Xiamara Nivar and Apollo Fischer had the perfect childhood friendship, leading her to believe they'd transition to soulmate-status seamlessly. She couldn't have been more wrong. When it came to a more-than-friends relationship, they were super cringe. No wonder Xia didn't believe him when he promised to come back for her the night before he left for college. But still, she waited.

After seven years of foolishly hoping he'd keep his word, Xia has put all that behind her. She's got a career, a cast of colorful comrades, and a competitive streak bigger than the Caribbean Ocean. Winning this year's Moss Monster Meet will be a cinch—until Apollo returns to the small island of Simona.

Not only is she a stumbling, stuttering, shipwreck of a human whenever he's present, but the unthinkable has happened. Apollo plans to compete in the race, threatening the three-year winning streak that will earn her the coveted title of Moss Boss.

When they are thrust together, Xia can't maintain her composure—and Apollo knows it. He isn't above using it against her, either. With the finish line in sight, Xia has one burning question: is it the race Apollo wants to win, or her heart?