BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine.

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!

First kisses should be special, a testament to true love…at least that's what Sara Lin thinks. But it's her senior year and she's still never locked lips with anyone—especially not with her crush-turned-best-guy-friend Patrick. And when he makes her a bet (one that involves some spontaneous smooching), Sara suddenly finds herself in a situation that could lead to love, heartbreak or total embarrassment. Or, um, all three.

The perf read for any gal overthinking her own love life, The Kiss Bet mixes feel-good funnies with super sweet circumstances and, of course, swoon-worthy moments galore. And if you find yourself relating to Sara, may we just say, we've been there, too. 

So, we asked our GL Book Besties to spill all their thoughts on The Kiss Bet, crushing hard and preparing for that fateful first kiss. Because when you're feeling a little lost in love, it's always easier to remember you're not the only one...

Hey, Besties! What's it like having a crush?
"It makes me feel totally delulu!" — Isabella K.
"Exciting! I feel kind of nervous and happy when they're around. But it's also scary wondering if they like you back." — Shelia'Celine
"The butterflies in my stomach go crazy." — Hayden C.

Eeek! You're getting those familiar feels: being excited/dreading the thought of seeing them in fifth period, blushing when they accidentally-on-purpose forget the assignment and ask if they can text you later for it, the endless "Are they looking at me or the clock over my head?" loop in your brain. Yeah, the signs of a major crush can sometimes sneak up on you…but that's part of the fun.

"It's uncertain, but that's what makes crushes exciting!" says GL Book Bestie Kierney D. "Like when Sara discovers her neighbor is the cute boy she's been crushing on. It's a little awkward, but also pretty awesome."

Whether you find yourself fighting off butterflies around your new locker buddy or starting to see one of your besties as more than just a friend, know that it's completely normal to get jittery around that special someone. You can even peep our starter pack for handling the awk at any stage of crushing below...

If crushing was a sport, we'd be going pro:
🧊 Need an icebreaker? Check out these 11 foolproof texting convo starters.
💌 Feeling ready to make it ~official~? Ask your crush these 10 questions first.
🎀 First time dating? Here's why it's totally OK if you haven't been in a relationship yet.

Hey, Besties! What rom-com did The Kiss Bet remind you of?
"To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Sara Lin totally reminds me of Lara Jean" — Shelia'Celine
"Oliver and Joe are so similar to My Life with the Walter Boys." — Hayden C.
"Sara Lin and two brothers? It's so giving The Summer I Turned Pretty." — Kierney D.

Fast-forward to you and your potential bae *totally* hitting it off (we're manifesting big time, bb). Maybe you've had the "What are we?" convo (our best DTR tips here) or have started texting/FaceTiming/hanging/flirting 24/7. How do you know when it's time to make the next move?

Sara Lin has certainly made up her mind: She's pumped for that first kiss. But sometimes it's hard to tell when you're really ready. "Sara is almost done with high school by the time she decides she's ready for a first kiss," explains GL Book Bestie Isabella K. "It's nice to remember that there's no rush."

Plus, Sara thinks first kisses should be special—and our besties agree: "I always follow the three month rule," explains GL Book Bestie Lexi J. "If I think I have a crush on someone, I wait three months to make sure I really like them before I make any moves." 

Solid advice! We'd also add: Steer clear of approaching random boys waiting for the train and asking for a kiss outright (*cough cough* looking at you, Sara).

Hear us out: There are girls who have their first kiss at 13 and girls who wait 'til they're 25. There's no pressure to make a move until the moment (and the person!) is right—and you don't have to feel like you're the odd one out if everyone else in your friend group has already had theirs. You *certainly* don't have to take a kiss bet (even if it is for 50 smackeroos).

"I really like how Sara isn't afraid to speak her mind," says GL Book Bestie Shelia'Celine. "She's funny and smart—and she also doesn't let her friends' teasing get to her."

Gearing up for your first kiss moment?
😬 Not ready for your first kiss just yet? Here's what you should do.
🤗 Think they might be the one? Look for these five green flags in your new relationship.
😚 And when it comes to the moment of truth? Here's how to actually ask them out.

When you're feeling 100% confident about taking that leap with someone you trust, check in with your sweetie to make sure they're on the same page—and don't forget to keep your fave chapstick on hand. While we can't promise a kiss pulled straight from your most-watched rom-com, if you're willing to be open and vulnerable about your feels, it'll def be a moment to remember forever.

"It might sound cheesy, but being true to yourself and being brave make all the difference," says GL Book Bestie Hayden C. We'd ~bet~ Sara and company would agree. 

Hey Besties! What makes a first kiss so special?
"I wouldn't know yet, but I'm excited to find out!" — Lexi J.
"Everything is leading up to that moment with that person." — Shelia'Celine
"The person you're sharing it with!" — Hayden C.

Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of The Kiss Bet. Spoiler alert! You'll love the illustrations.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow book nerds from all over. Hello, instant community. 
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Gather everyone in your GC for a rom-com marathon inspired by Sara Lin and The Kiss Bet. Don't forget the popcorn!

by GL | 2/25/2025