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Destiny Bay: The Islanders #1
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Bay boy Kane is na vele omzwervingen weer thuis op Big Island, Hawaii. Al sinds de middelbare school koestert hij warme gevoelens voor Annie Ventura, maar toen was hij een buitenstaander en zij het populaire meisje. En hij is vastbesloten haar nu met de echte Kane kennis te laten maken. Maar zal hij erin slagen om haar door zijn ruwe bolster heen te laten kijken en Annie te laten zien wat er in zijn hart leeft..?
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2014
120 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
Helen Conrad
73 books74 followersaka Jena Hunt and Raye Morgan.
Helen Conrad was born on April 11, 1945 in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. and grew up between Holland, Guam, and California, and spent a few years in Washington, D.C. as well. She obtained a B.A. in English Literature.
Helen was working toward a Master's in Library Science when she dropped out to have her first son. "One look into those baby blue eyes and I knew it was going to be a long time before I went back to school. But with young ones, you do have time to read, and the more I read, the more I learned about writing". She started writing because she felt guilty about spending so much time reading. "Through writing I figured I could still immerse myself in the stories I love, but I could actually claim I was working! The amazing thing was when I sold my first book and the excuse was justified. Dreams really do come true!"
After years of writing romantic suspense in the style of Mary Stewart and children's books in a lot of styles, she finally sold a romance to Jove's Second Chance at Love and there was celebration all around-at least in her ever-patient family of husband and four boys. She published four more romances for Jove under the name Jena Hunt, then began writing Silhouette Desires. A few sales to Bantam Loveswept and Harlequin Romance, Temptationand SuperRomance under the name Helen Conrad followed, as well as to Harpers, Dell Ecstasy, Mills & Boon, and even an historical with Zebra. Today, she is concentrating on Silhouette Romance, completely captivated by the breezy fun and touching poignancy of their compact, to-the-point form. She feels the perfect "quick read" should make the reader smile, sigh and put the book down feeling better about the state of love in the world.
Now, she lives in the Los Angeles area now with Nick, her geologist-computers cientist husband and the two of her four sons who still live at home."Having the boys around helps keep me up on the current trends," she says with a laugh. "But writing helps keep me in touch with the romance that weaves through the everyday lives we all live."
Helen Conrad was born on April 11, 1945 in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. and grew up between Holland, Guam, and California, and spent a few years in Washington, D.C. as well. She obtained a B.A. in English Literature.
Helen was working toward a Master's in Library Science when she dropped out to have her first son. "One look into those baby blue eyes and I knew it was going to be a long time before I went back to school. But with young ones, you do have time to read, and the more I read, the more I learned about writing". She started writing because she felt guilty about spending so much time reading. "Through writing I figured I could still immerse myself in the stories I love, but I could actually claim I was working! The amazing thing was when I sold my first book and the excuse was justified. Dreams really do come true!"
After years of writing romantic suspense in the style of Mary Stewart and children's books in a lot of styles, she finally sold a romance to Jove's Second Chance at Love and there was celebration all around-at least in her ever-patient family of husband and four boys. She published four more romances for Jove under the name Jena Hunt, then began writing Silhouette Desires. A few sales to Bantam Loveswept and Harlequin Romance, Temptationand SuperRomance under the name Helen Conrad followed, as well as to Harpers, Dell Ecstasy, Mills & Boon, and even an historical with Zebra. Today, she is concentrating on Silhouette Romance, completely captivated by the breezy fun and touching poignancy of their compact, to-the-point form. She feels the perfect "quick read" should make the reader smile, sigh and put the book down feeling better about the state of love in the world.
Now, she lives in the Los Angeles area now with Nick, her geologist-computers cientist husband and the two of her four sons who still live at home."Having the boys around helps keep me up on the current trends," she says with a laugh. "But writing helps keep me in touch with the romance that weaves through the everyday lives we all live."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 29, 2015
"What we're trying for here is a little intimidation," she told him in a low voice. "You just get out and kind of lean against the car. Okay?"
He stared at her. "What? he asked, sure he couldn't have heard right.
But she was earnest. "Just sort of lean, you know what I mean. Look tough. Look masculine."
BOOK #3 in Carmen-Downloads-20-Free-Ebooks-Onto-Her-Kindle-Day. More widely known as March 3rd, 2015.
This was a sweet, cute, fluffy romance. Kane (Caw-neigh, not Cain) ran away from Hawaii 17 years ago at the age of 17. When he lived on the island, everyone thought he was a wild bad boy - the kind of boy to take drugs, narrowly escape being jailed on a regular basis, and get girls pregnant. This was mostly unfounded, and it was partly due to everyone's low opinion and misconceptions of him that he fled. He became a DEA agent and started waging war against drug kingpins in South America. He married a woman who eventually divorced him to marry and have babies with his former partner. Now, with bullet scars on his face and body, and internal scars on his heart, he's returning to Hawaii.
Why? He saw an ad in the paper.
Wanted: Hired gun for small Hawaiian ranch. Position temporary.
Salary negotiable. Contact A. Ventura, Kohala District, the Big Island.
A. Ventura is Annie Ventura - the girl Kane had a crush on in high school. But she never dated him, preferring to go out with the arrogant golden boy Andy Ventura, who she ended up marrying. But now Andy is dead and Annie is running the ranch by herself with only her 6-year-old son to keep her company. Big, bad, super-rich Bart Carlson has his eye on Annie's ranch, and on Annie herself.
...
There is no grit here. This is sweetness, fluff and light. You'd think Kane and Bart would get into some kind of fights or Kane would have to fight some bad guys who work for Bart, or something. But no. The book goes gentle on the "bad guy angle." One of the funniest parts of the book is when Annie drives Kane to various places in town and makes him lean on her car and "look mean," in order to spread word around town that she's got a hired gun. I was laughing out loud during this whole process.
And Bart himself - the main bad guy of the novel - doesn't turn out to be so bad a guy. Conrad is cushioning us, here. There's no grittiness or realness to the novel.
Even the sex is more poetic than graphic.
He touched the places where the sunlight was, and then he touched more, his hand trailing fire, his lips finding her most sensitive places, and she writhed beside him, responding to every move, breathing quickly, urgently, demandingly.
Now there was no more time for reluctance. Like the flash flood that had swept him off his feet earlier that day, the power of his feelings and his need were becoming too strong to hold back.
Okay, this isn't BAD. I mean, there's nothing bad about the sex. But notice you have no idea what the hell is going on. I like more details, more explicit sex. I like to know what is happening. But this kind of poetic vagueness fits in with the novel's fluffy tone. Still, minus points.
Also, can I just mention, the first time that they have sex (52%) it's on straw? Have you ever had sex on straw? Don't answer that! I'm just saying, it's not that comfortable. It wouldn't be my first, second, third... or even 20th choice on places to have sex. Listen, what's wrong with a bed? If you ABSOLUTELY have to have sex on straw, I'd highly recommend laying down a blanket or jacket so that it's more comfortable. Scratchy, itchy, pokey, probably dirty... straw is bad.
Another thing that annoyed me is that Annie is so hot and cold. She has sex with him, then she's rude to him for days. Then she sneaks into his bed at night for more sex. Then the cold shoulder again. Then more sex. I was like, "Stop messing around, lady! Either make him Boyfriend or stop having sex with him, but you are really being cruel right now." She's a little messed-up since her husband died. I can understand that, but I think she handled Kane and the situation badly.
Then we've got the usual weird romance things, like Kane pinning Annie to the ground when they first meet at her ranch (she thinks he's a prowler and pulls a shotgun on him). After everyone explains themselves, he still doesn't let her up. I'm just like, "What the fuck, dude?" Do people really think this kind of behavior is sexy? If I met a guy and he seemed reluctant to get off me after he tackled me to the ground I'd think he was a creepy pervert and possible rapist. I want to stress here that this is NOT two people "playing rough" after establishing a romantic/sexual relationship - this is a meet-and-greet kind of thing. It's creepy.
Then, we have this:
He'd always thought she looked like an angel, her face so perfect, her body so light, her hair a blond halo around her head. It felt strange letting her drive. He was used to being the one in charge, and this felt like giving up a bit too much of the initiative.
Excuse me? You have a problem "letting" a woman drive?!!?! What the heck is wrong with you? She runs a RANCH. A RANCH. I'm sure she knows her way around a vehicle. Goodness gracious. I know a lot of farm girls, and while they may be very traditional and conservative in their values, they'd laugh you off the porch if you insinuated men need to drive all the time. It's just stupid.
...
Tl;dr - Nothing but fluffy cuteness here - with a little humor thrown in for good measure. Fun location of Hawaii.
3 REAL STARS, 3 ROMANCE STARS
I got this for free on my Kindle by just browsing through Amazon, they were having a special. This was entry #3 in Carmen-Downloads-20-Free-Ebooks-Onto-Her-Kindle-Day. More widely known as March 3rd, 2015.
He stared at her. "What? he asked, sure he couldn't have heard right.
But she was earnest. "Just sort of lean, you know what I mean. Look tough. Look masculine."
BOOK #3 in Carmen-Downloads-20-Free-Ebooks-Onto-Her-Kindle-Day. More widely known as March 3rd, 2015.
This was a sweet, cute, fluffy romance. Kane (Caw-neigh, not Cain) ran away from Hawaii 17 years ago at the age of 17. When he lived on the island, everyone thought he was a wild bad boy - the kind of boy to take drugs, narrowly escape being jailed on a regular basis, and get girls pregnant. This was mostly unfounded, and it was partly due to everyone's low opinion and misconceptions of him that he fled. He became a DEA agent and started waging war against drug kingpins in South America. He married a woman who eventually divorced him to marry and have babies with his former partner. Now, with bullet scars on his face and body, and internal scars on his heart, he's returning to Hawaii.
Why? He saw an ad in the paper.
Wanted: Hired gun for small Hawaiian ranch. Position temporary.
Salary negotiable. Contact A. Ventura, Kohala District, the Big Island.
A. Ventura is Annie Ventura - the girl Kane had a crush on in high school. But she never dated him, preferring to go out with the arrogant golden boy Andy Ventura, who she ended up marrying. But now Andy is dead and Annie is running the ranch by herself with only her 6-year-old son to keep her company. Big, bad, super-rich Bart Carlson has his eye on Annie's ranch, and on Annie herself.
...
There is no grit here. This is sweetness, fluff and light. You'd think Kane and Bart would get into some kind of fights or Kane would have to fight some bad guys who work for Bart, or something. But no. The book goes gentle on the "bad guy angle." One of the funniest parts of the book is when Annie drives Kane to various places in town and makes him lean on her car and "look mean," in order to spread word around town that she's got a hired gun. I was laughing out loud during this whole process.
And Bart himself - the main bad guy of the novel - doesn't turn out to be so bad a guy. Conrad is cushioning us, here. There's no grittiness or realness to the novel.
Even the sex is more poetic than graphic.
He touched the places where the sunlight was, and then he touched more, his hand trailing fire, his lips finding her most sensitive places, and she writhed beside him, responding to every move, breathing quickly, urgently, demandingly.
Now there was no more time for reluctance. Like the flash flood that had swept him off his feet earlier that day, the power of his feelings and his need were becoming too strong to hold back.
Okay, this isn't BAD. I mean, there's nothing bad about the sex. But notice you have no idea what the hell is going on. I like more details, more explicit sex. I like to know what is happening. But this kind of poetic vagueness fits in with the novel's fluffy tone. Still, minus points.
Also, can I just mention, the first time that they have sex (52%) it's on straw? Have you ever had sex on straw? Don't answer that! I'm just saying, it's not that comfortable. It wouldn't be my first, second, third... or even 20th choice on places to have sex. Listen, what's wrong with a bed? If you ABSOLUTELY have to have sex on straw, I'd highly recommend laying down a blanket or jacket so that it's more comfortable. Scratchy, itchy, pokey, probably dirty... straw is bad.
Another thing that annoyed me is that Annie is so hot and cold. She has sex with him, then she's rude to him for days. Then she sneaks into his bed at night for more sex. Then the cold shoulder again. Then more sex. I was like, "Stop messing around, lady! Either make him Boyfriend or stop having sex with him, but you are really being cruel right now." She's a little messed-up since her husband died. I can understand that, but I think she handled Kane and the situation badly.
Then we've got the usual weird romance things, like Kane pinning Annie to the ground when they first meet at her ranch (she thinks he's a prowler and pulls a shotgun on him). After everyone explains themselves, he still doesn't let her up. I'm just like, "What the fuck, dude?" Do people really think this kind of behavior is sexy? If I met a guy and he seemed reluctant to get off me after he tackled me to the ground I'd think he was a creepy pervert and possible rapist. I want to stress here that this is NOT two people "playing rough" after establishing a romantic/sexual relationship - this is a meet-and-greet kind of thing. It's creepy.
