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Kissing Cousins
One of the most beloved Marcia Lynn McClure Excerpt… “It won’t change your life ...” he said, his voice low and rich like a warm drink laced with molasses. “And it sure won’t be the best kiss you’ll ever have,” he added. Her body erupted into goose bumps as his thumb traveled slowly over her lower lip. “But I’ll try to make it worth your time ...
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2010
48 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
74 books1,364 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 178 reviews
March 13, 2013
If you can get past the bad writing, this book is adorable. Ms. McClure just needs to get a thesaurus or something, way too much word repetition. Poppy 'giggled' about 5 times per page. Swaggart (or whatever guy happened to be talking to Poppy) 'winked' in every other paragraph. There ARE other expressions besides 'oh my heck!'. There ARE other ways to describe a not-very-nice woman besides calling her a 'wench'. And a few too many exclamation points imo.
That being said, this was a sweet indulgent read. And though I do have issues with the writing, can I just say she is quite adept at putting together a kissing scene. Oh my.
I definitely recommend it. A clean and satisfying romance. Just know that once she decides on a word, she sticks with that word for the whole book :)
That being said, this was a sweet indulgent read. And though I do have issues with the writing, can I just say she is quite adept at putting together a kissing scene. Oh my.
I definitely recommend it. A clean and satisfying romance. Just know that once she decides on a word, she sticks with that word for the whole book :)
April 14, 2015
I was discussing this book with a couple friends and I just had to read it again. I hadn't realized I'd only read it once before, crazy! I remember being a little scared off by the title (who wants to read about cousins kissing???), but it makes sense in this story (and don't worry, they aren't related!). I really fell in love with this one. I really enjoyed the setting, I kept picturing that cute restaurant from the movie Return to Me (even though this place wasn't Italian...) with the fun atmosphere and fun people to work with. Not to mention yummy food and a yummy chef!
I also liked that this one had a little more conflict in it than some of McClures other books. Our heroine actually has two hotties to chose from. Mark, the successful business man and Swaggart, the charming head chef. Knowing McClure, I guess who the "winner" would be based on their name, but it was still fun to watch the story unfold. I liked that Poppy had a choice and had to decide who she would be with. Made it a little more believable to me. Sometimes it drives me nuts when they fall for the first guy to come along, you know? I liked the relationship between Swaggart and Poppy, how they had a solid friendship to build on. I also liked Mark, his flaws were pretty minor and probably wouldn't bother someone else. He was sweet and nice.
I loved the setting and side characters, it'd be fun to have a book about Amore , I'd love to reunite with these characters.
There is something addicting about Marcia's books, once you start reading them you want to read them all.
Content
Romance: Clean, yummy kissing
Language: None that I remember
I also liked that this one had a little more conflict in it than some of McClures other books. Our heroine actually has two hotties to chose from. Mark, the successful business man and Swaggart, the charming head chef. Knowing McClure, I guess who the "winner" would be based on their name, but it was still fun to watch the story unfold. I liked that Poppy had a choice and had to decide who she would be with. Made it a little more believable to me. Sometimes it drives me nuts when they fall for the first guy to come along, you know? I liked the relationship between Swaggart and Poppy, how they had a solid friendship to build on. I also liked Mark, his flaws were pretty minor and probably wouldn't bother someone else. He was sweet and nice.
I loved the setting and side characters, it'd be fun to have a book about Amore , I'd love to reunite with these characters.
There is something addicting about Marcia's books, once you start reading them you want to read them all.
Content
Romance: Clean, yummy kissing
Language: None that I remember
May 3, 2023
2.5 rounded up. Light, fluffy, silly, old fashioned romance with a slate full of likable characters and a fun setting. Not much really happens except that two people realize they have loved each other for years. If McClure had cut the number of times she describe the "Stunningly handsome, Charming, Kind, Thoughtful" etc. etc. two leading men to just the usual once or twice you find in most romance books, instead of every other sentence, it would have been a short story.
This has a little too much kissing for me, even if it wasn't overly graphic. And then there is the double standard: at the beginning of the book Poppy is waitress to a table of obnoxious men who spend more time trying to flirt with her than read their menus and calls them a 'nightmare' a few pages later she waits on a table of women who are just as bad toward Swaggert as the men were towards her and somehow these ladies are 'delightful' that just doesn't work for me either.
This has a little too much kissing for me, even if it wasn't overly graphic. And then there is the double standard: at the beginning of the book Poppy is waitress to a table of obnoxious men who spend more time trying to flirt with her than read their menus and calls them a 'nightmare' a few pages later she waits on a table of women who are just as bad toward Swaggert as the men were towards her and somehow these ladies are 'delightful' that just doesn't work for me either.
December 29, 2017
March 2017 - This is still a super cute read! :)
August 2014 - Poppy is completely and totally head over heels in love with Swaggart and has been for a very long time! And sadly she thinks that Swaggart will only view her as just a friend. When she meets Mark and he shows interest in her, she decides that it is time to try and move on from the handsome Swaggart.
Poor Swaggart is in love with Poppy as well but has a hard time believing that someone like Poppy would want to be with him. He loves being the head cook at Good Ol' Days and really can't see himself doing anything else. He thinks that he doesn't have anything to offer her. But he has a hard time letting go of her when Mark steps into the picture. And when his grandfather finds Poppy's "Dreams to Do" List and shows Swaggart her #1 dream he decides that he could at least help her check it off her list. ;)
For me, I did not like Mark at all! The little things he did just bugged me! I can't explain it. Maybe it is because I am totally Team Swaggart or maybe it was because those things were just plain annoying. Either way... I didn't like him. Lol. I know his part was important in the book because it gave Poppy another option but I am Team Swaggart all the way! Haha.
I loved watching Poppy and Swaggart move from friendship to something more. From him checking off #1 on her list, to an evening under the stars, to their first date... I loved it all! And when they both admit that they are and have been in love with each other for forever... perfect! Throw in all the songs and good times from Good Ol' Days and you have me wishing that everything about this book was real! I would LOVE to be able to visit!
If you are looking for a book full of friendship, laughter, good music, love and just good times then this is the book for you! Pick it up! You won't be disappointed!
And of course I just have to share my casting choices... ;)
August 2014 - Poppy is completely and totally head over heels in love with Swaggart and has been for a very long time! And sadly she thinks that Swaggart will only view her as just a friend. When she meets Mark and he shows interest in her, she decides that it is time to try and move on from the handsome Swaggart.
Poor Swaggart is in love with Poppy as well but has a hard time believing that someone like Poppy would want to be with him. He loves being the head cook at Good Ol' Days and really can't see himself doing anything else. He thinks that he doesn't have anything to offer her. But he has a hard time letting go of her when Mark steps into the picture. And when his grandfather finds Poppy's "Dreams to Do" List and shows Swaggart her #1 dream he decides that he could at least help her check it off her list. ;)
For me, I did not like Mark at all! The little things he did just bugged me! I can't explain it. Maybe it is because I am totally Team Swaggart or maybe it was because those things were just plain annoying. Either way... I didn't like him. Lol. I know his part was important in the book because it gave Poppy another option but I am Team Swaggart all the way! Haha.
I loved watching Poppy and Swaggart move from friendship to something more. From him checking off #1 on her list, to an evening under the stars, to their first date... I loved it all! And when they both admit that they are and have been in love with each other for forever... perfect! Throw in all the songs and good times from Good Ol' Days and you have me wishing that everything about this book was real! I would LOVE to be able to visit!
If you are looking for a book full of friendship, laughter, good music, love and just good times then this is the book for you! Pick it up! You won't be disappointed!
And of course I just have to share my casting choices... ;)
October 16, 2023
10-16-2023
Again it's the beautiful time of fall (October) is here and my Marcia McClure marathon. This is one of my top five favorite books with the play on the title. I fall in love with this book every time I read it and it's such a joy in my heart.
This is the latest review because of course I read Marcia's books every year usually around September but this year I started early. Hehehe.
8/8/22
It's that time of year again, actually, it's a little early and I decided to read Marcia's delicious books again. This is one of my favorites. You'll hear me say that a lot when I review Marcia McClure's books. Back to Kissing Cousins truly it's not about literally kissing cousins you'll understand when you devour its contents. I usually leave this one for last but nope this time it was first. It's like coming home to your best friend. Seriously. It never lets down, ever, and I know what's going to happen.
Seriously LOVE this book! I don't understand why I wait so long before each reading. SWOONING!
I prefer western-type books, yet I also love modern ones. This book made me nervous because of the title. However, I trust Marcia and her writing based on this and the fact that with her books you have to read them to figure out how the Title folds in. The titles are like a character part of her books. I fell in love with this book. I just found her this year and have read every one except the most recent, which I have, and so I haven't had much time to read them more than once except this one and one other. I loved this one so much that I sent it to my sister with a couple of others.
So don't let the title scare you, read to find out where its character comes into play.
I saved my favorite for the last in my Marcia readathon. It never disappoints. I love the play on the title. I love the hotness. I love the good ol' day's restaurant and the feeling that steams off the pages. LOVE IT! LOVE all of it! I love the music list! LOVE it, love it, love it!
Again it's the beautiful time of fall (October) is here and my Marcia McClure marathon. This is one of my top five favorite books with the play on the title. I fall in love with this book every time I read it and it's such a joy in my heart.
This is the latest review because of course I read Marcia's books every year usually around September but this year I started early. Hehehe.
8/8/22
It's that time of year again, actually, it's a little early and I decided to read Marcia's delicious books again. This is one of my favorites. You'll hear me say that a lot when I review Marcia McClure's books. Back to Kissing Cousins truly it's not about literally kissing cousins you'll understand when you devour its contents. I usually leave this one for last but nope this time it was first. It's like coming home to your best friend. Seriously. It never lets down, ever, and I know what's going to happen.
Seriously LOVE this book! I don't understand why I wait so long before each reading. SWOONING!
I prefer western-type books, yet I also love modern ones. This book made me nervous because of the title. However, I trust Marcia and her writing based on this and the fact that with her books you have to read them to figure out how the Title folds in. The titles are like a character part of her books. I fell in love with this book. I just found her this year and have read every one except the most recent, which I have, and so I haven't had much time to read them more than once except this one and one other. I loved this one so much that I sent it to my sister with a couple of others.
So don't let the title scare you, read to find out where its character comes into play.
I saved my favorite for the last in my Marcia readathon. It never disappoints. I love the play on the title. I love the hotness. I love the good ol' day's restaurant and the feeling that steams off the pages. LOVE IT! LOVE all of it! I love the music list! LOVE it, love it, love it!
May 20, 2010
I'm going through a Marcia Lynn McClure phase right now. I love her books! This is the 7th book of hers I've read and I doubt my obsession with her books will ease until I've read everything she's written.
Loved Kissing Cousins. Can't help but smile when reading her sweet, clean love stories.
Loved Kissing Cousins. Can't help but smile when reading her sweet, clean love stories.
October 6, 2014
Review for 10/14
I've read this one before, but in honor of the Swoon Fest going on, I decided to re-read it--it's been a few years. As I started reading, I remembered why I hated this book: There are two great guys in it that Poppy has to choose between, but of course, one is better and the other is best. I don't really hate it--I actually loved every minute of it. This line pretty much sums it up, "Again, Poppy was struck by the feeling she was standing with apple pie in one hand and peach pie in the other." What a tough choice!
Poppy is a sweet girl who has forever been secretly crushing on her best friend's cousin, Swaggart. In fact, making out with kissing him is on the top of her years old Dreams to Do list. When Mark comes in to the restaurant and rescues her from a very nasty customer, how could she help but wonder if he's the man to help her get over Swaggart?
Swaggart is a manly man. He is content to follow his dreams and not do things to please the world. He's a cook/manager at his grandpa's restaurant, Good Ol' Days, and is very happy to be working there. He truly enjoys what he does, even though he could be some big corporate man.
I loved watching the story unfold, especially seeing Poppy realizing her heart's true desire. I loved the setting--the restaurant is a throw back to easier times and has a very feel-good atmosphere. Poppy and Whitney have such a great friendship and are a great support to each other. My favorite, of course, is the good, ol', clean romance. It's all about the kissing!
Content:
language: none that I recall
violence: none
romance: romantic kissing, clean for an older reader.
Clean!
Review: 3/11
I loved it!!! But why am I not surprised? I love every MLM book I've ever read. :)
Poppy is a waitress at a popular restaurant and Swaggart is the grandson of the owner--as well as a manager and cook (one of the best in the city). One night, Mr. Gorgeous (aka Mark) comes in for a business dinner with a real witch. One thing leads to another and Mark and Poppy start dating. But she can't get Swaggart out of her mind. He's at the top of her dream to-do list.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!!!
Here's the thing--I loved that Poppy had two guys to choose from. I loved that Mark was sooo gracious (maybe there should be a future story about him? He's such a nice guy and soooo good-looking!). I loved that the restaurant and atmosphere were so...cozy and comfortable. I loved that Swaggart was such a big brother at first, but kept his true feelings hidden. Such a sweet, romantic story.
I've read this one before, but in honor of the Swoon Fest going on, I decided to re-read it--it's been a few years. As I started reading, I remembered why I hated this book: There are two great guys in it that Poppy has to choose between, but of course, one is better and the other is best. I don't really hate it--I actually loved every minute of it. This line pretty much sums it up, "Again, Poppy was struck by the feeling she was standing with apple pie in one hand and peach pie in the other." What a tough choice!
Poppy is a sweet girl who has forever been secretly crushing on her best friend's cousin, Swaggart. In fact, making out with kissing him is on the top of her years old Dreams to Do list. When Mark comes in to the restaurant and rescues her from a very nasty customer, how could she help but wonder if he's the man to help her get over Swaggart?
Swaggart is a manly man. He is content to follow his dreams and not do things to please the world. He's a cook/manager at his grandpa's restaurant, Good Ol' Days, and is very happy to be working there. He truly enjoys what he does, even though he could be some big corporate man.
I loved watching the story unfold, especially seeing Poppy realizing her heart's true desire. I loved the setting--the restaurant is a throw back to easier times and has a very feel-good atmosphere. Poppy and Whitney have such a great friendship and are a great support to each other. My favorite, of course, is the good, ol', clean romance. It's all about the kissing!
Content:
language: none that I recall
violence: none
romance: romantic kissing, clean for an older reader.
Clean!
Review: 3/11
I loved it!!! But why am I not surprised? I love every MLM book I've ever read. :)
Poppy is a waitress at a popular restaurant and Swaggart is the grandson of the owner--as well as a manager and cook (one of the best in the city). One night, Mr. Gorgeous (aka Mark) comes in for a business dinner with a real witch. One thing leads to another and Mark and Poppy start dating. But she can't get Swaggart out of her mind. He's at the top of her dream to-do list.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!!!
Here's the thing--I loved that Poppy had two guys to choose from. I loved that Mark was sooo gracious (maybe there should be a future story about him? He's such a nice guy and soooo good-looking!). I loved that the restaurant and atmosphere were so...cozy and comfortable. I loved that Swaggart was such a big brother at first, but kept his true feelings hidden. Such a sweet, romantic story.
February 16, 2011
I think I would faint from happiness if my husband kissed me like Swaggart kissed Poppy all the time! Love it!
So my mom lent me this book on my kindle app because I've never read a straight romance novel before, I've been more into paranormal stuff and fantasy, etc. I was a little hesitant to read it at first. (Being a newlywed I still tend to think that sex in books is taboo. Why? I don't know, it's been a real mystery for me.) After being assured by my mom that it was totally clean and worth reading I decided to give it a shot. Boy am I glad that I gave it a shot!
At first I was taking a long time to really sit down and read the story, only reading bits and pieces here and there. Finally out of the blue I just started really spending a lot of time reading it and I got hooked. I'll admit it. I like romance novels! This was a book that switched views A LOT between A LOT of different characters and that annoyed me but I put up with it because I just wanted Swaggart to kiss Poppy some more. I practically flew through the rest of the book just to read those scenes. I even re-read some of them! (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!) The thing that I didn't like was the extra man- Mark. Don't get me wrong, it's probably every woman's dream to have two incredibly handsome men fawning over her, but Poppy was obviously way in love with Swaggart and Mark was just in the way. And his kisses sucked. Seriously. If Swaggart's kisses were candy then Mark's would be the dirt under the toenail of a monkey. The other thing that I didn't like *SPOILER ALERT* was that Swaggart asked Poppy to marry him after one date and like 3 days after they declared their love to each other. Incredibly romantic, very unrealistic, and the perfect ending to a pretty dang near perfect love story. I give it 5 out of 5 stars because I like the kissing LOL!
So my mom lent me this book on my kindle app because I've never read a straight romance novel before, I've been more into paranormal stuff and fantasy, etc. I was a little hesitant to read it at first. (Being a newlywed I still tend to think that sex in books is taboo. Why? I don't know, it's been a real mystery for me.) After being assured by my mom that it was totally clean and worth reading I decided to give it a shot. Boy am I glad that I gave it a shot!
At first I was taking a long time to really sit down and read the story, only reading bits and pieces here and there. Finally out of the blue I just started really spending a lot of time reading it and I got hooked. I'll admit it. I like romance novels! This was a book that switched views A LOT between A LOT of different characters and that annoyed me but I put up with it because I just wanted Swaggart to kiss Poppy some more. I practically flew through the rest of the book just to read those scenes. I even re-read some of them! (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!) The thing that I didn't like was the extra man- Mark. Don't get me wrong, it's probably every woman's dream to have two incredibly handsome men fawning over her, but Poppy was obviously way in love with Swaggart and Mark was just in the way. And his kisses sucked. Seriously. If Swaggart's kisses were candy then Mark's would be the dirt under the toenail of a monkey. The other thing that I didn't like *SPOILER ALERT* was that Swaggart asked Poppy to marry him after one date and like 3 days after they declared their love to each other. Incredibly romantic, very unrealistic, and the perfect ending to a pretty dang near perfect love story. I give it 5 out of 5 stars because I like the kissing LOL!
June 8, 2011
Verb+Plural Noun=Title! Kissing Cousins, not cousins kissing-YUCK! Just had to clear that up (as Marcia had to in the book).
I saw this book's title after I read The Pirate Ruse and thought "yeah I don't think I'm going to read that one", but when I took back The Pirate Ruse to the friend I borrowed it from, she handed me this one and said "It's one of my faves." and because I trust her judgement (it's much like mine) I took the book...that was yesterday. HA HA HA!
This book and story were adorable, I think I was smiling the majority of the time I was reading it! I was imagining the Good 'Ol Days restaurant as (if you live in Utah) a place like Geppettos, or if you've seen the movie Return To Me-the Irish-Italian restaurant from that! And the music-which my little Italian heart swoons over-was perfect!
I love how Marcia can get your heart racing before her characters even touch each other! She has a great gift of writing the "sexual tension" and especially the more "intimate moments" without them being trashy.
I think I'll have to get myself a copy of this one, just to have on hand when I need a fun, sweet, feel good book to read! Maybe I'll get it signed in Logan when I go up to Marcia's book signing in a week and a half! Yes, I'm gloating! Hee Hee!
I saw this book's title after I read The Pirate Ruse and thought "yeah I don't think I'm going to read that one", but when I took back The Pirate Ruse to the friend I borrowed it from, she handed me this one and said "It's one of my faves." and because I trust her judgement (it's much like mine) I took the book...that was yesterday. HA HA HA!
This book and story were adorable, I think I was smiling the majority of the time I was reading it! I was imagining the Good 'Ol Days restaurant as (if you live in Utah) a place like Geppettos, or if you've seen the movie Return To Me-the Irish-Italian restaurant from that! And the music-which my little Italian heart swoons over-was perfect!
I love how Marcia can get your heart racing before her characters even touch each other! She has a great gift of writing the "sexual tension" and especially the more "intimate moments" without them being trashy.
I think I'll have to get myself a copy of this one, just to have on hand when I need a fun, sweet, feel good book to read! Maybe I'll get it signed in Logan when I go up to Marcia's book signing in a week and a half! Yes, I'm gloating! Hee Hee!
December 10, 2012
Do you know those books that make you giddy when you finish reading them? Where you want to reread scenes, but can't go back because the next scene is also unbelievably good. Kissing Cousins was one of those books for me.
Poppy Amore and Swaggart Moretti both work at his Grandfather's restaurant, Good Ol' Days. It's the kind of place where your co-workers are your closest friends, the food is delicious, and Dean Martin is playing in the background. Poppy and her best friend, Whitney made up these sort of bucket lists when they were fourteen. Poppy has completed all of hers, except for making out with, strike that, kissing Swaggert. When he finds her list, sparks finally begin to fly.
I don't have words great enough to describe this story. It was one of those stories where you wish you could enter that world, eat at the restaurant, and actually know these cool characters. I swooned, I laughed, and when I finished I had to turn on my old music and dance around the living room with a silly grin on my face. I can't wait to read more of Marcia Lynn McClure's books! And now, I have to cut this review short, so I can go read Kissing Cousins again!
Toe tingling kisses in a clean happy romance (sigh)!
Poppy Amore and Swaggart Moretti both work at his Grandfather's restaurant, Good Ol' Days. It's the kind of place where your co-workers are your closest friends, the food is delicious, and Dean Martin is playing in the background. Poppy and her best friend, Whitney made up these sort of bucket lists when they were fourteen. Poppy has completed all of hers, except for making out with, strike that, kissing Swaggert. When he finds her list, sparks finally begin to fly.
I don't have words great enough to describe this story. It was one of those stories where you wish you could enter that world, eat at the restaurant, and actually know these cool characters. I swooned, I laughed, and when I finished I had to turn on my old music and dance around the living room with a silly grin on my face. I can't wait to read more of Marcia Lynn McClure's books! And now, I have to cut this review short, so I can go read Kissing Cousins again!
Toe tingling kisses in a clean happy romance (sigh)!
December 30, 2011
Do not let the title fool you!! I swear my kindle is going to be the end of me getting anything done! This was such a great book. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the characters. I loved the setting and holy hec the main guy was H-O-T! I agree with my friend Kath when she said that their first kiss was written so well. It was sweet and just "hot" enough. If you ware looking for a sweet romance with a fun story, then I would pick up this one! (thank you over and over again, Kath)
December 21, 2010
I am in LOVE with Swaggart Morretti! Can I have a Chef's special please?? He would be my number 1 in my book of dreams too!! I even read this out loud to my husband because it is a favorite, and he said "How an I supposed to live up to THAT?" haha! I seriously felt like I was in this story! I LOVE the name Swaggart too! Gimme some jerky and root beer any day!
June 23, 2011
Don't get me wrong--I LOVE Marcia's books--but I think I prefer her historical romances over her contemporary ones. I know Kissing Cousins is a fan favorite, and while I liked it, I wasn't as swept away as I am with some of Marcia's historical guilty pleasures. Maybe the dialogue and writing just work better in non-modern settings for me? But I'm still a Marcia fan forever!
April 30, 2014
Awww MLM has done it again! Thanks Kathy oj and Kathy for suggesting this one! So glad I read it!!! You guys are the best! I do wish the book had a different title though! Swaggart....awww swoon! That guy was amazing!
November 24, 2013
7/23/13 - Still one of my fav's. Needed a cute fluffy romance.
7/22812-
It's Grrrrrreat! I think one of my top fav's of her's so far...
Moral Note: passionate kissing
7/22812-
It's Grrrrrreat! I think one of my top fav's of her's so far...
Moral Note: passionate kissing
June 9, 2022
This is one of my favorites of Macia's books. It could have something to do with the fact that my roomate/best friend has a cousin that I married - a man I've loved forever!
March 21, 2011
The title can give you a moment of pause, but remember who the author is and know that she is known for her clean romance. A book that has a look at secret crushes that go on being secret even when they are mutual. The hold up is that the people feel that they are unworthy of the other due to income status or the lack of beauty. The lesson is to go for your dreams. The family owned restaurant traditions make the story lovable and endearing.
Swaggart Moretti is the cities most sought after chef, who love working at his grandfather's restaurant, "Good Ol' Days. He went to chef school and then got his business degree to help out his grandfather, but instead of going after money, he set his sights on doing a job he both enjoyed and brought joy to others. Poppy Amore was welcomed into the Dexter family business as a waitress through her friend, Whitney. Whitney is also the granddaughter of restaurant owner Mr. Dexter and Swaggart's cousin hence the name of the book. Swaggart is older and eye candy and has been dated the wrong girl. When Poppy starts dating Mark Lawson, he thinks that he has missed his opportunity with Poppy, but when a secret journal of Whitney and poppy's that contains their 20 Dream's to Do list reveals that kissing him is Poppy's #1 and only remaining item to be crossed off; he gains some hope that his wish is also possible. Poppy realizes after finally kissing and being kissed by Swaggart that she will always love him and no attempt at dating others or kissing others will turn her heart differently. Swaggart's proposal to Poppy is tender as he places a ring on her finger, not the fake one from the waitress podium to keep flirtation men from bothering her, but one that will permanently keep her his. I love the tradition that continues with Swaggart inheriting the restaurant and the family breakfast. Whitney also had a 20 Dream's to Do list and hers included kissing Poppy's cousin, Greg. On the night of Swaggart's proposal Greg comes to do his part and kisses then later marries Whitney.
Swaggart Moretti is the cities most sought after chef, who love working at his grandfather's restaurant, "Good Ol' Days. He went to chef school and then got his business degree to help out his grandfather, but instead of going after money, he set his sights on doing a job he both enjoyed and brought joy to others. Poppy Amore was welcomed into the Dexter family business as a waitress through her friend, Whitney. Whitney is also the granddaughter of restaurant owner Mr. Dexter and Swaggart's cousin hence the name of the book. Swaggart is older and eye candy and has been dated the wrong girl. When Poppy starts dating Mark Lawson, he thinks that he has missed his opportunity with Poppy, but when a secret journal of Whitney and poppy's that contains their 20 Dream's to Do list reveals that kissing him is Poppy's #1 and only remaining item to be crossed off; he gains some hope that his wish is also possible. Poppy realizes after finally kissing and being kissed by Swaggart that she will always love him and no attempt at dating others or kissing others will turn her heart differently. Swaggart's proposal to Poppy is tender as he places a ring on her finger, not the fake one from the waitress podium to keep flirtation men from bothering her, but one that will permanently keep her his. I love the tradition that continues with Swaggart inheriting the restaurant and the family breakfast. Whitney also had a 20 Dream's to Do list and hers included kissing Poppy's cousin, Greg. On the night of Swaggart's proposal Greg comes to do his part and kisses then later marries Whitney.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2011
Wooooooo Hooooooooo!!! What an awesome book. I am actually giddy right now, having just finished it. I love reading books that make me happy. I feel like my life has improved for having read it. I am actually torn between graditude that I can read Marcia's books within a day, and sadness that they aren't longer, because I just can't get enough. But, I have closure issues. If I am reading a book I have never read before and it is really good and I am on the edge of my seat(even if it is a predictable romance, happy ending)I won't be able to sleep. And well folks...let me just tell you, I do not want to go without sleep!
Poppy was great! She was loveable and fun. Swaggart was supper cool, georgeous, and humble. Even the antagonist man was cool. I loved that! A story of dreams coming true, long time crushes and flirts. We all have those boys in our lives we were friends with, loved to flirt with and secretly had a huge crush on. It makes me so happy this book made those crushes for all of us happy endings.
I am so glad I bought this book(I rarely buy a book without having read it first). My new motto is "In Marcia we Trust!" I just want to read all her books and do a little tap dance. Uhhh...ahhhh..sigh. I
Poppy was great! She was loveable and fun. Swaggart was supper cool, georgeous, and humble. Even the antagonist man was cool. I loved that! A story of dreams coming true, long time crushes and flirts. We all have those boys in our lives we were friends with, loved to flirt with and secretly had a huge crush on. It makes me so happy this book made those crushes for all of us happy endings.
I am so glad I bought this book(I rarely buy a book without having read it first). My new motto is "In Marcia we Trust!" I just want to read all her books and do a little tap dance. Uhhh...ahhhh..sigh. I
October 3, 2012
I almost gave this a 3 but I'll go with 4. When I like an author I tend to read every book he/she writes. To me, a good author, especially in a fiction genre, has enough creativity to come up with completely different stories. McClure has a great imagination and I like that each of her books (I've read maybe 6 of them) is totally different...with the exception of 2 words: excessive moisture. Every time a little romance is mentioned, somebody's mouth gets excessively moist. No joke. Every. Time. It's amazing the characters aren't drooling all ever each other. It has become comical to me to the point that I literally bust out laughing inappropriately -- I should be swooning, right? I'm laughing even now just thinking of all that excessive moisture.
Aside from being too wet (ha!), and the many typos that an editor should have corrected (maybe get a new editor? I know of one I can suggest who is awesome!!) I do like her stories. I also like her take on the stories at the end, allowing us readers to know the author better. Ooh, does her mouth water every time she kisses her husband? Ha! She does draw from real experiences....
I believe McClure has a great sense of humor and is, in general, a happy kind of person. I like that. But not all that saliva.
Aside from being too wet (ha!), and the many typos that an editor should have corrected (maybe get a new editor? I know of one I can suggest who is awesome!!) I do like her stories. I also like her take on the stories at the end, allowing us readers to know the author better. Ooh, does her mouth water every time she kisses her husband? Ha! She does draw from real experiences....
I believe McClure has a great sense of humor and is, in general, a happy kind of person. I like that. But not all that saliva.
June 5, 2016
Rating: 4 stars.
This was my first contemporary Marcia Lynn McClure book. Having read a few of her historical romances (which I loved), I could not wait to try out one of her modern tales. I was not disappointed. I devoured the book in a day. It was a simple, light-hearted, sweet romance. I found myself smiling and sighing throughout the book.
This story was set in an Italian restaurant. I was so absorbed in the book that I actually found my "mouth watering" (not for Swaggart's or Mark's kisses, even though their kisses, especially Swaggart's, were wonderful to read about), but for some of the delicious food on offer at the restaurant. Swaggart was my favourite of the two leading men. He was so irresistibly handsome, humble, swoon-worthy and a great chef too! I also loved Swaggart's version of Ricky Martin's ("Risqué Martin's") dance...so cute!! Poppy was a lucky young lady to have two attentive, handsome, capable young men vying for her affections.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fun story to read when needing to escape from one's daily routine. I look forward to reading more of Ms McClure's books. I am hooked on them!
This was my first contemporary Marcia Lynn McClure book. Having read a few of her historical romances (which I loved), I could not wait to try out one of her modern tales. I was not disappointed. I devoured the book in a day. It was a simple, light-hearted, sweet romance. I found myself smiling and sighing throughout the book.
This story was set in an Italian restaurant. I was so absorbed in the book that I actually found my "mouth watering" (not for Swaggart's or Mark's kisses, even though their kisses, especially Swaggart's, were wonderful to read about), but for some of the delicious food on offer at the restaurant. Swaggart was my favourite of the two leading men. He was so irresistibly handsome, humble, swoon-worthy and a great chef too! I also loved Swaggart's version of Ricky Martin's ("Risqué Martin's") dance...so cute!! Poppy was a lucky young lady to have two attentive, handsome, capable young men vying for her affections.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fun story to read when needing to escape from one's daily routine. I look forward to reading more of Ms McClure's books. I am hooked on them!
June 17, 2013
Reviewed on Clean Adult Fiction
Another beautifully swoon-worthy book by Marcia Lynn McClure. She is the queen of clean romantic chemistry. Love it!
Poppy was cute and sweet with a long-time crush on Swaggart, the head cook, where she waitressed. I loved the whole scene of the Good Ol' Days restaurant, fun and homey. Just the name Swaggart made me picture a ruggedly handsome guy which turned out to be the perfect description of Swaggart Moretti.
Don't worry Kissing Cousins isn't about actual cousins kissing. :) Poppy's best friend Whitney was Swaggart's cousin, and Poppy had a cousin Whitney was interested in so they had made goals to kiss each other's cousins when they were in high school.
Kissing Cousins was such a fun and cute romantic read. I loved it!!! If you love contemporary clean romance you'll LOVE this book.
Content Ratings:
sexual: mild
language: none
violence: none
Another beautifully swoon-worthy book by Marcia Lynn McClure. She is the queen of clean romantic chemistry. Love it!
Poppy was cute and sweet with a long-time crush on Swaggart, the head cook, where she waitressed. I loved the whole scene of the Good Ol' Days restaurant, fun and homey. Just the name Swaggart made me picture a ruggedly handsome guy which turned out to be the perfect description of Swaggart Moretti.
Don't worry Kissing Cousins isn't about actual cousins kissing. :) Poppy's best friend Whitney was Swaggart's cousin, and Poppy had a cousin Whitney was interested in so they had made goals to kiss each other's cousins when they were in high school.
Kissing Cousins was such a fun and cute romantic read. I loved it!!! If you love contemporary clean romance you'll LOVE this book.
Content Ratings:
sexual: mild
language: none
violence: none
May 7, 2011
This is a very cute, swoon-worthy story with great atmosphere! I originally gave this 4 stars because I like there to be more tension in romance stories than what there was in this. I was disappointed that swaggart's jealousy was squelched so quickly. I would have loved for him to be brooding and angry and shooting Mark and Poppy dagger looks for longer/more than what there was. But I loved the restaurant atmosphere and the story was cute and sweet and had very good kissing sceens. Swaggart is dreamy!, And I would read this again, so I'll change to 5 stars. This is tied with "Kiss in the Dark" and "Love Me" as my favorite MODERN stories of Marcia's (but I prefer her historicals).
March 4, 2012
Loved the story, but some of the descriptions got old as they were repeated often. Like how Swaggert's eyes were always referred to as dripping syrup or something. And there was a lot of goosebumps going on. Goosebumps are not sexy- goosebumps remind me of chicken skin. Can we try a description more like tingles or something? Something that doesn't remind us of cold, pale poultry. Thank you.
Complaining over. This story was so sweet and I loved it, but I still love the Highwayman of Tanglewood best.
Complaining over. This story was so sweet and I loved it, but I still love the Highwayman of Tanglewood best.
March 28, 2016
This is my absolute favorite book of hers! I am constantly reading it! I just keep hoping that she'll put this one into print and add an epilogue. Something where Poppy is teasing Whitney about Greg's kiss having her bell ringing. I don't know, she'll think of something if she decides to do it, or if she thinks of something she'll decide to do it? I don't know, but when it happens, it'll be awesomely amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2011
I first read this as an E-book and it was my instant favorite. I dreamed of the day I could own it in print. To hold it, look at it, drool over it... Finally the day is here. I read it the instant I got it out of the mailbox. And you know what? It's even better holding it in my hands. :) Love the "all about the kiss" romance books that Marcia writes. This book is just fun, light, happy reading that makes you feel good. I love Swaggart!! sigh...
October 29, 2019
Love love love
I love this book. It is one of my favorites of Marcia's. I love the atmosphere at the restaurant and the friendships made there. I love the date rut date. Star gazing on the hood of the truck. The kissing in this book is so awesome! I love the dream list. There is so much that I love about this book and I always sigh and just smile when it comes to the end.
I love this book. It is one of my favorites of Marcia's. I love the atmosphere at the restaurant and the friendships made there. I love the date rut date. Star gazing on the hood of the truck. The kissing in this book is so awesome! I love the dream list. There is so much that I love about this book and I always sigh and just smile when it comes to the end.
September 4, 2024
This is my most favoritest story that she has written. I easily read it once a month. I love the characters - Swaggart being my favorite. It has a wonderful romance with plenty of scenes with the main characters. All I can say is that I love it!!!
December 9, 2010
This was a delious drink from Marcia. I LOVED this ebook. I don't know how the girl does it- she writes amazing kissing scenes and this one has some of the best. I really want to go find the cafe and order a chef special.
February 5, 2009
super cute
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