Kiss me in Kotor

by Kacie Foos

On the day Ophelia Carpenter marries the love of her life, she becomes a widow before the honeymoon is over. Smothered by casseroles and small-town pity in Alabama, she escapes to the secret destination her late husband had planned for the breathtaking bay of Kotor, Montenegro. There, amid stone walls, towering mountains, and salty sea air, Ophelia stumbles into a new life—complete with biscuits, reluctant locals, and unexpected laughter. Heartbreaking and humorous in equal measure, Kiss Me in Kotor is a tale of grief, friendship, and second chances, proving that sometimes love finds us again where we least expect it.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

About the author

Kacie Foos lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband Mike, daughter Frankie, their two dogs Loki and Love, and a white rabbit named Easter. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, in a magical little city called Spokane, Washington. At an early age she took an interest in acting, which blossomed into a career in Hollywood. She graduated from AMDA LA, but also studied film at UCLA, Shakespeare at RADA in London, and even lived in Paris, France studying French literature. While living in Hollywood, she found a talent and passion for writing for theater and the screen. This blossomed into a dream of writing novels, The Park House is the first of many stories to come. To learn more, visit www.kaciefoos.com.

Reviews

[Heather Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss Me in Kotor by Kacie Foos immediately pulled me in with its vivid, sensory writing. The opening scenes at a Southern wedding felt cinematic. I could taste the biscuits, picture the casseroles lining the tables, and feel the weight of every aunt and townsperson watching, waiting, and insisting you try their seven-layer salad. Ophelia’s nervous energy carried a quiet sense of premonition. The reader can sense the impending doom before the main character can. I adored her grandmother and her cousin Tilda, whose sharp comedic timing softened the heaviness of Ophelia’s grief. Charles felt like a genuinely kind Southern man, steady and dependable, someone you expect will settle into marriage simply because that is what comes next.

The transition from Alabama to Kotor was beautifully done. From the moment Ophelia boards the plane, I felt like I was traveling alongside her. Walking the streets of Kotor through her eyes, experiencing the culture shock, and absorbing the wonder of a new place felt authentic and relatable, especially for readers who come from small towns. Her Southern expressions made her stand out in this unfamiliar setting and added charm to every interaction.

Once Ophelia settles in and meets Mira , who runs the hotel along with the colorful locals, the story regains its playful rhythm. The disastrous baking scene was genuinely funny, and Mira’s blunt humor, paired with her nephew Dino’s presence, added life to the cobblestone streets.

Where the novel began to lose me was in the extended focus on residency paperwork. This section takes up a significant portion of the story, and the emphasis on stamps, lawyers, and bureaucracy slowed the momentum. I was surprised by how distant Ophelia became from her family at this point. Her grandmother is barely mentioned, and even Tilda her supposed best friend, has to beg for calls. I understood she wanted a fresh start but what about the two that did support you?

Luka does not fully enter the story until late, and he is a quiet presence. He lets the town do the speaking. The townspeople's investment in their relationship was amusing and delightfully unhinged. ( Just like Ophelia stated) I also loved the bakery cats and the chaotic joy of Ophelia’s family arriving like a storm, though I wish her grandmother had been part of that reunion.

Overall, Kiss Me in Kotoris a sweet novel that made me smile, even when Ophelia was in her darkest days.


I received an Advanced Review Copy of this novella via Reedsy Discovery

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about evolution and change to a new life in a new place with new people after a terrible tragedy. This page-turner is a gentle reminder that we are only steps away from major life changes, should we choose to accept them. Being from Alabama, I considered what my life might have been like if I had moved to an exotic location like Montenegro.

[Chloe Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully tender story of grief, healing, and unexpected renewal set against the stunning backdrop of Montenegro. With warmth and gentle humor, Ophelia’s journey reminds us that even after heartbreak, life still holds room for laughter, friendship, and new beginnings.

[Susan Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Foos’s newest book. The premise was interesting and the characters quirky and interesting. Ophelia’s biscuit homage to her grandmother was touching.