ABOUT THAT KISS – Jill Shalvis
A Perfect 10
Heartbreaker Bay , Book 5
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-274177-6
February 2018
Contemporary Romance

San Francisco, California – Present Day

Private investigator Joe Malone and woodworker Kylie Masters recently shared an unexpected kiss that neither wants to think about too much because that'd mean exploring what the kiss meant. But when Kylie has a sentimental wood carving of a penguin stolen and she receives a “ransom” note, it's Joe she turns to for help in retrieving the carving. He could've laughed at her and said no, but instead, he agrees. He even agrees to her stipulation that she come along on his investigation. Joe shouldn't have agreed to that…right? Have a woman who drives him crazy tag along, possibly interfering with his snooping?

Kylie isn't into relationships, though she'd love to have one with her boss, Gib, even if the guy doesn't return the interest. She tries to convince herself that she can't also be attracted to Joe, who's bossy, rude, and, well, too sexy for his own good. Yet, every time Kylie is around Joe, she can't help but notice just how he makes her girlie parts feel. She makes him keep his word in allowing her to go with him as he checks out the possible suspects in the wood carving theft. Of course, this only has Joe and Kylie driving each other crazy…and wanting to repeat that kiss.

If you haven't read any of the other books in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis, then the stories and personalities of Joe and Kylie's friends in ABOUT THAT KISS might confuse you. However, this tale could be read on its own, as ABOUT THAT KISS is about the simmering, below the surface romance of Joe and Kylie. Up until now, they've circled each other, pretending not to be interested in the other, but it all changes when they're forced to hang out together to find her missing penguin. The reason this wood carving is special to Kylie is because it was carved by her late, beloved grandfather, who was well known for his creations and are now expensive. One of the conditions of the “ransom” note is that she authenticate some pieces, one of which Kylie knows wasn't carved by her grandfather. If she does, will it then turn into a never-ending blackmail?

The chemistry between Joe and Kylie in ABOUT THAT KISS sizzles so hot, it nearly burns the pages. She is aware of Joe, but pretends she doesn't, while he can't stop thinking about her and doesn't know why he's having these feelings. At first, both avoid the elephant in the room— that kiss —but soon it can't be ignored. How long into this tale before the kiss is repeated? Readers will have to read ABOUT THAT KISS to find out the answer.

As with many books by Jill Shalvis, readers will laugh as the characters get into some seriously funny predicaments and you watch them react. Add in the interactions with their friends as they realize Joe and Kylie are more into one another than they let on, then readers are in for a fun treat. ABOUT THAT KISS is a pleasure to read from the very first page and one that I highly recommend. It's for this reason that I'm awarding it a coveted Perfect 10 from Romance Reviews Today.

Grab a copy of ABOUT THAT KISS and get a chance to read one of the best books out in February.

Patti Fischer