Savannah James is no stranger to heartache and loss. It wasn’t enough to lose two sets of parents, now she’s losing the only person she has left. Escorting Cash Coleman back to Magnolia Sound so he can say goodbye to his family is a no brainer if it means she gets to spend whatever time he has left with him. Once he’s gone, it’s back to her lonely life in Seattle. At least, that’s what she thought would happen before she met Cash’s family—and his youngest son.
When it comes to his father, Jackson Coleman isn’t short on anger. So when the old man comes back to Magnolia Sound to say goodbye, he’s determined not to care. But with Cash comes Savannah, and Jackson starts to question everything he’s ever thought about his father—like why was he able to be a parent to a friend’s daughter when he couldn’t even be there for his own sons? As much as Savannah represents everything he resents about Cash, he also can’t deny the intense attraction he feels for her.
After a lifetime of being left behind, Savannah finally found the one person she wants to stay. But in order to have a chance at a happily ever after with Jackson, she’ll have to fight every instinct she has to not get attached.
Samantha Chase’s Kiss the Girl is an unforgettable, emotional journey with all the feels. It’s filled with appealing characters, down to earth family drama and heartfelt romance. The relationship triangle between Cash Coleman, Savannah James and Jackson Coleman drew me into the story.
Cash Coleman’s return to Magnolia Sound drives the storyline and sets off a series of events that impacts the entire Coleman clan. Samantha Chase’s voice is perfect for this type of novel as she writes from the heart. Loved the conversations between Cash’s sons and family members. The dialogue is honest, direct and no one holds back as they ask themselves why has Cash reappeared? Why now?
Jackson and Savannah meet at Donovan’s Pub—neither is aware of each other’s relationship with Cash. Loved that Jackson was at a total loss for words when he first approached Savannah at Donovan’s. The attraction between the couple unnerved Jackson so much that he forgot to get her phone number.
The characters is Kiss the Girl are complex, compelling, and they face real life challenges. Savannah has overcome illness, loss and betrayal; her story tugged at my heart. Her journey made her a strong person but, she can’t get over the fear of being left behind. Jackson grew up without his father and although he has a large, supportive family he suffers from trust and abandonments issues. I felt for Jackson and his brothers Austin and Garret. Even though they were part of the large Coleman clan, they were not afforded the same opportunities as their cousins.
I was moved to tears throughout the novel as Savannah’s relationship with Jackson strengthens as Cash’s condition worsens. Samantha Chase did not redeem Cash instead, she chose to provide insight into a troubled man’s life and his choices. Cash didn’t ask for forgiveness. He wanted understanding and a chance to reconnect with his family. The conversations that Cash had with Savannah, his sons and Grace were poignant and gave me goosebumps. Cash and his family were given a rare gift. They were able to say good bye, clear the air and share memories of happy times with Cash. These pages were poignant and written with so much heart and understanding.
Samantha Chase’s Kiss the Girl focuses on Savannah and the Coleman family’s journey. The compelling story emphasizes Savannah’s ability to overcome the many obstacles in her life and enables her to trust herself to love again. Jackson learns to trust, to forgive and to move forward. Loved the subtle character nuances, the relationships between the Coleman brothers and the strength of Grace Coleman who held her family together through good and bad times. The powerful story with its dynamic characters, passionate romance and family drama is a must read for 2022!
Reviewed By Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author
