The past tore them apart.After a terrible accident took everything from Callie Stewart, enrolling at Blairwood University is supposed to be a chance at a new beginning.Living his best life, Hayden Watson, star wide receiver for the Blairwood Ravens, is heading straight for the NFL draft and nothing is going to stand in his way.The present brings them together.Their paths were never supposed to … together.
Their paths were never supposed to cross, but when they do, all those old demons and feelings come rushing back. Hayden thinks he knows all about Callie’s life before Blairwood and he’s not ready to let go of the past, much less forgive her for what she has done three years ago.
One thing’s for sure… it’s going to take more than a kiss to conquer their broken past.
more
Kiss To Conquer (Blairwood University #1) by Anna B. Doe
5 STARS
Kiss To Conquer was my first read from Anna B. Doe and I loved it so much. This book was so beautiful and so emational. I loved every word.
Kiss To Conquer is the first book in the Blairwood University Series. It’s a NA sports college romance with enemies to lovers and second chance love.
I don’t usually love or like second chance romance books, but this book, I loved it.
Callie was not a “usual” heroine, but thru the end of the book, I ended loving her. Every one of us makes mistakes.
To make a mistake is humanly, but it’s important to take notice of that mistake and change & repair it.
Everyone of us makes mistakes. But only a few of us repair them and we are sorry for making them.
Hayden, although I didn’t like his behavior, I understood him perfectly. He also, thru the book he changed and became the man every woman, or female reader dreams of.
I will definitely read the rest of Anna B. Doe’s books, I loved her writing stile and her imagination.
So…. If you are looking for something easy, sweet, funny, emationally, a little (for me) bully romance, sport romance, second chance romance, NA, this book is the one for you.
I genuinely loved Kiss to Conquer. It has pain, sorrow, hate, love and happiness all wrapped up in a beautiful cover. Callie has been through hell and back for three years she has wandered with a broken heart. She has no idea choosing to go to Blairwood would bring her face to face with the one person who can mend her heart sadly, he is the one person who hates her more than anything. An emotional rollercoaster Kiss to Conquer is a great start to the Blairwood University series. Great characters, sad and yet engaging storyline . Grab your tissues and get ready to have your heart break. I very much recommend this book.
This was an enjoyable new adult college romance novel. I liked Callie and Hayden and the enemies to lovers relationship. There was almost too much happening in this book at times, and some of the random scenes didn’t make sense. But it was a good college romance overall.
I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers read!!!! Anna B. Doe wrote a phenomenal book!!! Five HUGE stars!!!!
Loved this second chance enemies to lovers romance! It was sweet without being too sickeningly sweet and I really enjoyed this story ! Both characters were flawed complex characters and had issues galore but the chemistry between them was undeniable and you couldn’t help but root for them to be together. My heart absolutely broke for Callie at first I thought what a prissy bitch but nope nobody deserves the cards fate had handed her and Hayden was her saving grace he was just what she needed to heal her soul and he brought her back to life making her feel alive and giving meaning to her life again . This was a very well written romance with great characters and I’m so excited to see where this author takes us with Yasmin and Nixon story next ! Definite 5 stars from me and definite must read!
* ARC KINDLY GIVEN FOR MY HONEST OPINION *
4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
Kiss To Conquer by Anna B. Doe is book 1 in the Blairwood University series and what a way to start a series off. Not only is this story an enemies to lovers it is also a second chance romance. Because sometimes in life, second chances show up in different ways or multiple ways.
What I enjoyed about reading this story is the emotion. From the very start of the story, you are pulled into Callie’s world of hurt and you just feel for her. Even though there is slight suspense of not knowing all the details of her life at first it just sucks you in and makes you feel it.
Even though Callie’s story is a complex one dying to unravel in all possible ways. Hayden is also a complex guy. He has his own issues and situations to deal with. The writing by Anna B. Doe has these two complex characters and all the fireworks/chemistry and so much more throughout the story.
Their paths were never supposed to cross, but when they do, all those old demons and feelings come rushing back. Hayden thinks he knows all about Callie’s life before Blairwood and he’s not ready to let go of the past, much less forgive her for what she has done three years ago.
Through the story, we get to meet Yasmine and I can’t wait for her story to unfold!!
Since the beginning of the book the author kept me in my toes just thinking what would happen next, and it didn’t disappoint, the characters are perfect and their chemistry made this book wonderful, the turns, the ups and downs and the ultimate secret is nothing that you expect a d in the end you are left wanting more, this is not the first book that I read of this author and is not going to be the last, this one was perfect in my eyes.
What a way to start a new Series Anna B. Doe! A Kiss To Conquer is book one in the Blairwood University Series and has definitely hooked me. This second chance. enemies to lovers book is a must read.
Hayden and Callie’s past and complicated. They haven’t seen each other since high school, until she starts attending Blairwood University. Seeing Callie again turns Hayden’s world upside down. From their very first meeting on campus sparks fly. However, not all of them are good. Hayden is still holding his bad feelings toward her. Callie is just trying to survive and graduate. She is not the same girl she was in high school and has the scars to prove it.
These two have a chemistry that jumps off the pages. The attraction they have is just too strong for them to fight, but man do they try. The push and pull relationship they have was enough to make me scream.
When their tragic past come back around, they both have to deal with things they have alway avoided. When huge secrets are revealed it takes more than a kiss to conquer their demons. My heart hurt for both of them and the things they went through.
A Kiss To Conquer is such an amazing read. It’s everything I love from Doe and more. Hayden and Callie’s story is raw and emotional. It’s a story about growth, both as individuals and as a couple. It’s the messy journey of what happens when two people love each other. Doe proves that a kiss from the right person and conquer all.
5 amazing stars for Doe and Kiss To Conquer. Anna B. Doe has once again given us an amazing, addicting read that left me needing more. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next.
College romance, enemies to lovers, splash in some sports and a big second chance? YES PLEASE.
This may be my favorite Anna story yet. Callie and Hayden are messy, flawed, real people and their journey in their lives and with one another is so engaging to follow. You can’t help but feel the angst and want things for them. Secrets, tension, drama, romance – it’s got it all. Such a great adventure!
Ever since I read the synopsis I’ve been looking so forward to this book! I’ve been wanting to pick up more of Ms.Doe’s book as well and I’m so glad that I got the chance to with Kiss To Conquer! This story pulled me in quickly. I really enjoyed it!
Callie and Hayden’s journey wasn’t easy. I liked the fact that there was history between these two. I loved getting to be in their minds and getting to dig deeper with both of them. These two brought out my emotions and I so enjoyed how they made me feel so much throughout reading!
With Kiss To Conquer, Ms.Doe has created such a great read! I can’t wait for the next Blairwood University book!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
The last person that Hayden expected to bump into was Callie; but here she is walking around campus and seemingly everywhere he looks. Having his past come back to haunt him is really messing with his head, and that messes with his game. He needs to put her back in the past where she belongs, but that same spark is still there. He should hate everything about her, but he can’t seem to, he shouldn’t want her but he does. Hayden tries to face the past and let her go, but will he be able too?
WOW, what a story Anna B. Doe can weave. This had me hanging on by a thread trying to figure out just what was going on, and all the secrets and just how the puzzle came together. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see whats next, I give this 4 stars.
I love College romance it’s one of my favorite troupes, so needless to say I was excited for this. Anna has created a wonderfully complex Enemies to Lovers romance that will have your heart aching. I love broken characters they bring so much more depth to stories for me and Anna has created a superb one in Callie.
, . ’ ’ , ’ ..
I loved the journey that Callie had to take, this girl has gone through something so very terrible but she’s trying to get better. She has strength in spades but it’s hard for her to see that due to the type of person she was before. And after what happened to her, she very easily could have taken the easy way out, but she didn’t she chose her path because she knew she needed to and that in itself bleeds strength. I could only imagine how hard to was for her. I love characters that others would deem too broken and move on, these characters are my favorites because they have so much more to give if you just take the chance. Characters like Callie bring a refreshing view and dynamic to stories.
. . . ’ . .
Hayden (Hades) Watson is the star wide receiver with NFL goals on his mind. But what I like the most about him is the good guy you know he’s hiding underneath. You accept that something happened to make him this brooding jerk of a person. But each time he’s around Callie that other guy slowly gets pulled out to the surface. You want to see the guy that she knew back in high school because that guy is worth all the professional football players combined. They try to fight the connection that they have, each for their own reasons, but when your connection runs soul deep there is nowhere for you to go.
“ … . , .”
I really enjoyed this story; Anna is a new author for me and I’m glad I took the chance. This story is complex and emotional with the ability to bring you to your knees. And even though at times it lagged a bit I was still enthralled with the story line and side characters. I can’t wait to see were she takes us next.
This was the first book I read by Anna B. Doe and certainly won’t be the last one! It’s also the first book in the Blairwood University series and I’m super excited to be “part” of the whole journey.
‘Kiss To Conquer’ has it all! It takes place in college and it’s an enemies-to-lovers sports romance with a second chance at love. Get ready because it’s filled with a lot of emotions and there’s a lot of things to take in.
Callie had everything… until she didn’t. After a tragedy, she’s forced to take a step back and get a look at her past actions. I thought she was very strong and I really appreciated that she was trying to be a better version of herself, to learn from her mistakes. She couldn’t forgive herself and was carrying guilt every day. She stopped living. Until Hayden Watson crossed her path again and showed her what she had been missing.
After three years, Hayden was still hurting and not in good terms with Callie. But once they’re forced to face each other, they slowly start giving in temptation and let fate guide them.
The reason behind their behavior towards one another becomes clearer with each page turn. They both grow up throughout the book despite every obstacle they come across and finally get their happy ending, which, in return, made me happy.
Aside from the mains, Yasmin and Nixon really caught my attention so I was thrilled to know that their story is coming next! I’m really looking forward to ‘Kiss To Forget’!
FIVE EMOTIONAL STARS for Callie and Hayden !!!
WOW!!!
I don’t know where to start with writing this review because this book brought all emotions and left me speechless.
In one simple sentence…
Anna completely surprised me with this book!
I love her writing style didn’t change in this book much but I could felt on some parts that she wrote freely and that made the book more interesting…
And also funny!
Since I’ve read and loved her previous YA series “Greyford High”, I can compare it to this book.
I noticed how her transition from writing YA romance books to NA romance books has resulted in reaching a higher level in her writing career and I have no doubt she will continue in that way with other books in this series.
“Kiss To Conquer” is the first book in the “Blairwood University” series.
It’s a NA sports college romance with enemies to lovers and second chance trope.
Callie is an interesting female character.
She is not a perfect character, but throughout the book, she was aware of her mistakes and tried to correct them even though it seemed impossible.
What I liked most was how she grew throughout the book and eventually became the person she always should have been.
Hayden is a male character that I didn’t like at first because of his behavior toward Callie.
But after I found out the real truth about what happened between them in the past I understood his behavior.
Just like Cassie, he also changed a lot throughout the book and became the man that every woman would want next to her.
Callie and Hayden’s relationship was complicated from the start due to conscious but also those mistakes for which neither of them was responsible.
After going through all the possible obstacles that life put in front of them throughout the whole book, they the end they finally got their well-deserved happily ever after.
If you loved Anna’s previous books or you’re just looking for NA sports college romance, then this is the book for you!!!
Highly recommended!!!
P.S. Can’t wait for Yasmin and Nix’s book !!!
P.S.S. Nixon is mine !!!
Past and present come together in this epic book where love conquers all. Hayden and Callie have a troubled past, crushes, lies and heartbreak take over and they are both left hurt.
Now three years later they bump into each other and all of old feeling start to come back. He should hate her, she should hate him. But together these two give us a wonderful story of forgiveness and true love. This is a great start to this series and I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.
*Review by Michelle
This book is wonderful. A story of hope and healing, but also hot and angsty. You’re just dying to know how it’s going to end. You can’t help but fall in love with Callie and Hayden and their story. Beautiful book!
The story of Hayden and Callie took me from the start, it is so beautifully written that it was hard to put down when i had to. How the writer creates the world inside the book is magnificent and with such wonderfull characters.
They both have their scars from the past but it does not prevent them from wanting a future together and trying to conquer their past together.
I really loved this book, this is my first book by Anna. B. Doe but definetely not my last!!
Oh my goodness…so much to say about this book. I fell in love with Callie and Hayden, I mean seriously, they are like the perfect couple. Callie used to be the mean girl in high school who suffered an accident and found herself a changed person in college. Hayden is the nerdy boy in high school who becomes the hot, tattooed jock in college. Essentially their roles become reversed but they both end up at the same college and the story goes from there! I was not expecting the major twist in this story, but the writing and the plot blew me away. I loved this book and I will definitely be reading more by this author! If you enjoy NA sports romances, then grab this book today!
***4,5 “Choose to be happy!!!” stars***
“They say time heals all wounds, but whoever they are, are fucking liars. Some wounds are too deep to heal. Too rugged to ever be patched together. Some people too damaged to ever made whole again. And some people, like me, don’t deserve it at all.”
To be totally honest with you, I learned about Anna B. Doe through many of my friends on instagram and i decide to trust them and to take a chance on her…
So when I saw that she was about to release a new book in a brand new series, i was right on board and I feel so lucky that i took a chance on her and one of her stories…
Her writing is amazing and effortless, her storyline capturing and her heroes so lovable and charming even with their many flaws…
I loved this story and i can not wait for the rest of the books in the series!!!!
“Once you know the darkness, I’m not sure there is anything that can forever chase it away. Not completely anyway. You can tame the storm inside you, but every once in a while it’ll come out raging.”
Callie used to be the popular girl who was dating the quarterback in her highschool…
But then, tragedy striked her and everything changed for her…
Three years later, she is trying to get her life back on track away from her past, on Blairwood University.
What she doesn’t know is that the past is following her and her life is about to change forever.
“I needed a new beginning, away from everything from my past. Away from the memories haunting me of that night. But that’s the thing about expectations. Whenever you think you’re going in the right direction, life shows you how fucking wrong you are.”
Hayden is the star football player on Blairwood University.
He is the wet dream of every girl and the guy that the rest of the men want to be.
But he wasn’t always like that!!! In highschool, he was the exact opposite, the one that the rest of the students were making fun of and the one who never got the girl of his dreams…
A girl that changed his life forever and that he’s never going to forgive.
“Payback is a bitch.
She might have known me before, but the boy whose heart she broke in high scholl?
He’s long gone. She made sure of it.”
So what is happening when these two are meeting each other again after all these years???
Hayden can’t forget and forgive. He doesn’t want Callie around him to taunt him with what he once had lost…
But call it fate, these two are always on each other’s face and the things are escalating really fast.
Is there a chance for these two to become something more???
“I want to hate her. I should hate her. But a part of me refuses to get the memo.”
“It’s like there is an invisible pull between us that’s bringing us back together. Over and over again it makes our paths cross.”
Well, i loved very much both Callie and Hayden.
The truth is that i didn’t really liked what Callie did to Hayden in the past, but my heart was breaking for her. She needed a wake up call, but life gave her the lesson with a really cruel way…
As for Hayden??? Yep, he was a little bit cruel with Callie in the beginning, but he had his reasons… The only sure thing was that his heart never stopped beating for this girl and everything that he was doing was showing it to us…
What I really loved was that from the very first moment, he never looked Callie differently, even though she wasn’t the same. That fact just showed me the level of his love.
“Hayden… he makes me want to dream again. He makes me want to have a different future. Believe I can actually have it. That I deserve it.”
“She is different. She’s the one who makes me want the things I never wanted before. She always did, only then I never thought it would be possible for me to actually have them.”
Honestly, i don’t know what more to say about this story.
It was an amazing book that got to me from the first page. I just wanted to devour it.
I loved everything about the story. There were too many things that were connecting these two…
They had a second chance to love. Will they be smart enough to grab this opportunity??? Or the past will always stand in their way???
Callie and Hayden were borned for each other. Their chemistry was electrifying!!!
“I need you to fight. Fight for you, for me, for us. Can you do that? Or better yet, do you want to? Do you want to fight for us, Callie? I need you to choose me.”
And of course, the secondary characters were sooo intriguing.
Can’t wait for more of them!!!
I’m super excited that the next book will be about Nixon and Yasmine!!! I’m so curious about their story and i have some theories that i would love to test!!!
What are you hiding both of you, ugh???
“Wanting to forget and actually being able to forget are two different things, Callie.” {Nixon}
*********************************************
“You deserve to be free and happy, and the only way to do that is if you let go of the past.”
*I received an advanced copy for the exchange of an honest review. Thank you!*
This was my first book I have ever read by this author. I absolutely loved this story so much. I love the storyline enemies to lovers, sport romance all mixed together. This book is an emotional roller coaster ride,there is hope, drama, angst and heartbreak moments, but there is love and wonderful happy moments. One of the other thing I loved this story are the chapters of the couple’s past. The characters were well written and likable. It had great storyline, even the supporting characters are just enjoyable as the main two characters, overall Kiss to Conquer it was great read, it will capture you from the start. I would recommended everyone that loves to read to enemies to lovers and sport romance this is the book for you.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.