That Island Feeling (Karina May, Macmillan)

Set on a sleepy, scenic Australian island and featuring oysters, wine and flirty banter, That Island Feeling is the summer romance book for 2025. The novel follows Andie and her friends on a girls’ trip to Pearl Island. Andie, the perpetual people-pleaser, has expertly planned every moment of their seven-day trip, and is adamant about sticking to her plan—that is, until a mishap with their accommodation causes island resident Jack to get involved. From the moment Andie and Jack meet, there is an undeniable connection. Written in alternating first-person perspectives from the two leads, That Island Feeling is another delightful example of Karina May’s adeptness at creating palpable chemistry between main characters, previously seen in her novels Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast (longlisted in the 2024 Indie Book Awards) and Never Ever Forever. This chemistry is helped by a cast of secondary characters that each feel equally as strong and developed in their own narratives but still support the central love interests. May finds the right balance between a swoon-worthy rom-com and a story that grapples with reality, as she reminds the reader that real life is still a part of island life and includes themes of grief, mental health, personal growth and caring for loved ones. That Island Feeling is a warm, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary, Emily Henry and May’s previous novels.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Lisa Schuurman is an editor, writer and book reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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