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Kailua Marines #1

Treasured in Turtle Bay

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I thought she was brave for going on her honeymoon alone. I just didn’t think I’d wind up joining her.

I've been known to jump headfirst into adventure without thinking about the consequences, but pretending to be married? That was never on my thrill-seeking to-do list.

It's not Molly's fault her ex left her high and dry, but his loss is my gain. If she needs a fake husband for the honeymoon of a lifetime, count me in.

Fancy dinners? Excursions? A romantic joy flight over the Hawaiian Islands? No complaints from me.

But the more time I spend with Molly, the more trouble I'm in. I'm not the knight in shining armor Molly needs for the long haul. But when I'm with her, I feel like I could be.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2023

253 people are currently reading
334 people want to read

About the author

Jess Mastorakos

55 books708 followers
Jess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.

Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!

www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you

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5 stars
469 (63%)
4 stars
193 (26%)
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67 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,073 reviews298 followers
February 27, 2021
Love in Hawaii!

Ah. Hawaii. I wish I were there with Molly and Roman. I thought this one was very sweet. Opposites attract! 😍 And fake becomes real before you know it. I'm so excited about this new series.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,873 reviews39 followers
February 23, 2021
Romance, clean, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Molly and Roman's story was so fresh and cute! Fun read, and loved all the moments they had. They were strong characters themselves, and loved how Roman stepped in to help Molly save face at the hotel with the honeymoon package. Their relationship seemed to develop so naturally, and loved their chemistry and attraction. Strong characters, and great setting in Hawaii. With their relationship future and hopes so uncertain, I loved how they made it work in the end! Roman's 'line' that he had drawn, and seemed to fit his life, moved when he really got to know Molly, and knew their future was together. The other characters particularly the military one, helped to draw the picture of military life as a nice back story.
Love the covers this author chooses with real marines and their spouses as the subjects! Totally makes it so much more real! This one is so sweet (the author and her husband)!
I received an ARC from the author for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jenn.
41 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2021
I admit - I was bummed to hear we were leaving San Diego and heading to a new base. Apparently, military life is not for me - I would not enjoy moving regularly! But, clean military romances are and this one hit the spot! And, Kailua's already growing on me as we get to know our newest characters! As always, I downloaded it at night planning a "few chapters before bed" and found myself still swiping pages at 2AM, unable to put it down!

I loved getting to know Molly better and digging into Roman's history, too. I really liked that his character was not your "typical Marine" in that he was "world schooled" (well within the continental US at least). You just don't think of your typical Marine came from a homeschooling background but it really worked and I liked that Roman stretched the mindset of that "typical Marine." I also enjoyed his evolution from feeling as though he couldn't see sharing his lifestyle with another to realizing the joys that would come from having someone else to share the adventures with. (I felt his planning the Valentine's date for Molly was a key turning point for him).

Molly was adorable (I, too, like to color code calendars, though not to her extent) and I always love it when the girl makes the move on the first kiss!

Though I loved seeing more of Paige and Noah, it was the Ericson's (especially "Mr. E") that stole the sidegig show! Short but sweet, we didn't get to know them well, per se, but I loved that feel of a happily married long time couple being side-kicks in a younger generation's romance story. Gotta love the love for ages feel that gives!

Looking forward to getting to know Mac's story better in the next installment and watch his best friends to lover's romance unfold!

** I received an advance copy of this book (ARC reader) but please note, I also pre-purchased it!
Profile Image for R. L. Peterson.
920 reviews37 followers
February 20, 2023
3.5

Content: 3 || Quality: 8 || Personal Enjoyment: 8 || 5-Star Rating: 3.5 || Overall: 6.5

*My system Explanation link is in my profile!*

This was such a sweet story! I don't read much romance, but I was craving a good modern military story, and when I saw this one, I decided to give it a try. I am a hardcore Army girl, but I used to live 15 minutes from a Marine base, so I'm well acquainted with the Corps *halo*

I didn't approve of the pre-marriage kissing or hugging or all the somewhat cheesy sensations (I don't have a stroke when my husband touches my arm, lol!). Still, I appreciated that it went no farther than that, and there were no mentions of noticing certain things about the opposite gender (adults, you know what I'm talking about). Also, I loved that Roman would NOT go into her hotel room! There were references to alcohol that I didn't like at all, and there were mentions of swimwear, but nothing too detailed. I also don't appreciate the deception that was a rather big deal in this story.

