Title: Impact Zone: Hot Kona Nights Book 1
Author: Brenda Kerr
Genre: Steamy Romance
Book Blurb:
A woman fleeing her past.
A man searching for peace.
And an island where the gods sometimes grant second chances.
Mary Coyle’s life in Dublin is falling apart. Raised on the war-torn streets of West Belfast, Mary survived the constant threat of terrorist attacks and bombings, including one that claimed the life of her father. Now, she struggles through her days teaching while her nights are haunted by nightmares and insomnia. Offered the chance at a fresh start, Mary agrees to fly halfway around the world to help a mysterious woman write her memoirs.
Matt Cruz has everything he ever wanted in life. Owning a shop on one of the most popular beaches in Hawaii allows him to live his days by the rhythm of the wind and waves, far removed from the dry deserts and frozen mountains where he fought for his country. When fate brings Mary into his life, he convinces himself it’s no big deal helping a stranded traveler.
But at the place where the ocean ends and the mountains begin, the tropical breezes whisper about the power of love and forgiveness and sometimes magic can happen. Can two wounded souls open themselves up to the possibility of forgiveness and love?
My Review:
Exhausted from outrunning her past, Mary gets a second chance at life and love. Mary suffers from PTSD due to the bombings and violence from her youth in West Belfast. She’s tried everything to mask the pain to no avail. When one of her students dies suddenly, she falls apart. Hawaii is a balm to her soul, as is handsome Matt. He’s a veteran who seems to understand exactly what she needs when she needs it. Mary’s scared of loving someone. What if something happens to him? She tries to keep her distance, but she misses him. She’s finally tired of running away from life and love. Can she love Matt and build a life with him here in Hawaii?
Impact Zone is a steamy romance I connected with on so many levels. Mary is a tortured heroine, one who suffers in silence. She tries to manage it herself, but her behaviors are textbook self-destructive. She reaches her breaking point and doesn’t know what to do. Her emotional turmoil bleeds across the pages and truly propels the plot. Matt is also a battered soul but has a better handle on it. Together, they help each other work through their issues while falling in love. The realism the author portrays in Impact Zone is stark yet heartfelt. My heart broke for both Mary and Matt. It was an emotional read but so satisfying. Brenda Kerr has a true talent for writing truthful romance in modern times. No rose-tinted glasses or fluffy conflicts. I found myself reading late into the night. If you’re a romance reader who lives for intoxicating stories, you’ll want to read Impact Zone. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Author Biography:
Brenda Kerr is a romance novel enthusiast who spends her days teaching in Las Vegas. When she isn't teaching or writing, she enjoys traveling. Hot Kona Nights is her latest series of steamy romances.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @brendakerrbooks
Facebook: Brenda Kerr
Instagram: brenda_kerr_books
TikTok: @brendakerrbooks
website: brendakerrbooks.com
Reviewed by: Mrs. N