First Kisses: An INSPY Kisses Collection - A Review

Published - February 2014, INSPY Kisses LLC

Authors - Linda Goodnight, Janet Tronstad, Debra Clopton, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang, Lacy Williams

Format - ebook

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A collection of 6 inspirational novellas from popular authors: Linda Goodnight, Janet Tronstad, Debra Clopton, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang, and Lacy Williams.

• The Rambler's Bride - Linda Goodnight - On the Kansas Prairie in the 1870's, widow Esther North is determined to save her farm from her powerful cousin. Jericho North wants revenge on his brother's widow. Yet he soon finds his heart stolen by a baby girl and her mama. Together this unlikely pair join forces to stop Esther's ruthless cousin and find love in the process.
• Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe - Janet Tronstad - A truck driver with a dream of a family meets waitress Penny who is the guardian of six children. In danger of losing their crop, Penny is determined to provide for the six children in her care. She didn't plan on falling in love or for a trucking community to come to her aid.
• Her Mule Hollow Cowboy - Debra Clopton - Maddie Rose is determined to prove herself to her partners and herself. She didn't expect to be rescued by handsome bull rider Cliff Masterson. Cliff came to Mule Hollow to be closer to his twin brother, one of Maddie's partners. He dreams of putting down roots. The spunky cowgirl sparks feelings in him that he thought were buried. Can these two overcome the obstacles to a happily ever after?
• Deadly Hunt - Margaret Daley - Bodyguard Tess Miller is looking forward to her vacation at her uncle's mountain cabin. Her vacation is cut short suddenly when a wounded stranger arrives on her doorstep with a gunshot wound. Shane Burkhart opens his eyes to see a beautiful guardian angel standing over him. Yet inviting Tess into his world puts her life in danger as well. Will the pair survive long enough to figure out how they feel?
• Necessary Proof - Camy Tang - When Alex Villa became a Christian in prison, he was determined to change his life when he was released. Once released, he becomes an informant for the Sonoma PD regarding drugs and gangs. When he discovers he is being set up in such a way that will ruin his reputation with the police and land him back in jail, he seeks the assistance of computer expert Jane Lawtown. Can she find what is needed on the laptop to prove his innocence before they both are silenced forever?
• Kissed by a Cowboy - Lacy Williams - Years ago, Maddox Michaels took Haley Carston to her senior prom. When she returns to Redbud Trails to care for her dying aunt, Haley soon finds her path crossing with her high school crush Maddox Michaels as she becomes acquainted with his enterprising niece Olivia. Trying to keep the walls around her heart up, Haley finds herself falling once again for Maddox. For his part, he also tries to keep the walls up. But the more time that he spends in Haley's company, the more that he hopes that they can have something lasting. Will these two get past their walls and see what their future holds?

I really enjoyed each of these novellas. A mix of historical and contemporary (one was set in the 1950's), I found myself wishing for more story in most of the books. I'd love to see a full length novel that revisits the characters in these books. My overall rating will be determined by averaging each of my ratings for the novellas.

Rambler's Bride - I found this one to be a little hard to get into. I thought that overall the characters were well developed. I really liked Jericho. This one just didn't stand out to me. My rating for this novella is 3 stars.

Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe - This was one I struggled to get through. I loved the way the trucking community came to Penny's aid. Yet I found that the characters could have been fleshed out more. Still it was a sweet story. My rating for this novella is 3 stars.

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy - I've come to expect a giggle when I read a Debra Clopton book. This was no exception. I just wanted more story! My rating for this novella is 4 stars.

Deadly Hunt - I really enjoyed the suspense in this novella. I was kept engrossed through the entire story. I did feel that Shane's character could have been a little more developed. But overall, this was one of my favorites in this collection. My rating for this one is 4.5 stars

Necessary Proof - I've never read anything by Camy Tang before and was excited to finally read something of hers. I'm pretty certain I've got others of hers somewhere on my Kindle. Anyway, this one was completely unexpected in the way that it grabbed me in and kept me engrossed. I loved both Jane and Alex. My rating for this one is 5 stars.

Kissed by a Cowboy - This was by far my favorite of the collection! I loved all of the characters and sighed happily at the end. I really loved the enterprising Olivia and the way that she had a dream and ran with it. Her uncle Maddox was sweet. I wanted more of this story as well. My rating for this novella is 5 stars.

Overall rating - 4 stars

Recommended to fans of romance, Love Inspired books

I received this book from Netgalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.