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White Pine #2
And Then He Kissed Me
PLAYING WITH FIRE...
Five years ago, Audrey Tanner flung caution to the wind and herself into the arms of an emerald-eyed bad boy biker she met at the White Pine Asparagus Festival. Two blissful weeks together convinced her that Kieran Callaghan was The One-until The One blew town without a word, leaving her brokenhearted. Now, starting a new job at the new Harley Davidson showroom, Audrey is floored to meet her new boss: Kieran. He's still hot as hell, but she won't fall for his sexy smile again. This time, she's calling the shots.
...OR PLAYING FOR KEEPS?
Kieran never thought he'd return to White Pine, Minnesota, much less see Audrey again. Gorgeous and smart as ever, she's just as irresistible as he remembered. She still doesn't know why he had to leave-or that he's missed her every day since. But he can't deny he wants more than the no-strings fling Audrey proposes. As things between them heat up, Kieran must choose between the secret he's sworn to keep and the woman he never stopped loving...
Five years ago, Audrey Tanner flung caution to the wind and herself into the arms of an emerald-eyed bad boy biker she met at the White Pine Asparagus Festival. Two blissful weeks together convinced her that Kieran Callaghan was The One-until The One blew town without a word, leaving her brokenhearted. Now, starting a new job at the new Harley Davidson showroom, Audrey is floored to meet her new boss: Kieran. He's still hot as hell, but she won't fall for his sexy smile again. This time, she's calling the shots.
...OR PLAYING FOR KEEPS?
Kieran never thought he'd return to White Pine, Minnesota, much less see Audrey again. Gorgeous and smart as ever, she's just as irresistible as he remembered. She still doesn't know why he had to leave-or that he's missed her every day since. But he can't deny he wants more than the no-strings fling Audrey proposes. As things between them heat up, Kieran must choose between the secret he's sworn to keep and the woman he never stopped loving...
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 28, 2015
9 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Kim Amos
5 books50 followersI am a romance writer whose stories usually have hot dish in them, which is the Minnesota name for a casserole.
Currently, I live in Michigan with my husband, two dogs, and a cat.
Currently, I live in Michigan with my husband, two dogs, and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 25, 2015
"You hurt me, yes. But break me? Never."
It is quite common when I read contemporary romance that I love the hero more than the heroine; that I can find what I dislike from a heroine – whether she is too passive or too whiny or too focused on finding love rather than acknowledging her own self-worth. Maybe it is because I am a woman and sometimes woman can be harder with their own gender? I don’t know. But it’s easier to swoon over a hero, even if it’s only physically.
In Kim Amos’ warm romance, And Then He Kissed Me , the second installment in White Pine series, it is definitely the heroine that shines brightly compared to the hero. In fact, this is one example where the heroine practically trumps the hero into the background. For me, Audrey seems to scream “This is my show, darn it” and my first reaction when I finished the book was, “YES to Girl Power!” *lol*
It is true that Audrey Tanner starts the book in a rather ridiculous get-up – the lovely, modest and kind-hearted P.E. teacher just lost her job due to emergency budget cuts that eliminated P.E. altogether from the high school’s curriculum and she ends up getting a job as a model at the newest White Pine Harley Davidson dealership. In that first day, Audrey also finds out that her new boss is none other than Kieran Callaghan, the guy who five years ago was someone Audrey thought could be her soul mate, until he practically left her in the dust with his Harley.
With new daring attire comes newfound confidence – and modest Audrey who used to be unable to say “no” to people because she didn’t want to make a fuss, just comes out of her shell. She starts to see possibilities around her. She straightens her spine, lifts up her chin, and just finds her inner strength. You know the first thing she says to Kieran? “You’re an asshole.” Yep. That. And I LOVED her for it. Audrey shows everyone that she is no doormat, no siree. I couldn’t help feeling so proud of her and cheered for her every step of the way. GO AUDREY!!
On the other hand, Kieran didn’t exactly charm me. I thought the way that he just ran out of town five years ago was cowardly. In addition, when he first meets Audrey again as her boss, he is downward rude. I couldn’t help wanting to see him groveling a bit more or do a great grand gesture. I thought the progress of Kieran’s initial attitude to the whole ‘loving’, ‘committed’, and ‘I couldn’t live without you Audrey’, was a little too fast for my liking. Liking pushing a switch button. I needed more.
I wasn’t really sure about the whole suspense with the high school teenager. However, I also thought that it was probably a needed secondary plot because Kieran came to his senses about Audrey a little bit fast.
All in all, I thought this book was definitely better than the first one. I’m starting to enjoy the whole community, as well as the girls in Knots and Bolts. I will look forward to future stories.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
July 28, 2015
Also known as And Then I Fell In Love With A Biker Bad Boy Who Is Looking For A Little Redemption... Oh, my swoooooooooooon. Kieran Callaghan and Audrey Tanner, I loved them!!
Five years ago, Kieran Callaghan broke Audrey Tanner’s heart when he fled the small town of White Pine without an explanation, or even a proper goodbye. She’s over him, completely, totally, 100%...except when she meets him again, this time as her new boss at the new Harley Davidson dealership, Audrey starts to think maybe she hadn’t completely forgotten the charming, sexy man.
Kieran never expected to return to White Pine, but coming back makes him realize one very important thing. He’s missed Audrey every day since he left her behind. But the reasons he left still exist and she can’t ever find out. How can they move on when he’s still hiding something and she is determined to make this time ‘no strings attached’?
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Like, really. I liked the first book in this series, even though I found the first half of it a little hard to get through at times, but this one I had NO such issues with. From the start, I was taken by these characters and their love re-do. Both of them were absolutely likeable. I admired Audrey’s pluck, her determination to make the most of her situation. I sympathized with her predicament, because really, it must have been difficult to resist sexy Kieran.
Who, by the way, I am enamored with. Kieran may have come in with a bad attitude, but that kind asshole behavior was (I probably shouldn’t admit this...) a little bit of a turn on. But not as much of a turn on as his desire to start afresh and make it right. There was some level of predictability in this story, but that’s okay. It was well-written and fun, and with just enough angst to keep it interesting.
Audrey’s sister, Casey, was a thorn in the side of this tale and is to get her own book later this year, and I, for one, am very keen to see how that plays out. She wasn’t always the most sympathetic character here, and that means Kim Amos has a challenge ahead of her. And Then He Kissed Me was a better book than A Kiss to Build a Dream On...I can only hope that trend continues with Every Little Kiss. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
Man, oh man, am I a sucker for a good second chance romance. And Then He Kissed Me is a GREAT one.
Five years ago, Audrey Tanner let down her guard and fell in into the arms of a hot, biker bad boy she met at the annual White Pine Asparagus Festival. Together two weeks, Audrey was convinced she was in love with Kieran Callaghan—that he was “The One” for her to spend her life with, until he left her with nothing but a post-it note goodbye.
