What do you do when you’re the reigning kissing booth champion but the only person you want to kiss is your best friend’s brother?
Let me make this clear right here, right now: I, Halley Dawson, do not care that Preston Wright is kissing other women.Not a lick. Not at all. Nuh-uh-freakin’-uh.I do care that he’s doing it six feet away from me behind a gaudy velvet curtain–making him my … behind a gaudy velvet curtain–making him my competition in this year’s kissing contest.
Why do I care, you ask? Because I’ve had an unfortunate crush on the insufferable idiot since I was sixteen years old, but I also know it’s never going to happen.
He’s the Creek Falls bachelor to die for, and I’m the Creek Falls racoon lady who puts peanut butter sandwiches out for them every night.
I’m not going to let him break my four-year-long reign–no matter how many times he breaks the rules and slides the curtain across to do the one thing he’s not allowed to:
Kiss me.
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Emma Hart has once again written a super fun and quirky rom com that I couldn’t put down until I finished the last page.
Kissing booth champion, Halley Dawson is getting ready to pucker up once again to claim her crown when she finds out her competition is none other than Preston Wright – Creek Falls bachelor extraordinaire, who also happens to be her (not so) secret crush. Now she needs to not only win the competition but find a way to not care that he is on the other side of the booth kissing every single woman in Falls Creek that isn’t her.
Preston Wright has no desire to kiss any woman in Creek Falls other than Halley Dawson, but since he doesn’t know how else to get her attention, he agrees to be her competition in the yearly kissing booth. Only, he doesn’t know how he can last a week knowing her lips are on anyone else’s but his . . .
Kiss Me Not was comedic gold! As with every Emma Hart romance, the characters are amazing and their banter is off the charts funny. I absolutely adored the super quirky Halley who has a penchant for wild raccoons and, while believing in herself, has low self confidence . . . she’s the perfect contradiction of a character. Preston is also a sweet guy who really has no idea just how lacking in confidence Halley is which also makes watching him try to both understand and win the girl all that much more entertaining.
Very low on outside drama and high on laughs, not so wild raccoons and romance, Kiss Me Not was fabulous and quirky and very entertaining! 4.5 stars!
Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart is a sweet and funny romantic comedy from the Queen of romcoms. It’s the 1st book in the ” Kiss Me” series which will have you rolling in laughter and have you falling in swoon at Preston.
I love the witty banter between Preston and Halley , Halley and her friends and pretty much Halley and anyone in town. I am in total love with this small town of Creek Falls and all who lives in it.
What you have is two people (Halley and Preston) who are in denial of their feelings for one another yet truly like the other.
Halley and Preston end up placed in a kissing booth competition on the yearly fair where they live. What are they to do?
Oh the sass! The wit! The humor! It’s another sensational romcom by Emma Hart that has great characters, plot, scenes, subplot and the chemistry between the main characters, the feels and steam is amazing!! Loved every moment of the book!! I can’t wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Halley is a fun, eccentric, raccoon loving person, who just happens to be the mayors daughter. Raccoon Lady of Creek Falls. That is what the town calls her. Also why she can’t find a boyfriend. She also just happens to be the reigning kissing booth champion at the Creek Falls end of summer fair, 4 years running. But this year’s competition is a very unexpected person…..Preston. Preston is not only her best friend Reagan’s brother, he is also the boy she has had a secret crush on for years. Oh how is she going to make it listening to him kiss all those girls.
Preston was not planning on attending the fair or helping out this year. But when the mayor called for help at the kissing booth, he thought here is his chance. He can knock Halley off her throne and maybe spend some time with her.
When the competition begins, the girls are lining up. Who will be crowned champion this year?
Oh boy!! This book was so much fun to read. I could not put it down. Emma Hart is a rom-com writing queen. I have not read a book yet of her’s that I did not love. Her books are fun, hot, snarky and hilarious. I fall into each story as if I were there witnessing it. This book is rom-com perfection!
The characters in this book are fun and and snarky. Halley is such a sweet and beautiful person. She does for so many and yet never wants anything in return. Yet her confidence in herself is very low. She really struggles with believing in herself. Especially when Preston reveals his secret.
Preston’s character is strong, handsome and artistic. A florist and in line to inherit a lot of money, makes him a sought out hot commodity in the small town of Creek Falls. Making being single harder than it has to be. His character is perceived as something superficial on the surface. His true character is revealed throughout the story. I loved Preston from the very beginning.
This book will be a great read for all you rom-com lovers out there. It has the perfect blend of romance and snarky humor. Emma Hart is a Rom-Com Goddess. All of her books are amazing and fun to read. Each a sure to enjoy read for all. Her stories have a unique blend and twist to keep readers interested and looking for more. If you love good snarky fun with a dose of hotness and romance, then this is the book for you. I guarantee you will love it.
