It Started with a Kiss (Sequoia Lake Book 1)

That one word says it all about this story! Avery, is a young woman who has had some really difficult times to deal with but such a wonderful outlook on living, I learned some real life lessons myself from her to incorporate into my own life. Ty is an alpha with a HUGH heart but just doesn't know how to express it. He also carries a heavy guilt deep within him. Avery shows Ty what it means to be all in when it comes to living. The way their love unfolds throughout the book is overwhelming and sooo hearfelt, the only thing that came to mind is BEAUTIFUL!!

I love small-town series and Adair makes them her own. She introduces secondary characters and offers several threads in addition to the romance. All of them weaved together to create an addictive story that provided a little drama, some laughter, and even a few tears. Tyson has some family issues and guilt to tackle, but I liked him. Mr. Rugged is hot, passionate and a natural protector. I loved seeing his reactions to Avery. Avery has been through a lot, but she simply shines and makes others around her feel her warmth. I love the thread about her journal. The chemistry delivered some off the chart moments.

Stir in a little angst, personal growth and leaps of faith into our last date. Break out the truffles and tissues. The last part of the book just pulled at my heartstrings. We see Tyson mend fences and let go of the past. A scene with his father felt so genuine. There were lots of tears. I could not set this story down. The couple faced obstacles and I began to worry about an HEA but have faith. While truffles were needed I ended this date both emotional spent and delighted I picked up It Started With A Kiss. I cannot wait for the next book.

This was an awesome read especially for a Series starter. Marina Adair always writes heartwarming loving stories that grip you from the very beginning. I absolutely loved how Ty and Avery met, the ever-loving Avery showed no fear and just jumped straight in. I loved how every day Avery done things from her "Memory Journal" as she honored her friends. While her dreams of becoming an Adventure Guide are not going as well as she would like, it isn't stopping her from being adventurous. Ty Donovan has been gone a long time and he rarely visits due to family grievances with his dad, he is now back for 3 weeks to get his families Lodge back into shape.
I loved the chemistry between these two, it made for an awesome read, also Avery was a great buffer between Ty and his dad, she was also able to give him that push to mend fences!! Throw into the mix Avery's new liver and there is a good bit of angst, a little heartache that totally goes with the story of love, healing wounds, pure adventure and plenty of Passion even from the Seniors or O.A.P!!
The ending is totally worth reading this!!

Avery is looking for new adventures after receiving a kidney transplant. She doesn't want to live a life of doing the same thing every day so she gets a new job as an Adventure Coordinator. Living her life and full filling others dreams is her new passion.

Tyson comes home to figure out what is going on with the family business so they don't loose their most important booking of the year. Tyson comes to town and finds Avery on the hood of his truck leaving him a note. He finds himself instantly attracted to her after Avery full fills a friends dream and kisses a stranger.

Tyson figures out quickly that Avery is an employee and doesn't want to mix work with pleasure but can't manage to not think about her all day.

Not only does this story about finding love and adventures but it deals with dementia. Being a very sensitive subject Mariana Adair does an amazing job with the story. The story brought me too tears and a son and father overcome their issues and brings the family back together.

If I could give this story more than 5 starts I would!!

In Marina Adair’s latest novel “It Started With a Kiss,” we are invited to Sequoia Lake, California which is home to rugged eye-catching vistas that invite people from extreme adventurers to people who enjoy a peaceful journey through nature, and all are welcomed at the Sequoia Lake Lodge. Avery Adams have spent a lot of time in the area and she leaped at the chance to work at the renowned lodge, but she craves a chance to spread her wings and fly. Tyson Dawson’s return to Sequoia Lake Lodge is bittersweet after running from a tragedy in his past that has formed a wedge with his father, but the lodge is in trouble and he needs to help his parents anyway he can. A chance meeting on Main street between Tyson and Avery has them both wanting more of the life they deserve to live. Marina Adair has created a novel that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster that leaves the reader believing that we all need to take a leap of faith. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own

“Avery recently had a kidney transplant, and after coming through the other side of surgery and finally being well after her long road of dealing with her kidney disease, she wants to live life to the fullest. Her journal she carries with her as tribute to the friends she has met along the way is her guide to fulfilling the wishes that her friends will never get to fulfill.

Ty has been away from home since tragedy struck when he was a young man. He returns to help his parents sort through some issues they are having with their business and livelihood. Ty immediately runs in to Avery, who is in a slightly compromising position…

This was a very sweet, uplifting read. Marina Adair knows how to write an interesting, thought provoking and entertaining story. I loved Avery and Ty, and the entire town whom I think will be weaved into many more stories to come. I received a complimentary cover of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Marina Adair writes the most wonderful, small town romances with sweet heat! I just love the setting for this new series, set in the Sierra Nevadas, a small town called Sequoia Lake. In our first introduction, we meet Avery, who has had her health challenges and conquers them by living life to the fullest every day, with no fear. She has this huge heart and happiness just radiates from her to anyone she comes in contact with. Her meet-cute with Ty, was so funny, I totally laughed out loud, not weird at all for the people sitting next to me at the time. But seriously, this author writes not only hilarious dialog, but really sweet, tender moments and creates characters you can't help but fall in love with. I am so excited to revisit this town and these wonderful characters in her next book...I think we are in for a very sexy time with Miss Olivia and her mountain man!

I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Avery does not let anything get in her way. Having dealt with kidney issues and surgery, Avery is living life to the fullest. She keeps a journal of things that other people had wished to have done. She tries to fulfill those dreams. And, if one of those is to kiss a stranger, well, she does it.
Ty happens to be the lucky recipient. He is back in town to help his parents with their resort. He doesn't expect to be given a run for his money with meeting Avery. She is determined to be a guide and not sit behind a desk all the time. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction builds and that one kiss leads to many more.
Avery and Ty are both strong characters in and of themselves. But together, they are a force. However, they need to come to terms with their pasts and hold on to one another to do it.
It is a heartfelt story of love, loss, friends and family. Such a beautiful and entertaining story.

It Started With a Kiss by Marina Adair, two unlikely characters, band together to save a local adventure lodge. Avery Adams is the new guide for the lodge, but is really an office manager. She can't wait to start taking people out on trails and when one of the guides falls sick, she gets her wish...only her inexperience shows and right in front of the boss's Mountain Rescue son. Tyson Donovan is home to save the lodge but things are worse than they appear. His dad has some health issues going on and there are new employees who put the lodge at risk, but firing Avery isn't the answer, even though he's tried multiple times. Can they save the lodge together and maybe, find love?

Avery is a wonderful heroine and so full of life. With Avery, Tyson is able to move past his brother's death and find home again. Great characters, wonderful descriptions, and well-written words, makes It Started With a Kiss, a great read!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read by Marina Adair and I have to say the first book in the Sequoia Lake Series is a must read. If you haven't read Adair's books in the past here's you opportunity. The book starts with Avery Adams trying to achievie goals on her "bucket list". Such a young person with a bucket list? We soon find out she has had a kidney transplant and her mother died from the disease. We are also introduced to Tyson Donavan who is home to help his parents at the family owned lodge which Avery is working at. Tyson's family is trying to save the Search and Resue program at the lodge. Ty also has to come to,terms with his fathers ailing health. Both characters have personal issues they need to resolve along with their attraction towards one another. Watching the characters evolve and seeing how they resolve their personal issues had me hooked. This book had me crying one moment then laughing out loud the next. Get your Kleenex ready before sitting down with this book. Needless to say I can't wait for the next book in the series and reading more about the people in Sequoia Lake. Thank you Marina Adair for adding a little romance to my bookshelf.

The relationship between Ty and Avery may have started with a kiss but had this couple ending with so much more.

It Started with Your Kiss was a close to perfect mainstream romance. The met cute between Ty and Avery definitely had me laughing out loud. The pair had an easy rapport in the beginning which Genghis couple in the tough times. I loved watching these two working together. The complimented each other perfectly.

The book had some very touching, real moments but didn't leave a sadness around the characters. I was hopeful that this couple could overcome their adversity and emotional baggage for a brighter days.

The Ty and Avery also had the perfect amount of chemistry that didn't leave the reader wanting more. Their relationship worked in and outside the bedroom.

I was able to. Read an ARC for an honest review

Avery after her kidney transplant, has a new lease of life, and her motto is to live life loud.
Her goal is to climb the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and to get training she gets a job with the Sequoia Lake Lodge.
Tyson has made a life for himself away from his family lodge as a member of the Rescue team. But when he hears of the lodge struggling, he comes back home.
A chance encounter between Avery and Ty lead to chemistry hot enough to spark a forest fire. This book has ups and downs that will make you laugh and cry.
It started with a kiss is an intense, emotional and entertaining read. It's a beautiful start to the new series and I can't wait to read more.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed the ARC from Netgalley

Well, where to start. I liked Tyson and Avery as characters. I totally loved reading about the search and rescue part of the story, the lodge. It was pretty darn good. For me though, it just felt like there was something missing and I just didn't get sucked in like I usually do. Without giving too much away and ruining it for others I'll just leave it at that. I realize that not every book is for everybody and I'll probably won't continue on with this series. It was an okay read for me, but I do encourage others to give it a try.

Avery has been through it all yet still maintains a zeal of life and service to others. Being bold in going for one of her journal's wish- kissing a stranger- Avery doesn't realizes Ty is anything but a stranger and the simple kiss is way more than she bargained for. Loved the banter between these two while dealing with the job Ty doesn't think Avery can handle. She was dug in and stubborn as a mule and it was a funny side to a story dealing with sickness and a father dealing with aging and dementia.

Story was told amazingly. Subjects dealt with were given proper attention and respect. Loved that Dale had so many interested in him.

Loved the story.!

I loved this book! Absolutely loved it! Avery Adams recently had a kidney transplant and now she wants to live bold. Ty Donovan is part of the search and rescue team. He comes home to Sequoia Lake to help out with his family's business. Both Ty and Avery have tragedy in their pasts. Together they help each other heal.

This is one of my favorite quotes.
"It was amazing. The kind of amazing that happened once in a lifetime, where timing and anticipation, and maybe even the f****** stars, lined up to create a moment that couldn’t be matched."

You shouldn't miss this book!

Pitch perfect! This book has everything a contemporary romance reader wants in a light, escapist story. It is sweet without being syrupy, touching without being maudlin and draws the reader right into the lives and loves of Sequoia Lake! Both main characters are delightfully real, flawed yet their inner strength and determination to do right is such a breath of fresh air! Truly a lovely, uplifting story that will touch the heart and bring a sigh!

There is something about this book. I wish I could pinpoint the exact thing, but something really draws you in, hooks you and doesn't want to let go. I don't know if it is the likable characters, the small town, the imagery the author was able to convey flawlessly, the second chance at life mentality of the heroine, the rescue profession of the hero??? I enjoyed this story a lot. One thing that could have made it better was if the whole lot was beefed up with more...more details, more banter, more scenes. What can I say? I'm a greedy reader.

ARC from Netgalley

Avery wants to live life big after her transplant surgery. She takes a job at an adventure lodge hoping to become a guide. Ty doesn't want to come back to the family business. He wants to stay as far away as possible. Avery and Ty but heads at every turn and it doesn't help that Ty has his hands full with family problems. This is a well written story that will keep your interest to the very end. I liked this book a lot...

I really enjoyed the story Ms. Adair created. I will admit the first couple of chapters did not reach out and grab me, but I kept reading! It was well worth the effort. The story of Ty and Avery really touched me. Not to give away the story, but just all the trials both have faced and conquered to find their happily ever after! This book had a bit of humor, heat and great characters all around! This is my first book I have read by Marina Adair, but won't be the last!

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Get your tissues ready because tears will be she'd for a variety of reasons. I swear Author Marina Adair never disappoints. Her books are always a breath of fresh air, full of laughter and love. Falling never felt so good and so right and deserved as it did in this book. Talk about inspiring. This Book was one of the most amazing books and so full of heart that you feel it in your soul. The kind of book that makes you want to be a better person and causes you to see life with a new set of eyes. It was simply beautiful!

I truly enjoyed reading this full of hope love story. It was an easy and quick read, somewhat predictable but what touched me the most was not the love story between the h/H, it was the story of love Avery told through and because of her journal. What an amazing way to honor the wishes of those past or those who cannot experience their wishes themselves. I wasn't looking for a deep, dark, mysterious read when I borrowed this through KU, I wanted something uplifting. Is it completely realistic, no, but who wants fiction that is so close to reality!

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for allowing my access to this book!
I am a Marina Adair fan and have read nine of her books. Ms. Adair writes with a sense of humor, romance, drama, and perfection. This book, "It Started with a Kiss" is no exception...Avery and Tyson are delightful characters and carry the story from beginning to end beautifully. If you have read Ms. Adair you know how wonderful her books are, if you haven't read one of her books and you will be hooked. Highly recommend!

An amazing story that both tugs at your heart while making it go pitter-patter as well. Ty and Avery are characters that you wish you could know in real life, and the others who share in their story bring added interest and depth. Several difficult storylines come together and are handled well. Love Marina's writing, and love this new book! Can't wait for the next in the series! Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC, from which this review is based, in exchange for an honest review.

Loved the twists and turns and the way people were mirrored in one another. But the sex was a little over the top for me. As much as I enjoyed the story I don't plan read more by Marina Adair. My husband d is an awesome lover but I don't need to read this much sex.

Mariana Adair is one of those authors who doesn't let you down. She always provides a solid book with characters I enjoy, laughter, perhaps a few tears, and a happily ever after ending that is perfect for the characters I fell in love with from page one. This series is no exception and I wish I had Mavis's red leather jacket.

I received this as a Advanced Readers Copy from Netgalley.com, I love how the story of Avery and Ty was written and how it flowed from one page to another. I loved how they had to work through some hardships to get to their happy ever after. I really loved the letter from Avery's mother to her, it was so sweet and thoughtful., I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

OMG! I SO loved this story, both main characters are trying not to fall for the other, each with their own specific reasons.
Marina pulls you in, makes you love by Avery & Ty! You are ROOTING for them, hoping they find their happily ever after.
You will love this book if you like small towns, hot guys and great romance!

Marina Adair is so talented at weaving a story that grabs you from the first page. I loved the setting and characters of "It Started With A Kiss". The town, the community, the relationships....after a few pages you feel like you are right there with everyone.
Avery and Tyson are 2 of my favorite characters. it would seem that opposites do attract and they both make a pretty sweet team in love and life. Give yourself a great pre-valentines gift and read this book!!

Avery Adams is trying to honor her friends by doing special activities for them, some even posthumously.
Ty Donovan is trying to avoid the past and particularly his father.
Avery wants to have an adventure and Ty wants to be safe.
Turns out if the conditions are right they can both have what they want.

An Amazing heartwarming romance story about second chances. Getting over your past and getting on with your life. It is about family coming through for each other. The story will make you laugh and cry. So have the tissues handy. I loved every minute of it and hated to see it end. A great start to a new series!

Marina Adair always makes you fall in love with her characters but this story had an emotional depth that I haven't read in her books before making me feel all their emotions as they were my own.

The queen of smart romance did it again with this second chance novel. So snuggle up, grab a drink and getting ready for an emotional adventure because "Living For Love" is exactly what It Started With A Kiss is about.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an advance readers copy.

Avery is the survivor of a kidney transplant and determined to live her life "out loud". Ty has his own demons he's fighting. Their chemistry turns into a romance that saves both of them. There were some very moving moments in this book. Good read.

This 2 book series was great, very different story lines - held your interest. I wish she would do a book on the character Harrison, let him find love - and let us know his story. As well as there are many other characters in this setting that would be interesting to read.

It Started With a Kiss has everything you could ask for in a good contemporary romance. A tough alpha male with a troubled past, a sassy strong heroine who isn't afraid to go after what she wants, a cast of quirky yet lovable friends and family, and plenty of good sexy times! Avery is looking to move on from her past and is ready for adventure. Ty is just the right person to give her what she needs. But he's got his own past to deal with. I love the setting of the Sequoia Lake Lodge and the rugged mountain surroundings. Avery's wish journal adds a little something special to this sweet and spicy romance.

This novel is amazing. I laughed out loud more times than I can count! The characters are great and easy to love. Taking normally heartbreaking subjects and making you see past them to brighter possibilities is such a refreshing thing to read.

oh my goodness I have found a new book boyfriend! Ty Donovan is wonderful! This story will grab you from the beginning and keep you up late at night, continuing to read and enjoy this great story. Wonderful start to a new series by author Marina Adair.

Life, love and the power of the human spirit collide in Marina Adair's, It Started With A Kiss. The Sequoia Lake series arrives with a powerful message and heartwarming adventure into unexplored territory. Avery has faced her own mortality and won. Now she wants everyday to be a challenge in conquering her fears and taking risks. Tyson is the biggest risk of her life. He makes her crazy. He pushes her out of her comfort zone while tempting her with his mere presence. Obstacles are meant to be conquered and Tyson and Avery will have to decide if they have the staying power to succeed. Ms. Adair is a favorite of mine because she knows that painful moments make for the most rewarding stories, but she levels the tears with laughs to break the fall.

Marina has knocked it out the park! I absolutely loved the setting, and my favorite female heroine so far. Avery teaches us ALL a lot of lessons about life in this new book, and I can't wait to hear about her and Ty and see all of the characters develop. The Sequoia Lake series promises to be exciting, romantic, and full of just the right amount of adventure and angst. I always look forward to Adair's work, and this did not disappoint!

Powerful story of forgiveness and love. One you won't want to miss. Marina Adair always gives me the chance to be entertained with her quick wit and humor. Love it, a great reading escape for a cloudy day.