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De kus die alles veranderde
Op de bruiloft van haar beste vriendin Masha loopt Liv voor het eerst in tien jaar de knappe Jake tegen het lijf, die op de middelbare school haar grote rivaal was. Sindsdien is Livs leven niet bepaald volgens plan verlopen, terwijl Jake tot haar frustratie de ster van een succesvolle talkshow is geworden. Als Liv Jakes blik vangt op het moment van het jawoord, draait het universum plotseling om.
In dit nieuwe universum is ze geen pas ontslagen toneeldocent meer, maar een bekende actrice, met haar leven helemaal op de rit. Bovendien is ze getrouwd met Jake, die in deze nieuwe realiteit smoorverliefd op haar is. Al haar dromen zijn uitgekomen! Alles is perfect – behalve dan dat zowel Masha als haar moeder een hekel aan haar lijken te hebben… Is dit wel écht haar droomleven?
Voor fans van 17 Again en andere romantische komedies uit de jaren 90 en 00. Een romcom zoals een romcom hoort te zijn: juicy relaties, vriendschap, ambities, grote tegenvallers en natuurlijk een heerlijk einde. #feelgoodvibes!
In dit nieuwe universum is ze geen pas ontslagen toneeldocent meer, maar een bekende actrice, met haar leven helemaal op de rit. Bovendien is ze getrouwd met Jake, die in deze nieuwe realiteit smoorverliefd op haar is. Al haar dromen zijn uitgekomen! Alles is perfect – behalve dan dat zowel Masha als haar moeder een hekel aan haar lijken te hebben… Is dit wel écht haar droomleven?
Voor fans van 17 Again en andere romantische komedies uit de jaren 90 en 00. Een romcom zoals een romcom hoort te zijn: juicy relaties, vriendschap, ambities, grote tegenvallers en natuurlijk een heerlijk einde. #feelgoodvibes!
319 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2024
79 people are currently reading
6048 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Kate
31 books26.6k followersLauren Kate is the author of novels 15 novels including the FALLEN series, now a television series on AMC+. Her forthcoming angel-focused romantasy trilogy, WHITE LIGHTS, will publish in June 2026. She lives in Laurel Canyon with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
July 29, 2025
OH HELL YEAAAAHHHHHHH if you like ashley poston-esque magical realism love stories you will eat this UP
December 10, 2023
“In love with you. Here. There. Everywhere. All the wheres in all the worlds. Always.” 🫠💓🥹
What’s in a Kiss is a great contemporary romance that will have you questioning the “what ifs” in life. I laughed, cried and smiled while reading..what more can a girl want in a rom com 💜
Fans of 13 Going on 30, it’s a wonderful life, Freaky Friday, and The Family Man will LOVE this book! 💜
Summary: Olivia is planning her best friend Masha’s wedding. The best man is Jake her high school nemesis and prom date who humiliated her years ago. Since that night nothing in her life went as planned..her dad died and she never went to school to follow her dreams. It’s been 10 years since that night and something happens as Liz stares into the eyes of Jake as her best friend says I do at the wedding. The universe shifts on its axis and Jake is now the love of her life..the only problem is Masha and her mom hates her in new life.
Olivia is a hot mess. She’s an Uber driver and is behind on bills. She’s no where near where she thought she would be in life. I couldn’t get a real connection with her in neither reality. She was kind of annoying but sis also had a lot going on. Jake is so sweet and loveable. I seriously couldn’t help but smile in every scene with him.
Tropes
🧡Enemies to lovers
🧡rivals
🧡second chance romance
🧡parallel universe\alternate reality
Things I Love/ Things to Note
💟 80s and pop culture references
💟 Liv’s friendship with Masha and her mom 🥹 I live to see strong female relationships
💟 Olivia’s secret diaries
💟 the banter and playfulness between Olivia and Jake had me smiling and giggling
💟 Shakespeare references
💟last name nicknames 🫠
It’s crazy how one small detail can change your life so drastically. If she would have kissed him how different her life would have been. You can’t live life with regrets and that is why it’s important to live life to the fullest EVERY SINGLE DAY. Olivia learns a lot about herself as a person and also learns to be happy/grateful for her current life despite its imperfections.
Things I didn’t Like
💟 There was missing information in the alternate universe that would have gave a better understanding of her new life…like why was her best friend and mom upset with her?! I NEEDED DETAILS.
💟 NO EPILOGUE!! I need answers on what happens to them after the real kiss 😭😭😭 How dare you leave me smiling and end the book like that.
Overall I really enjoyed it and thought it was a unique take on romance and second chances.
Spice Rating
🌶️/5
Thank you so much to Netgallery and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC! All thoughts and feelings are my own.
What’s in a Kiss is a great contemporary romance that will have you questioning the “what ifs” in life. I laughed, cried and smiled while reading..what more can a girl want in a rom com 💜
Fans of 13 Going on 30, it’s a wonderful life, Freaky Friday, and The Family Man will LOVE this book! 💜
Summary: Olivia is planning her best friend Masha’s wedding. The best man is Jake her high school nemesis and prom date who humiliated her years ago. Since that night nothing in her life went as planned..her dad died and she never went to school to follow her dreams. It’s been 10 years since that night and something happens as Liz stares into the eyes of Jake as her best friend says I do at the wedding. The universe shifts on its axis and Jake is now the love of her life..the only problem is Masha and her mom hates her in new life.
Olivia is a hot mess. She’s an Uber driver and is behind on bills. She’s no where near where she thought she would be in life. I couldn’t get a real connection with her in neither reality. She was kind of annoying but sis also had a lot going on. Jake is so sweet and loveable. I seriously couldn’t help but smile in every scene with him.
Tropes
🧡Enemies to lovers
🧡rivals
🧡second chance romance
🧡parallel universe\alternate reality
Things I Love/ Things to Note
💟 80s and pop culture references
💟 Liv’s friendship with Masha and her mom 🥹 I live to see strong female relationships
💟 Olivia’s secret diaries
💟 the banter and playfulness between Olivia and Jake had me smiling and giggling
💟 Shakespeare references
💟last name nicknames 🫠
It’s crazy how one small detail can change your life so drastically. If she would have kissed him how different her life would have been. You can’t live life with regrets and that is why it’s important to live life to the fullest EVERY SINGLE DAY. Olivia learns a lot about herself as a person and also learns to be happy/grateful for her current life despite its imperfections.
Things I didn’t Like
💟 There was missing information in the alternate universe that would have gave a better understanding of her new life…like why was her best friend and mom upset with her?! I NEEDED DETAILS.
💟 NO EPILOGUE!! I need answers on what happens to them after the real kiss 😭😭😭 How dare you leave me smiling and end the book like that.
Overall I really enjoyed it and thought it was a unique take on romance and second chances.
Spice Rating
🌶️/5
Thank you so much to Netgallery and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC! All thoughts and feelings are my own.
January 31, 2025
When I tell you I had to force myself to keep reading and then, I'm not even sure how it happened, I end up devouring the whole thing, tears streaming down my face, wishing love was real.
In other words, the romance is romancing.
But before you ask, the spicy is not what I'm talking about. This is the type of romance that producers make movies about, something ‘90s style with the equivalent of a modern Julia Roberts whose only job is looking nauseating in love because she met her true love.
And, honestly, the whole your-soulmate-is-out-there-waiting-for-you concept is not even something I believe in, but how could I be cynical when two people love each other this much:
“ Here. There. Everywhere. All the wheres in all the worlds. Always. ”
↠ 3.25 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
In other words, the romance is romancing.
But before you ask, the spicy is not what I'm talking about. This is the type of romance that producers make movies about, something ‘90s style with the equivalent of a modern Julia Roberts whose only job is looking nauseating in love because she met her true love.
And, honestly, the whole your-soulmate-is-out-there-waiting-for-you concept is not even something I believe in, but how could I be cynical when two people love each other this much:
“ Here. There. Everywhere. All the wheres in all the worlds. Always. ”
↠ 3.25 stars
Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 9, 2025
Liv is quite the character, messy at times, but in the best way, and completely devoted to giving her best friend Masha the perfect wedding. Her world unbounds when she slips into an alternate reality, one where her relationship with Jake had worked out after prom.
This book is full of feels and definitely very romancy. I liked the unique twist on a classic love story, even though the pacing was a little slow at times. Some of the extra descriptions felt unnecessary and dragged things out, but the premise kept me interested right through to the end.
This book is full of feels and definitely very romancy. I liked the unique twist on a classic love story, even though the pacing was a little slow at times. Some of the extra descriptions felt unnecessary and dragged things out, but the premise kept me interested right through to the end.
November 22, 2023
Embark on a heartwarming rom-com journey with "What's in a Kiss?" where Olivia's life takes an unexpected turn during her best friend Masha's wedding, setting the stage for a captivating exploration of love, choices, and the consequences of one fateful kiss.
Meet Olivia, a laid-off drama teacher turned Lyft driver, whose life hasn't exactly unfolded as she envisioned after high school. Deferred dreams of attending Juilliard to support her mom and navigating no-strings dates have become her new normal. However, the weekend of Masha's wedding, where Olivia is the maid of honor, throws her into a whirlwind when her high school nemesis, Jake Glasswell, emerges as the best man. Little does Olivia know; this wedding will be the catalyst for a journey through parallel universes, where a missed prom night kiss with Jake becomes the starting point for an alternate reality.
The chemistry and banter between Olivia and Jake add a delightful touch to the narrative, making their interactions a joy to follow. Liv's relationships with her best friend Masha and her mom in the "real world" provide depth and warmth to the story. The exploration of the "switch" into an alternate universe, while enjoyable, leaves readers yearning for more details about the transition and the reasons behind the shifts in relationships.
Despite the desire for additional context, "What's in a Kiss?" stands out as a fun and charming exploration of the impact of one kiss on an entire life. The story skillfully combines elements of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, offering an engaging read that keeps you rooting for Olivia and Jake from the very first page. This rom-com with a magical twist leaves a lasting impression, prompting readers to ponder the significance of choices, love, and the people who shape our lives. So, buckle up for a whimsical ride through parallel universes and the complexities of the heart, as "What's in a Kiss?" invites you to savor the magic of second chances and the sweetness of unexpected love.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/ G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this heartfelt and smart book's digital reviewer copy in exhange my honest thoughts.
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Meet Olivia, a laid-off drama teacher turned Lyft driver, whose life hasn't exactly unfolded as she envisioned after high school. Deferred dreams of attending Juilliard to support her mom and navigating no-strings dates have become her new normal. However, the weekend of Masha's wedding, where Olivia is the maid of honor, throws her into a whirlwind when her high school nemesis, Jake Glasswell, emerges as the best man. Little does Olivia know; this wedding will be the catalyst for a journey through parallel universes, where a missed prom night kiss with Jake becomes the starting point for an alternate reality.
The chemistry and banter between Olivia and Jake add a delightful touch to the narrative, making their interactions a joy to follow. Liv's relationships with her best friend Masha and her mom in the "real world" provide depth and warmth to the story. The exploration of the "switch" into an alternate universe, while enjoyable, leaves readers yearning for more details about the transition and the reasons behind the shifts in relationships.
Despite the desire for additional context, "What's in a Kiss?" stands out as a fun and charming exploration of the impact of one kiss on an entire life. The story skillfully combines elements of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, offering an engaging read that keeps you rooting for Olivia and Jake from the very first page. This rom-com with a magical twist leaves a lasting impression, prompting readers to ponder the significance of choices, love, and the people who shape our lives. So, buckle up for a whimsical ride through parallel universes and the complexities of the heart, as "What's in a Kiss?" invites you to savor the magic of second chances and the sweetness of unexpected love.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/ G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this heartfelt and smart book's digital reviewer copy in exhange my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
December 27, 2025
Trama/Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spicy ⭐⭐
Uno sliding doors su carta...Liv si trova catapultata – complici un rabbino-yogi e una canna – in un universo parallelo e scopre come avrebbe potuto vivere la sua vita se una decina di anni prima avesse fatto una singola scelta diversa. É sicuramente divertente, ma fa anche tanto pensare a tutti i rimpianti che abbiamo per quelle che consideriamo occasioni perse, senza renderci conto che le cose potrebbero essere andate molto, ma molto peggio, se le avessimo afferrate.
***
A sliding doors on paper... Liv finds herself catapulted—with the help of a yogi-rabbi and a joint—into a parallel universe and discovers how her life might have been if she had made a single different choice ten years earlier. It's certainly entertaining, but it also makes you think about all the regrets we have for what we consider missed opportunities, without realizing that things could have been much, much worse, if we had seized them.
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spicy ⭐⭐
Uno sliding doors su carta...Liv si trova catapultata – complici un rabbino-yogi e una canna – in un universo parallelo e scopre come avrebbe potuto vivere la sua vita se una decina di anni prima avesse fatto una singola scelta diversa. É sicuramente divertente, ma fa anche tanto pensare a tutti i rimpianti che abbiamo per quelle che consideriamo occasioni perse, senza renderci conto che le cose potrebbero essere andate molto, ma molto peggio, se le avessimo afferrate.
***
A sliding doors on paper... Liv finds herself catapulted—with the help of a yogi-rabbi and a joint—into a parallel universe and discovers how her life might have been if she had made a single different choice ten years earlier. It's certainly entertaining, but it also makes you think about all the regrets we have for what we consider missed opportunities, without realizing that things could have been much, much worse, if we had seized them.
June 24, 2024
From the moment Liv first saw Jake in their junior year of high school it seemed like they were always competing. When he turned away when he saw her as Juliet on the balcony rather than act with her or on the night of their prom when it seemed they would kiss, but didn’t, so many events combine to show Liv why she and Jake will always be enemies. But it’s her best friend Masha’s wedding and Jake is going to be the best man, so she just needs to hold it together to get through the ceremony. Something supernatural happens during the ceremony. Liv is transported to an alternate reality where she and Jake like each other. Love each other. But, and it’s a big but: Masha and Liv’s mother both hate her. Can she live in a world where two of her favorite people hate her even if the love she has with Jake is the best thing in the world?
What’s in a Kiss had me from the get-go. Lauren Kate’s writing pulled me in and made me care about the characters and what happens to them. Liv’s two universes are referred to as The Real Life and The High Life. There is no doubt that the Liv in real life is a mess but she cares about people. She is always trying to fix things around her, even though it’s probably her own life that needs fixing. When Liv is dropped into The High Life she feels like she has to do some kind of damage control because she doesn’t know what happened or why her two favorite women are so upset with her that they’re estranged.
The caring and love between Liv and Jake in The High Life was emotional and so palpable that I could understand her being uncertain as to what she should do. Love like that doesn’t come around all that often. Some of the scenes between them made for a great love story. Sigh.
If there were things that didn’t work I can’t say that I noticed them because I really was swept up by What’s in a Kiss. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be satisfied with the ending because things do get messy but Lauren Kate didn’t let me down and the ending worked.
What’s in a Kiss is a little rom-com, a little great love, a little spicy, a little supernatural, and a whole lotta fun and feeling. I highly recommend.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Putnam for sending me a copy.
What’s in a Kiss had me from the get-go. Lauren Kate’s writing pulled me in and made me care about the characters and what happens to them. Liv’s two universes are referred to as The Real Life and The High Life. There is no doubt that the Liv in real life is a mess but she cares about people. She is always trying to fix things around her, even though it’s probably her own life that needs fixing. When Liv is dropped into The High Life she feels like she has to do some kind of damage control because she doesn’t know what happened or why her two favorite women are so upset with her that they’re estranged.
The caring and love between Liv and Jake in The High Life was emotional and so palpable that I could understand her being uncertain as to what she should do. Love like that doesn’t come around all that often. Some of the scenes between them made for a great love story. Sigh.
If there were things that didn’t work I can’t say that I noticed them because I really was swept up by What’s in a Kiss. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be satisfied with the ending because things do get messy but Lauren Kate didn’t let me down and the ending worked.
What’s in a Kiss is a little rom-com, a little great love, a little spicy, a little supernatural, and a whole lotta fun and feeling. I highly recommend.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Putnam for sending me a copy.
July 25, 2024
Een heerlijke contemporary romance, die mijns inziens om een verfilming roept!
Gehele review binnenkort op mijn blog: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
Gehele review binnenkort op mijn blog: https://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
June 30, 2025
DNF at 36%.
I think the overall idea behind the book and the kind of “13 going on 30” idea was great! I did get really confused when the switch into this alternate reality happened since it was just in the middle of a wedding so that was a little odd.
I HATED Olivia. That might seem like strong wording but I could not handle her character from the beginning. It felt like I was reading from the point of view of a 12 years old holding grudges over the boy that didn’t kiss her. She flipped everything that Jake said into something negative, always doubting that he was being genuine. She was overly jealous of his life and I couldn’t stand to read her negativity any longer.
I don’t know if the book got better and maybe by the end she was more grateful for her life and the people in but I didn’t get very far.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I think the overall idea behind the book and the kind of “13 going on 30” idea was great! I did get really confused when the switch into this alternate reality happened since it was just in the middle of a wedding so that was a little odd.
I HATED Olivia. That might seem like strong wording but I could not handle her character from the beginning. It felt like I was reading from the point of view of a 12 years old holding grudges over the boy that didn’t kiss her. She flipped everything that Jake said into something negative, always doubting that he was being genuine. She was overly jealous of his life and I couldn’t stand to read her negativity any longer.
I don’t know if the book got better and maybe by the end she was more grateful for her life and the people in but I didn’t get very far.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
This was a super cute and swoonworthy read. If you enjoy classic romances like When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless in Seattle, I can almost guarantee you will love this book!
Read if you like 90s rom coms
–
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This was a super cute and swoonworthy read. If you enjoy classic romances like When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless in Seattle, I can almost guarantee you will love this book!
Read if you like 90s rom coms
–
Connect with Me <3
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4... (follow me and/or send a friend request!) - This is how I keep track of all of the books I read each year. I also crosspost all of my NetGalley reviews here.
Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (I try my best to follow back all Book accounts back in 48-72 hours)
2nd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews... (This account is used as a backup Instagram because my original bookstagram account which I created in 2022 has been getting action blocked quite frequently (I was hacked in February 2024 and lost access to my account for about 5 days, and I think that has something do with why I have been having issues with my account. I have reported the issue to Instagram several times). I try to post on Instagram at least 3x a week. I post many NetGalley ARC books on Instagram, but I also enjoy talking about previously released books that I love. With the exception of NetGalley books, I enjoy both listening to and reading all the books I read.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/ (feel free to subscribe!)
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookreviewsby...
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
July 6, 2024
Set in LA, this was a fun magical realism, sliding doors style romance that sees Olivia getting a chance to live another life in which she marries her first love when one kiss at her best friend's wedding sweeps her into an alternate universe. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle, Holly James or Ashley Poston, this was a fun what if romance full of female friendship, second chances and all the feels! Great on audio too narrated by Kristen DiMercurio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
April 30, 2025
I absolutely loved By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate, so I was very surprised how different in tone this one felt. It leaned so heavily into their physical chemistry, and the constant innuendo made me cringe … a lot. Definitely not what I was expecting.
I love stories that play with “what if” scenarios, and this setup seemed promising. It follows Liv, who is thrown into an alternate reality where her relationship with her high school rival takes a very different turn after prom night. But that single shift also ripples into her friendships, her relationship with her mother, and even her career. Her entire world is flipped upside down.
But I really struggled with Liv as a character. She came across as painfully ignorant and unnecessarily bitter—especially toward Jake, whose only crime seemed to be ... succeeding? Her resentment felt ridiculous and immature, and I honestly couldn’t wrap my head around why Jake was still pining for her. She treated him terribly!
Most of the book takes place in the alternate world, so when the story tries to wrap up with a real-world HEA based on events from that reality, it just didn't feel satisfying or believable. Some of the changes in the alternate timeline also felt really inconsistent with the characters. And don't get me started on Liv’s method of trying to return (tracking down a joint from a rabbi). It was just too absurd for me.
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)
I love stories that play with “what if” scenarios, and this setup seemed promising. It follows Liv, who is thrown into an alternate reality where her relationship with her high school rival takes a very different turn after prom night. But that single shift also ripples into her friendships, her relationship with her mother, and even her career. Her entire world is flipped upside down.
But I really struggled with Liv as a character. She came across as painfully ignorant and unnecessarily bitter—especially toward Jake, whose only crime seemed to be ... succeeding? Her resentment felt ridiculous and immature, and I honestly couldn’t wrap my head around why Jake was still pining for her. She treated him terribly!
Most of the book takes place in the alternate world, so when the story tries to wrap up with a real-world HEA based on events from that reality, it just didn't feel satisfying or believable. Some of the changes in the alternate timeline also felt really inconsistent with the characters. And don't get me started on Liv’s method of trying to return (tracking down a joint from a rabbi). It was just too absurd for me.
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)
December 14, 2023
➸ 4.25 ⭐️
Shockingly this was the first book I've read by Lauren Kate even though I've had Fallen on my shelf for years.
What's in a Kiss? did not disappoint.
It gave me Just My Luck meets Woke Up Like This vibes (there was a reference to Sliding Doors but since I've never watched it i can't compare them) and Liv and Jake really reminded me of Charlotte and J.T. and I adored that.
I loved Liv and her banter with Jake was hilarious. I loved the side characters, Liv's relationship with her best friend Masha and her mom Lorena, I loved how they were her rock and they supported each other through everything.
I only wish some of the side characters were more fleshed out and I wish we'd found out more about what happened between Liv and her mom and Liv and Masha in the alternate timeline. Though it is understandble why we don't since we only know what Liv does and I suppose there are enough hints to take a guess i just wish we knew more.
The romance between Liv and Jake had the same energy as
OHMYGODS, that made me sooooo weaaaaaakkkkkk
Absolutely adored this, and I think we needed more "real world" love on the page. The ending came too soon, we should've had an epilogue at least for my sanity. This probably would've been a 4.5 ⭐️ read if there was more at the end because I really loved Liv and Jake's story.
All in all, this was fantastic, it has many of the elements I love in romance books, and I'll be reading more books by LK!
eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
"You're the one who told me ten years ago," he says, "that our love would generate its own world, a parallel universe. That we could leave the pain outside our doors, that we could build a sanctuary just for us. I believed you, Olivia."
Shockingly this was the first book I've read by Lauren Kate even though I've had Fallen on my shelf for years.
What's in a Kiss? did not disappoint.
It gave me Just My Luck meets Woke Up Like This vibes (there was a reference to Sliding Doors but since I've never watched it i can't compare them) and Liv and Jake really reminded me of Charlotte and J.T. and I adored that.
I loved Liv and her banter with Jake was hilarious. I loved the side characters, Liv's relationship with her best friend Masha and her mom Lorena, I loved how they were her rock and they supported each other through everything.
I only wish some of the side characters were more fleshed out and I wish we'd found out more about what happened between Liv and her mom and Liv and Masha in the alternate timeline. Though it is understandble why we don't since we only know what Liv does and I suppose there are enough hints to take a guess i just wish we knew more.
The romance between Liv and Jake had the same energy as
OHMYGODS, that made me sooooo weaaaaaakkkkkk
I'm back in darkness, seeing nothing, but knowing everything: I could have met this man a thousand ways. We could fall in love a thousand times, in a thousand places, with a thousand sets circumstances. We could write a thousand different love stories, and the details would be different, but our hearts would be the same.
Here. There. Everywhere. All the wheres in all the worlds. Always.
Absolutely adored this, and I think we needed more "real world" love on the page. The ending came too soon, we should've had an epilogue at least for my sanity. This probably would've been a 4.5 ⭐️ read if there was more at the end because I really loved Liv and Jake's story.
All in all, this was fantastic, it has many of the elements I love in romance books, and I'll be reading more books by LK!
eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
July 24, 2024
3,75 stars
Dit boek is geschreven als een jaren '90 romcom en ik vond het heerlijk. Het parallelle universum maakt dit verhaal uniek en het einde vond ik leuuuk
Dit boek is geschreven als een jaren '90 romcom en ik vond het heerlijk. Het parallelle universum maakt dit verhaal uniek en het einde vond ik leuuuk
November 5, 2024
Ending was rushed but the read I needed
August 3, 2024
What’s in a Kiss?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lauren Kate
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: This is not how Liv wanted to see Jake Glasswell for the first time in ten years. Once her high school rival and the prom date who humiliated her, now a successful TV personality, he’s more attractive than he has any right to be. And he’s her Lyft passenger.
Since the prom night kiss that never was, Liv’s life has not gone to plan. She deferred Julliard to be with her mom during a crisis, and now swears she’s happy as a recently furloughed drama teacher going on no-strings dates. This weekend she’s maid of honor to her best friend, Masha, and, of course, Jake is the best man. But when Liv glares into Jake’s eyes as Masha says, “I do,” the universe turns on its axis and Liv is suddenly living a version of her life where prom night was the beginning of her and Jake, not the end, and it turns out he’s the love of her life. The catch? Her mom and Masha hate her now. What’s in a kiss? Maybe everything.
My Thoughts: This was a cute romantic read with a magical/fantasy twist. This story will definitely have you questioning the “what ifs” of your own life. What if you had made that decision 20 years ago instead of the decision that you did make, would your life turned out differently? Olivia “Liv” lives paycheck to paycheck, working more than one job. She is very close to her best friend, Masha, and her mother. Jake is the best friend to Masha’s fiancé. Jake is her rival, her enemy, and she wants no part in it. However, when Masha says “I do,” Liv is looking directly into Jake’s eyes, then suddenly Liv is transported into this alternate reality, or parallel universe, where the prom kiss was the beginning of her life and not the closing of a chapter. But in this new reality, while she has Jake as her true love, she does not have her mother or her best friend. This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers, magical realism (parallel universe or different reality), and second chance romance.
The story is narrated by Liv, in her perspective, in both reality’s. Liv thinks back to that one faithful night, the decision she made to not kiss Jake, that started their tremulous enemy/rival relationship. She often wonders had she kissed him, even when he pulled away, would her life be different? Also the burning thought if she had attended Juilliard, would she have the life she wants? Liv loves her mother and her best friend, when her father died, those crucial relationships were what held her together. Even though she does not have her dream acting job, she is mostly happy. Jake is charming, sexy, and confident, for the most part. He loves to banter with her because he feels that is the only way to talk to her. The stare down pushes Liv into an alternate reality where she is married to Jake, her soulmate, but is estranged from her best friend and mother, however, she is fulfilling her passion in acting. The characters were created with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and were intriguing. The supporting characters were just as important as the characters, and really elevated this story. The author’s writing style was complex, closed door, clean, swoony, connective, and beautiful.
This was a fun, sweet story exploring the impact of one kiss. For fans of 13 going on 30 or Freaky Friday, you will love this story. The two things I would like to have seen in this story was further explanation on why her mom and best friend’s relationships were estranged, and what happened after the kiss at the end of the book with no epilogue? That being said, it was a wonderful read that I enjoyed very much. Get strapped in for a wonderful ride of whimsical second chances and when love creeps in. I would recommend to other readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lauren Kate
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: This is not how Liv wanted to see Jake Glasswell for the first time in ten years. Once her high school rival and the prom date who humiliated her, now a successful TV personality, he’s more attractive than he has any right to be. And he’s her Lyft passenger.
Since the prom night kiss that never was, Liv’s life has not gone to plan. She deferred Julliard to be with her mom during a crisis, and now swears she’s happy as a recently furloughed drama teacher going on no-strings dates. This weekend she’s maid of honor to her best friend, Masha, and, of course, Jake is the best man. But when Liv glares into Jake’s eyes as Masha says, “I do,” the universe turns on its axis and Liv is suddenly living a version of her life where prom night was the beginning of her and Jake, not the end, and it turns out he’s the love of her life. The catch? Her mom and Masha hate her now. What’s in a kiss? Maybe everything.
My Thoughts: This was a cute romantic read with a magical/fantasy twist. This story will definitely have you questioning the “what ifs” of your own life. What if you had made that decision 20 years ago instead of the decision that you did make, would your life turned out differently? Olivia “Liv” lives paycheck to paycheck, working more than one job. She is very close to her best friend, Masha, and her mother. Jake is the best friend to Masha’s fiancé. Jake is her rival, her enemy, and she wants no part in it. However, when Masha says “I do,” Liv is looking directly into Jake’s eyes, then suddenly Liv is transported into this alternate reality, or parallel universe, where the prom kiss was the beginning of her life and not the closing of a chapter. But in this new reality, while she has Jake as her true love, she does not have her mother or her best friend. This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers, magical realism (parallel universe or different reality), and second chance romance.
The story is narrated by Liv, in her perspective, in both reality’s. Liv thinks back to that one faithful night, the decision she made to not kiss Jake, that started their tremulous enemy/rival relationship. She often wonders had she kissed him, even when he pulled away, would her life be different? Also the burning thought if she had attended Juilliard, would she have the life she wants? Liv loves her mother and her best friend, when her father died, those crucial relationships were what held her together. Even though she does not have her dream acting job, she is mostly happy. Jake is charming, sexy, and confident, for the most part. He loves to banter with her because he feels that is the only way to talk to her. The stare down pushes Liv into an alternate reality where she is married to Jake, her soulmate, but is estranged from her best friend and mother, however, she is fulfilling her passion in acting. The characters were created with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and were intriguing. The supporting characters were just as important as the characters, and really elevated this story. The author’s writing style was complex, closed door, clean, swoony, connective, and beautiful.
This was a fun, sweet story exploring the impact of one kiss. For fans of 13 going on 30 or Freaky Friday, you will love this story. The two things I would like to have seen in this story was further explanation on why her mom and best friend’s relationships were estranged, and what happened after the kiss at the end of the book with no epilogue? That being said, it was a wonderful read that I enjoyed very much. Get strapped in for a wonderful ride of whimsical second chances and when love creeps in. I would recommend to other readers.
October 22, 2023
This story revolves around Olivia and two different worlds. In one world, her "real" world, she has a great relationship with her mom and her best friend, Masha. She also loves to hate super rich and successful, Jake Glasswell, who happens to have been her competitor in everything from baseball to debate in high school. When Jake and Olivia are reunited as best man and maid of honor for their best friends wedding Olivia somehow finds herself in an alternate world where her mom and her best friend hate her and she's in a ridiculously happy marriage with none other than Jake Glasswell. Throughout this book, Olivia learns the importance of love and friendship.
What's in a Kiss? was a short and sweet read but it left me feeling like I needed more. I didn't understand how she got from one world to the next? I also didn't understand how her mother in the other world could just refuse to even try to reconcile with her...
I think there is quite a bit that could've been explored and more detailed.
Overall, it was easy to read and the relationship between Olivia and Jake was fun and sweet.
What's in a Kiss? was a short and sweet read but it left me feeling like I needed more. I didn't understand how she got from one world to the next? I also didn't understand how her mother in the other world could just refuse to even try to reconcile with her...
I think there is quite a bit that could've been explored and more detailed.
Overall, it was easy to read and the relationship between Olivia and Jake was fun and sweet.
dnf
June 18, 2024dnf @ 7% - i don't like it. i liked "by any other name" so i was excited for this release, but the writing is so mediocre that i cant get into it. which is. unfortunate.
------------------------------------------------------
thank you lauren kate, penguin group, and netgalley for my arc <3
"I call this going Schizophrenic Dutch." i will admit that i did laugh. but also i don't think this is. in good taste.
"Masha is the Sophie to my Frances Ha, the Lenù to my Lila, the Constance Wu to my Awkwafina." shut uppppp
"Eli’s lucky AF" do not use "AF" in your traditionally published romance novel ??????? who allowed this. was this edited. like at all????
"During the pandemic, my mom and I started a podcast called The Reader’s Daughter." quickest way for me to lose sympathy and interest in a character is to say that started a podcast during the pandemic. 1. podcast. lame. and 2. pandemic mention. lame.
"Our subscriber numbers are lower than the last round of a limbo line." i just don't like this metaphor
"And you deserve a bronze statue for how much you’ve boosted your mom’s last decade." i really don't think anyone edited this book. i hate this sentence.
------------------------------------------------------
thank you lauren kate, penguin group, and netgalley for my arc <3
"I call this going Schizophrenic Dutch." i will admit that i did laugh. but also i don't think this is. in good taste.
"Masha is the Sophie to my Frances Ha, the Lenù to my Lila, the Constance Wu to my Awkwafina." shut uppppp
"Eli’s lucky AF" do not use "AF" in your traditionally published romance novel ??????? who allowed this. was this edited. like at all????
"During the pandemic, my mom and I started a podcast called The Reader’s Daughter." quickest way for me to lose sympathy and interest in a character is to say that started a podcast during the pandemic. 1. podcast. lame. and 2. pandemic mention. lame.
"Our subscriber numbers are lower than the last round of a limbo line." i just don't like this metaphor
"And you deserve a bronze statue for how much you’ve boosted your mom’s last decade." i really don't think anyone edited this book. i hate this sentence.
September 16, 2024
3⭐️
The premise is cute and I liked the magical realism aspect of this book. Seeing what life could have been like if one moment in life had been different. The gains but also the overall losses.
However I find that it's rare that a book truly pulls off this freaky Friday trope. I'm always disappointed when real life comes back and every thing quickly wraps up in a chapter less. I'm left wanting more and wishing there was more time spent in the ending. I don't like the neat packaged bow story:
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this advanced reader copy. This review is voluntarily my own.
The premise is cute and I liked the magical realism aspect of this book. Seeing what life could have been like if one moment in life had been different. The gains but also the overall losses.
However I find that it's rare that a book truly pulls off this freaky Friday trope. I'm always disappointed when real life comes back and every thing quickly wraps up in a chapter less. I'm left wanting more and wishing there was more time spent in the ending. I don't like the neat packaged bow story:
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this advanced reader copy. This review is voluntarily my own.
July 13, 2024
Unfortunately I did not like this book very much. The idea was interesting and could have been really fun but this just wasn’t it for me. I thought Olivia was so immature and annoying. She tried to be funny and witty but that fell flat for me. I did really love Jake. He was the only reason I pushed through the story. I wish I could have enjoyed this but it just wasn’t for me.
January 5, 2025
3.5 Stars!!!!
I found this right as my plane took off and oh boy am i glad! Let me provide you with a simple synopsis before I get into my review: imagine having an intense rivalry with a boy all throughout high school who humiliates you on prom night. Flash forward 10 years later and he is the best man in your best friend's wedding. Not only is he the best man but he is also extremely successful and essentially living out your dreams. Oh, but it doesn't stop there. What if one day you wake up in a reality where you and him are actually in love and your best friend now hates you??
Lauren Kate explores that in "What's in a Kiss?" This book was laugh out loud funny that actually had me physically smiling. Let's just say I love Jake and the banter between him and Olivia. I read it all in one day and I have no regrets! My only criticism is that the ending felt rushed and the beginning can be a bit difficult to wade through.
My favorite quotes:
"I clock the chipped left front tooth. I register the honeyed-gravel voice. I note my running mascara. I understand that I'm in hell."
"When you lose a parent as a teenage, on the brink of your own adulthood, not only their death hangs over you. It's also the death of who you might have been before they died."
Please read it and text me if you do!!
I found this right as my plane took off and oh boy am i glad! Let me provide you with a simple synopsis before I get into my review: imagine having an intense rivalry with a boy all throughout high school who humiliates you on prom night. Flash forward 10 years later and he is the best man in your best friend's wedding. Not only is he the best man but he is also extremely successful and essentially living out your dreams. Oh, but it doesn't stop there. What if one day you wake up in a reality where you and him are actually in love and your best friend now hates you??
Lauren Kate explores that in "What's in a Kiss?" This book was laugh out loud funny that actually had me physically smiling. Let's just say I love Jake and the banter between him and Olivia. I read it all in one day and I have no regrets! My only criticism is that the ending felt rushed and the beginning can be a bit difficult to wade through.
My favorite quotes:
"I clock the chipped left front tooth. I register the honeyed-gravel voice. I note my running mascara. I understand that I'm in hell."
"When you lose a parent as a teenage, on the brink of your own adulthood, not only their death hangs over you. It's also the death of who you might have been before they died."
Please read it and text me if you do!!
July 12, 2024
I love a good parallel universe love story. I think some of my absolute favorites of this story are Yogi Dan, and Deck Day.
# What's in a Kiss?
# 7/8/2024 ~ 7/11/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0
# What's in a Kiss?
# 7/8/2024 ~ 7/11/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0
September 17, 2024
Loved this
January 1, 2025
Book 31 of 2024 - ✅! Just under the wire….thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and Lauren Kate for an ARC of What’s in a Kiss? In exchange for my honest review.
I was excited to end the year on a rom-com note, and Lauren Kate’s What’s in a Kiss? did not disappoint. I’ve read a few books with the micro-trope of an alternate universe, and this was well-done by Kate. You can tell Kate has spent time in Los Angeles (or at least did her research) in the way she writes the city in her novel. The protagonist - Olivia - is an aspiring actress who’s recently been laid-off from her job as a drama teacher, and finds herself making ends meet as a Lyft driver. Her relationships with her mom and best friend, Masha, are unmatched, and in the real world, Olivia has a podcast with her mom. Enter: Jake Glasswell - Olivia’s high school rival (or so she thought…) who’s now famous with his own TV show. As they’re both standing up for their friends at their wedding, Olivia ends up in an alternate universe - one where she’s famous, married to Jake Glasswell (who’s not famous), and where she’s not speaking to her mom or Masha (best friend). After spending time in the new universe and enjoying parts of it, she must decide if she wants to stay.
I have a tendency to scrutinize elements of books that involve the TV or Film industry because that’s what I work in, but Kate did this quite well (the only minor note is that one of the characters would have used the term Showrunner instead of Head Writer on a scripted series when talking about their job…).
There are a few open-door scenes, but not nearly as many as other rom-coms, so I’ll give this a 2/5 on the 🌶️ scale, and 3.5/5 ⭐️ overall. 🔄💍🎭 #whatsinakiss #NetGalley
I was excited to end the year on a rom-com note, and Lauren Kate’s What’s in a Kiss? did not disappoint. I’ve read a few books with the micro-trope of an alternate universe, and this was well-done by Kate. You can tell Kate has spent time in Los Angeles (or at least did her research) in the way she writes the city in her novel. The protagonist - Olivia - is an aspiring actress who’s recently been laid-off from her job as a drama teacher, and finds herself making ends meet as a Lyft driver. Her relationships with her mom and best friend, Masha, are unmatched, and in the real world, Olivia has a podcast with her mom. Enter: Jake Glasswell - Olivia’s high school rival (or so she thought…) who’s now famous with his own TV show. As they’re both standing up for their friends at their wedding, Olivia ends up in an alternate universe - one where she’s famous, married to Jake Glasswell (who’s not famous), and where she’s not speaking to her mom or Masha (best friend). After spending time in the new universe and enjoying parts of it, she must decide if she wants to stay.
I have a tendency to scrutinize elements of books that involve the TV or Film industry because that’s what I work in, but Kate did this quite well (the only minor note is that one of the characters would have used the term Showrunner instead of Head Writer on a scripted series when talking about their job…).
There are a few open-door scenes, but not nearly as many as other rom-coms, so I’ll give this a 2/5 on the 🌶️ scale, and 3.5/5 ⭐️ overall. 🔄💍🎭 #whatsinakiss #NetGalley
December 18, 2023
⚠️Contains MINOR SPOILER towards the end of this review⚠️
4.5⭐️
TROPES:
- Rom com
- “Enemies” to lovers
- One of us is famous
- Second chance
- Alternate reality
READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Close female friendship
- Close mother/daughter relationship
- Witty banter
- He falls first
- Sexual tension
This book caught my attention because of the beautiful colors on the cover. The synopsis also really intrigued me. I have never read a book, let alone a rom com, with the alternate reality trope. I can now confirm that I am a fan.
One of my favorite things about this book was the banter, especially in the beginning when they were “enemies”. I was laughing out loud at some parts! Even in the “High Life” when Olivia and Jake were civil towards each other, their banter was still funny and cute.
Another thing I really loved about this book was that Olivia was so willing to give up her “High Life” with Jake to get her relationships with her mom and her best friend back. That really showed how important those two women were in her life, and she was willing to risk the true love she finally found with Jake to get them back.
Something that I wish we got was Jake’s POV! You could tell he was so down bad for her since they first met. I would love to have known what he thought about her in his head. The man’s got a way with words. I also wish that we had an epilogue that showed us how their life looked now that they were together in “Real Life”.
I definitely recommend reading this book! It was cute, quick, emotional, and even got a little steamy at times!
Happy reading :)
4.5⭐️
TROPES:
- Rom com
- “Enemies” to lovers
- One of us is famous
- Second chance
- Alternate reality
READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Close female friendship
- Close mother/daughter relationship
- Witty banter
- He falls first
- Sexual tension
This book caught my attention because of the beautiful colors on the cover. The synopsis also really intrigued me. I have never read a book, let alone a rom com, with the alternate reality trope. I can now confirm that I am a fan.
One of my favorite things about this book was the banter, especially in the beginning when they were “enemies”. I was laughing out loud at some parts! Even in the “High Life” when Olivia and Jake were civil towards each other, their banter was still funny and cute.
Another thing I really loved about this book was that Olivia was so willing to give up her “High Life” with Jake to get her relationships with her mom and her best friend back. That really showed how important those two women were in her life, and she was willing to risk the true love she finally found with Jake to get them back.
Something that I wish we got was Jake’s POV! You could tell he was so down bad for her since they first met. I would love to have known what he thought about her in his head. The man’s got a way with words. I also wish that we had an epilogue that showed us how their life looked now that they were together in “Real Life”.
I definitely recommend reading this book! It was cute, quick, emotional, and even got a little steamy at times!
Happy reading :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
Vi siete mai chiesti come sarebbero andate le cose se aveste fatto quella determinata azione in maniera diversa, o preso una decisione completamente opposta a quella che vi ha condotti dove siete ora?
Sareste forse in un luogo diverso?
Certo, chi può dirlo, ma sarebbe curioso e interessante porsi questo genere di domanda come ha fatto Olivia, la protagonista di questo Enemies to Lovers.
Lei è una ragazza sarcastica e divertente, autoironica ma piena di drammi irrisolti, tra cui spicca Jake, un tempo suo compagno di liceo, ora un perfetto sconosciuto.
La tipica cotta adolescenziale, fuoco che arde in un baleno ma che altrettanto velocemente sparisce senza lasciare traccia. Tranne quella cicatrice che ha segnato la sua vita, un bacio desiderato mai dato e mai ricevuto.
Olivia non rivolgerà più la parola a quest’uomo se non dopo 10 anni, quando si ritroveranno ad un matrimonio perché scelti come testimoni di nozze.
L’occasione per Olivia di vivere un’esperienza unica e incredibile in una dimensione parallela, una “realtà” nella quale tutto è andato secondo i piani, lei e Jake si sono baciati e…
Beh, il resto lo scoprirete leggendo il romanzo così come ha fatto la protagonista, ignara fino all’ultimo istante.
Un racconto avvincente e magico che vi lascerà di stucco.
Ma vi avverto che vi innamorerete di una storia che probabilmente non potrà mai nascere per davvero.
O forse si.
Sareste forse in un luogo diverso?
Certo, chi può dirlo, ma sarebbe curioso e interessante porsi questo genere di domanda come ha fatto Olivia, la protagonista di questo Enemies to Lovers.
Lei è una ragazza sarcastica e divertente, autoironica ma piena di drammi irrisolti, tra cui spicca Jake, un tempo suo compagno di liceo, ora un perfetto sconosciuto.
La tipica cotta adolescenziale, fuoco che arde in un baleno ma che altrettanto velocemente sparisce senza lasciare traccia. Tranne quella cicatrice che ha segnato la sua vita, un bacio desiderato mai dato e mai ricevuto.
Olivia non rivolgerà più la parola a quest’uomo se non dopo 10 anni, quando si ritroveranno ad un matrimonio perché scelti come testimoni di nozze.
L’occasione per Olivia di vivere un’esperienza unica e incredibile in una dimensione parallela, una “realtà” nella quale tutto è andato secondo i piani, lei e Jake si sono baciati e…
Beh, il resto lo scoprirete leggendo il romanzo così come ha fatto la protagonista, ignara fino all’ultimo istante.
Un racconto avvincente e magico che vi lascerà di stucco.
Ma vi avverto che vi innamorerete di una storia che probabilmente non potrà mai nascere per davvero.
O forse si.
October 14, 2023
"𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙𝙨. 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨." ♥️
This book was so sweet and wonderful my heart couldn’t handle it! I love the idea of parallel universes that hold infinite versions of our lives. It’s magical realism and it makes me happy. It was such a refreshing read for me. It had elements that were giving 13 Going On 30 and Freaky Friday vibes. It’s filled with cute banter, strong female relationships, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments between our FMC & MMC. Genuinely enjoyed this book!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 follows Olivia as she prepares for her best friends wedding. The only problem is that the best man happens to be Jake Glasswell, her high school rival and the prom date who rejected her. It’s been ten years since the prom night kiss that never was and as “I Do’s” are exchanged at their best friends wedding Liv essentially enters into a parallel universe where prom night was the beginning of her and Jake, not the end, and he's the great love of her life. The catch? Her mom and best friend hate her in this parallel world.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The tropes:
- Second Chance
- Parallel Universe
- Enemies to Lovers
- Rivals
- Self Discovery
This book was so sweet and wonderful my heart couldn’t handle it! I love the idea of parallel universes that hold infinite versions of our lives. It’s magical realism and it makes me happy. It was such a refreshing read for me. It had elements that were giving 13 Going On 30 and Freaky Friday vibes. It’s filled with cute banter, strong female relationships, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments between our FMC & MMC. Genuinely enjoyed this book!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 follows Olivia as she prepares for her best friends wedding. The only problem is that the best man happens to be Jake Glasswell, her high school rival and the prom date who rejected her. It’s been ten years since the prom night kiss that never was and as “I Do’s” are exchanged at their best friends wedding Liv essentially enters into a parallel universe where prom night was the beginning of her and Jake, not the end, and he's the great love of her life. The catch? Her mom and best friend hate her in this parallel world.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The tropes:
- Second Chance
- Parallel Universe
- Enemies to Lovers
- Rivals
- Self Discovery
August 20, 2024
I loved this book. I not only loved this book, I had to read the ending four times because I could not get enough of it the first time.
Olivia “Liv,”our MC, Is put through the wringer in this book and I’m kind of OK with it. It’s not that I like to see her struggle, in fact she is a fabulous person and not at all a character you would root against. However, when it comes to love, you can tell her walls are up in a very hard and fast way, and you just want to shake her a little. I loved watching her grow, loved seeing what she is willing to give up, and where she is not willing to compromise.
I would absolutely recommend this book!
Olivia “Liv,”our MC, Is put through the wringer in this book and I’m kind of OK with it. It’s not that I like to see her struggle, in fact she is a fabulous person and not at all a character you would root against. However, when it comes to love, you can tell her walls are up in a very hard and fast way, and you just want to shake her a little. I loved watching her grow, loved seeing what she is willing to give up, and where she is not willing to compromise.
I would absolutely recommend this book!
June 19, 2024
I was super intrigued from the beginning because it seemed like tjr maybe in another life.
what's in a kiss? that kept me reading it. this question
what's in a kiss? that kept me reading it. this question
August 21, 2024
ok i was NOT expecting for this book to put me so in my feels but it DID. sorry to my coworkers who saw me crying while i was finishing this beautiful story.
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