Member Reviews

The premise of this story is so promising! Reading the description makes one want to curl up with a blanket and hot chocolate to read it. The start of the novel pulls the reader right in, and the story takes off quickly from there. As a native New Yorker, I can say that Rider did a great job describing, and characterizing, the city. The setting is vital to this story, and I think it's what makes this book so romantic. There were some parts where the story slowed and I grew somewhat bored, but I think it's because the story takes place over a short period of time. I'd recommend this to students in December and through the winter when snow days might be likely.

Was this review helpful?

Kiss Me in New York is a wonderful story to read during the holiday season, but also an enjoyable book all year round that will make you smile and lift your spirits. It was quick, fun and charmingly cute.

Two strangers meeting, bonding over their breakups, and eventually falling for each other was such a delightfully entertaining story. The concept has definitely been done before, but I still had a really great time reading and getting to know Charlotte and Anthony. I thought the writing style was effortless and engaging and the plot was fast-paced with plenty of fun surprises sprinkled throughout. There was one part about the romance that didn’t sit that well with me, but overall, I thought it was adorably sweet and cute. The story concluded beautifully and left me feeling happy.

I liked Charlotte and Anthony. I thought they were both interesting and relatable characters and I loved watching them get to know each other. They definitely had their own emotional baggage to deal with, so it was really fun to read their POVs and see them go through the steps to healing their broken hearts. I really did enjoy the progression of their relationship and thought their chemistry felt natural and sweet. The romance was realistic to some extent, but I didn't particularly like something that happened towards the end. However, this is a love story during Christmas time, and anything is possible with a little Christmas magic right?

This book was lighthearted, fun, and entertaining. I loved the different adventures, mishaps, and heartwarming moments. The characters were likable and the romance was adorable. Kiss Me in New York was a quick short read, but it was also incredibly sweet, funny, and uplifting. I'm definitely looking forward to going on the next adventure and more swoons in Kiss Me in Paris. 

If you’re in the mood for something adorably entertaining, then I highly recommend you add this book on your TBR. 

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I love this book! The story line is absolutely adorable and the characters are so fun. I love the setting of New York City and especially at Christmas time which is my favorite thing ever. This book is just so cute!

Was this review helpful?

Received eARC from NetGalley for review.

KISS ME IN NEW YORK is cute and sweet, but I didn’t love it. I so wanted to love it. It has a great cover, a swoon-worthy premises... Come on New York at Christmastime, two strangers meeting, challenging themselves and each other as a way to mend their broken hearts all in less than 24! Sign me up. *sigh* For me, though, it was just okay.

Was this review helpful?

***Note: This is part of a Dual Review I did with this book and Together at Midnight***

Now, before I get started, I just have to point out: What are the odds that two very similar books would come out only *four months* apart? And *both* be super-cute and enjoyable to read? But anyways, to get to the point, yes, I loved both of these books in different ways. "Kiss Me in New York" was a very heartfelt story about love and how much a single night could not only change your life, but also your outlook or view of it. I felt very connected to Charlotte, and I love, love, loved how they basically used one book to guide them though the city and through their own heartbreak. But, just like in my previous dual review, I *do* have a favorite, and that would be "Together at Midnight". Each character, no matter how big or small, was written with intricacy and love. What I really thought made this one stand out to me was that instead of just hearing the perspective of the two main characters, the story delved into the lives of everyone they performed a random act of kindness to. We got to see how they viewed Kendall and Max, their kind act, and even get a glimpse into their own lives. Overall, I would give "Kiss Me in New York" four stars and a full five stars to "Together at Midnight", and I can't wait to read more of both Jennifer Castle's and Catherine Rider's work!

Was this review helpful?

Very cutesy! I loved this love story. I fell in love with the couple, with the city, with the scenery. Great writing as well! Will definitely be recommending to customers and coworkers.

Was this review helpful?

I always love reading christmasy books around this time of year, as they're perfect for making me feel all warm and fuzzy and in the festive spirit. I have a few "go-to" holiday books I like to read, but I also wanted to find something new. I saw this and it immediately sounded so magical and lighthearted and fun—just what I needed. I guess you could peg me a sucker for christmas stories that take place in New York, where characters gallivant through the city, losing themselves in the holiday festivities. Kiss Me in New York is great for fans of holiday rom-coms and HallMark christmas movies, and is full of surprises from beginning to end.

This book very much had a Dash and Lily's Book of Dares vibe going for it...and I actually ended up enjoying this book a lot more than Dash and Lily! Don't get me wrong, it definitely still has that good ol' cheese factor, but that's what I signed up for and overall I do think this was a really cute, light contemporary to read around the holidays.

Some Things I Liked
I just love the whole premise of this book: about a girl who leaves England to attend school in New York, full of hope and envisioning how she'll fall in love with the city and begin a new, exciting life here, only to have her life tipped upside down a bit and to get knocked down. But then, just when you think you're at your lowest, you often find that life is full of unexpected surprises and that something good could be waiting around the corner... or, you know, sitting next to you at an airport!

I also loved how the story begins with two people who have just had their hearts broken, and through a book titled 10 Steps to Getting Over Your Ex, no less, they find themselves growing closer, sharing in their grief while also helping each other to step outside of their comfort zones and discover who they really are.

There were a lot of sweet moments in this book, and all in all this book has a lot of good messages about discovering who you are, knowing your worth, and learning to let go of the past so that you can move on to new and exciting beginnings.

Now for the cons...
As much as I adored this book and thought it was such a cute story to read for the holidays, there were also a few details that I either wasn't completely sold on, thought were really cliche, or that just bugged me. There are definitely moments in this book that are going to make you roll your eyes a bit, as well as a lot of cliches and stereotyping.

One of these things is Charlotte herself. Charlotte immediately comes across as a very prissy and naive character, so much so that she's almost an archetype for that ditzy, awkward British girl trying to fit in as she comes to America, which is occasionally seen in rom coms? She just seemed to be too much of a "type" for me, and in that way I felt like I'd seen this character before. It also surprised me to know that the authors of this book are both from England, because the way Charlotte's character is written and the way she speaks, it read very much as an American trying to write a British character. There were just moments where I thought, Okay, this is a bit exaggerated and, Really..? Do all British people really talk this way? It didn't feel quite as natural to me but more like trying to create the most stereotypical Bridget Jones Diary character ever.

Okay, but really though, Charlotte is kind of a ridiculous character. Her manner of speaking and her descriptions are very posh, and she is frequently a naive and almost clueless character. Like, at one point—no joke—Anthony and Charlotte go into a tattoo shop, and Charlotte is worried that the tattoo artist will give them satanic tattoos. Like?? You do realize that tattoos are a regular thing that people get, right? Like they're not just for rockers, bikers, and satanists?

Also, that tattoo shop scene in general is so laughable because it's such a complete exaggeration of what tattoo artists actually are like. They go into the tattoo parlor, and there's one tattoo artist in the entire shop, and he's apparently high, which... that would never be allowed. Okay, maybe this was just a really bad shop, but 99% of tattoo artists are legitimate workers who don't just fudge everything but actually take the time to go through the whole process, explain everything, and put every detail and bit of precision into their work.

The other major setback of this book was the fact that it was filled with a cast of very cliche, trite characters

Example #1: Cheese.

Cheese is Anthony's old friend from high school, who him and Charlotte end up meeting up with in this book, and he is actually such a douche. He's a typical sexist, womanizing type and everything out of his mouth is generally just nauseating. In the book, he's a part of this caroler group only because—wait for it—it's his pathetic attempt to get with one of the older women, because he's for some reason into dating a "cougar." Like I said: UGH.

Example #2: Colin

Ahh, Colin: the one who not only broke Charlotte's heart, but who—as we later discover—ends up going out with her best friend. He's just a terrible person in general, but he's also such a ridiculously written character, and some of his descriptions are SO cheesy. At one point, he actually "squeaks" and stamps his foot like an overgrown toddler having a temper tantrum. When Charlotte bumps into him at a party with his new girlfriend (and Charlotte's best friend), he actually touches his girlfriend on the nose as he tells her he has to have a talk with Charlotte? UGGHHH. Could you get any cheesier? I mean, really.

* * *
Okay, okay, those were my few tiffs I had with the book. It may seem like I had more cons than pros, but I really did enjoy this book a lot for what it was. Is this the most eloquently written or compelling book ever? No, but it still holds itself up as being a charming, christmasy YA contemporary, perfect for those who just want to get lost in a lighthearted book over the holidays. Nothing more, nothing less. That being said, I know the holidays are now coming to a close by the time this post goes up, but if you're looking for a holiday-themed book for next year—or maybe even still want to read a few more before the year ends!—I think this would be a fun one to consider.

Was this review helpful?

I Loved this book, received an arc from NetGalley and if you love romance movies and insta-love pick this up !!!! Charlotte and Anthony are loveable characters going through heartbreak together that is all I can say but if you loved the book "The Sun is also a Star " and the movie "Sleepless in Seattle " what are you waiting for!!!! -Smiling while wiping happy tears-

Was this review helpful?

This was a really cute young adult book! I loved Charlotte's and Anthony's povs. Seriously though, at 17 years old and Charlotte being alone in New York, I don't think I would have been able to do that if I were that age. This book takes place in 1 day on Christmas Eve to Christmas morning, while I'm not sure of the actual time frame being realistic (not that it really matters in this case) with everything they did, but I think the pace of the book works very well. Since I'm not too much into 1 day book time frame this one didn't bother me at all. I laughed a few times and I thought it was also cute they basically became parents to the dog Mistake. I actually want to know more about these two characters!

Was this review helpful?

I was given an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[I'm reviewing this way past the archive date. (Sorry Netgalley! :P)]

I read this for my Christmas reading challenge. Honestly, I had no idea what the book's about until I found a list of YA Christmas books and apparently THE STORY IS SET IN NEW YORK CITY (kinda obvious) DURING CHRISTMAS (not really that obvious)??!! New York City + Christmas = two very awesome things, so before reading this book, I already knew that it was going to be awesome.

I really love the cover!

The New York City skyline with a dark background + THAT CUTE FONT 😍 (TBH that's why I requested this book on Netgalley. I'm a cover judger, don't judge me, lol.)

Ten Easy Steps for Getting Over Your Ex

Hahahaha, I had no idea why anyone would take those steps seriously. Charlotte and Anthony did, and I laughed so much! I really loved how Charlotte and Anthony follow every rule in this book and even adopt a cute puppy in the process :D

Charlotte + Anthony are so perfect, and THEIR EXES CAN GO *goes to Google and looks up "creative ways to die"* PUT THEIR HANDS IN THE TOASTER AND ADD WATER (wow I didn't know you could die like that?).

Charlotte and Anthony talk about everything, and they just kind of click instantly when they meet. I'm not a huge fan of the "insta-love" trope, and some people wrote, in their reviews, that it's unrealistic that they have only met for a few hours and are already falling in love. But I kind of like it? And I'm so glad that they manage to move on from their old relationships!

MAYA AND COLIN ARE THE HUGEST DOUCHES? THEY BROKE MY BABIES' HEARTS (in case you were wondering, yes, Charlotte and Anthony are my babies. They're soo precious <3)! MAYA WAS CHEATING ON ANTHONY + COLIN SAID HE'S JUST HAVING FUN WITH CHARLOTTE AND THAT THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP? NO. NO. NO. YOU HURT MY BABIES, I HURT YOU. (Sorry for the over-usage of caps.)

--------------------------------------

I really enjoyed this! I stayed up all night reading it because I couldn't put it down. <3 Would definitely reread this next Christmas!

Was this review helpful?

4 out of 5 stars

I read this book knowing it was going to be a cutesy insta-lovey romance and that's exactly what I got. I didn't think a lot of it was realistic but I just think that it was cute and that mattered more. I actually felt attached to the characters more than I thought I would be.

This story is about 17-year-old Charlotte, a British exchange student in New York for a semester of her final year of high school. It's Christmas Eve and a giant snowstorm has snowed everyone in so there are no return flights back to London. Charlotte, just getting over a breakup, is trying to move on when she meets Anthony a freshman at Columbia who just got dumped in front of everyone in the airport. Anthony and Charlotte go on an adventure throughout the city to get over their exes.

Was this review helpful?

I would call this book a cute, sweet, but relatively forgettable YA holiday romance. Charlotte is on her way back to London with a broken heart when her flight is cancelled due to a blizzard. Anthony is planning on surprising his girlfriend at the airport, but he is the one who is surprised when she breaks up with him after she gets off the plane and runs into the arms of another guy. Together, Charlotte and Anthony make their way through a book called (something like) <u>Ten Ways To Get Over Your Ex,</u> all the while--you guessed it--falling for each other.

Of course, this is all set in New York and occurs on Christmas Eve. The book seems to not mean much because these are high schoolers so how long can a relationship like this really last? The two promise to reunite, as Charlotte is trying to decide what college to attend.

So like I said, the book was super-cute. It was easy to read--I sat down and read the entire thing in a day. It was quotable and cliche, but that's what Christmas is all about isn't it? ;P

Was this review helpful?

I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. There was so much potential for substance here, but I just couldn't make myself that interested in the characters or their quest. I had to force myself to finish it in order to properly review it.

Was this review helpful?

If it wasn't set in New York I would have given up reading this book. Did love the locations but not very Christmassy and didnt connect with the main characters.

Was this review helpful?

I found this to be very cliche and could not connect with the characters. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge love junkie. Anything with love and a happy ending, I'm generally happy for, but this just didn't get me.

Was this review helpful?

This is a cute holiday read that is reminiscent of The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon. Breakups, New York, Bulldog Puppy, new love what more can you want. It was a fast read. Even though I am not a fan of instant love romances this one was not that bad---I think the setting helped it a lot. Would I read it again? Probably not but I enjoyed it enough to finish it. Overall, its a light holiday romance that gets you in the holiday reading mood.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This charming holiday tale completely sucked me in. It’s a quick read, perfect for sitting by the Christmas tree with a cup of something warm, with a furry friend nustled up close. Oh and of course, Christmas music playing softly in the background. I adored Charlotte and Anthony by the end, and I would so love to read more of their story.

Was this review helpful?

Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider is an adorable, dual perspective YA contemporary set on Christmas Eve.  The story follows Charlotte and Anthony who after a chance meeting at an airport, begin an adventure that stretches across a single day in New York City. I loved this story so much for exactly what it was, a feel-good contemporary.  I feel it did exactly what it wanted to do, provide an entertaining story that will make you laugh and feel all the feels.  Again, I must liken it to a Hallmark Movie, in the same vein as Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe (full review here).

Charlotte and Anthony are great, interesting characters.  I feel we got to know more about Anthony as opposed to Charlotte but nonetheless, they were great characters to follow.  Also, I liked how their story wasn't super insta-lovey but it progressed over the course of the day. Also, the element of the self-help book, although not original, was a good time to follow.

The book was a little too predictable, but it did not hinder my enjoyment.  Also, I felt the ending was abrupt but there was an epilogue, so I guess that was okay.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience of this book and I would recommend it for people who enjoy Christmas contemporaries.  It's a short book that can be read in one sitting while curled up in a chair with a hot beverage.  The book is out now!

****This book was given to me for honest review via Netgalley and the publisher.  Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.****

Much Love,

Tasha

Was this review helpful?

This book is cute, very fluffy story about two people who got their hearts broke around Christmas time. They end up going through a program to get over an ex together. It was obvious how this would turn out, but I had fun reading it, though I would say some of the predictability got boring at times.

I did like the two main characters for the most part. I really liked the part where she just buys a puppy. It made me have a little laugh. Like here is a girl that is going back to England less than a day, but she decides to buy a puppy? I'm happy she rescued it, or she assumes so, since she got it from a con man, who probably didn't care about the puppy.

Listen, most of this story is unrealistic, but it is a cute, cozy holiday read. I liked it. Tis the season.

Was this review helpful?