5/5
short story
friends to lovers short story. lovely quick enjoyable read. fake dating. both have cheating ex's so theres ow/om drama slightly. great read
Lexy is surprised when she runs into Grant Whitlock after she applies for a job as his assistant. Recently single, he is deliriously sexy, rich, and can have any woman he wants.
Lexy is innocent, always blushes when she’s around a handsome man, and barely speaks above a whisper. And working for Grant would be her dream job. There’s just one problem. He’s her ex’s best friend.
Blake is everything Grant isn’t … social, charming, handsome, and outgoing. He makes everyone feel comfortable and special—and Lexy fell for him hard. Until he cheated on her with Grant’s now ex girlfriend, Harley.
When hired, Grant asks Lexy in his office for a favor. Not just any favor—but he wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend over the next month. It’s gala season and since Blake has his own start-up, he’ll be there with Harley. Grant does not want the sympathetic looks during these events. Though reluctant, Lexy agrees. Because she wants her own revenge on Blake.
The only rule? Feelings cannot get involved. It should be easy enough. Until it’s not.
Excerpt:
“And why are you being so nice to me?”
He shrugged. “Can’t I just be a nice guy? Plus, it’s kind of nice knowing Blake’s ex will be working for me,” he said, smiling wide.
“Well, it’s definitely ironic.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Are you this nice to everyone, or are you giving me special attention because of Blake?”
We finished our meal, and Grant straightened his suit jacket. “I’m not giving you special treatment. I’m looking out for you is all. All of my employees are valuable to me, and I take care of everyone.”
“Fair enough.” I tried desperately not to stare at him as he showed off his dimples. He had a mess of thick dark hair I wanted to run my hand through. Of course, I wondered how his lips would feel against mine.
“You ready to head back to the office?”
“Sure. Thank you for lunch. It was really good.”
“You’re welcome, Lexy. Do you mind walking back to the office?”
“I don’t mind. I could use the fresh air.”
“I could use the exercise,” he retorted.
I found that hard to believe because his suit fit him like it was tailored for his fit frame. And I was definitely sure he worked out on a regular basis. He walked with confidence and caught the stares of women passing us on the sidewalk. He was too engrossed in his phone to notice.
“Do you live in the city?”
“God, no. I live about thirty-five minutes from the city. I thought about getting a place here, but I’m more of a suburbs kind of guy. I have my place on my own piece of property. It’s nice and quiet.”
“Cool.”
“You know, I may have had a secret agenda taking you out to lunch.”
I looked up at him in surprise. “Oh, yeah?”
“I know the office goes out as a group sometimes, but I’m never invited. Maybe it’s the whole boss thing. But I don’t want the others thinking I’m better than them.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you have me then. I’ll invite you out whenever we plan something.”
He looked surprised. “You’d do that?”
“Why not?”
“Thanks, Lexy.”
We made it to the tall building, and he held the door of the building open for me. “Thanks.”
We took the elevator back to the office. It felt like it was taking forever while others stepped on and off until it was just he and I alone. Tension seemed to be thick between us, and my heart raced while I felt his eyes looking down at me. I swallowed hard. Relief washed over me when the doors opened.
“Thanks again for lunch,” I told him as we stepped out and headed down the hall back to our offices.
“Have a good day, Lexy,” he said, stopping in the doorway of his office.
“You, too, Grant.”
He winked before disappearing into his office.
I released my notebook and purse onto my desk. Jonathan slid his chair over to me. “How was lunch?” He raised his eyebrows at me.
I sat in my chair. “Strictly work-related. Thanks for letting me know he takes all his employees out to lunch on their first day.”
“Oh, I did forget to mention that. My bad. But he’s gorgeous, isn’t he?”
“He’s intimidating.”
Jonathan smiled. “You know, he is single.”
“Yeah, his ex cheated on him with my boyfriend-now ex. We ran in the same friend circle back in college.”
Jonathan moved closer so no one could hear. “No way.”
I pushed on his chair. “Yes, way. Now, I have work to do.” I tried not to laugh, but it was impossible whenever Jonathan was around.
****
“You always stay until after everyone leaves?” Grant asked, leaning over my desk.
I looked around and noticed no one was around, except us. “Shit. I didn’t realize everyone left. I was so engrossed in work.”
Grant chuckled. “I like your enthusiasm. Go home and get some rest.”
“I will. I need to check the subway schedule.”
“Subway? Where do you live?”
“Spinning Wheel Apartments in Hinsdale. I’m sure it’s out of your way.”
“Come on, it’s actually on the way. I’m going to grab my stuff, and then I’ll have my driver take us.”
“I don’t want to trouble you.” I could have driven myself, but Talia wanted to use my car, so I took the subway into the city.
“Lexy, it’s fine.
“Thank you,” I smiled.
Five minutes later, my laptop was shut down, and I was lugging my things down the hall, meeting Grant.
“All set?”
“Yep.”
We took the elevator to the main floor, and I followed him out to the car that was waiting for him. The driver held the door open. Grant motioned for me to slide in, and he slid in behind me. I placed my things at my feet and took a deep breath.
“Are you still nervous around me?”
The driver started to drive through the city.
“Yes. Look at you. You’re intimidating. A big shot now.”
“I could say the same about you.”
I shook my head but smiled at the ridiculousness of his comment.
“I’m serious. You’re gorgeous and smart.”
“Where to, boss?” the driver looked in the rearview mirror.
“Spinning Wheel Apartments,” Grant rattled off before looking at me. “As I was saying … you’re gorgeous and smart. That combo alone scares people off. Whoever is with you has to be confident in himself.”
I couldn’t stop staring at him. “Same to you,” I replied without further explanation.
Before I knew it, the driver announced we were at my place. “Would you like to come in? My roommate isn’t home.” It was probably a bad idea to invite him in. We’d be alone with no one else around.
“Sure, for a minute. I won’t be long, Collin.”
We walked to my apartment, and he followed me inside. “This is my place.”
He didn’t say anything at first while he looked around. “This is a really nice place. I love the historical features, too.”
“You seem surprised.”
He chuckled. “It is better than I thought it would be.”
“Would you like a drink? I have beer, wine, and water.”
He looked over his shoulder at me. “I’ll take a beer.”
Product Reviews
5/5
All's fair in love and war!
This book hooked me from the start. With best friends like theirs, who needs enemies right!? Everything has consequences but things usually work themselves out. Although it was super messy, it's obvious that Grant and Lexy were more of a fit. There's no way any sane woman would let him get away. He's definitely as close to perfection as you can get. Given their heartbreaks, I don't blame them for diving in fast. Sometimes, it's just meant to be and you can't fight that. I actually LOVED this book! It was funny, sexy, romantic and really HOT! I highly recommend it for a fun read and I'd love to see more from the side characters. ?
5/5
Loved
What started of a pretend dating between Lexy and Grant soon turned into something both wanted but wasn't sure what the other wanted.
4/5
Kiss Me
A short romance that had an interesting storyline. Lexy ends up getting a job working for Grant, who was best friend’s with her ex-boyfriend. An ex she caught cheating with Harley, who was dating Grant at the time and is the mother to his son. So when Grant asked Lexy to fake date him, she has no problem agreeing, as it will help her get revenge on her ex. These two end up falling for each other during this process.
4/5
So Good!
Lexy applies for an assistant job and is surprised to see her boss would be Grant, her ex-'s best friend. When Grant finds out that his so called best friend slept with his girlfriend, he asks Lexy to pretend to be his girlfriend to get back at Blake. How can it be that their pretending seems so natural? Will something that started out fake turn into something real?
5/5
Great Book
Lexy and Grant already know each other and she is now going to work for her ex's best friend. And they find a connection with each other and eventually they continue as a couple, but it can't last long because her ex and his ex have cheated on them with each other and throw a spanner in the works or they try to. Highly recommended to read.
5/5
NOT PRETEND
Grant and Lexy. Hes her exs best friend and her now boss. Her ex Blake cheated on her with Grants ex Harley. Grant wants Lexy to pretend to be his girlfriend for the Gala season because Blake will be there with Harley and he doesn't want pity stares. She agrees for her revenge also. Oh what a tangled web we weave. Great story that starts out for the wrong reason but ends with the right one.
4/5
Short Story
This is the first book I've read written by Renea Porter; I can’t wait to read more of her books. She has written a good stand-alone short story. The story is about Lexy & Grant; he hires her as his assistant. They begin to be together to get back at their ex’s who are now together.
4/5
Lexy and Grant
Kiss Me is a short and steamy office romance. Lexy interviews for a job and ends up at Grant's company. The two know each other as her ex was his best friend, who happened to cheat on him with his wife. The two share joint pain and are drawn together. They pretend to be in a relationship, but real feelings develop. Their chemistry was hot, and we do end on a happy note. I loved Grant's son Ethan, and overall thought this was a good, short, and steamy second chance romance.
5/5
Cute short story
This was a super cute short story. Both character had great chemistry. I definitely recommend reading this.
4/5
Enchanting short story
First time reading this author. It is a twist on friends to lovers. Grant's ex cheated on him with his best friend. Lexy's ex cheated on her with his ex. Harley and Blake made up the other half of each couple. They meet again when she applies for a job in his new company and things start out well and get better for them. They become the couple and family with his young son, whereas the other part ways. Karma and the best of things to come as their relationship develops naturally with the benefit of knowing each other previously.
4/5
Romance
This is a good quick short romance. Lexy runs into grant who used to be her ex boyfriend’s best friend. Her ex slept with grants gf/baby mama. They love past the awkward things really well the story flows and is enjoyable to read.
4/5
Cure short romance
In need of a job, Lexy inadvertently interviews at Grant's company, who just happens to be her ex's best friend. They are drawn to each other due to going through the pain of each of their ex's cheating on them with each other. This was a cute short read and great for anyone looking to pass an hour or two. The only thing I wish had been made clear in the blurb was the fact that Grant wasn't just a divorcee but also a single dad. I personally don't enjoy reading stories about single parents so that made me have to deduct a star from my rating.
4/5
Forbidden Lust or Love????
This book was enjoyable. Great characters and storylines and a happily ever after that didn’t disappoint. This was a great introduction to this author. I couldn't put this book down. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
4/5
Kiss Me by Renea Porter
Kiss Me by Renea Porter is a good, and enjoyable erotic office romance read. The story has a good entertaining world building story line with an easy to read story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining quick easy office romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4/5
Great read
A good fast paced read. Lexy and Grant are great characters. They have a steamy chemistry. I enjoyed all the twists a great read,
5/5
Entertaining Romance
Kiss Me by Renea Porter is an entertaining and captivating story! It’s a story that will pull in from the beginning and keep your attention! It was very well written, had a very strong and well thought out plot! Great word building and character development! It was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it!
5/5
Sweet and nice!
This is such a nice, cute, short and sweet romance. I love this fast stories with no complications and enjoyable.
4/5
Sappy love story
Lexi and grant. Where do I begin. This book is a short story that moves quickly. Happy ending and snappy romance. The writing was good and the storyline moved along with enough info to keep you entertained but not over the top descriptions.
5/5
Sweet Quick Read
Lexy is on her way to a job interview, when she gets into the elevator with Grant. She hasn't seen him in a while, as he was best friends with her former boyfriend. The former boyfriend who cheated on Lexy- with Grant's girlfriend (and mother to his son). Luckily, they seem to have moved past the awkwardness. I loved the interactions between Grant and Lexy as well as the scenes with Ethan (Grants son). This is such a sweet little romance.
4/5
Kiss Me!!!
This is a delightful, sweet and heartwarming romance about Lexy and Grant. They have none each other for years but haven’t seen each other in some time. She runs into him when she is applying for a job. She is hired as his assistant and for marketing. He is divorced, runs his company and cherishes every minute he can spend with his young son, Ethan. Grant is drawn to Lexy, and soon a slow and budding flame burns between them. I enjoyed their story and the cute and loving bits spent with Ethan. I liked the fact that drama with their ex’s weren’t a major part of the story. Grant moves fast when he knows what he wants. Such a fun read with some steamy bits and humor. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.*
4/5
Wonderfully sweet
Wonderfully sweet low angst friends to lovers read. We’ll written simple yet simply delicious closed door romance with all the fuzzy feels and a great smile inducing read
5/5
Amazing
I absolutely loved reading Grant and Lexi’s story. Lexi is a sweet women , who is bashful and shy but easy to love. Grant is strong ,fun and completely sexy. When they come together it is a perfect match even if it does take a little time for them to figure out. This is a definite must read that you won’t want to miss.
4/5
Quick and easy read
Lexy needs a job and she ends up being hired at Grant's company, they know each other as he was her ex's best friend, however Lexy's boyfriend and Grant's ex cheated on them together. Lexy ends up pretending to be Grant's girlfriend however things progress from pretend to something more. This was a quick, easy read, with betrayal (in the past, not between the main characters), a fake relationship, steam, Grant's son Ethan was a little cutie and Jonathan, Lexy's new friend from the office is an enjoyable character too.
5/5
Good story
Lexy is working for Grant and dating Blake his best friend. Blake cheated on Lexy with Harley the mother of Grant's son. Grant asked Lexy to pretend to be his girlfriend for a month. She agreed wanted to show Blake that she was not heartbroken. Will pretend turn into real for them. A must read.
4/5
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Kiss Me, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information. I recommend reading this book.
5/5
Steamy romance!
Finding out your boss to be happens to be your Ex's ex best friend would be quite a shock! This story pulled me in from the start; it was well written, the plot well thought out and I thought very much true to life (although I thought his ex was crazy to leave him when he had such a bright future!) and enjoyable. There was just the right amount of give and take, and the HEA was well deserved! I think you'll like this too!
4/5
Love and romance
I liked this story how Grant asked Lexy to be his fake girlfriend. This was a quick read and it would have benefitted from adding more scenes to flesh out Blake character -the cheating ex best friend and boyfriend. Overall it had all of the elements needed to make it an enjoyable read from romance, shock, the reveal and a touch of steam. A good 4 star read.
5/5
Happy endings
Well written fast paced novella. Full of love, friendship, emotions, betrayal and steam. Lexy is headed for an interview at a company that Grant runs. He would be her boss if hired. They both knew each other years ago when Grant's wife cheated on him with Lexy's boyfriend. The reaction to them meeting up is fantastic and hot. Lots of feelings in this story. Would recommend to others.
5/5
Loved the story--held my interest
I love this story--the decision to make their exes realize they don't care about them anymore --just going to make it about fake feelings--then they catch feelings for one another and the BOOM--story is great!
5/5
So sweet
Grant and Lexy have had a rough year but they decide to team up to make their exes see that they're over them. No feelings will be involved... Or will they? Loved their story!
4/5
Kiss Me
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Lexy, Grant, Blake and Hailey went to the same college. Blake and Lexy dated, while Grant and Hailey got married and had a little boy. Several years pass and Blake cheats on Lexy with Hailey. Grant and Hailey divorce splitting custody of Ethan 50%. Lexy ends up working for Grant and ends up fake dating him because it is Gala season and he does not want to see the exs'. Grant and Lexy are good for each other both support each other and have this connection that everyone around them can see. My only beef was when Hailey said Ethan was sick and could not visit his father or talk to him on the phone (even when the little boy asked to speak to him), I thought they had 50/50 custody? Why is Grant only getting every other Saturday - that is not 50/50 - unless I missed that part. Then at the end Hailey is all I am sorry, Blake and I broke up, was she hoping Grant would take her back, felt open ended to me. I am glad Grant and Lexy got their HEA.
