This was a DNF for me unfortunately. While the writing style was for sure amazing it just didn’t grab my attention entirely. I think I may just have not been in the mood for this, or just wasn’t for me. I do see how a lot of people could love this though!

I really enjoyed this book—it brought back so many memories of my childhood living on O‘ahu. Reef and Luna (such beautiful names!) were childhood sweethearts until the age of 12, when life pulled them apart. Years later, they get a chance to reunite, and the chemistry between them is genuinely sweet and touching.

The story also explores deeper themes like anxiety and health struggles, adding emotional depth to the romance. I especially loved the reveal that Reef was secretly a romance writer—it was such a charming twist and made his journey with Luna even more meaningful. It truly felt like he was living out his second chance at love.

If I had one critique, it would be that I wished the Hawaiian words were translated at the bottom of the page for readers who may not be familiar with the language. It would enhance the emotional weight and cultural richness of those moments.

Overall, it was a lovely and heartfelt story—one I thoroughly enjoyed. I am giving it 3.5 stars!

Thank you to Brooke Gilbert, One More Spoonful, and NetGalley for the ARC.

This new-to-me author surprised me with a fantastic sweet romance featuring own voices, second chances, stunning landscapes, a cute fake-dating trope, a wonderful therapy dog and a spotlight on invisible illnesses.

I loved the author’s reminders about not seeing ourselves or others as broken people, but wholly beautiful people, and giving those with invisible illnesses the opportunity to show us their unique strengths rather than dismissing or pigeonholing them at first glance. I won’t forget her advice about shifting the narrative. Perspective is everything.

This is the book that I didn’t think I needed, but it had a HUGE impact. I immediately sourced book one in this series and signed up for the author’s newsletter. Brooke Gilbert brings something new to the romance genre, and we could all benefit from what she shares - the heartbeats of aloha.

This book was a hug between the pages!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

what an emotional journey this author took me in. this book was deeper and more tender than my usual romance and that is only a good thing. i love romances and when they hit an extra special or knew point i love them all the more.
i had that heart healing and heart breaking moments to content with throughout and felt so much care for the characters. to be able to write like this is something to behold, and im in awe of the skill of being able to do so.
i particularly loved how these pairs love was love and it wasn't afraid to be soft and tender. it wasn't afraid to cry or move you. they didn't need to be powerful or deceitful. they didn't need to be dominant or lesser than. it was equal, it was all in, it was vulnerable. it was just unafraid love. so much of what we see nowadays has to have some trope or dynamic to it. and ive felt a bit afraid sometimes that we are losing the people in it. the truth in it. the love in it. and its book like this that remind me of what these books do for and to us all and how special they are when done right. this was done right in all the best possible ways. i adored it. start to finish it kept me seating, its kept me captivated and i finished in one sitting.
loved it.
i felt the care and support from within the pages. i felt the brightness and the souls meeting. and i wanted every part of it. but if not i was just happy to be part of it by reading it.

Cuando Luna reaparece en su vida, Reef se ve obligado a enfrentar los sentimientos que nunca dejó atrás, mientras guarda el secreto de que es el autor anónimo que ha respondido a las cartas más personales de Luna durante años. Al mismo tiempo, Luna enfrenta la presión de un sello discográfico que quiere explotarla emocional y comercialmente, reavivando una relación con su manipulador ex para ganar visibilidad. Atrapada entre sus miedos, su ansiedad y las exigencias de su carrera, Luna debe encontrar su voz para tomar el control de su vida.

Entre cartas, letras de canciones y recuerdos de la infancia, Reef y Luna inician un viaje de sanación, aceptación y redescubrimiento. Esta novela no solo explora el amor romántico sino también el amor propio, con una representación sensible de temas como la salud mental, la ansiedad, los ataques de pánico y la importancia de sentirse visto y comprendido.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.