Cover Image: Kiss Me Back

Kiss Me Back

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I really ended up liking Fox - At first glance and based on the other's observations of him, he seemed flashy, high maintenance and a bit shallow. With his fancy car, tailored suits and perfectly groomed beard, he fit the bill. But his appearance was his camouflage of choice. Underneath it all he was a really sweet, selfless and protective guy. The way he handles Lola, who lets be honest, could be a bit melodramatic, was priceless. He had moments that were OTT but in a good way :) I loved getting little snippets of his softer side. I love a strong Hero with a vulnerable side and Fox is a worthy example.

I felt for Lola, life had definitely not been hearts and roses for her but she was still such a spit fire. The challenges she had to take on, on a daily basis and somehow still managing to stay positive was admirable. She was definitely a fighter. That being said, she sometimes took her independence to the extreme and it blinded her to the fact that sometimes people genuinely wanted to help. Not because your weak and fragile, or because they're questioning your mental capacities. Sometimes people just want to help, your friends what to support you, lend a hand. She tended to jump the gun and make rapid fire decisions that hurt people. Her tendencies to put words in Fox's mouth made it a bit difficult for me to relate to her.

At times it felt like Fox did most of the giving and Lola did a lot of the taking and that felt like their relationship was a bit one-sided.

Quick Summary:
This is Fox and Lola's story. Fox and Lola both work at an upscale club where Fox is the bouncer and Lola is a bartender. For several months, they've both been circling each other. Fox has been actively pursuing Lola but Lola has remained aloof and refuses to take him seriously. Fox doesn't give up easy and his persistence pays off, but with a catch.

Lola has been scrimping and saving every dollar she can in order to meet her tuition goal. She's months from graduating and taking off to Ecuador for a once in a lifetime opportunity to teach disadvantaged kids. For two years, she's been living like a pauper, barely making ends meet and always staying 100% focused on her end goal. But she's not as immune to Fox's charm as she might have him believe.

When things start to really heat up, Lola decides she should be able to have her cake and eat it too. With only two months left before her semester abroad, Lola propositions Fox for two months of no strings sex. With an end date decided before their relationship even starts, Lola and Fox have to navigate a few hurdles when emotions get in the way.

Would I recommend?
Yes, this was a sweet romance with some heavy emotional topics but still uplifting and hopeful. I loved Fox :)

Was this review helpful?

Lola, raised in an uncaring foster home, has no family. She works two jobs, lives in a cheap apartment that's in an unsavory part of town, and lives on pb&j in hopes of earning enough money to complete her Master's program. She's a hard worker, with secrets, who keeps to herself. While she's comfortable in her own skin, she's been hurt badly by her past boyfriend and has sworn off all men. Until she meets William Fox...

William Fox has spent his life trying to prove his dad wrong. Raised in a broken home by an abusive father, Fox has always thought himself "dumb". He invested a little money which made more money. He works hard as a bouncer in an upscale nightclub making enough money to buy a flashy sports car, a modern (white) condo, and name brand suits. He dresses for success and women swoon--all except Lola. Challenge accepted!

I LOVED this novel!!! The old adage of "Money doesn't buy happiness" is interwoven throughout this story. Fox has money, but isn't truly happy. Fox works at his job because he's good at it, but starts to question if it makes him happy. Lola closes herself off to the possibility of love due to one bad experience. She doesn't give others a chance to really "know" her, cutting them off before her heart becomes involved. Tempers flare and words are exchanged.....Fox is patient, kind, caring, funny, protective, smart, and romantic. Lola is challenging, upfront, caring, and passionate. Lola and Fox together, are perfection! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I think my favorite thing about the Panic series is that it forces you to look beyond what you can see to truly get to know someone. Every single book has touched on delicate subjects that could easily be written in a completely stereotypical way, yet Sidney Halston has the ability to treat these issues with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Lola is working toward her goals of finishing school and dating a man like Fox isn't on her to-do list. Fox has been intrigued by Lola since her very first day at Panic. The relationship that builds between these two unique individuals is beautiful to watch and I was rooting for them from the very first page.

I am so in love with this series and never want it to end. I hope that every character introduced at Panic gets a story!!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Was this review helpful?

I was absolutely caught off guard by this book and loved it so much. Fox and Lola were perfect together. They each were missing something, but found completeness in each other. I loved Fox's growth the most and the lengths he was willing to go for Lola's dream to come true. Looking forward to the next book!

ARC provided by NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

The great characters and the good storyline kept me hooked until the turn of the very last page!

Was this review helpful?

I had a hard time getting into this book. We have Lola, who works at the 'it' spot in South Beach and Fox is the sexy bouncer with all the swagger that she is determined to stay away from.  Fox has had his eyes on Lola for awhile because she is the one to resist his charm and hello challenge.  Lola has no intention for getting involved with Fox, because Lola has a secret... a secret she wants no one to find out about so she keeps Fox at bay until he figures it out. Once he gets a taste he is hooked. For me the story dragged in places and was too fast in some. Will they have a forever love or will Fox lose his chance?

I think the book would have been great if the pacing was better and/or the plot was a little more fleshed out.

Was this review helpful?

If you haven’t read any of the Panic series, what are you waiting for? I love this series. You do not need read the others in this series to thoroughly enjoy this book. These books focus on disabilities or insecurities that many face. But they do so in such a refreshing way. I won’t spoil anything but know that both of the characters in this book have secrets and insecurities that they face daily. Everything about them is different from their personalities to the struggles they face. But despite that, they understand each other more than anyone else ever has. They are perfect for each other. This book gives such hope that no matter the circumstances that there is someone out there who will not only accept you as you are, but understand you. Fox is persistent and protective which just adds to his sexiness. Lola is independent and courageous. Both learn to be vulnerable with each other in their journey to love. This book is definitely worth checking out and so is this series.

Was this review helpful?

Oh boy. The ending of this book is everything! This is hands down my favorite story by Sidney Halston. If you have never read one of her books, this one will make you a huge fan. The romance between Lola and Fox is sweet, complicated and so so very sign worthy. These two are definitely in my top ten list of all time favorite coup!es

Was this review helpful?

This story continues with the Panic night club scene in Miami. This is the about the bouncer, Fox. You can read it as a standalone, but I think reading the first two Panic books will enhance this experience for you. Lola and Fox’s story was a sweet, budding, passionate romance. They both have issues they try and keep secret. But their trust in each other rips their walls done. It was a great love story to watch unfold. The ending at first killed me then lifted me sky high, ahh...a perfect, unexpected ending

Was this review helpful?

This is the 3rd book in this series and it's Fox and Lola's story and it's a good one! I love that this author writes strong, smart and sexy women who stand up for what they want and don't cave, but I also love when an alpha has a sweet side and she mixes these together wonderfully. Another great read! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately this was definitely my least favorite book by this author. I just didn't like Lola, which made it difficult for me to care about the outcome. She was stubborn and hypocritical. I did like Fox, and the nightclubs are a fun setting. I just needed to be more invested in the HEA.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! I can’t believe how much I liked this book. Lola and Fox were a great couple. The storyline was beautiful and I am so glad I read this. I had read the previous books in this series, but feel like that would not have mattered a whit for this book. The setting was the same; Miami and the club Panic, but Lola and Fox were a story by themselves. I loved that in these books Ms. Halston always inserts someone with a handicap of some sort, whether it is physical or emotional. Lola and Fox both had issues, and how they handled them made this book so believable. Am so happy to give this book 5 Stars!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 “perfectly imperfect” stars

I was so excited to dive back into the world of steamy Miami nights in the Panic nightclub, and Sidney Halston has once again delivered a sweet, sexy, beautifully romantic story that is surprising, intense and absolutely captivating. It’s a short read, but it packs an emotional and profound punch, and I loved it!

We have met William Fox in previous books of the series. He is the solid, dependable, well-dressed and slightly badass bouncer of the club. He is dedicated to his job, and he does it well, which is why he is asked to step up and manage security at Nick and Matt’s newest venture – Duality - a darker, dirtier, high-class club. It’s just what he has been working for, and after a brutal upbringing, it’s just the validation he needs to prove his worth.

Lola is a waitress at Panic. She’s quiet and shy, and keeps to herself, but of course she has noticed Fox. And he has noticed her right back, regularly asking her out and repeatedly getting shot down. Lola is on a timeline, she has a goal that she is working towards and she is leaving town in just a few months to follow her dreams. She has Fox pegged as a heartbreaker, and wants no part of that, so she has kept her distance. But his persistence pays off when she realizes that her timeline will allow her to keep things defined with him, and she decides to stop running and open herself up to what her body has been craving – while strictly keeping emotion out of it.

“You can run, but what you just did, what you just said, I hope you know…it’s on.”


Oh holy hotness, the chemistry between Fox and Lola is sizzling! The dynamic between them is great, and the sexy time is seriously hot, but it’s their emotional connection that makes them something special. Agreeing to be friends with benefits, while exploring their sizzling attraction they hang out, they open up to each other, and as they let the other in on their deepest, darkest secrets, they become closer than either of them ever expected.

“Being with you is a privilege for me, not the other way around. You make life better.”


The lines very quickly become blurry for them as they battle to keep their emotions in check, and as the time draws closer for Lola to leave, both their relationship, and Fox and Lola individually, will be put to the test as they are forced to figure out what it is their heart truly wants, and then find the courage to reach for it.

I really loved this book. The relationship is easy, sexy and beautifully heartfelt. I loved the twists in the story as their backgrounds are explored and secrets are uncovered, bringing a wonderful dynamic to their relationship, and to the story. And, of course, I love how despite their intentions, they effortlessly fell wildly and deeply for each other.

Having her close to me makes everything better. She looks up at me with those big baby blues and I’m lost. I’m gone. This woman could ask me to walk through lava with her, and I would.


This book also contains some wonderful messages as we see all that Fox and Lola have been through, and the journey they take together to move on from the past and find the future that they want is beautifully written. I loved watching it all unfold for them.

Though this book can be read as a standalone, I loved seeing the characters from previous books, and I’m excited that there is a hint there of another book to come. I can’t wait for more from this series.

Was this review helpful?

Kiss me Back is the 3rd book in the Panic series. Lola has been pushing hard for the past 7 years to make her dreams come true. In fact, in just a few months, everything she has worked very hard for will come true for her. William Fox is security at the nightclub Panic and he likes to look good and have the best money can buy him. For the last six months he’s been trying to get a date with Lola but she continually declines a date with him. But something happens to William and on the worst night of his life, Lola accepts that date. They end up coming together for a sex only relationship that has an end date. Each of them has their own set of special issues that leave them wary to open themselves up to heartache, Lola more so than William. These two have a special chemistry together and it was wonderful to see how William opened his heart to Lola and showed her how he loved her and would always be there for her. The ending was fantastic and just reminded me how good the Panic series is. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing who the next couple is.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

Was this review helpful?

Lola and Fox have an instant attraction, that they don't act on...although Fox doesn't give up trying to get her to go out with him. Books with coworkers trope are fun, and I enjoy the trope as I like watching them resist one another while forced to be together.

It finally works, she gives in (and after a hiccup created by his tough day) and they have their date...and he realizes she's keeping a heck of a secret. What it is would be a spoiler. However, while I think it's possible she could keep that secret, I don't think it's likely... and I had a bit of a tough time getting past this part of the plot and totally buying into the characters and their relationship.

I did enjoy this overall, and I do recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley! I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest and independent review.

Though this isn't my favorite in the series (that distinction still goes to book 1), I still enjoyed this book. It was a really sweet story. However, I had a hard time believing certain things about the storyline namely [that Lola is deaf BUT she manages to keep this fact a secret from everyone for such a long time. (hide spoiler)]

But there's something about this group of people that pulls you in. I'm hoping Iggy's story is next!

Was this review helpful?

Lola has been striving for the last seven years to make her dreams come true. In is just a few months’ time those plans will be coming to fruition. Working a second job at Panic is a step in helping to achieve her goals but getting involved with the very attractive bouncer is not.
Fox has worked hard to find the success he now has in his life. He has a great home, expensive car, and the best suits money can buy. For the last six months he’s been trying to get a date with Lola but she always politely declines. Then, on the worse day of the year for him, she accepts.
Each with their own unique problems this couple come together for a sex only relationship that has an expiration date. Fox is in a quandary as to how to open Lola’s eyes up to the possibility of more even as he holds tight to those things he thinks are important to him.
The way Fox and Lola worked together to overcome their individual issues was not only enduring but inspiring. I loved the way they used humor to smooth the way over some of their speed bumps. Fox was such a wonderful hero both sweet and sexy and dedicated to Lola. Lola’s background left her afraid of being rejected so her inclination was to do things on her own. When he offers her the greatest gift she could ever imagine I wanted to bawl my eyes out. His love for her was selfless and unending and it literally ripped my heart out of my chest to witness it.
I have truly enjoyed every book in this series but Kiss Me Back is by far my favorite thus far. I absolutely loved every single moment in this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Loveswept. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

William Fox is a bouncer at Panic, a luxury, exclusive night club. He is a tattooed, muscled, slightly arrogant, big flirt, a little cocky and cares far too much what others think of him. He has a silver fox appearance even though he’s only 33. He had a pretty crappy childhood with an abusive dad who told him he’d never amount to anything. Therefore, he was determined to make something of himself.

Lola Daye is a bartender at Panic. She’s 24, subdued, focused, determined, intelligent, independent and a little sassy. She is saving to finish her Master’s degree in Ecuador. Her last serious relationship has left her determined to make it on her own and not depend on anyone else. However, at times, she lets her take charge attitude get the best of her.

I wasn’t too crazy about Fox at first but he definitely redeems himself as the story progresses. He uses his appearance and arrogance to mask the nice, caring, protective, slightly insecure, guy underneath. Despite Lola’s repeated attempts to push him away and keep him at arm’s length, he persistently pursues her.

Both have issues they’ve had to overcome to get to where they currently are. Although Lola’s obstinance got old at times, her courage and character were admirable. Are there some unrealistic parts? Absolutely. Nonetheless, this is an easy, fairly sweet read.

This is the third book in the series but my first. I easily read it as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Was this review helpful?

3.25*
William “Fox” Fox has the look of a bad boy bouncer in a Armani suit, he’s immaculate from his clothes, tie and his very groomed beard. He’s the man everyone wants to impress so they get into Club Panic.
Lola Daye is the new bartender at Panic she keeps to herself, quite and very good at her job. From the moment Fox meets Lola he's taken by the quite beautiful girl and vows to get her to go out with him. Lola doesn’t know how long she can fight the attraction between her and Fox but she to close to her dream to start a relationship. As long as she keeps to herself there’s no way she can be hurt or shunned by people. Its been so long since she been since she’s been close to someone and Fox is getting under her skin. Lola and Fox come to an agreement, no strings relationship of sex and the use of his wash and dryer until she leaves in two months. It all seems so uncomplicated and simple until the non relationship lines start to blur and they start to need and want more. They discovered and uncover so much about each other their friendship grows to understanding each other’s secrets.
Fox and Lola learn how love can change your wants and dreams and things that seemed so important before no longer matter.
I wish the first half of this book was as good as the last half which was awesome. I almost did not finish this book because it just didn’t flow and I felt nothing for the characters. I’m glad I did not give up on it.

Was this review helpful?

Fox is the bouncer at the high-end club Panic and he drives the fancy car, wears the designer suites and has the white pristine home. Everything in his life has to be the best of everything because he was a kid from the bad neighbourhood and had nothing but an abusive father. Lola is the new bartender at Panic who grew up in foster care and saves every penny from her 2 jobs so that she can finish her degree overseas. When Fox and Lola's eyes meet, sparks fly and they begin a sex only affair because Lola is leaving in 2 months.

At first I though that Fox was shallow, but as time went on, I began to love his character. Lola had all kinds of challenges that she overcome and she just came across as so genuine. And then there were the steamy scenes ... HOT! I just wanted them to open their eyes and each give a little so that their relationship could work. A quick but very enjoyable read.

I received an ARC courtesy of Random House-Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?