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miaev's review against another edition
5.0
Jill Shalvis is always able to deliver a well written story. Her characters are complex creatures and human just like the rest of us.
This time around in Heartbreaker Bay, we get Kylie and Joe's story. Kylie has a very much non-traditional career as a woodworker and creator of wonderful furniture that are pieces of art. (And yes, I was thrilled to see a character who works with their hands creating art.) Kylie has some things that have happened to her in her past that she has blocked out involving her Grandfather's death. Her grandfather was the one who taught her how to create using tools and wood and to explore the artist in her mind. Kylie can normally be found covered in sawdust and wearing jeans and a t-shirt which are definitely not sexy catch a guy's eye.
Joe is all alpha male and "I am take charge" type of guy. His background is a bit murky but he is ex-special forces. His current career is in security working for Archer's security company. All black ops and always on call. But there is something about Kylie that calls to Joe. And it is not that he wants her to make him a special piece for his sister's birthday.
The relationship between Kylie and Joe is fun to watch as it progress and the sparks fly. Joe helps Kylie with some issues that tie back to her grandfather's death and he quickly learns, he is not in control of things like he is used to being.
This book is a fun read like any book by Ms. Shalvis. I am hoping for a nice snow day soon so I can curl up on the couch and re-read it.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for a fair unbiased review. Although I always pre-order her books since I read them.
This time around in Heartbreaker Bay, we get Kylie and Joe's story. Kylie has a very much non-traditional career as a woodworker and creator of wonderful furniture that are pieces of art. (And yes, I was thrilled to see a character who works with their hands creating art.) Kylie has some things that have happened to her in her past that she has blocked out involving her Grandfather's death. Her grandfather was the one who taught her how to create using tools and wood and to explore the artist in her mind. Kylie can normally be found covered in sawdust and wearing jeans and a t-shirt which are definitely not sexy catch a guy's eye.
Joe is all alpha male and "I am take charge" type of guy. His background is a bit murky but he is ex-special forces. His current career is in security working for Archer's security company. All black ops and always on call. But there is something about Kylie that calls to Joe. And it is not that he wants her to make him a special piece for his sister's birthday.
The relationship between Kylie and Joe is fun to watch as it progress and the sparks fly. Joe helps Kylie with some issues that tie back to her grandfather's death and he quickly learns, he is not in control of things like he is used to being.
This book is a fun read like any book by Ms. Shalvis. I am hoping for a nice snow day soon so I can curl up on the couch and re-read it.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for a fair unbiased review. Although I always pre-order her books since I read them.
nellesnightstand's review against another edition
4.0
That darn sexy Joe!! He needed a kick in the pants. Kylie did too! Thinking she was meant for another when Joe's kiss knocked her socks off!! Loved getting their story! This bit of mystery with the penguin was a good way to bring them together! A great edition to the Heartbreaker Bay series. Keep them coming, Jill!!
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
It should come as no surprise that I liked this book since, as I’ve said time and time again, Jill Shalvis is my favorite go-to, always reliable author. Surprisingly the Heartbreaker Bay series is the first series of hers that I’ve read in order, as they release and, frankly, I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey.
Joe and Kylie were a really fun couple to see come together. Kylie is headstrong and brave and just the perfect person to keep Joe on his toes. Both of them are harboring secret guilt but an overt sexual attraction and a strong instant chemistry might be just what they both need to get over themselves.
What I like about Jill Shalvis is how she is able to take a pretty standard romance formula and somehow manage to make each of her stories, and it’s characters unique and special. There were times in this book where I thought I had the mystery of who stole the wooden penguin and their motive all figured out, but I was totally off-base. I love that she was able to take a formulaic romance and add a dash of suspense/mystery without making it overly dramatic and predictable. I once said that I wish that somehow Jill Shalvis was in charge of creating the personalities for all the men of the world and I stand by that statement to this day.
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
Joe and Kylie were a really fun couple to see come together. Kylie is headstrong and brave and just the perfect person to keep Joe on his toes. Both of them are harboring secret guilt but an overt sexual attraction and a strong instant chemistry might be just what they both need to get over themselves.
What I like about Jill Shalvis is how she is able to take a pretty standard romance formula and somehow manage to make each of her stories, and it’s characters unique and special. There were times in this book where I thought I had the mystery of who stole the wooden penguin and their motive all figured out, but I was totally off-base. I love that she was able to take a formulaic romance and add a dash of suspense/mystery without making it overly dramatic and predictable. I once said that I wish that somehow Jill Shalvis was in charge of creating the personalities for all the men of the world and I stand by that statement to this day.
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
5.0
This fun, feel good romance is exactly why Jill Shalvis is an auto-buy for me. Sexy former military guy with commitment issues and a shy woodworking artist find a way in this fun romp. I loved it and will re-read again and again.
msnyderk's review against another edition
3.0
I love the Heartbreaker Bay series yet this one didn’t quite cut it for me. I like Kylie and her career as a woodworker is cool. Joe, as well is set up as an interesting character. The thing for me with a romance, is connecting with the characters and their connection. I didn’t start to really connect for these characters until closer to the end of the story. I felt like there wasn’t too much to know about them in the beginning except they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Yes, again, it’s a romance but in Shalvis’s other books in this series, the reader knows more about them, feels like one of their crew and how they’re connected...etc. the beginning scenes just felt rushed and a little forced. I couldn’t put my finger on it. The ending just came across better.
slelswick's review against another edition
4.0
About That Kiss is typical Jill Shalvis at her finest. Great characterization for the main characters Kylie and Joe as they navigate toward their HEA. The writing is witty and smart and laugh out loud funny in some parts. Overall, this is a good read.
cassire's review against another edition
4.0
It all started with a kiss. About That Kiss is my first Heartbreaker Bay Novel. I plan on reading reading more of them. I loved being swept away into this world. I found Kylie very relatable and who doesn’t love Vinnie, her cute pooch. Joe is amazing. I really enjoyed his point of view. He works with a hot bunch of guys doing security. I definitely want to read their stories. About That Kiss is a fun read about love, friendship, and a little mystery thrown in.
canadianbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
I have read a few books by Jill Shalvis and I have enjoyed every single one and that includes this book.
I love Kylie and Joe together. I love their chemistry.
The story is well written. I had some laughs and I just couldn't put this book down.
I give this 4 out of 5
I love Kylie and Joe together. I love their chemistry.
The story is well written. I had some laughs and I just couldn't put this book down.
I give this 4 out of 5
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via . This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *About That Kiss brought out the feels. You know how it is when you pick up a book, and it feels like you're hanging out with your best friends? Living through their struggles and their good times right there with them? Shalvis does that to me. With every book she writes - no matter if there are characters I've already met or if they are completely new to me.
About That Kiss has a very slow-burning romance, all the friendships, and a very good mystery. I loved getting to know Joe Malone better, and Kylie was the perfect match for him. With her unconventional profession as a wood worker, she managed to see through his tough exterior and find a heart hidden away.
As always, hanging out with my friends in Heartbreaker Bay was a treat. About That Kiss included all the characters from prior books - even if some were just mentioned in passing. The mystery with Kylie's stolen wood penguin worked really well. And I loved how stubborn Kylie was about being a part of the investigation.
As Joe and Kylie got to know each other better, their chemistry kept building. Kylie didn't want only a part of Joe, though, and when push came to shove, she put herself first. That is a thing we don't see in heroines too often, and it made About That Kiss even better in my opinion.
With both action and sweet moments, the overall story and plot made my toes curl in pleasure. The character development was really well done, and I have two new friends in the Bay area now ;)
Kylie grew up with her grandfather, and learned to work with wood under his care. Making a profession out of it, and being really good at it just made her an even more interesting character. With a strong mind, and a good sense of self worth, I would love to hang out with Kylie one day.
Joe appeared to be a total alpha macho man at first. However, he was not unable to see things from Kylie's perspective, and he learned from his mistakes. While he wanted to protect her, he also understood the importance of her needs and feelings.
About That Kiss is written in third person point of view, but still closely from either Joe's or Kylie's perspective. The many dialogues brought both the characters and the story to life.
My feels were all invested in this story. I got my romance, all the hope, a lot of suspense, some sadness, a tad of anger, and also the friendship I enjoy in this series.
On the best of days, he made her feel things she liked to shove deep, deep down, because going there with him would be like jumping out of a plane - thrilling, exciting... and then certain dismemberment and death.
Kylie, the fashion outcast, was in jeans, a Golden State Warriors sweatshirt, and some residual wood shavings. The fact that she had more clothes to sleep in than to go out in said a lot about her.
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via . This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *About That Kiss brought out the feels. You know how it is when you pick up a book, and it feels like you're hanging out with your best friends? Living through their struggles and their good times right there with them? Shalvis does that to me. With every book she writes - no matter if there are characters I've already met or if they are completely new to me.
Story:
About That Kiss has a very slow-burning romance, all the friendships, and a very good mystery. I loved getting to know Joe Malone better, and Kylie was the perfect match for him. With her unconventional profession as a wood worker, she managed to see through his tough exterior and find a heart hidden away.
As always, hanging out with my friends in Heartbreaker Bay was a treat. About That Kiss included all the characters from prior books - even if some were just mentioned in passing. The mystery with Kylie's stolen wood penguin worked really well. And I loved how stubborn Kylie was about being a part of the investigation.
As Joe and Kylie got to know each other better, their chemistry kept building. Kylie didn't want only a part of Joe, though, and when push came to shove, she put herself first. That is a thing we don't see in heroines too often, and it made About That Kiss even better in my opinion.
With both action and sweet moments, the overall story and plot made my toes curl in pleasure. The character development was really well done, and I have two new friends in the Bay area now ;)
Characters:
Kylie grew up with her grandfather, and learned to work with wood under his care. Making a profession out of it, and being really good at it just made her an even more interesting character. With a strong mind, and a good sense of self worth, I would love to hang out with Kylie one day.
Joe appeared to be a total alpha macho man at first. However, he was not unable to see things from Kylie's perspective, and he learned from his mistakes. While he wanted to protect her, he also understood the importance of her needs and feelings.
Writing style :
About That Kiss is written in third person point of view, but still closely from either Joe's or Kylie's perspective. The many dialogues brought both the characters and the story to life.
Feels :
My feels were all invested in this story. I got my romance, all the hope, a lot of suspense, some sadness, a tad of anger, and also the friendship I enjoy in this series.
On the best of days, he made her feel things she liked to shove deep, deep down, because going there with him would be like jumping out of a plane - thrilling, exciting... and then certain dismemberment and death.
Kylie, the fashion outcast, was in jeans, a Golden State Warriors sweatshirt, and some residual wood shavings. The fact that she had more clothes to sleep in than to go out in said a lot about her.