Tara Malina has always understood the power of ritual. She studies it, writes about it, lives in its logic. But nothing prepares her for her dad’s final request: a volcano, a plane ticket to paradise, and a cryptic note guiding her through his last wishes — the type of pilgrimage she’s only ever written about.
She’s ready for awkward travel logistics, emotional turbulence, and maybe a mild sunburn.
She is not ready for Hector Salcedo—the handsome, funny acquaintance from back home who keeps appearing everywhere she goes, smells unfairly good, and seems to be on a mission of his own.
As Tara follows her dad’s quest, she begins to wonder if some rituals are meant to bring someone into your life right when you need a hand. Or a distraction. Or something you can’t name yet.
Tropes
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Vacation Romance
Cinnamon Roll Love Interest
Personal Quest
No Spice
Reader Review
“Tara’s path to forgiveness is one of fortitude and patience—a sweet romance that will warm your soul with heartfelt sentiments and vulnerability in the face of love. A wonderful read for a summer day or any time you want to be transported to a tropical destination!”
- Lexi Kingston, Author of the Lonely Melodies Series
Behind the Story
I’ve wanted to write a book about Hawaii for a long time. I visited twice, once in 2004 and again in 2005, and I could never get the feel of the islands out of my head. There’s something so relaxing and almost spiritual about everywhere we went, and it’s magical to me that a thriving city and bustling tourist destination can exist moments from the calm of a beach where villagers used to live. There are absolutely two Hawaii’s, the commercial and the natural, and I wanted to capture the one that would have meant something to a world-builder and a sociologist.
Tara herself was a fun character to write and seems most like Lacey from Good in Theory with her quirks. But, the beautiful thing about Tara is that she gets lost in her thoughts and ends up misinterpreting everything, where Lacey tends to take a joke five steps further than anyone else in the room. Tara’s overthinking was a perfect balance for Hector’s calm, go-with-the-flow personality. I wanted to create a man for her who could be an anchor, but also imperfect. Someone who was a little too patient and almost missed out on the woman who was super literal. They both came to me almost completely formed, which I love about my characters, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love while observing the rituals and the draw of the Hawaiian islands.