This book is a cross between the movie Never Been Kissed and To All The Boys I've loved Before except with email and a 22year old queer man graduating from college and working a summer job at a drive in movie theater. The feels were all over this one from the best friend squad to the unrequited love and the journey to self=discovery. this book is uplifting and totally something to read on the beach or cozied up beside a warm fire. Seriously, if you love happy ever after, second chance romance, new adult romance, romcom, witty banter, small town romance, slow burn / low steam, and just being happy then read this book.

This was super cute! A book about finding yourself (and maybe love!) after college with found families and great representation. I look forward to reading more from this author!

I'm so torn on this one. There were parts I really enjoyed but there were some aspects that struggled. I would say this is more of a 3.5-3.75 but rounded up for GR rating.

First of all, this story is adorable. Fair warning, this is not steam, and it's a slow, slow burn. But the slow burn was done so well. And a huge part of why it was a slow burn was because our MC is demisexual, and coming to terms with this themselves.

Janovsky wrote the ASPEC rep so very well and the consent was top-tier! Both our MC and the hero were well developed, and the story was just fun. I adored the "save the drive-in" plot and the all of the movie references. Alice was absolutely marvelous, and is the snarky old woman I hope to one day become.

The two parts I struggled with were Mateo (side character), and the writing. Mateo was just annoying, and too much of a caricature. He was stereotyped to the max and it did not make for an enjoyable character. The other side characters were great and well-developed though. Then the writing - oof. Okay, the writing was rough, but it did get better as the book went along. There is a way you write comedy and a way you speak comedy, and this felt that the author was trying to deliver spoken comedy into written word so it didn't land well. And to be completely honest, the beginning of the book didn't sound like the author's voice. It sounded like someone else's voice. And the writing was choppy. I don't know how to explain it, but it was a struggle to get through at first. Like I said, it did get better as the book went along and I'm hopeful that with more work he will only get better. This was a debut so I think some of this will get worked out as he solidifies his voice.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before gets an achingly sweet queer twist in Never Been Kissed. Wren Roland has never been kissed but he wants his epic film-worthy smooch more than anything. Nostalgic—and slightly drunk—on the eve of his birthday, Wren decides to send out emails to all the boys he loved before he came out. When morning comes around and responses flutter in, Wren can’t help but panic. Especially when one of the responses is from none other than Derick Haverford, Wren’s #1 pre-coming-out-crush, who just happens to also be hired as the drive-in theatre’s new social media intern, where Wren has worked countless summers at. As circumstances bring them together and their hazy summer becomes consumed by a special project that might just save the struggling drive-in, Wren might get that perfect movie kiss after all.

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer…I can’t be the only one who’s got that song stuck in their head after reading Never Been Kissed, right? I am? Fine, moving on.

Never Been Kissed has all the elements that are sure to make it a raging success with fans of The Charm Offensive and Red, White and Royal Blue: a relatable, genuinely sweet protagonist you can’t help but want to wrap up in a blanket and protect from the world, a group of friends willing to go to the ends of the world with you, a common cause you’d want to take up yourself, a special project that makes you rethink your entire life goals and a romance that will melt your heart faster than ice cream in the hot summer sun.

While I admit that I had a bit of trouble getting into the book in the first few chapters of exposition work, once the story got going, I was immersed in Wren‘s world. And much of that can be attributed to Janovsky’s writing style. There’s a cinematic feel to the way the author writes about Wren’s summer that I couldn’t help but be drawn to.

The cast of characters ranges from goofy friends to crotchety (but extremely lovable) celebrities and supportive employers—everyone has their purpose in their story, yes, but they’re also fleshed out enough that you’re probably going to want to snatch up Wren’s group of friends as your own backup in a fight. And of course, we have Wren and Derick who end up getting their second chance at love in the sweetest way. Again, it’s hard to not spoil anything but let me just say that both Derick and Wren go through personal struggles throughout the story but the way these struggles not only…complement each other but bring out the best (and, granted, worst) in both of them was like watching a tennis match where you don’t know who you’re rooting for —that is, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the pages. Watching Wren and Derick deal with their own emotional baggage but then coming together and rallying for each other was downright charming. There are ups and downs, secrets and misunderstandings but in the end, these two make for an utterly entrancing summer rom-com couple.

To no one’s surprise, my favourite part of Never Been Kissed was the journey Wren goes on in terms of his sexuality. As someone on the ace spectrum, I can’t put into words how validating it feels to encounter an adult romance novel following a character who is very much a hopeless romantic—and on the ace spectrum. Wren questions where he lands on the spectrum himself, initially struggling with reconciling being demisexual with his overall obsession with romance (both in movies and in real life) and while I can only speak from my own experience, I can say that having a character like Wren felt like finding a friend in an unexpected place. Without taking too much away from the story, I just think that it was beautiful to see someone who’s so secure in parts of their identity—Wren is very confident that he is gay—questioning other parts of it. And I think readers will be drawn to the raw honesty and vulnerability that Wren projects.

For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I can’t really talk about the overarching project that Wren and Derick pursue to save the drive-in movie theatre but that storyline is so epic. We get to see people rallying together to save one of the most nostalgic and loved institutions in their city and as plot twists and unexpected turns drive the story (and Wren and Derick’s relationship), you can’t help but pray that the drive-in will be saved and that the ones who work their butts off to make it happen get their happily ever after as well.

Honestly, there are so many things I could mention—the relatability of following Wren who’s frightened of what the future holds after graduating university, the passion for films that drive the narrative, the insightful discussion on gatekeeping queer actors in film history, the way Derick tries to make others see that there’s more to him than meets the eye, the impact a place like a movie drive-in can have on a community—but really, the only thing you have to know is that this book will make you feel all the feels and that alone is enough reason to make Never Been Kissed the romcom you won’t pass up this summer.

A tender portrayal of questioning your queer identity and fighting for your safe place, Never Been Kissed is a charming, cinematic second-chance summer rom-com, perfect for anyone who’s feeling nostalgic for those late summer nights at the local drive-in theatre.

This book filled the Red, White and Royal Blue shaped hole in my heart, it truly is the light hearted romance that we all needed. Never Been Kissed is the type of romance that gives you butterflies, I found myself cheering the main characters on every time they had even the slightest interaction. I cheered not only at their interactions but also at the discoveries they made about who they are along the way.
When I tell you I devoured this book i’m not exaggerating, I read the whole thing in one sitting. while I could write a whole novel on the many reasons I enjoyed this book, the main reason is that it made me feel things. one moment I was laughing out loud, the next my heart was melting, all whilst it filled with pride over Wren’s self discovery!
There was so many aspects of this book to love, including the representation, the loveable side characters and wren figuring out his sexuality in his adulthood which is something we don’t see very often in literature but I am so very happy to see!
So, if you’re a hopeless romantic, still in your RW&RB book hangover or even just looking for a fluffy romance with excellent representation, I strongly suggest you go read this book when it comes out! I already cant wait to read the next book by Janovsky!
I was sent an E-arc of this book
netgalley exchange for an honest review.

When movie-obsessed upcoming college graduate, Wren, drunkenly sends four emails he's kept in his drafts folder to the four boys he's almost kissed, it brings Derrick Haverford back into his life. Now, in the summer after college, Wren attempts to figure out what's next, get his perfect first kiss, and save the failing drive-in movie theater he works at.

This novel is To All the Boys I loved Before meets Better Than the Movies meets Love, Simon. Never Been Kissed captures a youthful spirit, and with its themes of self-discovery and general chasteness, squarely settles in the young adult category despite the late/post college ages of its leads. It's a tough space to occupy, but I think the book does it well, and ultimately shows up with a cute story of "boy meets boy," as it's taglined. I'm excited to see what the author does with the next book in this series!

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casa for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 8/10

DNF @ 25%. The demisexual rep is great, but the characters read more like teenagers than folks in their early 20s—some of the dialogue is distracting, and while the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before-esque premise is intriguing, it wasn’t enough to keep me reading.

Not much happened and the romance could have been developed more but it's a quick easy read and the demisexual rep is great.

Never been Kissed starts off promising but the characters rely way too much on archetypes and tropes for it to be wholesome. The writing was not strong enough to make the MC sound mature or older and I couldn't care less about his first world struggles

This story is super cute, it is an absolutely perfect romcom for movie fans. The opening is a bit reminiscent of To All the Boys I Loved Before.

I loved the characters, but they are a bit immature. I was shocked when it said this was set the summer after graduating college. Wren is a bit of a disaster, but it is in a fun way. His obsession with old movies and having the perfect first kiss is definitely endearing and his journey of finding himself is written very well. Derrick is the yin to his yang. He is calm, he has a plan (even if it's a bit underhanded), and he is willing to go along with all of Wren's schemes and adventures.

The queer representation is amazing. I could count the amount of straight people in this book on one hand. That felt super realistic to me, queer people do tend to run in packs. Old cranky bisexuals, sweet gay demisexuals, lesbians, oh my. The discussion surrounding being openly queer in Hollywood in the 20th century is super important and well done. I think everyone will enjoy this novel.

This book was fun, sweet, and cute but I really struggled with it for some reason. I felt as though the characters behaved and spoke like teenagers in spite of being college grads. This plot line felt more like something that might happen the summer after freshman year than senior year which was a little frustrating for me.

I also got really, really frustrated by one line in particular. For reference, I am a professional photographer.

"Considering Mateo a lost cause, I notice Derick's DSLR camera bag sitting on one of the flat fridges. I slip the camera out and tinker with the controls a little. The lens pops out and the screen comes on."

There is one glaring factual error in this line - DSLR lenses do not "pop out." DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex, and one of the defining characteristics of a DSLR is that the lenses are removeable. They come on/and off and can be changed depending on the desired focal length/effect. As a film major, this is something that Wren should know. He would have had to learn how to shoot in one of his classes and even if they didn't use DSLRs, he would have learned about different camera types.

While this may seem trivial, it felt like a very big continuity and research error and I honestly couldn't look past it because not only is it incorrect, it is something the main character should have known.

Thank you for the author and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

📚 Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky 📚

Releases May 2, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶/5 — kissing only

~ARC REVIEW~

“Never Been Kissed” by Timothy Janovsky is a sweet and charming coming of age story that centres on Wren Roland and his lack of success in achieving the perfect first kiss. A movie lover and self proclaimed romantic, Wren has been saving his kiss for someone special and has had 4 let downs; after having one to many of vodka cranberries, Wren emails all of the boys he almost kissed, and one of them is Derick, a friend from high school who ghosted Wren after their awkward missed kiss. Unfortunately for Wren, Derrick is has not only replied to his drunken email, but is also working at the drive-in cinema where Wren is.

I will admit that it took me a few pages to fully get into the book, but once I did, I was captivated by Wren and Derrick’s blossoming relationship and how they grew into the people they were at the end of the book. At first, I was a little put off by Derrick and how easily Wren forgave him for ghosting him, but I was impressed at how they actually communicated and spoke about what happened, and moved on as friends. Derrick was such a sweet man and he was more than willing to wait until Wren felt easy to further their relationship. I was mad at him towards the end and I’m so glad he was there to stand up along side Wren. The side characters were such a hoot, but I simply adored Alice and her friendship with Wren. It was very touching, and I cried when they grew closer and she shared some secrets that she kept hidden for a long time.

What really made me enjoy this book was the movie references and Wren’s romantic side. I saw myself in Wren, wanting a moment like a kiss to have so much meaning and to have it be with someone special. I smiled so much whenever “Casablanca” was mentioned as it reminded me of wholesome father-daughter times that I had with my dad. I may have listened to the movie’s song while reading.

I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of “To All the Boys”, and a cute and funny friends-to-lovers romance that will for sure put a smile on your face!

Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky and Sourcebooks for approving this copy of this ARC for an honest review!

This was an adorable story about growing up and finding your footing. There’s not much conversation about what it’s like going from college to the real world where, as Avery put it, you need to find an ‘Adult’ job. Trying to figure out what you’re doing with life and juggling relationships is harder than it’s made out to be.

I think the book played perfect homage to what it means trying to juggle everything. Wren wasn’t successful at times trying to balance everything but honestly who is good at that? He had his imperfections, some moments I wasn’t a fan of, but overall a strong likable and relatable character. I too do get drunk and send questionable emails. Derick was the perfect balance to Wrens chaotic ness. Mans was trying his best with crappy parents and personal demons.

Their romance was sweet and lovely. I was rooting for them from start to finish. Definitely wanted to watch a rom com and cry about my loneliness after.

"never been kissed" is a super sweet and short read that queer movie buffs will probably love but i wasn't a huge fan. i really liked the aspec representation but i wasn't really sold on the relationship.

the plot was interesting enough but nothing too special. the background characters were very underdeveloped even though they had a lot of potential. they were just very basic and didn't stand out to me at all.

the relationship was alright but it didn't have much lead up. i usually don't like second chance romances like this and this wasn't any different. despite me not rooting against them i just found myself not caring about them that much.

the demi representation was probably the highlight of this novel. i enjoyed the main character's journey of discovery his demisexuality and found it very relatable.

overall, this was a decent book but nothing that sticks out in it's genre.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A sweet rom com! Wren has always yearned after Derrick but it was unrequited, Then one night he sends emails out into the world to the men he didn't kiss. Much to his surprise, Derrick responds but is it good news? The two of them are going to be working at the same drive in theater for the summer. Wren finds himself with a tough task when he makes a deal with a local director to fix up her house in return for the chance to screen her zombie movie but Derrick pitches in to help. You know what's going to happen but it's a charming path to happiness (with a possible disaster along the way!). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a fine YA read with good storytelling and a nice set of characters.

So, this book was really good! When I started reading it, I immediately recognized the potential. The beginning is so strong, creating a clear understanding of the characters, the initial plot points and the author's writing skills. And then it only got better!
The first point to address and congratulate is the brilliant planning and structure of this novel. Even the small details come back to help in the end, all of them in a satisfying way. From the kiss list from the first page to the key marketing advice given by Derrick, to the date at the lot in the end. The book is a clear and colourful tapestry, with perfect finished ends.
The second point would be the characters. I love them all because they aren’t perfect and they admit it. And apologize. Do you know how good it is to see all the apologies necessary being done? Wren is an awesome protagonist, his love for movies and insecurity for the future carry us through the story seamlessly. I also must comment on the beautiful message inside this character. This story feels so hopeful to me, an almost literature graduate, who is also filled with anxiety as to what the future holds. This book answers one of the questions, what to do, by pointing at the roots. Wiley’s was Wren's root, it made sense for him to take charge of the place. But also pointing out that he has time to pursue more academic writing, gives this decision more power. You can do both, whisper the voices that advised us during the years. Then we have Derrick. I connect a lot with him, the lack of choices and the inability to stand in affirmation of my own identity. That is why I’m so glad Wren understands his criticisms weren't fair in the end. People fully out don’t understand the situation of those in the closet or quiet queers. Safety is the priority. I also cried when I realized Derrick had been trying to also save Wiley’s. He is a good man. Avery is a character I hope will be more explored (I see the number one next to the title of the book on Goodreads) because she is awesome and that sentence in the end, about how she longs for someone who understands her art, sent me somewhere. Same with Mateo, because there is so much repressed stuff there, especially about his family.
The third and last point is just the queer normalization. Yes, everyone is queer, we run in packs. And most people don't even blink an eye, except for the villain of the story. We have two older characters in our main group. One is Alice, who is queer for sure, such an icon, even advising the boys. I gotta say I loved the younger-old queer moments between Wren and Alice, something more books should have and something we should push in our real-life communities. Then we have Earl, the owner of Wiley’s that has known Wren forever. His reaction? Please don’t flirt on the business’s insta. Also demisexual rep! As part of the ace spectrum, I really liked this because often things related to Hollywood are very sexualized. I love how Brandon was the one that told him about it, something that mirrors my own experience. The fact that Wren prefers the word queer is also amazing.
To conclude, this book is amazing! And if the author is reading this, thank you for capturing how important Shrek is to our generation. Shrek jokes are the only pop-culture jokes that matter.

If you loved the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series as much as I did, you’re going to love this debut by Timothy Janovsky!

Never Been Kissed follows Wren, a recent Film Studies graduate who is working at his hometown’s drive in theatre the summer after graduation. The night of his 22nd birthday, Wren starts lamenting on never having his first kiss, despite opportunities presenting themselves. After a few too many vodka cranberries, he hits send on four emails to the boys he almost kissed. The next morning, Derick, his old high school friend (who ghosted him once they went to college!!!) responds. The worst part: Derick is interning at the same drive-in this summer.

The romance in this was so fun! I loved watching the old feelings Wren had for Derick re-emerge. I loved watching Derick fall for Wren now that he had an even deeper understanding of his own sexuality. This romance didn’t follow the standard trajectory that most romcoms do and it was so refreshing.

Besides the swoon-worthy romances, this book had amazing side characters, a developed side plot, and one of the most nuanced explorations of sexuality I’ve read. (How wonderful that understanding your sexuality isn’t always finite, but instead a journey that never really ends!!!)

If you’re looking for a fun, fluffy romcom with very real and deep characters, this is the perfect summer read!

Thank you to the Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an advanced copy!

Wren is a 22 year old who has never had hist first kiss waiting for the "perfect moment". After getting drunk during his birthday party he decides to email 4 of his almost kisses and he hears back from the one he liked the most, his former friend Derick. Wren is also the manager of an auto cinema that is not financially sustainable so when the opportunity to work on a project that will save his favorite place he dives into it even if it means spending time with Derick and fixing whatever relationship they had before.

I have mixed feelings about this book.
From the premise it looked promising and the first few pages made me laugh but after a while the writing just became a bit cringe trying to use today's slang and making modern references.
The book was repetitive at times, the plot too predictable and most characters unlikable.
There were at least 4 different instances in which the main character and the love interest tried to speak ab out an incident only to be interrupted in the most cliche way possible. One of Wren's friends is also one of the most annoying characters I've ever read, I was constantly annoyed by his actions and his reaction to Wren getting mad at him (rightfully so) and the actress that Wren admires also bothered me.. There were also some plot points that had no real reason to be there or resolution and way too many coincidences that made the story flow until there was a rapid attempt of not making it as cliche that only made it more cliche.

What I appreciated from this book was the Demisexual representation and the way it was explained and discovered.

My final rating for this book is 2.75 stars

To me, the true test of a great book if it if leaves me with a big smile on my face and in that aspect, this book absolutely delivered. Never Been Kissed is sweet and summery, with a big heart, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Recent college graduate Wren is our main character of this new adult rom-com. Wren is a funny, awkward, and lovable narrator who I rooted for so strongly. His struggles and fears as he decides what he wants his future to look like, discovers his sexuality and labels that make him feel most comfortable, and falls in love, were relatable and earnest. Derek is a charming love interest with real flaws that are fully explored and never hastily justified. I felt so connected to these characters. in such a short time and was sad to see them go when the book ended.

Wren's story is enhanced by a gooey and charming backdrop of a job at a drive-in movie theater with that feeling of endless possibilities that summer always seems to bring. Wren sets himself on a mission to convince former Hollywood star and current recluse Alice to allow him to have the drive-in show her movie that never got to have its true debut. As Wren (and Derek) start to spruce up Alice's home to curry favor with her to get access to her movie, secrets come to light and Wren discovers there is much more to Alice than a grumpy old lady.

This book feels like a true love letter to summer, film, romance, and queer found family. It's the perfect summer read if you're looking for something utterly sweet and perfect with heartfelt warmth and a happy ending that feels both earned and deserved.

When I started this, I was taken aback by some of the cringey parts of it. Sometimes, cringe is endearing, sometimes it makes me, well, cringe. I'm not a huge fan of the whole "abbreviations" obsession and frankly, both of Wren's best friends got on my nerves and did not contribute to the storyline enough for me to care.

But once I got past that?
Oh boy, was I in for a ride. There is INCREDIBLE chemistry between Wren and Derick. Their scenes were everything I could ask for, so sweet and soft and true to both of their characters and their struggles. I loved that they have history which makes all of their interactions so believable because they grew up together and yet, still need to learn each other again. They just were top notch, I love them.

I felt like the plot was okay, but this truly shines as a "self discovery" novel to me more than anything. Sure, there's a movie and career prospects and all that, but the nitty gritty is Wren's identity and his desire to find his way through adulthood after the end of comfy "pre-adulthood" college. I related to pretty much all of his issues and questions and doubts. In the span of the book, he gave me hope. In the same way, I always am so pleasingly surprised to find demisexuality represented in literature and Wren's way of explaining it rang so true to me. I'm forever grateful that people like me can find themselves in books like this.

Overall, such a lovely debut from author Timothy Janovsky, from which I'm excited to read more! If you're up for a sweet romance that still covers rough topics like identity and adulthood, I think you'll enjoy this!