One Kiss

by Jess Bentley

I was supposed to be the boss, a woman at the top of her game.

But there’s a new hotshot in town—he's brash, he's s*xy, and... he’s stolen my promotion.

I don’t care about the spark when his eyes meet mine, or the fire he lights in my body.

All I want is my rightful job. And when I get it back, the real fight starts.



Maxwell Kent is the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.

And I’m desperate to bring him down.

I hate him and everything he stands for.

He’s infuriatingly s*xy.

Every drop of desire I feel, every sidelong glance he sends…

It all humiliates me even more.

I’m developing a plan to get him fired, once and for all.

I’m a fighter, and I won’t let my sworn enemy bring me down.

But Maxwell has other ideas.

When he gets me alone, his lips touch mine for the first time,

And his hands are doing things I’d never even imagined.

I'd planned to give him the justice he deserves—

Instead, I just want to stay in his arms forever.

As much as I don't want to admit it,

This one kiss could change everything.

One Kiss is a 52k standalone novel with NO cliffhangers, no cheating, lots of steam, and a story you'll love. HEA absolutely guaranteed. Enjoy!

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2019

Reviews

[Jessica CW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarissa has had to battle work in a boys world but she was focused on a promotion- the very promotion her boss dangled and then gave to someone else. Not wanting to be a door mat she confronted her boss especially since he takes credit from her all the time. But that gets her fired.

Maxwell being new to the company starts to notice that the girl who spilt coffee on him is brilliant and once he presents his findings to his boss's boss, Clarissa comes back on board. But she ices him out not sure if he is the cookie cutter boys boy or not... Til....sunny

This story is a glimpse into a brokerage and two of the employees navigating work together, work as boss and subordinate and the sexisim that still lingers.

I do like the story but Clarissa does make me wonder why she has a bit of resting b!+€# face. The story left out what caused it, and I wished explored more of her family connections. I was confused on the epilogue about her sister- did she not meet Avery already or was Landry just introducing him to others? I was also guessing about the fact that unlike some stories I read that directly address birth control these two didn't. Does Clarissa ever introduce Maxwell to all her family? And was it 5 total children or 6 siblings. I wish there was more mention of them.

How did Maxwell get rid of Zella finally?
Lastly I wish we could have seen them get married and maybe approach the idea of having a family, or if they truly do not.

I also say she was super brave for staying after her sisters ex.

Do we get to see more about Landry?

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

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this wasn't a bad read. Clarissa thought she was getting promoted but it turned out differently. Thankfully the jerk got what he deserved. Then comes in Maxwell and they of course have feelings for each other. Luckily by the end they finally give it a go and get their HEA.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa Goring was feeling optimistic on her way to work. Things were settling down for her and all the right people at work were noticing her. She stopped for her morning caffeine, refused the lid, and spun around – sloshing the hot beverage down the front of a stranger! Worse yet (at least for her), she grabs a napkin and starts furiously wiping the area before she realizes what she has done! Babbled apologies follow and she hopes the man can see some humor in the disaster.

As Clarissa walks to her desk, she notices a maintenance man removing her old boss’ name from the glass of his door. Since his promotion, they have not yet filled his old position – and she is hoping maybe today she will get that job of Head Broker! Instead, she gets a note to come see her old boss, Greg, in his new VP office. He tells her that his old college buddy got the Head Broker job. When she reminded him of all of “his” projects that were actually done by her, he got angry. She was to move to a cubicle in front of his office and be his assistant. She walked away from him and packed a box – to quit. But HR called her to meet and Greg sneered from his chair. He was getting her fired for insubordination. She again walked out, only to see the new name on the Head Broker’s office door – Maxwell Kent! The man she spilled coffee on and had been prepared to date. She deleted the text message he had sent her without reading it. She had had enough of this horrible morning!

There are so many twists and turns in this story. The story line is strong, and the characters are developed well and very relatable! Will the company discover that hot-shot Greg was actually riding on Clarissa’s coattails and hard work? Can Maxwell, who recognizes her brilliance, right the wrong and get her back in the company? Can Clarissa stop being such a righteous jerk so much and learn tolerance? And what’s going on with her sister, Landry? Seriously, there are so many things happening in this story. You really won’t want to miss it!

