Update: Now With My Review!
When I first shared this post, it was part of a promotional tour with just an excerpt from About That Kiss. But now that I’ve read it from start to finish, I had to come back and add my full review. Joe and Kylie’s story completely pulled me in — and I think it’ll do the same for you.
About that Kiss by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #5
Publish Date: January 23, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Book Blurb
When love drives you crazy . . .
When sexy Joe Malone never calls after their explosive kiss, Kylie shoves him out of her mind. Until she needs a favor, and it’s a doozy. Something precious to her has been stolen and there’s only one person with unique finder-and-fixer skills that can help—Joe. It means swallowing her pride and somehow trying to avoid the temptation to throttle him—or seduce him.
No, Joe didn’t call after the kiss. He’s the fun time guy, not the forever guy. And Kylie, after all she’s been through, deserves a good man who will stay. But everything about Kylie makes it damned hard to focus, and though his brain knows what he has to do, his heart isn’t getting the memo.
As Kylie and Joe go on the scavenger hunt of their lives, they discover surprising things about each other. Now, the best way for them to get over “that kiss” might just be to replace it with a hundred more.
When sexy Joe Malone never calls after their explosive kiss, Kylie shoves him out of her mind. Until she needs a favor, and it’s a doozy. Something precious to her has been stolen and there’s only one person with unique finder-and-fixer skills that can help—Joe. It means swallowing her pride and somehow trying to avoid the temptation to throttle him—or seduce him.
No, Joe didn’t call after the kiss. He’s the fun time guy, not the forever guy. And Kylie, after all she’s been through, deserves a good man who will stay. But everything about Kylie makes it damned hard to focus, and though his brain knows what he has to do, his heart isn’t getting the memo.
As Kylie and Joe go on the scavenger hunt of their lives, they discover surprising things about each other. Now, the best way for them to get over “that kiss” might just be to replace it with a hundred more.
My Review
From the moment Kylie and Joe share that unexpected kiss, the tension between them simmers with anticipation. Jill Shalvis delivers yet another irresistible blend of humor, heart, and heat in About That Kiss, a standout in the Heartbreaker Bay series.
Kylie, a talented woodworker with a stubborn streak, isn’t one to fall easily—especially not for someone like Joe Malone. Joe is the kind of man who’s more comfortable handling security ops than emotions, and his guarded nature makes him all the more intriguing. But beneath that tough exterior is a loyal protector who can’t help but be drawn to Kylie, even if neither of them is looking for something serious.
What starts as a search for a missing, sentimental item quickly becomes something deeper. The mystery thread adds the perfect bit of intrigue without overpowering the romance, and it allows the characters to spend more time together, letting sparks fly and emotional walls start to crumble.
Shalvis excels at crafting characters who feel real and relatable. Kylie’s independence is admirable—she’s carved out a life and business she’s proud of, and she’s not willing to compromise that for anyone. Joe, on the other hand, is haunted by past regrets and isn’t used to letting people in. Watching these two navigate their growing feelings, fumble through awkward moments, and slowly let their guards down is what makes this story so satisfying.
But what really sets About That Kiss apart is the warmth of its world. The Heartbreaker Bay crew adds charm, comic relief, and depth to the story, creating that “found family” feel that Shalvis fans adore. Every return to this group feels like coming home.
If you love romances where the chemistry is electric, the dialogue is witty, and the emotional payoff is deeply satisfying, About That Kiss is one you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, this story stands beautifully on its own while offering a deeper connection to the Heartbreaker Bay community.
This was more than just a light-hearted romance—it was a reminder that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the best rewards. Joe and Kylie’s story is fun, flirty, and full of heart. Highly recommended for anyone who loves second chances, emotional slow burns, and happily ever afters that feel earned.
Join the Conversation
Have you read About That Kiss? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s discuss your favorite moments and characters from the book.Want to know more?
You can find Heartbeat on Goodreads or check out my full review there too:
You can find Heartbeat on Goodreads or check out my full review there too:
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About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes warm, funny, sexy contemporary romances and women’s fiction. An Amazon, BN & iBooks bestseller, she’s also a two-time RITA winner and has more than 10 million copies of her books sold worldwide. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS 
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