Aloha Texas

Aloha Texas was an easy and enjoyable three day read. As a guy, I could relate to the situations, actions, and reactions of Nick, who battles through a lost love, a child, and a new love. With a little passion and compelling twists in the action, it is a must read.

I really enjoyed the book and will recommend it to my friends. Enjoyable characters and happy ending. What more could you ask for in this fast pace world.

I didn’t expect Aloha Texas to grab my heart and twist it into a tight ball of emotions, but that is exactly what this story did from the start. When life plays unfair it sets my tear ducts in overdrive. So, the beginning of this book had me sniffling and gripping onto my box of Kleenex. Truth be told, there were other tearful moments sprinkled throughout as well. Ms. Keniston takes you by the hand and guides you through this story of love, loss, regret, and moving forward in such a way you feel as if you are living it along with these characters.

Attorney Kara Lynn O’Conner doesn’t really know why Patty Ann named Nick Harper executor of her estate and guardian of her five year old son. With the exception of a few years spent away at college and law school, Kara has lived in this small west Texas town and has no memory of a Nick Harper. However, it's not any of her business. When Kara drew up Patty Ann’s will it never occurred to her that a mere two years later she would be carrying out those wishes, and desperately trying to get in touch with Nick Harper. She’s discovered he lives on the Big Island of Hawaii but the guy hasn’t returned any of her calls, emails, or messages left at his business, Big Island Dive Shop. With time running out for Patty Ann, Kara may need to fly to Hawaii and drag Mr. Harper back to Texas herself. Kara has grown close to Patty Ann only in the last two months due to her advancing illness and the fact she has no other family on which to rely. She’s been staying with Patty Ann and her son Bradley, helping to maintain a sense of normalcy for Bradley. It's so moving to see Kara step into a role others would make excuses to avoid. For Kara, it has nothing to do with obligation. She has a heart of gold, and truly cares about Patty Ann and has come to love her adorable son.

Retired Navy SEAL Nick Harper hasn’t been back to the west Texas town he grew up in for quite some time. Six years ago while on leave in London, his high school sweetheart Patty Ann shocked the hell out of him by turning down his proposal. It broke his heart into a million pieces and he hasn't cared to get serious with a woman ever since. His love of the ocean led him to Kona where he and another Navy buddy operate a successful dive business. When Kara finally connects with Nick he’s stunned to hear Patty Ann, the woman who still holds a corner of his heart, is dying of lung cancer. When they parted ways six years ago, Patty had made it clear Nick wasn’t the man she needed or wanted in her life. So why did she name him executor of her estate?

This story truly tugged at my heart! Nick is an honorable guy. Even after Patty Ann walked away, leaving him devastated, he has no hard feelings toward her. He’s wrecked to learn she is dying. He's even more wrecked when he sees the shell that was once his everything, and hears her confession they have a son. Talk about a shocker! Nick’s world is turned upside down in the blink of an eye. I have to say, I was wrung out after Nick and Patty Ann’s bittersweet reunion. Ms. Keniston had me feeling every emotion in that hospital room.

Kara has skeletons in her closet as well. It's probably why she throws herself into her work, doing far more for people than most would ever consider. When she meets Nick, his sincere concern over Patty Ann, not to mention his deer-in-the-headlights look upon discovering he has a son, melts her heart a little. She has no idea why Patty Ann walked away and never told Nick about their son, but Nick seems like a good guy. Not to mention, he’s totally gorgeous. Maybe he’s different than all the other losers she’s encountered. But Nick’s inappropriate comment the first day they meet, especially under such dire circumstances only confirms her feelings that men are not to be trusted. However, she’s agreed to help Patty Ann. So for her and Bradley, Kara will put up with Mr. Hunky just long enough to get things figured out. It's just...Nick has a way of knocking down her defenses. Before she knows it, she’s falling for him.

I thoroughly enjoyed Aloha Texas. Ms. Keniston has a lovely voice, and the story moves forward at a steady, even pace. The secondary characters are charming, funny, and add interest to the story. There were times I felt annoyed with Kara but hey, she’s a woman. We’re all unreasonable at times. Or so my husband tells me. The chemistry between Nick and Kara is slow to build but considering the circumstances, it works. Once unleashed it's not incendiary, nevertheless it's still hot. Aloha Texas is a damn good read that I couldn’t put down until the end.
****Reviewed for [...]****