A review by imaginaryalchemist
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a charming, fun holiday read with a few issues. One was that the relationship between Ellie and Jack felt too rushed. I found it hard to believe they'd have such a strong connection after only one day, especially since Ellie is openly demisexual. As a demisexual myself, I appreciated the demi and ace-spec representation but felt it wasn't entirely accurate to our experiences. 

The flashback sequences could be jarring at times, but they did give more context to Ellie and Jack's relationship.

Also had some issues with the ending: 

I didn't think Ellie and Jack should have gotten back together, or tried to have a relationship. I felt like there was too much baggage there. They'd be better off going their separate ways and taking their failed relationship as a way to learn and grow.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Abandonment and Infidelity

There are a couple sex scenes that go into detail. There's discussions of toxic family relationships and neglectful parents. (Ellie has an absent father and a manipulative mother. Jack and Andrew both have issues with their family's lofty expectations.) The main character's anxiety disorder comes up frequently, with her having panic attacks. Infidelity and fake relationships are common themes throughout the story. -The characters drink and get intoxicated multiple times.