Reviewed by Morgan
Title: Kissing Lessons
Author: Susan Laine
Series: Before…And After #2
Heroes: Merry/Boone
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 81 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: April 26, 2017
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: A kiss is just a kiss. It doesn’t have to mean anything. Does it?
At seventeen, Merry’s never been kissed. Since he doesn’t want to disappoint his prom date, he asks his more experienced best friend, Boone, for some pointers. Surprisingly, Boone agrees to give him a hands-on lesson.
But they have no idea what they’re getting into.
They explore hundreds of ways to make out, but somehow it isn’t enough. A week later, they’re back together for another session. This time things go further than either of them planned, and their relationship becomes awkward and uncomfortable.
Have they learned enough to salvage their friendship and help it evolve? Their lessons have come to an end. They can either part ways forever… or share a true love’s kiss.
Review: What a pleasant surprise this was!
I was a bit nervous about this – I’ve seen the premise before, and it’s hard to be fresh in this area. It’s also hard to know what to expect from a YA story – there’s so much room for interpretation as to what is “acceptable”.
I will say that you absolutely have to let go and suspend your disbelief – these two guys don’t sound like any boys I’d know – they speak far too “maturely” and far too comfortably about their feelings – I’m sure they exist, but boys this age typically aren’t this articulate about what’s in their hearts – but…
The story is literally 3 separate scenes and in each the two boys delve more deeply into their newfound attraction for one another. The kissing is both sweet and surprisingly erotic (without being weird).
I thought the author did a great job of managing the right amount of heat for the age without making me feel like “oh yeah, this is a YA story”.
I LOVED that they discussed how they felt and we didn’t have to go through a “Big Misunderstanding” about things. The fact that they went together to Prom was also awesome!
I really, really enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
(The cover is a bit misleading – it’s not that erotic – it’s a bit hot but more sweet.)
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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