I love Roman and Molly's different personalities; how they show that you don't have to be the same to love each other! And I might be using Molly's highlighter system now *grins* The Pineapple Love story analogy was so sweet and sad too... I also loved the reference to the USO center at the airport because I feel like civilians like me don't usually know about things like that. (I did know about them, but only because I'm a military fanatic and have friends in the service.) And finding out that there were certain things Roman couldn't do in the military because his dad was from Italy was fascinating to me. AND CAN WE APPRECIATE THAT ROMAN WAS HOMESCHOOLED???

Overall, I loved this book, and I can't wait to read the rest of Mrs. Mastorakos' books!



*I received an early copy of this book for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emilee.
567 reviews120 followers
October 27, 2021
Authentic Hawaii

If you want to visit Hawaii this book is your virtual opportunity! I really felt like I was right there with this amazing cast of characters! Roman Russo is spot on! This author knows here stuff and made the whole story come alive for me.
Profile Image for Mandi Blake.
Author 44 books853 followers
February 2, 2021
I loved Jess's San Diego Marines series, and now I know her Kailua Marines series will be just as memorable. Molly and Roman are opposites, and a chance second and third meeting push them into pretending to be married and playing a series of newlywed games at the resort where Molly is spending what would be her honeymoon alone. The story was unique, the setting was intriguing, and I loved that we got to see a glimpse of some of the characters from Jess's other books. The ending really sucked me in. The emotions and reactions were expertly written, and I'll be impatiently waiting for more books in this series.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
460 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2021
Jess Mastorakos keeps knocking it out of the park. I literally cannot get enough of her books and she is an auto must read author for me. I pretty much know before I start it's going to be a 5 star read. Treasured in Turtle Bay is such a fantastic start to a new series with a new set of Marines and was definitely a 5 star earner for sure.

Oh my word. Roman. I think he is one of my favorite male leads so far. These guys just keep getting better. Also, just something about the name Roman hits me too. The chemistry between Roman and Molly was stellar and I really loved how they balanced each other out. Roman was an adventurous go-getter while Molly was a cautious planner. Even though they were so different, nothing about their relationship felt forced. It felt and flowed so naturally. So many squeals and sighs at the ending to this book.

Also, for those who've read the San Diego Marines series, some of our friends from that series show up here. Such a great book. I cannot recommend it enough and I can't wait for more! I could see hints of some future storylines so I can't wait to see how those play out.
Profile Image for Mary.
20 reviews
December 12, 2021
Loved this story!! It was so sweet it made my heart throb! Each chapter was better than the last and the slight twist with Jason toward the end really kept my attention.The San Diego series was amazing but I can’t wait to read more of their Hawaiian adventure.
Profile Image for Angeline.
749 reviews23 followers
February 7, 2021
I was super excited for this book and I was hooked from the start. Treasured in Turtle Bay is the first book in Jess Matorakos’ Kailua Marines series. I had loved Mastorakos’ San Diego Marine series, so I hoped that this series would be good and it exceeded my expectations. I loved the characters and the story!
You meet Molly Whitman in the 8th book of Mastorakos’ San Diego series, Adored by You. Molly is Paige’s assistant. Molly was the type of person to plan everything. The only thing she didn’t plan on being left at the altar and spending her honeymoon alone and single. And she never expected to see Roman Russo again. However when he ends up standing in as her husband for newlywed games at the resort she is staying, she finds herself falling for him. Roman was the opposite of Molly, he was the kind of person who went with the flow. As he spent more time with her, he can’t help but want to show her there’s more to life than being uptight all the time.
I really related to Molly, she needed everything to be in order. I loved her little quirks, like how she had to eat her food in order and how she colored coordinated everything. I liked reading about Molly learning to relax, but not changing herself. She was learning how to be at peace when things don’t quite go her way. I loved how spontaneous she was when she was spending time with Roman. Molly had to learn to trust Roman especially after the bad break up with her ex.
Roman was a lot of fun, he was so different from me but I really enjoyed reading about him. He had grown up all over the place and he wasn’t really planning on settling down. But as he pretended to be Molly’s husband, he found himself wishing for someone to grow old with. Roman was such a nice guy and I really liked reading about him with Molly. They definitely complemented each other. However, Roman had to figure out if he was ready to commit and trust Molly with his heart.
I really enjoyed reading about Roman and Molly falling in love. They were such a sweet couple and perfect together. I loved seeing Noah and Paige again, that was a lot of fun. I also see hints of the next book :). I loved Treasured in Turtle Bay and I would definitely recommend it! Treasured in Turtle Bay is a clean contemporary Marine romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
79 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2021
This is the first of the Kailua Marines series. It starts right after the last of the San Diego Marines series, but it stands alone and you don’t have to have read the earlier books to enjoy the story.

Molly Whitman has been dating Jason Porter for a couple of years, had has been engaged to him for a long time. They both work long hours so they don’t really have much time together. But the wedding is imminent. Molly’s boss, Paige, reserves them a few weeks at a honeymoon spa hotel in Hawaii. However, Jason cheats on Molly and then dumps her at the last minute.

At Paige’s urging, Molly decides to go on the paid-for vacation. In the airport before boarding the plane to Hawaii, she literally runs into Roman Russo, a Marine stationed in Hawaii. They had met briefly when she was in Hawaii for Paige’s wedding, and at that time Roman was interested until he learned she was not single. Now that he learns she is single, he is interested.

The story is well written. They begin to fall in love. Of course, there are problems but the couple is able to overcome them. Like the San Diego Marines series, there is no explicit sex. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the following stories in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Heather.
194 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2021
Treasured in Turtle Bay is the first book in a new series based in Hawaii. This book follows on after the San Diego Marines series. Readers first met Molly and Roman when Molly organized Paige and Noah's wedding, also in Hawaii. Paige is Molly's employer and for a wedding gift gave her a honeymoon package at the same resort. Things don't go as planned and Molly is jilted before the wedding. Paige encourages Molly to go ahead and enjoy the holiday. Molly and Roman meet up flying out to Hawaii. Roman is mistaken for Molly's new husband. The games begin from there, games for charity with newly weds and not so newly weds. The bonding sessions work and Molly and Roman grow closer together. This book was very refreshing. Roman was not your normal Marine. Molly was a super organized, stressed executive assistant to a celebrity. I liked all the twists and turns that Jess Mastorakos used to engage the reader to understand the background of the two characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this first book of a new series and looking forward to reading more.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. This is my honest opinion of the book.
278 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2021
First time reading Jess Mastorakos but definitely not my last. This was such a fun, enjoyable read. Molly and Paige's friendship was a great backdrop. Paige's reactions and support during their calls was fantastic. Roman and Molly getting to know one another and teasing about their oddities was fun to read. One of my favorite parts is the conversation during the last outing on Valentine's day. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. I recommend this one. Now time read about those San Diego Marines.
6 reviews
February 12, 2021
I loved this book! I read the Treasured in Turtle Bay front to back in one day. To say the least it caught and drew me in from the beginning. I have read a couple of Jess's other series and loved them so being able to read this one was a great honor. Molly and Roman's story of pretending to be lovers and turning into the real thing excited me. I love those type of stories and was thrilled once I started reading. I look forward to next book in the series and can't wait to see more of the characters we have already met.
Profile Image for Melanie.
228 reviews
February 14, 2021
Molly is headed to Hawaii alone on what was to be her honeymoon. She bumps into Roman at the airport and they end up connecting. Upon arriving at hotel, Molly realizes she forgot to cancel the honeymoon package which included honeymoon games. Roman steps in and pretends to be Molly’s former fiancé. As they hang out, they soon realize how much they enjoy each other’s company.

I loved reading how Molly and Roman’s love story unfolded and look forward to reading the next story in the series.
47 reviews
February 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the San Diego Marines series. Since Jess is married to a marine her stories are factual and true to life for marines and their loved ones. I loved her knew book and couldn't put it down. Jess brought the scenery of Hawaii to life in her book. I enjoyed Molly and Roman's story and enjoyed appearances from the San Diego Marines. This is an excellent start to a new series and I can't wait for her next book in the series.
1 review
February 11, 2021
This is my second series I have read by Jess Mastorakos and the books keep getting better and better. I finished this book in one night. When I started it I could not put it down. Roman and Molly had such a fun relationship, and their adventures always made me smile. It was a fun and wholesome book that I could not wait to finish it. I loved the new location, and I loved getting to still see Paige and Noah from Adored by You. I also enjoyed meeting Mac and can not wait for his story to also come out.
Profile Image for Terri.
99 reviews
February 13, 2021
I knew I was going to love this book as soon as I knew Jess was writing it. I’ve never been disappointed in one of her books. But, she knocked this one completely out of the park. It is fun, entertaining, has drama, and a lot of clean romance. I love how this picks up where her San Diego Marine series left off. You won’t be disappointed in this book and I can’t wait for the next one.
3 reviews
February 13, 2021
Sweet, opposites attract, slow romance. A true strangers to friends to sweethearts story. Molly loves to plan in detail and Roman loves the never ending adventure opportunities that this world has to offer. I love that Molly has a planner and I love that Roman lives for adventure. It's like the best of both worlds! Clean romance so no worries about bedroom scenes and offensive words.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,080 reviews13 followers
February 17, 2021
This is the second book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it just as much as the 1st. I especially loved the Turtle Bay references. My family took a trip to Oahu about 15 years ago and we stated in Turtle Bay so I could picture the surroundings as they were being described.

Molly and Roman met in an earlier story about Noah and Paige when they had traveled to Turtle Bay for a Thanksgiving retreat. Now, Molly is back in Turtle Bay for her non-honeymoon because her fiancé' broke their engagement two weeks before their wedding. Jason wasn't right for her. He was a creep and Roman is SOOO much better.

Roman was a Marine stationed at a base on Oahu. He had lived a nomadic type of life and had no intention of settling down any time soon and then Molly came into his life and he began to rethink his priorities.

Molly was a workaholic but during this three week vacation, she began to see that she might need to make some changes in her life so she could live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Molly and Roman decided to fake their honeymoon to save Molly from further embarrassment during her stay at the resort because she had signed up to play the Newlywed Games for charity at the resort. The more she and Roman faked their marriage, the more she wanted it to be real. Was it possible to get her happy ending after all?

This was a clean, wholesome read with lots of kisses and romantic gestures and I loved the protective nature of Roman towards Molly.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Natalya.
535 reviews20 followers
February 11, 2021
Fake relationship is one of my favorite plots!
This story is so heartwarming, especially the interactions between Mr. Single-Adventurer Man and Miss Hyper-Planner. I might have swooned with the precious happily ever after – “Because when you know, you know.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
384 reviews
February 13, 2021
This was a great start to the new series. The setting in Hawaii just makes you wish you were there. I loved Molly and Romans story and how they were so different but were so great for each other. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for maiaisreading.
575 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2022

short and sweet
clean romance
3.5-4 stars

#kindleunlimited
2 reviews
February 8, 2021
This book is absolutely amazing. From the first page my attention was grabbed and I was beyond interested to read. The way the author was able to describe even the smallest detail allowed me to imagine each scene as if I was present for the real life show. This story shows that opposites truly can attract and that mister OR misses right can be out there as someone you may truly not expect. I loved the true detail to Hawaiian culture as well. I got instantly sucked into this book that it was hard for me to put down and I finished it in less than 24 hours; that is how good it is! Hands down this is an amazing book and definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Cj.
161 reviews
February 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much. What a great group of friends. Even years could not keep them apart. They all had their own issues but took care of each other. Can't wait to read more.
271 reviews
February 13, 2021
Treasured in Turtle Bay was one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I won’t give away any of the storyline, but ooooh, it was an AMAZING read!!
Profile Image for CAH - malphrusc.
712 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2021
Couldn’t put it down! I really enjoy this author...she brings you in to a believable storyline, takes time to develop the characters, and reminds the reader of how special the first kiss is in a new romance. I really like that she adds a little more to the military thread by not giving you the typical girl in danger/rescuer in cammis with machine gun plot. This new series is off to a great start - I can’t wait to learn more about the friends that were introduced and the little “what they are doing now” surprises about the characters we have met sprinkled throughout the upcoming standalone books that will be part of this series!
Profile Image for Shae.
24 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2021
From the first chapter I was in love the both characters. I loved Molly for all her quirks and could see how Roman would be attracted to her and the story just got better and better. It was wonderful to see how they deepened their relationship and worked through all their problems and insecurities. Looooved this book and will definitely be waiting for the next in the series!
89 reviews
February 7, 2021
Mastorakos's Treasured in Turtle Bay was a wonderful start to her new Kailua Marines series. Although fake, I quickly found myself rooting for the couple. Molly and Roman are opposites in every way imaginable so finding a way to keep them together in the end quickly became a problem for them. All in all I'm satisfied with the way they solved their problems.
From Roman and Molly's story, I continue to look forward to the second installment in the series (especially after reading the teaser in the epilouge).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews

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