The Maui Effect

By: Sara Ackerman

Narrated by: Jennifer Robideau

A dazzling romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ackerman.

They say opposites attract, but are they meant to last?

‘Iwa Young’s life is high in the Maui rainforest. As a field biologist, she’s happiest in the company of trees and birds and waterfalls. When a developer arrives with plans for a so-called eco resort in the middle of a forest full of endangered species, ‘Iwa puts all her energy into the fight to protect it. But a chance encounter threatens to distract her. His name is Dane Parsons, a big-wave surfer from California. ‘Iwa has a few unbreakable rules, and at the top of her list: never date a surfer.

Dane is part of an underground group of big-wave riders, and his connection to the ocean runs deep. When he meets ‘Iwa, he can’t get her out of his mind. But ‘Iwa wants nothing to do with Dane until he offers to help protect her beloved forest and waterfall. Always on the hunt for the ultimate ride, Dane suddenly glimpses something even greater.

In this thunderous love story, we travel deep into the Maui rainforest and hop across the globe from Hawai'i to California to Portugal, chasing waves the size of nine-story buildings—where the unthinkable is always just one breath away.

Don't miss THE GUEST IN ROOM 120, Sara Ackerman's enthralling new novel with dual-timelines intertwining a 1905 mystery surrounding Jane Stanford's mysterious death in Honolulu and a 2005 writer's quest to uncover the truth at the same historic hotel...

More captivating stories from Sara Ackerman:

• The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West
• The Codebreaker's Secret
• Radar Girls
• Red Sky Over Hawaii
• The Lietenant's Nurse
• Island of Sweet Pies & Soldiers

Great, competing story set in Maui, Hawaii

Sara Ackerman does it again! This is about the 6th book I’ve read from her and each one does not disappoint! As someone who’s family is from Hawaii, I truly enjoy the historical references and Hawaiian style features and weaves into her books. I loved this story and listened with rapt attention. As I am also an environmentalist, I enjoyed the ‘saving Mauis tropical forests she brought into the story too. Highly recommended!

An Intimate Read

As a life-long Hawaii resident, I was moved by the author’s love and respect for cultures and place. The book is well-written and flows easily. The big wave rides were exhilarating to read, the healthy male friendships were refreshing, and Iwa’s protective love for the forest touching.

I was swept along by the tale, and would have given a 5-star review except for these things: First and foremost, the premise of the proposed eco-resort rings false and is unbelievable given existing Hawaii land use and zoning laws. Second, while the reader’s pronunciation of Hawaiian words is good, her pidgin is unrecognizable as such, and distracting.

Not her best, slow and lacking depth.

Liked the focus on the ecosystems and importance of protecting but it was too much and the story got lost in that and characters never really developed or plot. Narrator was not as good as her other narrators.

A pretty story.

A pretty story. Love their connection and the story of the island and traditions. The life that goes with being someone who travels around is portrayed very well.

Aloha aina

Wish that this was a true story… more often than most money wins in Hawaii. But I did enjoy the book. Mahalo piha .