Catch A Wave

Savannah Scott is an auto buy for me. Her book series are always so fun and lighthearted. Catch A Wave is no different. Kahlaine and Bodhi's story is about reconnecting, healing and moving forward. I love all the characters and their found family they've created.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC of Catch A Wave by Savannah Scott

3 stars: a sweet, brother's best friend/forced proximity/second chance romance that's perfect for some readers (those readers just aren't me)

Bhodi and Kalaine are the textbook example of the perils of a brother's-best-friend romance. After a messy breakup two years ago that coincided with Bhodi's departure from the pro-surf circuit, Kalaine continued to compete. When an accident causes her to show up on her brother's front step, only to find out that he shares the house with her ex-boyfriend, she's forced to reckon with her past and her future, and figure out how she and the only man she ever loved can coexist.

I read the other two books in Savannah Scott's Love Trippin' series before reading this ARC, and can honestly say that this was by far my favorite of the series. The previous two books were difficult to get through, but I think that, in part, it's likely that I'm not the correct audience. I found all the characters to be fairly immature (still haunted by a line from the first book that said something along the lines of "she's 30, but she's still cool"), and was relieved to finally be in the POV of characters who behave like actual adults. I probably would have DNF'd the first two books in this series if I didn't feel the compulsive need to read standalone series in order, but thankfully didn't feel that way with this book.

With that being said, something about Catch a Wave still reads like a YA romance to me. It's not the fact that it's a closed door romance, but more about the fact that, in many ways, the characters think and act like teenagers. Again, nothing wrong with that and I'm sure it works for some people, but it didn't do it for me. I probably would have liked this book a lot more in my late teens/early 20s. In retrospect, part of what bothers me is likely that the FMCs in this whole series seem much more immature than the MMCs, and I don't love when women in their 20s behave as though they're children.

Finally, something about the way Kalaine was written gave me the ick in a couple of places. She's Hawaiian, and the way her culture and family is talked about made it seem as though the author did not consult anyone with Hawaiian heritage while writing the book. I noticed this while reading A Fish Out of Water (the second book in the series) about a Latina side character, but it was much more prevalent in this book. I'd encourage Ms. Scott to look into sensitivity readers in the future.

All that being said, I'll probably still read the next book in this series.

I was lucky to get an ARC of this book, the third in Savannah's Love Trippin' series. This is my first book read from Savannah’s series set on Marbella Island and it won’t be my last! I loved the small town, beach town and how the people embrace Kalaine and Bodhi.

I loved the second chance romance in this story. It’s so fun to get to know Mavs and Bodhi in two timelines. We have the present where they find themselves in forced proximity after years apart. And we have their first meeting and initial falling in love story. I loved experiencing both simultaneously. There is just so much to love about these two and their love story. I loved their love at first sight attraction. Their first date is one of my favorites ever (the monkeys!!). I loved their love of the ocean and taking risks together. I love their nicknames and the way their love never truly stops. And I love seeing them both heal after accidents and heartbreak. And I really enjoyed Kai (the big brother) and seeing how he helps them both heal and love. The first time Mavs surfs on Marbella is such a beautiful moment!! There are a million little moments that build a beautiful and compelling story.

I learned a lot about professional surfing which was a fun part of this story. I have actually never surfed in my life. And I don't feel the pull of the ocean that these two do. But I loved learning so much about the sport. The different places where big wave riders compete. The different elements that are at play to create perfect conditions and big waves. The sponsorships, the training, the coaching and the community. And how much they risk every time they ride especially the big waves. I looked up pictures from some of the spots Savannah describes and wow those are big waves! I loved how surfing brings Mavs and Bodhi together both when they are at the top of their sport and when they both experience accidents. The water helps them heal and love each other fully again. Such a beautiful backdrop to this story.

I just loved this one. The story is so beautiful and healing. I love the journeys Mavs and Bodhi both go on. I love their sweet, tender, passionate love. And I really enjoyed learning so much about professional surfing! Whether you’re new to Marbella Island or a longtime fan, this romance is for you!

Finishing this story felt like a warm hug, knowing that things were going to be not only simply “ok” for these two characters going forward, but that they had overcome some incredibly hard things and made it back to each other, stronger than they were before. This tale encompassed forgiveness and acceptance and moving forward rather than backward. It was a romance that was insta love in the flashbacks, but slow growing in its healing recovery during the present day portion of the story.

For most of the novel, I kept wondering what truly broke Bodhi and Kalaine (Mavs) up. I had an idea, and it was pretty close to what did happen, but the deeper truth of it all made what Kalaine’s brother, Kai, did for Bodhi by being there for him even more important. It showed how much Kai truly cared for his sister and best friend. I also have to say that I loved the “hunting for the dog” scene!

I loved the patience that Bodhi exhibited in trying to give Mavs the space she needed to recover, while also attempting to be a friend when he wanted so much more. The way they began to grow close again was perfect, with so many sweet and tender moments, as well as some funny ones, too! This story was deeper and more emotional than most romcoms, however, there were some super cute and laugh out loud moments to lighten the atmosphere, also.

I enjoyed this story so much and look forward to going back and reading the first two books in the series now.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but ended up reading it in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own.

Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott was just brilliant! Bodhi and Kalaine are so perfect together. Yes, they had their chance, but thank goodness for second chances! Learning more about their story and why things went down the way the did made me fall even harder for both of them. Love at first sight, check! Brother’s best friend, check. Forced proximity, check. Second chance, check, check, check! I actually really enjoyed how the story flipped from present to past and gave insights to their history. Not just them as a couple, but as an athlete and how they each got where they are today. I love the focus on family and friendships. Definitely an extra bonus that some previous characters in this series make an appearance, but completely stands on its own too. True to Scott’s style, there are plenty of tender moments, toe curling romance, and flat-out laughable moments. In my opinion, it checked all the right boxes for me.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.