The Ocean Between: A New Zealand neighbours to lovers novella (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781067064440)

When a practical, no-nonsense woman dives into a slow-burn fake-dating romance...

Samantha's laying low after a messy breakup with her cheating ex-girlfriend, and a massive fall-out with a family member. The last thing she needs is a new neighbour on the scene, shoving his sexy Canadian vowels and delectable lasagne all up in her face.

All E.R. nurse Sam wants is peace and quiet while she sleeps days and works nights. What she gets is an extended dose of forced proximity when a downed tree obliterates a shared fence.

Gabriel's on a deadline to finalise edits on his latest book, and is only in Aotearoa till the New Year. A rebound connection with the perpetually hangry woodland nymph next door is nowhere near a good idea, especially when she's made it clear she only needs him as her family-friendly fake date.

Can Gabe convince his new pocket-rocket muse he's actually worth crossing an ocean for, or is he the only one falling?

THE OCEAN BETWEEN is the third novella in Stephanie Ruth's Otago Waters series, set in beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each book stands alone, but reading them in order provides a deeper experience. The Ocean Between is linked to Ruby Island by one-degree of separation. Intended for readers who enjoy their slow-burn, feel-good romance on the steamy side, and promising a happy ever after.

Authors note: Though this story ends with an HEA, it also includes references to a historical near-drowning, a suspected suicide attempt, child endangerment, and on-page anaphylaxis. Please read at your own discretion.

Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter at www.stephanie-ruth.com, or find her on social media as stephanie_ruth_writes_nz.

Author: Stephanie Ruth
ISBN-10: 1067064443
ISBN-13: 9781067064440
Publisher: Tī Kōuka Publishing
Language: English
Published: 01/15/2026
Pages: 172
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.39lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.40d