Before the Bail

Saltwater Springs #3

by Tanisha Headley

Description to come. This is a preorder with a tentative pub date.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

About the author

Tanisha Headley is a Canadian author, and a fresh voice in the world of romance fiction. Tanisha brings to life relatable and flawed characters, heartfelt angst, and laugh-out-loud banter while exploring the steamy corners of romance.

Residing in the beautiful landscapes of Alberta, Canada, Tanisha shares her life with her husband, son, and a four-legged adventure buddy. When she's not immersed in writing swoon-worthy stories, you can find her exploring the scenic mountains and charming small towns with her family, seeking inspiration in the beauty of her surroundings. An expert of the perfect chai tea latte, Tanisha is always on the lookout for new and delightful coffee shops.

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.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh. My. Gawd. Tanisha, you completely f**ked with my heart. 😭

I knew that Zalea’s story wasn’t going to be an easy one to read but I definitely didn’t prepare for that. Her journey of running away to Italy without anyone knowing her location. That is, until stalker/friend/lover Gabriel finds her. 😅

Zalea’s struggle with her recently diagnosed PCOS. Then the dedication Gabriel shows to ensuring her life remains as normal as possible for her. He researches the best help for her possible and cooks the best meals for her. This side of Gabriel is so sweet and it’s no wonder Zalea can’t help but love him. I’d melt too.

Now I can’t spoil the ending but this alone had me in tears. Happy tears of course. So let this be your warning. Tissues may be needed!!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saltwater Springs series just keeps keeps getting better and better! Loved Zalea & Gabriel’s story, this went in so many unexpected directions, kept me on my toes and loved that I didn’t see so much of it coming. This one touched on some heavy topics and loved how it was written. Italian summer romance swoooonnn, take me to Italy!!! Also really enjoyed Zale’s character in this one, hoping we get to see more of his story soon!

[brianna ! · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

|ARC|

⋆ dual pov
⋆ PCOS rep
⋆ he spoils her
⋆ marriage pact
⋆ art school in Italy
⋆ friends to strangers to lovers
⋆ scarred FMC x tortured MMC
___________

My goodness! Before the Bail is a emotional rollercoaster of healing and love where we follow our FMC Zaela as she tries to find herself again after a traumatic experience as well as a PCOS diagnosis and our MMC Gabriel as he tries to coach the saltwater springs surfing team across the globe while searching for his girl in Italy. We watch through their eyes as hidden truths start to unfold, wounds become opened and as love starts to heal them.

Oh I have been so excited to get Gabriel and Zaela’s story after reading the last book!! I absolutely loved them so so so much. Zaelas character was such an inspirational strong woman who has gone through so much and had to learn how to deal with it. I loved watching her find herself again after everything and get her happiness back! Also loved Gabriel but let’s be real what’s not to love! That man wears his heart on his sleeve and cares about everyone in his life. I loved watching him grow as a character but also loved him stepping up! These two actually have my heart! Such amazing characters!

And Tanisha absolutely does it again! This book was everything and more. I loved being back in this universe and let me tell you Tanisha does such a great job connecting all the books together where it feels so continuous! I loved how much care was put into the representation PCOS and how much love was just put into this entire book! You can 100% tell Tanisha cares about everyone little detail and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Def one of my favorite books by her!

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! Thank you so much Tanisha Headley for the incredible ARC! I can’t wait to read the next one (I just know it’s gonna be a good one!! Hehe ) 🌊🎨💋

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Before the Bail, by Tanisha Headley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
“Sometimes you have to get lost before you find yourself again.”

🌊 In book 3 of the Saltwater Springs Series we FINALLY (if I may say so myself) get to know both Zalea & Coach Matthews a whole lot more🤭In the two previous books I was really intrigued in coach as a person, what lays beneath all the great advice, cheerful spirit & protectiveness? Zalea Evans especially caught my eye in book two as we get some teasers that she has run of to Italy?! And Gabriel is going after her😮‍💨

The story starts off with our FMC being diagnosed with PCOS, and this leads to her having a moment of thought about who she really is and what it is she wants to do with her life. Cue Italy. Gabriel goes after her once he hears about her running off, and he is literally the sweetest ever! So protective and caring, he wants to understand and help Z with her future (and a chance to win her back) but you’ll have to read yourself to find out what happens😉

This book made me FEEL. DEEPLY. There were times I hated Gabriel… but their story was so wholesome and I loved the now & then perspective, it gave a depth I highly appreciated! And uhhh he bought ALL the paintings of her?! A MAN. Honestly the ending was everything I could ever have hoped for Z & coach<33 I am so happy for them, and they are my favorite couple in the series so far!

If you’re looking for your next book with these tropes:
🌊Childhood best friends -> strangers -> lovers
🌊PCOS rep
🌊Forced proximity
Look no further!

A huge thank you to the author for giving me this ARC, it’s been such a joy reading Gabriel & Zalea’s story. Before the Bail was released this Monday & you seriously need to get your hands on this one - the entire series if you haven’t read it aldready! They’re all on KU😍Now we’re counting down until the next release in June!! 🏄🏼‍♀️

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review (ARC) 🌺🏄🏼‍♀️🇮🇹
Before the Bail by @Tanisha
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes/Topics:
🌺 best friends to strangers to lovers
🏄🏼‍♀️ PCOs rep
🇮🇹 Dual POV’s
🌺 praise kink
🏄🏼‍♀️ Pro Surfers
🇮🇹 grief rep

Blurb🌺🏄🏼‍♀️🇮🇹
“Wherever we go, you go”
Zalea was recently diagnosed with PCOS, and instead of finishing her surf season, she disappears to Italy without a word. Surfing was once her passion, but somewhere along the way, it became pressure, expectations, and a life she no longer recognized.
Gabriel, her childhood best friend and coach, is the last person she expects to find her there. Their past is messy, painful, and filled with things neither of them has faced. But while Gabriel wants to fix what he once let break, Zalea isn’t sure she can survive giving him another chance.
 
Tanisha is an incredible Canadian author, and her Saltwater Springs series is nothing short of amazing. Zalea has been through so much, and her story is both emotional and deeply touching. Gabriel, on the other hand, is definitely frustrating at first you’ll want to knock some sense into him but as the story unfolds, he really grows on you. This is by far the spiciest book Tanisha has written so far, and having read the first two books in the series, I can confidently say this one keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The unexpected plot twists had me completely invested and unable to put it down.
 
Thank you, Tanisha, for the opportunity to receive an ARC. I’m so proud to support a fellow Canadian author!

📖Available now on KU and Amazon!

#friendstoloverstostrangers #canadianauthor #saltwaterapringseries #PCOsrep #spicy

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many back and forth feelings with Gabriel. I loved him, then I hated him, then I loved him again because being young makes people do stupid things. But then he hopped on the first flight out of Italy. WRONG RESPONSE, BUDDYYYY. That made me hurt for Zalea and made me want to punch his head off his shoulders. I can forgive the need to run but the amount of time?! I would have killed him.

Gabriella broke me. Like totally broke me. Wasn’t until her name that I truly felt bad for Gabriel, before that I only saw and felt Zalea. But then I felt for Gabriel, for what that could do to a man and it made me want to hug him instead of punch him.

I actually love the Zale and Gabriel dynamic. It made me belly laugh so many times. And I love how Zale loves his sister and feels protective of her despite being the younger one.

Without giving a real spoiler, ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THE HOSPITAL SCENE?! I almost launched my ipad across the room. But the aftermath. My heart hurt for Zalea because I know that fear. The holding your breath because you’re waiting for the other shoe to fall, a repeat of last time and constantly trying to convince your brain that it will be different. “She needs to feel like it’s okay to be happy” was the perfect statement because it’s so true. The guilt, the fear, it’s overbearing.

By the end I was ugly crying. The epilogue was perfect. Bravo, Tanisha, this was beautiful.

This was my first of Tanisha’s books despite being third in the series so obviously now I’ll be going back to read books 1&2 ASAP.

[Shay Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Zalea and Gabriel’s story since book one and Tanisha Headley did not disappoint.

Headley did an incredible job handling the topics in this book. The tension between the past and present was so well executed and kept you wanting more.

The story itself handles grief in such a unique and beautiful way. It shows the rawness and realness of human emotions and how it’s not a linear event. It ebbs and flows.

The dynamic between Zalea and Gabriel was everything. The push and pull between them and the undeniable chemistry that was growing between each book came together well.

Zalea’s character was incredibly relatable. Feeling lost in the midst of complex emotions and wondering whether or not she is making the right choices or where she needs to be. Seeing her growth throughout the book was refreshing and honest. The healing journey she went on and finally allowing herself to open up to Gabriel about their past and the truth was everything.

Gabriel’s character was not what I had imagined but wow he was something special. Watching his growth and the patients he showed Zalea once they could fully talk and work through their hurt and pain was so important. I loved that he wasn’t perfect and his reactions felt genuine and human.

These two were always meant to be together even when life threw them apart and stuck obstacles in their way. It was always going to be them against the world.

[Liz Enow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Tanisha's Saltwater Springs Series and I could not wait for Gabriel and Zalea story. In book 2 Below the Barrell we see Gabriel leave Koa and Maliah competition to find Zalea.

First of all I did not expect that this book was gonna have me go through an emotional rollercoaster. This book wrecked me and I could not put it down. This book made me UGLY cry but the book/story was so good.

The way that these two have undeniable chemistry but due to something that they had experienced in the past it made it hard for Zalea to truly be open with Gabe. My heart absolutely broke for Zalea- and as much as I like Gabe- it was hard to see what happened. Despite for the past- I wanted them together- now that they are older/more mature and ready to take their next steps in their lives- I was ready for Gabe to step up (not financially) but emotionally.

I loved Zalea's family- they are the best- and I love that they stick up for her.

I could tell that Tanisha put a lot of in this book- and also shares the same diagnosis to Zalea- I appreciate her for doing this as so many readers can relate.

I rate this book a 4.5 ⭐ 3.5🌶️

[Londyn Strandquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanisha Headley completely wrecked my emotions with Zalea and Gabriel’s story. I had been waiting for their book since the first one, and it absolutely delivered.

After everything she’s been through, Zalea escapes to try and rebuild her life. But her past, and Gabriel, aren’t far behind. Their relationship is messy, emotional, and full of unresolved hurt, which makes their dynamic so compelling to watch unfold.

Zalea’s journey really stood out to me. Seeing her navigate trauma while also dealing with a PCOS diagnosis was handled with so much care, and watching her slowly rediscover herself and allow happiness back into her life was incredibly powerful.

Gabriel had me going back and forth the whole time. I loved him, then wanted to scream at him, and then loved him again. He isn’t perfect, but his devotion to Zalea and the way he tries to support her made it impossible not to root for them.

This book was raw, emotional, and had me tearing up by the end. Zalea and Gabriel’s story is messy, heartfelt, and full of healing, and it might just be my favorite in the series! If it’s possible to have a fave book rip your heart out lol

[Kayla Thomasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

I was incredibly fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Tanisha’s newest in the Saltwater Springs series. This story took us a little farther from the world of surfing, but so much deeper into the lives of the characters of Gabriel, Zalea, and Zale.

What I loved most about this book were the parts I didn’t like; there were moments that were raw, full of grief, joy, and that were perfectly imperfect. Characters who have flaws, relationships that need honest work, and life experiences that are maybe not how we envision, but finding joy in them anyways. Life is all these things and Tanisha captured them in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.

I loved getting to know these three better as people, and I enjoyed how the story unfolded around the events of the previous book, Below the Barrel, giving us insight into what was happening with Gabriel and Zalea in Italy while Koa and Maliah were on their tour, bringing the story full circle.

-Canadian Female Author
-Second Chance Romance
-PCOS Representation
-Mental Health Representation

[Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Oh wow. Look. Ever since the first book, Beyond the Break, Zalea and Gabriel were the two characters that interested me the most! The tension they had and mysterious backstory made me crave for their story. I just finished the arc of this book and it did not disappoint.

Learning their history made their interactions from the first two books make sense now. I cannot believe the wild journey these 2 have gone through.

This has been such an emotional and heartbreaking story to read. Even then my gosh, this by far is probably my favorite book out of them all. Learning to trust, heal, and go forward with happiness from going through a life changing event is so hard but there’s always light at the end! You persevere and keep going. These two were made for each other. The attraction. The spice. The banter. Ahhh my favorite couple.

The ending was sweet and I’m so happy they got their happy ending!

[Pauline (booksofviolette) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the bail by Tanisha Headley
Saltwater Springs #3

| Gabriel & Zalea |

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🧡 Friends to strangers to lovers
🧡 PCOS rep
🧡 Marriage pact
🧡 Scarred FMC / Tortured MMC
🧡 Spiciest Spice
🧡 He spoils her
🧡 Art school in Italy

The way I SOBBED reading this.

I've been waiting for Gabriel and Zalea's story since the beginning of the Saltwater Spring series. The surf coach and his student's sister, a famous surfer. We knew they had history. I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS THAT EMOTIONAL.

Zalea disappears after her PCOS diagnosis and of course Gabriel finds her and plans to never let go. But they need to clear up their past (and they have A LOT to unpack). This truly is a journey to happiness, with Zalea trying to find herself and Gabriel figuring out where things went wrong and how to move forward.

I'm still recovering.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Bail is an emotional and character-driven story that focuses on healing, growth, and rediscovering yourself after trauma.

Zalea’s journey stood out the most to me. Watching her navigate her experiences while also dealing with a PCOS diagnosis added depth to her character and made her story feel grounded and real.

Gabriel provided a steady and supportive presence, and I liked how their connection developed alongside her personal growth rather than overshadowing it.

This felt like more than just a romance—it was a story about strength, resilience, and finding your way forward.

Overall, this was a meaningful and emotional read that stayed with me after finishing.

⭐️ 6/5 | 🔥 4/5 | 🌶️ 3/5 | 💧 6/5

[Leandra Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wherever you go, I go”
I thought this would be a 3 star but boy was I WRONG. I was sobbing at 60% I was not expecting to cry either. And then panic I felt close to the end because I didn’t want things to repeat itself. I even related to some of the experience Zalea and the twins went through, which made me feel so much harder for this book. The journey Zalea and Gabriel go through is insane. It’s so sad but incredible beautiful. It takes them a while to get their happy ending but the pain you go through is so worth it. These characters are definitely going to stick with me

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I did not expect this book to be as emotional as it was. It hit some really hard topics, and I thought it was written very well. I loved the flashbacks to understand the couple's past. It gave more insight and things were revealed in them at just the right moments in the story. I loved these characters, even though they were a bit too frustrating at times. The romance was a bit unconventional compared to other romance novels, but I really liked it. It was unique and more unpredictable.

[Olivia Bowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Tanisha Headley in the Saltwater Springs series! I really connected with this story as a fellow PCOS girl. I get the author really did justice bringing all the issues with having this disorder. This read really had my heart going on a rollercoaster. Not to mention the times I teared up. I fell in love with the characters and all their flaws from the beginning. This story has made me want to endure an Italian getaway! This author does not disappoint with her books!

[Kittrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶



This story killed me a little inside. But in a good way.

Absolutely incredible story following Zalea and Gabriel as they navigate through a hard past, and an unknown future.

Zalea runs away to Italy to find herself right before a huge surf competition after receiving the devastating news she has PCOS. Gabriel finds out and essentially tracks her down.

They work through their issues and when I say the last quarter of the book will have you all in your feels I mean it!! It was soo good! The plot, the character growth, the spice. All of it perfect

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Tanisha for letting me read this book early!

3 stars out of 5.

A very nice friends to strangers to lovers story.

- Friends to Lovers
- Marriage Pact
- He will follow her anywhere
- Dual POV
- PCOS rep
- Unexpected pregnancy

[Jackie Weddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I have read and I very much enjoyed it!

I will definitely be going back to read the other two books as I feel that I am missing out on so much as far as the development of the relationship between the two main characters.

I love that it is set in Italy. The way the cities and landscapes were described made me feel like I was there, which I love!

[Kelsey Borgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy

This was my first book by Tanisha Headley and I absolutely fell in love with Before the Bail. It’s a story about loss, love, grief, and family that will make you fall in love with the characters and their story immediately. This story takes you from Hawaii to all over Italy and then to Saltwater Springs in this beautifully written masterpiece. One of my new favorite series and Tanisha Headley is one my new favorite authors