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Black Alcove #1

Just One Kiss

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He kissed me.
I slapped him.
That's the last time I thought about Ethan.
Now he’s back, and screw him—he isn't allowed to break my heart and then show up years later looking like July in a fireman’s calendar and ruining my chances at running the Black Alcove bar. Nope. I have plans and they don’t include him.

I tried to forget her.
I failed.
The moment I saw Kelsey again I knew I was doomed.
I have one task while I’m here, and having her one breath away makes me forget how to be the responsible man I’ve worked so hard to become.

260 pages, ebook

First published October 12, 2015

527 people are currently reading
1245 people want to read

About the author

Jami Wagner

10 books190 followers
Hello,

I'm now writing under Jami Rogers. Please visit my new goodreads page!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
January 15, 2018
Do you remember your first kiss? Do you remember the person who shared it with you? Kelsey never forgot that first kiss or the boy who shared it. She always had a crush on her best friend’s cousin, but kids grow up and move on, right? Kelsey did and her love life was less than stellar, one mistake after another, one cheater after another. Now she is done, or she was until Ethan walked back into her life, all grown up and hotter than a scorching sun.

Ethan never forgot Kelsey, her feisty attitude, or that kiss, but he is out to earn his father’s approval for once in his life. How could he know he would be put in a position to choose Kelsey over his hard-hearted father? Just once, he wanted the old man to say “atta boy,” but now he isn’t so sure…

JUST ONE KISS by Jami Wagner is romantic comedy with a little dishonesty tossed in. To be honest, neither Kelsey nor Ethan are all that mature, but they are cute together. This light-hearted romance reads fast and easy, has some terrific characters, a couple of twists that had me a little worried, but all told, I was entertained from start to finish…and what a finish it was!

Series: Black Alcove - Book 1
Publisher: Jami Wagner (October 12, 2015)
Publication Date: October 12, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Print Length: 260 pages
Available from: AmazonBarnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Jackie (Jackie's Book World) .
929 reviews60 followers
October 20, 2015
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World.:)***

Rating: 4.5/5

Just One Kiss was such a sweet and hilarious book to read. It was just one of those books that I could not put down. From the cover to the intriguing synopsis, Jamie Wagner did a good job at bringing a story of two individuals whose paths have crossed again after not seeing each other for a years.

From the very beginning we get to meet Kelsey Brian, an accounting student who is working at her friend's bar the Black Cove. Working for her friend has always been great for Kelsey, since she gets to get away with being late..etc. But now her friend is going away to Europe for a year and a new manager is coming to take over. Not knowing who is going to be the temporary boss, Kelsey goes to work one day only to find out that her old crush her friend's cousin, Ethan Connelly is going to be the new boss. Their first encounter is filled with surprises and the a few memorable moments that immediately set the tone for the rest of the story. Some are funny others are painful for at one of the characters, but that alone made me keep reading. As Kelsey is trying to decide what to do with her future, she quickly relies on Ethan as the two start to spend more time together at inside and outside of work. Soon the two are telling each other about their pasts and what is keeping them from moving forward.

For Ethan Connelly coming back to visit his cousin has been a bit stressful for him. Ever since his uncle inheritated the bar, Ethan's father has been after it. Now he has sent Ethan back to town to do some dirty work for him. Though Ethan knows that what he is doing is wrong, it doesn't stop him from doing any favors for his father all to get his approval. But when he gets back to town, he sees Kelsey again and his plans completely change. Whether he decides to keep helping his dad now is all up in the air, especially when Kelsey is involved.

I really liked the overall story of Just One Kiss, it has the perfect mixture of drama and sweet moments between the characters that works. It is evident from the beginning that the two have an instant chemistry that slowly grows throughout the book. Although their love is not instant, we do get to that point in the end. Another thing that I love about the story was the secondary characters, they were a constant throughout the story and I am excited to read their own separate book in the future. All in all, if you are looking for a romantic story filled with hilarious scenes and a surprising ending at the end, then this is definitely a book worth checking out. :)

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Dana Volney.
Author 36 books72 followers
October 8, 2015
"Just One Kiss" is full of humor, characters I championed, and endearing situations. You will laugh your way through this fun story while falling in love.

The first book in Jami Wagner’s Black Alcove series, “Just One Kiss”, was so much fun! I loved how humorous the situations and characters were and they both had me laughing out loud throughout. Ethan and Kelsey are both dealing with their own inner demons and the resolution was endearing. “Just One Kiss” is rich with characters and I look forward to reading about all of them.


Profile Image for Poulami.
372 reviews38 followers
October 4, 2015
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.

**I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

This book was short and sweet. I liked it though I didn't fall in love with it, I think mainly because of the main character Ethan. But nonetheless there were some great and hilarious scenes which made me laugh so hard.

The story revolves around the life of Kelsey who is a college student and works part time in a bar run by her best friend, Sara. She is shocked to hear that Sara is going out for a world tour and leaving the bar in charge of her cousin Ethan. She and Ethan had a bit of history, they had kissed once while Ethan still had a girlfriend and she greatly dislikes cheaters because her best friend slash boyfriend cheated on her. She decides to focus fully on her work and college but it becomes hard when Ethan comes into the scene. They finally confess they like each other but there's a bigger motif for Ethan’s coming here and if it's revealed, it might destroy everything they had hoped to build.

The plot was pretty clichéd, this kind of plot is becoming so obvious everywhere but still the execution greatly matters and here, it felt flat for me. I was really hoping to enjoy this book very much but it didn't happen though I won't say I hated it, it was an okay read and I liked it. It came as a shock when I learnt about Ethan’s actual reason of coming here and that he agreed to play by his father’s plan just for his approval though deep down he knew that was never going to happen. The plot twist was good but after that everything just escalated a bit too quickly for my taste. Their attraction was also a bit too immediate but I did enjoy the romance between Kelsey and Ethan through the book.

The characters were okay. I couldn't relate with them much. Kelsey was a hard working person, caring and passionate about her writing. She hated cheaters and hoped that Ethan wouldn't turn out like the rest of them and she gave a fair chance to him. I didn't like Ethan a bit. He just kept blowing the chances that Kelsey gave him. If I were in her place, I wouldn't have given him that much chances. He knew what he was doing was wrong yet ke kept doing that and hurting Kelsey in the process. And when everything blew up in his face, he didn't even fight for her. His excuse- she didn't want him. What even! Ethan was a perfect example of a coward, he definitely wasn't the swwon worthy guy I was expecting.

The writing was simple and easy to read. This book was short, so I finished it quite easily in two sittings. The pace was even throughout the book. I enjoyed the flow of the dialogues and the conversation between the friends.

Overall, Just One Kiss was an okay read for me. The plot was clichéd and the characters were somewhat okay. I couldn't connect with them. Though I enjoyed the romance and there were quite a few hilarious scenes which were awsome. The writing was smooth and the pace was even throughout the book.

Recommend it?

Maybe you could give it a try if you like NA books and see if you like it or not.
Profile Image for El.
52 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2016
REVIEW CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT WHAT EL READ

Disclaimer: This review is based on my own thoughts. I don’t intend to discourage you from reading this book with my review.


Just One Kiss is NOT an okay read for me. I have to say that I had high expectations for this book because of the reviews that I read in Goodreads. This book started out good but the plot went downhill as the story goes on. I found this book too cliche. Chapter 1 was interesting, the succeeding chapters were okay.

Kelsey is the female protagonist, she’s an accounting student but she really wants to become a writer (like me, you got me there, Kelsey, that’s why I struggled to finish the book). Ethan is the male protagonist, he has already finished college and is taking over Sara‘s, Ethan’s cousin and Kelsey’s bestfriend, bar for a year. I guess you already see where this is going? Yep, they fell in love yada yada yada.


The characters annoy the poop out of me. Ethan is an asshole and Kelsey is stupid. Sure, I have already seen a man who likes a girl one minute and then the next minute he acts like he doesn’t, but I haven’t seen a girl who gives a man more than two chances when it comes to dating. Does love really makes you stupid? I mean no offense people because I haven’t been in love before.

“I don’t want to play games, Kelsey. I want you and only you.”


Aw, that’s so sweet of you, Ethan. Guess what happened next? Yep, they had SEX! The man just practically poured out his feelings and the next thing they did is to have sex. OH GOSH. I was so disappointed!

description

Ugh! I’m so done with this book. I don’t want to write another paragraph about how this book disappointed the shite out of me.

It really saddens me that this book didn’t work for me. I mean, I really thought I’d enjoy it but no. Just no.

description
Profile Image for Jen.
3,609 reviews
October 9, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review.

Just One Kiss is the first novel in the Black Alcove new adult (NA) series from author Jami Wagner and introduces readers to a bar called the Black Alcove and the young people who work there. Here we have Kelsey Brian, an accounting student, and Ethan Connelly, nephew of the bar's owner. The blurb may sound as if it's a second chance romance but I don't think Kelsey and Ethan were ever truly in love with one another when they were in their teens. Yes, they exchanged one memorable kiss and they were probably enamored with each other, but Ethan was only in the area every summer and never returned after the summer that cemented that first kiss. When Ethan returns seven years later, Kelsey's wary of him because he had a girlfriend when they kissed and Ethan never understood Kelsey's reaction to the kiss afterward.

The first few encounters between Ethan and Kelsey are filled with embarrassingly awkward (for Kelsey) and physically painful (for Ethan) moments that had me laughing. There's also a fair amount of drama that goes on because Ethan is keeping a secret from Kelsey for most of the book and then Kelsey ends up keeping her own secret from him later on. These two are in their early twenties so the immaturity and bad decision-making is understandable, though those can occur at any age. I did like them together, even though there was a great deal of one step forward, two steps back on the part of Ethan. I loved Logan and Sara, Ethan's and Kelsey's best friends, respectively, and after reading that epilogue, I'm excited to see what book two has in store for them. Just One Kiss was an overall charming read and it receives 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars for Goodreads. ♥
Profile Image for Once.
2,344 reviews81 followers
February 20, 2016
Ethan and Kelsey's story started off when they were young. Ethan is Kelsey's best friends cousin. Back then he was nerdy but she liked him. One day he kisses her, but she gets upset because he has a girlfriend. Well, that is the story of Kelsey's love life. She went on with her life having boyfriends who would cheated etc. So Kelsey didn't trust easily due to getting her heart broken many times. Years later, she is working with her best friend at her bar when she tells Kelsey that is is going to leave the bar in the hands of her cousin, while she is away and in walks Ethan. But now he is HOT and the best looking man she has ever seen.

What I enjoyed most about Just One Kiss is having Ethan and Kelsey getting to know each other once again. Definitely all the parts at the beginning when she keeps hurting him on accident (you will have to read to know what I am talking about) and there were many funny moments. But I liked the moments when like in real life, we are not sure if we can trust ourselves, to let go, and give love another try. Lucky for Ethan and Kelsey they did try, but of course he wasn't being honest with her and in turn he kept messing up. Again and again. Then she was finally done, finished getting hurt. But given some time and they both realized what was most important in life and that was each other!

This book is fantastic! I felt in love with this story and it was a fast and easy read. Such a very entertaining read! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves funny stories as well as romance. Some parts were sad but it mixed well with the story. If you like stories like this, then Just One Kiss is perfect for you! - Jamie
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,116 reviews359 followers
October 23, 2015
Heat: 1 flame

Themes: 2nd chance romance, friends to lovers, family pressures

POV: Dual

What I loved: Kelsey and Ethan were both great characters. I enjoyed the fact that Ethan totally owned up to the mistakes he has made. Both of them struggle with trying to get their parents approval (even though Ethan's family is sinister!). I felt that Ethan's POV was really honest which was nice. He is certainly not a 'beat your chest' alpha. I found this refreshing too. Don't get me wrong-I love a good alpha but its nice to read a book with a Beta to switch it up. The writing is good, the plot moves at a good pace, and the dual POV was really well done in this book. I also liked that many months pass throughout the book. It makes the relationship seem more believable because it truly develops over time.

What I didn't love: Overall, the book is fairly predictable. Its not necessarily a bad thing because it is still a good book. But, if you are looking for something shockingly new and different, this isn't for you.

If you liked: Bella Andre and Melissa Foster Cape Cod Promises, Jill Shalvis, Jennifer Probst
Profile Image for Sanaa .
1,219 reviews177 followers
Read
January 12, 2016
I received an ARC of the book for an honest review!

Whoops. Forgot to write stuff here. I didn't finish @ 21%. I hate not finishing a book but I couldn't connect to the characters and the story was a bit too unrealistic.
Profile Image for Mary Billiter.
Author 15 books63 followers
October 13, 2015
Jami Wagner's voice is undeniable. It pops off the page and instantly the reader hears the character and knows them. From Kelsey to Ethan we have a pulse on their voice and in turn their emotion. I look forward to more from this emerging romance author.
Profile Image for Devyn.
172 reviews
October 18, 2015
On iBooks for 99 cents. Bought it. Cheesy romance, not the best but not the worst. Really not much else to say here. 4.0 stars
Profile Image for Emily.
675 reviews
Read
February 8, 2021
I shelved this as New Adult since the main characters are 22/23 years old. Their ages are actually really strange since the best friend runs her family bar and Ethan is essentially trying to commit corporate espionage/sabotage.

The story is OK, but the writing is really bad and awkward (the author doesn’t use any contractions, plus there are typos).
Profile Image for Renita.
303 reviews39 followers
October 14, 2015
ARC received for an honest review as part of the books blog tour....

I love a book about second chances so I was definitely drawn in by the synopsis of this book. Kelsey is just trying to finish her last semester of college and doesn't plan on any romance interfering with her life. But as we know its when you have those set plans that the unexpected usually happens and so when her old crush and first kiss, Ethan, walks through the doors at her job... unexpected but still hot as ever... she knows that her plans are in danger of crumbling.

There was something about Kelsey that I found so fun and endearing that she quickly became my favorite character (followed closely by Logan). Her propensity for finding herself in awkward situations and her clumsy escapes brought my smiles throughout. She was pretty positive and extremely patient (I'll get into that in a minute) so my feelings for her stayed consistent from beginning to end.

Now...
Ethan. Gosh this boy. At times I loved him. At times I wanted to shake him.
Forgive me if the following sounds vague but I want to make sure there's no spoilers. Very quickly we realize Ethan's conflict that causes him to pause his feelings towards Kelsey... Of course I wasn't a fan of his initial intentions but when he starts to come into his own self realizations I cheered him on. The only problem with this was that there was a a whole lot of I WILL! that was quickly eclipsed by I WON'T - this lends itself to the above comment about Kelsey's patience.
I wanted to love him so much that he frustrated me even more. This is a good testament to the emotional conflict that was going on in Ethan's life. I really enjoyed that both Kelsey and Ethan were faced with similar dilemmas... having the future plans influenced by outside sources, in their cases it was their fathers. But despite this, there were two very different stories with two different attitudes and reactions.

I thought it was a cute and fun story and it definitely left me with a smile. Since this is the first of the series, I'm curious to see whose stories we can look forward, especially since Logan is one of my favorites about this book.
I'm giving JUST ONE KISS... 3 STARS
Profile Image for Connected By Books.
71 reviews15 followers
October 9, 2015
As far as debut novels go, Just One Kiss is a pretty good one. I was intrigued by it from the get go – starting with the blurb and ending with the quality writing and the lovable characters.

The book is a fun, light and just ‘happy-feel’ read – it does have some heartbreaking moments, but mostly it made me just adore reading it.

Just One Kiss, follows Kelsey and Ethan – two very different individuals, with distinct upbringings and even more distinct future plans. While Kelsey strives to become a writer, while also studying accounting, to please her father, Ethan is only looking to get his father’s acceptance. That’s the reason he relocates and takes to running the Black Alcove also known as BA, from his cousin Sara, while she takes a year off and travels the world. He doesn’t expect to find Kelsey there, the girl with whom he shared a kiss years ago, and whom he still has a crush on. Their chemistry is still there and it’s hard for them to fight it off. They start off as frememies, but that doesn’t take long to transform into something more. Then the unexpected happens, add to this Ethan’s father selfishness, and I was left wondering and hoping, that this couple will get their HEA.

I enjoyed that the author didn’t go for the shocking plot twists, and even it it was a bit predictable in part, it still kept my interest and made me cheer for our heroine ans hero, and all the other secondary characters. The funny parts were hilarious – from the fence jumping scene, to the ‘accident prone’ Ethan whenever he was near Kelsey, to Sara and Logan’s interactions – this book was a hoot.

The one aspect I wish was a bit more developed is the ending – I wish the author would have taken more time in resolving the plot twist – it was a bit too rushed, and we were more so told what happened than showed – I always want this part to be expended and make me feel for these characters than have it all solved in a flash.

All in all, Just One Kiss is worth reading- it’s a fun, summery <<

***ARC reveived from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
October 18, 2015
Love Ethan and Logan but especially Ethan. Ethan’s brother Lance makes a quick appearance but what he does is wonderful. He backs his brother and is proud of him for finally seeing that love shouldn’t be earned and that you should live your life for you and not to please your dad.

Ethan is a good guy. He’s kind, compassionate and sweet. His issue is his dad. He wants to please his dad and make him proud. He wants his father to finally love him and to do this he has to go against who he is and what he believes. This is a constant fight and struggle for Ethan especially since Kelsey is someone he has always cared for. When those two start to know each other and kiss that changes the game more for Ethan. He is trying to find a way around his dad without alienating him. Unfortunately Kelsey isn’ t a very trusting person due to her past with guys. she also doesn’t have much self esteem in that area of her life.

Kelsey tries to please her dad too. Difference is her dad doesn’t ask her to do immoral things and he does love her no matter what he just doesn’t know how to really show it. She is a sweet girl just has a past with men that makes her wary of them. Ethan begins to shatter that and also gets to get her to start to open up. that is until ethan’s dad comes into town.

This is a sweet, fun and sexy romance. the scene on the pool table wowza. A fun story where they banter back and forth, drive each other nuts and struggle with keeping who they are while letting someone in. In Ethan’s case he is struggling with the idea that his family will walk away from him. That is a harder pill to swallow and one that is difficult to come to terms with so he deserves a little leeway and slack. Kelsey is trying to find herself and her way. Forge a new path and still make her parents proud. The two of them together are feisty, fun and adorable.

this is the story of how Ethan and Kelsey find themselves, forge a relationship based on love, support and strength and with this strength are able to conquer their demons.
Profile Image for Jaime Fertal.
334 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2015
Ethan and Kelsey's story started off when they were young, Ethan is Kelsey's best friends cousin. Back then he was nerdy but she liked him. One day he kisses her, but she gets upset cause he has a girlfriend. well that is the story of Kelsey's love life. She went on in life having boyfriends who would cheat etc. So Kelsey didnt trust easily due to getting her heart broken! Years later she is working with her best friend at her bar when she tells Kelsey that is is going to leave the bar in the hands of her cousin while she is away and in walks Ethan, but now he is HOT and the best looking man she has ever seen.
What I enjoyed most about Just One Kiss is them getting to know each other, and definitely all the parts at the beginning when she keeps hurting him on accident, there were tons of LOL moments for me. But I liked the moments when like in real life, we are not sure if we can trust our selves to let go and give love another try. But lucky for Ethan and Kelsey they did try, but of course he wasnt being honest with her and in turn he kept messing up, again and again. Then she was finally done, finished getting hurt. But given some time and they both realized what was most important in life, and that was each other!
This book is fantastic I feel in love with this story and it was a fast and easy read. very entertaining! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves funny situations, love stories, and some sad moments mixed in as well, with some really great friends to be by your side no matter what, in any situation. If you like stories like this, then Just One Kiss is a must!!
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,672 reviews341 followers
September 21, 2015
After being cheated on by her boyfriend Tyler , Kelsey decided to take a backseat from guys as she had planned never to be hurt by them again. With only one semester left of college with her accounting degree, she had a plan and as we read Just One Kiss , it does make the reader wonder if Kelsey has a form of Aspergers or Autism and is on the spectrum as her character does not like change at all and when her best friend Sara announced she was going away on holiday, it completely tipped Kelsey's world upside down. As one , who has family members on the spectrum it did make me wonder as I read more into the character of Kelsey. Years ago Sara's cousin Ethan used to spend the summers staying with Sara and hanging out with Kelsey, that was until the summer they were fifteen and kissed - after that everything became super awkward and Kelsey and Ethan drifted apart. Now Ethan is back as he will be managing the bar for Sara while she is overseas on her holiday, the thing though is that Ethan is here with an ulterior motive as in his grandfather's will - it states that if his Uncle - Sara's dad has been caught doing something dodgy with the bar's earnings and money, then everything gets transferred to Ethan's dad. What will happen though, when Ethan starts to fall for Kelsey and vice versa , and Ethan's dad sends his brother Lance in to check things out and hurry the process along ? Can Kelsey forgive Ethan when she discovers the truth especially when it turns out that Kelsey is pregnant with Ethan's baby ?

Find out in Just One Kiss - Book #1 Black Alcove Series by Jami Wagner.
Profile Image for Jordan Bates.
Author 12 books197 followers
October 6, 2015
****4 of 5 Stars!****

The Best Parts:

What I wanted out of this novel was a fun classy romance novel that would make me laugh, and you know what? That is exactly what I got! Kelsey and Ethan's relationship is so fun to watch because you can tell every one around them is already plotting their futures, but they are too stubborn to see it. I also love that she beats the shit out of hit, on accident of course! it seems that everything that can happen does, and I love that it is the man who is making the mistakes and having to make up for it for once. Granted Kelsey isn't an angel, she does fall for every apology, but come on, who wouldn't for you childhood crush?!

The Worst Pars:

Even in a fun loving novel there are something that are hard to read and for me that was the ending. I liked it, I did, but it was an odd one for me. Kelsey was so sure about being independent and not letting her heart get stomped on for the millionth time, but then all of a sudden once her brother shows up, BAM!, it's all happily ever after. I wish that Kelsey would have had more time for self reflection, but am happy to say that I still love the actual ending. It brings back the fun loving side of the book that we got at the beginning.

Final Thoughts:

This novel will be worth every penny, I promise! It doesn't disappoint and doesn't have a cliffhanger, but will definitely keep you on your toes the whole time. Granted it isn't a long book, but there is so much to learn about the relationships in this book that you can finish it in a few hours and still be left reeling with emotion.
Profile Image for Heather.
296 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2015
Jami Wagner's "Just One Kiss" is a funny, light-hearted romance that will leave you with smile on your face.

Kelsey Brian has decided to focus on her future, and this means saying no to men. After being hurt one too many times, Kelsey's only focus is the bar she works at owned by her best friend Sara and finishing the last semester for her accounting degree. She had everything planned out until the day Sara told her she was leaving for a while and while she was gone her cousin Ethan would be managing the bar. The same Ethan Kelsey had kissed and fallen for as a teenager.

Ethan Connelly has spent most of his life trying to earn his father's approval and now he has the chance. When Ethan's cousin ask him to manage the bar while she is gone overseas Ethan has a chance to help his dad get ownership of the bar for his uncle (Sara's dad). Without giving too much of the story away, let's just say this give Ethan a chance to earn his father's approval and acceptance. What Ethan hadn't planned on was getting a second chance with the girl who got away.

Ethan and Kelsey's story was a good read. It is short and sweet but has parts that are laughed out loud funny. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted and funny read.

I receive an eARC of this book compliments of the publisher for my honest review and opinion. All ratings and opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,448 reviews52 followers
October 16, 2015
Ethan Connelly and Kelsey Brian shared a kiss as teenagers. She felt bad, since he had a girlfriend at the time. Years later, she broke up with her own boyfriend, when she caught him cheating with not 1 but 2 girls at the same time. Is it true once a cheater always a cheater?

Now after 7 years, Ethan walks into the bar where she works. He has turned out smokin' HOT! Hot with a capital H! He is going to run the bar for her best friend and roommate, his cousin while she takes a world trip for about a year. Can Kelsey put up with his being close and not try to attack him?

Ethan has always wanted Kelsey. Now he has an actual shot with her. Only keeping a terrbile secret from her and her roommate may have awful consequences. Can their new relationship bounce back from this? What is he gets caught?

Kelsey is finally trusting a man again. She knows Ethan is hiding something from her. She just hopes it doesn't kill her when she finds out. She knows it is just a question of when, not if. She just hopes it is not another woman like before.

Both of these characters have bad parents and can relate on that level. What I loved was the banter, the sexy times, and the struggle to resist! This is a great start to the Black Alcove series. I cannot wait to see what the author has for us in the next book!


***This ARC was given in return for an honest review only.
Profile Image for Sanne Heremans.
369 reviews54 followers
October 13, 2015
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review - Sanne / Scandalous Book Blog***

Kelsey Brian and Ethan Connelly have shared just one kiss years ago... Time goes by and circumstances bring them back together.

Their kiss didn't exactly end well and now both are hesitant to approach one another. What makes it even harder is that Ethan's reasons for coming back aren't quite what you'd call "kosher".

"No secrets and no lies. It's us, all in or nothing." --> If only it was this simple.

Nonetheless, the attraction they share is too strong and powerful to be denied and one night follows that'll have multiple consequences.

Meddling families - lies vs the truth and a love that is like no other.


You'll be in for a bumpy ride. This book is coated with a lot of intrigues and stubborn characters and will make you yell at them a lot!

Some parting words:

"Life will never turn out the way we plan for it. You never expect that a moment you once thought ruined everything is only the beginning or that the worst moments are actually the best."
Profile Image for MJ Symmonds.
1,101 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2017
I'm kind off at a loss for words for this review. I didn't hate this book but there was just so much that the author could have done to make this an incredible read. It fell short, really short. The first part of the book went very slow and really didn't go anywhere. When you know what Ethan's deal is & what he is up to I thought here we go it's about to get really good. Sadly once again it just didn't proceed as I expected. Then when it's getting near the end like there's only about 10% left I'm thinking it's going to end on a cliffhanger. I truly thought there was no way the author could tie up the loose ends but she does. The thing is it just felt like the ending was slapped together & that even the author just wanted the story to end. I think the author could rewrite this and have an amazing book but sadly as is it is just ok.
Profile Image for Maria.
49 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2015
I received an arc from the author. I thought the book was a light, happy romance. I loved the scene that describes Wyoming winds (I have had the experience of my car door closing on my leg while going , through Wyoming). The situation seemed a little unrealistic in some parts-- I'm not sure about a 22 year old being responsible for running the family bar by herself-- but the leading lady seemed like some of the girls I remember from my college days and the leading guy was the type of guy girls often dream of. Warning, there are swearwords and adult situations, but pretty tame.

I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Profile Image for MJ.
638 reviews16 followers
October 18, 2015
I received an ARC via InkSlinger PR.

The premise of this book drew me in. Like, really, really drew me in. At first glance I wanted to give this book a pass but then I read the synopsis and I can't wait to get my hands on this book. Books about second chances are my holy grail so you can imagine how much I wanted to read this book. As I was reading, I was waiting for something. Something that leaves me in awe. I mean, the story was great and all but I was looking for that extra something that sets this book apart from other books, I didn't found it.

See full review @the bookdragon

2 reviews
October 19, 2015
Just One Kiss is a great fast read book. It kept me on my toes the whole time while rooting for the girl and guy to try and figure everything out. If you are looking for something with a feel good ending this is your book!

Favorite thing – I loved all the accidents that Kelsey got into with Ethan. Sometimes I even found myself laughing out loud.

Over all I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. I can’t wait for the rest of Jami Wagner’s Black Alcove series to come out.
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,137 reviews20 followers
April 13, 2016
**more at http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com**

The first in the Black Alcove series by Jami Wagner is coming off as a hit between Kelsey and Ethan. I loved that no matter how hard Ethan tries he cannot fight the chemistry between them anymore. In some ways Ethan seemed like an idiot but one good thing about him is that he right away sees his errors. The groveling he does is beautiful and Kelsey is just cute trying to seduce him as best as she can. There is just no saying no when it comes to Kelsey and Jami Wagner shined in this book turning this to a series I cannot wait to continue.
Profile Image for Stef - British Book Binge.
247 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2016
ARC for honest review


I really wish I could rate higher but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get into it. The plotline was interesting but I found something's unrealistic.

Ethan is a bit of a coward. I get wanting to please your parents but he was not my cup of tea.

The heroine I found very immature at some points too.

I may go back and re-read one day to see if my review changes as I really wanted to.enjoy this book.
3 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I found the characters easy to connect with. I enjoyed how the author described the Wyoming wind. I grew up in Wyoming so it was described to a T!!! I found that the relationship between Kelsey and Ethan was humorous and realistic. I can picture young adults acting the same way towards each other the way that Kelsey and Ethan did. The book kept me wanting more and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
139 reviews
May 23, 2016
Loved this book

Ethan came to work in his cousin, Sara's bar while she went on a trip. Kelsey and Ethan knew each other years before and remembered each other. This is a story about misunderstandings and getting back together. It was funny and sweet. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the next one in this series.
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