First Kisses and Other Misfortunes

Grimbaud #1.5

by Kimberly Karalius

In Kimberly Karalius's First Kisses and Other Misfortunes, two boys discover that true love is harder than it looks, even in the charming town of Grimbaud, in this lovely novella from the author of Love Fortunes and Other Disasters.

Nico is worried. Again. After freeing Martin from the illegal love charms of his evil ex-girlfriend, Nico was sure that their love would be the perfect romance he'd been waiting for. But it's been months and Nico's still waiting for his first kiss. Between Martin's dedication to student government and Nico's responsibilities at his family's tourism business, there's been no time for romance or kisses. Fortunately, the Canal Festival is coming up and like all Grimbaud events, it will be filled with romance...especially the Water Parade, Nico's favorite part. And this year, Nico will be the captain of his own small boat! It's the perfect opportunity for a romantic (and hopefully kiss-filled) date with his boyfriend. There's just one small problem: Martin is afraid of drowning. Will Nico's dreams of a romantic first kiss be sunk before they are even launched?

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary, Fantasy, Ebooks, Young Adult Contemporary

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2016

About the author

Kimberly Karalius is the author of LOVE FORTUNES AND OTHER DISASTERS and its sequel LOVE CHARMS AND OTHER CATASTROPHES. If you gave her a wish bone, she would wish fervently for snow in Florida. Living in Florida certainly has one big perk: going to Disney World. Which she does. Frequently.

Kimberly holds an MFA in fiction from the University of South Florida. Her fiction has appeared in literary journals such as Luna Station Quarterly, The Medulla Review, and Hogglepot. Her chapbook, POCKET FOREST, was published by Deathless Press in August 2013.

Reviews

[Kika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absurdly cute. I love these two little idiots.

[Catherine Tinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A buddy of mine saw Martin Pauwels take his shirt off, and he said that Martin Pauwels had an 8-pack. That Martin Pauwels is shredded.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute short story and good representation of a teenage boy couple. I was just happy to be back in Grimbaud.

[Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
I probably should have read the first book before this one but it was free and gay so...

[Marianne (Boricuan Bookworms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.S. While it’s listed as book #3 in Goodreads, it seems more as book #1.5 for me. It can even be read as a prequel if you don’t mind slight spoilers and want to have a “feel” as to what this series is really about! You have nothing to lose, plus it’s FREE! 

Boricuan Bookworms- Book Reviews

I thought this was a short but sweet read. Nico & Martin are a really complicated couple, so I loved that this story was told in both POVs.

It’s such a sweet story about these two boys trying to be comfortable with who they really are and accepting each other. When we first start the book, we aren’t even entirely sure if Martin even likes boys, so seeing him trying to understand his feelings towards Nico was very sweet. From the first book in this series, we already know Nico likes Martin, but here we get to see him evaluate if he likes him for who he is, or for the image he had in his head.

I thought each boy individually was absolutely wonderful, so seeing them slowly fall for each other was so cute! No joke, I ship them SO HARD. I was rooting for them to get together because I could see how much they actually liked each other and I was ready to lock them in a room together so they COULD FINALLY GET TOGETHER. 

Overall, this was such a cute read. There’s even a bit a drama thrown in to make the book all the more exciting, which I loved. I wish I could’ve read more! I’m so glad this was a free read on Amazon. It totally helped me in the wait for book two in the series.

3.5 stars

My Amazon Review.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Kisses and Other Misfortunes is one of those super-sweet books you just devour. It helps that it's a novella, too, so you can literally devour it in one go! But first, before you get excited and go and buy it (and do go and buy it because as I type it is FREE), you must read Love, Fortunes and Other Disasters first. You'll thank me later, because you need to read Fallon's story before you read Nico's.

As I said, this is just a short novella, but it's so good to see Nico get his story! I loved him in Love, Fortunes and Other Disasters, and I just wanted him to get his happy-ever-after with Martin, but Martin is so awkward and Nico is such a worrier and oh, bless them, you just want them to kiss and GET IT OVER WITH DAMN IT. But I could understand why both boys were so shy! Martin had that whole awful experience in Love, Fortunes and Other Disasters, and Nico could hardly believe his luck that Martin wanted to be with him. That just equals all kinds of awkward and cute.

Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed First Kisses and Other Misfortunes. It's whet my appetite perfectly for Love, Charms and Other Catastrophes, even though we barely saw Kiriji or Fallon, but it was a lovely little filler between the first two books and I still absolutely adore Nico. He's a darling!

[Tim Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure what I'm reviewing, otherwise it would have merited a fifth star.

I read Nico and Martin's tale. It was sweet with just enough odd-worldness to make me curious, but not so much I had to suspend too much disbelief. Nico and Martin rate 5 stars.

After their tale came a tale set before it in time, all about Fallon, and a time before Nico and Martin had their previous adventure. That tale, too, is worth 5 stars.

I dropped to 4 stars because of the weird order they were presented in.

The thing is, I'd like to know more about Nico and Martin and their friends, but I don't trust the author to present them in a timeline I can work with as a reader. So this is my first and last venture into her worlds

[fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so freaking cute and I loved reading about Nico and Martin and their relationship, because they are SO freaking cute, and this novella just secured my love for this series and this world.

I love these characters and how deeply they care for each other, and I love the complexity of their relationships despite how easy everything seems for them. They're honestly some of the cutest characters I've ever read about and I don't know how to not use the word "cute" while writing a review for the books in this series, because this series is the word "cute" personified, but in book form. I loved this so much.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always so hard for me to rate short stories and novellas, because they are inevitably over too soon for my liking. It was cute though. It focused on Nico and Martin, but I was happy that Anais, Fallon and Bear at least made cameos (what about Sebastian?!). They were adorable, emotional, and awkward. But it worked out in the end. Was a nice addition to the Grimbaud series...and it was free, so hurrah! Thanks for that!

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Kisses and Other Misfortunes is a read for those who fear anything grand. Sure, something as grand as true love can be as daunting as the open ocean, but that’s the beauty of it.

Full review on my book blog: http://wp.me/p4gfJt-xd (Will be up on March 1!)

[Mish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6 stars
It was kind of awkward cos I haven't read the first two books yet... This is good, I like how things and happenings were fitted into a novella. But it didn't immersed me on the story well.

[Kate Evangelista · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the cutest stories I've read this year. You should meet Nico and Martin. The ebook is currently free to download. :)

[Angel (Bookish_Angel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book makes me want to read more homo romances that are hopefully as good as this one.

[Meegy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this novella, I think that I may actually get the rest in the series as it sounds right up my alley.

[Ajita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story about Nico and Martin!

[Dee Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished it in one sitting. Gave it 3.5/5⭐️ for this. I always love Nico from the first book so i got excited when i found out she wrote a novella based on him.
This book make my stomach ache, you know when you read something a bit sad and your stomach clenching or something? Probably just me but i like this book make me feels.

[Carmina Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope this book was longer but that was a good good read nonetheless. The two lovebirds were so relatable I may have cried a little on that pool scene. Hah!

[Nina Caps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin and Nico's story is so cute!!! I love them both so much!!!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella featuring Nico and Martin, taking place between books 1 and 2 in the series.

[Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

😐this was all about a first kiss

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story/novella that follows Nico the summer after book one.
Again, I thought it was very cute and fluffy. I really did enjoy getting to know some side characters from the first book even better. I wish it was longer because I just wanted more, but it was a really good novella.
It was also free for Kindle on Amazon, and that never hurts.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Fable's LibraryOH MY GAWSH! THIS! JUST THIS! Swoon Reads is really good at publishing swoon worthy stories so if you love swooning like me, READ THEIR BOOKS!

Okay before I get to my review, I just want to admit that I am a in LOVE with Love Fortunes and Other Disasters AND the covers for these lovely stories.

Ok, now that THAT is over with. This says Grimbaud #3 but it could be #1.5 :) it has spoilers for SOME things that happen in book 1 but it could be read whenever.


What I Liked
While this book was short, it was free and sent out on Valentine's Day (HOW PERFECT!), it managed to be 100% adorable and swoon worthy. Two of my favorite things :D! AND there was a preview for Love Charms and Other Catastrophes (the preview is amazing, I HAVE to pre-order it oh my gaaawsh!)!

Nico and Martin are certified adorable. I swear to you! I SWEAR IT! I ship them. One of my favorite things about this novella was definitely the rotating points of view. Martin and Nico are so very different and I liked that :). We got a chance to wiggle into their brain (uh, maybe not that because THAT sounds creepy) and see all of their feelings for each other. I love Martin and Nico together, let's be real here. They are meant for each other :)



So Camille is back and she is this stories baddie. Again. COME ON CAMILLE MOVE ON! She is just so UGH. I cannot believe that girl. But she is a good addition to this novella XD she keeps it interesting and heart breaking and also, heart pounding. My goodness that girl is OUT FOR BLOOD.

I LOVE (man I just love a lot about these books XD) Kimberly Karalius! AND THIS IS THIRD PERSON, I LOVE THIRD PERSON WITH A BURNING PASSION! Ok. I don't know was else to say other than 1. The writing is just SO amazing and 2. GET THIS BOOK (and the first book and the second book) NOW :D

MAGICAL REALISM. NEED I SAY MORE?

The preview for the next book is amazing :)!
Fable's Final Thoughts
Seriously though, First Kisses and Other Misfortunes is really really cute, and if you like cute read it! Kimberly Karalius blew me away again XD. But yeah, like I said, I definitely recommend these books :)

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story, right in-between book 1 and 2 of this series. <3 Romance, swimming, boats, and more!

So, there I was, browsing Twitter and seeing if there was any awesome book/other stuff that I would like. And then, BAM, I found a tweet about this book. Stating it was a free short story, and of course by the looks of the cover (and by the writer), I knew this was a story from the Grimbaud series! I immediately downloaded it, and I was gone for the next +/- 15 minutes (which apparently my boyfriend found funny, since I totally didn't respond to anything during reading).

Now to the book, this book is a Dual POV about Nico and Martin. Our two guys from the first book. Everyone who read the first book just knows how much Nico was after Martin, how hard he tried to break the charm holding Martin to his girlfriend. This book is a direct continuation, and for most of the book it is just a cute, fluffy read. Well, there were some points that were about the problems they had in their relationship. They are still pretty new to the whole boy x boy thing, especially Martin, and Nico is worrying about several things. Like their first kiss, or romance, or if their relationship will truly work. And then we have Martin who worries about other stuff.

Of course it also doesn't help when our evil queen bee who we thought was gone, returns to the town for a summer vacation. You can imagine the feelings and thoughts of Nico when he spots his boyfriend with this evil woman.

We also have one scary event happening (I won't spoil what of course), but for most this book is just adorable, and I just kept cheering for Martin, and for Nico. Hoping that they would finally kiss, would finally be able to have a good romance, because believe me, these 2 characters deserve that more than anyone else after the events of the last book.

I really loved this book, and how, even with the POV change to Nico and Martin, it felt like I never left their world, like we just ran through a few months, but everything else is right there. The fortunes, the conclusions to what happened in the last book, the effects that has on the town, the town (I just loved the town), the fun characters we also saw in the previous book.

And of course, I am sucker for good romance, and let me just say that those pool scenes (while at times a bit stressy) were very very yes, please, more of that. :D

The ending, and what happens there. Oh dear *swoons*, it was just so adorable. Again, no spoilers, just read this book (make sure to read the first book though). So what are you waiting for? Are you looking for a cute novella (with adorable cover btw), go read this one!

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often find it difficult to rate short stories. Especially if i find one i really like, and all too soon its over. I found that with this one. I was so into the story i hadnt even realised i was at the end which was so disappointing as there could of been so much more to this. I understand this is part of a series and to be honest i have not read any of the others but from reading various reviews, each book is based on different characters. It was refreshing to read about a gay couple as its not something touched upon very often. I think i have read 1 other book in fiction covering gay couples.
I found Nico and Martin so adorably cute. This book tells it from both of their points of view which i felt worked really well. As we progress through we get to know them both and got a chance to see how they felt about one another. Both are very different and it was lovely to add the Swimming lessons. With vindictive ex girlfriend Camille on the scene, will she cause trouble for them both or can they see through her?.
This was an easy read and captures the audience perfectly. There is enough going on throughout the story with its twists and turns that i really could of kept reading. My absolute favourite part was Eva's line whille out shopping with Martin.... "I want waffles," she said. "Two waffles." One for each cheek pouch. " She poked her round, pink cheeks to emphasize the point.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story is about Nico and Martin. Two boys dealing with a new and tenuous relationship; Nico with his insecurities, and Martin working through his feelings and fears after being the victim of a love charm. Although a short story-and not having read the other books in the series-there was enough backstory that made this a sweet, cute, and enjoyable read. The Grimbaud series was something that came up on some booktube channes I follow. I decided to check them out, well that, and I also thought the covers were really adorable. This free novella gave me the chance to experience the writing, so I've already ordered the other books and . Hopefully these guys make an appearance.

[rachel, x · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to try this little novella because Nico was my favourite character in Love Fortunes and Other Disasters. Unfortunately, Karalius has a very unusual way of letting her stories unfold and I found it difficult - again - to completely understand what was happening in certain moments. Nico, though, definitely made up for it - for the most part. He’s so adorable! I just love him. Martin is a little peculiar and was much harder to get a read on but I became quite fond of him by the end of the story. I definitely ship these two characters. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them as a couple in the sequels!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 77 pages but still an adorable read. Wish Nico and Martin had a 232 page book dedicated to their story, but the free ebook novella helped with the sting of disappointment.
Enjoyed the short story with all the Grimbald characters, even the scheming Camille made an important plot appearance.
Love how Nico is not the perfect male protoprotagonist with his genetically thinning hair and scars, even Martin has flaws of anxiety and living in his head instead of speaking his thoughts...
Can't wait to read Hijiri's story next!

[Meg Matthias · Rating 4 out of 5]

As patently adorable as its predecessor, FIRST KISSES AND OTHER MISFORTUNES brings readers to parts of the lovely city of Grimabud we've never seen before. Though not quite as compelling as LOVE FORTUNES AND OTHER DISASTERS (it is a novella, after all, and the characters are less developed), it's certainly worth the read. Less paper hearts this time around, but still lots to love.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story in between the first and second books

I've never read a GLBT book before. This is my first read and I am definitely sold on the title. Karalius writes compellingly about a couple so in love with each other that you almost forget it's a BL story. Great book for fans of the Grimbaud series :)

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Kimberly Karalius and Swoon Reads for this amazing Valentine's gift.
This book was adorable and I very, very much loved it (and I actually cried a little, because I'm such a cry-baby). I can't wait for Love Charms.