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Shaped By Love #3
First Kiss Train Wreck
I'm officially kiss-cursed!
Lately, all my first dates have ended with disastrous lip locks. After cracking teeth with my latest victim, it's official. I'm a first kiss train wreck.
But I can figure this out. I just need a nice long break from romance while I focus on my job at Booms and Nibbles and flipping houses with my best friend Troy. Only, my boss just hired a new head of marketing and he's perfection. One cosmic shove into his arms later, and I have a date I can't afford to screw up with another bad first kiss.
Fixing my problem just got urgent. Crucial. Desperate even.
Luckily Troy says he can help. Do I dare let him try?
Surely one little experimental kiss can't ruin a friendship.
Originally published as part of the Sweet Kisses Boxset.
Lately, all my first dates have ended with disastrous lip locks. After cracking teeth with my latest victim, it's official. I'm a first kiss train wreck.
But I can figure this out. I just need a nice long break from romance while I focus on my job at Booms and Nibbles and flipping houses with my best friend Troy. Only, my boss just hired a new head of marketing and he's perfection. One cosmic shove into his arms later, and I have a date I can't afford to screw up with another bad first kiss.
Fixing my problem just got urgent. Crucial. Desperate even.
Luckily Troy says he can help. Do I dare let him try?
Surely one little experimental kiss can't ruin a friendship.
Originally published as part of the Sweet Kisses Boxset.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2020
207 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 2, 2020
This is a cute best friends to more story. Rian has a problem with goodnight kisses on first dates--something always happens to ruin them so she's swore off dating to concentrate on her day job at Booms and Nibbles, and her side job of flipping houses with her best friend Troy.
Friends to more is one of my favorite tropes because usually one of the friends has had feelings for the other for quite awhile, and I like to see the path to realization in the one who keeps saying "we're just friends". Troy's attraction to Rian wasn't new, but he hid it well. I liked seeing Rian's journey as she realized how Troy felt about her, and that she was developing feelings other than friendship towards Troy. There were several laugh out loud moments that made this such a fun story.
This story is shorter than the other books in The Shaped by Love Series because this was originally part of a multi-author collection Sweet Kisses Box Set, which where I read it.
Friends to more is one of my favorite tropes because usually one of the friends has had feelings for the other for quite awhile, and I like to see the path to realization in the one who keeps saying "we're just friends". Troy's attraction to Rian wasn't new, but he hid it well. I liked seeing Rian's journey as she realized how Troy felt about her, and that she was developing feelings other than friendship towards Troy. There were several laugh out loud moments that made this such a fun story.
This story is shorter than the other books in The Shaped by Love Series because this was originally part of a multi-author collection Sweet Kisses Box Set, which where I read it.
January 4, 2021
Swoon!
Although this novella is short and sweet, Pennington does a great job of developing a beautiful friends-to-love story, and I just couldn't get enough.
Rian's luck with first kisses is so badly hilarious. I love the way her best friend and co-partner, Troy, cheers her on and his plan to help her is ingenious and swoony. Rian and Troy have a light and witty banter that delighted my love-struck heart.
I'm also a big fan of Booms and Nibbles and was ecstatic to see it play a part in this book, especially when Rian has a little accident at work and what results from that. From start to finish, this one was pure joy, fun, and swoon.
Content: mild romance; mild innuendo.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Although this novella is short and sweet, Pennington does a great job of developing a beautiful friends-to-love story, and I just couldn't get enough.
Rian's luck with first kisses is so badly hilarious. I love the way her best friend and co-partner, Troy, cheers her on and his plan to help her is ingenious and swoony. Rian and Troy have a light and witty banter that delighted my love-struck heart.
I'm also a big fan of Booms and Nibbles and was ecstatic to see it play a part in this book, especially when Rian has a little accident at work and what results from that. From start to finish, this one was pure joy, fun, and swoon.
Content: mild romance; mild innuendo.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
October 31, 2020
When my good friend Deb tells me to drop everything to read a book, I obey. This was a fun, charming read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I like how each book in this series can stand on its own, which is good because I need to read the second book still.
The whole friends-to-lovers trope I admit is not a favorite of mine, but I can still enjoy them from time to time and I liked how this story is told entirely from Rian's POV, which I think makes it easier for me to get into with this kind of trope. I liked Rian and Troy and seeing their relationship grow. They had fun banter, a great friendship and some swoony moments. This was a great novella, fun for when you're in the mood for something quick, funny and still packs a romantic punch.
Content rated PG
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Shaped by Love Series
The whole friends-to-lovers trope I admit is not a favorite of mine, but I can still enjoy them from time to time and I liked how this story is told entirely from Rian's POV, which I think makes it easier for me to get into with this kind of trope. I liked Rian and Troy and seeing their relationship grow. They had fun banter, a great friendship and some swoony moments. This was a great novella, fun for when you're in the mood for something quick, funny and still packs a romantic punch.
Content rated PG
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Shaped by Love Series
October 25, 2020
This was a silly continuation of the series. It was cute and short and didn't add to the series as a whole but was a fun little romance. Friends to lovers story with a spitfire leading lady who speaks her mind and doesn't hold back.
October 11, 2020
Short and sweet. A nice addition to the series.
October 30, 2020
This series is such a winner! I am not usually a fan of Novellas, but this was an exception. I was laughing out loud right from the beginning and I loved our main couple. This author knows how to write a rom-com! Please keep writing!
December 19, 2020
I really enjoyed Rian and Troy’s story. They were both adorable with their teasing and fun banters. This was a quick, fun, light, friends-to-lovers novella with a super cute ending.
Content: Clean, kissing only
Content: Clean, kissing only
September 29, 2020
Short, cute read. Would have liked it to be longer. But an adorable best friends to lovers romance. It’s worth a read.
February 3, 2021
Best friends to lovers romcom.
This book is your everyday cliche and cute best friend to lovers read but I found it to be unique, in that it was such a funny and enjoyable read
This book is your everyday cliche and cute best friend to lovers read but I found it to be unique, in that it was such a funny and enjoyable read
dnf
January 21, 2023DNF 12%
December 3, 2020
I loved it. It goes straight to my comfort-read shelf. I will try to write a longer review later.
MTA: Okay, so I read it and liked it so much then I reread it only a couple of days later. And as it happens with such books, it made me reconsider my rating, so ultimately, four stars it is. The novella still stays firmly in my comfort-read section and I know I will be going back to it whenever I need something lovely and romantic. Michelle Pennington is very good at writing romance where there's loads of heat between the MCs and yet the books are clean.
I am hiding the rest of the review because of some (potential) spoilers. I do recommend the book if you need a short and happy story. A nice addition to a good series. I am looking forward to the next installment.
MTA: Okay, so I read it and liked it so much then I reread it only a couple of days later. And as it happens with such books, it made me reconsider my rating, so ultimately, four stars it is. The novella still stays firmly in my comfort-read section and I know I will be going back to it whenever I need something lovely and romantic. Michelle Pennington is very good at writing romance where there's loads of heat between the MCs and yet the books are clean.
I am hiding the rest of the review because of some (potential) spoilers. I do recommend the book if you need a short and happy story. A nice addition to a good series. I am looking forward to the next installment.
October 15, 2020
Hilarious! My favorite trope – BFFs to more! I loved the first-person voice of the emotionally blind heroine Rian. The kisses were slightly steamier than my personal preference, but the humor and the sweet hero won my heart.
Favorite quotes:
“I mean, if there was one thing in the world I loved, it was pie.” (chapter 1)– me, too!
“Every time I play mini-golf, I inevitably end up missing an easy putt and then start whacking at the ball desperately, just trying to get it to go in the cup. Well, that's pretty much what this kiss turned into.” (chapter 1)
“...'because for Troy, there's no going back at this point. It's do-or-die time for him.'” (chapter 8)
“No first date had ever made me as nervous as simply showing up to work with Troy the next evening. The safe ground of my relationship with him had turned into a minefield overnight.” (chapter 11)
“Our eyes caught, and a current of communication shot between us—the kind that fills in the gaps between words that just aren't enough.” (chapter 14)
Favorite quotes:
“I mean, if there was one thing in the world I loved, it was pie.” (chapter 1)– me, too!
“Every time I play mini-golf, I inevitably end up missing an easy putt and then start whacking at the ball desperately, just trying to get it to go in the cup. Well, that's pretty much what this kiss turned into.” (chapter 1)
“...'because for Troy, there's no going back at this point. It's do-or-die time for him.'” (chapter 8)
“No first date had ever made me as nervous as simply showing up to work with Troy the next evening. The safe ground of my relationship with him had turned into a minefield overnight.” (chapter 11)
“Our eyes caught, and a current of communication shot between us—the kind that fills in the gaps between words that just aren't enough.” (chapter 14)
March 4, 2024
Fantastic novella!
I really loved this novella. The characters were fun and relatable, and the witty bantering, humorous situations, and sweet and swoony romance meshed so well together. Rian is a fun and spunky protagonist, and I liked seeing her open her eyes to what was there all along. She had a history of disastrous first kisses, and wow did my toes curl as she finally overcame that with a swoony kiss from her best friend! Another enjoyable clean rom-com from this author, and I can’t wait to read more!
I really loved this novella. The characters were fun and relatable, and the witty bantering, humorous situations, and sweet and swoony romance meshed so well together. Rian is a fun and spunky protagonist, and I liked seeing her open her eyes to what was there all along. She had a history of disastrous first kisses, and wow did my toes curl as she finally overcame that with a swoony kiss from her best friend! Another enjoyable clean rom-com from this author, and I can’t wait to read more!
September 30, 2020
Loved seeing the banter between the friends!
Crazy, silly, sweet, lots of fun RomCom.
I loved the previous books in the series a lot but this one was different than the others. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely love this one too. It’s just so different. This has much more sweetness since it’s a love story with BFF’s. I love Troy’s confidence and his silent patience. I love how they work hard together flipping houses. Just so many ways they acted like a couple without Rian even realizing about it.
Rating: PG, sweet clean fun
Crazy, silly, sweet, lots of fun RomCom.
I loved the previous books in the series a lot but this one was different than the others. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely love this one too. It’s just so different. This has much more sweetness since it’s a love story with BFF’s. I love Troy’s confidence and his silent patience. I love how they work hard together flipping houses. Just so many ways they acted like a couple without Rian even realizing about it.
Rating: PG, sweet clean fun
September 30, 2020
I love when you get that giddy almost light-headed feeling of first love. Well, this book has all that and more.
Rian may have trouble with first kisses, but can a new co-worker or maybe her business partner offer her the clarity she is looking for?
I loved this friends to lovers story!
I received a review copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Rian may have trouble with first kisses, but can a new co-worker or maybe her business partner offer her the clarity she is looking for?
I loved this friends to lovers story!
I received a review copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
July 1, 2021
The third book in the Shaped by Love series is cute, but I have to admit that I liked the first two books better. Rian has a curse when it comes to first kisses - she always ends up embarrassing herself. Her best friend and business partner, Troy, is very willing to help her break the curse in this friends to lovers romantic comedy.
December 26, 2020
4.5
Here I sit, with Covid. Thank goodness for cute stories to pass the time? It was quick, humourous, and romantic.
Here I sit, with Covid. Thank goodness for cute stories to pass the time? It was quick, humourous, and romantic.
September 29, 2020
Laugh out loud clean romance
Loved the best friends become more plot. Some things are worth waiting for and this hero has incredible patience. I loved watching the romance unfold. I highly recommend this book, and any by this author.
Loved the best friends become more plot. Some things are worth waiting for and this hero has incredible patience. I loved watching the romance unfold. I highly recommend this book, and any by this author.
October 1, 2020
This was a cute, fun read. Definitely could've been fleshed out more in a complete novel, but the best friends to lovers plot gave the characters a history so the story didn't feel super rushed.
September 30, 2020
Sweet and perfect
Loved that there weren't any crazy obstacles. Just a nice sweet and funny romance that was anything but boring. I really enjoyed this whole series!!
Loved that there weren't any crazy obstacles. Just a nice sweet and funny romance that was anything but boring. I really enjoyed this whole series!!
September 28, 2020
This one was so funny. I just now laughed thinking about it. Rian and Troy not only work together but are the best of friends. Loved how he stepped up when she needed kissing lessons. Such a hardship for him!!! A really sweet and comical read.
January 29, 2021
It's just adorable
I love their dynamic. It's just a sweet clean romance that I reread.
My only issue, I wish it was longer.
I love their dynamic. It's just a sweet clean romance that I reread.
My only issue, I wish it was longer.
February 14, 2021
Super clean, super fun and super flirty!
November 18, 2020
Friends to lovers.
A sweet, short story of longtime friends finally getting together. Troy finally finds the courage to show his feelings and Rian takes off her blinkers.
A sweet, short story of longtime friends finally getting together. Troy finally finds the courage to show his feelings and Rian takes off her blinkers.
October 4, 2020
Cute and sweet, but why can't the author or editors spell tilted correctly?
Average short read. Little background on characters, but still appealing. It's been awhile since I read the first in this series so I don't recall much about the characters.
Average short read. Little background on characters, but still appealing. It's been awhile since I read the first in this series so I don't recall much about the characters.
September 25, 2020
Loved, loved, loved this one! Amazing chemistry!! So hot!
October 22, 2020
Too short. I loved the first two books in this series- and while fun, this book just doesn't live up to the previous Shaped by Love books.
September 17, 2021
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
I'm officially kiss-cursed!
Lately, all my first dates have ended with disastrous lip locks. After cracking teeth with my latest victim, it's official. I'm a first kiss train wreck.
But I can figure this out. I just need a nice long break from romance while I focus on my job at Booms and Nibbles and flipping houses with my best friend Troy. Only, my boss just hired a new head of marketing and he's perfection. One cosmic shove into his arms later, and I have a date I can't afford to screw up with another bad first kiss.
Fixing my problem just got urgent. Crucial. Desperate even.
Luckily Troy says he can help. Do I dare let him try?
Surely one little experimental kiss can't ruin a friendship.
MY TAKE
Poor Rian. She's working way too hard to find love and assumes the problem is the way she kisses. Of course, because she's trying so hard, she manages to sabotage everything. And all the time there's her book friend Troy who's also a partner with her in their house-flipping business. I loved Troy. He had a great sense of humor and really supportive of her without being too interfering. Considering his secret, I think he's a saint.
Swoonworthy short read.
I'm officially kiss-cursed!
Lately, all my first dates have ended with disastrous lip locks. After cracking teeth with my latest victim, it's official. I'm a first kiss train wreck.
But I can figure this out. I just need a nice long break from romance while I focus on my job at Booms and Nibbles and flipping houses with my best friend Troy. Only, my boss just hired a new head of marketing and he's perfection. One cosmic shove into his arms later, and I have a date I can't afford to screw up with another bad first kiss.
Fixing my problem just got urgent. Crucial. Desperate even.
Luckily Troy says he can help. Do I dare let him try?
Surely one little experimental kiss can't ruin a friendship.
MY TAKE
Poor Rian. She's working way too hard to find love and assumes the problem is the way she kisses. Of course, because she's trying so hard, she manages to sabotage everything. And all the time there's her book friend Troy who's also a partner with her in their house-flipping business. I loved Troy. He had a great sense of humor and really supportive of her without being too interfering. Considering his secret, I think he's a saint.
Swoonworthy short read.
April 1, 2021
Is Rian really kiss-cursed or does she only need to find the perfect man with whom to share a spectacular first kiss?
I've never considered myself a fan of the "friends to more" trope, but this novella had me shipping Rian and Troy, and for the first to figure things out (especially after realizing how long the other had carried a torch for her). Of course, Ms. Pennington does not disappoint, and delivered a story that makes justice to its genre: a sweet romance with just enough chemistry between its main characters and sprinkled with funny and/or embarrassing situations. Of course, it's always nice to get to see past characters, as well as know how things are going at Booms and Nibbles.
Overall, a great addition to the Shaped by Love series, and I can't wait to dive into Angela's story ~ 5 stars
I've never considered myself a fan of the "friends to more" trope, but this novella had me shipping Rian and Troy, and for the first to figure things out (especially after realizing how long the other had carried a torch for her). Of course, Ms. Pennington does not disappoint, and delivered a story that makes justice to its genre: a sweet romance with just enough chemistry between its main characters and sprinkled with funny and/or embarrassing situations. Of course, it's always nice to get to see past characters, as well as know how things are going at Booms and Nibbles.
Overall, a great addition to the Shaped by Love series, and I can't wait to dive into Angela's story ~ 5 stars
April 26, 2021
Great Sweet Romance Novella
I really loved Rian and Troy’s story...so much so that I really struggled to put it down and read it in a day (usually impossible to do because of a super busy life). Rian and Troy have been best friends since high school. Rian never seems to get a second date after a “curse” of terrible first kisses on her front porch. Besides Rian’s job at Booms and Nibbles, she flips houses with Troy. A practice kiss to break the “curse” awakens feelings in her that she didn’t know she had, or at least she thinks so. With a new cute guy at work (the first male ever to get fully hired on), the one that Troy helped her break the “first kiss curse” for, she has to decide if he’s really the object of her heart of if Troy is the one for her.
I really loved Rian and Troy’s story...so much so that I really struggled to put it down and read it in a day (usually impossible to do because of a super busy life). Rian and Troy have been best friends since high school. Rian never seems to get a second date after a “curse” of terrible first kisses on her front porch. Besides Rian’s job at Booms and Nibbles, she flips houses with Troy. A practice kiss to break the “curse” awakens feelings in her that she didn’t know she had, or at least she thinks so. With a new cute guy at work (the first male ever to get fully hired on), the one that Troy helped her break the “first kiss curse” for, she has to decide if he’s really the object of her heart of if Troy is the one for her.
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