Hawaiian Hearts

by Kaitel Burch

At thirty-one, Reese Phillips has moving down to an art form. As a travel nurse and lifelong military brat, she’s spent her life starting over—new cities, new jobs, new people. It’s easier that no roots, no heartbreak. But when her latest assignment leaves her restless for something real, a position in Hawaii feels like the perfect reset button—sun, sand, and a chance to finally catch her breath.

Kelly Iona, Oahu’s favorite veterinarian, has his hands full with injured strays, nosy neighbors, and a family determined to find him the one. After one disastrous blind date too many, he panics—and invents a girlfriend to get them off his back.

Cue the misunderstanding of the everyone thinks Reese is that girlfriend.

What starts as a harmless cover story soon becomes a mutually beneficial arrangement—until stolen glances and late-night beach walks blur the lines. As Reese’s departure date looms and Kelly’s secret unravels, she has to keep running, or take a chance on the one person—and the one place—that finally feels like home.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Kaitel Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I can't wait untill you all get to meet Reese and Kelly. Publishing this novel has been a dream come true. Happy reading!

[Anna Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the complete definition of a Rom-Com. From the first chapter I was cackling and laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I had the pleasure of visiting Oahu in February of 2025, and this book made me so nostalgic and reminiscent on my time there. The culture, the people, the food, the environment-Kaitel really makes you feel like you’re transported there.
I absolutely adored Reese and the journey she went on to discover herself. I’m a sucker for found family, and the chaos that is Iona family. Such a fun read, and an absolute pleasure getting to know Kaitel!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly and Reese—one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read to date. Katiel Burch’s debut novel is overflowing with love and emotion, not just between the two main characters, but throughout the supporting cast as well.

Reese is a traveling nurse who has never truly felt at home. Raised in a military, split family, she struggles to put down roots and to trust others after the trauma of her parents’ separation in childhood. Her restlessness feels deeply earned and heartbreakingly real.

Kelly is a successful veterinarian, content with his single life—at least on the surface. While his family is eager for him to settle down, Kelly has spent much of his life grappling with his identity after learning he was adopted. Now in his thirties, he knows he wants to build a life with someone… it just has to be the right person.

Beyond the beautiful romance, Katiel also gives us some unexpectedly excellent life advice:
1. Always travel with a spare set of clothes.
2. If you get stung by a jellyfish—do not pee on it.

I truly hope Katiel has more books coming, because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO BETH. And after reading this, I’m also desperate to go to Hawaii and experience some of what Reese did—Katiel makes it sound like the most incredible adventure.

[Lisa Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t have seasonal depression but if I did, this book would have cured it.

Hawaiian Hearts was a fantastic debut romance novel. It follows the story of Reese, a travel nurse who doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere and Kelly, a veterinarian who has been set up on too many blind dates to keep count. It has one of my favorite tropes: fake dating. There’s just something so great about watching two people deny their true feelings for each other. And there were so many funny moments I was actually laughing out loud. The jellyfish. The condoms 😂😂

This book is set in Hawaii and the author gives the most vivid descriptions of the location that allowed me to feel like I was in the story myself. It definitely skyrocketed Hawaii to the top of my bucket list.

I personally love a happy ending and I feel like the author left the door open to have a second book that follows one of the side characters.

I definitely recommend adding this book to your TBR 🌺🌴

4.25 ⭐️

[Myla Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. And let me tell you, I could NOT put this book down. It actually felt like I was watching a rom-com. The characters were incredible, the writing was phenomenal. Kaitel Burch really knows how to write bold characters and make you fall in love with them.

The combination of fake dating and slow burn was PERFECT. And the chemistry between Kelly and Reese was beautiful.

I’ve never been to Hawaii but reading this book made me feel like I was actually there.

I will be picking up her other books when she writes them.

[Reader]

This book was impossible to put down! Reese, a travel nurse, and Kelly, a handsome Hawaiian, had incredible chemistry. I loved the fake relationship trope combined with a slow-burn romance, it made every moment feel earned. The dual POV added so much depth and really let me connect with both characters. Hawaiian Hearts touched on every emotion, and the spice level was the perfect amount 🔥 A heartfelt, satisfying read from start to finish.

[La · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the book is dedicated Mom and for Mom to skip some chapters-well you just have to read the book! 😂 I was not disappointed, I couldn’t put the book down! Thank you Kaitel Burch for the ARC! This has been my favorite one.❤️

[Liv Hendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a cute book! i got to read an ARC and really enjoyed it!