I enjoyed this book and to be honest I was not sure I would. I am not a huge fan of the alternate universe thing. I think Kate does it well and I would recommend this book.

This is a beautiful story about the "what ifs?" we all come across in life, how one single action can change the course of life as we know it, and accepting the outcomes of those tough decisions we make, although they may have been hard at the time.

I really loved the idea of this book, but it got boring at times for me. Will definitely read this author again!

This was a fun and unique romcom. I was digging the enemies to lovers vibe with Olivia and Jake at their BFFs wedding. I could totally see it play out like a movie.

And then I thought I had missed a lot for it to be a new reality 😅 it was interesting to see what was the same or different.

I love Marvel movies with the idea of alternate realities and how one simple choice could alter everything. We just don’t know! Find joy, forgive others and say “I love you” with the time you have. 🤍

This book released earlier this year. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

**Content: multiple F bombs, open door scene, adults drinking and smoking, rocky relationships

I love Lauren Kate's writing style, and this book was so much fun! I enjoyed the characters and the story immensely.

I ate up Lauren Kate’s adult debut and the promise of some magical realism had me sat. This book made me believe maybe love was a real thing.

I feel like sometimes I struggle with magical realism, but overall I enjoyed What's in a Kiss. Second chance romance, enemies to lovers, alternate universe tropes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

I was such a huge OG fan of Lauren Kate’s Fallen series and loved the fantasy elements - so was intrigued by this contemporary enemies-to-lovers romance (with a multiverse twist!) Sadly I couldn’t connect with the characters and the overall story fell a little flat for me. Great premise - a ‘what if’ timeline following the FMC as she is plunged into a new life part way through. However the timing of the plunge was poor - we missed any of the actual enemies-to-lovers part, and landed well past any relationship building. Aka - the reason we all read contemporary romance. The characters were likeable enough but i still scratch my head at several plot points (what was with that joint? Why all the pics in the set trailer but not at home). I wanted so badly to like this but couldn’t get there.

I've been a long time Lauren Kate lover since her days of Fallen and I felt like What's in a Kiss is in a similar vein. It didn't feel quite like an adult romance novel, more of a young adult romance. It's sweet and I enjoyed the "what if" aspect of the storyline.

So, I finished this one, started a new physical book, then picked up my Kindle and saw this at the top, and assumed I hadn't finished it yet. I had. So that gives a little insight into how it didn't stick with me.

I feel like that describes how much It was a little blah to me. I enjoy magical realism, and I love the "Sliding Doors" concept in books/movies/shows, but this fell flat to me. Part of it was just how it happened... Like why? Obviously it is not a realistic story, but it didn't seem to have a purpose or understandable precipitating event for happening. It was a rivals to lovers story, but I also never understood that either. It seemed to be mostly one sided. And truly based 100% on a miscommunication that, if the characters were remotely mature enough, could have worked through many moons ago.

I've said before and I'll say it again -- I love a good "what-if" romance, and I especially love how many authors are now delving into this subgenre. Lauren Kate did a phenomenal job with WHAT'S IN A KISS!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Lauren Kate does it again! I knew I needed to read this romance after her last one blew me away. I love how incredibly Kate navigates between genres, always allowing her voice to change with genre and being true to the characters in her development of their storylines. I am happily a Lauren Kate fan from now until always.

Somehow I missed the memo, this was a rom-com but it was a pleasant surprise! The banter between the two main characters had me giggling.

I love when nemesis from the past come together and their lives are not what they seem. The whole premise of the power of a kiss is such a fun and unique idea.

Such a heartwarming and endearing romance from Lauren Kate!

Super sweet heartwarming romance with great banter. It had all the pieces I enjoy in a great romance. I think there were still some parts to this book that left me with questions unanswered but overall I enjoyed it!

I've been finding lately that magical realism is very hit or miss for me. Unfortunately this one was a miss. I had a hard time suspending belief to get through this one. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to be an early reader, all thoughts are my own.

3.5 stars!
this book is a cute love story that had me rooting for the two main characters the whole time, and loved the magical realism aspects it included! however i felt like i was missing information that could have helped the story feel a little more flushed out. i also went into this thinking it was enemies to lovers, so it was a little disappointing when it was more rivals (maybe?) who are ignoring how obsessed with each other they were.

thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion

I love Lauren Kate’s books- this one knocked it out of the park in almost every way- the build up to the ending was a little slower than I expected but overall another fantastic read from this author!

What’s in a Kiss by Lauren Kate is a captivating exploration of love, identity, and the transformative power of a single moment. With her signature lyrical prose and rich emotional depth, Kate takes readers on a heartfelt journey that lingers long after the final page.

The story centers around the main character, whose experiences with love and relationships are both relatable and profound. The narrative expertly weaves together themes of self-discovery and the complexities of connection, showing how a kiss can signify so much more than mere attraction. Kate beautifully captures the butterflies of first love, the pangs of heartbreak, and the exhilarating rush of new beginnings, making this a truly immersive read.

One of the standout elements of the book is Kate’s ability to create vivid and relatable characters. Their struggles and triumphs feel authentic, drawing readers into their world and making us root for their journeys. The supporting characters also add depth and warmth, enriching the story and enhancing the overall experience.

Overall, What’s in a Kiss is a delightful and poignant romance that perfectly balances humor and heart. Lauren Kate has once again proven her talent for crafting stories that resonate deeply with readers of all ages.

A special thank you to Lauren Kate, NetGalley, and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

ROMANCE QUEEN!!! I read "By Any Other Name" last year and really enjoyed it, so being approved for this ARC was too exciting to me. Lauren Kate does not disappoint, writing laugh-out-loud funny love stories, I was giggling and kicking my feet. The concept? Chefs kiss. The chemistry? WHOA. Not to make comparisons, but she serves like Emily Henry and I was eating it up. I will say, I was a little disappointed in the lead-up to the ending, but that's because I could have read about our main couple for another 100 pages and not gotten bored. I love them, 10/10 ship. No notes.