The Gangster's Kiss

Love is a Dangerous Thing #1

by Ginger Ring

John O’Malley’s sister is missing. All the clues of her disappearance lead to Hayward County, Wisconsin and the crooks and questionable sheriff that reside there. Pretending to be one of them, John takes a job as bodyguard for the sheriff’s beautiful sister, Grace. It seems like the perfect way to investigate their crimes and corruption, but when someone threatens to kill Grace, the job proves harder than he thought. Is she an innocent witness to a crime, or just as guilty as everyone else?

Grace Sullivan just wanted a normal life: find a good man, get married and have a family. She has had enough of looking the other way while her brother hides behind his sheriff’s badge to conduct shady dealings. Hiring a gangster named John to watch her is the final straw. When a face from the past threatens her life, she is forced to put her life in John’s hands, but as time goes on, all she really wants is to be in the gangster’s arms.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Ebooks, Historical Fiction

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2014

About the author

Ginger Ring is an award winning, Midwestern author with a weakness for cheese, dark chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. She loves reading, playing with her cats, watching great movies, and has a quirky sense of humor. Publishing a book has been a lifelong dream of hers and she is excited to share her romantic stories with you. Her heroines are classy, sassy and in search of love and adventure. When Ginger isn’t tracking down old gangster haunts or stopping at historical landmarks, you can find her on the backwaters of the Mississippi River fishing with her husband.

Reviews

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Kurtze Review of THE GANGSTER’S KISS By Ginger Ring
Pages: 250
Publisher: Beau Coup Publishing LLC

THE GANGSTER’S KISS transports readers back to the day of prohibition, Al Capone, and the backwoods of Wisconsin. Readers meet Ginger Ring’s protagonists, Grace Sullivan and John O’Malley. Ring gives readers backstory of Grace’s family and their role in the storyline. The author also gives her readers John O’Malley’s backstory and details on John’s family and friend’s role in THE GANGSTER’S KISS. Ring helps her readers understand the different worlds Grace and John come from and as THE GANGSTER’S KISS unfolds she shows how John and Grace find a common ground and goal.

The author creates several key support characters explaining each character’s role as they enter the story. Ring’s plot moves at a pace as fast as a light fuse. Events happen so fast readers can’t turn the page fast enough to see which direction Ring has taken the story. Grace’s life is in danger not just because her father isn’t alive to protect her from the gangsters and thugs moving into the area. She knows one of the gangsters is looking to kill her. Grace’s brother knows of the looming danger and hires John O’Malley to protect Grace.
The plot comes to life as Ring descriptive prose tells her readers about all the illegal activity unfolding while Grace’s brother turns a blind eye as a sheriff on the take. The author introduces romance, betrayal, murder, bribery, love, trust and danger making her story so realistic readers will check history books to learn what is real and what is fiction. Ring delivers an unbelievable and exciting ending in THE GANGSTER’S KISS. Ginger Ring’s first book of a trilogy on gangsters of the 1920’s is a spellbinder and is a must read and earns a 5 star ranking. Ring will hook her readers and they will look for the upcoming launch of her second book about the gangsters of the era, THE GANGSTER’S WOMAN.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from it being a great story with well developed characters and storyline, the description of era was amazing. I've always been infatuated with the 20's so this book sated my thirst for a back in time love story. I visited the mob museum with a great friend in Vegas and this book brought it to life. I felt like I was there watching John and Graces story unfold. I'm a big fan of Ginger Rings books. Her stories make you feel what's unfolding and her characters are classy and well spoken. She doesn't follow the repetitive story lines out there. Ginger Ring is in a class all her own.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical romance takes place in the 1920s, a time of prohibition and mobsters. Although it concentrates mainly in Northern Wisconsin instead of Chicago, the hub for notorious gangsters, bootleggers, and organized crime, it still touches on illegal alcohol transportation, gangsters, dirty dealings, and even Al Capone.

Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Carla Stillwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was searching for a nice romance with a gangster twist, my favorite kind! I have just finished writing one myself, and this book right here was just wonderful.
I didn't put it down, and because of that fact it only took me 4 days to complete it! I just couldn't find the will to put it down.
It made me sad, happy and on the edge of my seat! Especially what happened with John and Daniel. I will be buying the next one Monday and cannot wait to continue reading!
Highly recommend this. John O'Malley and Grace Sullivan are so far the best couple I've read of. The romance is mature and sweet, I love how they don't do anything until later in the book. I love the joy from reading the characters and felt the book was very well written.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read anything by this author it will not be the last. For me the book started a little slow it didn't take long before the author pulled me in as the author takes you on the twist and turns of who was in the gang and who was on what side. She gives a wonderful plot of a family who loves each other but has many secrets that each do not know about. Are these secrets worth killing you bet.

Grace is a wonderful character who is trying to find her way still in a world where women do not have much to call their own depending on the men in their lives. She takes off getting herself into a mess, she runs home only to find the father she loves dies, her brother hires a man to take care of her to keep her from harm. She can feel eyes watching her do they know what she saw and will they come to kill her? Before it is said and done she will find out more than she wants and will lose even more. Grace brings a lot to the story trying to find a way out and live a happy life. She is childlike in many ways but that is due to her family protecting her. It was nice to see her grow up and take control getting the job done when need be.

John is just a lost soul trying to find his sister and seem to get his self in the middle of everything. One man said I will help you and gets him running moonshine, which puts him at the death of Graces father. Does he go on or does he help? Mom always said kindness will get you in trouble. This time it got him guarding the sheriffs sister who is in a mess of trouble which will only lead to more trouble. He really needs to stop doing the right thing and worry about finding his sister. How much does the sister know and is she in on the gang related issues or is she as innocent as she seems. He sure is having a hard time keeping his hands to his self....only time will tell which way this all will fall...will they get out a live or will they all end up dead?

The author gives a delightful at times funny with a wonderful plot that will keep you guessing until the end. She gives you a touching romance with wonderful characters even those you aren't suppose to like you hold in top regard, that is all but one. She gives a nice build up to the romance as she brings the character in for action not only in the bedroom but trying to keep one step ahead of those out to kill them. Nothing is as it seems you must look deeper if you want to work out the who and why. The characters are ones you can relate to some are very town to earth others think highly of themselves. She gives you some very heated love scenes that will leave you fanning yourself as she takes you one a wonderful journey of the Roaring 20`s. The ending is sad but happy as she turns the page to lead into the next book. This is not cliffhanger the next book will lead into finding his sister, it sounds like a wonderful read as this one is. I am so looking forward to reading it. I think this book has a little of something for everyone. If you are into gangsters you sure do not want to miss this one. If not you might want to think about giving this a read you might find you will enjoy it.

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This book was provided by the publisher/author for an honest review.

Gangster’s Kiss is the second book, I read from Ginger Ring but the first historical piece and let me just say, I just adored it. She did her research and captured the period and the way the people spoke and dressed perfectly.

John O'Malley is easy going, polite and respectful. He is just an immigrant Irishman who is looking for his missing sister. Yet, he is always just missing her. Well on the way home one night from looking around, he saves a man from a beating from the hands of thugs and takes him home to hide away. As a thank you, the guy helps him with a job and John finds himself in the underbelly of crime and corruption in a town where the sheriff is taking bribes himself.

The biggest trouble is the job is pretty tricky!! Grace is the sheriff's sister AND the new person he is supposed to "babysit". Something is amiss and John knows it. He just can’t figure it out and when Grace's life is threatened John has to decide where his faith leads him. To his sister or to the one woman he is falling in love with. Either way both are intertwined within the crime syndication. Oh entertainment!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I loved the intrigue and the romance and John's loyalty to his sister. YOU CAN’T MISS THIS READ!

Ginger, I tip my Nerd Girl hat to you again and give you 5 stars!!!

*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.


*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For More information regarding our review process please visit our blog at www.NerdGirlOfficial.com or www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first for me… a 20’s gangster novel that I could not put down. I love historical stories, but gangster books are not always my thing. The Gangster’s Kiss is absolutely my thing. I started the book, read the book in less than 24 hours, and could not stop thinking about it. Writing this review I can still recall everything I love about the book and am trying to figure out how to share just enough with you, without giving away too much.

The characters of John and Grace were perfect. I could easily relate to them and their story was so real. I could feel the attraction between them, but I could also feel their reluctance to explore each other. They knew that what they ultimately wanted could be put on the back burner if they got involved with each other and finally figured out how to work together to get their goals accomplished.

Daniel, Grace’s brother, was interesting to me. While he should have been an upstanding citizen, he definitely was not. It scared me that his lifestyle was a reflection on Grace. The people he dealt with are not good people and I was sure they would do whatever they needed to to get the results they wanted. While he was not necessarily a good guy, he really wasn’t a bad guy. He did what he could to keep his sister safe, doing the best he could to keep her out of his lifestyle.

The Gangster’s Kiss is a book that I know I will be wanting more of. I have quickly become a fan of Ginger Ring. Do not wait. Go get this book now. You will not be sorry.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, there's just something automatically romantic about the era of gangsters, prohibition, speakeasies, and flappers. In ways it was a more innocent time... while at the same time it was still dark once you got involved in what was off-limits. There was a different danger.

John and Grace don't really fit the gangster world... but have succeeded in getting themselves drawn in, in different ways. John is all about helping people in need, no matter the danger to himself, or the legality of his actions. A damsel in distress is his weakness (although he's just as quick to offer any man or woman). He would never consider himself a hero... which is what really made me fall for his character. He was sometimes selfless to a fault.

I loved being in Grace's head sometimes. I can only imagine what a struggle it was to be a "good girl" in a time of such change. Add in the fact that her brother is a corrupt sheriff, and her father's dealings as a judge are questionable... and it's no wonder she has trouble judging what's right and wrong, and how far you should go. I'd want to run away too.

The teasing and back and forth banter between John and Grace was fun to read. I loved that both of them would be so flirty... and then would both wonder if they had gone too far. The way they went round and round built up the romantic tension in a really sweet way.

I love some of the character twists. There were definitely some unexpected turn-arounds.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gangster's Kiss is the first book I have read by Ginger Ring, but it won't be the last! This book has such a realistic feel that I felt like I had stepped back in time. I love reading about the "Roaring 20's" and this book was no exception.

The characters are very believable and well written. They developed so clearly in my mind as I read along that I could close my eyes and picture what was happening. John and Grace are such a perfectly unsuited couple that somehow fit together. They come from different places in the world but belong together. Life may not always be easy, but they learn how to work together to get what they want.

The era of gangsters and the speakeasies during Prohibition, the Roaring 20's are so vivid and Ms. Ring writes so fluently of a time gone by that it's apparent she has spent a lot of time researching to get it right! There is a book filled with action, trouble and it moves along very quickly. I'm looking forward to reading more in the Love is a Dangerous Thing Trilogy.

The Gangster's Kiss by Ginger Ring is a marvelous book. Once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down! I give The Gangster's Kiss five steaming hot cups of Room With Books coffee and I highly recommend it.

©April 14, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is seriously one of the funnest historical fiction books I have read. It has a bit of everything: mystery, intrigue, romance, suspense, murder, organized crime. From start to finish I was hooked.

I think one of the best aspects of this story are all of the small characters that enter the story during this adventure - whether it is just a bartender or a prostitute. Each character has some kind of spark about them.

Grace and John were amazing characters, as well. I love that they allowed themselves to enjoy each other, even though they had mixed feeling about allowing things to happen.

I'm still not really sure how I feel about Grace's brother, Daniel. But I suppose that is just because we are not living in the 1920's! Ring definitely did her homework, and captures the era perfectly.

Gangster's Kiss was definitely a page turner for me, and I read it in one day. I cannot wait to grab more books from Ginger Ring.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***

[My Secret Book Spot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gangster’s Kiss by Ginger Ring
5 out of 5 Stars

First of all, I had no idea I would love reading a book set in the 1920’s, but I absolutely did. Grace is a sheltered woman who tried to step out on her own and ended up having to run back home. John is looking for his sister, and his search brings him into Grace’s life. I love the way the two of them dance around each other for a while and slowly begin to build trust and very sweet and loving relationship. I love how honorable John is and how dedicated he is to searching for his sister. Ms. Ring does a great job of making these characters come to life, and I missed them when it was over. I will be reading the next book in this series, and it can’t come soon enough. This book has illegal alcohol transport, gangsters, mobsters, and even Al Capone! What else could you ask for of the roaring 20’s. It was an enjoyable and fun read with lots of wonderful and heartfelt moments.
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*
Amanda, My Secret Book Spot

[Chrissy D (Chrissysliterarybites) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally read pure romance novels, and I didn't think this one was going to be a pure romance novel. I'd say it was about 60% romance novel, 40% book with a storyline that was interesting. I liked the main characters Grace and John and the 1920's/gangster storyline. Grace and John reminded me a bit of Rhett and Scarlett from Gone with the Wind, how they were constantly teasing each other and had this sexual tension you knew was going to burst eventually. Some of the sex scenes/sex talk was a little too smutty for my usual readings, but I did enjoy the actual storyline of gangsters and trying to find John's lost sister Erynn (which I am going to read the 2nd book to find out more about that.) I think what I didn't like after a while was the teasing/will they won't they in the book because it just became a little too predictable. I also wish there had been book sections in the mind of Grace's brother or her father or some of the gangsters because it may have added an interesting perspective. This was a very quick read too.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already a lover of historical romance and when I learned that Ginger Ring was writing a romance set during the 20's I couldn't wait for it's release.

John and Grace are thrown together when her sheriff brother (a crooked one at that) hires John to be Grace's bodyguard. They come from very different worlds (or so they think), yet they are so perfect for each other. Their romance is sweet with moments of passion, but it's not always easy as they struggle with threats that could bring harm to them both.

Ginger clearly did her research about the era ~ you will find yourself transported back in time as she so very vividly sets the scene for John and Grace's story.

Looking forward to what Ginger has next for readers.

[Melissa Ann PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given Gangster’s Kiss by Ginger Ring for an honest review this is the first time I have read a book by her. The book started a little slow but you should stick with it, it ends up having a really good story. You feel for Grace she is living in a time where women have a little freedom but still heavily rely on their family to take care of them. Then she meets John who is a guy just trying to find out what has happened to his sister and fell into the role of Grace’s bodyguard. As they fall for each other John realizes there is more to life and Grace begins to understand that she can do anything if she puts her mind to it. John and Grace have some deadly adventures and heartache but end up with the ending they deserve. I give this book 4 stars.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gangsters, sheriff, and judge on the take. The sheriff hires John to be a bodyguard to his sister, not knowing she was a witness to a murder. John and Grace are attracted to each other but Grace does not want a gangster.

I liked the story and characters. I enjoy that era of Prohibition. John and Grace have a lot to deal with as John is looking for his sister and Grace is looking to leave the town. The threat of death is always close to the surface. Ms. Ring captured the era well.

I have to read the next book in the series. I want to know what happens, if John finds his sister, or if the gangsters find John and Grace.

[Jenn Book Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is phenomenal!! I Loved it! The storyline is amazing, it has well developed characters and the description of the era was detailed.
I have always loved stories and movies set in the 20's so I new as soon as I started this book, I was going to love it. Through this book, I felt as though, I was watching John and Grace's story play out.
Ginger Ring did a phenomenal job writing this book and I definitely look forward to more from her in the future!! This is a definite 5 STAR read for me!

[V.L. Locey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written 4.5 star historical romance.

You don`t see many stories set in the Roaring 20`s, which is a darn shame because it was a great era filled with flappers, gangsters, and jazz. I`ve always had an affinity for the 40`s, so stepping back just a few years was a pleasure.

Ms. Ring pens a moving story filled with just the right amount of detail, mystery, and action. Her characters are instantly appealing, the romance builds nicely, and the bedroom scenes are sensual and steamy. I`m looking forward to the next book in the Love Is A Dangerous Thing series.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure what to think of this book when I picked it up. The first half was pretty slow, and didn't keep me really wanting to come back for more, but the second half was much faster paced and I couldn't put it down. Talk about plot twists- they had me on an emotional roller coaster. Great story. A lot of romance but still a good amount of action and suspense. The ending ties up very few loose ends, and I can't wait to read the second one.
Four stars only because the beginning was slow and almost lost me.

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I can say for sure that it won’t be the last. I am a history lover so I knew this book would be one that I had to read.

It was amazing. I loved following the story of John and Grace. It was a great to see them finally working together. The author knows how to bring her readers in and keep us entertained. If you like historical romance you will definitely enjoy this book.

I give this 5***** all the way around and highly recommend it.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever dreamed of a time long ago, this book will make it happen for you. John and Grace thrown together when brother hires him as a bodyguard. The story take place during expedition, when alcohol was illegal and people shot up the streets to make a point, gangsta going wild you might say. The author gives you a little of everything in this one amazing read, excitement, murder, love, and betrayal.
This was worth the read dreamers, so add it to your must read list.

[Palessa Palessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got a chance to take a break and hit my TBR list. This was the latest on my list and I loved it. The best way I can describe this bookmwas...like that perfect taste of melte ice cream sliding down your throat, sweet and smooth. I loved the characters and their development. Gracie was well-rounded and real in her transformation. It was easy to pull for Gracie and John and the nuances were just excellent. I couldn't put it down for long. Quality story. Looking forward to Flynn's story.

[Pamela Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Yes this was a really good story! I'm loving this story of John and Grace!!! I was at edge every turn! I'm in tears from this book. It ends with a happy ending but is it a happy ending or a beginning of something new!! I can't wait to read book 2!!!!

[FrAnCiScA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Nice story, and writing draws you in the setting of 1928. I like the era and the description that was used. And a setting that wants you to say bata bing doll. Anyway I liked it.

[Marcie Wegner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Gangster's Kiss. The book started slowly, but the more I read, the more I got into it. The characters seemed to come to life and I was rooting for them in the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Janna Shay]

4 Stars

Read my review at InD'tale Magazine
http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...

[Larry Creveling · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will love the ending!

This book is definitely for those who love a good mystery and is equal to the books written by any of those famous mystery writers.

Ann C.

[Wynonna White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great love story with twist and turns. Trying to find out who's who and who to love ,who to trust and who to love. This book keeps throwing things at you to keep you on your toes.

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book from this era, I loved it! The characters were good. Started off slow but finished strong. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

John and Grace <3 A great story! Loved the gangster aspect and the early 1900s theme!

[robin Loy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I enjoyed the story line and that it kept you interested. The mention and play out for al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde were nice addition to the store. It helps put the time line in sight.