Stolen Kisses
Blushing Bay #2
By Annie Rains
Release Date: October 10th 2017
Loveswept
Loveswept
Contemporary Romance
In Stolen Kisses (Blushing Bay #2) by Annie Rains, Krista Nelson wants so badly to have Noah Sawyer see her as more than just his best friend. However, knowing how Noah feels about relationships, she knows it's not going to be simple. But as commitments to friends and helping a young boy bring them even closer together, will Noah realize how right Krista is for him before it's too late or will they each lose the one person that's always been there for them?
If you haven't read a book by Ms. Rains, you're missing out on some very entertaining reading, and this book encompassing the friends to lovers trope, was a wonderful addition to Ms. Rains Blushing Bay series about the Sawyer brothers finding their happy ever afters. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, because of her reaction to what Noah has done for their weekly get together. Will Noah be able to earn Krista's forgiveness? However, it was from the moment where the hero and heroine finally begin to see that there's more between them than friendship where things get very interesting.
As for the dialogue, it was compelling and had me hooked because of what Noah has been through in his past that has left him determined to go through the rest of his life without giving forever after a chance. Has he been using his past as an excuse to keep his distance from Krista for fear of losing her if their relationship goes further than friends? Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how good she is at her job as a paediatric nurse, which is proven by how she deals with her patients and everything her job entails. I also liked the close friendships Krista and Noah share with the secondary characters, which is evident by how they give each other advice and help each other. Certainly, the moment where Noah and Krista go shopping was amusing.
Overall, Ms. Rains has delivered another wonderful and captivating read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was delightful and had me cheering for their happy ever after; and the ending had me absolutely riveted by Noah's determination to win back Krista after things go sour between them, especially since she has important news. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of how happy Noah and Krista are and the special event that has them so happy. I would recommend Stolen Kisses by Annie Rains, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Roxanne St. Claire, Melanie Shawn, Rachel Lacey and Melissa Foster.
Krista Nelson loves being a pediatric nurse. What she doesn’t love is her demanding boss and stressful workload. Fortunately, Krista knows she can count on a waterfront happy hour every Wednesday with her childhood best friend, Noah Sawyer, the one part of her life she never wants to change. But, like it or not, things are changing – because Krista can’t stop wondering what would happen if she grabbed Noah by the collar and kissed him like it was her job.
Bored of the superficial women he’s been dating, Noah’s putting his love life on hold so he can focus on his family’s high-end fishing business. Sure, there are moments when he’s tempted by Krista’s soft lips and killer smile – but her friendship is too important to Noah. How could he let himself jeopardize everything they share? The trouble is, if he doesn’t take the real risk of opening his heart, Noah might just let the perfect catch get away.
“I adore the author's voice, the compelling characters she creates that I want to spend time with, and the heartfelt moments as they fall helplessly in love” ~ Books and Spoons, Amazon Review.
“Stolen Kisses is a sweet romance that will sweep you away. I couldn’t get enough of Krista and Noah’s story. This has to be one of my favorite books that I have read to date!!” ~ Read with Me, Amazon Review.
“I get it. You have that biological clock thing ticking.”
This made Krista laugh even though she was half past frustrated. “Actually, yes. And, news flash, some men out there have the same thing.”
Noah looked at her, and if she wasn’t mistaken, maybe he felt a pang of sadness, or regret, or . . . “Maybe one day,” he said on a nod.
“One day what?”
“You know, maybe one day I’ll get married, too.”
This was the first time Krista had ever heard him talk of such. “No way.”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. It might be nice.”
“I can’t believe my ears right now.”
He looked at her again, his gaze sticking. Was she imagining the heat between them? Was it just her? His gaze dropped to her chest and her head went dizzy with desire and anticipation and . . . “You still wear that silly fishing hook I gave you when we were seven.” He reached out and lifted the charm off her chest, his hand achingly close to her racing heart.
“It’s one of my favorite things,” she said, mouth parched. The space between them was hot as a sauna.
“I caught my first Bass with this hook. That’s why it’s lucky.”
“And why you gave it to me before my surgery. It’s always brought me luck.”
His gaze lifted. “Good luck, I hope.”
“What?” Her head was spinning.
“Good luck and not bad.”
“Oh, right. Yes. I wouldn’t wear it if it brought bad luck.” A small laugh escaped her lips.
Get up, Krista. . . Kiss him, Krista . . . No, she’d kissed him first last time. She wasn’t doing that again. No way, no how . . .
His hand placed the charm back against her chest. He didn’t pull it away, though. Instead, he leaned in closer to her. Without thinking, Krista swallowed and rolled her lips inward to wet them. She was preparing for a kiss that couldn’t possibly happen.
There was no way. They were best friends, that’s all.
Then he reached up, pushed that unruly lock of hair behind her ear, and cupped the back of her neck, offering a gentle tug in his direction. Her body didn’t resist. Their gazes locked, a silent agreement that their lips were going to meet. “Noah,” she said, unsure if any other words would follow. A protest. A confession.
“I’m going to kiss you now, if that’s okay with you.”
She swallowed again, unable to think fast enough. She nodded. “Yes.”
Before she could take a breath, his lips brushed against hers and his hand ran down to her shoulder, holding her in place, grounding her to the moment. She parted her lips for him, allowing him to go deeper . . . because it felt right. This felt right.
And wrong on so many levels.
USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
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