Megan and Brian have been friends for quite some time. They’ve each watched others come and go in their lives but no one has been a perfect fit for either of them – quite possibly because they’re the right match. If they can get out of the friend zone. Megan is more than halfway in love with Brian now, she waiting for that go ahead move from him… and while he may be grumbling about the men she dates, he’s not stepping up to the plate himself either.

One art contest may change all of that for them both. Unfortunately they’re on opposing teams for the art work and wood crafting parts of this competition. With so much on the line, a promise to a dearly beloved aunt, the romantic partner she so badly wants in her life and the opportunity of a lifetime, Megan has a lot on the line to lose or to win. Now she has to make sure she wins the parts that are truly most important of all.

Told completely from Megan’s point of view, The Sweetest Kiss follows a woman’s desires for the two things she wants most in life – her art and her man. It’s a fun, charming romance that I enjoyed every moment of. This isn’t a bad thing, I simply wish we could have gotten Brian’s point of view occasionally. I could often tell from his reactions what his thoughts might have been but I, personally, think that would have added to the enjoyment factor. But, I’m not a writer so what do I know really. I’m a reader who loves to dig into the mind of both main characters – in a story by any author.

I loved running into characters from previous stories. That’s always a bonus for me in any series, when the time is taken to kind of update us on where people are now. In all, I really enjoyed The Sweetest Kiss and would highly recommend it for any Romance reader. A likable couple, interesting secondary characters and a story line that will hold your attention.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Must read book from Susan Halter. Love her books and the feels I get from reading them.

The Sweetest Kiss is book 5 of the series set in Blue Moon Bay. Who wouldn't want to live in a town with such a beautiful name? And I loved the legend that went with the town name.

Susan Hatler always writes a touching romance. Her books are the happy kind that make you feel good. I liked the main characters, Megan and Brian. The were both well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. The author brings her characters to life in the pages of her books.

If you want a sweet romantic story to read, this is one I would recommend!

* I was provided an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

The Sweetest Kiss by Susan Hatler is a sweet romance that centers on an art contest. Megan has always been interested in her friend 's brother, Brian, as more than just a friend, but does not think he sees her that way. Brian also cares about Megan. If Megan wins an art contest she will fulfill a dream, but my loose Brian in the process. I found the story a little predictable., but sometimes a sweet dependable romance hits the spot.

This was a quick enjoyable read that re-introduced characters from the previous series, letting you see where their life has taken them since you last read about them.The Sweetest Kiss takes us into the present day happenings in Megan"s life and her desperate attempt to move her life forward and achieve the goals she made a long time again.We also see how she navigates her attraction to Brian,deal with forces that would rather see her fail, and the subsequent fallout and conclusions in her personal and professional life.I found Megan to be a likable neurotic who had moments of lucid thoughts, while Brian appeared to be the silent,patient, intense type that pursues his desires from the sidelines.The disparities in their individual personalities would lead you to believe that they are too different to possibly work, but the author somehow achieves that.The supporting characters add realism to the story and makes it more palatable.The lack of sexual content makes this a chaste read that is suitable for all ages.Loved this book, along with all the others in the series,and am happy to provide this review courtesy of Netgalley.

Let me start out by saying that The Sweetest Kiss is book 5 of the series set in Blue Moon Bay. This book does work as a stand alone novel. Megan has always dreamed about being an artist. When an art contest arises she decides to go for it and go against her school rival. Each artist has to pair with a woodworker. She decides to ask her longtime friend and crush to help her. She is crushed when she finds out he is teaming up with her rival. This is a really nice feel good book and I highly recommend it.

Sweet and lovely story about best friends and the unexpected love they share. This is my first Susan Hatler book and I really enjoyed her style of writing as well as the story itself. Her clean, descriptive narrative worked well with both character development and my ability to "see" Megan's paintings. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything...although I will definitely go back and read the earlier books about Megan's friends.
Megan and Brian are my favorite kinds of heroes/heroines...friends who become lovers (although, there's nothing beyond kissing in that department). While fiery beginnings are great to read also, there's nothing like a boy next door confessing his love for his best friend. To me, that's romance at its best!

I absolutely loved this book! A clean love story that was very swoony! Loved the Hero and Heroine. Will definitely read more from this author 😊

a cute read

Susan Hatler is one of my go to authors. I also tend to read her books again and again.
The Sweetest Kiss in the 4th book in the Kissed by the Bay series. It's a stand alone, but better if you have read the other books.
I like that this story mixes up the story line a bit. It was nice to have locals fall in love. I liked both characters. Yeah, the are both a little too into what they need. Aren't we all.
One thing that makes me laugh is that the 'rare' blue moon happens really often in this little town.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: Clean
Source: Netgalley
I received an ARC. My opinion is my own.