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Just One Kiss (Friends with Benefits #1)

3.59 of 5 stars 3.59 · rating details · 64 ratings · 20 reviews

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, A Taste for All Pleasures is a warm hub of decadent baking delights. Sweet buttery cookies with melted chocolate, yummy cupcakes with creamy soft icingand the owner, Angela Loukas, is about to meet a mouthwatering morsel of a man—one she can't resist!

Unfortunately, Daniel Flynn is officially celibate. No sex. No dating. It's criminal, real...more

Paperback, 224 pages

Published March 20th 2012 by Harlequin

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Apr 01, 2013 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, review, romance, read-2012, read-2013

Review originally posted on Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2012/06...

Daniel Flynn made one promise to his dying fiancée: he won’t date other women until after the day they would have been married. It’s been a year and a half, and Daniel still has six months to go before he can even consider looking at another woman. But temptation becomes almost too hard to resist when he meets beautiful baker Angela Loukas. Angela makes Daniel feel more alive than he has in years. But can he remain...more

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May 08, 2012 Andrea Guy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, ebook, harlequin, netgalley, quick-reads, readingromanceschallenge2012, romance

What a great premise! I read the blurb of this book and I absolutely had to read it. The book almost lived up to my expectations. Almost, and that gives me a sad face.

There were some great things about this book.

1. Angela is really an Alpha female. She's a take charge kinda girl even if it means cutting off her nose to spite her face, which she does both personally and professionally.

2. The food descriptions made me very hungry! I wanted some recipes involved for the cookies and cupcakes!

3. Bonn...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Susanna Carr added it

Shelves: blaze

Angela is the owner of a bakery and is still hurting from her divorce. She meets Daniel who is trying to come to terms with the death of his fiancée. Daniel also promised to fulfill his fiancée's deathbed wish by remaining celibate until the day their wedding should have taken place. He's tempted to break this promise when he gets to know Angela. Angela is trying to find a way around this promise and starts seeing him platonically, but she really wants to be more than just friends.

Angela and Dan...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Rhonda rated it 3 of 5 stars

review: Just One Kiss by Isabel Sharpe
3 STARS
I love the story line and the characters a lot but too many sex scenes for my taste.
A group of collage friends get together and buy a building and open their business in it and each have a apartment on top floors. Each business deals in one of the five senses.
A Taste for all pleasures is a bakery owned by Angela who is divorced after a short marriage. She wants to have a European bakery but her pastries are not catching on but everyone loves her cook...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Kat Latham rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Angela owns a bakery in a building where her friends from college all have businesses based on the five senses. She bakes some awesome cookies, but she really would like to branch out into more sophisticated European pastries.

When Daniel visits her bakery looking to buy a plain white cupcake with white frosting, Angela instinctively knows he's a chocolate man. She can also tell something's very wrong. Unbeknownst to her, he's marking his late fiancee's birthday. She died the year before, and he...more

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May 04, 2012 Christa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook-arc

Just One Kiss was a sweet contemporary romance that I enjoyed reading. I felt that the main characters, Angela Loukas and Daniel Flynn, were likeable and easy for the reader to connect with. The chemistry between them added to the book, and I enjoyed the storyline. I liked the underlying theme of the five friends who bought a building where each opened a business and had an apartment. I am looking forward to reading more about the group of friends as the series continues.

Angela Loukas has opened...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Becca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012, e-book, contemporary-romance, netgalley, romance

The story of Angela the baker and Daniel the celibate man who one day walks into her store. Angela and Daniel's instantaneous attraction was enjoyable but each person were in different places in their lives. When Angela looked at Daniel she saw an extremely good looking man who had a wounded look about him. Angela had an instantaneous attraction which is something that she hasn't experienced since her disastrous marriage to her ex husband. Daniel comes in to Angela's bakery and see's a very attr...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Diah Didi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: friends-to-lovers, harlequin, 2012, 3-and-half-stars, blaze, contemporary, english, my-very-first-of, paperback, own, series, romance

My very first of Isabel Sharpe's.
As soon as I saw this Friends-with-Benefits label on the cover, I knew I have to have this series. Why, I really love the theme, although I prefer they know each other already in the very beginning, like Bonnie and Seth. Soooo can't wait for their story. I mean, they ARE going to be together right, Ms. Sharpe? Please?

