On The Beach by Maya Alden

ick Bottom has mastered the art of doing absolutely nothing in sun-soaked Reef Harbor. His days consist of betting on lizard races, sampling the local nightlife (from inside a jail cell), and dodging cocktails—literally—courtesy of the women he beds and forgets.

Life is a beach, right?

When Isabella (Belle) Volnay, a high-powered pharma exec and professional overachiever, walks into Reef Harbor in her sexy heels and zero tolerance for slackers, sparks fly—and clothes come off—on the sand.

It’s the first time Belle’s ever had that kind of a beach day (oops, lay) and Mick? Well, let’s just say he’s experiencing some firsts too.

But what Belle doesn’t know is that the charming beach bum she’s fallen for is actually the brilliant (and very ex) scientist she’s desperately searching for. Mick and his buddies are determined to keep that little detail buried under the sand.

After all, what could go wrong with a harmless fling? Spoiler alert: everything.

Heartbreak hits like a high tide, but love—real love—is the undertow neither of them saw coming.

On The Beach is a warm and wistful romance that reminds us sometimes the biggest waves hit when you’re least ready—and those are the ones worth riding all the way to shore. It includes the following tropes: