New Year, New Scarlett

Scarlett Hunter is determined to make her final year at Empire High unforgettable. She ditches her glasses for contacts, shortens her skirt, and slips into heels, all in hopes of finally catching the eye of her lifelong crush, Axel Stevens. Her mother supports her transformation, but her overprotective father, James, is less than thrilled. Scarlett's younger brother, Liam, is starting his freshman year, and their sibling banter sets the tone for a year of change, rebellion, and the pursuit of love and acceptance.

The Catwalk Catastrophe

With her cousin and best friend Sophie by her side, Scarlett struts into school, feeling confident and ready to conquer. But her moment is ruined when Gigi, the school's queen bee and Scarlett's nemesis, trips her in front of everyone—including Axel. Humiliated but determined, Scarlett is reminded that high school is a battlefield, and she'll need more than a makeover to win.

Jealousy Games Begin

Sophie, ever the schemer, insists that the way to Axel's heart is through jealousy. She encourages Scarlett to flirt with Jacob, their mutual friend, to make Axel notice her. Scarlett is hesitant, but Sophie's confidence is infectious. The plan is set: Operation Too Hot to Handle is underway, and Scarlett is about to play a game she's never dared before.

Gigi's Kiss and Fallout

At lunch, Gigi boldly kisses Axel in front of everyone, shattering Scarlett's hopes and igniting her jealousy. The public display leaves Scarlett heartbroken and questioning her place in Axel's life. Sophie tries to rally her spirits, but Scarlett is left wondering if she's been friend-zoned forever.

Operation Ice Cream

In a moment of defiance, Scarlett flirts with Jacob and suggests they leave school for ice cream, ignoring Axel's attempts to talk. Axel, frustrated and jealous, physically intervenes, carrying Scarlett out of the cafeteria. Their confrontation is charged with unresolved feelings, but ends with a tense truce: Axel won't kiss Gigi if Scarlett stops flirting with Jacob. The lines between friendship and something more blur.

Daddy's the New Teacher

The biggest shock of all comes when Scarlett discovers her father is the new computer science teacher at Empire High. The revelation mortifies both Scarlett and Sophie (who had been fantasizing about the "hot new teacher"), and James's presence at school tightens the leash on Scarlett's social life. The rumor mill explodes, and Scarlett's every move is now under her father's watchful eye.

Grounded and Scheming

After being caught breaking dress code, Scarlett is grounded for a week—just in time to miss the first big party of the year. But with Sophie, RJ (her mischievous cousin), and Liam on her side, Scarlett refuses to accept defeat. The group begins plotting an elaborate escape, determined to make sure Scarlett doesn't miss out on the fun—or her chance with Axel.

The Great Escape Plan

RJ orchestrates a ridiculous and risky plan involving hacking security cameras, distracting the family's security team, and even sawing a hole in the floor to create a secret escape route. Scarlett, Sophie, Liam, and RJ pull off the caper, barely escaping detection. The adventure cements their bond and sets the stage for a night none of them will forget.

Circus Party Mayhem

The much-anticipated party is held in a warehouse transformed into a circus, complete with trapeze artists, caged dancers, and a boxing ring. Scarlett's arrival in a sparkly, daring dress turns heads, but Axel's coldness and Gigi's provocations threaten to ruin her night. Sophie pushes Scarlett to escalate the jealousy game, encouraging her to kiss Jacob.

The Kiss Thief Strikes

Amidst the chaos, Scarlett flees to a dark room to escape the drama. There, in the shadows, someone—she believes it's Jacob—kisses her passionately. The moment is electric, everything she's dreamed of, but when the lights return, her kisser is gone. Scarlett is left breathless, confused, and desperate to know who stole her first kiss.

Confessions and Confrontations

Scarlett confronts Axel about his mixed signals and his relationship with Gigi. Axel reveals he's been acting distant to protect her from heartbreak and because he doesn't want her to miss his football games due to being grounded. Scarlett, tired of waiting for Axel to make a move, tells him she's moving on and plans to have her first kiss with someone else.

Boxing, Betrayal, and Blood

The party's main event is a series of brutal boxing matches between the football players. Jacob is injured but victorious, and Liam faces off against a hulking new student. Scarlett's anxiety for her brother and friends peaks, and she realizes how much she cares for Jacob. The violence and danger of the night underscore the recklessness of their world.

Snake Room Secrets

Seeking refuge from the chaos, Scarlett accidentally locks herself in a room full of snakes. The terror is real, but it's overshadowed by her confusion over the kiss. Was it Jacob? Axel? Someone else? The uncertainty gnaws at her, and she's left questioning everything she thought she knew about her heart.

The Mystery First Kiss

Scarlett retraces her steps, interrogates her friends, and obsesses over the details of the kiss. The ambiguity torments her—was it the boy she's always loved, or the one who's always been there for her? The answer remains elusive, and Scarlett is left in a state of romantic limbo.

Team Jacob or Team Axel?

The events of the party force Scarlett to confront her feelings for both Jacob and Axel. Jacob's kindness and steady presence contrast with Axel's intensity and history. Scarlett must decide whether to pursue the safe, sweet love Jacob offers or continue chasing the complicated, passionate connection she shares with Axel.

Family, Friendship, and Frenemies

Throughout the chaos, Scarlett's relationships with her family, friends, and rivals are tested. Her father's overprotectiveness, Sophie's wild schemes, and Gigi's relentless antagonism all shape Scarlett's journey. The lines between love, loyalty, and rivalry blur, and Scarlett learns that growing up means making hard choices and standing up for herself.

The Year of Reckoning

As the dust settles, Scarlett realizes that this year will define her—not just in terms of romance, but in her sense of self. The mystery of the kiss lingers, but Scarlett is no longer content to be a passive player in her own story. She's ready to take control, embrace her desires, and face whatever comes next—whether it's heartbreak, love, or something entirely unexpected.

Characters

Scarlett Hunter

Scarlett is the protagonist, a senior at Empire High desperate to shed her "good girl" image and finally win the heart of her childhood crush, Axel. She's intelligent, loyal, and deeply self-conscious, often measuring her worth by the attention she receives from others—especially Axel. Scarlett's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to assert herself, question the games of high school romance, and recognize her own value beyond external validation. Her relationships with her family, especially her overbearing father and mischievous brother, add layers of humor and tension to her story.

Axel Stevens

Axel is the golden boy of Empire High—handsome, athletic, and the object of Scarlett's affection. He's both protective and frustratingly distant, sending mixed signals that keep Scarlett in a state of emotional turmoil. Axel's actions are often motivated by jealousy and a desire to shield Scarlett from pain, but his inability to communicate openly leads to misunderstandings and heartbreak. His relationship with Scarlett is defined by years of friendship, unspoken feelings, and the fear of ruining what they have.

Jacob Miller

Jacob is Scarlett's other best friend, known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering support. Unlike Axel, Jacob is open with his feelings and treats Scarlett with genuine kindness. As Scarlett's attention shifts toward him, Jacob emerges as a viable romantic interest, offering her the possibility of a love built on friendship and respect. His willingness to participate in Sophie's schemes and his own vulnerability make him a compelling alternative to Axel.

Sophie Hunter

Sophie is Scarlett's cousin, best friend, and the mastermind behind Operation Too Hot to Handle. Outgoing, fearless, and a bit outrageous, Sophie is always ready with a plan—no matter how wild. Her obsession with older men (especially teachers) and her willingness to push boundaries provide comic relief and drive much of the plot's action. Sophie's loyalty to Scarlett is unwavering, even as her schemes sometimes backfire.

Gigi

Gigi is the school's resident mean girl, always ready to sabotage Scarlett and claim Axel for herself. She's manipulative, cruel, and thrives on drama, using her influence to humiliate rivals and maintain her social dominance. Gigi's actions are a constant source of conflict, forcing Scarlett to confront her insecurities and fight for what she wants.

James Hunter (Scarlett's Dad)

James is a loving but controlling presence in Scarlett's life. His decision to become a teacher at Empire High is both a gesture of care and a means of surveillance, much to Scarlett's mortification. His strictness is balanced by genuine concern for his children's well-being, and his own romantic history (having married a former student) adds irony to his attempts to police Scarlett's love life.

Liam Hunter

Liam is Scarlett's freshman brother, quick-witted and surprisingly adept at navigating high school politics. He's both a source of annoyance and support, often teaming up with RJ to orchestrate schemes. Liam's ability to blend in and make friends quickly contrasts with Scarlett's struggles, highlighting the different ways siblings cope with adolescence.

RJ

RJ is Sophie's younger brother and the brains behind many of the group's wildest plans. His hacking skills, disregard for rules, and penchant for mischief make him both a liability and an asset. RJ's antics, from hacking security cameras to sawing holes in floors, inject energy and unpredictability into the story.

Billy O'Reilly

Billy is a football player who hosts the infamous circus party. His penchant for spectacle and disregard for safety (organizing boxing matches among classmates) make him a catalyst for much of the night's chaos. He represents the reckless, thrill-seeking side of high school life.

Pavel Semenov

Pavel is a hulking, mysterious addition to the football team, serving as Liam's opponent in the boxing ring. His presence heightens the stakes of the party's events and underscores the dangers of the group's escalating dares.

Plot Devices

Jealousy as a Catalyst

The central plot device is the use of jealousy to provoke romantic interest. Sophie's plan to make Axel jealous by having Scarlett flirt with Jacob sets off a chain reaction of misunderstandings, confrontations, and emotional revelations. This device highlights the immaturity and complexity of teenage relationships, where indirect communication and emotional games often replace honesty.

Mistaken Identity and the Kiss Thief

The pivotal moment of the story—Scarlett's first kiss in the dark—relies on mistaken identity. The uncertainty of whether she kissed Jacob, Axel, or someone else creates a lingering mystery that propels the narrative forward and forces Scarlett to confront her true feelings. This device also serves as a metaphor for the confusion and unpredictability of young love.

Parental Surveillance and Role Reversal

Scarlett's father becoming her teacher and the family's security measures (cameras, guards) create a sense of constant surveillance. This plot device amplifies Scarlett's desire for independence and rebellion, while also providing comedic and dramatic tension. The irony of James's own romantic history adds depth to the generational conflict.

High School as a Microcosm

Empire High is depicted as a world unto itself, with rigid social hierarchies, rivalries, and traditions. The school's culture of parties, gossip, and competition serves as both a backdrop and a crucible for the characters' growth and struggles.

Friendship and Found Family

The tight-knit group of Scarlett, Sophie, Jacob, Axel, Liam, and RJ functions as a surrogate family, offering both comfort and chaos. Their loyalty to one another is tested by secrets, schemes, and romantic entanglements, illustrating the complexities of adolescent friendship.

Analysis

Scarlett and the Kiss Thief is a witty, fast-paced exploration of the emotional minefield that is high school romance and self-discovery. Ivy Smoak crafts a narrative that is both humorous and heartfelt, using the familiar tropes of love triangles, mean girls, and overprotective parents to examine deeper themes of identity, agency, and the longing to be seen and loved for who we truly are. The novel's central mystery—the identity of Scarlett's first kiss—serves as a metaphor for the uncertainty and excitement of growing up, where every choice feels momentous and every emotion is magnified. Through Scarlett's journey, readers are reminded that self-worth cannot be found in the eyes of others, and that sometimes, the most important love story is the one we have with ourselves. The book's blend of comedy, drama, and genuine vulnerability makes it a relatable and engaging read for anyone who has ever felt lost, hopeful, or heartbroken in the halls of adolescence.

Last updated: July 24, 2025