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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
853 people are currently reading
1527 people want to read
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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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:🌶️🌶️🌶️
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 24, 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.
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.
April 28, 2026
ARC Review: 4.5 ⭐️
Kiss me First is book 1 in the PCU Ice Storm series featuring Grayson Bennett & Harlow Mercer.
I am a huge lover of brothers Best friend/ teammate’s little sister books and KMF was no exception! Grayson & Harlow meet originally on an online forum and they spend many hours messaging back in forth. When they meet in person they don’t realize who the other is but they start to get close in that front too,
Due to her past, Harlow goes through a lot and Grayson is the calm in her storm and never once makes her question his motivates. That is until she figures out that her anonymous pen pal is actually Grayson the guy she’s been falling for.
This story was very tender and I would recommend checking the triggers for some sensitive topics but I think Riley gave them the care and attention they required to make this a beautiful story. I loved these characters and I already can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Thank you Riley for the ARC!
Kiss me First is book 1 in the PCU Ice Storm series featuring Grayson Bennett & Harlow Mercer.
I am a huge lover of brothers Best friend/ teammate’s little sister books and KMF was no exception! Grayson & Harlow meet originally on an online forum and they spend many hours messaging back in forth. When they meet in person they don’t realize who the other is but they start to get close in that front too,
Due to her past, Harlow goes through a lot and Grayson is the calm in her storm and never once makes her question his motivates. That is until she figures out that her anonymous pen pal is actually Grayson the guy she’s been falling for.
This story was very tender and I would recommend checking the triggers for some sensitive topics but I think Riley gave them the care and attention they required to make this a beautiful story. I loved these characters and I already can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Thank you Riley for the ARC!
April 18, 2026
⭐️Arc Review⭐️
KISS Me First
PCU Ice Storm book 1
Available Now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
🏒anonymous pen pals
❤️hockey romance
🏒college setting
❤️teammates sister
🏒mental health
❤️brothers best friend
🏒he falls first
Obsessed with the anonymous insomnia thread…I didn’t know that was a thing to go to anonymous support groups while in college but I’m totally here for it. It’s so intimate, so raw, and their connection is instantly electric. You can feel them falling before they even realize it. Which I believe tends to happen with Riley’s story telling. She makes things emotional, there’s a ton of heart but always a strong message.
The tension? Unreal. He falls first and just quietly unravels over her, totally had me swooning. Grayson & Harlow were totally just yo cute for words and how the pieces fell into place at revealing who they were in each others life…perfect! It was handled so well!
These side characters totally stole the show. I can’t wait for more from this series.
KISS Me First
PCU Ice Storm book 1
Available Now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
🏒anonymous pen pals
❤️hockey romance
🏒college setting
❤️teammates sister
🏒mental health
❤️brothers best friend
🏒he falls first
Obsessed with the anonymous insomnia thread…I didn’t know that was a thing to go to anonymous support groups while in college but I’m totally here for it. It’s so intimate, so raw, and their connection is instantly electric. You can feel them falling before they even realize it. Which I believe tends to happen with Riley’s story telling. She makes things emotional, there’s a ton of heart but always a strong message.
The tension? Unreal. He falls first and just quietly unravels over her, totally had me swooning. Grayson & Harlow were totally just yo cute for words and how the pieces fell into place at revealing who they were in each others life…perfect! It was handled so well!
These side characters totally stole the show. I can’t wait for more from this series.
April 18, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
Quiet love and beautiful accurate mental health representation! 🙌🏼
My favorite thing about Riley Paige’s writing is how relatable it feels and how easy it is to dive into. She handles these topics with such care and grace while giving an incredible romance plot. While I usually enjoy a heavy spice book, I appreciate how Riley writes just enough without overdoing it for her characters 🩷
Thank you Riley for this ARC copy
Quiet love and beautiful accurate mental health representation! 🙌🏼
My favorite thing about Riley Paige’s writing is how relatable it feels and how easy it is to dive into. She handles these topics with such care and grace while giving an incredible romance plot. While I usually enjoy a heavy spice book, I appreciate how Riley writes just enough without overdoing it for her characters 🩷
Thank you Riley for this ARC copy
May 3, 2026
this was meh, very surface level & felt so repetitive. it didn’t feel much like a romance more so felt like a fmc show. felt like there could’ve been a lot more done with it or maybe a different take? like make it about just the fmc with no romancey plot line cause that felt like a back burner kinda thing idk. it was cute at parts but felt hard to get through & suffocating almost?
April 21, 2026
WOW! This may just be my favorite book by Riley. Absolutely beautiful storytelling. Harlow was such a strong girl who has been through so much. I love how patient Grayson was with her and loved watching them fall more and more in love. Cannot wait for the next story!!
April 18, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! I loved that he never pushed her but met her where she needed to be. Best friend’s sister is always great! I can’t wait to get her brother’s story.
April 26, 2026
4.25 stars
If you enjoy the Undone series by Peyton Corrine I think you'd also enjoy this.
If you enjoy the Undone series by Peyton Corrine I think you'd also enjoy this.
April 27, 2026
Super cute.
Story of patience and love.
I look forward to Kai's book. Hes a broody sod!!
Story of patience and love.
I look forward to Kai's book. Hes a broody sod!!
April 22, 2026
"For those who been told you were a 'little too much' - keep shining brightly. The world needs your light in it."
If there’s one thing I’m truly grateful for about getting sucked into the world of sports/hockey romance, it’s that it introduced me to Riley Paige 's work. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves this genre—and I recommend it even to those who don’t, because it stands out from the clichés: she writes with a much, much deeper emotional depth than you’d expect.
It was her PCU Storm (football) series that led me to discover her this year, and it became a huge favorite of mine, especially the final book titled End Game, which is one of my best reads of the year. So I was thrilled to hear that a hockey version of the same college was coming—but even I didn’t expect the level of obsession that took hold after just this first part.
Kiss Me First is Grayson’s story, who has a heartbreaking reason for continuing to play hockey despite the shadows of his past, and who joins the university forum where young people with insomnia can support one another. This is how he begins chatting daily with a user named LittleTooMuch, about whom he knows only that she is a college student who also struggles to sleep at night. Then Harlow Mercer, the hockey team captain’s sister—who is also his roommate and best friend—walks into his life, and everything changes. I immediately identified with Harlow’s character on so many levels, to an astonishing degree, and as the author slowly but surely revealed why Kai cares for her even more than a normal older brother would, well, to put it mildly, it broke my heart into pieces and made my stomach clench. Because I’ve been through something similar myself, just without consequences on this scale (I was lucky, though that doesn’t make the situation any better.)
"I care about you as NumberEleven. Deeply. I trusted you with things I never ever said out loud in therapy. I let you see parts of me I've spent years trying to hide. But as Grayson...
As Grayson, I fell for you. You made me feel safe. Protected. Seen."
Although the reader knows that Gray and Harlow are talking to each other (a realization that dawns on them more slowly; by the time it happens, a closer bond has already formed between them—as if their minds and souls know what they cannot put into words and feel an attraction they cannot resist) yet the way it is set up still fills one with excitement and dread: what will become of this?
"You're beautiful. You're beautiful because you show up even when you everything in you wants to dissapear. You're beautiful because you feel everything and you still keep your heart in your chest. You're beautiful because you don't weaponize your softness. You survive with it. You're not too much. You're exactly enough. And you're mine to be gentle with, not to fix."
The "found family" trope - one of my favorites, by the way - is top-tier in this book. I loved the soccer guys too - but here, it's somehow different. The brotherly bond between Grayson, Kai, Weston and Ash (and the way help Harlow) is just amazing. Seriously, I can't wait to see more of of this. Kiss Me First is a story written with astonishing depth - at once painful and wonderful - that left me with such a book hangover I don't know if I'll ever get over it. From the dedication to the very last line, I felt like it was written just for me, and it gave me something for wich I can never be grateful enough.
Thank you again for letting me read it early - you've done it again: your book is once again one of the best this year. 🤌♥️
🏒 Anon pen pals
⛸️ Insomnia rep
🏒 Hockey
⛸️ Slow burn
🏒 He fall first
⛸️ Brother's best friend
🏒 Teammate's little sister
⛸️ ED rep
🏒 Coping with grief
If there’s one thing I’m truly grateful for about getting sucked into the world of sports/hockey romance, it’s that it introduced me to Riley Paige 's work. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves this genre—and I recommend it even to those who don’t, because it stands out from the clichés: she writes with a much, much deeper emotional depth than you’d expect.
It was her PCU Storm (football) series that led me to discover her this year, and it became a huge favorite of mine, especially the final book titled End Game, which is one of my best reads of the year. So I was thrilled to hear that a hockey version of the same college was coming—but even I didn’t expect the level of obsession that took hold after just this first part.
Kiss Me First is Grayson’s story, who has a heartbreaking reason for continuing to play hockey despite the shadows of his past, and who joins the university forum where young people with insomnia can support one another. This is how he begins chatting daily with a user named LittleTooMuch, about whom he knows only that she is a college student who also struggles to sleep at night. Then Harlow Mercer, the hockey team captain’s sister—who is also his roommate and best friend—walks into his life, and everything changes. I immediately identified with Harlow’s character on so many levels, to an astonishing degree, and as the author slowly but surely revealed why Kai cares for her even more than a normal older brother would, well, to put it mildly, it broke my heart into pieces and made my stomach clench. Because I’ve been through something similar myself, just without consequences on this scale (I was lucky, though that doesn’t make the situation any better.)
"I care about you as NumberEleven. Deeply. I trusted you with things I never ever said out loud in therapy. I let you see parts of me I've spent years trying to hide. But as Grayson...
As Grayson, I fell for you. You made me feel safe. Protected. Seen."
Although the reader knows that Gray and Harlow are talking to each other (a realization that dawns on them more slowly; by the time it happens, a closer bond has already formed between them—as if their minds and souls know what they cannot put into words and feel an attraction they cannot resist) yet the way it is set up still fills one with excitement and dread: what will become of this?
"You're beautiful. You're beautiful because you show up even when you everything in you wants to dissapear. You're beautiful because you feel everything and you still keep your heart in your chest. You're beautiful because you don't weaponize your softness. You survive with it. You're not too much. You're exactly enough. And you're mine to be gentle with, not to fix."
The "found family" trope - one of my favorites, by the way - is top-tier in this book. I loved the soccer guys too - but here, it's somehow different. The brotherly bond between Grayson, Kai, Weston and Ash (and the way help Harlow) is just amazing. Seriously, I can't wait to see more of of this. Kiss Me First is a story written with astonishing depth - at once painful and wonderful - that left me with such a book hangover I don't know if I'll ever get over it. From the dedication to the very last line, I felt like it was written just for me, and it gave me something for wich I can never be grateful enough.
Thank you again for letting me read it early - you've done it again: your book is once again one of the best this year. 🤌♥️
🏒 Anon pen pals
⛸️ Insomnia rep
🏒 Hockey
⛸️ Slow burn
🏒 He fall first
⛸️ Brother's best friend
🏒 Teammate's little sister
⛸️ ED rep
🏒 Coping with grief
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riley Paige, you have done it again. This book is absolutely incredible!!
Grayson Bennett is a hockey player at PCU, who is still grieving the loss/death of his older brother (Owen). He lives with insomnia, while also having to deal with a complicated family life. At the same time, he's got the pressure from scouts who expect him to be at the top of his game for his senior season. That's a lot for a kid to handle, but once you read the book, he handles it as well as one could.
Grayson begins chatting with someone on the PCU Insomnia support thread, who has the username LittleTooMuch. He's intrigued by her as they offer one another support as well as understanding in ways that not a lot of people could or would be willing to provide.
Grayson then meets his roommate, teammate, who also to be team captain's little sister, Harlow, and their bond is something so special and rare, which makes their journey and story so beautiful. I cannot wait for y'all to just be captivated by these two, just like I was.
Harlow Mercer is recovering from an ED (eating disorder) and is on campus taking in person classes for the first time in a couple/few years. She's finding her way with an overbearing brother (who has his reasons) and then Grayson comes along and ends up changing everything for Harlow but in a good way. Kai, Harlow's older brother means well but his support can be described as too strong but given everything she's been through you can understand where he's coming from. Grayson and Kai support Harlow in two different ways but it works, especially when she finally let's Kai know what she really needs from him and how the tight hand holding makes her feel. Grayson is so gentle with her, which is super sweet, while providing her the room and space to grow and thrive on her but knowing he will be there for her whenever she needs him.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is without a doubt the sweetest hockey romance I have ever read! I loved both main characters, Grayson is a unicorn of an MMC. He is so patient and gentle with Harlow while still also providing her space and wanting to defend her. He is the greenest of green flag boyfriends! Grayson is such an absolute sweetheart with a some fire in him that comes out when necessary.
Harlow incredibly brave and strong while trying her hardest not to be so small when she needs help. She's come such a long way and her character depth and growth in this book is something to behold. I love the fact that Grayson doesn't try to "fix" her but you can tell how in so many ways that he's super supportive of her and the healing journey she's on and will continue to be on but with him by her side. I really enjoyed the fact that her recovering isn't about her getting "fixed" because she's nowhere near the problem, that would be the abusive people from her past that created the problems.
Riley Paige... You knocked this book out of the park! I enjoyed her PCU Storm series, if y'all haven't read that series please go to so because those books are phenomenal. Dare, I say the writing in this book is her best work. It's the perfect balance of true/real emotion, real life, and the struggles people go through, while also providing the humor and romance in Harlow and Grayson's journey's/stories. I'm super excited to read the rest of this series!
In my opinion, This is 100% Riley Paige's best book to date, and if you've read her others and were a fan of Beck and Sophie, then just hold on. Beck Harrison has met his match (I did not think that was possible but here we are). Tip of the cap to you Riley!
Thank you Riley Paige for the eARC of Kiss Me First!
Grayson Bennett is a hockey player at PCU, who is still grieving the loss/death of his older brother (Owen). He lives with insomnia, while also having to deal with a complicated family life. At the same time, he's got the pressure from scouts who expect him to be at the top of his game for his senior season. That's a lot for a kid to handle, but once you read the book, he handles it as well as one could.
Grayson begins chatting with someone on the PCU Insomnia support thread, who has the username LittleTooMuch. He's intrigued by her as they offer one another support as well as understanding in ways that not a lot of people could or would be willing to provide.
Grayson then meets his roommate, teammate, who also to be team captain's little sister, Harlow, and their bond is something so special and rare, which makes their journey and story so beautiful. I cannot wait for y'all to just be captivated by these two, just like I was.
Harlow Mercer is recovering from an ED (eating disorder) and is on campus taking in person classes for the first time in a couple/few years. She's finding her way with an overbearing brother (who has his reasons) and then Grayson comes along and ends up changing everything for Harlow but in a good way. Kai, Harlow's older brother means well but his support can be described as too strong but given everything she's been through you can understand where he's coming from. Grayson and Kai support Harlow in two different ways but it works, especially when she finally let's Kai know what she really needs from him and how the tight hand holding makes her feel. Grayson is so gentle with her, which is super sweet, while providing her the room and space to grow and thrive on her but knowing he will be there for her whenever she needs him.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is without a doubt the sweetest hockey romance I have ever read! I loved both main characters, Grayson is a unicorn of an MMC. He is so patient and gentle with Harlow while still also providing her space and wanting to defend her. He is the greenest of green flag boyfriends! Grayson is such an absolute sweetheart with a some fire in him that comes out when necessary.
Harlow incredibly brave and strong while trying her hardest not to be so small when she needs help. She's come such a long way and her character depth and growth in this book is something to behold. I love the fact that Grayson doesn't try to "fix" her but you can tell how in so many ways that he's super supportive of her and the healing journey she's on and will continue to be on but with him by her side. I really enjoyed the fact that her recovering isn't about her getting "fixed" because she's nowhere near the problem, that would be the abusive people from her past that created the problems.
Riley Paige... You knocked this book out of the park! I enjoyed her PCU Storm series, if y'all haven't read that series please go to so because those books are phenomenal. Dare, I say the writing in this book is her best work. It's the perfect balance of true/real emotion, real life, and the struggles people go through, while also providing the humor and romance in Harlow and Grayson's journey's/stories. I'm super excited to read the rest of this series!
In my opinion, This is 100% Riley Paige's best book to date, and if you've read her others and were a fan of Beck and Sophie, then just hold on. Beck Harrison has met his match (I did not think that was possible but here we are). Tip of the cap to you Riley!
Thank you Riley Paige for the eARC of Kiss Me First!
April 22, 2026
Riley Paige is very quickly becoming one of those authors I have to read if they release anything new. Because this was phenomenal. Since End Game, it’s all felt more serious, which is something I really enjoy as it actually feels real. Absolutely loved this book and words cannot describe how much I loved Grayson and Harlow. AND THAT LAST SCENE IN THEIR APARTMENT OMG. I LOVED THAT SO SO MUCH. anyways. yeah. Also great to be back in the PCU world.
Quotes I loved:
““We don’t need coffee,” Weston says. “We run just fine on childhood trauma and protein.””
“Unless you just stayed in to talk to me…”
“My chest does something stupid, and even though no one can see me, the tips of my ears heat up.”
“go to sleep, little detective.”
“Ooooo he’s also bossy. I like it.”
“LittleTooMuch — message received.
My chest does that stupid loosen-and-tighten thing.
I don’t check it yet.
I’m not desperate.
I am also, apparently, a liar.”
“Inside, I’m unsettled with the realization that I want to be the reason she smiles again. And again and again.”
“Is it necessary to tell her she looks beautiful today?
Probably not.
Do I want to anyway?
Yes.”
“And when I close the door behind me, my body finally gives in. I press my fingers to my lips, smiling hard. Because I want more.”
“Because I don’t want anything from you that you don’t want to give,”
“And I’m not interested in being another person who makes you feel like you have to earn safety.”
“Gray: morning, beautiful.”
“You didn’t break this. You didn’t lose me,”
“You were never going to lose me over that.”
“Good,”
“Because I’m kind of done imagining my life without you in it.”
“I have to get up.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Don’t be responsible.”
“Since when do you hate responsibility?”
“I hate you leaving,”
“you don’t have to be brave the whole time.”
“just show up.”
“i’ll do the rest.”
“Because I love something more than hockey. And that would be you.”
“And before you even think about it, I’d like to keep my anatomy intact, so no, I will not be sneaking anywhere.”
“I would never suggest such a thing.”
“Sure,”“And I don’t play hockey.”
“I used to come down here and ask myself if I was going to be okay.”
“And?”
“I think I got my answer.”
“Harlow, you are not an inconvenience. You never were. You moving in here isn’t me doing you some huge favor. This is…”“This is what I want. You are what I want.”
“You make it very hard not to marry you on the spot,”
And lastly…
“Wren grabs my arm.
“I’m going to die,” she swoons. “You guys are so cute; I literally cannot.””
AND AIN’T THAT THE TRUTH
Quotes I loved:
““We don’t need coffee,” Weston says. “We run just fine on childhood trauma and protein.””
“Unless you just stayed in to talk to me…”
“My chest does something stupid, and even though no one can see me, the tips of my ears heat up.”
“go to sleep, little detective.”
“Ooooo he’s also bossy. I like it.”
“LittleTooMuch — message received.
My chest does that stupid loosen-and-tighten thing.
I don’t check it yet.
I’m not desperate.
I am also, apparently, a liar.”
“Inside, I’m unsettled with the realization that I want to be the reason she smiles again. And again and again.”
“Is it necessary to tell her she looks beautiful today?
Probably not.
Do I want to anyway?
Yes.”
“And when I close the door behind me, my body finally gives in. I press my fingers to my lips, smiling hard. Because I want more.”
“Because I don’t want anything from you that you don’t want to give,”
“And I’m not interested in being another person who makes you feel like you have to earn safety.”
“Gray: morning, beautiful.”
“You didn’t break this. You didn’t lose me,”
“You were never going to lose me over that.”
“Good,”
“Because I’m kind of done imagining my life without you in it.”
“I have to get up.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Don’t be responsible.”
“Since when do you hate responsibility?”
“I hate you leaving,”
“you don’t have to be brave the whole time.”
“just show up.”
“i’ll do the rest.”
“Because I love something more than hockey. And that would be you.”
“And before you even think about it, I’d like to keep my anatomy intact, so no, I will not be sneaking anywhere.”
“I would never suggest such a thing.”
“Sure,”“And I don’t play hockey.”
“I used to come down here and ask myself if I was going to be okay.”
“And?”
“I think I got my answer.”
“Harlow, you are not an inconvenience. You never were. You moving in here isn’t me doing you some huge favor. This is…”“This is what I want. You are what I want.”
“You make it very hard not to marry you on the spot,”
And lastly…
“Wren grabs my arm.
“I’m going to die,” she swoons. “You guys are so cute; I literally cannot.””
AND AIN’T THAT THE TRUTH
April 25, 2026
📖
Grayson Bennet joined the insomnia thread to have an outlet from the real world and relate to other insomniacs. Real world involves hockey, scouting, and sleepless nights. Having been online till the middle of the night he finds himself in comfort with the handle name "littletoomuch". Falling for a name wasn't supposed to happen and when real life enters and he meets Harlow. He can't help but compare the two and check off the similarities. The more time he spends with Harlow, who happens to be the little sister of his team's captain, he finds himself in a bind of connecting dots, sorting feelings and facing the reality of it all coming to light outside of an online forum.
📖
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Ohhh my gracious.... Riley Paige knows how to write a slow slow slow burn. Yearning is included, desperation, want, need, trauma, hope and a little spice.The book had steady pacing, we read equally from Grayson and Harlow's pov. Their online messages are so cute, they trust each other so much just from their online presence through the forum, and with they first meet in person it's absolutely great at how much they unknowingly already trust each other just by vibes. For them they can't quite put a finger as to why they already feel the connection and trust...but we readers know 🤭
Sweet Harlow, the trauma she has been through, you can tell she's trying to rebuild herself slowly but surely. Kai is her big protective brother who slightly hovers but only does so because he wants to help and prevent her from ever feeling low again. His friends/teammates, Weston and Asher, make her feel at ease too. Anything to help their teammates little sister feel welcomed in the hockey house. And let's not forget Wren, she is a great bestie that never fails to make Harlow smile and feel like herself without second guessing her emotions.
Grayson is like a breath of fresh air for Harlow. He allows her the space she needs, if needed, and is always reassuring her. I absolutely loved the bagel scene between these two and the movie night scene. Ahhh, I was cheesing so hard and giggling.
I'm was so ecstatic to start this Hockey PCU ice storm series. I read all her football books and they were all amazing. I'm sure this series will be just as great. I am really really excited to read about Kai and Wren soon. I could feel the tension from these two and Kai is so gaurded, stone walled, and standoffish. I would love to hear his inner thoughts and I can't wait for that book to be released.
Grayson Bennet joined the insomnia thread to have an outlet from the real world and relate to other insomniacs. Real world involves hockey, scouting, and sleepless nights. Having been online till the middle of the night he finds himself in comfort with the handle name "littletoomuch". Falling for a name wasn't supposed to happen and when real life enters and he meets Harlow. He can't help but compare the two and check off the similarities. The more time he spends with Harlow, who happens to be the little sister of his team's captain, he finds himself in a bind of connecting dots, sorting feelings and facing the reality of it all coming to light outside of an online forum.
📖
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Ohhh my gracious.... Riley Paige knows how to write a slow slow slow burn. Yearning is included, desperation, want, need, trauma, hope and a little spice.The book had steady pacing, we read equally from Grayson and Harlow's pov. Their online messages are so cute, they trust each other so much just from their online presence through the forum, and with they first meet in person it's absolutely great at how much they unknowingly already trust each other just by vibes. For them they can't quite put a finger as to why they already feel the connection and trust...but we readers know 🤭
Sweet Harlow, the trauma she has been through, you can tell she's trying to rebuild herself slowly but surely. Kai is her big protective brother who slightly hovers but only does so because he wants to help and prevent her from ever feeling low again. His friends/teammates, Weston and Asher, make her feel at ease too. Anything to help their teammates little sister feel welcomed in the hockey house. And let's not forget Wren, she is a great bestie that never fails to make Harlow smile and feel like herself without second guessing her emotions.
Grayson is like a breath of fresh air for Harlow. He allows her the space she needs, if needed, and is always reassuring her. I absolutely loved the bagel scene between these two and the movie night scene. Ahhh, I was cheesing so hard and giggling.
I'm was so ecstatic to start this Hockey PCU ice storm series. I read all her football books and they were all amazing. I'm sure this series will be just as great. I am really really excited to read about Kai and Wren soon. I could feel the tension from these two and Kai is so gaurded, stone walled, and standoffish. I would love to hear his inner thoughts and I can't wait for that book to be released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader.
Grayson Bennett is a great hockey player but with a haunting past. On the ice is where he typically can quiet everything else in his mind until he meets, misslittletoomuch on a school forum for insomnia. Now all he can think about is his faceless pen pal.
Harlow Mercer is trying actively to be “normal” again. She has a complicated past with a lot of trauma, all stemming from an awful relationship with her brothers teammate in high-school. She’s trying to do college things so her brother, Kai, doesn’t hover but all she can think about is her faceless pen pal, on her college insomnia forum, number eleven.
Grayson is Kai’s teammate, and when he meets Harlow in person he has no clue that she is the person online but realizes that his body gravitates to her. They begin spending more time together and less on the forum, until Grayson realizes that Harlow is misslittletoomuch. He’s worried that telling her will ruin what they just started and doesn’t want her to feel like he lied to her and be categorized in the same realm as her nasty ex.
“Careful, baby. I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me.” She laughs. “Well, you’re not fully wrong there. Also, can I have your jersey?” I blink, surprised by the question. “What?” Harlow’s cheeks immediately turn red. “For the game.” My brain stutters. I know what she’s asking, and I also don’t know how to hold it without breaking something. My number. My name on her back. Her choosing it. I feel it everywhere. In my throat. In my stomach. In the space in my chest where something fragile still lives. “You want—” My voice cracks. I clear my throat. “You want my jersey?” Harlow lifts one shoulder like she’s trying to make it lighter. It fails. “Yes.” “And you’re asking,” I say, because it matters that the choice is hers. She nods once, eyes steady. “I’m asking.” I stare at her for a second too long. She shifts, like she’s about to backpedal. “Never mind,” she starts, too quick— “No,” I cut in gently. “Don’t do that.” Her mouth tightens. “Do what?” “Take it back because you’re scared you’ll want it too much,” I say quietly.”
I really enjoyed the quietness of this book. Letting them explore something without demanding or taking, just being present. It was such a good slow burn, friends to lovers, and a HEA. Great job, Riley. I really enjoyed this.
Grayson Bennett is a great hockey player but with a haunting past. On the ice is where he typically can quiet everything else in his mind until he meets, misslittletoomuch on a school forum for insomnia. Now all he can think about is his faceless pen pal.
Harlow Mercer is trying actively to be “normal” again. She has a complicated past with a lot of trauma, all stemming from an awful relationship with her brothers teammate in high-school. She’s trying to do college things so her brother, Kai, doesn’t hover but all she can think about is her faceless pen pal, on her college insomnia forum, number eleven.
Grayson is Kai’s teammate, and when he meets Harlow in person he has no clue that she is the person online but realizes that his body gravitates to her. They begin spending more time together and less on the forum, until Grayson realizes that Harlow is misslittletoomuch. He’s worried that telling her will ruin what they just started and doesn’t want her to feel like he lied to her and be categorized in the same realm as her nasty ex.
“Careful, baby. I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me.” She laughs. “Well, you’re not fully wrong there. Also, can I have your jersey?” I blink, surprised by the question. “What?” Harlow’s cheeks immediately turn red. “For the game.” My brain stutters. I know what she’s asking, and I also don’t know how to hold it without breaking something. My number. My name on her back. Her choosing it. I feel it everywhere. In my throat. In my stomach. In the space in my chest where something fragile still lives. “You want—” My voice cracks. I clear my throat. “You want my jersey?” Harlow lifts one shoulder like she’s trying to make it lighter. It fails. “Yes.” “And you’re asking,” I say, because it matters that the choice is hers. She nods once, eyes steady. “I’m asking.” I stare at her for a second too long. She shifts, like she’s about to backpedal. “Never mind,” she starts, too quick— “No,” I cut in gently. “Don’t do that.” Her mouth tightens. “Do what?” “Take it back because you’re scared you’ll want it too much,” I say quietly.”
I really enjoyed the quietness of this book. Letting them explore something without demanding or taking, just being present. It was such a good slow burn, friends to lovers, and a HEA. Great job, Riley. I really enjoyed this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
Kiss Me First is hockey romance, teammates sister, brothers best friend, mental health, anonymous pen pals story.
Kiss Me First is a good read! From the first page you are hooked into the story. The main characters of the story are Harlow and Grayson. Both of them are likable and relatable. They are main characters that keep you invested in the story and their relationship.
Harlow is sweet, caring and smart girl. She is deal with mental health struggles that were brought on by her ex- boyfriend. Riley Paige did a get good when it came to writing about the mental issues that Harlow is dealing with. You can tell by reading that Riley looked into the information and didn’t just write what she thought it would be like to deal with mental issues.
Then here is Grayson. Strong, supportive, understanding. Grayson is dealing with his own personal issues in the way of lost. I loved watching their relationship develop and grow throughout the story. The way Grayson is protective and supportive of Harlow is great. He doesn’t push her or rush to open up about things. He makes her feel like she seen and heard. Same goes with how Harlow is there for Grayson. She helps him deal with the lost that still hurts him everyday. Harlow and Grayson have an amazing connection and chemistry. It just helps to makes you more invested in their story.
Additional things I like about the story, the pace and flow was good. The secondary characters were great! Harlow’s brother and Grayson’s teammates were funny. The relationship between Harlow’s brother and Grayson was good. With Grayson being there for Kai has he worries about Harlow before Harlow ever told Grayson about what happen. Also I love Harlow’s best friend Wren! Her and Harlow relationship is the definition of best friends. Again the handling of mental issues was done well. There is spicy in this story and it was written well. It wasn’t cheesy or over the top. The amount of spicy in the book was right amount. There wasn’t too much that it over took the story or too little that it made you want more.
Overall, Kiss Me First is good read. Riley wrote a story about two characters that will grab your heart. Harlow and Grayson story will have you hooked from the first page and won’t be able to put it down till the end.
Kiss Me First is a good read! From the first page you are hooked into the story. The main characters of the story are Harlow and Grayson. Both of them are likable and relatable. They are main characters that keep you invested in the story and their relationship.
Harlow is sweet, caring and smart girl. She is deal with mental health struggles that were brought on by her ex- boyfriend. Riley Paige did a get good when it came to writing about the mental issues that Harlow is dealing with. You can tell by reading that Riley looked into the information and didn’t just write what she thought it would be like to deal with mental issues.
Then here is Grayson. Strong, supportive, understanding. Grayson is dealing with his own personal issues in the way of lost. I loved watching their relationship develop and grow throughout the story. The way Grayson is protective and supportive of Harlow is great. He doesn’t push her or rush to open up about things. He makes her feel like she seen and heard. Same goes with how Harlow is there for Grayson. She helps him deal with the lost that still hurts him everyday. Harlow and Grayson have an amazing connection and chemistry. It just helps to makes you more invested in their story.
Additional things I like about the story, the pace and flow was good. The secondary characters were great! Harlow’s brother and Grayson’s teammates were funny. The relationship between Harlow’s brother and Grayson was good. With Grayson being there for Kai has he worries about Harlow before Harlow ever told Grayson about what happen. Also I love Harlow’s best friend Wren! Her and Harlow relationship is the definition of best friends. Again the handling of mental issues was done well. There is spicy in this story and it was written well. It wasn’t cheesy or over the top. The amount of spicy in the book was right amount. There wasn’t too much that it over took the story or too little that it made you want more.
Overall, Kiss Me First is good read. Riley wrote a story about two characters that will grab your heart. Harlow and Grayson story will have you hooked from the first page and won’t be able to put it down till the end.
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