This Is a Kissing Book

by Ellie Hall

I hate my boss. Never mind that he has major Clark Kent energy.

We’re not going to have a wild fling where we throw caution to the wind in a storage closet, then fall fast and hard on a sultry night while at a fancy resort during a business trip. I abide by all HR rules in the workplace, mostly.

I despise Linc and he abhors me. That’s the way it is and how it will always be.

End of story.

Except we have to interact every day because I’m now his personal research assistant as he tries to woo some obscure investor for the company. Probably lost a bet or something and got stuck with me. I don’t know much other than I’ve been reviewing scanned files and searching for handwritten letters.

It’s confusing.

So are the fluttery feelings when we stay late together after having a breakthrough. When I catch his gaze lingering on my legs—last I checked, they’re nothing special—he’s probably calculating the quickest way to push me out a window.

I’m the cheer to his blah. The cream to his black coffee. The tick to his tock. That’s to say there’s a sudden urgency as he drags me on a side quest, National Treasure style, and we’re crawling through ruins like Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood.

See? The guy hates me.

But then we almost die and before I realize it, his lips are on mine. And I like it. Apparently, he does too because it happens on repeat. The kiss, that is.

When I find out what he’s really looking for, I may have had him all wrong and start to wonder just how thin the line is between love and hate.

This enemies-to-lovers, workplace, mistaken identity, hockey-lite, adventure romcom by USA Today bestselling author Ellie Hall will give you all the feels, laughs, and heart eye emojis wrapped up in a sweet, closed-door, open-hearts no spice kisses-only book. It's a standalone with an HEA and connects to Ellie's hockey romance world.

Tropes include:
• Grumpy sunshine
• Hate to love
• Workplace
• Mistaken/hidden identity
• Hockey-lite
• Adventure romcom
• Forced proximity
• He falls first
• Closed door content

Genres: Fiction, Clean Romance, Contemporary

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2026

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

♥

The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

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Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

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Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

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Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

♥

The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

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The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

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Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

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On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Chelsea Rapoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Kissing Book was unlike any of Ellie’s other books that I’ve read. I laughed, I cried, pretty much all the emotions tied into one. 🤣

Linc and Jules had an instant connection, but Linc tried so hard to hide his feelings… and when they finally come out? Their hate-to-love was such a fun read but the enemies to lovers was even better! 🥹

This story explored some different themes, especially with the art world woven throughout. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about everything, just because it was so different from what I normally read. But the way Ellie tied it all together in the end was honestly so sweet and so well done.

It felt like such a refreshing change of pace, and by the time I finished, I completely appreciated how unique it was.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there’s one thing I love it’s kissing books and this one quickly swept me away. Linc and Jules have a meet-cute that’s full of instant hate that immediately ignites the banter. The natural way these two interact and gradually become more than enemies left me with permanent heart eyes, especially when the art adventures (that bordered on illegal activities) began.

Is Linc a grump? Yes, in all his mistaken (or rather hidden) identity glory, while Jules is as sunshine-y bright as her hair color. But it was the laughs, heart, and the way these two meshed as they worked together in the midst of sparks of attraction that reeled me in.

I was deeply immersed in this sweet, closed-door romcom. Ellie Hall writes in a way that allows for these characters to feel like friends. And the hockey elements were the icing on the cake!

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

With love and a lucky penny you say it all ,Ellie Hall . Well this story is pure gold ,a storyline to behold ,it’s divine and of course extremely well written so I tell you this for nought . Smitten from the start was I . Emitting a satisfying sigh. There’s so much packed into this. It’s intrigue ,it’s sabotaging and the love to hate the boss, business going on. She is not rolling over for this one is Jules. This new boss who always seems cross best not take her for the rest of the fools…seemingly breaking some office politics rules..

He wanted Frank Andresen’s office but got her on his third ring. Must be third time lucky or something. That’s a thing right? And a crinkle of a chocolate wrapper has him guessing what she’s eating. Out of sight. If only she knew who it was she had on her phone line …

Joining the corporate charade brigade is not Linc though , he’s much happier in a rink. Yes that’s right ,he’s a hockey guy through and through ,he’s good at it too. But a deal is a deal . So he turns up at corporate to meet with his daddy. Suck it up. No use having a strop. Doesn’t change anything but perhaps he can do some digging while he’s here…

But trying to get in the side door to see his daddy, he meets a lady who has a paddy as jokes he does not care for. “Sheesh. What’s with the major zero fun given vibes? It’s Monday!” So meet cute it is not. But this book has the lot . Lots of layers and awesome players to boot.

On a roll ,I exclaimed with it all and immersed myself in with a big fat grin. Ready for some bonza storytelling. But it delves much deeper than first glance . What’s going on and what’s this secret project really about. Who is this L. Sullivan really and Jules knows rules can be broken or changed at will ..He has her as his personal secretary to employ in searching through history ,for hand written letters and late nights heads together , they get on better..


Now Ellie ,it’s no secret that I love your compelling prose ,descriptions and all. I shout your praises often enough ,but these hell raisers ,Juliana/ Jules Lindrey and Linc Sullivan ,who start off friendly before meeting face to face at the workplace are not fools . She won’t be taken for one anyway will our Jules…

They’re perfect in fact . The odds were stacked yet in the stars . I could read these two characters of yours for hours . Devour the storyline so fine too. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again . Your books are fun and keep me happy and sane. Both have secrets hidden deep and with these two I did get no sleep. I’m engaged turning every page with yearning and learning there’s more to this tale of a man and a woman and a lucky penny as well as counterfeit money moreover . Plenty to discover. And people to win over too. You’ll see as you delve into the story like me. This Is A Kissing Book made for two….

But soon Abraham Lincoln Andresen / Linc Sullivan moreover as he’s playing at undercover boss is doing dekes to woo and not letting with his performance her boo. On ice or off-ice bound . On a journey hoping not to end up on a gurney made for two? That’s espionage for you . This awesome romance is hands down the one you’ll want to read eagerly it’s sound. Well it is by Ellie … So it’s much better than the telly . Maybe there might be a Celly who knows. Well I’m not saying any more. You know the score. It is after all in every good bookstore.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

A family mystery, an undercover hockey player, and a reluctant personal assistant make This is A Kissing Book, by Ellie Hall, a fun and wonderful read. Watching our MCs start out disliking each other, slowly becoming friends, and finally falling for each other is what Ellie Hall does best. She is able to bring tension to her stories, keep the romance front and center, and have readers swoon with her closed door romance. I have yet to read a story of hers that includes a sprinkling of mystery, but she does it so well. I was hooked from page one.

Jules loves her job and while she craves growth, she remains where she is at. Having to falsify her diploma to get the role she is currently in, she doesn’t want to cause anyone to have to dig deeper into her past. A new manager with the company provides her the chance to be a personal assistant, but they clash from the very beginning. Now they are having to work side by side helping the owner with a family mystery and determining some discrepancies in the finances of the company. Every day has Jules realizing what started out as dislike may be turning into something else.

Linc is a professional hockey player who has been brought into his family’s business during the off season. It wouldn’t be so bad if his personal assistant didn’t argue with him about everything. Yet, as it does for Jules, he finds himself being drawn to her and her detective skills when it comes to finding some lost letters his mother wants found. A near death experience causes him to kiss her, which turns out, he wants to do again and again. But she doesn’t know who he truly is, and unknown to him Jules is keeping a secret too. Can they build a relationship of substance when they start off lying?

The chemistry between these two is solid throughout the whole book. Providing dual POVs, Ellie is able to have readers fully immersed in what each MC is going through and thinking. She lets their tension build and build, but when it finally solidifies, it's so worth it. Ellie never fails to bring all the emotions and feels with her closed door romances. The banter is top notch, the kisses sizzle, and the emotions swell. A great book by Ellie Hall!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
💋Secret Hockey Player MMC
🏒Quirky FMC
💋Grumpy x Sunshine
🏒Forced Proximity
💋Hate to Love
🏒Hidden Identity
💋Workplace Romance
🏒Closed Door Romance

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars for this darling new favorite from Ellie Hall! This Is A Kissing Book has it all: a sizzling enemies to lovers, grumpy vs. sunshine, boss/employee romance, a National Treasure style mystery, hidden identity, & even hockey! It was witty, charming, romantic, & absolute perfection!

Juliana aka Jules, aka Buttercup was such a delight! She’s funny, quick-witted, intelligent, & has mad skills when it comes to forgery. Though she uses her talents for good, she has a few skeletons in her closet involving her art history degree, her father, & the debts he left behind. When she’s promoted to be the research assistant to the boss’ handsome son, her admiration quickly turns to loathing when her grumpy new boss resents his position & seems to dislike her just as much. But Linc’s quest to find missing love letters written by his ancestor, Abraham Lincoln, sends them on a whirlwind adventure involving priceless paintings, ex-girlfriends, auctions, underground tunnels, & a few potentially illegal escapades.

Jules & Linc are one of my new favorite romcom couples! I adored the witty banter, heartfelt romance, & all their madcap adventures. I found myself laughing out loud while swooning over their relationship. Watching them go from enemies to more was so much fun. I loved Jules’ Cheer Bear-loving heart, her birthday gift from Linc, & her unpredictable, sunshine personality.

I also adored Linc, a Clark Kent-like, famous NHL player in disguise stuck in a role his father gave him that he never wanted. All his Princess Bride references, funny nicknames for Juliana, & determination to spoil Jules completely endeared me to him. As Jules gets under his skin, animosity turns to admiration as they become allies in finding the letters & uncovering shady dealings within the company. I also enjoyed seeing Linc’s deceased mom through his eyes, & getting to know Jules’ family & friends, along with the humorous bickering couple next door.

It’s a hilarious, sweet, swoon worthy, closed door romcom I highly recommend! I received an advanced copy but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

[Jocelynne Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a cute enemies-to-lovers workplace romance, but I wasn’t prepared for how much fun the mystery and adventure elements would make this story. Ellie Hall somehow blends grumpy sunshine banter, hidden identities, corporate intrigue, treasure hunting, and hockey into one fast-paced romcom that completely worked for me.

Juliana and Linc are opposites in every possible way, and their relationship starts off gloriously hostile. The constant name mix-ups, sarcastic nicknames, and sharp back-and-forth had me laughing throughout the book. Their chemistry is less instant sparks and more slow-burning annoyance that gradually turns into respect, trust, and eventually something much deeper. I especially loved that even while they were driving each other crazy, there was always an undercurrent of attraction neither one wanted to admit.

What really made this stand out from a typical office romance was the National Treasure/Indiana Jones vibe. The search for the missing Lincoln letters, the hidden clues, the danger, and the uncovering of financial fraud added so much momentum to the story. It kept me flipping pages because every time I thought I knew where things were going, another twist or secret appeared. The suspense balanced surprisingly well with the humor and romance.

Both main characters also had emotional depth beneath the banter. Juliana’s fear of her secret being exposed and Linc’s connection to his late mother’s research gave the story genuine heart. I liked watching them slowly lower their defenses around each other while realizing they had both been misunderstood from the beginning.

If you enjoy clean romances with lots of chemistry, witty dialogue, forced proximity, and adventure mixed into the romance, this is such a satisfying read. The “he falls first” energy was adorable, the pacing never dragged, and the sweet kisses-only romance still delivered plenty of tension and butterflies. Definitely one of those books that leaves you smiling by the end.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your bowl of popcorn ready before you start reading because the fireworks are about to start. Never have two characters been more opposite. Their work relationship does more than start off on the wrong foot, it is in the pits before they even really start working together.

Juliana has been moved up to the 39th floor at her job, which is a move up in the world. She will be the research assistant for a new man coming into the company, Linc. She has no idea that his father signs her checks.

Linc is not a happy man, as he is being forced to intern at his father's company. So, he decides he will make everyone miserable, including his lovely assistant. He takes great pleasure in messing her name up with everything except Juliana.

Juliana decides she will not take this sitting down, so she throws it right back. Their pet names are not meant to be sweet, but to infuriate each other. My favorites were Lincoln Log for Linc and Buttercup for Juliana. Linc describes Juliana as infuriating and brilliant.

This was a true enemies to lovers romance with a hint of intrigue National Treasure or Indiana Jones style. The bickering banter between these two was classic. No one was winning, I can tell you that for sure because each of them could give as good as the other with their razor sharp tongues. Both were worthy adversaries. Somewhere along the way, they both develop a grudging respect for the other as they hunt for treasure and began to uncover some shady dealings.

This is one one of my favorite books that I have ever read by this author. Ellie Hall is extremely talented and knows how to pull you into the story, while also making you fall in love with the characters. Laughter is the best medicine, and you will get plenty of that while reading this rich story.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this is such a fun book that has it all, mystery, history and of course Hockey with both the FMC and MMC hiding secrets.

Juliana Lindley had to leave her college program before finishing to take care of her ill father. Her father had been a counterfeiter and had dealings with some pretty rough people. After his death she had to take on his gambling debts and so she forged her diploma to get a job with Meridian Holdings Collections Processing Department. She was very good at her job but always concerned that her lie would be found out.

Abraham Lincoln Andresen was the son of the billionaire owner of Meridian and he really wasn't interested in working for the company. He loved his life as a well known Hockey player for the Ottawa Outlaws. But he had promised his dad he would do a summer internship as his father wanted him to one day take over the business. Linc was also a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln and he was intent on finding some lost letters written by him that his mother had been researching before she passed away.

Juliana and Linc actually had a fun flirty phone call before they actually met when he was trying to be connected to his father. So when she was promoted to be his exec assistant she had no idea it was the guy she had spoken to on the phone. In person he was a grump who insisted on calling her different versions of her name every time she spoke to him. This part made me laugh out loud because it reminded me of Walter Bishop in Fringe calling Astrid all crazy names that sounded similar to her name.

As these two finally start doing some serious work together- they will have some adventures as they try to discover the lost letters. Someone doesn't want them to find the information they are looking for and there will be death threats, buildings being burned down and so much more drama that will keep you on edge. Will the secrets that they are keeping from each other be the think that drives them apart?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clean romance.

Jules works for Meridian Holdings. She has falsified her diploma to work there. She didn't finish as she was taking care of her dying father. She ends up with a promotion to work as the assistant to Linc Andresen, the owner's son. Linc is there temporarily. The start off antagonizing each other, but it slowly develops to friendship. They end finding discrepancies in insurance payouts and they are also searching for possible letters from Lincoln to his wife Mary. Linc's mom had looked for them until she died. However, someone is trying to stop them from finding the letters and from finding the financial fraud. Can they figure it out before it's too late? And what happens to them if there are secrets?

This was a great book following the characters to see what they will do. Secrets that shouldn't have been kept can definitely blow thing up. I had a feeling i knew who was doing the fraud, but it wasn't confirmed until the end. You'll find yourself laughing, crying and praying that the characters stay safe. I was definitely on the edge of my seat sometimes. It's a book I'd recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨.”
“𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮.”

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗:
When Jules get promoted to work with Linc, the CEO’s son, the two instantly clash. But as they work together to uncover a mystery in the company, they discover not all is what it seems.

𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎:
Cutie book alert!

Ya’ll I had SO much fun with this one! It’s National Treasure meets workplace romance with a dash of hockey & hidden identity.

Fun fact: National Treasure is one of my absolute favorite movies that I rewatch all the time, so this one had me hooked from the start!

I loved how Jules & Linc went from enemies to friends to partners to more as they went on their adventures. The mystery unravels as the two work together to discover what’s going on, & I lovedddd the reveal.

Overall this is a fun read, especially if you love your romance with a side of mystery & adventure!

𝙵𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚀𝚞𝚘𝚝𝚎:

“𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙤.”
“𝙄𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙?”
“𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚, 𝘽𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙥.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨workplace romance
✨he’s a hidden professional hockey player
✨National Treasure vibes
✨he falls first
✨closed door

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all! A delightful love story, a mystery to solve, hidden identity, and so much more! Jules and Linc have the cutest grumpy/sunshine, hate to love vibe throughout. Sparks were flying throughout as they worked together to solve the mystery. I could picture every twist and turn, every high stakes situation, and every swoony kiss.

I loved seeing Linc’s devotion - “I’m going to use every connection, database, and resource to honor my mother’s memory and find the letters she always believed existed.” It gets tricky for him a few times as he navigates keeping his true identity under wraps while getting close to Jules.

Jules has a few things she’s hiding, too, and I loved seeing her work through it all. I loved seeing her stand up for herself in her first meeting with Linc. Not the greatest first impression, but definitely a memorable one!

This hate to love, workplace, adventure romcom is a delightful standalone read. If you’re a fan of National Treasure, Indiana Jones, or any other adventure/romance combo, this one is for you. Historical mysteries, corporate espionage, art heists, and more all combine with a he fall first, opposites attract, closed door romance full of swoony kisses to make a truly enjoyable read.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Billionaire romance
- BANTER
- Hockey adjacent
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden romance

Part National Treasure, part Working Girl, all fun! I LOVED this book! The banter is so witty and cute, and Juliana makes up her own HR friendly insults (Chucklechump made me giggle!)

Linc doesn't want to work at his father's company, where Juliana is employed, so he does his best to get let go - by annoying Juliana. He calls her every variation of her name except the correct one. But a promise is a promise and he will put forth minimum effort while doing his own research to find love letters his late mother insisted were lost.

Meanwhile, Juliana has her own secrets she really wants to stay hidden....

At first, these two are oil and water, but when they focus on the same tasks, they start to feel the pull of attraction.... But Linc has no intention of staying and Juliana loves the historical research she is doing. Will these two align their paths?

Such a cute, witty kisses only story. I could not put this down!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Kissing Book by Ellie Hall.

Ellie Hall delivers another charming and heartwarming romance in This is a Kissing Book. One of the things I consistently enjoy about her writing is how naturally her characters come to life, and this story was no exception.

Abraham Lincoln Andresen is a professional hockey player for the Ottawa Outlaws, but his father expects him to spend the summer working at the family company, Meridian. Juliana Lindley works in Meridian’s Holdings Collections Processing Department, and an unexpected lunchtime phone call brings the two together. As their connection grows, both Lincoln and Juliana are hiding secrets that add depth and intrigue to the story.

The romance is sweet, the characters are well-developed, and the storyline keeps me engaged from beginning to end. Ellie Hall has a wonderful way of creating clean romances that are both uplifting and entertaining, with just the right balance of emotion, humour, and heartfelt moments.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and feel-good read that I would happily recommend to fans of wholesome contemporary romance.

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Linc and Jules journey to love.
When Linc goes to learn the family business dealing with art, he isn't happy as his first love is playing professional hockey.
Jules finds herself with a promotion to work under a new guy.. ugh
Jules and Linc meet by him trying to enter the wrong door, she has humor he is just grumpy.
Linc does everything to bug Jules and her name everyday but Juliana.
Jules energy and enthusiasm drives Linc crazy but they fjnd themselves working closely together and finding some missing pieces that Linc has always wondered about.
Together Jules leads Linc to many leads not all legal but they stop at nothing.
When they expose the COO of Meridian, Linc dad believes them after confrontation with the women who has caused fraud for over a year.
Jules has secrets and Linc has secrets that threaten to end their relationship. Linc does what his great, great, great, great grandfather before did, he wrote a love letter.
Jules finds 3 letters that change her life and shows her life is about taking risks and believing in the good.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, laughs and romance

This is a Kissing Book is a sweet, fun and engaging story about Juliana Lindley and Abraham Lincoln Andresen. He is a successful pro hockey player and the son of the owner of Meridian Holdings. His father has wanted him to learn the business even though he does not want to. As a compromise Linc agrees to do a summer internship but is not happy about it, so he decides he is going to make everyone in the company he meets also unhappy. Juliana had an interesting life growing up with a father who was a counterfeiter. She had to leave college in order to take care of him when he was ill. Once he passed she found out about the debts he owned, which now fell to her. So she counterfeited a diploma from college and got a job at Meridian Holdings. When Linc comes in she is promoted to be he assistant. Well good luck with that. They are both holding secrets as they move from not liking to each to friends to a lot more.
When you need a fun, flirty, entertaining and warm story Ellie Hall delivers.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can love be built on secrets?
Such a wonderful book with a mix of secrets, suspense, danger, misunderstanding, and finding that there is more to a person than what you thought. Julianna or Jules has a job she got with a lie. But she is very good at it. And although she’d like an advancement, her secret is probably safer where she is at. Linc is the son of the owner and a professional hockey player being unhappily forced into an undercover upper management job during his off season. When he discovers Jules is willing to help him carry out his mother’s search for Abraham Lincoln’s love letters to Mary, he begins to see Jules real value not only as an employee but a person with some very quirky skills. As they work together to escape danger and accomplish their goals, feelings grow but their secrets stand in their way. A fun and engaging read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Reann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved This is a Kissing Book. Ellie Hall has a way of creating characters that feel real, and the chemistry between Linc and Jules was top-notch. Their back-and-forth banter kept me smiling throughout the entire story—it’s that perfect "enemies-to-lovers" tension where you can’t wait for them to finally realize what’s right in front of them.

What really set this one apart for me was the unexpected adventure. The "National Treasure" vibe was so intriguing and added a unique layer of excitement that I didn’t expect from a typical rom-com. It felt like Indiana Jones meets a sweet workplace romance, and the "hockey-lite" elements tied it all together perfectly.

If you’re looking for a clean, "kisses-only" read that is high on heart and humor, I highly recommend this one. It’s a fast-paced, feel-good story with a very satisfying HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn aka wolfinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My mother says it’s better to throw glitter and confetti at people than harsh words.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fun and engaging adventure! Jules, is a research assistant for Linc’s daddy’s company. He’s interning there for the summer break and is her grouchy boss. They come together to solve a mystery. The only thing is they’re both keeping secrets from each other. I did have to question Jules research skills and how in three months she didn’t google Linc?? Even his social media would have had his hidden hockey career….I loved the addition of the sleuthing woven into the romcom!

Tropes:
• Grumpy sunshine
• Hate to love
• Workplace
• Mistaken/hidden identity
• Hockey-lite
• Adventure romcom
• Forced proximity
• He falls first
• Closed door content

Thank you Ellie Hall for the complimentary ARC. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.
Release Date: May 15, 2026

[The Calm Chapter Mandi Wiencek · Rating 4 out of 5]

💋 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕀𝕤 𝔸 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 💋
(( 𝕊ℙ𝕆𝕀𝕃𝔼ℝ- 𝔽ℝ𝔼𝔼 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 ))

𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖- 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕀𝕤 𝔸 𝕂𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣- 𝔼𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕖 ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕝
𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖- ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖 ℂ𝕚𝕥𝕪-
💋 ℍ𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟 𝕀𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕥𝕪
💋 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
💋 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕕 ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕩𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕪
💋 𝔼𝕟𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤
💋 ℍ𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕪 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕖𝕣
💋 𝔾𝕣𝕦𝕞𝕡𝕪/ 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕖

ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℙ𝕦𝕓 𝔻𝕒𝕪 𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝔼𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕖 ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕝! 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕞! ♡

𝕃𝕚𝕟𝕔 (𝕄𝕄ℂ) 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕕𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖. 𝕁𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤 (𝔽𝕄ℂ) 𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕟𝕠 𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖. 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥- 𝕒 𝕤𝕝𝕠𝕨, 𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕣𝕟, 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖, 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕕𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕡𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥, 𝕒 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕠𝕗 𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕤, 𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕤. 𝕀 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜'𝕤 𝕖𝕟𝕕.

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕗'𝕤 𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕤!

ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻- 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕤 𝕣𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖?!

#bookstagram #sportsromance #hockey #friday #elliescontentteam

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'This enemies-to-lovers, workplace, mistaken identity, hockey-lite, adventure romcom by USA Today bestselling author Ellie Hall will give you all the feels, laughs, and heart eye emojis wrapped up in a sweet, closed-door, open-hearts no spice kisses-only book. It's a standalone with an HEA and connects to Ellie's hockey romance world.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like the movie National Treasure? Do you like hockey players and hockey books? What about books with hidden identities? Do you like enemies to true love themes? Well jumble them all together and pull out your favorite parts... how does that sound? Interesting? For me it was a dream I didn't know that I had come true when I read "This Is a Kissing book" by Ellie Hall! History. Art. Mystery. Hidden identity. Lies. Forgery. Family. Finding forever. Unlimited wealth. All those and more in a book with a simple title. Such a treasure! I loved it and couldn't read it fast enough. An amazing book from a fabulous author!

[Susie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

do not hesitate to read

I just finished binging this book today. I’ve had to stay away from romantic suspense books, because they have been causing nightmares, but this was a romcom with a few suspense elements in it.
I believe that I’ve read all of the contemporary romances that Ellie Hall is written, but this is my favorite so far. Her hockey series are excellent, and this was even better, although it was only hockey-adjacent.
Juliana and Linc’s journey to HEA was well written and often hilarious - especially the one text message between Juliana and her best friend, Oly. My abs hurt after laughing at that one!

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the pace of this book and the banter between Juliana and Linc. Both are keeping secrets but work together on a project dear to his heart but along the way find that there is fraud being perpetrated within the company but who is doing it. This author is really good at writing treasure hunt adventures and this story includes secrets, slow burn workplace romance, adventure, hockey, fun and lots of chocolate. It is a sweet rom com that has you smiling right from the start as Linc and Jules interact.

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is A Kissing Book is my new favorite by Ellie Hall. I love a romance with a side of mystery and suspense. The title absolutely did not prepare me for the action and adventure I would find within the pages!

I loved the art and history aspects of this book. Picking it up the week after returning from Washington DC made the Abraham and Mary Lincoln storyline even more special.

Linc and Jules’ banter sucked me in from the very beginning. I was grinning, laughing out loud, and kicking my feet. I couldn’t wait to see what each new encounter would bring. The mystery and adventure kept me glued to the pages. I loved the movie National Treasure and this book has a lot of the same vibes.

If you love grumpy cinnamon rolls, sassy FMCs, art history, mystery, adventure, and banter that leaves you satisfied, add this one to your TBR!

✨Includes:✨
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Enemies To More
• Boss X Assistant
• Hidden Identity
• Forced Proximity
• He Falls First
• Hockey-Lite
• Adventure RomCom
• Art History + Forgeries
• Lincoln Love Letter Mystery
• National Treasure Vibes
• He Gives Her Nicknames
• Closed Door
• Kisses Only


💕Favorites:💕
Sassy Juliana
Linc calling her by different names
Work messages + selfie verification
Watching her get into the building safely
He calls her Jules and Buttercup
Sugar eyes + the 4th of July
Jules’ birthday song
The lake cabin
Hiking + picnic + swimming
Ice skating date
Linc’s love letter + CareBear


Thank you Ellie for the gifted ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lila S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like closed-door romance, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, or workplace romance, you will love this book. I couldn't stop reading because my inner history nerd wanted to know when, how, and what they would find in those letters. There's action and adventure and all the tension! I understood the secrets they carried, but I wanted to grab them, shake them, and make them tell the truth. Ironic since they were searching for the truth about the letters.

Jules was just so relatable! She created a work family for herself, and she was always willing to help literally everyone - even if at her own expense sometimes. She hasn't had an easy life, but she loves her family - flaws and all. She carried so much weight, especially with her secrets.

Linc was practically a celebrity, trying to hide it. He plays the piano and writes love songs, though? Come on! I get why he just wanted to be liked for being himself - not his wealth or hockey status. Was it wrong? 100%!

Oly and her husband though - win the best friend card hands down!

Their love story was really fun to watch happen. From Jules' sass to his taking care of her just warmed my heart. She was like a breath of fresh air for him because, despite all his wealth, she didn't care for any of it. She mostly resented it because of her own financial struggles. The forced proximity, the tension, and all the sweet moments. Swoon.

I enjoyed this story so much! Ellie Hall has done it again. Now I want to go out for a whimsy...

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this story, it had me laughing and smiling from the beginning. The banter is so perfect and so fun. Linc has so many names for Juliana, brought a smile to my face every time. Linc and Jules are so adorable together, they worked together to solve mystery of the precious art pieces, and love letters, their interactions so sweet and swoony, it is so heartwarming. I loved Linc’s letter to Jules, it made me teary eyed. This is a stand-alone book that I didn’t want to put down, it was just that good!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Kissing Book is a delightful, sweet, romantic comedy but did not contain as many kisses as I had expected from the tile. In fact, you are over 60% through the book before the first kiss happens! I was totally invested in this book as Linc and Jules investigate some discrepancies she finds. Ms. Hall kept my attention with all the banter and adventure. When I reached the end, I just wanted to start at the beginning again because I am sure I missed a few clues, etc. as I tore through this fascinating, well plotted book!

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, contemporary romantic mystery/suspense

Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read.
Juliana and Linc’s story had secret, mysteries, suspense, and of course, sweet romance. Her new boss is annoying, but ever so handsome falling can’t happen.
Loved how he took care of her, her defense of him, and of course, their sweet Christy and moments together, whether on the hunt for clues, subterfuge or other relaxed moment these two honest hearts made for a perfect read.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. This is the story of Juliana and Linc- she’s his research assistant. The banter was exceptional. I love how Ellie wrote Juliana, her quirkiness, her spunk, and her intelligence - so good. I’m here for a good hockey romance but this book was so much more- it includes adventure, intrigue, and love. Juliana’s relationship with her best friend Olympia was special and fun. I enjoyed their unconventional games and true friendship. I savored all 450 pages of it. Redd, Whit, and Blue was my favorite Ellie Hall book, but now it’s number 2. 🩷🩷🩷

[Manda| Little Bitty Delights · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie’s books always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy and my mouth hurts from smiling and giggling so much! I always know I’m in for a good time when I pick up one of Ellie’s stories!

💋 This is a kissing book 💋 is perfect for fans of National Treasure type of adventures with lots of forced proximity, hate to love, sweet closed door romance!

If you are looking for a fun adventure romcom, with a touch of hockey in it, then check out Ellie’s latest release!