Found In Nalu: A Paradise Romance

by G.T. London

Juliana Broom thought she left her dark days behind when she fled Boston for the sunny tropical town of Nalu, Hawaii. Once a successful journalist who fought hard to have her voice be heard, Juliana’s career came crashing down after a high-profile exposé backfired. Now, as a hotel concierge, she creates dream vacations for everyone but herself. And honestly? She lives in paradise, so she’s okay with that.

Or at least she was until her fiancé walked into the hotel with his new wife.

It’s Juliana watched Ron get buried. Now he’s standing in front of her, very much alive, claiming he doesn’t know who she is.

Reeling from shock, Juliana’s spared from public humiliation when Keanu, a charming local pilot, steps in to help her navigate the moment. What begins as a quiet rescue becomes something more when circumstances—and simmering chemistry—push them into a fake relationship neither expected.

Love always finds a way in Nalu Town, and Keanu is slowly stealing Juliana’s heart. But with Ron stepping out of the shadows and insisting he’s not who she thinks he is, Juliana must chase the mystery she can’t walk away from and decide if she’s finally ready to open her heart to a real second chance.

After years of chasing the truth, can she lock the door on her old life once and for all and embrace the possibility of love? Maybe even aloha.

Set against the lush shores of Hawai‘i, this small-town romance from bestselling author G.T. London offers a tropical island escape, where fake dating and forced proximity in a close-knit community collide with a gripping mystery and a bold, unforgettable love story.

Book One in the Nalu Town Collection.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

About the author

G.T. London is an award-winning, #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author in both the USA and Canada for her novel Eight Weeks Later. She writes contemporary romance with mystery and suspense, and her novels are known for their unforgettable characters, secrets, unexpected twists, and intricate family dynamics. Her stories explore all facets of love in its many forms.

For much of her adult life, G.T. London lived in London, where she worked as a healthcare executive, business coach, and leadership trainer across the UK and Canada.

She holds an MBA from Warwick Business School in the UK and has served as a guest lecturer for MBA students. Additionally, she mentors at business schools internationally and leads writing workshops.

Now a full-time novelist, she has contributed articles to Entrepreneur and Training magazines. She currently resides in Hawai‘i with her husband, Jason, who is also an author.


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Reviews

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

GT London did it again with another stunning novel, this one is also set in beautiful Maui!!

In Found in Nalu, Juliana heads to Nalu Town in Maui, Hawaii to care for her aunt for a few weeks. While there, she takes a job as a concierge at a popular high end hotel.

Juliana is a journalist in Boston, but due to devastating events over the past year, including the loss of her fiancé and then the loss of her job, a few months in paradise is exactly what she needs.

But then… she runs into her deceased fiancé. He’s alive and newly married!? What in the world?

Juliana sets out to discover the truth about him and whether or not he really is the man she buried or just someone who looks so much like him.

While in Nalu Town, she meets Keanu, a very handsome, very sweet helicopter pilot along with his brown Labrador mix, Koa!

I loved this novel. This book is a love story to Hawaii and it made me yearn to go back as soon as possible. GT has a way of bringing in the locations of her books as if they are truly another character in her novel. She tells a journalistic story of Pele who is the revered Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. This was probably my second favorite part of Found in Nalu.

But my favorite part; Koa the dog!! And then there’s also Keanu, who is officially my new book boyfriend!

And we can’t forget a few little bonus pictures of some of the local Hawaiian flora that are sprinkled throughout the book. It was nice to see the drawings with my eyes rather than my imagination, or take the time to pull out my phone to do a google search. I thought this was such a nice touch by the author.

This story is a mix of romance, mystery and suspense and I adored every minute.

Found in Nalu is the first book of a planned trilogy, and I can’t wait to continue my journey in Nalu Town.

*Thanks so much to the author and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on the booktour!*

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a beachy read that's reminiscent of Elin Hilderbrand books, I highly recommend you picking this up. The setting itself was so wonderful. Lush, beautiful and tropical Nalu Hawaii. Juliana has left her job and life to begin a new life in Hawaii. While working as a concierge, she sees her fiance, the one who is supposed to be dead, with his new wife. She's shocked to say the least. He says he doesn't know who she is. Then she meets Keanu. He's there to rescue her just in time. He is a local pilot, and very attractive. He also has the cutest Labrador named Koa. They decide to fake a relationship. They both have reasons for this. But really, Juliana wants to know if it's really her fiance. Why would he fake his death? Then she starts to have feelings for Keanu. This was such a fun contemporary romance, with a mystery to keep it suspenseful. I really loved it and was completely invested in Juliana and her story.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found in Nalu by G.T. London completely swept me away. From the very first pages, I was transported to the beautiful, vibrant town of Nalu where the ocean breeze, close knit community, and spirit of aloha feels tangible.

Juliana’s story is deeply compelling. Watching her rebuild her life after heartbreak and career loss made her incredibly relatable, and I loved seeing her strength slowly return as she faces the impossible when the man she believed was dead suddenly reappears. The mystery element kept me turning the pages, while the romance brought the perfect amount of heart.

Keanu is everything you want in a romantic lead: kind, steady, and impossible not to root for. The fake relationship trope mixed with forced proximity creates so many tender, swoony moments, and the chemistry between Juliana and Keanu feels genuine and beautifully written.

What makes this story truly shine is the way it balances romance, mystery, healing, and second chances. The lush Hawaiian setting adds an extra layer of magic that makes the whole story feel like a warm escape.

If you love small town romance, layered characters, a touch of mystery, and a love story that unfolds with both heart and hope, this is absolutely one to add to your reading list. I cannot wait to return to Nalu Town for the next book.

🌺 Highly recommend picking this one up and letting yourself get lost in Nalu.

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOUND IN NALU had a bit of everything. I would say that it was mainly a romance book, but there were elements of mystery as well. The setting was in Hawaii which was perfect for the story. Hawaii is definitely a place that I would like to visit in the future! The author’s writing was outstanding and I am looking forward to her next book now!

Many thanks to G.T. London for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

G.T. London, the Author of “Found in Nalu” has written a captivating and intriguing novel. I love how G.T. London describes the contrast and beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, and the various elements. I am ready to pack a suitcase for this great suspenseful, mysterious, and romantic adventure. G.T. London vividly describes the landscape, scenery and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters can be described as complex and complicated. The female protagonist, Juliana Broom was a successful journalist in Boston, but was fired when her story of a high-powered individual was posted. Juliana retreats to the paradise in Nalu, Hawaii, where her Aunt lives. Juliana becomes a hotel concierge, and starts to meet new people. Juliana is holding her own, until she sees her dead fiancee walk into the hotel, with a new wife.

Juliana is about to faint, when Keanu, a handsome pilot comes to her rescue. It doesn’t hurt that he has a lovable dog. The two decide they will have a fake relationship, which will benefit them both. Juliana’s curiosity is obsessive, and she is dying to know why her fiancé faked his death, and why he is in Nalu. At the same time, her fake feelings for Keanu are warming up. Juliana must find the truth of the past, so she can live in the present. I highly recommend this memorable heart-felt book.

[Lale Ak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read one of London's books, I am convinced she has reached her peak — and every time, she proves me beautifully wrong with something even more extraordinary. This is the first installment of an anticipated trilogy, and I must confess, I devoured it so quickly that I am already counting the days until the next two arrive.
Her character depiction is nothing short of captivating — so richly layered and wonderfully crafted that I found myself drawn irresistibly deep into their worlds, trying to understand their hearts, their choices, and sometimes even speaking to them as though they could hear me. It still amazes me how intimately I come to know and care for her characters within just a few chapters — a true testament to London's extraordinary storytelling gift.
What sets her apart is her rare ability to create a world that wraps around you like a warm embrace — a world where you find yourself surrounded by your tribe, people you ache to belong to, stories you never want to leave. And the way she paints the Hawaiian islands with such vivid, loving detail — makes me long to return to those breathtaking shores all over again.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like I was reading a book written in the 1950s. The actions and the words were so stilted. The FMC called her “dead” fiancé’s wife “his missus.“ I was really bothered by the fact that she hit him once and pushed him so that a vase crashed on his head another time. Neither one of these instances was provoked. The love interest Keanu could’ve been pretty much anybody. He basically just repaired a door and brought her to places, but he didn’t feel like he had any interaction whatsoever with her. Finally, I was really troubled by what she asked of Maria the housekeeper. It wasn’t right and really it was just to satisfy her own curiosity, but she put Maria’s job in jeopardy and the entire hotel in jeopardy because the dead fiancé could easily have sued her for everything that went down. I did not like that at all.

