Just One Kiss

Author: Courtney Walsh
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Harbor Pointe #3

He broke her heart. Now, he’s back, and he’s determined to show her what they had isn’t over. . . and he can prove it with just one kiss.

Single mother Carly Collins likes predictability. However, when her son Jaden’s health is threatened, her neatly controlled world is tossed into a tailspin. Nothing is certain anymore, especially her feelings for Josh Dixon, Jaden’s father, her first love and the man responsible for shattering her heart sixteen years ago. 

When Josh Dixon walked out of Harbor Pointe, he left behind his only shot at a real family. Now a successful tech mogul, the town rebel has found a cause—ensure his son’s recovery and prove to Carly and Jaden that he’s not the same guy he was back then. 

Carly and Josh are forced to wade through messy emotions and questions that have gone unanswered for years, which would be easier if not for the pesky feelings, every bit as strong and impossible to ignore as they ever were. 

Will forgiveness win, giving Carly and Josh a second chance at love . . . or will the past prove too much to overcome?

A small town romance about first love second chances and how our most beautiful life might look nothing like we planned.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

“Nobody in all his years had ever shown him that kind of grace. It had been one of his life’s greatest gifts...”

Wow. This is the first Courtney Walsh book I have read and I’m wishing for extra 6 hours a day for the next week so that I can read all of her books I have languishing away on my TBR pile in my bookcase and my e-reader without any interruption. The author’s writing totally blew me away with its raw intensity, honesty, and gritty emotion. The plot is superbly crafted with a seamless weaving of flashbacks with the present day and perfectly timed revelations of past secrets. The characters are incredible and the element of faith is strong and consistent. 

I surprisingly connected right away with Josh, a man who left his girlfriend and newborn son 16 years ago. He’s grown up, found success, reconnected with his son Jaden, but still is hurting from his past. His kind faithful heart has been shadowed for too long due to his self-recrimination. When he is called back to his hometown due to Jaden’s illness, he seizes the opportunity to make amends. Josh’s salvation story is pretty amazing and he takes his redemption quite seriously. Carly is still angry, hurt, and wary from how Josh left her but, as she and Josh spend time together for Jaden’s sake, she realizes that her view of their past may be skewed. Jaden is an unbelievable 16 year old with his solid faith and confidence. 

This heart-stirring novel about forgiveness, second chances, and grace will burrow deep into your soul. It’s book 3 in Harbor Pointe novels but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. If you enjoy well-written contemporary romance, you will definitely love this book. 

I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

“You don’t have to let the past write your future.”


I’ve come to expect a fantastic story when I pick up a Courtney Walsh book, and Just One Kiss is definitely fantastic! It’s also poignant, heart-wrenching, touching, and absolutely beautiful! Walsh has tackled some hard subjects in this book, and she does it with great sensitivity. She is also a master at creating realistic, broken, but endearing characters. Single mother Carly Collins had her heart broken when Josh Dixon walked away from her and their son Jaden many years ago. Now Josh is back in their lives and he’s hoping for a second chance with them, although secrets from his past are still haunting him.

“He just wanted a second chance—to prove to her he could be the man she needed.”

I loved Josh’s determination and drive to overcome his heart-breaking childhood and make a success of himself. His undying love for Carly was so touching and beautiful, and my admiration for him kept growing throughout the story. The banter and repartee between Carly and Josh were enjoyable, while the angst and hurt from the past added a poignant note. Threads of redemption, forgiveness, hope, and grace are woven into the story and add depth and dimension to make this an unforgettable reading experience. I would recommend this to those who enjoy contemporary romance that is heart-touching and memorable.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

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