This is the only 2023 release I've been lucky enough to read already (thanks Netgalley, and Little, Brown!) And WOW I feel lucky to have read this one - it broke me out of a reading slump lasting months, captivating me from the first page. I absolutely loved Far From You and The Girls I've Been, but this might be my favourite yet from Tess Sharpe. It's about Penny and Tate - living together for a while as their moms recover from an operation which sees Penny's mother become a living liver donor to Tate's mom. Having spent the entire of their teenage years bickering, and nearly but not quite kissing, the two have to call a truce for the sake of their mothers. This is a gorgeous "frenemies to lovers" romance, with two absolutely wonderful leads, and it's structured beautifully, with flashbacks to the almost kisses adding rich character development to the present day story. Massively recommended, as is everything Tess Sharpe writes.

Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and TBR and Beyond Book Tours for an e arc of this book.


Penny and Tate have never been friends, but they haven't been enemies either. They've been...something else. Tangled up in the mess of their respective moms' friendship. The loss of Pen's dad and the sickness of Tate's mom. But through it all, they've seen each other's worst moments. And when Penny's mom decides to donate part of her liver to Tate's mom and to combine households to save costs, Penny and Tate can do nothing but swim with the current.


This book was everything. I absolutely devoured it. I had to pause in the middle to sleep and work, but I wanted to read it all in one sitting so bad. I love both Penny and Tate. There is no choosing between them. They are both perfect messy beautiful wonderful characters. I love their fierce protectiveness of each other and their bickering and their many almost-kisses.

I was expecting this book to be a lot lighter because of the cover, but it deals with a lot of heaviness! There is heartache and grief and sickness and hospital stays and trauma. But through it all is laughter and hope and always, always love.

CW: Grief, PTSD, death of a parent, drowning, cancer, surgery, hospital/medical stays, mental illness, anxiety

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
6 Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) is a lot heavier than I anticipated, despite the choice of cover design. There are some light and uplifting moments, but it’s important readers go in aware of the more deep, emotional journey this book is about. I do appreciate that the blurb is at least honest about the familial and severe health issues at the heart of the novel, allowing readers to decide whether they want to read about two families going through the liver transplant process or not.
The characters are incredibly real, and I loved the exploration of the trauma and issues they’re dealing with, while also navigating the “will-they, won’t-they” slow burn of “almost-kissing” several times. And I love how well the past flashbacks were incorporated, fleshing out both.
Penny, for her part, has already dealt with losing her father, and is now at risk of losing her mom, and I love how her grief and trauma about these experiences were depicted in particular. And while Tate’s mom is doing well now, she has a history of illness, and Tate has cared for her in the past. And while Penny and Tate didn’t really care for each other before, I love how the story illustrates the parallels between them, and how them coming together allows them to be vulnerable together.
This is such a great book, and I love how Tess Sharpe infused her signature emotionally resonant style into a contemporary romance with slight romcom and fanfiction vibes. If that sounds interesting to you, and you’re interested in sapphic romance, I recommend picking this up!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Though they have known each other since they were babies, Penny and Tate have never been friends. Their mothers may be best friends, and have always wished the same for their daughters, but it was never to be. But when Penny's mother decides to donate part of her liver to Tate's mam, and the girls will need to live together while their mam's recuperate, and so a truce is formed. They'll play nice, won't let any drama get in the way, and especially won't talk about the 6 times they've nearly kissed.

I'm just in awe of this book. Tess is a new author for me, and when I saw the cover and synopsis on NetGalley, I just couldn't stop myself from requesting it. Penny and Tate were fantastic main characters, both facing a lot, and their attraction to each other has always been something they weren't sure how to deal with. Each time they've become close to kissing in the past, they've brushed it under the carpet and moved on, but the feelings still linger. The way the book is written,with flashbacks to the 6 times, and to major moments in their lives - particularly the accident - was done in such a way that you just simply don't want to put the book down. I was a bit put off at first at how harsh and abrupt Tate was, but once you see more of her, it was clear it was an act that she put on to protect herself, and Penny did the same, just differently. The movement from them ignoring their attraction, to accepting and acting on it was so naturally done, and I had a proper grin on my face. This was a truly great book, and though there are some dark and deep moments, this is a book that will stay with me for a while to come!

6 Times We Almost Kissed is a YA Sapphic romance which in addition to the typical YA topics of friendship and first romances it also covers serious topics including death, illness and grief. The two main characters, Penny and Tate, are the same age and have grown up spending time together because their mothers are best friends. Each of them faces their own losses and griefs within their families and each character including the mothers have different ways that they have coped with it. When Penny's mom becomes a living liver donor in order to save Tate's moms life the two girls have to put aside their differences and learn to coincide peacefully in hopes that the surgeries both go smoothly. The two struggle with the fact that they are attracted to each other and the tension builds as we wait to see if they will or will not end up together.

