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How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Eglington is a book that is such a let-down. It is a book about acting, which is usually enjoyable. However, the main character in the story is really whiny and annoying. Also, the plot is just too predictable to be enjoyable.

Series: Aurora Skye #1
Author: Tara Eglington
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genres: Contemporary, Retelling, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 25, 2016 (previously published February 2013)
Rating:

Series Rating:


Sweet sixteen and never been kissed - and that's the way Aurora Skye wants it to be.
She's too busy finding Potential Princes ™ for her two best friends, counseling her sensitive New Age dad and dealing with the unexpected return of her long-absent mum. But always in the background there's Hayden Paris, the boy next door, the bane of Aurora's life. Smart, funny, and always around to see her at her worst, he 'gets' her like no-one else ... and that's what makes him so infuriating.
When Aurora and Hayden are coerced into the lead roles in the school production of Much Ado About Nothing, things can only get worse. How is Aurora going to save her first kiss for the secret admirer who wooed her with poetry and a spectacular bunch of flowers on Valentine's Day if she doesn't know who he is and she's obligated to lock lips with Hayden in the play's final dramatic clinch?

❃ 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.”
Sorry it turned out to be a let down. 🙁
Well, I guess not all of them are going to wow me. Maybe someone else will find it appealing, though! 🙂
I would be so turned off by her whininess. This seemed like a really cute story, but I’m glad I passed up on it. I’m sorry this wasn’t for you. Great review, though!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
Right?! Whiny characters are just too annoying. 😉
Sorry you didn’t like it 🙁
I hope your next read is better! Great review 🙂
This sounds overly complicated.
THis sounded like it could be a cute little story. I am sorry to hear that you were so disappointed!
Sorry you didn’t enjoy this much. 🙁
I appreciate your very candid reviews! I too think the title is awesome and would expect the best!
I think that there is lots of potential for something great. Just not for me, I guess. 🙂
This sounds good