The Surf Instructor: A Steamy Beach Romance with a Grumpy Heroine

by Lane Winters

Type-A accountant Sloane Pierce is burned out, stressed out, and forced on mandatory vacation by her worried boss. The last thing she wants is to relax on a beach learning to surf from some laid-back instructor who probably doesn't own a watch.

Cruz Madero is exactly that instructor. And he's infuriatingly calm, endlessly patient, and way too attractive for Sloane's peace of mind. Worse? He's a former corporate lawyer who walked away from the rat race—and he sees right through her carefully constructed armor.

As Sloane learns to ride the waves, she starts to shed the stress, the schedules, and the life that's been slowly killing her. But Cruz is seasonal—in two weeks, he's heading to Costa Rica, and she's heading back to reality.

Unless she's brave enough to rewrite her entire life for a chance at real happiness.

A transformative romance about a woman who learns to let go, a man who teaches her to live, and the courage it takes to choose the life you actually want—not the one you think you should have.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Lane Winters writes steamy, emotionally charged romances set against snow-drenched backdrops and quiet towns where everyone knows your secrets. Her stories blend heat and heartbreak, featuring men who wear their scars like armor and women who refuse to melt quietly.
Expect forbidden tension, deep emotional payoff, and love stories that feel like winter storms—intense, isolating, and impossible to ignore. Lane’s heroines are resilient and sharp-tongued, while her heroes hide tenderness beneath gruff exteriors and calloused hands.
When she’s not writing about slow-burn passion and redemption in cold places, Lane’s probably wrapped in a blanket, sipping coffee strong enough to wake the dead, and plotting her next snowed-in kiss.

Reviews

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute gem, a true find that I couldn't put down! From the very first page, the storyline completely captivated me, pulling me into its world and keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very last chapter. The author's writing style was nothing short of enchanting, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience that I found myself completely lost in. However, what truly stood out was the exceptional character development; each personality felt so believable and deeply relatable, like I had known them all my life. The interactions between the characters were a definite highlight, brimming with witty banter that had me chuckling, moments of profound emotional depth that resonated deeply within me, and an undeniable chemistry that crackled off the page, making me root for them every step of the way.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hit me on such a realistic level. Burned out, working too much, and not knowing what it means to slow down. This is almost everyone’s life at some point! Sloane is a workaholic and her boss sends her in a much needed getaway.
Cruz lives a relaxed life teaching surfing. He’s laid back, relaxed, and knows hour to enjoy just sitting back. He’s exactly what Sloane needs. But so far she’s hating being there. That U.S. until she gets in the water and starts enjoying herself. I was rooting for her when Cruz had to move on. I was cheering for her to go with him. I loved that she learned that working so hard isn’t life. These two were so awesome.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 8 of the Maplewharf Falls series. Can be read as a standalone.

'A transformative romance about a woman who learns to let go, a man who teaches her to live, and the courage it takes to choose the life you actually want—not the one you think you should have.'

The characters were wonderfully written and so very appealing and steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and be solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Sloane. Overworked, burned out, in need of a break.

Cruz is the laid back surfer and just what she needs.

The spice, the banter, the humour - this was a great short read.

In so in love with the Maplewharf series. Cant wait for the next one.

A transformative romance about a woman who learns to let go, a man who teaches her to live, and the courage it takes to choose the life you actually want—not the one you think you should have.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Schimpf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, but there is truth to how Lane writes about the characters. Each book can resonate with the reader about something happening within their life. We meet Sloan, the over worked accountant who has just been forced into a 2 week vacation by her boss, and we meet Cruz the hot tanned surf instructor. There is great conversations about their life, hopes, dreams and what they want.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JP18267 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at burned out and forced to go on vacation! Sloane is the workaholic, and Cruz being the laid-back surfer is just what she needs. This story was short but didn't feel rushed. I loved that their witty banter slowly showed her there was more to life than work. The perfect vacation romance with a little spice and humor.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't control the waves...Only how you ride them."

Ok, this one hit a little too close to home and has me imagining what it would take to sell everything and ride the wave.