Fast forward five years. Audrey finds herself in quite a predicament and accepts a job as a showroom model at the new Harley Davidson showroom in town. Imagine her surprise when she comes face-to-face with her new boss, none other than Kieran Callaghan. But she’s not willing to forgive and forget; regardless of her body’s reaction to him, her heart can’t take it…or maybe it can. Maybe it can finally be healed by the only man she’s truly loved.
Oh Kieran. Now a corporate hottie with a big side helping of bad boy tendencies, he fights his feelings for Audrey, but she proves irresistible. *Sigh* Audrey has been living the single life for the past five years. Fulfilled by her teaching position and coaching the girl’s track team, Audrey’s life is easy, if not a little bit boring. Once she’s forced out of her comfort zone and onto the Harley showroom floor, I love how she finally starts to gain confidence in herself—especially when she begins putting some of the people who desperately need it in their place. But the best parts of the book are when Audrey and Kieran are together. Neither is willing to back down and when they finally fight for each other, wow do the sparks fly! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
Five years ago, Kieran Callaghan broke Audrey Tanner’s heart when he fled the small town of White Pine without an explanation, or even a proper goodbye. She’s over him, completely, totally, 100%...except when she meets him again, this time as her new boss at the new Harley Davidson dealership, Audrey starts to think maybe she hadn’t completely forgotten the charming, sexy man.
Kieran never expected to return to White Pine, but coming back makes him realize one very important thing. He’s missed Audrey every day since he left her behind. But the reasons he left still exist and she can’t ever find out. How can they move on when he’s still hiding something and she is determined to make this time ‘no strings attached’?
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Like, really. I liked the first book in this series, even though I found the first half of it a little hard to get through at times, but this one I had NO such issues with. From the start, I was taken by these characters and their love re-do. Both of them were absolutely likeable. I admired Audrey’s pluck, her determination to make the most of her situation. I sympathized with her predicament, because really, it must have been difficult to resist sexy Kieran.
Who, by the way, I am enamored with. Kieran may have come in with a bad attitude, but that kind asshole behavior was (I probably shouldn’t admit this...) a little bit of a turn on. But not as much of a turn on as his desire to start afresh and make it right. There was some level of predictability in this story, but that’s okay. It was well-written and fun, and with just enough angst to keep it interesting.
Audrey’s sister, Casey, was a thorn in the side of this tale and is to get her own book later this year, and I, for one, am very keen to see how that plays out. She wasn’t always the most sympathetic character here, and that means Kim Amos has a challenge ahead of her. And Then He Kissed Me was a better book than A Kiss to Build a Dream On...I can only hope that trend continues with Every Little Kiss. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
~~~
Man, oh man, am I a sucker for a good second chance romance. And Then He Kissed Me is a GREAT one.
Five years ago, Audrey Tanner let down her guard and fell in into the arms of a hot, biker bad boy she met at the annual White Pine Asparagus Festival. Together two weeks, Audrey was convinced she was in love with Kieran Callaghan—that he was “The One” for her to spend her life with, until he left her with nothing but a post-it note goodbye.
Fast forward five years. Audrey finds herself in quite a predicament and accepts a job as a showroom model at the new Harley Davidson showroom in town. Imagine her surprise when she comes face-to-face with her new boss, none other than Kieran Callaghan. But she’s not willing to forgive and forget; regardless of her body’s reaction to him, her heart can’t take it…or maybe it can. Maybe it can finally be healed by the only man she’s truly loved.
Oh Kieran. Now a corporate hottie with a big side helping of bad boy tendencies, he fights his feelings for Audrey, but she proves irresistible. *Sigh* Audrey has been living the single life for the past five years. Fulfilled by her teaching position and coaching the girl’s track team, Audrey’s life is easy, if not a little bit boring. Once she’s forced out of her comfort zone and onto the Harley showroom floor, I love how she finally starts to gain confidence in herself—especially when she begins putting some of the people who desperately need it in their place. But the best parts of the book are when Audrey and Kieran are together. Neither is willing to back down and when they finally fight for each other, wow do the sparks fly! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
January 2, 2016
3 stars.
I picked up this book because I read emerald-eyed bad boy biker in the summary. I guess I've been reading a few motorcycle books lately, so I thought this would be a good fit for me. Predictable with a little too much drama, it was an okay read.
Second chance romances are my some of my favorites, right along with stories set in small towns. If you love Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor Series, you'll like And Then He Kissed Me, too.
Five years ago, Kieran and Audrey spent two lust-filled weeks together before going their separate ways. Fate brings them back together and though they try to resist at first, it's pretty much inevitable.
One of the things that I liked was that Audrey wasn't a doormat. She didn't just fall at Kieran's feet when he walked back through her door. She was strong and not annoying :) Kieran was hot, but pretty cookie-cutter in my opinion. There was some unnecessary drama , but I was happy that there wasn't much ridiculous drama between Audrey and Kieran.
If you're looking for a fun small town romance with some drama and characters you'll like, check out Kim Amos's White Pine series.
I picked up this book because I read emerald-eyed bad boy biker in the summary. I guess I've been reading a few motorcycle books lately, so I thought this would be a good fit for me. Predictable with a little too much drama, it was an okay read.
Second chance romances are my some of my favorites, right along with stories set in small towns. If you love Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor Series, you'll like And Then He Kissed Me, too.
Five years ago, Kieran and Audrey spent two lust-filled weeks together before going their separate ways. Fate brings them back together and though they try to resist at first, it's pretty much inevitable.
One of the things that I liked was that Audrey wasn't a doormat. She didn't just fall at Kieran's feet when he walked back through her door. She was strong and not annoying :) Kieran was hot, but pretty cookie-cutter in my opinion. There was some unnecessary drama , but I was happy that there wasn't much ridiculous drama between Audrey and Kieran.
If you're looking for a fun small town romance with some drama and characters you'll like, check out Kim Amos's White Pine series.
July 29, 2015
And Then He Kissed Me by Kim Amos is a delightful second chance at love romance. This latest addition to the White Pine series is a great story about forgiveness, love and friendship, but it is the growth of the lead character that makes it such a wonderful read.
Audrey Tanner is an ex-high school gym teacher who is desperate for a job when she is hired to work as a showroom model at the local Harley dealership. She is not exactly thrilled with her new "uniform" and her day goes from bad to worse when she learns her new boss is Kiernan Callaghan, the man who broke her heart five years earlier. Undaunted by his sudden reappearance in her life, she angrily stands up to him when Kiernan "suggests" she find other employment. Surprisingly, her new job gives her the confidence she needs to stop being such a pushover and make some much needed changes to her life.
