In “Kiss Me, Maybe,” the second installment in Gabriella Gamez’s Librarians in Love series, readers are treated to a tender, authentic exploration of what it means to discover love later in life while navigating the complex waters of identity. This novel beautifully captures the vulnerability, awkwardness, and exhilaration of experiencing firsts in your late twenties—something rarely depicted with such honesty in contemporary romance.
The story follows Angela Gutierrez, a 27-year-old librarian who has never been kissed and recently discovered she’s an asexual lesbian. After an accidental viral TikTok moment, Angela decides to create a citywide scavenger hunt where the winner earns her first kiss. To help organize this elaborate scheme, she enlists Krystal Ramirez, the bartender she’s secretly crushed on for five years. What follows is a beautifully messy journey of self-discovery, community building, and unexpected love.
Strengths: Authentic Representation and Character Development
Gamez’s greatest accomplishment in “Kiss Me, Maybe” is the creation of Angela—a protagonist whose journey feels raw, relatable, and revolutionary. Angela’s exploration of her asexual identity is handled with remarkable nuance, avoiding simplistic representations. Her experiences ring true for many late bloomers who’ve struggled to understand their place in a world that often treats romantic and sexual milestones as universal rites of passage.
The novel shines particularly bright in its portrayal of:
- Ace-spec representation: Angela’s questioning, self-discovery, and exploration of her graysexual identity is depicted with authenticity and care
- The complex family dynamics: The contrast between supportive parents and judgmental extended family creates tension that resonates
- Digital community: The depiction of finding community online before finding it in person reflects modern queer experiences
- The messiness of identity: Angela’s evolution from questioning to understanding doesn’t follow a neat linear path
Krystal’s character is equally compelling. Her belief that she’s “incapable of love” after a traumatic past relationship creates genuine obstacles rather than manufactured drama. Their chemistry sizzles from the first page, but it’s the emotional intimacy they develop that makes their connection truly special.
The Power of Firsts at Any Age
One of the most refreshing aspects of “Kiss Me, Maybe” is how it challenges conventional narratives about experiencing romance “on schedule.” Angela’s journey demonstrates that:
- There’s no right timeline for experiencing romantic milestones
- Self-knowledge is a prerequisite for authentic connection
- Finding community can be as transformative as finding romance
- Vulnerability requires tremendous courage
The novel’s exploration of compulsory heterosexuality (comphet) is especially insightful. Angela’s history of flirting with men for validation while never feeling genuine attraction provides a realistic portrayal of how societal expectations can delay self-discovery.
Series Context: Building the Librarians in Love World
While “Kiss Me, Maybe” stands strongly on its own, it expands upon the world introduced in “The Next Best Fling,” the first book in Gamez’s Librarians in Love series. Where the debut novel focused on Marcela (who appears as Angela’s best friend in this book), this second installment shifts the spotlight while maintaining the warmth, humor, and library setting that defines the series.
The progression between books shows Gamez’s growth as a writer. The emotional depth and character work have only strengthened, and her dialogue remains sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny. The San Antonio setting continues to be vividly portrayed, becoming almost a character in itself with its vibrant Fiesta celebrations and intimate local haunts.
Areas for Improvement: Pacing and Secondary Characters
Despite its many strengths, “Kiss Me, Maybe” isn’t without flaws. The middle section occasionally drags, particularly when Angela’s viral fame and cousin drama threaten to overshadow the central romance. Some readers might find the obstacle of Krystal believing she’s “incapable of love” frustrating at times, especially when the chemistry between the leads is so palpable.
Additionally, while Gamez has created a rich cast of secondary characters, a few feel underdeveloped:
- Natalia’s artistic struggles deserve more exploration
- Julian’s story sometimes feels rushed, particularly his eventual relationship with Leti
- The resolution with Esme remains somewhat unsatisfying
The scavenger hunt premise, while creative, occasionally gets lost in the shuffle of other plot threads. A tighter focus might have allowed this unique concept to truly shine.
Memorable Moments and Writing Style
Gamez excels at crafting scenes that linger in the reader’s mind long after the book is closed. The first time Angela stands up to her cousins, the poignant conversation with Natalia about artistic purpose, and the rain-soaked first kiss all demonstrate Gamez’s talent for balancing emotional weight with romantic satisfaction.
Her writing style is conversational and intimate, creating the feeling that Angela is confiding directly in the reader. The humor is genuine and never forced, often emerging naturally from character interactions rather than contrived situations. Consider this exchange where Angela realizes her feelings:
“I love her. Now I have to fight for her.”
This simple, powerful realization demonstrates Gamez’s ability to convey emotional epiphanies with elegant simplicity.
Heat Level and Romance Dynamics
The romance between Angela and Krystal builds at a perfect slow-burn pace, with their chemistry evident long before they act on it. The intimate scenes are handled with sensitivity appropriate to Angela’s asexual identity, focusing on desire, consent, and exploration rather than explicit content for its own sake.
Their dynamic as a couple is refreshingly equal—both characters bring strengths and vulnerabilities to the relationship. Angela’s inexperience is balanced by her emotional intelligence, while Krystal’s practical knowledge is sometimes hindered by her emotional walls. Watching them navigate these differences creates a satisfying romantic arc.
For Fans Of…
“Kiss Me, Maybe” will appeal to readers who enjoyed:
- Alexis Hall’s “Boyfriend Material” for its authentic queer representation
- Casey McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue” for its exploration of coming into one’s identity
- Alison Cochrun’s “The Charm Offensive” for its portrayal of ace-spec characters
- Rachel Lynn Solomon’s “The Ex Talk” for its workplace romance dynamics
Final Verdict: A Heartwarming Journey Worth Taking
“Kiss Me, Maybe” stands as a worthy addition to the contemporary romance genre and a strong continuation of the Librarians in Love series. While it occasionally meanders in its middle section and could benefit from tighter focus on its unique premise, these minor flaws are easily overshadowed by the novel’s emotional authenticity, representation, and genuinely satisfying romance.
What makes this book special is how it celebrates firsts at any age—first kisses, first loves, first steps toward authentic self-expression. In Angela’s journey to create community both online and in person, Gamez reminds us that it’s never too late to discover who you are and what you want.
For readers seeking a romance that goes beyond the standard meet-cute to explore deeper questions of identity, family, and belonging, “Kiss Me, Maybe” delivers a reading experience as satisfying as finding that perfect book recommendation from your favorite librarian.
Whether you’re new to the series or returning after “The Next Best Fling,” Gamez’s latest offering confirms her place as a fresh, authentic voice in contemporary romance—one who understands that the most compelling love stories begin with learning to love yourself first.