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Sweetest Kisses #3
Kiss Me Hello
Sidonie Lindstrom's hands and heart are full—she's been uprooted from the urban life she loves, she's grieving for her brother while raising her foster son Luis, and she's trying to find a job with meaning. But her burdens feel lighter when she meets rural lawyer Mackenzie Peckham. Their attraction is powerful and unexpected. Life is perfect… until Sid learns that Mack hasn't been completely honest about his job.
When problems arise with Luis' foster care situation, she must can she trust Mack again, when she has so much more to lose?
When problems arise with Luis' foster care situation, she must can she trust Mack again, when she has so much more to lose?
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2015
100 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,914 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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February 21, 2015
Kiss Me Hello by Grace Burrowes is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh no! This is the final book in this series. I have enjoyed this author's foray into the contemporary romance realm. This book finally gives the reader a chance to find out about Mac's dark secrets. Why hasn't this good man ever married? Why has he gone ten long years without a date?
It was funny when Sidonie kisses Mac right out in the open and throws him into a tailspin. A simple pizza dinner with Sid and her foster son, Luis, has Mac thinking that maybe he has found someone to help assuage his loneliness and he wouldn't mind if it led to something deeper. But, Sid's life is really complicated at the moment. She loves Luis and wanted to adopt him, but he is reluctant to commit for his own reasons. Not only that, Sid's brother passed away and his estate is tied up in probate making her bid for adoption even more perilous. She does find Mac to be a man she has a few things in common with and the two are nearly insatiable when they find a moment alone with each other. But, Mac hasn't told Sid everything about his life and work, so when she finds out, the promising relationship everyone was cheering for suddenly crumbles.
This story once more focuses on the foster care system and it's bureaucratic red tape, the paperwork backlog, mistakes, and the prejudices that could prevent a child from being placed in a good home. Also, the attitude toward lawyers can be extremely negative when all you have ever seen was the bad side of them. Sid's issues with her brother's estate and her problems with the adoption gives her a big chip on her shoulder and Mac's profession makes him an enemy in her eyes. But, the Knightley's are not at all like the lawyers she is accustomed to dealing with. Can the brothers band together and give Sid a fighting chance with Luis and maybe, just maybe a chance at happiness with Mac?
I loved Luis. He was so perceptive about Sid's feelings and moods and often had a wry sense of humor. His story is heartbreaking, and he carried a load on his shoulders that with some love and support will soon be lessened. I enjoyed touching base again with Hannah and Trent who are doing great. Hannah's background is especially helpful to Mac and Sid in this story.
Sid and Mac are hot, hot, hot!! Super steamy, wonderful dialogue and a heart melting storyline with Luis rounds out the story ending the series on a very high note. 4.5 rounded to 5
Oh no! This is the final book in this series. I have enjoyed this author's foray into the contemporary romance realm. This book finally gives the reader a chance to find out about Mac's dark secrets. Why hasn't this good man ever married? Why has he gone ten long years without a date?
It was funny when Sidonie kisses Mac right out in the open and throws him into a tailspin. A simple pizza dinner with Sid and her foster son, Luis, has Mac thinking that maybe he has found someone to help assuage his loneliness and he wouldn't mind if it led to something deeper. But, Sid's life is really complicated at the moment. She loves Luis and wanted to adopt him, but he is reluctant to commit for his own reasons. Not only that, Sid's brother passed away and his estate is tied up in probate making her bid for adoption even more perilous. She does find Mac to be a man she has a few things in common with and the two are nearly insatiable when they find a moment alone with each other. But, Mac hasn't told Sid everything about his life and work, so when she finds out, the promising relationship everyone was cheering for suddenly crumbles.
This story once more focuses on the foster care system and it's bureaucratic red tape, the paperwork backlog, mistakes, and the prejudices that could prevent a child from being placed in a good home. Also, the attitude toward lawyers can be extremely negative when all you have ever seen was the bad side of them. Sid's issues with her brother's estate and her problems with the adoption gives her a big chip on her shoulder and Mac's profession makes him an enemy in her eyes. But, the Knightley's are not at all like the lawyers she is accustomed to dealing with. Can the brothers band together and give Sid a fighting chance with Luis and maybe, just maybe a chance at happiness with Mac?
I loved Luis. He was so perceptive about Sid's feelings and moods and often had a wry sense of humor. His story is heartbreaking, and he carried a load on his shoulders that with some love and support will soon be lessened. I enjoyed touching base again with Hannah and Trent who are doing great. Hannah's background is especially helpful to Mac and Sid in this story.
Sid and Mac are hot, hot, hot!! Super steamy, wonderful dialogue and a heart melting storyline with Luis rounds out the story ending the series on a very high note. 4.5 rounded to 5
March 22, 2017
Fantastic book, with wonderful characters, intense emotions, and unexpected romance. There were places that made me laugh out loud, and others that brought me to tears. Sidonie is a single woman who is also a foster mother. She has moved herself and Luis out of Baltimore into the countryside of western Maryland, to get him away from some bad influences. The property is a farm, recently inherited from her brother. Sid is not a country person and only intends to stay on the property for a short time. A week or so after moving in, she discovers two huge horses on her property. Mac is the person who comes to help her out with her problem. Their first encounter is pretty funny, with Sid terrified of the two huge animals and determined to get them off her property. Mac is calm, steady and practical, and successfully talks Sid off the ledge. He also gets Luis involved, and takes them to dinner, where Sid manages to throw his well-ordered life into turmoil.
I loved Mac. As the oldest, he runs their law firm and the family with a steady hand. He's been there for his brothers, supporting them when they need it, and prodding them when they need that too. He's very quiet, and something of a loner. He hasn't even dated in ten years, and even his brothers don't know why. He's a bit lonely, but contents himself with his nieces and his brothers. Then he meets Sid, to whom he is instantly and intensely attracted. He also likes her, with her humor and her devotion to her foster son.
Sid is also great. She has been a foster mother for several years, Luis being her latest and favorite. She would love to adopt him, but he's resisting that. She is still grieving from the loss of her brother, and trying to deal with his estate. Moving to the farm gives her and Luis a better place to live, but she's feeling rather out of her depth. She's worn out from trying to cope with everything, plus she worries about how well Luis is really fitting in. Between taking care of her brother before his death, and her foster parent duties, she too has not had a relationship in a long time. There's something else that holds her back too, something she tries not to think about. She too, is instantly attracted to Mac, and once past the initial meeting, finds that she really likes him.
I loved the development of their relationship. It begins as friendship, with Mac driven to help them settle in. I loved seeing his knack for showing up just when he's needed. He's there when an unpleasant social worker shows up, and marshals the troops to come to the rescue, when she makes threats about Sid's ability to keep Luis. Sid and Mac continue to grow closer, sharing confidences and kisses, as the friendship heats up to being more. But there's trouble coming because Mac hasn't been completely open with her. She believes that he's a full-time farrier, when that's just a sideline for him. In real life, he's a criminal defense lawyer with the family firm. Problem is, Sid hates lawyers. She's had too many bad experiences with them, from the ones that tried to put her in foster care when her parents died to the ones that are currently dealing with her brother's estate. It isn't a happy time when that comes out, especially with the way it came out. Mac knows he's screwed up, but getting Sid to listen to him is going to be a challenge. Their hands are forced, however, when the expected threat to Sid and Luis's situation arrives. Once again it is the Knightleys to the rescue. The courtroom scene is emotional, sometimes amusing, and deeply satisfying. It is capped in a most unexpected way by Mac. There was another twist at the end that I hadn't seen coming, but brought the book to a fantastic close.
I also loved the secondary characters. Luis was the most important of those, as Sid's foster son. The love between them was obvious. I also liked the way that they looked out for each other. He is amazingly sensitive for a fifteen year old boy. He also tries very hard to hide his vulnerability under a tough façade. I loved how he and Mac connected first over the horses and then through their love for Sid. Not to say that he was perfect. He still made some typically teenage mistakes, such as getting drunk during the work party. I loved that scene, as all three Knightley brothers took care of him. I ached for Luis and everything he'd been through with the foster system. I could see his fear leading up to his court date, and held my breath that the guys would be able to help him. I also hurt for him and the secret that was keeping him from letting Sid adopt him. It was awesome to see how everything turned out. I would love to eventually see him have a story of his own.
I loved Mac. As the oldest, he runs their law firm and the family with a steady hand. He's been there for his brothers, supporting them when they need it, and prodding them when they need that too. He's very quiet, and something of a loner. He hasn't even dated in ten years, and even his brothers don't know why. He's a bit lonely, but contents himself with his nieces and his brothers. Then he meets Sid, to whom he is instantly and intensely attracted. He also likes her, with her humor and her devotion to her foster son.
Sid is also great. She has been a foster mother for several years, Luis being her latest and favorite. She would love to adopt him, but he's resisting that. She is still grieving from the loss of her brother, and trying to deal with his estate. Moving to the farm gives her and Luis a better place to live, but she's feeling rather out of her depth. She's worn out from trying to cope with everything, plus she worries about how well Luis is really fitting in. Between taking care of her brother before his death, and her foster parent duties, she too has not had a relationship in a long time. There's something else that holds her back too, something she tries not to think about. She too, is instantly attracted to Mac, and once past the initial meeting, finds that she really likes him.
I loved the development of their relationship. It begins as friendship, with Mac driven to help them settle in. I loved seeing his knack for showing up just when he's needed. He's there when an unpleasant social worker shows up, and marshals the troops to come to the rescue, when she makes threats about Sid's ability to keep Luis. Sid and Mac continue to grow closer, sharing confidences and kisses, as the friendship heats up to being more. But there's trouble coming because Mac hasn't been completely open with her. She believes that he's a full-time farrier, when that's just a sideline for him. In real life, he's a criminal defense lawyer with the family firm. Problem is, Sid hates lawyers. She's had too many bad experiences with them, from the ones that tried to put her in foster care when her parents died to the ones that are currently dealing with her brother's estate. It isn't a happy time when that comes out, especially with the way it came out. Mac knows he's screwed up, but getting Sid to listen to him is going to be a challenge. Their hands are forced, however, when the expected threat to Sid and Luis's situation arrives. Once again it is the Knightleys to the rescue. The courtroom scene is emotional, sometimes amusing, and deeply satisfying. It is capped in a most unexpected way by Mac. There was another twist at the end that I hadn't seen coming, but brought the book to a fantastic close.
I also loved the secondary characters. Luis was the most important of those, as Sid's foster son. The love between them was obvious. I also liked the way that they looked out for each other. He is amazingly sensitive for a fifteen year old boy. He also tries very hard to hide his vulnerability under a tough façade. I loved how he and Mac connected first over the horses and then through their love for Sid. Not to say that he was perfect. He still made some typically teenage mistakes, such as getting drunk during the work party. I loved that scene, as all three Knightley brothers took care of him. I ached for Luis and everything he'd been through with the foster system. I could see his fear leading up to his court date, and held my breath that the guys would be able to help him. I also hurt for him and the secret that was keeping him from letting Sid adopt him. It was awesome to see how everything turned out. I would love to eventually see him have a story of his own.
February 28, 2015
Sidonie is a woman with a heart as big as the moon and the determination to “make it” on her own. Life in the country is almost perfect, key word almost, but interference from government agencies, a lack of job and dwindling funds are almost too much to take. She believes that every child deserves a loving and stable environment to thrive, but her foster son, Luis is balanced precariously on the tight rope of bureaucratic red tape and lazy caseworkers. Enter big Mackenzie Knightley, the oldest of the Knightley brothers, huge both in stature and heart; no woman has caught his eye in ten years. While both feel the tug of romantic tension, they seem to mix like oil and water one minute and milk and honey the next.
As Sidonie fights to keep her home, her son and her sanity, mac becomes her guardian angel, always showing up with what she needs, when she needs it, but allowing her to keep her dignity. How can one farrier be so generous? Seems neither Sidonie nor Mac have been completely honest with each other about who they are or their pasts. When Sidonie discovers who the real Mackenzie is, she must decide to trust him or risk losing Luis to a cold and uncaring system. But can she ever trust him with her heart?
Kiss Me Hello by Grace Burrowes is a delightful read with the perfect blend of turmoil, secrets and romance. One headstrong female, damaged by her past, one gentle giant who has taken that first step to living again and one amazing teen who deserves more than life has given him. Add to the mix the Knightley clan and their penchant for riding in to save the day and even the judge doesn’t stand a chance when love reads the verdict. A wonderful take anywhere read, not too heavy, not too fluffy, you’ll feel right at home on the ranch.
I received this ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Sweetest Kisses - Book 3
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 9781402278846
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
As Sidonie fights to keep her home, her son and her sanity, mac becomes her guardian angel, always showing up with what she needs, when she needs it, but allowing her to keep her dignity. How can one farrier be so generous? Seems neither Sidonie nor Mac have been completely honest with each other about who they are or their pasts. When Sidonie discovers who the real Mackenzie is, she must decide to trust him or risk losing Luis to a cold and uncaring system. But can she ever trust him with her heart?
Kiss Me Hello by Grace Burrowes is a delightful read with the perfect blend of turmoil, secrets and romance. One headstrong female, damaged by her past, one gentle giant who has taken that first step to living again and one amazing teen who deserves more than life has given him. Add to the mix the Knightley clan and their penchant for riding in to save the day and even the judge doesn’t stand a chance when love reads the verdict. A wonderful take anywhere read, not too heavy, not too fluffy, you’ll feel right at home on the ranch.
I received this ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Sweetest Kisses - Book 3
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 9781402278846
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 1, 2015
Burrowes pens an emotionally wrought, tear jerking tale that is wrapped up in one of the sweetest romances you’ll ever find. Burrowes’ writing is eloquent yet intimate and personal. She paints her world before your eyes. Not only is this novel fantastic in and of itself, but the way that it overlaps and intertwines with the second novel in the series is fantastic. You can see the lives of the characters intertwining with each other, the circles merging.
The Knightly brothers never cease to amaze me. They just keep getting better and better. I love how Burrowes brings the entire family back to life while we get to know Mac so much better. He is so much more than how he was portrayed in the original novels. Sid is the perfect counterpart to the ever-steady Mac. Her past is so prevalent in who she is today that it simply breaks your heart. Burrowes’ in-depth development is enhanced by their outright charm. The main couple in this novel is beyond compare. The trials of their individual pasts combine with the preconceived notions of themselves in the present to create some rather intense moments as a couple. The characters in this novel are intricately crafted. This flows into the supporting cast as well. This novel wouldn’t be half as captivating if they hadn’t enriched the lives of the main characters the way that they do.
This might possibly be the most bittersweet story I’ve ever read. Burrowes definitely outdid herself.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The Knightly brothers never cease to amaze me. They just keep getting better and better. I love how Burrowes brings the entire family back to life while we get to know Mac so much better. He is so much more than how he was portrayed in the original novels. Sid is the perfect counterpart to the ever-steady Mac. Her past is so prevalent in who she is today that it simply breaks your heart. Burrowes’ in-depth development is enhanced by their outright charm. The main couple in this novel is beyond compare. The trials of their individual pasts combine with the preconceived notions of themselves in the present to create some rather intense moments as a couple. The characters in this novel are intricately crafted. This flows into the supporting cast as well. This novel wouldn’t be half as captivating if they hadn’t enriched the lives of the main characters the way that they do.
This might possibly be the most bittersweet story I’ve ever read. Burrowes definitely outdid herself.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2015
Sometimes there will come along a series that you absolutely fall in love with, eventually that series that you adore is going to come to an end, unfortunately Kiss Me Hello is the last book in this trilogy and I am devastated, from the very first book I've been enraptured by the three Knightley brothers and their pursuit of a happily ever after.
There is only one complaint I have about this series, and that is a lack of an epilogue, I want to know what's happening two-three years later, pregnancies, marriages, adoptions and the law firm, I just feel like a lot of people who have read these books would want to know, not just me, but that's a tiny detail that I can overlook as much as it kills me because these books are awesome!
Throughout the first two books the eldest Knightley brother Mackenzie 'Mac' has been an enigma, you don't really find out that much about his character at all, that's why I was so excited to read this book and finally discover who this man is and why he's been celibate for the last ten years, never showing any interest in women in that whole time, that is until he meets Sidonie 'Sid' and her foster son Luis who recently moved into his childhood home, through the appearance of two work horses Daisy and Buttercup that used to belong to the Knightley family, he gets to know Sid and Luis, and helps her fight to keep Luis with the threat of him being moved elsewhere after DSS fails to do their job properly.
With both Mac and Sid having secrets that have affected both their lives up to now, can they both accept each other's problems and live happily ever after, because you just don't know when a miracle can happen, and make everyone's dreams come true.
I cannot praise this series enough or Grace's fantastic writing which have made these books as great as they are, I just really, really, really don't want this series to be over, I've enjoyed each and every word, sentence, paragraph, page and chapter in my journey through the Knightley brothers stories, I wish it would have never ended.
An astounding series filled with amazing characters that Grace has crafted to perfection.
There is only one complaint I have about this series, and that is a lack of an epilogue, I want to know what's happening two-three years later, pregnancies, marriages, adoptions and the law firm, I just feel like a lot of people who have read these books would want to know, not just me, but that's a tiny detail that I can overlook as much as it kills me because these books are awesome!
Throughout the first two books the eldest Knightley brother Mackenzie 'Mac' has been an enigma, you don't really find out that much about his character at all, that's why I was so excited to read this book and finally discover who this man is and why he's been celibate for the last ten years, never showing any interest in women in that whole time, that is until he meets Sidonie 'Sid' and her foster son Luis who recently moved into his childhood home, through the appearance of two work horses Daisy and Buttercup that used to belong to the Knightley family, he gets to know Sid and Luis, and helps her fight to keep Luis with the threat of him being moved elsewhere after DSS fails to do their job properly.
With both Mac and Sid having secrets that have affected both their lives up to now, can they both accept each other's problems and live happily ever after, because you just don't know when a miracle can happen, and make everyone's dreams come true.
I cannot praise this series enough or Grace's fantastic writing which have made these books as great as they are, I just really, really, really don't want this series to be over, I've enjoyed each and every word, sentence, paragraph, page and chapter in my journey through the Knightley brothers stories, I wish it would have never ended.
An astounding series filled with amazing characters that Grace has crafted to perfection.
December 22, 2015
I liked the first two Sweetest Kisses novels enough to want the third. MacKenzie Knightley is the oldest brother but the last to get his turn at happily ever after, and I didn't know why because a guy this awesome should have all the girls in the yard. (Sorry, today's music selection was a little eclectic, to say the least!)
I really liked all the characters in Kiss Me Hello, from Mac to Sidonie (independent, stubborn, single-foster-mother) to Luis (supposedly-troubled teenage foster child). The relationships are formed slowly, almost deliberately, because Mac is not one who hurries into anything - and neither is Sidonie. I'd be impatient, but Burrowes writes their forming friendship so beautifully that I fell in love with the characters as they do.
This being a romance novel, there's the requisite baggage to get over, in addition to the worries of foster-parenting. And this being a family-focused romance novel, we get appearances by brothers, spouses and significant others, and children who were previously introduced, and I still enjoy the closeness and caring they share and show for each other.
Kiss Me Hello is fabulous contemporary romance for those who prefer to take a little time getting to the happily-ever-after, and a welcome addition to Burrowes' bibliography. I wonder what's up next for us readers/fans? :)
drey’s rating: Excellent!This review was originally posted on drey's library
I really liked all the characters in Kiss Me Hello, from Mac to Sidonie (independent, stubborn, single-foster-mother) to Luis (supposedly-troubled teenage foster child). The relationships are formed slowly, almost deliberately, because Mac is not one who hurries into anything - and neither is Sidonie. I'd be impatient, but Burrowes writes their forming friendship so beautifully that I fell in love with the characters as they do.
This being a romance novel, there's the requisite baggage to get over, in addition to the worries of foster-parenting. And this being a family-focused romance novel, we get appearances by brothers, spouses and significant others, and children who were previously introduced, and I still enjoy the closeness and caring they share and show for each other.
Kiss Me Hello is fabulous contemporary romance for those who prefer to take a little time getting to the happily-ever-after, and a welcome addition to Burrowes' bibliography. I wonder what's up next for us readers/fans? :)
drey’s rating: Excellent!This review was originally posted on drey's library
March 5, 2015
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this installment in the stories of the Knightley brothers. I think it is my favorite because of the three, Mac is the brother I would be in love with. He is the protector, the overseer of the family, the big brother and awesome uncle. When he meets Sidonie, a passion that he has long denied himself surfaces, and it melts your heart to learn what he has been through. Sidonie is an admirable lady who is trying her hardest to deal with the loss of her brother while raising a teenage foster son. Her brother purchased Mac's family's farm before he died, so Sidonie moves to town with the intent to flip the house, settle the estate, and move on once it is ready to be sold. These are characters you will absolutely fall in love with, and you breeze through the book wanting to see if it works out. The story is quite interesting; from seeing the two fall in love to the drama of Sidonie fighting to keep her foster son, you won't want the story to end. I felt like the story flowed more smoothly than in James and Trent's books. Even though Mac is a lawyer, that is not the first thing that pops into your mind when reading. It could be because he's afraid to tell Sid about his occupation due to her dislike of the profession, but it is his work as a farrier that seems to be more fitting of his personality. He is just so swoon-worthy. If you like romance, you will love this book.
I loved this installment in the stories of the Knightley brothers. I think it is my favorite because of the three, Mac is the brother I would be in love with. He is the protector, the overseer of the family, the big brother and awesome uncle. When he meets Sidonie, a passion that he has long denied himself surfaces, and it melts your heart to learn what he has been through. Sidonie is an admirable lady who is trying her hardest to deal with the loss of her brother while raising a teenage foster son. Her brother purchased Mac's family's farm before he died, so Sidonie moves to town with the intent to flip the house, settle the estate, and move on once it is ready to be sold. These are characters you will absolutely fall in love with, and you breeze through the book wanting to see if it works out. The story is quite interesting; from seeing the two fall in love to the drama of Sidonie fighting to keep her foster son, you won't want the story to end. I felt like the story flowed more smoothly than in James and Trent's books. Even though Mac is a lawyer, that is not the first thing that pops into your mind when reading. It could be because he's afraid to tell Sid about his occupation due to her dislike of the profession, but it is his work as a farrier that seems to be more fitting of his personality. He is just so swoon-worthy. If you like romance, you will love this book.
April 27, 2019
And this would be an example of why I sometimes wonder why I read Grace Burrowes books. (For a much, much better example of her writing, read The Duke's Disaster)
I mean, good grief, did no one edit this book? I came this close to DNF'ing this book because I was fairly convinced that Sid was actually a Dickensian street urchin. I refuse to count how many times she called Mac "mister" in the span of five pages but all I could hear in my head was a little boy lisp as she was "speaking." It was enough to make me want to hurl my ereader across the room.
And getting through the rest of the book wasn't any easier. I ended up skimming pretty much the entire middle. Mac was a giant mushmallow (yes, I made that up, yes, I think it fits) which was NOT at all how he was presented in the first two books. And how many plot points need to be introduced? Good golly, the mind boggles.
I reserve one star books for DNFs but this one came pretty close.
I would round it up to two and a half stars on the second reading but I skimmed most of the beginning this time.
I mean, good grief, did no one edit this book? I came this close to DNF'ing this book because I was fairly convinced that Sid was actually a Dickensian street urchin. I refuse to count how many times she called Mac "mister" in the span of five pages but all I could hear in my head was a little boy lisp as she was "speaking." It was enough to make me want to hurl my ereader across the room.
And getting through the rest of the book wasn't any easier. I ended up skimming pretty much the entire middle. Mac was a giant mushmallow (yes, I made that up, yes, I think it fits) which was NOT at all how he was presented in the first two books. And how many plot points need to be introduced? Good golly, the mind boggles.
I reserve one star books for DNFs but this one came pretty close.
I would round it up to two and a half stars on the second reading but I skimmed most of the beginning this time.
October 8, 2019
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by NetGalley
I am a big fan of Ms. Burrowes Regency/Historical romances. I decided to try her contemporary romance as well. I enjoyed them as she has a way of pulling us into the story through the characters.
This is supposed to be the last story in this series and what a fitting way to end it with giving Mac/Mckenzie Knighley the oldest of the three brothers his HEA. I liked Mac from the start because he wasn’t at all what you expect from some hot shot lawyer. He really is the epitome of nice guy. I am not saying he is wimpy; quite the contrary. He can be tough as nails when needed to be in the courtroom but he has a heart of gold when friends and especially family needs help. You can find him cleaning the hooves of horses probably mucking out stalls, babysitting his nieces, while supporting his family in any capacity. I think you get the picture.
Mac hasn’t dated in twelve years…you might think what is wrong with this guy? I am not going to give the whole story away, but he comes into contact with Sidonie who by the way wants nothing to do with lawyers. I liked her independent/ stubborn spirit. She lost her bother and is trying to be a single foster parent to Luis a troubled teen.
I enjoyed that their relationship was slow and unhurried. They became friends first; learning to trust each other first. I was in the mind frame of old fashioned courting which in a contemporary setting usually doesn’t work. Ms. Burrowes had the characters facing real issues which only made them more realistic in my eyes making it very easy to relate to their situations. I liked how she brought her knowledge of lawyers into the story this helped in making it real. She had Mac and Sid fighting real demons just as you or I would do as we deal with everyday life. I think the whole trust issue…learning to trust is a very hard life lesson when it has been ripped away from you. For Mac and Sid as they worked through this brought a lot of pent up emotions to the surface for me.
I really enjoyed this well written, fast paced, emotional story that had its way of grasping you and pulling you right into the middle of everything. Everyone needs to grieve the past to risk falling in love again.
This is a great read anytime but it works well now with lemonade in one hand and Kiss Me Hello in the other. Anyone that enjoys a slow gentle romance will fall in love with Mac and Sid.
Book provided by NetGalley
I am a big fan of Ms. Burrowes Regency/Historical romances. I decided to try her contemporary romance as well. I enjoyed them as she has a way of pulling us into the story through the characters.
This is supposed to be the last story in this series and what a fitting way to end it with giving Mac/Mckenzie Knighley the oldest of the three brothers his HEA. I liked Mac from the start because he wasn’t at all what you expect from some hot shot lawyer. He really is the epitome of nice guy. I am not saying he is wimpy; quite the contrary. He can be tough as nails when needed to be in the courtroom but he has a heart of gold when friends and especially family needs help. You can find him cleaning the hooves of horses probably mucking out stalls, babysitting his nieces, while supporting his family in any capacity. I think you get the picture.
Mac hasn’t dated in twelve years…you might think what is wrong with this guy? I am not going to give the whole story away, but he comes into contact with Sidonie who by the way wants nothing to do with lawyers. I liked her independent/ stubborn spirit. She lost her bother and is trying to be a single foster parent to Luis a troubled teen.
I enjoyed that their relationship was slow and unhurried. They became friends first; learning to trust each other first. I was in the mind frame of old fashioned courting which in a contemporary setting usually doesn’t work. Ms. Burrowes had the characters facing real issues which only made them more realistic in my eyes making it very easy to relate to their situations. I liked how she brought her knowledge of lawyers into the story this helped in making it real. She had Mac and Sid fighting real demons just as you or I would do as we deal with everyday life. I think the whole trust issue…learning to trust is a very hard life lesson when it has been ripped away from you. For Mac and Sid as they worked through this brought a lot of pent up emotions to the surface for me.
I really enjoyed this well written, fast paced, emotional story that had its way of grasping you and pulling you right into the middle of everything. Everyone needs to grieve the past to risk falling in love again.
This is a great read anytime but it works well now with lemonade in one hand and Kiss Me Hello in the other. Anyone that enjoys a slow gentle romance will fall in love with Mac and Sid.
March 3, 2015
Happy Release Day!!!
This is the final book in the Sweetest Kisses Series. While each book stands alone, they are all entwined, too. The characters in the three main novels (there are two novellas) come and go throughout the series.
Mac has been the best oldest brother ever. He gives support to the family business (they are lawyers), watches nieces, trims the the hooves of the family horses (and those at the therapy riding stable), and worries over those he loves. He does not date. Hasn't for about twelve years. I had my theories about that and I was wrong.
Sidonie is raising her foster son, Luis, who she wants to adopt. But he just won't let her. She's fighting battles with probate after the death of her brother, she's fighting DSS over the care of her son, she's fighting with herself, and has been for years.
As always, Ms. Burrowes pulls us into the lives of these characters. She gives them flesh and fears and issues. We all know the major issue with Sidonie from the very beginning. She hates lawyers. Hates them! And Mac is one. He's not an ambulance chaser, he's a defender, but he knows she's not going to like it. And he likes her very much. So he puts off telling her. We know the reveal is coming throughout the book and the tension was really getting to me. Yes, it's not like some gun wielding bad guy was out to get them, but knowing that this issue was going to come to a head really got to me. Yes, Ms. Burrowes is that good at writing us into the scenes.
This was a wonderful culmination of the series. There have been small issues threaded through the entire course, and we get to see the fallout, and the grace, here at the end.
Had to chuckle when we are introduced to one of the people from the therapy riding center, Neils Haddonfield. I'm pretty sure he's a descendant of Nicholas Haddonfield, of Nicholas, Lord of Secrets fame. It was lovely to see that line here.
There was humor in this book. There was joy. There was reality. Ms. Burrowes borrows from her real life in the legal world to show us how the courts get on. It's not a case of telling, either...but showing us without bogging down the narrative. If there was ever a reason for me to need legal help, I'd love to find a MacKenzie, Trent, and James to help me out. I was a legal secretary for years, and there are some lovely lawyers out there...and there are some bad ones, too. Just like in this book. Yes, it reads real.
While I'm sad to see this series come to a close, I'm hoping Ms. Burrowes will now give us a novella...full of the recipes she kept taunting us with in these books! I need Vera's turtle cookie recipe, and James' special mashed potatoes!
I highly recommend this book, this series, to anyone who loves contemporary romance that makes you stay up until all hours and fall in love with well developed, wonderful characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks ~ Casablanca, for the opportunity to read this book.
This is the final book in the Sweetest Kisses Series. While each book stands alone, they are all entwined, too. The characters in the three main novels (there are two novellas) come and go throughout the series.
Mac has been the best oldest brother ever. He gives support to the family business (they are lawyers), watches nieces, trims the the hooves of the family horses (and those at the therapy riding stable), and worries over those he loves. He does not date. Hasn't for about twelve years. I had my theories about that and I was wrong.
Sidonie is raising her foster son, Luis, who she wants to adopt. But he just won't let her. She's fighting battles with probate after the death of her brother, she's fighting DSS over the care of her son, she's fighting with herself, and has been for years.
As always, Ms. Burrowes pulls us into the lives of these characters. She gives them flesh and fears and issues. We all know the major issue with Sidonie from the very beginning. She hates lawyers. Hates them! And Mac is one. He's not an ambulance chaser, he's a defender, but he knows she's not going to like it. And he likes her very much. So he puts off telling her. We know the reveal is coming throughout the book and the tension was really getting to me. Yes, it's not like some gun wielding bad guy was out to get them, but knowing that this issue was going to come to a head really got to me. Yes, Ms. Burrowes is that good at writing us into the scenes.
This was a wonderful culmination of the series. There have been small issues threaded through the entire course, and we get to see the fallout, and the grace, here at the end.
Had to chuckle when we are introduced to one of the people from the therapy riding center, Neils Haddonfield. I'm pretty sure he's a descendant of Nicholas Haddonfield, of Nicholas, Lord of Secrets fame. It was lovely to see that line here.
There was humor in this book. There was joy. There was reality. Ms. Burrowes borrows from her real life in the legal world to show us how the courts get on. It's not a case of telling, either...but showing us without bogging down the narrative. If there was ever a reason for me to need legal help, I'd love to find a MacKenzie, Trent, and James to help me out. I was a legal secretary for years, and there are some lovely lawyers out there...and there are some bad ones, too. Just like in this book. Yes, it reads real.
While I'm sad to see this series come to a close, I'm hoping Ms. Burrowes will now give us a novella...full of the recipes she kept taunting us with in these books! I need Vera's turtle cookie recipe, and James' special mashed potatoes!
I highly recommend this book, this series, to anyone who loves contemporary romance that makes you stay up until all hours and fall in love with well developed, wonderful characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks ~ Casablanca, for the opportunity to read this book.
Read
November 4, 2015DNF -
I have seen the name Grace Burrowes many, many times but haven't had a chance to read anything by her. This book grabbed my interest but it couldn't hold it.
To start, I wasn't all that excited about the characters. Mac has a deep dark secret that has kept him from dating. I thought the whole reason behind why he doesn't date didn't make any sense. You have more than a couple dates and find you really like someone, then put it out there and let them decide if you problem is too much for them.
As far as Sidonie, I didn't connect with her as a character and I didn't understand her interest in adopting Luis since she never knew where he was, what he was doing or what, if anything, he has eaten. They buy this farm (which turns out to be Mac's childhood home) and Luis gets interested in taking care of these two horses which were left behind by the prior owner. He is taking care of the horses and fixing up the stables. When Mac asks Sidonie if she has seen everything Luis has done down there at the barn, she says "no, haven't gone down there." How do you know your teenaged, inner city kid isn't in the barn doing drugs or making a meth lab, if you aren't watching what he does all afternoon. He also comes home from school and has PB&J or mac and cheese and she's calling that dinner. She is an awful foster parent.
Even the social worker is presented as an uncaring woman who just wants to get Luis off her list and figures sending him back to the foster system would be the best bet to ease her schedule, rather than concerning herself with his well-being. She causes a problem because there is an old outhouse on the property and it is a danger so that Luis might need to be taken away from Sidonie. He's a teenager, not a toddler. You can just board up the door and say, "hey, Luis, don't go in there or you might fall into a hole full of old poop." I am sure he won't bother with it.
What I found most irritating about the story is the way they both spoke. I have a problem with characters speaking normally for the period they are in. You can't give me Lord of the Rings with modern slang and you can't write a story about average modern Americans who sound like they stepped out of a regency novel. They were very stiff in their characters but Mac seemed like he should have been more of a laid back, cowboy type.
This whole story rubbed me wrong but I seem to be among the minority since it has a lot of 5 star reviews.
I have seen the name Grace Burrowes many, many times but haven't had a chance to read anything by her. This book grabbed my interest but it couldn't hold it.
To start, I wasn't all that excited about the characters. Mac has a deep dark secret that has kept him from dating. I thought the whole reason behind why he doesn't date didn't make any sense. You have more than a couple dates and find you really like someone, then put it out there and let them decide if you problem is too much for them.
As far as Sidonie, I didn't connect with her as a character and I didn't understand her interest in adopting Luis since she never knew where he was, what he was doing or what, if anything, he has eaten. They buy this farm (which turns out to be Mac's childhood home) and Luis gets interested in taking care of these two horses which were left behind by the prior owner. He is taking care of the horses and fixing up the stables. When Mac asks Sidonie if she has seen everything Luis has done down there at the barn, she says "no, haven't gone down there." How do you know your teenaged, inner city kid isn't in the barn doing drugs or making a meth lab, if you aren't watching what he does all afternoon. He also comes home from school and has PB&J or mac and cheese and she's calling that dinner. She is an awful foster parent.
Even the social worker is presented as an uncaring woman who just wants to get Luis off her list and figures sending him back to the foster system would be the best bet to ease her schedule, rather than concerning herself with his well-being. She causes a problem because there is an old outhouse on the property and it is a danger so that Luis might need to be taken away from Sidonie. He's a teenager, not a toddler. You can just board up the door and say, "hey, Luis, don't go in there or you might fall into a hole full of old poop." I am sure he won't bother with it.
What I found most irritating about the story is the way they both spoke. I have a problem with characters speaking normally for the period they are in. You can't give me Lord of the Rings with modern slang and you can't write a story about average modern Americans who sound like they stepped out of a regency novel. They were very stiff in their characters but Mac seemed like he should have been more of a laid back, cowboy type.
This whole story rubbed me wrong but I seem to be among the minority since it has a lot of 5 star reviews.
March 4, 2015
4.5 stars.
Kiss Me Hello is the final installment of Grace Burrowes' marvelous Sweetest Kisses series and I am very sad that I have to say goodbye to the Knightley brothers :( . However, this last novel in the trilogy is absolutely FANTASTIC and I eagerly devoured every delicious word, savored each toe-curling kiss and cherished every heartwarming scene.
Oldest brother Mackenzie "Mac" Knightley has been a very intriguing character throughout the two previous novels. He is very devoted to his family, but he gives up little information about his private life. Mac keeps himself busy but he is a little lonely and with both his brothers now in love, he sees firsthand what he is missing out on. While Mac has what he believes are very compelling reasons for remaining single, his decade long dating hiatus comes to an abrupt end when he meets Sidonie "Sid" Lindstrom. He is immediately smitten by Sid but she is carrying a few secrets and scars from her past and she is also struggling to begin a new life for herself and her teenage foster son, Luis.
Sid is extremely reluctant to become involved with Mac. Not because she does not like him, but because she has an awful lot of worries to contend with. She is grieving the loss of her brother and she is stressed over how long it is taking to settle his estate. Sid is also worn out from trying to make ends meet and worrying about how well Luis is fitting in within the small community. Adding to her stress is a by the book social worker whose indifference to Luis' best interests means Sid has yet another fight on her hands.
Mac and Sid eventually settle into an easygoing friendship that slowly becomes a sizzling hot romance. They find it surprisingly easy to confide in one another as they transition from friends to lovers but Mac continues to keep a fairly big secret from her. When she finally discovers what he has been hiding, Sid is not sure if she will be able to forgive him for not being honest with her. Mac knows he made a big mistake by not being upfront with her, and he makes every effort to show her how truly sorry he is, but will Sid give him and their relationship a second chance?
Kiss Me Hello is an enchanting love story with an exceptionally appealing cast of likable characters. This superbly written novel has a well-developed and engaging storyline that is quite riveting. Grace Borrowes tugs on the heartstrings with another emotional story that perfectly blends a sweet yet sexy romance with a realistic plot. Old and new fans absolutely do not want to miss this brilliant conclusion to the Sweetest Kisses series.
Kiss Me Hello is the final installment of Grace Burrowes' marvelous Sweetest Kisses series and I am very sad that I have to say goodbye to the Knightley brothers :( . However, this last novel in the trilogy is absolutely FANTASTIC and I eagerly devoured every delicious word, savored each toe-curling kiss and cherished every heartwarming scene.
Oldest brother Mackenzie "Mac" Knightley has been a very intriguing character throughout the two previous novels. He is very devoted to his family, but he gives up little information about his private life. Mac keeps himself busy but he is a little lonely and with both his brothers now in love, he sees firsthand what he is missing out on. While Mac has what he believes are very compelling reasons for remaining single, his decade long dating hiatus comes to an abrupt end when he meets Sidonie "Sid" Lindstrom. He is immediately smitten by Sid but she is carrying a few secrets and scars from her past and she is also struggling to begin a new life for herself and her teenage foster son, Luis.
Sid is extremely reluctant to become involved with Mac. Not because she does not like him, but because she has an awful lot of worries to contend with. She is grieving the loss of her brother and she is stressed over how long it is taking to settle his estate. Sid is also worn out from trying to make ends meet and worrying about how well Luis is fitting in within the small community. Adding to her stress is a by the book social worker whose indifference to Luis' best interests means Sid has yet another fight on her hands.
Mac and Sid eventually settle into an easygoing friendship that slowly becomes a sizzling hot romance. They find it surprisingly easy to confide in one another as they transition from friends to lovers but Mac continues to keep a fairly big secret from her. When she finally discovers what he has been hiding, Sid is not sure if she will be able to forgive him for not being honest with her. Mac knows he made a big mistake by not being upfront with her, and he makes every effort to show her how truly sorry he is, but will Sid give him and their relationship a second chance?
Kiss Me Hello is an enchanting love story with an exceptionally appealing cast of likable characters. This superbly written novel has a well-developed and engaging storyline that is quite riveting. Grace Borrowes tugs on the heartstrings with another emotional story that perfectly blends a sweet yet sexy romance with a realistic plot. Old and new fans absolutely do not want to miss this brilliant conclusion to the Sweetest Kisses series.
March 8, 2015
Grace Burrowes delivers a deeply romantic love story with drama, humor and compassion in
Kiss Me Hello is the final book in the Sweetest Kisses series. I read the first two novels in this series and sensed there was a bit of mystery about our hero Mackenzie Knightley. I wondered why this shy man who was the managing partner of his family law firm wasn't married or in a relationship. Something did not add up....what was Mac's story?
Mac volunteers his time as a blacksmith shoeing horses at a therapeutic horse riding school for children. While at the stables Mac offers to visit a nearby farm to check on a pair of large horses who have mysteriously appeared on the property. He meets Sidonie Lindstrom, the new owner of the farm and her foster son Luis. Sidonie observes that Mac recognizes the draft horses as calls them by name. The horses, Daisy and Buttercup, are clearly pleased to see Mac. Sid has moved to the country to start over. Her brother died and she is tired of dealing with estate attorneys. As a foster mother, she has also grown weary of lawyers and intrusions from members of the social services department. Assuming that Mac is a full time farrier, Sid mentions her dislike for legal matters several times to him. Mac does not correct Sid's belief and this lie of omission is a key piece of the storyline. How long can Mac keep this secret from Sid? And how will she react when the secret is revealed?
Kudos to author Grace Burrowes for writing a sensuous love story about a couple in their mid -to late thirties. I loved it when Sid turned the tables on Mac and kissed him in a crowded restaurant. That kiss changed the game for Sid and Mac. Their relationship progressed from friendship to love at a believable pace. Loved how Sid and Mac spent time together baking pies, brownies and quiches and planning and planting a vegetable garden.
Mac, Sid and Luis suffered disappointments in their lives and were afraid to hope, trust and love. The last few chapters of the book were emotional and tense. Secrets were revealed and there were several unexpected plot twists. This well - written story is about love, family, forgiveness which will warm your heart and make you believe that love triumphs over adversity every time.
In my opinion Grace Burrowes saved the best story for last!
Kiss Me Hello is the final book in the Sweetest Kisses series. I read the first two novels in this series and sensed there was a bit of mystery about our hero Mackenzie Knightley. I wondered why this shy man who was the managing partner of his family law firm wasn't married or in a relationship. Something did not add up....what was Mac's story?
Mac volunteers his time as a blacksmith shoeing horses at a therapeutic horse riding school for children. While at the stables Mac offers to visit a nearby farm to check on a pair of large horses who have mysteriously appeared on the property. He meets Sidonie Lindstrom, the new owner of the farm and her foster son Luis. Sidonie observes that Mac recognizes the draft horses as calls them by name. The horses, Daisy and Buttercup, are clearly pleased to see Mac. Sid has moved to the country to start over. Her brother died and she is tired of dealing with estate attorneys. As a foster mother, she has also grown weary of lawyers and intrusions from members of the social services department. Assuming that Mac is a full time farrier, Sid mentions her dislike for legal matters several times to him. Mac does not correct Sid's belief and this lie of omission is a key piece of the storyline. How long can Mac keep this secret from Sid? And how will she react when the secret is revealed?
Kudos to author Grace Burrowes for writing a sensuous love story about a couple in their mid -to late thirties. I loved it when Sid turned the tables on Mac and kissed him in a crowded restaurant. That kiss changed the game for Sid and Mac. Their relationship progressed from friendship to love at a believable pace. Loved how Sid and Mac spent time together baking pies, brownies and quiches and planning and planting a vegetable garden.
Mac, Sid and Luis suffered disappointments in their lives and were afraid to hope, trust and love. The last few chapters of the book were emotional and tense. Secrets were revealed and there were several unexpected plot twists. This well - written story is about love, family, forgiveness which will warm your heart and make you believe that love triumphs over adversity every time.
In my opinion Grace Burrowes saved the best story for last!
August 30, 2015
KISS ME HELLO, the third novel in the contemporary Sweetest Kisses series by best-selling author Grace Burrowes, brings us the story of the oldest Knightley brother, Mackenzie, the only one of the brothers yet to find love in books one and two.
Unlike his younger brothers, especially James, who actively played the field until finding the loves of their lives, Mackenzie seemed to be living the life of a monk after two broken romances when he was much younger. Due to the reason for the break-ups, he didn’t feel that he would ever find a woman who would want to be involved with him. He tried to convince everyone, including himself, that the busy law practice that he ran with his brothers was enough for him. No one was more surprised than Mac himself when he found himself extremely drawn to Sidonie Lindstrom, an independent woman who had just moved into his family’s former farm.
Sidonie, who was raising a teenage foster son Luis, had just lost her brother. Due to legal problems with Luis and her brother’s estate, Sidonie did not think much of lawyers. When she met Mac, he was taking care of the neighbor’s horses and she mistakenly thought he was the local ferrier. Knowing of her distain for lawyers, Mac didn’t correct her. Sidonie was also carrying some secrets that she felt could prevent a relationship with Mac. Can they both get past the secrets they’re carrying so that the romantic relationship that they both crave and need can survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels in this series, and I was glad that Ms. Burrowes continued to weave the stories of the other two Knightley brothers, Trent and James, into this novel also. This book had a decidedly different feel to it, however. There seemed to be a desperation in the main characters, the plot, and even in the sex scenes, that kept me wondering if Mac and Sidonie would ever find peace.
Congratulations to Ms. Burrowes for another well written, fast paced entry in the Sweetest Kisses Series. Like the other two novels, I’m giving KISS ME HELLO four stars.
Originally reviewed for Buried Under Romance www.buriedunderromance.com
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Unlike his younger brothers, especially James, who actively played the field until finding the loves of their lives, Mackenzie seemed to be living the life of a monk after two broken romances when he was much younger. Due to the reason for the break-ups, he didn’t feel that he would ever find a woman who would want to be involved with him. He tried to convince everyone, including himself, that the busy law practice that he ran with his brothers was enough for him. No one was more surprised than Mac himself when he found himself extremely drawn to Sidonie Lindstrom, an independent woman who had just moved into his family’s former farm.
Sidonie, who was raising a teenage foster son Luis, had just lost her brother. Due to legal problems with Luis and her brother’s estate, Sidonie did not think much of lawyers. When she met Mac, he was taking care of the neighbor’s horses and she mistakenly thought he was the local ferrier. Knowing of her distain for lawyers, Mac didn’t correct her. Sidonie was also carrying some secrets that she felt could prevent a relationship with Mac. Can they both get past the secrets they’re carrying so that the romantic relationship that they both crave and need can survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels in this series, and I was glad that Ms. Burrowes continued to weave the stories of the other two Knightley brothers, Trent and James, into this novel also. This book had a decidedly different feel to it, however. There seemed to be a desperation in the main characters, the plot, and even in the sex scenes, that kept me wondering if Mac and Sidonie would ever find peace.
Congratulations to Ms. Burrowes for another well written, fast paced entry in the Sweetest Kisses Series. Like the other two novels, I’m giving KISS ME HELLO four stars.
Originally reviewed for Buried Under Romance www.buriedunderromance.com
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 20, 2015
What did you do with MacKenzie and where did you come up with this milksop stand-in?
A partner in a three brother law firm who also does farrier (horse shoeing and related) work for a few people on the side meets new female neighbor who has troubles, most notably financial, social services (related to a child she is trying to adopt), and emotional. He steps in to help while hiding the fact he is a lawyer since she hates lawyers. He pretends to only be a farrier. He helps resolve her problems (while hiding the extent of help he is providing because she is “proud”and “independent” and doesn’t want help), but of course she finds out who he is and feels betrayed.
There is no doubt that Burrowes is a masterful writer. No one can beat her dialogue for tension and insights into character. I am a long-time fan of her historical novels, but I have not liked this contemporary series very well and, to me, this is the poorest of the trio. In the first two, MacKenzie, the oldest brother, was hard-driving, a scarily ferocious alpha. That character has nothing to do with the MacKenze in this novel.
First, I really didn’t feel the sexual tension between the H and h. Second, I hated the way he became a totally, adoring fool to the point of losing who he himself was. He would have followed her around on all fours licking her boots, waiting on her hand and foot, if that’s what she wanted. There was even a role-reversal kind of thing where she was the sexual aggressor while he cooked for her and cleaned up her house. I cannot figure out when he did his law work since he spent all of his time following her around and trying to help.
I’m sorry. I don’t like milksops. I like to see the H have some issues other than saintliness and obeisance. He is SOOOO different from the way he was portrayed previously. He is no longer hard driving, he is no longer confident, he is no longer scary. He also used to be a very private person---now all of a sudden he’s letting his brothers in on all of his emotional weaknesses? Huh-uh. Not buying it. Remove this alien, please.
Really didn’t like it despite Burrowes technical skill and good dialogue, etc.
A partner in a three brother law firm who also does farrier (horse shoeing and related) work for a few people on the side meets new female neighbor who has troubles, most notably financial, social services (related to a child she is trying to adopt), and emotional. He steps in to help while hiding the fact he is a lawyer since she hates lawyers. He pretends to only be a farrier. He helps resolve her problems (while hiding the extent of help he is providing because she is “proud”and “independent” and doesn’t want help), but of course she finds out who he is and feels betrayed.
There is no doubt that Burrowes is a masterful writer. No one can beat her dialogue for tension and insights into character. I am a long-time fan of her historical novels, but I have not liked this contemporary series very well and, to me, this is the poorest of the trio. In the first two, MacKenzie, the oldest brother, was hard-driving, a scarily ferocious alpha. That character has nothing to do with the MacKenze in this novel.
First, I really didn’t feel the sexual tension between the H and h. Second, I hated the way he became a totally, adoring fool to the point of losing who he himself was. He would have followed her around on all fours licking her boots, waiting on her hand and foot, if that’s what she wanted. There was even a role-reversal kind of thing where she was the sexual aggressor while he cooked for her and cleaned up her house. I cannot figure out when he did his law work since he spent all of his time following her around and trying to help.
I’m sorry. I don’t like milksops. I like to see the H have some issues other than saintliness and obeisance. He is SOOOO different from the way he was portrayed previously. He is no longer hard driving, he is no longer confident, he is no longer scary. He also used to be a very private person---now all of a sudden he’s letting his brothers in on all of his emotional weaknesses? Huh-uh. Not buying it. Remove this alien, please.
Really didn’t like it despite Burrowes technical skill and good dialogue, etc.
March 2, 2015
Autry's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
This is the third full-length novel in Burrowes’, The Sweetest Kisses Series, and it was the sweetest yet most heart wrenching story of all. MacKenzie and Sidonie were two halves who fit perfectly to make one. Their story unfolds with many unknowns and stressful situations, which adds to the hope one has for them to fight and become a family.
Like previous novels the focus is on a single mother, who has relocated to Damson County; and inevitably falls in love with a lawyer. True to style Sid has recently moved with her child, Luis, to hopefully start with a clean slate. Luis is older, highly intelligent foster son who plays a very pivotal role in their story. Mac is a down to earth horse farrier and lawyer who reveals many secrets to Sid throughout the story; it was easy to see why he was so guarded. But will he reveal his true self to Sid and risk losing her and Luis?? Or will his secret be able to save them both?
Sid and Mac, I fell so hard for their story. Each one is fighting personal demons that no one knows about, the demons that constantly seem to haunt them. Both are learning their way back to trusting someone of the opposite sex slowly and tentatively. Adding a moody teenaged son to the mix could have sent Mac running. However, Mac took Luis under his wing and became a great confidante. Throughout the story it is easy to picture they as a family, rebuilding, adding, developing more complex ties to each other. Struggles forced upon the couple are not self-inflicted struggles; one person could change the whole outlook of Mac and Sid’s happily ever after. The love story is a hard fought battle that proves Burrowes saved the best for last with Mac and Sid.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
This is the third full-length novel in Burrowes’, The Sweetest Kisses Series, and it was the sweetest yet most heart wrenching story of all. MacKenzie and Sidonie were two halves who fit perfectly to make one. Their story unfolds with many unknowns and stressful situations, which adds to the hope one has for them to fight and become a family.
Like previous novels the focus is on a single mother, who has relocated to Damson County; and inevitably falls in love with a lawyer. True to style Sid has recently moved with her child, Luis, to hopefully start with a clean slate. Luis is older, highly intelligent foster son who plays a very pivotal role in their story. Mac is a down to earth horse farrier and lawyer who reveals many secrets to Sid throughout the story; it was easy to see why he was so guarded. But will he reveal his true self to Sid and risk losing her and Luis?? Or will his secret be able to save them both?
Sid and Mac, I fell so hard for their story. Each one is fighting personal demons that no one knows about, the demons that constantly seem to haunt them. Both are learning their way back to trusting someone of the opposite sex slowly and tentatively. Adding a moody teenaged son to the mix could have sent Mac running. However, Mac took Luis under his wing and became a great confidante. Throughout the story it is easy to picture they as a family, rebuilding, adding, developing more complex ties to each other. Struggles forced upon the couple are not self-inflicted struggles; one person could change the whole outlook of Mac and Sid’s happily ever after. The love story is a hard fought battle that proves Burrowes saved the best for last with Mac and Sid.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 27, 2015
I've been curious about Mac since the first book of the series. He's always been the withdrawn brother who never seemed to let anyone in, even his brothers a majority of the time. I couldn't wait to read his story to find out what was behind the mask he wore so well.
From the early stages of the book I started seeing hints at what it was exactly that kept him so guarded but was never quite sure if my suspicions were correct. When his secrets are finally revealed, every question I had about him was answered.
Once again Grace Burrowes sucked me right into the lives of the Knightley brothers, their significant others and the children. This time the centerpiece of the story is a teenage foster kid, a male to break up the abundance of estrogen surrounding the Knightleys.
Much like the previous books I found myself immersed in this story with 100% investment in each and every one of the characters. All of them are written to be intelligent, well-mannered and of strong moral character, which you don't often find in books nowadays.
I know of no plans for this series to continue, although I can't help but think of the possibilities for a story for a grown-up Luis, or maybe even Grace, Merle and Twyla. In other words, I'll be sad to see the story of this family come to an end because I've thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
From the early stages of the book I started seeing hints at what it was exactly that kept him so guarded but was never quite sure if my suspicions were correct. When his secrets are finally revealed, every question I had about him was answered.
Once again Grace Burrowes sucked me right into the lives of the Knightley brothers, their significant others and the children. This time the centerpiece of the story is a teenage foster kid, a male to break up the abundance of estrogen surrounding the Knightleys.
Much like the previous books I found myself immersed in this story with 100% investment in each and every one of the characters. All of them are written to be intelligent, well-mannered and of strong moral character, which you don't often find in books nowadays.
I know of no plans for this series to continue, although I can't help but think of the possibilities for a story for a grown-up Luis, or maybe even Grace, Merle and Twyla. In other words, I'll be sad to see the story of this family come to an end because I've thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 14, 2015
I absolutely love the brother heroes in the Sweetest Kisses series, and Mac is no exception. Mac is smart, tender, and a real gentleman. Not to mention he's very sexy, and good with animals (which is also sexy in a different way). I like Sidonie, although I don't like her as much as I like Mac. Sid is willing to stand up for what she feels is right, although she seems to be fairly passive in her fighting against the injustices levied against her. What I don't like here is Mac and Sid together. The jump to love feels to abrupt to me. Also, they don't seem to have a lot of chemistry. Their lovemaking is sweet and slow, but I don't truly feel the passion between them. KISS ME HELLO is a gentle and slow romance, and Grace Burrowes, normally one of my current favorite authors, has written much more compelling books.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
See my full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
March 8, 2015
With this new series, Burrowes has proved that she can write contemporary romances as well as Regencies and Victorians.
Mac is the oldest of three lawyer brothers. Sidonie, who has just moved with her teenage foster son Luis to Mac's family's old farm, hates and distrusts lawyers. When she discovers two elderly draft horses, bred by Mac's father, at her new home, she calls the local riding school. Mac, who moonlights as a farrier, comes to her aid and immediately starts falling for her. Sid is attracted to him, too, but she has bigger problems, particularly worry that Luis will be taken from her. She needs a lawyer--or three--but Mac is afraid to tell her that he is one. Things get complicated from there.
A charming romance, peopled with very real and appealing characters.
Mac is the oldest of three lawyer brothers. Sidonie, who has just moved with her teenage foster son Luis to Mac's family's old farm, hates and distrusts lawyers. When she discovers two elderly draft horses, bred by Mac's father, at her new home, she calls the local riding school. Mac, who moonlights as a farrier, comes to her aid and immediately starts falling for her. Sid is attracted to him, too, but she has bigger problems, particularly worry that Luis will be taken from her. She needs a lawyer--or three--but Mac is afraid to tell her that he is one. Things get complicated from there.
A charming romance, peopled with very real and appealing characters.
May 23, 2015
Book 3, Mackenzie and Sid
This book ties up the interlocking stories about the three Knightley brothers. Mac the eldest and most solitary brother finally has his moment as he meets Sidonie Lindstrome, who now owns the old Knightley family farm and is living there with Luis, her foster son. Yes, you can see the trouble coming with child welfare down the line. As the lawyers rally around the boy, this book , as do the others of this series, give you a look of how child services can work to the detriment of families and children if care is not exercised. The writing is excellent, personalities interesting and somewhat difficult, plot very different. The developing romance is tender and sweet. Altogether a great read.
This book ties up the interlocking stories about the three Knightley brothers. Mac the eldest and most solitary brother finally has his moment as he meets Sidonie Lindstrome, who now owns the old Knightley family farm and is living there with Luis, her foster son. Yes, you can see the trouble coming with child welfare down the line. As the lawyers rally around the boy, this book , as do the others of this series, give you a look of how child services can work to the detriment of families and children if care is not exercised. The writing is excellent, personalities interesting and somewhat difficult, plot very different. The developing romance is tender and sweet. Altogether a great read.
February 23, 2015
I have enjoyed the other Knightly brothers' stories and was looking forward to Mac's. His brothers worry about him because it's been years since either of them has seen him with a woman. He's the quiet, serious one and I couldn't wait to get inside his head. Mac and Sidonie are neighbors and he shows up to help with the horses on her property. She is very prickly and has a hard time accepting his help. She has plenty of problems that could be solved by a good lawyer, but she hates lawyers. I just loved this one. I admit it did a good job of making me tear up in public. No fair. This one is my favorite of the series. I highly recommend them all.
April 8, 2015
Maybe 4+ stars...
Third in Trilogy; I liked this one as well as, or better than, the second book.
Ending too abrupt, as is my complaint for many books I like.
Even though this is a contemporary romance, I do not think it is YA or NA genre-specific. It has good use of vocabulary and good writing that should appeal to discerning readers.
There is some intimacy portrayed, for those who wish to know. Family is very important to all the characters, and the plot does give quite a bit of time to family-law practice with the case of a teen boy whose mother is in prison, whose young sisters are on adoption track, while he's in foster care system.
Third in Trilogy; I liked this one as well as, or better than, the second book.
Ending too abrupt, as is my complaint for many books I like.
Even though this is a contemporary romance, I do not think it is YA or NA genre-specific. It has good use of vocabulary and good writing that should appeal to discerning readers.
There is some intimacy portrayed, for those who wish to know. Family is very important to all the characters, and the plot does give quite a bit of time to family-law practice with the case of a teen boy whose mother is in prison, whose young sisters are on adoption track, while he's in foster care system.
November 13, 2016
I enjoyed this one every bit as much as the first two in the series. Again the characters are well done, and this one builds on them so much more, which was fun to see. This time we get to see much more about the eldest Knightly brother, Mac. It's nice to see not only the three brothers rally around our newest heroine, Sid, and her 16-year-old foster son, Luis, but also to see the newly expanded family go to war for them, too. And, though there isn't a ton of it, the sexy parts are very hot, which was fun! If you enjoy contemporary romances, this is a good one to pick up! (Read the first two first, though.)
October 26, 2014
I have to say that I am very impressed when an author I love to read historical novels from, can write such great contemporary romances. Not just romances, but life stories for her characters. I think I mostly enjoy the humor and personality in her work, and I closed this book with a smile...I then cringed to think it might be the last in the series. Please! I want another one, or three, or more. Great reads. I also, really want to know the lingering questions about Sid's estate...that could be a whole new book! I will be reading whatever she publishes next as soon as I can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2015
This was a really good story. A Heart-warming, emotional, gripping tale which explores the strength needed to grieve, to take risks, to give and receive love. The Knightly brothers are awesome heroes and the families that build are truly beautiful to behold. Ms. Burrowes brings this family and community to life in a way that touches something warm and true in the hearts of her readers from the first page to the last. Not only should you go out and get this book but you should read the entire series...
March 1, 2015
4 stars
Kiss Me Hello was such a good read.
I enjoyed the storyline and characters.
I was drawn into book from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Kiss Me Hello was such a good read.
I enjoyed the storyline and characters.
I was drawn into book from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
May 4, 2015
Really enjoying this series. High praise as I rarely read contemporary romance!
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March 7, 2015People don't talk the way these characters talk in this century, especially the teen. And really, in such a small town, how could she not know about the brothers.
August 10, 2017
Kiss Me Hello is the third in the Sweetest Kisses series. The third brother Mac, the most solitary and stoic of the Knightley brothers, goes to what used to be his family’s farm to help the new owner with draft horses found on the property. Sid (Sidonie) Lindstrom is a small, scrappy foster mom with a teenage boy she hopes to adopt. The farm is part of her inheritance from her brother and a rude awakening for a city girl.
Sid is independent, but could use some help with the horses, the farm, and the social services bureaucracy. Because of Sid’s strong feelings about systems and especially lawyers, Mac is not as forthcoming as he should be, and Sid expects complete honesty.
There are several subthemes in this title. We see the continuing relationships between Trent and Hannah and James and Vera. There are conflicts with the social welfare system, and the suppressed stories of Sid’s brother Tony and the death of the sons Knightley’s father. Everyone carries their own level of guilt for events in the past, and yet work together for the future.
The suspense of Luis’ place in the child welfare system, his siblings, Sid’s status as a foster mom, and how things will work out takes Kiss Me Hello beyond the usual romance tropes. Readers who enjoy family stories as well as romance will enjoy this installment in the series. The romance is strong, but the relationship between Luis and Sid is particularly wonderful. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Danielle Steel – Country; Nora Roberts – The Next Always; Susan Wiggs’ Willow Lake novels; Robyn Carr’s Thunder Lake and Virgin River novels; Linda Lael Miller’s Montana Creeds; Samantha Chase Shaughnessy Brothers and Montgomery Brothers series; Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Well developed, complex, good back stories; good secondary characters; likeable
Story: Character-driven; intricately plotted
Language: Engaging
Tone: Steamy; suspenseful
Frame: Western Maryland; contemporary
Disclosure: Reading copy provided by the publisher.
Sid is independent, but could use some help with the horses, the farm, and the social services bureaucracy. Because of Sid’s strong feelings about systems and especially lawyers, Mac is not as forthcoming as he should be, and Sid expects complete honesty.
There are several subthemes in this title. We see the continuing relationships between Trent and Hannah and James and Vera. There are conflicts with the social welfare system, and the suppressed stories of Sid’s brother Tony and the death of the sons Knightley’s father. Everyone carries their own level of guilt for events in the past, and yet work together for the future.
The suspense of Luis’ place in the child welfare system, his siblings, Sid’s status as a foster mom, and how things will work out takes Kiss Me Hello beyond the usual romance tropes. Readers who enjoy family stories as well as romance will enjoy this installment in the series. The romance is strong, but the relationship between Luis and Sid is particularly wonderful. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Danielle Steel – Country; Nora Roberts – The Next Always; Susan Wiggs’ Willow Lake novels; Robyn Carr’s Thunder Lake and Virgin River novels; Linda Lael Miller’s Montana Creeds; Samantha Chase Shaughnessy Brothers and Montgomery Brothers series; Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Well developed, complex, good back stories; good secondary characters; likeable
Story: Character-driven; intricately plotted
Language: Engaging
Tone: Steamy; suspenseful
Frame: Western Maryland; contemporary
Disclosure: Reading copy provided by the publisher.
December 26, 2017
Book 3 of this series, and it had more twists and turns then I expected. I also learned more about the foster kid system that I didn't know. This book is about family, and what makes a family, by blood or no relation. With time and effort anyone can become family.
Loved learning more about what makes Mac tick. Why he is like he is. Then there is Sid, she is more complex then you figure. And how the two of them interact is like peeling back the layers that grow solid during the night.
Love Buttercup and Daisy, and what they bring to the relationship. Loved this book, series. I want more of this family.
Loved learning more about what makes Mac tick. Why he is like he is. Then there is Sid, she is more complex then you figure. And how the two of them interact is like peeling back the layers that grow solid during the night.
Love Buttercup and Daisy, and what they bring to the relationship. Loved this book, series. I want more of this family.
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