club pick for further discussions and made for the big screen.
As a long-time Floridan, love books set in Florida and the cover. Quirky, charming, and humorous. Looking forward to more books by the dynamic duo and BFF authors.
AUDIOBOOK: I purchased the audiobook narrated by my favorite narrator Brittany Pressley (Blake), and the voice for (Kat) by Imani Jade Powers. I prefer Brittany over the other narrator; however, it was an enjoyable and entertaining listening experience. Highly recommend it.
A special thank you to #Berkley and #NetGalley for a digital ARC to read, review and enjoy!
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: 06/14/2022
My Rating: 4 Stars 💛💛💛💛
June 2022 Must-Read Books
THE BEACH TRAP is a perfect uplifting beach summer read by the talented debut author Ali Brady — An enchanting, witty, and heartwarming story about sibling rivalry; the families we're born into—and the families we choose for ourselves.
Two unlikely twelve-year-old girls, Kat and Blake, from different walks of life, meet Camp Chickawah and develop a friendship.
However, things fall apart quickly when they learn of a long-buried hidden family secret. They are half-sisters, sharing the same father. (this is a shocker when the dad shows up). His big secret. His other family.
One mother is married to the father (Kat), and the other's mom (affair) is dead and unacknowledged. (Blake) With hurt, confusion, lies, emotions, and betrayal, they go their separate ways with no contact.
Fifteen years later, when their father dies, they are once joined together by a will (inheritance) and a summer beach house in Destin, Florida.
Things are tense and they can barely tolerate one another.
Blake has little money, a nanny, now a dog nanny for the summer with hefty bills (out of reach) and expenses with the burden of caring for her loving grandfather. She wants to sell the home for the money.
Kat, a privileged social media influencer, wants to hold on to the family house where there are fond memories. She does not want to share.
SIBLING RIVALRY: The two clash when they join forces to renovate. While they are at odds, they both find romance and finally common ground and what is really important. It is never too late to listen and think about the other person's feelings and what they might be going through - to make amends.
SISTERHOOD: Messy and complex family drama, a bittersweet journey to finding forgiveness, understanding, love, finding yourself, and becoming sisters and best friends—infused with wit, charm, romance, home renovation, and some wise life lessons.
THE BEACH TRAP is ideal for fans of authors Katherine Center, Wendy Wax, Mary Kay Andrews, and Elizabeth Berg. A perfect book club pick for further discussions and made for the big screen.
As a long-time Floridan, love books set in Florida and the cover. Quirky, charming, and humorous. Looking forward to more books by the dynamic duo and BFF authors.
AUDIOBOOK: I purchased the audiobook narrated by my favorite narrator Brittany Pressley (Blake), and the voice for (Kat) by Imani Jade Powers. I prefer Brittany over the other narrator; however, it was an enjoyable and entertaining listening experience. Highly recommend it.
A special thank you to #Berkley and #NetGalley for a digital ARC to read, review and enjoy!
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: 06/14/2022
My Rating: 4 Stars 💛💛💛💛
June 2022 Must-Read Books
June 3, 2023
The one romance was sweet but the other I didn't feel connected to except for a brief moment at the end. This particular one I would have loved to see more development in *shrugs*
A good story about sisters learning to be sisters and untangling secrets and misconceptions.
Henry's daughter was adorable and at one point I wanted to smack Kat's parents. I could see both sides but *Gibbs glare*
Would recommend. It only took me longer because I've been having headaches this week :(
I do want to visit Destin one day,crossing fingers!
July 10, 2022
This was SO good. The Parent Trap meets HGTV and I don’t know if I love Noah or Henry more 😭😭 Plus I loved the growth of the bond with Kat and Blake. Highly recommend!
July 8, 2022
Absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
The perfect summer read!
The perfect summer read!
June 21, 2022
The Beach Trap was a great beach read about sisters. There really isn’t a more complicated relationship than that of sisters, am I right? The two women in this book are half sisters and their connection is both sad and hopeful. Reminiscent of The Parent Trap, they meet at sleepaway camp but unfortunately don’t reunite until adulthood when they learn of their shared inheritance: a beach house… or a beach trap because it is NOT move-in ready. So many deep topics are explored in this book, along with fun romance and ALL the sister drama. Grab your sunglasses and a box fan because this beach read deserves to be enjoyed outside under the sun!
May 27, 2022
4.5 🌟
Twelve-year-olds Kat and Blake have become BFFs at summer camp, but when Kat's father comes to pick her up, they discover they are half-sisters, as they both call the same man dad. Only Blake is the one left behind.
Fifteen years later, and with their father's passing, Kat and Blake learn that their father has left a beach house in Destin, Florida to both of them in joint ownership. This will not go well.
This was such a fun read! First of all, I loved Kat and Blake; they were opposite, Kat being an Instagram Influencer and obsessed with appearances while Blake was super down to earth and caring for her aged grandpa. But really, at the core, I think they were both shaped by the polar ends of a tough family situation.
Then I appreciated the guys in the story, besides their dad. But Kat and Blake met some really good men; they listened and were caring - it was really refreshing to have some winners for a change.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐩 is full of sister bonding, yummy guys, a fixer-upper, and a dog by many names - 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘢𝘨!
Thank you to @alibradybooks and @berkleypub for this gifted ebook. I want to say a special thank you to @bradeighgodfrey, one of the co-authors and a bookstafriend; it's been exciting watching her dream come to fruition.
Twelve-year-olds Kat and Blake have become BFFs at summer camp, but when Kat's father comes to pick her up, they discover they are half-sisters, as they both call the same man dad. Only Blake is the one left behind.
Fifteen years later, and with their father's passing, Kat and Blake learn that their father has left a beach house in Destin, Florida to both of them in joint ownership. This will not go well.
This was such a fun read! First of all, I loved Kat and Blake; they were opposite, Kat being an Instagram Influencer and obsessed with appearances while Blake was super down to earth and caring for her aged grandpa. But really, at the core, I think they were both shaped by the polar ends of a tough family situation.
Then I appreciated the guys in the story, besides their dad. But Kat and Blake met some really good men; they listened and were caring - it was really refreshing to have some winners for a change.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐩 is full of sister bonding, yummy guys, a fixer-upper, and a dog by many names - 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘢𝘨!
Thank you to @alibradybooks and @berkleypub for this gifted ebook. I want to say a special thank you to @bradeighgodfrey, one of the co-authors and a bookstafriend; it's been exciting watching her dream come to fruition.
June 14, 2022
I loved this story! It’s fun and funny and moving, and the messages are wonderful. This is the story of Kat and Blake, estranged half-sisters who inherit a dilapidated beach house together and have to face their shared past while renovating the home. The story is told from both sisters’ points of view, and each has a strong and unique voice.
I like that both women learn a lot about themselves and grow over the course of the story. Their individual journeys are as important and interesting as their journey together. It’s also really interesting how their relationship and experiences with their father were so vastly different and really affected so many aspects of their life, from their feelings of worthiness to their relationships with others. I love that both women learn so much about themselves and each other as they deal with anger, resentment, jealousy, and so many other feelings about the past, their father, and each other.
The story examines all kinds of relationships and the different ways these connections change and define people. Family pressures and expectations, budding romances, new friendships, second chances, and more are introduced. Of course, my favorites are the love stories, which are fantastic. Noah is super swoon-worthy, and his and Blake’s flirty banter and explosive chemistry are amazing. Kat and Henry have a slower building, opposites-attract relationship that is equally layered and interesting. I love that as these women are finding themselves, they are also learning to let others in and take a chance of love.
The Beach Trap is a wonderful story about sisterhood, family, letting go of the past, and forging a new future. It’s about finding love, acceptance, being true to yourself, learning from the past but not letting it define you, and taking chances, especially in relationships. The story highlights the weight of keeping up appearances and the importance of living an authentic life.
The story also explores the complexities of grief and loss in an honest and thought-provoking way. Neither woman had a good relationship with their father, so losing him caused a whole range of feelings, which they both struggle with. I thought this was a really powerful aspect of the story. Grief is complex and messy and not the same for everyone, which Kat and Blake learn.
Special thanks to Berkley Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I like that both women learn a lot about themselves and grow over the course of the story. Their individual journeys are as important and interesting as their journey together. It’s also really interesting how their relationship and experiences with their father were so vastly different and really affected so many aspects of their life, from their feelings of worthiness to their relationships with others. I love that both women learn so much about themselves and each other as they deal with anger, resentment, jealousy, and so many other feelings about the past, their father, and each other.
The story examines all kinds of relationships and the different ways these connections change and define people. Family pressures and expectations, budding romances, new friendships, second chances, and more are introduced. Of course, my favorites are the love stories, which are fantastic. Noah is super swoon-worthy, and his and Blake’s flirty banter and explosive chemistry are amazing. Kat and Henry have a slower building, opposites-attract relationship that is equally layered and interesting. I love that as these women are finding themselves, they are also learning to let others in and take a chance of love.
The Beach Trap is a wonderful story about sisterhood, family, letting go of the past, and forging a new future. It’s about finding love, acceptance, being true to yourself, learning from the past but not letting it define you, and taking chances, especially in relationships. The story highlights the weight of keeping up appearances and the importance of living an authentic life.
The story also explores the complexities of grief and loss in an honest and thought-provoking way. Neither woman had a good relationship with their father, so losing him caused a whole range of feelings, which they both struggle with. I thought this was a really powerful aspect of the story. Grief is complex and messy and not the same for everyone, which Kat and Blake learn.
Special thanks to Berkley Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
July 23, 2025
I really really liked this! The writing for this one definitely feel like a debut as I've read their most recent release and the writing part was better. But I loved this story. While there are love interests for both women, the focus remained on their relationship which I appreciated.
Being from Destin, FL myself, I loved the mentions of places and things I know well (the Mid-Bay bridge, The Crab Trap, Lulu's, Seaside and Crab Island). It made me miss the area so much!
Content warnings: mention of adultery, death of a parent, child abandonment
Being from Destin, FL myself, I loved the mentions of places and things I know well (the Mid-Bay bridge, The Crab Trap, Lulu's, Seaside and Crab Island). It made me miss the area so much!
Content warnings: mention of adultery, death of a parent, child abandonment
July 16, 2022
I totally understand the raving reviews! This one cut immediately into my heart with its prologue.
Following two estranged half-sisters forced to accept a joint inheritance of a beach house in Florida, I simply couldn't turn away from the drama. Although the story and conflict primarily surrounds the relationship between the sisters, it also features two utterly swoonworthy romances!
Despite having the same father, Kat and Blake had vastly different upbringings. A social media influencer with a somewhat harsh attitude towards Blake, it took time to warm up to Kat, at least for me. But I absolutely loved her growth, discovering a life beyond a perfectly curated Instagram post.
While Blake wants to sell the beach house to help care for her maternal grandfather, Kat is desperate to hold onto the house and its memories. Filled with renovations and unexpectedly finding love, I loved seeing these two lonely souls reflect on their past, heal, and slowly bond as the sisters they were never able to be. It was so heartwarming. A great summery read!
Following two estranged half-sisters forced to accept a joint inheritance of a beach house in Florida, I simply couldn't turn away from the drama. Although the story and conflict primarily surrounds the relationship between the sisters, it also features two utterly swoonworthy romances!
Despite having the same father, Kat and Blake had vastly different upbringings. A social media influencer with a somewhat harsh attitude towards Blake, it took time to warm up to Kat, at least for me. But I absolutely loved her growth, discovering a life beyond a perfectly curated Instagram post.
While Blake wants to sell the beach house to help care for her maternal grandfather, Kat is desperate to hold onto the house and its memories. Filled with renovations and unexpectedly finding love, I loved seeing these two lonely souls reflect on their past, heal, and slowly bond as the sisters they were never able to be. It was so heartwarming. A great summery read!
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