Series: None
Author: Katy Upperman
Published August 1st 2017 by Swoon Reads
Goodreads 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?
Goodreads
Review
I can't even remember how I heard about this book, but had it pre-ordered for quite some time, and read it as soon as it came. Kissing Max Holden is about Jill, who has been friends with Max for years, and after a series of family difficulties, it soon becomes something a bit more. Max's dad had a stroke in the recent months, and he doesn't know how to cope with it. He turns to best friend, Jill, climbing through her window to vent and be heard, and they soon find themselves kissing, even though they really shouldn't. Max has a girlfriend, and Jill's dad and new step-mother really dislike him, but neither can seem to stop it. Is Jill thinking clearly, or is the impeding birth of her new sibling and the fact that she might not be able to go to the university she wants because of parental decisions clouding her judgement.
Now, I read this book nearly 3 years ago, so the main details are a little vague with me, but I do remember having some issues with the cheating story line. I really dislike reading that in a book, and not even the use of one of my favourite tropes - friends to lovers - could take away from that. Also, as much as I shipped Max and Jill together, I couldn't see their relationship actually working. They were just in the right place, at the right time, and needed someone safe to help them through the difficulties they were facing. Maybe if I re-read it, I might find myself enjoying it more, but I could also perhaps find myself disliking it even more.
Dates Read:
Rating
3 Stars
