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PCU Ice Storm #1
Kiss Me First
Joining the insomnia thread at PCU was supposed to be harmless, a place to burn through the quiet hours with strangers who'd never know my name. A way to take my mind off the NHL scouts breathing down my neck.
Just honesty at 2 a.m. with a girl I only know as LittleTooMuch.
I didn't plan to fall for her. But somewhere between the late-night confessions and the things I'd never say out loud, I did.
Then Harlow walks into my life—guarded, beautiful, and my team captain’s little sister.
The more time I spend with her, the harder it gets to ignore the feeling that I already know her.
And if I'm right, I'm in a lot of trouble.
anonymous pen pal
he falls first
teammate's little sister
friends to lovers
slow burn
Just honesty at 2 a.m. with a girl I only know as LittleTooMuch.
I didn't plan to fall for her. But somewhere between the late-night confessions and the things I'd never say out loud, I did.
Then Harlow walks into my life—guarded, beautiful, and my team captain’s little sister.
The more time I spend with her, the harder it gets to ignore the feeling that I already know her.
And if I'm right, I'm in a lot of trouble.
anonymous pen pal
he falls first
teammate's little sister
friends to lovers
slow burn
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
April 20, 2026
— Rating: 2.75 ★ .ᐟ
˚ 𝜗𝜚 ₊ 🥯 . “You’re exactly enough. And you’re
mine to be gentle with. Not to fix.” ‧₊˚
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ᢉ𐭩
౨ৎ anonymous pen pals
౨ৎ friends to lovers
౨ৎ slow burn
౨ৎ brothers best friend
‧˚꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⋮ ୭
I hate writing a negative review for this book because it truthfully seemed like the author had put in immense effort to make Harlow and Grayson’s story meaningful, but it was just not enjoyable for me. Kiss me First felt more like a healing journey for the FMC than a love story, which is ironic because the cover and title are quite literally based around the book’s romance. The main characters had little to no chemistry, the awkwardest interactions, and quite bland personalities until about 80% in which contributed to an overall dull book.
When I had read the blurb, I was immediately intrigued. Insomnia rep plus anonymous pen pals? It sounded unique, interesting, and everything in between. Yet it bored me to no end. I mean, I enjoyed some of it, but unfortunately it wasn’t the most entertaining. It felt like nothing was happening for the first half of the book, instead focusing on Harlow’s mental health issues in a repetitive manner. And when I say repetitive, I mean that I was reading the same inner monologue, the same conversations, and the same descriptions over and over again for at least twenty chapters straight. The way the ‘anonymous pen pals’ trope was executed also felt a bit iffy. Why were they messaging each other like literal robots? Not to mention the fact they were, in a way, starting to grow ‘dependent’ on each other when they didn’t even know the other’s name yet.
I wish I could say Grayson and Harlow had made up for this tedious plot, but they in fact did not. All their interactions up until 50% in felt awkward and overly forced. Yes, half way through the book and we’ve only just seen a sliver of chemistry between the main characters in a romance book. Even then, it felt so random that they had suddenly ‘gained feelings’ for each other. Based on the conversations we saw, they learned little to nothing about the other’s true personality. I also want to point out there was zero banter. Obviously not every couple has to have that amusing back and forth, but the fact their dynamic was being built up on small talk rather than deep, meaningful conversations or tension filled comments had me dissapointed. I will admit they were cute when they were actually together at the end of the book, I loved how they both were able to open up and find their special person, but I couldn’t get past the fact that it felt like they had jumped from strangers to lovers.
Yes, the story did start to pick up around 80% in, but who wants to wait that long to be even remotely entertained with a book? I will say the emotional complexity was on point throughout this entire story. Harlow’s sensory, body, and anxiety issues were depicted so well in illuminating details that it’s one of the only reasons I pushed through till the end. Was this done so repetitively? Absolutely. Half of this book felt like it could have been removed and it wouldn’t affect the plot line in the slightest. However, the way the depth of her emotions were depicted has to be praised because it was done so wonderfully.
As individuals, Grayson and Harlow still didn’t truly stand out to me. Grayson’s issues were a tad over looked due to the books focus on Harlow so we only got to see him on a surface level. Both character’s personalities were more or less bland with no special attributes. Don’t get me wrong, they were likable to an extent, but they were just dulled down to the point I couldn’t connect with them or the story. I mean, I may have connected with Harlow at one point, however it wasn’t as deeply as I would have liked. Their dialogue was also very awkward not only with each other but with side characters too and unfortunately it gave me second hand embarrassment for a good portion of the story.
‧˚꒰ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⋮ ୭
౨ৎ Harlow Mercer.
She truthfully was the only reason I was able to complete this book. The depth put into Harlow was unreal and I loved seeing a FMC who had such relatable struggles. I do wish we got to learn more about her outside of her mental health issues but the way Riley Paige illustrated her was extremely realistic. Still, her interests aside from skating and reading went unknown which made her character feel like it was based solely on her struggles until the end where we got to see her shine.
Any hint of Harlow’s true personality was just not the utmost outstanding. If I’m being completely honest I only remember her character being blunt yet kind, other than that and her complexity she was sometimes boring. The awkwardness she added to conversations had me cringing more times than not and her inner monologue was just saying the same thing repeatedly for a couple of chapters. Yes, she was a likable character with great depth, but she could’ve been more entertaining. On a positive note I did love to see her heal not only with the help of Grayson but also on her own!
౨ৎ Grayson Bennett.
When I tell you this man felt like a side character in his own book. I honestly was so disappointed to see Grayson’s character start off strong and slowly become distant. He was definitely admirable, but his chapter’s were getting so repetitive that I had to put the book down out of boredom one too many times. One thing I did love was his patience and understanding with Harlow’s situation. Seeing how he cared for her even when they weren’t really friends was certainly sweet.
I do feel like Grayson’s character was delved into yet it wasn’t as deeply as I would’ve liked. I don’t know how to explain it but his issues were gone over a lot while still not seeming all that explored. His personality just seemed ordinary and distant and as the book went on, he often times was just there with no engagement. I must say his friendship with the rest of the hockey team was cute and is one of my favorite things about this book. Aside from that though, Grayson didn’t stand out to me until the end of the book where he had some swoon-worthy lines and really started to entrance me with his actions.
‧˚꒰ 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 ⋮ ୭
I want to emphasize that this book was just not for me. It easily could be enjoyed by many others as it did have pleasurable attributes, but I personally was unable to enjoy Harlow and Grayson’s story. I had signed up for a romance book and unfortunately Kiss me First focused more on a healing journey for Harlow than the actual romance aspect. It took half way through the book until we finally got to see a conversation between the main characters that wasn’t awkward small talk, and for me that was just too long. I truly did love the emotional complexity, I just wish it was incorporated alongside a tension filled love story.
This book overall had me bored for multiple chapters at a time due to the lack of any action in the plot line. Harlow and Grayson’s personalities were dull, their interactions felt inauthentic, and the repetitiveness of this story’s writing was too hard to ignore. There were definitely aspects I did find cute and entertaining, which is why I haven’t rated this lower, but they were few and far between until the end of the book where things started to pick up. That being said, I will be coming back for the next book in this series. The side characters had intrigued me enough that I’m able to push aside my otherwise negative views to give Riley Paige’s stories a second chance. Weston and Kai especially have pulled me in and I need to at least try reading their stories. If you’re looking for a meaningful read that delves into mental health struggles with what felt like romance as a subplot, I’d definitely try this book!
⋆˚࿔ read: april 09 - april 17
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
⸝⸝ #1. Kiss me First : 2.75 ★
⸝⸝ #2. Lose you Twice : ? ★
Thank you to Riley Paige for this arc in an exchange for an honest review!
── ・ ── 𝜗𝜚 ── ・ ──
₊˚ ౿ 💐 pre-read !!
First time reading multiple books at once so… 🥹🤞This cover is the cutest and I love a captain’s little sister romance so I have high hopes
˚ 𝜗𝜚 ₊ 🥯 . “You’re exactly enough. And you’re
mine to be gentle with. Not to fix.” ‧₊˚
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ᢉ𐭩
౨ৎ anonymous pen pals
౨ৎ friends to lovers
౨ৎ slow burn
౨ৎ brothers best friend
‧˚꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ⋮ ୭
I hate writing a negative review for this book because it truthfully seemed like the author had put in immense effort to make Harlow and Grayson’s story meaningful, but it was just not enjoyable for me. Kiss me First felt more like a healing journey for the FMC than a love story, which is ironic because the cover and title are quite literally based around the book’s romance. The main characters had little to no chemistry, the awkwardest interactions, and quite bland personalities until about 80% in which contributed to an overall dull book.
When I had read the blurb, I was immediately intrigued. Insomnia rep plus anonymous pen pals? It sounded unique, interesting, and everything in between. Yet it bored me to no end. I mean, I enjoyed some of it, but unfortunately it wasn’t the most entertaining. It felt like nothing was happening for the first half of the book, instead focusing on Harlow’s mental health issues in a repetitive manner. And when I say repetitive, I mean that I was reading the same inner monologue, the same conversations, and the same descriptions over and over again for at least twenty chapters straight. The way the ‘anonymous pen pals’ trope was executed also felt a bit iffy. Why were they messaging each other like literal robots? Not to mention the fact they were, in a way, starting to grow ‘dependent’ on each other when they didn’t even know the other’s name yet.
I wish I could say Grayson and Harlow had made up for this tedious plot, but they in fact did not. All their interactions up until 50% in felt awkward and overly forced. Yes, half way through the book and we’ve only just seen a sliver of chemistry between the main characters in a romance book. Even then, it felt so random that they had suddenly ‘gained feelings’ for each other. Based on the conversations we saw, they learned little to nothing about the other’s true personality. I also want to point out there was zero banter. Obviously not every couple has to have that amusing back and forth, but the fact their dynamic was being built up on small talk rather than deep, meaningful conversations or tension filled comments had me dissapointed. I will admit they were cute when they were actually together at the end of the book, I loved how they both were able to open up and find their special person, but I couldn’t get past the fact that it felt like they had jumped from strangers to lovers.
Yes, the story did start to pick up around 80% in, but who wants to wait that long to be even remotely entertained with a book? I will say the emotional complexity was on point throughout this entire story. Harlow’s sensory, body, and anxiety issues were depicted so well in illuminating details that it’s one of the only reasons I pushed through till the end. Was this done so repetitively? Absolutely. Half of this book felt like it could have been removed and it wouldn’t affect the plot line in the slightest. However, the way the depth of her emotions were depicted has to be praised because it was done so wonderfully.
As individuals, Grayson and Harlow still didn’t truly stand out to me. Grayson’s issues were a tad over looked due to the books focus on Harlow so we only got to see him on a surface level. Both character’s personalities were more or less bland with no special attributes. Don’t get me wrong, they were likable to an extent, but they were just dulled down to the point I couldn’t connect with them or the story. I mean, I may have connected with Harlow at one point, however it wasn’t as deeply as I would have liked. Their dialogue was also very awkward not only with each other but with side characters too and unfortunately it gave me second hand embarrassment for a good portion of the story.
‧˚꒰ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⋮ ୭
౨ৎ Harlow Mercer.
She truthfully was the only reason I was able to complete this book. The depth put into Harlow was unreal and I loved seeing a FMC who had such relatable struggles. I do wish we got to learn more about her outside of her mental health issues but the way Riley Paige illustrated her was extremely realistic. Still, her interests aside from skating and reading went unknown which made her character feel like it was based solely on her struggles until the end where we got to see her shine.
Any hint of Harlow’s true personality was just not the utmost outstanding. If I’m being completely honest I only remember her character being blunt yet kind, other than that and her complexity she was sometimes boring. The awkwardness she added to conversations had me cringing more times than not and her inner monologue was just saying the same thing repeatedly for a couple of chapters. Yes, she was a likable character with great depth, but she could’ve been more entertaining. On a positive note I did love to see her heal not only with the help of Grayson but also on her own!
౨ৎ Grayson Bennett.
When I tell you this man felt like a side character in his own book. I honestly was so disappointed to see Grayson’s character start off strong and slowly become distant. He was definitely admirable, but his chapter’s were getting so repetitive that I had to put the book down out of boredom one too many times. One thing I did love was his patience and understanding with Harlow’s situation. Seeing how he cared for her even when they weren’t really friends was certainly sweet.
I do feel like Grayson’s character was delved into yet it wasn’t as deeply as I would’ve liked. I don’t know how to explain it but his issues were gone over a lot while still not seeming all that explored. His personality just seemed ordinary and distant and as the book went on, he often times was just there with no engagement. I must say his friendship with the rest of the hockey team was cute and is one of my favorite things about this book. Aside from that though, Grayson didn’t stand out to me until the end of the book where he had some swoon-worthy lines and really started to entrance me with his actions.
‧˚꒰ 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 ⋮ ୭
I want to emphasize that this book was just not for me. It easily could be enjoyed by many others as it did have pleasurable attributes, but I personally was unable to enjoy Harlow and Grayson’s story. I had signed up for a romance book and unfortunately Kiss me First focused more on a healing journey for Harlow than the actual romance aspect. It took half way through the book until we finally got to see a conversation between the main characters that wasn’t awkward small talk, and for me that was just too long. I truly did love the emotional complexity, I just wish it was incorporated alongside a tension filled love story.
This book overall had me bored for multiple chapters at a time due to the lack of any action in the plot line. Harlow and Grayson’s personalities were dull, their interactions felt inauthentic, and the repetitiveness of this story’s writing was too hard to ignore. There were definitely aspects I did find cute and entertaining, which is why I haven’t rated this lower, but they were few and far between until the end of the book where things started to pick up. That being said, I will be coming back for the next book in this series. The side characters had intrigued me enough that I’m able to push aside my otherwise negative views to give Riley Paige’s stories a second chance. Weston and Kai especially have pulled me in and I need to at least try reading their stories. If you’re looking for a meaningful read that delves into mental health struggles with what felt like romance as a subplot, I’d definitely try this book!
⋆˚࿔ read: april 09 - april 17
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
⸝⸝ #1. Kiss me First : 2.75 ★
⸝⸝ #2. Lose you Twice : ? ★
Thank you to Riley Paige for this arc in an exchange for an honest review!
── ・ ── 𝜗𝜚 ── ・ ──
₊˚ ౿ 💐 pre-read !!
First time reading multiple books at once so… 🥹🤞This cover is the cutest and I love a captain’s little sister romance so I have high hopes
April 23, 2026
I really wanted to love this book but I ended up DNF, it was very repetitive and I honestly didn’t feel chemistry between Harlow and Grayson. It read very monologued and hard to follow at times, I did however enjoy Weston’s character so for that I gave a star.
April 28, 2026
Dnf at 78% and a rant 😬
I like the idea of the book but like I couldn’t stand the writing, idk why I didn’t stop sooner. I skimmed so much of it. Like he was playing hockey practice and it dragged and didn’t add much to the story. It was the same vibe everytime. Kai notices, Weston jokes. And Ashton looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world and it always quiet.
The writing was so annoying. Everything had sound “poetic” and even though they were different words it still felt repetitive.
Examples from book, idk if they give what I’m trying to say?! Lots of “…” used.
“He looks… tired. Not exhausted tired. Restless tired. The kind that lives in your bones.”
“His tone is normal. Not flirty. Not performative. Not too cheerful voice that people use when they’re trying to prove they’re safe. Just… welcome.”
“Come sit, not bossy. Just an offer really…”
Silence stretches between sh. Not awkward. Not comfortable. Just… space”
“He catches my gaze for half a second, and looks away. Not rejection. But a choice”
“Like quiet was easy for him. Like he wasn’t trying to fix me or figure me out. Like he was just… there.”
“He’s polite, but not performative. He’s quite but not old. He makes jokes, but doesn’t use them like a weapon.”
“His gaze on my face. Not intense, not pity. Just… patient. Waiting.”
And everytime they talked about the brother they always say he catalogs like he’s filing it away. Just a different order of that everytime time. And every character they say basically the same description through out the book. Like you already described their vibe, just show it instead of repeating the same description every time. Like sometimes it was good and Weston was my favorite character. Maybe the writing is just the way this MMC and MFC is and the other books series will have a different vibe? Idk 🤷🏻♀️
Also the rating of this book seems way too high but then majority of those reviews are from ARCs…
I like the idea of the book but like I couldn’t stand the writing, idk why I didn’t stop sooner. I skimmed so much of it. Like he was playing hockey practice and it dragged and didn’t add much to the story. It was the same vibe everytime. Kai notices, Weston jokes. And Ashton looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world and it always quiet.
The writing was so annoying. Everything had sound “poetic” and even though they were different words it still felt repetitive.
Examples from book, idk if they give what I’m trying to say?! Lots of “…” used.
“He looks… tired. Not exhausted tired. Restless tired. The kind that lives in your bones.”
“His tone is normal. Not flirty. Not performative. Not too cheerful voice that people use when they’re trying to prove they’re safe. Just… welcome.”
“Come sit, not bossy. Just an offer really…”
Silence stretches between sh. Not awkward. Not comfortable. Just… space”
“He catches my gaze for half a second, and looks away. Not rejection. But a choice”
“Like quiet was easy for him. Like he wasn’t trying to fix me or figure me out. Like he was just… there.”
“He’s polite, but not performative. He’s quite but not old. He makes jokes, but doesn’t use them like a weapon.”
“His gaze on my face. Not intense, not pity. Just… patient. Waiting.”
And everytime they talked about the brother they always say he catalogs like he’s filing it away. Just a different order of that everytime time. And every character they say basically the same description through out the book. Like you already described their vibe, just show it instead of repeating the same description every time. Like sometimes it was good and Weston was my favorite character. Maybe the writing is just the way this MMC and MFC is and the other books series will have a different vibe? Idk 🤷🏻♀️
Also the rating of this book seems way too high but then majority of those reviews are from ARCs…
April 26, 2026
3/5 🌟…i guess🤷♀️
this book was overall fine - okay even. (iykyk).
i’m not sure how to write this review without sounding rude, but it was written good, you can tell the author put a lot of effort into their interpretation of the characters storylines, but overall this book very suffocating in a way.
we’re following grayson and harlow. however, the book is solely focused on harlow. everyone and their damn mom is worried about this bitch. they ALL treat her like she’s a piece of paper that’s going to fly away in a matter of seconds. reading her pov in some of the scenes was genuinely so overwhelming at times because she isn’t a literal child yet they treat her like one. it also comes with the fact that this is marketed as a hockey romance, but there’s barely any romance (to me anyways, take this as you will). and i’m not talking about just spice - just overall romance. these characters don’t seem to connect for me.
however - grayson has soooooooooooo much potential. his story could’ve really grasped me if we just knew more about him. his story fell so flat because he was instantly captured by harlow that his story just disappeared. everything, and i mean everyhting, was centered around harlow. which isn’t necessarily bad, but there’s 2 characters we need to follow - not just one.
i feel this whole story im missing something and nothing was adding up. but i did enjoy it in the long run. i may follow along the series for the next characters (specifically kai) because the had me wayyyy more interested in them rather than our mains.
this book was overall fine - okay even. (iykyk).
i’m not sure how to write this review without sounding rude, but it was written good, you can tell the author put a lot of effort into their interpretation of the characters storylines, but overall this book very suffocating in a way.
we’re following grayson and harlow. however, the book is solely focused on harlow. everyone and their damn mom is worried about this bitch. they ALL treat her like she’s a piece of paper that’s going to fly away in a matter of seconds. reading her pov in some of the scenes was genuinely so overwhelming at times because she isn’t a literal child yet they treat her like one. it also comes with the fact that this is marketed as a hockey romance, but there’s barely any romance (to me anyways, take this as you will). and i’m not talking about just spice - just overall romance. these characters don’t seem to connect for me.
however - grayson has soooooooooooo much potential. his story could’ve really grasped me if we just knew more about him. his story fell so flat because he was instantly captured by harlow that his story just disappeared. everything, and i mean everyhting, was centered around harlow. which isn’t necessarily bad, but there’s 2 characters we need to follow - not just one.
i feel this whole story im missing something and nothing was adding up. but i did enjoy it in the long run. i may follow along the series for the next characters (specifically kai) because the had me wayyyy more interested in them rather than our mains.
June 21, 2026
Book Title: Kiss Me First (PCU Ice Storm Book 1)
Author: Riley Paige
Publishers: Riley Paige (Independent) + East House Productions
Pub Date: April 16, 2026 + TBD (Audiobook)
Dates Read/Listened: June 15, 2026 – June 16, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: This was my first time reading Riley Paige, but I can guarantee it won’t be my last! Kiss Me First isn’t your average hockey romance, and it’s been a minute since I read something in a college setting. It was a sweet read, but it deals with heavier topics as well as mental health issues, so it is important to check triggers prior to reading. I thought Paige handled the triggers respectfully, and it made my heart hurt for both our MC’s but especially Harlow. The romance between Harlow and Grayson was cute and slow, and I enjoyed them getting to know each other at the same time as their online personas. The only thing I found to be a bit lacking here was banter, and though there was a little, I was definitely hoping for much more. That is more of a personal preference, and this is an emotionally charged read that left me excited for book two!
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: The audio for this book was fantastic with Lee Samuels and June deBorahae in duet narration. I thought they fit their characters perfectly and breathed so much life into them both. The fact that this was done in a duet made it even more memorable, and if you didn’t know, it is now my favorite thing, especially when it comes to romance. I would 100% recommend listening to the audiobook when it comes out, which is supposed to be in late June or early July. So, keep those eyes peeled!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 📱🥯❤️🩹🏒
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Riley Paige
Publishers: Riley Paige (Independent) + East House Productions
Pub Date: April 16, 2026 + TBD (Audiobook)
Dates Read/Listened: June 15, 2026 – June 16, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: This was my first time reading Riley Paige, but I can guarantee it won’t be my last! Kiss Me First isn’t your average hockey romance, and it’s been a minute since I read something in a college setting. It was a sweet read, but it deals with heavier topics as well as mental health issues, so it is important to check triggers prior to reading. I thought Paige handled the triggers respectfully, and it made my heart hurt for both our MC’s but especially Harlow. The romance between Harlow and Grayson was cute and slow, and I enjoyed them getting to know each other at the same time as their online personas. The only thing I found to be a bit lacking here was banter, and though there was a little, I was definitely hoping for much more. That is more of a personal preference, and this is an emotionally charged read that left me excited for book two!
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: The audio for this book was fantastic with Lee Samuels and June deBorahae in duet narration. I thought they fit their characters perfectly and breathed so much life into them both. The fact that this was done in a duet made it even more memorable, and if you didn’t know, it is now my favorite thing, especially when it comes to romance. I would 100% recommend listening to the audiobook when it comes out, which is supposed to be in late June or early July. So, keep those eyes peeled!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 📱🥯❤️🩹🏒
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 4, 2026
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
For a brother that was very protective and watchful of Harlow...there was no drama from him about his sister and friend and I'm sad about that. That's my favorite thing about the brothers best-friend trope and this one didn't really hit the mark with that. Overall though, still a decent read.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
For a brother that was very protective and watchful of Harlow...there was no drama from him about his sister and friend and I'm sad about that. That's my favorite thing about the brothers best-friend trope and this one didn't really hit the mark with that. Overall though, still a decent read.
May 9, 2026
This book was just okay. The writing was soooooo repetitive, and istg she used the same outline for every. Single. Sentence. It was a lot of: not __. Just____. And THE ELLIPSES. Oh my gosh. I cannot. Why is there a “…” every paragraph. Also, everyone treating her like a child when she is a GROWN ADULT had me forgetting this was a romance!! The storyline was cute, but it didn’t feel like we actually got anywhere. The whole book felt like that one scene in Radio Rebel when she’s standing on the roof like “I’m scared to be the real ME”.
April 26, 2026
DNF’d around 100pg in. How much more repetition, analogies, monologues, and walking on eggshells do you expect your readers to endure?!?!?
This is my second and last attempt at a Riley Page book thinking maybe her writing style improved from Broken Play but nope. Same spiraling characters and no chemistry. This book just seemed like a big old heap of enabling in the amount that I read. I genuinely could not keep going.
This is my second and last attempt at a Riley Page book thinking maybe her writing style improved from Broken Play but nope. Same spiraling characters and no chemistry. This book just seemed like a big old heap of enabling in the amount that I read. I genuinely could not keep going.
April 15, 2026
I enjoyed the story of Harlow and Grayson overall, but I can already tell that this is not going to be my favorite book in the series because the other four roommates/teammates featured in Kiss Me First have me more intrigued than Grayson did.
Let me start by saying: please read the trigger warnings. I like going into the books I read blind, usually choosing stories based only on the tropes or the author. I don't usually get triggered by things, but that doesn't mean that I don't get emotional with the plot. If you read any of Riley's previous books, you know that they are emotionally charged books, dealing with many mental health issues, such as OCD, anxiety, death...etc. I thought I was prepared when I started Kiss Me First. However, I really felt the weight of the emotional trauma and mental load of both Harlow and Grayson in this book, especially for the first 50%. Maybe it was the book's focus on trauma, or maybe I was just more hormonal when I read it, but it took a lot of effort to get through the start of Kiss Me First. It wasn't just Harlow and Kai's mental state, but also the intensity coming off of Kai (Harlow's brother) and the interactions amongst the group, that really made me push through. Finally, finally, we started to see a sliver of light at the end of the dark tunnel at the 55-56 percent mark of the book, and it got easier to read. By this point, I was able to read larger chunks of the book in a single sitting because, up until then, I couldn't get through too many pages without being distracted (or needing a distraction) from the book.
Weston Cooper was a great source of comedic relief, and his character reminds me so much of the ones we have seen in multiple books in this genre. That just means I can't wait to finally get to his book, because I know he is going to have a traumatic backstory... anyone who uses that much humor and deflection and seeks that much affection is probably compensating for a lack of affection in their childhood.
However, Weston wasn't enough to pull me out of the "blues and dark spot" this book had me in emotionally. However, once Wren returned home (Wren is Harlow's childhood bff), I cheered up. She is the ultimate inspiration for girl power friendships. She is funny, upbeat, and optimistic. She comes with her own emotional baggage, and believe me, I KNOW her story will be good, but she was a breath of fresh air in this story, and she really is Harlow's cheerleader. I can't wait for the next book where we will get a second-chance love story between Wren and . I cannot wait.
We obviously got to learn about Grayson's trauma and backstory, but this book felt more about Harlow than about the couple. I wish we had more of Grayson, maybe some closure around his family dynamic. I don't know. I feel that his personal journey was barely scratched. While Harlow works hard every day on her mental health, and the two of them as a couple are building a future together, Grayson's personal plot was abandoned. It was mentioned as a reason for his current emotional state, but no action was taken to move forward, resolve, or heal. While the rest of the series will dive into the lives of the other three hockey players living in the same house and playing on the same team, I feel that Kiss Me First needs a part 2 just to finish Grayson's story.
Thank you Riley and team for the opportunity to read an ARC of this story.
Let me start by saying: please read the trigger warnings. I like going into the books I read blind, usually choosing stories based only on the tropes or the author. I don't usually get triggered by things, but that doesn't mean that I don't get emotional with the plot. If you read any of Riley's previous books, you know that they are emotionally charged books, dealing with many mental health issues, such as OCD, anxiety, death...etc. I thought I was prepared when I started Kiss Me First. However, I really felt the weight of the emotional trauma and mental load of both Harlow and Grayson in this book, especially for the first 50%. Maybe it was the book's focus on trauma, or maybe I was just more hormonal when I read it, but it took a lot of effort to get through the start of Kiss Me First. It wasn't just Harlow and Kai's mental state, but also the intensity coming off of Kai (Harlow's brother) and the interactions amongst the group, that really made me push through. Finally, finally, we started to see a sliver of light at the end of the dark tunnel at the 55-56 percent mark of the book, and it got easier to read. By this point, I was able to read larger chunks of the book in a single sitting because, up until then, I couldn't get through too many pages without being distracted (or needing a distraction) from the book.
Weston Cooper was a great source of comedic relief, and his character reminds me so much of the ones we have seen in multiple books in this genre. That just means I can't wait to finally get to his book, because I know he is going to have a traumatic backstory... anyone who uses that much humor and deflection and seeks that much affection is probably compensating for a lack of affection in their childhood.
However, Weston wasn't enough to pull me out of the "blues and dark spot" this book had me in emotionally. However, once Wren returned home (Wren is Harlow's childhood bff), I cheered up. She is the ultimate inspiration for girl power friendships. She is funny, upbeat, and optimistic. She comes with her own emotional baggage, and believe me, I KNOW her story will be good, but she was a breath of fresh air in this story, and she really is Harlow's cheerleader. I can't wait for the next book where we will get a second-chance love story between Wren and . I cannot wait.
We obviously got to learn about Grayson's trauma and backstory, but this book felt more about Harlow than about the couple. I wish we had more of Grayson, maybe some closure around his family dynamic. I don't know. I feel that his personal journey was barely scratched. While Harlow works hard every day on her mental health, and the two of them as a couple are building a future together, Grayson's personal plot was abandoned. It was mentioned as a reason for his current emotional state, but no action was taken to move forward, resolve, or heal. While the rest of the series will dive into the lives of the other three hockey players living in the same house and playing on the same team, I feel that Kiss Me First needs a part 2 just to finish Grayson's story.
Thank you Riley and team for the opportunity to read an ARC of this story.
June 22, 2026
4.5 stars. I really liked Hadley and Grayson’s story! They both had a lot of past trauma to over come but healing, trust and love prevails and is definitely earned here. I also appreciate the fact that there are quite a bit of of on ice and hockey interactions in this story. A lot of “hockey romances” is mostly just romance and relationships off the ice. Well done for sure !!
Did Not Finish
June 23, 202658%
Well. Sorry I can't
Juvenile banter
Repetitive
Over explained everything. You dont need to use your brain or read between the lines.
Everything is dissected for you.
Like a mama bird feeing her baby
I'm just not interested. Loved hearing fmc dealing with her environment and food. Coping with being around people.
But nothing was keeping me in this book.
Well. Sorry I can't
Juvenile banter
Repetitive
Over explained everything. You dont need to use your brain or read between the lines.
Everything is dissected for you.
Like a mama bird feeing her baby
I'm just not interested. Loved hearing fmc dealing with her environment and food. Coping with being around people.
But nothing was keeping me in this book.
April 16, 2026
Every single one of Riley Paige’s displays characters with depth and she handles their trauma beautifully.
Harlow’s story broke as I read about her past that has caused her to be the way she is. A boy from her past was so awful to her and caused her issues that she can’t escape. She started the story as small and someone who would usually hide from everyone, but as the story went she grew and blossomed.
Grayson plays on the hockey team, but his life isn’t perfect. He has a past trauma that haunts him and causes him to lose sleep every night. But deep down he is so sweet and kind.
They have two separate relationships forming: one only that is anonymous and then in person where they understand one another and begin to develop a friendship. I loved how patient and understand Grayson was with her. He saw her, really saw her and accepted that things made her uncomfortable.
Their story was so beautiful. I also loved the side characters. I can’t wait to get their stories too and learn more about them.
Harlow’s story broke as I read about her past that has caused her to be the way she is. A boy from her past was so awful to her and caused her issues that she can’t escape. She started the story as small and someone who would usually hide from everyone, but as the story went she grew and blossomed.
Grayson plays on the hockey team, but his life isn’t perfect. He has a past trauma that haunts him and causes him to lose sleep every night. But deep down he is so sweet and kind.
They have two separate relationships forming: one only that is anonymous and then in person where they understand one another and begin to develop a friendship. I loved how patient and understand Grayson was with her. He saw her, really saw her and accepted that things made her uncomfortable.
Their story was so beautiful. I also loved the side characters. I can’t wait to get their stories too and learn more about them.
June 21, 2026
I don’t really know how to put this into neat words. It’s about two people who start talking through an insomnia forum and end up saying things there that they don’t say anywhere else. What they share feels more honest than how they are with other people, even when it’s personal or difficult.
In real life, she is his teammate’s sister, and when they are around each other that fact changes how they act. There are pauses, careful choices in what they say, and things they hold back even when nothing is directly addressed.
At some point, they start to understand more about each other in real life too, in a way that builds gradually rather than being clearly explained or defined. I can’t go into everything without giving too much away, but it shifts how they are with each other.
Nothing between them becomes neatly defined or fully resolved, and that’s part of what makes their interactions feel so present even when so much is left unspoken.
In real life, she is his teammate’s sister, and when they are around each other that fact changes how they act. There are pauses, careful choices in what they say, and things they hold back even when nothing is directly addressed.
At some point, they start to understand more about each other in real life too, in a way that builds gradually rather than being clearly explained or defined. I can’t go into everything without giving too much away, but it shifts how they are with each other.
Nothing between them becomes neatly defined or fully resolved, and that’s part of what makes their interactions feel so present even when so much is left unspoken.
April 13, 2026
kiss me first arc
Grayson and Harlow are very unique individuals who suffer in silence but once they found their way to one another it opened up their eyes and hearts to something that could truly be magical. Real Love.
He feels like a safe space for her and that’s such a relief while she’s still adjusting to college life and from her own personal struggles. He always knows what to say and how to act to help her feel comfortable and confident and that makes him a rare gem 💎
These characters were anxious beans but i loved their personalities and their love for each other was so special. i’m obsessed with Weston’s golden retriever energy and Kai’s protectiveness as a brother.
🏒anonymous pen pals
🏒hockey romance
🏒college setting
🏒teammates sister
🏒mental health
🏒brothers best friend
🏒he falls first
Grayson and Harlow are very unique individuals who suffer in silence but once they found their way to one another it opened up their eyes and hearts to something that could truly be magical. Real Love.
He feels like a safe space for her and that’s such a relief while she’s still adjusting to college life and from her own personal struggles. He always knows what to say and how to act to help her feel comfortable and confident and that makes him a rare gem 💎
These characters were anxious beans but i loved their personalities and their love for each other was so special. i’m obsessed with Weston’s golden retriever energy and Kai’s protectiveness as a brother.
🏒anonymous pen pals
🏒hockey romance
🏒college setting
🏒teammates sister
🏒mental health
🏒brothers best friend
🏒he falls first
April 15, 2026
Kiss Me First was an endearing read with two college students facing their past traumas. This brother’s best friend, secret identity hockey romance with anonymous messages was a joy to read. Harlow and Grayson first meet in a Campus Forum and then when Harlow meets her brother’s roommate who is also his teammate. Their connection is instant yet they don’t know they have secretly discovered each other’s secrets before in the forum. Honestly the way Grayson is with Harlow is next level and both their growth was a pleasure to read. I adored all the supporting characters too and can’t wait to read their stories. If you adore a hockey romance with charming characters then this would be perfect for you.
Between a 4 1/2 and 5 🌟 I received a complementary copy from the author.
Between a 4 1/2 and 5 🌟 I received a complementary copy from the author.
June 22, 2026
I really enjoyed the audio for Kiss Me First. The duet narration truly brought this story to life and made me feel even more connected to the characters.
Harlow and Grayson first meet on a chat platform for people with insomnia, but when their real lives unexpectedly collide, their connection becomes something special. Grayson completely stole my heart with how effortlessly he understood Harlow and seemed to know exactly what she needed. Swoon.
Harlow has her own struggles to overcome, and watching her find someone who truly sees and understands her made this story all the more meaningful. This hockey romance has so much more depth than I expected, with plenty of heart alongside the romance.
If you’re an audiobook lover, I highly recommend picking this one up in audio format.
Harlow and Grayson first meet on a chat platform for people with insomnia, but when their real lives unexpectedly collide, their connection becomes something special. Grayson completely stole my heart with how effortlessly he understood Harlow and seemed to know exactly what she needed. Swoon.
Harlow has her own struggles to overcome, and watching her find someone who truly sees and understands her made this story all the more meaningful. This hockey romance has so much more depth than I expected, with plenty of heart alongside the romance.
If you’re an audiobook lover, I highly recommend picking this one up in audio format.
June 24, 2026
Overall this was a really good Hockey Romance book! I loved Harlo and Grey's story, the connection they shared and the problem they both faced with insomnia for different reasons.
Listening to Harlo struggle with an Eating Disorder was hard, as that really hit home for me. I emphasized with her deeply and was so happy she found peace with Greyson.
Although I have not lost a sibling like Greyson had, the author did a fantastic job at translating his pain for the readers to feel.
My only real problems were the pacing of this book, it felt really slow, and then it also felt like it abruptly ended. To journey that far for Thanksgiving and to start to describe the atmosphere, only to end it what felt like 10% in was a little disappointing.
Listening to Harlo struggle with an Eating Disorder was hard, as that really hit home for me. I emphasized with her deeply and was so happy she found peace with Greyson.
Although I have not lost a sibling like Greyson had, the author did a fantastic job at translating his pain for the readers to feel.
My only real problems were the pacing of this book, it felt really slow, and then it also felt like it abruptly ended. To journey that far for Thanksgiving and to start to describe the atmosphere, only to end it what felt like 10% in was a little disappointing.
April 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This started out with so much potential, but in the end I felt like a lot of scenes felt repetitive. I wish I could have seen more diverse scenes. I thought the characters were well developed, but there were some times where their personalities seemed a little flat.
Overall, it’s a good read. There were just a few things that I didn’t love. Also, please go check out Riley Paige’s other series they are so good!
Thanks for the ARC!
This started out with so much potential, but in the end I felt like a lot of scenes felt repetitive. I wish I could have seen more diverse scenes. I thought the characters were well developed, but there were some times where their personalities seemed a little flat.
Overall, it’s a good read. There were just a few things that I didn’t love. Also, please go check out Riley Paige’s other series they are so good!
Thanks for the ARC!
April 17, 2026
Yess. PCU hockey. I read this book in a week. I couldn’t put it down. I recommend reading this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Did Not Finish
June 24, 2026Dnf at 25%. Did not vibe with either of the characters and felt like their online conversations were so repetitive and mundane. I liked the mental health rep in this though, but not enough to continue.
April 15, 2026
This book had me feeling all the things. Neither of them deserved what they had been through, but I love that it allowed them to be drawn to each other through it! Having their unknown connection just amplified the longing and safety and understanding. Ugh. It was so emotional. And beautiful. I can not wait to get the next book - if it’s the two people i think it is i already know it’s gonna put me through it lol
April 30, 2026
…this was not worth it.
April 16, 2026
BIIIIIGGGG Riley Paige fan here. I’ve read all of her PCU football series and was so excited to be an ARC reader for her new hockey series! As usual, this did not disappoint and served the whooooooole way through. Grayson. Bennett. The most golden retriever MMC there ever has been. I loved and ate this story up. Harlow is coming out of a really traumatic and abusive relationship a few years ago that ended with a hospitalization. She has finally stepped out of the safety of her home and onto the campus of PCU to regain her life back where her brother Kai is the captain of the hockey team. Grayson, also a hockey player on the same and Kai’s roommate, has insomnia so while the rest of the world is asleep, he is on the PCU forum where he meets LittleTooMuch and begins chatting with her, anticipating their next conversation daily and hourly. Little does he know, his best friend’s little sister, his captain’s little sister, is LittleTooMuch. By the time he finds out? He’s little too gone for her. She needs predictability and safety though so he takes it slow with her and gains her trust. They spend the next few months taking it slow and talking through the panic, anxiety, pressure, and insomnia. This was such a sweet, sweet story. I was a puddle throughout the entire thing. The ending was chefs kiss and EXACTLY how I envisioned it. 10/10. All the stars. I can’t wait for book 2!!!!
April 28, 2026
I had to, unfortunately, DNF this. I have read all of Riley’s other books and really enjoyed them, but this FMC is insufferable. 35% in and the main characters have barely spoken to each other and everyone treats the FMC as if she is the most fragile thing on the planet. Her brother is constantly hovering over her and he doesn’t let his teammates be themselves around her because “it’s too much for her”. We have barely learned anything about the MMC because everyone is too busy trying not to scare away the FMC by simply talking to her. Also, at this point in the book, I do not see any chemistry between the main characters. I am lost as to why the FMC is so fragile. The only trauma I’ve read so far is her ex used to call her fat and told her to lose weight in high school. It’s about 6 years later and you are still seeing a therapist twice a week? Hopefully other books in this series will have better chemistry and not have such weak characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
Made it to chapter 12 before I called it quits. The dialogue between Harlow and Grayson is so repetitive without ever saying anything? There’s zero chemistry between them, and their conversations fall flat. It felt like the author was trying to do some dramatic foreshadowing, but has somehow dragged it on for so long I have no idea what’s going on anymore. I held on until the end of chapter 11 when Harlow mentions not hating a social event that hadn’t happened yet and I just couldn’t do it any more.
May 22, 2026
PLEASE CHECK THE TW
Thank you to Riley Paige for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Grayson joins a PCU insomnia forum where other students with insomnia can connect. Grayson starts talking to a girl who goes by LittleTooMuch and enjoys their conversations. Once Grayson meets his best friend Kai’s sister Harlow he seems to not want to be on the forum as much. What happens when you meet your pen pal in real life?
I love all the nicknames Grayson calls Harlow. It’s horrible how Harlow has been treated in the past but she is so strong for surviving every day and moving forward. I couldn’t stop smiling when they first met and Grayson said he felt peace being around her. Harlow’s first look at Grayson had her trying to figure out if he was a tr!gger or a safe space. I’m glad she decided he’s a safe space. That bagel scene was such a relief to Harlow. The way Grayson gives Harlow space to decide for herself what she wants is the sweetest thing ever. I couldn’t contain my happiness on movie night. That first coffee shop scene with the two of them was everything. That ending was epic.
This is a very tr!gger!ng, heavy, and emotional story. Please do not read this if it makes you uncomfortable. Your mental health matters.
Thank you to Riley Paige for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Grayson joins a PCU insomnia forum where other students with insomnia can connect. Grayson starts talking to a girl who goes by LittleTooMuch and enjoys their conversations. Once Grayson meets his best friend Kai’s sister Harlow he seems to not want to be on the forum as much. What happens when you meet your pen pal in real life?
I love all the nicknames Grayson calls Harlow. It’s horrible how Harlow has been treated in the past but she is so strong for surviving every day and moving forward. I couldn’t stop smiling when they first met and Grayson said he felt peace being around her. Harlow’s first look at Grayson had her trying to figure out if he was a tr!gger or a safe space. I’m glad she decided he’s a safe space. That bagel scene was such a relief to Harlow. The way Grayson gives Harlow space to decide for herself what she wants is the sweetest thing ever. I couldn’t contain my happiness on movie night. That first coffee shop scene with the two of them was everything. That ending was epic.
This is a very tr!gger!ng, heavy, and emotional story. Please do not read this if it makes you uncomfortable. Your mental health matters.
April 17, 2026
ARC Review 🫶🏻
I don’t think I could have really prepared for the way Harlow is written. Her story hit a place I wish 15 year old me could read about now. Her perseverance and the way she battles for herself is beautiful. Add in Grayson and it’s perfection. He is calm and steady for her and she is soft and kind for him. I loved watching their friendship become something unexpected. Also, we cannot sleep on the comedic banter of the hockey boys and the bff, Wren. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series plays out!
I don’t think I could have really prepared for the way Harlow is written. Her story hit a place I wish 15 year old me could read about now. Her perseverance and the way she battles for herself is beautiful. Add in Grayson and it’s perfection. He is calm and steady for her and she is soft and kind for him. I loved watching their friendship become something unexpected. Also, we cannot sleep on the comedic banter of the hockey boys and the bff, Wren. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series plays out!
June 25, 2026
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Harlow and Grayson are both trying to live normal college lives while coping with some emotional trauma. They may appear fine during the day but at night, their troubles run wild in their minds and they can’t get a wink of sleep. They both end up joining an insomnia forum online and become each other’s late night support system. They talk all night long and by morning, although tired, feel calm enough to venture out into the world. Only thing is that it’s anonymous. When they meet in real life (him being her brother’s teammate on the hockey team) they seem drawn to each other but don’t understand why. Until one of them figures it out.. and they have to decide when to come clean and reveal themselves.
With the way this book was written, I felt like I was reading the transcript of a therapy session. The author really emphasizes their inner dialogues and how they talk themselves through the each interaction of the day. They are both really struggling in different ways and while it was sweet that they could support each other, it ended up being a pretty heavy story. The ending was definitely one of the better HEAs I’ve read though so I enjoyed that. It’s a really good book, just not my fav.
Spice: 🌶️
Harlow and Grayson are both trying to live normal college lives while coping with some emotional trauma. They may appear fine during the day but at night, their troubles run wild in their minds and they can’t get a wink of sleep. They both end up joining an insomnia forum online and become each other’s late night support system. They talk all night long and by morning, although tired, feel calm enough to venture out into the world. Only thing is that it’s anonymous. When they meet in real life (him being her brother’s teammate on the hockey team) they seem drawn to each other but don’t understand why. Until one of them figures it out.. and they have to decide when to come clean and reveal themselves.
With the way this book was written, I felt like I was reading the transcript of a therapy session. The author really emphasizes their inner dialogues and how they talk themselves through the each interaction of the day. They are both really struggling in different ways and while it was sweet that they could support each other, it ended up being a pretty heavy story. The ending was definitely one of the better HEAs I’ve read though so I enjoyed that. It’s a really good book, just not my fav.
Read
April 15, 2026- hockey romance
- college romance
- brother’s best friend/teammate's sister
- he falls first
- 🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
Riley Paige has officially entered her hockey romance era, and Kiss Me First is such a strong start. It gave me similar vibes to Play Fake. Soft, slow burn, and very character-driven, with the sweetest guy and a girl still healing from the damage her ex left behind.
Grayson and Harlow first connect as anonymous pen pals on their college’s insomnia forum. When he later meets her in real life as his roommate and teammate’s sister, and they start spending more time together, he begins to realise they might already know each other better than he thought.
Grayson is a total book boyfriend. A little possessive, very protective, and completely devoted to showing Harlow just how beautiful and worthy she is. Their relationship is just one of those that makes your heart feel happy 💜.
The supporting cast has me SO excited for what’s coming next in the series. So, if you’re after a college hockey romance that leans more into swoon than spice, Kiss Me First is for you!
- college romance
- brother’s best friend/teammate's sister
- he falls first
- 🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
Riley Paige has officially entered her hockey romance era, and Kiss Me First is such a strong start. It gave me similar vibes to Play Fake. Soft, slow burn, and very character-driven, with the sweetest guy and a girl still healing from the damage her ex left behind.
Grayson and Harlow first connect as anonymous pen pals on their college’s insomnia forum. When he later meets her in real life as his roommate and teammate’s sister, and they start spending more time together, he begins to realise they might already know each other better than he thought.
Grayson is a total book boyfriend. A little possessive, very protective, and completely devoted to showing Harlow just how beautiful and worthy she is. Their relationship is just one of those that makes your heart feel happy 💜.
The supporting cast has me SO excited for what’s coming next in the series. So, if you’re after a college hockey romance that leans more into swoon than spice, Kiss Me First is for you!
May 4, 2026
Riley Paige can do no wrong. She has fully cemented herself as one of my auto-buy authors. If she writes it, I am reading it. No questions, no hesitation.
I loved this book so much. I was so sad and so angry for Harlow. Her story hit deep. The strength, resilience, vulnerability and honesty she carried through everything made her impossible not to admire. She is a fighter in every sense of the word.
Grayson is the definition of a green flag. The way he showed up with unwavering support, patience and care, all while navigating his own trauma, was something special. No grand gestures needed. Just consistency, understanding and quiet strength.
Riley Paige might write some of the best sports romances, but it is never just about the sport. There is always more. Her stories carry depth. They feel raw, layered, and real. There is substance behind every moment.
Kiss Me First explores healing, mental health, negative body image, acceptance and love in all its different forms in such a genuine and thoughtful way. It is handled with care from beginning to end.
I am already hooked on this new series. And I need to know more about Kai immediately.
I loved this book so much. I was so sad and so angry for Harlow. Her story hit deep. The strength, resilience, vulnerability and honesty she carried through everything made her impossible not to admire. She is a fighter in every sense of the word.
Grayson is the definition of a green flag. The way he showed up with unwavering support, patience and care, all while navigating his own trauma, was something special. No grand gestures needed. Just consistency, understanding and quiet strength.
Riley Paige might write some of the best sports romances, but it is never just about the sport. There is always more. Her stories carry depth. They feel raw, layered, and real. There is substance behind every moment.
Kiss Me First explores healing, mental health, negative body image, acceptance and love in all its different forms in such a genuine and thoughtful way. It is handled with care from beginning to end.
I am already hooked on this new series. And I need to know more about Kai immediately.
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