Just Kiss Her by Clare Lydon is a deliciously tempting age-gap romance where a fake girlfriend accidentally falls for her the one woman she can’t have.
When Brooke is asked to pose as her best friend’s girlfriend for his sister’s destination wedding, she can’t refuse because, hey! it’s a free vacation! Yeah, she’s a lesbian but she just needs to fake it for a few days?
That plan is moot when she meets Noah’s mom, Jen, and she’s struck by her confidence, sophistication, and beauty. The more time Brooke and Jen spend together, Brooke’s attraction grows as Jen’s everything she wants.
As their holiday in paradise unfolds, their love triangle is ready to implode under the hot Mexican sun. Jen is strictly off limits, but Brooke’s heart isn’t set on rules. Brooke must decide whether to keep her feelings buried or just kiss her!
Writing
Just Kiss Her is Clare Lydon at her finest! Her way with words draws readers in from the first page and takes them on a beautiful holiday with delightful characters, loads of sunshine, laughs, and a swoon-worthy romance for the ages. Lydon brilliantly pairs vibrant details with witty dialogue, crafting a relatable and charming story. The Mexican resort where the majority of the story takes place is as well developed as the characters providing the perfect backdrop for the actions to take place.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Just Kiss Her is the perfect way to spend a few hours. I eagerly tore through the pages, needing to find out how the story would end.
Noah’s fear of his father’s reaction to him being gay is extremely relatable and while he knows that lying to his family isn’t the best way to ease into the revelation, he’s got to do what he’s got to do. Brooke knows nothing good can come from playing his girlfriend but can’t say no to her best friend. As the holiday progresses, the stress and anxiety it causes puts things in perspective.
Jen and Brooke’s first meeting is my favorite part of Just Kiss Her! The vivid details and emotional rollercoaster had me holding my breath, rolling my eyes, and laughing out loud! That scene sets the stage for the rest of their interactions and shows a real human element to the story that things don’t always go perfectly.
Just Kiss Her truly captures the essence of romance for me (and it’s not just because I am a sucker for an age-gap tale). The dynamic between Brooke and Jen, with their instant attraction and ensuing push-pull is a compelling combination that keeps the tension high and the story engaging. Their chemistry, honesty, and communication are crucial elements that elevate the romance, making their connection feel authentic and deeply resonant.
This book’s supporting characters are vast but all have a special place in the narrative. Gio and Amber, especially, bring additional layers of depth and emotion that enrich the story. Their roles go beyond a mere background presence, contributing more than I ever saw coming. Their interactions with Brooke, Jen, and Noah offer different angles on love, family, and relationships that resonated with me.
Heads Up
None for me.
The Conclusion
Just Kiss Her is the perfect vacation romance, blending relatable main characters with a heartfelt narrative. Brooke and Jen’s budding relationship is at the center of the story, set against the backdrop of an impending wedding that adds a layer of drama. The characters navigate emotional topics with humor and romance, creating a balanced and engaging tale. Noah’s internal struggle and the emotional toll of maintaining a lie further enrich the plot. With its laminated daily itinerary adding a quirky touch, this story is a heartwarming and memorable read.
Excerpt from Just Kiss Her by Clare Lydon
“Hello? Claudia? Hello?”
A British accent. Jen glanced up to see a woman stab her phone with her finger, put it to her ear, then stare at it again. Her hair was what magazines would describe as glossy. When she turned and revealed her face, Jen put her at around 30. Did she seem familiar? Maybe she was one of Gio’s daughters. Noah had shown her a couple of photos on his phone.
She came and stood near Jen, still frowning at her phone. “What are you calling me for?” she said under her breath. “You never fucking call me normally.”
Jen tried not to stare. She didn’t want the woman to think she was eavesdropping.
“Hello? Godammit, Claudia.”
She wasn’t having much luck. Moments later, the distinct smell of smoke wafted Jen’s way. When she turned, a cigarette was caught between the woman’s fingers. She tapped a packet of Marlboro Lights on the balcony, still frowning. She blinked when she saw Jen looking. “Sorry.” She scooted along the balcony, then lifted her cigarette. “Bad habit, I know.” She waved her phone in her other hand. “I only tend to smoke in times of stress. My phone is making me stressed.”
Jen shook her head. “No problem.”
“Excuse me!”
They both turned, to see Gabriela waving. “You can’t smoke in the reception area,” she shouted, waving her hands above her head as if directing a plane. “Only in designated areas.”
The woman held up a hand, then stubbed out her cigarette under her foot. She waved an apologetic hand at Gabriela. “Sorry, I just arrived today!” She turned back to Jen. “I need a drink.”
“Me, too. Rough day?”
The woman tilted her head and gave a wry smile. “I mean, people have had rougher, and we are in paradise.”
“Paradise where they can’t find my reservation.”
“Ouch,” the woman replied, her gaze settling on Jen in a way that made her skin prickle.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1912019434
Publisher: Custard Books
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