by Marina Adair
Series: Sequoia Lake #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
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.
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
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kay
This sounds really good! I had never heard of it before. I can’t wait to snag a copy.
Nereyda
Yay, something about this book really caught my attention and I got a copy even though I hadnt seen reviews on it, so happy to hear you loved it.
Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I am delighted to hear that Nereyda 🙂
irena_bookdustmagic
Ohh, This looks so good and sounds so lovely!! I feel like I’d enjoy reading that one! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get a chance to try it Irena
Nelle
I loved this one! From the moment they met it was hilarious! I owe you a screw…. LOL I enjoyed this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay I am so glad this rocked for you too 🙂
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! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I feel you. I won’t even wonder over there, but sometimes the pub send me widgets and I AM SO WEAK!
blodeuedd
Sounds good enough 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was 🙂
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. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It had all the elements and all the feels 🙂
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 ….
Christy LoveOfBooks
Nevermind, the author bio you have says she lives in the Santa Cruz mountains. Nice!
kimbacaffeinate
I fixed your comment..lol. I hope you read it anyway!
Christy LoveOfBooks
Thanks for the fix. 😀 Oh, I’m definitely going to read it. I just meant never mind to having to track the info down. You already did the work for me. 🙂
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I could go for some Spring or heck even a little sun.
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds like a lovely read! Adding to the TBR list!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
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!
kimbacaffeinate
Happy reading Katherine.
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Mmm, hot chocolate with a little kick…yes please
Sophia Rose
Small mountain town, a family run lodge, and mountain rescue sounds like great ingredients for a good romance.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly.
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!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I hope you like it.
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
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it, and the angst was heartfelt not stupid.
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? 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…truffles button equates to needed chocolate while reading since it gets emotional. So truffles and tissues required 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
I know you love a small town setting. Glad you enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
I do and love weaving them into my reading list.
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.
kimbacaffeinate
You mean the angst angle? It is heartfelt and not something either one caused.
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 😀
kimbacaffeinate
This is a great Sunday afternoon, snuggle by the fire read Michele.
Debbie Haupt
Fourth date: Drew Debbie in to buying it 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Sounds perfect to me!
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah it just hit all the right buttons for me.
kindlemom1
Okay I know if you gave this five stars then it must be a must read. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Oooh the pressure!
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!
kimbacaffeinate
So happy I could share it with you Ksenia!
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 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The angst was moving and not from stupid miscommunication .
Maureen Beatrice
This sounds like a great read. I’ll definitely add it to my TBR! Love that cover too!
kimbacaffeinate
It really was and yeah I like the cover too
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Happy I could share it with you Sabrina 🙂