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Blushing Bay #1
Forbidden Kisses
The USA Today bestselling author of the Hero’s Welcome series introduces a trio of swoon-worthy North Carolina brothers fighting for love in this novel of sand, sea, and seduction.
For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.
Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.
For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.
Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2017
86 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Annie Rains
43 books1,497 followersAnnie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1
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If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
dnf
May 19, 2017
Didn't connect...so a DNF for me.
April 3, 2017
2.5 - "I hate secrets. No good ever comes from them." Stars.
I am usually a huge fan of this authors work, but for quite a few reasons Forbidden Kisses hit all the wrong notes with me. I was expecting to be on the fence about the whole ex step-sibling aspect of the story but to be honest it didn’t even figure because of everything else that was going on. But, what I disliked the most was all the lies that Grace told, and expected others to as well, in trying to keep her relationship with Jack a secret from those that they were both supposed to care about. I found myself disliking her and her actions more and more as the story progressed.
"I’ve missed you over the years..."
Jack went from sweetly endearing to a bit of a wimp with the way he let her push him around and keep things from his family. Sad day for me as I was expecting to love this book as much as I did the books in the author’s Hero’s Welcome series but nothing between these two characters really gelled or felt relevant enough to be connected to their sneaky behaviour. On the plus it was still well written, I just didn't enjoy the story-line. The author as expected set up the other Sawyer brothers well enough that I am interested in reading Sam and Noah’s books when they are available.
Don’t let my review deter you, I just found it all drama, with no real depth or feeling of importance to the plot especially in relation to the bits that caused the drama, and the secrets and lies just went on far too long for me to have any real sympathy for the people I feel I should have.
ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I am usually a huge fan of this authors work, but for quite a few reasons Forbidden Kisses hit all the wrong notes with me. I was expecting to be on the fence about the whole ex step-sibling aspect of the story but to be honest it didn’t even figure because of everything else that was going on. But, what I disliked the most was all the lies that Grace told, and expected others to as well, in trying to keep her relationship with Jack a secret from those that they were both supposed to care about. I found myself disliking her and her actions more and more as the story progressed.
"I’ve missed you over the years..."
Jack went from sweetly endearing to a bit of a wimp with the way he let her push him around and keep things from his family. Sad day for me as I was expecting to love this book as much as I did the books in the author’s Hero’s Welcome series but nothing between these two characters really gelled or felt relevant enough to be connected to their sneaky behaviour. On the plus it was still well written, I just didn't enjoy the story-line. The author as expected set up the other Sawyer brothers well enough that I am interested in reading Sam and Noah’s books when they are available.
Don’t let my review deter you, I just found it all drama, with no real depth or feeling of importance to the plot especially in relation to the bits that caused the drama, and the secrets and lies just went on far too long for me to have any real sympathy for the people I feel I should have.
ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 22, 2017
Forbidden Kisses: A Blushing Bay Novel by Annie Rains
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
3.5 stars
*Purchase Links*
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forb...
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forbi...
*Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy.*
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
3.5 stars
*Purchase Links*
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forb...
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forbi...
*Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy.*
April 12, 2017
4,5 stars
Grace use to be part of Sawyer’s family, but when her mom betrayed them, it was something that could not be forgiven. Grace and Jack were step-siblings, but felt they were attracted to each other, which led them to a kiss. Years later Grace and Jack meet again in a situation, were Grace needs a new job and Jack needs an office assistant. Jack knows it’s not the best idea to hire Grace, but still gives her the job. Since Grace and Jack met they still feel attraction between them and to see where it goes, they decided to keep it as a secret. Secrets are not so easy to hide, what happens if it all comes out?
I really enjoyed the small town setting and the romance between Grace and Jack. There was a great set of characters and I can’t wait to read more about the secondary characters as well. I think the pacing in the book was great and gave a good foundation for the next book in the series. I had a great time reading it.
Grace use to be part of Sawyer’s family, but when her mom betrayed them, it was something that could not be forgiven. Grace and Jack were step-siblings, but felt they were attracted to each other, which led them to a kiss. Years later Grace and Jack meet again in a situation, were Grace needs a new job and Jack needs an office assistant. Jack knows it’s not the best idea to hire Grace, but still gives her the job. Since Grace and Jack met they still feel attraction between them and to see where it goes, they decided to keep it as a secret. Secrets are not so easy to hide, what happens if it all comes out?
I really enjoyed the small town setting and the romance between Grace and Jack. There was a great set of characters and I can’t wait to read more about the secondary characters as well. I think the pacing in the book was great and gave a good foundation for the next book in the series. I had a great time reading it.
April 8, 2017
I don't know if I want to classify this as enemies to lovers or second chances. I guess it qualifies as both since Grace and Jack were step-siblings who were attracted to each other about 15 years ago when their parents were married and then never spoke because Grace's mom sold off personal belonings of Jack's mom because 1)she had a shopping problem and 2)it was hard to live with all her things and not be jealous. Naturally, the Sawyer family had a HUGE problem with Grace's mom and by proxy, Grace.
This moved kind of slow for me and I didn't really care for Grace all that much. One minute she was quiet and had her feelings hurt, the next she was bossy and keeping secrets. It was all a bit much. I did like Jack and his family! Jack was sweet and caring. Sam and Noah were interesting and I'd be tempted to read Sam's book.
*thanks to Tasty Book Tours for sharing a copy of this with me*
This moved kind of slow for me and I didn't really care for Grace all that much. One minute she was quiet and had her feelings hurt, the next she was bossy and keeping secrets. It was all a bit much. I did like Jack and his family! Jack was sweet and caring. Sam and Noah were interesting and I'd be tempted to read Sam's book.
*thanks to Tasty Book Tours for sharing a copy of this with me*
April 7, 2017
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
You’re my daughter. I have stretch marks to prove it. That means you owe me.
Life’s a chain of things you wish you could forget.
My Review:
I’ve never read a book quite like this before. The main characters had been step-siblings for a time, over fifteen years ago, until her mother’s heinous behaviors resulted in them being kicked out and forever tainted in their small town. It could have been icky, but it wasn’t. However, that not the end of mother’s selfish and atrocious antics, yet Grace stood by her, paid the bills, and cared for her mother when her Parkinson’s Disease became more debilitating. I honestly don’t see myself ever being that charitable. The premise was rather unique, the characters were endearing and appealing, and the storyline was entertaining, well-paced and comfortably balanced with alternating hits of angst, levity, steam, and heart-squeezes. This was my first Anne Rains experience and I look forward to many return trips to Blushing Bay.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
You’re my daughter. I have stretch marks to prove it. That means you owe me.
Life’s a chain of things you wish you could forget.
My Review:
I’ve never read a book quite like this before. The main characters had been step-siblings for a time, over fifteen years ago, until her mother’s heinous behaviors resulted in them being kicked out and forever tainted in their small town. It could have been icky, but it wasn’t. However, that not the end of mother’s selfish and atrocious antics, yet Grace stood by her, paid the bills, and cared for her mother when her Parkinson’s Disease became more debilitating. I honestly don’t see myself ever being that charitable. The premise was rather unique, the characters were endearing and appealing, and the storyline was entertaining, well-paced and comfortably balanced with alternating hits of angst, levity, steam, and heart-squeezes. This was my first Anne Rains experience and I look forward to many return trips to Blushing Bay.
April 17, 2017
Yet another three and a half stars.
Grace Donner is unemployed, after leaving her job as a bartender, in a small town and desperate. Her mother has Parkinson's and unless she can get a job quickly they won't have enough money for her medication. The trouble is, Grace doesn't have any qualifications. When Grace overhears a job interview taking place behind her in a coffee shop for a role she knows she could do she plucks up the courage to turn around and express interest in the job only to find out that the interviewer is her former stepbrother Jack Sawyer.
Grace's mother Tammy was briefly married to Jack's father Pete about 15 years ago when Grace and Jack were teenagers. Tammy behaved atrociously and since that time the Sawyers and the Donners have done their best to avoid each other in a small town.
This is a sweet novel about letting go of the past and making amends. Of rediscovering lost love and lost friendships and of coming to terms with loss. As Grace and Jack have a growing attraction to each other can they come out into the open with all the bad blood between their families? There are also hints of other romances between Jack's older brother Sam and his estranged wife Abbby and his younger brother Noah and Grace's other friend Krista who both vehemently claim that they are friends and nothing more!
I like Annie Rains' novels. Although this doesn't have some of the humour of Welcoming the Bad Boy, it was an enjoyable read. Both Grace and Jack were engaging characters with good hearts. I just read a review of Welcoming the Bad Boy which referred it as plain good and I think that is a very apt description of this book too. Although Tammy has behaved badly she is somewhat changed and wants Grace to help her to make amends. Grace is hard-working and looks after her mother. Jack is trying to get over the loss of his best friend and please his family and still help out a troubled teen.
In a week where I have started four or five books and given each up at between 30% and 50% I read this straight through because the book was easy to read with engaging characters a fun plot and a believable storyline. I look forward to reading more from Blushing Bay.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Grace Donner is unemployed, after leaving her job as a bartender, in a small town and desperate. Her mother has Parkinson's and unless she can get a job quickly they won't have enough money for her medication. The trouble is, Grace doesn't have any qualifications. When Grace overhears a job interview taking place behind her in a coffee shop for a role she knows she could do she plucks up the courage to turn around and express interest in the job only to find out that the interviewer is her former stepbrother Jack Sawyer.
Grace's mother Tammy was briefly married to Jack's father Pete about 15 years ago when Grace and Jack were teenagers. Tammy behaved atrociously and since that time the Sawyers and the Donners have done their best to avoid each other in a small town.
This is a sweet novel about letting go of the past and making amends. Of rediscovering lost love and lost friendships and of coming to terms with loss. As Grace and Jack have a growing attraction to each other can they come out into the open with all the bad blood between their families? There are also hints of other romances between Jack's older brother Sam and his estranged wife Abbby and his younger brother Noah and Grace's other friend Krista who both vehemently claim that they are friends and nothing more!
I like Annie Rains' novels. Although this doesn't have some of the humour of Welcoming the Bad Boy, it was an enjoyable read. Both Grace and Jack were engaging characters with good hearts. I just read a review of Welcoming the Bad Boy which referred it as plain good and I think that is a very apt description of this book too. Although Tammy has behaved badly she is somewhat changed and wants Grace to help her to make amends. Grace is hard-working and looks after her mother. Jack is trying to get over the loss of his best friend and please his family and still help out a troubled teen.
In a week where I have started four or five books and given each up at between 30% and 50% I read this straight through because the book was easy to read with engaging characters a fun plot and a believable storyline. I look forward to reading more from Blushing Bay.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 13, 2017
Well, it was my very first read from this author so i was'nt expecting anything. So when i read the blurb of this book on netgally and got intreseted so i simply just applied for the ARC , tbh i was'nt even expecting to get a ARC as i am very unactive on that site but one morning i woke up and found the email i decided to go for it.
Now on the book as i have said i was'nt familiar with the author so it was very new for me and as they say all new things are not bad ( i am not sure if they say it or not or even who are they? Lol).
So turns out it was a pretty nice book Although i it was not my style of book or type but tbh i really enjoyed geting know the characters . The protogonists were pretty kind and amazing.
They had this whole keeping cool while still on the fire theme going so while not revealing to much i would just like to say that it was a very nice read :)
Now on the book as i have said i was'nt familiar with the author so it was very new for me and as they say all new things are not bad ( i am not sure if they say it or not or even who are they? Lol).
So turns out it was a pretty nice book Although i it was not my style of book or type but tbh i really enjoyed geting know the characters . The protogonists were pretty kind and amazing.
They had this whole keeping cool while still on the fire theme going so while not revealing to much i would just like to say that it was a very nice read :)
March 1, 2017
When my agent sent me the ARC for Forbidden Kisses, I hadn't even read the synopsis. Instead, I dived right in and spend several hours warring between smiling and sobbing. Annie Rains writes rich, complex characters, and this story of family, love, redemption and forgiveness didn't just pull my heartstrings...it yanked them until all of the feels came pouring out. Her snappy dialogue, fantastic female friendships, and laugh out loud moments mixed through the past sins and present aches to give the story the perfect balance of humor and "will somebody pass the damn tissues?!" I would recommend this to any contemporary romance lover looking for the perfect second chance romance.
April 12, 2017
Title: Forbidden Kisses
Series: Blushing Bay #1
Author: Annie Rains
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Second Chance Romance
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains scenes intended for adults 18+
Synopsis:
For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.
Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.
My Thoughts:
I am a fan of this author and enjoyed her Hero’s Welcome series, so I was excited she is starting the Blushing Bay series. This is going to be a series about the 3 Sawyer brothers, Jack, Noah and Sam. This story is about Jack and Grace.
Now I was a little hesitant about the whole stepbrother – stepsister love, but this is such a sweet and sad story about forbidden love, lost chances, second chances and a whole lot of forgiveness. When Grace’s mother married Jack’s father, life was good. Grace had a readymade family with 3 brothers and great father until her mother made a terrible life altering choice that causes the family to break apart. The Sawyer family is bitter and wants nothing to do with Grace and her mother.
Fast forward and Grace needs a job. Grace is taking care of her mother, as she now is ill and Grace is the sole provider. She just was fired from a lousy waitressing job at a bar because the boss was looking for more from Grace than just an employee, if you know what I mean. She is having coffee at the local coffee house and overhears a man interviewing for an office secretary/manager. Once he concludes the interview she turns around and tells the gentleman that she has the qualifications that she’s looking for. She couldn’t believe her eyes, it was Jack, the stepbrother that she had a crush on years before.
You guessed it Grace got the job and so much more! Now I am not going to give anymore away. There is so much that goes on in this story. The chemistry is palpable! No adult language content or overt sex scenes, but just enough heat to keep you sated, sweet heat. Good character development. I enjoyed the secondary characters and the buildup of the possible characters in the next book in the series. There are secrets, there is some angst between the characters and there are some funny scenes that made me enjoy this story that much more.
This is a good start to a new series! I highly recommend this second chance romance and I look forward to more in this series!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Series: Blushing Bay #1
Author: Annie Rains
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Second Chance Romance
Publication Date: April 11, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains scenes intended for adults 18+
Synopsis:
For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.
Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.
My Thoughts:
I am a fan of this author and enjoyed her Hero’s Welcome series, so I was excited she is starting the Blushing Bay series. This is going to be a series about the 3 Sawyer brothers, Jack, Noah and Sam. This story is about Jack and Grace.
Now I was a little hesitant about the whole stepbrother – stepsister love, but this is such a sweet and sad story about forbidden love, lost chances, second chances and a whole lot of forgiveness. When Grace’s mother married Jack’s father, life was good. Grace had a readymade family with 3 brothers and great father until her mother made a terrible life altering choice that causes the family to break apart. The Sawyer family is bitter and wants nothing to do with Grace and her mother.
Fast forward and Grace needs a job. Grace is taking care of her mother, as she now is ill and Grace is the sole provider. She just was fired from a lousy waitressing job at a bar because the boss was looking for more from Grace than just an employee, if you know what I mean. She is having coffee at the local coffee house and overhears a man interviewing for an office secretary/manager. Once he concludes the interview she turns around and tells the gentleman that she has the qualifications that she’s looking for. She couldn’t believe her eyes, it was Jack, the stepbrother that she had a crush on years before.
You guessed it Grace got the job and so much more! Now I am not going to give anymore away. There is so much that goes on in this story. The chemistry is palpable! No adult language content or overt sex scenes, but just enough heat to keep you sated, sweet heat. Good character development. I enjoyed the secondary characters and the buildup of the possible characters in the next book in the series. There are secrets, there is some angst between the characters and there are some funny scenes that made me enjoy this story that much more.
This is a good start to a new series! I highly recommend this second chance romance and I look forward to more in this series!
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
April 3, 2017
2.5 STARS
Having previously read and enjoyed the four titles in Annie Rains' Hero's Welcome series, I was excited for the first book in her new series. Unfortunately it held few of the aspects I appreciated in the previous books and instead offered up a predictable tale with a heroine who was hard to like.
Grace and Jack were once briefly step-siblings and even as teenagers there was plenty of chemistry. But their parent's acrimonious divorce, after Grace's mother callously sold off many of the deceased former matriarch's belongings to support her own shopping habit, fractured the family and Grace has had no contact with the Sawyer clan over the past 15 years. With her mother now suffering from Parkinson's Disease, Grace is in need of a job to support them both and pay for medical expenses. That job comes in the form of Jack and the Sawyer family business. Naturally, the old feelings are still there and the two of them find it impossible to ignore the connection they've always had.
I found Grace a difficult character to pull for. While she was resourceful and independent (almost to a fault), I also found her to be pushy and demanding. Within days of starting her new job she was pushing Jack into taking part in a fishing tournament that she had already registered for (without asking him first). She was expecting to use a boat that belonged to his family, expected he and his brother to be the crew and do all the work, and totally disregarded his reason for not wanting to take part. When that fell apart and she was injured while trying to put together another team, she blamed Jack for her accident (i.e., if he had done what she wanted she wouldn't have got hurt). Many of her actions and reactions were so unreasonable that I often found myself wanting Jack to tell her to take a hike. The relationship often felt one-sided, with Jack doing all the giving and compromising.
The main conflict in their story was Jack's animosity toward Grace's mother. His feelings seemed completely justified considering that her mother had sold jewelry (and even a boat!) that had belonged to his mother. Things that were sentimental and could not be replaced. Obviously his family didn't have any warm and fuzzy feelings for her. But Grace was constantly upset that Jack wouldn't set all that aside and be BFF's with her mom. The mom in question had been selfish and greedy in the past and now seemed only mildly (and unconvincingly) remorseful. Grace's expectations seemed unreasonable and she too often told Jack there could be no future for them if he couldn't forgive her mother. Again, it was up to Jack to do all the compromising.
Jack was likable enough and I enjoyed the rest of his family, but between my issues with Grace and the general predictability of the story this one missed the mark.
Note: This title was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Having previously read and enjoyed the four titles in Annie Rains' Hero's Welcome series, I was excited for the first book in her new series. Unfortunately it held few of the aspects I appreciated in the previous books and instead offered up a predictable tale with a heroine who was hard to like.
Grace and Jack were once briefly step-siblings and even as teenagers there was plenty of chemistry. But their parent's acrimonious divorce, after Grace's mother callously sold off many of the deceased former matriarch's belongings to support her own shopping habit, fractured the family and Grace has had no contact with the Sawyer clan over the past 15 years. With her mother now suffering from Parkinson's Disease, Grace is in need of a job to support them both and pay for medical expenses. That job comes in the form of Jack and the Sawyer family business. Naturally, the old feelings are still there and the two of them find it impossible to ignore the connection they've always had.
I found Grace a difficult character to pull for. While she was resourceful and independent (almost to a fault), I also found her to be pushy and demanding. Within days of starting her new job she was pushing Jack into taking part in a fishing tournament that she had already registered for (without asking him first). She was expecting to use a boat that belonged to his family, expected he and his brother to be the crew and do all the work, and totally disregarded his reason for not wanting to take part. When that fell apart and she was injured while trying to put together another team, she blamed Jack for her accident (i.e., if he had done what she wanted she wouldn't have got hurt). Many of her actions and reactions were so unreasonable that I often found myself wanting Jack to tell her to take a hike. The relationship often felt one-sided, with Jack doing all the giving and compromising.
The main conflict in their story was Jack's animosity toward Grace's mother. His feelings seemed completely justified considering that her mother had sold jewelry (and even a boat!) that had belonged to his mother. Things that were sentimental and could not be replaced. Obviously his family didn't have any warm and fuzzy feelings for her. But Grace was constantly upset that Jack wouldn't set all that aside and be BFF's with her mom. The mom in question had been selfish and greedy in the past and now seemed only mildly (and unconvincingly) remorseful. Grace's expectations seemed unreasonable and she too often told Jack there could be no future for them if he couldn't forgive her mother. Again, it was up to Jack to do all the compromising.
Jack was likable enough and I enjoyed the rest of his family, but between my issues with Grace and the general predictability of the story this one missed the mark.
Note: This title was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
February 20, 2017
I've read and enjoyed many books by Annie Rains so when I saw she was starting a new series I was excited to read it. This was a small town contemporary romance featuring great characters and fortunately there are several Sawyer brothers for future books. Grace is desperate for a job but unfortunately the only job she is qualified for is working for her ex-step family. And they definitely did not part on the best of terms after the divorce. Both Jack and Grace used to have a crush on one another but has too much time and drama passed between them to work together let alone like one another? Perfect for fans of second chance romances and small town settings.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
July 24, 2020
FORBIDDEN KISSES is the first book in Annie Rain's new Blushing Bay series and it is easily one of my favorite books this year. It has a touching small town feel with moments that warm the heart. Love, family, friendship, and second chances are a big part of this wonderful new series.
Grace is a sweet heroine and when she was a teen, she was yanked away from the Sawyer family, the only real family that she had ever known, by a messy divorce caused by her selfish mother. Over the years, she has missed her step-family, especially Jack. Years later, she has returned to Blushing Bay and hopes to find a job and reconnect with some of her old friends as well as trying to right some of the wrongs caused by her mother. As it happens, Jack needs to hire someone for the family business and Grace accepts his offer. There is a an instant spark rekindled between the two, but family is the biggest obstacle in their way.
I fell in love with Jack, he has such a warm and generous heart. He is a fixer and a giver. He also is a procrastinator when it comes to telling his family about Grace. And Grace is just as generous because she is still loyal to her mother and she wants to make things up with the Sawyers if she can. This couple really clicked and their story made me feel good for them.
I really enjoyed this story. It was funny, and sweet and emotional. It is about rekindled love with wonderful characters and also second chances and forgiveness. There are a couple more Sawyer brothers and I can't wait to read about them in the future. An excellent start to a new series!
April 18, 2017
Annie Rains returns with the first in a new series, and the angst and drama are perfect for readers who can deal with the ups and downs of a messy family situation. See, Grace was once part of a large blended family, until her mother made several bad choices and broke the family apart. Her divorce not only effected Grace, but removed her from the large and boisterous Sawyer family, and a budding crush on her step-brother Jack. Still in the same town, Jack has been running the family business and he and his brothers, Noah and Sam, have never really recovered or lost the anger they feel when thinking about Grace and her mother. Unfortunately for Grace, she’s never forgotten the Sawyers, or her attraction to Jack. But, the situation is sticky. Like flypaper sticky. And it will only get more complicated when Grace has to find a new job that will allow her to support her now ill, mother.