Then, we have this:
He'd always thought she looked like an angel, her face so perfect, her body so light, her hair a blond halo around her head. It felt strange letting her drive. He was used to being the one in charge, and this felt like giving up a bit too much of the initiative.
Excuse me? You have a problem "letting" a woman drive?!!?! What the heck is wrong with you? She runs a RANCH. A RANCH. I'm sure she knows her way around a vehicle. Goodness gracious. I know a lot of farm girls, and while they may be very traditional and conservative in their values, they'd laugh you off the porch if you insinuated men need to drive all the time. It's just stupid.
...
Tl;dr - Nothing but fluffy cuteness here - with a little humor thrown in for good measure. Fun location of Hawaii.
3 REAL STARS, 3 ROMANCE STARS
I got this for free on my Kindle by just browsing through Amazon, they were having a special. This was entry #3 in Carmen-Downloads-20-Free-Ebooks-Onto-Her-Kindle-Day. More widely known as March 3rd, 2015.
November 22, 2015
I don't know how I came to have this book on my kindle, but I am very pleased that I did. Kane Carrington grew up at school as the 'bad boy', but he left town to get away from it. To get away from getting the blame for something he didn't do. From a child he had a crush on Annie...
Annie grew up and married her high school sweetheart and had a son together. A tragic hunting accident took his life away, leaving Annie with a business, a house and their son to look after. Things happen at the ranch to make Annie scared. She places an add in the paper for a security man. Little did she know that the hired security man was going to be bad boy Kane.
Kane answers Annie's add in the paper and moves home for the first time in seventeen years. Both him and Annie fall in love quickly. But the past comes back and haunts Annie. Her husbands lies, infidelity and gambling addiction come to light. Both Annie and her son Ryan, both love Kane and for the first time in her life she does something for herself.
Both Kane and Annie get engaged and look to the future.
This was a lovely story that had me hooked from the beginning. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
Annie grew up and married her high school sweetheart and had a son together. A tragic hunting accident took his life away, leaving Annie with a business, a house and their son to look after. Things happen at the ranch to make Annie scared. She places an add in the paper for a security man. Little did she know that the hired security man was going to be bad boy Kane.
Kane answers Annie's add in the paper and moves home for the first time in seventeen years. Both him and Annie fall in love quickly. But the past comes back and haunts Annie. Her husbands lies, infidelity and gambling addiction come to light. Both Annie and her son Ryan, both love Kane and for the first time in her life she does something for herself.
Both Kane and Annie get engaged and look to the future.
This was a lovely story that had me hooked from the beginning. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
August 5, 2014
This is another fantastic book By the awesome author Helen Conrad.. her books go from strength to strength.........This is the story of Kane Carrington and Annie Ventura.. Kane on Returning home to Hawaii finds the girl he cared and about and had a crush on her in High school is in trouble...what could he do... The only thing he could Helped her ... I fell in love with them both from the first few pages of the book.. You could feel the spark between them.....It is the consummate story of Love.. humour I cried laughing at times...and Drama is there in the mix..Would the spark between them fizzle out or would it become something more....Again I felt as if I was part of their lives.. Helen Conrad is truly among my all time favourite authors.. get this book you will not be disappointed in this or any of her books
May 27, 2014
Kane Carrington can't resist a call for help from the girl he secretly loved in high school. He goes back to his Hawaiian home, only to find he's still the "bad boy" to her golden girl image. But now he's a man, not a boy and Annie Ventura can't resist him. But does he have to destroy her memories of her dead husband in order to seal the deal?
A book of hope. A book of strength. A book of true love. Such an awesome story. Gives me the feeling
that love does win in the end... sometimes. 5 stars
A book of hope. A book of strength. A book of true love. Such an awesome story. Gives me the feeling
that love does win in the end... sometimes. 5 stars
February 18, 2015
great book
Wow a great book from start to finish loved Annie and Kane she sure is a spitfire and knows how to handle her self and oh Kane such a sweet guy with a bad rap if you haven't read this and are thinking about it I say do so.
Wow a great book from start to finish loved Annie and Kane she sure is a spitfire and knows how to handle her self and oh Kane such a sweet guy with a bad rap if you haven't read this and are thinking about it I say do so.
May 11, 2018
Can a bad boy come back to his island home and redeem himself to everyone he knows? Can the girl he has crushed on since high school accept him for who he really is? Or will her dead husband's past come back to destroy them??
September 16, 2018
After reading this story as part as "The Carringtons The Islanders", I had to express how a sappy love story can lift your heart and restore faith in life.The misunderstood youth comes back as a very gallant and honorable man. A great story!
January 15, 2019
Umm...okay....
I thought there would be just a little more drama than a fight over a plane. Plus, she was all “Don’t touch me!” then “touch me!” Within the same paragraph. I guess if you are a fan of cheesy romance with absolutely NO drama then here is the book for you.
I thought there would be just a little more drama than a fight over a plane. Plus, she was all “Don’t touch me!” then “touch me!” Within the same paragraph. I guess if you are a fan of cheesy romance with absolutely NO drama then here is the book for you.
June 25, 2017
Wonderful
Mystery,suspense and laughter just what I needed to make this a good day.I'm really looking forward to reading the next story.
Mystery,suspense and laughter just what I needed to make this a good day.I'm really looking forward to reading the next story.
August 9, 2017
Ben bij 20% afgehaakt. Het boeide me niet.
March 30, 2018
Cute story, quick read. Clean romance. Reconnected bad boy-good girl story. Not a lot of angst. Redemption story.
June 17, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
August 9, 2018
I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this - I couldn't connect to the characters or the story at all. Not for me.
January 22, 2019
Reading this book transported me to the warm sandy beaches of Hawaii. It’s been a cold week here in Idaho so I enjoyed the travel through this book!
July 7, 2014
This book was just okay for me. Mainly picked it up because it takes place in Hawaii. Found myself trying to just get through it just to finish it, not because it compelled me want to find out what happens.
July 10, 2014
Love after death
Annie tries very hard to keep a positive memory of her dead husband for her representation and for her son's. But more often than not cuddling with a warm body is better than a cold one.
Annie tries very hard to keep a positive memory of her dead husband for her representation and for her son's. But more often than not cuddling with a warm body is better than a cold one.
freebie-to-read
September 8, 2015**part of the Destiny Bay Romances-The Islanders: Box Set - Books 1-4 anthology.
December 26, 2015
Great rea
Wow. This was a superb read. The characters were wonderful and the storyline was well written. I love this author's writing style. She ropes you into the story from the beginning and moves the story along at a steady pace. Love her style.
Wow. This was a superb read. The characters were wonderful and the storyline was well written. I love this author's writing style. She ropes you into the story from the beginning and moves the story along at a steady pace. Love her style.
November 29, 2016
I want the few hours it took me to read this of my life back... Could have been good, only it was silly and didn't make sense and felt so absurd that I didn't have a snowballs chance in Hell of getting into it. I won't be reading any of the others in this "boxed set".
March 19, 2014
Good
this was a great love story that was set in Hawaii.the people in n this book are the ones who are natives who have a history u
romance
this was a great love story that was set in Hawaii.the people in n this book are the ones who are natives who have a history u
romance
May 15, 2014
Another great Carrington novel. Kane returns home to Hawaii to help the one person he cared about and realizes he is and has been in love with her all these years.
Want to read
June 18, 2014Free 06-18-14 (Contemp Romance)
http://www.amazon.com/Saved-You-The-I...
http://www.amazon.com/Saved-You-The-I...
June 21, 2014
A very light fun book to read. Quick and pleasant, just right for a quiet evening leaving one with a smile.
June 27, 2014
Usually, the class of book that I call "vacation romances" (set in an exotic location) don't do much for me, but I enjoyed this jaunt to Hawaii. The story was a bit insipid, though.
July 16, 2014
Nice read
I truly enjoyed this book and was impressed with the author. looking forward to the next book for more characters
I truly enjoyed this book and was impressed with the author. looking forward to the next book for more characters
September 12, 2016
I had to read this for a book club. My review, in a word: No.
October 2, 2015
First book in The Islanders-Destiny Bay Romances. A cozy romance, well written, easy read.
July 14, 2014
Great
Very good story.The author writes with dialogue easy to understand and follow. I would read her again. I loved the ending.Thanks for a good read.
Very good story.The author writes with dialogue easy to understand and follow. I would read her again. I loved the ending.Thanks for a good read.
September 9, 2014
Good book
Great book.If I enjoy a book it takes me a couple of days to read.I had this one read in one day.
Great book.If I enjoy a book it takes me a couple of days to read.I had this one read in one day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews