Above Water: A One Night Stand Surf Romance

by Elena Locatelli

Alejandra López Romero has spent her entire life mastering the ocean. Olympic gold medalist. World-class surfer. Fearless, disciplined, unstoppable.

Until the day the sea nearly takes everything.

Callum Evans lives on the opposite side of risk. A brilliant financial investigator with a wrecked knee and a carefully controlled life, he doesn’t chase waves or tempt fate. He follows rules. He survives.

They were never supposed to be more than one reckless night at a destination wedding in Spain. One night of heat, honesty, and chemistry that burned too bright to last.

But when Alejandra’s career—and identity—are shattered by a near-fatal accident, the one man she swore she wouldn’t need is the one who sees her most clearly. And when Callum realizes that walking away was the biggest mistake of his life, he has to decide whether love is worth diving back into—no matter the risk.

Above Water is a steamy, emotional, slow-burn romance about ambition, fear, healing, and choosing love when everything you thought defined you is stripped away.

Sometimes surviving isn’t enough.
Sometimes you have to learn how to breathe again.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

I’m Elena, a blend of Cancer sensitivity, Virgo precision, and Aries fire.

My stories, infused with my love for the ocean, travel adventures, and anime, target readers craving excitement and intrigue.

My mission is to write adult fantasy romance with strong women and healthy relationships in vibrant, diverse worlds, making every reader feel seen and valued.

Books have always been my sanctuary, with Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" reigniting my passion for reading and inspiring me to create my magical worlds.

Now based in Seville, Spain, I share my space with my two dogs, Eva and Nimbus, as I dive into self-publishing.

With a degree in Foreign Languages and five years as a yoga teacher, I've also launched The Bookish Studio, a creative agency for indie authors.

Reviews

[madi]

⋆˙⟡ — 3 stars
⌗ ┆started: july 10th ● finished: july 19th
⤿ mini review with some spoilers

thank you sm lovenotes and elena locatelli for the e-arc!!

thoughts ⋆˚࿔

this book had me tearing up a lot 😭 my heart was breaking so much for alejandra after her accident bc her injury could've meant that she would never surf again ☹️ but seeing her allow others to help her during this difficult time really warmed my heart 🥹 and even if it took her a while to talk to her family, i'm still glad she had callum in her corner 😌

speaking of callum... i loved that man so much 🤭 he was always so sweet to alejandra and was there for her whenever she needed him. reading abt everything with his family, taid, and his dad also broke my heart 😕 but i loved all the moments between him and taid, and ofc every scene with him and alejandra 🥹

characters ⋆˚࿔

⋆˚࿔ ― alejandra + callum

these two were honestly sooo cute together 😩 their relationship was so sweet, but i do wish it could've developed just a little bit more 😕 her going to london to be with a guy that she didn't really know was kinda confusing bc their "no contact" rule had only ended a few chapters before... also i just feel like they acted a little too coupley when they reunited 😭 their relationship wasn't bad at all, but i just wish we could've seen more of them at a slower pace rather than everything happening so fast (i still love them tho 🙈)

⊹ ﹒ ♡ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ♡ ﹒ ⊹﹒ ♡ ﹒ ⊹ ﹒ ♡ ﹒ ⊹

˒˒ ⊹⌇ pre-read ᝰ
i adored the first book, so when i got the arc for this one i was sooo excited 🤭 and i’m reading this with two of my fav girls har and may!! i love you both so much 🥹💗

thank you sm lovenotes and elena locatelli for the e-arc!!

[har.]

┆ ⤿ 🌊 ⌗ started: july 11, finished: july 18

this was beautiful!!! full rtc

happy release day!! 💓🫂

pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹

the first book was so good ofc i'm super excited for this one!! and reading this with mads and may!! i love you both so much 🤭

ⓘ thank you to elena locatelli for the e-arc as a part of the content team!
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ OUT ON JULY 14

[⋆˚୨ৎ˚⋆ Kim ⋆˚୨ৎ˚⋆]

જ⁀➴ 4.25 stars

Thank you to Elena Locatelli and Love Notes PR for the eARC! All opinions are my own. Above Water is out now!

"...no matter how long the road, it had somehow led her here. Callum was her home."

☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ
Elena Locatelli does it again! After ARC reading both books in the Blue Mind series so far, I must say I loved Above Water! If you're a fan of Chelsea Curto's Hat Trick and the comeback story and healing story that Riley went through, you're going to absolutely love Alejandra and her journey in Above Water.

Alejandra López Romero is nothing without surfing. She's an Olympic gold medalist, USL champion, and even in her mid-thirties, she's showing no sign of stopping. Settling down and finding love were never on the table, only entertaining relationships with other surfers who understood the grind and dedication of traveling the world for the next best wave. When a one-night stand in Spain at her best friend's wedding makes her cross paths with Callum Turner, a Welsh accountant going through things of his own, she can't seem to get him out of her head. When tragedy strikes and fate decides to bring them back together, she's starting to realize that Callum may be the one person who may help her heal.

Like with all interconnected standalones, I like to make the disclaimer that while you could get away with reading this before reading Salacia Project, Sofia and Ilias' story, there are minor spoilers for the events in Salacia Project in Above Water since Sofia and Ilias still make appearances throughout the book and their story continues in the background.

It seems that I really love comeback stories, because Ale's story was one filled with healing, ambition, drive, and determination. I think I honestly loved her character development more than anything else in the book, because it really goes to show that sometimes, the worst things that life can possibly throw at you make for some of the most healing and life-changing experiences that you could go through and make yourself an even better person coming out of it all. I can definitely relate to that on a personal level, and I also related to her struggle of finding herself and what she loved outside of surfing and who she was outside of her job. When you're dedicated to something as much as your job or personal passions, it's easy to forget everything else going around you at times, and what else you love and enjoy.

As with Callum...yeah, Ale's right- he really is the dictionary definition of a book boyfriend. Seriously, there were absolutely no red flags with this guy at all. He's a yearner, down bad for Ale, worships the ground she walks on, carries all her shopping bags for her, lets her yap about all the books she reads, and doesn't run away when she's struggling with getting back out on the water; he helps her through it all instead and lets her heal at her own pace. I also loved his personal journey with another thing I've personally experienced: work burnout.

As always, I love the way that Elena Locatelli manages to weave cultures from around the world together in her books. It's always so much fun to see the songs she associates with each chapter and the couple we follow throughout the story, and how the songs are all from different languages and cultures and countries.

The one thing I felt was a little too heavy sometimes was the spice. Yes, the spice was spicy and spicing, but there were times I felt as if the only thing keeping Callum and Ale together was their physical and sexual connection, and while yes, it was quite literally how their relationship started, it felt like the only thing running through Callum's head sometimes was how horny he was lol.

Overall, this was ANOTHER fantastic read by Elena Locatelli, and she's quickly becoming one of my favorite indie authors to read from! I can't wait to see what else she has in store for future books, and if you haven't read anything from her yet, now's the time to start when summer's still here and the vibes are perfect!
☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ☼𓇼࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ
Trigger/content warnings (may contain spoilers for the book): sexual content (probably a 2.75-3/5 on my personal scale, but that may vary with people's personal experiences with spice in books), recounted death of a family member, details of a surfing accident, recounted experience of a car accident, family member with Alzheimer's Disease, alcohol consumption

[Giada]

"Change is necessary. Because we change."

You know when people say right book at the right time? This was exactly that. The timing honestly couldn't have been more perfect because in just a few days I'm flying to Seville and then spending six days in Portugal. And do you know what inspired this entire trip? The Salacia Project. I read it a few months ago, fell in love with it, and that turned into booking a vacation.
But here's the best part: this book made me even more excited for something I've been looking forward to (and low-key dreading)... my very first surf lesson!
Before reading Above Water I was equally excited, nervous, and convinced I'd spend more time underwater than above it. Now? I'm mostly just ridiculously excited. (Although I fully expect to drink an embarrassing amount of ocean water.)

So first of all, thank you to Love Notes PR and Elena Locatelli for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

One thing Elena never misses is creating a setting that makes me want to pack a suitcase immediately. I swear I could smell the ocean, feel the sun, and picture every beach while reading. Considering where I'm about to go, this book got me even more excited for my trip. The beaches, the ocean... and let's be honest, the amazing food too.

Anyway, my favorite thing about Elena's books is the people. She writes about found families so well. They love each other, support each other, roast each other every chance they get, and make me wish I could become part of the group!

But let's talk about the protagonists.... Ale was already one of my favorite characters in The Salacia Project, but I loved her even more here. She's talented, sarcastic, stubborn, smart... and casually speaks five languages? As if I weren't already jealous enough. Watching someone whose entire identity revolves around being the best suddenly have to figure out who they are without that was heartbreaking, but I loved seeing her slowly rebuild herself instead of bouncing back.
Then there's Callum. I already knew I wanted more of the Nerd Trio after the first book, and I was glad my prayers had been answered. He completely surprised me—in a positive way, obviously. He was patient, caring, emotionally mature (I love to see it), and so sweet. Elena also managed to convince me that I apparently need to visit Wales as soon as possible. My travel bucket list keeps getting longer because of her books.

And the chemistry between these two? I was blushing a lot. I'm usually not the biggest fan of romances that start with a one-night stand, but their relationship wasn't rushed. They had to work through fear, uncertainty, and everything life (or the author) threw at them. I really appreciate how Callum became one of Ale's safe places while she learned how to move forward after her accident.

I have to admit that I still love Sofia and Ilias from The Salacia Project just a tiny bit more. I connected with them more, but Above Water was still such an amazing read.
I'm so curious to see what Elena Locatelli will throw at us next.

(Also, can we appreciate the acknowledgements? Just like in The Salacia Project, I loved reading them.)

[Sim-fully Ever After]

4🌟, 3🌶️

If you need a heartfelt romance that balances deep personal healing with incredible chemistry, look no further.

Watching Alejandra face a terrifying accident and lose the sport that defined her was devastating, but seeing her slowly rebuild herself with Callum by her side was profoundly moving. Callum is the ultimate sweetheart, offering steady patience and unconditional support as they both work through deep personal struggles.

The vivid coastal settings and warm found family dynamics made me want to pack a suitcase immediately, while thoughtful touches like chapter songs added so much charm. Their chemistry is electric from the very beginning, and watching them learn to lean on each other through fear and uncertainty felt wonderfully earned. It is a gorgeous story about resilience and finding your footing when life completely shifts beneath you.

Closing the final page left me with a full heart, deep inspiration, and an even longer travel bucket list. This heartfelt journey of healing and unexpected love captured everything I hoped for and more. I am so glad I experienced this wonderful story of strength and second chances.

I closed this book completely spellbound and inspired.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Elena Locatelli and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Nezi Reads ⭐️]

Arc review ✨
What a perfect book was this??

I love movies about surfing and surfers, and Soul Surfer has always been one of my favorites, but I’d never read a book about surfing before.

I absolutely loved the Clark Kent mention because I’m watching Smallville for the very first time!! 🥹

The FMC is Spanish, so there are a few Spanish expressions sprinkled throughout the book, which I LOVED! On top of that, a few scenes take place in Portugal and, guess what? the next book will follow a Portuguese character 🤌🏻 that we get to meet in this one!!

This story follows Ale, a professional surfer whose career and identity are shaken after a serious accident, and Callum, an accountant and former competitive swimmer. They have a one-night stand, but decide not to stay in touch afterward. However, fate has other plans for them.

I truly feel like I read this book at exactly the right time, and I loved watching Ale’s journey and the way she faced her trauma and found the strength to move forward. ❤️‍🩹

This is a story about healing, resilience, finding yourself again, and learning how to keep your head above water when everything around you is pulling you under.

[Nicole]

Summary:
Alexandra’s best friend, Sofia, is getting married to Ilias, and Alexandra is the maid of honor. An Olympic gold medalist and two-time USL surfing champion, she is determined to add even more titles to her name. Callum is attending the wedding while taking a much-needed break from his work as a financial advisor, hoping to avoid sinking deeper into burnout. He has harbored a crush on Alexandra ever since he began following her surfing career. They were only supposed to share one unforgettable night at the wedding in Spain—and nothing more. But when Alexandra suffers a near-fatal surfing accident, Callum becomes the only person who truly sees her and understands what she is going through. Forced to confront the memory of the choice they made to walk away from each other that night in Spain, both must decide whether they are finally ready to take a chance on love.

Thoughts:
● All of the different locations in this book are truly something else! The way Elena writes about them is so descriptive that I felt like I was right there. My travel bucket list has grown even more since finishing Above Water and The Salacia Project!
● The nerd trio! I loved them when we were first introduced to them in The Salacia Project, and now that one member of the group gets their own story, I LOVE IT.
● The tension leading up to the one-night stand… holy smokes 🔥🔥
● Callum—oh, how I love a British MMC. Even better, he fuels Alejandra’s love of books.
● The part about airport arrivals and departures really resonated with me. Both of my parents were in the military, and I felt this deeply as a child through all of the deployments.
● This is a beautiful story about strength, resilience, and determination as both MCs overcome hardships in their careers and family lives.
● I’m hoping we get more of Leif and Asma’s story someday, but I’m excited for anything Elena writes!!

Thank you Elena so much for an arc copy of Above Water. I LOVED Callum and Alejandra’s story and how they grow from their one night stand individually and together.

[Laura Book Mouse]

⭐️ 4 | 🌶️ 3.5

Thank you so much to Elena Locatellifor the ARC of this book — being trusted with Alejandra's story early was such a gift, and I'm so glad I also got to hold the finished copy in my hands.

After falling completely in love with Sofia and Ilias in Salacia Project, I knew Alejandra's book was going to wreck me, and somehow it still managed to catch me off guard.

This is a very different story from the first one, and that's exactly why it works so well. Where Salacia Project was slow burn and fake-dating-turned-real, Above Water gives us a one night stand between Ale and Callum, followed by a very deliberate "no contact" rule that, of course, neither of them manages to keep. I love that trope done right, and this is exactly that: instant attraction that only turns into something real once life forces them back into each other's paths.

What got me most, though, is how the book handles losing the thing that defines you. Ale's accident and everything that comes after — the fear, the identity crisis, having to relearn who she is outside of surfing — is written with so much care.

Watching her rebuild herself, piece by piece, without rushing her healing, was some of the most honest writing on trauma I've read in this genre.

And Callum's burnout runs parallel to that in a way that never feels like an afterthought; two people falling apart quietly and finding each other right when they need it most.

Callum himself might be one of my favorite MMCs of the year. Patient, steady, respectful of every boundary Ale needs — the definition of a green flag without ever feeling flat or too perfect.

The setting, as always with this author, is a whole character on its own. Moving through Spain and Wales, with a stretch through Andalucía that felt so vivid I could practically smell the azahar, made the whole book feel like a trip I didn't want to end. And keeping the one-song-per-chapter touch from the first book? Immediately my favorite kind of detail.

The side characters continue to be a highlight — I'm already begging for Carlos story, and getting glimpses of Sofia and Ilias again felt like catching up with old friends.

If the spice sits a little higher here than in book one, it's because the chemistry between Ale and Callum is written to be felt from the very first scene — messy, real, and completely earned.

This series just keeps getting better, and I'm already impatiently waiting for whoever comes next.

[Lani Bausewein]

**ARC REVIEW**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 406 pages
Genre: Romance

Thank you Love Notes PR and Elena Locatelli for an advanced copy of Above Water. I enjoyed the book and appreciate the opportunity! 

"Above Water is a steamy, emotional, slow-burn romance about ambition, fear, healing, and choosing love when everything you thought defined you is stripped away."

Above water follows Alejandra, a Spanish Olympian surfer on her quest to be the best. Callum, from Wales originally, is an accountant, bored out of his mind, living in England. 

When two friends in their inner-surfing circle get married, Alejandra and Callum meet for the first time and have themselves a damn good time together. No strings attached, no contact after this wedding weekend, but let's do it up in the meantime.

She is after the next trophy, No time or interest in love. Unfortunately, a gnarly wave leaves Alejandra sidelined for the season. Callum, who's very unhappy in his job, and not happy with the no-contact rule, does everything he can to reconnect. They live on different sides of the country, have different wants in life, but they have an undeniable connection and chemistry.

I enjoyed the story, especially being that the woman was the athlete, breaking normal gender roles in books. Books. Callum is the golden retriever, Alejandra is the grump. The spice wanted to spice, but it was more like a red pepper versus a jalapeno. Very very mild. Like, we almost got there? But it fizzled out before it actually escalated. I didn't read the final copy, so I'm assuming there was a final editorial reciew prior to publication. 

The book is predictable, but what HEA sports romance isn't? 

If you like sports romance, especially with the female athlete perspective, pick up Above Water. It is out now! 

[kimmybelle]

ARC REVIEW!!!!

SO THANKFUL FOR THIS! I was really looking forward to this and boy it didn’t disappoint. I have to admit, this was a little slow for me at first but boy did it pick up. and let me say CALLUM?? that first spicy scene??? I was clutching my pearls like WOWWZA what a MANNN. I think this plot was very emotionally mature, my goodness I didn’t expect her injury to be as traumatic as it was, I loved that we got to watch her journey and Callums journey as well. For a contemporary romance this is probably one of my fav when it comes to world building, I was truly able to see everything truly able to escape. WELL DONE!!!

[Lindsey Clark]

While I liked this couple and liked parts of their story, I just didn’t connect to this story at all. And the book was rather long and it didn’t need to be.

[yue]

Above Water was my introduction to Elena Locatelli's writing. I'd been seeing her on my feed because people I follow had read Salacia Project and were hyping the release of Above Water. As the second installment in the Blue Mind Series, this heartfelt contemporary romance beautifully balances emotional and physical healing, personal growth, and a tender love story that begins with a one night stand. Set against the backdrop of the surfing world, the ocean becomes more than just a beautiful setting. It serves as a place where the characters confront their fears, rediscover themselves, and slowly learn to let others in.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is how naturally the relationship between the main characters develops. It never feels rushed. After their night together, they part ways and focus on their respective careers. I loved that there was a time gap, allowing us to see glimpses of who they are outside of their relationship and in their own careers. Their chemistry feels genuine because it grows through shared experiences and emotional vulnerability, making every milestone in their relationship feel earned.

Neither of the main characters is written as perfect, but they share similar wounds that made me feel like they were, in a way, trauma bonding. That shared pain brings them closer, and together they help each other heal. This isn't the kind of book for readers looking for constant drama on every page. The pacing is steady and sometimes slow because it focuses on the quiet moments, their healing, and eventually their relationship. Personally, I found that incredibly satisfying to read.

Elena's writing style also worked really well for me. I loved that it didn't rely on overly complicated language and instead kept everything light and easy to follow. There was no unnecessary drama. The story stayed focused on the plot and the characters. I also haven't read the first book, so I wasn't sure how connected the stories were or who the previous leads were, but Above Water definitely made me curious enough to go back and read it.

I also loved the small group of friends and how supportive and close they all were. Seeing them ship Callum and Ale together felt so realistic because every friend group seems to have that one pair with obvious chemistry who refuses to act on it. The supporting cast adds warmth to the novel and gives more depth to the central romance without overshadowing it. Their presence reinforces the story's themes of family, friendship, forgiveness, and finding the courage to move forward after difficult experiences.

Overall, Above Water is one of my favorite reads this month. It's a light, comforting romance that I finished quickly. It isn't one of those heavy drama books where you need to pause every few chapters just to recover emotionally. It's the perfect read when you want to relax and unwind. The novel presents a mature approach to love, showing that healing and falling in love often go hand in hand. It reminds readers that the strongest relationships are built through patience, understanding, and mutual support. Fans of character driven contemporary romance with meaningful emotional arcs and an atmospheric coastal setting will likely find this to be a rewarding and memorable read.

Many thanks to Elena Locatelli and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this book in advanced. This are my honest and genuine reaction to the story

[Jenna Lundberg]

🌊 Learning to Breathe Again 🌊
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️

Sometimes the right book finds you at exactly the right time, and Above Water was one of those reads for me. As my first experience with Elena Locatelli's writing, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I quickly found myself immersed in a heartfelt story about healing, resilience, and rediscovering yourself when life changes everything. Between the stunning coastal settings and the emotional journey at the heart of the story, I understood why so many readers have fallen in love with this author's work.

Alejandra's journey was easily my favorite part of the book. Watching an elite athlete whose entire identity revolved around surfing suddenly face a future she never imagined was heartbreaking, but it was also inspiring. Rather than rushing her recovery, Elena allows Ale's healing to unfold naturally, showing both the physical and emotional challenges of rebuilding a life after trauma. Seeing her slowly discover who she was beyond her career made her growth feel incredibly authentic.

Callum was another highlight. Patient, thoughtful, emotionally mature, and endlessly supportive, he never tried to "fix" Ale or rush her healing. Instead, he became a safe place where she could lean on someone while finding her footing again. Their chemistry was undeniable from the beginning, and I appreciated that their relationship developed gradually after their one-night stand, allowing trust and emotional connection to grow alongside their attraction.

One of the things that impressed me most was Elena's ability to make every setting feel like a destination worth visiting. From the beaches of Spain to the quieter moments in Wales, I could almost feel the ocean breeze while reading. The close-knit group of friends added so much warmth to the story, and little details like the multilingual dialogue and chapter playlists gave the book its own unique charm. By the time I finished, I wasn't just invested in Ale and Callum. I was ready to go back and read The Salacia Project so I could spend more time with this world.

The only reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me was that there were moments when the physical side of Ale and Callum's relationship felt stronger than their emotional connection, particularly early on. Even so, their individual growth, the beautiful settings, and the themes of resilience and second chances far outweighed that for me. Above Water is a thoughtful, uplifting romance that reminds us healing isn't about becoming the person you were before. It's about discovering the person you're meant to become.

Thank you to Elena Locatelli and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[C Lou Gray]

A huge huge thank you to Elena’s team for the opportunity to read this eARC.

What an absolutely phenomenal story.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how to describe the writing of this because it’s so unique. Told in the third person, we still follow the POVs of both Alejandra and Callum, and we do get their thought processes but it doesn’t ever feel detached. It flows seamlessly well, and at no point does it ever feel like we’re being talked at rather than shown things playing out.

I will say if you haven’t read the first book yet that you absolutely need to before diving into this one. I personally didn’t read the first book, and it definitely showed. A lot of the dynamics with Sofia’s story I really didn’t understand because I didn’t have the first book context.

Callum is an absolute Welsh sweetheart. He’s on the verge of burnout, falling out of love with his job, and falling fast and hard for the dark haired surfer he’s had his eye on for years.

Ale is very much a strong willed surfer through and through. Her entire life revolves around the waves and how many medals she can achieve in her career, so the last thing on her mind is any kind of romance. We see her entire future crumble in front of her when she suffers a devastating injury, and her confidence takes a complete nosedive. It was really interesting getting to witness the two sides of her, because she was never cocky or arrogant with her confidence, but she definitely didn’t appreciate anything outside of her talent.

Her recovery journey made a lot of sense, but we didn’t get to witness a lot of the nitty gritty side of it. A lot of it was swept under the rug of time passing before she’s able to use her arm again.

It would’ve been beneficial to the story if we saw her trauma play out, rather than her mentioning things happening to her therapist, but I don’t feel it was detrimental to the story not having it in. I just would’ve liked to have seen Callum care for her in those moments. I did also find myself wondering (as someone with literally no knowledge of surfing what so ever) whether she would’ve had physiotherapy on her shoulder and arm to rebuild the strength in it, because that was never mentioned in the book.

Overall I’d say this maybe landed at a 4 star for me, because I was so confused in those moments where Sofia’s backstory was mentioned, but that’s completely my own fault for not reading the first book.

About the book:
▫️Dual POV (but told in third person)
▫️Surfer x ex-swimmer
▫️ Injury recovery
▫️Open door (Chapters 7, 10, 30, 39, 54, 60)

Warnings:
▪️Drowning
▪️Graphic injury
▪️Death of parent (off page)

[Chloe Edwards]

WOW!! I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book and I did not know what to expect, I’ve never read a book by this author before - I will definitely devour ANYTHING she writes from now on.
The individual stories of Ale and Callum were everything to me.
The aspect of the thing you love most (surfing and the ocean) turning on you and learning to love it again was amazing. I have never read a sports romance like this before, I wouldn’t really class this as a sports romance - it was a story of falling in love, grief, love, healing and family. Going through Ale’s journey with her was beautiful, she started off the book as a charismatic, bubbly woman, slowly lost herself and then found herself again, although a slightly different version, it was amazing. I loved her realisation that it was not only competing and winning that gave her joy, it was the people she shared it with the whole time that made her love it.
Callum’s story was beautiful too, from growing up with a single mother and grandfather, to a career ending injury, to experiencing burnout in a life you never thought you’d lead. I really loved him!! The way he experienced two different kinds of grief was so interesting and I really liked this aspect of the book.
I am SO glad that the author didn’t go down the route of a tumultuous relationship between Ale and Callum. The love story and yearning between these two was next level. They helped each other heal <333 and it was perfection. I cannot put into words how much I loved them together, from the first scene it was obvious they were meant to be!! The way they were written was incredible. I usually don’t like the trope of healing when you find a significant other, but in this case, finding Callum wasn’t the ONLY reason she began to heal. Her relationship with friends and family helped pull her through.
Also, the smut was incredible and so hot! (Not really relevant to the story, but it was great)
The multi-cultural aspect of this book was gorgeous!! I loved learning new things about Spanish and Welsh culture and traditions. I really liked how some things were written in different languages, it felt as if you got a closer look into who the characters really were.
The side characters were incredible too! I cannot wait to go back and read Sofia and Ilias’ book, as well as find out how Carlos and Amira turn out (if anything ever happens)!!
This story was not only a romance but a commentary on how the people you surround yourself with can help you through the darkest times. I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! I’d recommend anybody to read this book. Amazing <3

[Wendy Oak]

Antes de nada, gracias de nuevo a Elena por enviarme un ARC de Above Water y por la oportunidad que me ha dado de leer el libro antes de su fecha de salida <3

Si ya disfruté Salacia Project muchísimo, este libro lo he disfrutado el doble. Alejandra y Callum me han parecido unos personajes muy realistas, y sus interacciones ME HAN TENIDO CHILLANDO desde el principio. Me ha gustado mucho lo humanos que son, cada uno con sus problemas que intentan superar, y gracias a estar juntos y al apoyo mutuo, lo consiguen. He sufrido con ambos también, sobre todo con Alejandra y su accidente!!! Me imaginaba lo que le estaba pasando en todo momento y dios, qué dolor! También me ha gustado que se haya incluido crítica política al libro y que se hablen de temas importantes de la actualidad (Ale, pienso igual que tú!!)

Y de nuevo, Elena lo ha BORDADO con la ambientación de la novela. Como en Salacia Project, los personajes van viajando a distintos lugares del mundo, y el trabajazo que hay detrás (documentación, saber describir...) me parece fantástico. Cuando leí la primera novela y fui viendo cómo la autora escribía esta y decía que habría representación andaluza, chillé mucho. Y LO BIEN DESCRITO QUE ESTÁ TODO. Creo que una de mis partes favoritas del libro es en la que van a la Feria de Abril de Sevilla, es que es PERFECTO!!!!!! Bueno, y las escenas en Conil... Gracias por representar Andalucía tan bien, Elena. Y como en la primera novela, en esta también hay una canción por capítulo, cosa que adoro muchísimo.

En este libro, el surf sigue siendo el deporte protagonista, y me gusta mucho porque es un deporte distinto y poco visto en libros (lo dije en la reseña de SP y lo digo aquí, necesitamos más surferos y surferas!!!!). Las escenas de Ale surfeando son 😙🤌

Y para terminar, tengo que decir que las escenas hot son buenísimas, me encanta la narración y la forma de la autora de escribirlas y es que PFFFFFF CALLUM te necesito. Bueno, y a Alejandra, necesito a los dos... En fin, la siguiente historia tiene una pinta increíble visto lo que se ha visto de la protagonista, y AAAAAAAAA necesito seguir leyendo esta serie!!!! Esta historia ha sido una de mis favoritas de lo que va de año, y ha reforzado mi pensamiento de que haber descubierto la pluma de Elena (y haberla conocido) ha sido una de las mejores cosas que me ha pasado este año. Ah, y he amado las apariciones de Sofía e Ilias 🥺. Todas a leer la serie Blue Mind!!

[Deepa]

I think the Alzheimers and father storyline was a huge turning point for the story. I think I started to really like the story from 80% on. That’s a solid 4 stars at that marker. Now outside of that marker: I would say I see strong potential. A world, setting, job, relationships, and conflicts that I like but pacing, and melding of their worlds needed attuning but it was there so for that I would give it 3.5 stars.

Overall, this is a promising new author to me. I love good conflicts I think Locatelli does too. I think that’s her anchor point for her stories. I have the Salacia Project loaded and so I will know more confidently if I’m right or just spewing nonsense. Once we hit 80% that flow just hit. So that’s what I would say a slow patient characterization that takes time to reel you in but holds you to a very moving portrait.

3.8 rounded up. This is a good romance. That just needs to have fun more expressively earlier on. Sans that I’m so curious for Leonor’s story.

Pros:
The conflicts of course. I loved both protagonists’ conflicts. I loved our secondary cast’s problems. I see a strong suit in Locatelli.

1. Alejandra’s premier conflict is becoming afraid of ocean, bodily fear/trauma and dual guilt as a provider. She is also afraid to be in love and be loved. She sees herself as ruinous and worries she will disappoint her partner.—- I want to add I love that it’s nonlinear trauma. She’s dealing with this well into 60% mark. She cannot heal from her trauma swiftly. Locatelli shows how much that psychological trauma is surrounding Alejandra’s senses, mind, and memory.

2. Callum is falling in love. He’s away from the person he loves because he doesn’t want to express too much too soon and one pt had no hope of reconciliation because it was just supposed to be a fling. He also is burning out, experiencing Alzheimers with his Taid, and later dealing with bio Dad. —- I think his conflicts are depicted better. I maybe enjoyed them more. His conflicts occur during sweet spot in the book that’s huge assist.

3. Secondary cast: It’s rare to see someone drop the “selfish” bomb. It was honest and had to happen. I live for mean, angry, and downright belligerent Asma under pressure. I like Leif a lot for pushing for the sabbatical. It wouldn’t make his life easier but it definitely added to his character. I was so down for their boiling pts.

4. I liked the Welsh context quite a bit. It seemed detailed which I liked a lot.

Cons:

For me, personally, I think the focus on Sofi’s wedding for the first 13% was too long. In that time I wish the story pushed Callum and Alejandra’s attraction to each other. The romance itself was alright but far from where it could be simply because there was not enough shared dialogues.

I feel like we needed more surf knowledge and context. I was drawn to this book because of the promise of main characters as professional surfer. So what I wanted most was details around that. I thought it didn’t veer enough into that experience.

* I want to thank Love Notes PR and Elena Locatelli for the opportunity to read the advance copy of Above Water in exchange for an honest review. *

[Cozy Sabie]

"How could she say that her greatest love - the ocean - had almost killed her and that she didn't know if she could ever trust it again?"

GENRE: Romance
RATING: 4.75/5
FORMAT: eBook ARC
Tropes: Olympic surfer FMC x Accountant MMC, Burnout, Spanish x Welsh, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Found Family, Life Altering Injury

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Review:
After reading and loving Salacia Project, I was so excited to read Above Water and dive into Alejandra's story and what a journey it was🥹

Both books are perfect to read for summer, with the setting and the vibes! Above Water is different than Salacia Project though, in that it tackles other themes and the dynamic between Alejandra and Callum was different than Sofia & Ilias (which definitely makes sense given how different Sofia and Alejandra are)

Above Water takes us on a journey of what it means to lose the thing you centre your identity around and how you learn to love yourself again after the loss. It's a different kind of grief, one that is about finding who you are and understanding that you are you, no matter what you do or where you live. This is mainly through Alejandra's POV but we get it with Callum too.

At the same time, it takes us on a journey to see how important our family are to us and what it means to have people surrounding you that love you unconditionally. I feel like both Callum and Alejandra's chapter dive into these themes and give us insight into how things change. We also get to focus on burn out and feeling like the thing you enjoyed doing as work no longer fits you through Callum's POV.

And their dynamic is SO cute and wholesome. Callum shows Alejandra that she can be loved just the way she is and Alejandra fully accepts Callum for who he is without wanting to change him. They both help each other mend old wounds and build a new life

I can't wait to read more in this universe and find out more about the other characters👀 I was provided a free advance reader copy and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

[Lisa]

✨ARC Review ✨

Thank you to Elena Locatelli and Love Notes PR for the ARC.

What to expect:
🤭 One Night Stand
❌ No Contact Rule
🥰 He Falls First and Harder
🤿 Athlete x Normal Guy
👀 Emotionally Unavailable FMC x Burned Out MMC
✨ Right Person, Wrong Time
❤️‍🩹 Injury & Recovery
🧡 Found Family

“This wasn’t loss all at once. It was loss in slow motion, and somehow that was crueler.”

Oh, how this book ripped my heart out and stomped on it while I loved every single second of it.

Alejandra and Callum might be my new favourite couple in this series, and that’s saying something because I absolutely adored Salacia Project. I loved how Callum taught Alejandra the importance of slowing down and enjoying life instead of always chasing the next goal. They helped each other through some of the hardest moments of their lives, and their relationship felt so natural. Callum is easily one of the biggest green flag book boyfriends I’ve ever read.

The storyline involving Callum and his Tais absolutely tore me apart. I knew Alzheimer’s would play a role in this story, but I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would affect me. Having watched someone I love go through the same disease, I found myself relating to these moments in a way that made them even more emotional.

Although this is a sports romance, it is so much more than that. It explores grief, injury, healing, different cultures, and family dynamics in such a realistic and heartfelt way. Every piece of the story fits together perfectly.

Watching Alejandra slowly rediscover both her love of life and her passion for the ocean after experiencing something so traumatic was beautiful. Despite everything she had been through, seeing her find hope again made her journey incredibly rewarding to read.

This is so much more than a romance. It’s a story about healing, choosing joy again, and finding the people who help you become the version of yourself you thought you’d lost. This is, without a doubt, my favourite book in the series so far.

[Natalia]

I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect summer read, and I couldn't have asked for a better romance to get lost in.

As a Spanish reader, one of my favorite things was seeing familiar places like Seville and Conil mentioned throughout the story. I also loved the Spanish words and expressions woven into the dialogue; it made the setting feel authentic and gave the book an extra layer of charm that I really appreciated.

The plot was fantastic from beginning to end, but what stood out to me the most was Alejandra's character development. Watching her slowly heal from the trauma surrounding her injury while also changing the way she sees herself and her future was incredibly satisfying. Her journey felt realistic, emotional, and inspiring.

I also loved the way Callum supported her throughout the story. He was always there when she needed him, becoming someone she could lean on without ever allowing her frustration or anger to define their relationship. Their dynamic felt so healthy because he never tried to "fix" her; he simply stood by her while she found her own strength.

And then there's Callum... I honestly think he's the perfect match for Alejandra. They complement each other so naturally. Having experienced something similar in his own past, he understands her in a way that very few people could. He's patient, compassionate, and never afraid to acknowledge or express his feelings. He gives Alejandra the space she needs while constantly reminding her that she doesn't have to face everything alone.

Together, they bring out the best in each other. Their relationship is full of trust, support, and mutual understanding, making them one of those couples that just make sense from the very beginning. I adored every moment they shared, and by the end of the book, I was completely in love with them.

Overall, this was a beautiful, heartwarming romance with wonderful character growth, an amazing setting, and a couple I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

[Emma]

⭒ one night stand
⭒ he falls first
⭒ sport romance
⭒ injury & recovery

First, a big thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for sending me an ARC copy of Above Water 🫶🏼

This is the first time I’ve read a romance set in the surfing world, and that’s what I liked about it: it’s a nice change from all the other sports romances we’re used to read.
We meet Alejandra López Romero, a Spanish woman who’s been passionate about surfing since she was 5 and has gone on to become an Olympic champion. While surfing is her whole life, she meets the charming Callum Evans, an accountant from Wales, with whom she shares a passionate one-night stand. Since she can’t afford to be distracted from her professional goals, she sets a “no contact” rule with Callum, but things don’t go as planned.

I really liked the tenderness with which the characters are described, even though they each have their own share of insecurities. I really liked the character of Alejandra, a strong, passionate woman who is nevertheless consumed by her insecurities. I found the theme of anxiety to be particularly well described, which really resonated with me because I saw myself in Ale’s character on several occasions. The same goes for Callum. He’s a particularly gentleman, a “green flag” in every way, but he’s going through some painful trials. I was impacted by the hardships he went through, and they were portrayed with great sensitivity.

Together, they manage to support one another and work through their respective traumas. It's a feel-good, poignant story, full of resilience and hope. And beyond Callum and Alejandra's story, the other characters are incredibly kind. I loved getting to know them.

I loved being transported into the different cultures we encounter throughout the story, both Alejandra’s in Spain (by the way, bonus points for the few words and phrases in Spanish!!) and Callum’s in England.

It was a wonderful discovery, thanks again for this fantastic read 🩵

[Paula Vargas]

Review of advance copy received form the author:

4/5⭐️

If I have to define this book in one sentence it would be “finding your way back”

What really caught my attention at first was that this was around surf, a sport that sometimes is left behind even though is super cool.

Let’s start with our supergirl Alejandra, she is such a strong representation of women in sports with such an amazing trajectory and a strong personality but also the great representation that sea is unpredictable and it could take even the strongest ones. I really love seeing all her self growth journey and how she found herself step by step even when patience wasn’t her strong suit.

On the other hand we have Callum, god the way I love this man because even though it seems like he has his life figured it out, he is human, just like us who is still finding his path, still making mistakes, and having identity crisis while being extremely hot.

The chemistry between these two is unmatched and you can feel it through every page of the book. These two were meant to found each other, they needed it but not in “emotional crutch” way, they supported each other in a way that allow them to grow individually. I think there wasn’t a moment where you couldn’t feel their love, it was there in every action, every little detail and thanks to that I devour this book so quickly.

As a Latin woman I really enjoy all the Spanish slangs, it was a breath of fresh air. I love how the author gave us details of different cultures, traditions, music, political pov and thanks to that you really felt like being in those places.

Thank you Love Notes PR and Elena Locatelli for this incredible opportunity, it was my first time with one of your books and you made me fall in love with the sea. I’m really looking forward to your future books.

[Ghalz]

Thank you to Love Notes Pr for this ARC
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This week of reads has been so good to me. Another 5 star read added to my 2026 reads!! I ate up this book so fast, everything was so good. I was so engrossed the whole time I was reading it that I needed to know the story of Alejandra and Callum 😩

"I'd love to carry your boards for the rest of my life."
Callum Evans or as I imagine him in my head, Callum Turner is the greatest green flag of all, like seriously. This man has been pining over her for 3 years and the day he got to meet her in person he basically had a freak out session because she was even better in person. When they had their one night stand, he thought he would be content with only that, but turns out, she was able to capture his attention in only 48 hours of knowing her. There is where their story starts 🥹

"If this was what it felt like to be taken care of by a man — really taken care of — without strings or pressure — then she knew it : Callum Evans had ruined her for anyone else. She'd need him to stay in her life forever."
Alejandra López Romero is the definition of a girl who can always do it on her own. She's independent in everything, but when a surfing accident comes and changed the trajectory of her career for a while, she doesn't know what to do with herself anymore. She couldn't shake the fear of not being able to go back to the sport that she practiced her whole life. The reminders of her night with Callum were always on the back of her head, she couldn't stop thinking about him. To heal, she decided to go to London, and there is where Callum lives. Since he came to an event in Portugal, they kept in touch, and even had everyone cheer and hope for a relationship between them 🤭

If you guys love a surfer x accountant, two ppl overly obsessed with each other and mental health rep, you need to add this book to your tbr!!

[May ✿]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Available now!!


⋆.˚ 𓇼 “𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯… 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬.”

𝙏𝙍𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙎
☼ 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥
☼ 𝘖𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘔𝘊
☼ 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘳𝘺
☼ 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
☼ 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘔𝘊

Thank you LoveNotes PR and the author for choosing me once again for an early copy of a book in this series!

I want to start off with saying that I feel like this series has a unique vibe than other books I read, and that’s one of the reasons I love it. Maybe it’s Elena Locatelli’s writing or the elements of the book that just makes it feel like the best EU summer trip.

In Above Water we follow Alejandra & Callum as they navigate some tough changes in their careers and later on in the book also with their families and themselves.
I absolutely adored Alejandra’s character! She’s carefree and fun and I loved watching how she fought to get her spark back after a very hard injury.
I did notice though that some of her inner dialogue was a bit repetitive at times which I found a bit annoying.
To be honest i didnt care much about the MMC😅 I mean I liked him! And he was such a yearner at the beginning, but other than that I don’t have much thoughts about him.

About the pacing of the book, I felt like at the beginning it was a bit boring than around the middle part it got really interesting and then more towards the end it got boring again😭 idk maybe it’s because I dragged out my reading but that just how I felt.
I did very much enjoy the way the author added some emotional scenes between Alejandra and Callum, it felt more real that way.

Would recommend! If you’re looking for a sun drenched fun romance about two people who learn to find themselves once again☀️🌊🏄‍♀️

[Lu's Bookshelf]

Thank you so much to the lovely author for providing this arc!

Alejandra, a professional surfer, is ready to help organize and celebrate her best friends’ wedding when she runs into Callum, an accountant that is a Superman look alike, a friend of the bride. They both feel the sizzling chemistry calling them like a siren, and they decide to spend one night together to get it over with, after that, no contact and certainly not feelings for each other. Easier said than done. After the wedding, as Ale faces the hardest moment of her career (and her mental health) after a bad accident, and Callum faces a burnout that threatens to keep consuming him, they meet again and these new versions of themselves want nothing more than to erase the words “no contact” from existence.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster, even more so than Salacia Project. There were parts when I found myself grinning like the Cheshire cat at my kindle, then some where I couldn’t stare at the words because of how much I was fully sobbing, some where the heat and chemistry felt very much palpable and some where this book honestly felt like a cozy hug.

Elena’s writing pulled me in from the very beginning, same as it happened with Salacia Project. She’s a master at figuring out a pace that keeps you reading until you finish it in one sitting. She knows when situations need to make the pace slower (Ale’s accident and recovery, Callum’s long days at the office as he asks himself what to do next), and when situations make it fast enough to make you read and read no matter what time is it (all scenes between Ale and Cal feel like that, and also the twist at the end).

I really valued how both Ale and Cal are going through hard stuff, they both feel like failures or like they need to take a step back and try and go back to how they used to see the bigger picture. I think that’s relatable and also, makes sense when the characters are in their 30s and never stopped before to think about their future, their paths, etc.

The representation of a traumatic event and the consequences it can have in our mental health, in the way we are with others and how we perceive ourselves was so well done, I found myself wanting to give Ale the biggest hug and tell her that she’s not alone. Same with Cal’s burnout, it was just so honest and transparent. He was guilty over feeling like that when, in paper, he had everything he needed to just be happy instead of feeling so miserable.
The way Elena portrayed therapy in this book, how much of a tool towards healing it can be and how we all need to break down and be vulnerable to fully heal, was raw and emotional, which went amazingly well with the tone of the book.

Besides all these points I just mentioned, the romance aspect was wonderful as well. One night stand is a complicated trope to navigate, how not to make that encounter only spicy and shallow?
How instant attraction/lust can grow to love? Well, this change was so well done here. It also helped a lot that the Ale and Cal that had the one-night stand were different versions of them compared to the ones they meet months after. It was so heartwarming for them to discover these new versions of themselves and each other and how, without labels or drama, they just wanted to be there for each other to heal together.

Can’t wait for the next book!

[readingpastbedtime]

Above Water completely swept me away. Elena Locatelli has such a gift for creating settings that feel alive—you can practically smell the salt in the air, hear the waves crashing, and feel the warmth of the sun while you’re reading. By the end of the book, I was ready to pack a suitcase and book a trip to the coast.

What stood out to me most, though, was the characters. Elena writes found family so effortlessly, and every relationship felt genuine. Their unwavering support for one another, mixed with playful banter and humor, made them feel like real people I wanted to spend more time with. They weren’t just characters on a page—they became a group I didn’t want to leave.

Ale’s journey was one of my favorite parts of the story. Watching someone whose identity has always been tied to being the best suddenly have to rediscover who they are was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her growth felt realistic, and I loved that healing wasn’t rushed or made to look easy. And Callum completely stole my heart. His patience, emotional maturity, and quiet support made him such an easy character to love.

More than just a romance, this book is about healing, finding yourself, and learning that your worth isn’t defined by what you achieve. It made me laugh, made me emotional, and left me wishing I could stay in this world a little longer. If you love beautifully written romances with incredible character development, found family, unforgettable settings, and a story that stays with you long after the last page, Above Water is one I can’t recommend enough.

[Rachael]

⭐ 3/5 – Above Water, Elena Locatelli
Deep characters, each carrying their own demons, doubts, self-discovery, fears, and traumas. I liked the friends dynamic between Callum and Alejandra, but I feel it fell too quickly into insta-love like, from the very first moment they wanted each other, slept together, and everything moved way too fast. They didn't speak for seven months, and the moment they saw each other again, it was as if no time had passed at all. Instant love, and within weeks they were already saying they loved each other, after seven months of zero contact. It just felt unnatural, idk. that's where they lost me. The insta-love feels unreal, pure idealized infatuation, and when I read that, the story stops making sense for me. Where did the yearning go, the slow burn, getting to know each other slowly? Everything happened way too fast. Another thing that didn't fully convince me is that the first thing between them was purely physical-lust; and the love came after. We know it's rare for that kind of relationship to actually work out; I've never seen or heard of a one-night stand turning into a healthy relationship. Maybe that's just a personal opinion, but that's where I got stuck.
There were some cringy, overly cheesy moments (though again, that might just be me). I couldn't finish it: by the halfway point they were already a couple, with no real slow burn. The Salacia Project was one of my favorite reads of the summer, so I was really hoping for the same magic here, but Alejandra and Callum's story just didn't manage to fully capture me.

[Patricia]

How is it possible to love a book this much???

I loved these characters so much! Alejandra was such a complex character. After an event that changed her completely, it was beautiful to watch her journey toward recovery as she started to appreciate new things and slowly overcome her fears. She is such a strong person. And Callum... how can someone be such a green flag? He was always there for Ale, so understanding and supportive, and loved her deeply. His story is bittersweet too, much like Ale's, and everything involving his Taid was absolutely heartbreaking. That being said, I do wish we'd gotten to learn a little more about him, especially about his burnout and his journey about it moving forward.

This month keeps bringing me books that are making their way onto my all-time favourites list and this one has definitely earned it's place! It was a completely different story from the first book, but that's one of the reasons it worked so well. Romance can be told in so many different ways, and the author's ability to portray each love story so uniquely is one of the reasons I admire her writing so much.

Now, if you haven't read this book yet, don't waste another second! A beautiful, spirited profissional surfer and a very hot, attentive accountant are waiting for you to disciver their story, and I promise you won't regret it! ^-^

~ Thank you to Elena Locatelli and Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own! ~

[Bea Kindle]

Thank you Love Notes PR for this ARC.

4.5 stars

Ale is a professional surfer whose entire world is turned upside down after a serious accident, while Callum is an accountant and a former competitive swimmer. Their relationship begins with a one night stand, and they both expect to go their separate ways, but life has other plans. Watching their journey unfold was beautiful.

One of my favourite things was that Ale is Spanish, so there are little Spanish expressions sprinkled throughout the story. As someone who speaks Spanish, I loved those little touches. Just like in the first book, there are also a few scenes set in Portugal, and knowing the next main character will be Portuguese made my Portuguese heart so happy. It is always so special to see my country represented in books.

I cried more than a few times, especially during Ale's recovery. Seeing everything she went through was incredibly emotional, and I loved how her healing journey was handled. Callum completely stole my heart. The way he showed up for Ale, supported her, and loved her through every stage of her journey was so beautiful to read. He was patient, caring, and exactly what she needed.

The whole book felt so heartfelt. The romance, the emotional moments, and the personal growth all came together perfectly, and I found myself completely invested in both characters from beginning to end.

Such a good read, and I already cannot wait to read the next book.

[Emilie]

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓.

Above Water - Elena Locatelli 🌊🏄‍♀️

❤️/5

First of all, I would like to thank the author for sending me an advance copy 🫶

Not long ago, I read Salacia Project, which introduced me to the author’s writing style as well as her universe, and I had already really enjoyed what I had read!! But with Above Water, I truly loved it, and the characters’ psychology was so well written too!!

Alejandra is a bit like all of us… After injuring her arm during a surfing competition, her dream is shattered. She then wonders who she really is without surfing. She faces intrusive thoughts and anxiety that prevent her from living life the way she wants ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

Callum also has his own struggles, but what stood out to me the most is how much of a green flag he is. He always respected Alejandra’s decisions, helping her recover after her convalescence, even while dealing with his own problems!!

If you are looking for a lighthearted summer romance but with psychologically complex characters, then this novel, as well as Salacia Project, is perfect for you!!
And as a bonus, you are shining a spotlight on an incredible indie author 🫶

I really loved the ending, and one passage in particular truly touched me ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

I really can’t wait to read the other books from the Blue Mind Series 🩵