Meet Me in Maui

by Vasalona Cooper

Marley Jacobs is all about her self-care trips. They’re a necessity when you work overtime as an editor-in-chief, have an overbearing mother, and are still recovering from a romance that nearly unraveled you. Her trip to Hawaii is supposed to be quiet. Restorative. Solo. But things change when she bumps into the one man she thought she’d never see again.

Othello Kingston, distinguished and infuriatingly handsome, regrets saying “yes” to being the best man at his estranged cousin’s wedding. They haven’t spoken in years and for good reason. Boarding the plane to Hawaii already feels like a mistake, until a pleasant surprise greets him before the flight ever leaves the ground.

When Marley and Othello’s worlds collide for the second time, neither of them can ignore the chemistry between them, although Marley wants to keep things strictly platonic. She can’t risk another heartbreak. But when Othello’s moment of panic draws them into a fake relationship, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

You can find Vasalona with her head in a book and the clouds, daydreaming of stories with her wild imagination. Her love for literature started at four years old when her parents introduced her to all kinds of books, including the ones with read-along cassette tapes. The original audiobooks :-) She has gone on to write for local magazines and has had her work published in Cosmopolitan.

With an affinity for rainy days, Vasalona also enjoys reading, experimenting with beauty products, traveling, and cooking.

The Marley Diaries is her debut novella and the first in a four-part series.

Follow me on Instagram @VasalonaCooper for updates on upcoming releases.

Reviews

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome page turner with some eye-opening twists!

To honor his deceased aunt who raised him, Othello travels to Maui to be the Best Man at his cousin's wedding. Gavin, the same cousin who slept with Carina, the bride and Othello's then girlfriend. Talk about betrayal in the stratosphere! And what happens at that wedding is shocking!

Fortunately, Othello runs into gorgeous Marley at the airport and things really start to look up. He has been thinking about her since he met her over 3 years ago. They hang out in Maui, but Carina and her jealous, catty, bridesmaids give Marley a run for her money! And there are no words for those sleazy, disgusting groomsmen, REALLY ENJOYED THIS ONE!

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers were introduced to Marley Jacobs and Othello Kingston in The Marley Diaries. Their brief encounter left us wanting more, and @vasalonacooper definitely heard the call. Some may call it coincidence, but I call their next meeting an intervention.

Two people on the same flight, in the same row AND staying at the same resort, leads to a fake relationship in response to an uncomfortable situation. Marley is in Maui for a much needed vacation and Othello, as the best man of his cousin’s wedding. As these two go through the grand production leading up to the wedding day, they are quietly getting to know one another and the fake slowly becomes something more.

I loved everything about this book, from the courtship to the reconciliation, to the bride and groom FINALLY speaking up for themselves. The plot twists were great and the character development was on point. These characters grew so much over the course of one week, and I attribute that to timing and the beautiful island of Maui. My favorite characters are a tie between Othello and Marley, and Carina was my least favorite. Go read this book!

[Charli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me in Maui – Vasalona Cooper

I was so intrigued by Marley and Othello from the very beginning, and I absolutely adore a good fake dating romance.

What was meant to be a relaxing, idyllic holiday for Marley turned into anything but... yet one of the brightest parts of the trip was the connection she found with Othello. As much as she tried to fight her feelings, some things are simply meant to be.

Othello is everything I want in a book boyfriend—handsome, charming, patient, emotionally mature, and always willing to go above and beyond for Marley.

This story was so much more than a fake dating romance. It was a reminder that life isn't always smooth sailing or a fairy tale. Sometimes it's the unexpected twists and curveballs that lead us exactly where we're meant to be and bring us the greatest joy.

I loved this, Vasalona, and I can't wait to read more from you! 💛

[tre be · Rating 3 out of 5]

looking up flights to Maui!!

a vacay, a getaway to rest and reset. Othello is reluctantly headed to Maui to be the best man in his cousin's wedding. 

I really liked the beginning of Othello & Marley's story! Their connection was instant - like they’d known each other for years! They were so cute on the plane - talking for hours about life, laughing, having fun and dually watching Love Jones! How cute is that?! Then, when they touched down in Maui, they vibed during the drive listening to old school R&B. The trip was off to a great start! 

Then, enter Carina and Gavin ... sure they brought drama, but they also took the focus off of the budding new flames and cuteness of M&O. Things got complicated, suspicions set in, and it just wasn't as fun anymore (for me). 

It seemed like a spin on “Only For the Week”...overall it was a cute summer read that made me look up flights to Maui! 🍹

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me in Maui was such a delightful surprise and the perfect summer romance.

From the very beginning, this book had me smiling. It gave me all the best rom-com vibes. I laughed, swooned, and even found myself tearing up a couple of times. It strikes a wonderful balance between lighthearted moments and emotional depth.

Marley and Othello’s chemistry was my favorite part of the story. Their connection developed so naturally that I never questioned why they were drawn to each other. Even when Marley tried to fight what she was feeling, the emotions between them were undeniable and came through effortlessly on the page.

While the romance shines, this story is also about grief, healing, finding yourself again, and being open to new beginnings. It handles those heavier themes with warmth and heart, making the happily-ever-after feel even more satisfying.

If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh, root for the characters, and leave you with that warm, content feeling when you turn the last page, I highly recommend picking this one up, especially during the summer.

[Sharika Sellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute rom-com. From the way they met, the fake dating, fixing their family relationship, falling in love etc . I enjoyed it! Ain’t nothing like that vacay bae that turns out to be your happy ever after 🥰🥰

This book definitely gave me Only for the week vibes

[Tifanei Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved reading this book! the storyline is sweet and cute, while the characters are complex and full. and both the story and the characters are sexy. i fell for them both. this is the perfect book to get cozy and binge read imo.

[4loveofbooksnkc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Meet Me in Maui, and I really enjoyed it! 📚🌺 Ms. Cooper’s descriptions of Maui made me want to pack my bags and go! 😂✈️ I loved the fake-dating scenario—and having it unfold in Maui made it even better! 🩷

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.25 stars

[Shakirra Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute summer time read. Marley & Othello’s story was adorable.

[Mercedes Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting back into reading this was the romance I needed. A book that made you yell out loud at some parts and tear up at others definitely a great read!