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Grayson Friends #6
With Just One Kiss
Bestselling author Francis Ray chronicles the lives and loves of the Grayson family and their friends--and friends-of-friends who just might have a change of heart...
Cicely St. John is not impressed by her friend C.J. Callahan's so-called passion in life: running a New York City bar that he inherited from his uncle. So why can't Cicely stop thinking about the dance they shared at their mutual friends' wedding--or the mutual attraction she felt in C.J.'s arms?
As far as C.J. is concerned, Cicely is a snob whose "passion" in life--writing for fashion magazines--is as pretentious as she is. So why can't he keep his eyes off her? C.J. has a business to run. And Cicely has a job opportunity in Paris. Neither of them even has time to think about romance right now. But maybe, just once, the two could test their friendship...with just one kiss.
Cicely St. John is not impressed by her friend C.J. Callahan's so-called passion in life: running a New York City bar that he inherited from his uncle. So why can't Cicely stop thinking about the dance they shared at their mutual friends' wedding--or the mutual attraction she felt in C.J.'s arms?
As far as C.J. is concerned, Cicely is a snob whose "passion" in life--writing for fashion magazines--is as pretentious as she is. So why can't he keep his eyes off her? C.J. has a business to run. And Cicely has a job opportunity in Paris. Neither of them even has time to think about romance right now. But maybe, just once, the two could test their friendship...with just one kiss.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
27 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Francis Ray
72 books540 followersFrancis Ray was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling African-American writer of romance novels. Her literary fiction series – Taggart and Falcon, the Invincible Women, Grayson Family of New Mexico, and Grayson Friends – have consistently made bestseller's lists. She was born in Richland, Texas, and studied nursing, receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in 1967. She began writing in 1987, while continuing to work as a nurse, and had her first book published in 1992.
AWARDS
Romantic Times Career Achievement
EMMA
The Golden Pen
The Atlantic Choice
Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers' Choice Award Winners for AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE Reviewers' Choice Awards – Best Books Not Even If You Begged, St. Martin's Griffin (February 2008)
Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award for Nobody but You
Written's 2010 Readers Choice Book of the Year for If You Were My Man
AWARDS
Romantic Times Career Achievement
EMMA
The Golden Pen
The Atlantic Choice
Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers' Choice Award Winners for AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE Reviewers' Choice Awards – Best Books Not Even If You Begged, St. Martin's Griffin (February 2008)
Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award for Nobody but You
Written's 2010 Readers Choice Book of the Year for If You Were My Man
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 5, 2012
Another SWEET and sensual read by Mrs. Ray...I LOVE the complete HONESTY between Cicely and C.J...and the way C.J. takes care of Cicely...he's a TRUE gentleman...and he fights saying the "L" word to the very end...lol...I TRULY feel sorry for Cicely with the lack of love, respect and support she receives from her own family...but C.J. makes up for that loss w/his unconditional love and support for her even though he may lose her to a job that will take her miles away...I'm looking forward to reading Sin and Summer's upcoming romantic journey in a Dangerous Kiss...and I TRULY hope it closes out this KISS series of the Grayson Friends with a BIG BANG!
January 16, 2021
I love how well develop this whole novel is. C. J. and Cicely's characters are very well written, each chapter was well thought out which made it a page-turner. I know this book is part of the Grayson Friends collection however, you can easily read any one of these books as a standalone novel. I intend to read them all, but I am not reading them in any kind of order in fact I actually started with the last book in this collection. Which is also a great one. I have no complicit about the novels that I have read from this collection thus far. In the true Francis Ray fashion yet another amazing romance.
June 6, 2020
Loved this story!
July 20, 2020
I really enjoyed Cicely and C.J.'s romance. Francis Ray was a great writer...RIP!
December 31, 2021
💋
I love Francis Ray books. This series is to die for and I would recommend it to who that want to read a good love story. Now let's read about Sin and Summer.
I love Francis Ray books. This series is to die for and I would recommend it to who that want to read a good love story. Now let's read about Sin and Summer.
May 12, 2022
CJ and Cicely light up the pages. I love the passion between them.
September 15, 2019
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:
This was an enjoyable read that kept my interest from beginning to end. It had laugh out loud moments along with romance, love, tears, family, friends and high powered jobs that caused angst more than once. There was the requisite happily ever after that didn’t look like it would happen even though you were rooting for Cecily and C.J. to recognize that it was more than a fling or lust but love they felt for each other. C.J. was the type of man any of us would want to fall in love with and be with – caring, thoughtful, hard worker, family oriented and romantic.
It was nice to see how C.J.’s family rallied around one another and wanted to spend time together but sad to see that Cecily didn’t exist in the eyes of her family since she strayed from what they felt she should be doing as her life’s work. The friendships depicted were real and you could feel the affection they had for one another. There was a wonderful storyline, great character development and nice closure.
I have not read other books in this series or other books by Ray except for those in anthologies but look forward to reading more of them. There was an excerpt from the next book, A Dangerous Kiss, that whet your appetite for the romance between Summer and Sin who were major players in With Just One Kiss. Give Ray a read, you’ll be glad you did.
Favorite Quote: He paid attention-albeit occasionally for ungentlemenly reasons – to what she wore, so he easily recalled that she wore floral prints and had floral influences in her home. He didn’t have to think long to figure out why her yard was bare of flowers.
Her hectic schedule didn’t allow her time to care for them. And although she obviously had someone cut the yard, it was so small, they wouldn’t come often enough to care for flowers.
Stepping farther into the yard, he saw a two-tiered stone fountain-only there was no water. He started toward it. She might not have any flowers, but there was no reason she should do without her fountain.
This was an enjoyable read that kept my interest from beginning to end. It had laugh out loud moments along with romance, love, tears, family, friends and high powered jobs that caused angst more than once. There was the requisite happily ever after that didn’t look like it would happen even though you were rooting for Cecily and C.J. to recognize that it was more than a fling or lust but love they felt for each other. C.J. was the type of man any of us would want to fall in love with and be with – caring, thoughtful, hard worker, family oriented and romantic.
It was nice to see how C.J.’s family rallied around one another and wanted to spend time together but sad to see that Cecily didn’t exist in the eyes of her family since she strayed from what they felt she should be doing as her life’s work. The friendships depicted were real and you could feel the affection they had for one another. There was a wonderful storyline, great character development and nice closure.
I have not read other books in this series or other books by Ray except for those in anthologies but look forward to reading more of them. There was an excerpt from the next book, A Dangerous Kiss, that whet your appetite for the romance between Summer and Sin who were major players in With Just One Kiss. Give Ray a read, you’ll be glad you did.
Favorite Quote: He paid attention-albeit occasionally for ungentlemenly reasons – to what she wore, so he easily recalled that she wore floral prints and had floral influences in her home. He didn’t have to think long to figure out why her yard was bare of flowers.
Her hectic schedule didn’t allow her time to care for them. And although she obviously had someone cut the yard, it was so small, they wouldn’t come often enough to care for flowers.
Stepping farther into the yard, he saw a two-tiered stone fountain-only there was no water. He started toward it. She might not have any flowers, but there was no reason she should do without her fountain.
August 22, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by JoAnne
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
This was an enjoyable read that kept my interest from beginning to end. It had laugh out loud moments along with romance, love, tears, family, friends and high powered jobs that caused angst more than once. There was the requisite happily ever after that didn’t look like it would happen even though you were rooting for Cecily and C.J. to recognize that it was more than a fling or lust but love they felt for each other. C.J. was the type of man any of us would want to fall in love with and be with – caring, thoughtful, hard worker, family oriented and romantic.
It was nice to see how C.J.’s family rallied around one another and wanted to spend time together but sad to see that Cecily didn’t exist in the eyes of her family since she strayed from what they felt she should be doing as her life’s work. The friendships depicted were real and you could feel the affection they had for one another. There was a wonderful storyline, great character development and nice closure.
I have not read other books in this series or other books by Ray except for those in anthologies but look forward to reading more of them. There was an excerpt from the next book, A Dangerous Kiss, that whet your appetite for the romance between Summer and Sin who were major players in With Just One Kiss. Give Ray a read, you’ll be glad you did.
Favorite Quote: He paid attention-albeit occasionally for ungentlemenly reasons – to what she wore, so he easily recalled that she wore floral prints and had floral influences in her home. He didn’t have to think long to figure out why her yard was bare of flowers.
Her hectic schedule didn’t allow her time to care for them. And although she obviously had someone cut the yard, it was so small, they wouldn’t come often enough to care for flowers.
Stepping farther into the yard, he saw a two-tiered stone fountain-only there was no water. He started toward it. She might not have any flowers, but there was no reason she should do without her fountain.
Reviewed by JoAnne
Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
This was an enjoyable read that kept my interest from beginning to end. It had laugh out loud moments along with romance, love, tears, family, friends and high powered jobs that caused angst more than once. There was the requisite happily ever after that didn’t look like it would happen even though you were rooting for Cecily and C.J. to recognize that it was more than a fling or lust but love they felt for each other. C.J. was the type of man any of us would want to fall in love with and be with – caring, thoughtful, hard worker, family oriented and romantic.
It was nice to see how C.J.’s family rallied around one another and wanted to spend time together but sad to see that Cecily didn’t exist in the eyes of her family since she strayed from what they felt she should be doing as her life’s work. The friendships depicted were real and you could feel the affection they had for one another. There was a wonderful storyline, great character development and nice closure.
I have not read other books in this series or other books by Ray except for those in anthologies but look forward to reading more of them. There was an excerpt from the next book, A Dangerous Kiss, that whet your appetite for the romance between Summer and Sin who were major players in With Just One Kiss. Give Ray a read, you’ll be glad you did.
Favorite Quote: He paid attention-albeit occasionally for ungentlemenly reasons – to what she wore, so he easily recalled that she wore floral prints and had floral influences in her home. He didn’t have to think long to figure out why her yard was bare of flowers.
Her hectic schedule didn’t allow her time to care for them. And although she obviously had someone cut the yard, it was so small, they wouldn’t come often enough to care for flowers.
Stepping farther into the yard, he saw a two-tiered stone fountain-only there was no water. He started toward it. She might not have any flowers, but there was no reason she should do without her fountain.
February 26, 2012
WITH JUST ONE KISS by Francis Ray
Could what is exactly the opposite of what be what I need?
C.J. Callahan had too much going on for him in his career. He ran a successful bar that he loved but now had to step up and take care of the family business that he did not care for. However, family comes first and right now and he needed to step up to figure out how to make the business a success for the next generation. C.J. also had too much of an attraction to Cicely St. John which is the worst possible situation to be in.
Cicely and C.J. have been dancing around each other for a while now. They both know the attraction is more than there they just do not want to answer its call. Yet the more time they spend together in their group of friends or alone in a restaurant the harder it gets to fight these feelings. Cicely has a career in the fashion industry where you have to choose a work or personal relationship; there is no room for both. C.J. disagrees but he is blinded by a desire to make it work with Cicely regardless of what stands in the way.
C.J. is working hard to figure out what happened to the company and repair it while Cicely is gaining a reputation with her unique fashion sense. The long days lead to even longer nights together making the time apart seem like an eternity. What will Cicely do when she has to decide her career or C.J. and figure out what she loves more?
Francis Ray is able to take a story that every reader can tell comes straight from her romantic heart. Her characters have depth and so much passion for life a reader cannot wait to find out where this adventure will take them.
Could what is exactly the opposite of what be what I need?
C.J. Callahan had too much going on for him in his career. He ran a successful bar that he loved but now had to step up and take care of the family business that he did not care for. However, family comes first and right now and he needed to step up to figure out how to make the business a success for the next generation. C.J. also had too much of an attraction to Cicely St. John which is the worst possible situation to be in.
Cicely and C.J. have been dancing around each other for a while now. They both know the attraction is more than there they just do not want to answer its call. Yet the more time they spend together in their group of friends or alone in a restaurant the harder it gets to fight these feelings. Cicely has a career in the fashion industry where you have to choose a work or personal relationship; there is no room for both. C.J. disagrees but he is blinded by a desire to make it work with Cicely regardless of what stands in the way.
C.J. is working hard to figure out what happened to the company and repair it while Cicely is gaining a reputation with her unique fashion sense. The long days lead to even longer nights together making the time apart seem like an eternity. What will Cicely do when she has to decide her career or C.J. and figure out what she loves more?
Francis Ray is able to take a story that every reader can tell comes straight from her romantic heart. Her characters have depth and so much passion for life a reader cannot wait to find out where this adventure will take them.
August 2, 2013
Another great summer romance novel by Francis Ray.
This is book number 6 in the Graysons Friends series but it it is book number 2 in the Kiss Trilogy. I think that all of the books should read in order but you don't have to.
This is the love story of Cicely St. John and C.J. Callahan. Cicely and C.J. first meet in A Seductive Kiss book number 1 in the Kiss Trilogy. They immediately take a strong dislike to each other. He thinks that Cicely, a fashion director for a major fashion magazine, is stuck up and annoying because she maligned his bar. She on the other hand thinks the C.J., a successful entrepreneur and bar owner, is as neanderthal as they come because tsk-tsk his bar does not cater to the "the in crowd".
"And if I want a cosmopolitan?" Cicely asked.
"Down the street. We make real drinks."
Cicely glanced around. "Real drinks for the knuckle-dragging men."
I enjoyed the dance that Cicely and C.J. go through to try not to like each other. In the end they can not resist each other. Neither can stop thinking about the other and chemistry is there from the very beginning.
Put this on your summer reading list and enjoy.
This is book number 6 in the Graysons Friends series but it it is book number 2 in the Kiss Trilogy. I think that all of the books should read in order but you don't have to.
This is the love story of Cicely St. John and C.J. Callahan. Cicely and C.J. first meet in A Seductive Kiss book number 1 in the Kiss Trilogy. They immediately take a strong dislike to each other. He thinks that Cicely, a fashion director for a major fashion magazine, is stuck up and annoying because she maligned his bar. She on the other hand thinks the C.J., a successful entrepreneur and bar owner, is as neanderthal as they come because tsk-tsk his bar does not cater to the "the in crowd".
"And if I want a cosmopolitan?" Cicely asked.
"Down the street. We make real drinks."
Cicely glanced around. "Real drinks for the knuckle-dragging men."
I enjoyed the dance that Cicely and C.J. go through to try not to like each other. In the end they can not resist each other. Neither can stop thinking about the other and chemistry is there from the very beginning.
Put this on your summer reading list and enjoy.
May 29, 2012
3.5 Stars
This was a sweet read with a bit of hotness thrown in. CJ and Cicely did bit around the bush for a long while, and I was patiently waiting for them to get together. I think the author waited a little to long for this to happen, because when they did get together the book just got so much better. CJ was so attentive and caring towards Cicely, which I really didn't expect from his behavior in the previous book, so that was a welcome surprise. The gang was all mentioned in this book...Dianne and Alex, Sin and Summer so it was good catching up with them. Can't wait to read Sin's book next, it should be a goody.
This was a sweet read with a bit of hotness thrown in. CJ and Cicely did bit around the bush for a long while, and I was patiently waiting for them to get together. I think the author waited a little to long for this to happen, because when they did get together the book just got so much better. CJ was so attentive and caring towards Cicely, which I really didn't expect from his behavior in the previous book, so that was a welcome surprise. The gang was all mentioned in this book...Dianne and Alex, Sin and Summer so it was good catching up with them. Can't wait to read Sin's book next, it should be a goody.
May 30, 2012
"With Just One Kiss" by Francis Ray, the second book in her Kiss Trilogy and as a feel good story, I was not disappointed. C. J. and Cicely, two of the most stubborn characters I have met in a long time, also bring an element of honesty that's refreshing in contemporary romance. Without the dance of denial being forefront in the story, Ms. Ray is able to focus on other aspects. The story does follow the contemporary romance format, but I still enjoyed it very much and look forward to the last book in the trilogy. On my five pencil scale, I give "With Just One Kiss" four pencils! Rock on, Ms. Ray!
August 3, 2014
CJ found himself in a boat load of trouble the day he found himself in the presence of Cicely, fashionesta extraordinare. She made lots of assumptions based on appearance, which rub CJ he wrong way big time. Though one dance at a wedding changes perspectives to something totally different.
I love to read about the Graysons' and their friends but I was just not that overly impressed with this Grayson Friend story.
I love to read about the Graysons' and their friends but I was just not that overly impressed with this Grayson Friend story.
August 22, 2013
I really like this story but unfortunately I ve read t out of order now having realized it's not the first in the series. Unfortunately I cant seem to find the first book which I thought I bought last.Currently reading A Dangerous Kiss which ties in nicely with the book I just read. Loving Sin and from the looks of it he and Summer are gonna hook up. Love Ms. Ray's family and friends themed series. Was looking forward to more of the Graysons. Rest Peacefully Ms. Ray
May 13, 2012
I enjoyed CJ's and Cicely's futile attempts to dislike each other and then their inevitable fall into love. It was refreshing to read another good book by Mrs. Ray in another setting. I love the South but there was an air of 'newness' with this book's northern setting, which I enjoyed. This was an enjoyable read and I can't wait for Sin's story.
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January 18, 2013I really loved this book. I thought that the plot was perfect and I could see them as a couple living in New York. The love they have for each other is seen in the things they do for each other and the way they care for one another. It is sweet and something that we as humans want to experience once in our lives. I am enamoured and hope to buy the Grayson series to add to my collection.
March 10, 2012
Loved the story of C.J. and Cicely because I did not form the connection in the previous novel. A sidebar for me. However I understand the need to have someone to take care and the need to be loved by someone unconditionally.
June 9, 2013
You should not judge a person by what they do or how they dress this mistake was made by Cicely St. John the first time she sees C. J. Callahan. But when the chips are down and there is nowhere to turn Cicely must rethink her position.
March 3, 2012
Love Francis Ray books. This was a great book. Two strong willed individuals finding love was a beautiful thing. Can't wait to read about Sin and Summer.
September 10, 2016
Loved this book! Great story.
March 11, 2012
Two strong spirited people making an explosion in this story! A great read!
March 14, 2012
This book was real good like the 1 before it but.. i cant wait for sin and summer i thunk thats go be the best 1.
March 22, 2012
4.5 star rating.....Loved C.J. and Cicely.....Can't wait for the next one!!!
June 11, 2012
Really likable and down to earth characters.
April 8, 2012
This book was another typical love story that has the happily ever after ending. I realize this is Ms Ray genre however some of her novels aren't realistic.
June 10, 2012
Loved this book!! love the series... Love it all
July 29, 2012
LOVED IT!
August 27, 2012
I am thoroughly invested in the grayson friends and their quests to find love. It would be magnificent if men actually existed in the fashion Ray creates them.
September 20, 2012
Always love a great romance!
December 11, 2012
Love this book....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews