Going the Distance (The Kissing Booth #2)

Admittedly, I did not read the first book of this series. I saw the film on Netflix, thought it was cute and decided to read the continuing story. When comparing the characters to their iterations in the Netflix film, I don’t know these people. Elle is not particularly likable. I get that she’s young and learning about life, but frankly, she’s kind of annoying and rather irrational. She does things on the spur of the moment that don’t make a ton of sense and don’t make her appear to be very bright, causing the reader to wonder, “Why do all these people like her?”

Noah is supposed to have this “bad boy” persona, but in this novel, he comes across as somewhat meek and not particularly bright. The guy is supposed to be at Harvard, right? He seems to spend a lot of time wringing his hands and fretting over whether Elle considers him to be worthy of her attention. There’s no real obstacle between the two of them. The entire problem revolves around a misunderstanding that could have been solved if the two main characters had sat down and spoken for five minutes (in other words, there isn’t much of an obstacle). The characters don’t seem real. It’s some girl’s fantasy where all the hot boys adore her, and every character is fixated on her’s and Noah’s relationship. If it gets fixed up the way The Kissing Booth apparently did, it might make a cute movie (like the first one did), but the way it is now? Not so much.

I had high hopes for this book. I saw the movie on Netflix first then read the first book, both of which I loved. This book on the other hand.. I really struggled getting into it. As another review mentions, the book is basically revolved around a petty argument that could’ve easily been resolved. It was honestly frustrating to read. I hope the movie turns out better.

Like many, read the 1st book after watching the first movie. Rare occasion where I prefer the movie version over the book. But I was excited for the sequel to come out. I hate to make comparisons but the movie was such a big hit and one of my favorites. The author even says it brought her characters to life in this book for her, but I think she failed to show that. Sorry to say it was a bit of a disappointment. The book version of Elle is annoying and whiny. She has no real depth to her. The last part of the book I just wanted to scream at them, just talk to each other and everything would be solved! Hope the sequel movie is better and we see more of the romantic comedy, not just whiny teen drama.

Im kind of disappointed. Im a huge fan and have of course purchased and read the original Kissing Booth and The Beach House. I was disappointed that there was very little interaction between Elle and Noah. Im big into romance and there just wasnt a lot of it. The end left a lot to be desired. I guess its a better ending than the original, but it still isnt satisfying.

Im giving it 4 stars because I still love Beth Reekles. I dont want to discourage her from writing a part 3 in hopes of seeing what happens to Elle during college.

Loved this book! it perfectly picks up where “the kissing booth” ends and gives you a taste of what’s next for Elle and Noah!

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