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Stolen Kiss #1
The Boyfriend Thief
1 ill-fated hot dog costume. 2 former BFFs. 11 days to seduce a boy.
Avery James doesn’t believe in romance—she’s studied enough biology to know that love is nothing more than hormones and chemicals. Besides, she has more practical goals in mind, namely saving up for a summer humanitarian program in Costa Rica. But when her Diggity Dog House supervisor denies her a raise and Avery finds herself $500 dollars short for the trip of a lifetime, Avery has no choice but to accept an unexpected offer. The deal? She must steal her arch nemesis Hannah’s boyfriend before prom, giving Avery eleven days to seduce Zac Greeley.
Avery is sure the job will be easy. But a few midnight comedy shows and spontaneous dance parties (not to mention one particularly intimate carwash) later, Avery finds herself questioning everything she’s ever thought about love. Could Zac’s signature cherry-lime Slurpees be causing brain freeze, or is Avery actually starting to fall for him?
Will Avery be able to steal Zac away from Hannah before he steals Avery’s heart?
Avery James doesn’t believe in romance—she’s studied enough biology to know that love is nothing more than hormones and chemicals. Besides, she has more practical goals in mind, namely saving up for a summer humanitarian program in Costa Rica. But when her Diggity Dog House supervisor denies her a raise and Avery finds herself $500 dollars short for the trip of a lifetime, Avery has no choice but to accept an unexpected offer. The deal? She must steal her arch nemesis Hannah’s boyfriend before prom, giving Avery eleven days to seduce Zac Greeley.
Avery is sure the job will be easy. But a few midnight comedy shows and spontaneous dance parties (not to mention one particularly intimate carwash) later, Avery finds herself questioning everything she’s ever thought about love. Could Zac’s signature cherry-lime Slurpees be causing brain freeze, or is Avery actually starting to fall for him?
Will Avery be able to steal Zac away from Hannah before he steals Avery’s heart?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2011
120 people are currently reading
10457 people want to read
About the author
Shana Norris
16 books318 followersI write young adult books from a tiny town in eastern North Carolina, where I live with my husband and our zoo of animals. I am the author of SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT and TROY HIGH, both available from Abrams/Amulet Books, and THE BOYFRIEND THIEF and SURFACING, both available in ebook format for all ereaders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 569 reviews
February 17, 2012
3/3.5 stars
When I first saw this I thought it would just be something sweet, light, fun read. Just something you read to feel good and swoon and grin. Well, it did make me swoon and grin but it actually discussed more deeper issues than what I had expected.
The main character, Avery, was miserable and broken. She's a control freak and wanted everything to be planned out. Since her mother had left them 4 years ago she developed that kind of attitude, thinking that if she didn't plan everything it will all just shatter and fall away, she was so obsessed with being organize. She always have this scientific explanation in everything and gets to be so judgmental most of the time. To be honest, I find her really frustrating. She's like the character you'd want to shake really hard or banged up her head just to make her eyes open.
Around half of the book I already wanted her friends to get angry just so she could be called out of her behavior.I was aggravated on how long it took her to realize how wrong she saw things and treated other people. But well, thank goodness around three-fourths of the book everything went pretty well - the part where she started totally understanding everything and admitting to herself and others her mistakes.
I almost gave this a lower rating than 3 but the ending changed my mind. And how can I not move it up without considering how brilliant a character Zac was! Zac was a unique character. His choice of career was something I hadn't encountered in any books I've read. He's the opposite of Avery, they're like the ADHD and the OCD. Totally the opposite but they fit, they balance each other. Not just Avery's issues were tackled in this book but also Zac's. It was great how this two learned things from each other and changed what was wrong in them. And even though I'd spent most of the time getting frustrated with Avery I did still love her and Zac. They were just so cute together, especially that part in the ending!
This was a story of acceptance, forgiveness, change and living life the way we should. This was really a fast read, I finished this in just a couple of hours and I can say it was funespecially Zac, witty and really insightful. ^^
This review is also posted at Book Overdose
When I first saw this I thought it would just be something sweet, light, fun read. Just something you read to feel good and swoon and grin. Well, it did make me swoon and grin but it actually discussed more deeper issues than what I had expected.
