Four Kisses

Love Nibbles #3

by Bonnie Dee

Unforgettable moments shape a romance that could last a lifetime.

Jen Adam’s first kiss didn’t happen the way she’d expected. On a steamy summer’s day, a shared moment with a boy who runs with a bad crowd leaves an indelible impression on a thirteen year old girl. But that’s only the first time Jen and Drake Malinson’s paths cross in an unforeseen way.

The night of junior prom Jen bumps into an older, sexier and even wilder Drake. He distracts and mesmerizes her, turning a disastrous evening into one she’ll always remember.

When they meet again as adults under stranger circumstances, Jen tries to ignore old memories. Were her insights into Drake real or had his kisses seduced her into believing he was deeper than he was. Can straight-arrow Jen and aimless Drake change enough to find common ground?

Four vignettes illustrate a relationship that spans years. A 20,000 word novella.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Short Stories, Novella, Fiction, Chick Lit

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

I began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.

I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

First kiss is at 13, the second at prom, the third and fourth as adults. And interesting idea, but I didn’t enjoy the way the story was put together.

Editing issues
Cute, but not satisfying
Story ends abruptly
No sex

These characters didn’t spend any significant time together until the very end. It was short glimpses of those kisses, and nothing else.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional and sweet read!

The story is told through 4 encounters.

The first one is their first kiss when they were 13. Even then they were aware that they are from different worlds, but there was something thta set them apart from their peers, something that led to that first touch of lips.

The next one is Jen's prom. The divide is even greater now. She's a senior on her way to a good college, and Drake is surviving by selling pot. Definitely not a match made in heaven, but he is the one that saved the otherwise dismal prom night.

The third time, unfortunately is not so good.

Fast forward 4 years or so to the last one. And this time, there is a chance for a HEA.

I really like the story and the unusual way it is told. I was cheering for them and their love. Have to admit, there were moments when I had a tiniest amount of doubt that it could work out. But everything was perfect.

I like both Jen and Drake, she with her big plans for the future, a princess, and he a boy from the wrong side of the track, a quintessential bad boy. *sigh*

Rating:

4.5 stars

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and quite lovely novella, showing how four distinct moments can mark your life.

Four kisses , shows how Jen's and Drake lives intersect, how to very different person, seem to connect so effortlessly.
Of course, the length of the novel, doesn't let time to get that much depth into the characters (besides that each moment represents really different point of their lives, 13, 17, 25 and 28 years old)...still, I enjoyed those moments. A bit disappointed with moment 3 but content that moment 4, showed how a person can change.

Overall, quite a quick and lovely read!



(Ten and Eleven agree ^^)

[willaful · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written short story about four encounters between Jen and Drake, starting when she was a "late-blooming" 13 years old brain and he was one of the scary, drug-dealing, bad boys at school. Several years later, Drake comforted Jen when her boyfriend cheated on her at the prom -- but their worlds were too far apart. Can they ever meet on equal ground?

Told from Jen's perspective, the four vignettes evoke vivid feelings and impressions, especially of her as a young girl whose friends are outgrowing her too quickly. Though I would love to see some kind of follow-up on these characters someday, I thought the length and mild steam level were just right.

[Joan (official heroine hater) · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY short but cute/neat little story. Just wish there was a continuation-I'm curious where things went with this couple!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anybody else wish Severus Snape could have gotten a second (or third, or fourth) chance at a future with Lily???? Well, this story's for you!

Four Kisses is a sweet (too short) novella about a guy and a girl who come from different sides of the track that fate keeps trying to thrust together. I liked this story and thought the small moments Drake and Jen shared with each other over the years were incredibly moving.

Drake (as you can tell from my opener) reminded me of the young Snape we got to see in HP 'The Deathly Hallows' - tough, yet sensitive and set on the wrong path - reaching out in his way to help the girl he clearly likes but knows is not for him. The one thing that disappointed me was the way we were left hanging at the end!!! We know he's a good kisser, and he's got big hands and feet, but other than that we got nothing. Nada. Zilch. Oh well.....

[Brianna (The Book Vixen) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. I was captivated by the synopsis and thought this book had potential. Unfortunately, it fell flat.

The hero (if you can even call him that) was a pothead for most of the story. He was a pothead for their first kiss (at 13 years old), their second (16 years old), and their third (about 25 years old). He finally grew up a bit for their 4th kiss.

Speaking of the 'four kisses', the 3rd kiss was a let down. Blowing a kiss doesn't count in my opinion.

Had this been a full length novel, I wouldn't have finished reading it. I only read this book in its entirety because it was so short.

[Kainani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and light romance. It's about Jen and Drake who share their very first kiss at a young age. Then through out the years, whether it be by coincidence or fate, they keep bumping into each other. All though it be brief encounters, each encounter was enough to leave a lasting impression with each other. It's a heart warming story and will put a smile on your face. Note: If you are looking for sex, there is none. Only kissing and hand holding in this story. However, still worth the read.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this story, and each subsequent meeting after that. The build of the story between the characters was really great, but I couldn't give this higher than 3 stars because the story just ended SO abruptly. The entire story I felt was building to something that never quite came about. It needed like 3 more pages. Either way I was left slightly unsatisfied.

[nine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really cute. I liked how the author didn't even make it about sex. It was cute to see te characters fall for each other and feel like they had instant chemistry. I liked how it the author wrote about the different times they met that made a lasting impression

[(✿◠‿◠) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Cute concept, but could have been executed better.

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

Oh good God! Why did it end so soon? It could’ve been such an ah-meh-zing novel, instead of a novella! I’m still in a haze. I had Four Kisses in my TBR for sometimes now. It was simply a perfect Valentine’s Day read for me, just finished it in an hour as I couldn’t put it down. The story itself was very beautiful, about two people meeting in different phases of their lives and exchanging a kiss (or kisses) every time they met.

Drake and Jen 1st met as two awkward teenagers, she 13, he around 14/15 (I’m sorry but I don’t recall Drake’s age being mentioned but he was closer in age with Jen). Jen was studious and brilliant and even though her crowd was a mixed one, Drake didn’t fit into that. He was with a different sort of crowd, the bully boys, though he wasn’t a bully himself. The 1st kiss happened the day they met and it was both of their 1st, though Drake made Jen believe otherwise. It was very sweet, the kiss and the circumstances that made it happen.



They met for the 2nd time 3 yrs later on the prom night. No, Drake was a dropout already; a drug addict also selling drugs. Jen was still studious. It was very apparent that Drake had kept tags on what’s happening in Jen’s life. Jen may have or not, but in the deepest recesses of her mind, their 1st kiss lingered. When her current boyfriend come prom date turned out to be the s*itbag (which he always was but a mesmerized Jen got caught up in his oily charms or that’s what I believed) and made her prom night a disaster, she found Drake, waiting for her in the shadows. Beautiful scenes followed by another kiss. But when they met next, just like the 1st time, they acted they didn’t know each-other at all.

The 3rd time happened almost 8 yrs later. Jen is well on her way of becoming an established lawyer but she doesn’t like the new job and the human misery she’s forced to face in every case. The name in the recent case startles her badly, who was brought in on criminal offense of keeping drugs and trying to sell it. Jen is breathless but she decides to stick around. She faces an all grown up Drake in the interviewing room. The spark is still there. Even though physically he has evolved a lot, Drake’s dark eyes still possess the same intensity it did when he was 15. They talk and Jen agrees to plea on his behalf. It ends with a different kind of kiss, but it was, again, very sweet. I sooooo felt the connection between them. It was undeniable.



3 yrs later, Jen is still single but changed her job. Drake comes back into her life as an unexpected surprise, as he has always been before. He has served a few years in prison, which with Jen’s help was reduced from his original sentence. They haven’t seen each-other ever since. Jen is very happy and senses Drake’s exuberance too. It’s like meeting an old friend whom you’ve missed a lot, even though they didn’t really share anything of importance in their previous meetings. Yet they remembered everything that happened. Drake informs Jen that he’s trying to change himself, as per her suggestion all those years ago in interviewing room. Jen reassures that she still thinks Drake is supposed to have a better life because he deserves one. Now, what would they do? Would they take a chance this time?

They talk about a few things but when it’s time to go back, they make a decision... And I was screaming nooooooooooooooo! I mean the story was just beginning for them. Even though I knew from the reviews there are no sex scenes in this novella, I still wanted one, anything... I totally adored Drake and his obsession over Jen. Lord, I wanted to see this relationship spreading wings after 15 long years. I do feel a little cheated because I didn’t get a chance. I can totally visualize them together, having a beautiful life ahead and would’ve loved to see them as a couple visiting those places from their past that created some truly unforgettable moments for them.

4.5 stars. *sigh*

“Four Kisses” has 4 chapters and a few adorably hot kisses. I got it free from smashwords Reader set the price when it was published. Well, it’s not free anymore. But, the price isn’t big so go ahead and get it!

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming short story. Four little moments between Drake and Jen starting when she was 13...the moments were small, but they impacted both of their lives.

It was free at Amazon...but the teaser at the end made me buy another of her books, The Warrior's Gift

[Suzie Quint · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story written in 4 sections, each section, each with a kiss, separated by several years. The author captured that first kiss beautifully, and it was lovely watching the two come back together each time.

No one else has mentioned formatting issues, so maybe it was just reading it on my PC that caused the paragraphs to format inconsistently.

[Tracy's Place · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

Just an adorable story about a completely unlikely pair finding each other time and again over the years of their lives. She a straight A student, he a pot smoker. But you know from the moment they first talk when they're 13 that there's more to both of them than what you first see. It's a hard road for the guy but it all works out. Very sweet - I just really liked it.

[Natalija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet, romantic & had its own "heat" moments without having any sex scenes. Jen's and Drake's characters seemed a bit unrealistic to me, but at the same time I had no problems relating to them. It was a quick read and definitely worth the time spent.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starkly honest and sweet adolescent to adult romance. I guess good things do come to those who wait.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Bonnie Dee!

Everything of hers I have read has been first class, always a little different & quirky, but also engaging, interesting and a joy to read.

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't honestly a romance yet not too bad. H/h meet as teenagers and share their first kiss when she is 13, then again at 17. When they meet again she is 25 and his public defender for a drug offense. Then three years later at the end they decide to go out on a coffee date, the end.

[Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Cute concept, but could have been executed better.

[Kinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know the unnerving moment when you feel like as if you're reading about yourself and not some inexistent heroine? I felt like I was reading my story line throughout the story. That might explain my rating. It's biased, but I'm not sorry.

We follow Jen Adams through her life. We find out about four kisses in her life that changed her.

I'm currently waiting to apply for a job at Cupid! That how sweet this was and made me forget my crappy love life.

First kiss
She's a child, 13 actually. He's a lad. They end up hiking away from their friends, end up looking at swans. Drake kisses Jen. Her first kiss, and his, as we find out later. It's magical, you know? The harmony, the nature surrounding them. Jen is a late-bloomer. She thinks and acts just like me. Huh. That made me like her. She doesn't join her flirtatious girlfriends and dreams about old times when it wasn't about boys. I used to be just like that. My first kiss happened quite late. Jen catches Drake's attention because she's the calm, not fitting person. He is a problem kid, someone you wouldn't want to be involved with. But Jen discovers he is sensitive. They share a few moments, mere minutes. But it is enough.

Second
A few go by and we find ourselves at prom night. Did I hate prom just as much as Jen? Yeah. Definitely. Did I find a handsome Drake lurking around? No.
Jen is stood up by her handsome jackass date, whom she finds snoggling another girl in the restroom. She flies and goes to the river to perform a dramatic scene by ripping her dress's flowers and tossing them in the overflowing water. Yeah, right. Then Drake comes into the image. Same as he was a few years ago. They haven't talked since. But they recognize each other, remembering. Always remembering. Drake actually offers her pot, giving her advice, offering to buy jelly, then ends up escorting her back to prom.
This time around, Jen initiates the kiss. An actual one, lingering, hot, messy, wanting.

Third installment
Jen went to college, graduated and became a lawyer. Guess who is her new client one of the mornings? Drake. She had her bar exam a few months ago. They meet in the interrogation room. Jen introduces herself, but of course Drake remembers her. They end up talking. Confessing, both of them, that despite the time that passed, they had each though of their very short shared moments. Jen also confesses that she always believed Drake could make it. Could do more than selling drugs. More than hanging around with criminals. They both had wanted to talk with each other over the many years in school. But neither did. But fate/destiny brought together.
The fourth kiss is a sweet one. Before leaving the room, Drake blows a kiss in Jen's direction. After leaving, Jen touches her lip as if feelings his lips on hers.

Four
Jen sits down and looks at an aquamarine tank. A stranger approaches, saying her names. She knows that walk, that grace, that body, that face. And they meet again. Drake's been in jail, and has been out for a year and a half. This time, their talking is more tensed. They feel the attraction consuming them. Drake has changed. He's gotten a job, gives helping courses. She's got a new job.
And he asks her to a coffee. It's clear that after finding each other again they are not really hurrying off to other appointments.
Their date goes on for a while. They find mutual ground, things they both like. They stare at each other's mouth.
When the tension is already unbearable, Drake leans in for a kiss. And ....that lingers on.
They both confess their long crush since childhood. The wanting. The wanting to talk in school. The wanting. Always the wanting.

I found the story very sweet. It might not appeal to everyone. But it did to me. And I am very happy having found this little story today.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never forget your first kiss as it's the one that you will always remember, just like first loves. My first kiss was when I was 9 years old with my best friend Daniel Roberts. In Four Kisses by Bonnie Dee , we meet Jen Adams and Drake Malinson as their paths first cross when Jen is hanging at the beach with her friends and is thirteen years old. Then they go their separate ways as they never travel in the same groups. She is an academic and he is a druggie . The next time they come across each other is the night of Junior Prom and Jen has just found her boyfriend with another chick and somehow she finds herself by the end of the night in Drake's arms once again. They share an amazing night together and then again they go their separate ways. Again years pass , this time Jen is in her 20's and working as a Public Attorney and finds herself with a case file for a "Drake Malinson". He has been pulled up on Drug charges and selling. The two meet and again they have chemistry that pulls them together. This is the third kiss before he heads to prison and Jen in her direction. Once more years pass and Jen is now working for the DA State and out on her coffee break when she runs into Drake - this time he is in a suit and looks amazing - gone is the old druggie troublesome Drake and here is Businessman Drake. The pair share their fourth kiss and this time will they share kisses forever or will they miss their chance once again ?
This was such a lovely story and reminded me of the book by Cecelia Ahern "Love Rosie aka Where Rainbows End" which is just about to be made into a movie.

[Sienna Logan (Lost to Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella had an unusual approach to romance in that it spanned years and was only written in four scene. The first is when the characters are 14 and the last is when they are grown up. The idea was that there was a kiss in each scene and a relationship built slowly and although I liked the idea behind it, I just didn't think it worked in such a small amount of pages. Novellas are hard to get right when the story flows so that you feel something for the characters but to break it up like this, well I just didn't feel anything or care and to me the kisses hardly equated to a relationship. I couldn't really see how they would have built up to one either what with being so far apart. Maybe if there was more description after this kisses it would have changed my opinion but at the moment each scene cuts off as soon as the couple kiss.

I think this idea would have worked better in a full length novel and the characters had prospect, with some interesting back stories that could be created. It's just at the moment, there wasn't enough for me to connect with.

[amanda s. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's waaay too short. Four chapters for four kisses? Seriously?

Jen's thirteen when she met Drake. He's quiet demeanor intrigued her yet she had no guts to say hi to him. But in a second, they kissed. They go on separate way until three years later. Another kiss and another and another. Will they finally being together at the end?

I don't think I'm really fond of Drake. Especially after sharing pot thing and ended up in jail? I know there are bad boys kind of Hero, but offering the girl some pot? Major turn off.

And Jen's plain attitude's just strange to me. So basically this book's too short, too flat and too simple. But despite all that, I enjoyed the kisses because they're sweet. Mostly the 1st one. And the last one. :)

Need more chapters and substories. But overall, it's good.

[Meagan Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. This book was cute and therefore I rate it 2 stars and I know it's only supposed to focus on those four kisses between Jen and Drake but I feel like there could have been more of an into to them, maybe like "______ years later" something, anything! I wasn't even sure I could finish it and that's extremely rare for me but because it was only so long I forced myself and kind of fell in love with Jen and Drake. I wish there would have been a better ending too.

[Leann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had this been a full length novel I would have given it one less star. This book is a short quick read. Nice for a road trip or something. It has a sweet story, and by the end you want it to go on. That alone is why I would have given it a lower rating which is not fair considering it IS a novella. The book made me feel happy and believe in serendipity :D I would recommend this to romance readers especially given the price. originally posted on amazon

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this for free from Bonnie, the author itself, and dang I didn't know it was that short.

First/Second chapters giving me feels of, like I'm reading a YA novel, those two were really young, I didn't expect. And I liked how each chapter is a leap through time, and the changes happening in their lives. This somehow shows that, it's not always you get to have the right guy asap and stick with. Geez, just look at this short story up to. ;)

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a short story than a novel

The story was sad (some of the events were upsetting), great, and realistic. Ending the book in such a way that makes the reader wonder what happens next is a trend existent in every Bonnie Dee's book, short stories, novella, etc. This book was no different

The book ended quite nicely. I like the couple together. They have a potential to last, raise each other's self-esteem, and bring out the best in one another.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a quick, light read. It was very sweet and gave little glimpses of the lasting impression that these two characters left on each other. From their first kiss as pre-teens, the prom night, arraignment and finally reconnecting as established healthy adults. I thought it was a heartwarming read about fate & ending up right where you're supposed to be.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a really different concept for a shorter story...and some unconventional characters too. I really enjoyed it. Don't really know why. It was very descriptive and I'm usually not a fan of that (like describing mundane details, but for some reason they didn't seem mundane in this one). Yeah, helpful huh?