It was alright. I don't have too much to say about this other than the fact that the series is great to listen to when life is stressful.

Tropes: best friends to lovers, marine veteran

Content: just a kiss [or two], dealing with loss of limb, PTSD

3.5 Stars ( )

4.5 stars.

The final installment in Denise Hunter's heartwarming Summer Harbor series, Just a Kiss is a sweet yet realistic romance between two longtime friends.

Riley Callahan is finally planning on telling his best gal pal Paige Warren he is in love with her when he returns from his tour in Afghanistan. However, his homecoming is nothing like anyone expects when he is injured in an IED attack and he comes home with part of his leg amputated. Trying to put on a happy face for his family and friends, Riley is dismayed to discover he must live with Paige during his recovery. Despite his best efforts to fool everyone, Paige is quick to realize that Riley is struggling and she grows increasingly concerned over his nightmares, mood swings and all around frustration. Needing someone to fill in temporarily at the animal shelter where she works, Paige convinces Riley to take the position. Spending so much time in close proximity does little to help the growing tension between them since Riley is trying to ignore his feelings for her and Paige is confused by her sudden romantic interest in her best friend. When their emotions are too strong to ignore, Paige and Riley decide to date but will Riley's unresolved issues from his wartime experiences ruin their chance at happiness?

Despite his plans to tell Paige how he feels about her, Riley no longer feels like he is capable of taking care of the woman he loves. His daily struggles to accomplish everyday tasks is taking a toll on him and he does not want to be a burden to any woman, including Paige. Frustrated and angry over his circumstances, Riley is barely getting through each day and his nights are plagued by recurring nightmares of the IED attack. Getting his prosthesis bolsters his flagging confidence, but it does not take much to send him plunging back into despair. Instead of facing his problems, Riley makes another impetuous decision that shatters their burgeoning romance.

Paige is no stranger to heartbreak or betrayal but Riley's friendship is the one thing she can always count on no matter what. Hurt by his decision to join the Marines, she has faithfully kept in touch with him during his deployment and she is eager for him to return home. Dismayed yet not surprised by the changes in him, she is a little hover-y as he adjusts to his new circumstances. Paige has complete confidence he will emerge stronger than ever, but she cannot help but be concerned over his lack of progress in some areas. Her sudden awareness of Riley as a man rather than just as a friend takes her off guard and initially, she keeps her feelings to herself since she is afraid to lose their friendship. But when it becomes apparent to her that Riley is attracted to her as well, Paige is ready to take their relationship to the next level. She is completely stunned when Riley pulls away from her just as their romance is beginning and Paige is thoroughly brokenhearted by his shocking announcement.

The relationship between Paige and Riley is slow growing but their longstanding friendship provides a firm foundation for their fledgling romance. Both Paige and Riley have plenty of emotional baggage from traumatic events in their lives and neither of them have worked through these issues. Due to her somewhat dysfunctional childhood, Paige longs for family and although she is very close to the Callahan's, she never quite feels like she fits in. She has a giving heart and she is sometimes just a bit too trusting of people who have hurt her in the past. Riley's feelings of inadequacy due to his war injury cause him to back away from relationships. He is also struggling to find a new career since he is convinced he cannot return to his previous job as a lobsterman. However, his biggest problem is his refusal to get treatment for his PTSD and his underlying depression. Reverting to past behavior, Riley runs from his troubles instead of facing them head on and only time will tell whether his kneejerk reaction will help or hinder him in the long run.

With a gentle undercurrent of faith and a realistic storyline, Just a Kiss is a moving story of healing and love that is fast-paced and engaging with a wonderful cast of characters. Denise Hunter saved the best for last and this highly anticipated romance is an emotional conclusion to the Summer Harbor series. Riley and Paige have to overcome some seemingly insurmountable obstacles but this just makes their romance that much more believable. Longtime fans will be delighted with the outcome of a storyline that has played out in all three books while newcomers will find it very easy to jump right in with this installment. A beautiful end to a fabulous series that I highly recommend. ( )

Riley has tried to stay out of Paige's way since he's in love with her and she's in love with someone else. But getting injured in battle brings him home. Paige is single but Riley feels unable to give her a real relationship due to his injuries. It's a sweet story of faith and being able to be vulnerable to each other. ( )

I received this as an ARC (which in no way influences this review, of course), and found out that it was the third in a series. I never read books out of order. I mean not even once...until now. I read the first in the series, which I loved, and was planning on reading the second, until life got busy and this review was so past it's release date. Soooo, I picked it up, fell easily within the pace of the story, loved the characters even more than I did in the first installment, cried my eyes out over a few of their circumstances, blah-blah-blah, the end.
No. Really though. Denise Hunter did such a great job with this book. She knows how to create these wonderful alpha-males who are not at all jerks, and the women are strong while holding onto their femininity. She has added quirky characters like the opinionated, outspoken aunt, who I love.
The story is heartbreaking at times, but it is a must for romance lovers who like a good clean tearjerker. The story is a beautiful example of how love can withstand, transform, heal, and is worth holding onto. ( )

The conclusion to Denise Hunter’s Summer Harbor series packs quite the emotional punch for the third eligible Callahan brother, as he finally get his chance for romance. Since meeting Riley Callahan and his best friend Paige Warren in Falling Like Snowflakes, I’ve been anxious (and hoping) to see what course their love story would take - and I’m glad to say Just a Kiss does not disappoint.

Riley returns from his time in the military a broken man, one leg short. Though he’s been in love with Paige for years, he no longer feels worthy of winning her heart and determines to simply maintain their platonic friendship status. Yet, weeks of recovery complicate Riley’s plans, forcing him into inconveniently close quarters with Paige. Of course, this time together pushes both of them to face their feelings for one another, as well as deal with their persistent and hindering insecurities, and sets them on a perfectly paced trajectory for sweet (albeit frustrating, at times) romance and hopeful healing.

Just a Kiss will please any reader of contemporary romance looking for a heartwarming read full of authentic, lovable characters, swoon-worthy moments, and encouraging spiritual themes. I really could not read this book fast enough - it’s an excellent romance for Riley and Paige (and, finally, Aunt Trudy and Sheriff Colton, too). I loved all of it and easily recommend it, right along with the previous two Summer Harbor novels.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Just a Kiss and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”) ( )