Title: The Fill-In Boyfriend
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: 5.5.2015
Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Series: N/A
Source: ARC from NCTE
Rating: 5 Stars
Summary (from Goodreads):
When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she has to think fast. After all, she'd been telling her friends about him for months now. This was supposed to be the night she proved he existed. So when she sees a cute guy waiting to pick up his sister, she enlists his help. The task is simple: be her fill-in boyfriend— two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. After that, she can win back the real Bradley.
The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.
The problem is that days after prom, it's not the real Bradley she's thinking about, but the stand-in. The one whose name she doesn't even know. But tracking him down doesn't mean they're done faking a relationship. Gia owes him a favor and his sister intends to see that he collects: his ex-girlfriend's graduation party — three hours, zero commitment, a few white lies.
Just when Gia begins to wonder if she could turn her fake boyfriend into a real one, Bradley comes waltzing back into her life, exposing her lie, and threatening to destroy her friendships and her new-found relationship.
Review:
Over the last couple of years, I’ve had the pleasure of attending book conferences in the late fall/early winter and it’s kind of become a competition with my friends so see who can get their hands on the newest Kasie West book before the others (thus triggering a stampede of anxious readers and bloggers flocking to a single booth). When I managed to lock my hands around a copy of this at NCTE in November, it was like angels heralding, babies giggling and snow falling peacefully around me all at once. I’ve been excited for the FILL-IN BOYFRIEND for over a year, and trust me, it delivers.
West has a knack for infusing wit, heart and quirk in all her main characters, and Gia is no exception. She sparkles on every page, making me laugh and swoon and sigh at all the right places. She is a good girl with a good heart and a few not-so-wonderful ideas that blow up in her face, often in humorous ways.
The scenes between Gia and H—um, I mean, non-Bradley absolutely sizzle. Their chemistry is off the charts and what starts off as an unconventional date slowly evolves into a true friendship and more. It’s definitely one of my favorite YA romances ever.
Fans of West are likely already lining up to buy THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND , but if you’ve never had the pleasure of one of her books, I encourage—beg—you to start here. You won’t be sorry!
I love West's contemporaries so I'm sure this one is just as good. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this cover around the bologsphere, but you know, I don't think I actually knew what it was about. But between the blurb and your review, this one is now on my TBR list. Plus I've been meaning to read more contemporary novels, so this one sounds like a win-win situation to me.
ReplyDeleteDreams @ Once Upon A Dream Books
I love Kasie West's fun and fluffy writing style and her books always put me in a good mood. Thanks for the heads up that this will quench my thirst for contemporary :)
ReplyDeleteTHE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND was exactly what I had hoped it would be and I just loved it! I think I connected more with other plots and characters from previous Kasie West books so this one didn’t take over as my favorite of hers but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love it all the same! I’m always so impressed with her storytelling and how she brings characters and plot to life.
ReplyDeleteCath Brookes
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