The Ohana Cottage

The Hawaiian Getaway #1

by Megan Reinking

The Ohana Cottage

The Hawaiian Getaway Series Book 1

When Mia Taylor finds herself fresh off of a breakup and in desperate need of a getaway, she escapes the harsh Minnesota winter and embarks on a solo trip to Hawaii.

There, she rents an Ohana Cottage, the perfect little place to call home for the next month while she recharges and gains clarity on the next steps of her life.

John Byrd is an Army veteran, dealing with his fair share of trauma from his time in the war. He's hell bent on keeping to himself and shutting everyone out.

That is, until his new tenant, Mia Taylor, shows up to rent his cottage. She's outgoing, adventurous and chatty.

He's broody, quiet and standoffish. Can he successfully manage to avoid her too?
Or could she be the one person to finally break down his walls?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Summer, Chick Lit, Grumpy Sunshine, Adult, Closed Door Romance

194 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2022

About the author

Megan Reinking is a wife and mother who lives in Minnesota, where she spends her days reading, writing, or chauffeuring her three children around town. She's a homebody who loves quiet, lazy days and connecting with family and friends.

Reviews

[sarahthebibliomania · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
This was a simple and cute romance and I really enjoyed it for the first 70% of the book but the last 30% felt like it was dragging on and making conflict for no reason. I loved the banter and chemistry between Mia and John up until they actually got together. I'm not sure what happened but it's like they lost all their chemistry when they became a couple. The characters were average, not great but not bad. I liked how the author tried to show PTSD with John and I've never been around someone with PTSD so I'm not sure if it was accurately written but with what I know about PTSD it seemed to be written fairly accurately. Overall this was a cute and short read and as I said earlier in the review I enjoyed it up until that last 30% if you're wanting a simple cute simmer romance then I would suggest maybe giving this book a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extroverted Minnesotan, Mia Taylor (I envisioned Rose from Two and a Half Men while I read), is fresh from a breakup when she books a solo vacation in Hawaii. Her AirBnB host who lives on the same property is the introverted John Byrd, recently honorably discharged from the military and suffering from PTSD.


Just as Mia settles into enjoying some alone time, she gets some visitors from home who’ve come to check on her…the same visitors with whom she happened to have shared a little white lie. Will John play along and be her fake boyfriend? 


This is a light, closed-door, sweet romance with flirty banter for the first two thirds then it segues into dealing with PTSD before a HEA ending. It’s the author’s debut novel and book one of a four-book series. I loved the grumpy sunshine and fake dating tropes as well as the dual POV. Reinking discusses cultural values such as Malama ka ‘aina and teases us with discussions of poke bowls, Ahi tuna, hibiscus mai tais, and Gold Cliff IPA from Kona Brewing. Before I knew it, I was on Team John and felt like I was stretching out my Hawaiian vacation! 


⚠️ 6 fbombs in the final quarter in the military flashback chapters

[maddison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ohana Cottage is a lovely story about Mia and John. Mia had recently broken up with her long-term boyfriend and desired a gateway trip. Thus she gathers her belongings and embarks on the trip to Hawaii which she has always dreamed of doing. She rents off The Ohana Cottage from John.

John and Mia are complete opposites. Mia is a very extroverted and vocal person, but John is not. John, on the other hand, is an Army veteran who is dealing with post-traumatic stress. As a result of his trauma, he isolates himself from the rest of the world. But Mia, being Mia, gradually assists John in re-engaging in a variety of activities and supporting him in starting to open up. They even begin to fall in love with each other.

However, dating someone who has experienced trauma can be challenging. What will happen between them?

Although this book is predictable, so are dozens of others, it is a delightful and short read. Definitely recommend reading💓

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸

[Leonie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much miscommunication and too short to be an actual good slow burn....

[Katie Prouty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I like when you smile,” I say softly, looking back down at the ground. “I like when you make me smile,” he answers, sending butterflies into a tailspin in my stomach.”

John & Mia ✨ The Ohana Cottage is a little slice of paradise! I loved it! I devoured it. There were so many precious moments: John boy and his muscles, forehead & temple kisses, tiki bar dates. Mr. Big Strong Army Man. Warning: you’ll DESPERATELY want a Hawaiian vacation after reading TOC! Megan Reinking’s debut novel is perfect for fans of Sophie Sullivan and Sarah Adams!

Ps. be aware of possible triggers: grief, ptsd, night terrors.

Pps. SHIPPING MATT AND PAIGE!!! Book two!? Cross ya fingers!

🌴 THINGS AND STUFF 🌴
-grumpy x sunshine
-dual pov
-opposites attract
-mental health rep: post-deployment hero
-she’s chatty & he’s quiet
-flirty banter (you betcha)
-Hawaiian sunsets 🌅
-papaya
-pool boy vibes 👀
-close proximity (landlord/tenant)
-a smidge of fake dating (!!!)
-gold cliff ipa & hibiscus mai tais
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. Sandy toes & salty kisses. ““You know… if you keep kissing me like that, on the beach… I might never go home,” I tell him. Something shifts in his eyes, and his mouth lifts up into a smirk.”

Thank you Megan Reinking for an advanced copy! Mahalo! 🤙🏼

🎶Song: Sunkissed by khai dreams 🎶

[M'Kenzee | mkenzees_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5, rounded up to 4 on GR)

If you’re a hallmark movie fan, or just in desperate need of a Hawaiian vacation, may I suggest The Ohana Cottage.

This debut novel follows Mia fresh of a break up and in need of a getaway - so of course she books a month long vacation to Hawaii! She then meets John, the owner of the Airbnb she’s staying in. John is the strong silent type, but Mia’s midwesterner friendliness eventually starts to break down his walls. But will his PTSD from his time in the military prevent Mia complete and total access to his heart?

This was a fun, quick summer read!

Read if you like:

🌴 tropical vacations
💗 insta love
✨ a touch of fake dating
🇺🇸 discussions of veteran PTSD
🍚 poke bowls
🌊 sandy kisses

Thank you Megan Reinking for an ARC I’m exchange for an honest review. The Ohana Cottage releases 6/2/22!

[kelseyandherbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cutie of a debut novel is absolutely perfect for fans of Sarah Adams. The Ohana Cottage is full of sweet banter, a few fade to black moments, and mental health representation. (TW: PTSD)

I loved how Mia helped John come out of his shell and felt that his inability to open up and feel like he deserved Mia’s love was incredibly real. The conflict near the end felt a bit forced, but I appreciate that Megan didn’t make it easy on the characters.

And if you aren’t desperate for a Hawaiian vacation after reading this book, I’ll be shocked!

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. ♥️

[Mabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tropes: grumpy sunshine, holiday romance, fake dating.

This book made me want to go on holiday SO BADLY. Also, I really appreciated the inclusion of PTSD rep.

My issue with this book is that it focused more on telling than showing. No matter how much the author tells me they have chemistry, if I can't see it I don't believe it. Also, so much attention was given to tiny details (do I really need to know what they ordered in great detail every time they ate???).

Overall, the premise and vibes were good, but the writing let it down a bit.

Thanks to NetGalley and Megan Reinking for the free arc in return for an honest review.

[Jordan Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little summer romance story that unfortunately fell a little flat for me. There was a lot of telling, rather than showing, in the writing and not a very strong conflict or plot. Although I occasionally enjoyed picking it up every now and then, it was very forgettable overall. I do recommend if you want a light, summery read this season though!

Thank you to Megan Reinking, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!!

[susana ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, very fast read. I think it’s perfect if you’re looking for a light, beachy read. The story hides an emotional storyline with John’s past and PTSD, but I have to admit he wasn’t my favorite kind of hero. I do love grumpy heroes, but he was a bit too hard on Mia for my liking. He got mad at her for simple things like wanting to call her ex (who was her friend), for example, and that annoyed me. I’m glad he ended up getting help, though. Mia was sweet and lovable, but I couldn’t fully connect with her since the book felt a bit flat for me.

I think this was a good debut, nonetheless!

TW: Ptsd

Rating: 2.5/5
Steam: 0/5 - closed door/sweet

ARC provided by the author and Netgalley. All opinions are my own!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars.

“I really am surprised that I’d rather be with her than alone.”


Highlights:

- dual POV
- the perfect summer read
- Grumpy x sunshine trope


My thoughts:

This book was exactly what I needed. I have been in a book slump for literally 3 months. With the exception of my true love, Harry Potter, I haven’t had a five star read since April. Mia and John were so precious together. I label this as a grumpy x sunshine trope because we have Mia who is super extroverted and friendly and John who is withdrawn and going through a lot. I wouldn’t say John is a grump though. I would say that John is going through a ton of mental warfare that he’s been drowning in for a while.

Read this one for an adorable love story, but also for a story of fighting and overcoming trauma, depression, and anxiety. I’m a bit mind blown that it’s a debut novel because of how wonderful it is. We need more, Megan!

Thank you so much Megan Reinking for providing me with this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

🔥 so much chemistry; closed door
TW: ptsd; depression; anxiety; social anxiety; grief

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this on my shelf for awhile now and I’m so happy I decided to pick it up, I cruised through it in just two days. Between the Hawaiian backdrop and low angst, this is the perfect summer read! I really loved the grumpy/sunshine vibes that John and Mia had, and how she could chat with anyone and pretty much become friends immediately. Overall, this was a really fun, sweet read.

I’m excited to read Paige and Matt’s story soon!

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, quick romance read. A great book for people to get into romance. I did want a little bit more character development. Just a little more. We want to walk that journey with the characters.

But all in all definitely worth a read. 💕🥺

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for my copy 🤗🌤

[Read By Dal · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb, title and cover caught my attention and hooked me in. I REALLY wanted to love this book but sadly I was disappointed. The plot is sweet and predictable (which isn't always a bad thing!) but sadly I found the book to miss any substance. The dialogue was strange to me despite finding the characters themselves decent. There was quite a bit of rambling (dialogue wise) and it just didn't feel natural to me.

On the flipside; it's a quick read and I still enjoyed the plot.

[56sqm · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Ohana Cottage" is a new adult romance following Mia and John. The book had quite short chapters and is easy to read, as well as the book not being to long.

The book follows Mia, who decides to go on vacation to Hawaii after her breakup with her ex. There, she rents a cottage from a mysterious guy named John. John is tall and handsome, but tends to avoid socialising, unlike Mia. However, it becomes clear quite quickly that John has built up walls around himself to keep people away. But what is it that's going through his head and keeping him stuck in place?

This book was a nice read. I really liked Mia and John's dynamic. They had really good chemestry and it was really nice to see them develop and slowly open up to eachother more and more. I also liked that the romance wasn't the only main focus in this story, but also the trauma that John has from both loosing his parents and the things he experienced being in the military. You definately feel for these characters and you just want them to be happy. They were both very developed characters and it really complimented eachother.

However, one thing that I wished the author would have added, is a little bit of spice. I'm personaly not a huge fan of reading spicy books, but I honestly felt like this book was lacking it a lot.

It was so easy to feel for and to like these characters, and the story was really good too. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you like these types of stories.

HOWEVER, I would just like to emphasise that this story brings up a lot of trauma from serving in the military, and even have some flashbacks, so just be aware when you start reading.

For more reviews and recommendations from me, you can find more of my socials here: https://linktr.ee/MarieSomerville

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very endearing. John Byrd is an Army veteran from Hawaii that is struggling with PTSD. (**Trigger warnings for PTSD.**) Mia Taylor is from Minnesota and recently broke up with a guy she has been off and on with for many years. She's looking to put space in between them so they both can finally move on and ends up renting John's cottage in Hawaii.

We have several tropes in this book - opposites attract, fake dating, forced proximity, and grumpy sunshine. The characters could not be more different, but they balance each other out so well.

This is dual POV, which I think works out beautifully! John's inner monologue is what got me. To know what he was thinking, but couldn't quite form into words......MY HEART!!!

I wouldn't classify this book as spicy. The romance is very fade to black. I was okay with that in this book, though. The build-up for me was everything.

I loved the side characters so much and would love to read another book in the same setting. With all the characters, and all the shops/restaurants/bars. I love this town!!

& just a random side note - Mia talks about how much she loves papaya so much in the book. I've never tried papaya, so now I'm on a mission to try it! Is it really that good? I HAVE TO KNOW!!!

The Ohana Cottage releases on 6/2/22. Thank you SO MUCH to Megan Reinking, Netgalley, and Victory Editing for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[cindysreading · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had such a great premise and I really wanted to love it but I didn't. I loved the uniqueness of John and Mia's relationship and I'm a sucker for the grumpy x sunshine trope, and I'm sure I would've loved the story if the writing was more focused on showing rather than telling. The author does a lot of telling, which I'm sure some people might have enjoyed, but it's not really my thing. I think this story would've done great as a movie (it's short, fast-paced, light-hearted...) but as a book, there's a lot that was missing.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Megan Reinking for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Holly D · Rating 3 out of 5]

so i kinda have mixed feelings about this book

we have a break u p (from an old relationship), a solo trip to Hawaii and new love (kinda)
So I love the chemistry between John and Mia, but then things go for a big change.
The PTSD from the Army made this book/relationship so complicated, it was both good to show this type of thing but also bad for a romance book , the relationship felt something that I cant explain something not right like bad codependency issues. maybe

it was a cute romance (had its fake relationship them also)
Mia family and best friend was fun in this book

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this book and voluntarily give my honest review.

[MacKenzie Vozza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Megan Reinking and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book!

First of all, location location LOCATION! I am obsessed with Hawaii and coincidentally, the book begins when the MC (Mia) takes off on a solo (eat pray love-esque) Hawaiian adventure which I did back in April. This instantly connected me to the MC and the story.

Mia and John’s love was really sweet and the way they meet just makes it better. However, because the book is so short, it doesn’t feel like enough time for their relationship to develop. The conflict between the two characters felt a bit forced - like, really? Is this really something you can’t work through right here and now?

I also felt that the mental health representation was important and well done.

Ultimately, quick easy read and would make for a really good beach read or for a reader looking to escape to Hawaii!

3/5

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, quick grumpy/sunshine read and I feel like it would be great for vacation. Mia has decided to take a post break up trip and spend some time in Hawaii. While staying at her Airbnb, she meets the grumpy owner, John, who lives in the main house next door. Their relationship is sweet and while John is dealing with PTSD from his time in the Army, Mia is determined to help get him out of his shell. It felt like something was missing or maybe just not enough happening with their story. But overall, I enjoyed it.

[ThianeJansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, just not for me.

Tropes I enjoyed:
✨Grumpy/sunshine
✨Fake dating

Short romance about a girl who just needs a break from life, and goes to clear her mind in Hawaii. She meets John, a quiet owner who also had some haunting past memories which he has to work through.

The story was way too short, and I really would have liked a lot more backstory. I couldn’t get invested into either of the characters or believe the chemistry because it felt too quick. The writing style also had me skimming.

Not for me- but if you like a cute romance with no thinking needed this book is for you!

Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!!!

This was such a cute book! Mia and Jon meet in Hawaii when Mia books his Air BNB for a relaxing self-care vacation after a breakup. Mia is girl that everyone strives to be: passionate, gets along with everyone, independent, etc! Jon; however, is struggling with PTSD after a military deployment.

Throughout the book, Mia helps melt Jon's closed off exterior and allowing him the space he needs to heal. The third act conflict in this book was so sad, but pretty predictable. The steam for this book was low, with all of the sexy scenes fading to black. Nothing but sexy glares and kisses if you are looking for more of a clean romance.

This was a fun contemporary clean romance and I would recommend it to lovers of this genre!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads and the author Megan Reinking for an arc of this book! I feel like this book read like a lot of Romcoms I’ve read before but the one thing I can commend this book on is the representation with PTSD in this book as someone who dealt with this and while I wasn’t in the military I could relate to John in certain aspects.

[Kayy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[tanisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Way too fast

[Nicole Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of love, family, and friendships!

Mia goes to Hawaii to escape a breakup and find herself only to discover she’s fallen in love with her AirBNB owner, John. Not only is this a romance, but there is an underlying story of PTSD, how it effects their lives, and how John learns to manage it. It also touches on depression and how dark it can be and how effects someone. I really connected with this part of the story. The characters of Mia and John, as well as Julie, Hazel and Page, are fantastic and beautifully written!!

The scenes described thru out this book of Hawaii have left an impression on me and I hope to visit there some day! I would highly recommend this book to take on a beach vacation or anywhere tropical!!

A very light and easy ready!! Highly recommended if you like romance or the fake dating trope.

⚠️ Review trigger warnings for PTSD, night terrors, Iraq, depression, etc.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Megan Reinking for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. Thank you!!

[Madison Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨TROPICAL PARADISE IN BOOK FORM✨

This book was so cute! I loved how great John and Mia were together! They truly brought out the best in one another. I felt like John’s PTSD was portrayed so beautifully. The setting was phenomenal and made me want to go back to Hawaii ASAP! Also, please tell me we’re getting a Matt and Paige book 😍

Read if you love:
- tropical vacations
- papaya 😋
- mental health rep
- grumpy/sunshine ☀️
- closed-door romance

✨thank you Megan Reinking for the ARC✨

[Mireille (readingwithmrleo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a cute sunny read and most needed during this cold and rainy weather we’ve been having lately. It made me feel all warm and cheerful!

📖 — Having just recently broken up, Mia Taylor decides it’s the perfect time to go on a solo trip to Hawaii and escape the harsh winter weather (as a Canadian I do relate a lot to that part 😂). She rents the Ohana Cottage from John, an army veteran who’s the exact opposite from her. Reserved, isolated and almost always silent while Mia is easygoing, all about making friend with everyone and chatting all the time. A clashing mix for sure, but maybe it’s exactly what they need. —

The two characters had a great dynamic together and it was great to follow them around. They were honestly so easy to like. How their relationship started is definitely one of my favourite parts!

The dual POV was really perfect for this book, especially since John is a lot inside his head so it was great to understand what was going on. I loved his character a lot and even though I cannot relate to what he’s going through I feel like somehow I understand parts of his thoughts and how it can be hard to ask for help and try to get better when it makes you feel like a burden to everyone around you. I was really happy to see his evolution in all of that. 💗

Little warning though, you might find yourself craving papaya after reading this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ohana Cottage follows Mia on a journey of self-reflection and personal growth. Mia, newly single after breaking up with her on again off-again long-term boyfriend Sean decided to take a month-long trip to Hawaii. Well in Hawaii she meets John, a military veteran with PTSD who she falls for.

Overall, I found this book to be incredibly entertaining. I really enjoyed the overall character of Mia and I found her to be very relatable. Although taking a month-long trip to Hawaii isn't the most relatable I've found her personality type an overall caring extroverted attitude to be really great for main character. I found John to be a rather complex character, the book leaves a lot of John to the imagination in terms of life experience that he's had to be a veteran. As the book progresses we learn more about John, what he's been through and how this affects him to this day. I found the layout of his past and the overall delivery of John and his personal story to be intriguing.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, and help me get out of a bit of a reading slump. I do wish there was a little bit more personal progression, specifically for Mia's character development. I found there were many opportunities for a little bit more personal growth for me as character and potentially some forms of self reflection. Although Mia's character grew from the start to the end of the book I feel as though there was a missed opportunity is still, that really would've helped the book progress. But overall I very much enjoyed this book.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you want something, you should go for it instead of just waiting for it to fall in your lap.”
⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽


ೃ︵➷

This book was honestly so cute I so going to continue off this series! If you guessed my name I go by on social then this book deffo hit it for me😆 I just loved the whole story line for this book too!

The story plot introduces Mia, she recently just gotten out of an old chilhood breakup who was her best friend Sean. She wanted to get away so she could fully heal for her mental health so she doesn’t end up crawling back to him. She arrives in Hawaii with this adorable cottage Ohana Cottage, to get her thoughts back in shape before she goes back home.. but she suddenly meets a handsome man who owns the cottage.. you all know what this means 😅

I love how the author explains in this book how each characters are struggling with mental health but still manages to find ways to be together work things together aswell! I really do love how that topic gets mentioned in books how people relate.

I really loved John he was just so wholesome how he struggled with outside life by coming back on a harsh mission in the army when he was in Iraq. I really felt for him when he has been so traumatised with crowds and loud noises. Mia did very well in trying to comfort him when she can not let it be so overwhelming for him.

I will definitely be finishing this series off!