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Fulton U Rivals #2
The Kiss List
If I were on fire, she’d break out the marshmallows.
It’s not that we don’t like each other, more like hate with the fury of a thousand suns. But it wasn’t always that way.
I still remember how her lips tasted. How they felt pressed against mine. How I wanted more.
How I still crave her. Our disastrous night together ended with her storming out, me wondering if I’d ever be able to show my face on campus again and us as bitter enemies.
When a campus competition is announced to find the most in love couple, she’s the last person I thought I’d turn to for help. But the prize could change both our lives. An internship for her and a chance to finally connect with my father. It’s too hard to resist. Just like her heated glares and tempting curves.
To win, we’ve got to prove to everyone we’re a couple. Head over heels, can’t keep our hands off each other in love. Fake the hell out of it for our chance at glory.
Maybe we’re a little too good at selling it to the whole campus because the lines haven’t just been blurred, they've gone up in flames.
Can I convince her I want us to be together for real and keep the prize? Or will I lose them both?
A Fulton U rivals standalone. Explore a whole new campus with the rivals in this enemies to lovers, fake relationship romance.
It’s not that we don’t like each other, more like hate with the fury of a thousand suns. But it wasn’t always that way.
I still remember how her lips tasted. How they felt pressed against mine. How I wanted more.
How I still crave her. Our disastrous night together ended with her storming out, me wondering if I’d ever be able to show my face on campus again and us as bitter enemies.
When a campus competition is announced to find the most in love couple, she’s the last person I thought I’d turn to for help. But the prize could change both our lives. An internship for her and a chance to finally connect with my father. It’s too hard to resist. Just like her heated glares and tempting curves.
To win, we’ve got to prove to everyone we’re a couple. Head over heels, can’t keep our hands off each other in love. Fake the hell out of it for our chance at glory.
Maybe we’re a little too good at selling it to the whole campus because the lines haven’t just been blurred, they've gone up in flames.
Can I convince her I want us to be together for real and keep the prize? Or will I lose them both?
A Fulton U rivals standalone. Explore a whole new campus with the rivals in this enemies to lovers, fake relationship romance.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2022
578 people are currently reading
2294 people want to read
About the author
Maya Hughes
42 books6,289 followersMaya Hughes is an Amazon Top 20 author of swoon worthy, laugh out loud, and emotional new adult and contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 10, 2022
3 STARS
The second these two appeared on the pages of Kiss and Tell I was itching to get my hands on their book. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers and antagonistic banter laden in sexual tension and these two had it in spades. I was dying to figure out their history, because clearly they had one. I was so excited for this book, so truth be told I wasn't fully expecting to like it less than book one.
And though it took me a minute to really get into this story, the second we get the full truth of Cole's secret, I was all in. Cole and Kennedy have history that turned in the matter of one night. Now they hate each other, though we don't know why. I have to say kudos to the author for writing a subject matter that you won't often find in romance, and doing so realistically. I really appreciate having a hero with faults like this simply because you don't often see it. It was refreshingly different.
Kennedy took a bit to warm up to. She clearly has trauma from watching her parents volatile relationship and has let it define who she is when it comes to men. This is why she's not interested in anything beyond a casual hookup.
The whole premise of the puppy love competition and fake dating to win it wasn't my favorite, but it was cute. I loved watching these two fall for each other. This was really a solid four star read for me, until the last third of the book. To have these two fall apart for the same reason for the second time was just too much. It was over the top dramatics for me and took me out of the romance entirely. And while I loved Cole's grand gesture, considering all of their issues, it wrapped up entirely too quick to be believable or satisfying.
The other thing is Coach Mikelson. At this point the man is basically a villainous caricature and I'm entirely over him. Honestly I was over him in book one, but to continue to have him as the main driving force of the drama in each book is tiresome at this point. I hope that we can move past this in book three, because if I have to keep reading about this man, I don't think I'd be able to continue with the series. I love Maya Hughes books, and I adore her sports romance. I didn't dislike this book, but I also didn't love it either. It took me a few days to finish, and that's telling in itself. Was it cute? Sure. Is it something I'd ever come back to? No.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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I wanted her. I craved her. I needed her.
The second these two appeared on the pages of Kiss and Tell I was itching to get my hands on their book. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers and antagonistic banter laden in sexual tension and these two had it in spades. I was dying to figure out their history, because clearly they had one. I was so excited for this book, so truth be told I wasn't fully expecting to like it less than book one.
And though it took me a minute to really get into this story, the second we get the full truth of Cole's secret, I was all in. Cole and Kennedy have history that turned in the matter of one night. Now they hate each other, though we don't know why. I have to say kudos to the author for writing a subject matter that you won't often find in romance, and doing so realistically. I really appreciate having a hero with faults like this simply because you don't often see it. It was refreshingly different.
Kennedy took a bit to warm up to. She clearly has trauma from watching her parents volatile relationship and has let it define who she is when it comes to men. This is why she's not interested in anything beyond a casual hookup.
The whole premise of the puppy love competition and fake dating to win it wasn't my favorite, but it was cute. I loved watching these two fall for each other. This was really a solid four star read for me, until the last third of the book. To have these two fall apart for the same reason for the second time was just too much. It was over the top dramatics for me and took me out of the romance entirely. And while I loved Cole's grand gesture, considering all of their issues, it wrapped up entirely too quick to be believable or satisfying.
The other thing is Coach Mikelson. At this point the man is basically a villainous caricature and I'm entirely over him. Honestly I was over him in book one, but to continue to have him as the main driving force of the drama in each book is tiresome at this point. I hope that we can move past this in book three, because if I have to keep reading about this man, I don't think I'd be able to continue with the series. I love Maya Hughes books, and I adore her sports romance. I didn't dislike this book, but I also didn't love it either. It took me a few days to finish, and that's telling in itself. Was it cute? Sure. Is it something I'd ever come back to? No.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 1, 2025
4 stars
The Kiss List is a fun enemies to lovers/sports romance that brings just enough feels. Cole and Kennedy are a great couple with fantastic banter.
The Kiss List is a fun enemies to lovers/sports romance that brings just enough feels. Cole and Kennedy are a great couple with fantastic banter.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Stephen Dexter & Desiree Ketchum
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 56m
March 2, 2022
“For you, I'm willing to be anything.”
The Kiss List is the second installment in Maya Hughes's new series St. Francis U. It follows Kennedy and Cole, who were introduced in Reid and Leona's story. After their night together ended very awkwardly, Kennedy and Cole developed a mutual hatred for each other. Months after, they must join forces to win a campus competition because the prize is too big to pass up and could change their lives. The problem is that if they want to win, they have to make everyone believe that they are a couple.
The few crumbs we got about Kennedy and Cole in Kiss and Tell, especially the ending, made me really want to read their book. Once again, Maya Hughes has me obsessed with her new couple, and I enjoyed their story so much! The faking dating aspect of their relationship was well-developed, and the execution felt very natural. I'm already so attached to the St. Francis U universe and its characters, so the next installments are definitely among my most anticipated releases!
Kennedy is a wonderful and endearing character. She is fierce, determined, and knows what she wants. She's not afraid to speak up, including to Cole, who doesn't intimidate her, and I loved that. Cole is just as charming as Kennedy! I wasn't expecting his story to be that touching, but he is hiding a lot of hurt from his family situation. Cole is also very selfless, whether it's with his best friends or Kennedy, so it's impossible not to fall in love with him.
Both Kennedy and Cole are insecure about relationships and love in general because of their respective family situations. That made the development of their relationship even more interesting, and it was great to see them overcome some of their fears. The dynamic between Cole and Kennedy was very explosive, and they had such strong chemistry. I loved all their moments together. They were communicative with each other, honest, and cared deeply about each other! Their little displays of affection were seriously so cute, and you could see that it was starting to get more and more real between them.
What I also really liked about The Kiss List was the friendship between the characters. The group is very tight and supportive of each other, and it's impossible not to fall in love with all of them. Maya Hughes continues to tease the secondary characters and future installments. It keeps the story intriguing and entertaining, and I'm really looking forward to reading Ezra and Willa's book. I'm so obsessed with Ezra's broody, mysterious but caring attitude, and I'm so happy his book is coming next!! I'm also curious about Griff and Hollis.
Overall, Kennedy and Cole's story was a very enjoyable read. They shared many hot moments but also emotional ones, which is all I like in a book. The tropes were well-executed, and Kennedy and Cole's chemistry was addictive!! I seriously can't wait for Ezra's book. He had me in a chokehold since book 1 🥵
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 3, 2022
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I love reading about a close group of friends or family and those are always my favorite series. Maya Hughes really knows how to depict that close friendship that makes me want to devour every character's story and this book was no different. The focus was obviously on Cole and Kennedy but we also got a lot of scenes with their group of friends and it was so fun seeing how those side characters reacted to the fake relationship.
But on to the main characters of this book, I couldn't keep the smile off my face seeing Cole and Kennedy fight with so much sexual tension between them. I just knew their chemistry would explode into some fiery sparks and I was so right! Even through them fighting you could see the heat between them. Definitely worth reading even if you're not a fan of enemies to lovers because this book was so much more than that. The angst had me on the edge of my seat and the sweetness that came later had me swooning.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I love reading about a close group of friends or family and those are always my favorite series. Maya Hughes really knows how to depict that close friendship that makes me want to devour every character's story and this book was no different. The focus was obviously on Cole and Kennedy but we also got a lot of scenes with their group of friends and it was so fun seeing how those side characters reacted to the fake relationship.
But on to the main characters of this book, I couldn't keep the smile off my face seeing Cole and Kennedy fight with so much sexual tension between them. I just knew their chemistry would explode into some fiery sparks and I was so right! Even through them fighting you could see the heat between them. Definitely worth reading even if you're not a fan of enemies to lovers because this book was so much more than that. The angst had me on the edge of my seat and the sweetness that came later had me swooning.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
But when is it gonna be MY time to fake date someone, only to end up really falling in love?
Tropes: fake dating, kinda second chance romance, sports romance, found family trope.
The Kiss List, The second installment in the Fulton U Rivals series, brings us nothing more and nothing less than hilarious shenanigans, sexy times, a swoon-worthy romance, and a little bit of angst...just to keep you on your toes, you know. Kennedy and Cole are definitely not the best of friends. In fact, everyone all know they can't stand each other and love to throw barbs at each other every chance they get, so imagine their friends reaction when they see the two of them acting like a married couple? jaw on the ground. The Puppy Love competition offered two prizes that they didn't want, but NEEDED to win, so with a shared past that no one knew about, they were willing to fake it until they made it. And then things got very real for two people with a lot of emotional issues.
I was surprised by the background of Cole and Kennedy. They both unknowingly came from dysfunctional families, and those shaped them into the adults they are today, bringing a lot of unresolved issues to the table, which ultimately grew them both up. Wariness towards love may be one of the ONLY things they had in common, but in the end, with a few fights and romantic gestures, they got over it too. We also got to see a bit more about the group of friends here, and how knit tight they are, so great found family trope! I definitely can't wait for the next guys to tell their stories, and especially Ezra and his "mysterious girl" from Fulton U.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
“Fake love, I could try because real love lead to nothing more than heartbreak.”
Tropes: fake dating, kinda second chance romance, sports romance, found family trope.
The Kiss List, The second installment in the Fulton U Rivals series, brings us nothing more and nothing less than hilarious shenanigans, sexy times, a swoon-worthy romance, and a little bit of angst...just to keep you on your toes, you know. Kennedy and Cole are definitely not the best of friends. In fact, everyone all know they can't stand each other and love to throw barbs at each other every chance they get, so imagine their friends reaction when they see the two of them acting like a married couple? jaw on the ground. The Puppy Love competition offered two prizes that they didn't want, but NEEDED to win, so with a shared past that no one knew about, they were willing to fake it until they made it. And then things got very real for two people with a lot of emotional issues.
I was surprised by the background of Cole and Kennedy. They both unknowingly came from dysfunctional families, and those shaped them into the adults they are today, bringing a lot of unresolved issues to the table, which ultimately grew them both up. Wariness towards love may be one of the ONLY things they had in common, but in the end, with a few fights and romantic gestures, they got over it too. We also got to see a bit more about the group of friends here, and how knit tight they are, so great found family trope! I definitely can't wait for the next guys to tell their stories, and especially Ezra and his "mysterious girl" from Fulton U.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2022
Maya Hughes's The Kiss List gives all the hate-to-want-you vibes! Kennedy and Cole’s romance is sweet, fun, sexy and so very swoony.
- I loved both Cole and Kennedy. They were both broken in their own way. Cole felt all alone but embraced Kennedy's nurturing side. Kennedy is now one of my favorite heroines. She was all about the fake it till you make it and wouldn't accept defeat. I liked watching them grow individually and as a couple. There wasn't one thing I didn't like about them.
★ Hero/heroin: 👤👤👤👤👤
- I really liked going back to St. Francis U and loved getting updates on all the gang. If it were possible, I would love to go to this university.
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
- I really liked all the cute and fun ways they professed their fake love and afterward their real love. Their banter was great and they were an adorable couple and I liked how their story evolved.
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕++
- And talk about sparks, these two had it in spades! They actually had too much. So much that it caused a misunderstanding, the ensuing rift and animosity. But when they finally got their act together it was smoking hot.
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- I really enjoyed the plot, the enemies to lovers and fake relationship are of my favorite tropes. And that flashback to 10 Things I Hate About You and all the other stunts they pulled were great. But... BUT... I was disappointed with the ending regarding one of the supporting characters.
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Genre: New Adult
Tropes:
➵enemies to lovers
➵sports romance
➵fake relationship
Other info: standalone romance, dual POV, happy ending
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3K7j6P5
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
- I loved both Cole and Kennedy. They were both broken in their own way. Cole felt all alone but embraced Kennedy's nurturing side. Kennedy is now one of my favorite heroines. She was all about the fake it till you make it and wouldn't accept defeat. I liked watching them grow individually and as a couple. There wasn't one thing I didn't like about them.
★ Hero/heroin: 👤👤👤👤👤
- I really liked going back to St. Francis U and loved getting updates on all the gang. If it were possible, I would love to go to this university.
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
- I really liked all the cute and fun ways they professed their fake love and afterward their real love. Their banter was great and they were an adorable couple and I liked how their story evolved.
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕++
- And talk about sparks, these two had it in spades! They actually had too much. So much that it caused a misunderstanding, the ensuing rift and animosity. But when they finally got their act together it was smoking hot.
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- I really enjoyed the plot, the enemies to lovers and fake relationship are of my favorite tropes. And that flashback to 10 Things I Hate About You and all the other stunts they pulled were great. But... BUT... I was disappointed with the ending regarding one of the supporting characters.
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Genre: New Adult
Tropes:
➵enemies to lovers
➵sports romance
➵fake relationship
Other info: standalone romance, dual POV, happy ending
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3K7j6P5
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
March 4, 2022
Apparently I'm in a mood. My ratings have been TRASH... 2.5 ⭐ no boosting. I'm not sure if I should continue the series.
💗 I wish Cole and Kennedy's angst was drawn out more, because that was the only chemistry that had.
💗 If you enjoy steam like I do, then you won't find it here.
💗 I couldn't get over the ridiculous Puppy Love competition. There were two possible prizes and the chosen couple had to choose which one they wanted. To win, you had to display extreme levels of "puppy love" on campus (signs, serenading, airplane messages), and people voted on their favorite couple. Sounds somewhat reasonable... right?
Prizes:
1) some golf trip and signed football memorabilia. Idk. Cole wanted it to become closer to his father...
2) week long trip to Paris and Fashion Week tickets. Kennedy loved fashion and wanted to go on the trip with her little sister, who's stuck at home with her terrible parents. (When has trauma dumping become acceptable in romances? Just wondering.)
I don't understand college sports romances anymore. I feel like authors try to one up what's already been done, thinking it'll be entertaining, unique, niche, etc., but it's literally not. It doesn't have to be so realistically close to the college environment but yikes. I'm imagining walking on my college's quad seeing this puppy love bullshit. Smh.
(If I somehow signed up for this Puppy Love competition and I won, then 100% I'd choose the Paris trip. Golf > Paris ??? As if. )
💗 I wish Cole and Kennedy's angst was drawn out more, because that was the only chemistry that had.
💗 If you enjoy steam like I do, then you won't find it here.
💗 I couldn't get over the ridiculous Puppy Love competition. There were two possible prizes and the chosen couple had to choose which one they wanted. To win, you had to display extreme levels of "puppy love" on campus (signs, serenading, airplane messages), and people voted on their favorite couple. Sounds somewhat reasonable... right?
Prizes:
1) some golf trip and signed football memorabilia. Idk. Cole wanted it to become closer to his father...
2) week long trip to Paris and Fashion Week tickets. Kennedy loved fashion and wanted to go on the trip with her little sister, who's stuck at home with her terrible parents. (When has trauma dumping become acceptable in romances? Just wondering.)
I don't understand college sports romances anymore. I feel like authors try to one up what's already been done, thinking it'll be entertaining, unique, niche, etc., but it's literally not. It doesn't have to be so realistically close to the college environment but yikes. I'm imagining walking on my college's quad seeing this puppy love bullshit. Smh.
(If I somehow signed up for this Puppy Love competition and I won, then 100% I'd choose the Paris trip. Golf > Paris ??? As if. )
April 19, 2022
I don’t even know where to begin with.
The only thing I know for sure is that Maya did it again: She created another mind-blowing story I wasn’t able to put down for a second!
This story is funny, sexy and so much more.
Cole and Kennedy are just too much to handle, they will bring you to your knees in a matter of a few pages.
It’s a rollercoaster of emotions you won’t be able to get ride off , not for a long time.
I won’t spoiler anything, I think you should go into this one blindly and just trust the story, it will lead you to a crazy place you won’t ever want to leave.
I can’t wait to see what this series has to offer next! I’ll be right here patiently waiting.
I gave it absolutely 5 stars
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I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *
March 3, 2022
After the little nugget was dropped in the first book in the series, KISS AND TELL, about Cole and Kennedy suddenly becoming a couple when all we saw throughout the book was the barbs they would throw at one another I knew I had to get my hands on their book and see what was going on. Not only is this an Enemies2Lovers Fake Romance but it's also a Second Chance Romance! Which I absolutely loved.
This story was filled with a LOT of angst and it was coming from all ends, Kennedy's family, Coach Mikelson, secrets being kept, etc. at points I felt it was to much and would have preferred if it was toned down a bit, it could just be the mood I'm currently in because I usually enjoy all the angst. There was also HUGE secret that Cole was keeping and for some reason I caught onto it rather quickly, which meant I wasn't all that surprised when it was finally revealed, and while I would love to get into why it bothered me that he was keeping this a secret from his friends I won't do that because it would be a big spoiler.
The chemistry between Cole and Kennedy was great, I loved how self assured Kennedy was in her own skin (except when it came to Cole) and that the big football player was a little less secure (when it came to Kennedy). To say that Kennedy and Cole had things to work through before they could turn their fake relationship real would be an understatement but hey they had five weeks to figure things out and win the Puppy Love Contest that the school was having...easy peasy, right!?!
If you enjoy College Romances, Steamy New Adult Romances, Football Romances, Fake Relationship Romances, Second Chance Romances or Enemies to Lovers Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an #Excerpt here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewTKL
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
This story was filled with a LOT of angst and it was coming from all ends, Kennedy's family, Coach Mikelson, secrets being kept, etc. at points I felt it was to much and would have preferred if it was toned down a bit, it could just be the mood I'm currently in because I usually enjoy all the angst. There was also HUGE secret that Cole was keeping and for some reason I caught onto it rather quickly, which meant I wasn't all that surprised when it was finally revealed, and while I would love to get into why it bothered me that he was keeping this a secret from his friends I won't do that because it would be a big spoiler.
The chemistry between Cole and Kennedy was great, I loved how self assured Kennedy was in her own skin (except when it came to Cole) and that the big football player was a little less secure (when it came to Kennedy). To say that Kennedy and Cole had things to work through before they could turn their fake relationship real would be an understatement but hey they had five weeks to figure things out and win the Puppy Love Contest that the school was having...easy peasy, right!?!
If you enjoy College Romances, Steamy New Adult Romances, Football Romances, Fake Relationship Romances, Second Chance Romances or Enemies to Lovers Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an #Excerpt here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewTKL
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
February 22, 2022
The Kiss List is Cole and Kennedy’s story that I’ve been anticipating so much ever since they were first introduced in the previous book!!
Fake-dating is one of my top favorite tropes and I really enjoyed the way it was incorporated into this story. Cole and Kennedy have this hate-to-love feelings going on and we first get a glimpse of it in the previous book but now we know more about the reason why. Both have very fierce personalities that when they come together it’s just explosive. They feel emotions strongly and that’s something I really related to with both of them.
Cole and Kennedy’s story is such an enjoyable read if you’re looking for some hate-to-love and fake dating vibes! They have amazing chemistry that’s written to be captivating. Maya Hughes always surprises me in the best way and these characters are so memorable. Also Maya never fails to incorporate the side characters in an intriguing way! I can’t wait for the next book and what’s to come of this series.
Fake-dating is one of my top favorite tropes and I really enjoyed the way it was incorporated into this story. Cole and Kennedy have this hate-to-love feelings going on and we first get a glimpse of it in the previous book but now we know more about the reason why. Both have very fierce personalities that when they come together it’s just explosive. They feel emotions strongly and that’s something I really related to with both of them.
Cole and Kennedy’s story is such an enjoyable read if you’re looking for some hate-to-love and fake dating vibes! They have amazing chemistry that’s written to be captivating. Maya Hughes always surprises me in the best way and these characters are so memorable. Also Maya never fails to incorporate the side characters in an intriguing way! I can’t wait for the next book and what’s to come of this series.
March 4, 2022
The Kiss List is the second book of the Fulton U Rivals and tells the story of Cole and Kennedy. I've been really excited to find out more about the two of them ever since Kiss and Tell because I just knew there was something more to them than the hatred we saw. And once more Maya didn't disappoint.
Cole is a football player who is passionate about the game and his friends, but he's also struggling with some deeply rooted insecurities and sadness that he hasn't dealt with in the best way. He wants a chance for his father to see him as the man he is, just as he wants to see his father as the person his mother described, which leads him to enlist in a contest made for couples.
Kennedy has had a complicated family life growing up, but she's managed to turn things around enough to give herself the opportunity to have a better life. She's a sweet girl, strong and dedicated, and gives up everything to help those she cares for, whether it's her little sister or her close friends, that have become family.
The hate between the two started with a misunderstanding born from Cole's fear of being a disappointment and Kennedy's worry that she isn't good enough (I'll leave the actual details for the book, but it's good), and while miscommunication tends to not be my thing, in this case it is realistic. Unfortunately, so is what came next, which drew the pair even more apart for the following months until the contest. Out of necessity, the two decide to pretend to be together only for long enough to win the prize, which soon becomes impossible. The feelings they shared before are quickly heightened as they get to know each other better and deal with what pulled them apart. I love that Maya stayed true to their traumas and gave them according reactions, despite how frustrating they were while reading. Ultimately, Cole and Kennedy's relationship is based on trust. The are sweet and soft on one hand, while hot and intense on the other, and their chemistry is amazing.
There is also a secret revealed that I called in the first book, but it was still both great and heartbreaking.
True to Maya's fashion, the group of friends and their daily life are highly connected with the main characters, which makes us not only fall in love with this found family but also incredibly close to what comes next. I can't wait for Ezra's book.
4.5
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Cole is a football player who is passionate about the game and his friends, but he's also struggling with some deeply rooted insecurities and sadness that he hasn't dealt with in the best way. He wants a chance for his father to see him as the man he is, just as he wants to see his father as the person his mother described, which leads him to enlist in a contest made for couples.
Kennedy has had a complicated family life growing up, but she's managed to turn things around enough to give herself the opportunity to have a better life. She's a sweet girl, strong and dedicated, and gives up everything to help those she cares for, whether it's her little sister or her close friends, that have become family.
The hate between the two started with a misunderstanding born from Cole's fear of being a disappointment and Kennedy's worry that she isn't good enough (I'll leave the actual details for the book, but it's good), and while miscommunication tends to not be my thing, in this case it is realistic. Unfortunately, so is what came next, which drew the pair even more apart for the following months until the contest. Out of necessity, the two decide to pretend to be together only for long enough to win the prize, which soon becomes impossible. The feelings they shared before are quickly heightened as they get to know each other better and deal with what pulled them apart. I love that Maya stayed true to their traumas and gave them according reactions, despite how frustrating they were while reading. Ultimately, Cole and Kennedy's relationship is based on trust. The are sweet and soft on one hand, while hot and intense on the other, and their chemistry is amazing.
There is also a secret revealed that I called in the first book, but it was still both great and heartbreaking.
True to Maya's fashion, the group of friends and their daily life are highly connected with the main characters, which makes us not only fall in love with this found family but also incredibly close to what comes next. I can't wait for Ezra's book.
4.5
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 3, 2022
arc kindly provided by the author
after the ending of the first book, i was super interested in knowing what was happening between cole and kennedy. i knew they had to be fake dating because they hated each other too much to start dating out of nowhere.
after a (kinda funny) misunderstanding, cole and kennedy hated each other and everyone knew, but in order to win a competition they start fake dating. i enjoyed this part a lot, but i loved that they talked about the misunderstanding early. i was afraid it was going to drag until the end, but they had great communication and this aspect was great. i loved that cole opened up to kennedy and didn’t push her away when secrets became too big.
kennedy was an amazing heroine! i could relate to her at so many levels. also, i loved that she was plus size (i don’t want to say fat because it wasn’t explicitly said so she could be just curvy, but in my mind i saw a fat girl), and she rocked it. i loved that she got guys after her aside from cole, and that she didn’t have second thoughts about her body and sexuality. also, i love her friendship with the rest of the girls. the friendships/found family in this series is so cute!
the reason why i’m giving this book 3.5 instead of a higher rating is because the third act conflict/break up was unnecessary in my opinion. the could have faced the same problem without breaking up again and for the same reason they had already broken up around the middle of the book. it felt wrong, and by the end, i kinda wanted kennedy to move on. maybe it’s because i know how much your parents relationship shapes you as an adult when it’s toxic, but people don’t change and cole kind of proved it.
i’m happy ezra comes next! and i was totally rooting for hollis and griffin to be a couple but then i saw the series has five books and probably they both get one each lol!
after the ending of the first book, i was super interested in knowing what was happening between cole and kennedy. i knew they had to be fake dating because they hated each other too much to start dating out of nowhere.
after a (kinda funny) misunderstanding, cole and kennedy hated each other and everyone knew, but in order to win a competition they start fake dating. i enjoyed this part a lot, but i loved that they talked about the misunderstanding early. i was afraid it was going to drag until the end, but they had great communication and this aspect was great. i loved that cole opened up to kennedy and didn’t push her away when secrets became too big.
kennedy was an amazing heroine! i could relate to her at so many levels. also, i loved that she was plus size (i don’t want to say fat because it wasn’t explicitly said so she could be just curvy, but in my mind i saw a fat girl), and she rocked it. i loved that she got guys after her aside from cole, and that she didn’t have second thoughts about her body and sexuality. also, i love her friendship with the rest of the girls. the friendships/found family in this series is so cute!
the reason why i’m giving this book 3.5 instead of a higher rating is because the third act conflict/break up was unnecessary in my opinion. the could have faced the same problem without breaking up again and for the same reason they had already broken up around the middle of the book. it felt wrong, and by the end, i kinda wanted kennedy to move on. maybe it’s because i know how much your parents relationship shapes you as an adult when it’s toxic, but people don’t change and cole kind of proved it.
i’m happy ezra comes next! and i was totally rooting for hollis and griffin to be a couple but then i saw the series has five books and probably they both get one each lol!
March 18, 2022
I loved this! I eagerly awaited Cole and Kennedy, and they did not disappoint.
I loved finding out about their past history, I honestly hadn’t expected it 😅 but it makes total sense. I really enjoyed Kennedy, I loved her way of thinking and how she acted. Cole was so cute at times, and other times I wanted to smack him lol. They worked well together though.
The concept for the fake dating honestly wasn’t the strongest but I overlooked that lol. The times they were together were cute enough to.
The climax irritated me, I wish it had been handled differently but I guess I can see why it happened the way it did.
The friend group is great, as always! I’m sooo excited for Ezra, i honestly don’t remember him in FU at all so i may need to reread!
No OW/OM
No virgins
I loved finding out about their past history, I honestly hadn’t expected it 😅 but it makes total sense. I really enjoyed Kennedy, I loved her way of thinking and how she acted. Cole was so cute at times, and other times I wanted to smack him lol. They worked well together though.
The concept for the fake dating honestly wasn’t the strongest but I overlooked that lol. The times they were together were cute enough to.
The climax irritated me, I wish it had been handled differently but I guess I can see why it happened the way it did.
The friend group is great, as always! I’m sooo excited for Ezra, i honestly don’t remember him in FU at all so i may need to reread!
No OW/OM
No virgins
March 8, 2022
4.5 AMAZING STARS.
March 7, 2022
ARC provided by the author in exchange for a 100% honest review
The Kiss List is the second novel in the Fulton U Rivals series, and follows Cole and Kennedy's relationship.
From the last novel, I was intrigued by Cole and Kennedy as they were clear enemies and so I wanted to see more of their dynamic on the page. This novel follows the two of them as they fake-date their way to winning the Puppy Love competition - where couples parade their love for each other on campus for the chance to win a prize of their choosing. Cole and Kennedy both have their eyes on the prize, and need the other in order to win it.
For most of the novel, I enjoyed Cole and Kennedy; their chemistry was good and at times had great banter. Their relationship was simple yet sweet, and I really liked that about them.
The thing that changed this for me was the third act - I don't particularly enjoy when novels are in the last 10% and the conflict arises and is solved in 3 chapters or less, it feels forced and unnatural to me and this was no exception. It also felt very out of character in this particular instance and the whole scene which caused the conflict didn't make sense for that matter.
Because of this, I actually didn't want Cole and Kennedy to end up together by the end of it. I felt that Kennedy was better off leaving Cole and for valid reasons - after an earlier fight, Cole promised Kennedy that he wouldn't raise his voice at her again because her parents fought during her childhood and so that was triggering for her, yet in this third act he seems to have no regard for her feelings and humiliates her. I was so disappointed and honestly struggled to finish the novel because I knew they would end up together again, but I didn't believe that Cole was worthy of being redeemed nor did I think Kennedy should have settled for being treated that way.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel at first and really liked Cole and Kennedy, however that changed towards the end of the novel and I have been left with a sour taste in my mouth - the conflict could have been handled in a much better way that didn't make it seem as though the couple were forced into a HEA for the sake of it.
The Kiss List is the second novel in the Fulton U Rivals series, and follows Cole and Kennedy's relationship.
From the last novel, I was intrigued by Cole and Kennedy as they were clear enemies and so I wanted to see more of their dynamic on the page. This novel follows the two of them as they fake-date their way to winning the Puppy Love competition - where couples parade their love for each other on campus for the chance to win a prize of their choosing. Cole and Kennedy both have their eyes on the prize, and need the other in order to win it.
For most of the novel, I enjoyed Cole and Kennedy; their chemistry was good and at times had great banter. Their relationship was simple yet sweet, and I really liked that about them.
The thing that changed this for me was the third act - I don't particularly enjoy when novels are in the last 10% and the conflict arises and is solved in 3 chapters or less, it feels forced and unnatural to me and this was no exception. It also felt very out of character in this particular instance and the whole scene which caused the conflict didn't make sense for that matter.
Because of this, I actually didn't want Cole and Kennedy to end up together by the end of it. I felt that Kennedy was better off leaving Cole and for valid reasons - after an earlier fight, Cole promised Kennedy that he wouldn't raise his voice at her again because her parents fought during her childhood and so that was triggering for her, yet in this third act he seems to have no regard for her feelings and humiliates her. I was so disappointed and honestly struggled to finish the novel because I knew they would end up together again, but I didn't believe that Cole was worthy of being redeemed nor did I think Kennedy should have settled for being treated that way.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel at first and really liked Cole and Kennedy, however that changed towards the end of the novel and I have been left with a sour taste in my mouth - the conflict could have been handled in a much better way that didn't make it seem as though the couple were forced into a HEA for the sake of it.
July 13, 2022
I knew i’d like this one a lot more!!
FAKE DATING! angst! drama! tears! laughter! SHOCK! this was a ride…i was getting INTO IT cause this took me sooo long to read. I had to evaluate the situations like i was kennedy🤪
I literally had to pause in shock for 5 mins straight…like what?! even though this was a romance…COLE has some demons in his closet!!
Like the shit going on in the football team💀 Cole is really out here SURVIVING!
Kennedy was such a loveable, bad bitch, cool cat main character and Cole was a angsty, fucked up, cute guy! like huhhh this enemies to lovers…😎😎😎
Really enjoyed this one!!
p.s the ending is super fucking cheesy but a good cheesy (maybe a little cringe but we move)🫣
4.25/5⭐️
FAKE DATING! angst! drama! tears! laughter! SHOCK! this was a ride…i was getting INTO IT cause this took me sooo long to read. I had to evaluate the situations like i was kennedy🤪
I literally had to pause in shock for 5 mins straight…like what?! even though this was a romance…COLE has some demons in his closet!!
Like the shit going on in the football team💀 Cole is really out here SURVIVING!
Kennedy was such a loveable, bad bitch, cool cat main character and Cole was a angsty, fucked up, cute guy! like huhhh this enemies to lovers…😎😎😎
Really enjoyed this one!!
p.s the ending is super fucking cheesy but a good cheesy (maybe a little cringe but we move)🫣
4.25/5⭐️
August 12, 2022
It was a bit better than the first one.
I never understood why Kennedy and Cole hated each other, and it turns out that there wasn't really a reason for it (I would have understood if they avoided each other, but they were mean every time they spoke).
The ending was kind of rushed, and there was a lot of unnecessary drama. I like Maya Hughes, but I don't think I will read another book by her, at least in the short while.
I never understood why Kennedy and Cole hated each other, and it turns out that there wasn't really a reason for it (I would have understood if they avoided each other, but they were mean every time they spoke).
The ending was kind of rushed, and there was a lot of unnecessary drama. I like Maya Hughes, but I don't think I will read another book by her, at least in the short while.
March 4, 2022
2.5 stars
Little better then first book in this series but third act...anyways finally Ezra next!!!
Little better then first book in this series but third act...anyways finally Ezra next!!!
March 8, 2022
arc provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
4.5 stars!
The Kiss List is the second book in Maya Hughes's new series St. Francis U. It follows Cole and Kennedy, whose story I have been anticipating since they were introduced in book one.
Tropes & genre: new adult, romance, sports romance, fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers.
As we saw in Kiss and Tell, both Cole and Kennedy couldn’t stand each other’s presence. Both of them have to deal with different problems and demons, but they end up needing each other's help since there's a contest going on called Puppy Love Contest, and both Cole and Kennedy are determined to claim the prize for different reasons. They decide to become a team and start fake-dating in order to win said contest.
I loved how after a catastrophic start -which involves a huge misunderstanding-, they were able to put their differences aside for the contest. None of main characters hadn't had an easy life, they were even struggling to keep up with everything, but at the end they had each other by their side. Cole and Kennedy are everything as individuals and as a couple, the development of the latter was really well done.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Kiss and Tell, but I enjoyed this one even more. I was excited about Cole and Kennedy's book mainly because of their tropes, like, hello? they're god-tier!!!
4.5 stars!
The Kiss List is the second book in Maya Hughes's new series St. Francis U. It follows Cole and Kennedy, whose story I have been anticipating since they were introduced in book one.
Tropes & genre: new adult, romance, sports romance, fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers.
As we saw in Kiss and Tell, both Cole and Kennedy couldn’t stand each other’s presence. Both of them have to deal with different problems and demons, but they end up needing each other's help since there's a contest going on called Puppy Love Contest, and both Cole and Kennedy are determined to claim the prize for different reasons. They decide to become a team and start fake-dating in order to win said contest.
I loved how after a catastrophic start -which involves a huge misunderstanding-, they were able to put their differences aside for the contest. None of main characters hadn't had an easy life, they were even struggling to keep up with everything, but at the end they had each other by their side. Cole and Kennedy are everything as individuals and as a couple, the development of the latter was really well done.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Kiss and Tell, but I enjoyed this one even more. I was excited about Cole and Kennedy's book mainly because of their tropes, like, hello? they're god-tier!!!
May 23, 2022
* Listened to this on audio which I thoroughly enjoyed. These are 2 of my favorite narrators and I was not disappointed.
This story did not go any of the way that I anticipated. (this isn't a bad thing)
From Kiss and Tell, we know that Cole and Kennedy don't like each and The Kiss List tells us why.
The idea of the Puppy Love Competition was cute, albeit a little unrealistic but it is a love story after all. Cole and Kennedy have such different motives for partaking in it. Kennedy's seemed a little more believable. I wasn't expecting that the characters had such tragedy in their home lives and for me to feel so emotional over it. I didn't see the twist in this coming at all. I enjoyed the progression of their feelings for one another especially from where they started from. There is one character in this series that I am waiting for them to get their comeuppance. And there was a new character in this story that I am dying to hear what happens to them.
This story did not go any of the way that I anticipated. (this isn't a bad thing)
From Kiss and Tell, we know that Cole and Kennedy don't like each and The Kiss List tells us why.
The idea of the Puppy Love Competition was cute, albeit a little unrealistic but it is a love story after all. Cole and Kennedy have such different motives for partaking in it. Kennedy's seemed a little more believable. I wasn't expecting that the characters had such tragedy in their home lives and for me to feel so emotional over it. I didn't see the twist in this coming at all. I enjoyed the progression of their feelings for one another especially from where they started from. There is one character in this series that I am waiting for them to get their comeuppance. And there was a new character in this story that I am dying to hear what happens to them.
March 9, 2022
The Kiss List is everything I love about Maya Hughes writing! It’s sexy funny emotional full of angst and swoon worthy characters , I’m obsessed with this world she has created and couldn’t get enough of it ! Definitely one of my favorite reads from this series and I can’t wait for more! Highly recommend especially if you love sports romance this author excels in this trope she writes addicting stories with lovable characters and all the angst and feels! Loved it!
March 8, 2022
3.5*
I enjoyed this second installment way more than book 1 honestly. Kennedy and Cole were likable characters and it was fun watching them grow throughout the book. Also I do love enemies to lovers and fake dating. It's one of my favorite combos.
My issue with this book was
1) the beginning and mainly the reason they hated each other. We get an honest discussion between then that clears everything up, but at first I just thought Kennedy was being insensitive and immature.
And 2) I could've done without the third act break up. It felt repetitive and pointless at that point.
Overall this wasn't my favorite book from Maya Hughes but still enjoyable enough especially if you want a college sports romance.
*arc kindly provided in exchange of an honest review
I enjoyed this second installment way more than book 1 honestly. Kennedy and Cole were likable characters and it was fun watching them grow throughout the book. Also I do love enemies to lovers and fake dating. It's one of my favorite combos.
My issue with this book was
1) the beginning and mainly the reason they hated each other. We get an honest discussion between then that clears everything up, but at first I just thought Kennedy was being insensitive and immature.
And 2) I could've done without the third act break up. It felt repetitive and pointless at that point.
Overall this wasn't my favorite book from Maya Hughes but still enjoyable enough especially if you want a college sports romance.
*arc kindly provided in exchange of an honest review
May 5, 2022
“I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life afraid. I didn’t want to be too afraid to let him love me like I deserve to be loved and how I want to love him.”
Cole and Kennedy took me by surprised and again Maya Hughes delivered an amazing beautiful book with a lot of cute sweet moments that had me giggling and smiling like an idiot but also scenes between friends that made my heart beat faster and made my heart melt, god I even cried my eyes out with this book!!
Even though I'm not a huge "enemies" to lovers fan, add fake dating and it gets so much better! And Cole and Kennedy were so good I don't have enough words to express how much!! It started out fake and the way they turned their whole relationship into real was magnificent and I really loved it!
I was already so excited for ColeKennedy, but wow it was so much better than I thought, not only their development as a couple and as humans, but also the "plot twists", it had me shocked and I also wanted to say that I still hate Mikelson and he needs to be fired and he deserves jail.
And the ReidLeona crumbs? They are the cutest aaa! Now I'm waiting impatiently for Ezra's book with the mystery girl who goes to Fulton U and her brother is actually a football player for Fulton U too, soo I bet his book will be so interesting and also painful!!
AND THE FRIENDSHIPS IN THIS ONE WERE ALSO OUT OF THIS WORLD I LOVE THESE IDIOTS SO MUCH THANK YOU MAYA HUGHES!!
Ps: Maya Hughes please my girl Taylor deserves to be the main character in one of the books, it could be really cute if she ended up with Hollis!! No? Think about it!!
“You were never gone. Even if you hadn’t come back to me, I’d always have a piece of you in here.” He pressed my palm against his chest. “You’re my heart, Kennedy.”
“Forever, Kennedy.” I stopped the held her chin with my thumb. This was a woman who’d changed me. She’d been there for me, in spite of me half the time, but she was mine now and I didn’t ever want to have to let her go. “Forever. I’m not joking when I say that’s what I want with you.”
Cole and Kennedy took me by surprised and again Maya Hughes delivered an amazing beautiful book with a lot of cute sweet moments that had me giggling and smiling like an idiot but also scenes between friends that made my heart beat faster and made my heart melt, god I even cried my eyes out with this book!!
Even though I'm not a huge "enemies" to lovers fan, add fake dating and it gets so much better! And Cole and Kennedy were so good I don't have enough words to express how much!! It started out fake and the way they turned their whole relationship into real was magnificent and I really loved it!
I was already so excited for ColeKennedy, but wow it was so much better than I thought, not only their development as a couple and as humans, but also the "plot twists", it had me shocked and I also wanted to say that I still hate Mikelson and he needs to be fired and he deserves jail.
And the ReidLeona crumbs? They are the cutest aaa! Now I'm waiting impatiently for Ezra's book with the mystery girl who goes to Fulton U and her brother is actually a football player for Fulton U too, soo I bet his book will be so interesting and also painful!!
AND THE FRIENDSHIPS IN THIS ONE WERE ALSO OUT OF THIS WORLD I LOVE THESE IDIOTS SO MUCH THANK YOU MAYA HUGHES!!
Ps: Maya Hughes please my girl Taylor deserves to be the main character in one of the books, it could be really cute if she ended up with Hollis!! No? Think about it!!
“You were never gone. Even if you hadn’t come back to me, I’d always have a piece of you in here.” He pressed my palm against his chest. “You’re my heart, Kennedy.”
“Forever, Kennedy.” I stopped the held her chin with my thumb. This was a woman who’d changed me. She’d been there for me, in spite of me half the time, but she was mine now and I didn’t ever want to have to let her go. “Forever. I’m not joking when I say that’s what I want with you.”
March 2, 2022
➳ Rate: 4,5/ 5 stars
This woman always has the most amazing, entertaining plots. I don't know how she does it but I live for it.
The Kiss List was hella fun, had lots of heart, and quite a bit of angst. My heart was all over the place with all these emotions. I thought I could hate their coach more than I already had but oh man this book made me hate him so damn much more. He was so awful. I seriously despise him for who he is and what he makes the team go through, especially Cole.
When it comes to the relationship, I loved it so much. The way they came to be, how they worked out. There were a lot of ups and downs with these two. They had a not-so-fun past and they were each dealing with super crappy family situations that had cut them deep and got in the way of their relationship. But I did really like how Maya worked through those issues, even though it had to hurt a little before they saw a way out.
As always, I loved the secondary characters and the friendship all these characters have with each other. They're beautiful. I loved Kennedy and her relationship with her sister. I hope we see more of both of them in the future.
I'm really looking forward to the next book. I'm considering rereading The Fulton U series because I honestly don't remember Ezra there and it would hold me over until his book is out ahah.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon US
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March 4, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
The Kiss List by Maya Hughes is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
The Kiss List by Maya Hughes is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
April 9, 2022
“Once I touched her, all bets were off. But I’d make this the best she’d ever had. I’d walk on broken glass for this woman. I wanted her. I craved her. I needed her.”
🏈
Review: The Kiss List by Maya Hughes. Fulton U Rivals series, book 2.
🏈
I thought a lot about this review and I end up realizing that I need to split it in two. Before and after chapter 33.
Before:
I’m obsessed with Cole and Kennedy. Since book one I was rather curious about why the couple “hated” each other so badly. With TKL, I had a great time reading their bickering and teasing. As they both needed each other so they could win a competition and, obviously the prize, they start to get closer together and finally the reason of their fall out was revealed. Such a misunderstanding.
From there on, they were joined to the hip. Some good steamy scenes and great friendship. At times I thought that Kennedy was a little selfish and other, especially with her sister, I adored her. Cole at the side, he was chivalrous, real gentleman, with a heart so big. I related with him in so many ways. Of course I can’t do any sports if my life depends on it, but his life struggles… yes, broke my heart and at the same time I teared up thinking about mine.
The book was a solid 5 star story, until it reached chapter 33.
After:
From the first book on this series I’ve been wanting a different ending for it, not for the couples, but for a certain other character, a evil one. I was so disappointed then and now again, the expected fallout didn’t come. And absolutely nothing happened to the man. Honestly, because of him, I even considered stop reading this series.
Also because of him, that twist at the end, you know when everything goes super south? Yep, it was a big no to me. Totally out of character and their development through the story. So, do I recommend the book? Yes, until chapter 33. You can create you own end in your head, just like I did.
🏈
Review: The Kiss List by Maya Hughes. Fulton U Rivals series, book 2.
🏈
I thought a lot about this review and I end up realizing that I need to split it in two. Before and after chapter 33.
Before:
I’m obsessed with Cole and Kennedy. Since book one I was rather curious about why the couple “hated” each other so badly. With TKL, I had a great time reading their bickering and teasing. As they both needed each other so they could win a competition and, obviously the prize, they start to get closer together and finally the reason of their fall out was revealed. Such a misunderstanding.
From there on, they were joined to the hip. Some good steamy scenes and great friendship. At times I thought that Kennedy was a little selfish and other, especially with her sister, I adored her. Cole at the side, he was chivalrous, real gentleman, with a heart so big. I related with him in so many ways. Of course I can’t do any sports if my life depends on it, but his life struggles… yes, broke my heart and at the same time I teared up thinking about mine.
The book was a solid 5 star story, until it reached chapter 33.
After:
From the first book on this series I’ve been wanting a different ending for it, not for the couples, but for a certain other character, a evil one. I was so disappointed then and now again, the expected fallout didn’t come. And absolutely nothing happened to the man. Honestly, because of him, I even considered stop reading this series.
Also because of him, that twist at the end, you know when everything goes super south? Yep, it was a big no to me. Totally out of character and their development through the story. So, do I recommend the book? Yes, until chapter 33. You can create you own end in your head, just like I did.
February 27, 2022
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Kiss List is the second book and continuation to the St. Francis U football-themed series by Maya Hughes. This time around we were introduced to its main characters, Kennedy and Cole in the previous book in the series, Kiss and Tell, in which they clearly couldn’t stand each other’s presence. Now, they have to stand down from they hatred towards each other in order to enter the most notorious campus competition while pretending to be a loving couple so that they can have a chance at winning the prize. Kennedy’s desire to offer her little sister a much-needed vacation in Paris while taking advantage of the fashion internship offered, and Cole’s chance at connecting with his father through a golf escape have them working together to make everyone believe how in love they are. But what if is not just pretended?
I was excited for this book ever since the couple was hinted at the end of Kiss and Tell, and I was not at all let down. Fake-dating is one of my favorite tropes and I enjoyed very much how the author managed to bring this one onto these characters. While we already knew that Kennedy and Cole hated each other and made comments in each other’s presence, we didn’t get much context on what that animosity was build on. But, seeing how this is their book, we got a glimpse at the reason why these two were fighting each other at all times.
I loved how both of them were known for not dating and not being in serious relationships, which made them quite similar, but they were so different at the same time since they personalities clashed from the very start. So, of course I loved to see how the both of them got closely together while challenging each other to make grand gestures that sometimes were not easy to take as fake in the heat of it all.
Apart from that I enjoyed seeing the friend group in several scenes, it warmed my heart to see how everyone was on board with Kennedy being Cole’s girl and how she was part of the group even before they started their ruse. And, I cannot wait for Ezra’s book to come out!
The Kiss List is the second book and continuation to the St. Francis U football-themed series by Maya Hughes. This time around we were introduced to its main characters, Kennedy and Cole in the previous book in the series, Kiss and Tell, in which they clearly couldn’t stand each other’s presence. Now, they have to stand down from they hatred towards each other in order to enter the most notorious campus competition while pretending to be a loving couple so that they can have a chance at winning the prize. Kennedy’s desire to offer her little sister a much-needed vacation in Paris while taking advantage of the fashion internship offered, and Cole’s chance at connecting with his father through a golf escape have them working together to make everyone believe how in love they are. But what if is not just pretended?
I was excited for this book ever since the couple was hinted at the end of Kiss and Tell, and I was not at all let down. Fake-dating is one of my favorite tropes and I enjoyed very much how the author managed to bring this one onto these characters. While we already knew that Kennedy and Cole hated each other and made comments in each other’s presence, we didn’t get much context on what that animosity was build on. But, seeing how this is their book, we got a glimpse at the reason why these two were fighting each other at all times.
I loved how both of them were known for not dating and not being in serious relationships, which made them quite similar, but they were so different at the same time since they personalities clashed from the very start. So, of course I loved to see how the both of them got closely together while challenging each other to make grand gestures that sometimes were not easy to take as fake in the heat of it all.
Apart from that I enjoyed seeing the friend group in several scenes, it warmed my heart to see how everyone was on board with Kennedy being Cole’s girl and how she was part of the group even before they started their ruse. And, I cannot wait for Ezra’s book to come out!
February 27, 2022
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC for an honest review.
This was a good read. I liked all of the Fulton U books, and I’m enjoying this new series about their rivals, St. Francis U. I can’t wait for the next book!
Cole and Kennedy had really good chemistry. I liked their banter, their cute couple-y moments, and the times when they could be vulnerable with each other. I also liked finally finding out what had happened between them before the events of this book, and I thought it was handled well. I also liked how their relationship played out. Fake dating tropes are some of my favourite, and I liked this one.
I thought Cole and Kennedy were also good characters individually. They were both dealing with issues from their childhood and growing up in different ways that impacted their relationship. I liked watching them grow to trust each other, and learn to lean on them and not always have to be alone. I also liked Kennedy’s younger sister, and I thought she helped show more of who Kennedy really was.
The pacing was pretty good, but at times it seemed to drag a little bit. They kept doing the same things and going over the same problems, but this did feel realistic.
This was a good read. I liked all of the Fulton U books, and I’m enjoying this new series about their rivals, St. Francis U. I can’t wait for the next book!
Cole and Kennedy had really good chemistry. I liked their banter, their cute couple-y moments, and the times when they could be vulnerable with each other. I also liked finally finding out what had happened between them before the events of this book, and I thought it was handled well. I also liked how their relationship played out. Fake dating tropes are some of my favourite, and I liked this one.
I thought Cole and Kennedy were also good characters individually. They were both dealing with issues from their childhood and growing up in different ways that impacted their relationship. I liked watching them grow to trust each other, and learn to lean on them and not always have to be alone. I also liked Kennedy’s younger sister, and I thought she helped show more of who Kennedy really was.
The pacing was pretty good, but at times it seemed to drag a little bit. They kept doing the same things and going over the same problems, but this did feel realistic.
March 11, 2022
What a great continuation of this series...
Both Cole and Kennedy really picked my interest in Kiss and Tell, so I was really excited for this next one.
It was full of sweet, funny moments, but also, some emotional ones that made me connect even more to the characters. We get to learn more about Cole and Kennedy's past and understand them and their strong personalities. They couldn't stand each other, but once they hear about this competition called Puppy Love that offers two prices they can't let the hate get in their way. They need to win it and they are absolutely ready to "fake it until they make it".
I think it was so easy to get into the story and absolutely loved the moments of the other characters. This group of friends is really amazing. I am so ready for the other books!
I was kinda suspicious about the revelation we get here but it still managed to mess with my emotions.
So yeah, if you want some angst mixed with some funny, emotional moments I would say give this a try. Cole and Kennedy made me want to keep turning the pages until the very end.
Ps: my hate for that coach totally got to new levels in this book!!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for a honest review.
Both Cole and Kennedy really picked my interest in Kiss and Tell, so I was really excited for this next one.
It was full of sweet, funny moments, but also, some emotional ones that made me connect even more to the characters. We get to learn more about Cole and Kennedy's past and understand them and their strong personalities. They couldn't stand each other, but once they hear about this competition called Puppy Love that offers two prices they can't let the hate get in their way. They need to win it and they are absolutely ready to "fake it until they make it".
I think it was so easy to get into the story and absolutely loved the moments of the other characters. This group of friends is really amazing. I am so ready for the other books!
I was kinda suspicious about the revelation we get here but it still managed to mess with my emotions.
So yeah, if you want some angst mixed with some funny, emotional moments I would say give this a try. Cole and Kennedy made me want to keep turning the pages until the very end.
Ps: my hate for that coach totally got to new levels in this book!!!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for a honest review.
March 3, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Kiss and Tell, but I enjoyed this one even more! I enjoyed all the characters we’d met in the last book, and even one that I was pretty sure I’d heard of in the Fulton U series as well. There was the same horrible coach from book one of course, and this time he had an even bigger role. One I kind of guessed when someone was being kind of quiet or not obvious about something. But man, that connection in this book sucked so much for that character, not the coach, the character he was connected to.
The romance though was perfect. I actually love the realistic event that caused the two to become enemies. The misunderstanding of what actually happened was perfect. Not a misunderstanding that would normally irritate me, but one that totally made sense. And wow, I like that we could paint our hero as not perfect, and that he could own up to it in so many ways!
And the fun stuff, I loved the tag games they played, and I also loved how Cole did the scene from 10 Things I Hate About You. I loved all of Cole’s ways to try help win the contest they were faking a relationship for. A perfect story and I can’t wait for the next story from STFU!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
The romance though was perfect. I actually love the realistic event that caused the two to become enemies. The misunderstanding of what actually happened was perfect. Not a misunderstanding that would normally irritate me, but one that totally made sense. And wow, I like that we could paint our hero as not perfect, and that he could own up to it in so many ways!
And the fun stuff, I loved the tag games they played, and I also loved how Cole did the scene from 10 Things I Hate About You. I loved all of Cole’s ways to try help win the contest they were faking a relationship for. A perfect story and I can’t wait for the next story from STFU!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
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