Fox and Lola were a good match and this was a fun read.

Great read. I enjoyed this book. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

First of all, it just about kills me to give this book anything less than 5 stars. I actually loved the story. However, I can't give it more than 3 stars because the entire premise of the book is so flawed.

Second, there are two glaring errors toward the end of the book that would not have happened.

So now there will be **spoilers** in this review, so please be aware.

**SPOILERS**
Lola is profoundly deaf. She is able to go through life hiding this fact from everyone she meets. This makes me wonder how many deaf people the author has ever been around, and if she knows any, they must be pretty darn clever. It's impossible to hide deafness for more than a few moments in the presence of anyone. I couldn't stop myself from wondering, how did Lola get through a job interview and hide it from her bosses? How did she rent an apartment and hide it from her landlord? How did she keep her job in a bar by ignoring people by wearing headphones while she was serving drinks? None of this could have lasted longer than a minute. Sorry. I just can't believe it, and it takes away from the wonderful story. She could have maintained her independence and still let people around her know.

And then the two people who are closest to her, her boyfriend and her best friend/employer at the animal clinic both CALL her on the phone and are worried when she doesn't answer? Answer what??! She can't talk on the phone! She only texts. And the one time she leaves a voicemail she has no idea whether she did it right or not. So unless her phone was equipped with some talk to text app that the author invented on the spot, she messed up. It would have even made more sense if the people had Skyped her so she could read their lips. But.... they didn't. I understand people who are desperate can resort to ridiculous behavior, and I guess that's what we are supposed to believe here, but it just jumped off the page and smacked me in the face with a big, fat Huh??!

The ending doesn't make sense. Fox's father was such a mean old coot, he never would have paid for a life insurance policy month in and month out for a son he obviously disliked.

**END OF SPOILERS**

Aside from these issues, I really did love the story. Lola and Fox are interesting characters, and I felt deeply for them. The very ending was completely far fetched and way too easy, but all in all, it was satisfying. I recommend to to anyone who wants a different kind of love story and who isn't bothered much about reality.

4.5 stars

Thank you! I’ve been on a bit of a not-quite-good book run and I am so happy that Kiss Me Back has delivered me from my bad book rut.

The main characters are looking for their place in the world and find it in one another. Fox, who is dyslexic, was always his dad’s whipping boy and Lola has been fighting to survive and rely on only herself ever since losing her hearing. They are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but how they come together is pretty great.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sidney Halston’s Panic series is one of my all-time favorites; she gives you unforgettable characters who each have hardships that bring a unique setting to the overall theme of the books. She pulls you in and hooks you from the start. Kiss Me Back, Panic 3 is amazingly well written with both main characters being as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.

“I know you can handle it. I know you’re fine. But it’s okay to let me help. It’s not because I don’t think you can do it. It’s just to make your life a little easier.”

Kiss Me Back is is Fox’s story. He works security at Panic so you’ll definitely see some of the main characters from previous novels, which makes this book all the better for me. Fox has so many layers to him and it was so fun to peel back each one to find the beautifully sweet man underneath. He’s genuine and cares a lot more than he lets on; I gravitated toward him immediately because I just knew there was more than his need to be flashy.

Lola is strong willed and has her life all planned out. She came from humble beginnings and she’s had to work for everything that she’s ever had. Her personality was contagious…I loved everything about her. She has an air of vulnerability, but on the outside she’s as hard as nails. The way Halston maneuvered Lola’s secret had even me pretty shocked; it was brilliantly executed and you never see it coming. It’s like this with most of the Panic series for me…Halston throws you into this world where nothing is perfect and sometimes the main characters’ insecurities and/or disabilities is the one thing that makes them one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read about. Lola is someone I’d really want as a friend..she’s skittish but once she warms up, she’s a pretty awesome person.

Lola and Fox’s relationship is just like the characters…full of layers that will leave you breathless and wanting more. The beginning started off rough, but once they let that spark happen they couldn’t get enough of one another. Overall, I loved their relationship; Fox was amazing with Lola and Lola gives Fox what he’s been so desperately missing from his life. They fit perfectly and Halston brings out how uniquely beautiful they are as a couple through their playfulness and, at times, intensity for each other.

I loved Kiss Me Back just as hard as I loved the previous two books in this series! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!

I haven't read the previous two books in the series but this one can be read as a stand alone easily.
This book centers around Fox and Lola. I really liked Fox (although it took a little bit of the book to get under his armor and realize what a great guy he was). Fox was a sweet, protective and really nice guy. He has all the patience in the world when it comes to Lola (which he needs).

Lola on the other hand was a bit harder to relate to. I was however surprised by her secret and thought it was a really nice twist. I admired Lola while I didn't always like her or understand her but then I haven't walked a mile in her shoes. She was a very strong character and very independent. In fact, it was that independence that bothered me a bit. She took it to extremes and wouldn't except that people might just want to help her because they were her friend. She was so apart from all of her co-workers and completely isolated herself. She also had a tendency to jump to conclusions (and never on the positive side) especially when it came to Fox. In the end I felt like Fox did all the giving and Lola just took and the balance was a bit off in the relationship for me

This has been such a great series! I love the different types of heroes and heroines in it!

Lola has nothing in this world but her education and she's so close to being done! She has to work a few months to save up enough to pay for the last semester and then she'll be leaving Miami behind. Fox is a bouncer at the hottest nightclub in Miami. He likes his job and can't take his eyes off of Lola from the first day that she walks in. Lola and Fox take a while to get their relationship on track, but when they do, it was quite a story!

Ms. Halston does such a great job of storytelling. The details are always amazing and I feel like I'm in the world. I fell in love with Lola and Fox and their story. I could feel so much emotion with every turn of the page. There were some twists that I never saw coming! It was another great read in this series.

in kiss me back, fox has had his eye on lola since she started working at panic, but she's rebuffed his every move. it's not that she isn't interested. it's that she has plans and a goal and falling for a ridiculously hot bouncer isn't one of them.

when fox figures out her secret, she's terrified that he's going to rat her out. or even worse, lose interest in her. but he proves her wrong at every turn. he's supportive and accepting and tries so hard to understand and learn about her wants and needs.

the problem is that lola has a very specific end date for her job as a bartender and that end date coincides with her leaving the country. so what is the point of starting something up with fox when there is no future for it. the last thing she needs is someone giving her a reason to stay, not when all she has ever wanted to do is go.

what fox and lola need to realize is that dreams can shift and change. and sometimes what you think you want isn't what you really need at all.

**kiss me back published on march 27, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/random house publishing group (loveswept) in exchange for my honest review.

I'm such a big fan of Sidney Halston that I will basically read anything she writes. And, she has yet to let me down.

Kiss Me Back is sweet and sexy and oh so swoony!! I loved Fox and Lola and the (sometimes) slow progression of their relationship. I especially loved how real them seem. This series has been such a great addition to my library and I couldn't be more happy that I gave it a chance. It has a few twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. but it left me with a big smile and a happy feeling. I can't wait for the next one!!!

4 Imperfection Can Be Perfect Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
There is no such thing as perfect... at least no human thing...And that is the big misconception we all seem to have...We think others are these perfect people with no issues or troubles... we see them from afar and feel we could never measure up or be "In Their League"...The joke is on <i>All Of Us </i>for we all have things that can be seen or felt as imperfections. Some more visible or recognizable, some more challenging then others. What we need to understand is all of us have them and it is how we handle these "Imperfections" is the key.

Sidney Halston has used this series to explore a number of human issues...and it has been how each character has handled their pain and insecurities which has made the reading worthwhile. In this latest entry to the Panic series, we have two people who work overtime trying to compensate for their "Imperfections".

