It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair

January 31st, 2017 Kimberly Review 53 Comments

31st Jan
It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair
It Started With a Kiss
by Marina Adair
Series: Sequoia Lake #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne Flame

With a kidney transplant behind her, Avery Adams is determined to channel her inner adventurer and explore everything life has to offer. Only problem is, the closest she’s ever come to a real-life adventure was sixth-grade science camp. So to seize the summer in her rustic Sierra Nevada town, she takes a job as a guide at the local adventure lodge. But Avery doesn’t realize her biggest challenge will register at six-plus feet of rugged good looks and alpha-male charm.

As a member of the Sequoia Elite Mountain Rescue team, Tyson Donovan has made a life out of cheating death and rescuing weekend warriors from the treacherous terrain. “The world is my home” is more than just a motto; it’s what scares off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. When his dad’s health lands the family’s adventure lodge in serious danger of going up in flames, he moves home—and quickly remembers why he left. Until he meets Avery, the irresistible new guide who makes him want to stay.

Tyson gives the inexperienced Avery a lesson in romance that her books could never teach her. And with her undeniable spirit for life, Avery shows Tyson the healing power of love. But with one misstep, everything comes crashing down, and they’ll both have to take the biggest leap of all—into the kind of adventure that lasts a lifetime.

ROMANCE Small-town Truffles Sweet

I love Marina Adair’s books and fell behind with her last series, so I decided to jump into her new series. It Started With A Kiss is the first novel in the Sequoia Lake series and it had all the elements I love in a small-town series romance. Memorable characters, small-town charm, and a heartwarming romance await you in It Started With A Kiss.

Coffee Dates with It Started With A Kiss

First Date: I absolutely love the setup for how Tyson and Avery meet. Avery is such a unique, colorful character and I immediately wanted to be her friend. Adair transports us to a resort town in the Sequoia Lake area. You will adore the small-town and Adventure Lodge. Tyson is a member of the Sequoia Elite Mountain Rescue team but is home after hearing the lodge is in trouble. Right away I was pulled into their story from the surprises to the tension.

Second Date: I love small-town series and Adair makes them her own. She introduces secondary characters and offers several threads in addition to the romance. All of them weaved together to create an addictive story that provided a little drama, some laughter, and even a few tears. Tyson has some family issues and guilt to tackle, but I liked him. Mr. Rugged is hot, passionate and a natural protector.  I loved seeing his reactions to Avery. Avery has been through a lot, but she simply shines and makes others around her feel her warmth. I love the thread about her journal. The chemistry delivered some off the chart moments.

Third Date: Stir in a little angst, personal growth and leaps of faith into our last date. Break out the truffles and tissues. The last part of the book just pulled at my heartstrings. We see Tyson mend fences and let go of the past. A scene with his father felt so genuine. There were lots of tears. I could not set this story down. The couple faced obstacles and I began to worry about an HEA but have faith.  While truffles were needed I ended this date both emotional spent and delighted I picked up It Started With A Kiss. I cannot wait for the next book.

 

It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair offered swoons, laughter, and tears. #mustread Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

53 Responses to “It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair”

  1. Kay

    This sounds really good! I had never heard of it before. I can’t wait to snag a copy.

  2. Nelle

    I loved this one! From the moment they met it was hilarious! I owe you a screw…. LOL I enjoyed this one!

  3. Bookworm Brandee

    Dang! I saw your rating and I immediately regretted not snatching up this one when I had the chance. But you know, I’m trying *not* to add to my netgalley list. 😉 Bummer though because this has everything I love about a small town romance! Guess I’ll just have to add it to my “regular” tbr. Thanks for sharing your coffee dates! 🙂

  4. Geybie's Book Blog

    Your 5 star read? I’m curious.. wow want to read it as soon as possible. Just noticed you’ve rarely given a book 5 star. Great review as usual, Kim. Love it. 🙂
    I’ve just finished a great book that I really enjoyed. And now am reading a fantastis book, I’ve been hooked from the start. 🙂

  5. Christy LoveOfBooks

    Okay, I’m like all kinds of excited right now. The Sierra Nevada? And she mentioned a sixth grade camp in the blurb – I know what she’s talking about! Omg I’m so reading this. And now to stalk the author to see where she’s from ….

  6. Laura Thomas

    I’ve got spring fever and this sounds like the perfect read for a sunny afternoon. That you gave it such a glowing review and high rating makes it must for my list.

  7. Katherine

    Love the sound of this one! I have 3 or 4 Marina Adairs on my shelf but have never read them. They sound so good though I’ll make sure to have the truffles handy!

  8. Angela Adams

    Sounds like a great read when the snow is knocking at my window, and I’m in the mood for a sweet, charming romance (and lots of hot chocolate). Thanks for the post.

  9. Lorna

    5 Stars? I just downloaded a sample. Sounds like a great romance and I do like a small town romance. And I love your date reviews!

  10. Lily B

    gah 5 beautiful coffee cups from KIm? dang…. I think I need to read this, I don’t think i have tried anything by her yet, but I love small town romance and a little angst doesn’t bother me

  11. Lampshade Reader

    I have a few of her books, but never got around to reading them. Massive TBR pile and all that 😉 This one sounds interesting. Curious: What does your “truffles” icon tag mean? 🙂

  12. Quinn's Book Nook

    I really need to try this author. I’ve never read any of her books, but I’ve heard they are so good. This looks wonderful, although I’m a little nervous of what happens to break them up.

  13. Michele

    I haven’t read anything by Marina Adair yet, but this book sounds like the place to start! Love the sound of these characters and this setting! Great review, my friend 😀

  14. Angie

    Great review. I love small town romances, and this one sounds right up my alley. Plus – five caffeinated cups! Wowza. Sounds like a must read.

  15. Ksenia

    I haven’t read anything by this author. I have a soft spot for small-town setting and this romance sounds wonderful. Thanks for putting this book on my radar. Great review, Kim!

  16. Wattle

    I like the sound of this one; reading novels set in small towns never fail to make me want to move there (I guess that’s what books are for, even if it is temporary); this sounds sweet – minus the angst part. Thank you for sharing 🙂

  17. Sabrina

    I love the sound of this book and I’m always looking for new romances to read, so I will add the book to my wish list right away.