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Saltwater Springs #2
Below The Barrel
After a devastating breakup left them estranged and heartbroken, fate has thrust Koa and Maliah back together on the World Surf Championship Tour, where they’re forced to ride the world’s most dangerous waves together—all while being filmed for reality TV.
Their futures in surfing—and their hearts—are on the line.
The stakes have never been higher.
Coach Gabriel has given them an if they can’t work together and fix their strained relationship during the tour, they won’t be allowed to return to The Saltwater Shredders. And with cameras capturing their every move, they can’t afford to slip up. But Maliah might not know the real reason things ended between them. As the truth starts to come out, can he prove that their love is worth fighting for? And can she find the strength to let go of her fears and give their love a second chance?
Their futures in surfing—and their hearts—are on the line.
The stakes have never been higher.
Coach Gabriel has given them an if they can’t work together and fix their strained relationship during the tour, they won’t be allowed to return to The Saltwater Shredders. And with cameras capturing their every move, they can’t afford to slip up. But Maliah might not know the real reason things ended between them. As the truth starts to come out, can he prove that their love is worth fighting for? And can she find the strength to let go of her fears and give their love a second chance?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2024
About the author
Tanisha Headley
7 books91 followersTanisha Headley writes emotionally driven romance novels with layered characters, messy relationships, and plenty of tension.
Her stories blend vulnerability, humour, heartbreak, and chemistry, with a focus on characters that feel real. She loves exploring the emotional side of love stories just as much as the romance itself.
Living in the Canadian Rockies with her husband, two kids, and German Shepherd, Tanisha spends most of her days writing, reading, and finding inspiration in everyday moments.
Outside of writing, she enjoys pottery, baking, watching K-dramas, and doing her best to keep her garden alive.
Connect with Tanisha on social media @authortanishaheadley for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more. For a complete list of her books and more, visit tanishaheadley.com
Tanisha is represented by Christine Goss with FinePrint Literary Agency. For rights inquiries, please reach out to Christine at christine@fineprintlit.com
Her stories blend vulnerability, humour, heartbreak, and chemistry, with a focus on characters that feel real. She loves exploring the emotional side of love stories just as much as the romance itself.
Living in the Canadian Rockies with her husband, two kids, and German Shepherd, Tanisha spends most of her days writing, reading, and finding inspiration in everyday moments.
Outside of writing, she enjoys pottery, baking, watching K-dramas, and doing her best to keep her garden alive.
Connect with Tanisha on social media @authortanishaheadley for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more. For a complete list of her books and more, visit tanishaheadley.com
Tanisha is represented by Christine Goss with FinePrint Literary Agency. For rights inquiries, please reach out to Christine at christine@fineprintlit.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 8, 2026
4/5
Really falling in love with this entire series! So excited for the next book in the series to come out in June. I just know it’s going to be so good. If you want a fast paced romance that’s less than 300 pages about surfers that gives true found family vibes, this is a good one! A good party scene, one bed trope, and tension… count me in!
Really falling in love with this entire series! So excited for the next book in the series to come out in June. I just know it’s going to be so good. If you want a fast paced romance that’s less than 300 pages about surfers that gives true found family vibes, this is a good one! A good party scene, one bed trope, and tension… count me in!
November 22, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
This is the second book in the Saltwater Springs series and it follows Koa and Maliah. They have a complicated history and are forced to compete as a team in a big surf championship around the world.
I loved this one even more than Beyond the Break! I'm a sucker for a second chance romance with lots of tension and this one delivered 😮💨 we love a brooding and jealous MMC who gets the attention from all the ladies but only has eyes for one.
I loved that they traveled around the world for the surf competition and we got to see all the excursions they went on! The surf aspects were so interesting and well described that I felt like I was there.
I highly recommend the series as a whole if you want a good sports romance 🏄🏼♀️🌊 with great tension and spice 😮💨
Thank you for the authour for an ARC of this book!
This is the second book in the Saltwater Springs series and it follows Koa and Maliah. They have a complicated history and are forced to compete as a team in a big surf championship around the world.
I loved this one even more than Beyond the Break! I'm a sucker for a second chance romance with lots of tension and this one delivered 😮💨 we love a brooding and jealous MMC who gets the attention from all the ladies but only has eyes for one.
I loved that they traveled around the world for the surf competition and we got to see all the excursions they went on! The surf aspects were so interesting and well described that I felt like I was there.
I highly recommend the series as a whole if you want a good sports romance 🏄🏼♀️🌊 with great tension and spice 😮💨
Thank you for the authour for an ARC of this book!
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
ARC Review
Tanisha Headley’s “Below the Barrel” follows pro-surfers Maliah Cooper and Koa Foster. Both are apart of the Saltwater Shredder’s surf team, and the two are headed out on a year long tour they worked hard to earn their spot on - oh and did I mention that they’re exes? Following a heart crunching break-up a year prior, Maliah cannot stand being in the vicinity of this cool and aloof version of Koa. The two had been friends since they were 17 & everything was perfect, until one day it wasn’t (Tanisha I am still heart broken about these flash back scenes, please pay for my therapy). Surf Coach, Gabriel is determined to utilize this world tour as a tool to mend the rocky relations between Maliah and Koa, not only for their sake, but the future of the Saltwater Shredders too. This heart breaking slow-burn, second chance romance is the second installment of the Saltwater Springs series, and Tanisha’s sophomore release! This another amazing read from her, I was so impressed by and obsessed with her first release this summer & BTB just blew my expectations out of the water! The sense of foreboding and lead up to the truth of their break up coming to light was executed so well, and had me seriously emotionally invested! Maliah’s reservations (though valid) were dramatically drawn out, and I really appreciated the realistic writing of the re-development in their sprouting relationship, and her steps of allowing trust back in for Koa. KOA’S INNER DIALOGUE GUTTED ME! Seriously from word one I was swooning for Koa & wanting to reach through the page to hug him! Koa definitely went on a journey over this year of his worthiness, and he really pulled out all the stakes. I was obsessed with his protective and possessive nature over Maliah, and how caring he is for her. Also, the found family is back - the inner relationships of the Shredder’s family is one of my favourite things in the universe & I loved glimpsing back into these relationships!! All I have to say is 👀 when is book 3??
Thank You to Tanisha for the chance to ARC read Below the Barrel, in exchange for a fair review! 💗💗💗 🔍let me know where I can find my own Koa thanks! 😋🙇♀️
🌶️🌶️.5
ARC Review
Tanisha Headley’s “Below the Barrel” follows pro-surfers Maliah Cooper and Koa Foster. Both are apart of the Saltwater Shredder’s surf team, and the two are headed out on a year long tour they worked hard to earn their spot on - oh and did I mention that they’re exes? Following a heart crunching break-up a year prior, Maliah cannot stand being in the vicinity of this cool and aloof version of Koa. The two had been friends since they were 17 & everything was perfect, until one day it wasn’t (Tanisha I am still heart broken about these flash back scenes, please pay for my therapy). Surf Coach, Gabriel is determined to utilize this world tour as a tool to mend the rocky relations between Maliah and Koa, not only for their sake, but the future of the Saltwater Shredders too. This heart breaking slow-burn, second chance romance is the second installment of the Saltwater Springs series, and Tanisha’s sophomore release! This another amazing read from her, I was so impressed by and obsessed with her first release this summer & BTB just blew my expectations out of the water! The sense of foreboding and lead up to the truth of their break up coming to light was executed so well, and had me seriously emotionally invested! Maliah’s reservations (though valid) were dramatically drawn out, and I really appreciated the realistic writing of the re-development in their sprouting relationship, and her steps of allowing trust back in for Koa. KOA’S INNER DIALOGUE GUTTED ME! Seriously from word one I was swooning for Koa & wanting to reach through the page to hug him! Koa definitely went on a journey over this year of his worthiness, and he really pulled out all the stakes. I was obsessed with his protective and possessive nature over Maliah, and how caring he is for her. Also, the found family is back - the inner relationships of the Shredder’s family is one of my favourite things in the universe & I loved glimpsing back into these relationships!! All I have to say is 👀 when is book 3??
Thank You to Tanisha for the chance to ARC read Below the Barrel, in exchange for a fair review! 💗💗💗 🔍let me know where I can find my own Koa thanks! 😋🙇♀️
November 14, 2024
ARC REVIEW
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was a beautiful and messy second-chance romance.
Koa and Maliah have so much tension boiling between them since their breakup that the team is feeling it. When they both get invited to the world surfing championship and are grouped as partiers it's a test to see how long this tension will last before it breaks.
From the beginning, I had a feeling about what happened but the way Koa put his big boy pants on and went to work earning Maliah's love was fantastic. He definitely understood that he had to work for it and he went above and beyond. From the way he is fiercely protective of her to the way he knows what she needs without asking just shows how much love he's still carrying for her.
Maliah is fighting the pull between them in a desperate need to protect herself. She tried being mean, ignoring him, even flirting with someone else but nothing could stop them from coming together again. They were like a moth to a flame when she finally decided to at least try.
I love that this wasn't just a slap a band-aid on it and call it a fixed situation. There was mess involved, distrust, and a lot of doubt. There were points where their communication was top tier and other moments that had you like "wtf was that" but the way Tanisha Headley wove this story together was beautiful. I am dying for more from the Saltwater Springs series.....hopefully a story for Zalea and Gabriel. 🤞🏽🙏🏽
*I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was a beautiful and messy second-chance romance.
Koa and Maliah have so much tension boiling between them since their breakup that the team is feeling it. When they both get invited to the world surfing championship and are grouped as partiers it's a test to see how long this tension will last before it breaks.
From the beginning, I had a feeling about what happened but the way Koa put his big boy pants on and went to work earning Maliah's love was fantastic. He definitely understood that he had to work for it and he went above and beyond. From the way he is fiercely protective of her to the way he knows what she needs without asking just shows how much love he's still carrying for her.
