❃ 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. ❃

How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You, Tara Eglington

How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is an acting book and a Shakespeare retelling. The characters in the book perform a 50s version of Much Ado About Nothing, which is an interesting twist on the original play. What is enjoyable about this book is the fact that the story really goes into depth describing play rehearsals. The story really has so much potential, but there are multiple aspects that are really annoying..

❀ Annoying Main Character

First of all, the main character, Aurora, really got on my nerves. She believes that she should save her first kiss for her true love and does everything she can to preserve it. I think that this is a sweet thing to do, but it actually becomes really annoying. Aurora just takes things too far, even arguing with the play director more than once when she is stuck kissing her enemy in the production. She is such a whiny character who creates a lot of unnecessary drama, so she really impacted my enjoyment of the book.

❀ Predictable Plot

My biggest issue with How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You is how predictable the plot is. Aurora’s “secret admirer” was obvious from the beginning and she is so clueless that she can’t figure it out from all the hints. The story also has pretty much the same plot as Much Ado About Nothing, adding to the predictability for those that have a basic understanding of the play. Even at the beginning of certain scenes, you can tell right away what’s going to happen. When reading a book, I like plot twists and surprises, which this book unfortunately couldn’t offer me.

❀ An Acting Book

How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington is a Shakespeare retelling that seemed so promising. The main character is whiny and dramatic and the plot is way too predictable. However, if you are more of a fan of cheesy and clichéd romances, you might enjoy this book.

book Quotes: How to Keep a Boy From Kissing YOu

“No!” Mr. Peterman folded his arms across his chest. ” You are Beatrice. Just Beatrice. No costume design, no painting, no programs.”

About Tara Eglington

Tara Eglington grew up in Byron Bay, Australia, and now lives in Sydney.

Tara is the author of four Young Adult novels: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You (titled Kissing Games in the USA), My Best Friend is a Goddess and The Long Distance Playlist. Her books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.