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Otago Waters #1
Mako Bay
Book 1 of the Otago Waters series: A New Zealand friends to lovers romance.
Shal Hoffner’s back in Dunedin after eight years of self-imposed exile. Setting up a new fashion boutique, and juggling bridesmaid duties for her best friend’s wedding, she’s determined to forget her ripped-up past, soulless love-life, and the guy who broke her heart.
She should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple.
Assuming the proximity of Cameron Dante (builder, guitarist, surf-buddy, and ex-flatmate) the least of her worries? Big mistake. Huge. Because there’s more to the past than Shal knows, on a collision course with right now, and if she can’t stick to friends-with-benefits there’s a chance she could snap. Just like before.
‘No promises, no commitment, and no exclusive rights.’ Shal’s mantra is fast losing traction, and it’s all Cam’s fault.
He’s not the shy surfer-down-the-hall he once was, and he’s out to prove something, no matter the cost. He’s been in love with Shal forever, so what’s he got to lose?
His newfound roots, his music career, his very heart and soul...
Pretty much everything, actually.
MAKO BAY is the first story in Stephanie Ruth's Otago Waters series, set in the beautiful South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. Intended for readers who enjoy their slow-burn, feel-good romance on the steamy side, with the promise of a happily ever after.
Reader discretion advised, this novel deals with the trauma of a past car accident.
Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world, with the characters you love.
Shal Hoffner’s back in Dunedin after eight years of self-imposed exile. Setting up a new fashion boutique, and juggling bridesmaid duties for her best friend’s wedding, she’s determined to forget her ripped-up past, soulless love-life, and the guy who broke her heart.
She should’ve known it wouldn’t be that simple.
Assuming the proximity of Cameron Dante (builder, guitarist, surf-buddy, and ex-flatmate) the least of her worries? Big mistake. Huge. Because there’s more to the past than Shal knows, on a collision course with right now, and if she can’t stick to friends-with-benefits there’s a chance she could snap. Just like before.
‘No promises, no commitment, and no exclusive rights.’ Shal’s mantra is fast losing traction, and it’s all Cam’s fault.
He’s not the shy surfer-down-the-hall he once was, and he’s out to prove something, no matter the cost. He’s been in love with Shal forever, so what’s he got to lose?
His newfound roots, his music career, his very heart and soul...
Pretty much everything, actually.
MAKO BAY is the first story in Stephanie Ruth's Otago Waters series, set in the beautiful South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. Intended for readers who enjoy their slow-burn, feel-good romance on the steamy side, with the promise of a happily ever after.
Reader discretion advised, this novel deals with the trauma of a past car accident.
Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world, with the characters you love.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Ruth
18 books44 followersAward winning New Zealand contemporary romance novelist and short story writer, Stephanie Ruth lives in the South Island, Te Waipounamu, with her husband, three children, and an ever expanding array of animals. If it doesn't have a happy ending in some form or other, Stephanie's not writing it.
You can find her on Facebook @stephanieruth.nz, Instagram and TikTok @stephanie_ruth_writes_nz, or on her website www.stephanie-ruth.com
You can find her on Facebook @stephanieruth.nz, Instagram and TikTok @stephanie_ruth_writes_nz, or on her website www.stephanie-ruth.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 12, 2024
This was a lovely little book. I especially loved how the author incorporated so much Te Reo Maori and Swedish into it.
I typically prefer first person POV, but this was well written in third person POV. I'll definitely check out the next in the series!
I typically prefer first person POV, but this was well written in third person POV. I'll definitely check out the next in the series!
August 13, 2023
Thanks to Mako Bay, I now know my favourite trope - he falls first ✨swoon✨
A delicious tale of a man, standing in front of a woman, asking her to love him.
Shal is a fashion designer with a boutique store in Wellington, Aotearoa. Her best friend is getting married, so, for the first time in eight years, she is drawn back to Dunedin, a place that holds so many mixed feelings for her.
Cam has established a successful building career in Dunedin. With his cousin’s wedding on the horizon, his long time infatuation blows in.
Shal is completely oblivious to her old flatmate and friend’s feelings for her, until an unexpected discovery opens her eyes and heart.
✨ he falls first
✨ unrequited love
✨ friends to lovers
✨ multicultural lovers
✨ kiwi vibes
With a Māori infusion, this story is captivating. Bonus playlist, Te Reo Maori and Swedish glossaries, Stephanie Ruth has excelled.
A delicious tale of a man, standing in front of a woman, asking her to love him.
Shal is a fashion designer with a boutique store in Wellington, Aotearoa. Her best friend is getting married, so, for the first time in eight years, she is drawn back to Dunedin, a place that holds so many mixed feelings for her.
Cam has established a successful building career in Dunedin. With his cousin’s wedding on the horizon, his long time infatuation blows in.
Shal is completely oblivious to her old flatmate and friend’s feelings for her, until an unexpected discovery opens her eyes and heart.
✨ he falls first
✨ unrequited love
✨ friends to lovers
✨ multicultural lovers
✨ kiwi vibes
With a Māori infusion, this story is captivating. Bonus playlist, Te Reo Maori and Swedish glossaries, Stephanie Ruth has excelled.
June 15, 2024
Shalom & Cameron ❤️
💍Shal is back in Dunedin, New Zealand for her best friend Katie’s wedding. She studied in Dunedin 8 years ago, but things ended badly when her boyfriend was killed in a car accident days after they broke up. She’s staying in the house that was recently renovated by Cam, one of her former flatmates, and Katie’s close cousin.
🏄♀️It soon comes out that Cam has had a huge crush on Shal since he first met her. She never knew, but this makes things complicated since her attraction to him is very obvious now. Also Cameron is the type to want to settle down, where Shal is as skittish as anything. The product of a cold Swedish mother and a philandering American father.
📚One of my favourite New Zealand-based authors (Enni Amanda) suggested I read this story when she heard I would be travelling to New Zealand’s South Island in a few months time. I loved this story for itself, but it’s super special to read a story based in a part of a country and a city I will be travelling to! I have definitely found a new author to keep an eye on. The characters here are not perfect but their caring for each other, bringing in their family heritage into their relationship and their shared love of music, the ocean and each other is special 🇳🇿
Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
💍Shal is back in Dunedin, New Zealand for her best friend Katie’s wedding. She studied in Dunedin 8 years ago, but things ended badly when her boyfriend was killed in a car accident days after they broke up. She’s staying in the house that was recently renovated by Cam, one of her former flatmates, and Katie’s close cousin.
🏄♀️It soon comes out that Cam has had a huge crush on Shal since he first met her. She never knew, but this makes things complicated since her attraction to him is very obvious now. Also Cameron is the type to want to settle down, where Shal is as skittish as anything. The product of a cold Swedish mother and a philandering American father.
📚One of my favourite New Zealand-based authors (Enni Amanda) suggested I read this story when she heard I would be travelling to New Zealand’s South Island in a few months time. I loved this story for itself, but it’s super special to read a story based in a part of a country and a city I will be travelling to! I have definitely found a new author to keep an eye on. The characters here are not perfect but their caring for each other, bringing in their family heritage into their relationship and their shared love of music, the ocean and each other is special 🇳🇿
Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
February 19, 2024
Stephanie has done it again. I absolutely adored this love story, a tad too steamy to read on the bus! I adored the setting- beautiful Dunedin, the characters who are loveable (and also flawed) and Stephanie’s ability to weave in the dynamics of human relationships which are shaped by our experiences.
September 24, 2021
I recieved a free copy of this book from the author and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
So I love how the author has acknowledged the soundtrack to the story highlighting the song and artist at the beginning of each chapter.
We meet Shal. She is returning to her university town to start her own business and her life. So far, speaking another language and then no interpretation for the reader was a bit confusing. I'm intrigued to see where this will go. Words do get interpreted eventually from the character's perspective, or at least some of them.
Shal seems to have had some trouble in the past. There is a reference in conversations between her and Cam. As the book gets further, we get some understanding of her unique name and some past. I have to stay as a history/ natural disasters geek; the book references the New Zealand earthquake in Christ Church intrigues me greatly. The relationship and pasts are complicated between Shal and Cam. This is a very slow-burn romance. It does start to get steamy but then kinda blows up with an argument. Then they go from hot to cold as they both try to navigate their feelings, fears, and friendship. Some moments will bring you to tears as the characters take cheap shots at each other.
However, with the new relationship and boundaries, we learn a lot more about Shal's issues. They finally get their heads on straight and have some very steamy moments. Cam is very sweet and a gentleman. He is swoon-worthy in the descriptions, and she is one fortunate girl.
Life is complicated, especially when you are in denial. Goodbye is tough when you are in love, as this couple found out. I love that he was willing to uproot on a whim for her. I love it even more than the end of this book was spellbinding as she finally made a decent decision. The author did a great job of twisting your emotions into the romance of the story. The up and downs and even the uncertainty.
I loved the author's descriptions of the beach and even the use of a foreign language that I was beginning to understand by the end of the book. It mainly was terms of endearment. The characters had many issues and lots of baggage, especially Shal, but I loved Cam's supportive but not stifling nature. This was indeed a sweet story, friend to lovers with a lot of history on both characters. The setting caused me to research as I'm unfamiliar with New Zealand, but what a perfect island romance. I could imagine some of the places the author described then looked them up to find an even more beautiful place. The characters are witty, honest, and troubled, and romantic. I love the moral in this story and the fear they both overcome. I was so involved with the characters I would love it if I got to see more of their relationship in another book.
So I love how the author has acknowledged the soundtrack to the story highlighting the song and artist at the beginning of each chapter.
We meet Shal. She is returning to her university town to start her own business and her life. So far, speaking another language and then no interpretation for the reader was a bit confusing. I'm intrigued to see where this will go. Words do get interpreted eventually from the character's perspective, or at least some of them.
Shal seems to have had some trouble in the past. There is a reference in conversations between her and Cam. As the book gets further, we get some understanding of her unique name and some past. I have to stay as a history/ natural disasters geek; the book references the New Zealand earthquake in Christ Church intrigues me greatly. The relationship and pasts are complicated between Shal and Cam. This is a very slow-burn romance. It does start to get steamy but then kinda blows up with an argument. Then they go from hot to cold as they both try to navigate their feelings, fears, and friendship. Some moments will bring you to tears as the characters take cheap shots at each other.
However, with the new relationship and boundaries, we learn a lot more about Shal's issues. They finally get their heads on straight and have some very steamy moments. Cam is very sweet and a gentleman. He is swoon-worthy in the descriptions, and she is one fortunate girl.
Life is complicated, especially when you are in denial. Goodbye is tough when you are in love, as this couple found out. I love that he was willing to uproot on a whim for her. I love it even more than the end of this book was spellbinding as she finally made a decent decision. The author did a great job of twisting your emotions into the romance of the story. The up and downs and even the uncertainty.
I loved the author's descriptions of the beach and even the use of a foreign language that I was beginning to understand by the end of the book. It mainly was terms of endearment. The characters had many issues and lots of baggage, especially Shal, but I loved Cam's supportive but not stifling nature. This was indeed a sweet story, friend to lovers with a lot of history on both characters. The setting caused me to research as I'm unfamiliar with New Zealand, but what a perfect island romance. I could imagine some of the places the author described then looked them up to find an even more beautiful place. The characters are witty, honest, and troubled, and romantic. I love the moral in this story and the fear they both overcome. I was so involved with the characters I would love it if I got to see more of their relationship in another book.
November 3, 2025
Love that this is a NZ book, and places I have visited. I could picture all the scenery that Ms Ruth described.
A love story about two best friends, who might just be falling for each other, or at least one of them in, the other...isn't so sure.
Great plotting and storyline and I loved how the characters interacted with each other.
A love story about two best friends, who might just be falling for each other, or at least one of them in, the other...isn't so sure.
Great plotting and storyline and I loved how the characters interacted with each other.
September 16, 2021
This book was a real treat. Full disclosure, I was given a copy in return for an honest review.
This book was exactly the sort of story I wanted to read because I trusted the author to give me a happy ending. The characters worked for that ending but we got there in the end.
Shal (short for Shalom) arrives in Dunedin for the wedding of her best friend from university days and to catch up with old flatmates and friends, including the hunky surfer boy/builder/musician Cam. Cam has been in love with Shal forever, but it seems she's the only one who didn't know that.
Something terrible happened 7 years ago that changed everyone in the group's lives and this is the first time Shal's been back and the group's been together since then. Everyone has got a lot of baggage and as the past is gradually revealed I was impressed by how real it all felt and the depth of the characters and how they responded. I felt enclosed in the warm welcome from Katie and Cam's extended family and loved the author's inclusion of Maori elements and characters in a way that completely fits in a New Zealand setting (but will feel exotic to outsiders). The loving depiction of Dunedin was also really nicely done. This book couldn't be set anywhere else.
With all of that done so well I found Shal's family background a bit overdone, her father becoming a story book villain. Luckily we didn't see too much of him.
Shal and Cam were delightful, in spite of wanting to knock their heads together and feeling pleased to see that their friends felt the same.
A warm and satisfying story about surprisingly falling in love. Recommended.
This book was exactly the sort of story I wanted to read because I trusted the author to give me a happy ending. The characters worked for that ending but we got there in the end.
Shal (short for Shalom) arrives in Dunedin for the wedding of her best friend from university days and to catch up with old flatmates and friends, including the hunky surfer boy/builder/musician Cam. Cam has been in love with Shal forever, but it seems she's the only one who didn't know that.
Something terrible happened 7 years ago that changed everyone in the group's lives and this is the first time Shal's been back and the group's been together since then. Everyone has got a lot of baggage and as the past is gradually revealed I was impressed by how real it all felt and the depth of the characters and how they responded. I felt enclosed in the warm welcome from Katie and Cam's extended family and loved the author's inclusion of Maori elements and characters in a way that completely fits in a New Zealand setting (but will feel exotic to outsiders). The loving depiction of Dunedin was also really nicely done. This book couldn't be set anywhere else.
With all of that done so well I found Shal's family background a bit overdone, her father becoming a story book villain. Luckily we didn't see too much of him.
Shal and Cam were delightful, in spite of wanting to knock their heads together and feeling pleased to see that their friends felt the same.
A warm and satisfying story about surprisingly falling in love. Recommended.
April 7, 2023
Sympathies with the steadfast male lead👷
I was drawn to this author and Mako Bay by the New Zealand South Island setting and the inclusion of Maori characters in key roles. Cam Dante, the Dunedin builder, has a lively matriarch-led family that features prominently as he and Wellington-based businesswoman Shal have their ups and frequent downs when they see each other again after Shal's departure from Dunedin after a tragedy eight years prior.
The plot is good but I found the pacing a bit slow and it took me longer than expected to make it to the end. I think a big part of this was that I did not care for the way Shal treated Cam for the bulk of the novel. Yes, she's been hurt and disappointed by other people, especially her parents and her teenage boyfriend, but why does that have to spill over on Cam? He's such a strong, sympathetic and stalwart character (though he does have a jealousy streak and an inferiority complex when it comes to women and his rugby star brother Daniel).
I would say the romance has a medium heat level, nothing really explicit, and I did like the way things turned out in the end although that part felt somewhat rushed after the slower pace earlier. The author supplies a little surprise for Shal related to her old boyfriend Mason near the end and I liked the action she took as a result.
As to the title? The reason for it is well tucked into the story as Mako Bay was the site of some tense times for the central characters. Gave it a beach feel though only a minor portion of the story is set at a beach location.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I was drawn to this author and Mako Bay by the New Zealand South Island setting and the inclusion of Maori characters in key roles. Cam Dante, the Dunedin builder, has a lively matriarch-led family that features prominently as he and Wellington-based businesswoman Shal have their ups and frequent downs when they see each other again after Shal's departure from Dunedin after a tragedy eight years prior.
The plot is good but I found the pacing a bit slow and it took me longer than expected to make it to the end. I think a big part of this was that I did not care for the way Shal treated Cam for the bulk of the novel. Yes, she's been hurt and disappointed by other people, especially her parents and her teenage boyfriend, but why does that have to spill over on Cam? He's such a strong, sympathetic and stalwart character (though he does have a jealousy streak and an inferiority complex when it comes to women and his rugby star brother Daniel).
I would say the romance has a medium heat level, nothing really explicit, and I did like the way things turned out in the end although that part felt somewhat rushed after the slower pace earlier. The author supplies a little surprise for Shal related to her old boyfriend Mason near the end and I liked the action she took as a result.
As to the title? The reason for it is well tucked into the story as Mako Bay was the site of some tense times for the central characters. Gave it a beach feel though only a minor portion of the story is set at a beach location.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
February 27, 2024
Thank you so much Stephanie for sending me another one of your books 😊
Mako Bay is the first book in the Otago Waters series but it can also be read as a standalone.
This friends to lovers, he falls first, contemporary romance had me captivated from page 1.
I think the setting of this book was magical. This book is set about 7 years after they all finished university. Everyone has kind of moved on with their lives then a wedding brings them all back together where they experienced their early 20s.
Unfortunately I had my University experience taken away from me thanks to COVID so reading about a group of friends, their uni experience and what they got up to after they graduated actually made me feel so happy and that I could vicariously live through this fictional world.
Anyway enough about my life and back to the book 😂 this book made me feel so connected to the characters and the storyline, I genuinely found myself rooting for characters which doesn’t always happen with a romance.
Another amazing NZ Romance 😍 you should pick this one up if you haven’t already!
PS. I’m not sure I will look at pretzels the same way now 😅😉
Mako Bay is the first book in the Otago Waters series but it can also be read as a standalone.
This friends to lovers, he falls first, contemporary romance had me captivated from page 1.
I think the setting of this book was magical. This book is set about 7 years after they all finished university. Everyone has kind of moved on with their lives then a wedding brings them all back together where they experienced their early 20s.
Unfortunately I had my University experience taken away from me thanks to COVID so reading about a group of friends, their uni experience and what they got up to after they graduated actually made me feel so happy and that I could vicariously live through this fictional world.
Anyway enough about my life and back to the book 😂 this book made me feel so connected to the characters and the storyline, I genuinely found myself rooting for characters which doesn’t always happen with a romance.
Another amazing NZ Romance 😍 you should pick this one up if you haven’t already!
PS. I’m not sure I will look at pretzels the same way now 😅😉
June 5, 2024
Engrossing and beautiful read.
What a treat to once again be immersed in a beautiful story set in my home town. I was absolutely engrossed from the very first page. Having recently read my first Stepanie Ruth book - '2 Peas' - I was very much looking forward to starting the Otago Waters series. Shal and Cam feature in '2 Peas', and so I had a glimpse into their future, but no idea of their back story - and what a story it was. Their journey to a happy ending was immensely frustrating and incredibly moving. Carefully, and with great skill, the jigsaw of their past and present is pieced together, and I found myself unable to put the book down until the satisfying and lovely ending.
I loved the use of Te Reo and inclusion of meaningful māori concepts and traditions, as well as snippets of Shal's Swedish heritage and language. I also loved the 'soundtrack' of kiwi tunes that were perfectly chosen and placed at the beginning of each chapter. I believe Stephanie Ruth is a very thoughtful, skilled and evocative writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a treat to once again be immersed in a beautiful story set in my home town. I was absolutely engrossed from the very first page. Having recently read my first Stepanie Ruth book - '2 Peas' - I was very much looking forward to starting the Otago Waters series. Shal and Cam feature in '2 Peas', and so I had a glimpse into their future, but no idea of their back story - and what a story it was. Their journey to a happy ending was immensely frustrating and incredibly moving. Carefully, and with great skill, the jigsaw of their past and present is pieced together, and I found myself unable to put the book down until the satisfying and lovely ending.
I loved the use of Te Reo and inclusion of meaningful māori concepts and traditions, as well as snippets of Shal's Swedish heritage and language. I also loved the 'soundtrack' of kiwi tunes that were perfectly chosen and placed at the beginning of each chapter. I believe Stephanie Ruth is a very thoughtful, skilled and evocative writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2024
Mako Bay is Book 1 of the Otago Waters series. It's a sweet and steamy, friends-to-lovers, second-chance, multicultural romance. Shal is a fashion designer returning home for her best friend's wedding after being away for 8 years. Cam is a hunky builder and has been in love with Shal forever. So when she returns to town, he is determined to make it known how he feels about her. These two had so much baggage, especially Shal, and I just wanted to slap her to wake up. Cam is so sweet and hot 🔥 hot 🔥 hot 🔥. They did have insane chemistry, and after an emotional roller-coaster, we do get a happy ending. This was another great read from Stephanie Ruth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
A slow burn, friends to lovers romance. Set in the heart of Southland, Otago.
Cam and Shal’s friendship is warm and definitely feels like home. The feelings that are pretty clear slowly develop into more than just words or subtle looks.
I throughly enjoyed this book and loved how Stephanie had a playlist with a song linked to each chapter. It really immersed me into the story and the fact it is set in New Zealand makes it that much more homely while reading.
Cam and Shal’s friendship is warm and definitely feels like home. The feelings that are pretty clear slowly develop into more than just words or subtle looks.
I throughly enjoyed this book and loved how Stephanie had a playlist with a song linked to each chapter. It really immersed me into the story and the fact it is set in New Zealand makes it that much more homely while reading.
June 18, 2024
Mills & Boon type story, but the more we discussed at bookclub, if you can put aside the sultry looks and ridiculous communications, this book has really nostalgic Dunedin locations and starts every chapter with a kiwi music reference.
Probably won’t recommend, it’s a as bit too horse whisperer for me, but worth our discussion. Love bookclub for the variety of books we read.
Probably won’t recommend, it’s a as bit too horse whisperer for me, but worth our discussion. Love bookclub for the variety of books we read.
October 6, 2022
I loved this debut novel. From the moment I picked it up I couldn’t put it down and following Shal and Cams journey I found I didn’t want it to end!
Beautiful writing, beautiful characters and beautiful story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Beautiful writing, beautiful characters and beautiful story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
November 30, 2021
I loved this book. I'm gutted it's finished, truth be told. This is a gorgeous friends-to-lovers story, within a totally New Zealand feel. It's got all the spark of a slow burn but it doesn't really make you wait long... highly recommend!!
April 18, 2024
I picked this book up after seeing a couple of NZ BookTokers read it - it’s always nice to give a local book a go. Lots of fun little Kiwi references, I really liked Shal’s character and her strength after all she had been through.
September 16, 2021
𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝘆 is a friends to lovers, stand-alone, contemporary romance based in New Zealand. This is a very cute, unique, and captivating story. I’ve never read a book based in New Zealand before. I was so excited to learn more about NZ as I am a huge Jacinda Arden fan. Some of the writing was new to me and I really enjoyed learning about NZ.
Shal Hoffner is back in Dunedin after eight years away. She stayed away due to a tragedy that changed her life forever. Shal is back in Dunedin where she’s helping her best friend Katie plan her wedding and opening up her second Boutique named 2-Peas which she co-owns with her feisty partner who was a fun character. Her ex flat-mate Cameron Dante offered her a place to stay and she’s happy to see him all this time.
Shal starts to see her old friend with new eyes. He’s very attractive, very muscular, surfs, builds and reconstructs homes is a complete gentleman and good person. It’s hard for Shal not to start thinking of Cam as more than a friend. There are twists in the story that are fun to read that I won’t spoil. Cam is a complete gentleman. He accepts Shal for who she is.
Shal has a lot of old history in Dunedin to sort out and will definitely never be in a serious relationship. Can Cam accept a friends with benefits only situation?
The secondary characters were interesting as well. I couldn’t put this “will they or won’t they” story down once I got past 20%. My only critique is that it was a bit long and could have been shortened just a little. There were also some NZ slang that had me a tad confused as an American lol but nothing that ruined or took away from the story.
All in all, I feel that I learned new things from this novel and loved Shal and Cam’s story. Cam is the best boyfriend you could have. Shal’s vulnerability was beautiful to read.
I am so grateful to have received an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Shal Hoffner is back in Dunedin after eight years away. She stayed away due to a tragedy that changed her life forever. Shal is back in Dunedin where she’s helping her best friend Katie plan her wedding and opening up her second Boutique named 2-Peas which she co-owns with her feisty partner who was a fun character. Her ex flat-mate Cameron Dante offered her a place to stay and she’s happy to see him all this time.
Shal starts to see her old friend with new eyes. He’s very attractive, very muscular, surfs, builds and reconstructs homes is a complete gentleman and good person. It’s hard for Shal not to start thinking of Cam as more than a friend. There are twists in the story that are fun to read that I won’t spoil. Cam is a complete gentleman. He accepts Shal for who she is.
Shal has a lot of old history in Dunedin to sort out and will definitely never be in a serious relationship. Can Cam accept a friends with benefits only situation?
The secondary characters were interesting as well. I couldn’t put this “will they or won’t they” story down once I got past 20%. My only critique is that it was a bit long and could have been shortened just a little. There were also some NZ slang that had me a tad confused as an American lol but nothing that ruined or took away from the story.
All in all, I feel that I learned new things from this novel and loved Shal and Cam’s story. Cam is the best boyfriend you could have. Shal’s vulnerability was beautiful to read.
I am so grateful to have received an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 7, 2024
Out of the friend zone - Cam has loved Shal practically from the first moment he saw her at uni. But she was his mate's girl, and you don't poach, not even after he's long gone. Besides, he wants a family and that's not what she's prepared to offer.
Shal isn't looking for a relationship. Her first love betrayed her and ruined her trust in men. It doesn't help that her own father is a modern-day Casanova. But she does warm up to the idea of being with Cam, as long as he doesn't catch feelings again. Yeah, she knows now he had a crush on her back then. But he never made a move on her. Hmmm.
Friendship is the backbone for the characters in this engaging tale. Cam respects his late friend even after death, never revealing his feelings to Shal. When he finally gets the chance to indulge his passion for the woman he has always loved, it is with a heavy heart knowing she doesn't want all of him. But he'll take what he can get, knowing his patience in loving Shal will pay off in the end. A great read, featuring Jac and Jonno from the author's 2 Peas, another delightful tale and my introduction to this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shal isn't looking for a relationship. Her first love betrayed her and ruined her trust in men. It doesn't help that her own father is a modern-day Casanova. But she does warm up to the idea of being with Cam, as long as he doesn't catch feelings again. Yeah, she knows now he had a crush on her back then. But he never made a move on her. Hmmm.
Friendship is the backbone for the characters in this engaging tale. Cam respects his late friend even after death, never revealing his feelings to Shal. When he finally gets the chance to indulge his passion for the woman he has always loved, it is with a heavy heart knowing she doesn't want all of him. But he'll take what he can get, knowing his patience in loving Shal will pay off in the end. A great read, featuring Jac and Jonno from the author's 2 Peas, another delightful tale and my introduction to this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2021
Mako Bay by Stephanie Ruth is an emotional read, with the happy ending for the friend- to-lovers, that I was holding out for! We know Cam is gorgeous - surfer, builder, musician - it just takes Shal a while to get to the point where she can be with him... But we want to go on that journey with her. I loved how the romance and the trust build, the emotional ups n downs which keep them apart, but kept me reading for more! The cast of characters woven together are intriguing, likeable, real, and make for a satisfying story world where the the past really matters. Really looking forward to reading the other romances that emerge and are part of this cast, in Stephanie Ruth's other books!
September 18, 2025
I am always love a good friends to lovers and getting that along with it being set here in New Zealand made it even better. I really liked Shal and Cam and you could see from the start that whilst Shal had a mantra it would not be fulfilled lol. I feel at time Cam got the pointy end of her frustrations which could have changed the course of things, however life is about ups n downs and bit of hard work.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!.
August 17, 2022
A beautiful book set in NZ. As a writer of musician romances myself, I enjoyed the way Stephanie Ruth blended music with romance here, even beginning each chapter with a hit song by a Kiwi artist. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves beautiful sweet romances with a bit of music thrown in.
June 26, 2024
This is the third book I've read written by Stephanie Ruth; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Otago Waters Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Shal & Cameron.
This is the first book in the Otago Waters Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Shal & Cameron.
March 22, 2025
Shal & Cam
I'm not usually a 3rd person POV fan but it worked for this book. This was packed full of angst, slow burn, friends to lovers, past history & relationships all amongst Shal considering her whole life situation. It was the whole range of emotions, not an easy read but cathartic.
I'm not usually a 3rd person POV fan but it worked for this book. This was packed full of angst, slow burn, friends to lovers, past history & relationships all amongst Shal considering her whole life situation. It was the whole range of emotions, not an easy read but cathartic.
October 25, 2024
A bookclub read. Aimed at the late teen-20 something market. A romance set in Dunedin and a good representation of that genre I think. Lots of kiwi references.
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