by Reina Torres
“Anything?” She couldn’t help the giddy grin or the rush of heat to her cheeks, but Efrain seemed to have the same problem.
“Absolutely anything, my love.”
Reaching her arms out to him, he swooped in and swept her up into his arms. “Then I want you to get us to that cottage because I have this itch that I need to scratch-”
“Mmmhmm,” his voice deepened a bit, “that sounds like you need some help.”
“Then let’s get going!”
Somehow, Efrain managed to hold her gently and still not jostle her when he twisted the doorknob and stepped out into the lobby.
It might have been a little disconcerting to see all of the people milling about, seemingly waiting for them to leave the privacy of the office, but what didn’t bother her at all was how a do-it-herself woman was so very comfortable with having her very own hero.
Glossary
Hawaiian Word Pronunciation Guide
Twelve Letters in the Hawaiian Alphabet: 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 7 consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w)
Pronouncing the Vowels
A = AH
E = EH
I = EE
O = OH
U = OO
And because the Hawaiian language was purely verbal until the arrival of the Missionaries in Hawaii, no letter is ever silent. It is a purely phonetical language.
The words that I’m entering into this glossary will also appear on my website/blog and will include pictures to help illustrate some of the words
Hawaiian Words (alphabetical order)
Ahfong – last name of Hiilani – a surname of Chinese/Hawaiian descent
Aloha no – a welcome to others
Auwē – expression of upset – oh no!
Haku lei – a flower garland made by winding or braiding the various items of flora together – one of the more time-consuming lei to make
Hānai – fostered child, child informally adopted into a family unit – common practice in Old Hawaii and still done in a ‘general sense’
Hiʻilani – name meaning ‘beautiful heaven’
Hulihuli – popular method for cooking – like a rotisserie – literally means ‘turn’ ‘turn’
Imu – in ground oven
Iniki – hurricane 1992
Kalalau Trail – the trail along the Na Pali coast
Kamaʻāina – local resident – automatic for those born in Hawaiʻi, some long term residents may be considered so
Kauaʻi – one of the eight major Hawaiian Islands
Keiki - child
Kolohe - mischievous
Kumu Hula – Hula Teacher
Kuʻuipo – Name meaning Sweetheart – nickname Ipo
Kuʻu home o Lihue (phrase) – my dearest home Lihue
Lānai = porch or veranda
Lihue – second largest town on the island of Kauaʻi
Lūʻau – Hawaiian party/feast
Maka’ainana – common people
Malo – a loincloth worn by Hawaiian men
Muʻumuʻu – local garment developed from the neck to toe clothing of the missionary women in the early 1800s
Moa – chicken
Naupaka – bush/shrug with small white flowers that look like ‘half’ a flower – Beach Naupaka are called Naupaka Kahakai, Mountain Naupaka are called Naupaka Kauihiwa
Nounou – Sleeping Giant
Nuʻuanu – centralized community on the island of Oʻahu
Oʻahu – one of the eight major Hawaiian Islands
Pōpoki - cat
Ti leaf – a plant with waxy leaves that are well loved and respected by the Hawaiian people
ʻUkulele – an instrument from the guitar family, generally smaller in appearance
Uluwehi – Name meaning Flourishing Plants
Wahine - woman
PIDGIN
Hanabuttah days
Small kid time
(both refer to childhood)
Stink eye – glaring look
JAPANESE
AJA – Americans of Japanese Ancestry
Hibachi – cooking grill
Konichiwa – a greeting
mochi – pounded rice cake - soft
About the Author
Who would have thought that I'd start off as a painfully shy child writing stories and end up as a painfully shy adult writing books and publishing them for others to read? Crazy? That's me!!
When I was a little girl, I read every book I could get my hands on and if I didn't have one available to read, I'd get out my pencils and paper and write down stories and scenes. Waiting for my mom to finish working, I'd duck into the ladies' break room and use the typewriter. I'd feel like Jessica Fletcher, happily tap, tap, tapping away until I got to 'The End.' Couldn't quite get the flourish after that and end up tearing the paper, but it was cool and scary to sit down and read the book or give it to my friends to read.
