“One is all you need.”

From the few surf-related books I’ve read, I’ve noticed that they all center around a quest - an epic swell, the perfect wave, a great adventure or sometimes a narrow escape. Ackerman’s book has all of it. Her heritage and boots on the ground in Hawaii have given her the stellar ability to write about getting acquainted with the waves, the culture around them and the relationships that are made and broken as surfers follow their passion.

I’ve loved Ackerman’s historical fiction stories and was hesitant about reaching out for her romance/women’s fiction novel, especially one centered around a sport I’ve never even tried! Let me tell you this: I wasn’t prepared to be swept away by the perfect blend of surfing and mystery as I joined Iwa and Dane on a quest to follow the call of the surf and the call of the forest. The forest nymph and the sea creature pulled me into their story, kept me riding the waves of emotion, and held my attention to the final page.

Ackerman was able to:
1) transport me to Maui and immerse me in the surf culture. It was so immersive that I felt I could close my eyes and have the ocean spray and salt water kiss my face.
2) Show me that surfing can be a solitary lust as well as a place of tight community
3) the obsession to chase surf and capture the exhilaration and freedom that comes from riding the perfect wave. I highlighted many places where I could almost feel the raw energy of the swell.
4) Explore the sacrifices and struggles that come with committed surf lust
5) Examine themes of identity, friendship, addiction, redemption, the pursuit of a passion, and the search for meaning

I loved the references to my favourite pastry, Pastel de nata, the reminder that love and loss are inseparable, the importance of walking through fear, the history behind the name of Mavericks, California, the warning about not confusing a single failure with a final defeat, and the differences between a sea lion and a seal. Most of all, though, I loved a deeply affecting story showing how surfing led a character back to redemption and finding his true self.

*This contains a tastefully written open-door romance

I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Another stunning story from the beloved Hawaiian author, who brings readers from deep into the Maui rainforest, to California, and to Portugal, where MMC surfer Dane Parsons chases the world's largest waves, while field biologist Iwa Young tries to protect the forest from an "eco developer." Will their budding romance blossom and can they work together to fend off the anything-but-eco developer? Loved it, and so will romance readers with a heart for the environment.

I just love reading stories about relationships and The Maui Effect is all about that. There is drama and good romance. There are moments when I didn't know what was going to become of the main characters. Right from the start, I was invested and read fairly quickly to the end. The settings are pure magic. I love feeling like I'm right inside the story as the author describes the scenery. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars.