4.5/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Portal/Alternate reality
Forced proximity
Hurt/healing
Single POV

This one had me hooked from the beginning. I was really annoyed with Olivia in the beginning, but I knew it was setting up for character development. I loved the concept of different realities... something we'll never really know if it's is true or not. I felt the hurt and emotional journey Olivia had to go through. But I was happy how she grew to see how wrong she was about Jake from the start. My only gripe is that the ending was waaaay too rushed for me. I feel like more could have happened to tie everything up for the HEA.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and was completely invested in the MC's character development.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

I loved this story. As soon as I saw who the author was I had to read it. It did not disappoint! The plot was well-written and the romance was good.

I was drawn to this book because I really enjoyed The Good Part by Sophie Cousens and this felt along the same lines. What’s in a Kiss absolutely blew me away, it was so good.

I love a second chance trope, and along with the magical realism element, this was amazing. I really felt for the MC, Liv through everything. She had a lot of hard decisions to make starting at a young age, and upon seeing what life could have been like, she still has to choose between the impossible yet again.
I did really enjoy her realizing that her perception had been wrong the whole time and she and Jake should have been together all along, and that they, assumedly, got their HEA.

I loved Liv and Jake in the alternate timeline. Their marriage and love was everything, it made me a little sad that they didn’t have it the whole time, in reality. Their banter, their inside jokes, just KNOWING each other, was the sweetest.

I’m so glad I chose to pick this up, it was very much for the 13 Going On 30 fan in me and I was sucked in immediately.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and the author for this ARC.
Publication date 7/2/24

In "What's in a Kiss," Lauren Kate spins a charming tale where unexpected love blooms amidst laughter and quirks. Imagine waking up married to someone you can't stand – that's the delightful predicament our protagonist finds herself in with Jake.

Kate's storytelling is like a warm hug, whisking you away into a world where romance and humor collide. This book is a quick and delightful escape, perfect for anyone craving a dose of heartwarming romance and a good laugh. So, if you're looking for a feel-good read that'll leave you smiling, "What's in a Kiss" is the perfect choice.

3 stars is generous. I wish I could really nail down why this book didn’t do it for me. I think it comes down to some unclear plot points and wanting more of a conclusion. This could be a “mileage may vary” book for others who catch on to what is happening faster than I did but I spent the first 40% of the book confused.

Summary- Olivia gave up her dreams of going to Juilliard when her dad died and has always been jealous of her *almost* prom kiss HS rival Jake for becoming famous. When they stand across from each other at her best friend’s wedding (and his) the mysterious words of the Yogi officiant cause a reality/life altering switch to occur. Now Olivia is the one who is successful and Jake…. Well their relationship is certainly different!

"What's in a Kiss" offers a delightful journey through parallel universes, reminiscent of the concept in Gwyneth Paltrow's "Sliding Doors." With just the right touch of magic, this book intricately weaves together the paths of its characters, prompting readers to appreciate the power of love and the importance of loyalty. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds us to cherish the ones who stand by us, no matter the twists and turns of fate.

4.75 stars

I feel like this is the 3rd new alternate universe/time travel romance I've read this year and it hits every time! I love seeing how one small interaction could change the entire trajectory of your life. Seeing another life that may be better in many ways (fame, finances, career, even love) but missing some other important things can show you what you are most grateful for yet may be taking for granted. I really enjoyed this novel and getting to see a lot of the MC in both of the very different realities. I like that a good portion of the first 1/4 of the book was in the current reality before moving to the AU, it gave you a good feel for how different they were. The only reason I knocked .25 stars down is I wish there was an epilogue showing us the other universe and what happens next there, though I guess as yogi Rabbi Dan said, it's not for us to know.

Also, Jake, what a complete cinnamon roll. Very much a he-falls-first, it's always been you feel throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

As someone who simultaneously always wonders "what if" and knows that everything that happens is meant to be, this fun rom-com spoke to me. Olivia has to choose between her real life where she has a mom and a best friend who lift her up and the alternate one where she doesn't have her girl gang, but has true love with the "one that got away" -- and it is heartbreaking. But it is also funny, heartwarming and full of sarcastic banter. I enjoyed watching Olivia grow and discover all the possibilities in life. And Jake. Sweet, sweet golden retriever Jake. He is the quintessential book boyfriend! This one is a bit of a slow burn but definitely picks up about halfway through. A perfect summer read for anyone who believes in soulmates!

What's in a Kiss? Liv's chance encounter with her high school rival, Jake, leads to an alternate reality where a prom kiss changed everything. Despite my initial reluctance towards alternate timelines, the charming storyline and honestly Jake made it a cute read that was worth it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

I have always been a HUGE Lauren Kate fan. I read the Fallen series many years ago and still think about it from time to time.

When I saw she had a new rom-com coming out I knew I wanted to read it.

I love rom-coms that have more than just the romance going on and this story was more layered, heartwarming, and so fun!

There's an enemies to lovers vibe with parallel universes and some 80s pop culture references that made me laugh. I loved that the main character Olivia, is a bit quirky and really trying to find herself. I also REALLY ended up loving Jake Glasswell. He’s a bit cocky when you first meet him but oh what a marshmallow!

This is the perfect beach read!

This book was adorable and sweet! This was my very first arc and very first Lauren Kate book and it did not disappoint. I have added more of her books to my tbr! The banter in this book is *chefs kiss*. Olivia was such a hot mess but so relatable. I was smiling like a giddy teenager, how could I not, Jake is so loveable! The only thing I needed was an epilogue to give it 5 stars.

I would like to thank Putnam Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. What's in a Kiss takes on 2 well known tropes- the enemies to lovers and the alternate universe. I generally like both, and have no problem with having both in one book. This book, however, never really took off for me. I have to say, that this is the second book in a row that would have benefited from an editor with a strong hand. There are numerous plot points that are stated, but never explained.I did finish this book, but feel like I missed some chapters somewhere that would have cleared up the confusion. In this book, Olivia has been laid off from her job as a Drama Teacher, due to budget cuts. She is barely making ends meet by waitressing and Lyft driving. This is not the life she dreamed of, 10 years ago when she graduated High School. She wanted to be an actress, and had been accepted to Julliard. Then her father died and she gave up her dream. Even though her career is not hat she planned, she is happy. Her best friend Masha, is getting married and Olivia is maid of honor and planning the wedding. Olivia and her mom are very close and do a pod cast together.The only fly in the ointment is Jake Glasswell. Ten years ago at the prom, Jake and Olivia almost kiss but he pulls away. They are rivals in High School- both elected most likely to succeed. Jake wants to be a writer, but due to a chance meeting at a baseball game, he now has a famous talk show and everyone loves him- except for Olivia. He is still best friends with Eli ( the groom and the upcoming wedding) and is Best Man. Olivia is driving for Lyft just before the wedding to make money to get her hair done, and Jake is her passenger. They spar back and forth during the ride , at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. Then during the wedding, Olivia looks at Jake and is transported into another life. In this life she is a famous actress, and rich. She is no longer friends with Masha, and is only at the wedding because Jake is the best man. She is married to Jake, who is not famous. And she and her mother no longer speak. The rest of the book has Olivia trying to navigate her new life and get back to her old one. Now, usually , in these type of alternate universe plots, the main character is unhappy and begs for a new life , wishes on a star, etc. This does not happen. Olivia is actually pretty happy, all things considered.The book really does not fill in the blanks of why her mother and Masha no longer speak to her, which are pretty relevant plot points. A few hints are given, but no real information. It seems Jake knows, but never really says anything concrete. It is a frustrating book, because it could have been better.

They say one moment has the power to change everything. What would you do if you could see the other side of the coin? A life where a simple kiss turned into something more. It seems blissful and perfect until the other changes come to light.

What's in a Kiss is an intriguing story featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance about what ifs and a parallel universe where Olivia gets to experience a different version of her life. This story had a lot of great things to offer, but at the same time, it left a lot unanswered. There were some instances/moments that I wish would have been clearer. If you're a fan of The Butterfly Effect or 13 Going on 30, I think you'll enjoy this parallel universe romance.

Is kissing fun?

Do you REALLY enjoy swapping spit? Putting your tongue in someone’s mouth after they….

Ate?
burped?
sucked their teeth?

Ok, yeah yeah me too

((LIARS))

I’ve never been a big fan of touch. I think the first man I ever enjoyed physical touch by, is my husband.

That makes sense right?

However, I do not like how he takes longer than me to get ready (he’s actually never ready). He also snores pretty dang loud.

He does, open car doors, come home for lunch, pick out my clothes for important meetings and lets me ramble on about the books I read.

He puts up with my never ending love for dateline even though it scares him, he lets me listen to audiobooks in the car during long drives, and he never forgets to kiss me good night.

I guess I’m pretty lucky 🍀

Guess who else is pretty lucky ?

Jake Glasswell

He’s lucky not for stardom, fame and success but that he even gets a second glance from Liv.

This is an “enemies to lovers” but so much more!! I felt the magic, my lips tingled with every kiss. Ugh, I’m swooning in love over here

Check out this teaser:

This is not how Liv wanted to see Jake Glasswell for the first time in ten years. Once her high school rival and the prom date who humiliated her, now a successful TV personality, he’s more attractive than he has any right to be. And he’s her Lyft passenger.

Since the prom night kiss that never was, Liv’s life has not gone to plan. She deferred Julliard to be with her mom during a crisis, and now swears she’s happy as a recently furloughed drama teacher going on no-strings dates. This weekend she’s maid of honor to her best friend, Masha, and, of course, Jake is the best man. But when Liv glares into Jake’s eyes as Masha says, “I do,” the universe turns on its axis and Liv is suddenly living a version of her life where prom night was the beginning of her and Jake, not the end, and it turns out he’s the love of her life. The catch? Her mom and Masha hate her now. What’s in a kiss? Maybe everything.

I have loved Lauren Kate for more years than I care to admit. Doing so would age me and I'm not ready to reveal all of my secrets just yet. I will reveal that this book was delightful. A must read.

Cuuuuuute. I’m a fan of 13 Going On 30 and this movie gave those vibes hardcore. Technically it’s an enemies to lovers, but I didn’t get much of the “enemies” part. Some hatred and choice words back and forth but that was quickly dropped. So more like dislike-to-lovers 😂 but otherwise I really liked the authors style of writing and this idea! This is the first book I’ve read of hers and I’m interested in more. There were a few times where I was a bit turned around and confused but not bad. Their romance though? Love. Jake is obsessed with Liv and it’s so heartwarming. I will say that I felt like the romance took a second seat to the journey that Liv was on, at least until the end, who wasn’t a bad thing in my opinion. I feel like both the journey and the love they share go hand in hand.

Liv is helping to plan her best friend’s wedding and right before the wedding she comes face-to-face (or rather Lyft driver to Lyft passenger?? Ugh embarrassing) with her high school nemesis. Her nemesis, Jake, got everything that she wanted in life while she finds herself struggling by. By a strange chance of fate, Liv finds herself in a parallel world where she succeeded with her dreams and has Jake by her side.

3.75/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

I absolutely loved this book! It was a cute, funny rom com. I was laughing, crying, on the edge of my seat! I definitely hope this book is in my book subscription box in July!!

A cute, cheesy romcom. Albeit predictable at times, this one left me smiling. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy! Check it out as a fun summer read!

Overview: Olivia Dusk is over the moon that her best friend Masha is getting married - except that the best man will be her former high school rival Jake Glasswell, who humiliated her a decade ago at prom. In a strange turn of events at the wedding, she is transported to a parallel universe where Masha absolutely despises her and Olivia is now a famous actress (instead of an unemployed drama teacher). But most shockingly, she is now married to Jake, who is completely in love with her - all because she ended up kissing him at prom…

Thoughts: I LOVED this one! The sense of humor here is totally my style - there were definitely some wacky moments where I laughed out loud. Also, apparently I have a strong affinity for “parallel universe” style romances because I also loved The Good Part by Sophie Cousens, which has a similar structure. Unlike most other romances (which mainly document the initial attraction between a couple), this type of story unveils all the possibilities of a “happily ever after.” My only complaint is that the logistics of the whole universe switching seemed a little more complicated than necessary.

Take home message: “What’s in a Kiss?” is a charming (and steamy!) parallel universe-style second chance romance featuring the rivals to lovers trope that will especially speak to those who have always wondered “What if?!”

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was a little confusing of the events leading up to when Olivia was sent to her alternate reality. One minute it was real time at her best friend’s wedding and poof she’s in her new reality. Floundering for the answers she fakes it like a champ. Trying to decide which is the right life for her has her questioning everything. Sometimes you have to have faith that you can have the best of both worlds. How can you not fall in love with Jake in either scenario. He made the book! Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review