Title: Kiss Me Maybe
By: Gabriella Gamez
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Pub May 6th, 2025

“…I’m so used to breaking my own heart before anyone else gets a chance to. To believing there’s something wrong with me. That I’ll never be enough.”

📚 Angela is a librarian who goes viral on TikTok when she comes out as an Asexual Lesbian and admits to never being kissed. The newfound fame and her urge for a “perfect” first kiss leads her on an exciting journey. Angela further explores her identity, stands up to those who criticize and finds new friends. Maybe she even finds the love she was worried she’d never get!

📚 I thought this story was very cute. The inner monologue of Angela felt real. How ace identity was broken down and explained was very interesting and helpful. Loved seeing Angela develop and stand up for herself! I related to Angela’s views of when she was stuck in comphet to then coming out as a lesbian. This book made me laugh and got me in my feelings a few times.

📚 You should read this if you’re looking for ace and/or lesbian rep. Looking for some well done lesbian spice. Looking for a story with found family.

This was the sapphic romance I needed to kick off 2025. Gabriella Gamez's books are some of my absolute faves and so I JUMPED at the opportunity to read Kiss Me, Maybe. And let me tell you, I am SO glad I need.
This was such a cute diverse romance that has the characters show so much growth. I am obsessed with Angela and Krystal and the slow burn that was just perfection. It is an art to write a slow burn and do it well, Gabriella aces that.
Add in a sense of found family and you have a recipe for a book that I know I'm going to love, and I did.

Thank you Forever publishing and NetGalley for gifting me this arc for an honest review.

Thank you Forever and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book as an e-ARC!

I loved the premise of an ace, lesbian librarian going viral for never being kissed, only to hold a scavenger hunt for said first kiss. I felt like I went into this blind as to how asexuality works and how diverse it could be, and could relate to this on some levels myself.

I have been really enjoying Sapphic romances and I enjoyed this one as well! There is tension, romance and spice! Krystal and Angel's journey was cute and the characters are so relatable!

Enjoy this book for:
Sapphic vibes
Latina representation
Ace representation
Slow burn

I love a book with great representation. I am often even able to learn things from them and grow to appreciate a character’s journey even more with fresh understanding. This book however borders on educational material territory. I get that Angela is trying to learn about herself but to started to feel less like a romance and more like crash course on the many differentiations of ace identity. All of that focus meant not enough time was left to develop the romance to the point that the love interest is so poorly fleshed out the only things I know about her are negative. I didn’t care about her at all. So feeling tepid about the romance didn’t leave me with much. The scavenger hunt idea was silly and never came to much. What I did really like was Angela and her cousin navigating their family relationships after coming out as queer. Of course I also love that gorgeous cover. This book was only ok for me but Gamez is still an author I will be watching.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have so many thoughts but not enough experience in writing to lay them all out properly.

As someone who considers herself on the asexual spectrum, I absolutely adore Angela and have since she appeared in Gabriella's first book, The Next Best Fling. I was so excited to read her story that I binge-read it in one sitting, and I loved following Angela's journey into figuring out just exactly who she is and what really matters to her in this crazy world we call life.

After going viral from an accidental thirst trap video, Angela ends up making a video talking about her asexuality and her late bloomer status, which gains her an online following. Deciding to take her situation into her own hands, she attempts to set up a scavenger hunt where the winner will get to claim her first kiss, which is where Krystal Ramirez, the hot and flirty bartender that Angela has been crushing on for years, comes into play. Krystal agrees to help Angela plan her scavenger hunt and let her use the bar she works in as the place to kick it all off, except as the two work together, their friendship takes a turn into will they, won't they territory.

I'll admit I was hesitant about the romance between Krystal and Angela, especially since Angela also has chemistry with another potential love interest throughout the story, but Krystal eventually won me over, and I enjoyed watching her character grow as well as her friendship turned relationship with Angela. Also, there's one specific spicy scene that I just loved 🥵

Not only do we get to see Marcella and Theo return, but we also get a new cast of characters to love/hate. I love Angela's parents and how supportive they are towards not only Angela but also her cousin Julian as well. I loved this story and all the characters with all their flaws, all minus the one character I despised, and I absolutely can't wait to see what Gabriella writes next.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

This was super cute!

The characters felt realistic, had good growth and were interesting. The romance is a sweet slow burn. These two were adorable.
I also thought the Hispanic and sexuality representation was done well.

A great read for summer!

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Hear me out: a late bloomer goes viral on TikTok for admitting she’s never been kissed, and decides the solution is a scavenger hunt with the prize being her first kiss! The only problem? The woman who’s helping her organize the hunt may be the only one she wants at the final location.

This book was my first sapphic romance and it set the bar incredibly high. To balance humor, cultural sensitivity, and queer representation as it’s interwoven into the most endearing love story -and do it well as a sequel- is a feat.

This book had me audibly gasping over plot twists as much as it had me giggling and kicking my feet over flirty banter. Plenty of spice - but no kissing allowed?? *chefs kiss*

What I loved the most was how real these characters felt. Angela’s journey of self exploration while trying to balance the reactions of those around her embodied the quintessential millennial coming of age story. Krystal’s reluctance to fall given her previous attempts at relationships felt so relatable and delicate.

Gamez’s writing just keeps getting better!! I will be happily waiting for book 3 so it can become the deliciously messy and endearing story I’m confident it’ll be!

Give Kiss Me, Maybe a read if you like:

🩷 sapphic romance
📖 late bloomer fmc
🩷 set in San Antonio
📖 ace spec, lesbian & bi rep
🩷 librarian x bartender
📖 telenovela energy
🩷 Mexican American fmc’s
📖 open door romance
🩷 viral fiesta scavenger hunt

The Never Been Kissed storyline update that I've been waiting for (from the skeezy 90s movie). I adored how adorably sweet this book was from start to finish. I loved going through Angela and Krystal's relationship and seeing them grow with one another.

Finding diversity in "mainstream" books is harder than it should be but Kiss Me, Maybe is going to knock it out of the park. The LGBT and POC rep in the book is done well and realistically - I love that the characters aren't just stereotypes or thrown into a story to check a box. It's difficult to find Romance books that also dive into Ace representation and I felt like Gamez did a really nice job properly representing different sexual orientations and what that means within relationships.

I'm a sucker for all the tropes and friends to lovers is one that can be hard to do but Gamez does it in such a fantastic way that I'm dying for more. The found family aspects are always 10/10 and a great way to immerse readers into the story by making them also feel like they've found their people. The author also has a knack for slow burn tension, while this isn't particularly "spicy" the romantic tension is there and amazing.

Kiss Me Maybe has solid pacing and I never wanted to put the book down once I started. I adore the author and I can't wait to keep reading everything she puts out.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever Pub for a chance to read this ARC.

This book follows Angela’s story. We first met her in ‘Next Best Fling’ she’s Marcela’s bestie. Both love to go to one particular bar in their town and for Angela - a special bartender there may be the reason why.
Angela accidentally becomes an influencer - and this turns into an elaborate idea to use her newly found social media fame to create a scavenger hunt so she can get her first kiss PLUS her favorite bartender Krystal is going to help.
Angela is spending more and more time with Krystal (which is bringing up so many new feelings) while also trying to figure out her identity and on top of that she’s dealing with the stress of having some family members who basically bullied her all her life.
There were parts of the book where I really wanted to give Angela a hug. In the end, I’m happy that stood up for herself and found her support group.

I really, really loved this story. I learned so many things about sexuality spectrums and I felt so much deep emotion for these characters. Seeing Angela’s journey to discover herself was heartwarming.

A lot of the social media stuff went over my head because I’m 35 LOL but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

Kiss Me, Maybe is one of those books that sneaks up on you with how much it makes you feel.

Angela Gutierrez is a librarian in her late twenties who’s never been kissed—ever. (Cue up Drew Barrymore’s “Never Been Kissed” soundtrack). After posting a video about being a late bloomer and identifying as ace, she goes viral. Suddenly, she’s got this big online following, and she decides to lean into it by setting up a scavenger hunt where the winner gets her first kiss. It’s quirky and bold, and I was hooked right away because who doesn’t love a good underdog story with a twist? Angela’s sweet but awkward, and you can feel how much she wants this moment, even if she’s not totally sure why.

Then there’s Krystal Ramirez, the bartender Angela’s been crushing on for FIVE YEARS. Krystal’s sworn off romantic love, which makes her volunteering to help with the scavenger hunt all the more intriguing. The chemistry between them is lovely—every time they’re together, whether they’re plotting clues or just chatting, you can tell there’s something simmering. Gamez does this thing where she lets their connection grow through little moments, like Krystal teasing Angela about her book obsession or Angela noticing how Krystal’s tough exterior softens around her. It’s subtle but electric.

The scavenger hunt itself is a fun backdrop—think clues hidden in library books and local spots around town. It’s got this playful, almost rom-com vibe, but the real heart of the book is Angela figuring out what she actually wants. At first, she’s all about the kiss, this big milestone she’s built up in her head. But the more time she spends with Krystal, the more she starts questioning if the hunt even matters anymore. (SPOILER: in one scene they’re sitting on Angela’s couch, surrounded by scavenger hunt notes, and Angela realizes she’s more nervous about Krystal leaving than about the event itself).

Krystal is a wildcard, though. While she's got this whole “I don’t do love” thing going on, and you can tell it’s not just a front; she really believes it. But then she keeps showing up for Angela, and you start wondering if she’s fooling herself as much as anyone else. There’s a moment late in the book where Krystal opens up about why she’s so closed off, and it’s raw and quiet and made me want to hug her through the pages.

Angela’s ace journey isn’t just a label, it’s part of how she navigates all this new attention and her feelings for Krystal. And the southern Texas setting? It’s not just a backdrop; it’s alive in the food they eat (hello, tamales), the music, the way people talk. As someone who’s lived a little north of Galveston, it’s nostalgic.

The pacing does drag a little during the middle. There’s a lot of planning for the hunt that could’ve been trimmed down. The ending is sweet, but I would have liked a little more time with Angela and Krystal figuring things out after the big moment.

Overall, KMM is a warm, funny, heart-tugging read. It’s about firsts—not just kisses, but figuring out who you are and who you want beside you. Angela and Krystal are the kind of characters you root for, flaws and all. If you’re into queer romance with a side of self-discovery, this one’s a must. I’d give it a solid 4.5 stars—Gamez is definitely an author to watch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been going through my netgalley arcs and this one was one of my favorites. Beautiful representation of Hispanic culture, ave , and lesbian romance. Gabriella writes real characters and real scenarios that everyone can relate to tbats what I have grown to love about her books. Angela is an ace librarian who is a virgin and never been missed or had a real relationship she hires Krystal a bartender for an event to do a scavenger hunt and find love/ attraction. Such a cute read. Highly recommend. thank you netgalley

There's a real dearth of asexual representation in queer fiction, especially in queer romance — so, Kiss Me, Maybe is a welcome addition to the literary world! I've read a handful of books with asexual characters over the last few years, but none where the main character is looking for love and also trying to figure out exactly where the fall on the spectrum. I loved that Angela was open to exploring what her "microlabel" was, and that she talked to so many other ace folks who experienced their labels similarly and differently than her. Figuring this stuff out IS messy, and often these identities DO shift and evolve over time. Gabriella Gamez really got that right!

Angela and Krystal's connection was sizzling, another nice surprise in a book about an ace MC! I squealed when they finally kissed. And I found the family drama on Angela's side highly relatable and believable. I understand the impulse to have the TikTok fame and scavenger hunt drive the plot, but it was actually the least interesting part to me. A good set-up but I'm glad it fizzled as Angela and Krystal got closer.

Great cast of characters, fresh perspective, just a lovely read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.

okay i’m conflicted: i absolutely adored the ace and hispanic rep, especially in a queer romance! as someone with no romantic experience in their 20s myself, i felt like this book was perfectly curated for me. what (sort of) lost me was the scavenger hunt and the leading on-adjacent of a couple women-or one in particular- while also trying to navigate a more than friends but less than relationship with someone in real life. it was messy and sometimes SAD but never truly the most romantic thing to ever happen? i would definitely read more from gamez, but this one was mixed

This was a good follow up to the first book in the series. This is a sapphic romance that is interconnected but a standalone from Next Best Fling. This book has ace representation and also offers some education to the reader about acespec identities. I thought that it worked really well and made the information feel natural and not like the book is preaching to you or info dumping. I think this one leans a little further into women's fiction (a big focus of the book is self-discovery and personal growth and there are points when the romance feels secondary or irrelevant of the character's growth) but it definitely comes back together and the romance and tension shines through.

I really enjoyed this entry in the series and I'm excited to see what this author does next

I originally wasn't going to try this one out because the premise didn't seem like it was for me. However, when Netgalley had this one as a read now option, I decided to dive in because I've made it a goal to read more wlw books this year. Unfortunately, I was a bit let down with this one since I really enjoyed this authors first book.

I would write a premise for this book, but I feel like I won't describe it clearly and I would only confuse you trying to explain the plot. Overall, this book was just fine. Like I said before, I already knew the plot didn't really call to me, so is it partially on me that I didn't enjoy it much? Yes. However, I really want to dive into more sapphic books this year and I knew I enjoyed this author's writing.

One of my biggest icks is the overuse of social media/pop culture in books and tiktok was a central plot point for this book. The whole plot seemed like it would be something straight out of a YA novel, not an adult romance novel featuring a 27 year old main character. There are only a few books that have done the social media thing right for me and this one was, unfortunately, not one of those.

I am a person who does not have an extensive knowledge of different sexualities other people can identify themselves as, so I was looking forward to reading this and possibly learning more about that topic. I liked learning about Angela's ace identity, but sometimes it felt like I was being taught about asexuality in a classroom from a textbook rather than from her own words. It just felt clunky at times, especially when other terms were introduced at a certain point to only be mentioned once. And then only get a sentence for each term to help me understand what they are.

I don't know, man. I just really wanted to love this book, but there were a few obstacles hindering me from doing that. The writing was phenomenal and I think it's what kept me reading on.

I loved Krystal as a love interest. She was so different from Angela and so flawed, but I loved seeing her work through those issues and find closure. I loved the side characters and I really enjoyed seeing Marcella and Theo again.

Simply because I think this author has great writing, I do plan on continuing with this author books in the future.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a cute story !!
And I love the representation! I highly recommend this story if you are looking for a cute read

Kiss Me, Maybe is an extremely charming rom com that offers some amazing Ace spec representation. Our lead is incredibly relatable and I love the open communication that centers our main couple. There were moments where I wished this story was a dual POV as I found myself compelled with Krystal’s perspective as someone who doesn’t believe she can fall in love. Overall, this book has a lot of heart and a lot of steam, making it a pretty fun romance and I look forward to the next chapter of the Librarians in Love series.

When I went to write this review, I went back to my review of Next Best Fling to see what I had to say. The first thing I noted was that it was shocking to me that it was a debut novel because the quality of the writing felt like that which would be produced by a seasoned writer. The same can be said with Kiss Me, Maybe. As a follow-up book, the quality was exceptional. The books felt related enough to see characters again, but also this book could stand entirely on its own with no issues. The characters were fully realized and fully independent of each other and within this book.

The ace representation in this book is exceptionally done. Not only is there representation, but also education on ace and many of its micro labels. The amount of teaching that is provided to the reader is tremendous, but what truly stands out is how well it is sewn into the fabric of the romance and character development. I never felt like I was being talked down to for not knowing the definitions and differences between the micro labels, I felt like I was being brought along with Angela on her journey of self-exploration.

The smaller discussions on social media - the feelings of obligation from creators to consumers, and how quickly the fan base can turn - were also very well done. How the monetization of art and creativity can turn self-expression into a chore and all the sparkle is lost. How comment sections can turn ugly in a second if strangers on the internet don't feel like they are being personally catered to.

There were times when I thought "is this a lit fic or a romance" but this is truly a romance through and through. Romances don't happen in a vacuum. There are friends and families, jobs and hobbies, online and offline, schedules and commitments. This never leaves the reader asking "okay what happens when they all go back to their real lives though".

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for a digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Gabriella Gamez delivers a sweet sapphic romance in Kiss Me, Maybe, balancing humor, heart, and self-discovery in the best way possible. Angela Gutierrez is a charming, relatable protagonist—an ace, late bloomer librarian who suddenly goes viral and decides to use her newfound platform to finally get her first kiss. The scavenger hunt concept? Genius. The tension? Off the charts.

But what truly makes this book shine is Krystal Ramirez, the bartender and longtime crush who keeps inserting herself into Angela’s journey, all while claiming love isn’t in the cards for her. Their chemistry is undeniable, and every interaction crackles with longing, humor, and deep emotional stakes.

Gamez does an incredible job portraying Angela’s ace identity with nuance, and the way the book explores self-worth, love, and vulnerability is both refreshing and deeply moving. Krystal’s arc is equally compelling, as she grapples with her fears and what it means to truly open her heart.

If you love slow burn romance with tension, mutual pining, and characters who make you feel every moment, Kiss Me, Maybe is a must read. It’s fun, flirty, and packed with heart—perfect for fans of sapphic rom coms and found family vibes. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Gabriella Gamez, and Forever for the eARC of this book.