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The Cinderella Project #1
Kiss Me Quick
Previous edition for this ASIN found here
Plucky Juliana Jones loves to run. Since escaping her home town she’s spent her life perfecting the art. One day (after finding herself out of work, sleeping on a friend’s futon, and emphatically single) she makes her greatest escape from reality so far; a holiday cruise in the middle of the Pacific.
Kane Phillips - the gorgeous former star athlete turned ship’s Fitness Director � sees JJ coming from a mile away. He knows a thing or two about running, so decides to help her. Truth is he can’t help himself.
Add a ship full of septuagenarian cupids with too much time on their hands who believe that what JJ needs more than an escape is romance and JJ finds herself outnumbered. Only as her feelings for Kane become all too real, for the first time in her life she has nowhere to hide, no place to run.
And even if JJ could run is Kane just the man to keep up with her?
Plucky Juliana Jones loves to run. Since escaping her home town she’s spent her life perfecting the art. One day (after finding herself out of work, sleeping on a friend’s futon, and emphatically single) she makes her greatest escape from reality so far; a holiday cruise in the middle of the Pacific.
Kane Phillips - the gorgeous former star athlete turned ship’s Fitness Director � sees JJ coming from a mile away. He knows a thing or two about running, so decides to help her. Truth is he can’t help himself.
Add a ship full of septuagenarian cupids with too much time on their hands who believe that what JJ needs more than an escape is romance and JJ finds herself outnumbered. Only as her feelings for Kane become all too real, for the first time in her life she has nowhere to hide, no place to run.
And even if JJ could run is Kane just the man to keep up with her?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
474 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Ally Blake
334books221followersAustralian romance author Ally Blake loves reading and strong coffee, porch swings and dappled sunshine, sparkly notebooks and soft, dark pencils.
She also adores writing love stories. Having sold over four million copies of her Harlequin Mills and Boon novels worldwide, she is living her dream.
Alongside one husband, three gloriously rambunctious kids, and too many animal companions to count, Ally lives and writes in the leafy western suburbs of Brisbane.
Find out more about Ally’s books at .
She also adores writing love stories. Having sold over four million copies of her Harlequin Mills and Boon novels worldwide, she is living her dream.
Alongside one husband, three gloriously rambunctious kids, and too many animal companions to count, Ally lives and writes in the leafy western suburbs of Brisbane.
Find out more about Ally’s books at .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 17, 2021
This may be my first straight romance read - and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sweet, occasionally raunchy, and with plenty of laugh out loud moments.
June 30, 2014
Juliana "JJ" Jones has gotten very good at running. She has run away from every uncomfortable situation she has ever found herself in; from marriage to a man she thought she knew, but didn't, to a job for a boss with grabby hands. Now, however, she has landed right smack dab in the middle of a situation she can't run from: A Second Honeymoon Cruise for seniors.
Kane Phillips loves his job as Fitness Director on the Royal Pacific. He specifically loves working the Second Honeymoon Cruise because there is something revitalizing about watching these seniors really live their lives, with no worries of him breaking the forbidden staff/guest romance rule. It also helps him keep his mind off the hell that caused him to go wild and blow a successful football career out of the water. Convinced that his wild days were behind him, he is thrown for a loop when he meets JJ, a Wild Girl who just might be worth the chance of risking everything.
This was a super fun read. The characters were incredibly real, with problems that nearly everyone can relate to. JJ is the friend everyone either had, or was, in high school. You know, the one who would charge in to every situation with a twinkle in their eye and a smile that said "watch me". Everyone laughed at them at the time, but also knew that it was probably a front for something.
Kane is the typical "man's man" that every woman wants to have, and every man wants to know. Under it all, though, he is endearingly humble and wise to his own weaknesses. He isn't dismissive of his fame and doesn't bleed false modesty, he is just very aware that he made some big mistakes and wishes to move on from them.
The supporting characters are a riot. I love seniors to begin with. The best hours of my life have been spent listening to funny stories of things that happened "when I was your age". These characters are so on the money that I could actually envision having a conversation with each one of them.
Overall, the book is a blast. A quick read and so worth it. At the end I felt that the story was finished, with nothing more to be said. It didn't drag on, or speed through, keeping a great pace all the way through. A great beach read for the summer. One of my rare Perfect 5's.
Kane Phillips loves his job as Fitness Director on the Royal Pacific. He specifically loves working the Second Honeymoon Cruise because there is something revitalizing about watching these seniors really live their lives, with no worries of him breaking the forbidden staff/guest romance rule. It also helps him keep his mind off the hell that caused him to go wild and blow a successful football career out of the water. Convinced that his wild days were behind him, he is thrown for a loop when he meets JJ, a Wild Girl who just might be worth the chance of risking everything.
This was a super fun read. The characters were incredibly real, with problems that nearly everyone can relate to. JJ is the friend everyone either had, or was, in high school. You know, the one who would charge in to every situation with a twinkle in their eye and a smile that said "watch me". Everyone laughed at them at the time, but also knew that it was probably a front for something.
Kane is the typical "man's man" that every woman wants to have, and every man wants to know. Under it all, though, he is endearingly humble and wise to his own weaknesses. He isn't dismissive of his fame and doesn't bleed false modesty, he is just very aware that he made some big mistakes and wishes to move on from them.
The supporting characters are a riot. I love seniors to begin with. The best hours of my life have been spent listening to funny stories of things that happened "when I was your age". These characters are so on the money that I could actually envision having a conversation with each one of them.
Overall, the book is a blast. A quick read and so worth it. At the end I felt that the story was finished, with nothing more to be said. It didn't drag on, or speed through, keeping a great pace all the way through. A great beach read for the summer. One of my rare Perfect 5's.
June 24, 2014
Juliana "JJ" Jones's life sucks. No job, no prospects, no love life. Her solution--her roommate, the travel agent, booked her on a Pacific cruise while drinking her problems away. The only problem, it's a second honeymoon cruise for the over 65 club. Oops. JJ never even had a first honeymoon during her almost-too-brief to be called a marriage.
As JJ searches for her room, she runs into a tall hunk of a man named Kane. He's young, hot, and off-limits as the fitness director of the cruise ship. But she definitely has the lust for him.
As she finds friends in some of the older couples, they help her along the way to figure out her life and help her in the romance department. JJ and Kane keep stumbling into each other until they break the rules and kiss, and more. A day offshore proves there's something there...something more than a fling. Each must get over trust issues and open their hearts to each other.
As the cruise ends, they almost "miss the boat" on happiness. But, true love finds a future for them in their hearts and in each other.
**I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved the story so much, I bought a copy**
As JJ searches for her room, she runs into a tall hunk of a man named Kane. He's young, hot, and off-limits as the fitness director of the cruise ship. But she definitely has the lust for him.
As she finds friends in some of the older couples, they help her along the way to figure out her life and help her in the romance department. JJ and Kane keep stumbling into each other until they break the rules and kiss, and more. A day offshore proves there's something there...something more than a fling. Each must get over trust issues and open their hearts to each other.
As the cruise ends, they almost "miss the boat" on happiness. But, true love finds a future for them in their hearts and in each other.
**I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved the story so much, I bought a copy**
July 24, 2023
2.5 Stars. This had a fun concept, a young woman is accidentally booked onto a cruise full of elderly couples and falls for a crew member on board the ship, beyond the concept though, this felt somewhat underdeveloped.
I tend to like stories where an older character shares their wisdom (in a non-preachy way) with a younger one. While the senior citizens actively wanted a happily ever after for J.J., they were mostly used for humor (much of that humor about their continued interest in sex), which I didn’t mind, but I was a little disappointed that there weren’t a few more moments of substance for the elderly characters.
Setting isn’t always a big deal to me, but when the setting involves something relatively unusual like a cruise ship, I do want the experience to feel a bit more vicarious, a bit more descriptive than I found this to be.
As for the romance, while there was chemistry, there wasn’t enough of anything else. What little tension there was between them wasn’t strung out for very long (or at least not very long by the standards of a reader who prefers a slow burn), in addition to that the conflict keeping them apart wasn’t all that apparent, and although each had baggage (Kane suffered a great loss, JJ had an extremely brief marriage) those didn’t really fuel goals or growth arcs or a concrete plot of any sort.
There are plenty of books by this author I’d recommend like Faking It To Making It, this one though just fell a little bit shy of what I was looking for at the moment, but if you’ve read a bunch of romances lately that felt too plot forward or too angsty, this one, without much drama, may feel like a good palette cleanser.
I tend to like stories where an older character shares their wisdom (in a non-preachy way) with a younger one. While the senior citizens actively wanted a happily ever after for J.J., they were mostly used for humor (much of that humor about their continued interest in sex), which I didn’t mind, but I was a little disappointed that there weren’t a few more moments of substance for the elderly characters.
Setting isn’t always a big deal to me, but when the setting involves something relatively unusual like a cruise ship, I do want the experience to feel a bit more vicarious, a bit more descriptive than I found this to be.
As for the romance, while there was chemistry, there wasn’t enough of anything else. What little tension there was between them wasn’t strung out for very long (or at least not very long by the standards of a reader who prefers a slow burn), in addition to that the conflict keeping them apart wasn’t all that apparent, and although each had baggage (Kane suffered a great loss, JJ had an extremely brief marriage) those didn’t really fuel goals or growth arcs or a concrete plot of any sort.
There are plenty of books by this author I’d recommend like Faking It To Making It, this one though just fell a little bit shy of what I was looking for at the moment, but if you’ve read a bunch of romances lately that felt too plot forward or too angsty, this one, without much drama, may feel like a good palette cleanser.
April 25, 2021
This is hilarious! 'JJ' or Juliana Jones is a girl who if it weren't for bad luck would have no luck at all. Nothing goes right in her life. She can't find a full-time job, only temps, but something always goes wrong. This last time it was the boss' hand on her butt. She sleeps on her friend's couch. Speaking of friends, her friend booked her on this cruise, after a few drinks and without reading the small print. So JJ ended up cruising around for a week with married couples on their second honeymoons who had been married for over 40 years. Sound like fun? It was, but only because she made friends with all the couples and did something special to catch the imagination and attention of everyone on the ship. And it wasn't taking exercise classes, but that was close. Go island hopping down under with JJ and Kane. Recommended.
May 12, 2018
Funny and easy to read
Very entertaining read. The premise itself made me laugh and the story exceeded my expectations. I found myself rooting for Juliana and Kane the whole way through, which is slightly unusual for me because I'm usually the type to consider an ending in which the main characters don't fall in love (big fan of 50 Shades being only the first book).
The elderly couples were a fun and great addition to the story.
I'd recommend this book to those interested in romance and humor. Also anyone that's looking for a change of scenery and hoping a break from their life might yield happiness, or at least a better idea of yourself and your coping mechanisms.
Very entertaining read. The premise itself made me laugh and the story exceeded my expectations. I found myself rooting for Juliana and Kane the whole way through, which is slightly unusual for me because I'm usually the type to consider an ending in which the main characters don't fall in love (big fan of 50 Shades being only the first book).
The elderly couples were a fun and great addition to the story.
I'd recommend this book to those interested in romance and humor. Also anyone that's looking for a change of scenery and hoping a break from their life might yield happiness, or at least a better idea of yourself and your coping mechanisms.
July 30, 2019
Kiss Me Quick (The Cinderella Project Book 1)
The love story of Juliana and Kane. Juliana better knew as "JJ*, has had many temp jobs. At her last job her temp boss got real fresh and she quit. Her roommate book a cruise for her. The cruise turn out to be a second honeymoon cruise for over 60. She is the only person under 30 and not a crew members. On the cruise she met Kane, a young ex-football player. Will love blossom? Great story.
The love story of Juliana and Kane. Juliana better knew as "JJ*, has had many temp jobs. At her last job her temp boss got real fresh and she quit. Her roommate book a cruise for her. The cruise turn out to be a second honeymoon cruise for over 60. She is the only person under 30 and not a crew members. On the cruise she met Kane, a young ex-football player. Will love blossom? Great story.
April 8, 2018
Avid Reader
I did not care for this book at all. I stopped reading after the second chapter. It appears that the author wanted everyone to think she was exceptionally smart and literate. She used unusual adjectives regularly and must have thought she was impressive. I thought it was funny. I could not connect with this story at all.
I did not care for this book at all. I stopped reading after the second chapter. It appears that the author wanted everyone to think she was exceptionally smart and literate. She used unusual adjectives regularly and must have thought she was impressive. I thought it was funny. I could not connect with this story at all.
April 15, 2018
Funny
This is a wonderful story about a young woman looking for better than mundane and !over to Sydney. After many temp jobs her roommate sends her in a cruise. Little did they realise it was a 2nd honeymoon cruise for seniors. Zane is the activities director, but romance was not what he was looking for until he met JJ.
This is a wonderful story about a young woman looking for better than mundane and !over to Sydney. After many temp jobs her roommate sends her in a cruise. Little did they realise it was a 2nd honeymoon cruise for seniors. Zane is the activities director, but romance was not what he was looking for until he met JJ.
August 7, 2020
Sweet
Juliana is going on a cruise to get away from her real life, only her friend books her on a cruise for elderly married couples. All is not lost when she meets the Physical Director, gorgeous, muscular Kane Phillips. A cruise that could have turned into a nightmare, turns out sweet.
Juliana is going on a cruise to get away from her real life, only her friend books her on a cruise for elderly married couples. All is not lost when she meets the Physical Director, gorgeous, muscular Kane Phillips. A cruise that could have turned into a nightmare, turns out sweet.
April 10, 2018
The story was good but there were quite a few grammatical issues. At first I thought I was just having a hard time translating Australian to American lingo, but realized a lot was just misspelled words. Overall, it wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t great.
April 15, 2018
Cute premise but it was a bit too silly for me. Talk about insta love. At first because of the way Kane was described by JJ I was picturing a puffed up guy with comically large muscles. It took me a while to view him as a normal person to be taken seriously.
April 23, 2018
Cute story
The idea of a vacation romance is definitely intriguing. JJ and Kane seem meant for each other from the start. Good story, cute conversation. A bit of the Aussie slang was hard for this Yank.
The idea of a vacation romance is definitely intriguing. JJ and Kane seem meant for each other from the start. Good story, cute conversation. A bit of the Aussie slang was hard for this Yank.
June 11, 2023
Cute story but needs more editing!
Loved the main characters, side characters were hilarious, 3/5 heat rating and an enjoyable read.
BUT desperately needs to be properly edited, so many mistakes that it was distracting and annoying by the end
Loved the main characters, side characters were hilarious, 3/5 heat rating and an enjoyable read.
BUT desperately needs to be properly edited, so many mistakes that it was distracting and annoying by the end
April 27, 2018
This had as much substance as a Kanye West tweet. Pretty bad read, was not a fan.
April 28, 2018
It was cute.
June 25, 2018
Interesting and not the run of the mill plot
July 8, 2018
It is a great book to read
July 21, 2018
A quick, light and fun read.
July 28, 2018
2.75stars rounded up. Errors, cheesy, need to know Australian terminology.
January 29, 2019
A fun, quick read.
June 16, 2019
Easy read
July 7, 2019
Sweet
Sweet story, love the main characters along with the concept of the storyline. So want to try a cruise one of these days
Sweet story, love the main characters along with the concept of the storyline. So want to try a cruise one of these days
Read
September 4, 2019The pacing was slow and I couldn't connect with the heroine. The writing style didn't engage me either. This was a DNF for me.
Want to read
July 29, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/29/2020)! 🎁
August 22, 2020
Hmmmm
The first book from this author and it left me disappointed. Too much description and not enough telling. Really struggled with this one
The first book from this author and it left me disappointed. Too much description and not enough telling. Really struggled with this one
Want to read
May 26, 2021My name is yamato todagishi and I want to read kiss me quick
March 30, 2024
WTF is this ?
Skipping pages is the best thing about this book
Right to end because it’s to long and boring
And I only read 60 pages
It is just bad and best not to read
Skipping pages is the best thing about this book
Right to end because it’s to long and boring
And I only read 60 pages
It is just bad and best not to read
March 30, 2025
Not only do I dislike the idea of sailing on a cruise ship, I dislike reading about people sailing on a cruise ship. Instalove: another thing I dislike.
June 29, 2014
In Second Chance Honeymoon by Ally Blake, Juliana Jones (JJ) is at a down point in her life and is looking forward to the cruise she's about to embark on. She has no luck with jobs or relationships and she's never really settled with anything. The cruise is just what she needs to pick herself back up! The cruise turns out to be more of a surprise than she'd anticipated when she realizes she's on a Second Honeymoon cruise, and the other passengers are all much older...not a single hot young guy among them.
Kane is the fitness director on JJ's cruise, and he's running from shadows in his own past. From the moment JJ runs into him there is an instant attraction on both sides and he might not be as off limits as she thought. JJ is just looking for a fun fling and the thought of anything else could send her running...and a fun on board fling that soon becomes hot and heavy threatens to do just that. As far as JJ's concerned she has no chance at any kind of forever, she's no good at that. But Kane might be the one to change all that if she'll let him get close enough to have a chance. But will she?
Second Chance Honeymoon is a fast paced, light hearted, great romantic escape read. Ally gives us a lot of humor interspersed with more serious elements in Second Chance Honeymoon, and some great meddling secondary characters who are hilarious all by themselves. I really liked the interactions between all of the characters. Second Chance Honeymoon is a novella that is the perfect length for the story being told, that focuses on the present of JJ and Kane.
I'd recommend to romance readers looking for a fun read!
Kane is the fitness director on JJ's cruise, and he's running from shadows in his own past. From the moment JJ runs into him there is an instant attraction on both sides and he might not be as off limits as she thought. JJ is just looking for a fun fling and the thought of anything else could send her running...and a fun on board fling that soon becomes hot and heavy threatens to do just that. As far as JJ's concerned she has no chance at any kind of forever, she's no good at that. But Kane might be the one to change all that if she'll let him get close enough to have a chance. But will she?
Second Chance Honeymoon is a fast paced, light hearted, great romantic escape read. Ally gives us a lot of humor interspersed with more serious elements in Second Chance Honeymoon, and some great meddling secondary characters who are hilarious all by themselves. I really liked the interactions between all of the characters. Second Chance Honeymoon is a novella that is the perfect length for the story being told, that focuses on the present of JJ and Kane.
I'd recommend to romance readers looking for a fun read!
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