Jack has hit a crossroad in the business, while things were running well, they were really good, but now little things are starting to fall apart, and he needs an office manager. So much so that as he’s interviewing a potential candidate in the local coffee shop, Grace overhears the interview and decides to throw her hat into the ring. Imagine her surprise when she sees that it is Jack, her former step-brother, from the family her mother betrayed, doing the hiring.
From here, you can almost guess the plot: hidden / forbidden attraction still strong, revisited anger over events long passed and plenty of tension as Jack and Grace work toward a ‘new normal’ and allow the relationship to grow. And that would be simple if only Grace hadn’t insisted on ‘secrets and lies”. Lies to those she claims to care for, lies to hide their relationship, lies to herself about just how much Jack means to her. It was a TON of lies. And still, Jack is there – a bit too patient, a bit too unwilling to allow her to guide the path of the relationship and not taking charge and just discussing all of the resentment, betrayals, anger and oh so much baggage that comes with years apart. Secondary characters bring plenty of the small-town feel, while adding their own special sauce to the mix of drama and unacknowledged emotions, angers and hurts. Oh there is drama, enough to fill wheelbarrows with old unresolved issues but the thing is – you can actually see it as possible and probable. We’ve all known people who take forever to deal with hurts and snubs, hiding that hurt behind anger, strong statements and brash acts until the actual ‘forgiving’ moments have them so tied in knots that things never proceed smoothly. There are bumps, holes and a few steps backward along the road forward, but the connection between Grace and Jack is so palpable, and they both were more victims in the family rift than actual participants, that the desire for the relationship and a second chance with a new outlook is strong. Different from the first books I’ve read from Annie Rains, the characters bring you to this story and reveal their secrets carefully, first to readers and then to one another as the story progresses.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Jack has hit a crossroad in the business, while things were running well, they were really good, but now little things are starting to fall apart, and he needs an office manager. So much so that as he’s interviewing a potential candidate in the local coffee shop, Grace overhears the interview and decides to throw her hat into the ring. Imagine her surprise when she sees that it is Jack, her former step-brother, from the family her mother betrayed, doing the hiring.
From here, you can almost guess the plot: hidden / forbidden attraction still strong, revisited anger over events long passed and plenty of tension as Jack and Grace work toward a ‘new normal’ and allow the relationship to grow. And that would be simple if only Grace hadn’t insisted on ‘secrets and lies”. Lies to those she claims to care for, lies to hide their relationship, lies to herself about just how much Jack means to her. It was a TON of lies. And still, Jack is there – a bit too patient, a bit too unwilling to allow her to guide the path of the relationship and not taking charge and just discussing all of the resentment, betrayals, anger and oh so much baggage that comes with years apart. Secondary characters bring plenty of the small-town feel, while adding their own special sauce to the mix of drama and unacknowledged emotions, angers and hurts. Oh there is drama, enough to fill wheelbarrows with old unresolved issues but the thing is – you can actually see it as possible and probable. We’ve all known people who take forever to deal with hurts and snubs, hiding that hurt behind anger, strong statements and brash acts until the actual ‘forgiving’ moments have them so tied in knots that things never proceed smoothly. There are bumps, holes and a few steps backward along the road forward, but the connection between Grace and Jack is so palpable, and they both were more victims in the family rift than actual participants, that the desire for the relationship and a second chance with a new outlook is strong. Different from the first books I’ve read from Annie Rains, the characters bring you to this story and reveal their secrets carefully, first to readers and then to one another as the story progresses.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
April 21, 2017
Have you had one of those stories where you are asking yourself questions about the secondary characters in the story and wondering? You know the ones, the ones that happily leaving you wanting more.
This comes across in the synopsis as a taboo or forbidden relationship and had their parents stayed married maybe it would be a delicate bridge to cross for sure. But her you have two young people who have known each other since they were ten. Their hearts fell then when their hearts were still pure.
They only knew how to be the best of friends and now family. Grace Donner had no siblings when her mom, Tammy, married well thought after, Pete Sawyer. He was the father of three sons Sam, Jack, and Noah. Jack was the one that stole her heart. Pete and the boys took them both in as their family they went from nobodies to somebodies.
Until her mother went on a shopping spree to end all shopping sprees. And what came next would never be forgiven causing them both to be banished from the family. So, the family that said they loved her and she was one of them for five years didn’t exist for the last fifteen in this small seaside town.
But, with no job, an ill mother, and twenty dollars in her purse she was willing to gravel when she heard an interview going on behind her back at a coffee shop. When the last two interviews didn’t seem to go off well she figured she would take a shot. She jumps up into her credits for the job not looking the person in the eye and when she does she realizes it's none other than Jack…
See how this tale takes some twist and turns but for sure keeps you on your feet. I really enjoyed it. So, glad it’s the first in a series. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
This comes across in the synopsis as a taboo or forbidden relationship and had their parents stayed married maybe it would be a delicate bridge to cross for sure. But her you have two young people who have known each other since they were ten. Their hearts fell then when their hearts were still pure.
They only knew how to be the best of friends and now family. Grace Donner had no siblings when her mom, Tammy, married well thought after, Pete Sawyer. He was the father of three sons Sam, Jack, and Noah. Jack was the one that stole her heart. Pete and the boys took them both in as their family they went from nobodies to somebodies.
Until her mother went on a shopping spree to end all shopping sprees. And what came next would never be forgiven causing them both to be banished from the family. So, the family that said they loved her and she was one of them for five years didn’t exist for the last fifteen in this small seaside town.
But, with no job, an ill mother, and twenty dollars in her purse she was willing to gravel when she heard an interview going on behind her back at a coffee shop. When the last two interviews didn’t seem to go off well she figured she would take a shot. She jumps up into her credits for the job not looking the person in the eye and when she does she realizes it's none other than Jack…
See how this tale takes some twist and turns but for sure keeps you on your feet. I really enjoyed it. So, glad it’s the first in a series. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
April 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read more in this series. This is a good small town romance centered around a fishing family. Jack Sawyer has been working in the office of his family's fishing business even though that's not really what he wants to be doing. Now he needs a new office manager and he can't believe it when Grace Donner applies for the job. Grace and Jack were step siblings for about a minute many years ago. Even then he was attracted to Grace, now even more. The history between the two families isn't good and Jack's not sure if Grace will be accepted by the rest of his family. Grace has always felt bad about the way things ended between her Mom and the Sawyers. Normally she'd never want this job but she's desperate. Will they be able to put the past behind them and move forward? She hopes so and she'll do whatever she can to set things right.
An excellent read that I recommend to everyone.
An excellent read that I recommend to everyone.
March 23, 2017
When the past interfere with the present cause you can't forget and forgive the bad, it makes it difficult to continue with life and see the changes that only time can do. For some reason somethings changed and the two finally got back on the right tracks.
February 12, 2017
I loved Grace and Jack. From the first page you knew these two were going to be fun to get to know. Grace is the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to the ones she loved. She proves that with taking care of her mom. Encouraging Jack to go after his dreams. She's strong and independent and very determined to make things right between the family she once was apart of and the family that is just her and her mom. I admire her will and determination actually. I think everyone, myself included could learn from it.
Jack is kind and generous and he wants to make his family happy but at the same time he doesn't want to let his dreams fall to the wayside. He also wants to honor his best friend because they both had the same dream of building and not being fishermen. I understood his reluctance where Graces mom was concerned. There was bad blood after all. And his willingness to overcome his hatred for the woman he loved mom was very commendable. He is a true gentleman.
I thought Grace and Jacks story was the best way to start this new series. It payed down a great foundation to build on with the rest of the characters. And I can not wait to see how everything turns out. And I want to add how gorgeous the cover for this book is. Can't wait to see how the other covers turn out.
ARC PROVIDED BY PUBLISHER AND NETGALLEY
Jack is kind and generous and he wants to make his family happy but at the same time he doesn't want to let his dreams fall to the wayside. He also wants to honor his best friend because they both had the same dream of building and not being fishermen. I understood his reluctance where Graces mom was concerned. There was bad blood after all. And his willingness to overcome his hatred for the woman he loved mom was very commendable. He is a true gentleman.
I thought Grace and Jacks story was the best way to start this new series. It payed down a great foundation to build on with the rest of the characters. And I can not wait to see how everything turns out. And I want to add how gorgeous the cover for this book is. Can't wait to see how the other covers turn out.
ARC PROVIDED BY PUBLISHER AND NETGALLEY
March 29, 2017
Jack and Grace were once step-siblings who felt something more for each other. They acted on their attraction and kissed at 15 before Grace's mother committed the ultimate betrayal and their two families were split up. Grace is now taking care of her mother who suffers from Parkinson's Disease and requires constant care. Jack and his family have never forgiven her mother for stealing and selling off their mother's possessions and spending the money on herself. Her selfishness knew no bounds and Grace felt abandoned by the Sawyer family when they left her alone for years after the marriage dissolution. Grace is now looking for a job and Jack and his family are looking for an office assistant. Even though Jack thinks it is a bad idea, he gives Grace the job and so their journey begins again.
Grace seemed to understand the way the Sawyer family felt about her mother, but would turn around and get upset that they couldn't get past it and forgive her mother since she has changed. The Sawyer family didn't owe her mother anything, especially in light of all that she stole. Grace was able to forgive and forget but they didn't have to do that. She seemed to lose sight of that several times during this book. Setting up Jack to have dinner with her mother unbeknownst to him was just plain low. She then acted like a toddler when he didn't apologize to her about it. She owed him some respect and showed little in that instance. Yes, he could have been a little less cold to her mother, but he didn't have to do that. Her mother did some horrible things and Grace could not sugarcoat that.
When Grace's mother asks her to try and mend the rift between the families, she comes up with a hair-brained scheme to get a boat back named after their mother, Beatrice, that her mother stole and sold. Her mother claimed not to know who she sold it to but, lo and behold, she knew who it was and gave Grace the name. How Grace thought that would be okay was just plain dumb at times. She needed to stop giving her mother an out and quit giving excuses that the Sawyer family did not have to accept. When she gets an idea to enter a fishing tournament and get Jack and her former step-brother, Noah, to be her crew she was trying to get the funds to buy back the boat. Instead of owning up to this, she decides to hide it from everyone.
jack and Grace decide to have try a relationship but she wants it to be kept a secret from everyone until after the fishing tournament. This does not go well since secrets have a way of coming out at the worst times. When their relationship and Grace's secret are revealed at almost the same time, the end result was not a good one. Her friends taking the initiative and stepping up was admirable but led to another disaster. I did like how Jack stepped up and made some changes without trying to take any credit for it. Grace didn't need to know what he was doing or his motives since she was unwilling to put anyone before her mother, which was admirable but not necessary. She played a martyr throughout this book and it got old by the end. I was glad her mother called her out on it and had hoped Jack would do it sooner. You will have to read the book to see if this couple was able to overcome all of their obstacles. The ending was nice and it seemed to fit these two. I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Grace seemed to understand the way the Sawyer family felt about her mother, but would turn around and get upset that they couldn't get past it and forgive her mother since she has changed. The Sawyer family didn't owe her mother anything, especially in light of all that she stole. Grace was able to forgive and forget but they didn't have to do that. She seemed to lose sight of that several times during this book. Setting up Jack to have dinner with her mother unbeknownst to him was just plain low. She then acted like a toddler when he didn't apologize to her about it. She owed him some respect and showed little in that instance. Yes, he could have been a little less cold to her mother, but he didn't have to do that. Her mother did some horrible things and Grace could not sugarcoat that.
When Grace's mother asks her to try and mend the rift between the families, she comes up with a hair-brained scheme to get a boat back named after their mother, Beatrice, that her mother stole and sold. Her mother claimed not to know who she sold it to but, lo and behold, she knew who it was and gave Grace the name. How Grace thought that would be okay was just plain dumb at times. She needed to stop giving her mother an out and quit giving excuses that the Sawyer family did not have to accept. When she gets an idea to enter a fishing tournament and get Jack and her former step-brother, Noah, to be her crew she was trying to get the funds to buy back the boat. Instead of owning up to this, she decides to hide it from everyone.
jack and Grace decide to have try a relationship but she wants it to be kept a secret from everyone until after the fishing tournament. This does not go well since secrets have a way of coming out at the worst times. When their relationship and Grace's secret are revealed at almost the same time, the end result was not a good one. Her friends taking the initiative and stepping up was admirable but led to another disaster. I did like how Jack stepped up and made some changes without trying to take any credit for it. Grace didn't need to know what he was doing or his motives since she was unwilling to put anyone before her mother, which was admirable but not necessary. She played a martyr throughout this book and it got old by the end. I was glad her mother called her out on it and had hoped Jack would do it sooner. You will have to read the book to see if this couple was able to overcome all of their obstacles. The ending was nice and it seemed to fit these two. I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
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April 10, 2017Annie Rain’s Forbidden Kisses is a contemporary twist on the second chance for love romance. The ability to forgive and to move forward are themes that are woven throughout this well-paced novel.
Jack Sawyer hires Grace Donner as the office manager for his family’s seafood business. His brothers are unhappy with his choice because Grace’s mother was married to their father and their divorce was bitter.
Jack is at a turning point in his career. His best friend died in a boating accident and a grieving Jack has lost the desire to continue fishing for his family business. He is interested in striking out on his own and starting a marine building company but, he is worried about his family’s reaction to his decision. Grace needs the office manager position at Sawyer Seafood to pay for her mother’s medicine and other medical expenses. Because of the animosity between the families, Grace feels compelled to resolve the situation between them.
The chemistry between Jack and Grace drew me into the story. I loved the scene when Jack and Grace are needed to take over a delivery run on short notice. After making the deliveries, they share a meal and decide to take a walk before driving home. The unspoken attraction between the couple intensifies as they walk through the busy tourist town. Jack and Grace find it easy to talk to each other and Jack becomes aware that he’s not thinking of her solely as a friend.
Grace and Jack decide to move forward with their relationship and agree to keep their romance a secret from their family and friends. Their relationship is tested several times. Loved when Jack went to Grace’s for dinner only to find her mother seated at the dinner table. The evening does not go as planned because Grace miscalculated Jack’s ability to forgive and forget. The animosity between Jack and Tammy Donner has not faded with time. The dialogue between the two characters is very emotional and direct. The author does a fabulous job capturing the reactions of Jack’s Father and brother Noah when they learn about Jack and Grace. I could feel Noah’s hurt and disappointment when he found out that his brother’s relationship with Grace was sexual.
The couple’s trust issues resurface and their relationship falters. The last few chapters are exceptionally well crafted—the dialogue is honest and the characters recognize their mistakes and learn from them. Can Jack and Grace have a relationship without their family members’ interference? Can they trust each other and believe the best of each other? The well –written conclusion to this novel took me by surprise… but, was perfect for this couple.
Jack Sawyer hires Grace Donner as the office manager for his family’s seafood business. His brothers are unhappy with his choice because Grace’s mother was married to their father and their divorce was bitter.
Jack is at a turning point in his career. His best friend died in a boating accident and a grieving Jack has lost the desire to continue fishing for his family business. He is interested in striking out on his own and starting a marine building company but, he is worried about his family’s reaction to his decision. Grace needs the office manager position at Sawyer Seafood to pay for her mother’s medicine and other medical expenses. Because of the animosity between the families, Grace feels compelled to resolve the situation between them.
The chemistry between Jack and Grace drew me into the story. I loved the scene when Jack and Grace are needed to take over a delivery run on short notice. After making the deliveries, they share a meal and decide to take a walk before driving home. The unspoken attraction between the couple intensifies as they walk through the busy tourist town. Jack and Grace find it easy to talk to each other and Jack becomes aware that he’s not thinking of her solely as a friend.
Grace and Jack decide to move forward with their relationship and agree to keep their romance a secret from their family and friends. Their relationship is tested several times. Loved when Jack went to Grace’s for dinner only to find her mother seated at the dinner table. The evening does not go as planned because Grace miscalculated Jack’s ability to forgive and forget. The animosity between Jack and Tammy Donner has not faded with time. The dialogue between the two characters is very emotional and direct. The author does a fabulous job capturing the reactions of Jack’s Father and brother Noah when they learn about Jack and Grace. I could feel Noah’s hurt and disappointment when he found out that his brother’s relationship with Grace was sexual.
The couple’s trust issues resurface and their relationship falters. The last few chapters are exceptionally well crafted—the dialogue is honest and the characters recognize their mistakes and learn from them. Can Jack and Grace have a relationship without their family members’ interference? Can they trust each other and believe the best of each other? The well –written conclusion to this novel took me by surprise… but, was perfect for this couple.
April 17, 2017
Grace used to be part of the Sawyer family, until her mother messed things up. She had to miss her stepfather and three stepbrothers because of the nasty divorce that was the result of her mother's actions. The Sawyer brothers have avoided Grace ever since. They all work at the family seafood business and when Grace by accident applies for a job there Jack decides to hire her. Of the three Sawyer brothers he's the one Grace liked the most. Jack doesn't know if Grace is anything like her mother and if she can be trusted, but he gives her a chance anyway and Grace can't say no, because she desperately needs the money.
Grace wants to make things right again with the Sawyers and she knows how to proceed. Will her plan actually work or will it backfire completely? She has the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Jack and they start to like one another more and more. While Jack would love to date Grace she isn't sure they should tell the world they like each other, because she doesn't know if Jack's brothers will be as forgiving as Jack. Will Jack and Grace have a chance or has Grace's mother made such a huge mistake that the damage is irreparable?
Forbidden Kisses is a fabulous romantic story. I immediately loved Grace. She's kindhearted, sweet and giving. She always thinks about others first and does everything she can to make the people she loves as happy as possible, even when they've hurt her. She and Jack have amazing chemistry. Jack is a nice guy with plenty of talents. He's generous and attentive. I loved his friendly open-minded personality and his willingness to give people second chances is admirable. Jack and Grace are a wonderful couple. There are sparks and there's plenty of love and I hoped they could make the animosity between their families go away, so they could experience true love. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen between them and this made me fly through the pages.
Annie Rains writes about a beautiful coastal town and I immediately fell in love with Blushing Bay, it's a fantastic setting. Her vivid and detailed descriptions of the town and its inhabitants make her story come to life very well. I loved the warm friendships, the welcoming people and the amicable atmosphere. Forbidden Kisses is a great first part of the Blushing Bay series. I really enjoyed reading this charming and endearing story.
Grace wants to make things right again with the Sawyers and she knows how to proceed. Will her plan actually work or will it backfire completely? She has the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Jack and they start to like one another more and more. While Jack would love to date Grace she isn't sure they should tell the world they like each other, because she doesn't know if Jack's brothers will be as forgiving as Jack. Will Jack and Grace have a chance or has Grace's mother made such a huge mistake that the damage is irreparable?
Forbidden Kisses is a fabulous romantic story. I immediately loved Grace. She's kindhearted, sweet and giving. She always thinks about others first and does everything she can to make the people she loves as happy as possible, even when they've hurt her. She and Jack have amazing chemistry. Jack is a nice guy with plenty of talents. He's generous and attentive. I loved his friendly open-minded personality and his willingness to give people second chances is admirable. Jack and Grace are a wonderful couple. There are sparks and there's plenty of love and I hoped they could make the animosity between their families go away, so they could experience true love. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen between them and this made me fly through the pages.
Annie Rains writes about a beautiful coastal town and I immediately fell in love with Blushing Bay, it's a fantastic setting. Her vivid and detailed descriptions of the town and its inhabitants make her story come to life very well. I loved the warm friendships, the welcoming people and the amicable atmosphere. Forbidden Kisses is a great first part of the Blushing Bay series. I really enjoyed reading this charming and endearing story.
April 17, 2017
When I read Annie Rains' books my mind and heart get so involved in the story I end up inhaling them, every word and moment held dear in my heart, and at the end, I wish I had had the sense to savor the story because I don't want to leave the characters behind. I absolutely love her style of writing and the way it captures my mind.
Forbidden Kisses is a sweet yet passionate romance story, just the way I like them. There's lots of fun, adoration, love, and desire mixed with the perfect amount of challenges, difficulties, and confusion without drowning in angst and despair.
Jack Sawyer was a delightful character with strong convictions, dedication to his loved ones, and kindness to strangers. Despite the losses in his life, he was willing and able to open his heart to love and possibilities of a new direction for the future.
I admired Grace Donner and her survival instincts, her spunk, and her determination. She is stubborn to the bone, but she has no ill will towards anyone, her intentions are pure. She is used to managing her life alone, and the new friends, the new family of heart, the new feelings inside her and around her amazes her constantly. As a daughter of parents who both have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, I felt her worry, pain, and concern for her mother, and could easily imagine the challenges they were facing.
Grace and Jack has an uphill road ahead of them, not only because of the family feud and the resistance from his brothers but also their own hesitation to be vulnerable, to trust, to have faith in them.
Together Jack and Grace were combustible, the passion and admiration are palpable. I loved how they encouraged each other, how they light up in each other's presence, you could feel the devotion and excitement they had for each other.
When I started the book I was a fool to think I would just read an hour and continue later on. The story pulled me in, the characters charmed my mind, and I felt their indecisions and the turmoils in their hearts. Forbidden Kisses is a fantastic, emotional, and addictive read!
~ Five Spoons
*Thankful for the NetGalley eARC*
Forbidden Kisses is a sweet yet passionate romance story, just the way I like them. There's lots of fun, adoration, love, and desire mixed with the perfect amount of challenges, difficulties, and confusion without drowning in angst and despair.
Jack Sawyer was a delightful character with strong convictions, dedication to his loved ones, and kindness to strangers. Despite the losses in his life, he was willing and able to open his heart to love and possibilities of a new direction for the future.
I admired Grace Donner and her survival instincts, her spunk, and her determination. She is stubborn to the bone, but she has no ill will towards anyone, her intentions are pure. She is used to managing her life alone, and the new friends, the new family of heart, the new feelings inside her and around her amazes her constantly. As a daughter of parents who both have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, I felt her worry, pain, and concern for her mother, and could easily imagine the challenges they were facing.
Grace and Jack has an uphill road ahead of them, not only because of the family feud and the resistance from his brothers but also their own hesitation to be vulnerable, to trust, to have faith in them.
Together Jack and Grace were combustible, the passion and admiration are palpable. I loved how they encouraged each other, how they light up in each other's presence, you could feel the devotion and excitement they had for each other.
When I started the book I was a fool to think I would just read an hour and continue later on. The story pulled me in, the characters charmed my mind, and I felt their indecisions and the turmoils in their hearts. Forbidden Kisses is a fantastic, emotional, and addictive read!
~ Five Spoons
*Thankful for the NetGalley eARC*
April 1, 2017
A sweet but angsty small town / second chance sexy romance
Forbidden Kisses is a sweet, small town, second chance romance between two former step-siblings. This may be slightly taboo for some people but although the two characters are former step-siblings there has been a long period of time that has passed and the way it is all portrayed is in a way that it doesn’t feel taboo / incest at all; I’ve read a few step-siblings romances and this is very tame in comparison. The book is a steadily paced mix of romance and drama but overall is relatively sweet with characters learning to forgive and move on in order to find happiness and love; an intriguing sweet but angsty fun sexy read.
Told from dual point of view, Grace and Jack have a simmering attraction despite the angst and drama that drew their families apart and led to them avoiding each other since. While time may have passed, the connection Grace and Jack shared hasn’t diminished. Jack is a stubborn male while Grace is a strong independent woman trying to do her best despite everything she is dealing with. The emotional undertone of the book added an extra layer to Grace and even Jack, helping to create likeable characters and allowing readers to connect with both of them. I loved the interactions of the secondary characters within the book who all added to the overall book and relationship between Grace and Jack and can’t wait to read all their stories.
If you enjoy a small town romance, definitely give this a read. I enjoyed it!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Forbidden Kisses is a sweet, small town, second chance romance between two former step-siblings. This may be slightly taboo for some people but although the two characters are former step-siblings there has been a long period of time that has passed and the way it is all portrayed is in a way that it doesn’t feel taboo / incest at all; I’ve read a few step-siblings romances and this is very tame in comparison. The book is a steadily paced mix of romance and drama but overall is relatively sweet with characters learning to forgive and move on in order to find happiness and love; an intriguing sweet but angsty fun sexy read.
Told from dual point of view, Grace and Jack have a simmering attraction despite the angst and drama that drew their families apart and led to them avoiding each other since. While time may have passed, the connection Grace and Jack shared hasn’t diminished. Jack is a stubborn male while Grace is a strong independent woman trying to do her best despite everything she is dealing with. The emotional undertone of the book added an extra layer to Grace and even Jack, helping to create likeable characters and allowing readers to connect with both of them. I loved the interactions of the secondary characters within the book who all added to the overall book and relationship between Grace and Jack and can’t wait to read all their stories.
If you enjoy a small town romance, definitely give this a read. I enjoyed it!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
March 30, 2017
An easy contemporary romance that will pull at your heart. Book 1 in the Blushing bay series.
Grace needs a job, overhearing someone behind her interviewing women for an office manager position she bravely turns to the man and as the words come out of her mouth, she recognizes someone from her past. Jack Sawyer. Stepbrother and young love. Jack's father and her mother were married for a brief period during which time her mother did some pretty unforgivable things. In the eyes of the Sawyer brothers, Noah, Sam and Jack and their father Pete, the Donner's do not exist.
Grace needs the job to care for her mother who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is getting worse and Grace is her primary caregiver and all around fix it gal.
Jack does hire her, much to the brothers chagrin but they readily accept Grace, she's good at what she does and while starting the new job she and Jack also start the relationship that was inevitable.
But boy did they have their bumps and skids. Grace's two best friends are also close to the brothers, Abby is married but separated from Sam and Krista and Noah have some weird kind of relationship thing going on.... I'm sure we'll see these two stories unfold in future books.
As expected in most of these book tropes the proverbial crap hits the fan and Jack blows a nut. He leaves Grace with the words "I'm done." Pretty open ended yes, and so we have to read what exactly he's done with. And is he really done.
There's a lot going on in this first book, but Annie writes so well it's easy to follow the characters and storyline. I enjoyed the book. I'd class it YA but it's an all around good book, light and a good beach read for anyone.
Great story Annie! I loved it.
**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for a fair review**
Grace needs a job, overhearing someone behind her interviewing women for an office manager position she bravely turns to the man and as the words come out of her mouth, she recognizes someone from her past. Jack Sawyer. Stepbrother and young love. Jack's father and her mother were married for a brief period during which time her mother did some pretty unforgivable things. In the eyes of the Sawyer brothers, Noah, Sam and Jack and their father Pete, the Donner's do not exist.
Grace needs the job to care for her mother who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is getting worse and Grace is her primary caregiver and all around fix it gal.
Jack does hire her, much to the brothers chagrin but they readily accept Grace, she's good at what she does and while starting the new job she and Jack also start the relationship that was inevitable.
But boy did they have their bumps and skids. Grace's two best friends are also close to the brothers, Abby is married but separated from Sam and Krista and Noah have some weird kind of relationship thing going on.... I'm sure we'll see these two stories unfold in future books.
As expected in most of these book tropes the proverbial crap hits the fan and Jack blows a nut. He leaves Grace with the words "I'm done." Pretty open ended yes, and so we have to read what exactly he's done with. And is he really done.
There's a lot going on in this first book, but Annie writes so well it's easy to follow the characters and storyline. I enjoyed the book. I'd class it YA but it's an all around good book, light and a good beach read for anyone.
Great story Annie! I loved it.
**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for a fair review**
April 5, 2017
Forbidden Kisses is the first book in Annie Rain's Blushing Bay series. It features the story of former step siblings, Josh and Grace. Their parents were married just briefly, but it ended badly, with the two families never speaking to each other again. As teenagers, Josh and Grace were attracted to each other and then torn apart.
Josh was my favorite part of the book. He was incredibly dreamy, so giving and damaged a bit. He was torn and always allowed Grace to lead. Grace was lovely, if not a bit taxing. She was very take charge. While there is nothing wrong with that, Grace was doing it in a more overbearing way, which I took issue with. It was hard to root for her, with the way she was going about things.
Overall, Forbidden Kisses was a 3.5 star read for me. The story line is engaging, but a tad busy. The secondary characters are intriguing and I really hope to see some of their stories soon.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
Josh was my favorite part of the book. He was incredibly dreamy, so giving and damaged a bit. He was torn and always allowed Grace to lead. Grace was lovely, if not a bit taxing. She was very take charge. While there is nothing wrong with that, Grace was doing it in a more overbearing way, which I took issue with. It was hard to root for her, with the way she was going about things.
Overall, Forbidden Kisses was a 3.5 star read for me. The story line is engaging, but a tad busy. The secondary characters are intriguing and I really hope to see some of their stories soon.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
April 20, 2017
I am super excited about this new series from Annie Rains and the Sawyer Brothers! I loved this book and can't wait for more.
Grace Donner is a desperate need for a job. After being let go from her former job and with a sick mother at home, she needs to find something quick before she finds herself sleeping in her car instead. So when she overhears a job interview taking place at the local coffee shop, that seems like the perfect fit for herself, she can't help but turn around and ask the man who is doing the interview if she can apply. She never expected that person to be her former step-brother and the boy she never forgot... Jack Sawyer.
It's been 15 years since Grace and her mother left his family, but there hasn't been a day that he hasn't thought of Grace. Sure they were step-siblings but the connection between the two of them had always been more. Now Grace is a woman in need and Jack is just the person to help her out despite what her mom did to his family. But not everyone will feel the same about Grace being a part of the Sawyer family once again.
As things start to escalate between Jack and Grace, Grace wants to keep their relationship a secret. At least until she can win the money from a fishing tournament and try to get back into the good graces of the Sawyer Family and all that her mom did to them.
I really loved Jack and Grace. They were fun together and the sexual tension between these two is through the roof. A great start to a fabulous new series!
Grace Donner is a desperate need for a job. After being let go from her former job and with a sick mother at home, she needs to find something quick before she finds herself sleeping in her car instead. So when she overhears a job interview taking place at the local coffee shop, that seems like the perfect fit for herself, she can't help but turn around and ask the man who is doing the interview if she can apply. She never expected that person to be her former step-brother and the boy she never forgot... Jack Sawyer.
It's been 15 years since Grace and her mother left his family, but there hasn't been a day that he hasn't thought of Grace. Sure they were step-siblings but the connection between the two of them had always been more. Now Grace is a woman in need and Jack is just the person to help her out despite what her mom did to his family. But not everyone will feel the same about Grace being a part of the Sawyer family once again.
As things start to escalate between Jack and Grace, Grace wants to keep their relationship a secret. At least until she can win the money from a fishing tournament and try to get back into the good graces of the Sawyer Family and all that her mom did to them.
I really loved Jack and Grace. They were fun together and the sexual tension between these two is through the roof. A great start to a fabulous new series!
April 2, 2017
Annie Rains has set the scene for another wonderful series. She has introduced us to the town of Blushing Bay, a small fishing community. The town resembles many small towns the world over - low job opportunities, gossipy, residents connected in various ways. In this case, Grace Donner ends up accepting a job with the stepfamily that hasn't had anything to do with her since her mom & their dad divorced 15 years ago. This brought her into close contact with Jack, the step brother that she had a crush on throughout school. Can they learn to trust each other? Will they act on their feelings? Will the rest of the family accept her?
I really enjoyed this story. It engages all of my emotions. I had sympathy for young Grace losing her "family"due to something her mother did. I felt disgust with both Pete & Tammy. They shouldn't have let their situation affect the kids. I felt the pain of young Tristan having a father that treated him that way. I felt admiration for Tammy dealing with Parkinson's & realizing it was time to stop depending on her daughter so much. This story is about second chances & new beginnings. Each character had to learn to trust again & realize when they needed to step outside themselves to support the other. I can't wait for the next book!
I really enjoyed this story. It engages all of my emotions. I had sympathy for young Grace losing her "family"due to something her mother did. I felt disgust with both Pete & Tammy. They shouldn't have let their situation affect the kids. I felt the pain of young Tristan having a father that treated him that way. I felt admiration for Tammy dealing with Parkinson's & realizing it was time to stop depending on her daughter so much. This story is about second chances & new beginnings. Each character had to learn to trust again & realize when they needed to step outside themselves to support the other. I can't wait for the next book!
April 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
A sweet romance of about coming to terms with past and how, if you let it, will destroy your future.
There is rift between the Sawyers and Donners has been festering for years, ever since Grace's mother, Tammy, sold off their prizes possession: their deceased mother's belongings. Since then, Grace has been persona non grata with the Sawyer family and in the town of Blushing Bay. They say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and some of the townspeople believe that very thing.
Too bad that Grace is as hardheaded as they come. Determined to do things her own way, and to support her mother who is in declining health, she barrels full steam ahead to do what she can to survive. After losing her job because she should wouldn't sleep with her boss, she's willing to take any job she can get, even if it is with the Sawyers.
Jack can't believe Grace is in the same diner as he is. Its been a long time since he's seen her, since their crush back in high school, before their world came crashing down. In his head, he knows that Grace was just as innocent as him and his brothers when the battle lines were drawn, and he knew she had no choice but to support her mother when the smoke cleared.
Fifteen years is a long time to hold a grudge, to live with the what ifs and what might have been. Setting aside the past is harder than it seems but if they can learn from the past will it save their future?
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
A sweet romance of about coming to terms with past and how, if you let it, will destroy your future.
There is rift between the Sawyers and Donners has been festering for years, ever since Grace's mother, Tammy, sold off their prizes possession: their deceased mother's belongings. Since then, Grace has been persona non grata with the Sawyer family and in the town of Blushing Bay. They say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and some of the townspeople believe that very thing.
Too bad that Grace is as hardheaded as they come. Determined to do things her own way, and to support her mother who is in declining health, she barrels full steam ahead to do what she can to survive. After losing her job because she should wouldn't sleep with her boss, she's willing to take any job she can get, even if it is with the Sawyers.
Jack can't believe Grace is in the same diner as he is. Its been a long time since he's seen her, since their crush back in high school, before their world came crashing down. In his head, he knows that Grace was just as innocent as him and his brothers when the battle lines were drawn, and he knew she had no choice but to support her mother when the smoke cleared.
Fifteen years is a long time to hold a grudge, to live with the what ifs and what might have been. Setting aside the past is harder than it seems but if they can learn from the past will it save their future?
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
April 10, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first in a new series, and so has some world building to do - and gives us some hints of future pairings.
I really could not get to like Grace very much, and her mother not at all. I tried to give Grace the benefit of the doubt given who brought her up, but it was difficult. Obviously she had her moments, and couldn't be blamed for her mother's behaviour when she was married to Jack's Dad. That Jack allowed chemistry to overcome good sense, was a bit of a mystery to me on occasion. However, he believes in second chances, and wants to test out that spark that existed even when they were teenagers.
It was a well written story, which had some good turns of humour and romance.
This is the first in a new series, and so has some world building to do - and gives us some hints of future pairings.
I really could not get to like Grace very much, and her mother not at all. I tried to give Grace the benefit of the doubt given who brought her up, but it was difficult. Obviously she had her moments, and couldn't be blamed for her mother's behaviour when she was married to Jack's Dad. That Jack allowed chemistry to overcome good sense, was a bit of a mystery to me on occasion. However, he believes in second chances, and wants to test out that spark that existed even when they were teenagers.
It was a well written story, which had some good turns of humour and romance.
April 20, 2017
Deception can be used in multiple ways and for many different reasons. Each one had their own reasons. Now let us step in to find out what was on the agenda for Jack and Grace. Secrets. Lies. Time.
Good characters. Small quaint town. Homey feel. Second chance to make it something. Jack and Grace have a chance to make the future theirs. But the wrong choices made may make this second chance hard to hold on to. There was a lot going on in this one. It was a bit more than the usual from Annie Rains. I was not thrown off by the bits of change going on in the norm. I liked that it was something a bit different than what she usually gives. I did find that some things went on a bit too long, but that had to do with the character and her flow. This made for an interesting read.
This is a slight bit different. But the quality of writing, depth of character, and homey feel are all still there. This was a read that will give you something to talk about.
Good characters. Small quaint town. Homey feel. Second chance to make it something. Jack and Grace have a chance to make the future theirs. But the wrong choices made may make this second chance hard to hold on to. There was a lot going on in this one. It was a bit more than the usual from Annie Rains. I was not thrown off by the bits of change going on in the norm. I liked that it was something a bit different than what she usually gives. I did find that some things went on a bit too long, but that had to do with the character and her flow. This made for an interesting read.
This is a slight bit different. But the quality of writing, depth of character, and homey feel are all still there. This was a read that will give you something to talk about.
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