Now my 'typewriter' doesn't clack the same way and the I don't even have paper to pull out of it with a nod of satisfaction, but I have the joy and excitement of sharing my characters and books with people all around the world!
I hope you'll enjoy reading my books, because I'm going to keep writing as long as the characters are feeling chatty!
Also by Reina Torres
Reina writes a variety of romance books from Heat to Sweet and back again…
**ALL of Reina’s books are available in
KINDLE UNLIMITED**
First Responders & Military Romance with Heat-
Justice for Sloane
When Sloane’s life is in danger, FBI Agent Vicente Bravo steps in to make sure she’s safe, but his heart isn’t safe from falling in love.
Justice for Miranda
Retired Game Warden Miranda finds herself in the crosshairs of a drug smuggler. Her former partner, Trace Carson, is ready to protect her, but is he ready for love?
The Mechanic
When offered a job with the Brotherhood Protectors, Adam Masterson refuses, determined to live a quiet life until Blake Lennox walks into his life running from someone determined to keep her quiet. He’ll fix it for her, he’s the Mechanic.
Shifter Romance that will bring the Heat
The Orsino Security Series – Three Bears who find their fated mates (BBW)
Her UnBearable Protector
He may be the one hired to protect her, but she brought him to life.
His UnBearable Touch
Her music calmed the beast within him and he brought light into her darkness.
Their UnBearable Destiny
He may be the youngest, but he’s no baby bear, and she’ll make him earn his place at her side… and love every minute of the chase.
Sylvan City Alphas –
The Tiger’s Innocent Bride
When his mate’s life is in danger, Devlin has to make the choice between keeping his animal a secret or saving her life. To him there’s sonly one choice. Love.
Too Much to Bear
A single dad to a whole house of foster shifters, Boone asks for help from a Dating Agency to find his mate. How could he know that the first try would be the only one he’d need?
The Fighter
When Cage has a hard time understanding how to keep his teenage foster’s moods and asks for help. Who knew that the answer to his trouble was also the missing piece of his soul?
Bear His Mark
He’s looking for a mate to have and hold and she’s afraid she’s full of broken pieces. These two opposites might just make the perfect whole.
Small Town Contemporary Romance with Heat –
St. Raphael, CA Series –
Finding Home (this book also has a SWEET version)
Neither of them wanted to find love when they moved to St. Raphael. Fate & his Nonna had other plans.
Playing With Fire
She swore off ‘True Love’ – He wants ‘Happy Ever After.’ How could this end badly?
Healing Hearts
They’re both going aft
er their dreams. Little did they know that they’d find love along the way, with each other.
Taking A Chance
They dedicated years of their lives to their careers. When they met, they decided to take a chance on love.
Sweet Western Historical Romance –
Bower, Colorado Series –
Home to Roost
He wasn’t looking for love, so he wasn’t expecting the perfect woman to stumble across his path.
Imogene’s Ingenuity
She came to Bower hoping to work in the print shop and ends up falling for the printer
Three Rivers Express Series –
Always, Ransom (Book 1)
He rode for the Pony Express through a score of dangers on the trail. Danger followed her to her doorstep. Would their love end before it even began?
Always, Wyeth (Book 3)
Tillie lived a life driven by her father’s ambition, when she met Wyeth she found joy and love. Will her father allow her to be happy?
Always, Ellis (Book 5)
Ellis spent years in prison for trusting the wrong people, but when he meets the Marshal’s daughter he finds himself working harder than ever for redemption… and love
Ellingsford, Montana Series-
Stay With Me
In a world trying to bend their wills, these two lonely souls will find their strength together.
Her Gentle Heart
A man who never asked for help, a woman who gave him what he needed, Her Gentle Heart.
Hold Her Close
A world-weary gambler meets a young woman trying to keep her family together. Is he ready to make a bet on love?
Stand Alone-
The Sailor & The Siren
He found a job on a paddlewheel boat and fell in love with a young woman whose voice and beautiful soul was the melody his heart was searching for.
Sweet Holiday Romance
A Dance for Christmas
His daughter’s favorite dance teacher agrees to join them as part of their family on stage in the Nutcracker. What a perfect Christmas miracle to fall in love and make their family real!