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Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves
Twenty-five-year-old Mark Hayes has wings.
Wings that soar him away from his problems and drown out the swirling anxiety in his head.
He’s the life of every party, always sporting an infectious smile. But what’s beneath those wings and behind those bright green eyes?
Over the last five years, Mark has been pining for his best friend. He’s finally confessed his love to her, only to be rejected. The same week he finds out his mother is sick. When he moves to Boston to help take care of her, he decides to frame it as the perfect escape; now he doesn’t have to face any of the drama he’s leaving behind. Yay for convenient avoidance!
Mark keeps himself happily distracted by charming new friends and landing his dream job as head chef at an up-and-coming bistro. There’s only one problem . . . The best friend (the one he’s desperate to stop thinking about) flies three thousand miles to see him—showing up at his doorstep unannounced. Mark is trying to act like he’s not hanging onto life by a thread, but this might just be the thing that makes him finally snap.
Can this golden boy keep his wings steady as he flies above the mess he’s become a master at avoiding?
Wings that soar him away from his problems and drown out the swirling anxiety in his head.
He’s the life of every party, always sporting an infectious smile. But what’s beneath those wings and behind those bright green eyes?
Over the last five years, Mark has been pining for his best friend. He’s finally confessed his love to her, only to be rejected. The same week he finds out his mother is sick. When he moves to Boston to help take care of her, he decides to frame it as the perfect escape; now he doesn’t have to face any of the drama he’s leaving behind. Yay for convenient avoidance!
Mark keeps himself happily distracted by charming new friends and landing his dream job as head chef at an up-and-coming bistro. There’s only one problem . . . The best friend (the one he’s desperate to stop thinking about) flies three thousand miles to see him—showing up at his doorstep unannounced. Mark is trying to act like he’s not hanging onto life by a thread, but this might just be the thing that makes him finally snap.
Can this golden boy keep his wings steady as he flies above the mess he’s become a master at avoiding?
ebook
Published February 10, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Leah Joanne
3 books10 followersLeah Joanne has many passions, but two of them have now become a necessary part of her life; writing and traveling. Fiction has always been Leah’s coping mechanism of choice when life tastes sour. Traveling has opened her mind and heart. She combines those two passions to create a world for readers to escape to when they need to jump into a new life for an hour or two. Leah loves to entertain her readers while sneaking in powerful messages about complex human emotions. She writes with all heart and no fluff. Leah Joanne is currently working on the next installment of the “Onyx” series, a world of characters that readers are already addicted to. She takes her craft seriously, traveling with intention to the locations where her books take place, but sometimes she binges one of her favorite character dramas (as an excuse for more research and inspiration of course). You can’t get more messy and complex than Gilmore Girls after all.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 22, 2026
He’s always so happy! Always makes everyone feel included and is truly what has held Valletta together over the past few years. Now, he’s gone. Valletta is still facing huge problems and it seems the solution is to only trust someone she knows she can’t. Or, she could, fly to Boston and find out why Mark left.
Mark has spent his life fixing things. This time the things just seem to be taking over. Some of them he isn’t even sure he can or wants to fix. Valletta was supposed to be a part of his journey, but he had no choice but to leave. When she shows up at his door he still doesn’t know how to fix everything.
Both Valletta and Mark are in the midst of huge storms in their lives. While they find relief in the sight and sound of the ocean this time it might be what sweeps them away. Will they discover that they can face whatever they need to together. Or will they determine that being on their own is the right choice.
This is book 2 in a series and really should be read in the order they were written to truly understand the characters. The author masterfully brings these characters, their strengths, weaknesses and issues to life in book 1, and this book continues on with their journey. Characters you came to love in book 1 you will still love and those you came to hate, well, let’s just say I think I said over and over again while reading this book that I hated one of the characters. The thing is, that means the author did an amazing job of writing in that persons story. This series is one you really don’t want to miss!
https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
Mark has spent his life fixing things. This time the things just seem to be taking over. Some of them he isn’t even sure he can or wants to fix. Valletta was supposed to be a part of his journey, but he had no choice but to leave. When she shows up at his door he still doesn’t know how to fix everything.
Both Valletta and Mark are in the midst of huge storms in their lives. While they find relief in the sight and sound of the ocean this time it might be what sweeps them away. Will they discover that they can face whatever they need to together. Or will they determine that being on their own is the right choice.
This is book 2 in a series and really should be read in the order they were written to truly understand the characters. The author masterfully brings these characters, their strengths, weaknesses and issues to life in book 1, and this book continues on with their journey. Characters you came to love in book 1 you will still love and those you came to hate, well, let’s just say I think I said over and over again while reading this book that I hated one of the characters. The thing is, that means the author did an amazing job of writing in that persons story. This series is one you really don’t want to miss!
https://kathskornerdotblog.wordpress....
February 10, 2026
Genuinely struggled on if I want to include spoilers or not, and I think for the full gush and experience, we’re going to do spoilers. Oh, and to have mercy, the ending is a “cliffhanger” in a sense. SUFFER WITH ME, MY PRETTIES.
First and foremost; I’ve had the pleasure of receiving an ARC from the lovely author Leah Joanne, and it is the second in the series I’ve read by her. This book is completely worth it in every way, I was actually floored.
I HATE how blatantly I had disregarded Mark in my review for book one. I’m pretty sure I literally wrote him off as “a nice guy and not for me”. I payed for it in book two (in a good way, I promise). I really played right into what Leah meant to do to her readers and I loved it. Book two is centered around the core relationship of Valletta and Mark (Owen and Melanie still cameo and play a huge part, don’t worry).
Leah really got a chance to spread her writer wings and she SOARED. You can see the comfort with the characters and how the growth/introspection of each character was done so lovingly. The way the themes melded with the actual characters was also wonderful, and often painful at times. There are topics of SI/SA, Depression, and Anxiety and I truly feel that the fact they made me cry or think about my own troubles and life is GOOD. They were also SUBTLY built up until it became a literal wave. I cannot express how well the themes were done. It was raw and real and I love that about Leah’s series.
I found myself deeply conflicted throughout the book. I didn’t want Mark and Valletta to get together, then I did, then I was rooting for a crackhead ship of Owen and Melanie. I am equally upset with, annoyed with, and understanding of each character (except for Melanie, I literally love her so much, she can do no wrong, I would die for her). Valletta FINALLY getting checked about her self-centered behavior and how it affected her relationships felt so damn good, when a character is actually checks for their bad habits? PEAK. Owen forced into introspection also came in absolutely clutch, we might have development on his end FOR REAL. Mark felt more like a very, very sad man who never got a chance to fully breathe; and he needed that “WAKE UP AND LOOK AT WHAT ITS DOING TO YOU” that felt cathartic AF when it finally came. Mark’s character and portrayal was perfect torture.
I also felt like the ending was two sides of the same coin. I didn’t want Mark and Valletta to get together by the end. That’s the honest truth. I’m still not sure they’ll ever be good for each other. But I’m also sad that they still have that work to do. It’s hard when real life is actually REAL. You can love someone to pieces and it still isn’t enough to fix you. YOU have to fix you. That’s a powerful message and even with a bittersweet ending, I feel like it’s the one I wanted the most. This book, in my opinion, is about hope and how love can take something scary and shape it into a beautiful thing as long as YOU put in the work, too.
The alliance between Owen and Melanie gives me HOPE for my crackhead ship (please don’t tell me I’m alone about this, they’d be so GOOD together guys)!!!
My favorite quote is from a side character that gave me hope: “I have a long way to go, but I’ve learned that’s a good thing; it means I have somewhere to go”. Marcus said that. I hope others read that and felt hope, too.
First and foremost; I’ve had the pleasure of receiving an ARC from the lovely author Leah Joanne, and it is the second in the series I’ve read by her. This book is completely worth it in every way, I was actually floored.
I HATE how blatantly I had disregarded Mark in my review for book one. I’m pretty sure I literally wrote him off as “a nice guy and not for me”. I payed for it in book two (in a good way, I promise). I really played right into what Leah meant to do to her readers and I loved it. Book two is centered around the core relationship of Valletta and Mark (Owen and Melanie still cameo and play a huge part, don’t worry).
Leah really got a chance to spread her writer wings and she SOARED. You can see the comfort with the characters and how the growth/introspection of each character was done so lovingly. The way the themes melded with the actual characters was also wonderful, and often painful at times. There are topics of SI/SA, Depression, and Anxiety and I truly feel that the fact they made me cry or think about my own troubles and life is GOOD. They were also SUBTLY built up until it became a literal wave. I cannot express how well the themes were done. It was raw and real and I love that about Leah’s series.
I found myself deeply conflicted throughout the book. I didn’t want Mark and Valletta to get together, then I did, then I was rooting for a crackhead ship of Owen and Melanie. I am equally upset with, annoyed with, and understanding of each character (except for Melanie, I literally love her so much, she can do no wrong, I would die for her). Valletta FINALLY getting checked about her self-centered behavior and how it affected her relationships felt so damn good, when a character is actually checks for their bad habits? PEAK. Owen forced into introspection also came in absolutely clutch, we might have development on his end FOR REAL. Mark felt more like a very, very sad man who never got a chance to fully breathe; and he needed that “WAKE UP AND LOOK AT WHAT ITS DOING TO YOU” that felt cathartic AF when it finally came. Mark’s character and portrayal was perfect torture.
I also felt like the ending was two sides of the same coin. I didn’t want Mark and Valletta to get together by the end. That’s the honest truth. I’m still not sure they’ll ever be good for each other. But I’m also sad that they still have that work to do. It’s hard when real life is actually REAL. You can love someone to pieces and it still isn’t enough to fix you. YOU have to fix you. That’s a powerful message and even with a bittersweet ending, I feel like it’s the one I wanted the most. This book, in my opinion, is about hope and how love can take something scary and shape it into a beautiful thing as long as YOU put in the work, too.
The alliance between Owen and Melanie gives me HOPE for my crackhead ship (please don’t tell me I’m alone about this, they’d be so GOOD together guys)!!!
My favorite quote is from a side character that gave me hope: “I have a long way to go, but I’ve learned that’s a good thing; it means I have somewhere to go”. Marcus said that. I hope others read that and felt hope, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
I am so incredibly honored to have met Leah. Over the past six months, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her, her books, and the unforgettable characters she’s created. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure.
Now… let’s talk about the book.
Mark. My baby boy. My love.
Book 1 leaves us with a sense of loss, heartache, uncertainty, and the ache of unresolved emotions. Thankfully, Book 2 picks up immediately where we left off.
Waves the Color of Onyx (book 1) focuses on Valletta, her life, her internal battles, her story.
Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves (book 2) shifts the spotlight to Mark. We still see Valletta, and we still hear her voice, but this is Mark’s journey.
After flying across the country with a broken heart, determined to rebuild his life, we find Mark in a turbulent emotional state. Caring for his sick mother becomes yet another way for him to bury his pain, to avoid confronting the wounds he’s carried for far too long.
I relate to Mark deeply. I, too, tend to bury my feelings and struggle with confrontation. Mark has mastered the art of wearing a mask, holding himself together on the outside while everything inside him threatens to crack. But the thing about bottling up your emotions is that eventually, the glass will shatter.
And when the love of his life, the one who got away, shows up on his doorstep, Mark is finally forced to face everything he’s been running from.
Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves is a story of love, loss, and the courage it takes to let go. It’s raw, emotional, and beautifully character-driven.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves stories that tackle tough subjects with honesty, compassion, and a deep sense of healing.
Now… let’s talk about the book.
Mark. My baby boy. My love.
Book 1 leaves us with a sense of loss, heartache, uncertainty, and the ache of unresolved emotions. Thankfully, Book 2 picks up immediately where we left off.
Waves the Color of Onyx (book 1) focuses on Valletta, her life, her internal battles, her story.
Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves (book 2) shifts the spotlight to Mark. We still see Valletta, and we still hear her voice, but this is Mark’s journey.
After flying across the country with a broken heart, determined to rebuild his life, we find Mark in a turbulent emotional state. Caring for his sick mother becomes yet another way for him to bury his pain, to avoid confronting the wounds he’s carried for far too long.
I relate to Mark deeply. I, too, tend to bury my feelings and struggle with confrontation. Mark has mastered the art of wearing a mask, holding himself together on the outside while everything inside him threatens to crack. But the thing about bottling up your emotions is that eventually, the glass will shatter.
And when the love of his life, the one who got away, shows up on his doorstep, Mark is finally forced to face everything he’s been running from.
Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves is a story of love, loss, and the courage it takes to let go. It’s raw, emotional, and beautifully character-driven.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves stories that tackle tough subjects with honesty, compassion, and a deep sense of healing.
January 26, 2026
*Disclaimer*
This review is based on an ARC read, the book will be available to the public in April.
Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves is the second book in the series. Both books are raw, full of emotion, and so well written. The FMC, Valletta, has dealt with hardship since she was a young girl. Her sleep deprivation consumes her, but her waking life is the real nightmare. The same can be said for the MMC, Mark.
He has played face and held it together for Valletta for five years now, but like the waves, he begins to break under the pressure. He tries to distance himself, but quickly realizes whatever force tethers them together isn’t a rubber band that will snap and dissipate with too much pull. Real-life challenges and emotions weigh heavily on them both, making this story feel honest and painfully real.
Thanks again for choosing me as one of the first readers and for also checking in on me while I go through my own hardships. Leah is truly a wonderful human, and I cannot wait to watch her career as an author flourish and continue to support her through reading and reviews along the way. 💚
This review is based on an ARC read, the book will be available to the public in April.
Breaking Beneath Emerald Waves is the second book in the series. Both books are raw, full of emotion, and so well written. The FMC, Valletta, has dealt with hardship since she was a young girl. Her sleep deprivation consumes her, but her waking life is the real nightmare. The same can be said for the MMC, Mark.
He has played face and held it together for Valletta for five years now, but like the waves, he begins to break under the pressure. He tries to distance himself, but quickly realizes whatever force tethers them together isn’t a rubber band that will snap and dissipate with too much pull. Real-life challenges and emotions weigh heavily on them both, making this story feel honest and painfully real.
Thanks again for choosing me as one of the first readers and for also checking in on me while I go through my own hardships. Leah is truly a wonderful human, and I cannot wait to watch her career as an author flourish and continue to support her through reading and reviews along the way. 💚
December 28, 2025
I had the honor of reading this second book in the series early, and I loved it just as much as the first!
Right from the beginning, I was pulled into the world and the characters, their inner thoughts and their emotions. Leah has a really great way of writing strong emotions that can be uncomfortable for some people to sit in, but she got them so spot on. I especially felt for Mark in this one.
Definitely give this series a try. You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for drama, friendship, romance, and a little bit of mystery with lots of tension.
This book has some kissing, but no spice.
Right from the beginning, I was pulled into the world and the characters, their inner thoughts and their emotions. Leah has a really great way of writing strong emotions that can be uncomfortable for some people to sit in, but she got them so spot on. I especially felt for Mark in this one.
Definitely give this series a try. You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for drama, friendship, romance, and a little bit of mystery with lots of tension.
This book has some kissing, but no spice.
February 11, 2026
Leah Joanne does it again! This book, like Waves the Color of Onyx, is full of emotional impact and intensity. You fall even deeper in love with the characters in this one as Leah Joanne really develops the characters even more. You truly learn more about the past and present for both Valletta and Mark, which makes their dynamics even more special.
The characters and storyline are so raw, real, genuine, and authentic, which makes this book so amazing. This one will stay with me for awhile and cannot wait for book 3 to see how everything continues! I truly love and adore this entire series from start to finish! This book truly is a standout and a must read!
The characters and storyline are so raw, real, genuine, and authentic, which makes this book so amazing. This one will stay with me for awhile and cannot wait for book 3 to see how everything continues! I truly love and adore this entire series from start to finish! This book truly is a standout and a must read!
February 3, 2026
A beautiful follow-on from book 1.
This story made me laugh, cry and smile so hard. Valletta and Marks friendship dynamic is a rollercoaster of emotions but they navigate them well in their own way.
The ending was not what I was expecting but so GOOD, and i cant wait to see what happens next.
The Gilmore Girls references were a standout, and there were some stand out quotes that were inspiring.
Leah's writing is a testament to her ability in creating soulful and relatable characters.
This story made me laugh, cry and smile so hard. Valletta and Marks friendship dynamic is a rollercoaster of emotions but they navigate them well in their own way.
The ending was not what I was expecting but so GOOD, and i cant wait to see what happens next.
The Gilmore Girls references were a standout, and there were some stand out quotes that were inspiring.
Leah's writing is a testament to her ability in creating soulful and relatable characters.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews