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Creekville Kisses #3
Kiss and Tell
He's back to hold her to a marriage pact they made ten years ago . . .
Tabitha Winters, glamorous celebrity chef, loves her life and growing empire in New York. But when her best friends buy the old summer camp where they worked as counselors, she can't turn down their invitation to appear at the opening week fundraising gala . . . even if it means confronting the memories of her first love and its disastrous ending.
But she soon discovers someone is playing an elaborate prank on her as she catches glimpses of Sawyer Reed, the heartbreaker who has no business being at Camp Oak Crest. When she uncovers the truth with a well-crafted counter prank campaign, it's wilder than she could have guessed: even though she hasn't seen Sawyer since he broke her heart, he's there to collect on a marriage pact they made when they were still dumb kids.
Tabitha could never resist a dare, and when Sawyer double dares her to give him a week to prove that they still have their old magic, she's all in to prove that he's wrong: they've been over since the day he walked away ten years ago.
Only she didn't count on him knowing her better than he has a right to, or having the perfect dates to wear down her resistance. And she definitely didn't plan on their attraction still burning hotter than the end-of-camp bonfire. In this summer camp setting, can Tabitha resist the pull of past memories while Sawyer's knee-buckling kisses try to convince her of their future?
This swoony and hilarious new romcom from USA Today bestseller Melanie Jacobson references characters from other Creekville books but is written as a standalone.
Tabitha Winters, glamorous celebrity chef, loves her life and growing empire in New York. But when her best friends buy the old summer camp where they worked as counselors, she can't turn down their invitation to appear at the opening week fundraising gala . . . even if it means confronting the memories of her first love and its disastrous ending.
But she soon discovers someone is playing an elaborate prank on her as she catches glimpses of Sawyer Reed, the heartbreaker who has no business being at Camp Oak Crest. When she uncovers the truth with a well-crafted counter prank campaign, it's wilder than she could have guessed: even though she hasn't seen Sawyer since he broke her heart, he's there to collect on a marriage pact they made when they were still dumb kids.
Tabitha could never resist a dare, and when Sawyer double dares her to give him a week to prove that they still have their old magic, she's all in to prove that he's wrong: they've been over since the day he walked away ten years ago.
Only she didn't count on him knowing her better than he has a right to, or having the perfect dates to wear down her resistance. And she definitely didn't plan on their attraction still burning hotter than the end-of-camp bonfire. In this summer camp setting, can Tabitha resist the pull of past memories while Sawyer's knee-buckling kisses try to convince her of their future?
This swoony and hilarious new romcom from USA Today bestseller Melanie Jacobson references characters from other Creekville books but is written as a standalone.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2022
550 people are currently reading
2146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
March 1, 2023
I HATED this book.
This gives second chance romances a bad name and makes me understand my friends who hate this trope.
I liked the first book in this series a lot so I wanted to give this book a chance. Around the 20% mark, I felt compelled to rush through to see if there was anything that made me feel okay and there wasn’t. They had a summer relationship and she fell in love with him when she was college-aged. He has his friend break up with her after she tells him she loves him. She doesn’t hear from him until 9 YEARS LATER, when he decides he wants to gain forgiveness and a second chance to be friends with her.
BECAUSE HE’S DATED AROUND IN THE MEANTIME AND OTHER PEOPLE DIDN’T WORK OUT!
I was so angry. Like, wtf is that? You realize it's hard to find someone you connect with romantically so you want to give your short-term summer romance another try!? Even tho you haven't talked to her in years and years!? Felt like she was a backup plan (words used in the book) and you just wanted to be in a relationship more than you wanted her. He knew she loved him back in the day so felt like he had a good chance of having her be up for it again.
At first, I thought she was holding onto something stupid for 9 years because she says she has a hard time being in a relationship because of what went down with him. I think that perseverating on a summer romance that didn’t work out from 9 years ago, when she was in college, is weird. I have no comprehension how she could have fallen in love with him in the first place, let alone as adults when he seems to undervalue her.
I disliked Tabitha from how she dealt with her family stuff and dumped things on Grace in Book 2 but no one deserves a “romance” like this.
This book felt very immature and unhealthy. I do not recommend. I skipped/sped through most of it past 20% in... but caught enough that I never want to read it in detail.
This gives second chance romances a bad name and makes me understand my friends who hate this trope.
I liked the first book in this series a lot so I wanted to give this book a chance. Around the 20% mark, I felt compelled to rush through to see if there was anything that made me feel okay and there wasn’t. They had a summer relationship and she fell in love with him when she was college-aged. He has his friend break up with her after she tells him she loves him. She doesn’t hear from him until 9 YEARS LATER, when he decides he wants to gain forgiveness and a second chance to be friends with her.
BECAUSE HE’S DATED AROUND IN THE MEANTIME AND OTHER PEOPLE DIDN’T WORK OUT!
I was so angry. Like, wtf is that? You realize it's hard to find someone you connect with romantically so you want to give your short-term summer romance another try!? Even tho you haven't talked to her in years and years!? Felt like she was a backup plan (words used in the book) and you just wanted to be in a relationship more than you wanted her. He knew she loved him back in the day so felt like he had a good chance of having her be up for it again.
At first, I thought she was holding onto something stupid for 9 years because she says she has a hard time being in a relationship because of what went down with him. I think that perseverating on a summer romance that didn’t work out from 9 years ago, when she was in college, is weird. I have no comprehension how she could have fallen in love with him in the first place, let alone as adults when he seems to undervalue her.
I disliked Tabitha from how she dealt with her family stuff and dumped things on Grace in Book 2 but no one deserves a “romance” like this.
This book felt very immature and unhealthy. I do not recommend. I skipped/sped through most of it past 20% in... but caught enough that I never want to read it in detail.
August 3, 2022
"I hate pranks." You will see this in reviews. "I hate pranks." This is me saying I agree. I really do hate pranks. BUT. "This book totally worked anyway." You will also see this in reviews.
I love this book. It's perfect for summer and nostalgia and young love and second chances. The end.
I love this book. It's perfect for summer and nostalgia and young love and second chances. The end.
August 9, 2022
I loved, loved, LOVED this setting! Filled with summertime memories of friendship and love, Camp Oak Crest was a perfect backdrop for this second chance romance.
It's been nine years since Tabitha has seen Sawyer, and now the two are back where it all started for them. There's something special about two characters nuzzling back into a comfort they once had. With a dual timeline in this one (yay!), you really get to experience the sweet beginning of their relationship. And I loved the maturity of this romance, immediately addressing what went wrong in the past. Sawyer gets an A+ in grovelling!
There were some truly memorable heart-melting moments! But I did find the focus was more on the fun setting and emotional growth for Tabitha. I craved a bit more scenes with romantic tension, especially in the present timeline, to show the intense longing between them. Overall a really sweet read that has me regretful of never attending summer camp!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
It's been nine years since Tabitha has seen Sawyer, and now the two are back where it all started for them. There's something special about two characters nuzzling back into a comfort they once had. With a dual timeline in this one (yay!), you really get to experience the sweet beginning of their relationship. And I loved the maturity of this romance, immediately addressing what went wrong in the past. Sawyer gets an A+ in grovelling!
There were some truly memorable heart-melting moments! But I did find the focus was more on the fun setting and emotional growth for Tabitha. I craved a bit more scenes with romantic tension, especially in the present timeline, to show the intense longing between them. Overall a really sweet read that has me regretful of never attending summer camp!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
August 13, 2024
the first half was enjoyable, but the second fell apart for me.
loved the summer camp setting, i was feeling nostalgic and wanting some more summer reads under my belt before fall really kicked in.
however, as far as the romance, i was unsatisfied. the banter was good in the first half, but mmc was her summer camp bf who unceremoniously dumped her (via his FRIEND) after she told him she loved him.
then comes back around 11 years later and is like oh hey we're both single, remember our pact?
like no! where is the groveling??? like come in and sweep her off her feet damn. that's downright traumatizing and he was being frustrated w her keeping some distance like ??? prove yourself then!
this is why i don't like second chance trope 😤
i liked the audiobook narrator tho
loved the summer camp setting, i was feeling nostalgic and wanting some more summer reads under my belt before fall really kicked in.
however, as far as the romance, i was unsatisfied. the banter was good in the first half, but mmc was her summer camp bf who unceremoniously dumped her (via his FRIEND) after she told him she loved him.
then comes back around 11 years later and is like oh hey we're both single, remember our pact?
like no! where is the groveling??? like come in and sweep her off her feet damn. that's downright traumatizing and he was being frustrated w her keeping some distance like ??? prove yourself then!
this is why i don't like second chance trope 😤
i liked the audiobook narrator tho
August 22, 2022
I am a sucker for a second chance romance/enemies to lovers and summer camp was the perfect setting for Sawyer and Tabitha's love story!
They first met and dated while working as summer camp counselors during college and I loved having the flashbacks/dual timeline to when they fell in love. It gave so much insight into their current relationship 9 years later now that Sawyer is back...and wants a do-over.
So many swoony moments both in the nostalgia of first summer love and in the present. Moon rock and friendship bracelets, anyone? And the pranks were possibly my favorite part! So many laugh-out-loud moments!
I love that things didn't just magically fall into place for them. Relationships take effort, patience, and communication, and Tabitha and Sawyer definitely deserved a chance at something real and lasting.
This was a great end to the Creekville Kisses series and the perfect end-of-summer read. I was completely invested in the character and enjoyed their sweet love story from first page to last. If I could change one thing it would be to have Sawyer's POV as well. I would have loved to see him pining after Tabitha! 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
They first met and dated while working as summer camp counselors during college and I loved having the flashbacks/dual timeline to when they fell in love. It gave so much insight into their current relationship 9 years later now that Sawyer is back...and wants a do-over.
So many swoony moments both in the nostalgia of first summer love and in the present. Moon rock and friendship bracelets, anyone? And the pranks were possibly my favorite part! So many laugh-out-loud moments!
I love that things didn't just magically fall into place for them. Relationships take effort, patience, and communication, and Tabitha and Sawyer definitely deserved a chance at something real and lasting.
This was a great end to the Creekville Kisses series and the perfect end-of-summer read. I was completely invested in the character and enjoyed their sweet love story from first page to last. If I could change one thing it would be to have Sawyer's POV as well. I would have loved to see him pining after Tabitha! 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
August 27, 2022
3.75 Stars ⭐️
August 17, 2022
I absolutely adored this sweet, second chance romance between Sawyer and Tabitha - two summer camp friends who haven't spoken since a disastrous break up nine years ago. Now a famous celebrity chef, Tabitha ('Tab') has come back to the Oak Crest Camp to help with the grand reopening. Now run by her best friends, she isn't aware that Sawyer is at the camp too and has plans of his own to help rekindle their relationship.
This is the perfect summer read, especially for fans of books like Every summer after by Carley Fortune or Say you still love me by K.A. Tucker. Fans of Melanie Jacobson's Creekville Kisses series will love all the cameos from Tab's small-town family and friends, including her sister Grace. I especially enjoyed all the summer camp vibes and the PRANKS!! Plus this cover is utter summer romance PERFECTION!!
🔥Steam level: kissing only
This is the perfect summer read, especially for fans of books like Every summer after by Carley Fortune or Say you still love me by K.A. Tucker. Fans of Melanie Jacobson's Creekville Kisses series will love all the cameos from Tab's small-town family and friends, including her sister Grace. I especially enjoyed all the summer camp vibes and the PRANKS!! Plus this cover is utter summer romance PERFECTION!!
🔥Steam level: kissing only
August 15, 2022
Kiss and Tell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 8/12/22
Author: Melanie Jacobson
Publisher: Four Petal Press
Goodreads Rating: 4.50
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Four Petal Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Tabitha Winters, glamorous celebrity chef, loves her life and growing empire in New York. But when her best friends buy the old summer camp where they worked as counselors, she can't turn down their invitation to appear at the opening week fundraising gala . . . even if it means confronting the memories of her first love and its disastrous ending. Tabitha could never resist a dare, and when Sawyer double dares her to give him a week to prove that they still have their old magic, she's all in to prove that he's wrong: they've been over since the day he walked away ten years ago. Can Tabitha resist the pull of past memories while Sawyer's knee-buckling kisses try to convince her of their future?
My Thoughts: This is No. 3 in the Creekville Kisses series. While this is the first one I have read from this series, it will not be my last one. I have added the first two to my TBR. This was such a cute and adorable read! It is a true love story of Tabatha and Sawyer and how second chance love does exist. The story is narrated by our MC, Tabitha Winters, in her perspective. You just fall in love with Tabatha and her best friend, Natalie. The characters were developed well with depth, witty banter, emotional, deep chemistry between Tabitha and Sawyer, and were creatively written. I absolutely adore this author’s writing style, it was complex, swoony, light humor, heartwarming, and kept me engaged from cover to cover. This book released a few days ago and I would highly recommend adding to your TBR, in fact, add the entire series!
🏷
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#whatimreading #booklover #bookworm #bookpic #bookstagram #fiction #booksoninstagram #reviewer #bookfriends #bookrecs #goodreads #bookishgirl #2022bookgoals #bookpost #Book-Reviews #romance #kissandtell #melaniejacobson #fourpetalpress
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 8/12/22
Author: Melanie Jacobson
Publisher: Four Petal Press
Goodreads Rating: 4.50
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Four Petal Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Tabitha Winters, glamorous celebrity chef, loves her life and growing empire in New York. But when her best friends buy the old summer camp where they worked as counselors, she can't turn down their invitation to appear at the opening week fundraising gala . . . even if it means confronting the memories of her first love and its disastrous ending. Tabitha could never resist a dare, and when Sawyer double dares her to give him a week to prove that they still have their old magic, she's all in to prove that he's wrong: they've been over since the day he walked away ten years ago. Can Tabitha resist the pull of past memories while Sawyer's knee-buckling kisses try to convince her of their future?
My Thoughts: This is No. 3 in the Creekville Kisses series. While this is the first one I have read from this series, it will not be my last one. I have added the first two to my TBR. This was such a cute and adorable read! It is a true love story of Tabatha and Sawyer and how second chance love does exist. The story is narrated by our MC, Tabitha Winters, in her perspective. You just fall in love with Tabatha and her best friend, Natalie. The characters were developed well with depth, witty banter, emotional, deep chemistry between Tabitha and Sawyer, and were creatively written. I absolutely adore this author’s writing style, it was complex, swoony, light humor, heartwarming, and kept me engaged from cover to cover. This book released a few days ago and I would highly recommend adding to your TBR, in fact, add the entire series!
🏷
.
.
#whatimreading #booklover #bookworm #bookpic #bookstagram #fiction #booksoninstagram #reviewer #bookfriends #bookrecs #goodreads #bookishgirl #2022bookgoals #bookpost #Book-Reviews #romance #kissandtell #melaniejacobson #fourpetalpress
September 18, 2022
JUST WHAT I NEEDED.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh this book caught me at the right time, I LOVED IT.
I got major People We Meet on Vacation vibes. The summer camp theme was perfect and this couple? OFF THE CHARTS.
The use of flashback chapters worked effortlessly here. It gave me the necessary background to understand Tabitha and Sawyer’s past and really building up that angst in the present chapters. I loved all of the pranks (which actually made me laugh) and really feeling like I was out at camp with the rest of them.
There’s a lot of great themes in here, one being, therapy. I liked the positive connotation surrounding it and the way that multiple parties learned to express emotions and concerns in a safe and genuine way. I love seeing characters grow and it wasn’t only Tabitha that showed some needed change.
I LOVED SAWYER. Good heavens he was the perfect love interest. Super swoony (those kiss scenes? FIRE). I appreciated that he could admit his wrongs and speak his truths too. The way he tried to show Tabitha just how much he cared, and also listening to her when she needed to communicate to? ALL HERE FOR IT.
Fantastic romance. Perfect for summertime.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh this book caught me at the right time, I LOVED IT.
I got major People We Meet on Vacation vibes. The summer camp theme was perfect and this couple? OFF THE CHARTS.
The use of flashback chapters worked effortlessly here. It gave me the necessary background to understand Tabitha and Sawyer’s past and really building up that angst in the present chapters. I loved all of the pranks (which actually made me laugh) and really feeling like I was out at camp with the rest of them.
There’s a lot of great themes in here, one being, therapy. I liked the positive connotation surrounding it and the way that multiple parties learned to express emotions and concerns in a safe and genuine way. I love seeing characters grow and it wasn’t only Tabitha that showed some needed change.
I LOVED SAWYER. Good heavens he was the perfect love interest. Super swoony (those kiss scenes? FIRE). I appreciated that he could admit his wrongs and speak his truths too. The way he tried to show Tabitha just how much he cared, and also listening to her when she needed to communicate to? ALL HERE FOR IT.
Fantastic romance. Perfect for summertime.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
August 18, 2022
This enjoyable story has adorable characters and a fun setting in a summer camp, where Tabitha, a celebrity chef, has agreed to spend the summer reuniting with old friends and, unknown to her, with her first love. A tale of second chances, misunderstandings, and finding the humor in life’s struggles, this romantic comedy provides laughs without going over the top. Lots of fun to read!
August 16, 2022
The setting of Camp Oak Crest of the campfire, cabins, trails, and the activities brought back fond memories of the years that I attended church camp. Ms. Jacobson artfully describes the revitalized camp that I could easily see myself being there. This was such a fun and sweet romance of two camp counselors who haven’t seen each other in nine years and are reunited to have their second chance at love.
Bravo to Sawyer for admitting his mistakes and setting about winning Tabitha’s heart once again. He was patient and understanding with her as she works through the pain of his past rejection. The camp activities were a really special and creative way to show Tabitha how much he cared for her. The dual timeline worked so well in seeing what Tabitha experienced in falling in love as a teenager. The pace of the book was just right, not too fast, and not too slow as Tabitha has to decide if she is going to let go of the past and make a leap of faith to trust her heart.
This is part of the Creekville Kisses series, but can be read as a standalone. I received a copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Bravo to Sawyer for admitting his mistakes and setting about winning Tabitha’s heart once again. He was patient and understanding with her as she works through the pain of his past rejection. The camp activities were a really special and creative way to show Tabitha how much he cared for her. The dual timeline worked so well in seeing what Tabitha experienced in falling in love as a teenager. The pace of the book was just right, not too fast, and not too slow as Tabitha has to decide if she is going to let go of the past and make a leap of faith to trust her heart.
This is part of the Creekville Kisses series, but can be read as a standalone. I received a copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
Do people in their 20's really act like this??
This book kind of drove me crazy, I almost stopped reading it twice! Since when do 20yr old young adults act exactly like preteens?! I know that college kids have a lot of growing up to do, and can be clueless to what they don't know yet. But never have I come across a 20 year old more childish than these two kids (gagging at 40yr olds for having the audacity to kiss and get married??). And don't get me started on the immaturity of Tabby's reaction to finding out that her ex from almost a decade ago! is on the property he CO-OWNS, but is keeping out of her way until she can be coaxed in to daining to speak to him again. She's supposed to be almost 30! And as someone who met my husband of 14 years when we were 19, it annoyed me to see Tabby refuse to see herself as an adult then or looking back now. From all my personal experience with family, friends, and myself; being in your 20's doesn't mean you're a completely immature idiot. On top of all this, I worked at youth camps all my teenage summers, I was even head cook one year. So where I love the concept of a rekindling love of summer camps past, this just missed the mark IMO.
This book kind of drove me crazy, I almost stopped reading it twice! Since when do 20yr old young adults act exactly like preteens?! I know that college kids have a lot of growing up to do, and can be clueless to what they don't know yet. But never have I come across a 20 year old more childish than these two kids (gagging at 40yr olds for having the audacity to kiss and get married??). And don't get me started on the immaturity of Tabby's reaction to finding out that her ex from almost a decade ago! is on the property he CO-OWNS, but is keeping out of her way until she can be coaxed in to daining to speak to him again. She's supposed to be almost 30! And as someone who met my husband of 14 years when we were 19, it annoyed me to see Tabby refuse to see herself as an adult then or looking back now. From all my personal experience with family, friends, and myself; being in your 20's doesn't mean you're a completely immature idiot. On top of all this, I worked at youth camps all my teenage summers, I was even head cook one year. So where I love the concept of a rekindling love of summer camps past, this just missed the mark IMO.
August 9, 2022
This second chance rom-com was an absolute delight and the perfect escape read! Tabitha Winters is a celebrity chef living in New York. When her best friends buy the old summer camp in Virginia where they all worked as counselors a decade earlier, she agrees to appear at the opening week fundraising gala.
Her summers at Camp Oak Crest were happy ones--full of good times, adventures, and a lot of pranks. It was also the place she met and fell for Sawyer Reed. He would become her first love, and the one that broke her heart. She hasn't seen him since the day he dumped her, but she's in for a big surprise when she discovers that Sawyer is also attending the gala. She tries to avoid him, but he has different plans. Plans to get her back. Plans that are an "Ocean's Eleven level caper." His determination to win her back is delicious! "I just want to convince you to give me a chance. However long it takes. Until Saturday. Or December. Or retirement." As much as she might want to, a second chance at love for Tabitha is not so easy. Sawyer truly broke her heart and she's not sure it could withstand going through all of that again.
This is a fun and lighthearted story, but there are also some deeper emotions dealing with forgiveness, overcoming self-doubt, trust issues, and letting go of the past.
I loved so many things about Kiss and Tell!
* The humor. I was smiling or laughing the whole way through.
* The story feels fresh but also very nostalgic. It brought back fond memories of summertime, girls camp, crushes and first loves--and all the giddiness and angst that went along with that.
* There was a feeling of satisfaction and vindication for every girl that has been dumped by her "stupid" boyfriend, as Sawyer realizes soon after what a mistake he made, deeply regrets it, and comes back in hot pursuit of Tabitha.
* I loved that she didn't instantly take him back. He had to work for it.
* Hard swoon on the epilogue...that I might have instantly re-read.
I loved this story, and appreciate receiving an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Her summers at Camp Oak Crest were happy ones--full of good times, adventures, and a lot of pranks. It was also the place she met and fell for Sawyer Reed. He would become her first love, and the one that broke her heart. She hasn't seen him since the day he dumped her, but she's in for a big surprise when she discovers that Sawyer is also attending the gala. She tries to avoid him, but he has different plans. Plans to get her back. Plans that are an "Ocean's Eleven level caper." His determination to win her back is delicious! "I just want to convince you to give me a chance. However long it takes. Until Saturday. Or December. Or retirement." As much as she might want to, a second chance at love for Tabitha is not so easy. Sawyer truly broke her heart and she's not sure it could withstand going through all of that again.
This is a fun and lighthearted story, but there are also some deeper emotions dealing with forgiveness, overcoming self-doubt, trust issues, and letting go of the past.
I loved so many things about Kiss and Tell!
* The humor. I was smiling or laughing the whole way through.
* The story feels fresh but also very nostalgic. It brought back fond memories of summertime, girls camp, crushes and first loves--and all the giddiness and angst that went along with that.
* There was a feeling of satisfaction and vindication for every girl that has been dumped by her "stupid" boyfriend, as Sawyer realizes soon after what a mistake he made, deeply regrets it, and comes back in hot pursuit of Tabitha.
* I loved that she didn't instantly take him back. He had to work for it.
* Hard swoon on the epilogue...that I might have instantly re-read.
I loved this story, and appreciate receiving an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a laugh out loud, sweet, touching, and heartfelt story about friendship, second chances, young love, nostalgia and finding yourself. Kiss and Tell is full of the wit, humor and quirky comebacks that Melanie Jacobson is known for in her books. But this book will also have you feeling a little melancholy from the honest and heartfelt moments.
The story is told in Tabitha’s POV as it bounces from present day to flashbacks to her yearly job as a summer camp counsellor with her best friends, Natalie, Ben and Sawyer, starting nine years ago. Tabitha and Sawyer have this unresolved issue that happened several years ago ever since Sawyer broke her heart and left her, so Tabitha was thrown for a loop to see Sawyer again after so many years. I loved the summer camp setting, with all the jokes, pranks and sarcastic comebacks and the reminiscing flashbacks of their time as counsellors and the budding romance between Tabitha and Sawyer. But one thing that absolutely stood out to me in this book, is the nostalgic parts of this book. The memories they share and the new ones they make. That said, as much as I loved these nostalgic moments, I did feel that the camp setting, the pranks and the heavy focus on the past overshadowed the romance in the present. I always love and appreciate the swoony moments this author always provides in her stories, and the friendship bracelet scene for instance was absolutely gorgeous. I just wanted more moments like this, and more time from them as a couple.
Reading a Melanie Jacobson book is always a joy, and this lighthearted rom-com with substance was no exception. There were definitely pieces that tugged at my heart. It’s just that as far as romances goes it missed the mark for me a bit...at least for my own personal romance tastes. I was still sucked into the story however, and it was still an enjoyable read.
This was a laugh out loud, sweet, touching, and heartfelt story about friendship, second chances, young love, nostalgia and finding yourself. Kiss and Tell is full of the wit, humor and quirky comebacks that Melanie Jacobson is known for in her books. But this book will also have you feeling a little melancholy from the honest and heartfelt moments.
The story is told in Tabitha’s POV as it bounces from present day to flashbacks to her yearly job as a summer camp counsellor with her best friends, Natalie, Ben and Sawyer, starting nine years ago. Tabitha and Sawyer have this unresolved issue that happened several years ago ever since Sawyer broke her heart and left her, so Tabitha was thrown for a loop to see Sawyer again after so many years. I loved the summer camp setting, with all the jokes, pranks and sarcastic comebacks and the reminiscing flashbacks of their time as counsellors and the budding romance between Tabitha and Sawyer. But one thing that absolutely stood out to me in this book, is the nostalgic parts of this book. The memories they share and the new ones they make. That said, as much as I loved these nostalgic moments, I did feel that the camp setting, the pranks and the heavy focus on the past overshadowed the romance in the present. I always love and appreciate the swoony moments this author always provides in her stories, and the friendship bracelet scene for instance was absolutely gorgeous. I just wanted more moments like this, and more time from them as a couple.
Reading a Melanie Jacobson book is always a joy, and this lighthearted rom-com with substance was no exception. There were definitely pieces that tugged at my heart. It’s just that as far as romances goes it missed the mark for me a bit...at least for my own personal romance tastes. I was still sucked into the story however, and it was still an enjoyable read.
September 2, 2022
I love a good second-chance romance and that's what this book delivers. Sawyer and Tabitha fell in love as teenagers working as counselors at a summer camp, but it abruptly ended when Tabitha told him how she felt on their last night at camp and Sawyer left the next day without even saying "goodbye". Flash forward 9 years and Tabitha is back at the camp to help her friends who now run it but she's taken by surprise to find Sawyer there too.
I'm not one for pranks but I did like the ones Tabitha pulled on her friends when she found out they knew Sawyer was there--the desk chair and canoe were my favorites (IYKYK). I really liked that Sawyer admitted to the mistakes he'd made and then proceeded to show Tabitha he meant what he'd said and showed how much he cared for her. I liked all the dates Sawyer planned for them especially when they made friendship bracelets! Why is that so romantic and swoony?
I liked the dual timeline as we got to see Tabitha and Sawyer meet and fall in love but I really would've liked to have Sawyer's point of view showing how he knew he'd messed up and how much he missed Tabitha all those years they were apart. I felt the emotions the characters felt were realistically portrayed--trusting someone again after they've hurt you isn't easy and I think the author did a great job showing that.
This is part of the Creekville Kisses series but can be read as a standalone with the reader being lost. I received a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I'm not one for pranks but I did like the ones Tabitha pulled on her friends when she found out they knew Sawyer was there--the desk chair and canoe were my favorites (IYKYK). I really liked that Sawyer admitted to the mistakes he'd made and then proceeded to show Tabitha he meant what he'd said and showed how much he cared for her. I liked all the dates Sawyer planned for them especially when they made friendship bracelets! Why is that so romantic and swoony?
I liked the dual timeline as we got to see Tabitha and Sawyer meet and fall in love but I really would've liked to have Sawyer's point of view showing how he knew he'd messed up and how much he missed Tabitha all those years they were apart. I felt the emotions the characters felt were realistically portrayed--trusting someone again after they've hurt you isn't easy and I think the author did a great job showing that.
This is part of the Creekville Kisses series but can be read as a standalone with the reader being lost. I received a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 4, 2022
I read this story originally last year as a novella and I enjoyed it then, but holy cow, it was so much better expanded and changed up to what it is now! This is an awesome second chance romance with all the feels, plenty of laughs, and fantastic tension. I love the camp setting, I LOVE camp pranks (I’ve done my share of Saran wrapping friends to their beds 😂), I love how it flashes back to their original love story throughout, and how the story intertwines with all of the previous Creekville books.
Things I loved:
-WELCOME HOME FROM PRISON!
-Ben & Natalie
-“Power really does corrupt.”
-“Camp Oak Crest is perfect except for poison oak, eighth graders, and crying first-year campers.”
-The dare
-Tragic Claire
-The Great Sinking 1 & 2
-The Great Foam Disaster 1 & 2
-“Strike first, strike hard, no mercy,”
-Fishing
-Friendship bracelets
-Miss Lily’s Mic Drop
-“Or we could get wild and plan to be real friends, period. Like we can comment on each other’s Instagram, even.” I gasp. “Sir, such liberties.”
-The Sawyer Recovery Plan
-Hamster Dance (totally forgot about that song 😂)
-“Being in love feels like Sawyer.”
-“You’re here to fulfill the terms of your challenge.”
-The sweetest, most full HEA with so many favorite characters.
I love that Tabitha’s bestie, Natalie, was a therapist and that hashing things out in therapy was included—it made the story feel real, but it also stayed so funny and romantic.
CW: Very mild swearing, Closed door/Sweet Read
Things I loved:
-WELCOME HOME FROM PRISON!
-Ben & Natalie
-“Power really does corrupt.”
-“Camp Oak Crest is perfect except for poison oak, eighth graders, and crying first-year campers.”
-The dare
-Tragic Claire
-The Great Sinking 1 & 2
-The Great Foam Disaster 1 & 2
-“Strike first, strike hard, no mercy,”
-Fishing
-Friendship bracelets
-Miss Lily’s Mic Drop
-“Or we could get wild and plan to be real friends, period. Like we can comment on each other’s Instagram, even.” I gasp. “Sir, such liberties.”
-The Sawyer Recovery Plan
-Hamster Dance (totally forgot about that song 😂)
-“Being in love feels like Sawyer.”
-“You’re here to fulfill the terms of your challenge.”
-The sweetest, most full HEA with so many favorite characters.
I love that Tabitha’s bestie, Natalie, was a therapist and that hashing things out in therapy was included—it made the story feel real, but it also stayed so funny and romantic.
CW: Very mild swearing, Closed door/Sweet Read
November 30, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
This was so cute. I luv luv Tabitha and so many of the characters (including her) are so real and relatable. I also love Natalie so much and I’m not even gonna lie I lowkey love second chance romance after reading this.
The fact that Tab cries during the national anthem rubbed me wrong a bit😭 only because that means she’s like patriotic or whatever and who would wanna feel patriotic for America ?:!3?$3&3&3&;!!;!;
Idk. idk man.
But also one my favorite parts about this book was the therapy aspect and mental health awareness. The fact that Tab’s mom went to therapy and was able to understand her wrongdoings and apologize to her children made me want to cry. I love that, and I love that she was able to better her relationship with them. I also love how much counseling and therapy was seen as such a go to and important thing in this book.
But I loved this book so much. It makes so much sense that Sawyer and Tabitha couldn’t work with anyone else and when I tell you that I had tears in my eyes by the time I finished this book I’m not lying. The wedding was adorable and the whole plot was everything, I highly highly recommend.
Such a cute romance that also dealt with more of the real and raw aspects of life
This was so cute. I luv luv Tabitha and so many of the characters (including her) are so real and relatable. I also love Natalie so much and I’m not even gonna lie I lowkey love second chance romance after reading this.
The fact that Tab cries during the national anthem rubbed me wrong a bit😭 only because that means she’s like patriotic or whatever and who would wanna feel patriotic for America ?:!3?$3&3&3&;!!;!;
Idk. idk man.
But also one my favorite parts about this book was the therapy aspect and mental health awareness. The fact that Tab’s mom went to therapy and was able to understand her wrongdoings and apologize to her children made me want to cry. I love that, and I love that she was able to better her relationship with them. I also love how much counseling and therapy was seen as such a go to and important thing in this book.
But I loved this book so much. It makes so much sense that Sawyer and Tabitha couldn’t work with anyone else and when I tell you that I had tears in my eyes by the time I finished this book I’m not lying. The wedding was adorable and the whole plot was everything, I highly highly recommend.
Such a cute romance that also dealt with more of the real and raw aspects of life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
I have loved this Creekville Kisses series and really enjoyed seeing Tabitha get her own story. One of my favorite tropes in romance is second chance so I was sold the moment I read the book blurb of this novel. Sawyer and Tabitha have MAJOR chemistry and I love that it was strong enough I felt their connection coming right off of the page. When they make friendship bracelets, yeah, SWOONY!
The flashbacks were super enjoyable to me and gave such great insight as well as providing a fun way to see how they originally fell in love with each other and how they fell for each other once more. I loved the setting. The writing pulled me in. The only thing that leaned me towards the four over five stars was I wish I would have seen more of Sawyer. Whether that was with dual POV instead of only Tabitha's or a little bit more time in the present with them, I can't say for sure. Their connection was definitely there and I guess I just wanted more. That being said, I could see why they were the perfect match and I just loved how Sawyer and Tabitha never truly fell out of love, just had to find their way back.
4.5 stars, this is a clean romance with heart stopping swoony chemistry and a fun plot. A great summer read.
The flashbacks were super enjoyable to me and gave such great insight as well as providing a fun way to see how they originally fell in love with each other and how they fell for each other once more. I loved the setting. The writing pulled me in. The only thing that leaned me towards the four over five stars was I wish I would have seen more of Sawyer. Whether that was with dual POV instead of only Tabitha's or a little bit more time in the present with them, I can't say for sure. Their connection was definitely there and I guess I just wanted more. That being said, I could see why they were the perfect match and I just loved how Sawyer and Tabitha never truly fell out of love, just had to find their way back.
4.5 stars, this is a clean romance with heart stopping swoony chemistry and a fun plot. A great summer read.
August 17, 2022
I loved with this book from page 1! It grabbed me right away and I instantly wanted to know more about Sawyer and Tabitha. I had a hard time putting the book down and when I did I found myself thinking about these characters. I had to know how their story would end and this book did not disappoint!
Kiss and Tell is a second chance romance by Melanie Johnson. I read a short story by her that I loved and when I got a chance to read this book I somehow already knew I would love it. I really liked the vibe of this book. It’s summer, camping, nostalgic. I loved how it jumped back between the past and present feeding us Sawyer and Tabitha story as camp counselors who fell in love at age 20 and now 9 years later are realizing they never got over each other.
There are so many swoony and heart melting moments between these two. I loved their incredible first kiss and the friendship bracelet making scene. Sawyer may have made some mistakes in the past but he is a great guy and wants to make things right. I adored him!
Tabitha is smart and successful. I loved her relationship with her family and her best friend. She cares deeply for people. She is also a lot of fun! Loved all her pranks! She made me laugh!
Definitely pick this one up! You will enjoy it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required.
Kiss and Tell is a second chance romance by Melanie Johnson. I read a short story by her that I loved and when I got a chance to read this book I somehow already knew I would love it. I really liked the vibe of this book. It’s summer, camping, nostalgic. I loved how it jumped back between the past and present feeding us Sawyer and Tabitha story as camp counselors who fell in love at age 20 and now 9 years later are realizing they never got over each other.
There are so many swoony and heart melting moments between these two. I loved their incredible first kiss and the friendship bracelet making scene. Sawyer may have made some mistakes in the past but he is a great guy and wants to make things right. I adored him!
Tabitha is smart and successful. I loved her relationship with her family and her best friend. She cares deeply for people. She is also a lot of fun! Loved all her pranks! She made me laugh!
Definitely pick this one up! You will enjoy it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required.
August 24, 2022
This was an adorable second chance romance! I loved the camp setting and the pranks ��� so much fun! The dual timeline was perfect for setting up the relationship between Sawyer and Tabitha. It was hard not to like Sawyer even after learning what happened between him and Tab. The push and pull is strong in this one, guys. But it was extremely satisfying once Tabitha got out of her own way.
August 16, 2022
"It seems like when someone is going to be a big deal in your life, you should know the first time you see them. Like when you're watching a show and an actor comes on in a minor part at first, but they're so famous you know they're going to end up being a major character.
Sawyer should have come with that kind of warning."
Tabitha Winters, celebrity chef, and retired camp counselor, is back at Camp Oak Crest. This time she's back as a special guest at the fundraiser gala for her best friends. Camp holds some of Tabitha's best memories, from camp fires, stolen kisses on moon rock, to prank wars. It's also the place where Tabitha fell in love for the first time, and had it broken the very same summer by Sawyer Reed. Being back means she is met head on by the ghosts of her past, and she's ready to move on. That is until she realizes Sawyer is at the camp, and he's there to remind her of the marriage pact they made that summer nine years ago.
I absolutely adored this book! The book is written with flashback chapters that take us through those three years that Tabitha was a counselor, including falling in love and having her heart broken by Sawyer. In present day, Sawyer has double dog dared Tabitha to give him 5 "friend-dates" to reconnect and become friends again, but he's really in it for Tabitha's heart. The pacing of this book was perfect, we got to see them reconnect and experience that old flame again. I loved how realistic their relationship felt. It wasn't all hearts and flowers. They had to apologize for their mistakes and actually work through their problems, and communicate!!! before coming back together.
This was a great cozy read. I highly recommend if you're a fan of second chance romance, summer camp settings, friends to lovers, then/now stories. Kiss and Tell was a perfect continuation in the Creekville Kisses series, but can also be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first two! (but I highly suggest you go read those)
Thank you to the author, Melanie Jacobson, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
↠ 5 stars
Sawyer should have come with that kind of warning."
Tabitha Winters, celebrity chef, and retired camp counselor, is back at Camp Oak Crest. This time she's back as a special guest at the fundraiser gala for her best friends. Camp holds some of Tabitha's best memories, from camp fires, stolen kisses on moon rock, to prank wars. It's also the place where Tabitha fell in love for the first time, and had it broken the very same summer by Sawyer Reed. Being back means she is met head on by the ghosts of her past, and she's ready to move on. That is until she realizes Sawyer is at the camp, and he's there to remind her of the marriage pact they made that summer nine years ago.
I absolutely adored this book! The book is written with flashback chapters that take us through those three years that Tabitha was a counselor, including falling in love and having her heart broken by Sawyer. In present day, Sawyer has double dog dared Tabitha to give him 5 "friend-dates" to reconnect and become friends again, but he's really in it for Tabitha's heart. The pacing of this book was perfect, we got to see them reconnect and experience that old flame again. I loved how realistic their relationship felt. It wasn't all hearts and flowers. They had to apologize for their mistakes and actually work through their problems, and communicate!!! before coming back together.
This was a great cozy read. I highly recommend if you're a fan of second chance romance, summer camp settings, friends to lovers, then/now stories. Kiss and Tell was a perfect continuation in the Creekville Kisses series, but can also be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first two! (but I highly suggest you go read those)
Thank you to the author, Melanie Jacobson, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
↠ 5 stars
August 9, 2022
Kiss and Tell is a sweet, second chance romance book set in a campground and it was adorable.
Tabitha Winters spent many happy summers as a camper then a counsellor at Camp Oak Crest. She met her best friends Natalie and Ben there and also met Sawyer, the boy who completely crushed her heart. Now a renowned celebrity chef, she is lured back to the Camp after Natalie and Ben (and Sawyer) purchase and renovate it. Tabitha is supposedly there to meal plan and cater a fancy gala dinner but that might not be all she’s there for. With memories of Sawyer and their breakup front and centre she must work things through and decide how she wants to deal with her feelings going forward.
So, Tabitha had her heart broken by Sawyer. We find out the chronology of their romance through a series of flashback chapters. We find out what happened at around the 40% mark. And man, Sawyer was an absolute jerk. I can’t blame her for how she felt about him after. However, upon meeting again you can see that there is genuine remorse on his side. He truly understands what he did to her and is willing to put the work in to rekindle their friendship (or more ship ;D).
The story is written in a fun, nostalgic kinda way. I attended summer girl guide camp as a kid and can totally feel myself flashing back to those days of pranks and bug spray. It’s kinda fun getting the counsellor perspective, and makes me feel so bad for my camp counsellors! I did find it a smidge too long in the beginning while building up to the breakup, but beyond that I had no real issues. And honestly, that could just be me being impatient and wanting to know what happened.
This book reminded me of a Hallmark movie. It was very sweet and charming, with no spice and very little (if any) foul language. It was the perfect read for a rainy summer day when I was feeling nostalgic for summer camp!
Tabitha Winters spent many happy summers as a camper then a counsellor at Camp Oak Crest. She met her best friends Natalie and Ben there and also met Sawyer, the boy who completely crushed her heart. Now a renowned celebrity chef, she is lured back to the Camp after Natalie and Ben (and Sawyer) purchase and renovate it. Tabitha is supposedly there to meal plan and cater a fancy gala dinner but that might not be all she’s there for. With memories of Sawyer and their breakup front and centre she must work things through and decide how she wants to deal with her feelings going forward.
So, Tabitha had her heart broken by Sawyer. We find out the chronology of their romance through a series of flashback chapters. We find out what happened at around the 40% mark. And man, Sawyer was an absolute jerk. I can’t blame her for how she felt about him after. However, upon meeting again you can see that there is genuine remorse on his side. He truly understands what he did to her and is willing to put the work in to rekindle their friendship (or more ship ;D).
The story is written in a fun, nostalgic kinda way. I attended summer girl guide camp as a kid and can totally feel myself flashing back to those days of pranks and bug spray. It’s kinda fun getting the counsellor perspective, and makes me feel so bad for my camp counsellors! I did find it a smidge too long in the beginning while building up to the breakup, but beyond that I had no real issues. And honestly, that could just be me being impatient and wanting to know what happened.
This book reminded me of a Hallmark movie. It was very sweet and charming, with no spice and very little (if any) foul language. It was the perfect read for a rainy summer day when I was feeling nostalgic for summer camp!
August 16, 2022
"'It worked because it's more than magic. It's more like fate, Tabitha. It knocked once and I ran away. We shouldn't do that again.'
I love his voice. The low warmth of it. Even now when he is saying crazy things, I want to curl up in his words."
After 9 years, celebrity chef Tabitha Winters is headed back to Camp Oak Crest, but not as a camper or counselor. Her best friends have recently purchased the camp that shaped all their lives and made their summers picture-perfect, filled to the brim with pranks, campfires, and ghost stories. All summers were perfect besides her very last, where she got her heart broken by Sawyer Reed, her first love and one of her three best friends at camp.
Tab is hesitant to return to Camp Oak Crest for their fundraising gala, knowing that the probability of running into Sawyer is high. Her two best friends have assured her that he won't be there for the week, but Tabitha walks a trail toward a property she was told not to go to and there Sawyer is in all his grown-adult glory.
I LOVED THIS. Melanie Jacobson books are such a happy place for me. They're full of heart, laughter, fun characters, and great character growth.
The pacing of this book in specific really worked for me! The chapters told in the past while the characters were younger tied in really well with the present day chapters as Tabitha got ready to see Sawyer again for the first time. Eventually, the past chapters disappeared and readers are left with the aftermath of the damage left behind after Sawyer broke Tab's heart and present day him is attempting to patch up those broken pieces.
I laugh, cried, and rooted for these two beginning to end! Such a fun addition to the Creekville Kisses series. ✨🏕
Thank you to Melanie Jacobson for the copy in exchange for an honest review! This, as well as the other two in the series, are available on KU!
Rating: 5 out of 5
I love his voice. The low warmth of it. Even now when he is saying crazy things, I want to curl up in his words."
After 9 years, celebrity chef Tabitha Winters is headed back to Camp Oak Crest, but not as a camper or counselor. Her best friends have recently purchased the camp that shaped all their lives and made their summers picture-perfect, filled to the brim with pranks, campfires, and ghost stories. All summers were perfect besides her very last, where she got her heart broken by Sawyer Reed, her first love and one of her three best friends at camp.
Tab is hesitant to return to Camp Oak Crest for their fundraising gala, knowing that the probability of running into Sawyer is high. Her two best friends have assured her that he won't be there for the week, but Tabitha walks a trail toward a property she was told not to go to and there Sawyer is in all his grown-adult glory.
I LOVED THIS. Melanie Jacobson books are such a happy place for me. They're full of heart, laughter, fun characters, and great character growth.
The pacing of this book in specific really worked for me! The chapters told in the past while the characters were younger tied in really well with the present day chapters as Tabitha got ready to see Sawyer again for the first time. Eventually, the past chapters disappeared and readers are left with the aftermath of the damage left behind after Sawyer broke Tab's heart and present day him is attempting to patch up those broken pieces.
I laugh, cried, and rooted for these two beginning to end! Such a fun addition to the Creekville Kisses series. ✨🏕
Thank you to Melanie Jacobson for the copy in exchange for an honest review! This, as well as the other two in the series, are available on KU!
Rating: 5 out of 5
August 14, 2022
Romance level: kissing🔥
I loved the friendship Nat, Ben and Tab have. Natalie and Ben were so cute! That bonfire? It was lovely! Awesome second characters!
I loved the memories of past events and the present time line, it was done so well, it fit perfectly to give you the information you needed without getting you lost.
You can feel the chemistry and the tension between those two when they were younger🔥 as well as when they were adults. The banter, the tension, the chemistry and the history all packed in those activities and words.👌🏻
I love the camp setting. I loved the memory of the flag pole boys. And all the other boys that taught them a lesson.
Tabitha is ruthless! I love her. She was such a boss woman! I was so happy with her getting even prank. I had so many clashing thoughts about Sawyer, because the man who is sorry and sweet has come so far from the boy who broke her heart.
Tab's healing process was realistic. Melanie does such an amazing job to portray all her fears and misunderstandings. You get into her thoughts and perspective. She was a little stubborn though, but I was so glad Nat , as well as Sawyer, were there to set her straight.
I wish I could have Sawyer's pov along the story. I was wondering what was in his head regarding everything. However, I loved how he cut through her fears, & loved seeing him so assertive at the end. Him being all bossy was hot. I get that they needed to grow up and heal for them to work. The epilogue was just so cute🥺.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
I loved the friendship Nat, Ben and Tab have. Natalie and Ben were so cute! That bonfire? It was lovely! Awesome second characters!
I loved the memories of past events and the present time line, it was done so well, it fit perfectly to give you the information you needed without getting you lost.
You can feel the chemistry and the tension between those two when they were younger🔥 as well as when they were adults. The banter, the tension, the chemistry and the history all packed in those activities and words.👌🏻
I love the camp setting. I loved the memory of the flag pole boys. And all the other boys that taught them a lesson.
Tabitha is ruthless! I love her. She was such a boss woman! I was so happy with her getting even prank. I had so many clashing thoughts about Sawyer, because the man who is sorry and sweet has come so far from the boy who broke her heart.
Tab's healing process was realistic. Melanie does such an amazing job to portray all her fears and misunderstandings. You get into her thoughts and perspective. She was a little stubborn though, but I was so glad Nat , as well as Sawyer, were there to set her straight.
I wish I could have Sawyer's pov along the story. I was wondering what was in his head regarding everything. However, I loved how he cut through her fears, & loved seeing him so assertive at the end. Him being all bossy was hot. I get that they needed to grow up and heal for them to work. The epilogue was just so cute🥺.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
August 8, 2022
Thank you to Melanie Jacobson for an ARC of Kiss and Tell in exchange for an honest review.
Kiss and Tell is the fifth book I’ve read by Melanie Jacobson and my absolute favorite of hers. Between the camp setting and the second chance romance, I just adored this story. I was a little conflicted on my rating though (should I rate it a 4.5 because it’s my favorite or a 4?). This story is told through alternating timelines and I needed more romance between the main characters (Tabitha and Sawyer) in the present. That said, I don’t think that the lesser amount of present day romance is necessarily a bad thing or that it takes away from the story, but I think it makes it a little less focused on the romance and a little more focused on Tabitha’s healing and growth. I like stories like that, though; it just wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I also loved their connection when they were counselors and would have loved just as much time, if not more, spent on their connection as adults.
Even with my conflicting feelings on the romance, though, there was still so much of the story that I loved. I loved the humor and quippy banter; I highlighted so many funny lines. I loved how well Melanie captured that feeling of being somewhere that feels both just as it was before and, at the same time, all so different. I loved how present I felt in the story- her setting was so well-developed and it made me yearn to visit this imaginary place. I loved the campfire rituals and pranks, the visit to our familiar small-town Creekville, and the inclusion of therapy. I also loved that the conflict between the main characters felt real and that their reconciliation didn’t feel too easy or forced.
The epilogue was super sweet and gave me a slightly better sense of what their adult connection is like. But nine years is a long time apart and I just needed a little more time with them in the present day. If you love the insta-love trope, though, I don’t think this would be too much of an issue for you. And if you don’t love the insta-love trope, I think you can still be satisfied with the pace of their relationship as teens/ young adults.
But this is the perfect summer read. It’ll make you both nostalgic for your camp days and want to toast marshmallows over a campfire or craft friendship bracelets again.
Kiss and Tell comes out Thursday (08/11/22)! Even though it’s part of a series (and even though you absolutely should read Kiss the Girl), you can still read this as a standalone. Make sure to preorder it so you can read it right away :)
Kiss and Tell is the fifth book I’ve read by Melanie Jacobson and my absolute favorite of hers. Between the camp setting and the second chance romance, I just adored this story. I was a little conflicted on my rating though (should I rate it a 4.5 because it’s my favorite or a 4?). This story is told through alternating timelines and I needed more romance between the main characters (Tabitha and Sawyer) in the present. That said, I don’t think that the lesser amount of present day romance is necessarily a bad thing or that it takes away from the story, but I think it makes it a little less focused on the romance and a little more focused on Tabitha’s healing and growth. I like stories like that, though; it just wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I also loved their connection when they were counselors and would have loved just as much time, if not more, spent on their connection as adults.
Even with my conflicting feelings on the romance, though, there was still so much of the story that I loved. I loved the humor and quippy banter; I highlighted so many funny lines. I loved how well Melanie captured that feeling of being somewhere that feels both just as it was before and, at the same time, all so different. I loved how present I felt in the story- her setting was so well-developed and it made me yearn to visit this imaginary place. I loved the campfire rituals and pranks, the visit to our familiar small-town Creekville, and the inclusion of therapy. I also loved that the conflict between the main characters felt real and that their reconciliation didn’t feel too easy or forced.
The epilogue was super sweet and gave me a slightly better sense of what their adult connection is like. But nine years is a long time apart and I just needed a little more time with them in the present day. If you love the insta-love trope, though, I don’t think this would be too much of an issue for you. And if you don’t love the insta-love trope, I think you can still be satisfied with the pace of their relationship as teens/ young adults.
But this is the perfect summer read. It’ll make you both nostalgic for your camp days and want to toast marshmallows over a campfire or craft friendship bracelets again.
Kiss and Tell comes out Thursday (08/11/22)! Even though it’s part of a series (and even though you absolutely should read Kiss the Girl), you can still read this as a standalone. Make sure to preorder it so you can read it right away :)
September 3, 2022
Kiss and Tell is a second chance romance set at a summer camp in Virginia. 10 years ago Tabitha and Sawyer met as counselors at a local summer camp. 9 years ago, their friendship turned into something more… until Sawyer ended it in one of the most cowardly ways possible.
Now, a decade later, their best friends - Ben and Natalie - have revitalized the camp. And Tabitha is a celebrity chef, so they have asked her to come cook for their banquet. Little does she know that her first love is the camp’s investor and has big plans to help them restore their friendship, and maybe something more.
My take:
First, I love Tabitha. She’s smart, inquisitive and her knack for pulling camp pranks makes me want to be her friend. I also love her best friend, Natalie. Sawyer was a bit iffy for me, honestly. Jacobson does a great job of giving him a redemption arc, but that breakup was so harsh that even I wanted to stand with Tabitha in solidarity.
Though I do have to say a lot can happen from age 20 to age 30, including maturing and getting a better grasp of your own emotions. And Sawyer has done those things.
The reason this one isn’t 5 stars for me is because Sawyer is the one who messed up, yet Tabitha is the one who gets pressure from friends and family for not immediately jumping back into a relationship with him. Yea, no. She has a reason to be scared.
Still though, I really enjoyed reading this one and plan to pick up Jacobson’s other Creekville books in the series!
Now, a decade later, their best friends - Ben and Natalie - have revitalized the camp. And Tabitha is a celebrity chef, so they have asked her to come cook for their banquet. Little does she know that her first love is the camp’s investor and has big plans to help them restore their friendship, and maybe something more.
My take:
First, I love Tabitha. She’s smart, inquisitive and her knack for pulling camp pranks makes me want to be her friend. I also love her best friend, Natalie. Sawyer was a bit iffy for me, honestly. Jacobson does a great job of giving him a redemption arc, but that breakup was so harsh that even I wanted to stand with Tabitha in solidarity.
Though I do have to say a lot can happen from age 20 to age 30, including maturing and getting a better grasp of your own emotions. And Sawyer has done those things.
The reason this one isn’t 5 stars for me is because Sawyer is the one who messed up, yet Tabitha is the one who gets pressure from friends and family for not immediately jumping back into a relationship with him. Yea, no. She has a reason to be scared.
Still though, I really enjoyed reading this one and plan to pick up Jacobson’s other Creekville books in the series!
August 12, 2022
no suelo leer romance de segundas oportunidades por x o por y pero este libro me hizo sentir muchas cosas que se me olvidó que era sobre eso.
este libro trata de tabitha y sawyer quienes son consejeros en un campamento de verano, se convierten en amigos y algo más. un verano pasa algo y pierden el contacto. años después, ella es una famosa chef y el alguien importante, sus amigos son dueños del campamento de verano y la invitan a celebrar su inaguración. recuerdos renacen y el fuego está que arde.
desde que empecé el libro, me gustó la prota, era madura, amable, poderosa y exitosa y el hombre Sawyer era una cosa pero bella, ese hombre no será el hombre perfecto pero tiene todo lo que alguien podría desear.
me gustaron las lineas del tiempo del pasado, dejan de suceder alla como en el 40% del libro y te estaban preparando para conocer a sawyer 9 años después y yo estaba muy emocionada por hacerlo.
aunque tenga algo que no me gusta en los libros, me pareció perfecto que pasara en este.
la pareja estaba muy enamorada, y me gustaron mucho, no quería terminar el libro. deberían de darle una oportunidad, sólo tiene 217 páginas y se lee devolada.
thanks to the author melanie jacobson for an arc of this book.
este libro trata de tabitha y sawyer quienes son consejeros en un campamento de verano, se convierten en amigos y algo más. un verano pasa algo y pierden el contacto. años después, ella es una famosa chef y el alguien importante, sus amigos son dueños del campamento de verano y la invitan a celebrar su inaguración. recuerdos renacen y el fuego está que arde.
desde que empecé el libro, me gustó la prota, era madura, amable, poderosa y exitosa y el hombre Sawyer era una cosa pero bella, ese hombre no será el hombre perfecto pero tiene todo lo que alguien podría desear.
me gustaron las lineas del tiempo del pasado, dejan de suceder alla como en el 40% del libro y te estaban preparando para conocer a sawyer 9 años después y yo estaba muy emocionada por hacerlo.
aunque tenga algo que no me gusta en los libros, me pareció perfecto que pasara en este.
la pareja estaba muy enamorada, y me gustaron mucho, no quería terminar el libro. deberían de darle una oportunidad, sólo tiene 217 páginas y se lee devolada.
thanks to the author melanie jacobson for an arc of this book.
August 19, 2022
• Second Chance Romance
• Summer Nostalgia
• Summer Camp
• Pranks
I am not a camp person – but this book somehow made me feel nostalgic for summers of youth and long for fun camp memories. The setting was really vivid in this one, and I could easily picture the Camp and the feels that went along with this.
I’m not one for pranks – but I have to admit, I was really loving it in this book. I liked the ‘rules’ around pranking too. They were creative, fun and I think the one Tab pulls off in the present was impressive and had me laughing.
I liked the idea that the book was exploring an old relationship, at the point of origin and also had a focus on friendship too. I also really enjoyed the exploration / unfurling of the story in past and present, it was clearly indicated too which was a plus for me. This was such a fun summer read, and a perfect fit for August as summer is winding down and I’m still trying to hold on to the summer vibes, while it winds down.
My first Melanie Jacobson read, but certainly not my last. I was excited to see this one is part of a series and look forward to reading more soon.
3.5 ⭐
• Summer Nostalgia
• Summer Camp
• Pranks
I am not a camp person – but this book somehow made me feel nostalgic for summers of youth and long for fun camp memories. The setting was really vivid in this one, and I could easily picture the Camp and the feels that went along with this.
I’m not one for pranks – but I have to admit, I was really loving it in this book. I liked the ‘rules’ around pranking too. They were creative, fun and I think the one Tab pulls off in the present was impressive and had me laughing.
I liked the idea that the book was exploring an old relationship, at the point of origin and also had a focus on friendship too. I also really enjoyed the exploration / unfurling of the story in past and present, it was clearly indicated too which was a plus for me. This was such a fun summer read, and a perfect fit for August as summer is winding down and I’m still trying to hold on to the summer vibes, while it winds down.
My first Melanie Jacobson read, but certainly not my last. I was excited to see this one is part of a series and look forward to reading more soon.
3.5 ⭐
August 12, 2022
I really enjoyed the story and not just because it redeemed a character I share a name with from previous books haha. I also remembered reading a shorter version of this story from a compilation of rom com stories and it definitely has improved!
Story is told via a series of flashbacks and current events from Tabitha's point of view. Clean romance with kissing and some innuendo.
I loved the pranks. I think it's great that she got her present synced with her past by bringing her prank game back.
I like that she brings therapy into her reactions as well, and normalizes that.
One part of the book I loved was when a boy cabin group is mean to a girl cabin group, they are made to apologize in the best way.
Second chance romance at it's best. Definitely worth reading. Enjoy!
Story is told via a series of flashbacks and current events from Tabitha's point of view. Clean romance with kissing and some innuendo.
I loved the pranks. I think it's great that she got her present synced with her past by bringing her prank game back.
I like that she brings therapy into her reactions as well, and normalizes that.
One part of the book I loved was when a boy cabin group is mean to a girl cabin group, they are made to apologize in the best way.
Second chance romance at it's best. Definitely worth reading. Enjoy!
September 19, 2022
This is the perfect summer poolside or lake read. Its a cute and adorable love story about Tabitha and Sawyer who fall in love as kids but like many young love end up with a break up. Coming back as adults and forced to work together, Sawyer proposed to work on rebuilding their friendship and love. Rekindling their love didn’t come as an easy task, it took work which made their story more relatable and lovable. The writing was simple but packed with plenty of laughs and tension.
Camp Oak Crest was the perfect setting. It took me back to when I was young, in love, and hanging out.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💕Summer Camp
💕Friends to Lovers
💕Second Chance Romance
💕Friendship Bracelets
💕Pranks
💕Dual Timeline
💕Character focused
Camp Oak Crest was the perfect setting. It took me back to when I was young, in love, and hanging out.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
💕Summer Camp
💕Friends to Lovers
💕Second Chance Romance
💕Friendship Bracelets
💕Pranks
💕Dual Timeline
💕Character focused
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