Dinca’s Duckies Do Series review of Aloha Series by Chris Keniston
Contemporary Romance published by Indie House Publishing 2014 – 2016
Welcome to Hawaii where everyone is considered family and made to feel right at home. Wether they want to are not! This series turns into one big happy family that manages to overcome anything that is thrown their way, all in due time. The family keeps getting bigger and better with every heart breaking, soul searching Navy SEAL that visits the Island.
Shell Game: Navy SEAL “Brooklyn” (Aloha Series Book .5)
28 Aug 14
Come on aboard this hilarious Caribbean cruise with Sharla Kramer and her Nana. It’s not all fun and games, but there is a mystery to be solved.
Sharla didn’t want to take the time for a cruise. She wanted the relative peace and quiet she would have in her Nana’s absence. At the last minute when her grandmother’s sister could not accompany her on the cruise, Sharla had to go with her to make sure her Nana did not return to the “family business.” A cruise ship would be too far away to get her out of trouble in a hurry.
Luke “Brooklyn” Chapman doesn’t need to relax. He likes his work and wants nothing but to get back to it. His boss has other ideas. Fun and games is not his style, but Brooklyn finds he is gaining a taste for it along with the hands-off granddaughter of the little granny he found himself roped into playing board games with.
It doesn’t take long for these well-developed characters to know that something is underfoot. Each investigating independently, they clamber over each other trying to keep their efforts secret. No one knows you can’t con a con artist any better than Nana herself. She has been in the business a long time. It makes you wonder who’s cheating whom and who is actually the good guy with everyone under everything but the covers.
All the characters in this story are charming and I have enjoyed every one of them. Well, maybe not the actual bad guy, but he did have his own sense of purpose. He was just not up to any good. Hats off to Chris Keniston for a well-written book. I enjoyed it so much I may have to purchase it again when it ‘s available in audio.
Grade: A+
Summary:
He’s high risk…She’s high stakes.
Tricked into taking a Caribbean cruise, former Navy SEAL Luke “Brooklyn” Chapman is expecting free-flowing booze, bikini-clad women, and an abundance of recreation.
Hardworking Sharla Kramer is all about keeping her sticky-fingered grandmother out of trouble. The last thing she wants from her vacation is a new man in her life.
Toss in a couple of swindlers, a retired cop, a few fun-loving ladies in red hats, and sailing the high seas may never be the same.
Read an excerpt.
Aloha Texas: Navy Hero Nick (Aloha Series, Book 1)
12 Jan 14
I wasn’t sure a person could go through so many emotions in one day. But they just keep piling up. Good thing there is some reality to hang on to. This is a very emotional read, full of hurt and warmth, and a lot of understanding comes to light in the end.
Nick Harper appears to be a happy-go-lucky ladies’ man enjoying what comes his way. No one knows it’s all a coverup for a broken heart. He has left the Navy and gotten his life together as a part owner in a dive shop in Kona, Hawaii when the past comes tumbling back.
The last place he wants to see again is Winding Springs, Texas. Even Texas is not big enough for him and the woman who broke his heart. When summoned by an attorney, he decides he better go. He finds his lost love, Patty Anne dying of cancer, and the secret she has kept from him, Bradley, his five-year-old son.
Kara Lynn Harper, Patty’s attorney and friend, at the bequest of her client reaches out to locate and contact the father of Bradley. Why Kara would want to leave her child with a nomadic skirt chaser is beyond her thinking.
Kara is shocked when she realizes he’s had no knowledge of Bradley. She’s assumed Patty had told him about his son and he wasn’t interested in being a father.
Kara has to readjust her thinking after Nick claims the boy as his, not waiting on a DNA test. Nick wants the boy and to uproot him from the only home he has ever known, after losing his mother. As Bradley’s Guardian ad Litem, Kara has come to love the boy and would do whatever is best for him.
Kara manages to convince Nick to stick around until school ends for the summer – which gives her time to evaluate the relationship developing between father and son. The wait also allows Nick time to purchase a home in Kona.
As Kara starts to grow on Nick, he realizes the oh-so-put-together woman has her own demons. One of them he has the opportunity to do something about.
I can’t remember a more emotion-packed love story. It’s a “Wait honey, I will get dinner ready” at the end of the first chapter, next chapter, end of the book kind of read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Grade: A+
Summary:
Former navy diver Nicholas Harper likes his new world as captain of a dive boat in Hawaii. That is until a phone call from the past changes everything. Now his uncomplicated life suddenly becomes very complicated.
Powerhouse attorney Kara Lynn O’Conner’s world revolves around her small Texas town where life is easy and safe. Focusing on her career keeps her dark secrets locked away. That is until her newest case makes her face her fears.
When the past surges into the present will it be enough to keep Nick and Kara’s two worlds together.
Read an excerpt.
Almost Paradise: Navy Hero Billy (Aloha Series, Book 2)
27 Jan 14
All Angela Carson wants is to be a mom. Her real estate business gave her the income and the freedom to do just that. She wants to find Mr. Right, fall in love, and have children. Preferably in that order. However, her body is working against her and she plans to take matters into her own hands. Now all she needs is a sperm donor.
Billy has carved out a spot for the rest of his life and doesn’t plan on changing anything about it. He has the dive shop to run and everyone he cares about close by. The only thing wrecking his easy-going life is a bad case of survivor’s guilt.
Angela’s situation is a very real plot for many women out there, and I am exceedingly pleased I found this book. Billy’s survivor’s guilt is also a sad phenomenon in our society and I am equally pleased to see it addressed as well. The love and friendship Ms. Keniston creates in this story is very real, and I look forward to the next get-together of these fantastic, fun-loving, heart-wrenching people.
Chris Keniston is one of the best emotional impact writers I have ever read. This Book 2 in the Aloha Series is just as emotionally packed as Aloha Texas. The characters are well developed, as are the secondary characters. I can’t wait for Mai Tai Marriage.
Grade: A+
Summary:
Angela Carson’s life is not unfolding according to plan. She’s twelve years behind the curve in her search for love, marriage and babies. In that order.
Owner of the Big Island Dive shop, former Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal tech Billy Everrett is going through the motions of living. Love, marriage and children are not in his plans.
But sometimes… the best things in life don’t need a plan.
Read an excerpt.
Mai Tai Marriage (Aloha Series, Book 3)
31 May 14
Yes, they had too much to drink and, yes, they got married. Having been there herself, Lexie was not going to let Jim be stood up at the alter without saving face.
Lexie Hale is a strong, independent woman. She doesn’t need a man in her life, nor her family’s money. She is happy in her little dive world. She has sun and fun and her makeshift family of coworkers and friends. Living on the big Island of Hawaii gives her a peace she has never known. She manages a dive shop for Nick and Billy (heroes of the previous two books in the series) and is a dive master for local tourists.
Jim Borden is marrying the one woman he thinks will never be repulsed by his scars. But in the end he is left literally standing at the alter. Since everyone came all the way to Honolulu for the wedding that is not taking place, they might as well enjoy the party.
All it takes is a Navy chaplain who is directed in Hawaiian customs and a group of witnesses and bang! It’s legal, papers or not! There are a lot of twists and turns leading to all the turmoil in this story, and I enjoyed the plot very much – jerky bad guy and all.
Another great book from Chris Keniston. I feel as if her charters are all around me and I want to jump right in and help solve all the mystery they bring with them. You can smell the ocean breeze and feel the cool water as you dive into this adventure with Lexie and Jim.
Grade: A
Summary:
Lexie Hale is happily single and loving her life in Hawaii as a dive instructor and manager of the Big Island Dive shop.
Lt. Commander James Borden thinks he’s found the perfect navy wife for a man like him. That is, until his prospective bride goes AWOL.
After a few too many Mai Tais on a Honolulu beach, all it takes is three shoelaces, two wedding leis, and a bowl of sand to turn both their worlds completely upside down.
Read an excerpt.
Dive into You: Navy Hero Doug (Aloha Series, Book 4)
23 Nov 14
Everyone’s getting married around her. This is the third wedding she has attended, and all Emily Everrett wants is to have one hot guy for just one night. That should get it all out of her system, just to live a little and do something spontaneous for once. Then she can go back to her well-ordered life as a school teacher. It’s kind of hard to accomplish this with all her family around her. Anything done in Kona is broadcasted in Kona.
At his friend‘s wedding Doug Hamilton rescues a gorgeous island girl from a clumsy pickup, only to find himself being picked up by her. After one unbelievable night with no strings attached, he is shocked when he finds out he has just broken the cardinal rule. Never sleep with your boss’/friend’s little sister!
In an attempt to talk about what happened between them and to make sure she is not pregnant, Doug volunteers to do some carpentry work for the school play she is in charge of. As events unfold, they both agree Billy, her brother and his boss/friend, is to never know they slept together. One thing leads to another and it all comes down to a little pink line on a stick.
The sizzle is all around this hands-off scenario and only grows between first and second characters. And once again this author has written the perfect hoot of a matchmaking mama. This book also gets an A+. I just can’t find any real reason to mark it down. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series.
Grade: A+
Summary:
High school teacher Emily Everrett wants to add some excitement to her life. But first she must break free from under the watchful eye of her big brother and matchmaking mother.
Two years after leaving the Navy, chick-magnet Doug Hamilton is ready for a change. Working in Hawaii at the Big Island Dive shop with his former buddies sounds like the perfect recipe for fun in the sun.
If anyone can show Emily how to live it up, it’s Doug. Except for one problem—the honor code among men—Never hookup with your best friend’s little sister.
Read an excerpt.
The Look of Love (Aloha Series, Book 5)
19 Jan 15
The Look of Love is a little far fetched for me. It’s a novella, so it doesn’t take too much time to read.
Mattie Harper is Nick’s (Book 1) sister. She is visiting the island and arrives with their parents.
Captain Daniel O’Neil is retiring after a final event. While he is visiting the island, he intends to visit the daughter he didn’t know he had and who recently located him. Dan is not part of the Navy SEAL team the other five books are about. He was their instructor at times along the way.
This love story is all about location. No one is where they are going to live and it’s always an undercurrent in most scenes.
Once again, the characters are well developed and the back story is just enough to bring everyone up to date. However, this book just doesn’t grab me like the previous stories. But I will continue with the series. Chris Keniston’s characters are just too good to miss.
Grade: B
Summary:
Thrilled to be visiting her brother in Kona for the birth of his next child, Madeleine Harper and her parents are all set for a quiet family reunion in paradise. That is if Maddie weren’t distracted by the naval officer she keeps—literally—bumping into.
Retired Captain Daniel O’Neil is looking forward to two weeks in the sunny Hawaiian Islands to connect with the daughter he barely knows. Except his plans didn’t include a beautiful stranger he can’t forget!
Read an excerpt.
Love By Design (Aloha Series, Book 6)
25 Aug 14
I am so glad Ava gets her own story. As Billy’s sister, she had already developed into one of my favorite characters.
By now Ava Everrett should have had it all, if it weren’t for her chauvinist boss – and ex, of course. Quitting her job and starting her own company is one of the best decisions she’s ever made. Although moving back home to Kona and living with her matchmaking mama is only a temperorary fix. Too bad she couldn’t kick off her new architectural company with the designs she had to leave behind with the old firm.
Regardless of the new hunk to arrive on the island, Ava is much too busy setting up her new company and fending off the questions from her old one. Apparently her design was selected and her former client wants revisions no one can make but her. Well, that is just too bad. Unless the “get me coffee” fool wants to give credit where it is due and gives her a big hunkin’ apology, they can muddle through on their own.
Don’t you just love a character who wants to be liked for themselves instead of what they have to offer? I can always relate to someone who is trying to protect themselves, even at their own risk. Forrest John Maplewood is that character. He is rich and powerful and can have anything he wants, except the one thing that matters most. Someone who just wants to be with him for him. Not his money or position. The only person who appears more powerful than John is his assistant. What is the saying…Something about behind every successful man is a good woman? Well, that is Evelyn. I would not mind her getting a story of her own. I digress. Back to John.
At a baby shower, John notices a drafting table in one of the bedrooms, after a trip down the hall to the bathroom. He glances in and takes note of the fine work displayed. It’s for an aquarium, the very project that he left dangling to visit his sister. He is not on the plans review board for the project, but he does have the pull to see if this architect is one of the candidates.
John is having trouble figuring out Mrs. Everrett. She invites him to everything and then makes sure he is nowhere near her daughter, Ava. He finds near Ava is where he only wants to be.
Another very realistic plot by Chris Keniston! Once again, the characters are popping off the page and moving around you. The matchmaking mama is back with a new strategy, and when these two finally get together, there is enough sizzle to knock your sandals off.
I am back to looking forward to the next book in the series. Usually by now I am ready for something new and so many books about the same characters.
Grade: A+
Summary:
Secret billionaire, new boyfriend, new boss. Same guy?
The smartest things architect Ava Everrett had done in a long time was to tell off her chauvinist employer and to unload her freeloading ex. Now, back home in Kona with friends and family, her life is falling into place: a coveted dream project, a fun office renovation, and a sexy new guy. What could possibly go wrong?
Convinced women only want him for his money, billionaire international developer John Maplewood doesn’t believe in love. While visiting his sister in Kona, he embraces the chance to be just a regular guy in a world where friends, family, and falling in love matter. His only problem? Keeping the girl once she learns who he really is.
Read an excerpt.
Love Walks In (Aloha Series, Book 7)
11 Jan 16
It’s about time Ms. Keniston gets back to the DeLucas. They were part of the first books in the series. I guess it takes time, since Annette DeLuca was widowed in the beginning, about two years ago by now.
A widow, a widower, a bully and an autistic boy, and the love of family. What more could you want is a love story? Well, sex… that’s in there too.
There is nothing that can make you more proud than your children stepping up and doing the right thing. Annette DeLuca is that mom. Her son stepped up to keep the school bully from badgering Brian, an autistic boy new to the school.
Annette befriends the father of Brian, and they devise a plan to interact with the bully to solve the problem for everyone.
Michael Becker is juggling the needs of his son and his need to make a living to support them, which is what brought them to Hawaii. He’s looking for a more mellow atmosphere for his very intelligent yet autistic son to further develop in life. When a young boy with a black eye and his mother show up on his door, he expects the worst. What he finds is a friendship worth growing and hanging on to for him and his son.
This story doesn’t have the sizzle and piazza of the others in the series, but it has the calm and surety of a future you thought was not possible. This is one you can cherish and be thankful for having the rest of your life. And hey, it’s Christmastime, the homiest, mushiest, familiest time of year.
Grade: A
Summary:
The USA TODAY Bestselling LOVE WALKS IN brings you a heartwarming story you won’t want to miss
Annette Deluca believes you only get one chance at the love of a lifetime. It’s up to Michael Becker and his young autistic son to prove her wrong.
Read an excerpt.
Waikiki Wedding: Unforgettable Nights in Hawaii (Aloha Series, Book 8)
17 Jun 16
Once again I can smell the Island of Hawaii reading this series. It’s weird, funny, and wacky. It’s all of that and more. What can go wrong with a destination wedding? Everything and then some.
Amy Pratt is using her friend’s destination wedding as an opportunity to spend this time with her long-lost brother, Doug, who now lives on the island. She is finding it hard getting acquainted with the cute guy she spotted on the beach with her brother in tow.
Ray Varner agrees to be his sister’s plus one at a friend’s wedding. Being between careers, Ray counts on using this time to consider his options. He doesn’t count on his attraction to the young woman also on the island attending a wedding. He keeps kicking himself for the attraction he finds to a woman who’s obviously married.
When much of the two wedding activities throws them together, Ray realizes the woman he can’t get off his mind is there with her brother. He is much relieved until the big brother delivers his ‘hands off my sister’ warning.
I want to tell you, but I’m not going to spill the beans, however there is a very good hotel hall scene that is epic. It’ll just leave you guessing until the very good and satisfying ending.
One more very enjoyable book and amazingly fun series by Chris Keniston.
Grade: B
Summary:
Two Weddings. Two Strangers. One Romance.
In Hawaii for a destination wedding, bridesmaid Amy Pratt is thrilled to finally reconnect with her long lost brother. But paradise has a few surprises for the serious young woman with a sensible life plan. One thing she hasn’t counted on is a handsome, heroic, former football jock.
Between jobs, with no other plan than to visit his sister, Ray Varner becomes her last minute escort to a wedding in Hawaii. The last thing he expects is to find paradise in the eyes of a captivating woman constantly chaperoned by an overprotective big brother.
Can madcap mixups, wedding chaos, and a week on Waikiki beach make the impossible seem possible?
Read an excerpt.
Overall Grade: A
I enjoyed this series tremendously. The characters are well developed and have established their place in life. There is nothing wishy-washy about anything that goes on in this series. There is real life plus a little out of the norm in each book. Normally by the fourth orfif5th book of a series I am looking forward to the end of it all. The fuzzy, warm feeling of really getting into the series lasts here through Book 7. Book 8 is as well developed and enjoyable as the others but can stand alone, if not for all the back story. The series went from being Navy SEALS to the extended family. If you like contemporary romance with a hefty sprinkle of sizzle, I would definitely recommend this Aloha Series. It has everything – love, warmth, sizzle, and fun! Overall grade, party darn close to an A +. Maybe Evelyn will have a chance with a stand alone.
