USA Today Bestselling Author Sasha Summers writes stories that celebrate the ups and downs, loves and losses, ordinary and extraordinary occurrences of life. Sasha pens fiction in multiple genres and hopes each and every book will draw readers in and set them on an emotional and rewarding journey. When not writing, she’s reading or spending time with her family somewhere in the Texas Hill Country. With a puppy on her lap and her favorite Thor mug full of coffee, Sasha is currently working on her next novel. She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online. Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
Cowboys & Kisses is book one in the Teens of Black Falls Texas series and is a YA Romance written by Sasha Summers. I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review through Enchantress of Books.
4 Super Sweet, Hot Cowboy Stars! Teen Angsts, First Loves, Learning to Forgive and Finding Your Way From A Long, Dark Struggle! This Read Had It All!
The Review: I absolutely adored this read! Fantastic writing, amazing characters with lots of chemistry and a beautiful, sweet teen romance that will surely have you falling for the hero and heroine as they fall for each other!
Story/Characters... Sad, angry and in pain, Allie reluctantly moves to Black Falls, Texas with her parents and her twin brother after her father announces they are moving back to his home town. Leaving her life behind was hard enough, but moving on after tragedy has struck and the guilt she feels for surviving has left her shaken and hurting... and very sharp-tongued.
After arriving at their family home, which is in desperate need of repair, she meets the strikingly handsome cowboy from next door who literally leaves her speechless.. for about three seconds. Then her inner mean girl takes over and her snark rears its ugly head.
Wyatt, whose hired on as their handyman, is quickly taken with Allie and the pain he sees in her eyes, which seems to be a mirror image of his own. It calls to him and begs him to get to know her better. Wyatt is the all American cowboy who’s actually a very good guy, considerate and trustworthy. But he’s also shadowed in a painful past and his present isn’t filled with a lot of happiness as responsibility weighs heavy on his shoulders.
When these two meet, they find something both are missing, in each other. It was so sweet and wonderful watching them both grow and heal each other through love, understanding and patience. Allie is a bit self absorbed when we meet her and she can’t see past herself or her own pain to notice the world doesn’t revolve around just her. But throughout this story, she grows, she matures and she learns the value of family and learns to appreciate what she has. Wyatt is a handsome, swoon worthy hero. His caring nature and the fact he knew pain first hand were just what Allie needed. Helping to heal her, helped heal him and give him focus.
I loved this story. I loved the familial tone this book carried and I really enjoyed all the side characters. The small town of Black Falls was filled with intriguing and entertaining characters and through the authors amazing writing, I could see and feel the charm of their inquisitive little hamlet through descriptive scenes and amazing dialogue.
The Wrap Up: This read was filled with amusing moments, a beautiful romance and a bit of angst to keep me on edge, wondering what was going to happen next. This might have been a YA, but it certainly gave me butterflies and took me back to a time when first love was enchanting, special and all consuming. I'm definitely keeping my eye out for book two, which I hope is about Allie’s twin brother, Dax.
Cowboys and Kisses was a sweet romance that depicts two teenagers who come from broken situations and how they heal each other.
In the beginning of the story, Allie and her family find themselves moving into her late grandmother’s run down house in Black Falls, Texas, to start over. She and her entire family have experienced a series of ups and downs and would like to make a fresh start and reconnect with one another.
For Allie, in particular, she is still reeling from one fateful night which changed everything for her and can’t wait to get the hell away from her family.
She then meets neighbor, Wyatt Holcomb, and continuously fights her attraction for him.
Enter Wyatt.
Wyatt, is the embodiment of what every cowboy should be. He’s sweet, hard working, has a charming smile with dimples in tow, but…. also hides a grievous past and present in which he suppresses beneath his sunny façade.
Wyatt assists Allie’s family in repairing and refinishing her house and in the process helping Allie mend her guilt-ridden heart. This is not to say that some good off of Allie doesn’t rub off on Wyatt, as she gives him what he’s never thought he could really have: a family to embrace and a bright future to look forward to.
A cute romance that was palpable in its right but fell into the okay zone for me. Still a great read for you young adult-bordering new adult lovers!
As for the next book in the series, I hope that the next book is on Allie's bro, Dax, and Molly!!
*ARC provided on behalf of Author's HQ for the release day blitz!! Thanks so much!!*
This was the sweetest romance I literally have ever read, I mean Wyatt helps things out on me liking this book with his good looks, "I turned back to see Wyatt straighten, stretch. My mouth went totally dry. He shifted the sledgehammer, his arms flexing in the rising sun. He rolled his neck, his shoulders rippled, and his stomach was..." The boy gets a little jealous, "Wyatt nodded, the muscle in his jaw hardening for a minute. "Right. Levi." Wait a minute. Holy crap... Wyatt's jaw muscle flexed as he scrubbed the plate - the plate that looked clean." Sometimes a girl just needs to take charge in certain situations and that's what Allie does, "he glanced at my hold his shirt. I didn't let go. When he looked at me, his smile was gone. His eyes stared at me, at my face, my eyes, my nose, my mouth. Once of his hands slipped from beneath me, slowly reaching for me. His callused fingertips traced my cheek." He can be sort of forthcoming, "he stood up suddenly. "You're not my problem." He crossed to me. "But...Allie, I want you to be."
Cowboy and Kisses is a story of two teenagers facing tragic and life altering situations. One faces it with anger and one faces it hiding behind a smile, this is the story of what happens when they come together.
I found the story to be sweet and endearing. The romance is slow building creating a believable and strong relationship.
I really loved Wyatt. He was an incredible character and showed a hidden strength that was truly amazing.
Allie is tormented by the loss of her best friend. She comes across abrasive and completely caught up in her self guilt.
We watch the effects of tragedies on the teens, the family and the friends around them. It was packed full of flawed characters, some making the best of what life has given them and some just barely surviving.
Cowboy and Kisses is a story that could happen in every day life. I enjoyed watching these character's struggles to find happiness in the life they were dealt.
I received this copy of Cowboys & Kisses in exchange for a honest review.
I received this book from the Goodreads First reads giveaway program. Thank you author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review your newest novel.
Cowboys & Kisses (Teens of Black Falls Texas #1) by Sasha Summers is a YA romance novel. I hadn't read any YA for awhile and this novel fit the bill. Young, slow building , new romance with two main character teens Allie & Wyatt that both had some personal troubles in their lives.
Allie and her family move in their Grandma's house in Black Falls to have a fresh start in life. The place is in need of some work and neighbor Wyatt shows up and befriends the family and helps do some work to get the place up and running. Allie finds Wyatt attractive but she is so angry at the world due to her loss of her best friend in a recent car accident. Can Allie get past her anger and guilt and let Wyatt into her life?
"Cowboys & Kisses" by Sasha Summers was a wonderfully written young adult book. Allie and her family move to Black Falls, Texas, for her and her brother, Dax's senior year or high school. Allie feels like she is responsible for the death of her best friend and has closed herself off from everyone. Wyatt is a senior at the school that Allie will be attending and comes over to help around the house and do repairs. Wyatt is dealing with his own issues. I loved how Wyatt was so positive even though he had all the reasons not to be. I also like how he took Dax under his wing and was showing him how to do things. Wyatt was definitely my favorite character in this book. He just tugs at your heart. The way that he was able to help Allie see that there is more to life and get her to live her life again was my favorite part of this book.
It all starts with Allie and her family moving to small Black Fall is Texas. Actually it started five months ago when Allie's best friend died in a car accident, which Allie survived. But now they've moved into their grandmother's old run down house. Nobody has lived there for years and you can tell.
The moving was all her dad's idea. They need a fresh start and getting to reconnect as a family. Allie is not so fond of the idea and thinks it is total BS as she and her dad haven't really spoken to each other since the accident.
Allie used to be actually a pretty regular teenager. She went to classes, hated math, loved playing soccer, went to parties etc. Ever since that accident that killed her best friend, she has been in b*tch mode. She totally turned into a mean girl, yelling a lot to her parents, not wanting to do anything, lashing out at everyone, even her twin brother. Let's just say she hasn't been a lot of fun being around.
So far her family has kind of put up with it, because they can see how hurt Allie is and hoping her behaviour will change during time. Also the moving to another town and the whole fresh start, should help, hopefully.
Now what Allie did not expect was someone like Wyatt. Wyatt is what I would like to think of as a real cowboy. He is so sweet, hard working, always polite, simply charming without effort. The guy rides bulls for Pete's sake, what more could you want. Even though he always has a smile on his face it soon becomes clear Wyatt has some secrets of his own and a past he's running from.
Wyatt is helping fixing Allie's new home and meanwhile even helping to mend Allie's heart. That girl is filled with self loathing and hatred for what happened. So the last thing she wants is some charming cowboy swooping in. Though while she is fighting that attraction, giving that poor boy a whiplash from the mixed signals, Allie might even be helping Wyatt fill a certain void in his life.
Cowboys and Kisses was a cute romance about two broken teenagers trying to heal each other. Often Allie could be a total mean girl, but she certainly changed for the better during the story. I liked seeing that growth in her. Wyatt is just the best. He' everything a girl could want in a guy and then more. I really like books that are set in the South and Sasha Summers portrayed it very well in my opinion.
I am hoping that the next book in the series will be Dax's story. He's Allie's twin brother and he is totally awesome. She is so lucky to have a brother like that.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I loved reading Cowboys & Kisses, Sasha Summers did an amazing job creating a sweet and romantic story. The characters are very likable and relatable, making the story that much more interesting to read. From the very beginning we are introduced to Allie, a high school student who is moving to Black Falls Texas with her dysfunctional family. We are not told what is going on with her family and her at the beginning, but it's clear that they have problems and moving to Black Falls is making Allie's life difficult. But was she wasn't expecting to find in her house is a cowboy, and a very good looking one at that. It all seemed a bit rushed, but their attraction to each other is instant yet they don't seem to want to accept that and that's where the story really starts to take off.
What makes the book great are the characters and the setting. Both Allie and Wyatt have suffered in the past and that's what ultimately brings them together. Allie's character and personality reflect what she has been through, she is tough and not afraid to hurt anyone's feelings at first. But that's all due to what happened to her and by wanting to shut everyone out of her life she attracts Wyatt's attention. On the other hand, Wyatt is a sweetheart, he truly is. He is the guy that any girl would want to bring home to meet her parents and his politeness is hard to resist. Not only is he the good-looking cowboy and the town's golden boy. He also has a passion for rodeo, which makes him that much more attractive. Yet underneath all of that, is a guy that has definitely suffered a lot in his life. His father is the town's alcoholic who gets in trouble with everyone and that puts a lot of pressure in Wyatt. He has learned to cope with his problems and now that he works for Allie's parents in their house, he is determined to help her cope with her troubles. Along with their good chemistry and attraction to one another, they genuinely care for each other and their sweet moments together in the book makes it hard to put down. I couldn't stop reading the book, from the writing to the plot, Sasha Summers created an amazing read. I highly recommend everyone to give this story a try, you will not regret it.
*A Copy was provided as part of a Book Tour, all opinions are my own*
Cowboys & Kisses tells us the story of Allie and her family moving in the house of her grandma, where she absolutely does not feel like it's home to her. Until she met the cowboy that will turn her life around in a new, fresh start whom she never have thought to be the one to show her what it means to truly love someone and live life in gratitude.
Allie, protagonist, have had me wanting to know more about her even as early as the beginning of the chapter. She has caught my attention because she has some serious issues with her dad, most specially. Now you see, I'm quite attracted to people who feels discouraged or helpless. I want to know more, not that I want to interfere and cause more conflict but lend a helping hand so there will be less people being hurt by any particular issues they face. I went off topic right there... Although, the tension between Allie and her dad will subside, it'll come much later. For me, I have to say it was a challenge to follow through their relationship. The issues they have between them are unorganized in a sense that I did not truly managed to find the main issue.
I very much enjoyed having to have a glimpse of Wyatt's life even though he didn't stand a chance to have his own POV. I was actually hoping for one as it may better suit the book. He's my favorite character. Many of his possessions or more specifically his family is broken but he himself stands firm and continues on to stay strong and not broken. He looks out for himself. Independent. As cliche as it sounds, I like how he was able to hold on and proved that "fake it til you make it" quote does work because I say the same thing to myself when all fails and it's all up to me to make a way.
Ultimately, despite the tiny bit part needing of improvement, Cowboys & Kisses has caught me drooling over cowboys now if they even exist in such urban and modern city areas. It has been a pleasure to have taken the time to read the book. Carefully written is the beautiful romance combined with different scenarios of rodeo and family gatherings that makes it a thrill not to be missed!
(Actual) Rating: 3 of 5 stars
All thanks to the author and Enchantress of Book Blog Tours for providing the review copy for me to read and review!
Cowboys & Kisses is one of those romance stories beyond sweet and lovable that everyone wants to read about it. With a little bit of drama and tragic events, this story swooned me from the very first page.
The two main characters have their own serious problems. Wyatt's mom died and his dad ended up being a vicious man. I can tell you that his life is not an easy one. He deals with those problems using anger to prevent from going crazy. Allie, on the other hand, is one of those girls who lashes out at everyone. In other words, not a nice girl. But what people don't see is that there's an excuse of her behavior. These two troubled souls find each other in Texas and that's where their story truly begins.
I loved how the author used all that anger and the problems to show people that sometimes people actions are the consequence of a much bigger problem. Reading that loves can conquer it all, heal everything and help everyone, is what truly made me fall in love with the story and I bet that's one of the strong features of this story.
I definitely recommend this sweet and real story. I bet the struggle and pain of both the main characters will make you want to read more about their story. However, their love story would truly captivate you and make you want to read more and more about Wyatt and Allie.
My Thoughts: Allie-City girl being forced to live in the middle of nowhere surrounded by the type of people she despises + Wyatt-teen boy stud who embodies everything a cowboy should be= An engrossing and heart-wrenching, yet somehow still adorable, love story that kept me hooked from the second I read the first sentence.
I absolutely adored how extremely flawed all the characters were, there really wasn't a single one that was normal or uninteresting. Even the characters who were only around for a few scenes piqued my interest and made me EXTREMELY happy that this is going to be series-I really hope to get to know everyone better in the following books!
The love story was beautiful because it wasn't just about them getting lost in each other...it was about them finding themselves in each other. It was about them coming to grips with their past, figuring out who they were, and what they wanted- and about them helping each other..not hindering. It was refreshing in a world of unhealthy teen romances to read one that actually had a relationship dynamic that didn't make me cringe.
Allie has a twin brother; the relationship between the two of them was one of my favorite elements of this story. There were a few scenes focused entirely on the two of them and they were so refreshing. When the romance was getting really intense and the angst felt overwhelming, it was so nice to have that sweet sibling banter. I wish there was a bit more "twin time", but that's just me.
I absolutely adored this book! I started it less than 24 hours ago and now it is completely finished and wonderfully etched into my memory.
Allie’s family moves to Black Falls, Texas and she could honestly care less about anything that is happening around her. After a tragedy, Allie has gone from the perfect daughter to the smart mouth, fly off the handle, and cannot do anything right daughter. She is flawed. But once she meets Wyatt, her flaws seem to dissipate, even though she avoids any contact. Wyatt’s amazing strength, love, and character pulls Allie into the light and she slowly realizes that she cannot blame herself for everything.
However, while Wyatt is handsome and brilliant, he is just as flawed as well. You find that they become each other’s crutch throughout the story; someone to rely on and comfort. It is beautiful to see these characters grown with each other while drama is ever so present.
I will have to give the award to the most amazing side character goes to Dax, Allie’s twin brother. Always hilarious with his witty remarks, Dax brings a new dimension to the story. While he misses Allie’s best friend just as much as she does, he tries his best to pull Allie back up on her feet. He is a loving brother that has his own little story on the side. I really hope that one of the books in this series is about Dax and Molly. While Allie and Wyatt’s characters and love stole the show, Dax and Molly brought just as much as light and drama to the forefront.
This was a cute and yet serious book. It covered topics that were so sad and real it made you cry for Wyatt and Allie. Wyatt had a hard life. His mom died and his dad spiraled into a black hole becoming a vicious man. Wyatt however stayed this wonderful sweet kind man that tears you apart when you see him struggle with his dad's actions and how much he loves Allie and tries to stay away from her. Allie is living with guilt. Guilt for many things. She slowly became a very angry young woman who lashes out at everyone. At some point she thought she was privileged and no one and nothing could touch her. She than had one night that changed everything and that is eating away at her. Her family is hurting and she is hurting them. She sees nothing of what they are dealing with and frankly doesn't care. That is until they move to Texas and she meets Wyatt.
Wyatt who makes her happy. Who makes her smile and makes her want to be a better person. She struggles with this though and even fights it. Wyatt knows this and is patient and kind. Such a precious guy. You cannot not love him. He just places himself in your heart and doesn't let go. Allie's brother does as well. His humour will have you smiling and hoping things work out for him. Poor guy gets burned and he is in love with the one that burns him.
This is a story about how love can help you become a better person. How love can heal you and how guilt can eat away at you. A beautiful story that will have you happy and sad at the same time.
A sweet story about family, growing up, and a love that heals all wounds. I absolutely LOVED this book!
Allie has experienced tragedy, and a new life in a small Texas town with her family is the last thing she wants to endure. Until she meets the gorgeous cowboy neighbor, Wyatt. Ms. Summers had me hooked with the characters from beginning. The way she described them without actually describing them. Now that’s a feat! Allie is a beautiful, model-perfect teenager with a smile that will melt the hearts of every teenage boy around her. But you won’t read that in the book. Wyatt is the epitome of the perfect gentleman. The teenager that every mother out there wishes their son would become. At least that’s how Ms. Summers had me viewing this couple. Her writing style is one of the best I’ve read in a while and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I laughed and cried with this story. The hardship Allie and Wyatt experienced and how they both learned from each other to heal made for an emotional read. Their love was slow-building and just felt right. But the sexual tension was strong and undeniable.
Cowboys & Kisses was the first book I’ve read from Sasha Summers but the way her brilliant writing style tugged at my heartstrings has definitely earned her a spot on my One-Click Author List!
* I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. *
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I really liked this book.
Allie is pretty messed up. She didn't want to move to Black Falls. She just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. Before Black Falls she was your average teenager. A bit selfish and always wanting to party. Then it all went wrong. She thinks everything is her fault. There was this big mystery around why they left and why she was so messed up. I guessed what had happened after a few chapters.
Then Allie meets Wyatt. The hot sexy cowboy next door and though it takes her a while to admit it she's not so sure she want's to leave anymore. He's genuinely the nicest guy. He's been through hell and back and still helps everyone. He's had a lot of tragedy in his life but he's still a nice guy.
Dax was pretty great twin. I really liked him I felt pretty sorry for him at times but he was always good to Allie.
I thought that Wyatt and Allie were such a sweet couple. Their love healed each others wounds.
Review: I was given a copy of Cowboys & Kisses by Reading bliss for an honest review. I love a book about a cowboy. Allie had plans for her future and falling for a cowboy wasn’t in that plan. After graduation her plan was to get out of Texas. She was trying to avoid Wyatt, except that he seemed to be everywhere. Allie was also trying to avoid her parents and to stop thinking about Wyatt. And to decide what she wanted to do with her life. That shouldn’t be too hard right? Wrong. Allie just wants to be anywhere but where she is now. This is a story about two teenagers who come from brokenness and try to heal one another. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone who wants to read a love story about healing and overcoming things. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
Cowboys & Kisses was absolutely phenomenal! Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down, and I finished it in less than a day. Sasha Summers makes you fall in love with the characters from the instant you meet them, and beautifully tells the touching story of Allie, Wyatt, and her family. This book takes you on a whirlwind ride from good times to bad. You feel happy and sad and heartbroken and in love all at the same time alongside the characters. You become enlightened by the important message the story tells. And you definitely feel like you want to fall in love with a cowboy after reading. I can't wait to read the rest of the series as the books get released, and I can't wait to read other books by Summers. She's truly a talented author! I'm proud of you Auntie Sash ;)
Allie, the new girl in town, has had a huge tragedy and has to find a way to move on with her life. Guilt keeps her from enjoying anything. Sasha Summers takes you on a heartbreaking and sweet journey with Allie as she finds joy again. I fell in love with Wyatt the young man that has his own hurts, but fights to get Allie back into her life. Well written characters and loved the rodeo backdrop - hope to see what happens with her twin brother Dax.
I loved this book. It had down to earth romance for young adult. I couldn't put it down and had to know Wyatt's and Allie's story. I can't wait for the second book. I laughed and cried that is what makes a good story.
I struggled with rating this book because at times I thought the romance between Allie and Wyatt was cute and then other times I remembered they’d barely interacted and were in love with one another and instant love bugs me more than anything. Like for real, we hardly see them have any conversations with each other, it’s just all smiles and avoidence then suddenly BAM, they’re head over heels but Allie doesn't want to admit it and Wyatt doesn't push.
I didn’t so much like Allie as a character, she grew on me towards the end when she stopped acting like a spoiled brat. When she started being nicer towards people and actually giving the town they’d moved to a shot, she got more bearable.
Wyatt was fine, he was sweet and I liked that we got a bit more of his home life/backstory as well, made him less one dimensional.
I think my favourite character was Aliie’s brother Dax, he was the only one of them who seemed like a genuine teenager to me. I’d like to read a book about him and Molly, I think i’d enjoy it more.
Sasha is an amazing writer. She pulls me into her characters and their world. I can’t wait to read her next Teens of Black Falls book. I highly recommend you read Sasha’s adult romance. He Billionaire Wolf series is really good... don’t pass this author up...