There was a lot of stuff I didn’t like and really absolutely nothing I liked in the book. The book starts off with her flying from Boston to Hawaii because her aunt has been in a hiking accident, but her beloved uncle died the year before and she didn’t even bother going out for that funeral. Then the aunt gets better and flies off to Canada and we never hear from her again. Every person she meets falls in love with her, but her entire other friends from Boston have all betrayed her. It’s very, very weird and not in a good way.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules comes to Hawaii to take care of her Aunt after a fall and takes a temp job at a hotel. It's here that she runs into her "dead" fiancee Ron and he doesn't recognize her and gets agitated and then she's rescued by Keanu, a rescue pilot before it gets too huge of a problem.

This book was a beautiful book full of discovery and ohana! Jules can't let go of needing to give out if that was really Ron and why. It's understandable and it's a big picture that you just have to see fall into place. Meanwhile, her and Keanu fake date and he helps her see the majesty of the islands... especially with the eye opening and formidable Pele (the Goddess of fire and volcanos). I think this was one of my favorite parts....I love how the Islanders see Pele and the volcano eruption as not something to be feared but to be a part of with your whole body and soul.
My favorite saying about this natural phenomenon, "The Paradise blooms out of lava. What looks like ruin is, in truth, just the beginning."

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This breezy read had me daydreaming of a relaxing vacation to Hawaii, making it an ideal escape read. I’ve never been to Hawaii, so I soaked in all the descriptions as Juliana Broom heads to the sunny tropical town of Nalu to care for her injured aunt.

This story swirls with a bit of mystery when Juliana sees the last person she’d ever expect at the hotel where she's started working: her dead fiancè. It’s shocking, heartbreaking, and frankly mystifying! When she regains her composure, thanks to a kind and very handsome local pilot, Juliana is determined to get answers.

The beautiful setting, loyal friends, and a charming hero with a loveable dog made this a quick and fun read.

3.5⭐️

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @gtlondon.author for this gifted book.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juliana's life seems to be a series of disappointments. First there is her job which she thought she was doing a great job of until others decided she was not and she was fired. And then her fiance dies in a car accident leaving her totally destroyed So when her Aunt Dina needs her in Hawaii due to an accident she ditches it all and leaves. When her aunt feels better and leaves to on a tour Juliana is at loose ends and applies for a job at a local hotel which she gets. Imagine her suprise when one day her dead fiance shows up with his new wife on their honeymoon. Good book interesting plot and beautiful descriptions of Hawaii and its people espcially Pele!

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliana, once a journalist, left Boston for the tropical paradise of Nalu, Hawaii when her career blew up. Now working as a hotel concierge, everything is just fine until her ex- fiancee walks in with his new wife. Wait! What? Juliana watched Ron get buried. Ron claims he has no idea who Juliana is. Then things shake up and sparks start to fly when Keanu, a local pilot comes to her rescue. This has all the feels of a great contemporary romance sprinkled with mystery. The setting couldn't be more beautiful. I loved it. Definitely add this to your list.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the different layers of this novel. It had self-discovery, some romance, and a little bit of mystery all blended well with each other. I really enjoyed how Juliana was navigating the emotions from the past and present while also paving a new path for herself. The setting was beautiful and really makes me want to visit Hawaii even more now. Keanu handled the whole situation well. He was there for Juliana in any capacity that she needed, and I liked how the reader learned about his past and family dynamics. I loved Keanu’s dog. He was a character himself and added a lot of lighthearted moments. It kept me entertained and I liked the writing style.

Thank you @gt.london.author @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s so much to love about this story, I don’t even know where to start.

First, the setting. The lush descriptions of Hawai‘i completely transported me. It’s always been on my bucket list, and after reading this, I want to visit even more.

Then there’s the suspense. The mystery hooked me from the very first pages and kept me turning them nonstop.

Add to that Keanu, our hero who steps in to help, he was my favorite character, hands down. It might have something to do with the dog… sorry, can’t help it. You give me that and you’ve got yourself a winner.

[Juliane B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

I absolutely loved the setting of this book. It seriously made me want to quit my job and move to Maui tomorrow 😅

Juliana was a great, strong heroine. I liked how determined she was, even when things got messy. I also loved the side characters and how quickly she built a solid, trustworthy group of friends. That found family aspect was really well done.

And Keanu… I loved him. He felt very real and genuinely lovable. I especially liked how honest and straightforward he was, and how he didn’t just go along with Juliana’s miscommunication. He actually called her out, which I appreciated a lot.

I just wish we had gotten more romance and character development, and less of the whole dead fiancé mystery. It dragged on for too long, and by the time everything was revealed, I wasn’t even surprised. It felt predictable and took up too much space in the story.

I get that it’s part of the premise, but it ended up feeling like a missed opportunity. This could have been so much stronger if the focus had leaned more into the relationship and Juliana’s personal growth.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one totally transported me—I was ready to book a flight to Hawaii by chapter three. Juliana’s trip to the tropical town of Nalu starts off helping her injured aunt, but quickly takes a wild turn when she spots her supposedly dead fiancé. Um… what?! The mystery had me hooked instantly and didn’t let go. Between the lush setting, tight-knit friendships, and Keanu (plus his adorable dog stealing scenes), it’s an easy, bingeable read. The characters feel layered and real, and I’m already counting down to book two.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a lot of beautiful Hawaii. The descriptions of Nalu Town and life there are captivating and I loved being able to escape there for a while. I enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters and I'm glad there will be more books set in this area. Julianna has the shock of her life and Keanu was there for her starting off the search for the truth and their romance as they try to figure out who Lobby Guy really is. A great beginning to an intriguing new series.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gets bonus points for being set in Hawaii. Anything that takes me away from Canada in March automatically gets top marks.

Add some excellent characters (I’m looking at you, Keanu), a mystery and even a dog, this book has everything I needed as a winter escape.

I loved the pace.

I loved the setting.

I loved the botanic bits.

Thank goodness this is the first in a series, because I want more.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this book in February!

While we were clavicle-deep in snow drifts, it would have been nice to hang out with Juliana, Keanu, and, of course, Koa.

I loved the burgeoning romance, the glorious setting, and the bit of mystery – just to keep things interesting.

My favourite part was, of course, the fake dating, which, along with Small Town Romance, and the fact that this is the first in a trilogy, made this such an enjoyable read.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars and all the love for this fabulous start to a new series! The short chapters and compelling story made it a page turner for me. I couldn’t get enough of Juliana, Keanu, and Koa. The Hawaiian setting sounds like paradise, and the mystery was an added bonus. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series!


[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s okay

Maybe it’s just me, but I want to see growth in my characters. There’s a ton of potential that just falls flat. Juliana needs therapy badly, Keanu is fabulous to distraction but too passive.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this paradise romance instantly! Not only is it set in a picturesque Hawaii but there is a mystery to solve and a fake dating trope.

[Sydney Ormsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book from an Instagram ad, great marketing!

Very cute story, all spicy scenes are closed door

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start with this one. The main character sees her ex-fiancé in a hotel on Maui. Usually, this would be just an awkward situation but this interaction hits different since the fiancé is supposedly dead.

The book stays entertaining throughout the entire read as the main character,Juliana, is having a reset by living temporarily in Maui.

There is fake dating with a rescue pilot, the mystery of the dead fiancé all immersed in the background beauty of small town Hawaii.