After a tumultuous year, she gets an unexpected surprise just before Christmas… your perfect friends bail.
Then Amelia does something crazy. She has a passionate night with Sebastian Wilder and then leaves while he’s still sleeping.
It’s a wakeup call. She needs to get her life together, and she doesn’t need to complicate Sebastian’s while she does it. Even if she can’t stop dreaming about their steamy night.
But when she takes a pregnancy test and it says positive, she realizes she’s about to complicate Sebastian’s life in a big way.
She might have wanted to pursue something with him in the future, but the pregnancy makes that impossible. They need to be friends so they can co-parent their baby, and getting between the sheets again would jeopardize that. So, she definitely won’t open that door again. Definitely not.
But as she gets to know him, she realizes that Sebastian’s the whole package and maybe the biggest risk would be to let him get away.
He’s going to prove to her that he’s more than a one-night stand, even if he has to dress up as Santa to do it…
While trying to open the ski resort he’s dreamed of opening for years, the last thing Sebastian needed was a distraction. And Amelia is a distraction from top to bottom.
But when she tells him about her pregnancy like she expects him run as fast as she did after their night together, he makes it his mission to prove her wrong. He isn’t that kind of guy. He will be there for her and their child, even if he has to overcome every single one of her reservations.
Soon Sebastian realizes that beneath Amelia’s reserved exterior is a passionate, sweet, and hilarious woman. A woman any man would be lucky to call his. And Sebastian is determined that it won’t be any man. It’ll be him.
And he’s got his work cut out for him between their meddlesome families and her determination to keep him in the co-parent zone, but Sebastian is hoping some holiday magic will work in his favor and he invites her to spend a week at his family’s lodge.
Sebastian is going to show her they have something meant to last long after the Christmas lights are packed away.
Can the holiday season work its magic and help these two find true love?
This book is the second book in the MAGNOLIA VALLEY series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of a larger story line.
- Dreaming of You (Josie & Calvin)
- Destined for You (Ethan & Astrid)
- Fascinated by You (Nora & Alek)
- He was Playing for Keeps (Caine & Quinn)
- Catching Her Wild Heart (Wyatt & Penny)
- Risking it all for Love (Augustus & Freya)
- It was Always You (Simon & Margot)
- They Started with a Kiss (Sebastian and Amelia)
more
This is book 8 in the Magnolia Valley series and it features Sebastian and Amelia. Her marriage fell apart because her husband decided he preferred men over women. After her divorce, she had a one night stand that’s given her more than she ever expected. Sebastian was upset that she left the next morning without even leaving a goodbye note. Three months later, she’s knocking on his door. SURPRISE! This is a really sweet and sexy romance between two people that each need that one person who really gets them.
Heartwarming!
Like all the rest of the books in this series, this one will leave you smiling. Magnolia Valley is a mythical haven where although bad things may happen, the good overpowers it in the end. Amelia and Simon make an interesting couple in that she is divorced, and he is a quiet accountant. How is it going to be possible for two such reticent individuals to get together in the first place? Only Ms. Reed knows, and she makes it possible without it seeming the least bit contrived. Great characters, story, and writing all combine to leave the reader with a smile and a warm feeling.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
They Started with a Kiss by Cora Reed is a very good edition to the Magnolia Valley series. Amelia a divorce school teacher has a one night stand with Sebastian and ends up pregnant. Amelia want to raise the baby alone and Sebastian who has had a crush on her since high school wants to be their for both Amelia and the baby. Sebastian and Amelia story is heartwarming and romantic and well worth the time to read. I highly recommend reading it. I received a free copy of this book for and have voluntarily choose to review it.
Amelia’s and Sebastian’s night has had unforeseen consequences. Now the question is, how will they deal? Well, they’re both good people, so they deal with it like adults – they talk it out and decide that they can work it out. After all, the night came about because they have feelings for each other, not just physically.
