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Manhattan Nights #4
The Kiss
“Admit it. Admit that you wanted that kiss as much as I did.”
I wish someone would have warned me about my best friend Deacon Cross when we were nine.
Because nearly sixteen years later, the only man I’ve forbidden myself to cross that line with still doesn’t understand my rules of friendship.
Best friends aren’t supposed to kiss.
They’re not supposed to dream of having insanely hot sex while working together, either. And they’re definitely not supposed to keep secrets.
And now I wish I had warned myself about this two days ago. Right before Deacon kissed me for the second time. And all of the rules changed…
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Kiss is a full-length, stand alone, best friends to lovers romance with humor, suspense and heat.
I wish someone would have warned me about my best friend Deacon Cross when we were nine.
Because nearly sixteen years later, the only man I’ve forbidden myself to cross that line with still doesn’t understand my rules of friendship.
Best friends aren’t supposed to kiss.
They’re not supposed to dream of having insanely hot sex while working together, either. And they’re definitely not supposed to keep secrets.
And now I wish I had warned myself about this two days ago. Right before Deacon kissed me for the second time. And all of the rules changed…
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Kiss is a full-length, stand alone, best friends to lovers romance with humor, suspense and heat.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2019
About the author
Natalie Wrye
32 books221 followersNatalie Wrye is a reader, writer and tequila lover best known for writing thrilling billionaire romance and characters whose HEA's you'll love rooting for.
A notebook hoarder whose books have been featured on USA Today's HEA and PopSugar, when she's not watching Netflix re-runs or yelling at college basketball games on TV, she's usually crafting sexy suspenseful stories about hard-bodied, take-charge heroes and the strong-willed women who crave them.
She loves it when people get weird with her on IG, NatalieWrye.com or NatalieWrites@NatalieWrye.com.
A notebook hoarder whose books have been featured on USA Today's HEA and PopSugar, when she's not watching Netflix re-runs or yelling at college basketball games on TV, she's usually crafting sexy suspenseful stories about hard-bodied, take-charge heroes and the strong-willed women who crave them.
She loves it when people get weird with her on IG, NatalieWrye.com or NatalieWrites@NatalieWrye.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 4, 2019
I've really enjoyed this story.
I love friends to lovers trope and if you like it too I recommend to read The Kiss as soon as possible.
Deacon and Kayla are best friends,they met when they were nine years old and they share the same birthday.When they hit puberty their relationship becomes strained and year after year they grow apart.They meet years later in New York,and the chemistry between them is undeniable,they feel the need to kiss each other but kissing your best friend is against Kayla rules.
Will she forget her rules and start to live risking?Or will she lose her best friend in order to live following her strict rules?
I liked how the past flash backs help the reader to know better these beautiful characters.
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September 12, 2019
This is my first book by this author so I coming in from 4th book in this series. It is a standalone but it does mention past characters that make you curious enough to want to read their stories.Deacon and Kayla were best friends that grew up together. the met at the funeral of Deacon's mom when they were nine years old. It was his birthday and when she tried to comfort him, she shared that it was her birthday too. Through trials and separations they shared a special bond. Now sixteen years later they share a kiss. Misunderstandings, secrets and lies cause a bumpy road for these lovers. two strong characters with interesting friends and relationships. A little mystery and a lot rule breaking for a woman who likes rules. I liked the plot, the characters and will look forward to more stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2019
Did I say I loved Brett & Elsie's story in The Vow; Heath & Violet's story in the Bet and Jesse & Marilyn's story in The Deal!? Holy moly, this author's writing just keeps getting sharper, deeper and more intense with every book she writes. I was quite anxious to read the background of how Deacon and Kayla came to be and it was seriously good. And with any Natalie Wrye book, there's those twists and turns that hit you out of nowhere and break your heart when you least expect it. I love that Kayla (and all her female leads) are intelligent, smart, stand-on-their-own, sexy characters. And her male leads are everything you hope and wish for in book boyfriends and Deacon does not disappoint in The Kiss (and there alot of kisses in this book!) ;) This series of standalones are well worth the read so go and read them now! Another 5-star read!
September 3, 2019
The Kiss is the fourth book in the Manhattan Nights series by the talented Natalie Wrye. I'm a big fan of Natalie's writing, characters and plot twists. I don't read a lot of romantic suspense, but Natalie is my go-go-author for this genre. I never know what's going to happen and I always yell, "What?!" at least a few times while reading. If you've been reading this series, you already know Kayla and Deacon. They were best friends when they were younger but time and circumstances caused them to drift apart. They had friendship rules. No kissing was at the top of the list until six month ago when they just couldn’t help themselves. They haven't seen or spoken to each other, but now that Kayla was in NY hiding won't be easy. Especially when she shows up at his bar. Looking gorgeous. Deacon has a lot of regrets in his life. Kissing Kayla is not one of them. They can't seem to say what they mean. Mean what they say or get out of their own way! It's hot, sexy, frustrating and intense. What will it take for Deacon and Kayla to finally admit they are more than friends? Always have been? I loved this story! Deacon was everything I wanted him to be and more. Kayla is stronger than she thinks! Overall, I laughed, teared up, got mad, smiled, had to fan myself. Looking forward to more from some of my favorite secondary characters!
He tastes of broken promises—all the ones I’d ever made to myself. The embodiment of dark daydreams, the man in front of me is everything I want and nothing I need, and yet I crave him all the same.
He tastes of broken promises—all the ones I’d ever made to myself. The embodiment of dark daydreams, the man in front of me is everything I want and nothing I need, and yet I crave him all the same.
December 6, 2019
A kiss haunts them both
The Kiss is the first book I have read by Natalie Wrye and I thought it was well written and very engaging. It is the story of Kayla and Deacon. When they were young they shared a first kiss and the memory of that perfect kiss stayed with each of them through the years. But they remained best friends and there were rules................no kissing!!!
Now however, the rules seem to have been changed, or should I say blown away, when Deacon kisses Kayla for the second time. It was not just a simple kiss it was a claiming kiss. It is now six months later and Kayla has moved to NYC with her PR company. She cannot hide from Deacon for long as he owns a bar that needs a bit of PR so her firm is hired and they definitely cross paths with this assignment.
Deacon and Kayla are two people who live in their heads and cannot get out of them. They trip over themselves, they cannot tell each other what they really feel and instead they each are frustrating, intense, and more than a little hot under the clothes. The question is whether they will finally admit that they want to be more than friends?
This book was well written and had drama, humor and sizzling chemistry in the story-line that was nicely developed with interesting characters. I would recommend this book to other readers.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The Kiss is the first book I have read by Natalie Wrye and I thought it was well written and very engaging. It is the story of Kayla and Deacon. When they were young they shared a first kiss and the memory of that perfect kiss stayed with each of them through the years. But they remained best friends and there were rules................no kissing!!!
Now however, the rules seem to have been changed, or should I say blown away, when Deacon kisses Kayla for the second time. It was not just a simple kiss it was a claiming kiss. It is now six months later and Kayla has moved to NYC with her PR company. She cannot hide from Deacon for long as he owns a bar that needs a bit of PR so her firm is hired and they definitely cross paths with this assignment.
Deacon and Kayla are two people who live in their heads and cannot get out of them. They trip over themselves, they cannot tell each other what they really feel and instead they each are frustrating, intense, and more than a little hot under the clothes. The question is whether they will finally admit that they want to be more than friends?
This book was well written and had drama, humor and sizzling chemistry in the story-line that was nicely developed with interesting characters. I would recommend this book to other readers.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
September 20, 2019
It all started with a Kiss,
An innocent little kiss
But a kiss that would forever be in their souls.