Panic is one of the hottest clubs in Miami and Fox has worked his way up to being 2nd in charge of security. He stayed focused on presenting exactly what success looks like. He is the designer suit, driving the hot sports car and built like a combination of sports body and charming sexy face. He is the entire package. Everything he has, he has earned. His home, his car, his life.

But there are things which he still feels...the loss of his brother, pain of his childhood and the way he juggles his work. He is always aware of what he must do to accomplish everything he expects of himself. There is a price to pay for having it all... or seeming to...

Lola is very aware of the price she paid thinking she was loved. She already had hardship as a child, so it wasn't a stranger... but to have her boyfriend, the one she who she thought really cared to abandon her was the harshest lesson... one she was not going to repeat.

No, Lola had pulled herself up once again and was finally accomplishing her goal, the dream she had been working towards for years. Working two jobs was nothing. She had done it before and this way she was only months away from the finish line.

These two people collide literally on Lola's first day at Panic. She is the new bartender and walks smack into this wall of man. They both have this Moment...Eyes lock and neither moves...
Fox is stunned by how she is just looking at him...gazing at his mouth. Lola is caught with how Fox's eyes are such an icy blue and everything about him is perfectly in place. He sets her carefully on her feet...His hands on her feels like more.

Both of these go to do what was the task of the day...but thoughts of each other bounce in their heads...

Six months pass and Fox has tried every way possible to get Lola to go out with him. Fox isn't being creepy or pushy, just friendly. Fox also has an idea Lola is interested and fighting it...He has seen time and time again her sneaking looks at him... just like he does her.

Lola has been sneaking looks at Fox... he is someone she just cannot get out of her head. But he or anyone doesn't fit in her plan...she is going to be gone in a couple of months...

But... then again...
She is turned on by him and he is interested in her, so maybe she could have some fantastic sex before she is out of there...No strings, just sex.

When presented with that concept, Fox isn't sure he is hearing things right...Lola for him seems a bit shy and quiet...and here she comes out with this idea...She is showing the Empowered Tigress Within...

This is our set up and as things come to pass...both of these people have been hiding so much from the way they present to the public...Each carries their own burdens, compensating for them everyday. Each making them think they are imperfect in ways they think matter.

Lola surprisingly has carried poverty, hardship and another challenge with determination. She has learned who she is and manages to be comfortable in her own skin...she has learned how to let go of hate and it has freed her from much. She still is semiconscious about so many things we all take for granted... but at the same time shows incredible strength.

Fox was the one who actually was lost...without knowing it. He had pain and hate he needed to release and it was only after becoming close with Lola was he able to work through his demons.

This couple sparked and was so good together...They fit in so many ways it was like each was a puzzle piece and when they finally realized what was important... the pieces connected. Fox was this sweet, caring man...and through Lola he found himself.

Sidney Halston created this club with people who are partners and friends. In this entry we got a taste of the New Club Duality... and I have a feeling more will be coming with those who are part of it. It should be another fascinating series.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.

I've been a huge fan of Sidney Halston's Panic series since book 1. Each book has characters that are flawed and real. In Kiss Me Back, William and Lola are centerstage and their story is a memorable one. Lola is a loner and keeps to herself. She's a woman of few words and peaks William's interest from the start. William is the sexy, commanding bouncer who has women fawning all over him everywhere he goes. But he only has eyes for Lola. She finally agrees to go out with him after numerous times of being asked and things heat up from there. Lola has a huge secret that William is shocked to find out. William has secrets of his own that explain exactly why he is the way he is. Halston does a wonderful job making these characters relatable. There is a genuineness to their situations and how they react to one another. I loved watching both of them open up to one another and in general to the idea of love. Each found something they weren't looking for in the other. As with Halston's other stories, Kiss Me Back is hot and sexy and fun. While this story is part of a series, it reads as a complete standalone. Love this book and love this series! I can't wait for the next one!

This is really good and covered a topic I haven't read about very often. Great characters and story. I loved the ending.

While this was the third book in Halston's Panic series, but the first that I've read. While it might have added some background information about some of the other characters mentioned, this could definitely be read as a standalone.

Both Fox and Lola have their own issues/baggage that they bring to the relationship and it took some effort for them to move past them and figure their stuff out. It took me a little while to connect with the Fox, but in the end, I liked him. For some reason, at times I felt like the timeline was a bit accelerated, but it wasn't overly distracting for me.

There were some interesting twists in this story and without giving too much away, I liked how it portrayed characters with "differences".

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

KISS ME BACK is the third instalment in Sidney Halston’s contemporary, adult PANIC erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the high-end Miami night club Panic. This is security specialist William Fox, and bartender and graduate student Lola Daye’s story line. KISS ME BACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Fox and Lola) KISS ME BACK follows the building relationship between security specialist aka bouncer William Fox, and bartender Lola Daye-a relationship with an end date that will come all too soon. Lola knows that her time at Panic is drawing to a close; only weeks away from completing her Masters degree, she intends to head to Ecuador to work with the under-privileged but her attraction to bouncer William Fox is met with an equal attraction that has been ongoing for close to six months. What ensues is the building relationship between Fox and Lola, and the potential fall-out as their time together draws to a close.

Lola Daye has a secret she believes will set her apart from the people she has grown to love. It is this secret that has shaped the woman our heroine has become, a woman who refuses to accept help or aid at times when she needs it the most. William Fox is a man determined to be successful as a security specialist but success is represented by the persona he wants everyone to see. Fox, too, keeps secret a hidden past, a past mired in loss, abuse and rejection by the man he no longer acknowledges. Fox’s acceptance of Lola’s secret is heart warming and all encompassing to the degree that any help offered is met with resistance and fire.

The relationship between Lola and Fox is one of immediate attraction but Lola knows her time at Panic is limited as she intends to finish her degree working with the children in the villages of Ecuador. Throughout their growing relationship there are many misunderstandings between Lola and Fox, due in part to Lola’s hyper-sensitive take on Fox’s need to protect and worry. The mutual vulnerabilities are hidden behind fake facades that mask the truth about who they really are. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Nick and Katherine (Pull Me Close), Matt and April (Make Me Stay), and bartenders and servers Helen and Jane. Helen’s story line is next.

KISS ME BACK is a story of friendship and love; struggles and anxiety; moving forward and letting go. The premise is engaging and inviting; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are sassy but broken. Lola’s commitment to be independent is counter intuitive to Fox’s need to protect and defend, and in this our heroine’s feisty attitude leaves something to be desired.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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A sweet sexy romance that’s really enjoyable. The writing and development of the characters and storyline were wonderful. The author made you care about these characters and their story. Good slow build to romance between the H/h and then it was on fire. I loved that Lola went for what she wanted and was strong and feisty. Her issue didn’t hold her back. And Fox was just swoon worthy. I loved the role reversal in the beginning when Fox was metrosexual. Some of the plot was predictable but didn’t deter from overall story. Thanks to NetGalley I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

KISS ME BACK by Sidney Halston. Well, she's done it again! Ms. Halston has blown me away with this one. This entire series has been one of my favorites all along and this one just proves what a talented author Ms. Halston is. She always packs a punch! Lola and Fox - yummy! Lola is an extremely independent woman - never leans on anyone. This can be a touch annoying but, truthfully, I understood her need to be so. Fox might come across as a bit cocky and arrogant, but boy, when he gets down to business, with Lola, there is no denying he is one sexy book boyfriend. Together it was wonderful to see a couple work through their HEA, even if there are some bumps and resistance along the way. The storyline held me heart and soul. I couldn't put it down - wanting to know the secrets and what would happen with each page turned. I highly recommend this book - I believe it can be read as a standalone, but the previous books in the series are awesome as well so I recommend checking them out too! (received ARC for honest review)

Don't Panic but Kiss Me Back is a total keeper. Fox is absolutely 100% the Guy. Well maybe 90%...Maybe it's just me but a sweet, irresistibly sexy man who pursues you without being a creeper is hot. Add on to that with the fact that he wants something more...

Hawt! Oh and then there's the hidden wonders of his personality...Yeah, Fox is a total keeper. Lola is in a world of trouble.

Psst, Sidney do you have any extra William Foxes laying around? I could use one. Maybe I should take a trip to Panic...

I haven't read the previous two books in the series but this one can be read as a stand alone easily.
This book centers around Fox and Lola. I really liked Fox (although it took a little bit of the book to get under his armor and realize what a great guy he was). Fox was a sweet, protective and really nice guy. He has all the patience in the world when it comes to Lola (which he needs).

Lola on the other hand was a bit harder to relate to. I was however surprised by her secret and thought it was a really nice twist. I admired Lola while I didn't always like her or understand her but then I haven't walked a mile in her shoes. She was a very strong character and very independent. In fact, it was that independence that bothered me a bit. She took it to extremes and wouldn't except that people might just want to help her because they were her friend. She was so apart from all of her co-workers and completely isolated herself. She also had a tendency to jump to conclusions (and never on the positive side) especially when it came to Fox. In the end I felt like Fox did all the giving and Lola just took and the balance was a bit off in the relationship for me.

Still I enjoyed it and would go back and read the first two books in the series.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
William Fox is a bouncer at club Panic, one of the It spots in Miami. He is used to women throwing themselves at him all the time. He has worked hard to get where he is, and he wouldn't change a thing. That is, until one woman crosses his path and makes him think twice. He wears nice suits, drives a nice car, and lives in a nice place, so why doesn't she notice him?

Lola Daye is the one woman that hardly gives Fox a second look. As far as he knows, but she looks at him every chance she gets. He makes her feel things she shouldn't. She has plans and cannot let anyone or anything get in the way of those plans. If she gave in to Fox, he could derail all her plans and that will not happen.

After a drunken text, Lola finally says yes to a date with Fox. Will he be able to stick to a fling or will she be the one to fall? Will the fling ruin her plans for her future?

I enjoyed this story but there were times I wanted to slap both Lola and Fox and tell them to get their acts together. Their wishy-washy ways were a little too much, but their banter was fun and the ending was perfect. I thought this was a good addition to the series and hope there will be more to come to the series too.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is book three in the series – I would definitely recommend that you read the previous two as they are excellent reads, but you could definitely enjoy this as a standalone too.

I really think this is a fabulous story, with strong characters, a brilliant twist, and a very, very desirable outcome. It manages to balance the situation between Lola and Fox, even when their positions are so significantly different. As more and more common ground is established, and the connection grows, it is difficult to see how they will be together, but also that it is inevitable that they must.

I love that we spend time in the nightclub(s) and get to see the guys all happy and sappy with their loves. It validates what we read in previous books and reminds us of how unlikely those romances were too – and yet, it is Iggy, the ultimate player, who makes the bold statement that changes everything.

Really, my best advice is that you pick it up and read it. It has many layers, lots of interest, and some great moments of relationship building that heal. It is also full of the reality of life, and words said but regretted, of getting back on even ground, and of forging forward rather than letting things drag you too far down.

Thank you, Ms. Halston, for another super read.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
This book explores the relationship between Lola and Fox. Both of them have issues that they are trying to overcome, each running from the past. When Fox asks Lola out, she reluctantly agrees and when he stands her up, she can't believe she put herself out there to be stood up.

Fox hates that he flaked on Lola. He really likes her, and he can only hope that Lola will give him another chance. When she does, he vows to make sure he doesn't let her down again.

As they begin dating, Fox learns that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Lola and he wants to know everything about her. Lola likes Fox but starting a relationship with him isn't in her plans, yet she can't seem to stop herself from falling for him.

I really enjoyed this book and was glad to revisit the characters from previous books.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The storyline is very entertaining and very well developed. The chemistry between the characters was Hot. Really enjoyed it.