What do you think?
Rate this book
Soho Loft #1
Kiss the Girl
Sleeping with the enemy has never been so complicated.
Twenty-eight-year-old Brooklyn Campbell is having a bad day. A speeding ticket, a towed car, and a broken heel are all working against her laid-back vibe. To top it all off, her birth mother, whom she's never met, has requested contact. The only bright spot is an impromptu date with a beautiful and mysterious brunette.
Jessica Lennox is what you would call a high-powered executive. She's the head of a multimillion-dollar advertising firm in New York City, and it didn't happen by accident. But when the blonde head turner from the wine bistro turns out to be her number one competitor, her life gets infinitely more complex.
Is New York big enough for both Brooklyn and Jessica? Maybe it's just time they experienced it together...
Twenty-eight-year-old Brooklyn Campbell is having a bad day. A speeding ticket, a towed car, and a broken heel are all working against her laid-back vibe. To top it all off, her birth mother, whom she's never met, has requested contact. The only bright spot is an impromptu date with a beautiful and mysterious brunette.
Jessica Lennox is what you would call a high-powered executive. She's the head of a multimillion-dollar advertising firm in New York City, and it didn't happen by accident. But when the blonde head turner from the wine bistro turns out to be her number one competitor, her life gets infinitely more complex.
Is New York big enough for both Brooklyn and Jessica? Maybe it's just time they experienced it together...
264 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2014
162 people are currently reading
6756 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brayden
32 books2,757 followersMelissa Brayden is the multi-award winning author of more than twenty-five sapphic romance novels and is hard at work on more. She is a wine enthusiast, a fan of all donuts, and is probably staring off into space as you're reading this. You can find her at www.melissabrayden.com and on most social media sites.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
March 13, 2019
So good
I'm definitely late to this party.
What a beautiful story of learning to accept love.
The dialogue was probably the best I have read in lesbian fiction. And I'm not sure I have ever felt as strong of connection as I did with Brooklyn and Jessica.
I love a good amount of drama that can sucker punch me to tears. This satisfied the craving.
Guhh, why can't all books be this good?
I'm definitely late to this party.
What a beautiful story of learning to accept love.
The dialogue was probably the best I have read in lesbian fiction. And I'm not sure I have ever felt as strong of connection as I did with Brooklyn and Jessica.
I love a good amount of drama that can sucker punch me to tears. This satisfied the craving.
Guhh, why can't all books be this good?
April 9, 2019
This could have been one of my favorite books except for all the head-hopping.
I'm a fan of Melissa Brayden and I've read some of her newer books. Thankfully, she doesn't write like that anymore.
So, if you don't mind jumping around with the POV, this is a fantastic book.
Great dialog, fun friends, and steamy scenes.
I'm a fan of Melissa Brayden and I've read some of her newer books. Thankfully, she doesn't write like that anymore.
So, if you don't mind jumping around with the POV, this is a fantastic book.
Great dialog, fun friends, and steamy scenes.
June 29, 2024
fuckin bless this book, bc lately, i've had a lot of duds and seriously consiered just not reading/listening to any romance for a while. everything was either annoying me, going in ways that i didn't enjoy, disapointed me, made me cringe, or just... didn't quite hit that spot, for me.
so, thank fuck for this book.
i've heard great things abt melissa brayden for a while, and i had a feeling that i would vibe with her stories just from a few general things i'd heard, but i just hadn't picked up many of them for whatever reason. i listened to (and loved) waiting in the wings earlier this year, and then got some of these ones on a big audible sale a while back, annnnd decided to take the plunge.
AGAIN, THANK FUCK. this probably on any other day would be a 4 star for me (bc bumping things up to 5s uuuusually, takes a re-read/listen for me to BE SURE, that it's in my favs, bc i'm particular like that). but i needed this book so badly rn that it gets an extra immediate bump to 5 bc it hit the spot for me just when i needed it too. i loved brookyln<3 and i loved jessica, and i ADORED their dynamic so, so much. the friendships of the gang were great (though honestly, i would have liked a tiiiiny bit more! that's maybe my one complaint). (no actually i have two, i also would have loved a tiiiiiny bit more of the bio fam interactions bc i also rlly liked them, but i digress). the narrator was new to me, and she was decent! i don't know if i just missed something or if brooklyn had a slight boston accent in the beginning also? but it felt like she didn't? and i don't remember them saying she was from boston or mass.? but i could have just missed it. my one genuine complaint was the voice that the narrator used for ashton, it was just... a terrible teenage voice and ashton was a great character who deserved a better voice. but overall, she was a decent narrator who i enjoyed and would def listen to again. i loved the whole ashton/jessica stuff, i loved the pace, i just. it was so good. it was just what i needed. and i'm so glad i have 2 more books in this lil universe to read next.
so, thank fuck for this book.
i've heard great things abt melissa brayden for a while, and i had a feeling that i would vibe with her stories just from a few general things i'd heard, but i just hadn't picked up many of them for whatever reason. i listened to (and loved) waiting in the wings earlier this year, and then got some of these ones on a big audible sale a while back, annnnd decided to take the plunge.
AGAIN, THANK FUCK. this probably on any other day would be a 4 star for me (bc bumping things up to 5s uuuusually, takes a re-read/listen for me to BE SURE, that it's in my favs, bc i'm particular like that). but i needed this book so badly rn that it gets an extra immediate bump to 5 bc it hit the spot for me just when i needed it too. i loved brookyln<3 and i loved jessica, and i ADORED their dynamic so, so much. the friendships of the gang were great (though honestly, i would have liked a tiiiiny bit more! that's maybe my one complaint). (no actually i have two, i also would have loved a tiiiiiny bit more of the bio fam interactions bc i also rlly liked them, but i digress). the narrator was new to me, and she was decent! i don't know if i just missed something or if brooklyn had a slight boston accent in the beginning also? but it felt like she didn't? and i don't remember them saying she was from boston or mass.? but i could have just missed it. my one genuine complaint was the voice that the narrator used for ashton, it was just... a terrible teenage voice and ashton was a great character who deserved a better voice. but overall, she was a decent narrator who i enjoyed and would def listen to again. i loved the whole ashton/jessica stuff, i loved the pace, i just. it was so good. it was just what i needed. and i'm so glad i have 2 more books in this lil universe to read next.
July 11, 2014
If you could only buy one book among all of this year's romantic lesfic releases, this should be your first choice. With Kiss the Girl, Ms. Brayden steps into that exclusive club of romance-only authors whose every release will be eagerly awaited and snapped up by the hopeless romantics.
Brooklyn grew up being bounced around in the foster home system, eventually finishing her late teens in a group home. Being given up time and again has made Brook wary of love and relationships. Fortunately she has managed to hang on to a steadfast group of friends from a LGBT school club and they’ve gone on to form an advertising firm that’s gotten good enough to go after the big accounts. As Fate would have it, the first woman she’s seriously attracted to turns out to be the head of their fiercest rival.
If I had to describe the book in one word, it would be ‘well-balanced’. It is a feel good story, but not as syrupy sweet as her last book, if you don’t count the Midnight Chocolates, but those are for emergency crisis resolutions. ;) There is angst sprinkled throughout, but nothing feels overwhelming or contrived because the characters act like real people--they actually talk things over. This is a dialogue heavy book and I love the exchanges--witty, but not over-the-top, mature and realistic--but only after I figured out who said what. I needed to backtrack more than once. Is this how they do dialogue nowadays, that we readers need photographic memory to keep track? :D Anyway, I also love how the author dealt with Brook’s family. It was like the author hit every note perfectly--the reactions of every single family member, including Brook herself--were beautifully done.
New York City features prominently in the book. The pretty side of New York, that is. Love the snowy scenes, the soho vistas, even the traffic. :) Come to think of it, this book would make a perfect lesbian movie. I’m sure it’ll be much better than the crap that’s available out there.
P.S. Brooklyn has set the bar pretty high for the author’s Soho romances. It’ll be interesting to see if Mallory, Sam and Hunter can do as well.
PPS. I love, love Jess. But her character feels a bit too perfect. Perfectly good and noble, that is. How do you get to the top of NY's cutthroat advertising world with a heart like that? I need to pinch and remind myself this is a feel-good book.
PPPS. Oops. I almost forgot to mention the plot. There's a reason romances like this book are not at the top of my reading queue because the plots are often recycled a million times over already. But this book's plot feels fresh and is sufficiently angsty, twist-y and original enough to make it stand out from the rest.
5 stars
Brooklyn grew up being bounced around in the foster home system, eventually finishing her late teens in a group home. Being given up time and again has made Brook wary of love and relationships. Fortunately she has managed to hang on to a steadfast group of friends from a LGBT school club and they’ve gone on to form an advertising firm that’s gotten good enough to go after the big accounts. As Fate would have it, the first woman she’s seriously attracted to turns out to be the head of their fiercest rival.
If I had to describe the book in one word, it would be ‘well-balanced’. It is a feel good story, but not as syrupy sweet as her last book, if you don’t count the Midnight Chocolates, but those are for emergency crisis resolutions. ;) There is angst sprinkled throughout, but nothing feels overwhelming or contrived because the characters act like real people--they actually talk things over. This is a dialogue heavy book and I love the exchanges--witty, but not over-the-top, mature and realistic--but only after I figured out who said what. I needed to backtrack more than once. Is this how they do dialogue nowadays, that we readers need photographic memory to keep track? :D Anyway, I also love how the author dealt with Brook’s family. It was like the author hit every note perfectly--the reactions of every single family member, including Brook herself--were beautifully done.
New York City features prominently in the book. The pretty side of New York, that is. Love the snowy scenes, the soho vistas, even the traffic. :) Come to think of it, this book would make a perfect lesbian movie. I’m sure it’ll be much better than the crap that’s available out there.
P.S. Brooklyn has set the bar pretty high for the author’s Soho romances. It’ll be interesting to see if Mallory, Sam and Hunter can do as well.
PPS. I love, love Jess. But her character feels a bit too perfect. Perfectly good and noble, that is. How do you get to the top of NY's cutthroat advertising world with a heart like that? I need to pinch and remind myself this is a feel-good book.
PPPS. Oops. I almost forgot to mention the plot. There's a reason romances like this book are not at the top of my reading queue because the plots are often recycled a million times over already. But this book's plot feels fresh and is sufficiently angsty, twist-y and original enough to make it stand out from the rest.
5 stars
April 25, 2023
➥ 1 Star *:･ﾟ✧ dnf @ 25%
I was going to say that I gave this 1 star because I was feeling brutal, but actually, it's because I was feeling lazy and I did not care to suffer through the last 75%. In fact, I'm currently contemplating which quote to feature, because I want space to be able to shit talk each one of them 🤷♀️
I think the apparent (low) quality of this book is thanks to the way it did not age well, like Sam had mentioned to me,
...and...also because, just generally, everything about it is bad. The dialogue, the characters, the writing...the list goes on.
Like, what are they even talking about. And I don't mean to admonish the fact that some conversations are awkward, yes. But this was supposedly the moment where these characters just feel so understood and drawn to one another 🙄
Then the fmc, Brooklyn (h), has one of the most insufferable inner monologues I've read in a long time. And I've read lots.
But it's not only her inner monologue that's ridiculous, what comes out of her mouth is too.
🥴🥴🥴 So so so many of these awkward conversations, yet we're supposed to believe that these characters have irresistible chemistry and attraction to each other.
Jessica (h) wasn't too awful (or at least not as bad as Brooklyn), but don't even get me started on Brooklyn's friend group. Generally, I'm against the condemnation of groups of women, but these women and their vapid conversations were giving me so many headaches. (I feel mean for calling them that now though but they were so annoying and 'girliepop' 'girlboss' - I'm sorry I can't do it).
The premise itself wasn't too bad either, but something about marketing/advertising just grinds my gears. Sure, I'll take an office romance any day but no, I don't want to hear about your sales presentation for a grocery store 😭.
Anyway, I've settled on featuring the quote that appreciates the art of french braiding because the best thing about this book 😉💞🥰. Maybe I'll give Brayden another shot someday, but I'm not really getting why she's so beloved (and I have heard her recent releases have been...👎).
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
'She looked pressed and polished in a gray tapered blazer, medium-heeled boots, and a rather complicated French braid. Impressive.'
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
I was going to say that I gave this 1 star because I was feeling brutal, but actually, it's because I was feeling lazy and I did not care to suffer through the last 75%. In fact, I'm currently contemplating which quote to feature, because I want space to be able to shit talk each one of them 🤷♀️
I think the apparent (low) quality of this book is thanks to the way it did not age well, like Sam had mentioned to me,
As the striking girl strolled over, Brooklyn took in her exotic look. Perhaps she was of Hawaiian descent?
...and...also because, just generally, everything about it is bad. The dialogue, the characters, the writing...the list goes on.
“And I really don’t mean to be a downer.” She smiled to show Jessica she was fine. “Life’s good now. I love my job. I have the best friends a person can ask for, and listen. I have ice-cream sandwiches in my fridge right now, which is a mega bonus.”
Jess laughed. “Ice-cream sandwiches, huh?”
“They’re the best.”
“They are.”
Like, what are they even talking about. And I don't mean to admonish the fact that some conversations are awkward, yes. But this was supposedly the moment where these characters just feel so understood and drawn to one another 🙄
Then the fmc, Brooklyn (h), has one of the most insufferable inner monologues I've read in a long time. And I've read lots.
She checked her outfit out of nervous energy, as she couldn’t really do anything about it now. Faded jeans, a white scoop-necked T-shirt, and navy fringe scarf. Casual but trendy. She’d pulled her blond hair into a ponytail that day because somehow she thought that would trick her inner self into thinking she could take on the world.
But it's not only her inner monologue that's ridiculous, what comes out of her mouth is too.
“I like talking to you.”
Brooklyn nodded. “I know.” Then her eyes widened and she popped herself in the head. It was pretty cute. “No. God. That came out wrong. I mean, I’ve enjoyed your company too.” She sighed. “I’m a total dork sometimes. You should know.”
🥴🥴🥴 So so so many of these awkward conversations, yet we're supposed to believe that these characters have irresistible chemistry and attraction to each other.
Jessica (h) wasn't too awful (or at least not as bad as Brooklyn), but don't even get me started on Brooklyn's friend group. Generally, I'm against the condemnation of groups of women, but these women and their vapid conversations were giving me so many headaches. (I feel mean for calling them that now though but they were so annoying and 'girliepop' 'girlboss' - I'm sorry I can't do it).
The premise itself wasn't too bad either, but something about marketing/advertising just grinds my gears. Sure, I'll take an office romance any day but no, I don't want to hear about your sales presentation for a grocery store 😭.
Anyway, I've settled on featuring the quote that appreciates the art of french braiding because the best thing about this book 😉💞🥰. Maybe I'll give Brayden another shot someday, but I'm not really getting why she's so beloved (and I have heard her recent releases have been...👎).
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
May 9, 2021
this book was a perfect enemies to lovers romance and i loved it! the main characters were all very likable, though i found myself liking jess the most — probably because she fits the typical character mold that i usually like (a cold, hardened character who has a soft side that only a few people see). but brooklyn was also very endearing and relatable.
i loved how complex both jess and brooklyn were. they both had struggles in their lives and were not perfect. both of them were beautifully flawed and fit so well together. the ending was perfect, it was very satisfying and everything i’d been hoping for. just an amazing book.
definitely recommend!
