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Werewolves in Love #1
Kiss and Kin
Brotherly love? Oh hell no�
A Sexy Shifter story.
On the surface, court reporter Lark Manning looks like the luckiest girl in the world, blessed with great friends and a wonderful family. Underneath, she harbors a hopelessly unrequited love for the sexy werewolf everyone thinks of as her cousin. Taran rarely notices her except to condescend or lecture. He’s treated her the same way since she was eight years old, and there’s no reason to think he’ll ever change.
Taran Lloyd, a detective in the Houston Police Department’s Shifters Investigations Unit (SHIU), lives for those rare moments he gets to spend around Lark, torturing himself with what he can’t have. Kin only by marriage, she thinks of him as her big brother. He couldn’t bear her pity—or her disgust—if she learned he wants her for his mate.
When weres from a rival pack attack her, Lark screams out the first name that comes to mind—Taran. Only this sexy alpha can keep her safe until they find out who wants her dead, and why. But keeping her safe means keeping her close. And the closer they get, the harder it gets for these not-really-cousins to honor their commitment to keep their paws off.
A Sexy Shifter story.
On the surface, court reporter Lark Manning looks like the luckiest girl in the world, blessed with great friends and a wonderful family. Underneath, she harbors a hopelessly unrequited love for the sexy werewolf everyone thinks of as her cousin. Taran rarely notices her except to condescend or lecture. He’s treated her the same way since she was eight years old, and there’s no reason to think he’ll ever change.
Taran Lloyd, a detective in the Houston Police Department’s Shifters Investigations Unit (SHIU), lives for those rare moments he gets to spend around Lark, torturing himself with what he can’t have. Kin only by marriage, she thinks of him as her big brother. He couldn’t bear her pity—or her disgust—if she learned he wants her for his mate.
When weres from a rival pack attack her, Lark screams out the first name that comes to mind—Taran. Only this sexy alpha can keep her safe until they find out who wants her dead, and why. But keeping her safe means keeping her close. And the closer they get, the harder it gets for these not-really-cousins to honor their commitment to keep their paws off.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
46 people are currently reading
1,699 people want to read
About the author
Kinsey W. Holley
6Ìýbooks188ÌýfollowersKinsey Holley is a law librarian by day, mommy and romance writer by night. A native Texan, she has one husband, one daughter, and three and a half dogs.
She loves shrimp, history, and SF/UF books, movies, and TV.
She hates roaches, turtlenecks, olives, laundry, and math.
She has a crush on the Duke of Wellington.
She loves shrimp, history, and SF/UF books, movies, and TV.
She hates roaches, turtlenecks, olives, laundry, and math.
She has a crush on the Duke of Wellington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 24, 2016
Okay I know the cover seems like it might be from the "porn" scene but actually you wouldn't know until you read the book. It wasn't at all bad!!! In fact i enjoyed it very much. It was a short story though and I was bored so I got it!!! Besides, it had sifters in it and I LOVE ME SOME SEXY WEREWOLF BOOKS!!!! LOL ;P
The story was actually and surprisingly very pleasant. There was romance but there was also action and a mystery behind it. It was a fantastic read that I would read over and over and over again without a doubt. Just like the story, the characters were no exception! They were awesome. So, pretty much we meet Taran (an alpha shifter) and Lark (human). They are related to each by marriage but have always treated each other like brother and sister. What both of them are hiding is the fact that they both want each other. But they both believe the other doesn't like them.....GO FIGURE!!! ;) Now, don't worry the issue obviously gets resolved but it was nice to actually walk through their story and relationship.
The romance in this book is very......intense. Despite the cover being somewhat erotic the sex scenes in this book are not at all detailed or orgy type, which I was very glad for!!! It worked with the whole story!!! Taran is very protective and very likeable. I loved his brute strength and all mostly because it wasn't annoyingly dominant like in most shifter books! It was a nice change. Don't get me wrong he was possessive but not to the point where it drives you crazy and just makes you want to punch the guy in the face. I just loved Taran. Lark on the other hand was something else. She is your typical 26 year old woman but I love that about her. It really shows her personality and the type of character she was. She is very brave and a strong minded person who also just happens to love very deeply. It doesn't get any more perfect than that! LOL ;P
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next books in the series! I really hope there is a book for Nick and TJ!! They were two of my fave characters after Taran and Lark!!! I loved their intense chemistry! You could practically feel it coming out of the pages!!! ;) Ms. Holley you did an amazing job! I am looking forward to reading more of this series and any other books by you! ;)
The story was actually and surprisingly very pleasant. There was romance but there was also action and a mystery behind it. It was a fantastic read that I would read over and over and over again without a doubt. Just like the story, the characters were no exception! They were awesome. So, pretty much we meet Taran (an alpha shifter) and Lark (human). They are related to each by marriage but have always treated each other like brother and sister. What both of them are hiding is the fact that they both want each other. But they both believe the other doesn't like them.....GO FIGURE!!! ;) Now, don't worry the issue obviously gets resolved but it was nice to actually walk through their story and relationship.
The romance in this book is very......intense. Despite the cover being somewhat erotic the sex scenes in this book are not at all detailed or orgy type, which I was very glad for!!! It worked with the whole story!!! Taran is very protective and very likeable. I loved his brute strength and all mostly because it wasn't annoyingly dominant like in most shifter books! It was a nice change. Don't get me wrong he was possessive but not to the point where it drives you crazy and just makes you want to punch the guy in the face. I just loved Taran. Lark on the other hand was something else. She is your typical 26 year old woman but I love that about her. It really shows her personality and the type of character she was. She is very brave and a strong minded person who also just happens to love very deeply. It doesn't get any more perfect than that! LOL ;P
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next books in the series! I really hope there is a book for Nick and TJ!! They were two of my fave characters after Taran and Lark!!! I loved their intense chemistry! You could practically feel it coming out of the pages!!! ;) Ms. Holley you did an amazing job! I am looking forward to reading more of this series and any other books by you! ;)
July 27, 2011
I initially chose this book to review for two reasons: it’s a werewolf story and I love me some shifting wolves, and the heroine is a court reporter. Same as me. So, needless to say, I was quite curious as to what was between the covers of this book. Then my curiosity was piqued even further when I read the dedication page in which Ms. Holley dedicates this book to her two sisters-in-law to whom she said one night, while they all sipped champagne on the porch, that she could write a paranormal romance novel. I was delighted by two of these ideas on one hand and, on the other for the third, well, let’s just say I didn’t see the point.
