What do you think?
Rate this book
Oahu Naval Officers #1
Like a Good Neighbor
The first impression is on me. Yelling at her about the loud parties wasn't my finest moment, but I didn't expect the LTJG Pierson I was looking for to be this tall, smokin' hot woman in front of me!
Now she definitely hates me, and all I want to do is change her mind.
Shoots, brah! I've got charm for days! All I have to do is show her I'm not the jerk she thinks I am.
She's the kind of woman that can go toe to toe with me, and I never back down from a challenge.
The author would like you to know:
if you don't like swearing
if sexy banter isn't your thing
if you prefer angst to humor
if you think "military romance" only means special ops
if you want sex to fade to black, behind close doors
if you don't like community and found family
if you're not into emotional growth and adult relationships
This might not be the book for you.
Now she definitely hates me, and all I want to do is change her mind.
Shoots, brah! I've got charm for days! All I have to do is show her I'm not the jerk she thinks I am.
She's the kind of woman that can go toe to toe with me, and I never back down from a challenge.
The author would like you to know:
if you don't like swearing
if sexy banter isn't your thing
if you prefer angst to humor
if you think "military romance" only means special ops
if you want sex to fade to black, behind close doors
if you don't like community and found family
if you're not into emotional growth and adult relationships
This might not be the book for you.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
8 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Drea Braddock
9 books29 followersDrea lives on the beautiful island of O'ahu, Hawai'i. She drinks a lot of coffee, reads a lot of books, and has a lot of tattoos. As a neurodivergent author, her dream characters and scenarios involve complex people, emotional wounds, normalizing nurturing those things that make us unique, and the magic of finding the person who sees all of you and still wants more.
If you want stories with those things AND humor, friendship, high heat, low angst, and no third-act black moment,
look no further!
If you want stories with those things AND humor, friendship, high heat, low angst, and no third-act black moment,
look no further!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 15, 2021
Great story ❤
Really enjoyed this book! Its the first one I've read by Drea Braddock and it definitely won't be my last! It was a cute story and they had tons of wonderful chemistry. As a retired military officer, I have a really hard time finding books that have heroines like me: alpha, but feminine at the same time. Drew did a fantastic job realistically portraying some of the challenges we face and I just wanted to mention that I really appreciate it. I've also been stationed in Hawaii and loved the attention spent discussing Hawaiian life and culture ❤.
An overall great read that I'd definitely recommend. While the story centers around a woman in the military, its definitely not just a story about that. Its a story about finding your person, taking chances, and letting go of the baggage that drags you down. Definitely relatable to everyone❤.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
Really enjoyed this book! Its the first one I've read by Drea Braddock and it definitely won't be my last! It was a cute story and they had tons of wonderful chemistry. As a retired military officer, I have a really hard time finding books that have heroines like me: alpha, but feminine at the same time. Drew did a fantastic job realistically portraying some of the challenges we face and I just wanted to mention that I really appreciate it. I've also been stationed in Hawaii and loved the attention spent discussing Hawaiian life and culture ❤.
An overall great read that I'd definitely recommend. While the story centers around a woman in the military, its definitely not just a story about that. Its a story about finding your person, taking chances, and letting go of the baggage that drags you down. Definitely relatable to everyone❤.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: none
September 22, 2021
REVIEW by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)
Norah is a naval officer that gets stationed in Hawaii, she rents a place and has roommates, and even has a neighbor that is almost her bestie. When she meets Ka'eo for the first time its, not really on good terms, he is after all the landlord and was there to give her a lecture on loud parties. For Ka'eo that first meeting with Norah has him wanting to see her more, he felt it, that proverbial spark, but somehow Norah doesn't seem to be a big fan of his. Ka'eo's goal is to spend more time with Norah and get her to feel the spark that he feels, spoiler alert: she does she just hides it better than he does. We get to watch Norah and Ka'eo navigate a journey to something more than friendship. But are they too different for something more to work? What about Norah's job, will she have to choose between the Navy and Ka'eo or can she have it all?
This is a slow burn style book, with ok naughty bits and some good drama. Ka'eo was the stereotypical Hawaiian native with how he spoke, so we get a bit of a lesson on how to say things. With this looking like it’s her second book, I feel the author did a really good job, and I can see her getting better so that means I'm expecting some awesome stories in the future. I give this 4 stars.
(4 Stars)
Norah is a naval officer that gets stationed in Hawaii, she rents a place and has roommates, and even has a neighbor that is almost her bestie. When she meets Ka'eo for the first time its, not really on good terms, he is after all the landlord and was there to give her a lecture on loud parties. For Ka'eo that first meeting with Norah has him wanting to see her more, he felt it, that proverbial spark, but somehow Norah doesn't seem to be a big fan of his. Ka'eo's goal is to spend more time with Norah and get her to feel the spark that he feels, spoiler alert: she does she just hides it better than he does. We get to watch Norah and Ka'eo navigate a journey to something more than friendship. But are they too different for something more to work? What about Norah's job, will she have to choose between the Navy and Ka'eo or can she have it all?
This is a slow burn style book, with ok naughty bits and some good drama. Ka'eo was the stereotypical Hawaiian native with how he spoke, so we get a bit of a lesson on how to say things. With this looking like it’s her second book, I feel the author did a really good job, and I can see her getting better so that means I'm expecting some awesome stories in the future. I give this 4 stars.
January 25, 2022
For spicy readers only
I downloaded Like a Good Neighbor and Small Packages at the same time, so cross posting this review.
I like the characters the author creates. You do, you just like them. You want them to be happy and it keeps you coming back because you want to know what happens to them! Initial character introductions were great. There is no massive data dump on their personality; the running theme with this author is to dump you directly into a situation that tells you the important defining characteristics and reactions (which I love).
And not always necessary to point out, but since this is self published, the grammar and punctuation is all very clean! I’m generally more lenient on that for indie works, so it’s a notable thing for me to call out.
If you like spice, this is for you. There is a careful attention to detail in these scenes. I wouldn’t call them kink scenes, but the language is very graphic, and they are well played out.
I personally like books with a slower burn, and softer language, and for me the author tended to rush through non-intimate scenes. However, those features are things that don’t work for me but I think could absolutely scratch an itch for someone who leans more toward “romantic erotica” reads.
I downloaded Like a Good Neighbor and Small Packages at the same time, so cross posting this review.
I like the characters the author creates. You do, you just like them. You want them to be happy and it keeps you coming back because you want to know what happens to them! Initial character introductions were great. There is no massive data dump on their personality; the running theme with this author is to dump you directly into a situation that tells you the important defining characteristics and reactions (which I love).
And not always necessary to point out, but since this is self published, the grammar and punctuation is all very clean! I’m generally more lenient on that for indie works, so it’s a notable thing for me to call out.
If you like spice, this is for you. There is a careful attention to detail in these scenes. I wouldn’t call them kink scenes, but the language is very graphic, and they are well played out.
I personally like books with a slower burn, and softer language, and for me the author tended to rush through non-intimate scenes. However, those features are things that don’t work for me but I think could absolutely scratch an itch for someone who leans more toward “romantic erotica” reads.
October 27, 2021
This was a great book. It was a slow build with wonderful characters, and truly about getting to know yourself, and being comfortable with who you are, and what you want in life. I recommend this book.
About the book and characters:
Norah is a Lieutenant in the Navy. She gets stationed in Hawaii. She is over six feet, beautiful, and firery. She is in charge of her housemates too. Ka'eo is the owner of Norah apartment. He is a very big, beautiful, tattooed Hawaiian man. It is very apparent to Norah that he takes care of himself. When the two first meet there are sparks, and fire.
Readers will fall in love with these characters and the Hawaiian way!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About the book and characters:
Norah is a Lieutenant in the Navy. She gets stationed in Hawaii. She is over six feet, beautiful, and firery. She is in charge of her housemates too. Ka'eo is the owner of Norah apartment. He is a very big, beautiful, tattooed Hawaiian man. It is very apparent to Norah that he takes care of himself. When the two first meet there are sparks, and fire.
Readers will fall in love with these characters and the Hawaiian way!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2021
This isn't the type of book I'd normally pick up, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I've read a lot of heavy stories lately, and this was a great change of pace.
I'll admit it took me a few chapters to get used to the language style, but once I did, it wasn't even noticeable. This book felt like a vacation to somewhere I've never been, and like I was immersed in the Hawaiian culture.
The characters, not just the main characters, are fun and likable, and overall, I really enjoyed reading this.
Thanks to BookSirens and Drea Braddock for the ARC, and the opportunity to read this early!
I'll admit it took me a few chapters to get used to the language style, but once I did, it wasn't even noticeable. This book felt like a vacation to somewhere I've never been, and like I was immersed in the Hawaiian culture.
The characters, not just the main characters, are fun and likable, and overall, I really enjoyed reading this.
Thanks to BookSirens and Drea Braddock for the ARC, and the opportunity to read this early!
October 4, 2021
Loved all the varying characters and that they all seem to have the potential for their own exciting story. Also loved the book was based in Hawaii and that there were lots of references and use of the Hawaiin Language - thanks for putting a list at the back to translate.
I really enjoyed the book it was engaging and fun but also had moments where it made me cry for the underlying pain caused to the heroine of the book. I look forward to reading the next book
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the book it was engaging and fun but also had moments where it made me cry for the underlying pain caused to the heroine of the book. I look forward to reading the next book
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2021
This was a really wonderful read, although I'll be honest that it took me a couple chapters to really get into the writing style which is a little more casual and free-thought than I'm used to. In the end, I was able to get through it and everything became easier and more enjoyable.
The hero is a native Hawaiian who introduces the reader to all sorts of amazing Hawaiian culture (from language, to pronunciations, to foods, to family life, etc). He's warm and friendly and positive which is a bit of a change from what I'm typically used to (I love my grumpy heroes). He gets off on the wrong foot with our heroine, but that's rectified in a pretty adult way...although it didn't feed my desperate need for irrational drama.
The heroine is a tall, muscular military woman (how cool!) who knows her worth. I loved learning about Navy culture as well, to be honest, even though I typically stay away from military romances because trying to understand the jargon tends to take me out of the book. She was a badass bitch, in the best way.
The two of them have some missteps and instances of miscommunication that were a little frustrating to watch happen (especially when you know both of their points of view), but I did like a little more drama in everything!
The hero is a native Hawaiian who introduces the reader to all sorts of amazing Hawaiian culture (from language, to pronunciations, to foods, to family life, etc). He's warm and friendly and positive which is a bit of a change from what I'm typically used to (I love my grumpy heroes). He gets off on the wrong foot with our heroine, but that's rectified in a pretty adult way...although it didn't feed my desperate need for irrational drama.
The heroine is a tall, muscular military woman (how cool!) who knows her worth. I loved learning about Navy culture as well, to be honest, even though I typically stay away from military romances because trying to understand the jargon tends to take me out of the book. She was a badass bitch, in the best way.
The two of them have some missteps and instances of miscommunication that were a little frustrating to watch happen (especially when you know both of their points of view), but I did like a little more drama in everything!
October 18, 2021
Thank you, Drea Braddock, for this ARC of Like a Good Neighbour. It's a slow-burn romance that is easy to read and goes down like smooth wine. No hiccups, no angst (not much anyway) and no headaches.
Norah is an officer in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii, while Ka'eo is a local photographer. I loved the chemistry these two shared from the get-go. The supporting cast is pretty awesome too!
One of my favorite things was the way the author has woven tidbits about authentic Hawaiian culture throughout the whole story. Ka'eo speaks a slang that is typical in Hawaii which gives another layer of authenticity to the whole experience.
My only grouse with the whole story was that I didn't really like Norah on a fundamental level. that is, of course, a very personal opinion. The very fact that the character invoked a dislike in me means the character was well developed - after all, you don't like every person you come across!
Norah is an officer in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii, while Ka'eo is a local photographer. I loved the chemistry these two shared from the get-go. The supporting cast is pretty awesome too!
One of my favorite things was the way the author has woven tidbits about authentic Hawaiian culture throughout the whole story. Ka'eo speaks a slang that is typical in Hawaii which gives another layer of authenticity to the whole experience.
My only grouse with the whole story was that I didn't really like Norah on a fundamental level. that is, of course, a very personal opinion. The very fact that the character invoked a dislike in me means the character was well developed - after all, you don't like every person you come across!
March 22, 2022
Another military romance from this author that I really enjoyed!
The story itself was really interesting and I liked how smoothly it went from the main couple being enemies to friends to lovers. The tension and banter was so good. I personally liked them together when they were a couple the best. Their words of affirmation and gentle love touches was so heartwarming. Norah and Ka’eo were so sweet together. I love the way the communicate and just want to be with the other one so much.
I think my biggest problem was Ames. In some kind of way I thought that he wanted to make Norah and Ka’eo argue so they don’t get together but he just isn’t supported to give relationship advices. That’s it.
I love how the author shows us the Hawaii culture and at the same time educarlos us about it. I’m so impressed with her hard work.
The story itself was really interesting and I liked how smoothly it went from the main couple being enemies to friends to lovers. The tension and banter was so good. I personally liked them together when they were a couple the best. Their words of affirmation and gentle love touches was so heartwarming. Norah and Ka’eo were so sweet together. I love the way the communicate and just want to be with the other one so much.
I think my biggest problem was Ames. In some kind of way I thought that he wanted to make Norah and Ka’eo argue so they don’t get together but he just isn’t supported to give relationship advices. That’s it.
I love how the author shows us the Hawaii culture and at the same time educarlos us about it. I’m so impressed with her hard work.
September 20, 2021
Although there are some sexual scenes and language issues included, this is a good read about an unusual couple. How a female Naval officer, Norah, and a hunky Hawaiian native, Ka’eo, meet and relate makes for a fun read. It has a good deal of humor built into the interactions between the characters as well as seriousness in explaining in some of the cultural practices of Hawaiians and the disjunctions of Norah’s mainland family. I received a free ARC copy of the book for an honest review.
Sis
Sis
September 26, 2021
Fun read . Lots of strong characters that are easy to like. Definitely a Islands vibe with social boundaries and culture. Plenty of steamy romance but that wasn't the driving force of the book, it was the relationship. Nice writing style moving back and forth between the two main characters.
I received this book free from BookSirens and I was happy to give this reveiw.
I received this book free from BookSirens and I was happy to give this reveiw.
October 14, 2021
I want a man that reads books with me! Swoon! I liked this book. Loved how these two met… and their journey to each other. While I can appreciate the appeal of self-awareness in characters, there was way too much self analysis for my taste with both K and Norah. I was waiting for the drama, the hiccup that would pull them apart… and it was unexpected. I appreciated the realness the author went with. Really turned this book around in my eyes. The family side of this gave the book complexity and I really enjoyed how it ended. A lot of Navy and Hawai'i terms I had to learn. I am intrigued enough to want Ames' story now…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2021
I love discovering new authors. Drea Braddock was a surprise and really good. The story of Norah and Ka’eo is funny at times, make you want to exercise, wants to explore West side of O’ahu and some awsome sexy scenes, HOT. I will definitely want to read some more a her books. 👏
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2022
Norah and Ka'eo a great couple in the making. Enemies at first sight kind of. This slow burn romance has hurdles to overcome. How do these two people who are attracted to each other get to the other side? Read on. A great story-makes me want to visit Hawaii.
August 23, 2022
After reading Like a good roommate I was excited to read this book and I'm glad I did. It did not disappoint. I enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2021
Hot!
So many feels. This book is like good sex, that intense build up leading to a dramatic orgasm followed by a satisfying afterglow. Sigh. Boneless and replete.
So many feels. This book is like good sex, that intense build up leading to a dramatic orgasm followed by a satisfying afterglow. Sigh. Boneless and replete.
September 20, 2021
This book was so sweet! I loved every second. The characters made me want to laugh and cry with them - and their love story made my heart all sorts of warm and fuzzy.
I can’t wait for more in this series!
I can’t wait for more in this series!
September 27, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. the story was well put together and really entertaining
March 16, 2022
Rating 5 stars. Received on booksiren.com an ARC read for free. This is my honest review of Like a Good Neighbor by Drea Braddock, Drea can definitely tell a good military romance/enemies to lovers romance.
I couldn’t put this book down. I don’t normally read too many of this type of book. But once I started reading it trapped me in and I wanted to keep on finding out more.
Norah is a naval officer who is stationed in Hawaii she meets Ka’eo a native and her friend Issa’s landlord. At first Norah thought he was a jerk. As they got to know each other sparks flew.
I definitely loved reading about Norah and Ka’eo’s romance. I also enjoyed the friendship between Norah and her roommates Jameson, Ames and Nikki. She had other friends Nate, Fern and Deacon to name a few. I would love to read more about them all.
So if you enjoy military/enemies to lovers romances and steamy scenes that make you hot reading it, you’ll definitely enjoy this book and not be able to put it down.
I couldn’t put this book down. I don’t normally read too many of this type of book. But once I started reading it trapped me in and I wanted to keep on finding out more.
Norah is a naval officer who is stationed in Hawaii she meets Ka’eo a native and her friend Issa’s landlord. At first Norah thought he was a jerk. As they got to know each other sparks flew.
I definitely loved reading about Norah and Ka’eo’s romance. I also enjoyed the friendship between Norah and her roommates Jameson, Ames and Nikki. She had other friends Nate, Fern and Deacon to name a few. I would love to read more about them all.
So if you enjoy military/enemies to lovers romances and steamy scenes that make you hot reading it, you’ll definitely enjoy this book and not be able to put it down.
May 29, 2022
3.5*
The pace is what dragged down this rating, along with the more than occasional Hallmark moment. However being in Hawai'i with this story and having a character like Ka'eo take the lead was such a pleasure to read.
I also loved that this is the first book in a Navy series and the officer was her. Not him. Nice touch.
The pace is what dragged down this rating, along with the more than occasional Hallmark moment. However being in Hawai'i with this story and having a character like Ka'eo take the lead was such a pleasure to read.
I also loved that this is the first book in a Navy series and the officer was her. Not him. Nice touch.
March 8, 2023
i liked this one too. I am finding all of Drea books and reading and enjoying them all. Another home run for this one.
April 9, 2022
The best part about Like a Good Neighbor is the Hawaiian culture that features in every aspect of the story. The second best part is a military heroine, Norah, who comes from a nasty family, but is strong and tall and does a good job but is lousy at relationships. Ka'eo is her neighbor and hates the loud parties her roommates throw. He yells at her since she is first on the lease. Her looks and character strike him, but they are off to a terrible start! He is so cute and friendly that she can't resist him, but her past holds her back from trusting him. The feelings are real and well-developed based on the people's character. The author makes them come alive, which is a rare feeling.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2022
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
The amount of squeals this book brought out of me cannot be overstated. For one thing, Oʻahu will always have a special place in my heart for reasons beyond this book. Second, the way Drea Braddock played with the enemies-to-lovers trope was exceptionally well done. Norah wanted so badly to dislike Kaʻeo, but with that charming personality, his combination of maturity *and* boyishness, and his genuine joy of life, he was impossible for *me* to resist, let alone Norah. I absolutely hated her parents, and I was SO glad to see them get exactly the reactions they deserved. Very well-written story, and I'm so looking forward to continuing this series!!
The amount of squeals this book brought out of me cannot be overstated. For one thing, Oʻahu will always have a special place in my heart for reasons beyond this book. Second, the way Drea Braddock played with the enemies-to-lovers trope was exceptionally well done. Norah wanted so badly to dislike Kaʻeo, but with that charming personality, his combination of maturity *and* boyishness, and his genuine joy of life, he was impossible for *me* to resist, let alone Norah. I absolutely hated her parents, and I was SO glad to see them get exactly the reactions they deserved. Very well-written story, and I'm so looking forward to continuing this series!!
February 16, 2022
Enjoyed the characters and the story of the book.A good plot line and off the charts romance is what the author provides.This is my first book by the author and I am definitely going to read the next book.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2021
Like a Good Neighbor is the tale of Naval Officer, Norah, stationed in Hawaii and a neighboring landlord/photographer, Ka’eo. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I honestly really wanted to like this book. I felt the premise, the characters, the author's hilarious "warning" in the synopsis, and the cultural influence could have made for a really great book, but ultimately, it fell flat for me.
What I liked about this book:
1. The in depth look into the Hawaiian culture and language. I really enjoyed that Hawaii was delved into, showing the author knows what she is talking about, rather than using it as a pretty backdrop we've all seen done time and time again. I love reading books where I can learn something from it, and this book definitely delivered on that front.
2. Ames is fantastic! I just love him and his southern charm, but definitely don't go to him for relationship advice.
3. I like Jameson after his attitude change. He's very sweet and he loves kids?!? I really want him to meet a woman with a child and have his HEA.
4. The photography scene with Norah and Ka’eo was really sweet and fun to read.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. Maybe it's just me, but I felt like I was getting whiplash reading this book, especially for the first 30% or so of it. There are a lot of sudden changes and one-off paragraphs that don't seem to add much value. I felt frantic reading some parts with how much jumping around there was, and then others I was completely confused as to who was talking or even narrating.
2. I was not really a fan of either of the main characters, but I didn't hate them either. They just didn't do it for me for some reason.
I feel we are supposed to see Norah as this tough, yet feminine woman (similar to her tattoo), but instead all I got from her is insecure, pissy teenager trapped in an older woman’s body. I also felt like there were a couple of red flag moments with her where she definitely didn't hold up the feminist I thought we were getting. For example, . That just irks me.
With Ka’eo, I honestly don't know what to think. He's supposed to come across as the total package (good-looking, fun, an intelligent reader, etc.), but I'm really not feeling him. He's nice enough, he is pretty sweet at times, but I guess he isn't enough of those things to make up for .
3. A couple of small things that bothered me:
- What was with Jameson's abrupt character change? That was weird
- Why do we hear so much about Nikki but we know nothing about her? Does she even have more than two sentences of dialogue?
- SO! MANY! EXCLAMATION! POINTS!!!!! And I freaking LOVE exclamation points!!!
2 stars
I honestly really wanted to like this book. I felt the premise, the characters, the author's hilarious "warning" in the synopsis, and the cultural influence could have made for a really great book, but ultimately, it fell flat for me.
What I liked about this book:
1. The in depth look into the Hawaiian culture and language. I really enjoyed that Hawaii was delved into, showing the author knows what she is talking about, rather than using it as a pretty backdrop we've all seen done time and time again. I love reading books where I can learn something from it, and this book definitely delivered on that front.
2. Ames is fantastic! I just love him and his southern charm, but definitely don't go to him for relationship advice.
3. I like Jameson after his attitude change. He's very sweet and he loves kids?!? I really want him to meet a woman with a child and have his HEA.
4. The photography scene with Norah and Ka’eo was really sweet and fun to read.
What I didn't like about this book:
1. Maybe it's just me, but I felt like I was getting whiplash reading this book, especially for the first 30% or so of it. There are a lot of sudden changes and one-off paragraphs that don't seem to add much value. I felt frantic reading some parts with how much jumping around there was, and then others I was completely confused as to who was talking or even narrating.
2. I was not really a fan of either of the main characters, but I didn't hate them either. They just didn't do it for me for some reason.
I feel we are supposed to see Norah as this tough, yet feminine woman (similar to her tattoo), but instead all I got from her is insecure, pissy teenager trapped in an older woman’s body. I also felt like there were a couple of red flag moments with her where she definitely didn't hold up the feminist I thought we were getting. For example, . That just irks me.
With Ka’eo, I honestly don't know what to think. He's supposed to come across as the total package (good-looking, fun, an intelligent reader, etc.), but I'm really not feeling him. He's nice enough, he is pretty sweet at times, but I guess he isn't enough of those things to make up for .
3. A couple of small things that bothered me:
- What was with Jameson's abrupt character change? That was weird
- Why do we hear so much about Nikki but we know nothing about her? Does she even have more than two sentences of dialogue?
- SO! MANY! EXCLAMATION! POINTS!!!!! And I freaking LOVE exclamation points!!!
2 stars
May 3, 2022
Like a Good Neighbor by Drea Braddock is a romantic adventure in a beautiful setting. The two main characters in this book sizzle together and it was a blast to read.
Norah is a naval officer burned in romance before; Ka'eo is a down to earth native Hawaiian who is patient enough to wait out all Norah's neurosies. These two together are dynamic, and the photo shoot scene is one of the hottest progressions I've read in awhile.
Part of what I really enjoyed about the book is all the great details about native Hawaaian culture and insight into the beauty of the islands. These additions didn't feel forced, but important parts of developing the characters, such as when Ka'eo brought Norah (and her roomies) to the kui. Some authors may have ended up with a cheesy scene here, but Braddock brings authenticity to the cultural experiences from Ka'eo and Norah's perspectives.
The novel did feel a bit bloated. There were a ton of side characters to try and keep track of and storylines hinted at for future books. Done sparingly this could work, but too many became a distraction for the story of Norah and Ka'eo. The ending could have also happened about five times before the last page of the book. The HEA was already clear and then there were more resests trying to get to the last page.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Norah and Ka'eo were great characters to go on an escape with.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Norah is a naval officer burned in romance before; Ka'eo is a down to earth native Hawaiian who is patient enough to wait out all Norah's neurosies. These two together are dynamic, and the photo shoot scene is one of the hottest progressions I've read in awhile.
Part of what I really enjoyed about the book is all the great details about native Hawaaian culture and insight into the beauty of the islands. These additions didn't feel forced, but important parts of developing the characters, such as when Ka'eo brought Norah (and her roomies) to the kui. Some authors may have ended up with a cheesy scene here, but Braddock brings authenticity to the cultural experiences from Ka'eo and Norah's perspectives.
The novel did feel a bit bloated. There were a ton of side characters to try and keep track of and storylines hinted at for future books. Done sparingly this could work, but too many became a distraction for the story of Norah and Ka'eo. The ending could have also happened about five times before the last page of the book. The HEA was already clear and then there were more resests trying to get to the last page.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Norah and Ka'eo were great characters to go on an escape with.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2021
I didn't enjoy this book very much. To me it felt "young" I don't think it would be considered young adult, but maybe a step up from that. I prefer older characters, or at least characters that act older. Sometimes it seemed that I was reading about teenagers rather than twenty-somethings.
The book is based in Hawai'i and you get an extremely short "how to pronounce" in the beginning and then you're left on your own with trying to remember said instructions and figure out how to pronounce the Hawaiian words and locales.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Hawaiian places and even more so, the cultural aspects. Honestly, that's why I gave it three stars, otherwise it would have been less.
Disappointed overall, but for those that like younger characters, I'm sure it's something you'd enjoy!
The book is based in Hawai'i and you get an extremely short "how to pronounce" in the beginning and then you're left on your own with trying to remember said instructions and figure out how to pronounce the Hawaiian words and locales.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Hawaiian places and even more so, the cultural aspects. Honestly, that's why I gave it three stars, otherwise it would have been less.
Disappointed overall, but for those that like younger characters, I'm sure it's something you'd enjoy!
Read
August 14, 2022I thoroughly enjoyed this! Ka'eo is a cool calm and collected Hawaiian man who loves the fun and easy life and always love a challenge. Norah is a naval officer stationed in Hawai'i and lives across the road. Their first meeting is hilarious and Ka'eo basically spends the rest of the novel trying to prove to Norah, he's not the big angry wanker, he looked to be on the day they first met. Their story is so cute and I loved the side characters (maybe not Nikki but I think maybe that's just because we don't get much dept to her background.) The glossary at the back of the novel (kindle version) was so so helpful and the author was even kind enough to send me a voice note of the pronunciation of Ka'eo as I am more of an audio learner, and I enjoy Polynesian and Hawai'ian language and cultures too much to absolutely butcher it. My only issue was the timeline, because I just struggle with timeline chaptered novels i.e Chapter 2 December, Chapter 3, March.... That kind of thing confuses me, but thats about the only critique I have for this novel. Definitely a great Summer read <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 29, 2021
This is the first in a new series and well as this being a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Norah is a feisty Lieutenant naval officer who has been stationed in Hawaii, where she is renting an apartment and has roommates. Ka’eo is the landlord of the apartment Norah is staying in and their first meeting does not go down very well as he is on her doorstep to lecture her about her load parties. The sparks fly between these two, and the chemistry is undeniable. This is a good story which is a slow burn, with emotions, fun, engaging characters, witty banter, humor, drama, and is an entertaining and enjoyable page turner. I recommend this authors work.
January 17, 2022
This book is my favorite of the Oahu Naval Officers series so far. Drea Braddock's choice of characters is one of the keys to her success - she picks people who we can relate to but who also intrigue us enough to keep us invested in the plot. And boy can she write some delicious love scenes! This book exceeded my expectations because of how well she describes what life is like in Hawaii and the culture that runs through the native community. It's a beautiful tribute to a rich and vibrant culture, and educates all of us on what it's like to live amongst such beauty and cultural history. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews