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A review by walskishere
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I think the premise was okay (not sure how I feel generally about the fake-dating trope, as this is only my second book with it), some things about this book irked my soul.
I think Ellie was a pitiful human. There's a way to write a sad character in a tough situation, but it's not how Ellie was written. I found a lot of her actions of the "poor me" variety, which got old quickly. I think the real thing that got me about her behavior is the way that she thought no one else had problems; her problems were the biggest ones in the world. She kept insisting no one else fails except her and it was like I was speaking with a child, who naturally has no self-awareness. This eventually comes to be a part of her character arc, but by the time she gets into therapy and starts to address her trauma and toxic way of thinking, it feels almost like a New Year's resolution. Perhaps this is just due to the timing of the story, but she goes in so hard on it, that that's what it feels like--someone giving 110% to a NY resolution, then abandoning it a few months in.
Another thing that I didn't like about the book is the lack of apology from Jack about the vile things she says to Ellie once Ellie and Andrew are found out. Yes, I can understand someone would actually say those things in this situation, and I'm fine with that. But she never apologizes to Ellie after they make up, which I'm totally not okay with. Yes, Ellie hurt her. Yes, she had a right to be upset. But to say such hurtful things to someone you supposedly love and NOT apologize after agreeing to be together? Wild behavior.
I think the last part of this book that I didn't care for was the unbelievability of the Jack-Ellie mistletoe kiss. I'm ready to suspend my disbelief about fake-dating. But, in WHAT universe would the family, especially Katherine considering the cheating reveal later, be cheering for Ellie and Jack to kiss? There's absolutely no way that EVERYONE in that house would realistically be encouraging that. Meemaw? Sure. Lovey? Perhaps. Andrew? Maybe. Dylan and Katherine? No way.
Runner-up dislike reason: some characters seemed like caricatures?
I did really enjoy the relationships in this book; I just wish some characters appreciated their relationships more. The banter was funny, and the group dynamic at the end was really cool to see. I really appreciate the theme of found family and forgiveness. The class commentary was subtle, but I liked it.
Overall, this is a solid book. I'm not sure if I would read it again, but there were some really, really good parts I highlighted. I might recommend this to the right person.
I think Ellie was a pitiful human. There's a way to write a sad character in a tough situation, but it's not how Ellie was written. I found a lot of her actions of the "poor me" variety, which got old quickly. I think the real thing that got me about her behavior is the way that she thought no one else had problems; her problems were the biggest ones in the world. She kept insisting no one else fails except her and it was like I was speaking with a child, who naturally has no self-awareness.
Another thing that I didn't like about the book is the lack of apology from Jack about the vile things she says to Ellie once Ellie and Andrew are found out. Yes, I can understand someone would actually say those things in this situation, and I'm fine with that. But she never apologizes to Ellie after they make up, which I'm totally not okay with. Yes, Ellie hurt her. Yes, she had a right to be upset. But to say such hurtful things to someone you supposedly love and NOT apologize after agreeing to be together? Wild behavior.
I think the last part of this book that I didn't care for was the unbelievability of the Jack-Ellie mistletoe kiss. I'm ready to suspend my disbelief about fake-dating. But, in WHAT universe would the family, especially Katherine considering the cheating reveal later, be cheering for Ellie and Jack to kiss? There's absolutely no way that EVERYONE in that house would realistically be encouraging that. Meemaw? Sure. Lovey? Perhaps. Andrew? Maybe. Dylan and Katherine? No way.
Runner-up dislike reason: some characters seemed like caricatures?
I did really enjoy the relationships in this book; I just wish some characters appreciated their relationships more. The banter was funny, and the group dynamic at the end was really cool to see. I really appreciate the theme of found family and forgiveness. The class commentary was subtle, but I liked it.
Overall, this is a solid book. I'm not sure if I would read it again, but there were some really, really good parts I highlighted. I might recommend this to the right person.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment