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For Hire: A Damn Good Kisser #1

For Hire: A Damn Good Kisser

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After being dumped by her boyfriend because she's too much of a prude, straight-A student Dana Ferrer enlists the kissing tutorial services of the Good Kissers, Inc. made of three campus heartthrobs. She chooses notorious Campus King, Andy Guzman, to tutor her, thinking she can ace their lessons and have her ex back crawling back to her in no time. She soon realizes she's not immune to Andy's irresistible advances. Nor is Andy oblivious to Dana's charm, which reminds him of someone from his past. Will Dana and Andy break the rules and fall in love with each other? Or will Dana opt to play safe and choose someone else?

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2011

252 people are currently reading
4922 people want to read

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Ariesa Jane Domingo

17 books307 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Jersey.
260 reviews68 followers
December 8, 2018
Edited: 2018

This book is the epitome of almost everything I find bad in a romance book. But part of it, I think, is also my fault because even from the start, I knew that I wouldn't fall for this cliche trap. But blame me for expecting differently since there are authors who can make cliche, if not with depth, at least more enjoyable.

Before I proceed to a rant, let me just admit to you that despite everything, this book is a really fast, easy read. Frankly, the writing has a potential to be better if honed properly and if things were showed more rather than told (or a balance of both), but everything just have to be ruined by poor-crafted characters and story-line.

First of all, Dana's is not a girl/woman you can look up to. Even from the start. The way she tell her "best friend" (if you can call their relationship as such), Sara, to go away because she's just jealous that she, Dana Ferrer, is hooking up with the hottest guy in the campus just rubbed me the wrong way. Moreover, I don't think it very feminist to flaunt your importance just because you are dating the hottest guy on campus.

Sara scowled. "Watch it, girl. You wouldn't want him to think you're clingy."
"Whatever. You're just jealous 'cause I'm hooking up with the hottest guy on campus."


Dana, the protagonist, curses a lot, cries a lot, whines a lot, can't make up her mind, very dependent and very stupid. True, two boys were heads-over-heels in love with her but I don't see why. I don't see what is so special with Dana to get the attention of these two boys -- almost immediately, in fact. Is it because she's a nerd turned pretty? Playing hard to get? Different from the other girls because she's not throwing herself at their feet? I don't get it. There is not one redeeming quality I find about Dana. She's pretty, yes, and rich. But what else? She is a caricature without substance -- THE PERFECT WOMAN PROTAGONIST in a romance novel just like this (note sarcasm).

Another thing is that almost every other girl in this book, aside from Dana and her best friend, is either a slut or a perfect runaway model straight from hell. Not all pretty girls are stupid and shallow and not all of them are stupid enough to make someone's life miserable because they can. Why should every antagonist be the same pretty, desperate, domineering girl who'll do anything -- may it be disgusting -- to give the innocent protagonist a hell of a life, like blackmailing a guy who likes the MC or giving the MC a cat fight in the cafeteria? For what? ALL FOR A GUY. And why is the protagonist always be a naive, innocent girl with a (or several) knight in shining armor? Girls, you are all better than this.

Secondly the reader is thrown into the story without any chance to "get to know well" the characters. Everything just sort of happened. At the first 10 pages, Dana was accused of being a prude, dumped by her boyfriend and saw her boyfriend making-out with the school "slut." In the next pages, she wasted herself in a bar, received a sign from Destiny and signed a contract for the Good Kissers, Inc. which is a group of three guys who'll act as your kissing instructors for six months with a fee. I can't even.......ugh.

Aside from Dana, the other characters are not good either. Sara, her bff, is as cliche as bff's go and as cliche as party girls go. You know, that "slutty", girly, party kind of girl that you've probably read in a hundred books before? Yeah right. She's not even a good adviser. Well, she did save Danna from being killed by Ynna in the center of the whole cafeteria. It is a ridiculous scene that had me rolling my eyes painfully. If the only way a friend could act like a true friend is by saving you from a cat fight, that is just problematic.

And of course, the love interests. Mr. Mystery and Mr. Player. They're your usual love interests who drop to their knees and say something sweet or tease the protagonist and say something adorable. But aside from that I can't pinpoint something that will actually add depth or a little bit of color in their character to leave a lasting impression on me. Of course, they got that dark past going on, but I find myself not caring. They are so one-dimensional like everything in this book.

Actually, I think Dave is a pretty nice guy and everything. Why didn't Dana fell in love on him instead?

The dialogue is lackluster and immature but what pisses me off more is the lack of inner monologue that just serves to make the characters unrelatable and flat. And the twists? Well, I admit that I didn't see some of them coming but it's the kind of twist where, instead of having that satisfaction of being taken by surprise, you only rolled your eyes in disappointment because you are surprise that the story actually did the same stupid thought you think that it will do.

And the romance? Love triangle sucks. Chemistry fail. The world is a happy place. I love popcorn. Where's a good drama? Can the planet earth flood from Dana's stupid tears? Cyriel or Andy? Andy or Cyriel? Just choose one and get over it.

And the ending. What was that?

Lastly, every scene in this book is rushed. No time to actually develop the who, why and how. The writing, like I said, lacks description and more of a telling rather than a showing. And the continuous "tragedy" in Dana's life seemed absurd. But I'm giving some credit for the author for this is her first book. And like I said, this is actually an okay, mindless read to scrub a tedious week off or if you like just an okay, mindless read.
Profile Image for Kristine.
214 reviews
December 5, 2013

a giant OMG for this story!!! thumbs up!
I'm always on edge of my seat every time I read this.
You can't predict what will happen next.. BUT
this book left me HANGING....

I <3 Cyriel
Profile Image for Blesie.
253 reviews
November 28, 2013
Medyo naguluhan ako konti sa epilogue pero siguro may kasunod pa itong story.. Maayos na sana relationship ni Dana kay Cyriel pero mukhang may ginawa si Andy na hindi maganda kay Dana.. Gonna find out soon,, dahil honestly nabitin talaga ako..
Profile Image for Victoria Llasos.
10 reviews
May 25, 2015
First things first, I bought this book because I was curious on why the title is like this. "A Damn Good Kisser" and take note with a cuss. And I was like whaaat? Even my english teacher thought that it is unsuitable with my age or maybe she's just close-minded and all. But to tell the truth I was kinda excited to open this book since I know it contains a bookmark and images just like any pop-fiction or wattpad story that I have read. After reading some of the chapters I was contented and reassured that I will not regret buying this book. And about the characters:
1.) Dana Kathryn Ferrer- which is obviously the protagonist in the book. I like how she is determine on proving to her ex-boyfriend that she can be a good kisser. But I don't like how she usually cuss around since it is quite unappropriate for a lady.
2.) Jarred Bautista- Dana's ex-bf. I can summarize all his descriptions with one word. "A Jerk". Oh make it two words, if you consider "A" as a word.
3.) Ynna- a bitch, whore, slut, hoe and other words that are synonymous with these words. And obviously the antagonist of the story.
4.) Andy Guzman- hot, hot and hot. But I don't like how he can't get over with his past girlfriend and all the macaroni thing. And I also hate how he became a jerk when he found out that Dana's sister killed his girlfriend.
5.) Cyriel Perez- well, he's absolutely cool! And I love cool, cold-type guys. When he appeared in the book, I fell inlove with him in an instant. And yeah, I hate him for leaving Dana at the end which is so unexpected!
6.) Dave Cruz and Sara- nothing special about them since they are just supporting casts, to be more specific friends of the main characters.

Well that's about the characters. Now we come to the serious part here.
Some of the reasons or the cause of some actions in the book is quite LOW. I mean, who will pay 50,000.000 pesos just for a kissing tutorial? If I have that kind of money, I will use it in buying stuffs like books, books and books. Yeah, I am a book freak and I am proud of being one. Next is the reason of the formation of the Good Kissers Inc. And yeah, it is something that I am excited to know. But when I found out about the reason, I was like "What the hell!!?? That's it?! Just because Andy blame himself for not knowing how to kiss?!" Which is very low and who wants to kiss a bunch of girls that are merely strangers to you?
And I was really annoyed that everything is all about kissing. What is wrong about being a lousy kisser? Is that the only thing that matters.
Okay, I'm sorry with my outburst.
And lastly, I like turn of events or the twist.
But to tell the truth, this book kinda disappoints me.
Profile Image for Kevin.
129 reviews20 followers
December 15, 2015
This was just... Ugh! I rarely write reviews for bad books because I don't want to air out my negative thoughts because of the repercussions it might have. However, I just can't take it anymore. Disclaimer: This is only my own opinions regarding the book, so please be mindful of that while you read the review.

Aesthetics:
Okay every Pop Fiction Books have rad covers and this one is not an exception. It totally speaks of the tone of the entire story and it was presented in a fun and quirky way.

Characters:
Dana (the protagonist) was just frigging annoying! God her voice was just like listening to nails on a chalkboard. She's whiny, arrogant, and irritating! I did sympathize with her on some parts, especially that thing with her parents. However, it didn't easily erase the other facts I mentioned before.

Then we have those Kissing Instructors. I didn't even like them to the point that I can't even remember their names now. #SorryNotSorry

Story:
The plot of the book wasn't what I imagined it to be. I expected a light, fun romance but all I got was a crude and totally over dramatic novel. I initially thought that it will have that How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days vibe to it because of The Kissing Instructor shtick, but basically the group is just an escort service for overly privileged girls (like seriously why would you avail their shoddy services for PHP 50,000?).

Writing:
Truth be told, Pop Fiction books are written in a straight-forward way. These books are not prose heavy and it still works well with the kind of audience they want to reach.

However, something that was kind of unique about this book is that it constantly threw the words rape like it was nothing, which bothered me a lot. It felt so insensitive towards the topic and I wished the novel had more class than that.

Emotional Impact:
If you consider the lingering annoyance I felt after I read the book, then yes it did made me feel something.

To Sum It All Up:
I just didn't appreciate the story of For Hire: A Damn Good Kisser. It was just not my cup of tea, but if you think you'll enjoy it more than me by all means go for it.

SPOILER ALERT!

I just didn't get the whole point of the frigging Epilogue. Seriously, way to ruin an almost decent story. Goodness! I just wasted time and money on a book that took rape as a light topic. This is just wrong!
Profile Image for Christine Tan.
78 reviews
April 22, 2015
I don't like it, NOTHING in this book made me turn the page swiftly. Srsly, Dana is a playgirl. I mean who does that? And the characters are not described properly and they change fast without us even knowing what the reason is.
Profile Image for Dorothy.
138 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2014
Finished this book within 6 hrs. ( breaks included! ) And let me tell you the truth, well at first I lurved it, but when it got to the end, I was like "Woah. Why did freaking Ynna go to Sara's party?" like who does she think she is? And saying that Dana stole Cyriel from her! Pssh. But I had to admit, I really liked the Dana-Andy thing. It was so cute! When Lynne's grave was mentioned, I already had an idea. But I didn't expect that Dannie would be the one driving the car that crashed into Lynne. Ynna is such a slut, tbh. I mean, who does that? Seduces the fucking old teacher. Like, eww much! I think it would've been better if Clarence's handsomeness was more featured. Dana's dad's anger was emphasized. The story behind her mother's infidelity. And maybe a sneak peek of both Andy's AND Cyriel's POV. For me, this is considered as a MAJOR CLIFF HANGER of a book. Yeah, that's all!
Profile Image for Jhassa Anne.
210 reviews
December 18, 2013
Uhmm... nabitin ako sa ending. Kung may book 2 siya well that would be a good news.. It was really a cliffhanger...
6 reviews
August 26, 2021
First story i've read from her(Beeyotch). It's actually good for a first attempt to publish a book(because this is her first story, ig). If you'll read this right now, you may find the story cliche. I rated it 5 star because I read it before it became cliche. Also, the flow of the story is great. I like her way of narrating.
Profile Image for Chrys123.
6 reviews
February 26, 2023
The ending was sooo bad like Dana was raped!!! And what did her bf did? Just left her there lol and Andy gets away from drugging and raping Dana whattt? The second book literally irritated me cause where’s the punishment for Andy? Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angel_ee.
18 reviews
June 26, 2023
Honestly, I would rate this higher if it's published with the original wattpad version which is in Tagalog. I re-read it again in its book version by Popfic but was unsatisfied with its English version.
Profile Image for Raj.
8 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2025
tanginang yan nasayang lang oras ko kakabasa tangina ng male lead
Profile Image for Edlyn Blanch Maegan Alog.
141 reviews
April 8, 2014
It was really a good love triangle. As a reader, I was supposed to side with one of them - Andy and Cyriel. But I can't decide. I am torn between those two perfect super handsome guys! There's a part of me that wanted Andy to end up with Dana. Especially when that ex girlfriend of Andy, Lynne, starts to enter the scene. The twist about Lynne's death is incredible. And Andy and Dana's fight about Lynne was good because I really felt pain in my heart as they throw words at each other. And not because I like the thought of being hurt, but because it is what a reader supposed to feel about that part in order for the writer to achieve her purpose of connecting with the readers and letting the readers feel through words.

On the other hand, I want Dana to end up with Cyriel because of his character. He was handsome, intelligent and mysterious. A guy like that could make any girl fall in love with him. Cyriel was a bit opposite of Andy in a sense that Andy is always viewed as someone who jokes around while Cyriel is the serious-mysterious-silent type. Especially when Cyriel tutors Dana, that's an ideal man! Eventually, I made up my mind that I wanted Dana to end up with Cyriel. But of course I don't know if that's really what happened in the end because of the major cliffhanger!

When Cyriel walked away, I kinda dislike him for doing that. I voted for him to end up with Dana, but if really he loves Dana more than that of Andy's love then he would be willing to take back Dana even after he sees her like that and listen to whatever she has to say. I read the book 2 on wattpad already so I know how it ended. And still, I dislike Cyriel for letting Ynna cling to him. Whatever he's reason is for allowing Ynna to just get close to him, it's not enough reason. If he really loves Dana he should consider what she will feel when she sees them. He will consider how much pain she must have felt but no he didn't.
Profile Image for CJ.
57 reviews
December 28, 2013
Well, hello again! This is my first time to read a book from Wattpad for months! My schedule was so hectic, so busy, so frustrating...

Anyway, all of those emotions were so worth it because of this book. Made by ours truly, Ms. Domingo! My God, I was reading this for 5 hours straight if I remember correctly. The writing was so nice and the plot also (Gahd, motherfather, I love the TWISTS).

I adore the characters! Starting from the heroine of this story, Danna, to her bestie, Sara - to their parents, their background stories... AH, YES, how can I forget my Dave, my Andy and my Cyriel! THEY WERE OOZING WITH HOTNESS, and like the main heroine of this very loving story, I am also confused if... However, I am tough a #TeamCyriel member from the start.

And if you're wondering about the ending part of the story, IT WAS SO FRUSTRATING, IT MAKES ME WANT TO SCRATCH MY FACE AND KILL YNA (and also Jarred) WITH POLE BARS, yet still, thank you, Lord God, for there's a continuation. I saw the sequel of the book and its new title is, "FHADGK: Good Girl Gone Bad" AND I AM SO EXCITED URGHH. Thank you again, Lord God, for there are no more classes for the next few days.

All in all, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. This is a masterpiece that shall absorb your whole heart. It's a quick read by the way!
Profile Image for Daryl.
1 review
May 11, 2014
***SPOILER ALERT!!!***

I know that the ending is a cliffhanger, but I still rated it 5/5 stars because it is the best Wattpad story/story-into-book that I ever read. *clears throat* (in my opinion).

This is different than other Watty stories/stories-into-book. CROSS MY HEART.

I think I finished this book within in 5 hours. *clears throat* Breaks are included, okay?

So, I already read the book 2 in Wattpad. And the book 2 is greater than the book 1. Your questions in the ending will be answered in the book 2. So, you better read it right now. I don't wanna explain the ending part, because it will be a major spoiler alert for you. Sorry. You just. Ugh. Just read it.

Kbye, that's all.

Profile Image for Kristine I'll-Try-To-Read-it-ALL.
12 reviews
February 21, 2015
I love the story so what can a dead ex girlfriend do?
Well she just ruined a budding romance between my 2 favorite characters. then the too much drama begins. i was hoping that this will be a lite read but no. too much die-hard-wanna-be-girlfriends and dead ex girlfriends and what's so bad about baked mac?
it's just a food GOD DAMN IT!!!
At 1st i thought si Cyriel. Then somehow kahit na ulit ulitin ni Dana na si Cyriel na ang gusto niya, hindi na bumebenta sa akin after ko mabasa ang DANDY chapters. hahaha :))))))
Andun yung spark and hot chemistry.
So Andy all the way here!!! swoons
Profile Image for Yuchiyo.
49 reviews
April 5, 2014
I love this story when I first read this in Teentalk. I could even remember myself always using Cyriel as a character for Sims. HAHA. Yup, I am DanIel than DAndy. LOL.

However, when I've read it, I just realized how Dana seems to jump from one man to another. I just felt bothered. Probably, I felt this way because some scenes where condensed, of course I understand that. But still.

Anyway, I love how it is translated. Still a good read.:)
Profile Image for Jhon Kenneth.
2 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2013
Reading a damn good kisser made me wish I was Dana (haha!) and there were lots of twist. It felt like I was watching a gossip girl series, only it's not gossip girl. Oh, yes speaking about gossip girl, I bet the author had reference to that series I so loved because she made mention of the kiss on the lips party. Aside from that, the characters are so conyo. Thumbs up because I was able to finish this before going to bed, so really, it was good.
Profile Image for M..
347 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2014
Off all the Pop Fiction books released, I think this one was the best story translated in English (if it was Tagalog before haha) I thought I'll gonna hate this, but the plot proved me wrong. It is profoundly moving and Dana is very likable! Andy, hmm well your another notorious handsome guy paired to Dana but I love Cyriel more! hehehe
Profile Image for Caravain.
2 reviews
May 27, 2014
I hate the second book Kasi sa wattpad ko pa nabasa to matagal na pero hindi ko to malilimutan kasi eto ang unang story na kinainisan ko.. Seriously .... Basahin nyo nalang yung second book. And sequels but I also like it Kasi eto rin ang unang book na nabasa ko na nagustuhan ko Kung pano Ito sinulat
Profile Image for Lhyzie.
9 reviews18 followers
March 2, 2014
Dana is really lucky! I wish Andy exsist in real life, :-)
1 review
Read
January 16, 2014
It make me embarrassed because of their drama.it so romantic
Profile Image for Kae.
24 reviews
March 10, 2014
Okay. What just happened? Im not sure if it has book two but srsly, if there is none, the word that would fit the best is 'bitin' srsly why do you have to end it that way Ariesa? Why?
Profile Image for aMAEzing.
11 reviews
April 3, 2014
i really really really like the story. it's not predictable its really a good story the only down side of it is it's a cliff hanger. as in BITIN
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews