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Their Surprise Island Wedding
Could her fake boyfriendBe her true love?Her sister’s Hawaiian dream wedding is a nightmare for water-phobic, workaholic Marella Benoit—especially when a breakup leaves her without a plus-one. Laid-back surfer Keane Harper is a sun-bronzed distraction. From stargazing to zip-lining to snorkeling with manta rays, Keane is showing the big-city girl how to have fun. And posing as her boyfriend for the wedding may be the adventure of a lifetime—together! USA TODAY Bestselling AuthorFrom Harlequin Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.Hawaiian ReunionsBook 1: Her Island HomecomingBook 2: Their Surprise Island WeddingBook 3: A Surprise Second Chance
368 pages, ebook
Published September 26, 2023
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Anna J. Stewart
185 books747 followersAnna J Stewart is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty sweet to spicy romances. She primarily writes for Harlequin's Heartwarming (sweet romance) and Romantic Suspense (spicy romance). In addition to being a Holt Medallion winner (Bride on the Run), she’s finaled in the Daphne duMaurier Award for Excellence, the National Readers’ Choice and had one of her books optioned as a TV movie. No matter the story, Anna’s books are always about family—the ones we’re born to and the ones we create. Anna lives in Northern California where she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually cooking, baking, binge-watching her newest TV addiction, or re-watching her all-time favorite shows, Supernatural and all things Star Trek and Star Wars She also spends a frustrating amount of time wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. You can read more about Anna, her books, and her workshops for authors at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 30, 2023
I love this series so much, y’all! This is truly Anna J. Stewart at her best. Her engaging and witty writing voice draws you right in and then the characters take over, holding you as a willing captive to their story. In this second book, I laughed (a lot), I got teary (a little), and I cheered for Keane and Marella in their small & big victories all along the way.
Keane is swoonliciously charming, the kind of guy that – even if you have zero romantic feelings for him – you can’t help but grinning when he’s in the room. I certainly grinned a lot around him in Their Surprise Island Wedding! But he’s also bighearted and kind and would do anything for you… and he’s got some deeper, more emotional, layers that are currently holding him back from finding peace and clear direction. Speaking of holding back… Marella definitely doesn’t do any of that at our first meeting. From telling off her suddenly-ex boyfriend to planting a whopper of a kiss on an unsuspecting Keane, she is all fire and dynamite. But as our time with her progresses on these pages, we quickly see that she lets her work consume her and her passion for life. Fortunately, that kiss of hers hit Keane like lightning and he’s eager to reintroduce her to her long-suppressed ‘fun’ side. I loved these two together – they made me smile so big, but there were also some exquisitely tender scenes that really touched me. Watching Keane become an honorary part of her family during her sister’s wedding week festivities was lots of fun to watch, especially his interactions with Pippy who deserves her own review, honestly.
Marella’s grandmother (Pippy) is an absolute HOOT, and Their Surprise Island Wedding would be worth reading just to meet her character, if for no other reason (even though there are plenty). She fits in seamlessly with the quirky & endearing characters of Nalani, especially Benji and his pet pig Kahlua, and she pops in and out of the story in hysterical interactions that left me chuckling out loud. And then there is Noodles, the adorable gecko with a big personality from Her Island Homecoming. Getting reacquainted with him and his lady-gecko love Zilla was also a delight, as evident by my grin whenever they show up on the page. Who would have thought I’d fall head over heels for a gecko?
Bottom Line: True to its title, there are several engaging surprises for readers in Their Surprise Island Wedding. From Keane & Marella’s meet cute to watching her blossom under Keane’s ‘fun coach’ ministrations to, yes, some wedding-related surprises that showcase Marella’s strengths as well as the bond of their family unit. Along with moments that had me grinning like a fool and even laughing out loud, some scenes made my heart well up in my eyes and others had me searching for a fan. And, while you don’t have to read Her Island Homecoming first, I highly recommend doing so because it’s just as delightful. I’m eager for more time with the crew of Ohana and the people of Nalani!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Keane is swoonliciously charming, the kind of guy that – even if you have zero romantic feelings for him – you can’t help but grinning when he’s in the room. I certainly grinned a lot around him in Their Surprise Island Wedding! But he’s also bighearted and kind and would do anything for you… and he’s got some deeper, more emotional, layers that are currently holding him back from finding peace and clear direction. Speaking of holding back… Marella definitely doesn’t do any of that at our first meeting. From telling off her suddenly-ex boyfriend to planting a whopper of a kiss on an unsuspecting Keane, she is all fire and dynamite. But as our time with her progresses on these pages, we quickly see that she lets her work consume her and her passion for life. Fortunately, that kiss of hers hit Keane like lightning and he’s eager to reintroduce her to her long-suppressed ‘fun’ side. I loved these two together – they made me smile so big, but there were also some exquisitely tender scenes that really touched me. Watching Keane become an honorary part of her family during her sister’s wedding week festivities was lots of fun to watch, especially his interactions with Pippy who deserves her own review, honestly.
Marella’s grandmother (Pippy) is an absolute HOOT, and Their Surprise Island Wedding would be worth reading just to meet her character, if for no other reason (even though there are plenty). She fits in seamlessly with the quirky & endearing characters of Nalani, especially Benji and his pet pig Kahlua, and she pops in and out of the story in hysterical interactions that left me chuckling out loud. And then there is Noodles, the adorable gecko with a big personality from Her Island Homecoming. Getting reacquainted with him and his lady-gecko love Zilla was also a delight, as evident by my grin whenever they show up on the page. Who would have thought I’d fall head over heels for a gecko?
Bottom Line: True to its title, there are several engaging surprises for readers in Their Surprise Island Wedding. From Keane & Marella’s meet cute to watching her blossom under Keane’s ‘fun coach’ ministrations to, yes, some wedding-related surprises that showcase Marella’s strengths as well as the bond of their family unit. Along with moments that had me grinning like a fool and even laughing out loud, some scenes made my heart well up in my eyes and others had me searching for a fan. And, while you don’t have to read Her Island Homecoming first, I highly recommend doing so because it’s just as delightful. I’m eager for more time with the crew of Ohana and the people of Nalani!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 4, 2023
Hawaiian Reunion Book #2...it was amazing. Keane Harper is back in Nalani he is the happiest in the ocean on his surf board. It was a sad time when he lost his best friend Remy..so many regrets he had. He would do his best to be there for his friends now, and Remy’s sister. He was even going to help with the business Ohana Odysseys. What he didn’t expect was one women named Marella. She took the wind right out of him on the beach.
Now for 7 days he is going to show her how to unwind.
Marella is in Nalani for her sisters wedding. When her date is let’s just say a complete jerk, and wants to make amends for what he has done she refuses. She proceeds to do something she would never do. She’ll show him. When she walks up to Keane on the beach. It’s not like her but goes right up to him, and kisses him. Then walks away.
I laughed so much, and I even had tears in my eyes. Well it was just a moving moment in this book. There’s so much family bonding in this book. It was so beautiful. When a crisis arises everything gets under control.
I absolutely loved the ending.
Now for 7 days he is going to show her how to unwind.
Marella is in Nalani for her sisters wedding. When her date is let’s just say a complete jerk, and wants to make amends for what he has done she refuses. She proceeds to do something she would never do. She’ll show him. When she walks up to Keane on the beach. It’s not like her but goes right up to him, and kisses him. Then walks away.
I laughed so much, and I even had tears in my eyes. Well it was just a moving moment in this book. There’s so much family bonding in this book. It was so beautiful. When a crisis arises everything gets under control.
I absolutely loved the ending.
August 30, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." Thank you Netgalley.
I read this book before Hurricane Hilary took over parts of Hawaii. Anna J. Stewart did a good job on this story I have never been to Hawaii so reading the words I can place myself there. 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa
I read this book before Hurricane Hilary took over parts of Hawaii. Anna J. Stewart did a good job on this story I have never been to Hawaii so reading the words I can place myself there. 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa
July 28, 2023
Oh man, is it great to be back in Nalani, Hawaii! I love the community that the author has created. It makes me just want to take my shoes off and hit the sand and water...
This is Keane’s and Marella’s book – no worries, it’s a standalone, but we are back in this wonderful community. Characters from the previous book make an appearance (it was great fun to visit with Noodles and Zilla again; they are SO smart about relationships – you’ll have to read the book to get that joke) but all you need to know is that there is a community family. I love that.
Not to tell you much about the story, as the author does it so much better than I can, but Keane is back in Nalani after his best friend Remy passed away. Keane has some heavy, deep, personal demons to deal with and know that this special place helps him heal, and deal! Marella is on the island for her step sister’s wedding and she, too, has personal “issues” she needs to deal with, one early-in-the-book is a doozy but...it leads to the best meet-cute with Keane I’ve read this year! Neither are looking for a relationship. Neither are in Nalani for anything other than a break from “reality”. Boy, are these two in for a surprise!
Love this series. Loved this book. Loved visiting with Noodles again! Highly recommend Their Surprise Island Wedding – no swimsuit or suntan lotion required!
This is Keane’s and Marella’s book – no worries, it’s a standalone, but we are back in this wonderful community. Characters from the previous book make an appearance (it was great fun to visit with Noodles and Zilla again; they are SO smart about relationships – you’ll have to read the book to get that joke) but all you need to know is that there is a community family. I love that.
Not to tell you much about the story, as the author does it so much better than I can, but Keane is back in Nalani after his best friend Remy passed away. Keane has some heavy, deep, personal demons to deal with and know that this special place helps him heal, and deal! Marella is on the island for her step sister’s wedding and she, too, has personal “issues” she needs to deal with, one early-in-the-book is a doozy but...it leads to the best meet-cute with Keane I’ve read this year! Neither are looking for a relationship. Neither are in Nalani for anything other than a break from “reality”. Boy, are these two in for a surprise!
Love this series. Loved this book. Loved visiting with Noodles again! Highly recommend Their Surprise Island Wedding – no swimsuit or suntan lotion required!
August 10, 2023
This story had humor, sweetness, emotional and romance! I enjoyed all the characters. Marella is the typical overachiever, workaholic. She's in Hawaii for her sister's wedding but all she does is work, not even enjoying the sights of Hawaii! Shame on her! Of course, her "plus one" did just canoodle with another bridesmaid! Yikes! Keane has returned to town because his best friend recently died and he feels bad that he didn't come before that happened. His life is kind of a mess and he feels the most peace on the water, in the waves on his surfboard, so maybe he can figure things out while he helps out his best friend's sister. He certainly never expected a stranger (Marella) to lay a kiss on him in retaliation for her "plus one" canoodling another woman! He's not complaining though! He offers to be Marella's fake boyfriend and show her how to have fun since she's severely lacking in that department! I loved Marella's grandma, Pippy! She's hilarious! The rest of Marella's family learns a lot of lessons during this "wedding week", including Marella! Keane learns a lot too! A great story!
September 26, 2023
Another in the Hawaiian Reunions series, in which big sister Marella Benoit is along for the ride of her sister's destination wedding on the Big Island. Marella doesn't do water, or boats or anything relating to fun. She's all about work until her father tells her she has to take a vacation for the week before the nuptials or she can't take over the family business in NYC.
When she discovers that her plus-one has been playing around with one of the bridesmaids, Marella sends him home and punctuates the point by grabbing and kissing the nearest guy at the hotel, one Keane Harper, a local who's been teaching swimming at a mainland college until recently. Thus begins a week of fun planned and executed by Keane, who decides that posing as her boyfriend will make it all even more fun. If only Marella will leave behind her laptop and phone and other work-related tech. Can she have fun for a week? Or will she succumb to what she'd prefer?
And what will Keane do now that he's beginning to think that having fun with Marella is worth more than a few fun days. Who succumbs first and what will happen then?
When she discovers that her plus-one has been playing around with one of the bridesmaids, Marella sends him home and punctuates the point by grabbing and kissing the nearest guy at the hotel, one Keane Harper, a local who's been teaching swimming at a mainland college until recently. Thus begins a week of fun planned and executed by Keane, who decides that posing as her boyfriend will make it all even more fun. If only Marella will leave behind her laptop and phone and other work-related tech. Can she have fun for a week? Or will she succumb to what she'd prefer?
And what will Keane do now that he's beginning to think that having fun with Marella is worth more than a few fun days. Who succumbs first and what will happen then?
August 8, 2023
Oh boy, is Marella Benoit in for lots of fun and surprises in this story. When her step-sister, Crystal, decides to have her wedding at Hibiscus Bay Resort in Hawai'i and the wedding party arrives, the fun begins. First, her boyfriend turns out to be a real jerk and she ends up sending him home. Next her father puts her on a one week work sabbatical, enforcing that she have some fun and not work the entire time they are on the island.
Keane Harper is back on the island and helping out at Ohana Odysseys, which happens to be the place that is proving snorkeling, surfing, etc for the wedding party. His first encounter with Marella is eye-opening, to say the least.
Once Marella is forced into her work sabbatical, Keane is "hired" to be her tour guide. Yes, you can figure out sparks are going to fly!
I love this series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Keane Harper is back on the island and helping out at Ohana Odysseys, which happens to be the place that is proving snorkeling, surfing, etc for the wedding party. His first encounter with Marella is eye-opening, to say the least.
Once Marella is forced into her work sabbatical, Keane is "hired" to be her tour guide. Yes, you can figure out sparks are going to fly!
I love this series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
Their Surprise Island Wedding
By Anna J. Stewart
Release date, September 26, 2023
Another book set in Nalani, Hawaii.
I absolutely love What Anna is doing with the series. It will make you want to book a trip to Hawaii. Kick off your shoes and run in the ocean!
This is Keane and Marella’s story.
Keane is back in Nalani, because his friend Remi has passed away. He needs to be in Nalani to center himself. He needs his surfboard and the ocean!
Marella is here in Nalani for her sisters wedding. Nothing has prepared her for the feelings that Keane brings out in her.
This book definitely has some laugh out loud moments. I can say Anna sure makes you feel like you’re in Hawaii. I look forward to the next book. And I highly recommend this series.
By Anna J. Stewart
Release date, September 26, 2023
Another book set in Nalani, Hawaii.
I absolutely love What Anna is doing with the series. It will make you want to book a trip to Hawaii. Kick off your shoes and run in the ocean!
This is Keane and Marella’s story.
Keane is back in Nalani, because his friend Remi has passed away. He needs to be in Nalani to center himself. He needs his surfboard and the ocean!
Marella is here in Nalani for her sisters wedding. Nothing has prepared her for the feelings that Keane brings out in her.
This book definitely has some laugh out loud moments. I can say Anna sure makes you feel like you’re in Hawaii. I look forward to the next book. And I highly recommend this series.
September 18, 2023
Keane has come back to Hawai'i after his best friend, Remy has died. He is helping Remy's sister keep their business afloat and thinking about his life.
Marella has come to Hawai'i (kicking and screaming) for her step-sister's wedding. Her 'plus-one' has a roving eye...and other things. In revenge, Marella walks up to Keane and kisses him...then walks away.
Now the fun begins...literally! Keane becomes Marella's plus one for the wedding and is now responsible to 'teach' Marella to have fun over the week she is there.
A wonderful story of love and healing for both Keane and Marella.
This is a great addition to the Hawaiian Reunions series by Ms. Stewart. I can't wait for the next one!!
Marella has come to Hawai'i (kicking and screaming) for her step-sister's wedding. Her 'plus-one' has a roving eye...and other things. In revenge, Marella walks up to Keane and kisses him...then walks away.
Now the fun begins...literally! Keane becomes Marella's plus one for the wedding and is now responsible to 'teach' Marella to have fun over the week she is there.
A wonderful story of love and healing for both Keane and Marella.
This is a great addition to the Hawaiian Reunions series by Ms. Stewart. I can't wait for the next one!!
August 1, 2023
This is the second book in Anna J. Stewart's Hawaiian Reunions series, if you haven't read the first one (Her Island Homecoming) , don't fret it can be read as a stand-alone. This book hit just right in the feels, I laughed, I cried, and I smiled A LOT!
This book is about Keane Harper and Marella Benoit. Keane is as laid back as they come, he used to be a pro surfer and now he's come to the only place that's ever felt like home, Nalani Hawaii, to help Sydney with Ohana Odyssey after the untimely death of her brother. Marella is super structured and a work a holic. She thinks work is her life, and it's fun. She's come to the island for her stepsisters' wedding. Her father gives her an ultimatum: leave work at work for the week or find a new job.
This book is about Keane Harper and Marella Benoit. Keane is as laid back as they come, he used to be a pro surfer and now he's come to the only place that's ever felt like home, Nalani Hawaii, to help Sydney with Ohana Odyssey after the untimely death of her brother. Marella is super structured and a work a holic. She thinks work is her life, and it's fun. She's come to the island for her stepsisters' wedding. Her father gives her an ultimatum: leave work at work for the week or find a new job.
September 6, 2023
From vacation fling to happily ever after.
A moment of madness leads to an unexpected fling. After Marella breaks up with her boyfriend, she grabbed the first man she saw, Keane, a man she didn’t even know. This leads to a friendship that quickly turns romantic. But what will happen after Marella’s week in Hawaii is over? I really enjoyed everything about this book. The way Marella and Keane met was like straight out of a rom-com movie. It was perfect. I liked seeing them get to know each other and fall in love. The book was so well written, I could easily visualize the scenes. The Hawaii setting and family drama really added so much to this story as well.
