Kissing My Brother's Best Friend: Curvy Girl Romantic Comedy

Curvy Girls Guide #1

by Lana Dash

He kissed me once as a joke. He’s not joking anymore.

Things are finally looking up for me—a new job, a new city, and a new life without the annoying watchful eye of my older brother.

That is until Denny calls me up, insisting I meet with his best friend. Obviously, he wants Alec to keep an eye on me to ensure I don’t get into any trouble in the city.

I haven’t seen Alec in years, not since that last summer before I left for college. I doubt Denny would be so quick to push us together if he knew Alec was the first boy to kiss me—not that I’d expect Alec to remember.

When we finally meet up, there’s something in the way he looks at me that says he isn’t seeing me as his best friend’s little sister anymore, but he’s slow to make any moves. Is the tension between us all in my head? Or will a kiss change our lives forever?

JUST A KISS is a series of short, sweet, and steamy romantic comedies about curvy women searching for their happily ever after and finding it after just a kiss. Read KISSING MY BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND if you enjoy secret romances, childhood crushes that are all grown up, and protective older brothers. NO CHEATING. NO CLIFFHANGERS. HAPPILY EVER AFTER GUARANTEED.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Friends To Lovers

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

About the author

Lana Dash writes short, sweet, steamy romances that will leave you swiping for more. From blue-collar bad boys to rugged mountain men, you will find a book boyfriend to swoon over in the span of your hour-long lunch break.

Reviews

[valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

finalmente un “brother's best friend” en que el hermano no es un sobre protector de a gratis, si no que sus acciones tienen un trasfondo mayor. MUY BIEN ✨

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't realize this was a novella but it was decent and on KU. I was craving a best friends sibling romance and it helped. Not going to win awards but worth the short read.

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vanilla with a side of vanilla, it's so vanilla I thought about grabbing some root beer to make myself a float. With that said... just because I'm a dirty girl who wished there was more spice doesn't mean it wasn't a decent story.

Kelsey and Max reunite after having shared a kiss two years ago. For Kelsey she's loved Max since childhood, for him he hadn't noticed her until that day two years ago and has thought about her ever since. Both have crap communication. This entire story could have been done in 5 pages if they would just be direct with one another as well as his little brother who is Kelsey's best friend.

This is quick, there are few make out sessions paired with one coupling, and it was uneventful... It brought me back to my sophomore year of high school. Yep, it was high school level climaxing.

My favorite part of this story was the shout out to several awesome 80's movies. Goonies, When Harry Met Sally, & Say Anything.

i think this is a good story. It's cute, I'd feel less awkward about buddy reading this with my 16 year old god daughter vs Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas... yep that happened. SMH....

I will likely read this entire series because they are lighthearted, feel good, and quick. It will be like a Hallmark/Lifetime marathon.

[Granger McGringot · Rating 3 out of 5]

No virgin
Dual PoV, 1st person
H was brother of h's BFF
No drama/angst, bit confusion between H and his brother (The BFF)
No cheating. No OW/OM
Safe read, HEA, epilogue
Overall score: 3 neighbor turned lover stars

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet quick story about two people who never told each other their true feelings. Kelsey always had a thing for her best friend’s older brother but never told him or his brother. Max alway thought his brother had a thing for his best friend and never wanted to cause problems so he left. Upon his return, he realizes actually where his home is and tries to complete his picture. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elisa ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devrie just moved into a big city and her older brother Denny is overprotective and concerned. So he tasked his best friend Alec with looking over her. Well they meet again and sparks fly after a kiss years ago. Now they finally get their chance at a HEA 🥰🥰 Sweet, kind of second chance, steamy ,romantic with a sweet HEA 😍 For me a bummer: they were with others while claiming to loved the other since the first kiss (Personal opinion🤷🏻‍♀️).

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short read.

