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Brightwood Small Town #2
Kiss in the Garden
Why strive for perfection, when love is anything but?
Kelsey
I thought I had it all figured out. I finally decided on a career and was making it work. Or so I thought. Until I messed up. Again.
Now, I have one final chance to make my dream of being a wedding planner a success - Plan my cousin’s wedding to her billionaire quarterback fiance.
But there is just one problem, Jason Collins. The stubborn, infuriatingly frustrating, and impossible-to-resist brother of the groom. My complete opposite.
Apparently, in the small town of Brightwood, where the wedding will be held, it’s Jason who is in charge.
In charge of the landscaping company, in charge of the wedding design, and in charge of me.
Or so he thinks…
This is it. My make it or break it moment. And I won’t let anyone get in my way.
Jason
If this spoiled princess thinks she can come in here and take over, she has another thing coming…
Kiss in the Garden is an opposites attract, forced proximity, steamy contemporary romance. It is book three in the Brightwood Small Town Romance Series, and while it can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read Kiss in the Dark: The Kickoff and Kiss in the Dark: The End Zone first.
Kelsey
I thought I had it all figured out. I finally decided on a career and was making it work. Or so I thought. Until I messed up. Again.
Now, I have one final chance to make my dream of being a wedding planner a success - Plan my cousin’s wedding to her billionaire quarterback fiance.
But there is just one problem, Jason Collins. The stubborn, infuriatingly frustrating, and impossible-to-resist brother of the groom. My complete opposite.
Apparently, in the small town of Brightwood, where the wedding will be held, it’s Jason who is in charge.
In charge of the landscaping company, in charge of the wedding design, and in charge of me.
Or so he thinks…
This is it. My make it or break it moment. And I won’t let anyone get in my way.
Jason
If this spoiled princess thinks she can come in here and take over, she has another thing coming…
Kiss in the Garden is an opposites attract, forced proximity, steamy contemporary romance. It is book three in the Brightwood Small Town Romance Series, and while it can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read Kiss in the Dark: The Kickoff and Kiss in the Dark: The End Zone first.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 10, 2024
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
I'll start off by saying the book was a nice and easy reads and my first book from L.J. McAlister, really enjoyed her writing.
On that note, I have to say even though Kelsey is can be a sweet girl. She came off as a very selfish, rich spoiled girl in the being. She wasn't the best listener anyone around her really and not to mention her clients. She's aspiring to become a wedding planner after much difficulty, but ones again she's not the best listener so she really had one last shot at this dream her cousins wedding. Then there comes Justin the fiancee hot annoying brother. These two are totally opposites, with the greater banter, forced to work with each other. They might not be the bestest on each others terms but the attraction is there and we can tell! lol
Overall Kelsey does have a great growth development and is able to over comer some of there issues and grow into the sweet loving character. Totally work reading!
Going back to read previous books and looking forward to the NEXT! 🖤
(Thank you for my ARC copy. Hope you enjoyed my honest review! 🖤)
I'll start off by saying the book was a nice and easy reads and my first book from L.J. McAlister, really enjoyed her writing.
On that note, I have to say even though Kelsey is can be a sweet girl. She came off as a very selfish, rich spoiled girl in the being. She wasn't the best listener anyone around her really and not to mention her clients. She's aspiring to become a wedding planner after much difficulty, but ones again she's not the best listener so she really had one last shot at this dream her cousins wedding. Then there comes Justin the fiancee hot annoying brother. These two are totally opposites, with the greater banter, forced to work with each other. They might not be the bestest on each others terms but the attraction is there and we can tell! lol
Overall Kelsey does have a great growth development and is able to over comer some of there issues and grow into the sweet loving character. Totally work reading!
Going back to read previous books and looking forward to the NEXT! 🖤
(Thank you for my ARC copy. Hope you enjoyed my honest review! 🖤)
January 12, 2024
Abby and Hunter are getting married and they want to keep it simple and do something good for the community. But Abby's cousin Kelsey wants to plan her wedding. Kelsey is not known for her subtlety and she is really wanting to plan it not for Abby's sake but for her own as she wants to use that experience to help get her business on its feet. Kelsey is a bit spoiled and selfish and Abby is right to be cautious about letting her help. Jason is Hunter's brother and the responsible landscaper in charge of helping get the park venue in shape for the wedding and to be used for the community. He is not going to let some spoiled, pampered princess mess up is brother's wedding. They are not on the same page initially but Jason is the best thing that could have happened to Kelsey. There is attraction but for Kelsey and Jason, who had some of his own issues, there is also growth that leads them to their own better tomorrow - with each other. This was fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2024
This is the second story in the "Brightwood Small Town" series but I think reads as a stand alone one. I did not read the first story about Abigail and Hunter. They are connected characters in this story. This one is about Hunter's brother, Jason and Kelsey, Abby's cousin. Abby and Hunter have asked Jason to take on the landscaping project in the special park where they want to be married. Abby's cousin, Kelsey, is brought on to plan the wedding. Let's just say that Kelsey and Hunter clash from the get go. He is down to earth and she comes off as a spoiled, entitled, princess type. So this is a bit of enemies to more story where they are forced to work together to get ready for a wedding. I will say I did not like Kelsey at first she comes across as a princess that all she cares about is making a big splash and getting her business off the ground. As the story develops you get to see more of her and less of the facade. I enjoyed the story. Jason has his own insecurities too plus an ex that is a piece of work.
January 11, 2024
Entertaining Opposites Attract Romance
As far as Jason is concerned Kelsey is an irrational, spoiled and beyond stubborn princess who is almost impossible to work with regardless of her passion and beauty. He should keep his distance from her based on what she has shown him. Kelsey needs her cousin’s wedding to be perfect to prove she is dependable and has a future as a Wedding Planner. What she does not count on is falling for Jason who blocks her every move. This enjoyable steamy romance about two opposites that are forced to work together to plan the perfect wedding venue and wedding. Loved the drama, anguish and how these two characters developed personally throughout the book. It was great to see Abby and Hunter from the first to books in the series get married and now I am looking forward to reading about Brooke, Abby and Kelsey’s friend, next.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
As far as Jason is concerned Kelsey is an irrational, spoiled and beyond stubborn princess who is almost impossible to work with regardless of her passion and beauty. He should keep his distance from her based on what she has shown him. Kelsey needs her cousin’s wedding to be perfect to prove she is dependable and has a future as a Wedding Planner. What she does not count on is falling for Jason who blocks her every move. This enjoyable steamy romance about two opposites that are forced to work together to plan the perfect wedding venue and wedding. Loved the drama, anguish and how these two characters developed personally throughout the book. It was great to see Abby and Hunter from the first to books in the series get married and now I am looking forward to reading about Brooke, Abby and Kelsey’s friend, next.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
January 7, 2024
Like most people (I’m assuming), when this book first started, I was not a big Kelsey fan. She really was a selfish, spoiled, rich girl who didn’t listen to her clients or anyone else. But as the book goes on, she really does go through some character growth but still has room for improvement. Jason’s character doesn’t really change at all, just his behavior and feelings toward Kelsey. I did feel like they resolved their conflict very quickly and easily, I wanted a little more than that. I also wanted to see what he had to say about what Kelsey found in the closet but that was never brought up to Jason. I did enjoy the spicy parts, they were hot and kinky. I thought the last kink was kind of just thrown in there, I wish it had been introduced sooner or maybe a bit of a longer scene. Overall it was a good book, a pretty light and easy read, nothing too emotional.
January 5, 2024
🩷Opposites attract
🩷Forced proximity
🩷Small town
🩷Enemies to lovers
BRB headed to the authors backlist to read every book she’s written!!!! Wow! This is my first LJ McAlister book and I’m an instant fan!
