With This Kiss

CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER (HQ, £12.99) ★★★★

Do you remember your first kiss? Of course you do. If it was anything like this reviewer’s, then it will be burned into your memory on account of the sheer awkwardness involved. Spare a thought, then, for the afflicted protagonist of this novel, Lorelai, who goes lip-to-lip for the first-ever time only to see the manner in which her suitor will die. Yes, really. It is a “gift” that follows the poor young woman into adulthood, and eventually convinces her that snogging, while nice, simply is not worth the risk or the trauma.

Aside from her morbid abilities, Lorelai has a nice regular life, working at a cinema and sharing a house with best friend Joanie – the only other person who knows about her premonitions. But when the handsome Grayson walks into her life, Lorelai finds herself torn. Never has she wanted or needed to kiss a person more, yet how can she, when she knows what will happen? And if she does give in, can she stop what fate has in store for the man she’s falling in love with? Carrie H-F is not afraid to tackle big themes in this ambitious story, and the emotional pay-off cuts deep.