Wedding. Vacation fling.After her latest doctor visit and the dire news she received, Crystal Brooke decided she’s going to live life to the fullest before her treatment begins. Not only will she enjoy her best friend’s wedding, but she’s determined to have a vacation fling—a red-hot sex and no strings attached kind of thing. However, her boy toy ends up being someone who she never expected.… expected.
Spencer Larson has crushed on one of his best friends for years. However, he never felt it was the right time to make a move…until his friend’s destination wedding. Tired of being thought of as Nerd Boy, he’s determined to make Crystal see him in a different light.
Will Spencer succeed in making Crystal see him as something other than her friend? Or will Crystal’s medical condition have her keeping her distance and pushing away the only man she’s ever loved?
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Absolutely loved this book! Audiobook review
I had so many different emotions in this book. I was sad for Crystal for what she was going through, but I was happy she wasn’t letting it get in her way. She was there for her BFF’s wedding and let herself start a romance (even if she thought it wasn’t) with her other best friend Spencer. Spencer finally found out what was going on when Crystal said she only wanted to be friends when they got back home. He was so sweet taking her to places she wanted to visit on their trip home. This was such an awesome, sweet book that I wish it was longer and there was more time to spend with this great couple. I also loved Whynter and Dominic in this book. The narrators did an awesome job on this book. Every person they voiced and every emotion was fantastic! These narrators are always great! This is a must listen/read!
Fabulous Story & Audible Listen A Heartfelt Delight
Sunshine Kisses
A Kisses Novella, Book 2
By: Elaine Marie
Narrated by: Tor Thom, Charley Ongel
I loved this book, the story is sweet and contains a whole lot of heart! Elaine Marie is a gifted author, she has a way with words, she fits an impressive amount of story into her novella sized books. She creates stories that are captivating from start to end, ones you can easily get lost in and this one is no exception. I adored the two lead characters, Crystal Brooke and Spencer Larson. Friends for years, except Spencer wants it to be more but Crystal only sees him as the nerd that he is. That is until she doesn’t but with pending medical problems and an unknown future she does not want to get involved with anyone. Their friends Whynter and Dominic are getting married down in Florida and both Crystal and Spencer will be spending extra time down there after the wedding. Crystal agreed to have a vacation fling with him and once they were home they would go back to the friends they were. They have a great time together and the chemistry between them is smoking hot. This book is beautifully plotted, I loved how everything plays out, how deep Spencer felt for her, what he did for her when he found out what she was going thru and best of all I loved the ending. Elaine Marie, thank you for this wonderful story and the emotional roller coaster ride.
I listened to the Audible version, Tor Thom & Charley Ongel are talented narrators and voice artists. They do an awesome job portraying the characters, humanizing them, giving each their own voice and personality. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture the characters emotions and projects them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
This story had me guessing how it would end. Crystal gets a devastating diagnosis and decides to live her life before she has to begin treatments. At her friends destination wedding, she is out for fun, in every way. Spencer has lusted after her forever. He is tired of being in the friend zone and chooses the wedding to step up his game. Timing is perfect for these two as they are both determined to get what they are after. Because they have been best friends, the banter between them is exactly what I love in romances. The banter makes their story so real. I enjoyed taking the ride with them as they discover what they always had.
Tor Thom and Charley Ongel have a natural chemistry that creates a real chemistry between Crystal and Spencer. The banter seems natural through their narration. I always enjoy listening to Thom and Ongel. Their voices complement each other. Thom’s deep voice to Ongel’s sweet voice always bring the characters to life. Through their wonderful performance, they bring the story to life. I easily get lost in the narration and feel as if I am a part of the book. Another amazing, fun and enjoyable performance by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel.
I am just going to come out and say, I loved this novella. Sunshine Kisses by Elaine Marie is most definitely a 5 star read for me. It wasn’t quite what I anticipated at the start (whatever that even means) but I was invested by page two. It was a quick read and truly enjoyable from start to finish. This was my absolute first read by this author and I am ready to download everything by her. I loved the premise of the book when I read the synopsis and truly feel like the writing and storyline delivered. I enjoyed the characters, the flow of the story and really, like I mentioned, I loved it. Period.
I loved this story! Crystal and Spencer were great to read about. This author just knows how to grab you and take you through the story like you’re living it. This can be read as a standalone and you’ll want to have time to read this as you won’t be able to put it down once you start. Cannot wait for more from this author, going on my to watch list.
Sunshine Kisses (A Kisses Novella) by Elaine Marie
5-Stars
Sunshine Kisses (A Kisses Novella) by Elaine Marie was an emotional and sweet read. I finished this book in one sitting. I was hooked by Crystal’s personality at the start of the novel and the juicy scene of her walking in on her guy friend working out. Nerdy Spencer ended up being a heart throb. I was very curious at the start of what was going on with her and her medical condition. Several scenes in the story had me on the verge of tears and the ending, oh my. I had to fight back tears for a bit but I loved it. This book was addictive and I loved that it was such an emotional read for me. It was excellent. I highly recommend it. Big 5-stars!!!
