I unfortunately did not connect with this book. I had given it a try, but just could not connect with the characters. I plan on trying to read other books by this author though.

really enjoyed learning about demisexuality and how the book approached the topic. It definitely make you think while reading it but it was also a swoony rom com. it was fun when needed to be but also serious in all the right places

This was a great story about tying up the loose strings of your past and letting go of everything that you've held inside for so long. I really loved this book.

I am such a big fan of Timothy Janovsky and cannot recommend his writing enough. This first book in his boy meets boy series is such a sweet ride that will have you kicking your feet and giggling until the end.

This book was fun and swoony and had serious Lara Jean vibes, with an LGBTQA+ twist. I loved the characters and the romance was perfect.

This is a fantastic romcom with a lot to appreciate about it. I was particularly taken with the demisexual representation.

This book was so good! I absolutely adore Wren, and I can relate to and see so much of myself in him. His and Derick's character development is *chef's kiss*. I love them both so much. I felt myself fighting for the drive-in just as strongly as Wren. My heart ached for Derick's double edged situation. I was addicted to this book. I can't wait to read more from Timothy Janovsky. This is a perfectly wonderful debut.

Wren Roland is a an old-fashioned romantic, saving his first kiss for “the one”, just like it happens in the movies. So it’s only fitting that he works at a flailing drive-in as a social media intern, an antiquated past time that pairs nicely with his old soul demeanor.

On the eve of his birthday, Wren sends emails to the ones that got away, the cold light of the next day causing a wave of panic to set in. He convinces himself that no one will respond just when someone does, former crush (and near miss first kiss with appropriately matinee good looks, Derek Haverford.

Already mortified, Wren’s misstep becomes magnified when he discovers Derick only ever saw him as a friend. Even worse? Said friend is the son of the man who is trying to close the place where he works. Now they have a summer to turn things around. But can they get things right before the screen fades to black?

Never Been Kissed is a sweet, queer rom com in the vein of Red, White, and Royal Blue. Wren and Derek were a cute pair, and I appreciated that theirs was not an insta love. I also liked learning about Wren’s demisexual status, a term that, admittedly, was new to me. Still, when things do turn around for them, I felt like the shift happened sort of abruptly. Also, I read this as an audiobook, and the narration didn’t fully grab my attention. Needless to say I wish I was a little more invested before it was time to roll the credits.

Oh my goodness! I had the incredible opportunity of reading an early copy of this book. One of my favourite novels of the year, without a doubt! This entertaining novel has both the rom-com and Janovsky's voice pops off the page! I frequently laughed out, swooned, and cheered for Wren and Derrick on their road of self-discovery, as well as for Wren himself.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Loved the voice on this one, though the voice rang a bit more YA than adult to me--still a delightful romp that romance readers will love.

"Never Been Kissed" by Timothy Janovsky is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that explores the complexities of teenage relationships and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of the shy and socially awkward protagonist as he navigates high school, friendship, and his quest for a first kiss. Janovsky's writing captures the authentic voice and emotions of adolescence, making it a relatable and enjoyable read for young adult readers seeking a nostalgic and heartfelt story.

It took me a while to want to write this review because I couldn't like this book. While the premise was cute (very early 2000s rom-com), I felt like the pacing was too slow, so much so I often got bored. Its sad to say I had more grievances than likes.

My most significant is the lack of characterization and personal development, with little attention paid to relationship building or tension. It was just boring to me. It was just okay.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the review copy

NOTE: I am a librarian and I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

The title drew me in, but the story made me stay. "Never Been Kissed" is a thoroughly sweet romance that anyone who has struggled in finding a relationship or even getting a date can relate to. Janovsky's portrayal of young love, with all of the anxiety surrounding college, family, friends, and career prospects, feels true-to-life. The subplots involving the drive-in movie theater and a reclusive film star of a bygone era kept me interested chapter after chapter. Movie lovers will see themselves in film buff Wren and appreciate his running commentary on the art form.

This was cute, but not for me. I considered DNF-ing, but ended up pushing through. I do think a big part of why I didn't like it was because I wasn't in the mood for this kind of story, so I might be the problem, not the book. So I still would recommend it, it just wasn't for me, at the time i read it.

This has old school rom-com vibes to the max! I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint, I love the characters, the hijinks and the swoony romance!

Did not finish. The pace dragged and I did not find the characters interesting. Might return to eventually because the representation is important, but the story was not compelling enough for me to wait it out.

RATING: 3/5 STARS

I'm always looking for good LGBT YA, but this one didn't tickle my fancy... I think it will appeal to younger readers than me.

A good and sweet summer love story, perfect for those who love falling in love with amazing and awkward characters, who dreams of a lovely story. This book is funny, involving and so beautiful!

Cute second chance romance. (3.5)

What happens when you drunkenly send an email to your high school "What if?" crush? This book. I loved this second chance, friends to lovers, queer as hell story. It was definitely a coming of age, without some of the teen angst thanks to the 22 year old main character Wren. We have the little guy vs evil corporation. trope which is always one of my faves.

This book was cute and fluffy and I smiled the whole way through but it didn't wow me. It will definitely have cross over with a YA audience, especially with the lack of spice.

I loved that him coming to terms with his sexuality as a fluid thing. We see him struggle with intimacy and romance, and finding the words to describe what he is experiencing. I also loved the representation is this book.

Rep" demi gay mc, gay love interest, bi side character, sapphic side character, Filipino American gay side character,