Tell Me Not To Kiss You

by Elee Rose

Fallon Bennett wants a happy life, and honestly, she deserves it!

After a rough breakup, she packed up and moved to the city of her dreams, following her two best friends.

She was getting used to her new life when she met Mackenzie, and wow, did she meet her!



Mackenzie Thompson likes her peace. She's lived in Seattle her whole life, but after surviving heartbreak, she moved to the other side of it. When she meets Fallon Bennett, peace becomes a thing of the past.



As things start to heat up between the two, the past begins to catch up to them, and they have to figure out if what is starting to blossom, is worth fighting for.



Will these two become a permanent part of each other's lives, or is the cost of happiness too much to afford?

Genres: Lesbian, Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

Reviews

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this it’s a debut book from this author! Fallon and Mackenzie are neighbors who meet under less than ideal circumstances and we follow the will they- or won’t they find their happily ever after as they navigate through their feelings. Let me say this first, it’s spicy and hot and the chemistry between these two is off the charts. If Yoda read sapphic romance, he’d say that the spice is strong with this one. The scenes are really well written, again…From. A. Debut. Author!

There’s a ton of drama, mostly of the characters own making, as is common in romance, but it was a ton of fun watching Fallon and Mackenzie try to work through their doubts and get over their pasts. There were some really creative dates, which I couldn’t get enough of, since I get tired of characters just going out to dinner and just mooning over each over ever their pasta. These cute dates kept me really interested in what was going to happen on the next one. Mackenzie is the driver for this relationship, and she is down bad for Fallon. I wish that there could have been more of Fallon pining for Mackenzie or at least her pursuing Mackenzie just a little bit. I would like to have also seen more of Fallon’s heartbreak from her past relationship and see more growth from her character.

There is a delightful plot twist in the 3rd act that I was completely blindsided by and it was awesome! There is a 3rd act breakup, I’m never a fan of those, but it completely moves the plot forward and is needed for the character development. At first the characters come across as new adult and pretty immature, rather than adult, but I was able to see them mature as the book moved forward, and I was glad to see that. There is also a PILE of side characters, which I was a bit distracted by, but I know this is planned for a series of stories. I hope that Cara gets her own book, cause she was sort of a victim of circumstance in this book. I also really liked Drea, the bookstore owner, and I feel bad for the furniture in her bookstore.

I received an eARC for this book in return for my honest opinion. Opinions are entirely my own. Full disclosure, I am FB and IG mutuals with the author.

[Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, there were more mixed signals than a malfunctioning traffic light. In the beginning, I thought Fallon and Mackenzie were cute together. They had meaningful conversations, and it wasn’t just physical attraction in the early stages. I reached a point in the book where one of the protagonist’s actions rubbed me the wrong way. The lack of self-control and disrespect was a big no for me. The book does have plenty of spice and I thought their friends were great. I just couldn’t root for them as a couple. Other reviewers have really enjoyed the book, and you might enjoy it too, but for my review I give it 3.5 stars.

[cloud_9_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elee Rose’s debut novel, Tell Me Not to Kiss You, is a sizzling sapphic contemporary romance that crackles with chemistry, emotional depth, and undeniable tension. At its heart, the story follows Fallon and Mackenzie—two women who can’t seem to stay away from each other, no matter how much they tell themselves they should.

From the moment they meet, Fallon and Mackenzie share an electric connection, one that simmers with steamy sexual tension and an irresistible “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic. Fallon, guarded and reluctant to open her heart, wrestles with the weight of past wounds in a new city, while Mackenzie, equally drawn yet hesitant, struggles with her own fears of love and vulnerability. As they navigate their undeniable attraction, both women must confront their past traumas and learn to trust again as they learn to follow their heart.

Rose masterfully balances intense, slow-burning moments with swoon-worthy romance, making every glance, touch, and stolen moment between Fallon and Mackenzie feel charged with emotion ~ “Tell me to stop then Wildcat, tell me to turn around, and go inside. Tell me you don’t want to kiss me.”

At its core, Tell Me Not to Kiss You is a story about healing, taking chances, and finding true love when you least expect. Elee Rose delivers a compelling and passionate romance that will leave readers breathless and rooting for Fallon and Mackenzie until the very last page - even when you want to scream a little and shake some sense into their heads! A must-read for fans of sapphic love stories filled with angst, longing, and a deeply satisfying happily ever after. I for one am definitely looking forward to book 2 of the Sapphic in Seattle series!

[Halosandangelicwings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute emotional roller coaster that I just experienced! The chemistry between Fallon and Mackenzie is on fire and absolutely undeniable. The way that the author made sure that you saw the details of the start of them meeting to the very end (I will NOT give spoilers) through all of the ups and downs was perfect. It was an amazing ride! I can’t wait for the second book!!!

[Puja · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 39%

2.5 stars. This was just… not as good as I was hoping. All the 5 star reviews made me really want to read this book but it’s not worth the effort or the time. The continuous sunshine and wildcat pet names made me ill. It was just too cringey, too repetitive and the MCs were just awful. Neither had a likeable quality about them

[Samantha Holder-Venter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite the rollercoaster. I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Fallon and Kenzie and I loved the way the emotions leapt off the pages. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced readers copy of Tell Me Not to Kiss You. As always all opinions are my own, and this review is being left voluntarily.

2.5 stars rounded up.

I really enjoyed this book at the beginning. I liked the hate to love dynamic between the main characters and enjoyed the drama. However, the drama just dragged on. It was like a roller coaster. It was dramatic, it was messy, and ultimately I… wasn’t feeling the main characters together. It felt immature and toxic, and I went from really enjoying their dynamic to thinking they needed to never interact with each other ever again. The writing itself wasn’t too bad. I would consider reading another book by this author in the future with the hope the dynamic between the main characters is better.

[bookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Harleaux Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had no business being as good as it was!

This book frustrated me because Fallon and Kenzie pissed me off repeatedly! At the same time though it had me giggling and kicking my feet because I just felt so much for these characters. They’d both been through so much and their love for each other flowed off the page even if the two of them didn’t realize it yet.

The storyline was dynamic and kept me interested all the way through. The writing was absolutely poetic in all the right moments. I’m normally 10000% anti third act break because nothing makes me step away from a book for a while like that, however it was so well done. Can’t wait for book two!

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally had the opportunity to read “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” ahead of its official release—but surprise! Elee Rose decided to release it early! So here’s my honest review of the book, now that I’ve read it.

“”Why is it so big?!” In the center of my living room, I watched Drea struggle to set up the inflatable photo booth. “That’s what she said!” Drea shouted…”

When a book starts with a “that’s what she said” joke, you just know it’s going to be good! “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” was such a fun read—definitely a bit of a rollercoaster, but in the best way. It had so many of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, found family, and a slow burn sapphic romance. The story follows Fallon and Mackenzie, neighbors in the same apartment building, who meet under less-than-ideal circumstances. Remember that enemies-to-lovers trope I mentioned? Yeah, these two HATED each other at first. But of course, as with any good enemies-to-lovers story, things start to shift, and by the end, they’re totally falling for each other.

Elee Rose’s writing was honestly fantastic! It’s hard to believe that this was her debut book! Her storytelling was super engaging and easy to follow, and she gave just the right amount of detail to bring the world to life. I could picture everything so clearly in my mind. She also included a lot of moments that really hit close to home for me, and the way she captured those emotions and thoughts really impressed me.

“If the person who was supposed to love you no matter what can hurt you like that, how do you trust anyone?”

~~~

“What man takes in a woman with a child, not to mention, heavy baggage from a previous marriage, raises them as his own, and loves those two women with his whole heart?”

This story had so many amazing elements! It was funny, spicy, emotional, hopeful, reflective, lighthearted—and even a little inspiring. If you’re into contemporary romance that explores rebuilding trust, navigating new relationships, and features strong found family dynamics, then “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” is definitely one to check out!

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tell Me Not to Kiss You is one of those books that I went back and forth on what to rate it. I enjoyed the writing and most of the characters. Fallon's friends were nice and supportive, and although it took a while for us to meet them I loved her family. Mackenzie's sister was one of my favorite characters, and I liked her friends as well. That said, I spent a large part of the book strongly disliking Mackenzie—and not in a good way. I found her teasing meanspirited and her flirting pushed lines that I really didn't enjoy. That happened even after the two began to get over their issues, and she wasn't particularly nice to her own friends. It took a long time for me to get to the point where I actually liked her as a person.

I found the story itself fairly interesting, but it could have done with a bit more editing to weed things down a bit. I know this is a debut novel, but it felt like there was a lot of drama for drama's sake, and it was just so up and down, with so many mixed signals. It started to drag on, and there's a third act breakup that felt both unnecessary and unrealistic. I know, I know, it's fiction and there are often unrealistic plotlines, but I saw the twist coming a mile away and the reaction just didn't feel like it fit with where the characters were by that stage in the story.

I don't regret reading it, and I'll check out the next installment to see where Drea's story takes us, but honestly, I would have preferred it (and given a higher rating) if the book had ended just before that third act breakup.

[Cara Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked everything about this book until the 3rd act breakup. It was an unexpected and interesting problem but then Fallon's reaction made no sense to me. Especially when Rebecca, in front of Fallon, flat out told Mackenzie that Fallon had been the "other woman".

Fallon knew Mackenzie went through a traumatic breakup two years before. And when those pieces of information dropped during the confrontation, for Fallon to automatically assume that Mackenzie was engaged to Rebecca, just made no sense to me.

And every time Mackenzie tried to explain, Fallon flat out refused to listen even though she had been the "other woman".

I think Elee Rose is going to be a great writer going forward and I loved about 80% of this book, but that 3rd act breakup just wrecked the story for me. However, because I did love the 80% of the book, and because I loved Elee Rose's storytelling style, I'm still giving her 4 stars.

[Veda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think 3.4⭐️ tbh I was liking the book up until. The 90% ish mark. I feel it started to get a little bit corny and also I didn’t like the third act break-up. But it’s all just one of my least favorite tropes so I might be biased. Still a good read.

[Nat E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. There was a lot of unnecessary drama. Both main characters pissed me off throughout the story. Great chemistry. The reasoning for them not wanting to get together in the first place was weak. The big third act break up annoyed me. I would have been more pissed knowing it was Fallon on the couch. That issue was a non issue? Also, I did not like their pet names for each other. “Wildcat” “Baby girl”. I cringed every time. LOL The friends were cool. Interesting family back story for both MCs.

My guess for bonus content: Rebecca.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so listen… there are very few books that have made me laugh, cry, sweat and annotate “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME” in the margins more times than Tell Me Not To Kiss You by Elee Rose. I might just fall off the rails in this review because I am struggling to piece words together, but let’s give it a go…

I’m not one for playing games with someone and a lot of this book went that way, I was incredibly anxious and Mackenzie’s defensive game playing almost gave me a slimy ick vibe (she redeems herself, don’t worry!) and then BAM! They both “grew their lady balls” as Drea says and committed to one another and my heart was restored to its sappy state because they were just… I swooned. Then BAM! Heartbreak, drama, misunderstandings, grand gestures! I won’t go into detail because you all need to do this deep dive yourself for the full effect because DAMN ELEE ROSE.

That was the quick and dirty brain dump post-read. Now let’s get into more of the intricacies that I loved about this book…

This book is written in dual POV for both main characters which I always love. It helps me get a fully developed story and fully developed characters in my brain while I read. Heck we certainly needed it with all the emotions and deep rooted pasts these characters had going on!

One important note on writing that I wanted to make was the chapter transitions from Fallon starting the thought at the end of Chapter 11, then Mackenzie finishing that thought to start Chapter 12. The timing of this transition felt like a nod to their growing "unknown" connection, like they're more on the same page than they realize!

Mackenzie Thompson comin’ in with the hot head! She is all bark and bite to start off this book, but it’s largely due to her volatile past and an adamance in protecting her peace. When she gets scared, she gets defensive; when she has a crush, she teases - a real one-two punch when it comes to sweet, clumsy Fallon who seems to continually run into (directly and indirectly) Mackenzie in the early scenes of their meeting. I truly love Mackenzie because of how fierce she is and how fiercely she loves, protects her people. Through her trials, she truly was triumphant whether it be with past relationships, family or Fallon. She knew the only way forward was through and in that way, she grew as a person, sister, friend and partner.

Fallon Bennett is sweet, smart, a bundle of anxiety and fiery when she needs to be. If there was anyone to go toe-to-toe with Mackenzie, it was going to be Fallon. While I think she played games with Mackenzie a bit in the beginning, we come to realize why she is the way she is from her volatile past. She’s protecting herself at all costs, but it’s the sweetest thing when she allows Mackenzie into her corner.

From the jump I just KNEW that Rylee was friends with Mackenzie even though we are first introduced to her as Fallon’s new favorite barista. Rylee and her wife are just the truest voices of reason for Mackenzie and I absolutely adored how much guidance and love they provided Mackenzie when she was trying to work through her feelings for Fallon.

Drea was the comedic relief that this book needed. She was the ruthless best friend to Fallon, her greatest defender when it came to her best friend’s heart and the deliverer of the best one-liners.

I wrote a note to myself probably 30% of the way into this book about how the angst and tension were built up so epically between Fallon and Mackenzie, that I hoped the payoff would be just as intense. Circling back to said note - I can in fact confirm that the payoff was all heat! Author Elee Rose knew exactly where she was dragging us between every “Tell me not to kiss you” hallway moment to the heated arguments that left both women secretly melting inside. She made us work for it, but that only made it sweeter in the end!

The second I closed this book I wanted to read it again for the first time, no notes. Get this book on your TBR, ASAP folks!

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. I’m so conflicted over this book! I loved the ‘enemies to lovers’ beginning. The chemistry and lust between Fallon and Mackenzie was palpable and soo intoxicating. I even loved them becoming friends and ‘dating’. I just can’t wrap my head around all the conflicts between them. I couldn’t even grasp why it was such a massive deal that they were neighbours in the first place! Especially when they were just arguing at first, like sure that’s uncomfortable but just ignore each other, you are adults lol. I did try to buy into the premise, once they had feelings for each other I could see how scared they were to get hurt. How awkward and uncomfortable it would be to have an ex living on your doorstep. And the inevitable third act breakup… oh my gay gods… none of that made sense to me. I won’t say too much but how Kenzie acted when Fallon was out felt worse to me than freezing later on in the book. It all felt so immature and underdeveloped.

I did like both characters together- cheeky, teasing, happy and passionate. I liked that there were quite fleshed out side characters too.

Overall, I know that reading fiction invites us to suspend our belief at times, but with contemporary fiction like this a certain level of relatability is important. I couldn’t get on board with how the two main characters handled their emotions. Maybe I’m being too harsh or just wasn’t in the right head space so would still recommend, even if just for how hot the spice is 😉

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

I think the true sign of a good book is not necessarily one that just makes my heart warm and fuzzy, but one that creates an emotional response at all. Like when I can’t stop yelling at one of the main characters for being an idiot. While reading this one, there would be times when I would scream and want to jump in. The book to shake one or the other characters. But this was a really enjoyable sapphic romance. I loved all of the characters, and it made me laugh because it did a great job of really capturing just how completely connected sapphic communities can be. Fallon and Makenzie were great characters, even though they were both dealing with some deeper issues that seriously affected the way that they formed relationships. Both had trust issues that clashed with their intense attraction for each other. I really felt for Makenzie at times, and I wanted Fallon to realize what life was like if she could work on her trust issues. But the side characters were fantastic and I loved their involvement in the story. Well, except one or two of them.

I had the chance to listen to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job. It is not easy being a lone voice portraying multiple characters, but Robin Amanda did a fantastic job. I could tell who was talking without any issue and I thought the voice she gave to each character really fit them. The pacing was great, and this was an enjoyable audiobook to listen to. I have never had the opportunity to listen to this narrator in the past, but I was definitely impressed by the audio of this story.

It is so rare that I get to read well written, sapphic romances. This was such an enjoyable listen, even at the times where I had to call my wife and yell about how I wanted to slap some sense into a character or two. My only issue was there was a time or two where an event was discussed and I wasn’t really sure where it came from. Like Poker night. I really wanted to read about spicy poker night. There were some amazing spicy scenes that were written very well and it showed the amazing connection between these characters. This is an enjoyable, well-written, sapphic romance and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys WLW stories.

[Lindsey Wallace-Galli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elee Rose's debut novel did not disappoint. This book was anything but boring. Especially when you have two characters that are polar opposites and fight constantly, but when their fighting draws to and end their feeling erupt.

Fallon, moved to her favorite city after a bad break up only to come face to face with her hot neighbor who shut her party down for being too loud.

Mackenzie, who is an introvert and likes her quiet nightly routine, gets a rude awakening when Fallon moves across the hall and is anything but an introvert.

Both Mackenzie and Fallon get off to a rough start and Fallon tries to apologize but her words end up failing her and she is shut out by Mackenzie. When the peace finally comes to the forefront for both of them, will their feelings come to show or will they be enemies across the hall from each other until further notice.

I enjoyed the slow burn and enemies to lovers trope, I would just have loved more character building throughout the novel and more of an explanation as to why both Fallon and Mackenzie have issues. But otherwise, I recommend this funny sapphic rom-com.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I'm still reeling! The narration is chef’s kiss. The writing is fantastic. The chemistry between Fallon and Mackenzie was absolutely electric – I felt every spark, every hesitant touch, every stolen glance. The emotional journey was breathtaking, a true rollercoaster that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the enemies-to-lovers trope, but you elevated it beyond the typical formula with nuanced characters and a plot that surprised me at every turn.

The angst and longing were palpable, perfectly capturing the internal struggles of the characters and the obstacles they faced. And the happily ever after? It felt earned, deeply satisfying, and utterly delightful after the emotional turmoil they endured. The "spicy" aspects were tastefully woven into the narrative, adding another layer of depth and intensity to their relationship.

I received an ALC copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon bagnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 1/4 of the book I didn’t enjoy at all, to me it read like a script of a tv show however it was needed to understand the rest of the story.

The main characters made me want to hit my head against a wall at times but they were lovable at the same time, I loved how the relationship wasn’t smooth sailing like some books were and showed a real relationship that’s dealt with trauma

I also loved the dynamics of the friendship groups, I’d love a book with all the different ones in the groups like rylee and her wife.

Overall it was a good read, I can’t wait to read more from this author

full disclosure I was given this book by the author, Elee Rose, in exchange for an honest review

[Ian Sellers · Rating 1 out of 5]

absolutely disappointing story. Both characters are stubborn and act stupidly so that the story can happen. So much time is spent with the buildup to the relationship and then the last act is blown through with a fairly weak endgame and time jumps because the author couldn't be assed to write the actual character growth.
the writing is unimaginative with the author reusing so many exact phrases and scenarios I thought it may be written by AI.
this was a real bummer read and I will not be continuing the series.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and enjoyable read I can recommend. At times I just wanted to scream at Fallon and Mackenzie and tell them to grow up get their shit together. So much back and forth, misunderstandings and in the end a rather unbelievable connection made things so hard. No denying that their chemistry was sizzling so never really any doubt it would somehow work out in the end.

I received a free ARC from the author and leave a review voluntarily.

[Danielle Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was so good. 5 stars!
I laughed, I teared up, I wanted to slap them occasionally. And I wanted to punch a certain someone. Iykyk. This was funny, emotional, sappy, spicy and an all around fantastic read. I loved the main characters. I even loved the secondary characters. They were a Riot! Absolutely add this to your list immediately!
And after that little snippet at the end. Ma'am sign me up for book two!
Book: Tell Me Not To Kiss You by Elee Rose

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tell Me Not To…

Whew the emotional slow burn! The ups and downs throughout kept me coming back for more especially during the downs because I needed the ups to move on to life happenings lol. I loved the dates and the banter between Fallon and Mackenzie. I enjoyed their journey (mostly! ;)). I loved the side characters, particularly Harper and Drea. I can’t wait to read Drea’s story! Recommend!

[Emily Vadini · Rating 5 out of 5]

close to heart

I cannot begin to explain how much I loved this book. Fallon and Mackenzie had me from the very beginning. They had me laughing, crying and longing for a love like theirs. The spicy scenes…let’s just say I needed a second after reading them! 100% a beautiful read that was very easy to get through.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I the beginning of this book I was
Getting and feeling frustrated. 😣 like kinda toxic
I want to be with you but we shouldn’t kind
But other that they starting to become friends and build
Good relationship and going to dates
It is very relatable. The spice was amazing 🤩
Be ready for that! I enjoyed the audiobook so good! It definitely will pull you in!

[Robin Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love as hot as this needs to be unleashed upon the world.

Elle Rose has brightened the world of love stories with the pairing of Fallon and Mckensie. It is obviously written from a very painful background which makes it all the sweeter for these two woman to learn what real love is. The slow pace of allowing them to grow into a deep understanding is so worth the wait.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these characters, but I feel like MacKenzie did nothing wrong. She was assaulted by her ex in front of her girlfriend, who then assumed it was a betrayal and doubled down on that for a solid three months.

That said, they were both traumatized by the person who did it, so, I also get it.

[Caitlyn Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5 ⭐️


What could have been a good sapphic novel was let down by plot holes and boring narrators not to mention the un -believable plot twist that they shared a girlfriend. Overall the writing was just bad i found myself skipping the last 20 pages because i just couldn’t bear to continue.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, the third act breakup wasn’t needed after the endless roller coaster mixed signals. It was well written and pace was great, as was the spice.