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A review by smoores415
Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book was just ok, it took a while for me to read because even though it was a lighthearted book, I just couldn't get into it. I actually had to put the book down after chapter 2 and walk away because the secondhand embarrassment was so extreme.
I also feel like this book is mismarketed. On the back, it basically says it's a queer version of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and while it kind of starts out that way, it doesn't actually contribute to the plot very much after that.
I'm not a big fan of books that have a lot of pop culture references because I feel like it takes me out and makes the book obsolete quickly. I also didn't think the dialogue was realistic and got kind of annoying with all the acronyms.
The thing that frustrated me most with this book is the MC's boss with his 3 strike policy. The MC gets 2 strikes immediately for the dumbest reasons and any boss that would do that in the real world would be so toxic. And it was done just to create unnecessary tension, it made it really hard to take the book seriously. There were many times where the author was trying to create these high stakes situations when really the stakes were so low.
I did love the demi representation and showing that you don’t have to have it all figured out when you come out.
Overall, the book was alright, but not great, I probably wouldn't read another book by this author.
I also feel like this book is mismarketed. On the back, it basically says it's a queer version of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and while it kind of starts out that way, it doesn't actually contribute to the plot very much after that.
I'm not a big fan of books that have a lot of pop culture references because I feel like it takes me out and makes the book obsolete quickly. I also didn't think the dialogue was realistic and got kind of annoying with all the acronyms.
The thing that frustrated me most with this book is the MC's boss with his 3 strike policy. The MC gets 2 strikes immediately for the dumbest reasons and any boss that would do that in the real world would be so toxic. And it was done just to create unnecessary tension, it made it really hard to take the book seriously. There were many times where the author was trying to create these high stakes situations when really the stakes were so low.
Overall, the book was alright, but not great, I probably wouldn't read another book by this author.