Devri is in a new city but has to calm her overprotective brother from kidnapping her back home. In comes the good friend Eric. A kiss didn't stop her having feelings but now he is blowing hot and cold. Will they get their HEA or part because of Denny. A good short read. Loved the characters and story.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning her heart Lloyd Dobler style

DATING YOUR BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER is the first book in the CURVY GIRLS' GUIDE series. This is a deliciously sweet and spicy short story about a forbidden romance between Kelsey Jones and Max Coughlin. Kelsey and Max grew up as next door neighbors with Kelsey and Max's younger brother as best friends. Now that Max has come back home though things are about to take a turn between Kelsey and Max as their attraction will light the sky on fire. It was two years ago that they shared a kiss that lit their souls on fire and one that Max has not been able to forget. So now Max has to decide if he takes a chance to make Kelsey his, as he is not sure if his brother Charlie and Kelsey are involved romantically or not since they are so close. There are a few crossed signals but eventually these two come to the same place....they belong together no matter what may happen.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this short story. It was entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and likable even when you wanted to yell at them to talk to each other. Kelsey, Max, and Charlie all needed to communicate with each other way more than they were. Kelsey and Max had been in love with each other for years but had never told each other. Kelsey was worried that Max didn't feel the same way about her and didn't want to hurt Charlie if there was no point. Max didn't want to hurt his brother but he also didn't want to get hurt if Kelsey didn't feel the same way about him. There was a little drama and angst. The apology between Max and Kelsey was super sweet. I loved their happily ever after. I recommend reading this book.

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

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of story, I like. It is fast, sweet, and with a little sexy loving going on. We have two friends, Charlie and Kelsey, living next door to one another, along with, Max, Charlie’s older brother. They are now, all grown-ups. Charlie and Kelsey, have even gone into business, together.

Charlie’s older brother, Max has been seriously in love with, Charlie’s best friend, Kelsey. As well as, Kelsey for, Max. However, neither Kelsey nor Max, has ever explored any of their feelings. Except for, one goodbye kiss, leaving a burning desire in each of their hearts, for one another.

But will, mixed signals, lack of communication, and fear of rejection. Keep them away from, a love that has burned inside them both, for years? Or will they give it a chance to grow and nurture the feelings and emotions? Read and find out how they make it work.

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Desperate and lonely

This story has no build up. I get it, it's only 40ish pages. I wanted something short and sweet, but what I found was not. The heroine is mooning over her best friend's brother. He kissed her once two years ago, and she's waiting for him to come back. Really?

I don't understand protagonists who have sex on the first date because they just cannot help themselves. Really? I want you so much that a tree is romantic to me? No. I cannot imagine wanting someone who doesn't care to make it special. Hard and fast is not special or romantic, especially if you've been in love with them for a while. It's desperate, and pathetic, and shows a lack of self-respect. And she's surprised when he dumps her right after? Oh wait, he apologizes so everything is okay now! I'm sorry, it just reeks of desperation to me, not love.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in Lana Dash's brand new Curvy Girls' Guide series, Dating Your Best Friend's Brother, is a sweet and steamy short romance. Kelsey grew up next door to Charlie and Max; she became best friends with Charlie and crushed on his older brother, Max. When Max returns home after a couple years away, both he and Kelsey have a hard time fighting their mutual attraction. Will they finally give into their feelings, or will concern for Charlie muddy the waters?

An entertaining, quick read. Looking forward to the next installment in the series!

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

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of the Curvy Girls’ Guide and focuses on Max and Kelsey. Kelsey is best friends with Charlie, who just happens to be Max’s brother. Max and Kelsey have been in love with each other for years but have never told each other. Max doesn’t know how his brother feels about Kelsey so that makes him run hot and cold towards Kelsey until a misunderstanding involving Charlie has Max breaking both of their hearts. Thankfully, they are able to finally get their long awaited HEA! This was a great introduction to the series.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked the right brother! This is about Kelsey and Max. They have known each other since childhood, but she was best friends with his little brother Charlie, so as the years progressed, her crush for Max turned more especially after their kiss under the mistletoe. It is funny how all everyone needs is communication because she felt Max wanted her but he would go cold all of a sudden and he thought that with the years she would have developed a romantic relationship with his brother Charlie. Love how he tries to make up for his mistakes – go 80’s!

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

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of a new series is always a nail biter. Will I like it or not, although I have read ALL of this authors work, I am a tremendous fan of shortish stories. Kelsey has loved Max a long time and even shared a kiss 2 years ago. Now he is back but both are holding themselves back, one because they think their brother loves the other and the other doesn’t want to let their best friend down.

It was a really good book. I enjoyed the characters and I can’t wait to read about Charlie and his story.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good book. Max and Kelsey have been in love with each other for years but fear of unrequited love or hurt another loved one has kept apart. However, Max and Kelsey can hold back anymore and true feelings come out, and while there is a little bit of angst, the communication doors are now open where they need to be. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the rest of the series has in store for us. I would recommend this book and Ms. Lana as a great author.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Curvy Girls' Guide series. It's a short, sweet and steamy instalove romance. I love Lana Dash's book, they're the perfect length for a quick book break. They have a little heat with a story that will leave you smiling. Kelsey's best friends with Max's younger brother Charlie. They've all known each other since they became next-door neighbors when they were kids. Max and Kelsey both having feeling for each other but are afraid of what Charlie might say or do. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
This is the first book in the Curvy Girls' Guide series and can be read as a standalone story.
The best friends brother storyline is well-written and entertaining, I was so glad to see that Kelsey's best friend was the boy next door and her crush was his older brother. Max had also crushed on Kelsey however he wasn't sure of the nature of their relationship and didn't want to step on any toes. Sweet story, both Kelsey and Max are wonderful.

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute read with and interesting storyline. Max and Kelsey have loved each other for years. The problem is that Kelsey is Max’s brother’s best friend and hMax did know if they had feelings for one another. Kelsey is smart and sweet. Max is protective and fiercely loyal to his family. The chemistry between Kelsey and Max is sizzling and their connection is strong. A wonderful first book in this new series The Curvy Girls’ Guide. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this one. Kelsey has know Max and his family for years as she lives next door and is best friend with his brother. I think they have always been attracted to each other but Max was not sure how she felt about his brother OR how his brother felt about her. Coming home, he decides to up his game when a miscommunication puts distances back between them. Cute HEA, fun read. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey has been in love with her best friend's brother, Max since she can remember. He is back on town and she is going to do pursue what she wants. He has also come to a decision that it is now or never. When he's texted by his brother things can be derailed. He will now have to fight twice as hard to get the HEA he and Kelset deserve.

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

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This quick read has likeable characters who have a shared history and attraction. Their connection and chemistry was believable, as was the situation they found themselves in. It was flirty, humorous at times, romantic and had a nice HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those sweet short story that will make you swoon. It is hard to be torn between the love of your brother and the woman you love or torn between your best friend and his big brother. It all worked out in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Kelsey and brothers Max and Charlie. Kelsey and Charlie are best friends, but she really wants Max in her life. Miscommunication and assumptions may be enough to keep Kelsey and Max apart. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally

Max and Kelsey are back together and both are wondering if the other feels the same. Loved each other for years but not wanting to ruin their relationship with her best friend and his brother. Can love finally get Max and Kelsey the courage they need to admit their feelings?

[marie stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story with an 80's classic throwback

I loved this little story. There were a couple lines that kind of annoyed me and a mini miscommunication trope but overall I thought it was sweet and I love a good John Cusack reference 😘 I will definitely be reading the other books in the series!

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Kelsey were in love with each other for years. Miscommunication and shyness kind of drove them apart. Now years later they meet again and sparks fly again. Now they both get finally their chance at their HEA after a few twists and turns😉 sweet, romantic, steamy with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍and with a whole lot of missunderstandings and miscommunications🤣🤣

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short with a HEA

While I definitely appreciate the fast pace of a short story, I do wish this had a little more dialogue, to fill out the storyline/plot. There was a lot of unsaid words, which left some empty spaces. Otherwise, I Iove the premise and setup of the story. Wish I could read a whole series of these two.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found it very romantic. Kelsey and Max have loved each other from afar before they get a chance to act on it. A slight hitch resolved by a corny gesture and they finally get their happily ever after.