Deacon was an innocent boy that lost his mother and essentially his father too. All he’s ever known was running away. His mother leaving him and his father for another and his father never raising his son and leaving him to his grandmother. Deacon was so tortured by his past and by the secrets he’d learned along the way. But he always wanted to protect Kayla.
Kayla had also been hurt by her family. Her father’s indiscretions and her mother’s unhappiness in her marriage and her brothers “aloofness” to it all. It’s affected every aspect of Kayla’s life. With all her rules and need to control everything she possibly can, but Deacon had a way of showing her how to break them.
It all started with a kiss
And it ended with a kiss!
Disclaimer I received an arc copy for an honest and voluntary review.
An innocent little kiss
But a kiss that would forever be in their souls.
Deacon was an innocent boy that lost his mother and essentially his father too. All he’s ever known was running away. His mother leaving him and his father for another and his father never raising his son and leaving him to his grandmother. Deacon was so tortured by his past and by the secrets he’d learned along the way. But he always wanted to protect Kayla.
Kayla had also been hurt by her family. Her father’s indiscretions and her mother’s unhappiness in her marriage and her brothers “aloofness” to it all. It’s affected every aspect of Kayla’s life. With all her rules and need to control everything she possibly can, but Deacon had a way of showing her how to break them.
It all started with a kiss
And it ended with a kiss!
Disclaimer I received an arc copy for an honest and voluntary review.
September 17, 2019
Childhood best friends, Kayla and Deacon, struggle through their friendship to keep their attraction at bay and their friendship intact as they grow older and the years pass by. Too many secrets and unresolved conflicts keep getting in the way, which puts up barriers between the two. They will have to rely on each other to get through it all, but there also seems to be someone inclined on making sure Deacon loses everything he has.
Such a fun read! I would have liked to see more of their story unfold in the epilogue, but it was still a great entertaining story. It seems like the book left off with a slight cliffhanger and anticipation for more, but it seems each book will contain a different couple. Interesting to see what happens next...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a fun read! I would have liked to see more of their story unfold in the epilogue, but it was still a great entertaining story. It seems like the book left off with a slight cliffhanger and anticipation for more, but it seems each book will contain a different couple. Interesting to see what happens next...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2021
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to read another. Unfortunately, this one to me felt a little too juvenile, like college students at best. None of the major players behaved like adults to me - parents heavily involved in their lives, daddy issues all around and petty fights that I never understood. In one scene, the H has a national TV interview about his bar. He shoots a short clip and they break. During the break he discovers the h’s dad has something to do with his financial difficulties and he storms off, abandoning the interview without a word to anyone. That’s called a tantrum, toddlers have those, not an adult who needs good press to help their business.
I finished it, but honestly liked it less and less the longer I read. If your a young adult, this may be right up your alley. I’m 41 and it didn’t work for me.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to read another. Unfortunately, this one to me felt a little too juvenile, like college students at best. None of the major players behaved like adults to me - parents heavily involved in their lives, daddy issues all around and petty fights that I never understood. In one scene, the H has a national TV interview about his bar. He shoots a short clip and they break. During the break he discovers the h’s dad has something to do with his financial difficulties and he storms off, abandoning the interview without a word to anyone. That’s called a tantrum, toddlers have those, not an adult who needs good press to help their business.
I finished it, but honestly liked it less and less the longer I read. If your a young adult, this may be right up your alley. I’m 41 and it didn’t work for me.
September 10, 2019
Because Deacon Cross!! That's why you should read this book. I kinda fell for Deacon in the last book and Kayla annoyed the bejeepers out of me and I wondered how this story would play out and Kayla and all that and yes Natalie totally redeems Kayla in a huge way! Deacon and Kayla's story starts in childhood when they met when they were 9. Deacon is now a successful but reluctant bar owner and Kayla has just relocated to New York with her PR business. Deacon's bar is having some problems and he needs her helps getting some good press out there. We meet some new characters in this beauty and I loved Sevin, the pro ball player and we also get to visit with some past characters. There's suspense, twists and turns and a holy crow, I didn't see that coming. Natalie takes us back in time as well, which some writers have trouble with, not so here. Her writing is seamless and the backstory only adds to the character development which is stellar. We also get a new annoying female! No surprise there! ;) All that said this is a great read and I could read it again. Now I look forward to the next story starring Sevin and dang she got on my last nerve.
