Kiss Me Katie
Sixteen-year-old Katie Sims’ life-as-she-knew-it ended on a Wednesday. And no, that's not just an overly dramatic view of what happened that day. Let’s just say that she would never trust another hot guy. Needless to say, on a Thursday, Katie opted to finish school online.
Until she’s accepted into the Crescendo Academy of Performing Arts. Jumping at the chance to re-invent herself, Katie enrols under a fake name and heads off to Crescendo with her best friend, Annie.
Riley Stone is stunned when the funny, talented, but shrew-like Katie Sims dismisses him at first sight as being nothing but a shallow, pretty-boy. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. Realising his good looks are more of a curse than an advantage as far as Katie is concerned, he sets out to convince her he's more than just the sum of his parts.
But apparently, fate, the universe, or some evil-minded deity has other ideas.
Seems they were made for each other...NOT!
Reader Review
"Kiss Me Katie" is a clever, funny, and at times emotionally tumultuous romance story about a teenager, Katie, and her struggles with regaining confidence in herself in a world where people often judge others on their appearance. The story is well-written, with an interesting plot where Katie and her best friend Annie start a new prestigious high school that focuses on the arts and music where Katie meets Riley, a handsome knock-out teenager who is more than just good looking. The story weaves itself around their relationship that starts on rocky ground and progresses forward to a friendship and beyond. The dialogue is right on the money for teenagers that age. The plot is a little twisty in places in a good and unexpected way. The characters are relatable and so is the drama that unfolds. The descriptions are nice and clear. There were a few formatting issues but that may have to do with my reading device. Overall, it's a real page turner and held my interest through the last page.
Reader Review
"This book is a fun, fast-paced, and totally addictive YA romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of drama. Katie is the kind of heroine you root for—smart, sarcastic, and done putting up with fake guys after a brutal betrayal. When she gets a fresh start at a prestigious arts school, the last thing she wants is to deal with another too-hot-for-his-own-good boy, but Riley Stone isn’t giving up that easily. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is undeniable, and watching Katie find her confidence (and maybe love) makes for a super satisfying read. If you love enemies-to-lovers with a side of self-discovery, this one’s a must!"
Reader Review
Phenomenal. Written to market. This is a wonderful love story. I'm so impressed from the writing style.
Reader Review
A Charming YA Romance with Heart
"Kiss Me, Katie delivers a lighthearted yet heartfelt story set in a music school, blending classic high school romance with themes of self-acceptance. Katie’s struggles with confidence and past humiliation make her a relatable protagonist, while the romance with a boy from a different world adds depth to the story. The book captures the fun, angst, and charm of YA romances, reminiscent of classic teen movies. Though familiar in theme, it’s well-written and engaging, making for an enjoyable, feel-good read. Perfect for fans of music, romance, and a little high school drama."
Reader Review
"This is a good read. Fans of coming-of-age tales, reinvention, and romance will find this book a delightful escape into the world of high school drama and personal transformation."