What do you think?
Rate this book
Berry Lake Cupcake Posse #3
Kittens & Kisses
Can a chance meeting open a grieving heart to love?
Widow Missy Hanford buried her heart with her Marine husband. She spends her time baking cupcakes, rescuing animals, and staying out of jail. When abandoned kittens bring a handsome sheriff’s deputy into her life, Missy’s friends tell her to give love a second chance. But she’d rather help the four women deal with their issues:
Nell’s dating the wrong guy to keep her mom from meddling; Selena’s dividing her time between friends in her hometown and her husband in Seattle; Bria’s piecing together the secrets she’s uncovered, and Juliet’s trying to forge a life on her own.
Now, more than ever, the Cupcake Posse will need to rely on their friendship to support each other. As answers only bring more questions, they must face hard truths about life, family, and love as they work to save their beloved small town bakery.
Widow Missy Hanford buried her heart with her Marine husband. She spends her time baking cupcakes, rescuing animals, and staying out of jail. When abandoned kittens bring a handsome sheriff’s deputy into her life, Missy’s friends tell her to give love a second chance. But she’d rather help the four women deal with their issues:
Nell’s dating the wrong guy to keep her mom from meddling; Selena’s dividing her time between friends in her hometown and her husband in Seattle; Bria’s piecing together the secrets she’s uncovered, and Juliet’s trying to forge a life on her own.
Now, more than ever, the Cupcake Posse will need to rely on their friendship to support each other. As answers only bring more questions, they must face hard truths about life, family, and love as they work to save their beloved small town bakery.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2022
60 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Melissa McClone
287 books2,475 followersI live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 20, 2022
Kittens & Kisses is another great story in the Berry Lake Cupcake Posse series by Melissa McClone.
I like this author's writing, she manages to catch the reader attention with her delicate style and relatable storylines.
It was such a pleasure to meet Bria, Juliet, Missy, Nell and Selena again, I can't get enough of them, I read these novels too quickly.
I'm not sure I'll survive to all the twists and turns this story takes, I just want these women to be happy and thrive in their lives.
I was so happy to see more of Missy in this book, she is a young widow stuck in the past, but with her friends' help she tries to open her heart again.
You should read this series in order because the books are interconnected and every single one ends with a cliffhanger worse than the previous one.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 18, 2022
McClone reminds us that sometimes heartache can be good for the soul. Kittens and Kisses brings emotional upheaval and thought provoking moments that speak to the heart at it's most vulnerable. With a dash of humor and a sprinkling of emotion, McClone gives a reader all the feels.
June 13, 2022
It was so good to be back with the Cupcake Posse. I just love these ladies. Their significant others aren’t bad either. The love and compassion they have for each other is so awesome. I am enjoying reading this series. I never want the book to end. I don’t like all the people in Berry Lake but they certainly add interest to the story. One thought I had when thinking about all these characters was the good, the bad, and the ugly. There was certainly some added drama in this book, which makes for great reading. I wish I had the next book in hand, but I’ll just need to be patient. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
June 20, 2022
This is a book that I could not put down. With so many emotional upheavals in their lives the Cupcake Posse will stick together through thick and thin. This is book three in the series and will be better understood if you read the first two books. You finally get some answers on the fire, but then left hanging on who really set the fire. You learn so much more on Bria's father, but then what can you believe.
These woman are dealing with changes in their lives but are willing to listen and provide support for each other in good and bad times. So garb a delicious cupcake or two and enjoy this wonderful story. This book does end in a cliffhanger and now I want more!! I read through my kindle unlimited.
These woman are dealing with changes in their lives but are willing to listen and provide support for each other in good and bad times. So garb a delicious cupcake or two and enjoy this wonderful story. This book does end in a cliffhanger and now I want more!! I read through my kindle unlimited.
June 13, 2022
I love the characters in this series. I loved the latest installment in the series. But I hate how quickly I read it and now have to wait for the next. The friendship between the members of the Cupcake Posse is enviable. Everyone should have some friends that are this supportive. Each of the characters is still facing some big life challenges. I read this book in one sitting and can hardly wait for the next. The ending was a big cliffhanger and I need to know what comes next!!!! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2022
The Cupcake Posse rocks! Life is always throwing you curve balls, love can be a crapshoot but with best friends around it makes everything a little better. In this story the girls are really pushed to the breaking point. Whatever can go wrong does. I was so engrossed in this story that I didn’t want it to end. Now I’m heartbroken and can’t wait to find out what happens next. I LOVE this series!!
