Sunday, October 13, 2013

REVIEW: PRICE OF A KISS by LINDA KAGE

Price of a KissCategory/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 8/15/13
Format: ebook
Pages: 373
Source: Received from author for review
Rating: 5 stars

I don’t care what my cousin says; I am not the queen of impossible relationships. I mean, just because my last boyfriend tried to kill me and left a bit of a scar on my neck, then forced me to move across the country and legally change my name to Reese Randall to escape him, does not mean—

Oh, who am I kidding? For a freshman in college, I have to have the worst dating track record ever.

It’s no wonder love is the last thing on my mind when Mason Lowe enters my life. But the chemistry between us is like bam! Our connection defies logic. And he’s just so freaking hot. Being around him makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before. I even like bickering with him. He could be my soul mate...except for one teeny tiny glitch.

He's a gigolo.

Boy, do I know how to pick them.
 
 
Price of a Kiss was a fun, sweet, and surprising story, and I'm not even sure what I can say to do it justice. This is a book that is getting many, many rave reviews, and though I was a tiny bit skeptical, I was convinced within a few pages. Or more accurately, within the first page.
 
At first glance, Price of a Kiss might seem to have a bit of a morally "skeevy" feel. I mean, Mason is a gigolo. Paid for his sexual services. A man who is professionally obligated to satisfy. So yeah, I was obviously interested in Mason Lowe, but not prepared for the sweet, thoughtful, self-sacrificing and completely lovable, huggable, and endearing man he actually was. I went in thinking Mason would be the bad boy I would be convinced to love, but found the opposite. It's quite nice when I can love a questionable book guy without feeling squicky, yeah?
 
Reese Randall is a young woman on the run. Sort of. After a violent end to her last relationship, she is hiding in plain sight, and not at all interested in starting a new relationship. I adored Reese. She was adorably perky, quirky, and had a wicked sense of humor, which she used at almost any given opportunity. Her hilarious remarks, both internal and external, had me laughing and cheering her on. I could so totally see myself making the exact same remarks, particularly in awkward situations.
 
What I found so nice about Price of a Kiss was that it was a thoughtful story. You would think a book about a gigolo falling in love would be all sex, sex, sex, but that was so not the case here. Reese and Mason both take their situation seriously, don't want to lose their friendship, must make difficult and heartbreaking choices, but can't seem to fight the inevitable love that is growing between them. The relationship between Mason and Reese was angsty and a bit tormented - because of the necessary hesitations - but was never irritating or annoying. It just squeezed my heart and had me on edge, hoping the two could overcome their obstacles.
 
If I had to describe Price of a Kiss in one word, that word would be Anticipation. Sweet, delicious anticipation that most certainly pays off in a brilliant and satisfying way. I can't recall ever reading such a seductive book with so very little actual physicality. It's not that there isn't any physical action going on, because there most certainly is. Kage did a remarkable job of slowly building the intensity one glance, one grip of the hand, one brush of the lips at a time. Like I said, Anticipation.
 
Price of a Kiss was a delicious treat. I will read whatever Linda Kage writes.

 
Favorite Quotes:


  But that's when it happened.
  His face lit up and he grinned.
  He grinned.
  It was the first real grin I'd ever seen him give. And it was all for me. If fried a couple of my nerve endings. I definitely felt overheated. Might've even smelled smoke.    ~18%



  My lips parted and my entire body throbbed. "Mason?" I said slowly, my voice timid. What're you doing?"
  "Something I probably shouldn't." His voice sounded hoarse and tender as he dipped his face and pressed his forehead against mine.
  I began to tremble. I don't know if it was because of anticipation, utter excitement, dread, or outright fear. "If...if you shouldn't, then...don't."
  A throaty whimper like a wounded cougar tore from his voice box. "Easier said than done." With his fingers slipping through my hair, he curled his hand around to the back of my neck, urging my face up, probably to align me into position for a kiss. Then he whispered my name.
  God, the achy, husky way he said it was like a silken caress to every erogenous nerve in my body.   ~36%



  "All you have to do is stretch out your hand, Mason." Pressing my palm against his chest, I whispered, "I'm right here."
  He shook his head. I can't. I'm tainted."
  "No." To my own doom, I stepped away from the door, going to him, my arms outstretched to hold him and soothe his wounded soul.   ~73%
 
 
Purchase Price of a Kiss
 
 
About the author:
Linda KageThe youngest of eight children, Linda Kage grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest. She now lives in Kansas with her husband, daughter, and nine cuckoo clocks. Linda is a member of Romance Writers of America and its local chapter, Midwest Romance Writers.


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20 comments:

  1. This book sounds awesome! I love when I book isn't what you expected (in a good way.) I love how this story brought along with it a ton of anticipation, and slow built intensity. Great Quotes! My fav is the middle one. Awesome Review!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  2. Great to hear it is a thoughful story!

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  3. I initially wanted to read this book because of the cover, but haven't bought it yet. After reading your review, I'm positive I need to go get it right now! :)

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  4. I havent heard of this one before, but you have definitely caught my interest. This sounds so good and I love when the anticipation builds! Great review!

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  5. Wow! 5 stars! I didn't know this would be such an intense and awesome book. I initially dismissed it because of the cover looking like every other NA cover, but I have to admit that this sounds pretty great. I love the idea of a gigolo and I'm curious to see how their relationship would work. Also, I'm glad to hear that they were friends before they jumped into a relationship.
    Fabulous review, Andrea!

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  6. Yay! I'm thrilled you loved this book, Andrea! And I can't wait to read it now. I really liked Ms. Kage's writing in Addicted to Ansley but Price of a Kiss seems like it's more intense and emotional. Wonderful review!!

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  7. I adored this book so much! It was definitely one of my faves of the year. Your review blows mine out of the water!!

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  8. OMG I want to read both of these so bad!!! bobbyehopebooth at yahoo dot com

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  9. Wow, what a review.! I'm looking forward to reading this book.
    Thanks :)

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  10. OMG I don't think I can get over my insecurities if my bf is a gigolo. I think I'll always see myself inferior in some ways compared to the other women he slept with PLUS knowing that there's a bunch of us who've shared him in THAT way will bother me forever.

    But that possibility is a good topic to explore, live it vicariously through them right and as expected, the dude is more than what he is. Interesting character twist.

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  11. Anticipation is a good word for this book. I totally loved it. Glad you did too.

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  12. Great review! It makes me think a little bit of Confessions of an Alli Cat with the *ahem* professional job there. I loved that book, so I think I'd really enjoy this one!

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  13. This one does sound different! I don't think I had heard of it before so thanks for bringing it to my attention!

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  14. I'm not a big fan of the man-whore (depends on the guy) so when I thought, getting paid for sex? Eeeeew! But I also love books that make me rethink and question things. I just have one question: Is the girl a virgin???

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  15. I had already downloaded this one - just need time to read it lol

    It sounds really sweet despite the subject matter.

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  16. 5 stars, yes! I'm glad you enjoyed it:) slow building books are the best!!! I adore it when a female MC can make me laugh with one's snark, wit and cheerfulness and seems like her personality suited you well. Lovely, gorgeous review, babe!

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  17. Wow, this sounds really good. I haven't heard of it at all actually, but you're piqued my interest. Mason sounds yummy and Reese sounds like a girl I would like. Great review!

    Vi
    AKA Vi3tBabe
    Deity Island

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  18. I am definitely a fan of Kage's now too. I read this one last week and was happy with it. I can't wait to read Fighting Fate. Erin said it's even better than this one.

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  19. This sounds great. I actually have been seeing this book everywhere, but this is the first review I've read. You have convinced me.

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  20. I've been hesitant about picking this up because of the gigolo part. I don't like reading a romance where the couple is getting it on with other people, but it sounds like I should reconsider. Wonderful review, Andrea! :)

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