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Kiss From a Rose
Secrets that were meant to be hidden jump out of the closet in this hot, sexy, enemies to lovers romance. From USA Today Bestselling Author Khardine Gray writing as Bella Fontaine…
There are two things in this world that I’m certain of:
1. Money doesn’t grow on trees.
2. Caine Donoghue is the devil. He’s the kind of guy who’s sexy, knows it, and uses his charm to fool you. It doesn’t help that he’s an Ex-Navy man with all that hard muscle and a body built like a god. He’s the devil.
It sounds harsh, but it’s true. I should know because I practically grew up with him. I had to endure many summers of his evil. So I should know.
However, the day came when the man decided to go and shock me.
It only took a fifteen-year absence in each other’s lives, but…one major act of kindness that saved the person I loved most dissolved the barrier I placed up to keep him out.
I never saw it coming.
Me, trapped in the charm he oozed. Me, trapped in the temptation that lured me to him just from his sinful sexy smile. Me, getting lost in a man I thought was my worse nightmare.
Caine Donoghue sucked me into a sizzling hot, whirlwind romance that was so scorching it would make hell feel like the artic.
He unlocked something inside me.
But…us being together unlocked something else.
We unlocked secrets from the past that should have stayed hidden. Secrets that tangle the past with the present, and will affect the future.
Secrets that could destroy us.
It’s only a matter of time.
Then it won’t matter what I think …
If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy ex-military men that will make you melt, you will like this book. Scroll up and one-click your copy today!
There are two things in this world that I’m certain of:
1. Money doesn’t grow on trees.
2. Caine Donoghue is the devil. He’s the kind of guy who’s sexy, knows it, and uses his charm to fool you. It doesn’t help that he’s an Ex-Navy man with all that hard muscle and a body built like a god. He’s the devil.
It sounds harsh, but it’s true. I should know because I practically grew up with him. I had to endure many summers of his evil. So I should know.
However, the day came when the man decided to go and shock me.
It only took a fifteen-year absence in each other’s lives, but…one major act of kindness that saved the person I loved most dissolved the barrier I placed up to keep him out.
I never saw it coming.
Me, trapped in the charm he oozed. Me, trapped in the temptation that lured me to him just from his sinful sexy smile. Me, getting lost in a man I thought was my worse nightmare.
Caine Donoghue sucked me into a sizzling hot, whirlwind romance that was so scorching it would make hell feel like the artic.
He unlocked something inside me.
But…us being together unlocked something else.
We unlocked secrets from the past that should have stayed hidden. Secrets that tangle the past with the present, and will affect the future.
Secrets that could destroy us.
It’s only a matter of time.
Then it won’t matter what I think …
If you like hot, steamy, romance with gorgeous, drool-worthy ex-military men that will make you melt, you will like this book. Scroll up and one-click your copy today!
- GenresInterracial Romance
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2019
390 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Bella Fontaine
10 books119 followersBella Fontaine is the multicultural and interracial romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling bestselling author Khardine Gray.
The name is to honor the strong, super talented, and courageous women in her family who inspired her to write and do what she loves most.
As with her other books expect hot, steamy, contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Expect drool-worthy heroes and sassy heroines. People falling in love and the wild, sexy fun they have on their journey.
The name is to honor the strong, super talented, and courageous women in her family who inspired her to write and do what she loves most.
As with her other books expect hot, steamy, contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Expect drool-worthy heroes and sassy heroines. People falling in love and the wild, sexy fun they have on their journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 23, 2019
4.5 Stars
Besides the story, there is lots to like/love about this book -- especially the numerous descriptions of the h/H! Read It!
Khardine Gray writing as Bella Fontaine.
Besides the story, there is lots to like/love about this book -- especially the numerous descriptions of the h/H! Read It!
Khardine Gray writing as Bella Fontaine.
March 23, 2019
Oh, this is such an intense story! There are many elements to enjoy and enough hot scenes to make you blush. There is also the thriller element that makes it even more interesting.
Anya has always had a secret crush on the boy who made her childhood a nightmare. So when need comes and the said boy, now a full grown man, is her knight in shining armor, things are bound to intensify to maximum levels. Especially if our hero has always fancied her as well. When Anya’s aunt, the woman who raised Caine, falls ill, she is more than willing to care for her and her small business. Cane offers to cover their money issues and also help around, while Halle is in the hospital, recovering. Little did they expect to face loan sharks and schemes to obtain by any means necessary, Halle’s business.
For me, the story was a bit predictable and it left me with unanswered questions. The reason why Cane was so awful to Anya in their childhood is still beyond me and as well how a mature woman was deceived in such a way by a loan shark is a little too much. I do have some small issues with the writing – some expressions were repetitive and childish for a man in the army, in his early thirties, for example. Also, I am not a big fan of the cover.
But setting this aside, I did enjoy the romance and how both characters were afraid to commit. Their relationship starts with the knowledge that it could end at any moment, but soon both will realize they have difficulties staying away. I loved how Cane took things into his own hands and did everything to protect the two women in his life. He is by far my favorite of the two.
All in all, I did enjoy my time with the story, regardless of my negative comments. I’s a story worth uncovering, with a good thriller element. 3.5 stars.
Anya has always had a secret crush on the boy who made her childhood a nightmare. So when need comes and the said boy, now a full grown man, is her knight in shining armor, things are bound to intensify to maximum levels. Especially if our hero has always fancied her as well. When Anya’s aunt, the woman who raised Caine, falls ill, she is more than willing to care for her and her small business. Cane offers to cover their money issues and also help around, while Halle is in the hospital, recovering. Little did they expect to face loan sharks and schemes to obtain by any means necessary, Halle’s business.
For me, the story was a bit predictable and it left me with unanswered questions. The reason why Cane was so awful to Anya in their childhood is still beyond me and as well how a mature woman was deceived in such a way by a loan shark is a little too much. I do have some small issues with the writing – some expressions were repetitive and childish for a man in the army, in his early thirties, for example. Also, I am not a big fan of the cover.
But setting this aside, I did enjoy the romance and how both characters were afraid to commit. Their relationship starts with the knowledge that it could end at any moment, but soon both will realize they have difficulties staying away. I loved how Cane took things into his own hands and did everything to protect the two women in his life. He is by far my favorite of the two.
All in all, I did enjoy my time with the story, regardless of my negative comments. I’s a story worth uncovering, with a good thriller element. 3.5 stars.
January 22, 2019
This book has the most thrilling plot lines! It was convoluted. Aunt Halle had gone to mafia loan sharks when she needed money and now they want her motel; the white boy she loved and raised, ex-Navy man Caine, set up a sting; neice, Anya, came across her aunt's diary revealing the terrible sacrifices she made for Anya and her mother; Caine confronts his father. The bad guy gets his comeuppance, though! And more than one romance has a HEA! A great read.
September 18, 2019
3.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle e-book. Frenemies and llama drama. The protagonists have known each other since early childhood. Halle, Anya’s aunt had been the Donoghue’s housekeeper for close to 20 years from when Caine was 6 months until he joined the Navy at 17. As children 10 and 6 year old children; respectively, Caine and Anya had a contentious relationship, in part because Caine relentlessly teased or hurled insults at Anya. Whether their craps were born From competing for Halle’s attention and love or as cover for their attraction for each other. Fifteen years later, Anya comes to town hoping to end her slump and open a spa and help her aunt; simultaneously, retired Lt. Caine Donoghue returns home for a 6 month hiatus to visit family and friends and ride his motorcycle before he sets up residence in South Carolina where he plans to start a military intelligence consulting firm. They arrive to find Halle being hospitalized with a serious heart problem. Contrary to his billing as a devil, Caine is a kind, loving, generous, protective, male who goes to great lengths to take care of Halle and Anya; although Caine says he plans to maintain his billionaire relationship free bachelor status, he and Anya fall in love, marry and start a family. Between their return to town and marriage is more crazy drama than you can shake a stick at...infidelity, rape, attempted extortion, on and on.
February 20, 2019
First Time Reader
This is the first time I've ever read anything by this author and I liked her work. I loved the characters and the plot did have me going. I didn't figure it out right away, which was a pleasant surprise. There were a few typo's and more sex than I personally care for. But I didn't take any points off cause that's a personal choice thing
This is the first time I've ever read anything by this author and I liked her work. I loved the characters and the plot did have me going. I didn't figure it out right away, which was a pleasant surprise. There were a few typo's and more sex than I personally care for. But I didn't take any points off cause that's a personal choice thing
June 19, 2022
👍👍
This is the second time I read this book, it has been a while, by the time I realized I already read it and republished under a different name, I wanted to finished it. Good thing, because I did forget what happened to Halle…
Anyway, I love Caine & Anya!
Great read!
This is the second time I read this book, it has been a while, by the time I realized I already read it and republished under a different name, I wanted to finished it. Good thing, because I did forget what happened to Halle…
Anyway, I love Caine & Anya!
Great read!
January 24, 2019
A well written story that will grab your attention from the beginning and have you cheering and hoping for a HEA..
January 27, 2019
Very good
Canine and Anya knew each other since there were children when he was a typical boy that picked on the girl he liked. Their paths crossed as adults and nothing but past secrets got in the way.
Canine and Anya knew each other since there were children when he was a typical boy that picked on the girl he liked. Their paths crossed as adults and nothing but past secrets got in the way.
August 22, 2022
Caine and Anya's story gave my heart a solid workout and had me basking in the feels and swoon. I really liked these two and wow, did they tug on my heartstrings. The story grabbed and held my interest well and altogether I thought this was just a really good read. I am electing to post a frank review.
June 19, 2022
Great Read
The only thing that comes out of mouth on the thoughts of this is Awe. Everyone in the story Halle, made you think of the beginning part in Soul Food we’re big mama showed everyone love. An Halle did that with Caine and he was able to show that to Anya. Man, I’m still smiling just thinking about the whole storyline.
Truthfully you know when it’s a great story, after you read it just thinking about it makes you smile or give you a good feeling.
I see myself rereading this story 2 or 3 more times before the end of the year.
The only thing that comes out of mouth on the thoughts of this is Awe. Everyone in the story Halle, made you think of the beginning part in Soul Food we’re big mama showed everyone love. An Halle did that with Caine and he was able to show that to Anya. Man, I’m still smiling just thinking about the whole storyline.
Truthfully you know when it’s a great story, after you read it just thinking about it makes you smile or give you a good feeling.
I see myself rereading this story 2 or 3 more times before the end of the year.
April 2, 2019
Yes Good Stuff!
You are just going to love this story it has all the things you are looking for in a romance and real life problems that cause you to rexaim yourself.This was not just only a romance but this was discovering a love and attraction that was always there.This story is also a mystery and it is going to tie you up in knots.You are going to like the main characters.The writer is giving a full accounting and you are going to benefit.
You are just going to love this story it has all the things you are looking for in a romance and real life problems that cause you to rexaim yourself.This was not just only a romance but this was discovering a love and attraction that was always there.This story is also a mystery and it is going to tie you up in knots.You are going to like the main characters.The writer is giving a full accounting and you are going to benefit.
March 30, 2020
Liked it!
It took me a little time to warm up to this story, but when I did I ended up getting into the blossoming love between Anya and Caine. This was of course aided by the hot and detailed love scenes and there are plenty in here! Good backstory and just a nice read supplemented by lots of steamy scenes. Good combo!
It took me a little time to warm up to this story, but when I did I ended up getting into the blossoming love between Anya and Caine. This was of course aided by the hot and detailed love scenes and there are plenty in here! Good backstory and just a nice read supplemented by lots of steamy scenes. Good combo!
August 10, 2019
Sweet book
It was a sweet read. Loved the characters and had a good story line. Family was the focus of this story and how we will sacrifice for one another. Forgiveness was another big part of the story line. All this with a dash of mystery great lazy day read!!
It was a sweet read. Loved the characters and had a good story line. Family was the focus of this story and how we will sacrifice for one another. Forgiveness was another big part of the story line. All this with a dash of mystery great lazy day read!!
February 4, 2019
Good
This was a good story. There was a lot of pain and secrets to get over but I'm glad love wins out in the end.
This was a good story. There was a lot of pain and secrets to get over but I'm glad love wins out in the end.
February 19, 2026
Caine and Anya's Story
This is not one of the author's better books. The first half plus is boring. The author includes an extraordinary number of sexual scenes for a 200 page book, maybe to make it more interesting.
The FMC, Anya Winters supposedly attended Brown University to study beauty therapy, a subject that is usually a 1 to 2 year associates degree. It is unbelievable that a person with very little money would attend an Ivy League college to study that. She is 28 but acts like an immature teenager.
Caine Donahue is a 15 year Navy veteran and born wealthy. He teased Anya when they were teenagers and she clings to those memories in a childish way until they fall in bed together.
The villain was obvious before the reveal.
This is not a particularly good book.
This is not one of the author's better books. The first half plus is boring. The author includes an extraordinary number of sexual scenes for a 200 page book, maybe to make it more interesting.
The FMC, Anya Winters supposedly attended Brown University to study beauty therapy, a subject that is usually a 1 to 2 year associates degree. It is unbelievable that a person with very little money would attend an Ivy League college to study that. She is 28 but acts like an immature teenager.
Caine Donahue is a 15 year Navy veteran and born wealthy. He teased Anya when they were teenagers and she clings to those memories in a childish way until they fall in bed together.
The villain was obvious before the reveal.
This is not a particularly good book.
June 17, 2019
Love,love it!!
Gosh Caine,is one of a kind!! The man has no filter, no wonder he terrorized little Anya, as a kid! Lol. He didn't know how to express what he he was feeling. But Caine the man, has no problem tell it like it is... The love hate finally shows it true color. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN Anus and Caine is out of the chart..
I cried for Halle, no one human being should go through things like that.
I wish, there were more interaction with Shawna, and come on, I need to know for sure if it a boy!
Great read!!
Gosh Caine,is one of a kind!! The man has no filter, no wonder he terrorized little Anya, as a kid! Lol. He didn't know how to express what he he was feeling. But Caine the man, has no problem tell it like it is... The love hate finally shows it true color. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN Anus and Caine is out of the chart..
I cried for Halle, no one human being should go through things like that.
I wish, there were more interaction with Shawna, and come on, I need to know for sure if it a boy!
Great read!!
July 20, 2021
Very sweet Love story
I loved Caine and Anya' story. This book was interesting from start to finish. Halle was a wonderful woman who put love and family before her own needs. Caine always liked Anya who was 4 years younger and as boys do, he did dumb stuff instead of telling her he liked her. I am glad Anya realized his actions weren't really meant to be malicious. A beautiful couple who deserved being happy together finally. Caine's father got what he deserved. Caine, Anya and aunt Halle all deserve the love they found. Beautiful HEA!!
I loved Caine and Anya' story. This book was interesting from start to finish. Halle was a wonderful woman who put love and family before her own needs. Caine always liked Anya who was 4 years younger and as boys do, he did dumb stuff instead of telling her he liked her. I am glad Anya realized his actions weren't really meant to be malicious. A beautiful couple who deserved being happy together finally. Caine's father got what he deserved. Caine, Anya and aunt Halle all deserve the love they found. Beautiful HEA!!
September 21, 2019
Magnificent
I enjoyed reading this book.it is fast paced,steamy hot 🔥sex, and compelling. The writing flowed easily and effortless and the characters were well developed,strong,intense and beautiful.The storyline is heart wrenching and also there is humour. The lovemaking is sizzling,passionate and captivating. You will not be disappointed by selecting this book. Overall outstanding.
I enjoyed reading this book.it is fast paced,steamy hot 🔥sex, and compelling. The writing flowed easily and effortless and the characters were well developed,strong,intense and beautiful.The storyline is heart wrenching and also there is humour. The lovemaking is sizzling,passionate and captivating. You will not be disappointed by selecting this book. Overall outstanding.
January 25, 2019
Wow! They were childhood friends, though her Aunt worked for his family. Years later she is back in town to care for her sick Aunt and he is retired from the service. This is a case of opposites attracting, sizzling chemistry, family secrets revealed, danger, and a super sexy love story all wrapped into one fabulous read!!
March 15, 2019
Cute, quick and quirky!!!
This was a cute read for a day, with no suspense and no big time drama. Cain was too cute and Anya was just so naive. But that's what. Ade it such....
Bradford deserved everything and glad Halle was better...
This was a cute read for a day, with no suspense and no big time drama. Cain was too cute and Anya was just so naive. But that's what. Ade it such....
Bradford deserved everything and glad Halle was better...
April 14, 2019
Loved it!
I give this two snaps, a twist, then a kiss. Hot, steamy, with a bit of suspense. The story was
Poignant and as it should be for a young love turned into adult love. I felt everything. I’m a new fan!
I give this two snaps, a twist, then a kiss. Hot, steamy, with a bit of suspense. The story was
Poignant and as it should be for a young love turned into adult love. I felt everything. I’m a new fan!
November 18, 2019
Great read
I didn’t expect much from a free book but I was pleasantly surprised. From start to finish I was gripped by the storyline and I am definitely going to read another book by these authors/author
I didn’t expect much from a free book but I was pleasantly surprised. From start to finish I was gripped by the storyline and I am definitely going to read another book by these authors/author
December 30, 2019
An Engaging Read
I was engaged from the first page. STEAMY and fast paced. The editing errors (grammar, spelling) were not enough to take away from the overall story. I appreciated the directness in the conversations between the H & h.
I was engaged from the first page. STEAMY and fast paced. The editing errors (grammar, spelling) were not enough to take away from the overall story. I appreciated the directness in the conversations between the H & h.
January 3, 2020
3.5, but it'd rather give a 4 than a 3
For me it was a little juvenile in the dialogue area. I liked Caine and Anya. I figured out the suspense, but I had the wrong idea on why. It'd read more books by this author.
For me it was a little juvenile in the dialogue area. I liked Caine and Anya. I figured out the suspense, but I had the wrong idea on why. It'd read more books by this author.
January 23, 2019
I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Very interesting story ever and great story.
January 23, 2019
Couldn't put this one down...pulled me right in. Such an intriguing book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.
February 8, 2019
Enjoyed
I liked this story. Lots of secrets came out which caused a lot of heart break and honesty was the key. Ayana and Caine are perfect for each other.
I liked this story. Lots of secrets came out which caused a lot of heart break and honesty was the key. Ayana and Caine are perfect for each other.
February 10, 2019
3.5 stars
March 20, 2019
Great story
Love this story. Caine is my hero. Halle is my heroine. Bradford was a demon. If you're looking for an interesting read, this book is for you.
Love this story. Caine is my hero. Halle is my heroine. Bradford was a demon. If you're looking for an interesting read, this book is for you.
June 3, 2019
Interracial A to Z Challenge: K
Fun. Just a fun, silly, sometimes dark but you know there's going to be a HEA good time.
Fun. Just a fun, silly, sometimes dark but you know there's going to be a HEA good time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews