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Hawaiian Hearts
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.
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.
321 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2026
10 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
January 25, 2026
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!
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!
March 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25 stars)
I absolutely loved this one.
Hawaiian Hearts is such a beautifully written debut that completely pulls you in with its characters, heart, and emotional depth. This is a strangers-to-lovers story, but it’s so much more than just the romance.
What really stood out to me was the character development. Every character felt real, relatable, and layered in a way that made their journey feel authentic. The found family aspect added so much warmth to the story, and it created this comforting, almost “home away from home” feeling that I didn’t want to leave.
There’s a perfect balance of humor and heavier themes throughout the book. It had me laughing in one moment and tearing up in the next, and I loved how naturally those emotional shifts were woven into the story.
The romance itself is sweet with a mild level of spice, but the emotional connection is really what makes it shine. Watching these characters find their way to each other felt genuine and earned.
This is the perfect read to kick off those book girl summer vibes—sun, heart, and a story that sticks with you.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly well done. I’ll absolutely be reading anything this author writes next—she’s officially an auto-buy for me.
And I’m so glad I grabbed a physical copy too, because this is definitely one I’ll be keeping on my shelf.
I absolutely loved this one.
Hawaiian Hearts is such a beautifully written debut that completely pulls you in with its characters, heart, and emotional depth. This is a strangers-to-lovers story, but it’s so much more than just the romance.
What really stood out to me was the character development. Every character felt real, relatable, and layered in a way that made their journey feel authentic. The found family aspect added so much warmth to the story, and it created this comforting, almost “home away from home” feeling that I didn’t want to leave.
There’s a perfect balance of humor and heavier themes throughout the book. It had me laughing in one moment and tearing up in the next, and I loved how naturally those emotional shifts were woven into the story.
The romance itself is sweet with a mild level of spice, but the emotional connection is really what makes it shine. Watching these characters find their way to each other felt genuine and earned.
This is the perfect read to kick off those book girl summer vibes—sun, heart, and a story that sticks with you.
For a debut novel, this was incredibly well done. I’ll absolutely be reading anything this author writes next—she’s officially an auto-buy for me.
And I’m so glad I grabbed a physical copy too, because this is definitely one I’ll be keeping on my shelf.
March 18, 2026
Advanced Readers Copy Review
Absolutely loved this one!! The perfect summer read for when you want to read an easy and fun romance story💗🌴🌊🩺
- fake dating
- 2/🌶️
- veterinarian and travel nurse
-Rom-Com
At first I thought it would be just another romance, but I was hooked from the first chapter. When I started reading I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t stop giggling. I had so much fun while reading it🫶🏼🫶🏼
The whole family of Kelly was just amazing to read about and I loved how supportive and loving everyone was!
But the book also talked about some serious topics, like adoption, divorced parents and how life is as a child from a military family who always moved. This makes the story even better!!
Highly recommend!!!
Thank you for the ARC Kaitel!!
Absolutely loved this one!! The perfect summer read for when you want to read an easy and fun romance story💗🌴🌊🩺
- fake dating
- 2/🌶️
- veterinarian and travel nurse
-Rom-Com
At first I thought it would be just another romance, but I was hooked from the first chapter. When I started reading I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t stop giggling. I had so much fun while reading it🫶🏼🫶🏼
The whole family of Kelly was just amazing to read about and I loved how supportive and loving everyone was!
But the book also talked about some serious topics, like adoption, divorced parents and how life is as a child from a military family who always moved. This makes the story even better!!
Highly recommend!!!
Thank you for the ARC Kaitel!!
February 16, 2026
If you’re looking for a rom com that pulls on the emotions as well this is the book. A romance book that gives you the warm fuzzy feelings with the perfect setting hello Hawaii. It was everything I didn’t know I needed.
Kelly a local veterinarian who is in need of a fake girlfriend to get his family off his back finds Reese a travel nurse who doesn’t want any attachments. This fake dating plot felt so natural. It was so enjoyable to see their fake relationship unfold to a friendship and then a real relationship. I loved that Kelly and Reese shared their love of 90s/2000s sitcoms and movies.
Kelly’s family was everything! Grandma tutu should be protected at all costs! Reese wasn’t looking for a home, a family, a best friend but she definitely found all that.
“Kelly had been right all along. I belonged here, too. I found a place and a family that I couldn’t bear to walk away from. I was home.”
Hawaiian Hearts was a book that I devoured and I enjoyed every second of it. 🌺🌺
Thank you to Kaitel for the arc!
Kelly a local veterinarian who is in need of a fake girlfriend to get his family off his back finds Reese a travel nurse who doesn’t want any attachments. This fake dating plot felt so natural. It was so enjoyable to see their fake relationship unfold to a friendship and then a real relationship. I loved that Kelly and Reese shared their love of 90s/2000s sitcoms and movies.
Kelly’s family was everything! Grandma tutu should be protected at all costs! Reese wasn’t looking for a home, a family, a best friend but she definitely found all that.
“Kelly had been right all along. I belonged here, too. I found a place and a family that I couldn’t bear to walk away from. I was home.”
Hawaiian Hearts was a book that I devoured and I enjoyed every second of it. 🌺🌺
Thank you to Kaitel for the arc!
January 30, 2026
“I had fallen for her the way night slips into morning-slowly, almost unknowingly, until suddenly I was flooded with light. And once I had seen the light, there was no returning to the dark.”
That had me hooked on this ARC and made me love the MMC more 😍 There were a couple small bits with the FMC that felt, at times, a little over emphasized but if you’re looking for an easy-to-read Rom-Com, this is it! This book had me reminiscing about my own Hawaiian adventures and looking up flights to head back to such a wonderfully dreamy place. It’s a slow burn, it’s witty, a bit spicy 🌶️, and well-balanced with everything I look for in a romance book. Don’t miss your chance to get this one 🩷
That had me hooked on this ARC and made me love the MMC more 😍 There were a couple small bits with the FMC that felt, at times, a little over emphasized but if you’re looking for an easy-to-read Rom-Com, this is it! This book had me reminiscing about my own Hawaiian adventures and looking up flights to head back to such a wonderfully dreamy place. It’s a slow burn, it’s witty, a bit spicy 🌶️, and well-balanced with everything I look for in a romance book. Don’t miss your chance to get this one 🩷
February 1, 2026
This was such a fun read! This story follows the journey of Reese and Kelly who each have something to overcome. As someone who is 31, I appreciate reading a story about characters my age! I felt like I could relate to both characters; dealing with change, struggling to know who you are, and if it’s too late for the things you want in life. I love the humor, the banter, and the family love. Kelly will melt your heart! I also love Reese and how vulnerable she is. Overall, a wonderful story!
