This was unfortunately a DNF for me as I didn't enjoy the writing style. I feel like it was written for a younger audience that wasn't me so I put it down.

I adored this book. The title initially had me worried about where the story was going, was it a re-telling? A role reversal? but the story was just gorgeous. Wren as our protagonist channels the energy of so many young adults who come out later in life, the regrets and the wishes you could've acted on how the younger you felt. Derrick was a dream opposite! With elements of a more grown up, LGBTQIA+ "To All The Boys..", Janovsky has hit a home run of fun, sexy romance. New adult has been crying out for more LGBT+ stories and he has delivered.

This book was absolutely fabulous. It was sweet, funny, relatable, and just straight up adorable. If you love summer romances, long lost friends to lovers, and crazy good LGBTQIA+ rep, this one is for you!
🎬🍿🎥
I won’t lie, at the beginning of this book I wasn’t completely invested in the story. I thought Wren and Derick were cute, but the story felt almost juvenile for a new adult book. A boy whose never been kissed/a summer job at a drive-in. BUT, this book is the exact opposite. Derick and Wren’s relationship is mature, as it is based strongly in romantic attraction. Wren is Demisexual and takes awhile to open up to Derick in a physical capacity. It is beautiful to read about Wren discovering his sexuality. Derick is open and supportive towards Wren and never forces him to do anything he isn’t ready for. It reminded me of my own relationship, which made me really connect with the story. My boyfriend is a lot like Derick in his acceptance and understanding. It reminded me that it’s okay and beautiful to be in relationships where sexual attraction takes a back seat. Something I can relate too.
🎬🍿🎥
The plot was so much fun! Not only is it a workplace romance at a DRIVE IN, but we also dive into Wren’s love for movies in a fun way!
🎬🍿🎥
Overall, Never Been Kissed is an adorable summer romance with great LGBTQIA+ representation. It is a story of acceptance and unconditional love. If you’re looking for spice, I don’t think this one is for you. But if you’re like me and think stories focused on romance first are a breath of fresh air, go for it!

Out May 3rd!

Never Been Kissed was an enjoyable read. It starts out with our main character; Wren sending drunk emails to guys he had "alomst kisses" with. One of whom he ends up working with over the summer at the drive-in theatre. We follow Wren on his journey to reconnect with an old friend.

Characters (7.5/10): I felt like we got to know Wren fairly well in the short time we spent with him in this novel. It also spent just the right about of time on the side characters, without going overboard. Both Wren and Derick were enjoyable to read about.

Plot (7/10): The plot around Wren and Derick was great, and I enjoyed reading about their story. Near the end the plotline following Wiley's drive-in got a bit dragged out, or did not interest me as much.

Writing (7/10): Writing was easy to follow and enjoyable to read. Nothing to fancy in the prose, but I do not think this novel required that.

Entertainment (8/10): While I enjoyed the first half more with the build up of Wren and Derick's relationship, I still had a good enough time with the latter half to give this section an 8/10.

Overall I had a fun time reading this cute story. While I was not crazy over the Wiley's plotline, there was enough of Wren and Derick for me to still have a great time reading.
7.4/10

This book was amazing! It was a cute, fun and emotional romance, with great characters. The main character Wren had a really good character development throughout the whole book, the side characters were funny and well written, the love interest, Derick, was everything a love interests should be: lovely, flirty, mysterious, interesting and downright charming. The chemistry between Wren and Derick was fantastic. Their relationship was very sweet, awkward and all around seemed very natural.

One of the main things that I enjoyed was the whole aspect of demi sexuality. As a person who identify as demi, I loved seeing that sexuality represented, I don’t feel like there’s enough books where our main character is either demi or ace.

I also very much enjoyed the summer and retro vibes of the books. The fact that the story takes place at a drive-in theater only made the book that much better. This book would be amazing to read during the summer.

I loved that fact that the author focused on small details. One thing I noticed was that the drag queen we meet at the start of the books actually shows up again later at the same bar. I often experience that in romance books, these small details are forgotten and it may not seem that important, but for me a thing so small as a random person showing up more than once, makes the whole reading experience so much better.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story early for an honest review.

Never Been Kissed flashed before my eyes like a 90's rom-com! I loved this book! And if you're into Leonardo Di Caprio, classic rom-coms and old fashion drive-ins (I mean... who's not into all this?!) you'll love it too!

Never Been Kissed tells the story of Wren: a guy who worships movies and kisses. He's the last of the true romantics. He won’t settle for a regular love story, he wants what people have in the movies: a true love that starts with the perfect first kiss. This might be the reason why at 22 he's still single and has never been kissed. Or maybe not... Maybe there's more to it and, in order to meet the right one, Wren has to meet his true self first.
Never Been Kissed is a very sweet boy meets boy love story, but above all it is a meaningful story about:
🍿exploring your own identity;
🍿being true to yourself;
🍿being able to let the peer pressure go and just happily fall behind everyone;
🍿learning how to do things on your own terms and evolve at your own rate;
🍿settling into your identity.
Because, after all, we all need to love ourselves first in order to find the right partner or, as the author would say, a once in a lifetime 56 carat blue diamond we won’t let slip from our hands and sink into the ocean.

So...here's my advice: make popcorn, make yourself comfortable on the sofa and read Never Been Kissed!

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be delightful.

I enjoyed everything about this book. Based on the description, I thought it was going to be a cute story about a guy having his first kiss, but it was so much more than that. While that was certainly part of the story, it didn't end up being the main plot point in the way I expected. For me personally, that ended up being a good thing.

I don't think I've ever read a book about a character who has already come out, but then realizes there's a bit more to their sexuality than they initially thought. I really appreciated seeing Wren, who had already come out as gay, further explore his identity and ultimately realize he was demisexual. It made the entire plot point of him not yet having kissed someone so much deeper and relatable than him simply wanting a movie-perfect kiss.

I also really loved Alice's story line and how it tied into saving the drive in. Her story was so heartbreaking, and I would honestly read an entire book from her POV.

Honestly, Wren's exploration of his identity and Alice's story line would have made me love the book regardless, but Wren and Derick's relationship really solidified this as a five star read for me. I'm a sucker for a pairing who are right for each other, but meet each other at the wrong time of their lives and come back together later on. Wren and Derick had so much chemistry and so much genuine affection and respect for each other it was impossible not to root for them.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. The fact that this is a debut novel is so impressive! I can't wait to buy a physical copy of the book when it comes out.

This was a tricky book to get into but once I was hooked I couldn’t stop reading. Wren is such a unique character and I truly enjoyed reading from his perspective. Derick is also such an amazing character that made my heart swoon.

I appreciated that this book was more than just a romance and focused a lot on self-discovery. I loved the nuanced discussions of demi-sexuality. The plot is also very interesting (albeit a little predictable) and will keep you entertained! Save drive-in theaters!! If you’re looking for a lighthearted read I urge you to pick them gem of a book up! Wren and Derick will make your heart melt.

A sweet summer second-chance romance!

Never Been Kissed is a slow-starter and takes its time to suck you in. Wren, the main character, is 22 and has never kissed a boy, mysteriously shying away from every chance he had - and this stresses him out. A lot. After a drunken birthday night, he sends confessional e-mails to all of his almost-kisses.

From there the story takes off, with Derick, his first crush, answering, and life has them working together in the drive-in cinema where Wren worked every summer since he was a kid.

Wren and Derick have amazing chemistry, but they are unwiling to fully open themselves to the other one. They learn how to do that, slowly and overcoming the obstacles along the way.

Except for the romance, one of the book's main themes is the death of some businesses (drive-in cinemas), a love letter to cinematography and talking about the prejudice against women in the film industry. Also, another theme is identity, since Wren is still struggling with his own until he gets a helpful push to direct him.

Never Been Kissed is a solid debut by Timothy Janovsky and I'm definitely getting his next book, You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this story early for an honest review.

This story was a love letter to films, and the nostalgia of the drive-in. With streaming services and the internet, I can’t imagine there are any drive-ins still in existence. This takes place in the year after Wren graduates - he’s working as a manager of his local drive-in, where he's worked summers since he was 15 - before he has to start thinking about “adult” jobs and what he wants to do the rest of his life. Wren’s story and his relationship with Derrick felt realistic and relatable.

My plan was to read a few chapters to start it, (before bed, as one does), then I was up half the night and somehow halfway through. Then I finished it the same way a couple of nights later. The story sucked me right in.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an arc of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

This book left my heart bursting and full. I loved that it not only focused on the romance but how Wren discovers himself, the questions he has about his preferences and his sexuality. There are almost no books with demisexual representation and that is something to highlight here.

The characters are charming and well developed, in the background we have the drive-in problem and how the main characters struggle to pull it off, personally I enjoyed that part. Especially the interactions with Alice (I love her personality).

Wren is funny and genuine, I like that he started to feel good about himself and the labels he chose for himself. I would have liked to know more about Derick, he comes across as a cute and charming guy but of course, we see him through Wren's eyes. I would have liked to know his problems with his dad, to know his real plans for his future and career.

I think all the characters have their own charm Mateo, Avery, Earl, Alice.

Wren and Derick are a very charming couple, their romance develops naturally and without much drama. I'm not a fan of second chances however in them it worked (even though in the past they didn't have a real relationship they were just "almost something").

I honestly loved reading this book so much. Never Been Kissed is the perfect book for anyone in search of a romantic, sweet and funny feel-good read.

(I will also post my review on my bookstagram later @carobookish.)

Wren was an absolute joy to read about, and I loved the way his demi-sexuality was portrayed. Wren taking the time to figure himself out and having the first kiss that was perfect for him was just lovely. I'm a sucker for second-chance romance, and Derick? It's kind of the perfect love interest, especially for Wren.

I laughed out loud several times, mostly courtesy of Alice, the reclusive former film star turned director that Wren sets out to befriend. She's wonderful, and I loved every second she was on the page.

I'm so excited that this is marked as # 1, because I absolutely want more of Wren and Derick (and my favorite, Alice)!

this was one of my favorite YA stories by far! i was captured by the relationship our two MC’s have. The way Wren approaches relationships is such a natural and relatable experience, and im glad this book got to shine some light on that! loved the story telling and imagery!

Never Been Kissed is Timothy Janovsky’s debut novel about Roland, age 22, who has never kissed anybody. In a drunken fit, he sends letters to all the boys he’s almost kissed, and through this and his job at the local drive-in cinema, he reconnects with an old high school friend, Derrick. The book follows Roland and Derrick’s summer setting up a movie premiere, fixing up an old director’s house and working out how to communicate.

This book was one of my most anticiapted new releases this year and it held up. It funny, sweet and romantic. I liked the focus on communicating effectively between the main characters. The cast of supporting characters were amazing and funny and helped Roland in different ways.

Never Been Kissed is a contemporary romance with demisexual rep and appealing to readers who enjoyed books like Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert or If This Gets Out by Sofia Gonzales and Cale Dietrech.

3.75⭐️

Never Been Kissed is an adorable, gay twist on “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before;” except protagonist Wren’s accidental email coincides with his almost-first-kiss-Derick moving back to start an internship at the drive in theatre where Wren manages.

This book is one that gets better as it goes, with the last third being my favorite. Film lovers and theatre kids will love the references, and I loved the plot of trying to save the historic drive-in.

There was a lot going on here plot wise: Wren coming to terms with his sexuality, the task of trying to save his summer job of the past 8 years, him navigating a second chance relationship with a childhood friend, and his newfound relationship with female filmmaker Alice.

Alice’s story made her my favorite supporting character, and was one of my favorite parts of this book. I loved what she brought out in Wren and vice-versa. I also really appreciated the diversity and representation within.

Overall I thought this story was super sweet and light, and definitely recommend for YA and up.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca.

This was a very cute romantic comedy about two guys. Wren has just turned 22 and he has never been kissed. He ends up sending out an email to some of his former crushes, not knowing he was going to be working with one of them for the summer. They are working at a small town drive in theater. Of course sparks will fly but Wren still cannot get himself to that first kiss and he has to look inside himself to figure out why. My only issues were that this book seemed too young for me. I did not understand some of the lingo and I felt it was teenager talk. Maybe I am too old for the book. Also, no sexy times. Sad face. I assumed it was an adult book, but maybe it is more towards YA. It was still cute and funny and I enjoyed it.

"Can I have a coke?"
"Is Pepsi okay?"
"Water will be fine. Thanks." I'd rather crash than drink the devil's syrup.

"Don't mind her. She's not a homophobe. She hates everyone equally."

This was an easily readable romcom and has very feel good vibes. It's a good debut from author Timothy Janovsky. Wren Roland is a recent university graduate who has yet to kiss anyone and has been fantasying and building up the "perfect" moment for years. One night he drunkenly sends out emails to four of his "almost-first-kisses" and panics after receiving a reply from a former high school crush who ghosted him in university. He is reunited at his summer drive-in movie job with this AFK, Derick Haverford. Wren and Derick spend the summer working together and rebuilding their friendship and discovering romance.



The book does a good job exploring Wren's self-acceptance. Wren came out as gay in university but over the course of the summer realizes that he is demisexual. Wren's acceptance of an expanding definition of his own sexuality is handled sensitively and nuanced. Wren's journey to identifying as demisexual, finding confidence in his job and in himself were some of my favorite parts of the book. And the romance between Wren and Derick was very sweet and flirty.


There's a secondary plot about saving the town's drive-in and a reclusive movie star. Wren is a film geek so there are a LOT of references which I mostly enjoyed but it sometimes felt heavy handed. The resolution of the "save the drive-in" conflict is a bit rushed and some of the interpersonal conflict with Derick's father is resolved in a not completely realistic way. It's a predictable story but I enjoyed Wren's personal development and low steam romance with Derick. This was a light, low angst book to spend time with and I do look forward to Janovsky's next book.

I received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and the publisher - thank you!

Never Been Kissed is an absolutely amazing debut novel, perfect for romcom lovers. It’s an NA queer romance that centers around Wren and his also queer roommates Mateo and Avery. It shows how all of them find love and deals with the looming demolition of their favorite Drive-In movie theatre in which they also work.
It’s honestly such a sweet story packed with funny movie references and queer joy.
The small town atmosphere gave me everything I needed and I loved Wren’s relationship to Alice, they were such a pair. I can’t wait to read more of this author because that was definitely a success. I’m glad the queer book community can add this book to their shelves!

Thank you for letting me review this book netgalley!
Never Been Kissed was definately a fun novel to read and I enjoyed reading it though I do feel some areas fell short.
Wren's journey of discovery of his sexuality is a strong highlight of the book. I also thought the film element was wonderfully written and I really enjoyed reading about the Wileys and the crew there.
I wish we'd had more integration of the side characters as well as a little more light shed on Derrick as I felt this was where the book fell a little flat at points.
All in all, a solid read if you're looking for a cute romance novel and I'm glad i gave it a read

Never Been Kissed should appear in the dictionary under the definition of “adorable queer romcom.” Timothy Janovsky’s debut novel is a delightful look at romance at a small town drive-in theater, filled with film references, banter and all around queer goodness.

4.5/5 stars

The book begins on film-obsessed Wren’s 22nd birthday. He’s now out as gay, but still is becoming comfortable with his identity, and has never been kissed. In a drunken moment of despair, he sends some long ago emails to the boys he almost kissed before he came out. The next morning, though, he freaks out about what he’s done, especially when there is a response from Derick, his high school crush.

The story follows Wren and Derick and Wren’s hilarious friends as they spend one last summer working at the drive-in after college graduation. Wren also explores his growing feelings for Derick, and why he’s waited so long to kiss someone.

The discussion of the wide range of queer experiences, especially demisexuality, was thoughtful and exceptionally well done. While the book doesn’t shy away from LGBTQ+ topics, there are no sexually graphic scenes and honestly not that much kissing. That said, this romance was sweet and satisfying. The people and conflicts felt real, and the quips and film facts kept things light.

Wren and Derick are adorable together. Even better are Wren and his roommates, Mateo and Avery. While Wren has a good relationship with his own parents, it’s clear that these two are his found family. Their friendship is genuine and fun, and they always have each other’s backs. And, the way his friendship develops with filmmaker Alice is fantastic, as she too becomes one of Wren’s people.

The truth is that I’d love to watch a movie at the drive-in with any of these characters. I loved Never Been Kissed, and if you like sweet, queer romcoms, you will too.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.