Just Kiss Me

(BTW, I received an advanced copy of this book, which is one of the reasons I love what I do :) In my copy the male lead is Henry but in the blurb it is shown as Harrison. I'm not sure which is right in the the release so I'm going to go with what was in my book.)

This story is so much more than just a romance. Like any good Southern story, there are a lot of family secrets, past hurts, and long held beliefs that need to be re-evaluated.

Vivian is back in town for her mother’s funeral and to put her things to rights before heading back to her life in Hollywood. Unfortunately that also puts her in the sphere of the Whitley-Shulers again, the last place she wants to be. Growing up in their carriage house led to a lot of mixed up feelings and resentment for the wealthy family in the big house. Only things seem much different seen through grown up eyes.

Henry towed the family line for more than 30 years but a heart attack sent him back home to a quiet life. While it isn’t what his mother expects of him, working with his hands makes him happy and he’s managed to make a life that works for him. Until Vivian comes home in all her bigger-than-life glory, throwing things into a tailspin and threatening a lot of long-buried secrets.

Thrown together Henry and Vivian start getting close, pushing each other’s buttons and creating sparks. But while they fight their developing feelings, there’s also the chance to get to know each other as adults - with adult issues but also with adult understanding.

Vivian also gets to know Henry’s mother a little better, seeing her as more than the scary force she was in her young life. Unfortunately it also shows her a new view of her own beloved mother. One that shines a light on some things that she might not want to look at any closer.

I don’t think you can have a South Carolina story without skeletons in the closet and Gibson gives us some doozies. With mint julep charm and a lot of Bless Your Hearts, Just Kiss Me is definitely the perfect summer read and the start of a great new series. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

I have higher expectations for Rachel Gibson than I do for other contemporary romance writers. Many of her earlier books have a lot of heart, but unfortunately this one falls short. I was particularly disappointed that she effected Vivien and Henry's reconciliation in the cheapest and easiest way possible. Yawn.

I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more! ! I had a terrible time putting this book down so I could sleep! ! I fell in love with Henry and emphasized with Vivien. It was well worth the money! ! Thank you, Rachel Gibson!!!!

Addictive. You easily get caught up in the lives of Henry and Vivian. Another great book from Rachel Gibson.

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

This book would have better served as a novella. Little character development, plot was pretty boring and all over the place. Lots of typos, repeating lines and grammatical errors. Not like her older books at all.

Just Kiss Me by Rachel Gibson

A contemporary romance with southern charm. Bless her heart.
It was amusing reading the southern attitudes of the elite.
I really enjoyed the different perspective that the diary of the young girl linked with the adult and how it tied together. This was a unique way to learn some of the background and history of the family.
A nice romance that included Hollywood, snooping, and a little sadness.

I received a copy of this book at BEA.

I usually like Rachel Gibson because there is usually fun banter between the characters. Not this time. It all takes place around the funeral of the heroine's mother. First of all I didn't like the heroine, and second of all being seduced while in morning was not a turn on for me. I'd read other's of Rachel Gibson first.

I love Rachel Gibson books, and this one was definitely a good read. However, the ending felt rushed and wrapped up too fast. Also, I just can't get passed the number of typos I found! I'll keep reading more of hers, but was a bit disappointed in this one in particular.