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Kailua Marines #3

Stranded at the Sandbar

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People dream of being stranded in paradise… until it happens for real.

You know those dumb quizzes on social media that tell you to pick the one person you wouldn’t mind being stuck on a deserted island with? Well, a few months ago, I would have said Kate. I thought she was the one. Until she ghosted me.

Now she’s back and wants to make amends. She had a reason for what she did, even if it hurt, so against my better judgment I invited her to go fishing on my boat. I definitely didn’t plan for what happened next.

Now we’re stuck together. And even though I'm falling for her all over again, I just can’t shake what happened last time. Not with a deployment looming. What happens if history repeats itself and I’m not here to stop it?

But first, we need to get through this whole being stranded thing. And then after we’re rescued, we’ll deal with the rest. Because there’s no time for romance when you’re busy trying to survive, right?

286 pages, ebook

First published June 30, 2021

103 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Jess Mastorakos

55 books707 followers
Jess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.

Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!

www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,099 reviews104 followers
June 28, 2021
4.5 stars

So Good!

My favorite book so far in the series, one I had a hard time putting down! We caught a glimpse of the Stone and Kate in Treasured in Turtle Bay; I hoped to get their story. The author has a great way of making you feel like you are right in the middle of the story, right down to the sand. Of course, it helps that I have been to the locations when my husband was based there.

Many of Stone’s trust issues are because of Kate. She did not handle the ending of their time together well.

She has now moved to Oahu, and he is unsure how he feels about this news. The anger slowly dissolves as they talk. It is an eventful day that becomes a weekend, where they must work together to get all fears out in the open. Will she trust her heart to Stone?

I received an advanced copy from the Author; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Megan Rivera.
434 reviews72 followers
June 2, 2021
I enjoyed reading Stranded at the Sandbar. It had a great storyline and it was a great book.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,904 reviews29 followers
May 29, 2021
Tyler Stone is nearly too good to be true... But he has trust issues. Kate is the reason for those issues.

From the moment they start their day together and while they are stranded, she experiences his goodness. He is protective without smothering, he patiently teaches her things, and generally looks out for her.

Did he get over his issues with trusting Kate while learning more about her?
Is she ready to trust him, too?
Profile Image for R. L. Peterson.
916 reviews35 followers
July 24, 2021
This was a fun read! A little steamier than I care for, but still not toooooo detailed. Glad I finished! Tyler is so sweet and makes me think of my husband with all the little things he did and the way he gently pushes you out of your comfort zone. So yeah! It didn't disappoint!

Content: alcohol, refers to drunkenness as a diseases, swimwear, touching, kissing, thoughts, unmarried couple stranded together overnight for a few days.
Profile Image for Mandi Blake.
Author 43 books833 followers
June 14, 2021
I've been waiting for Tyler and Kate's story since that one tiny scene they had together in Treasured in Turtle Bay! The combination of their unresolved past and being forced to work together when they're stranded made for a great story. I loved how these two worked together so well, and I was happy with their happily-ever-after ending. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for victoria_tonks.
314 reviews
July 4, 2021
Another lovely installment in a very satisfactory series. It touches upon some heavier subjects while still making the book enjoyable and uplifting. The MCs have depth and their internal struggles are believable. Plus it is always a pleasure to see the characters from the previous books in this series.
Profile Image for CAH - malphrusc.
704 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2021
Nice guy finishes FIRST…FINALLY. Join Tyler and Kate on a second round of getting to know you…both overcome challenges…both involving being “nice” sometimes too nice for their own good. A fun read to watch two people falling in love. The author spends time developing the characters and provides them the opportunity to work through realistic concerns and complicated feelings. Fans of this series will not be disappointed as we have been cheering Tyler on for a couple of books now. New readers looking for sweet romances with strong men and women will not need to look any further- this is it.
269 reviews
May 29, 2021
Whew! Every book this author releases is better than the last! Stranded at the Sandbar was no exception! This book is absolutely amazing! Join Tyler and Kate on their journey to love as they overcome fears, release past anger, and renew a flickering flame of love they once briefly held.
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
776 reviews142 followers
June 1, 2025
As a reader, there's no greater feeling than seeing a new book by a favorite author waiting for you to dive in and get lost among its pages. And there's nothing worse than real life pulling you away and stopping you from devouring said book. Y'all... I may or may not have gotten irrationally angry that this was happening to me while reading. Apparently it was too much to ask for uninterrupted reading time. Life can be so rude sometimes! 🤣

