Chasing the Calm: Namaste with a few Detours

by Jacqueline Sand

Successful yogi and sought-after wellness influencer Yasmine Sepehr has built a life helping others heal—while quietly keeping her own heart locked away. Through Reiki, meditation, and the vibrational magic of sound healing, she’s learned to find stillness in a chaotic world. But when a Hollywood production lands her in Beverly Hills, she collides with someone who threatens to shake every boundary she’s ever set: Alex Pierce.

Alex is a high-powered venture capitalist who doesn’t do vulnerability—ever. His life is built on control, ambition, and shutting out anything that disrupts his perfectly curated world. But Yasmine? She’s everything he doesn’t know how to handle: grounded, open, and deeply connected to energies he’s always dismissed. She’s the kind of woman who sees beyond the surface, who can touch the shadows he’s buried in silence.

What begins as a steamy, whirlwind weekend unravels into something raw, transcendent, and soul-stirring—until it all falls apart. Now, the only question left is: can fate rewrite the ending they never saw coming?

“The spiritual lovechild of Eat, Pray, Love and modern romance.”
“The kind of book that rewires your expectations of love stories.”

A second-chance romance about surrender, spiritual awakening, and the kind of love that doesn’t just heal hearts—it transforms souls.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

About the author

Jacqueline Sand is a contemporary romance author based in Portugal, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, Chasing the Calm, blends emotional depth with slow-burn romance, offering readers a feel-good escape into love, healing, and second chances.

When she’s not writing, Jacqueline can be found reading on the beach with a matcha in hand or filling her growing collection of notebooks with ideas. She’s a firm believer that storytelling—like love—is one of the most powerful tools for transformation.

Reviews

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was honestly such a calming read. I love how the characters weren’t really problematic and very open with each other through most of the book.

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Yasmine is a young woman seeking to open her own yoga business. Alex is a overworked business man constantly elbows deep in work.

These two end up having a so called “meet cute” when Alex accidentally splashes Yasmine with muddy water as he drives past her. After stopping to check on her and offering her his shirt and a business card, they go their separate ways… that is, until Yasmine decides she’s going to let loose for one night and meet up with Alex. But what starts as one evening quickly turns into a whole weekend spent together, and all of a sudden they don’t want it to end. Their connection is undeniable and everything seems perfect… until a huge misunderstanding occurs and assumptions are made. All of a sudden what seemed like a perfect match is torn apart within moments.

Fast forward 2 years… Yasmine is offered a job for 2 weeks at an exclusive retreat to help guide lost people to healing through her yoga expertise. And lo and behold, who of all people happen to be one of the visitors at the retreat… none other than Alex.

Will these two learn to overcome their past and forgive each other? Or will they choose to hold on to the hurt caused all those years ago? Follow their journey as they’re pushed out of their comfort zones and learn what it’s like to truly let go and let their hearts and minds be healed.

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"Grief is a part of you. It's proof that there was love, that there was a connection. It hurts because it mattered. And grief deserves its place in our human experience, just as much as love and happiness do.”

”Grief isn't just sorrow; it's a reminder of what was good and the memories that shaped you. And when you can see it that way, the weight becomes lighter. You don't lose the love; you carry it differently."

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The depth of this story regarding inner peace and healing was phenomenal. I feel like my eyes were opened to quite a few new perspectives throughout the book. I do feel like the spice was a little overbearing and overused as a whole, but the knowledge and growth the characters experienced made up for it.

Overall I give the book a 4.5 ⭐️. I love how gentle the characters were with each other and the no third act breakup was a relief. Can’t wait for the next books in the series to come out!

A huge thank you to BookSirens and Jacqueline Sand for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book - it's one of the rare romance novels that made me fall in love with the female character too. I learned so much from her spiritual approach to life and her calm wisdom. The scenery in this book is also so beautiful too - reading this book is like going on a vacation! It's a retreat and a soul search wrapped in one.

Warning: The writing IS spicy. But even if you don't read romance for the spice - still WORTH IT! It's a book with spice but even more depth

[Danielle Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every bit of this book, Alex and Yasmine were everything I needed in a couple! My biggest plus was that the MC’s were not problematic. The entire book went along so smoothly which was a breath of fresh air.
It was 100% a comfort read for me with some spicy spice! 🌶️

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Sand’s *Chasing the Calm* is a refreshing take on contemporary romance, blending emotional depth, spiritual awakening, and sizzling chemistry into a narrative that feels both modern and deeply human. The novel follows Yasmine Sepehr, a successful yogi and wellness influencer, who has mastered the art of healing others while keeping her own heart guarded. When a Hollywood production brings her to Beverly Hills, she collides with Alex Pierce—a venture capitalist whose life is built on control and ambition. Their whirlwind connection challenges everything they thought they knew about love, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

Her writing is immersive, weaving themes of Reiki, meditation, and sound healing into a romance that transcends the typical love story. The novel doesn’t shy away from exploring emotional growth, making it a standout for readers who crave more than surface-level relationships. The chemistry between Yasmine and Alex is electric, but what truly sets the story apart is its ability to balance passion with introspection. It’s a second-chance romance that doesn’t just heal hearts—it transforms souls. A must read!

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and insightful debut novel about finding yourself and living with grief. Yasmine and Alex, though seemingly worlds apart, find each other through the twists of the universe and connect so deeply that they can’t help but find each other again years later. From the glitzy private clubs of Los Angeles to the beaches of Tulum, these two help each other heal and leave their pasts behind them, all while finding a true and transformative love.

Yasmine’s family and her fellow healers provide a colorful set of characters against the taciturn and polished glitz of Alex’s family and friends. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable and Alex’s personal journey of healing and self-development is inspiring in the transformation. Yasmine also continues to heal and her open and calm persona makes her a great counterpoint for Alex.

This is the first of a planned series focusing on all the Pierce brothers and their journeys to love.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked a lot of things that had to do with this book and it held my interest for the most part, I just think the main theme just wasn’t exactly for me. A lot of the spiritual aspects were a bit much (for me) but someone else who is more versed would probably love it. I just couldn’t get past the initial miscommunication trope, which I am really not a big fan of, but once again someone else could love. Still was a good book. received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - This book was an emotional and deeply moving journey!
Chasing the Calm beautifully captures the struggle of finding peace after chaos, and Jacqueline Sand has such a graceful way of portraying emotional depth. The characters felt real and raw, and I found myself rooting for their healing every step of the way. The pacing was just right, with quiet, introspective moments that were balanced by romantic tension and growth.
A powerful, heartfelt read that stays with you long after the final page!
Definitely recommend!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I don’t usually read romance, and never thought I'd get into it. But I received a free advance copy so thought I'd give it a go and honestly - I couldn't put it down after the first page. I loved the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys, and the tension was spot on. Each chapter left me wanting to read more. It’s really just a beautiful story that touched a lot of points I personally resonated with.

[Jessica Clemons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this book is all about a broody billionaire and this super chill yoga babe and they have a very cute meet-cute. From the start, the tension between them is hot, you can feel it in the air. forced proximity, lots of spice 🌶️, and that kind of slow burn that makes you kick your feet. If you’re into high tension romances.
Also, the way the author paints each scene? So vivid, you’re there. You can totally see the vision.

[Iris Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I was all in from the very beginning. It is very well written and I felt like I was right there with the characters. I love Jasmine and Alex’s story. I could only ever hope for the kind of love these two had for each other. True soulmates! Even spending years apart their connection was strong when they came together again in an exotic land. I really didn’t want this book to end. I highly recommend reading it.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Such a light read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The writer did an amazing job at making a beautiful, easygoing and deep love story without the cliche feel that many books have.
It got me feeling all warm and fuzzy, definetely recommend!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Yasmine absolutely shine in this book! Their story is a perfect blend of spicy, funny, and genuinely meaningful moments, truly living up to the 'Namaste with some detours' vibe. This is definitely a fun summer read – grab it for your next beach trip!

[Emily Ransom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! A feel good romance that is entertaining and healing to read. Highly recommend!!!

[Keeahruhhhreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance & Healing 💖

This was such a well-written debut. I really enjoyed Yasmine and Alex’s story and the journey they took together. The author did an exceptional job bringing them to life and delivering a story filled not only with a deliciously slow burn romance but also with emotional depth and healing. It’s low angst, but definitely not fluff.

I loved Alex as an MMC. He was such a refreshing take on the broody, emotionally detached billionaire trope—because the second he saw Yasmine, he knew she was it. And beyond that, his commitment to healing and personal growth made me fall for him even more.

Yasmine was absolute perfection. She was such a calming, grounded presence and full of positivity.

Despite the major miscommunication at the start, both characters were mature, and honestly, that made me enjoy their romance even more. Their connection and chemistry were palpable, and the spice scenes? So tastefully written—intimate without being over the top, and always deeply rooted in their emotional bond.

I really loved Jacqueline’s writing and am looking forward to continue this series.