Forbidden Kisses (Blushing Bay, #1)

by Annie Rains

[Lynn]

Jack Sawyer advertises for someone to run the office of the family fishing business; Sawyer Seafood Company to free up his time to finally put into practice the business idea he and his late friend dreamed about. When his former step-sister overhears him interviewing for the office manager position and offers herself as a candidate, he's torn between helping her out and not offending his family. Against his better judgement, Jack gives the job to Grace knowing she's perfect for the job but her appointment will not be well received by his brothers and father.

Desperate times makes for desperate measures and Grace is quick to offer herself for a job vacancy she overhears in the Blushing Bay café. It isn't until she sees the interviewer that she realises it is her former step-brother. Still, she needs the job and hopes he will offer her the opportunity even though it won't be easy. Only the position isn't as difficult to handle as re-emerged feelings for her first crush and the one responsible for her first kiss.

Realistic protagonists...warts an' all! I didn't agree with some of the actions and decisions Jack and Grace made, however, that made them, flaws and all more endearing and likeable. These are characters you could be friends with in real life, their issues making them relatable. Ms Rains centred them in wonderful, homely setting which adds to the overall feel and appeal of this novel.

Second chance and forgiveness are the strong themes running through this novel. The protagonists are victims of their parent's bitter divorce which left them estranged for many years. It's heart-warming when the two families begin to forgive and forget what pulled them apart so that they can all find peace in the future.

Forbidden Kisses is a delightful, romantic foundation to what promises to be a wonderful series. I'm looking forward to catching up with the other Sawyer brothers along with Abbey and Krista in future novels. This was my first Annie Rains novel and thoroughly enjoyed the warm, community spirit of the Blushing Bay setting.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley***