An utterly compelling will-they-won't-they slow-burn queer romance from the author of THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN.

While this is only the second Tess Sharpe book I’ve read (I still have Far From You on my to be read list, I know, I know, I’ll get there eventually), I have to say that I am loving that her books are hard hitting contemporaries.

Penny and Tate have every right to fear love, but ultimately, readers will be rooting for that kiss to finally come because no two protagonists have ever quite deserved that elusive kiss as much as they do. I loved all the characters, how their inner complexities are unveiled progressively, how relatable they all feel. I also don't love big sections of text messages in novels unless they feel like they NEED to be included, and the side plot felt like a bit of unnecessary filler at times.

An incident forces them to have to live together and they agree to get along, at least in front of their mothers.

It’s all about grief and resilience, about love that should be a given and love that seems unfathomable, about PTSD and character growth, about standing up for yourself and showing up.

Although I loved the slow burn romance, towards the end I did start to feel a little frustrated with the wait, and I don't exactly know why Yreka was something they Did Not Mention.As a result, they both often pressure themselves to play the role their fathers should have in this situation—caring for their mothers and taking care of finances and the household. Times We Almost Kissed will take you to emotional and really hard places and, to my utter frustration and elation, will make you wait forever to give you any real satisfaction. There were some great funny moments in the book, but it also dealt with some heavy themes in an honest and thought-provoking way. and i lovedddd their relationship—the pining, the being known and understood in a way you haven't really before and did i mention the pining? instead, there are genuine conversations, movements towards growth, and acceptance and acknowledgement of hurts caused from all parties.