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Moonlight In Hanalei
When Ellie moves to Hawaii, all she wants to do is keep her head down, lay low, and live a simple life. She’d never considered that people would actually want to get to know her. Can Ellie survive flying under the radar? Or will the handsome fireman douse her fire and bring everything to light?
Kona is the Captain at the local fire station. A town hero to most, dashingly handsome to all. Ellie intrigues him and he won’t stop until he’s figured her out.
Can Ellie finally find the love and family she’s always yearned for? Or will her past come back to haunt her?
Kona is the Captain at the local fire station. A town hero to most, dashingly handsome to all. Ellie intrigues him and he won’t stop until he’s figured her out.
Can Ellie finally find the love and family she’s always yearned for? Or will her past come back to haunt her?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
34 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Nalani Titcomb
19 books66 followersNalani Titcomb was born and raised on the beautiful Islands of Hawaii. She’s a single mother to an amazing son, whom she says is her greatest accomplishment. Family and faith are most important to her. Nalani began her writing journey after Hawaii went into its second complete lockdown during the Covid19 pandemic and self-published her first book, The Dark Side of Paradise, in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 6, 2021
... 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙧.
This book hit me at an emotional spot; I cried, and laughed, and closed it with a happy sigh.
This is my third book by Nalani, and it's my favourite. A heartwarming story about a rich girl, who has everything that money can buy, but nothing the heart can give. She escapes the gilded cage, and reinvents herself... finding friends, found family, and love in the process.
Nalani does not shy away from exposing the brutality of life in her books. She does it with simple, empathetic words... and always says to the reader that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I particularly love her depiction of sibling relationships... I'm lucky I share an amazing relationship such as that with my sibling.
This book hit me at an emotional spot; I cried, and laughed, and closed it with a happy sigh.
This is my third book by Nalani, and it's my favourite. A heartwarming story about a rich girl, who has everything that money can buy, but nothing the heart can give. She escapes the gilded cage, and reinvents herself... finding friends, found family, and love in the process.
Nalani does not shy away from exposing the brutality of life in her books. She does it with simple, empathetic words... and always says to the reader that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I particularly love her depiction of sibling relationships... I'm lucky I share an amazing relationship such as that with my sibling.
September 25, 2024
Loved but wished the ending was a little different
I loved the beginning of the book and how Ellie’s healing journey was written at first. It made me think of Safe Haven. I felt like I could really understand Ellie and that I was right along side her. Meeting all the important characters in this book I felt like they became MY friends and family too. But I felt like towards the middle/end of the book, it lost momentum and felt a little rushed. I was hoping that more care had been taken with the ending and that maybe we could have seen a little more of Ellie’s and Kona’s HEA. But overall, I really do love how Nalani wrote Ellie’s and Kona’s characters. I will DEFINITELY be adding Kona to my list of book men who I will be comparing my future husband to.
I loved the beginning of the book and how Ellie’s healing journey was written at first. It made me think of Safe Haven. I felt like I could really understand Ellie and that I was right along side her. Meeting all the important characters in this book I felt like they became MY friends and family too. But I felt like towards the middle/end of the book, it lost momentum and felt a little rushed. I was hoping that more care had been taken with the ending and that maybe we could have seen a little more of Ellie’s and Kona’s HEA. But overall, I really do love how Nalani wrote Ellie’s and Kona’s characters. I will DEFINITELY be adding Kona to my list of book men who I will be comparing my future husband to.
December 8, 2021
Sweet with a little twist...
Absolutely in awe of Nalani and her stories. This is the third book that I've read of hers and I've loved every one.
This story is featured around a woman named Ellie who is running from something, something she'd much rather leave in the past. When she begins working at the local Bar, she keeps everyone at arms length, that is until deep emerald eyes capture her.
Kona is a local fire-fighter whom has been away for a little bit. When he gets back into town, Ellie consumes his thoughts and he can't stop thinking of her.
Will the two of them find sizzling comfort in each other, or will Ellie's past come back to haunt her, threatening to take everyone she loves along with it?
Absolutely in awe of Nalani and her stories. This is the third book that I've read of hers and I've loved every one.
This story is featured around a woman named Ellie who is running from something, something she'd much rather leave in the past. When she begins working at the local Bar, she keeps everyone at arms length, that is until deep emerald eyes capture her.
Kona is a local fire-fighter whom has been away for a little bit. When he gets back into town, Ellie consumes his thoughts and he can't stop thinking of her.
Will the two of them find sizzling comfort in each other, or will Ellie's past come back to haunt her, threatening to take everyone she loves along with it?
