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Sunshine Kisses
Abigail Briar has spent her life searching for approval, acceptance, and from her parents, from academia, and from herself. The only person she feels entirely at ease with is her best friend.
Three things truly matter to Erik the environment, his family, and his best friend since childhood. In a world that constantly places stress on his mind and body, Abby has always been his quiet haven from the noise.
Constant companions since they were born two weeks apart twenty-five years ago, it's always been them against the world. Through mental health issues, family struggles, and across large distances, they've always had each other's backs.
To everyone around them, they're a perfect match, although they've spent years insisting they're just friends.
When they spend a week in the close proximity of a holiday with their respective (and ever so slightly meddling) families, the connection that has always existed between them begins to heat up. But as the tension between them reaches boiling point, will ghosts from their long history threaten to tear them apart?
Sunshine Kisses is a spicy childhood best friends to lovers story with mental health rep, plenty of tension, and a dual-POV on a dual-timeline.
Three things truly matter to Erik the environment, his family, and his best friend since childhood. In a world that constantly places stress on his mind and body, Abby has always been his quiet haven from the noise.
Constant companions since they were born two weeks apart twenty-five years ago, it's always been them against the world. Through mental health issues, family struggles, and across large distances, they've always had each other's backs.
To everyone around them, they're a perfect match, although they've spent years insisting they're just friends.
When they spend a week in the close proximity of a holiday with their respective (and ever so slightly meddling) families, the connection that has always existed between them begins to heat up. But as the tension between them reaches boiling point, will ghosts from their long history threaten to tear them apart?
Sunshine Kisses is a spicy childhood best friends to lovers story with mental health rep, plenty of tension, and a dual-POV on a dual-timeline.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2023
61 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 2, 2025
WAIT, WHAT
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 9, 2024
I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that this is a book by a DEBUT author. The writing is that of a seasoned author! Sunshine Kisses is a cheesy, spicy, friends-to-lovers romcom feast (the last time I enjoyed such a feast was Emily Henry's You and Me on Vacation!) Who needs Mc Donald's chilli cheese fries when I have this book serving me all the cheese and spice? 😍 #BoycottMcDonalds #BuySunshineKissesInstead 😋
Abby and Erik are my parents.
No, seriously. If you combine the two of their histories, personalities, and overall lifestyles... you'll get me! I relate to both these characters at such an intrinsic level - from the small things, like Abby's love for cinnamon and Erik's big soft heart, to the deeper and bigger things like Abby switching from following the path of her parents (doctors, just like my mom!) to pursue literature and Erik's issues with sensory overload and overstimulation. It's remarkable how similar we are in so many ways.
It's also proof, once again, that no matter what you're going through, you are never going through it alone. There will always be someone who understands. You just have to be lucky enough to find that person (or people). My dear sweet Abby and my lovely angel Erik had that luck!
To anyone reading this: I hope you have the same luck as them! May you find the person(s) who understands you and makes you feel less alone ❤️
P.S. the accompanying playlist is CHEF'S KISS ✨✨✨ Ms author, you have excellent taste in music and playlist-making (this comes from someone who considers herself a high standard music and playlist connoisseur) 😌🤌
P.P.S. I NEED A BOOK ABOUT ALEX PLEASE I LOVE HIM
Abby and Erik are my parents.
No, seriously. If you combine the two of their histories, personalities, and overall lifestyles... you'll get me! I relate to both these characters at such an intrinsic level - from the small things, like Abby's love for cinnamon and Erik's big soft heart, to the deeper and bigger things like Abby switching from following the path of her parents (doctors, just like my mom!) to pursue literature and Erik's issues with sensory overload and overstimulation. It's remarkable how similar we are in so many ways.
It's also proof, once again, that no matter what you're going through, you are never going through it alone. There will always be someone who understands. You just have to be lucky enough to find that person (or people). My dear sweet Abby and my lovely angel Erik had that luck!
To anyone reading this: I hope you have the same luck as them! May you find the person(s) who understands you and makes you feel less alone ❤️
P.S. the accompanying playlist is CHEF'S KISS ✨✨✨ Ms author, you have excellent taste in music and playlist-making (this comes from someone who considers herself a high standard music and playlist connoisseur) 😌🤌
P.P.S. I NEED A BOOK ABOUT ALEX PLEASE I LOVE HIM
July 26, 2025
Effing brilliant!
A screaming 5 stars!
I need to be subscribed to this authors email list. Post notifications need to be turned on.
I am floored- and this a debut??
A screaming 5 stars!
I need to be subscribed to this authors email list. Post notifications need to be turned on.
I am floored- and this a debut??
May 5, 2025
My dearest lovelies, if you're looking for the softest friends to lovers romance, look no further... because this is the recommendation you NEED!
But first, I want to give a huge congratulations to Kelly on her incredibly beautiful debut! Thank you for feeding my friends to lovers obsessed heart with your graceful writing 🫶🏼 I'm sooooo excited for what's to come! You bet I'll be cheering from the sidelines :)
Sunshine Kisses is a childhood friends to lovers adult contemporary romance about two best friends reconnecting on a holiday with their families and giving into the attraction that's always pulsed between them
I was an absolute goner from the first chapter, just like Erik was a goner for Abigail! I fell HARD for their tender friendship, which I swear.... my body and facial expressions didn't know how to act normal anymore from all the swoony sweet moments. There's no doubt about them being soulmates; it's in the way they take care of each other and have proper and mature conversations that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside🥰 and then let us not forget the pining 🔥🔥🔥
Erik is so infatuated by Abigail, but it's expressed in the most tasteful and deliciously sweet way... I promise this book will intrigue you one way or another and will quite possibly have you adding one more book boyfriend to your list; speaking from experience ;)
read if you like:
🌻 dual POV on a dual timeline
🌻 mental health rep
🌻 cinnamon roll MMC
🌻 forced proximity
🌻 moments of caretaking
🌻 soulmates
🌻 he falls first (but they were kids, and there's no way he still feels the same)
🌻 healing Catholic guilt (but make it sëxy)
🌻 open door spicy scenes
🌻 "good girl" AND "That's my girl" moments
But first, I want to give a huge congratulations to Kelly on her incredibly beautiful debut! Thank you for feeding my friends to lovers obsessed heart with your graceful writing 🫶🏼 I'm sooooo excited for what's to come! You bet I'll be cheering from the sidelines :)
Sunshine Kisses is a childhood friends to lovers adult contemporary romance about two best friends reconnecting on a holiday with their families and giving into the attraction that's always pulsed between them
I was an absolute goner from the first chapter, just like Erik was a goner for Abigail! I fell HARD for their tender friendship, which I swear.... my body and facial expressions didn't know how to act normal anymore from all the swoony sweet moments. There's no doubt about them being soulmates; it's in the way they take care of each other and have proper and mature conversations that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside🥰 and then let us not forget the pining 🔥🔥🔥
Erik is so infatuated by Abigail, but it's expressed in the most tasteful and deliciously sweet way... I promise this book will intrigue you one way or another and will quite possibly have you adding one more book boyfriend to your list; speaking from experience ;)
read if you like:
🌻 dual POV on a dual timeline
🌻 mental health rep
🌻 cinnamon roll MMC
🌻 forced proximity
🌻 moments of caretaking
🌻 soulmates
🌻 he falls first (but they were kids, and there's no way he still feels the same)
🌻 healing Catholic guilt (but make it sëxy)
🌻 open door spicy scenes
🌻 "good girl" AND "That's my girl" moments
January 2, 2024
If you are looking for a childhood best friends to lovers and a quick read to get the year started then grab a copy of Sunshine Kisses!
Set during the Easter weekend as two best friends navigate the attraction that has always been between them, Sunshine Kisses will have you swooning over the MMC and hardcore crushing on the characters' relationships.
I am a big fan of romance books that tackle more series topics and this Sunshine Kisses has converserations that relevant and accessible. From standing up to parents who never seem to believe in your choices to Catholic guilt, you'll leave this book feeling a little lighter.
Having read Sunshine Kisses in one sitting, I am already anticipating her next release, Midnight Wishes.
Clarke is definitely a contemporary author to keep an eye on! Don't miss out on reading her debut, you can also grab a copy on Kindle Unlimited!
Set during the Easter weekend as two best friends navigate the attraction that has always been between them, Sunshine Kisses will have you swooning over the MMC and hardcore crushing on the characters' relationships.
I am a big fan of romance books that tackle more series topics and this Sunshine Kisses has converserations that relevant and accessible. From standing up to parents who never seem to believe in your choices to Catholic guilt, you'll leave this book feeling a little lighter.
Having read Sunshine Kisses in one sitting, I am already anticipating her next release, Midnight Wishes.
Clarke is definitely a contemporary author to keep an eye on! Don't miss out on reading her debut, you can also grab a copy on Kindle Unlimited!
September 16, 2023
Sunshine Kisses is exactly what the title promises: A sweet, soft romance with lots of wonderful kissing.
The MMC, Erik, is a walking green flag and I would desperately like one of my own. That being said, aside from the fact that he’s fictional, I can’t have him. He is Abby’s to love. Only Abby. The romance that blossoms between Erik and Abby is somehow slow and all at once at the same time. Years and years of pining elegantly squeezed into a few hundred pages.
If you’re a fan of best friends to lovers I will have to INSIST you read this (when it’s published—I was lucky enough to be an early reader).
The MMC, Erik, is a walking green flag and I would desperately like one of my own. That being said, aside from the fact that he’s fictional, I can’t have him. He is Abby’s to love. Only Abby. The romance that blossoms between Erik and Abby is somehow slow and all at once at the same time. Years and years of pining elegantly squeezed into a few hundred pages.
If you’re a fan of best friends to lovers I will have to INSIST you read this (when it’s published—I was lucky enough to be an early reader).
August 25, 2025
“I am going to marry her one day” - How do you still stand after that line?
And this was the author’s DEBUT NOVEL😍!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️
This was the first book in the series from Kelly L. Clarke which I devoured in just over a day. Her writing is effortless and keeps you wanting more.
Normally the “childhood friends to lovers” and “misunderstanding” tropes are my least favorite but in this case I couldn’t turn the page fast enough.
The yearning for decades and the “just out of reach” moments had me nostalgic and me screaming at them to just talk and say what they mean.
The backwards and forwards about halfway in the book had me a bit frustrated but that is but that is just because it wasn’t my preferred trope.
Apart from that, I loved how Abby grew into herself and standing up for herself. Also, that Erik was part of that growth had my heart swoon.
Also, that Erik and Alex were also able to understand themselves and their relationship better had a come to light moment that made me so happy.
I can not WAIT for the 3rd book in this series.
And this was the author’s DEBUT NOVEL😍!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️
This was the first book in the series from Kelly L. Clarke which I devoured in just over a day. Her writing is effortless and keeps you wanting more.
Normally the “childhood friends to lovers” and “misunderstanding” tropes are my least favorite but in this case I couldn’t turn the page fast enough.
The yearning for decades and the “just out of reach” moments had me nostalgic and me screaming at them to just talk and say what they mean.
The backwards and forwards about halfway in the book had me a bit frustrated but that is but that is just because it wasn’t my preferred trope.
Apart from that, I loved how Abby grew into herself and standing up for herself. Also, that Erik was part of that growth had my heart swoon.
Also, that Erik and Alex were also able to understand themselves and their relationship better had a come to light moment that made me so happy.
I can not WAIT for the 3rd book in this series.
August 9, 2025
What an amazing read.
Friends to lovers. This was written so beautifully. I am actually speechless.
Friends to lovers. This was written so beautifully. I am actually speechless.
May 23, 2024
Title: Sunshine Kisses
Author: Kelly L. Clarke
Hero/Heroine: Erik & Abby
What to Expect: Childhood Best Friends to Lovers, Soulmates, It’s Always Been You, Pining, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Dual POV, Mental Health Rep, He Falls First, Healing from Catholic Guilt, Sex Positive, Dual Timeline
tw/cw: healing from catholic guilt, detailed description of anxiety attacks, sensory disorder, dysfunctional parental relationship,
✨the good ✨
It feels like ages since I’ve read a friend’s to lovers romance, and Sunshine Kisses had your girl giddy right from the first page. Erik and Abby were just so bloody incredible, I couldn’t help but immediately love them.
Friends since they were babies, Erik and Abby have literally been through every stage of life together, from the awkward teen years to present day. They’ve not seen each other in a while so when the opportunity to join their parents on their annual trip pops up, they see it as the perfect time to catch up. Adjoining rooms, a jealous Erik and an unintentional sleepover lead to some pretty steam situations between these two.
Erik and Abby. Abby and Erik. They go so perfectly together, like marmite on toast. The story was dual timeline so we got to see these wonderful characters at key points throughout their lives, which for me took the story to the next level. The connection between Erik and Abby felt more organic as it had been building over time, it honesty felt like I was watching two close friends falling in love. The fact that they both also had some personal things to overcome gave a lot more depth to their characters. Also, Erik. The mouth on this man. It’s always the ones you least expect. A very pleasant surprise let me tell you.
A gorgeous debut that had me feeling all the feelings, would definitely recommend if the friends to lovers trope is your jam. So excited that Alex’s book is next.
✨ the bad ✨
Abby’s Mom. Not gonna lie, I just wanted to tell her to shut the fuck up for most of the book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: an incredibly gorgeous friends to lovers romance, adored this
✨ 3rd act break up: no
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Kelly L. Clarke
Hero/Heroine: Erik & Abby
What to Expect: Childhood Best Friends to Lovers, Soulmates, It’s Always Been You, Pining, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Dual POV, Mental Health Rep, He Falls First, Healing from Catholic Guilt, Sex Positive, Dual Timeline
tw/cw: healing from catholic guilt, detailed description of anxiety attacks, sensory disorder, dysfunctional parental relationship,
✨the good ✨
It feels like ages since I’ve read a friend’s to lovers romance, and Sunshine Kisses had your girl giddy right from the first page. Erik and Abby were just so bloody incredible, I couldn’t help but immediately love them.
Friends since they were babies, Erik and Abby have literally been through every stage of life together, from the awkward teen years to present day. They’ve not seen each other in a while so when the opportunity to join their parents on their annual trip pops up, they see it as the perfect time to catch up. Adjoining rooms, a jealous Erik and an unintentional sleepover lead to some pretty steam situations between these two.
Erik and Abby. Abby and Erik. They go so perfectly together, like marmite on toast. The story was dual timeline so we got to see these wonderful characters at key points throughout their lives, which for me took the story to the next level. The connection between Erik and Abby felt more organic as it had been building over time, it honesty felt like I was watching two close friends falling in love. The fact that they both also had some personal things to overcome gave a lot more depth to their characters. Also, Erik. The mouth on this man. It’s always the ones you least expect. A very pleasant surprise let me tell you.
A gorgeous debut that had me feeling all the feelings, would definitely recommend if the friends to lovers trope is your jam. So excited that Alex’s book is next.
✨ the bad ✨
Abby’s Mom. Not gonna lie, I just wanted to tell her to shut the fuck up for most of the book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: an incredibly gorgeous friends to lovers romance, adored this
✨ 3rd act break up: no
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 19, 2024
Maybe 2024 is going to be the year I fall for blonde MMC's.
Friends to Lovers has never been a fav of mine but this just hit so many boxes for me. I loved how it was dual POV as well as past/present and it added so much depth to the characters.
I can't believe this is a debut novel. Highly recommend 😭
‘It’s weirdly adorable that you still don’t understand just how aware I am of every tiny thing you say and do.’
‘Sounds a little like you’re obsessed with me.’
"But you’ve always been my everything. Even when I didn’t know, it was always true. When I realised how I felt about you… it was like all my memories had a haze around them, and you brought them into focus. Everything I’d ever done or said or felt made more sense knowing that I’m in love with you."
‘I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t completely consumed by you.'
