Oops, I Kissed Him Again

Maple Creek Romantic Comedy #1

by Cindy Ray Hale

An impulsive kiss and a fake relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

When chief of police, Will, pulls sassy Layla over for speeding yet again, the last thing he expects her to do is plant a kiss on him. And he certainly isn’t prepared for the fireworks that explode when their lips meet.

With a robbery in Maple Creek, Will has his hands full trying to track the criminal down. Matters only get worse when Layla’s flower shop is broken into. Not to mention the creepy guys that keep hitting on her.

Can he keep his heart in check around his old crush while keeping her safe?

Layla is determined to keep her matchmaking mother from setting her up with the worst guy in town. So when her mom witnesses her getting pulled over, she spontaneously kisses Will and tells her she’s engaged to him. The hilarious fake romance that ensues is all fun and games until her heart decides to get involved.

When she teams up with Will to track down the thief terrorizing their town, her feelings intensify, and she’s not sure how much longer she can keep him at arm’s length.

If you like witty banter, swoony kisses, and small-town sweet romantic comedy, then you’ll love the hilarious book readers are raving about! Binge the series, get hooked, and get ready to laugh!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Audiobook, Fake Dating

80 pages, ebook

About the author

Cindy Ray Hale loves to write romcoms set in small towns and has been writing and publishing books since 2012, all the while, laughing at her own funny stories. She is married to the sweetest guy and has a blended family with him, consisting of seven kids.

She loves nerding out on video games, creating book covers, and drinking too much caffeine. When she can find a moment, she loves to sing and play the piano and often includes acting and singing somewhere in her stories.

She was born and raised in the hills of Tennessee in a large crazy family and as an adult, has moved all over the United States. She's finally settled down in a small town in the mountains of western Virginia where she loves to go hiking, boating, and dig in her garden.

Reviews

[Madison Allshouse · Rating 1 out of 5]

(Adjusted ratings in 2025)
I’m sorry I just really really could NOT with this book😭😮‍💨 it felt like a romance story from the perspective of a 12 year old. Now trust me, I am here for cheesy romance, but I found myself cringing literally while I read😅

I’m sorry, it’s just a no for me. I finished it so I could say I completed it

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will is getting tired of pulling Layla over for speeding around town in her grandma's bright red Corvette, but he's taken by surprise when she springs a fake engagement on him. Although these two had a brief connection in 7th grade, all these years later, the sparks and interest are still there, but both of them have been burned by relationships and are hesitant to jump into another one--especially with all the chemistry oozing between them.

Small town stories with an edge of danger and mystery are a great combination, especially with slightly meddling mothers and well-meaning friends in the picture. Hale does a great job on weaving these elements together and creating an interesting setting for them to happen in.

Although on the shorter side, I found this story to be well-rounded in the romance, conflict/resolution, suspense, and entertainment aspects, but I felt that the character's intentions toward a potential relationship were very fickle and flimsy, flopping back and forth too much for my liking. I liked both Will and Layla and I'm really looking forward to more stories in this series.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of violence/danger

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

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit crazy and a lot of fun

Layla is definitely free spirited and likes to have fun. But she had endearing qualities about her too. I like that Will always had a soft spot for her. Although he fought it for a bit, he ended up giving into her schemes. It was a sweet and fun book. Showed a strong independent woman who was able to handle herself well even in terrible circumstances. I love the humor in the story.
Rating: PG, clean

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, romantic comedy. I thought the title was perfect for this story because of the kisses that happened between Will and Layla years later after they had kissed in seventh grade.

I really liked the characters in this story, especially Layla and Will, who agree to a fake engagement so Layla's mom will quit trying to set her up with Chris. I liked that Layla's character was very strong, stubborn, and seemed to be able to take care of herself. The town of Maple Creek sounded like a fun place to live and I look forward to reading the next book in the series about one of Layla's friends.

I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Teya Teya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too cute. It was really fast though. Usually the first in a series is longer to set it up for the rest but it was pleasantly short with all the details. She frustrated me a bit but completely understandable with her history. I'm just glad she came to her senses with the chief.

[Rose Arbor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kiss Can Be a Powerful Thing

This was a cute story and I enjoyed it.

Layla was a successful business woman but her mother wanted grandchildren. Layla, after an abusive relationship, has decided that she is not interested in a serious relationship. To deflect her mother, she asks the chief of police, Will, to pretend to be her fiance. There is a man that her mother is pushing at her, but she can't stand him. But she feels safe with Will.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romcom with a little meat on it.

I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.

[Mattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a quick adorable read. Layla and Will both have had a rough history when it’s come to relationships so it’s understandable that they are both a bit hesitant. But getting into a fake relationship with someone you’ve had feelings for since grade school isn’t exactly a good way to stay single. Onyx is an interesting bestie and I can’t wait to get more of her.

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute quick read!

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oops, I Kissed Him Again is the first book in the Maple Creek Romantic Comedy series by Cindy Ray Hall. When Chief of Police Will Vance pulls over the sassy Layla for speeding again, he didn't expect her to kiss him and announce their engagement. He also wasn’t expecting the fireworks he felt in the kiss. Neither did Layla. She is determined to keep her matchmaking mother off her back that she creates a fake relationship with Will and begs him to play along for now. With a string of robberies terrorizing the businesses in town which hits closer to home when Layla’s flower shop is hit. Adding to Layla’s troubles is that the creepy guy will not leave Layla alone. Will her impulsive kiss and fake relationship backfire?
With a title like Oops, I Kissed Him Again, I expected a fun, cute and witty romance. However, from the opening page to the final chapter, I was confused. Layla is completely unlikeable and acted like an uncaring teen despite being a business owner in town. I saw who was behind the robberies in town from a mile away. It is very short, about nine chapters. It is certainly not enough time to establish and develop the characters, the conflict and the resolution. It all happened so fast that I closed the book with dissatisfaction. I did not care for Layla, for Will or their romance. The mystery was lackluster. I did not enjoy this story and I will not continue this series, I do not recommend Oops, I Kissed Him Again.

Oops, I Kissed Him Again is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[Lindsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day read! Quick and easy read. Friends to lovers/fake engagement with witty characters.
I really enjoyed Layla and didn’t expect her to be so against relationships. I wasn’t expecting this story to go this way but she definitely could handle herself as she always liked to tell Will. She definitely was not having good luck with men though considering her past relationship and creepy Chris. I was confused as to what her mother ever saw in Chris considering how he was acting towards Layla. I wondered why he was obsessed with her and wanted her attention so badly. I felt we could have gotten a little more information on why he was like that or what happened to him.
Will is the police chief that didn’t have a good first marriage. He didn’t want a real relationship either but then Layla up and randomly kissed him again. Grabbing someone and randomly kissing them would not be my first thought to get out of a parking ticket but it worked! I liked Will and how protective he was with Layla when he knew what was happening.
I’m glad these two finally figured things out and Layla can trust again. I’m excited to see what happens in the next one with Onyx and Taylor.

[Jill Badker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla has sworn off men and relationships, but her mother witnessing her getting pulled over again Layla decides to her up. She grabs the officer, who happens to be someone she has known forever and kissed him in seventh grade, and she kisses him and tells her mother she's seeing him. But when Layla kisses Will it blows both their minds. They shared a kiss years ago but had moved on from it. Now Will just coming out of a divorce has given up on relationships too, but this kiss throws him off his balance. Now pretending to be in a relationship and spending time together they both realize giving up on love might not be the right choice. Can they listen to their hearts or will they let their brains run their lives.

[Mariette L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was funny and sweet. Layla has sworn off relationships due negative a negative experience in her past. To appease her mom, who witnesses her getting pulled over for speeding, she pretends to be engaged to the police chief. They grew up together, both pining for the without the other knowing. This was a sweet book that started out fake turning to real. The characters were relatable and sweet, and I never got to the point where they annoyed me as sometimes happens in books. It was short, took me less than two hours to read, but packed a lot in for a short story. Definitely a book I could read over again. I would definitely recommend!

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla was tired of her mother trying to get her married. The guy her Mom wanted her to date, Chris, just creeped her out. So one Sunday before church she grabbed Will and kissed him and begged him to go along with a fake engagement.

Love Cindy Ray Hale’s books and this is no different. She has a way of telling a story with fun and laughter along with a little suspense. The chemistry between Layla and Will is off the charts. Well worth the time to read it.

I was given this book as an arc for an honest review.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and (mostly) sweet, though not *quite* what I expected

I really liked the blurb and that Layla and Will have a bit of a history together. The story started out fun, fluffy, and cute - exactly what I expected from a romantic comedy by this author. What I didn't expect was for this story to take a somewhat more serious turn, and I'm still not sure how I feel about that.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was adorable and I cannot wait to read more of this series. Will and Layla had great chemistry, and Layla's mom was so funny. I loved how tough Will was and how he wanted to take care of Layla, and I love how Layla juggled letting him help her as well as being tough herself. It was well done. The next book, about Onyx, is called Kiss Me, Baby One More Time and I am excited to read it!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read. It had me laughing at times. There was romance and some suspense. The romance between Layla and Will may have started out as a sham but will it end or will it become real? If you have an hour, read this fun book.

[Sharyl Haderlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because of the likable H and h but it fell short of a great book for me. The main criticism I have is that I felt the story should have been fleshed out more. The complete change of mind of the H didn't make sense to me.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story centers around Police Chief Will Vance and the local florist Layla Bowen. If you enjoy small town romances, you definitely need to read this story. No spoilers, so grab your copy and see if their first kiss in present day rivals the one they shared in seventh grade.

[Lisa O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a funny, sweet and light read. It had me glued from the beginning to the end.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet law enforcement romance with a thread of mystery. I really enjoyed this fake engagement and the character’s experiences. A bit of humor plus family and a touch of suspense.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet law enforcement romance with a thread of mystery. I really enjoyed this fake engagement and the character’s experiences. A bit of humor plus family and a touch of suspense.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read that had great chemistry and was a fun way to pass an afternoon.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, cute read

I enjoyed this novella. Will is the perfect leading man and plays a great fake fiancé. This book has a little mystery and suspense as well as a HEA.

[S. Leann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute quick romance story. I liked the characters.

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kissed that sealed the deal

This author is a new-to-me author. I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and the story flowed well.
Will is the local chief of police, and lives a very quiet life. Because of his job, Will has to live a reserved life. He has loved Layla since they were young, but she didn’t feel the same about him. Now back in town, she is giving Will headaches by constantly speeding in her Nana’s corvette.
Layla’s mom is insisting that she date a local wealthy Chris, but Layla feels that he is creepy. In a spur of the moment, Layla kisses Will, in front of her mom. A fake relationship is begun between Will and Layla. Will is super attracted to Layla, but she has had a bad past relationship. They slowly begin to date, but Chris keeps insisting on being in a relationship with her.
After they break up, Layla is kidnapped by Chris, and Will comes to save her. They reunite, and finally admit their true feelings to each other. The couple finally obtain their HEA.

[Elda · Rating 4 out of 5]

And again, and again, and again!

Layla swore off relationships after her short marriage to an abusive husband. She didn’t trust herself to find a guy that wouldn’t break her heart again. Except Will was the police chief and now they were in a fake relationship to keep her parents from thrusting guys at her. Will himself was all in. He was in love with Layla ever since seventh grade when he kissed her for the first time. This was a cute read read but I couldn’t help but want more depth and feelings to the story. Yes they kissed and Will wanted more with Layla but I was hoping to hear his thoughts. Same with Layla. It just felt kinda stilted. I was dissatisfied that the epilogue wrapped up pretty quickly. But hey, whadda ya expect from an 85 page story?

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla is pulled over by Will because she was speeding in her red corvette but he ain’t seen nothing yet. Her mummy dearest who’s matchmaker central gets a glimpse of him pulling her daughter over so what does her daughter do but misses him and says I love you! Confused much ? Well that’s Will he’s feeling out of touch ,what did he say or do to make her act this way ,he liked it too… She has to confess ,her mother thinks she knows best and is being her lest with these dates she springs upon her so Will is a goner for a sorrow tale . How can a love story like this fail? I ask you , there’s a lotta fun written into this one and Cindy Ray Hale . I enjoyed it hon. Good storyline and the characters are divine .

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacked depth and dialog felt stilted

This story had a lot of potential and I really dislike leaving a semi-negative review. I read a lot of Kindle Unlimited clean romance. I thought the beginning was cute with the speeding ticket and a kiss. Different and interesting. But for me I couldn't stay engaged. The dialogue was very much "she said", "she asked", "she replied" instead of using the story to help carry the dialog. While I understand this is a novella of sorts, there also wasn't enough character development.

Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: No

Happy reading!!

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla and Will had their first kiss in seventh grade in a game and after that they avoided each other. Now adults, Will is the city's chief of police and Layla is the woman he's always stopping for speeding.
When Layla kisses Will in front of her mother to keep her from trying to get her together with Chris, she soon says that they are engaged to avoid further problems.
While Layla and Will navigate this fake relationship, they also need to investigate some events happening in the city that could put Layla's life in danger.
I loved the story and the characters. It's a quick and fun read. I highly recommend the reading.
I received an ARC and left a review voluntarily.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

A really cute look at two people who were against marriage due to each of their pasts.
Will’s marriage to his wife had ended after she confessed to being unfaithful.
Layla’s ended in a whirl of fists after being physically abused by her now ex husband.
Needless to say-both had sworn off relationships.
But when Layla pulls up into church parking lot she has police chief Will hot on her tail -to issue a traffic violation.
Layla makes a snap decision and claims she and Will are engaged.
What happens next is all god working.
Read to find out if the couple make it to the altar or the jail cell.