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Boy Meets Boy #1
Never Been Kissed
Dear (never-been-quite-over-you) Crush,
It's been a few years since we were together, but I can't stop thinking about the time we almost...
Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out. Morning brings the inevitable Oh God What Did I Do?, but he brushes that panic aside. Why stress about it? None of his could-have-beens are actually going to read the emails, much less respond. Right?
Enter Derick Haverford, Wren's #1 pre-coming-out-crush and his drive-in theater's new social media intern. Everyone claims he's coasting on cinematic good looks and his father's connections, but Wren has always known there's much more to Derick than meets the eye. Too bad he doesn't feel the same way about the infamous almost-kiss that once rocked Wren's world.
Whatever. Wren's no longer a closeted teenager; he can survive this. But as their hazy summer becomes consumed with a special project that may just save the struggling drive-in for good, Wren and Derick are drawn ever-closer...and maybe, finally, Wren's dream of a perfect-kiss-before-the-credits is within reach.
A feel-good summer LGBTQIA+ New Adult RomCom, perfect for fans of Red White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and What If It's Us.
It's been a few years since we were together, but I can't stop thinking about the time we almost...
Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out. Morning brings the inevitable Oh God What Did I Do?, but he brushes that panic aside. Why stress about it? None of his could-have-beens are actually going to read the emails, much less respond. Right?
Enter Derick Haverford, Wren's #1 pre-coming-out-crush and his drive-in theater's new social media intern. Everyone claims he's coasting on cinematic good looks and his father's connections, but Wren has always known there's much more to Derick than meets the eye. Too bad he doesn't feel the same way about the infamous almost-kiss that once rocked Wren's world.
Whatever. Wren's no longer a closeted teenager; he can survive this. But as their hazy summer becomes consumed with a special project that may just save the struggling drive-in for good, Wren and Derick are drawn ever-closer...and maybe, finally, Wren's dream of a perfect-kiss-before-the-credits is within reach.
A feel-good summer LGBTQIA+ New Adult RomCom, perfect for fans of Red White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and What If It's Us.
279 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,410 reviews
February 8, 2023
I remember reading To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, and thinking, this would be so much better if it were gay. Never Been Kissed proves that I was correct, and I absolutely loved it! I really needed a fun, light-hearted romcom, and this book was exactly that. If you’re looking for queer joy to pull you out of that post Heartstopper haze, this is the book for you!
Never Been Kissed takes the concept of sending off the embarrassing letters you wrote for past crushes and finds a new and unique voice. I enjoyed the fresh, new adult take on second chance love. My favourite thing about this book is how it discusses queer identity, and more specifically, how exploring your queerness does not have a timeline. Queer people often develop later than heterosexuals. Our first kisses are sometimes later than usual, a lot of us don’t get to have that senseless young love. Figuring out your identity can sometimes feel like a full-time job. I wasn’t expecting such a detailed exploration of demisexuality, but really appreciated what I found to be a nuanced representation of an overlooked identity. I loved how throughout the book Wren was slowly processing his current identity to make sense of his past. I really related to having that moment when you realise seemingly insignificant moments in your childhood may allude to an entire aspect of your identity you haven’t addressed. It can be so easy to label yourself too quickly, when you’re young and have not really had the time to explore your identity. When you realise your perspective of your own identity is evolving, it can also be scary to think about the new conversations you may need to have with those around you. Never Been Kissed represented that feeling brilliantly.
It can feel incredibly lonely when those around you are moving at an entirely different pace. I loved that the primary message of this book was – it’s okay to take your time! There is no rush to label yourself, and you certainly do not owe anyone clarity on something that can be so personal. When we label ourselves, we place markers on what we are allowed to feel. I’ve thought a lot about my own identity lately, and while I still haven’t figured it all out, Never Been Kissed is a reminder to myself that I’ll get there eventually. Being a man that likes other men is not as simple as I thought it was. Sexuality is so complex, and I don’t have to just be one thing.
Beyond the very important discussion of identity, this is such a well-executed romcom. Wren was the perfect disaster main character, completely oblivious to Derick’s advances. Their romance blossomed so slow and perfect, and of course, there were the classic romcom setbacks that make you want to scream in the best way. I also adored how this book had plot that was separate to the romance. As a huge film fan, I really engaged with the discussion of misogyny in the film industry and the treatment of female directors. I loved Alice as a character, and really enjoyed how this book represented multigenerational queerness. I want more books like this. I really do. Give them all to me.
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author for sending me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
Never Been Kissed takes the concept of sending off the embarrassing letters you wrote for past crushes and finds a new and unique voice. I enjoyed the fresh, new adult take on second chance love. My favourite thing about this book is how it discusses queer identity, and more specifically, how exploring your queerness does not have a timeline. Queer people often develop later than heterosexuals. Our first kisses are sometimes later than usual, a lot of us don’t get to have that senseless young love. Figuring out your identity can sometimes feel like a full-time job. I wasn’t expecting such a detailed exploration of demisexuality, but really appreciated what I found to be a nuanced representation of an overlooked identity. I loved how throughout the book Wren was slowly processing his current identity to make sense of his past. I really related to having that moment when you realise seemingly insignificant moments in your childhood may allude to an entire aspect of your identity you haven’t addressed. It can be so easy to label yourself too quickly, when you’re young and have not really had the time to explore your identity. When you realise your perspective of your own identity is evolving, it can also be scary to think about the new conversations you may need to have with those around you. Never Been Kissed represented that feeling brilliantly.
It can feel incredibly lonely when those around you are moving at an entirely different pace. I loved that the primary message of this book was – it’s okay to take your time! There is no rush to label yourself, and you certainly do not owe anyone clarity on something that can be so personal. When we label ourselves, we place markers on what we are allowed to feel. I’ve thought a lot about my own identity lately, and while I still haven’t figured it all out, Never Been Kissed is a reminder to myself that I’ll get there eventually. Being a man that likes other men is not as simple as I thought it was. Sexuality is so complex, and I don’t have to just be one thing.
Beyond the very important discussion of identity, this is such a well-executed romcom. Wren was the perfect disaster main character, completely oblivious to Derick’s advances. Their romance blossomed so slow and perfect, and of course, there were the classic romcom setbacks that make you want to scream in the best way. I also adored how this book had plot that was separate to the romance. As a huge film fan, I really engaged with the discussion of misogyny in the film industry and the treatment of female directors. I loved Alice as a character, and really enjoyed how this book represented multigenerational queerness. I want more books like this. I really do. Give them all to me.
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and the author for sending me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
November 29, 2022
Oops i’m so sorry, I feel like such a grinch, but I really didn't click with this book at all. While I really enjoyed the demisexual representation, which I believe to be the best part of this book, the lack of relationship building, side character depth, and non-immersive plot unfortunately led me to a low rating. I will reiterate this again at the end, but I don't want this review to necessarily discourage people from at least trying the book, as I've seen so many positive reviews for it already--these are just my opinions.
First, the good thing: I loved the demisexual representation. I see ace/aro-spec representation so rarely in the romance genre that seeing a book that handles it with nuance and consistency was so refreshing! I loved watching the main character go through his journey of discovery, and was happy that it took up a good portion of space in the book.
I also sorta enjoyed the plot: it had a clear purpose, was consistent throughout, and had good pacing. However it just wasn't super compelling to me, and by the last 15% of the book I was just skimming so that I could get to the end and write this review.
Unfortunately, most other things about that book I don't have as much good to say about. For starters, I thought the side characters had a ton of potential set up at the beginning, but ultimately fell very flat. The main character has 2 best friends which have such fun quirky lines and personalities set up within the first couple chapters, however they soon become stagnant fixtures. Even when they have significant space in a scene, those personality quirks stopped coming through, and they had little development in any way that I felt was compelling to the plot which I was saddened by.
I also thought while the relationship was cute and had its moments, the background establishment wasn't the best. This is a second chance romance, kinda in the style of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but the book never established the relationship dynamics the leads had in the past. I enjoyed watching the get to know each other again as they renovated an old house, but that lack of foundation left their entire relationship feeling a bit shaky to me. I also didn't feel a consistent passion arising between the two; not in a sexual way, but in a "these are the reasons these people are compatible and like each other and make each other swoon" way. I didn't find anything about their relationship to root AGAINST them, but also not the key moments and details about their love that would make me root FOR them.
Overall, this book just read as very mediocre and bland to me. There was nothing about this book that stood out from every other romance book, and I probably won't remember much of the plot at all when I think back to this book a month from now. I don't want to discourage others, necessarily, from reading this because I've seen a ton of glowing reviews already, so I really do think I'm in the minority.
As a side note—I’m super sick of every adult M/M romance getting compared to red white and royal blue. I understand the way comp titles work and of course the RWRB comparison is gonna draw in a ton of readers… but is it not just setting your readers up for disappointment and therefore more negative reviews?? Because this book is absolutely *nothing* like RWRB??? At this point there are so many other M/M romcoms available to compare this story to, we don’t need to keep doing this.
First, the good thing: I loved the demisexual representation. I see ace/aro-spec representation so rarely in the romance genre that seeing a book that handles it with nuance and consistency was so refreshing! I loved watching the main character go through his journey of discovery, and was happy that it took up a good portion of space in the book.
I also sorta enjoyed the plot: it had a clear purpose, was consistent throughout, and had good pacing. However it just wasn't super compelling to me, and by the last 15% of the book I was just skimming so that I could get to the end and write this review.
Unfortunately, most other things about that book I don't have as much good to say about. For starters, I thought the side characters had a ton of potential set up at the beginning, but ultimately fell very flat. The main character has 2 best friends which have such fun quirky lines and personalities set up within the first couple chapters, however they soon become stagnant fixtures. Even when they have significant space in a scene, those personality quirks stopped coming through, and they had little development in any way that I felt was compelling to the plot which I was saddened by.
I also thought while the relationship was cute and had its moments, the background establishment wasn't the best. This is a second chance romance, kinda in the style of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but the book never established the relationship dynamics the leads had in the past. I enjoyed watching the get to know each other again as they renovated an old house, but that lack of foundation left their entire relationship feeling a bit shaky to me. I also didn't feel a consistent passion arising between the two; not in a sexual way, but in a "these are the reasons these people are compatible and like each other and make each other swoon" way. I didn't find anything about their relationship to root AGAINST them, but also not the key moments and details about their love that would make me root FOR them.
Overall, this book just read as very mediocre and bland to me. There was nothing about this book that stood out from every other romance book, and I probably won't remember much of the plot at all when I think back to this book a month from now. I don't want to discourage others, necessarily, from reading this because I've seen a ton of glowing reviews already, so I really do think I'm in the minority.
As a side note—I’m super sick of every adult M/M romance getting compared to red white and royal blue. I understand the way comp titles work and of course the RWRB comparison is gonna draw in a ton of readers… but is it not just setting your readers up for disappointment and therefore more negative reviews?? Because this book is absolutely *nothing* like RWRB??? At this point there are so many other M/M romcoms available to compare this story to, we don’t need to keep doing this.
May 3, 2022
Cute, sweet, cozy, and incredibly fluffy. But don’t let the fluffiness fool you because this story also covers heavier topics like finding out who you are and demisexuality.
Never Been Kissed and I weren’t immediately friends. We had a bumpy start, and after reading the first chapter, I became restless and sighed. Because I wanted to like the story so much but didn’t feel it. Then Derrick came along. Slowly I got more invested in the book, and when I felt fluttering in my belly every time Wren and Derrick interacted, the corners of my mouth pulled up. I sat in the spring sun and sighed again, this time out of satisfaction. From that moment on, I swooned over this story.
BUT (and this is a positive but!) …
Never Been Kissed is so much more than a swoony romcom. While reading the book, I had a conversation with a book friend about heteronormativity. When I grew up, everyone was cis. Most of us were straight, and some of us gay or lesbian. That’s it. Slowly I found out that the queer umbrella is so much more. What if you feel different but don’t know why? How can you put in words how you feel if it’s not talked about? And what if you read one or more books and your mind starts connecting the dots? And that’s why Never Been Kissed is so much more than a swoony romcom. Because it clearly pictures how we still label ourselves black and white while there’s so much grey in between. I loved how Wren slowly realized that there’s more under that queer umbrella than he always assumed.
Despite the early bump, I ended up loving Never Been Kissed and can’t wait to read You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince, later this year! Thank you, Timothy, for this heartfelt story!
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Never Been Kissed and I weren’t immediately friends. We had a bumpy start, and after reading the first chapter, I became restless and sighed. Because I wanted to like the story so much but didn’t feel it. Then Derrick came along. Slowly I got more invested in the book, and when I felt fluttering in my belly every time Wren and Derrick interacted, the corners of my mouth pulled up. I sat in the spring sun and sighed again, this time out of satisfaction. From that moment on, I swooned over this story.
BUT (and this is a positive but!) …
Never Been Kissed is so much more than a swoony romcom. While reading the book, I had a conversation with a book friend about heteronormativity. When I grew up, everyone was cis. Most of us were straight, and some of us gay or lesbian. That’s it. Slowly I found out that the queer umbrella is so much more. What if you feel different but don’t know why? How can you put in words how you feel if it’s not talked about? And what if you read one or more books and your mind starts connecting the dots? And that’s why Never Been Kissed is so much more than a swoony romcom. Because it clearly pictures how we still label ourselves black and white while there’s so much grey in between. I loved how Wren slowly realized that there’s more under that queer umbrella than he always assumed.
Despite the early bump, I ended up loving Never Been Kissed and can’t wait to read You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince, later this year! Thank you, Timothy, for this heartfelt story!
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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October 26, 2021
I had the immense privilege of getting to read an early copy of this book, and oh my goodness! Absolutely one of my favorite books of the year! Janovsky's voice crackles off the page in this hilarious book that brings both the rom and the com! I laughed out loud multiple times, I swooned, and I rooted for Wren and Derrick, as well as Wren himself on his journey of self-discovery.
I love seeing increased aspec representation in the romance genre, and this book's nuanced handling of demisexuality made my queer heart melt. This is the kind of queer story we deserve! While this book is low on steam, it's big on heart, and it's a book I know I'll be thinking about for a long, long time. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait for Janovsky's next book!
I love seeing increased aspec representation in the romance genre, and this book's nuanced handling of demisexuality made my queer heart melt. This is the kind of queer story we deserve! While this book is low on steam, it's big on heart, and it's a book I know I'll be thinking about for a long, long time. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait for Janovsky's next book!
September 5, 2022
2.5 Stars super generously rounded up to 3 because I just gave my cat some treats and she is so smoochy and my cup overfloweth.
It was sweet and cute but I found my mind wandering in parts. Just okay for me.
It was sweet and cute but I found my mind wandering in parts. Just okay for me.
August 7, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ LGBTQ+ New Adult Romance
Series ~ Boy Meets Boy #1
Publication date ~ May 3, 2022
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 290
Audio length ~ 9 hours 55 minutes
Narrator ~ Mark Sanderlin
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ slow burn, workplace romance, no steamage
Wren wants to figure himself out to make sure it's the right time for his first kiss. Honestly, I didn't think it was ever going to happen and I'm not mad about that because I don't believe in following what one thinks is the norm.
Derick is Wren's school crush and is working at the drive in for the summer. Could he be the one to give him his first smooch? I wouldn't have minded if we had a couple of chapters from his POV to help better understand him.
I got YA vibes, even though the MC is 22. Maybe coming of age too, definitely not adult's that know what's what.
I haven't been to a drive-in in many, many years, so it was fun reading about trying to save one. I really enjoyed the parts when Wren interacted with his family.
Overall, I liked, didn't love, this one. It was a bit slow going for me, but it was a kinda cute, slow burn story. I'm so happy they knew how to communicate, so woo hoo for that.
Narration notes:
He did a great job.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media LLC and the author for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ LGBTQ+ New Adult Romance
Series ~ Boy Meets Boy #1
Publication date ~ May 3, 2022
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 290
Audio length ~ 9 hours 55 minutes
Narrator ~ Mark Sanderlin
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ slow burn, workplace romance, no steamage
Wren wants to figure himself out to make sure it's the right time for his first kiss. Honestly, I didn't think it was ever going to happen and I'm not mad about that because I don't believe in following what one thinks is the norm.
Derick is Wren's school crush and is working at the drive in for the summer. Could he be the one to give him his first smooch? I wouldn't have minded if we had a couple of chapters from his POV to help better understand him.
I got YA vibes, even though the MC is 22. Maybe coming of age too, definitely not adult's that know what's what.
I haven't been to a drive-in in many, many years, so it was fun reading about trying to save one. I really enjoyed the parts when Wren interacted with his family.
Overall, I liked, didn't love, this one. It was a bit slow going for me, but it was a kinda cute, slow burn story. I'm so happy they knew how to communicate, so woo hoo for that.
Narration notes:
He did a great job.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media LLC and the author for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 3, 2022i made it to the 2/3 mark before i started losing patience and skimming through, so it doesn’t really feel fair for me to give this a score. i will say, though, that although this was a sweet story, the writing was just… not to my taste.
March 14, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Never Been Kissed , Timothy Janovsky's debut novel, is utterly adorable. It's a story for the hopeless romantic in all of us.
Wren has always believed his first kiss should be special. And although he came close a few times, the right sparks never flew, which has left him still not having been kissed as he turns 22.
In a drunken, depressed fog after his birthday celebration, Wren sends emails to the four guys he almost kissed. While one is undeliverable and one goes to his roommate, Mateo, one goes to Derick, his high school crush, who ghosted him when they started college. But of course, Derick will be home this summer, and doesn’t really remember their almost-kiss. (He does remember he didn't think of Wren that way, despite what Wren believed.) Derick also has landed an internship at the drive-in theater where Wren has worked for years.
While it’s nice for Wren in many ways to reconnect with Derick, both are dealing with their own issues. Derick is trying to be seen as someone of substance, not someone who gets ahead because of his family’s money or his looks, while Wren is struggling with his sexual orientation—he knows he’s attracted to guys but somehow “gay” doesn’t seem sufficient or accurate.
When Wren and Derick start working together on a special project that could ensure the theater’s survival, they learn how much both have changed since high school. Will their continued proximity to one another set them on a path toward a happy ending, one where Wren might actually get the kiss he’s been dreaming of?
This was just so sweet. These characters were fun, a little goofy, complex, and completely adorable. I’m a sucker for those who search for their HEA, and I was rooting for Wren to find what he was looking for. Thanks so much to my friend Carrie for sharing her copy of this book with me!
Never Been Kissed publishes 5/3!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Never Been Kissed , Timothy Janovsky's debut novel, is utterly adorable. It's a story for the hopeless romantic in all of us.
Wren has always believed his first kiss should be special. And although he came close a few times, the right sparks never flew, which has left him still not having been kissed as he turns 22.
In a drunken, depressed fog after his birthday celebration, Wren sends emails to the four guys he almost kissed. While one is undeliverable and one goes to his roommate, Mateo, one goes to Derick, his high school crush, who ghosted him when they started college. But of course, Derick will be home this summer, and doesn’t really remember their almost-kiss. (He does remember he didn't think of Wren that way, despite what Wren believed.) Derick also has landed an internship at the drive-in theater where Wren has worked for years.
While it’s nice for Wren in many ways to reconnect with Derick, both are dealing with their own issues. Derick is trying to be seen as someone of substance, not someone who gets ahead because of his family’s money or his looks, while Wren is struggling with his sexual orientation—he knows he’s attracted to guys but somehow “gay” doesn’t seem sufficient or accurate.
When Wren and Derick start working together on a special project that could ensure the theater’s survival, they learn how much both have changed since high school. Will their continued proximity to one another set them on a path toward a happy ending, one where Wren might actually get the kiss he’s been dreaming of?
This was just so sweet. These characters were fun, a little goofy, complex, and completely adorable. I’m a sucker for those who search for their HEA, and I was rooting for Wren to find what he was looking for. Thanks so much to my friend Carrie for sharing her copy of this book with me!
Never Been Kissed publishes 5/3!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
April 27, 2022
2.5. so sorry maybe i'm just a grinch?? maybe i'm a scrooge??
(also don't see how this was like rwrb but go off)
(also don't see how this was like rwrb but go off)
August 29, 2021
MY HEEEEEAAAART! This was the purest, most fun read. Queer romance fans and movie buffs need this in their life. Drive-ins, queer chosen family, second chance romance, aspec rep, and an absolutely charming plot based around giving a shunned, recluse female director the cinematic justice she deserves while fighting for what you believe in. Summer rom-com perfection.
As this is solidly new adult, I also see this having a lot of crossover appeal with teens, in addition to adult romance fans! Everything about it just made me so happy. I can't wait to read more of Timothy's work.
As this is solidly new adult, I also see this having a lot of crossover appeal with teens, in addition to adult romance fans! Everything about it just made me so happy. I can't wait to read more of Timothy's work.
April 15, 2022
On my blog.
Rep: demi gay mc, gay li, bi side character, sapphic side character, Filipino American gay side character
Galley provided by publisher
Never Been Kissed is a perfectly sweet book. For the right person, I’m sure it’d click very well. Sadly, I must be a soulless ogre because I am so far from that person it seems, that it’s almost funny.
I think a lot of this came down to me not getting along with its tone and, more generally, the writing style. It was readable, but at the same time, quite basic contemporary romance fare, leaning more towards YA than adult (this is, after all, more new adult aimed). This is not the end of the world, I will admit. Which is where the tone part came in. A couple of personal dislikes here, really, the first of which is too many pop culture references. That’s something I can’t stand. The second was that there were too many asides that felt more like the author saying nudge nudge look I’m liberal and have the right opinions. Case in point, there was a comment about film directors, which led into a paragraph where the main character (a cis man) thought about how few opportunities there were for women and nonbinary directors. I do not need to be taken out of the story like that, to affirm that this main character thinks the Right Things.
The next issue I had was that there wasn’t really anything compelling about the book. The whole premise is that Derick ghosted Wren, but then later on returns and there’s tension. Only apologies for that ghosting are made and accepted within the first 50 pages and the tension deflates like a balloon. I made the mistake of putting this book down overnight and when I came back the next day I had absolutely no urge to pick it back up. The main character wasn’t at all interesting to me (and felt a little childish? As I said, this is a new adult book, but even so). Derick was, in fairness, but the lack of interest I had in Wren meant that I wasn’t really interested in their romance.
Perhaps this is what precipitated my complete lack of sympathy when it came to the angst at the end too. This was, quite frankly, stupid. Brief spoilers, so skip this paragraph if you don’t want to know, but
The final point I had thought to make was how much the plotline with Mateo annoyed me. But then I wrote that long paragraph above, so I’ll try be brief here. Wren gets Mateo a job, but Mateo then dicks about the whole time, and when Wren rightfully snaps at him (because Wren’s job is on the line here too if Mateo fucks up), Wren is the one who has to apologise. This does get sorted out, I will allow, but for the most of the book, I was so frustrated by this storyline, that I couldn’t enjoy any of it—to the extent that I might have enjoyed it in any case.
But. You know the drill. Don’t let my review put you off, etc etc etc.
Rep: demi gay mc, gay li, bi side character, sapphic side character, Filipino American gay side character
Galley provided by publisher
Never Been Kissed is a perfectly sweet book. For the right person, I’m sure it’d click very well. Sadly, I must be a soulless ogre because I am so far from that person it seems, that it’s almost funny.
I think a lot of this came down to me not getting along with its tone and, more generally, the writing style. It was readable, but at the same time, quite basic contemporary romance fare, leaning more towards YA than adult (this is, after all, more new adult aimed). This is not the end of the world, I will admit. Which is where the tone part came in. A couple of personal dislikes here, really, the first of which is too many pop culture references. That’s something I can’t stand. The second was that there were too many asides that felt more like the author saying nudge nudge look I’m liberal and have the right opinions. Case in point, there was a comment about film directors, which led into a paragraph where the main character (a cis man) thought about how few opportunities there were for women and nonbinary directors. I do not need to be taken out of the story like that, to affirm that this main character thinks the Right Things.
The next issue I had was that there wasn’t really anything compelling about the book. The whole premise is that Derick ghosted Wren, but then later on returns and there’s tension. Only apologies for that ghosting are made and accepted within the first 50 pages and the tension deflates like a balloon. I made the mistake of putting this book down overnight and when I came back the next day I had absolutely no urge to pick it back up. The main character wasn’t at all interesting to me (and felt a little childish? As I said, this is a new adult book, but even so). Derick was, in fairness, but the lack of interest I had in Wren meant that I wasn’t really interested in their romance.
Perhaps this is what precipitated my complete lack of sympathy when it came to the angst at the end too. This was, quite frankly, stupid. Brief spoilers, so skip this paragraph if you don’t want to know, but
The final point I had thought to make was how much the plotline with Mateo annoyed me. But then I wrote that long paragraph above, so I’ll try be brief here. Wren gets Mateo a job, but Mateo then dicks about the whole time, and when Wren rightfully snaps at him (because Wren’s job is on the line here too if Mateo fucks up), Wren is the one who has to apologise. This does get sorted out, I will allow, but for the most of the book, I was so frustrated by this storyline, that I couldn’t enjoy any of it—to the extent that I might have enjoyed it in any case.
But. You know the drill. Don’t let my review put you off, etc etc etc.
June 13, 2022
A really sweet, slow burn novel that's not all about the romance.
Told from Wren's point of view, Timothy Janovsky's Never Been Kissed is more about the story than the romancin', and I totally enjoyed that. We've got great secondary stuff going on: Alice's fascinating life and film, the drive-in's dilemma, Wren and Derick's families, and Wren's journey of self awareness.
Every time I read a story with a well written demisexual character I feel grateful to the author for the positive exposure. It's hard to incorporate that aspect of human sexuality into a love story, and not make it all about how being demi affects a romance. Wren doesn't have to do too much explaining, or soul searching, he can just state: Hey, turns out I'm demisexual, and that's why I feel the way I do. Okay, Wren. That's great. There's more to life than jumping straight into bed, thank you very much.
Never Been Kissed is a fun, interesting, and well written novel about a 22 year old guy, who has a whole bunch of stuff to figure out, his sexuality being just one small part of it all.
thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for providing an arc of Never Been Kissed for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Told from Wren's point of view, Timothy Janovsky's Never Been Kissed is more about the story than the romancin', and I totally enjoyed that. We've got great secondary stuff going on: Alice's fascinating life and film, the drive-in's dilemma, Wren and Derick's families, and Wren's journey of self awareness.
Every time I read a story with a well written demisexual character I feel grateful to the author for the positive exposure. It's hard to incorporate that aspect of human sexuality into a love story, and not make it all about how being demi affects a romance. Wren doesn't have to do too much explaining, or soul searching, he can just state: Hey, turns out I'm demisexual, and that's why I feel the way I do. Okay, Wren. That's great. There's more to life than jumping straight into bed, thank you very much.
Never Been Kissed is a fun, interesting, and well written novel about a 22 year old guy, who has a whole bunch of stuff to figure out, his sexuality being just one small part of it all.
thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for providing an arc of Never Been Kissed for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
March 26, 2022
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
2.75/5 Stars
It was a very average read for me and I'm truly sorry to say this since I was hoping to like the book a lot more than I actually did. I appreciated how the concept of sexuality was approached and also how Wren took time to understand things about himself and share them with Derick. Wren and Derick's relationship was okay, nothing that blew me away though. I could see that they liked each other in the past since they often talked about that, but I would have liked to see the reasons why they like each other now in the present. I felt like their relationship was just on a surface-level and I got the overall feeling that it was just missing something.
Reading about the fight to save Wiley's drive-in was probably what I liked the most about this book, it was all very predictable but still pretty enjoyable to read.
In conclusion, this book isn't bad, it just didn't capture my interest and that's why it ended up being just an okay read for me.
2.75/5 Stars
It was a very average read for me and I'm truly sorry to say this since I was hoping to like the book a lot more than I actually did. I appreciated how the concept of sexuality was approached and also how Wren took time to understand things about himself and share them with Derick. Wren and Derick's relationship was okay, nothing that blew me away though. I could see that they liked each other in the past since they often talked about that, but I would have liked to see the reasons why they like each other now in the present. I felt like their relationship was just on a surface-level and I got the overall feeling that it was just missing something.
Reading about the fight to save Wiley's drive-in was probably what I liked the most about this book, it was all very predictable but still pretty enjoyable to read.
In conclusion, this book isn't bad, it just didn't capture my interest and that's why it ended up being just an okay read for me.
April 25, 2022
3.5
When I started this book (and based on the synopsis) I expected this book was going to be a 4 or 5-star read for me. While I still enjoyed it a lot, I ended up being slightly disappointed by it. Still, it was a fun, sweet book and I definitely think it's gonna work for a lot of people.
Never Been Kissed is about Wren, who has, well, never been kissed. He has this list of what a perfect kiss should be and he is waiting for that and will not settle for less. After going out and drinking one night, he sends emails to all the guys he liked and almost kissed before he came out. One such email goes to Derick, who ghosted Wren even though they'd been friends, but is also now going to be working at the same drive-in as Wren.
I enjoyed the idea of this book, I like second chance romance especially when it's about queer characters. I liked the setting of the story, I thought that Wren and his friends were really fun. I was very much there for the summer rom-com vibes this book was giving off. And that being said, there are a lot of things I enjoyed.
As I already mentioned, I liked the overall atmosphere of the book, I enjoyed the found family aspect, and I liked the drive-in setting. I enjoyed Wren as the main character for the most part. I enjoyed how much he cares about his friends, the drive-in, and movies in general. He is trying to save the drive-in from going out of business, and I loved the passion he has for it. I also enjoyed his interactions with Alice, who directed a movie years ago and then tried to leave all of that behind and is now seemingly a bitter old lady. I really liked the friendship they formed despite starting off rocky. (I am deliberately not elaborating here, as I think saying anything more would spoil too much)
The main, focal point of the book is Wren and Derick’s relationship. Former friends reconnecting, facing each other after a while, there was bound to be some tension when they finally met. Wren drunkenly sent the email that started off their reconnecting, and given that Derick had ghosted Wren, he is now understandably stand-offish and still upset about how their friendship ended. I will say, I wish we got more about their relationship as it was before, I feel like establishing the previous relationship is an important part of second-chance romances, and here it was slightly lacking. I wish there was more simply because it felt like the tension just completely disappeared as soon as they “resolved” the issue in the first 50 or so pages. However, I still enjoyed their relationship and thought it was perfectly sweet. I had minor issues with how Wren reacted to some things later on in the book – to say it without spoilers, I feel like it was established that Derick was facing a lot of pressure from his father, and Wren seemed to disregard that when a conflict arose. From my viewpoint, Derick was doing the best he could, all things considered, and Wren was understandably upset, but also misplacing the blame on Derick. This issue was resolved but I still feel like Wren was in the wrong here, and that really wasn’t addressed. I think it’s why I enjoyed Derick’s character a lot more, Wren came off slightly childish at times – and that is probably why I didn’t connect with the book as much as I thought I would.
I really like how this book explored figuring out your sexuality and taking your time with that. I really enjoyed the demisexual rep in this book, I like how it was made clear that it’s okay if you’re still figuring it out, that you don’t have to know everything about yourself right now. I feel like there is a lot of pressure that you experience trying to figure out your sexuality and everything, I enjoyed this book’s message of “it’s okay if you figure it out as you go”. And just in general I am very much here for figuring stuff out after your teen years, I feel like that’s always refreshing to see.
My biggest complaint is probably the storyline with Wren’s friend and roommate, Mateo. Mateo starts working at the drive-in with Wren, but combining stress and not really being into the job, he does a very poor job constantly. He is making a bad impression every turn and dragging Wren down with him, as Wren got him that job. He is just all of the time disregarding Wren’s valid criticism and creating even more trouble, finally causing Wren to snap. I think Wren should have done it earlier, but now Mateo is mad at him, like Wren did something wrong. They make up in the end, but this was never properly resolved. Wren is the one that ends up apologizing, and that annoyed me to no end.
In general, I feel like Wren’s roommates started off strong, but kind of faded away as the story went on. While I enjoyed them in the beginning, I really do wish we saw more of them.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. I expected this book to be a new favorite, which unfortunately it is not, but I still thought it was really sweet and would recommend it! I feel like me not enjoying this as much as I expected is to no fault of the book. If you’re in the mood for a quick, sweet read, this might be your book!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
When I started this book (and based on the synopsis) I expected this book was going to be a 4 or 5-star read for me. While I still enjoyed it a lot, I ended up being slightly disappointed by it. Still, it was a fun, sweet book and I definitely think it's gonna work for a lot of people.
Never Been Kissed is about Wren, who has, well, never been kissed. He has this list of what a perfect kiss should be and he is waiting for that and will not settle for less. After going out and drinking one night, he sends emails to all the guys he liked and almost kissed before he came out. One such email goes to Derick, who ghosted Wren even though they'd been friends, but is also now going to be working at the same drive-in as Wren.
I enjoyed the idea of this book, I like second chance romance especially when it's about queer characters. I liked the setting of the story, I thought that Wren and his friends were really fun. I was very much there for the summer rom-com vibes this book was giving off. And that being said, there are a lot of things I enjoyed.
As I already mentioned, I liked the overall atmosphere of the book, I enjoyed the found family aspect, and I liked the drive-in setting. I enjoyed Wren as the main character for the most part. I enjoyed how much he cares about his friends, the drive-in, and movies in general. He is trying to save the drive-in from going out of business, and I loved the passion he has for it. I also enjoyed his interactions with Alice, who directed a movie years ago and then tried to leave all of that behind and is now seemingly a bitter old lady. I really liked the friendship they formed despite starting off rocky. (I am deliberately not elaborating here, as I think saying anything more would spoil too much)
The main, focal point of the book is Wren and Derick’s relationship. Former friends reconnecting, facing each other after a while, there was bound to be some tension when they finally met. Wren drunkenly sent the email that started off their reconnecting, and given that Derick had ghosted Wren, he is now understandably stand-offish and still upset about how their friendship ended. I will say, I wish we got more about their relationship as it was before, I feel like establishing the previous relationship is an important part of second-chance romances, and here it was slightly lacking. I wish there was more simply because it felt like the tension just completely disappeared as soon as they “resolved” the issue in the first 50 or so pages. However, I still enjoyed their relationship and thought it was perfectly sweet. I had minor issues with how Wren reacted to some things later on in the book – to say it without spoilers, I feel like it was established that Derick was facing a lot of pressure from his father, and Wren seemed to disregard that when a conflict arose. From my viewpoint, Derick was doing the best he could, all things considered, and Wren was understandably upset, but also misplacing the blame on Derick. This issue was resolved but I still feel like Wren was in the wrong here, and that really wasn’t addressed. I think it’s why I enjoyed Derick’s character a lot more, Wren came off slightly childish at times – and that is probably why I didn’t connect with the book as much as I thought I would.
I really like how this book explored figuring out your sexuality and taking your time with that. I really enjoyed the demisexual rep in this book, I like how it was made clear that it’s okay if you’re still figuring it out, that you don’t have to know everything about yourself right now. I feel like there is a lot of pressure that you experience trying to figure out your sexuality and everything, I enjoyed this book’s message of “it’s okay if you figure it out as you go”. And just in general I am very much here for figuring stuff out after your teen years, I feel like that’s always refreshing to see.
My biggest complaint is probably the storyline with Wren’s friend and roommate, Mateo. Mateo starts working at the drive-in with Wren, but combining stress and not really being into the job, he does a very poor job constantly. He is making a bad impression every turn and dragging Wren down with him, as Wren got him that job. He is just all of the time disregarding Wren’s valid criticism and creating even more trouble, finally causing Wren to snap. I think Wren should have done it earlier, but now Mateo is mad at him, like Wren did something wrong. They make up in the end, but this was never properly resolved. Wren is the one that ends up apologizing, and that annoyed me to no end.
In general, I feel like Wren’s roommates started off strong, but kind of faded away as the story went on. While I enjoyed them in the beginning, I really do wish we saw more of them.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. I expected this book to be a new favorite, which unfortunately it is not, but I still thought it was really sweet and would recommend it! I feel like me not enjoying this as much as I expected is to no fault of the book. If you’re in the mood for a quick, sweet read, this might be your book!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2022
Rep: demi/questioning gay MC, gay LI, bi SCs, gay SCs, jewish SCs, Black SCs, italian-american SC
(over all this book is just really queer, there were so many queer couples!!!)
I‘m not a very generous reviewer, I give 5 stars very rarely. There has only been one 5 star read for me this year and yes, it’s already April. But Never been kissed definitely was my second one.
Wren just turned 22 and made up his mind to finally get his first kiss this summer. A movie lover and romantic by heart he gets home from his birthday party, a little melancholic and very very drunk, reminiscing about his four almost-kiss moments…and wakes up to having send four E-Mails to the guys he almost kissed! One of them his former best friend and first big love Derick, who he hasn’t heard from in over 3 years.
Only when Derick actually answers him and tells him they will both work at the local drive in movie theatre together this summer, things get even more out of control.
This book is the true gay Lara Jean goodness we all needed and deserved!
I absolutely LOVED this book from the first page on. The style of writing is absolutely amazing and super funny. I have no idea how some authors do it, but the style of writing in this is just really special. Think Alexis Hall meets Simon James Green. The first chapter already made me laugh out loud and immediately captivated me.
I loved Wren. So much. He shares an apartment with his two best friends and I‘m just a sucker for a little queer family living together. The characters were described and fleshed out in so much detail, every single one of them was so individual and felt so real. They all have their own flaws and little problems, they’re all a little bit of a mess and I loved them all so much for especially that. To me they just felt super alive and I just resonated and felt with them. Their banter, the way they supported each other, the way they communicated with each other so openly. Loved it.
People figuring out their sexuality not in their teens, but when they are older? I am so here for it.
Wren just came out as gay a few years ago, but he still feels that something isn’t right or missing.
Throughout the story he learns a lot about himself and thinks a little harder about why his almost-kissed never turned real kisses. There are whole conversations and discussions about this, it’s not something that’s just mentioned on the sidelines and I loved it so much.
The romance in this is a super slow burn one and even though this book is New Adult it’s just very sweet and romantic, no steam at all. I really appreciate books like that.
(Also I loved the few flashbacks of them as kids??)
There was also open communication about going at your own pace in a relationship, that there is no time plan for when what should happen and I appreciated that even more.
The setting of this was also so cool, it mainly takes place in a drive in movie theatre, where Wren and his friends work.
Wren grew up next to it and to him it feels like home, so many childhood memories are linked to this place.
As a major in film studies he also has a professional interest in it.
Since business is slack, Wren tries to make a special premier happen. A local legend directed a notorious movie in the 70s and Wren is set to track her down!
I loved the plot. It was very gripping and came together so nicely in the end.
This book was just 10/10 for me. Go read it, you won’t regret it!
(over all this book is just really queer, there were so many queer couples!!!)
I‘m not a very generous reviewer, I give 5 stars very rarely. There has only been one 5 star read for me this year and yes, it’s already April. But Never been kissed definitely was my second one.
Wren just turned 22 and made up his mind to finally get his first kiss this summer. A movie lover and romantic by heart he gets home from his birthday party, a little melancholic and very very drunk, reminiscing about his four almost-kiss moments…and wakes up to having send four E-Mails to the guys he almost kissed! One of them his former best friend and first big love Derick, who he hasn’t heard from in over 3 years.
Only when Derick actually answers him and tells him they will both work at the local drive in movie theatre together this summer, things get even more out of control.
This book is the true gay Lara Jean goodness we all needed and deserved!
I absolutely LOVED this book from the first page on. The style of writing is absolutely amazing and super funny. I have no idea how some authors do it, but the style of writing in this is just really special. Think Alexis Hall meets Simon James Green. The first chapter already made me laugh out loud and immediately captivated me.
I loved Wren. So much. He shares an apartment with his two best friends and I‘m just a sucker for a little queer family living together. The characters were described and fleshed out in so much detail, every single one of them was so individual and felt so real. They all have their own flaws and little problems, they’re all a little bit of a mess and I loved them all so much for especially that. To me they just felt super alive and I just resonated and felt with them. Their banter, the way they supported each other, the way they communicated with each other so openly. Loved it.
People figuring out their sexuality not in their teens, but when they are older? I am so here for it.
Wren just came out as gay a few years ago, but he still feels that something isn’t right or missing.
Throughout the story he learns a lot about himself and thinks a little harder about why his almost-kissed never turned real kisses. There are whole conversations and discussions about this, it’s not something that’s just mentioned on the sidelines and I loved it so much.
The romance in this is a super slow burn one and even though this book is New Adult it’s just very sweet and romantic, no steam at all. I really appreciate books like that.
(Also I loved the few flashbacks of them as kids??)
There was also open communication about going at your own pace in a relationship, that there is no time plan for when what should happen and I appreciated that even more.
The setting of this was also so cool, it mainly takes place in a drive in movie theatre, where Wren and his friends work.
Wren grew up next to it and to him it feels like home, so many childhood memories are linked to this place.
As a major in film studies he also has a professional interest in it.
Since business is slack, Wren tries to make a special premier happen. A local legend directed a notorious movie in the 70s and Wren is set to track her down!
I loved the plot. It was very gripping and came together so nicely in the end.
This book was just 10/10 for me. Go read it, you won’t regret it!
August 28, 2023
To było zaskakująco świeże! ALE NIE LICZCIE NA SPICY LGBT BOOK W TYPIE RED WHITE ROYAL BLUE BO SIĘ ROZCZARUJECIE
Obawiałam się, że wpadniemy w jakiegoś rodzaju schematy i szufladki, że znowu romansidło z reprezentacją homoseksualną i co tu w ogóle nowego można wymyślić.
A tu szok!
Bowiem romans jest, chociaż delikatny, na drugim planie (a do tego nie taki oczywisty, nasz główny bohater wcale nie czuje się gejem, wciąż poszukuje swojej tożsamości i będziemy wraz nim poznawać paletę możliwości). Pierwsze skrzypce natomiast odgrywa tu tematyka kina. Kina samochodowego, w którym pracuje Wren i które chyli się ku upadkowi (dzięki, Netflix). Chłopak natomiast kocha filmy, kocha niszowość, gardzi sieciówkami i nie wyobraża sobie stracić tej pracy (chociaż marnie płatnej, ale tu marzenia i pasja są ważniejsze od zarobku). Zbiera więc znajomych, zaczyna organizować akcje, poszukiwać ludzi, którzy pomogliby rozkręcić placówkę i zwiększyć jej popularność. W takich momentach, gdy przyświeca nam jasny cel, nie ma czasu myśleć o romansach.
Naprawdę niezwykle przyjemna lektura, napisana prostym, potocznym językiem, typowo młodzieżowym, w którym nie brakuje bezczelnych odzywek czy porównań do scen z komedii romantycznych. Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne książki autora, bo przy tej chichrałam się pod nosem, a brakowało mi w ostatnim czasie takich wrażeń.
Obawiałam się, że wpadniemy w jakiegoś rodzaju schematy i szufladki, że znowu romansidło z reprezentacją homoseksualną i co tu w ogóle nowego można wymyślić.
A tu szok!
Bowiem romans jest, chociaż delikatny, na drugim planie (a do tego nie taki oczywisty, nasz główny bohater wcale nie czuje się gejem, wciąż poszukuje swojej tożsamości i będziemy wraz nim poznawać paletę możliwości). Pierwsze skrzypce natomiast odgrywa tu tematyka kina. Kina samochodowego, w którym pracuje Wren i które chyli się ku upadkowi (dzięki, Netflix). Chłopak natomiast kocha filmy, kocha niszowość, gardzi sieciówkami i nie wyobraża sobie stracić tej pracy (chociaż marnie płatnej, ale tu marzenia i pasja są ważniejsze od zarobku). Zbiera więc znajomych, zaczyna organizować akcje, poszukiwać ludzi, którzy pomogliby rozkręcić placówkę i zwiększyć jej popularność. W takich momentach, gdy przyświeca nam jasny cel, nie ma czasu myśleć o romansach.
Naprawdę niezwykle przyjemna lektura, napisana prostym, potocznym językiem, typowo młodzieżowym, w którym nie brakuje bezczelnych odzywek czy porównań do scen z komedii romantycznych. Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne książki autora, bo przy tej chichrałam się pod nosem, a brakowało mi w ostatnim czasie takich wrażeń.
April 15, 2022
well. I loved this a freaking lot.
Never Been Kissed is a new adult rom com with an out gay MC who maybe doesn't relate just quite with gay. He's been saving his first kiss for something special but he's 22 and feeling behind the game. Of course we all know that there isn't a timeline and whichever romantic or sexual acts you choose to partake in are not a symbol of adulthood, but I digress.
Wren ends up drunk sending out emails to his past almost first kisses. One of whom is an ex best friend and who also just happens to be in town working at the same drive in the for summer.
As Wren and Derrick reconnect and grow closer, Wren still isn't sure about physical contact. At some point, the terms demisexual and demiromantic are mentioned to him and he is shook. Because he never had the words, he couldn't have realized that it might fit.
This is why education is important. It's why we need LGBTQIA+ education in k-12 schools and beyond. It's why we need representation and advocates. It's why we need allies to step up.
I related hard to Wren in a lot of ways. I was in my mid twenties when I finally heard the term aromantic and started deep diving into other aspec labels which eventually led me to find comfort and validity in the terms arospec and asexual for myself.
Never Been Kissed is a new adult rom com with an out gay MC who maybe doesn't relate just quite with gay. He's been saving his first kiss for something special but he's 22 and feeling behind the game. Of course we all know that there isn't a timeline and whichever romantic or sexual acts you choose to partake in are not a symbol of adulthood, but I digress.
Wren ends up drunk sending out emails to his past almost first kisses. One of whom is an ex best friend and who also just happens to be in town working at the same drive in the for summer.
As Wren and Derrick reconnect and grow closer, Wren still isn't sure about physical contact. At some point, the terms demisexual and demiromantic are mentioned to him and he is shook. Because he never had the words, he couldn't have realized that it might fit.
This is why education is important. It's why we need LGBTQIA+ education in k-12 schools and beyond. It's why we need representation and advocates. It's why we need allies to step up.
I related hard to Wren in a lot of ways. I was in my mid twenties when I finally heard the term aromantic and started deep diving into other aspec labels which eventually led me to find comfort and validity in the terms arospec and asexual for myself.
June 25, 2022
3 stars. RTC!
Read #30 for Pride Month 2022.
Read #30 for Pride Month 2022.
January 4, 2023
Wren, a Film Studies graduate has had dreams his first perfect kiss. But he has sense enough to know that people don't normally dream of having the perfect first kiss...like in the movies, that is...when he's sober. After his 22nd birthday celebration with his friends, he unfortunately is no longer sober and goes home and drunkenly sends emails that he wrote to the four boys he had his "almost first kiss" with. Derick, one of the "almosts" gets one of the emails. Again, unfortunately, Derick is the new Social Media manager, and as such, he will be working with Wren for the summer. Wiley's Drive -in is in financial difficulty, so Wren has started working on a plan to save the drive-in theatre, while trying to decide what is going on with Derick. A portion of Wren plans to help the drive-in is by tracking down a reclusive local movie director, Alice Kelly, for a special showing of her one and only film, which hasn't been seen in years. All of the characters have their own charm, but I thought Alice was really special. The story has humor, heartbreak, anticipation, and suspense and a really cute couple. It's a light read in the M/M romance genera, especially for anyone struggling with their own sexuality and identity but also for those who just want a really sweet read with two characters who find each other again. I really enjoyed the nostalgic aspect as well. I spent a lot of my youth in the drive-in in my hometown. There are people, maybe even some reading this, that have no idea even what a drive-in is. Another piece of American nostalgia gone.
March 15, 2022
This is a very solid romcom, there's a lot to love about this book. I especially loved the demisexual rep - as an asexual person I was very happy to see a romance novel that isn't necessarily steamy. I have to admit I was hoping for this to be a 5 star read, but I didn't quite get there in terms of emotional investment. But that's a very subjective thing and this book was still really enjoyable! I especially loved the dialogues, they were so much fun to read.
May 25, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I liked this book well enough but I didn’t love it. I didn’t really feel the romance and as a result, I never seemed to have any problem putting the book down to do something else. I felt like it took me a lot longer to read this book than it should have so I decided to switch over to the audiobook to speed things up a bit. There were a lot of things that I really liked and I am glad that I decided to pick this book up.
Wren is in his early 20s and is still waiting on his first kiss. He wants that kiss to be special and has had a few close encounters. In a weak moment, he sends out the emails that he kept in his drafts to the few people that came close to having a moment with him. Derick receives one of these emails and they end up reconnecting as a result.
My favorite parts of the book dealt with Wren’s special project of premiering a movie at the local drive-in that he works at as manager. The only obstacle is the movie’s creator, Alice. I really enjoyed Alice’s character and thought that the friendship she formed with Wren was very well done. I also thought that the way that Wren figured out so many things about himself in this book, including some important things about his sexuality.
I think that this is the first time that I have listened to Mark Sanderlin’s narration and I thought that he did a great job with this book. I liked the voices that he used for the characters and thought that he had a very pleasant voice. I would definitely listen to this narrator’s work again in the future.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that the story was well done even though I didn’t completely feel the chemistry between the characters. I hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca and borrowed a copy of the audiobook.
I liked this book well enough but I didn’t love it. I didn’t really feel the romance and as a result, I never seemed to have any problem putting the book down to do something else. I felt like it took me a lot longer to read this book than it should have so I decided to switch over to the audiobook to speed things up a bit. There were a lot of things that I really liked and I am glad that I decided to pick this book up.
Wren is in his early 20s and is still waiting on his first kiss. He wants that kiss to be special and has had a few close encounters. In a weak moment, he sends out the emails that he kept in his drafts to the few people that came close to having a moment with him. Derick receives one of these emails and they end up reconnecting as a result.
My favorite parts of the book dealt with Wren’s special project of premiering a movie at the local drive-in that he works at as manager. The only obstacle is the movie’s creator, Alice. I really enjoyed Alice’s character and thought that the friendship she formed with Wren was very well done. I also thought that the way that Wren figured out so many things about himself in this book, including some important things about his sexuality.
I think that this is the first time that I have listened to Mark Sanderlin’s narration and I thought that he did a great job with this book. I liked the voices that he used for the characters and thought that he had a very pleasant voice. I would definitely listen to this narrator’s work again in the future.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that the story was well done even though I didn’t completely feel the chemistry between the characters. I hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca and borrowed a copy of the audiobook.
June 2, 2022
This was such a fun and whimsical coming of age story that explores life after college graduation, sexuality, queer labels, found family, hopes and dreams.
I love a good coming of age story, but so many are focused on teenage years, so I love that this story focuses on what next after college graduation and how messy that summer after graduation can be.
Wren and Derick were both such fantastic characters. They are both just trying to figure out what’s next after college and engaging in some messiness along the way. Their chemistry and banter was really fun to watch.
I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
I love a good coming of age story, but so many are focused on teenage years, so I love that this story focuses on what next after college graduation and how messy that summer after graduation can be.
Wren and Derick were both such fantastic characters. They are both just trying to figure out what’s next after college and engaging in some messiness along the way. Their chemistry and banter was really fun to watch.
I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2022
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casa for a finished copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5/5
Rep: white gay demisexual questioning cis male MC, white gay side characters, white achillean cis male side character, white sapphic cis female side characters, white bisexual cis female side character.
CWs: Homophobia/homomisia, misogyny, car accident. Moderate: Death, acephobia/acemisia, alcohol consumption, classism. Minor: Grief.
4.5/5
Rep: white gay demisexual questioning cis male MC, white gay side characters, white achillean cis male side character, white sapphic cis female side characters, white bisexual cis female side character.
CWs: Homophobia/homomisia, misogyny, car accident. Moderate: Death, acephobia/acemisia, alcohol consumption, classism. Minor: Grief.
May 28, 2022
Trois étoiles pour Demi Lovato 🤍💜🖤
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April 26, 2022A cute queer rom-com about discovering your true self and the love for the US cinema.
My favourite part was, surprise, all the questioning that Wren goes through as he figures out the depth of his queerness and embraces his demisexualiy. It's the reason I've picked up this book in the first place, so I'm happy to say it delivered.
There's a great queer friendship group/found family dynamic and lots of references to US films.
Alice is probably my favourite character, that's where I see myself in some fifty years.
Overall, it's a quick fun read and I definitely recommend it, especially for the summer.
One thing to keep in mind is that even though the characters are adult, it has more of a YA feel to it (and it's not because there are no sex scenes, it's more about the overall writing style). I think it makes a lot of sense, as so many queer people figure out their identity, embrace it or are able to be truly themselves only later in life, we often see our 20s as second teenage years, full of firsts and figuring out who we are and how we fit in the world. It works wonderfully for me but it's something to keep in mind when you pick it up, so you enter it in the right mindset.
*Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!*
My favourite part was, surprise, all the questioning that Wren goes through as he figures out the depth of his queerness and embraces his demisexualiy. It's the reason I've picked up this book in the first place, so I'm happy to say it delivered.
There's a great queer friendship group/found family dynamic and lots of references to US films.
Alice is probably my favourite character, that's where I see myself in some fifty years.
Overall, it's a quick fun read and I definitely recommend it, especially for the summer.
One thing to keep in mind is that even though the characters are adult, it has more of a YA feel to it (and it's not because there are no sex scenes, it's more about the overall writing style). I think it makes a lot of sense, as so many queer people figure out their identity, embrace it or are able to be truly themselves only later in life, we often see our 20s as second teenage years, full of firsts and figuring out who we are and how we fit in the world. It works wonderfully for me but it's something to keep in mind when you pick it up, so you enter it in the right mindset.
*Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!*
July 6, 2022
How to rate a book that is two thirds good and one third really not good? I’ve been warned about “a bumpy start” but I didn’t expect it to last a full one third.
A story should begin with the story. Sounds trivial, yet a lot of authors begin their books with unrelated prologues, excessive world-building or – in this case – info-dumping backstories. They are important, but only after the reader gets attached to the actual story and the characters. You can tell where the actual hooks for all the backstories are, because it always goes like “and then I tell him the story”. Yes, tell him. And tell us, the reader, because you can’t expect us to remember anything from the massive info-dump I had myself to force through.
Another thing is the narrative. It’s first person, which usually provides an insightful view of the main character's thoughts and feelings. Here it’s just rambling and ranting. It goes on and on until the first third mark, when the story finally begins and other characters are involved, like Earl, Alice and of course Derick.
It really gets better and it’s like a switch has been flipped. It feels like you’re reading a different book now. Gone is the rambling and ranting and we do get insightful views of Wren, the main character, who’s struggling with his sexuality and his future in general. It also gets funnier, since the first third was so serious and depressing. This book is pitched as a rom-com, mind you!
I really love the story (⅔). We need more new adult books with queer protagonists, that are not just steamy romance novels. Wren really grows from annoying (⅓) to loveable/relatable (⅔). Scrap the first third (it’s like the prequel nobody wanted to see) and you’d have a really good rom-com that would make a nice Netflix movie.
So back to the question of how to rate this book. ⅓ is 1 star and ⅔ is 5 stars, so I’ll go with 4 stars. It pains me, because with a little bit editing this would have been an easy full five stars.
A story should begin with the story. Sounds trivial, yet a lot of authors begin their books with unrelated prologues, excessive world-building or – in this case – info-dumping backstories. They are important, but only after the reader gets attached to the actual story and the characters. You can tell where the actual hooks for all the backstories are, because it always goes like “and then I tell him the story”. Yes, tell him. And tell us, the reader, because you can’t expect us to remember anything from the massive info-dump I had myself to force through.
Another thing is the narrative. It’s first person, which usually provides an insightful view of the main character's thoughts and feelings. Here it’s just rambling and ranting. It goes on and on until the first third mark, when the story finally begins and other characters are involved, like Earl, Alice and of course Derick.
It really gets better and it’s like a switch has been flipped. It feels like you’re reading a different book now. Gone is the rambling and ranting and we do get insightful views of Wren, the main character, who’s struggling with his sexuality and his future in general. It also gets funnier, since the first third was so serious and depressing. This book is pitched as a rom-com, mind you!
I really love the story (⅔). We need more new adult books with queer protagonists, that are not just steamy romance novels. Wren really grows from annoying (⅓) to loveable/relatable (⅔). Scrap the first third (it’s like the prequel nobody wanted to see) and you’d have a really good rom-com that would make a nice Netflix movie.
So back to the question of how to rate this book. ⅓ is 1 star and ⅔ is 5 stars, so I’ll go with 4 stars. It pains me, because with a little bit editing this would have been an easy full five stars.
October 12, 2021
This book owns my entire heart. No complaints no problems. Wren is an absolute gem and he must be protected at all costs!
August 22, 2024
2023 ʀᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ
3.5 stars
Everything I wrote about Never Been Kissed in my original review remains true on the reread. Never Been Kissed is a powerful story about the internal work and journey of self-discovery that is so common in the queer community. It’s also a testament to open communication and trust in relationships of all forms.
When we meet Wren, he has fairly recently come out to his friends and family as gay, and while he may feel he is living his life more honestly, there’s still something that isn’t sitting right. But even when he isn’t sure or is trying to figure something out, Wren always strives to be as open and honest as he can be. This isn’t always easy and it’s not always perfect but the effort is always worth it. This was a big part of Never Been Kissed that stuck with me long after I first read it and it’s the aspect I remembered the most while rereading. It may come off as a little too perfect at times but it’s nice to see these types of relationships being modelled.
There’s a lot going on in the background here and while it does pull focus from the main romantic relationship, there are narrative threads here that are arguably more compelling than whether or not Wren and Derick will work out whatever obstacles are thrown in their way. I’m not Mateo’s biggest fan but Avery and Stacia were very interesting and I’d happily read an entire book about them. But Alice is the true showstopper even if she’s the walking cliché of the old lady hermit. All she’s missing is the house full of cats and some hoarding tendencies - there are a lot of mentions about imaginary dogs and a dishevelled house, though, so we’re pretty much there.
I decided to reread Never Been Kissed because I was approved for an arc of New Adult and wanted to start the series from the beginning. It was definitely worth the reread and lived up to my memory of this sweet and compelling story.
2022 ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
Thanks to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
"Call me old-fashioned, but I fight the urge to share as much as possible because my self-conscious nature can't handle having to steal my supply of serotonin from likes and comments."
There is so much to love about Never Been Kissed , but one of my favourite aspects is the fluidity of romantic and sexual identities. Wren shows that it's okay to identify differently or change your ‘label’ as you grow and learn more about yourself - especially once you start dating and putting prior conceptions to the test in the real world. Though he feels trapped because he came out as gay, Wren no longer believes the term truly encompasses him as a person. I love the open discussion, initiated by Brandon after a disastrous experience, that helps him come to terms with himself and his romantic history. It helps to show how learning more about yourself can improve your relationships with those around you.
Never Been Kissed models how beautiful open and honest communication in relationships can be. This is demonstrated in both friendships and romantic relationships, and the close bonds between a lot of these characters prove how important this kind of communication can be. Wren’s demisexuality helped emphasise how a relationship can feel good but shallow when someone is holding back or hiding something - even if it’s out of fear or insecurity, and not necessarily dishonesty. When all the cards are on the table, it’s easy to see real growth and connection, allowing for a wonderful and fulfilling relationship.
As expected with new adult fiction, Never Been Kissed covers a period in these characters' lives when they are trying to find themselves and the people they will be. I loved that several threads were running throughout the narrative, lending complexity to what could have been a simple but sweet love story. A lot is going on here, but we never lose the central thread that makes this an incredibly easy and enjoyable read.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
3.5 stars
Everything I wrote about Never Been Kissed in my original review remains true on the reread. Never Been Kissed is a powerful story about the internal work and journey of self-discovery that is so common in the queer community. It’s also a testament to open communication and trust in relationships of all forms.
When we meet Wren, he has fairly recently come out to his friends and family as gay, and while he may feel he is living his life more honestly, there’s still something that isn’t sitting right. But even when he isn’t sure or is trying to figure something out, Wren always strives to be as open and honest as he can be. This isn’t always easy and it’s not always perfect but the effort is always worth it. This was a big part of Never Been Kissed that stuck with me long after I first read it and it’s the aspect I remembered the most while rereading. It may come off as a little too perfect at times but it’s nice to see these types of relationships being modelled.
There’s a lot going on in the background here and while it does pull focus from the main romantic relationship, there are narrative threads here that are arguably more compelling than whether or not Wren and Derick will work out whatever obstacles are thrown in their way. I’m not Mateo’s biggest fan but Avery and Stacia were very interesting and I’d happily read an entire book about them. But Alice is the true showstopper even if she’s the walking cliché of the old lady hermit. All she’s missing is the house full of cats and some hoarding tendencies - there are a lot of mentions about imaginary dogs and a dishevelled house, though, so we’re pretty much there.
I decided to reread Never Been Kissed because I was approved for an arc of New Adult and wanted to start the series from the beginning. It was definitely worth the reread and lived up to my memory of this sweet and compelling story.
2022 ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
Thanks to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
"Call me old-fashioned, but I fight the urge to share as much as possible because my self-conscious nature can't handle having to steal my supply of serotonin from likes and comments."
There is so much to love about Never Been Kissed , but one of my favourite aspects is the fluidity of romantic and sexual identities. Wren shows that it's okay to identify differently or change your ‘label’ as you grow and learn more about yourself - especially once you start dating and putting prior conceptions to the test in the real world. Though he feels trapped because he came out as gay, Wren no longer believes the term truly encompasses him as a person. I love the open discussion, initiated by Brandon after a disastrous experience, that helps him come to terms with himself and his romantic history. It helps to show how learning more about yourself can improve your relationships with those around you.
Never Been Kissed models how beautiful open and honest communication in relationships can be. This is demonstrated in both friendships and romantic relationships, and the close bonds between a lot of these characters prove how important this kind of communication can be. Wren’s demisexuality helped emphasise how a relationship can feel good but shallow when someone is holding back or hiding something - even if it’s out of fear or insecurity, and not necessarily dishonesty. When all the cards are on the table, it’s easy to see real growth and connection, allowing for a wonderful and fulfilling relationship.
As expected with new adult fiction, Never Been Kissed covers a period in these characters' lives when they are trying to find themselves and the people they will be. I loved that several threads were running throughout the narrative, lending complexity to what could have been a simple but sweet love story. A lot is going on here, but we never lose the central thread that makes this an incredibly easy and enjoyable read.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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December 10, 2022dnf @ 15%
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