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Kiss: An Office Romance By: Jess Bentley
Is He Just Another Good Ol' BOY?!
The Question she'll be Asking...
Is he just another Good Ol' BOY, or is he actually a GOOD BOY?!
In an office where the MEN are Promoted & women are Used,
She's PASSED OVER Again, after being promised a Promotion...
This...
After her Good Ol' BOY Jerk Boss STEALS credit for ALL her WORK!
AGAIN!!!!
Then, when she stands up & complains...
Boom! He Drops the Bomb on HER, Baby...
And Guess What... She's F.I.R.E.D!
Can you Imagine...
Talk 'bout being virtually Raped & Pillaged in the workforce!
But, Maybe just Maybe...
There's some Sweet justice or Karma comin' her way...
Especially when...
The MAN who Stole her Promotion hires her Back to work again!
Is he workin' an Angle, workin' HER, or Simply a Good BOY?!
Find out in Jess Bentley's "One Kiss;" it's An Office Romance you won't want to Miss...
I was granted an ARC of Jess Bentley's "One Kiss: An Office Romance" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Jackie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarissa thinks her life is headed in one direction, but when the man ( Max ) she assaulted with the cup of hot cinnamon foam get the promotion she had assumed she was a shoo-in for and her younger sister is sleeping on her couch - all her life plans are up in the air.
Until pressure to the old set in their ways firm and once assaulted man make her a deal.
Will this deal cost her everything? Or is it the beginning of something good?
A witty story, sweet, some sexual tension, and SO MUCH FRUSTRATION! I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to shake this woman!
This romance was unique to me in the way it was told, intrigued by this and the fast-paced timeline and relationship I read this book in one sitting cover to digital cover out of pure curiosity if Clarissa's personality would change towards the end.
A whirlwind of crazy emotional mayhem wrapped in a not so typical office romance!

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest romantic adventure by the best selling author Jess Bentley and it is a sure fire page turner of a story that will keep you riveted to the book. This story revolves around Clarissa and Maxwell. I liked Maxwell a great deal as he was fun, considerate, compassionate and gorgeous. Clarissa, on the other hand, needed to take a really hard look at herself. Her boss Greg is not the nicest of people and he fires her when she gets upset as he gives what she considered to be 'her' promotion of his friend Maxwell instead of herself. There are twists in this book and , fortunately, there is character development so I did like Clarissa so much more by the end of the story. This is a well written story that is engaging, has some surprises and some great characters! I did enjoy the story and look forward to Jess's next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Most Definitely Recommended

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the interactions between Maxwell and Clarissa. I couldn't put it down.

Clarissa and Maxwell share a chance encounter where she spills hot coffee on him before work one day. Then her day goes downhill from there, she discovers that her boss has hired someone for the position that he promised her and when she confronts him about it, she is fired. When Maxwell discovers what had happened, he goes to the owner to fix it. Their second meeting doesn't go very well and it takes time for Maxwell to show her that he is not a bad guy. Slowly, they get closer and Clarissa realizes some hard truths about herself. Maxwell and Clarissa start having a relationship. Will they be able to work out issues when they come up?

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

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good office romance. Clarissa is great at her job and she is always being used by her boss. He takes credit for all her sales. When she is passed over for the promotion she was promised, she stands up to her boss and gets fired in the process. Maxwell is the man who got her promotion. When Maxwell realizes what Greg did and what he does with him, he goes to the main boss. Clarissa gets her job back, plus the promotion she should have gotten. She doesn’t know if she can trust Maxwell, so she keeps her guard up. Can she let her guard down enough to find the happiness she deserves. I loved the connection between Clarissa and Maxwell. The additional characters added to the story and I loved Auntie. She was a hoot. This was a flowing storyline with hot chemistry between Maxwell and Clarissa.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read that I enjoyed but the female lead was a bit unlikable and So. Very. Frustrating! I loved Max. He was sweet, genuine and just a great all-around guy. Clarissa was in a situation that was so painfully realistic that you could not feel sympathy for her. That being said, her actions had a way of grating on my nerves and I honestly wish she hadn't come across as so bitter. Yes, life is very often unfair and injustice is everywhere. You can not let it consume you though because if you do it only hurts you, which is basically what is going on with Clarissa. Still, in the end I liked these two as a couple and thought the book was entertaining. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarissa has to be in charge and in control - she's always had to be...but when she's overlooked for a promotion that she's more than due things get interesting. Unbeknownst to her she's already met AND fondled the man who is getting said promotion and will become her new boss in the "good ol boys club" work atmosphere. Can she learn to be a team player or is enough, enough?
Likable characters (I especially loved Sunny who's good intentions and meddling add some humor). I loved the strength of Clarissa's character and consistency of Maxwell. I also enjoyed the secondary story of Landry. Overall a great nice HEA, office romance read!

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa works hard at her job doing even work that isn't hers. Only to be passed over for a promotion to someone that was just hired. Sparks fly between Maxwell and Clarissa and when she learns he got her job she confronts her boss about it. Just to be fired. When Maxwell learns what happened he tried to fix it but Clarissa is suspicious of what his motives are. Some outside drama creates some issues between them, But will Maxwell be able to prove to Clarissa that he isn't a bad guy?


This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend it to any book lover.

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

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Clarissa were more than a little crazy-making to me. Max, I pretty much loved from the moment he walked onto the page, coffee accident and everything. He seems to be such a sweetheart. A stand-up guy trying to do the best in the not great situation he’s landed in. Clarissa frustrated me so much. She cherishes her hurt and anger as if they’re precious gems. It took a lot of the story for me to get past the walls she throws up to find the woman worthy of Max hiding behind them. I love these two together, but it takes a lot of work to get there.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa knows she is in line for the promotion - her boss, Greg, has promised it to her. Then she finds out he has brought an old college friend, maxwell in to take her job. She faces him with it and is fired. She sees that maxwell is the gorgeous stranger who was the victim of her coffee spill. Her sister comes to stay - and in the meantime, Greg is fired, and she is re-employed as Project Manager. But it means she must work with Maxwell - can she trust him? What will happen when they butt heads? Will Greg try for revenge, and what will happen with her sister? A great story, with lots of twists and turns - loved it!

[Debra Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling enjoyable read! There is so much to look forward to – family, friends, witty banter, office politics, and humour. The book is well written and relatable; the plot is well-developed and consistent, the ideas are well-thought-out and there is a great pace from scene to scene. Clarissa and Maxwell are great together; they are strong and show true depth; their chemistry is off the charts and undeniable. This story will tug your heart strings and will make you smile, hold your interest until the very end, and leave you wanting more. It is a love story you will enjoy reading.

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

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa has never had time for romance her whole life is her job and she is very good at it in fact she is so good that she does her bosses work as well and he claims the credit. Her boss Greg has promised her a promotion so she doesn't mind, but when he gives her promotion to his friend Maxwell she demands answers and he promptly sacks her. When Greg is also sacked and Maxwell his promoted to VP he reemploys Clarissa as he knows she is very good at her job. She is still angry she believes that there is a mans club working and she will never be promoted but as she works with Maxwell the attraction between them is intense will they do anything about it will they get a HEA

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa stops for her morning coffee and accidently slashes it all over a sexy stranger, and when she arrives at work, she is hoping to get the promotion to her old boss’s position, but instead Maxwell is her new boss, the man from the coffee shop. This is a well written story with engaging and relatable characters, twists, family, intrigue, surprises, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Kiss by Jess Bentley is a great Romantic story that takes place in Chicago. It's a not quite enemies to lovers office romance, but pretty close. Maxwell and Clarise meet when she pours coffee on him. Ouch! He's been hired to replace her boss for the position she was promised as a promotion. Their relationship moves from professional to personal slowly but the chemistry is there. So is the comedic undercurrent.
Highly recommending this book for your reading pleasure and enjoyment. I humbly leave a review of this advanced review book.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual twist on the typical office romance. Here the author tells a lovely, romantic tale about two very different characters who are trying to find their niche in the cutthroat business world.
Clarissa and Maxwell meet in an embarrassing way and really don’t hit it off when later she discovers he is her new boss. Over time, Clarissa comes to realize what truly matters thanks to the love and patience of family, friends, but most of all through Maxwell’s kindness and understanding.

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

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story! I love how Maxwell would just keep pushing Clarissa when he realized she just needed a little push sometimes. It was sweet how Clarissa realized that's how she needed and she slowly let him in. Their interactions were funny, frustrating, and lots HOT! I would have loved to see more of Clarissa's relationship with her other siblings. They were only mentioned in passing but we only met one. It would have also been good to have Zella and her mother put in their place.

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

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Bentley has created a fantastic and captivating story filled with fear, doubt, lust at first sight that quickly blossoms into love, passion, and character changes. Maxwell is a man who has just been given the VP job at a real estate and architecture firm and Clarissa is a woman who has been passed over for the Vp promotion. A great office romance with wit and laughter. A well written story with wonderful characters that readers will fall in love with.

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

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is it that women have to work twice as hard as men to get what they deserve? What Clarissa finds out is that she deserves Max or at least that along with other things is what he keeps trying to convince her of. Great book and one that will keep you guessing and also will make you want to shake Clarissa and tell her to wake up and take what she deserves!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[Tamica Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

One kiss by Jess Bently is a romance about two people,who fall in love while working together. Clarissa is the oldest sibling and she had major responsibilities growing up so it hard for her not to be in charge. I enjoyed watching these two come together and eventually get everything right. The secondary characters are intersring and you want to root for them to get their HEA.

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

[CassieLC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It wasn’t the typical office romance that can has been done too many times. It was unique in that Clarissa comes out the boss. She was quite frustrating at times but also endearing. Maxwell I just loved from the very beginning. He was strong and confident but not arrogant. Definitely a book that I’d recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining office romance read.

This was a fun read for me, it’s normally the male character that is unlikable me but in this newest release we have Clarissa who has a strong negetive character but as you read the story you will see why she is this way. Meanwhile Maxwell was a sweet likable character from the start and I enjoyed the chemistry they shared. Overall a good office romance story.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good read.......So this was the first time reading this authors work and it was a good story and I really enjoyed it. I would read more of her work again. It had a good storyline and good characters t read about.Plus it was steamy to.To me , if you have all these parts , then that's a good story.So I look forward to reading more from this author.

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

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read this was. Clarissa worked her heart out as the assistant to a broker but would never get a promotion under her current boss. Then he sacked her. Who should be the new boss but Maxwell, the gorgeous man who she spilt coffee all over the front of his pants. Can Clarissa find a new job? Will Maxwell stay? What about Clarissa's sister? This was a wonderful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Barbara Brostek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to Lovers Office Romance!
Wonderfully written story by Jess Bentley. Her insight into office politics, Clarissa’s battle to break the Glass Ceiling and gain respect from the ‘Good ‘Ol Boys Club’ is truly refreshingly. I loved the heartwarming characters and funny, interesting situations and steamy romance but especially the HEA ending. Enjoy!

I received an advance copy and am happy to leave my honest review.

[Heather Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa is hoping that now her boss has been promoted she will get the job he promises her. On her way into work she spills coffee on a handsome man only to find out that he will be taking the job she was promised. Maxwell had been recommended for his new job by an old school friend but soon find out that is been used to help that friend. They start out as enemies and end up as loves. With a rocky start and bumps as they get to know one another in this great read.

[Kim Wijnja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully romantic book. The main characters are both well described and come into their own. I sometimes lost a bit of timeline .. because some things happen a bit fast. Despite that, it should not spoil the fun, that it is a very easy book. From me 4 stars.

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

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never written a review before, so I will make this short and simple. First of all, the main Character Clarissa, honestly I couldn't stand her in the beginning but she finally got better. Maxwell, my oh my, he was such a gentleman, so sweet I really loved him! For me though, this book went by too fast and the chapters were kind of short. I did enjoy it, and I liked it!