Kelsey is a sweet but somewhat spoiled princess trying to make her wedding planning business successful. Jason is a down to earth, practical landscaper helping out his family and taking over the business. When a family wedding comes up, they must learn to work together to make the bride and grooms dreams come true. Can Kelsey ensure this wedding goes off without a hitch? And most importantly, will Jason ever see her for her true self? Grab this book to find out.
For my spice lovers: the last spicy scene is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! Get ready!!
Thank you to L.J. McAlister and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🩷Forced proximity
🩷Small town
🩷Enemies to lovers
BRB headed to the authors backlist to read every book she’s written!!!! Wow! This is my first LJ McAlister book and I’m an instant fan!
Kelsey is a sweet but somewhat spoiled princess trying to make her wedding planning business successful. Jason is a down to earth, practical landscaper helping out his family and taking over the business. When a family wedding comes up, they must learn to work together to make the bride and grooms dreams come true. Can Kelsey ensure this wedding goes off without a hitch? And most importantly, will Jason ever see her for her true self? Grab this book to find out.
For my spice lovers: the last spicy scene is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! Get ready!!
Thank you to L.J. McAlister and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
January 7, 2024
This is the third book in this series, and this is Jason and Kelsey’s story.
Kelsey is a sweet but spoilt princess, who has dreams of running her own wedding planner business, but when there is a curveball though in, she has one last chance to make it work, and is planning her cousins wedding to her billionaire quarterback fiancé. Jason is down to earth and works as a landscaper in his family’s business.
This is a well written story which is an opposites attract, enemies / lovers’ story, with conflict, bickering, family, friendships, witty banter, forced proximity, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Kelsey is a sweet but spoilt princess, who has dreams of running her own wedding planner business, but when there is a curveball though in, she has one last chance to make it work, and is planning her cousins wedding to her billionaire quarterback fiancé. Jason is down to earth and works as a landscaper in his family’s business.
This is a well written story which is an opposites attract, enemies / lovers’ story, with conflict, bickering, family, friendships, witty banter, forced proximity, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
January 11, 2024
Kiss in the Garden is simply stunning. Main character Jason is stubborn, independent, family-oriented, smart, a hard worker, and so very lonely—though he doesn’t realize it. Main character Kelsey is a spoiled, aimless, ambitious woman with a heart of gold who just needs to find her way…and her true self. The two are at odds from the moment they meet, and the author does a fantastic job of building their chemistry—and animosity and understanding—as the novel develops. With steamy scenes, drama, angst, and a sweetheart couple of friends to keep these two in check, this highly entertaining read brings all the feels. Loved it and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2024
This is a second book in a series where the main characters from the first book are getting married. The female lead is the cousin of the bride and the lead male is the brother of the groom. Both of the leads are complete opposites and due to the circumstances surrounding the wedding, the leads are forced into close proximity where they have to confront their feelings with one another.
Truthfully, since this book is a continuation, it can be read as a standalone. Everything was well written and you could feel, sympathize, and understand the emotions of the characters. The growth of the leads was impeccable. Will definitely recommend this to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Truthfully, since this book is a continuation, it can be read as a standalone. Everything was well written and you could feel, sympathize, and understand the emotions of the characters. The growth of the leads was impeccable. Will definitely recommend this to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2024
eARC review. This was part of a series, but can be read as a standalone, which I did. I really enjoyed this book! Kelsey was a bit spoiled and self centered at the beginning of the novel, but throughout the course of the story she changed and was able to see there was more to the world than just herself and her wants. It was nice to see such a fully flushed out character and I really enjoyed going on her journey to become better with her. Jason was also a very fun and dynamic character and the banter and relationship was great to see go from enemies to lovers. If you enjoy enemies to lovers and romance that involves a wedding I would highly recommend this book.
January 5, 2024
Kelsey is spirited, often flighty, and doesn’t listen well when she has her own vision. She’s trying to open her own wedding planning business, and hits a pretty big speed bump on the way.
Jason is a landscaper working with his dad at the family business turning a local park into a wedding spot for his famous brother’s low key day.
There’s quite a bit of conflict, character growth, and spice. While I didn’t like Kelsey too much at the beginning, she really came a long way throughout the story.
4.5/5 stars
Cw body image issues
Jason is a landscaper working with his dad at the family business turning a local park into a wedding spot for his famous brother’s low key day.
There’s quite a bit of conflict, character growth, and spice. While I didn’t like Kelsey too much at the beginning, she really came a long way throughout the story.
4.5/5 stars
Cw body image issues
January 13, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed how these two main characters start at such odds with each other from the very beginning. Loved how they are both driven, but have completely different ideas, but once they get past all their differences, they just might realize just how well they click together. Loved all the angst and excitement a high stress wedding has to offer, throw in a high profile event and family and the desire to prove yourself will either spiral or make you pull yourself out on top.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
Kelsey thought she had her life figured out but one brother to the groom might be testing her knowledge of her life. Her cousins wedding and planning it is the perfect opportunity for Kelsey but Jason just keeps getting in the way. Opposites attract in this small town romance. Jason being stubborn in every decision and detail for his brothers wedding is both hilarious and annoying as I just wanted Kelsey to get her way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2024
I really disliked Kelsey for a large section of this book, I expected to see her poorly from the previous book but it was much worse. She had an impressive realisation & growth to become likeable. Jason also kept up his growth from the previous book & whilst still could be blinkered he also was accepting when challenged to see other perspectives & willing to compromise afterwards.
I ended up flying through the last third after struggling with the first half, which I found it a bit repetitive but also not a lot happened & it took Kelsey too long to change. Overall it's a solid 4.
I ended up flying through the last third after struggling with the first half, which I found it a bit repetitive but also not a lot happened & it took Kelsey too long to change. Overall it's a solid 4.
January 12, 2024
Kelsey is a spoiled rich selfish woman who didn't listen to her clients or anyone around. So she only had this one last shot at her cousins wedding. Jason the brother of the fiancee and he won't let anyone or anyone mess up his brothers wedding. Can Kelsey start listening and can Jason work with her to pit on the best wedding. Really good book. I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2024
Kelsey is a sweet but spoilt princess, who aspires to run her own business as a wedding planner. She has one last opportunity to display her ability by planning her cousin's wedding.
While Jason works as a landscaper in his family’s business. He's the brother of the groom.
This is a well written story with several themes such as opposites attract, enemies to lovers’, there's witty banter and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While Jason works as a landscaper in his family’s business. He's the brother of the groom.
This is a well written story with several themes such as opposites attract, enemies to lovers’, there's witty banter and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
I loved this Romance storyline with drama, steam, miscommunication, past issues to resolve, and great characters. The MCs are defined, opposites, have great chemistry, and are usually at odds with one another. I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 5, 2024
Jason and Kelsey were everything I didn't know I needed. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this book delivers.
The banter and arguing is exactly what you would expect. These two are opposites in every way and so much fun to read.
The banter and arguing is exactly what you would expect. These two are opposites in every way and so much fun to read.
January 8, 2024
Good story. These two start out as enemies, but it doesn’t take long before they become more. Well written and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2024
Kelsey is a wedding planner and is trying to plan her cousin's wedding to her billionaire fiancée. Jason is the brother of the groom and is helping with the planning. Kelsey and Jason seem perfect for each other. Will they see that they are meant to be together?
January 5, 2024
Romance at it's most endearing. From tempting to emotional, McAlister is right on target when it comes to delivering a smile. Falling in love has never felt so effortless.
January 19, 2024
I loved Jason and Kelsey’s story. I thought it was a fun, engaging read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 20, 2024
Kiss In The Garden
by
LJ McAlister
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
by
LJ McAlister
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
February 3, 2024
Two selfish leads
Did not like either leading character; the repeated anger and misunderstandings overdone as was the sex. Do not recommend it.
Did not like either leading character; the repeated anger and misunderstandings overdone as was the sex. Do not recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews