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#Review of Sand, Salt, and Spirits by Kathryn Hills w/a rafflecopter giveaway! #contemporaryromance @AuthorKathrynH

Sand, Salt, and Spirits

by Kathryn Hills

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GENRE:   Romance / Halloween / Contemporary

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BLURB:

Can a weekend visit to Last Chance Beach undo decades of brokenhearted memories? Conjuring up some island magic might just be their trick. Or treat!

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near-strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

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EXCERPT:

“And you’re saying you believe in this ‘island love magic?’” she asked in a sexy little voice, speaking over her shoulder as she strolled away from him.

“Hell, yeah. I believe it now. Certainly after you said, ‘maybe.’” Cassie began walking faster. Soon, she was running and laughing.

Kyle gave chase. “Just so you know, I played quarterback in high school.”

“Of course you did, hot shot.” She squealed and giggled when he swept her off her feet and up onto his shoulder. “No, no, no,” she cried when he headed for the water as if to throw her in.

“This dress will turn completely transparent if it gets wet.”

“You do not understand even the basic rules when dealing with men, do you, Cassie Corwin?” Kyle stopped just short of the water. He let her body slide down his slowly until her toes touched the wet sand. Waves lapped at their legs. Hers were bare, so she didn’t care. He wore pants, yet he cared even less.

“You’re right,” she murmured when he continued to hold her. “I don’t understand men. You’re an enigma to me, Kyle Worthington.”

He gently cupped her face in his hands, holding her to him, as he nuzzled her silky hair. “I don’t want to be a mystery. I want only you.”

She released a long, shaky sigh a split second before his lips brushed hers.

So I did something.  I read a Halloween-themed book and I LOVED it.  OMG.  It’s not scary or a thriller.  Just a feel-good Halloween-themed book that does feature a ghost.  The ghost is great and I think it is great what Ms. Hills does with it, too.  She has weaved some of her own personal experiences and it shows.  Plus, who can resist an old Victorian home and an antique shop?  You’re bound to find a ghost or two.

Kyle and Cassie are the Ying and the Yang to each other.  Both are very different, yet both want the same thing.  Love, acceptance, and a sense of family.  Kyle has it with his Gran and his sisters.  Kat is a great big sister and her boyfriend Ben is great, too.  Not to mention their dog.  The rest of the secondary characters are good, too.  Even his parents.  His dad is a piece and I won’t even go into his mother.  Gag.  Both of them are rotten but his Gran and his deceased Grandfather have a profound effect on him.  Cassie does too, in the end.  He finally figures out what is important and stands up to his parents in the end.

Cassie is awesome.  From her VW Bug to Odin her Great Dane lapdog, Cassie is just perfect.  Her upbringing was difficult but it didn’t slow her down.  A little unsure of what Kyle’s intentions were at first but she soon becomes intertwined with his family, the festival and feels the same pull to him as him to her.  I loved watching how their friendship grows into something more.  It’s slow in the beginning but heats up quickly.    Plus, Cassie doesn’t put up with Kyle’s smooth-talking ways.  She calls him out on stuff, which makes him think.

Overall, I loved this book.  The characters are great, the whole plot is well thought out and I certainly didn’t see the ending or the second to last chapter happening at all.  Loved it.  Now, I just need to read Kat and Ben’s story.  Yes, their book is out now.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts…all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Find Kathryn Hills Online

* Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon Author Page * BookBub

Buy Link – Sand, Salt, and Spirits – Last Chance Beach Romance by Kathryn Hills

https://books2read.com/u/bQJo5Z

The book will be $0.99.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

Kathryn Hills will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

18 thoughts on “#Review of Sand, Salt, and Spirits by Kathryn Hills w/a rafflecopter giveaway! #contemporaryromance @AuthorKathrynH

    1. This review made my day since I adore Cassie and Kyle! She’s actually a combination of some of my dearest friends!

    1. Thanks, Heather! I had another image initially in my head, but my cover artist (Kristian Norris) knew better. She does a wonderful job of truly tapping into the mood of the story. Thanks for visiting with us. Happy Halloween!

    1. Thank you, Jeanna! (Love your name btw!) It was challenging coming up with cover for a Halloween romance set on a vacation island paradise, but I love what my artist (Kristian Norris) came up with. It’s also a cover that influenced a scene in the book, not the other way around. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  1. Thank you, Harlie, for this wonderful post and review! I’m delighted you enjoyed Sand, Salt, and Spirits! Especially that you loved my characters. I adore Cassie and Kyle, and all the great folks who visit Last Chance Beach or live there. That I had the chance to spend Halloween at Sandpiper Cottage with them was fantastic. And Odin…that love of a “lapdog”?…He’s inspired by my own three dogs. I don’t have any quite so big, but they certainly are loveable goofballs, just like him. Thanks for reading and hosting me today. Happy Halloween!

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