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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It had its cute and funny moments but this is TRULY a young adult book for high schoolers (well, mostly. maybe not the part where the friend wants to $&@? one of the teachers đł)
This would be better titled: Inner Monologue of a High School Girl.
Not only that, but it ends with a major cliffhanger and we donât know who Scarlettâs Kiss Thief is!
This would be better titled: Inner Monologue of a High School Girl.
Not only that, but it ends with a major cliffhanger and we donât know who Scarlettâs Kiss Thief is!
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book? Pure chaosâand I was living for it.
Scarlett and the Kiss Thief is a laugh-out-loud YA rom-com that follows Scarlett, a high school senior whoâs been in love with her best friend Axel forever. With the help of her cousin and bestie Sophie (who, by the way, completely stole the show), Scarlett launches âOperation Too Hot To Handleâ to finally get Axel to see her as more than just the girl next door and give her that long-awaited first kiss.
But of course, nothing goes according to plan.
Enter JacobâAxelâs competition and the other childhood friend whoâs been lowkey in love with her all along. And just when you think things couldnât get more chaotic, Scarlettâs first kiss is stolen in the dark by a mystery guy who starts texting her, promising to steal all her firsts. Yep. Welcome to the Kiss Thief era.
The story is fast-paced, addictive, and so much fun. The love triangle had me screaming at my screen (in a good way), and the big question of who the Kiss Thief is kept me hooked. Iâm officially #TeamJacob, but honestly? I was torn at timesâjust like Scarlett.
My only tiny hiccup? Towards the end, a few random characters popped up out of nowhere and I was like, âSorry, who are you again?â It threw me off a bit, but didnât take away from the overall ride.
Sophie deserves her own book, Jacob deserves justice, and I need answers after that cliffhanger.
Scarlett and the Kiss Thief is a laugh-out-loud YA rom-com that follows Scarlett, a high school senior whoâs been in love with her best friend Axel forever. With the help of her cousin and bestie Sophie (who, by the way, completely stole the show), Scarlett launches âOperation Too Hot To Handleâ to finally get Axel to see her as more than just the girl next door and give her that long-awaited first kiss.
But of course, nothing goes according to plan.
Enter JacobâAxelâs competition and the other childhood friend whoâs been lowkey in love with her all along. And just when you think things couldnât get more chaotic, Scarlettâs first kiss is stolen in the dark by a mystery guy who starts texting her, promising to steal all her firsts. Yep. Welcome to the Kiss Thief era.
The story is fast-paced, addictive, and so much fun. The love triangle had me screaming at my screen (in a good way), and the big question of who the Kiss Thief is kept me hooked. Iâm officially #TeamJacob, but honestly? I was torn at timesâjust like Scarlett.
My only tiny hiccup? Towards the end, a few random characters popped up out of nowhere and I was like, âSorry, who are you again?â It threw me off a bit, but didnât take away from the overall ride.
Sophie deserves her own book, Jacob deserves justice, and I need answers after that cliffhanger.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ARC Review
To say that I had a hard time putting this book down would be an understatement, finishing this book in two days.
This book pulls you in and doesn't let you go. It keeps you engaged the whole time, each chapter leaves you with a guess that makes you have to keep reading.
There definitely seems to be something going on with the MFC, maybe it's just me, but the parents all seem to act a little strange around her. I can't wait to see how this story develops.
And the way you get left with such a cliffhanger at the end. It's going to be awful waiting for the next book to come out.
To say that I had a hard time putting this book down would be an understatement, finishing this book in two days.
This book pulls you in and doesn't let you go. It keeps you engaged the whole time, each chapter leaves you with a guess that makes you have to keep reading.
There definitely seems to be something going on with the MFC, maybe it's just me, but the parents all seem to act a little strange around her. I can't wait to see how this story develops.
And the way you get left with such a cliffhanger at the end. It's going to be awful waiting for the next book to come out.
medium-paced
Spoilers::::
Characters: Scarlett
Spice:1/5
Plot:5/5
Character Development:5/5
Review:
"Scarlett and The Kiss Thief" by Ivy Smoak is a quick and enjoyable read that centers on Scarlett, a high school senior determined to win over her longtime crush, Axel Stevens. After a summer makeover, she's ready to make her move and finally get her first kiss.
The story is engaging, and Scarlett's determination makes her a relatable character. The book ends on a frustrating cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to know who stole her first kiss. Though short, itâs a delightful read that will have you eagerly waiting for the sequel.
Characters: Scarlett
Spice:1/5
Plot:5/5
Character Development:5/5
Review:
"Scarlett and The Kiss Thief" by Ivy Smoak is a quick and enjoyable read that centers on Scarlett, a high school senior determined to win over her longtime crush, Axel Stevens. After a summer makeover, she's ready to make her move and finally get her first kiss.
The story is engaging, and Scarlett's determination makes her a relatable character. The book ends on a frustrating cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to know who stole her first kiss. Though short, itâs a delightful read that will have you eagerly waiting for the sequel.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My Initial Thoughts
I just couldnât wait to be immersed back into Empire High and the fact that all my loved characters where also around but with the next generation, and I was not disappointed. I loved the children all grown up straight away and the fact the main bulk of the story was in Empire High with all the easter eggs of The Hunted series. I quickly got drawn in and loved Scarlett so much but Sophie never failed to make me laugh. I also LOVE LOVE the new cover, it points towards Scarlettâs personality such as the red panda!
I just couldnât wait to be immersed back into Empire High and the fact that all my loved characters where also around but with the next generation, and I was not disappointed. I loved the children all grown up straight away and the fact the main bulk of the story was in Empire High with all the easter eggs of The Hunted series. I quickly got drawn in and loved Scarlett so much but Sophie never failed to make me laugh. I also LOVE LOVE the new cover, it points towards Scarlettâs personality such as the red panda!
Plot
The plot is just the most adorable The Kissing Booth had to be one of my favourite chapters, I laughed so hard! The plot perfectly blends the older generation with the newer and I absolutely loved that. The writing is perfect and draws you into Scarlettâs whirlwind and how being a senior with James as a father, has it perks and flaws!
I loved Liam and oh my goodness RJ, his just a mini Rob isnât he! I was howling with laughter at everything he does, oh and Mr Nigel and Tanner, they totally are the ultimate team of making you laugh out loud⌠âbaby dollâ
Characters
If you hadnât already guessed, I kind of love the characters in this series. I loved the fact that Scarlett was more quiet and like her mum but then Liam was the total opposite! Sophie and RJ are definitely Robâs children but I absolutely LOVED that. All the characters mixed together make the perfect next generation. Then you have Axel and Jacob that are both different in their own rights, Jacob is this friend thatâs always there no matter what â Friends to lovers trope !? â then Axel HA the over protective alpha male of the group who hates the fact that anyone might go near Scarlett!
Characters
If you hadnât already guessed, I kind of love the characters in this series. I loved the fact that Scarlett was more quiet and like her mum but then Liam was the total opposite! Sophie and RJ are definitely Robâs children but I absolutely LOVED that. All the characters mixed together make the perfect next generation. Then you have Axel and Jacob that are both different in their own rights, Jacob is this friend thatâs always there no matter what â Friends to lovers trope !? â then Axel HA the over protective alpha male of the group who hates the fact that anyone might go near Scarlett!
Recommend
If you already have read the Hunted Series and Empire High you HAVE to start this series, itâs the next step you didnât know you needed.
Favourite Quotes
âTo everyone who loved The Hunted Series and Empire High series. I hope youâre ready for the next generation. Let the new rollercoaster begin.â
The dedication alone was enough to sell the new series to me!
âAll the dreams I had about us being together were just that⌠dreams. Fairytales Iâd been telling myself since I was two. But you couldnât force someone to be your Prince Charming.â
âI take back the nerd thing. We know your kiss thief isnât a nerd. Unless itâs like a sexy nerd situation. And by that I mean a hot guy in glasses.â
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 8, 15, 20 and 26.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect step to the next generation of Empire High students.
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 8, 15, 20 and 26.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect step to the next generation of Empire High students.
Overall Wrap up
I loved everything about this, the next generation held up to all my expectations and I enjoyed it. The mention Penny dropped for The Hunted Series, the older characters being there. I just loved it!!!
This is exactly what I expect when I read Ivyâs writing, which is ultimately why sheâs one of my auto-read, auto buy authors!
Stars & Spice â 4.75 stars and closed door romance.
Stars & Spice â 4.75 stars and closed door romance.
Book Information â Scarlett And The Kiss Thief by Ivy Smoak.
Genre â Romance.
Pages â 347 pages.
Tropes â
Friends to lovers.
Genre â Romance.
Pages â 347 pages.
Tropes â
Friends to lovers.
Mysterious man.
Available on Kindle Unlimited â This is available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats â Available on kindle and paperback.
Publishing Information â Published on 22nd May 2025 by Loft Troll Ink.
Format in Which I Read â Kindle
Where my copy come From â Greys promo.
POVs â Written from Scarlettâs POV.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines â Written on a single timeline.
1st or 3rd Person â Written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger â This ends on a slight cliffhanger!
Series or Standalone â Book 1 in the Scarlett duet.
Trigger Warnings â Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.