The moment—THE MOMENT!—I read the blurb for UnConVentional Kiss by K.C. Carmine and Katherine McIntyre, I knew this was a book I HAD to read. I’ve read and enjoyed K.C.’s books (you can find my thoughts in my January Wrap-Up post) and I have several of Katherine’s on my TBR (which, after reading this book, I need to bump up the list), and this one is filled with tropes I can’t resist. This book was everything I hoped it would be.
~ Special thanks to K.C. Carmine and Katherine McIntyre for the opportunity to read and review UnConVentional Kiss in exchange for an honest review. UnConVentional Kiss releases February 25, 2024 ~
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UnConVentional Kiss by K.C Carmine and Katherine McIntyre
🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(you can find my rating and spice system here)
POV & Tense: Dual POV, first person, past tense
Genre: MM Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Themes: Double Bi-Awakening, Grumpy/Sunshine, Comic-Con, Found Family, Light Bondage, Costumes & Role-play, Superman x Batman, Geek Culture
Location: Chicago
Synopsis:
An unexpected kiss between Superman and Batman at Comic-Con has a ripple effect that follows Beck and Cay long after they’ve hung up their costumes. When their paths cross once more during a double blind date, the chance to explore their feelings is too strong to resist, even if it may lead to heartbreak.
My Review:
UnConVentional Kiss is fantastic. It’s well written, well edited, and delivers all the feels. I loved the main characters, Beck and Cay, and there’s a cast of side characters that could easily become the main characters in their own books. Geek culture seeps into the pages—often to humorous effect—and I enjoyed the Chicago backdrop.
Double Bi-Awakening with Amazing Chemistry
Both Beck and Cay have histories of lackluster relationships with women, a love of fandom, and the belief that they are straight. While Cay is easy-going and extroverted, Beck is introverted and appears grumpy as he always says the wrong thing. Both are endearing and deeply relatable. They immediately hit it off at the Comin-Con, and their crowd-pressured kiss has a lasting impact.
The chemistry between these two is sizzling. They’re confused—and rightly so; it’s hard to discover something so huge about yourself later in life—but they can’t help their magnetic attraction. Their relationship is a deeply satisfying dance of ‘two steps forward, one step back.’ Every spicy scene is A+, and I am now a fan of costumed role-play.
Geek Culture
I loved all the talk about Comic-Con and every casual mention of fandom, including Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, and a plethora of Marvel characters. There are visits to comic stores and collectibles including character mugs and figurines. Beck and Cay’s love of fandom is contagious, and I especially loved all the hilarious tongue-in-cheek Superman and Batman references.
Found Family — Engaging Cast of Side Characters
Found family is one of those tropes I just can’t get enough of. Both Beck and Cay have a cast of supportive (and sometimes meddling) friends who just want the best for them. I have such a soft spot for each side character, and I would read all their books. Tai is glamorous, and he knows it. Alex and Maisie are best friends, but Maisie is oblivious to Alex’s affection for her. Wes has a ‘straight’ best friend who runs the comic store, and they’re currently on the outs and I’m dying to know why (and hoping for a ‘straight’ friend who has a crush on his gay best friend scenario). And I’d love to read Elena and Jen’s origin story (Cay’s temporary roommates).
UnConVentional Kiss by K.C. Carmine and Kathryn McIntyre
Final Thoughts:
UnConVentional Kiss is both humorous and serious, and one hundred percent heartfelt. Fans of fandom will adore this. It delivers everything it promises and leaves you excited for more in the series. I am looking forward to reading more from K.C. and Katherine, both together and individually.
Author Stalking (but not in a creepy way):
K.C. Carmine is the author of spicy queer contemporary and paranormal/monster romance.
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Katherine McIntyre is the author of spicy queer contemporary romances featuring lovable geeks.
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Banner Image Credit: Chicago Skyline
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