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A Summer to Start Over: Finding Love in Soledad Bay
She needed help…
He needed to begin again.
Single mom Indya Linares has always been Ms. Independent—especially when her family’s hurricane-ravaged resort is at stake. But when Indya’s boat breaks down at sea, she’s forced to accept help from a handsome stranger who immediately makes her heart beat faster. Who would have imagined that he’s also her stubborn mother’s pick for a new facilities manager extraordinaire? After Santiago Pereira left Venezuela to begin again in Soledad Bay, he’s got something to prove to his family…and a mission to bring his daughter back to him. But when Santi just can’t stop thinking about his new boss, will hospitality take on a new meaning for them both?
A SOLEDAD BAY NOVEL
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Soledad Bay
Book 1: A Summer to Start Over
He needed to begin again.
Single mom Indya Linares has always been Ms. Independent—especially when her family’s hurricane-ravaged resort is at stake. But when Indya’s boat breaks down at sea, she’s forced to accept help from a handsome stranger who immediately makes her heart beat faster. Who would have imagined that he’s also her stubborn mother’s pick for a new facilities manager extraordinaire? After Santiago Pereira left Venezuela to begin again in Soledad Bay, he’s got something to prove to his family…and a mission to bring his daughter back to him. But when Santi just can’t stop thinking about his new boss, will hospitality take on a new meaning for them both?
A SOLEDAD BAY NOVEL
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Soledad Bay
Book 1: A Summer to Start Over
- GenresRomance
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Sera Taíno
34 books80 followersWriter profile:
Sera Taíno has lived all over the world and now calls Central Florida her home. She writes contemporary romance that attempts to give visibility to the vast diversity of the Latine experience. When she's not trying to miss a deadline, you can find her teaching, slinging tarot cards, and reading fanfic about her latest hyperfixation.
Reviewer profile:
I am an avid reader who reviews only to track my own reading habits. As a general policy, I try to review books I am enthusiastic about, ignoring books that don't work for me. If you are looking for a deep analysis of issues affecting a book I've read, I am not the reviewer for you. There are far better reviewers on this site who give good analysis. I'm just here to have a good time.
My universal, 5-star policy is the equivalent of someone else leaving no stars at all and is indicative only of the fact that I enjoyed the book enough to write about it. If I hate a book, you won't see it on my READ shelf.
TL;dr - don't read too much into my reviews. It's usually just me flailing because something made me happy.
Sera Taíno has lived all over the world and now calls Central Florida her home. She writes contemporary romance that attempts to give visibility to the vast diversity of the Latine experience. When she's not trying to miss a deadline, you can find her teaching, slinging tarot cards, and reading fanfic about her latest hyperfixation.
Reviewer profile:
I am an avid reader who reviews only to track my own reading habits. As a general policy, I try to review books I am enthusiastic about, ignoring books that don't work for me. If you are looking for a deep analysis of issues affecting a book I've read, I am not the reviewer for you. There are far better reviewers on this site who give good analysis. I'm just here to have a good time.
My universal, 5-star policy is the equivalent of someone else leaving no stars at all and is indicative only of the fact that I enjoyed the book enough to write about it. If I hate a book, you won't see it on my READ shelf.
TL;dr - don't read too much into my reviews. It's usually just me flailing because something made me happy.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 3, 2025
A Summer to Start Over is a sweet, if slightly angsty, Latinx romance. Much of the story focuses on second chances. Indya Linares is hesitant to take another chance on love after being burned by an ex who wanted a trad wife and not a strong and independent minded business woman. Santiago Pereira is working towards a fresh start in the US, building a more stable life for himself in order to be able to reunite with his daughter and co-parent he had to leave behind in Venezuela. There's a fair amount of "will they won't they" back and forth between these main characters. Overall though, there isn't a whole lot of tension / stakes between Indya and Santiago, but there is some conflict driven by their pasts. For Santiago, it's driven by his father's vocal disapproval at his past career decisions, which drove his financial challenges and the need to immigrate to the US. Santiago has internalized some of this disapproval and coupled with his heartache and desire to be reunited with his daughter, this is the source of his relationship angst. It doesn't help that his budding flirtation and relationship with Indya is a challenge because she has difficulty navigating the boss/employee and love interest dynamic. Both Indya and Santiago are single parents, and their parenting journeys and relationships with their children are portrayed realistically and age appropriately. Something that usually gets fumbled in romance is age appropriate characterizations of children - I this is something I appreciate!
There were some aspects of the story that felt a bit oddly placed. Scattered throughout the text would be hyper specific details about a seemingly inconsequential object - a shoe rack, a lip gloss, a perfume, etc - that felt out of place. It was also an interesting choice to have so many of the side characters described as "half-xx, half-xx" in terms of nationality. It may have been an attempt to emphasize the diversity of this portion of the Florida panhandle, but it added very little to the story. More of a checkbox mention because these side characters had little to no dialogue or added any other cultural touchpoints to the narrative. I appreciate the inclusion of a non-binary side character, as they had more prominence in the first half of the story, especially when it came to pushing the two main characters together. Santiago is a Venezuelan immigrant, a group afforded temporary protective status in the US, and there is some emphasis on his immigration journey as being done "the right way." That...discomfited me a bit. In the current political climate, narratives emphasizing "good immigrants" and "immigrating the right way" trouble me.
Overall, I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and am interested in exploring other books in this Sera Taino's back catalog.
Tropes:
Workplace romance
Single parents
Boss/employee
Slow burn
There were some aspects of the story that felt a bit oddly placed. Scattered throughout the text would be hyper specific details about a seemingly inconsequential object - a shoe rack, a lip gloss, a perfume, etc - that felt out of place. It was also an interesting choice to have so many of the side characters described as "half-xx, half-xx" in terms of nationality. It may have been an attempt to emphasize the diversity of this portion of the Florida panhandle, but it added very little to the story. More of a checkbox mention because these side characters had little to no dialogue or added any other cultural touchpoints to the narrative. I appreciate the inclusion of a non-binary side character, as they had more prominence in the first half of the story, especially when it came to pushing the two main characters together. Santiago is a Venezuelan immigrant, a group afforded temporary protective status in the US, and there is some emphasis on his immigration journey as being done "the right way." That...discomfited me a bit. In the current political climate, narratives emphasizing "good immigrants" and "immigrating the right way" trouble me.
Overall, I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and am interested in exploring other books in this Sera Taino's back catalog.
Tropes:
Workplace romance
Single parents
Boss/employee
Slow burn
May 20, 2025
Good story about new beginnings. I liked the Gulf Coast setting, the diverse cast of characters, and the role reversal of the main characters.
Indya returned to her hometown to help her parents with their resort after it was heavily damaged during a hurricane. She is a single parent with a somewhat tense relationship with her ex, whom she divorced when she discovered her independent businesswoman persona didn't mesh with his expectations of a traditional wife. Her efforts to carry out the needed repairs are hampered by the unexpected departure of her facilities manager.
Santiago left Venezuela looking for a better life after a business betrayal left him with nothing. His goal is to bring his daughter and her mother to join him in the US. Landing the job at the resort will give him the income and stability to make that happen.
I enjoyed watching Indya and Santi's relationship develop. They first met when her boat broke down, and Santi towed her back to the marina. The sparks of attraction flared as soon as they met, but both tried to resist. Indya isn't interested in a relationship after being burned by her time with her ex. Santi doesn't need the distraction from his goal. Matters become complicated when Indya hires him as the new facilities manager - Santi is now her employee. Working together brings them closer; shared experiences as single parents help them bond. There are some bumps in the road on their way to a happy ending, especially when something Santi does runs up against Indya's insecurities. I liked seeing them work through the issues and develop a stronger relationship.
I liked the secondary characters. The kids in the story are well done, with age-appropriate actions and reactions. I liked Indya's mom and could also understand Indya's issues with her interference in resort matters. Santi and his father have a strained relationship due to Santi's past actions, and his dad has trouble letting go of the past. I loved Indya's spirited defense of Santi and its effect on him.
I look forward to further books in this series.
Indya returned to her hometown to help her parents with their resort after it was heavily damaged during a hurricane. She is a single parent with a somewhat tense relationship with her ex, whom she divorced when she discovered her independent businesswoman persona didn't mesh with his expectations of a traditional wife. Her efforts to carry out the needed repairs are hampered by the unexpected departure of her facilities manager.
Santiago left Venezuela looking for a better life after a business betrayal left him with nothing. His goal is to bring his daughter and her mother to join him in the US. Landing the job at the resort will give him the income and stability to make that happen.
I enjoyed watching Indya and Santi's relationship develop. They first met when her boat broke down, and Santi towed her back to the marina. The sparks of attraction flared as soon as they met, but both tried to resist. Indya isn't interested in a relationship after being burned by her time with her ex. Santi doesn't need the distraction from his goal. Matters become complicated when Indya hires him as the new facilities manager - Santi is now her employee. Working together brings them closer; shared experiences as single parents help them bond. There are some bumps in the road on their way to a happy ending, especially when something Santi does runs up against Indya's insecurities. I liked seeing them work through the issues and develop a stronger relationship.
I liked the secondary characters. The kids in the story are well done, with age-appropriate actions and reactions. I liked Indya's mom and could also understand Indya's issues with her interference in resort matters. Santi and his father have a strained relationship due to Santi's past actions, and his dad has trouble letting go of the past. I loved Indya's spirited defense of Santi and its effect on him.
I look forward to further books in this series.
April 16, 2025
A Summer to Start Over is the first in Sera Taino’s new series with Harlequin Special Edition, Soledad Bay. And as the cover and title promise, I loved the very summer-y setting around Soledad Bay, especially with it being set around a resort.
And the essence of “starting over” is an element through various parts of the book, and I found them deeply moving and meaningful. Indya is trying to help her family to recoup in the aftermath of a hurricane ravaged their town She is also trying to rebuild her life as a single mom to her daughter Gia after the breakup of her marriage; she’s always been a strong and independent career woman, while her ex wanted more of a “traditional” housewife type. Santiago is also a single parent, having left Venezuela to attempt to build a better life for her in the US, in spite of parental disapproval of some of his life choices.
These personal arcs form a strong foundation for their romantic connection, as does the push/pull with Indya and Santiago navigating their attraction while working together, with her technically being his superior. I did feel the angst over this did sometimes bog down the narrative a bit, but the deeper concern over how his daughter would be impacted over his past decisions created a deeper conflict that had a deeper impact, especially once it was resolved.
This was a nice, heartwarming read, and I’d recommend it to readers in the mood for a category-length multicultural contemporary romance.
And the essence of “starting over” is an element through various parts of the book, and I found them deeply moving and meaningful. Indya is trying to help her family to recoup in the aftermath of a hurricane ravaged their town She is also trying to rebuild her life as a single mom to her daughter Gia after the breakup of her marriage; she’s always been a strong and independent career woman, while her ex wanted more of a “traditional” housewife type. Santiago is also a single parent, having left Venezuela to attempt to build a better life for her in the US, in spite of parental disapproval of some of his life choices.
These personal arcs form a strong foundation for their romantic connection, as does the push/pull with Indya and Santiago navigating their attraction while working together, with her technically being his superior. I did feel the angst over this did sometimes bog down the narrative a bit, but the deeper concern over how his daughter would be impacted over his past decisions created a deeper conflict that had a deeper impact, especially once it was resolved.
This was a nice, heartwarming read, and I’d recommend it to readers in the mood for a category-length multicultural contemporary romance.
May 10, 2025
A Summer to Start Over launches Sera Taíno's Finding Love in Soledad Bay series with a Latinx, multi-cultural contemporary romance that kept me entertained from start to finish.
Taíno knows how to immerse readers in a setting. This time, it's the upper Gulf coast of Florida, in a culturally diverse small town recovering from a hurricane. The breath-stealing sunsets, drool-inducing aromas emanating from Greek, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan kitchens, abundant fishing, fresh Gulf breezes, and Spanish sprinkled throughout give the story authenticity that had me feeling as though I was an actual guest at Indya's family's resort.
I appreciated the layers of both Santi and Indya. These two have some emotional baggage to deal with along with a relationship dynamic that's gender flipped from what I usually see (she's the boss, he's her facilities manager). The complications of their evolving relationship, not only because of past emotional wounds but also with current family dynamics and life obstacles make them seem realistic and relatable. It made me like them and pull for them even more. I also loved the instant chemistry but slow-burn romance between them, especially those boat scenes. ;-)
The supporting cast is vividly depicted, offering up humor, conflict, friendship, support, and a look into issues many immigrants currently face. I'm hoping we'll see more of them, especially Indya's two best friends, in books to come.
Taíno knows how to immerse readers in a setting. This time, it's the upper Gulf coast of Florida, in a culturally diverse small town recovering from a hurricane. The breath-stealing sunsets, drool-inducing aromas emanating from Greek, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan kitchens, abundant fishing, fresh Gulf breezes, and Spanish sprinkled throughout give the story authenticity that had me feeling as though I was an actual guest at Indya's family's resort.
I appreciated the layers of both Santi and Indya. These two have some emotional baggage to deal with along with a relationship dynamic that's gender flipped from what I usually see (she's the boss, he's her facilities manager). The complications of their evolving relationship, not only because of past emotional wounds but also with current family dynamics and life obstacles make them seem realistic and relatable. It made me like them and pull for them even more. I also loved the instant chemistry but slow-burn romance between them, especially those boat scenes. ;-)
The supporting cast is vividly depicted, offering up humor, conflict, friendship, support, and a look into issues many immigrants currently face. I'm hoping we'll see more of them, especially Indya's two best friends, in books to come.
September 22, 2025
*Read for the Latinx Summer Fiesta prompt of Romanceopoly(Read a book by a Latinx author that captures the vibrant energy of summer).*
There couldn't be a book more perfect for this prompt than this one. The setting's a beach town in Florida, the heroine's Puerto Rican, the hero's from Venezuela, and they meet when he rescues her after her engines die on her boat. I loved the cultural stuff found in here, Santiago was a seriously sweet guy, and Indya was a heroine who had way too much on her plate with a tendency to never ask for help. I loved that Santiago was doing everything he could to help move his daughter and ex to the US, and that Indya was doing her very best to take over her family's hotel, all while being a great mother. I thought Gia was a pretty cool kid, I hated Santiago's father, and loved the town of Soledad Bay. Sometimes, I thought Indya was a bit too much, but I guess that's the point. Santiago certainly never seemed to mind. I liked that their arguments eventually got resolved, and that when it did, they were both mature about it. Overall, this was a really fun summer romance about being true to oneself, family, and finding the person who can take you as you are.
There couldn't be a book more perfect for this prompt than this one. The setting's a beach town in Florida, the heroine's Puerto Rican, the hero's from Venezuela, and they meet when he rescues her after her engines die on her boat. I loved the cultural stuff found in here, Santiago was a seriously sweet guy, and Indya was a heroine who had way too much on her plate with a tendency to never ask for help. I loved that Santiago was doing everything he could to help move his daughter and ex to the US, and that Indya was doing her very best to take over her family's hotel, all while being a great mother. I thought Gia was a pretty cool kid, I hated Santiago's father, and loved the town of Soledad Bay. Sometimes, I thought Indya was a bit too much, but I guess that's the point. Santiago certainly never seemed to mind. I liked that their arguments eventually got resolved, and that when it did, they were both mature about it. Overall, this was a really fun summer romance about being true to oneself, family, and finding the person who can take you as you are.
Read
April 28, 2025A Summer to Start Over by Sera Taíno is a sweet, emotional romance about second chances, healing, and family. Indya Linares, a strong and independent single mom, is trying to save her family’s resort when she meets Santiago Pereira, a hardworking immigrant rebuilding his life in the U.S. Their romance is a slow burn filled with real-life struggles like parenting, past heartache, and career pressures. I loved how their bond grew naturally as they worked together, despite their fears and the workplace dynamic. The story also highlights the challenges immigrants face, while showing a lot of heart and hope. The small-town Florida setting was charming, and the Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout made it feel even more authentic.
A heartwarming, realistic love story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
A heartwarming, realistic love story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
May 12, 2025
Single mother Indya Linares has her hands full raising her 14-year-old daughter and running her parents' hotel and resort after it is damaged in a hurricane. Then when she sails out for some quiet contemplation, the engines in her boat stop and she needs help getting back to shore.
Who should come to her rescue but Santiago Pereira, who turns out to be the man she hires to replace the person who had previously been hired to help with repairs to the resort. Turns out Santiago can repair more than broken roofs and uncooperative toilets.
Both his heart and hers need a redo and that's what finally occurs, in that summer for each to start over to not only find themselves but a love that heals.
Who should come to her rescue but Santiago Pereira, who turns out to be the man she hires to replace the person who had previously been hired to help with repairs to the resort. Turns out Santiago can repair more than broken roofs and uncooperative toilets.
Both his heart and hers need a redo and that's what finally occurs, in that summer for each to start over to not only find themselves but a love that heals.
May 9, 2025
I enjoyed Indya and Santiago’s story. it was a slow burn with a lot of angst about a woman named Indya who’s divorced and very busy bringing her parents hotel back to business after a hurricane hits their city and destroys parts of the hotel. Santiago moves to Soledad Bay to find a job and start over. Overall it was a nice story of two people who end up loving each other unconditionally.
July 14, 2025
I read this book as an ARC
this was a beautifully written short story about a woman who moved back home to help her parents recover after a major storm had ripped through her small town.
This book was short and sweet with a hint of spice. I personally don't think that it was for me. However, I do recommend it to anyone who loves boating, romance, and a tiny bit of spice.
this was a beautifully written short story about a woman who moved back home to help her parents recover after a major storm had ripped through her small town.
This book was short and sweet with a hint of spice. I personally don't think that it was for me. However, I do recommend it to anyone who loves boating, romance, and a tiny bit of spice.
July 24, 2025
This is an enjoyable read. The characters are pretty well developed. The plot is a little broad for the book in my opinion. Still it's a fun, quick read. I appreciate when bilingual writers use both their languages and allow non bilingual readers to use context clues and inferences to decipher- so I really appreciate that about Taíno.
April 24, 2025
A spicy romance. I did skip over the intimate scenes. Great, realistic characters. None are perfect. All have faults or issues. Loved how the Spanish was integrated. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
May 5, 2025
A heartwarming second chance story. It’s angsty and emotional slow burn read. I liked the characters and the undeniable chemistry. I enjoyed their journey as they both overcome past hurts and help each other heal. It’s an entertaining read.
Read
April 2, 2025Contemporary Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
Miniseries
Soledad Bay (Book #1)
Miniseries
Soledad Bay (Book #1)
May 10, 2025
4.5/5 stars
1.75/5 spice
Tropes:
Workplace romance
Boss/Employee
Single Dad
Single Mom
Spanish nickname and phrases
Older MCs (mid-late 30s)
Dual POV
This is like the perfect light romance for the summer. Both MCs are likable characters with strong personalities and very mature... which is great because both of them are older and act accordingly. We get a glimpse into life after a hurricane. It's mentioned quite a few times that there was a lot of destruction to the area of Soledad Bay. It did create a sense of community, and we see that in a few side characters and within the families that are showcased. I love that the 3rd act break up was solved quickly, and everything worked out in the end. I get the feeling that there's more to come with the side characters, and I'm excited to continue if there is.
The spice is open door but has minimal descriptive words and focuses on innuendo and emotions. Overall, it had the right mix of spice, love, and character growth. This was my first book for this author but not the last. I enjoyed her writing style and will be reading more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
1.75/5 spice
Tropes:
Workplace romance
Boss/Employee
Single Dad
Single Mom
Spanish nickname and phrases
Older MCs (mid-late 30s)
Dual POV
This is like the perfect light romance for the summer. Both MCs are likable characters with strong personalities and very mature... which is great because both of them are older and act accordingly. We get a glimpse into life after a hurricane. It's mentioned quite a few times that there was a lot of destruction to the area of Soledad Bay. It did create a sense of community, and we see that in a few side characters and within the families that are showcased. I love that the 3rd act break up was solved quickly, and everything worked out in the end. I get the feeling that there's more to come with the side characters, and I'm excited to continue if there is.
The spice is open door but has minimal descriptive words and focuses on innuendo and emotions. Overall, it had the right mix of spice, love, and character growth. This was my first book for this author but not the last. I enjoyed her writing style and will be reading more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
September 11, 2025
This is a warm, funny, and sharply observed novel about two very different sisters—uptight, organized Alice and chaotic, free-spirited Edie—who swap lives. The result is both entertaining and heartfelt, as each woman is forced to re-evaluate her choices, roles, and relationships. The strength of the book lies in its well-developed characters. Alice and Edie are believable, flawed, and relatable, with a bond that shines through their differences. The story handles family dysfunction with realism and humor, offering a refreshing take on sisterhood and motherhood. While the central premise of the switch stretches believability—especially with partners and children involved—the emotional journey makes it worthwhile. Fast-paced and filled with both wit and heart, this is a smart, engaging read perfect for fans of character-driven fiction.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews