The Fine Art Of Kissing [Paperback]

Catherine Chernow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2008

Julie Wilson is America's favorite relationship guru. She writes a book about kissing, creating a media sensation. Brad O'Malley, popular talk-show host, wants to interview Julie. She refuses, knowing Brad O'Malley places his guests in the 'hot seat.' In retaliation, he steals a kiss from Julie at her book signing. The kiss ignites Julie's senses--and her popularity. She agrees to appear on 'O'Malley's Corner' and boldly announces that she's kissed a hundred men to research her book. Brad's ratings soar, but Julie will soon regret her 'hundred men' lie when he offers her a regular spot on his show...and a hefty salary. Julie accepts, knowing the generous offer will help the local women's shelter she volunteers at, but will she be able endure the arrogant Brad O'Malley...and her growing attraction to him? Sealing the bargain with another mind-blowing kiss, sparks fly as Julie and Brad go head-to-head, and delve into... the fine art of kissing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC (November 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934992550
• ISBN-13: 978-1934992555
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,220,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars a battle of the sexes and a clash of wills, August 28, 2009

By 

B. D. Whitney "BookWenches" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Fine Art Of Kissing (Paperback)

Ever since her book The Fine Art of Kissing became a best-seller, author Julie Wilson has been known as "The Love Doctor" and has been considered something of a relationship guru. She's a little taken aback by so many people asking her advice regarding love, but hey, it sells books, right? Talk show host Brad O'Malley has a reputation for no-nonsense journalism and a sarcastic tongue. His ratings have been taking a nose-dive lately, and he thinks that having The Love Doctor as a guest and systematically debunking everything she has to say would be just the thing to boost his show's popularity. But Julie has no intention of being grilled like the catch of the day, thank you very much. When Brad corners Julie at a book signing and kisses the stuffing out of her as a challenge, Julie finds herself agreeing to participate in a series of interviews on his show in spite of her earlier refusal.

The on-air faceoff between author and cynic is an immediate success. Somewhat threatened by her popularity with his audience, Brad needles Julie constantly, questioning everything from her research to her integrity and even accusing her of grandstanding. When the program producers suggest a "Kissing Challenge," Julie jumps at the chance to place Brad at a disadvantage, even though it means proving her kissing technique to millions of viewers.

Brad believes that this Kissing Challenge that the producers have dreamed up is a completely hair-brained idea that will cheapen his program. And having Julie kiss Latin heart-throb actor Roberto Conciador and then compare his kiss to Brad's on live television? Insanity. There is no way that he's going to let this happen. Julie's kisses belong to him, and he's not willing to share.

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When you pick up a copy of Catherine Chernow's novel "The Fine Art of Kissing", prepare yourself for a treat. This novel documents a battle of the sexes and a clash of wills in an extremely entertaining fashion. It is a well-written, sexy, and sometimes humorous romance that features a hero and a heroine who are complete opposites of each other and who strive to one-up each other at every opportunity.

Ms. Chernow has created a couple of of irresistible characters in Brad and Julie. They act like real people, not cookie-cutter romantic heroes. Brad feels like a real man with real issues - he has the ego that one would expect from a television personality, but he also has a lot of baggage from a failed marriage that influences him and that leaves him feeling vulnerable. And Julie is a little impetuous and self-conscious, but she's no pushover and is more than willing to stand up for herself. While they can be exceedingly nasty to each other and cut each other to the bone, they also struggle against the more tender feelings they are beginning to feel. The romantic tension between these two positively crackles with energy, and the lead-up to each kiss will leave readers breathless.

The comic relief in this story resides in the character Roberto. He is just plain fun to hate. Not truly a "villain," he is a poseur and a boor, and we can't help but laugh at him with his outrageous accent and his borderline unhealthy devotion to his Momma.

As I read "The Fine Art of Kissing", I found myself enjoying the spectacle of Julie and Brad's frequent clashes, but I also rooted for them to realize just how perfect they are for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end and give this story an enthusiastic "thumbs-up." This is a light and fast-paced read that left me with a smile on my face as well as a desire to check out more of Ms. Chernow's work.