Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

It's upsetting me a lot that I did not like this book. I wanted to. I really, really wanted to. First, the cover is gorgeous. But the summary is also amazing. I was worried about a love triangle, but though I would love it despite that. Turns out there is one, but that isn't the main reason for why I disliked the book.

I've decided to rate this book with two stars. And that even makes me feel kind. This book just.. didn't make me feel anything. A bit of anger a few times, but mostly just nothing. I wanted to love it. I wanted it to blow me away. But it didn't. And it makes me sad. But it is what it is. I will try to explain.

You should also be aware that my review may not be that nice. Towards the book, that is. And I will try my best to share no spoilers. But I do need to talk about some important plot parts. Sigh. I just really wish I had loved this book. But no. First, I started it 8 days ago, then didn't manage to read more because I got sick. Though I think that is just my excuse, as I didn't want to pick it up again at all :p But today I wanted to finish it, so I read the last almost-300-pages that I had left. And agh. I just could not make myself care about this book. Like at all. I wanted to. So much. But I didn't. I did not like the way it was written. I didn't like the writing. I could not connect with the characters. Most of the time I didn't like them. It was depressing.

I'm not sure what I should mention in this review of mine. I hope not to talk too much about the book, as I don't really have much positive to say. Which is just sad. Sigh. But anyway. The Kiss of Deception is told from the point of view of Lia. Whom I just could not connect to. I didn't really feel anything for her. I never truly understood why she fled her arranged marriage. Why she just left her family and her kingdom behind. Oh, sure, she wanted a better life. But I never really got why she did what she did.

Most of this book is just about Lia and her best friend Pauline leaving behind their town and going to a new town. We see them get to know new people, which was kind of cute. Yet I never felt anything for any of them. Agh. I liked Pauline a little bit, but she was also a bit annoying to me. Then the romance starts happening. Two guys arrive. And there is a love triangle. Though at first I was sure there wouldn't be one. But, of course, the main character is so conflicted, because they are so handsome. Blah.

I think I liked Rafe. But I didn't truly love him. And I felt like the whole romance thing was way too fast. Suddenly there was thinking of love and how they both loved her and ugh. I just did not see it or understand it or like it. But I do know that other people will. Which is good. Just, not good for me. I'm unsure about the plot in this book. Sometimes I think I liked it a little bit. But then it got boring for me. We learn about one of Lia's brother. It was supposed to be heartbreaking. I didn't care. At all. Sigh.

I don't think I should say anything about this book. There was just so much that I had issues with. I enjoyed the plot a few times. But not enough for me to like this book. I'm sticking with a two star, though it could have been a one star at times. This book just wasn't for me. I wanted it to be, but no. Also. It is quite long. And a bit boring most of the time. Then the ending happens. And I felt like it could have happened hundreds of pages before. So yeah. It is quite a cliffhanger. And I do want to know what happens next. But I also know that this is a book that I will, unfortunately, forget about very soon.

But anyway. Even though I did not enjoy this book, I think others will like it. Probably. So I wish you all best of luck with this book. Though, yeah. There is a love triangle in it. And while I liked this one thing at the ending, I still think the love triangle will be even bigger in the second book. Ugh. I hate love triangles. But anyway. I will still be pre-ordering a gorgeous hardcover of this book. <3 I read a print ARC that I was very lucky to get from Ksenia at Macmillan Kids. <3 Thank you so so much Ksenia :)

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