“You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.” ~Gone With the Wind
“Is this a kissing book?” ~ The Princess Bride
Class is in session today for Top Ten Tuesday! And, since I’m a teacher in my other life, I couldn’t be happier. Grab your notebooks and a trusty pen, and let’s get started on the top ten titles I would use if I taught a Kissing Books 101 class. (Can you even imagine how difficult it would be to concentrate in that class??? LOL… although I would venture a guess that no one would complain about reading the homework!) The best part about all of these titles? They are all clean romances. But “clean” doesn’t translate into “lack of heat”. No ma’am. No indeed. No sir.
Is everyone here? Ok, let’s begin 🙂
The Thorn Bearer by Pepper Basham
His mouth touched hers. Warm and sweet poured through him, stirring more than fire, but a sense of coming home. He drew back only to return and take another taste, an innocent and satisfying savor.
And that’s actually nothing compared to the kissing scenes in Pepper’s two upcoming releases – The Thorn Keeper (sequel to The Thorn Bearer) and Twist of Faith (a contemporary romance due out in December). Seriously. Be prepared to drift into a slightly incoherent state while reading either of these books.
A Bride At Last by Melissa Jagears
He caught her waist faster than he could lasso a sleeping calf and cut off her words with his mouth…He’d expected some sizzle – either from her fists or her lips – being the firebrand that she was, but the magnetic draw was an unexpected shock. The second his lips touched hers, his free hand cupped her long neck, which arched backward to accommodate his height. His thumb ran along the smooth curve of her throat as his body closed the gap between them. He dropped his hat to bury his fingers into her hair and pull her closer.
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist
When she began to enter her room, he grabbed her hand, hauled her to his room, shoved his door closed, pulled her against him, and took her mouth with his. Great Caesar’s ghost, but her lips were soft.
The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson
Before he could let his reason take over, he pressed his lips against hers. A tiny sound escaped her throat, and his mind seemed to leave him entirely. He cupped her cheek in his hand and pulled her mouth full against his.
Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
When he bent his head toward hers, she stopped thinking and succumbed to the force that pulled them together, as strong and irresistible as gravity. Their lips met, just the lightest touch, but it was enough to send a zing of electricity across every nerve ending.
Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
[He] bent his head and captured the startled little sound that escaped her parted lips. His emotions were too raw, too close to the surface to contain, so he kissed her with everything inside him. Desire, fear, yearning, and a touch of desperation fueled his passion. He melded his mouth to hers, trailing his hand upward along her back until his fingers buried themselves in the hair at her nape.
Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
He kissed her. And not lightly. The feel of his lips! The taste of him. It all came back to her in a rush of memories. The breath-stealing power of it. The wildness of her own reaction.
Honestly, if I could have gotten away with it, I would have quoted the entire scene leading up to that kiss. That snippet really doesn’t do it justice. In fact, I got much too distracted reading it to find just the right part to quote lol.
Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin
His mouth found hers and he kissed her … tenderly … thoroughly. There were no questions in the kiss, only an answer.
A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter
His hat nudged her forehead, tipping back as he deepened the kiss and drew her closer. His jaw was rough against her palm, and she savored the feel of it before slipping her fingers through the soft waves at his nape and straight up through the back of his hair. His hat hit the ground.
The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen
The tip of his nose touched hers. He angled his head, lowering yet closer. His mouth dipped nearer, ever nearer to hers. She could not breathe. Could not move. His lips touched hers, and a flood of warmth filled her chest and made pudding of her knees. He pulled back only slightly and looked into her face. His brown eyes were warm, his pupils large black orbs.
“There is no kiss,” she said breathlessly, “in the script.”
One side of his mouth lifted. “There should be.”
Whew! Anyone have a fan? Alternate source of oxygen? A fainting couch?
What about you – What books would be on your syllabus if you taught a class on Kissing Books 101? Fortunately for romantics like me, there are plenty of options!
(Also, don’t forget to read my interview with author Kate Breslin & enter the giveaway!)
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly blog linkup hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
Thanks for my morning swoon! Excellent examples. I’ve read most of them. Must hunt down the rest.
Happy to help. Feel free to return for an afternoon swoon, an evening swoon… 🙂
I took this assignment way too seriously. I should have thought of themes that were fun like yours.
I think this week’s theme is fun BECAUSE everyone’s posts are so different. Some could really be a class, others like mine… Not so much lol
Fun topic choice! I would take this class. 🙂
http://hiddenstaircase.net/2015/08/25/ttt-top-ten-books-that-would-be-on-your-syllabus-if-you-taught-time-travel-101/
Ooo yours sounds like a class I want to take too!! Be over to sign up in a bit 🙂
Great list. I love Julie Klassen. Her books always make me swoon.
Indeed! I had a difficult time picking which one I wanted to use for this post 🙂
I love it, Carrie!!! Great kisses! And love those quotes from Gone with the Wind and The Princess Bride! Two of my all-time favorites!!! Thanks for including Jorgen and Odette! Their kissing scenes were easy to write. They basically wrote them themselves. 🙂
Haha! Jorgen does seem like he wouldn’t really need any help with the kissing scenes 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Melanie!!
Ooooh, clever list! Definitely going to be checking out some of these books! 😀
Love your list 🙂
There should be more people who read Historical Romance books. I feel that they are a little bit underrated…
I agree – they are so wonderful! Definitely my favorite genre
Haha, what a great topic choice! I haven’t read many of these – I will have to fix that soon! Thanks for sharing.
Great list and topic! I haven’t read any of these books and some of them will definitely be going on my to-buy list.
My two most recent favorite kissing scenes are the first kisses in “Curiosity Keeper” by Sarah Ladd and “A Worth Pursuit” by Karen Witemeyer. (Fanning my face)
Ohhhhhhh indeed!!!! I had such a difficult time narrowing this list down lol. Both of those are excellent choices as well 🙂
Ooh wow! That excerpt from Tiffany Girl! haha Might have to check that book out.
I know, right? Lol
Interesting list! I haven’t read any of those books, though I’ve read some Julie Klassen before. I love your two quotes at the top!
What a cute idea! 🙂 I haven’t read any of these books before, but some sound really good!
KISSING BOOKS!!! I would TOTALLY take this class!! 🙂
Haha!! Me too 🙂
My goodness! Is it hot in here or what?! Great blog Carrie. I had a friend tell me one time that Christian fiction characters weren’t exciting and didn’t have real feelings. I had to kindly point her toward some of the authors mentioned above and many other authors who understand that Christians (and Christian fiction characters) are not dull. We’re a passionate bunch who’s focus is Christ-centered and not world-centered life. I’ve read about half of these wonderful books, but WOW, now I need to find the other half to add to my collection. You are a bad influence on me girl!
Hahahaha sorry (but not really lol). Thanks for your comment – so true!!! And yeah, I should have handed out fans with this post 😉
I haven’t read any of these. How is that possible? Moment of shame right here. I really want to read The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. I mean, just the title is epic.
Great list!
Oh it’s so good!! Strong female character, creative retelling of Robin Hood & Swan Lake (how often do you see those two together??), and a hero who is so true-hearted
Well, that sounds like the best novel ever. What a great description! I need it.
Yes, you do. Lol
LOL I think I need to attend this class, those are some steamy titles and examples, perfect for a Kissing Class indeed.
HW in this class would be like: “choose a partner and try to reenact your favorite kissing scene”. LOL.
Much fanning was needed while reading your post and you got me interested in these books. Adding the lot of them to my tbr 😉
LOL that would be fun homework!! So glad to introduce you to some new books 🙂
Very sweet idea! I’m going to be hunting for great kissing scenes in my favorite books now.
Such a fun topic! I love the quotes you start off with too.
Thanks!!
Oh my. *Fans self* I think I have some reading to do. 🙂 My TTT: http://wp.me/p6kfL4-4w
Lol!!!
I really like your choice of topic! So many new titles for me to explore.
Hee, kissing books! I wonder what books I’d choose if I were to make a list like that…Anyway, great list, I haven’t heard of any of these but they sound interesting 🙂
Thanks for dropping by my TTT earlier 🙂
Sign me up! I would totally take this class! I love that quote from Gone With The Wind too! Great list! Thanks for visiting my blog!
Thanks for stopping by mine 🙂
What a fun idea for a class! 🙂 I love the books you listed, though I haven’t read all of them. Five Days in Site is a favorite, as is Meant to be Mine.;)
Dreamy sigh…. Aren’t they great?
What a great idea for a class – nobody would be able to concentrate but it would be fun! – and presumably you’d have the odd practical class (ahem!)
And, such a great quote btw.
I haven’t read any of your books but they all look like fun – I fancy the look of the Dickerson.
Lynn 😀
Oh yes, the practical class would be key 🙂
Ooooh the kissing parts are always my favorites, so I would LOVE this class! 🙂
Kissing books! What a great topic and who doesn’t love a good kiss? I haven’t heard of a single book on your list so hooray my TBR will get longer today! Thanks for that and also for stopping by my post today! Have a wonderful week!
Haha! You’re welcome 🙂 thanks for visiting mine!
Great topic! I never would have thought of it in a hundred years!
I love the idea of this one!! I mean who wouldn’t take this class?? I will have to check out some of these titles now!
I kinda wish there really was such a class lol 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
I haven’t read any of these, but I love the Princess Bride reference 🙂
One of my fave movies 🙂
What a fun topic! I’m not sure what books I’d add but I see several of these that I want to read. Tiffany Girl especially looks good. I suspect there would be a serious wait list for this class!
Lol probably so! Thanks for visiting 🙂
This was a fun topic! I don’t think I’ve read any of those books, but I’m curious about a few now. And I love that you opened with a Princess Bride quote 🙂
Thanks! I love that movie 🙂
This was such a good list and a really fun topic! I haven’t read any of these books but I might check a couple of them out! Honestly though, the best part was the Princess Bride quote 😉
Jamie @ Queen of the Bookshelves
LOL that was one of my favorite parts too 😉
Thanks for including Meant to Be Mine on your list! Ty and Celia are honored that you found their kiss memorable. 🙂 Personally, I love first kisses on screen and in story. Getting to write them is a job perk!
And you write them so wonderfully 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to comment, Becky!
Haha! Such a great list! 😀 Well done!
Fabulous list! I especially approve of Short-Straw Bride- one of my favorites. My own list would be topped with Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson- if you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for?!?!? 🙂
I have read Edenbrooke but I don’t especially remember the kisses… Obviously I need to re-read it 🙂
Oh I like this list – I’ll have to check this books out!
These are great examples. Other books by these authors also have some pretty great kissing scenes. I suggest adding any book by Julie Lessman to this list.
Yes!!! I can’t believe I left her out lol
I want to take a class on kissing books!
Lol I do too! 🙂
What an interesting class. Never would have thought of something like that.
I love the topic! I think I would definitely take it 😛 Great list!
Christina @ Books & Prejudice
Haha thanks! 🙂
Have you read any of Julie Lessman’s books? I might add one or two of them to the list. 🙂
Also, Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles series. And probably a few others that aren’t coming to mind right now because it’s somewhat fried from the excerpts you shared.
Hahahaha!! YES I love both of those authors. Would make great additions to this list for sure 🙂
Zowie! I love the idea of Kissing 101!
readerbuzz.blogspot.com
Haha thanks! Me too lol
I would totally take the class! Have you read any of Julie Lessman’s books? I may add one or two of them to the list. 😉
Also Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles series. And probably a few others, though they aren’t coming to mind right now because it’s a bit fried from the excerpts you shared. 🙂
Someone posted this link on my Facebook. I was instantly intrigued! Sign me up for this class! 🙂 Though my ten would all be from the same author, Marcia McClure. She writes the best kissing scenes. I haven’t read any that have ever topped hers, but that list was great! Glad to know others like me like the kissing scenes! Best part of a book! 🙂
I have not read any of her books yet but now I’m definitely going to check her out!! Thanks! (And thanks to whomever posted this link to your fb!)
To be honest these are probably the only type of romance books I could really get into 😀 I’m not much of a romance-genre lover, but there’s something about these type of books that always hook me in, haha! I’m definitely going to look for several of these!
Yay!! Thanks for visiting 🙂
Excellent way to own this Top Ten Tuesday Topic. Mine is not so refined however, I came at it with short stories, which I do think is different.
My TTT which isn’t actually a list and shh… I have 11 short stories on my not list today.
I won’t tell haha!!!!
Ha, extra points for effective use of a Princess Bride quote! 🙂 I love your topic! Can’t say I’ve read any, but it looks like you have some great choices here.
Lol thanks 🙂 One of my fave movies
What a fun take on this topic! I haven’t read any of these, but thanks for all the suggestions! 😀
Here are my Top Ten!
Thanks Tracy! 🙂
I haven’t read any on your list (YET) but I love your topic. I bet your class will be very popular! 🙂
Lol!!
Interesting topic. That were some great examples, haha. 😀
Such a great topic!! Wow, you really made something unique 😀 And great list too. I haven’t heard of any of the books but I’d be definitely looking into them now 🙂
Thanks so much! I had fun with it 🙂
What a fantastic list! I think everyone would adore kissing books 😉
Thanks! 🙂
I love Short-Straw Bride!! I was definitely swooning during that book 🙂
It’s one of my favorites for sure!
Talking about kissing in books would be so much fun! Great list. 🙂
Oh Dear! Where do you find these delicious novels? I can’t wait to pick them up.
I would be delighted to attend your class and do some extra homeworks 😉
Thanks a ton for stopping by my blog!
Aren’t they yummy?? Thanks for visiting 🙂
If I read romances I like the clean ones too. I guess that is my grandmother’s influence.
🙂
I actually haven’t read any of these books on this list! Maybe I’ll read them soon!
I hope so – they’re so good! 🙂
I haven’t read any of those…. but some covers like Five days in skye really look good. And the blurbs are a great idea.
Thanks! They’re great books 🙂
Awesome list! I haven’t read any of them, but just those snippets really makes me want to read them!
Yay!!
I love your topic choice this week! Kissing is probably one of my favorite things that happens in books. I may squeal a little when it occurs or clap if it has been long overdue. lol I haven’t read any of these books but maybe I shall now!
Haha!!! You should – they are wonderful 🙂
I would adore to learn about kissing books – I also love the fact that you’ve included excerpts, because it’s like a teaser for the classes! I haven’t read any of your list, but I’ve added most of them on Goodreads.
Yay! Enjoy 🙂
I haven’t read any of these books, but it looks like a great selection! And you quoted The Princess Bride at the beginning! I just love that! Haha!
Thanks for visiting me.
Haha thanks – one of my fave movies 🙂
Cute list! I don’t usually read romance-y novels, but I might have to add some of these to my TBR!
Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse
Really unique choice of topic!! I haven’t heard of any of these books! That’s so crazy but I’ll put them in TBR! Sounds like they’ll be fun!
They are!! Thanks for visiting 🙂
I haven’t read any of these books, a couple have caught my eye though. 🙂
This are all new to me, but I LOVE the idea of a kissing class! Hahah you’re so right, no one would be paying attention and there’d be a LOT of blushing 😉
Lol!!
I haven’t read any of these and I clearly need to fix that!
Yes you do haha! 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
All of these are new to me but I’m a hopeless romantic and adore romance books. Have you read Edenbrooke?
I have but it was quite a while ago – I need to re-read it!! 🙂
I’m not a big fan of historical fiction but wow! These are great. I’ll have to check out Until I Found You because it seems like a sweet book.
It IS! And it’s not historical fiction so it would probably be a great fit for you 🙂
have you read Marcia Lynn McClure. Oh my. She’s the queen of romantic kisses. Sigh. No one can compare in my eyes.
i shall have to check her out!
I need an oxygen mask now lol!!???Those were hot scenes! My favorite scenes are in A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman(Christian author) and any by author Raven St. Pierre(her books are a scorcher though. Not intended for all audiences).
Great list! Will subscribe!
I recognize some good choices there. The rest I’ll have to try.