' Asking when I fell in love with you is like asking how I learnt to breathe.’
Friends to Lovers has never been a fav of mine but this just hit so many boxes for me. I loved how it was dual POV as well as past/present and it added so much depth to the characters.
I can't believe this is a debut novel. Highly recommend 😭
‘It’s weirdly adorable that you still don’t understand just how aware I am of every tiny thing you say and do.’
‘Sounds a little like you’re obsessed with me.’
"But you’ve always been my everything. Even when I didn’t know, it was always true. When I realised how I felt about you… it was like all my memories had a haze around them, and you brought them into focus. Everything I’d ever done or said or felt made more sense knowing that I’m in love with you."
‘I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t completely consumed by you.'
' Asking when I fell in love with you is like asking how I learnt to breathe.’
January 9, 2024
4.5
What a fantastic debut by a fellow South African.
I think 'friends to lovers' is one of my favourite tropes and this one is extra special because it's 'friends from birth to lovers'😍
Erik is such a sweetheart, and even though I'm not Catholic, the religious guilt is real. I could relate to Abigail, too, the pressure to be something your parents expect. It's tough.
This isn't what I define as 'smut' or overly open door ( and I'm a little conservative with open doors- hello religious trauma) so for anyone worried about the level of spice- it's the perfect amount, you don’t have to worry.
I love that it's a lifelong love in the making and has a perfect HEA 😍
I look forward to seeing what Kelly writes next- and I see her standalone sequel is in the works!
What a fantastic debut by a fellow South African.
I think 'friends to lovers' is one of my favourite tropes and this one is extra special because it's 'friends from birth to lovers'😍
Erik is such a sweetheart, and even though I'm not Catholic, the religious guilt is real. I could relate to Abigail, too, the pressure to be something your parents expect. It's tough.
This isn't what I define as 'smut' or overly open door ( and I'm a little conservative with open doors- hello religious trauma) so for anyone worried about the level of spice- it's the perfect amount, you don’t have to worry.
I love that it's a lifelong love in the making and has a perfect HEA 😍
I look forward to seeing what Kelly writes next- and I see her standalone sequel is in the works!
September 14, 2023
Thank you to Kelly for the ARC of Sunshine Kisses. I am emotional, giddy and in LOVE with Abby and Erik and I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this book.
The writing is phenomenal, the storyline had me screeching and the realness made me want to live in this book.
If you love
☀️ best friends to lovers
☀️ honest friendships
☀️ a patient and utterly charming MMC
☀️ a kind and loving FMC
☀️ seaside vacation trip
☀️ LOADS of tension and big spicy payoffs
Then please please please read it! (Set to publish late 2023)
The writing is phenomenal, the storyline had me screeching and the realness made me want to live in this book.
If you love
☀️ best friends to lovers
☀️ honest friendships
☀️ a patient and utterly charming MMC
☀️ a kind and loving FMC
☀️ seaside vacation trip
☀️ LOADS of tension and big spicy payoffs
Then please please please read it! (Set to publish late 2023)
December 9, 2023
This is an absolute must-read for romance lovers who enjoy some spice.
Favourite things :
- friends to lovers
- sex positivity
- banter
- cinnamon roll MMC
- he fell first trope
I couldn’t put this book down, it was soooo good and I will recommend it to EVERYONE forever.
Favourite things :
- friends to lovers
- sex positivity
- banter
- cinnamon roll MMC
- he fell first trope
I couldn’t put this book down, it was soooo good and I will recommend it to EVERYONE forever.
May 20, 2024
Beautifully romantic, sweet, funny, and sexy. A perfect romance novel!
June 12, 2025
Maybe—100%, definitely—the best childhood friends to lovers I’ve ever read! Stunning in every way.
August 21, 2025
Ahhh, what can I say? This book had me up in the middle of the night, kicking my feet and giggling like a high school girl reading a Mills & Boon novel. (No, I’m not that old—my mom just used to have them at home!)
I digress. Sunshine Kisses is pure swoon-worthy perfection. The chemistry, the charm, the way the story was written—it pulled me right into their world, and I loved every single moment I got to stay there.
If you’re looking for a read that makes your heart flutter and your cheeks hurt from smiling, this is it.
I digress. Sunshine Kisses is pure swoon-worthy perfection. The chemistry, the charm, the way the story was written—it pulled me right into their world, and I loved every single moment I got to stay there.
If you’re looking for a read that makes your heart flutter and your cheeks hurt from smiling, this is it.
August 29, 2025
PERFECTION😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 29, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
“…𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕚𝕤𝕖.”
Firstly - thank you to @kellycwrites for gifting me with an ARC of your gorgeous novel in exchange for an honest review.
Secondly, thank you! 😭 this is the epitome of slow burn, friends-to-lovers, he fell first and I am here for it!
Kelly seamlessly blends a dual POV written over two timelines over the entire friendship and it is utter perfection.
“Abigail Briar has spent her life searching for approval, acceptance, and from her parents, from academia, and from herself. The only person she feels entirely at ease with is her best friend… Constant companions since they were born two weeks apart twenty-five years ago, it’s always been them against the world… When they spend a week in the close proximity of a holiday with their respective (and ever so slightly meddling) families, the connection that has always existed between them begins to heat up. But as the tension between them reaches boiling point, will ghosts from their long history threaten to tear them apart?“
Topics of shame and guilt rooted in a catholic upbringing is something that I think not many people speak about - and it’s expertly brought to light and handled by these characters.
There were so many moments during this book where I sat grinning from ear to ear because the banter and the flirting was so good. I may have also pulled an all-nighter because I didn’t want to put the book down.
A wholesome and, did I mentioned spicy, tale wrapped into a beautiful friends to lovers. Everyone who loves Christina Lauren and Emily Henry needs to read this!
🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼/5
Available now for pre-order on Amazon!
#sunshinekisses #romance #lovestory #spice #bookstagram #sabookstagram #readwithme #aesthetic #daisy
“…𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕚𝕤𝕖.”
Firstly - thank you to @kellycwrites for gifting me with an ARC of your gorgeous novel in exchange for an honest review.
Secondly, thank you! 😭 this is the epitome of slow burn, friends-to-lovers, he fell first and I am here for it!
Kelly seamlessly blends a dual POV written over two timelines over the entire friendship and it is utter perfection.
“Abigail Briar has spent her life searching for approval, acceptance, and from her parents, from academia, and from herself. The only person she feels entirely at ease with is her best friend… Constant companions since they were born two weeks apart twenty-five years ago, it’s always been them against the world… When they spend a week in the close proximity of a holiday with their respective (and ever so slightly meddling) families, the connection that has always existed between them begins to heat up. But as the tension between them reaches boiling point, will ghosts from their long history threaten to tear them apart?“
Topics of shame and guilt rooted in a catholic upbringing is something that I think not many people speak about - and it’s expertly brought to light and handled by these characters.
There were so many moments during this book where I sat grinning from ear to ear because the banter and the flirting was so good. I may have also pulled an all-nighter because I didn’t want to put the book down.
A wholesome and, did I mentioned spicy, tale wrapped into a beautiful friends to lovers. Everyone who loves Christina Lauren and Emily Henry needs to read this!
🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼/5
Available now for pre-order on Amazon!
#sunshinekisses #romance #lovestory #spice #bookstagram #sabookstagram #readwithme #aesthetic #daisy
January 10, 2024
Biggest thanks to the author for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sunshine Kisses is a childhood best friends to lovers story following Abby and Erik as they reunite on their joint family vacation and start to realise that they have feelings for each other.
There are also flashbacks to their friendship throughout the years, which sets up a really solid foundation and has you rooting for their relationship!
Also, each chapter has a song associated with it and it's the CUTEST THING EVER!!!
I truly loved this book. It's low stakes but high angst, which gave me all the fuzzy feels. Abby and Erik felt so real to me. The writing was amazing. . . It's just so good! It's the perfect balance of cute and spicy.
This is also, without a doubt, one of the sweetest books I've read. Call me Olaf because I MELTED. I was a mere puddle by the end of this book. It's clear how much care the author put into these characters and their story.
It was also such a quick and easy read. I would sit down to read a chapter and the next thing I knew, I'd be 50% in. This book feels like a fresh cup of tea and a warm hug wrapped in a cozy blanket. Basically: READ IT.
Sunshine Kisses is a childhood best friends to lovers story following Abby and Erik as they reunite on their joint family vacation and start to realise that they have feelings for each other.
There are also flashbacks to their friendship throughout the years, which sets up a really solid foundation and has you rooting for their relationship!
Also, each chapter has a song associated with it and it's the CUTEST THING EVER!!!
I truly loved this book. It's low stakes but high angst, which gave me all the fuzzy feels. Abby and Erik felt so real to me. The writing was amazing. . . It's just so good! It's the perfect balance of cute and spicy.
This is also, without a doubt, one of the sweetest books I've read. Call me Olaf because I MELTED. I was a mere puddle by the end of this book. It's clear how much care the author put into these characters and their story.
It was also such a quick and easy read. I would sit down to read a chapter and the next thing I knew, I'd be 50% in. This book feels like a fresh cup of tea and a warm hug wrapped in a cozy blanket. Basically: READ IT.
December 30, 2023
Loads of Sunshine and all the Kisses 😉
Erik as a little boy was charming. Teenage Erik was shy and cautious. Adult Erik was just plain perfect 👌🏼. And Abby? Loved this girl so much.
What a beautiful tale of childhood sweethearts finally doing something about the feelings they’ve been hiding throughout the years.
The sneaky touches. The FOREHEAD KISSES. The secret glances. Looovvvveee it!
I got hyped up throughout this book. I just kept wanting Abby and Erik to kiss and really kiss and then finally…
I loved how this story touched on Catholic guilt. I grew up in a staunch Catholic family and was taught the same things that Abby went through. It was a struggle for me in my late teens early twenties, so reading about Abby’s struggles I could resonate with her. Erik was so patient and loving with her and these struggles.
This was the perfect way to end my year.
A wonderful debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Abigail and Erik deserve 💚💛💚💛💚
Erik as a little boy was charming. Teenage Erik was shy and cautious. Adult Erik was just plain perfect 👌🏼. And Abby? Loved this girl so much.
What a beautiful tale of childhood sweethearts finally doing something about the feelings they’ve been hiding throughout the years.
The sneaky touches. The FOREHEAD KISSES. The secret glances. Looovvvveee it!
I got hyped up throughout this book. I just kept wanting Abby and Erik to kiss and really kiss and then finally…
I loved how this story touched on Catholic guilt. I grew up in a staunch Catholic family and was taught the same things that Abby went through. It was a struggle for me in my late teens early twenties, so reading about Abby’s struggles I could resonate with her. Erik was so patient and loving with her and these struggles.
This was the perfect way to end my year.
A wonderful debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Abigail and Erik deserve 💚💛💚💛💚
December 21, 2023
For fans of “You and Me on Vacation” and “Love and Other Words”, this romance hits all the right notes with navigating the path of friends to lovers, which I always find is a tricky path to follow. Abby and Erik are both individually very well-developed characters, and it makes their eventual romance effortless in execution. With low stakes, and strong characters, it makes for a short, easy and (very) sexy read where the romance is the focus, making it a book that is very difficult to put down.
Lastly, Erik, is simply put, a man. and I am, but a simple woman 🧍🏽♀️
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sunshine Kisses releases 31 december 2023 and I better see it as your new years day read 🔪☀️
Lastly, Erik, is simply put, a man. and I am, but a simple woman 🧍🏽♀️
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sunshine Kisses releases 31 december 2023 and I better see it as your new years day read 🔪☀️
September 7, 2024
I devoured this book in one sitting. I started reading it during my lunch at work and immediately started reading again when I got home (in between making dinner and seeing to the kids). I literally could not put it down until I was done - a little after 12am 😬
So why didn’t I give it 5 stars? Well, I didn’t think it was perfect. There were bits that I absolutely loved and others I felt a bit cringe or felt the interactions were a bit forced. That may just be a me thing.
Overall, an excellent read. It does what a romance novel is supposed to do.
So why didn’t I give it 5 stars? Well, I didn’t think it was perfect. There were bits that I absolutely loved and others I felt a bit cringe or felt the interactions were a bit forced. That may just be a me thing.
Overall, an excellent read. It does what a romance novel is supposed to do.
September 6, 2024
Sunshine Kisses is a friends to lovers romance that will leave you pining after more. The healing and emotional growth in this novel is phenomenal, the main characters are real and have actual, meaningful, AND mature conversations. Also, the romance is sweetly slow, innocent, and honestly a breath of fresh air in today's demand for instant love, and instant lust. All in all, if you're in a mood for a soft love story that will leave you feeling all the warmth and fuzzy feelings afterwards, this book is for you.
August 4, 2024
Absolute perfection! I'm usually a slow reader, but I was able to finish this book in one weekend! I found myself completely unable to put it down and before I knew what had happened I was on the last chapter.
If you love friends to lovers who are both incredibly intelligent individuals, but are somehow too stupid to realise that the other is in love with them, then I can assure you that you're going to love them.
It was deliciously slow burn and swoonworthy throughout
If you love friends to lovers who are both incredibly intelligent individuals, but are somehow too stupid to realise that the other is in love with them, then I can assure you that you're going to love them.
It was deliciously slow burn and swoonworthy throughout
August 28, 2024
This was such a cute friends-to-lovers story, which isn't normally my favourite trope. A delicious, agonising slow burn with enough spice to keep me warm. I did have a small moment of anguish where I wanted to club their heads together and tell them "Duh, you belong together!" I also liked how the author tackled mental health, anxiety and religious guilt around sex.
I also had the pleasure of meeting the author, Kelly, and I am so excited for the second book in this series.
I also had the pleasure of meeting the author, Kelly, and I am so excited for the second book in this series.
November 17, 2024
This book gave me a tingle in my tummy for most of the read. I loved it! Can I have an Erik Larsson, too please? 🥹 Such a feel-good romance! I usually prefer enemies to lovers but this friends to lovers was “chef’s kiss”!
August 15, 2024
Five stars are not nearly enough.
I ADORE this book. I love these characters. I love the way this is written. Simultaneously easy to read and lyrical and beautiful.
This book is officially in my Top 5.
I ADORE this book. I love these characters. I love the way this is written. Simultaneously easy to read and lyrical and beautiful.
This book is officially in my Top 5.
December 28, 2023
This was an adorable debut. A really fun, flirty romance with delicious spicy scenes.
January 8, 2024
This book was so cute. I absolutely love the childhood friends to lovers storyline. The characters were easy to root for. They weren’t overly perfect but very realistic. Very sweet story.
September 1, 2025
Another indie August read… but finished September 1st cause I fell asleep 😅.
I knew from the first 4 chapters I was going to love this one! I found Kelly and her writing because of our shared love of YBTL and when Katie recommended Kelly’s writing I KNEW I needed to add her to my ever growing list of romance books.
The pining of the friends to lovers was SO GOOD. Sweet baby boy Erik and his love for Abby was a delight. Also… now I want to rewatch The Princess Bride 🥹.
I will be reading Midnight Wishes soon cause I lowkey fell in love with Alex and his big brother energy.
Other things of note:
- 3-4 open door scenes
- talk of religious trauma/purity culture
- flashbacks
- A+ PINING
I knew from the first 4 chapters I was going to love this one! I found Kelly and her writing because of our shared love of YBTL and when Katie recommended Kelly’s writing I KNEW I needed to add her to my ever growing list of romance books.
The pining of the friends to lovers was SO GOOD. Sweet baby boy Erik and his love for Abby was a delight. Also… now I want to rewatch The Princess Bride 🥹.
I will be reading Midnight Wishes soon cause I lowkey fell in love with Alex and his big brother energy.
Other things of note:
- 3-4 open door scenes
- talk of religious trauma/purity culture
- flashbacks
- A+ PINING
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