Talk about not judging someone by their looks. Lola is cute and shy, you'd have no idea the secrets she keeps. Fox, sex on a stick looks like a dumb jock, but he also has deep secrets. They connect, with a deadline, and the feelings take over pretty fast. Halston gave us characters with sex appeal, brains and hearts, along with a side of witty sarcasm. Most women, at least in books, give up many things for the man in their life. It was wonderful to see Lola stick to her goals and Fox made adjustments. Panic is a series but each story stands alone with a few cameos by previous characters. I received my copy through Netgalley.

Kiss Me Back by Sidney Halston
Book #3: Panic Series
Source: Netgalley and Purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars

William Fox is all kinds of interested in Lola Daye and has made no attempts to hide his interest. At every turn, Fox politely expresses his interest and privately tries to work out why the sexy bartender won’t give him the time of day.

Lola Daye is keenly aware of Fox’s interest in her, but she isn’t looking for a relationship of any kind. In fact, Lola makes a concerted effort to remove herself from groups, friendships, and entanglements of all kinds. In a few short months, she’s leaving her life in Miami behind for the completion of her Master’s degree. If she’s lucky, the final semester will turn into a permanent position and the realization of a lifelong dream. Leaving means losing any relationships she may have, so it’s best, logically speaking, to avoid relationships. Oh, and relationships would mean revealing the secret she works overtime to hide from everyone.

The trouble with no relationships or entanglements is the lack of human contact, and by human contact, I totally mean sex 😊 Fox is dead sexy, and if Lola can convince him of the wisdom of a no-strings-attached arrangement, she may just get to have some human contact before she leaves it all behind. Knowing Fox will eventually approach her again for a date means an opportunity to proposition him will most certainly arise. As long as she’s clear and concise about her intentions and plans, there shouldn’t be a problem. Right? Right? Oh, and she’ll have to tell Fox her secret.

Fox is both blown away and totally accepting of Lola’s proposal and secret. He’s a good man with honorable intentions and has no plans to disrupt Lola’s life or her future. In fact, Fox wants only the best for Lola and that means accepting everything about her, including her deadline on their “relationship.” The trouble is, Fox is a good and honorable man and the more he gets to know and understand Lola, the more he wants to keep her. Fox wants forever, and he wants it with Lola! Telling her he wants forever would only complicate matters and if it weren’t for a couple of unexpected and somewhat traumatizing events (one for each of them!) Fox likely would have kept his mouth shut and let Lola trot off into the sunset.

The Bottom Line: I’m not in love with this book like I was with the first two in this series, but I liked it. I really liked Lola’s secret and how well she has managed to hide it from everyone for so many years. Halston does an excellent job of setting up this aspect of read so it is as much a surprise to the reader as it is to Fox. With that being said, I didn’t feel much of a connection to Lola. Throughout the read, Lola exhibits very little evolution; I appreciate her desire to follow her dreams, but she expects everyone else to fall in line with her plans and make changes to their lives. With that in mind, by the end of the read, I was slightly sad for Fox. Fox is the one of the two who gives up everything to follow Lola, and I wanted more for him. All the sacrificing, all the compromising is done by Fox leaving Lola with everything with no compromising. Overall, I did like this book, but it just doesn’t have the same intensity, the same heat as the previous books. Fox and Lola are tame compared to the previous couples which left me at serious liking rather than loving 😊

I have been excited to read this book since we were first introduced to Lola and Fox. Each book in the series shows the depth and power of love and how it has the strength to heal even the deepest scars.

Lola’s life has been stunted in many ways. She has closed herself off to people and is focused on her mission to finish her degree and help the children in Ecuador. Working at Panic night club and saving hard for her dream is all Lola has time for but Fox is slowly wearing her down. She only has a short time left so she decides to give into Fox’s chase of her.

Fox is such a delightful surprise. I thought he was only a cute shell but there is so much more to the man. He is kind and hardworking. He has been through pain in his life. There is vulnerability there with him that makes him more endearing. I love how he handles Lola and her disabilities. He is supportive to her and her goals. When he gives all he has to her so she can still pursue her dreams, I was a goner!

I am happy with how things turned out. I did imagine it differently but everything worked out just as it should. This story is more romantic and sweet than the previous books in this story. The connection between Lola and Fox is more emotional and deep. Lola’s disability shocked me because there had been no indication whatsoever. It was handled very carefully.

This series is amazingly hot and addictive. Ms. Halston teased us with a new character and I want definitely want more.

~ Samantha

Received from NetGalley fo review.

Four out of five stars.

This is the third installment of the Panic Series. We first meet William Fox in the second book. He is a bulky bouncer of the hottest club in Miami. He is an Armani suit wearing man with tattoos and skull rings, doesn’t get much better than that. He is used to one night stands with a few relationships sprinkled throughout. He only has eyes for one woman, who keeps him waiting.

Lola is a bartender working to get herself to where she wants to be in life. She finally gives in and “goes out” with Fox. She is saving all her tips for school and abroad. They have hurdles, the biggest being Lola’s disablilty.

Fox comes across as an expensive man but he knows what he likes. Lola is only interested working for what she needs to do to get where she wants to be.

The book was interesting and really makes you think about things we take for granted. Lola was selfless and in the end Fox makes a decision I wasn’t expecting. The ending isn’t something I wanted to happen but this wasn’t my story to tell.

I’m hoping the next book, and I’m sure it is, will be about Iggy. He had me laughing and takes life as it comes.

I totally loved this book! Wow! I don't know what it is lately but the last few books I have read, the H is an alpha but so dang sweet and not afraid to express his emotions to the h, that I think I have fallen in love with all of them. Fox is our resident bouncer at Panic and has been slowly trying to get Lola to go out on a date with him. Eventually he breaks her down and then messes up by standing her up, though it really wasn't intentional. They get back on even ground after he profusely apologizes and start to date, it isn't long after that Fox figures out Lola's secret. Fox was just so thoughtful and endearing to me. He was totally there for Lola and only wanted to make her life easier. Lola was a bit headstrong but I did understand her reason for it and I am very proud of the way she set out to capture her dream. These two had their trials and tribulations growing up and neither one of them let what happened in their past be a crutch for their futures. Just a beautiful, heartfelt story all the way around. Loved it!!! 4.5 stars.

The boys at Panic are back again and this is a great addition to the series. Fox and Lola are great characters and perfect together. Their chemistry felt real. Both are a little flawed but as we get to know them we can understand why they react to things the way they do. The author did a great job of developing these characters and letting the reader get to know them slowly and deeply. This is a great story that I think everyone will enjoy. I definitely recommend it.

Kiss Me Back
Panic #3
Sidney Halston
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great book!! I really enjoyed this story and this series. This is book 3 of the Panic Series. This was Fox and Lola’s story.

Lola: I’ve seen the way women in line behind the velvet rope look at William Fox, like he’s an Armani-clad St. Peter at the pearly gates. Except Panic isn’t heaven, and this bouncer is no saint. He’s been tempting me to sin ever since I started working here, but Fox’s slick smile and bad-boy swagger tell me everything I need to know about him. Still, a girl has needs. And Fox looks ready to fulfill every last one—at least for a night. . . .

Fox: I’m not used to being ignored—especially by women—but Lola Daye is different. The pretty bartender with the red lips and icy blue eyes seems perfectly happy pretending I don’t exist. Too bad, because the more she ignores me, the harder I fall. So I’m floored when she answers my drunken, flirty text with a yes. Lola claims she only wants a fling, but after one kiss, our bodies are speaking the same language. And I’m ready to prove that what we have could be forever.

Can’t wait for book 3 to come. The author teases you a little at the end for what’s coming next.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Sizzling hot romance. I absolutely loved Fox and Lola together. My only issue with the book was that Lola gave off the impression that she was embarrassed about being deaf. Other than that, loved the book. The chemistry and sex between Fox and Lola were off the chart. Loved the ending. Can't wait to read book 4!!!

I personally did not care for this book. And I will tell you why it was Lola who got on my last nerve. Not because she was deaf. But because she was so annoying, whiny, stubborn, and judgmental. Personally, I don't see how Fox didn't run from her. Now Fox was a good guy, but she kept having these tantrums, running away, resisting help. I couldn't take it anymore with her. I never met a more aggravating character in a book. I get being wanting to be independent. But she took it to a new level. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Such an enjoyable read. I am really liking this series. Fox and Lola have fantastic chemistry. They were perfect for each other even when they didn't realize they could be so much more than they originally allowed. Great story line like the others in this series have been.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really good story with great characters! The title doesn't really fit with the story of the book, so that's odd. So many good aspects to this book, the complicated characters who despite everything that has happen to them in the past they can still find love and give love. It was so great to see how much these characters grew and transformed over the course of this book. Did she ever find out who paid off her tuition? Do they get engaged or married? As an accessory character Iggy makes a huge impact in this book, when he compares himself to iron man hysterical and then the chit chat he has with Fox it's just great! We can see just how complex Iggy is. Fox turns out to be a really sweet guy who has a rough exterior but with a little help from Lola you see his character really grow past all the superficial things he thinks he needs to be successful. Lola is such a strong character, hate that she puts a timeline on her relationship with Fox and I really wanted them just to fall in love and tell each other. Lovely book!

With just a single look William Fox makes every woman in the room weak in the knees, he's good looking, got serious swagger, and knows just what it takes to command a woman's attention... and hold it! But there is one woman in particular that seems to be immune to his smoldering gaze, and it just so happens to be the one woman he wants, so it drives him more than a little crazy that he can't lure her in. Then one night she has a moment of weakness, and gives him just what he has been wanting... her attention and a "yes" to his question about a date. And he plans to make the most of it, she wants one night, and he plans to give her the best night of her life... in hopes that it will convince her to stick around a little longer!

Lola Daye watches woman after woman fall for Fox's sexy smirk, she watches him lure them into his arms for the night, and she is determined to never be that fool. But, then she gets a little tipsy one night, he asks for a date, and for some dumb reason she agrees, knowing it will only end in an one night affair. Which is just fine for her, because she has big plans for herself, one's that don't involve getting attached to a man... but then again she has never met a man quite like William Fox!!

Kiss Me Back is a sensual and passionate tale that is certain to weaken the knees of romance readers and leave them green with envy! Every woman would love to find a man like Mr. Fox, while he may come off as a playboy, he also has an unexpected sweet side that rivals the naughty side, and inspires a serious case of the swoons... he was such a charmer!! I really enjoyed this latest offering from Ms. Halston, the story line was filled with moments that had the toes curling, moments that had me saying ahh!, and moments that squeezed my heart. I highly recommend you meet these two, their wonderful story will leave your heart happy!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed.

I love the world Ms Halston is creating at Panic (and now at Duology). From previous books, we know Fox is crushing on Lola hard. She's never given him the time of day though she does seem interested. We find out that she has a secret that has been holding her back, and it was one that I did not see coming. That almost never happens, so kudos to Ms Halston for that! Fox is a total keeper so it's interesting to see him try to prove his intentions and his selflessness to Lola. Appearances aren't always what they seem, and that's a lesson they both need to be reminded of.

I enjoyed the cameos by the other couples and am left wondering if Iggy's story will be next and if Duology will factor into it... Can a great series get even better? With these characters, I'm betting on yes!

Another fantastic book in this series. I absolutely loved Fox, he was sweet and sexy. Lola kind of got on my nerves, but I got where she was coming from. I loved watching these two falling in love and becoming friends and forming a deep connection. I loved the whole book and can't wait for the next one.

Panic has a new bartender and the full of himself security man/bouncer/entry door man has his eye on this shy little thing. Lola keeps to herself and being shy is just Lola. Earbuds in, busy working doing her job, she's managed to blow Fox off for 6 months. He asks her out, she turns him down every. single. time. Fox is pretty full of himself, he's got his share of baggage from the past and he works hard to keep that under wraps. Outward appearances are deceiving. The guys are opening a new club and Fox is tasked with being the head of security for the new club. He also notices Lola will be making the move too.
Lola works two jobs, she's saving money for the tuition to finish her internship for her masters program. That internship is in Ecuador. She's a short timer, no one knows that, she lives in a dangerous neighborhood, in a tiny apartment and saves every penny she makes. She's comfortable with her plan.
Lola has something she's hiding and she hides it so very well. Then there's the day that Fox figures out what she's hiding. Then one day she agrees to have a meal with Fox. There's an attraction there, Lola knows it's short term and makes it clear to Fox that whatever happens between them ends when she leaves and she is leaving. As things transition between them, who is on the losing end of this agreement as they called it?
I found myself liking Lola a lot. She's been through some really rough stuff and to be finishing her masters and going after what she wants. Nice strong female lead. Fox was a pain in the rear, I know he had something to prove to himself but there were times were he butted in to Lola's life as you'll see when you read the book I wanted to smack him and say "back the hell off" The girl has been there and done that. Literally. Fox wanted it all. He dang near had it too. But he put her on a plane and let her go off to Ecuador. Hiding his feeling. Oh poor Fox.
I liked this book. Not as much as book two but it's still a great read and great in the series.
Sidney sure writes a great story. Read this one. It's a keeper.

**arc from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review **

The story of Fox and Lola has cemented it's spot on my top 10 list for HEA. I have re-read it three times in the last week. I cannot get enough! I cannot wait to see where this story line goes next.

Wow great read!! I've read the others in this series this book might be my favorite!! With the first being a close second!! This book had a little bit of everything, it was heartbreaking at times and also very heartwarming! And of course it was hot hot hot!!!! We have Fox who was actually a bit selfish but with good reason and then we had Lola she was well, a bit of a badass!! But she definitely has a lot of obstacles to overcome I don't want to get to into it so as not to give away to much of the story but definitely go get this book!!! I highly recommend it!!! I received an arc through netgalley for an honest review and I'm always 100% honest! If I don't like a book I'll definitely let you know!! Lol a big thank you to Sidney Halston I love your words!! And thank you to netgalley!!

Heartwarming thoughtful romance

This is the first book I've read by Sidney Halston and I absolutely loved it.
Lola and Fox were amazing characters. Realistically portrayed with good and bad traits that made them very human. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this book was an extremely well done story about people who face day to day challenges in their lives. The author handles the subjects with great insight and respect. Along with being a very thoughtful book it was sexy and fun. I so enjoyed Lola and Fox's journey to their HEA. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more books by Sidney Halston.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

This is the third in Halston’s series about the Miami nightclub, Panic. It involves the hunky, debonair bouncer, Fox, and a shy, quiet bartender, Lola. Fox is very endearing and sweet. Lola has a secret that is a true surprise when it’s revealed. Their romance, or sex without strings as Lola wants it to be, is interesting and involving. The problem is that Lola has been dreaming of going to Ecuador to work with poor children and has been saving for seven years for that goal. So their romance has an end date on it. It’s always interesting to see how authors set up a romance that can’t continue because the two characters won’t be remaining in the same location and we have to see how the authors decide to resolve that problem.

But I just felt that the ending of the book was quite unsatisfying. There is a bit of deus ex machina to help everything come together, but it didn’t seem to follow from Fox’s character as it’s been drawn for us.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Great characters and a very well told love story. Fox and Lola were two damaged people who healed each other in a beautiful way. Read this in one sitting....kept my interest throughout.