Overall, this was a good fast-paced read that kept me interested the whole time.

Tess Sharpe is a fantastic writer and this story was so wonderfully written. She put so much emotion into these characters and I could feel it as I read this book.

I enjoyed the flashbacks and how they helped provide context to things in the present day timeline. There was lots of longing between Tate and Penny throughout the book and while it was clear they both cared for each other it was clear that all of their “almosts” weren’t the right time for them.

Penny’s personal journey was challenging to read at times because it felt so real.

I would highly recommend this book!

Penny and Tate have always been in each other's lives, thanks to their best friend moms. But Penny's mom, Lottie, checked out once Penny's father died. And Anna, Tate's mom, has battled cancer and is now facing another illness. When Lottie offers Anna part of her liver to help, the girls are thrust together even more, as the families will be moving in together to facilitate everything. The only problem: Penny and Tate seem to nearly kiss when in intense situations. What will happen when they live in the same house?

This is way more than the lighthearted YA love story that the title gives off. It's a gorgeous yet oft-heartbreaking examination of grief, trauma, mental health, healthcare, friendship, parenting, and more. Penny and Tate are real, flawed characters who have been dealt a terrible hand in life and are just trying to survive.

The book is told in a back and forth format--the present day focuses on Anna and Lottie's operations and the aftermath. In the past, we examine all of Penny and Tate's important moments--and near kisses. We see two girls struggling to get by in a rural, small town. There's Penny, who is coping after having lost her beloved father in a terrible way--and then losing her mother to grief as well. And Tate, who has spent most of her life worrying about her sick mom. Both have taken on the burden of caring for their family, the finances, and more. Luckily, they have one strong figure in Penny's gran, Marion, who is a wonderful lady.

Every character in this story flies up from the page, thanks to Sharpe's writing which... there are no words, really. The writing in this book is vivid, stunning, and painful. This is one of the best written books--it's strong and gorgeous with tension and heartbreak searing across every page.

Overall, this is a beautiful story of two girls trying to find their way in the world--and to find love. It's amazing, and I highly recommend it for teens and adults alike.

“…we’ll forever be these two comets in the sky. The crash would be galaxy-changing, but we’re always going to miss each other in a mess of what-ifs.”

6 TIMES WE ALMOST KISSED (AND ONE TIME WE DID) is such a perfect blend of soapy sapphic romance and achingly real healing. It’s the story of two girls brought together again and again by circumstance (or fate, or by a six-foot-tall wooden bear statue) who bicker and needle and secretly pine for each other until they finally, inevitably, admit they’re in love. But this book is also about searing grief, the realities of America’s fucked-up medical system, complicated mother-daughter relationships, the importance of therapy, and the messy, enduring work of being in a family. As a Humboldt County native I loved the rural northern California setting; Penny and Tate are delightfully practical, no-nonsense girls, each in their own beautifully independent way, who were both forced to grow up too quickly. The chemistry between them crackles from the beginning, and the fanfic 6+1 setup was flawlessly executed. The writing is dramatic and over-the-top in the best possible way; I was cackling and swooning simultaneously. It’s just such a fun story with a massive, beautiful heart. Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the eARC; this book is out 1/24.

Content warnings: death of a parent, grief, injury/scarring, chronic illness, surgery, hospitalization, toxic parenting, mental health issues, suicidal ideation

<b>*Thank you to NetGalley ,Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and #tbrbeyondtours for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review*</b>

-TW: PTSD, terminal illness, liver failure, transplant surgery.

<blockquote>"-Why did he let go?
-I don't know.
He let go to save her. (I would've let go too).."</blockquote>

Ok so hear me out. This title of the book is wayyyy misleading. I mean when I pick it up I thought it was going to be a cute little story about Penn and Tate. True? Nope! This book is so much more.
This book is about grief, about trauma. About shitty mothers with big egos. About wonderful human girls who are hurt and stop believing in anything. About brilliant loyal girls who loves said girls.

<blockquote>"Because she's heartbroken and I'm angry at anyone <b>BUT HER</b>, and we'll forever be those comets in the sky."</blockquote>

I really loved how these characters were SO real. They hurt, they feel, they grieve. It was like being a part of their story. And oh boy, WHAT a story! You should definitely read it.

With dual POV's from Tate and Penn the story unravels before us and it's a beautiful real story. With beautiful people, with real problems that have to be addressed or else.

<blockquote>"Thank you. For finding me. For staying. For being on my side."</blockquote>

<b>The Characters</b>
I really loved all the characters. But I hated Lottie so much. The worst part is that I understood her actions, the sheer grief for losing the love of your life, but you have a legacy behind you. You can't just check out. You have a little girl who blames herself for what happened. Lottie was so human, that it made me sheer mad. Because Penn was such a wonderful written character, with real emotions and insecurities. I adored Tate. She reminds me of me actually. Especially with the feelings part.

I really am mad about the title though. This title wasn't give credit to this masterpiece. Read it! I implore you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for providing me with an advanced copy. What follows is my honest review.

Tate and Penny have never been friends. And yet they’ve found themselves constantly together all their lives—and sometimes they want to be more.

Two girls sharing a house …. they might kiss….

This book was everything I could’ve wanted and a dozen things I never would’ve expected. It’s adorable—Tate and Penny have so many sweet or silly moments, and Meghan and Remi are excellent side characters. Everyone is so three dimensional and relatable in their own ways, and everyone sends you through the gambit of feelings. You really root for them, and I love how casually their sexualities are included; it’s so refreshing to read a sapphic romance without homophobia. While they act young at times—a main driver of the conflict—it’s fitting and understandable, and a great reminder that no matter how much they’ve dealt with, they’re still just kids. And they do ultimately handle things maturely, and when they don’t it’s still so relatable.

And while this book was the perfect sapphic rom-com in so many ways, it also had me sobbing at embarrassingly many points. The way grief and trauma is woven throughout this story, as important as the romance if not moreso. Penny will break your heart, and the flashback with her dad was so incredibly gut wrenching that I won’t be forgetting it any time soon. Tate’s strength and the way she’s always putting things back together hurts in its own unique way. And I gotta say, complicated relationships with mothers is the easiest way to get to me, and boy does this book have it in spades. I loved how Lottie and Penny’s relationship is portrayed, and I love how there’s not some magical fix at the end.

The writing style is generally very beautiful, and actually weirdly it reminded me a lot of VE Schwab’s books in that regard? It’s lyrical and moving and while sometimes it gets a bit cheesy and overdone, overall it’s such an easy and pleasant read.

All in all—wow. Yet another YA romance that has a chokehold on me.

This was okay, it's an easy read and I would recommend. It just feels like something was missing and I can't place what it is.

I received an arc through netgalley.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I previously read a Tess Sharpe book [The Girls I've Been] and absolutely loved it. 6 Times We Almost Kissed is a YA Sapphic romance with a backdrop of grief and family trauma. The cover somewhat belies the serious topics that are covered, but was well balanced.

Penny and Tate aren't exactly friends, and they definitely aren't family but their moms are best friends. Penny loved white water rafting with her father until a terrible accident on the water. She loses her dad and is traumatized not only physically but mentally. Her relationship with her mom goes topsy turvy too, even though she wasa daddy's girl. Tate is a swimmer and her mom has survived cancer only to be diagnosed with a serious disease.

When the moms call a family meeting, Penny and Tate find out that Penny's mom Lottie will donate part of her liver to Tate's mom Anna. They will combine households and live w Penny's Gran and mom. Penny may be a white water rafter but she has a girly side and has to plan everything with lists and schedules.

Penny and Tate both get 1st person perspectives in this book. I enjoyed this push and pull - there's chemistry and with playful text exchanges between their best friends Meghan and Remi, and flashbacks we learn more about those almosts. I loved Gran, and most of the supporting characters except for Penny's ex gf Laurel.

The difficult part as a reader had to do with mental health and how Lottie handled the aftermath of the accident as a mother. What she decided in terms of Penny's recovery and her treatment or lack thereof was very triggering and harmful. The things adults do in grief is 1 thing but when it affects a child or teen.. it was hard to read. That's the intended reaction - and was addressed. Know that before going in, however it ends on a positive note.

The ending was absolutely lovely and I really didn't want the book to be over. I wanted to see Tate and Penny in a relationship and Penny working on her relationship with her mother in family therapy. I wanted to make sure they perfected the pretzel dough at the brewery. TW for suicidal ideations, grief w loss of a parent, discussed past sexual assault on someone "off scene" in the past. 4.5/5☆ release 1/24/23

If there was a Gillian Tate support squad / fan club, I would 100% be in it. Sad, stoic Tate is my favorite kind of “I would do anything for you in the shadows even if you never ever look my way” kind of love interest (and she is the love interest to Penny’s protagonist because Penny is the one who has to change over the course of the story, while Tate is the one who guides her home).

I thought, based on the title, that this would be more of a rom-com. It has its moments, certainly, but the subject matter does not lend itself to my understanding of a rom-com (to be fair, if you’ve been following along at home, you know that rom-com is not in my usual list of genres so please forgive me if I’m entirely wrong). Between a terminally ill mom (Tate), a neglectful mom (Penny), grief (Penny), and physical and mental trauma (Penny), the series of tropes (forced proximity, only one bed, fake dating, etc) is overshadowed by the serious issues our main characters are dealing with.

I loved the way that Penny and Tate talk about each other in their narration. And Tate’s narration in general just really hit (I’m a big fan of parenthetical asides, and I think they were done really well here).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness, this book. The yearning. The trauma. The near misses and misunderstandings and the way I just wanted to shake Penny’s mom sometimes. What a fun journey this one was. If you love sapphic book. slow burns, and books about taking steps to resolve unresolved trauma and set healthy boundaries, definitely pick this one up. But be prepared to cry, because daaanngg.

What a brilliant book. This is a romance but it's not a rom-com, there are so many heavy topics - grief and illness and suffering. And it's beautiful. I loved Penny & Tate and was rooting for them from the beginning. I just. Wow.

An emotional YA contemporary with a slow-burn romance and a highly toxic mother-daughter relationship. Penny and Tate have never really clicked despite their moms being best friends. However, there's been a smoldering chemistry between them for years, and when Penny's mom donates part of her liver to Tate's mom, Penny and Tate's relationship kicks up a notch. We get chapters from each girl's point of view, as well as their history mingled with the present timeline. Penny's mom has completely fallen apart since Penny and her father went on a rafting trip and he died. Toxic, dysfunctional parents are a huge trigger for me (I have wonderful, emotionally stable parents and can't help feeling enraged that not everyone gets that), so that part of the book was really tough for me to get through. Penny and Tate are fully developed, interesting characters and I was rooting for them to figure it out. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a digital review copy.

Only Tess Sharpe could write an angsty, tortured love story based on a cutesy fan fiction trope. This book will make you think you are coming for a sweet, sugary love story and then hand you a nuanced, gritty look at trauma, medical debt, and rural life. Tate and Penny are strong, resilient girls who have been handed more than their fair shares of trauma in their young lives and are doing their best with it. They're flawed and vulnerable and I just absolutely loved them and this book. Highly recommend.

6 TIMES WE ALMOST KISSED (AND ONE TIME WE DID) deserves ALL the stars. It was the perfect, angsty read that I needed in my life. I went into the book thinking it was going to be a cute sapphic rom-com but it was actually about two people who have been in love with each other for YEARS, but because of xyz couldn't be together, and now they have to be in close proximity for an extended period of time. We all know where it's going but it is a long, (often) painful journey.

I loved that the story was interspersed with what happened in the past, so we can see just how much Penny and Tate were pining for each other. It wasn't just the romance though - the way Tess wrote about growing up, grief, finding your way, and family relationships (both the blood and non-blood related ones) was poignant and heartfelt. I can't even begin to describe what the two of them had to go through, especially at such a young age. It's a confusing time already without the added stress of having to grow up too fast. I would implore anyone looking to pick this up to look at the CW before diving in. It's well worth the read and has become one of my favorite books of all time. BUT it is, again, sad and angsty, please do take care of yourselves!

Special thanks to the Little, Brown Books team for the ARC!

Link to the CW: https://www.tumblr.com/sharpegirl/685079564101238784/content-warnings-for-6-times-we-almost-kissed

"Trauma breaks or bonds you."
TW: Death, cancer, surgery, trauma, death, drowning, parental neglect, mental health and Mention of SA

This book is about two girls falling in love and the complications of mother-daughter relationships.
While two childhood frenemies realise they are in love, we see how they lean on each other due to their relationships with their mothers and being each other's lifelines.

Grief is not an excuse to ignore the needs of your child. The difference between the mother-daughter relationship between Penny and her mom & Tate and her mom is tough to read, only because you want more of a loving relationship for Penny. Tate and her mom may have a few issues, being forced to grow up faster due to her mum's illness and responsibilities, but the love and real parental relationship are there. With Penny & her mom, it is lacking; she takes on all adult responsibilities, has been given no opening into her mom's world and has to care for her mom's emotional needs and sacrifice her own. Penny's mom deserved that slap at the funeral and more, never apologising for BLAMING YOUR CHILD!
She wants to change and have a relationship, but I didn't see enough effort to say that she tried for Penny. So I pick Penny's side, even though, to quote the book, "there shouldn't be a side" what can I say, I am petty!
Also, Granny is an OG, and I love her.

The romance switch in and out of focus in this book, and I honestly love that because the mother-daughter relationship was a structure that helped understand both girls and mothers. It helped with character growth and understanding and, in turn, the romance.

Penny & Tate grew up together but never really got along. But when the two girls have to move in together after Penny’s mom decides to donate her kidney Tate’s mom they make a pact to get along for the sake of their mothers.

And their plan works, except for one little thing: they almost keep kissing.

I must warn you not to go into this book thinking, like I did, that it would be a series of cute fanfiction-type near misses until the end when the two finally have their happy ending. This book is full of trans and grief. If you are an emotional reader I highly recommend having a pack of tissues nearby when you read this book.

But I highly recommend this book. The characters are very well written and I like how it occasionally will switch to text messages to hear what other people think about the girls relationship.