Aloha Old Flame

Flame #1

by Daniella Brodsky

From the author behind the Hilary Duff film, Beauty & The Briefcase comes a sexy, angsty, and heartfelt second-chance romance.

Marketing maven Emma Taylor had a globe-hopping upbringing with her army family. But when it was time to choose her own place to call home, she chose Hawaii, where she’d spent four years of high-school. She convinced herself her choice had nothing to do with Michael, the only man she’d ever truly loved, right there on Oahu, and she’s managed to make a cozy, satisfying life for herself there. But when Michael re-emerges, her happy existence begins to feel like a bit of a sham.

Michael did the right thing letting Emma live in Paris, severing her small-town tie to the island that would only drag her back. He knew it would break their hearts, but she was off to bigger and better things and he wasn’t going to be the one to stand in her way. He was sure eventually, he’d meet someone else, the way people always did when they got older. They were just kids, and girls were literally lining up for him. And for years, he’d convinced himself he was the hero in all this, until he couldn’t convince himself any longer.

Buy Aloha Old Flame today to find out if going back is ever a good idea . . .

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Collections, Amazon, Chick Lit

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2019

About the author

Daniella Brodsky is the bestselling author of dozens of contemporary romance novels--one of which has been adapted by Disney as the film, Beauty & The Briefcase, starring Hilary Duff (I know, right?!).

She writes sexy, sweet, intelligent romance that often takes readers into far-off destinations. This is because she’s lived all over the world, from New York to London to Sydney and Honolulu. She lives in Australia, and lots of her alpha males are Australian because let’s face it: they’re hot. And the accent doesn’t hurt either. That’s why she married one.

Daniella is an adjunct Creative Writing Lecturer at James Cook University and edits and teaches fiction craft at her Captain Cook Studio. A native New Yorker, she lives in Canberra, Australia, where she is writing her next contemporary romance novel in the FLAME SERIES: INSANELY HOT, THEN NOT, which launches in April and features a particularly epic bad boy billionaire come good.

Do you sometimes like to have a break from your book boyfriends and keep yourself up all night with a heart-pounding twisty psychological thriller full of “oh no you didn’t!” moments? Check out her pen name: Dan Noble

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Taylor is a member of a military family ...always being transferred here and there. When she became able, she chose her permanent home to be Hawaii. She tries to tell herself that her choice had nothing to do with the only man she's ever loved.

Michael let her go many years ago .. she was on her way up and he did not want to hold her back. He thought he was being considerate and caring ... but even now there are second thoughts.

Do you believe in second chances?

This is a clean and wholesome romantic story. Emma and Michael are very likeable characters. It's a very easy read, a step above a cozy. Would make an enjoyable beach read.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this Romance. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had not received this ARC in exchange for my review, I would not have finished it. It was a struggle to get to the end, because I found the characters very unlikable. The main character, Emma, is a former military brat, who spent her high school years in Hawaii and decided to return after school in Paris. Her decision also had to do with her high school boyfriend, Michael, who broke up with her so they could each find their own paths.
It starts when Michael sends her a friend request on Facebook, and she ruminates over whether she should accept it for way too long. It becomes a distraction at work and with her friend, so much of this is her inter dialogue about what to do. Once they are back in touch, it seems to be one misunderstanding after another. Mainly since Emma does not communicate well with anyone, but we are privy to her inter thoughts.
I was not a fan of Emma or Michael, so it was hard to want to see them together. Also, much of the book just did not ring true to me and I just got sick of Emma’s thoughts. She seemed quite selfish at times and even with stupid things like she is mad her dad did not come with her mom to pick her up at the airport, really?!? Also, each chapter tells you the perspective it is from, but Emma’s chapters are told in the third person where Michael’s are told in the first. Just did not make sense.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

A fast easy read but the storyline annoyed me. The main characters spent too much time fighting and not enough time actually talking to each other. Both of them also jumped to conclusions regarding the other and had problems being honest. They only seemed to connect in bed. Then suddenly everything was fine and the story ended. Also there are editing issues.

[Jessie]

I don't know how to rating this book.... Let me think about it and come back later.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Daniella’s writing. This book was so believable. I can’t wait for more.

Emma is a strong FMC but also struggles with a break up form high school back in Hawaii. Now living in Paris, she gets that friend request on Facebook by the one guy she once loved. Michael is struggling through his divorce. Finally reconnecting and back in the states can Emma and Michael rekindle their love once again? Or have they years that have passed changed them too much? Can they be just friends?

Filled with heartbreak, love, banter and steam this book will leave you wanting more. A great second chance romance, small town love story

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for a honest review. That being said, my opinion is my own.

For the most part this isn't a bad story. I enjoyed the characters and most of the interactions. However, the plot with the main characters kind of annoyed me. They spend WAY too much time fighting and not nearly enough time talking. Then all the sudden things are just better and the book is over.

[Charlie Allin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to be clear from the start, I was gifted this book for free from Hidden gems in exchange for a review which I am doing voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.

I loved this book from the start, it’s a lovely, easy page turner and would be a perfect read sat in the sun by a pool or a beach.

It’s easy to relate with the characters and you get drawn into their story emotionally too being dragged in what is happening and what may come next.

I look forward to book 2 ♥️

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/23/2020)! 🎁

[Sue Philips · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in this series by Daniella Brodsky - set in a group of islands I love. Hawai'i is the backdrop for this book and offers the reader a gorgeous story of old flames coming face to face to face. Can they rekindle the love they had for each other way back when. Being an army brat means a lot of moving around and Emma has now decided to settle in Hawai'i. She comes face to face with Michael and this is where I got quite annoyed with the story. They spent so much time arguing and not enough to my liking of trying to rebuild their relationship. Even though they got there in the end, this story really tested my patience, therefore the 3 star rating. To my way of thinking, the past can never be changed, so if you want a relationship with an old flame, leave the "past door" firmly shut and start fresh. People change as they get older so things that may have been an issue in the past are probably in reality, quite trivial now.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aloha Old Flame was not what I expected from Daniella Brodsky. It was hard for me to get past the first couple of chapters, trying to figure out who was actually speaking Emma or her friend Candace. Once I got past that issue and started to get into the storyline, I realized that Emma was having a lot of internal disputes with herself about work, life and the love that got away. When she did reconnect with her long lost love there were many underlying questions that she refused to ask, because she didn't want to hear the answer and Michael the long lost love wasn't ready to share, so this caused more internal disputes for Emma. There were so many different languages taking place throughout the book that that got a bit confusing also. It could have just been me who had a problem with it. The story was good once you got past some of these issues.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one but I did have a little trouble getting into it in the beginning. Emma is a good character but sometimes she frustrated me. We get her inner thought but sometimes she question things in her head but not out loud. Somethings that she doesn't let bother her would definitely bother me. She reconnects with her ex Micheal. They argue a lot and he has a secret. I like both Emma and Micheal but I wasn't total sold on their relationship at first but them together grew on me. The more I read the more I liked the story.

[Reva Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unrequited love story of Emma and Michael was one that really pulled at my heart. But it wasn't easy reading. Michael grew up in a Hawaiian family so if you know a smattering of Hawaiian language it would help. I think the author was writing in the Queen's English for this American with a multi-lingual Heroine (French and Italian used in the story). Also, the timing of events was hard to track: e.g., the big client meeting was to take place on Friday but it was three weeks later and not on Friday. I enjoyed the story.

[Aleksandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aloha Old Flame was not the easiest read for me and I probably wouldn’t finished it if it wasn’t an ARC. It’s definitely not what I expected from this particular author. I had trouble with following who’s actually speaking, and all the internal conflicts of Emma annoyed me. When she finally reconnected with her lost love, they spent too much time arguing and not enough on trying to rebuild their relationship. And she doesn’t communicate at all.

[Carole Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Characters

I loved the story, but I must face about the characters. They were so lifelike and honest. Emma and her friend, Candace, bantering back and forth was so real. Emma and Michael's relationship is complicated, but interesting. And Gianni? So real! Great story. I loved it.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It moves along at a pace which is a perfect fit for this story. It has interesting characters that you will love and a story that will not disappoint. This is a book that needs to be read, there is no doubt about it.

[Melodie Cieckiewicz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very dull. The storyline was relatable but the characters were boring. It’s the old flame reunion story with a soon to be crazy ex wife. The drama could have been really rev’d up in this story and it would have been better

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniella Brodsky
Aloha Old Flame (Flame Series Book 1)
Emma and Michael
Awww...what a sweet rekindling an old flame romance! I really enjoyed reading it!

[Leigh Goldian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

I loved this book! There’s something about unrequited love that just kills me, and it makes me so happy when the characters have a happily ever after!

[Ann-Sofie Hansson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice for a rainy day

Nice story, easyread with a good plot. Missing a little bit more of the characters to fully live myself in to the story.

[Zoë Haughwout · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand the point of a two person narrative if the second person's perspective doesn't come into play until 2/3 of the book even though je was introduced long before that.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angsty, sexy, romantic

Delicious second-chance romance between two people who really needed that break to grow. And to learn the art of honest communication. Dual POVs, well-written smexiness, a crazy ex, twists and turns, all wrapped up in a perfect HEA. Ms. Brodsky is a one-click author for me, I'm all in for whatever she writes next!

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

unexpected story sweet ending

The story has so many interesting turns and complexities that can into play, but everything was settled and understood by the end.

[S Paschal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Emma's character in this story to be very inconsistent. Convinced she is strong, independent and capable, I instead found her to be a bit childish and neurotic. Hung up on a man who broke up with her a decade ago, she may get a second chance with him when he tries to friend her on Facebook. Unwilling to face the situation, she waits months before finally responding.

When they finally reconnect, she and Michael's unwillingness to be honest adults prevents them from reestablishing any meaningful connection. Throw in Emma's 'best friend' who plays childish pranks as well as engages in some borderline illegal activities and any chance Emma has of becoming an adult is threatened.

So much heartache could have been avoided for these characters with just a bit of bravery and honesty. I found Emma's constant insecurity and internal debate to be a bit tiresome at times. At thirty years of age, having lived on her own for years, she should be a bit more prepared to leave immaturity behind and articulate what she wants. Michael isn't much better, not willing to share his truth with Emma, despite wanting her back in his life.

Three stars for this romance filled with misunderstandings and internal debate.

This is a voluntary review of an ARC of the story.

[Janet Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a Sweet or Clean Romance!
I picked up this book because I was in the mood for a sweet romance and this one takes place in Hawaii – what a bonus! I got about 75% through the book and was skimming rather than reading and just gave up! It is a contemporary romance that takes place in Hawaii. It does involve a couple who had been high school lovers and haven't seen each other in over a decade. That is where all the similarities with the description end. This tale is neither sweet nor clean by any standards. Nor is it a comedy. I found nothing to smile at in the entire book. While it isn't terribly graphic, there is lots of open door sex and PDA. Most of the story is told by the female lead and she thinks about sex a lot!
Much of the wording leads me to think the author has UK roots as we Americans generally don't describe vacations as 'holiday' or call diapers 'nappies'. I did not care for the book in either the author's style or the content. I received this ARC for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.

[Samantha March · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to Aloha Old Flame, as I have enjoyed Daniella Brodsky in the past, but unfortunately I didn’t end up loving this one. Both main characters were tough to get along with, and the constant need for one truthful conversation that couldn’t be had ended up frustrating me frequently. I would have assumed that Emma and Michael were a lot younger than they actually are based on their actions and again, the inability to have an adult conversation about really important things before making some of the choices they both did, and that left me quite unsatisfied. The storyline with Emma and her best friend also confused me, and seemed to skip around and came back into play at odd times. Overall, this wasn’t a novel I could recommend because of the disjointed scenes and inability to care for the characters inside, which has me disappointed because I had really high hopes for this one.
2.5 stars

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book. Emma and Michael fell in love in high school. After graduation, Emma went to Paris to pursue her education. During a visit, Michael broke up with Emma. She has moved on with her life, but she has always loved Michael and compares everyone to him. Michael has also moved on and married another woman. When Emma accepts his facebook request the two decide to meet up. Emma has an idea that Michael is married but doesn't want to ask. She also doesn't want to start a physical relationship until the issue is resolved. Can these two navigate the road towards re-connection? Was their love as teenagers enough to carry them through? Will Michael ever be able to convince Emma that he still loves her? I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Christyg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is an interesting character. She definitely marches to her own beat. We all take our own path to figure out who we are and what we want. On her path, she faces the current world decision of should she accept the friend request of her old flame on social media. This is a new reality in our world and her internal debate is something we've all experienced for one reason or another. The story then follows the path of what happens with Michael once she makes her decision. The story is a great lesson in being honest with others and yourself. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking. The more I read, the sadder the story became. By the time I reached the end, I had a horrible headache and one severely broken heart. The storyline was well done; the characters developed fairly well; plot twists and turns more or less were as expected; and the HEA finally showed up. Was it what I expected? Not exactly. Was it a good fit for this story? Absolutely! This is a really tricky story to navigate. I think it belongs on your TBR list. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and struggled the whole way.) 💔

[Shelly Unwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mid chilly Canberra winter I was ready to snuggle down with a romance novel and that it was based in tropical Hawaii was an additional bonus. The inclusion on many local landmarks and food showed the author had a clear grasp of place. For me though the story really kicked in when the protagonist flew to Italy to visit her parents and had a dalliance with a local man, the writing became clearer and more fast paced from this point and pulled me happily towards the satisfying ending.