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50 First Kisses
Claire Archer has had forty-nine first kisses.
She's never had a second one.
Not because she's bad at dating. Because every man she kisses loses interest. One kiss, and poof—whatever was there disappears like it never existed. It's been happening to the women in her family for generations, and with kiss number fifty fast approaching, Claire has decided it's her last attempt before she gives up on dating for good.
Then Luke Wilder walks back into her life.
Luke is the former coworker Claire believes betrayed her, left for a rival PR firm, and took her biggest client with him. When a celebrity breakup forces them to work together to save Hollywood's favorite golden couple, she'd rather survive the PR nightmare than spend another minute with Luke.
But the more time they spend together, the more Claire starts wondering if she's had him wrong all along.
He's funny. He's infuriating. He sees right through every wall she's built.
And suddenly, kiss number fifty isn't just another attempt to break the curse.
It's Luke.
Because if every other man walked away after one kiss... what happens if Luke does too?
She's never had a second one.
Not because she's bad at dating. Because every man she kisses loses interest. One kiss, and poof—whatever was there disappears like it never existed. It's been happening to the women in her family for generations, and with kiss number fifty fast approaching, Claire has decided it's her last attempt before she gives up on dating for good.
Then Luke Wilder walks back into her life.
Luke is the former coworker Claire believes betrayed her, left for a rival PR firm, and took her biggest client with him. When a celebrity breakup forces them to work together to save Hollywood's favorite golden couple, she'd rather survive the PR nightmare than spend another minute with Luke.
But the more time they spend together, the more Claire starts wondering if she's had him wrong all along.
He's funny. He's infuriating. He sees right through every wall she's built.
And suddenly, kiss number fifty isn't just another attempt to break the curse.
It's Luke.
Because if every other man walked away after one kiss... what happens if Luke does too?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2026
About the author
Becky Monson
24 books1,402 followersBy day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 5, 2026
update: 4.5⭐ sounds about right. I feel like this book was exactly what I was looking for- light-hearted and unpredictable, with an entertaining romance.
~
this might be my overzealous 3am review but i absolutely adored this book. luke was perfect, the flirting was perfect, the pr plot was perfect, and even the side characters were perfect.
~
maybe a more detailed review to come (possibly when it's not very early morning)
~
this might be my overzealous 3am review but i absolutely adored this book. luke was perfect, the flirting was perfect, the pr plot was perfect, and even the side characters were perfect.
~
maybe a more detailed review to come (possibly when it's not very early morning)
Read
May 25, 2026GENRE
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: minimal mild language (2 d, 2 h)
-❤️: make outs
-⚠️: none
I had the privilege of proofreading this one! The premise is so unique, and I had so much fun getting to know Claire and Luke. If you love a slow burn, this one is for you!
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: minimal mild language (2 d, 2 h)
-❤️: make outs
-⚠️: none
I had the privilege of proofreading this one! The premise is so unique, and I had so much fun getting to know Claire and Luke. If you love a slow burn, this one is for you!
July 17, 2026
I think if there is one thing I have learned about Becky Monson books is that you just keep reading to the very last page, that seems like a no brainer, but she keeps dangling the fictional carrot until the very end! With that said, this book was amazing! It was a refreshing take on enemies to lovers and different side of Hollywood that I don’t think I have ever read before! It’s also a single POV, but it was executed flawlessly!
Claire Archer is a late 20 something, a bit of a serial dater (she has her reasons) and senior account executive at Harrow & Finch PR firm. Now thanks to some unexpected circumstances, she must run point on a client handover with her former coworker and least favorite person in the world Luke! This handover should go over smoothly, but sadly it doesn’t and stirs up quite the hullabaloo, culminating in a PR battle, where on the strong will come out on top!
Luke Wilder is a PR pro and will do everything he can to make sure that things are seen for what they are and make sure his clients get the press they deserve! While the man is highly professional day in and day out, he seems to have a chink in his armor by the name of Archie. He has called Claire by that nickname since they were coworkers and remains to do so even two years removed Harrow & Finch, but she never listened to it! While he can come across as annoying sometimes, he really has good intentions for everyone around him! I like this about him!
The back and forth between the protags is top shelf! It’s not just their banter, but how they handle their clients that get caught up in a PR battle! While Claire has her reasons to be guarded, Luke has reasons to help tear down her walls – if she will let him! Throw in a no-nonsense Gigi who really knows way more than most give her credit for and it’s wonderful! Oh and if you’re thinking that the title is intriguing, you don’t know the half of it! Be sure to get this on your TBR, the sooner the better!
Claire Archer is a late 20 something, a bit of a serial dater (she has her reasons) and senior account executive at Harrow & Finch PR firm. Now thanks to some unexpected circumstances, she must run point on a client handover with her former coworker and least favorite person in the world Luke! This handover should go over smoothly, but sadly it doesn’t and stirs up quite the hullabaloo, culminating in a PR battle, where on the strong will come out on top!
Luke Wilder is a PR pro and will do everything he can to make sure that things are seen for what they are and make sure his clients get the press they deserve! While the man is highly professional day in and day out, he seems to have a chink in his armor by the name of Archie. He has called Claire by that nickname since they were coworkers and remains to do so even two years removed Harrow & Finch, but she never listened to it! While he can come across as annoying sometimes, he really has good intentions for everyone around him! I like this about him!
The back and forth between the protags is top shelf! It’s not just their banter, but how they handle their clients that get caught up in a PR battle! While Claire has her reasons to be guarded, Luke has reasons to help tear down her walls – if she will let him! Throw in a no-nonsense Gigi who really knows way more than most give her credit for and it’s wonderful! Oh and if you’re thinking that the title is intriguing, you don’t know the half of it! Be sure to get this on your TBR, the sooner the better!
August 5, 2026
*****Audiobook Update*****
I just finished listening to the audiobook of this one! I loved it just as much or more diving into this story again! I love how the audiobooks bring the characters and story to life. These narrators were fantastic! Talon David and Patrick Boylan had me grinning and laughing and swooning! If you enjoy a well done audiobook, I highly recommend this one! The story itself is fantastic but add fabulous narrators and it's perfection!!!
************************
I've been sooooo excited to read this one since the author announced that she was writing it. I've been following along all of the updates she's shared. And then you better believe that I jumped on the chance to read an early copy!!! Oh yeah!!! I kind of squealed over it! Ok, not kind of, I did!!! *Smirks*
Poor Claire is really starting to feel down on her luck and that this curse that's affected her family members for generations is not ever going to be broken by finding the one man who can see her for who she is and love her. When she sets a limit for 50 tries and reaches number 49 with no luck. She's ready to be done. Call it quits. Focus on her career, her family and friends. Yep! That'll fix it. No more stress over dealing with heartache and heartbreaks. Perfect plan right? Yep! Kind of...
That is until something happens at work that puts her in charge of some major PR stuff AND forces her to work with her nemesis. Ugh! Why does she have to work with Luke? Again! She knows what his true colors are after what he did a few years back. No way, no how is she going to put herself into his proximity. Until she doesn't have a choice. Curses abound!!! Or Bad luck!!! Or is it really bad luck? Maybe, just maybe Claire, it's a sign that your luck is changing!
I loved it all!!! The breaking down of walls. The banter. Especially when she still doesn't care for working with Luke! Hahaha! But then there's something he said that makes her rethink everything she's thought since his betrayal. Why does it all have to be so complicated?
You'll laugh over the dates she goes on. The stress of her job and trying to navigate all of the comments from social media influencers' followers, and so many other people. It just causes pure chaos and puts Claire in Luke in close proximity over, and over, and over, and over again!!! *Rubs hands together gleefully!!!*
I love, love, loved Claire's family!!! I hope you do too!
I loved the sweet and tender moments. The ones that have walls coming down. The ones that show pure sincerity and care. The slow burn romance. It was soooo good!!! Read it!!! And if you're worried about the title and thinking there's lots of kissing, don't worry, it's really well done and Claire isn't some crazy girl going around kissing random people without some caution. Hahaha! Hopefully that makes sense. I promise it works and is really sweet!
Content: Clean. There are a couple uses of mild swear words. There is nothing further than kissing.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I just finished listening to the audiobook of this one! I loved it just as much or more diving into this story again! I love how the audiobooks bring the characters and story to life. These narrators were fantastic! Talon David and Patrick Boylan had me grinning and laughing and swooning! If you enjoy a well done audiobook, I highly recommend this one! The story itself is fantastic but add fabulous narrators and it's perfection!!!
************************
I've been sooooo excited to read this one since the author announced that she was writing it. I've been following along all of the updates she's shared. And then you better believe that I jumped on the chance to read an early copy!!! Oh yeah!!! I kind of squealed over it! Ok, not kind of, I did!!! *Smirks*
Poor Claire is really starting to feel down on her luck and that this curse that's affected her family members for generations is not ever going to be broken by finding the one man who can see her for who she is and love her. When she sets a limit for 50 tries and reaches number 49 with no luck. She's ready to be done. Call it quits. Focus on her career, her family and friends. Yep! That'll fix it. No more stress over dealing with heartache and heartbreaks. Perfect plan right? Yep! Kind of...
That is until something happens at work that puts her in charge of some major PR stuff AND forces her to work with her nemesis. Ugh! Why does she have to work with Luke? Again! She knows what his true colors are after what he did a few years back. No way, no how is she going to put herself into his proximity. Until she doesn't have a choice. Curses abound!!! Or Bad luck!!! Or is it really bad luck? Maybe, just maybe Claire, it's a sign that your luck is changing!
I loved it all!!! The breaking down of walls. The banter. Especially when she still doesn't care for working with Luke! Hahaha! But then there's something he said that makes her rethink everything she's thought since his betrayal. Why does it all have to be so complicated?
You'll laugh over the dates she goes on. The stress of her job and trying to navigate all of the comments from social media influencers' followers, and so many other people. It just causes pure chaos and puts Claire in Luke in close proximity over, and over, and over, and over again!!! *Rubs hands together gleefully!!!*
I love, love, loved Claire's family!!! I hope you do too!
I loved the sweet and tender moments. The ones that have walls coming down. The ones that show pure sincerity and care. The slow burn romance. It was soooo good!!! Read it!!! And if you're worried about the title and thinking there's lots of kissing, don't worry, it's really well done and Claire isn't some crazy girl going around kissing random people without some caution. Hahaha! Hopefully that makes sense. I promise it works and is really sweet!
Content: Clean. There are a couple uses of mild swear words. There is nothing further than kissing.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 4, 2026
such a cute read!!
(Reviewed on husband’s account)
4.5 stars
Aww, I enjoyed this read! Claire and Luke had great chemistry and a good build-up of tension. Their flirting made me smile! I really wish they had a few more “almost” moments before the kiss, but that’s just a personal preference. Y’all should read this if you’re a fan of single POV slowww burns and some funny side characters (GiGi & Sam).
(Reviewed on husband’s account)
4.5 stars
Aww, I enjoyed this read! Claire and Luke had great chemistry and a good build-up of tension. Their flirting made me smile! I really wish they had a few more “almost” moments before the kiss, but that’s just a personal preference. Y’all should read this if you’re a fan of single POV slowww burns and some funny side characters (GiGi & Sam).
June 30, 2026
The title is what first caught my attention, and it was enough to make me jump in without even reading the synopsis. I'm glad I did because I was quickly pulled into the story.
I really liked Claire and Luke. They had great chemistry, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I also wasn't expecting the celebrity angle or their jobs as PR reps for celebrities, but that ended up being a really fun twist and made the story stand out.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. It was easy to get into, kept me engaged, and the pages flew by. I liked the characters, enjoyed the storyline, and thought it flowed really well. It was a lighthearted, fun read that would be perfect to toss in your beach bag or pick up on a relaxing summer afternoon.
Content Rated G
Romance: Clean, kissing
Language: A couple very mild curses
Violence: None
I really liked Claire and Luke. They had great chemistry, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I also wasn't expecting the celebrity angle or their jobs as PR reps for celebrities, but that ended up being a really fun twist and made the story stand out.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. It was easy to get into, kept me engaged, and the pages flew by. I liked the characters, enjoyed the storyline, and thought it flowed really well. It was a lighthearted, fun read that would be perfect to toss in your beach bag or pick up on a relaxing summer afternoon.
Content Rated G
Romance: Clean, kissing
Language: A couple very mild curses
Violence: None
August 12, 2026
It was okay... I felt that there was a lot of repetition. If Lucas said: "have you eaten? I know how you get when you are hungry", one more time, I was going to throw my phone. 🤣
July 9, 2026
“Once upon a time, the man with the perfectly styled dark-blond hair and the bright-blue eyes sitting across from me—in a charcoal-gray suit that probably cost more than my car payment—was my colleague. Someone I grabbed coffee with between client meetings and bantered with over strategy. Someone who kept me on my toes whether I wanted him to or not. We mostly argued, but it was more fun than annoying. And somehow, we made a pretty good team.”
50 First kisses is the adorable rivals to more story of Claire & Luke—former coworkers and current rivals (at least as far as Claire is concerned). When the celebrities they both represent at their separate PR firms break up before the next season of their show comes out, Luke and Claire our forced to collaborate to save their clients’ reputations!
Oh my goodness, I loved this book so much! I thought Claire was absolutely adorable and loved her attempts to conquer that “kissing curse.” Her dates were always comical—especially when Luke showed up! Luke was so freaking cute! I loved how well he paid attention and knew so much about Claire, making him the cutest MMC ever!
This book was full of so many of my favorite things: enemies to more, fun and flirty banter, some forced proximity, he falls first, the cutest Gigi, and let’s lot forget the unlistened to voicemail and Claire’s kissing curse!
Favorite quotes:
“Once upon a time, the man with the perfectly styled dark-blond hair and the bright-blue eyes sitting across from me—in a charcoal-gray suit that probably cost more than my car payment—was my colleague. Someone I grabbed coffee with between client meetings and bantered with over strategy. Someone who kept me on my toes whether I wanted him to or not. We mostly argued, but it was more fun than annoying. And somehow, we made a pretty good team.”
“This is just like Luke. He hasn’t changed at all in the past two years. I don’t know what’s more annoying: the fact that he hasn’t changed, or that he can still get under my skin.”
Me: Who is this?
323-555-6775: The sexiest man alive
Me: Jonathan Bailey?
323-555-6775: Yeah, he’s definitely sexier than me. I’ll give you that. It’s Luke.
50 First kisses is the adorable rivals to more story of Claire & Luke—former coworkers and current rivals (at least as far as Claire is concerned). When the celebrities they both represent at their separate PR firms break up before the next season of their show comes out, Luke and Claire our forced to collaborate to save their clients’ reputations!
Oh my goodness, I loved this book so much! I thought Claire was absolutely adorable and loved her attempts to conquer that “kissing curse.” Her dates were always comical—especially when Luke showed up! Luke was so freaking cute! I loved how well he paid attention and knew so much about Claire, making him the cutest MMC ever!
This book was full of so many of my favorite things: enemies to more, fun and flirty banter, some forced proximity, he falls first, the cutest Gigi, and let’s lot forget the unlistened to voicemail and Claire’s kissing curse!
Favorite quotes:
“Once upon a time, the man with the perfectly styled dark-blond hair and the bright-blue eyes sitting across from me—in a charcoal-gray suit that probably cost more than my car payment—was my colleague. Someone I grabbed coffee with between client meetings and bantered with over strategy. Someone who kept me on my toes whether I wanted him to or not. We mostly argued, but it was more fun than annoying. And somehow, we made a pretty good team.”
“This is just like Luke. He hasn’t changed at all in the past two years. I don’t know what’s more annoying: the fact that he hasn’t changed, or that he can still get under my skin.”
Me: Who is this?
323-555-6775: The sexiest man alive
Me: Jonathan Bailey?
323-555-6775: Yeah, he’s definitely sexier than me. I’ll give you that. It’s Luke.
July 29, 2026
Ohhhh I adored the dynamic between Claire and Luke. I loved how well they worked together. I loved how Luke tried dropping his interest in Claire so many times and that he didn’t stop trying. I loved how it all played out in the end.
Favorite parts
-Claire’s interactions with her boss about why she was on a break
-Luke mentioning the voicemail multiple times
-the family dinner
-kiss #50! (Through the end of the book really)
Favorite quotes
“And you need someone who doesn’t find that exhausting . . . You need someone who finds it interesting instead.”
…
“Claire.” He says my name, his voice nearly a whisper. I feel his thumb on my face, swiping away the tear. “I’ve never thought you were exhausting.”
He’s been finding ways to touch me all afternoon. Luke is touchy—he always has been, and at first it felt like proof that we were okay, that last Friday was old news and we could put it behind us. But the more he does it—a hand on my shoulder, his knee brushing mine under the desk, holding on to my arm right now—the more it’s starting to feel different. Like he means it. Like it’s deliberate.
Favorite parts
-Claire’s interactions with her boss about why she was on a break
-Luke mentioning the voicemail multiple times
-the family dinner
-kiss #50! (Through the end of the book really)
Favorite quotes
“And you need someone who doesn’t find that exhausting . . . You need someone who finds it interesting instead.”
…
“Claire.” He says my name, his voice nearly a whisper. I feel his thumb on my face, swiping away the tear. “I’ve never thought you were exhausting.”
He’s been finding ways to touch me all afternoon. Luke is touchy—he always has been, and at first it felt like proof that we were okay, that last Friday was old news and we could put it behind us. But the more he does it—a hand on my shoulder, his knee brushing mine under the desk, holding on to my arm right now—the more it’s starting to feel different. Like he means it. Like it’s deliberate.
June 30, 2026
(4.5 stars)
Fun & witty as always. The relationship back & forth felt a smidge too long & I would have liked to know a little more about the legend of the family curse, but as you can tell from my rating, that didn't detract from my enjoyment significantly
Fun & witty as always. The relationship back & forth felt a smidge too long & I would have liked to know a little more about the legend of the family curse, but as you can tell from my rating, that didn't detract from my enjoyment significantly
July 14, 2026
This was so good! I loved how the characters’ relationship progressed from rivals to friends to more. It felt very genuine and real, and I enjoyed it a lot.
August 4, 2026
This book was not what I expected, which was a good thing. I also found the career of doing celebrity publicity/damage control surprisingly interesting. The romance was cute.
August 9, 2026
No notes. I cried at the end. Super fun cute book. ❤️❤️
July 14, 2026
Gah, this book was SOO CUUUTE and everything I was hoping it would be.
I loved the “curse” that Claire has and how it shapes her perspective about dating and relationships. I love the tenacity with which she approaches her job and her passion for it. The self-doubt she wars with is so relatable and I love watching her navigate that.
And Luuuke!! His teasing, his steady presence, his encouragement and belief in Claire…not to mention his cooking and manners….WHAT A GUY. Also I was DYYYING to know about the voicemail. Having to wonder what the MMC is thinking and where he’s at is the sweeeeetest torture. And once you find out what Luke has been thinking, you will MELT! 🫠
Everything about their relationship was a treat to read about. From a serious grudge to subtle shoulder nudges, you see all the ways their relationship progresses and I’m SO HERE FOR IT.
This book had one of the sweetest epilogues, told from Luke’s perspective, and the last line made me want to ball my eyes out. Such a perfect culmination.
The PR battle was a huge highlight of this book for me. I loved not only the way it forced Luke and Claire to work together but was wracking my brain wondering how I’d solve the social media nightmares! Phew, definitely not a job for the faint of heart 😅.
I had all the range of emotions reading this book that is easily now another favorite from Becky!
P.S. If you’re worried about workplace romances being HR nightmares, that’s a non-issue in this book so don’t let that deter you—they work at separate firms!
✨Gems✨
Family dinner
Shoulder nudges
Dates gone wrong 😂
The dress stain 😏🥹
LUKE
The crying 🥹
Single POV 💓
CHAPTER 26
Forced proximity
CW: a few bible swears
I loved the “curse” that Claire has and how it shapes her perspective about dating and relationships. I love the tenacity with which she approaches her job and her passion for it. The self-doubt she wars with is so relatable and I love watching her navigate that.
And Luuuke!! His teasing, his steady presence, his encouragement and belief in Claire…not to mention his cooking and manners….WHAT A GUY. Also I was DYYYING to know about the voicemail. Having to wonder what the MMC is thinking and where he’s at is the sweeeeetest torture. And once you find out what Luke has been thinking, you will MELT! 🫠
Everything about their relationship was a treat to read about. From a serious grudge to subtle shoulder nudges, you see all the ways their relationship progresses and I’m SO HERE FOR IT.
This book had one of the sweetest epilogues, told from Luke’s perspective, and the last line made me want to ball my eyes out. Such a perfect culmination.
The PR battle was a huge highlight of this book for me. I loved not only the way it forced Luke and Claire to work together but was wracking my brain wondering how I’d solve the social media nightmares! Phew, definitely not a job for the faint of heart 😅.
I had all the range of emotions reading this book that is easily now another favorite from Becky!
P.S. If you’re worried about workplace romances being HR nightmares, that’s a non-issue in this book so don’t let that deter you—they work at separate firms!
✨Gems✨
Family dinner
Shoulder nudges
Dates gone wrong 😂
The dress stain 😏🥹
LUKE
The crying 🥹
Single POV 💓
CHAPTER 26
Forced proximity
CW: a few bible swears
August 6, 2026
Poor Claire. She's the latest woman in her family to inherit what I'm calling the kissing curse. If the man she's dating isn't "the one," one kiss is all it takes for him to completely lose interest. After 49 first kisses and zero second kisses, Claire has had enough. She's ready to stop chasing love, throw herself into her job as a publicist, and spend more time with her friends.
That plan goes out the window when her boss takes a leave of absence, leaves her in charge of a high-profile client, and she ends up having to work with Luke Wilder—a former coworker Claire believes betrayed her.
I'm a sucker for a good rivals-to-more romance, and Claire and Luke definitely have that dynamic...at least from Claire's perspective. Luke never sees Claire as his rival or enemy, which makes their relationship even more fun to watch unfold.
Some of my favorite parts were the witty banter, Claire's string of hilariously disastrous dates, the behind-the-scenes look at the world of celebrity publicists, the forced proximity as Claire and Luke work together, and, of course, Luke falling first.
I also listened to the audiobook about a week after finishing the book, and I loved it just as much—if not more. Talon David and Patrick Boylan did a fantastic job bringing Claire and Luke to life. Great narrators have a way of pulling you even deeper into a story, and they absolutely did that here.
If you're looking for a sweet slow-burn romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments, lovable side characters, and a hero who's impossible not to root for, 50 First Kisses is one you won't want to miss.
That plan goes out the window when her boss takes a leave of absence, leaves her in charge of a high-profile client, and she ends up having to work with Luke Wilder—a former coworker Claire believes betrayed her.
I'm a sucker for a good rivals-to-more romance, and Claire and Luke definitely have that dynamic...at least from Claire's perspective. Luke never sees Claire as his rival or enemy, which makes their relationship even more fun to watch unfold.
Some of my favorite parts were the witty banter, Claire's string of hilariously disastrous dates, the behind-the-scenes look at the world of celebrity publicists, the forced proximity as Claire and Luke work together, and, of course, Luke falling first.
I also listened to the audiobook about a week after finishing the book, and I loved it just as much—if not more. Talon David and Patrick Boylan did a fantastic job bringing Claire and Luke to life. Great narrators have a way of pulling you even deeper into a story, and they absolutely did that here.
If you're looking for a sweet slow-burn romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments, lovable side characters, and a hero who's impossible not to root for, 50 First Kisses is one you won't want to miss.
July 7, 2026
Another great book by Becky Monson.
Claire and Luke used to be colleagues in PR crisis management until a misunderstanding and a change of firm for Luke created distance between them. When their high-profile clients experience a very public break up as they're about to film another season of their blockbuster television show Claire and Luke are thrown together again and they both realise that despite the initial animosity between them due to their misunderstanding that they actually like each other.
But... it is complicated by the fact that Claire believes herself to be cursed as after 49 kisses and she's yet to meet the man of her dreams. She's been on dates aplenty - some truly awful and so she doesn't want Luke to be the 50th cursed kiss.
What to expect from this book - a great summer read with a fun storyline that is as always with this author exceptionally well written. Becky Monson is one of my favourite authors. She writes sweet romances but there is no denying her ability to create chemistry between her leading characters. I read everything on the spice scale from zero to 4/5 and I never feel that the storyline is lacking for it being closed door. If anything the tension, the aforementioned chemistry, and the ability of the author to make it incredibly swoony show how talented she is at crafting characters that you come to love.
Another 5-star read and definitely one I recommend. I liked it so much I bought the paperback.
Claire and Luke used to be colleagues in PR crisis management until a misunderstanding and a change of firm for Luke created distance between them. When their high-profile clients experience a very public break up as they're about to film another season of their blockbuster television show Claire and Luke are thrown together again and they both realise that despite the initial animosity between them due to their misunderstanding that they actually like each other.
But... it is complicated by the fact that Claire believes herself to be cursed as after 49 kisses and she's yet to meet the man of her dreams. She's been on dates aplenty - some truly awful and so she doesn't want Luke to be the 50th cursed kiss.
What to expect from this book - a great summer read with a fun storyline that is as always with this author exceptionally well written. Becky Monson is one of my favourite authors. She writes sweet romances but there is no denying her ability to create chemistry between her leading characters. I read everything on the spice scale from zero to 4/5 and I never feel that the storyline is lacking for it being closed door. If anything the tension, the aforementioned chemistry, and the ability of the author to make it incredibly swoony show how talented she is at crafting characters that you come to love.
Another 5-star read and definitely one I recommend. I liked it so much I bought the paperback.
July 6, 2026
Claire is 'cursed'. The guys she dates, lose interest and forget about her after their first kiss. She is on a mission to find the guy who will break her cursed.
Luke is Claire's work rival. They used to work together and he left for a competing PR company and took one of her clients. He became dead to her until they are forced to work together again.
I'll read anything Becky Monson writes, but this one didn't peak my interest. Anything to do with celebrities and on-line/social media presence is something I do not care about, so reading a book about two PR firms with two celebrities was a slight drag. So I definitely think it's a 'me problem' and not the book problem when it comes to the entertainment value.
Claire did get a little annoying with her 'do I/don't I like him' with Luke. She pulls my second most hated (micro) trope: I like him, but I won't do anything about it because I dont want things to change 🙄😑.
I wish there was a little more depth about the curse. Like, how did it come to be? Will it continue for all the girls? I dunno, I guess I just wanted a little more whimsy.
The story is very predictable. You know the next kiss will be Luke, and you know he's going to have a bad reaction, and then Claire will sprial and think the wrong thing... but its okay! It's a cute safe summer read.
Luke is Claire's work rival. They used to work together and he left for a competing PR company and took one of her clients. He became dead to her until they are forced to work together again.
I'll read anything Becky Monson writes, but this one didn't peak my interest. Anything to do with celebrities and on-line/social media presence is something I do not care about, so reading a book about two PR firms with two celebrities was a slight drag. So I definitely think it's a 'me problem' and not the book problem when it comes to the entertainment value.
Claire did get a little annoying with her 'do I/don't I like him' with Luke. She pulls my second most hated (micro) trope: I like him, but I won't do anything about it because I dont want things to change 🙄😑.
I wish there was a little more depth about the curse. Like, how did it come to be? Will it continue for all the girls? I dunno, I guess I just wanted a little more whimsy.
The story is very predictable. You know the next kiss will be Luke, and you know he's going to have a bad reaction, and then Claire will sprial and think the wrong thing... but its okay! It's a cute safe summer read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2026
I've read and enjoyed many other books by Becky Monson, but there was a little something-something with this one that just grabbed me from the very start and really hooked me for the whole story. I think it was Claire's voice that just felt so relatable and connected with me as I read this specific book. I'm usually more of a dual POV person, but the single POV worked and I honestly loved it.
I thought this story was really unique. It's definitely a romance, but the reader is so in Claire's head and just right there on her work crisis journey, that it felt like I was listening to a friend tell me her day by day or reading a journal play out (this is not epistolary for the record). We start with Claire as she takes on this PR crisis and we move with her through the whole thing, each up and down, event, and resolution. Add in Luke and his role making it a workplace romance, it gave the book a fun pace and I was really into it.
Claire's vibe was fun and girl boss. I liked how connected she was to her family and roommate. Her text messages and interactions with Luke were fabulous. She should have listened to his voicemail haha, but then we wouldn't have enjoyed watching her eyes open to him. He was a sweetheart and I am so happy with how they go together.
I thought this was a super cute book and I highly recommend it.
I thought this story was really unique. It's definitely a romance, but the reader is so in Claire's head and just right there on her work crisis journey, that it felt like I was listening to a friend tell me her day by day or reading a journal play out (this is not epistolary for the record). We start with Claire as she takes on this PR crisis and we move with her through the whole thing, each up and down, event, and resolution. Add in Luke and his role making it a workplace romance, it gave the book a fun pace and I was really into it.
Claire's vibe was fun and girl boss. I liked how connected she was to her family and roommate. Her text messages and interactions with Luke were fabulous. She should have listened to his voicemail haha, but then we wouldn't have enjoyed watching her eyes open to him. He was a sweetheart and I am so happy with how they go together.
I thought this was a super cute book and I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Claire, a woman who believes her family line of women have been cursed. Her grandmother, mom and she have all experienced the curse. Kiss a man and he instantly forgets about the woman and he runs away, never to be heard from again.
Claire has had 49 of these first kiss disappearances. She said she will try 50 and after that she's swearing off dating, at least for now. Anyway, she doesn't have time to deal with dating when her job is keeping her in crisis mode. She is now having to focus on her client. Claire is forced to work with another PR rep, Luke which is a blast from her past, and not a great one. She and Luke navigate the PR crisis all the while Claire is finding herself falling for Luke. Does the curse continue on or can it finally be broken?
Becky Monson does it again, with another delightful romantic comedy that's equal parts funny, and sweet. I also love the suggestion of the career change to mattress tester. I'm saving that one for my own backup plan! The characters are easy to relate to, while the writing is easy to read which make the book hard to put down. All of Becky Monson's books are great reads and this is no different. Another book WIN in the making!
Claire has had 49 of these first kiss disappearances. She said she will try 50 and after that she's swearing off dating, at least for now. Anyway, she doesn't have time to deal with dating when her job is keeping her in crisis mode. She is now having to focus on her client. Claire is forced to work with another PR rep, Luke which is a blast from her past, and not a great one. She and Luke navigate the PR crisis all the while Claire is finding herself falling for Luke. Does the curse continue on or can it finally be broken?
Becky Monson does it again, with another delightful romantic comedy that's equal parts funny, and sweet. I also love the suggestion of the career change to mattress tester. I'm saving that one for my own backup plan! The characters are easy to relate to, while the writing is easy to read which make the book hard to put down. All of Becky Monson's books are great reads and this is no different. Another book WIN in the making!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy from the author and, as all of her books, this one did not disappoint one bit! Claire is an up-and-coming PR exec, and her firm is representing America's newest "it" couple until they break up and request that he be represented by none other than Claire nemesis, Luke, a former co-worker that left to work for another PR firm. Add to this a family curse that she shares with her grandma and mom, where each time she has kissed a guy, he forgets who she is and walks away. As such, she has decided that maybe she needs to stop dating and kissing guys and just focus on her career, now that her boss has unexpectedly taken time off and she becomes in charge of a PR nightmare in the making.
I absolutely LOVED the storyline and the characters: I loved her grandma GiGi, a feisty woman who was willing to take life into her hands to overcome the curse. I didn't see this as an "enemies to lovers" story but rather as a misunderstanding in the making. The banter and chemistry are palpable and I kept wanting to scream at the main characters to just take a chance on each other and risk it all! I am hoping that we will see a storyline about Claire's roommate in the near future.
Definitely a 10/10...
I absolutely LOVED the storyline and the characters: I loved her grandma GiGi, a feisty woman who was willing to take life into her hands to overcome the curse. I didn't see this as an "enemies to lovers" story but rather as a misunderstanding in the making. The banter and chemistry are palpable and I kept wanting to scream at the main characters to just take a chance on each other and risk it all! I am hoping that we will see a storyline about Claire's roommate in the near future.
Definitely a 10/10...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get an ARC directly from the author. I love the stories that Becky Monson publishes but this is up there with one of my favorites.
This book had me hooked on page one; I could not put it down! I love the premise of Fifty First Kisses; reminds me of one of my favorite movies. Luke and Claire work for two competing firms as PRs for Hollywood stars. It was interesting seeing a glimpse into the business side of their world. Sounds like a highly stressful job.
Claire feels like she has been cursed (other ladies in her family say the same) which is why Claire has had 49 first kisses with men but the relationship has never gone any further. The 49 other men she has kissed appear to forget anything about Claire mid-kiss and then go running in the opposite direction. You would imagine Claire is getting awfully tired of these shenanigans.
I love Luke and Claire's interactions and banter. They crack me up at times but also brought me to tears a lot. I wanted to yell at Claire to 'just kiss him already.' I think you will absolutely love this book as much as I do! Read it! You will not be disappointed.
This book had me hooked on page one; I could not put it down! I love the premise of Fifty First Kisses; reminds me of one of my favorite movies. Luke and Claire work for two competing firms as PRs for Hollywood stars. It was interesting seeing a glimpse into the business side of their world. Sounds like a highly stressful job.
Claire feels like she has been cursed (other ladies in her family say the same) which is why Claire has had 49 first kisses with men but the relationship has never gone any further. The 49 other men she has kissed appear to forget anything about Claire mid-kiss and then go running in the opposite direction. You would imagine Claire is getting awfully tired of these shenanigans.
I love Luke and Claire's interactions and banter. They crack me up at times but also brought me to tears a lot. I wanted to yell at Claire to 'just kiss him already.' I think you will absolutely love this book as much as I do! Read it! You will not be disappointed.
June 25, 2026
This delightful read had me staying up way past bedtime waiting for that 50th kiss!
Claire Archer is a delightfully real FMC. Her drive to succeed, her insecurities, and her belief in her curse all combine to make her story really stand out on the page. Luke Wilder is her perfect match, even when she doesn’t believe it. The tension between the two is fantastically written and I could picture this entire book on a movie screen. Their banter is flawlessly witty, and I found myself giggling over their obvious attraction and cheered them on throughout.
Claire has such a wonderful support system between her family, her roommate, and her boss. Gigi is hilarious and I loved that Claire got to see her boss’s real life behind the tough PR rep exterior.
Though I am used to reading dual POV in romcoms, it was refreshing to have only one POV in this story. It made it all that much more exciting to follow their story. It would have given too much away to have them both. I loved the “will they, won’t they” of it all.
This slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance is full of hilarious dating disasters, celebrity scandals, and the swooniest kisses!
Claire Archer is a delightfully real FMC. Her drive to succeed, her insecurities, and her belief in her curse all combine to make her story really stand out on the page. Luke Wilder is her perfect match, even when she doesn’t believe it. The tension between the two is fantastically written and I could picture this entire book on a movie screen. Their banter is flawlessly witty, and I found myself giggling over their obvious attraction and cheered them on throughout.
Claire has such a wonderful support system between her family, her roommate, and her boss. Gigi is hilarious and I loved that Claire got to see her boss’s real life behind the tough PR rep exterior.
Though I am used to reading dual POV in romcoms, it was refreshing to have only one POV in this story. It made it all that much more exciting to follow their story. It would have given too much away to have them both. I loved the “will they, won’t they” of it all.
This slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance is full of hilarious dating disasters, celebrity scandals, and the swooniest kisses!
August 3, 2026
Thank you to the author for the #gifted audiobook.
Monson is a favorite. Her books always bring an instant smile to my face. I haven’t read a book where the main characters were in PR and I enjoyed that so much. The author did a great job navigating that tricky world.
Claire and Luke are fantastic. This book is work rivals, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity at its finest. Luke is so flirty and gets under Claire’s skin perfectly. Claire feels she’s under a family curse that when she kisses on a date, the guy loses interest right after. That was a very fun twist along with the great tropes.
There are countless hilarious moments where I was laughing out loud. The dates Claire would go on were so funny. One had me rewinding and relistening, I was laughing so hard. And Gigi stole the show. I really enjoyed the PR side of the book. Where Luke and Claire worked at rival companies but had to work together to put out fires for their star clients.
I absolutely loved this book. Talon David’s narration was fantastic. I really enjoyed her voice and she had a great range of characters. Patrick Boylan’s performance is quick but I loved that addition.
Monson is a favorite. Her books always bring an instant smile to my face. I haven’t read a book where the main characters were in PR and I enjoyed that so much. The author did a great job navigating that tricky world.
Claire and Luke are fantastic. This book is work rivals, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity at its finest. Luke is so flirty and gets under Claire’s skin perfectly. Claire feels she’s under a family curse that when she kisses on a date, the guy loses interest right after. That was a very fun twist along with the great tropes.
There are countless hilarious moments where I was laughing out loud. The dates Claire would go on were so funny. One had me rewinding and relistening, I was laughing so hard. And Gigi stole the show. I really enjoyed the PR side of the book. Where Luke and Claire worked at rival companies but had to work together to put out fires for their star clients.
I absolutely loved this book. Talon David’s narration was fantastic. I really enjoyed her voice and she had a great range of characters. Patrick Boylan’s performance is quick but I loved that addition.
August 4, 2026
This book wasn't a favorite of mine, but to be honest I finished it in one day because one thing it did well was get me invested.
The premise of the "kiss curse" is mostly a side plot, so if that's the biggest draw for you, you might be a little disappointed. It also felt like it was forced into the plot with the MMC and FMC. Tbh I'm not exactly sure what the FMC thought happened after each kiss.
The plot was also very heavily driven by the PR nightmare of their clients. Like, honestly that was kind of basically the main plot - fixing the image of another couple. Which, as I said, intrigued me enough to keep me hooked, but it meant that there was actually very little meaningful interaction with the main couple.
I did like the back plot for the rivals aspect. I think it's hard to do that well without it being a trivial misscommunication moment or someone actually being a complete jerk. I think I would have felt very similar to the FMC at least in that aspect.
Also, it was first person the whole way 🙌 except for the epilogue which was nice to switch things up but I really like that first person keeps things a little more realistically mysterious.
The premise of the "kiss curse" is mostly a side plot, so if that's the biggest draw for you, you might be a little disappointed. It also felt like it was forced into the plot with the MMC and FMC. Tbh I'm not exactly sure what the FMC thought happened after each kiss.
The plot was also very heavily driven by the PR nightmare of their clients. Like, honestly that was kind of basically the main plot - fixing the image of another couple. Which, as I said, intrigued me enough to keep me hooked, but it meant that there was actually very little meaningful interaction with the main couple.
I did like the back plot for the rivals aspect. I think it's hard to do that well without it being a trivial misscommunication moment or someone actually being a complete jerk. I think I would have felt very similar to the FMC at least in that aspect.
Also, it was first person the whole way 🙌 except for the epilogue which was nice to switch things up but I really like that first person keeps things a little more realistically mysterious.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved Clair in this book. She is in PR. Suddenly her very type A boss is out of the picture and she's got a very high profile client with a huge problem. Clair is a very creative type of person and she tries so hard to clear up her client's problem. But she keeps running into a roadblock in the form of Luke.
Luke used to work with Clair, in fact, they were friends. Until he left her company and took one of her clients with him. I loved the way that Clair and Luke were forced to be together. They had to work together and see each other all the time. And pretty soon, Clair starts to wonder if she had all the facts from when he left.
One really interesting thing about Clair is her curse. When Clair kisses a guy, if they're not her true love, they immediately forget all about her. So there is no way Clair is going to kiss Luke. Even if she starts to fall for him. I really loved this aspect of the book. The reader knows that Clair has this curse, Luke has no idea. Ah...the anticipation!
This is such a great book! I loved Clair and Luke so much!
Luke used to work with Clair, in fact, they were friends. Until he left her company and took one of her clients with him. I loved the way that Clair and Luke were forced to be together. They had to work together and see each other all the time. And pretty soon, Clair starts to wonder if she had all the facts from when he left.
One really interesting thing about Clair is her curse. When Clair kisses a guy, if they're not her true love, they immediately forget all about her. So there is no way Clair is going to kiss Luke. Even if she starts to fall for him. I really loved this aspect of the book. The reader knows that Clair has this curse, Luke has no idea. Ah...the anticipation!
This is such a great book! I loved Clair and Luke so much!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this story as I love all the books from this author. Always such a great flow, characters, dialogue, humor, and heart! This one was no different. I became invested in the story right away. I especially became invested in the PR war as if this was all real. I was reading it as what'll happen next! Just like you'd be with some celebrity gossip in real life. Lol. There was solid inner dialogue that made me laugh and was relatable. She, the heroine, was so relatable and the hero was fantastic. I loved the dynamics of the two main characters. All those blind dates! Too funny. I enjoyed all the characters written into the story. They all added wonderfully. And Gigi, lol! I grew up in the Los Angeles valley so it was so fun having the story set there. Their love story was a subtle and a gradual one. Almost hitting her over the head without even realizing it. From beginning to end the story was solid and lovely. I read this one so fast!
July 4, 2026
Sweet, contemporary romance
Romance, sweet, contemporary
Clare and Luke’s story is a fun second chance romance. A PR crisis brings Luke back into Claire’s life. As they work together to keep a narrative going that will benefit each of their clients their camaraderie develops into so much more.
Claire has tried to break a family kissing curse, but because she cares so much for Luke, she turns away and runs to avoid him leaving her.
Sweet romance, lots of build up and small moments after the first third of the book including some of Claire’s other date reactions. Funny moments with Claire’s family, other great supporting characters, and the industry back drop made this a fun read. Just be aware there isn’t much buildup in the early chapters of the novel. It was fun to read about the clients and the business and see Luke’s attention to Claire gradually building. Two honest hearts, attraction and sweet romance at the end are for a fun read.
Romance, sweet, contemporary
Clare and Luke’s story is a fun second chance romance. A PR crisis brings Luke back into Claire’s life. As they work together to keep a narrative going that will benefit each of their clients their camaraderie develops into so much more.
Claire has tried to break a family kissing curse, but because she cares so much for Luke, she turns away and runs to avoid him leaving her.
Sweet romance, lots of build up and small moments after the first third of the book including some of Claire’s other date reactions. Funny moments with Claire’s family, other great supporting characters, and the industry back drop made this a fun read. Just be aware there isn’t much buildup in the early chapters of the novel. It was fun to read about the clients and the business and see Luke’s attention to Claire gradually building. Two honest hearts, attraction and sweet romance at the end are for a fun read.
July 27, 2026
An adorable, chemistry-filled slow-burn! I picked this new release from Becky Monson on KU as a quick escape between reading heavier topic books and this entertaining, little romance had me hooked from beginning to end, wondering if Claire Archer was indeed "cursed".
I enjoyed both Claire, and her nemesis/love interest Luke, as well as their careers in PR and the amusing tension their forced proximity created.
This story had a delicious, slow-burn that made the ending so rewarding. Overall, it was funny, cute and even dove lightly into the miscommunication trope-a trope I normally avoid, but in this case it worked and added to Claire's character arc. If you love workplace romances with a hint of celebrity/fantasy fandom and great characters, this is a delightful afternoon or weekend escape that I most definitely recommend.
*CW: PG for mild language (under five words). No explicit content.
I enjoyed both Claire, and her nemesis/love interest Luke, as well as their careers in PR and the amusing tension their forced proximity created.
This story had a delicious, slow-burn that made the ending so rewarding. Overall, it was funny, cute and even dove lightly into the miscommunication trope-a trope I normally avoid, but in this case it worked and added to Claire's character arc. If you love workplace romances with a hint of celebrity/fantasy fandom and great characters, this is a delightful afternoon or weekend escape that I most definitely recommend.
*CW: PG for mild language (under five words). No explicit content.
July 14, 2026
I wanted to love this one. And there were good parts for sure, but I didn’t feel like the title of the book really captured the essence of the book. It felt like the 50 kisses thing was a side plot.
The author had the main characters in forced proximity through their work in PR. And there was a bit of rivals to more vibes going on, with a dash of miscommunication. However, I didn’t really feel like their chemistry was very good and most of the plot felt like it was centered on the celebrities the two main characters represented rather than the main characters themselves. It was just one PR problem after another and the two MCs worked together to solve it. I got a little bored by it given I don’t have interest in PR.
The end was sweet, but again I just was missing that chemistry.
Content notes:
-Closed door
-Mild occasional language
The author had the main characters in forced proximity through their work in PR. And there was a bit of rivals to more vibes going on, with a dash of miscommunication. However, I didn’t really feel like their chemistry was very good and most of the plot felt like it was centered on the celebrities the two main characters represented rather than the main characters themselves. It was just one PR problem after another and the two MCs worked together to solve it. I got a little bored by it given I don’t have interest in PR.
The end was sweet, but again I just was missing that chemistry.
Content notes:
-Closed door
-Mild occasional language
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness! I’m always up for a Becky Monson book, but this is one of my favorites! You will be rooting for that 50th kiss so hard!
I loved the unique premise of this book. The women in Claire’s family are cursed that after a first kiss the guy forgets them and walks away. She’s ready to give up dating.
Luke is her rival. She’s always held it against him for going to a different company and taking a client with him. When they end up being forced to work together again temporarily, it’s all she can do to be civil.
You will love the great banter, the text messages, shoulder nudges and the growing tension between them. It’s a sweet slow burn with its share of misunderstandings. It will leave you hanging on to hope and turning pages.
I loved the unique premise of this book. The women in Claire’s family are cursed that after a first kiss the guy forgets them and walks away. She’s ready to give up dating.
Luke is her rival. She’s always held it against him for going to a different company and taking a client with him. When they end up being forced to work together again temporarily, it’s all she can do to be civil.
You will love the great banter, the text messages, shoulder nudges and the growing tension between them. It’s a sweet slow burn with its share of misunderstandings. It will leave you hanging on to hope and turning pages.
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