Chasing Waves : A Coastal Women's Fiction Romance

by Aspen Hadley

She calls him the Mayor of Flirt.
He simply keeps showing up.

At forty, Gretchen Holloway is finally back on her own two feet. After a marriage that slowly taught her to make herself smaller, she returned home to Marler Island and got to work. Now, she’s managing the spa she loves, surrounded by family and friends, and adjusting to life with her daughter away at college.

The last thing she needs is a disruption.

Yet Rhodes Wilder—charming landscaper, childhood friend, and devoted single dad—has been getting under Gretchen's skin since she returned to the island. One spectacularly bad interaction convinced her his attention is better avoided, and she’s stuck to it.

But when a worsening problem with her arm threatens the career she's worked so hard to build, Rhodes does something Gretchen never expects.

He shows up. Over and over again.

As autumn settles over Marler Island, quiet acts of kindness, an unexpected trip to the mainland, and one very unconventional first date begin to dismantle everything Gretchen thought she knew about Rhodes—and maybe a few things she believed about herself.

Because the right kind of love doesn't ask you to become less—it gives you room to grow.

Tender, uplifting, and full of found family, later-in-life love, and the beauty of beginning again, Chasing Waves is a closed-door women's romance about discovery, healing, and growth – with a little romance to make you swoon.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2026

About the author

Aspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.

Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.

Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.

Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.

You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.

Reviews

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Waves: A Coastal Women’s Fiction Romance (Marler Island Book 2)
by: Aspen Hadley
@aspenhadley_author

••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

~She calls him the Mayor of Flirt. He simply keeps showing up...

-My friends, if you are in the mood for a tender, uplifting, hopeful, full of found family, later-in-life love, and the beauty of beginning again, then Chasing Waves, may be just the next book you will want to read! This closed-door women’s romance centers so well around self-discover, healing, and growth! It is layered with the right touch of romance to make you swoon, little things noticed to make you sigh, and perfect amount of depth to make you feel all the things. Goodness, what I loved most was watching the journey to finally put one’s needs first after putting so much time, effort, and care to others around. Watching characters choose to bravely face fears, obstacles, and the future ahead, only made them be so much stronger. Watching them choose to take time to process, heal, and open hearts to future possibilities, and being able to recognize how it’s the little things others notice of being seen/enough matter. It felt relatable, believable and inspiring. This story is filled shows the importance making room for love and the clear difference it makes for the better, ahead. I am already looking forward to more to come within this series. Also, while it could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading series in order for greater satisfaction! Chasing Waves, is worth reading!🍁📚🙌🏻

•Content: No language, No violence, Some grief, loss of loved ones, and divorce (all in the past, mentioned on page), health scare, the need to slow down/heal/recover, self discovery, some misunderstandings, past hurtful comments made, kisses only. No spice!

#chasingwaves
#marlerislandseries
#apenhadleyauthor
#acoastalwomensfictionalromance
#allaboutthebestreads

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Suddenly I’m seeing sea glass and birds everywhere I go in a way that’s new.”

Book 2 in the Marler Island series, Chasing Waves delivers a solid, witty, and heartfelt story. Gretchen is divorced and rebuilding her life on the island of her childhood home. Rhodes is a widower raising a teenage son. After some misconceptions, the gradual reconnection in this women’s fiction (with a delightful dose of romance) thoroughly warmed my heart and soul.

Aspen Hadley knows how to bring the humor into a story, as is showcased with Rhode’s personality, but to also allow for tender character growth, as Gretchen’s arc displays. The mashup is entirely beautiful and I was deeply invested from the very first chapter. I wholly loved these two characters!

From friendships to parenting, sea glass gifts to niche professions, and nature to matters of the heart, this story pulled me in and didn’t let me go. Full of laughs, swoon, and heart, I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait for the series to continue.

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

always look forward to reading books by Aspen. She’s a master of humorous and witty dialogue, along with creating the sweetest romances. She’s done that once again in Chasing Waves.

Adding to all that fun are two older characters—Gretchen and Rhodes. They grew up together, and then find one another after his wife passes away and she’s divorced. They get off to a rough start, but I loved watching their romance blossom. They’re both single parents, and I adored the relationship they had with their kids.

I also love the relationship Gretchen has with her friends, Mac and Sloane. The support and loyalty they have for each other is wonderful, and so is the way they tease each other.

My favorite parts—
🔹Paddle boarding
🔹Sea glass
🔹Mac’s sharp sense of humor
🔹Beautiful setting in the PNW
🔹Birdwatching date
🔹Rhodes constantly showing up

This is a great book for fans of sweet, heartwarming, clean romances.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so tender, fun, and heartwarming! Gretchen’s struggles with caring for everyone else and ignoring her own needs is so relatable, and her journey to realizing she can and should be loved as she is was just beautiful. Rhodes is just awesome and his relationship with his son and his personal growth and healing was so tender and perfect! There was such a sweet balance and depth to both of them having kids (one a young adult, one a teen) and managing all the feels that a new relationship brings in those situations. I laughed, I swooned, I teared up—I loved it.

TW: Divorcee & Widower (both past)

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aspen Hadley just released Chasing Waves, the second book in her Marler Island Series. This book follows Gretchen Holloway, a forty-year-old woman navigating divorce, single parenting, and a medical journey via the help of her two close friends (Mackenzie and Sloane Findlay). Though technically categorized as Women’s Fiction, Cashing Waves, features a strong second chance romance between the grounded Gretchen and the local flirt, Rhodes Wilder.