August 24, 2021
Brilliant
This story was fantastic and kept me riveted from start to finish. I couldn't read it quick enough. The characters are brilliant and you can't help but hope Ellie gets all she deserves.
This story was fantastic and kept me riveted from start to finish. I couldn't read it quick enough. The characters are brilliant and you can't help but hope Ellie gets all she deserves.
November 26, 2021
I don't usually read closed door romance, but I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked the glimpses we get into Hawaiian tradition and culture. It was a sweet escape and island in the Pacific.
July 25, 2023
Moonlight In Hanalei is the first book I have read by Nalani Titcomb and it definitely won't be my last.
To escape her heartbreaking past, Ellie moves to Hawaii for a fresh start.
Although she initially wanted to keep a low profile, she finds herself becoming friends with local jewellery designer Kai.
Then....
When Kai introduces Ellie to her brother Kona the sizzling attraction is undeniable.
But...
Because of her past Ellie has insecurities and shies away from physical touch.
Is Kona the person, the man, that can heal Ellie and give there the HEA she deserves?
Kona, the incredibly handsome fire captain was an absolute *chefs kiss*
I absolutely adored him and loved him for Ellie. He was caring, protective, understanding, patient, sweet and beyond swoon-worthy.
He was so quickly 'all in' with Ellie, even when things quickly turned dangerous he didn't even flinch, he stayed by her side always. I Know Right? What a Man! I adore him!
Even after her tragic and heartbreaking past, Ellie was such a sweet character and I'm so glad she got a HEA and found family. Loved this for her!
I enjoyed every moment of this emotional, heartwarming, suspenseful, action-filled and occasionally on the edge of my seat romance story.
With some special side characters in this book, I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
To escape her heartbreaking past, Ellie moves to Hawaii for a fresh start.
Although she initially wanted to keep a low profile, she finds herself becoming friends with local jewellery designer Kai.
Then....
When Kai introduces Ellie to her brother Kona the sizzling attraction is undeniable.
But...
Because of her past Ellie has insecurities and shies away from physical touch.
Is Kona the person, the man, that can heal Ellie and give there the HEA she deserves?
Kona, the incredibly handsome fire captain was an absolute *chefs kiss*
I absolutely adored him and loved him for Ellie. He was caring, protective, understanding, patient, sweet and beyond swoon-worthy.
He was so quickly 'all in' with Ellie, even when things quickly turned dangerous he didn't even flinch, he stayed by her side always. I Know Right? What a Man! I adore him!
Even after her tragic and heartbreaking past, Ellie was such a sweet character and I'm so glad she got a HEA and found family. Loved this for her!
I enjoyed every moment of this emotional, heartwarming, suspenseful, action-filled and occasionally on the edge of my seat romance story.
With some special side characters in this book, I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
September 22, 2021
Nalani Titcomb has delivered another gripping romance set in her native Hawaii. This is my second novel by this author and I’m sure it will not be my last.
Ellie is a young woman who is struggling to make a new life for herself away from her authoritarian family and the man she was forced to marry. In Hanalei she finds a job as a waitress and makes friends with people who love her and who would do anything to protect her. Through these friends she meets Kona, a handsome firefighter, and sparks fly from the get-go. It’s obvious to Kona that Ellie is struggling with some serious personal issues, and it melts your heart to see how supportive and understanding he is with her.
The author has a talent for creating believable characters you can’t help falling in love with. It was at once heartbreaking and touching to follow Ellie and Kona as their love blossoms, and I felt pulled in from the very beginning. Weaved into the slow-developing romance there's plenty of action and heart-stopping moments to keep you turning the pages. The tension-filled water scenes at the end were so vivid I felt I was there in the action.
I’m glad I saved this book to read on my trip to Europe. Thank you, Nalani, for making my 9-hour flight much easier to bear.
Ellie is a young woman who is struggling to make a new life for herself away from her authoritarian family and the man she was forced to marry. In Hanalei she finds a job as a waitress and makes friends with people who love her and who would do anything to protect her. Through these friends she meets Kona, a handsome firefighter, and sparks fly from the get-go. It’s obvious to Kona that Ellie is struggling with some serious personal issues, and it melts your heart to see how supportive and understanding he is with her.
The author has a talent for creating believable characters you can’t help falling in love with. It was at once heartbreaking and touching to follow Ellie and Kona as their love blossoms, and I felt pulled in from the very beginning. Weaved into the slow-developing romance there's plenty of action and heart-stopping moments to keep you turning the pages. The tension-filled water scenes at the end were so vivid I felt I was there in the action.
I’m glad I saved this book to read on my trip to Europe. Thank you, Nalani, for making my 9-hour flight much easier to bear.
September 8, 2023
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be a cute romance novel. However, throughout the story, it hinted at something dark that happened to the main character. Still, most of this story was a really cute romance with a girl who was healing from her trauma and a strong guy who also came from trauma. It was cute and sweet, not spicy at all, just a scene or two leading to the deed without details.
We learn what both of the main characters had gone through and together they find love and happiness, until an accident with the main male character happens. Not even going to lie, it made me tear up quite a bit, and I was definitely in my feelings. Eventually, things go back to cute and sweet. Honestly, at that point I thought we were going to finish cute and happy. Boy was I wrong.
Things take a dramatic turn, and this cute romance turns into a thriller! Shit goes crazy and I never saw it coming. Honestly, the last 20-30% of this book had me completely hooked. In the end, I really enjoyed this unexpected find, and definitely recommend it.
We learn what both of the main characters had gone through and together they find love and happiness, until an accident with the main male character happens. Not even going to lie, it made me tear up quite a bit, and I was definitely in my feelings. Eventually, things go back to cute and sweet. Honestly, at that point I thought we were going to finish cute and happy. Boy was I wrong.
Things take a dramatic turn, and this cute romance turns into a thriller! Shit goes crazy and I never saw it coming. Honestly, the last 20-30% of this book had me completely hooked. In the end, I really enjoyed this unexpected find, and definitely recommend it.
October 26, 2024
Neither Clean nor Christian
I finished this story to do due diligence as a reviewer. The MC's attend church. That's the only reference to faith. This story only mentions the Son once: as an exclamation. The only mentions of the Father are to darn something... 3 times, I think. There are a number of other curses. With that kind of language, closed door sex doesn't make it "clean" (and it is certainly not a sacred act between spouses.)
Lastly, there is advice and observations that are not in line with a Christian worldview. Examples: A character dies and is said to be in a better place based on the fact that he was a good person. There are also many references to next lives.
The story is a good one, but is ruined with the aforementioned issues. Putting the characters in church doesn't make them believers. Using His names in vain is very much the opposite of following Him.
Hopefully the categories can be clarified, but I didn't want anyone to make the same mistake and believe it to be something other than what it is: a closed door, secular romance with profanity.
I finished this story to do due diligence as a reviewer. The MC's attend church. That's the only reference to faith. This story only mentions the Son once: as an exclamation. The only mentions of the Father are to darn something... 3 times, I think. There are a number of other curses. With that kind of language, closed door sex doesn't make it "clean" (and it is certainly not a sacred act between spouses.)
Lastly, there is advice and observations that are not in line with a Christian worldview. Examples: A character dies and is said to be in a better place based on the fact that he was a good person. There are also many references to next lives.
The story is a good one, but is ruined with the aforementioned issues. Putting the characters in church doesn't make them believers. Using His names in vain is very much the opposite of following Him.
Hopefully the categories can be clarified, but I didn't want anyone to make the same mistake and believe it to be something other than what it is: a closed door, secular romance with profanity.
August 1, 2021
Happy Ending in Hawaii
Ellie’s met Tony, Kai, and Puna who don’t let her hide. They talk to her and try to be her friend. When Kai’s brother Kona returns home from training, he tries to join her small circle. That’s when Kai warns him to be careful, because Ellie is special as well as fragile. The foreshadowing the author lays into the beginning of this book is telling. You know that something has happened and at some point in Ellie’s future her past will come back to find her. How much will she get to enjoy in the mean time? Will she get to grow in her relationships with Kai, Kona, and crew? This read was great. It brought faith and karma and the lore of Hawaii into the storyline. It brought comfort into the darkness of Ellie’s journey. I absolutely loved this book.
Ellie’s met Tony, Kai, and Puna who don’t let her hide. They talk to her and try to be her friend. When Kai’s brother Kona returns home from training, he tries to join her small circle. That’s when Kai warns him to be careful, because Ellie is special as well as fragile. The foreshadowing the author lays into the beginning of this book is telling. You know that something has happened and at some point in Ellie’s future her past will come back to find her. How much will she get to enjoy in the mean time? Will she get to grow in her relationships with Kai, Kona, and crew? This read was great. It brought faith and karma and the lore of Hawaii into the storyline. It brought comfort into the darkness of Ellie’s journey. I absolutely loved this book.
August 2, 2021
A sweet and empowering read about a sexual assault survivor who resets her life and rediscovers family and love.
Ellie is a victim of sexual assault and years of mental abuse. In an effort to save herself, she moves far away to Hawaii, and lives as under the radar as possible. The friendly town people are ready to help her, but she's not willing to open up to any them.
It takes a lot of time and a lot of space, but finally she warms a little to Kai, and her brother Kona who's the town's fire-fighter hero.
This was an amazing story of how Ellie heals through her trauma with the support of the community, and how her life eventually blossoms. There's also a fair amount of religious/spiritual introspection in the book.
Ellie is a victim of sexual assault and years of mental abuse. In an effort to save herself, she moves far away to Hawaii, and lives as under the radar as possible. The friendly town people are ready to help her, but she's not willing to open up to any them.
It takes a lot of time and a lot of space, but finally she warms a little to Kai, and her brother Kona who's the town's fire-fighter hero.
This was an amazing story of how Ellie heals through her trauma with the support of the community, and how her life eventually blossoms. There's also a fair amount of religious/spiritual introspection in the book.
August 5, 2021
Escaping her past, Ellie finds a new start in Hawaii, where she befriends jewelry designer Kai and meets her brother meets Kona - a hunky fire captain with sexy emerald eyes (in my mind, he’s played by Jason Momoa). Kona’s heart and first-aid skills literally begin to heal Ellie’s hurts, both past and present, and the two grow close.
This is a sweet romance, and despite the steam happening behind closed doors (aw shucks), you can’t help but get swept up in this pair’s undeniably hot attraction. The heart-stopping ending caught me by surprise, suddenly playing out like an action-packed episode of Hawaii Five-O! I loved it all and it ends on a perfectly sweet note that will leave you smiling.
This is a sweet romance, and despite the steam happening behind closed doors (aw shucks), you can’t help but get swept up in this pair’s undeniably hot attraction. The heart-stopping ending caught me by surprise, suddenly playing out like an action-packed episode of Hawaii Five-O! I loved it all and it ends on a perfectly sweet note that will leave you smiling.
August 13, 2021
More please!
Ellie had a loveless, strict upbringing but when her parents forged marriage documents so a business merger could happen, that was the last straw. Ellie fled, changed her name and went to Hawaii where she soon fell in love and started a whole new life. Her past haunted her both physically and mentally but could she put it behind her once and for all or will her demons resurface.
A fantastic book that had me reading well into the night. Gripping from start to finish this captivating story was packed with events that meant the book was hard to put down. A beautiful love story but with dark undertones, leaves you definitely wanting to read more by this talented author. Brilliant!
Ellie had a loveless, strict upbringing but when her parents forged marriage documents so a business merger could happen, that was the last straw. Ellie fled, changed her name and went to Hawaii where she soon fell in love and started a whole new life. Her past haunted her both physically and mentally but could she put it behind her once and for all or will her demons resurface.
A fantastic book that had me reading well into the night. Gripping from start to finish this captivating story was packed with events that meant the book was hard to put down. A beautiful love story but with dark undertones, leaves you definitely wanting to read more by this talented author. Brilliant!
August 24, 2021
Beautiful story
Ellie is determined to find a new life for herself and finds the perfect setting and then the perfect man to help her rebuild herself after a life of mental and then physical abuse.
This novel is beautifully and sensitively written. Ellie’s traumatic past is hinted at from the start and when we finally learn what happened to her it is shocking and heart wrenching.
I loved how vulnerable but determined Ellie is. Her friendship with Kai is just beautiful and as for Kona, well, he had me at aloha 😊 Puna is just perfect.
A beautiful story with a powerful and tense ending. Loved it.
Ellie is determined to find a new life for herself and finds the perfect setting and then the perfect man to help her rebuild herself after a life of mental and then physical abuse.
This novel is beautifully and sensitively written. Ellie’s traumatic past is hinted at from the start and when we finally learn what happened to her it is shocking and heart wrenching.
I loved how vulnerable but determined Ellie is. Her friendship with Kai is just beautiful and as for Kona, well, he had me at aloha 😊 Puna is just perfect.
A beautiful story with a powerful and tense ending. Loved it.
October 12, 2021
The. Author deals with mental and physical abuse with understanding and sensitivity
This is a great book, a mixture of romance and dark storytelling. I like the way the story builds and and the characters develop. I’m always concerned when it comes to reviewing books like this in case I give the plot away. I would like to say that the author treats mental and physical abuse with understanding and sensitivity. I also. Read. Trafficking Innocence by the same author and wasn’t disappointed by either book.
This is a great book, a mixture of romance and dark storytelling. I like the way the story builds and and the characters develop. I’m always concerned when it comes to reviewing books like this in case I give the plot away. I would like to say that the author treats mental and physical abuse with understanding and sensitivity. I also. Read. Trafficking Innocence by the same author and wasn’t disappointed by either book.
May 9, 2022
Moonlight In Hanalei is my first read by author Nalani Titcomb. Ellie is a woman trying to escape from her abusive past and forge a new life in Hawaii. Kona has got to be the most patient and caring man ever written. The story is laced with beautiful Hawaiian traditions that I enjoyed learning about. One particular scene was a very touching burial at sea left which left me with a lump in my throat. For those that enjoy slow burn romances filled with tender passion and a side of suspense, this one is for you.
August 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this story about Ellie and Kona! It was very sweet and well thought out. Parts of this story were very fast paced and others not so much, but then wham bam there’s craziness at the end! Every girl deserves their own Kona! He is the sweetest, kindest soul out there! Ellie encountered so much disdain from her family so it was great to watch her blossom in her new life. Definitely worth the read!
August 13, 2021
Ellie's backstory was horrific, shocking, and heartbreaking. The pain she endured would break most people. Without the love and kindness of others, it would have been a long road to recovery.
"Moonlight In Hanalei" had love, friendships, suspense, mystery, and death. It did not end with a cliffhanger, but it did drop hints that Kai will find her love interest in a follow-up story. :)
"Moonlight In Hanalei" had love, friendships, suspense, mystery, and death. It did not end with a cliffhanger, but it did drop hints that Kai will find her love interest in a follow-up story. :)
August 8, 2021
Moonlight indeed!
Oh, what a story! A sweet with what romance, it's a little angsty at some points and Nalani certainly gets your blood boiling at others. Thorough my enjoyed it and her other two books are on my TBR already!
Oh, what a story! A sweet with what romance, it's a little angsty at some points and Nalani certainly gets your blood boiling at others. Thorough my enjoyed it and her other two books are on my TBR already!
August 29, 2023
It was good but it doesn't inspire
Some of the details were off or not dealt with in a realistic manner. Unfortunately the heroine didn't get a backbone until the very end. And not when it was really needed.
Some of the details were off or not dealt with in a realistic manner. Unfortunately the heroine didn't get a backbone until the very end. And not when it was really needed.
September 22, 2023
I loved t his story.
I did enjoy this book as you felt for the main characters. The only thing I would say is that there should have been more of a build up in the suspense side of the story.
Although the climax was very explosive.
I did enjoy this book as you felt for the main characters. The only thing I would say is that there should have been more of a build up in the suspense side of the story.
Although the climax was very explosive.
October 26, 2023
Outstanding
Wow not only was this a beautiful romance it was filled with drama, suspense,past trauma and healing. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Can't wait to read Kai's story.
Wow not only was this a beautiful romance it was filled with drama, suspense,past trauma and healing. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Can't wait to read Kai's story.
May 9, 2024
2.5 stars
This was ok. I liked the general story, but the writing style was hard to get into so I ended up skimming through the latter half. I also wanted more in the relationship development between Kona and Ellie, I just didn't feel invested in them.
This was ok. I liked the general story, but the writing style was hard to get into so I ended up skimming through the latter half. I also wanted more in the relationship development between Kona and Ellie, I just didn't feel invested in them.
September 14, 2024
I got this book with Stuff Your Kindle Day, so it's probably my fault if this book wasn't my taste.
If you're searching for a clean romance in an hawaiian setting, with lot of religious discussions, that's your book.
If you're searching for a clean romance in an hawaiian setting, with lot of religious discussions, that's your book.
did-not-finish
April 6, 2025I LOVE Hanalei and was so so excited to find this book that takes place in that Hawaiian town! But I didn’t get very far until there was a lot of swearing including the F word so I decided not to continue reading it. Why????😭😭😭
August 16, 2021
Your past does not determine your future,
Really loved this book, hoping for a part 2. Maybe? 🤔
In the mean time, I'll go read the other books written by this brilliant author.
❤❤❤❤
Really loved this book, hoping for a part 2. Maybe? 🤔
In the mean time, I'll go read the other books written by this brilliant author.
❤❤❤❤
August 18, 2021
Awww 🥰 such a great romance here!!! The perfect Romance in Hawaii. Ellie and Kona 💕, letting go their past to bring the perfect present and future to them. So sweet, romantic perfect love!
September 7, 2021
Easy read with all the right elements for a nice sweet romance.
The characters are believable and everyone wants a hero like Kona.
The characters are believable and everyone wants a hero like Kona.
March 25, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
But here's why...
I loved reading this one. Each twist and turn had meaning. 🥰
But here's why...
I loved reading this one. Each twist and turn had meaning. 🥰
April 24, 2022
Ahhh!!! I loved this story so much. Gorgeous characters, really cute story, all set within a beautiful tropical landscape.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews