5 Gwen and August stars!

I read a couple of Kelly Siskind's books and they were all funny, sexy and hilarious. Licks was everything Kelly style but also emotionally fabulous with a unique story that won't be easily forgotten.

copy received for honest review
The main story takes place of a couple of days. A lot happens in that short time period. August and Gwen were best friends who lives were detoured due to misunderstandings, secrets, and insecurities. They both were in love with the other but never acted on it. Just when things look like they may work out, an unthinkable betrayal occurs. 9 years later the two are reunited after the death of Gwen's mother. Their feelings are pushed to the forefront and things get interesting. More lies, secrets and mysteries are uncovered when they search for Gwen's father. The story is good with a touch of mystery, weird coincidences, and a lot of sexy fun. Gwen and August go through a lot to get their HEA. We also get some fun times with the couples from previous stories. Gwen's two friends and their significant others add some humor.

Loved it!❤️❤️❤️ A love story for the ages. A sweet, funny, romantic, emotional story that’s just fabulous. An exquisitely crafted story with so many layers that includes friendship, love, family drama, mystery, heartbreak and growth. Such a tumultuous journey between the wonderfully developed characters, Gwen and August. And can we talk about the fabulous, panty melting sex scenes? This author knows how to do it right. Hot! On my ‘read again’ list. I voluntarily reviewed a NetGalley ARC.

August and Gwen were best friends who were secretly in love with each other but too afraid to act on it and possibly ruin their friendship. Then the night of Gwen’s 19th birthday, August decides he can’t live another day without telling Gwen his true feelings for her. But when he goes to her apartment and finds her in a comprising position, he is so hurt that he takes off to Europe and dives into a music career. Nine years later Gwen’s mother sends him a letter with the answer to a question that Gwen has wanted to know since she was a girl ... so he makes his way home to tell her.

I loved the banter between August and Gwen ... it just seemed so real. I could just feel the chemistry between them ... they are the kind of characters that you can’t help yourself rooting for. Then there were the sex scenes ... well let’s just say that Ms. Siskind sure knows how to write them. I also found the story about Gwen’s parents very intriguing and I sure wasn’t expecting that ending to their story.

I received an ARC courtesy of CD Books through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Fantastic read! This was my first Kelly Siskind novel, but most definitley not my last. I already downloaded the first 2 in this series to catch up. August and Gwen's situation is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I could not put this book down, following along on their journey to discover the truth, completley invested in their relationship and the outcome. And what a little twist at the end. I can not reccomend this book enough.

Sexy, Thrilling, Engaging, Action Packed and Emotional second chance romantic journey. This story of young love has it all history, passion, mystery, love, misunderstandings, heartbreak and faith.

August Cruz is sexy, charming, artistic and the only man she ever loved, her childhood best friend and favorite all around person. Gwen is sassy, sweet, sexy and just recently getting her life on track both professionally and personally. Then she gets a clue to who her father is just as August walks back into her life and she takes him along in the search of a lifetime for her. Could not put down this entertaining and gripping romantic adventure.

3.5 Stars
Every year Gwen Hamilton and her two best friends (who happen to share the same birthday) celebrate together every year. Last year they each made a wish that would make come true by their next birthday. For Gwen, it was finding her father. The man she’s never met, the man she’s not even sure knows she exists. Her mom has never given her any information about her father and she’s also never given Gwen the one other thing she craved….Love. When her mom dies a few months shy of Gwen’s birthday she’s not sure what she will do now to figure out who her dad is and she only has thirty-six hours make her wish come true. The only other two people who know or understand how badly she wants to find her father aren’t even her two best friends. It’s her former best friend August and his twin brother Finch; but a misunderstanding and one huge mistake nine years ago ruined their friendship. So when August shows up at her front door followed by long ago lost suitcase that contains her mother’s diary Gwen sees this as clues to helping her solve the biggest mystery of her life.
When I first started this book I honestly didn’t think I was going to like it. The opening chapter of a flashback to nine years ago didn’t leave a good taste in my mouth; then, fast forward to the present with thirty-six hours, a long lost love and a suitcase full of clues to meet a deadline of finding a missing dad, yeah it just didn’t seem like something that would hold me, but it did!
After years apart the heat between Gwen and August that they never got to act on is burning extremely hot but August’s return to Gwen’s life isn’t as coincidental as it seems. August is hiding a secret from Gwen that could ruin what seems to be the start of an intense reconnection. August is not the only one with secrets, Gwen has been holding on to some secrets of her own about August.
While I thought the time limit wouldn’t appeal to me it actually made it more exciting at the same time it didn’t seem like things were happening so fast. Only when a new chapter start did it really kick in that the passing time wasn’t so great. The flow was good and I really liked the characters, although Gwen was a bit annoying but for the most part I liked her. What I really loved was the chemistry between Gwen and August. I love how it was so easy for them to fall back into the friendship they shared as kids and the first time August calls Gwen by the nickname he gave her…..swoon. He’s talking about himself but August has a line in the book that I think really sums it everything up about the two of them….
“I love her. In one day, my world’s tipped sideways. There’s never been anyone else for me. Doubt there ever will be.”
Aside from Gwen and August, I really liked the supporting characters. A few times I felt like this might have been a part of a series and of course I checked it out and while it’s not really a series there are two previous books that focus on Gwen’s best friends, Rachel and Ainsley; which I intend to read. I even liked August’s brother Finch and I’m hoping he will book.

3.5 stars.
I loved the storyline and the characters a lot in this second chances love story. It was an amusing, emotional and entertaining read. Gwen and August were funny and cute together, I liked their vibe.
I did for some reason struggle a little with continuously reading this and felt the need to put it down a couple of times( a book like this I will usually read from start to finish). This happened mainly for me when it seemed to get a little too wordy and repetitive in describing the characters emotions.
I personally felt this book could have benefitted from a little judicious editing but overall I really liked the "feel" of this book and wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book by the talented Ms. Siskind.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars. This was a good book! This is August and Gwen's story. August and Gwen were childhood next door neighbors and best friends. Their friendship ends when they were seniors in high school, through a series of miscommunications and insecurities. A year later, while in college, Gwen attempts to apologize, to repair the friendship and let August know that she really has romantic feelings for him. But, again, due to more miscommunication and stupid, young kid moments, they only end up hurting each other more and obliterating any chance of them having any sort of relationship. Gwen commits what she refers to as her WTF (Worst Terrible Fuckup) . Now, it is nine years later. Gwen has moved on from her childhood and has a good life, a great job, close friends. She is doing better, despite the fact that her mother, who she had a tumultuous relationship with, has recently died. On her last birthday, Gwen vowed to find out who her biological father is before her next birthday (her mother refused to tell he before her death). Now it is 2 days until her birthday. August shows up on her doorstep and a series of events lead them on an emotional adventure together to figure out what really happened between them and search to find the truth about her father as the clock counts down.

This book took place over a short period of time (less than 2 days). It is a whirlwind of emotions as Gwen and August work through the pain that tore them apart, forgive each other and build a new beginning together. I felt for both August and Gwen. Gwen's terrible childhood affected her self esteem and how she reacted when her friendship with August was broken. They both did some stupid things, but they were just kids and they never meant to hurt each other. Gwen's WTF moment did not bother me safety-wise. It was an obviously drunken mistake, which happened very quickly nine years ago and is not descriptive or enjoyed by her. It was obvious that their time to be together was now, when they had matured and realized they were never going to move on from each other. Neither of them had a meaningful relationship over the years because they were meant to be together. There is some suspense and mystery as Gwen and August worked to discover the truth about Gwen's father. I really enjoyed the emotions, humor, and love explored as their relationship develops. I loved both Gwen and August. They were perfect together and very obviously soulmates. I hurt for both of them and everything they went through to get to their HEA. There is a higher level of angst than I usually enjoy, but it did not bother me in this book. I wanted a little more closure in the end as I was left with some questions on what their relationship would look like (Long distance relationship? How often do they see each other?, etc.). I needed a little more info to feel completely secure in their HEA.

Still, overall, Licks was emotional, angsty, sweet and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am really enjoying reading Kelly Siskind's books and look forward to more from her in the future!

DNF. I couldn't get past how she seemed to shoulder all the blame for what happened. He was still going out with someone else when he supposedly bought her a ring..... IMO that makes him an a$$ as well.... Couldn't warm up to either character.

I love a good Kelly Siskind book so I was excited when Licks landed on my kindle!! I dove right in and truly enjoyed every word of this story!
Licks is a second chance love story between best friends who screwed things up years ago! I love how after the prologue they story takes place nine years later and my favorite part the rest of the book take place in like a 36hour period!!! Seriously that was so much fun!
As aways I love reading Kelly and look forward to reading more from her in the future!

This is my first book by this author and my first book even though this is part of a series. I read it as a stand-alone and I was not lost!
August and Gwen have history and they took me on an amazing journey! I can’t wait to binge read all the books in this series!

Licks is the first book I have read by Kelly Siskind, but it won't be the last. As it was a story that drew me in from the start.

And with the two main characters, Gwen and August having a complicated history. It made for an emotional read, but it was also at times fun, entertaining and engaging. Not to mention, the story held my interest throughout.

Plus, I liked the way the entire story played out over a 36 hour period. Even though I was a little sceptical to begin with. But the fact there was an obvious connection between Gwen and August helped make it work. As did the pace of the story.

And I would happily recommend Licks to others. Especially to anyone who enjoys a good second chance romance, or is a fan of this author.

Licks is a story about two best friends who love each other and are afraid to make the leap for different reasons. I loved the sexual tension and the realness of this book. The self doubt and the courage it takes to be honest with yourself and the one you love. You might not get a second chance but lucky for these two they do. It comes with heartache and betrayal and a whole mess of what if's but the happiness that could be had was worth the risk. I really loved this book. It had a Colleen Hoover feel to it and a little bit of a saucy romance that you just can't put down.

No review was posted publicly on Amazon, Twitter or Goodreads for this title, unfortunately I never got round to finishing it, and feel it would be best to just remove it from my Negalley shelf without a review.

Sleeping with the twin brother of the man you profess to care about.... No, just no. Not in any scenario does that work for me, especially when she knew the one she was using had feelings for her.

This book started off great! There was so much chemistry between August and Gwen and oh how we all love and want that happen ending, but for me, this book could have took a totally different road if August would have just told his secret to begin with.

First things first, I would like to take a chance and thank whoever was responsible for showing us what we all want to see on a book cover. Forget bare chests and couples embracing, musical instruments are where it's at. 
Now for the rest. This isn't an easy review for me to write. The book was fine - just fine. In theory, this book checks all the boxes, a second chance, friends to lovers, happily ever after... It had the making to be a book I loved. But I didn't connect with the characters. 

Although the characters were 27/ 28 years old, the plot felt juvenile. You have two nearly 30-year-olds running around a city looking for 'clues.' They're going to places and talking to people trying to find the identity of her father. It would be a great plot for a young adult/ middle grades novel.

There wasn't a time when I wanted to be friends with Gwen or wished I was her. I didn't fall in love with August although I have to admit that is  an awesome name. There was a barrier somewhere. The characters were around my age, we even had similar interests. There shouldn't have been a disconnect. 

The book was fine. It wasn't horrible, it wasn't amazing. I finished it, I wasn't waiting for the next chapter but I also wasn't counting the pages to the end. I don't have strong feelings on way or the other regarding this book but I'm sure there are people who will enjoy it.

#Licks #Netgalley
August and Gwen
Book 3
Standalone, Second Chances, Friends to Lovers.
This is the first book that I've read from this Author. This had me laughing one minute then tearing up the next.
August and Gwen were childhood best friends..until they're not. But they both still continue to hide the fact that they both love each other.
Nine years have past since they haven't spoken or seen each other. August who's now a musician touring mainly in Europe. Gwen has a few best friends Ainsley and Rachel who are brilliant and a job she loves. Until August and her late Mothers missing luggage turn up at her door on the same day, coincidence?
Gwen has never known who her Father is. Being raised by a cold, distant Mother who belittled her throughout her life. Gwen has 36 hours until Midnight of her birthday to complete her birthday wish in finding her Father.
So her and August are on a mission to do so. Can they mend fences and find her Father?

I really didn't know how Kelly was going to make this work. A friends-to-lovers/enemies-to-lovers story with what seemed like an unforgivable secret. Oh, and also a 36-hour time limit.

But she did.

I can't write any more without spoiling. Suffice it to say, if you like non-asshole rockstars, scavenger hunt plots, and found family (and kickass female friendships), you will love this.

I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the premise of the book, including the twists and turns, the well-created characters, and the history of the main characters. Honestly, I felt that it would have been an even better book without some of the sex...it was almost as if the author felt like she had to include those scenes, and so they felt really forced. The story itself, however, was very interesting.