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Aloha #1

Aloha Texas

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alternate cover edition of ASIN B076ZNTLC8

Love Sweet and Clean Romance? Then sit back, kick off your shoes and prepare to fall in love with the newly edited, just for you, Aloha Sweet Romance Series from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Chris Keniston.

Former Navy Special Forces Nicholas Harper likes his new life as captain of a dive boat in Hawaii.
Powerhouse attorney Kara Lynn O'Conner's world revolves around her small Texas town where life is easy and safe.
Six year old Bradley Russell is about to change everything.

Note:: This story was originally published as a mainstream contemporary romance under the similar title Aloha Texas and is still available to purchase for those who prefer the original spicier version.

Not sure which is the Sweet ad Clean version of the Aloha series? Look for the Heart Logo at the bottom right hand corner of the Sweet Edition covers.

Enjoy and Mahalo!

226 pages, ebook

First published June 25, 2013

1931 people are currently reading
1219 people want to read

About the author

Chris Keniston

113 books370 followers
A native New Yorker, Chris Keniston was on her way to Australia when she fell in love with North Texas. Little did she know the balmy seventy-degree October days would turn into fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk heat in August!

Twenty years later, she started scribbling short stories about her favorite TV shows, giving them lives more to her liking - and the elusive happy ending. Not long after, a dear friend dragged her to a local writers’ meeting. After winning multiple writing contests and making the finals in the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart contest, she now spends her days, and nights, writing contemporary romantic fiction with lots of emotion, plenty of surprises, and, of course, the happily ever after.

Chris lives in suburban Dallas with her husband, two human children, and two canine children. Though she loves her puppies equally, she admits being especially attached to her German Shepherd rescue named Gunny. After all, even dogs deserve a happily ever after.

Die gebürtige New Yorkerin Chris Keniston war auf dem Weg nach Australien, als sie sich in Nord-Texas verliebte. Damals wusste sie noch nicht, dass die milden einundzwanzig Grad des Oktobers sich im August in eine Hitze verwandeln würden, in der man ein Ei auf dem Asphalt braten könnte. Zwanzig Jahre später verbringt sie ihre Tage und Nächte mit dem Schreiben von zeitgenössischen Liebesromanen mit viel Gefühl, einigen Überraschungen und natürlich mit Happy End.

Als stolze Mutter von zwei menschlichen Kindern lebt Chris mit ihrem Mann und ihren beiden Hundekindern in einem Vorort von Dallas. Obwohl sie ihre vierbeinigen Familienmitglieder gleichermaßen liebt, gibt sie zu, dass sie eine ganz besondere Bindung zu ihrem Deutschen Schäferhund Gunny aus dem Tierheim hat. Schließlich verdienen auch Hunde ein Happy End.

https://www.chriskeniston.com/deutsch...

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5 stars
1,160 (46%)
4 stars
840 (34%)
3 stars
369 (14%)
2 stars
70 (2%)
1 star
30 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,038 reviews957 followers
May 14, 2018
All the feels for this heartwarming and steamy romance!

And another series to add to my “Happy Place” shelf!
If you’ve been following this blog, you know this shelf is reserved to Sarah Morgan, Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Jennifer Crusie, Robin Kaye, Virna DePaul… and few others whose series are the perfect HEA escape.

I’ve pretty much read Aloha Texas in one seating, captivated within the first pages and fell for all the characters, main and secondary.
Nick and his sense of honor and loyalty (also, single dad and gorgeous former navy, what can I say, I’m partial to military corps heroes 🤷🏻‍♀️), Kara for her strength and endurance, Bradley for his tender presence, and all the friends and family for bringing lightness and comfort during poignant scenes.

I thought I had the story all figured out but the author cleverly interpersed a couple plot twists through the romance and kept me hooked until the end and delivered a very satisfying HEA.

This book has it all, really, from the endearing and carefuly crafted characters, to the genuine and sweet romance set in a small town and a satisfying HEA. The author kept me interested and on the edge with plot twists I hadn’t seen coming. Lovers of military heroes with a heart of gold, single dads, this one will most definitely check all your boxes.
The secondary characters introduced will make you want to read their own story. My afternoon is all booked, as I’ll be diving into Billy’s story (book 2) in a matter of minutes now. A tortured hero, former Navy and now owner of a dive shop in Hawaii.

***The book has 2 versions, a “sweet and clean new version” or a “spicier” one. The new edited (clean) version is currently #FREE on amazon US, while —as my friend Geri put it— you’ll have to rake a few bucks for the sex! In any case, I can guarantee this series will make an addict off of you, so be sure to grab the special priced boxed set with the first 3 books for only $3.99. (links at the end of this post)***

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Profile Image for Christina Montminy.
2,154 reviews22 followers
February 20, 2016
This was a really emotional read. Nick is a former Navy diver who's living & working in Kona Hawaii as a dive shop owner & diving trainer. He's a ladies man but not really, his heart was broken when he proposed to his best friend & long time girlfriend 6yrs ago & she said no....so no one is ever getting close again. Kara is a young attorney who's keeping herself closed off to men & relationships because of something that happened to her in university. She's desperately trying to find Nick now to help out her dying client, Nick's ex girlfriend. There's a secret & Nick is about to have his life changed forever. Now Nick has to decide does he do the right thing or walk away like she did. Only problem is Nick can't walk away & Kara is making him think things could be a little more permanent in his life. Aunt Maggie, Billy, Yvette, Randy & Bradley are all wonderfully written characters that make the emotions of this story run high. Nick is the hero you long to see come out on the winning side when everything looks like it's not going to. Definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,502 reviews180 followers
November 17, 2016
***3.5 Stars***

Our hero, Nick, has just been informed that the woman who had been his whole world up until six years ago, when she turned down his marriage proposal, was dying and she needed him to come to her right away. Nick was in the Navy at the time he proposed to his then love who suffered from unrealistic fears, and gave him up since he wouldn't leave the Navy. Unfortunately, she gave birth to their son nine months after turning him down and kept it a secret for five years. He was flabbergasted when he found out let alone angry. After she left him yrs ago he decided to never get involved in a relationship again and to never risk his heart on love. So the last six years he has lived his life day to day...including MANY, MANY women. Yes, he was a playboy man-whore and chasing skirts is what was most on his mind...apparently what he thought he did best. He was a charming smooth-talker whose big smile had women dropping their clothes at his feet and begging to be with him. Sorry, but that kind of man turns my stomach a bit, well maybe a lot! I did not care for him although he did get somewhat better by the end. What really bothered me was that he was in the beginning stages of a new relationship with the lawyer who had handle his exes will and when the women hit on him when she was around he just didn't seem like he could push them away or say Sorry, not interested. These are some real hot buttons for me.

This story is about Nick, the Dive Store owner from Hawaii and Kara, the lawyer from Texas, who had helped his ex and taken over the care of his son, Bradley. This is their journey and it is a good one. I did like him better by the end of the book and he really did love her but I did have a little trouble with trusting him, even into the next book of the series but I don't feel that anymore. These issues do not bother most people....I think I'm just strange that way.

Even though I had some reservations about the hero this was still a good read and one I would recommend.
Profile Image for Alice.
32 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2017
It has been a long time since I have cried this long and hard reading a book - sad tears and happy tears reading a well written, plot driven good book. I read this through, beginning to end, in a single sitting. Tomorrow, my eyes will probably be swollen shut and my nose will still be red and raw, but I will have a smile on my face when I remember Kara and Nick and all the other wonderful characters that populate this squeaky clean book that is so much more than just another romance. The seemingly simple story becomes just a bit more complicated, then it twists and turns and when you think things simply can not become any more convoluted, you find you had another think coming.

No millionaires or billionaires, no steamy sex scenes or exotic locales, just three generations of everyday people facing, living, and ultimately making their lives better as best they know how.

I read a lot and while I rate about 50% of the books I read, I only review about 15%. I got this book from the author as a freebie and almost didn't read it. Boy, am I glad I did. This is honestly a definite 5!
Profile Image for MK.
1,622 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2017
It was emotional to say the least. When Nick Harper got the call a lawyer from is home town in Texas. Why he didn't know.
He wasn't prepared when he found about the one women who said "no" to his marriage proposal. But now Patty Ann was sick. Asking him he sure wasn't about to let her down and say "no".
When he found out all it entailed.

Kara didn't know what to expect when Nick Harper came to see Patty Ann. She tried her best to reach him. He was like all the others, but then not. It was nice to see.

Nick had no clue what he would do so much on his plate, and his home in Hawaii. He wanted Kara. She was everything he needed and more..

See what happens between them.
4,538 reviews29 followers
March 2, 2020
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. It felt more realistic that Nick didn’t instantly become a great father when he found out he had a son. Often in these types of stories the hero just magically is a great parent as soon as they find out. This way it felt more organic and earned by the end.
Profile Image for Laronda.
965 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2022
Good quick read

Nick and Kara had a lot happening. Talk about being thrown in the deep end, but they made it with a few bumps and scrapes along the way. Plus there is nothing like a cute kid to help things along.
1,058 reviews10 followers
May 18, 2024
Such a sweet and tender love story! Chris Keniston's characters are so real, with real life stories filled with drama, heartache and love. Her books in her series can be read alone but I highly recommend this entire series. I had read the original version of this book when it was first released and loved it. This sweet and clean version didn't lose a single thing in the translation.

I loved reconnecting with Nick and Kara's story and have since read the following two books, Almost Paradise and Mai Tai Wedding, in the sweet and clean versions and loved them just as much.

Former Navy Special Forces Nick Harper is stunned to get a call from an attorney to come immediately to Texas at the request of the woman that broke his heart years ago but finding her in such a devastating situation will change his life forever.

Attorney Kara Lynn O'Conner's life has revolved around her career but since she befriended Patty Ann Russell her life has flipped upside down. And her news is about to forever change the lives of several others.

Excellent book, excellent series!
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,516 reviews9 followers
January 27, 2019
Kara, a lawyer, is hired to find Nick so he can see the woman he loved before she dies. From her, he learns he has a son, and after the initial shock, things ripple and make him look at what he wants and how he can become a good father to Bradley.

Kara has stepped in to look after little Bradley, and has grown to love him. But, with Nick’s plan to take Bradley to Hawaii, his home, Kara knows she’ll lose them both.

Her past comes back to haunt her, in the form of a hateful man, but sweetly, Justice is served. Kara realizes she no longer needs to hide, and Aloha, they both choose each other over all their other responsibilities.

Nice book, love Bradley and the family that come to support both Nick and Kara.
Profile Image for MK.
1,622 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2017
It was emotional to say the least. When Nick Harper got the call a lawyer from is home town in Texas. Why he didn't know.
He wasn't prepared when he found about the one women who said "no" to his marriage proposal. But now Patty Ann was sick. Asking him he sure wasn't about to let her down and say "no".
When he found out all it entailed.

Kara didn't know what to expect when Nick Harper came to see Patty Ann. She tried her best to reach him. He was like all the others, but then not. It was nice to see.

Nick had no clue what he would do so much on his plate, and his home in Hawaii. He wanted Kara. She was everything he needed and more..

See what happens between them.
Profile Image for Julia.
194 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2019
I appreciate so much those authors who provide a sweet-and-clean version of their steamy romances. This was a great story - I loved the way the story lines were woven together, and I really appreciated that the characters were written with both good and bad characteristics! It felt like I was reading about people I knew.
Profile Image for Iris Hehe.
701 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2021
Good read

Nick and Kara met when she told him he needed to come home to Texas. A girl he had known years ago was dying and she needed to see him before she died. Nick arrived and found out Patty was indeed dying. She wanted Nick to meet his son and take care of him. Kara her friend had been doing it, but she wanted Nick to set up and take care of him.
1,075 reviews
May 6, 2021
DNF at 50%. Don’t think the book synopsis tells the real story. To me this wasnt really a romance. Not what I expected either. It’s really all about him finding out he has a son he didnt know about and trying to get to know him after the mother dies. Not my kind of book. I expected more about hawaii and diving and romance. Very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
649 reviews
April 27, 2021
Beach read

Perfect for a day on the beach. This story was well written the characters were well developed and the romance sweet and sincere. Look forward to reading more!
3 reviews
April 28, 2021
Great book

I loved this story and the characters. Looking forward to reading more in the series. This author knows how to pull you into the story with real life emotions.
2 reviews
April 29, 2021
Great story which kept you interested. Romantic but not filled with sex. Very enjoyable reading.
7 reviews
May 4, 2021
Excellent read!

I couldn't put this book down. I read it to early morning hours! This is a must read. It has a little of everything.
374 reviews12 followers
December 10, 2022
The main character Nicholas Harper is a dick and an absolute pig. It’s hard to read as a female who is used to being treated with respect.
888 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2023
Great story!

Nick was a retired Navy man, own a diving boat in Hawaii , with best friend. Kara was a lawyer. Her best friend was Patty Ann. Patty Ann was in her late twenties and was dying of lung cancer. She had a 5 year old, Bradley. Patty Ann used to date Nick. He proposed to her, but she turned him down, so Nick started his company in Hawaii. He got an email from Kara saying that Patty Ann needed to see him as soon as possible. She told Nick that he had a son and he was the guardian. Wow , just like that his life changed. It is a very good story so read and find out what happened.
648 reviews
April 10, 2023
Excellent:

I rarely read contemporary romance. The way Chris Keniston writes made this the second book in this series that I finished today. I got book 3 free on Amazon through a promotional email. Reading it out of order didn’t ruin anything in book 1 for me. I enjoy the complex characters and humor in the book. I appreciate characters who have meaningful back stories. They show rapid growth plausibly. It’s hard to do that well in a light romance with serious moments. I’m definitely going to complete the series!
465 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2022
A good read.

This story covers a really sad topic. It's done with sensitivity and the characters are strong. When a story line is this emotional, it helps to have something or someone who can lighten the load, especially for the reader. In this case a child keeps us entertained on all levels.

I gave 4 stars as it's a story well worth reading and educational. Has all the 'feels ' .
Profile Image for Sherry.
435 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2025
Sweet tale of Nick's journey discovering his 5 year-old son by his long-time love who had refused to marry him. As Patty Ann is dying he has to meet his son, instantly learn to be a dad, and replan his life with his son. Kara is Patty Ann's attorney and friend who has stepped up in caring for Bradley as his Patty Ann became sicker. She comes to love Bradley as her own. Kara can't trust men, doesn't date, and has no man in her life. Now she needs to do introductions for him to his son.
255 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2022
Sweet and engaging

A book doesn't need graphic sex scenes to be a very enjoyable romance. This one is a case in point. I also liked the fact that while they found each other attractive, it wasn't written about on every page. Instead, it focused more on their character and bonding together while they took care of a little boy.
83 reviews
June 9, 2022
Wonderful story

I have had the book for awhile but hadn't read it. An excerpt was at the end of another book by this author and realized I had it. I could kick my own bottom for not reading it earlier. The story was real and I fell for Nick and would love to have a friend like Kara. A must read!
33 reviews
November 25, 2022
Loved it

Drew you in and never let you go. I couldn't put it down, had to finish it. Great story line with a couple twists and turns, believable characters, and a precocious 5 year old make this a winner.
60 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2023
Great start to this series

Great story with a few good twists in the mix to keep everything interesting. It's a good way to remember those warm Island breezes during the cold Midwest winter.
Profile Image for Barbara R. Cady.
1,080 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2023
Great book!

I really enjoyed this story. It's an emotional roller-coaster ride that had tears in my eyes or a lump in my throat. The characters are wonderful, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Andrea Akers.
1,030 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2024
Aloha 1

When the past turns into the future, Nick finds his life turned upside down. Will Nick and Mars find their happily ever after or will Kara allow her past to dictate her future?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews

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