First Kiss by J. TomasMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
CAUTION: Spoilers
First Kiss is about shy student Noah pinning for hot jock Doug. Reading the blurb, I got the impression that the short story (very short) was going to be about a gay boy having an unrequited, unattainable love for a straight. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised by the WAFF of the story.
The writing was very straightforward, the kind I would love to read in all of my books. The story is in first POV, specifically Noah. This very apt for the story because I could feel everything that Noah feels. The author shows great skill for forming the emotional map of her main character.
If I had to come up with a negative criticism about the story, it would be about jock Doug secretly confessing to cheerleader Melissa about his sexuality. It's not like they were close friends even though they ran in the same circle, i.e. the cool crowd. It's not very realistic to sneak out of the closet to a stranger who may potentially ruin your social life. Thankfully, Melissa wasn't a stereotypical uppity evil cheerleader.
Anyway, I love all the characters. I love Noah because even though he was shy, he wasn't a doormat and stood up to Melissa. I love Doug for taking a chance on love. I love Melissa, even her bitchy ways, for scheming to get Doug and Noah together.
I rate First Kiss 4 stars for really-liked-it.
