Gina Rae Mitchell

French Kiss by Gloria J Goldsmith | Review, Excerpt, & $50 Gift Card

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

French Kiss: A Contemporary Holiday Romance by Gloria J Goldsmith
Published by Independently Published on 09/23/2021
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Women's Literature, Young Adult
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 238

I was DONE! I ditched graduation, dumped my sexually repressed college boyfriend. I dropped his insecurities for a wild ride with destiny in a European adventure!

Encountering Jean Louis was kismet. From that instant, the dashing young Frenchman soothed my bruised heart. My spirit rejuvenated, I was convinced leaving my old life was correct. Together, we set out to explore southern France.

Jean Louis was torn from my life almost as quickly as he had entered it. Left only with the haunting memory of his caress, it permeated my every thought. Driven by love and passion, I journeyed to find my beloved, even scouring all the hidden corners of France.

What twist of Fate will it take for me to reunite with my one true love?

Source: Amazon Purchase, Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.

 

Content: Sexual descriptions, casual drug use

I read as many books as possible through the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program.

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Excerpt from French Kiss

When they passed by the usual turn over the Tiber River, realization struck. I am on the wrong bus! I needed to get off at the next stop. Stepping down with at least a dozen others, I immediately unfolded a massive map of Rome.

Apparently, there is nothing more inviting to a friendly group of Italian men and women than an attractive, young American tourist who is lost. They all talked at once and pointed in different directions, and even began arguing with one another. I smiled, turning in circles, trying to comprehend Italian questions. Luckily, one of them was a very tall, handsome, dark-haired man who spoke to me in English. Fluent American English.

“Where are you trying to go, eh?”

“Le Auberge de la…I mean, uh…the youth hostel.” The Italians crowded around me, asking him, “What did she say? Where is she going?” He smiled and nodded, reassuring them that he spoke English and could take care of it. The group then all smiled and nodded to me. Some ladies patted my arm, saying reassuringly, “Antonio è un bravo ragazzo, ti aiuterà.” Antonio is a good boy. He will help you. They pointed at the handsome unmarried man as they spoke. Smiling and waving, they turned and began walking in their different directions.

I really didn’t mind at all when this handsome, thirty-something raggazo said, “I’ll walk you over and make sure you get to the hostel.”

“But weren’t you heading in the opposite direction?”

“It’s all right. It will give me a chance to practice my English.” Lifting my chin up to see him, I was impressed. He was breathtaking, not just tall; he was American-football-player large and had dark green eyes and dark hair, with a bit of curl.

“Your English sounds perfect to me.” I smiled, delighted to meet an actual Italian male with whom I could speak.

“Thank you. I lived in California, even during an earthquake. That was…pretty exciting for me. I had never been in one before.”

“I imagine so. I have never experienced one either. But then, I am from Michigan.”

“Michigan? Ah, the one with the big lakes.”

Nodding, I held up my right palm, pointing to a spot, and said, “I live about here.”

He laughed and held up his booted foot and playfully said, “And I live about here!” With a zing of laughter, our world sped toward cozy. An instant intimacy was sparked by the jest. We both leaned in, arms sometimes touching as we walked. Talking about my traveling, I felt his eyes flash on my lips as I drank in his dark, handsome features.

He is tall, six-three, I’d say. A big man, not unlike Luke in stature. Beautiful dark hair, fashionably cut, the kind I’d like to run my fingers through. Thick eyebrows, dark green eyes, handsome, and very male. Oh, my God. Look at those big hands―and feet! OOooo, you know what they say! I bet he has a matching appendage! He is gorgeous.

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Purchase Links for French Kiss

Amazon

The Book Depository

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My thoughts on French Kiss

These are the stories your grandparents didn’t share with you!

French Kiss, set in the early 1970s, could easily fit the historical fiction genre. However, that pains my heart since that is my coming-of-age era. It’s the tale of a recent college graduate, Nora, who sets out to discover herself during the sexual revolution.

Nora is your typical Midwest girl-next-door who is searching for more adventure, more sex, and more life.

She travels alone through Europe by bus, train, and hitching. Along the way, she meets new friends and lovers while taking in all the gorgeous tourist sights.

The pace of the story moves quickly, keeping your interest while reading this 200+ page romantic tale.

I am not sure readers of a younger age will comprehend the attitudes about sex and drugs that were prevalent in the 70s. But if they set aside their current era values and keep reading, they might learn a lot about their parents and grandparents’ lives.

This book is not for the prudish, but still an entertaining, fast read. (3.5/5 rounded to 4)

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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Giveaway!

The author will be giving away a $50 Amazon/BN GC via RaffleCopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit more stops on the tour and the official tour page for extra chances to win!

Tour Schedule:

October 11: Harlie’s Books
October 18: Gina Rae Mitchell
October 18: Sandra’s Book Club
October 25: Fabulous and Brunette
November 1: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
November 1: Novels Alive

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