Aloha: An Anthology for Maui Paperback – 10 Sept. 2023

This collection of romance stories, of varying length, has been put together for a great cause. Various authors (listed in the blurb) have come together to raise money for the victims of the Maui fires.This isn't the only reason you should buy this book though. It's also a terrific collection of first class romances. In all anthologies, the quality varies, but a strong beginning boded well and the stories, on the whole have been fantastic, with a diverse range of characters; white and POC, straight and gay. There is something for almost everyone.Definitely great value for money, well edited and proof-read, and a great collection for every romance lover. I'm not affiliated with this book in any way. I just wanted to share it and say how much I'm still loving it!

Honesty love how !any good authors are packed in one book !Definitely a 5 star readJulia Kent is the best

4.25 ⭐️The following reviews are for Maui Dream Girl by Lex Martin, Just One Fantasy by Carly Phillips, Second Chance Contract by M. Robinson and Mele Kaliki Make Out With Me by Trilina Pucci.Maui Dream Girl by Lex Martin5 ⭐️Maui Dream Girl by Lex Martin is a short novella that follows Cameron ‘Cam’ Fletcher, who has appeared in Varsity Dad series.In this short read, we get to see Cam have the opportunity to meet up with his online gamer friend Ninja Girl, who he has been playing video games with for a year.And what the results of that outcome is when they finally do meet in person.The execution of the storyline was done greatly, allowing for a plot that gave you enough to include a beginning, middle and end with the inclusion of sufficient detail, so that it didn’t feel lacking in anyway. Even with being a novella.There is just something about Lex and her writing that always pulls me in and leaves me wanting more by the end.And just like all of the other books from Lex Martin’s Varsity Dad series, it was no surprise that Maui Dream Girl too ended up being a 5 star read for me.Even with being a fast read, it was thoroughly entertaining, resulting in an enjoyable read that was fun, sweet, cute and adorable yet steamy too.Just One Fantasy by Carly Phillips4 ⭐️Just One Fantasy by Carly Phillips was a short novella that had us visiting Aurora and Nick Dare awhile after their full length story Just One Dare.With more than a few years having past, we see Aurora and Nick living busy lives, juggling their work and family consisting of two daughters.Wanting a much needed break, Carly had us following Aurora and Nick as they go on a mini vacation.Being a quick read, Carly hit the mark in not only giving insight into their lives given the update since Just One Dare ended. But also allowing us to see how they were doing during this time.The novella ended up making for a fun short that was cute, sweet, romantic and steamy of course.Second Chance Contract by M. Robinson4 ⭐️Second Chance Contract by M. Robinson had us revisiting Autumn and Julian Locke many years after their full length novel with the same title was set, in this one chapter short novella.In this short we see what happens when overprotective Daddy Julian has to teach Autumn a lesson for going behind his back and lying to him for a certain reason that we see unfold and play out before our eyes within the chapter.Honestly for writing such a fast read, Monica managed to bring the entertainment factor with being funny and having you LOL’ing.All the whilst adding Fire from the steaminess that Monica managed to include, ultimately making for an enjoyable read. Especially since it’s always fun to revisit old characters and see what they’re up to.Mele Kaliki Make Out With Me by Trilina Pucci4 ⭐️Trilina Pucci had us revisiting the characters from Tangled in Tinsel, by following Sam and her guys Alec, Reed, Cole and Jace whilst on vacation in Hawaii in this short that was Mele Kaliki Make Out With Me.This novella went from 1-100 in the snap of fingers.Starting off fun with being cute and sweet in seeing Sam and her guys share flirty banter.The next thing you know Trilina flipped the script and dove right in, bringing the debauchery party with the characters raising the temperatures in what turned out to be a super Spicy, majorly Fiery and Sizzling AF, Lustful and Raunchy Sexy time they shared with getting down and dirty.Despite it being a very short read, Trilina Pucci made it enjoyable. Especially since it had me revisiting these loveable characters of Sam and her guys Alec, Reed, Cole and Jace again.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this wonderful anthology for Maui. Thank you to all the authors who contributed.

ALOHA is a charity romance collection of stories to support the survivors of the devastating fires on Maui. There are fifty stories by an impressive selection of bestselling authors and showcases a variety of romance genres and tropes. It is a huge book consisting of 1432 pages and provides readers with a great selection of novellas to read and many different styles of writing. It also brings together the book community for such a worthwhile cause so please grab a copy before it's too late. So far I have read thirteen stories and chose authors I have read before as well as those new to me. I particularly liked the ones set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii and look forward to finishing the anthology.I found that the ones that I read could be divided into groups : a complete story, a prequel introducing characters from a book, a bonus epilogue to catch up with favourite characters, a cliffhanger for a series and then a few just ended leaving me cross as I wanted to know what happened next, it was like the rest of the story was missing . I must admit there was a couple of stories that I couldn't wait to read and they didn't disappoint. I was very excited for The Mercer Curse by Pepper Winters as I am a huge Monsters In The Dark fan. I enjoyed all the ones I read but felt the ones which were complete stories were the best - my favourites were Move by Brittany Cherry, Here All Along by Emma Scott and The Wedding Date By Tara Brown.One Cruel Game by K.A. Linde:This is about a passionate one night stand with a mysterious and handsome man. When Katherine's plane is delayed due to a thunderstorm, she finds herself stuck overnight in Hawaii. While sitting in the first class lounge searching for a hotel, an intense but gorgeous man catches her eye. He has a hotel room and offers her it as both stranded. A predictable but fun read and if you liked Katherine and Camden then read how their story started in Cruel Marriage.Twisted Tighter By Aleatha Romig:We are introduced to Laurel and Mason, and see how they have settled into married life. They go to their ranch in Montana to celebrate 7th wedding anniversary. They have survived a tragic past especially Mason so do they believe in Miracles as they are about to have one. All the characters from the author's Sparrow Web series are in this but it’s explained who everyone is in this large and supportive group. Their world is dangerous but they are all happy. I loved how all the Sparrow men never leave the tower without telling their wives they love them. If you know this world then there is exciting News for Sterling and Araneae. There was an interesting link to the author's new series the Sinclair Duet.Riptide By Alessandra Torre:This is an intriguing tease and sets the scene for her book Undertow. A story about a love triangle between Madison, Stewart and Paul. It starts with a bouquet of roses and a note - Hawaii - September 12th - Come with me! Madison has been with Stewart for years but then she met Paul. She loves them both and they accept the arrangement. One a workalcoholic and one a surfer. There are hints of a past tragic event, locked away memories and secrets being kept. She won't choose between them so can she keep her two lives separate or is she playing with fire? It ends at an interesting point so leaves you hanging - shame as it was just getting to an exciting bit.Love and Freedom By Aly Martinez:This short story takes place three years after the end Release and is just a sweet snippet about this couple. Ramsey spent twelve years in prison but is now home with Thea. It starts with her crying with excitement as it’s over - it’s midnight and his parole finally ends. They are both finally free to have the family and future they've always wanted. He’d loved her since a kid and has always wanted to give her the life neither of them had growing up. A sweet story which gives enough insight into the couple with past and present information. To continue in this world read Release as it tells how they met as children and were high school sweethearts until tragedy strikes when he sent to prison. ast and present info .Changing Tides By Amber Kelly: Avie Carrigan and her boyfriend Conrad have planned a special vacation to Honolulu but he dumps her the night before they are due to leave. She is heartbroken but determined to still go. The romantic trip becomes a girls getaway with her best friend Amiya. Can Avie have a holiday fling while in paradise to forget Conrad. What does she want in the future and where ? A good story but sad we didn't find out what happens when she got back to Atlanta. It says it is a Sandcastle Cove Short Story so I presume this is a prequel to that series.Move By Brittany Cherry:A great story about Marie an older woman in Maui on a holiday booked by her son Bradley. She is about to have a surfing lesson and is totally out of her comfort zone but determined to do something that meant a lot to Bradley. She can't believe the hunk of a man is her instructor but he convinces her she is young enough to start living when feeling too old to try. They chat about her son and she finds out a shocking revelation.Makoa turns out to be more than she ever expected and persuades her it is time to move forward and live !! Absolutely loved this !Just One Fantasy By Carly Phillips:A Just One Dare stand-alone short story. Aurora Dare has a planned a surprise romantic long weekend getaway with her husband Nick. A break for them both away from everyday life and the children. We find out about her tragic backstory, how the couple originally met and the fateful day they were reunited. All those years ago it had been love at first sight for him so he's had to make up for the time he lost with her. I adored their daughter Leah and it was interesting meeting some of the characters from The Kingston Family series. This is a sneak peek into their lives and their HEA. Read the start of their second chance story in Just one Dare. Here All Along By Emma Scott:A friends to lovers story loosely inspired by Taylor Swift's “You Belong With Me."  Dedicated to the island and its people in memory of Emma's daughter Izzy. Luna is fed up of numerous poor dates and wants to find a loving relationship like her friends Dean and Claudia have. They all live together in an apartment along with Carter, who is fun and outgoing and Mateo, who is a brooding grouch. He is a mystery to Luna especially since he usually leaves the room when she enters and has a parade of women in his bedroom. She thinks he doesn't like him and is confused over her attraction towards him. He has actually wanted her from first moment and fights his feelings for her as doesn't deserve her. Can the roommates find their way to each other and could he be what she has been searching for? A lovely story which made me laugh and swoon, plus we get the bonus of a wonderful little epilogue to seal their HEA.Maui Forever By Heidi McLaughlin:This is set in the author's Beaumont Series and Beaumont: Next Gen Series world. Nearly everyone appears or is mentioned, but it is a good story even if you’ve never read any of her books or met all of the characters.  Eden is a surfer but her latest competition has been cancelled due to the fires on Maui. Wanting to help, she and her boyfriend Rush visit her uncle Liam to ask him to hold a benefit concert. This whole group of friends and family join together to make it happen. The links between everyone is explained and I liked the snippets of information about whta is going on in their lives. If you have read these books or seen the film , then you will enjoy catching up with everyone. A good little surprise at the end for one of them. Dark Paradise By Karina Halle:This was previously released as Esteban and is linked to her Dirty Angels Trilogy. It is a engrossing and mysterious tale about a woman trying to find some meaning to her life. We meet Lani Morrison, an artist on holiday in Kauai to try and find her inspiration to start painting again but also to escape her life. She is in an unhappy marriage and feels her life holds nothing for her anymore. A stranger with scars on his face appears from nowhere and understands the shadows behind her eyes. He is very intense and has a strange way of being so insightful about her. He has a dangerous vibe about him but is set on helping her. There are some shocking revelations and honest truths as they get to know each other and make memories together to give them both hope for the future. The story draws you in and I got caught up in the mystery surrounding the stranger. Then just as it gets interesting - will they or won’t they- it ends !!!The Mercer Curse By Pepper Winters:This is the fantastic prequel to her new series The Jewelry Box and an amazing story for all Tears of Tess fans as we get treated to more of her and Q. He’s still helping rescue slaves and fighting to resist the monster inside him with his wife's help. There's a great sex scene that comprises of everything this couple are.  An unexpected and surprising visitor arrives to see Q claiming to be his half brother. Henri Ward has recently found out he is the son of one of their father's slaves and is struggling with coping the sickness inside him. He has to constantly fight his instincts and knows Q the same so wants some help and the family he's never had. Q comes up with an elaborate but dangerous plan for Henri to prove he's strong enough to stay in the light like Q, survive the curse and not be like their father. In Ruby Tears #1 - Henri starts his tortuous journey to prove he's worthy of Mercer name and never be alone again.My Dark Tribute By Rachel Van Dyken:This is a bonus story about Sergio and Val from the author's Eagle Elite series. It provides the much need closure for Sergio ( Elude #7 and Empire #8). “ Life isn’t perfect, but moments are.”  The couple are on a kid free holiday to Hawaii so he can relax , I laughed at him doing as she says as he finds her scary !! He is finding it hard because it's the 10th anniversary of his first wife’s death. The story explains their history and how Valentine met him when he was a broken man. Some of his scars have healed but others still haunt him even though he loves Val deeply, losing Andi still hurts. The entire family join him and Val to honour the fallen, and it's a wonderful tribute to end their mourning. The Wedding Date By Tara Brown:A wonderful story about Nicole needing a date to her brother's wedding. Her best friend Linnie gets her a plus one but he is so handsome she wonders if Linnie paid him to attend with her?  She is shocked when she realises he is James Belvedere! A famous European soccer player who was recently voted the Sexist Man Alive and is now fake dating her! Why is he doing this for her? He is such a nice guy and so easy to talk to so what’s going on and why did he agree? When James is so good at pretendin, she starts to fall for him . Their banter is fun and I liked their three things you don’t like talking about - very honest with each other. Her plan was to make her sister and her boyfriend suffer due to what happened six months ago but it's not the only plan in action. There's a fantastic twist to his reasons for helping her out. I liked she had some hope for the future but so wanted an HEA for this couple - left with will they or won't they.

Will admit that my favourite story is a new one from Aleatha Romig. The book is a great mix of new and already published short sweet stories. It’s really well put together and a great read. It’s definitely worth a read and what makes it even better is that it’s raising money for a brilliant charity.

When I saw this anthology was to raise funds for the Maui wildfires, I knew I had to read. I've picked a few of my favorite shorts in this amazing anthology to review.The Pre-Proposal by Adriana LockeThis is a short intro to Adriana's story, The Proposal. It features Blakely and her brother's best friend, Renn. Because it's just a prologue/introduction, it's short but the heat generated by these two is intense! I have The Proposal on my Kindle, and after reading this intro, I'm about to dive into it!Keeping You by Alexandria BishopA seriously hot roleplaying short featuring Tara and her husband Clarke. Whew!Love and Freedom: A Release Short Story by Aly MartinezThis one is a sweet, slightly melancholic scene between Ramsey and his wife Thea, and what their plans are now that his parole has just finished. If you haven't read Release, do go now!Move by Brittainy CherryI think is my absolute favorite in this anthology. It's a very short story about Marie, a 50 something woman still grieving her son Brad, but has come to Hawaii to learn to surf as an homage to Brad. Meeting her instructor, finding he's not only Brad's close friend, but as beautiful a soul as her son, has her lifting from her fog of grief and determined to "mua" move forward. I'm still crying writing this, but smiling because though this short scene is sad, it's also beautiful, and hopeful at the end.Just One Fantasy by Carly PhillipsAurora and her husband Nick need a little getaway. So she takes him to paradise for some alone time. HOT, HOT, HOT!Sweet Celebration by Helena HuntingBJ wants to throw his girlfriend Winter a birthday party, but has to figure out a way to make it a grand surprise for the girl whose life hasn't been easy, so he gathers up the whole crew to help. If you've read Shattered Truths and fell in love with this adorable couple like I did, you will love this peek into their lives.Crazy Little Meet Cute by Jana AstonGeorgina needs a plus one to her ex's wedding in Maui. She tries asking the hot Brit who ran into her at the airport, but he's a jerk and having none of it. To her surprise, a gorgeous Lawson offers after hearing her get rejected by Harvey. This little intro REALLY makes me want their full story!H and Healing in Hawaii by Lauren RoweJulia just called off her wedding, while delivering her non-vows to her now ex. So she takes her honeymoon by herself and finds a gorgeous man in her villa. Will this vacation fling end in happiness or a broken heart? I want the full story, pretty please!A Little Tease by Tia LouiseThis is a short prequel to A Little Taste, and it made me want to read it all over again. Aiden the grumpy single dad cop and Britt the soon to be forensic photographer, opposites who find themselves very attracted to each other even though they have the worst timing.

I will be back to finish my review, but I must say that this is a great anthology to enjoy! These are short, steamy stories, easily read one after another or one or two a night before the end of your day.I've started by reading my favorite author's stories ...K.A. Linde, Adriana Locke, Jill Ramsower, M. Robinson, and Pepper Winters. I couldn't wait to read them! Some of these short reads were epilogues and others were prequels of books I've read or anticipating to read. They've left a smile on my face and my heart bursting ready for more from them.I look forward to reading Aleatha Romig, Alexandra Torre, Heidi McLaughlin, Julia Kent, Karina Halle, Live Morris, MJ Fields, and Skye Warren's stories next. All authors that I have enjoyed reading in the past. After those, I look forward to finding some new authors to enjoy in the future.

Look. I bought the book because Jay McLean had a short story in it AND because it was for charity. I didn't really get into most of the stories, mainly because they were either "meh", the same as all the rest (there are an extraordinary amount of stories with jilted brides) or just plain gross.I don't normally mind a little anthology from time to time, it's a great way to meet 'new to you' authors.Unfortunately this one felt like a chore and I'm no prude. I love me some hot and spicy... when it's in context and not straight up porn but there were some stories in here that just grossed me out, like skin crawl, out loud "eeeewww", gross.The stand outs for me were, (in no particular order and for a range of reasons, but mostly because they were fun or interesting or both):A Mermaid and Her Star <-- I want this to be a proper novel book thing!MoveOne Night in ParadiseGolden AmbitionPucking MarriedGroupieReboundSweet CelebrationI Can't Love YouBeach Please!Crazy Little Meet Cute <-- Double love for this one!Not Made to Last <-- double, double love for this one (novel pre-ordered)Shopping for a Billionaires CoffeeThe End of Us <-- My heart broke a little reading this oneBaecationMaui Dream GirlIce SurfingThe Wedding Date <-- Contacted the author to find out if this was being made into a full novel - so good!A Night With You <-- Finding this book now!I'm glad I bought the book, hopefully it helped those in need most and I did find new authors to me, so no regrets.

So many authors, a wonderful collection of stories hitting all the spice levels.

I read MELE KALIKI MAKE OUT WITH ME by TRILINA PUCCISo happy to be back with this group!We follow Sam, Alec, Cole, Jace and Reed and they vacation 2 years after first getting together.This xtra streamy bonus scene is just want we needed to catch from our beloved fivesome! Not to worry, as Trilina does best, there are a few laughs thrown in there too and even a little swoony moment to tie it all together!Great read!!!If you haven’t read Tangled in Tinsel be sure to read that first before this.