4/5 stars
i loved how complex both jess and brooklyn were. they both had struggles in their lives and were not perfect. both of them were beautifully flawed and fit so well together. the ending was perfect, it was very satisfying and everything i’d been hoping for. just an amazing book.
definitely recommend!
4/5 stars
July 15, 2016
There are something like a million and one (or 14 to 78) brilliant reviews here. I'm not going to be adding much new to the discussion at this point.
This book is the first book I've read by this author. I was 'pushed' into reading this book because of a group I am in that is currently running a 'pick it' group challenge.
I had been putting off this book because everyone and their pet donkey just absolutely loves this book. And I didn't want to go in, after everyone else, pick at it and go . . . you know what? I don't really like this here. Yes, I felt self conscious.
The book involves Brooklyn Campbell, Hunter something or other, Samantha, and Mallory who jointly run an advertising agency in New York City. They meet in college and they are roughly around the age of 28 (though I believe the prologue indicated some were older than Brooklyn). Brooklyn is the main point of view for this set of friends. Brooklyn was put up for adoption when she was a baby and went in and out of various foster homes until, at some point, she ended her 'tour' in a group home and aged out of the system at 18.
The second group of people this book involves is Jessica Lennox and . . . um, she's friends with her assistant Brent. And is friendly her teenage neighbor Ashton. Lennox is a hard charging head of an advertising agency that she started long ago. It is also located in New York City. Lennox is described as being a bitchy, ball busting, 'get my way or I'll cut you' type of person. Oh, and she might be married to a billionaire who helps her find business. Most of this is based on rumors and nothing but rumors. Lennox, though, likes how the rumors help her in business, so does nothing to 'set people right' and 'fix' her image. I'm using Lennox on purpose, instead of Jessica (or Jess). Because I'm mostly referring to her business persona. Jessica/Jess, though, is nothing like what others see her as being. Oh, and Jessica is really really old...er than Brooklyn. 10 years older. 38. Or, in other words, younger than me.
Before I move on - I rather like both Jessica and Brooklyn.
Okay then. Brooklyn is having a rotten day - pulled over and ticketed for speeding, her car is towed, her heel on her favorite shoes break, and, to top it off, her birth mother has offered contact information through an organization that does stuff like that (Brooklyn had signed up with them when she was 18, i.e., 10 years ago). Gazing around in despair, she contemplates what to do with herself. Spots a neat looking place across the street from a print shop (there's a reason why she is there; oh - and the print shop line was super long - to add to her woes).
Brooklyn enters this lovely looking place. Walks right up to the bar and . . . realizes her purse is in her car (which just got towed away, remember). She kind of whimpers.
Jessica has had a tough day. She decides to do two things she rarely ever does - step out earlish from work, and go home. No the go home isn't the second thing. The second thing is to step into this neat little bar that is near her home. As she sits there looking around kind of happy she decided to step in, she spots a rather attractive woman step in. And overhears her exchange with the bartender (um, I forgot to mention that, Brooklyn's 'realization' about her purse took place out loud). Jessica offers to pay for Brooklyn's drink.
Brooklyn is reluctant but eventually agrees. Jessica introduces herself as Jessica . . . Jess. But without a last name, and makes a game of not saying what her job is (well, one of them do, I forget which one started the game of Brooklyn guessing Jess' job). Both have a fabulous time. It ends with Jessica acquiring Brooklyn's number, and giving a brief kiss. Which expands into a really passionate kiss. The kind that makes your toes curl and your hair stand up straight (or whatever it is that happens). They part.
Jessica and Brooklyn meet again, as someone who read the beginning of this review might suspect, when both turn up for an advertising job. Jessica Lennox is quite well known to Brooklyn's ad agency, but Brooklyn doesn't normally go on calls (and therefore doesn't know what Jessica Lennox, professional ball crusher, looks like). Plus, Jess never gave her last name. Jessica leaves a conference room. Brooklyn spots her. They gaze at each other. Brooklyn is now flustered and somewhat messes up her first ever attempt to talk to clients in a client meeting.
Jess texts Brooklyn. They kind of flirt by text.
The 'Cinderalla kiss' is mentioned by Brooklyn to her coworkers (well, it was mentioned, I forget the sequence now). The idea of having any kind of relationship, friend/romantic or otherwise, with someone like Jessica Lennox is roundly booed by everyone of Brooklyn's friends. Brooklyn kind of agrees with them.
Time passes. The Foster account is fought over by both Brooklyn and Lennox's ad agencies.
Eventually Brooklyn uses that contact number she got for her birth mother. Eventually her relationship with Jess advances . . . somewhat. Meanwhile Ashton, the teenage next door neighbor of Jessica's, is having a rotten time with her alcoholic mother - Jessica tries to help.
There's a really intense scene in a stuck elevator between Jessica and Brooklyn (which occurred, I believe, actually before Brooklyn attempts to contact her mother; it's not related, I'm just fixing the chronology I messed up in my review).
At some point, while reading this book, I was seriously contemplating making a brand new shelf. I would call this shelf something like '6 star books'. Then put this book on said shelf. Because this was, in fact, a really really good book. Until it wasn't.
The 'it wasn't' part occurred when a specific incident occurred. And I could immediately foretell what would then happen next. And everything unfolded almost exactly as I thought it would. About 99.9% exactly like I thought it would. To be fair, everything that happened? Did not seem like a contrived little thing to add to the book to add tension/drama/and conflict. It did, in fact, seem like a natural extension of the book (which is also why I knew immediately what would happen after the fact, and was 99% correct - because everything flowed naturally). Well damn. I was going to pinpoint the 'incident' at the beginning. Ah well. It was when Brooklyn visited Jessica. At her office. A bag may or may not be involved. I'm trying to be vague for those who haven't read the book, while giving enough for those who have to know what I'm referring to. *inserts spoiler tags*
The book was filled with a ton of tension/drama/etc. based on intergroup dynamics involving the Campbell friend group and their reaction to Brooklyn-Jessica link up; the ad agency competition; the drama over the birth family; and, most specifically of importance for a romance - relationship tension (both because of that issue of Brooklyn's friends not liking Jessica; being rivals; Brooklyn having commitment and trust issues; having to take things slow; etc.). So, tacking on an extra layer, even if a natural development for the book, seemed like a layer too many.
Oh, and, you know (those who have read my reviews before), how I recently made a comment on another book recently read about how it contained that cliche of 'I'm a powerful woman. I'm giving up control and submitting to another woman. I think I like it'? That cliche, once again, turned up in this book. And yes, it once again pulled me from the story. Though I just kind of laughed and dove back in. See, this was when I still thought of this as a six star book, and that specific scene neither increased nor decreased the overall score given to this book. (Though, I also admit (did I admit anything previously, dang it, I don't want ot reread my own review), Brayden handled that scene brilliantly).
So, for these and other reasons, I cannot break open a brand new 6 star shelf and shove this book onto it. Nor, in good conscious can I add this to my super duper and special 5.5 star shelf. I have currently placed it on no specific star shelf. Though I've currently rated it 4 stars. I am contemplating which shelf to add this book to. 3.5? Probably not. 4? Maybe. 4.5? Perhaps. And, surprising, I know, I still have a strong desire to put this on my five star shelf Why? Well, I did love this ... book (that didn't need spoiler tags).
February 3 2016
This book is the first book I've read by this author. I was 'pushed' into reading this book because of a group I am in that is currently running a 'pick it' group challenge.
I had been putting off this book because everyone and their pet donkey just absolutely loves this book. And I didn't want to go in, after everyone else, pick at it and go . . . you know what? I don't really like this here. Yes, I felt self conscious.
The book involves Brooklyn Campbell, Hunter something or other, Samantha, and Mallory who jointly run an advertising agency in New York City. They meet in college and they are roughly around the age of 28 (though I believe the prologue indicated some were older than Brooklyn). Brooklyn is the main point of view for this set of friends. Brooklyn was put up for adoption when she was a baby and went in and out of various foster homes until, at some point, she ended her 'tour' in a group home and aged out of the system at 18.
The second group of people this book involves is Jessica Lennox and . . . um, she's friends with her assistant Brent. And is friendly her teenage neighbor Ashton. Lennox is a hard charging head of an advertising agency that she started long ago. It is also located in New York City. Lennox is described as being a bitchy, ball busting, 'get my way or I'll cut you' type of person. Oh, and she might be married to a billionaire who helps her find business. Most of this is based on rumors and nothing but rumors. Lennox, though, likes how the rumors help her in business, so does nothing to 'set people right' and 'fix' her image. I'm using Lennox on purpose, instead of Jessica (or Jess). Because I'm mostly referring to her business persona. Jessica/Jess, though, is nothing like what others see her as being. Oh, and Jessica is really really old...er than Brooklyn. 10 years older. 38. Or, in other words, younger than me.
Before I move on - I rather like both Jessica and Brooklyn.
Okay then. Brooklyn is having a rotten day - pulled over and ticketed for speeding, her car is towed, her heel on her favorite shoes break, and, to top it off, her birth mother has offered contact information through an organization that does stuff like that (Brooklyn had signed up with them when she was 18, i.e., 10 years ago). Gazing around in despair, she contemplates what to do with herself. Spots a neat looking place across the street from a print shop (there's a reason why she is there; oh - and the print shop line was super long - to add to her woes).
Brooklyn enters this lovely looking place. Walks right up to the bar and . . . realizes her purse is in her car (which just got towed away, remember). She kind of whimpers.
Jessica has had a tough day. She decides to do two things she rarely ever does - step out earlish from work, and go home. No the go home isn't the second thing. The second thing is to step into this neat little bar that is near her home. As she sits there looking around kind of happy she decided to step in, she spots a rather attractive woman step in. And overhears her exchange with the bartender (um, I forgot to mention that, Brooklyn's 'realization' about her purse took place out loud). Jessica offers to pay for Brooklyn's drink.
Brooklyn is reluctant but eventually agrees. Jessica introduces herself as Jessica . . . Jess. But without a last name, and makes a game of not saying what her job is (well, one of them do, I forget which one started the game of Brooklyn guessing Jess' job). Both have a fabulous time. It ends with Jessica acquiring Brooklyn's number, and giving a brief kiss. Which expands into a really passionate kiss. The kind that makes your toes curl and your hair stand up straight (or whatever it is that happens). They part.
Jessica and Brooklyn meet again, as someone who read the beginning of this review might suspect, when both turn up for an advertising job. Jessica Lennox is quite well known to Brooklyn's ad agency, but Brooklyn doesn't normally go on calls (and therefore doesn't know what Jessica Lennox, professional ball crusher, looks like). Plus, Jess never gave her last name. Jessica leaves a conference room. Brooklyn spots her. They gaze at each other. Brooklyn is now flustered and somewhat messes up her first ever attempt to talk to clients in a client meeting.
Jess texts Brooklyn. They kind of flirt by text.
The 'Cinderalla kiss' is mentioned by Brooklyn to her coworkers (well, it was mentioned, I forget the sequence now). The idea of having any kind of relationship, friend/romantic or otherwise, with someone like Jessica Lennox is roundly booed by everyone of Brooklyn's friends. Brooklyn kind of agrees with them.
Time passes. The Foster account is fought over by both Brooklyn and Lennox's ad agencies.
Eventually Brooklyn uses that contact number she got for her birth mother. Eventually her relationship with Jess advances . . . somewhat. Meanwhile Ashton, the teenage next door neighbor of Jessica's, is having a rotten time with her alcoholic mother - Jessica tries to help.
There's a really intense scene in a stuck elevator between Jessica and Brooklyn (which occurred, I believe, actually before Brooklyn attempts to contact her mother; it's not related, I'm just fixing the chronology I messed up in my review).
At some point, while reading this book, I was seriously contemplating making a brand new shelf. I would call this shelf something like '6 star books'. Then put this book on said shelf. Because this was, in fact, a really really good book. Until it wasn't.
The 'it wasn't' part occurred when a specific incident occurred. And I could immediately foretell what would then happen next. And everything unfolded almost exactly as I thought it would. About 99.9% exactly like I thought it would. To be fair, everything that happened? Did not seem like a contrived little thing to add to the book to add tension/drama/and conflict. It did, in fact, seem like a natural extension of the book (which is also why I knew immediately what would happen after the fact, and was 99% correct - because everything flowed naturally). Well damn. I was going to pinpoint the 'incident' at the beginning. Ah well. It was when Brooklyn visited Jessica. At her office. A bag may or may not be involved. I'm trying to be vague for those who haven't read the book, while giving enough for those who have to know what I'm referring to. *inserts spoiler tags*
The book was filled with a ton of tension/drama/etc. based on intergroup dynamics involving the Campbell friend group and their reaction to Brooklyn-Jessica link up; the ad agency competition; the drama over the birth family; and, most specifically of importance for a romance - relationship tension (both because of that issue of Brooklyn's friends not liking Jessica; being rivals; Brooklyn having commitment and trust issues; having to take things slow; etc.). So, tacking on an extra layer, even if a natural development for the book, seemed like a layer too many.
Oh, and, you know (those who have read my reviews before), how I recently made a comment on another book recently read about how it contained that cliche of 'I'm a powerful woman. I'm giving up control and submitting to another woman. I think I like it'? That cliche, once again, turned up in this book. And yes, it once again pulled me from the story. Though I just kind of laughed and dove back in. See, this was when I still thought of this as a six star book, and that specific scene neither increased nor decreased the overall score given to this book. (Though, I also admit (did I admit anything previously, dang it, I don't want ot reread my own review), Brayden handled that scene brilliantly).
So, for these and other reasons, I cannot break open a brand new 6 star shelf and shove this book onto it. Nor, in good conscious can I add this to my super duper and special 5.5 star shelf. I have currently placed it on no specific star shelf. Though I've currently rated it 4 stars. I am contemplating which shelf to add this book to. 3.5? Probably not. 4? Maybe. 4.5? Perhaps. And, surprising, I know, I still have a strong desire to put this on my five star shelf Why? Well, I did love this ... book (that didn't need spoiler tags).
February 3 2016
October 24, 2017
I'm a late comer to the Melissa Brayden fan pool, but after reading two books by this very talented author, I’m officially a fan.
Kiss the girl is told in third person and from both heroine’s point-of-views. It suffers from some slight head-hopping, something that would normally bother me, but I was more forgiving as this appears to have been ironed out judging by the authors more recent story I read.
I enjoyed that this story featured older women, both nearing forty. The setting was to die for. I’m a kiwi gal, small town, small country. To experience New York through these pages was something I treasured.
Oh, the story? Brilliant, the rivalry, the competition, the angst, putting up walls, pulling down walls, all of which made for a page turner. This story also addresses adoption, the effects it can have on the child, and the parent, and to add to the depth of those things, the eventual meeting, which doesn’t always go well. Throughout these pages, I had my heart broken and, thankfully, put back together.
While there's a fabulous cast of side-characters, Hunter, Mallory, Samantha, they never overwhelmed the plot, an issue sometimes first books in a series stories suffer from.
The trip to the cow farm made me chuckle, more so how in awe the characters were. It also served as a reminder, unlike in New Zealand, dairy farms are not necessarily par for the norm.
Before I embarrass myself with my ramblings, I'm gonna wind this up. If you enjoy well written lesbian romances, with a bit of heat to whet the appetite, and characters that will have you enraptured, check out ‘Kiss the Girls’.
Kiss the girl is told in third person and from both heroine’s point-of-views. It suffers from some slight head-hopping, something that would normally bother me, but I was more forgiving as this appears to have been ironed out judging by the authors more recent story I read.
I enjoyed that this story featured older women, both nearing forty. The setting was to die for. I’m a kiwi gal, small town, small country. To experience New York through these pages was something I treasured.
Oh, the story? Brilliant, the rivalry, the competition, the angst, putting up walls, pulling down walls, all of which made for a page turner. This story also addresses adoption, the effects it can have on the child, and the parent, and to add to the depth of those things, the eventual meeting, which doesn’t always go well. Throughout these pages, I had my heart broken and, thankfully, put back together.
While there's a fabulous cast of side-characters, Hunter, Mallory, Samantha, they never overwhelmed the plot, an issue sometimes first books in a series stories suffer from.
The trip to the cow farm made me chuckle, more so how in awe the characters were. It also served as a reminder, unlike in New Zealand, dairy farms are not necessarily par for the norm.
Before I embarrass myself with my ramblings, I'm gonna wind this up. If you enjoy well written lesbian romances, with a bit of heat to whet the appetite, and characters that will have you enraptured, check out ‘Kiss the Girls’.
August 28, 2018
Confession, There are three books in this series, I read the other two books first then only this. First of all, I am totally pissed at Brooklyn's parents. You gave her up, you got married and had two other kids and never checked on her until she turned 28 bloody years. As for the romance aspect, it was okay, the attraction came pretty quick, Jessica was ready to start something with Brooklyn but Brooklyn had quite a lot of personal issues before braving herself to pursue a relationship with Jessica. Don't think I will be rereading this. However the friendship that this 4 ladies have is really admirable, that fact alone makes this series worth checking out.
July 3, 2014
I think it's pretty safe to say that Melissa Brayden is an author I can put on my "go-to for consistently good stories" shelf. She writes good characters and is very good at writing couples that feel very real to the everyday reader. This couple might be my favorite out of all four of her books for me, and the story might be my favorite, too. But, I reserve the right to change my mind if I re-read Heart Block.
There are some serious issues the characters have to deal with on the road to romance in this one, and they're dealt with honestly, with the appropriate level of tension for such themes. Brooklyn has abandonment issues and tends to run, and is dealing with meeting her biological mother for the first time. Her friends are her family, and they provide her with support she so desperately needs. What I really liked about this story the most is the open communication the couple consistently keeps up. Most times, the strife for a romance is heavily geared toward a preponderance of miscommunication which can be so very frustrating when you just want to yell at them "oh just ask her what's going on and talk about it!" Not that I don't enjoy it when characters do that, I do love me some angst. However it's nice when the couple is predominantly the calm in the eye of the storm. Yes they have bumps on the road to love, but they always communicate their feelings. There is nothing sexier than honest communication, in my opinion.
I did have one issue with the dialogue, in that multiple characters had similar humor, so I had a hard time differentiating who was speaking when. But overall, I really enjoyed the story and might have to make this another of my go-to feel-good books. Highly recommend.
There are some serious issues the characters have to deal with on the road to romance in this one, and they're dealt with honestly, with the appropriate level of tension for such themes. Brooklyn has abandonment issues and tends to run, and is dealing with meeting her biological mother for the first time. Her friends are her family, and they provide her with support she so desperately needs. What I really liked about this story the most is the open communication the couple consistently keeps up. Most times, the strife for a romance is heavily geared toward a preponderance of miscommunication which can be so very frustrating when you just want to yell at them "oh just ask her what's going on and talk about it!" Not that I don't enjoy it when characters do that, I do love me some angst. However it's nice when the couple is predominantly the calm in the eye of the storm. Yes they have bumps on the road to love, but they always communicate their feelings. There is nothing sexier than honest communication, in my opinion.
I did have one issue with the dialogue, in that multiple characters had similar humor, so I had a hard time differentiating who was speaking when. But overall, I really enjoyed the story and might have to make this another of my go-to feel-good books. Highly recommend.
July 12, 2022
A story written by Melissa Brayden is hard not to like, but this one had some, or a lot, of issues for me.
This is one of Brayden’s earlier books and we can definitely say the author has improved her writing by leaps and bounds. In this story there’s a lot of POV hopping. Brooklyn is a described as disorganised and that is what I feel about this book as well, a little disorganised but charming. Another thing I didn’t like was constantly calling Hunter exotic, it just doesn’t fit with the times, you know? The book is from 2014 so that might be why it’s there, I haven’t noticed any of these things Brayden’s newer releases. And what annoyed me most was the use of the word picturesque. I can’t get this line out of my head where one of the characters is looking at the other’s breasts for the first time and she’s thinking the sight is picturesque. I’m happy it remained a thought, if she would have spoken those words I would’ve just stopped reading this book. I mean, technically the use of the word isn’t incorrect but it’s just used in this book in ways I don’t find fitting. Just not my personal preference.
That being said the story is still enjoyable and typical Brayden. I loved the characters in this book and I’ll be reading the other two in this series as well. Fingers crossed they don’t have the POV hopping and overuse of the word picturesque ;)
This is one of Brayden’s earlier books and we can definitely say the author has improved her writing by leaps and bounds. In this story there’s a lot of POV hopping. Brooklyn is a described as disorganised and that is what I feel about this book as well, a little disorganised but charming. Another thing I didn’t like was constantly calling Hunter exotic, it just doesn’t fit with the times, you know? The book is from 2014 so that might be why it’s there, I haven’t noticed any of these things Brayden’s newer releases. And what annoyed me most was the use of the word picturesque. I can’t get this line out of my head where one of the characters is looking at the other’s breasts for the first time and she’s thinking the sight is picturesque. I’m happy it remained a thought, if she would have spoken those words I would’ve just stopped reading this book. I mean, technically the use of the word isn’t incorrect but it’s just used in this book in ways I don’t find fitting. Just not my personal preference.
That being said the story is still enjoyable and typical Brayden. I loved the characters in this book and I’ll be reading the other two in this series as well. Fingers crossed they don’t have the POV hopping and overuse of the word picturesque ;)
January 17, 2019
LOVE!
So cute, so hot. What an unlikely likely couple. The main characters, Jessica and Brooklyn, are so divine, so quirky and so sexy! Kiss the Girl was so enjoyable!
So cute, so hot. What an unlikely likely couple. The main characters, Jessica and Brooklyn, are so divine, so quirky and so sexy! Kiss the Girl was so enjoyable!
March 6, 2017
Beautifully written and my new favorite by the author. Pure five stars.
July 18, 2021
You've always given me the best recommendations whenever I have asked you @Alexis, and for that I'll be forever grateful.
I had decided not to read Melissa Brayden ever because I can be like a petulant child sometimes but looks like I have to eat my words. I am glad I was recommended this book because somehow, it was exactly what I needed to get out of my "mood". After reading this book, I understand why Melissa is so famous and an often talked about lesflic author because this book was fantastic! It was warm, sweet, funny, and adequately angsty and it was a delight to read a book with near perfect proportion of all the required ingredients. I loved the Savvy Soho girls and their relationship with each other. Jessica is great, supportive and her child like enthusiasm had me smiling when they visited the dairy. Another interesting thing was how repairing one relationship helped Brooklyn bandage her relationship with Jessica at the end.
I guess I will be reading more of her books after all. If Brooklyn can learn to be an adult, so can I 🤓
I had decided not to read Melissa Brayden ever because I can be like a petulant child sometimes but looks like I have to eat my words. I am glad I was recommended this book because somehow, it was exactly what I needed to get out of my "mood". After reading this book, I understand why Melissa is so famous and an often talked about lesflic author because this book was fantastic! It was warm, sweet, funny, and adequately angsty and it was a delight to read a book with near perfect proportion of all the required ingredients. I loved the Savvy Soho girls and their relationship with each other. Jessica is great, supportive and her child like enthusiasm had me smiling when they visited the dairy. Another interesting thing was how repairing one relationship helped Brooklyn bandage her relationship with Jessica at the end.
I guess I will be reading more of her books after all. If Brooklyn can learn to be an adult, so can I 🤓
May 26, 2021
Brooklyn werkt al jaren succesvol samen met haar drie beste vriendinnen, ze runnen een goedlopend reclamebureau en werken hard om een belangrijke opdracht binnen te slepen. Maar Brooklyn heeft een ontzettende rotdag waarop werkelijk alles verkeerd lijkt te gaan. Wanneer ze in een wijnbistro Jessica, een mysterieuze brunette, ontmoet, maakt zij haar avond in één klap veel beter.
Jessica staat aan het hoofd van een concurrerend reclamebureau, leeft voor haar werk, is ambitieus en gevreesd. Ze heeft de reputatie van een keiharde zakenvrouw, maar ze heeft ook een veel zachtere kant. Wanneer ze Brooklyn ontmoet, valt ze voor deze charmante, interessante, prachtige vrouw, maar als blijkt dat zij haar grootste concurrent is, maakt dat haar leven wel een stuk ingewikkelder. Want een relatie met de vijand, dat is toch onmogelijk?
Je leest vanuit de perspectieven van beide vrouwen, waardoor je ze goed leert kennen, er veel aandacht is voor hun dagelijks leven en je tegelijkertijd een inkijkje krijgt in de wereld van het sluiten van deals, het omgaan met deadlines en de harde reclamewereld. Brayden heeft complete, gelaagde en ‘echte’ karakters geschetst, sterke vrouwen, personages met boeiende achtergrondverhalen die hun acties en denkwijzen beter verklaren. De dialogen zijn scherp, ad rem, leuk en grappig en zorgen zowel voor luchtige momenten als voor meer diepgang in het verhaal.
Dit is een verhaal over verliefd worden, een flirterig verhaal waarin de chemie goed aanwezig is en de aantrekkingskracht regelmatig van de pagina’s afspat, maar het is meer. Het is ook een verhaal over ambitie, over carrière maken, over tegenslagen en successen, over sterke vriendschappen waarin alles bespreekbaar is, over hulp bieden waar het nodig is, over onveilige thuissituaties, over onzekerheden en over kunnen zijn wie je bent. Het is een verhaal waarin diversiteit aanwezig is maar er wordt geen extra nadruk op gelegd, het is er gewoon, het is normaal, zoals het altijd zou moeten zijn. Sommige onderwerpen, zoals het adoptieverhaal van Brooklyn, hadden nog wel wat verder uitgewerkt mogen worden, maar ik heb echt genoten van dit boek en wil zeker meer van deze auteur lezen. Het is een verfrissend, warm, lief en krachtig succesverhaal waar je doorheen vliegt!
3.5-4⭐️
Jessica staat aan het hoofd van een concurrerend reclamebureau, leeft voor haar werk, is ambitieus en gevreesd. Ze heeft de reputatie van een keiharde zakenvrouw, maar ze heeft ook een veel zachtere kant. Wanneer ze Brooklyn ontmoet, valt ze voor deze charmante, interessante, prachtige vrouw, maar als blijkt dat zij haar grootste concurrent is, maakt dat haar leven wel een stuk ingewikkelder. Want een relatie met de vijand, dat is toch onmogelijk?
Je leest vanuit de perspectieven van beide vrouwen, waardoor je ze goed leert kennen, er veel aandacht is voor hun dagelijks leven en je tegelijkertijd een inkijkje krijgt in de wereld van het sluiten van deals, het omgaan met deadlines en de harde reclamewereld. Brayden heeft complete, gelaagde en ‘echte’ karakters geschetst, sterke vrouwen, personages met boeiende achtergrondverhalen die hun acties en denkwijzen beter verklaren. De dialogen zijn scherp, ad rem, leuk en grappig en zorgen zowel voor luchtige momenten als voor meer diepgang in het verhaal.
Dit is een verhaal over verliefd worden, een flirterig verhaal waarin de chemie goed aanwezig is en de aantrekkingskracht regelmatig van de pagina’s afspat, maar het is meer. Het is ook een verhaal over ambitie, over carrière maken, over tegenslagen en successen, over sterke vriendschappen waarin alles bespreekbaar is, over hulp bieden waar het nodig is, over onveilige thuissituaties, over onzekerheden en over kunnen zijn wie je bent. Het is een verhaal waarin diversiteit aanwezig is maar er wordt geen extra nadruk op gelegd, het is er gewoon, het is normaal, zoals het altijd zou moeten zijn. Sommige onderwerpen, zoals het adoptieverhaal van Brooklyn, hadden nog wel wat verder uitgewerkt mogen worden, maar ik heb echt genoten van dit boek en wil zeker meer van deze auteur lezen. Het is een verfrissend, warm, lief en krachtig succesverhaal waar je doorheen vliegt!
3.5-4⭐️
April 14, 2017
I loved this book. Like big time loved, will read again many times, will probably even buy a hard copy despite already owning a Kindle copy. I loved every character (except who I wasn't supposed to), I loved watching the two mains fall in love, and the family stuff made me cry and I don't cry easily at books these days. I'm really hoping the rest of this series shows us the rest of the friends getting their HEAs, but I'll happily read them no matter what.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/kiss-...
Podcast here: https://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.co...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/kiss-...
Podcast here: https://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.co...
February 23, 2020
I'd heard for quite some time that I should read this series and finally started it today! I enjoyed the book so much that I read it all in one sitting! This is just a good, thoughtful romance. Great main and secondary characters, good story, not all fluff, some with significant issues that affect their interpersonal/romantic relationships. I loved how all of it was handled. Beautiful people, great friendships, challenges to overcome, personal growth and a lovely romance that took some work, but was worth it in the end. I'm up for more. On to book 2!
July 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. No real surprise there as I've enjoyed all of Melissa's books so far. Though it didn't quite charm me as much as Waiting in the Wings, or feel as distinctive as How Sweet It Is, it certainly had the right mix of elements that all add up to a pretty perfect romance.
The characters are likable and appealing, the plot plausible, sweet and not overly complicated. Melissa's writing has a nice flow to it, and the dialog sounds like actual people talking! This doesn't always happen in novels I find.
Jess was the stand out for me in this. Really loved her. Great main character.
I read these books to indulge in something other than my own world, my own fairly limited experiences with life. These people have friends unlike my own, jobs I'll never dream of having, live in locations I can only hope to visit one day. Finding myself lost in the middle of all that, with a lovely romance to boot, is everything I could ask for in a well written book like this.
I'll be reading this again, and hoping Melissa's next novel won't be too far off.
The characters are likable and appealing, the plot plausible, sweet and not overly complicated. Melissa's writing has a nice flow to it, and the dialog sounds like actual people talking! This doesn't always happen in novels I find.
Jess was the stand out for me in this. Really loved her. Great main character.
I read these books to indulge in something other than my own world, my own fairly limited experiences with life. These people have friends unlike my own, jobs I'll never dream of having, live in locations I can only hope to visit one day. Finding myself lost in the middle of all that, with a lovely romance to boot, is everything I could ask for in a well written book like this.
I'll be reading this again, and hoping Melissa's next novel won't be too far off.
February 8, 2017
I love Melissa Brayden's books. They are sweet, sexy and funny.
They are psicholgically intense, but never heavy to read. The author has a wonderful sense of humour and keen insight for her characters.
Kiss the Girl is probably my favourite book of Melissa (together with How Sweet it is, but maybe still better!)
It begins with a wonderful, skyrocketing meeting between Brooklyn and Jessica, and then all has its rythm, in a perfectly edited story, brilliant dialogues, blooming disclosure of many-fields encompassing feelings: couple above all, but also personal growth, friendship and family.
They are psicholgically intense, but never heavy to read. The author has a wonderful sense of humour and keen insight for her characters.
Kiss the Girl is probably my favourite book of Melissa (together with How Sweet it is, but maybe still better!)
It begins with a wonderful, skyrocketing meeting between Brooklyn and Jessica, and then all has its rythm, in a perfectly edited story, brilliant dialogues, blooming disclosure of many-fields encompassing feelings: couple above all, but also personal growth, friendship and family.
February 15, 2015
It was my stereotyping and my biases; that made me put this book off and gave me the idea it could be a frivolous read. To my surprise, it is a solid and satisfying read! Witty dialogues blew my socks off, and the abandonment issues Brooklyn had is so well written that I started believing the author must have experienced them first hand. I like this book better than Waiting in the wings, Heart Block, and How Sweet it is. Those are above average reads, so that means that Kiss The Girl's really excellent beyond the par.
January 5, 2022
Great characters & dialogue - really liked this book.
July 28, 2016
Because I really liked Waiting in the Wings, I decided I'd see what else this author had written. I ADORED Waiting in the Wings but I think I liked this even more? It was my EVERYTHING.
Brooklyn, Samantha, Hunter, and Mallory meet in college and after working on a film project for their LGBTQ-club together, become best friends. Ten years later and they're still best friends and business partners, running a small and successful advertising agency in Soho.
Brooklyn has a bad day, goes to a bar, meets a woman. They REALLY like each other. And guys, THEY'RE SO GREAT. Brooklyn and Jessica are SO GREAT. Jessica is the head of their biggest rival firm though, so it's not always easy. But, there's no convoluted drama, the two characters are very easily understood and their relationship is AMAZING and tropey. Some tropes include:
It was just SO GOOD. It made me so happy. Their relationship was truly excellent and not just that, but Brooklyn's friendship with the other three girls is the stuff of dreams. Lady friendship of the most beautiful variety.
I also really appreciated the tiny mentions Adrienne from Waiting in the Wings got as Jessica's cousin.
I can't wait to get to the other two books in this series. I'm so happy this author exists and seemingly writes everything I've ever wanted. The next book is best friends to lovers so if you know me, you know how psyched I am for that.
Brooklyn, Samantha, Hunter, and Mallory meet in college and after working on a film project for their LGBTQ-club together, become best friends. Ten years later and they're still best friends and business partners, running a small and successful advertising agency in Soho.
Brooklyn has a bad day, goes to a bar, meets a woman. They REALLY like each other. And guys, THEY'RE SO GREAT. Brooklyn and Jessica are SO GREAT. Jessica is the head of their biggest rival firm though, so it's not always easy. But, there's no convoluted drama, the two characters are very easily understood and their relationship is AMAZING and tropey. Some tropes include:
It was just SO GOOD. It made me so happy. Their relationship was truly excellent and not just that, but Brooklyn's friendship with the other three girls is the stuff of dreams. Lady friendship of the most beautiful variety.
I also really appreciated the tiny mentions Adrienne from Waiting in the Wings got as Jessica's cousin.
I can't wait to get to the other two books in this series. I'm so happy this author exists and seemingly writes everything I've ever wanted. The next book is best friends to lovers so if you know me, you know how psyched I am for that.
June 23, 2020
3.5/5 stars
I was expecting to like this one more and am very surprised that it didn't live up to my expectations. I do really enjoy Melissa Brayden's writing, I think she can create great chemistry between the characters but I still never felt quite connected to the stories. To be honest, I enjoyed the friendship between the four ladies at Soho Savvy more than the romance or the other personal storylines. I'm not saying this is a bad book by any stretch, it has a romance full of sexual tension, emotional depth and fun rivalry. Brooklyn's personal development was also an interesting and emotional storyline, although I do think it ended up a little too tied together/happily-ever-after.
Despite these small critiques, I was going to give this book four plus stars until about 80% of the way through. The beginning of the book in particular was fantastic. Right from the start we learnt about the characters and got a taste for a fantastic romantic connection. But about 80% of the way through this relatively stable/smooth story in terms of drama, I feel like the characters had a major fight/separation that came out of nowhere. I don't want to spoil it, but seemingly unnecessary drama like this is one of my biggest pet-peeves it romances. And it went on for waaay too long. This was contrasted by the ending which seemed like a quick fix to these problems. It felt like i was getting a kind of whip-lash from the drama that seemed to come out of nowhere.
Still, I do really enjoy Brayden's writing and she can definitely construct a romance full of emotion, chemistry and love. I'm hoping I enjoy her other books a bit more than this one.
I was expecting to like this one more and am very surprised that it didn't live up to my expectations. I do really enjoy Melissa Brayden's writing, I think she can create great chemistry between the characters but I still never felt quite connected to the stories. To be honest, I enjoyed the friendship between the four ladies at Soho Savvy more than the romance or the other personal storylines. I'm not saying this is a bad book by any stretch, it has a romance full of sexual tension, emotional depth and fun rivalry. Brooklyn's personal development was also an interesting and emotional storyline, although I do think it ended up a little too tied together/happily-ever-after.
Despite these small critiques, I was going to give this book four plus stars until about 80% of the way through. The beginning of the book in particular was fantastic. Right from the start we learnt about the characters and got a taste for a fantastic romantic connection. But about 80% of the way through this relatively stable/smooth story in terms of drama, I feel like the characters had a major fight/separation that came out of nowhere. I don't want to spoil it, but seemingly unnecessary drama like this is one of my biggest pet-peeves it romances. And it went on for waaay too long. This was contrasted by the ending which seemed like a quick fix to these problems. It felt like i was getting a kind of whip-lash from the drama that seemed to come out of nowhere.
Still, I do really enjoy Brayden's writing and she can definitely construct a romance full of emotion, chemistry and love. I'm hoping I enjoy her other books a bit more than this one.
December 8, 2015
Sarah Waters, Jeanette Winterson, Radclyffe, Robin Alexander, Georgia Beers, Jae, Fannie Flagg, Gerri Hill… If there was a Hall of Fame for lesbian writers, a plaque with their pictures would be tacked against a wall, forever immortalized. Melissa Brayden is a few books shy of plaque-status. She’s a FAST rising star and almost all of her books have been a home run. Kiss The Girl is no exception, and would be a wonderful introduction to her writing style and stories.
What I love about this book (and this series) is how relate-able the main characters are. I bet that all of us, gay or straight, can list at least ten people that have something in common with Brooklyn or Jessica. They’re strong, smart, competent women. There really needs to be more novels written with this type of characterization. I just wish that the author gave a little more insight and background into Jessica; what makes Jessica, Jessica.
The novel had a nice, consistent pace. There weren’t really any parts that were slower than others. It was engaging, and humorous, and it was finished in one sitting.
If I had to compare the novel and the Soho Loft Series (Kiss the Girl, Just Three Words, Ready or Not) to a TV series, it would definitely be Sex And The City. It has a very light and comfortable feel, and it’s perfect for a poolside read.
http://lesreadoutloud.com/2015/11/11/...
What I love about this book (and this series) is how relate-able the main characters are. I bet that all of us, gay or straight, can list at least ten people that have something in common with Brooklyn or Jessica. They’re strong, smart, competent women. There really needs to be more novels written with this type of characterization. I just wish that the author gave a little more insight and background into Jessica; what makes Jessica, Jessica.
The novel had a nice, consistent pace. There weren’t really any parts that were slower than others. It was engaging, and humorous, and it was finished in one sitting.
If I had to compare the novel and the Soho Loft Series (Kiss the Girl, Just Three Words, Ready or Not) to a TV series, it would definitely be Sex And The City. It has a very light and comfortable feel, and it’s perfect for a poolside read.
http://lesreadoutloud.com/2015/11/11/...
September 19, 2014
Once again Brayden delivers a romance with characters you can't help but love. Brooklyn is entertaining the moment she hits the page and I also liked the effort the author made to build some depth into her back story. Having Jessica's neighbour Ashton echo and remind Brooklyn of her early years in foster care added a nice level of grit and depth not seen in How Sweet it Is. The storyline involving Brooklyn's birth mother adds a whole new emotional level to Kiss the Girl and reinforces our admiration for Brooklyn's dauntless spirit.
I am not the biggest femme/femme fan ( name dropping designer duds is lost on me) but I still enjoyed the gentle transformation of Jessica from hard hitting Ad Exec to spending all of her time thinking of Brooklyn. There is much more to life than work and winning every contract and Jessica's growth was a pleasure to watch.
The standard make out, break up, make up plot line has several detours in Kiss the Girl which adds to the readers enjoyment.
Add some swoon worthy romantic moments and settings and Kiss the Girl is a terrific read.
I am not the biggest femme/femme fan ( name dropping designer duds is lost on me) but I still enjoyed the gentle transformation of Jessica from hard hitting Ad Exec to spending all of her time thinking of Brooklyn. There is much more to life than work and winning every contract and Jessica's growth was a pleasure to watch.
The standard make out, break up, make up plot line has several detours in Kiss the Girl which adds to the readers enjoyment.
Add some swoon worthy romantic moments and settings and Kiss the Girl is a terrific read.
March 22, 2015
Brooklyn's life has never been easy and I understand why she feels insecure, but her commitment phobia is too much. And all those mixed signals? She wants to take things slow, but invites Jessica to travel and meet her mother. She wants to be taken seriously, but acts like an immature girl. Annoying, to say the least.
I don’t buy the “I didn’t know who Jessica was” thing. Not for a second. Because if you’re in advertising and don’t know who your competitors are, you should consider a career change. Your lack of information is unacceptable!
The drama took me by surprise and I really enjoyed seeing Brooklyn confronting her parents. Her emotions were raw and real. In this case, a bittersweet closure would have been perfect, but Melissa Brayden seems to like happy endings filled with flowers and rainbows.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
I don’t buy the “I didn’t know who Jessica was” thing. Not for a second. Because if you’re in advertising and don’t know who your competitors are, you should consider a career change. Your lack of information is unacceptable!
The drama took me by surprise and I really enjoyed seeing Brooklyn confronting her parents. Her emotions were raw and real. In this case, a bittersweet closure would have been perfect, but Melissa Brayden seems to like happy endings filled with flowers and rainbows.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
February 6, 2019
After so many positive reviews it's probably hard to add something very relevant, I really liked Brooklyn's enthusiasm and how she described her ideas they really pulled you in. In all honesty, I'm probably more anticipating reading the second book cause I really liked Sam's and Hunter in this one and the rival company theme is not one of my favorites.
The narration is fantastic. One tiny thing but that's more audibles fault, the narration is very slow, normally I listen to things at x1.1 speed but here at times it was between 1.3 to 1.45. I believe you can go in 0.5 increments on an android device but Apple and amazon tablets only allow 0.25 increments.
The narration is fantastic. One tiny thing but that's more audibles fault, the narration is very slow, normally I listen to things at x1.1 speed but here at times it was between 1.3 to 1.45. I believe you can go in 0.5 increments on an android device but Apple and amazon tablets only allow 0.25 increments.
September 10, 2018
The standout aspect of this book is the dialogue. It's often 'chortling-through-your-nose-funny'or 'smiling-at-the-page-endearing' and brings the characters to life in a way that makes the whole story very engaging. I'd have given it 5 stars, but some of the themes (other than the romance) were not handled with quite as much skill. Overall, a really great book.
December 21, 2015
I'm gonna have to blame Melissa Brayden for the amount of classes I've spent devouring this book right after Waiting in the Wings. God, her writing style is so exactly the kind of stuff I die for, it's unreal.
Thankfully, this was just as nice to read. I expected good things in the romance aspect, but what I didn't see coming was how much I'd love the friendship between Brooklyn and her best friends. It was so amazing to see a female character whose real family consists of three amazing girls she met in an LGBT club in college, and not only that but also the fact that they work so well together they managed to start a company like that all by themselves. Lady friendships are the greatest thing ever.
For some reason had avoided reading the summaries for the next books, and only today I found out that they're not continuations still focused on Brooklyn and Jess, and I'm so incredibly excited for Hunter, Sam and Mallory to be the main characters next. As much as I loved Brooklyn, it would be a shame if the rest of the group didn't get a chance to shine as well.
I don't really have much to say about this book given that I pretty much loved everything. For what it's worth, I was especially pleased by how well the side storylines were handled — the whole thing with Brooklyn's birth mother was nicely developed and, my personal favorite, Jessica's storyline about taking care of Ashton was the most heartwarming thing, not to mention how it tied into Brook's emotional journey and backstory.
(And damn, it was embarrassing how bad I freaked out at every mention of Jenna McGovern. Having just finished reading Waiting In The Wings, finding out that she was Jessica's cousin and seeing these characters talk about her, it was ridiculously exciting. If she ever showed up at some point I might have actually cried.)
Needless to say I'm so looking forward to reading the next book.
Thankfully, this was just as nice to read. I expected good things in the romance aspect, but what I didn't see coming was how much I'd love the friendship between Brooklyn and her best friends. It was so amazing to see a female character whose real family consists of three amazing girls she met in an LGBT club in college, and not only that but also the fact that they work so well together they managed to start a company like that all by themselves. Lady friendships are the greatest thing ever.
For some reason had avoided reading the summaries for the next books, and only today I found out that they're not continuations still focused on Brooklyn and Jess, and I'm so incredibly excited for Hunter, Sam and Mallory to be the main characters next. As much as I loved Brooklyn, it would be a shame if the rest of the group didn't get a chance to shine as well.
I don't really have much to say about this book given that I pretty much loved everything. For what it's worth, I was especially pleased by how well the side storylines were handled — the whole thing with Brooklyn's birth mother was nicely developed and, my personal favorite, Jessica's storyline about taking care of Ashton was the most heartwarming thing, not to mention how it tied into Brook's emotional journey and backstory.
(And damn, it was embarrassing how bad I freaked out at every mention of Jenna McGovern. Having just finished reading Waiting In The Wings, finding out that she was Jessica's cousin and seeing these characters talk about her, it was ridiculously exciting. If she ever showed up at some point I might have actually cried.)
Needless to say I'm so looking forward to reading the next book.
June 21, 2014
Wow, what a wonderful story. I really liked this book and couldn’t put it down. Melissa Brayden is wonderful author, one of her strengths is the ability to create likeable characters which engage the interest of her readers. It is so refreshing to read a story where the girl gets the girl! Beautifully written, easy to read. Two characters who you can easily fall in love with. I love the Starbucks nemesis, because it always happens to me too. They never get my name right even if I spell it ;) Brooklyn and Jess, the two main characters, are two ladies which couldn’t be similar, yet so different. They meet by accident (maybe fate ;) and the rest is destiny seasoned with a wonderful group of friends, a heartbreaking struggle for love and lots of kissing. Thumbs up!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews