I have to admit that this cover is what attracted me to this book--it's so adorable! Then when I read this premise I knew I had to read this book. Here's what I loved about my time with Kiss & Tell:
1) the diversity of the characters and how each had to deal with being public figures and the unfortunate racism and negativity that sometimes seems to overshadow the love of adoring fans, family, and friends, as well as the love of performing.
2) the writing style was fun and the media posts (interviews, articles, tweets) dispersed throughout strengthened the thought-provoking topics of racism, homophobia, and critical eyes constantly surrounding celebrities.
3) sex positivity--the author clearly wanted readers to view sex as natural and not a shameful act.
What left me wanting more, however, was the lack of getting to know Hunter's band mates. They felt flat to me, with the exception of the occasional interactions with Ashton, Hunter's best friend. Even Hunter's growth arc needed more, whether it be a longer book, or quicker insight into his own true flaws.
The insta-love between Kaivan and Hunter didn't feel authentic to me. I never believed they truly cared for each other as much as they claimed. I found myself rooting for more interaction between Hunter and Aiden as both had so much emotion to deal with to earn their character growth.
I was so hoping for more scenes with Hunter and his mom and sister who the reader was at least told supported and loved Hunter unconditionally and only wanted what was best for him.
Kiss & Tell is not a "boy band" as they play their own instruments and write their own songs. I was so hoping this aspect was going to be developed more as the band members interacted with their fans and the media. I did enjoy Hunter's struggle to write lyrics, and hoped he'd channel his pain into his music as a way to figure things out; getting his raw emotions on paper may have added emotional depth to his lyrics.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and am happy I got to be "part" of the tour.
1) the diversity of the characters and how each had to deal with being public figures and the unfortunate racism and negativity that sometimes seems to overshadow the love of adoring fans, family, and friends, as well as the love of performing.
2) the writing style was fun and the media posts (interviews, articles, tweets) dispersed throughout strengthened the thought-provoking topics of racism, homophobia, and critical eyes constantly surrounding celebrities.
3) sex positivity--the author clearly wanted readers to view sex as natural and not a shameful act.
What left me wanting more, however, was the lack of getting to know Hunter's band mates. They felt flat to me, with the exception of the occasional interactions with Ashton, Hunter's best friend. Even Hunter's growth arc needed more, whether it be a longer book, or quicker insight into his own true flaws.
The insta-love between Kaivan and Hunter didn't feel authentic to me. I never believed they truly cared for each other as much as they claimed. I found myself rooting for more interaction between Hunter and Aiden as both had so much emotion to deal with to earn their character growth.
I was so hoping for more scenes with Hunter and his mom and sister who the reader was at least told supported and loved Hunter unconditionally and only wanted what was best for him.
Kiss & Tell is not a "boy band" as they play their own instruments and write their own songs. I was so hoping this aspect was going to be developed more as the band members interacted with their fans and the media. I did enjoy Hunter's struggle to write lyrics, and hoped he'd channel his pain into his music as a way to figure things out; getting his raw emotions on paper may have added emotional depth to his lyrics.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and am happy I got to be "part" of the tour.