February 12, 2026
I am so honored to have recieved the online version of this book as an ARC! I really enjoyed reading Reese and Kelly’s story, and I loved the setting. The aspects of Hawaiian culture and the development of the characters as well as the fun family scene brought me so much joy! Such a fun read!!!
March 6, 2026
This book was super cute. It definitely read as a rom com which was nice for me after reading so many high fantasy books.
I loved the MMC Kelly. Sometimes it’s really hard to write a golden retriever MMC without making them too over the top or unrealistic. However, Kelly was the perfect MMC - he cared for Reese the entire time but it wasn’t showy or dramatic. his own personal journey of feeling like he didn’t belong but still showing up for everyone was so well done. His patience with Reese and how he loved her was 🥰.
Reese was also a realistic character, which I also appreciated. While she was guarded with serious trust issues, she wasn’t mean or snarky, and did give off negative vibes. Her character was relatable in the way of being unable to build relationships with people due to moving around a lot as a child and then as an adult.
Faking dating is one of my favorite tropes. This was done so well. They truly became best friends first and then fell in love. While they both obviously were attracted to each other - they built their relationship slowly - starting with the foundation of friendship to something more. I also loved how they both struggled with the feeling of not belonging - while figuring out they belonged together.
I also really loved Kelly’s family dynamics - especially with the siblings. The eyebrows 😂😂.
Highly recommend for those who like:
Fake dating
Friends to lovers
Found family
Rom Com vibes
Golden Retriever MMV
Low drama
I loved the MMC Kelly. Sometimes it’s really hard to write a golden retriever MMC without making them too over the top or unrealistic. However, Kelly was the perfect MMC - he cared for Reese the entire time but it wasn’t showy or dramatic. his own personal journey of feeling like he didn’t belong but still showing up for everyone was so well done. His patience with Reese and how he loved her was 🥰.
Reese was also a realistic character, which I also appreciated. While she was guarded with serious trust issues, she wasn’t mean or snarky, and did give off negative vibes. Her character was relatable in the way of being unable to build relationships with people due to moving around a lot as a child and then as an adult.
Faking dating is one of my favorite tropes. This was done so well. They truly became best friends first and then fell in love. While they both obviously were attracted to each other - they built their relationship slowly - starting with the foundation of friendship to something more. I also loved how they both struggled with the feeling of not belonging - while figuring out they belonged together.
I also really loved Kelly’s family dynamics - especially with the siblings. The eyebrows 😂😂.
Highly recommend for those who like:
Fake dating
Friends to lovers
Found family
Rom Com vibes
Golden Retriever MMV
Low drama
February 1, 2026
Hawaiian Hearts completely stole my heart.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and left me with that warm, emotional ache only a really good romance can give. The fake dating trope between Reese and Kelly was done so well—it felt natural, believable, and emotionally grounded from start to finish.
Reese, a nurse, and Kelly, a vet, were both such well-written, genuine characters. Their professions, personalities, and emotional baggage all made sense, which made their connection feel real instead of forced. Watching their relationship grow was tender, messy, and incredibly satisfying.
What really stood out to me was how emotional this story was without being over-the-top. I truly fell in love not just with Reese and Kelly, but with all of the characters—they felt like people I didn’t want to leave behind.
If you love fake dating, heartfelt romance, and stories that make you feel everything, Hawaiian Hearts is absolutely worth the read. 🌴💕
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and left me with that warm, emotional ache only a really good romance can give. The fake dating trope between Reese and Kelly was done so well—it felt natural, believable, and emotionally grounded from start to finish.
Reese, a nurse, and Kelly, a vet, were both such well-written, genuine characters. Their professions, personalities, and emotional baggage all made sense, which made their connection feel real instead of forced. Watching their relationship grow was tender, messy, and incredibly satisfying.
What really stood out to me was how emotional this story was without being over-the-top. I truly fell in love not just with Reese and Kelly, but with all of the characters—they felt like people I didn’t want to leave behind.
If you love fake dating, heartfelt romance, and stories that make you feel everything, Hawaiian Hearts is absolutely worth the read. 🌴💕
March 21, 2026
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review. I LOVED this book! I laughed, I cried, I felt like i was part of the family in the book. Really enjoyed all of the details, descriptions, it felt real while reading it.
I do not often experience so much emotion with a book, I really related to this book, in multiple ways. Appreciated how it talked about finding help/therapy when we need it, along with anxiety, fear, and other strong emotions, the love family/friends etc can offer if we decide to accept it, and how we can forgive and heal.
Thank you Kaitel Burch for such a fun and wild ride. I really enjoyed it!!
I do not often experience so much emotion with a book, I really related to this book, in multiple ways. Appreciated how it talked about finding help/therapy when we need it, along with anxiety, fear, and other strong emotions, the love family/friends etc can offer if we decide to accept it, and how we can forgive and heal.
Thank you Kaitel Burch for such a fun and wild ride. I really enjoyed it!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Kaitel for sending me an ARC for Hawaiian Hearts!
This is a very promising debut novel and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Grab this book if these tropes are your vibes:
🌊 Fake Dating
🌸 Friends to Lovers
🌊 Travel Nurse FMC x Veterinarian MMC (Dog dad)
🌸 Found Family
Blurb recap:
Reese is a travel nurse who starts her life over and over again by moving to new cities, new jobs and new people. No attachments. No staying too long in the same place. That should save her from heartbreak, right?
It all changes when she arrives in Hawaii for her new job and meets Kelly, Oahu’s favorite veterinarian. His family determined to find him “the one”. Tired of them meddling in his life, he comes up with a fake girlfriend, Reese, who he just met.
When Reese agrees to fake date him to get his family off his back, she asks for something in return - Kelly will take her around the island and show her everything a local knows.
Spending time together was part of the plan, but developing feelings was not in the cards for Reese. Now with her departure date coming up, she has to make a decision. Keep running to the next destination, or take a chance on the one person (and the one place) that finally feels like home?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My thoughts:
Having never felt so much for someone before, Reese & Kelly didn’t know how to do any of “this”, as in falling in love, but they figured it out. Together.
Overall, such a fun read. Specially when I get to “meet” a place I’ve never been to. Taking place in Hawaii, Oahu, I had a great time getting to know more about the characters, the culture, local food, language, etc. All those things when mentioned led me to Google them to help picture what I was reading. Kaitel transports us to Hawaii and takes us on a fun journey alongside Reese & Kelly.
This book had such romcom vibes. At some point I could picture it in a similar way to “Just Go With It”, since they both take place in Hawaii and have a fake dating/marriage trope. The humor gave me the same vibes, of seeing/reading funny or disastrous moments (2 specially that happened with Reese). I adore the found family trope, and the Iona family delivered that with humor. Between so many chaotic and funny scenes with bickering siblings, they also showed love and kindess to their family members and that extended to Reese. “You are Ohana to our Reese, so you are Ohana to me now.”
The angst level was low to me, and I appreciated that to keep the story with an upbeat tone. The sad moments/topics were resolved/talked about.
I’m not in my 30s yet, like the characters, and I still felt like I could relate to them and their struggles in life. Means we’re all just going through the same things, at different times. They were doing their best to deal with changes, as Reese has been moving places for so long, and now having the chance to stay somewhere, and choose someone, it’s scary. To understand what she wants to do moving forward, as well as for Kelly. It also let me with the reminder of trying not to be too hard on ourselves for “being too late”. They found each other at the best time to fall in love and create a strong, genuine and mature bond.
Lastly to be super honest, it took me some time to get into the book when I first started it. I remember being cringed out/irritated by a character that bluntly flirts and harasses Kelly, alongside some small details. But then… when I came back to the book four days later with a fresh mind, I got the hang of the book and finally finished it now in one sitting. And I had fun! It was a light and cool way to end my day with this story. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC :)
This is a very promising debut novel and I’m looking forward to the next book!
Grab this book if these tropes are your vibes:
🌊 Fake Dating
🌸 Friends to Lovers
🌊 Travel Nurse FMC x Veterinarian MMC (Dog dad)
🌸 Found Family
Blurb recap:
Reese is a travel nurse who starts her life over and over again by moving to new cities, new jobs and new people. No attachments. No staying too long in the same place. That should save her from heartbreak, right?
It all changes when she arrives in Hawaii for her new job and meets Kelly, Oahu’s favorite veterinarian. His family determined to find him “the one”. Tired of them meddling in his life, he comes up with a fake girlfriend, Reese, who he just met.
When Reese agrees to fake date him to get his family off his back, she asks for something in return - Kelly will take her around the island and show her everything a local knows.
Spending time together was part of the plan, but developing feelings was not in the cards for Reese. Now with her departure date coming up, she has to make a decision. Keep running to the next destination, or take a chance on the one person (and the one place) that finally feels like home?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My thoughts:
Having never felt so much for someone before, Reese & Kelly didn’t know how to do any of “this”, as in falling in love, but they figured it out. Together.
Overall, such a fun read. Specially when I get to “meet” a place I’ve never been to. Taking place in Hawaii, Oahu, I had a great time getting to know more about the characters, the culture, local food, language, etc. All those things when mentioned led me to Google them to help picture what I was reading. Kaitel transports us to Hawaii and takes us on a fun journey alongside Reese & Kelly.
This book had such romcom vibes. At some point I could picture it in a similar way to “Just Go With It”, since they both take place in Hawaii and have a fake dating/marriage trope. The humor gave me the same vibes, of seeing/reading funny or disastrous moments (2 specially that happened with Reese). I adore the found family trope, and the Iona family delivered that with humor. Between so many chaotic and funny scenes with bickering siblings, they also showed love and kindess to their family members and that extended to Reese. “You are Ohana to our Reese, so you are Ohana to me now.”
The angst level was low to me, and I appreciated that to keep the story with an upbeat tone. The sad moments/topics were resolved/talked about.
I’m not in my 30s yet, like the characters, and I still felt like I could relate to them and their struggles in life. Means we’re all just going through the same things, at different times. They were doing their best to deal with changes, as Reese has been moving places for so long, and now having the chance to stay somewhere, and choose someone, it’s scary. To understand what she wants to do moving forward, as well as for Kelly. It also let me with the reminder of trying not to be too hard on ourselves for “being too late”. They found each other at the best time to fall in love and create a strong, genuine and mature bond.
Lastly to be super honest, it took me some time to get into the book when I first started it. I remember being cringed out/irritated by a character that bluntly flirts and harasses Kelly, alongside some small details. But then… when I came back to the book four days later with a fresh mind, I got the hang of the book and finally finished it now in one sitting. And I had fun! It was a light and cool way to end my day with this story. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8 out of 10
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦
🩺✈️ Vet x Travel Nurse
💞 Romantic Comedy
💑 Fake Dating
💚 Cinnamon Roll MMC (seriously all the green flags)
🧪 Intense Chemistry
⚡ Instalove
🏡 Family
🌴 Vacation Vibes
🌊 Hawaiian Culture
🌱 Character Growth
🐶 Cute Puppies
Oh my God yes. I was really hoping this would be a good one and it did not disappoint! Such a feel good story that made me feel like I was on vacation in Hawaii ☀️ I loved everything about Kelly and Reese’s relationship, how beyond their chemistry and attraction they found a way to become actual friends and cared for each other way beyond anything else. Towards the end it did get a little predictable and I felt like Reese was stretching a bit on some of the justifications for her actions, but it didn’t matter I had such a good time with this one.
“As a travel nurse and lifelong military brat, Reese Phillips has spent her life starting over—new cities, new jobs, new people. 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.”
“Hawaiian Hearts” is a standalone romance book by Kaitel Burch and is her debut novel! It comes out March 24. Thank you so much @kaitelwrites for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated MA for Spice 🌶️🌶️
8 out of 10
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦
🩺✈️ Vet x Travel Nurse
💞 Romantic Comedy
💑 Fake Dating
💚 Cinnamon Roll MMC (seriously all the green flags)
🧪 Intense Chemistry
⚡ Instalove
🏡 Family
🌴 Vacation Vibes
🌊 Hawaiian Culture
🌱 Character Growth
🐶 Cute Puppies
Oh my God yes. I was really hoping this would be a good one and it did not disappoint! Such a feel good story that made me feel like I was on vacation in Hawaii ☀️ I loved everything about Kelly and Reese’s relationship, how beyond their chemistry and attraction they found a way to become actual friends and cared for each other way beyond anything else. Towards the end it did get a little predictable and I felt like Reese was stretching a bit on some of the justifications for her actions, but it didn’t matter I had such a good time with this one.
“As a travel nurse and lifelong military brat, Reese Phillips has spent her life starting over—new cities, new jobs, new people. 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.”
“Hawaiian Hearts” is a standalone romance book by Kaitel Burch and is her debut novel! It comes out March 24. Thank you so much @kaitelwrites for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨
Rated MA for Spice 🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hawaiian Hearts was the romance story I was looking for this year!
This book made me feel the feels. As I read the book, I found myself laughing, crying, and having a heartful connection to main charatcers, Reese and Kelly. Not only did it get very interesting with the fake dating deal AND having Kelly’s family buy into their love. BUT, how Kaitel Burch beautilfully expressed all the events in the story with including the aloha spirit, honoring local family culture, and honestly (I’m a local from Oahu) highlighting some good local grinds/places.
The relationship between Reese and Kelly was so addicting to read. You could feel their connection, see how their personalities get along so well, and how their love for one another kept building. I truly enjoyed that I got to read and feel a genuine love story!
Honestly, its hard for me to choose one favorite part of the story. So I’ll name a couple moments instead 🙂 First, off I love the family dinner at Kelly’s. It truly highlighted local culture of having a big family, displaying love for all children (regardless of where they may have come from), and how fun parties can be. Second, I love how Kelly took Reese on different dates around the island of Oahu. They were honestly good recommendations if you ever visit! And last, I love the emotional connection and understanding between Kelly and Reese. The communication in this book was so spot on, I can only hope all relationships are just like this!
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it! Thank you Kaitel Burch for the ARC of Hawaiian Hearts. I loved it and can’t wait for it to be officially out!
This book made me feel the feels. As I read the book, I found myself laughing, crying, and having a heartful connection to main charatcers, Reese and Kelly. Not only did it get very interesting with the fake dating deal AND having Kelly’s family buy into their love. BUT, how Kaitel Burch beautilfully expressed all the events in the story with including the aloha spirit, honoring local family culture, and honestly (I’m a local from Oahu) highlighting some good local grinds/places.
The relationship between Reese and Kelly was so addicting to read. You could feel their connection, see how their personalities get along so well, and how their love for one another kept building. I truly enjoyed that I got to read and feel a genuine love story!
Honestly, its hard for me to choose one favorite part of the story. So I’ll name a couple moments instead 🙂 First, off I love the family dinner at Kelly’s. It truly highlighted local culture of having a big family, displaying love for all children (regardless of where they may have come from), and how fun parties can be. Second, I love how Kelly took Reese on different dates around the island of Oahu. They were honestly good recommendations if you ever visit! And last, I love the emotional connection and understanding between Kelly and Reese. The communication in this book was so spot on, I can only hope all relationships are just like this!
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it! Thank you Kaitel Burch for the ARC of Hawaiian Hearts. I loved it and can’t wait for it to be officially out!
March 30, 2026
🌟 ARC Review for Hawaiian Hearts by Kaitel Burch - OUT NOW! Available on Kindle Unlimited & paperback
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
I ATE this book up 😭 I finished it in two sittings, and only because I didn’t start it earlier on my flight home when I started lol.
The Synopsis:
Reese Phillips, a restless traveling nurse, moves to Oahu in search of purpose, only to meet Kelly Iona, a charming (and very single) local Veterinarian, in the most unexpected way. To avoid showing up alone to his Sunday family dinners, Kelly asks Reese to be his fake girlfriend... but what starts as pretend quickly turns into something real, sweet, and hard to forget!
My thoughts:
Hawaiian Hearts is such a quick, heartwarming, and genuinely funny romance. I loved watching Kelly & Reese's fake relationship turn into something real, and their chemistry had me laughing the whole time. As someone who was born/raised/lives on Oahu, I really appreciated how Kaitel incorporated the culture, language, and food thoughtfully. I was seriously so happy to see local culture highlighted and honored in such a meaningful and respectful way.
My favorite part of the story was Kelly's family; because family is such an important part of growing up in Hawaii, and again, I just loved seeing that represented to well.
If you're looking for something on the lighter side, cozy, and is feel-good, definitely add this to your list!
This one’s for you if you love:
👩❤️👨 Fake Dating
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🏠 Found Family
🥹 Patient MMC
👩⚕️ Nurse x Veterinarian
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
I ATE this book up 😭 I finished it in two sittings, and only because I didn’t start it earlier on my flight home when I started lol.
The Synopsis:
Reese Phillips, a restless traveling nurse, moves to Oahu in search of purpose, only to meet Kelly Iona, a charming (and very single) local Veterinarian, in the most unexpected way. To avoid showing up alone to his Sunday family dinners, Kelly asks Reese to be his fake girlfriend... but what starts as pretend quickly turns into something real, sweet, and hard to forget!
My thoughts:
Hawaiian Hearts is such a quick, heartwarming, and genuinely funny romance. I loved watching Kelly & Reese's fake relationship turn into something real, and their chemistry had me laughing the whole time. As someone who was born/raised/lives on Oahu, I really appreciated how Kaitel incorporated the culture, language, and food thoughtfully. I was seriously so happy to see local culture highlighted and honored in such a meaningful and respectful way.
My favorite part of the story was Kelly's family; because family is such an important part of growing up in Hawaii, and again, I just loved seeing that represented to well.
If you're looking for something on the lighter side, cozy, and is feel-good, definitely add this to your list!
This one’s for you if you love:
👩❤️👨 Fake Dating
❤️🔥 Slow Burn
🏠 Found Family
🥹 Patient MMC
👩⚕️ Nurse x Veterinarian
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, did I love Hawaiian Hearts!! This story completely captured me.
I connected so deeply with Reese. As a nurse myself, and as someone who has experienced past hurts that make love feel scary and uncertain, I truly understood her hesitation. I felt the push and pull she was wrestling with—the fear, the longing, the vulnerability. Her actions (and even her inactions) made so much sense to me, which made her journey feel incredibly real.
Watching her love story with Kelly unfold was absolutely beautiful. But what made it even more special was the love she slowly allowed herself to experience with Kelly’s family. It wasn’t just about romance—it was about belonging, safety, and healing.
Kelly’s strength, growth, and compassion were truly something to behold. He saw Reese for exactly who she was, scars and all—and she saw him just as clearly. That mutual understanding felt powerful. Most of us are walking around with wounds, but this story beautifully shows how we can still be light for each other in the dark.
The spice level was perfect—present, meaningful, and woven naturally into the relationship rather than overpowering it. It felt authentic and added depth instead of distraction. And I have to say, the opening scene? So unique and unexpectedly hilarious—it hooked me immediately.
I genuinely had a hard time putting this book down. Once I started, I just wanted more and more. This was heartfelt, healing, romantic, and deeply satisfying.
I connected so deeply with Reese. As a nurse myself, and as someone who has experienced past hurts that make love feel scary and uncertain, I truly understood her hesitation. I felt the push and pull she was wrestling with—the fear, the longing, the vulnerability. Her actions (and even her inactions) made so much sense to me, which made her journey feel incredibly real.
Watching her love story with Kelly unfold was absolutely beautiful. But what made it even more special was the love she slowly allowed herself to experience with Kelly’s family. It wasn’t just about romance—it was about belonging, safety, and healing.
Kelly’s strength, growth, and compassion were truly something to behold. He saw Reese for exactly who she was, scars and all—and she saw him just as clearly. That mutual understanding felt powerful. Most of us are walking around with wounds, but this story beautifully shows how we can still be light for each other in the dark.
The spice level was perfect—present, meaningful, and woven naturally into the relationship rather than overpowering it. It felt authentic and added depth instead of distraction. And I have to say, the opening scene? So unique and unexpectedly hilarious—it hooked me immediately.
I genuinely had a hard time putting this book down. Once I started, I just wanted more and more. This was heartfelt, healing, romantic, and deeply satisfying.
Review of advance copy
Reviewed by Rose on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club
Title: Hawaiian Hearts
Author: Kaitel Burch
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reese a travel nurse takes a job in Hawaii where she can stop with her cousin. Kelly a vet who has lived in Hawaii all his life with his family who have taken to setting him up with blind dates at every opportunity. They briefly meet when Reese is stung by a jelly fish. But when her cousin's dog swallows something he shouldn't Reese rushes him to the vet. Only to find that the vet is Kelly. After telling his family he had a girlfriend they mistakenly thought this was Reese and so Kelly asked her to be his fake girlfriend. She reluctantly agreed if he should her the sights of Hawaii. They soon found they had feelings for each other but neither wanted to admit it. Kelly eventually telling Reese that he loved her. Because she had been travelling her whole life never making friends and feeling abandoned she tells Kelly she can't stay. After she realises she has a problem and starts therapy her cousin that she stayed with in Hawaii and Kelly's grandmother hatched a plan to get Reese back to Hawaii where she finally comes clean and tells Kelly she loves him and his family and wants to stay. Friends to lovers slow burn book. Really enjoyed reading this book it was a really easy read.
Title: Hawaiian Hearts
Author: Kaitel Burch
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reese a travel nurse takes a job in Hawaii where she can stop with her cousin. Kelly a vet who has lived in Hawaii all his life with his family who have taken to setting him up with blind dates at every opportunity. They briefly meet when Reese is stung by a jelly fish. But when her cousin's dog swallows something he shouldn't Reese rushes him to the vet. Only to find that the vet is Kelly. After telling his family he had a girlfriend they mistakenly thought this was Reese and so Kelly asked her to be his fake girlfriend. She reluctantly agreed if he should her the sights of Hawaii. They soon found they had feelings for each other but neither wanted to admit it. Kelly eventually telling Reese that he loved her. Because she had been travelling her whole life never making friends and feeling abandoned she tells Kelly she can't stay. After she realises she has a problem and starts therapy her cousin that she stayed with in Hawaii and Kelly's grandmother hatched a plan to get Reese back to Hawaii where she finally comes clean and tells Kelly she loves him and his family and wants to stay. Friends to lovers slow burn book. Really enjoyed reading this book it was a really easy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re craving a rom-com that delivers both laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt emotion, Hawaiian Hearts absolutely delivers. Kaitel Burch creates a vibrant, immersive setting that makes you feel the warmth of Hawaii from the very first chapter. The culture, community, and atmosphere are woven beautifully throughout the story, making it easy to get completely swept away.
Reese is such an easy character to root for. Watching her personal journey unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book. Her dynamic with Kelly feels natural and engaging, and the progression of their relationship is paced in a way that keeps you fully invested. The fake dating trope is executed with charm and authenticity, and the shared love of nostalgic sitcoms adds such a fun layer to their connection.
One of the true standouts is the strong found-family element. Kelly’s family brings so much warmth, humor, and heart to the story — especially Grandma Tutu, who completely steals the show. The emotional beats hit just as well as the comedic ones, giving the story a cozy yet meaningful depth.
Overall, Hawaiian Hearts is a feel-good, binge-worthy romance that balances humor, heart, and swoony moments perfectly. If you love fake dating, found family, and romances set in dreamy locations, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. 🌺💛
Reese is such an easy character to root for. Watching her personal journey unfold was one of my favorite parts of the book. Her dynamic with Kelly feels natural and engaging, and the progression of their relationship is paced in a way that keeps you fully invested. The fake dating trope is executed with charm and authenticity, and the shared love of nostalgic sitcoms adds such a fun layer to their connection.
One of the true standouts is the strong found-family element. Kelly’s family brings so much warmth, humor, and heart to the story — especially Grandma Tutu, who completely steals the show. The emotional beats hit just as well as the comedic ones, giving the story a cozy yet meaningful depth.
Overall, Hawaiian Hearts is a feel-good, binge-worthy romance that balances humor, heart, and swoony moments perfectly. If you love fake dating, found family, and romances set in dreamy locations, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. 🌺💛
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This story was so FUN and sweet! I couldn’t put it down!
