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bookhoarderbea's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Outing, and Racism
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
wrensandroses's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol, Homophobia, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, Bullying, Cultural appropriation, and Body shaming
Minor: Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, and Fatphobia
aus10england's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another great book by Adib! I went in with pretty high expectations, considering how strong their first two books were, and for the most part I was satisfied. I think that the book is in its prime in the first half, as we get to see the boys on tour, and the drama that ensues. I appreciate that the main character is allow to be a #messygay, and I feel was realistically portrayed for somebody in that position. I also HEAVILY enjoyed the bits between chapters, (email exchanges between managers, text messages, tabloid articles, etc.) they really added to the story, and contextualized the fame of the characters involved. Where the book fell flat for me was the romance elements, I just didn’t buy the attraction and the actions that transpired. It is successful in the sense that it is VERY melodramatic. If you enjoy boy bands, flawed characters, and Canadian culture references, I would highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming, Outing, Alcohol, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
sarahmreads's review
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Five Canadian boys come together to form one of the world's biggest bands, Kiss & Tell, after a video of their first song "Poutine" goes viral. Now as they head off on the tour of their second album, Hunter Drake, the only opening gay member of the band, has to deal with heartbreak after his first major breakup and the repercussions that come with it. Will Hunter find a way back to who he authentically is, or will he crack under the pressure of the world watching his every move?
This story is very much authentically raw in its portrayal of marginalized communities within the public eye and the impacts on those marginalized and it really leaves an impact with you long after you finish. There were a few parts with Hunter being handled in ways he didn't approve of by fans that was so painful to read and I was convinced I couldn't get through it. Other parts included some hate speech even unsolicited pictures, and it really goes to show the brutal reality of being a member of a marginalized community while also being very much in the public eye.
There were a few really important discussions highlighted over the timeline of the main discourse of the story, that being how you can authentically be yourself when there are so many societal expectations pushed on you? The label that the boys play for (which is literally called The Label, could have had a better name) kept trying to force Hunter to be more feminine in his attire, or even present himself in an entirely different light just so the label and the band wouldn't go under. All the while, people from the LGBTQ+ community in various articles express concern that Hunter isn't owning his queerness, although he donates seats for each show to LGBTQ+ shelters. It really emphasizes double standards, and we even see that in Kaivan's story as a recently out gay with Iranian-American heritage. I can't speak to the accuracy of that representation as I am not of this ethnicity, but it was a really good discussion to be had.
Furthermore, Khorram isn't afraid to put it bluntly that white people don't need to be saviors for people of color or even attempt to fight their battles for them. POCs face much more difficult struggles that white people can't even comprehend, and it's up to them to figure out how they can be a good ally while also not stepping on their toes. It was wrapped up a bit too nicely at the end, but I'll get to that later.
The characters are messy, but they also work really well throughout the story when it comes to the overall plot. Hunter is definitely working through a lot, and at times has a tendency to focus on himself and shut out the rest of his friends and even his ex. While he was not the cleanest character I've read, I still really liked him through his struggles and his passions. It highlighted the best and worst parts of him, and that's why I liked him so much. I do wish we saw some more of the other band members, however, since a lot of the time is focused on Hunter's "relationship" with Kaivan and Hunter dealing with all the things the world expects of him.
Some things I was a bit iffy on while reading. First, the ending was too neat, as in it ended on a high note but absolutely no clue as to what happened after the end of the last chapter. We know the epilogue is them still on tour, but that's it. There's no clue as to what The Label (I'm sorry it's such a dumb name) is doing to make up for what they've done, or the band, or what happens between Hunter and his love interest. Yeah it circles back to the very beginning, but give us a better idea of the outcome of the story.
Next, some conversations about self-pleasure were had, primarily through Hunter's perspective, but it was kind of just forced at the beginning and not really talked about since? For me, it could have been a discussion on positive reinforcement and normalization of masturbation but read as another typical teenage boy needing to get off. I know it adds to Hunter's messy character, but it was uncomfortable for me to read.
Despite its flaws, Kiss & Tell is a fast-paced and beautiful story that my former One Direction fan self fell in love with. It's brutal and honest and passionate and absolutely addicting.
I received a copy of this story as an e-ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Teen. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story is very much authentically raw in its portrayal of marginalized communities within the public eye and the impacts on those marginalized and it really leaves an impact with you long after you finish. There were a few parts with Hunter being handled in ways he didn't approve of by fans that was so painful to read and I was convinced I couldn't get through it. Other parts included some hate speech even unsolicited pictures, and it really goes to show the brutal reality of being a member of a marginalized community while also being very much in the public eye.
There were a few really important discussions highlighted over the timeline of the main discourse of the story, that being how you can authentically be yourself when there are so many societal expectations pushed on you? The label that the boys play for (which is literally called The Label, could have had a better name) kept trying to force Hunter to be more feminine in his attire, or even present himself in an entirely different light just so the label and the band wouldn't go under. All the while, people from the LGBTQ+ community in various articles express concern that Hunter isn't owning his queerness, although he donates seats for each show to LGBTQ+ shelters. It really emphasizes double standards, and we even see that in Kaivan's story as a recently out gay with Iranian-American heritage. I can't speak to the accuracy of that representation as I am not of this ethnicity, but it was a really good discussion to be had.
Furthermore, Khorram isn't afraid to put it bluntly that white people don't need to be saviors for people of color or even attempt to fight their battles for them. POCs face much more difficult struggles that white people can't even comprehend, and it's up to them to figure out how they can be a good ally while also not stepping on their toes. It was wrapped up a bit too nicely at the end, but I'll get to that later.
The characters are messy, but they also work really well throughout the story when it comes to the overall plot. Hunter is definitely working through a lot, and at times has a tendency to focus on himself and shut out the rest of his friends and even his ex. While he was not the cleanest character I've read, I still really liked him through his struggles and his passions. It highlighted the best and worst parts of him, and that's why I liked him so much. I do wish we saw some more of the other band members, however, since a lot of the time is focused on Hunter's "relationship" with Kaivan and Hunter dealing with all the things the world expects of him.
Some things I was a bit iffy on while reading. First, the ending was too neat, as in it ended on a high note but absolutely no clue as to what happened after the end of the last chapter. We know the epilogue is them still on tour, but that's it. There's no clue as to what The Label (I'm sorry it's such a dumb name) is doing to make up for what they've done, or the band, or what happens between Hunter and his love interest. Yeah it circles back to the very beginning, but give us a better idea of the outcome of the story.
Next, some conversations about self-pleasure were had, primarily through Hunter's perspective, but it was kind of just forced at the beginning and not really talked about since? For me, it could have been a discussion on positive reinforcement and normalization of masturbation but read as another typical teenage boy needing to get off. I know it adds to Hunter's messy character, but it was uncomfortable for me to read.
Despite its flaws, Kiss & Tell is a fast-paced and beautiful story that my former One Direction fan self fell in love with. It's brutal and honest and passionate and absolutely addicting.
I received a copy of this story as an e-ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Teen. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, Racial slurs, Outing, Homophobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Minor: Hate crime and Alcohol
foreverinastory's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5/5
This was really great! I feel like it could've been longer to really explore some of the discussions presented. Kiss & Tell follows the incredibly popular boy band "Kiss & Tell" and Hunter Drake, the only gay member in the band. Hunter has been an icon for queer youth everywhere, but after his breakup with his boyfriend and texts are leaked, his image is put into question. Hunter never wanted to be the Label's perfect queer kid, but navigating the line between keeping the Label appeased and being himself is hard enough without thousands of fans and parents talking about his actions like they know him.
Then there's Kaivan, the drummer of PAR-K, the opener for Kiss & Tell on their North American tour. Hunter and Kaivan start a flirty friendship when Kaivan comes out to him. Hunter thinks this could develop into something romantic, but when the Label gets involved, Hunter doesn't know what to do.
This was such a great story about the pressure of being in the spotlight and how that affects people. Hunter is a white cis gay boy and he has a lot of privilege. It was very interesting to see all the things he dealt with and how he centers himself. Three members of Kiss & Tell are BIPOC, but when Hunter finally talks to them, he realizes that he's not the only one dealing with stereotypes and microaggressions. Hunter is a bit selfish and closed off in the beginning of this, but we see him start to come out of his shell and begin to listen. I wish this book was longer so we could've seen more action from Hunter as he comes to all these realizations.
I do wish Hunter had taken a bigger role in educating himself. Maybe it's because he's Canadian, but I think it stems more from being white. But Hunter is constantly educated by the people of color in his life and I can't imagine how tiring that was for them. I do like that by the end he's finally more receptive to what their saying and how racism is different from queermisia, but is still just as damaging.
I did like Hunter's character. He's only a teenager and he doesn't have everything figured out. Plus with private texts leaked by his ex, he's dealing with a lot. His image and reputation are in question and Hunter doesn't know how to navigate this, especially as a gay boy. The Label wants him to become more of a femme/twink persona even though that's not him. He spends a lot of time internally debating how to navigate this and what he should do.
I really enjoyed Hunter and Kaivan's friendship/relationship. Kaivan was so cute and I wanted more of him. The past interviews with him definitely made me worried. I liked how he did eventually talk to Hunter about all of it. There was so much interesting presence about heteronormativity, and toxic masculinity. We do get some discussions of it and I was glad for that. I would've loved more, but ultimately, I really enjoyed this book.
Last thing I'll say is that this cover is RUDE and screams pansexual vibes and then there was no pan characters and I was sad. Oh well :(
Rep: white Canadian gay cis male MC, Iranian-American gay cis male side character, white Canadian gay cis male side character, white Canadian cishet male side character, Vietnamese-Canadian cishet male side character, Brazilian-Canadian cishet male side character, Indian-Canadian cishet male side character, Black queer nonbinary drag monarch side character, white American gay cis male side character, various queer & BIPOC side characters briefly mentioned.
CWs: Body shaming, slut shaming, homophobia/homomisia, racism, sexual harassment. Moderate: alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, sexual assault, outing, consensual sexual content, grief, past death of parent. Minor: Car accident.
4.5/5
This was really great! I feel like it could've been longer to really explore some of the discussions presented. Kiss & Tell follows the incredibly popular boy band "Kiss & Tell" and Hunter Drake, the only gay member in the band. Hunter has been an icon for queer youth everywhere, but after his breakup with his boyfriend and texts are leaked, his image is put into question. Hunter never wanted to be the Label's perfect queer kid, but navigating the line between keeping the Label appeased and being himself is hard enough without thousands of fans and parents talking about his actions like they know him.
Then there's Kaivan, the drummer of PAR-K, the opener for Kiss & Tell on their North American tour. Hunter and Kaivan start a flirty friendship when Kaivan comes out to him. Hunter thinks this could develop into something romantic, but when the Label gets involved, Hunter doesn't know what to do.
This was such a great story about the pressure of being in the spotlight and how that affects people. Hunter is a white cis gay boy and he has a lot of privilege. It was very interesting to see all the things he dealt with and how he centers himself. Three members of Kiss & Tell are BIPOC, but when Hunter finally talks to them, he realizes that he's not the only one dealing with stereotypes and microaggressions. Hunter is a bit selfish and closed off in the beginning of this, but we see him start to come out of his shell and begin to listen. I wish this book was longer so we could've seen more action from Hunter as he comes to all these realizations.
I do wish Hunter had taken a bigger role in educating himself. Maybe it's because he's Canadian, but I think it stems more from being white. But Hunter is constantly educated by the people of color in his life and I can't imagine how tiring that was for them. I do like that by the end he's finally more receptive to what their saying and how racism is different from queermisia, but is still just as damaging.
I did like Hunter's character. He's only a teenager and he doesn't have everything figured out. Plus with private texts leaked by his ex, he's dealing with a lot. His image and reputation are in question and Hunter doesn't know how to navigate this, especially as a gay boy. The Label wants him to become more of a femme/twink persona even though that's not him. He spends a lot of time internally debating how to navigate this and what he should do.
I really enjoyed Hunter and Kaivan's friendship/relationship. Kaivan was so cute and I wanted more of him. The past interviews with him definitely made me worried. I liked how he did eventually talk to Hunter about all of it. There was so much interesting presence about heteronormativity, and toxic masculinity. We do get some discussions of it and I was glad for that. I would've loved more, but ultimately, I really enjoyed this book.
Last thing I'll say is that this cover is RUDE and screams pansexual vibes and then there was no pan characters and I was sad. Oh well :(
Rep: white Canadian gay cis male MC, Iranian-American gay cis male side character, white Canadian gay cis male side character, white Canadian cishet male side character, Vietnamese-Canadian cishet male side character, Brazilian-Canadian cishet male side character, Indian-Canadian cishet male side character, Black queer nonbinary drag monarch side character, white American gay cis male side character, various queer & BIPOC side characters briefly mentioned.
CWs: Body shaming, slut shaming, homophobia/homomisia, racism, sexual harassment. Moderate: alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, sexual assault, outing, consensual sexual content, grief, past death of parent. Minor: Car accident.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Homophobia
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual assault, Grief, Outing, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
armontheroad's review
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I finished reading KISS & TELL in roughly ten hours, which should tell you just how enthralled and in love with this story I was. Adib Khorram, once again, writes a fantastic novel with amazing characters and vital conversations. I cried several times whilst reading this, excitedly screamed my head off, and mourned the fact it ended. I want more books with these characters! This book is going to be so important to so many people and the conversations had will, no doubt, positively impact the young readers this book gets into the hands of. This is worth so much of your time!!
Content Warnings: Racism, slut shaming, fetishization, homophobia, infantilization, outing, sexual harassment, sexual assault, parental death, grief, burnout, alcohol, car accident.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Homophobia, Outing, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
tiredcath's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Kiss & Tell is a great exploration on what it means to be a minority in the public eye. Where you’re forced to be a role model or representative for that community, no matter if that’s how you want to be perceived. Not only does Hunter himself face scrutiny for just being himself, but he has been forced into being a representative for every gay person. It’s especially harder when you’re young.
Khorram does great, little things throughout the novel that put things into perspective. I really loved how Hunter’s problems are real but he’s also put in his place about his own privilege by others.
I can also tell Khorram took great lengths to research fandom culture. That was really endearing to me and grounded the story in reality.
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did but it slowly began special to me. I don’t know how but suddenly I was messaging my friends about this as if this was a real band! Although, the story is a bit lost at some points. There’s no really a plot structure, not that I minded much. It’s a fun read that makes you think, and those are the best kinds. I recommend, if you can, to buddy read this with someone. It’ll be cool to discuss how things were handled.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Outing
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