A moment of madness leads to an unexpected fling. After Marella breaks up with her boyfriend, she grabbed the first man she saw, Keane, a man she didn’t even know. This leads to a friendship that quickly turns romantic. But what will happen after Marella’s week in Hawaii is over? I really enjoyed everything about this book. The way Marella and Keane met was like straight out of a rom-com movie. It was perfect. I liked seeing them get to know each other and fall in love. The book was so well written, I could easily visualize the scenes. The Hawaii setting and family drama really added so much to this story as well.
September 18, 2023
An unexpected meet-cute steals the show! The second book in Anna J. Stewart's Hawaiian Reunions series continues to pour on the feels when we meet another of Remy's best friends and watch his life change during his return to the island. Heartwarming characters, riveting drama and just enough romance to steal my heart!
Marella is unexpected, yet delightful! I loved seeing her disappointment turn into so much yummy goodness.
Keane is a sweetheart and I loved every minute of his book.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that emotion and drama mixed into their romance in a paradise setting.
Marella is unexpected, yet delightful! I loved seeing her disappointment turn into so much yummy goodness.
Keane is a sweetheart and I loved every minute of his book.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that emotion and drama mixed into their romance in a paradise setting.
December 15, 2023
This is the second book in the Hawaiian Reunions series, but it stands well on its own. The author has a great writing style that grabs your attention in the first chapter and holds onto you throughout the story. The plot is engaging with not only a picturesque Hawaiian setting but also interesting and fun characters. Keane and Marella have great chemistry that is instant and believable. The rest of the cast is equally enjoyable with scene stealers like Noodle and Grandma Pippy. The author is a master at visual writing, placing you on the beach and sailing on the ocean. This must-read story is filled with romance, drama, and humor.
August 3, 2023
Keane has made his way back to Ohana tours after his friend Remy passed away. He was expecting Sydney, the town people, and the reconnecting with the ocean. What he wasn't expecting was to be kissed by a woman on the beach. Marella might have been trying to prove a point to her cheating boyfriend, but it hit a different mark altogether when she picked a stranger to kiss. The two of them set out to explore the island and get to know each other better than most. The only dark cloud on the horizon is the impending deadline of her sister's wedding.
October 1, 2023
This was my first book by Ms. Stewart and I enjoyed it very much. Who doesn't love an island wedding?
The characters had charisma and charm and were quite fun.
Marella has trouble leaving work behind and is determined to help her father with the running of his company but just may be running herself into the ground. That's until her father steps in and gives her an island ultimatum. And what an ultimatum it is.
I recommend reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. I was gifted an advanced reader copy from the author. I am happy to leave this review.
The characters had charisma and charm and were quite fun.
Marella has trouble leaving work behind and is determined to help her father with the running of his company but just may be running herself into the ground. That's until her father steps in and gives her an island ultimatum. And what an ultimatum it is.
I recommend reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. I was gifted an advanced reader copy from the author. I am happy to leave this review.
August 11, 2023
Amazing story wth amazing characters and beautiful location. This story is about Ohana family. Family by choice, family by blood, and family with love. Meet the Ohana family from Nalani Hawaii and the crew of Ohana Odysseys, and see the changes.
I was given an advanced copy for a fair review, you will not go wrong with choosing this book to read.
I was given an advanced copy for a fair review, you will not go wrong with choosing this book to read.
July 30, 2023
Anna J Stewart creates the best characters and stories. I didn't want to put it down..Hawaii is a place I've always wanted to go. Even more after Anna's descriptions and the wonderful people. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy, I know I did.
September 19, 2023
There Surprise Island Wedding is a well written romance. I throughly enjoyed the plot, Beautiful setting. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
February 15, 2025
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story about two people who had given up on relationships … until they meet each other. It was fun watching their love develop around the chaos of her sister’s wedding. I almost didn’t read this one, but I’m glad I did.
Read
September 2, 2023Small Town & Rural Fiction, Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Hawaiian Reunions (Book #2)
Miniseries
Hawaiian Reunions (Book #2)
September 6, 2023
A surprise kiss on the beach,the dumping of an idiot boyfriend and finding your true self. Laughs, tears etc. great boo
October 10, 2024
Loved the family
July 16, 2025
this is a wonderful story
January 13, 2026
This is a Clean Island Vacation Romance. I loved how the main character met, and I loved their romance. Their romance was so cute and sweet. The wedding added enough drama to the book to keep it interesting, and the island setting was just so great. I really loved reading this book, and I got pulled into this story and setting so fast. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews