Just Kiss Me and giveaway!

It's kind of nice to start the week with a book review, isn't it? I always feel like I've done something when I finish a book over a weekend and can pick up (or order) a new one.

Just Kiss Me - Rachel Gibson

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gibson returns with this dazzling love story filled with sizzle, sass, and just a bit of southern charm...

"Hello, Ms. Vivian . . . it's been a long time."

And with those words, Vivian Leigh Rochet nearly melted. It's been years since she last saw Harrison Whitley-Shuler. She was a teenager scrubbing houses for a living. He was the gorgeous son of rich parents, not fit for the likes of her.

Vivian had vowed to get out of Charleston, become a big Hollywood star, and stick it to the snooty girls who made her cry.

She got what she wanted—and more—but why does her glamorous life seem so trivial?

Harrison got out too . . . making it all the way to Wall Street, until a heart attack forced him to trade in his cufflinks for a good set of hand tools.

Making furniture soothes his soul, but escaping the Whitley-Shuler heritage is nearly impossible. And now he's come face-to-face with the one who got away. He's not looking for love. He's not even looking for sex . . . so why is resisting her the hardest thing he's ever done? 

I haven't read anything by Rachel Gibson before but this certainly won't be my last! If you are a fan of a solid romance novel that's sweet, a little bit funny, and a little sentimental, this is definitely going to be your next read.

We have Vivian, who throughout the books gives us flashbacks to her diary entries as a child, who couldn't get away from Charleston fast enough. Her mama and her earned a living by cleaning the home of the Whitley-Shuler family, much to Vivian's disgust. She was destined for bigger and better things and she vowed to do better for her mother one day. Eventually Vivian became a popular actress and bought her mother a home on the street of her dreams and thought that she had done everything right. Her mother passes suddenly and Vivian finds herself back in Charleston, not only to find out she really never knew her mother but she's also back among the Whitley-Shuler's who seemingly were closer to her mother than she was. Her mother abandoned the house, had gone back to living on the Whitley-Shuler compound and was seemingly friends with the Whitley-Shular matriarch.

But being back in Charleston also means that she is now in the presence of Harrison, who goes by Harry. Despite what her diary says, it's clear that Vivian had a little crush on Harry, and he was so annoyed with her as a child that he assumes she hasn't changed a bit. But Harry is back in Charleston after issues of his own and we wonder- are they both in Charleston to stay? Will they come together and be the adorable couple we all know they could (and should) be? I loved them as a potential couple, their chemistry and banter (and past history) is so adorable, it's like every great couple that you know that seemingly make it for the long haul. And while the story is fun and cute, it has it's tough spots as Vivian tries to sort out the end of her mother's life and not just her funeral arrangements. It's a reminder for us all to really step back and not assume we know what's best for our family and what we wouldn't want for ourselves is perfect for them. I'm such a fan of stories like that because it's really a hard thing for us as we become adults and have children of our own, to remember that WE are still our parent's children no matter our age.

Overall? I'll give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's everything I want out of a romance novel, the only complaint I had was the ending felt a little abrupt for me, but it wasn't unsatisfying. Everything gets tied up nicely so maybe it's me just being a little selfish wanting more time with our characters. But definitely a book I would recommend if you are looking for a fun romance!

You can purchase your own copy of Just Kiss Me on Amazon! In the meantime, Avon Books is giving away three print copies of Just Kiss Me, and I highly suggest you enter to win!

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*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.*