Because of all the interruptions, I treasured every single minute I spent in this book. I absolutely adored Tyler and Kate! They quickly became favorites of mine. Being stranded on an island can definitely bring two people closer together. I loved that, even though Kate was scared out of her ever loving mind, she trusted Tyler to protect her and keep her safe. His calm demeanor helped her to put all her faith in him and know that he could and would get them through anything. These two were absolutely perfect for each other. ❤️

Y'all know by now that one of my favorite things about series like this is getting to see and catch up with old friends and meeting new ones. I love how close knit this group is and how they're always there for each other. We all need friends like this in our lives. I cannot wait to get my hands on PJ's book. He has intrigued me from the very beginning and I'm dying to know what makes that man tick. And bonus for me... it's a single parent trope! Whoop! Whoop! Haha.

Ms. Mastorakos has quickly climbed my list of favorite authors. I may or may not squeal and do a little happy dance whenever I see one of her books hit my kindle. I can always count on her to give me that much needed break from reality. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting... y'all! I'm in love! What do you think?!

description
Profile Image for Morgan Giesbrecht.
Author 2 books189 followers
September 29, 2024
Man, how I love this friend group! This is older brother’s best friend at its finest. I love when the brother is chill about it & actually the one trying to do the matchmaking. 😂 Kate’s fear of the ocean and struggle to fix others in a relationship, plus needing the security to know she doesn’t need the take on the role, is relatable. Which makes Tyler such a keeper. 🥰
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,074 reviews12 followers
July 10, 2021
This is another great book to add to the Kailua Marines series. I love each and every one of the books written by this talented author. She makes each of them with characters that you can easily identify with and want to get to know better. Each book takes you back to earlier characters in the series and introduces you to knew friends you want to know more about.

Kate and Tyler's is a second chance romance story. They had met each other secretively and then Katie returned home with her family at the conclusion of their vacation. Then she ghosted Tyler and finally letting him know, via text, that she was getting back together with her former boyfriend. What a gut punch! She had her reasons and they made sense but she didn't explain them to Tyler at the time. Now, months later, she is back in Hawaii. Could Tyler forgive her and find his happy ever after with her or would those old fears and hurts prevent what could be a great love?

This book is packed with a lot, including a shipwreck and time on a deserted beach waiting to be rescued. It is a clean, wholesome, swoon-worthy romance and Tyler is the perfect, gentle, hunky protector.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
58 reviews
May 31, 2021
Just when I thought Jess's Marines couldn't possibly get any more swoony- here comes Tyler. Being a warrant officer in the Marines, Tyler is patient, level headed in dangerous situations, and a natural born leader. Add all that to the fact that he is kind ("the nice guy") and prepared for any situation that may arise, makes him the perfect guy for Kate who previously dated a guy who couldn't even decide where to eat without second guessing himself. Tyler is not sure he wants to go there with Kate again since she already left him for her ex once, but when they find themselves shipwrecked and stranded, he still does absolutely everything he can to take care of her and also teaches her how to take care of herself if anything were to happen to him. I loved Kate's strength and determination as she faces all of her biggest fears. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I read it straight through!

The author has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are in the story experiencing everything right along with them. I love how closely she pays attention to detail- everything she writes is very accurate and descriptive. Stranded at the sandbar is sweet (no colorful language or sex scenes) and swoony but also exciting and hilarious.

This book is a standalone with a HEA. But is also part of a series if like me, you fall in love with her writing and decide you want to continue on.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 89 books459 followers
August 16, 2021
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When they get stranded in paradise, can they put aside their differences until the cavalry arrives?

MY TAKE
Kate and Tyler had a secret fling four months before the beginning of this book. Then she went home and got back with her alcoholic ex-boyfriend and dumped Tyler in an email. It's no wonder he's hesitant to see her again when she finally break with the ex and comes to stay with her brother on Oahu. Her brother who just happens to be one of Tyler's good friends.

But both Kate and Tyler have more in common than they realize. Getting stranded on a sandbar for several days when his boat sinks gives them a opportunity to learn some of the stuff they didn't all those months ago. But it's understandable that Tyler's just waiting for Kate to go back to her ex. He's convinced that nice guys really do come in last.

Fun romance with engaging characters. This was my first book by Mastorakos, but I'll be looking at the other books in this series.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,841 reviews39 followers
May 29, 2021
Romance, sweet, contemporary; Series but stand alone read
Tyler and Kate's story was a sweet second chance romance. They had some misunderstandings and missteps along the way to their HEA, but it took getting stranded on a small island/sandbar to get them to open up about their real feelings for each other, and even then, took some time for the HEA. Loved the survival, the moments that they had. Loved Tyler's kindness to her and understanding, his attraction, capability, the moments that they had where they learned more about each other, and seeing more of the other couples who have already been featured in this series. Loved the premise of this story and how things worked out for them with the stranding. Such a fun plot twist!
J.M. knows how to write sweet romance. Both MC had their moments of doubt, moments of worry, and hopeful dreams and wishes, and loved that they were two honest, sweet, true characters. Lovely sweet Military/Marine Corps story. Can't wait to read the next one in this series!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.
47 reviews
May 30, 2021
This is the third book in Jess Mastorakos Kailua Marines Series. This book features a second chance at romance for Tyler and Kate who become stranded for three nights on an bird sanctuary island. Tyler is prepared, as a marine always is, and is able to catch fish and find coconuts for hydration. Kate must learn to handle her fear of the ocean and allow Tyler to teach her how to survive. They both must learn to trust the other. There is not as much interaction with all the other marines and their significant others, but there is still plenty of dry humor between friends who all serve on the airbase. I am looking forward to the next installment, which features bookworm PJ, Romance on the Reef.
1,033 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2021
I love the way Jess writes about the lives of the different Marines. All of their stories are so different, but each one is just as enjoyable as the previous one.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
155 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2021
What a GREAT story! This book has everything - action, excitement, romance, danger, adventure and LOTS of fun!

Kate and Tyler have some baggage to work through but the storyline is so gripping and entertaining it’s quite a ride to see them through. This set of friends is pure joy to follow from story to story although each really could stand alone.

Can’t wait for PJ’s story next. He has the BEST one-liners!
Profile Image for Emilee.
567 reviews117 followers
November 6, 2021
I’m really enjoying Hawaii and the adventures in this series!
Profile Image for Mary.
20 reviews
June 1, 2021
This might be my favorite book in the K-Bay series so far! I don’t want to spoil anything but the main plot kept my attention the whole time and glad it was different from the last two! I loved the adventure!
Profile Image for Tara.
1,192 reviews8 followers
May 30, 2021
This was an exceptional second chance romance that had me captivated from page. I felt all of their emotions; the happiness, the loss, the heartache, the fear and excitement, the longing and their love for each other. This is book #3 in the Kailua Marines series...a definite must read series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
9 reviews
June 1, 2021
Wow! Each book in the just gets better. Tyler and Kate each have issues but it's a work in progress. I love that each book includes characters from previous books.
943 reviews23 followers
May 31, 2021
Great story with strong characters! I really enjoyed this military romance. Perfect for people who like clean romance stories. I received a copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Angeline.
738 reviews23 followers
June 5, 2021
Jess Mastorakos is one of my favorite authors, I love her books and they keep on getting better and better! Stranded at the Sandbar is the third book in Jess Mastorakos' Kailua Marines series! I loved her San Diego series, and this series is just as good. We have a new set of friends to follow and I am loving the development of the stories and getting to make new “friends”.
Okay, so I was really excited to read Tyler's book. He was such a nice guy and I loved getting to see him in Promises at Pyramid Rock. It was really interesting to read from his perspective. He had been dumped and labeled the nice guy before, so he was kind of wary. To make matters worse Kate chose to dump in through text. Kate had suffered through a bad relationship that left her reeling, she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. However when she finds herself stranded on an island with Tyler, she finds herself falling for Tyler again. And maybe becoming a better person.
Kate was someone I had to grow to love, but she was an awesome character! And although I didn’t always agree with her, I felt like I understood her. I loved reading about her growth as a character. She was a helper, she wanted to help others and feel useful. However this trait was also her downfall, she helped others to the point of letting herself get walked over. But Tyler helped her learn how to create boundaries. He helped her be the best person she could be while still staying true to herself.
I liked Tyler a lot and it was fun reading about him. He was kind hearted and it was sweet to read about him interacting with Kate. He really cared for her and it really broke his heart when she broke up with him, but he was still nice to her. It was fun to read about them falling in love and reading about Tyler being heroic while they were stuck on the island. I liked how Kate helped Tyler see his value and how she showed him that he was an awesome guy.
I really adored Stranded at the Sandbar, it is currently my favorite in the series, but I have a feeling that PJ’s book is going to take the prize. The characters are always awesome and relatable. I would totally recommend Stranded at the Sandbar! Stranded at the Sandbar is a clean, Marine romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
77 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2021
STRANDED AT THE SANDBAR is a standalone read with a happy ending. There are no sexy scenes or colorful language so any age can read and enjoy. It is a story about Marines stationed in Hawaii. So it is fun to learn things about the islands and the marines. I lived in Hawaii for 2 years and I never heard of this sandbar, I'm sorry I missed it as it sounds like such a fun place to spend time.

Tyler is one of the last bachelors in this group of friends. He thought he met the love of his life just a short time ago but she went back to the states and to her ex. He was crushed but life goes on. Her brother is one of Tyler's friends so he hears about her from time to time. He has just discovered that Kate has left the ex, ending things for the last time and she is moving to Hawaii to live with her brother in his off base house. This is going to be awkward had Kate ended things with a text.

Of course they run into each other and she wants to apologize to Tyler and explain fully what really happened. Tyler invites her out on his boat knowing she is deathly afraid of the ocean. He hopes to help her over her fear and perhaps become friends. Best plans don't always work as they find themselves in a storm and the boat taking on water. There is a nearby island and Tyler grabs Kate and takes off swimming.

This is a good story. As Tyler's survival skills kick in it gets very interesting how things are going to go for the next few days before they are rescued - if his friends realize he is missing. It is a good read, filled with adventure, forgiveness, returning feelings of a happy ending. I really enjoyed this story. I found it entertaining as well as informative and fun. I definitely recommend it.

I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 6/30/2021
Profile Image for Heather.
194 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2021
Stranded at the Sandbar is the third book in the series Kailua Marines written by Jess Mastorakos. Tyler and Kate first met at a celebrity wedding at Turtle Bay. Kate, with her parents, was visiting her brother Hunter as he took up his new posting at Kailua. Tyler and Kate were very smitten with each other. Kate moves to Hawaii and is staying with her brother, a team mate of Tyler. The main part of the story revolves around what happens when Tyler comes across Katie while shopping and invites her to come out fishing on his newly purchased second-hand boat. Tyler and Katie go through many situations that help sort themselves out into being more confident people. Katie ends up heading towards a new career. Here is one of my favourite dialogues between Tyler and Kate, ‘Tyler lowered the board into the water and stepped nimbly onto it. Then he turned, holding his hand out to me like Aladdin coaxing Jasmine onto a magic carpet ride. “Do you trust me?” ’ Recommend this book to any reader who enjoys military romances that do not include bad language and are a sweet romance.

Looking forward to the next book about PJ, Maggie and her daughter Bree, titled Romance on the Reef.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Profile Image for Shebb.
774 reviews
June 11, 2021
Oh. My. Goodness. An awesome book!

I'm not sure how Jess Mastorakos's books get better with each story she writes, but they do! What an adventure Tyler and Kate experienced together... and that was before being stranded!

So, I have this bad habit of reading books by authors I love without *really* reading the cover or blurbs. And this book kinda whacked me upside the head when THEY ENDED UP STRANDED ON AN ISLAND! 🤦‍♀️ Yeah, I know. But honestly, it was the best surprise, ha ha!

I was hooked from the get-go because I wanted to know from earlier books why Kate would ditch a gorgeous guy like Tyler. I wasn't impressed with her before I met her in this story... but I love her now. She's selfless - putting others before herself (great training to be a mum!) even to her detriment, so I forgave her error in judgement dumping Mr Survivor.

As for the said gentlemen... wow. I loved Tyler in his role as friend to his fellow Marines in the previous books, but enjoyed seeing him in Technicolor. And a man with that understanding, strength and ability to survive days without civilisation? What a guy.

Oh! I also loved how he knew Brooks! Such a cool link to the San Diego Marines series!

Loved this story, and raring for PJs story!

NB I received an ARC of this novel.
1,068 reviews23 followers
June 21, 2021
Stranded at the Sandbar is an interesting and enjoyable read. With the point of view changing between the main characters every chapter, the characters are well-developed and their actions understandable. I found both Tyler and Kate to be likable and fun. While this is definitely a clean book, there are some sizzling kisses leading to desire, but not going any further than those kisses. There is an emphasis on physical attributes, but also on the inner characteristics that make Tyler and Kate who they are. They do get their HEA.
I plan to read more of from Jess Matorakas and more of the Kailua Marines. The Epilogue introduces the characters for the next book, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading about PJ and Maggie.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written romance.
Profile Image for Becky of Becky's Bookshelves .
730 reviews100 followers
June 30, 2021
Stranded at the Sandbar: A Sweet, Castaway, Military Romance by Jess Mastorakos is a stand alone novel that is also part of a series of sweet, military romances (the Kailua Marines series). Our story features Kate, who is incredibly afraid of the ocean and is coming out of a bad relationship, and Tyler,a warrant officer in the marines stationed in Hawaii and is known as our “nice” guy.

Kate and Tyler become stranded as castaways on a deserted island,but luckily Tyler is a survivalist master. The chemistry between Kate and Tyler is fantastic and they are characters I enjoyed getting to know, and wanted to root for. The chapters alternate between Kate and Tyler’s perspective. The characters have incredible dialogue with each other and themselves. I enjoyed this thoroughly

This was an adventure filled, romantic, fast paced read that was set in the amazing location of Hawaii. A fantastic read! I am glad I discovered Jess Mastorakos, and highly recommend Stranded at the Sandbar.

I was given the book by the author and not required to write a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Schoenly.
58 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2021
Jess has yet another winner!! I couldn’t stop reading Tyler and Kate’s story!

Tyler and Kate met when her brother was stationed in Hawaii. They had a brief secret fling that ended when Kate returned to Kansas and broke up with Tyler over text. A few months later, Kate has decided to move to Hawaii to live with her brother, and he starts encouraging them to date.

Kate and Tyler run into each other at the store, and Kate agrees to go out fishing with Tyler, despite her fear of the ocean. While they’re out, a mishap results in the boat sinking and Tyler and Kate stranded on a deserted island.

I loved watching their romance develop! As always, Jess writes characters that are engaging and make you feel like a part of their friendship circle. I also really appreciated how the difficult topic of alcoholism is addressed.

I can’t wait for PJ’s story to come next!!

I received an advance copy of the book, and am providing my honest review.
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