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Aurora Skye #1
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You
Sweet sixteen and never been kissed . . .
That’s Aurora Skye’s big secret. And the way she wants it to stay. She’s not going to give away her first kiss to just anyone. Busy dodging suitors and matchmaking for her best friends, Aurora (not so) patiently awaits her prince.
But everything changes when Aurora is coerced into a lead role in the school production of Much Ado about Nothing. Which means she’ll have to lock lips with her co-star Hayden Paris—the smart and funny boy next door who also happens to be the bane of her existence, always around to see her at her worst.
Now Aurora is more determined than ever to have her first kiss with the one who’s truly worthy of it. But first she’ll have to figure out just who that person is.
Romantic and funny, Tara Eglington's How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a feel-good tale of finding love where you least expect it.
That’s Aurora Skye’s big secret. And the way she wants it to stay. She’s not going to give away her first kiss to just anyone. Busy dodging suitors and matchmaking for her best friends, Aurora (not so) patiently awaits her prince.
But everything changes when Aurora is coerced into a lead role in the school production of Much Ado about Nothing. Which means she’ll have to lock lips with her co-star Hayden Paris—the smart and funny boy next door who also happens to be the bane of her existence, always around to see her at her worst.
Now Aurora is more determined than ever to have her first kiss with the one who’s truly worthy of it. But first she’ll have to figure out just who that person is.
Romantic and funny, Tara Eglington's How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a feel-good tale of finding love where you least expect it.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2013
41 people are currently reading
2556 people want to read
About the author
Tara Eglington
4 books158 followersTara Eglington grew up in Byron Bay, Australia, and now lives in Sydney.
Tara is the author of four Young Adult novels: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You (titled Kissing Games in the USA), My Best Friend is a Goddess and The Long Distance Playlist. Her books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
Tara’s third YA novel My Best Friend is a Goddess was a CBCA 2017 Book of the Year: Older Readers Notable. It was also the #7 best-selling YA title by an Australian author for the year July 2016-June 2017 in Australia.
Tara’s hobbies when she’s not writing include watching endless cat videos on YouTube, planning pretend holidays to the Maldives, and daydreaming about who would play Hayden Paris in the film adaption of How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You.
Tara LOVES to hear from readers, so please say hello via: contact@taraeglington.com, or via the following platforms:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/taraeglington/
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/taraeglington
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/taraeglington
Author website:
https://taraeglington.com/
Tara is the author of four Young Adult novels: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You (titled Kissing Games in the USA), My Best Friend is a Goddess and The Long Distance Playlist. Her books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
Tara’s third YA novel My Best Friend is a Goddess was a CBCA 2017 Book of the Year: Older Readers Notable. It was also the #7 best-selling YA title by an Australian author for the year July 2016-June 2017 in Australia.
Tara’s hobbies when she’s not writing include watching endless cat videos on YouTube, planning pretend holidays to the Maldives, and daydreaming about who would play Hayden Paris in the film adaption of How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You.
Tara LOVES to hear from readers, so please say hello via: contact@taraeglington.com, or via the following platforms:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/taraeglington/
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/taraeglington
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/taraeglington
Author website:
https://taraeglington.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
February 7, 2017
The title for How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is exactly what the book entails.
The story follows Aurora Skye who has never been kissed and she likes it to stay that way until she finds the rightful Prince. She’s been dodging the attempts of her various suitors. Suddenly, she was cast as Beatrice in the school play’s production of Much Ado about Nothing. She’s set to play Beatrice while her number one nemesis Hayden Paris will play her love interest.
The tragedy: they have to act a kissing scene.
All hell will break loose to stop this kiss from happening.
This novel is the perfect read to unwind. I spent the whole part of the novel laughing. I love the ironic humor that supplemented the pacing of the story. Of course, the large knit of friends are engaging as well. They are one of my favorite aspects.
It’s nice seeing a bunch of female characters. Though, tragically, they wouldn’t pass the Bechdel test since the primary topic of their conversations involved around boys. Another thing that left me dismayed are the all-white-and-straight cast. I admit that’s the reason I couldn’t rate it greater than four stars.
What woman beats her heart and tears her hair out when she’s in love?
She might if it’s unrequited love. It tears you apart.
The pairing in this book delivered all of my favorite tropes from childhood friends-enemy-rivals-to-lovers. Tara Eglington is a master of witty repartee. The love interest isn’t an asshole. Everything about it is handled well, though some parts were a tad bit predictable. You will dig them.
Overall, I would recommend this book in a heartbeat. I love, love fluffy and funny reads. We need more of that in YA.
Review also posted at Hollywood News Source.
Sweet sixteen and never been kissed . . .
The story follows Aurora Skye who has never been kissed and she likes it to stay that way until she finds the rightful Prince. She’s been dodging the attempts of her various suitors. Suddenly, she was cast as Beatrice in the school play’s production of Much Ado about Nothing. She’s set to play Beatrice while her number one nemesis Hayden Paris will play her love interest.
The tragedy: they have to act a kissing scene.
All hell will break loose to stop this kiss from happening.
This novel is the perfect read to unwind. I spent the whole part of the novel laughing. I love the ironic humor that supplemented the pacing of the story. Of course, the large knit of friends are engaging as well. They are one of my favorite aspects.
It’s nice seeing a bunch of female characters. Though, tragically, they wouldn’t pass the Bechdel test since the primary topic of their conversations involved around boys. Another thing that left me dismayed are the all-white-and-straight cast. I admit that’s the reason I couldn’t rate it greater than four stars.
What woman beats her heart and tears her hair out when she’s in love?
She might if it’s unrequited love. It tears you apart.
The pairing in this book delivered all of my favorite tropes from childhood friends-enemy-rivals-to-lovers. Tara Eglington is a master of witty repartee. The love interest isn’t an asshole. Everything about it is handled well, though some parts were a tad bit predictable. You will dig them.
Overall, I would recommend this book in a heartbeat. I love, love fluffy and funny reads. We need more of that in YA.
Review also posted at Hollywood News Source.
September 30, 2016
2.5 stars
First off, I loved the premise of this book. I love MAAN and was thrilled to see it was a focal part of the plot.
My main hang up with this story is Aurora. She's so dramatic and so nosy and I think a bit too focused on finding "a Prince" at 16. I mean, her entire existence revolves around not being kissed until she's meets a guy who lives up to a list of qualities. Sure, a girl doesn't have to go kissing everyone and anyone, but it sounded more like she was looking for a husband.
I liked Hayden and some of her friends were okay, but they were all just as obsessed with this Prince business as Aurora was. No one did anything outside of play rehearsals and spying and plotting.
I did love the grand gesture, but sadly, by the time we got to that, I was just looking forward to it being over. I'm sure a lot of people will love it {and by the reviews already posted, they do}, ultimately it wasn't for me.
**Huge thanks to Thomas Dunne Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
First off, I loved the premise of this book. I love MAAN and was thrilled to see it was a focal part of the plot.
My main hang up with this story is Aurora. She's so dramatic and so nosy and I think a bit too focused on finding "a Prince" at 16. I mean, her entire existence revolves around not being kissed until she's meets a guy who lives up to a list of qualities. Sure, a girl doesn't have to go kissing everyone and anyone, but it sounded more like she was looking for a husband.
I liked Hayden and some of her friends were okay, but they were all just as obsessed with this Prince business as Aurora was. No one did anything outside of play rehearsals and spying and plotting.
I did love the grand gesture, but sadly, by the time we got to that, I was just looking forward to it being over. I'm sure a lot of people will love it {and by the reviews already posted, they do}, ultimately it wasn't for me.
**Huge thanks to Thomas Dunne Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
December 29, 2016
Ahh this was just too adorable for words. Funny, witty and full of sweet moments, I rather enjoyed reading this quick read. If you're looking for a cute fast contemporary romance than this one is for you. I'm glad there's another book too!
July 11, 2018
⚠ subjective opinion || 3.5 ⭐
° ° °
Fluffy, funny, and romantic read for summer anyone? 🙈
'How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You' is a story about Aurora Skye who's saving her first kiss from someone she believe her life with. Just like true love. She is a popular girl in her school, but never been kissed.
I found this book from instagram's explore—@threebooknerds—and then I was curious about it. I stalked Goodreads for blurb and some reviews, and finally this book is in my wishlist.
But now, it becomes my read book.
Seriously, I'm still can decide how many rate I want to give for this book. Mixed feeling really hit me. I could say, I like this book but when it comes some details... I don't like it too.
So, I decided to give it 3 stars instead 4. But, still. For me it was 3.5 ⭐ 😂😂
The reasons why I like it are:
1) It was funny and cute reads. This book helps me remove my longing for YA Contemporary romance book. 🙈
.
2) Some characters are relatable w/ my daily life, even though sometimes it feels too dramatic.
.
3) I like Hayden's style, also his hate to love relationship w/ Aurora. It's so cute and funny 😂
And, we're moving on to things I don't like from this book.
The conflict. Well, I like the conflict's topic but I don't really enjoy he execution. Too fast and there's any details how the conflict solved. Just like in one blow, everything come into normal again.
° ° °
This book can be a slow pace and fast pace. Several chapters in the beginning are fast and page turner, but in the middle of the book becomes so.... Slow....
And then... A few chapters to the end become extremely fast. 😂😂
That's why I feel like this book is okay. Not that good, but not that bad.
Although, I'm still like it. And can't wait to read the sequel—Kissing Games—once the book arrives at my door 🙈😂
• I wished the 'holes' I found can be more detailed in the sequel •
° ° °
Fluffy, funny, and romantic read for summer anyone? 🙈
'How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You' is a story about Aurora Skye who's saving her first kiss from someone she believe her life with. Just like true love. She is a popular girl in her school, but never been kissed.
I found this book from instagram's explore—@threebooknerds—and then I was curious about it. I stalked Goodreads for blurb and some reviews, and finally this book is in my wishlist.
But now, it becomes my read book.
Seriously, I'm still can decide how many rate I want to give for this book. Mixed feeling really hit me. I could say, I like this book but when it comes some details... I don't like it too.
So, I decided to give it 3 stars instead 4. But, still. For me it was 3.5 ⭐ 😂😂
The reasons why I like it are:
1) It was funny and cute reads. This book helps me remove my longing for YA Contemporary romance book. 🙈
.
2) Some characters are relatable w/ my daily life, even though sometimes it feels too dramatic.
.
3) I like Hayden's style, also his hate to love relationship w/ Aurora. It's so cute and funny 😂
And, we're moving on to things I don't like from this book.
The conflict. Well, I like the conflict's topic but I don't really enjoy he execution. Too fast and there's any details how the conflict solved. Just like in one blow, everything come into normal again.
° ° °
This book can be a slow pace and fast pace. Several chapters in the beginning are fast and page turner, but in the middle of the book becomes so.... Slow....
And then... A few chapters to the end become extremely fast. 😂😂
That's why I feel like this book is okay. Not that good, but not that bad.
Although, I'm still like it. And can't wait to read the sequel—Kissing Games—once the book arrives at my door 🙈😂
• I wished the 'holes' I found can be more detailed in the sequel •
September 21, 2013
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is one of the best books I've read in a while.
Before anything else I've got to say, I love it when an author takes the time to not only sign a book for you, Tara even left a message to go with it. That alone makes the readers feel special, and with that, I felt an instant fondness for this book.
Seriously Tara, the little bits you do for your fans is fantastic. You're awesome!
It was a lovely light-hearted book to start out with. Most of the plot twists were pretty easy to see coming, but every once in awhile Eglington throws you a hell of a curve ball, and you end up flipping the pages as fast as you can to see what happens next. With plenty of quick wit, hilariously embarrassing moments, teenage angst, drama and friendships, and of course we can't forget the romance; this makes for a great story.
I found this as more of a comedy than anything, but I don't think I'm quite the age-range this book's aimed towards. But it was compelling none the less.
I started out thinking Aurora was just a happy-go-lucky girl with a passion for romance and a set plan for her future: to help others with love and find her own prince.
But then it starts to get really interesting.
When Aurora starts to reveal more of her past, you realise she's not just some run of the mill girl looking for love. She is one of the most resilient sixteen year olds I've ever had the pleausre to read about.
She's strong, she sticks up for what she believes in, uncompromising with her values, always there for those she cares for, and she doesn't let the hardships of her life hold her down.
And boy, at times did I really start hating some of the people in Aurora's life!
Her mother is a real piece of work, but thankfully starts to work towards redeaming herself by the end of it. Her father for how easily he ends up believing his new girlfriend over his daughter. And how can we forget that HORRIBLE interpretative dance teacher!!! I sincerly hope that if she's in any other stories, she gets what's coming to her!
I did get a little confused further into it, where she's reflecting, and somehow ends up refering to herself as a 22 year old. It certainly got me re-reading the passage that's for sure.
Once you start, you'll find yourself falling in love with this book, and finding whatever excuse you can come up with just to re-read this.
I can happily say, I'm hanging out for Englington's next installment.
Pick up a copy and see for yourself. You won't be dissapointed.
I recieved my copy for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Before anything else I've got to say, I love it when an author takes the time to not only sign a book for you, Tara even left a message to go with it. That alone makes the readers feel special, and with that, I felt an instant fondness for this book.
Seriously Tara, the little bits you do for your fans is fantastic. You're awesome!
It was a lovely light-hearted book to start out with. Most of the plot twists were pretty easy to see coming, but every once in awhile Eglington throws you a hell of a curve ball, and you end up flipping the pages as fast as you can to see what happens next. With plenty of quick wit, hilariously embarrassing moments, teenage angst, drama and friendships, and of course we can't forget the romance; this makes for a great story.
I found this as more of a comedy than anything, but I don't think I'm quite the age-range this book's aimed towards. But it was compelling none the less.
I started out thinking Aurora was just a happy-go-lucky girl with a passion for romance and a set plan for her future: to help others with love and find her own prince.
But then it starts to get really interesting.
When Aurora starts to reveal more of her past, you realise she's not just some run of the mill girl looking for love. She is one of the most resilient sixteen year olds I've ever had the pleausre to read about.
She's strong, she sticks up for what she believes in, uncompromising with her values, always there for those she cares for, and she doesn't let the hardships of her life hold her down.
And boy, at times did I really start hating some of the people in Aurora's life!
Her mother is a real piece of work, but thankfully starts to work towards redeaming herself by the end of it. Her father for how easily he ends up believing his new girlfriend over his daughter. And how can we forget that HORRIBLE interpretative dance teacher!!! I sincerly hope that if she's in any other stories, she gets what's coming to her!
I did get a little confused further into it, where she's reflecting, and somehow ends up refering to herself as a 22 year old. It certainly got me re-reading the passage that's for sure.
Once you start, you'll find yourself falling in love with this book, and finding whatever excuse you can come up with just to re-read this.
I can happily say, I'm hanging out for Englington's next installment.
Pick up a copy and see for yourself. You won't be dissapointed.
I recieved my copy for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
2.5 Stars
I had really high hopes for How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, which is probably why it was such a let-down. This is a book about acting, which I always seem to enjoy. Even so, I found the main character to be really whiny and annoying, and the plot was too predictable to be enjoyable.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is an acting book and what I would consider a Shakespeare retelling. The characters in the book perform a 50s version of Much Ado About Nothing, which I found to be an interesting twist on the original play. What I especially enjoyed about this book was the fact that the story really goes into depth describing play rehearsals. The story really had so much potential, but there were multiple aspects that really annoyed me.
The main character, Aurora, really got on my nerves. She believes that she should save her first kiss for her true love and does everything she can to preserve it. I think that this is a sweet thing to do, but it actually becomes really annoying. Aurora just takes things too far, even arguing with the play director more than once when she is stuck kissing her enemy in the production. She is such a whiny character who creates a lot of unnecessary drama, so she really impacted my enjoyment of the book.
My biggest issue with How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is how predictable the plot is. Aurora’s “secret admirer” was obvious from the beginning and she is so clueless that she can’t figure it out from all the hints. The story also has pretty much the same plot as Much Ado About Nothing, adding to the predictability for those that have a basic understanding of the play. Even at the beginning of certain scenes, you can tell right away what’s going to happen. When reading a book, I like plot twists and surprises, which this book unfortunately couldn’t offer me.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a Shakespeare retelling that seemed so promising. The main character is whiny and dramatic and the plot is way too predictable. However, if you are more of a fan of cheesy and clichéd romances, you might enjoy this book.
2.5 Stars
I had really high hopes for How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, which is probably why it was such a let-down. This is a book about acting, which I always seem to enjoy. Even so, I found the main character to be really whiny and annoying, and the plot was too predictable to be enjoyable.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is an acting book and what I would consider a Shakespeare retelling. The characters in the book perform a 50s version of Much Ado About Nothing, which I found to be an interesting twist on the original play. What I especially enjoyed about this book was the fact that the story really goes into depth describing play rehearsals. The story really had so much potential, but there were multiple aspects that really annoyed me.
The main character, Aurora, really got on my nerves. She believes that she should save her first kiss for her true love and does everything she can to preserve it. I think that this is a sweet thing to do, but it actually becomes really annoying. Aurora just takes things too far, even arguing with the play director more than once when she is stuck kissing her enemy in the production. She is such a whiny character who creates a lot of unnecessary drama, so she really impacted my enjoyment of the book.
My biggest issue with How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is how predictable the plot is. Aurora’s “secret admirer” was obvious from the beginning and she is so clueless that she can’t figure it out from all the hints. The story also has pretty much the same plot as Much Ado About Nothing, adding to the predictability for those that have a basic understanding of the play. Even at the beginning of certain scenes, you can tell right away what’s going to happen. When reading a book, I like plot twists and surprises, which this book unfortunately couldn’t offer me.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a Shakespeare retelling that seemed so promising. The main character is whiny and dramatic and the plot is way too predictable. However, if you are more of a fan of cheesy and clichéd romances, you might enjoy this book.
November 19, 2016
No lie, I picked How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You because it’s from an Aussie author. Seriously, what are they drinking down there? Because I have yet to read a book from an Aussie author that I disliked. How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You was no exception. It was delightful, funny and had me squealing in happiness, exactly what I expected with a fun title like that. Aurora was a great heroine to follow and her character arc throughout the book was terrific. She was smart, super loyal to her friends and a big romantic at heart – so relateable! I love how she was so involved in her friends’ lives, going to lengths to make sure that they get the boys that they have crushes on. Her devotion to them was really sweet. Speaking of friends, this girl group was amazing! I loved how Tara Eglinton made them all such vibrant characters who shine just as bright as the main characters. Then, there was Hayden! Hello, swoons! This boy had my heart fluttering with how nice he was. I’m all about the nice, charming guys in YA books and Hayden was 100% that. He wasn’t just adorable, but he was kind and made me laugh just as much as Aurora did. And you guys, their romance was a hate-to-love AND a childhood friends to more romance. You guys know how that’s my kryptonite, especially the hate-to-love. I was entertained the whole time that Hayden and Aurora would exchange quips. A++ banter right here! I was in love with these two and couldn’t wait for their slow-burn romance to evolve to more. I was certainly not disappointed. The book had other great issues like its focus on family and abandonment, which nicely balanced out the lighter tone of the book. How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You is a 2016 book that you should read if you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud YA contemporary romance!
April 12, 2013
I received this book through the First Reads program and am giving an honest review
.......................................................................
My reaction when I first opened the book and found it was SIGNED!!!
Anyway, moving on to the review:
What a light, cute and sweet book
I LOVED IT
With a glowing and witty writing style, Tara Eglington has definitely given us a story that is great to read on a late afternoon,and is sure to make you smile.
The story follows the life of Aurora Skye - a sixteen year old girl who is dealing with her mother walking out and the antics of her 'New Age Dad'. She is a teenager with a good head on her shoulders, who has firm moral values; the most important of all to save her first kiss for her Prince (Sleeping Beauty ring a bell anyone?). Overall, I found Aurora to be a really likable character for most of the time, and is both intelligent and kind. I'm glad that there wasn't the sort of generic insta-love connection between her and her eventual match (whom I won't give away here), and that it developed over time - finishing the novel perfectly.
Although the storyline may have been predictable and there was certainly the element of dramatic irony, everything was woven together really well - and still left room for surprises to keep the audience entertained.
Hayden was also a well structured character. He wasn't your football jock or complete nerd, but was a genuine friend and an all-round academic. Sure, he may seem like the impossible-to-reach-in-reality-dream-guy but in a novel like this one Eglington definitely pulled it off. He wasn't full of himself and had the sweet 'boy next door' type charisma which was really cute. Undeniably perfect, if he actually existed in real life he would be enough to make any teenage girl swoon.
CONCLUSION
In all, this was a fantastic light contemporary YA novel from a talented Australian author. I can't wait to read the sequel How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You to see how Aurora's new-found romance develops and what advice she has for the rest of us.
Oh how I love happy endings...
.......................................................................
My reaction when I first opened the book and found it was SIGNED!!!
Anyway, moving on to the review:
What a light, cute and sweet book
I LOVED IT
With a glowing and witty writing style, Tara Eglington has definitely given us a story that is great to read on a late afternoon,and is sure to make you smile.
The story follows the life of Aurora Skye - a sixteen year old girl who is dealing with her mother walking out and the antics of her 'New Age Dad'. She is a teenager with a good head on her shoulders, who has firm moral values; the most important of all to save her first kiss for her Prince (Sleeping Beauty ring a bell anyone?). Overall, I found Aurora to be a really likable character for most of the time, and is both intelligent and kind. I'm glad that there wasn't the sort of generic insta-love connection between her and her eventual match (whom I won't give away here), and that it developed over time - finishing the novel perfectly.
Although the storyline may have been predictable and there was certainly the element of dramatic irony, everything was woven together really well - and still left room for surprises to keep the audience entertained.
Hayden was also a well structured character. He wasn't your football jock or complete nerd, but was a genuine friend and an all-round academic. Sure, he may seem like the impossible-to-reach-in-reality-dream-guy but in a novel like this one Eglington definitely pulled it off. He wasn't full of himself and had the sweet 'boy next door' type charisma which was really cute. Undeniably perfect, if he actually existed in real life he would be enough to make any teenage girl swoon.
CONCLUSION
In all, this was a fantastic light contemporary YA novel from a talented Australian author. I can't wait to read the sequel How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You to see how Aurora's new-found romance develops and what advice she has for the rest of us.
Oh how I love happy endings...
October 26, 2016
*ARC provided by St. Martin's in exchange for an honest review*
This was my first read by Tara and I am proud to admit that it most certainty won't be my last! I am obsessed with her writing now. Also, I didn't know that this book was part of a series until I sat down to write this so now I can't be any more excited to read more!
This book follows Aurora who is a 16 year old aspiring author. That last fact alone had me forming a connection to her right off the bat. She's a complete romantic at heart so of course, she takes it upon herself to do some research in the matter. We follow her as she tries to play cupid with her friends while they take part in a play and you can probably already guess how crazy things get from there. Sometimes I felt like she needed to invest in some life brakes because she just didn't know when to stop pursuing something. But nonetheless, I really enjoyed reading her story.
I just want to quickly mention that Hayden was absolutely hilarious and I found myself falling for his personality as soon as we were introduced to him. I never knew what he would say next and I was always looking forward to more scenes from him.
This book was so over the top and ridiculous but in the best way possible. The girls and their overreactions killed me with laughter since they reminded me so much of me. This story was cute and rather obvious at some points but the events were still enjoyable to see play out. The romance included was cute and more than fulfilling for me. Tara manged to encompass all of the drama that could come along with attending high school and I found myself really invested in the story and certain characters. This was exactly what I needed to get out of a funk I was in and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for the same thing!
4.5/5 stars!
This was my first read by Tara and I am proud to admit that it most certainty won't be my last! I am obsessed with her writing now. Also, I didn't know that this book was part of a series until I sat down to write this so now I can't be any more excited to read more!
This book follows Aurora who is a 16 year old aspiring author. That last fact alone had me forming a connection to her right off the bat. She's a complete romantic at heart so of course, she takes it upon herself to do some research in the matter. We follow her as she tries to play cupid with her friends while they take part in a play and you can probably already guess how crazy things get from there. Sometimes I felt like she needed to invest in some life brakes because she just didn't know when to stop pursuing something. But nonetheless, I really enjoyed reading her story.
I just want to quickly mention that Hayden was absolutely hilarious and I found myself falling for his personality as soon as we were introduced to him. I never knew what he would say next and I was always looking forward to more scenes from him.
This book was so over the top and ridiculous but in the best way possible. The girls and their overreactions killed me with laughter since they reminded me so much of me. This story was cute and rather obvious at some points but the events were still enjoyable to see play out. The romance included was cute and more than fulfilling for me. Tara manged to encompass all of the drama that could come along with attending high school and I found myself really invested in the story and certain characters. This was exactly what I needed to get out of a funk I was in and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for the same thing!
4.5/5 stars!
January 3, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
This book was cute, and so fun to read. Aurora has never been kissed, but with her busy life - her family being strange and difficult, and her matchmaking for her best friends - she's never really been bothered. She just has too much to go on, especially once she she is cast as the lead in the school production of Much Ado About Nothing. To make her life even more complicated, her leading man, the Benedick to her Beatrice, just happens to be next door neighbour, Hayden, who has been a thorn in her side for years. He's witty and smart, and has seen her at her worst, which is not what Aurora wants. She's also got a secret admirer coming out of the woodwork too, and it's all getting a bit too much.
While I liked Aurora, she did annoy me at times, which kept this book at a 4 star level. She was obsessive about things, and a busybody into other people's lives, when it could've been better for her just to leave things alone. She had a hatred for Hayden that was a bit too dramatic, and her blindness to how he felt about her, a self confessed cupid, was slightly unrealistic. Hayden was a good character, who did compliment Aurora, and their scenes together were cute and, at times, swoony. The book was predictable in it's plot, but I didn't go into the book expecting something brand new, so it didn't bother me. I know there's a sequel (or companion book), and I'll probably read that too.
This book was cute, and so fun to read. Aurora has never been kissed, but with her busy life - her family being strange and difficult, and her matchmaking for her best friends - she's never really been bothered. She just has too much to go on, especially once she she is cast as the lead in the school production of Much Ado About Nothing. To make her life even more complicated, her leading man, the Benedick to her Beatrice, just happens to be next door neighbour, Hayden, who has been a thorn in her side for years. He's witty and smart, and has seen her at her worst, which is not what Aurora wants. She's also got a secret admirer coming out of the woodwork too, and it's all getting a bit too much.
While I liked Aurora, she did annoy me at times, which kept this book at a 4 star level. She was obsessive about things, and a busybody into other people's lives, when it could've been better for her just to leave things alone. She had a hatred for Hayden that was a bit too dramatic, and her blindness to how he felt about her, a self confessed cupid, was slightly unrealistic. Hayden was a good character, who did compliment Aurora, and their scenes together were cute and, at times, swoony. The book was predictable in it's plot, but I didn't go into the book expecting something brand new, so it didn't bother me. I know there's a sequel (or companion book), and I'll probably read that too.
August 3, 2016
This started off with a bang. I was thoroughly enjoying it, and had even begun comparing it to one of my favorite contemporary reads this year: The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You.
But then I kept reading and it began to get repetitive. I was tired of Aurora's stupid first kiss rule. The mini side dramas of her friends. Her blindness about Hayden. It was dragged out far too long.
I loved the play scenes, but again, some aspects were too drawn out. The comedic moments began to lose their humor. And I was just ready for the end of the story. I managed not to skim and actually finished.
It's predictable, but cute in parts. I'd say it's readable, but it also begins losing its charm midway through.
But then I kept reading and it began to get repetitive. I was tired of Aurora's stupid first kiss rule. The mini side dramas of her friends. Her blindness about Hayden. It was dragged out far too long.
I loved the play scenes, but again, some aspects were too drawn out. The comedic moments began to lose their humor. And I was just ready for the end of the story. I managed not to skim and actually finished.
It's predictable, but cute in parts. I'd say it's readable, but it also begins losing its charm midway through.
November 5, 2016
Review originally from Heart Full of Books
From the title I thought this was going to be a little silly, but it sounded like the Australian version of Kisses For Lula by Samantha Mackintosh – one of my favourite duologies! And I’ve come to the conclusion that I would’ve probably liked this a lot more when I was 14 and was oblivious to things like the Bechdel Test.
Aurora Skye is 16 and never been kissed (the same predicament Lula was in) except it’s completely by choice. Aurora is saving up her first kiss for True Love™ because she’s been brought up on Disney movies and believes kisses to be sacred. And I completely agree! Why should you give up your precious kisses to boys that aren’t going to treat you how you deserve to be treated? Aurora, and her group of four friends (Jelena, Cassidy, Sara and Lindsey), are on a mission to find Prince Charming, and there are more than a few candidates looking to take Aurora’s first kiss. Then Aurora gets swept up into her school’s production of Much Ado About Nothing and you’ll never guess who’s playing Benedick along side her…
The first thing I have to say about this is: PREDICTABLE. If you’re even remotely familiar with the storyline of MAAN (and hopefully you all are because you’ve watched the incredible web series adaptation Nothing Much To Do *eyebrow raise* eh? eh?) then you can guess Aurora will end up with whoever is the Ben to her Bea. Also there are a few side-plots like Cassidy trying to get together with new boy Scott. And there’s some miscommunication because he’s a sculptor and during an art lesson fashions a woman’s figure and *heavy sarcasm warning* no boy has ever looked in detail at a naked woman’s body on the internet so it must be a study of a girl he knows IRL. Then there’s also the deal of her Dad’s relationship with her teacher, the issue of the secret admirer, and the missing cat. All super cliche.
Secondly: HETERONORMATIVITY. Not one of the couple in this book was gay. And that is not okay with me anymore. I know this book was originally published in 2013 when the cry for diversity wasn’t quite so loud, but to me that isn’t a good enough excuse. Five girls? One of them is definitely gay or somewhere on the bisexual/asexual scale!
Thirdly: Girls talking about boys like they’re things that can be moulded into something more to their liking. What is up with this? People aren’t perfect and they’re not your playthings. Also, girls talking about boys and nothing else. Period. I can’t remember one significant conversation that these girls had that wasn’t in some way related to boy drama or potential crushes. They’re 16, for goodness sake! Aren’t they taking any exams? Dealing with school stresses? This might just be a fluffy contemporary but I need a slice of cold hard reality on the side to make me appreciate any book. Even this Disney channel Original movie on paper.
I think my concerns largely outweigh the pros, but I still want to point out the one thing this book did well:
Aurora’s a likeable character. She can come of as thinking she’s better than everyone else and above high school drama but she’s actually incredibly conscientious and has extremely high levels of respect for herself. Making her pretty damn likeable. Her poetry isn’t great, but she’s a genuinely nice person.
Apparently there’s a sequel to this and the whole Lethal Kiss things that features in book two sounds very Lula-esque, so I’m not sure if I’m up for reading it. BUT if you don’t take this book too seriously then it’s pretty enjoyable, even if the love/hate characters pushed into playing lovers is something I’ve read in multiple fan fictions.
From the title I thought this was going to be a little silly, but it sounded like the Australian version of Kisses For Lula by Samantha Mackintosh – one of my favourite duologies! And I’ve come to the conclusion that I would’ve probably liked this a lot more when I was 14 and was oblivious to things like the Bechdel Test.
Aurora Skye is 16 and never been kissed (the same predicament Lula was in) except it’s completely by choice. Aurora is saving up her first kiss for True Love™ because she’s been brought up on Disney movies and believes kisses to be sacred. And I completely agree! Why should you give up your precious kisses to boys that aren’t going to treat you how you deserve to be treated? Aurora, and her group of four friends (Jelena, Cassidy, Sara and Lindsey), are on a mission to find Prince Charming, and there are more than a few candidates looking to take Aurora’s first kiss. Then Aurora gets swept up into her school’s production of Much Ado About Nothing and you’ll never guess who’s playing Benedick along side her…
The first thing I have to say about this is: PREDICTABLE. If you’re even remotely familiar with the storyline of MAAN (and hopefully you all are because you’ve watched the incredible web series adaptation Nothing Much To Do *eyebrow raise* eh? eh?) then you can guess Aurora will end up with whoever is the Ben to her Bea. Also there are a few side-plots like Cassidy trying to get together with new boy Scott. And there’s some miscommunication because he’s a sculptor and during an art lesson fashions a woman’s figure and *heavy sarcasm warning* no boy has ever looked in detail at a naked woman’s body on the internet so it must be a study of a girl he knows IRL. Then there’s also the deal of her Dad’s relationship with her teacher, the issue of the secret admirer, and the missing cat. All super cliche.
Secondly: HETERONORMATIVITY. Not one of the couple in this book was gay. And that is not okay with me anymore. I know this book was originally published in 2013 when the cry for diversity wasn’t quite so loud, but to me that isn’t a good enough excuse. Five girls? One of them is definitely gay or somewhere on the bisexual/asexual scale!
Thirdly: Girls talking about boys like they’re things that can be moulded into something more to their liking. What is up with this? People aren’t perfect and they’re not your playthings. Also, girls talking about boys and nothing else. Period. I can’t remember one significant conversation that these girls had that wasn’t in some way related to boy drama or potential crushes. They’re 16, for goodness sake! Aren’t they taking any exams? Dealing with school stresses? This might just be a fluffy contemporary but I need a slice of cold hard reality on the side to make me appreciate any book. Even this Disney channel Original movie on paper.
I think my concerns largely outweigh the pros, but I still want to point out the one thing this book did well:
Aurora’s a likeable character. She can come of as thinking she’s better than everyone else and above high school drama but she’s actually incredibly conscientious and has extremely high levels of respect for herself. Making her pretty damn likeable. Her poetry isn’t great, but she’s a genuinely nice person.
Apparently there’s a sequel to this and the whole Lethal Kiss things that features in book two sounds very Lula-esque, so I’m not sure if I’m up for reading it. BUT if you don’t take this book too seriously then it’s pretty enjoyable, even if the love/hate characters pushed into playing lovers is something I’ve read in multiple fan fictions.
February 26, 2018
There are all sorts of books out there that talk about the struggle of getting a boy to kiss you. But if you want something fresh, this is the rare one that talk about how to keep a boy from kissing you!
Aurora Skye is staring her junior year of high school as part of her grade's popular girl clique, and despite the numerous dates she's been on, has never been kissed. That's because she's saving her first for her Prince, for that perfect special someone, instead of just any regular high school boy. Her plan to protect her first kiss gets increasingly difficult--and hilarious--when a stage kiss in the school play is imminent--and not just from anyone, but from Hayden Paris himself, Aurora's next door neighbor and total enemy.
The first thing I noticed about this book was that the plot felt contrived and exaggerated--not realistic. Readers are told that 16 year old Aurora could become a laughingstock of the school if word got out that she's never been kissed, but I personally know more people who haven't been kissed than have, including 17-18 year olds. Furthermore, many of the characters felt like just personifications of high school stereotypes--the drama kid, the player, the boyfriend obsessed girl--and therefore felt flat. The story was also very predictable--I was able to guess from pretty much the first page what the outcome of the story would be.
With that being said, it was certainly funny to see Aurora's struggles along the way. Things had a way of going wrong around her, placing her in some hilarious situations. The plot almost felt like one of an exaggerated TV show, and Aurora and her friends had a way of really making me smile.
There were also some definitely cute moments in this book as well! One scene at the end that definitely made me swoon, and all sorts of other cute moments that will forever give bookworms unrealistically high expectations for boyfriends xD.
There could also be some serious parts in regards to Aurora's past. Her mom left her family, leaving behind nothing but an answering machine message, and as a result, she and her dad had a bit missing from their lives. I hurt for Aurora when she struggled, and at the end, was proud to see her grow a bit as a character.
Overall, this was not a particularly insightful book, or one that really made me feel. However, it was still a really fun, lighthearted, funny read to make you smile!
3.5 stars
Aurora Skye is staring her junior year of high school as part of her grade's popular girl clique, and despite the numerous dates she's been on, has never been kissed. That's because she's saving her first for her Prince, for that perfect special someone, instead of just any regular high school boy. Her plan to protect her first kiss gets increasingly difficult--and hilarious--when a stage kiss in the school play is imminent--and not just from anyone, but from Hayden Paris himself, Aurora's next door neighbor and total enemy.
The first thing I noticed about this book was that the plot felt contrived and exaggerated--not realistic. Readers are told that 16 year old Aurora could become a laughingstock of the school if word got out that she's never been kissed, but I personally know more people who haven't been kissed than have, including 17-18 year olds. Furthermore, many of the characters felt like just personifications of high school stereotypes--the drama kid, the player, the boyfriend obsessed girl--and therefore felt flat. The story was also very predictable--I was able to guess from pretty much the first page what the outcome of the story would be.
With that being said, it was certainly funny to see Aurora's struggles along the way. Things had a way of going wrong around her, placing her in some hilarious situations. The plot almost felt like one of an exaggerated TV show, and Aurora and her friends had a way of really making me smile.
There were also some definitely cute moments in this book as well! One scene at the end that definitely made me swoon, and all sorts of other cute moments that will forever give bookworms unrealistically high expectations for boyfriends xD.
There could also be some serious parts in regards to Aurora's past. Her mom left her family, leaving behind nothing but an answering machine message, and as a result, she and her dad had a bit missing from their lives. I hurt for Aurora when she struggled, and at the end, was proud to see her grow a bit as a character.
Overall, this was not a particularly insightful book, or one that really made me feel. However, it was still a really fun, lighthearted, funny read to make you smile!
3.5 stars
October 31, 2016
You ever look for something so hard, say for instance your eye glasses, and you look... and you look... and you look, only to suddenly find them shoved up on your head? A lot of times, that's what love is like. You miss the obvious places where love is hiding. Aurora Skye finds that out the hard way in How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You.
It's no coincidence that Aurora has a princess name, let alone Sleeping Beauty's name. When it comes to her own life, she's been walking around with blinders on, only focusing forward. But don't tell this 16 year old that. She's in the process of writing a guide for teen girls on successfully finding your prince, otherwise known as the Find a Prince Program (FPP). How well is it working for her? Lots of first dates and never been kissed says it all. And she's waiting for her "prince" to give her that first kiss.
Trust me, this story is funny and cute.
Enter in three just as clueless best friends, each one unique in her own way. Toss in an obnoxious (but kind of hot if he wasn't so infuriatingly smart, caring, and talented...) next door neighbor named Hayden Paris and this is one sassy young adult romance. Besides the whole "landing a Prince Charming" theme, I feel like there's shades of Jane Austen's Emma in here, too (or more like Amy Heckerling's 1995 movie Clueless? Hmmmm).
There were a couple of things about this book that I took issue with. First, the length: at 320 pages, that seems kind of long for a young adult romance. Is it just me or are YA books getting longer and longer and longer... ? And second, we have horrible parents syndrome in this story. We're talking beyond anything you can imagine selfish. What is up with this trope lately? Blech! :P
But I wouldn't knock down a rating because of my own personal hangups. The story was a silly fun time with a bit drama added in to balance all the sweetness.
Review appears on
January 8, 2013
Oh this was fun. It seems to be light and flirty but there is a lot going on deeper as well. There is so much going on plot wise, so the pace is frantic and full-on, rather than slow and quiet
The narrator Aurora Skye is a typical 16 yr old. Well, maybe not that typical - she has a flair for the dramatic, and is intent on ensuring her four best friends find their true loves. She also harbours secret wishes for herself too, of course.
The plot centres around the school production of 'Much Ado about Nothing', with Aurora spending much time running back & forth between one disaster and the next, primarily related to her friends' love lives. At times, I wanted to yell at her: 'Girl, what about you? Just stop and take a breathe, willya?' (she never did).
The best thing is Aurora's extremely witty narrative voice. All of her intentions are noble and often she is embarrassed or mortified by events beyond her control. And naturally some of them because of her own mistakes or bad choices. But these never drag the book into a depressing tone, with Aurora always able to find ways to deal with the awkward situations (mostly involving her running headlong into the next one).
But as the story progresses, more about Aurora's family life emerges and we finally see the truth and her final break down and acceptance is depicted in a slightly melodramatic way but I went with it, because here is a girl who has never successfully dealt with these issues and if she behaves like a 12 yr old, well, I forgave her. A mother like that, sheesh. Aurora deserves a break.
So as with Shakespeare, there are deceptions, and miscommunications, and secret admirers, and big displays of affection and confrontations, and lots of laughing. In particular, I snorted constantly through the scenes with Miss Deforest's interpretative dance classes. I can't imagine any of my students being that accommodating.
The girls all had individual personalities, flaws and all. The boys are also well developed, especially Hayden. If his casting as the potential love interest is slightly predictable, well, tough. He's such a lovely boy - caring and honest, and big hearted.
This is a great book targeted at teenage girls. Copy provided by the publisher via netgalley with thanks.
The narrator Aurora Skye is a typical 16 yr old. Well, maybe not that typical - she has a flair for the dramatic, and is intent on ensuring her four best friends find their true loves. She also harbours secret wishes for herself too, of course.
The plot centres around the school production of 'Much Ado about Nothing', with Aurora spending much time running back & forth between one disaster and the next, primarily related to her friends' love lives. At times, I wanted to yell at her: 'Girl, what about you? Just stop and take a breathe, willya?' (she never did).
The best thing is Aurora's extremely witty narrative voice. All of her intentions are noble and often she is embarrassed or mortified by events beyond her control. And naturally some of them because of her own mistakes or bad choices. But these never drag the book into a depressing tone, with Aurora always able to find ways to deal with the awkward situations (mostly involving her running headlong into the next one).
But as the story progresses, more about Aurora's family life emerges and we finally see the truth and her final break down and acceptance is depicted in a slightly melodramatic way but I went with it, because here is a girl who has never successfully dealt with these issues and if she behaves like a 12 yr old, well, I forgave her. A mother like that, sheesh. Aurora deserves a break.
So as with Shakespeare, there are deceptions, and miscommunications, and secret admirers, and big displays of affection and confrontations, and lots of laughing. In particular, I snorted constantly through the scenes with Miss Deforest's interpretative dance classes. I can't imagine any of my students being that accommodating.
The girls all had individual personalities, flaws and all. The boys are also well developed, especially Hayden. If his casting as the potential love interest is slightly predictable, well, tough. He's such a lovely boy - caring and honest, and big hearted.
This is a great book targeted at teenage girls. Copy provided by the publisher via netgalley with thanks.
February 21, 2017
3.5/5
When I first started this book, I wanted to DNF it. The characters felt so juvenile that I just didn’t want to waste my time. To me, it was also complete cringe. The second chapter is called “The Glide-By” where the girls glide by a group of guys and pretty much make them aware of their presence. It was just stupid.
'“HS.” Jelena’s voice was loud and clear. We had a hottie spotting.'
I’m not sure what exactly compelled me to continue reading this book, but I did.
The plot was really basic and every “twist” was cliché and I expected it. There was one scene near the end where I didn’t expect something that happened but it in no way advanced the plot nor did it stop Aurora from reaching her goal. It was just something stupid to make the plot slightly more dramatic and make a certain scene happen at the exact point the author wanted it to happen.
It was forced. And I really didn’t enjoy that. There were a lot of things in this book that I felt were forced. Certain scenes… dialogue… That really bugged me.
'“What does inspire you?…
“This.” …
… “The way books affect us?”
“Yes!” …
“I love that Kafka quote: We need the book…”'
Stupid excuse to put that Kafka quote into the book somewhere. Lots of things, annoyingly enough. annoyed me.
Before I start talking about all of the characters together, I’d like to talk about Aurora and Hayden, and their relationship. One, which I despised.
Aurora, for whatever reason, doesn’t like Hayden. And, any chance she gets, is awful to him. Hayden is a nice guy, but Aurora just doesn’t see that. Too often did I feel really, deeply upset for Hayden all because of Aurora’s attitude towards him. I just did not think she deserved him. We don’t know why Aurora no longer likes Hayden- they used to be friends- and so, we have no idea why she treats him the way she does. To me, I didn’t see any reason for her disliking Hayden as much as she did.
I think, in some way, Aurora and Hayden’s relationship was a little triggering for me. There were other things that also were triggering but funnily enough (of course, not really), this is what was triggering the most. I think, and, not to spoil anything but it was completely obvious, Hayden was in love with Aurora so much and Aurora treated him like scum. It really, really upset me. I don’t think it was supposed to but it did. All of his efforts were useless because she just couldn’t see. He was literally trying so hard to be everything she wanted and she couldn’t even see him for who he really was. She was stuck in the past, a stupid little mistake. All I wanted was for her to let him in.
As for Aurora herself, although briefly mentioned above, was a protagonist for once I didn’t really like. I think that affected my opinion on this book. True, she was harsh and unnecessarily mean, in my opinion, to Hayden, but she seemed to be quite a good friend. [The Netgalley description was different from the one above (goodreads) and I had no idea about this “Find a Prince” programme thingy.] She seemed very supportive of her friends but also kind of meddling. I didn’t like that. (It kind of makes sense now though because of her apparent title.)
As for Aurora’s parental figures. They kind of played a major role in her current mind set (can I say?) or attitude but didn’t have that big of a role in the plot. Her mother, absent from her life a lot, was superficial and only cared about herself. There are moments I really felt sad for Aurora just because of her mother. Her father, on the other hand, was the parent she lived with and really, we only saw a little more of him than the mother. The dad’s girlfriend- Dana Deforest, her dance teacher- was an awful woman and, when Aurora and her dad still had so much to get through together, she got it the way and tried to pull Aurora’s dad away from her. Ridiculous, spiteful, childish behaviour.
Sometimes, I was a little confused with the setting. Both the general setting, and within scenes. I thought it was set in an American high school but then there were phrases used that I’d say- using UK English. And so, that didn’t make sense. It wasn’t until I looked up the author and realised she was Australian that it kind of make more sense. Sometimes, within scenes, it was like one minute, they were in the kitchen and the next, in the pool. (Just a made up example.) I was confused. I thought the scenes themselves were also kind of messy at the start of the book. It got slightly better nearing the end.
The last thing I’d like to talk about is the ending. I sort of liked it, sort of didn’t. It was anti-climatic. (Because I had everything figured out.) And, the scenes leading up to it were ridiculous. The “plot twist” sort of thing I briefly mentioned above really annoyed me. Sure, I didn’t see it coming. But it really was not needed. It was like one last straw to create conflict before the end. But, that conflict lasted only a few pages before everything was solved. I don’t think it was dealt with well.
All in all, I disliked the main character, the plot was cliché and I felt sorry for the love interest for having to deal with said main character. That should never happen in a romance. (Unless in a joking matter, of course.)
Hayden, I would most definitely add you to my “book boyfriends” list but you and Aurora would never make it to my “OTP”s. You deserve better. [Gender-swap, Shawn Mendes- Treat You Better.]
“I won’t lie to you, I know he’s just not right for you…”
When I first started this book, I wanted to DNF it. The characters felt so juvenile that I just didn’t want to waste my time. To me, it was also complete cringe. The second chapter is called “The Glide-By” where the girls glide by a group of guys and pretty much make them aware of their presence. It was just stupid.
'“HS.” Jelena’s voice was loud and clear. We had a hottie spotting.'
I’m not sure what exactly compelled me to continue reading this book, but I did.
The plot was really basic and every “twist” was cliché and I expected it. There was one scene near the end where I didn’t expect something that happened but it in no way advanced the plot nor did it stop Aurora from reaching her goal. It was just something stupid to make the plot slightly more dramatic and make a certain scene happen at the exact point the author wanted it to happen.
It was forced. And I really didn’t enjoy that. There were a lot of things in this book that I felt were forced. Certain scenes… dialogue… That really bugged me.
'“What does inspire you?…
“This.” …
… “The way books affect us?”
“Yes!” …
“I love that Kafka quote: We need the book…”'
Stupid excuse to put that Kafka quote into the book somewhere. Lots of things, annoyingly enough. annoyed me.
Before I start talking about all of the characters together, I’d like to talk about Aurora and Hayden, and their relationship. One, which I despised.
Aurora, for whatever reason, doesn’t like Hayden. And, any chance she gets, is awful to him. Hayden is a nice guy, but Aurora just doesn’t see that. Too often did I feel really, deeply upset for Hayden all because of Aurora’s attitude towards him. I just did not think she deserved him. We don’t know why Aurora no longer likes Hayden- they used to be friends- and so, we have no idea why she treats him the way she does. To me, I didn’t see any reason for her disliking Hayden as much as she did.
I think, in some way, Aurora and Hayden’s relationship was a little triggering for me. There were other things that also were triggering but funnily enough (of course, not really), this is what was triggering the most. I think, and, not to spoil anything but it was completely obvious, Hayden was in love with Aurora so much and Aurora treated him like scum. It really, really upset me. I don’t think it was supposed to but it did. All of his efforts were useless because she just couldn’t see. He was literally trying so hard to be everything she wanted and she couldn’t even see him for who he really was. She was stuck in the past, a stupid little mistake. All I wanted was for her to let him in.
As for Aurora herself, although briefly mentioned above, was a protagonist for once I didn’t really like. I think that affected my opinion on this book. True, she was harsh and unnecessarily mean, in my opinion, to Hayden, but she seemed to be quite a good friend. [The Netgalley description was different from the one above (goodreads) and I had no idea about this “Find a Prince” programme thingy.] She seemed very supportive of her friends but also kind of meddling. I didn’t like that. (It kind of makes sense now though because of her apparent title.)
As for Aurora’s parental figures. They kind of played a major role in her current mind set (can I say?) or attitude but didn’t have that big of a role in the plot. Her mother, absent from her life a lot, was superficial and only cared about herself. There are moments I really felt sad for Aurora just because of her mother. Her father, on the other hand, was the parent she lived with and really, we only saw a little more of him than the mother. The dad’s girlfriend- Dana Deforest, her dance teacher- was an awful woman and, when Aurora and her dad still had so much to get through together, she got it the way and tried to pull Aurora’s dad away from her. Ridiculous, spiteful, childish behaviour.
Sometimes, I was a little confused with the setting. Both the general setting, and within scenes. I thought it was set in an American high school but then there were phrases used that I’d say- using UK English. And so, that didn’t make sense. It wasn’t until I looked up the author and realised she was Australian that it kind of make more sense. Sometimes, within scenes, it was like one minute, they were in the kitchen and the next, in the pool. (Just a made up example.) I was confused. I thought the scenes themselves were also kind of messy at the start of the book. It got slightly better nearing the end.
The last thing I’d like to talk about is the ending. I sort of liked it, sort of didn’t. It was anti-climatic. (Because I had everything figured out.) And, the scenes leading up to it were ridiculous. The “plot twist” sort of thing I briefly mentioned above really annoyed me. Sure, I didn’t see it coming. But it really was not needed. It was like one last straw to create conflict before the end. But, that conflict lasted only a few pages before everything was solved. I don’t think it was dealt with well.
All in all, I disliked the main character, the plot was cliché and I felt sorry for the love interest for having to deal with said main character. That should never happen in a romance. (Unless in a joking matter, of course.)
Hayden, I would most definitely add you to my “book boyfriends” list but you and Aurora would never make it to my “OTP”s. You deserve better. [Gender-swap, Shawn Mendes- Treat You Better.]
“I won’t lie to you, I know he’s just not right for you…”
October 25, 2016
3.75 stars
An adorable book wrapped up in a cute and charming package, How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a delight to read. While at its core this book stays true to the spirit of the romcom nature, it adds some surprising wit for me not to feel bored.
Aurora, the protagonist, has a common dream of her perfect Prince, the one whom she's saving a first kiss for. While if this fact made her passive, I would have been thoroughly annoyed, she's a very active character, searching for her Prince with a plan and determination. I like her spunk, and the way she's a dynamic whirl of energy, whether it's verbally sparring with her bane of existence Hayden or cheering up her best friends. Her interactions with her cats are sweet, and they play some very integral part in the book, a fun little quirk that I enjoyed.
However, my Find a Prince™ program has nothing to do with glass slippers, poisoned apples, or talking woodland animals. It's about us girls valuing ourselves and saying no to boys who use or abuse us. (taken from ARC~5%)
I also loved the way the friendships were portrayed in this, with each of the girls getting a definitive personality and role, without being props to stage Aurora. I personally love Sara and Cassie, both of them are utter sweethearts and Sara especially made me laugh a number of times. There's some interesting dynamics here and while the romance is a main plot here, the cracks and mends in the girls' bonds were seamless integrated and were not sidelined for the ship.
The romance was well done as well, despite following a very predictable path. There are quite a few toads in this book, and I thought they were trounced rather nicely, although I'd prefer to be a little more bloodthirsty, and I did enjoy how our intelligent heroine did not suddenly lose brain cells when it came to boys, especially since this is a common maneuver I see in such books like these. She was still the fierce Aurora who was determined to find a true Potential Prince, and I liked how she did not let her morals waver in the face of love. Bonus for the love interest being an intelligent sweetheart, I absolutely adored the snappy dialogue between Aurora and him. Also kissing scenes, I'm hoping for more in the sequel, but I was quite pleased with what the author doled out in this.
"You stayed up the whole night...Why?"
"Because I wanted to see you smile again" (taken from ARC~93%)
All in all, while not perfect, which was due to my intense secondhand embarrassment in a few scenes and my lack of secure attachment to the characters, I was quite content with the pure rush of entertainment I received from it. It's a gem of a contemporary YA, and it manages to balance humor with heart.
You can read this and more of my reviews on my blog.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the review copy.
An adorable book wrapped up in a cute and charming package, How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a delight to read. While at its core this book stays true to the spirit of the romcom nature, it adds some surprising wit for me not to feel bored.
Aurora, the protagonist, has a common dream of her perfect Prince, the one whom she's saving a first kiss for. While if this fact made her passive, I would have been thoroughly annoyed, she's a very active character, searching for her Prince with a plan and determination. I like her spunk, and the way she's a dynamic whirl of energy, whether it's verbally sparring with her bane of existence Hayden or cheering up her best friends. Her interactions with her cats are sweet, and they play some very integral part in the book, a fun little quirk that I enjoyed.
However, my Find a Prince™ program has nothing to do with glass slippers, poisoned apples, or talking woodland animals. It's about us girls valuing ourselves and saying no to boys who use or abuse us. (taken from ARC~5%)
I also loved the way the friendships were portrayed in this, with each of the girls getting a definitive personality and role, without being props to stage Aurora. I personally love Sara and Cassie, both of them are utter sweethearts and Sara especially made me laugh a number of times. There's some interesting dynamics here and while the romance is a main plot here, the cracks and mends in the girls' bonds were seamless integrated and were not sidelined for the ship.
The romance was well done as well, despite following a very predictable path. There are quite a few toads in this book, and I thought they were trounced rather nicely, although I'd prefer to be a little more bloodthirsty, and I did enjoy how our intelligent heroine did not suddenly lose brain cells when it came to boys, especially since this is a common maneuver I see in such books like these. She was still the fierce Aurora who was determined to find a true Potential Prince, and I liked how she did not let her morals waver in the face of love. Bonus for the love interest being an intelligent sweetheart, I absolutely adored the snappy dialogue between Aurora and him. Also kissing scenes, I'm hoping for more in the sequel, but I was quite pleased with what the author doled out in this.
"You stayed up the whole night...Why?"
"Because I wanted to see you smile again" (taken from ARC~93%)
All in all, while not perfect, which was due to my intense secondhand embarrassment in a few scenes and my lack of secure attachment to the characters, I was quite content with the pure rush of entertainment I received from it. It's a gem of a contemporary YA, and it manages to balance humor with heart.
You can read this and more of my reviews on my blog.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the review copy.
August 16, 2016
I'd like to thank NetGalley and St Martin's Press for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This had everything to be a super sweet, cute read. Instead, I got a bunch of nearly-hysterical (and sometimes full-blown hysterical) teenagers. Aurora is a pretty over-reactive character, who blows nearly everything out of proportion. In fact, all of the female characters were like this (Including the dance teacher, who should know better, though she is subtler than the teenage girls around her). The dad was completely aloof, and the mom was completely out of the picture. The things that woman does are unbelievable.
Moving on to the story. It was pretty predictable (though I found it a bit of a stretch to have 16-year old girls clinging to a plan to find a Prince (yes, with capital P)). It was fairly obvious what was going to happen at the end, and that it took so long to actually get there had me nearly bashing my head on the wall.
This had everything to be a super sweet, cute read. Instead, I got a bunch of nearly-hysterical (and sometimes full-blown hysterical) teenagers. Aurora is a pretty over-reactive character, who blows nearly everything out of proportion. In fact, all of the female characters were like this (Including the dance teacher, who should know better, though she is subtler than the teenage girls around her). The dad was completely aloof, and the mom was completely out of the picture. The things that woman does are unbelievable.
Moving on to the story. It was pretty predictable (though I found it a bit of a stretch to have 16-year old girls clinging to a plan to find a Prince (yes, with capital P)). It was fairly obvious what was going to happen at the end, and that it took so long to actually get there had me nearly bashing my head on the wall.
July 19, 2013
LOVED It. When I saw it lonesomely sitting on the shelf I was like Come here you! and thank god I did because this book was as hilarious (it had me laughing on the second pg ppl - gd sign!!) as it was romantic.
June 24, 2020
A cute, clean, funny, and fluffy YA romance. I enjoyed it
May 11, 2018
This was such a cute read! Perfect for the summer!
February 12, 2021
See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! The publisher sent me a copy for review as well as for the book's pre-release blog tour.
I got bullied in school. Badly. If you were too, you might have heard the line that “maybe they’re bullying you because they like you!” I can even recall one specific person from high school everyone suggested was bullying me due to a possible crush on me. My response has always been “WHAT THE HELL KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT?” (In kinder words, of course.) If that’s the way the bully expresses their feelings, how would a proper relationship with their bullying victim be any kind of healthy? Because of all that, I’ve never been a fan of any hate-to-love relationships in fiction. They always manage to take a wrong turn or fail to convince me the characters will work.
Then I read How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You and finally got it. Tara Eglington does so much right in her hilarious, friendship-heavy novel that I finally ship a hate-to-love ship!
An asexual woman reading a YA romance is practically the premise for a comedy, but even my ice-cold heart couldn’t resist the charms of Aurora Skye and Hayden Paris! Every time they interact, the banter flies and hits your funny bone with such precision that it’s hard to stop laughing. I honestly had to put the book down a few times so I could gather myself and admire how smoothly everything flows. Comedy is one of the most difficult forms of entertainment, but Eglington writes it like a master.
She writes the more dramatic, serious moments in Aurora’s life well too. Her new-age-obsessed dad is a bit of an absent parent and wrapped up in his new relationship with Aurora’s dance teacher; the few times she’s able to talk to or see her mom, she’s more interested in her desire to see Aurora be a model than anything else. As charmed a life Aurora seems to lead when she’s with her friends and enjoying her popularity, the fun stops when she goes home.
Except for when she interacts with her two cats, especially the adorably vicious Snookums. +5 stars for including cats.
It’s clear to us as readers that Hayden has it bad for Aurora (the palm kiss! THE PALM KISS!!!), but she’s got her head so deeply buried in the sand that it will make you want to shake her in the nicest way possible. The entire secret admirer subplot is so incredibly sweet and cute that it can’t be described in words. Just imagine me making happy screaming noises and occasionally shouting about things like the aforementioned palm kiss. It’s obvious to us who the secret admirer is, but half the fun is how oblivious Aurora is.
Y’know, maybe this isn’t hate-to-love after all. More appropriately, I’d call it girl-hates-boy-she-thinks-hates-her-but-he-actually-loves-her-and-she’s-just-clueless.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is as much about friendship as it is about romance. Aurora’s tight-knit group of four friends stick with her for most of the novel and have each other’s backs no matter what needs to be done. Lindsay is brokenhearted because her boyfriend broke up with her? Plan a party that involves watching The Notebook so she’ll be all cried out. Cassie needs help talking to her crush? Go spy on him with her. Aurora needs to make sure the play doesn’t force her to give up her precious first kiss? Cause a blackout, destroy a set or two. The usual stuff. It will make you want to go do something with your own best friends!
Not all is fun and games, sadly. The reason Aurora despises Hayden so deeply is a bit much, but that can vary from reader to reader because of the traumatic event Aurora connects him to in her head. Even if something isn’t necessarily a person’s fault, the power of association is strong. Jelena’s actions toward the end of the novel contradict her characterization to the point I thought she acted that way solely because the plot required her to for maximum drama. It just doesn’t feel organic. Another thing that bothered me? The way Sara’s feminist interjections are laughed off at times. She’s got a point more than once, y’know.
This is one of my top five of the year, no bones about it. If you loved the dramatics and wit of Georgia Nicolson from the eponymous series by Louise Rennison, Aurora Skye is your new best friend. She’s got a little less lingo, but she makes up for it with her dedication to matchmaking and her chemistry with Hayden! This isn’t the end of Aurora’s adventures either; she’ll return in the sequel How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You in 2017, which is now one of the titles I need like burning. C’mon, you want to know how Aurora’s attempt to kiss Hayden lands him in the ER too.
I got bullied in school. Badly. If you were too, you might have heard the line that “maybe they’re bullying you because they like you!” I can even recall one specific person from high school everyone suggested was bullying me due to a possible crush on me. My response has always been “WHAT THE HELL KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT?” (In kinder words, of course.) If that’s the way the bully expresses their feelings, how would a proper relationship with their bullying victim be any kind of healthy? Because of all that, I’ve never been a fan of any hate-to-love relationships in fiction. They always manage to take a wrong turn or fail to convince me the characters will work.
Then I read How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You and finally got it. Tara Eglington does so much right in her hilarious, friendship-heavy novel that I finally ship a hate-to-love ship!
An asexual woman reading a YA romance is practically the premise for a comedy, but even my ice-cold heart couldn’t resist the charms of Aurora Skye and Hayden Paris! Every time they interact, the banter flies and hits your funny bone with such precision that it’s hard to stop laughing. I honestly had to put the book down a few times so I could gather myself and admire how smoothly everything flows. Comedy is one of the most difficult forms of entertainment, but Eglington writes it like a master.
She writes the more dramatic, serious moments in Aurora’s life well too. Her new-age-obsessed dad is a bit of an absent parent and wrapped up in his new relationship with Aurora’s dance teacher; the few times she’s able to talk to or see her mom, she’s more interested in her desire to see Aurora be a model than anything else. As charmed a life Aurora seems to lead when she’s with her friends and enjoying her popularity, the fun stops when she goes home.
Except for when she interacts with her two cats, especially the adorably vicious Snookums. +5 stars for including cats.
It’s clear to us as readers that Hayden has it bad for Aurora (the palm kiss! THE PALM KISS!!!), but she’s got her head so deeply buried in the sand that it will make you want to shake her in the nicest way possible. The entire secret admirer subplot is so incredibly sweet and cute that it can’t be described in words. Just imagine me making happy screaming noises and occasionally shouting about things like the aforementioned palm kiss. It’s obvious to us who the secret admirer is, but half the fun is how oblivious Aurora is.
Y’know, maybe this isn’t hate-to-love after all. More appropriately, I’d call it girl-hates-boy-she-thinks-hates-her-but-he-actually-loves-her-and-she’s-just-clueless.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is as much about friendship as it is about romance. Aurora’s tight-knit group of four friends stick with her for most of the novel and have each other’s backs no matter what needs to be done. Lindsay is brokenhearted because her boyfriend broke up with her? Plan a party that involves watching The Notebook so she’ll be all cried out. Cassie needs help talking to her crush? Go spy on him with her. Aurora needs to make sure the play doesn’t force her to give up her precious first kiss? Cause a blackout, destroy a set or two. The usual stuff. It will make you want to go do something with your own best friends!
Not all is fun and games, sadly. The reason Aurora despises Hayden so deeply is a bit much, but that can vary from reader to reader because of the traumatic event Aurora connects him to in her head. Even if something isn’t necessarily a person’s fault, the power of association is strong. Jelena’s actions toward the end of the novel contradict her characterization to the point I thought she acted that way solely because the plot required her to for maximum drama. It just doesn’t feel organic. Another thing that bothered me? The way Sara’s feminist interjections are laughed off at times. She’s got a point more than once, y’know.
This is one of my top five of the year, no bones about it. If you loved the dramatics and wit of Georgia Nicolson from the eponymous series by Louise Rennison, Aurora Skye is your new best friend. She’s got a little less lingo, but she makes up for it with her dedication to matchmaking and her chemistry with Hayden! This isn’t the end of Aurora’s adventures either; she’ll return in the sequel How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You in 2017, which is now one of the titles I need like burning. C’mon, you want to know how Aurora’s attempt to kiss Hayden lands him in the ER too.
October 19, 2016
3.5 “Kissing and Yelling” STARS
ARC via NetGalley
Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin
Aurora Sky has one of those voices that will have people loving or hating her from the first chapter—that’s how strong it is. She’s got that “I’m talking to you” vibe and she comes alive early on, which means you can’t simply ignore her.
Aurora’s story starts with her trying to get away from a date without kissing the guy in the end. She’s been saving her first kiss for the perfect guy, her still-unknown prince, and the boy who took her out that night was most definitely not him. She has a bunch of tactics ready for when the time to keep a boy from kissing her comes. Everything is fair—even falling poking your date’s eye with a straw.
Her plan for her first kiss is jeopardized when Aurora is cast as the star of the school’s play and has to share a kiss with her fellow actor—the neighbor who was once her best friend, but is now her archenemy, Hayden.
The chemistry between Aurora and Hayden is clear from the start. They spend too much time teasing and trying to get under each other’s skin for it to be anything other than suppressed attraction. That’s my favorite type, by the way. Especially when the MC and the LI are trying as hard as Aurora and Hayden to antagonize each other. Truth be told, Aurora tries harder than the poor boy.
I won’t call this a spoiler because I believe everyone will be able to see that Hayden is in love with Aurora from the start. His teasing are always heavy with hints about his feelings… He’s either often complementing her or gazing at her with dreamy eyes or something like that. The thing is, Aurora is so set on hating his guts that she’s blind to what he’s trying to show/tell her.
It can get a bit frustrating, because Hayden is such a good guy that you can’t help but fall for him and want Aurora to do the same. But, yeah, the whole point of this book is to explore Aurora’s feelings slowly, so hold your horses because she’ll get there.
While she doesn’t, we get to follow Aurora around the school. She’s obviously a popular girl who’s great to her friends, even though she spends way too much time trying to fix everything about everyone else’s lives. She does it to help, though, which helps makes her a likable character. Aurora’s whole purpose in life seems to be making other people happy. Her dad is dating a teacher who picks on Aurora every chance she gets, but instead of telling on her, Aurora tries to behave because she wants her father happy. Her horrible mother doesn’t deserve a second of Aurora’s life, but she still tries to please her by being part of the play. Same goes for her friends. She tries to find ways to make them happy with their boyfriends or crushes. While some might find this type of personality annoying, I didn’t. It showed me she had a big and great heart, and made me want to see her happy, too.
Aurora’s group of friends was another plus. I liked how they interacted with each other, and how they were not all “nice girls”. There were some tense moments toward the end, but Aurora, being true to herself, didn’t hold a grudge and was able to understand what really mattered and get over the rest. I appreciate that about her. I also liked being able to see other romance subplots involving Aurora’s friends, since the MC’s romance was slow burn.
One thing that annoyed me, though, was how everyone was so dramatic and over-the-top. There was always something yelling or crying or throwing hands up, or another dramatic gesture. Aurora practically couldn’t go more than two paragraphs without shouting about something. It got to the point where I was yelling back at the book: "WHY ARE YOU ALL YELLING?". That was when I started ignoring most of the tags, only reading the dialogue.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this cute and fun YA contemporary. It took a while to get to the kissing, but it was a fun ride.
February 15, 2023
Wonderful and sweet.
January 6, 2019
actual rating: 4.9
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!! a bit cringe at times so that’s why i took out 0.25 but oVERALL IT WAS ADORABLE AND CUTE AND EVERYTHING I NEEDED IN LIFE.
--------
full review:
Plot
This book basically follows the main character of Aurora Skye who hasn't been kissed yet and wants to keep it that way. She's waiting for the right person to have her first kiss with. However, she finds herself as the lead actress of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and she finds out she has to kiss her sworn-enemy Hayden Paris.
My Feelings
OHMYGOODNESS THIS BOOK WAS ADORABLE. I forgot how much I loved contemporary and this book reminded me just how amazing it is. When done right, a contemporary finds itself in the center of my heart for a solid three weeks.
Aurora, though annoying at times, was a likable main character even though she's oblivious about everything. I loved how capable she was and how her character was never compromised even if she made a few mistakes.
Aurora's friend group, though cliche at times, was really well-dfined. I knew exactly who I was talking to and all of the names of their five-member friendship circle. I understand each of them and I wasn't overly annoyed at any. Jelena was probably the one that got on my nerves but I think that was what Tara Eglington wanted. After a certain thing happens in the plot, we see Jelena grow and become a tad more mature than she was originally.
Now we need to talk about the amazingness that is Hayden Paris. *EXTERNALLY SCREAMS* He's just so precious I can't. I love him so much. The banter he has with Aurora is 10/10 and I love how sweet he is over the course of this book. He's just so sweet i cANT. I HAVEN'T SWOONED OVER A BOY THIS MUCH SINCE KAI FROM THE LUNAR CHRONICLES. AHHHHHH.
My Rating
I originally gave this book a 4.75 star rating since the book was very cheesy at points but I've learned to love it after a few weeks of distance. I think the cheesiness of the book is part of the book's charm. Sometimes all you need is a cheesy romance story and Hayden Paris and you'll be okay.
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!! a bit cringe at times so that’s why i took out 0.25 but oVERALL IT WAS ADORABLE AND CUTE AND EVERYTHING I NEEDED IN LIFE.
--------
full review:
Plot
This book basically follows the main character of Aurora Skye who hasn't been kissed yet and wants to keep it that way. She's waiting for the right person to have her first kiss with. However, she finds herself as the lead actress of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and she finds out she has to kiss her sworn-enemy Hayden Paris.
My Feelings
OHMYGOODNESS THIS BOOK WAS ADORABLE. I forgot how much I loved contemporary and this book reminded me just how amazing it is. When done right, a contemporary finds itself in the center of my heart for a solid three weeks.
Aurora, though annoying at times, was a likable main character even though she's oblivious about everything. I loved how capable she was and how her character was never compromised even if she made a few mistakes.
Aurora's friend group, though cliche at times, was really well-dfined. I knew exactly who I was talking to and all of the names of their five-member friendship circle. I understand each of them and I wasn't overly annoyed at any. Jelena was probably the one that got on my nerves but I think that was what Tara Eglington wanted. After a certain thing happens in the plot, we see Jelena grow and become a tad more mature than she was originally.
Now we need to talk about the amazingness that is Hayden Paris. *EXTERNALLY SCREAMS* He's just so precious I can't. I love him so much. The banter he has with Aurora is 10/10 and I love how sweet he is over the course of this book. He's just so sweet i cANT. I HAVEN'T SWOONED OVER A BOY THIS MUCH SINCE KAI FROM THE LUNAR CHRONICLES. AHHHHHH.
My Rating
I originally gave this book a 4.75 star rating since the book was very cheesy at points but I've learned to love it after a few weeks of distance. I think the cheesiness of the book is part of the book's charm. Sometimes all you need is a cheesy romance story and Hayden Paris and you'll be okay.
October 27, 2016
I jumped at the chance to read How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You because the hate to love relationship sounded right up my alley. I was right. The characters were hilarious and the story was quick and easy.
Full of laugh-out-loud moments and normal teenage angsts, it was entertaining watching all the drama unfold. They were a bit cliché but this is high school we're talking about after all. Ms. Eglington had no problem getting the characters' voices right. I could tell these kids were young and hopeful. Their minds were focused mostly on mundane things (like daydreaming) which caused quite a bit of grief and conflicts. Yet there was an honest simplicity that had me wishing I was still in high school.
Aurora is the queen of bickering. She really had it going with Hayden. Her hatred of the poor guy was so intense anyone could tell there was more to it. It took her so long to figure things out, it sucked (see next paragraph). Even though Aurora can be really mean, she's a real sweetheart to her friends- doling out tough advices when they need them and looking out for their best interests. Those girls and her cats meant the world to her and she treated them right.
I liked Hayden. All the taunting he did to Aurora was a classic act for attention. He was actually really thoughtful and a gentleman. I only wish he'd acted sooner. Save everyone some trouble and misunderstanding.
While I enjoyed most of the story, I do have to complain about a few things. First, Aurora was so clueless. So much so that it bordered on unbelievable. She should not call herself an expert when she couldn't even spot the obvious. Secondly, the sheer number of near miss moments had me wanting to pull my hair out. My frustration was high by the time we got to the real climax. Lastly, I felt a little uncomfortable Too easily forgiven and forgotten in my opinion. Oh and I couldn't stand Aurora's dad's girlfriend. Somehow her dad couldn't see it but this lady was nasty. I'm sure people who've read the book will agree with me.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You would definitely make a fun teen drama-comedy. I've heard this book has a sequel and I'm definitely on board for it. Bring on more laughs!
Full of laugh-out-loud moments and normal teenage angsts, it was entertaining watching all the drama unfold. They were a bit cliché but this is high school we're talking about after all. Ms. Eglington had no problem getting the characters' voices right. I could tell these kids were young and hopeful. Their minds were focused mostly on mundane things (like daydreaming) which caused quite a bit of grief and conflicts. Yet there was an honest simplicity that had me wishing I was still in high school.
Aurora is the queen of bickering. She really had it going with Hayden. Her hatred of the poor guy was so intense anyone could tell there was more to it. It took her so long to figure things out, it sucked (see next paragraph). Even though Aurora can be really mean, she's a real sweetheart to her friends- doling out tough advices when they need them and looking out for their best interests. Those girls and her cats meant the world to her and she treated them right.
I liked Hayden. All the taunting he did to Aurora was a classic act for attention. He was actually really thoughtful and a gentleman. I only wish he'd acted sooner. Save everyone some trouble and misunderstanding.
While I enjoyed most of the story, I do have to complain about a few things. First, Aurora was so clueless. So much so that it bordered on unbelievable. She should not call herself an expert when she couldn't even spot the obvious. Secondly, the sheer number of near miss moments had me wanting to pull my hair out. My frustration was high by the time we got to the real climax. Lastly, I felt a little uncomfortable Too easily forgiven and forgotten in my opinion. Oh and I couldn't stand Aurora's dad's girlfriend. Somehow her dad couldn't see it but this lady was nasty. I'm sure people who've read the book will agree with me.
How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You would definitely make a fun teen drama-comedy. I've heard this book has a sequel and I'm definitely on board for it. Bring on more laughs!
March 10, 2017
After reading the entire book in one day (minus the first 36 pages which I had read months ago) I can honestly say that this is an awesome book with awesome characters and a great plot.
I actually cried reading the last 100 pages. That's how good it is. Totally recommend!
What I felt represented the book in some way:
These two cool actors performance of Much Ado About Nothing
I wrote a full review over at The Bookish Island (my book blog):
http://bookishisland.blogspot.com/201...
I actually cried reading the last 100 pages. That's how good it is. Totally recommend!
What I felt represented the book in some way:
These two cool actors performance of Much Ado About Nothing
I wrote a full review over at The Bookish Island (my book blog):
http://bookishisland.blogspot.com/201...
December 6, 2016
I love this book so much!!! I stayed up for 4 hours last night reading the book and I finished it! I haven't had much time to be reading but I had heaps of time last night so I finished it!!
I was quite sad after reading it, because at the end how they talk about how sad they were when the play "Much Ado about Nothing" finished, I felt like the whole experience was over :(... But not yet!!!
The next book I will be reading will be:
"How to convince a boy to kiss you"
by the lovely:
Tara Eglington
I went onto the Facebook page for Aurora Skye and her Find a prince program and she posted this:
Today was a big day, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You finally went to print. Its an amazing thing to complete a project that has been close to my heart for about 18 months (about how long ago i put words to paper to craft a sequel). You spend so much time alone with a manuscript as a writer, hoping that the bits that make you laugh, smile and go "Aw" will do the same thing for your readers when they pick up the book themselves. i can't wait to share the story with you all come November 25th
I was so happy when I read what day it comes out...
November 25th!!! MY BIRTHDAY!!! YAY!!!
So, it probably won't be the one that I read next but I will definitely buy it and read it as soon as I see it!!
P.s. Did anybody find Hayden dreamy during the whole book??
Sarah*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2021
Yipes! This one takes the cake for the cringe-worthiest and over the top cheesy romance with quite possibly the most oblivious main character ever.
First off, can we talk about the play? Because that was A MESS. I have been in many plays and musicals in high school, and not one of them were run that poorly. Basically everything the director said he was going to do, all the kids interrupted about five seconds later with all of their ridiculous ideas and interpretations. Not to mention Aurora and her friends sabotaging the entire thing was so inappropriate. Ruining sets, getting paint everywhere, knocking out the lights - it was all so ridiculous and over the top. And why did Aurora care so much about a kissing scene? The entire premise of waiting for her “prince” to kiss her was sort of cute, but also made her seem like she was looking to get married or something. Plus, I wouldn’t consider a kiss for a play to be the same as a kiss in real life. It’s called acting for a reason. Also, I’ve never heard of a high school play put together in 4 weeks (and a Shakespeare play, no less!) or of a director not practicing a scene at all until the dress rehearsal.
The romance was cringe-worthy, mostly because it was so obvious who the secret admirer was. I couldn’t figure out what he liked about her, because I found her to be rude, stuck up, selfish, and kind of bratty. I didn’t care for her friends, or the friend drama that appeared out of nowhere in the last 15 pages.
Maybe I’m being overly critical because of my experience as a thespian, but this did not jive with me at all.
First off, can we talk about the play? Because that was A MESS. I have been in many plays and musicals in high school, and not one of them were run that poorly. Basically everything the director said he was going to do, all the kids interrupted about five seconds later with all of their ridiculous ideas and interpretations. Not to mention Aurora and her friends sabotaging the entire thing was so inappropriate. Ruining sets, getting paint everywhere, knocking out the lights - it was all so ridiculous and over the top. And why did Aurora care so much about a kissing scene? The entire premise of waiting for her “prince” to kiss her was sort of cute, but also made her seem like she was looking to get married or something. Plus, I wouldn’t consider a kiss for a play to be the same as a kiss in real life. It’s called acting for a reason. Also, I’ve never heard of a high school play put together in 4 weeks (and a Shakespeare play, no less!) or of a director not practicing a scene at all until the dress rehearsal.
The romance was cringe-worthy, mostly because it was so obvious who the secret admirer was. I couldn’t figure out what he liked about her, because I found her to be rude, stuck up, selfish, and kind of bratty. I didn’t care for her friends, or the friend drama that appeared out of nowhere in the last 15 pages.
Maybe I’m being overly critical because of my experience as a thespian, but this did not jive with me at all.
July 30, 2016
Omg omg omg I'm in love with this book SO MUCH. From start to finish it's just perfect and brilliant and amazing and un-put-downable and aaahhh I shipped Hayden and Aurora SO HARD from the get go. I love Hayden to bits omg, he's the best ever, and right now I sound like a 13 year old fangirl and I DON'T CARE because I'm that much in love with Hayden. Siiiigh. Also the writing in general is just awesome, it's quite a long book but SUCH a fast read and just so fabulous. I feel like I need to buy a physical copy now so I can read it heaps and also lend it to my bestie so she can read it too. To Amazon I go!
(The NAD is hilarious as well.)
(The NAD is hilarious as well.)
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