Reese: the travel nurse who’s an only child of divorced parents, whose stepdad was in the military, causing them to move constantly. She never felt connected or grounded anywhere, so travel nursing was perfect for her. Once she got the opportunity to work in Hawaii in the same area where her cousin just moved, she took it. After some mishaps during the first few days of her being there, she runs into the same guy twice and he lies to his mom and says that Reese is his girlfriend. She goes along with it and as she spends time with him and his dog, she develops real true feelings….but what happens when her contract is up?
Kelly: abandoned as a baby and adopted by his family, he’s always felt a little on the outs, no matter how much they’ve accepted him and treated him like their own. As Reese goes through her mishaps upon arrival, he helps her through them and lies to his family about having a girlfriend so as to avoid them continuing to set him up on blind dates, and tells his family that Reese is the girlfriend. When he initially met her, he was stunned by her beauty and wanted to know more. As they spent time together, he fell hard and fast, no matter how much they tried to convince themselves that they were just friends. When he asks her to stay….does she?
Would read again, would recommend to others!
This story was so FUN and sweet! I couldn’t put it down!
Reese: the travel nurse who’s an only child of divorced parents, whose stepdad was in the military, causing them to move constantly. She never felt connected or grounded anywhere, so travel nursing was perfect for her. Once she got the opportunity to work in Hawaii in the same area where her cousin just moved, she took it. After some mishaps during the first few days of her being there, she runs into the same guy twice and he lies to his mom and says that Reese is his girlfriend. She goes along with it and as she spends time with him and his dog, she develops real true feelings….but what happens when her contract is up?
Kelly: abandoned as a baby and adopted by his family, he’s always felt a little on the outs, no matter how much they’ve accepted him and treated him like their own. As Reese goes through her mishaps upon arrival, he helps her through them and lies to his family about having a girlfriend so as to avoid them continuing to set him up on blind dates, and tells his family that Reese is the girlfriend. When he initially met her, he was stunned by her beauty and wanted to know more. As they spent time together, he fell hard and fast, no matter how much they tried to convince themselves that they were just friends. When he asks her to stay….does she?
Would read again, would recommend to others!
January 27, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think I just found my favorite romcom of all time. 🌺
It comes out March 24th! Make sure you read this one!
Hawaiian Hearts is, to say the least, a work of art. I don’t know what kind of magic Kaitel has, but the way she puts words together completely took over my life and somehow healed my heart in the few days it took me to read this book.
This isn’t just a romcom, it’s a throwback to the early 90's - 2000s at its absolute best. The story feels like a warm hug on a cold night, and the journey with these characters feels so real that you feel like you’re right there beside them the entire time.
The nostalgia in this book made me so happy. There are references to classic sitcoms everywhere, with references to Boy meets world, (Her name is Topanga), and even a trivia night based entirely on 90s sitcoms. As someone who grew up on those shows, I absolutely ate it up.
⭐️ Rating: 5 stars (honestly… 10 stars)
🌺 Vibes: cozy, nostalgic, heartwarming
💕 Tropes: tropical romance, Fake dating, Anxiety Rep, He Falls First, Found Family
From now on, this is an auto-buy author for me. I cant wait for the next one 😍
If I could rewind time and read this again for the first time, I would in a heartbeat.
Add this one to your TBR immediately.
It comes out March 24th! Make sure you read this one!
Hawaiian Hearts is, to say the least, a work of art. I don’t know what kind of magic Kaitel has, but the way she puts words together completely took over my life and somehow healed my heart in the few days it took me to read this book.
This isn’t just a romcom, it’s a throwback to the early 90's - 2000s at its absolute best. The story feels like a warm hug on a cold night, and the journey with these characters feels so real that you feel like you’re right there beside them the entire time.
The nostalgia in this book made me so happy. There are references to classic sitcoms everywhere, with references to Boy meets world, (Her name is Topanga), and even a trivia night based entirely on 90s sitcoms. As someone who grew up on those shows, I absolutely ate it up.
⭐️ Rating: 5 stars (honestly… 10 stars)
🌺 Vibes: cozy, nostalgic, heartwarming
💕 Tropes: tropical romance, Fake dating, Anxiety Rep, He Falls First, Found Family
From now on, this is an auto-buy author for me. I cant wait for the next one 😍
If I could rewind time and read this again for the first time, I would in a heartbeat.
Add this one to your TBR immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Hawaiian Hearts and I'm so glad I got to read this one!
This story follows travel nurse Reese and veterinarian Kelly. Reese grew up in a military family and doesn't know any other life than to move every 6-12 months. Kelly grew up the only adopted member of his sometimes overly involved family. Kelly keeps getting set up on blind dates that he hasn't asked for. Reese and Kelly meet on the beach when Reese literally runs into Kelly after get stung by multiple jellyfish. They meet again a couple days later when Reese has to rush her cousin's dog to the vet after he ingested some things he definitely shouldn't have. Reese is surprised when Kelly introduces her as his girlfriend to his sister. Reese decides to go along with it until she can get an explanation. Kelly tells her that he lied about having a girlfriend to get them off his back. They decide to fake date while Reese is in Hawaii on her nursing assignment.
This is a beautiful love story about found family, letting down your walls, being brave, and finding yourself. It had me laughing and all up in my feels. I highly recommend reading this one when it releases on 3/24!
I was lucky to receive an ARC of Hawaiian Hearts and I'm so glad I got to read this one!
This story follows travel nurse Reese and veterinarian Kelly. Reese grew up in a military family and doesn't know any other life than to move every 6-12 months. Kelly grew up the only adopted member of his sometimes overly involved family. Kelly keeps getting set up on blind dates that he hasn't asked for. Reese and Kelly meet on the beach when Reese literally runs into Kelly after get stung by multiple jellyfish. They meet again a couple days later when Reese has to rush her cousin's dog to the vet after he ingested some things he definitely shouldn't have. Reese is surprised when Kelly introduces her as his girlfriend to his sister. Reese decides to go along with it until she can get an explanation. Kelly tells her that he lied about having a girlfriend to get them off his back. They decide to fake date while Reese is in Hawaii on her nursing assignment.
This is a beautiful love story about found family, letting down your walls, being brave, and finding yourself. It had me laughing and all up in my feels. I highly recommend reading this one when it releases on 3/24!
