
Member Reviews

Never Been Kissed starts with a younger than intended main character, Wren, who’s never been kissed. Never been kissed in the way that you envision your first kiss going and so Wren has never been kissed. The first chapter sounds and feels very young and in my mind, it sounds like a whiny millennial whom I’m not very fond of. As the story progresses, a “save the drive-in” story emerges. Spoiler alert: Wren gets his first kiss and a relationship develops. This was a cute story. I’m glad that it had a demisexual representation so that I could look up what that actually meant. The audiobook narration was great. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook ARC.

#NeverBeenKissed:
Hopeless romantics unite. Oh my gah y’all, this is heart eyes, swoony, name every amazing romcom and make it in book form!
First and foremost, I adored Wren. Wren had me cackling and loving every second. I cringed in embarrassment when I knew something embarrassing would happen and I would giggle like a school girl whenever any flirting happened. I was such a fan. I honestly imagined Wren as Noah Galvin and couldn’t get it out of my head the entire time.
I will admit, the first chapter I just kind of trudged through it and listened to listen. But after the night out and Wren woke up on a keyboard, I became immediately hooked. I listened to the audio when I could. When I actually had to pay attention to humans around me, I would sneak in a page or 6 of the egalley.
This friends to lovers is done really really well. I usually just kind of roll my eyes at friends to lovers, but this was so fun. I also really enjoyed the conversation around Wren’s sexuality. I think it was The Charm Offensive (I could be wrong) that basically said, “Sexuality isn’t always a straight line from closeted to out of the closet. It takes time to figure out what kind of queer you are” It was awesome to watch Wren evolve and understand the different identities.
I just loved these characters. I literally was blushing for them. I loved the scenario, it’s why my romcom dreams are truly made of. I absolutely loved the audio. Mark Sanderlin had me in all the feels and swooning hard. I’m just going to gush all day. That’s all you need to know. This was absolutely phenomenal on audio and highly recommend. I preferred listening when I could.
I loved Never Been Kissed. This really had me wanting to go find the drive in and sit in the back of a pick up in the hot ass GA weather and sacrifice my swollen eyes because of the pollen. I need this book on my shelf and have to purchase it now. Thank you so much @sourcebookscasa and @dreamscape_media for the gifted copies. Never Been Kissed is out now.
QOTD: Favorite romcom. Sock it to meeeee. Please.

Wren Roland has never been kissed and dreams of it happening in the most swoon worthy way. Well, celebrations for his 22 birthday lead to him sending emails out to all the BOYS he loved. One of those emails finds it way to Derick Haverford, his ex-best friend from high school who ghosted him years ago and just so happens to be the social media intern at the drive-in movie theater Wren will be the manager of this summer.
Get your popcorn and Pull-n-Peel Twizzlers ready for your time with this gem! 🍿This book has two main storylines - the romance/exploration of the MC’s sexuality & the fight to save one of the last drive-in movie theaters in America.
I think Janovsky does a great job of capturing the complexities surrounding the exploration of sexual identity with great care to the MC’s feelings and comfort. There’s not many books exploring demisexuality and this book provides you with great representation of this identity. The super slow burn romance between Wren and Derick was sweet, tender, and felt authentic to a relationship with a demisexual partner.
Movie buffs will also like this one for it’s ode to cinematic history.

A cute, queer take on To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before with a cinephile twist.
Was happy to go along for the ride with Ren as he figured out the nuances of his sexuality and learned to communicate better!

I saw this advertised as similar to To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, but the similarities start and end with the premise of sending old love letters (emails in this case) to past crushes.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it’s not my favorite. I do feel like a lot of the plot was resolved a little bit too perfectly, which always seems a little unrealistic to me. I did appreciate the representation in the book but wished they had dug a little deeper into that as well.

3.75 stars
It felt like the beginning of this one was a bit slow, but it did pick up, and it was sweet. I liked many of the characters, and it was great to see a book with some ace/demi and otherwise queer discussion and representation. It wasn’t my absolute favourite book (maybe just because I’m not a huge fan of old, artsy movies the same way the protagonist clearly is), but I was enjoying it by the end. I’ll probably purchase a copy for my classroom library in the future.

Overall, this was a cute story that really held my attention and had a number of laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed the plot and went through this faster than I usually go through an audiobook.
In many ways, it felt more like a YA book and it was easy to forget that the main characters are 22. For the most part, I found it refreshing how youthful and innocent the characters were even though they were in their early twenties. At times, that part felt more true to reality than you sometimes find in fiction, especially because Wren had only come out recently and was still figuring out his demisexuality (which was nicely handled.)
I guess it's a romcom but many of the characters were a little extra dramatic about everything and the author really overused interruption as a device. Combined, that had the effect of making the story feel not only unrealistic (which I don't mind, it's fiction) but also not believable at times. Similarly, at times, the characters felt more like caricatures. It sort of read like a movie - an entertaining story but missing some of the depth of characters and relationships that I have come to expect from books.
Even though there was some things that didn't work for me, I think this was a really good debut effort and I would give the author another try for future books. I also think that it was better experienced as an audiobook.

3 solid stars
I liked, didn't love, this one. It was a bit slow going for me, but it was a kinda cute, slow burn story.
Wren wants to figure himself out and make sure it's the right time for his first kiss. I didn't think it was ever going to happen and I'm not mad about that because I don't believe in following what one thinks is the norm.
I got YA vibes, even though the MC is 22. Maybe coming of age too, definitely not adult's that know what's what.
I haven't been to a drive-in in many, many years, so it was fun reading about trying to save one.
I really enjoyed the parts with Wren interacting with his family.
Mark Sanderlin did a great job narrating.

I really enjoyed this book. Never Been Kissed follows Roland (Wren) through his last (??) summer at his local drive-in and a journey through young love. Derek H is home for the summer and shows back up in Wren's life...but why?
I listened to this story as an audiobook and felt it really suited the book and story well. I liked how social media posts and text messages were incorporated into the story, it really adds to it and feels so very relatable and authentic.
Can Wren and Derek save the drive-in? Can they figure out where they stand after an almost-kiss in high school and then radio silence? Can Wren and Derek figure out what they truly want in this summer after graduation (from college) YA-like novel?
It's a fun read and there was just enough suspense to keep me on my toes, yet it wasn't too shocking or surprising and I enjoyed the slow (but not quite slow burn) romantic tone - Janovsky does a really solid job with this book in both the writing style and the storyline highlighting really important aspects of youth and queer life in small town America.

3.5/5
There was a lot I liked about this one, but plenty that bothered me too. From the blurb I thought for sure this would easily be a 4 or 5 star for me but it just fell flat.
I enjoyed the drive-in aspect of things and how everything worked with that, but for a book that's supposed to be a romance, that part was hardly there at all. There are a few cutesy moments, but it almost felt as if they were added in after the fact. I feel like the interactions between the two MMCs was awkward at best because nothing was built upon. There seems to be not much beyond friendship between them which is why the cute moments feel forced. I enjoyed the story as a whole but wish there was just.... more.
Also, without spoiling anything, there's an apology at the end that is supposed to be a big deal and make you happy, but came off more like, "I know I've been an absolute trash bag to you, but here's my half-assed apology to make up for it!" I feel like there should have been more to that after everything but maybe that's just me.
Mark Sanderlin did a lovely job reading this one. His voice is clean and easy to follow even if you change the speed (which I've come to discover many audiobook readers do) so know going into this one you'll have no trouble with that. Many narrators go a little wild to make their characters have different voices, but Mark didn't really do that here. There's slight inflection differences, but they're so many characters in this one that it made parts of it a bit hard to follow on who was saying what, namely when the group of friends would be taking. It's not a deal breaker but if you aren't posting full attention you can get a bit lost in the heavier dialogue sections.
Overall the story was fun, quirky, and kept me wanting to know what would happen. Though I wish there were more to it I did enjoy most of what was offered.

“I thought all these firsts came in a predetermined timeline, but relationships can’t chart a course over three acts like a screenplay. Life is so much messier than a story arc.”
NEVER BEEN KISSED is an adorable, earnest new adult queer romance about second chances and the meaningful struggle of finding out more about yourself. The main pairing is Wren Roland, movie buff and drive-in theater manager, and Derick Haverford, the theater’s new social media intern and Wren’s old high school friend - and former crush. The story starts the summer after they both graduate college when Wren, set on finally getting his first kiss, sends off a series of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”-style emails to all the boys he’s almost kissed, including Derick.
This book is very fun and sweet. Wren and Derick have fantastic chemistry, and I loved watching their relationship evolve alongside Wren’s self-discovery and Derick’s character growth. A major focus in the book is Wren figuring out that he’s demisexual, and the representation is so powerful - nuanced, insightful, and affirming. There’s a goofy, supportive friend group, a reclusive, snarky older woman who’s both secretly queer and an infamous director, and a fight to save a charming small business from an evil corporate takeover. Some moments are a bit cheesy and the plot points aren’t particularly original, but I was nevertheless won over by this tender, swoony romance. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media for the review copies!
Content warnings: homophobia, family rejection

This is exactly the type of story that I think would translate well to a movie or miniseries—the dialogue is cute and witty, the characters relatable, and the chapters short enough that they translate well to "scenes". I can't help but compare it to To All The Boys I've Loved Before because of the opening premise, but that's where all the similarities end.
Derrick and Wren are so cute. As someone who identifies as demisexual, the representation felt spot-on. Grappling with wanting to be in love, wanting to be wanted, and wanting all the affection that comes with it, and yet finding it impossible to form that attachment without the emotional bond—it's not an easy weight to carry, and I love that it took Wren a while to get to a place where he was comfortable enough to pursue a romantic connection!
Beyond the romance, I loved all the other characters: Avery, Mateo, Earl, and Alice. They were all so easy to love even when their flaws were on full display, and they added to the story even when they weren't involved in the blossoming bond between Derrick and Wren.
Unfortunately, the audiobook is missing a very important portion of the story. The version I received had a large chunk cut out in the middle of chapter fifteen and into the next chapter and I wouldn't have realized it had I not had a physical copy in my hand. I will still be giving the physical/eArc a 4-star, which is what the story deserves!

3.5 stars rounded up
This was super cute! Wren and Derrick were fantastic together and I love that they had a sorta second chance. Alice stole the show for me though. I absolutely adored her! She was hilarious and I loved hearing about her life. The movie theater setting and saving was really fun. I've never read a story with this setting. My only complaints were I didn't really like Mateo's character and I felt like the ending/conflict was too quick. Im really excited to read more from this author though!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!
I don't think I've ever automatically related to a character more in my life. The way that Wren is just so awkward and disastrous is oh so relatable and I loved him from the very first chapter. It made him feel real in a way that can often be difficult to find in book characters. He felt like a normal person who I would be friends with and not a perfect, polished fictional character, and I adored that about him. His humor and wit were really refreshing and I wish I could actually be friends with him in real life!
I did find myself a bit annoyed at miscommunication in the romance and friendships. But I also felt like that is a part of life and it made it real as well. I really enjoyed that each character had something to learn about life and themselves and that they had growth to achieve throughout the story.
The talks about sexual identity were really well done and I loved watching Wren be supported through his journey. I liked the way he kept learning about himself even after coming out, and I thought it involved some really good conversations!
If you're looking for a light and fun read, this is definitely the place to go! It will keep you smiling and happy the whole time!

I thought this was a cute story. I don't know why, but I didn't ever really get attached to the characters. They felt a bit young and hard to relate to. I really did like Alice.
I think i would've picked a different narrator or sped it up. Something was a little off for me. Overall, it was a cute listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC.

Never Been Kissed takes To All the Boys to the next level. Great chemistry between the characters, queer representation, and multiple underlying serious plot lines. There was much more than just a romance happening in this book. It sort of became the anthem for second chances, both romantically and in life. One of my favorite parts of the book was the special project Wren was working on. I loved hearing about an old school Hollywood forbidden romance. The audiobook did a great job of distinguishing the characters and had the perfect tone. For me, this was a 4/5.
If you like second chances, drive-ins, or have no idea what your plan is after college, this is the one for you.
I received a copy of this audiobook free from Netgalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 3.5
I read the ebook for a bit and then got the audiobook from NetGalley. The audiobook was much easier for me to get into because the first chapter or two was a bit of a struggle.
Overall, this was a cute NA romance that definitely read more like a YA. I'm a sucker for books starring young adults who just graduated from college and have zero clue what they want to do with their lives. (Am I being too real? Revealing my personal life?)
I loved the demisexual rep in this book. Ace and demi rep is pretty hard to come by in YA and NA and I think this book did a great job covering that. However, besides the cute rep and fun, summer time, drive-in movie shenanigans, I just didn't find this book super memorable. Cute, happy, fun read- but nothing too special for me.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a summer joyride of a book with some good demi rep. I'll be on the lookout for more books from Janovsky.

LGBTQIA+ rom-com made for the movies.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but instead of a fake dating trope we have second chance romance.
This book was filled with community and sweet moments while also tackling some hard hitting topics with the right amount of grace.
I fell in love with all of the characters, but the relationship I loved the most was Wren and Alice. While the romance between Wren and Derick was sweet and I loved how patient Derick was even while fighting his own demons. Alice and Wren really helped each other grow within the story. They pushed one another to face their truths ( for Alice her past and Wren his future).
However what I loved most of all was the representation. Wren has officially come out as Gay, but he still doesn't feel complete in his sexuality. While he hopes for his movie perfect kiss he still feels alot of pressure from his friends to just get it over with.. I remember being a young kid and feeling different and behind all my friends because I wasn't ready to move in the same directions. I hope books like these help give future readers a chance to that i its OK.
Lastly for the audiobook narration I really loved what the narrator brought to the story. I will definitely be looking out for other audiobooks they have narrated.

This was a very cute YA. Coming of age, figuring out who you are and also who and how you love. All this while trying to keep your job at the local drive in from closing and having to be a manager to 1 of your friends. I like the Narrator they did a good job. I know there was a epilogue but I'm hoping for a part two 🤞

This was a really cute read. I was a little unsure of this book at first just because it seemed to start out kind of slow but I am so glad I stuck with it. I loved the main characters so much and I was rooting for them the whole time. I couldn't stop smiling as I read this. I just wanted it to keep going. I would definitely recommend this book.