I must say I wanted to give 3 stars only. I loved the beginning, and most of the story, but somehow I didn't really excited about the ending. I mea...more My very first of Isabel Sharpe's.
As soon as I saw this Friends-with-Benefits label on the cover, I knew I have to have this series. Why, I really love the theme, although I prefer they know each other already in the very beginning, like Bonnie and Seth. Soooo can't wait for their story. I mean, they ARE going to be together right, Ms. Sharpe? Please?

I must say I wanted to give 3 stars only. I loved the beginning, and most of the story, but somehow I didn't really excited about the ending. I mean, that's it? And to be honest, I thought that Daniel's promise to his fiancee was a bit ridiculous. I kinda wondering what made her ask him to do so. Although I really think it's okay not dating or having sex for months. I mean, what's the worst thing could happen? Of course, as long as you really okay with it. Not in a state of denial saying you are okay. :p

But anyway, I learned something. At least there're three things I learned from this book. Well, it's not really something new, but more like being reminded with something.

1. Part when Angela got to meet Nell who's absolutely talented with pastry and Nell said,
"... when you stop having crisis, you've stopped caring and it's time to retire and do something else."
So, I really think it's okay to have a little crisis, don't you think? No need to make a big deal of it.

2. And if Daniel turned out to be a jerk and crushed her heart, so be it. She'd live to love again.... She didn't have to have power over Daniel. That had been the wrong place to focus, the wrong way to approach him... She'd always had and always would have power over herself. And that was all she needed.
I will survive... :p

3. The one when Angela finally realized (thanks GOD!) that she doesn't have to be great in a field she didn't really belong to. Why would spend time money and energy to do something you're not really great at just to prove something?
It felt like I wanted to sing Raise It Up from August Rush soundtrack to her, "Sometimes it takes a different kind of dream you make you smile. Sometimes we need another helping hand to show the ways."
I mean, really, sometimes we're being stubborn, even when it's obvious for us to see. I gotta say that Tom, being a jerk he was, was quiet right. And her customer, Marjorie. Even Daniel. I can't believe Angela asked him to go just because he's being honest. Hello?
But you know, I felt like it's being said to me. And I realized, yeah, I don't have to be great in lots of thing. Better focus on what I have and great at, right?

I'm excited to read the next book, although I was a bit disappointed, why oh why, it's not about Bonnie and Seth??? And even when take a peek to the third book, still not about Bonnie and Seth. :((less)

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Mar 25, 2013 Anncleire rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: march-2012, netgalley, romance

“Just one kiss” è finito nelle cose da leggere in uno di quei slanci che mi caratterizzano, senza leggere la trama, senza interessarmi di nulla se non che si tratta di una romance. Devo anche ammettere che dovrei farmela finita, e iniziare a selezionare cosa leggere e cosa no, senza farmi condizionare, cercando di essere obiettiva. Ecco che poi mi ritrovo con cumuli di libri da leggere e non so da che parte iniziare. Ma come si fa a dire di no ad una contemporary romance? Io non ne sono proprio...more “Just one kiss” è finito nelle cose da leggere in uno di quei slanci che mi caratterizzano, senza leggere la trama, senza interessarmi di nulla se non che si tratta di una romance. Devo anche ammettere che dovrei farmela finita, e iniziare a selezionare cosa leggere e cosa no, senza farmi condizionare, cercando di essere obiettiva. Ecco che poi mi ritrovo con cumuli di libri da leggere e non so da che parte iniziare. Ma come si fa a dire di no ad una contemporary romance? Io non ne sono proprio capace.

Nascosto nel cuore di Seattle, A Taste for All Pleasures è una pasticceria piena di dolci delizie. Biscotti al burro con cioccolato fuso, squisiti cupcakes con soffice e cremosa glassa e la sua proprietaria, Angela Loukas, sta per incontrare un uomo affascinante, al quale non può resistere.
Sfortunatamente Daniel Flynn è ufficialmente celibe. Niente sesso, niente uscite. È una cosa criminale, davvero. Ma una volte che mette piede nel negozio di Angela, ricorda che cos’è la tentazione, nella forma di una dolce al cioccolato e di un paio di sexy occhi marroni. E ora vuole avere Angela e i suoi dolci.

Ammettiamolo pure, questo libro non è l’invenzione del secolo, la storia non è particolarmente originale, entra nei classici parametri della romance, senza sconvolgerli, senza aggiungere nulla di nuovo. Leggere questo libro o leggere un altro non fa nessuna differenza. Si l’idea di unire un uomo super hot con dolci delizie può essere molto interessante e golosa ma alla fin fine, non cambia nulla.
Angela è una donna indipendente, che ha messo su un negozio da sola senza l’aiuto di nessuno, che è in grado di creare cupcake e biscotti che sono la tentazione di tutti gli abitanti della città che non si lasciano scappare l’occasione di mettere piede nella pasticceria. Ha un gruppo di amici affezionati che hanno ognuno un’attività diversa: un fioraia, un fotografo e un musicista che le sono di sostegno immenso e si scambiano consigli, idee e esperienze lavorative e che spendono le serate insieme a divertirsi. Ma Angela vuole di più. Infatti passa gran parte del suo tempo a creare nuove delizie alla moda europea creando nuovi insoliti sapori e mischiando dolci tradizionali a ingredienti scelti ad hoc. Peccato che la sua clientela non sia molto entusiasta.
Dall’altro lato c’è Daniel, un uomo che nasconde molto. Vive con un coinquilino che si diverte con una donna diversa ogni sera, mentre lui cerca di onorare la sua scelta di rimanere single. Una scelta insolita, con una spiegazione struggente e incredibilmente romantica, anche se un po’ egoista. Daniel è fermamente convinto di portarla fino in fondo, ma non si è reso conto che si tratta di qualcosa di impossibile e senza fondamenta. Un ciclista, con il fisico scolpito dal suo sport prediletto, un uomo con unna posizione importante all’interno di una ditta che si occupa di software informatici, è incredibilmente affascinante, molto dolce e soprattutto capace di far girare la testa a qualsiasi donna con cui viene a contatto. Testardo e intransigente si rivela assolutamente perfetto e affettuoso, capace di salvare un appuntamento disastroso. Un uomo come ce ne sono pochi.
Seattle è lo sfondo perfetto ad una incantevole storia d’amore condita da biscotti e dolciumi vari, capace di addolcire il lettore con tutto lo zucchero che gira. Le scene con la pioggia sono quelle più incredibilmente sexy e romantiche, capace di far cadere anche il lettore più intransigente.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una confezione di cupcakes alla vaniglia.

Raccontato da entrambi i punti di vista, proprio come piace a me, il libro è la perfetta parentesi in una sera di inverno in cui si vuole un po’ di distrazione. Dolce come un cupcake, romantica come un primo appuntamento.
Buona lettura guys!

Ringrazio Netgalley e Harlequin per avermi concesso l’opportunità di leggere questo libro in cambio della mia onesta opinione.

Recensione anche sul mio blog:
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...(less)

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Aug 06, 2012 KatLynne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, 2012-reads, beta-hero, g-contemporary-romance, made-me-laugh, part-of-a-series, smokin-hot-steamy

Just One Kiss is the first book in Isabel Sharpe’s new Friends With Benefits miniseries. The series is based on five friends whose businesses represents the five senses. Joining together, they own the Come to Your Senses building where each have their own space.

Angela Loukas, owner of A Taste for All Pleasures, is an excellent baker whose cookies and cup cakes are to die for. Her self-esteem took a major hit when her marriage ended. It’s been nearly four years and now she’s thinking maybe it’s

...more Just One Kiss is the first book in Isabel Sharpe’s new Friends With Benefits miniseries. The series is based on five friends whose businesses represents the five senses. Joining together, they own the Come to Your Senses building where each have their own space.

Angela Loukas, owner of A Taste for All Pleasures, is an excellent baker whose cookies and cup cakes are to die for. Her self-esteem took a major hit when her marriage ended. It’s been nearly four years and now she’s thinking maybe it’s time to get back in the dating game. And when sexy and handsome Daniel Flynn walks into her bakery, it’s immediate attraction.

But there’s a problem. Daniel had made a promise to his dying fiancée. (view spoiler) That vow has left him celibate for a year and a half and he still has six months to go!

Just Angela’s luck! She really likes this guy and he’s still being controlled by a dead woman. But thankfully for the reader, Angela helps free him from this weird request and soon not only are their hearts involved but the bedroom scenes are smoking. Angela has to learn to trust again and to believe in herself and her specialness while Daniel learns to stop hiding behind a promise in order to hang onto his grief. Starting over is always scary.

I was intrigued by the synopsis for this series and while I enjoyed the story I thought some of the events moved rather quickly. Angela’s flip-flopping from “I want this” to “let’s back off” somewhat irritated me. While I do understand the reasons behind her feelings, I felt it didn’t quite fit in with her first bold seduction. One area I’m glad the author made use of time is Daniel’s letting go of his promise. I was so glad to see him get his life back and move on.

Ms. Sharp also introduces us to the remaining friends and we learn a little of their unique business talents along with their somewhat quirky personalities and a little from their past. This is a fun, light contemporary romance and I’m already looking forward to Bonnie and Seth’s story.

My Rating: 3/5 stars

My sincerest thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.(less)

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Feb 02, 2013 Jane O'Reilly rated it 3 of 5 stars

A pretty average romance centering around a bakery. Interesting conflict for the heroine, but her insistence on baking posh cakes to prove she was special irritated me enormously by the end, and the hero was let off far too lightly when he decided his dead fiancee was a control freak and they'd never been that suited in the first place.

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Jun 02, 2012 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pretty good book. It was a decent, entertaining read. Nothing out of this world, but good if you want something quick. My gripe? I was TOTALLY enthralled with the supporting characters Seth & Bonnie!!! I was waiting anxiously to get to the chapters about them! Can't wait to read THAT story, that's the one I'm excited about.

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Apr 29, 2012 Melinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the first I have read from Isabel Sharpe and have to say I loved it. This is the first in a series called Friends with Benefits. It is also about the five senses this one about Daniel and Angela he sense is taste hence the bakery. The love that Angela has in her is great and Daniel is a man who needs love again to live once more. All in all it was a great book and cant wait for the next book in the series.

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Feb 18, 2013 Myra Wardhana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love this book but too many secondary characters involved and added, not focused totally to Angela and Daniel, makes the story a bit too long in the middle, makes me impatient, just want to get Angela and Daniel right away...

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Jan 14, 2013 Crystal McFarland rated it 5 of 5 stars

loved this book.one of the best harlequins I've ever read.

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Apr 01, 2012 Harlequin Books added it

Shelves: harlequin_blaze, 2012

Miniseries: Friends With Benefits

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Jun 09, 2012 Mzpastrychef rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book

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Mar 01, 2013 Bella Marie Cullen rated it 3 of 5 stars

2 1/2 - 3

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Jun 15, 2012 Arlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sizzling, sexy and fun.

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May 20, 2012 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, harlequin-blaze, location-usa, heat-level-r, read-in-2012, series-friends-with-benefits, job-computer-tech-worker, job-baker_pastry-chef, trope-divorced-widowed-hero-heroine, trope-secondary-character-romance, rating-4_5-stars

Overall rating -- 4.5 stars

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Shelves: own

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About Isabel Sharpe

Isabel Sharpe was not born pen in hand like so many of her fellow authors. After she quit work in 1994 to stay home with her first-born son and nearly went out of her mind, she started writing. Yes, she was the clichéd bored housewife writing romance, but it was either that cliché or seduce the mailman, and her mailman was unattractive. After more than twenty novels for Harlequin, and the exciting...more

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Just One Kiss (Friends with Benefits #1)

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