Book: kiss the girl by Ellie Harper Smith
Reviewed by Anonymous
Rating: 5/5
Wade has been in love with Shelby since they were kids. They used to be best friends, then she suddenly stopped hanging out with him. Years later, they are working together at Franklin Auto, and Wade is doing anything he can think of to get her attention again.
Shelby has been in love with Wads since they were kids. She made the mistake of trying to fit in with the cool kids at one point in school, as has never been able to get over him, even though she acts like she hates him. Due to a misunderstanding in high school over prom, she thinks he hates her back, and all his attention- seeking behavior now is just more proof he hates her.
The misunderstandings and miscommunication in this book were hard to read. But it's an easy thing to happen when you have two neurodivergent characters who are scared to be the first to put themselves out there. After a drunken kiss one night, they embark on a secret, bang it out kind of relationship as a way for Shelby to try out some things she's always wanted to try. In spite of all they are hiding, their chemistry is electric and so fun to read. I loved watching them slowly open up while starting to care more and more about the other.
Wade is wonderful when he finally gets the courage to show Shelby what she means to him. He is so focused on all the things that make her happy, and I loved how he involved all their loved ones to help him treat her to the date she deserves. Shelby, unfortunately, is like me in that she kind of needs to be hit over the head with the truth before it sinks in, but once she gets it, I could feel her joy.
My favorite part was the reveal of why he gives her the nickname "princess". It wasn't a huge part of the book, but it made me fall in love with Wade more than I already had.
This was another fantastic addition to a series of beautiful love stories. I recommend this book for fans of small town romances with unique characters and stories that will keep you reading long after your bedtime.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.