KISSING MAX HOLDEN
by Katy Upperman
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Published by Swoon Reads
Pages: 304
Source: XPresso Book Tours | Netgalley
Synopsis
Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea…
After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn’t himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn’t know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn’t let him kiss her. But she can’t resist, and when they’re caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it’ll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea.
With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?
My Thoughts
I wanted to read KISSING MAX HOLDEN because I knew there would be a lot of kissing. I mean, kissing is in the title. I'm not at all ashamed to admit that. Plus, I love the friends-to-more trope. It is one of my favorites, and I liked the idea that there was something forbidden about the relationship.
KISSING MAX HOLDEN is more that just kissing. Much more. It's about friendships, loyalty, family, betrayals, and baking. A lot of baking. I liked the passion that Jillian has for baking and how it as big part of how she relates to situations as well as the role it has in her future.
I loved reading about Max and Jillian's history as childhood friends and how their families were connected and seeing just how much they relied on each other. Their lives are so intertwined that situations and circumstances continue to bring them together.
It's important to understand that Jillian isn't the perfect character. She is kissing a guy who has a girlfriend. (Not a spoiler - it's in the synopsis) This may turn off some readers, but it wasn't an issue for me. Instead it raised the questions: How does she deal with that choice? What are her inner struggles? How do her choices affect her friendship with Max?
What I liked:
- The friends-to-more trope
- Coffee-shop wisdom
- Teenagers making bad choices, messing up, growing up
- The relationship between Jillian and her step-mother
- All of the sweet-tender moments, the "glances with meaning" between Max and Jillian (it's not just about the kissing)
- And, of course, all of the kissing
Favorite Quotes:
The corners of his mouth lift in a smug smile. And then he levels me with the most awkward question ever: “You’re thinking about last night, aren’t you?”
I don’t want to be jealous of something I don’t understand.
***spoiler-ish***
"It pisses me off that I’ve wasted time I could’ve spent with you, so God, don’t make me worry that the future’s not a sure thing. If you’re not serious, tell me now, before I get in any deeper.”
I loved reading KISSING MAX HOLDEN for the story, the character growth, the friendships, and yes, for all of the swoon-worthy yummy kisses.
Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I've also purchased a final copy for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
AUTHOR BIO:
Katy Upperman is a graduate of Washington State University, a former elementary school teacher, and an insatiable reader. When not writing for young adults, Katy can be found whipping up batches of chocolate chip cookies, or exploring the country with her husband and daughter. Kissing Max Holden is her debut novel.
Author links:
July 31st
–underneath the covers >> Excerpt
–Book briefs >> Review
–YA and Wine >> Review
–Tales of the Ravenous Reader >> Guest post
August 1st
–Swoonworthybooks >> Review
–My Fangirl Chronicles >> Review
–Movies, Shows, & Books >> Guest post
–Whoo Gives A Hoot >> Review
August 2nd
–The Avid Reader >> Interview
–Novels & Necklaces >> Review
–The Heart of a Book Blogger >> Review
–Actin’ Up with Books >> Review
–Padme’s Library >> Interview
August 3rd
–Just Us Book Blog >> Excerpt
–Dani Reviews Things >> Review
–Freeing Fantasy >> Review
–Wonder Struck >> Review
–Lisa Loves Literature >> Interview
–Smada’s Book Smack >> Review
August 4th
–Girl Plus Books >> Review
–The Readers Den >> Review
–Ali’s Bookshelf >> Excerpt
–CBY Book Club >> Review
Giveaway
Tour-wide giveaway (US/CAN)
Tour-wide giveaway (US/CAN)
Thanks for hosting today, Joli! This sounds like a sweet and fun read! :)
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