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Escape #0.5
Aloha, Baby!
Being pregnant and alone is not a situation Leilani Kehele thought she would ever be facing. Nevertheless, that is exactly how she finds herself in Aloha, Baby! Feeling like a disappointment to her family, Lani turns to her two handsome and loyal best friends, Kai and Honi, for advice. In an attempt to arrange the best possible outcome for this challenging scenario, the three hatch a plan to give Lani's baby a father. Will it work? Will Lani and her baby be able to find their happily ever after ending? Escape into the enchanting Hawaiian islands with Leilani, Kai, and Honi by reading this heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and triumph after heartbreak.
This novella is part of The Escape Series, which includes the Kindle Scout winning book, Getting Lei'd. The books in this series are standalone novels that do not have cliffhanger endings. They share characters, but are designed so they can be read in any order.
E-book Categories: Contemporary Romance Fiction, Women's Romance Fiction, Romantic Novella, Romance Books for Kindle, Romance Reads, Romance Love Stories, Romance Series, Romance Humor, Romantic Comedy, Rom Com, Romance Humorous, Hawaii Fiction, Island Romance, Chick Lit.
This novella is part of The Escape Series, which includes the Kindle Scout winning book, Getting Lei'd. The books in this series are standalone novels that do not have cliffhanger endings. They share characters, but are designed so they can be read in any order.
E-book Categories: Contemporary Romance Fiction, Women's Romance Fiction, Romantic Novella, Romance Books for Kindle, Romance Reads, Romance Love Stories, Romance Series, Romance Humor, Romantic Comedy, Rom Com, Romance Humorous, Hawaii Fiction, Island Romance, Chick Lit.
ebook
Published December 18, 2015
About the author
Ann Omasta
229 books1,141 followersAnn Omasta is a USA Today bestselling author.
Subscribe to her YouTube channel for FREE audiobooks! https://www.youtube.com/@annomastaauthor
Here is a Top 10 list from Ann about her likes, dislikes, and oddities:
1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin.
2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle.
3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea––I love it all.
4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return.
5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above.
6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word.
7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.
8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie 'Sleeping with the Enemy,' but I can't seem to control this particular quirk.
9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain.
10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great––now I'm thinking about it. Ick!
** Ann would LOVE to send you a free novella ~ Aloha, Baby! Visit annomasta.com to let her know where to send it.
Subscribe to her YouTube channel for FREE audiobooks! https://www.youtube.com/@annomastaauthor
Here is a Top 10 list from Ann about her likes, dislikes, and oddities:
1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin.
2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle.
3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea––I love it all.
4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return.
5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above.
6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word.
7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.
8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie 'Sleeping with the Enemy,' but I can't seem to control this particular quirk.
9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain.
10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great––now I'm thinking about it. Ick!
** Ann would LOVE to send you a free novella ~ Aloha, Baby! Visit annomasta.com to let her know where to send it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
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January 31, 2017I'm not going to rate this one because of certain things. One, I know how much time, effort, and self an author puts into a book (at least I hope everyone spends as much time as I do). Second, this is written in present tense which is one of my pet peeves. It just doesn't work for me.
Okay, the story itself has potential. However, I never felt connected to the characters and I felt like this was someone's outline draft for a book. It was all telling, no show (this could be a result of the point of view and tense). I wanted to like the characters and I wanted to feel something. Even though I finished it, I was left feeling disappointed.
There was a sex scene I skipped.
If I were to rate, I'd give a 3 on my scale with a PG-13 to R movie rating for the one scene.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door.
R--swearing (can be related to sex), feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot
Okay, the story itself has potential. However, I never felt connected to the characters and I felt like this was someone's outline draft for a book. It was all telling, no show (this could be a result of the point of view and tense). I wanted to like the characters and I wanted to feel something. Even though I finished it, I was left feeling disappointed.
There was a sex scene I skipped.
If I were to rate, I'd give a 3 on my scale with a PG-13 to R movie rating for the one scene.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door.
R--swearing (can be related to sex), feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot
January 4, 2016
"True Beauty Resides On The Inside"
Yeah, That's always true! I found this, one of my favourite quotes ever while reading the story...
Lani, Honi & Kai were best friends who work together at the same resort." The Lovely Trio!"
Lani felt in love with a wrong guy in a wrong time where upon she was pregnant. Her boyfriend left her & the unborn baby alone. After that incident, She was suffering with loneliness, void, contempt & more feelings that felt her guilty about herself. Her best friends were stay together with her & share her distress & help her to escape from the disgrace exist in the future. Whatsoever, finally she met her true love. However it took long time & she had to pay for something from her life to realise it. Honi !!!!! He was her true lover!
Nice work from the author Ann Omasta. So emotional & sensitive story. I feel the sorrow & happiness behind the story while reading. And those incidents in the story were very close to the incidents that happens in the modern society today. Thank god for the happy ending of the story !!!
Great work!!! I love it lot!!!
Yeah, That's always true! I found this, one of my favourite quotes ever while reading the story...
Lani, Honi & Kai were best friends who work together at the same resort." The Lovely Trio!"
Lani felt in love with a wrong guy in a wrong time where upon she was pregnant. Her boyfriend left her & the unborn baby alone. After that incident, She was suffering with loneliness, void, contempt & more feelings that felt her guilty about herself. Her best friends were stay together with her & share her distress & help her to escape from the disgrace exist in the future. Whatsoever, finally she met her true love. However it took long time & she had to pay for something from her life to realise it. Honi !!!!! He was her true lover!
Nice work from the author Ann Omasta. So emotional & sensitive story. I feel the sorrow & happiness behind the story while reading. And those incidents in the story were very close to the incidents that happens in the modern society today. Thank god for the happy ending of the story !!!
Great work!!! I love it lot!!!
March 20, 2016
Very cute novella. Even though it's short, it really has a complete story. I did wish for more though!
There is another book after this: Getting Lei'd. I'm sure that I'll read that one too.
This is about Leilani who lives in Hawaii. She has 2 close friends (guys) since childhood. Kai and Honi.
All three of them work at the vacation resort owned by Kai's family. Their ages seem to be early 20s.
Leilani has a brief affair with a guy from the mainland, who dumps her and leaves even after she tells him that she's pregnant.
I really enjoyed the 3 of these characters and how they were there for each other. Especially Honi.
The writing style is very sweet and not rushed, even though this is a very short book. The scenery is described beautifully.
The internal thoughts were just right. This is 1st person Leilani's POV.
I would like to have more on these two- hopefully in the next book.
Book 2 -Getting Lei'd is Kai's book (Kindle Unlimited at this time).
I found a link on Goodreads for a free copy for Aloha, Baby. Thank you Ann- very enjoyable.
There is another book after this: Getting Lei'd. I'm sure that I'll read that one too.
This is about Leilani who lives in Hawaii. She has 2 close friends (guys) since childhood. Kai and Honi.
All three of them work at the vacation resort owned by Kai's family. Their ages seem to be early 20s.
Leilani has a brief affair with a guy from the mainland, who dumps her and leaves even after she tells him that she's pregnant.
I really enjoyed the 3 of these characters and how they were there for each other. Especially Honi.
The writing style is very sweet and not rushed, even though this is a very short book. The scenery is described beautifully.
The internal thoughts were just right. This is 1st person Leilani's POV.
I would like to have more on these two- hopefully in the next book.
Book 2 -Getting Lei'd is Kai's book (Kindle Unlimited at this time).
I found a link on Goodreads for a free copy for Aloha, Baby. Thank you Ann- very enjoyable.
May 25, 2025
Ah yes, “Aloha, Baby!” — marketed as a childhood friends-to-lovers romance, but forgot to include both the childhood and the love. I listened to this because it was free on Scribd and I needed something for the car. I should’ve just sat in silence.
The heroine loses her virginity to a tourist who vanishes faster than my expectations for this story. Then she tells her so-called childhood best friend (whom we meet for a grand total of maybe two scenes) that she’s pregnant, and his immediate response is, “Let me pretend to be the baby daddy!” Bold move for someone with zero character development.
As if things weren’t already confusing, she suddenly realizes maybe she has feelings for him—right after discovering he’s been sporting a big ol’ crush (and hard-on) for her. That’s the emotional arc, folks. And then… it ends. That’s it. No real tension, no satisfying payoff, just vibes.
Listen, if you’re into plotless pregnancy stories with no actual romance and a love interest you blink and miss—this one’s for you. If you wanted anything remotely engaging? Keep scrolling.
The heroine loses her virginity to a tourist who vanishes faster than my expectations for this story. Then she tells her so-called childhood best friend (whom we meet for a grand total of maybe two scenes) that she’s pregnant, and his immediate response is, “Let me pretend to be the baby daddy!” Bold move for someone with zero character development.
As if things weren’t already confusing, she suddenly realizes maybe she has feelings for him—right after discovering he’s been sporting a big ol’ crush (and hard-on) for her. That’s the emotional arc, folks. And then… it ends. That’s it. No real tension, no satisfying payoff, just vibes.
Listen, if you’re into plotless pregnancy stories with no actual romance and a love interest you blink and miss—this one’s for you. If you wanted anything remotely engaging? Keep scrolling.
March 24, 2017
Leilani Mei Kehele is the only daughter of a family that wanted more boys, her father always talking of an heir and a spare, the spare should have been another son. She worked her butt off to get great grades, be a cheerleader,homecoming queen, and the star of the school plays to make up for not being born with a penis. She has disappointed her family by not going to college on her full scholarship, working at a resort that she and all employees are part owners in, and now she has to tell them she got pregnant by having a fling (with Thomas Drake) a visitor to her hotel. They are very disappointed and it breaks her heart,leaving her a sniveling ball of tears.
She disliked Thomas at first sight, a pompous blonde sex pot. At a luau the first evening he was there, he begged her to take a walk with him, and she figured if he got handsy she would take off on him, but he was a perfect gentleman. It was the best night of her life, they spent it talking and learning about each other, laughing at the fact she thought he would be full of himself and he thought she would be an air head because she was so beautiful. Her friends warned her to be careful.
She gave him her virginity and a few weeks later he gave her a huge slap in the face telling her he was going home and may be back in a few years, with a cold glare on his face. Weeks later she found out she was pregnant and called his number from the computer( he never bothered to give her his number),he asked if it was his, then offered to send money for the abortion.
She won't be able to do the hula at the luau's when her pregnancy gets further along, right now she has constant morning sickness and has barf bags in her purse. she is Leilani, queen of quiet puking. She still has to tell Honi and Kai that she is prego before it really starts to show. They have been the 3 musketeers since childhood, but Honi calls themselves Harry, Ron, and Hermione from Harry Potter. He is a total geek, a grown man who has finally hooked Kai into reading the books, but not Leilani.
Honi is told before Kai that she is pregnant, he offers to be the father and she turns him down gently the first time. After her father says the baby needs a father she asks Honi how he will feel when he finds his love, and Honi tells her he wants to be the babies father no matter what and wants to always be in their lives. What will happen to their friendship, especially if he finds someone who loves him more than as a best friend?
She disliked Thomas at first sight, a pompous blonde sex pot. At a luau the first evening he was there, he begged her to take a walk with him, and she figured if he got handsy she would take off on him, but he was a perfect gentleman. It was the best night of her life, they spent it talking and learning about each other, laughing at the fact she thought he would be full of himself and he thought she would be an air head because she was so beautiful. Her friends warned her to be careful.
She gave him her virginity and a few weeks later he gave her a huge slap in the face telling her he was going home and may be back in a few years, with a cold glare on his face. Weeks later she found out she was pregnant and called his number from the computer( he never bothered to give her his number),he asked if it was his, then offered to send money for the abortion.
She won't be able to do the hula at the luau's when her pregnancy gets further along, right now she has constant morning sickness and has barf bags in her purse. she is Leilani, queen of quiet puking. She still has to tell Honi and Kai that she is prego before it really starts to show. They have been the 3 musketeers since childhood, but Honi calls themselves Harry, Ron, and Hermione from Harry Potter. He is a total geek, a grown man who has finally hooked Kai into reading the books, but not Leilani.
Honi is told before Kai that she is pregnant, he offers to be the father and she turns him down gently the first time. After her father says the baby needs a father she asks Honi how he will feel when he finds his love, and Honi tells her he wants to be the babies father no matter what and wants to always be in their lives. What will happen to their friendship, especially if he finds someone who loves him more than as a best friend?
April 9, 2018
Ready to escape to Hawaii?
Let this novella whisk your mind away to where the palm trees sway!
Alone and pregnant...
Leilani Kehele never thought those words would describe her, yet that is exactly how she finds herself in Aloha, Baby!
Feeling like a huge disappointment to her family, Lani turns to her two handsome and loyal best friends, Kai and Honi, for advice.
In an attempt to arrange the best possible outcome for this challenging situation, the three hatch a plan to give Lani's baby a father. Will it work? Will Lani and her baby discover their happily-ever-after ending?
This novella is part of The Escape Series, which includes the Kindle Scout winning book, Getting Lei'd, as well as its sequel, Cruising for Love, and the sweet short story, Coconutty Christmas. You can read and enjoy these books in any order!
Escape into the enchanting Hawaiian Islands now with Leilani, Kai, and Honi while you read this heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and triumph after heartbreak.
A great prequel to a new series. 5 stars.
Let this novella whisk your mind away to where the palm trees sway!
Alone and pregnant...
Leilani Kehele never thought those words would describe her, yet that is exactly how she finds herself in Aloha, Baby!
Feeling like a huge disappointment to her family, Lani turns to her two handsome and loyal best friends, Kai and Honi, for advice.
In an attempt to arrange the best possible outcome for this challenging situation, the three hatch a plan to give Lani's baby a father. Will it work? Will Lani and her baby discover their happily-ever-after ending?
This novella is part of The Escape Series, which includes the Kindle Scout winning book, Getting Lei'd, as well as its sequel, Cruising for Love, and the sweet short story, Coconutty Christmas. You can read and enjoy these books in any order!
Escape into the enchanting Hawaiian Islands now with Leilani, Kai, and Honi while you read this heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and triumph after heartbreak.
A great prequel to a new series. 5 stars.
September 4, 2026
Despite a few "racy" references that, frankly, seemed out of character with the overall tone of the piece, this novella felt very juvenile (20 something men with an extreme obsession with Harry Potter, a baby daddy who morphs from a pretty decent guy to villainous cruelty in the blink of an eye, silly jealousies, and a friends-to-lovers plot that got less backstory than the doomed relationship with the guy who abandoned the naive girl). The "romance" wasn't even there, just suddenly they're in love? Huh? Did I miss something? The story does have a certain charm though. Also, it is author-narrated so it's missing what a professional voice actor could bring.
August 30, 2019
This is only the second book by Ms. Omasta that I've read. At eighty pages, Aloha, Baby, was a quick read. There wasn't a depth to the storyline I was hoping for but there was when it came to the characters. Lani, Honi and Kai are likable characters. The scenic descriptions made me feel like I was there. The story ended too abruptly for me with more stories waiting to be told. This is a novella that is the start of the Escape series. I loved the cover.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Omasta's book but would hope for better closure.
I look forward to reading more of Ms Omasta's book but would hope for better closure.
July 25, 2017
A short sweet story about Leilani and her two best friends since childhood - Honi and Kai.
After a short romance with a tourist, Leilani finds out that she is pregnant, without the father to the baby in their life.
Honi offers to step in, but can she let him give up the chance to a life of his own...?
The flow in the story was great and the description of both the environment and characters were really good. This was my first book by Ann O, but it wont be my last.
After a short romance with a tourist, Leilani finds out that she is pregnant, without the father to the baby in their life.
Honi offers to step in, but can she let him give up the chance to a life of his own...?
The flow in the story was great and the description of both the environment and characters were really good. This was my first book by Ann O, but it wont be my last.
July 26, 2022
Three friends ban together in this contemporary romance novella.
Lani makes a mistake by falling in love with a mainlander when he rejects her and the baby they create together.
What to do? Best friends Honi and Kai come to her rescue, but is that what she wants for herself? Is Honi's desire to become the baby's father realistic or not? Will their friendship be ruined, or is it possible for the two to become a real couple?
Lani makes a mistake by falling in love with a mainlander when he rejects her and the baby they create together.
What to do? Best friends Honi and Kai come to her rescue, but is that what she wants for herself? Is Honi's desire to become the baby's father realistic or not? Will their friendship be ruined, or is it possible for the two to become a real couple?
October 5, 2020
Aloha, Baby! (Escape #0.5) was a great read by Ann Omasta. Leilani finds herself pregnant and alone.Leilani’s two best friends, Kai and Honi, is who she turns to for advice. They make a plan to give the baby a father. I really enjoyed reading Leilani’s journey to love and family. I can’t wait to read more by Ann Omasta.
July 22, 2023
This is definitely a sweet prequel, and the context is nice.
It is good that it has much less sexy scenes because I was listening to the audio version and there wasn't as much redacted.
I eould love to see more about the other resort team members - it seems like other books in the series are in other locarions.
But yeah, if you get a chance to read/listen to it, I would recommend doing it
It is good that it has much less sexy scenes because I was listening to the audio version and there wasn't as much redacted.
I eould love to see more about the other resort team members - it seems like other books in the series are in other locarions.
But yeah, if you get a chance to read/listen to it, I would recommend doing it
August 31, 2026
Aloha, Baby was a light, easy read that was perfect when I wanted something quick and low-stress. The tropical setting added a fun backdrop to the story, and the romance was sweet enough to keep me invested. While it wasn't a standout favorite for me, it was an enjoyable escape that left me with a smile.
May 11, 2018
I had read a couple other books but this author and this was listed a freebie for signing up for her newsletter. The other titles I read were much cleaner than this. Cute story but there is a sex scene.
Read
June 2, 2019Smell the pineapple and listen to the sea when you escape to Hawaii with Aloha, Baby!
Get a FREE copy of this novella when you join Ann Omasta's reader group!
Just visit https://annomasta.weebly.com/free-cop... and tell us were to send it.
Get a FREE copy of this novella when you join Ann Omasta's reader group!
Just visit https://annomasta.weebly.com/free-cop... and tell us were to send it.
June 18, 2019
My eleventh read from author Ann Omasta. After having read the Keys to my Diary books I jumped at the chance to read another short entertaining and well-written read from her. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 27, 2019
I loved the Harry Potter and Disney references in this book. It made my little dorky heart happy. I like the characters of Leilani, Honi, and Kai and can't wait to learn more about them in the rest of the series.
August 3, 2026
CHIRP AUDIOBOOK
Funny. I especially like that the author actually narrates her own book. The storyline is basically about a pregnant woman riding a roller coaster of emotions… and how she navigates through a romantic relationship.
Funny. I especially like that the author actually narrates her own book. The storyline is basically about a pregnant woman riding a roller coaster of emotions… and how she navigates through a romantic relationship.
August 5, 2026
Sweet!
This was the most adorable yet sensitive friend to lover story. I honestly did not expect the beginner to happen the way it did, but the ending was so sweet. I found myself tearing up. Honi was the sweetest!
This was the most adorable yet sensitive friend to lover story. I honestly did not expect the beginner to happen the way it did, but the ending was so sweet. I found myself tearing up. Honi was the sweetest!
September 19, 2026
Loved this book! It was short and sweet. Finally a book where the mmc is described as a big gental giant, an overall good guy with a child like innocence heart. Also really enjoyed the Harry Potter references. Hermoni and Ron part melted my heart!!! Ending made me happy! Highly recommend
June 10, 2017
Cute fast read story. Loved it. Leilani works at a Hawaii resort and meats arrogant Handsome Tom. Loved the story. Would love to read more about the gang.
June 19, 2017
Short and sweet novella with a happily ever after ending. Sometimes we don't realize what we have until it gets pointed out to us!
July 4, 2017
Quick sweet read.
September 9, 2017
I got this book for an honest review. A wonderful story. Two people find each. through all the obstacles they face ..
January 17, 2018
Cute, short and sweet! I really want more of this story
January 29, 2018
Short & sweet. Needs more content.
April 7, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
April 14, 2018
I enjoyed the easy to read novel. I wish it continued into their life a bit more. will need to read next in series to see more of the couple they became.
July 23, 2018
Very simple story. One dimensional characters, no suspense of will they wont they. Just a little boring and predictable.
March 15, 2019
Loved it. What a great sweet story! HEA!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews