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The Kisses #4.5
Wishful Kisses
How do you convince the man you love to believe the impossible?
Poor Kimberly has spent her entire life pining for a man that will never return her affections. After spending a fantastic week in the summer of 1990 together, handsome and charming Tony Frontera made a promise that he would return to Kim after Operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, he broke that promise when he was killed in action.
Kim spent the next two decades trying to fill the hole that he left in her life, but it never happened. Despite a rewarding career, she never found true happiness, the happiness that she should have had with Tony...
When the Fountain of Love suddenly grants her deepest wish, she finds herself back in 1990 in her old body, able to change the hand that fate dealt her. However, the power of the fountain is limited- in order to change Tony's fate, she must do the impossible. Although she had dreamt about saving Tony, she never thought about how she would do it. With only your words, how do you convince your soul mate that you are from the future? How do you tell them to abandon their country and leave everyone they know behind?
If you enjoyed Champagne Kisses, you will love this side story to Rachel and Dean's timeless love story.
An excerpt:
"Who are you?" I whispered, staring at the penny.
"My name is Diana. I created this fountain a long time ago," she replied. Her hand released mine.
"Does that mean that you're going to grant my wish?" I asked, my voice hopeful. I gripped the penny tightly in my hand, afraid that if I let it go, this really would be nothing but a dream.
"That's up to you, child." Diana's perfectly arched brows came together. "It is a larger choice than you think."
"But I could have Tony back?"
Her face relaxed into a soft smile. "I can send you back in time. Give you the chance to save him."
"Tony..." I whispered, not even meaning to speak.
"But there is a risk." She touched my cheek, turning me to look into her green eyes. They were magically vibrant, with shades of emerald, green apple, and evergreen. "Playing with time changes everything. Everything you now have will be gone. Choices unmade for better and for worse. You even hazard being written out of time completely."
"But I could get Tony back?" I asked stubbornly. She gave a solemn nod. "Then, yes. Whatever I have to do, I say yes."
"Are you sure? You risk all," she said. She waved her hand over the water in the basin. Images appeared in the water of my paintings, my apartment, my friends. They all faded into mist and then back to clear water. "You risk all that you are and all that you have by choosing this."
I looked at her, meeting her eyes. "Yes. I would risk everything and more to save Tony..."
Poor Kimberly has spent her entire life pining for a man that will never return her affections. After spending a fantastic week in the summer of 1990 together, handsome and charming Tony Frontera made a promise that he would return to Kim after Operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, he broke that promise when he was killed in action.
Kim spent the next two decades trying to fill the hole that he left in her life, but it never happened. Despite a rewarding career, she never found true happiness, the happiness that she should have had with Tony...
When the Fountain of Love suddenly grants her deepest wish, she finds herself back in 1990 in her old body, able to change the hand that fate dealt her. However, the power of the fountain is limited- in order to change Tony's fate, she must do the impossible. Although she had dreamt about saving Tony, she never thought about how she would do it. With only your words, how do you convince your soul mate that you are from the future? How do you tell them to abandon their country and leave everyone they know behind?
If you enjoyed Champagne Kisses, you will love this side story to Rachel and Dean's timeless love story.
An excerpt:
"Who are you?" I whispered, staring at the penny.
"My name is Diana. I created this fountain a long time ago," she replied. Her hand released mine.
"Does that mean that you're going to grant my wish?" I asked, my voice hopeful. I gripped the penny tightly in my hand, afraid that if I let it go, this really would be nothing but a dream.
"That's up to you, child." Diana's perfectly arched brows came together. "It is a larger choice than you think."
"But I could have Tony back?"
Her face relaxed into a soft smile. "I can send you back in time. Give you the chance to save him."
"Tony..." I whispered, not even meaning to speak.
"But there is a risk." She touched my cheek, turning me to look into her green eyes. They were magically vibrant, with shades of emerald, green apple, and evergreen. "Playing with time changes everything. Everything you now have will be gone. Choices unmade for better and for worse. You even hazard being written out of time completely."
"But I could get Tony back?" I asked stubbornly. She gave a solemn nod. "Then, yes. Whatever I have to do, I say yes."
"Are you sure? You risk all," she said. She waved her hand over the water in the basin. Images appeared in the water of my paintings, my apartment, my friends. They all faded into mist and then back to clear water. "You risk all that you are and all that you have by choosing this."
I looked at her, meeting her eyes. "Yes. I would risk everything and more to save Tony..."
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2014
27 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Krista Lakes
89 books885 followersKrista Lakes is a writer of romances that leave you feeling good and always have a happily ever after. She has two boys and a husband that keep her busy, not to mention two cats and a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 10, 2014
I wrote this novella for the Fountain of Love project.
Ever since writing, Champagne Kisses A Timeless Love Story The Kisses Series 3 I've wanted to give Tony and Kimberly a different ending. Their love was so sweet and short.
Falling in love only to die in battle before seeing her again? Considering that I met my husband the week before he deployed to Iraq, it hit a little too close to home.
So when the Fountain of Love's ability to make a wish come true came along, I jumped on it. I could give Tony and Kimberly their happy ending.
I debated for a long time if Tony should run away or die, but leave Kimberly with child. It was a hard struggle. Could you ask the love of your life to leave you again? (remember she had all her memories. She would have had to go through his death twice) Was two lifetimes of loneliness worth the honor? Especially when she knew what his death did to the people around him?
Ultimately, I went with the decision I would have picked if it had been my story instead of Kimberly's. I would have wanted to keep my husband, no matter the cost. Love won out over honor for me in this situation. It's definitely a little selfish, and there are times I think about going back and editing the story to change it.
Either way, I'm glad I was able to give Tony and Kimberly a happy ending. I'm glad that fate gave them their second chance.
Ever since writing, Champagne Kisses A Timeless Love Story The Kisses Series 3 I've wanted to give Tony and Kimberly a different ending. Their love was so sweet and short.
Falling in love only to die in battle before seeing her again? Considering that I met my husband the week before he deployed to Iraq, it hit a little too close to home.
So when the Fountain of Love's ability to make a wish come true came along, I jumped on it. I could give Tony and Kimberly their happy ending.
I debated for a long time if Tony should run away or die, but leave Kimberly with child. It was a hard struggle. Could you ask the love of your life to leave you again? (remember she had all her memories. She would have had to go through his death twice) Was two lifetimes of loneliness worth the honor? Especially when she knew what his death did to the people around him?
Ultimately, I went with the decision I would have picked if it had been my story instead of Kimberly's. I would have wanted to keep my husband, no matter the cost. Love won out over honor for me in this situation. It's definitely a little selfish, and there are times I think about going back and editing the story to change it.
Either way, I'm glad I was able to give Tony and Kimberly a happy ending. I'm glad that fate gave them their second chance.
February 7, 2015
The ultimate second chance at love. I have read all the books in this series, and this one is an extension of Champagne Kisses, as we got to meet the main characters in that story. Three young women who just graduated from college, decide to go on one last girls getaway, and it is during their vacation that they meet 3 handsome soldiers on leave before their next tour of duty. In Champagne Kisses (which I highly recommend that you read as it will make this story so much more meaningful), we find out that one of the young men is killed in combat, and that the young woman that he leaves behind never truly recovered from it. We are reacquainted with Kimberly and Tony in this story, and we see the life Kimberly has lived since that summer nearly 20 years prior. Tony still haunts her dreams and invades her every thought; everyday she images the what if's, and she is finding her current circumstance harder and harder to bear. A chance meeting with Diana, gives her the opportunity to change the direction of her life; will she find happiness after all those years?
The author gives us a sweet, poignant and heartwarming story about second chances at love, and to remind us to always seize the moment as we never know what the future may hold. This entire series is a sweet, feel good read and I would highly recommend.
The author gives us a sweet, poignant and heartwarming story about second chances at love, and to remind us to always seize the moment as we never know what the future may hold. This entire series is a sweet, feel good read and I would highly recommend.
January 14, 2015
Wishful Kisses by Krista Lakes is an gripping, powerful and emotional novella of The Kisses Series following Rachel's friend Kimberly and her lost love Tony. It takes us on a journey back in time to when they first met to Kimberly in present day just before her friend's wedding. And even took us on a second timeline that gave them a second chance to reconnect. Unlike her previous books in The Kisses Series, Wishful Kisses has a paranormal spin on it. Krista Lakes wrote this for the Fountain of Love project. This novella brings a second chance to a sweet couple who had been robbed of their chance at finding happiness with each other. The intimate scenes weren't crude but rather steamy but sensual at the same time and sweet. Bittersweet really because I know that in the original timeline, they didn't get to have certain moments together.
March 13, 2014
I love this book. Krista Lakes and the Kisses Series are one of my favorite past time readings but I gotta say that this one is probably my favorite so far (Previously that were Jack and Emma from Saltwater Kisses).
I am usually not into magic and things like that but in this book it was like this was the only way it could go. Tony and Kimberly were just made for each other and I was so heartbroken in the beginning of the book when she was remembering the days they spent together more than 20 years ago.
The way she was ready to lose everything just so she can have a chance to save him was amazing and really admirable and I am so happy that I got to read Kimberly and Tony's story. It is definitely a story which needs to be read.
It was also great to read about those summer days from somebody else's point of view. I loved the story when I first read it in Rachel and Dean's book and I was definitely devastated when I found out that Tony died during their mission. I am hoping that soon I would be able to read also Jenny and Matt's story :)
Definitely a recommended read :)
I am usually not into magic and things like that but in this book it was like this was the only way it could go. Tony and Kimberly were just made for each other and I was so heartbroken in the beginning of the book when she was remembering the days they spent together more than 20 years ago.
The way she was ready to lose everything just so she can have a chance to save him was amazing and really admirable and I am so happy that I got to read Kimberly and Tony's story. It is definitely a story which needs to be read.
It was also great to read about those summer days from somebody else's point of view. I loved the story when I first read it in Rachel and Dean's book and I was definitely devastated when I found out that Tony died during their mission. I am hoping that soon I would be able to read also Jenny and Matt's story :)
Definitely a recommended read :)
June 13, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I was looking for a fun short read and I stumbled across this one in the kindle store and I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did.
This appears to be a part of a series of books in the Kisses series by Krista Lakes. From what I can tell the other stories may be full length however this one was a nice short novella.
In 85 pages we see Kimberly and Tony fall in love and then Kimberly remember Tony twenty years later after his death. The reader then gets to see Kimberly try to change the past by going back in time so that Tony does not die. For the short length I thought it was well done.
This story in my opinion could have worked very well as a full length novel as the concept had numerous opportunities that could have been explored. What it did manage to achieve for me was generate some interest in the rest of the series to see if they were the same idea. I am not sure if the others are similar but I feel the need to check it out.
I was looking for a fun short read and I stumbled across this one in the kindle store and I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did.
This appears to be a part of a series of books in the Kisses series by Krista Lakes. From what I can tell the other stories may be full length however this one was a nice short novella.
In 85 pages we see Kimberly and Tony fall in love and then Kimberly remember Tony twenty years later after his death. The reader then gets to see Kimberly try to change the past by going back in time so that Tony does not die. For the short length I thought it was well done.
This story in my opinion could have worked very well as a full length novel as the concept had numerous opportunities that could have been explored. What it did manage to achieve for me was generate some interest in the rest of the series to see if they were the same idea. I am not sure if the others are similar but I feel the need to check it out.
April 24, 2014
Oh, if only this was for real!!! Who wouldn't want a second chance at love and life. I was so sad when in Rachel and Dean's story we find out Tony died in the war. When I read the summary of this novella I was so excited to see where it would go. "What if"..... and let's make that "what if" a reality. Kimberly lived her life in love with one man ... a man that died 20 years ago. No one ever made her feel the same. So when she finds a way to go back in time and change things so that he can be her's again....Why not???
This is a short and romantic fantasy that just makes you think .... if only...
This is a short and romantic fantasy that just makes you think .... if only...
July 24, 2014
81 pages
Stand alone
Not my kind of book.
For twenty years, since she lost her soul mate, the love of her life Tony Frontera to Operation Desert Storm. Kimberley is stuck in the past unable to move on. A wish (well two actually) are granted and she goes back in time to save Tony and here in lies the crux of the problem for this reader.
Bah not my kind of hero or heroine.
October 17, 2014
This was quite a unique little novella, wishing upon a coin in a fountain can sometimes make a dream come true. Kimberly met Tony during a girls trip to Florida while he was on leave from the Army with his buddies. They had one magical week together, but he died in Dessert Storm mission and she can't get over him. Wishing on a fountain she wants to go back and stop him from going. This is just a little magic and who doesn't want a bit of magic in their lives.
March 23, 2014
Good Story but
Really enjoyed this love story to a certain point. While I understand the reasoning in the way things happen, I have problems in my mind with what Tony ends up doing. Yes I like a happy ending but, doing what he does is still a wrong way for those brave soldiers who die for this country. I will say that it is well written.
Really enjoyed this love story to a certain point. While I understand the reasoning in the way things happen, I have problems in my mind with what Tony ends up doing. Yes I like a happy ending but, doing what he does is still a wrong way for those brave soldiers who die for this country. I will say that it is well written.
March 27, 2014
Wishful Kisses
Wishful Kisses is FIVE AMAZING Stars!!! I was so sad when Tony was killed while serving our country. This book was an amazing read, I don't like sharing spoilers so I won't give anything away. This book is well written with the characters from the previous Krista Lakes books. It's a must read!!!!!!
Wishful Kisses is FIVE AMAZING Stars!!! I was so sad when Tony was killed while serving our country. This book was an amazing read, I don't like sharing spoilers so I won't give anything away. This book is well written with the characters from the previous Krista Lakes books. It's a must read!!!!!!
October 26, 2014
Dreams
Good story where wishes can come true. At least this is what Kim was hoping for.
Her first love Tony died during Desert Storm, and she has never forgotten him. Can wishes come true? If she fails to convince him to go with her he will die, and every thing she knows will be gone.
Would you take that chance?
I really liked this story. Kind of sad, but good for so many reasons.
Good story where wishes can come true. At least this is what Kim was hoping for.
Her first love Tony died during Desert Storm, and she has never forgotten him. Can wishes come true? If she fails to convince him to go with her he will die, and every thing she knows will be gone.
Would you take that chance?
I really liked this story. Kind of sad, but good for so many reasons.
March 17, 2014
How far will you go for love??? Kimberly went far more than you can imagine! I don't want to spoil it so I better stop talking. Second chance at its best! ;)
May 16, 2014
A great quick novella in The Kisses series. A little on the unbelievable side but still a feel good romance story. Storyline was great and rounded out a previous The Kisses book Champagne Kisses.
January 23, 2017
I don't know what to say about this. the only thing that really irks me is that she was told if she went back things would change and something bad could happen...
June 26, 2014
**SPOILER ALERT** Flawed Storyline Falls Flat
Not blatant spoilers, but there's just no other way to say it without being obtuse. I hope most readers realize that this book does have an HEA so it's not a huge stretch to figure out the ending. I am a fan of the other "Kisses" novels that I've read, so it's just this book that irks me. Also, I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, but I'm willing to accept it if done right. This wasn't.
The summary explains that Kimberly is going to go back in time to save her love from dying during Desert Storm. She is cautioned that going back in time and changing anything can be dangerous, so it really annoyed me that she decided to it without a moment's consideration of the consequences. Even Hermione and Harry Potter are more careful with the Time Turner and that was only hours, not years back in time!
Of course, there aren't any consequences, because Kimberly gets a second chance after screwing up her first shot. This time the fountain fairy sends her back to the right place in time to get a chance to save Tony. And what they do to save his life is what I really don't like about this novella. Tony is in the 101st Airborne, for Pete's sake. Any decent soldier (or let's say, any man worth being in a relationship with) would NEVER do what Tony did. Dishonorable. Period.
And worst of all, there are essentially zero consequences for Kimberly's life-changing decision. I thought perhaps one of Tony's friends would end up taking his place in Iraq (not Dean, of course, of there wouldn't be "Champagne Kisses" so I suppose it would be Matt). This is where the whole plot just fell flat - it all wrapped up a bit too neatly with a shiny bow.
I am hoping this book was an aberration in an otherwise fine collection of romance novels.
Not blatant spoilers, but there's just no other way to say it without being obtuse. I hope most readers realize that this book does have an HEA so it's not a huge stretch to figure out the ending. I am a fan of the other "Kisses" novels that I've read, so it's just this book that irks me. Also, I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, but I'm willing to accept it if done right. This wasn't.
The summary explains that Kimberly is going to go back in time to save her love from dying during Desert Storm. She is cautioned that going back in time and changing anything can be dangerous, so it really annoyed me that she decided to it without a moment's consideration of the consequences. Even Hermione and Harry Potter are more careful with the Time Turner and that was only hours, not years back in time!
Of course, there aren't any consequences, because Kimberly gets a second chance after screwing up her first shot. This time the fountain fairy sends her back to the right place in time to get a chance to save Tony. And what they do to save his life is what I really don't like about this novella. Tony is in the 101st Airborne, for Pete's sake. Any decent soldier (or let's say, any man worth being in a relationship with) would NEVER do what Tony did. Dishonorable. Period.
And worst of all, there are essentially zero consequences for Kimberly's life-changing decision. I thought perhaps one of Tony's friends would end up taking his place in Iraq (not Dean, of course, of there wouldn't be "Champagne Kisses" so I suppose it would be Matt). This is where the whole plot just fell flat - it all wrapped up a bit too neatly with a shiny bow.
I am hoping this book was an aberration in an otherwise fine collection of romance novels.
February 11, 2015
"Wishful Kisses" by Krista Lakes
I just finished re-reading "Wishful Kisses" this morning. I am re-reading the whole "Kisses" series because I really enjoyed them the first time, and I wanted to let everyone know they should read this book if they like contemporary romance books.
This book is about Kimberly and Anthony (Tony), who met on the same vacation in Florida that Rachel and Dean and Matt and Jenny met. It is a story about love and loss, and wishes. Like all of the books that I have read of Krista Lakes it had my emotions all over the place. The love that developed between Kimberly and Tony(sigh), but to lose him before they really had a chance...Enter the Fountain of Love, and Diana. Diana grants Kimberly the wish of going back in time to try to change Tony's mind about leaving for "Operation Desert Shield". When she goes back she......Nope you have to read the book if you want to know what happens. Believe me, you will enjoy the book.
Wishing fountains, wouldn't it be nice! What would you wish for??
The characters are again really thought out and scenes are all really well written.
Krista, thank you for writing, I really enjoy your books.
Thanks for reading my review.
I just finished re-reading "Wishful Kisses" this morning. I am re-reading the whole "Kisses" series because I really enjoyed them the first time, and I wanted to let everyone know they should read this book if they like contemporary romance books.
This book is about Kimberly and Anthony (Tony), who met on the same vacation in Florida that Rachel and Dean and Matt and Jenny met. It is a story about love and loss, and wishes. Like all of the books that I have read of Krista Lakes it had my emotions all over the place. The love that developed between Kimberly and Tony(sigh), but to lose him before they really had a chance...Enter the Fountain of Love, and Diana. Diana grants Kimberly the wish of going back in time to try to change Tony's mind about leaving for "Operation Desert Shield". When she goes back she......Nope you have to read the book if you want to know what happens. Believe me, you will enjoy the book.
Wishing fountains, wouldn't it be nice! What would you wish for??
The characters are again really thought out and scenes are all really well written.
Krista, thank you for writing, I really enjoy your books.
Thanks for reading my review.
February 1, 2016
Wishful Kisses: A Fountain of Love novella is by Krista Lakes. It is definitely different from the other books of hers I have been reading. It is still a romance; but it definitely has a twist.
Kimberly, Jenny, and Rachel are at the beach at an Aunt’s condo. They are spending their vacation after college here. Kimberly and Jenny already have their dream jobs to start; but Rachel is still waiting. Now, their attention turns to the three men standing in their view. All three have the same tattoo on their backs and are very hot. That evening the girls go to a nearby bar for the evening and run into the same men. This time, Jenny walks up to them and offers to buy them a drink. She introduces Rachel and Kimberly to them. The guys are Dean, Matt, and Anthony (Tony). The groups pair off- Rachel and Dean, Jenny and Matt, and Kimberly and Tony. The guys are on R&R at Tony’s Aunt’s house down the beach. They are in the army together and are on leave. They know this will be a short stay; but decide to spend it together. Kimberly and Tony get serious very fast. It is love at first sight. At the end of their leave, the guys leave. Soon they are sent to Kuwait in Desert Shield.
Will they return? Will Kimberly and Tony’s love remain?
Kimberly, Jenny, and Rachel are at the beach at an Aunt’s condo. They are spending their vacation after college here. Kimberly and Jenny already have their dream jobs to start; but Rachel is still waiting. Now, their attention turns to the three men standing in their view. All three have the same tattoo on their backs and are very hot. That evening the girls go to a nearby bar for the evening and run into the same men. This time, Jenny walks up to them and offers to buy them a drink. She introduces Rachel and Kimberly to them. The guys are Dean, Matt, and Anthony (Tony). The groups pair off- Rachel and Dean, Jenny and Matt, and Kimberly and Tony. The guys are on R&R at Tony’s Aunt’s house down the beach. They are in the army together and are on leave. They know this will be a short stay; but decide to spend it together. Kimberly and Tony get serious very fast. It is love at first sight. At the end of their leave, the guys leave. Soon they are sent to Kuwait in Desert Shield.
Will they return? Will Kimberly and Tony’s love remain?
October 6, 2014
this was an ok book- it started off really well but its kind of confusing with the going back and forth. It turns out well in the end but its just a little bit off. I have read several other books by this author and she does a really good job with them. I did enjoy the story , it just wasnt a favorite or one i would crave reading again.
September 1, 2016
If you could go back in time and change one event, would you do it?
For Kimberly, there was no question that if she could go back in time and stop Tony from going to Iraq, she would no matter the cost. This was a sweet story about two people who deserved a second chance at love.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For Kimberly, there was no question that if she could go back in time and stop Tony from going to Iraq, she would no matter the cost. This was a sweet story about two people who deserved a second chance at love.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2014
Krista Lakes writes another great "Kisses" story. This is a short story that delves into the idea of going back in time to change events in your life. It was a little different from other Lakes books, but I enjoy all of her books.
September 25, 2014
A LITTLE FAR FETCHED
Fairytales are not my genre. If it was I guess this would be a good story. I'm not fond of actions that are not possible, even if I wish I could travel back in time and know what I do today like Kimberly did.
Fairytales are not my genre. If it was I guess this would be a good story. I'm not fond of actions that are not possible, even if I wish I could travel back in time and know what I do today like Kimberly did.
March 23, 2015
This was a really good story. It was a little different than the other Kisses stories by Krista Lakes, but is still an amazing story. It has a little paranormal story in it, but it doenst get too weird.
February 27, 2016
LOVED IT!!!
It took me a minute to get to this book in the series then I finally got into it and loved every minute of it ! I can't wait to read more from Ms. Lakes I enjoy her writing immensely.
It took me a minute to get to this book in the series then I finally got into it and loved every minute of it ! I can't wait to read more from Ms. Lakes I enjoy her writing immensely.
July 15, 2016
A very enjoyable book! It's hard to say much without spoiling, so I will just say that I normally don't read books with this kind of plot. However, the romance was so powerful that it made up for the elements where you need to suspend belief. No one writes a romance like Krista Lakes!
March 14, 2014
This was a sexy,, sweet and emotional read. I really enjoyed this short story of second chances.
March 16, 2014
The Kisses Series is one of my favorites. Enjoyed this one just as much as the others.
August 12, 2015
What to say...it's a story...a novella...so unreal!
October 4, 2015
I loved all the books in this series.
February 27, 2015
Sweet story about a second chance.
March 3, 2015
The writing and storytelling in this book is great as usual. I just not into rewriting the past, hence the 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews