Chasing Bluffs

by T.L. Akermann

They were chasing joy, but danger was never far behind.

Cassidy never imagined living life without her brother, Parker. His sudden death left a hole in her heart —and in the heart of Ryder, Parker’s best friend and the one person who fully understands her grief. Determined to find a way forward, Cassidy and Ryder set out to complete a summer bucket list filled with adventures of happiness and memories. As they chase sunrises, cliff dives, and quiet moments of joy, their shared sorrow slowly transforms into something deeper, something that feels a lot like love.

Just as Cassidy begins to imagine a future with Ryder, her past resurfaces. Her ex —the father of her five-year-old son, Caleb— returns, fighting for custody and dragging her into a legal and emotional battle that threatens to unravel everything she’s rebuilt.

As tensions rise and secrets surface, Cassidy must fight not only for her son, but for the unexpected love that’s grown in the ashes of loss. With everything on the line, she and Ryder must confront their deepest fears and decide if what they’ve found is strong enough to weather the storm.

Chasing Bluffs is a heart-wrenching, slow-burning romantic suspense about grief, healing, and the fragile beauty of second chances.

302 pages, ebook

Published August 1, 2025

About the author

T.L Akermann is an American author who was born, raised, and currently resides in Michigan. An avid fantasy, romantasy, and romance reader, she has had her nose in a book since she was three years old and is always on the lookout for her next five-star read. At 27 years old, she decided it was time to put some of her daydreams to paper to create her own stories. When she’s not writing, you can find her cuddling with her dog, traveling with her husband, or rewatching her comfort shows way too many times to count.

Reviews

[Amy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, maybe even more than the first book in the series. My husband and I just bought property in the northern part of the UP so I love the location setting of these books. The description of the towns make me feel like I’m up at our property. I’ll be looking for book 3. Maybe Lupin’s love story?

[Grace L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of Michigan summers, this book has my heart! Cassidy and Ryder have had such a tough go after loosing someone they both loved in a very traumatic way. They navigate feelings of guilt, loss, and renewed hope in the midst of heartbreak. Having each other to lean on and to create a safe place for each other is something I loved about this book. It didn’t launch into a relationship where you wondered how someone could move into something so serious so fast, it burned from a loving relationship of friendship and trust to something much more which is absolutely my favorite! Their summer bucket list was so cute and made me want to make one of my own! I love the relationship between Cassidy and Ryder and how up front he is in his want for her. Seeing their development both as a couple and individually as they heal made me feel so invested in them as characters. Their interactions together, especially with Caleb, make my heart melt! This book kept me pulled in the whole time filled with suspense, cute moments, and even had me cracking up (hello Bailey brothers group chat) If you want a book that feels like summer with enough love and drama to keep you interested, this is a must read!!!

[Jayci Breeding · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ARC review: A Perfect Summer Romance with a Twist of Suspense

I absolutely loved this book! Set against the stunning backdrop of a summer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the romance between Ryder and Cassie had me completely hooked from the very beginning. Their chemistry felt so real and beautifully messy in all the best ways.

This book perfectly blends heart-fluttering romance with just the right amount of mystery and emotional stakes. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page. If you love summer love, summer bucket lists, characters with real growth, and a little twist of drama that keeps you guessing, this one is a must-read!😍🤌🏼

[Mary Mitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Bluffs is so good! T.L. Akermann has not disappointed. I seriously could not put this book down. Ryder and Cassidy is suspenseful love story that moves along where you can't put it down. Well written and now please hurry with the next Bailey Brothers book!!! I love this and highly recommend it!