My heart strings! What a pull! This story is beautiful. Crystal is hiding a secret about herself from those who love her. She uses a friends wedding to forget her troubles and let loose. What she doesn’t plan on is falling for her good friend Spencer. But she can’t let Spencer know her truth. So she tells him they can’t be more than a fling. Spencer has real feelings for Crystal. He refuses to let her push him away. What Crystal didn’t see coming is that Spencer is what she needs. Get ready for a passionate and fun story. But also get ready to feel all the emotion. I was crying for these characters. I was also rejoicing and swooning. It’s a quick read/listen. These narrators were dynamite. I was already a fan of these narrators together, but they really blew me away as Crystal and Spencer.
A short romance with so much love you get all the feels! Writing and narration were bothe really good.
Sunshine Kisses is the sequel to Snow Kisses and is a wonderfully written standalone. In Snow Kisses, Crystal is Whynter’s best friend and plays a big part in bringing Dominic and Whynter together. By the end of the book, they were engaged and it’s just about time for their destination wedding. Mexico is absolutely beautiful this time of the year and is a most romantic place to be married. Spencer is an “honorary member” of the gal pal crew, since he has been the responsible one to serve as the gals’ designated driver every time they’ve gone out to Marco’s. He’s known as “nerd boy,” because of his propensity for buttoned up shirts and geeky glasses, but Crystal sees him through his not-quite-closed apartment door and that’s not a nerd boy body she saw! She can’t wait to see if there’s more to him than the image he projects once they’re in Mexico. All it takes is a shared karaoke duet for the sparks to fly between them. But there is something not quite right with Crystal that Spencer has been aware of for weeks now. She has headaches, her eyes have circles and she’s not as cheery as usual. It’s a mystery that he wants to solve and a secret that she needs to keep. There is something very wrong that is threatening her future. The two lovebirds become quite close in a very short time and both are falling and falling hard, but Crystal has it in her mind that she has to stop this now. A call from Dr. Martinez lets her know that time is running short and she realizes that she has to tell Spencer why they can never be more than friends. She’s too stubborn to think that she might have options and to accept just how much Spencer loves her. As much as she loves him, she still sends him away. It’s heartbreaking to see the pain they both go through with her admission, but Spencer isn’t having any of it. He is determined to make what could be her last trip, the trip of a lifetime. With her health failing fast, Spencer knows he has to do everything he can to give her a healthy future. True to his word, there is plenty of drama, tension and ultimate joy! The ending is very sweet and full of sunshine!
Sunshine Kisses
A Kisses Novella, Book 2
By: Elaine Marie
Narrated by: Tor Thom, Charley Ongel
Sunshine kisses is one of those stories that is a feel good romance. But I have to say, when I started listening to it, I was wondering if I was going to be happy or sad. Crystal is at a destination wedding for one of her best friends. She recently had a distressing diagnosis and is now determined to live life to the fullest. Spencer, one of her best friends has loved he for years, and now at this event, he is able to act on his feelings, but will she return them? What a story! A fantastic fun ride taking me to places I have been, and places I would love to go! Characters with real feelings and heart drive all the emotions and let us enjoy their journey. Spenser and Crystal are fun, full of witty banter and will leave you happy and full of love.
Tor Thom and Charlie Ongel perform this one with their wonderful voices. The chemistry is real, and it exudes right into the characters giving love and life to Crystal and Spenser. Thom portrays an array of emotions from lust to hurt to love and makes Spenser genuine. Ongel lets us live Crystal’s uncertainty and together we enjoy their trek to life!
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Crystal Brooke just received heartbreaking news and has now found a new lease on life. She’s on an adventure to support her best friend getting married but on the search for a rendezvous, a romp in the sheets, if you will. She creates a tangled web when her new fling is someone totally unexpected. Spencer is on the prowl for the same thing Crystal is but has crushed on one of his best friends for awhile. He’s eager for Crystal to see him differently than who he has been. Will Spencer succeed in taming Crystal or will Crystal’s battle for her life run him away?
This book is heartbreaking yet fun to read. Love conquers all and this is well worth the emotional journey we take with these characters through their ride. I loved it from cover to cover.
Sunshine Kisses is a fast-read romance novella. While this book is part of series, it can stand-alone with the same gripping emotional ties you would expect from any romance story. Once you start, it is difficult to put down and you will find yourself saying “Just one more chapter” over and over again. I found some transitions to seem rushed, but I also found myself reading faster and thinking about how fast life really is, especially for someone with a condition such as the main character’s, which may have been the authors intent.
This story follows a short time between two people, Crystal and Spencer, who have known each other for years, but never considered the option of more… until now. However, given Crystal’s current medical situation, she would prefer to keep her distance, despite what her losses may be in the field of love. The main question you will keep asking yourself is can love overcome fear? Read this story to find out more!
Sunshine Kisses (A Kisses Novella) is by Elaine Marie and such a great short read book. I fell in love instantly and have already added more books to my TBR list for the year. This was an emotional read as the character Crystal is dealing with a medical condition but living her life to the fullest. When she decided to have a fling, she never expected it to be Spencer. Spencer has had a crush on her for years and just wants to be seen. Will these two be able to work it out? Or will Crystal let her medical condition control their situation? I found myself on that roller-coaster where you cry, laugh or aren’t really sure what you should feel. This book was written amazing and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
This is quite the emotional rollercoaster…and I think it’s because it is a real-life situation that some find themselves in.
Crystal’s best friend is getting married…and Crystal wants to have a fling while she is at the wedding. She recently got some bad news from her doctor and she is determined to life her life to the fullest for as long as she can. One of her best friends, Spencer, ends up being just the person to fill the position of boy toy. However, what happens when the truth about her health comes out? Can Spencer accept that? Can he accept the rules they have agreed on once they return to their everyday lives? You’re going to have to read to find out.
This was a quick and easy read. I found myself relating to the characters and immersing myself in their world for a bit. While it is full of feels, it is worth every one!
Sunshine Kisses is the 2nd novella in the Kisses series by Elaine Marie. I did not read the first (Snow Kisses) but still enjoyed this one. It can be read as a stand alone, but now I want to go back to read the prior book. This book centers around Crystal and Spencer. They are long time friends, but are about to move into something more. Crystal’s best friend’s wedding is coming up, and its a destination wedding. The perfect time for a vacation fling. Crystal just found out she has some medical problems, and wants to have fun, in case she doesn’t have much time left. She didn’t expect the fling to be with one of her friends…and isn’t sure if its the best idea. While Spencer has crushed on her for years, she never saw him as anything potential, until just days before.
This book has some heated scenes, but nothing over the top dirty. It is a cute, quick read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys romance novels with a happily ever after.
Sunshine Kisses by Elaine Marie is A Kisses Novella Book Two. This book is the first book I’ve read by this author but now I need to go back and read book one since this was such a good book!
Crystal has decided it is time to live her life to the fullest after some bad news she received from her doctor. She is going to enjoy her best friends wedding. Not only is she going to have fun, she wants to enjoy a fling as well. However, she never expected who it would be. Spencer has always had a thing for Crystal and there’s no time like the present to tell her that. Will Spencer be able to make her see the light or will Crystal push him away because of her condition?
This book definitely takes your emotions for a ride but you can’t help but need to know what happens! I definitely recommend this book!
5 Star
Sunshine Kisses (A Kisses Novella) by Elaine Marie
Wow I kinda knew going in that this story would probably have my emotions going all over the place, but I had no idea I’d be such a wreck while reading. This is a friends to lovers / vacation fling. Crystal’s best friend is getting married and she’s going to enjoy her time because when she gets home she will have a very difficult decision to make. Crystal has a medical condition and is keeping it a secret only because she doesn’t want to ruin the wedding. Spencer on the hot guy who is also her friend. He kinda has a secret as well,these two are hot together and the chemistry is off the charts. She lays out the rules of this vacation fling but will he follow them? What will happen when the vacation is over? What will happen once they get home? I really loved this story and can’t recommend it enough. Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Sunshine Kisses (A Kisses Novella)
By Elaine Marie
Sunshine Kisses is the first book I have read by Elaine Marie and I am hoping it will not be the last. While this book is a nice quick read, you will find it is also packed with every emotion that you can think of. Crystal hears not so good news from her doctor just before her friend’s wedding. Crystal is determined to have a good time at her friend’s wedding and a holiday romance with no strings attached seems the perfect way for her to go. Enter Spenser he is the type of person everyone wants as a friend but does see him as the typical boyfriend material. Will Spenser have Crystal seeing as just as she needs, or will he want more from her? If you want to read a book that flows perfectly then this is the book you need to be reading. I also loved how the characters just seemed to interact with each other. So, get the book and be prepared for an overflow of emotions.
Where has Elaine Marie been? I have definitely missed some goodies here as this is my first but definitely not my last read by Elaine Marie. She has a writing style that reminds me of an author I adored as a young teen and I have missed that sort of heart string pulling writing in my life. Sunshine Kisses will make you feel all the feels and give you plenty of moments to smile as well to balance the devastating story line that runs at the center of the novella. Now it is a novella so you will want to give yourself a few hours to dive in and devour this gem uninterrupted. I know that I did and I was so glad to not have had to be torn away one moment from the story of Crystal and Spencer.
Crystal has a life altering and well eventually ending illness that has made her look at life completely differently, as it would obviously do. When the latest news from her doctor is not positive she decides that the upcoming destination wedding of one of her friends is the perfect place to live life with no rules and some abandon. She wants a fling, and only a fling too, but never expected that fling to be with a best friend, Spencer. Can life really go back to normal like nothing ever happened when the wedding comes to an end? This book is a must read for the ones who want to feel the emotion as you read. I recommend you grab a box of tissues before you dive in! I am off to grab the first in this series!
I love Elaine books. I have read them all and this one did not disappoint me. When I picked it up to read, I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened. I cried almost tryout the book. Crystal went to her best friend’s wedding and her feeling for Spencer grew also. She told herself that it couldn’t last cause she was sick. But when they got back home her feelings never changed. I definitely recommend this book.