June 14, 2022
If you haven't read the first two books in this series, STOP, go back and read them. This book begins where the last one ended.
Bria and Declan have traveled up the coast to find the evidence that her father says will clear him of the arson charge against him. What they find is quite the shock for Bria. This discovery also impacts Declan although he doesn't know that at the time.
Juliet is worrying about Lulu who has to stay at the vet at least overnight, now with Bria staying in Wishing Bay she's alone and worrying more. When her neighbor and vet Roman shows up with his daughter Katie and a pumpkin, she's grateful for the task and the company.
Missy is struggling and really missing her late husband. Even though it's been nine years, it still hits her hard now and again. The cupcake shop fire which injured her has also left her with limited ways to combat her loss and anxiety. The creation of new recipes and baking has always been her go to way to cope. The other was working at the animal rescue, but even that is on hold as her foot heals from the burns. She's more than happy with her foster cats Mario and Peach to keep her company, even though her friends and sister-in-law think she should expand her horizons.
When Sabina calls about possible kittens she jumps at the opportunity to do something. Unfortunately, she doesn't think things through all the way and ends up trapped in a dumpster without her phone in pouring rain.
Then there's Nell's brilliant plan to keep her mother off her back about marriage is sort of dating Gage. However, she's also keeping him at a bit of a distance by having Welles the paramedic who is her neighbor and has a crush on her join them on their adrenaline filled adventures.
When Sam Cooper gets the call that there's an emergency at the closed market he didn't expect what he finds. Missy's car is there with the headlights on, but no sign of Missy. That is until he hears her call out.
Sam does so much more than just rescue her and the kittens. These two have a spark but they both ignore it.
As this tale unfolds, so does the romance. A couple on rocky ground and one just beginning. There are lots of twists here and not a lot of resolutions.
With an OMG ending, I can't wait for the next book!
Bria and Declan have traveled up the coast to find the evidence that her father says will clear him of the arson charge against him. What they find is quite the shock for Bria. This discovery also impacts Declan although he doesn't know that at the time.
Juliet is worrying about Lulu who has to stay at the vet at least overnight, now with Bria staying in Wishing Bay she's alone and worrying more. When her neighbor and vet Roman shows up with his daughter Katie and a pumpkin, she's grateful for the task and the company.
Missy is struggling and really missing her late husband. Even though it's been nine years, it still hits her hard now and again. The cupcake shop fire which injured her has also left her with limited ways to combat her loss and anxiety. The creation of new recipes and baking has always been her go to way to cope. The other was working at the animal rescue, but even that is on hold as her foot heals from the burns. She's more than happy with her foster cats Mario and Peach to keep her company, even though her friends and sister-in-law think she should expand her horizons.
When Sabina calls about possible kittens she jumps at the opportunity to do something. Unfortunately, she doesn't think things through all the way and ends up trapped in a dumpster without her phone in pouring rain.
Then there's Nell's brilliant plan to keep her mother off her back about marriage is sort of dating Gage. However, she's also keeping him at a bit of a distance by having Welles the paramedic who is her neighbor and has a crush on her join them on their adrenaline filled adventures.
When Sam Cooper gets the call that there's an emergency at the closed market he didn't expect what he finds. Missy's car is there with the headlights on, but no sign of Missy. That is until he hears her call out.
Sam does so much more than just rescue her and the kittens. These two have a spark but they both ignore it.
As this tale unfolds, so does the romance. A couple on rocky ground and one just beginning. There are lots of twists here and not a lot of resolutions.
With an OMG ending, I can't wait for the next book!
June 15, 2022
Just…wow.
I cannot remember the last time I felt this kind of angst. Kittens & Kisses leaves off on a literal cliffhanger that had my heart pounding. I feel such a connection to these women, which is why I ended the book with a wail, whaling “No!!”
The author recommends that you read this series in sequential order, and after reading this novel I can see why. Not only are there multiple spoilers, but it takes a few books to really feel the reciprocity between yourself and the characters, and once you do the loyalty is fierce.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read the first two books, so it took me a bit to get my bearings, but once I was reacquainted with the Posse, and the goings on in Berry Lake, there was no escaping. I finished the novel in mere hours, physically unable to put the book down.
While every character in the Posse is highlighted in the narrative, the main focus of this novel is Missy, Bria, and their situations. Kittens & Kisses literally picks up where Tiaras & Teacups leaves off, so the fire at the shop is still a hot topic, which intimately affected Bria and Missy. Because I do not believe in spoilers, I can’t say much more, other than the heat is turned up even more, drama and tension building more and more with each novel.
Melissa wrote this book while dealing with the loss of her brother, with whom this novel is dedicated to, and I commend her so much. I cannot even imagine what she’s been through, but I feel like she poured her pain onto the pages, and I could feel the incredible emotion behind the words, and thank her for her dedication.
This is hands down my favorite read so far this summer and I cannot praise this novel enough. This series is character-driven and so full of heart and real-life drama. You feel like these could be people in your own community, and it’s hard not to feel protective of them and their plights.
I am now impatiently waiting for book four, and can’t wait to see where the Posse goes next.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
I cannot remember the last time I felt this kind of angst. Kittens & Kisses leaves off on a literal cliffhanger that had my heart pounding. I feel such a connection to these women, which is why I ended the book with a wail, whaling “No!!”
The author recommends that you read this series in sequential order, and after reading this novel I can see why. Not only are there multiple spoilers, but it takes a few books to really feel the reciprocity between yourself and the characters, and once you do the loyalty is fierce.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read the first two books, so it took me a bit to get my bearings, but once I was reacquainted with the Posse, and the goings on in Berry Lake, there was no escaping. I finished the novel in mere hours, physically unable to put the book down.
While every character in the Posse is highlighted in the narrative, the main focus of this novel is Missy, Bria, and their situations. Kittens & Kisses literally picks up where Tiaras & Teacups leaves off, so the fire at the shop is still a hot topic, which intimately affected Bria and Missy. Because I do not believe in spoilers, I can’t say much more, other than the heat is turned up even more, drama and tension building more and more with each novel.
Melissa wrote this book while dealing with the loss of her brother, with whom this novel is dedicated to, and I commend her so much. I cannot even imagine what she’s been through, but I feel like she poured her pain onto the pages, and I could feel the incredible emotion behind the words, and thank her for her dedication.
This is hands down my favorite read so far this summer and I cannot praise this novel enough. This series is character-driven and so full of heart and real-life drama. You feel like these could be people in your own community, and it’s hard not to feel protective of them and their plights.
I am now impatiently waiting for book four, and can’t wait to see where the Posse goes next.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
June 14, 2022
Kisses and Kittens, book three in the Berry Lake Cupcake Posse, is an emotional, tug at your heart strings, sweet women’s fiction story by Melissa McClone. This is the third part of a story about friends who lost touch over the years, reunite and realize they are stronger together than apart. You will want to read the other books, in order, so that you have an idea of what is happening in this one otherwise you will be lost.
It was so good to be back with the Cupcake Posse. The love and compassion they have for each other is amazing. Everyone should have some friends that are this supportive. Life is all about throwing curve balls to the girls. The girls are really pushed to the breaking point. Whatever can go wrong, does. Each of the characters is still facing some big life challenges and there are some possible romances between the various characters. I was so engaged in this story that I didn’t want it to end. Now I’m heartbroken and can’t wait to find out what happens next. I look forward to the fourth book in the hopes that it wraps up all of the mysteries.
Ms. McClone wrote a wonderful, heartwarming, and moving story that is not to be missed. I loved the connections these characters made with each other and how compassionate they feel about the posse. I highly recommend Kisses and Kittens to other reader. Note: this story ends in a cliffhanger(s) and will be continued in book four.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It was so good to be back with the Cupcake Posse. The love and compassion they have for each other is amazing. Everyone should have some friends that are this supportive. Life is all about throwing curve balls to the girls. The girls are really pushed to the breaking point. Whatever can go wrong, does. Each of the characters is still facing some big life challenges and there are some possible romances between the various characters. I was so engaged in this story that I didn’t want it to end. Now I’m heartbroken and can’t wait to find out what happens next. I look forward to the fourth book in the hopes that it wraps up all of the mysteries.
Ms. McClone wrote a wonderful, heartwarming, and moving story that is not to be missed. I loved the connections these characters made with each other and how compassionate they feel about the posse. I highly recommend Kisses and Kittens to other reader. Note: this story ends in a cliffhanger(s) and will be continued in book four.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 21, 2023
The ladies of the cupcake posse are dealing with changes in their lives. Missy has never gotten over the death of her husband and is convinced she will never love again. When she meets a handsome sheriff's deputy she struggles with new feelings. In order to keep her mother from meddling in her life Nell is dating a man who might not be right for her. Selena is splitting her time between her home and spending time with her friends. Bria is uncovering secrets and trying to piece them together and Juliet is foraging a new life for herself after her split with her husband. I love all the characters! Each one has a distinct personality. Great story about friends who are more like a family. Definitely recommend1
Read
June 21, 2022Yes you can read this as a stand alone…but do yourself a favour…read the first two books first..you need to become invested in these people… Bria, Nell, Missy, Juliet and Selina…their families, their men and their lives….they will become your new best friends. The aftermath of the fire is affecting all their lives, but love is stepping up to challenge and the Cupcake Posse is the family that is always there.
I so want a mini series of this series tho be made…If I was asked…I think I would love the play the part of Nell’s Mother.
Go on read it…you know you want to.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I so want a mini series of this series tho be made…If I was asked…I think I would love the play the part of Nell’s Mother.
Go on read it…you know you want to.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2022
This is the third book in this series and I enjoyed catching up with The Posse, the group of five women who had worked one summer together at the Berry Lake Cupcake Shop. I really liked how they have remained friends ever since. I liked catching up with the women and learning what had happened since book 2. This book was fast paced, emotional, surprising and full of cute kittens and some toe curling kisses. The book was also intense and full of surprises. I really hope the next book is published sooner than expected because I need to know how things will turn out. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 13, 2022
Just a heads up this is not a standalone book and comes with a cliffhanger ending. You will want to read the other books so that you have an idea of what is happening in this one otherwise you will be lost. This book gives us even more mystery about the fire and about Bria’s mother. It also opens us up to some more possible romance between various characters. It seems to be a book that builds more curiosity rather than giving answers. I look forward to the fourth book in the hopes that it wraps up all of the mysteries.
June 18, 2022
You will be charmed by the story & characters in this fabulous book!! The friendship, support & loyalty between these women is something to be envied & commended. Their intertwining stories, successes, setbacks & struggles will leave you invested in their lives & rooting for them to get the happiness they all so deserve. I also love any book that advocates animal rescue & adopting from shelters. I highly recommend this book & am looking forward to the next one!! I voluntarily read for an honest review.
June 18, 2022
And the story continues, yes you have to start reading with the first book, but no worries this series will keep you entertained till the end and want to read the next one right away.
This story about friends who all worked together years ago and now they meet again. All have different lives with good and bad things. They laugh and cry together when life gets going.
Don’t wait, come start reading, it won’t disappoint you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story about friends who all worked together years ago and now they meet again. All have different lives with good and bad things. They laugh and cry together when life gets going.
Don’t wait, come start reading, it won’t disappoint you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2022
The story of Bria, Juliet, Missy, Sabina and Nell continues as they try to deal with all the curveballs that life continues to throw at them. They may be dealing with very different challenges and are at different points when it comes to the relationships in their lives but the one thing they have in common is their enduring friendship and how supportive they are of each other.
The suspense continues to rise, the twists keep coming, the friendship between these five women has never been more important and the cliffhanger leaves us wanting to know what will be revealed next.
The suspense continues to rise, the twists keep coming, the friendship between these five women has never been more important and the cliffhanger leaves us wanting to know what will be revealed next.
June 22, 2022
This beautifully written series is at the top of my list for must-read women's fiction with a terrific family and small town dynamic, true friendship, some mystery, a bit of suspense and heartwarming romance that leave me wanting to know more about what is going to happen in Berry Lake with the Cupcake Posse, their family and friends. Ms. McClone never disappoints whatsoever and has given us another winner. I received an advance reader copy for the purpose of leaving my honest review and I liked it so much I purchased a copy because I know I will want to read this series again.
June 23, 2022
Honestly, it’s hard to read a book that ends unresolved when you know that the next book is a year out to be published. I had to go back to book two and skim through it to bring myself up to date. While this book centered mores so on Missy, all of the Cupcake Posse play a huge role in the story. Each one has their lives changed in some way. But they are each held in limbo as multiple cliffhangers leave the reader wondering what’s next. So while I enjoyed it, waiting a year for those answers isn’t ideal in my opinion.
June 13, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book.
It's a story of Nell, Selena, Bria,
& Missy. Also known as the
Cupcake Posse. They're life
long friends that will always
have each other's back.
It's the continued story of
what is going on in Berry Lake
with the Cupcake Posse.
About love, friendship, disappointment, secrets, lies intrigue & betrayal.
Great characters & small
town charm.
The story continues with
Book 4 in Wedding & Wishes.
A Must Read!!
It's a story of Nell, Selena, Bria,
& Missy. Also known as the
Cupcake Posse. They're life
long friends that will always
have each other's back.
It's the continued story of
what is going on in Berry Lake
with the Cupcake Posse.
About love, friendship, disappointment, secrets, lies intrigue & betrayal.
Great characters & small
town charm.
The story continues with
Book 4 in Wedding & Wishes.
A Must Read!!
June 15, 2022
Bria, Missy and the rest of the posse all find themselves dealing with different things in life. All of them stick together and help and support each other. Friendship truly does mean the world to these girls. The end left you wanting to know what happens. So many unresolved things with the girls. Can’t wait to see what happens next. The characters and the storylines are wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
The Cupcake Posse are an incredible group of ladies. The friendship between these ladies is so strong. They are there for each other no matter what. Each book in this series takes us on a journey but after reading each one I am left wanting more. Be for warned that this book leaves you with a cliff hanger which will honestly make you want the next book now!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2022
Good Book!!
I stayed up until after 5am reading this book!! I can't wait to finish Missy's unfortunate predictament!!! Who is the arson???
With Bria... who is telling the truth?? I think I am going to have to buy the fourth (4) book. Is Nell ok on this rock climbing excursion?? OH,what is a person to do?? BUY the fourth (4) book. Selena would be happy with my decision.
Happy Reading!
ENJOY!!
MARY C
I stayed up until after 5am reading this book!! I can't wait to finish Missy's unfortunate predictament!!! Who is the arson???
With Bria... who is telling the truth?? I think I am going to have to buy the fourth (4) book. Is Nell ok on this rock climbing excursion?? OH,what is a person to do?? BUY the fourth (4) book. Selena would be happy with my decision.
Happy Reading!
ENJOY!!
MARY C
June 15, 2022
The Cupcake Posse’s back!
And I couldn’t be more thrilled. This was such a cute story! It’s full of charm, of great characters (well, most of them, anyway) and is well written and pageturnery. Go and read for yourself! Do realize that this is meant to be read as a series, in order. And that it’s not done, there will be more. But it’s totally worth it!
And I couldn’t be more thrilled. This was such a cute story! It’s full of charm, of great characters (well, most of them, anyway) and is well written and pageturnery. Go and read for yourself! Do realize that this is meant to be read as a series, in order. And that it’s not done, there will be more. But it’s totally worth it!
June 17, 2022
A book about 5 friends and their separate lives and their friendship. Love these women, the men in their lives and some of their family members. So much is happening and when I got to the end I actually gasped. Oh my what an ending. Please write book 4 fast!!!!! Romantic, suspenseful, and secrets galore. I experienced a wide range of emotions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2022
This is another great story from this author. It has drama, emotion, humor, and everything in between. The twist and turns will keep you turning pages and the quirky characters will keep your interest. It was a joy to read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2022
This is not a standalone, it’s an enjoyable book with interesting characters, however, I’m not a fan of cliffhanger endings. Especially since the next book is so far away. I would recommend reading them all in order once they’ve all come out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2022
Mystery
The cliff hangers (pun intentional) just keep getting better and better. I love the romance, suspense,and mystery of why things keep happening to the cupcake posse! Can't wait for the next book!
The cliff hangers (pun intentional) just keep getting better and better. I love the romance, suspense,and mystery of why things keep happening to the cupcake posse! Can't wait for the next book!
June 22, 2022
The third installment in the Cupcake Posse series is a great continuation of the story. Don’t read it as a stand alone as it fits with the other two books and end abruptly in the middle of something. Hope she writes the next book soon.......
July 18, 2022
I love this series - And I enjoy how the author keeps all the characters of the Posse in the story and then something big happens at the end of one story and then picks back up with more details at the next one. Love how these women found each other again and support each other through it all.
July 23, 2022
That ending!
I love the cupcake posse! They are such a great group of women. So much drama is going on in this book. Can't wait to see what happens with Missy and Nell. Hope that Selena gets her wish.
I love the cupcake posse! They are such a great group of women. So much drama is going on in this book. Can't wait to see what happens with Missy and Nell. Hope that Selena gets her wish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews