This was a sweet, second chance romance story set in Brighton (not that far from where I live), and so I greatly enjoyed recognising places mentioned and visited. The lead characters, Ashleigh and Olivier, were both likeable, as were the supporting cast. I especially liked Romesh and his matchmaking. There is a lovely sprinkling of Christmas throughout as Ash and Olivier both learn to be the people they want to be. While the middle slowed a little in terms of the will they won't they, I really liked the ending; it provided the kind of warmth you expect from a cosy Christmas film.

One Kiss Before Kiss was a heart-warming read. It is a ‘will they or won’t they’ tale of Ashleigh and Oliver.

Both of them have known each other since childhood, but life and circumstances have always kept them apart and each other unsure of their feelings for the other person. So, when Oliver return home, to his mums, in England for the holidays, sees Ashleigh, whose scared to love, living next door. Their friendship is re-established, but will they tell each other of their love and move from friendship to being in a loving relationship??

I love Ash and Oliver. They are just perfect for each other. I loved Romesh: Ash’s best friend who tries to play matchmaker between her and Olivier throughout the book. Nan is also such a cool character. She made me laugh.

An advance reading copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, in return for my honest review.

What can I say this book has many layers. First and foremost romance, nice, warm, cuddly romance. The type that makes you feel fuzzy and loved. I loved the relationship between the two main characters and the way it played out.

Underneath all the romance though there are complex emotions and life lessons. I on a personal level can relate to Ashleigh and her relationship with her family, the way the writer explores the behaviour of her as a result of what happened to her with her parents, and how this has shaped her as an adult is done in a beautiful way. The struggles that she has faced on finding direction in life and purpose.

My naughty side would have loved to have seen some Sexe torrid at the end, but a girl can imagine.

I would recommend this book, lovely cozy read on a grey weekend. This book is available from the 2nd November 2020.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is a will they or won’t they‘ festive read of Ashleigh and Oliver.

Both of them have known each other since childhood, but life and circumstances have always kept them apart and each other unsure of their feelings for the other person.

So, when Oliver return home, to his mums, in England for the holidays, sees Ashleigh, whose scared to love, living next door.

Their friendship is reestablished, but will they tell each other of their love and move from friendship to being in a loving relationship??

This book, may be predictable in certain places but it still stirs up all festive feelings.

Oh my word? Emma Jackson has done it again! I have absolutely adored this gorgeous gem of a book.
The book is a great big ray of sunshine wrapped in a gorgeous wintery cover. I cannot say anything negative about this gem. I love the characters, I have literally been wanting the best for them from the start.
This is Emma's best book yet, without a doubt my absolute favourite. I love this book. I will be re reading this one often.
I feel as though I have been watching the events play out in front of me and must admit, this is a book I've devoured in just one sitting.
This is absolutely perfect and highly deserving of all the stars because five stars does not do this one justice.

Ashleigh is reduced to playing one of Santa's elves since she can't get a job she likes. Then Olivier comes back to Brighton. She had a crush on him when she was younger.

*I was given an advanced reading copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

One Kiss Before Kiss was a heartwarming read which was a classic ‘will they won’t they’ romance novel. I do not read romance novels often as I’m really not a fan of cheesy, cliche characters and plot lines. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

Firstly it is set in Brighton, where I have been living for the past three years, this made One Kiss Before Christmas that little bit more special for me. It was so nice reading about some of my favourite places in the city and being able to actually see them in my mind and having the ability to relate them to my own memories. Whenever somewhere like the pier or The Lanes was mentioned I had a huge smile on my face. More books set in Brighton, please!

Secondly, you can’t help but fall in love with Ash and Olivier and find their constant ‘will they won’t they’ bit charming. I genuinely thought that after a while I would get sick of this but I found that from the very beginning I was rooting for them. After fifteen years of both of them pining for the other, you can’t help but feel like a hopeless romantic yourself who wants to step into the book to tell them how they both feel and to get on with it already!

You also get to meet a lot of charming side characters, Romesh: Ash’s best friend who tries to play matchmaker between her and Olivier, Beth; Primary school friend of Ash who is getting married right before Christmas, and you, of course, cannot forget nan. A blunt retired nurse who has taken care of Ash since she was a child.

This was an extremely quick read for me, it has been less than 24 hours since I started the book. I found that I was so invested in Ash and Olivier and finding out whether they would get together that I did not want to put it down.

Although Christmas in the title of this book it isn’t a constant in your face theme. Yes, Christmas is mentioned quite often however it is not the main point of the book. I wouldn’t say I am feeling very Christmassy after finishing it, however, it is a very cosy read which is perfect for this time of year.

I would very much like to see a sequel to One Kiss Before Christmas!

One Kiss Before Christmas is a warming festive ‘will they or won’t they‘ tale of Ashleigh and Oliver.

Ashleigh and Oliver have known each other since childhood but circumstances have always kept them apart and unsure of their feelings for each other.

This story sees Oliver return home, to his mums, in England for the holidays. Ashleigh, cynical and scared to love, lives next door. They reestablish their friendship but will their love ever get going?

It’s a warm story that stirs up all festive feelings. While it may be predictable in some parts, it can be forgiven and you root for them both throughout the book.

An advance reading copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley, in return for my honest review.

Written in a dual narrative, One Kiss Before Christmas by Emma Jackson is such a sweet little love story, set in the heart of Brighton at the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas.

Recently divorced, Oliver has travelled from Paris to England to spend Christmas with his mother and decide whether to accept a promotion at his father's restaurant. On arriving back in Brighton he bumps into Ashleigh, the girl next door whom he has wanted to be with since they were teenagers.

Ashleigh is at a turning point in her life, her acting is going nowhere, her only role is playing an elf each year on a farm.
Being dumped on her Nan's doorstep at age 11 has left Ashleigh feeling unwanted, even making friends at work seems pointless, they all leave and move on. She has decided to break the news to her celebrity actress mother, she is giving up acting for good, that is when her mother eventually turns up or calls. And she has no idea what she will do next.
Arriving home from work, dressed as an elf, Ashleigh comes face to face with a blast from the past, Olivier who hasn't seen in years, not since they had that moment and Ashleigh didn't call.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story, I particularly loved Ashleigh's Nan, not afraid to speak her mind and be frank with everyone, she reminds me of my own Nana who also had a pair of binoculars.

I have given One Kiss before Christmas 4+ Stars and would definitely recommend it.

This one was such a sweet christmas read.
I love Ash and Oliver. They are just perfect for each other.
Nan is such a cool character. She made me laugh.
I love that this book does not drag for years, the story is a about a time period of a few weeks, but that is what you need for a good story.
All in all this was 3.5 stars.