Just a Kiss

Title: Just a Kiss

Series: Summer Harbor #3

Author: Denise Hunter 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Christian Fiction, 

Source: Own

My Review:

Just a Kiss is the third book in the Summer Harbor series. The series follows three brothers, but this story can also easily stand alone, although you might get some spoilers from the first two stories. 

Overall, Just a Kiss is a decent conclusion to the Summer Harbor series. It tackles some harder issues, such as PTSD, loss of a limb, a buddy killed in combat, and several other things. I feel that Riley's recovery could have been developed more thoroughly and handled better.

I am tired of the plot device where when someone loses part of a leg or something of that nature, they feel like less of a man, and feel like they are in some way less than, and not worthy to be loved by a "whole" woman. What does this say to people who have fought in wars, or were born with missing limbs, club foot, or something else? That they should feel like less than a whole person?! Sorry, rant over.

I liked Paige, but she took on some things that she should not have with Riley. She also has issues that she is working through. I think their relationship could have been developed a bit better. Overall, I liked the story, but didn't love it.

★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are derailed when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.

Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?