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stephsbooktalk 's review for:

Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky
4.5

As I am sure was previously mentioned in the bookverse, this book is definitely a queer version of the brilliant To All The Boys I've Loved Before. 

Wren drunkenly sends out emails to all the boys that he almost kissed. The only one that responded was his HS crush and former friend Derrick who out of nowhere ghosted him while in college. Not only was Wren embarrassed at his admission, he now was going to be faced with Derrick for the remainder of the summer. They would both be working together at Wiley's Drive In. 

Wiley's is in danger of closing. People just don't want to come to the drive in anymore but Wren refuses to give up on the place. His big production that he thinks will help save the drive in, is to host a movie premiere for a movie that came out in the 1970s but never got its chance at a proper premiere.  He seeks out a local former movie star that is very elusive for her approval to make this premiere happen. 

I really loved this book! One thing that really stuck out was that Wren's identity he wasn't just labeled as "gay" or "bisexual" but queer and possibly demisexual. That is something we don't see enough in books. And then to have someone explain it to Wren and watch his light bulb go off as you're reading. 

I was always rooting for Derrick and Wren and loved how patient he was with Wren. Took things at his pace. I loved their flirting relationship via social media. Plus how creative was Wren's email/handles. 

I loved Wren's relationship with Alice Kelly. Their initial meeting was funny and I could feel how much Wren respected her. She had grown to care for Wren as well. I really think he brought the spark back in her life. 

I am super excited for Janovsky's Christmas book coming out later this year!! 

Also it was a bonus that I could pick out some of the familiar names and locations that were used in the book as Janovsky is a localish author.