Books & Spoons Review for STOLEN KISSES by Annie Rains

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.

Look for the first Blushing Bay novel by Annie Rains:
FORBIDDEN KISSES

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Stolen Kisses is one of the books I have been waiting all summer to come on the top of the TBR list. 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. Krista and Noah intrigued my mind in the first book of the series, and I was anxious to read their story, to learn more about them and the relationship that has built over their lifetimes. 
I loved the imagery the author created around her home state of North Caroline. From the beaches to the mountains all the scenes open up in my mind's eyes, it was easy to see the events unfold.
I loved Noah, he was easy to like and his attitude towards life was wholesome. As the youngest brother in a family, he is used to being hassled. Some of the doubting thoughts are lingering in his mind about not finding his way, not being responsible enough, not measuring compared to his brothers, just in general people finding him lacking in character. His best friend Krista has always been on his side, and to keep that status quo, it is important for him to hide and bury any thoughts of attraction towards her. 
Krista had loved her best friend Noah nearly all her life. Through thick and thin they always stood side by side, being there to support each other. Krista wants to get married and build a family but is convinced Noah is not ready or mature enough for that kind of commitment and goes on a date with a co-worker. 
I had a little hard time liking Krista, even though I tried so hard to see the positive side of her, and there are many positives: she is a caretaker, she is kind, a good friend, and loves to laugh, etc.. It seems like she does not trust Noah completely, and thus her attitude toward him is a little patronizing at times. She also jumps into conclusions based on her doubts about Noah's character, and instead of communicating and talking about the doubts and concerns she acts upon them. 
I wish they would have learned to communicate better with each other, on a deeper level. It might be that my expectations of them were high because of the close relationship they had for so long. 
The chemistry is amazing, and the connection they have is tangible, the conflict between them isn't a major deal, and the angst isn't high. The physical aspect of their relationship was filled with steaming hot scenes that faded away leaving something for the imagination, as well. I loved all that, as well as the close-knit relationship the group of friends and family have with each other. 
Despite my momentary doubts about Krista and her actions, the author pulls all the strings back together into a very satisfying ending that left me once again highly anticipating the next novel in the series. 
A delightful and luscious romance story of the best friends fumbling in love. A story with a dash of tender feelings and gentle growth of the characters, as they find their places in life, engaged my emotions, and had me smiling and sighing oh so deeply at the end... Excellent entertaining!
~ Four Spoons

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Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling 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 three children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.


​Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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