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Kiss and Make Up/All The Right Moves #2
All the Bold Moves
Previously published as He Kissed Me First, USA Today Bestselling Author Sara Ney celebrates it's 7th year in publication with a new title and new covers.
If there's one thing I'm not attracted to, it's an arrogant, selfish and foul-mouth hockey player. I know what I want; someone who's good for my body and soul and makes me laugh - and my best friends brother, Matthew Wakefield, gives me none of those things. My goal isn't to make him fall in love with me.
My goal isn't even to be his friend.
But for some reason, I cannot stop crossing paths with Matthew. He gets under my skin...but his voice and laugh makes me tingle at the same time. And even though it makes me melt inside when I find out he's coaching a juniors hockey team, I still cannot stand the sight of him--I mean, what a jackass.
If I refuse to give him anything but sass and sarcasm, it's only because he deserves it...
If there's one thing I'm not attracted to, it's an arrogant, selfish and foul-mouth hockey player. I know what I want; someone who's good for my body and soul and makes me laugh - and my best friends brother, Matthew Wakefield, gives me none of those things. My goal isn't to make him fall in love with me.
My goal isn't even to be his friend.
But for some reason, I cannot stop crossing paths with Matthew. He gets under my skin...but his voice and laugh makes me tingle at the same time. And even though it makes me melt inside when I find out he's coaching a juniors hockey team, I still cannot stand the sight of him--I mean, what a jackass.
If I refuse to give him anything but sass and sarcasm, it's only because he deserves it...
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2014
484 people are currently reading
1449 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ney
76 books6,673 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 228 reviews
October 7, 2018
Matthew and Cecelia’s story was funny, sweet, and cute. Such a nice addition to this increasing lovable group. And of course I loved getting more Weston & Molly 💗
March 2, 2015
Actual rating: 1.5 stars*
I thought this book would be a light, fun, guilty-pleasure read featuring my favorite, "enemies to lovers" trope. But what started off as light and comedic, quickly turned sour. I had to force myself to finish (I was SO close to giving up). In short, this book was as fun as watching paint dry.
Translation: Skip it.
For the first time in a long time, I DID NOT like the fact that there were 2 POVs. The writing was juvenile, and perhaps if the characters were in HIGH-SCHOOL, the whole story would've made more sense. For Cece and Mathew to be a couple of 23 year olds, I was appalled and disgusted. There was nothing "funny" or endearing, or sweet about Cece and Matthew's "relationship."
Interestingly enough, I didn't care about Mathew enough to have been as offended as I should've been. But make no mistake, he was indeed an asshole.
Exhibit A:
Matthew: “I’m sorry, but BJ’s might be a deal breaker for me.”
Cece: “Are you shitting me? You cannot seriously be telling me you wouldn’t date someone because they don’t… won’t…” I wave my hand in the air in front of his pants, refusing to say the words blow job.
Matthew: “Because they won’t suck my cock? Yeah. I wouldn’t.”
This really made me laugh out loud. Mathew did say offensive things like this throughout the entirety of the book, BUT I don't think he intended any invidiousness; rather, what really struck me was how immature he was.
MAYBE if he was a 16 year old boy saying this to some girl he wanted to "get with" – it might've been more believable (though no less offensive or forgivable). But then again, maybe there are guys (of all ages) who act like this. If this is true, which I am sure it is for some, I would hope that books geared toward young and impressionable ladies would encourage EMPOWERING women, rather than ROMANTICIZING such crap.
Maybe I'm being overly sensitive, because I know that these types of books (generally) aren't meant to be taken so seriously. But, if you look beyond the "guilty-pleasure" aspect of reading books like these, you may be shocked and very disturbed at the message this particular "love story" is sending to both girls and guys alike.
Messages like: (1) as long as the boy is "hot" – anything goes (including how he speaks to you, treats you, etc.); and (2), the role every girl plays in a relationship is to provide sexual gratification for the boy – who is a dumb oaf (naturally), and cannot think for himself or is capable of having a mature, emotional relationship.
These assumptions are not always true! Let's not undermine our men like that. And really, looks are not everything. Women complain all the time that Hollywood and media and popular culture objectifies and sexualizes and degrades women – well, in this case then, this book does all of the above to men, while ALSO perpetuating and conforming to the same ideological fallacies perpetuated in Hollywood toward women.
I believe not all romance novels have to conform to a specific standard or formula in order to be a hit. I think writers should give their readers much more credit.
Also, despite my dislike of "the message" of the story, I just also really didn't like the writing itself: felt awfully young, unpolished (like I was reading a story on Wattpad), lack of character development, lack of chemistry, the banter was NOT witty or refreshing or exciting or entertaining for that matter, and .... I really didn't like the constant references to Niki Minaj and Ariana Grande songs... And the Playlist at the end -- please, no. (It was painfully obvious that I was clearly NOT this author's intended audience.)
*SIGH*
I thought this book would be a light, fun, guilty-pleasure read featuring my favorite, "enemies to lovers" trope. But what started off as light and comedic, quickly turned sour. I had to force myself to finish (I was SO close to giving up). In short, this book was as fun as watching paint dry.
Translation: Skip it.
For the first time in a long time, I DID NOT like the fact that there were 2 POVs. The writing was juvenile, and perhaps if the characters were in HIGH-SCHOOL, the whole story would've made more sense. For Cece and Mathew to be a couple of 23 year olds, I was appalled and disgusted. There was nothing "funny" or endearing, or sweet about Cece and Matthew's "relationship."
Interestingly enough, I didn't care about Mathew enough to have been as offended as I should've been. But make no mistake, he was indeed an asshole.
Exhibit A:
Matthew: “I’m sorry, but BJ’s might be a deal breaker for me.”
Cece: “Are you shitting me? You cannot seriously be telling me you wouldn’t date someone because they don’t… won’t…” I wave my hand in the air in front of his pants, refusing to say the words blow job.
Matthew: “Because they won’t suck my cock? Yeah. I wouldn’t.”
This really made me laugh out loud. Mathew did say offensive things like this throughout the entirety of the book, BUT I don't think he intended any invidiousness; rather, what really struck me was how immature he was.
MAYBE if he was a 16 year old boy saying this to some girl he wanted to "get with" – it might've been more believable (though no less offensive or forgivable). But then again, maybe there are guys (of all ages) who act like this. If this is true, which I am sure it is for some, I would hope that books geared toward young and impressionable ladies would encourage EMPOWERING women, rather than ROMANTICIZING such crap.
Maybe I'm being overly sensitive, because I know that these types of books (generally) aren't meant to be taken so seriously. But, if you look beyond the "guilty-pleasure" aspect of reading books like these, you may be shocked and very disturbed at the message this particular "love story" is sending to both girls and guys alike.
Messages like: (1) as long as the boy is "hot" – anything goes (including how he speaks to you, treats you, etc.); and (2), the role every girl plays in a relationship is to provide sexual gratification for the boy – who is a dumb oaf (naturally), and cannot think for himself or is capable of having a mature, emotional relationship.
These assumptions are not always true! Let's not undermine our men like that. And really, looks are not everything. Women complain all the time that Hollywood and media and popular culture objectifies and sexualizes and degrades women – well, in this case then, this book does all of the above to men, while ALSO perpetuating and conforming to the same ideological fallacies perpetuated in Hollywood toward women.
I believe not all romance novels have to conform to a specific standard or formula in order to be a hit. I think writers should give their readers much more credit.
Also, despite my dislike of "the message" of the story, I just also really didn't like the writing itself: felt awfully young, unpolished (like I was reading a story on Wattpad), lack of character development, lack of chemistry, the banter was NOT witty or refreshing or exciting or entertaining for that matter, and .... I really didn't like the constant references to Niki Minaj and Ariana Grande songs... And the Playlist at the end -- please, no. (It was painfully obvious that I was clearly NOT this author's intended audience.)
*SIGH*
October 15, 2019
This is second in a series and while you don't need the events or characters from the first, I think it's better if you have them. I mean, Molly and Weston are present a lot and it's nice knowing them from before.
This one was as funny as the first, but I wasn't as instantly engaged with Cecilia. I mean, she's prickly and a bit over-the-top and projects a lot harder than she really feels. She's not quite to the point of outright deception, but it's a good thing Matthew is persistent. Ney also has her breaking the fourth wall, sometimes, which mostly worked (maybe because it's first-person anyway?) but it took me a minute to decide I didn't mind.
Like in the first book with Weston, Matthew is a bit of a doof and learning how to be the kind of man a woman would want to be with (for reasons besides looks and career). He makes a lot of missteps but I found his honest cluelessness endearing enough that I didn't chafe at being along for his humanization. And I really enjoyed him using Weston as a sounding-board and back-check when he needed insight.
The whole thing is a bit on the shallow side, with darker emotions played lightly though not entirely unrealistically. It's like the author took the short path through resolving conflict but made up for it by putting more in than you normally would have. Which is fine if you're enjoying the story and humor but might throw you out of the story if you're expecting more serious fare.
In all, I'd say this is a solid four stars but mainly on a personal level and because I enjoyed the humor. I laughed out loud enough to bring attention to myself and that's only a bad thing if you're somewhere you shouldn't be reading funny stuff at...
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes, though they aren't very long, really. I'd call this as nearing the middle of my steam tolerance, but not quite getting there.
This one was as funny as the first, but I wasn't as instantly engaged with Cecilia. I mean, she's prickly and a bit over-the-top and projects a lot harder than she really feels. She's not quite to the point of outright deception, but it's a good thing Matthew is persistent. Ney also has her breaking the fourth wall, sometimes, which mostly worked (maybe because it's first-person anyway?) but it took me a minute to decide I didn't mind.
Like in the first book with Weston, Matthew is a bit of a doof and learning how to be the kind of man a woman would want to be with (for reasons besides looks and career). He makes a lot of missteps but I found his honest cluelessness endearing enough that I didn't chafe at being along for his humanization. And I really enjoyed him using Weston as a sounding-board and back-check when he needed insight.
The whole thing is a bit on the shallow side, with darker emotions played lightly though not entirely unrealistically. It's like the author took the short path through resolving conflict but made up for it by putting more in than you normally would have. Which is fine if you're enjoying the story and humor but might throw you out of the story if you're expecting more serious fare.
In all, I'd say this is a solid four stars but mainly on a personal level and because I enjoyed the humor. I laughed out loud enough to bring attention to myself and that's only a bad thing if you're somewhere you shouldn't be reading funny stuff at...
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes, though they aren't very long, really. I'd call this as nearing the middle of my steam tolerance, but not quite getting there.
Want to read
July 3, 2016Another cover in which it seems as if the female is taking sexual initiative. Making a note.
February 15, 2018
3.5 witty and light with good tension, exactly what I was hoping for.
December 20, 2018
Another great one from Sara Ney.
It was fantastic. Sooooo funny at times and I kept laughing out loud again and again.
I love when books have some good humor in them.
It was fantastic. Sooooo funny at times and I kept laughing out loud again and again.
I love when books have some good humor in them.
December 24, 2018
Two and a half stars for a boring, slow, annoying story, with rare scenes which gave you hope for the story to pick up and then disappointed you pretty soon enough.
Idiotic, annoying, insecure, entitled, repressed heroine, who at the same time has somewhat no real self respect for herself underneath her facade.
Slightly better hero.
Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong story. Boring. Felt like ten times it’s real length.
Idiotic, annoying, insecure, entitled, repressed heroine, who at the same time has somewhat no real self respect for herself underneath her facade.
Slightly better hero.
Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong story. Boring. Felt like ten times it’s real length.
July 11, 2020
Funny, entertaining and upbeat is sometimes just enough.
May 16, 2019
Sweet, cute and uncomplicated.
2.5 stars - rounded to 3 because Ney is a good writer.
It’s very easy to see that this is one of Neys first books.
It was very “young”, and the characters weren’t as likeable as I normally find Neys characters.
Cece was very “hostile”. Matthew very jerk-ish, and not the “I will forgive you because you are also really charming”-jerk-ish. Just a jerk🤷🏻♀️. He had so many “douchebag” comments that it was hard to see him as anything else. It got better, but then it was too late for me to be won over.😂
However, Neys writing is fun, quirky and sassy and I really like it. This book just didn’t do anything for me.
Story wise I liked the plot, hence the higher rating, but Molly (H from book 1) was a pain in the ass. She was one of the reasons why I felt it was really “young”. Always in everyones business and Wes felt very different than in book 1. (Not a good different in case you are wondering)
Ney, you are an amazing person, but this one didn’t make me enter another fandom. 😂
Read: 16/05/2019
Genre/sub-genres: New adult/college/sports romance
1st rating: 2.5 stars
POV: Dual - 1st person (Cecelia & Matthew)
Cover: 2 stars
Will I recommend: Meh- in my opinion it’s not the best work from Ney, but if you want something sweet and light, you can go for it. If Ney is new to you- go with her douchebag series. SO AMAZING😍
October 29, 2017
This was SUCH a great enemies to lovers by the wonderful Sara Ney.
I laughed WAY more than I probably should’ve and the slow burn in this one was pure TORTURE! Seriously I thought I was dying.
Matthew the asshole ended up being Matthew the asshole with a heart. And I absolutely LOVED Cecilia in all her confident badassery!
I honestly wondered how Ney would pull off them being together in the end with all the build up coupled with the twist and turns each character was facing regarding their futures, but low and behold, she pulled it off with a hitch.
I laughed WAY more than I probably should’ve and the slow burn in this one was pure TORTURE! Seriously I thought I was dying.
Matthew the asshole ended up being Matthew the asshole with a heart. And I absolutely LOVED Cecilia in all her confident badassery!
I honestly wondered how Ney would pull off them being together in the end with all the build up coupled with the twist and turns each character was facing regarding their futures, but low and behold, she pulled it off with a hitch.
January 22, 2016
This was quite disappointing. They were immature and although it was sometimes funny it got on my nerves.
