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Kiss It Better
*Contemporary Adult Romance*
**some explicitness**
A PAST TO PLAGUE HIM...
When Reed Walker's sister is raped, memories of his miserable childhood haunt Reed and interfere with his perfectly structured life. To add to the chaos, just when dating becomes the last thing on his mind, Sophia Eschell, the very woman he's been dreaming about for the past three years, barrels into his life.
AND A WOMAN TO HEAL HIM...
After hooking up with too many troubled men, Sophia is determined to find a normal, average guy sans baggage. She turns her attention to Reed, only to discover he has more issues than anyone. But if he can learn to open up to her, can she honestly reject him or will she...kiss it all better?
(revised and republished from the 2011 version)
**some explicitness**
A PAST TO PLAGUE HIM...
When Reed Walker's sister is raped, memories of his miserable childhood haunt Reed and interfere with his perfectly structured life. To add to the chaos, just when dating becomes the last thing on his mind, Sophia Eschell, the very woman he's been dreaming about for the past three years, barrels into his life.
AND A WOMAN TO HEAL HIM...
After hooking up with too many troubled men, Sophia is determined to find a normal, average guy sans baggage. She turns her attention to Reed, only to discover he has more issues than anyone. But if he can learn to open up to her, can she honestly reject him or will she...kiss it all better?
(revised and republished from the 2011 version)
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Linda Kage
51 books5,537 followersLinda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy.
Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.
She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.
A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.
She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.
A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 27, 2013
I wanted to read a few pages before falling asleep,but I ended up finishing the whole book. I loved the story and the characters.
August 8, 2014
This book's making me laugh and cry and smile with snot filling my nose and cry again.
"I'm never invited, Sophia."
Shaking her head to continue denying, Sophia blinked, hoping if she fluttered her lashes enough she'd see him smile instead of sending her a weary look.
"But.."
"It's fine," he assured her. "I know I don't fit in."
I've read a book with insecure Hero once, but that Hero's seventeen year old boy. I cry a lot while reading this book because this man is every women's dream come true, tall, handsome, have a good job and good heart, yet his insecurity is beyond everything. I just want to cuddle him.
Reed's in love with Sophia and apparently, vice versa. He wants to date her, but everything fall apart all of a sudden and he can't get it together. Lucky for him, Sophia's willing to help, no, she's eager to help him. But the thing is, he just don't want her helping him..
I love these characters. Linda Kage's one hell of an author. Her style of writing is comforting, convincing, tearjerking and just perfect to me. I feel the chemistry between Sophia and Reed big time and I'm so happy that finally, he got his happy ending.
I just wish Linda would wrote more about Sophia's family because I'd love to see Danni and Reed being welcomed. Oh, and I want to know how the stupid guy Zack continue his work in Kendrick's. I bet Marcus is slowly torturing him. LOL! :)
So yeah overall, this book is amazing. Looking forward to read another Linda Kage's books.
September 11, 2013
While the history behind the story honestly lacks some serious depth, lets be honest. It's erotica, people don't read...heck I don't know what's popular with kids today...J-13 magazine? Whatever, seventeen magazine then. Anyway! You don't read Seventeen magazine and expect to find the secret to understanding your freakishly hormonal teenage daughter. Just like you don't read erotica for it's ground breaking insight into rape victims, if that's a part of the story like it is here.
So, that all aside, I seriously enjoyed this book! I kept having to remind myself that it was a fictional character I was reading about and not an alternate reality me. I completely identified with Sophia, having a propensity for wounded men is something we share. And I kept rooting for her and Reed the entire time. So sweet. So touching. Loved it!
So, that all aside, I seriously enjoyed this book! I kept having to remind myself that it was a fictional character I was reading about and not an alternate reality me. I completely identified with Sophia, having a propensity for wounded men is something we share. And I kept rooting for her and Reed the entire time. So sweet. So touching. Loved it!
July 26, 2013
Oh, Linda. You have managed to make me love again.
Sophia is a wonderful character and is one of those compassionate women that sees the good in people and wants to be the one that saves them. She knows that there is more to Reed than the persona that he displays to the office.
I loved seeing the dynamics of this couple and the way their relationship grows. Reed has never had it easy and I think when you have had that kind of life it can be difficult to believe in the good things that come into your life.
Sophia is a wonderful character and is one of those compassionate women that sees the good in people and wants to be the one that saves them. She knows that there is more to Reed than the persona that he displays to the office.
I loved seeing the dynamics of this couple and the way their relationship grows. Reed has never had it easy and I think when you have had that kind of life it can be difficult to believe in the good things that come into your life.
October 25, 2018
What a dreary story. I felt even Kage was maybe struggling to write this. I kept falling asleep trying to read it and then finding grammatical and spelling errors. I’m amazed I made it to the end.
October 11, 2020
Greet read!
I loved this. All of Linda Cages books are brilliant. They have that all consuming thing that I love in all books. The kind where you can’t put the book down until you’ve finished it.
I do wish that the climax of the story wasn’t at the very end though. I feel a little traumatised that after one more chapter the book finished.
I loved this. All of Linda Cages books are brilliant. They have that all consuming thing that I love in all books. The kind where you can’t put the book down until you’ve finished it.
I do wish that the climax of the story wasn’t at the very end though. I feel a little traumatised that after one more chapter the book finished.
January 2, 2021
Can't believe this book was written by one of my favourite authors and a favourite book A Perfect Ten.
This book is not good!!!!
This book is not good!!!!
October 25, 2025
great Author must read her Series
I have read her 2 series and they are amazing. You can laugh and cry in the same chapter. Definitely recommend her books.
I have read her 2 series and they are amazing. You can laugh and cry in the same chapter. Definitely recommend her books.
August 2, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Reed Walker's life is almost perfect, he's got a job, a nice apartment shared with his best friend and he's about to ask the girl of his dreams of a date - until he received a call that his sister, Danni has been sexually assaulted. Just when every thing else in his life is starting to fall apart, Sophia, the girl he has been wanting for ages, strolled in to his life.
Sophia didn't want to add another Troubled Man to the list of her dating partners. She has enough of them. All he wanted to find was someone normal - no emotional issues, no hidden past or scarred soul, just an average guy. But then there was Reed Walker - he has more baggage than anyone. Only if he could tell her what is bothering him - perhaps they could work things out, and she could just kiss it all better.
The secondary characters are pretty amazing as well. Most especially Nic - he's an awesome, awesome friend. He may hook up with a lot of girls and bring them home (despite the fact that Danni is staying with them), but he doesn't judge, he listens and most especially he wanted to help.
I NEVER EXPECTED. I thought all the while... I was so surprised, had my jaws drop in the revelation. I didn't see it coming. Sexual abuse or any types of abuse can happen to anyone, at any place, at any given time. Denial doesn't help. So as keeping it a secret. Victims of abuse are not of fault here. They should know that - we should make them realize it.
Linda Kage never fails to amaze me with the twist and turns of her stories. I love this book turned out to be, my expectations were exceeded. This wasn't just a book with a pretty cover, nor it deals with a love story between two couples. Linda Kage ventured into one of the most delicate topics of the society - she had done successfully with tact and sensitivity.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
It was the men themselves, men with backbone and strength who could live through hell and still make it out alive. Men who survived and triumphed.
Reed Walker's life is almost perfect, he's got a job, a nice apartment shared with his best friend and he's about to ask the girl of his dreams of a date - until he received a call that his sister, Danni has been sexually assaulted. Just when every thing else in his life is starting to fall apart, Sophia, the girl he has been wanting for ages, strolled in to his life.
Sophia didn't want to add another Troubled Man to the list of her dating partners. She has enough of them. All he wanted to find was someone normal - no emotional issues, no hidden past or scarred soul, just an average guy. But then there was Reed Walker - he has more baggage than anyone. Only if he could tell her what is bothering him - perhaps they could work things out, and she could just kiss it all better.
The secondary characters are pretty amazing as well. Most especially Nic - he's an awesome, awesome friend. He may hook up with a lot of girls and bring them home (despite the fact that Danni is staying with them), but he doesn't judge, he listens and most especially he wanted to help.
I NEVER EXPECTED. I thought all the while... I was so surprised, had my jaws drop in the revelation. I didn't see it coming. Sexual abuse or any types of abuse can happen to anyone, at any place, at any given time. Denial doesn't help. So as keeping it a secret. Victims of abuse are not of fault here. They should know that - we should make them realize it.
