The Heartbeats of Aloha
Published on 24. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
536 pages
978-1-964410-02-9 (ISBN)
Description
Separated by tragedy, reunited by fate. Will these childhood sweethearts risk their hearts again?
Reef has been in love with Luna since they were kids exploring the treasures of Maui's tide pools together. Now he channels his unrequited feelings into the books he writes under a romance pen name, creating the happy ending they never got. But when his best friend shows up with an unbelievable offer, Reef must confront both his darkest fears and deepest dreams.
Luna never stopped loving Reef, even when she broke his heart to protect him. Music became her sanctuary as she battled invisible demons, and fame only complicated her journey. When her record label plans a romantic PR stunt between her and her musician ex at the Oahu ukulele festival, Luna's uncle hatches a plan: Reef will pose as her boyfriend to thwart their scheme. After all these years, Luna finds herself face-to-face with the one person who truly understands her.
Beneath Maui's swaying palms and starry skies, their fake relationship awakens feelings that never truly died. As they revisit the mermaid coves and lavender fields of their youth, they'll discover that sometimes the most extraordinary love stories aren't found in fiction, but in the quiet moments of understanding and acceptance. What began as a charade might be their last chance at the love they were denied-if they're brave enough to embrace it.
When their truths come to light, will love heal their broken pieces, or will they wish they'd left the past buried in the sands of time?
The Heartbeats of Aloha is a touching, swoon-worthy standalone in the International Soulmate series featuring:A soul-stirring second chance between childhood sweethearts
Maui's breathtaking landscapes and cherished memories
A fake relationship that becomes all too real
Compassionate portrayals of anxiety, depression, and invisible illnesses
An adorable therapy dog who helps mend broken hearts
If you love emotional journeys filled with tender moments, gentle chemistry, and the healing power of understanding, Brooke Gilbert's moving story belongs on your shelf.
Let the rhythm of the islands guide you to a romance that speaks to both heart and soul. Grab The Heartbeats of Aloha today and discover how Reef and Luna's love transcends both time and pain.
Content note: This book contains thoughtful discussions of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, infertility, and childhood illness.
More details
Person
Brooke Gilbert is a Tennessee native, a microbiology graduate of the University of Tennessee, and a border collie mom. She is, as you may have already guessed, a hopeless romantic and a lover of Jane Austen. When she isn't writing, she works as a jewelry designer, an audiobook narrator, and a graphic designer. Her writing features characters with autoimmune disorders, something she deals with herself. She believes it is important for these types of characters to be seen in modern literature and started writing so she could see someone like herself in literature. She is considered a medical mystery and has several rare autoimmune disorders. These disorders caused her to withdraw from Physician Assistant School, but she is happy to be pursuing her dreams of designing, creating, and writing. She thanks God for leading her heart on this new path and recites "perhaps this is the moment for which you were created" in times of doubt (Esther 4:14).
She loves watching classic films (thrillers and romantic comedies, too), reading, playing the ukulele, painting, dancing, Pilates, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends. One of her favorite quotes is from Flashdance: "When you give up on your dreams, you die." She believes that if you're waiting to pursue your dreams, stop waiting and start doing. Your time is now. And may you never stop being a hopeless romantic. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a very good quality. She’s still looking for her Mr. Darcy. Visit brookegilbertauthor.com to connect and stay updated on her latest projects.
She loves watching classic films (thrillers and romantic comedies, too), reading, playing the ukulele, painting, dancing, Pilates, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends. One of her favorite quotes is from Flashdance: "When you give up on your dreams, you die." She believes that if you're waiting to pursue your dreams, stop waiting and start doing. Your time is now. And may you never stop being a hopeless romantic. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a very good quality. She’s still looking for her Mr. Darcy. Visit brookegilbertauthor.com to connect and stay updated on her latest projects.