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Kissing my Best Friend's Brother

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A routine dispatch with a burning piñata and a smoldering bush is enough to make this man go, hmmm. But the woman staring at me with daggers in her eyes has me worried for my life.

As a volunteer firefighter, people are usually happy to see me. I don’t think my sister’s best friend got that memo.

Maya Glenn, the bright-eyed, glowering woman in front of me, is not the awkward girl I remember. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that my high school crush has grown into a beautiful woman.

Based on her reaction to me, I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m public enemy number one.

Staying away from Maya is what I should do now that my extinguished feelings just got a surprise spark. Instead, I keep imagining kissing her.

***This is a sweet and swoony, small-town, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. I couldn’t stop myself from giving Kieran his own story. Lane and Emma are officially together and in love, so he needs his special someone. I hope you enjoy Kieran and Maya's ride and fall in love with them just like I did. Emma and Lane are back for the fun, too!

This story deals with death and grief, which may bother some. This book is a standalone.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

102 people are currently reading
215 people want to read

About the author

Abby Greyson

24 books241 followers
Best Selling, Award Winning Author Abby Greyson loves writing clean, kisses only, sweet and swoony romance stories that invite people to remember what it’s like to fall in love over and over and over again. Stories that make you laugh, root for the main characters and wonder what they are doing long after the book is finished.

On the days she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys spending lazy days watching the Buffalo Bills on a football Sunday.

Want to know when Abby’s new books are released?

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5 stars
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64 (29%)
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28 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Kiley.
1,874 reviews46 followers
December 27, 2023
Kissing My Best Friend's Brother, Book 2 of a duet, was about 33-year-old Kieran Mitchell, the COO of BattleBorn Tech, and 27-year-old Maya Glenn, an event planner.
Although both Kieran and Maya had a crush on each other in high school, neither of them acted on it. After he and his friend, Lane (from Book 1) joined the army, Maya's brother followed them 18 months later after having talked with the two of them when they were home on leave. When Maya's brother died overseas and both Kieran and Lane survived (although they were in a different troop from Steven), Maya's parents, and thus May herself, blamed the two friends for her brother's death...although no one ever came out and told the two of them. It was years later when Kieran's sister, Emma was talking with Maya that the truth of that came out.
Side Note: The fact that the author changed the name of Kieran's company from one book to the other was a bit disheartening. In Book 1, the name of the company was BattleBORN Tech, but in THIS book, she changed it to BattleBRON Tech. She was way too inconsistent. Honestly, I wasn't certain of Maya's age. First, there was the mention she was a year older than Emma, which would have made her 27. Then she said she was about five years older than her friend. Then there was the mention that she was a Freshman when Kieran was a Senior, which would have put her the same age as Emma.
This story had so much angst and drama, it was as if the author was trying to make up for the LACK of those in Book 1 and decided to double it in this story. It was uncalled for, and it was detracting from the story itself.
The two main characters were well-developed and mature, but they both lacked the communication skills necessary to be in a relationship. The chemistry between them was almost absent, and they were rarely in each other's company enough for them to build anything lasting. The fluff-n-stuff overwhelmed the story to the point that the true point of the book was drowned out.
Unfortunately, there was SO much of an information dump that by the time I reached chapter 10 (of 25 chapters), I started skimming past the inner monologue that filled the pages of this story.
While both of these books were good, the fact that the author kept it "clean" (aka no cursing, no sex, no bad feelings at the end, all white-washed and pristine), she went too far in taking out all of the outlets for any emotions, thus making the interactions between the character come across as stilted, rigid, and unnatural. While there is nothing wrong with a clean romance story, it has to be done in a way that flows freely and can hold the reader's attention. That was not the case with these books. I couldn't give this book more than a two-star rating.
594 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2024
I enjoyed this sweet story. There were some funny moments and sweet moments, balanced with trying to move forward after a tragedy. Maya’s family blamed her brother’s friends Kieran and Lane for influencing his decision to join the military, where he lost his life. “‘No, we memorialize him, but we don’t remember him. We don’t talk about all the funny things he did and how he made us laugh. We all seem to be standing still, angry over his loss. He would be so angry at us all for hating his friends and being mean to people in his name.’” As her antagonism diminished and she spent more time around Kieran, who also happened to be her best friend’s brother, in a professional capacity, Maya’s old feelings for him resurfaced. Kieran was similarly afflicted by a resurgence of his old crush on Maya. The characters were engaging and there was a lovely character arc of forgiveness, letting go of anger, and growth for a few of them. The romance was gradual and very sweet. I liked how the “villain” didn’t get too much focus. She was there to serve her purpose, but didn’t keep getting dragged back into the narrative. There was also a good focus on the difficulties faced by retired soldiers and ways to assist them. BattleBron Tech is a cool idea. “‘I love that you took your experiences and used them to lead the charge in making a difference for people in similar situations.’” There are elements in the story of military service, military death, survivor guilt, PTSD, and grief. This is the second book in the series and there is carryover, but it can easily be read as a standalone. This is a sweet and clean romance with mild innuendo and no harsh language.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Suzanne Benson.
94 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2025
Lane, Kieran were best of friends. Stephen looked up to them and was a friend as well. Lane and Kieran joined the service and when they came back from boot camp Stephen saw how it gave them purpose so Stephen also joined. However, Stephen was killed in action. Stephen's family blamed them for Stephen joining the service also. When Lane and Kieran came home they didn't approach his family to give their condolences because they didn't know what to say. After awhile they just didn't think of it until the day they came face to with Stephens sister. In high school Kieran and Maya we're crushing on each other. Emma and Maya we're good friends. Emma is Kieran's sister, Lane and Emma are getting married. It makes things difficult.
Lane and Kieran wanted to help service people and Veterans so they started a business BattleBron Tech Nonprofit that hires veterans when they come home, they have doctor's, therapist's, whatever a veteran may need. They are putting on a fund raiser to raise money for it. This is where Maya comes into play. Maya's business is party planning and they really want her to do it so it will help her business. They are also honoring Stephen with this party. Every lost veteran hits them hard. Fitting back into society is very hard for a lot of veterans and they need help and mental health therapy.
I suggest you scoup this book up ASAP as it is so good!! I absolutely love it! Clean romance.

Suzanne Benson
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
October 20, 2023
Sharing Grief . . .

Kieran and Lane are dispatched to a fire which turns out to be a burning piñata dangling from a jungle gym that was starting to burn and some smoldering bushes. Maya Glenn was angrily staring at Kieran. They all used to be friends back in school, but the family blames Kieran and Lane for Stephen joining the military with them… because Stephen never made it back home. When asked what started the fire, Maya explained that the adults all got arguing and one of the wives set the piñata on fire when someone disagreed with her husband that he had put too much salt on the ribs. The firemen were not sure how to write that one up. Then Maya insulted Kieran and stomped away. Neither Kieran nor Lane know why she hates them. The family wouldn’t even open the door when Lane came to offer condolences over Stephen’s death.

Maya has an event planning business. So when Kieran needs an event planner for an event to honor fallen heroes, will Maya accept the job? Can she and her parents ever let go of their misplaced anger and realize Kieran and Lane are not responsible for the death of Stephen? Holding that anger inside will never allow healing; sharing memories with those who loved him could be what finally helps to deal with their grief.
Profile Image for Marie.
829 reviews16 followers
November 3, 2023
I started reading this book and although I was unsure I'm glad I carried on reading it, it certainly surprised me. When Maya lost her brother to an IED she harboured a lot of hurt and resentment for his two friends who returned home. With her business taking off so well she's started rebuilding her life hoping to prove to her parents how successful she can be in honour of her brother. Kieran has always felt guilty for not approaching Stephen's parents and Maya over their loss. Building his company to honour and help Vet's to rebuild their lives back home in whichever why possible. Although this is a very powerful and upsetting story there are also so many funny incidents as well. Between cake gate, black eyes and numerous misunderstandings can these two find a way to forget the past and move on with happy memories and maybe more. The way this book deals with such a sensitive subject is a credit to Abby's writing skill. I loved the compassion she showed in dealing with everybody's feelings. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be on your ARC team this is my own honest and personal opinion and review of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
667 reviews82 followers
March 7, 2024
Kieran and Maya have known each other for many years. Kieran is Maya's best friend Emma's brother, and he also was her brother's best friend. They used to all be very close, but when Kieran, Stephen, and Lane enlisted in the military and Stephen never returned home it created an unspeakable rift between Maya's family, Lane and Kieran. All of that was just fine until Kieran looked to hire Maya for his upcoming event (to honor her brother) and past feelings started to come back...

I liked this story, and I liked Abby's writing. Some parts that I didn't like was that closed door/ clean romance, shouldn't leave you clueless about what happened. It seemed like really important aspects of the love story were left out... like a first date, a possible kiss, etc. I feel like there was a decent build-up and then from there it sort of went flat for me and there were no more surprises. But that said, I appreciated the storyline. And I loved getting insight into Maya and Kieran's feelings towards each other, as they were growing.

This was sort of a 3.5 star for me... but I can't see myself going down to a 3, so I am rounding up to a 4... I will give that .5 stars for the "When Harry Met Sally" reference :-)
Profile Image for Hannah Bennett.
384 reviews16 followers
October 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this sweet small town kisses-only romance! I would say it's more of a brother's best friend romance than a best friend's brother's romance, but that's a tiny complaint.

Maya lost her brother Stephen several years past after he enlisted in the military following in the footsteps of his friends Lane and Kieran. Lane and Kieran returned, but Stephan lost his life at war. Maya's family was unable to forgive Lane and Kieran following Stephen's death. Maya and Kieran are both now successful professionals living in the same small town they grew up in. They don't speak anymore, but neither has forgotten their adolescent crushes on the other.

When work pushes the two together, Kieran and Maya are forced to address the issues between them and see if their former friendship can be mended and if any deeper relationship can be forged.

Trigger warnings for PTSD, death of a loved one, war, and suicide. This is a sweet romantic comedy, but it touches on some heavier topics.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carlin.
1,765 reviews18 followers
December 26, 2023
This story dealt with more difficult issues than most romcams I've read. Maya's brother Steven was killed in an IED incident in Afghanistan, and her family has never forgiven his military comrades Kieran and Lane for coming home when Steven did not. They started a company in their hometown and also started a nonprofit to assist returning veterans. When they decided to have a large ceremony to honor the returning veterans and those that did not return, Maya was chosen to be the event coordinator. Will she be able to work with Kieran on the event without too much rancour? Will her parents be able to get past their seemingly irrational anger? Will Maya and Kieran get past all the hard feelings and return to their highschool friendship?

There are issues that may trigger some readers, eg. PTSD, suicide, and wartime casualties. But the author handled all with caring and empathy for the veterans and families involved while still including love and humour.
151 reviews
October 19, 2023
4.5 stars – Maya and Stephen, siblings, grew up together along with Kieran, Stephen’s best friend. Maya had a crush on Kieran when they were teens. After high school, Stephen and Kieran joined the military and then went overseas. Kieran returned home while Stephen didn’t. Maya’s family blamed Kieran for Stephen joining the military and Stephen’s subsequent passing. Kieran is the CEO of a local company in need of an event planner and super organized Maya (and her business) can fill the role. But how can she work with Kieran? I would have enjoyed seeing some more depth in some of characters, but the story is a fun one with lots of banter. An easy read that you will enjoy!

I received a free copy from author Abby Greyson and Two Gingers Publishing and am voluntarily leaving an independent, honest review.
119 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2023
A routine dispatch with a burning piñata and a smoldering bush is enough to make this man go, hmmm. But the woman staring at me with daggers in her eyes has me worried for my life.
As a volunteer firefighter, people are usually happy to see me. I don’t think my sister’s best friend got that memo.
Maya Glenn, the bright-eyed, glowering woman in front of me, is not the awkward girl I remember.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that my high school crush has grown into a beautiful woman.
Based on her reaction to me, I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m public enemy number one.
Staying away from Maya is what I should do now that my extinguished feelings just got a surprise spark. Instead, I keep imagining kissing her.This was a quick read for me. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an review.
31 reviews
October 22, 2023
Review
I received an early release copy of “Kissing My Best Friend’s Brother” and am more than happy to leave this honest and voluntary review.

I loved this book! Abby Greyson has a talent for grabbing the reader’s attention and never losing it through the last page.

The average reader can relate to the emotions and/or experiences of the characters. This particular story includes reuniting love of course, but also healing wounds, how loss impacts different people in different ways, how to find peace, and appreciate those in your life.

Emma, Lane, Kieran, and Maya are back from “ Rescued by My Best Friend’s Brother” by Abby Greyson. While Stephen,the other brother who did not come home from war was mentioned in her first book, we learn much more about him in this book.

I truly recommend this book and personally, I cannot wait to read Abby Greyson’s next work of art
Profile Image for Christi Taylor.
173 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2024
Emotional and Sweet Read

For a Rom Com this book tackled some sensitive topics. Maya's brother Stephen was in the Military and while deployed his vehicle was hit by an IED. He never made it home. His parents blamed his death on his two best friends (who were also in the Military but not with him when it happened). They didn't want Maya talking to them after they came home. When they were kids, they were all friends. Including Kieran's sister Emma and Maya. Maya began to see her parents blaming Kieran and Lane for Stephen's death wasn't right and forgave them. It put a strain on her relationship with her parents. Finally they came around. Maya and Kieran admitted their feelings for one another. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Michelle.
29 reviews
November 10, 2024
Sweet storyline book that didn’t focus so much on the romance as I expected. The focus was great and handled respectfully since it’s dealing with War Vets, grief, PSTD. The focus was on that and event planning and other little mishaps that lightened the mood which i enjoyed. I also feel like the book should have been named Kissing my Brothers Best Friend since the relationship between the female protagonist and her high school friend never lent itself to be of that importance, but the one of the her brother and our male protagonist was highly important and brought up throughout the story.

Overall it was sweet and it was nice to read, read it one day. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Tegan.
16 reviews
January 3, 2025
This book started off with potential, but holy moly. What even happened in this book? For it being called “Kissing my best friends brother” not a single kiss happens until the last 20 pages. The two main characters supposedly had ‘something’ between them when they were younger, but it was never explored. For people who grew up together from children, they had zero chemistry and were boring! I feel like stuff just got added in to make up the word count, seemed very repetitive at times. I persevered hoping it would get better as it went along, but it didn’t. There was also a lot of stuff mentioned that was never explained so not sure why it was even spoken about.
2,354 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2025
This story is told from 2 points of view, Kieran and Maya. Maya's brother had joined the military after talking to Kieran and Lane. He most likely would have done so anyway but Maya and her parents are holding onto anger because they think Steven was talked into joining, which turns out to not be the truth. The mother especially was very angry and didn't want any of them to let go of the anger. There are some humorous parts along with the drama. I loved that Kieran's company was working to help veterans and that Maya's parents changed their thinking. Kieran and Maya are great together.I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,707 reviews41 followers
October 19, 2023
It was a good story. I enjoyed reading it and it was a page turner and the suspense was heartache. Maya brother was killed like seven years ago in action but how will Maya take care of everybody else and herself as well. Will she be falling in love with her best friend' s brother. I had humor and it was heartwarming of affection. She worried about a lot of things. It was so many twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and you will be disappointed . I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
1,397 reviews16 followers
October 21, 2023
Abby Greyson always writes a winner and this did not disappoint. Maya lost her brother Stephan who was in the military to an IED. He was best friends with Lane and Kieran who were also in the military. Lane and Kieran are volunteer firefighters, and also run their own company BattleBron Tech; that gives back to Veterans. Maya and her parents blame Lane and Kieran for the death of Stephan, they believe they talked him into joining. We deal with grief, death, PTSD, and acceptance. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters.
Profile Image for Tabitha Cagle.
268 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2023
I really enjoyed Kieran and Maya’s relationship. Her feistiness to his calm. His caring nature, and selflessness really just made me fall in love. Maya and her families heart ache was definitely hard for all, I really liked how everything came together. I can’t say more because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. This was an easy, fast read and worth every second. I absolutely recommend this to anyone that loves brothers best friend stories. It’s heartbreaking, funny, and happy all in one. Pick it up, you’ll love it! :)
263 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2024
I think this was my first enemies to more book by Abby and it was so fun and adorable. I don't know how Abby can write such light and happy books, while also dealing with heavier topics, but she does an amazing job!

I loved the banter and the tension created by their past history and the family feud and the healing and grief displayed over the loss of their soldier.

❤️ Kisses Only
❤️ Volunteer Fireman
❤️ Processing Grief
❤️ Workplace Romance
❤️ Past History
😅 Cake-Gate

Thank you Abby for a copy of this book. This is my genuine review.
Profile Image for Kandiemarie.
2,201 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Maya and Kieran are wonderful characters and I could totally see them in my mind getting through the misunderstandings and trying to figure out their feelings for each other. The storyline is fantastic. This was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Another wonderful story and worthy of recommending. I look forward to reading more from Abby Grayson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,081 reviews21 followers
March 1, 2024
This book was so captivating and really dealt with some difficult topics but done in such a respectful way. Greyson delivers a romance with relatable characters and a captivating storyline that will pull at the heartstring. I loved all the romance and the humor and thought this was a wonderful read. So glad to have had the opportunity to read and review and I can't wait to see what's next from Greyson!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
1,536 reviews14 followers
June 3, 2024
Kisses only.

The timing was off on this one. There is no major conflict, the MCs don’t really spend any time together (they go on a date but we’re not there for that we just get an after-the-fact summary), and while there is potential drama brought up (Rachel and the cake, someone wanting press passes, no caterer, parents not talking to Maya, Maya being mean) it all just fizzles out. I thought Rachel would crash the event or the forgiveness would take longer or something but no.
Profile Image for Anne Wondra.
Author 2 books
October 19, 2023
Just finished Kissing My Best Friend’s Brother and really enjoyed it. Maybe especially since there was no big split-up angst in it, like so many other reads. This one had refreshing, honest communication – and vulnerability and humor, too, between Kieran and Maya and others. It was a feel-good read. Thank you!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
March 8, 2024
This is the second book in this series, and this is Kieran and his sister’s best friend, Maya’s story.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with enemies / lovers, grief, loss, humor, witty banter, chemistry, and love, which leads to a heartfelt, sweet, small town romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
569 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2024
This book may have been even better than the first in the series! Loved it! This book fully exemplifies the turmoil that our military personnel go through as they come back home and for the families of those that unfortunately do not return home. This book had me in tears at times and the laughing out loud. Do yourself a favor and read this book! You will not be disappointed.
458 reviews
August 19, 2024
Small town survival. Maya & Kieran. A 2 POV tale around a long standing rift full of grief and blame. An attempt to bridge the divide. The hope that a celebration and dedication to help remember a lost soldier all mixes together to create this story. There is also some romance tucked away to keep it interesting. A fun quick read that is predictable in a satisfying way.
171 reviews
December 24, 2025
Fun, Loving Read

This is a romance about how two people who grew up together, find their way back to each other. Even after the family has been mad at the guys for years. They realize their anger and hurt was misplaced. This is a fun loving story of how two people find love despite the tragedy that happened between them.
16.7k reviews155 followers
October 19, 2023
She has changed so much and all he wants to do is kiss her but she is not happy to see him at all. He is not sure what is going but will he ever find out? Will things change between them? See if they do
Profile Image for Gale.
208 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2023
I loved this book. The characters where strong and the story line kept you interested. I read this book in one sitting. I really liked how the story ended. I received this book for free and am happy to leave a review
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