Sandy M’s review of A Single Kiss (Sweetest Kisses, Book 3) by Grace Burrowes
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 6 Jan 15
I know Grace Burrowes is known for her historical romances, of which I’ve read a few and liked them. But for me, I hope she continues to write contemporary romance after this series. With this first book in her Sweetest Kisses series, I’m hooked. Maybe it’s these Knightley brothers who’ve so thoroughly reeled me in. All I know, I’m smitten.
Hannah Stark is a brand new attorney – never been in a courtroom other than when she was a child in the foster care system. She’s had plenty of experience when it comes to hearings and the like in family court, so she has no desire to spend her working days going through the stress and hurt of breaking up families that have brought her to this point in her life. But she’s low woman on the totem pole at her new firm, and they need help in family law for six months. Then Hannah will go to the boring corporate law department where she knows she’ll be happiest.
One of the best attorneys in family law, Trent Knightly is relieved to have help with their busy court calendar. Even more so when he finally meets Hannah and discovers her intelligence and worth ethic, especially up against their most previous new hire, who turns out to be one slick jerk. Hannah is assigned to work with the jerk while Trent is in trial, and she refuses to be intimidated, especially when she’s forced to take over when the judge is back on the bench and said jerk is nowhere to be found. The Knightley brothers know they’ve found a rare gem in Hannah.
I really enjoyed the slow build of this relationship. Trent and Hannah work closely together, of course, and it’s the little things that pop up in their private as well as work lives that cause those little flutterings of interest. Hannah is quite secretive, for good reason it turns out, but she learns very quickly Trent is a man who can be trusted, which is an anomaly for her. I had fun watching the commonalities in their lives come to light, drawing them even closer. It’s those things that urge their growing feelings deeper. Trent tries to make Hannah see she would be an asset in family law, when she handles a case brilliantly for a child, but even that success can’t break through her barriers. Even when Hannah herself goes through the horror of child protective services, she stays her course to never practice family law. My curiosity at an all-time high, I waited for Ms. Burrowes to drive Hannah into a one-eighty, but she stays true to her character.
Of course, I love the family aspect of the story, especially the brothers. All three are definitely distinct characters and you get to know them well in this book, thus ratcheting up the anticipation for their respective stories. They have each other’s backs, including the women each of them love, no questions asked. They work marvelously together here to help Hannah in every way. Then there’s the twists and turns as far as family goes. I didn’t see that coming one bit. A little convenient for the storyline? Maybe so, but it’s fiction from a talented author’s imagination and I love it. It works just fine.
I didn’t realize there’s two novellas before this actual first book in the series. Even though they’re not about the Knightleys, I’ll be reading them anyway. I really like Ms. Burrowes voice in these contemporaries, so I’ll be devouring each one as I come across them. Lots of fun to be had amid important issues in life, all worked out as a team, and with a bit of love and romance thrown in. Just my kind of book.
Grade:
Summary: A
New attorney Hannah Stark agrees to spend six months helping out in the family law department, though an upbringing as a foster child has left her determined never to set foot in a domestic relations courtroom.
Trenton Knightley, the law firm’s family law expert, is equally determined that business and pleasure can’t mix. Hannah finds herself working with Trent on one tough case after another, and grows less and less pleased with her vocation. Trent, however, is increasingly impressed with Hannah–and not simply for her courtroom skills.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