Thank you Natalie! Once again a stellar read!
Thank you Natalie! Once again a stellar read!
September 9, 2019
The Kiss is book four in the Manhattan Nights series and I absolutely enjoyed reading Kaylas and Deacons story.
Kayla and Deacon are childhood friends but they never were a couple. Why? Because of Kayla's rules on their friendship. And one rule is/was: don't kiss your best friend. But what if the attraction is so big that you can't resist and all you want to do is break the rules??
This story got me from page one. I love everything about Kayla and Deacon and their story. I love a good friends-to-lovers story and this one is amazing!!!! The characters are well developed. The story is realistic. The writing is absolutely great.
Natalie Wrye did everything right 😍, I highly recommend this book!
Kayla and Deacon are childhood friends but they never were a couple. Why? Because of Kayla's rules on their friendship. And one rule is/was: don't kiss your best friend. But what if the attraction is so big that you can't resist and all you want to do is break the rules??
This story got me from page one. I love everything about Kayla and Deacon and their story. I love a good friends-to-lovers story and this one is amazing!!!! The characters are well developed. The story is realistic. The writing is absolutely great.
Natalie Wrye did everything right 😍, I highly recommend this book!
March 29, 2021
Mostly the story was good but the rules became annoying and there was way too much angst. And everyone was so angry all the time to the point where it became exhausting.
Honestly, the guy as a kid was an a*****e a lot of the time. Just getting into trouble for the hell of it. After a while, it became less amusing and more irritating. And way too much angst. I really dislike when characters lie because they are afraid of the consequences of telling the truth. Or they can’t spit it out because someone else’s tongue is in the way. Or people can’t be bothered to correct someone else’s misinterpretation of a situation.
Honestly, the guy as a kid was an a*****e a lot of the time. Just getting into trouble for the hell of it. After a while, it became less amusing and more irritating. And way too much angst. I really dislike when characters lie because they are afraid of the consequences of telling the truth. Or they can’t spit it out because someone else’s tongue is in the way. Or people can’t be bothered to correct someone else’s misinterpretation of a situation.
September 5, 2019
The Rebel With a Cause and The Queen of Rules
Wow what a great read once again from Ms Wrye! Betrayal, subterfuge from all quarters, family love and friends for ever! Characters that will make you laugh and love with hours of joy reading this wonderful book and one I can highly recommend! There are twists and turn you will never expect with all the secrets and lies at the end of this superb story. Will it be Sevin’s story next I do hope so!
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
Wow what a great read once again from Ms Wrye! Betrayal, subterfuge from all quarters, family love and friends for ever! Characters that will make you laugh and love with hours of joy reading this wonderful book and one I can highly recommend! There are twists and turn you will never expect with all the secrets and lies at the end of this superb story. Will it be Sevin’s story next I do hope so!
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
September 10, 2019
I love Natalie Wry's books this is the fourth book in the Manhattan Nights series. Just like the previous books the characters are charming, the plot is interesting and has a few twist. I love how Natalie adds a touch of romantic suspense. Kayla and Deacon were best friends when they were younger but time and circumstances caused them to drift apart bringing them back together gives a kick to their relationship and changes everything. As usual you will love this book and Kayla and Deacon's story.
September 3, 2019
Wow... Talking about a book hangover! I really had to recover after finishing this one!
It’s an emotional roller coaster. Build on flashbacks to the teens Deacon and Kayla once were and a love they thought they had to hide, from everyone and especially from each other. My heart went out to them. So much pain. All those lost years. Aww...
It is a great story with a lot of heart, a little suspense and a surprise at the end.
This series is getting better and better with every next book!
I really recommend it!
I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
It’s an emotional roller coaster. Build on flashbacks to the teens Deacon and Kayla once were and a love they thought they had to hide, from everyone and especially from each other. My heart went out to them. So much pain. All those lost years. Aww...
It is a great story with a lot of heart, a little suspense and a surprise at the end.
This series is getting better and better with every next book!
I really recommend it!
I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 10, 2019
I have loved all of the books in the Manhatten Nights series. This one is no different. It is an amazing story, well written, with fantastic characters! Deacon and Kayla have been friends since they were children. Now, they are both in New York. Deacon is running his stepfather's bar, Kayla is working for a PR firm. Things heat up, not only between them, but also in the bar. Can they find the bad guy and their own happiness before something horrible happens?
September 12, 2019
I Really enjoyed this book, I absolutely loved Deacon and Kayla, their story was so lovely, you just wanted them to get their HEA, the storyline drew you in, so much going on but it just flowed, I really wish the author was in KU as I would’ve loved to have read the earlier books in the series! But not reading them didn’t spoil this was, it was just lovely 😊
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2019
The Kiss is the fourth book in the Manhattan Nights series and the first I have read from this author. Deacon and Kayla are strong, likable characters that have been friends since childhood and have amazing chemistry that she doesn't want to admit. The storyline is well written, with humour, suspense, and The Kiss...
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
December 6, 2019
Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
I loved how the relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways they never expected.
It is the type of story that clutches you at once and does not release you until you get to the end - then you find yourself pining over the fact that the book has ended.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
I loved how the relationship unfolded so we could see these amazing characters grow in ways they never expected.
It is the type of story that clutches you at once and does not release you until you get to the end - then you find yourself pining over the fact that the book has ended.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
September 6, 2019
This was another amazing read from Natalie it is the fourth book in the series and they just keep getting better. If you like a good friends to lovers romance then you will really enjoy Deacon and Kayla's story I really enjoyed getting to know these two their story will have you laughing it also has enough twists to keep you hooked right until the very end.
September 20, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Natalie Wrye; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2019
This is a journey made into a romance.
These two have known each other for years and gradually made it to the relationship department.
Now only if work, friends and jealousy would stand back and let them be happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These two have known each other for years and gradually made it to the relationship department.
Now only if work, friends and jealousy would stand back and let them be happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2019
Ugh, my heart...Deacon and Kayla are fantastic characters. The way their story is told with bits of their past mixed in with their present day with dual POV was done impeccably.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2019
This was a good friends to lovers story. I loved the characters and the bond that they shared from when they were younger and then how it strengthens even more as they fall for one another. A must read!
August 23, 2021
DNF 9% I just can’t read any more books about people who’ve been screwed over by the f*cked up state of the USA while everyone keeps pretending that it’s a first world country and a good place to be.
October 8, 2021
This book went back and forth from past to present, from enemies to friends to lovers. It hinted repeatedly about what had happened between them to make them hate each other without actually explaining it. By chapter 18, I just didn't care anymore. DNF.
September 4, 2019
This story is childhood best friends to lovers, and I really enjoyed it. I liked how the story was told over time, it has some suspense that will keep you guessing. The attraction between Deacon and Kayla was unmistakable, and they were so perfect together. I liked seeing past characters too, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 14, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for more from this book. They have a good page turning relationship. Can not wait to read more.
September 19, 2019
This was a great read. I loved the chemistry between Deacon and Kayla. I most definitely will be reading the other books in this series.
March 26, 2021
Such a sweet story. Childhood best friends. Both wanting more, but scared to admit it.
It’s a fairly quick read, but it’ll be worth your time
It’s a fairly quick read, but it’ll be worth your time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews