Blogger’s note: I’m going through my backlog of books to review, and Kissed and Missed is one of them. Which is to say, I read this literal months ago and am going off notes I made then. Because of that, it’ll be brief. I’ve backdated the review to reflect when I read it.

Rating: 👍🏻

If you’re looking for a low-angst, high-heat, Valentine’s Day-themed, ex’s parent, age-gap romance novella, might I recommend Kissed and Missed by Cleo White?

A brief synopsis…

Aptly-named Honor has never really done anything wrong in her life. That is until she ends up spending Christmas with her cheating ex-girlfriend’s tech-billionaire and certified Hot Dad™️, Julian, and promptly catches feelings. Flash forward to the Valentine’s Day and he’s flown across the country to see her because the feelings, as it turns out, are way more than mutual (which is to say he’s so gone for her it’s adorable).

… and a brief review

Though I did really enjoy this novella, I will admit it lacks some of the magic of the first one in the series, Chilled and Thrilled. I think because it has a dual timeline between present day and Christmas. That said, I still had a great time.

Though I’m no stranger to age gap romances, I’ll admit they can give me the ick. Usually that happens when the gap is very wide and the younger character is quite young. Which, I’ll admit, is the case here. Honor is 24 and Julian is old enough to be her father (like literally, since her age-appropriate ex is his daughter). And irl, that’s giving big ick for me. So, truly hat’s off to Cleo White, for her writing wizardry that results in me not just being ok with Honor and Julian’s relationship, but even had me rooting for it. But do skip this one if age gaps make you squeamish.

Moving on!

Two things especially made this one work for me: our bi FMC and that Julian is actively trying to be less rich. Usually with ex’s dad we get ex-boyfriend’s dad. I hate how refreshing it feels to get queer characters (because it absolutely should be the norm!!), but here we are. And also Julian being at a stage where he’s actively trying to part with his cash helped me like him. Like I certainly liked how gone he was for Honor, but knowing he saw the ethical problems with being so wealthy helped me actually root for him. Because I’m having a very hard time rooting for rich men in books these days.

Overall: fun, low-angst, hot as hell, and an easy read, if that’s what you’re looking for.

(Kissed and Missed is the second in White’s Daddy Issues series, and though it’s a standalone I do recommend reading them in order.)