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Brewhouse #3

Kiss Me Now

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Angela Watts loved being the life of a party. Until one night changed everything.

Now, she just wants a fresh start. With one semester left of college, she's intent on finishing it and moving on. That means no more distractions and no more boys. Especially womanizer's like Jackson. His cocky smile and mesmerizing eyes ignite her like none other. Which is exactly why she vows to stay away from him. Except he's always there when she needs him. His hungry kisses and fiery touch inflame her. She hadn't wanted a relationship, but in his arms, she is safe again.

Jackson Clark f*cked up. He failed the only job he'd had, and that failure ruined Angela's life. Even though he didn't have a hand in what happened, he's drowning in guilt. Then, he sees Angela again, and he becomes the protector he should have been. The heat between them is undeniable. For the first time he doesn't only want a tight little body and juicy mouth, but her heart too.

But one thought lingers: if Angela knew the role Jackson played in her downfall, would she still want him?

Trigger Warning

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2017

36 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Holly Dodd

13 books106 followers
Holly Dodd is an award-winning author. Her novel won the 2016 RWA Beacon award for unpublished romantic suspense. Her fans classify her stories as steamy and intense with a little bit of funny and a lot of emotion.

Fueled by chocolate and caffeine, her writing interests range from the contemporary anti-hero, to paranormal and futuristic. In her opinion, vampires will never go out of style. She loves an alpha hero and a bad boy, and the women destined to keep them on their toes.

Calling Pennsylvania home, Holly loves autumn, the beach, and beautiful weather. Though she sees very little of it living in the North. When she’s not writing, reading, or baking, she’s wrangling her three psychotic felines, and wondering where her muse will take her to next.

She is the author of the bestselling Brewhouse series, the co-author of the Windy City Bad Boys series, and the co-author of the Queen's Rangers series.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,421 followers
April 11, 2017
It's LIVE!! More details at: http://bit.ly/2nABs5a

This is the second book I've read from Holly Dodd (well 3rd if you consider her co-written Dirty CEO) and I think it's her best work yet! She placed more emphasis on the plot, not the sex this go round, and I liked how character-driven this story turned out to be.

What I liked:
★★★★ it was heavy on the plot
★★★★ the obvious effort made to create developed and realistic characters
★★★★ the subjects (triggers) were dealt with sensitively and knowledgeably and the author didn't shy away from tackling the devastation of her female lead, Angela
★★★★ how easy it was to put myself in the Angela's shoes
★★★★ Jackson was an amazing character and the author illustrated that nicely. He was kind, caring, compassionate, sensitive, understanding, protective, etc. Not to mention, he was sexy as hell!
★★★★ how this story shared a timeline overlap with Pin Me Down. I got to revisit Mia and Regi and finally see what happened to the other girl they rescued

What I wanted to see:
★ the outcome of Angela seeking justice
★ Jackson and Angela as a real couple. Hopefully I'll get a glimpse of them in a future book

Release Date: April 11, 2017
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 4 (at the end)
Book Type: Standalone - Book 3 of the Brewhouse series
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
April 12, 2017
Holly has outdone herself with this book! I've enjoyed every book I've read from her but, this one is by far my absolute favorite. The storyline was heartbreaking but, told with such sensitivity that it made the difference between a okay story and a excellent story, which this was.

Jacksons guilt over a absolutely horrible situation that he blames himself is unbearable and he feels he owes penance in a way to Angela. After that night leaves Angela shattered she realizes she won't be a victim and try's to rebuild her life.

I enjoyed reading about Jacksons growth in this book and Angela's resilience. But I also loved the connection between these two and how everything unfolds in this book.

Even though this book is a standalone and you can follow it without any problems, I recommend starting with book 1 because of the way the books fall into each other in a way.

I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Profile Image for Sam Larks.
422 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2017
It was........meh!

That sounds really nasty now that I've written it but it's true, Do you know those books/stories that you read and then can't remember a thing about them in 2weeks?

This book is that for me!

There's nothing wrong with it, but it could have been soooo much more than what it was!

Girl almost sexually assaulted trying to maintain her sanity and independence! I loved the idea of this and I really liked both MC's but I don't know something just got lost in the process for me.

It's a slow burn (for obvious reasons) which isn't a problem for me I love a good slow burn but this just didn't have me swooning for them together!

But like I always say in nearly all my reviews don't take my word for it, this could easily be a 5 star for you! Have a look at a sample and see if it's something you could love!

Happy reading!!

Profile Image for Angie Harvey.
726 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2017
AHHHHHH!!!!!! This book was was everything I hoped for and so much more! I finally got some of the answers I've always wondered about with Angela, and we get to meet the super sexy Jackson. Angela and Jackson together are FIRE! Their connection is so strong and they really help each other a lot. I also like how we got to see more about the other couples and how Angela has transformed because of them. Angela had so much happen to her and Jackson helped her so much to get passed everything that happened to them. And Angela helped Jackson just as much, it was so endearing.
364 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2017
Not one of my favorites in this series. I liked both characters but there just wasn't enough depth to it. If Jackson was the "good guy" he didn't hold back enough and Angela seemed to 'get over' her attack way too quickly.
710 reviews
April 3, 2019
Good story with some tough subject matter. I also liked the overall message the story sent.
Profile Image for Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews).
958 reviews35 followers
April 10, 2017
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

I have become more and more obsessed with the Brewhouse crew with each and every time Holly Dodd takes us readers back into their fictional world. After reading Mia and Regi's story in Pin Me Down and learning a little about Angela and Jackson, I couldn't wait to read Kiss Me Now and see how the “incident” at the frat house would impact both of their lives. Holly takes us beneath the surface of a situation that should never happen in college but often does and the pain and recovery that follows afterward. Holly had my heart twisted and sobbing at parts during Angela and Jackson's story but she also had me elated showing the love and heat that could still blossom and grow regardless of the circumstances.

Angela is your notorious party girl who has spent the last four years cultivating an image of beauty and allure while trying to find someone to love her. She has recently found that all it got her was a reputation for being easy and a girl who turns into a stalker after a one night stand. So she has recently decided to turn over a new leaf when a tragic night soon makes her question everything about herself and has her struggling just to exist. Angela is an inspiration and soon shows that she has grit and strength to survive anything and is so much more than the “barbie” persona that she has resurrected throughout her college years.

Jackson is a man without a care in this world who is pursuing his Criminal Justice degree, making a name for himself in sports, and partying it up. That is until one night and vulnerable sleeping beauty changes everything. Now he finds the only thing that is occupying his thoughts is Angela and helping her survive the events of the night that changed them both. Jackson is everything that a reader could wish for in a book boyfriend from his gorgeous “viking” look of long blonde hair, groomed beard, and muscled deliciousness. He made me all swoony right along with the harder, traumatized version of Angela with his patience and love that he shows towards her during the aftermath of that night. But no fears lady beneath this gentle veneer still lies the dirty mouthed beast that most of us woman are drawn to who knows how to rock Angela's world when it is time.

Holly Dodd delivers a story of heart break, healing, and love that will forever bind you to these characters. I highly recommend Kiss Me Now for a romance that shows such a growth in the face of tragedy that you can't help but become addicted to the Brewhouse crew. Holly never ceases to amaze me with her ability to draw a reader into her fictional world and have them leave a piece of their soul. I look forward to many many more inspirational, extra steamy, and thought provoking reads by this talented author.
Profile Image for Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading.
1,495 reviews26 followers
October 18, 2017
Angela Watts seems to have it all. She is gorgeous, she has guys falling at her feet and she is almost ready to graduate and move on with life. Things quickly change, however, when Angela is slipped Xanax at a frat party and assaulted by one of the brothers.

Jackson Clark was supposed to be on watch at the frat party . . . however, he let himself get distracted by beer and girls. When he realizes what happened while he was supposed to be on watch, Jackson becomes mired in guilt and can’t seem to get Angela out of his head.

When a chance meeting at a self-defense class brings Angela and Jackson together, sparks fly . . . but is either one ready to move on to a relationship when still battling with their past?

Kudos to Holly Dodd for tackling such a sensitive topic with grace and class. Angela is such a tough cookie in this book and her journey of self-discovery from the girl she thought she wanted to be into the woman she truly is was amazing. I love that the author did not shy away from topics such as eating disorders and date rape, but instead showed the reality that many college students unfortunately face. Angela’s struggle was very real and beautifully written.

I also love how Jackson’s character grew due to the circumstances that happened at that frat party. His character continually evolved in this book from college jock to honorable man and I enjoyed watching it happen.

This was a great addition to the Brewhouse series, and while it could be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read books one and two first, as those characters also play an important role in this book.

5 stars!
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,554 reviews27 followers
April 9, 2017
omg I couldn't put this book down, Angela is not pervy to men, she don't interested in that right now, so that's what brings her to leaving a frat party early , only to change her life. Jackson was suppose to be on watch, he was suppose to have been there to keep her safe, now he can't forgive himself, but one thing is for certain he can get her off his mind and the need to protect her. When they run into each other at a self defense class it's chemistry boom, but Angela isn't looking for that now, but it's hard to fight it, can they let go of the past and fight for a future?
2,707 reviews25 followers
April 9, 2017
4*
Angela is at a frat party with her friend unfortunately she ends up with her drink spiked! Her past has made her untrusting of people.
Jackson was drinking when he should of been making sure everything was good at the party & everyone was safe so feels guilty she got spiked. He feels instantly attracted & protective of her. Can they come clean with their secrets?
All these books are standalone & have endings.
Looking forward to licia Mia's sisters story next - Hold me tighter.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This series is great
37 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It's emotionally charged and deals with some pretty heavy issues. I loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. It's hot when it needs to be and shows you the power of intimacy in a not so physical form. I was addicted from page one and could not put it down. if I could rate more than 5 ☆ I would. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
1,250 reviews23 followers
April 11, 2017
I absolutely love the Brewhouse series from Holly Dodd! Kiss Me Now may deal with some taboo issues that can find a home on a campus Holly Dodd does it in a way that gives the power back to the woman and I love it. Angela and Jackson meet for the first time at the worst time in her life and she doesn't remember meeting him, but he remembers her and how much that brief time has changed his life. Set on and around the campus of UW-Madison, which as a Wisconsinite I love. Angela works hard to take back control of her life after what happens and Jackson plays an important role in that by teaching her some self defense and Taekwondo and just by being himself. Jackson gives Angela a sense of piece and safety that she was seriously lacking since that night. He also shows her no matter what he cares, there are no strings attached, and for a woman like Angela that can be a powerful thing. While Jackson isn't completely honest about that night that changed everything for her, not that he did anything to her, and he knows he needs to be or he could risk loosing her. Angela continued to amaze me with her inner strength, resolve and as far as Jackson goes her ability to see the bigger picture and what he has the ability to mean to her and her future. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jackie Deans Zielke .
144 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2017
Another 5 Star read by this Author! This is the third book in the Brew house series? The chemistry between Angela and Jackson is off the charts hot. Jackson, awe what can I say? Hot great boyfriend material. This touches on a sensitive subject and is truly happening in college age young Adults. I highly recommend this book and anything Holly Dodd writes.

I received an ARC in exchange for. Honest review.
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews176 followers
April 15, 2017
Amount of sex - 2 / 5
How explicit - 2.5 / 5
Romance - 5 / 5
OVERALL - 5 / 5

Kiss Me Now, the third book in the Brewhouse series by Holly Dodd, begins at the Fraternity party which was first presented in the second book, Pin Me Down. This scene is currently described from Jackson and Angela’s point of view as opposed to Regi, Mia, and her sister’s in Pin Me Down. Holly Dodd did a fabulous job of writing this book as a standalone, yet still captivating to those that read the first two books in the series!

When I began Kiss Me Now, I did not have the highest reguard for Jackson, but WOW… I totally fell for him. I love a man who can own up to his mistakes and learn from them. He became respectful and supportive of Angela and grew up from his playboy bachelor days.

All the characters are well developed, complex and portrayed truthfully. The story line is perfectly paced and I believe Ms. Dodd wrote an incredible story... one that I will be rereading soon!

A must read!

**Voluntarily read from an advanced copy**
Profile Image for Melissa Ryan.
83 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2017
ARC received from Author for a honest review.

OMG!!! This is by far the best of the Brewhouse series! While I also loved the stories of Kevin and Jo and Regi and Mia the story of Angela and Jackson will forever stand out to me as the best of the series.

After meeting Angela in the first two books and getting a glimpse of the terrible night that changed her forever I could not wait to hear her story. And Holly Dodd did not disappoint me at all. Angela's story was heartbreaking. To have gone though everything she did to become the persons she thought she wanted to be and then to have one night tear that all apart. It was amazing to read about the strength Angela found within herself to over come what happened and to even look for justice. Then there is Jackson. The event of that night has forever changed him as well. He feels responsible for what happened. After Angela comes back into his life though a self defense class he will do whatever he can to help her over come it all.

I loved the growth of both of these characters. Angela completely changes though out this novel. She goes from being a bed hopping, party girl who is obsessed with her image.. By the end of the novel she has become someone who's strength amazed me. She not only worked on getting over that night, she works to change a life time of thinking she has to be a certain way. Angela is by far my favorite female character. Jackson goes from just looking for a one night thing to not wanting to be away from Angela. Only thing is he holds on to a big secret that can tear them apart. He works though a lot of his old ways in order to be there to support Angela in any way that she needs.

There are some very hard subject touched in this novel. Holly writes them in such tasteful and respectful way. She makes you feel for the characters and draws you into their lives. This has officially become not only my favorite Holly Dodd but my favorite read of 2017. If I could give this ten stars I would. I can not wait to read more about the Brewhouse crew!
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
530 reviews29 followers
April 11, 2017
In my opinion this for me, was by far the best book of the series. There was so much to the story and it touched on so many important subjects that I can't help but not love it. This is without a doubt a very sad story that is going to give you all the feels, make sure to keep some tissues on hand. But the way that Angela evolves in this story is such an inspiration to woman everywhere. She has real life issues that people don't talk about and for me that is probably why I loved it so much. There was also very sexy bits that I was very happy without it wasn't rushed into. It was realistic and gave you a sense of what people in a similar situation might be going through. But true to word there is a HEA and that makes all the different.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Cheryl O'Harney.
1,280 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2017
This is the third book in the Brewhouse series and it's the story of Angela and her journey of self discovery and healing after being sexually assaulted, she was at a frat party when her drink was spiked understandably she goes into meltdown mode but with the help and support of her roommate she starts her road to recovery. Angela meets Jackson at a self defence class, he's a helper/trainer there's something familiar about him but she can't quite put her finger on it, she feels safe around him and the more she gets to know him the harder she starts falling for him but Jackson has been keeping the fact that he was there in the aftermath of the incident infact he was the person who carried her to safety he's seen her at her most vulnerable. Jackson feels somewhat responsible for what happened to Angela and he wants to protect her, the more time he spends with her the more he falls for her, he knows he needs to tell her that as well as knowing what happened to her he was there but he's scared of setting her recovery back just as she's making some progress.

This was a brilliant book I loved the characters and the storyline was well written I'm not going to lie I'm a huge fan of Holly's work and this series just gets better and better, I can't wait to see what's in-store next.

I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Crystal.
2,717 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2017
Kiss Me Know is book three in The Brewhouse series. It can be read as a standalone however I recommend you start at the beginning cause all the characters are entwined in each story. This was Angela's story. The story was well written and emotional. The characters Angela and Jackson were so intuned with eachother that you can't help but love them. Wonderful read!
3,932 reviews31 followers
April 12, 2017
Kiss Me Now was painful and beautiful. My heart broke for Angela when she was assaulted. Every woman's worst fear come true. It was heartrending and hard to take, but Holly Dodd did a phenomenal job with this aspect of the story. I also loved Jackson's character - a bad boy who was really a good guy with a slightly tarnished halo. He and Angela were amazing together. The way Angela rebounded from being raped was so well written. I loved the back story as much as I loved the romance. Fantastic job! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ellie.
1,045 reviews34 followers
April 12, 2017
Final Score - 4 Stars!

While I loved this book, the ending I didn't much care for. There was no epilogue to show that Angela and Jackson had truly moved on forward from their experiences of that horrific night. I would have liked to have seen that.

This book is definitely emotionally charged and deals with some pretty heavy issues. Angela grew so much in this book and I loved the way she forged a new path & began interacting with the other characters.

This book shed light into campus life for a college student and the aftermath of when a sexual assault take place. I was hooked from the first page until the bitter last - I just couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Miriam Meza.
Author 31 books111 followers
April 12, 2017
Angela's book, finally! It was hard but beautiful. I enjoyed this story very much, its intensity, the development of the characters and Angela's journey to become a better version of herself. Jackson is now my favorite hero in this series. I'll talk about this book in my blog next week. Stay tuned ;)
4 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2017
Hmmmm

Disappointing after the first two, I didn't feel the characters had any real depth and his guilt and subsequent dilemma seemed contrived.
Profile Image for Lu.
264 reviews18 followers
April 13, 2017
Kiss Me Now is beautifully written. Holly Dodd delivers a story about self-discovery and finding the strength to overcome something painful. The subject was handle with sensitivity and knowledge. I read it in one sitting. I wasn't able to put it down.
It starts on the night that changed everything for Angela and Jackson. I wanted to know more about that night when I first read it in Pin Me Down, and I'm glad that Holly included more to it. It gave us insight of what lead Angela to her downfall. She made a mistake that not only affected her, but also affected Jackson. He blamed himself for what happened, even though it wasn't his fault.
Some parts were heartbreaking to read, but it was hard to not love and root for Angela and Jackson. She's strong to overcome all of the pain and refuses to let a mistake ruin her life. I loved that she took time to heal and let others help in the process. Jackson was really easy to like. He's understanding, caring and is there for Angela. He doesn't push. I loved how slow their relationship developed. Holly didn't rush it or had both the characters enter a sexually relationship too quickly. The pace and how it was developed felt right.
The ending felt slightly rushed, though. I wish there was a bit more. Overall it's a great read. There is a situation that sadly happens in real life and Holly wrote about it in a tasteful way. The characters are well developed, likable and can relate. This is the best book that I read from Holly.

4.5 stars
**I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book**

Profile Image for Jamie.
1,104 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2017
You will be mad , sad, happy and glad all in this book, this story tugs at your heartstrings.The author does a great job of giving us the details to imagine you are part of the story. I could feel jackson's guilt as well as his turmoil of hiding what he knew about angela.I could feel angela's hurt as she was dealing with everything that has happened past and present with her.I especially like how Angela and Jackson became friends before they became lovers. I also enjoyed catching up with mia, regi , kevin and jo. I look forward to reading more about all the characters in book 4.
Profile Image for Carrie K-Ski.
333 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2017

The drama, angst, anger and self-discovery in this book was nothing short of amazing.

Ms. Dodd did an exceptional job portraying the angst and healing a sexual assault victim goes through. She captured the essence of her characters heart break and inner turmoil with such ease and precision.

Holly is certainly making her mark and coming into her own in the writing world. This copy given in exchange for an honest review.
108 reviews
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April 20, 2017
Kiss Me Now (Brewhouse Book 3)
By Holly Dodd

This is the third book in this series, it can be read as a standalone but I recommend you read the others to get the full effect and history behind the story. This is Angela Watts story, she has it all- she is gorgeous but with a past of being the fat girl, the life of the party and has guys knocking at her doors but just not the right guys, she has come a long way in fighting her demons and self-esteem issues. She is in her last semester of college and ready to move on with her life after college. Things change all too quick when Angela is slipped Xanax at a frat party and is a victim of date rap, will this be a straw that broke the camel’s back or will she be able to rebound from this and find herself again.
Jackson Clark was a member of the college enforcement committee and supposed to be on watch at the frat party when he let booze and girls distract him. He is a sexy all-star athlete at the college and studying Criminal Law. He is part of a group that teaches self-defense class at the local gym to help keep girls safe as well. When he realizes, what happened on his watch he becomes mired in guilt and locks himself in his room because he can’t get over what happened to Angela. This continues until his must face the world and help with self-defense class and meets Angela again and sets out to help bring her back to her old self. He also has instant feeling for her but will he act on them.
This book was very well written and hits on topics our college kids face every day. It hits on how to discover what type of person you really want to be. It also shows how eating disorders and date rape are very common in the college community. This story was very real and heartwarming.
Will Angela and Jackson be able to fight the demons of what happened that night? Will Angela be able to forgive Jackson when she finds out he was there and suppose to have been protecting all the girls? How will they deal with the feeling they have for each other?
This book shows how both characters grow and learn from the circumstances of a that night. They both become stronger. Jackson becomes an honorable man and Angela becomes a strong woman who doesn’t back down.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. One- Click this one for an amazing story.
Profile Image for Amanda Andrews.
51 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2017
After having survived an absolutely terrible event, that I would never wish on anyone, Angela is left trying to pick up the pieces of her life and determine who she is all the while doing everything she can to prevent the same actions from happening to another unsuspecting woman.

In the beginning my heart absolutely broke for Angela as she dealt with the realization of what happened and the lack of help she received from those she reached out to initially. As the story moves through her journey you get to experience each piece of her as she puts herself back together. She's stronger. Much stronger than she's ever been. Through her self-defense classes she meets Jackson and although she has no clue why, he makes her feel safe. Although she doesn't know it, Jackson is the one who carried her out that horrible night and blames he himself for not protecting her. As their friendship grows so do their feelings towards each other. I loved seeing this after everything she went through! The feeling and emotion between these characters can be definitely be felt, so expect to feel all of their anger, guilt, and ultimately love as it unfolds.

I have to admit that I was very hesitant on starting this book after having been given a trigger warning, but I also have to admit that I've never read a book by an author who has tackled such a delicate topic so gracefully while still giving the reader everything they've come to expect in the fun and steamy department. Well done Holly!!!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
54 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2017
Kiss Me Now is the 3rd book in Brewhouse Series
I honesty struggle with writing a review for this book.
No, it was not because the story was written badly in any which way, it was because this story was so beautifully written.
We all new after reading Pin Me Down that the 3rd book of Brewhouse Series was gonna be an emotional one and believe me Holly Dodd did not let us down.
In this story, you will read about Angela and Jackson and how one night changes both of theirs lives forever and how being patient and understanding well someone is on a self-discovery of themselves is so important no matter how much you want to help. The connection between these two characters is unbelievable and when they come together it will blow you mind.. Hot Hot Hot.
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