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Just a Kiss

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LOVE AT LAST: Love in the Vineyards Book #1

Sarah Dupont's mom just died.
Her fiancé's cheated on her with her accountant. (It didn't help when Sarah caught them in the act on top of her cherished pastry table.)
Oh, and they've been robbing her blind, so she's broke now, too.

When Sarah's offered a fresh start, and a place to stay, she high tails it out of San Francisco and moves to rural wine country. Finally settled into her new, small town-sleepy life, with a cafe of her own, the last thing Sarah needsis drama.

So, when notoriously sexy actor Jamie Santino, swaggers into her newbusiness looking for baking lessons, and help with his new movie role, Sarah's blindsided.

Jamie, one of six wealthy Santino Brothers, of Napa Valley Winery fame, has a feeling Sarah might be the off-screen leading lady he's been looking forforever.

Wine flows and their passion has all the ingredients for everlasting love until a femme fatale from Jamie's past enters the scene.

How can Sarah believe Jamie isn't acting, when everything he says sounds too good to be true?

Love at Last (previously published as Just a Kiss) is now the first novel in a large contemporary romance series! If you like small town romances, a full cast of friends, steamy scenes, laughter, and sexy book boyfriends, you'll love book one of Kate Kisset's Love in the Vineyards series.

(Happily-ever-afters & love that lasts forever guaranteed)

***
LOVE IN THE VINEYARDS
Love at Last *Jamie Santino
Love's Home Run *Luca Santino
And I Love You *Juliet St. John (Coming April 12 2018)
Love is a Wildfire *Michael Santino (Coming July 2018)
Say You Love Me *Leo Santino (Summer 2018)
Road to Love *Nico Santino (Fall 2018)
It Must Be Love TBD
Best of My Love TBD
My One and Only Love
Companion Stories:
*Kissing Mr. Mistletoe: Christmas in Napa
*Kissing Luca: Short story. (Micro Prequel: Danica & Luca when they were teenagers)
***

159 pages, ebook

Published July 23, 2015

24 people are currently reading
155 people want to read

About the author

Kate Kisset

24 books215 followers

Former San Francisco radio disc jockey Kate Kisset is passionate about telling great stories. After playing thousands of Pop, Country, Rock and Oldies tunes, for her primarily female fan base, she changed her tune and became an author.
​A girl’s girl herself, Kate’s heroines are smart and feisty and her heroes are drool-worthy book boyfriends.
​When she's not writing, Kate's favorite job is being "The Mommy." She enjoys reading, binge watching Netflix and the Hallmark Channel, wine tasting, cooking, listening to music, and hiking with her loyal companion Luciana Parmigiana, her rescue-dog-editor.

Follow Kate Kisset on social media for teasers about her upcoming books and a peek at her "real" life in wine country.

Follow Kate Kisset on social media for teasers about her upcoming books and a peek at her "real" life in wine country.


Kate's website: katekisset.com.
Sign up for Kate's Newsletter: katekisset.com/newsletter-sign-up
Kate on Facebook: facebook.com/KateKisset
Kate's private Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/KateKisset/
Kate on Instagram: instagram.com/authorkatekisset/
Kate on Twitter: twitter.com/katekisset
Be sure to look for Kate's books here on Goodreads.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Brianna bribookish.
1,832 reviews362 followers
January 11, 2016
I received a finished copy in exchange for an honest review from the author. It does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Full Review on Brianna's Bookish Confessions.

Cute, light-hearted romance. A breath of fresh air from a lot of NA I've read lately. I was born in Cali, but never got to see Napa/Sonoma area, and getting to see it through this story made me feel like I was there. Kate's writing is fantastic!

This is a fairly short book, about 150 pages, I read it probably within 2 1/2 hours maybe 3 hours.

Sarah has had a rough life, she has lost her mom and to top it off she catches her fiance having sex with someone at her own bakery. Sarah moves to Sonoma Valley and opens a new bakery. There she meets Jamie Santino, an actor looking to get some bakery lessons for an upcoming movie. He's 1 of 6 brothers in the family and all of them are fine looking men. Things heat between the 2 as lessons progress.

Cute, fluffy, light-hearted, very fast read. Loved it!! Can't wait for more books by Kate Kisset!
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
July 29, 2015
Six months ago Sarah Dupont found out her boyfriend was a cheating embezzler. She left him and the shambles of her bakery to start over again, opening a cafe in Sonoma and living in a villa with three (nosy) friends. One of them, Danica, recommends Sarah to her psuedo-beau's brother, Jamie Santino. Jamie is an actor, due to protray a baker in his upcoming film, and Danica thinks Jamie could learn how to move in the kitchen under Sarah's tutelage.

Thing is, Jamie is drop-dead gorgeous, and Sarah's not ready to hang with an attractive man.

Sarah and Jamie have both been betrayed before. Jamie's last serious girlfriend was a director who roped him into back-to-back box office flops, and he's not really looking for anything serious, but he finds Sarah to be so real and honest that he's more than intrigued. These two fall into heavy lust practically upon sight, which was okay, but then they start having too-strong feelings, and too-little communication. Sarah's been betrayed, and she doesn't WANT to feel like a harpy, but she doesn't address actual issues like seeing Jamie walking into his co-star's hotel room minutes after he texts her that he'll be "working all night"? Instead she turns off her phone and slinks away? It didn't ring true to me.

The interesting part was how Jamie, knowing that he got played again, still had the desire to stick to his "no communication" vow. That was some serious commitment, especially as he was wronged, twice.

The books are clearly set up for sequels to get all the ladies a man, but I was sometimes distracted from the main story with all the introductions of Santino brothers and single gals. I wanted to know more about Sarah and Jamie, and thought this book could have been a bit richer on plot. It felt too short and too convenient. I had a little trouble with the execution of the plot, and I'm not sure if that was because I read an advanced reader copy and some of the logical inconsistencies were edited out in the final version. One of these was the setting for Jamie's new film--which I thought was planned for rather far from Sonoma, but ended up being San Francisco. This was a decently cute story. Definitely a breeze read.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,143 reviews323 followers
July 28, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

I'm a sucker for a romance between a Hollywood movie star and an ordinary person. So when I saw the blurb for this book, I knew I had to read it.

Our heroine, Sarah, catches her fiancé using her pastry table for things that shouldn't be done on it with her accountant. Upset and determined to start over somewhere else, she moves to Sonoma with her friends and rents a room at a local villa. And just when her local bakery is starting to take off, she's asked to help local Hollywood star, Jamie Santino, get ready for a movie role that is going to put him back on the map. Of course, things don't go as planned and soon Jamie and Sarah have a hot romance brewing. But outside forces and Sarah's own insecurities become major obstacles for this couple.

I liked Sarah. She was the most down to earth of the three woman renting rooms at the Villa. She'd had her heart broken and she was trying to find a way to move on. Once she got past Jamie's Hollywood bravado, she liked him and his family. She realized how down to earth he was and she wanted more with him. Too bad her lack of trust played a huge obstacle in getting her HEA when she choose to believe what she saw, rather than asking Jamie the important questions.

Jamie was likable, once he get rid of the Hollywood playboy act. He was very sweet and you could tell he was going to be good for Sarah. He had his own relationship issues, but he was willing to put all those aside because he believed Sarah was the one for him.

This was a sweet story and I liked the romance between the couple. I wasn't always a fan of Sarah's best friends, but I'm hopeful that as their stories come I will like them better.

Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,071 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jamie is a local boy turned movie star and in his next movie he will be playing a baker and Sarah's expertise has been offered up without her permission. Unfortunately for Jamie, he shows up late on his first day and makes a really bad first impression. Sarah is not impressed and wants to forget the whole thing, but Jamie manages to convince her to give him a shot.

When Jamie does show up, it turns out he is actually a very good student. He is a quick learner, a hard worker and knows how to charm the patrons. Like Sarah, I was put off my Jamie's terrible first impression, but I grew to really like him. He was down to earth and very sweet. It isn't long before the air is thick with sexual tension while they are rolling out dough and then they are making out while picking up platters at Sarah's storage unit.

It should have been easy for them to fall into a relationship. Jamie and Sarah were really comfortable with each other. Sarah was not intimidated by how famous Jamie was and when it was just the two do them, he was just a regular guy. But the reality of the situation is that Jamie is a famous actor and his life is VERY different from Sarah's. She is not used to the fame and attention that comes along with being the girlfriend of an actor and their relationship is put the test in ways Sarah wasn't prepared for.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a delightful, quick read that left me wanting more of the main characters' story. Hopefully in future books we will at least get little snippets of how Sarah and Jamie are doing. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
July 16, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review....

Do you like wine? Excessively hot movie stars who are actually down to earth? Or how about a baker who isn't starstruck but is starting her life over after catching her now ex fiance humping her bestie on her handpicked pastry table? Well if your answer to any of those questions is a big fat yes, then Kate Kisset's Just a Kiss is just for you. Meet Sarah, baker and entrepreneur who has recently uprooted her life , moved in with her friends and is currently setting up shop in Sonoma in the middle of wine country. Enter Jamie, her hot movie star love interest who has been burnt by fame and the type of girls it brings.. They are undeniably drawn to each other and unable to keep their hands off one another. This is the story of overcoming past hurts and finding trust, solace and faith in someone once again. I loved the chemistry of these two. Jamie's irresistible charm had me smiling and going googly-eyed as I read. Although I loved Jamie and Sarah, I was a little lost at times in the story when it came to the wine references. I'm not a wine drinker, nor have I ever researched wine or know a thing about wine country. So, there was a few times I was scratching my head wondering if I needed to Google that to really get into the story. Wine bits aside and love story at the front, it was definitely a good read. So here I am debating on how many stars to hand out. Strictly love story speaking I'd give this one a 4 star easy. Lost in wine innuendo? I'd give it a 3. So I'm going to settle for a 3.5 stars for a good sweet romantic read. I mean who doesn't love a charismatic movie star?
Profile Image for Tracy Shephard.
863 reviews64 followers
May 30, 2017
This is a delightful read and one that will transport the reader to a beautiful setting in just an afternoon, it is a very short read.
Sarah has lost her mum and her fiance is a cad, so she has to rebuild her life.
Just a Kiss is a charming read and I would love to see what happens next for Sarah and Jamie.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
July 14, 2015
This was one story I have waited a long time to read with a new writer you never know what to expect. I loved the books description and decided this was a must have for me. I have to say I totally enjoyed this debut novel along with the author’s style. I loved getting a look at the wine country which I thought the author painted a wonderful picture. The humor was great along with the friends and oh those brothers will keep you going. The wit and humor was great as well as the plot, falling in love is never easy as the author shows you.

Sarah is a dear with her words of wisdom on never ever going to fall for another man. I loved how she put Jamie in his place and made him feel like a normal person and not a movie star. She brings life to her café with her caring ways. She makes her employees feel like family they adore her. Sarah is just an all round wonderful lady who doesn’t take much crap. She tells it like it is with her wonderful humor. With her past it is hard to trust and even harder to give your heart. She likes Jamie there is an attraction from the first but she isn’t going to let him get under her skin.

Jamie is great he is caring and a down to earth guy. He is trying to make a comeback and needs to get the feel of a bakery for his new movie. Sarah’s wonderful friend decides that Sarah needs to help him which raises a few tempters. Just what Sarah needs a man under her feet….. Jamie has been used by women he isn’t looking for a new one anytime soon. When he sets eyes on Sarah there is just something about her the pull is great. She bright, witty, funny, caring and giving so unlike all the women he is around. He decided to see where it might go. Sarah just might be the women to put him in his place but in return he might just be the man to put her in her place.


I adore her three friends with their fresh sassy style who can make her smile even when she would rather not. I can’t wait to read each of the brother’s stories they brought a lot to the read with their smart wit. Jamie mother was a sweetheart who just made you feel welcome. The landlady is a trip along with Jamie’s family.

I really did love this story the plot was great I would have liked to have seen Sarah catching her ex on the table I think that would have added to the story. I just didn’t see Sarah getting over what she thought Jamie did so fast. I know if it was me I would have not given in at first sight. I just felt that part was rushed.

The author put some time into writing this as she gives you a story with pain, sorrow turning that around to make you fall in love with the characters. The supporting characters would wonderful they gave so much support along with an ear. I loved the humor I even laughed out loud a few times. I thought the plot was great, with wonderful details. I felt the characters were someone you could relate to as the author draws you in and makes you smile. The author did a wonderful job making you feel the characters pain you just wanted to either reach out and hug them or give a few a slap. They say only believe half of what you see for your eyes might not be seeing things as they are. Relationships are built on trust when you have no trust it is hard when you see things to believe the good.

For a first time author this debut novel is a big hit with me to be honest I wasn’t expecting this book to be so well written. I felt the author gave a wonderful story you could relate to as she shows you how love can heal a broken heart. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series and watching Ms. Kisset grow as an author. I do feel this is one author you will want to keep your eye on.

Profile Image for JG.
1,075 reviews68 followers
January 13, 2020
Another new author to me and a series which has already captured my attention. Who wouldn’t love a romance story set amongst the wine region of Napa?

The story sets out telling the sad tale of Sarah, cheated out of her inheritance by her scheming ex-fiance and her accountant. Now she is rebuilding her life and her bakery business with the support of her loyal friends, Danica, Juliet and the delightful Lulu. When an opportunity arises to have one of the Santino brothers, Jamie, getting experience of baking in preparation for his next movie, Danica couldn’t resist offering him Sarah’s services and expertise. Sarah is horrified but reluctantly agrees to the request, especially when she lays eyes on Jamie. However, their first morning together doesn’t go to plan and Jamie has his offer rescinded. Jamie is not to be deterred however and returns the next day with apologies and a look that Sarah is futile to resist.

Despite her past, Sarah soons comes to realise that there is a mutual attraction between her and Jamie and with his cheeky personality she is finding it hard to resist him or his charms. The only spanner in works, so to speak, comes in the form of Nikki Lean, Jamie’s latest co-star. With Nikki determined to give off an air of “the man is clearly mine”, Sarah backs off but not without a fight from Jamie. The only problem for Sarah though is being able to trust a man again as she struggles to understand why this man in particular has set his sights on her.

The story progresses with plenty of fun and games courtesy of Danica, Juliet and Lulu and the rest of the Santino family, especially the six brothers who we have only been teased with so far.

I really enjoyed this story. It was lighthearted, well written and enjoyable. At times I had difficulty understanding and appreciating the path taken by Sarah and the way she spurned Jamie only to jump back into his arms, literally. This was a mood swing pattern that seemed to reoccur throughout the story. I felt the ending was slightly rushed and to my horror, the story finished at 88%, but we did get an extract from the next story, Napa Crush, Danica and Michael’s book. With twins in the future all is looking bright for the Single Girls Wine Club and especially the Santino brothers.

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Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,665 reviews340 followers
July 9, 2015
It seems that when girls suffer loss and find their boyfriends/husbands cheating , the only thing to do is pack up and move somewhere else where you don't have to face the reality. For Sarah , her mother died and then she caught her fiance in the act at their bakery in San Francisco. Desperate and upset, she ends up moving with her friend Danica to Sonoma Valley which is just over the Golden Gate Bridge in a lovely wine country - It's somewhere I've always wanted to visit as it just sounds so beautiful and exquisite. So , Sarah packs up and moves in with Danica to her mansion in Sonoma Valley. Here she opens up a little cafe and bakery of her own and is trying to rejoin the world of being a single woman. What will happen though when with Danica's connections, Jamie Santino - movie actor ends up alongside her in her bakery. Jamie is to be starring in a movie as a baker and wants to get a hands on experience and who better to teach him than Sarah , this will also help with a boost of business for her newly opened cafe/bakery. As they work together, at first it's a rocky start as Sarah has sworn off men and she definitely doesn't trust actors who are charming and suave, but when they kiss - it's passion. Can Sarah talk herself into thinking that it was "just a kiss" and nothing more ? Can Jamie prove to Sarah that he isn't just another playboy actor and that he knows that they have something special ?

Find out in Book #1 of Kate Kisset's new series "The Single Girls Wine Club" .

Profile Image for Nancy Stopper.
Author 16 books189 followers
July 28, 2015
Just a Kiss is a sweet, light read about Sarah, who is looking to start over after professional and personal heartbreaks; and Jamie, who is looking to revive his acting career. This was a quick, easy read, but I felt that the author didn't dig very deep into the development of the characters, the setting, or the storyline. Being primarily from Sarah's perspective, I didn't feel like I really got to know Jamie well at all and then, all of a sudden, he was acting like he was in love with her and she was jumping into bed with him. Because I didn't feel like I knew Jamie and Sarah very well, the level of physical and emotional involvement felt rushed and premature. In true romance novel fashion, the couple is thrown a wrench and a simple misunderstanding turns into months apart. Thankfully, Jamie is confident enough in his feelings for Sarah to eventually push past the misunderstanding and fight for what's important to him - her. A light, fun read with a quirky set of roommates and a grandmotherly type who finds a love life of her own. A good introduction to the Single Girls Wine Club.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Monica P..
543 reviews
July 9, 2015
This book was amazing! This may be Kate's debut novel, but the writing and style of the book made it seem like she's done this for a very long time. It was that good! It is everything a sweet romance should be. I really enjoyed the humor as well as the setting of the book. It made it just a bit more special given the fact that this book was half set in a place I was born and grew up in. Sarah and Jamie's connection seemed realistic and not at all forced or fake. Her being a baker and him a movie star made it much more interesting too. Sarah's friends also had diverse personalities and it made their own interactions really fun.
All in all I am really glad Kate allowed me to read her book, I am really looking forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,929 reviews172 followers
July 15, 2015
Just a Kiss is a breath of fresh air. The writing style, cast of players and story made me feel like I was walking through each page with the characters. Dealing with a lot of upheaval in her life Sarah decides to make a change and leave all the heartache behind. With a little help from her friends, faith in herself and a sprinkle of romance things are starting to look up. The backdrop of the scenic California coast, close friends that are like family and the prospect of finding true love the Single Girls Wine Club series is off to a good start. I received an ARC of Just a Kiss by Kate Kisset in exchange for an honest review. This story is the perfect summer read.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews12 followers
March 6, 2016
Whilst this story is undoubtedly a fun read, it is, in my view, a little, and the story & character development suffer a little as a result.

I felt as if the story seemed to start part way through, by which I mean we were introduced to the characters as though we already knew who they were. This was a little jarring to me, because it felt like a chunk of the story was missing.

Sarah and Jamie had an instant connection, and although the plot of the story is a little predictable, if you are looking for a light read, and a way to pass a little bit of time, this may fit the bill.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Whiskey.
20 reviews
January 24, 2025
I want more! I need more... Okay I'll read it again later.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,437 reviews35 followers
April 20, 2016
Can a cafe owner and a movie star find love or will they only share just a kiss?

In her debut novel, Just a Kiss, author Kate Kisset weaves a sweet romance tale set in the picturesque California Sonoma Valley wine country.

Sarah Dupont is restarting her life in Sonoma Valley after finding her ex-fiance Robert having sex with Samantha, her friend and accountant, on her pastry table in their San Francisco bakery. She is living with friends Dana Vargas, an entertainment and lifestyle reporter with the Napa Sun newspaper, Juliet St. John, a tv morning show host, and their landlady, Lulu Castelli, owner of the historic Bella Vista mansion and Castelli Vineyards. Within six months of living in Sonoma Valley, Sarah opened the Vine Cafe filled delicious baked goods and aromatic coffee. With no interest in finding love, Sarah puts her all into her cafe, doubting that she'll ever be able to love or be loved again.

Jamie Santino is one of six sons from the successful family owned Santino Winery in Napa Valley. He is an actor who had his heart broken and career trashed by movie director Clarissa Thomas. He has had lots of flings, but no serious relationships. He has tried to find a "normal" woman outside of the Hollywood film industry, but none have clicked. He has waited for the right starring role in a movie to come along to restart his acting career, and now he has a chance with a starring role as a famous American baker who moves to France to open a patisserie.

Dana talks Sarah into helping Jamie prepare for his role as a baker, and at first she has little interest in helping him, that is until the sexy movie star walks into her cafe. Who knew that with one little kiss, some baking and some wine, that love could be so amazing?

Just a Kiss is the first book in The Single Girls Wine Club / A Wine Country Romance Series. It is a delightful tale that follows the romance of Sarah and Jamie in the heart of the Sonoma Valley wine country. From the time they met, the chemistry and spark between Sarah and Jamie was undeniable, their sexy flirtation made me smile, and one little spoiler teaser: the rolling dough scene was very sensuous and reminded me of the clay-making scene in the movie Ghost. I loved the mixture of humor, friendship, drama, and romance that was interwoven throughout the storyline. I really enjoyed the friendship between Sarah, Dana, Juliet, and Lulu, they are normal ladies living everyday lives that anyone can relate to, their friendship reminded me of my own close-knit group of friends. The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader to the picturesque Sonoma Valley wine country with a rich description of the locale sights and sounds that makes me yearn to travel there and sample some local wine and baked goods! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there are six sexy Santino brothers for the readers to meet, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

So if you are in the mood to read a sweet little romance story interwoven with yummy baked goods and wine that will make your mouth water, then look no further, Just a Kiss is the book for you!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Chick Lit Plus.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Lauren Jones.
436 reviews11 followers
April 21, 2016
“He didn’t feel like a stranger anymore. He felt, smelled and tasted exactly like her Jaime should and she relaxed. The ruckus of the set disappeared. He kissed her again slowly, and no one else existed. Take that Nikki Lean. Draping an arm over her shoulders, he led the way to his RV. Jamie opened the door and the cold air from inside the trailer blew over her. “Is that you darling, are we ready? Is it time? Sarah recognized the voice deep within the trailer instantly. The sultry sound of Nikki punctured her like a sharp nail.

Love is never easy, but trusting someone with yourself is even harder! Kisset creates a romantic atmosphere in this story that is absolutely entertaining.

Sarah finds herself in Sonoma after a horrible and tragic breakup, after finding her fiancé knocking boots with another woman. As if that wasn’t enough, the company that she worked so hard to build from the ground up was penniless; he and his female partner embezzled from the company. After the move, she starts again. Sarah is a baker, a damn good one at that. She is the best—or at least that is what her friends insist upon. So, when famous movie star Jaime Santino comes into town for a movie…Sarah finds out that her friend has loaned her out to him as a baking INTERN of sorts. That sounds a little funny, but in order for Jaime to succeed with his role on the set, he must learn the ins and outs of the baking business. Sarah is absolutely flabbergasted and shocked that her friend would go through hoops, only to tell her the day before Jaime’s start date. When Sarah lays eyes on Jaime at the counter, their worlds are changed permanently. Jaime knows instantly that it is love at first sight, but Sarah has her doubts. He is an actor, for crying out loud! What if he is pulling lies straight from his rear end? With that panty-wetting smile, he can lure any woman into believing what he says is the truth, but can he woo the only one that really matters to him?

Kisset does a superb job with character development; however, the editing in this book is a little off key. This is a very sweet romance with steam and desire, leaving readers wanting more. Just a Kiss is very fast paced, easy to read and since this is the first installment, it leaves much room for continuation. If you are a reader of adult fiction and romance, you may enjoy this story.

A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
February 5, 2017
Sarah owned a business in San Francisco and was engaged until she found her fiancé cheating on her. She contacted one of her friends who convinced her to move to Napa. Wine country, what could be better?

Sarah now owns a café in Napa and has moved in a villa where the landlady and her two housemates have turned out to be best friends. She enjoys baking and works hard with the help of her staff to make the business a success. She is no longer interested into a relationship, after the heartbreak caused by her ex!

Jamie is one of six brothers whose family owns a vineyard. Jamie was a successful actor but he too was duped out of his career by an unscrupulous lover. He has a chance of making a come back and to be able to do so, he needs to learn how to bake as this will help in his role for the film in the making. Who better to teach him than Sarah?

When Jamie turns up for his first appointment at the café, Sarah is starstruck! Jamie is fascinated by Sarah and the natural way of life as opposed to the make belief film industry. It doesn't take long for them to start a relationship. Jamie appears to be smitten with Sarah and despite her apprehension, she allows herself to believe that he is not acting, that is until Nikki, Jamie's costar turns up at a party! When Jamie invites Sarah to meet him on set, everything takes a turn for the worse. She is once again heartbroken? Is she the only one though? Will they be able to resolve this unforeseen circumstance and give themselves another chance?

The camaderie between all the girls at the villa is quite refreshing as is the family bond in the Santino family. This is a fairly light and pleasant read which would appeal to romance lovers. It looks like there is more to come for the other brothers. Very promising!
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
April 4, 2016
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Sarah has just moved to Sonoma to get over a miserable relationship. She is not looking to start anything new. She is too busy with her bakery and frankly really isn't interested at the moment. That is until she is talked into teaching Jamie Santino how to bake for his new movie. Why did she allow herself to be talked into this?

Jamie needs help with his new movie role. So when he walks into Vine Cafe, he is pleasantly surprised to see the woman who will be helping him. He can't seem to keep his eyes off her and puts the charm on big time. Little did they know baking could be so sexy. Their chemistry is off the charts and only just begins to stir at their first "lesson".

When Jamie doesn't show up on time the first day, Sarah already has planned on telling him to forget the whole thing and to find someone else to help him. But when she does this he surprises her but actually taking this whole thing seriously. They both can no longer deny the attraction, and with just a kiss, everything starts to come alive.

All seems to be going well, they are getting along, Jamie is learning, Sarah is teaching, and the make out sessions become so much more igniting. And of course, in comes the envy of someone who can't have what she wants. Jamie's co-star will try anything to make sure Jamie is hers. When Sarah sees some of these things, she isn't sure how to take them. She knows Jamie is this famous movie star and can have anyone he wants.

Does it all work out in the end? Will Sarah believe anything that Jamie or her friends have to tell her? Or will be just think that every man is like her ex-boyfriend?
413 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2017
The technical stuff: Although this is book one of the series, it completely stands alone and *does not* end on a cliffhanger. There was minimal cursing and a little on-screen sexiness but the actual act happens off-screen.

This book was a really sweet start to the Napa Vineyard Romance Series. Sarah was a little bit damaged by her previous relationship which left her with low self-confidence, but she was also sweet, funny, and stronger than she realized which made her the kind of character that I would absolutely be friends with and the kind that I could identify with. I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Jamie was interesting to me. I wish that he had been developed a little more because it took me a while to connect with him and to be honest, I thought that he took WAY too many liberties with Sarah physically at the very beginning - touching her way too freely considering he didn't know her at all - but I did eventually find his adoration of her charming and I found myself rooting for them as a couple. With a little more development of their actual relationship this book would have been five stars easily.

If you enjoy an easy-to-read, fun, and sweet story about two characters who make an unconventional but sweet couple, or if you just enjoy books based in Napa/vineyards, you should give this one a read. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and finding out more about Danica, Juliet, and Lulu.

I picked up a free copy of this book and was under absolutely no obligation to read it or to write a review. I did so because I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Kristi 🐚.
177 reviews70 followers
August 25, 2015
The paths we take in life, the choices we make, whether on a whim or in contemplation, they guide us to beautiful people -- friends and/or lovers who change our lives forever in what remains, irrevocably, and oh so very sweetly. And my dear friend with whom I have so much in common in this life pathway of grace has now stepped out of her comfort zone and accomplished the dream she has always wished for, the one she's spent decades dreaming of: Kate Kisset is now an amazing writer and author in her one wild and precious life. Here in Just a Kiss she has written book one of a playful, tantalizing love story, where cooking awakens your senses, vineyards grow with your heart, and friendships keep you safe. Set yourself free, too, at home Bella Villa, full of sunshine on a vineyard ripe with luscious grape garden love in sensual Sonoma, California. Join friends Sarah Dupont, Danica, Juliet, and Lulu for wine Chill Hour and fun conversation -- everything a girl needs; I teleported myself there every time -- where you'll cheer, and critique, the love story of Vine Cafe owner and talented baker Sarah and gorgeous movie star Jamie Santino. For her, he's just too good to be true. For him, he wonders where her mesmerizing soul and good grip on reality have been all of his fortunate life. They're two young beauties lucky in love, and I can't wait to see what's next for all in this series. I love this book and the wine it savors. As for now, I am just so very proud of you, Kate. Write on, lovely. Write on forever. xo
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2015
A great start to a new series that I will definitely be coming back for more. This book was fun and witty with the added amusement of the women in the Single Girls Wine Club.

Sarah has moved to Sonoma to start a new. After the death of her mother and finding her fiance with a friend in a very compromising position, she's moved close to friends and opened the Vine Cafe. So when movie star and local Jamie Santino asks to follow Sarah around her cafe in order to learn about being a patisserie for an upcoming movie role, Sarah was not so sure it was a great idea. The girls of the wine club convince her it will be good publicity for her little cafe, she gives in.

Jamie Santino is coming off a burned relationship. But when he meets Sarah, she's all he can think about. He doesn't really start off on the right foot and so he has some ground to make up.

I really enjoyed Just A Kiss and found it a quick, light read - which was just what I needed in this book world of angsty, dark releases. I loved the friendship of the girls, the humor throughout and a storyline that was believable and not so far out there. I am really looking forward to more in this series. The only downfall for me was the wine references. I felt like I was country bumpkin in a 5 star Michilan restaurant at times because I know NOTHING about wine, but those that do know about wine will probably enjoy the story even more.


4 Stars
291 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2015
4 stars



Sarah is starting over, away from the ex fiancé who not only cheated on her, but cheated her with her business. Moving to Sonoma was the best decision she could have made.

Her bakery is doing well, her friends are there for her with everything. She takes care of her business and spends time with her sister and family and her friends. She still has not moved on from the hurt she endured but she is getting on her feet, little by little.

Jamie is making his come back movie. After being used by his girlfriend/director, he has taken a step back to regain what he lost because of her greed. He needs to get some experience with baking before his movie starts filming and he is getting his training from the local bakery in his home town. With the media following him, Sonoma's bakery is hit with an overload of customers who just want to get a glimpse or whatever they can get.

With both Jamie and Sarah having their hearts broken along with their spirit, it is a race of who is going to break first with the pull between them. With insecurities, fake beautiful actresses vying for Jamie's attention, Sarah begins to retreat, back into her not moving on routine and Jamie trying to accept the pull they have for each other.

When there is a manipulation done, unbeknownst to Jamie, these two will need to overcome their past hurts to finally move on.
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
July 30, 2015
Sarah is starting over, away from the ex fiancé who not only cheated on her, but cheated her with her business. Moving to Sonoma was the best decision she could have made.
Her bakery is doing well, her friends are there for her with everything. She takes care of her business and spends time with her sister and family and her friends. She still has not moved on from the hurt she endured but she is getting on her feet, little by little.
Jamie is making his come back movie. After being used by his girlfriend/director, he has taken a step back to regain what he lost because of her greed. He needs to get some experience with baking before his movie starts filming and he is getting his training from the local bakery in his home town. With the media following him, Sonoma's bakery is hit with an overload of customers who just want to get a glimpse or whatever they can get.
With both Jamie and Sarah having their hearts broken along with their spirit, it is a race of who is going to break first with the pull between them. With insecurities, fake beautiful actresses vying for Jamie's attention, Sarah begins to retreat, back into her not moving on routine and Jamie trying to accept the pull they have for each other.
When there is a manipulation done, unbeknownst to Jamie, these two will need to overcome their past hurts to finally move on.
579 reviews17 followers
March 27, 2018
A sweet and basically clean (a few curse words but the sexy moments were very tame, with the action happening off the pages and in the reader’s imagination) story of two wounded souls finding each other and getting second chances in the love department.

The main reason this is not a five-star read for me was how instant and quick the need to be hands on with each other and love began. I didn’t feel the connection or chemistry immediately, so it felt kind of out-of-left-field for me. As the story progressed I felt more connection and chemistry, but it was never really intense for me. I think that was because I didn’t feel it from the start. I will say it think my favorite scene was when he came up behind her, while she was rolling the dough, and helped her. I thought that was very sexy and very “Ghost” like.

Also, there were so many characters introduced at one time I was a bit confused. It didn’t feel like it was the start of the series. I even searched Amazon to see if there was another book prior to this one. But, with that said, I did eventually-at least I feel like I did-get everyone straight and look forward to reading everyone’s story/book in this series.

If you are looking for a sweet, easy to read, fun romance, you will definitely enjoy Love at Last.
Profile Image for Jackie Lane.
1,142 reviews609 followers
July 28, 2015
Sarah Dupont has lost her mother and her fiancé in a short time. She found her ex-fiancé on her bakery table with her best friend and came to find out her friend and fiancé were swindling for her.

Afterwards, Sarah moves to Sonoma Valley to be with her best friend, Danica Vargas. Over time, Sarah begins to heal. Until one day Danica informs her that movie star, Jamie Santino needs some instruction and she has offered up Sarah's bakery as a place for him to lear.

The attraction between Sarah and Jamie is almost instant and after his 2 weeks of training, he needs to move on it his movie. His co-star is a raving lunatic. She wants Jamie and seems she will stop at nothing to get it.

Jamie only has eyes for Sarah and yet Sarah feels insecure, so when she hears and see something that upsets her, she runs.

Will Sarah every be able to trust again? Will Jamie be able to reclaim the one that got away.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

This was my first book by this author and it was a fun, quirky read.

I enjoyed it and was thrilled to receive an ARC in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,414 reviews136 followers
April 23, 2016
This was a very cute PG book. I wish the heroine would of had a little more confidence or that the hero realized she didn't, so he could reassure her. I mean let's face it, if you are going to date an actor and you are not one....you need to be confident...and she wasn't. At one point he has to promote a film with his obnoxious, "trashy" co-star (who he has already had a fling with) and kisses her in front of the girl he wants to date....and doesn't understand why she is upset...what, what??? He wasn't very thoughtful of her feelings...and then he has to leave to take said trashy co-star to her hotel because she drank to much....what, what?? He really didn't impress me with his thoughtless actions but she gave him another chance. I wish she would have moved on then because there are plenty of nice good looking guys out there.....I know, I married one. I knew he wasn't trying to hurt her but she just wasn't secure enough for him to be so thoughtless. They were cute when they were together but I just wasn't loving them together. That being said, this is Kate Kisset's first book and I think they will only get better.
Profile Image for Jenness Jordan.
54 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2016
First, thank you to Ms. Kisset for this book. This is the type of story that is grounded and a little fantastical at the same time. What makes this is a story that is grounded is the main character -Sarah Dupont. She is an average everyday person trying to move past heartache in her life and continue her dream of owning a cafe. Where it becomes fantastical is her encounter with a hearthrob movie star. As a reader, you are drawn into their world through Ms. Kissett's technique in dialogue, plot, and the three keys- conflict, crisis and resolution. Each of these elements kept me intrigued and wanting more. I was and am pleasantly surprised at how quickly I read this story. I just couldn't put it down. Besides, wanting to see what else happens with Sarah, I want to go to visit a few vineyards. I think the best time would be in the fall. Ms. Kissett did a great job with her description of the colors in the vineyards, and giving just little hints at the scenery around Sarah and the other characters in this romantic tale. Definitely looking forward to more stories from Kate Kissett.
Profile Image for Scarlett West.
Author 20 books217 followers
June 8, 2016
This lighthearted romance needs to be on your summer, by the pool, reading list. From the start I felt Sarah's heart beating for Jamie Santino. Kate Kisset had me at, "he looked way more mouthwatering than anything she'd ever even thought of baking."

Sarah's getting over a bad relationship and not ready for actor-turned-baker, trainee Jamie. Jaime's got his eye on her, but both of them have their own complications. My favorite scene involves making cookies in Sarah's cafe kitchen. But will they make more than dough together?

Great hook from page one, I liked this sweet book from beginning to end.

Just a Kiss: Single Girls Wine Club Series
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
October 25, 2017
This story is about Sarah after being cheated on by her ex-fiancé with her best friend as well as her inheritance she is trying to rebuild her life. With her friends Danica, Juliet and Lulu support she re opens her bakery somewhere new, she is asked to help one of the Santino brothers Jamie gain experience in her bakery for his next movie role, Sarah reluctantly agrees......... Sarah realises that there is a mutual attraction between them and she is finding it hard to resist him. The problem is can Sarah trust a man again...........
There is plenty of fun, humour and sparks as well as the great characters Danica, Juliet and Lulu and the Santino family ( six brothers who we have only briefly encountered) I really enjoyed this light hearted story.
Profile Image for Deborah.
347 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2016
SWEET STORY

I Love Sarah and Jamie. I connected with both Characters, it's like I felt every emotion that the two of them had. I didn't stop reading until the end.

Sarah was recovering a from heartache and betrayal that she never saw coming. Sarah's friends are determined to help her overcome the pain that she is in and teach her to live again.

Jamie's am actor and has seen his number of love them and leave them relationships. He is a Lady's Man and has never had trouble landing a leading lady, on or off the screen.

Sarah is afraid to love and Jamie wants what he can't have.

I Am Looking Forward To Danica and Michael's Story!!
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