Kiss to Conquer

Blairwood University, Book 1

By: Anna B. Doe

Narrated by: Raquel Beattie, Troy Duran

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

The past tore them apart.

After a terrible accident took everything from Callie Stewart, enrolling at Blairwood University is supposed to be a chance at a new beginning.

Living his best life, Hayden Watson, star wide receiver for the Blairwood Ravens, is heading straight for the NFL draft, and nothing is going to stand in his way.

The present brings them together.

Their paths were never supposed to cross, but when they do, all those old demons and feelings come rushing back. Hayden thinks he knows all about Callie's life before Blairwood, and he's not ready to let go of the past, much less forgive her for what she has done three years ago.

One thing's for sure...it's going to take more than a kiss to conquer their broken past.

Contains mature themes.

©2020 Anna B. Doe (P)2021 Tantor

Loved

I absolutely loved listening to this story. I truly felt like I was living in the book.

Very Engaging, Emotional Tale

Hayden and Callie’s story will definitely take you from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other. It drew me in and kept me intrigued. I thought the situations and characters were very believable. I especially identified with Callie’s physical challenges because I was born with a disability, and although she acquired hers later on, it was good to see physical differences represented and addressed.

Raquel Beattie is a new narrator for me and I enjoyed her interpretation of the characters and the plot. Troy Duran is my go-to male narrator and as usual, he was great here, perfect pitch every time!

I loved the introduction of Nixon and Yasmin’s story in the epilogue and am excited to hear book two in the series!

One important note: My overall rating of this book is four stars because of some very awkward phrases throughout the story, and they pulled me out of action more than once. For instance, instead of saying “Here goes nothing” when doing something that took extra fortitude, a character says “Here comes nothing.” That’s an expression I’ve never heard; and to “enter inside a room” is redundant. To say you enter a room is sufficient. Granted, these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things, but when you become so invested in a book, they do matter.

Wow

This book was a little slow but it had a great story base. Worth the credit. Great way to get into the next story also.

Perfect

Wow wow wow, so many emotions! Massive book hangover here! Pass me the ice cream while I have a good cry! Wow. This book has shot up there in the top 3 reads of 2021! If you had to buy one book for 2021 I would highly recommend this one! I couldn't get enough of this book, I even downloaded the bonus epilogue, ( at 3 am I may add, who needs sleep).

Callie and Hayden haven't seen each other in years and for good reasons. Unfortunately, the universe has different plans, as they find themselves at the same university. Hayden is no longer the skinny nerd. He is now a quarterback and a popular guy. All the girls want to be with him, men want to be him. He has it perfect, or so people think!

This book is filled with mystery, passion, angst, lust, and hatred. I can't get over how much I loved this book and its characters. I should have hated them, I have hated other characters in other books for less but there was something about them. They captivated me and I needed to read more and get into their heads. I felt what they felt when they were happy I was smiling. When they were hurt I was hurt. I was emotionally invested with these characters and if I am honest I don't think I have felt that before.

I loved how much these characters hated each other but their chemistry and tension were off the charts. I loved how they bantered. I loved their friends. I loved the storyline, the pace, the writing, the setting! I loved everything. It was captivating with all of the twists and turns. Genuinely I can't fault this book in any way