Let me just get the pointless idea for me out of the way, and, really, it’s neither here nor there as far as the book itself. But I’m not sure why Ms. Holley decided to give Lark the profession of court reporter in this story, only because it’s a unique and interesting profession and a little more could have been done with the idea. It was mentioned twice very quickly and then no more. That’s it.
Okay, yeah, it could have been any profession mentioned and it still would have made the same impact, which was hardly any at all in the grand scheme of things. Even if it was just Lark talking to a friend or fellow reporter about a deposition she’d just reported or something similar could have been utilized. So I wish Ms. Holley would have run a little further with it. But, as I said, that has nothing to do with the story and only mention it because I’m so intimately familiar with it all and saw much more potential for it, especially since that’s part of what drew me to the story.
The story and characters are a whole other matter entirely. Lark is somewhat related to Taran, a Houston PD detective, not by blood but by marriage. She’s known him most of her life and has been in love with him for years now. Because he treats her like a younger snotty sister, she’s never said anything to him about her feelings. She dreams about him quite a bit, though. Erotic dreams, dreams that wake her up and leave her in a frustrated, worked-up sweat.
As fate would have it, Lark is Taran’s mate, but he’s held his tongue about that fact because she’s always looked at him like an older brother, not like someone she’d like to spend heavenly bliss with the rest of their lives. When she gets thrown into the middle of the case he’s currently working on � three local women have disappeared after associating with Eastern European wolves � by being nearly kidnapped by said wolves, the need to protect her rushes to the fore and he demands she stay with him after that close call and until the case is solved.
That’s where things begin to heat up very, very quickly. I loved the scene in which they make love for the first time, partly from fear, partly from adrenaline, partly from a consuming desire. It’s intense, very sexy and hot. Little does Lark know this lovemaking is actually a claiming, something Taran doesn’t share with her when he should, and he pays for that omission the next day when Lark discovers what he’s done. Angry as hell, she leaves him to think things through, to make sure this is what she wants, but more importantly that it’s what he wants instead of what he’s forced into by his very nature.
All the while, of course, the bad wolves are after Lark and it’s up to Taran to keep protecting her. There’s a couple of terrific fight scenes between wolves, made all the better because it’s Taran trying to get to his mate before they do. The secondary characters are well done, especially Nick, the pack alpha, and his assistant T.J., who is also Lark’s best friend. There has to be a story there for those two characters. At least I hope so. They’d make an interesting couple and there’d be a lot of fun just getting to their HEA. I was a little disappointed in the eventual villain. A little convenient and not difficult to figure out.
Other than that, this is a great first book for Ms. Holley. She definitely can write a paranormal romance and does it very well. As an aside, Ms. Holley, please add a Books page to your website. It’s very frustrating not finding a lot of info there about your books, current or future. That’s the main reason a reader goes to your site, and there’s none to be found.
See my complete review at
Let me just get the pointless idea for me out of the way, and, really, it’s neither here nor there as far as the book itself. But I’m not sure why Ms. Holley decided to give Lark the profession of court reporter in this story, only because it’s a unique and interesting profession and a little more could have been done with the idea. It was mentioned twice very quickly and then no more. That’s it.
Okay, yeah, it could have been any profession mentioned and it still would have made the same impact, which was hardly any at all in the grand scheme of things. Even if it was just Lark talking to a friend or fellow reporter about a deposition she’d just reported or something similar could have been utilized. So I wish Ms. Holley would have run a little further with it. But, as I said, that has nothing to do with the story and only mention it because I’m so intimately familiar with it all and saw much more potential for it, especially since that’s part of what drew me to the story.
The story and characters are a whole other matter entirely. Lark is somewhat related to Taran, a Houston PD detective, not by blood but by marriage. She’s known him most of her life and has been in love with him for years now. Because he treats her like a younger snotty sister, she’s never said anything to him about her feelings. She dreams about him quite a bit, though. Erotic dreams, dreams that wake her up and leave her in a frustrated, worked-up sweat.
As fate would have it, Lark is Taran’s mate, but he’s held his tongue about that fact because she’s always looked at him like an older brother, not like someone she’d like to spend heavenly bliss with the rest of their lives. When she gets thrown into the middle of the case he’s currently working on � three local women have disappeared after associating with Eastern European wolves � by being nearly kidnapped by said wolves, the need to protect her rushes to the fore and he demands she stay with him after that close call and until the case is solved.
That’s where things begin to heat up very, very quickly. I loved the scene in which they make love for the first time, partly from fear, partly from adrenaline, partly from a consuming desire. It’s intense, very sexy and hot. Little does Lark know this lovemaking is actually a claiming, something Taran doesn’t share with her when he should, and he pays for that omission the next day when Lark discovers what he’s done. Angry as hell, she leaves him to think things through, to make sure this is what she wants, but more importantly that it’s what he wants instead of what he’s forced into by his very nature.
All the while, of course, the bad wolves are after Lark and it’s up to Taran to keep protecting her. There’s a couple of terrific fight scenes between wolves, made all the better because it’s Taran trying to get to his mate before they do. The secondary characters are well done, especially Nick, the pack alpha, and his assistant T.J., who is also Lark’s best friend. There has to be a story there for those two characters. At least I hope so. They’d make an interesting couple and there’d be a lot of fun just getting to their HEA. I was a little disappointed in the eventual villain. A little convenient and not difficult to figure out.
Other than that, this is a great first book for Ms. Holley. She definitely can write a paranormal romance and does it very well. As an aside, Ms. Holley, please add a Books page to your website. It’s very frustrating not finding a lot of info there about your books, current or future. That’s the main reason a reader goes to your site, and there’s none to be found.
See my complete review at
March 15, 2017
This book started out pretty good actually, but then after a little less than half the book it only got boring and I wanted the book to be over.. But I was able to finish it and I must say that the ending was disappointing :/ I wish Kinsey wrote that different at least or given something more at the end, but hey, some like some don't ..
Rate: 2.5/3 stars.
Rate: 2.5/3 stars.
November 16, 2013
4 stars
I really enjoyed this story. I liked Lark and Taran and was happy when they worked out their issues and got together. The story was short but it didn't feel as short as I know it was. I didn't feel like anything was missing or it was rushed, the author did a very good job with it. I've read the series before and really enjoyed all 3 books but it's been a while so I felt the need for a reread.
Lark is a court reporter and is sweet but also has a bit of a sarcastic mouth at times. She's also in love with her cousin, Taran. Now don't get all freaked...there's no blood relation and they weren't raised together or anything. But he's always been like a big brother to her and he also happens to be a werewolf (which are publicly known in this "world" along with the Fae). Since he's never shown any interest in her as anything more than an annoying little sister/cousin type person, she's gone on with her life and tried to live it but she can't help but long for him. She never expected his true feelings were much different than what he showed her.
Taran is an alpha werewolf (but not the Alpha of the local pack, more of a lower ranked alpha within the pack) and a police officer with a shifter task force. He's a good guy and I liked his character. Since Lark grew to maturity, Taran's been attracted to her more than her felt he should be and when he realized she was his destined mate 3 years before, his life went to hell. Taran is convinced that Lark sees him as nothing but an annoying older brother type and wouldn't welcome any advances from him. He's also sure their family would freak even though they're not blood relation so he's kept his feelings secret and suffered with being so close but yet so far from his mate.
Lark and Taran get thrown together in a traumatic way when Lark is almost kidnapped by some werewolves that are stealing women to sell in to sexual slavery. Taran saves her but that doesn't end the issue. When she goes home, Taran stakes out her place to watch over her and is barely able to stop another attack on her. He then has to take her home with him to ensure she stays safe. Things go smoothly for a few days, with Tarn mostly avoiding Lark, but eventually things come to a head and they both recognize the attraction between them and engage in a night (and morning) of hot sex. Taran doesn't tell Lark right away that she's his mate though and when she finds out he held that back, she's upset and ends up leaving and staying with a friend until she can think things out. Taran, regardless of the fact he thinks she's rejecting him outright, makes sure she's guarded at her friend's house to prevent any further attacks on her.
While things are no going well with Lark, Taran works on making progress on his case trying to get the person responsible for the kidnapping of the women. He makes some progress but not much. He does break down and call Lark (leaving her a great voicemail) which helps the situation greatly and she calls him back (also leaving a voicemail but at least they're talking). Around this time, one of his leads for the case bottoms out in a way that indicates he's got a leak somewhere. He figures out who it most likely is but it also ends up this person is in a position to harm Lark. This leads to some stress and drama but Lark and Taran come through alright in the end (although the main bad guy isn't caught and this case comes back in to the series in book #3). Lark and Taran end the story with some more hot sex and the start to a good HEA.
I really liked this story. The characters aren't perfect but they're pretty good and likable. I thought the story was well written, not feeling as short as it actually was. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up! :)
I really enjoyed this story. I liked Lark and Taran and was happy when they worked out their issues and got together. The story was short but it didn't feel as short as I know it was. I didn't feel like anything was missing or it was rushed, the author did a very good job with it. I've read the series before and really enjoyed all 3 books but it's been a while so I felt the need for a reread.
Lark is a court reporter and is sweet but also has a bit of a sarcastic mouth at times. She's also in love with her cousin, Taran. Now don't get all freaked...there's no blood relation and they weren't raised together or anything. But he's always been like a big brother to her and he also happens to be a werewolf (which are publicly known in this "world" along with the Fae). Since he's never shown any interest in her as anything more than an annoying little sister/cousin type person, she's gone on with her life and tried to live it but she can't help but long for him. She never expected his true feelings were much different than what he showed her.
Taran is an alpha werewolf (but not the Alpha of the local pack, more of a lower ranked alpha within the pack) and a police officer with a shifter task force. He's a good guy and I liked his character. Since Lark grew to maturity, Taran's been attracted to her more than her felt he should be and when he realized she was his destined mate 3 years before, his life went to hell. Taran is convinced that Lark sees him as nothing but an annoying older brother type and wouldn't welcome any advances from him. He's also sure their family would freak even though they're not blood relation so he's kept his feelings secret and suffered with being so close but yet so far from his mate.
Lark and Taran get thrown together in a traumatic way when Lark is almost kidnapped by some werewolves that are stealing women to sell in to sexual slavery. Taran saves her but that doesn't end the issue. When she goes home, Taran stakes out her place to watch over her and is barely able to stop another attack on her. He then has to take her home with him to ensure she stays safe. Things go smoothly for a few days, with Tarn mostly avoiding Lark, but eventually things come to a head and they both recognize the attraction between them and engage in a night (and morning) of hot sex. Taran doesn't tell Lark right away that she's his mate though and when she finds out he held that back, she's upset and ends up leaving and staying with a friend until she can think things out. Taran, regardless of the fact he thinks she's rejecting him outright, makes sure she's guarded at her friend's house to prevent any further attacks on her.
While things are no going well with Lark, Taran works on making progress on his case trying to get the person responsible for the kidnapping of the women. He makes some progress but not much. He does break down and call Lark (leaving her a great voicemail) which helps the situation greatly and she calls him back (also leaving a voicemail but at least they're talking). Around this time, one of his leads for the case bottoms out in a way that indicates he's got a leak somewhere. He figures out who it most likely is but it also ends up this person is in a position to harm Lark. This leads to some stress and drama but Lark and Taran come through alright in the end (although the main bad guy isn't caught and this case comes back in to the series in book #3). Lark and Taran end the story with some more hot sex and the start to a good HEA.
I really liked this story. The characters aren't perfect but they're pretty good and likable. I thought the story was well written, not feeling as short as it actually was. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up! :)
September 26, 2011
Sometimes a Literal Addict needs a quick fun read to fill in between those long series…well this is a great one for such a need. Kiss and Kin is a short but very witty book. That had me laughing and saying “aw.�
Kiss and Kin is the first book in Kinsey W. Holley's Werewolves in Love series.
Lark is a human living in a world that knows all about werewolves. She goes out one night with a girlfriend and runs into her long time love Taran (who is also her cousin BY MARRIAGE so its ok), Taran is there at the club undercover tracking a group of weres that might be responsible for the murders of 3 woman. While at the club Lark is attacked and Taran saves her. This starts the next 2 weeks in motion.
SAMLL SPOILER ALERT: Taran has known for 3 years that Lark is to be his mate but because of his fear that she will reject him he doesn’t tell her. After a steamy night it all comes out. Through the fear of losing each other and finding each other at the same time, they end up happily ever after.
Kiss and Kin was a quick read filled with witty dialogue that had me giggling to myself and wanting to call everyone I knew and tell them to read this cause it was a great little breather from the long winded series most Literal Addicts get into. It was a great change of pace. The secondary characters are essential to the story and make u wish they get their own books. The Alpha Male Taran is red hot and Lark is a lil bratty but you love her for it.
This Literal Addict gives Kiss and Kin by Kinsey W. Holley 4 out of 5 skulls!!!!
On to Book 2 folks, As Always happy reading!!!!
Book review by: Charity Costa Aka Bewitching Bella
Kiss and Kin is the first book in Kinsey W. Holley's Werewolves in Love series.
Lark is a human living in a world that knows all about werewolves. She goes out one night with a girlfriend and runs into her long time love Taran (who is also her cousin BY MARRIAGE so its ok), Taran is there at the club undercover tracking a group of weres that might be responsible for the murders of 3 woman. While at the club Lark is attacked and Taran saves her. This starts the next 2 weeks in motion.
SAMLL SPOILER ALERT: Taran has known for 3 years that Lark is to be his mate but because of his fear that she will reject him he doesn’t tell her. After a steamy night it all comes out. Through the fear of losing each other and finding each other at the same time, they end up happily ever after.
Kiss and Kin was a quick read filled with witty dialogue that had me giggling to myself and wanting to call everyone I knew and tell them to read this cause it was a great little breather from the long winded series most Literal Addicts get into. It was a great change of pace. The secondary characters are essential to the story and make u wish they get their own books. The Alpha Male Taran is red hot and Lark is a lil bratty but you love her for it.
This Literal Addict gives Kiss and Kin by Kinsey W. Holley 4 out of 5 skulls!!!!
On to Book 2 folks, As Always happy reading!!!!
Book review by: Charity Costa Aka Bewitching Bella
February 12, 2013
Many a nights Lark Manning has spent dreaming of detective Taran Lloyd who is off limits. Technically, Lark and Taran are cousins, not by blood but married in. As far as the vibe Taran has been sending for years, he is not interested in Lark at all. That is until Lark is drugged in a bar and Taran saves her.
Taran knows that Lark is his mate, he had not planned to act on it unless it seemed like there was a hint of the feeling being returned. When Lark is put in danger, Taran can't keep the wolf at bay and he needs to make a choice of staying away or letting her know how he really feels.
This was good but there were a few missing pieces to the story that I kind of scratched my head about. I am a big fan of the second book so worth reading this one, but I wish it had been a little longer and one important plot point resolved.
Taran knows that Lark is his mate, he had not planned to act on it unless it seemed like there was a hint of the feeling being returned. When Lark is put in danger, Taran can't keep the wolf at bay and he needs to make a choice of staying away or letting her know how he really feels.
This was good but there were a few missing pieces to the story that I kind of scratched my head about. I am a big fan of the second book so worth reading this one, but I wish it had been a little longer and one important plot point resolved.
November 3, 2011
This was a short book and I somewhat enjoyed it. It had funny moments but there was not enough background on the characters and alot of things were not explained. Tara is a court reporter? but we never see her do anything as far as working. Her very good friend is abducted but it dosen't seem as if she cares. We don't find out what happens to her I am not sure if this is addressed in the next book or not. Her other close friend seems to have an interest in the alpha but again if this isisn't addressed in a later book I do not understand why it was even introduced. The bad guy was caught easily so really it's mostly their mating story but I think I will keep reading this author just to see if any of these things are explained in a later book.
August 2, 2012
Another very very good book. I think that shifters are my new love, recently I've read a lot of book about them.
And this one was very good . If you want to read a nice hot book about a sexy alpha this is exactly for you.
And this one was very good . If you want to read a nice hot book about a sexy alpha this is exactly for you.
