It started with a kiss

Sequoia Lake #1

by Marina Adair, Corinna Wieja (Translator)

Ein berührender Liebesroman mit Tiefgang, Herz und Humor der US Bestsellerautorin Marina Adair.

Nach einer Nierentransplantation will Avery Adams alles mitnehmen, was das Leben ihr zu bieten hat. Ihr größtes Ziel ist die Besteigung eines Berges ihres Heimatortes in der Sierra Nevada, um den letzten Wunsch ihrer Mutter zu erfüllen. Einziges Problem: Bis auf das Zeltlager in der sechsten Klasse hat Avery keine Erfahrung. Sie nimmt eine Stelle im örtlichen Naturerlebnis-Hotel an, um sich als Tourenleiterin ausbilden zu lassen. Dabei begegnet sie der größten Herausforderung ihres Lebens … einem gut aussehenden Bergretter mit rauem Charme und Bindungsangst.

Tyson Donovan ist es gewohnt Wochenendtouristen aus dem gefährlichsten Terrain zu bergen. Vor festen Beziehungen scheut er jedoch zurück. Als sein Vater krank wird und das Naturerlebnis-Hotel der Familie auf der Kippe steht, kehrt er nach Hause zurück — und wird schnell daran erinnert, warum er weggegangen ist. Dann jedoch lernt er Avery kennen. Mit ihrer unbändigen Lebensfreude zieht Avery Ty in ihren Bann und er überlegt sogar, für sie den Sprung ins größte Abenteuer überhaupt zu wagen. Bis ein einziger Fehltritt ihr Glück plötzlich zu zerstören droht …

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction, Chick Lit, Adult

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2017

About the author

Marina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.

TikTok: Tiktok.com/@marinaadair

Instagram: instagram.com/authormarinaadair

Facebook: facebook.com/marinaadairaauthor

BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/marina-adair

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sad that I bounced on this one because I liked both protagonists, at least at the start. Avery is a perky go-getter who has faced death and is ready to live her life. Ty is harder because he has a streak of "I can't control the universe so I'm a bad guy" a mile wide. Still, his banter with Avery was fun so I was willing to give him a shot.

But the author has Avery getting stuck in situations that just feel so contrived. In the first bit before I bounced we have her getting stuck in a climbing harness (she can't work a carabineer), fumble a screw driver, which then falls down a drain, breaks her lipstick writing on a truck window (in the maximum embarrassing spot "I owe you a screw"), said lipstick gets stuck behind the hood so the hero meets her sprawled across his truck, because she can't reach the lipstick for some reason. So it's one contrivance after another and every one depends on her being kind of an idiot and puts her in as embarrassing a position as possible.

And I was still willing to continue until she decided that she'd lead an excursion out onto an unknown trail and her preparations include musing "how hard can it be to start a fire, anyway?". And I'm all, wut?!? She knows less than nothing if she hasn't even ever started a fire in the wilderness and she wants to be a trail guide?

So it became clear there were going to be more hijinks where she would be stupid so that the hero could laugh at and tease her. And I just couldn't. I'm giving it two stars because the banter was fun and I know I'd have fallen in love with Avery (when the author wasn't forcing her to be stupid) if I had continued. I really hate author-induced stupidity.

[Celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holding Out for a Hero

Where have all the good men gone....
Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?....
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast....

Through the wind, and the chill, and the rain
And the storm, and the flood
I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood...

I'm not sure Marina Adair didn't lift the lyrics of this famous Footloose soundtrack song to mold the plot to the novel that kicks off her new Sequoia Lake series. Seriously, nearly every line of the song can be tied in some way to It Started With a Kiss. Tyson Donovan is certainly a new kind of hero. He's leads an elite mountain rescue squad, specializing in swift water recovery. That is exotic, at least to this Midwesterner, where water skiing on a river counts as an extreme sport. I found the mountain resort setting and the emphasis on elite rescue teams to be a refreshing setting for a hero-based story. Adair ups the ante by including serious health issues for heroine Avery and wrapping the story with how all the characters have to deal with early onset of Alzheimer's for the Donovan patriarch.

Adair is a formulaic writer, and although the setting is different than, say, St. Helena wine country (where the author has based two of her other series), she sticks to what works: small town, cheerful and upbeat heroine, interfering / matchmaking family and friends, the coffee klatch, and hunky heroes with problems of their own. However, she is the master at a meet-cute. The way in which Avery and Ty meet is no exception. The novel starts light and airy, in fact so much so, that I felt a little sugar-shock from the utterly selfless, too-good-to-be-true Avery. She is so caring of others that she made me feel bad about myself. However, Adair effortlessly slides us into deeper concerns for both characters, and I forgot about my aversion to overly sweet and began to see another side of Avery. Ty comments that she doesn't do subtle. Her response says everything: "Waste of time, and I would rather know where I stand than sit around wondering and second-guessing." She stays true to this mantra throughout the novel. She is also very centered, which has its own attraction for a man who has risked his life for years in the pursuit of assuaging his guilt.

Ty, on the other hand, is a little harder to pin down. He is there to help his father temporarily with the lodge, but their relationship has a rocky past. "Dale had a way of doing that, spinning Ty right off the planet with one well-placed comment." The father-son dynamic is a major part of the novel, and I appreciated that Adair didn't take the easy way out and solve it all easily and quickly.

Relationships form the core of this novel. Since I love a good thrill, I was disappointed that Adair chose to skim the details of the actual "action" parts of the story. The book is firmly entrenched in the "contemporary romance" genre and all about the "feels." Avery knows what she needs, emotionally, yet weirdly there are noticeable holes in Avery's life - we don't get a sense of her space or other family. This leaves a bigger place for Ty to fill. The guy is a rock. He is Avery's hero "fresh from the fight." Yeah, I've got you humming that song now, don't I?

Book source: ARC from NetGalley.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Started with a Kiss
A Sequoia Lake Novel
by Marina Adair
Rating 5/5

There is a reason why opposites attract, especially when it comes to gorgeous Tyson Donovan and adventuresome Avery Adams. It is clear that they have a lot to learn from each other - but are they willing to work together?

As I read this delightful book, I laughed and cried. The banter and unique situations around the family-owned adventure lodge are hilarious. The inclusion of Avery's kidney disease touched my soul personally. As she exemplifies living life to the fullest in the face of difficulty, her story will inspire many. It Started with a Kiss is filled with heartfelt emotions that warm your heart.

Marina Adair, thank you for writing about CKD and reaching out to those who live with it.💞

#ItStartedWithAKiss #MarinaAdair
#CKD #Hope

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[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee Dates with It Started With A Kiss

First Date: I absolutely love the setup for how Tyson and Avery meet. Avery is such a unique, colorful character and I immediately wanted to be her friend. Adair transports us to a resort town in the Sequoia Lake area. You will adore the small-town and Adventure Lodge. Tyson is a member of the Sequoia Elite Mountain Rescue team but is home after hearing the lodge is in trouble. Right away I was pulled into their story from the surprises to the tension.

Second Date: I love small-town series and Adair makes them her own. She introduces secondary characters and offers several threads in addition to the romance. All of them weaved together to create an addictive story that provided a little drama, some laughter, and even a few tears. Tyson has some family issues and guilt to tackle, but I liked him. Mr. Rugged is hot, passionate and a natural protector.  I loved seeing his reactions to Avery. Avery has been through a lot, but she simply shines and makes others around her feel her warmth. I love the thread about her journal. The chemistry delivered some off the chart moments.

Third Date: Stir in a little angst, personal growth and leaps of faith into our last date. Break out the truffles and tissues. The last part of the book just pulled at my heartstrings. We see Tyson mend fences and let go of the past. A scene with his father felt so genuine. There were lots of tears. I could not set this story down. The couple faced obstacles and I began to worry about an HEA but have faith.  While truffles were needed I ended this date both emotional spent and delighted I picked up It Started With A Kiss. I cannot wait for the next book.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Stacee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Marina's words for a while now, so I requested this without even reading the synopsis.

I loved Avery and Ty. She's sweet and charismatic. He's charming and maybe a bit stubborn. Together they're adorable with chemistry that is off the charts. And there's a great cast of characters here; I can't wait to see who is next in the series.

The plot was a bit angstier than I was expecting, but it was enjoyable. I loved the tension Avery's kidney created and the external conflict was not what I was expecting.

Overall, a great story with great characters and a perfect epilogue. I am quite eager for the next book.

**Huge thanks to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adair always amazes me with her writing so of course over each series she delivers the books and characters always get better. When I saw she was coming out with a new series I knew automatically that I had to get my hands on it and I'm so glad I read It Started with a Kiss.

Avery and Ty were a delightful couple from the very beginning. They had such great chemistry and the way they fed off each other's feeling was awesomely written. Both found a connection with the loss each of them shared.

Had had to be my favorite character in this story. She was selfless, motivational and really had a good pure heart. She found the good in everyone and never put herself first which I loved and really made me want to be more like her.

I'm really looking forward to meeting these new characters and can't wait to see how this series will progress. 2017 will be the year of Adair just wait and see!

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair

First in a contemporary romance series. Full of humor and an adorable determined heroine with an Adonis hero quickly enamored. I also cried, a lot, the last 20 pages from the emotional upheaval. A happy and satisfying ending.
My favorites of humor, generous souls, and emotional “good” tears made this romance a fantastic read.
A wining combination that will make this author a new favorite of mine.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Review

I do not read a lot of small town romance, but sometimes I get a desire for a story that is sweet, pure and full of sunshine. When the craving hits, Marina Adair is one of the authors I go to read. Her books just do it for me. Of all of her works I have read, this one is extra special. Yes, it has that community feel. The town of Sequoia Lake is important to the story and the town’s people are the color that makes the story vibrant. However, this one is less about the quaintness of the town and the quirky characters and really a deeper dive into the relationship between the main characters.

Avery Adams wants to live life loudly. After spending the better part of her adulthood battling a degenerative kidney disease, one that took her mother’s life, she wants to live life boldly and on the edge. I love this girl’s spirit. For her, “living loud” also means doing her best for others, having deep and abiding relationships. Not having guarantees in her own life, she knows how the small gestures can make a huge difference in the lives of others. I adore how she gives so freely of herself and steps boldly into the world on her own terms. Her mantra is: “Don’t go where life leads -- lead your life in the direction you want to go.” After recovering from a kidney transplant, Avery quits her job at the bank to work as the Adventure Coordinator for the Sequoia Lake Lodge. She wants to learn to be a wilderness guide so that she can learn the skills and gain the stamina necessary to make it to the top of Sierra Point, an act she promised her mother she would do. Along the way, she collects the wishes of others who can no longer fulfill them and tries to live those desires in their honor. It just so happens that this is how Avery meets prodigal son, Tyson Donovan. He is the recipient of the “kiss a stranger” wish. He also happens to be the son of the family that owns The Lodge.

Ty leaves Sequoia Lake post-graduation after a tragedy strikes his family. He works himself up to be a leader in a swift water rescue team in Monterey, but a crisis in the family business brings him temporarily home. What he discovers is that he is very out of touch with his parents and he has to confront his father’s deteriorating mental health. I believe this is an important moment in a lot of children’s lives - when kids have to face their parent’s declining health. That moment when Ty comes out of denial to have to address this issue makes my heart drop. I’m lucky that my parents are still of sound mind, but I see their health decline and it is a difficult reality to accept. However, my grandmother had Parkinson’s disease and dementia and I cannot tell you how crushed I was the first time she did not recognize me. Ty’s fears feel all too real for me.

Avery’s illness also adds a dimension to this love story. Avery has learned to accept that her health does not offer any guarantees and she needs someone who can love her for that fact and not try to protect her from life. She wants someone who is willing to “live loud” with her. Most romances focus on unconditional love, but this is an added element that takes that notion to another level. It is a challenge for someone like Ty, whose heart is already guarded from loss and is protective. Needless to say, there is a beautiful happy ending, and I do love how they get there.

This is, at times, a heart-breaking book. I admit I cried more than once while reading it. My only little gripe is that sometimes the romance takes a backseat to the family drama. But this book is its own little ray of sunshine. It a reminder to experience each moment at its fullest and that “living loud require[s] no permission”.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d rather take the leap and fall than spend the rest of my life looking out windows.”

I loved this emotional and sweet romance!! It was such an amazing book filled with so much heartbreak but also so much hope.

“The tin man was just metal without his heart,” she said, mainly for her own ears. “And heart is my superpower.”

Avery was a fantastic heroine. Losing her mother to kidney failure and now after her own kidney transplant taught Avery that life is precious and she’s determined to live it to its fullest, to not waste a second. I loved how brave Avery was and how she appreciated every moment of the second chance at life she had been given. Her memory journal was so very special and thoughtful and showed just how big her heart was.

“You’re everywhere, lighting up my mornings, helping me through the day. I dream about you at night. You and that smile.”

Ty is the type of gruff and sexy hero I love. He was so broken because of his past and the heartache and guilt he felt with him and it made me want to hug him so badly. I loved the way he saw Avery, how her hope, innocence and sunny outlook made him yearn for something he never felt he deserved or wanted.

She was uniquely perfect. For him.

I loved their sweet romance and how good they were for each other. He made her feel like she could finally be bold and he made her forget that life could have limits. And I loved how she brought him peace and hope. Everything about their romance was so beautiful.

I love small town romances and this one is definitely one of my favorites. There were so many amazing characters and a group of women who were so very special, the way they supported each other and cared for each other.

This is not my first book by this author but I have forgotten how wonderful her romances are. Full of so much meaning and feelings, it touches you right in the heart. A definitely must read for all romance fans.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Avery, that girl could make a bad situation feel a little easier, well, with the help of Ty's actions, “all I can think about is that you’re practically naked in the middle of the highway, so I think I’m good,” she teased, and he leaned up and kissed her while he stepped into his dry suit. " I loved the start for this new series! It's looking promising with the new characters I've met, this book was so hearfelt and heartwarming.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitch perfect! This book has everything a contemporary romance reader wants in a light, escapist story. It is sweet without being syrupy, touching without being maudlin and draws the reader right into the lives and loves of Sequoia Lake! Both main characters are delightfully real, flawed yet their inner strength and determination to do right is such a breath of fresh air! Truly a lovely, uplifting story that will touch the heart and bring a sigh!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually grab an Adair book when I need a quality, light-hearted read. This one really packs an unexpected emotional punch, but it is rounded out with the feel good, small town vibes this author is known for.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read by Marina Adair. I'm not totally for sure if I'm a fan or not ... something just missed the mark with me on this one and I can't quite put my finger on it.

When you start reading, you're dropped into Avery's life after she's had this life-altering kidney transplant. It's made abundantly clear that Avery has a new lease on life. And that's great! This chick is learning to live in the moment and more power to her. But even knowing that ... her character didn't seem consistent. I imagine going through something like Avery has, it really changes your perspective on things and maybe you do start to honestly change. And maybe with that comes some wavering within a persons character. Even still, Avery didn't seem like a complete character. Something was just off about her and it lasted the entire novel for me. It does make me think that maybe it was intentional on the author's part for Avery to come across like that but it didn't sit well with me.

The story itself was ... okay. For being an outdoorsy book with this hero leading male, I thought that he would have a personality that was larger than life to go along with it. And he did sometimes. But it wasn't consistent. While I liked most of the characters in the book, none of them really stood out as people I will remember in the coming months. I won't be reading my next book and then still thinking about the characters from this book. And that's okay, I just prefer to have characters that stick with me. I want to WANT to know more about them and miss them when I've moved onto something else.

Unfortunately, I didn't think that the plot was any more engaging than the characters were. It was okay but it didn't grab my attention and refuse to let go. There were parts where I felt like I should have been empathizing with the characters or at least feeling some sort of sad emotions for what was going on but that didn't happen. I think that feeling emotional while reading this was the intention but apparently, my heart is made of stone. And then the ending ... for the love of all things fluffy. The ending was sugary sweet and it was a tad too much. The rest of the book hadn't been that way and it just felt odd and ill placed.

While I didn't hate the story and/or author, I don't know if I will read another book by her. There are tons of awesomely high ratings for this book right now, so I apparently missed something.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another great read by Marina Adair, I loved It Started With a Kiss.

I enjoyed the storyline, my attention was held all throughout the book. It warmed my heart watching the relationship develop between Avery and Tyson, they had great chemistry and both were likable/entertaining characters. They truly were perfect for each other.

Overall, a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, I highly recommend this book.

*Thank you to Montlake Romance via Netgalley for the advance copy*

[KathyB · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I liked a lot of things about this story, but in the end it was missing something. The hero & heroine were likable characters and I loved the small town setting. I can't identify why it wasn't a winner, maybe it was too sweet.

With that being said, it was a decent read/listen. The narration was well done, and the plot was interesting. For those with KU it's available as a free read & listen, give it a try, YMMV.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery Adams is wanting to live her life differently now. Not just because she is 27 but also because she has had a kidney transplant and she is tired of not living. Now she has left her comfortable life like some people would think. Now she has gotten herself a job at an adventure lodge in the Sierra’s. Thinking everything is going as planned and it was until she ran into Tyson Donovan who is a member of the elite mountain rescue team. When he goes on a hike with her when they return he surprises her with HI your fired. Turns out he is the owner’s son and yes there is problems with facility, but there is also a problem with the owner and his son. This really comes up when he can’t fire her because of her office skills. Now Avery and Tyson are forced to work together and he begins to see her and helps in romance and her wanting to experience life, even if it starts with getting on a mechanical bull. That is something she would not have done before, she also working on hiking the trails. She is giving Tyson the ability to find forgiving and healing, something he needs for himself and his father. A wonderful story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I love a book with a strong heroine and Avery was fantastic. She's recovery from a kidney transplant 10 months ago and living life to the fullest. While she was sick, she decided she was going to live life and that's what she does. She's fearless and is completing her wish journal - wishes for those who never got them. One of her wishes in the wish journal is to kiss a stranger and she does - only it turns out the stranger ends up being Ty, the hero of this story and a man she shares hot chemistry with. Ty is back in town to help out his father's lodge after being away since the death of his brother 15 years ago. He can't seem to stay away from the beautiful and engaging Avery, even if she is him employee. This book had a few funny moments and a lot of sweet with a great romance and a couple steamy scenes. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more in this series.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just about 3 Stars.

There is just something missing in this book. I wish I could say exactly what is missing that I can’t help.

Avery Adams wants to live out loud after a kidney transplant she has a memory journal to grant wishes that others who were in her position never will have the chance to do.

Climb Sierra Point just like her mother did. What she lacks in experience she makes up in with courage, stubbornness and a zest for life.

While coming back from a client and Avery being stuck in the harness she sees that her only option is to borrow a screwdriver to get out of the harness. The screwdriver falls down the drain. What’s a girl to do? Well for starters writing on the windshield of the truck with lipstick that the screwdriver is gone but can only get to I owe you a SCREW... and the lipstick runs out.

Ty Donovan doesn’t want to be back home, too many painful memories have kept him away but now it is time to face them especially when the family lodge is about to lose one of their biggest clients. But is day got better when he sees a blonde angel sitting on his truck thinking she’s offering a screw…

Avery and Ty’s encounter is hilarious and at the same time she manages to fulfill one of the memory journal wishes. For Bella kiss a stranger.

The chemistry is scorching between them but Ty doesn’t want to stay and well Avery doesn’t want to leave. Ty has to sort out what is going on with his family. His father his showing signs of dementia and it’s getting harder to make decisions. Avery is with him every step of the way.

I was missing some angst in this book. The author writes a sweet story that is equally heartbreaking at times and heartwarming at others. It is just so slow in some places that there were times that I just wanted to put it down and come back to it. This is the book for you if you like sweet, cute romance. I personally wish that I could have liked it more.

Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...

B

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book to start my year and a great start to this new series. Adair set the standards high with this heart warming romance. It’s her best work yet! Adair will will bring out all kinds of emotions specially sympathy if not empathy for the characters.

This book tackles real life struggles you can relate to. Ty goes back home to help his aging parents with their boating company but this also means having to visit emotional struggles he has avoided since the loss of his brother. It will take a free spirited girl to help him overcome his past, along with understanding his parents and finally able to love fully.

Avery’s free spirited personality intrigues and annoys Ty at the same time. Her strength and dreams to live everyday to the fullest astounds him. This girl is everything he is not and after getting to know her more, “He was no longer only impressed by her incredible strength, he was moved by it.” and frankly so was I. Avery Is amazing. Her acceptance of her illness grounds me and counting her blessings of survival amazes me! She does not take anything for granted and she is strong enough to know the difference between being alive and fully living. With Ty on her side, she will have everything she’s ever dreamed of or die trying.

Adair wrote a book of lost and despair, but also of hope, love and second chances. I was deeply moved with every page. I couldn’t have asked for more. Well done, Ms Adair!

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avery hat nach ihrer Nierentransplantation große Pläne. Sie will das Leben genießen, einen Berg besteigen und selbst Tour-Guide in der Sierra Nevada werden.
Nur hat ihr Ausbilder Dale gerade eigene Probleme und dann ist auch noch sein Sohn Tyson in der Stadt.
Ty, der seinen Vater und seine Heimat eigentlich meidet, liebt Abenteuer und seinen Job, muss jetzt aber erstmal seinen Eltern mit ihrem Hotel helfen.

Jede Figur für sich ist super und auch ihre Geschichten haben mir gut gefallen. Vor allem Avery, deren Freund sie verlassen hat, als sie krank geworden ist und die jetzt die Wünsche anderer Patienten auslebt, die das nicht mehr können. Sie ist so beeindruckend, sensibel aber positiv, voller Energie und Hoffnung.
Aber auch Tyson ist ein guter Typ, charmant stur und ein bisschen tragisch.
Beide sind sympathisch und entwickeln sich durch das Buch. Und beide machen, jeweils mit ihrem Hintergrund, die süße Geschichte tiefgründig.

Aber mir war das Ganze dann zu wenig dramatisch, das Gefühl wurde nicht so transportiert wie ich es gerne gehabt hätte. Während des Lesens fand ich es noch besser, aber der Eindruck, der insgesamt bleibt ist eher süß und weniger bewegend. Da wäre einfach mehr Potential da gewesen, weil vom Plot bis zu den Figuren alles passt. Vielleicht wurde es einfach zu sanft erzählt und wirkt insgesamt zu ruhig.

Der Verlauf ist auch mal was Anderes und speziell aber zum Ende hin kommen immer mehr Klischees, Floskeln und fragwürdige Wendungen dazu und bei manchen Formulierungen musste ich öfter die Augen verdrehen.

Was bleibt sind die Figuren die ich super fand, Avery so unglaublich stark und auch Ty ein super Typ. Und die Nebenfiguren, die passen und mit ihrer Art zum Gesamten beitragen. Vor allem aber die Idee mit den Lebenswünschen der Patienten.

Und das Interesse an Band 2 ist auf jeden Fall geweckt.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina Adair has become a must read author for me, so I was very excited to see that she was beginning a new series. It Started with A Kiss is the first book in her Sequoia Lake series.

After a life changing surgery, Avery Adams wants to live a little so she takes a job as an adventure guide for the summer. I always enjoy the heroines in Ms. Adair's books, but Avery has to be one of my favorites so far. Not only was she determined to live all of her life, she was also determined to see the good in everyone. Even world weary Ty Donovan. Their romance was amazing, the chemistry was on point, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.

This was a great start to a new series and I am excited to read the next one!

[Kusanagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je me mets au contemporain. Eh oui tout arrive... j'ai découvert cette auteur sur une autre série pour Noël. Et j'aime bien son style. Et le côté cosy des histoires pour le moment.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oftentimes the first book in a new series doesn’t quite click for me. Sometimes the author tries too hard to lay the groundwork up for future couples. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the author setting up the new geographical setting. Sometimes I just don’t feel the connection quite yet. But Marina Adair didn’t fall into a single one of these pitfalls and instead wrote one of my favorite series starters in a very long time. Immediately after finishing It Started with a Kiss I knew I couldn’t wait to read the second book and was disappointed to discover there wasn’t yet a third.

Everything about this book hit every single mark for me. Right from the very beginning, I knew I was going to fall in love with Avery Adams. Avery spent much of her young life dealing with the fallout of her mother’s death and then being diagnosed with the same kidney disease that killed her mom. But after a kidney transplant a year ago, Avery is more than ready to dive back into living and her new job working for the local adventure lodge is a great way to help make that happen. I loved that despite dealing with tragedy and limitations on her life, Avery is so gung-ho about just jumping into anything and everything. A huge part of her story is fulfilling dreams and wishes for her friends who have either already passed or are too sick to fulfill their own wishes, which really just solidified my feelings towards Avery. Adair did an amazing job of writing a character that was vulnerable and had a difficult past, but was still doing her damnedest to live her very best life. It wasn’t hard to find myself rooting for her to get everything she wanted, including Ty Donovan.

As a member of an elite mountain rescue team, Ty is all about saving people. As a teenager, he failed to save his own brother in a tragic mountain accident, which has tainted his view of his family and his small hometown in all the years since. But when things with his father’s health and management of their family adventure lodge take a sour turn, Ty finds himself back home and dealing with past demons and current trouble. Including Avery, the feisty wannabe adventure guide. She’s possibly a liability, but she’s also definitely someone he absolutely wants to kiss.

After having the most adorably fun meet cute of all time involving lipstick scrawled notes on windshields, a stuck climbing harness, and a ton of innuendo, I knew I was going to love Avery and Ty as a couple. There was instant attraction, but there was also instant connection and you could tell right away that their story was going to be the perfect combination of fun and emotional and filled with off the charts chemistry. There was plenty of romance and tension-ridden scenes, but their relationship also felt honest and true. And a huge plus for me was that their issues and the things that drove them apart and then pulled them back together didn’t feel contrived. It never felt like there was a breakup just for the sake of a breakup, instead it just felt like two adults battling their own demons and eventually coming out the other side more emotionally ready to deal with their new life together.

But beyond just the spot on romance, I also absolutely loved the small town and all the plot that came along with that. The plot wasn’t just driven by the love story of Avery and Ty. They each had their own really interesting stories- Avery dealing with life after surgery and helping her large group of friends from her support group, Ty dealing with his painful family dynamic while trying to save the lodge. And then when their stories intersected in dealings with the lodge, it provided the perfect opportunity to see that they were a great fit for each other outside of just the bedroom. The supporting characters helped build the world of Sequoia Lake and the Lodge and didn’t just help me love Ty and Avery even more, they also left me intrigued and excited about future books in the series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marina Adair is known for writing books with humor, heart, hot guys, and fun older characters, cheekily-named shops, and and a hard-earned happily ever after. It Started With A Kiss was exactly what I want from a Marina Adair book. I absolutely love a book that can make my eyes water on one page and have me laughing on the next. This one was a surprisingly emotional read, but it was laced with Marina's typical humor and heart which helped temper the tears I was on the verge of so many times.

From the start, I found myself taken with Avery. I loved her spirit and her heart. Her over-the-top determination made me squint a few times, wondering if she had any self-awareness at all, but what would have made me crazy with another character was oddly endearing on Avery. I absolutely loved the idea behind her 'wish book' and her determination to carry them out. I would have happily read even more scenes of her 'living loud' in honor of her friends.

I liked Ty before he told the story of Garrett – he was charming and far more tolerant with Avery than most men would have been - but after learning about Garrett, I found myself just wanting to hug him. I also connected with his feelings regarding with Dale's health (being vague to avoid spoilers). Until you've watched a parent going through that situation, you can't begin to imagine how it feels or how helpless a child feels watching it happen. Beyond the serious stuff, I loved his interactions with Harris, his good-natured reactions to Avery's wish fulfillment needs, and his intense sexiness mixed with his vulnerability. He was exactly what I've come to hope for from a Marina Adair book Hero.

This story left me wanting more Sequoia Lake. There was some foreshadowing with regards to Olivia and Paxton's story, and I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series – even though it feels like it is a ridiculously long way off.

I requested this book from NetGalley and was thrilled to be granted a copy. I was under no obligation to write a review of this book, I wrote this review and pre-ordered the book because I enjoyed it.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having binged on Marina Adair books in the last month, I can see this was one of her more emotional reads, and I loved it all the more for it. I loved Avery and her back story and all she was trying to accomplish. But then... bam... Ty's story ends up not being an easy one. And when everything is explained, it had me in tears, it was so heartbreaking.

Based on the back story for the next book, too, I fully expect another emotional read!

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Adams can't help but appreciate life, not after undergoing a kidney transplant. Her new plan for life is to live it loud, knowing that each day could be her last. Quitting her job and starting over is her first step, but she never realized how hard being an adventure guide could be when she accepted the job. Still, she's not about to let her desire to channel her inner adventurer get the best of her. Can she prove to Tyson Donovan that she has what it takes to be one of the best assets the adventure lodge his family owns has ever had?

Tyson Donovan doesn't like coming home to Sequoia Lakes, as the place holds his worst memory of all. Unfortunately, now with his father's health problems and the family adventure lodge in danger of going out of business, Ty has returned to help out and get things back on track before leaving again. However, meeting Avery Adams throws his plans to leave in disarray. Can they find the happiness they both deserve, or will Ty's fear of losing someone he's coming to love tear them apart?

I have never read a book by Ms. Adair that I didn't immensely enjoy, and this one was no different. From start to finish, I was entertained by the plot, the main and secondary characters, and the dialogue. So much so, that I finished this book in record time. The way this story began with Avery finding herself tricked by another guide and having to field questions in the nicest way possible from a bunch of male seniors was amusing. Will she be able to handle the elderly gentlemen? Will her negotiations with them work? However, it was the moment that she and and Ty come face-to-face for the first time that made this story a real page turner for me. Because Avery is caught red-handed by Ty and he makes things interesting by teasing her.

As for the dialogue, it was well-written and was a wonderful mix of intense, emotional and playful. The intense and emotional dialogue was due to the main characters back stories, what's going on with Ty's dad and the quest Avery is on to do all the things she's written in her journal. Will Ty be able to handle the truth about his dad's health issues? Will Avery accomplish all the things she's written in her journal? Will Ty and Avery be able to get his family's lodge back on track? Will Avery be able to convince Ty of her philosophy to live life loud? Discovering the answers to those questions had me reading quickly, determined to learn how things turn out for Ty and Avery as well as between Ty and his dad. Since forgiveness for things that happened in Ty's past is important for him to be able to move forward with his life.

Avery's philosophy made her a very compelling heroine, and it was understandable that she wanted to live life to the fullest and do things no matter how scary they may be. Every task she manages to accomplish and her determination makes her a strong and brave heroine. Yet, what I liked most about Avery was the way she challenges Ty and made him question what the future holds for him. While Ty, he's confident, hard-working and I liked how determined he was to make certain his family's adventure lodge doesn't go out of business. He faces some tough challenges, most of all his dad's stubbornness in allowing Ty to help him out, which made me wonder whether the hero would be able to deal with being back in Seqouia. However, I was pleased Ty proved me wrong. Besides, he had Avery to take some of the pressure off of him with their playful banter and strong chemistry that spilled over onto the pages in hot, nicely detailed intimate moments that illustrated just how right these two are for each other.

Overall, Ms. Adair has penned a wonderful, emotional read in this first book of her Sequoia Lake series where the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main characters. The way this story ended was perfect, as both Ty and Avery are able to leave the past in the past and start their future together; a future that was meant to be. I would highly recommend It Started with a Kiss by Marina Adair, especially if you enjoy books by authors Catherine Bybee, Erin Nicholas or Samantha Chase.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

In It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair, after sickness and heartbreak, Avery is now living her life to the fullest - and part of that is her job at an adventure lodge. Another big part of that is her 'bucket list', and I think this part of Avery is what warmed me the most. She's living dreams for not only herself, but for others who can't. When she meets Tyson, and checks off part of her list, she has no idea who he is or how much things are going to change. Tyson is back in his home town at the lodge his parents own...a place he's never felt at home in since a tragedy that rocked his family. That tragedy defined so many things in his family's life, and there is a lot of unresolved feelings...hurt, anger, sadness. He's only back for a short time to help turn the business around, and he never expects to meet someone like Avery. But he's not there to stay, she's not leaving, and neither of them are looking for romance. Sometimes things happen when you least expect it though, and moving forward in what direction is now uncertain for both of them...

I really enjoyed It Started With a Kiss. Marina Adair brings so much feeling and life into the plot, making it not only about Avery and Tyson, but those around them too. I liked the family connections and how they are explored in this book. There is no easy fix and Tyson in particular grows so much as the plot progresses. I liked Avery and Tyson as main characters, they both have so much in their backgrounds that brought them to where they are today. I felt like I got to know them, and I felt for them both so much. I really hoped that if they didn't work out as a couple, other aspects of their lives would work out.

I had such a good feeling reading It Started With a Kiss. It is filled with emotional highs and lows, it's believable, and all of the characters are very likeable, each one bringing something special to the plot.

It Started With a Kiss was easy to fall into, and the flowing words, the characters, and the situations kept me there. I'd recommend It Started With a Kiss to any romance reader!

[Amber Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4-4.5 stars** I'm always excited to start a new book by Marina Adair and this first book in her new Sequoia Lake series definitely has me looking forward to future books in this series.

One of my favorite parts in the book was how Avery Adams and Ty Donovan meet for the first time. It had me laughing out loud and I just knew I was going to love these two characters.

After surviving a kidney transplant, Avery is ready to live life to the fullest. She's not going to let fear or anyone stop her from making her dreams come true. Wanting some adventure in her life and to fulfill a dream of reaching the top of Sierra Point Mountain, she gets a job at the local Adventure lodge as an adventure coordinator.

Ty Donovan, head of the swift water rescue team, returns home to save the adventure lodge from losing their annual Search and Rescue intensive training hosting after hearing his father wasn't prepared for the upcoming event and had also failed the first inspections. He's got a lot to fix to get ready for the event and also figure out what's going on with his father's health. This won't be easy considering him and his father have been estranged since a tragic family accident 15 years ago.

This story had me feeling so many emotions. I loved the development of Ty and Avery's relationship. It's never an easy road for Marina's characters, but I love the journey. The scenes between Ty and his father were heartbreaking at times, but this is a story of hope, love, forgiveness and living life to the fullest.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It started with a kiss" ist eine Geschichte, die in einem tollen Setting am Sequoia Lake spielt. Ich bin sehr gut in die Geschichte reingekommen und habe mich schnell sehr wohl gefühlt.
Die Charaktere waren sehr sympathisch, ganz besonders Avery. Ich mochte ihre lockere und entspannte Art. Ihre Chemie mit Ty war ebenfalls sehr gelungen und mir haben die beiden zusammen sehr gefallen. Allerdings fand ich auch, dass es sich zwischen den beiden etwas zu schnell entwickelt hat.

Die Geschichte selbst war unterhaltsam und ich habe mich einfach wohlgefühlt. Dies lag auch an dem tollen setting. Dies war zum einen mit den Kletterausflügen sehr ungewöhnlich und einfach mal etwas anderes und zum anderen waren die Umgebung und die Natur einfach wunderschön beschrieben.

Das Ende war mir dann leider einen Tick zu dramatisch und kitschig. Insgesamt konnte mich das Buch jedoch gut unterhalten und ich habe es sehr gerne gelesen. Ich bin schon die gespannt auf den nächsten Teil der Reihe.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've fallen in love with these new series from Marina Adair. Ms. Adair's very descriptive writing painted a beautiful picture of the small Sierra Nevada town that is the setting for this book. The characters of Tyson and Avery are both very intriguing. Tyson is a very physical and dedicated member of a search and rescue team but has to put his career on hold while he returns home to help his family save their adventure lodge. Avery is a young woman trying to live life to the fullest. Her history shows that life can be too short to waste so she goes after what she wants. Tyson is definitely on the list of wants but he's only here for a short time. Can she take the risk and put her heart on the line knowing he is more than likely leaving. Will he give them a try??

You don't want to miss this one. I highly recommend it.