A Magnolia Kiss: A Sweet Small Town Novella

The Red Stiletto Book Club #1.5

by Anne-Marie Meyer

Two Rivals. A Proposed Bet. One Unforgettable Kiss

I'm just trying to survive. The gelato shop my grandmother left me is struggling and I can't help but feel like a failure for letting things get this bad. When the annual fishing tournament starts up in Magnolia, I'm determined to win.

My plan is perfect, until my rival shows up. Not only is he back in our hometown, but he's set up his fishing gear right next to me.

Despite my efforts to ignore him, I can't help but be roped into his ridiculous proposition. If I win, he'll leave and never come back. And if I lose?

A single kiss.

Dive into this sweet, small town novella that is part of the Red Stiletto Book Club series.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Rom Com

92 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2020

About the author

Anne-Marie Meyer is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives south of the Twin Cities in MN. She spends her days with her knight in shining armor, four princes, and a baby princess.

When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.

Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a small town enemies to lovers story. Scarlett is trying to save her the gelato shop her grandmother left her, and then she finds out that Ben is back in town. What nerve! To top it off he also enters the annual fishing competition that Scarlett enters and he's set up his fishing gear right next to hers. This leads to a bet between them and if Scarlett wins, Ben will leave town. How can she resist that?

I read this as part of the Sweet Kisses Box Set. This wasn't one of my favorites as I found Scarlett a little depressing and the constant repetition of how Ben's family runined their family's business got annoying.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not my favourite. It was short and not much really happened. I know it’s meant to be a novella but just seemed a little pointless in my opinion.

[Abby Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series….it’s giving…. Virgin River vibes 😍 I’m sad that it’s over, but I’m so happy I read it.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a box set. It was cute and sweet and I think I’ll try another book by this author...

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, an easy, predictable read, a little rushed but cute. Giving it 2.5 stars rounded up as I think it would be better with the context from the rest of the series.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know it is ment as a novella, and just as "bonus material" so to speak, but I felt like there was no development between the two main characters and the connection felt rushed.

[Megan Malaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure about this one, it just felt like something that was thrown in as a filler. To be honest when I started it I had no clue who Scarlett was, it wasn’t till her shop was mentioned that I remembered who she was. I had a hard time getting into it, I had to force myself to finish it. Every other book has been 2 stories going at once. This whole book was about a 24 period for Scarlett, a very minor character in past books. I guess I just felt confused about what was trying to be accomplished with this book. I guess we’ll see with the next one if this was a lead up to something.

[Alicia Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, short, and sweet. Enemies(not really) to lovers. We meet Scarlet in the first book as she’s the owner of a super cute Gelato shop by the lighthouse. She has another passion for fishing and her town is holding a tournament.
However, a old family foe blows back into town but he’s being so kind and genuine that scarlet has a hard time deciding if he’s being real or playing her.
While she wrestled with her emotions and old family drama, she try’s so hard to block him out so she can win the tournament she desperately needs to win to save she small shop.

[Dorel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Anne-Marie Meyer. I was into this story until Scar spit water all over Ben. I thought that was very nasty.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed reading the Red Stiletto Book Club series! Each book is cute, heartwarming, and easy to dive into. While the plots are definitely predictable, they still deliver a cozy, feel-good vibe that makes them a fun and comforting read. There’s no spice to speak of, but the sweetness and charm more than make up for it.

If you’re someone who enjoys stories about friendship, romance, and happy endings, this series is a great pick—definitely gave me Hallmark movie energy (in the best way). Perfect for when you’re not sure what to read next or you want something light that won’t completely pull you under. A great in-between-books kind of series.

[Sara Nelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my least favorite so far and even though it was short it was hard for me to get through. I needed more background and reason for her falling in love so fast and if he leaves her heart will be crushed. I get attraction but to have your heart shattered over someone who has been back to town for 5 minutes that you used to hate doesn’t make sense to me. It was rushed I wish she would have taken her time on this one. I live a good enemies to lovers trope but this one didn’t do it for me.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book was good, its subpar to those before it. It was nice to have a backstory of Scarlett so I’m hoping she pops up throughout the rest of the series. I also didn’t like how this one was placed 3rd within the kindle version of the series when it’s considered #1.5 — kinda threw me off a little since Scarlett isn’t mentioned at all in #2.

[Krystal Hayden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little novella. I’d give it 3.5 ⭐️ just because I think I’d like a little more on their stories than just a little fishing competition. I am sure we will see more from them in future books throughout the series.

Also loved that the friendships with Maggie continued to be shown throughout this novella.

Cannot wait to see what they all get up to next!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I’d read this one before. I had that feeling all through the book. I also kept thinking that I hadn’t got to know Scarlet well during the series and that she was closer friends with Maggie than I realized. It was a cute story. I think I would have liked to see more of Ben and their backstory.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1.5th book of the red stiletto series. The books are standalones, but should be read in order.
I really like the stories. But at times they are dragging on with the same thoughts over and over without anything relevant happening. And the insecurities are a bit dramatic.
Nonetheless I'm invested in the series and will continue.

[Carol Falls]

I am waiting for it to be printed in paperback. So far, I have read Magnolia Inn, friendship, homecoming and midnight. I look forward to a Magnolia Kiss and Wedding. I like to have a book to hold.

[Barbara Barber]

I hate when I finish the Book

This as all of her Books are so good ! I really hate it when I come to the end of the series waiting for another one to come though !till than I'll read another !

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t care for this novella at all. The whole story seemed pretty pointless and basically went nowhere. I found nothing endearing about Scarlet and that never changed as the story unfolded. I definitely wouldn’t recommend wasting time on this one.

[Kristen Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing we could get a full story on this pair! We need more!

If you’re looking for a cold freeze in the middle of a blazing summer heat, this one’s for you. From enemies to friends to love or lust. This one will keep you questioning is the smell of fish or love in the air?

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a novella in a series set on Magnolia island. Not a very interesting story, primarily a romance between two members of rival families who both run ice cream shops. It was a short book, thank goodness.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short!

[david jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

A sweet little novella that you already knew the end of when you started reading. A feel good sort of read. Good, clean fun.

[Sylvia Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started it and finished it in one day. It was a short book, easy read and a wonderful story of love.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick romance!

[SELENE LAKE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

I was disappointed this was only 70 ish pages.
Disappointed the story wasn't captivating.
What happened to the series I fell in love with?

[Stephanie Sust · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magnolia Kiss was a cute read! It was easy and fun to read, and I finished it in one sitting. I would recommend this book!

[Debbie Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

good...

[Margarita Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

I enjoyed this novella about a tender love. The Magnolia series is uncomplicated romance. Enjoy the characters and the setting.

[Kelly Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s cute and short.