I’m on the fence with this..I generally love Emma’s books.
I struggled between3.5-4…the raccoons swayed me.
Kiss Me Not was a very cute romance with a side of snarky.
Preston was amazing…Halley irked me. I feel like lately Emma’s heroines are kinda rude and bitching. It just gets old.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~4/5
Angst~ 4/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 4/5
Ending~ 4/5
Book Cover~ cute meet pop art
Series~ stand-alone in an interconnected series
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Maybe
I’m a fan of Emma’s rom-coms because they are guaranteed to be full of snarkiness with a side of sass and Kiss Me Not was no exception! Halley is the fiesty, quirky, librarian whose the reigning Queen of the Kissing booth in Creek Falls; until Preston her rich, hunky long time crush becomes her competition. This was a fun, sweet read that had me smiling and laughing from beginning to end with the witty banter between all characters that I was not ready for this story to end!
Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart
4 out of 5 stars
Halley Dawson is an interesting character with her preferring wild animals’ company versus people. She believes animals are more honest versus people – you know where you stand, sort of philosophy. This also explains the occupation she chose – librarian.
She is currently the town fair’s defending kissing champion and also the daughter of the mayor. She takes the role seriously. No one seems to want to compete with Halley this year, so the mayor, her dad, had to call in a favor from one of his friends – who unknowingly had his motives in volunteering to be opposite Halley.
Preston Wright is Reagan’s brother, Halley’s best friend, and assigned as this year’s kissing booth challenger – Halley’s competitor. Preston, deemed the town’s most eligible bachelor, plans to give Halley a “run for her money” regarding snatching the coveted Kiss Booth crown. He is a level-headed guy who has to fend off a good share of women, given his community’s status.
This book is a cute story about Preston and Halley and their undeniable attraction from the start.
Things I love about Book 1:-
1.) Reagan and Ava: two of Halley’s best friends, who “pushed” both Preston and Halley into each other since both main characters deny their “true feelings” for each other. Their “back-door” dealings between the main characters are sometimes hilarious. I wonder how could both of these gals know so much when it just happened an hour ago, then they come crashing on whichever character that they need to “knock some senses” to. Readers can assume who I mean here.
2.) Halley’s determination to help with the fundraising efforts, even if it is to be around Preston, who she “hates.” She can avoid Preston, but he keeps popping up in her world outside of the booth that makes her wonder, what is Preston’s deal?!
3.) Preston’s persistence in getting to know Halley and her weird ways is endearing. He believes that by “working together” with Halley, he would find something awful about her and “be turned off” with his Halley-fascination.
4.) The raccoon family members will get readers going – adorable but hilarious at the same time!
In summary, Kiss Me Not is a great start to the series. It’s got an easy vibe with the focus directly on the two main characters. The writing is clear and relatable. Preston and Halley have great chemistry that is both funny and witty. They keep the story interesting to keep the pages turning. There is no cliffhanger, but it does hint for the second book, in the end, to give readers a sneak peek. FYI – the ending on that epilogue had me choke on my drink! Reagan’s story is going to be a hoot!
Sweet, funny and contains all reasons why I love books by Emma Hart
I listened to Kiss Me Not in audio and was entertained from beginning to end.
The romance is a slow burn, a heart-warming romance where the nerdy girl has a crush on her best friend’s brother and her opposition in the kissing booth. Turns out the hot guy that all the girls are queuing up to kiss has had a crush on her for years too.
With laugh out loud moments, two likable characters, well three if you include Boris the randy raccoon, Kiss Me Not is a light-hearted and recommended read
Hilarious
I laughed so much and swooned so much at this book…..
Sassy and also insecure Halley is creeping in to my heart, lover boy Preston might not be such a playboy after all.
Well described characters that’s developed in to realistic personalities
Storyline that progresses nicely to a happy ending
Secondary characters makes the story even more enjoyable
Nice 5 stars read
Kiss Me Not is the first book that I have read by Emma Hart and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a free copy of the book from a Facebook group. Kiss Me Not is the first book in the Kiss Me series, I enjoyed this book so much I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series to see how Halley’s friends get their happily ever afters. Kiss Me Not is filled with all the things I love most in a romantic story, great characters, charming setting, bittersweet moments and a surprise plot twist. Kiss Me Not is the story of Halley Dawson, librarian, raccoon feeder, and reigning champ of the Creek Falls kissing booth at the community fair, and Preston Wright, florist and brother of one of Halley’s BFF’s, Reagan. Halley has had a crush on Preston forever, but did not want to do anything to jeopardize her friendship with Reagan if something went wrong with Preston. Unbeknownst to Halley, Preston has also been crushing on her. Halley’s father is the mayor of Creek Falls and asks Preston to compete against Halley at the kissing booth. Two things that we find out about Halley that I love, she loves to win and she likes to make bets with her friends Reagan and Ava. Halley is frustrated when she finds out that she will be competing against Preston at the kissing booth. The last thing she wants to witness and hear are other women kissing Preston. Halley and Preston wager against each other to see who will have the most kisses daily at the kissing booth. I love the daily interaction between Halley and Preston. As they spend time with each other they both admitted to having a crush on the other. Halley bears her soul to Preston one night as they feed the raccoons on her back porch. It was such a beautifully written story. My favorite character was Halley’s sassy grandma. I could not put it down and i loved every page. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Emma Hart is a wonderful storyteller.
4.5 Stars!
Kiss Me Not by Emma Hart is the first book in Kiss Me series. It’s a funny, witty, and sweet romantic comedy. It’s full of bets, snarky comebacks, undeniable attraction, a lot of kissing and laugh out loud moments.
Halley Dawson is the daughter of Mayor, a librarian and known as the Racoon Lady of Creek Falls. She is quirky, sassy, and competitive. She’s two best friends Reagan and Ava. She’s the town’s Kissing Booth Champion for four years, but this year her competition is with Reagan’s brother Preston Wright, a guy she had a crush on for the longest time. They’ve known each other for the years, but they cannot stand each other. And now she’s to listen to him kissing the other women while she’s to kiss the other men for a good cause.
Preston Wright is a young and successful florist, the hottest and most eligible bachelor in their small town. He’s charming, sweet, and sarcastic. He’s attracted to Halley and thinks she’s too perfect. He’s also determined to knock Halley off her Kissing Booth and win the competition this year. The attraction between them is so palpable, but neither wants to acknowledge it until a bet has them sharing a kiss.
I enjoyed every single moment of this story from beginning to end. I loved the chemistry between Preston and Halley. The characters are quirky, and the fun banter between them had me laughing throughout this book!
If this wasn’t the cutest thing I’ve ever read or what. One of the wittiest books I’ve ever read as well. The main characters were so well versed with sarcasm that it made me jealous. The premise was cute, the delivery was spot on swoon-worthy, and the ending definitely was slow burn. This was my first book by Emma Hart and I just fell in love with her believable characters, writing style, and wittiness.
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This story was hilarious! Halley is quirky,sassy and feisty and she always has a comeback. Preston is the towns most eligible bachelor and is her competition in the kissing booth. Both have had an unrequited crush on the other. This situation allows them to move forward.
This book is swoon worthy and witty.
Yet again, Emma Hart brings her signature sass, sarcasm and adorable cuteness. Halley is the local librarian, daughter of the town Mayor, daughter of a serial bride and raccoon feeding lady. Preston is Halley’s best friend’s brother that she has had a crush on since she was sixteen. As the reigning champion in the Kissing Booth, Halley is unsure who her competition is, until Preston shows up and she realizes that she is going to have to listen to him kissing other women every day for the next week. But when Preston makes it clear that the person he really wants to kiss is Halley, she’s not sure what to do. What if it all blows up and she ruins her friendship with Reagan, Preston’s sister or he is totally weirded out by the fact that she feeds the wild raccoons? Her flawed relationship with her mother has put a serious dent in Halley’s self confidence and Preston will have to prove that he isn’t just after a quick fling.
“His kiss–oh, my God, it was the kind of kiss people wrote poems about. A kiss that touched every part of me, one that would linger in both my memory and on my lips for a long, long, time.”
Emma Hart brings another cute and light-hearted romance with Kiss Me Not that will have you not only laughing but howling at one humping raccoon and his family.
Halley Dawson is the daughter of the town Mayor. She is the resident nerd of Creek Falls, reigning champion of the annual Kissing Booth and in love with her best friend’s brother.
As is the annual ritual, Halley is back to the Kissing Booth and this time her opponent is none other than the said best friend’s brother, Preston, the unattainable crush.
Preston Wright has his work cut out for him. Not only does Preston has to impress Halley but he has to do it through the gaze of raccoons that live under her porch and have, sort of, become her pets.
Kiss Me Not is loads of fun and laughter and giggle-snorts. It’s low on drama and with the signature, Hart snark and wit with the addition raccoons, who I have to admit were my absolute favourite in this book, especially Papa Raccoon – Boris.
If you are on the lookout for something light and fun, then this book is for you!
4 Stars!
Emma Hart I WANT TO BE THE RACOON LADY OF CREEKS FALLS AND I WANT TO ADOPT TRASH PANDAS!!!
“ Your first mistake is assuming I have a type. I’m not a book. I don’t prefer a certain font.”
I can always rely on Emma Hart’s to put a smile back on my face.
Kiss Me Not is hilarious and just awesome from beginning to end.
I don’t know how the author always creates the best groups of friends, with the best banter, the best choice of food and with the best dialogues! Let’s not forget Boris, Betty, Uranus and Rufus #thebestofthebest
This book was absolutely laugh out loud hilarious for one thing.
It was fast paced and addictive, and completely impossible to put down.
Reagan, Halley and Ava became my best friends and I loved them all 3 so hard. Their bet ‘s history is just LOL… I need them in my life!!
Halley is a sassy heroine who seems very confident from the outside but she has not got a lot of self-esteem.
“We ‘re the only people she trusts. She doesn’t believe she’s good enough for anyone.”
PRESTON …. I LOVE HIM!!! He is my favourite florist LOL
He is her BFs brother but most importantly he is her kryptonite. Halley likes animals ( wild animals), her BFFs, her dad and books so, when she hears that her competition at the kissing booth this year is her long term crush Preston, she knows that she is in big trouble and she knows that it is going to get awkward!!
Their interaction by texts or dialogue is hilarious and sexy at the same time. I could picture the whole story unfolding in front of my eyes and it would make a terrific movie or reality TV show 😉
Is Halley ready to tell Preston that he has been her crush forever ever?
Kiss Me Not is a really funny, hilarious, LOL read with a sweet love story that will for sure lift your mood.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that it ended!
I’ve been meaning to read Emma Hart for years now and this summer, I finally decided to get my act together and just do it already! As I was so determined, I didn’t really check out the synopsis before I got Kiss Me Not, but it all worked out because I absolutely loved Kiss Me Not! It was so fun to read, it made me laugh and grin big the whole way through. I loved Preston and Halley, most especially their banter, I loved Halley’s friends, and I adored her raccoons! Seriously, Halley talking to her raccoons reminded of me talking to my dogs and if that makes me weird, I don’t want to be normal. Kiss Me Not was an utterly fabulous, light, heartwarming story and I can’t wait to read the next book!
“Welcome to Halley Dawson’s residence. Some people come with crazy exes. Some have kids. Some have credit card debt. I have sandwich lovin’ raccoons.”.
When we talk about Halley Dawson, we can’t help pointing out a few facts: the mayor’s daughter, librarian, good friend, competitive, raccoon lover and unanimous kissing booth winner. This eccentric, sarcastic and intelligent woman is an expert in raising money for charity. With several victories, she runs a booth at her city’s charity fair, and no one can dethrone her as the kiss queen. That is until her father had the idea to spice up the competition and summon the last person Halley would imagine: one of her best friends brother.
Preston is the most eligible bachelor in town. Handsome, young and rich (which contributes to his popularity), this florist (yes, he has a rather unusual job) will be a strong opponent for Halley, as the legion of women who want to kiss him can help with his victory. A fact that irritates her deeply. After all, she hates to lose, right? But what if there is another reason?
Halley has had a crush on Preston forever. And spending a week listening to him kiss other women is the definition of her personal hell. But in the midst of competition, a bet by Preston will spice up the game and expose hitherto hidden truths.
Halley likes Preston. And Preston also likes her. But how to allow yourself to live something real, when the two were so far strangers?
In a funny, sharp and crazy plot, we will see them finally getting it right, admitting that they like each other while trying to undo their preconceived stereotypes while feeding the raccoons, who get rebellious when they’re hungry.
Halley may have been named after the comet, but she enters Preston’s life like a meteor, hitting him hard and disorienting him. With her family of wildlife in tow, she will make him fall in love and teach that women are always right.
Halley’s friends Ava and Reagan are interesting and will win their own books. By the way, Reagan and her mysterious text messages in the epilogue made me curious.
The book is light, relaxed, fun. Loved the experience.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
This one is a fun cute read. Halley is super funny. I really liked her. She has two great best friends that are equally as funny. Halley had had a crush on Preston but he’s her best friend’s brother. She’s the kissing booth queen. So ever year as part of a fundraiser there’s a town kissing booth and the one who makes the most money for charity wins. This was a weird but funny concept for me. Preston is Halley’s competition this year. This two are at each others throats but really do like each other. I loved the relationship these two have. This was definitely a fun read.
Kiss Me Not will leave you with sore cheeks! Such a delightfully, witty comedy that will keep you in stitches. I can’t recall the last time I laughed so hard (too bad I was at work). I can’t wait for more books in this series and if you want a hilarious read, this is definitely the book for you!
Preston and Halley’s story was cute and original, with both of them too stubborn to admit their feelings. Preston takes matters into his own hands at the kissing booth and convinces Halley to go on one date. Things build from there. This was a very enjoyable read. Highly recommend!!