Kalea's Hero

Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii #1

by Elle James

Kalea’s Hero was previously published as Hot SEAL Hawaiian Nights. Since it really is the first book in the Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii series, it has been rebranded and a new epilogue has been included. I didn’t want those who hadn’t read Hot SEAL Hawaiian Nights to miss out on the book that laid the groundwork for Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii!Former Navy SEAL’s first assignment as a Brotherhood Protector is to secretly guard a Hawaiian cattle baron’s daughter from a kidnapping threatJace Hawkins (Hawk) thought he was headed home to Montana after leaving the Navy SEALs, but his first assignment at the Montana-based Brotherhood Protectors is to fly to the Big Island of Hawaii to secretly protect a cattle baron’s daughter. His goal is to keep the lady alive while pretending to be a ranch hand. The ranching is second nature since he grew up on a ranch in Montana. Protecting the daughter is where the challenge lies.Kalea Parkman has had free rein of the 130,000-acre Parkman Ranch since she was big enough to fit her feet into stirrups. She refuses to curtail her freedom just because she’s had a couple of near-misses with a potential kidnapper. But when a mainlander cowboy hires on as a ranch hand, he manages to shadow her every move. And the man has skills…with the animals…and with her. Even though he’s as sexy as sin, he’s no less annoying.When attempts to take her increase, the new cowboy insists on protecting her at all costs. They must rely on each other to stay alive until the threat is neutralized, while hopelessly resisting a desire that rivals the heat of the Kilauea volcano.

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Military Romance

258 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story set in Hawaii and a cattle ranch. Hawk (Jace) was hoping to go home to Montana once he was out of the Navy, but Hank has a job for him in Hawaii. Kalea is the on child of her father and her mother is deceased, so she would inherit everything, so comes the problem. Excellent read with action and a HEA.

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my favorite aspects of any romance story are island settings and military heroes and this one has the both!

Jace is the ultimate protector which had my heart swooning and Kalea…I adored her fierce independent spirit! Lookout because these two will have sparks flying!

Elle James has such amazing talent writing, which shines through in Kalea’s Hero. I definitely recommend!!

[Miss Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful read. I loved Hawk and Kalea from the first page. The journey full of ups and downs as they traverse their path together.

Elle James has this wonderful, of not only being a fantastic author, but of having the limitless talent of making each book seem fresh and vibrant.

Hawk is a delicious character. My heart went haywire at the alpha male dominance that weird from his pores.

He didn’t let anything phase him. Always on alert and ready to protect. What’s not to love about this guy!!
I love that he found Hank, and had a purpose when leaving his service. You could feel, through the pages, how difficult it was for him to say goodbye to his brothers in arms but also the excitement of going back to something he loved, something that cleansed his soul.

Kalea is a kickass character who I would love to be. She sings to the tune of her own beat and takes no messing from anyone. I love that she’s comfortable in her own skin, whether she’s wearing jeans and cowboy boots or a dress.

I loved the emotion and depth of this story so much. The chemistry and bond between Hawk and Kalea was heartfelt and beautiful.

Elle James you have done it again!! Thankyou for bringing us such beauty and a perfect place to escape the world to.

Can’t recommend highly enough
Way more than 5 stars.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawaii or Montana? What a choice!

Hawk's first mission is far more than he ever expected, and it almost costs him everything!
Kalea is feisty, sassy and driven, she may be the princess to the Hardman empire, but she works hard as a ranch hand, an ambassador to tourism, a business manager and anything else that needs doing around the ranch...she is the heart and soul of the ranch, just as the land and the history live in her heart and soul. I really like Kalea, she is a strong female character but she remains likable and relatable, she may not like needing a bodyguard, but she is wise enough to listen to Hawk's reasoning and meet him part way. I did guess very early on just who was going to be the unsub....I don't think it will come as a surprise to many. But it didn't impact my enjoyment as they keep surprising you with the lengths they will go to to remove Kalea and gain their prize.
A great prequel that ties beautifully into book two of the series, this was already released last December and has the first of Hawk's team losing their heart but rescuing their woman.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newly discharged SEAL Jace 'Hawk' Hawkins was surprised to be sent to Hawaii for his first Brotherhood job before he’d gone to the Montana office. His task… undercover bodyguard to wealthy ranch heiress Kalea Parkman. Not what she’d want but recent attempts on her life made it important to her dad. Hawk was ‘hired’ as a ranch hand, luckily, Hawk had experience from years of being a ranch hand on his family’s small ranch. They had a strong mutual attraction but he was an employee.

The ranch marketer seems quite at home and flirty with Kalea’s dad and brings a spa developer to dinner, they insist on a hard pitch for building the spa. A minor incident with a horse and the secret was out, the pair decided they’d pretend to be reconnected acquaintances. Moments later, they’re attacked but Hawk thwarts him. On a trip to another island, the plane malfunctions as a storm rolls in.
Rating: 4stars

[Suzie Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brotherhood Protectors in Hawaii

Hawk is brand new to the Brotherhood Protectors. Originally from Montana this Navy Seal, recently out of the Navy heads home and to work for Hank Patterson. But first, Hank has a job for Hawk. On the big island of Hawaii John Parkman owner of a large ranch has a problem. Someone is trying to kill his daughter Kalea.

Kalea has tried to ignore what has been happening. She doesn’t want her father to tie her up in her room and never come out. He has just hired a new man, Hawk. Just as long as he isn’t another body guard. After an attack at the ranch Kalea asked Hawk if he was hired to protect her? He truly was raised on a ranch in Montana that is why he is there.

The truth comes out but they agree to make it look like they are old acquaintances spending time together. On their way to Oahu their plane loses engine control. Who is out to get Kalea? And the Hawaii branch of the Brotherhood Protectors is born.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start, you don’t want to stop reading until you finish this book! Grab yours and go for it!
After John Parkman’s daughter Kalea survived a couple of attempts on her life, he hired Hank Patterson and his Brotherhood Protector’s to protect her. Only problem is Kalea keeps ditching the bodyguards he has hired prior to the BP’s. Newly recruited protector Jace Hawkins was so looking forward to going home to Montana after leaving his SEAL Team 3 only to find out he is going to Hawaii instead to be a babysitter. Imagine his surprise when he finds out she is a beautiful spirited woman with a will of her own and no desire to be held back even to save herself. Hawk has his work cut out to keep both of them alive until the killer is found, with or without her help!

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jase Hawkins gets his first Brotherhood Protectors case before ever reaching the Brotherhood Protects in Montana. What he didn't expect was to be sent to Hawaii. Someone has been trying to kill Kalea Parkman, and her father wants her protected at all costs. While protecting Kalea and learning about her home, Hawk finds a place that soothes his soul as much as his home in Montana. The intrigue carries through the story, keeping a good pace. Kalea is a strong, loveable character, and you'll find Hawk is a kind, swoon-worthy protector.
Don't miss this story that starts the Hawaii Brotherhood Protectors series.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kalea’s Hero is book 1 in the Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii series by Elle James. Was formerly written for Hot SEAL Hawaiian Nights which is the start of this new series. 4.5 stars

Jace “Hawk” Hawkins has just retired from the Navy Seals and is returning home to Montana and a job with the Brotherhood Protectors except he is being sent to Hawaii for his first assignment...to protect the Parkman Ranch heiress, Kalea Parkman from potential threats on her life...

Sparks fly, strong willed, drama, lots of action and romance makes this a must read!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviews

Jace Hawk Hawkins was former Navy Seal going home to Montana going to work for Brotherhood Protector. He gets sent to Hawaii where he will become a bodyguard for Hawaiian cattle barons daughter instead. He is surprise that she is an adult. She had two other bodyguard and left them.When he gets there he says he will be working under her to proof himself but they seem to have an instant connection. He finds out that she had several attempts on her life that the father didn't know about. He is investigating while he is protecting her. His boss decides to get Brotherhood Protection started in Hawaii

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I loved this book. Jace and Kalea are such wonderful characters. Kalea evades a couple attempts to kill her, and her father, one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii, hires the Brotherhood Protectors to protect Kalea. Jace is hired and pretends to be a hired hand. They have an instant attraction. Kalea is a crack pilot, and when her plane is sabotaged, she has to work extra hard to save her and Jace's lives. They coast to an isolated island with the hopes that someone will see the plane. Killer hunts them and Kalea is once again saved by Jace. There are twists and turns that are fun to keep up with.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home and love

Jace/Hawk and Kalae. An independent woman who is also the only daughter of a wealthy rancher. Someone wants to harm/kill her so the brotherhood protectors have been hired and Hawk has his first job, but in Hawaii instead of back home in Montana. The danger is clear from the start with several attacks and the chemistry is clear as well. The villain is fairly obvious from the first meeting, but still well played as it could have been something different. Hank and Swede make an appearance just in time for some life saving assistance. The ending is sweet and sets up this spin off to take place in the beautiful land of Hawaii.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently retired Navy SEAL Jace /Hawk Hawkins, was ready to fly to Montana to not only begin his new job with Brotherhood Protectors, but also to do some ranching, when his first assignment sends him to Hawaii.
Little did he know that meeting Kalea Parkman, the woman he is assigned to protect, and working undercover on her family’s ranch, would change his life forever.
This is an entertaining story filled with action, Hawaiian culture , bad guys and of course, romance.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series and its offshoots. This is the rerelease of the first story in the Hawaiian Branch and I hadn't read it before.
'Hawk' is on his first mission after leaving the SEALS and is sent to Hawaii to protect a rich landowners daughter. Expecting a child he was quite surprised to meet this headstrong, independant young woman. Dodging kidnapping attempts then attempted murder her father is terrified of losing her. Who wants her dead and why?
An action packed romance, I highly recommend it.

[Beth Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace Hawkins is ready to go home to Montana and leave his military life behind. What he didn't know was that his first Brotherhood Protectors case would be in Hawaii to protect a headstrong woman named Kalea Parkman. She is as tough as they come and is not about to let a possible kidnapping stop her from her work on their ranch. She is suspicious of Chase, she just knows that he is another bodyguard but her father insists that he is just the hired help. Once he lets her know that he has her back, they settle into a truce. Love the give and take of these two.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawk and Kalea's story could easily be read in one sitting. It was fast-paced with danger, action, and suspense.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the locations. I also found the idea of a cattle ranch in the islands to be Interesting. Having never been, it wasn't something I had thought of or often see promoted for tourism.

The culprit and the reason for wanting to do Kalea's harm was fairly obvious. I was surprised that the knowledge didn't take much away from the action and suspense. An enjoyable read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalea Parkman is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Hawaii. When she is attacked it becomes clear she needs protection. Her father hires the Brotherhood Protectors to keep her safe and ex Navy SEAL Jace Hawkins is sent on his first assignment. Kalea is known for ditching her bodyguards. Additional attacks take place but they have no idea who is at the heart of the attacks. As Jace falls for Kalea will he be able to keep her safe? I loved this book. The story takes place in Hawaii on a massive cattle ranch, lots of acreage to cover.

[Catia Santiago · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite... It seems I had already read something like this in the previous books... rinse and repeat... Kalea is a strong willed woman, bordering her thirties, loved by her employees and her father. She loves him back, but is stubborn and reckless. Hawk, on the other hand, is freshly out of the SEAL's and needs something to do with his life - obviously understandably. But the main problem here is what to do with his set of skills?

The book is interesting but I feel like I had read this story before... I feel I didn not do it enough justice because I read the previous ones...

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace “ Hawk” Hawkins is a former Navy Seal and now works for Brotherhood Protectors.
Kaela Parkman is the daughter of John Parkman III.
John Parkman is the owner of the biggest cattle rattle ranch called Parkman Ranch.

Hawk and Kaela meet, their relationship is off to a rocky start with ascending and descending roller coaster
There have been a few attempts on Kaela’s life and her father wants her safe. Hawk was sent by Brotherhood Protectors to be her bodyguard ( unbeknownst to here he was hired him disguised as a cowboy.
Can Hawk keep her safe and Have A Happily Ever After?

This is the beginning of Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii.

This book has suspense, intrigue, danger, some twists and turns.

Great Job Elle James !!!!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this story was exciting. The chemistry between Jace and Kalea was intense and undeniable. As the gripping storyline unfolds there is plenty of danger, drama, action and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and anxious to keep those pages turning. Add in a lot of strong emotions, some sweetness, clever banter and steamy passion and you have all the makings of a book that will keep you sitting pretty in your happy reading place.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Hawk find out who's trying 2 kill a woman b4 it's 2 late?

I loved it!! Hawk is a navy seal and retired but his 1st protectors job he has is 2 protect a woman when Simone is trying 2 kill her sum reason. Can he protect when she's stubborn and don't think she needs protecting? Read and find out. It is exciting 2 c what happens. I've already read the 2nd book b4 this one... Lol can't wait 4 the 3rd book!!

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Hawk is beyond excited to be heading back to Montana. He will be working for the Brotherhood Protectors. Boy, did he get a surprise.
Hawk is in Hawaii to a protector to the woman of a rich cattle man. Kalea has already ran off 2 bodyguards. Hawk has his work cut out for him.
The threats against Kalea are escalating. Hawk has asked Hank for more help.
When the assignment is over, will Hawk stay or head back to Montana?

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect start into the Hawaii Series. I loved the Ranch theme in Hawaii and the history. Having Hawk a Montana born Rancher ending up in Hawaii is a unique story and I love how Elle combined these two in an exciting story where the hero meets the stubborn independent Kales. Pretty explosive combination.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalea is a fiery Hawaiian princess who meets her match in retired Navy SEAL Jace Hawkins (Hawk). It is a marvelous and fast moving plot as Hawk works to keep Kalea safe from danger. Readers will love the witty conversations that occur between the two. Sit back relax and enjoy as the story unfolds and couple gets to know each other better.

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawk has accepted a job with Hank's brotherhood and while on his way there is being sent on his first assignment. He's to go to Hawaii to protect Kalea who's the only child of a big cattle ranch owner. Someone wants her dead who and why? This is a excellent read with danger, trying to keep both of them alive, seeing the start of a Brotherhood Protecter office and getting their HEA.

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalea's Hero (Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii Book 1)

Great story. The intricate fractions of romance, greed and murder made this an intriguing story. Being targeted not once but three times made Kalea accept a body guard. Falling in love wasn't what Hawk thought his first assignment would be.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hawaiian Cowgirl

3.5 Stars - What a great start for the Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii! Hawk and Kalea's were paired so well in this story. I wanted a little bit more in reference to the plot. It was very easy to figure out from the beginning. I do look forward to the rest of this new series. I'm sure it will get better.

[Vicky Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner to be sure.

The Brotherhood Protectors Hawaii is a winner! New characters added to the original staff starts up with drama, suspense and romance. What's not to love! History and the beauty of Hawaii and her people gives a background to more stories. Jump right in, the waters great!

[Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life after the SEALS

Hawk was returning to Montana after 16 years as a Seal. He was joining the Brotherhood Protectors. His boss sent him on to Hawaii to work as a bodyguard. Very good story. Love, romance, danger characters you really care about. What more could you ask for?

[Lifelongreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book: suspense and chemistry

This was a good book. The characters were interesting and had good chemistry. The plot was interesting and the divide between their social and financial status demonstrated that love crosses all divides. The details about Hawaiian history and beliefs added an interesting element to the story background.