Audrey is a good girl who always does what is expected of her. The only time she acted on a whim ended in heartbreak and in the years since Kieran left her, she reverted back to playing it safe. She is close to her sister Casey but Audrey is becoming increasingly frustrated with her sister's attempts to micromanage her life. Audrey is surprised by how much she likes her new look and she carries a toned down version of her makeover into her personal life. She also seizes this opportunity to transform other aspects of her life and she explores new career opportunities.
Kiernan is reformed bad boy who is keeping a HUGE secret from Audrey. He has cleaned up his act in the time they have been apart and he is now a well respected businessman. He really has no choice but to return to White Pine but he hopes to avoid Audrey while he is in town. When that plan goes up in flames pretty much as soon as he steps foot in town, his only alternative is to keep quiet about why he left town so abruptly five years ago. But with their attraction burning hotter than ever, Kiernan knows it is only a matter of time before they give in to their mutual desire.
Since Audrey is trying to protect herself from further heartbreak, she is willing to indulge in a casual fling with Kiernan. They enjoy a couple of sizzling hot interludes but he is upfront that he is looking for a real relationship. He knows that he will have to be honest about why he left town but Kiernan must first convince her to give him a second chance. And if she does agree, will Audrey be able to forgive him once he reveals the real reason he left town five years ago?
And Then He Kissed Me by Kim Amos is a terrific addition to the White Pine series. Audrey and Kiernan are brilliantly developed and sympathetic protagonists with realistic flaws and imperfections. Although they spend a good deal of the novel apart as they deal with their respective issues, there is no denying the chemistry between them. Their feelings for one another are believable and they work through their problems with very little drama. The supporting cast of characters is likable and the small town atmosphere adds to the story's appeal. A sweet, sensual romance that old and new fans are sure to love!
Audrey Tanner is an ex-high school gym teacher who is desperate for a job when she is hired to work as a showroom model at the local Harley dealership. She is not exactly thrilled with her new "uniform" and her day goes from bad to worse when she learns her new boss is Kiernan Callaghan, the man who broke her heart five years earlier. Undaunted by his sudden reappearance in her life, she angrily stands up to him when Kiernan "suggests" she find other employment. Surprisingly, her new job gives her the confidence she needs to stop being such a pushover and make some much needed changes to her life.
Audrey is a good girl who always does what is expected of her. The only time she acted on a whim ended in heartbreak and in the years since Kieran left her, she reverted back to playing it safe. She is close to her sister Casey but Audrey is becoming increasingly frustrated with her sister's attempts to micromanage her life. Audrey is surprised by how much she likes her new look and she carries a toned down version of her makeover into her personal life. She also seizes this opportunity to transform other aspects of her life and she explores new career opportunities.
Kiernan is reformed bad boy who is keeping a HUGE secret from Audrey. He has cleaned up his act in the time they have been apart and he is now a well respected businessman. He really has no choice but to return to White Pine but he hopes to avoid Audrey while he is in town. When that plan goes up in flames pretty much as soon as he steps foot in town, his only alternative is to keep quiet about why he left town so abruptly five years ago. But with their attraction burning hotter than ever, Kiernan knows it is only a matter of time before they give in to their mutual desire.
Since Audrey is trying to protect herself from further heartbreak, she is willing to indulge in a casual fling with Kiernan. They enjoy a couple of sizzling hot interludes but he is upfront that he is looking for a real relationship. He knows that he will have to be honest about why he left town but Kiernan must first convince her to give him a second chance. And if she does agree, will Audrey be able to forgive him once he reveals the real reason he left town five years ago?
And Then He Kissed Me by Kim Amos is a terrific addition to the White Pine series. Audrey and Kiernan are brilliantly developed and sympathetic protagonists with realistic flaws and imperfections. Although they spend a good deal of the novel apart as they deal with their respective issues, there is no denying the chemistry between them. Their feelings for one another are believable and they work through their problems with very little drama. The supporting cast of characters is likable and the small town atmosphere adds to the story's appeal. A sweet, sensual romance that old and new fans are sure to love!
July 27, 2015
Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway: And Then He Kissed Me by Kim Amos http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2Mj
Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
REVIEW:
This was an enjoyable romance surrounding a young woman who lived her life trying to be what others thought she should be until life threw her a curveball. Kieran has also transformed himself from what he once was and it was fun to watch them dodge and parry their way back together. I was pleased to have a dangerous mystery thrown in as it added a nice edge to the story. I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how Audrey’s sister finds herself in the next one.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
REVIEW:
This was an enjoyable romance surrounding a young woman who lived her life trying to be what others thought she should be until life threw her a curveball. Kieran has also transformed himself from what he once was and it was fun to watch them dodge and parry their way back together. I was pleased to have a dangerous mystery thrown in as it added a nice edge to the story. I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how Audrey’s sister finds herself in the next one.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2016
Kim Amos is one of the new Authors that I started read this year! I love her books! And Then He Kissed Me is the 2nd in the White Pine! I love a good second chance romance! This book is about a second chance for Audrey Tanner and Kieran Callaghan! Audrey meet emerald-eyed bad boy biker at the White Pine Asparagus Festival. But after 2 weeks Kieran Callaghan left town without a word! Years later Kieran comes back to White Pine and Audrey end up running in to him! Read this book to see what happens!!
July 20, 2015
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing*
July 28, 2016
Somehow I found this so corny..
August 21, 2019
I really enjoyed And Then He Kissed Me by Kim Amos. The heroine, Audrey Tanner, sang to my soul and want to be her best friend. She was smart, spoke her mind, and willing to work hard to make her dreams happen (once she figured out what those dreams were). Her journey to find her dreams took a bit of an unconventional turn along the way, but that's how life can be sometimes.
Her job as a showroom model at the Harley Davidson store had me cringing on her behalf, and when she turned it around into something so much better, I cheered. The only thing standing in her way was the man that broke her heart and drove off into the sunrise without her, Kiernan Callaghan.
Kiernan has a past he's trying to atone for, and hoping to avoid the girl he left behind years ago. Here's where the tricky part comes into play. The reason he left, isn't the reason Audrey thinks. There's sooooo much more to it. This is the big "mystery" of the story, and Kim Amos does a great job of revealing it and showing the fallout of some very bad decisions made by several people.
The town of White Pine was a lot of fun to visit. I'll have to return again to see how everyone is doing.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
Her job as a showroom model at the Harley Davidson store had me cringing on her behalf, and when she turned it around into something so much better, I cheered. The only thing standing in her way was the man that broke her heart and drove off into the sunrise without her, Kiernan Callaghan.
Kiernan has a past he's trying to atone for, and hoping to avoid the girl he left behind years ago. Here's where the tricky part comes into play. The reason he left, isn't the reason Audrey thinks. There's sooooo much more to it. This is the big "mystery" of the story, and Kim Amos does a great job of revealing it and showing the fallout of some very bad decisions made by several people.
The town of White Pine was a lot of fun to visit. I'll have to return again to see how everyone is doing.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
November 28, 2018
This romantic little gem melted my heart and curled my toes, and kept me captivated from start to finish! Highly recommend!
May 12, 2019
Small town romance that took me a while to get into, but had a great ending.
Read
October 31, 2020read
Read
March 27, 2021I wasn't convinced by the relationship development here, and the backstory was a bit lackluster. DNF and unhauled.
August 1, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/an...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Right from the cover of And Then he Kissed Me I knew (okay…I had high hopes) that I would enjoy this book. I must say, I was most definitely NOT disappointed. I had a wonderful time escaping into the world of White Pine, Minnesota. Though I must say…I was definitely annoyed with Kieran in the prologue! Really dude….show more class than a Post-It Note…and during the White Pine Asparagus Festival! Luckily, he redeemed himself…… eventually
I certainly had great sympathy for Audrey when she lost her job as a P.E. teacher at the local high school as a result of cut-backs and then had to apply for a sales position in the Harley-Davidson dealership to make ends meet. However, a smile did cross my face when the position that she got was actually as a person showing off the Harley’s scantily clothed as opposed to a sales person as she had hoped. Oops :) And isn’t her lucky really bad, when her new boss is Kieran…the guy who walked out on her, breaking her heart five years ago….and whom she has not gotten over.
Early on Audrey is feeling a bit sorry for herself, as evidenced by this quote when she is with the Knots and Bolts crew:
“Audrey felt a small twinge of jealousy as she studied her friend’s laughing green eyes, her radiant smile, and the sparkling ring on her left hand. She tried ignoring it, but the splinter of emotion just buried itself deeper: this feeling that Audrey had lived in White Pine her whole life, played by all the rules, and hadn’t found love, but Willa had managed to swoop in, find a guy, and start a business in a matter of months.”
One can certainly get into Audrey’s ongoing feelings for Kieran right from the start when she catches herself daydreaming at work:
“…Audrey swore she could almost see the outline of his rock-solid abs through the cotton material. She licked her lips distractedly, thinking about lifting the shirt from the waist of his jeans and sliding her hands underneath, running her palms over his ridges, the heat from his skin warming her through and through.”
I loved the following quote…showing the strength of character that Audrey has “You hurt me, yes. But break me? Never.”
Kieran, in the prologue is your basic Harley riding bad boy…..hot looking and not wanting any permanent attachments. Kieran and Audrey had two great weeks, but then Kieran got cold feet…at least that is what we are lead to believe in the beginning. Interesting enough, that storyline is definitely much deeper than just cold-feet. It was in fact a bit twisted. We get a hint of Kieran when one day he is also musing at the dealership:
“He tried to picture the diploma on his office wall, the glowing reviews he’d received from his own managers in the past, and the ever-growing numbers on the calendar marking his time in recovery.”
At that point in time, I realized there was more to Kieran than the bad boy persona. I was intrigued and hooked…could not put the book down!
I would say for the most part…it was in true romantic style…and therefore somewhat predictable…but comfortable. What set this apart from other books in this genre was the depth of the secondary stories. Betrayal of a sister all in the name of trying to protect her sibling. All I say to that is …..When will people learn…honesty is always the best policy. The reasoning behind the dishonesty of Audrey’s sister is complicated and better left for the reader to discover.
I also really enjoyed the sub storyline of Audrey helping a former student (Alexis) with her overly possessive and domineering boyfriend, Hunter. It added depth and suspense! Enough said on this…except it was gripping.
This was a great second chance romance with much depth. I am additionally intrigued by asparagus beer :) As well, I really enjoyed that characters from the first book were also in this book, so the community and people seems familiar to me. I eagerly await to read One More Kiss (White Pine 2.5) and Every Little Kiss (White Pine 3.0).
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Right from the cover of And Then he Kissed Me I knew (okay…I had high hopes) that I would enjoy this book. I must say, I was most definitely NOT disappointed. I had a wonderful time escaping into the world of White Pine, Minnesota. Though I must say…I was definitely annoyed with Kieran in the prologue! Really dude….show more class than a Post-It Note…and during the White Pine Asparagus Festival! Luckily, he redeemed himself…… eventually
I certainly had great sympathy for Audrey when she lost her job as a P.E. teacher at the local high school as a result of cut-backs and then had to apply for a sales position in the Harley-Davidson dealership to make ends meet. However, a smile did cross my face when the position that she got was actually as a person showing off the Harley’s scantily clothed as opposed to a sales person as she had hoped. Oops :) And isn’t her lucky really bad, when her new boss is Kieran…the guy who walked out on her, breaking her heart five years ago….and whom she has not gotten over.
Early on Audrey is feeling a bit sorry for herself, as evidenced by this quote when she is with the Knots and Bolts crew:
“Audrey felt a small twinge of jealousy as she studied her friend’s laughing green eyes, her radiant smile, and the sparkling ring on her left hand. She tried ignoring it, but the splinter of emotion just buried itself deeper: this feeling that Audrey had lived in White Pine her whole life, played by all the rules, and hadn’t found love, but Willa had managed to swoop in, find a guy, and start a business in a matter of months.”
One can certainly get into Audrey’s ongoing feelings for Kieran right from the start when she catches herself daydreaming at work:
“…Audrey swore she could almost see the outline of his rock-solid abs through the cotton material. She licked her lips distractedly, thinking about lifting the shirt from the waist of his jeans and sliding her hands underneath, running her palms over his ridges, the heat from his skin warming her through and through.”
I loved the following quote…showing the strength of character that Audrey has “You hurt me, yes. But break me? Never.”
Kieran, in the prologue is your basic Harley riding bad boy…..hot looking and not wanting any permanent attachments. Kieran and Audrey had two great weeks, but then Kieran got cold feet…at least that is what we are lead to believe in the beginning. Interesting enough, that storyline is definitely much deeper than just cold-feet. It was in fact a bit twisted. We get a hint of Kieran when one day he is also musing at the dealership:
“He tried to picture the diploma on his office wall, the glowing reviews he’d received from his own managers in the past, and the ever-growing numbers on the calendar marking his time in recovery.”
At that point in time, I realized there was more to Kieran than the bad boy persona. I was intrigued and hooked…could not put the book down!
I would say for the most part…it was in true romantic style…and therefore somewhat predictable…but comfortable. What set this apart from other books in this genre was the depth of the secondary stories. Betrayal of a sister all in the name of trying to protect her sibling. All I say to that is …..When will people learn…honesty is always the best policy. The reasoning behind the dishonesty of Audrey’s sister is complicated and better left for the reader to discover.
