She came to paradise to escape heartbreak. He's the captain with a past he's not ready to share. Falling for each other wasn't part of the plan. Tessa isn't supposed to be here alone. But when her boyfriend backs out of their friends' luxury catamaran cruise through French Polynesia, she's left navigating island life-and her emotions-solo. Russ has one rule as a charter captain: never get involved with guests. But Tessa's curiosity, sense of adventure, and quiet vulnerability make her hard to ignore. As sun-soaked days drift into starry nights, an undeniable connection begins to form. But with their worlds oceans apart, will one unforgettable week be enough? A vacation romance with tropical breezes, sizzling kisses but no spice, and a slow-burn love that just might last a lifetime. Tropes: for those who love forbidden romance, fish out of water, vacation romance, summer fling, travel, closed-door, clean romance.