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Kiss and Make Up/All The Right Moves #3
A Kiss Like This
ABIGAIL DARLINGTON IS AWKWARD…
She will never be “that” girl. You know the one: that girl on campus, confident in her own skin. Always saying the right things. Putting herself out there. Knows how to talk to a guy without stammering.
Nope. Shy but clever, and easily embarrassed, Abby is fine being the wallflower in her circle of outgoing, beautiful friends; she would rather read about a sexy book boyfriend than actually have a live, breathing one.
…BUT CALEB LOCKHART IS WORSE.
Star goaltender for the University’s hockey team, Caleb is quiet and broody, preferring the solitude of his orderly, regimented life. He doesn’t like, or need people—and plans to keep it that way. One more year left of hockey and he’ll be long gone.
AWKWARD NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.
Both their lives change the day that Abigail falls for Caleb. Well, falls directly on top of him, to be accurate. Because sometimes we don’t settle into love.
We fall there.
WARNING: This book contains cursing, and LOTS of it. It also has sex, uncomfortable sexual situations, and secondary characters who say some really inappropriate shit. RATING: R
She will never be “that” girl. You know the one: that girl on campus, confident in her own skin. Always saying the right things. Putting herself out there. Knows how to talk to a guy without stammering.
Nope. Shy but clever, and easily embarrassed, Abby is fine being the wallflower in her circle of outgoing, beautiful friends; she would rather read about a sexy book boyfriend than actually have a live, breathing one.
…BUT CALEB LOCKHART IS WORSE.
Star goaltender for the University’s hockey team, Caleb is quiet and broody, preferring the solitude of his orderly, regimented life. He doesn’t like, or need people—and plans to keep it that way. One more year left of hockey and he’ll be long gone.
AWKWARD NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.
Both their lives change the day that Abigail falls for Caleb. Well, falls directly on top of him, to be accurate. Because sometimes we don’t settle into love.
We fall there.
WARNING: This book contains cursing, and LOTS of it. It also has sex, uncomfortable sexual situations, and secondary characters who say some really inappropriate shit. RATING: R
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
536 people are currently reading
1963 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ney
89 books6,633 followersSara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
June 27, 2020
What happen to the ending? It looks being cut off abruptly. Well.... anyway.... I do like this book OK. Not as much as Jock Row series nor the Failing Hours. Those are still the best from Sara Ney.
Caleb mostly safe this book and the story. He is shy, brooding, quite, introvert hero. He is not a man whore. So that is refreshing. I also like his grovel to Abby. It was sweet and honest. Just like Caleb.
The story and the banters are sweet enough for me to finish this book.
Overall this is OK read for me.
3 stars
Caleb mostly safe this book and the story. He is shy, brooding, quite, introvert hero. He is not a man whore. So that is refreshing. I also like his grovel to Abby. It was sweet and honest. Just like Caleb.
The story and the banters are sweet enough for me to finish this book.
Overall this is OK read for me.
3 stars
May 9, 2023
“She blushes prettily and we both stand there, neither of us knowing what the hell to do next. Obviously.”
Rating: ★★★★★ /5
Spicy Level: 🌶🌶 /5
This hits a little too close to home because, damn, I realized that I'm just as awkward when it comes to dating as those two 🙈
October 17, 2018
I definitely need more to this story!! I enjoyed it up until the end. It was way to rushed for my liking.... I still enjoyed and loved Abby & Caleb! This whole group. Just give me more😘
June 12, 2017
Started well....but didn't keep me wanting more.... the awkwardness was becoming too much and their friends....sometimes I wanted to strangle them. Not bad though. I don't knw what is wrong...in a serious book funk. Need a book to knock me off my feet but so far nothing. I blame Kaz :''(
July 1, 2015
DNF 20%
Negatives
1. Ridiculous writing style - suffered a severe case of "trying TOO HARD to be funny, witty, cute,cosmo-girl and trendy" but massively failed.
2. Melodramatic word usage that DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE, e.g. there's a scene when the Heroine misplaces her ring and the Hero spots it on the ground outside his flat (soon after the Heroine had flounced off) AND he's "horrified" - eermm WHY??
Dismay I could buy, BUT horror??!! It's this sort of melodramatic language use throughout the book that was annoying.
3. Swooning - seems to afflict the heroine randomly and she TURNS INTO A MUTE DITHERING Victorian Maiden. Think the author was going for comedy BUT it was ridiculous.
4. Unnecessary STUPID IMMATURE "comedy" scenarios which had me ROLLING MY EYES so often I thought I'd go cross-eyed. NOT FUNNY.
5. Heroine constantly getting DEFENSIVE and placing her fists on her hips was ANNOYING.
6. Unnecessary angst OVER NOTHING WHAT-SO-EVER. At least create a real reason for the hostility. I get the Hero $lut-shaming the Heroine was misogynistic (he assumed she had relations with frat boys) - then put him in his place and ignore him. But the hissy fits were tedious and childish.
7. Heroine discussing EVERY ENCOUNTER she had with the Hero to her friends (2 sets of friends so we ENDURE the TEDIOUS REPLAY TWICE - because it wasn't sufficient to read it the actual event when it occurred).
8. POOR PLOT - it lacked a storyline. Hero and Heroine meet under unusual circumstances, hostility ensues, but they secretly fancy each other, but behave immaturely, AND the whole book so far revolves around this. Meh.
--------------------------
Positives
1. Hero's quiet, moody and brooding persona was attractive. Although the author didn't execute it very well. Rather than saying it was so- we could have witnessed it
2. No insta-lust per se. Only semi., which I could live with
--------------------------
Overall, had potential but writing style annoyed me. And the TRYING TO BE WITTY stuff.
Negatives
1. Ridiculous writing style - suffered a severe case of "trying TOO HARD to be funny, witty, cute,
2. Melodramatic word usage that DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE, e.g. there's a scene when the Heroine misplaces her ring and the Hero spots it on the ground outside his flat (soon after the Heroine had flounced off) AND he's "horrified" - eermm WHY??
Dismay I could buy, BUT horror??!! It's this sort of melodramatic language use throughout the book that was annoying.
3. Swooning - seems to afflict the heroine randomly and she TURNS INTO A MUTE DITHERING Victorian Maiden. Think the author was going for comedy BUT it was ridiculous.
4. Unnecessary STUPID IMMATURE "comedy" scenarios which had me ROLLING MY EYES so often I thought I'd go cross-eyed. NOT FUNNY.
5. Heroine constantly getting DEFENSIVE and placing her fists on her hips was ANNOYING.
6. Unnecessary angst OVER NOTHING WHAT-SO-EVER. At least create a real reason for the hostility. I get the Hero $lut-shaming the Heroine was misogynistic (he assumed she had relations with frat boys) - then put him in his place and ignore him. But the hissy fits were tedious and childish.
7. Heroine discussing EVERY ENCOUNTER she had with the Hero to her friends (2 sets of friends so we ENDURE the TEDIOUS REPLAY TWICE - because it wasn't sufficient to read it the actual event when it occurred).
8. POOR PLOT - it lacked a storyline. Hero and Heroine meet under unusual circumstances, hostility ensues, but they secretly fancy each other, but behave immaturely, AND the whole book so far revolves around this. Meh.
--------------------------
Positives
1. Hero's quiet, moody and brooding persona was attractive. Although the author didn't execute it very well. Rather than saying it was so- we could have witnessed it
2. No insta-lust per se. Only semi., which I could live with
--------------------------
Overall, had potential but writing style annoyed me. And the TRYING TO BE WITTY stuff.
September 24, 2018
***5 ‘Awkward’ Stars***
Is it any surprise that this was the book in the series I ended up adoring the most? I mean I love it when the “awkward” character comes out on top, and this one has not one but two of them! And though there were some frustrating moments perpetrated by not only th MC’s, but their friends, this book was mostly sweet, funny and full of heart.
Caleb and Abby were kind of everything. Abby is sweet and hard working. What I loved about her the most was that while she may not be comfortable in big social situations, she is comfortable with who she is, awkwardness and all and it made it easy to connect with her. Caleb comes across as all kinds of broody and has a huge neon sign floating above him that says “stay back” ( which of course no one pays attention to) but under the broodyness is a really good guy. He may speak very little but he’s the guy who will step in and help someone out, even while bitching about it.
Abby and Caleb’s journey was all kinds of awkward and sweet. There were a good number of frustrating moments brought upon by themselves and their friends, but in the end it was those moments that, in a weirdly perfect way, opened their eyes to who each other were and brought them closer. As for the big bump in the road for them, I knew it was coming and I got why it was a thing, but I was firmly #TeamCaleb and though there could have been a little more effort on Abby’s part, I loved how they got things straightened out in the end.
This was a fun series to read. It may have started out slow for me but finished well. I will say that having read and loved the How to Date A Douchebag series it was hard not to compare the two since there were similar vibes throughout, but in the end i can honestly say I enjoyed spending time with these characters and seeing how their stories played out.
~ Copy provided by InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Is it any surprise that this was the book in the series I ended up adoring the most? I mean I love it when the “awkward” character comes out on top, and this one has not one but two of them! And though there were some frustrating moments perpetrated by not only th MC’s, but their friends, this book was mostly sweet, funny and full of heart.
Caleb and Abby were kind of everything. Abby is sweet and hard working. What I loved about her the most was that while she may not be comfortable in big social situations, she is comfortable with who she is, awkwardness and all and it made it easy to connect with her. Caleb comes across as all kinds of broody and has a huge neon sign floating above him that says “stay back” ( which of course no one pays attention to) but under the broodyness is a really good guy. He may speak very little but he’s the guy who will step in and help someone out, even while bitching about it.
Abby and Caleb’s journey was all kinds of awkward and sweet. There were a good number of frustrating moments brought upon by themselves and their friends, but in the end it was those moments that, in a weirdly perfect way, opened their eyes to who each other were and brought them closer. As for the big bump in the road for them, I knew it was coming and I got why it was a thing, but I was firmly #TeamCaleb and though there could have been a little more effort on Abby’s part, I loved how they got things straightened out in the end.
This was a fun series to read. It may have started out slow for me but finished well. I will say that having read and loved the How to Date A Douchebag series it was hard not to compare the two since there were similar vibes throughout, but in the end i can honestly say I enjoyed spending time with these characters and seeing how their stories played out.
~ Copy provided by InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 19, 2019
This is third in a series and characters carry over from the previous two. I definitely recommend reading in order.
This is kind of a fizzle for the end of this series. It was a lot less funny and both characters are awkward introverts who stumble about a lot and get in their own way. Plus, Ney has Caleb keep this ring of hers he finds despite ample opportunity (and intention) to return it and you just know that's going to blow up even as it's happening.
There were enough awkward-cute moments that I stuck with this. The other books had the humor to get you past the awful "friend" behavior, though, so I found that even more grating in this one than in the others. Still, I liked both lead characters well-enough.
Sigh. I guess what I'm saying is that this works out to a mild three star rating. I wish the series had wrapped better, is all.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene and an additional almost-sex scene so this is approaching the middle of my steam tolerance. It was achingly cute and more realistic than you normally get with virgin sex. So that's a win.
This is kind of a fizzle for the end of this series. It was a lot less funny and both characters are awkward introverts who stumble about a lot and get in their own way. Plus, Ney has Caleb keep this ring of hers he finds despite ample opportunity (and intention) to return it and you just know that's going to blow up even as it's happening.
There were enough awkward-cute moments that I stuck with this. The other books had the humor to get you past the awful "friend" behavior, though, so I found that even more grating in this one than in the others. Still, I liked both lead characters well-enough.
Sigh. I guess what I'm saying is that this works out to a mild three star rating. I wish the series had wrapped better, is all.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene and an additional almost-sex scene so this is approaching the middle of my steam tolerance. It was achingly cute and more realistic than you normally get with virgin sex. So that's a win.
June 25, 2019
Definitely my favourite in this series. 💛
The main characters were adorably sweet, and a lot more mature than the characters in the previous books, which I highly enjoyed.
It started really good, but got a bit rushed in the end. And I know they are both supposed to be awkward and shy, but personally I would have liked a bit more “hands on bravery”. It got a little too annoying in the end.
That being said- Ney has this lovely and fun style to her writing. So non-problematic and I love it.
It is clear to see this is her early works. (Compared to her Douchebag series that is phenomenal). I am however, still in complete adoration of her books, even though these seemed a bit too young for me.
Also I really want to strangle all their friends. I swear they got on my nerve. I know they are supposed to be “helpful” but I honestly think they crossed a line with their bluntness. No filter. At. All.
Even I ended being embarrassed on their behalf.🤷🏻♀️😂
Read: 25/06/2019
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/sub-genres: New adult/ college romance/ sport/ hockey / shy -& awkward
Cover: 2 stars
POV: Dual - 1st person - (Abby & Caleb)
Will I recommend: Yes, but for a younger audience. If you have read DB series, this is nothing like it. It has its own charm, but it feels really young.
Sara Ney is awesome though. 😂
The main characters were adorably sweet, and a lot more mature than the characters in the previous books, which I highly enjoyed.
It started really good, but got a bit rushed in the end. And I know they are both supposed to be awkward and shy, but personally I would have liked a bit more “hands on bravery”. It got a little too annoying in the end.
That being said- Ney has this lovely and fun style to her writing. So non-problematic and I love it.
It is clear to see this is her early works. (Compared to her Douchebag series that is phenomenal). I am however, still in complete adoration of her books, even though these seemed a bit too young for me.
Also I really want to strangle all their friends. I swear they got on my nerve. I know they are supposed to be “helpful” but I honestly think they crossed a line with their bluntness. No filter. At. All.
Even I ended being embarrassed on their behalf.🤷🏻♀️😂
Read: 25/06/2019
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/sub-genres: New adult/ college romance/ sport/ hockey / shy -& awkward
Cover: 2 stars
POV: Dual - 1st person - (Abby & Caleb)
Will I recommend: Yes, but for a younger audience. If you have read DB series, this is nothing like it. It has its own charm, but it feels really young.
Sara Ney is awesome though. 😂
February 28, 2023
Abby and Caleb were very awkward and I loved them for this reason. My only problem was their friends. It was really difficult to put up with their nonsense.
September 10, 2018
I won't lie, I had my issues with the first two books in this series, and I did consider not reading A Kiss Like This.
However, our leading lady Abby sounded like she had a bit more sense in her than the characters from the first two books, so I dived in.
And I am glad I did. Finally, some characters who weren't just whorish, horrible people (can anyone say Matthew?). I adored Abby's awkwardness, her bashfulness.
I adore that Caleb isn't the typical frat boy. He is quite awkward too, and it just makes his and Abby's relationship all the more wonderful.
I loved getting a bit more of Molly/Weston and Cece/Matthew from the first 2 books. And surprisingly, in this book Matthew did not make me stabby.
The characters felt more mature (then again, compared to the characters in the first two books, that wasn't hard)
I am glad that I went on to read this book, but I wouldn't go back to read them again.
However, our leading lady Abby sounded like she had a bit more sense in her than the characters from the first two books, so I dived in.
And I am glad I did. Finally, some characters who weren't just whorish, horrible people (can anyone say Matthew?). I adored Abby's awkwardness, her bashfulness.
I adore that Caleb isn't the typical frat boy. He is quite awkward too, and it just makes his and Abby's relationship all the more wonderful.
I loved getting a bit more of Molly/Weston and Cece/Matthew from the first 2 books. And surprisingly, in this book Matthew did not make me stabby.
The characters felt more mature (then again, compared to the characters in the first two books, that wasn't hard)
I am glad that I went on to read this book, but I wouldn't go back to read them again.
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July 5, 2015
07/04/2015 -- Found this one on Amazon cruising for something to read. The reviews mentioned humor and I thought it'd fit my mood. Very wrong. Sometimes my Amazon cruise works, and sometimes it doesn't. This was a BIG doesn't.
In the first chapter we've equated pothead to moron twice. Not sure I agree that someone using pot should be referred to as a "pothead" equating to a moron. Seems a bit judgmental and I don't find this passive aggressive style the least bit humorous.
So, am of the opinion that me and this author are not going to mesh well. Stayed with it to about 25% and just had to say, No. Thanks though.
You may like this just fine. Me, not so much.
I'm in a slump .. can you tell?
Happy Reading!!
In the first chapter we've equated pothead to moron twice. Not sure I agree that someone using pot should be referred to as a "pothead" equating to a moron. Seems a bit judgmental and I don't find this passive aggressive style the least bit humorous.
So, am of the opinion that me and this author are not going to mesh well. Stayed with it to about 25% and just had to say, No. Thanks though.
You may like this just fine. Me, not so much.
I'm in a slump .. can you tell?
Happy Reading!!
July 25, 2015
I generally do not write reviews because I'm french but this book!!
It wasn't just awkward, it was painful to read!! Let's go straight to...the Gap Teeth?! I was like: Really??? And it is not just a simple and natural gap teeth, it's an hockey accident gap teeth! So I searched Hockey Player Gap Teeth on Google and what I saw...WHAT I SAW!!! I could not forget. Every time she was obsessing about said gap teeth I was like "Eeeew!!!" So, there was the gap teeth but there was also the fact that the guy doesn't talk, doesn't smile and is a huge a-hole to everyone around him. But for the last part I can forgive him because it seemed like he was surrounded by a bunch of idiots and immature.
It looked, to me, like all those things that worked - for me - on book 2, the author tried to put them back in book 3. For example, Abby does the same kind of list in her head, as Cecilia. It's ok, they're best friends. But while reading, you could find a lot of expressions and situations that already happened in the previous book. While it was fun on book 2, it was just painful on book 3. It was like those comedy movies that makes you laugh but then, they do Chapter 2 and it's the same jokes and similar situations...you're like: ok, anything new? It requires a lot of talent to make you laugh a second time about the same thing, in this book, it required good characters and I did not met them. I like awkward, as a book nerd, around my friends I'm the awkward one but this...like I said, it was painful. It looked like the guy - forgive me, I can't even remember his name, right now - missed one or 2 brain cells, at some point I was really preparing myself to hear him explain that he had some brain dysfunction. That would have made more sens to me then the truth. I could, sometimes, relate with Abby and I truly thought that she deserved better than Mr Teeth Gap.
Talking about the friends, now. !!!!! What kind of friends are those?! I like crazy friends in books. I have crazy friends, one of them I could really see in Molly. But what's with all of them crashing their dates, interrupting, making fun of them, embarrass them...Wasn't it already to awkward with just the 2 of them?? Being Abby, I would have ditch those people a long time ago and I'm not even talking about the guys!!!
I missed the atmosphere of Book 2 that made me laugh so hard and in public - while eating, may I add - and I felt like Book 3 was a sabotage of all of what was good on Book 2. The Gap Teeth was a turn off for me but I could have easily forget about it - hey, not everyone can be perfect - if the guy had some charisma but he had none, in fact he was close to the idea I have of a real Neanderthal. And pleeeaase, do we talk about the guy saying thing like "I move my hockey player hips against her..." WTH was that?!
It wasn't just awkward, it was painful to read!! Let's go straight to...the Gap Teeth?! I was like: Really??? And it is not just a simple and natural gap teeth, it's an hockey accident gap teeth! So I searched Hockey Player Gap Teeth on Google and what I saw...WHAT I SAW!!! I could not forget. Every time she was obsessing about said gap teeth I was like "Eeeew!!!" So, there was the gap teeth but there was also the fact that the guy doesn't talk, doesn't smile and is a huge a-hole to everyone around him. But for the last part I can forgive him because it seemed like he was surrounded by a bunch of idiots and immature.
It looked, to me, like all those things that worked - for me - on book 2, the author tried to put them back in book 3. For example, Abby does the same kind of list in her head, as Cecilia. It's ok, they're best friends. But while reading, you could find a lot of expressions and situations that already happened in the previous book. While it was fun on book 2, it was just painful on book 3. It was like those comedy movies that makes you laugh but then, they do Chapter 2 and it's the same jokes and similar situations...you're like: ok, anything new? It requires a lot of talent to make you laugh a second time about the same thing, in this book, it required good characters and I did not met them. I like awkward, as a book nerd, around my friends I'm the awkward one but this...like I said, it was painful. It looked like the guy - forgive me, I can't even remember his name, right now - missed one or 2 brain cells, at some point I was really preparing myself to hear him explain that he had some brain dysfunction. That would have made more sens to me then the truth. I could, sometimes, relate with Abby and I truly thought that she deserved better than Mr Teeth Gap.
Talking about the friends, now. !!!!! What kind of friends are those?! I like crazy friends in books. I have crazy friends, one of them I could really see in Molly. But what's with all of them crashing their dates, interrupting, making fun of them, embarrass them...Wasn't it already to awkward with just the 2 of them?? Being Abby, I would have ditch those people a long time ago and I'm not even talking about the guys!!!
I missed the atmosphere of Book 2 that made me laugh so hard and in public - while eating, may I add - and I felt like Book 3 was a sabotage of all of what was good on Book 2. The Gap Teeth was a turn off for me but I could have easily forget about it - hey, not everyone can be perfect - if the guy had some charisma but he had none, in fact he was close to the idea I have of a real Neanderthal. And pleeeaase, do we talk about the guy saying thing like "I move my hockey player hips against her..." WTH was that?!
September 30, 2018
I feel like the entire series has been leading up to this glorious moment. A Kiss Like This is definitely my favorite of this standalone series. While Caleb "Showtime" Lockhart is a new character to the series, Abigail Darlington we met in He Kissed Me First as she is Cece's quiet and socially awkward BFF.
Caleb and Abigail are so alike that it's scary. Both are so socially awkward and both are so attracted by each other. Caleb really doesn't play into the stereotypical hockey jock stereotype, he is super serious, shy, responsible, and just generally a grump when in social situations. Abigail is pretty much the same except minutes a grump, just give her a book, soft man's/oversized pj's, a corner and she will disappear. But I do have to admit she totally owns her personality, which is exactly why Caleb can't stay away from her. Especially after seeing her climb out of second story frat house's window and nearly killing herself. But like a good Cinderella she leaves something behind that is very treasured to her and for Caleb to return.
The two of them are definitely the cutest pair in the midst of their wild and obnoxious friends (both hockey jocks and the girls). But hey, they make the story so ridiculously funny.
Now that I am done with the series, I am sad. I want more! Can I have more Ms Ney (now I know the proper way to say it... rhymes with Guy, Pie, Tie, Cry)?
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Caleb and Abigail are so alike that it's scary. Both are so socially awkward and both are so attracted by each other. Caleb really doesn't play into the stereotypical hockey jock stereotype, he is super serious, shy, responsible, and just generally a grump when in social situations. Abigail is pretty much the same except minutes a grump, just give her a book, soft man's/oversized pj's, a corner and she will disappear. But I do have to admit she totally owns her personality, which is exactly why Caleb can't stay away from her. Especially after seeing her climb out of second story frat house's window and nearly killing herself. But like a good Cinderella she leaves something behind that is very treasured to her and for Caleb to return.
The two of them are definitely the cutest pair in the midst of their wild and obnoxious friends (both hockey jocks and the girls). But hey, they make the story so ridiculously funny.
Now that I am done with the series, I am sad. I want more! Can I have more Ms Ney (now I know the proper way to say it... rhymes with Guy, Pie, Tie, Cry)?
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October 28, 2018
4.5 stars. This book actually made me think that maybe I should give shy guys a little more of a chance. But the awkwardness that the two faced in this book is so much what I dread and have dealt with in my own life as a shy person on a date with a shy guy. Unfortunately the shy guys I went out with were not hot hockey players like Caleb is. So many times as I read this though, I could feel the awkwardness coming off the page, and it felt like a chapter of my own life in that way. For me that made it so perfect and not necessarily easy to read, but easy in that I was extremely familiar in the way those things go. Now, I knew that the whole ring thing was going to come back and bite Caleb in the end. But I also feel that Abby definitely overreacted about that whole situation. As you may know from my other reviews though, that is something that I realize is often a standard part of a romance novel, to add that last bit of drama needed. So no matter how frustrating it is for me, I can get over it when I love the rest of the story so much, and realize it is for that very purpose.
Something I love about series like these is getting those supporting characters into main character roles in future books, and then it makes me want to go back and read the earlier books, knowing what I know now about them. Of course their bits and pieces from the earlier stories help to make their own books more humorous at time as you remember what they'd done in the past.
I have to admit that when I first discovered this author with the 3rd book in her How to Date a Douchebag series, I just assumed that there would be a ton of her past stories to go back and read once I fell in love with her writing. There wasn't a ton out there, so having these suggested and maybe re-released or re-publicized was great for me, as I wait for more books to come! Sara Ney is definitely an auto-buy/read author for me! I do have to say though, unlike the first two books in the series, there isn't an "original" cover for me to share with you. Just the one you see above.
Something I love about series like these is getting those supporting characters into main character roles in future books, and then it makes me want to go back and read the earlier books, knowing what I know now about them. Of course their bits and pieces from the earlier stories help to make their own books more humorous at time as you remember what they'd done in the past.
I have to admit that when I first discovered this author with the 3rd book in her How to Date a Douchebag series, I just assumed that there would be a ton of her past stories to go back and read once I fell in love with her writing. There wasn't a ton out there, so having these suggested and maybe re-released or re-publicized was great for me, as I wait for more books to come! Sara Ney is definitely an auto-buy/read author for me! I do have to say though, unlike the first two books in the series, there isn't an "original" cover for me to share with you. Just the one you see above.
October 1, 2018
After reading Kissing In Cars, I wasn't sure I was going to read the next two books in the trilogy. I had a hard enough time finishing the first one, but I am so glad that I kept going. I really enjoyed He Kissed Me First and absolutely loved A Kiss Like This!
Abby & Caleb's story was so cute and fun! Caleb is a brooding college hockey player who is popular, but yet socially awkward. Abby is this sweet and shy wallflower, not big on the social scene. The two of them are polar opposites, but also the perfect pair. I absolutely loved them! Both were so awkward that I found myself laughing and amused. As for the secondary characters, they mostly left me frustrated as hell. They were nosy and always meddling, making things more difficult for Abby and Caleb.
A Kiss Like This was a terrific read with just the right amount of drama, laughter and romance. The perfect book to spend your day getting lost in. It was fun, entertaining and very well written. I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
Abby & Caleb's story was so cute and fun! Caleb is a brooding college hockey player who is popular, but yet socially awkward. Abby is this sweet and shy wallflower, not big on the social scene. The two of them are polar opposites, but also the perfect pair. I absolutely loved them! Both were so awkward that I found myself laughing and amused. As for the secondary characters, they mostly left me frustrated as hell. They were nosy and always meddling, making things more difficult for Abby and Caleb.
A Kiss Like This was a terrific read with just the right amount of drama, laughter and romance. The perfect book to spend your day getting lost in. It was fun, entertaining and very well written. I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
March 17, 2016
I forgot most of the book as soon as I read it. Not a good sign..
April 18, 2017
* 4-4.5 awkward stars *
A Kiss Like This is book #3 in Kiss & Make Up series.
Book #1: Kissing in Cars - review
Book #2:He Kissed Me First - review
I wasn't really a fan of Kissing in Cars, but He Kissed Me First was huge improvement comparing to the book #1. I can also say I really enjoyed this book, A Kiss Like This. This one is my favorite in the whole series.
Abby and Caleb (love the name!) are so awkwardly cute together. This is a one really sweet LOVE story. It's real and a nice change if we compare it to other books in new adult & college category. Especially if sports romance is added to the mix. Caleb isn't ma manwhore and Abby isn't there to try to save/change him. They are trying to find their way in this crazy world and figure out the feeling that bloom between them.
I'm usually a big fan of supporting characters, but in this series, they are going on my nerves. Especially in this book. Most of the time I was like - Let them be! They are always meddling and standing in the way, making Abby and Caleb more nervous than they usually are.
All in all, I had fun reading this book!
A Kiss Like This is book #3 in Kiss & Make Up series.
Book #1: Kissing in Cars - review
Book #2:He Kissed Me First - review
I wasn't really a fan of Kissing in Cars, but He Kissed Me First was huge improvement comparing to the book #1. I can also say I really enjoyed this book, A Kiss Like This. This one is my favorite in the whole series.
Abby and Caleb (love the name!) are so awkwardly cute together. This is a one really sweet LOVE story. It's real and a nice change if we compare it to other books in new adult & college category. Especially if sports romance is added to the mix. Caleb isn't ma manwhore and Abby isn't there to try to save/change him. They are trying to find their way in this crazy world and figure out the feeling that bloom between them.
I'm usually a big fan of supporting characters, but in this series, they are going on my nerves. Especially in this book. Most of the time I was like - Let them be! They are always meddling and standing in the way, making Abby and Caleb more nervous than they usually are.
All in all, I had fun reading this book!
April 11, 2017
This was the third book in the Kiss or Make up series. Abby and Caleb were really cute and heartwarming together and a great opposites attract pairing!
Caleb and Abby meeting on a really random night and couldn't be more different. She is a wallflower and he is Mr. popular college hockey goalkeeper. But what happens when a spark strikes and two people from two different worlds meet and connect? Fireworks!
While I thought this was a cute story, I just couldn't understand the conflict AT ALL. It was pretty obvious halfway through what the big blow up would be about. It seemed really silly honestly. And forget the fact that it's strange that he (Mr. Popular) is also socially awkward for no apparent reason, but to have a HUGE blowup over such a small matter was really frustrating. In addition, while I liked their relationship, I wished that Caleb wasn't as shy and awkward as Abby. It just seemed weird at times.
All in all this was a nice addition to the series! I will miss this wonderful cast of characters! 3.5 Stars! ~Ratula
Caleb and Abby meeting on a really random night and couldn't be more different. She is a wallflower and he is Mr. popular college hockey goalkeeper. But what happens when a spark strikes and two people from two different worlds meet and connect? Fireworks!
While I thought this was a cute story, I just couldn't understand the conflict AT ALL. It was pretty obvious halfway through what the big blow up would be about. It seemed really silly honestly. And forget the fact that it's strange that he (Mr. Popular) is also socially awkward for no apparent reason, but to have a HUGE blowup over such a small matter was really frustrating. In addition, while I liked their relationship, I wished that Caleb wasn't as shy and awkward as Abby. It just seemed weird at times.
All in all this was a nice addition to the series! I will miss this wonderful cast of characters! 3.5 Stars! ~Ratula
November 11, 2015
Absolutely loved this one! The main characters re so painfully awkward that it's hilarious. They know it, everyone else knows it too and yet the characters are still completely attractive and likable. This one was a fun one to read, for sure.
April 11, 2017
Title: A Kiss Like This
Author: Sara Ney
4 unexpected stars
As i've noticed more and more, by the third novel in the series, i knew that i'd be reading a book that was different from my usual go to genres, which i can't complain nor would i regret reading A Kiss Like This by Sara Ney. Possibly the most that made me think of The Failing Hours with the socially awkward girl, Abigail (which i can compare to Violet), and the star athlete, Caleb (which i can compare to Zeke). Their meeting wasn't on the best ways, Abigail having fallen on top of Caleb, but their journey as they try to figure out exactly what is happening to one another and their feelings.
4 breath taking dreams
I found myself often comparing this book to the first i read by Sara Ney - there were some incredibly good parts, and others i wondered if i was rereading a book but with different characters. However, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of it nor from the butterfly feelings i received. As the last book in the series, it was a good way to end it, crossing the 't's and dotting the 'i's, but considering that it's not my usual go-to genre, it didn't make me bounce up in joy or cry in frustration that it was over. I liked it, and will absolutely read more from Sara Ney because if nothing else, her style of writing made me happy for the time that i read her books.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Author: Sara Ney
4 unexpected stars
As i've noticed more and more, by the third novel in the series, i knew that i'd be reading a book that was different from my usual go to genres, which i can't complain nor would i regret reading A Kiss Like This by Sara Ney. Possibly the most that made me think of The Failing Hours with the socially awkward girl, Abigail (which i can compare to Violet), and the star athlete, Caleb (which i can compare to Zeke). Their meeting wasn't on the best ways, Abigail having fallen on top of Caleb, but their journey as they try to figure out exactly what is happening to one another and their feelings.
4 breath taking dreams
I found myself often comparing this book to the first i read by Sara Ney - there were some incredibly good parts, and others i wondered if i was rereading a book but with different characters. However, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of it nor from the butterfly feelings i received. As the last book in the series, it was a good way to end it, crossing the 't's and dotting the 'i's, but considering that it's not my usual go-to genre, it didn't make me bounce up in joy or cry in frustration that it was over. I liked it, and will absolutely read more from Sara Ney because if nothing else, her style of writing made me happy for the time that i read her books.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
October 2, 2018
5 Stars!
Rounding out the Kiss and Make Up series is the third standalone book in this series and probably my favorite book plus most unforgettable hero that Sara has written that I've read to date y'all. Seriously Caleb was everything in the very best ways and our girl Abby will have you crushing hard.
A Kiss Like This was the sweetest, most adorably "awkward" romance that I've ever read and these two together were everything. Undeniable chemistry. Zinging sparks. Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones... this journey and this story were the absolute best.
If you like your books on the lighter side with doses of sweet, fun, and sass then Sara Ney is totally the girl for you.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Rounding out the Kiss and Make Up series is the third standalone book in this series and probably my favorite book plus most unforgettable hero that Sara has written that I've read to date y'all. Seriously Caleb was everything in the very best ways and our girl Abby will have you crushing hard.
A Kiss Like This was the sweetest, most adorably "awkward" romance that I've ever read and these two together were everything. Undeniable chemistry. Zinging sparks. Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones... this journey and this story were the absolute best.
If you like your books on the lighter side with doses of sweet, fun, and sass then Sara Ney is totally the girl for you.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
November 21, 2020
Abby and Caleb were so awkward it was endearing. I see a pattern in Sara’s books, but I’m reading them backwards, and I just want to say, I’m here for this trope no matter how many times she writes it. Here for it. I enjoyed the narration, I know some people have issues with the male narrator, but I’m used to it and he works for me. I really love how Sara writes low angst, she just makes me happy. I think that is why I continue to read her. She puts a smile on my face, and that definitely is something that I’m in desperate need of lately.
October 1, 2018
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I was really hoping that this book would be better than the first two, because honestly, I forced myself to read them in preparation for this one.
I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book and I actually read it in one sitting. I found both Abby and Caleb likeable characters and I definitely related to Abby and her awkwardness. Some of the things that happened were a little too young for their age maybe, but also with their sheer awkwardness, maybe they weren’t.
I feel like these two are the only characters in this whole group of friends who aren’t immature douchebags. I enjoyed getting to know them while they got to know each other, albeit awkwardly as it was.
Abby was relatable from the get go, a much more laid back character who isn’t over the top. And Caleb had layers to his personality which were also adorable. The two of them made my heart happy while I was reading this and I’m glad that I gave it a go after having serious doubts.
While the two main characters are awkward and serious, there are a lot of funny scenes in this too, because we got the annoying characters from the other books and some new player in the mix as well.
And whilst this was serious and awkward it was also totally hot in an innocent way that so well fits these characters.
I enjoyed this one and would recommend.
Review also on my blog - A Kiss Like This - Sara Ney
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I was really hoping that this book would be better than the first two, because honestly, I forced myself to read them in preparation for this one.
I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this book and I actually read it in one sitting. I found both Abby and Caleb likeable characters and I definitely related to Abby and her awkwardness. Some of the things that happened were a little too young for their age maybe, but also with their sheer awkwardness, maybe they weren’t.
I feel like these two are the only characters in this whole group of friends who aren’t immature douchebags. I enjoyed getting to know them while they got to know each other, albeit awkwardly as it was.
Abby was relatable from the get go, a much more laid back character who isn’t over the top. And Caleb had layers to his personality which were also adorable. The two of them made my heart happy while I was reading this and I’m glad that I gave it a go after having serious doubts.
While the two main characters are awkward and serious, there are a lot of funny scenes in this too, because we got the annoying characters from the other books and some new player in the mix as well.
And whilst this was serious and awkward it was also totally hot in an innocent way that so well fits these characters.
I enjoyed this one and would recommend.
Review also on my blog - A Kiss Like This - Sara Ney
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September 29, 2018
I'm Loving Awkward!
What a cute and sweet romance Sara Ney gives us with A Kiss Like This. Caleb was a complete sweetheart and Abby was his perfect, uncomfortable match.
Caleb was loveable right off the bat. There's nothing more attractive than a guy who is all that yet doesn't really know what to do with it and Caleb had it in spades. Sure, as a super-hot hockey star he's had women, but not one that he's ever wanted to stick around. Not until he finds his match in the equally beautiful, yet unassuming Abby.
As full blown awkward-ness ensues, we get laugh after laugh with our main couple and of course, in Sara Ney fashion, all the friends chiming in. Caleb's teammates had me cracking up constantly and Abby's friend Jenna was no slouch when it came to one liners.
There's a little secret following this new couple and I mean little, however gets blown way out of proportion and I felt my eyes rolling quite a bit towards the end. The book is well written and full of laughs. It's one to pick up when you need something on the lighter side.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
September 12, 2016
I wanted to like this book so much. It had an intriguing premise but the characters were so immature and annoying I had a hard time getting through it. Caleb and Abby are both awkward and inexperienced and I think this could have been a sweet romantic comedy but the side characters were so immature and disrespectful that it was really hard to continue reading. The side characters had few redeeming qualities and I found it very frustrating that the two main characters consistently put up with the shit their friends said and did. Caleb didn’t finally start to stick up for himself until the end of the book and by then I didn’t really care. What is the point of reading a book if I don’t care about the characters?
I definitely won’t be reading anything else in this series but time will tell if I read anymore from this author.
I definitely won’t be reading anything else in this series but time will tell if I read anymore from this author.
August 21, 2015
I really liked Sara Ney's novella "Things Liars Say" so I thought I would try another of her books. This one should have been another novella. The main characters were wonderful -- college girl and guy who are very awkward socially, meet cute (she's bailing out of the window of her cousin's fraternity room to avoid the taunts and bawdiness of his fraternity brothers and our hockey playing, not a romantic bone in his body hero, saves her from hitting the ground hard). Their ensuing relationship is really endearing.
Then, you have several hundred other characters (that's a slight exaggeration) who get in the way and really make this book bog down. If Ms. Ney had just concentrated on our main two she definitely would have had another winner.
Then, you have several hundred other characters (that's a slight exaggeration) who get in the way and really make this book bog down. If Ms. Ney had just concentrated on our main two she definitely would have had another winner.
December 6, 2018
The girl bashing and homophobia were just too much. I found the multiple implications made by the main character’s friends and parents that he was gay because he didn’t date to be absolutely infuriating. I made it to about 50% before I just couldn’t take anymore. I’ve read other books by Sara Ney before. Some were a bit problematic but none were as blatant as this one. I won’t be reading anything else she’s written.
January 7, 2019
DNF 45%
To sum it up:
It was New Adult, but there was nothing new about it and there wasn't very much adult behaviour in it either.
I got tired of reading about immature idiots.
And whatever you do, DON'T google "Hockey Player Gap Teeth".
You will be never be able to unsee it again!
To sum it up:
It was New Adult, but there was nothing new about it and there wasn't very much adult behaviour in it either.
I got tired of reading about immature idiots.
And whatever you do, DON'T google "Hockey Player Gap Teeth".
You will be never be able to unsee it again!
May 18, 2018
This was my favorite in the series. Caleb & Abby were so very cute together!! I loved they’re awkwardness & shyness. I must say they’re friends were over the top annoying but not enough to where I didn’t enjoy the story.
March 19, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
I loved this book. The couple were both so awkward and it just made it so delightful to read. The story was cute and funny, a definite MUST read!!! Loved the narration, it was truly entertaining.
A Kiss Like This by Sara Ney will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!!
I loved this book. The couple were both so awkward and it just made it so delightful to read. The story was cute and funny, a definite MUST read!!! Loved the narration, it was truly entertaining.
A Kiss Like This by Sara Ney will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!!
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