it started off as kind of mid for me, but i really enjoyed the second half! I really loved the setting for this, it was very vibrant

Thank you for the eArc Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I tried so hard to read the book. And reread chapter 1 3 times just so i can get into the books. Unfortunately i could not.

This was a fun second chance romance between two queer men. It was a good story, important for the representation. But I don't know if I would read it again.

Amazing book and by one of my favourite authors! Funny and relatable characters which brings depth and understanding to the story

A great romance that was a pleasure to read! Thank you for the opportunity to read/review this book.

Big fan of Timothy Janovsky and his writing and books. This is his first book and definitely reads as such. It was cute story but nothing too memorable. I really enjoyed the mmc and the romance but overall not his strongest book.

A super cute and cozy male/male romance. I had heard good things about this author, and they were all true. I cannot wait to read more of his books.

A charming and sweet new adult romance about finding your first love and a thoughtful exploration of asexual identity, too.

I unfortunately did not connect with this book. I had given it a try, but just could not connect with the characters. I plan on trying to read other books by this author though.

really enjoyed learning about demisexuality and how the book approached the topic. It definitely make you think while reading it but it was also a swoony rom com. it was fun when needed to be but also serious in all the right places

This was a great story about tying up the loose strings of your past and letting go of everything that you've held inside for so long. I really loved this book.

I am such a big fan of Timothy Janovsky and cannot recommend his writing enough. This first book in his boy meets boy series is such a sweet ride that will have you kicking your feet and giggling until the end.

This book was fun and swoony and had serious Lara Jean vibes, with an LGBTQA+ twist. I loved the characters and the romance was perfect.

This is a fantastic romcom with a lot to appreciate about it. I was particularly taken with the demisexual representation.

This book was so good! I absolutely adore Wren, and I can relate to and see so much of myself in him. His and Derick's character development is *chef's kiss*. I love them both so much. I felt myself fighting for the drive-in just as strongly as Wren. My heart ached for Derick's double edged situation. I was addicted to this book. I can't wait to read more from Timothy Janovsky. This is a perfectly wonderful debut.

Wren Roland is a an old-fashioned romantic, saving his first kiss for “the one”, just like it happens in the movies. So it’s only fitting that he works at a flailing drive-in as a social media intern, an antiquated past time that pairs nicely with his old soul demeanor.

On the eve of his birthday, Wren sends emails to the ones that got away, the cold light of the next day causing a wave of panic to set in. He convinces himself that no one will respond just when someone does, former crush (and near miss first kiss with appropriately matinee good looks, Derek Haverford.

Already mortified, Wren’s misstep becomes magnified when he discovers Derick only ever saw him as a friend. Even worse? Said friend is the son of the man who is trying to close the place where he works. Now they have a summer to turn things around. But can they get things right before the screen fades to black?

Never Been Kissed is a sweet, queer rom com in the vein of Red, White, and Royal Blue. Wren and Derek were a cute pair, and I appreciated that theirs was not an insta love. I also liked learning about Wren’s demisexual status, a term that, admittedly, was new to me. Still, when things do turn around for them, I felt like the shift happened sort of abruptly. Also, I read this as an audiobook, and the narration didn’t fully grab my attention. Needless to say I wish I was a little more invested before it was time to roll the credits.

Oh my goodness! I had the incredible opportunity of reading an early copy of this book. One of my favourite novels of the year, without a doubt! This entertaining novel has both the rom-com and Janovsky's voice pops off the page! I frequently laughed out, swooned, and cheered for Wren and Derrick on their road of self-discovery, as well as for Wren himself.

Loved the voice on this one, though the voice rang a bit more YA than adult to me--still a delightful romp that romance readers will love.

"Never Been Kissed" by Timothy Janovsky is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that explores the complexities of teenage relationships and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of the shy and socially awkward protagonist as he navigates high school, friendship, and his quest for a first kiss. Janovsky's writing captures the authentic voice and emotions of adolescence, making it a relatable and enjoyable read for young adult readers seeking a nostalgic and heartfelt story.

It took me a while to want to write this review because I couldn't like this book. While the premise was cute (very early 2000s rom-com), I felt like the pacing was too slow, so much so I often got bored. Its sad to say I had more grievances than likes.

My most significant is the lack of characterization and personal development, with little attention paid to relationship building or tension. It was just boring to me. It was just okay.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the review copy