Maliah is fighting the pull between them in a desperate need to protect herself. She tried being mean, ignoring him, even flirting with someone else but nothing could stop them from coming together again. They were like a moth to a flame when she finally decided to at least try.
I love that this wasn't just a slap a band-aid on it and call it a fixed situation. There was mess involved, distrust, and a lot of doubt. There were points where their communication was top tier and other moments that had you like "wtf was that" but the way Tanisha Headley wove this story together was beautiful. I am dying for more from the Saltwater Springs series.....hopefully a story for Zalea and Gabriel. 🤞🏽🙏🏽
January 20, 2025
4 ✨
“I know in my bones I’m never letting anything, or anyone come between us again. This is our beginning, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” - Koa Foster
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beauty and let me just say, it was incredible 💗
This story follows Koa and Maliah as they travel around the world to compete in the world surfing championships. The only problem is they’ve barely spoken to each other since their breakup…
I have been waiting patiently for Koa and Maliah’s story since we first met them in Beyond the Break and omg I adored them and their story so much!!
Koa is such a patient and kindhearted mmc and as a reader you’re really able to tell how much he truly cares for Maliah as she navigates her feelings towards him throughout this book.
Maliah is such a strong and resilient character, she is always putting on a brave face but we really got to see a more raw and emotional side of her that I really enjoyed.
I love a good second chance especially when it’s slow burn and this one was no different, Koa and Maliah’s romance and friendship was so so sweet. The setting of this book was also so much fun, I honestly felt like I was traveling to all the different destinations on the tour with them!
I will be patiently waiting for Saltwater Springs #3 and crossing my fingers it’s Gabriel and Zalea's story!!
Read if you like:
-Slow burn second chance
-Surf romance
-Dual pov
-Forced proximity
-Found family
“I know in my bones I’m never letting anything, or anyone come between us again. This is our beginning, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” - Koa Foster
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beauty and let me just say, it was incredible 💗
This story follows Koa and Maliah as they travel around the world to compete in the world surfing championships. The only problem is they’ve barely spoken to each other since their breakup…
I have been waiting patiently for Koa and Maliah’s story since we first met them in Beyond the Break and omg I adored them and their story so much!!
Koa is such a patient and kindhearted mmc and as a reader you’re really able to tell how much he truly cares for Maliah as she navigates her feelings towards him throughout this book.
Maliah is such a strong and resilient character, she is always putting on a brave face but we really got to see a more raw and emotional side of her that I really enjoyed.
I love a good second chance especially when it’s slow burn and this one was no different, Koa and Maliah’s romance and friendship was so so sweet. The setting of this book was also so much fun, I honestly felt like I was traveling to all the different destinations on the tour with them!
I will be patiently waiting for Saltwater Springs #3 and crossing my fingers it’s Gabriel and Zalea's story!!
Read if you like:
-Slow burn second chance
-Surf romance
-Dual pov
-Forced proximity
-Found family
January 27, 2025
Book Review (ARC)🌸🌊🏄🏼♀️:
Below the Barrel by @Tanisha Headley
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosewood River Book 1
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Topics throughout the book are:
🌸 secrets
🌊 sworn off love
🏄🏼♀️ pro-surfers
🌸 forced proximity
🌊 Dual POV
🏄🏼♀️ rich and poor
Summary🌸🌊🏄🏼♀️:
Maliah's heart was shattered when Koa unexpectedly broke up with her. Now, as teammates on The Saltwater Shredders surf team, they’re forced into an ultimatum: repair their strained relationship during the World Surf Championship tour, or risk being kicked off the team by their coach, Gabriel. As partners for the tour, they’ll film a reality TV show and ride the world’s most dangerous waves together. Can they leave the past behind to win first place? As the truth about why Koa broke her heart comes to light, will he be able to prove their love is worth fighting for? And can Maliah find the strength to let go of her fears and give their love a second chance? Read to find out!
Tanisha is a talented Canadian author from Alberta, and her writing truly shines! I absolutely love how the second book in the series delves deeper into the story of Maliah and Koa, especially since we got a sneak peek of them in the first book. Their relationship is filled with mystery, humor, and sizzling chemistry that will have you laughing out loud and turning the pages faster. Tanisha's writing is exceptional, offering the perfect escape from reality as you dive into her world. If you're a fan of sports romance fiction, this book is an absolute must-read!
Many thanks to Tanisha providing me another opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#romancefiction #belowthebarrel #tanishaheadley #romance #romancebooks #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #author #romanceauthor #slowburn #swornofflove #hurt #comfort #sportsromance #spice
Below the Barrel by @Tanisha Headley
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosewood River Book 1
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Topics throughout the book are:
🌸 secrets
🌊 sworn off love
🏄🏼♀️ pro-surfers
🌸 forced proximity
🌊 Dual POV
🏄🏼♀️ rich and poor
Summary🌸🌊🏄🏼♀️:
Maliah's heart was shattered when Koa unexpectedly broke up with her. Now, as teammates on The Saltwater Shredders surf team, they’re forced into an ultimatum: repair their strained relationship during the World Surf Championship tour, or risk being kicked off the team by their coach, Gabriel. As partners for the tour, they’ll film a reality TV show and ride the world’s most dangerous waves together. Can they leave the past behind to win first place? As the truth about why Koa broke her heart comes to light, will he be able to prove their love is worth fighting for? And can Maliah find the strength to let go of her fears and give their love a second chance? Read to find out!
Tanisha is a talented Canadian author from Alberta, and her writing truly shines! I absolutely love how the second book in the series delves deeper into the story of Maliah and Koa, especially since we got a sneak peek of them in the first book. Their relationship is filled with mystery, humor, and sizzling chemistry that will have you laughing out loud and turning the pages faster. Tanisha's writing is exceptional, offering the perfect escape from reality as you dive into her world. If you're a fan of sports romance fiction, this book is an absolute must-read!
Many thanks to Tanisha providing me another opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#romancefiction #belowthebarrel #tanishaheadley #romance #romancebooks #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #author #romanceauthor #slowburn #swornofflove #hurt #comfort #sportsromance #spice
November 14, 2024
🌺ARC REVIEW TIME🌊
My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶
This book finally gave us a look into Koa and Maliah’s very tumultuous relationship that we first glanced in Beyond The Break. I loved Koa so much in this book. He was patient with Maliah while also being protective and accepting all of her hostility to balance out his guilt over their past.
Even though Maliah’s reaction to Koa seems childish or immature, I can’t say we haven’t all lashed out when our feelings were hurt. After the way they left things, I can’t blame a girl for trying to protect her heart with barbed wire when deep down she just wants to let him back in. Though the reason for the breakup (which you will have to read about yourself) is not a new conflict in the "second chances" trop world, the reactions to the reveal were exactly what I hoped for. No extreme over-reactions or toxic misdirections.
Aside from the MC story, Tanisha Headley managed to create beautiful scenes throughout the many cultures and countries we see throughout the book. Each one described so well that you feel like you’re there yourself and quickly add all of these countries to your bucket list.
I am so excited for book 3 (and I’m already speculating what was going on with Gabriel and Zalea 👀)
My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶
This book finally gave us a look into Koa and Maliah’s very tumultuous relationship that we first glanced in Beyond The Break. I loved Koa so much in this book. He was patient with Maliah while also being protective and accepting all of her hostility to balance out his guilt over their past.
Even though Maliah’s reaction to Koa seems childish or immature, I can’t say we haven’t all lashed out when our feelings were hurt. After the way they left things, I can’t blame a girl for trying to protect her heart with barbed wire when deep down she just wants to let him back in. Though the reason for the breakup (which you will have to read about yourself) is not a new conflict in the "second chances" trop world, the reactions to the reveal were exactly what I hoped for. No extreme over-reactions or toxic misdirections.
Aside from the MC story, Tanisha Headley managed to create beautiful scenes throughout the many cultures and countries we see throughout the book. Each one described so well that you feel like you’re there yourself and quickly add all of these countries to your bucket list.
I am so excited for book 3 (and I’m already speculating what was going on with Gabriel and Zalea 👀)
November 15, 2024
4.5
How do you forgive the person who broke your heart?
Koa and Maliah are a pair who has to fight to get their second chance. Through trials, personal feelings and set backs we watch them find their way back to each other. Though they’ve been forced to face each other everyday since their breakup, the tension and hurt permeate their relationship.
Koa our MMC is quiet, driven, confident and still completely in love with Maliah. We watch as he comes to terms with past hurt and confronts his own pains and insecurities. Koa is caring and continues to show his love for Maliah through small moments.
Maliah our FMC is fierce, determined, confident and still in love with Koa the man who broke her heart. Throughout the novel we see her work through her hurt and grief of their past relationship. We see her grow and confront her past and come face to fact with what happened a year ago.
As Koa and Maliah are forced to spend a year traveling and competing together we watch their love grow and reignite. Watching them grow and learn to trust each other again was beautiful. Their love deserved a second chance and to see the process of them coming back together was wonderful!
I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series holds as the secondary characters bring so much life to the books as well!
How do you forgive the person who broke your heart?
Koa and Maliah are a pair who has to fight to get their second chance. Through trials, personal feelings and set backs we watch them find their way back to each other. Though they’ve been forced to face each other everyday since their breakup, the tension and hurt permeate their relationship.
Koa our MMC is quiet, driven, confident and still completely in love with Maliah. We watch as he comes to terms with past hurt and confronts his own pains and insecurities. Koa is caring and continues to show his love for Maliah through small moments.
Maliah our FMC is fierce, determined, confident and still in love with Koa the man who broke her heart. Throughout the novel we see her work through her hurt and grief of their past relationship. We see her grow and confront her past and come face to fact with what happened a year ago.
As Koa and Maliah are forced to spend a year traveling and competing together we watch their love grow and reignite. Watching them grow and learn to trust each other again was beautiful. Their love deserved a second chance and to see the process of them coming back together was wonderful!
I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series holds as the secondary characters bring so much life to the books as well!
December 2, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Below the Barrow by @authortanishaheadley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💭Thoughts:
Below the Barrel is Tanisha’s second book in the Saltwater Springs series. I don’t know how she did it but both the first and second book are 5 star reads for me! I have been anticipating Koa and Malia’s story since we met them in Beyond the Break. I was incredibly excited when I received the ARC for this book so I could follow along with their story and this book most definitely did not disappoint.
This books follows Koa and Malia as they compete in a surf championship around the world while trying to navigate the their complicated relationship. I love a good second chance romance and when the MMC only has eyes for his girl. I found myself smiling the whole way through the book and rooting for these two from the moment I met them in book 1.
If you are a fan of hot surfers, spice and romance, then this book should be added to your TBR!
🌊 Pro Surfers
🌊 Forced Proximity
🌊 Protective MMC
🌊 Second Chance
🌊 Dual POV
🌊 Sworn off Love
🌊 Tour Mates
#saltwateraprings #prosurfer #prosurfclub #romancebooks #romancereader #romance #spicyromance #spicybooks #spice #tanishaheadley #arcreview #arcreader #indieauthor #indiereads
Below the Barrow by @authortanishaheadley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💭Thoughts:
Below the Barrel is Tanisha’s second book in the Saltwater Springs series. I don’t know how she did it but both the first and second book are 5 star reads for me! I have been anticipating Koa and Malia’s story since we met them in Beyond the Break. I was incredibly excited when I received the ARC for this book so I could follow along with their story and this book most definitely did not disappoint.
This books follows Koa and Malia as they compete in a surf championship around the world while trying to navigate the their complicated relationship. I love a good second chance romance and when the MMC only has eyes for his girl. I found myself smiling the whole way through the book and rooting for these two from the moment I met them in book 1.
If you are a fan of hot surfers, spice and romance, then this book should be added to your TBR!
🌊 Pro Surfers
🌊 Forced Proximity
🌊 Protective MMC
🌊 Second Chance
🌊 Dual POV
🌊 Sworn off Love
🌊 Tour Mates
#saltwateraprings #prosurfer #prosurfclub #romancebooks #romancereader #romance #spicyromance #spicybooks #spice #tanishaheadley #arcreview #arcreader #indieauthor #indiereads
November 19, 2024
I don't know where to start this because every time I try I just start thinking about all of the amazing things that happen in this book and I start squealing and kicking my feet. Koa had my heart from the start of Chapter 2 when you realize that there has to be much more to their break up because this man is down bad. Everything this man does the entire book just gave me all the feels! I love him and he is perfect. Maliah is a lucky lady once she can let go of a grudge. And shout-out to Gabriel for being the absolute best little disturber/matchmaker anyone could ask for. Also, minor spoiler (last chance to avert your eyes) Charles should have been hit harder. From his first appearance I was ready for a smackdown. Koa delivered but he's too good of a person for what Charles deserved!
I also loved how much surfing there was and how we got to follow along in the competition with them. The filming of the reality style show was also a nice touch that gave opportunity for so many swoon worthy moments! Oh I just love everything about this book and this series! Picking up this series is one of the best things I've ever done.
I also loved how much surfing there was and how we got to follow along in the competition with them. The filming of the reality style show was also a nice touch that gave opportunity for so many swoon worthy moments! Oh I just love everything about this book and this series! Picking up this series is one of the best things I've ever done.
November 22, 2024
“I think I’ve made it clear what I want, Princess.”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And here we finally have it! Below the Break by @authortanishaheadley. Book two in the Saltwater Springs series.
This book focuses on Koa and Maliah’s story. These two dated previously but no one knows what happened to cause a break up. They were made for each other!!!
Koa is such a sweetheart even though he can be a bit dense. He truly never stopped loving Maliah post break up. But I nstead found ways to love her from a distance.
Maliah has sworn off love ever since her and Koa spilt, but deep down there is a part of her that refused to let him go.
These two had such a sweet story that I couldn’t help but smile throughout the book. My biggest struggle when reading this was that I couldn’t sit down and read it from start to finish like I did the first book. Stupid work and life kept getting in my way!!!
Definitely recommend checking out this book as well as Beyond the Break. You don’t typically find a cutesy romance novel involving hot surfers… 😏
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And here we finally have it! Below the Break by @authortanishaheadley. Book two in the Saltwater Springs series.
This book focuses on Koa and Maliah’s story. These two dated previously but no one knows what happened to cause a break up. They were made for each other!!!
Koa is such a sweetheart even though he can be a bit dense. He truly never stopped loving Maliah post break up. But I nstead found ways to love her from a distance.
Maliah has sworn off love ever since her and Koa spilt, but deep down there is a part of her that refused to let him go.
These two had such a sweet story that I couldn’t help but smile throughout the book. My biggest struggle when reading this was that I couldn’t sit down and read it from start to finish like I did the first book. Stupid work and life kept getting in my way!!!
Definitely recommend checking out this book as well as Beyond the Break. You don’t typically find a cutesy romance novel involving hot surfers… 😏
November 17, 2024
I was very fortunate to be gifted an ARC of this book, and it will be one I think about often. Second chance romance with a journey back to one another that has all of the markers of a slow burn, it was a beautiful story and you can’t help but root for Maliah and Koa from start to finish. What I loved about this book was all of the elements Tanisha Headley was able to weave together, from Koa and Maliah’s story to a world of travel and competitive surfing, and all of the dynamics that come with found and natural family; it was a beautiful romance that offered everything we want to see in a love story, but amplified by the plot and each character’s individual growth. The experiences the characters had to work through felt genuine, with raw emotion, very sweet moments of intimacy as well as pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. A, “I don’t want to put it down” read that I would highly recommend.
December 2, 2024
Thank you Tanisha Headley for gifting me the arc for the second instalment in this series! As I said in my first review I really enjoyed the found family aspect of this book. I got excited when Eliana and Griffin showed up again in the middle I missed them so much!!
Given the cold weather I’ve been experiencing lately, I enjoyed reading about their surfing tour through various countries. Reading about their trips had me itching for hot weather again. 🏄♀️
Spoiler!! The hint of Christmas at the end with Koa’s family was really heartwarming. It was touching to see how easily they invited Maliah into their family, given what she went through with her Dad.
Thank you again to Tanisha and her team for gracing me with a copy of this book! I am so excited to see where this series takes us ♥️
Given the cold weather I’ve been experiencing lately, I enjoyed reading about their surfing tour through various countries. Reading about their trips had me itching for hot weather again. 🏄♀️
Spoiler!! The hint of Christmas at the end with Koa’s family was really heartwarming. It was touching to see how easily they invited Maliah into their family, given what she went through with her Dad.
Thank you again to Tanisha and her team for gracing me with a copy of this book! I am so excited to see where this series takes us ♥️
February 3, 2025
Maliah is heartbroken when Koa unexpectedly breaks up with her. But now since they are teammates on a surf team they are forced to go on a surf championship tour together. The catch is they also are being filmed for a reality show during the tour.
Maliah starts to let her walls down again with Koa as they begin to spend more time together.
Koa was super sweet and patient with Maliah and I really enjoyed watching their second chance at love!
I enjoyed this! I haven’t read many surfer romances. I didn’t realize this book was a part of a series and this is the second book so I think I would have enjoyed and understood more if I read the first book. I really liked the characters so I will be going back to read the first one!
Rating ⭐️: 4/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Dual POV
🌊 Second chance
🌊 Surfers
🌊 Forced proximity
Thank you to the author for the arc!
Maliah starts to let her walls down again with Koa as they begin to spend more time together.
Koa was super sweet and patient with Maliah and I really enjoyed watching their second chance at love!
I enjoyed this! I haven’t read many surfer romances. I didn’t realize this book was a part of a series and this is the second book so I think I would have enjoyed and understood more if I read the first book. I really liked the characters so I will be going back to read the first one!
Rating ⭐️: 4/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Dual POV
🌊 Second chance
🌊 Surfers
🌊 Forced proximity
Thank you to the author for the arc!
December 1, 2024
Below the Barrel
4/5⭐️
In book two, we follow Mal & Koa on a year long competition for the world surfing championships. We get to travel around the world with them and enjoy scenes with cultures and traditions which was so cool.
Maliah & Koa have a complicated relationship, which we saw in book one, and in this book we find out why and see the ups and downs as they are forced to work as a team during the competition. Seeing each of their POV’s, the tension, the mutual pining, the slow burn - chefs kiss.
This second chance romance is not just a throw a bandaid on it and call it good, which I love. We get to see the way they both work through all their feelings and hesitations surrounding one another. Everything they go through is so relatable and I felt myself feeling so deeply for them.
I absolutely love Koa and Mal and can’t wait to see snippets of them in future books in the series. Thank you so much Tanisha for this amazing book. ♡
4/5⭐️
In book two, we follow Mal & Koa on a year long competition for the world surfing championships. We get to travel around the world with them and enjoy scenes with cultures and traditions which was so cool.
Maliah & Koa have a complicated relationship, which we saw in book one, and in this book we find out why and see the ups and downs as they are forced to work as a team during the competition. Seeing each of their POV’s, the tension, the mutual pining, the slow burn - chefs kiss.
This second chance romance is not just a throw a bandaid on it and call it good, which I love. We get to see the way they both work through all their feelings and hesitations surrounding one another. Everything they go through is so relatable and I felt myself feeling so deeply for them.
I absolutely love Koa and Mal and can’t wait to see snippets of them in future books in the series. Thank you so much Tanisha for this amazing book. ♡
January 11, 2025
This was such a fun romance to read. It’s the second book in the serious and is enemies to lovers as well as second chance. I really enjoyed reading Koa and Maliah’s story unravel. I was also curious as to what happened with them and how they ended up hating each other. Come to find out I had it wrong because only Maliah acted like she hated Koa.
I kinda figured out some parts but I was still so into the story and rooting for the FMC and MMC to get their sh*t together! The way Tanisha not only gave us the romance but the traveling to all these amazing stops on the tour was so fun. At some moments I felt like I was actually watching a show of them all on tour.
This is one of my favorite series and I’m so excited for the next book. I love the surfing aspect, the found family and story lines of each character.🤍
I kinda figured out some parts but I was still so into the story and rooting for the FMC and MMC to get their sh*t together! The way Tanisha not only gave us the romance but the traveling to all these amazing stops on the tour was so fun. At some moments I felt like I was actually watching a show of them all on tour.
This is one of my favorite series and I’m so excited for the next book. I love the surfing aspect, the found family and story lines of each character.🤍
June 22, 2026
4.5 stars!
“If I could protect her from the world, I would.” 🥰😭
STOP! 😭😭😭
Although Maliah rubbed me the wrong way, I enjoyed this second chance romance and I was really rooting for her and Koa to get down to the bottom of their issues. Maliah visiting her dad and feeling like a stranger and out of place at her dad’s was so relatable and so real!!
I really enjoyed the traveling and the Hawaii Christmas experience in this. The drama was there and I ate it up… that dang Charles! lol. I enjoyed the ending … Koa and Maliah chasing their own dreams and the support still being there! I love that despite everything, they both faced their problems head on, took risks, and learned that it was worth it even if it wasn’t perfect and their own unique experience with life and surfing.
“If I could protect her from the world, I would.” 🥰😭
STOP! 😭😭😭
Although Maliah rubbed me the wrong way, I enjoyed this second chance romance and I was really rooting for her and Koa to get down to the bottom of their issues. Maliah visiting her dad and feeling like a stranger and out of place at her dad’s was so relatable and so real!!
I really enjoyed the traveling and the Hawaii Christmas experience in this. The drama was there and I ate it up… that dang Charles! lol. I enjoyed the ending … Koa and Maliah chasing their own dreams and the support still being there! I love that despite everything, they both faced their problems head on, took risks, and learned that it was worth it even if it wasn’t perfect and their own unique experience with life and surfing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This one was so damn cute! And I absolutely ate it up! I gotta say I’ve been so excited to read this book after all the build up and tension of the first book and I adored Zoa and Maliah! The tension and the forced prox ugh just so so so good! Definitely my fav out of the series so far but I’m so excited to read the next books in this series because they are going to be so good (absolutely patiently waiting out for Gabriel’s and Zalea’s book)
Overall, I had an absolute blast with this book and series so far and I’m so excited to continue diving deeper into this world 🌊🌺🤍
This one was so damn cute! And I absolutely ate it up! I gotta say I’ve been so excited to read this book after all the build up and tension of the first book and I adored Zoa and Maliah! The tension and the forced prox ugh just so so so good! Definitely my fav out of the series so far but I’m so excited to read the next books in this series because they are going to be so good (absolutely patiently waiting out for Gabriel’s and Zalea’s book)
Overall, I had an absolute blast with this book and series so far and I’m so excited to continue diving deeper into this world 🌊🌺🤍
March 5, 2026
Oh what a great second chance novel.
Koa and Maliah were such a mystery since Beyond the Break. The tension and hate love relationship the two of them had me going crazy on why they broke up.
Learning the reason in this book was heartbreaking. I think that we have all been in the situation where we make decisions based off what we think is right for the other person. When you love someone so much, their happiness is what you strive for.
I love that they got their second chance and the forced proximity helped them through that.
Koa and Maliah were such a mystery since Beyond the Break. The tension and hate love relationship the two of them had me going crazy on why they broke up.
Learning the reason in this book was heartbreaking. I think that we have all been in the situation where we make decisions based off what we think is right for the other person. When you love someone so much, their happiness is what you strive for.
I love that they got their second chance and the forced proximity helped them through that.
November 18, 2024
ARC Review🩷-
Quote “She’s here, we’re here, together, and I know in my bones I’m never letting anything, or anyone come between us again. This is our beginning, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Tropes-
Second Chance
Pro Surfers
Forced Proximity
Secrets
Rich & Poor
Tournaments
Dual POV
Review- I was so happy when I got the Email for the ARC this morning! I ate this book up in less than 3 hours! Second chance romances can be iffy for me but I was so excited for Koa and Maliah since Beyond the Break. Both of these characters thinking they weren’t good enough broke my heart. I loved seeing how they resolved the issues and how Koa made sure Maliah was shown what he said, he meant. These two have been fighting their love for so long and seeing. It come back together was so good. Gabriel setting up the one bed had me laughing so hard. I loved seeing Griffin and Eliana again and seeing their relationship grow too! This book was so good and so cute.
Quote “She’s here, we’re here, together, and I know in my bones I’m never letting anything, or anyone come between us again. This is our beginning, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Tropes-
Second Chance
Pro Surfers
Forced Proximity
Secrets
Rich & Poor
Tournaments
Dual POV
Review- I was so happy when I got the Email for the ARC this morning! I ate this book up in less than 3 hours! Second chance romances can be iffy for me but I was so excited for Koa and Maliah since Beyond the Break. Both of these characters thinking they weren’t good enough broke my heart. I loved seeing how they resolved the issues and how Koa made sure Maliah was shown what he said, he meant. These two have been fighting their love for so long and seeing. It come back together was so good. Gabriel setting up the one bed had me laughing so hard. I loved seeing Griffin and Eliana again and seeing their relationship grow too! This book was so good and so cute.
November 20, 2024
I was so excited for this love story, and it did not disappoint! The heartache, the mystery behind what happened between these two… and the redemption!! All along the beautiful world surf tour… the imagery was just picturesque in my brain. So beautiful! Koa is the perfect book boyfriend. Utterly swoon worthy. Maliah is a strong woman but has all the right soft moments. She knows when to let go and when to hold on. This series is so dang good! I can’t wait to see whose story is up next.
December 18, 2024
I absolutely loved Koa and Maliah’s story! What a page turner, a beautiful second chance romance that has you rooting for these two the whole way through. The emotions are so deep it had my heart breaking for the both of them. And the spice 🌶️🥵 Also loved all of the travel and different countries we get to experience throughout the story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and have been loving this entire series! I can’t wait for more!!!
May 16, 2025
This book/series is just pure sweetness. I love how into each other Malian & Koa are - how in tune they are with each other.
At first I was a little frustrated with Koa because it didn’t make sense why he was going back to Malian if he broke it off, but it all made sense in the end.
Excited for more of this series!
Tropes: sports/surfing, second chance romance, forced proximity, one bed
Silver’s Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
At first I was a little frustrated with Koa because it didn’t make sense why he was going back to Malian if he broke it off, but it all made sense in the end.
Excited for more of this series!
Tropes: sports/surfing, second chance romance, forced proximity, one bed
Silver’s Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
November 23, 2024
Second book in the Saltwater Springs series!? YES PLEASE! This did not disappoint. Definitely loved the slow burn between the main characters. Love how the author developed the characters throughout the story. If you love romance novels with second chances then this is the one for you! Another great read by this author! Can’t wait for more!
Read
December 12, 2024DNF at 43%.
Honestly it's not even that it's a bad book. I just think that right now I'm so into fantasy that I can't enjoy anything else. I've been waiting for this book and I'm excited to continue reading it sometime later.
Honestly it's not even that it's a bad book. I just think that right now I'm so into fantasy that I can't enjoy anything else. I've been waiting for this book and I'm excited to continue reading it sometime later.
July 20, 2025
I don’t think I got over the way Koa broke up with her. I didn’t read book one so maybe I missing more background but groveling and explaining should not have taken a year.
It never got to the emotional depth I needed to rate it higher.
It never got to the emotional depth I needed to rate it higher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2026
I enjoyed this book a lot. Second chance romance with lots of summer vibes and I loved getting real glimpses into surfing. I love the way each destination was written - it made me feel like I was there!
May 14, 2026
After reading the first book, I was looking forward to Maliha and Koa's story. The only thing is that I would have liked to see Koa have had to work a bit harder at winning back Maliha's love.
November 29, 2024
After reading Beyond the Break I could not wait until I could read the next book in the series. TBH with the each and every side character, I was excited for any of the couples to be the next in the series.
I rate this 4.75 and 2.5 spice level.
This story is Maliah and Koa’s and is an enemies to lovers/second chance story and I ate it up. This is story truly focused on Maliah and Koa as they enter the World Surf Championship tour.
The tension and banter was so good.
I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I rate this 4.75 and 2.5 spice level.
This story is Maliah and Koa’s and is an enemies to lovers/second chance story and I ate it up. This is story truly focused on Maliah and Koa as they enter the World Surf Championship tour.
The tension and banter was so good.
I can’t wait for the next in the series!
February 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🌊 Surfers
🌊 Second chance
🌊 Forced proximity
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
Koa and Maliah are forced to confront their feelings when they are chosen to compete on the world surf championship tour as a team. Their breakup was very painful and they've spent time hating each other but now, sharing rooms, beds and tents, they don't have another choice but to talk.
I love these two, I was mad at Koa for a while but in the end they are so devoted to the other I couldn't help but to fall for them both. I love sports romance and surfing is not seen enough in my opinion so this was a breath of fresh air from start to finish.
Now I'm going to need the coach's story!
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🌊 Surfers
🌊 Second chance
🌊 Forced proximity
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
Koa and Maliah are forced to confront their feelings when they are chosen to compete on the world surf championship tour as a team. Their breakup was very painful and they've spent time hating each other but now, sharing rooms, beds and tents, they don't have another choice but to talk.
I love these two, I was mad at Koa for a while but in the end they are so devoted to the other I couldn't help but to fall for them both. I love sports romance and surfing is not seen enough in my opinion so this was a breath of fresh air from start to finish.
Now I'm going to need the coach's story!
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