Freedom's Kiss

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ!

MONZON, SARAH

FREEDOM'S KISS

They were both prisoners of their past. Could legacy be the key to setting them free?

Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she's going -- her sense of family responsibility a stepping stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself had been a lie.

A single decision can have innumerable consequences -- a truth that has changed Adam Carrington's life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form fo a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart.

Florida, 1816

Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the west shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance.

My Review:

published in 2018

This is the series that got away from me (she confesses, head hanging in shame.) I read the first two books in the series and then --pouf -- too many books, so little time and a brain that is only as good as the nearest overflowing TBR list. But I'm remedying that right now with this third Carrington novel...and yay...there is one more on my reading horizon.

So, yeah, these Carringtons. Three brothers and a sister and I'm swooning over them all...well, not Amber, but I'll swoon over her guy when he comes along. :-) Love the sibling bickering and teasing and typical big family shenanigans along with the way they aren't afraid to speak truth into a brother's (or sister's) life when the situation calls for it. 

This time round it's Adam's chance for romance. (And by the way, each book in this series reads well as a standalone too so you can jump in here if you've missed the first two books without any problem.) There's two sides to Adam -- exuberant, full-of-life, compassionate and just plain fun but that's contrasted by a darker side as he struggles with a circumstance in his past that he can't forgive himself for. He's forgotten about what grace means and lucky for him, Olivia pops into his life at the perfect time to show him.

The first time they meet is a riot! It's touched with whimsy and a meant-to-be kinda vibe that promises a stellar romance. Olivia's devoted to her family and driven to succeed in her culinary pursuits which is what lands her on Adam's doorstep finagling for a chance to prove herself. Life is looking pretty near perfect until her world spins off its axis when she discovers a secret about her past. Luckily, Adam is right there, a stable influence to help her remember what's important.

Meanwhile, back in 1816...eeeeeppp, yes, this is a dual timeline novel! And what an interesting historical setting -- escaped slaves from Georgia fleeing into the Florida wilderness to join a Seminole tribe as free people. I learned quite a bit of new-to-me history courtesy of this timeline. But how does it connect with Adam and Olivia's present day you ask? Weeeelllll....you'll just have to read Freedom's Kiss to find out.

Love that title, by the way. Because both present and historical heroes and heroines are all searching for freedom in one way or another. From slavery, political tyranny, fears, regret, unforgiveness...there are so many ways we humans shackle ourselves! And Monzon points us to the only way we can truly be free.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Freedom's Kiss, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 17 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!