Kisses can be innocent, playful, or just to comfort. Some are for luck and others have the promise of sweeter ones to come.
That's why we've dedicated an anthology to the kiss. These eight hand-picked stories are brimming with romance, and they all begin and end with a kiss.
Our talented authors will prove that love knows no boundaries.
The Kissed Anthology was an absolutely adorable read, full of stories about first love and first kisses. There are also a ton of LGBTQ+ stories in here!
I decided to review each story individually since it’s always hard to rate an anthology just as the sum of its parts.
Just Like the Movies by Christine Rees: This was my favorite short story in the anthology! From the 10 Things I Hate About You references to the interesting characters to the romance, I loved this one.
It Started With a Kiss by Kacie Jie: If you like forbidden love with a major Romeo and Juliet vibe, this is the story for you. I couldn’t really feel the connection between the two main characters but the story was still enjoyable.
After Tomorrow by Roxas James: This one is an absolutely adorable coming out story. The relationship between the two main characters was adorable and I loved that the author made them so much more than the stereotypical jock and nerd. Of note, this one has a bit of sexual content and may not be appropriate for younger readers.
It’s in His Kiss by Peri Elizabeth Scott: This one examines the toxicity of high school rumors and the damage they can do. This one was probably my second favorite. I liked both the leads, totally felt their connection, and thought that the issues were handled pretty well.
Pixie Cuts and Purple Dye by M. Wiklund: The entire time I was reading this one, I just wanted to yell at the two main characters to communicate with each other. While I got a bit frustrated with the mixed signals and miscommunications, it was also pretty realistic to relationships. If you like friends to more, this one is for you!
No Romeo by Sasha Hibbs: No Romeo was a fun take on mistaken identity. I thought that this one was totally cute and love the dual viewpoint. It was fun to see the story develop on both sides and I was totally rooting for the romance.
Dare by Lisa Borne Graves: This one was absolutely adorable. When the main character finally fesses up about her feelings to her big brother’s friend on a dare, she receives the surprise of her life to find that her feelings are reciprocated. Now if only she could fix their miscommunication, get rid of the other guy who is harassing her, and somehow break the news to her overly protective older brother...
Run to You by Kate Larkindale: This was one of the longer ones in the anthology and I liked that Larkindale took the time to develop her characters and their relationship. This one was also a fascinating look into the world of competitive racing and what it takes to join the Olympic team.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cute, adorable YA contemporary anthology, consider checking this one out.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
5/5
Well Rounded Anthology
Written by Laura Hernandez on 23rd Jul 2018
Each story is romantic, delightful and full of teenage angst. The storylines are strong with beautiful characters that make you swoon, and I even found myself reminiscing over my first kiss. Find yourself returning to those teenage hormones and awkward first kisses in this well-rounded anthology.
{I requested a review copy from the publisher for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions contained herein are unbiased and my own.}
4/5
4 Stars
Written by Alice on 20th Jul 2018
I received a copy of this book from Evernight Teen in exchange for an honest review*
I should probably start this review by saying that I am not a reader of romance. It's just not my cup of tea, as I often find fictional relationships can be forced or inauthentic.
But I was pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong by the stories in this brilliant, diverse collection. Each story is unique and riveting - no two are the same, and yet they fit well together. An expertly crafted anthology. I did notice a few clichés here and there, they had been reworked in away that made them feel fresh rather than tired or overdone.
If you are looking for your next read, I recommend you delve into the multi-faceted exploration of love that is 'Kissed'. It may have changed my mind about romance!
5/5
5 Stars
Written by Kate Larkindale on 20th Jul 2018
Obviously I'm a little biased because one of the stories in this anthology is mine, but I enjoyed this book of short fiction. Like any anthology, the stories differ in quality and style, but because they are all teenage romances, there are enough similiarities for them to fit well together.
5/5
5 Stars
Written by Laura Hernandez on 20th Jul 2018
Each story is romantic, delightful and full of teenage angst. The storylines are strong with beautiful characters that make you swoon and I even found myself reminiscing over my first kiss. Find yourself returning to those teenage hormones and awkward first kisses in this well-rounded anthology. -YA/NA Book Divas
{I requested a review copy from the publisher for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions contained herein are unbiased and my own.}
4/5
4 Stars
Written by Diane on 20th Jul 2018
Raging hormones, insecurities, secret crushes and tentatively reaching out for friendship, love and acceptance. Welcome to the world of teenage emotions as eight authors each offer up a short story about teens and young love and infatuation.
KISSED is like revisiting high school, both the good and the bad days. Teens will expose their sexual preferences, risk being vilified and embrace who they are. Teens will also take a chance on the more traditional young love. Will they each find a happily ever after with another or is their true bliss I taking the leap in the first place?
Nothing can be more terrifying than being labeled a lousy kisser. Relive your first ever kiss. Feel the struggles these kids have with love/hate relationships and the whole tsunami of emotions that flood the young adult world.
Did I have favorite stories? Yes! Did I not like a story or two? Not telling. What I did find was that the voices of the teens comes through loud and clear from their inner turmoil to their outward shows of bravado. What I did find that I am not sure I enjoyed, was that in each story, although told by a different author, the voices of the teens were almost identical.
Some stories are fun, some are serious, but all of them are definitely young adult material that acknowledges the power of a kiss.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Evernight Teen!
