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No Kiss List

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Part One-
They say you can't escape your past, but I was hell bent on proving them wrong. Rules weren't a new thing to me since leaving the past and starting anew life with my adopted family. So when I'm forced to move into the frat house with my brother I'm not surprised when I'm given one rule; don't kiss his friends. Sounds easy enough, that is until his sexy neighbor sets his sights on me. What's a girl to do?

Part Two-
I'm finally doing what I've always wanted. College, friends, and a sexy new roommate, everything is up from here. Or is it? My world suddenly comes crashing down around me and I only know one way out. So what do I do when all I know is to return to the life i tried so hard to forget?

270 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2023

5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

M.S. Phillips

2 books40 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for lyn ♡.
181 reviews155 followers
June 22, 2023
☆ 4/5 & 3/5 spice

Please check TW/CW before reading!

Reed has struggled with many things in her past having to deal with a rough childhood, feeling like a burden, struggling with family issues, and learning how to overcome all these difficult experiences. Reed eventually moves in temporarily with her brother AJ at his frat house. AJ makes a “no kiss list” for Reed letting people know that she’s off-limits. Reed eventually meets River, who’s her brother’s roommate at the Frat and slowly starts to develop some feelings for him. I love the new and old friendship connection that Reed has with both Sebastian and Jasmine.

The first part of the book was a bit slow for me, but once the second part began I really enjoyed all the drama, but I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. The drama, angst, heartbreaking moments, and miscommunications made me feel all sorts of emotions while reading this book. I was really hoping that we were able to get a bit more in depth backstory to Reed, River, and Sebastian. I really enjoyed the relationship between these characters as well as the support and being there for one another.

Tropes:
❥ Forbidden romance
❥ Brother’s roommate
❥ Emotional scars
❥ Forced proximity
❥ Slow burn
❥ Push & pull
❥ Love triangle
Profile Image for BookerBReads.
47 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2023
This book shows just how drug addiction, attempted suicide and sexual assault can affect one’s life. But, it also shows the side that’s sometimes left unspoken. The struggle with people/places, wanting others approval……. and let’s not forget redemption! Author M.S. Phillips portrays the main character Reed so well! Reed has faced so much in her lifetime to only be the age she is. And then so much changes when she meets River. 10/10 recommend this book!
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
925 reviews42 followers
June 22, 2023
No Kiss List Review
 
Couple: Reed & River Daniels
 
Author: M.S. Phillips
 
Tropes: frenemy to lover,, college romance, forced proximity, gritty romance, finding yourself, roommate romance, brother’s friend
 
Review: This is an all new, gritty and super emotional read that will not disappoint. The book is a dual POV and exposes the darkness we all have in us. I really loved how this book was written and how the author depicted the harsh reality of addiction.
 
The book deals with triggers and topics that are not appropriate for all so reading her is to warnings is needed. The book centers around Reed and River. Reed is a young woman who had a tough childhood until she was adopted. We begin the book with her moving into her adopted brother’s frat-house and him imposing the “No Kiss List”.
 
First off, I loved Reed. Her character is super gritty and very REAL. The effects of her up brining and the way she keeps her detachments from reality is upsetting but as we read we learn why she began doing it. I found her story to be angsty yet full of growth and finding yourself. I loved how the book explores the way she forms strong and true relationships with her one close friend and River.
 
River is one of the men on the “list” and his character really caught my eye in this book. I loved how he was always so supportive of Reed and always encouraged her inner strength. I also felt like the way he made her believe in herself was inspiring. My favorite part in his chapters were how he protected her from her brother’s rath and explained how wrong he was about his sister.
 
The book is intense in heat and slower to build on the spice. I enjoyed how both just enjoyed spending time together and it was not about the spice. I also really liked how the topic of addiction was handled and how River did not give up when he was faced with it.
 
Rating: 4.5/5, gritty and swoon worthy
Profile Image for Nicole  D'cruz (kiwinikilovesreading).
436 reviews27 followers
June 25, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
"A kiss is more personal than some quick f**ck, a kiss is meant for something more than that."

This book was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. I haven't read anything by this author before but she did such an amazing job with her words in this book.

Please read the trigger warnings before you read this book as it discusses some hard topics.

If you love these tropes, you will enjoy this book
💋 Push & Pull
💋 Brother's Roommate
💋 Forced Proximity
💋 Forbidden Romance
💋 Slow Burn
💋 Emotional Scars
💋 Dual POV

This book starts off with Reed moving into the same room as her brother AJ's at his frat house on a temporary basis. She is trying to start a new chapter of her life that is different to the person she used to be before. As soon as she moves in, AJ makes the no-kiss list of boys in the frat house she is forbidden to date.

This is easier said than done when his brother's roommate River is actively pursuing her. It also doesn't help that their chemistry is undeniable!

Overall, I loved this book! I loved that Mindy used song titles for the chapter names and each of them were perfect for the chapters.

I felt so many emotions reading about Reed's past and how she chose to numb the pain. Reed has always felt unwanted and like she was a burden on everyone. I felt so sad for her when she felt like the only way out was to not exist. I was surprised about River's past as well.

I felt like they were meant to meet each other so that they could lean on each other and for River to make Reed see that she does have something to live for and that she does deserve to be loved.

I was an emotional mess reading those last few chapters! Please keep the tissues handy!!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity and Mindy for kindly providing me with the arc. This review is my own honest opinion on the book!
Profile Image for Allison Cho.
58 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🦋forced proximity
🦋brother’s best friend
🦋forbidden romance
🦋love triangle

Omg, I did not expect this book to go the way it did😅 it was pretty tame the first half of the book, which had me worried, but the second half popped off! It was as spicy as it could get with River and Reed. They were so chaotic! It was supposed to be a slow burn, but it was more like a ticking time bomb!

The No Kiss List was such a funny concept to me before reading the book, but after reading this book, it actually kind of made sense. The whole story was really fast-paced, and I wish there were some places we could have had more of a story. It may have been too fast in some places. Do read the trigger warnings because it got pretty intense for me, and it did get me emotional. BUT it was still a pretty fun read!

Reed had a lot of trauma, and you start to feel for her. River was the character I was pretty obsessed with, though. I mean… We love an intellectual man! Not a douchey jerk who mansplains but an intelligent man who is caring and into the classics is always appreciated. River is a romantic, but he’s also the character that would do anything for Reed. I love him omg💗

Overall, I liked this book!
Profile Image for Gayl.
84 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I honestly enjoyed and loved this book! I didn’t put it down NOT once! I finished within in a few hours. If you enjoy books with the tropes below 👇🏼 you HAVE TO READ IT!

🪽Brothers Bestfriend
🪽Friends to lovers
🪽Forbidden Romance


I love how the FMC overcame everything she experienced in her life. She struggled so much growing up and being raised in a family where she always felt like a burden. I’m glad she got the ending she deserved to have (aside from one particular part in the book).

Let me just say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE River 😍😩. He was to die for. He would k!ll for her, he’s caring, intelligent, passionate, and completely OBSESSED with her!

I enjoyed all of the characters; except the mom. Aj irked my nerves from time to time, but they were all likable aside from that. I do wish the author would’ve given more of the building for each relationship, so it didn’t feel rushed. I would’ve liked to have read more into their backstories etc. I hope to see more of these characters in the future ❣️.

This isn’t a spoiler however; I do suggest to prepare yourself if you’re a baby like me. I balled my eyes out and got pretty emotional towards the end. As always read the Triggers.
Profile Image for Rieka.
392 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2023
I couldn't put this book down. It was so easy to get lost in the world that is created and I ended up reading it all in one day. The emotions that this book brings out are so raw and real. It's so easy to love the characters throughout the book and watch them grow and find love within themselves. Certain aspects of this story hit home for me and the roller coaster ride this put me on was a wild one. Not gonna lie, at some points I cried....MS Phillips created genuine characters that are real life relatable and that don't seem like fictional characters. The real life realities that she put into this book goes to show just how phenomenal of a writer she is.

I hope that with her characters and their hardships she helps many people realize that no matter your demons you're worth all the love in the world. Reed is so raw and real I absolutely love her and then we have River. Through their ups and downs he found his way to never back away. Sebastian...all I'm gonna say is my heart completely shattered for him. Then of course I love how Jas becomes the family Reed always deserved. The mother was a witch and hateful and you can't tell me otherwise. AJ I wanted to throat punch many times but I love how he also had some self growth at the end too.
3,308 reviews70 followers
June 18, 2023
🖤Forbidden Romance 💜Brothers Roommate 🖤Forced Proximity 💜Slow Burn 🖤Love Triangle 💜Slow Burn !!!No Kiss List was not only the perfect blend of so many of my go to tropes in romance but it was also one of the best books I’ve read in quite some time .it’s so beautifully written and emotionally charged there will definitely be more you are left completely speechless, moments you’ll feel like your heart is being crushed to the point you’ll find yourself crying so freaking hard . But then before you know what’s happening M.S Phillips puts it right back together again . Reed and Rivers journey is definitely not a easy one by any means . Both are so beautifully flawed and broken , both Have many obstacles and emotional baggage they are trying to deal with - but they also end up being absolutely perfect for each other . The angst , the witty banter , the heartbreaking and heartwarming moments, the tragedy, the secrete , the love , the passion, the twists and turns, the family and friendships. It has it all and so much more . No Kiss List is a must read
2,404 reviews59 followers
June 18, 2023
I was expecting a lighthearted book based on the blurb, but No Kiss List was anything but!

These are flawed characters, but so relatable. I really thought Reed was a wonderful heroine. She has been through so much, always felt like she was a burden, and she really blossomed through this story. River seemed to be exactly what she needed, and he was so patient and dedicated. They both have baggage from their pasts that they are trying to work through, but despite the heartbreak and heartache, they manage to find their soulmate in one another. (I also wanted to slap Reed's brother, AJ, quite a few times for his meddling.)

No Kiss List has plenty of sweet moments, and lots of spicy ones, but I was not expecting the rollercoaster of emotions I felt as I was reading this story. I will definitely be coming back to reread this one!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Brittany.
73 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2023
Please check trigger warnings before reading this book. We are introduced to Reed (FMC) who has gone through so much in her life and is currently learning how to not let her past control her future. After transferring schools, Reed is living with her brother, AJ, in his frat house. This is where she meets River (MMC). River is GOALS, he is compassionate, caring, sharp, and absolutely OBSESSED with Reed.

I felt all the emotions while reading this book. This book made me smile, laugh, and angry. I do feel like the story was a bit rushed but still overall really like it. While reading this book we come to realize each character, main or supporting, has some form of emotional scars. The game River and Reed played with each other in the beginning just added a whole other level to their attraction to each other.

Thank you to M.S. Phillips & The Wordsmith Publicity for the arc in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for ThatBookishWriter.
389 reviews18 followers
June 15, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down for the life of me!! I felt a huge range of emotions. I smiled like crazy, I laughed, I cried and I got angry!

I love Reed. She has been through so much and has grown a ton throughout the book. My heart broke for her with everything that she had to go through. Between her past and her present. I cried for her.

River… God I love him!! He is just so amazing to Reed and love seeing him grow a bit as well. Love the heat and the banter between them. My heart broke for him too.

AJ made me so mad! I wanted to shake and yell at him to listen to Reed. But I’m happy with how the ending between went.

I love Jas too! She is such a good friend to Reed and Reed really needed that! And honestly Jas just seems like that amazing friend who would do anything for you! Also nothing can get past her!!

I couldn’t get enough of this book!!
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,227 reviews72 followers
June 15, 2023
Reed is a transfer student and needs a place to live so she’s staying with her brother…in his frat house. Reed has a past that she doesn’t like to talk about but it’s always there. They say broken people attract broken people. River is curious about Reed…what’s her story? What is she hiding? Does she feel the same way he does? Reed and River both have emotional baggage to unpack…can they help each other? This was an extremely emotional quick read with a very layered story. A story that took us on a journey through several different characters who were well written and told a heck of a story. River and Reed were extremely drawn to each other and had a strong connection. This story was an up and down journey that handled several sensitive issues. Each issue was handled honestly and was very well handled. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) .
2,516 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2023
This book was unbelievably good that all I wanted to do was get lost in this story and these character's. This book is going to hurt, make you laugh and make you cry. These fictual character's are going to make you love them and not like them as this arthur brings them to life with her word's.
Reed Walker is having to move into her brothers frat house and in order to keep thing's good while she stays there he tells her she can't get involved with his friends that he'll make a list of guy's she has to stay away from and not even to kiss them. Top of that list is River who's room is next to his, and they share a bathroom😏. That's all I'm giving away you need to go in blind that's what I did and enjoy the wild ride of emotions this arthur takes you on you won't want to miss a thing. Ugh Seb😥
2,925 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2023
My heart broke for Reed. She had such a terrible, traumatic childhood that I couldn’t not feel for her. Read the warnings, because she overcame a lot.
River, River, River. What can I say? Swoon, drool, heart-eyes. Book boyfriend? Most definitely! He is wonderful.
This is a fast paced read, with excellent, relatable characters and a storyline that keeps you interested.
Filled with emotion, I unashamedly cried, I was that invested with these characters. (But there’s also sections that made me smile and others where I wanted to slap the character silly- it’s not all hard and heavy).
A slow burn start, but gets quite steamy in the second half with a great HEA.
I truly hope there is more from this ‘world’ because I really didn’t want to say goodbye to these wonderful characters.

I received an ARC from Wordsmith Publicity and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for ELC.
2,094 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2023
NO KISS LIST by M.S. Phillips

This was a first for me from this author. Ok first let’s start with how much I hated the mom was I alone in this or did everyone hate her as much? Ok now to Reed gosh she had a rough upbringing yet she overcame it. It broke my heart the fact that she felt like a burden that really was heartbreaking. I loved that even though AJ gives her the No Kiss List she still finds a way to get to know him better and the connection between. You will love their journey. The journey that Reed takes us through the book. All she endured as a child and then as an adult yet she come out on too and discovers how to love herself. They are two souls that never had love and are searching for it and find it in themselves and in each other. Loved this book and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lettyreadsbooks.
121 reviews10 followers
March 13, 2023
I absolutely loved it. If I didn’t have kids, I probably would’ve finished in a day or two. That’s how addicting it was. I loved how it started as a sort of romance book, but kind of ended up in like a self love type of book.

I love how Reed was able to learn to love herself. And overcome so much with a hand that she was dealt. I like that her and AJ mended their relationship. I absolutely hated the mom.

I do hope that maybe if there is another book, that they kind of learned to work on their relationship as well.

You know that my heart absolutely broke for Sebastian. He just wanted to be loved by the only person he ever loved.


Overall, blown away. This is the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve read it.
Profile Image for Stacey.
201 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! If you like forbidden romance and brothers best friend than this book is for your! Before you read this make sure you read the trigger warnings!

In this book we meet Reed who is the main FMC and she has never felt like she has belonged anywhere. She temporarily moves in with her brother AJ and he has rules out in place for her and one of them is the “No Kiss List”. This is to prevent her from being with his friends. Well Reed starts to have feelings for River who is AJ’s roommate! River really likes Reed as well and I liked watching there relationship progress in the book.

However, how do you think AJ will handle this? Will he be alright with his roommate and his sister? You will need to read the book to find out!! I promise you won’t be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Amanda Wallace.
234 reviews36 followers
June 15, 2023
📚 No Kiss List by M.S. Phillips

4⭐️
3 .5🌶️

The angst in this book about took me out! But it was so worth it. The chemistry was off the charts and honestly felt like a ticking time bomb. And BOOM they did.

Reed was a character that was so flawed that you wanted nothing but amazing things for her. You can tell she is making lemonade with the lemons she was given and it was amazing to see that she continues to put herself first.

River is the perfect college book boyfriend. There for a minute, I thought he might give up on Reed and stop this chasing around but he kept going and for that, he deserves a medal!

This book deals with some heavy topics so make sure you check the triggers before going in.
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
997 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2023
A Beautiful Disaster of Emotions

Reed, a beautiful disaster, living a life in guilt and disappointment, finds a newfound future with River, imperfectly perfect.

Sebastian, bestfriends since their teen years. Her rock when times were rough, her escape, her home.... Until River.

From the No Kiss List created by her brother AJ to the Roommate Pact created by her best friend, and roommate Jasmine. Neither is able to keep them apart.

Definitely writing style is different and jumbled. Plus, didn't figure going into their storyline how full of emotions 😭 this book really is. Heartwrenching moments left me gutted 😢 in this fast-paced YA college romance of angst and drama where two people growing up without love ❤️ in their lives, try and figure life and love together.

"The fastest road to healing isn't always the smartest"

Profile Image for Heather,.
105 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
This is a first-time author for me, and I am in love!! It’s been a while since I’ve read a New Adult romance. I was immersed into this book from the first page.

Reed has a past that she just can’t seem to break free from. At times she feels normal, but her demons always find the surface. Trying to be independent she moves into her brother’s room at a frat house. Her brother makes a “no kiss list” for her to follow. Once she meets his suite mate, all lists are off.

This book had so many emotions that tug at your heart. I didn’t want to put the book down. I’m intrigued to see what Ms Philips has in store for us next.
Profile Image for thebeespot72.
1,737 reviews187 followers
June 15, 2023
MS Philips’ “No Kiss List,” tells the story of Reed, a young college student who temporarily moves in with her brother at his fraternity, who gives her a list of guys she is not allowed to get involved with in any way. Reed is struggling with her life and from childhood: being adopted, challenges with alcohol and drug abuse. And she attempted su!c!dé. Readers should review all TW/CWs.

What I thought would be a New Adult College read was much deeper than that. “No Kiss List” followed Reed’s trauma and her coping ability. The spice level, although subjective, was about at a 2-3 level.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jessica Sexton.
783 reviews15 followers
June 8, 2023
3/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

This book started out super strong and I was sucked right in. Once the big drama happened everything felt a little rushed and then all of a sudden the book was over. I would have loved to see a little more of their relationship blossom. The concept of the book is fun, there is a list that her brother makes of guys she’s not allowed to hook up with. Go figure she falls for someone on that list. The characters were so very realistic and made me fall in love with them instantly.
Profile Image for Nicole.
718 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This was so good, I finished it in a single day!

Brother’s best friend/forbidden romance may be one of my new favorite tropes! I wasn’t sure how I would feel reading about certain topics, but the author handled them well and I ended up enjoying the characters more. I love the way the character dynamics played out and River is just *chef’s kiss* amazing. The tension was almost too much to handle at time, but I overall loved it and am so glad I read this book!
Profile Image for Alyssa Durkin.
26 reviews
June 8, 2023
This book was written amazingly. There are triggers in this book to look out for so I would recommend checking them out but the story is so good. It wraps so many emotions into one story and is just so good.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,411 reviews274 followers
June 12, 2023
I loved the concept of this book and in the beginning it kept me guessing who Reed would end up with. It’s definitely a spicy book with forbidden romance and trying to keep the hookups secret. There is some heartbreaking moments but love the way it ended.- Elizabeth
79 reviews
September 28, 2023
Didn't really like this book. I was expecting something else based on the summary and comments to be honest
98 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2023
Okay so there is this no kiss list and river just happens to be on there. I absoluetly loved the steam. I didn't care for the miscommunication but I enjoyed everything else about this book.
Profile Image for Alicia.
442 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2023
I don’t want to say anything mean but if your TBR list is king I would 💯 pass on this book
Profile Image for alessia.
124 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2023
NO KISS LIST + THE ROOMMATE PACT 💋

(3.5⭐️)
reed ha avuto un’adolescenza difficoltosa, e crescendo ha dovuto imparare a cavarsela da sola e a superare il trauma lasciato dalle esperienze passate. è riuscita a fare tutto ciò anche grazie ad aj, suo fratello, che l’ha sempre supportata e aiutata. quando reed si trasferisce temporaneamente nella casa della confraternita di aj la prima cosa che lui le fa è creare una “no kiss list”, in cui erano presenti praticamente tutti i suoi amici.

quando river e reed si conoscono sono vicini di stanza e condividono il bagno e, nonostante l’attrazione che provano l’uno verso l’altro, inizialmente non riescono a stare nella stessa stanza senza litigare o punzecchiarsi.

no kiss list tocca diversi argomenti: dipendenza, traumi infantili, violenza, temi legati alla morte e tanti altri. CONSIGLIO DI CONTROLLARE TW PRIMA DI LEGGERE.

la relazione tra reed e river è sempre ostacolata da qualcosa, prima la no kiss list di aj, poi il roommate pact di jas. per quanto però loro provino a rimanere nella friendzone, la loro attrazione lo rende difficile, soprattutto quando cominciano a conoscersi sempre di più.

[letto in cambio di una recensione]
Profile Image for Samantha Massic .
79 reviews
October 18, 2023
I’m terrible at book reviews, but this was a good quick read from a local to me author! It kept me interested and had some spice!
(Trigger warnings noted)
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