4.5 Stars

I like the way you see the world through the movies.

I've been saying for years now how I'd love to see an early 2000's-inspired queer romcom made, & Timothy Janovksy delivered just that with Never Been Kissed, a joyous debut that made my heart soar.

This was friends-to-lovers perfection - Wren & Derick, our leading men, were just adorable, & I could totally relate to how much of a hopeless romantic Wren was throughout the book. I was beside myself waiting for their relationship to develop into more, I don't read this trope often enough but Janovksy really nailed it - the longing these two had for one another! I loved getting to see Wren explore his sexuality & the conversations around how our sexuality can evolve as we're introduced to identities we may more closely identify with. The demisexuality rep was so refreshing to see & shined a spotlight on a community that's not represented nearly enough in adult MM romance. Janovksy's love of film was so evident &, as a fellow movie buff, I just adored all of the references throughout & the entire storyline with saving Wiley's - drive-ins are truly magical places. I don't want to give anything away, but Alice's story in particular really struck a chord with me, I loved the role she played throughout the book & how she helped tie the entire narrative together. & also, I thought that the IG/Twitter threads Janovsky included were so clever, the comments from 420BlazinBoii had me cackling every time! I hope this isn't the last time we see this cast of characters, I'd LOVE to see Wren & Derick's story beyond the epilogue.

This was such a charming, heartwarming book through & through & I can't wait to see what Janovsky has up his sleeve next with You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince! Thank you so much Timothy Janovsky & Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC in exchange for a honest review!