“Beach Vibes” by Susan Mallery - Full Discussion

Summary

The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna: “Beach Vibes” by Susan Mallory - Full Discussion

Release Date: May 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna dive deep into their comprehensive discussion of Susan Mallory's novel, “Beach Vibes”. Combining humor with critical analysis, Jon and Sarah explore the intricate dynamics and compelling characters that make this book a noteworthy addition to contemporary fiction.

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Plot Overview

“Beach Vibes” centers around Beth, a woman navigating life post-divorce while managing her successful sandwich shop by the beach. The story thickens as Beth discovers her brother Rick has been unfaithful to her friend Janna, leading to a web of secrets and betrayals that test familial and romantic relationships.

• Sarah Colonna ([05:16]): “I really liked it. I did. I thought it was a good story. An interesting story. Sort of the dilemma of what it is to have your relative, your brother, be dating your friend and then find out that he's cheating and how to handle that.”

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Character Analysis

1. Rick: The Antagonist

   • Jon Ryan ([06:30]) describes Rick as “a real piece of shit,” emphasizing his sociopathic tendencies and lack of empathy. Rick's manipulative behavior and constant disregard for others' feelings make him a central source of conflict.
   • Notable Quote ([07:04] Jon Ryan): “Rick is Rick the Dick.”

2. Beth: The Protagonist

   • Beth's journey from divorce to self-discovery is a focal point. Despite her financial success, she grapples with low self-esteem and the loss of friendships post-divorce.
   • Sarah Colonna ([16:33]) highlights Beth's emotional struggles: “She sees that her ex husband just got engaged on a fricking billboard right outside the Costco. … what?”

3. Janna: The Friend

   • Janna’s involvement with Rick complicates her friendship with Beth, leading to tension and heartbreak.
   • Sarah Colonna ([24:22]) reflects on Janna's predicament: “She’s more like. So you have to stop sticking your head in the sand about who he is and then choose what kind of relationships you want to have from there.”

4. Dex (Teddy): The Love Interest

   • Dex serves as a beacon of reliability and support for Beth. Their budding relationship provides a contrast to Rick’s toxicity.
   • Jon Ryan ([35:09]) praises Dex’s character: “He’s a good guy, and he’s an actor.”

5. Supporting Characters: Kai and Agatha

   • Kai: A young, insightful employee at Beth's sandwich shop who acts as a mentor figure.
   • Agatha: Beth’s aunt, who serves as the voice of reason, constantly warning Beth about Rick’s true nature.

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Themes and Insights

1. Family Dynamics and Loyalty

   • The complex relationship between Beth, Rick, and their family underscores themes of loyalty and betrayal. Beth's protective nature towards her brother conflicts with her ethical stance towards her friend Janna.

2. Trust and Deception

   • Rick's deceit fosters an environment where trust is continually tested. Beth’s struggle to navigate her feelings of betrayal highlights the emotional toll of deceit within personal relationships.

3. Personal Growth and Self-Esteem

   • Post-divorce, Beth's journey towards rebuilding her life and self-worth is a testament to resilience. Activities like horseback riding symbolize her path to self-discovery and healing.

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Critiques and Praise

1. Title Mismatch

   • Sarah Colonna ([14:07]) expresses confusion over the title: “It just didn’t feel Like a beach vibes fit the story.” She speculates that publishing strategies might have influenced the title choice.

2. Repetitive Character Traits

   • The hosts critique the repetitive nature of Rick’s characterization, particularly the phrase “he just is who he is,” which they find overused and predictable.
   • Jon Ryan ([14:51]) notes: “They kept saying that because we’re going to find out he’s not who he is is what I felt.”

3. Character Development

   • Despite some criticisms, Jon and Sarah praise the development of peripheral characters like Kai and Agatha, who add depth and richness to the narrative.
   • Jon Ryan ([43:08]): “One of my favorite parts is I really liked the peripheral characters... they’re really good, like, to help tie that story together.”

4. Engaging Plot

   • The suspense and unfolding of Rick’s true nature keep listeners engaged, prompting them to continue reading to uncover the truth.
   • Sarah Colonna ([49:20]): “I blew right through it. I read it in like two days because I was like, what's going to happen? When is this guy going to get busted for being a dick?”

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Notable Quotes

• Sarah Colonna ([05:04]): “Yes, we are. This is week four. We're gonna do our full review...”
• Jon Ryan ([07:04]): “Rick is Rick the Dick.”
• Sarah Colonna ([14:07]): “It just didn’t feel like a beach vibes fit the story.”
• Jon Ryan ([14:51]): “They kept saying that because we’re going to find out he’s not who he is is what I felt.”
• Sarah Colonna ([45:28]): “A lot of times when people haven't conquered something in life, it has to do with them getting on a horse.”
• Jon Ryan ([49:15]): “She was more about battling against other people's.”

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Conclusion and Ratings

Jon Ryan rates “Beach Vibes” a 10.5/12, praising its intricate plot and character interplay despite some minor flaws.

Sarah Colonna gives it a 3.75/5, appreciating the engaging storyline and character development but noting repetitive elements and title mismatch.

• Jon Ryan ([46:25]): “He is Rick the Dick.”
• Sarah Colonna ([48:14]): “I would have given her a three and three quarters martinis out of five.”

Both hosts express eagerness to explore more works by Susan Mallory, indicating a strong recommendation for listeners seeking a novel rich in emotional complexity and engaging storytelling.

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Final Thoughts

Jon and Sarah wrap up their discussion by commending Susan Mallory for crafting a compelling narrative that balances humor, drama, and intricate character relationships. They encourage listeners to explore Mallory’s other works and participate in their Book Club for continued literary discussions.

• Sarah Colonna ([49:21]): “Great pick, John. Lots of fun.”
• Jon Ryan ([50:36]): “Thank you.”

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Thank you for tuning into The Book Lisp. Happy reading!

Transcript

[Sarah Colonna]

Hi, I'm Sarah Colonna.

[John Ryan]

And I'm John Ryan.

[Sarah Colonna]

And you're listening to the Book List. The Book List.

[John Ryan]

The Book Lisp.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, that's right. You're listening to the Book Lisp. Hello and welcome to the Book Lisp with John Ryan and Sarah Colonna. Hello, John.

[John Ryan]

Hello. I'm still finishing up my notes. Something just came into my head that had to write down.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, you're just. Oh, goodness. Wow. Last minute. Look at you wearing your Foo Fighter shirt and I'm wearing an old 97 shirt. We're just a couple of. Just a couple of rock kids. Hip and cool kids. Can't really see mine. If you're watching this, you can watch on Patreon. If you're watching this, my shirt says old 97s. You just can't tell because there's a big microphone in front of it. And then my boobs are under there too. Yes. This is week four. This is the exciting week when we get to actually talk about our thoughts on the book. This is the week where John and I have not been talking to each other about the book and have been just waiting to talk about it with you guys so that we, you know, don't. I don't know. I just like to talk. I just like to hear your thoughts live with the listeners. I mean, I guess it's not live, but you get what I'm saying.

[John Ryan]

Yes.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yes, we are. This is week four. We're gonna do our full review of season. First of all, just really a review. It's more of a discussion. Full discussion of Susan Mallory's beach vibes. John's pick for May. Do not forget that a Beautiful couple is your June pick. It's by Leslie Wolf. It was. It's my pick. Solid. In my opinion.

[John Ryan]

I started it. It's pretty crazy.

[Sarah Colonna]

It's pretty crazy. And I mean, talk about. I feel like we just. You and I just keep past couple books. We're pick. We're picking them with a couple of. A couple of irredeemable. Is that right?

[John Ryan]

Not sure.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay. A couple of guys that are. But anyway, I'm excited for that one. And then if you are on Patreon, yes, you can watch the video. But most people like to join us for the Also because you can also just listen to it if you're in your car or something. You can stream it on your. The normal way you listen. But also we have bonus content there. We do Little John and Sarah hit records where we talk about whatever we want. Sometimes it's reading, sometimes it's not. But nothing you have to keep up with. That's on the 5th and the 25th of every month. And on the 15th we do short stories and those have been super fun. So if you're on Patreon, you already know what the short story is because I would have told you on yesterday's Patreon. The bonus on the 15th, however, since we're pre recording a little bit, I don't know it yet, so I can't say it yet for this. But I will post it in our group, the Book List Spinners. And that's our Facebook group and you can follow us on Instagram. The Book List. So I always try to keep you updated or I do. I always keep you updated there. There's a little featured tab in the Book List Spinners that has everything we're reading. And the short story gets updated when I pick that too. So we will pick June's shortly. We kind of do like, like last year. Last month's was so fun that Frederick Bachmann. The answer is no. Kind of not really in either of our genres. Just a fun read. We have done a Frida McFadden, one of two of those actually. So we're kind of all over the place on the short stories. But they're really fun and they're not long. That's why they're short stories. And it's easy for you to keep up with. I think for the reading it's only $5 a month. If you care to join us over there and help support our editors is where that money goes.

[John Ryan]

All that for $5. Sarah. What a bargain.

[Sarah Colonna]

What a bargain, John. And hey, stand up comedy. If you're in Salem, Oregon, July 18th, come see me at the Grand Theater. John will be with me. And then I just added a date in San Antonio in August and right after that I'm in Vegas for a week in August to Brad Garrett's comedy club. So all that's on my website, Sarah Colona.com and more to come. John, where can people see you do stand up comedy?

[John Ryan]

Nowhere ever again.

[Sarah Colonna]

Because I'll never do it again, he says, ever again. Because he did host for me a couple of times and he did great. It was so fun. But he likes to do it in like in Washington. He did a Tacoma comedy club, which I'm going to be back there the first weekend of just of January, which is already a thing, and Spokane in December, New Year's Eve. I'm doing Spokane, but fun. But you're not going to host.

[John Ryan]

No I don't like it. I like. I. I don't like it. It's not fun. It's not enjoyable. It's stressful. I rather just like drink all day and then drink all night during the show.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay, that's fair enough.

[John Ryan]

And you can't do that if you're going to be on stage.

[Sarah Colonna]

You sure can't.

[John Ryan]

It's more fun being in the back of the room than on the stage. So these are simple things that I have figured out.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay, well, I think it's time for us to launch into our full thoughts conversation about Beach Vibes. I really liked it. I did. I thought it was a good story. An interesting story. Sort of the dilemma of what it is to have your relative, your brother, be dating your friend and then find out that he's cheating and how to handle that. And, and also for Teddy, for his character to feel that Beth betrayed him and Janna. So I liked that. That dynamic of having to read about what. Or reading about this story of, of how you handle something like that because you put in a difficult situation. I mean, we talked a little bit about that a couple weeks ago, but go ahead.

[John Ryan]

No, it is a difficult situation. And you kind of put yourself in their shoes during the whole thing because you go through like, oh, like, what should Beth do when Beth finds out that her brother had been cheating on her friend Janna the entire time with fucking Galaxy or whatever her name was.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, it was Galaxy.

[John Ryan]

And then, then they find out that. Oh, that she's like, stopped dating Galaxy. He's like, oh, yeah, of course. And then he. She catches them in that lie because Galaxy's like, oh, I can't wait to hang out more or whatever.

[Sarah Colonna]

She comes and then she finds out.

[John Ryan]

Yeah, of course she does. And then she finds out that Janna really was. Not that she knew it, she was the other woman. And she. He had already been dating Galaxy the whole time that they've been seeing each other for those four. Was it two months? She had actually been dating Galaxy and Rick had been dating for nine months.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

And Rick. Rick is a real piece of shit. Like, Rick is Rick the Dick.

[Sarah Colonna]

Rick the Dick.

[John Ryan]

The very first red flag. And you don't. You kind of. You just kind of don't say much, think much about it is. Well, the very first red flag is when he. Well, though, when he. When Rick surprises. No other way around. When Janice surprises Rick at work and says, I got into nursing school.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, right.

[John Ryan]

And he's like, why the hell are you here? Yeah, he just like, Totally blows it off. He's like a complete dick. And I think later you kind of find out that he was at the Santa Monica office where he had already been dating Galaxy. So that was part of it. But he has like all these like little red. And then she's like, oh, well, you know, he's like stressed out. She keeps on giving him. She keeps ignoring the red flags.

[Sarah Colonna]

She ignores so many red flags. I mean, she. I. When he does. I thought his first red flag, honestly was when he thought it was funny to introduce them at dinner and not tell either of them.

[John Ryan]

You're right. That was the first one where he caught on right away that Janna was good friends with Beth. But he didn't tell either them. And then he surprised them at dinner and he thought it would be so cool and funny. Like, like an 8 year old boy or something. Yeah, it was just completely awkward. They're completely awkward towards each other. The entire dinner was a flop because everyone was awkward and he. And he just went on about the whole dinner like nothing.

[Sarah Colonna]

He didn't even notice him. Flop. Yeah.

[John Ryan]

He'S. He's a bit of a sociopath.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yes.

[John Ryan]

And then another, another one is when him and Jan are talking one early on and he's like, oh, well, I told. I told Beth not to go to college because she wasn't smart enough.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

And she's like, well, that's like, that's a weird thing to say to someone.

[Sarah Colonna]

Like, well, I think, yeah, I think Beth kind of told Teddy that that's what was said. And then Teddy tells Janet and then later Beth kind of alludes to it. But either, yeah, she's like, every time somebody brings up something Dax even said, like this guy. Why does everyone think this guy doesn't know how to date or has never dated before? Agatha is like, yeah, there's more about your brother than you think. And both these women are just like, why? Why would you say that? And then. And Janet, even when she t. With that incident at the hospital, sorry, I would immediately I'd be like, well, you're obviously banging somebody in the hospital. You're. It's so obvious, like the way he was so mean to her. And also he got, he was, he was confused that she got into nursing school at one point because she told him, I'm in nursing school, talking about financial aid, talking about her tests, talking about everything. And he's just like, she's a receptionist. I don't know. Because he doesn't listen. Because he's a narcissist. Doesn't care about anyone but himself. And she goes, oh, it's just, you know, he's a busy man. There were just a lot of head in the sand moments. And you couldn't figure out what was so great about Rick that they wanted to keep their head in the sands.

[John Ryan]

I know. I think. I think part of it was he's a. He's a very successful doctor. He's charismatic. But here's the thing. They say he's, like, so charismatic, but he's like, what's the way? He's like. He's so unaware, like, socially unaware that it's ridiculous.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay, first, I don't think anyone is charismatic if they roll over after we have sex. And he goes, we just had sex. Exclamation point. You had an orgasm, Exclamation point. That was what he said after they had sex for the first time. The way I would pick up my clothes and run out the door proudly without even putting them on. If somebody talked to me like that after sex, I would. And I would. I wouldn't. There's no coming back from.

[John Ryan]

I know. Do what I do. And I just said that in my head, gave myself a little high five and walked to the bathroom.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, is that what you do after.

[John Ryan]

Sex the first time?

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, so not anymore?

[John Ryan]

No.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, great. Good to know. But if you had done that on our first date and rolled over. Oh, sorry.

[John Ryan]

Oh, my God.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, we did have sex on the first date, but it worked out. If you had rolled over and went, we. We just had sex. You had an orgasm. I mean, what is. What are we? What are you, 12? Well, 12 isn't. But what are you, in high school? What's happening? I mean, just a weird way to talk. And I don't know if he was putting on being socially awkward, because he's definitely not. If for all the things that he could.

[John Ryan]

Right.

[Sarah Colonna]

But you know, that was part of something. Right?

[John Ryan]

Sometimes, like, really brilliant people, like. Like big time doctors and brains. Not all of them, but sometimes they're so smart they lack in other fields. Like a lot of, like, really big geniuses. Really lacking a lot of other things, like social awareness. And that's what I thought they were trying to start off with, is like, oh, this guy's brilliant, but he's really poor. They even say at one time he's poor at reading social cues.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

Stuff like that. So I thought, okay, maybe like, that's. But really, he's just a.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yes, they were. It felt like. I think it was a bit of a misdirect Right. Trying to make you think that he was this innocent, sort of dorky guy, because they're just like, oh, gosh, he just is who. They just kept saying, oh, he just is who he is. And that's just it. And blah, blah, blah. And. And then the smarter people in the book, Agatha, Teddy, Dax, are like, that's not. He's not. Is who he is. Although, I mean, Teddy was never really onto him, I don't think before. But he didn't spend a bunch of time, and he was kind of just paying attention to what his sister was saying, I think. But he was too busy falling in love with Beth.

[John Ryan]

Oh, God. Well, his biggest dickhead moment, other than the cheating and all that stuff, is when they're on their way for their trip. Him and Janet are on the way to the trip together, and she's like, oh, will you come to my. Like, my call? My own. My brother doesn't know if I should walk or not. Blah, blah, blah. I'm gonna walk at my community college graduation. And he's like, community college? Why bother?

[Sarah Colonna]

So rude.

[John Ryan]

She's like, oh, what? And then she's like, oh. Like. Then she's like, let that pass again. And then she's, like, talking to him about how Jana gave up, or Beth gave up her dream of going to culinary school to give him the money to go to med school.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

And they bring that up in the car, too, and he goes, like, two grand. Like, my uncle paid, like, 50. Like, that's not the point, buddy. She gave up her dream of going to culinary school to give it up to you so that you can live your dream, and he's just like, well, whatever. Like two grand.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, he just. He was ungrateful from the beginning. He was. And, I mean, I get that it's hard to know that your brother is a complete jerk, and.

[John Ryan]

Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

But the way he. I mean, you should. They kind of set it up at the beginning. She's always bringing him stuff. He's never really doing anything for her. But she's kind of the caretaker because of the way they grew up. And you see a little bit of that. But just. I think my only beef, really, with the book, other than I didn't really get the title, matching the story, other than she. I mean, maybe Kai had beach.

[John Ryan]

Malibu, right?

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. Kai likes the beach, and her sandwich shop was at the. At the beach and stuff like that. But other than that, I didn't really feel like it was. I don't know why. It just didn't feel Like a beach vibes fit the story. But that's not my place. A lot of times I think publishers give them ideas for titles and they're like, no, that's going to sell. And then it's just going to be a little bit different than what people think. But my only beef was probably that it felt a little over. Over the top written. Oh, he is who he is. He definitely is like that. He's definitely not a liar. He's definitely this guy. He's definitely. It just felt like, you know, these women kept saying the same thing over. It felt a little repetitive in that sense.

[John Ryan]

Except. Except for aunt Agatha. She kept on like war. She kept on warning, warning Beth about her own brother being like, like just, you don't need to be like, you take good, too good care of him. You don't need to be taking him food. He's taking advantage of you. All that. She's like, no, she's not. Like, you don't. Like, we've been through all this stuff together, right? He's not doing that. She like, she makes a lot of excuses for him. But Agatha was like the voice of reason where she's like, just be careful, be careful.

[Sarah Colonna]

No, she was the voice of reason and that. But I guess I just mean how many times in your life do you actually. And I understand we're reading fiction, but how many times in your life do you actually say, he just is who he is? No, really, guys, don't worry about it. He is who he is. It just felt a little. I was like, why do they. They're keeping saying that because we're going to find out he's not who he is is what I felt. And so that was my only thing that felt a little bit repetitive. But other than that, I loved. I mean. Go ahead, give me your thoughts. I know you have a lot.

[John Ryan]

No, go ahead.

[Sarah Colonna]

You're still.

[John Ryan]

No, I know, I know. I feel I have like too much to say that my, my brain's all like, I have too much going on in. Well, get it all out.

[Sarah Colonna]

There's a couple of things. So at the beat, right at the beginning, we know that Beth has gotten divorced. We know that she has low self esteem. I don't understand. I mean, this woman, just like her aunt said, she's. She's like, you took the money from the house, you're part of the money in the house. It would have been the smart, you know, the responsible or whatever safe thing to put it into this savings or investments or whatever. And instead you invested it Back in your shop, it's grown twice the size. I mean, she obviously has a very successful place. So it's confusing as to why she just like doesn't have any self esteem except I guess maybe part of her dynamic with her brother and part of.

[John Ryan]

The way she grew up and she just, she's got divorced. And then like after getting divorced, she like said she lost almost all of her friends. And then.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

She sees that. She sees that her ex husband just got engaged on a fricking billboard right outside the Costco. Oh, again, I think she was just like beaten down by all this and it's like, what?

[Sarah Colonna]

Like, yeah, she said like her friends picked Ian and it hurt as much as the divorce and she lost herself, didn't take care of herself emotionally. She's kind of drifting through the days now. One thing I really wanted to ask you.

[John Ryan]

Yes.

[Sarah Colonna]

Is we never really hear much about Ian. We know that they went to therapy. She thought it was working. Things seemed like their marriage was going better and then still when they went back, he was like, oh, no, no, I still want a divorce. It's not. I mean, we've had a good couple of few weeks or whatever, but I still want a divorce. That was just, I guess that was me trying, but it didn't change how I feel or something. And at one point they're talking about how they met and she says that she. We had her day off and she went and bought a hot dog from his stand. Did you catch that?

[John Ryan]

No, I didn't.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, I highlighted it in my notes because I was like, wait, Ian owned a hot dog stand? And we're not going to dive a little more into that? I don't know, I just was. I just thought, I feel like a.

[John Ryan]

Hot dog vendor deserves his own chapter.

[Sarah Colonna]

I mean, a little more. I was like, what does Ian do now? Because you guys had this nice house and split. I just was so I was just a little bit thrown off by Ian. Just casually that she bought a hot dog from his stand. She didn't clarify that was a hot dog stand, but that's what I have to assume it was. And I just wanted a little. This one a little more. I mean, honestly, if there's a spin off about Ian and his hot dog stand and how he decided to buy a Costco billboard, I'll read it. Costco vibes.

[John Ryan]

I wonder how much those hot dog guys make, you know, like outside the sporting events, how now they're. Those hot dogs in LA are like, like 12 or $15 for a friggin bacon wrapped hot dog. Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

When we go to a concert, they make a decent amount.

[John Ryan]

Yeah, well they sure do.

[Sarah Colonna]

They're delicious. As we load up on the street dogs. But just saying, I just thought it was just a little thing that I thought got.

[John Ryan]

I would also definitely like to go to her surf sandwiches, her shop.

[Sarah Colonna]

Listen, John and I love a sandwich. I love a sandwich. It's gotta be the right bread to meat ratio. Let's not overdo it. Everyone's. So one of our friends, remember, told us the other day to buy order from a place and we got it and it was just all bread. Yeah.

[John Ryan]

It has to be good ratio.

[Sarah Colonna]

Has to be a good ratio. So hers seemed like she had a good ratio. I mean, I don't want any of her peanut butter and bacon or whatever the hell. There was a few things that I thought she was probably getting a little too comfortable with her success.

[John Ryan]

Yeah. The PB and J's.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. What did you think about Kai? I liked him. I liked that he was kind of her mentee in a way. Yeah.

[John Ryan]

It's kind of interesting because I think Wasn't he like 20 years old or 21 years old? He's like super young. But yeah, he was, had like an old soul and he was giving her all this advice. I think it was. I liked his character just in the book in that it was clearly someone that she wasn't sexually interested in. It was a male figure who could give her advice even though it was like we wouldn't expect him to give her advice.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

Because of his age. And it was, it was no, like you don't ever be like, oh my God, maybe they're going to get together. You don't ever have that.

[Sarah Colonna]

I thought for a second, I wondered for a second if he was going to be in love with her. But then it went away pretty quickly. She.

[John Ryan]

Well, you're a pervert. I guess.

[Sarah Colonna]

But yeah, I just, I was like, I wonder if he's in love with her. But he wasn't. He just wanted the best. He just thought she's a badass and he wanted the best for her.

[John Ryan]

Yeah. It was almost like an older sister, aunt type type figure.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. He rolled up onto the beach and said things like, you gotta take the wave when it comes. Gave her, gave her.

[John Ryan]

You know, there's like a hundred guys on Malibu beach that talk like that all the time. Like blonde, long hair and you know, just waiting to catch the next wave. Man, that's what life's all about.

[Sarah Colonna]

Just riding out the Fatties, dude riding out the fatties.

[John Ryan]

So much gnarly.

[Sarah Colonna]

But I think that what I liked is that he was way more developed than that. I did think that his character was a lot more insightful and not cheesy and not. She didn't. She, she, she, she all. She's like, here's the typical Malibu kind of beach vibey guy thing. But then also, I'm gonna make his character deep and interesting. And I liked that relationship.

[John Ryan]

If we go back to the very first time that Jan and Beth find out that Rick is best brother and dating Janna, right at the dinner party, do you think they overreacted after that? Like, do you think they could have just been like, oh, Rick, that was. That was weird. Like, let's go on with our night where I'm. I'm friends with you. Like, we're like, yeah, you know, said so they had this, like, weird thing and they go back to the food bank. The next time they're all, like, awkward around each other.

[Sarah Colonna]

It was ridiculous.

[John Ryan]

It wasn't a little over the top.

[Sarah Colonna]

It was over the top. Now I think there's the. The elements for sure of. For Beth, because she immediately jumped to, she just wants your money. What do you mean? She doesn't know who the baby daddy is, blah, blah, blah. And then she finds out it's Jana. And she even says. She says, if I would have. If my friend would have said that to me, I wouldn't have judged her. But I was. It's different when it's the person dating your brother, which you understand to a point, right? We're always a little more protective of friends, family, whatever. And we're what people's intentions are. But because, yeah, there we are. They should have been like, rick, are you serious? I mean, she's one of my. She's become my friend. We. Why didn't you just tell us? And also while we're on that topic, who doesn't ask a name?

[John Ryan]

Especially. Especially in a town like Malibu. Malibu is not big. It's small. So it's like if you started dating someone in a small town. I used to date in la. I'm like, okay. But I probably still would say, like, what's his name? Just for funsies. Well, actually, what's his name? So I can go home and Google.

[Sarah Colonna]

Them, but exactly, exactly, exactly. Because we all know we can go on Instagram and look somebody up, see what's doing. Google them. Like John said, there's. First of all, not only would you ask the name, I mean, as a sister who's that protective of your brother? Not even just for the information to Google, but you just go, well, you're dating someone for what's her name. You've told me that she has a kid and doesn't know the father. You told me this, you told me that. And I'm. I'm not going to say what's her name. And then. And then for. For Jana. I mean, I understand it doesn't work that it's a surprise dinner where Rick can't read social cue or doesn't give a shit about their reaction, which kind of tells us more about him than it does them. But I understand that that's why she couldn't have them ask it. But it's also just a little ridiculous because on the way to dinner at the sister's house, you're not going to say what's her name? So when I meet her, I can say, hi, Beth. My name is Jan. Yeah.

[John Ryan]

When I'm taking you to introduce you to my girlfriend, I'm not going to be like, oh, oh, and this is my girlfriend Jana. It's like, well, we probably would have talked about that in the car on the way over.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, you would have. Would have had a conversation about it. So that was the only. Or I would think if I'm driving to. If you and I are driving to someone's house that I've never met before, especially a family member, I'm gonna say, what's their name?

[John Ryan]

Yes.

[Sarah Colonna]

And I would have asked you probably a few days before that.

[John Ryan]

Agreed.

[Sarah Colonna]

Now, when we talk about overreacting, we're all over the place on the book. We don't have to be in order.

[John Ryan]

No, that's just how we do it.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. Do you think Teddy overreacted to Beth not originally telling him about Galaxy? Especially since she's the one that ended up telling him at the restaurant, because she found out that day, and then she gets to the restaurant and she's like, no, no, no. So. And she says to him, I thought they had broken up. He told me it was a blah, blah, blah. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but now I found out he was also lying to me about what it was. I'm telling you guys all the truth. I mean, I can understand being a little bit pissed off, but really, I.

[John Ryan]

Think you have to put yourself in someone else's shoes. I mean, like, oh, like she was put in an impossible situation with her brother. She basically looks at, like. Takes takes care of, looks after in a way. You're putting a complete. The worst situation ever. And she even knew that. And she's like, I don't know what to do. And then, like, when it came out that he was being a complete and utter dirtbag, he's like, she told them. And I feel like. I feel like, really, when you go forward, I feel like Jana forgives her before Teddy does.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, no, she did.

[John Ryan]

And she, the person that was like, getting screwed over.

[Sarah Colonna]

And she even said at one point she, I mean, she, she definitely forgave her before and then. But she also even said, well, I know that Teddy's mad, and I guess I have to remember she was lying. But also since she has the exact same sort of dynamic with her brother where they're so protective of each other, both of them should have immediately gone. Yeah, I get it. I'm a little mad. But how are. How am I supposed to expect you to choose your brother over me when we've just known each other for a few weeks or whatever? Now, she did choose them over her brother when she found out he was an actual dirtbag, which took her too long, but she figured it out. So she does tell them the whole thing. And it's just in. Even when she's. I mean, I understood her walking around with the weight of it, and I understand her saying the, you know, the truth comes out, they're not going to forgive me this and feeling that way, but I don't understand them feeling that way once the truth came out for as long as. I mean, Jana was definitely already forgiving her. She just didn't know how to, I think, approach her about it. But then. And she kept saying to Teddy, I mean, dude, hello, you guys, like, just, what's your problem? I mean, well, she didn't.

[John Ryan]

There's a thing too, is like they were like, they had been dating for eight weeks, I believe, two months, they said at one point, and then they hadn't talked for two months. Like, you really like two month relationships? Pretty new. You don't just walk away from something for two months to come back and then just still be in there. He was lucky.

[Sarah Colonna]

He was lucky because she. I mean, she fell hard, fast. So did he. And they both have not really dated since their respective. Well, she had a divorce. He was the widow. And so you get. I mean, I understood it to a point, but I just was like, Jesus Christ, this guy. What a pussy. I mean, come on, Teddy. It was like you're. You're. Even your sister's telling you. I mean, this. She's in I mean, he finally got there, but I just felt like that's a lot. Like you said, that's a long time. Because if I'd only dated someone for two months and then they came and they wouldn't talk to me for two months, I'd hope I'd.

[John Ryan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

Moved it along on the old hand jabber. Swiped right a couple times.

[John Ryan]

Babe, I would have waited for you.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, that's nice.

[John Ryan]

Whatever. That's cool.

[Sarah Colonna]

I would have waited for you, too. But I just think I also wanted her. I even wanted Beth to go to him and go, like, I know. I. I know I effed up. And I guess I should have made him tell Jana right away. Like, I should have made him tell Jana, and he should have. It should have been a situation where he said. Where she's like, look, this isn't right. You have to tell her right away. I'm not keeping your secrets for you. Okay? That's the. That's the best thing you could do. Is it easy to do when he gaslights you and tells you. I mean, she was a little. It was a little funny. She's like, he just got carried away because this beautiful girl paid attention to him.

[John Ryan]

Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

And he's just never really had that before. I'm like, what are you talking about? This guy swinging his dick.

[John Ryan]

Just her making more fricking excuses for him.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, totally. She made a lot of excuses for him. I mean, she was protective of him, but come on, girl.

[John Ryan]

Did you know right away that Beth and Teddy were gonna get together that very first time they saw each other?

[Sarah Colonna]

I kind of assumed that there was gonna be something with them, but I. Yeah, I almost thought she was gonna have a little bit of a crush on him, and it was going to be awkward for a minute, and then he was gonna. I didn't expect him to come guns blazing into the sandwich shop, like, right.

[John Ryan]

Away, and he was, like, love bombing her.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, he.

[John Ryan]

I thought they were trying to, like. I thought the author was trying to, like, overdo that, to try to, like, divert you from the Janna Rick relationship a little bit. You know, throw you off the. Think that they're gonna break up and try to throw you off the scent a little bit.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, I like that. Probably was. I. I. This is my first book by her. I'm definitely gonna read more. I read that this one was a little bit different for her, and I don't know in what way, because I haven't read her other books, but I am definitely gonna read more. I certainly liked it. Her. I liked just the family dynamics of it all. But like I said, some of it was. It's frustrating, but when you get frustrated at characters, that's a. I think that's a good thing in most.

[John Ryan]

Yeah. She spun a pretty good, like, spiderweb between everybody.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

I even made a chart here.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, look at. If you're watching, hold it up a little bit longer for your chart. I'll take a photo of it for the. And I'll post it on Patreon where they can, they can see it since if you didn't hold it up long enough. There we go. Yeah. John drew a nice chart.

[John Ryan]

Just a quick hitter chart just to, you know.

[Sarah Colonna]

Wow.

[John Ryan]

Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

Who's between Kai and Beth?

[John Ryan]

It just says employee.

[Sarah Colonna]

Oh, I see. Okay.

[John Ryan]

It is the title of the, the, the, the. The little line. What I thought right away is. I thought it was. It was too obvious that Janna and Dex were gonna get together because right about you're like, he comes. There's this guy there that freaking adores her kid. Takes care of her nieces and nephews. Best friends with the brother, just always there. Rich, handsome actor. It was like. And then she's like, no, no, we're just like friends. Blah, blah. But I think right from the start, you're like, they're gonna get together.

[Sarah Colonna]

It's funny, I've. I, I should have realized that at the beginning. I kind of didn't. But what else would his purpose be at the end of the day if, if he wasn't. And. But then once. Once things started going, I started picking up on it a little bit more. I was a little slow on that one, I'll be honest. And, and I think it was probably obvious to most people. I, I mean, obviously her brother knew all along, it seemed. And he never told her. And she. It was a little. It was a little. You know, I love a friend's reference. It was a little Monica and Chandler. It was a little. Oh, it's been there all along. And I just figured it out. Yeah, there you go. But I was happy that she ended up with him because.

[John Ryan]

Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

And also Rick. So the, the fact that she, she and Rick. Stop. Just stop talk. Not Janet and Rick, but Beth and Rick. When she finds out that he's an asshole. I mean, they're just. They just don't talk again. Right?

[John Ryan]

Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

I mean, this guy, he's a sociopath.

[John Ryan]

He's a sociopath. Definitely. Like everything. He just. Like everything that she's done for him, Beth, he just discounts over and over again.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

Like, just, like, takes her food and just, like, whatever. Finds a condo for him because he's not even capable of finding his own condo. Everything. Giving all her money so she can go to culinary school over and over and over again. Taking care of him, making excuse for him. And he's just like, whatever.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

That even says when he goes and apologizes. Not apologize. I'm doing quotations to Jan at the end. He's like, the rules don't apply to me. He's like, and girls like you make it easy.

[Sarah Colonna]

I know. That was crazy. I didn't expect him to cut. So he came back. Did he come back to try to make up with her? Right.

[John Ryan]

I guess. But it was more just like, girl, like, getting. Getting. Getting the. The. Getting the whatever. Because this is how it works. Getting. You know, just get in line. Because this is how it works.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. I think he was trying to say I miss you or something. I can't, Right?

[John Ryan]

Well, yeah, but it was all right.

[Sarah Colonna]

But she didn't bite. So then he just. Then he just flips and turns into a complete.

[John Ryan]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

Definitely not the kind of guy who rolls over and goes, we just had sex. You just had an orgasm. Now he's like a. Like a mean. Really flipped. Yes, I was. I kind of actually liked that for her, though, that he. Because she. I feel it's probably so confusing to have someone. I mean, it shouldn't be that confusing once you put it back together. When you go, oh, he. He was weird about. You know, he had this weird sort of disregard for me and his sister's friendship, where he just sprung it on us at dinner, which, again, everyone could have gotten over a little quicker. He was weird. When I showed up at his work, he was so rude to me, so dark to me. He didn't remember that I was going to nursing school or that I was gonna graduate. He didn't pay attention to anything about me. So she should have had enough closure just from that. But I like, kind of. That he came in and just acted like a complete asshole so she could just go, oh, this guy is the worst.

[John Ryan]

Well, it was. You start to see, like, that she's starting to catch on. When you go on that trip to Solvang together, to Santinez, and, you know, he says this stuff in the. Alex. Yeah, I know. And he kind of gets back, and she's like, it was. It was good. But just like. And she says something that I think is, like, such a good point. Point where she's like, it just it wasn't there. And then I started thinking, like, if I needed someone to take care of my daughter, I wouldn't ask him.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

When you think of that, like, we don't have kids, but you think of that if, like, you're in a relationship, you have a child, you're like, but I wouldn't trust him to take care of my kid. It's over.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

And I thought that's like. That's when she, like, realized, like, I don't know, like, I guess if I can't trust you to take care of my cats.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right. That's our only gauge. But that's.

[John Ryan]

We. We ain't. We ain't dating.

[Sarah Colonna]

No. And, yeah, she. She definitely was seeing some signs, but not enough. And then this galaxy. I mean, she wasn't really having it either.

[John Ryan]

No, she was kind of a. So did they make it sound like she never knew? She never knew about Jenna. Right. Because. No, she.

[Sarah Colonna]

She didn't know. But then.

[John Ryan]

Because when Januen told her, she was like, you're joking. Like, this is real. Like, get out of here. Like, this isn't real.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

And she's, like, showing her pictures and she's like, no.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right. And we don't know if. Right. We don't ever know if she ends up breaking up with him.

[John Ryan]

Right.

[Sarah Colonna]

But she just knows.

[John Ryan]

It sounded like she was going to.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. I mean, what, you want to see the photos and stuff? You kind of can't deny it, I think. But I, like, what did you think about that? Because I. To me, if I'm Jana, I'm doing the same thing. I'm thinking, because I know she battled with it. She thought, it's not my place, it's not my business. But also, if it was me, I would want to know is, you know, I didn't mean to be the other woman. And I think you should know that you're boyfriend of nine months, a year, whatever it is, was banging me for the past three. I think that's the right thing to do.

[John Ryan]

I bet you there's some really good stories about that. You know, like people like, confronting other people and telling them that, like, their husband or wife is, like, cheating on them with them.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

Should be a book. Something to write that book.

[Sarah Colonna]

I'm sure somebody has. There's a lot of. I know there's a lot of Facebook groups and they're, like, localized to different cities, and they'll. They're called are we dating the same guy? Or something like that.

[John Ryan]

Oh, really?

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. And if someone seemed. If you catch on to someone being a. A dirt bag. Then you can post it in there, and then people go on dates, and then they'll find. Yeah, I don't know much about it because I don't think you can get into one unless. I mean, I can't go in there and lurk. I wouldn't want to because it wouldn't be right. But. But I've heard about them.

[John Ryan]

It's. This has kind of happened to me before, but I can't tell a story.

[Sarah Colonna]

Why?

[John Ryan]

Because I'll tell you to you later.

[Sarah Colonna]

What do you mean?

[John Ryan]

Yeah, like, somewhere I was like, I had to, like, tell someone or not tell somebody.

[Sarah Colonna]

Well, you can't tell it.

[John Ryan]

No.

[Sarah Colonna]

Can you tell it?

[John Ryan]

I mean, last week. Last week, I get a text on my phone from, like, three different people. Like, I can't believe you talked about Trista on your podcast.

[Sarah Colonna]

So on our. So last week, story from high school. If it was a story from high school, who cares? I mean, everyone was a dirtbag in high school at some point. Or. Or that would have been like 26 years.

[John Ryan]

26 to 27 years ago.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, I mean, it's like, I don't. I don't still think, you know, Bucky's still an asshole. He was just an asshole in high school.

[John Ryan]

That's what people in my head. Bucky's still an.

[Sarah Colonna]

Well, we. Can you tell the story in general terms. I feel like you can't throw that out there.

[John Ryan]

No, I feel like I can't. I just can't. But I just wanted to remind you that I was going to tell you.

[Sarah Colonna]

Well, that's a real. I'm sorry.

[John Ryan]

Yeah, no, it's too specific. It's too specific. I told you a great story last week.

[Sarah Colonna]

That's true. About checking at a party.

[John Ryan]

They can't all be winners, kid.

[Sarah Colonna]

All right? I won't make you do it if it's. If you're gonna think you're gonna get in trouble or it's bad. But did you have to tell. Were you the one that you. You didn't know that you were the other person? Is that it? Just tell me that.

[John Ryan]

Killing. How? Say that again.

[Sarah Colonna]

So you didn't know that you were you dating someone and you didn't know that you were the other man?

[John Ryan]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay.

[John Ryan]

No, no, no, no. I knew that someone was cheating on someone, and I delayed the announcement of that.

[Sarah Colonna]

You delayed the announcement of it?

[John Ryan]

Yes, because there was a wedding coming up, and I wanted to do. I wanted the person to tell the other Person after the wedding.

[Sarah Colonna]

Were they married?

[John Ryan]

No. No, no, no, no, no, no.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay. I was like, that's something you have to tell ahead of time. Anyway, guys, I don't know what he's talking about, but. Sorry, that took a turn.

[John Ryan]

I'll let. I'll tell you, and you can comment on it next week.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay. Go ahead.

[John Ryan]

Stay tuned. Stay tuned.

[Sarah Colonna]

And. Okay, give me some more thoughts.

[John Ryan]

Well, you feel, like, bad for Jana because she hadn't dated, and also she, like, had this, like. She's kind of had a bit of a guilt, but it's kind of not because she's like, oh, I went on spring break and slept a bunch of guys, and then I had a kid. I don't know who's. Who's the man? So she kind of has this, like, weird. Like, not guilt, I would say, but kind of like, she thinks that some people have a stigma against her. And what I thought was really nice. She's like, sets. Dex, when did. The first time you knew? Like, when they're talking, like, they're like, I'm in love with you. When's the first time you knew? And he's like, when you came back from that trip pregnant. So, you know, it's like, very nice to be like, I'm washing out all that. Any kind of stigma you think anyone has or any kind of guilt you have is like, that's when I fell in love with you, right?

[Sarah Colonna]

That's right. Oh, he's a good guy, and he's a actor.

[John Ryan]

Well, I thought it was because you feel so bad for Janet in terms of, you know, that. That happened to her on her spring break, but she had got her child a little bit, which is great. But then she didn't date again. And then when you, like, get back on the wagon, you start dating. You think you find this, like, amazing doctor who's, like, the nicest guy, and he turns out to be a freaking sociopath. You know, that's. That's rough. You'd be like, it can scarce. I'd be like, I'm never dating again. Like, I already waited five years to date, and I'm never gonna date again.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right.

[John Ryan]

Well, she did. She would date it again, right? And then the guy was, like, abusive. So then this happens, and then finally she's like, the good guy in Dex, right?

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. I like that ending for her, and I liked that her. She wasn't. It's not like she really carried around guilt about. About the way that she. About her. She's like, whatever. I was in. I was on spring break. I slept with a few different people. There's. There was kind of no way for me to figure out who the father was. Whatever. I mean, there probably is now with, you know, 23 and me and whatnot, but that would have really complicated the plot of the book. So. But. But she. Yeah, she was more. Having to battle against other people's.

[John Ryan]

Right. More like the stigma involved with it that she's like.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

Kind of like, screw. I'm like, sick of that part of it.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right. Which I think she was a little hurt because I. Right. At some point, if she figures out that. That Beth was kind of judging her on that. And. But I think it was a good lesson for Beth, too. Of course, like I said, you're always more protective when it comes to your. Someone you love and who they're dating. And you're. And you got more questions. Whereas normally you go. If your friend tells you that, you go, I don't care. I don't judge you for that. Yeah, but it was a good lesson for her.

[John Ryan]

Yeah. She changed her team because she was like, she knew this friend and she told her the exact same story. And she's like, that's fine. Like. Like, no judgment at all. And then her brother goes, I'm dating this girl that has this exact story. She's like, what?

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

All of a sudden, then she had a problem with it.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, well, she didn't. I don't think she knew. Obviously, she didn't know Jana's story before she was dating Rick. She didn't know that part. Otherwise, I think it would have been a little obvious in Malibu that there was another girl who also went to Cancun and also came back pregnant. But anyway, go ahead. More thoughts, please.

[John Ryan]

I must have one almost one last thought. One of my favorite parts of this, but not my favorite parts of this, but part that I really liked is I really liked the peripheral characters in this book, like Kai and Agatha and Dex. They're kind of like on the outside of these main four, but they're really good, like, to help tie that story together.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, I agree with that. They were. Well, because sometimes every once in a while you go, what the fuck is this Kai guy? Do. Do we have to put a surfer in here or. Or, oh, what's this? What's this Brother who is an actor, even though it's in Malibu. So, I mean. I mean, brother who has an actor friend, even though it's in Malibu. And. But then you kind of get what I liked about that was to you get this sense of family from them. So you get that he. He doesn't have his own family, you know, because he's not married, doesn't have kids, but because he's been friends with Teddy for all his life and his sister all his life, he's. He. He's like Uncle Jax coming over all the time. And so you get this. You get why they have this sort of strong family and bond. Of course, then later we get to find out that he's in love with Jana. Or you figured out earlier than I did, because I guess I'm slow, but. And then Agatha, I mean, she did try to tell Beth who Rick was, and then I think she opened up. When it all came out, she definitely was like, yeah. I mean, since.

[John Ryan]

Yeah, she was like a very, like, steady character in that. Like, at the end when, like, Beth is basically like, yeah, like, fuck Rick. She's like, no, no, no, he's still our family. Basically, like, no, like, we still love him. I think she kind of says, but he's just. You have to be aware of this.

[Sarah Colonna]

Right? Yeah. She's almost the voice of reason of like, no, I'm not saying that we have to write him off, even though I guess they end up kind of doing that. She says, you just have to stop sticking your head in the sand about who he is and then choose what kind of relationships you want to have from there. And Agatha was also her champion of always kind of being behind her for her, you know, believe in yourself and these. Look at what you've done with your life and the choices you've made and stop carrying around this. I'm so sad about my divorce and get your, you know, go ride a horse.

[John Ryan]

Yeah.

[Sarah Colonna]

A lot of times when people haven't conquered something in life, it has to do with them getting on a horse. And I like that. She did. She went running, she went riding horses.

[John Ryan]

That's how.

[Sarah Colonna]

That's how Beth got her groove back.

[John Ryan]

That's how it happened.

[Sarah Colonna]

I mean, we knew that she and Teddy were going to get back together, correct?

[John Ryan]

Yeah, they had to.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah.

[John Ryan]

It wasn't. She didn't do enough to warrant a breakup from a guy that they. For a couple that were in.

[Sarah Colonna]

Well, he acted like it.

[John Ryan]

I know. Well, he was just being a little protective of his little sister.

[Sarah Colonna]

Well, I think everybody. My overall takeaway is everybody was a little overreactionary about a couple of things, but. But not reactionary enough to what a Rick was from day one.

[John Ryan]

Rick is a real dick.

[Sarah Colonna]

Rick was a real dick.

[John Ryan]

I don't like Rick.

[Sarah Colonna]

Is that your final thought?

[John Ryan]

My final thought is that I thought it was a good book. I enjoyed my pick. As you said, I don't like the title that much, but I think when you go to a publisher and they say, I'm gonna come up with a book in April or May, they're gonna say name it after a beach. And that's what she did. All right. Yeah, People can't wait to go to the beach. Name it Beach Vibes.

[Sarah Colonna]

It was something we learned from our conversation with Seraphina Nova Glass. Right. She told us that her, her publisher had helped her come up with On a Quiet street because she had a different title. And they were like, nope. And then she found out that that title worked. If you haven't listened to that episode. She's an incredible author and we had a great conversation with her. We hope to have conversations with more authors soon. Yeah, I'm definitely going to read more by Susan Mallory. I think I noticed a lot. Like, I started following her on Goodreads and there's just a lot of good reviews on all of her books. So I'm excited to read more. I do want to spin off with Ian and his hot dog stand.

[John Ryan]

A prequel.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, I want a prequel and I want to know how he got out of the hot dog stand business and into life with Beth. And I want to know who. I want to know more about who. And then, and then I want to. I want to. I want a prequel ends and, and a sequel because then I want to know about this Costco, this lady that he proposed to on the Costco board. I got questions about Ian.

[John Ryan]

Oh, the spin off is just gonna be all Ian, the Ian show.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah, sorry. It's what I want.

[John Ryan]

Okay, I'll read it.

[Sarah Colonna]

All right. How many beers do you give this one?

[John Ryan]

I think I'm gonna give it 10.

[Sarah Colonna]

10 out of 12.

[John Ryan]

10 and a half.

[Sarah Colonna]

10 and a half.

[John Ryan]

Yeah. I'm somewhere around that area. Pretty thirsty. Yeah. Ten, ten and a half.

[Sarah Colonna]

I'm giving her a three and three quarters martinis out of five.

[John Ryan]

Three and three quarters.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. So like, basically it would just, it would be four if I was just like a little more olive juice in my dirty, dirty martini. So it's so close to four. And it's only just. I think the thing I love and hate about books at times, which is not. Which is makes it's because I'm a big reader and that's. I think it's a good thing again, is when I get frustrated with characters I love it. Then I'm also like, if I hear one more person say, Rick just is who he is, I'm going to yell. So it wasn't anything about the book or everyone has their own preferences about all that kind of stuff. I thought it was well written and fun and a very interesting dynamic to think about people having to sort of carry secrets for people that they love and how and what the fallout can be beyond what you're holding on to.

[John Ryan]

I agree.

[Sarah Colonna]

Okay. Well, that was Beach Vibes by Susan Mallory. Great pick, John. Lots of fun.

[John Ryan]

Thank you.

[Sarah Colonna]

I blew right through it. I read it in like two days because I was like, what's going to happen? What's going to happen? And when's this guy going to get busted for being a dick, basically? And you know what? That's a good reason to keep turning the pages. So well done, Susan Mallory. And John. Yes. Don't forget that your June book is a Beautiful Couple by Leslie Wolf. That's my pick. It's a quite a twisted story and.

[John Ryan]

It'S real crazy already.

[Sarah Colonna]

Yeah. And patrons, your short story, by the time you listen to this episode that's coming out that's on Monday, your Patreon short story will have been announced on Sunday. The it'll be waiting for you on your Sunday the 25th episode, which was yesterday because we're doing a couple of these ahead of time because we're going out of town for the weekend. But so on the 5th, for the 15th and the 25th, there's always bonus content and we're going to be adding more bonus content to Patreon. So please join us over there for only $5 a month. And if you can't, a great way to support us is to rate, review and subscribe. Drop us a little five star review that just says you enjoy our conversations. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at the Book list and join the Booklist and to always keep up with what we're reading and what we're doing and blah, blah, blah. We love you. Thank you for listening.

[John Ryan]

Thank you.

[Sarah Colonna]

Bye. The book list, the book lisp. The book list, the book lisp, the book lisp.