Now if only the people around them would let them be and stay out of their business…
I really like this story and this series. I’ve read a few of the previous and keep coming back because it’s that good. Amelia and Sebastian are a wonderful couple and so real and realistic. They both have insecurities like the rest of us, and handle them like all of us do. Their chemistry is undeniable, and that combined with their lovable personalities make for a heartwarming, entertaining read.
Sebastian and Amelia have sizzling chemistry and their story was entertaining. This is the eighth book in the series which should be a definite read. This has secrets, insecurities, betrayal and so much more. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoy the Magnolia Valley series. Normally the book pulls me right into the story. This book took a bit of time for it to flow for me.
When I started the book, I felt like I had walked into the middle of a story. I probably should have gone back to the previous book to see if Sebastian and Amelia’s story started ther, but I didn’t.
Sebastian and Amelia both had baggage and the way there relationship started, it didn’t make for the best foundation. I really liked the way their relationship developed over Amelia’s pregnancy and how attentive Sebastian was in regard to Amelia.
This book is a real testament to how destructive some parents can be to their children. Some intentionally, and some unintentionally.
Sebastian and Amelia both had to overcome a sense of inadequacy in order to find and reach their HEA. They were fortunate enough to find the other person who was loving, supportive, loyal, intelligent, and strong. They made one another stronger by being together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from Hidden Gems.
They Started with A Kiss is book number eight in the Magnolia Valley series by Cora Reed.
I was hooked from beginning to end. Amelia and Sebastian were great characters. I wished that they were real people. Their story was funny, sweet and steamy and it had me laughing and crying at times. I really enjoyed their story it was a treat.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
3.5
This is the first book I have read in this series.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Magnolia Valley
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free ebook from Hidden Gems.
Overcoming fear and accepting goodness is deserving
They Started With A Kiss (Magnolia Valley Book 8) by Cora Reed is a very well written book that is fraught with emotional tension, emotional fear and overcoming feeling not worthy of goodness or love, not to mention panty melting chemistry that knocks these characters socks off.
Sebastian and Amelia are quite alike. Both strive to make other proud and be helpful while putting themselves and their needs last until they finally address the elephant in the room.
Sebastian is all in, while Amelia struggles believing he could really have an interest her beyond their one night stand and the result of it. Thank goodness Sebastian does not give up and know just how to go about getting his girl and the family he didn’t really know he wanted. Now that it’s within reach, it’s everything to him. Amelia secretly wants the same thing, but she shy’s away from it and Sebastian after being hurt.
Overall, this is a wonderful romance with great characters and a HEA for the whole family.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
They Started with a Kiss is the 8th book in the Magnolia Valley series. This is my second book by this author and I am thoroughly hooked. Her stories are sweet and flow so easily that you will breeze right thorough it. Because this is a continuous series, you get to feel like you know all of the families living in the small town of Magnolia.
Both main characters have their hang ups. Neither think they are worthy and after a night of fun, their lives change forever. It was beautiful seeing the story of Sebastian and Amelia come together. I can’t wait to read the rest.
This is a stand alone novel that can be read out of order. Personally, I’ve read book 5 and now 8 and was able to follow through. There were periods where I thought who? But it wasn’t significant to the story and really didn’t affect my ability read the novel.
Special thanks to author for providing me with a free advanced copy for a complete and unbiased review.
Welcome to Magnolia. Settle in, you’re in for a beautiful story
Enjoy!
Favorite parts of the story: The characters that make up this town. They are real and a lot have some really unlikable personalities, but they feel so real and will make your reading experience feel complete.
“They Started With A Kiss”, a Magnolia Valley book, was my first read by author Cora Reed. I decided to ARC a copy of this book based on the premise (accidental pregnancy) and blurb. I found Sebastian and Amelia to be interesting characters and enjoyed their banter. The secondary characters in the story were all very interesting and I’m thinking I would have enjoyed the book more had I read the other books in the series, but, as is it was an easy and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the story of Amelia and Sebastian along with watching Amelia grow into herself.
The timing is off.
As in way off.
Good girl Amelia never made a wrong step. Until her world crumbles down her so called perfect life. Her husband is gay.
So, she has a hook up with Sebastian but we’ll, her luck is all wrong and she’s pregnant. Timing.
Sebastian is a good guy. Timings not the best for him, but he’s in it for the long haul.
I liked this book and recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was so much love hidden between these two and they didn’t even know it. You could feel what they felt while reading. Such a great story of overcoming the unexpected and making the best with what you can!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amelia and Sebastian have one passionate night together and surprise, she ends of pregnant. It is actually a surprise because she had been trying to get pregnant with her ex and was not able to.
Sebastian has always had a crush on Amelia from afar. He wants their relationship to be about more than co-parenting and sets out to prove to Amelia that he is the one for her. They share an underdog status in their families, seeing everything thing but rarely being seen for who they are. But they both want to break free of that situation and together they do. Their relationship is sweet and sexy and you will love them together.
I have read all the other books in this series and have really them all. This does work as a stand alone but you get more of the background, particularly on Sebastian’s brothers, in the earlier books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve read all of the books on this series and I have loved them all. But this one blew me out of the water.
Sebastian and Amelia, what can i say about this couple? Both have a past that keeps them closed off. But a one night stand makes it so their lives will change very soon. I think Sebastian is my new book boyfriend. He is so sweet and you can’t but help falling in love with him. All he wants is Amelia and he will do anything so she will give them a chance. But there of course are people that want to get in their way. This book was fun and sweet and a great holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I adored Sebastian and Amelia’s story. Neither one thought they were good enough for the other and had reason to run when feelings got involved. She ran a little earlier than normal, before he woke up in the morning. Then, even though she didn’t want to, she ignored him when she saw him. She was gunshy, her ex-husband wanted a divorce because he was gay and she had to keep it a secret. The only problem with staying away, she is pregnant and it is Sebastian’s.
Sebastian was always treated poorly by his father because he had a speech impediment. When he slept with Amelia it was his first time, because he was shy and focused on other things. When she left before he woke up, it destroyed him. When she tells him she is pregnant, and gives him an out, he views it as a way to be rid of him for good. But, he has always been an observer and realizes that she is trying to protect herself and that she is interested.
I really liked how sweet, yet upfront, Sebastian was. He asked her the tough questions and wanted answers. He pushed the limits but didn’t step over them. He knew what he wanted personally and professionally and fought for it. Amelia was a strong character, yet she was vulnerable. She was afraid to open her heart again, but found it hard to stay away from Sebastian. Just when they both realize how they feel about the other, but before they tell each other, a conversation comes to light and has Amelia running again. Both characters were so true to life, that I could picture the scenarios they faced happening to friends and/or family.
I love this series and can’t wait for more. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Sebastian Wilder’s book is one of the stories in this series I’ve most been looking forward to. And this book did not disappoint. It’s filled with lots of big emotions and even plenty of laughter. I loved how this story shows us both Sebastian and Amelia growing into their best selves, learning to stand up for what they want and what they believe in, and building better relationships all around for it. This pair are utterly adorable together, showing us that sometimes something that could be considered a mistake is actually serendipity at work. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Book eight in the Magnolia Valley series a well written story with a good storyline. Sebastian Wilder and divorced Amelia Edgecombe have a one night stand that leaves her with more, she tells him and he wants to be part of her life. I enjoyed reading how their story comes together. I am glad that Melanie got what she deserved. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After her one nigth stand with Sebastian, Amelia is trying to go on with her lofe. But when she discovers that she is pregnant, she knows she must tell him. Sebasrian is set to do the right tjing and help Amelia on everything she needs. Will thry realise that what they need is to face their feelings and give it a try to be a family? Sweet story. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.