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Kissing Booth

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Who doesn’t love a fun, old-fashioned Kissing Booth? Maybe not the protagonist in this adorable, sweet YA novel.


Lisi has never been kissed. Sure, she could practice on her guy friend, Johnny, but he’s like a brother to her! So when it comes time to pick a theme for the Spring Carnival booth, Lisi suggests a "Kissing Booth," hoping it will give her the chance to get a cheek-kiss from her crush, the handsome, popular Brett. But on the day of the carnival, as rumors fly and kisses are stolen, Lisi discovers that the person she should really kiss may have been right in front of her all along.

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2009

17 people are currently reading
1442 people want to read

About the author

Lexie Hill

1 book10 followers
Lexie Hill is a pseudonym of Lexa Hillyer.

Lexie Hill studied English at Vassar College and now lives in New York City with two roommates and some plants. Her hobbies include writing, reading, shopping, eating, kissing, dancing, and making things. She also likes to watch pretty people on television and say aloud "Oh, they seem nice." Kissing Booth is her first novel.

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5 stars
578 (42%)
4 stars
267 (19%)
3 stars
268 (19%)
2 stars
154 (11%)
1 star
102 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,333 reviews583 followers
August 26, 2023
What an absolutely adorable book!

I mistakenly took this for the book that The Kissing Booth film was based off of which is why I picked it up originally. Shocker that I was wrong because I've done this many times. I see a book with a similar title, buy it, and then realize I probably should have researched the actual book and author first... Oh well! This book was a pleasant surprise and I laughed at my repeated mistakes. But hey, that's how I've found some truly remarkable books - on accident!

Lisi is a highschooler who has never been kissed and has the biggest crush on one of the popular guys in school. When the Spring Carnival comes around and it's recommended students come up with booth ideas, Lisi and her friends decide to start up a kissing booth! Well, life can't be that easy, huh? The popular girls get this bright idea as well and a small competitive starts. But sometimes life throws some curveballs... And maybe Lisi's desires for a kiss might come from someone unexpected.

Ugh, so cute! This is definitely one of those sweet books I would have read back in my elementary school years. It's sugary sweet, immature from an adult perspective, but all around adorable! If you don't take the book too seriously, you will absolutely love it. I can relate to when I was a young girl wishing for my first kiss and hoping for some magical moment. This is definitely a must read for the younger side of young adult readers to enjoy an easy, contemporary read.

Three out of five stars.
Profile Image for Spencer.
1,604 reviews19 followers
July 8, 2024
2024

2020
A cute, little fluffy read.

Four best friends struggle through being honest with each other in high school. Mo comes back from Paris with a new look and keeping secrets. Lisi has a crush on a guy and hasn't told anyone (aside from Mo who is no longer talking to the group). Bella has attack plans on getting a guy to like her. And Johnny mostly just acts like a fringe part of the group.

It takes the four of them a while to be honest with each other. To spill their secrets and reemerge onto a solid ground of friendship again. Watching them all struggle for it was a little bit frustrating, to me. Mostly because I just wanted to shake them and say, "TALK! JUST TALK TO ONE ANOTHER!" But they figured it out in the end.

2016
Profile Image for Jennifer Wardrip.
Author 5 books517 followers
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com

Lisi is an NBK - she's never been kissed. Lisi would really like to be kissed by her crush, Brett, who also happens to be the most popular guy in school. She doesn't think her chances are very high, since Lisi in not in the "in" crowd.

Springtime at Northside High means planning for the famous Spring Carnival. Spring Carnival is a huge deal, and this year the stakes are high for having the winning booth. Whichever booth sells the most tickets wins a trip to New York City. When planning for the school's Spring Carnival starts, Lisi gets the inspiration for a kissing booth. Lisi is secretly hoping she will finally get her first kiss from handsome Brett, but Lisi's not the only one with secrets.

After the popular fly girls make the Kissing Booth their main target for competition, rumors start to fly and the kissing booth crew just might have gotten themselves in too deep. And Lisi just might be falling for the wrong guy.

I'm a sucker for romances, and I couldn't resist the adorable red and white cover for this one! I loved the idea of an old-fashioned kissing booth and wished I could go to the Spring Carnival with Lisi and her friends. Even though the story is mainly a romance, there's also a sub-plot on friends growing up and growing apart that I thought added some depth to the story.

KISSING BOOTH felt like it could have been a script for a great romantic comedy, and was a perfect feel-good book that left me smiling. A must-read for fans of romance!

Profile Image for Alicia.
334 reviews
April 23, 2009
It reminded me a lot of high school and how some of us stay friends in high school/college and how some seem to drift away from each other.

Great Read!
Profile Image for Amy.
363 reviews12 followers
July 4, 2011
Lisi Jared is a junior at Northside High. Before her school break is over, she meets her best friends, Mo, Bella, and Johnny at Vinnie’s. Mo had gone to Paris, but when she came to Vinnie’s, she looked completely different. She used to dress up only in t-shirts and jeans but now she’s her blonde hair is in an afro style and her clothes trendy. Bella is guy crazy and has her sights set on Mason. Johnny is constantly making films and hopes that he’ll become a filmmaker and get accepted into a great film program at college.

Lisi’s school always has a Spring Carnival where groups of students will man their own booth. The money raised is given to charity, but this year there is an incentive for everyone to compete with each other. Whichever group raises the most money will win a trip to New York City.

Lisi, Mo, Bella, Johnny, and a few others, decide to do a booth together. Bella often calls Lisi, NBK, Never Been Kissed, so Lisi comes up with a plan to finally be kissed by her crush Brett Jacobson, by having a Kissing Booth for the Spring Carnival.

Everything seems like it will go okay until Bella points out to Lisi that Mo is hanging out with the Fly Girls at lunch. Now, the group is down one person and seems like Lisi and Bella have lost a best friend and they have no idea what they did. Will Lisi be able to get a kiss from Brett? Will Lisi and Bella ever make up with Mo?

I felt bad for Lisi and Bella. Mo didn’t even tell them to their face what happened. They end up finding out what happened by watching one of Johnny’s DVDs about high school. Lisi knew Mo forever, and Mo treated Lisi horribly. There was one incident where Mo could have stood up for Lisi but didn’t. I wanted to feel sorry for Mo when she finally tells Lisi why she didn’t hang out with them anymore. Mo told Lisi that something she did wasn’t classy, but I think Mo is the one who didn’t have class. I really did like this book.

I loved that they were having a Kissing Booth for a carnival. When I was in high school, we had a carnival once, and I loved it. Granted it was a much smaller scale. We did have a palm reader and got to pelt a fellow student with hackey sacks (would have been more fun if it was pies). So, I enjoyed reading about what people were going to do for their booths.

It’s a cute, fluffy read, but I enjoy reading these type of books, especially after reading darker books. It was a pick me up I needed.
Profile Image for Yan.
348 reviews77 followers
March 15, 2009
Kissing Booth is not something to be taken critically—more of a fun, little whimsical read.

However I do have to point out that I had issues with some things. Mostly on the characters friendship wise. So Lisi has two best girl friends, Mo and Bella. They both annoy me to no end at one point or another.

Mo for instance was Lisi’s best, I mean best!, friend since childhood. After coming back from Paris after spring break, her entire appearance changes. But that does not necessary change her personality. A quarter-way into the book, she completely ditches Lisi. Why? We’ll find out later on, like later on. Does it justify her decision wholly especially since she ends up leaving Lisi for the arch nemesis, the Fly girls (aka the Dance Team)? I am leaning towards ninety percent no. I guess this is all based on what you characterize as friendship, to what extreme or clarity should you expect from close friends. The truth is not needed all the time, but a slight indication would be nice. Remember, this is all my opinion.

Bella to me was more of user than an actual friend. She practically used Lisi to achieve her goals, never mind what Lisi thinks. She (Lisi) needs to grow a backbone and say no for once. It is fine to say no since it is your heinie that is on the line.

Aside from that and the small insignificant details, Kissing Booth a mind-numbing book because it is such a simple book. The plot line was unique particularly the way the author connects all the pieces together. It felt realistic in the sense that I know these types of people. Lexie Hill captured high school drama to the tee.

Overall: Cute and funny at times, but nothing extraordinary.
Profile Image for Amy.
219 reviews
June 2, 2020
Things I didn't like:
1. Inappropriate and downright insulting jokes that are only made by the privileged (e.g. that freaking joke about Ethiopian children)
2. Cringe-worthy scenes
3. Kiddy-pool type of shallow (e.g. intentions, thoughts, reasons behind behavior, etc.)
4. Deus ex machina resolutions (e.g. Luc director dude)
5. Stupid characters who should really focus more on school instead of the freaking "NBK status" bullshit and stereotypical side characters (e.g. slutty best friend, mean girl whose only purpose is to be a competitor for the main character in getting the guy)
6. A helluva lot of fake deep lines and conclusions that for some reason stemmed from the main character's decision to maybe stop keeping personal secrets from her friends (keeping personal thoughts and feelings to yourself is actually totally valid)

This book is just a compilation of complaints, daydreams, and fake deep quotes. And though I admit that had I read this at a younger age, it would have probably gotten 3 stars but since I am not as shallow and ignorant as I was back then, it's a 1-star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Luna's Little Library.
1,500 reviews207 followers
June 27, 2012
Kissing Booth fell into the category of books I buy when I need something nice that will make me smile and promises a happy ending. I got exactly what I asked for.

NBK = Never Been Kissed. That in a nutshell is Lisi’s problem. When the grand prize for the most money raised at the Spring Carnival is a trip to New York Lisi thinks she can solve it with a Kissing Booth. A chance to visit NYC and get rid of her NBK status, perfect!

Kissing Booth is a relatively short story narrated by Lisi who is sweet but gets herself muddled in lies in order to win this contest and the kiss from Brett, the guy she’s been crushing on forever.

There aren’t really any big surprises but I didn’t mind that as Kissing Booth was what I was expecting.
Profile Image for Andi (Andi's ABCs).
1,574 reviews205 followers
June 7, 2011
Completely adorable! Lisi is a typical teenager afraid to share her crush with her friends and of growing up. I just loved her. She was so real and normal. And Bella was the perfect friend for her. And what can I say about Johnny? So adorably cute in an understated way. So glad I found this book and read it. Definitely a favorite for sure. Too cute for it not to be.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,586 reviews26 followers
August 21, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very cute story and I really liked how it ended. I enjoyed seeing Lisi figure out what was important and what was frivolent in her life and how what she thought was best was actually hurting her and her friendships. I would certianly read a Lexie Hill book again.
Profile Image for Sandy Allred.
Author 3 books4 followers
April 18, 2011
A cute, fun little read.

The only complaints I have are that the characters tended to get out of character quite often and sometimes their actions were a little too unbelievable.

Other than that, it was fun, romantic, and well written.
Profile Image for Lory Blanco (areaderheart).
627 reviews17 followers
March 5, 2015
This book was meant to be a light read but between school and me not liking it that much it took me forever to finish it. All in all, I didn't really enjoy it.
Profile Image for Maimai Li.
78 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2025
I absolutely HATED this book. idk why I thought it was a good idea to read it. basically the female lead has a crush on this popular guy, fantasizes kiss, but then realize that her boy best friend is actually who she wants to kiss. Lisi's two best friends were equal unlikeable. I felt like Bella does not even view Lisi as a friend, she is just using her to get to her own purposes, and Mo is just ditching her friends because their other friend rejected her?????? I was questioning this book the entire time.
Profile Image for Maimai Li.
35 reviews
September 15, 2025
I absolutely HATED this book. idk why I thought it was a good idea to read it. basically the female lead has a crush on this popular guy, fantasizes kiss, but then realize that her boy best friend is actually who she wants to kiss. Lisi's two best friends were equal unlikeable. I felt like Bella does not even view Lisi as a friend, she is just using her to get to her own purposes, and Mo is just ditching her friends because their other friend rejected her?????? I was questioning this book the entire time.
Profile Image for Denali.
92 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2023
Why was it as long as it was? Should have been a novella.
Profile Image for Dorine.
1 review
July 18, 2023
This book makes my day!!!!It brings me memories of my younger days in Conarkry!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,563 reviews99 followers
June 11, 2009
Kissing Booth is a book for pure enjoyment. Not to be taken very seriously, Kissing Booth is a very light read.

What I enjoyed about the novel was the plot. I loved how it connected with each other and Lexie did a wonderful job in describing an actual high school particularly with its numerous dramas. Kissing Booth is totally cute and talks about things teenagers go through.

The characters' personalities were a bit iffy. Lisi's best friends, Mo and Bella were sucky best friends. One of them, Mo, comes back from Paris completely changed. At first, the change is just on the outside so it's cool but, in the middle, for no apparent reason, she ditches Lisi and Bella for their once archnemesis - the Fly Girls. I mean, really? Come on. And no reasons are given and we don't find out until it's closer to the end.

And Bella? Total user. She doesn't treat Lisi like a real friend. The only reason why she kept her around was so she could be used as an ego-booster. I mean, there were times when it looked like she cared about Lisi but I think, ultimately, it was all about her, her, her.

And Lisi. She needs to be more outgoing. She's so shy which is why people like Bella can kind of boss her around and she's so naive and oblivious too. She can't see what's going on around her as it really is. Instead, she lives in this little bubble where she feels as if no one can hurt her.

The ending was completely predictable but, like I said, it was a fun and enjoyable read. A bit cliche but everyone needs one of these books every now and then, right?
Profile Image for Sarah BT.
855 reviews48 followers
June 20, 2009
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for romances, and I couldn’t resist the adorable red and white cover for this one! I loved the idea of an old-fashioned kissing booth and wished I could go to the Spring Carnival with Lisi and her friends. Even though the story is mainly a romance, there’s also a sub-plot on friends growing up and growing apart that I thought added some depth to the story. I liked each of the characters and thought they were all well drawn-even the popular crowd was somewhat likeable.

KISSING BOOTH felt like it could have been a script for a great romantic comedy (which I also love), and was a perfect feel-good book that left me smiling. I would recommend for readers who like light romantic fiction.
Profile Image for Reader17 Der.
526 reviews5 followers
April 28, 2009
At first I wasn't really into this book. But by the end I was enjoying it. Throughout the book I kinda felt bad for Lisi since it did seem to have everything happen to her and to fall on her shoulders to fix it.

This story is about Lisi a girl that has never been kissed. They have to come up with something big for the spring Carnival. Secretly she has a crush on a guy and comes up with the idea of a Kissing Booth for the Carnival. Most of the book is about her and her firends, and her thinking about the guy she has a crush on.

Will she finally get a kiss at the carnival, and if she does will it be by her crush or someone else. You would have to read it to find out.
Profile Image for Laura.
589 reviews
November 8, 2010
This book was really good but the ending was disappointing. Lisi was NBK never been kissed and she was dying it kiss Brett. Mo her ex best friend left Lisi and Bella. Lisi, Bella, and Johnny decided 2 have a Kissing Booth @ the Spring Carnival. They had 2 beat the cheerleaders, aka The Fly Girls, so they could go New York City.

I would have rated this book 5 stars if Lexie Hill would of extended the ending a little bit more. She covers everything except for who won the Grand Prize trip...
639 reviews
March 6, 2011
This book was soooo predictable. You can read the first five chapters or so and you can predict the ending right away. The characters got on my nerves from being so clueless. I really hate the cover for some reason unknown. I have no idea why I wanted to read this book so bad but when I did, I thought in my head, "Wow, I got excited for this? This kinda sucks..."
So this was kinda one of those books that you would read in a doctors waiting room to past the time for a bit....
2 reviews
February 25, 2015
This book is one of the best romance books I have read. In this book there is not only a secret romance between the main character and the popular kid, but there is also some kind of conflicts between the main character and her best friend. At the end they do get back together and the main character's other friend, who is a guy, tells his secret crush who is the main character, This book is just perfect!
2 reviews
Read
July 14, 2010
this book was interesting and it showed the mind of a true teenager because through the book I learned that the thing your looking for can be right in front of you without knowing it and Mr. Perfect may not really be Mr. Perfect. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover cause you never know what you might find
Profile Image for Ayesha.
320 reviews46 followers
April 3, 2011
Sooo. Here's the thing. I liked the characters, I did. Lisi, Bella, Mo, Johnny.... I liked them all. But..... I just didn't really see the point of all their drama? Everybody has crushes and secrets that they don't tell even they most closest confidantes. I didn't really see the need for both of Lisi's friends to get sooooo mad at her over such a silly trifling thing. Am I wrong?
Profile Image for Claudia Burgoa.
Author 144 books6,409 followers
July 28, 2012
More like 2.5. This is a Kind of entertaining fast read. My biggest problem... The main character was too passive for her own good. Also, the language was very teensy like, it bugged me at times too. And the other characters didn't get a personality at all. There seem to be too many conflicts, no resolves and one oops-by-the-way... this is the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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