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It Started With A Kiss: Anthology

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Four talented authors have teamed up together to bring you four sexy, hot, romance novellas.

Be captivated as they take you into the lives of their main characters and how all it took was just one kiss to change their paths forever.

Be prepared for some sultry, sexy and steamy romance to hit the pages of It Started With a Kiss.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2018

5 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Cathy Johns

9 books55 followers

About me; I love travelling, ticking off the bucket list on things I want to do and try out. I love cooking and indulging myself in some fine distilled Scottish Whiskey. I’m a mommy to two fur babies, Silver and Fox (yeah, I know, I’m a sucker for Silver foxes).
I’m an avid reader turned author. I’ve always been fascinated with books since I knew how to read. I’m also the girl who read Danielle Steel novels under the desk while my math’s teacher was busy explaining calculus.
My writing started as a healing process, reading, and getting lost in the world of words and people’s stories have always been my greatest form of escape. I believe in happily ever after’s and expect to read about intense connections and stories that will leave you hopeful, and longing for true love.


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5 stars
26 (72%)
4 stars
8 (22%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,529 reviews128 followers
February 14, 2018
*3 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately this one didn’t really do it for me. I DNF’d the first story, but the others were ok. My main issue is that the writing styles were really my type, and everything seemed a bit predictable, over the top, or rushed in the stories. And insta love, oh the insta love.

I get that they’re novella’s so the story isn’t going to be as drawn out as a full length novel, but I just didn’t connect with any of these the way I would’ve liked.

But, just because they weren’t for me, doesn’t mean that others won’t like them.
Profile Image for Stacey McCoy.
Author 10 books38 followers
February 9, 2018
Yes I wrote the story 'Worth the Risk' but I had not read the other three stories until days before our release.
This is the first time I had read anything from C.J. Wells and WOW I loved her story and the way she connected her characters to her readers.
Cathy John's, well what can I say. This story was hot and steamy, just the way I like it. Cathy never disappoints her readers.
J.A Collard, being a well known for writing about tattooed guys who straddle their bikes as often as they straddle their women, I must say she is also very capable of writing about hot, Texan cowboys. I can't wait to read more about Jake and all of the characters in these stories.
Recommended read purely for these three novellas.
Profile Image for nicandbooks.
1,073 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2023
Short and sweet - a nice, easy read

I was keen to read this anthology as one of my favourite, must-read authors (Stacey McCoy) is a contributor and so I was hoping the rest of the stories would be ones I enjoyed. Overall I enjoyed this anthology, however as you will see by the individual reviews and ratings I’ve given each novella, in my opinion the stories got better the further you read.

I would definitely recommend this anthology to other readers however at this stage I don’t think I’ll be seeking out books by the authors I’m unfamiliar with. A great set of quickie novellas, It Started with a Kiss showcases some sexy, sweet and fun romance stories.


Overall rating:
nicandbooks â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â£ï¸
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Whatever it takes by Cathy Johns


This was a super sweet second chance romance. After three years apart, a chance encounter brings Shae and Marcus back together and the realisation that the love between them never died is enough to give each other the second chance the both desperately need.

It was a super quick and easy read. I’ll be honest it’s not one of my favourites - there seemed like so much more could’ve happened but as it was set over the period of basically a day or two, I felt that things dragged a bit. I did enjoy reading about Marcus and Shae reconnecting but I just didn’t feel a strong connection to them as characters.

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Meant to be by C.J. Welles


A sexy, drama-filled novella, I enjoyed reading about Brett and Annie coming together. It was definitely an easy read and despite the “insta-love†connection between Brett and Annie, they’re chemistry was definitely palpable and clear.

For me, I felt that the C.J. tried to pack too much into the novella. There were ex- dramas, parental problems galore and the age difference between 30 year old Brett and 18 year old Annie (who was still in school) was never adequately discussed or explored. I did enjoy the story but for a novella it would’ve been better for the story to focus on a few issues well rather than cram so much in.

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Twisted Fate by J.A. Collard


I quite enjoyed this novella and was so disappointed when it ended as I really felt it could’ve been fleshed out into a full length story. Jake and Caitlin meet at a bar and have an instant connection - it’s more than lust, more than simple attraction but neither are really ready for more than a one night stand. However, that one night has far recent consequences and I liked how the two were forced to find each other again.

The chemistry between Jake and Caitlin was fabulous and the sex scenes were hot and steamy 🔥 But I did wish that their emotional connection could’ve been explored a little more - I really feel like this couple has so much more to offer us. This was another great contribution to this anthology.

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Worth the Risk by Stacey McCoy


I am proud to say that I’m a massive fan of Stacey’s and have loved everything she has written - and her contribution to this novella is no different. A sexy, steamy story about a hook up that happens when Corey becomes Ashley’s “knight in shining armour†and rescues her from a couple of drunken idiots, turns into a beautiful romance with a touch of drama and a few twists and turns. I loved Ashley’s bestie Tammy - she was hilarious and her secretiveness definitely paid off. And the chemistry between Corey and Ashley was hot 🔥🔥 and while it was definitely insta-love, in a quickie novella like this, I totally lapped it up!! I was just disappointed that it ended when it did as I really could have read more Corey and Tammy.

A fabulous story by an author I know we will continue to see great things from!

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Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,105 reviews10 followers
February 11, 2018
This book is a set of 4 great novellas that all starting with “It started with a Kiss” as the first sentence and continues to give us hours of enjoyment with their hot and steamy stories of love, forgiveness, trust, happiness, attraction, but most of all hot and steamy males. Most of these authors I have not read before but I have been aware of them before this read. If you are looking for a book to take you away for a few hours or the weekend this is the book you need to read.

C.J. Welles Meant to be *****
I just loved this story about Annie finding her first love and I wanted so much more from these two characters that I didn’t want this story to end. I could not put this one down had me tapping my kindle in anticipation of what was next. How could you not fall in love with Brett as well, as he overcomes his troubled family issues to find his place in love?

J.A Collard Twisted Fate *****
This is a very sexy and enjoyable read about a Cowboy and a therapist and how one night may just change your life completely. I have heard of JA Collard but have never read any of her books before and I just say I may be a new fan.

Cathy Johns Whatever it takes ****
This is a second chance novella about forgiveness and owning up to your mistakes. A sweet and hot sexy read about two passed lover’s finding each other again. The author had you feeling the character pain and had you hoping for an HEA. This is the first time I have read this author.

Stacey McCoy Worth the risk ****

This is a great story set in Melbourne Australia and has a great Aussie feel to it. You get a sexy Tradie and a beautiful hairdresser meeting one night at a club and fireworks starting with sex by the beach. Not just a love story of lovers but also of friendship and what we will do for the ones we love.

Read my full review at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com
Profile Image for Jade.
1,791 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2018
This e-book was not formatted very well. In the kindle app when you press for the table of contents you will not see the 4 books listed or even the chapters for each book. For an anthology especially I do not like this and in my case this will reflect in my rating of the book as a whole.

Story 1: Whatever it Takes - Cathy Johns
This story happens over 3-4 days and starts out very intriguing I really wanted to know more but around the time they meet back up the story slows right down and becomes a bit repetitive, which I found fustrating along with the characters doing things like leaving work on their 2nd day after getting it on in the office and not telling the boss. I found it a bit unrealistic. Also this story was full of spelling errors, which was a big turn off for me. I was ready to move on from this story before I had even finished it.

Story 2: Meant to be - C.J. Welles
I didn't mind this story but for a short story I did feel like too much was happening all at once and so the main story and relationship felt rushed and in some places forced. We didn't get the chance to know the characters well and did not feel a bond to them or even chemistry between the main characters.

Story 3: Twisted Fate - J.A. Collard
I liked this story. The end felt a bit rushed like there was more that needed to be said. Perhaps that will be adressed in the next installment of the series but for a standalone short story it felt unfinished to me.

Story 4: Worth the Risk - Stacey McCoy
I really enjoyed this story right up until the words "The End" nothing was resolved and left the end wide open. For me this story is not finished and I am left feeling rather disappointed by this.

Overall I rate this book 3 stars but just because this is how I feel does not mean that others will not enjoy this collection of stories.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,071 reviews57 followers
February 14, 2018
A great anthology containing 4 novellas by four different authors three of which are new to me. Each and every story was well written with a great flow and characters that were easy to relate too. I was totally hooked from start to finish, and had finished reading within a couple of hours.

Whatever It Takes by Cathy Johns - Is Marcus and Shae's story.

Meant To Be by C.J Wells - Is Annie and Brett's story.

Twisted Fate by J.A Collard - Is Jake and Caitlyn's story.

Worth The Risk by Stacey McCoy - Is Ashley and Corey's story.

A hot, passionate and highly recommended read that has introduced me to some new authors whose work I am excited to read more of and I'm also hoping that we will be able to catch up with some of these character in the future.

***Complimentary copy recieved for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,648 reviews51 followers
February 16, 2018
Warm your heart on a cold day - a great read

Four wonderful authors combining to bring for very sexy novellas to warm our hearts Each novella was short, sexy and sweet, and allowed for an enjoyable read on a lazy afternoon.

I have previously read books by Cathy Johns and once again she did not let me down. Shae and Marcus were a red hot ball of fire.

C.J. Welles' story involving an older man and a much younger woman was good, however the was such a lot goig on in such a short period of time.

J.A. Collard brought in one sexy cowboy in Jake, and Caitlyn only has eyes for him. A hot and spicy read, that one.

Finally Stacey McCoy gives us Corey.....wowser!!!!! He and Ashley together - watch the sparks fly!

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS
Profile Image for Shelly Wolf.
509 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2018

This was the first book that Ive read from the authors

This was a very short, but very good story about a woman who moved from her grandparents home, whom has raised her, to her own apartment in another city,,,, her grandfather has set her apartment up and also has gotten her a job.... she had a boyfriend like 3 years ago and he left her without any warning or reason,,,, and now, she sees him again,,, and he wants her back,,,,, what will happen,,,???

This was a really good story and I'd advise anyone out there to pick this book up and give it a read,,,, you won't be sorry,,,!!!

I got this ARC voluntarily to write an honest review
Profile Image for Erika.
75 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2018
An amazing set of love stories for the ages.

I absolutely LOVED this collection of 4 novellas that all “started with a kiss”. Each story had its own characters and set of circumstances, and each of them was a beautiful love story that will be relevant for all time. I thought they were warm, beautiful, sexy, and just wonderful love stories. Each of the authors did a fantastic job pulling this anthology together and telling their stories. I had not read any of these authors’ work until this anthology, and I would absolutely pick up any of their books to read because they did such an amazing job writing these.
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2018
Four Authors, four different short stories, all well written and I loved each and everyone of them.
All four stories are really well written, hot and steamy. I got pulled into each story and was there until the end of the book.
Two of the authors I have read before and loved there books, two I haven't read before but I will be looking into reading more of the work.
Cathy Johns, C.J.Welles, J.A Collard and Stacey McCoy. Ladies if I could give you all 5 stars for your stories I totally would.
Profile Image for Charity Abbott.
28 reviews
February 9, 2018
First I'd like to say that this collaboration was well put together by great authors!

These short by very awesome stories are some of the best I've read and won't let You down! I was kinda sceptical going in because I'm not a short story person but i do believe these 4 authors have changed my mind!

Please take the time to read "it started with a kiss" you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Eva.
1,669 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2018
Loved this Anthology four authors have written easy to read and enjoyable stories I read straight through the stories and thought they were great I definitely want to read more from these authors if you've not read any of these authors works this anthology gives you a chance to see how good their books are I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Megan Burge.
10 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2020
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Steamy as! Romance isn’t usually my thing but this is my third book this year of this genre and the hottest one yet. This was the perfect book for my reading hangover as it was four short stories, that were quick and light hearted with happy endings. I read this in a day and the best story is left until last. I would 100% read another book just like this again
Profile Image for Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions .
1,301 reviews88 followers
February 11, 2018
Each story was unique.
Each was hot and sweet- a combination I adore!
A great collection of novellas to quench your romance cravings😉
A great way to sample different authors, too!
Definitely recommend!!
Profile Image for Laura Jackson.
175 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2018
Wonderful stories perfect for when you have a quiet afternoon to yourself. Some great characters who I can't wait to hear more from in future books whether they're the main or supporting characters. Well done to all four authors I'm glad I don't have to pick a favourite!
Profile Image for Gina Burkart.
3,546 reviews52 followers
February 13, 2018
Wow this is a amazing book that you u will fall in love with this book and will have you drawn I. From the very beginning to the very end. This is a must read book. And will have you feeling emotions coming off the pages.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,669 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2018
This amazing anthology has four short stories each one different and sweet and emotional.
Couldn't put it down. Each story makes you want more from them. Loved every second of the these. Can't wait to see what each lady has next.
Profile Image for Deborah Lane.
354 reviews40 followers
February 8, 2018
Loved this anthology! Well written, quick reads that are funny, with developed characters, steamy heated. Perfect for a reading on a snowy evening.sexy sweet heat. Recommended.
15 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2018
What a breath taking book everything you could possibly want from a book romance heartache & lust .Story was very well planned .Once I start unfortunately I was unable to put the book down
Profile Image for Shannon.
345 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2018
Four amazing stories by these four incredible authors, loved them all!!!
Profile Image for Lylian.
625 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2018
Easy, fun, fast read! 4 stories that had all it takes... hot romance, second chance, chemistry and love in all. Realy enjoyed reading it!
Profile Image for Rebecca Barber.
Author 17 books308 followers
March 10, 2018
This anthology was filled with quick sweet reads.

Lots of insta-love and epic book boyfriends that had you wishing they could leap off the pages and into your arms (or bed)
380 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2018
4 hot, steamy, full of love, quick paced stories from 4 wonderful authors! I couldn't put this book down. I read it all in one setting. Awesome job ladies.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,232 reviews35 followers
May 24, 2022
Everyone get a copy you need it. 4 gorgeous author's. 4 stunning hot gorgeous stories I just finished and seriously each story is beautiful get a copy ❤❤❤❤

I recieved this Gorgeous ARC Anthology for an honest review Wow Four beautiful stories loving, sweet, hot and sexy from 4 lovely author's I couldn't put it down you need to get a copy it's full of Passion, hot sex, loving and sweetness.

Whatever It Takes
Cathy John's

Gorgeous hot and sexy Shae knows she'd take Marcus back it's been 3 years no calls nothing then one day there he is . Passion heat and wow the heat you will feel from these two cold drink required❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥

Meant To BE
C.J. Welles

When they first meet there is something between them even though 1 Brett is much older then Annie there's a pull but the other problem Brett is in a relationship even though his trying to get out of it. And wow the heat passion sweetness you will get from Brett and Annie is stunnig ❤❤❤

Twisted Fate
J.A. Collard

Phew cold drink needed sexy Jake is in New York just for the night. Caitlyn is out on the town for the night with her friend.
She sees him hot sexy cowboy from Texas. But he can only give her one night. What happens after will they see each other again? Hot sexy sweet oooh my so good ❤❤❤

Worth The Risk
Stacey McCoy

Two best friends love going out one night Ashley meets a hot gorgeous Tradie Corey. There's some strong feeling for each other but there is an issue even though there could be a future it gets a bit much and scary when weird thing's happen. And on top of that what is Tammy hiding. Will Ashley and Corey get there happy ever after you need to read.


Seriously thank you Cathy John's, C.J Welled, J.A Collard and Stacey McCoy for bringing a goregou s Anthology together of how it can start with a kiss ❤😙😙


Again....

Everyone get a copy you need it. 4 gorgeous author's. 4 stunning hot gorgeous stories I just finished and seriously each story is beautiful get a copy ❤❤❤❤
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