Gingerbread Kisses

Hot in Magnolia, Book 4

By: Minette Lauren

Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor, Jason Clarke

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

A recipe to lie low in Magnolia:

Take one big secret and bury it in a small town....

Add a handsome, do-good law officer hot to shake things up....

Mix in a sassy redhead, who is depending on her grandma’s gingerbread recipe to save her bacon....

Fold in an old-fashioned, Hollywood-style romance and a sprinkle of a poignant second chance at love, and watch the sparks fly....

From rising star to fallen angel, Ginger Lynn Harding has stumbled onto hard times. With the tabloid hounds hot on her heels, she contemplates tarring and feathering her ex-boyfriend for releasing a sex tape that she never knew existed. With her past indiscretions floating around Tinseltown, Ginger needs to get away, and fast. Before her fall from grace, she was famous and rolling in dough, but now she can’t even afford a ticket home to Dallas. Not that she would get on a plane, since her fear of flying was the catalyst that started the whole mess in the first place. Luckily, her cousin, Celia, has stepped in to help Ginger get a job at the famous Cupcake Diner and Dive in Magnolia. It’s the best option she has until the seedy story blows over, and she can launch a new career for herself on Broadway - or maybe, off-off Broadway if she can hang onto her dwindling funds.

Roland Karr believes in self-discipline and following the rules. As a Magnolia constable and possible candidate for mayor, Roland prides himself on protecting the community and maintaining law and order. His one indulgence is attending the weekly outdoor classic Hollywood movie night. When he nabs a Lauren Bacall look-alike for speeding, Roland is surprised that he lets the sassy beauty off the hook, but he can’t help it. She looks like she could use a break. Under Roland’s stoic exterior beats a soft heart. However, he soon wonders if bending the rules was a mistake. The alluring woman is hiding something, and despite his good cop instincts, Roland can’t shake the feeling something bad is cooking in her past. Will the sassy new gal cool her heels long enough for him to find out why she’s looking in the rearview mirror, or will she speed away with his heart?

When Ginger needs a safe place to hide out, Lexi Nash offers up her mawmaw’s she-shed and a shoulder to cry on in exchange for some light housekeeping and help with her boys. Lexi has her own past. A whirlwind affair with sexy bar owner Noah Harding was enough to start a bonfire in her heart. When that relationship crashed and burned three years ago, the young widow wanted more than ever to move on with her life. Looking for a fresh start, Lexi takes Ginger to the new Hank’s Honkey-Tonk for a little R&R. Noah is the last person she expects to see, but with the prying eyes of Magnolia looking on, Lexi struggles to play it cool. Trying to resist the spark of attraction that burns for their reunion, she steels her defenses and pushes him away, but Noah isn’t cooperating. He’s returned to Magnolia with one thing on his mind, and she’s it.

©2021 Minette Lauren (P)2021 Minette Lauren

Small-town romance with excellent performances!

Cute story about two different couples Roland/Ginger and Noah/Lexi. Noah and Lexi's story was introduced as a side story in Champaign Kisses, so I was very happy to see their HEA. Ginger is running from chaos and just looking for a place to sit back and wait for the dust to settle. Roland is the good guy hero she never knew she needed. Sparks fly from the moment they meet and I really enjoyed their slow burn. If you love small-town romance with second chances this book is for you. The lovable characters in town seal the deal with the sassy Ms. Rosie - who is always up to shenanigans in each story! Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor really made this book for me with their wonderful performances! You absolutely cannot go wrong with Jason and Samantha, who are at the top of all of my lists.

Roland 🧡🧡🧡

Minette Lauren kills the small town, strong southern heroes and heroines full of humor, love and strength. Gingerbread Kisses was another laugh out loud book from the Hot in Magnolia series. Not only do you get to meet new people but you get to follow up on all the amazing characters from previous books.
Ginger and Roland are perfect together!
Ginger is new in town after some not so great publicity comes her way- she luckily meet Roland in the most unfortunate way. They slowly begin to feel their connection all while Ginger is keeping some major secrets! 🧡🧡🧡. The audio was phenomenal as always Jason and Samantha crush it!

Prepare to be delighted (and blush)

4.5 STARS. I don’t typically read romance novels, and certainly not steamy ones, but from the cover to the setting to the premise -- not to mention all the fabulous reviews, I simply could not resist the pull of GINGERBREAD KISSES. When it released in audio, the deal was sealed.

But YOWZA! I had to switch from listening out loud and put on my headphones (and crank the air conditioner down) because author Minette Lauren isn't kidding when she named the series HOT IN MAGNOLIA. True story: my husband walked into my office and asked if I was listening to "that book" again, and when I asked why, he said, "Because your face is bright red."

“It was almost creepy how people waved and smiled all the time. It wasn’t that way in Dallas when she had been growing up. She guessed it was the small-town Texas thing.”

Heat level aside (did I mention it's smokin' hot? I got distracted...), this is a fun story with some great, memorable characters. I love the small-town vibe and how the women really rally around each other in times of need. And I love how the two main characters have a habit of throwing arched eyebrows at each other. And I love the bonus side stories involving animal escapades.

The dual narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke definitely added to the listening experience (and blushing factor). Each of them not only flawlessly performs their primary characters, but they also do well when they have to voice the opposite sex. And the author's choice to show the same scenes from two different perspectives worked perfectly with having the two narrators. (And made for some really amusing he says/she says interpretations of what was happening.) Absolutely no complaints.

There is much to love in this story, and only some minor "HUH?" moments with plot and character actions took me out of giving it a full five stars. I would recommend it for anyone who likes a steamy story, and I intend to go back and read the prior books in the series. (But I have a feeling my husband will still be able to tell when I'm reading a HOT IN MAGNOLIA book. Red cheeks tell no lies.)

Sweet & Sexy Dual Love Stories

This is my first Minette Lauren audiobook and it was absolutely enchanting! I loved it from the start! The instant chemistry between Ginger & Roland was slow burn and steamy. We also get to see the continuation of Noah and Lexi’s love story. This couple is featured in the prequel novella, Champagne Kisses. I was so happy to know they would get their HEA.

All the characters in this book were sassy, funny, and lovable. Ms. Rosie was an absolute delight! She made the scenes so funny. I found Roland’s reaction towards Ginger amusing, how he crashed his police cruiser twice because he couldn’t get Ginger off his mind! I loved the dual love stories and seeing how each man was crazy over their woman. Both Noah & Roland were overprotective and possessive. Ginger & Lexi didn’t stand a chance against them. It made the whole story enjoyable and entertaining.

This was my first full book narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and she blew me away! Her narration was incredible. I loved all her different voices and how she brought each character to life. As always, the wonderful Jason Clarke did a phenomenal job overall. He was remarkable with all the accents and voices. He a wonderful storyteller and a favorite. Both of these narrators made this story a pleasurable listen. I will definitely be listening to more of Minette Lauren books.

Very cute story great narration

What a cute story continuing the Hot in Magnolia Series - the choice of twin romances was a great idea that keeps the listener engaged throughout. The two parallel love stories are each unique in their situations and the characters are well developed. Several twists and turns and lots of funny moments … especially when Igor is involved. Amazing narration as always from Samantha and Jason. A very enjoyable book

Sweet and Steamy Small Town Romance!

Gingerbread Kisses by Minette Lauren was such a sweet and sexy small town romance! I have enjoyed all the stories in this series because every now and then you need something light and steamy with fun and sassy characters. Gingerbread Kisses is just that! This story is just full of goodies because Minette gives us two couple's love stories.

First of all we meet Ginger, who is an actress and a woman on the run after she had been hit with a major scandal that put her career and jeopardy. What better place to start fresh, but in the town of Magnolia. On her way into town, she is pulled over by hottie Officer Roland, and their attraction to each other is almost instant. Along with Ginger and Roland's love story, we also finally get Lexi's HEA with Noah, and it is one hot swoon-worthy journey.

Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke once again narrate this audio. These two have narrated the entire series, and just do an amazing job giving life to all these lively, memorable characters. I especially love both their performances of "Ms. Rosie." Her character is hilarious, and the way these two portray her makes me laugh every time. Samantha and Jason are favorites of mine!

Overall I enjoyed this book, and as always I look forward to more from Minette Lauren.