I’m willing to try any of Carlene O’Connor’s books. She’s the author of the Irish Village and County Kerry mysteries. But, A Very Maui Christmas, a romance set in Maui, wasn’t at all what I expected. It was fun, but, if you’re not interested in the sexual innuendo, don’t try it. I’m not saying this one has sex scenes, but some readers won’t be excited about the R-rated Christmas village. I thought it was funny. Now, you know I have a bizarre sense of humor. I don’t usually appreciate books that are identified as funny or humorous.
Tara Lane’s life in New York City falls apart just before Christmas. On the day she’s fired when she expected to be the new head chef at a French restaurant, she learns her bartender friend left for Hollywood, and her favorite doorman dies in her arms. And, her darn sister, Nadine. She’s a Christmas nut, and has the entire family roped into her plans. But, Tara’s had it. When she’s offered a twelve-day trip to Maui, she grabs it, with plans to spend her entire trip in her red bikini. If only her entire family hadn’t shown up at the airport in Hawaii saying they were joining Tara for Christmas.
Nadine had been picking on Tara, giving her a subscription to an Internet dating site for Christmas, saying Tara is almost middle-aged, still single and childless. Tara’s angry that her family has ruined her plans. Maybe she’ll have a fling while she’s in Maui. And, the “hot tan beach bum” with the golden retriever might just do. Darren Skies charms her entire family, and even ropes her into participating in his R-rated Christmas village. But, she’s thinking fling, and he doesn’t seem interested in a vacation fling.
I really skipped details, including how Tara ended up with her vacation. But, that’s part of the humor, along with Darren and Tara’s meet-cute. A Very Maui Christmas is a funny romance with an exotic setting, not a snowbound story. Carlene O’Connor can write a fun romance, not just mysteries.
Carlene O’Connor’s website is https://carleneoconnor.net/
A Very Maui Christmas by Carlene O’Connor. Kensington Books, 2026. 133p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a Kindle edition.
