This book definitely had an interesting premise, with the multiple storylines, the biologist x surfer storyline, and I appreciated that there was more to it than a simple romance. That being said...even with all the content, I had trouble staying engaged. I think it's because I'm primarily a romance reader, and I simply didn't feel all that attached to the MMC, and with our FMC's pride and joy, it felt sort of odd to bring in someone who is taking on an interest in the environment because their partner does?

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love Sara’s books so much but this one doesn’t knock my socks off like others have. I read this one with a group of friends and I’m glad I did because it was the push I needed to read the whole thing.

I enjoyed the story. I loved Iwa and Dane. Their love story kept me thoroughly interested in the story. Iwa was so strong willed and she wanted to protect the waterfalls with all she had. She fought her feelings for Dane hard too.

I struggled with all the Hawaiian terms and names. I felt like every time I stumbled over the words, it took me out of the story. I think I would have enjoyed this one much more on audio.

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and The Hive for my copy of this book.

THE MAUI EFFECT is quite a globe-trotting book, and I enjoyed exploring Hawaii, California, and Portugal through the lens of ‘Iwa and Dane. In a change of genres from historical to women’s fiction set in 2012-2013, Sara Ackerman has written a book with so much heart, grief, complicated relationships, and a window into the wider world. Where else can an ecology-minded field biologist fall in love with a big wave surfing star other than picturesque and tropical Maui?

‘Iwa works hard to keep a developer from tearing down her beloved rainforest to build a resort. On the hunt for extremely endangered bird species so the land can’t be destroyed, she spends a large portion of her time in the forest while the rest of her time is spent playing guitar and singing at her father’s restaurant. She has no room in her life for anyone but her father and a few close friends, but one night a group of surfers sit down in the restaurant and one of the surfers is captivated from the first glance with ‘Iwa.

Dane is an accomplished big-waver surfer with endorsements and many accolades. After winning a competition on Maui, a group of his friends celebrates in a quaint restaurant to unwind. Dane is taken with ‘Iwa from the first glance. They get to know each other on Maui as ‘Iwa introduces Dane to everything that she’s fighting for, and their budding relationship takes them from the island to the coasts of California where Dane can do the same.

‘Iwa and Dane’s relationship is far from smooth sailing, and I really enjoyed the characters as the grew together and learned to keep their priorities in line. Both of them have lost their mother’s and grieve for them, and those relationships really flavor their characters and how they protect themselves from emotional harm. Hawaii and the other coasts really shone through as characters within themselves. The author is from Hawaii, and those little details in the book really bring the island to life for readers.

This novel explores the intricate layers that make up our messy lives, and that makes this book a must-read, or in this case a must-listen. The audiobook was narrated fantastically by Jennifer Robideau. From its evocative setting to the compelling narrative arc, ‘Iwa and Dane’s lives make for a twisting and turning love story that has obstacles to overcome such as injuries, substance abuse, cheating, and how to find your way back once you’ve been hurt by someone. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sara Ackerman or new to her work, prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Maui and the depth of human connection that this book beautifully portrays.

What a romantic story! Swept me right to the Hawaiian Islands and was such a well rounded development of a relationship.

I’m thinking a soft DNF for me for now. I just feel like I can’t get into it and the continuous negativity right from the beginning is just too much.

The warm breeze was a caress as she carefully navigated the path in front of her. Native birds chirped their songs and the lush greenery rustled in the wind. There was nothing like this perfect haven in the world, a true heaven on earth for her. She just wished the world could feel what she felt and not want to destroy this beauty around her.

The Maui Effect is a romance following ‘Iwa and Dane. Dane is a big wave surfer and ‘Iwa is a field biologist who is trying to save a piece of land from a developer. These opposites attract as they work together to save the land.

I will say the descriptions in this book were stunning! I truly felt transported to Hawaii and wanted to remain there. Sara knows how to immerse the reader into this setting. I also liked the environmentalist storyline and seeing ‘Iwa’s passion for her land. But the romance was lacking for me. Too insta-lovey and their chemistry was lukewarm to me. I saw them better as friends than as romantic partners.

If you love beautiful settings, surfing, environmentalist storylines, and want to travel to Hawaii… you may enjoy this book.

Thank you @saraackermanbooks @mirabooks @htpbooks @htp_hive for my gifted ebook. The Maui Effect is out now!

I’ve read several of Sara’s books and I’ve always been impressed. I was excited when she wrote a traditional romance book set in paradise- Hawaii!

Iwa is a native of Hawaii who has become passionate in making sure the natural flora and fauna of Hawaii is preserved. She fights against developers and people who want to bulldoze the beautiful rainforest. She also waitresses at her father’s cafe and plays live music on occasion. It’s here she meets Dane, a pro surfer that Iwa writes off as a tourist bro.

They start off on the wrong foot, but quickly Iwa realizes Dane has more substance behind him. He’s also interested in preserving the land and he begins to help her with her causes. Soon after they begin a romantic relationship, but things go long distance when Dane is competing in surfing competitions around the world. After a fight about traveling, Dane is injured in competition and Iwa flies to be with him. But it’s going to take a lot of time and effort to rehab from his injury. Can their love sustain through this tough time?

I liked that Iwa and Dane were older and more mature than the average romance characters. They had lived some life and had their own baggage. They were well rounded characters who each grew throughout the novel.

I loved all of Iwa’s conservationist activities and the descriptions of the landscapes had me googling vacation plans. I also listened to the audio and I love all the authentic Hawaiian pronunciations. This was a very enjoyable book.

I have enjoyed several of the author's historical novels so was looking forward to this release but didn't enjoy the romance quite as much as I had hoped. I did, however, love the setting particularly the lush descriptions of the rainforest on Maui as well as the environmental message about the importance of saving the rainforest and endangered species. This book felt like a mix of contemporary romance with the love story between 'Iwa and Dane as well as a nonfiction book with the information about the Maui rainforests, protecting nature and its plants and animals and preservation of land. I wanted to love this book more but it just fell somewhere in the middle for me.

Interesting read

I enjoyed the story line and how much potential this had. The characters were well rounded but I feel like something missed the mark for me

First and foremost, I’d like to thank NetGalley, Sara Ackerman, and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Maui Effect is a beautifully written story that captures the magic of Hawaii while exploring themes of love, healing, and self-discovery. Sara Ackerman’s vivid descriptions transported me straight to the island, making me feel the warmth of the sun, the ocean breeze, and the undeniable pull of Maui’s charm.

I really enjoyed following the main character’s journey as she navigated personal struggles and unexpected romance. The way Ackerman weaves in Hawaiian culture and history added so much depth to the story. The characters felt real, and their emotional growth throughout the book was heartfelt and authentic.

If you love contemporary fiction with a strong sense of place and a touch of romance, The Maui Effect is a must-read. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Maui Effect by Sarah Ackerman!

This is such a delightful read. I love books that have surfing in them! Big wave surfing set in Hawaii... What more could you want? I loved the atmosphere of this book. It felt like I was actually at the Hawaiian beaches and rainforests. Also, Iwa is a strong and intelligent FMC. Overall an enjoyable read that I would recommend to others.

I really liked The Codebreaker’s Secret, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The Maui Effect! Set in the recent past, this book gave me such a vivid look at Maui, surfing, and the passion it takes to fight for what you love. Sara Ackerman’s writing is easy to devour, and I really enjoyed Dane and Iwa’s imperfect, heartfelt journey. A compelling, immersive read—4 stars!

Anyone who’s ever been on island knows there is something called island time; this novel spools out in that fashion, at its own pace and on its own time. Filled with detailed surf language and descriptions it will delight those who love places as character. For me the descriptions overwhelmed the story and left me wanting more of the characters at its heart.
3 stars

"The Hawaiian ocean was more blue than he remembered, and it smelled faintly of salt and sea foam."

An evocative first sentence to an evocative novel! I have been a fan of Ackerman's work for a few years and as a Hawai'i local myself, I have loved most of all her descriptions of my home. The Maui Effect was both a love story between Iwa, a Hawaiian field biologist saving a local waterfall, and Dane, a big wave surfer from California, AND a love story about Hawai'i forests and the ocean. When Iwa brought Dane to Waikula and chanted E Ho Mai, I almost cried. Having an actual 'olelo Hawai'i chant in a traditionally published story?! My hearttttt! We also got to travel to Mexico and Portugal for Dane's surfing adventures, which were both thrilling AND terrifying! I've watched a few big wave surf competitions and it astounds me as to the bravery and moxy those surfers have to go up against giant powerful walls of water. You will not look at the ocean the same after those kinds of experiences.

Iwa and Dane. Both wildly passionate about their passions and stubborn as heck! Their journey was a ROLLER COASTER, but satisfying :) I also loved the side characters, Uncle Tutu and Dane's surfing friend group, especially Yeti and Kama. And there are 2 dogs in the story!!

CW: a few descriptive intimate scenes (more descriptive than her past books, but not lengthy), substance abuse

I think this may have very well been the first book I've ever read set in Hawaii, and I'm in love. The Maui Effect is a love story, not just between two people, but also a love story between human and nature.

This sports romance features surfers, which I found to be new, interesting, and exciting, since surfing is a sport I know virtually nothing about. However, set against the beautiful backdrop of the island of Maui, this story is also an ode to our beautiful Mother Nature and the importance of protecting our environment - land, water, and animals - because we were given a voice to speak up for those who cannot.

The love story between the main characters will also make your heart swell, then break, then slowly be mended back together, piece by piece.

Sara Ackerman, a new-to-me author, wrote this story beautifully and I highly recommend it to fans of romance and sports romance, with a side of tree hugging 😉

Read if you like...
🏄‍♀️ Surfing
❤️ Romance/Sports romance
🌴 Ecology/conservation theme
🌺 Beautiful Hawaiian setting

🙏Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for a gifted advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've always had a fascination with surfing, despite never setting foot on a surfboard in my life. It has always seemed to peaceful and magical. I really enjoyed my time with The Maui Effect. It's a lovely story of family, both blood and found, love, friendship, and resilience. I loved 'Iwa and Dane's characters, and that this isn't a straightforward romance. It tackles some tougher subjects like grief, addiction, and more.

Also, this is may very well be one of my favorite covers ever.

If you're looking to be transported to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, and other surfing hot spots around the world, read The Maui Effect.
Thank you HTP Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading a romance from Sara Ackerman, since I am more used to her historical novels. Because I enjoyed those, I was excited to see how she did this novel!

I loved how she talks about the scenery, and the book makes her love of Hawai'i and the nature available on the islands abundantly clear!

I wasn't in love with the romance, the main characters just didn't stand out to me from the other books that I have read over the past few months. Part of this is because I don't normally read a "sports romance", so it was a little outside of my wheel house. However, this book made me want to book a flight, learn to surf, and become a beach bum. Reading it in the winter made me especially miss summer, so I would recommend it to anyone missing the summer!

First off this cover is beautiful. The descriptions of Maui and surfing in general were very well done and you felt like you were there. The romance between the two MC's was well done and I even liked the 3rd act issue unlike in some romances.

Sara Ackerman's latest contemporary romance set in Maui blends adventure, romance, and environmental themes seamlessly. The story follows Iwa, an eco-activist, and Dane, a surfer, as they navigate a blossoming romance against the backdrop of the stunning Hawaiian landscape. Iwa's mission to protect the rainforest from an "eco developer" adds tension to the plot, while Dane's journey with surfing and overcoming addiction brings emotional depth.

Ackerman’s vivid descriptions transport readers directly to Maui, making it easy to get lost in the beauty of the island and the characters’ shared love for nature. While the romance is tender, some readers may feel that the connection between Iwa and Dane could have been developed more. Nevertheless, the book's exploration of grief, passion for the environment, and surfing will resonate with many. A perfect pick for readers who love heartfelt stories set in breathtaking locations.