Kiss and Tell

Grace Burrowes delivers an outstanding story in this 89-page novella. It's an honest, compelling look at marriage, relationships and family law set in a small town. The opening paragraphs in Kiss and Tell are superbly written. The reader is immediately drawn into the story as Dorie Almquist describes her version of what's wrong with her marriage to her attorney Dunstan Cromarty. Her story is full of anger, frustration and hurt; feelings that anyone who has been in a long-term relationship can relate to. Dorie refuses to consider Cromarty's suggestion of counseling or mediation.'What will this divorce cost me?" Is the first question that Calvin Almquist asks his attorney Jane DeLuca. Calvin is a busy accountant, too career focused to see that his 17 year marriage is disintegrating. He doesn't understand that divorce will cost him his wife, family and his savings. Calvin can't sort out what happened to his marriage . He refuses Jane's offer to seek outside guidance.Jane used the law library because people frequented the place. People who might pass the time of day with her, or needed a hint where the Atlantic Second Reporters were shelved. People who made quiet, comforting people -friendly noises without troubling her. She'd have to find somewhere new to work that didn't leave her open to attacks from Highland shoe pirates.Give me my shoe.He hesitated a single instant before passing over the shoe, the smile becoming a damned dimple in his left cheek.The excerpt sums up the first meeting between Jane DeLuca and Dunstan Cromarty, the opposing counsels in the Almquist case. I loved how they were trying to figure out each other's strategies. The back and forth banter between Jane and Dunstan made me smile and I enjoyed how they tested each other and sparred to determine each other's weaknesses.Dunstan and Jane agree to meet at a monthly bar luncheon to discuss their case. They leave and walk to a local restaurant. They shared a delicious meal, had great conversation and most of all, enjoyed each other's company. Dunstan is amused by Jane's fondness for bread and her large bag which serves as briefcase, purse and gym bag. Jane finds Dunstan charming and sweet and wonders if his stern behavior is an act. By the end of the lunch, it's apparent that the couple is attracted to each other. But, both of them know that it would be unethical for them to act on their feelings.This new book by Grace Burrowes contains all of the elements in her historical novels that readers have come to expect and enjoy. It's told with honesty and a large dose of humor. The novel has a sexy, honorable hero in Dunstan Cromarty and an intelligent attractive heroine in Jane DeLuca. This couple brings out the best in each other. What's not to like about a man who stocks his pantry with chocolate and scotch and talks to his cat?The couple has hard decisions to make about their personal and professional lives just as many readers do each day. Dunstan and Jane resonated with me and I wanted them to figure things out, go for it and have their happily ever after. I was surprised and pleased with the stories conclusion. There are several secondary characters that I am looking forward to seeing in future books. The novella is well-paced and the ending was perfectly satisfying.Kiss and Tell is the perfect read for a cold, rainy afternoon. Enjoy the book with some chocolate and a glass of wine ( or scotch ). ..... you will be glad that you did!

Kiss and Tell is the first book in Grace’s new contemporary Sweetest Kisses series and I have to say it’s off with an amazing start.Jane DeLuca and Dunstan Cromarty have been hired as opposing counsel in what both solicitors believe will be a long, complicated, and nasty divorce. As the proceedings take off, so do Jane and Dunstan’s feelings for each other. But are they willing to lose their licenses for love?Jane and Dunstan are both dedicated to their profession and both are running solo practices, which means that neither can truly afford to give up a client or, for that matter, their licenses. Although their attraction to each other is something they both are wanting to explore. Both have been lonely for far too long, so when an opportunity to connect with a like-minded person presents itself, they both jump at the chance.Dunstan is Scottish (yay!) and I loved his burr. No woman can resist a Scottish burr, so I can’t really blame Jane. She put up a good fight, but alas, the Scotsman prevailed.I’ve loved Grace’s historicals, so I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for her contemporary romances to come out and I must say the characters are just as endearing and the writing just as heartfelt and humorous.It was cold, rainy, and the wind was howling up a storm when I pulled out my wooly blanket, Royal Albert teapot, and settled in to read Kiss and Tale. I have to say I was in for a treat. The pacing was brilliant and even though this was a novella, I felt as though the story was well-developed and before I had realized it, my tea had grown cold and I had the novella finished.While it was nearly perfect, I would have liked to have seen a bit more about the hero and heroine, which is why I have rated it at a 4.5 rather than 5.Overall, this was the perfect start of a new series. While I purchased the e-book, I will also be purchasing the printed copy to add to my collection because Kiss and Tell is most definitely a keeper.

Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite historical romance writers and this is her first contemporary. Readers of this blog know I usually don’t read contemporary romance but as it is Grace Burrowes, I’m happy to try it.This story is a novella, the first in the Sweetest Kisses series, about lawyers who find love. Burrowes is an attorney so she knows her subject well. Her trademark witty banter between hero and heroine are just as evident and prominent here as in her historical romances. Perhaps a little too much, though, as it had me wondering if lawyers really talk like that? No matter. It’s sexy, smart, and fun.Jane DeLuca and Dunstan Cromarty are opposing counsel in a divorce case whose personal attraction causes conflict of interest and poses a threat to their new careers. Jane represents Calvin while Dunstan, a handsome Scot with a gorgeous burr, represents Doreen, his wife.The flirtation between Jane and Dunstan is casual and fun; they hit it off right away with a laid-back attitude and flip lawyer-ese on their very first business lunch. I like that they meet in the law library and Jane’s cute habit of removing her shoes whenever possible.“She’d have to find somewhere else to work that didn’t leave her open to attacks from Highland shoe pirates.”When Dunstan injures his back, Jane helps him home and there is a convenient ice storm that forces her to remain with him. One thing leads to another…I like how both Jane and Dunstan, though divorce is their job, urge Calvin and Doreen to make amends through counseling. It shows that they are human and caring, thus quashing the usual heartlessness of the lawyer’s stereotypical image.A nice little treat. I plan to read the rest of the series as characters who make an appearance have their happy endings in future novels.

anything by grace burrowes is a one

Really interesting and enjoyable novella. Not really sure about the detail Grace goes into law, but I liked the romance and the h/h.

Love Grace Burrowes and was interested to see her going the contemporary route. If you are a lawyer, you will be all over this. If not, you may find the intense attention to lawyerly detail overwhelming/dull.I'm willing to see how the next in this series goes, as this was a single.Fingers crossed — or else will just stick to the regencies.

Part of GB's modern life series. Enjoyed it - especially for the insight into the author's professional life. Enjoyed the story and looking forward for the third. Meanwhile, please Grace, don't neglect your regencies!

A jolly good rom com.