Review A KISS IN TIME by Alex Flinn

A Kiss in Time
by Alex Flinn

Details:
May 1st 2009 by HarperTeen

Hardcover, 371 pages

Placement in Pile:
Middle of the Stack

Summary:
Talia fell under a spell . . . . Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic. . . .
I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.
I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger's soft kiss.
I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.
Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!
Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels. . . . The good news: My parents will freak!
Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?

Review:

Alex Flinn's Beastly is one of my favorite modern day fairy tale retellings. I hoped this one would be as touching or even thought-provoking. Honestly, it fell short. Though the plot was intriguing and the characters were unique and full of voice, I wasn't impressed with the development of each character. And frankly, the 'love' story (because that's what we're reading it for, right?) fell flat.

Talia has to make Jack fall in love with her, or else she may fall peril to an evil fairy that's been holding a 300 year grudge. But Jack acts like a complete dork half the time. If there's one thing I've learned about creating a compelling love story, it's that the male character needs to have redeeming, if not 'rough around the edges but totally endearing' type qualities. Jack, unfortunately, came across as a whiney boy . . . most of the time.

Over all, it was a quick easy read. But for me, it lacked the substance that makes a great book.