The Agitators Series:
Kiss and Don't Tell (Book #1) by Meghan Quinn
Written by: Merrill Robinson
Get ready to embark on a rollercoaster of emotions and laughter because Meghan Quinn has done it again with her latest masterpiece, “Kiss and Don’t Tell.” If you’re a fan of heartwarming hockey romances, hilarious banter, and characters that will steal your heart, then you’re in for a treat.
Join me as we dive into the world of Pacey and Winnie, where a chance meeting in a cabin with four hunky hockey players sets the stage for a love story that’s as sweet as it is steamy. Let’s unravel the layers of humor, emotion, and unexpected twists that make “Kiss and Don’t Tell” a must-read.
Let’s dive in…
Tropes of Kiss and Don't Tell:
At the heart of this novel is the pulse-pounding energy of both hockey romance and sports romance. Pacey, a charismatic 6’3 hockey player, brings the intensity of the game to the forefront, adding an exhilarating layer to the romantic narrative. Whether you’re a die-hard sports enthusiast or simply love the adrenaline of a competitive love story, Quinn delivers a winning combination of passion on and off the ice.
The narrative unfolds with the classic trope of forced proximity, a situation where fate intervenes and throws our protagonists, Pacey and Winnie, together under unexpected circumstances. Winnie’s car getting stuck in the mud catalyzes a series of events defining their relationship. The close quarters of the cabin, shared laughs, and the challenges they face together create a perfect setting for the sparks of romance to ignite.
As the story progresses, readers are treated to the magic of insta love, where the connection between Pacey and Winnie is immediate and undeniable. Pacey, he falls first, and the genuine constant affection he displays towards Winnie is both heartwarming and swoon-worthy. It adds so much tenderness to their relationship, and it makes it a joy for readers to witness the blossoming love between the burly but sappy hockey player and the girl who has barbed wire around her heart. Additionally, miscommunication plays a pivotal role, adding a touch of tension that keeps readers eagerly turning pages, desperate to unravel the complexities of Pacey and Winnie’s connection.
While the romance in this book is swoon-worthy and could keep you engaged throughout the book, it is the found family that Winnie finds in Pacey’s best friends and teammates that makes the book really stick with you. The camaraderie among the hockey players and Winnie’s friends contributes to a sense of belonging that goes beyond traditional familial bonds. It truly helps that Pacey’s boys help him woo Winnie, all because his friends and teammates love her (possibly more than they love Pacey!). Pacey’s friends’ acceptance of Winnie into their close-knit circle adds humor and depth to the story, emphasizing the importance of communal bonds in shaping the characters’ journeys.
In “Kiss and Don’t Tell,” Meghan Quinn artfully blends these tropes, creating a narrative that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Whether you’re a fan of the excitement of sports romance, the charm of forced proximity, or the allure of insta love, this novel promises a delightful exploration of love, laughter, and the myriad ways relationships shape our lives.
Kiss and Don't Tell Synopsis:
Winnie Berlin, five hockey players, and a cabin in the woods…
Doesn’t that seem like the beginning of a fantasy? Reality check: it’s not. But it’s true.
My journey began when I became disoriented in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. My car went into a ditch due to a violent thunderstorm, and as a girl who knows how to survive by locating the closest Starbucks, I was in a lot of danger.
I was forced to leave my car and seek assistance, and in the middle of nowhere, I came across a cabin. I banged on the door for help, drenched, frustrated, and in desperate need of a hot shower, only to be met by five rowdy, burly, and incredibly gorgeous men.
Not just men.
Professional hockey players.
I hit the motherload of fantasies, right? Wrong.
I’m not sure any amount of survival skills can protect my heart from Vancouver Agitators star goalie, Pacey Lawes. But as long as we kiss and don’t tell, maybe everything will be okay…
Merrill's Takeaway of Meghan Quinn's Kiss and Don't Tell:
You know those books that you can’t put down? The ones that you stay up too late on a school/work night because you have to get through the next chapter? Yep, that was this book for me.
Kiss and Don’t Tell is Meghan Quinn’s first book in The Agitators Series, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and laughter! Pacey and Winnie’s story had me hooked from the start. This is the first book I’ve read by Meghan Quinn, and from all the reviews and bookstagram+ booktok reviews I have seen on Instagram and TikTok, I’ve heard that Meghan Quinn seriously never disappoints.
This was the first hockey romance I’ve read, and I’m so glad and upset that I started with this series – because there can’t possibly be another sports romance that comes close to how much I love these boys. Let alone, Pacey and Winnie. This book had everything I could ask for – humor, emotion, tension, and a plot that I just couldn’t put down.
The dynamic between Pacey, the hockey player with a heart of gold and long golden locks, and Winnie, on a mission to honor her late mom, was sweet and endearing. The cabin setting in touristy Banff, Canada, with its four hunky hockey players, provided the perfect backdrop for hilarious and heartwarming moments. Quinn’s dual POV added another layer of depth to the story as we’re able to enjoy the story from both points of view and not just have to take everything in from the hero’s or heroine’s side of the story.
From the banter between the characters to the funny situations they found themselves in, I could not stop reading. I even stayed up way too late at night reading and may have read a little longer through my lunchtime than I should have! The chemistry between Pacey and Winnie was off the charts, and their stolen glances, constant shy touches, and shared breaths created an intense connection.
While the story had steamy moments, it had its fair share of heart. There was emotional depth in this rom-com, making it a perfect blend of laughter paired with all the feels. The supporting cast of characters, including Pacey’s hilarious friends and teammates, made this book incredibly enjoyable.
Sure, some classic rom-com moments, like the “Breastmilk scene,” had me laughing so hard I just about peed my pants. And let’s not forget the unexpected back door surprise and the love for all things tacos.
Now, I won’t spoil the plot, but I must say the conflict resolution was a bit of a rollercoaster. While I loved the slow resolution and the acts of service that Pacey showered on Winnie, I couldn’t help but cringe at the classic rom-com miscommunication trope. It knocked a star off for me, but overall, I loved the journey Pacey and Winnie took me on in “Kiss and Don’t Tell.” Can’t wait for more from Meghan Quinn!
Be sure to read my review of the rest of the Vancouver Agitators Series
Also, be sure to check out my blog post on the reading order for The Vancouver Agitators Series.
Favorite Quotes:
“Just because it takes you a little longer to find yourself doesn’t make you pathetic. Remember, we all have our own timelines”
“Comparison takes the fun out of everything”
“There’s something about a man driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on his girl’s thigh that’s so . . . ugh, sexy. I can’t take it.”
“Be still my heart. He wants to hold my hand, not just to guide me somewhere, but actually hold my hand. What on earth is this reality? And as if he even needs to ask.”
“As we fall in step together, I can’t help but notice how perfect my hand feels in his, how perfect this moment feels.”
“The man you love should always be your champion, Win. Always encouraging. Never settle for less.”
“That heart in your chest, it’s fragile right now. It’s been through enough to last a lifetime. Take good care of it.”
“Hornsby: Fuck yes.
Taters: Jesus Christ, about time.
Posey: Goodbye, blue balls.
Holmes: Go get her, man.”
“He’s here. He’s mine. He’s everything I need.”
About Meghan Quinn:
#1 Amazon and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Check out Meghan Quinn’s newest releases and updates on her website.
