Frolic’s Monthly Book Crush: Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky

We’re so excited to announce this month’s Frolic Book Crush: Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky!

Each month, come along with us as we fall in love with a new book. Throughout the month, look out for exclusive content that’s sure to make you fall in love with this book as much as we did. Keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway or two as well!

**About Never Been Kissed:**

Dear (never-been-quite-over-you) Crush,

It’s been a few years since we were together,

but I can’t stop thinking about the time we almost…

Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out. Morning brings the inevitable Oh God What Did I Do?, but he brushes that panic aside. Why stress about it? None of his could-have-beens are actually going to read the emails, much less respond. Right?

Enter Derick Haverford, Wren’s #1 pre-coming-out-crush and his drive-in theater’s new social media intern. Everyone claims he’s coasting on cinematic good looks and his father’s connections, but Wren has always known there’s much more to Derick than meets the eye. Too bad he doesn’t feel the same way about the infamous almost-kiss that once rocked Wren’s world.

Whatever. Wren’s no longer a closeted teenager; he can survive this. But as their hazy summer becomes consumed with a special project that may just save the struggling drive-in for good, Wren and Derick are drawn ever-closer…and maybe, finally, Wren’s dream of a perfect-kiss-before-the-credits is within reach.

**Why Never Been Kissed:**

First of all, the title! We love a good reference to an 90s movie– as soon as we picked this title up, we knew it was going to be an absolutely adorable, feel-good book. Wren is such a relatable character– we’ve all experienced that fluttery, nervous feeling that comes before a first kiss, and watching him succeed and overcome obstacles is exactly the dose of serotonin you need.

Secondly, this book’s setting is so fun and full of wish fulfilment. What movie buff hasn’t dreamed of working at a movie theater? I know we have. The drive-in setting is so nostalgic and is reminiscent of summer nights, driving around a small town with friends and falling in love.

Finally, this book is such a nuanced, powerful exploration of identity. Wren’s journey is a powerful reminder that queerness is not one thing, and while timelines can look different for different people, everyone deserves their HEA.

Pick up your copy of Never Been Kissed at your favorite bookstore and read along with us this month!