Review: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You (Aurora Skye #1) by Tara Eglington

How to Keep a Guy from Kissing You

(Aurora Skye #1)

by Tara Eglington

October 25, 2016

320 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

Sweet sixteen and never been kissed . . .

That’s Aurora Skye’s big secret. And the way she wants it to stay. She’s not going to give away her first kiss to just anyone. Busy dodging suitors and matchmaking for her best friends, Aurora (not so) patiently awaits her prince.

But everything changes when Aurora is coerced into a lead role in the school production of Much Ado about Nothing. Which means she’ll have to lock lips with her co-star Hayden Paris—the smart and funny boy next door who also happens to be the bane of her existence, always around to see her at her worst.

Now Aurora is more determined than ever to have her first kiss with the one who’s truly worthy of it. But first she’ll have to figure out just who that person is.

Romantic and funny, Tara Eglington's How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is a feel-good tale of finding love where you least expect it.
 

Review

I jumped at the chance to read How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You because the hate to love relationship sounded right up my alley. I was right. The characters were hilarious and the story was quick and easy.

Full of laugh-out-loud moments and normal teenage angsts, it was entertaining watching all the drama unfold. They were a bit cliché but this is high school we're talking about after all. Ms. Eglington had no problem getting the characters' voices right. I could tell these kids were young and hopeful. Their minds were focused mostly on mundane things (like daydreaming) which caused quite a bit of grief and conflicts. Yet there was an honest simplicity that had me wishing I was still in high school.

Aurora is the queen of bickering. She really had it going with Hayden. Her hatred of the poor guy was so intense anyone could tell there was more to it. It took her so long to figure things out, it sucked (more on this later). Even though Aurora can be really mean, she's a real sweetheart to her friends- doling out tough advices when they need them and looking out for their best interests. Those girls and her cats meant the world to her and she treated them right.

I liked Hayden. All the taunting he did to Aurora was a classic act for attention. He was actually really thoughtful and a gentleman. I only wish he'd acted sooner. Save everyone some trouble and misunderstanding.

While I enjoyed most of the story, I do have to complain about a few things. First, Aurora was so clueless. So much so that it bordered on unbelievable. She should not call herself an expert when she couldn't even spot the obvious. Secondly, the sheer number of near miss moments had me wanting to pull my hair out. My frustration was high by the time we got to the real climax. Lastly, I felt a little uncomfortable seeing how quickly the girls could turn on each other and then turn back. Too easily forgiven and forgotten in my opinion. Oh and I couldn't stand Aurora's dad's girlfriend. Somehow her dad couldn't see it but this lady was nasty. I'm sure people who've read the book will agree with me.

How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You would definitely make a fun teen drama-comedy. I've heard this book has a sequel and I'm definitely on board for it. Bring on more laughs!

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.