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Only a Kiss

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All I wanted was one little kiss…from my best friend’s dad.

It was a fantasy I knew would never come true–he was twenty years older than me and had never seen me as anything other than his daughter’s best friend. Kissing me, touching me, doing all the things I pleasured myself thinking about would not only risk his relationship with his daughter, it could ruin his reputation.

But when our paths crossed at a masquerade ball and I realized he didn’t recognize me, I took my chance at the fantasy that had plagued me for years.

My mistake was thinking he wouldn’t live up to my imagination, but as it turns out, one kiss would never be enough.

For either of us.

Only a Kiss is a super steamy age gap, forbidden romance with no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed happily ever after. A bonus rule is included in the paperback edition.

184 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2023

244 people are currently reading
553 people want to read

About the author

Cadence Keys

23 books215 followers
Cadence Keys writes steamy contemporary sports romances about complex alpha males and the women who love them. She loves football, coffee, and watching Gilmore Girl marathons. She has been writing for almost a decade, but only recently got the gumption to really do something with her work. She looks forward to publishing many more novels, specifically her LA Wolves series.

You can also find more information about all future releases at www.cadencekeysauthor.com/

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5 stars
244 (30%)
4 stars
275 (34%)
3 stars
189 (23%)
2 stars
65 (8%)
1 star
19 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Angel.
35 reviews
March 5, 2024
This book was 100% smut and 0% plot and tbh the smut was ok
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,159 reviews148 followers
October 12, 2023
I knew the moment I read the blurb I had to have this book. Add in that beautiful man on the cover and it was a no-brainer.

The tension between these two could be felt in my living room. The chemistry and friendship and genuine feelings between Travis and Sadie had me staying up way too late to finish this book.

But I wouldn't change it.

The book is fantastic. The taboo, the age gap, the seggsy times... it's exactly what you want when you pick up those subgenre.

If you, as a reader, love age gap, love a smexy older man, love a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it... then pick up Only A Kiss.
Profile Image for Kaylee Cuevas.
162 reviews
March 19, 2024
This was a nice quick read between books 😊 it’s got ALL the spice ❤️ A good Daddy Age Gap is always a yes for me 😍
Profile Image for Cassidy.
74 reviews
May 21, 2024
I feel like I need to touch grass after reading this
Profile Image for Bookish Daydreaming.
55 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2023
I was blessed with an ARC of this beauty.

Cadence doesn't fool around when it comes to the intensity of Travis and Sadie.
While this book is fast-paced, no details are left out. I didn't feel at a loss when it came to the necessary key points.
This also got me out of a reading slump, which I highly appreciate, so thank you🌻

All in all, I would recommend this if you enjoy fast-paced romance, delicious steamy romps, and a love that won't let go.
Profile Image for Fianna Walsh.
21 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2024
This book had so much potential but really fell flat with 1000000% smut and -10000% plot.

I’m as big a fan of smut as anyone else but this was unnecessary and overkill. I never thought I’d ever say there was too much smut but damn, there was practically no dialogue and just straight ripping pants off every 5 minutes. There was absolutely no build up or anticipation, it went from “I fantasize about my best friend’s dad” straight into “we’re banging like crazy every day” and the dad was just weirdly completely on board and okay with all of it. No hesitation or fighting with his feelings.

I think the smut was pretty good, it was (mostly) nicely written but I would’ve loved this book if there was an actual believable storyline. The fact that they both jumped in right away wasn’t believable and then they both fell madly in love? Based on what?? How can you fall in love with someone you don’t talk to, just have sex with?

Then the ending with Jenna just completely going along with it with only 1 second of hesitation? Absolutely not. Especially how she was just fine with always walking in/hearing her dad banging her best friend and it was all “tee hehe isn’t this so silly”? Absolutely not.

I think this book could’ve been something great but ended up just feeling like a book filled with every way an author writes out sex scenes for practice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kiley.
1,872 reviews46 followers
March 12, 2024
Only a Kiss, Book 1 of the Breaking the Rules series, was about 42-year-old Travis Jones, the owner of a general contract company, and 22-year-old Sadie McKay, an interior designer for Perry Designs.

Sadie had been in love with her BFF's father since she was sixteen years old, but she had never acted on it, and Travis had never looked at her as anything other than his daughter's friend. After graduating college, she got a position with a local interior designer and was focused on her career. When her boss told all of her employees that they had to attend a masked charity event, the last person she expected to see was Travis. She also never expected him to look at her as a potential partner. However, since he didn't recognize her, she took full advantage of his interest, and they had a spicy scene, after which she fled before he could unmask her and learn who she was.

A couple of nights after the event, Travis was at a restaurant to meet a potential client for drinks. As they were leaving, he noticed Sadie sitting alone and invited himself to dinner with her. They enjoyed the time together, then took an Uber ride to her place, only for Travis to peer over her shoulder and see the mask she had worn hanging on the coat rack. It was then he realized she had been his mysterious woman that he couldn't forget. From that moment on, things took an intimate turn between them.

Unfortunately, the MMC did a lot of pushing away from the FMC. He struggled with the age difference only a little bit, but he was more focused on what his daughter would do if she found out about the affair. The angst and drama he created with his wishy-washy attitude were high, and he inflicted a great deal of unnecessary pain on the FMC, his daughter...and himself.

This was an enjoyable story with several twists and turns in the plot. But there were also quite a few places where the author threw in unnecessary information that detracted from the book's flow. some of the information included didn't go anywhere, so several untapped potential conflicts of interest were wasted.

Both the main characters were fully developed, mature, and had plenty of room for growth. There were times that I wanted to slap one or the other of them, but they finally pulled their heads out of their derriere and figured things out, especially the MMC.

I gave this a four-star rating because it was that enjoyable, even with the push/pull that seemed to go on forever. It gave to story just enough content to hold my attention without being boring. I look forward to the other books in the series as they come out.
Profile Image for Carmen M.
602 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2024
This Age Gap/Off Limits Romance' is a captivating read that masterfully balances the physical aspects of a passionate relationship with the emotional complexities that arise from its taboo nature.

The story revolves around Sadie, a young woman who has long harbored a secret crush on her best friend's father, Travis. Despite the age gap and the potential consequences, their undeniable chemistry sparks a forbidden romance that threatens to shatter their lives.

What sets this book apart is its relentless focus on the physicality of their relationship. The author meticulously describes every intimate encounter, creating an atmosphere of intense desire and forbidden pleasure. However, amidst the steamy scenes, there's a palpable sense of longing and vulnerability that adds depth to the story.

Sadie and Travis are well-developed characters who grapple with the moral implications of their actions. They understand the risks involved, but their irresistible attraction proves too strong to resist. The chapter titles, each a rule that shouldn't be broken in a forbidden relationship, provide a clever and thought-provoking framework for their journey.

As their secret affair unfolds, the tension escalates. Both Sadie and Travis are torn between their desires and the fear of losing everything. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be devastating.

Despite the forbidden nature of their relationship, Sadie and Travis share a genuine connection that transcends mere physicality. They find solace and comfort in each other's arms, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Overall, 'An Age Gap Off Limits Romance' is a compelling and addictive read that will satisfy your craving for forbidden desires and sizzling chemistry. The author skillfully weaves a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to witness the fate of these star-crossed lovers. Highly recommended for fans of age gap romances and forbidden love stories. This was a solid 4.75 Star read for me!
710 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2023
Sadie has fantasized about her best friend’s dad since she was 17 after she watched him having sex with a woman. Sadie is 22 and she is sick of the dating apps. Sadie works for an interior designer and they are having a masquerade party. As Sadie is checking out the crowd she sees Mr. Jones. Everyone at the party has a mask on so Sadie decided to approach Mr. Jones. They end up in a closet and he doesn’t know who Sadie is because she told him her name was Beth. Travis is a single dad to Jenna. Jenna and Sadie have been friends for years. Travis has not been able to forget Beth. Travis goes to a restaurant to meet with a future client, when they are leaving he notices Sadie sitting by herself. Sadie has been stood up and Travis decides to stay with her and have dinner. It was the best date non date that either has been on. When they get to Sadie’s apartment she asks Travis in and he goes in. Sadie just wants a kiss but it turns into something much bigger than a kiss. They end up having sex. Travis and Sadie continue to see each other as often as they can without anyone knowing about them. Both fear what Jenna would do. Jenna is with her mother so Travis has Sadie come over to his house. As they were making it to the bedroom Jenna comes over. Travis needs to end this. Will Sadie ever recover from her broken heart? Will Travis recover from his broken heart? Will Jenna ever find out about Travis and Sadie? Will Travis and Sadie be able to find love and happiness together?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Exceptional Age Gap Breaking The Rules romance!
55 reviews
October 14, 2023
At first, the book unsettled me. It opens with Sadie having sexual fantasies about her best friend’s father. I’m not a prude, but my first impression of Sadie was of a self-centered girl without perspective. Then, I read on…
I liked this book, I really did! Because once Travis came into the story, he gave it a presence, a depth that gave us a story line beyond self-gratification. Instead, we had a man entering middle age who knew and understood his limitations but wanted more out of life. He sacrificed for his daughter all of her life, and was he going to make the ultimate sacrifice for her happiness, at the expense of his? It’s hard to justify dating his daughter’s best friend who is 22 years his junior. He enjoyed her company, her sense of humor, conversation and her attention. The problem was, he found happiness, which had been so elusive. So, they made a deal—this was going to be “just for a short time”.
You can see the character development and growth of Sadie’s character as the story went on. She moved on from the “he’s so good looking" superficial stage and onto Travis’ qualities as a person. As a reader, I began to better understand why this type of situation might occur.
I’m giving this book a 5 star rating—because of the caring and affection that grew between Sadie and Travis, because of the character definition that developed.
I should have had more faith in Cadence Keys, and the story she wrote. Her LA Wolves series was a heart breaker (one I re-read often!) and Only a Kiss had many of the same “grab ya” qualities. I’m glad I stayed with it and look forward to the next in the series.

Profile Image for Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour).
1,071 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2023
An age gap off limits romance that is very focused on the physical aspect of their relationship but still gives you the feeling that there’s so much more to this couple. For a book that literally focuses on how often they can jump in bed together, it’s excellent!
Sadie has always had a thing for her best friend’s dad, but she’s always kept her feelings in check and never done anything about it. She can’t lose her best friend and Travis doesn’t even see her that way, plus he’d never hurt his daughter like that. A masquerade gala changes that and when Sadie realizes that he doesn’t even know who she is she takes full advantage and gets her one night with Travis. But that night is all she can think about now and when Travis realizes who he was with that night even though they both know it’s wrong it feels absolutely right when they dive into bed together, repeatedly, for a month. Then it becomes a matter of how long they can do this before someone, or everyone ends up losing it all.
Just really enjoyed reading this book, it’s an easy reading super hot, age gap book that hits all your spicy spots and still gives you that great feeling of a deep connection romance. I loved the chapter titles, each one is a rule you shouldn’t break when you’re in a forbidden relationship and Sadie and Travis are great characters.
Profile Image for Shannon.
366 reviews
October 3, 2023
This is a steamy, fun taboo story involving a young lady and her best friend’s father and some very spicy encounters! Spicy encounters in the closet, on the desk, by the pool….
Sadie and Travis were such fun to read about! Their chemistry together was on FIRE and their scenes together were HOT. They were fun characters and I loved how they connected and couldn’t stay apart! Both Sadie and Travis narrate their own chapters, so you get both perspectives on the spicy scenes! The chapter names were entertaining and really sounded like the characters named them.
It’s a pretty quick read that’s lighter on the plot and heavier on the steam, but the story still has a complete feel to it without being rushed. There’s some angst with all the sneaking around (and trying not to get caught!). And I liked the inclusion of the grooming conversation with Travis and Wyatt. I thought that was a nice touch that allowed the light fluffy story to still have basis in reality.
This story was absolutely fun to read! I recommend this to anyone who needs a fun, lighthearted read with LOTS of steam to read in an afternoon!!
616 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2023
Only a Kiss: A Best Friend's Dad Romance (Breaking the Rules Book 1) by Cadence Keys is a forbidden romance that I typically do not read, yet it was well written and kept me turning the pages until the end. Sadie is a recent college graduate working at her first job in architectural design, where she sees her best friend Jenny's Dad, Travis, at the Historical Society's masked ball. Spicy moments behind a locked door at the party begin a relationship neither saw coming! The spicy hot level is steamy, at least a level 100+, so get ready for some flames to combust your Kindle. This affair between Sadie and Travis could be a mid-life crisis, a teenage fantasy played out, or a meeting between two soulmates. Cadence Keys' Only a Kiss is a hot little book worth reading. Only a Kiss: A Best Friend Dad's romance is book one in a two-book Breaking the Rules series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Profile Image for Brianna Meyer.
31 reviews
October 2, 2023
This book was really fun. The angst was minimal and was primarily a fun age gap read where the two main characters figured out their feelings for each other really quickly. It starts with Sadie having a huge crush on her best friends dad Travis. She meets him at a masquerade party where they hook up and she 100% knows it’s him but he has. I idea who she is. They run into each other again at random and there are a lot of sparks which leaves Travis confused but intrigued. They start to have a small relationship on the side so that nobody knows what they are doing but in the end they end up realizing they are happier together (after the best friend/daughter Jenna finds out). Good easy read to make you smile especially if you don’t mind spicy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Ross Ortiz.
10 reviews
October 30, 2024
Not what I expected but great read!

So I went into this book completely blind...though I didn't know it. I stumbled across an ad for it and thought it would be a cute little rom com, forbidden love, age gap, best friends dad novella...I was so wrong lol. Totally my mistake because if I'd just looked at one review or read the Amazon rankings I would have known it was an erotica romance...not against it at all, just wasn't prepared 🤣 Overall, once I got over the slap in the face that is, it's a great read. Storyline is great and the...adult scenes...are very well written and actually fit into the background story. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and would absolutely read another Cadence Keys book!
55 reviews
October 13, 2023
I have always enjoyed this author’s books, but none as much as this one. The story was well written and came across to the reader beautifully. I had started reading with a bit of wariness about the age gap theme, but was pleasantly surprised immediately. I normally am not fond of a story where the older man knew the woman when she was a child, but this book handled it perfectly. It wasn’t some weird thing where Travis really noticed Sadie as a teenager, instead he only romantically noticed her as an adult. The progression from just sex to falling in love was nice, and only a minor blip of angst happened near the end of the book.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Katherine.
75 reviews
October 23, 2023
Steamy!!
Age gap / best friend's dad romance but done in the best possible way - it's never creepy, the FMC is out of college before anything happens with her best friend's dad, the author does a good job of building the relationship between the two, and the daughter is adult about it when she finds out.
I sometimes get uncomfortable reading age gap romances when the MMC has known the FMC since she was underage, but this one is done right.
And 🌶️🌶️🌶️ from page one...
I'll definitely read this author again!!

Thank you to the author for an ARC - she did not request a review in exchange but I'm happy to give one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna.
54 reviews
October 13, 2023
Review a new book by Cadence Keys? Yes please. I’m happy that I received an early copy of Only a Kiss!

My first thought after finishing the book was wow. Only a Kiss is quite the departure from the author’s other books. This is a taboo, age gap romance that focused more on the physical rather than the emotional relationship. There are tons of steamy sex scenes throughout the book and it starts on page 1. I’m happy to say that I still felt like there was a good amount of story provided as well.

Sadie has had feelings for her best friend Jenna’s dad Travis for years. When they meet at a masquerade party and he doesn’t recognize her, she takes a leap of faith and goes after what she wants-him. This leads to a hot encounter in a closet at the party. They go their separate ways, but neither can forget how the other made them feel. A few days later, another chance meeting turns into a dinner date where they talk for hours and realize they have a lot in common. Travis being a gentleman takes her home where he discovers that his fantasy girl from the masquerade and his daughter’s best friend is one and the same. They can’t fight the attraction and fall into a secret relationship. They see each other as often as they can without being discovered. Can their relationship survive when Jenna finds out? Can they survive individually if they can’t together?

To be honest with you, I was leery about the basic story. Age gap romances don’t normally work for me. But I have to say this one was done well and I really enjoyed it. I think it’s because the author didn’t set up the male main character as a father figure for the female main character. He was just her best friend’s very attractive dad. Travis treated Sadie as an attractive woman and not his little girl.

Overall, Only a Kiss is a well written book filled with likable characters with off the chart chemistry that is explored to the max. If that is something that appeals to you, pick up the book. You won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,690 reviews45 followers
October 12, 2023
This is a hot little story about what happens when you give into attraction and damn the consequences. Cadence, you more than succeeded in including ALL THE SMUT. But at the same time, even in the short number of pages, you gave us characters that I grew to care about. I wanted them to get what they wanted, even if it was wrong (wrong in the eyes of others, not between the two of them). It was interesting to see that the younger person in this case was the one who was open and honest about what was happening and not the other way around. I loved every spicy minute of it!
Profile Image for Reagan.
65 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2023
This was my first age gap romance, sooo I was a little nervous that I wouldn't like it. But I had complete faith that Cadence would deliver and of course I wasn't disappointed!! I've loved all the other books that I've read from her and although this one leans a tad bit more on the smut side, it was still a fun read. The steam starts right from the get-go on page 1 and doesn't let up. But I was pleasantly surprised that even though the plot was on the lighter side, you still felt like the story had substance. Would highly recommend for a quick fun read!!
Profile Image for Tabitha Cagle.
268 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2023
Oh my Lanta! This book had me so far gone into their world. Cadence did a fantastic job making me feel like I was there. I could practically feel the chemistry and genuine love from Sadie and Travis. It was so hot, but also so sweet. I could not put this book down. It was fast paced and easy to read but I didn’t feel at a loss for anything. I love that! I can’t wait to read the next one. I also need to pick up a few more of her books. She’s fabulous! Add this to your TBR, you will not be sorry!
Profile Image for Tara Rainwater.
297 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2023
Only A Kiss is an age gap romance of falling for your best friend's father kind. Sadie and Jenna have been bff forever. Sadie has always crushed on Jenna's dad. But things change when they meet at a masquerade ball and Sadie gets a taste of the man of her dreams. Travis has no clue that the unknown woman at the ball is his daughter's best friend.
This book takes a turn full of crazy secrets, wild s*x and breaking hearts. Travis and Sadie are a whirlwind romance and makes this book awesome to read. Love this couple!!
Profile Image for Anne Marko.
207 reviews27 followers
April 13, 2024
Lords, just go watch porn and save yourself the time. The most uninteresting and respective smut 🤦🏻‍♀️. I got this book in a book subscription box and never would buy this boring thing, I also have a horrible habit of just reading things without looking at the description. Must remedy that. On the plus side it’s a super short read especially when you zoom over the same exact sex scene that’s written over and over on like every other freaking page. These characters need to control their damned hormones.
Profile Image for Rosezetta.
242 reviews25 followers
May 13, 2024
Firery from the beginning.

What can I really say? I feel like I was just taken on the fastest craziest ride of my life. Now, I need a moment to actually catch my breath. The heat and chemistry between Sadie and Travis was just 🔥. It was almost like the emotions the love lifted off the page and became something tangible. I loved every word of this book. Maybe not the overuse of "good girl" so much, or the constant reminder they could not be together and why, but I loved everything else, especially the ending. Heart swoon. Where's my Travis at???
700 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2024
Sadie and Trevor have known each other for a long time - Trevor is the her best friend Jenna’s dad. Sadie has always had a crush on him but thought nothing could ever happen, until it did. Now they are in a relationship that they know will have to end, because neither of them want to hurt Jenna. But what about their shot at love?

I have read a lot of other books this author has written and liked them all. This series is a little shorter and spicier.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Arielle stahl.
730 reviews10 followers
October 16, 2023
This is a sort of taboo book where Sadie fantasizes about her best friends dad after catching him in the act with a woman.
Everything changes the night of a masquerade party where they end up going into a closet together. Can things between them continue to happen or will they come to an end before Jenna can find out. You don't want to miss out on reading this story if your into this kind of thing.
223 reviews
April 28, 2024
Travis and Sadie- best friend’s dad romance. 20 year age gap with lots of spice. Travis just seemed HOT. Short story that went straight to the plot. Got teary eyed when he broke up with Sadie because of knowing, Jenna, his daughter would eventually find out. She talked sense in to both Travis and Sadie and grew okay with them being together. Loved their chemistry. They ended up having a son named Hunter.
Profile Image for Ashley McCloney.
97 reviews
April 28, 2024
I got this book in a book box I subscribe to & it’s the first book by this author that I’ve read. Age gap romance with a forbidden love interest. Sadie has always had a thing for her best friend’s Dad without her best friend or the Dad knowing. A chance encounter had her think she could get just a kiss without him knowing it was her & finally get the thought of him out of her mind. But that wasn’t the case. Quick read.
Profile Image for Stefanie McLain.
233 reviews
April 23, 2024
Nice Good Age Gap

This was a quick read but I don’t know that I would say it was sweet. The FMC does get her heart broken, but there is a HEA. Personally I love a good age gap and this is a 20+ year gap. The spice is there and it’s good. No this is not a dark read nor do I feel there is dark topics, it’s just a little taboo due to the age gap.
20 reviews
October 14, 2024
Esto es porno escrito. Perfecto porno escrito. No lo negaré... Lástima que sea sólo eso. Los personajes están bien, pero todo va rápido y a saltos. Si hubiera habido un poco mas de contexto y tensión entre ellos hubiera sido perfecto. Así que las estrellas que le faltan es por eso. No le pongo 0, porque las escenas de sexo realmente fueron calientes.
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