The Faithful Kiss

The Kiss #1

by Michelle C. Hillstrom

Katelynn Wilder is a normal college freshman, at least she wants to be. She doesn't want to know things about the past that a girl her age shouldn’t be able to recall. She doesn't want to have nightmares about a red-haired devil woman or dream about a mystery man. She just wants to be a normal, fabulous Delta Gamma sister. And, she wouldn’t mind having her roommate's sexy, older brother all to herself.
After she is attacked at a bonfire one night, however, her reality begins to unravel as the line between the past and present begins to blur even more. In order to uncover the truth, Katelynn will have to face her nightmares and research her family’s very own “urban legend.” As she tries to discover the truth about her attack and her nightmare, she may discover that her new friends are not exactly who she thought they were, and the paranormal is a lot more normal than she ever believed.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2013

About the author

Michelle C. Hillstrom is the Amazon Best-Selling author of The Kiss Series, Insomnia, Seducing the Marine, Seducing the Pitcher, FRIENDZONE, Seducing the Vampire, Seducing the Prince, PLAYING FOR KEEPS, and BAT BOYS. She also contributed to and compiled #MeToo: A Collection of True Story Crimes Against Women and The Release of Silence.
She specializes in the New Adult genre with subgenres of paranormal, fantasy, and romance. When she isn't writing, Michelle can either be found creating new recipes in the kitchen, working out at the gym, working her way through her never-ending TBR bookstack, or playing with her dog.

Michelle was born and raised in Lubbock and served her country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. She is an advocate for the #MeToo Movement and Animal Rights.

Michelle C. Hillstrom also writes as Michelle Hillstrom and Shellie Christine.

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there ONE TRUE LOVE for us? For Katelynn and Wesley it seems so even with all the obstacles. A difficult book to describe because it is part sorority girl love story, vampire love story and historical fiction love story. Even describing it this way doesn't make sense, but it truly works in the story. The story moves through time periods seamlessly.

Katelynn wants nothing more than to be a "normal" college sorority girl. She has been surrounded by weird occurrences her entire life and the stories of her family's past have been haunting her. Not only is she struggling with this, but also the loss of her high school boyfriend in a tragic accident.

She meets Wesley, Mr. Brooding hottie and her roommates brother. The pull she feels with him is instant. He is hot and cold, but always there to support her.

What are the dreams about? Do they have meaning? Why does he feel so familiar? Why do the women in my family go crazy? Am I crazy? Do vampires exist? We follow Katelynn as she tries to piece together all these questions swirling around her.

As I stated it is a difficult book to describe without giving away spoilers. It is a fun story filled with some suspense due to the questions surrounding Katelynn. I will say Wesley is not the book boyfriend for me. He annoyed me in the end. I can't believe he didn't see what was right in front of him.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I found it to be an enjoyable story. It has a sort of Beautiful Creatures meets Vampire Diaries feel to it. I like the idea of reincarnated love desperately trying to reunite over many lives. It makes it much more romantic.

One of my issues with the story, however, is that I don't really connect with the main character. I had much different experiences in both HS and college, and I never cared for the kids in these "perfectly stereotypical" lifestyles.  So because of my own experiences I was unable to form a connection with Katelynn so I don't really like her that much. This is not the author's fault at all and doesn't reflect on her writing.  It's just harder to get into a book when you can't find those connections.

It also bugs me how fast her and Wesley's relationship takes off. There is literally no reprieve after the incident, also how serious she is getting after what happened with her boyfriend from HS. It's just not realistic. I understand that they have this link you each other, but it's not identified until later on. Even when it is, it's still very sudden.

I was captivated enough by the end that I am interested in knowing what happens next. I will definitely be reading the next book, especially knowing that it is Elizabeth's story. I always love reading stories about the other point of view.


I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Jacqueline Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was my first paranormal romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Katelynn and Wesley are well-developed, complex and very likable. I have a particular affection for moody heroes and Wesley did not disappoint.

The plot is layered and intriguing. Katelynn has always felt different. Her dreams are more like memories. She feels things, senses things. Is it her imagination or is it something more? This is a tense, fast-paced read that kept me wondering what the truth was. Hillstrom blends suspense with a sweet love story, seamlessly. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Highly recommended to romance lovers, especially those who enjoy a paranormal twist.

[Erin Knuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a sweet love across lifetimes.

What a fun contemporary paranormal romance (with a hint of historical!)

I liked the Vampire Diaries and Twilight vibe of it all: "normal" but secretly special girl, school setting, groups of friends, themes of fitting in, and the mysterious man who anchors it all for our heroine.

The southern setting was lovely and the author set up the side characters for future stories really well.

[Nadine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m disappointed

When I read the synopsis it sounded like this would be THE book for me, right up my alley. But sadly I just couldn’t get into it, couldn’t connect. It just didn’t grab me. The author didn’t make me feel it. I like the feeling like I’m there and that just didn’t happen. I didn’t feel like I really got to know the main characters. The characters weren’t developed enough or maybe it was just that I didn’t like them much. I didn’t like Katelynn, maybe because she was prom queen and the most popular girl in high school and I just couldn’t relate. And I didn’t like Wesley, he was strange and distant but if he so chose he could be very charming. He just turned the charm off and on and off again… FIY, smoking is SO not cool. Honestly, I started skipping bits because it was so hard to get into. And because I got to a point where I didn’t even care how it ended. Although of course I did read the end and that was actually kind of nice. But all in all disappointing for me. Sorry for being so cruel, I know the author has worked hard to write this book and put her heart and soul in it, but it just wasn’t for me.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Whitney R.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot for this book. Her reactions to her dreams felt real. And unlike others, I actually liked the sororities part. I've never been to a party, drank alcohol, or smoked (the smoking I didn't like, but understand why the character did), but I was still able to connect and kinda liked the difference from other books about a shy girl (although I do like those books too). I also find Wesley *insert fire emoji x3*. I'm excited to read book two and three! I also really like what another reviewer said, that it felt more like a journal and at parts I definitely agree, but I don't think that's a bad thing and enjoyed hearing the MC's thoughts. She also reminded me of how eighteen-year-olds really act (I have a sister who is almost eighteen), the author did a great job!

[J.D. Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much that I had to stay up until the early hours of the morning to finish it, I couldn't leave in the middle of the action!
If you've ever read Fallen or The Immortals series, then this is definitely for you. I can't wait to read the second book to find out what happens.
I would give 4.5 stars (Goodreads why no half stars?) but I think that is just due to cultural differences, having not grown up with the whole college sororities thing in the UK.
The characters were well written; I loved Bridget and I'm looking forward to getting to know Wesley better in the next 2 books.

[Shanna Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a giveaway and chose to review it voluntarily.

Twilight and Vampire Diaries lovers get ready for this one:

Katelynn Wilder has always been different. Dreams that have been more like memories plague her and visions of a red-haired woman torment her. But even as she embarks on a new journey, into college, her past isn’t through trying to get her to see who she is.

Upon meeting her new Delta Gamma sisters, she starts to feel that there is more to them than meets the eye and Bridget’s sexy brother, Wesley, feels more familiar to her than he should.

When strange things start to happen and she begins receiving threatening messages, Katelynn is forced to consider the possibility that the paranormal may not just be a figment of her own imagination.

This read was enthralling and unique with history, urban legends, reincarnation, vampires and magic. So, if you enjoy reads that are more than meets the eye, give this one a go. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 in this ongoing vampire series.

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am not really into novels about the paranormal but this one caught my eye and made me reconsider my thoughts on the genre! The characters are so easy to connect to and the story line flows. This is a story I would recommend to all of my friends :)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, that drew you in immediately. Can’t wait to continue the series.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extra Creepy! I Couldn’t Finish The Book!
At about 25% complete, this story was way too creepy for me to continue. It seems well written and believable. I can’t say too much about it because I couldn’t finish. I will say that this author is excellent at creeping me out - hope that helps you some. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.

[Dani Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I can totally fangirl over Michelle Hillstrom because I totally know her! If you would have told me over a year ago when we met in our speech, that we would both have a book published, I would have laughed. Seriously, not because Michelle’s book is a joke… total opposite in fact. It’s the best damn vampire book I’ve read since, god I don’t even know the last one I read. It had to be M. Leighton’s Blood Like Poison series. Anyways back to Michelle Hillstrom and her awesomeness known as The Faithful Kiss.

I’ve been meaning to read this book in its entirety since she published this book, but there was always something coming up, like blog tours, beta-reading, or just life with my kiddos. One of the awesome things was I was able to read pieces of this book as Michelle was writing it and sharing it on her Facebook page. The book is beyond awesome. It takes what we know of Vampires, the drinking blood, and spins it. AMAZEBALLS. Seriously, I finished this book in less than 4 hours because I couldn’t put it down. The goal was to get about 20% and then finish it the next day… umm totally didn’t happen. Michelle captured my attention from page 1 and still has me keyed up needing the next book in the series!! I need to know what happens!!!

So what’s the book about right? I mean that’s the whole point of reviewing right? It’s not to gush on how amazing the author is or how amazing she writes or the fact that I ACTUALLY know her right? :) So Katelynn is just starting out in college and she’s a very long way from home. Home being Texas, woohoo us Texas Girls Rock! Anyways she decided she needed to get away and once you read the story you’ll understand why, but one of the things she’s hoping to outrun just follows her to campus. Dreams, well more apt to call them nightmares, are still haunting her. Her family is believed to be cursed, but the curse only affects the women and potentially drives them insane. Well at least that’s what everyone thinks

That is until Wesley comes into play. His sexy broodiness smacks Katelynn right in the face her first day there. But nothing is that easy right? I mean you can’t just arrive at school and meet a total hottie right? I mean that’s just unheard of! Well not really but his bipolar attitude doesn’t help. Wesley is also her roomie/new best friends brother. While Katelynn can’t figure out why she’s so drawn to him or understand his hot and cold moods, she knows one thing. Whenever he’s around she feels safe. Her dreams start to get more frequent and vivid, then add to the mix threatening text messages from someone she doesn’t know… or does she?

One night at a bonfire, Katelynn gets drunk and goes off with someone she thought she could trust but for a reason I cannot say, turns out to be a bad deal, and Wesley saves her, but not before she sees something. Something not quite human. This is the turning point in Wesley’s and Katelynn’s relationship, but just as things are getting started some ones determined to stop it. Katelynn trying to be sneaky stumbles upon a secret that changes everything she knows. Maybe her family is cursed and maybe they are actually sane. But who’s the mysterious red head? Will Wesley be able to save her this time around or will it be too late? The read head isn’t the only one Katelynn has pissed off, she has someone much more bigger and powerful that wants her dead…for good.
Will the red head and the bigger player get their way? Will Wesley save her in time? Can Katelynn finally get the life she’s been wanting?

Michelle Hillstrom will have you at the edge of your seat wondering what’s coming next, or whose coming next. It’s an awesome tale of love, past lives, soul mates, and vampires. You have to read this book if you haven’t already.

[Jessica Del Fuoco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an advanced reader copy of this story for review.

Katelynn is starting her freshman year out of state and away from the comfort of home. Like everyone else, she is trying to get away from the family curse. The females in her family tend to be on the crazy side and she wants none of it…especially since what they say about her could put her right up there with her other family members.

Katelynn is making friends in Delta Gamma and with some of the brothers of Sigma Nu. She is trying to stay focused on her studies but then she sees Wesley. She is inexplicably drawn to him. She can’t explain it…especially when he is super moody and sending her mixed signals. After fighting with Wesley, Katelynn is attacked. Wesley rescues her before any real damage can occur and that’s when she starts to question what is really going on. She can’t quite put her finger on it. After the attack, Katelynn is bombarded with memories that she isn’t quite sure are real and begins to uncover the truth. She is now aware of the danger she is in…can she be saved in time?
This is a very sweet and enjoyable read. You are on an emotional rollercoaster ride that is being a young adult and then add a little paranormal twist in there and it makes for very good entertainment. The storyline is decently paced, intriguing (had to read it in one sitting because I had to know what happened next) and the characters are likable.
Wesley is by far my favorite. I love the fact that this has a deeply rooted love story and is as sweet as the title implies. If talk of past lives, paranormal romance and young love is your bag, then I highly recommend you check this one out. I’m on to book two!

[Emé Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a light read. I got through the entire book in less than two weeks. Normally, it takes me about a month to finish a book. It is an interesting story idea. However, the execution is not what I had hoped for.

The MC is well thought out. I really enjoyed the explanation of her background, the dreams she was having, and the beginnings of a supernatural world. Her internal dialog was good and how she related to this world was relatable.

However, the secondary characters come off flat. I wish there had been more showing and less telling when it came to the secondary characters. It would have elevated the book to another level. The leading man was intriguing, but it didn't go beyond a brief paragraph explaining what happened to him. The relationship between him and the protagonist is a little too much damsel in distress and him swooping in to save her. Boring. There is no sex in this and their relationship is quite chaste. The protagonist's friends also had interesting things going on, but their was no expansion on these characters beyond a paragraph or two of explanation at the end. I think the author could have pushed all of them further than she did.

The antagonist was supposed to be a mystery, but it felt obvious and forced. It was another missed opportunity. The pacing started out fine. At the end of the book, the writing felt rushed.

Overall, it is an interesting take on the genre. If you are looking for a light read that will scratch that particular itch, I would recommend it. Or a young adult could read this without mom worrying about content.

[Eckerbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal is the new norm! In dreamland with a red-haired devil woman and a mystery man makes me shiver. And so does roomie's brother. But no smoking.

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Enjoyed the story and characters.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this if the first book I have read by Michelle Hillstrom and I will say that it is very good. I loved the story line about the nightmares and her trying to figure out what is real and what isn't real. Katelynn is fabulous character and has such a great personality that comes through the writing of the story. I loved our moody Wesley because he was so thoughtful and sweet. It isn't your typical vampire story but is wonderfully good. It does keep you pulled in and makes you not want to put it down until you get to the end. It is a beautiful love story that you don't want to miss. I voluntarily review an advanced reader

[C.L. Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight meets Lauren Kate’s Fallen premise with a dash of Charlene Harris’s True Blood (without all of the sex). Imaginative and intriguing, Katelynn and Wesley are star crossed lovers crossing time and space to reconnect from their past lives. For what it is worth, my opinion is that while the idea is cool, the writing could use more revision and editing to showcase the author’s promise. It will be interesting to see how this author grows and develops as she continues her writing journey.

[Enid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just okay, but I always want to support local authors and their endeavors. The main two problems were the commas, a lot of times making sentences hard to understand either from their placement, or lack of them altogether. And a lot of times the characters didn’t speak in contractions, making the sentences sound like they were being spoken by robots. However, I did finish the book! Definitely readable. Only skimmed the last 20 pages or so when the backstory and exposition started. Good for a quick read.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. I can not wait for the next book in the series. I could not put it down. Fast read very enjoyable.

[psvansc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it! It reminded me of Twilight, but is not a copycat version of it. Good characters. Would like to see the next part of the story.

[Donna Hillstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Can't wait for the next one. If you love romance, mystery, and the supernatural you will love this book.

[Susanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this book I really liked it. Then I realized that’s it’s actually terrible, but also still good somehow?? It feels like a cross between Twilight and some other book series I read.