Consider Yourself Kissed

by Jessica Stanley
Consider Yourself Kissed cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Contemporary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £14.99–£16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 534
  • Added: 2025-09-14
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9780385701549
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-05-27
  • Formats: 57
  • Reviews: 4

Coralie's life takes a transformative turn when she meets Adam, a charming man with a witty personality and a four-year-old daughter. Over ten years, their relationship evolves, but Coralie begins to question if she has lost a part of herself in the pursuit of a seemingly perfect life. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous British decade marked by political upheaval and global crises, the novel delves into the intricate dynamics of love and family, blending humor and heartache to create a deeply resonant narrative. /n/n The story effortlessly intertwines the personal and the political, showcasing how public events shape private lives. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, the author crafts a love story that is as much about self-discovery as it is about romance, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever questioned the cost of happiness.

Reviews
TripFiction · 2025-09-14
engrossing 3.80

An engrossing and entertaining debut that thoughtfully explores the challenges faced by young women today.

The reviewer finds the novel engaging and reflective, appreciating how it captures the complexities and challenges many young women experience. The debut status of the author is noted positively, emphasizing the book's capacity to entertain while also providing thoughtful insights into contemporary life and relationships.

Quick quotes

    Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley is an engrossing, entertaining and reflective debut novel.

    It explores the challenges facing many young women.

    An engrossing, entertaining and reflective debut novel.

Goodreads · 2025-05-27
insightful 4.20

An intelligent and honest exploration of love's complexities, balancing humor and authenticity while reflecting on personal and political upheaval.

This review highlights the novel's nuanced portrayal of relationships as ongoing, fluid processes rather than fixed states. The author’s razor-sharp humor and vivid characterizations bring to life both the protagonist’s inner struggles and the broader social context, making the story deeply relatable and reflective of contemporary life. The book is praised for being smarter and more intricate than typical romance novels, resonating with readers who appreciate a blend of personal and societal insights.

Quick quotes

    Stanley doesn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships, there are no easy fixes or grand declarations to tie everything up in a bow.

    Jessica Stanley’s humour is razor-sharp, her characters are vividly drawn, and her ability to balance the sweet and the sour is unparalleled.

    Consider Yourself Kissed is not your typical romance, it’s smarter, deeper, and far more relatable.

Goodreads · 2025-05-27
unforgettable 4.00

The book is described as an unforgettable literary love story that balances sweetness and depth. It is noted for its emotional resonance and well-crafted narrative.

This reviewer found the book to be an unforgettable literary love story that effortlessly balances sweetness and depth. They appreciated the emotional resonance of the narrative, which spans ten years of the protagonist's life. The reviewer noted the well-crafted storytelling and the authenticity of the characters, which makes the book both engaging and emotionally satisfying. They also highlighted the book's ability to explore complex themes without losing its romantic core, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Told over ten years of one woman's life, Consider Yourself Kissed is an unforgettable literary love story that effortlessly balances sweetness and depth.

    The novel's emotional resonance and well-crafted narrative make it a standout read.

    The authenticity of the characters and their struggles adds depth to the story.

Short Book and Scribes · 2025-05-27
poignant 4.50

The novel is praised for its character-driven narrative, which is both funny and poignant. The characters are lovable and relatable, making the story emotionally resonant.

This review highlights the novel's strength in character development, with the reviewer finding the characters to be both lovable and relatable. They appreciate the balance of humor and poignancy in the story, which makes it emotionally resonant. The reviewer also notes that the novel addresses themes of love, family, and personal growth in a way that feels authentic and engaging. Overall, they believe it is a superb debut that will resonate with many readers.

Quick quotes

    This is such a superb character-driven debut from Jessica Stanley.

    It's funny, it's sad, it's poignant and it has characters to love and relate to.

    The novel addresses themes of love, family, and personal growth in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

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