Member Reviews
I fell in love with the little town of Sequoia Lake in the first book of the series It Started With a Kiss and the author didn't disappoint when taking me back there with this fantastic story. I love this author's writing style. Her descriptive words take us on a wonderful journey as Liv Preston and her young son Paxton put the pieces of their lives back together.
After losing her husband and nearly losing her son, Liv knows how important it is to take everything one day at a time. Getting her son whole and happy again is her first priority. A distraction in the form of a rugged search and rescue officer was never part of the plan.
Ford Jamison is looking for redemption after a rescue operation goes bad. Sure he may have saved a little boy but the fact that he could save the father too eats at him. Now not only living in the same town as the man's widow but getting closer to her and her son everyday has him reeling. Ford is attracted to Liv but he knows the secrets he keeps will tear them apart.
A fantastic book that needs to be on everyone's must read list. I highly recommend it.
Ford Jamison is head of Reno’s K-9 search division. His job is rescue and to keep his head clear, he was advised when he first started to not get attached and walk away once the rescue is done. That is what his father did to him and his mother. However, he is still haunted by a rescue two years ago, when a renowned surgeon, Sam Preston and his son Paxton were driving home on Christmas Day when there was a car accident and a winter storm hit. With his dog Bulleye, Sam found them in a cave, but the team was only able to get Paxton out first. While Ford and Sam waited in the cave, Ford promised Sam that he would tell his wife, Liv how much he loved her. When he misses a certification, he is sent to Sequoia Lake, where the widow and her son have relocated. In the past two years, he has been keeping an eye on them from a distance, but now that they are in the same town, he is drawn to her as much as she is to him. Knowing he is only there for a short time, will Liv allow herself a little fun? Will Ford find that he needs more in his life? Will he tell her that he is the one that rescued her son and was with her husband at the end? Will that end their budding relationship?
I read a free ARC from netgalley.com for an honest review. Like most small town stories, there are interesting residents, especially the older ladies, who add much humor to the town. The characters are developed and real. Except for the idea that anyone would schedule major surgery on Christmas, so is the plot. I did not read the first book in the series, but easily read this one as a stand alone.
Sometimes you read books that while you enjoy them., you probably won’t recall in a few months.
Then you come across a book that touches all your senses and you know you will always remember. That happened with book 1 in this series, and this one was even more heartwarming and touching.
The story is about Liv (Olivia), single Mom , who lost her husband in a car accident in the middle of a snowstorm, Paxton, her son who survived the accident and was rescued by a “superdog” and Ford, head of Reno’s k-9 search division and the man who, unbeknown to Olivia, was the one involved in the accident’s search and rescue.
For 2 years Paxton and Olivia have survived the loss but are not really living life, and for those same years, Ford has been watching over them and is still shaken by the fact that he couldn’t save Sam.
Life puts Ford in Olivia’s path and that’s when the story really gets complicated, but also hopefully.
It’s a story that will make you want to cry, laugh, at times you’ll want to shake the characters, and at others hug them . It’s a story about survival, the support a community can offer, about the love for a son, and about forgiveness, hope and second chances. Life is messy, people are flawed but love is alive and well, if you allow it to touch you.
And as the author says ‘love doesn’t require protection” and with love one finds oneself.
Another winner by this very talent author. Thank you , Ms Adair, for such a wonderful story.
I was gifted this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is book two of the Sequoia Lake series and while it stands alone and you don't have to read the first book, you should so that the cameos by other characters are special and make sense. You can enjoy this one without that knowledge, but why would you want to? There is both cursing (including f-bombs) and a couple of on-screen sex scenes in this one so if those bother you, you should skip this one.
I loved the concept of the story line in this one, the way that Ford and Olivia's lives intersected, and how Paxton (and Bullseye) played into the story. The superhero theme was adorable, and Olivia's reliance on sweets was both funny and (sadly for me) quite relatable. Ford was great, even though he was being less than forthcoming with Olivia, his intentions were good and I understood his reasoning. Olivia was...well, she was hard to get a handle on. Despite our mutual love for sweets, I struggled to connect with her because it felt like she was all over the place, but I still found myself rooting like crazy for her to get her happily ever after.
Oddly enough, the character that I fell in love with while reading this book was Harris. Oh my gosh, I loved him and the way that he so unashamedly loved Emma – it was so sweet. I have my fingers crossed that he will be Grace's hero because I NEED to read more about him!
Although this wasn't my favorite Marina Adair book (to be fair, it is because she has set the bar so. darned. high. with her previous novels) it is still a really great read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to laugh while reading, who likes a bit of 'forbidden romance', or anyone who likes a sexy, smoldering but flawed hero.
I requested and was generously granted an ARC of this book via NetGalley. I was under absolutely no obligation to write this review, I did so because I enjoyed the story.
This is an emotional but feel good read. The characters are charming, witty and lovable.
I received a copy via Netgalley for an honest review.
Widowed and single mom Liv Preston has her hands full working full time and trying to car for her son, Paxton. Paxton suffered through a traumatic experience and he’s having a hard time connecting with people. Her main focus for the past two years has been supporting him. But two years is a long time to be alone. Her friends her insisting she get out there and try and wouldn’t you know it, sexy Ford Jamison is more than willing to help her out with this task. Ford is handsome, rugged, and attentive and he’s good with Paxton but Ford’s past might be the thing to keep Liv form moving forward with him.
In his line of work Ford Jamison never gets to see the outcome of the situation. Whether it’s a rescue mission or a recovery mission, he rescues or recovers then moves on to the next mission. He never makes connections with the people involved in his mission until the one two years ago when he promised a dying man that he would see that the man’s wife and son were okay. Keeping his word Ford has checked on Liv and Paxton from afar, but the last thing he expected was to actually make contact be so enamored by this single mom and her son. But when Liv learns who he really is, will she still want him?
I liked Ford and Liv; neither was what I expected. I liked the chemistry between the two. I thought Liv would be quiet, reserved and skittish but she was far from it. Ford was definitely more forward than I expected. As usual the cast of supporting characters in Marina’ books, especially those grandmothers! This might not be my favorite series of Marina’s but I’m eager for Harris’ story. That guy has had my attention more than anyone else. Quick read to add to your summer beach list.
This book is so good! Both Liv and Ford have heartbreaking backgrounds: She lost her husband in a devastating accident, he has seen too much in his job as a rescue worker (and more but I don't want to give away too much!). There is so much emotion packed into this book. Plus some adorable moments between an introverted 6 year old and a dog that loves to steal. This is the second in the Sequoia Lake series but can be read alone. Highly recommended.
Solid book and my first read by marina Adair. Loved the unique story -- particularly with bullseye! Good chemistry as well. Well done
Welcome back to Sequoia Lake! What a great welcome, indeed. Liv is a strong single mom - with a wonderful son. They have had tragedy in their lives, but are really coming into their own.
Ford, our wonderful hero, doesn't realize he doesn't always have to be a hero. Ford is withholding information that he really should have shared from the start, but what kind of story would that be?
I enjoyed the story line and the characters. A really good book. And a very enjoyable series!
Everything Marina does and writes is a must read. This one did not disappoint.
Awww. What a wonderfully sweet and cute story. The development of Liv and Ford's relationship was a really nice journey filled with many sigh worthy moments. Their chemistry was also smokin' hot. Throw in some adorable kids and a cute dog, and what you have are some very fun moments that will make you smile. An overall very feel good love story that will leave you wanting more because there are some really great secondary characters I would love to see have their own stories. Loved every moment of Every Little Kiss.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book*
I know I'm a broken record when it becomes to Marina Adair's books but really just go buy any of her books and be ready to fall in love. She's simply an amazing author who knows how to make you laugh, cry and fall in love.
I'm always a sucker for books involving kids and my heart broke for Liv's son and I loved watching how Ford forged a relationship with Liv's son. The chemistry between the two was palpable and I loved seeing them come together.
I don't want to give away any of the story but trust me you want to pick this one up!
All the feels! I loved this story. Ford is really the perfect hero. Not that he’s a perfect human but when it comes to heroes he’s just right. Enough flirty aggression to spark the chemistry he has with Liv, but not too much that his soft center doesn’t shine through. Marina Adair does a great job on not just Liv and Ford, but also with Liv’s son Paxton.
Actually, the author does a great job on all of the people in this story. Grief is a funny thing. Everyone handles it differently. To see those differences between Liv, Paxton, and Paxton’s grandmother, as well as Ford, is really something. The way each was dealing with their grief was given such wonderful treatment by the author and really helped the characters come to life.
Even with all of the deep emotions this story carries, it’s also a lot of fun. I love that Liv and Ford are often flirting with each other mere seconds after telling themselves they aren’t going to do that any longer. The way Harris messed with Ford also had me laughing. The older ladies in this town are no joke!
To put it plainly, this story gave me all the feels. I had warm-fuzzies, joy, pain, heartache, laughter, and love in one book. If you’re aleady a fan of this author you will love this book. If you haven’t read her before and like a touching yet fun romance, check this one out. I am loving this series!
4.5 stars
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the first book that i have read by this author and although i really liked it, the big secret from Ford was not really a secret and i got pretty much what i had expected from really near the beginning of the book.
I liked Ford and his personality and connected with him, but it took me a little while to connect with Liv.
The supporting cast are good and you don't have to read the previous book to catch up on anything as everything is there explained to you.
A good read but it was nothing exciting.
The last two years of Liv Preston's life have been a constant struggle just to stay afloat, but she's never given up hope that things would return to normal for her and her young son. Two years ago she lost her partner in life, and her son lost his father, and it's taken a toll on both of them, but Liv has fought hard to keep it from completely swallowing them up. She moved them to her husband hometown Sequoia Lake for a fresh start, also hoping it would help her son feel closer to the father he lost. And so far, it's helped, but she is still keeping herself a little sheltered, focusing less on having fun, and more on working and keeping her son happy. She knows she needs to open up a little more, and consider letting someone in, but that would mean letting go of the memory of the love she once had, and truth be told that's a little scary. But when she meets her sexy new neighbor, she starts to see the appeal of letting love in again... and from where she is standing it is looking like a very good idea, all six foot plus inches of it!
Being head of Reno’s K-9 search division, Ford Jamison is always prepared to save the day of some unfortunate soul who has found themselves in trouble in the wilderness, they call and he is ready in a moments notice to handle the task... no matter the risk. But every once in a while things don't end on a happy note, and he's not able to save the day, and those are ones that really take a toll. Two years ago he made a promise to one of those unfortunate souls, and everyday since he has tried his best to carry out the man's last wishes, but when it winds up getting him in trouble he finds himself being sent to Sequoia Lake as punishment. And it's really the last place he should be... his past is lingering there and he isn't so ready to face it!
This book was nothing short of amazing! Ms. Adair can do no wrong when she puts pen to paper, this story is one of my absolute favorites from her to date!! The moment Liv and Ford wandered onto the page I was completely taken with them and their beautiful story... be prepared for some serious feels with this one, it had me near tears a couple of times! These two came together a little unconventionally, and their road to finding their happy ending was definitely a little bumpy at times, but it made for a VERY entertaining literary adventure. As the story unfolds you will be treated to quite a few laughs from their endless banter, lots of heartwarming moments that will give you the feels and plenty of steamy moments that will leave you blushing! Highly recommend you make time to meet Mr. Ford Jamison... the rugged and sexy alpha is certain to steal your heart!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
I so loved this book! The struggles and hardships they all have to overcome were just heart wrenching. And the passion and tenderness were refreshing and lovely.
Liv had it all. A husband she loved, their outgoing and fun loving son and her nursing. But that all changed on a mountain road a few Christmases ago. Her husband dead and her son so reserved he rarely talks to anyone. So focused on her son and her career, Liv has no time for a relationship. Or the desire to even pursue. How could she do that to the memory of Sam?? But on elook at her sexy new neighbor and she has to try hard to remember that.
Ford heeds to get his head back in the game. As one of the top mountain rescuers, he and his dog Bullseye are in high demand. But missing his test and being sidelined may just be what he needs to clear up and get over a few things. But he never intended to get involved with Liv. Only fate had other designs.
As they embark on a romantic adventure together, Liv learns how to put herself out there and trust again. And her son is opening up to Ford. But its temporary right?? Maybe but do their hearts know that? And when a life changing secret comes out will it destroy everything they have built??
It was beautifully written, so lovely that I went to go check out the first book in the series. I thought it was really sweet and definitely tugged on your heartstrings. I'd read another book by this author again.
I was pleasantly surprised by Marina Adair's "Every Little Kiss!" I have to admit that I haven't read a lot of Romance, and was lot sure what to expect, but I found comfort and interest in the predictability of the love story between Liv and Ford. Yes, it was predictable - meet cute, back and forth between building heat and passion and building a conflict, both come to a head, and then happy ending. But if you're okay with a rom-com that is heavy on the sexual tension and innuendos, but sweet ansnendearing too, you'll like "Every Little Kiss."
Brief Summary: Liv is a widowed mom of a young boy, Paxton, who has moved to her dead husbands hometown to try to help her son connect with his father and also heal their wounds. She works as a nurse in the small resort town of Sequoia Lake. Ford is a search and rescue K-9'officer who happened to rescue Paxton from a cave after he and his father's car slid off the mountain roads. Liv and Ford meet cute when Paxton's stuffed dog is chewed by Ford's dog, Bullseye, and from there the story unfolds. Liv has no idea that Ford was the man who saved her son - when, and how will he tell her? He better figure it outs because they are both falling hard and fast for each other.
What I Liked: I am sucker for a love story and a happy ending, so that's easy. I also like doing the quaint summer setting of Sequoia Lake and some of its residents who serve as supporting characters - Ford's boss Harris, a gruff and grouch single Dad, and Liv's two BFF's, Avery and Grace (Avery is the center of Adair's first book in this series). And Paxton is adorable and heart-tugging in his struggle to overcome the trauma of the accident and the loss of his father. Not to mention... the explosive sexual tension between Liv and Ford and Adair's hot and intense scenes between them.
What I Didn't Like: For me, there were a few too many cheesy innuendos and references to Liv's "cupcakes" - her love for the actual desserts, and her other 2 cupcakes that Ford is fixated on. In my opinion in some cases tense cheesy flirty lines of dialogue took away from the emotional connection between them, but not too much that I couldn't move past it. I was a little skeptical of how easily the resolution came, but again, this book is intended to be a sugary sweet romance and it definitely serves that purpose.
Final Thoughts: I Liked this one enough that I am interested in reading more by Adair; I might try the first in the Seqouia Lake series, or try her popular St. Helena's Vineyard series.
Loved it! Even cuter and more fun than the first book!
I have been a long-time fan of Marina Adair from her St Helena Vineyard series which I loved, so I was glad to see this book available.Sadly,for the most part, I was not thrilled with this book..Ms. Adair wrote about a widow named Liv who had a traumatised child Paxton and her new short-term neighbor Ford. Liv is trying to move on with her life after the tragic loss of her husband Sam, but she is taking such slow steps, she is practically stationary.On the other hand Ford wants to close a chapter of his life and release the guilt he has been feeling for his part in the trajectory of Liv's life.The premise is sound but I found the first three-fourths of the novel to be too busy and centered too much on everyone but the main characters, some parts boring enough to have me skimming the pages.I appreciated the gradual change in Paxton that gave me a warm fuzzy feeling and had me rooting for him.The story picked up pace around the last twenty -five percent and I was just beginning to settle in when it all ended.The grand finale was great but felt a little rushed, but was the reason I gave this book three stars.I will continue to read her books because I know she is an accomplished , humorous author.