Book Review: The Last Best Kiss by Claire LaZebnik

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The Last Best Kiss
Author: Claire LaZebnik
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: April 22nd 2014
Review Source: HarperTeen

Anna Eliot is tired of worrying about what other people think. After all, that was how she lost the only guy she ever really liked, Finn Westbrook.

Now, three years after she broke his heart, the one who got away is back in her life.

All Anna wants is a chance to relive their last kiss again (and again and again). But Finn obviously hasn’t forgotten how she treated him, and he’s made it clear he has no interest in having anything to do with her.

Anna keeps trying to persuade herself that she doesn’t care about Finn either, but even though they’ve both changed since they first met, deep down she knows he’s the guy for her. Now if only she can get him to believe that, too....

With her signature wit and expertly authentic teen voice, Claire LaZebnik (the author of fan favorites Epic Fail and The Trouble with Flirting) once again breathes new life into a perennially popular love story. Fans of Polly Shulman, Maureen Johnson, and, of course, Jane Austen will love this irresistibly funny and romantic tale of first loves and second chances.

The Last Best Kiss was such an adorable one sitting read. This book is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t care what other people think. If you like someone, then you shouldn’t be afraid to let others know your feelings.

*Sigh* I am such a sucker when it comes to first love stories. I truly enjoyed reading this book even if Anna was silly enough to break Finn’s heart. During her freshman year, Anna had a crush on this tiny and nerdy boy her older sister, Lizzie, used to provide a ride to. He was new to town, since his parents used to move a lot. Every day while carpooling, these two got to know each other better. Afraid to let her friends know how she felt, Anna used to lie to them to meet with Finn. The more time she spent time with, the more she was falling for him. One night at a school dance, Finn asked her to dance but Anna humiliated him in front of her friends, all because she didn’t want to be honest. And this was her biggest mistake. This is how she let Finn get away. Finn’s family moved away.

Three years after, everyone is talking about this new hottie. Anna doesn’t know who, until she realized Finn is back. Filled with regret, she tries to apologize but how can she win back Finn?

This is a sweet and fast stand-alone read. The story can related in real life events since many of us are sometimes afraid to show people what we care for. Claire LaZebnik delivers a power message about self-discovery and forgiveness. This is a fabulous read for anyone.