I decided to read Probably Lives in Tahiti not because I like romance novels but because the author is from my hometown of Parkville, MD, and I love reading books that I can identify with, if not emotionally then maybe geographically. To my surprise, I really liked this modern day romance story intertwined with references to localities from Raleigh to Baltimore and with reference to music bands and songs from the fifties to the present.The story mainly takes place in Raleigh with Jim Kirkland, an advertising professional and Cassie Calloway, a graphics designer. Both leave their corporate jobs and begin working freelance where they form a partnership in marketing. They then become romantically involved even though Cassie is already involved with another man, Peter. Things get complicated when Peter becomes terminally ill and Jim and Cassie part ways; maybe temporarily or maybe permanently.While Cassie devotes herself to taking care of Peter, Jim, who is approaching 50, tries to fulfill his dream of being a rhythm guitarist and singer-songwriter by joining a rock band with three other musicians who are 20ish. The band goes on tour mostly around Raleigh with a mention of Parkville. I can identify with the music and identify with places in and around Baltimore, but by now I’m really enjoying the story.This is a fun engaging read with witty, humorous dialogue. Cramblitt’s writing shows well understood human behavior with fully developed characters. He shows insight to human nature such as how one should really listen to one’s partner. I loved this book, not because Cramblitt is from my hometown, but because I loved his descriptive writing style.