Matthew was definitely a jerk a lot of times and for all his childishness still a bit adorable. In the end he was the one who was more mature and knew what he wanted
Cecilia came across as immature, insecure and quite sexual repressed.
So it was not really what I expected and definitely not as funny as I hoped
Matthew was definitely a jerk a lot of times and for all his childishness still a bit adorable. In the end he was the one who was more mature and knew what he wanted
Cecilia came across as immature, insecure and quite sexual repressed.
So it was not really what I expected and definitely not as funny as I hoped
September 24, 2018
***4 Stars***
I hate to admit this, but I was a tinsy bit hesitant to dive into this baby. I wanted to read it because I love and adore HTDADB, ADORE, but coming off of Kissing in Cars, which I liked but didn’t love, I was a afraid that a trend was starting. So like any good bibliophile, I took a step back, read a bunch of other books - some I loved, some not so much - and (with the deadline looming) I dove back in and I must thank the book gods because I really liked this one. It was funny, sweet, and smexy and with a good dose of frustration tossed into to the mix, it captured my interest and I finished it in no time flat.
Matthew and Cecelia. These two I loved. I did. They made my eyes hurt from all the rolling the did (mostly because of Matt) but they were a lot fun. Both have strong personalities and aren’t afraid to speak their minds. Sometimes it’s a good thing, other times not so much. But what got me was just how clueless they both could be and for whatever reason that balanced things out for me and made them relatable. As for their journey to their HEA, strong personalities combined with cluelessness is a recipe for a lot of push and pull, but also for a surprisingly sweet slow burn style romance that proved that not only did they fit well together, but that they were probably the only ones who could put up with each other for the long haul.
I can’t truly pinpoint why I enjoyed this book more than the first, there could be a plethora of reasons or it could simply fall under the any given day thing, but this one just worked for me on every level. One big one for me were the secondary characters. I loved what they brought to the story and how they made it a lot more fun. Molly and Weston were awesome in this one and I loved seeing how they’ve both matured. Kevin and Neve were a lot of fun and though I had my issues with Jenna in the first book, I did like what she brought to the table in this one. And as for Abby, I really liked her and am looking forward to getting to know her better in the next book!
~**~ Copy provided by InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~**~
I hate to admit this, but I was a tinsy bit hesitant to dive into this baby. I wanted to read it because I love and adore HTDADB, ADORE, but coming off of Kissing in Cars, which I liked but didn’t love, I was a afraid that a trend was starting. So like any good bibliophile, I took a step back, read a bunch of other books - some I loved, some not so much - and (with the deadline looming) I dove back in and I must thank the book gods because I really liked this one. It was funny, sweet, and smexy and with a good dose of frustration tossed into to the mix, it captured my interest and I finished it in no time flat.
Matthew and Cecelia. These two I loved. I did. They made my eyes hurt from all the rolling the did (mostly because of Matt) but they were a lot fun. Both have strong personalities and aren’t afraid to speak their minds. Sometimes it’s a good thing, other times not so much. But what got me was just how clueless they both could be and for whatever reason that balanced things out for me and made them relatable. As for their journey to their HEA, strong personalities combined with cluelessness is a recipe for a lot of push and pull, but also for a surprisingly sweet slow burn style romance that proved that not only did they fit well together, but that they were probably the only ones who could put up with each other for the long haul.
I can’t truly pinpoint why I enjoyed this book more than the first, there could be a plethora of reasons or it could simply fall under the any given day thing, but this one just worked for me on every level. One big one for me were the secondary characters. I loved what they brought to the story and how they made it a lot more fun. Molly and Weston were awesome in this one and I loved seeing how they’ve both matured. Kevin and Neve were a lot of fun and though I had my issues with Jenna in the first book, I did like what she brought to the table in this one. And as for Abby, I really liked her and am looking forward to getting to know her better in the next book!
~**~ Copy provided by InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~**~
April 18, 2017
Book two in the Kiss and MakeUp series is the story of Molly's brother Matthew and we watch as he falls in love with her roommate, Cecelia. Both Matt and Cece were freaking nuts and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in this book and it definitely had me giggling throughout. The emails and texts were very funny and were a quirky touch. I liked that we caught up with Molly and West and it was funny to see how Matt and West sparked off one another. I did find it difficult to get into this book at first as both male and female voices were irritating but that wore off as the book progressed. While I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book, and this series isn't a patch on Sara's How to Date a Douchebag series, it is still a thoroughly entertaining, quick, fun read. If you enjoy upper YA/NA contemporary romance with plenty of comedic moments then you'll enjoy this series.
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
Thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for providing a copy of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed. This review will appear on my blog in due course - http://myyanabookobsession.com
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
Thanks to the author and Inkslinger PR for providing a copy of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed. This review will appear on my blog in due course - http://myyanabookobsession.com
September 2, 2018
I was hoping that Matthew would redeem himself in this book, but he's as big of a douche, if not more so, in this book than the first. I didn't really like any of the characters in this at all. I found myself smiling sometimes at the ridiculous messages and emails, but for the most part this is two college age adults behaving like children in high school or younger.
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April 15, 2017
Actual 3.5 Stars. RTF.
June 1, 2024
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3
Reading out E-Mail headers is kind of annoying. I was glad that they started texting and meeting. This series is not for me and I won't try the last book.
Reading out E-Mail headers is kind of annoying. I was glad that they started texting and meeting. This series is not for me and I won't try the last book.
May 10, 2015
Good and bad-- the good kept it from being 2 stars, but the bad kept it from being 4 stars.
The good-- at times this book was laugh-out-loud funny. I really did laugh! The story is cute, and the characters interesting. It's totally fine for a beach read when you just want to veg out. My favorite parts were the banter through email and text. The characters made me laugh, and I really enjoy that in a book.
But there were some serious problems with the premise of the book and I'm still struggling with whether to only give 2 stars because of these issues--
***SPOILERS***
First and most importantly-- professional hockey players report to camp in SEPTEMBER, not December!!!! The college hockey season is from October to April. There is no way Matthew could have been a pro player and also working for the Badgers-- unless it was during off season which is roughly from June to early September (Stanley Cup awarded in June, so some teams are done mid-May). I'm not a huge hockey fan, but even I know this!!! It only took 2 minutes and a few keystrokes to find out when players reported and how long the college season was. If you're going to write a book based on a real thing (professional hockey players), THEN DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!! It would not have been that hard to change the setting to Summer, making the entire book more realistic and believable. This grated on my nerves throughout the book, and seriously makes the book deserve only 2 stars!!
Second-- you can't take a battery out of an iPhone (this is mentioned 2 different times)!!!! Again, don't say things in your book that are inaccurate--- just say he turned the freaking phone off, or don't call it an iPhone. Leave it some nondescript cell phone. There was also an issue with being on the phone versus the computer at one point. Not a huge deal, but I still had to go back and double check. Finally when they kissed the first time, at one point Cecelia's hands were under Matthew's shirt; then they were in his hair, and then all of a sudden, they were under his shirt again with a comment about how she realized they were still there. It's like the author forgot what she was saying and where she was at. Having an editor or other readers go through the book for these types of errors would make the book so much better. These are the little things that make a difference between an okay book and a great book.
Third-- another research issue, but less important than the first-- Knight Rider ran from 1982 to 1986, not the 90s. There was a short revival of the show at one point, but I believe that was in the early 2000s and didn't last long. And the comment about folding and saving notes--like in the 90s, was so annoying. People have saved handwritten notes for hundreds of years.
Fourth-- a number of times, there were deleted words, and editing mistakes. There were also times when the completely wrong word was used-- like the author didn't know how to spell the word, used spell check, but selected the wrong word to be used. This happened more than once. Again, having an editor or proofreaders makes all the difference!!!
All of these things kept the book from flowing and caused me to have to stop and shake my head. These mistakes detracted from the book, and kept it from being a good or even great book.
I dislike giving negative reviews, but these errors were just too glaring, and the author hopefully would take this as constructive criticism to make future books better.
The good-- at times this book was laugh-out-loud funny. I really did laugh! The story is cute, and the characters interesting. It's totally fine for a beach read when you just want to veg out. My favorite parts were the banter through email and text. The characters made me laugh, and I really enjoy that in a book.
But there were some serious problems with the premise of the book and I'm still struggling with whether to only give 2 stars because of these issues--
***SPOILERS***
First and most importantly-- professional hockey players report to camp in SEPTEMBER, not December!!!! The college hockey season is from October to April. There is no way Matthew could have been a pro player and also working for the Badgers-- unless it was during off season which is roughly from June to early September (Stanley Cup awarded in June, so some teams are done mid-May). I'm not a huge hockey fan, but even I know this!!! It only took 2 minutes and a few keystrokes to find out when players reported and how long the college season was. If you're going to write a book based on a real thing (professional hockey players), THEN DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!! It would not have been that hard to change the setting to Summer, making the entire book more realistic and believable. This grated on my nerves throughout the book, and seriously makes the book deserve only 2 stars!!
Second-- you can't take a battery out of an iPhone (this is mentioned 2 different times)!!!! Again, don't say things in your book that are inaccurate--- just say he turned the freaking phone off, or don't call it an iPhone. Leave it some nondescript cell phone. There was also an issue with being on the phone versus the computer at one point. Not a huge deal, but I still had to go back and double check. Finally when they kissed the first time, at one point Cecelia's hands were under Matthew's shirt; then they were in his hair, and then all of a sudden, they were under his shirt again with a comment about how she realized they were still there. It's like the author forgot what she was saying and where she was at. Having an editor or other readers go through the book for these types of errors would make the book so much better. These are the little things that make a difference between an okay book and a great book.
Third-- another research issue, but less important than the first-- Knight Rider ran from 1982 to 1986, not the 90s. There was a short revival of the show at one point, but I believe that was in the early 2000s and didn't last long. And the comment about folding and saving notes--like in the 90s, was so annoying. People have saved handwritten notes for hundreds of years.
Fourth-- a number of times, there were deleted words, and editing mistakes. There were also times when the completely wrong word was used-- like the author didn't know how to spell the word, used spell check, but selected the wrong word to be used. This happened more than once. Again, having an editor or proofreaders makes all the difference!!!
All of these things kept the book from flowing and caused me to have to stop and shake my head. These mistakes detracted from the book, and kept it from being a good or even great book.
I dislike giving negative reviews, but these errors were just too glaring, and the author hopefully would take this as constructive criticism to make future books better.
September 30, 2018
He Kissed Me First was a really fun and entertaining read. I absolutely loved Matthew and Cecelia together! Matthew is an immature, egotistical athlete who actively pursues his sister Molly's roommate. Cecelia is feisty, smart and seemingly his perfect match. The banter between them had me laughing one moment and yelling in frustration the next.
I was completely consumed by Matthew and Cecelia's story, which was so incredibly written. The author really has a way with words that brings her stories to life. This was such a cute, fun and witty book that kept me glued to each and every page. It has just the right mix of angst, drama, frustration and sexy good times. Fans of Sara Ney, you are not going to want to miss this one.
I was completely consumed by Matthew and Cecelia's story, which was so incredibly written. The author really has a way with words that brings her stories to life. This was such a cute, fun and witty book that kept me glued to each and every page. It has just the right mix of angst, drama, frustration and sexy good times. Fans of Sara Ney, you are not going to want to miss this one.
June 5, 2016
Lo único que puedo decir es que odié a Cecelia (creo que es un personaje demasiado indefinido) y que Matt es un idiota. Un desperdicio de mi tiempo.
Tenía tantas expectativas...
Tenía tantas expectativas...
September 18, 2016
I'm sad to say that I didn't quite enjoy this book as much as Sara Ney's other book, "How To Date a Douchebag". The characters acted immature for their age
October 2, 2018
5 Stars!
He Kissed Me First is the next book in the series in the Kiss and Make Up series and another hit in this incredible series y'all that's become quite addictive. And the writing this time around was sweet, light, fun with incredible banter, unforgettable characters, loads of giggling on my end, and all of the feelings in the very best ways.
Matthew (Molly from book one's brother!!) and Cecilia lived up to all the expectations I had and left me with a big smile on my face. Undeniable chemistry. A storyline that'll keep you on your toes until the last word...
If you like your books easier and more predictable with a great, captivating storyline (like the perfect afternoon read) then you'll seriously like this one.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
He Kissed Me First is the next book in the series in the Kiss and Make Up series and another hit in this incredible series y'all that's become quite addictive. And the writing this time around was sweet, light, fun with incredible banter, unforgettable characters, loads of giggling on my end, and all of the feelings in the very best ways.
Matthew (Molly from book one's brother!!) and Cecilia lived up to all the expectations I had and left me with a big smile on my face. Undeniable chemistry. A storyline that'll keep you on your toes until the last word...
If you like your books easier and more predictable with a great, captivating storyline (like the perfect afternoon read) then you'll seriously like this one.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
April 16, 2017
* 3.5 - 4 stars *
I wasn't really a big fan of the first book in Kiss and Make Up series, Kissing in Cars. It was a bit too cheesy and too teenage-TV-drama-like for my taste - full review - but I loved her other series so I decided to give the second book a chance. I'm glad I did because it's way better than the first book!
Cecilia and Matthew are funny and witty. There is no dull moment with those two. I love the whole love/hate relationship going on between the two of them, and how despite it they keep emailing and texting each other. The culmination part and ending were a bit cheesy, but well...
We get to see some old characters like Molly, West, Jenna, and meet some new, Cece's friend Abby. I'm interested in what will happen in her story.
I wasn't really a big fan of the first book in Kiss and Make Up series, Kissing in Cars. It was a bit too cheesy and too teenage-TV-drama-like for my taste - full review - but I loved her other series so I decided to give the second book a chance. I'm glad I did because it's way better than the first book!
Cecilia and Matthew are funny and witty. There is no dull moment with those two. I love the whole love/hate relationship going on between the two of them, and how despite it they keep emailing and texting each other. The culmination part and ending were a bit cheesy, but well...
We get to see some old characters like Molly, West, Jenna, and meet some new, Cece's friend Abby. I'm interested in what will happen in her story.
December 14, 2020
3.5 Stars. I really did like these two, but it was a lot slower of a burn than I was anticipating. The build up was so much that I was expecting something amazing when they finally got together. I wanted all the feels, but it fell a little short because I didn't relate to the characters much. I love Sara Ney's romcom though so I am glad I got some good back and forth banter.
August 12, 2017
this is not my first book by this author and am enjoying her other series. However, this book seemed a little long winded for me and immature.the first 75% was good, then I felt like it was dragging a bit. It was super funny and I did like the main characters, but the surrounding ones were just too much.
October 1, 2018
Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope to read. This slow burn....dare I say douchebagish book really did it for me.
Cecilia gave Matthew hell when he was a complete jerk and I loved it.
I didn't get the YA model feel like I did in the first book and I liked that. The content was more mature even if the characters bickered like children....which I loved. All that banter was a great build up!!!
All in all this is my favorite in this series so far.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
Cecilia gave Matthew hell when he was a complete jerk and I loved it.
I didn't get the YA model feel like I did in the first book and I liked that. The content was more mature even if the characters bickered like children....which I loved. All that banter was a great build up!!!
All in all this is my favorite in this series so far.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
October 3, 2018
4.5 stars. Book 2 was really funny because I already knew Molly and Weston, and I have to say that I adored Weston in this one. While he was definitely pretty much whipped/in love, whatever you want to call it, he was still an annoying boy. I laughed so hard out loud so many times during this book! Matthew was definitely fitting of the douchebag title that Ney's other series uses to describe its leading men. You'd start to think he was coming over to be a good guy, then out would pop the jerk again. There were definitely times I wanted to shake Cece a little, but that seems to happen a lot in romance books, so that's nothing bad. This one was definitely a lot different from the first book, in that was set in a high school, and this one is two people almost past what I'd consider even new adult, more just adult. But with the college aspect it could stay as a new adult level. And the amount of steam in it was definitely on the lower range, or should I say there just was less of it?
Weston and Matthew's friendship also cracked me up. I love how they interacted. The date that Matthew took Cece on to the hockey game and the players that came up and harassed him about it were cute. Definitely a page turner that I couldn't seem to stop reading! On to book 3!
Weston and Matthew's friendship also cracked me up. I love how they interacted. The date that Matthew took Cece on to the hockey game and the players that came up and harassed him about it were cute. Definitely a page turner that I couldn't seem to stop reading! On to book 3!
April 11, 2017
Title: He Kissed Me First
Author: Sara Ney
4 unexpected stars
When you have a great thing going, keep going for it, and that seems to be exactly what Sara Ney did with her books. Seeing as how college bound 'men' and the women who are strong enough to tolerate them, she gives them her full attention. I simply can't get enough of it and wish there was more. Always more. I'm not sure if that's being selfish of me or simply a moment of fangirling going on, especially as i read Cecelia and Matthew's story. I'm still being brought back to the previous books i've read from this author and even though the feel good feelings and awe moments are still as strong as ever, i was happy that i still had the chance to catch up to Molly and Weston since Matthew is her brother.
4 breath taking dreams
Considering that the novels (and from what i've gathered from reading the frist two books in the series) are more for a young adult/new adult, i was taken out from what i currently read and shipped back to the past - in times when school and boys were the most important things i had to think about. Not to say that it's a bad thing, because really it isn't. it's amazing to be able to forget about the hardships of life, the responsibilities and all the things that could go wrong if you don't stick to your schedule, so He Kissed Me First was the best distraction i could have hoped for. It made me laugh (which i had almost hoped and expected for), sigh happily and feel like a school girl all over again. For that i can't complain at all. This was the kind of book that gave me the distraction that i needed, the book that made me regret not going to college before jumping straight into university, but it also made my day a bit brighter for the 'innocence' and the light hearted aspects that surrounded Cecelia and Matthew.
*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
When you have a great thing going, keep going for it, and that seems to be exactly what Sara Ney did with her books. Seeing as how college bound 'men' and the women who are strong enough to tolerate them, she gives them her full attention. I simply can't get enough of it and wish there was more. Always more. I'm not sure if that's being selfish of me or simply a moment of fangirling going on, especially as i read Cecelia and Matthew's story. I'm still being brought back to the previous books i've read from this author and even though the feel good feelings and awe moments are still as strong as ever, i was happy that i still had the chance to catch up to Molly and Weston since Matthew is her brother.
4 breath taking dreams
Considering that the novels (and from what i've gathered from reading the frist two books in the series) are more for a young adult/new adult, i was taken out from what i currently read and shipped back to the past - in times when school and boys were the most important things i had to think about. Not to say that it's a bad thing, because really it isn't. it's amazing to be able to forget about the hardships of life, the responsibilities and all the things that could go wrong if you don't stick to your schedule, so He Kissed Me First was the best distraction i could have hoped for. It made me laugh (which i had almost hoped and expected for), sigh happily and feel like a school girl all over again. For that i can't complain at all. This was the kind of book that gave me the distraction that i needed, the book that made me regret not going to college before jumping straight into university, but it also made my day a bit brighter for the 'innocence' and the light hearted aspects that surrounded Cecelia and Matthew.
*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
December 19, 2014
Missed the mark !!!Not worth the time!!
I hate giving bad reviews since I know how hard it must be to publish your stories as an author,but this book missed the mark big time!!!! Very immature,slow moving,no plot or character development!All I can say is blaghhh_! better luck next time!
I hate giving bad reviews since I know how hard it must be to publish your stories as an author,but this book missed the mark big time!!!! Very immature,slow moving,no plot or character development!All I can say is blaghhh_! better luck next time!
September 3, 2018
After meeting Matthew Wakefield quickly in Kissing In Cars, I was not a fan. What a complete jerk.
With He Kissed Me First being his story, I was hoping that it was just because we didn't know him that well that he came across as a giant douchecanoe.
Nope, I was wrong.
In fact, he was even more unlikable in He Kissed Me First than in the first book. He is a 23 year old man-boy. I swear I know 8 year olds who behave better than he did!
Cecilia - Molly's roommate, and the object of Matthew's obsession - well, I liked her at first but as the story progressed I found her actions just stupid.
Matthew should be on a stalker-watch-list. I mean, surely his NHL team would have issues with his behaviour? I wanted to call the police on him more than once on Cece's behalf!
And don't get me started on Matthew's friends - why Cece gave any of them a second chance is beyond me.
I can't tell you how many times I put this book aside because all their behaviours annoyed me. I thought Weston was bad in Kissing In Cars, but he has nothing on this lot!
I know I sound harsh, but jeepers these people! I wanted to throw my kindle across the room (or perhaps even at Matthew's head).
Things did get slightly better at the end of the story, but not enough to make me forgive past behaviours.
I do have the 3rd book to dive into soon - hopefully the characters are better behaved than this book!
With He Kissed Me First being his story, I was hoping that it was just because we didn't know him that well that he came across as a giant douchecanoe.
Nope, I was wrong.
In fact, he was even more unlikable in He Kissed Me First than in the first book. He is a 23 year old man-boy. I swear I know 8 year olds who behave better than he did!
Cecilia - Molly's roommate, and the object of Matthew's obsession - well, I liked her at first but as the story progressed I found her actions just stupid.
Matthew should be on a stalker-watch-list. I mean, surely his NHL team would have issues with his behaviour? I wanted to call the police on him more than once on Cece's behalf!
And don't get me started on Matthew's friends - why Cece gave any of them a second chance is beyond me.
I can't tell you how many times I put this book aside because all their behaviours annoyed me. I thought Weston was bad in Kissing In Cars, but he has nothing on this lot!
I know I sound harsh, but jeepers these people! I wanted to throw my kindle across the room (or perhaps even at Matthew's head).
Things did get slightly better at the end of the story, but not enough to make me forgive past behaviours.
I do have the 3rd book to dive into soon - hopefully the characters are better behaved than this book!
April 19, 2017
3.5*
I enjoyed this book. I really did. However it didn't grasp my attention as much and I did find myself sighing and wanting to skip parts at times.
I absolutely loved Cece and Matt. They were just perfect for each other...no matter how much they hated one another.
What made it for me was actually the email and text exchanged between Cece and Matt. That is what kept me going back for more.
I just got a bit frustrated with the constant 'breaking of the forth wall' that the characters did. I don't mind it sometimes but it happened constantly throughout the book. I also think that the author waffled quite a bit. We didn't really need to know every minute detail on certain things. This is what made me down rate it.
It was a good book, which had me laughing out loud a lot, it was just the aspects mentioned above that put a downer on it for me.
I enjoyed this book. I really did. However it didn't grasp my attention as much and I did find myself sighing and wanting to skip parts at times.
I absolutely loved Cece and Matt. They were just perfect for each other...no matter how much they hated one another.
What made it for me was actually the email and text exchanged between Cece and Matt. That is what kept me going back for more.
I just got a bit frustrated with the constant 'breaking of the forth wall' that the characters did. I don't mind it sometimes but it happened constantly throughout the book. I also think that the author waffled quite a bit. We didn't really need to know every minute detail on certain things. This is what made me down rate it.
It was a good book, which had me laughing out loud a lot, it was just the aspects mentioned above that put a downer on it for me.
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