Kissing Lessons

As Hayden comes into Emmaline and Nolans life everything around them change, specially Nolans. She has a sleazy reputation that everyone around her, specially boys find it intriguing. However little by little a friendship develops between Hayden and Emmaline and Emmalines friends. Thats when she realizes just how lonely she is. The attraction between Hayden and Nolan is palpable, even thought she has never wanted a relationship, she finds herself falling for him. The only problem is that hes in a two year relationship with Priscila and Hayden Vargas has learned that the only person she can depend and trust in is herself.

Told through the POVs of four narrators, Kissing Lessons is part romance and part coming of age story. First we have Hayden, a teenager with a bad girl reputation and a no-nonsense persona. Her home life is less than ideal, leaving her to fend for herself and forcing her to act mature beyond her years. Its her reputation that gives good girl, Emmaline, the idea to hire Hayden for lessons on seducing her crush. I should mention that her crush is Beau, her older brother Nolans best friend. I should also mention that Nolan doesnt approve of them spending time together. But when Nolan gets to know Hayden, he realizes that his judgment of her character may have been misguided. Rife with both teenage angst and adult issues, Kissing Lessons is a blend of starry-eyed hopefulness and jaded realism. With Beau and Emmalines storyline, we get the swoon-worthy, butterflies-in-the-stomach feelings of a first crush. As Nolans sister, Emmaline is off limits, but you cant help but root for the playboy to fall for the nerdy girl. In contrast, Hayden and Nolan have a more intense emotional connection, bonding over their similarities even as their stark differences threaten to rip them apart. The real world is a constant test to their budding romance and they both have to decide whether or not to fight for what they want. Overall, Kissing Lessons is an enjoyable, thought-provoking read. The narrative doesnt shy away from tough topics, which is refreshing, if sometimes uncomfortable. I think thats the point, though. The story is raw and real, and kept me riveted until the very end. Huge thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

**3.5 Stars** Kissing Lessons was a quick read with two love stories in one. Told from the main view of our heroine, Hayden, Jordan explored the perspective of a young woman tarnished by rumor and circumstance and slowly revealed to readers that she, of course, was worth so much more than a label. I enjoyed the way she was crafted, the touchiness of the subject matterrightfully soand how it wasnt easy for any of the characters to navigate. The key social themes were nicely done, deftly using the real world to explore how misconception and judgment can tarnish and affect anyone, but most especially a young woman. The push-pull between her and Nolan showcased his (and most peoples) ignorance, but also his willingness to grow and learn and care. And the added side love story was a good bonusespecially for those who love that specific trope, as I do. I wouldve loved if we had had more depth and time spent delving into Hayden and her story more deeply, most especially because it is a crucial side to tell. The ending was especially rushed and pretty flippant in how things were resolved, and thats where I think more time couldve been spent because deep emotional scars cant be disregarded that easily. It was a quick read with good characters, I just wanted more time fleshing them out than we got.

My Thoughts: Kissing Lessons was a story that I was really looking forward to reading! I have enjoyed Sophie Jordan\’s stories in the past, and this one was a pleasure to read. While I expected a light and fun read, this story dealt with some heavier topics. Hayden Vargas has learned that the only person she can depend on is herself. Her father is a deadbeat, and her mother has an alcohol and drug problem, and goes from guy to guy. She never has food in the house and is always partying. Hayden works full time on top of going to school to pay for her car, food, and all of her essentials. She lives in a run down neighborhood, doesn\’t feel secure in her own home with her mother\’s addict boyfriends, and has installed extra locks on her bedroom door to keep herself and her belongings safe. Hayden knows she will never be able to attend college, but is saving up so she can move in to her own place after she graduates from high school. Nolan Martin is a popular athlete, and lives in a nice home. However, he has a lot on his shoulders, as he takes it upon himself to look after his mother, and two younger sister\’s; now that his father has passed away. He has been in a long-term serious relationship with head cheerleader, Priscilla. However, he is bored, and feels like he has lost his individuality by being with her. Emmaline, Nolan\’s younger sister, hires Hayden to teach her how to be sexy, seductive, and have more \”game.\” She has had feelings for Beau, (a player,) and Nolan\’s best friend for many years, but is sure he views her as a little sister. Emmaline is a junior in high school, but has never been kissed or had a boyfriend. She feels like her older brother is too controlling and she wants to have a social life. As Hayden comes into Emmaline and Nolan\’s life, she is at first met with resistance from Nolan, because she has a sleazy reputation, (which is unjustified.) However, little by little Hayden becomes close friends with Emmaline, and Emmaline\’s good friends, Sanjana, Lia, and Monica. She begins to realize just how lonely she was, and how good it feels to have people in her corner, who care about and support her. The attraction between Hayden and Nolan is palpable, and even though she has never wanted a relationship, she finds herself falling hard for him. Nolan loves that Hayden challenges him, and makes him question himself. I loved the that we get two love stories in Kissing Lessons, and was cheering for Hayden and Nolan, as well as Emmaline and Beau to get their happily ever afters! The thread of friendship between the girls was one of my favorite aspects of the story. I wanted Hayden to feel cared for, and she was such a strong and independent character, that was afraid to let herself be vulnerable. Nolan was sweet, caring, and responsible, but he needed to learn that perceptions and assumptions can oftentimes be incorrect. I found myself entertained as I read this enjoyable story! It was fast-paced, and such a quick and effortless read! I was satisfied with the romance and my much anticipated happily ever afters! 3.5 Stars!

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