I also really enjoyed the sub storyline of Audrey helping a former student (Alexis) with her overly possessive and domineering boyfriend, Hunter. It added depth and suspense! Enough said on this…except it was gripping.
This was a great second chance romance with much depth. I am additionally intrigued by asparagus beer :) As well, I really enjoyed that characters from the first book were also in this book, so the community and people seems familiar to me. I eagerly await to read One More Kiss (White Pine 2.5) and Every Little Kiss (White Pine 3.0).
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
And Then He Kissed Me is the second book in the White Pine Series from Kim Amos. This is my first book by her, but it can standalone with no problems though the characters are interconnected. This one had its sweet moments and I enjoyed this story for the most part. There were a few things that kept this one from being great for me though.
Audrey Tanner got her heart broken five years ago when the man she was falling for up and left her with no explanation. She thought that she had found the one in Kieran Callaghan, and hasn't been able to forget him since he left. Now five years later she has lost her job as a high school gym teacher and is forced to find whatever work is available. When she takes a job at the local Harley Davidson dealership, she never expects for her new boss to be none other than Kieran Callaghan. Though the chemistry is still strong between them, Audrey doesn't trust him to not break her heart again. Kieran has spent the last five years turning his life around, and though he tries to stay away from Audrey he can't help but want to fix their relationship. But Kieran knows that he needs to be honest with her if they have any hope of a future, and he isn't sure that she will still be willing to give him a shot when he tells her why he really left her all those years ago.
Though I liked Kieran and Audrey okay, I didn't really feel connected to them. In fact in the beginning of this story, I wasn't sure that I would like Kieran at all. He had left Audrey with no explanation really, and when he showed back up he was instantly a jerk to her...never-mind the fact that he was the one in the wrong. But when we got his POV it was clear that he didn't even understand why he was being that way to her, and he actually seemed to feel bad about it. He started to change as the story went on though, and I did like seeing him be honest with Audrey. He was determined to turn his life around, and part of that was telling her everything. Audrey was kind and a great person, always looking out for others. But there was just something about her that made her hard to connect to for me. It wasn't that I disliked her, I just didn't really feel anything much about her. There were times that she frustrated me alone with Kieran, but I thought that they were good together when they were open and honest with one another. They had good chemistry, but I just felt like things between them took a long time to really get anywhere and at that point I was losing interest.
The other thing for me that I had problems with was the fact that the author threw in some unnecessary drama. I won't spoil the story and say what happened, but I just didn't really feel like it was necessary or that it added anything to the story. It pretty much came out of left field and didn't make any sense to me. Not only that, but I really disliked Audrey's sister Casey. She was always saying how she was looking out for Audrey and that she wanted what was best for her etc. But she never really seemed to listen to what Audrey wanted or treat Audrey as the adult that she was. She was condescending and manipulative, and I frankly couldn't stand her. Her story is coming up in the series, and I think that Kim Amos definitely has her work cut out for her. I think that if you are a fan of small town contemporaries or second chance love stories, that this one might be worth giving a shot. It was a good light and easy read. But it also wasn't what I had really been expecting and the things I mentioned kept me from really being able to love it.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
And Then He Kissed Me is the second book in the White Pine Series from Kim Amos. This is my first book by her, but it can standalone with no problems though the characters are interconnected. This one had its sweet moments and I enjoyed this story for the most part. There were a few things that kept this one from being great for me though.
Audrey Tanner got her heart broken five years ago when the man she was falling for up and left her with no explanation. She thought that she had found the one in Kieran Callaghan, and hasn't been able to forget him since he left. Now five years later she has lost her job as a high school gym teacher and is forced to find whatever work is available. When she takes a job at the local Harley Davidson dealership, she never expects for her new boss to be none other than Kieran Callaghan. Though the chemistry is still strong between them, Audrey doesn't trust him to not break her heart again. Kieran has spent the last five years turning his life around, and though he tries to stay away from Audrey he can't help but want to fix their relationship. But Kieran knows that he needs to be honest with her if they have any hope of a future, and he isn't sure that she will still be willing to give him a shot when he tells her why he really left her all those years ago.
Though I liked Kieran and Audrey okay, I didn't really feel connected to them. In fact in the beginning of this story, I wasn't sure that I would like Kieran at all. He had left Audrey with no explanation really, and when he showed back up he was instantly a jerk to her...never-mind the fact that he was the one in the wrong. But when we got his POV it was clear that he didn't even understand why he was being that way to her, and he actually seemed to feel bad about it. He started to change as the story went on though, and I did like seeing him be honest with Audrey. He was determined to turn his life around, and part of that was telling her everything. Audrey was kind and a great person, always looking out for others. But there was just something about her that made her hard to connect to for me. It wasn't that I disliked her, I just didn't really feel anything much about her. There were times that she frustrated me alone with Kieran, but I thought that they were good together when they were open and honest with one another. They had good chemistry, but I just felt like things between them took a long time to really get anywhere and at that point I was losing interest.
The other thing for me that I had problems with was the fact that the author threw in some unnecessary drama. I won't spoil the story and say what happened, but I just didn't really feel like it was necessary or that it added anything to the story. It pretty much came out of left field and didn't make any sense to me. Not only that, but I really disliked Audrey's sister Casey. She was always saying how she was looking out for Audrey and that she wanted what was best for her etc. But she never really seemed to listen to what Audrey wanted or treat Audrey as the adult that she was. She was condescending and manipulative, and I frankly couldn't stand her. Her story is coming up in the series, and I think that Kim Amos definitely has her work cut out for her. I think that if you are a fan of small town contemporaries or second chance love stories, that this one might be worth giving a shot. It was a good light and easy read. But it also wasn't what I had really been expecting and the things I mentioned kept me from really being able to love it.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
August 11, 2015
In most of my reviews I talk about how fabulous (or not until the end) the hero is but in And Then He Kissed Me Audrey is definitely the star. Don't get me wrong, I love Kieran and I applaud the changes he's made to his life since leaving White Pine five years ago. But it is the changes that Audrey is going thru now, thanks to losing her job and becoming a Harley model, that are truly awesome and fun.
While out of her comfort zone in the new job, especially once she realizes that Kieran is her new boss, standing in front of everyone in sexy leather biker clothes gives her a certain attitude that bleeds over into her every day life. Watching her come out of her shell and shine is an absolute treat. But it isn't always easy.
Besides dealing with Kieran (which would be enough on its own), her controlling sister is pushing against not only her changes but her being anywhere near Kieran again. Having it been the two of them for so long, it definitely isn't easy for Audrey to deal with her sister's attitude. But as she finds a new stride, I cheered for her every step of the way. It's glorious and she's definitely one of my favorite heroines of all time - her opening comment to Kieran sealed it for me ... but you have to read it to find out what she said (or look at reviews on Goodreads) :)
I also loved how vulnerable both Audrey and Kieran are in this situation. Both of them have to come to terms with the past and decide if they are going to let it impact their future - Audrey on whether she can trust Kieran again and Kieran on whether he can be vulnerable but more importantly if he can reveal a secret that will hurt Audrey. It's not an uncommon dance in romances but one that Amos handles exceptionally well.
It's no surprise that I didn't read the first story in this series, A Kiss to Build a Dream On. Luckily this is one of those times when it didn't matter, although I'm definitely adding it to my TBR pile. With fantastic primary and secondary characters and an emotional storyline, And Then He Kissed Me is a must read and Amos is an author to watch. She has two more White Pine stories this year and I can't wait!
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
While out of her comfort zone in the new job, especially once she realizes that Kieran is her new boss, standing in front of everyone in sexy leather biker clothes gives her a certain attitude that bleeds over into her every day life. Watching her come out of her shell and shine is an absolute treat. But it isn't always easy.
Besides dealing with Kieran (which would be enough on its own), her controlling sister is pushing against not only her changes but her being anywhere near Kieran again. Having it been the two of them for so long, it definitely isn't easy for Audrey to deal with her sister's attitude. But as she finds a new stride, I cheered for her every step of the way. It's glorious and she's definitely one of my favorite heroines of all time - her opening comment to Kieran sealed it for me ... but you have to read it to find out what she said (or look at reviews on Goodreads) :)
I also loved how vulnerable both Audrey and Kieran are in this situation. Both of them have to come to terms with the past and decide if they are going to let it impact their future - Audrey on whether she can trust Kieran again and Kieran on whether he can be vulnerable but more importantly if he can reveal a secret that will hurt Audrey. It's not an uncommon dance in romances but one that Amos handles exceptionally well.
It's no surprise that I didn't read the first story in this series, A Kiss to Build a Dream On. Luckily this is one of those times when it didn't matter, although I'm definitely adding it to my TBR pile. With fantastic primary and secondary characters and an emotional storyline, And Then He Kissed Me is a must read and Amos is an author to watch. She has two more White Pine stories this year and I can't wait!
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
July 26, 2015
Audrey Tanner is starting a new job. She was a high school coach. Her new job will be as a model for the Harley Davidson showroom. The last thing she expected was to see the man who walked away from her five years ago. He is not only in the story but he is her new boss!
“Five years ago, he’d ridden a Harley into White Pine during its annual Asparagus Festival, fallen head-over-heels for Audrey, and then left after two weeks.”
Kieran Callaghan's life is on track. He has a good job. Going back to White Pine, Minnesota was not in his plans. His boss on the other hand, is making it clear he doesn't have a choice. Kieran wants to forget what happened the last time he was there. He hurt Audrey and he doesn't know how to be in her life again.
~~
This is a new author for me. As soon as I saw the cover I knew I wanted to read it.
The story is based on a small town, it was cute and I enjoyed it.
Some things bothered me especially Kieran's behavior at the beginning. As her boss, I found him lacking. Only when he realizes he still likes her, he starts to change making him more enjoyable to read.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
June 18, 2015
I kept putting off starting this book and I wasn't sure why but I am glad I ended up reading and finishing it.
Right away I knew I liked Audrey. She ends up having a 2 week relationship with Kieran to wake up one more to him leaving and never looking back. Now 5 years later he is back and seeing Audrey brings back old feelings and it's time for him to finally set the past straight and win her over for good.
You can see from the beginning that Audrey has changed and is in the process of still changing. She is strong and a such a fighter. After loosing Kieran 5 years ago she hasn't been with anyone else, she looses her teaching job from cutbacks and has to deal with her sisters betrayal. Kieran didn't have a easy life but he is trying to make his life right and has worked hard at it.
I was glad to see a red headed male for the lead. It was nice and since I don't read a lot of books with them this was a great treat. I liked the whole idea of the recipe club that Audrey and her friends have. Since this is the first book in the series I have read I wasn't so sure of the characters at first but as I continued to read I began to warm up to them. I thought Kieran worked hard at trying to win her back and gain her trust that was a big plus for me.
With all the drama in the book I could have done without the kidnapping part but other then that I really enjoyed this romantic read. I really think the kidnapping was a little too much and maybe another angle should have happened with that part.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and this small town that I am learning to love.
Right away I knew I liked Audrey. She ends up having a 2 week relationship with Kieran to wake up one more to him leaving and never looking back. Now 5 years later he is back and seeing Audrey brings back old feelings and it's time for him to finally set the past straight and win her over for good.
You can see from the beginning that Audrey has changed and is in the process of still changing. She is strong and a such a fighter. After loosing Kieran 5 years ago she hasn't been with anyone else, she looses her teaching job from cutbacks and has to deal with her sisters betrayal. Kieran didn't have a easy life but he is trying to make his life right and has worked hard at it.
I was glad to see a red headed male for the lead. It was nice and since I don't read a lot of books with them this was a great treat. I liked the whole idea of the recipe club that Audrey and her friends have. Since this is the first book in the series I have read I wasn't so sure of the characters at first but as I continued to read I began to warm up to them. I thought Kieran worked hard at trying to win her back and gain her trust that was a big plus for me.
With all the drama in the book I could have done without the kidnapping part but other then that I really enjoyed this romantic read. I really think the kidnapping was a little too much and maybe another angle should have happened with that part.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and this small town that I am learning to love.
July 2, 2015
ARC received from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for an honest review
This is the second book in the White Pines series, but I have not read the first book and that did not detract from this book at all.
I love a good second chance romance (gives us all a bit of hope, don't you think?!?).
Audrey still harboured feelings for Kieran, the guy who loved her and left her 5 years ago - though what those feelings were, hmmm could it be love or hate?
Kieran never expected to see her again, but when their lives intersect through work, it brings out all those old feelings.
Gah, these two! You could feel the UST between them, the spark, the intensity. I mean, you can only really bicker and fight with someone like that if you really have feelings for them.
You couldn't help but fall in love with Audrey and Kieran as they fell in love again. There were some sexy times, there were some sad times. The guilt and remorse they both felt jumped off the pages as the story continued, but so did the hope, the fear of losing each other again, the growing happiness.
There were a couple of things that happened that made me want to throw my kindle to the side and scream at the characters. But there was so many times that I just had a big grin on my face. I loved that they didn't insta-fall-in-love-again. I was glad that Audrey made him fight for her, made him earn her trust.
I really did enjoy And Then He Kissed Me, and I will be going back and reading book 1 while I am waiting for the next book.
This is the second book in the White Pines series, but I have not read the first book and that did not detract from this book at all.
I love a good second chance romance (gives us all a bit of hope, don't you think?!?).
Audrey still harboured feelings for Kieran, the guy who loved her and left her 5 years ago - though what those feelings were, hmmm could it be love or hate?
Kieran never expected to see her again, but when their lives intersect through work, it brings out all those old feelings.
Gah, these two! You could feel the UST between them, the spark, the intensity. I mean, you can only really bicker and fight with someone like that if you really have feelings for them.
You couldn't help but fall in love with Audrey and Kieran as they fell in love again. There were some sexy times, there were some sad times. The guilt and remorse they both felt jumped off the pages as the story continued, but so did the hope, the fear of losing each other again, the growing happiness.
There were a couple of things that happened that made me want to throw my kindle to the side and scream at the characters. But there was so many times that I just had a big grin on my face. I loved that they didn't insta-fall-in-love-again. I was glad that Audrey made him fight for her, made him earn her trust.
I really did enjoy And Then He Kissed Me, and I will be going back and reading book 1 while I am waiting for the next book.
Read
August 3, 2015Kim Amos has created a homely heart-warming romance story between two sexy yet beautiful characters. And Then He Kissed Me is a sweet romance that it will melt your heart away from the hot and heavy chemistry between the two character. The characters have a past with each other that it will heighten their romance even more since they have some hot and heavy sexy time between them in the past which it makes it even more intense for them. However, their attraction between them is not a problem for them at all, it is the trust issue between them that it is the problem. They have meet with each other and had hot romance between them but Kieran has left abruptly that it made Audrey scarce of him. It was really bad for Kieran to leave her unexpected without no notice that it will take some time to forgive. I truly think that Kieran does realize his mistake that he is leaning from it and forming a plan to get Aubrey back but he does need to confess his big secret if he wants a future with Aubrey. Aubrey is a beautiful women that has trust issue with men since a sexy yet badass men left her unexpectedly but she gets to meet him again. But it will take some time to forgive and trust again. Kim Amos has wrote a wonderful romance that gives the best lesson in forgiving other loves one when a betrayal happen. Four Stars!
August 11, 2015
Ahhhh... I liked this one even better than the first in the series!
I loved the growth of the main character (Audrey). Out of desperation she takes a job doing something that she never would have done if she felt like she had a real choice, but then she discovers a new sense of self from that and spends a good deal of the remainder of the book exploring who this new Audrey might be. It turns out to be someone in between the old Audrey and the crazy-job Audrey, but doesn't that make sense? And in the meantime, and old flame shows up, and she has to deal with a past that she longs for and ticked her off.
Both characters have interesting back stories that lend them enough depth to make this an interesting read. What they have to work out between them is pretty well handled, and gets especially interesting when a third party becomes part of the story. Their conflict of them-against-the-world closely paralleled the plot of the first White Pines novel (just with a different age demographic), which I didn't love, but I won't toss the baby out with the bathwater for it.
The Knots and Bolts crew is excellent again, though I'd love more of them. Any group of friends that tight deserves more time!
I'm definitely looking forward to the third in the series that the front cover tells me will be out in Fall 2015.
I loved the growth of the main character (Audrey). Out of desperation she takes a job doing something that she never would have done if she felt like she had a real choice, but then she discovers a new sense of self from that and spends a good deal of the remainder of the book exploring who this new Audrey might be. It turns out to be someone in between the old Audrey and the crazy-job Audrey, but doesn't that make sense? And in the meantime, and old flame shows up, and she has to deal with a past that she longs for and ticked her off.
Both characters have interesting back stories that lend them enough depth to make this an interesting read. What they have to work out between them is pretty well handled, and gets especially interesting when a third party becomes part of the story. Their conflict of them-against-the-world closely paralleled the plot of the first White Pines novel (just with a different age demographic), which I didn't love, but I won't toss the baby out with the bathwater for it.
The Knots and Bolts crew is excellent again, though I'd love more of them. Any group of friends that tight deserves more time!
I'm definitely looking forward to the third in the series that the front cover tells me will be out in Fall 2015.
July 24, 2015
4 stars
I was given this book for my honest review
She would fight when she needed to fight. She would swing her sword when she had to, and that was part of what he would always love about her. She didn’t need him to ride in and save her. She just needed to know he was there when the battle was over. Kieran’s thoughts
Kieran-hot and sexy
Audrey-pretty
Kieran and Audrey’s journey is a tough path at least for the hot and sexy Kieran the past has ruled his life for so long but when given the chance to bring it full circle again will he take the chance to bring the one woman that has held onto his heart into it once more? Audrey had been crushed like pineapples by Kieran but when seeing him again will she be able to use the fruit to make it into a happy loving upside down cake that will be a delectable taste forever?
The sex between these two is hotter than a pineapple upside down cake in the making. The smell alone will have you swooning for another bite of this delectable treat.
The author did a great job in bring the past into the present. The uniqueness in which was created and brought forth was in a word SIMPLE but at the same time gave a compelling twist that not one reader will predict. Kudos
Happy Reading
I was given this book for my honest review
She would fight when she needed to fight. She would swing her sword when she had to, and that was part of what he would always love about her. She didn’t need him to ride in and save her. She just needed to know he was there when the battle was over. Kieran’s thoughts
Kieran-hot and sexy
Audrey-pretty
Kieran and Audrey’s journey is a tough path at least for the hot and sexy Kieran the past has ruled his life for so long but when given the chance to bring it full circle again will he take the chance to bring the one woman that has held onto his heart into it once more? Audrey had been crushed like pineapples by Kieran but when seeing him again will she be able to use the fruit to make it into a happy loving upside down cake that will be a delectable taste forever?
The sex between these two is hotter than a pineapple upside down cake in the making. The smell alone will have you swooning for another bite of this delectable treat.
The author did a great job in bring the past into the present. The uniqueness in which was created and brought forth was in a word SIMPLE but at the same time gave a compelling twist that not one reader will predict. Kudos
Happy Reading
July 29, 2015
Emotions jump off the beginning pages of the latest novel by author Kim Amos and don’t stop until the very end.
Amos has created a heroine readers will adore. She has spunk, drive and attitude with raw emotions mixed in. She learns to stand up for herself and what she wants.
The characters are well-developed, realistic and easy to like. The tension between the heroine and the hero is intriguing. The story moves quickly, but holds your attention.
The small town atmosphere comes to life through the author’s rich descriptions and vivid details. The easy flow of the story draws you in, while the enchanting tale of second chance love captives you.
While this is the second installment in the White Pine Novel series, AND THEN HE KISSED ME can be read as a standalone. New readers won’t be left in dark if this is their first visit to White Pine. This is a perfect summer read for the romance lover in you.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s Release Day Tour Blitz in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Amos has created a heroine readers will adore. She has spunk, drive and attitude with raw emotions mixed in. She learns to stand up for herself and what she wants.
The characters are well-developed, realistic and easy to like. The tension between the heroine and the hero is intriguing. The story moves quickly, but holds your attention.
The small town atmosphere comes to life through the author’s rich descriptions and vivid details. The easy flow of the story draws you in, while the enchanting tale of second chance love captives you.
While this is the second installment in the White Pine Novel series, AND THEN HE KISSED ME can be read as a standalone. New readers won’t be left in dark if this is their first visit to White Pine. This is a perfect summer read for the romance lover in you.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s Release Day Tour Blitz in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
August 3, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/oeend72
You just couldn't pick a better beach read. Sun, sand, waves, and lots of hot sex. The last bit in the book, of course, not literally on the beach.
Which is why I enjoy reading Amos' romances. She adds as much humor (and gravitas, see below) into her romances as sex scenes. Case in point, you will learn what "literally" actually means by the end of the book. Every book should have one lesson, no?
I don't read romances on a regular basis, so I enjoy her world-building as much, if not more, than the lover's quarrels, make-ups, quarrels, make-ups, etcetera etcetera. I admit I missed the interior design aspect of the first book in the series, but this second book provided its own share of fun facts, mostly in the form of motorcycles.
I felt it did skimp a tiny bit on the Knots and Bolts get-togethers (but I can see why) and that it had a surprisingly dire denouement, but that won't keep me from reading the last book in the series. Firefighters? Accountants? Non-profit tutoring centers? Perhaps a slightly mousier protagonist? Count me in. I want to see where she can take all that.
You just couldn't pick a better beach read. Sun, sand, waves, and lots of hot sex. The last bit in the book, of course, not literally on the beach.
Which is why I enjoy reading Amos' romances. She adds as much humor (and gravitas, see below) into her romances as sex scenes. Case in point, you will learn what "literally" actually means by the end of the book. Every book should have one lesson, no?
I don't read romances on a regular basis, so I enjoy her world-building as much, if not more, than the lover's quarrels, make-ups, quarrels, make-ups, etcetera etcetera. I admit I missed the interior design aspect of the first book in the series, but this second book provided its own share of fun facts, mostly in the form of motorcycles.
I felt it did skimp a tiny bit on the Knots and Bolts get-togethers (but I can see why) and that it had a surprisingly dire denouement, but that won't keep me from reading the last book in the series. Firefighters? Accountants? Non-profit tutoring centers? Perhaps a slightly mousier protagonist? Count me in. I want to see where she can take all that.
May 2, 2024
I didn't get far at all. It is very clear the author has no experience with the subject of motorcycle culture besides the stereotypes and thinks poorly of the women involed. The prologue has the fmc Audrey running a mile after a motorcycle in only a bathrobe after hooking up with a guy for 2 weeks and thinks he's the ONE. It reminded me of Ariel saying, "but Daddy i love him". Fine, a little dramatic but its just the beginning and we haven't got to know Audrey yet. Then in the middle of chapter one, after losing her job as a coach and p.e. teacher due to budget cuts she says "no child left without a huge behind". So now we are at the part of the book that is fat shaming children. The final straw for me was when Audrey's friends basically say she looks like a stripping whore for having more makeup than she usually wears and teased hair (cause it's apparently the 1980's). While making this woman a "strong" character the author is demeaning to women other than what she feels is appealing (thin, athleticly fit, and doesn't wear that whore makeup). Normally it takes me more to dnf, and a lot to write a write a review let alone a bad one.
July 28, 2015
3.5 Stars
I love a good second chance romance. Make it a SCR with a strong female lead and a hot reformed bad boy and I get giddy.
My favorite part of this story was Audrey and the strength she showed throughout the story. She's was no doormat and she definitely didn't need a man to keep her safe. She was pretty badass.
I didn't fall hard for Kieren right away. I did have a slow steady kind of appreciation for him though. I loved that once he decided he wanted Audrey back, he didn't try to hide the truth from her for long at all. He knew what he wanted and that in order for it to work out, he had to confront the past head on. He even confronted her sister Casey and made it clear where he stood.
This story was really low on angst but heavy on the small town feel. There was more to it than just the romance between Audrey and Kieren, which made the story just a little more interesting. This wasn't a story that will stay on my mind for any great length of time but it was a nice, easy summer read.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I love a good second chance romance. Make it a SCR with a strong female lead and a hot reformed bad boy and I get giddy.
My favorite part of this story was Audrey and the strength she showed throughout the story. She's was no doormat and she definitely didn't need a man to keep her safe. She was pretty badass.
I didn't fall hard for Kieren right away. I did have a slow steady kind of appreciation for him though. I loved that once he decided he wanted Audrey back, he didn't try to hide the truth from her for long at all. He knew what he wanted and that in order for it to work out, he had to confront the past head on. He even confronted her sister Casey and made it clear where he stood.
This story was really low on angst but heavy on the small town feel. There was more to it than just the romance between Audrey and Kieren, which made the story just a little more interesting. This wasn't a story that will stay on my mind for any great length of time but it was a nice, easy summer read.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 15, 2015
I love small town romance books, there's more depth to the characters and it's easier to relate and get to know them. Kieran is not one for competition especially when it comes to another man dancing with his woman, "he’d placed both hands on Audrey’s waist, lifting her off the barstool in one motion . “Excuse us,” he said to Willa. “I’d like to get a few numbers in before Dave Englund." There are times when show is better than tell, "he grasped her a ** and pressed against her, so she could feel the full force of his erection. Instantly, the space between her legs warmed with longing. “Make no mistake,” he growled, “I want you. Saints help me, though, I won’t do anything more tonight. You deserve better." I can't wait for Casey's book.
February 10, 2016
New-to-me author Kim Amos and even though this is book two in the White Pine series I thought this read very easily as a stand-alone. Five years ago Audrey fell head over heels in love with bad boy biker Kieran but when he rode out of her life he left her brokenhearted with no explanation. Now that Aubrey is down on her luck she's working at a bike dealership and is disheartened to see that her new boss is Kieran, back in town. Kieran loved Aubrey but a secret tore him away. Now years later he hopes that they can at least be friends but after seeing her he knows that he loves her and wants so much more. When he finally shares his secret can Audrey forgive him or will her heart break all over again? Fun read, loved the small town and am eager to try more from Ms. Amos.
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July 23, 2015I’m DNF-ing this at 30%. I can’t seem to connect with or like either of the main characters, so I'm leaving it here. This doesn't mean other readers won't enjoy this story. I just wasn't working for me.
*I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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July 31, 2015A motorcycle, a hot guy, and a sweet small town!
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