What do you think?
Rate this book
Kiss Me, Katie! / Hug Me, Holly!
Kiss Me, Katie!
All Katie Wilkins wanted for Christmas was to get Santa Claus under the mistletoe, because beneath that Santa suit was her ideal man or so she thought. But it wasn t nice, safe Mr. Perfect who kissed her senseless. Horrors! It as Bryan Morgan wild man, stunt pilot, and all-around daredevil. And, heaven help her, she d really liked that kiss. Which just proved what she d known all along she was Christmas cursed!
Hug Me, Holly!
Sheriff Riley McMann couldn t believe his ears when Holly Stone announced that she d be taking over the only caf� in Little Paradise. She looked as if she hadn t worked a day in her life, and besides, he had to eat there! But he was soon working up quite an appetite for "Calamity Holly" when he discovered there was more to her than designer clothes and an attitude. Maybe his Christmas wishes were going to come true after all....
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2000
20 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
389 books13.8k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 15, 2018
Kiss Me, Katie! Silly story with a underlying message that struck a cord for me. Katie Wilkins wants a safe, secure, stable kind of guy and she thinks she has found him in Matt, vice president for her company. She wants the three "S's" because her father was a reckless, daredevil type who died when she was young being reckless. Katie makes her move at the office Christmas party, except she doesn't know that the Santa she ended up passionately kissing wasn't safe, secure, stable Matt, but wild, daredevil, stunt pilot, Bryan Morgan. Not a man she could ever build her safe, secure, stable future with, but, wow, can he light her fire. 3-Stars
Hug Me, Holly! Loved this story where Holly discovers that no man, or woman, is an island and we all need a hand from time to time. Holly has come to the outback of nowhere, Arizona at the request of her parents to run the town diner. She has no experience whatsoever and has never stayed with a project or a job, but is determined to stick and succeed this time. Sheriff Riley McMann took one look at Holly and knew she wouldn't stay, she was City, just like his mother who had left him as a baby. But, that didn't stop the feelings and Riley and Holly have a lot of those for each other. 5-Stars
Hug Me, Holly! Loved this story where Holly discovers that no man, or woman, is an island and we all need a hand from time to time. Holly has come to the outback of nowhere, Arizona at the request of her parents to run the town diner. She has no experience whatsoever and has never stayed with a project or a job, but is determined to stick and succeed this time. Sheriff Riley McMann took one look at Holly and knew she wouldn't stay, she was City, just like his mother who had left him as a baby. But, that didn't stop the feelings and Riley and Holly have a lot of those for each other. 5-Stars
June 7, 2020
I read “Kiss Me Katie” and couldn’t stand Holly... so when the second book featured her, and my digital copy was due back to the Library I bailed. Maybe Holly got better from the point of view in her own story, but meh, my tbr is too long.
January 10, 2013
I'm thankful for this book since it gave Jill Shalvis practice to write great books like Lucky Harbor and the Wilders. Other than that, these books were pretty fluffy.
December 9, 2018
Funny. Nice.
February 1, 2025
I liked Hug Me, Holly! better. Both stories were very cute and quick reads.
September 11, 2019
2 different stories (although both stories had characters called Holly and it was a tad confusing for a second). Both predictable but cute if not cringy at times. A decent read.
March 3, 2012
I only read "Kiss Me, Katie!" because Holly is a bitch and I don't care what happens to her since apparently it's not a broken neck.
Katie is your typical staid, boring, no-risk kinda gal. She was too boring. Bryan was alright, I liked him enough to keep reading. But Katie got on my nerves, I strongly disliked Holly, and Matt was borderline deaf and dumb.
The plot was a cute idea that ended up being a bunch of recycled material that I could hardly stop rolling my eyes at. Thankfully, it's a short story and I didn't get a headache. Or this review would be a scathing rant on Holly because she reminds me of this girl I knew... ANYWAYS... the plot.
- Main character, due to tragedies of the past, refuses to take risks; boring, regimented job; no friends. CHECK
- Love interest, due to upbringing, is an adrenaline junkie; ruggedly handsome, charming, funny, and smart; makes panties drop like rain. CHECK
- Instant attraction; work circumstances that put them together; party with spiked punch. CHECK
- Total denial of instant attraction; subtle avoidance; totally convinced that it's just lust. CHECK
- Just one kiss- well okay, maybe other...; no-strings affair; still attempting to convince oneself that it's just lust. CHECK
- Extreme and total denial of attraction; frantic avoidance; fight-or-flight response when making eye contact. CHECK
- Character is put in danger; character inserts foot into mouth; character is leaving and may never return. CHECK
- "OMG You could have died!"-sex; proclamations of never ending love; happily ever after. CHECK
I bet you can think of at least 3 novels that I've just perfectly described. More, if you're a Jill Shalvis fan.
I can honestly say that reading the same author non-stop is not only a bad idea, but I don't think it does the author justice. I would most likely enjoy these books a bit more (not saying they'd suddenly be 5 stars or anything) if I wasn't so familiar with Jill Shalvis stories. And I wouldn't be so familiar with them if I hadn't just read like 14 in a row. I'm not only rating low because the stories just... aren't all that great, but because I'm worn out on the same plot contrivances and character profiles being used over and over. I'm almost salivating to read a paranormal romance and that just doesn't happen, people!
So my apologies to Jill Shalvis (and whoever else) for the fact that I'm rating these books slightly lower than I might have otherwise. "Otherwise" meaning, if I weren't drowning in Shalvis.
I wouldn't recommend this book, but I'm going to foist it on somebody else anyway when I trade it for something better.
Katie is your typical staid, boring, no-risk kinda gal. She was too boring. Bryan was alright, I liked him enough to keep reading. But Katie got on my nerves, I strongly disliked Holly, and Matt was borderline deaf and dumb.
The plot was a cute idea that ended up being a bunch of recycled material that I could hardly stop rolling my eyes at. Thankfully, it's a short story and I didn't get a headache. Or this review would be a scathing rant on Holly because she reminds me of this girl I knew... ANYWAYS... the plot.
- Main character, due to tragedies of the past, refuses to take risks; boring, regimented job; no friends. CHECK
- Love interest, due to upbringing, is an adrenaline junkie; ruggedly handsome, charming, funny, and smart; makes panties drop like rain. CHECK
- Instant attraction; work circumstances that put them together; party with spiked punch. CHECK
- Total denial of instant attraction; subtle avoidance; totally convinced that it's just lust. CHECK
- Just one kiss- well okay, maybe other...; no-strings affair; still attempting to convince oneself that it's just lust. CHECK
- Extreme and total denial of attraction; frantic avoidance; fight-or-flight response when making eye contact. CHECK
- Character is put in danger; character inserts foot into mouth; character is leaving and may never return. CHECK
- "OMG You could have died!"-sex; proclamations of never ending love; happily ever after. CHECK
I bet you can think of at least 3 novels that I've just perfectly described. More, if you're a Jill Shalvis fan.
I can honestly say that reading the same author non-stop is not only a bad idea, but I don't think it does the author justice. I would most likely enjoy these books a bit more (not saying they'd suddenly be 5 stars or anything) if I wasn't so familiar with Jill Shalvis stories. And I wouldn't be so familiar with them if I hadn't just read like 14 in a row. I'm not only rating low because the stories just... aren't all that great, but because I'm worn out on the same plot contrivances and character profiles being used over and over. I'm almost salivating to read a paranormal romance and that just doesn't happen, people!
So my apologies to Jill Shalvis (and whoever else) for the fact that I'm rating these books slightly lower than I might have otherwise. "Otherwise" meaning, if I weren't drowning in Shalvis.
I wouldn't recommend this book, but I'm going to foist it on somebody else anyway when I trade it for something better.
September 1, 2016
Two short Christmas stories in one book, should be great. Not exactly. There was definitely some good, but also some not-so-good.
In Kiss Me, Katie! we get to know daredevil pilot Bryan, straight-laced accountant Kate, and their romantic foil Holly. It seems Kate and Holly have know each other all their lives and Holly has always been jealous of Kate so has a habit of stealing her boyfriends. Kate thinks she needs a "nice guy" since her father was a hotshot pilot and it got him killed when she was young. So Holly does everything in her power to NOT let Kate get close to her "nice guy" because Holly wants him for herself, thereby putting Kate in the path of daredevil Bryan. I know I don't usually do a recap style of review, but there's a reason I did that we'll come to eventually.
Bryan is a great hero. Sexy, patient, good sense of humor, and did I say sexy? I was endeared to him right away when he could have embarrassed Kate and didn't. Kate, on the other hand, is a bit too blind to her feelings and those around her. I liked her and sympathized with her in many ways, but it's like she had to be whacked over the head - more than once - for her to realize what was going on around her. Although the conversation was short, I liked when she talked to her mom about some issues she was having. Very important. All in all this was a sweet story.
As for Hug Me, Holly! This is where my recap of the first story comes into play. The Holly in the title is the same conniving Holly from the first story. This made it very hard for me to like her for about the first half of this story. That's a long time to go without liking the main character. It made it worse because I adored the hero, Riley. He had such a good heart and loved his town. I wanted to scream at him to stay away from the new witch in town. Even though I knew, from a very brief moment in the first story, what Holly's motivations were in regards to Katie I still had a hard time seeing beyond that. Of course, Holly's family being a bunch of douche bags helped me find some kindness in my heart to extend to her.
I have a thing for kooky townspeople and this story sure had them. I was a bit annoyed with them at the beginning though. Even though I was not sympathetic to Holly in the beginning, I still think the patrons of the diner were extremely rude and could have given her a break.
One last thing, Hug Me, Holly! is not what I would consider a Christmas story. It takes place a couple weeks into the new year and the holidays aren't really even mentioned. Not a huge deal, but I did think I was getting two holiday stories.
In Kiss Me, Katie! we get to know daredevil pilot Bryan, straight-laced accountant Kate, and their romantic foil Holly. It seems Kate and Holly have know each other all their lives and Holly has always been jealous of Kate so has a habit of stealing her boyfriends. Kate thinks she needs a "nice guy" since her father was a hotshot pilot and it got him killed when she was young. So Holly does everything in her power to NOT let Kate get close to her "nice guy" because Holly wants him for herself, thereby putting Kate in the path of daredevil Bryan. I know I don't usually do a recap style of review, but there's a reason I did that we'll come to eventually.
Bryan is a great hero. Sexy, patient, good sense of humor, and did I say sexy? I was endeared to him right away when he could have embarrassed Kate and didn't. Kate, on the other hand, is a bit too blind to her feelings and those around her. I liked her and sympathized with her in many ways, but it's like she had to be whacked over the head - more than once - for her to realize what was going on around her. Although the conversation was short, I liked when she talked to her mom about some issues she was having. Very important. All in all this was a sweet story.
As for Hug Me, Holly! This is where my recap of the first story comes into play. The Holly in the title is the same conniving Holly from the first story. This made it very hard for me to like her for about the first half of this story. That's a long time to go without liking the main character. It made it worse because I adored the hero, Riley. He had such a good heart and loved his town. I wanted to scream at him to stay away from the new witch in town. Even though I knew, from a very brief moment in the first story, what Holly's motivations were in regards to Katie I still had a hard time seeing beyond that. Of course, Holly's family being a bunch of douche bags helped me find some kindness in my heart to extend to her.
I have a thing for kooky townspeople and this story sure had them. I was a bit annoyed with them at the beginning though. Even though I was not sympathetic to Holly in the beginning, I still think the patrons of the diner were extremely rude and could have given her a break.
One last thing, Hug Me, Holly! is not what I would consider a Christmas story. It takes place a couple weeks into the new year and the holidays aren't really even mentioned. Not a huge deal, but I did think I was getting two holiday stories.
November 24, 2014
I'd say that this set of 2 novellas was just ok. They share a common character but not a setting--the first mostly occurs around a private airport, the second in a small town out west. The first story does occur during Christmas, but is not a warm, fuzzy Christmas-themed story--it just happens then, and uses a Santa suit for a case of mistaken identity. The second story doesn't have anything to do with Christmas. I didn't like the first story that much. It involves women throwing themselves (literally) at men and kissing them, which really doesn't sound that fun for the men who are unwanting of this attention. The second one was better overall, albeit there is a quick character change that's perhaps not quite believable.
April 15, 2013
A good short story.
Story 1: I can rename it as 'It started with a kiss'.
Katie kissed santa and her wish for getting Mr. Right may just be granted; except her definition of right and fate's is not the same. Kissing the wrong guy sealed her fate and hooked in Mr. Playboy.
Story 2: Holly's actual personality is total opposite to her outlook, of what she potrayed to the world. Sherif Riley of small town made up his mind when he first saw her but unexpectedly found himself drawn to her. Little by little he starts to see the real person behind her tough facade. I love the dog and the cat too!
I wish it wasnt that short and more time for more depth but its an enjoyable read.
Story 1: I can rename it as 'It started with a kiss'.
Katie kissed santa and her wish for getting Mr. Right may just be granted; except her definition of right and fate's is not the same. Kissing the wrong guy sealed her fate and hooked in Mr. Playboy.
Story 2: Holly's actual personality is total opposite to her outlook, of what she potrayed to the world. Sherif Riley of small town made up his mind when he first saw her but unexpectedly found himself drawn to her. Little by little he starts to see the real person behind her tough facade. I love the dog and the cat too!
I wish it wasnt that short and more time for more depth but its an enjoyable read.
February 18, 2012
This book contains 2 separate stories, although Holly is in both of them.
I enjoyed the 1st story (Kiss Me, Katie!) more than the 2nd (Hug Me, Holly!). I enjoyed Katie's character, but not Holly's and I think because of that the 2nd story made me not care too much about her.
I enjoyed the 1st story (Kiss Me, Katie!) more than the 2nd (Hug Me, Holly!). I enjoyed Katie's character, but not Holly's and I think because of that the 2nd story made me not care too much about her.
March 31, 2016
I liked "Kiss Me, Katie!" more than "Hug Me, Holly!" I just couldn't get over how awful Holly was in the first part. Had this been two separate books (or if the Holly in the second was a completely different character) I would have liked it much better.
September 25, 2013
Kiss Me, Katie!...2 stars
Hug Me, Holly!...3 stars
Hug Me, Holly!...3 stars
August 21, 2014
Abrupt ending
I loved kiss me Katie great all the way through but in Hug Me Holly the ending was abrupt the story seemed unfinished.
I loved kiss me Katie great all the way through but in Hug Me Holly the ending was abrupt the story seemed unfinished.
December 22, 2016
Should be titled: "Kiss Me, Katie: A Primer on Workplace Sexual Harassment (for both women and men!)"
November 9, 2013
Boring and formulaic.
April 1, 2014
liked kiss me katie, hug me holly i don't even remember
dnf
December 2, 2018Content Warnings for Kiss Me, Katie!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews