I didn’t realize when I requested this that it was previously published in the 90’s as part of an anthology. It was a little slow at times and there were way too many missed connections between characters. This book wasn’t as good as some of her other work but it was still entertaining. Thank you to net galley for a copy of this book.

This is an updated version of her story from 1993. As a writer I think she has improved so much since then that this one is hard to compare to her newer books. It is still enjoyable and light hearted! Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Single mom Izzy gets hit with a car by Gina, a childless woman whose husband has just left her for his pregnant mistress, and loses both of her boyfriends, her job, and therefore her apartment. After getting out of the hospital, Izzy and her 17-year-old Katerina end up renting a couple of rooms from Gina and moving in. There she meets Sam, a good friend of Gina and her ex-husband who is recently back from an extended stay in New York, hoping to get a clean break from the woman he was dating there. Sam is, of course, very attractive, and Izzy -- who is "old" at 37 -- is smitten, but not too smitten.

I've read a lot of Jill Mansell and usually connect a lot faster and easier to her characters. Not so much here. This wasn't her best work. If this is the first time picking up a Mansell, I'd recommend you start with some of her earlier US published books and you'll be hooked because she writes great chick lit. This one is just slower and has a lot more twists and turns than her books usually do. I also found I didn't care about or actually really like any of the characters, which also made it difficult to get through.

Thank you to NetGalley and he publisher for providing me with the arc to read and review. It has not influenced my review.

While reading this book, I was confused about when it took place. While it didn't seem to occur in any particular point in time, it obviously wasn't modern. Come to find out-this isn't a new book at all, but a republishing of a book Mansell wrote in 1993. This certainly isn't her best writing. I would highly recommend her newer things over this book. However, avid fans of Jill Mansell might appreciate the opportunity to read her earlier work!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

While reading, I felt like something was off with the story. Then I learned it’s an updated version of a book published in 1993. I think I will stick with the author’s newer books. I think her storytelling has improved since 93!

I’ve read many books by Jill Mansel and have always been a big fan. However, this book is one of my least favorites. I didn’t enjoy the characters or plot.

Readable, but not one of Mansell's best. I didn't realise it was a golden oldie until I opened it. Never mind I thought: I hadn't read it and the older ones are usually better, as so often authors write book after book, rushed no doubt by the publisher, and which get worse and worse. This book was okay, but definitely not a Mansell classic. I usually like her books. None of the romances are straightforward, and every one seems to involve mind-games. Everyone was childish at times, though Katerina (Izzy's daughter), could be forgiven being as she was a teenager. I liked her until she went and had an affair - it seemed out of character. I also think Mansell needs to take another look at some of the wording as women in their thirties are deemed past it in terms of having children. Izzy's pop career seems a tad unrealistic too. An average read.

Just wonderful! The characters’ evolutions, the settings everything about it is terrific. Not a sappy love story novel.

There certain things in my life that will always be true. I talk too much when I’m nervous. I’m always fiddling with something. And there isn’t a book by Jill Mansell that I don’t like. And guess what – Kiss just proved that. Yet again!

I was offered an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are strictly my own.

The story
When aspiring musician Izzy is knocked off her motorbike, she doesn’t just lose her dignity–she loses both long-term boyfriends, her job, and her beautiful apartment. Gina, who caused the accident, has more important things to worry about: her husband has just deserted her for his pregnant mistress. Why should she care about Izzy? Yet somehow, Gina finds herself opening her home to Izzy and her spirited teenage daughter.

It’s there that Izzy meets Gina’s oldest friend, heart-stoppingly handsome Sam, whose lingering kiss is almost impossible to ignore. But there are just a few obstacles between that first kiss and the happily ever after that has always eluded her…

The opinion
A bit of a fun fact for you: I had actually, a couple of years ago, already started reading this book. And then I decided I didn’t really like the set-up too much, and I didn’t continue.

Looking back, now, I’m not sure what I was thinking. After all, this book has all the characteristics of a classic Jill Mansell: two women that both aren’t too good at love. An old familiar face for at least one of them. A daughter (or relative, in some cases) who discovers love for the first time…

As I said: these are the prime characteristics of a classic Jill Mansell. And she does those things so well. She manages to never repeat herself, yet at the same time combines that with a wonderful sense of “I know this will end well.”

And in Kiss in particular – she manages to make all the characters likeable, even if (or particularly when) they make stupid decisions. From Izzy’s boyfriends, to her daughter’s first lover, to Gina’s lack of ability to move forward… These characters are put through the works, but you know – always – that they will make it out together. And isn’t that just what you need from a summer-read?

The rating: 3/5
This is one of those really enjoyable, full-of-fluff, perfect reads for the summer. So if you’re in need of some romance? Kiss is your book!

-Saar

This was an easy, light hearted summer read. I love Jill Mansell but there Are a few books I haven't read of hers, including this. Really loved the main character Izzy and glad she got her happy ending, with a few scrapes along the way. Also liked the way the main character is a mum and her daughter played a big part, a change and definitely good.

3 stars. I read this book synopses unread, based on the merits of Jill Mansell. Looking for the perfect beach read, Kiss seemed like the perfect option. While the cast of characters were endearing and somewhat likable, the story line was not realistic or fully developed. The main character, Izzy seemed to make bad decision after bad decision, despite her positive outlook and teenage daughter to care for. The extensive list of supporting characters had never ending hardships befall them- brain tumors, marital infidelity, divorce, pregnancy, drugs, stardom, failing businesses, love lost and found. The story wraps up quickly with a happily ever after ending.

I enjoy Jill Mansell and this was a fun book.

The book centers around the lives of Gina, an abandoned wife, Izzy, a single mom and singer, and Katerina, Izzy's 17 year old daughter. While the characters are well-developed, there is a fair share of escapist wish fulfillment in the novel, which features a cast of available attractive males, all of whom have lots of money and time.

While a little out of date and definitely a little more shallow than Ms. Mansell's more recent works, this novel is still a lot of fun and features interesting women. It's a good beach day pick.

I like Ms. Mansell's writing and even though this is a reprint of earlier work, it's still breezy and fun.

Thanks to Netgalley.com, the author and publisher for my advance copy.

I’d class myself as a Jill Mansell fan however this wasn’t one of her best books in my opinion. It was well written but it just didn’t grip me or draw me in unlike most of her other ones have.

Izzy is a single mother in the mould of ab fab who lives a scandalous life whilst her studious daughter studies for her A levels. Her paths cross with Gina who is desperately missing her adulterous husband and just can’t get over him. I was really looking forward to reading this as Jill Mansell is one of my favourite authors but am sorry to say was disappointed with this one. I found myself looking at the % read and wishing it away, the worst possible feeling when reading a book but soldiered on despite knowing how this story was going to end and not really caring how we got there. It’s difficult to care about the awful characters and their equally awful behaviour. Well written if this is your thing. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Gina is having a very bad day...and knocks Izzy off her bike. leading her to lose her job as she hs broken her leg. This means her and daughter Kat lose their home, and move into Gina’s house to recouperate. A hilarious tale of new friendships, unrequited love and a sudden rise to fame means this is a brilliant funny read. Highly recommend.

I requested this book as I have read most of this authors work
Although I enjoyed the book I did have a few small criticisms
The book was well written and the characters were very well up together, described very well and you felt like you knew them
The storyline I felt lost its place at times and was extended past what was relevant
It was an easy read that you didn’t have to concentrate too much on
Overall enjoyable and as well written as previous works.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jill Mansell and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC.

Technically, this wasn't an ARC, as the original book was published back in 1993. It was still a good, entertaining story. I love everything Jill Mansell, so I'm a bit biased.

A perfect summer read! I can only imagine reading this on the beach and then giving it to my friends to enjoy as well. Emotions were real and it was great that all women characters were strong. Izzy never stopped believing in herself and that is a message that always resonates.

I’d like to start by saying I love Jill Mansell books and was amazed to find j hadn’t read this one as it seems to be an older book, re-released. There hasn’t been one of her books I haven’t liked or read from culver to cover in a sitting..until now. I am very sorry to say that this book wasn’t for me. I didn’t like any of the main characters, the story seemed dragged out in parts and it just took me so long to get into that I couldn’t really connect with it or enjoy it.

So this book was published in 1993, and boy does it show. I think a few times Mansell probably went through and tried to update (she brings up Harry Styles at one point) but other dated references are still here (a new release of an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie). I could have overlooked that if the story had been good. Too bad it wasn't. I think it's been a while since I disliked every single character in a book. And it didn't help that there is a whole romantic subplot that no one called out for the horribleness that it was. It was just glossed over with people thinking the other party in it was a slut. This book also is not a good send up of what makes a good relationship at all.

"Kiss" follows several characters. Wanna be singer Izzy and her 17 year old daughter Kat. Gina who is newly separated. Sam who is friends with both Gina and her estranged husband. Andrew who should have been drowned at birth (estranged husband of Gina). A love interest of Sam who I can't recall and then another male character who I can't recall.

The story gets going after Gina leaves her house in tears after her husband Andrew comes home and tells her that he is leaving her for someone else. And not only that, Andrew's mistress is pregnant. Gina ends up in an accident and hits Izzy who was on her motorbike. Izzy is in her late 30s and still trying to make it as a singer. She has her 17 year old daughter Kat and two boyfriends (I think they were named Mike and Rich) and everything comes to an ugly head and I wish I could have laughed, but I honestly disliked Izzy and even Kat for making sure that the two men were unaware of each other.

Gina feeling guilty due to Izzy losing her apartment tells her that she and Kat can live with her. Then Gina's old friend turns up and moves in with them all. Then the whole book becomes a mess.

I honestly don't know what to say. Gina is awful. You are supposed to pity her. But seriously. She has no personality at all. She is bereft because Andrew left her, but then demands that Izzy not sleep with Sam while he lives there. It's none of her business and I would have laughed at her demands.

Izzy is also awful. Her hiding having two separate relationships made me hard sigh. She's not some teenager. She is in her late 30s. If both men knew about the other and were okay about it that be one thing. And her deciding she had a thing for Sam, but playing games so he didn't realize it and want her more? Are you serious. Also I found her whole story trajectory to be 100 percent unbelievable. The whole thing read as soap operaish in a bad way after a while.

Kat. Sigh. She's 17 and her whole "relationship" made me scream inside. Also I am guessing the age of consent in the UK is lower? Cause in America I would have hoped that her "lover" would have been reported to the police. And after that mess that goes on she has another love interest who plays mind games with her in order for her to "fall for him." Bah.

Sam. That's another no. At one point I just went what is the point of this guy and realized there really was none except for three separate women to be into him. His whole thing with Izzy was boring and the stupid why we can't really be together thing came out of nowhere.

Andrew was garbage.

The mistress was pathetic and also garbage. And there was some fat-shaming going on that made me cringe.

There are other people but my brain refuses to remember.

The writing wasn't as crisp as other Mansell books. She has definitely learned how to juggle multiple story-lines. After a while I wondered if this book was ever going to end since it just jumped from character to character with no forward movement until everyone ends up making disastrous choices. Then the book gets into what I would call it's third act and some people get their shit together and others it takes until the ending.

The ending. I just can't applaud it. Ninety-nine percent of the characters sucked and there was very little development of anyone. There also seemed to be an underlining message of lie and manipulate the person you love so that they fall for you. See Gina and Kat's "romances."