July 7, 2020
Lark was adopted into her aunt and uncles house where she lived with her werewolf cousin and his werewolf stepbrother, Taran (thus establishing that Taran and Lark are not blood-related). It's been years now since she's been head over heels in love with Taran but she's sure it's unrequited since he treats her like an annoying cousin. She's wrong though, since Taran knows that Lark is his mate but he also believes it's unrequited because she treats him like a big brother. When Lark is drugged and nearly kidnapped at a bar while Taran is investigating a case of trafficking, he realizes that she's gotten too close to his case and is now in danger. So she goes to stay at his house where he can protect her and where, of course, they realize that they desperately want each other in a not-so-familial way. Unfortunately, Taran's prior knowledge of Lark being his mate emerges and she is livid that they are now "mated" without having discussed it at all.
Not a bad story. Things were going really well up to the 50% mark with Taran and Lark sort of dancing around the "lust after you" admissions and both of them misinterpreting the other's behavior. And honestly the suspense aspect of the story was also quite good. The story kinda went down hill around the time that Lark freaks out about being Taran's mate. I couldn't figure out why she was so upset...yes he hadn't told her but that was because he didn't think she reciprocated. I kinda feel like that's a valid reason for not saying something. Then they did the whole sex thing and he never said anything. She got upset about time lost and the fact that he's now completely and totally committed to her and she's not sure she's ready for that. And here I'd thought she'd been in love with him already and wanting that commitment. And there wasn't any sort of "mate bond" or something that required that she return that commitment. So I couldn't figure why she ghosted him for 2 weeks while she tried to get over his transgression. That was confusing. Looked into later stories and I gotta admit - super disappointed that Nick and TJ don't have their own book. Maybe she didn't get to it?
Not a bad story. Things were going really well up to the 50% mark with Taran and Lark sort of dancing around the "lust after you" admissions and both of them misinterpreting the other's behavior. And honestly the suspense aspect of the story was also quite good. The story kinda went down hill around the time that Lark freaks out about being Taran's mate. I couldn't figure out why she was so upset...yes he hadn't told her but that was because he didn't think she reciprocated. I kinda feel like that's a valid reason for not saying something. Then they did the whole sex thing and he never said anything. She got upset about time lost and the fact that he's now completely and totally committed to her and she's not sure she's ready for that. And here I'd thought she'd been in love with him already and wanting that commitment. And there wasn't any sort of "mate bond" or something that required that she return that commitment. So I couldn't figure why she ghosted him for 2 weeks while she tried to get over his transgression. That was confusing. Looked into later stories and I gotta admit - super disappointed that Nick and TJ don't have their own book. Maybe she didn't get to it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2025
This was a decent supernatural + hot n heavy read. Pretty straight forward and short, the story was going in the right direction but I would have liked it a bit more drawn out/longer, it felt a bit fast.
I was looking forward to reading the rest of the series but they aren't cannon. I probably will still read them at some point.
I would recommend this if you'd like something straightforward, short and a bit on the edge (drugs, kidnapping themes).
I was looking forward to reading the rest of the series but they aren't cannon. I probably will still read them at some point.
I would recommend this if you'd like something straightforward, short and a bit on the edge (drugs, kidnapping themes).
May 11, 2025
DNFed at 20%.
April 23, 2011
So Lark has been in love with her cousin by marriage (no blood relation whatsoever) for years but thinks she has a snowball's chance in hell because he treats her like an annoying little sis. Taran, a bad-ass alpha wolf detective, knows that Lark is his mate and has lusted for her for years (secretly of course) but has decided to hide it and be a martyr because of the pseudo familial relation. Queue some side plot (snort) about missing women and possible human slavery (which NEVER GETS RESOLVED), throw in some hot smex and that's Kiss and Kin.
Now I was really enjoying this bit of fluff. I love shifter 'verses where they are out and are cops etc. I liked Taran and Lark. The pseudo familial relation, made them kissing cousins of sort and gave that hint of taboo without the squick factor.
Then came the 'Big Mis' and let me tell you that it was so utterly ridiculous that not only did it throw me right out of the story, but really made me totally dislike Lark with a passion. "Grow up" indeed. Let me just say that Lark, who had been on the amusing side of snarky twit, became a full fledged annoying, stupid, shallow bimbo and was thereafter tainted. And WTH happened with the investigation of the missing women? That is just left out there as if it never happened. Really annoying to leave such a big plot element unresolved.
Because of the huge mess of the 'Big Mis' turning the heroine into an immature, shrill bimbo and the huge plot element that got lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle, two stars. Which is kinda sad since the universe had potential.
Now I was really enjoying this bit of fluff. I love shifter 'verses where they are out and are cops etc. I liked Taran and Lark. The pseudo familial relation, made them kissing cousins of sort and gave that hint of taboo without the squick factor.
Then came the 'Big Mis' and let me tell you that it was so utterly ridiculous that not only did it throw me right out of the story, but really made me totally dislike Lark with a passion. "Grow up" indeed. Let me just say that Lark, who had been on the amusing side of snarky twit, became a full fledged annoying, stupid, shallow bimbo and was thereafter tainted. And WTH happened with the investigation of the missing women? That is just left out there as if it never happened. Really annoying to leave such a big plot element unresolved.
Because of the huge mess of the 'Big Mis' turning the heroine into an immature, shrill bimbo and the huge plot element that got lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle, two stars. Which is kinda sad since the universe had potential.
August 17, 2014
This book had potential, but maybe because it's a novella and not a novel, everything felt rushed and sometimes confusing.
Taran is your typical alpha werewolf so it's a little surprising he doesn't have the balls to tell the heroine that he loves her and that she's his mate. Yes, I understand that they grew up in a kind of brother-sister relationship, but they weren't related. And if she was his mate, wasn't there supposed to be at least a guaranteed attraction? I didn't quite understand how exactly mate relationships were supposed to work in this world. I got the impression that the males were more affected and the females could reject them. Maybe I got it wrong, but truly his reasons for staying away were confusing and out of character for an alpha.
As for Lark... she was likable most of the time, except for the parts when she was bratty and annoying and also out of character, to create conflict I suppose. Why oh why can't characters act like adults? Lark freaking out for no obvious or understandable reasons (it would have been ok to be upset, but she overreacted, she was such a drama queen) was just the author's way of creating a crisis in the romance before the resolution. There were better ways of doing that. And I think the author has all that she needs to write great stories, she just has to make the story follow the characters, not mold the characters to fit the story.
Taran is your typical alpha werewolf so it's a little surprising he doesn't have the balls to tell the heroine that he loves her and that she's his mate. Yes, I understand that they grew up in a kind of brother-sister relationship, but they weren't related. And if she was his mate, wasn't there supposed to be at least a guaranteed attraction? I didn't quite understand how exactly mate relationships were supposed to work in this world. I got the impression that the males were more affected and the females could reject them. Maybe I got it wrong, but truly his reasons for staying away were confusing and out of character for an alpha.
As for Lark... she was likable most of the time, except for the parts when she was bratty and annoying and also out of character, to create conflict I suppose. Why oh why can't characters act like adults? Lark freaking out for no obvious or understandable reasons (it would have been ok to be upset, but she overreacted, she was such a drama queen) was just the author's way of creating a crisis in the romance before the resolution. There were better ways of doing that. And I think the author has all that she needs to write great stories, she just has to make the story follow the characters, not mold the characters to fit the story.
June 23, 2016
Well, well, well, look what the werewolf dragged in... a quirky little romance novel for me to enjoy!
ABOUT:
Taran is an alpha shifter who's gorgeous with a reputation as a love 'em and leave 'em type. He's also a detective for Houston's Shifter Investigation Unit.
Lark Manning is described as a court reporter but her career is never discussed more than as a passing comment. She seems neither passionate about it nor does it affect the plot what-so-ever. That little tid bit seemed as useful to know as her high school english test score.
Both individuals love each other but are too timid to make their feelings known. Taran's concerns stem (mostly) from the reaction from their extended family. Although they aren't blood relatives growing up they considered themselves cousins.
Loved the premise, enjoyed several scenes of the book but feel the author could have built in a few early chapters for more character development and turmoil. For example- perhaps a chapter from Lark's perspective watching Taran date other women when she was younger? They characters are described as struggling with (what they perceive are) unrequited love. Alas, in "as-is" condition I've awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely an enjoyable, quick read but would have loved a bit more conflict to make it interesting.
For more reviews visit sufferingsexlexia.com
ABOUT:
Taran is an alpha shifter who's gorgeous with a reputation as a love 'em and leave 'em type. He's also a detective for Houston's Shifter Investigation Unit.
Lark Manning is described as a court reporter but her career is never discussed more than as a passing comment. She seems neither passionate about it nor does it affect the plot what-so-ever. That little tid bit seemed as useful to know as her high school english test score.
Both individuals love each other but are too timid to make their feelings known. Taran's concerns stem (mostly) from the reaction from their extended family. Although they aren't blood relatives growing up they considered themselves cousins.
Loved the premise, enjoyed several scenes of the book but feel the author could have built in a few early chapters for more character development and turmoil. For example- perhaps a chapter from Lark's perspective watching Taran date other women when she was younger? They characters are described as struggling with (what they perceive are) unrequited love. Alas, in "as-is" condition I've awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely an enjoyable, quick read but would have loved a bit more conflict to make it interesting.
For more reviews visit sufferingsexlexia.com
May 10, 2011
I bought this as an ebook and enjoyed the story. This is definitely an adult erotica novel. This is a first book for Holley. The story was good and was a quick read. I kind of felt it was a little thin on character development and the story seemed very one dementional. This is a good debut novel and I will continue to read Holley in the future but hope her writing gets more meaty.
Lark is a human who is related to Werewolf Detective Talen. The book opens as Talen is undercover looking for missing women. Lark end up at the same club as Talen. They are only cousins by a remarriage and not truly related. Both have been secretly attracted to each other for years. Lark unfortunately gets roofied but Talen saves her. Their secret feelings about each other come to light as Talen solves the mystery. The Werewolf lore in the book I felt could have been more elaborated on as Talen was an Alpha but under Nick who was Alpha for the area. Also, I would have liked more background on precious interactions between Lark and Talen. This is definitely a light quick read. If you want something more meaty this is probably not for you.
Lark is a human who is related to Werewolf Detective Talen. The book opens as Talen is undercover looking for missing women. Lark end up at the same club as Talen. They are only cousins by a remarriage and not truly related. Both have been secretly attracted to each other for years. Lark unfortunately gets roofied but Talen saves her. Their secret feelings about each other come to light as Talen solves the mystery. The Werewolf lore in the book I felt could have been more elaborated on as Talen was an Alpha but under Nick who was Alpha for the area. Also, I would have liked more background on precious interactions between Lark and Talen. This is definitely a light quick read. If you want something more meaty this is probably not for you.
March 11, 2012
My Review by Carlyn - BMR Guest Reviewer
Lark has been in love with her cousin Taran for years. Don't worry they are cousins only by a late marriage so no ick factor! What she doesn't know is that she is actually the alpha wolf, Taran's, mate. He has been keeping his feelings and his mating instinct a secret because he thinks she will reject him because they are family. When Lark becomes in danger after inadvertently becoming involved in one of Taran's police investigations he must protect her and his own heart.
In this world, werewolf's are a known species so there was no big species shocker for Lark which made the storyline flow with ease. I really liked the characters in this story. Taran is still a gruff and bossy alpha wolf but he still has a sense of humor and you can understand why he kept his feelings from Lark. Lark is absolutely hilarious and she loves teasing Taran. She is also not afraid to go after what she wants when she puts her mind to it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves shifters, romance and some red hot love scenes! I look forward to reading more books from this author.
5 out of 5 stars.
Lark has been in love with her cousin Taran for years. Don't worry they are cousins only by a late marriage so no ick factor! What she doesn't know is that she is actually the alpha wolf, Taran's, mate. He has been keeping his feelings and his mating instinct a secret because he thinks she will reject him because they are family. When Lark becomes in danger after inadvertently becoming involved in one of Taran's police investigations he must protect her and his own heart.
In this world, werewolf's are a known species so there was no big species shocker for Lark which made the storyline flow with ease. I really liked the characters in this story. Taran is still a gruff and bossy alpha wolf but he still has a sense of humor and you can understand why he kept his feelings from Lark. Lark is absolutely hilarious and she loves teasing Taran. She is also not afraid to go after what she wants when she puts her mind to it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves shifters, romance and some red hot love scenes! I look forward to reading more books from this author.
5 out of 5 stars.
September 16, 2011
Kiss and Kin is the first book in Kinsey W. Holley's Werewolves in Love series. It was also my first introduction to Kinsey's books.
In Kiss and Kin, we meet Lark Manning who has been hot for cousin (by marriage, not blood) for as long as she can remember. That cousin is a hottie, were, Taran Lloyd. He's a detective in the Houston Police Department’s Shifters Investigations Unit (SHIU).
Cue couples row down d'Nile. She believes he still sees her as the the cute little girl he's known forever and he believes she sees him as the brotherly type. But, when she's attacked and calls out his name, he rushes to her rescue and throughout her recovery, neither can resist the heat between them or the fact that Taran's known she's his mate. Oops! Did he forget to mention that?
The baddie was kinda predictable, but, hey, the sex was smokin'. >;) I will be continuing the series and look forward to reading more by Kinsey.
In Kiss and Kin, we meet Lark Manning who has been hot for cousin (by marriage, not blood) for as long as she can remember. That cousin is a hottie, were, Taran Lloyd. He's a detective in the Houston Police Department’s Shifters Investigations Unit (SHIU).
Cue couples row down d'Nile. She believes he still sees her as the the cute little girl he's known forever and he believes she sees him as the brotherly type. But, when she's attacked and calls out his name, he rushes to her rescue and throughout her recovery, neither can resist the heat between them or the fact that Taran's known she's his mate. Oops! Did he forget to mention that?
The baddie was kinda predictable, but, hey, the sex was smokin'. >;) I will be continuing the series and look forward to reading more by Kinsey.
April 15, 2013
MILD SPOILERS AHEAD
I never thought I could come to loath a character in under eighty pages, but Kiss and Kin has proven me wrong.
In the beginning, I didn't hate this book, it started out pretty good but went down hill pretty quickly. I guessed what was going to happen within twenty pages and then I was just rolling my eyes for the rest.
Nothing really happened, and in the end I was kinda just looking at the last page thoroughly perplexed with the thought: "that's it?" running on repeat in my head.
The character's were very one dimensional and the conflict was extremely forced.
And Lark, oh Lark, I don't understand you at all. Honestly, I am really confused. You wanted him, and wanted to be with him but then you got mad when he "claimed" you as his mate...why? I really need you to explain to me where this is coming from because it's exactly what you wanted.
Not a very good book, pretty boring in a whole and very predictable.
I never thought I could come to loath a character in under eighty pages, but Kiss and Kin has proven me wrong.
In the beginning, I didn't hate this book, it started out pretty good but went down hill pretty quickly. I guessed what was going to happen within twenty pages and then I was just rolling my eyes for the rest.
Nothing really happened, and in the end I was kinda just looking at the last page thoroughly perplexed with the thought: "that's it?" running on repeat in my head.
The character's were very one dimensional and the conflict was extremely forced.
And Lark, oh Lark, I don't understand you at all. Honestly, I am really confused. You wanted him, and wanted to be with him but then you got mad when he "claimed" you as his mate...why? I really need you to explain to me where this is coming from because it's exactly what you wanted.
Not a very good book, pretty boring in a whole and very predictable.
May 30, 2013
ok, that was less than I expected even for a novella ... the description really sounds nice and I think this could have been good but here the length was definitely a problem ...
Taran a werewolf and cop and tries to figure out who killed 3 women when Lark is targeted as well. the story could have been very interesting and suspensful but unfortunately it just ended without explanation or solution or whatsoever - we were in the middle of the investigation when "puff" the book was at its end ....
the same goes for the romance, half of the book it was like "oh no, I can't do that ..." "she doesn't want me" "he doesn't want me" and than "ping" ...
additional to that Lark seemed quite immature for her 26 years and was not my favorite heroine.
I liked the secondary characters TJ and Nick and hope they will have a full length book - I think I would this one
as you can see I am quite frustrated with this book because it could have been good ... so I am torn between two and three stars
Taran a werewolf and cop and tries to figure out who killed 3 women when Lark is targeted as well. the story could have been very interesting and suspensful but unfortunately it just ended without explanation or solution or whatsoever - we were in the middle of the investigation when "puff" the book was at its end ....
the same goes for the romance, half of the book it was like "oh no, I can't do that ..." "she doesn't want me" "he doesn't want me" and than "ping" ...
additional to that Lark seemed quite immature for her 26 years and was not my favorite heroine.
I liked the secondary characters TJ and Nick and hope they will have a full length book - I think I would this one
as you can see I am quite frustrated with this book because it could have been good ... so I am torn between two and three stars
August 19, 2011
wouldn't that be a great!
to live the best of best fantasy you have ever had as real life!
You have always been in love with a man raised as your brother but no blood relation.... he treats you like his 'kid' sister...
This is a tricky book
there are so many little things that blur together
to live the best of best fantasy you have ever had as real life!
You have always been in love with a man raised as your brother but no blood relation.... he treats you like his 'kid' sister...
This is a tricky book
there are so many little things that blur together
June 19, 2015
3.5 to 4 stars.
This is a cute and sexy read. Originally I went in with this one because it was listed as taboo. But I don't think it really can fall within that category. Personally, it may be better suited for soft-reluctant-romance.
Parts of it I found confusing. Then there's the whole 'bonded mate' concept, and trying to keep track of the who's who. If it was indeed a full length novel it may have given me extra time to gain better traction for the world building. But I'll let you make the call on that one.
Happy Reading
LB
This is a cute and sexy read. Originally I went in with this one because it was listed as taboo. But I don't think it really can fall within that category. Personally, it may be better suited for soft-reluctant-romance.
Parts of it I found confusing. Then there's the whole 'bonded mate' concept, and trying to keep track of the who's who. If it was indeed a full length novel it may have given me extra time to gain better traction for the world building. But I'll let you make the call on that one.
Happy Reading
LB
February 20, 2015
3.5 stars - Kiss and Kin is a short set in another part of the Yours, Mine and Howl's world of Werewolves and Fae (There is no character crossover so both standalone from each other just fine.) I thought that K&K was pretty good, but had the same amount of 'sechsy' stuff as the full length YM&H, so the story/steam balanced fell a bit more on the steam side - the setup and conflict were good, so I wish it had been full length - the leads had a real potential family dilemma since they are 1st cousins (by marriage) with a big age difference by that is handled off screen and without much angst. Still liked Kiss and Kin enough to get Holley's other short, Ready to Run: Werewolves in Love story.
April 7, 2014
I almost didn't finish this book.
This is about a hero that unselfishly put off from going to his mate in order to keep things normal for her. Plus they were related (not by blood, but by marriage).
The heroine was fantasized and loved the hero since she can remember.
When thing start to happen and their relationship finally progresses, the heroine turns into a selfish, whinny bitch (to me). I can't stand when our heroines turn into "basic bitches".
So anyway, I really wouldn't recommend this book. It was not very entertaining and the aggravation of how I started to feel about the heroine took center stage for me and ruined the rest of the book.
This is about a hero that unselfishly put off from going to his mate in order to keep things normal for her. Plus they were related (not by blood, but by marriage).
The heroine was fantasized and loved the hero since she can remember.
When thing start to happen and their relationship finally progresses, the heroine turns into a selfish, whinny bitch (to me). I can't stand when our heroines turn into "basic bitches".
So anyway, I really wouldn't recommend this book. It was not very entertaining and the aggravation of how I started to feel about the heroine took center stage for me and ruined the rest of the book.
October 2, 2010
Whoah Mamma! I found a new author and her name is Kinsey W. Holley! Can you believe this was just a random kindle download from the recommended section? I can't, maybe I should pay attention to those more often? This hot little PNR had everything a paranormal junkee could ask for: Hot sexy werewolf Alpha, tough, but slightly tilted heroine, great writing, interesting back-story, cool shifter dynamics...and the potential to grow. Ms. Holley, no rush or anything, but can I have some more?
February 16, 2011
Funny, sexy, interesting characters. Good world-building: I like that it's nuanced and it shows possible negative consequences for pre-destined mates. The pacing is really fast. My only real complaint is that it feels like a big, rich story was shoved into a too-small box. There's a lot left unexplained at the end and some of the transitions were head-spinningly fast. So, nutshell: I enjoyed what was written but would have liked more. All this from a debut author, though? That makes me really interested to see what she does in the future.
Read
April 26, 2011One of the things that really popped out of this book for me was the new spin that the author gave to her wolves, I love when something different is added to the same old same old wolfy thing I love. A few support cast were also introduced and they did their thing but one set came with some sweet angst that makes me wish for their story � even now I have a grin thinking of Nick and TJ.
See rest of review
See rest of review
April 10, 2017
3.5 stars
For being such a short book this story did not feel rushed. I think the reason behind that is because both characters had felt similarly to each other early, had been in love with each other for years without expressing it, so it helped that. The mythology wasn't completely explained, how after knowing her for so long did he only find out 3 years ago, that was never explained. Overall though I think the story line was good, it could definitely turned into something more or longer and gradual, but overall for how short it was it was decent.
For being such a short book this story did not feel rushed. I think the reason behind that is because both characters had felt similarly to each other early, had been in love with each other for years without expressing it, so it helped that. The mythology wasn't completely explained, how after knowing her for so long did he only find out 3 years ago, that was never explained. Overall though I think the story line was good, it could definitely turned into something more or longer and gradual, but overall for how short it was it was decent.
April 23, 2011
This novella left this reader wanting more. Although I felt the story ended a bit abruptly, and there were several unanswered questions, it was still an enjoyable quick read. And the humor and relationship between the characters made up for what I thought the book lacked. I bought this book because of a review on what was actually book #2 in the series-haven't read it yet but I'll post a review when I do!
April 2, 2012
Nice read but, if I hadn't read the before, I wouldn't have given much thought to the author's other books. (And it's a pity because the full novel is worth it).
The set up and conflict were interesting. In such a format were somewhat wasted (as in underdeveloped).
The set up and conflict were interesting. In such a format were somewhat wasted (as in underdeveloped).
August 25, 2012
I love a good shifter romance especially a good werewolf romance. Based on the reviews on GR I was expecting a good read. This could have been such a good story. The big fight between Lark and Taran was childish and pointless. Lark is a werewolf by the way so her reaction and the manner in which she handles the "fight" with Taran put me off this book. Taran was not any better as an Alpha. I expected more but got less. A very disappointing read.
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