

Contemporary fiction
These Summer Storms
by Sarah MacLean
Quick take
Think your family has drama? The Storms may have you beat with their twisted inheritance games and summertime antics.
Good to know
Romance
Multiple viewpoints
Family drama
Salacious
Synopsis
Alice Storm hasn’t been welcome at her family’s magnificent private island off the Rhode Island coast in five years—not since she was cast out and built her life beyond the Storm name, influence, and untold billions. But the shocking death of her larger-than-life father changes everything.
Alice plans to keep her head down, pay her final respects (such as they are), and leave the minute the funeral is over. Unfortunately, her father had other plans. The eccentric, manipulative patriarch left his family a final challenge—an inheritance game designed to upend their world. The rules are clear: spend one week on the island, complete their assigned tasks, and receive the inheritance.
But a whole week on Storm Island is no easy task for Alice. Every corner of the sprawling old house is bursting with chaos: Her older sister’s secret love affair. Her brother’s unyielding arrogance. Her younger sister’s constant analysis of the vibes. Her mother’s cold judgment. And all under the stern, watchful gaze of Jack Dean, her father’s intriguing and too-handsome second-in-command. It will be a miracle if Alice manages to escape unscathed.
Read a sample
Get an early look from the first pages of These Summer Storms.
Why I love it

Gabrielle Viner
BOTM Editorial Team
Here is my recipe for the perfect beach read. First, start with a seaside setting. Then, add in a hefty dose of family drama and a dash of romance. Top it off with a sharp, loveable main character and find a relaxing spot to luxuriate in the narrative. Alternatively, put These Summer Storms in your BOTM box, wait (impatiently), and fast-track your way to reading in the sunshine!
For many, being stuck on a private island sounds pretty dreamy. For Alice Storm, it’s a nightmare. She likes the life that she’s created for herself, disconnected from her wealthy family’s fame and fortune. So, when Alice’s father passes away and she has to return to Storm Island for the funeral, she’s less than thrilled. Drama ensues immediately upon Alice’s arrival as an inheritance game begins, family gossip is stirred up, and an unforeseen romance starts to blossom.
These Summer Storms strikes that feel-good, summer-read sweet spot. With flawed and relatable characters, captivating sibling rivalries, and swoony romance, this novel has it all. Whether you need a fun book for vacation or simply a little day-to-day distraction, a visit to Storm Island will do just the trick!