Hadley does a phenomenal job showcasing female friendships in not only this book, but the series! The three women (Gretchen, Mackenzie and Sloane) form the, Second Bloom Society, shortly after they reconnect on Marler Island (their childhood home). It is during these Second Bloom Society meetings that they bear their souls and confront the challenges they are facing. Unfortunately, no matter how much Gretchen’s female friends (and family for that matter) are there for her, she keeps her injury private.

This sliver of privacy is what allows an opening for a romantic relationship to bloom between Gretchen and Rhodes. Despite the pair having gotten off to a rocky start (the second time around), they are in similar seasons of life. Therefore, Rhodes is the only person that can truly relate to her and consistently shows up (whether she likes it or not).

Rhodes is a special kind of MMC. He isn’t afraid to admit when he is wrong, pays attention to what makes Gretchen smile, and takes care of her when she won’t do it herself. He sets a new high for book boyfriends that will have readers rethinking their own standards!!!

Be sure to read Chasing Waves for:
-FMC Spa Manager
-MMC Lanscaper
-Small Island Setting
-Strong Female Friendship
-Second Chance Romance
-All The Feels

Chasing Waves will forever serve as a beautiful reminder that life does not follow a timeline. Sometimes the greatest memories are made during the second acts!

I received a complimentary copy (electronic) of Chasing Waves courtesy of Aspen Hadley. With that said, this is an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something magical about reading stories that mirror your own life. It’s not often I have the pleasure of reading a book featuring a woman near my own age as the main character, and it is a true delight when that story takes me on a journey of self-reflection and deep realizations.

Gretchen finds herself at a crossroads in life and doesn’t know what to do. She has spent so many years relying only upon herself that she doesn’t recognize or accept the need for help. I can totally relate to being on such a journey of self-discovery and learning to let people in. I loved seeing her come to understand her worth and accept love where it is offered.

Rhodes is the ultimate example of patience and kindness. He has had so much grief and pain in his life, and all he wants is to show Gretchen that they both deserve the right kind of love. He displays so much selflessness throughout the story and I really loved watching his love only grow.

Rhodes and Gretchen together are what dreams are made of. I love that this story is so much more than a cute romance. Between all the fantastic tension and humor is a story of overcoming, finding your way, and finding the love you deserve.

This single parent, women’s fiction coastal romance is the 2nd book in the Marler Island series. Marler Island has my heart and I can’t see what’s in store for our final member of the Second Bloom Society!

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women's fiction romance? Yes, she successfully did!

I'm not generally a big fan of women's fiction - I read for positive, fun & happy feelings not post divorce trauma as women's fiction tends to be. And I'm not a big fan of "hippie stuff", though I do value many natural treatments. But I always enjoy Aspen Hadley's books, so I decided to trust her, & this book really is well done.

Gretchen is a grump to Rhodes sunshine, & a rather wounded one after her husband divorced her for being too "quirky", but the way they reach that point makes sense & is totally sympathetic, even in those moments when I was shaking my head at some of their unwise moments of following their emotions instead of sense

Gretchen's epiphany & growth in particular was both believable and enjoyable. It's a refreshing pleasure to read about women who can be strong without dominating or running down men

Sounds like book 3 will be Sloane & Andrew - looking forward to it!

*Romance level: passionate kissing but nothing graphic

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! We met Rhodes and Gretchen in the previous book and I love them both. They are single parents (one has a teen, the other one in college) and both 40. The feeling I got while reading was much more calm and mellow than the usual romcom. There’s still laughter and swooning but also some more reflective moments as the characters are learning from their life experiences and dealing with life after divorce and death of a spouse. It was beautiful watching these two figure things out and fall in love. I only have a critique because a pet peeve of mine is people not knowing when to say “Bob and I” or “Bob and me”. Too many instances in this book for me to ignore. Otherwise, a lovely book. A quote that needs to be shared: “Love doesn’t make you enough. You already are. The right kind of love just helps you remember.”

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I prefer to work out my stresses through meditation, journaling, and physical activity. Some days simply require sugar, and that's a fact."

There are quite a few good quotable passages in this book. I loved the calm island setting, Brayden teasing and joking with Rhodes, the caring way Rhodes shows he cares from afar.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written women’s fiction story that tackles feelings of inadequacy, friendship, longing, forgiveness, of letting go, reconnecting, self-discovery, and healing.

There’s so much to love in this journey. Especially how Rhodes keeps showing up for Gretchen. Through all her struggles, he’s there. Supporting, encouraging, helping. His silent and not-so-silent support is just what Gretchen needs to realize she doesn’t have to do it all alone.

Such an uplifting, tender, and sweet story.

Thank you to Aspen Hadley for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @aspenhadley_auhor for the #gifted copy of this book!

Chasing Waves is the second book in the Marler Island series. While this one can absolutely break read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the whole series because they are just that good! I have been a huge fan of Aspen’s books for a while and this is definitely a favorite! It does lean more towards women’s fiction, but don’t worry, you will still get your happily ever after at the end!

What a beautiful story of healing, growth and self discovery! I love that Rhodes seemed to be everywhere, always showing up and sticking around even when Gretchen wasn’t thrilled about it, slowly breaking down her walls and healing her heart. I loved the healing and growth journey both Gretchen and Rhodes went on. I love that she learned to finally put her needs first after giving time, care and self to others for so many years. As a mom, this is so relatable.
I had all the feels in this one. I laughed, swooned and maybe even teared up a little. I loved all if it!

If you love a tender, uplifting, later-in-life love story, then make sure to check out this one! You won’t regret it!!

Thank you to @aspenhadley_author for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.