After reading an intense romantic suspense and a couple sweet contemporaries, I was craving something fun and flirty with a little bit of sexy time. I knew I could count on Codi Gary to give me characters I'll fall in love with and a story that'll make me smile. I also knew she'd keep me up way past my bedtime. Heed my advice... Starting a new book at 11 o'clock at night is never a good idea.

The romance between Dustin and Riley were two lovable yet who, unbeknownst to them, are pretty much fighting the same fight. Both characters have a rough past with their parents, which has affected their relationships. For Dustin, it has made him a playboy never wanting to settle down. For Riley, it's made her self-reliant, never knowing how to depend on someone. When the one person she trusts does the unthinkable, it shakes her world upside down. What Dustin and Riley don't realize is that their budding relationship heals wounds and brings out a piece of themselves they didn't know was there. They make each other re-evaluate how they see the world and how to overcome their past misgivings.

I adored Kiss Me, Sweetheart. As a fan of Codi Gary's, I knew it was going to be a fun romance with witty banter. I loved the character's chemistry and sexual tension. Once it ignites, they can't seem to keep their minds off each other. It was the perfect romance for what I was craving. I didn't even bother to highlight quotes and passages. All I did was sit back and enjoy the ride.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen for hire at Sweetheart, California’s Something Borrowed have the cure for celebrity wedding headaches. But even a job that’s strictly business can lead to the
real thing . . .

RULE #2: DON’T UPSTAGE THE BRIDE AND GROOM

Rylie Templeton had big dreams, until she quit culinary school to take care of her father and signed on with Something Borrowed. Suddenly years have gone by and she’s still a bridesmaid-for-hire, with her idea to open a gourmet bakery on the back burner. Scoring a high-profile wedding could help turn her life around, if only she didn’t have to share the spotlight with her coworker, the insufferable—and undeniably gorgeous—Dustin Kent.

Instructed to make it work, Rylie plunges into the wedding festivities with Dustin by her side. If only she could convince him to turn his spectacular charm on someone else! But the enigmatic, reformed playboy has his own ideas about romance, and they all include Rylie. As the nuptials get closer, Rylie realizes that Dustin’s wooing is actually working, and that the two of them might make a good team in more ways than one . . .

********************************************************************************************

This was a cute, short romance that had a little bit of angst but otherwise, it was an okay read. It wasn't horrible and it didn't knock your socks off. It's the second in the series and it's just hitting its groove. We met Dustin in the first book, Don't Call me Sweetheart and I really disliked his character in that book, however, the continuity of that book to this book was a little off. He seemed a little different but that was okay because it was his own book. I guess it's because in this book you get to see what he's really like and that there's more to him than everyone thought, whereas in the first book you just get glimpses. In the first book, he's really just a cheat and I think that's all I could see him as. Rylie can only see him as a cheat and player and that makes it hard for her to reconcile that he's interested in her and won't hurt her. I do have to give the author props for making me have a lot of feelings during this book...not all of them good but I did have some feeling. Overall, I would recommend this as part of the series.

This is the second book in the Something Borrowed series, but this book stands alone. In this book we find Rylie Templeton in her dream job, while Dustin Kent is a wealthy playboy who enjoys pushing all Rylie’s buttons. But Rylie is a strong, independent woman, and she isn’t going to let Dustin mess up her opportunities she enjoys at Something Borrowed.

Dustin had a poor childhood, and although he seems obnoxious and shallow, we find out that he’s a loyal protector when needed. Dustin assists Rylie out of a bad situation, and their relationship turns toward friendship. Naturally, after seeing another side of Dustin and spending more time together, the friendship progresses to their own HEA.

This was a fun, well written story, with a cute plot line.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

I love the concept of this romantic series by Codi Gary taking place in Sweetheart, California. Rylie and Dustin work for a wedding planning company. Rylie is sweet and quiet, but she has dreams for her future. Now Dustin didn't leave a good first impression in the first book, nor a second or even a third impression. But Ms Gary delved more into Dustin's story and created a multi-layered character that reveals his good and kind side and that he has feelings too and isn't always a jackass. Both Rylie and Dustin grew into some pretty great people when they found their better half with each other even though it wasn't love at first sight. They ended up finding that one special person who they could depend on in this fun and sassy romance. I can't wait for more in this series.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Child abuse, Domestic violence, Attempted rape

Rylie loves her job. She knows that it's not her life’s dream, but she's willing to do whatever it takes to get to her end goal. She has an amazing talent to bake and that's her ultimate goal – to open a bakery where she can bake wedding cakes, etc. for the company she currently works for.

Then you have Dustin. He's a wealthy man, arrogant and sneaky. He is attracted to Rylie but knows that his usual charms are not working. You get some background on his past and see that despite his wealth and charm, he has lived through some troubled times.

These two together are much more friends than relationship in this story. It felt very juvenile and rushed. Their interactions were fun and witty, but never quite to the level of romance or steam that I would have expected.

When danger comes lurking for Rylie, Dustin has to figure out whether or not he can do forever.

Overall, this was a quick read. You didn't need to use much in terms of figuring out who was the bad guy or good guy. However, it lacked in chemistry and romance.

Rylie Templeton is working as a bridesmaid-for-hire with Something Borrowed until she can make her dream of opening a gourmet bakery come true. However, working alongside the gorgeous Dustin Kent is proving difficult, especially when he's so determined to win her over. Will Dustin be able to win Rylie's heart or will they lose their chance at happy ever after because someone else wants Rylie's for themselves?

Having absolutely loved the first story of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about the women that work as bridesmaids-for-hire, and I've got to say that Rylie and Dustin's story was a wonderful addition to Ms. Gary's Something Borrowed series. Really, it had a wonderful combination of intense moments and playful banter that had me loving the main characters; obstacles that include whether Rylie can trust Dustin because he's an enigmatic and reformed playboy that seems to attract women wherever he goes. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine discover they have to work together that made this story very interesting, as Rylie isn't all that enthused about having to work with Dustin. Will he prove that he can do a good job when it comes to what they've been tasked to do?

Both the main characters were fantastic and I loved every time they conversed, as the hero is determined to win the heroine over and help her in any way he can when it comes to the trouble that someone is causing for her. Moreover, the heroine is resilient and courageous in giving the hero a chance and in handling all the harassment she suffers from someone determined to scare her with the nasty name calling. Who is the person harassing her? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was her passion for baking and how it helps her when she stressed. While the hero, he's enigmatic, confident and I loved how determined he was to win the heroine over, even though he's not sure he wants a relationship after everything he's been through in his past. I also liked how determined he was to help the heroine with all the wedding planning and to help her when things get tough. Why is someone stalking the heroine?

Overall, Ms. Gary has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was delightful; the romance was nicely-detailed; and the ending had me worried for one of the main characters, but had me loving how these two end up together, as a confession of love is good for the soul. I would recommend Kiss Me, Sweetheart by Codi Gary, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, or books by authors Melissa West, Gail Chianese, Rachel Lacey and Miranda Liasson.

I love Codi Gary, and I REALLY love the Something Borrowed series. Kiss Me, Sweetheart is the second book in the series and much like the first it is sweet, fun, and the perfect easy read. I found myself smiling from beginning to end.

Rylie is a character from the first standalone I was curious about. She’s smart and sexy, but she has had a hard time in life. Dustin is sexy and what you picture when you think about a millionaire. But there is more to him than what everyone sees. I was hooked on these two from the start and quickly became very invested in them getting their HEA.

~miranda

This is a beautiful and sweet romance. I loved the tender emotions between the H and h. They were great together. I felt I was personally witnessing every single part of their love story as I read the book. I highly recommend this book for people who love sweet romance that is light on sexy.

Having read the first book in this series, I was quite eager to read this installment. I found it to be an easy read, definitely interesting and engaging!

We were introduced to Rylie and Dustin in the previous book, but reading that book is not necessary to enjoying this story. I found them both to be complex and engaging characters, despite Rylie being a little bit of a doormat character. I loved that there was more to Dustin than met the eye, and how he redeemed himself in the end.

If you're looking for a quick and easy read, I definitely recommend this book!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I needed Rylie and Dustin's book, because I was in love with her in the first in this series and wanted to knee him in the nether regions. Somehow I knew Codi could make me see his heart and she succeeded! Great book and series!

As with the first book in the series, I have been completely entertained with the premise of bridesmaids for hire. The wry humor and witty dialog make for a truly enjoyable story.

With Ms Gary's ability to transport the reader into the scene, it makes the story so much more realistic and and often amusing...finding yourself laughing right along as if you're taking part.

Again as I stated in my review of the first story in the series, living in the Sierra Foothills it's so much fun reading the locale references...knowing the area first hand is another way to feel a part of the story.

I was mesmerizing by Dustin and the depth of his character, how his player ways succumbed to Riley and her genuine and gentle heart. His transformation is entertaining and amusing.

I'm looking forward to Kelly's story, reading the except already has whet my appetite for what I'm sure will be another engaging chapter in the series.

this ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

So this was a little bit like enemies to lovers only.. Dustin never hated Rylie as much as she did him! Like at ALL He was intrigued by her from the first. But yes he's a dick. A cheating dick, and that Rylie can't abide.
Of course, all people have layers and Dustin is no different. His layers were slowly peeled away and we get to see that he's a good guy who just makes bad choices.
Kylie comes to learn she can depend on him. I really enjoyed the way the story was told.

This is a cute romance with a likable hero who starts out as a bit of a playboy jerk, but who matures and a nice woman who dreamed of opening her own bakery but finds herself in her hometown, working for a wedding planning business that also supplies stand-in wedding party bridesmaids. She enjoys the job, but really just wants to bake. As the story opens, Dustin and Rylie are assigned to work on the same wedding, which she's rather worried about because she's attracted to him, but can tell that he's a player. There are plenty of sparks between them, but she knows he's not interested in anything serious.

Both MCs have challenges to overcome. Rylie is involved with an abusive boyfriend and Dustin comes from an abusive background and has sworn never to get serious about anyone. He tells everyone he took the job just for kicks (he's rich and doesn't need to work), but the truth is, he has something dishonorable in mind that could ruin the business if he goes through with it.

As the story continues, Dustin helps Rylie out of the situation with her boyfriend and they grow closer as they spend more time together. Their relationship continues to develop and both characters figure out how to move forward in their lives. Dustin was the one who needed to mature and he does so satisfactorily. By the end of the book, you do believe that they make a good couple and can find their happy ending.

The lonely hearts club gets a fresh face, a new spin and bubbly humor. Codi Gary has a knack for heart racing, all embracing, witty romance. Kiss Me, Sweetheart blends sweet romance, with provocative romantic fun. The best surprises are the ones that have always been there, hiding in plain sight. Rylie and Dustin are like that. Sparks fly and are obvious to everyone else, but the people involved (One person in particular.) Ms. Gary brings the best traits of love to the pages of a piece of comedic pleasure.

book two in the something borrowed series has rylie templeton teaming up with dustin kent as the bridemaid and groomsman for hire at the latest celebrity wedding. this is rylie's dream job, and she's not happy about being stuck with dustin. she suspects his motives. and his morals. and doesn't want anything to ruin this opportunity for her.

kiss me, sweetheart lets us know early on what nefarious scheme dustin is up to. he's planning to write a tell-all book about what goes on behind the scenes at a celebrity wedding. at first he doesn't worry too much about who this might hurt. but when he starts spending more time with rylie, he realizes that she's someone who has been hurt plenty by others. he gets her out of a potentially abusive situation and moves her into his pool house. he's her friend first, but he also wants to be something more. and he hasn't felt this way about anyone ever.

she might actually change him. and one of the things i found so refreshing about this novel, is that dustin doesn't put off confessing his evil plans until everything blows up in his face. he confesses all and makes things right and it's pretty much the best ever. dustin and rylie are so likable. and they are perfect together.

**kiss me, sweetheart will publish on february 13, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical shine) in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great read. I could not put this book down. Rylie and Dustin are great together. Dustin is a is a rich playboy that no one can figure out why he is working at something borrowed, where Rylie is a baker trying to save money to so she can open a bakery. They end up working together on an account and find out there is more to each other. This was a great story. I forgot how much I loved Codi Gary writing and stories I high;y recommend this story and I will go back and read the first story in this series and the next one even though these are stand alone.

3.5 stars - Kiss me sweetheart is a cute romance about a wedding for hire business that also supplies stand-in wedding party members. The heroine is an all-around good girl who used to be an ugly duckling. She's a hot chick now, but her life is far from perfect.

The hero is a wealthy bachelor who it seems has taken on the groomsman for hire gig just for kicks. The truth is that his intentions aren't honorable and if he moves forward with his plans, his current boss would be ruined.

As Rylie and Dustin learn more about and increasing lean on one another, they both learn that the other has layers that make them more than they seem. That growing intimacy is bolstered by their honesty with one another.

It's a decent read with a HEA and at least one twist I didn't see coming.

This is my first book by Codi Gary.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Something Borrowed
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.

From the first book in this series, Don’t Call Me Sweetheart, I was intrigued by Rylie’s story. She is a smart, sweet, funny, sexy woman. Why would she stay with a guy everyone in her inner circle seems to hate? We all know things aren’t always so simple and black and white. So I was looking forward to her story and to seeing her find her HEA.

Dustin is your typically rich-boy player who we find out later is actually a total sweetheart…for the right woman anyway. He has a temper that he tries so hard to hold in check since he knows first hand what a bad temper can do to those around him. Yet just seeing him with his housekeeper and the way that caring lady is with him you just know there’s more to him than meets the eye. Of course, being around Rylie brings that good part out for all to see.

I love the chemistry between Dustin and Rylie. Even when they’re mad at each other their pull comes across and out of the pages. Enough that those around them who barely know them can see it even before they truly see it for themselves.

Dustin’s back story had the potential to give so much more depth to this story. As much as I enjoyed this story overall, I was a bit disappointed that these things weren’t fleshed out more. So as not to give away the reason Dustin really decided to work as a groomsman for hire I won’t say too much, but I was super curious as to why he even decided to pursue that particular avenue. Not to mention the fraught childhood he had…although I hold out hope we’ll get a story about his brother Charlie and maybe we’ll get more information on that matter.

All in all this was a great book and I’m continuing to enjoy this author’s work.

From the first book, Don't Call Me Sweetheart I've wanted to know Dustin's story. There was just something there. He drew you to him but at the same time you are like..."this guy is a dick!"

Mixed messages for sure.

I knew there had to be more to him than just what he showed everyone else. Boy...was I right! He is so layered you are going to be shocked. Sure, he's a dick, but he's a dick with a heart and emotions. Tons of emotions. He hurts so deeply that you will also hurt for him.

In the beginning I was a little shocked at how much dislike Rylie had for Dustin. She really didn't like all that he stood for. She saw him only as a cheat and a player. The cheat part she was really having trouble getting over. As the story moves on you'll see why she feels this way about Dustin even if he doesn't deserve all of her mad.

It's easier to be mad at the person who's not causing you trouble instead of the real problem within you life.

The funny part is that when she does deal with a big issue in her life it's Dustin who stands for her. Told you, layers. He helped her out and was there for her with no judgement. You've got to love that in a man.

These two have a ton of issues but with the help of each other they learn how to deal with them, if not get over them. They are so perfect for each other and I was so happy that they where able to see that for themselves. I really enjoyed both of them and my only issue is that I felt in the middle of the story it dragged a little. I found myself getting slightly bored. I can't tell you how happy I was when it picked up again. Talk about being worried. I will also mention that I really liked Charles, Dustin's brother and can't wait to see if he'll have a story.