In a tale of "what if?", Liv blinks at her best friend's wedding and finds herself in an alternate universe where she's not only famous but married to her high school rival, Jake Glasswell.

This was such a good book! Here's what I loved:

The Time of it all. I love books that play with time and space. Lauren Kate does this so well with this tale. Giving Liv a chance to live a different life really works. But it's not all great. She may get the fame and the love, but at the cost of other things in her life that she loves. This gives her a really good dilemma to work through. What does she want more?

Liv and Jake. LOVE these two. Liv is funny and sarcastic while Jake is her perfect match, even when they aren't together. They just work so well together. I adore Jake. New book boyfriend 100%.

The side characters. I loved Masha--the best friend--and Liv's mom. Both gave a lot of depth to the story.

All in all, I really enjoyed this romcom!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy.

3.25 stars

Thanks NetGalley and Putnam for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I wasn’t exactly sure what the point of the book was until the latter half. I enjoyed the characters and the idea of the plot, but I wish we would have had more of a plot in the present timeline for the characters. Even in the alternate timeline that takes place during the book, the love between Jake and Olivia seems too insta love for me, especially with 10 years having passed since they last saw each other. The overall character depth wasn’t where I would have liked it to be, though as I mentioned I still enjoyed the characters. There were scenes throughout the book that were very weird and wacky, which was in contrast to the slightly more serious/deep meaning of the book.

Spice: 🌶️

Read if you like:
❤️ Heartwarming reads
💍 Weddings
💋 Consequences of a Kiss
😠 Nemesis to Lovers
✨Alternate Reality
🥈 Second Chance Romances

Olivia’s life hasn't exactly unfolded as she envisioned after high school because she deferred her dreams to support her mom. However, the weekend of her friend’s wedding, throws her into a whirlwind when her high school nemesis, Jake, emerges as the best man.

Little does Olivia know; this wedding will be the catalyst for a journey through parallel universes, where a missed prom night kiss with Jake becomes the starting point for an alternate reality.

The chemistry and banter between Olivia and Jake were so well done!

The story m combines elements of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, offering an engaging read that keeps you rooting for Olivia and Jake from the very first page.

A rom-com with a magical twist is always something I enjoy immensely and this was no different! It leaves readers to ponder the significance of choices, love, and the people who shape our lives.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons for gifting me my ARC in exhange my review!

I'll say this, this book didn't hit a lot of the times for me. There were a lot of aspects of this book that just made me uncomfortable, I think it was mostly the fact that she didn't tell anyone that she was from a parallel world, and just continued on as norm. Especially when it came to the "love of her life".

Like I just didn't like the vibe of this book. I did finish it. It was okay, not for me.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This one was sweet but left a lot unanswered. I wanted to know a bit more about the world building behind the switching timelines.

3.5 stars rounded up.

What happens when you didn’t kiss a boy on prom night, go on to hate him for a decade while living your life with you mother and your best friend as the great loves of your life, stare him down as the Best Man to your Maid of Honor at your best friend’s wedding, and then wake up in an alternate reality where you’re happily married to that man…but your best friend hates you and you are estranged from your mother?

That’s what Olivia has to figure out in this book. It was a really intriguing premise to me, and for the most part, I enjoyed it. She had to face a lot of self-realization and reflection in her alternate reality. It helps her appreciate the things she had in her ‘real life’ and also come to terms with things she has in the alternate reality that could make that real life even better if she allowed them to. We don’t really get to know ‘real life’ Jake well, but alternate reality Jake is a man in love and devoted to Olivia in good times and bad.

I wish the timeline had been slightly different. Olivia doesn’t land in the alternate universe until after 40% into the book, so we only get her disconnected relationship with Jake for that portion, and then, without spoilers, after decisions were made of “stay or go”, things get resolved in very short order. I would have liked a little less time in the beginning, and a little more of that time devoted to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️

The premise is cute and I liked the magical realism aspect of this book. Seeing what life could have been like if one moment in life had been different. The gains but also the overall losses.

However I find that it's rare that a book truly pulls off this freaky Friday trope. I'm always disappointed when real life comes back and every thing quickly wraps up in a chapter less. I'm left wanting more and wishing there was more time spent in the ending. I don't like the neat packaged bow story:

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this advanced reader copy. This review is voluntarily my own.

I am a sucker for alternate reality romances and this one was so cute!

At first, I wasn’t convinced about the male love interest, but found myself (like the female love interest) liking him more and more. I enjoyed seeing both the alternative reality and actual reality relationships. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but overall this was very cute!

4.5/5 stars
2/5 spice

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Portal/Alternate reality
Forced proximity
Hurt/healing
Single POV

This one had me hooked from the beginning. I was really annoyed with Olivia in the beginning, but I knew it was setting up for character development. I loved the concept of different realities... something we'll never really know if it's is true or not. I felt the hurt and emotional journey Olivia had to go through. But I was happy how she grew to see how wrong she was about Jake from the start. My only gripe is that the ending was waaaay too rushed for me. I feel like more could have happened to tie everything up for the HEA.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and was completely invested in the MC's character development.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

I loved this story. As soon as I saw who the author was I had to read it. It did not disappoint! The plot was well-written and the romance was good.

I was drawn to this book because I really enjoyed The Good Part by Sophie Cousens and this felt along the same lines. What’s in a Kiss absolutely blew me away, it was so good.

I love a second chance trope, and along with the magical realism element, this was amazing. I really felt for the MC, Liv through everything. She had a lot of hard decisions to make starting at a young age, and upon seeing what life could have been like, she still has to choose between the impossible yet again.
I did really enjoy her realizing that her perception had been wrong the whole time and she and Jake should have been together all along, and that they, assumedly, got their HEA.

I loved Liv and Jake in the alternate timeline. Their marriage and love was everything, it made me a little sad that they didn’t have it the whole time, in reality. Their banter, their inside jokes, just KNOWING each other, was the sweetest.

I’m so glad I chose to pick this up, it was very much for the 13 Going On 30 fan in me and I was sucked in immediately.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and the author for this ARC.
Publication date 7/2/24

In "What's in a Kiss," Lauren Kate spins a charming tale where unexpected love blooms amidst laughter and quirks. Imagine waking up married to someone you can't stand – that's the delightful predicament our protagonist finds herself in with Jake.

Kate's storytelling is like a warm hug, whisking you away into a world where romance and humor collide. This book is a quick and delightful escape, perfect for anyone craving a dose of heartwarming romance and a good laugh. So, if you're looking for a feel-good read that'll leave you smiling, "What's in a Kiss" is the perfect choice.

3 stars is generous. I wish I could really nail down why this book didn’t do it for me. I think it comes down to some unclear plot points and wanting more of a conclusion. This could be a “mileage may vary” book for others who catch on to what is happening faster than I did but I spent the first 40% of the book confused.

Summary- Olivia gave up her dreams of going to Juilliard when her dad died and has always been jealous of her *almost* prom kiss HS rival Jake for becoming famous. When they stand across from each other at her best friend’s wedding (and his) the mysterious words of the Yogi officiant cause a reality/life altering switch to occur. Now Olivia is the one who is successful and Jake…. Well their relationship is certainly different!

"What's in a Kiss" offers a delightful journey through parallel universes, reminiscent of the concept in Gwyneth Paltrow's "Sliding Doors." With just the right touch of magic, this book intricately weaves together the paths of its characters, prompting readers to appreciate the power of love and the importance of loyalty. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds us to cherish the ones who stand by us, no matter the twists and turns of fate.

4.75 stars

I feel like this is the 3rd new alternate universe/time travel romance I've read this year and it hits every time! I love seeing how one small interaction could change the entire trajectory of your life. Seeing another life that may be better in many ways (fame, finances, career, even love) but missing some other important things can show you what you are most grateful for yet may be taking for granted. I really enjoyed this novel and getting to see a lot of the MC in both of the very different realities. I like that a good portion of the first 1/4 of the book was in the current reality before moving to the AU, it gave you a good feel for how different they were. The only reason I knocked .25 stars down is I wish there was an epilogue showing us the other universe and what happens next there, though I guess as yogi Rabbi Dan said, it's not for us to know.

Also, Jake, what a complete cinnamon roll. Very much a he-falls-first, it's always been you feel throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

As someone who simultaneously always wonders "what if" and knows that everything that happens is meant to be, this fun rom-com spoke to me. Olivia has to choose between her real life where she has a mom and a best friend who lift her up and the alternate one where she doesn't have her girl gang, but has true love with the "one that got away" -- and it is heartbreaking. But it is also funny, heartwarming and full of sarcastic banter. I enjoyed watching Olivia grow and discover all the possibilities in life. And Jake. Sweet, sweet golden retriever Jake. He is the quintessential book boyfriend! This one is a bit of a slow burn but definitely picks up about halfway through. A perfect summer read for anyone who believes in soulmates!

What's in a Kiss? Liv's chance encounter with her high school rival, Jake, leads to an alternate reality where a prom kiss changed everything. Despite my initial reluctance towards alternate timelines, the charming storyline and honestly Jake made it a cute read that was worth it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

I have always been a HUGE Lauren Kate fan. I read the Fallen series many years ago and still think about it from time to time.

When I saw she had a new rom-com coming out I knew I wanted to read it.

I love rom-coms that have more than just the romance going on and this story was more layered, heartwarming, and so fun!

There's an enemies to lovers vibe with parallel universes and some 80s pop culture references that made me laugh. I loved that the main character Olivia, is a bit quirky and really trying to find herself. I also REALLY ended up loving Jake Glasswell. He’s a bit cocky when you first meet him but oh what a marshmallow!

This is the perfect beach read!

This book was adorable and sweet! This was my very first arc and very first Lauren Kate book and it did not disappoint. I have added more of her books to my tbr! The banter in this book is *chefs kiss*. Olivia was such a hot mess but so relatable. I was smiling like a giddy teenager, how could I not, Jake is so loveable! The only thing I needed was an epilogue to give it 5 stars.

I would like to thank Putnam Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. What's in a Kiss takes on 2 well known tropes- the enemies to lovers and the alternate universe. I generally like both, and have no problem with having both in one book. This book, however, never really took off for me. I have to say, that this is the second book in a row that would have benefited from an editor with a strong hand. There are numerous plot points that are stated, but never explained.I did finish this book, but feel like I missed some chapters somewhere that would have cleared up the confusion. In this book, Olivia has been laid off from her job as a Drama Teacher, due to budget cuts. She is barely making ends meet by waitressing and Lyft driving. This is not the life she dreamed of, 10 years ago when she graduated High School. She wanted to be an actress, and had been accepted to Julliard. Then her father died and she gave up her dream. Even though her career is not hat she planned, she is happy. Her best friend Masha, is getting married and Olivia is maid of honor and planning the wedding. Olivia and her mom are very close and do a pod cast together.The only fly in the ointment is Jake Glasswell. Ten years ago at the prom, Jake and Olivia almost kiss but he pulls away. They are rivals in High School- both elected most likely to succeed. Jake wants to be a writer, but due to a chance meeting at a baseball game, he now has a famous talk show and everyone loves him- except for Olivia. He is still best friends with Eli ( the groom and the upcoming wedding) and is Best Man. Olivia is driving for Lyft just before the wedding to make money to get her hair done, and Jake is her passenger. They spar back and forth during the ride , at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. Then during the wedding, Olivia looks at Jake and is transported into another life. In this life she is a famous actress, and rich. She is no longer friends with Masha, and is only at the wedding because Jake is the best man. She is married to Jake, who is not famous. And she and her mother no longer speak. The rest of the book has Olivia trying to navigate her new life and get back to her old one. Now, usually , in these type of alternate universe plots, the main character is unhappy and begs for a new life , wishes on a star, etc. This does not happen. Olivia is actually pretty happy, all things considered.The book really does not fill in the blanks of why her mother and Masha no longer speak to her, which are pretty relevant plot points. A few hints are given, but no real information. It seems Jake knows, but never really says anything concrete. It is a frustrating book, because it could have been better.