Kisses After Dark

Gansett Island #12

by Marie Force

She’s avoided men all her life…
Growing up with an abusive father, Katie Lawry learned a thing or two about men and has made a conscious choice to stay far away from them. Until the day of her brother Owen’s wedding when she’s rescued from nearly drowning by Shane McCarthy. With everyone who matters to Katie assuring her that Shane is one of the good guys, she feels safe to give in to the attraction that simmers between them. Katie has waited a long time to take a chance on love, but is Shane the right guy for her?

He’s ready to move on…
More than two years after a painful divorce, Shane has a life on Gansett Island that makes sense to him. With his father, sister and beloved baby nephew living close by and a job that he enjoys, Shane is content if not entirely happy. One thing he knows for sure is he’s tired of living in the past. Spending time with sweet, sensitive, sexy Katie Lawry makes him feel hopeful again, and he might be ready to risk his heart again.

Surrounded by the Gansett Island community, Shane and Katie take an important step forward together, but is their new relationship strong enough to withstand an unexpected challenge?

Enjoy Shane and Katie’s story while catching up with some of your Gansett Island favorites in this latest book in the New York Times bestselling McCarthys of Gansett Island Series!

The McCarthys of Gansett Island Series
McCarthys of Gansett Island Boxed Set
Book 1: Maid for Love
Book 2: Fool for Love
Book 3: Ready for Love
Book 4: Falling for Love
Book 5: Hoping for Love
Book 6: Season for Love
Book 7: Longing for Love
Book 8: Waiting for Love
Book 9: Time for Love
Book 10: Meant for Love
Book 10.5: Chance for Love,
A Gansett Island Novella
Book 11: Gansett After Dark
Book 12: Kisses After Dark

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Family, Chick Lit, Small Town Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 RATING- This is one of my favorite contemporary romance series! I love all the characters that live on Gansett Island and love catching up with them. I do have a bit of a love/hate relationship with how the stories are written. While I love getting updates on all my favorite characters from past books, it sometimes seems that a little too much time is spent on revisiting other characters and not enough time on the couple that the book is supposed to be featuring. It's not a major problem, but I do wish the book would have had just a bit more Shane and Katie. I'm guessing because the series has gotten so big and there are so many characters, it's a struggle! Overall though, I think the author does a great job of balancing everything out.

Shane and Katie were sweet together, a bit sappy and maybe not that believeable, but sweet! I will say the romance was very quick (definitely qualifies for instant love) but I didn't have an issue with that. I'm a believer that all kinds of magic can happen on Gansett Island =) For readers that love Mac and Maddie (book one, Maid for Love), Kisses After Dark shouldn't be missed. Both characters are involved in an important secondary story line.

I did notice that I somehow missed book 11 in the series. No idea how that happened but defintely plan on going back and read it. Overall, another solid and enjoyable read! For readers that enjoy stories that include older characters, this series shouldn't be missed. There's no discrimination on who qualifies as still sexy and sexual from Marie Force!

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s simply magical – love is in the air and it might be in the water, too!

Filled to the brim with all the delights readers have come to expect when they pick up a new release from Marie Force. She’s outdone herself once again by upping the ante with the addition of more than a few shockers as well as surprises that will definitely spin emotions into high alert. Readers will be thrilled to catch up with many of their Gansett Island favorites, as well as excited to get Shane McCarthy’s long-awaited story. And Katie Lawry is his perfect collaborator. If they can jump some hurdles, it might be a match made in heaven between the two. I can definitely confirm that the visit to the Island will be well worthwhile.

Don’t expect to snooze or leave your chair -- this one is fast-paced and gloriously rich with lots of unexpected treasures. Get ready because the love boat has once again docked at Gansett Island.

Note: I was lucky and honored to be a beta reader on Kisses After Dark.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Kisses After Dark ... I think I have the same complaint for all of Marie's books - why, why did it have to end? I wanted to keep reading more about the McCarthy family. I love all the Gansett Island books. I fall more in love every time I read a new one. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book in the series.

I so enjoyed visiting with all the people on Gansett - Mac and Maddie, Grant and Stephanie, Charlie and Sarah, Sydney and Luke, Blaine and Tiffany, Frank and Betsy - I enjoyed revisiting with all the people on Gansett.

Marie Force is a fantastic story teller, she draws me in from the beginning, and I don't want to put the book down until I finish. Shane and Katie were such wonderful people, they were perfect for each other. Another five star hit for Marie. Loved the story. ♥

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wieder eine tolle Geschichte aus dem Gansett Island Universum. Umso mehr Leute sie Sicht der Dinge erzählen, desto besser gefällt es mir und so muss ich gleich mit Band 13 fortfahren.
4,5 Sterne

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable installment in this 'Big Mac' series. It had a good mix between the new romance and side stories mostly continuing with issues involving previous couples unlike some of her books lately where old characters tended to overshadow the main ones. Shane saves nurse practitioner Katie from drowning while they are both in town for her brother and his sister's wedding.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hell of an emotional ride that will keep you captivated till the end!

Marie Force wrote another fantastic addition to the series with Shane and Kate's story while updating you on other family and friends as well. She is the only writer that can bring me to tears right along with the characters while seemingly making me experience their emotions right along with them. This book made me literally laugh out loud in parts and had me crying as well while in the end rooting for Shane, Kate and the whole McCarthy clan. Her next book in this series is already being eagerly anticipated while counting down till the release of the latest in her Green Mountain series. If you haven't read this author before, please check her out. You won't be disappointed and might find yourself addicted to this author's stories like the rest of us.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oddly, this was just ok. And that largely because . . . it was just too nice! There wasn't enough true, authentic conflict going on. This is a book I've read after a long rest from the earlier books, so it could be that I've just fallen off the island and I'm not feeling it just yet.

This wasn't disappointing, it was just kind of flat. I wonder if there are just so many characters at this point that it's getting hard to keep them all straight. That was true to some degree, but I also wonder if the plot is just getting spread too thin. Also, the romance in this one happened really quickly. I found myself wondering if they'd survive the infatuation. The one authentic thing in this installment was the problem in one of the marriages. It was at least a welcome dash of reality.

Despite all that, this is a great series of adult romance. Pretty heavy on the graphic steam, though, which is about an even split between the romance/relationships. I'm all about the romance, so I do wish it were more weighted that way.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kisses After Dark is another fantastic book in this series. And I really loved Shane and Katie's story, which I didn't want to end. As it was sweet, fun, hot and a little emotional too.

Plus, I loved catching up with all the other Gansett Island regulars. Including, Maddie and Mac who receive some devastating news, Stephanie and Grant, who are about to marry. Not to mention, Laura, Owen, Evan, Blaine, Tiffany, David, Daisy, Seamus, Carolina, Luke, Sydney and Jenny. Along with many others and I can't wait to read more from this fantastic series in the future. And I would happily recommend this story and series to others.

~Reread March 2016~

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Wonderful! This series makes me so happy and I can't seem to get enough of the McCarthy family.



Review to come.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Stars!

Absolutely awesome book! I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced right along with the characters! This series gets better with each book; how is that possible?! Words escape me....I cannot sufficiently express how much I love Gansett Island and every quirky character living there! Kudos to Marie Force for continually knocking it out of the ballpark!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 STARS

Sigh….I fell head over heels in LOVE with Shane McCarthy! My poor Gansett boyfriend Alex may have been knock off the top of the list. Kisses After Dark is book 12 in the McCarthy’s of Gansett Island series and features Shane McCarthy and Katie Lawry. Shane is Laura’s brother and Katie is Owen’s sister.
Shane has been through the ringer more than once. He has been trying to recover from his divorce and near bankruptcy at the hands of his wife Courtney, who also happened to be a drug addict unbeknownst to Shane. Shane fought tooth and nail for his wife and his marriage. Only to be served with divorce papers on the day he thought he and his wife would begin a new and better life together. Shane has come to Gansett to rebuild his life closer to his sister and his nephew. Can I just say that all the scenes with Shane and his little nephew Holden are swoon worthy!
Katie Lawry has come to Gansett for her brother Owen’s wedding. We first met Katie in Gansett After Dark when Shane saves her from drowning on the morning of Laura and Owen’s wedding. Katie is 32 and has never even been on date. Katie and the rest of the Lawry kids grew up with an abusive father, and this has lead Katie to keep all men at a distance. I really hope that Marie continues with Lawry kids. I want them all to move to Gansett so they can finally find the happiness that all deserve.
Shane and Katie are magic together. Their story is one of the best so far in this series. Even though both of them have a lot of baggage they put those fears aside, but not after some ups and downs, to take a chance on each other. This love story has so many swoon and sigh worthy moments! BEST line of the book for me was when Shane said…”All I can tell you is that Katie has been more right for me in five days than Courtney was in five years”. HELLO puddle on the floor as I melted at Shane’s words. This story was an emotional roller coaster, but in an oh so good way!
Has we have come to expect, we get a look into the lives of our other favorite couples. Which of course is everyone! We have a couple going through a heartbreak, that your heart breaks along right with them. We celebrate good news with two other couples, and Grant finally gets to marry the love of his life. We also get see that when tragedy strikes, this island of wonderful people come together and fight.
Marie pulls me in and never lets me go, every time! These stories just become part of you. These characters are so well written that as you read, these characters become your friends. You hurt with them, you laugh with them and you want to fight for them. Honestly, each book in this series just gets better and better. Marie is an absolutely wonderful story teller. She has managed to keep this series fresh, exciting and moving forward. This series is a MUST read for me. Thank you Marie for another perfectly written love story, and for allowing me to escape for a couple of hours to a wonderful island filled with such beauty, love, and most importantly family. I can not wait to see where Marie takes this series.

[Melvina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this series that hasn't already been said? Picking up Kisses After Dark was like revisiting old friends and staying for a holiday. I can't rave enough about the McCarthys of Gansett Island, and would encourage everyone to pick up this series and fall in love with these characters. After 13 books they have become a part of my life and with each book I become more involved in their lives, so that when I've finished I'm on the biggest book downer you can imagine. The central theme of the series is family and all that it encompasses, the love, the gentle ribbing, the loyalty and the support, it's what the McCarthys are all about. Shane and Katie' story was as wonderful as the previous stories. I loved that Katie could see in Shane all the qualities that she thought no man had, and that it gave her the strength to let down her barriers. They both had demons from the past that could easily have prevented them from getting together, but their willingness to let go of the past and the chemistry between them wouldn't allow it. I can't wait to see how they get on in the future. The one thing I love most about this series is that past characters aren't forgotten, we get to follow them as their lives progress, and in this book my heart broke for two of my favourite characters, Mac and Maddie. Poor Mac was so lost but it was a testament to the depth of their love for each other that they got through it. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Jamie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today was perfect! I got to spend it reading about one of my favorite families by one of my favorite authors. Marie just keeps pounding out wonderful stories that keeps her readers interested. I love this family. As with all of her books in this series, we not only focus on main couple, but we get inside the hearts and minds of all of the characters that we have come to love. I really think this is the book of this series that has teared me up more than any of the others. There were a few moments were I just needed to take a breath. I felt every pain that those characters were going through. This book has some humors moments in which I chuckled as well. I just can't get enough of this series. I have a love hate relationship with it. I love it while I am reading it, but I hate that it's over. Shane and Katie met in the last book when Shane saved her life. They would have met eventually because Shane's sister married Katie's brother. Katie has lived a sheltered life caused by a beast of a father. Shane has been hurt due to his ex-wife leaving him right after she got out of rehab. There is an instant spark. Shane gives Katie a lot of firsts. These two are the main characters of this book, but we get a glance at all of our favorite couples and how their lives are going. Some of their lives are happy, while some of them are going through some rough water. Many points of view. No cliffhanger. You are just left with a longing to get that next book.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book family, the McCarthy's, no questoon about it! I want to be a McCarthy and live on this magical island. I have been looking forward to Shane's story for awhile now. He has seemed to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. So quiet. So sad. Utterly heartbroken. When he and Katie meet in such a dramatic fashion, I knew their story would be one-of-a-kind. Katie was more of a mystery, since we hadn't gotten to know her well yet. Being Owen's sister, we know she had a horrific childhood at the hands of her father. She has closed herself off from men, as a whole, to safeguard herself from being hurt. I can't imagine being 32 years old and never having gone on a date, let alone be kissed or anything more. These two have been through their own hell, and I think they are the only people capable of helping each other. Their story was sweet, romantic and full of passion. Besides the wonderful journey we go on with Katie and Shane, I felt like I also read a complete novel of updates for the rest of the characters. So many ups and downs for the residents of this island. I laughed and cried and held my breath for the outcomes. Kissses in the Dark is a beautiful, well-rounded novel for every character that we love from this series. Can't wait to continue this journey!

[Sugar Skull Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is book 12 and i have to say i am still in love with my favorite BOOK #11 and with all the characters, even Janey's dogs. That being said, i loved Shane he was so sweet and amazing and he had issues too that he needed to work on and Katie too, i mean having that dad, just awful. Their love story was good BUT i somehow feel that their thunder was stolen somehow. I found myself reading about them and liking them a lot and trying to know what would happen next and THEN, Maddie and Mac happened, what they were going through and oh my god i cried and my heart broke and all i wanted was to see what happened and it kind of makes sense, i mean, this IS the couple that started it all and seeing them in pain brought me pain.
As usual i loved that we got to see all the characters, "new" additions that i want to know more about them soon! And hopefully we will.
If you haven't pick up this series, have you been secluded somewhere? Go and get them all, you won't regret it, ever!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gansett Island is one of my favorite contemporary romance series. I really love all the intertwined characters and family members. Kisses After Dark is book 12 in the series and it was fun to catch up on past characters (Mac & Maddie, Charlie & Sarah, Laura & Owen Carolina & Seamous, Sidney & Luke and Grant & Stephanie) along with new loves Shane & Katie. My only one complaint is that I wanted more of Shane & Katie and less of past characters. Or maybe less isn't the right way to say it. Maybe I just want fewer past characters updated in one book or just updated through the current story's characters' eyes. I would have really liked more of the focus on Katie & Shane.

[joyceadrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel that no matter what I say here about Kisses After Dark or Gansett Island or Marie Force, it won't be enough.

Shane and Katie. Perfect match. They both have a dark past that they couldn't control, they both managed overcome their demons and open their hearts for love and happiness. In the end, they had their happily ever after and you couldn't be more glad for them.

The little tidbits Marie gave us were either joy or sadness. This is the first visit to the island where I couldn't control my emotions. I don't want to spoil anything but OMG. Just OMG.

Thanks, Marie and I look forward to the next visit. :)

[Brenda Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in the series so far. Lots of revisiting our old favorites on the island plus learning to love new characters. Marie has a way of bringing out real emotions from finding new love, to finding out new babies are on their way, to the devastation of a miscarriage, dealing divorce and it's after effects and to dealing with terminal illnesses and all the loved ones effected by it. I wish I was part of the McCarthy Clan and lived on Gansett Island. They have so much love and wisdom to spread around. The Three dads Big Mac, Frank and Kevin are the best and make you fall in love with them every book.

[Natalie Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series are seriously my fave books of all time, I can't get enough of the McCarthys. I love the fact that although most of the books are based on one couple you always get updates on each couple.. This book has lots of highs and lows. Some of the characters have amazing things happen and other have bad news. Shane and Katie are amazing, keep writing this series marie it's amazing. Since it's release day I haven't posted any spoilers or an in depth review. The most important thing is it's 5 stars!

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this book was just amazing. Shane and Katie story just blended. They both came in with hell of baggage but, Shane, Shane, Shane... I really can't believe Courtney excuse but I guess.

The substory got to me as well. I was happy with some of the news and crying for the lost. I am happy about Mallory and the heart to heart she had with Mac. Marie has done it again and not I am waiting on book 13.

[J Kiwibooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single time I read one of these books in this magnificent series, I feel like I am coming home. I love the McCarthy's and Gansett and I know I say it every single time but I want to be a freaking McCarthy (preferably married to Mac if that's okay.

I loved Shane and Katie's story and as usual catching up with the rest of the gang. I hated what poor Mac and Maddie had to go through...so heart breaking but well written as usual....

Cant wait to hopefully read Paul's book next!!!!

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has me going through all the emotions. I don't know how to feel. I'm happy and sad, I'm laughing and crying. Wow the author has me intrigue. Something happened that I just had to say Why??? I love Shane and Katie together. He saved her life and in turn she saved him. I love catching up with everyone and the intro of new characters. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! If you haven't read this series yet, now is a good time to start. The author gets better with each new book. Catch up with old characters and meet new ones. They make you laugh, cry and yearn for more! Excellent characterization, beautiful setting and wonderful love stories! Can't miss with this one!

[Michelle Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Marie Force. this series is the best Shane is such a sweet heart and Katie is so perfect for him . Im glad we get to hear about everything that goes on on the island. I can't wait until the next book
about Paul and hope to find out more about what happens to Lisa and her kids .

[Kandis Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kisses After Dark !!!

OMG what can I say about Marie Force's books. I freaking love them all and this one was just as great as the others. I loved Shane and Katie's love story. Looking forward to the others Mallory, Riley, Flin, Paul, who else. I really want to see Paul and Hope together. but will have to wait and see who will be next.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story about Shane and Katie. Two characters with a lot of baggage to overcome. Do they have enough trust in each other? Much more happens in this story with some having me in tears and then bouts of laughter. In true Gansett fashion another wonderful addition to the series!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always as soon as you hit the second line of page one, you're already transported and immersed into Gansett Island and the ever growing McCarthy family. Bringing both tears and laughter and at times both at once, this book doesn't dissappoint and leaves you enraptured and longing for more!

[Alice Pepin-magnuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie wrote another great read. An island full of people coming home finding true love. Families going through hurt and disappointment and clinging to each other to help them through. The McCarthy family shows us how an extended family stays together with so much love for each other.

[Sharron Forcum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing chapter in the lives of the McCarthy's, their extended families and friends on the Island of Gansett. Can't wait for the next book.

[Mariann {at} Belle's Book Bag · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!! I love this series and it just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for the next book.