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Aloha Lagoon #23
Dancing with Danger
What's a Southern Belle to do when she dreams of being a hula dancer? Move to Hawaii, of course!
Native Georgian Ruby Bell has her work cut out for her finding her niche among hip-swaying dancers of Kauai. But when she creates Hula Fit, a unique fusion of fitness and Hawaiian culture, she lands herself a job at the premier Aloha Lagoon Resort and Spa. Her class sparks attention from locals and vacationers alike, making Ruby feel she's finally found her bliss.
Unfortunately things go from delightful to downright deadly when Ruby discovers her new friend, Phoebe, strangled by a coconut bra in the back of Ruby's studio! With the local police investigating on "island time," Ruby fears it's up to her to find a killer, save her studio's reputation, and bring justice to her friend's memory. Navigating through a maze of deceit and betrayal, Ruby uncovers a cast of suspects more colorful than an island sunset, including a bodybuilder ex-boyfriend with a volatile temper, a troupe of senior citizens caught at a clothing-optional pool party, a jealous rival, an awkward admirer, and even the hunky owner of the local Smoothie Hut who seems to have his eye on Ruby.
Between blackmail, deception, and a mysterious box of incriminating photos, Ruby finds herself tangled in a deadly dance. Can she hula her way through the shadows and unmask the killer... before the music stops for good?
Native Georgian Ruby Bell has her work cut out for her finding her niche among hip-swaying dancers of Kauai. But when she creates Hula Fit, a unique fusion of fitness and Hawaiian culture, she lands herself a job at the premier Aloha Lagoon Resort and Spa. Her class sparks attention from locals and vacationers alike, making Ruby feel she's finally found her bliss.
Unfortunately things go from delightful to downright deadly when Ruby discovers her new friend, Phoebe, strangled by a coconut bra in the back of Ruby's studio! With the local police investigating on "island time," Ruby fears it's up to her to find a killer, save her studio's reputation, and bring justice to her friend's memory. Navigating through a maze of deceit and betrayal, Ruby uncovers a cast of suspects more colorful than an island sunset, including a bodybuilder ex-boyfriend with a volatile temper, a troupe of senior citizens caught at a clothing-optional pool party, a jealous rival, an awkward admirer, and even the hunky owner of the local Smoothie Hut who seems to have his eye on Ruby.
Between blackmail, deception, and a mysterious box of incriminating photos, Ruby finds herself tangled in a deadly dance. Can she hula her way through the shadows and unmask the killer... before the music stops for good?
- GenresCozy Mystery
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
37 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Griggs
22 books16 followersI write romance with a twist—whether it’s wrapped in fantasy, mystery, or suspense, there’s always a love story at the heart of my books.
I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, spinning wild tales about the characters who live rent-free in my mind or turning a routine trip to the grocery store into a grand saga. My knack for details sometimes drives my husband up the wall— but thankfully, he’s a good sport!
My journey began in fourth grade when I penned my first tragic romance—a dramatic, undying love story that left my teacher both impressed and slightly alarmed. That early passion for storytelling never faded, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my second son that I truly embraced it. Now, I’m still writing romance novels—crafting worlds brimming with love, danger, a touch of magic, and the occasional whodunit.
I’ve been married to my real-life hero for over 25 years, raising two wild and wonderful sons alongside two dogs and a bunny with enough attitude for them all. When I’m not writing, you can find me singing and songwriting with my husband, binge-watching stories on the big screen, or devouring every romance novel I can get my hands on. I live in North GA where I fuel my stories with Diet Coke, heartfelt songwriting sessions, and an alarming number of plot twists.
I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember, spinning wild tales about the characters who live rent-free in my mind or turning a routine trip to the grocery store into a grand saga. My knack for details sometimes drives my husband up the wall— but thankfully, he’s a good sport!
My journey began in fourth grade when I penned my first tragic romance—a dramatic, undying love story that left my teacher both impressed and slightly alarmed. That early passion for storytelling never faded, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my second son that I truly embraced it. Now, I’m still writing romance novels—crafting worlds brimming with love, danger, a touch of magic, and the occasional whodunit.
I’ve been married to my real-life hero for over 25 years, raising two wild and wonderful sons alongside two dogs and a bunny with enough attitude for them all. When I’m not writing, you can find me singing and songwriting with my husband, binge-watching stories on the big screen, or devouring every romance novel I can get my hands on. I live in North GA where I fuel my stories with Diet Coke, heartfelt songwriting sessions, and an alarming number of plot twists.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 8, 2024
Dancing with Danger is a great addition to the Aloha Lagoon Mysteries series, set in Hawaii. We meet a new character in Ruby Bell, a southern girl from north Georgia, who moved to Aloha Lagoon, hoping to get on a hula dancers' team, having studied dance, including hula, in college. But most teams want a Polynesian by birth, so she came up with a fitness program incorporating hula, that she teaches at the resort. When one of her friends and class attendants is found dead in the studio, she is determined to find her killer, and there are many who had reason to kill Phoebe. Danger, mystery, local color, new friendships, including a possible romantic interest, make this a fun read.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
June 24, 2024
An exciting book, I just had to finish it in one go! Ruby Bell teaches hula dancing at the Aloha Lagoon Resort. She’s become friendly with one of her students, but them that girl, Phoebe is found murdered. On meeting Autumn Season they become instant friends sitting in the hot tub! So they decide to help find out who murdered Phoebe! They discover a lot of other strange things as well & Ruby ends up in a dangerous place & thankfully gets saved by the police!!
August 13, 2024
One of my favorite make believe places to visit is Aloha Lagoon Resort in Hawaii. There are so many places to see and hang out at, plenty of delicious foods to eat and tasty adult beverages to consume, and a lot of new people to meet and hang out with .... just be careful you don't come across a dead body. And with twenty-three books in the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series, I am sure you will want to stay as well.
Dancing with Danger is the twenty-third book and it is written by Kimberly Griggs. This is her first book in the series and I can assure you it is only the beginning for her.
In Dancing with Danger we are introduced to Ruby Bell who moved to Hawaii from Georgia to follow her dream of being a hula dancer. Unfortunately that dream has not come true yet so she is doing the next best thing and has opened up Hula-Fit and is helping natives and vacationers exercise with hula moves.
Seeing as Ruby is new to the island herself she hasn't made a lot of friends but she does have Phoebe who is becoming a friend. The two will venture to the Rikki Tikki Smoothie Hut after class and talk. However on one of their visits getting smoothies, Phoebe is acting wierd but brushes off Ruby's concerns.
Unfortunately when Ruby goes to meet Phoebe at Hula-Fit later that evening, Ruby finds Phoebe strangled on the floor of the costume closet.
When Detective Ray announces that the fitness/dance center is closed until further notice, Ruby fears that she will be out of a job. So she decides to look into Phoebe's death and luckily another soon to be close friend, Autumn, agrees to help. The two bond instantly which Ruby realizes is something her and Phoebe didn't do. As they begin to look into Phoebe's life and early death, she learns that she didn't know Phoebe at all !!
Readers cannot help but fall in love with the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series. Each book is written by a different author and centers around a certain person and their career and life at or near the resort. They all have a common denominator of Detective Ray and the fact that he works on island time does not bode well with the characters which always puts them in the middle of all the chaos. No matter what book you pick up you will be a fan of this series immediately. You will want to visit as many times as you can and it doesn't matter who you are rooming with.
Check out the link to see everything you need to know about the books, the people and all the fun to be had !
https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.c...
Dancing with Danger is the twenty-third book and it is written by Kimberly Griggs. This is her first book in the series and I can assure you it is only the beginning for her.
In Dancing with Danger we are introduced to Ruby Bell who moved to Hawaii from Georgia to follow her dream of being a hula dancer. Unfortunately that dream has not come true yet so she is doing the next best thing and has opened up Hula-Fit and is helping natives and vacationers exercise with hula moves.
Seeing as Ruby is new to the island herself she hasn't made a lot of friends but she does have Phoebe who is becoming a friend. The two will venture to the Rikki Tikki Smoothie Hut after class and talk. However on one of their visits getting smoothies, Phoebe is acting wierd but brushes off Ruby's concerns.
Unfortunately when Ruby goes to meet Phoebe at Hula-Fit later that evening, Ruby finds Phoebe strangled on the floor of the costume closet.
When Detective Ray announces that the fitness/dance center is closed until further notice, Ruby fears that she will be out of a job. So she decides to look into Phoebe's death and luckily another soon to be close friend, Autumn, agrees to help. The two bond instantly which Ruby realizes is something her and Phoebe didn't do. As they begin to look into Phoebe's life and early death, she learns that she didn't know Phoebe at all !!
Readers cannot help but fall in love with the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series. Each book is written by a different author and centers around a certain person and their career and life at or near the resort. They all have a common denominator of Detective Ray and the fact that he works on island time does not bode well with the characters which always puts them in the middle of all the chaos. No matter what book you pick up you will be a fan of this series immediately. You will want to visit as many times as you can and it doesn't matter who you are rooming with.
Check out the link to see everything you need to know about the books, the people and all the fun to be had !
https://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.c...
June 17, 2024
I just love this series - different authors, different characters, all based around the Hawaiian resort of Aloha Lagoon! This book was especially good. I really like the new protagonist, Ruby Bell. She’s a sweet go-getter who loves adventure and has no qualms about going after what she wants. She left mid-America and traveled half way across the world so she could persue a career where she could use her talent and love of hula dancing. This book is well-written and easy to read. The storylines kept my attention. The book came to a satisfying ending, leaving me wanting to read more about Ruby, her new friends and her new life in Hawaii.
June 7, 2024
Wow, I can’t believe this is the 23rd book in the Aloha Lagoon series! Ruby is fairly new to Hawaii and Aloha Lagoon, and has been looking for a job with a Hula group. When there are no vacancies available she creates Hula Fit, a hula-inspired dance fitness class. Juls Kekoa,the activity director, hires her to teach it, along with a variety of other fitness classes, and Phoebe had been her first regular attendee and they would walk to the Rikki Tikki Smoothie hut after class. When Ruby discovers Phoebe dead in the costume closet and the police solving it are on “Hawaiian time”, she decides to try and solve it herself! This is a fun and captivating book which I’ve enjoyed from start to finish! I received an ARC of this book and write this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2024
A death in a paradise.
Ruby Bell is a transplanted Easterner living in Hawaii and teaching dance at Aloha Lagoon Resort. When a friend is murdered in her dance studio and she is forced out of work temporarily because of it she decides to "help" the police in their investigation so as to get her job back. Along the way she meets several new friends and manages to get into some dangerous predicaments. A well done story that is part of a larger series but it is not neccessary to have read other books to really enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
Ruby Bell is a transplanted Easterner living in Hawaii and teaching dance at Aloha Lagoon Resort. When a friend is murdered in her dance studio and she is forced out of work temporarily because of it she decides to "help" the police in their investigation so as to get her job back. Along the way she meets several new friends and manages to get into some dangerous predicaments. A well done story that is part of a larger series but it is not neccessary to have read other books to really enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
August 13, 2024
Aloha Lagoon but not as we know it…well it is but there’s a new southern belle in town by the name of Ruby. She dreams of being a hula dancer and she makes a good fit …well a hula-fit , yup it’s her thing and it’s hip among those that want to keep fit in Aloha Lagoon resort Spa . There you are , follow your dreams and good things happen… Ruby Bell has it all happening , tourists and locals alike , like what’s she’s brung to the place. Then things turned swiftly from delight to just deadly as she discovers her new friend Phoebe strangled …by a coconut bra!? Of course the scene of the crime is Ruby’s dance studio . Oh no! She must get something done in a hurry with her studio and her reputation going down the pan . But the local police are running on island time so who can bring the killer to task . Ruby can but try because she’s not going to lose her studio oh no. She is on,the island now and she’s here to stay. With a whole host of suspects and clues to follow. She came to Hula but can Ruby avert the dance of death while bringing justice for her friend of whose death she’s bereft. It may have been an hula dancer’s team that had been her dream but she came she conquered a niche in the market and made fitness and hula work it for her hips and no hardships were coming her way , no way ! She has carved out a good life and made firm friends , a little romantic interest , where will it ever end? Brilliant , immersive , fun and a beach read , what else do you need? Really it’s a no brainer as Kimberly Griggs brings you murder most foul but with an island twist. Get the gist? These islanders are so relaxed and slow but Ruby sure showed em where to go. Go sleuth ! Awesome storytelling, great writing style and the characters are just canny. I’m looking forward to the next story already. I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words.
July 2, 2024
Thoughts: This cozy mystery is set in a Kauai resort that is sort of like the usual small-town setting, but much more exotic. From the hulas to the luau to the flowers and ocean… The descriptions alone are worth the read. And the smattering of Hawaiian words helps with the setting. But the characters… Ruby Bell is perfectly quirky. Even though she’s a fitness instructor and very much into aerobics and weightlifting, she loves her smoothies (no green stuff please), diet cokes, and junk food. Give her a cheeseburger and fries and she’s in Heaven. And the “Golden Girls” were a hoot! Especially Mae.
The mystery is a good one, even though I kind of knew who the perp was from early on. But there are plenty of suspects for who killed Ruby’s friend Phoebe. I found it interesting that Ruby’s other friend Autumn was the one who kind of pushed her into sleuthing, but then left Ruby alone most of the time to do the hunting for clues on her own. But she did come to the rescue when needed.
Overall, a fun read in an exotic location.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The mystery is a good one, even though I kind of knew who the perp was from early on. But there are plenty of suspects for who killed Ruby’s friend Phoebe. I found it interesting that Ruby’s other friend Autumn was the one who kind of pushed her into sleuthing, but then left Ruby alone most of the time to do the hunting for clues on her own. But she did come to the rescue when needed.
Overall, a fun read in an exotic location.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
August 3, 2024
Dancing with Danger by Kimberly Griggs is a delightful addition to the extensive Aloha Lagoon series, set against the picturesque backdrop of Hawaii. In this mystery, Ruby Bell, a hula dancer, discovers that snooping can be dangerous after a friend is found murdered. Ruby’s quest to uncover the truth leads her through a maze of suspects and island secrets.
The mystery evolved from a simple murder into something much more complex, keeping me engrossed until the end. Additionally, I loved discovering more about Hawaii and its rich culture.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery evolved from a simple murder into something much more complex, keeping me engrossed until the end. Additionally, I loved discovering more about Hawaii and its rich culture.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 15, 2024
Ruby, a newly transplanted dancer from the Midwest, can't seem to achieve her dream of becoming a hula dancer but is soon offered a job as a hula fitness class instructor. She quickly makes friends with one of her regular students, Phoebe, but soon after discovers her lifeless body in the costume closet of her classroom. Urged on by her other new friend, Autumn, she decides to sleuth out the truth since the local police are dragging their feet. Just like a hula danc, this story has plenty of changes of direction to keep the reader engaged. I look forward to the next installment of the Aloha Lagoon series.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
August 6, 2024
What a great read... Though it is part of a series, I actually didn't know that as I was reading it.. All the characters in this book were introduced as they were needed and the book works well on its own.
It is a mystery and as such, there is a murder that has to be solved. As is typical, there are 'civilians' that get involved to solve the mystery and find themselves in danger. This book falls into the hard to put down category and makes me want to read other books in the series. Strongly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
It is a mystery and as such, there is a murder that has to be solved. As is typical, there are 'civilians' that get involved to solve the mystery and find themselves in danger. This book falls into the hard to put down category and makes me want to read other books in the series. Strongly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 21, 2024
Ruby has her heart set on being a hula dancer, but those jobs are hard to find. Seeking employment at Aloha Lagoon, she created a class called Hula Fit, a mixture of hula and exercise which proves to be very popular. She is just beginning to make friends and feel comfortable in her job. Then she finds her new friend Phoebe dead in her studio, strangled by a coconut bra. There is no shortage of suspects and many of them are very quirky characters. They really made me laugh and I enjoyed the mystery.
June 21, 2024
Hula exercise classes. Hmm, cool idea!
Smoothie restaurant. Definitely sounds great!
New Friends! Hawaii! Perfect!
Murder??? Uh-oh, not cool at all.
Another exciting adventure at the Aloha Lagoon resort that is filled with interesting characters, Detective Ray, creepy characters, and murder. In between all of there are new friendships amid hope a brighter future at Aloha Lagoon! Don't miss this exciting book!
Smoothie restaurant. Definitely sounds great!
New Friends! Hawaii! Perfect!
Murder??? Uh-oh, not cool at all.
Another exciting adventure at the Aloha Lagoon resort that is filled with interesting characters, Detective Ray, creepy characters, and murder. In between all of there are new friendships amid hope a brighter future at Aloha Lagoon! Don't miss this exciting book!
August 22, 2024
Ruby Bell moved to Hawaii to pursue her dream of being on a Hula Dance Team. When she realizes that the teams only use native dancers she creates Hula Fit and scores a job as a fitness instructor at Aloha Lagoon. While going into her studio she finds the door open and finds a friend Phoebe dead. Ruby gets involved in solving the case as she is the one to find her. Lots of drama and mysterious meetings get Ruby in dangerous situations. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
July 19, 2024
A woman is killed at the resort. Autumn talks Ruby into investigating the case much against the police order. Thisnis a good mystery. Just when you think you figured it out there is that twist you didn't see coming. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
August 12, 2024
Captivating and entertaining cozy mystery. A hint of romance. Murder, stalker, and other illegal activities keep one guessing. The adorable protagonist is searching for answers and gets herself into some difficult and harrowing situations. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
August 14, 2024
Dancing with Danger is an interesting cozy mystery with a surprising twist. Ruby decides to “help” the police solve her friend’s homicide so she can return to work. As Ruby learns more about Phoebe’s life and character, she uncovers a wealth of suspects with possible motives for murder. Set in beautiful Aloha Lagoon, this well plotted mystery kept me guessing and engaged until the end.
August 24, 2024
Ruby just wanted to teach Hula fit in Hawaii and make a happy new life for herself. She had no intention of finding a dead body and then trying to figure out who dunnit. There is a few twists that were a surprise. This is an easy good read. Lots of interesting characters and beautiful scenery. Looking forward tomore from Ms Griggs
September 2, 2024
New characters in the series super mystery
Fun book in this series , lots of red herrings lots of who could have don't , who is bad guy. Lot of new fun characters , the golden girls Lulu Mae Roxy etc along with regulars Dect Ray .Juls summer ..... But really good mystery plot and twist ending great!
Fun book in this series , lots of red herrings lots of who could have don't , who is bad guy. Lot of new fun characters , the golden girls Lulu Mae Roxy etc along with regulars Dect Ray .Juls summer ..... But really good mystery plot and twist ending great!
July 17, 2024
Words cannot begin to describe how incredibly good this book was. I was moved to tears more than once. I absolutely loved it. I think it might be my favorite in the series so far.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
August 12, 2024
Really Good!!
I enjoyed this story. Ruby is a great character. I like her unique job at the resort. This series is original and well written by various authors each set in the same world. I look forward to each new release.
I enjoyed this story. Ruby is a great character. I like her unique job at the resort. This series is original and well written by various authors each set in the same world. I look forward to each new release.
August 20, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is a really fun read, with lots of twists and turns. The characters are a quirky interesting complex of people.
I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
August 13, 2024
a really fun read! lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, quirky interesting complex characters! A real page turner and a must read!
February 26, 2026
Great story
This book was about Hawaii, hula dancing murders and also friends. If you want a fun adventure this is the book for you.
This book was about Hawaii, hula dancing murders and also friends. If you want a fun adventure this is the book for you.
August 17, 2024
Ruby Bell is newbie to Aloha Lagoon in hopes of becoming one of the resort's hula dancers. Being a non-wahine (born and raised in Tennessee), her chances are pretty slim for a slot in the already-full dance team. Owning a college degree in dancing and fitness, Ruby starts her own business Hula-Fit by offering a variety of dance instruction.
A new friend (who is actually more of an acquaintance), and fellow dance studio participant, Phoebe Gates asks a favor from Ruby. She would like to wear traditional Hawaiian attire to attend a luau that evening with her date. Ruby obliges and offers Phoebe to stop by the dance studio to borrow a grass hula skirt. When Ruby arrives at her dance studio at the pre-arranged meeting time, she finds Phoebe strangled with a coconut bra.
Ruby feels it's her duty to find Phoebe's killer, not only to save her place of business but also to honor her new friend. This ultimately places herself in the killer's path as she dances with danger.
I admire how the author has taken a character she's created from a previous Aloha Lagoon book and has Ruby befriending her. I hope to see more entries in the Aloha Lagoon series by this author who has seamlessly integrated a new character, blending the resort, scenery and other characters into this story.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
A new friend (who is actually more of an acquaintance), and fellow dance studio participant, Phoebe Gates asks a favor from Ruby. She would like to wear traditional Hawaiian attire to attend a luau that evening with her date. Ruby obliges and offers Phoebe to stop by the dance studio to borrow a grass hula skirt. When Ruby arrives at her dance studio at the pre-arranged meeting time, she finds Phoebe strangled with a coconut bra.
Ruby feels it's her duty to find Phoebe's killer, not only to save her place of business but also to honor her new friend. This ultimately places herself in the killer's path as she dances with danger.
I admire how the author has taken a character she's created from a previous Aloha Lagoon book and has Ruby befriending her. I hope to see more entries in the Aloha Lagoon series by this author who has seamlessly integrated a new character, blending the resort, scenery and other characters into this story.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews