Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I Kissed a Girl by Jennet Alexander is a fun sapphic rom-com that's set during the filming of a horror movie as the possibility of a relationship between the lead star and her makeup artists develops. I have to say that reading the book I was truly transported to the film set, the descriptions were where the writing shined and I'd be surprised if the author has never worked in a setting like this. However, the dialogue often fell flat and the characters didn't really seem to have distinct voices, the conversations between characters often took me out of the book due to the fact that they didn't seem organic at all. This lack of pacing carried from the dialogue to the whole book, at times it seemed like nothing was happening and then all of the sudden I felt like I was being info dumped for the sake of moving the plot along.

As for the characters, I felt like I could understand our two mc's—Noah, the makeup artist, and Lilah, the actress—individually, however, I had a lot of trouble understanding their relationship since it lacked chemistry and its only real problem was a lack of communication. There is a stalking sub-plot that actually kept me going back to the book, it was well written and definitely kept me guessing and involved in the story.

To be clear, the book was enjoyable—if a little too long for what it tried to convey. The horror film atmosphere was a refreshing background for a YA novel and, although I cannot personally speak for it, the Jewish representation seemed genuine and not rooted in stereotypes and the mystery element was certainly well crafted. I believe this is Alexander's debut, which is impressive since elements of this book seemed to be masterfully written. I will definitely be on the lookout for their next novel—especially if it leans toward mystery, a subject that the author excels in.

I wanted this eArc the second I saw that its a sapphic romance between a bisexual and a lesbian with Jewish rep. However, I couldn't finish it. This reads like young adult. I have nothing against YA but I was expecting a new adult, more mature romance but this wasn't it. I dnfed at 43%.

I really did not like Noa. She's extremely judgmental. She insults Lilah for reading woman's fiction. She judges her for being in beauty pageants implying that she's full of herself and hasn't struggled in life. She judges Lilahs home because it's pink. She really implies that Lilah is a diva and snobby because of her upbringing. And because Lilah doesn't like the horror genre, Noa just assumes they aren't right for each other. They're so much assuming going on in this story and its very annoying.

Lilah is pretty likeable in what I've read. Even though she was in beauty pageants, she was still shy and a little self conscious. Even though she's an actress, she's not a diva or stuck up. She's bisexual and hasn't come out to the public and Noa was the first person she told. Lilah does a lot of assuming as well but not to the point where she's judgmental like Noa.

I couldn't finish because they were just too immature for my liking and I really did not like Noa's character.

This book is so stinking cute, I can’t stand it. The romance was such a natural progression from confusion, to friends, to love. Hopes, fears, trust, longing - I’m not queer, but it all felt very natural and was done so respectfully. There was a mystery tossed in which wasn’t terribly difficult to figure out, and the big action sequence toward the end was pretty silly but entertaining.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

All in all, just underwhelming. I was really excited to read not only a romance, a genre that I’m delving into, but an LGBTQ romance at that. I didn’t enjoy the instalove trope. The writing was great and if said trope doesn’t normally bother you, then I think you will enjoy it. It wasn’t a terrible read, I even found myself enjoying it every now and then. However, it just wasn’t for me.

First, I would like to thank Jennet Alexander, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC of I Kissed A Girl.

Noa is trying to make it as a make up artist in Hollywood. She prefers to work with horror/science fiction genre because she can make things even creepier then they really need to be. Her roommate Chrissy gets her a job on the set that Chrissy is working and it happens to be with the actress that Noa has been crushing on for years. Lilah Silver is a former beauty pageant winner and has catapulted herself into B list stardom by starring in lots of horror films. Noa and Lilah don't get off on the best foot, but they slowly develop a friendship. Lilah has been burned by different people in the past, so she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder and is slow to trust. While Noa is always just saying things that come to her mind without really filtering them.Things start to take a harrowing turn when the horror isn't completely limited to the film set. The question is, will Noa and Lilah's friendship turned to attraction be able to survive?

I Kissed a Girl was a book full of representation. Chrissy is a transgendered woman living with her lesbian roommate, Noa. Lilah was a closeted bisexual not sure of how to come out to anyone, until she started to slowly pull the bandaid back. Both Noa and Lilah were Jewish and that added another layer to their relationship. At times, I could definitely feel like Noa and Lilah had a ton of chemistry. Other times though, that chemistry was definitely lacking. I enjoyed the last couple of chapters of the book mostly because that was where the action was. Leading up to it, there were just a lot of flat moments in the story. I did enjoy reading about the behind the scenes work that happens on movies like this.

This book was about two girls who fall in love, and their gradual development. They are polar opposites but end up falling head over heals for each other. It was a sweet tale about attraction and love.

This book utilises some of the most over used tropes in romance books and gives them a lite twist. It was kind of love at first sight, but with actual development. I liked that alot. It is like reading a rom com movie, and it reads like a very sweet song. It gives us all the feels.

The delivery of the words was also very well done. The writing was smooth and consistent. There was a certain consistency to the plot as well, which made it really satisfying to read.

Their were certain mad things about the book as well. It was a little too repetitive and kind of got stuck in the middle, but overall a really enjoyable story.

This was a very enjoyable read! One of my favorite things was how the author developed Lilah and Noa’s relationship, from first look to lingering touches and glances, then to first kiss, first fight, and finally their first “I love you”. I personally related to Lilah very closely throughout the story because I am also a very inexperienced bisexual woman who’s only ever dated men. I connected her struggles and overthinking about outfits, hairstyles, and accessories to what goes through my head everyday, especially because I also have a pink/purple/blue bracelet that I wear so the right people know. Something I also appreciated was the addition of the “only one bed” trope, which I always like in books. Another thing I really liked was seeing Lilah become friends with Tanner and Noa become friends with PJ. Both of those male characters were done very well, and I found myself thinking how much they improved the story for me. The last romance related thing I wanted to say was how much I liked the quote from the last page; ’“Tell you a secret”, Noa murmured against Lilah’s hair, and Lilah’s heart thrilled to the sound and the feel of her voice, her breath, her everyday. “I’m a little bit in love with you too”.’ I think that was a really great way to leave it. Moving on to the more mystery part of the story, I did appreciate the added element which gave it a bit more substance than if it was just a romance, but I feel like it wasn’t done very well. The foreshadowing made the biggest plot point too predictable, and that sort of put a damper on the whole thing. Overall, would I recommend? Yes, but definitely not as a mystery. It’s a cute and easy read for someone looking for a sapphic romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the e-arc!
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book follows an actress named Lilah and a makeup artist named Noa. After working long hours on set together, their feelings start to grow.

I fell in love with the premise of this book when I first read about it. It sounded exactly what I wanted in romance. Sadly, it just fell kinda flat for me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my time reading it. I loved the horror movie setting and the characters. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story.

I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for something light and fluffy!

TW: stalking

This was an entertaining read, but I felt that it missed it's full potential.  I liked the idea of the story of the lead actress & a makeup artist falling in love on set, but I felt that while Lilah & Noa were wonderful characters separately, they did not have that much chemistry as a couple.  I also felt that the story dragged a lot in the middle.  If you are after a light hearted romance, this book would hit the spot.

2.5 ⭐️

So, honestly the only good things about this book is the LGBTQ+ representation and the old school horror vibes. Other than that I thought the book was pretty lackluster.

The chemistry between Lilah & Noa is pretty meh. Their entire relationship feels rushed, and the whole insta-love thing just ruins it for me. I wish there had been more angst and longing and build up.

"I Kissed A Girl": 3 ⭐

(Unpaid Review: thanks to @netgalley, @jennetalexander and @sourcecasablancabooks for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review).

We love books with lgbtq representation, we all know how difficult life is for the lgbtq community and I appreciate these reads so much! So, I loved that part.

The story talks about Lilah and Noa, two young women who met through their jobs and became instantly infatuated. Maybe it was that part that made the book a little underwhelming for me. I thought their relationship was rushed, especially because one of the protagonists gets infatuated on page 1. I wish it could've been slower.

However, it is a good read, very important for all of us! I recommend it! It wasn't that great for me, but it can be great for you!

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book.

As a queer reader I am always looking for new LGBTQ+ romance books, and as an avid film fan 'I Kissed a Girl' drew me in. I read this book via a kindle and will be using percentages to indicate my place in the text.

Things I Liked
- The representation, Jewish and LGBTQ+
- Lilah's arc of being closeted to being out and proud. Especially the sections when she was doubting her 'gayness', if she felt "gay enough" for the community. I think this is a poignant struggle for many bisexual people who come to terms with their sexuality.
- On the same note I appreciated how both women weren't forced into stereotypes. Also that Noa had to be reprimanded of her judgments, felt realistic. As sometimes societies opinions have forced their way into your brain without your notice.
- The setting, working on a movie set and having the star fall in love with you is the dream, right?

Things I Didn't Like
- Although I appreciated the behind the scenes look at a film set at first, it soon became tiring. For me there wasn't a good balance between the romance and the movie. There were many names of male crew members being thrown around that I found interchangeable, and by the last 20% I was skimming sections with them mentioned, as what I really wanted was Noa and Lilah's conclusion. To combat this I would have suggested condensing these male characters. Arguments between a consultant and producer seem quite redundant in the grand scheme of things.
- I would have appreciated more build up, angst and yearning based on 'real' moments between the girls. The moment after their date on the railing sticks in my mind, but they were few and far between. The large spaces taken up by movie set dialogue.
- I was fine with the stalker subplot in general, but I wish it was wrapped up sooner. It was strange to me that the teddy bear was on her vanity for months and neither of them bought it up, or that she didn't hug it and it felt lumpy or something.

Overall I would say I enjoyed this book, but I found myself looking for more romance in the depths of SFX gunk. It's clear to see author has a real love for old school horror, I just wish there had been more of a balance. However, I appreciate that a romance book about gay Jewish women even exists.

The story follows two girls, Lilah, who is a actress trying to make it big and Noa, who is a make up artist and just wants to be part of the union. Both are total opposites of each other but opposites do attract.

I loved both the main characters, both were heavily flawed but that made them more human.

The story was pretty simple and straight forward and I liked seeing how both the characters dealt with the situations they were in.

At times I was frustrated with the characters but in the end the story and the characters won my heart!

Thank you, NetGalley and SourceBooks for the opportunity to read this story.

This was an enjoyable read! I found myself turning the pages to get to know Noa and Lilah. I love the way the author developed each character at a steady pace. Even if we would have to loved to see more interactions with Noa and her family or Lilah and her grandpa — the story was still perfect. It focused on their relationship and the obstacles they face together to have a relationship.

If you want a short and sweet romantic story — this is what you need!

I absolutely LOVED it.

Great book helped get me out of a reading slump. If you’re looking for a cute fun read here is your next book.

This story finds actress Lilah Silver facing what could be a break through role for her career. Also on set is makeup and special affects artist Noa Bimbaum who has harbored a crush on Lilah over the course of her film career. With long hours spent in the makeup chair, the two find themselves growing close as they connect over their shared religious backgrounds and common interests. Despite their growing romantic connection, the glare of the Hollywood spotlight threatens to keep them apart. First and foremost, this book is an absolutely lovely romantic comedy. It features the miscommunication trope which leads to quite a slow burn for Lilah and Noa’s relationship, but once they finally overcome the challenges that face their relationship, the payoff is really exciting for the reader. I think the majority of the problems for these characters could have been solved if they had just talked about their insecurities. Both characters get off to the wrong foot when they first meet, but their growing sexual tension keeps the story fast paced and engaging, especially as it is told in both of their points of view. This book also is really wonderful in how it approaches Lilah wanting to belong to the queer community despite not being out and her insecurities about not fitting in. All of the details and descriptions of the film set were well researched and written and helped really cement the setting for readers. I would have loved getting to see more character development for some of the background characters who were also unique, such as Chrissy and Tanner. One of the best parts of this books is the banter between Lilah and Noa and the adorable awkwardness when they both get flustered around each other.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an e-ARC of this novel.

<b> rating: </b> 3 stars

I Kissed A Girl, while having an extremely promising plot and a main character I absolutely adored, fell flat for me. The plot follows Noa, a MUA trying to build her career and Liah, an actress working on a horror movie. The two meet as Noa gets assigned as Liah's make up artist and the rest follows as a cute romcom!

I honestly just struggled to get behind the plot. The author's writing style seemed choppy and oddly worded, and the insta-love trope is one I've never been interested in. The characters had no development and bored me, and all in all I just couldn't see myself getting attached to the romance the way I would have liked to, especially considering this is a romance. The subplot seemed very promising, but it just isn't enough to carry the book on its own.

I'll first focus on the redeeming qualities of the book. The LGBTQ+ rep was great! Lilah is a struggling closeted bisexual who undergoes an inspiring arc throughout the book. She is kind & gentle but plagued with insecurities, as anyone would be as a young starlet growing up in the spotlight. It was great to read about her growth & coming out process to becoming more confident & outspoken, little by little. The Jewish rep was also quite endearing & I can see Jewish readers finding those elements exceptionally relatable. The stalker plotline was also the only thing that kept me engaged & my guess was right! So I wasn't exactly blindsided but it was still a gripping element. It was also quite chilling to read about being stalked & watched from Lilah's perspective.

Other than that, I did not find anything else to be enjoyable.

First, the insta-love. Insta-love always feel less than authentic & often lack substance. This flaw has never been so glaring as I read this book. Lilah, despite seeing Noa for the very first time is already losing sleep thinking about her. And because they literally knew nothing about each other, their attraction was often reduced to physical attraction. I felt no emotional connection between them. No chemistry, just lust that popped out of nowhere. This made it very hard to be invested in the relationship because I had no idea why they liked each other so much.

Both the girls were also so easily offended so the dialogue was almost unbearable. Besides them having to clarify that they're joking or bantering every time a slightly informal comment is made, the dialogue was simply unrealistic. Most lines were things I would never expect to hear in real life. They were just walking on eggshells around each other because they're still literal strangers. The protagonists were also very similar to each other & was not very distinctive at all, especially as more pages passed. The jokes made also never landed as intended & were often flat & cringe-worthy.

I could not care less about Noa. She has no redeeming quality. She was spiteful & judgemental towards Lilah for no reason. It seemed like Noa desperately wanted Lilah to be snobbish & diva-like when none of their interactions have ever indicated that. Noa was just a very contradictory, inconsistent & flat character, honestly, she even felt manipulative. This book reads like teen fanfiction. It's classified as New Adult & coming-of-age. I couldn't disagree more. I also did not appreciate the inconsistencies & loopholes in the book.

Overall, the romance was lacklustre & Lilah's growth & the stalker subplot were the only redeeming qualities .

3.5 stars rounded down
I Kissed a Girl has the fun premise of two women working on a movie set together and secretly falling in love. This is a good set up to a story and this was a cute, quick read, but I was slightly underwhelmed by the romance. The main characters of this book, Lilah and Noa, come from two very different walks of life. Unfortunately, I did not get the sense that Noa was judgemental of Lilah's lifestyle or privilege, but rather that she was just judgmental of her. Considering how much Noa judged Lilah in the beginning of this book, the end conflict felt inevitable and like a potential deal breaker, rather than just an instance of miscommunication. I also wish there were a few more scenes of Noa and Lilah in the middle stage of their relationship, so that we could really see their connection and what made their love worth fighting for. All that being said, there were some really good parts of this book too. To start, I found Lilah's character to be extremely well written and relatable. Specifically, her journey of coming out, and her feelings of not wanting to make a big deal out of it if she isn't actively dating a girl were very relatable. This book also impressed me with its diversity (the two leads are a Jewish lesbian MC and a Jewish bisexual MC). The diversity never felt like tokenism, and every social issue this book mentioned was explored in good detail. Overall, this book had a lot of good to it, such as its discussions regarding the complexities of coming out and feeling welcomed in queer spaces, but the actual romance of this book was somewhat lacking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this in exchange for a review.

This was a nice read! I found the setting (film set) super interesting, I’ve never read a book with that type of setting before.

The characters were interesting too. Could’ve been a bit more developed, but still! Noa and Lilah were different but similar, and fun in their own ways. I might not have loved the way the romance was handled (I didn't feel... chemistry), but it was sweet and that was just what I wanted from this book.

I really liked the stalked plotline. Actually, I wish it had been a bigger part of it all. And the end was just so chaotic and dramatic, I absolutely LOVED it.