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Aloha Novella #3
Game of Love
Game of Love--A romantic novella set on beautiful Maui
Callie Andersen never expected to be taking a solo honeymoon. But she just wants to lick her wounds after being jilted at the altar.
Alex Harrigan, activities director for Harrigan's Cove, knows the best bandage for a broken heart is activity. And when Callie notes the lack of children's activities, he's happy to put her work gathering ideas.
But when he starts to lose his heart, he wonders if he will soon be nursing his own wounds.
Callie Andersen never expected to be taking a solo honeymoon. But she just wants to lick her wounds after being jilted at the altar.
Alex Harrigan, activities director for Harrigan's Cove, knows the best bandage for a broken heart is activity. And when Callie notes the lack of children's activities, he's happy to put her work gathering ideas.
But when he starts to lose his heart, he wonders if he will soon be nursing his own wounds.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2013
31 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
85 books4,734 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 27, 2018
Just because we have a plan doesn't always mean that it is God's plan as well. What a sweet and romantic Hawaiian setting for two people to find their true love.
January 1, 2018
Short, entertaining, Christian tale with an H.E.A.
March 5, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 since I cannot specify
Completed: Feb. 28/25
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "set in an exotic location" (Maui) -- ANYTIME in 2025 option
Book #26 of 2025: This is a short novella but I enjoyed it so much! There are a few, small typos in it but they looked like some sort of formatting or printing error. It didn't affect my rating.
Callie's fiancé cancels their wedding but she takes the month-long vacation to Maui on her own to kick her wounds. Initially she moped and felt sorry for herself. Soon she began to wonder if marrying a good friend in order to settle down and have kids was such a great idea. Was there something missing like Shaun had claimed?
Enter Alex and the tummy floops.... Callie starts to understand that there really is something to be said for attraction and an undeniable connection as part of the formula. But it's so more than that and she comes to know that she won't settle for anything less. Their ease in communication grows their friendship and attraction stronger with each day.
She has a plane to catch and he's afraid of rejection. What now? Well, I'm not going to tell you but some bumps in the road do happen. And so does an HEA (happily ever after)!
I loved the romance, the sparks, the growth, and how she turned it over to God for guidance, unlike with Shaun. This is a feel-good book and that is always a satisfying read!
Completed: Feb. 28/25
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "set in an exotic location" (Maui) -- ANYTIME in 2025 option
Book #26 of 2025: This is a short novella but I enjoyed it so much! There are a few, small typos in it but they looked like some sort of formatting or printing error. It didn't affect my rating.
Callie's fiancé cancels their wedding but she takes the month-long vacation to Maui on her own to kick her wounds. Initially she moped and felt sorry for herself. Soon she began to wonder if marrying a good friend in order to settle down and have kids was such a great idea. Was there something missing like Shaun had claimed?
Enter Alex and the tummy floops.... Callie starts to understand that there really is something to be said for attraction and an undeniable connection as part of the formula. But it's so more than that and she comes to know that she won't settle for anything less. Their ease in communication grows their friendship and attraction stronger with each day.
She has a plane to catch and he's afraid of rejection. What now? Well, I'm not going to tell you but some bumps in the road do happen. And so does an HEA (happily ever after)!
I loved the romance, the sparks, the growth, and how she turned it over to God for guidance, unlike with Shaun. This is a feel-good book and that is always a satisfying read!
February 3, 2018
I love all of Denise Hunter’s books; this one is no exception. I have been in a reading slump so I chose to read something by this author because I’m always drawn in right away. Sure enough, this novella did the trick. It’s short, but I really enjoyed Callie and Alex’s story. The descriptions of the places they visited in Hawaii made me want to go there!
February 16, 2018
cute novella
Adorable novella love story, quick read. The author does a great job developing the two characters in a short book
Adorable novella love story, quick read. The author does a great job developing the two characters in a short book
June 5, 2020
Short story ....Enjoyable read...
July 2, 2020
Soooo good! Wish it was longer. Didnt want it to end.
November 16, 2022
Denise Hunter never fails
There's always God's message entwined with romance. It's clean and godly, yet infused with passion. The heroine was humiliated but not heartbroken.
There's always God's message entwined with romance. It's clean and godly, yet infused with passion. The heroine was humiliated but not heartbroken.
March 24, 2023
Short but sweet
Really enjoyed this sweet story. It was heartwarming and such a good Christian romance. Will be reading more of this author
Really enjoyed this sweet story. It was heartwarming and such a good Christian romance. Will be reading more of this author
January 31, 2014
Title: GAME OF LOVE
Author: Denise Hunter
Publisher: (self published)
March 2013
ASIN: B00BXK176M
Genre: Contemporary romance
Game of Love--A romantic novella set on beautiful Maui
Callie Andersen never expected to be taking a solo honeymoon. But she just wants to lick her wounds after being jilted at the altar.
Alex Harrigan, activities director for Harrigan's Cove, knows the best bandage for a broken heart is activity. And when Callie notes the lack of children's activities, he's happy to put her work gathering ideas.
But when he starts to lose his heart, he wonders if he will soon be nursing his own wounds.
GAME OF LOVE was previously published in a novella collection published by Barbour. It is a totally cute, sweet romance, written early in Ms. Hunter’s career, before most of us have discovered her in her full length novels.
I enjoyed getting to know Callie and Alex, though I did worry a bit about her falling in love on the rebound. A short romance is totally believable for me as that was a real life experience for me.
If you are looking for a short romance you can read in a couple of hours, then pick up GAME OF LOVE. I loved it. There are some misspelled words and formatting issues, but not too bad. $.99. 74 pages. 5 stars.
Author: Denise Hunter
Publisher: (self published)
March 2013
ASIN: B00BXK176M
Genre: Contemporary romance
Game of Love--A romantic novella set on beautiful Maui
Callie Andersen never expected to be taking a solo honeymoon. But she just wants to lick her wounds after being jilted at the altar.
Alex Harrigan, activities director for Harrigan's Cove, knows the best bandage for a broken heart is activity. And when Callie notes the lack of children's activities, he's happy to put her work gathering ideas.
But when he starts to lose his heart, he wonders if he will soon be nursing his own wounds.
GAME OF LOVE was previously published in a novella collection published by Barbour. It is a totally cute, sweet romance, written early in Ms. Hunter’s career, before most of us have discovered her in her full length novels.
I enjoyed getting to know Callie and Alex, though I did worry a bit about her falling in love on the rebound. A short romance is totally believable for me as that was a real life experience for me.
If you are looking for a short romance you can read in a couple of hours, then pick up GAME OF LOVE. I loved it. There are some misspelled words and formatting issues, but not too bad. $.99. 74 pages. 5 stars.
September 9, 2013
Girl gets jilted three days before the wedding, goes on the honeymoon alone. Gee, where have I seen THAT ploy before? Oh, that would be the book I read four books ago, on Friday. C'MON, people - aren't there ANY new ideas for you to write?
This time the girl mopes instead of resolving to have fun. And this time it's the activities director that goes for her, instead of a guest in paradise.
This one was five times worse than 'Honeymoon for One'. First, she goes on a boat cruise/tour thingy, and a chapter later the author says that she couldn't possibly go fishing - she throws up on boats. ((?!?!)) The thing was riddled with typos and WEIRD writing... like when the guy sings... she felt tingles all the way to her vocal chords. ((??)) And who honeymoons in Hawaii for an entire MONTH, anyhow? Maybe millionaires, but she and the non-fiance were small town hicks from the midwest, hello. It was badly done.
At least it's now off my eReader.
This time the girl mopes instead of resolving to have fun. And this time it's the activities director that goes for her, instead of a guest in paradise.
This one was five times worse than 'Honeymoon for One'. First, she goes on a boat cruise/tour thingy, and a chapter later the author says that she couldn't possibly go fishing - she throws up on boats. ((?!?!)) The thing was riddled with typos and WEIRD writing... like when the guy sings... she felt tingles all the way to her vocal chords. ((??)) And who honeymoons in Hawaii for an entire MONTH, anyhow? Maybe millionaires, but she and the non-fiance were small town hicks from the midwest, hello. It was badly done.
At least it's now off my eReader.
April 27, 2015
SHORT STORY!!!! I read this book while donating plasma. It was super quick.
I love keeping track of books on goodreads but am not sure I like being accountable for reading 4 books (including the 2 short stories) in just 2 1/2 days. Blush!
Finally a book where the characters are meeting for the first time. I was beginning to think that all of this author's books had the same basic plot (the main characters knew each other for years already). Turns out I like that basic plot for a short story. As cute as the story was I had a harder time buying their relationship as I did in her last short story. I just really value character development in a story and that is hard to do in a short story. It still was a super cute story and I enjoyed it.!
I love keeping track of books on goodreads but am not sure I like being accountable for reading 4 books (including the 2 short stories) in just 2 1/2 days. Blush!
Finally a book where the characters are meeting for the first time. I was beginning to think that all of this author's books had the same basic plot (the main characters knew each other for years already). Turns out I like that basic plot for a short story. As cute as the story was I had a harder time buying their relationship as I did in her last short story. I just really value character development in a story and that is hard to do in a short story. It still was a super cute story and I enjoyed it.!
February 3, 2014
I always love reading Denise Hunter's books. Her writing is easy to lose yourself in, and the stories feel real. I liked Game of Love, but I felt it was a little too drawn out. It's a short book, but I think too much of the story is build up and then it's wrapped up in 2 chapters. Overall, three stars. I still recommend it for an afternoon read, especially if you're on vacation or longing for Hawaii!
December 13, 2015
This was a charming novella set in a resort in Hawaii. Callie should be on her honeymoon, but she's here alone. Activities director and partial owner of the resort, Alex is determined to get Callie out of her room and enjoying beautiful Hawaii.
I enjoyed the story, the setting was fantastic and the characters were very endearing. As soon as I started reading this story, I realized it was part of a novella collection called Aloha, which I just adored.
I enjoyed the story, the setting was fantastic and the characters were very endearing. As soon as I started reading this story, I realized it was part of a novella collection called Aloha, which I just adored.
March 26, 2013
This novella was like a fun little escape to the beach. I am amazed Denise Hunter was able to create unforgettable characters and a compelling story with so few words. I could practically hear the ocean, smell the salt air, feel the sand beneath my feet. I really enjoyed Callie and Alex's story, short and sweet as it was.
September 22, 2013
I thought this was a charming romance. I liked the length and I liked how they both opened themselves up to love, though they had both been burned at love. My only critique is that it ended abruptly. Although it didn't spoil the book, the ending could have been better. I've really come to like this author and would recommend her work to anyone.
October 19, 2015
So ROMANTIC!
This was a tender story of a jilted bride who goes on her honeymoon alone and meets the man of her dreams. I really loved Callie and Alex's story. Even though it was a novella, I got emotionally invested in it due to the author's ability to just draw me in with such sweet romance and tenderness. I highly recommend this book!
This was a tender story of a jilted bride who goes on her honeymoon alone and meets the man of her dreams. I really loved Callie and Alex's story. Even though it was a novella, I got emotionally invested in it due to the author's ability to just draw me in with such sweet romance and tenderness. I highly recommend this book!
March 28, 2016
a quick read. I could see Denise had been a tourist in Hawaii n was able to write in detail the tourist attractions on the island in the Callie n Alex's story. (I missed out the romance but have a loving Father God. Is it only in fiction?) Romance books sell n there are many writers so it must be needed
April 1, 2013
I read this as part of a novella years ago but as it was re-released as a single story, I just read it again. Love Denise Hunters stories. Characters are always easy to relate to and seem to have interesting adventures.
April 25, 2013
A great foundation for this story surrounding Callie and Alex. Would love to read a full story with them.
May 24, 2013
A honeymoon without a groom leads to a new friendship.
June 2, 2013
With a little more development this could have been a full novel! I loved the story but would have really liked to see it made into a full length novel!
June 10, 2013
Cute short read perfect for a Sunday evening.
June 14, 2013
Loved!
October 16, 2013
Little sappy, but enjoyable.
September 5, 2013
Sweet with a fun premise. The romance is very clean. The predictability makes it fun and relaxing!
September 24, 2013
Cute novella. Have to suspend belief with how quickly they fall for each other, but it was a nice escape. Makes me want to go to Hawaii!
Content: Clean, G.
Content: Clean, G.
November 3, 2015
Warm fuzzy
This is a really light quick beach read. Like I read it in a day. It will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy about life and HOTT guys though.
This is a really light quick beach read. Like I read it in a day. It will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy about life and HOTT guys though.
April 25, 2017
Hawaiian Tale
I've alway loved Denise Hunter's books, this one is no different. It's a sweet novella with a happy ending. Two people find each other while one is on her honeymoon (by herself). Alex and Callie are ready for love!
I've alway loved Denise Hunter's books, this one is no different. It's a sweet novella with a happy ending. Two people find each other while one is on her honeymoon (by herself). Alex and Callie are ready for love!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews