YES YES YES YES!!!!

I started reading this when it was first released on Webtoon. And let me tell you this, it is my favorite. I cringe at times, but it’s a good cringe. The story is so fun and quirky without making the characters obnoxious.

And the more serious themes fit perfectly without sticking out like a sore thumb.

I’m truly looking forward to many more installments.

MY FAV!!!

The narrative is both sweet and engaging, capturing the complexities of teenage emotions and relationships. The illustrations are charming and complement the lighthearted tone of the story. I particularly enjoyed the character development and the humorous situations Sara finds herself in. Overall, it's a fun and heartwarming read that I'd recommend to fans of young adult romance.

Cute introduction to a girl who wants to get her first kiss even though she's in her senior year of high school, and how the bet to do so goes embarrassingly wrong. The art style has its own charm and even though Sara doesn't know it, she's surrounded by three guys who probably more than willingly wouldn't mind giving her a kiss.
I didn't know this was a Webtoon unscrolled until mid-way and so I will probably read the rest on their app since it's also free. I wouldn't have given this book a chance if I didn't get it through Netgalley.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Not sure if I find the characters annoying or endearing. The writing and dialogue itself are very plain and boring but I did enjoy the art style and the overall plot. I didn't care for how often Patrick and Sara argue with each other and mess around together. They're clearly best friends, so this is normal for them, but it felt like too much at times. Based off the cover too, I expected Sara to like Oliver?? Or that Oliver was her friend? I thought he'd be the one giving her the bet and Sara would be trying to show him up while also harboring this crush for him but... that's not it at all. I'm interested to see where this goes though since it seems like she kind of likes 3 guys.

The Kiss Bet is a young adult webtoon focusing on our main character, Sarah Lin, who is currently failing calculus and has not had a first kiss. I gotta be honest, I am not a fan of the weird pressure to have a first kiss by a certain age. That being said, this is a true YA story with a quirky and funny cast of characters as Sarah begins tutoring for calculus and continues her betting escapades with her friend Patrick. I loved the art style for this story, the pastel color scheme fit the more lighthearted themes of this story. I like that we just get to learn more about Sarah in this installment and why this matters so much to her but also her personality. She is dramatic, funny, and strange in her endearing way and I am excited to see what happens next. In typical teenage fashion, she can't really decide what she cares about more; righting the awkwardness between her and her tutor Oliver, pursuing her crush on Joe, or letting Patrick fool her into giving him more money (again) with his bets. While I know this annoyed some other reviewers, it just made Sarah feel more realistic. Also, if volume 1 is anything to go off of this is going to be a very slow burn (which I am always a fan of ).

This was a cute graphic novel. I thought the artwork was cute and I loved the pastel color theme.

The Kiss Bet follows Sara Lin, an awkward teen who has yet to experience her first kiss. One night, her friend Patrick dares her to ask a random guy at the subway station for a kiss. Summoning her courage, Sara approaches the stranger and asks if she can kiss him—just as the subway approaches. *awkward* That moment doesn’t go well for Sara Lin. To make matters worse, the random subway dude ends up becoming her math tutor. *very awkward*

I loved the tension between Sara Lin and Oliver. I just want them to get together. Oliver was quite a grump though. He had such a different personality than Sara Lin. I feel bad for Sara Lin’s friend, Patrick. He is really crushing on her. There’s also the cutie, Joe, who is Oliver’s brother and Sara Lin’s crush. Who will Sara Lin choose? I can’t wait to read on in the series to find out what happens.

I definitely recommend this graphic novel to fans of super cute YA romance.

The Kiss Bet is a coming-of-age graphic novel that follows our main character, Sara Lin, as she attempts to have her first kiss during her senior year of high school. It was fun and humorous, but at the same time, it really captures the awkwardness, uncertainty, and vulnerability of confessing your feelings. Although I do adore these quirky characters (i.e. Lulu <3), I do think they act younger than what they are portrayed to be. It felt more middle school, than high school for me. Some of their reactions to certain situations felt a little immature. As for the plot, it felt very repetitive and predictable. However, it is just the first volume, so I suspect the author is just setting up the pieces, and hopefully, we will see more growth and depth as the story progresses.

Overall, it was a fun read. I loved the expressive and vibrant artwork. I am interested to see how this story will grow, so will definitely continue this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Kiss Bet is a story that is a situation that is very much what it means to be a teenager. Not knowing really who you are or what you’re doing. The most arbitrary of things feeling to be the most defining things of your life. It’s an adorable story and a fun read.

There’s friendships and odd choices that are of the kind one makes as an awkward and embarrassed teen. Friendships mean everything and they are also so fragile. School tests feel like the end all and be all of life. It’s so sweet and it reminded me of a time in my life where I too made some odd choices and held in my heart sweet crushes and made a mess of things.

There’s a nostalgia for a different time in my life with this story. It’s a bit of escapism to read it and while parts can be childish that is the nature of it.

The art is soft and gives the feel of the floweryness of being a teen. The sweetness of love and friendship painted in pastels. The art matches the story perfectly. I am excited to read more and see where the story goes in volume 2.

If you have a soft spot for awkwardness, young and silly rivalries, and pretty pastel pages, The Kiss Bet is the story for you.

Sara Lin has never been kissed, and everyone knows it. Her friend, Patrick, especially loves teasing her about it. One night, he takes his teasing too far, and the ensuing bet leaves Sara Lin feeling she has something to prove. But what's a girl to do when her best guy friend won't let up, the new boy in school is super dreamy, and the new guy across the hall is the source of her embarrassment?

The Kiss Bet is another Webtoon in print, and if you've been following my page you should know I have a weakness for those. The cast of characters are delightful (I particularly enjoy Sara Lin's dad), the possible pairings are numerous, and the pacing was steady. The Kiss Bet combines humor, romance, and teenage drama all in one very enjoyable package. Fans of His and Her Circumstances or Say I Love You will enjoy The Kiss Bet.

This is one of my fav webtoons I am so glad this has been picked up to be published!

The plot is a little silly but I enjoy silly things😂 out fmc was dared to try to kiss someone in the subway and it turns out he is a new transfer to her school😂
(Basic explanation but it’s cute)

I am so ready to have this series on my shelf!!

This is a cute YA manwha about Sara Lin who betted with her best friend to kiss a random guy. Besides that this is just the intro to this series that I loved reading on Webtoon. I especially love Lulu’s personality because she’s really just in her own world as Sara Lin’s cousin. And of course Patrick the friend who even suggested the bet but maybe wishes for something more? Who knows until Volume 2 is released 🙂‍↕️ There was also an intro to who I guess are the 2 male leads who are Oliver and Joe? But I’m not able to form opinions on them just yet but I can’t wait till the release of Vol 2. If you’re in the mood for a cute, quirky and awkward tale of Sara Lin as she tries to get her first kiss, this is perfect for you.

~

Thanks to Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group via NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1 is a fun and relatable coming-of-age story that explores the pressure of love and first kisses with humor and heart. Sara Lin is an easy character to root for, and her journey of figuring out what love means to her is both charming and messy, as real-life romance often is. The premise—tackling the idea of a first kiss with a bet—adds a light, playful twist to the story, making for an enjoyable read.

The artwork is colorful and expressive, capturing the emotions of the characters perfectly, and the pacing keeps the story moving at a good clip. While the love triangle elements could feel predictable at times, the exploration of Sara’s emotions and the friendships around her keeps things engaging.

Though some parts of the plot might feel a bit formulaic, The Kiss Bet still delivers a fun exploration of teen relationships and self-discovery. It’s an easy, entertaining read for fans of high school romance with a lighthearted touch.

Sara Lin has hit the pinnacle of being a teenager, her 18th birthday. However, there is one adolescent milestone she has yet to reach…she has never been kissed. When her best friend, Patrick, dares her to kiss a random guy on the subway, it causes a spiral in her day-to-day life. Sara Lin is still in high school and there’s plenty of cute boys. Maybe she’ll get her first kiss…but who will it be with? I’m honestly curious.

#ThxNetGalley #IngridOchoa

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an arc of this graphic novel/

The Kiss Bet is a hilarious coming of age story following Sara Lin and her awkward yet endearingly funny journey of getting her first kiss.

I absolutely loved Sara Lin in this, she was hilarious yet akkward but in the best most relatble way you could imagine. The friendship between her and Patrick was sweet and I can't wait to explore that more in later volumes, as well as her relationship with Oliver (Subway Boy) and Joe.

This first volume hold so much plot and relationship potential for the following volumes, and I can't wait for the author to keep writing more!! Loved <3

Sara Lin just turned eighteen and she is in her senior year of high school. She has her friends, one being Patrick who she used to have feelings for but seems as if over the summer those feelings have faded away.

While heading home one day waiting on the subway, Sara Lin let it slip that she has yet to have her first kiss. Thus the kiss bet begins. Patrick dares her to kiss the blonde boy sitting alone in the subway. Sara Lin walks up to the boy and asks him if she can kiss him, and this is where the the story starts.

From here she thinks the embarrassment of being turned down for her first kiss will end here, however that all changes when she realizes her new calculus tutor is the boy from the subway, and he just happened to move across the hall from her.

You would think that would be enough, until Sara Lin starts to fall for a boy that is new at her school.

All while Sara Lin is navigating her emotions of a new crush and total embarrassment, Patrick may be starting to realize he has feelings for Sara Lin as well.

Is it to late for Patrick, Will Sara die of embarrassment, Will her new crush return her feelings?

so many questions and i cant wait to keep reading once we get a volume two!

The characters are likeable and relatable. You will find your self picking your favorite boy and rooting for them. This is a super bingeable story with a really lovely art style.

So far its readable for teens and i would recommend for any one around the age 15+
( i have not read further than volume one so i can not speak for the rest of the story)

#TheKissBetVolumeOne #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and | WEBTOON Unscrolled

“The Kiss Bet” by Ingrid Ochoa

4⭐️/5⭐️

This is such a cute first volume! It made me feel really nostalgic for the shoujo I’d read as a middle and high schooler. It’s a sweet story with a fun set-up: Sara has just turned 18 and is dared to give her first kiss to a total stranger! Just as she’s about to kiss him, he notices her, and in her embarrassment…she runs away. There’s a large cast of characters, but not so many that it’s overwhelming and hard to keep track of. The potential of drama, angst, and romance is all there, and I think readers of all ages will be drawn to the story.

The Kissing Bet by Ingrid Ochoa is a delightful graphic novel that masterfully captures the essence of teenage life through its honest storytelling, humor, and captivating art style.

Sara Lin, a teenager searching for her purpose, navigates the challenges of friendship, romance, and self-discovery while engaging in a life-changing bet. Supporting characters like Joe, Patrick, and Oliver Won add depth and realism, portraying authentic friendships and relatable emotions.

The art is vibrant and expressive, with facial expressions that bring the characters to life and enhance the story's youthful and relatable tone. Though aimed at a younger audience, the narrative tackles universal themes, making it equally compelling for adult readers. From the very first page, the story pulls you in, immersing you in a world where vulnerability and humor create an unforgettable experience.

A cute, awkward coming-of-age graphic novel about the pressure of a first kiss and all the anxiety that comes with senior year. The colorful and stunning illustrations are intriguing and keep you engaged.

Sara Lin's senior year is coming up and she still hasn't had her first kiss. Nothing wrong with that, but her best friend Patrick dares her to kiss a stranger while they are on the subway. She is bold and goes up to Subwayboy, Oliver, but things don't go according to plan. At least she can rest easy as she won't have to see this guy again. Or so she thought. Oliver is the new guy in school and she hopes that he doesn't remember her. As they are forced to spend time together as he is her new math tutor, things are a bit awkward. Add in a jealous best friend and a 'new crush' and everything gets complicated. Can't wait to read more volumes.
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4 Stars!

This was so cute! The art style was very adorable, and the characters weren't very cringy (for the most part). I know this is just the first installment, but I am very curious as to who Sara Lin is going to end up with. I like the different dynamics of the characters, and how each one seems to have a specific trait (Joe - the popular one, Oliver - the nerdy quiet one, Patrick - the goofball).

However, this seems like a younger high school story as opposed to seniors. I have a hard time believing Sara Lin is so bashful and oblivious as a SENIOR.

I do think I will continue this series if the chance arises.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

I loved the comic book format. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who would be interested in something like it.