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Pipelines in Paradise
One is trying to heal a broken heart, the other, a broken family.
After separating from his partner of nine years, Palmer Simpson flees to the island of Oahu to pursue a carefree life of surfing. There, he meets Riku Usami, a more skilled surfer—but one with a bad attitude and a boatload of family drama. A contest between the two men leads to friendship and the possibility of something more meaningful. When a tsunami threatens the island, a friend is stranded out on the waters of the deadly Banzai Pipeline. Palmer and Riku must face the dangers of the barrel waves and the looming forces of nature in order to get their friend to safety. If they survive, they’ll have to contemplate what their future together will look like after the storm blows through.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
After separating from his partner of nine years, Palmer Simpson flees to the island of Oahu to pursue a carefree life of surfing. There, he meets Riku Usami, a more skilled surfer—but one with a bad attitude and a boatload of family drama. A contest between the two men leads to friendship and the possibility of something more meaningful. When a tsunami threatens the island, a friend is stranded out on the waters of the deadly Banzai Pipeline. Palmer and Riku must face the dangers of the barrel waves and the looming forces of nature in order to get their friend to safety. If they survive, they’ll have to contemplate what their future together will look like after the storm blows through.
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
- GenresM M Romance
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
29 people want to read
About the author
Foster Bridget Cassidy
11 books10 followersFOSTER BRIDGET CASSIDY is a rare, native Phoenician who enjoys hot desert air and likes to wear jackets in summer. She has wanted to be a fiction writer since becoming addicted to epic fantasy during high school. Since then, she’s studied the craft academically—at Arizona State University—and as a hobby—attending conventions and workshops around the country. A million ideas float in her head, but it seems like there’s never enough time to get them all down on paper.
Her main support comes from her husband, who reminds her to laugh. Mostly at herself. Their partnership may be difficult to grasp when viewed from the outside, but seen from the inside they are a perfect match. He’s helped her though surgeries and sicknesses and is always willing to wash her hair when she can’t do it on her own.
Their children have four legs and fur and will bite them on occasion. One snores loudly.
For fun, Foster likes to take pictures of her dachshunds, sew costumes for her dachshunds, snuggle her dachshunds, and bake treats for her dachshunds. In exchange for so much love and devotion, they pee vast amounts on the floor, click their nails loudly on the tile, and bark wildly at anything that moves outside. Somehow, this relationship works for all involved.
While not writing, Foster can usually be found playing a video game or watching a movie with her husband. While not doing any of those things, Foster can usually be found in bed, asleep.
Her main support comes from her husband, who reminds her to laugh. Mostly at herself. Their partnership may be difficult to grasp when viewed from the outside, but seen from the inside they are a perfect match. He’s helped her though surgeries and sicknesses and is always willing to wash her hair when she can’t do it on her own.
Their children have four legs and fur and will bite them on occasion. One snores loudly.
For fun, Foster likes to take pictures of her dachshunds, sew costumes for her dachshunds, snuggle her dachshunds, and bake treats for her dachshunds. In exchange for so much love and devotion, they pee vast amounts on the floor, click their nails loudly on the tile, and bark wildly at anything that moves outside. Somehow, this relationship works for all involved.
While not writing, Foster can usually be found playing a video game or watching a movie with her husband. While not doing any of those things, Foster can usually be found in bed, asleep.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 14, 2020
Okay, full disclosure, this story did not do it for me. The Hawaii setting is nicely done, but my intense dislike for Riku (one of the MCs) had me gritting my teeth throughout the book.
After learning his partner of nine years cheated on him, Palmer leaves his teaching job and travels to Hawaii. He rents a crappy little motel room and spends his days surfing with his newfound buddy, Dill.
When Palmer sees surfer Riku Usami from afar, he is immediately captivated. "Skin a dark bronze, noticeable where his wet suit didn’t cover [...] his body appeared to be ripped like a Spartan, muscles lean and jagged even through the protective clothing."
However ... Riku is a jerk. He's continually broody, moody and just plain mean, often described as having a face contorted with anger. Their initial encounters include Riku calling Palmer an idiot and standing by as his friends insult Palmer. Yet when Palmer next sees a drunken Riku (getting thrown out of a gay bar), Palmer helps Riku back to his home ... and they sleep together, with Riku lovingly crooning “I don’t need a lecture, grandpa. Just hurry up" and “Hurry,” Usami repeated. “Or else I may fall asleep.” Later Palmer rationalizes that to Riku anger meant affection and tells Riku being an asshole is "... just part of your charm." Now, I can forgive a bit of asshatery if there is growth in a relationship, but I'm not sure if Riku changes in any fundamental way throughout this story.
Turns out Dill hates Riku, and Riku despises Dill. This plot point grows very thin as there are a few confrontations and lots of angry muttering from each man, but neither of them will tell Palmer why ... and Palmer never asks. We finally get the answer, which leads into another round of angst and fighting with Riku's parents and Dill and Riku. The drama with the tsunami (mentioned in the blurb) happens around 91% and its conclusion and the ending wraps up too quickly.
Ultimately, there were just too many things about this story that didn't work for me. I give Pipelines in Paradise 2.5 stars and cannot recommend it.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
After learning his partner of nine years cheated on him, Palmer leaves his teaching job and travels to Hawaii. He rents a crappy little motel room and spends his days surfing with his newfound buddy, Dill.
When Palmer sees surfer Riku Usami from afar, he is immediately captivated. "Skin a dark bronze, noticeable where his wet suit didn’t cover [...] his body appeared to be ripped like a Spartan, muscles lean and jagged even through the protective clothing."
However ... Riku is a jerk. He's continually broody, moody and just plain mean, often described as having a face contorted with anger. Their initial encounters include Riku calling Palmer an idiot and standing by as his friends insult Palmer. Yet when Palmer next sees a drunken Riku (getting thrown out of a gay bar), Palmer helps Riku back to his home ... and they sleep together, with Riku lovingly crooning “I don’t need a lecture, grandpa. Just hurry up" and “Hurry,” Usami repeated. “Or else I may fall asleep.” Later Palmer rationalizes that to Riku anger meant affection and tells Riku being an asshole is "... just part of your charm." Now, I can forgive a bit of asshatery if there is growth in a relationship, but I'm not sure if Riku changes in any fundamental way throughout this story.
Turns out Dill hates Riku, and Riku despises Dill. This plot point grows very thin as there are a few confrontations and lots of angry muttering from each man, but neither of them will tell Palmer why ... and Palmer never asks. We finally get the answer, which leads into another round of angst and fighting with Riku's parents and Dill and Riku. The drama with the tsunami (mentioned in the blurb) happens around 91% and its conclusion and the ending wraps up too quickly.
Ultimately, there were just too many things about this story that didn't work for me. I give Pipelines in Paradise 2.5 stars and cannot recommend it.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
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February 4, 2017
DNF @ 62%
This was one not a good enemies to lovers story. I spent all 62% CONFUSED AND RAGEY! It's not a good way to feel people. So apparently Palmer heart was so broken from his boyfriend's cheating that he fled the mainland and flew to Hawaii. This was a very abrupt decision and he allowed his emotions to get to the better of him. I have no issue with this at all. My issue was Palmer. I didn't understand him at all. His actions and thoughts don't congeal with what he talked about. Down in Hawaii, he meets Dill. Dill is someone that takes Palmer under his wings, and becomes a friend in this destitute time. I liked Dill, and between them bonding over surfing the waves he's very carefree and doesn't let things get to him. During one of these bonding adventures they run into Riku. A surfing legend it seems, and a complete utter ass. From them my rage ensues and Riku isn't someone I like, who could like, and it's absolutely no reason for treat Palmer as such. In all of there meetings and Riku just talking bad about Dill. Its obvious they have history, but Palmer isn't smart enough to ask. I didn't care enough to read the rest to figure out what them issue is. I don't know how you can mess up an enemies to lover story where one MC is so unforgettable. I LOATHE Riku with a thousand passions. Palmer was a complete letdown, and I liked Dill. The only good thing to come out of this. I refused to finish this, and cannot recommend this at all.
February 7, 2017
With all due respect to the author, I couldn't find a single thing that I liked about this story.
Riku is a total jackass; his friends border on being bullies. The whole animosity with Dill was baffling, until the real reason was finally mentioned, but then the whole conclusion was wrapped quickly in a totally unconvincing manner.
Plus that ending, with , it showed how much Riku didn't mature at all.
Oh, yes, I was talking about Dill, when the MC was Palmer. Why? Because I thought there was too much Dill and Riku drama rather than anything to do with Palmer. Palmer wasn't an interesting character to me; he bordered to being doormat for forgiving Riku.
He's a jackass, Palmer. A brat, arrogant, jackass. What is the matter with you?!?
I also disliked Palmer's sister.
Cannot recommend this one. Sorry.
Check out CrabbyPatty and Wendy Ann reviews as well.
Riku is a total jackass; his friends border on being bullies. The whole animosity with Dill was baffling, until the real reason was finally mentioned, but then the whole conclusion was wrapped quickly in a totally unconvincing manner.
Plus that ending, with , it showed how much Riku didn't mature at all.
Oh, yes, I was talking about Dill, when the MC was Palmer. Why? Because I thought there was too much Dill and Riku drama rather than anything to do with Palmer. Palmer wasn't an interesting character to me; he bordered to being doormat for forgiving Riku.
He's a jackass, Palmer. A brat, arrogant, jackass. What is the matter with you?!?
I also disliked Palmer's sister.
Cannot recommend this one. Sorry.
Check out CrabbyPatty and Wendy Ann reviews as well.
February 4, 2017
When the best aspect of reading a romance book ends up being learning a little something about the location in which it’s set (Oahu, Hawaii) or about an activity in it that takes place (surfing), then what does that say about the characters and the romance? Probably a lot and it’s not necessarily encouraging.
While Palmer was a decent character if not a little rash in his reactions, I didn’t warm up one iota to Riku. He was cold and rude, and even in scenarios where his heart might have shown through, it wasn’t enough to overcome my first and only impression of him. The “L” word, when it came, felt insincere because I just had not developed any sense of a true relationship between them – much less “love”.
Even more frustrating than the lack of character connection was the fact that the book blurb leads you to believe certain events are going to transpire and play a significant role in the plot, and while you might be able to call it true on a technicality, I felt a bit short-changed in terms of how late those came into the picture and at the utterly incomplete state in which they were left. Sadly, even if there were an intended sequel to resolve some of the gaping open plot points at the end of this story, I don’t believe I’d be inclined to check it out.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review through ...
2 hearts
While Palmer was a decent character if not a little rash in his reactions, I didn’t warm up one iota to Riku. He was cold and rude, and even in scenarios where his heart might have shown through, it wasn’t enough to overcome my first and only impression of him. The “L” word, when it came, felt insincere because I just had not developed any sense of a true relationship between them – much less “love”.
Even more frustrating than the lack of character connection was the fact that the book blurb leads you to believe certain events are going to transpire and play a significant role in the plot, and while you might be able to call it true on a technicality, I felt a bit short-changed in terms of how late those came into the picture and at the utterly incomplete state in which they were left. Sadly, even if there were an intended sequel to resolve some of the gaping open plot points at the end of this story, I don’t believe I’d be inclined to check it out.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review through ...
2 hearts
February 28, 2017
Hawaii and surfing are at the center of this story full of adventure, new discoveries, and interpersonal drama. The plot takes quite a few twists and turns before it becomes clear what is actually going on between the two men whom Palmer meets and what their role in his life will be. Expect lots of surfing, soul searching, and a main character determined to figure out what he wants in life – after his partner of nine years cheats on him and his old dream of spending most of his time surfing seems within reach.
Palmer has had a rough time, and while moving to Hawaii could be seen as “running” from his life as a science teacher, he has dreamed about living there for quite a while. Fulfilling his dreams is not easy, however. He meets Dill, another surfing enthusiast, and they get along well enough to become surfing buddies, even though Dill is an advanced surfer. Then Palmer meets Riku – a well known surfer who seems to hate him on sight – until Palmer comes to his rescue at a gay bar one night.
This opens the door to a more personal exploration, but Riku insists that Dill can’t find out. Between the mystery of why Riku has an issue with Dill, a few close calls when the waves get higher than Palmer is comfortable with, and a threatening tsunami, this story certainly kept my attention. The setting is beautiful and quite a few places that are mentioned reminded me of previous visits to Hawaii and made me want to travel there again.
If you like stories about men redefining their lives, if Hawaii is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read full of personal and natural drama, then you might like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Deamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Palmer has had a rough time, and while moving to Hawaii could be seen as “running” from his life as a science teacher, he has dreamed about living there for quite a while. Fulfilling his dreams is not easy, however. He meets Dill, another surfing enthusiast, and they get along well enough to become surfing buddies, even though Dill is an advanced surfer. Then Palmer meets Riku – a well known surfer who seems to hate him on sight – until Palmer comes to his rescue at a gay bar one night.
This opens the door to a more personal exploration, but Riku insists that Dill can’t find out. Between the mystery of why Riku has an issue with Dill, a few close calls when the waves get higher than Palmer is comfortable with, and a threatening tsunami, this story certainly kept my attention. The setting is beautiful and quite a few places that are mentioned reminded me of previous visits to Hawaii and made me want to travel there again.
If you like stories about men redefining their lives, if Hawaii is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read full of personal and natural drama, then you might like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Deamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 5, 2017
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is fabulous escapism. What thirtysomething hasn’t imagined ditching the day job for a life in Hawaii as a beach bum? I loved Palmer’s bravery and the little slice of paradise he finds for himself. The friendship between Palmer and Dill is great and while it took me some time to warm to Riku, he does make for an unusual and attractive love interest.
At times, this story reads like a love letter to Hawaii. For me, it was a perfect read for a dark and cold English January. I fell in love with the weather, the waves and the laid back, lazy lifestyle. And while the surfing scenes in this book are brilliant, Palmer’s identity crisis and Riku’s family responsibilities add some depth and maturity.
This is a short story and the plot is a little thin but the chemistry between Riku and Palmer is hot. The action sequences at the end feel more than a little rushed and I think the story could have benefited from further development of Riku and a full resolution of his family issues.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to more from this author.
This is fabulous escapism. What thirtysomething hasn’t imagined ditching the day job for a life in Hawaii as a beach bum? I loved Palmer’s bravery and the little slice of paradise he finds for himself. The friendship between Palmer and Dill is great and while it took me some time to warm to Riku, he does make for an unusual and attractive love interest.
At times, this story reads like a love letter to Hawaii. For me, it was a perfect read for a dark and cold English January. I fell in love with the weather, the waves and the laid back, lazy lifestyle. And while the surfing scenes in this book are brilliant, Palmer’s identity crisis and Riku’s family responsibilities add some depth and maturity.
This is a short story and the plot is a little thin but the chemistry between Riku and Palmer is hot. The action sequences at the end feel more than a little rushed and I think the story could have benefited from further development of Riku and a full resolution of his family issues.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to more from this author.
June 28, 2017
I have never read this author before so I thought I would give her a try. It's summer now and about surfers, and I have also never read a book about surfing in such great detail. I learned about a new way of life while reading this book. The pace was ok as well the writing. I do have to say that this book to me felt more centered on the surfing way of life than a romance it was supposed to be about.
This is the story of Palmer and Riku. Palmer is a thirtysomething man that up and leaves after he finds that his partner of nine years has been cheating on him. He thought everything was great. He leaves his stable life as a science teacher behind to catch the waves in Hawaii. He wants to live in the moment. When he sees the younger Riku he is instantly smitten. Though Riku doesn’t feel the same or does he? Then you have Dill who is very helpful and a good friend to Palmer. They live in the same place and he drives Palmer around. I really liked Dill, such a good guy.
Riku is younger and from Hawaii and has been surfing his whole life. Riku is one of the biggest jerks I have ever read about. I was not really a fan of him at all. We do find out why as we read, but still not a great person in general. I didn't like Riku's surfer friends either. They are rude and arrogant. There are things going on that I did not see coming. I mean really did not see it coming. Never crossed my mind. Most of all though this book is about being free, the adrenaline rush of finding the perfect wave and living life the way you choose with your own choices. I did enjoy reading the growth of Palmer.
I have to say the ending left me kind of hanging. I was hoping there would be more it just felt really rushed. The setting was awesome and I felt like I was on the Northshore. Join these two and see if they have what it takes.
This is the story of Palmer and Riku. Palmer is a thirtysomething man that up and leaves after he finds that his partner of nine years has been cheating on him. He thought everything was great. He leaves his stable life as a science teacher behind to catch the waves in Hawaii. He wants to live in the moment. When he sees the younger Riku he is instantly smitten. Though Riku doesn’t feel the same or does he? Then you have Dill who is very helpful and a good friend to Palmer. They live in the same place and he drives Palmer around. I really liked Dill, such a good guy.
Riku is younger and from Hawaii and has been surfing his whole life. Riku is one of the biggest jerks I have ever read about. I was not really a fan of him at all. We do find out why as we read, but still not a great person in general. I didn't like Riku's surfer friends either. They are rude and arrogant. There are things going on that I did not see coming. I mean really did not see it coming. Never crossed my mind. Most of all though this book is about being free, the adrenaline rush of finding the perfect wave and living life the way you choose with your own choices. I did enjoy reading the growth of Palmer.
I have to say the ending left me kind of hanging. I was hoping there would be more it just felt really rushed. The setting was awesome and I felt like I was on the Northshore. Join these two and see if they have what it takes.
February 9, 2017
Fun, quick read
This was a quick read . It had conflict. Romance. Distrust at first sight. Family drama. Hawaii and surfing. The author blends a beautiful story with interesting characters with all these elements into a wonderful tapestry of love set in the Aloha state. I highly recommend this book.
This was a quick read . It had conflict. Romance. Distrust at first sight. Family drama. Hawaii and surfing. The author blends a beautiful story with interesting characters with all these elements into a wonderful tapestry of love set in the Aloha state. I highly recommend this book.
February 4, 2017
DNF Read as far as chapter 7 but couldn't stand Riku's attitude any more. Flipped to the last chapter & discovered I would need to read another 10 chapters before he changed. Not for me. Liked the setting in Hawaii & the surfing, though.
April 4, 2017
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews