Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Romantic-Suspense novellas are a lot of fun. They are quick, have a fast, hot romance and a suspense plot. Kat Martin writes a really,really good one. As an intro to her new series, we get to see a wonderful setting and meet some great characters.

Poor little rich girl, Liberty Hale, is being forced to spend a month as an employee at a working dude ranch in Colorado as part of the terms of her uncle's will. Liberty is not a happy camper until she get a look at the ranch owner.

Sam Bridger loves his life and his ranch that has been in his family for generations. His working ranch supplements the income by taking in visitors during the summer for a real western experience. When an old friend dies and requests that he hire Liberty for a month, Sam isn't sure just what a rich, beautiful model is going to think. But when she blows his every preconception, he is smitten and not liking it at all.

When Liberty is threatened, Sam knows that he and his friends are her best chance to survive. There is no other alternative because Sam is in love with her and he is going to make sure she knows that.

Sam Bridger and Liberty Hale should be oil and water. After all he was a Colorado rancher and she was a high priced makeup model. Turns out someone know what was what in bring them together. Loved the look at the Colorado outdoors. Against that scenery there is trouble, tension, danger and of course romance. Loved the side characters and hope we get to see their HEA. Sam and Libby find their HEA is a record amount of time.

This novella is a short prequel that introduces characters from the upcoming new series by Kat Martin. There's a lot of action packed into this story. Great characters. A sweet romance. Some suspense and tension. Sam and Libby will tug your heartstrings and have you rooting for them.

Liberty Hale has to spend one month working on a ranch in order to get her inheritance from her uncle. She is a successful model and has no real idea how a ranch works. Sam is the owner of the ranch and while he would always help his friends, $50,000 is on the line if he doesn't help Liberty. When he meets her, he believes she is another spoiled, stuck up, rich woman. But as he gets to know her, he realizes that there is more to her than just her looks. And when they decide to take a trip to the mountains-he also has to keep the woman he is falling for safe.

I really liked this novella. I didn't realize though that it was going to be a novella, and I think it would have been better served as a full length novel. There were little things that slightly got to me. Like how much it was harped on about Liberty's looks. That was the biggest thing. Yes, we know she is pretty or beautiful-she is a model. I liked that Liberty wasn't afraid of hard work and that she had substance to her. Sam is the typical good guy and I really liked that about him. They had chemistry and definitely showed that opposites do attract. On a whole, I definitely enjoyed it and will be reading the next one!

Libby is a city girl but in order to get her uncles inheritance she has to spend a month at a guest ranch. She goes in order to get her inheritance but she finds much more.

Sam is drawn to Libby from the minute he picked her up at the airport. He knows that even if they got in a relationship it couldn't go anywhere because she was going to go back to New York.

I enjoyed this book, it wasn't what I expected going in. I feel like Libby changed quickly once she got to the ranch. I knew once I found out about her childhood she was going to end up staying. One Last Kiss has the sense of danger in the background, while you watch Sam and Libby start to fall in love and you forget about the danger until you can't. I recommend this book, it's a great read.

One Last Kiss by Kat Martin is a good and quick read. Libby was raised by her uncle Martin after her parents died when she was a young girl. After her uncle passes away, Libby is surprised to find out that to get his inheritance she mush work on a ranch in Colorado for a month that is owned by her uncles friend Sam. This book has a nice balance of mystery and romance. Thanks to Netgalley for this arc.

From all appearances Liberty seems to have it all. She lost her parents when she was young and most recently her Uncle Martin who treated her like a princess. She is a make up model and looks her bast all the time. After battling the relatives to let her uncle's will stand, she will have to stay at a ranch in Colorado for one month in order to get her inheritance. Liberty has no real interest in going to a ranch but has determined she will make the most of it and work hard to get her inheritance. Liberty soon sees the beauty of the land and night skies as she stargazes.

Sam intends to fulfill his bargain with Martin and have Liberty (Libby) work hard for her inheritance on his ranch. But after first impressions he begins to see there is more to Libby than he first believed.

This is a wonderfully written sweet romance. I highly recommend it.

When Libby's uncle passed away, she learned that he had left her everything, which is quite a bit. All she has to do to collect her inheritance is spend 1 month at a working ranch, owned by his friend Sam Bridger.

The last thing Sam wants is to have to babysit a rich city girl who will probably cry when she snags a fingernail.

Both of them are going to be very surprised, especially as their attraction to each other seems to escalate by the day.

A three-day pack trip into the mountains will test them both—especially when one of the ranch’s guests takes a sinister interest in Libby.

It's a quick read full of a nice blend of suspense and romance on steroids. The characters are warm and loving, the plot and story line are filled with a few twists and turns. This is one of the best go-to authors for romantic suspense.

Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Kat Martin is a classic romance article and this series beginner does not disappoint :) Sam had to learn how to look past the "package" of Libby and Libby needed to learn how to mourn her past and grab hold of the love Sam had to give. I loved this quick could not put down the story and can't wait for the next book in the series!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a quick short read (87 pages). It is fairly predictable but still a good read. I thought there could have been more character development, but I am not an author. The characters were ok but I didn't fall in love with them. 3.5 stars. I kept wondering why didn't she finish college?

One Last Kiss by Kat Martin
Blood Ties #0.5

Novella length story that sees Libby Hale required to spend time working on a ranch for a month to inherit from her uncle. Having settled into a life of shopping, modeling makeup and living in the city this is not her first choice of fun things to do but it will be worth it in the end…she hopes. Sam Bridger is the owner of the ranch she will work on and chemistry sparks between them immediately. Though predictable this is a delightful, fun, easy read with just enough romance, a taste of suspense, and characters that introduced that very easily could have stories of their own in this series.

What I liked:
* Libby: more than the poor little rich girl without focus that she appears at first to be
* Sam: rancher, hard worker, thoughtful, capable and caring – perfect for Libby
* Aunt Clara, Big John and a few others that work on the ranch
* Kade: a neighbor that my show up in the next book
* The capabilities that some of the men have due to what they did before ranching
* That the bad guys were dealt with
* The HEA for Libby and Sam – even though we didn’t see it in final form

What I didn’t like:
* The bad guys…scum of the earth

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Liberty Hale lost her parents when she was twelve and went to live with her Uncle Martin Hale, a wealthy businessman. Now her Uncle Marty is dead and to receive her inheritance she must work for Sam Bridger, owner of the Bridger Ranch in Colorado for one month. Her uncle spent two weeks each year at the Bridger Ranch with Sam, but Sam is not the elderly rancher she expected. Knowing that Liberty was raised among the wealthy, Sam expected a rich spoiled woman, but she is so much more than he expected. As she settles in to life at the ranch, the attraction between them is palpable, but she is leaving when her month is up. His ranch relies on paying guests and Liberty works in the kitchen and cleans the guest cabins. When her life is threatened, will she find a way to stay safe until Sam can rescue her? An interesting story of two characters who find the love that they didn’t know they were looking for. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

A lovely introduction to the Blood Ties series. We have a socialite expected to work a ranch for her inheritance. There’s the sexy ranch owner with an edge and plenty of cute animals to pull at your heart. Although the story is slightly predictable the characters are enjoyable and exciting. We meet the star of the next book as the ranch is in need of his help. I’ve received my copy from Netgalley and given my review voluntarily.

Liberty Hale grew up on a farm in Kansas until a tragic accident killed her parents when she was 12. Her great uncle Marty took her in and raised her and she became a successful model in New York. But after her uncle's death, she finds out that she has to spend a month working at a Colorado ranch to receive her inheritance.
Sam Bridger would have done a favor for longtime friend Marty for free, but to earn the fifty thousand dollars his ranch badly needs, he's ordered to treat Libby the same as his other ranch hands. But at his first sight of her, he knows he has his work cut out for him. Then as time goes on, he realizes there's more to her than a pretty face. The ranch brings back memories of her childhood on the farm, and she finally works through her grief of losing her parents so young. And her budding relationship with Sam is an added bonus. But on a three day packing trip, their lives are in danger from a threatening guest.
I swear if I had to read how pretty Libby was one more time I was going to scream. Regardless of that, I liked the chemistry between her and Sam. I loved how strong and capable (and patient) Sam's character was. The ranch was described so beautifully. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Blood Ties series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. My review is given voluntarily.

A quickie romantic suspense. Interesting back story for the female forced to work on a ranch for a month. Some sweet moments. This could have been a longer tale, but the length was fine for me. Enjoyed getting to know the characters.

Kat Martin's novels are light but filled with suspense. They are an easy read, yet never ever disappointing. "The The Last Goodnight" is short but sweet! It is a great book if you are looking for a story to finish in one sitting :)

It´s been a while since I’ve read Kat Martin’s books and this was a beautiful surprise. Sweet and full of nice moments, it was a perfect short love story.
Colorado rancher Sam Bridger will do anything for a friend, even if it means babysitting a rich city girl. Blond, beautiful Liberty Hale looks like a model, but Sam senses another side to the young woman who has lost so much of her family, and he can’t deny the heat just one look at her ignites.
Libby is determined to get through her time on the ranch—her inheritance depends on her putting in a solid month’s work. She hadn’t imagined her boss would be a sexy, straightforward cowboy—and she’s surprised to discover just how much she wants him. As life in the Colorado sunshine begins to burn away her grief, Libby and Sam’s attraction to each other starts to sizzle.
This story has a lot of great dialogs and sweet moments. I loved the relationship between Libby and Sam. It’s honest, emotional and steamy. There are great sexy times and a bit of action.
It´s easy to read and I totally recommended it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kat Martin is my go to author for romantic suspense. I truly enjoy all those brave rugged men and the women who tame them even as they travel a suspense full path full of twists and turns.
Libby Hale ends up on Sam Bridger's ranch as a condition to inheriting her Uncle's fortune. Her wealth and beauty have made her a target for men but she has decided early on to eschew romantic relationships. Sam has his own reasons to be wary of women. Neither of them was prepared for the instant attraction that springs up between them but they make a valiant effort to resist at least in the beginning.
As Libby works on the ranch performing the jobs assigned to her she starts to find a peace. Memories of her childhood and her simple life happy and fulfilled began to surface giving her the chance to finally deal with the grief of losing her parents at a young age and suppressing all her emotions.
A camping trip, a couple of bank robbers one of whom is obsessed with her invade this newfound peace and soon she and Sam have to devise a strategy to get her free and safe. Will they finally acknowledge what's been growing between them?
This story seemed to be a bit on the short side and did not have the usual thrills and chills I associate with the write and it also had a possible rape episode that might sit a bit rough with some readers. I will admit not my favorite book by this author by any means.

Liberty Hale has to live and work on a Colorado ranch for one month in order to receive her inheritance. She isn’t thrilled with the idea and she definitely didn’t expect for her new boss to be a sexy rancher.

Sam Bridger reluctantly allows Liberty to come to the ranch for a month as a favor to an old friend. He’s prepared for a spoiled city girl, but the beautiful woman that arrives is more than meets the eye.

They both believe that denying their attraction is the best choice since they will go their separate ways at the end of the month. But when a couple guests on the ranch become a menacing presence, they soon realize you aren’t promised tomorrow.

⇢I have loved Kat Martin’s romances since I was a teenager, so this old school romance was exactly what I was expecting. Albeit, a little lacking due to the length. Liberty and Sam’s relationship is fast paced, but sweet. Their decision making was definitely a little frustrating at times, but if you’ve read any of Kat Martin’s romantic suspenses before you know that is part of the charm. One Last Kiss is a short romance novella that acts as the introduction to her next series, and I’m really looking forward to it!

ᴛᴡ: sᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴀssᴀᴜʟᴛ
𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦… 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩.

Thank you @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the copy

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5/5

One Last Kiss
Cat Martin
August 31, 2021

Liberty Hale, an only child, was left alone when her parents died in an accident. She was twelve years old with no one to adopt her. She was born and raised in a small town in Kansas, parents were farmers. She was loved and cared for and grew up loving the outdoors. She helped her mom and dad with the chores and loved their animals. Shortly after the accident she was given to her Uncle Marty to raise her. He was an older gentleman and although she was happy to move into his home she knew her life would never be the same. He was the wealthy brother of her grandfather. He loved her, gave her whatever she wished for, and was sent to the best schools. Upon his death Libby was heartbroken. Upon the reading of his will, it was disclosed that some of his wealth would go to an Animal Foundation and the rest to Liberty. There was however a codicil that stated Libby would spend one month in Colorado working on a dude ranch. She would not be a guest. She would be part of the help, cooking, cleaning and raking out horse stalls. According to her Uncle´s attorney she had no choice. If she declined the offer, all of his fortune would go to the animals. She packed her bags and left her Manhattan apartment. What else could she do but fly off to the Bridger Dude Ranch?
Martinś latest in her Blood Ties series is a great novella. It makes for a wonderful afternoon or evening read. It was fun yet suspenseful and romantic. I have become a great fan of Cat Martinś thrillers. This one is terrific. I plan to send it to a couple of friends as a gift. One Last Kiss will be published by Kensington Publishing Corporation on August 31, 2021. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this prequel to her latest novel, The Last Goodbye and first in the Blood Ties series. Do pick this one up and by all means enjoy!