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.

I love books that turn out to be nothing like I expect them to. The ones where you think you know how it's all going to go but they turn out to be completely different.

This one was definitely one of those for me. I don't read the synopsis so it's always exciting to see how the story goes and unravels without having a single clue about the book beforehand. So when I say this one didn't disappoint, I not only mean it but I also feel amazed by how brilliant it was.

The main character, Wren Roland, is a movie enthusiast with a degree in film studies. He works at a drive-in along with his two best friends. The story and the plot revolve around him coming to terms with who he is alongside a huge scoop of cinema, lost films, and doing what you believe in. And the best part? The main players in the story are all delightfully queer.

Representation: demisexual MC, queer SCs

The characters are well written and I loved the fact that most everyone who has any say into the story, is queer. Be it Wren or his love interest, Derick or Alice Kelly who is an essential part of the book. They're well written and well fleshed out. Avery and Mateo could've probably had more depth but I feel, it doesn't decrease the enjoyment of the book in any way.

The themes involve familial relationships, friendships, misogyny in hollywood, coming to terms with your sexuality, and of course, fighting for what you believe in.

This is more than just another love story, I love that Wiley's drive in, the movie Alice made, the treatment of women in the film industry is such a huge part of the book.

I would've loved to know more about Wren's family because even though Wren says they're weird, I found them perfectly fine in the few instances they came in. So I would've loved to have more depth on this.

I would highly recommend this to everyone, if you're in mood for a feel good, comfort book about movies and love, you'll love this!!

4/5

CW: Unsupportive parents, overbearing parents, toxic relationships (mentioned briefly)

Includes: A whole lot of queer (duh), childhood friends, found family, summer vibes, geeky vibes, hate to friends to lovers

A huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read an early version of this book for an honest review! Catch the book on May 3rd. Never Been Kissed follows recent college graduate, Wren, who drunkenly sends out confession emails after lamenting the fact that he’s never been kissed after twenty-two years. Cue the return of an old flame, one that Wren had assumed was out of his life for good. Despite his determination to not fall again, Wren finds his growing feelings harder and harder to deny, especially when he’s forced to team up with his old crush to fight against the impending closure of the town’s old drive-in theater.

I won’t lie, I thought this was going to be a gay version of To All the Boys and I was curious how Janovsky would prove me wrong. Admittedly, the first fourth or so of this book is the weakest part as there hasn’t been enough time to get to really know any of the characters. The importance placed on the concept of a first kiss didn’t sit so well with me, being in the ace spectrum myself and so often feeling this external societal pressure to make sure my life revolves around romantic and sexual experiences, as if that’s all life is about. Not to mention things seemed to fall into place a little too easily in the beginning and I couldn’t help but wonder who the audience for this was as it read like a YA with all of its pop culture references. However, the further I went, the higher my regard for this book grew.

First off, this isn’t anything like To All the Boys (thank goodness). Janovsky takes the time to explore important themes like the importance of communication, toxic relationships and how complicated they can be, and also a deeper look into the cultural phenomena that is the “coming out.” Of the three listed, I found the latter to be the most intriguing as so many queer love stories tend to center around a character’s coming out followed by an immediate happy ending. Janovsky takes the approach of centering his story years after both of the characters are out, instead focusing on how the exploration of identity is nonlinear and doesn’t stop there. I honestly wish this was was represented a lot more in queer literature, especially that targeted towards young adults so that they won’t be delusioned into thinking there will come a time everything will be all figured out. Sorry folks, that’s a myth. Adults are winging it too, it’s Flappy Bird up in here.

The second thing that made me fall for this book was a little unexpected for me, but it was Wren’s absolute passion for cinema and his subsequent friendship with a reclusive director/writer. Hearing (or reading) Wren’s little rants and analyses for this nonexistent film made me not only want to watch the film, but want to write an analytical paper of my own. Yuck, I know, but that’s how you can tell if someone was truly passionate about something. Considering that this book shares a title with a pretty famous rom-com, I’d be willing to bet Janovsky is also a fan of cinema. Not only was this a way to explore how women and queer people are/have been treated in the industry, but it also is a way to explore love, loss, and trauma. It added a more serious tone to this otherwise pretty light summer rom-com, and I really appreciated that. It was well balanced and most importantly, interesting.

There’s a lot more that was accomplished in this debut that I really enjoyed, but I don’t want this review to be too long so I’ll try to just list it. I loved how our love interest got his own exploration of his identity and past and while he was eye candy, served a more fleshed out purpose as well. Acknowledgement that while relationships may be toxic and harmful, that doesn’t make the love any less real because love can be ugly. Discussion of adulthood and figuring out what to do with your life post graduation (because boy do I feel that). The strong friendship we see not only in platonic relationships, but romantic ones and how they can span generations.

In summation, you will love this if you love rom-coms with summer vibes, wholesome romances, obsessively discussing and arguing with friends over nerdy things, and movies.

I will also post my review on my bookstagram later @bookishotaku.

Never Been Kissed was an absolute joy to read! Was I subconsciously expecting a play off of the Drew Barrymore movie? Maybe. Was this better? Yes. The writing was lovely, the side characters glorious, the vintage drive-in vibes intoxicating. Bonus points for unexpected ace rep and sporadic Twitter humor! For me personally, there were times when the pacing felt slightly off and it was hard to gauge how much time was passing in between scenes, which is one of my pet peeves as a reader, but the writing and characters were engaging enough that it didn't bother me too much. The plot was predictable, but I think that that was part of its rom-com movie charm. Never Been Kissed felt like outdoor movies and buttery popcorn and boxes of rattling candy, and will be the perfect summertime read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the eARC!

2.5 stars. Oops I am so sorry, I feel like such a Grinch, but I really didn't click with this book at all. While I really enjoyed the demisexual representation, which I believe to be the best part of this book, the lack of relationship building, side character depth, and non-immersive plot unfortunately led me to a low rating. I will reiterate this again at the end, but I don't want this review to necessarily discourage people from at least trying the book, as I've seen so many positive reviews for it already--these are just my opinions.

First, the good thing: I loved the demisexual representation. I see ace/aro-spec representation so rarely in the romance genre that seeing a book that handles it with nuance and consistency was so refreshing! I loved watching the main character go through his journey of discovery, and was happy that it took up a good portion of space in the book.

I also sorta enjoyed the plot: it had a clear purpose, was consistent throughout, and had good pacing. However it just wasn't super compelling to me, and by the last 15% of the book I was just skimming so that I could get to the end and write this review.

Unfortunately, most other things about that book I don't have as much good to say about. For starters, I thought the side characters had a ton of potential set up at the beginning, but ultimately fell very flat. The main character has 2 best friends which have such fun quirky lines and personalities set up within the first couple chapters, however they soon become stagnant fixtures. Even when they have significant space in a scene, those personality quirks stopped coming through, and they had little development in any way that I felt was compelling to the plot which I was saddened by.

(This may be a little off track, but its helping my ADHD brain express itself more precisely on this criticism so. Red White and Royal Blue and One Last Stop received such high ratings for me because the side characters SHINE. The super six and all of August's roommates have the most fun, quirky, unique and real personalities I've ever read in ANY book, let alone the romance genre, and they're by far the best parts of McQuiston's works. At the beginning of this book, the MCs friends really reminded me of McQuiston characters, and I thought "omg finally a book that will fill the void Pez, June, Nora, and the OLS crew have left in my heart!" But that initial awesome character writing just didn't follow through, and the book became basically just like every other romance book I've read.)

Anyways.

I also thought while the relationship was cute and had its moments, the background establishment wasn't the best. This is a second chance romance, kinda in the style of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but the book never established the relationship dynamics the leads had in the past. I enjoyed watching the get to know each other again as they renovated an old house, but that lack of foundation left their entire relationship feeling a bit shaky to me. I also didn't feel a consistent passion arising between the two; not in a sexual way, but in a "these are the reasons these people are compatible and like each other and make each other swoon" way. I didn't find anything about their relationship to root AGAINST them, but also not the key moments and details about their love that would make me root FOR them.

Overall, this book just read as very mediocre to me. There was nothing about this book that stood out from every other romance book, and I probably won't remember much of the plot at all when I think back to this book a month from now. I don't want to discourage others, necessarily, from reading this because I've seen a ton of glowing reviews already, so I really do think I'm in the minority.