Book Review: Safe Harbor by K. Sinko

4/5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a great, easy-reading, summertime drama with a sweet teen romance, some serious heart, and fun, lighthearted moments to offset the heavier topics of addiction throughout the book. Definitely recommend it!

Keep scrolling for my full review!

First, I have a twin brother, and I felt that Sinko did an excellent job depicting the twin/sibling dynamic between Melanie and her twin brother. I really liked that this book was more than just a YA romance; it also centered on difficult relationships between family members and self-discovery. I would say the book is overall a fun, light-hearted read but don't get too comfortable with that description! Addiction is a huge topic in the book and there are plenty of tear-jerking, gut-punching moments. But I personally like that the book intertwines the real-life highs and lows we all experience, and I felt the more serious moments helped to create a balanced, believable story.

The romance was a bit cheesy at times, but still really sweet and well-written...plus, you're signing up for some cheesiness when you read an upper YA book featuring a teen romance! There are some intense kissing scenes but nothing beyond that as far as "spice" goes, it's a true closed-door, YA romance.

I loved the setting, and Sinko wrote it in such a way that I could feel the cool breeze from the ocean, taste sweet strawberry ice cream, and see the beach cottages as if I were really there experiencing it.

Without spoiling the book, I didn't love the ending. It felt a little rushed and I was disappointed in how Duncan's storyline wrapped up.

Overall, if you want teenage-summer-in-a-book and experience the perfect mix of mood-lifting romance and friendship, but still cry at a scene or two, I highly recommend reading Safe Harbor!

Oh, and I can NOT wait for books two and three in the series!