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Getaway Bay Romance #1
The Island House
A retitled alternate cover for this ASIN B07FSHQFPB can be found here and here.
Charlotte Madsen's whole world came crashing down six months ago with the words, "I met someone else."
Thirty-seven, recently divorced, and childless. That's Charlotte when she disembarks from the plane in Getaway Bay. She wants to get away, that's for sure. She thought the best way to do that was to buy a run-down house overlooking the bay, knowing she'll need all her fixer-upper skills to get it in shape. Which is just fine. She's hoping as she overhauls the house, she'll get a life makeover too.
She was not expecting a tall, handsome man to be under the kitchen sink when she arrives at the supposedly abandoned house. She wasn't expecting to get drenched when the non-plumber twists something the wrong way. And she certainly wasn't expecting her heart to be well enough to feel anything for anyone.
But former Air Force pilot, Dawson Dane, has a charming devil-may-care personality, and Charlotte could use some carefree laughter in her life. But everything with Dawson isn't sunshine and unicorns. He's estranged from his family, though he does speak to one of his brothers. And he's never committed to anything except his career, even choosing flying over an engagement years ago.
Can Charlotte navigate the healing process as she renovates the island house? Can Dawson finally make a commitment to a woman? Or will he and Charlotte decide a relationship is just too hard?
Charlotte Madsen's whole world came crashing down six months ago with the words, "I met someone else."
Thirty-seven, recently divorced, and childless. That's Charlotte when she disembarks from the plane in Getaway Bay. She wants to get away, that's for sure. She thought the best way to do that was to buy a run-down house overlooking the bay, knowing she'll need all her fixer-upper skills to get it in shape. Which is just fine. She's hoping as she overhauls the house, she'll get a life makeover too.
She was not expecting a tall, handsome man to be under the kitchen sink when she arrives at the supposedly abandoned house. She wasn't expecting to get drenched when the non-plumber twists something the wrong way. And she certainly wasn't expecting her heart to be well enough to feel anything for anyone.
But former Air Force pilot, Dawson Dane, has a charming devil-may-care personality, and Charlotte could use some carefree laughter in her life. But everything with Dawson isn't sunshine and unicorns. He's estranged from his family, though he does speak to one of his brothers. And he's never committed to anything except his career, even choosing flying over an engagement years ago.
Can Charlotte navigate the healing process as she renovates the island house? Can Dawson finally make a commitment to a woman? Or will he and Charlotte decide a relationship is just too hard?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2018
4987 people are currently reading
1596 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,077 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews
February 17, 2021
Oh my gosh! So boring! This love story had absolutely no heat or romance. I never got invested in any of the characters especially the heroine of the book. And little pieces of the story like having the male lead having to go to the bathroom while his plane was taxiing was so unnecessary! Come on. This could have been written by a middle schooler. No intrigue, no excitement, no reason to read anymore in this series.
June 3, 2025
*Wholesome Romance*
This clean and wholesome romance is a quick read that requires no concentration.
We meet Charlotte Madsen, a wedding planner who has moved to Getaway Bay to start her life again after her ex-husband broke her heart by claiming to have met someone else. Life has been a blur since then. Determined to rebuild her life, she buys a rundown fixer-upper house overlooking the bay.
Now in her late 30s, Charlotte would love to have children, but she wants some time on her own. As she arrives at the house, all hell breaks loose. Not only is there a man in her house, but he completely drenches her and himself in an attempt to fix a leak.
Dawson Dane, a handsome former air force pilot, is the man in question. He can never find a place to stay in for long enough until he moves to this island. He now flies tourists around the island. As he tries to stop the water, he is unaware that the house has been sold as he was renting it and was not informed. Instantly, he likes Charlotte, but she tries to resist him.
Despite their issues, the story is predictable, but it’s a reasonable escapism read. A lot happens, but it does feel like it may have been written more romantically, but those parts are taken out. I didn’t really feel a connection with the characters, but it was a sweet romance. There were also a few parts that made me giggle.
It’s a seven-part series all set in Getaway Bay, with different people and scenarios.
This clean and wholesome romance is a quick read that requires no concentration.
We meet Charlotte Madsen, a wedding planner who has moved to Getaway Bay to start her life again after her ex-husband broke her heart by claiming to have met someone else. Life has been a blur since then. Determined to rebuild her life, she buys a rundown fixer-upper house overlooking the bay.
Now in her late 30s, Charlotte would love to have children, but she wants some time on her own. As she arrives at the house, all hell breaks loose. Not only is there a man in her house, but he completely drenches her and himself in an attempt to fix a leak.
Dawson Dane, a handsome former air force pilot, is the man in question. He can never find a place to stay in for long enough until he moves to this island. He now flies tourists around the island. As he tries to stop the water, he is unaware that the house has been sold as he was renting it and was not informed. Instantly, he likes Charlotte, but she tries to resist him.
Despite their issues, the story is predictable, but it’s a reasonable escapism read. A lot happens, but it does feel like it may have been written more romantically, but those parts are taken out. I didn’t really feel a connection with the characters, but it was a sweet romance. There were also a few parts that made me giggle.
It’s a seven-part series all set in Getaway Bay, with different people and scenarios.
July 8, 2025
Despite some of the mediocre reviews I’ve seen, this actually impressed me quite a bit.
I went in with super low expectations because a previous book I read was a low 2 star for me.
I liked the characters and the storytelling!
The scenes flowed well together and I was interested even when the characters were apart doing their own thing.
I liked both characters too. Charlotte was broken and insecure and her actions reflected that. I understood why she was confused and had commitment issues.
Dawson was a sweetie and he fell hard. His feelings seemed to grow fast, making it feel like insta-love, but this is where the author could have expanded their scenes together because a lot of time did pass while they were together before any feelings were expressed.
It didn’t feel unrealistic to me, keeping in mind this is a made up story. I read it as real emotions that people could have and I appreciated it.
What I really liked was that during the third act break up (yes there’s one), both characters did some work on themselves and their other relationships before coming back together! I thought it was such a healthy way of dealing with heartbreak. No even mention of rebounding or talking themselves out of the feelings they have for each other. I thought it was great honestly.
I would recommend this as a clean, language free beachy island vibes contemporary romance!
I went in with super low expectations because a previous book I read was a low 2 star for me.
I liked the characters and the storytelling!
The scenes flowed well together and I was interested even when the characters were apart doing their own thing.
I liked both characters too. Charlotte was broken and insecure and her actions reflected that. I understood why she was confused and had commitment issues.
Dawson was a sweetie and he fell hard. His feelings seemed to grow fast, making it feel like insta-love, but this is where the author could have expanded their scenes together because a lot of time did pass while they were together before any feelings were expressed.
It didn’t feel unrealistic to me, keeping in mind this is a made up story. I read it as real emotions that people could have and I appreciated it.
What I really liked was that during the third act break up (yes there’s one), both characters did some work on themselves and their other relationships before coming back together! I thought it was such a healthy way of dealing with heartbreak. No even mention of rebounding or talking themselves out of the feelings they have for each other. I thought it was great honestly.
I would recommend this as a clean, language free beachy island vibes contemporary romance!
August 4, 2022
After her divorce, Charlotte needs a new start and buy's a house in get away bay in Hawaii. When she arrives at the house there is a strange man (Dawson) living in it. He however didn't had a clue the house was sold and didn't know where he should live. After some time and discussion Charlotte decided that he could stay until he found his own home.
Charlotte and Dawson became more than just roommates over time and the romantic story is supposed to start.
There wasn't much heat or romance in the story, yeah some kisses and I love yous Mut that is about it.. it really was missing something there and it could have been a lot better.
Charlotte and Dawson became more than just roommates over time and the romantic story is supposed to start.
There wasn't much heat or romance in the story, yeah some kisses and I love yous Mut that is about it.. it really was missing something there and it could have been a lot better.
January 20, 2021
Simple and sweet
Definitely a "clean romance" as billed. A touch boring. An easy read. The main character was just so industrious that I couldn't relate to her at all. I am not compelled to read further in the series at this point. Not likely written, just not my taste. 2-1\2 stars would be an accurate rating from me in this one if it were available.
Definitely a "clean romance" as billed. A touch boring. An easy read. The main character was just so industrious that I couldn't relate to her at all. I am not compelled to read further in the series at this point. Not likely written, just not my taste. 2-1\2 stars would be an accurate rating from me in this one if it were available.
July 10, 2025
I have no words for this
December 6, 2023
3.5 stars
I've been wanting to read more of this author's books since I read the Relationtrip. This one was a nice brain candy read, which is what I was looking for. There's something about this author's writing that just sucks me right into the story and I had a hard time putting this one down despite some flaws.
There were several loose threads that were left hanging and things that popped up in the story that seem to have had no real reason to be there. I do think this may have been one of the author's earlier books, and her storytelling has improved since.
I've been wanting to read more of this author's books since I read the Relationtrip. This one was a nice brain candy read, which is what I was looking for. There's something about this author's writing that just sucks me right into the story and I had a hard time putting this one down despite some flaws.
There were several loose threads that were left hanging and things that popped up in the story that seem to have had no real reason to be there. I do think this may have been one of the author's earlier books, and her storytelling has improved since.
March 26, 2020
This was a sweet story, but it read like real life, which was both a testament to the author's abilities and kind of stressful. I'm not the biggest fan of post-divorce romances, but the heroine was innocent of the tragic end to her marriage, and couldn't exactly go back to her husband, so she was free. And the poor hero fell a lot faster than she could, which was definitely a tension-causer...
Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
June 24, 2024
Sweet, quick beach listen
August 12, 2024
The whole relationship was so rushed. Like they knew each other for a couple of days and then were kissing and dating. 1 star!
August 20, 2021
Charlotte Madsen has moved from South Carolina to Hawaii to start a new chapter after her ex-husband married his girlfriend only ten days after their divorce was final.
She’s bought a rundown beach house 🏡 in Getaway Bay, Hawaii which she plans on remodeling.
At her beach house, she finds a man named Dawson Dane who tells her he lives there.
Dawson was a former pilot in the Air Force. He now works as a helicopter pilot for one of the tourist places out of Getaway Bay.
Dawson had known the former owners of the beach house, Sinclair and Bridgette Fontaine, and they didn’t even live on the island anymore. So when he’d needed to get out of his condo—and his ex—he’d come here.
Dawson didn’t know Sinclair had sold the place. Though Sinclair was unaware Dawson was squatting at his old place.
Charlotte is into indoor and outdoor designs so naturally, she has worked with wedding planners, hotels, and gardens. She also has experience in decorating as well as a pastry certification. Soon after settling in, Charlotte lands a job with Your Tidal Forever as a bridal consultant.
After a brief encounter with Dawson sparks fly. But is Charlotte willing to give Dawson a chance?
And Dawson who’s never committed to anything except his career, is he willing to commit to a woman?
She’s bought a rundown beach house 🏡 in Getaway Bay, Hawaii which she plans on remodeling.
At her beach house, she finds a man named Dawson Dane who tells her he lives there.
Dawson was a former pilot in the Air Force. He now works as a helicopter pilot for one of the tourist places out of Getaway Bay.
Dawson had known the former owners of the beach house, Sinclair and Bridgette Fontaine, and they didn’t even live on the island anymore. So when he’d needed to get out of his condo—and his ex—he’d come here.
Dawson didn’t know Sinclair had sold the place. Though Sinclair was unaware Dawson was squatting at his old place.
Charlotte is into indoor and outdoor designs so naturally, she has worked with wedding planners, hotels, and gardens. She also has experience in decorating as well as a pastry certification. Soon after settling in, Charlotte lands a job with Your Tidal Forever as a bridal consultant.
After a brief encounter with Dawson sparks fly. But is Charlotte willing to give Dawson a chance?
And Dawson who’s never committed to anything except his career, is he willing to commit to a woman?
May 15, 2023
I feel like I was transported back to the 90s or 00s with this clean romance. There was body shaming, expectations of marriage after 6 months together, infertility issues that were conveniently resolved, and a commitment phobic man who suddenly decided to get married because he met the right woman. The conflicts were too easily resolved and Charlotte seemed to switch from 'I don't believe in love and marriage' after her nasty divorce to falling in love and pushing for marriage not even a year later. There were so many potential moments for character exploration and emotional honesty that were skipped in order to include trivial unnecessary details about the flora and fauna of Hawaii.
Overall this book was not super well written and the plot was bland. Won't be listening to or picking up any other books by this author.
Overall this book was not super well written and the plot was bland. Won't be listening to or picking up any other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2022
The Island House Elana Johnson
4h 42m narrated by Teri Clark Linden, 162 pages
Getaway Bay Romance #1
previously titled The Helicopter Pilot's Bride - Brides & Beaches Romance #1
Genre: Contemporary Clean Romance
Featuring: Hawaii, Fixer-Upper, Divorcee, New Start/New Life Trope, Close Proximity Trope, Wedding Planning, Instalove
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
My thoughts: 📱34% 1:38:05 Ch. 8 - This story is simple and enjoyable but it doesn't feel like Hawaii anywhere.
📱82% 3:51:45 Ch. 19 - It's short and does offer a lot of details but I like it. They are on Big Island so I'll leave it alone, I could read the entire series based off the flow of this one.
This story was good although the writing had some holes in it. Sometimes fast food is what you need. If it wasn't popcorn it would have gotten a soild 4 star rating but she skipped a lot of elements. I jumping right into the next one.
Recommend to others?: Yes. If you're in the mood for a quickie this book is perfect.
4h 42m narrated by Teri Clark Linden, 162 pages
Getaway Bay Romance #1
previously titled The Helicopter Pilot's Bride - Brides & Beaches Romance #1
Genre: Contemporary Clean Romance
Featuring: Hawaii, Fixer-Upper, Divorcee, New Start/New Life Trope, Close Proximity Trope, Wedding Planning, Instalove
Rating as a movie: PG-13
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
My thoughts: 📱34% 1:38:05 Ch. 8 - This story is simple and enjoyable but it doesn't feel like Hawaii anywhere.
📱82% 3:51:45 Ch. 19 - It's short and does offer a lot of details but I like it. They are on Big Island so I'll leave it alone, I could read the entire series based off the flow of this one.
This story was good although the writing had some holes in it. Sometimes fast food is what you need. If it wasn't popcorn it would have gotten a soild 4 star rating but she skipped a lot of elements. I jumping right into the next one.
Recommend to others?: Yes. If you're in the mood for a quickie this book is perfect.
March 10, 2024
All I have to say is Hunter is a bag of dicks. 😡 2.5/5
February 10, 2023
This was very dull.
There was no excitement.
No humour.
Hardly any drama.
Wait, what happened in the book again??
There was no excitement.
No humour.
Hardly any drama.
Wait, what happened in the book again??
March 1, 2019
Healing, growth and repairs
While I got my happily ever after in the end... the beginning seemed a bit rushed.
I can certainly understand being attracted to someone from the get-go, but I don't follow how she is fine going from recently divorced to making-out in like 0-60. Yet, as I just wrote that, it all makes sense. Therefore, I'm increasing this review by one star.
I loved the connection between rebuilding her life and restoring her house.
On a steaminess level I would rate this a hot PG.
While I got my happily ever after in the end... the beginning seemed a bit rushed.
I can certainly understand being attracted to someone from the get-go, but I don't follow how she is fine going from recently divorced to making-out in like 0-60. Yet, as I just wrote that, it all makes sense. Therefore, I'm increasing this review by one star.
I loved the connection between rebuilding her life and restoring her house.
On a steaminess level I would rate this a hot PG.
April 19, 2023
my first audio book - it was free on Spotify - super boring and the characters were annoying. I thought it'd be a cute hallmark type story but it was just blah.
January 24, 2024
This was painfully boring but it gets a star for being a free audiobook
June 5, 2025
Sweet story about new beginnings, trusting again, and stating over. Sometimes you just need to get away.
June 16, 2025
Not my cup of tea but could be yours:
This book was a cute beach read, I finished it in about two days. It was cute and really simple. I mean it’s like your normal dime beach read.
I personally didn’t care for it, because yes it was cute I prefer books with a lot more of a slow burn, and not a book with two people struggling to put a label because of past relationships. I feel like Charlotte could have waited a bit longer to heal before getting into a relationship, let alone a serious relationship.
Obviously I’m not gonna be too harsh on it because it’s meant to be a simple and cute book that doesn’t require much thought, but I definitely prefer books with more world building and tension.
This book was a cute beach read, I finished it in about two days. It was cute and really simple. I mean it’s like your normal dime beach read.
I personally didn’t care for it, because yes it was cute I prefer books with a lot more of a slow burn, and not a book with two people struggling to put a label because of past relationships. I feel like Charlotte could have waited a bit longer to heal before getting into a relationship, let alone a serious relationship.
Obviously I’m not gonna be too harsh on it because it’s meant to be a simple and cute book that doesn’t require much thought, but I definitely prefer books with more world building and tension.
March 27, 2021
A new start.
This is a very sweet story of building a new life in a new place, of learning to live and love again.
This is a very sweet story of building a new life in a new place, of learning to live and love again.
April 2, 2021
A fun read. I enjoyed Charlotte's story and both characters were quite likable. All in all an easy, fast read.
September 24, 2021
1.5/ 5 ✨
December 28, 2022
A sweet clean romance but there were no poignant moments when love happened. Most of it was Insta love. Nevertheless, good moments of escapism from real life
September 27, 2023
Basic storyline but easy reading
October 10, 2023
Enjoyed this light hearted romance.
January 9, 2024
This book was an easy read, but SO BORING! The story line was so predictable, no passion between the characters either.
January 19, 2024
I “read” this book as an audiobook. It was clean. It kept your attention and was well written.
January 29, 2024
Cutesy story. Clean cut second chance at love with a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews