Book Review: The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor

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The Things You Kiss Goodbye
Author: Leslie Connor
Reading Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: June 24th 2014
Review Source: Katherine Tegen Books

Bettina Vasilis can hardly believe it when basketball star Brady Cullen asks her out, and she just about faints when her strict father actually approves of him.

But when school starts up again, Brady changes. What happened to the sweet boy she fell in love with? Then she meets a smoldering guy in his twenties, and this “cowboy” is everything Brady is not—gentle, caring, and interested in getting to know the real Bettina.

Bettina knows that breaking up with Brady would mean giving up her freedom—and that it would be inappropriate for anything to happen between her and Cowboy. Still, she can’t help that she longs for the scent of his auto shop whenever she’s anywhere else.

When tragedy strikes, Bettina must tell her family the truth—and kiss goodbye the things she thought she knew about herself and the men in her life.

Leslie Connor has written a lyrical, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about family, romance, and the immense power of love.

The Things You Kiss Goodbye is a heartbreaking story. Just when I thought there will be hope, Leslie shatters it. None the less, it was a good read.

Bettina’s father is what you call, an overprotective and strict father. The kind of fathers that doesn’t allow their kids do anything. Bettina’s life consists of school and her room. So when Brady Cullen takes interest in her and her father approves, Bettina life takes a turn. Now she is able to go out whenever Brandy is in the picture. But after a year of dating, Brady starts to change for the worst and starts treating Bettina less.

Bettina meets an older guy who is very kind to her. He cleans her up, takes care of her every time she goes and visits him. I don’t blame her, her life sucks. He is the only one that makes her feel special. I would too be risking getting caught, since visiting him is what makes her feel special. Her Cowboy is the ultimate gentleman. He will win your heart and you will root for him. This is when you start hoping but something happens and it breaks Bettina’s heart.

As I mentioned, The Things You Kiss Goodbye is heartbreaking. Despite the hard topic, this story tells readers that you shouldn’t let anyone take advantage of you. Everyone deserves to be treated like what we are, humans. Covering for someone is not the way out. The truth must be told and it will let you be free. If you are looking for a sad book then yes, I recommend that you read this book. If you are looking for a happy ending, you shouldn’t read this book.