Linda Kage never fails to amaze me with the twist and turns of her stories. I love this book turned out to be, my expectations were exceeded. This wasn't just a book with a pretty cover, nor it deals with a love story between two couples. Linda Kage ventured into one of the most delicate topics of the society - she had done successfully with tact and sensitivity.
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2013
This is the second book I've read by Linda Kage - I really enjoyed The Price of a Kiss, so I decided to try this book out since it was on sale at amazon. She has a distinct voice as an author and while I did have some issues with the story, it wasn't a bad read.
Sophia has an attraction to damaged men, and vows that she won't get involved with another one after the last disastrous relationship. Of course, she somehow thinks that one of her bosses, Reed Walker, wouldn't be interested in her because he's gorgeous, in command, etc. Then she realizes that all isn't what it seems and she begins a friendship with him.
The Good
There was good chemistry between the H/h. I liked that time was taken to let them get to know each other outside of their work environment. Their love scenes were hot and I definitely felt badly for Reed and his sister and the aftermath of his sister's rape. Finding out about Reed and what happened to him when he was a kid was tragic and telegraphed early, yet when it came out it made me completely sympathetic to him.
The Not-So-Good
There are some serious issues in this book that are handled in a superficial way which detracts from the overall story. There were some continuity issues that pulled me out of the moment . The secondary story of Reed's sister relationship with Reed's best friend was very shallow. Sophia's doubt about Reed being attracted to her seemed ridiculous since of course she's a stunner.
The Bottom Line
This is a hard book to rate for me because some of the problems I had with the story, but I ultimately liked Reed and Sophia enough that I still enjoyed reading it.
Sophia has an attraction to damaged men, and vows that she won't get involved with another one after the last disastrous relationship. Of course, she somehow thinks that one of her bosses, Reed Walker, wouldn't be interested in her because he's gorgeous, in command, etc. Then she realizes that all isn't what it seems and she begins a friendship with him.
The Good
There was good chemistry between the H/h. I liked that time was taken to let them get to know each other outside of their work environment. Their love scenes were hot and I definitely felt badly for Reed and his sister and the aftermath of his sister's rape. Finding out about Reed and what happened to him when he was a kid was tragic and telegraphed early, yet when it came out it made me completely sympathetic to him.
The Not-So-Good
There are some serious issues in this book that are handled in a superficial way which detracts from the overall story. There were some continuity issues that pulled me out of the moment . The secondary story of Reed's sister relationship with Reed's best friend was very shallow. Sophia's doubt about Reed being attracted to her seemed ridiculous since of course she's a stunner.
The Bottom Line
This is a hard book to rate for me because some of the problems I had with the story, but I ultimately liked Reed and Sophia enough that I still enjoyed reading it.
February 16, 2017
Not just another romance
Linda Kage writes with heart and compassion. The people in this novel are in no way plastic or one dimensional, but rather fully rounded and developed characters that you might meet tomorrow or perhaps already know.
Linda Kage writes with heart and compassion. The people in this novel are in no way plastic or one dimensional, but rather fully rounded and developed characters that you might meet tomorrow or perhaps already know.
July 26, 2013
This book was part of a blog tour I was given a copy for my honest review
Reed had a horrible childhood and has spent his life taking care of his little sister when she is sexually assaulted he fears she will never recover or remember things from their childhood. At work he can escape this turmoil and see the Sophia the women he has wanted for three years. Sophia has a thing for men with problems, when the last guy she dates shows up on her doorstep with his new wife she vows to never date a guy with a bad past. She thinks Reed is the perfect guy he seems so normal, when everything starts to fall apart Sophia finds out Reed has many ghosts. Can Reed tell Sophia his secrets? Can she accept everything thing he has to tell her and help him get past it? I really liked this book, the turmoil and angst that Reed feels is heartbreaking. When he is with Sophia it's like those bad feeling disappear. Sophia irritated me a little bit at the beginning, but as the story progressed and she began to see what love really was she changed. Even though I knew something was coming, it still made me cry and I just wanted to give the couple a hug. Kiss It Better is a great read for romance fans who like their heroes a little bit broken and heroines who are strong enough to help fix them.
Reed had a horrible childhood and has spent his life taking care of his little sister when she is sexually assaulted he fears she will never recover or remember things from their childhood. At work he can escape this turmoil and see the Sophia the women he has wanted for three years. Sophia has a thing for men with problems, when the last guy she dates shows up on her doorstep with his new wife she vows to never date a guy with a bad past. She thinks Reed is the perfect guy he seems so normal, when everything starts to fall apart Sophia finds out Reed has many ghosts. Can Reed tell Sophia his secrets? Can she accept everything thing he has to tell her and help him get past it? I really liked this book, the turmoil and angst that Reed feels is heartbreaking. When he is with Sophia it's like those bad feeling disappear. Sophia irritated me a little bit at the beginning, but as the story progressed and she began to see what love really was she changed. Even though I knew something was coming, it still made me cry and I just wanted to give the couple a hug. Kiss It Better is a great read for romance fans who like their heroes a little bit broken and heroines who are strong enough to help fix them.
April 1, 2012
A heartwarming tale filled with love and hope.
This story was beautifully written and captivated me from the beginning. I have enjoyed books by this author before and was not disappointed with this one. The characters slowly worked their way into my heart and I found myself sharing many of same emotions as Sophia throughout her journey to find out what loving someone really means.
Sophia was a courageous and caring woman and I highly enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and Reed slowly develop. She grew a bit throughout the book as well and finally realizes that when it comes to love the heart doesn’t abide by any rules or conditions and nothing can stop it.
Reed hasn’t always had the best life and it has only gotten worse. Despite all of this he has a big heart and any woman would be lucky to have him. He was an interesting character that I enjoyed getting to know right along with Sophia. He also grew a lot throughout the book just as Sophia did.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves heartwarming romances with characters that will captivate you from the very beginning.
This story was beautifully written and captivated me from the beginning. I have enjoyed books by this author before and was not disappointed with this one. The characters slowly worked their way into my heart and I found myself sharing many of same emotions as Sophia throughout her journey to find out what loving someone really means.
Sophia was a courageous and caring woman and I highly enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and Reed slowly develop. She grew a bit throughout the book as well and finally realizes that when it comes to love the heart doesn’t abide by any rules or conditions and nothing can stop it.
Reed hasn’t always had the best life and it has only gotten worse. Despite all of this he has a big heart and any woman would be lucky to have him. He was an interesting character that I enjoyed getting to know right along with Sophia. He also grew a lot throughout the book just as Sophia did.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves heartwarming romances with characters that will captivate you from the very beginning.
December 10, 2013
This story was SOOOOO GOOD! It moved quickly, but did a great job of building relationships & back story. It's a work place romance, and that type sometimes really annoys me, but this one did not at all! Reed & Sophia had been crushing on each other for awhile, and we come into the story when they both decide to go after what they want, even tho it's a really bad time - or so it seems. Really, it's the best time for both of them. They each have things to work through, but really this is Reed's story. The things he has to face and overcome are quite daunting. I love that Sophia doesn't give up on him. Also, the supporting characters in Reed's roommate and sister, have their own stories going on, but they mesh so well w/ the main story - they don't take anything away from it, which can sometimes be a problem. I liked this, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. : )
June 22, 2014
A PAST TO PLAGUE HIM...
When Reed Walker's sister is raped, memories of his miserable childhood haunt Reed and interfere with his perfectly structured life. To add to the chaos, just when dating becomes the last thing on his mind, Sophia Eschell, the very woman he's been dreaming about for the past three years, barrels into his life.
AND A WOMAN TO HEAL HIM...
After hooking up with too many troubled men, Sophia is determined to find a normal, average guy sans baggage. She turns her attention to Reed, only to discover he has more issues than anyone. But if he can learn to open up to her, can she honestly reject him or will she...kiss it all better?
What an awesome story. A story of tragedy, forgiveness, humor, love and most of all healing. Very well written. Its the kind of book you read again and again. 5 stars.
When Reed Walker's sister is raped, memories of his miserable childhood haunt Reed and interfere with his perfectly structured life. To add to the chaos, just when dating becomes the last thing on his mind, Sophia Eschell, the very woman he's been dreaming about for the past three years, barrels into his life.
AND A WOMAN TO HEAL HIM...
After hooking up with too many troubled men, Sophia is determined to find a normal, average guy sans baggage. She turns her attention to Reed, only to discover he has more issues than anyone. But if he can learn to open up to her, can she honestly reject him or will she...kiss it all better?
What an awesome story. A story of tragedy, forgiveness, humor, love and most of all healing. Very well written. Its the kind of book you read again and again. 5 stars.
January 8, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that centres around the very difficult subject of rape. Reed is a successful unattainable 2nd in command. Shona is his ideal woman, she flushes every time she sees him with want.
Reeds sister Danni is raped & Reed spirals, Shona wants to help & gradually they begin seeing each other but Reed has a secret that he's not willing to share - something so dark he cannot bring himself to recall.
The main four characters in this book interact beautifully, although Shona' s business in her pursuit of Reed is occasionally irritating. You have the male friend bond with Nic which tests all limits of friendship. the roles of big brother protector, a woman trying to overcome rape & start trusting a man again.
lots to get get your teeth into!
Reeds sister Danni is raped & Reed spirals, Shona wants to help & gradually they begin seeing each other but Reed has a secret that he's not willing to share - something so dark he cannot bring himself to recall.
The main four characters in this book interact beautifully, although Shona' s business in her pursuit of Reed is occasionally irritating. You have the male friend bond with Nic which tests all limits of friendship. the roles of big brother protector, a woman trying to overcome rape & start trusting a man again.
lots to get get your teeth into!
May 28, 2014
Very emotional read by Linda Kage. This book had a solid and very emotional storyline. The characters were great and had lots of depth. This book had me from beginning to end and the author did a fabulous job with the characters connecting with the reader. I also enjoyed that there wasn't just two main characters and their stories, but four and two different love stories happening through out the book. Looking forward to more books by Linda Kage.
March 2, 2016
Tears for years
WOWWWWWW!!!! I think you can sum up every emotion you would feel in this book with that single word. I laughed, I cried, I fumed, but most importantly I loved. I loved Sophia, Reed, Danni, and Nic. I especially loved their relationship! Reed had such a dark past that he was able to overcome, only to be halted back by a tragedy to Danni. The amount of love Nic and Sophia pour into the brother and sister duo is amazing and I love the outcome.
WOWWWWWW!!!! I think you can sum up every emotion you would feel in this book with that single word. I laughed, I cried, I fumed, but most importantly I loved. I loved Sophia, Reed, Danni, and Nic. I especially loved their relationship! Reed had such a dark past that he was able to overcome, only to be halted back by a tragedy to Danni. The amount of love Nic and Sophia pour into the brother and sister duo is amazing and I love the outcome.
November 28, 2013
This is one of those stories that will make you laugh with so much joy and then make you cry with heartbreaking sadness when you learn the secret from HIS past.... No I did Not say his sister's past but HIS Past and it could change everything for everyone
February 14, 2014
Loved this story... Am loving Linda Kage!
This is the second book I've read by this author and it won't be the last.
Loved Sophia, she is caring and loving and is a good fit for Reed. At the twist in the book, I just wanted to hug him!
Won't give anything away but definitely worth a read :)
This is the second book I've read by this author and it won't be the last.
Loved Sophia, she is caring and loving and is a good fit for Reed. At the twist in the book, I just wanted to hug him!
Won't give anything away but definitely worth a read :)
January 20, 2016
Unfortunately, I cannot seem to remember the details of this story. I only know I read it since it still shows in my library. I guess for me it was not very memorable of a story. I gave it 3 stars so it must be okay.
August 30, 2016
I started this book intending to read a few chapters and then finish it tomorrow. However I just couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. A story that gripped me from the first page. It just goes to show that whatever your past holds, you can still have a very happy future :)
October 2, 2011
Very good book.
November 24, 2013
Another winner for me! Loved this book, I wanted more though - but I think that's just me greedy for this author's work :-)
November 30, 2013
3 1/2 stars
December 2, 2013
Good story of overcoming odds. Lovers meet at work and she helps him thru a family crisis, as well as thru some darkness of his own. It was 2.5 star read, very straight-forward
May 4, 2016
3.5 - 4 might be a bit generous, but I did love Reed and Nic, and the ending bumped up the rating a bit :o)
January 31, 2014
This was good. I was a fast read for me but the characters fit well with the flow of the story. This was second I read from the author and I really enjoyed reading it.
December 29, 2013
A quick easy read!!! sad but with hea so all good x x
January 7, 2014
Although I enjoyed the book, I agree with the other reviewer that the book was too 'light' for such serious issues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews