Trouble in Paradise

by Karen Tuft

Andy Kendrick has always dreamed of bigger things than tiny Eagle Bluff, Arizona. So when the opportunity arises to shake off the dust of his hometown and move to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, he grabs it. But he never imagined that apiece of his past would follow him to his new life . . .Kimberly Briggs has lived her life on the fringes of the crowd, timid and afraid since the death of her brother, but when she learns that Andy, her lifelong crush, is moving to Hawaii, she's finally ready to step out of the shadows and take a risk.

Kimberly is the last person Andy expected or wanted to see in Hawaii. But when fate incessantly throws the pair together, there's little to be done but make the best of the situation. As the awkwardness fades and Kimberly begins to emerge from her shell, Andy realizes there's much more to her than he realized. But even as they revel in the adventures of island life, drawn together by a growing attraction, an unforeseen peril threatens Kimberly's life.

Can the once-timid young woman now draw upon the inner strength Andy has helped her discover so the two of them can build a life together? Will Andy grasp that love knows no geographical bounds?

Genres: Romance, Lds Fiction, Contemporary, Lds, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Romantic

266 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2015

About the author

Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU and graduated from the University of Utah in music theory, where she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.
In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel whether it's by car, plane, or paperback.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hawaii and I love books that take place there. Since I was just there last summer, it was very easy to picture where everything happened. In fact, I could almost feel the ocean breeze on my face.

Kimberly grew up watching Andy from afar in their small hometown in Arizona. When her brother died in an accident at a young age, her parents really sheltered her. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She always seemed to be on the outside, looking in, and her parents are extremely overprotective. A move to BYUH was exactly what she needed to break out of the shadows, but still, she's hesitant to take risks. I loved watching the changes in her and seeing the joys of her successes, especially with her art and her fears. I really liked that she's not a perfect character and has plenty of room for growth.

When Andy moves to Oahu to work for his sister and her husband, he's ready to find a tropical beauty and enjoy life. He comes across as very materialistic and shallow at first. Everything seems to be a competition with him. As the story progresses, I grew to like him and understand him more. The growth he goes through is amazing and fun to see unfold.

As I mentioned before, the setting is incredible. The story flows at a nice, laid-back pace that really shows character depth and immerses a reader in the culture. It was fun to see the characters from Reality Check in this story--I like to get past the happily ever after sometimes. I love the other side characters, chickens included, and the dash of mystery that really adds to the plot. I'm a sucker for a good, clean romance and I really enjoyed this one.

Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (murders, deaths--not graphic); mild religious elements (LDS missions, temple marriage, BYUH--not preachy); no language. Clean!

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I just have to say that I was glad to discover when reading the book that Kim does not follow Andy to Hawaii like it says in the synopsis... she moved there first in fact! It relieved my mind to know that she wasn't that stalker-obsessed with him and their meeting again really was a true coincidence. I totally identified with Kim's unrequited crush from elementary and high school- there's something about confident and charismatic boys that shy girls really admire and fall for.

Kim and Andy both have great character arcs and help each other to stretch and become better. Kim has already started the process of living outside her tiny comfort zone and breaking out of the shell of fear and overprotective parents. Andy is a typical guy- I struggled a bit with liking him in the beginning since his inner thoughts make him seem shallow and insensitive, but I eventually appreciated the realistic perspective. Kim inadvertently helps him to recognize and overcome his selfishness as he learns to get over himself and the sibling rivalry that motivates him and appreciate her for who she really is. Once he realizes how great Kim is their friendship finally blossoms and the sweet moments they share propel their relationship into something more... which brings a whole new level of drama :)

As an art major I loved that Kim was an artist and one of the ways she took risks was through her artwork. The Hawaiian setting was awesome- the author did a fabulous job painting a picture of the environment, culture, and community. The bit of mystery and action spiced up the plot and created a nail-biting climax. Since the characters are Mormon there are some occasional references specific to the religion but I think any Christian would enjoy this book.

(Thank you to Covenant communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I can really get behind right now is a book set in Hawaii. I'm dreaming of Hawaii and counting the days to our trip this summer. This book made me want to be there right now! I've been to Oahu before so it was nice to be able to easily picture most of the places talked about in this book.

Kimberly is an interesting character. She has been raised by overprotective and fearful parents so her wings have never been spread let alone learned to fly. She knows she is timid and easily frightened and she wants to change that. Her baby steps in the right direction help give her more confidence and it's nice to see the growth as she makes a conscious effort to change and experience what life has to offer.

I wasn't sold on Andy until almost the end of the book. I honestly couldn't see what Kimberly was so attracted to but he eventually grew on me. I was happy to see Lucy and Ethan from "Reality Check". It's always nice to reconnect with characters from previous books. (you don't have to read "Reality Check" to read this book, but you might like to)

This was a slow growing romance, mostly one sided for the better part of the book. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I was interested and invested. There is a slight touch of suspense though the book where you just know something is going to happen- and it does. The ending is made up of all things happily ever after so that made me very happy.

This is an LDS fiction book. Religious things like going to church are mentioned but there is no preaching. This book is clean with no swearing or sexual content.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book!! This is a great feel good romance with journey of self discovery and a twist. Kim is a sweet girl who has had a tough life and is finally overcoming the tragedy of losing her only brother when they were children. I loved watching her conquer her fears and become a confident young woman. Andy is a man who is living in the shadow of his older brother. He is setting himself up to fail because in his own mind he can't measure up. Their journey together in the paradise of Hawaii is full of ups, downs and social missteps. I loved it from start to finish. I stayed up late and woke up early just to find out how it ends. I look forward to more books from this author.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Put me on a plane already and send me straight to Hawaii!!!

I have really enjoyed reading Karen Tuft’s contemporary stories, and not knowing that this comes next after Reality Check, I’m glad that I read the other one first. Ethan & Lucy feature quite prominently in this book.

Karen skillfully has you feeling quite a bit of enmity towards Andy for a good portion of the beginning of the story. He’s somehow just not handled the situation with Kimberley in the best way. Both hailing from Eagle Bluff Arizona, he feels like she’s been an annoying shadow for most of his life. He’s now arrived in Hawaii to go to BYU and discovers that she is not only there, but popping up in every place he goes. Church, his classes, his sisters house and now at work. I’m not sure if how he is behaving is typical of male RM behavior or whether there’s a large dose of stereotyping going on. You feel quite a lot of empathy for the girls who are subjected to this player, meat market environment.

Moving on to the places they go, and the experiences they have are well written and you can almost feel the waves on your feet, and taste the food.

Great addition to the plot line with the shady goings on at the Treasure Trove, that ending was quite a twist. I did love the inspirational additions, not many LDS authors choose to do that. Please do, it embellishes the word quite well.

I found this to be a touching & very moving part of the book - ‘His hands had helped Kim, maybe even had saved her to this point, but it was time to trust God and put her in His hands.’

I enjoyed this one, great read.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not at all what I expected it to be. I hate thinking a book is going to be one thing and it turns out completely different. So this is a weird review, I liked the book at the end but for 100 pages I kept waiting. Not too much romance happens its just a lot of character building. Kim delt with a lot of anxiety that was hard for me to read, I know exactly how she felt, she handles everything in a very real world way. These people had real feelings, and were very real. It was well written and the characters had promise. It was just odd to want certain things to happen and they didn't and the book went off in such a different direction. I wish I could reread it and wipe all the expectation out of my head and just enjoy this book:} Oh well. It was well written a bit of the LDS religion in thrown in but I think anyone who likes a clean contemporary romance will enjoy this.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly Briggs starts out taking a huge risk which ends up humiliating her. Andy Kendrick is the boy that Kim has always dreamed of but he has absolutely no interest in her. She's obviously followed him around and since he's been teased about her for many years, he's rude to her to make it clear to everyone that he's not interested.

Time passes and they both end up in Hawaii. Kim has been there for a while and Andy comes to work for his brother-in-law, Ethan, who recently married his sister, Lucy. Kim and Andy meet up through Lucy and start working together. Andy gets to see a different side of Kim which pleasantly surprises him and they start to become friends.

I liked Kim from the beginning and felt sorry for her at times. Her parents were overprotective due to a tragedy in their family years earlier. It was a huge step for her to move to Hawaii but she did it to assert some independence. I wasn't too crazy about Andy at first, though--he started out selfish, competitive and immature. It was good to see his character grow and develop and he was very likable by the end. I liked how their relationship grew over time and understood her attachment to him when she shared an experience with him from when they were young.

I loved the setting for this story and felt like I was in Hawaii and enjoyed living there vicariously through them. There's a hint of danger throughout the book and something does happen which ends up being a major turning point for Andy. There are some mild religious elements in this book (not preachy at all) and some violence which isn't graphic. This is a book for anyone that enjoys clean, contemporary romance!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters and was rooting for them the whole time. It felt almost like it was moving too slowly, but that's what made the book so good in the end. I loved seeing changes come about as the book progressed. The setting made it so easy to fall in love with the whole thing, and now I want to go to Hawaii even more (as if that were possible)!

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes me want to move to Hawaii. Review to come.

This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally had a hard time putting this one down! I liked Kimberly from the beginning and I hated Andy from the prologue. What a jerk he was! I wanted to like him, but it took a while. Even as an adult he was kind of a jerk. Then he finally started to change and I felt he was finally good enough for Kimberly.
This book was a great adventure. Who wouldn't want to spend their college years in Hawaii where you can hit the beach every day? I know I would! Why I didn't think BYU Hawaii was an option I'll never know. But it was a good fit for Kim. She really grew into herself. She tried new things and had wonderful friends to help her take some risks. Andy turns out to be the one to really help her out of her shell. I really loved this story!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, this wasn't very well written, but was just what I was in the mood for. It probably should get 3 stars, but because it was just what I wanted this weekend, it gets the better rating. I did wonder a bit where this young college kid was getting all his funds to sustain the activities he kept engaging in, and a few other wonderings, but it was delightful nonetheless. I really liked the character development of the main characters, and even enjoyed the resolution between family members. Originally I was concerned how Taft was going to make a "stalker-pest" into a desirable girlfriend, but she did it - it worked! I really liked the "aha" moment when Andy got over his need to compete with his brother. Fun story, and an opportunity to step into island life for a few hours. Sweet!!

[Rachael Dorronsoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Andy get offered a job living in Hawaii he grabs it with both hands, but when he sees Kimberly Briggs living there, he immediately presumes she has followed him. Kimberly is from his home town of Eagle Bluff and Andy’s first reaction is “what is she doing here” Kimberly knows that Andy is not her biggest fan and tries to steer clear of him but when they both end up working for the same company, this maybe harder than she thought.

I really liked this cute, quick read, it was fun and funny, I loved to read books that allow you to know from a guys and a girls perspective, what they are thinking. This was a cute story, it was set in a great setting and I loved the story.

[Devin Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started out slow and predictable for me. But I’m glad I kept reading because it was such a cute story! The whole story was not as predictable as I thought it was going to be. It’s written about two college students who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you are not a member of the church there are a few things in the book that you might not understand, but you the story as a whole is easy for anyone to follow.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I am really glad I decided to read the 2 Tuft books I got from the library in order by publishing date because I had no idea they were sequential in storyline. (Goodreads fail! PSA: read ‘Reality Check’ first!) I would have been really bugged if I had read them backwards. Andy was such a jerk at the beginning that I didn’t know if I could fully enjoy the story, but luckily he improved somewhat.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fast read with a clean romance and a bit of a mystery. I liked the premise of the younger girl who tags along after an older boy as children and then in high school. When they meet up as college students in Hawaii, Andy sees Kimberly in a whole new light and realizes he never really saw her. Loved the setting and the characters.

[Jenny Koim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I borrowed this book from my local library. I have read Karen’s regency books and when I saw this was a romantic suspense novel, I knew I needed to borrow it. This brought back nostalgia and wanting to go back to Hawaii because I went to school there and met my husband. The second chance friendship to love match was a sweet story as well as the suspense in the tiki shop.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK I think the only reason I read this is because eons ago I attended BYU Hawaii and so I was interested in reading a book that was in that setting. Not much about the things that I was familiar with. But it was a sweet easy to read predictable romance.

[Katri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, but okay. Interesting enough to read while in bed with the flu.

I grew up in Laie, Hawaii, though, and it isn't as easy as the author makes it out to be to zip into Honolulu and back (or to Haleiwa and back) with a full day of work and school.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're going to have trouble, you might as well do it in Hawaii! The story I enjoyed most was Kimberly's triumphs over her fears. And, even though she's the annoying little shadow that followed Andy Kendrick throughout school, he'll recognize the treasure she is now.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to school here and am also part Hawaiian so this was a fun read! Andy drove me crazy, but the author did a great job developing his character. It can totally stand alone, but there is a companion book that is fantastic and explains Lucy and Ethan's relationship.

[Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was o.k. and was a cute little story, but for some reason it didn’t really pull me in.

[Momof5boys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel follows the story of Reality Check's main character Lucy's brother and the girl who has loved him all her life.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!

[Tara Lofley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly was a believable character and quickly drew me in. Andy not so much, but somehow Kimberly made up for that. This book has just the right amount of everything.

[Ali~may · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 maybe 4 stars. Enjoyable read

[Melinda Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably more of a strong 3 1/2 stars. It was a good book. The ending seemed a little rushed.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to get through. I liked the relationship between Andy and Kim eventually. It was just hard to read.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute story!

[Lauren Perotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

One whole extra star just for making me want to be back in Hawaii so thoroughly.

[Isabelle Swift]

This was a good book. It got my attention and had a cool story. It was really fun to read.