Just a Kiss
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4.5 • 40 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Riley Callahan has plans to finally reveal his secret feelings for his best friend (who just happens to be his brother’s ex). But tragedy strikes and derails his plans.
Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.
But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.
Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.
As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?
Full-length Contemporary RomanceIncludes Discussion Questions for Book ClubsPart of the Summer Harbor seriesBook One: Falling Like SnowflakesBook Two: The Goodbye BrideBook Three: Just a Kiss
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fans of Hunter's Summer Harbor series (The Goodbye Bride, etc.) have been waiting for Riley the third Callahan brother to finally tell his longtime best friend, Paige, that he's been in love with her for years. But his return from Afghanistan complicates matters: severely wounded in battle, Riley must now face life as an amputee. Though he tries to put distance between himself and Paige, believing he's not worthy of her now, his family has arranged for him to stay with her during his convalescence. Their proximity causes all sorts of romantic fireworks as Paige begins to realize her own attraction to her best friend. But PTSD and Paige's own emotional wounds from the past prove to be significant challenges for these two well-written characters. Hunter balances the dark side of love and war with a winning combination: realistically exploring the role that faith plays in healing, deftly creating a potent romance, and giving significant space for the lively and lovable supporting cast of Summer Harbor friends. Fans will be sad to see the Callahans say goodbye, but this tale of recovery and bravery is a fine parting gift.
Customer Reviews
Free!!!
I wish they were free books they are so good
A Sweet Classic Romance
I voluntarily received an ARC of Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter in exchange for an honest review.
Just a Kiss is a sweet and classic romance. Riley has been in love with his best friend Paige for years, but has never told her due to fearing she won't feel the same way.
Although not for some readers, the Christian aspects of Riley and Paige's story were by far my favorite. I found it refreshing to have prayer and scriptures included in a new adult romance. The scenes that did include references to scripture or prayer flowed seamlessly without seaming overbearing.
I really enjoyed how Denise Hunter incorporated the physical and emotional struggles men and women experience after returning home from war into the story. Denise Hunter did a great job showcasing Riley's hesitancy to accept professional help, even though in the end counseling helped Riley overcome his demons.
JUST. A. KISS
This is the third book in The Summer.Harbor series. Though I hadn't read the others this is easy to read by itself. We have Riley who joins the marines for all the wrong reasons . To come home as an amputee. Seeing Paige,again, the love is stronger than ever. He plans to distance, and allow her to find a whole man to love her. Plans were made for him to stay at her bungalow, for it had a downstairs bedroom. The nursemaid would then be Paige. This is a natural avenue for her, for she has the animal shelter. Funding is needed to keep it open. As well as patience and understanding for Riley. Great story of adjustment for both Paige and Riley. As usual another good story by Denise Hinter for all to enjoy.
Given ARC by Net Galley for my honest opinion, of which I have given