February 7, 2026
Reese Phillips, a travel nurse, has mastered the art of new beginnings—no attachments, no pain. But when she arrives in Hawaii for her next assignment, she’s hoping the tropical paradise will bring her the peace she’s searching for. Kelly Iona, a local veterinarian, is fed up with his family’s attempts to set him up, so he creates a fake girlfriend. Reese is happy to play along, but as they pretend to be in love, real emotions start to surface. Now, with Reese’s time in Hawaii coming to an end and feelings no one anticipated, Reece faces a difficult decision: flee, or take a chance on the person and place that feel like home.
Now this is romantic comedy done right! I was literally laughing in the dark before bed, promising myself “just one more chapter”…and then reading three more. Hawaiian Hearts strikes the perfect balance between lol moments and a swoony, heartfelt love story—I even teared up a little.
The Iona family is unforgettable, but Tutu stole every scene she was in. I want to be like her when I get old! Seriously, do yourself a favor and pick up this book, fall in love with it, and share it with a friend who could use a feel good read.
Now this is romantic comedy done right! I was literally laughing in the dark before bed, promising myself “just one more chapter”…and then reading three more. Hawaiian Hearts strikes the perfect balance between lol moments and a swoony, heartfelt love story—I even teared up a little.
The Iona family is unforgettable, but Tutu stole every scene she was in. I want to be like her when I get old! Seriously, do yourself a favor and pick up this book, fall in love with it, and share it with a friend who could use a feel good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️
Thank to the Author for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful book .
It will be a dream if I visit Hawaii someday, this book took me into a journey discovering new places , culture treasures, the food, and the ocean.
I was struggling with reading in the last couple weeks but when I picked up Hawaiian Hearts I kept reading and laughing. Devouring this Rom-Com.
I love seeing Reese and Kelly growing together, they both needed each other to start looking after themselves.
Quotes that I loved:
“ It made me think of my own family and how lucky I was to end up with them. That they had chosen me. I wish someone had chosen her.”
“This one is for those who believe it's too late to pursue their dreams. It's never too late. You just have to be brave enough to go for it and hold on.”
“Only you could outshine the sun,”
“You can lean on me. I’m not going anywhere.”“What's meant to be will always find you. If something slipped through your fingers, then it was never meant to be yours.“
“You can't spend your whole life avoiding heartbreak. The loss and sadness are what help us appreciate the good things in life.”
Thank to the Author for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful book .
It will be a dream if I visit Hawaii someday, this book took me into a journey discovering new places , culture treasures, the food, and the ocean.
I was struggling with reading in the last couple weeks but when I picked up Hawaiian Hearts I kept reading and laughing. Devouring this Rom-Com.
I love seeing Reese and Kelly growing together, they both needed each other to start looking after themselves.
Quotes that I loved:
“ It made me think of my own family and how lucky I was to end up with them. That they had chosen me. I wish someone had chosen her.”
“This one is for those who believe it's too late to pursue their dreams. It's never too late. You just have to be brave enough to go for it and hold on.”
“Only you could outshine the sun,”
“You can lean on me. I’m not going anywhere.”“What's meant to be will always find you. If something slipped through your fingers, then it was never meant to be yours.“
“You can't spend your whole life avoiding heartbreak. The loss and sadness are what help us appreciate the good things in life.”
February 11, 2026
Hawaiian Hearts is one of my favorite romance reads for 2026!! A kind hearted romance featuring second chances, self discovery, and self acceptance, I absolutely loved Reese and Kelly’s story. Reese is a traveling nurse, she doesn’t put down roots, and she is constantly moving on. Kelly isn’t ready to settle down, but his family won’t take no for an answer. What happens next? An adorable fake dating scheme of course!
Reese and Kelly are both so wonderfully written, I deeply sympathized with both characters, and was rooting for them throughout the novel. Kaitel writes a deep bench of side characters too, I was laughing throughout, and I fell in love with Kelly’s family right along with Reese (not to mention, more than one cheeky dog!).
The romance is so sweet, and builds at such a delicious pace, this was my favorite part. The yearning is palpable, and the spice is so well written, I had shivers. Pacing is great, Kaitel captures the slow burn of a budding relationship, but the reader also gets A+ spice too.
This is a truly excellent debut effort, huge thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reese and Kelly are both so wonderfully written, I deeply sympathized with both characters, and was rooting for them throughout the novel. Kaitel writes a deep bench of side characters too, I was laughing throughout, and I fell in love with Kelly’s family right along with Reese (not to mention, more than one cheeky dog!).
The romance is so sweet, and builds at such a delicious pace, this was my favorite part. The yearning is palpable, and the spice is so well written, I had shivers. Pacing is great, Kaitel captures the slow burn of a budding relationship, but the reader also gets A+ spice too.
This is a truly excellent debut effort, huge thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hawaiian Hearts by Kaitel Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The BEST summer starter book. Coming out at the BEST time😩Literally love that I get to read this right before summer is starting…and it’s a tropical setting??? Destination summer sounds to me, girl😏
I loved Reese and Kelly with my whole heart and honestly it broke me to close the book knowing I won’t know what’s next for them😭So Kaitel…give us a novella of them please just a small one😭🥹
Books that can hold a balance of good and bad are so dear to me. It shows the truths of what life can do, at the same time as showing how good life can be. The balance of life is the greatest and worst gift to receive-and this book wrote that, showed that in front of my eyes for the MC’s.
The romance was perfect. So well shown and a lil bit of spicy material :) The emotional connection is what got me though. The rawness of it was astounding.
Thank you so much Kaitel for choosing me to read Hawaiian Hearts! It was a special story and I can’t wait to get my physical copy to reread and give her a home on my shelf!
TAGS| #book #bookstagram #newbook #newrelease #review kaitelburch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The BEST summer starter book. Coming out at the BEST time😩Literally love that I get to read this right before summer is starting…and it’s a tropical setting??? Destination summer sounds to me, girl😏
I loved Reese and Kelly with my whole heart and honestly it broke me to close the book knowing I won’t know what’s next for them😭So Kaitel…give us a novella of them please just a small one😭🥹
Books that can hold a balance of good and bad are so dear to me. It shows the truths of what life can do, at the same time as showing how good life can be. The balance of life is the greatest and worst gift to receive-and this book wrote that, showed that in front of my eyes for the MC’s.
The romance was perfect. So well shown and a lil bit of spicy material :) The emotional connection is what got me though. The rawness of it was astounding.
Thank you so much Kaitel for choosing me to read Hawaiian Hearts! It was a special story and I can’t wait to get my physical copy to reread and give her a home on my shelf!
TAGS| #book #bookstagram #newbook #newrelease #review kaitelburch
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a debut book, I was blown away! This book was the absolute definition of rom-com and I am a complete fan! This was a fun, heart warming, charming, cutesy book set in the picture perfect place .. Hawaii!
I truly loved Reese and Kelly. Reese was a traveling nurse with zero plans to become attached to her settings. With her background being a military “brat”, I recognized with her the most. But Kelly was a great MMC! A veterinarian (love!) who needed to find someone to “date” to get his family off his back. He’s from one of those all up in your business families (but always with the best intentions). But his family reminded me of mine and that just made me love this book even more! The characters are so relatable and you can help but fall for them.
I really enjoyed watching Reese and Kelly find feelings of friendship, family, and eventually love throughout this story. It felt natural and real. It is a slow burn, with some spicy parts, but we all know fake dating never stays fake for long.
This is a great read for the start of summer! I definitely will be reading more by her.
This is an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
I truly loved Reese and Kelly. Reese was a traveling nurse with zero plans to become attached to her settings. With her background being a military “brat”, I recognized with her the most. But Kelly was a great MMC! A veterinarian (love!) who needed to find someone to “date” to get his family off his back. He’s from one of those all up in your business families (but always with the best intentions). But his family reminded me of mine and that just made me love this book even more! The characters are so relatable and you can help but fall for them.
I really enjoyed watching Reese and Kelly find feelings of friendship, family, and eventually love throughout this story. It felt natural and real. It is a slow burn, with some spicy parts, but we all know fake dating never stays fake for long.
This is a great read for the start of summer! I definitely will be reading more by her.
This is an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.
February 5, 2026
📕ARC Review 🌺
Hawaiian Hearts by Kaitel Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication date: March 24, 2026
🌶️/5
Hawaiian Hearts is a cozy, swoony debut that completely stole my heart. Reese, a travel nurse who never stays long enough to put down roots, and Kelly, a kindhearted veterinarian with an over-involved (and lovable) family, are thrown together through a fake dating mishap that quickly turns into something real.
Set against a beautifully vivid Hawaiian backdrop, this story explores belonging, found family, and the courage it takes to choose love when staying feels scary. The romance unfolds naturally, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional depth. Kelly’s steady, caring nature paired perfectly with Reese’s restless heart.
Warm, funny, and deeply comforting, Hawaiian Hearts is a feel-good romance that delivers all the cozy, swoony vibes. If you love fake dating, he-falls-first energy, and heart-centered storytelling, this one belongs on your TBR. 🌴💛
Thank you to the author for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Hawaiian Hearts by Kaitel Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication date: March 24, 2026
🌶️/5
Hawaiian Hearts is a cozy, swoony debut that completely stole my heart. Reese, a travel nurse who never stays long enough to put down roots, and Kelly, a kindhearted veterinarian with an over-involved (and lovable) family, are thrown together through a fake dating mishap that quickly turns into something real.
Set against a beautifully vivid Hawaiian backdrop, this story explores belonging, found family, and the courage it takes to choose love when staying feels scary. The romance unfolds naturally, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional depth. Kelly’s steady, caring nature paired perfectly with Reese’s restless heart.
Warm, funny, and deeply comforting, Hawaiian Hearts is a feel-good romance that delivers all the cozy, swoony vibes. If you love fake dating, he-falls-first energy, and heart-centered storytelling, this one belongs on your TBR. 🌴💛
Thank you to the author for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I’m wishing this book every success and hope it finds many readers who connect with its warmth.
Hawaiian Hearts is a tender romance about belonging, identity and the quiet courage it takes to be truly seen. Set against a lush Hawaiian backdrop, it follows two people carrying different kinds of loneliness as they search for a place and person that feels like home.
While the fake dating trope adds charm, the story thoughtfully explores deeper themes like adoption, grief, anxiety and the fear of not fully fitting in. The romance develops with patience and emotional honesty, making the connection feel sincere and reassuring.
The MMC’s kindness and emotional steadiness bring a comforting balance to the narrative. Overall, this is a warm, introspective read — perfect for those who enjoy character-driven romances rooted in healing and connection.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hawaiian Hearts is a tender romance about belonging, identity and the quiet courage it takes to be truly seen. Set against a lush Hawaiian backdrop, it follows two people carrying different kinds of loneliness as they search for a place and person that feels like home.
While the fake dating trope adds charm, the story thoughtfully explores deeper themes like adoption, grief, anxiety and the fear of not fully fitting in. The romance develops with patience and emotional honesty, making the connection feel sincere and reassuring.
The MMC’s kindness and emotional steadiness bring a comforting balance to the narrative. Overall, this is a warm, introspective read — perfect for those who enjoy character-driven romances rooted in healing and connection.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 28, 2026
4.5 stars w/ a 5 star beginning.
That airport scene was one of the best world building scenes I’ve ever read. My stomach clenched along with Reese’s over the fiasco. Oh - how I felt for her.
Reese is a traveling nurse who doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere. Kelly is a hot adopted Hawaiian who has understandable abandonment issues although his family is all in. And what a hilarious family they are.
The world building continued in the Hawaiian setting and it’s obvious to see the author’s connection to this island state.
I enjoyed all the side characters and loved the Hawaiian family feel of the story. Reese could be a bit frustrating over her refusal to see what is right in front of her, but that does provide the drama in act 3 after all. Luckily things work out better than it appeared.
Overall a vivid read by a debut author and I can’t wait to read her next book. Hopefully with these characters!!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
That airport scene was one of the best world building scenes I’ve ever read. My stomach clenched along with Reese’s over the fiasco. Oh - how I felt for her.
Reese is a traveling nurse who doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere. Kelly is a hot adopted Hawaiian who has understandable abandonment issues although his family is all in. And what a hilarious family they are.
The world building continued in the Hawaiian setting and it’s obvious to see the author’s connection to this island state.
I enjoyed all the side characters and loved the Hawaiian family feel of the story. Reese could be a bit frustrating over her refusal to see what is right in front of her, but that does provide the drama in act 3 after all. Luckily things work out better than it appeared.
Overall a vivid read by a debut author and I can’t wait to read her next book. Hopefully with these characters!!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
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