Just a Little Kiss

I’ve been following this series from the beginning, and Renita Pizzitola has managed to create engaging and honest characters that readers will recognize and want to know. In the third book, Just a Little Kiss, we have Mason’s story. We first met Mason back in Just a Little Crush, he had his own crush on the heroine Brinley, but realized soon on that it was one-sided, and the two became fast friends. Fortunately, his sense was rewarded, and we get to see his story here.

Mason is a stand-up guy: in touch with his feelings and aware that he can find a love of his own. A summer job offer with a fishing boat service brings him into a new environment, and he’s finding himself ready for a summer fling.

Felicity is a local girl, a waitress at the diner, and one with a passion for her ‘summer boys’. She’s not interested in long term, and the influx of summer only workers fits her plan perfectly: no muss, no fuss. But then she meets Mason – and he’s more than just a summer boy…..

These two have the chemistry, and despite the rather mature attitude they both project about relationships, they are young and make some mistakes that perfectly fit their actual ages: neither one is perfect or without issues, but they do manage to finally get it together and actually discuss their issues, rather than flounce off in a snit. Both characters grew and learned from their drama, and while it may seem that I am downplaying angst and drama, these two really don’t have an overabundance of either. Pizzitola wrote these characters with care and deliberation, and both they and their relationship grew in ways that felt plausible and natural. A wonderful installment, and leaves the door open for more, should other characters get a chance to have their moments.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Still getting over the best friend he crushed on for so long, Mason needs distance, and he finds it by leaving town for the summer to work on a fishing boat with his uncle. But shortly upon arrival, he sees Felicity, a local waitress and perhaps the one to make him forget all about his broken heart. But Felicity knows better than to get too involved with one of the “Summer Boys,” those guys who come around to work or vacation for the summer and then return to their lives elsewhere. It doesn’t mean she’s above having a fun little fling, but falling for a Summer Boy was never in the plan.

The Verdict: This series just keeps surprising me in the best way, and I think this may be my favorite of the Crush books! The first two were great, but I was thrilled to see that this one gives us more of Mason, Brinley’s BFF from book #1.

Remember how Mason was a little head over heels for Brinley? So of course, he’s a bit heartbroken that she picked Ryder, who we all fell in love with in the first book. To get over it, he needs space, and to get space, he agrees to help out his uncle on a fishing boat for the summer. It’s not something this computer whiz has any experience, but it just may be the change of pace he needs. Throw in some seasickness and the hot girl in the next boat over, and it’s going to be a summer he won’t want to let go.

Life has been terribly unfair to Felicity, and her story is just heartbreaking. In trying to do the right thing, she broke up with her first love right around high school graduation, determined to see him chase his dreams and not be held back in a dead end, small town life with her. But one night of too much drinking and a bad decision while drowning his sorrows ruined everything. Felicity gave up the boy she loved only to have him get stuck changing diapers and trying to do the right thing by the girl he knocked up. I can’t even explain how terrible I felt for the two of them, seeing her painful but selfless gesture get them nowhere, while Brody gave up his own heart to live up to his new responsibilities. Reading their story and watching them awkwardly still care about each other is probably one of the saddest things I’ve read in a story like this — without being over the top.

But then came Mason, a nice guy who perfectly matched Felicity in the humor and banter department, and it didn’t hurt that he was hot as hell. His staying on the boat right next to hers had them running into each other, forming a cute friendship, and creating some serious chemistry. Felicity, of course, had her walls up, both because her heart had been broken before and because she knew that in a few weeks, Mason would be returning to his life at college. But despite both their best efforts, they were quickly in over their heads.

It wasn’t immediately clear that Felicity had bigger issues; it just seemed like she was overly cautious due to past events. But as things started playing out, it was great to see her grow and learn to follow her heart. Mason was patient and sweet, frustrating and all boy, and when they were at odds, they both acted exactly like the flawed people they were. In some ways, that made them even more perfect for each other.

Just a Little Kiss is a sweet, mostly fluffy read with a little angst thrown in to balance things out, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the characters. I have no idea if the series is over, or if there will be more, but I’ve got my fingers crossed that Isla will get her happily ever after soon.

***FicCentral received this book from Random House LLC (via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Felicity and Mason meet through his cousin, who is one of her best friends. Even thought he is warned to stay away, his feelings are too strong and he pursues her anyway. Or is it she is pursuing him?

Mason is instantly attracted and tries to come up with a away around his cousin's warning to stay away from her. Felicity does not know about the warning and approaches him on her own. Mason takes that as a green light and it all begins.

Felicity is not sure where her future leads to. She only knows she needs to get out of this dead beat beach town. Only without more resources and education - she does not know where to go or what to do. She does however see a hot summer boy just waiting to be kissed...

Mason comes to town to help his injured uncle. He has to be back to college in the fall, but for now there are women and exploring to do. He sees his neighbor and falls so fast!

Truly an inspiring story! The relationship of these characters touches and amuses while giving you a real romance. I enjoyed turning each page.

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.