The main character, Avery, was miserable and broken. She's a control freak and wanted everything to be planned out. Since her mother had left them 4 years ago she developed that kind of attitude, thinking that if she didn't plan everything it will all just shatter and fall away, she was so obsessed with being organize. She always have this scientific explanation in everything and gets to be so judgmental most of the time. To be honest, I find her really frustrating. She's like the character you'd want to shake really hard or banged up her head just to make her eyes open.
Around half of the book I already wanted her friends to get angry just so she could be called out of her behavior.I was aggravated on how long it took her to realize how wrong she saw things and treated other people. But well, thank goodness around three-fourths of the book everything went pretty well - the part where she started totally understanding everything and admitting to herself and others her mistakes.
I almost gave this a lower rating than 3 but the ending changed my mind. And how can I not move it up without considering how brilliant a character Zac was! Zac was a unique character. His choice of career was something I hadn't encountered in any books I've read. He's the opposite of Avery, they're like the ADHD and the OCD. Totally the opposite but they fit, they balance each other. Not just Avery's issues were tackled in this book but also Zac's. It was great how this two learned things from each other and changed what was wrong in them. And even though I'd spent most of the time getting frustrated with Avery I did still love her and Zac. They were just so cute together, especially that part in the ending!
This was a story of acceptance, forgiveness, change and living life the way we should. This was really a fast read, I finished this in just a couple of hours and I can say it was fun
This review is also posted at Book Overdose
August 22, 2011
I'm still digesting, so review to come. But wow! I read this in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down. I loved that the characters were all human, all flawed, and all had things to learn. Hands down, best YA contemporary I've read in a very, very long time.
One of the things that Avery is dealing with is the fact that her mother abandoned the family a few years back. Ever since then, Avery has made it mission to keep the family running smoothly and make everything all right. Avery is a person who thrives on order, partly because of this. As someone with a similar temperament, I found myself connecting to her very quickly. I also loved the detail that when she's upset and trying to calm herself down, she starts naming the bones in the hand. (Yes, I am a geek. :p)
Avery's need for order and inflexiblity--as well as her own insecurities--often cause as many problems for her as they solve. And yet, there's something so very human about her. She isn't perfect, but I admired her strength and passion to keep her family as normal as possible under the circumstances--especially for her younger brother. She is someone who is doing the best she can under the circumstances, and while she is dealing with some hard things, she didn't come off as a victim so much as a survivor.
Zac, the boy she's being paid to "steal" from Hannah, is Avery's polar opposite. He's a chaotic swirl of energy that goes with the flow of the moment rather than following a well-ordered list. He's spontaneous and has a great personality. And for the first time in a long time, he's a love interest that I can see why the girl ended up falling for him. He's not perfect, and his organized chaos gets in his way as much as Avery's aim for perfection, but he's not the brooding, sullen, controlling boy that so many YA novels are filled with. Honestly, he was a breath of fresh air.
I loved how Shana balanced Avery's internal struggles with the external struggle of Avery and Zac's relationship. Both characters were on the extreme end of their spectrum, and I enjoyed watching them tug each other closer to the middle--toward a healthy relationship, and a healthier outlook on life. This is the first YA book I've read in a while where the boy and girl were actually good for each other. (Besides the afore mentioned Rallison and Leavitt. I'm sure there are others, but I'm speaking in general terms here.) They made plenty of mistakes along the way, but the relationship and internal struggles were aimed toward healthy and functional rather than dysfunctional, with one of them dominating or trying to control the other.
Another thing that really impressed me, was the way Shana wove humor through the hard parts. Avery's life hasn't been easy, and there are some very poignant moments as she has to face the mirror and deal with some of the emotional baggage that came with her mother's abandonment. But, if anything, this book is filled to the brim with hope. There was a perfect balance of light and dark that made me hungry for more.
My favorite books are books that say something--that mean something. That hollow out a part of my heart and take root there. TBT is one of those books for me. I loved it, and am definitely going to be reading the rest of Shana's books while I wait (im)patiently for her next release.
Out of five stars, I give this one a ten. :D
*complimentary copy
One of the things that Avery is dealing with is the fact that her mother abandoned the family a few years back. Ever since then, Avery has made it mission to keep the family running smoothly and make everything all right. Avery is a person who thrives on order, partly because of this. As someone with a similar temperament, I found myself connecting to her very quickly. I also loved the detail that when she's upset and trying to calm herself down, she starts naming the bones in the hand. (Yes, I am a geek. :p)
Avery's need for order and inflexiblity--as well as her own insecurities--often cause as many problems for her as they solve. And yet, there's something so very human about her. She isn't perfect, but I admired her strength and passion to keep her family as normal as possible under the circumstances--especially for her younger brother. She is someone who is doing the best she can under the circumstances, and while she is dealing with some hard things, she didn't come off as a victim so much as a survivor.
Zac, the boy she's being paid to "steal" from Hannah, is Avery's polar opposite. He's a chaotic swirl of energy that goes with the flow of the moment rather than following a well-ordered list. He's spontaneous and has a great personality. And for the first time in a long time, he's a love interest that I can see why the girl ended up falling for him. He's not perfect, and his organized chaos gets in his way as much as Avery's aim for perfection, but he's not the brooding, sullen, controlling boy that so many YA novels are filled with. Honestly, he was a breath of fresh air.
I loved how Shana balanced Avery's internal struggles with the external struggle of Avery and Zac's relationship. Both characters were on the extreme end of their spectrum, and I enjoyed watching them tug each other closer to the middle--toward a healthy relationship, and a healthier outlook on life. This is the first YA book I've read in a while where the boy and girl were actually good for each other. (Besides the afore mentioned Rallison and Leavitt. I'm sure there are others, but I'm speaking in general terms here.) They made plenty of mistakes along the way, but the relationship and internal struggles were aimed toward healthy and functional rather than dysfunctional, with one of them dominating or trying to control the other.
Another thing that really impressed me, was the way Shana wove humor through the hard parts. Avery's life hasn't been easy, and there are some very poignant moments as she has to face the mirror and deal with some of the emotional baggage that came with her mother's abandonment. But, if anything, this book is filled to the brim with hope. There was a perfect balance of light and dark that made me hungry for more.
My favorite books are books that say something--that mean something. That hollow out a part of my heart and take root there. TBT is one of those books for me. I loved it, and am definitely going to be reading the rest of Shana's books while I wait (im)patiently for her next release.
Out of five stars, I give this one a ten. :D
*complimentary copy
September 19, 2011
I have this bad habit of reading books not in my currently-reading shelf. I’m quite stubborn that way. Anyways, I didn’t regret it because I ended up liking this book. It’s super cute. And in the spirit of gushing like a weird fangirl, IT IS SUPER CUTE! I really recommend it.
Avery is a very organized person and when she was paired in a project with the most hyper, easily distracted, with tons of ideas roaming inside of his head guy Zac (in short, her exact opposite)… things started to get interesting. They’re going to be business partner and they choose match making as their business. Sounds fun, right? And who knows it may lead to something else… if you know what I mean. The deal though was Zac is already attached—to her worst rival. But she didn’t expect when she approached her and asked to steal her boyfriend. Yes, she wanted her boyfriend to dump her! Sounds crazy, yes? If that didn’t get your attention, interest or whatever—seriously, where’s the fun in you?
No worries, it’s not all fun. In fact, I like the middle part where despite her great organizational skills she screwed up big time. And as you get to know more about Avery, you’ll know why she wanted things in control, predictable.
Zed is hard person to categorize. He isn’t this popular jock, or the boy next door. He’s different to all the clichés. He's got a great personality (he’s actually oozing of personalities and I liked all of them). He’s probably, if not, the most refreshing character I have the pleasure of reading. So I can’t blame Avery when she falls for him.
It is a nice book. I have fun, (I know I’m already sounding like a broken record). But it is!
So if you want a fun, nice, romantic with a little kick chick-lit, then how about trying this one out!
ETA: Loved this - “Don’t steal
anymore hearts,” he told me. “You’ve already got mine.”
Avery is a very organized person and when she was paired in a project with the most hyper, easily distracted, with tons of ideas roaming inside of his head guy Zac (in short, her exact opposite)… things started to get interesting. They’re going to be business partner and they choose match making as their business. Sounds fun, right? And who knows it may lead to something else… if you know what I mean. The deal though was Zac is already attached—to her worst rival. But she didn’t expect when she approached her and asked to steal her boyfriend. Yes, she wanted her boyfriend to dump her! Sounds crazy, yes? If that didn’t get your attention, interest or whatever—seriously, where’s the fun in you?
No worries, it’s not all fun. In fact, I like the middle part where despite her great organizational skills she screwed up big time. And as you get to know more about Avery, you’ll know why she wanted things in control, predictable.
Zed is hard person to categorize. He isn’t this popular jock, or the boy next door. He’s different to all the clichés. He's got a great personality (he’s actually oozing of personalities and I liked all of them). He’s probably, if not, the most refreshing character I have the pleasure of reading. So I can’t blame Avery when she falls for him.
It is a nice book. I have fun, (I know I’m already sounding like a broken record). But it is!
So if you want a fun, nice, romantic with a little kick chick-lit, then how about trying this one out!
ETA: Loved this - “Don’t steal
anymore hearts,” he told me. “You’ve already got mine.”
February 26, 2014
Un libro guilty pleasure. Pero cuando uno desea una bonita historia, para apartarse de los mundos distópicos, dramáticos, paranormales, esta es una gran opción.
Avery es una protagonista totalmente insoportable, pero lo peor, es que existen personas así. No, lo peor es que, en varias ocasiones me identifiqué con ella. Caemos en el error siempre de ver los defectos en los demás, queriendo acomodar sus vidas y meternos en ella y nunca vemos nuestros propios insoportables defectos. Hay personas que le dan baja calificación a este libro por Avery, pero existen... realmente existen estas personas.
La historia no es muy profunda pero si bien desarrollada.
El prota me encantó porque no era el chico perfecto-rico-caballeroso-de perfectos-musculos-arrolladora-personalidad. Este libro no trata de describir lo perfecto que son sus personajes, todo lo contrario. Simplemente Zac es "distinto". Me recordó mucho al personaje de Tom Ssturridge en Waiting For Forever. :)
The Boyfriend Thief es una bonita, refrescante historia de amistad, vida y amor que seguramente no te decepcionará si buscas un libro de este tipo. Lo veo fácilmente convirtiendose en una película totalmente aleccionadora donde te enseña que la vida no se trata de cumplir con los estatus de una sociedad, de lo que dicen tus padres, tu novio, tu profesor, del ser el más sobresaliente de la clase. Nos aferramos a cosas y sueños por puros canones prediseñados. La vida solo se trata de seguir el día a día forjando lo que quieras de ella. Y el final: ¡De 10! Te felicito Avery!
"A veces es bueno dejar que las cosas sucedan" - Zac
Avery es una protagonista totalmente insoportable, pero lo peor, es que existen personas así. No, lo peor es que, en varias ocasiones me identifiqué con ella. Caemos en el error siempre de ver los defectos en los demás, queriendo acomodar sus vidas y meternos en ella y nunca vemos nuestros propios insoportables defectos. Hay personas que le dan baja calificación a este libro por Avery, pero existen... realmente existen estas personas.
La historia no es muy profunda pero si bien desarrollada.
El prota me encantó porque no era el chico perfecto-rico-caballeroso-de perfectos-musculos-arrolladora-personalidad. Este libro no trata de describir lo perfecto que son sus personajes, todo lo contrario. Simplemente Zac es "distinto". Me recordó mucho al personaje de Tom Ssturridge en Waiting For Forever. :)
The Boyfriend Thief es una bonita, refrescante historia de amistad, vida y amor que seguramente no te decepcionará si buscas un libro de este tipo. Lo veo fácilmente convirtiendose en una película totalmente aleccionadora donde te enseña que la vida no se trata de cumplir con los estatus de una sociedad, de lo que dicen tus padres, tu novio, tu profesor, del ser el más sobresaliente de la clase. Nos aferramos a cosas y sueños por puros canones prediseñados. La vida solo se trata de seguir el día a día forjando lo que quieras de ella. Y el final: ¡De 10! Te felicito Avery!
"A veces es bueno dejar que las cosas sucedan" - Zac
July 21, 2011
Another complete surprise! I’m not sure what I expected…a cute, quick read with boys (haha)….it was all that and a warm, smart story about family loyalty and responsibility, friendship, forgiveness, and trying to open up and take chances again after getting your heart crushed.
Avery and Zac were so much fun to follow around and root for! Avery being the super everything has its place supposed “ice queen” and Zac—well he was just this grinning, bouncy ball of goodness and energy! Both of them made me smile and laugh out loud!
“For the love of argyle socks, use the freaking file cabinet!”
A wonderful book I will recommend and blame for contributing to my ever growing slushie obsession! :)
Avery and Zac were so much fun to follow around and root for! Avery being the super everything has its place supposed “ice queen” and Zac—well he was just this grinning, bouncy ball of goodness and energy! Both of them made me smile and laugh out loud!
“For the love of argyle socks, use the freaking file cabinet!”
A wonderful book I will recommend and blame for contributing to my ever growing slushie obsession! :)
February 21, 2012
Sixteen-year Avery James is sort of a control freak. Heck, she labels the fridge shelves, and goes postal if someone doesn't put something back in the right place. She has her reasons, because even now she suffers the consequences of loss of control. First she had no control over her mother leaving four years ago. Second, she made a stupid mistake with her two best friends, Hannah and Elliott, and lost them. Avery is not about to lose control again. She has plans to be a doctor, and factoring highly in those plans is a humanitarian program in Costa Rica. Avery must come up with the money on her own being that family expenses are tight. She's focused on highly on getting good grades, and being valedictorian so she can qualify for a scholarship to med school. Everything else takes a backseat.
This whole plan sort of falls apart when Hannah makes Avery an offer she can't refuse. Steal Hannah's boyfriend, Zac, away, and she'll pay her $500. This would pretty much guarantee that Avery would have the funds to go to Costa Rica.
I have to say that Avery's character at first was a little frustrating to me, but you can't help but feel sorry for her. She so focused on her goals she loses sight of what's important in life, like being happy, having friends, and letting go every once in a while. Zac ends up changing Avery's view on things, though. Zac is just such a ball of energy, full of life, and passion. Things in his life aren't in order, they're messy. He's the kind of guy that bops and dances around with no inhibitions. After spending time with Zac, Avery can't help but fall for him, and finally this girl starts to thaw a little!
All and all, this was a fast, and fun read with some really cute moments. This has been on my Kindle for ages and I'm glad I finally read it.
This whole plan sort of falls apart when Hannah makes Avery an offer she can't refuse. Steal Hannah's boyfriend, Zac, away, and she'll pay her $500. This would pretty much guarantee that Avery would have the funds to go to Costa Rica.
I have to say that Avery's character at first was a little frustrating to me, but you can't help but feel sorry for her. She so focused on her goals she loses sight of what's important in life, like being happy, having friends, and letting go every once in a while. Zac ends up changing Avery's view on things, though. Zac is just such a ball of energy, full of life, and passion. Things in his life aren't in order, they're messy. He's the kind of guy that bops and dances around with no inhibitions. After spending time with Zac, Avery can't help but fall for him, and finally this girl starts to thaw a little!
All and all, this was a fast, and fun read with some really cute moments. This has been on my Kindle for ages and I'm glad I finally read it.
January 27, 2012
Would you do anything just to get something?
Would you go as far as stealing someone’s boyfriend just to get what you want?
Avery James was smart.
She was hardworking and protective of her family.
She was the president of the math club.
She was on the list of being valedictorian.
Avery was an achiever.
She was ambitious.
She wants to go to Costa Rica for the summer to volunteer for a medical mission.
She was a little short on money though despite the fact that she worked her butt off (sometimes literally shaking her butt in a hotdog bun suit) just for her to get there.
But still she was a little short on money and her Dad did not have the extra money to pay for the difference.
Her rival, Hannah, who was also on the running for being valedictorian made a proposal.
She wanted Avery to steal her boyfriend and in return she’ll give her $500.
Opportunity only knocks once so Avery accepted the offer.
As she spent more time with Zac her feelings were starting to change.
Has Zac changed melted her hardened heart?
What would Zac do if he finds out Avery and Hannah’s deal?
Okay! :D
Here’s the review.
This book was one of those books that you could read in one sitting.
It was fast, light and fun.
Let me talk about Avery first.
Avery showed me how optimistic I was.
Avery was a little uptight.
Okay a little is an understatement.
She was really really upight.
She though science has an answer to everything.
Ever since her mother left she felt that she had to take over.
She became a little OC because of it.
She pushed people away.
I am not a very optimistic person but compared to her I feel like I’m a ray of sunshine.
How she lived her life was a little too depressing for me.
She buried herself in studying to compensate for the hurt that she felt when her mom left.
I didn’t like her as a character but I couldn’t blame her for being who she was.
It was understandable but not acceptable.
She was too bitter.
Then there’s Zac, the crazy, outgoing and carefree Zac.
I liked him a lot.
He was very fun to read.
I liked how he had these crazy ideas that might actually work if people took him seriously more.
Zac was the exact opposite of Avery which was why this book was awesome.
What I liked about this book was that it didn’t only dwell on Avery’s struggles but also with Zac’s.
The supporting characters like Elliot, Molly, Hannah, Ian (Avery’s brother) and Avery’s Dad all had their share of issues and all were dealt with in the story well.
Zac and Avery’s chemistry was good.
The girl with OCD and the boy with ADHD, perfect match right?!
Hahahaha.
I liked the book but not totally crazy about it.
I would recommend it to people who want to have a quick and fun read.
I give this a 3.5! :D
Would you go as far as stealing someone’s boyfriend just to get what you want?
Avery James was smart.
She was hardworking and protective of her family.
She was the president of the math club.
She was on the list of being valedictorian.
Avery was an achiever.
She was ambitious.
She wants to go to Costa Rica for the summer to volunteer for a medical mission.
She was a little short on money though despite the fact that she worked her butt off (sometimes literally shaking her butt in a hotdog bun suit) just for her to get there.
But still she was a little short on money and her Dad did not have the extra money to pay for the difference.
Her rival, Hannah, who was also on the running for being valedictorian made a proposal.
She wanted Avery to steal her boyfriend and in return she’ll give her $500.
Opportunity only knocks once so Avery accepted the offer.
As she spent more time with Zac her feelings were starting to change.
Has Zac changed melted her hardened heart?
What would Zac do if he finds out Avery and Hannah’s deal?
Okay! :D
Here’s the review.
This book was one of those books that you could read in one sitting.
It was fast, light and fun.
Let me talk about Avery first.
Avery showed me how optimistic I was.
Avery was a little uptight.
Okay a little is an understatement.
She was really really upight.
She though science has an answer to everything.
Ever since her mother left she felt that she had to take over.
She became a little OC because of it.
She pushed people away.
I am not a very optimistic person but compared to her I feel like I’m a ray of sunshine.
How she lived her life was a little too depressing for me.
She buried herself in studying to compensate for the hurt that she felt when her mom left.
I didn’t like her as a character but I couldn’t blame her for being who she was.
It was understandable but not acceptable.
She was too bitter.
Then there’s Zac, the crazy, outgoing and carefree Zac.
I liked him a lot.
He was very fun to read.
I liked how he had these crazy ideas that might actually work if people took him seriously more.
Zac was the exact opposite of Avery which was why this book was awesome.
What I liked about this book was that it didn’t only dwell on Avery’s struggles but also with Zac’s.
The supporting characters like Elliot, Molly, Hannah, Ian (Avery’s brother) and Avery’s Dad all had their share of issues and all were dealt with in the story well.
Zac and Avery’s chemistry was good.
The girl with OCD and the boy with ADHD, perfect match right?!
Hahahaha.
I liked the book but not totally crazy about it.
I would recommend it to people who want to have a quick and fun read.
I give this a 3.5! :D
July 24, 2017
So, I had a lot of issues with this one in the beginning, almost to the point where I DNF. Meet Avery James. Avery only wants one thing in life and that's to raise enough money to go to Costa Rica for the summer in some sort of high school humanitarian trip. Problem is, Avery's family doesn't have any money. Her father is a single parent after her mother ran out, and he's struggling to support Avery and her little brother. This leaves Avery stuck working at a hot dog food place for every penny. Then the offer comes along: steal her ex-best friends boyfriend for $500. The request comes from the ex-best friend herself and Avery accepts.
I mean, already right there in the plot, there's issues. Especially since Avery is so high and mighty about everything else (including accusing her best friends crush of cheating on her friend). See the problem? She's basically trying to get a boy to fall for her and then break up with his girlfriend. Talk about a hypocrite. But therein lies my biggest problem with the book itself: Avery. She was an extremely dislikeable character. She was rude, arrogant, selfish, and a brat.
Case in point, her father starts dating someone and brings the woman home to meet his children. Avery immediately starts to complain that her father doesn't need to bring a woman home, because her and her brother do not need a mother. Avery has been filling that role just fine (in her mind). It never once crossed her mind that her father may just actually want companionship.
I honestly don't know how she has friends or how even she gets Zac to fall for her. Because there's literally NOTHING likeable about her.
So why three stars? I was originally going for 2 but I found that I enjoyed the side characters. Her little brother was adorable, Zac was funny, her best friend was cool - basically everyone else but Avery. I will say, there was a very real moment toward the end where Avery has a breakdown of sorts and it was good to finally see her as a real teenager. But it wasn't enough to redeem her completely. And if I'm being totally honest, I did not see the chemistry between Avery and Zac at all.
I mean, already right there in the plot, there's issues. Especially since Avery is so high and mighty about everything else (including accusing her best friends crush of cheating on her friend). See the problem? She's basically trying to get a boy to fall for her and then break up with his girlfriend. Talk about a hypocrite. But therein lies my biggest problem with the book itself: Avery. She was an extremely dislikeable character. She was rude, arrogant, selfish, and a brat.
Case in point, her father starts dating someone and brings the woman home to meet his children. Avery immediately starts to complain that her father doesn't need to bring a woman home, because her and her brother do not need a mother. Avery has been filling that role just fine (in her mind). It never once crossed her mind that her father may just actually want companionship.
I honestly don't know how she has friends or how even she gets Zac to fall for her. Because there's literally NOTHING likeable about her.
So why three stars? I was originally going for 2 but I found that I enjoyed the side characters. Her little brother was adorable, Zac was funny, her best friend was cool - basically everyone else but Avery. I will say, there was a very real moment toward the end where Avery has a breakdown of sorts and it was good to finally see her as a real teenager. But it wasn't enough to redeem her completely. And if I'm being totally honest, I did not see the chemistry between Avery and Zac at all.
October 21, 2012
I did like this, though I kept feeling it was approaching being much stronger and deeper and then veering off again. The underlying premise wasn't believable at all, but that wasn't that big a problem, except that Hannah was actually a more important character than the ultra-bitchy queen bee role she played. Elliott also turned out to be a bit over-the-top-ly perfect, rather than just the good guy he clearly was. I think what frustrated me was the sliding in and out of over-simplification of the very real problems Avery had, and her reactions to them. Part of the problem, I realised afterwards, is that her mother, who abandoned them when Avery was younger - maybe to go off and live adventurously in Costa Rica - seemed to be at some times merely a selfish person who couldn't stick with her responsibilities, and at others, to be depicted as someone suffering from a severe clinical depression. Not, of course, that it's impossible to be depressed and selfish, far from it. And not that we as readers necessarily will know, when many people live with desertions of many types without knowing what was going on for the person who deserted them. But I felt that it would change how I we were "supposed" to respond to Avery's father quite a lot if the mother's apparent inability to get out of bed for long stretches had only been dealt with as "wife's selfish - now to read the self-help books to be okay with myself!" (Yup, I *do* claim the right to be judgmental about this one, having a shiny big "done that" tee-shirt. :P )
February 11, 2016
Surprise, surprise! This quick and easy read topped my expectations. I was expecting something fluffy and light and forgettable; something following the typical YA romance formula.
OK, it does follow the typical YA romance formula and it is somewhat fluffy and light, but surprisingly it was also really good. No insta-love and no love triangle (because that is what I expect from a typical YA romance) and the dialogue was clever and spot-on. I wouldn’t go as far as saying these characters are complex or have depth, but they have shortcomings, are believable, and have normal reactions to the consequences of the mistakes they make.
None of the characters really stood out for me, but each one possessed a quality or a trait that I liked about them. Usually, in many of these types of stories I find the angry teenage protagonist overbearing and annoying, but I didn’t feel this way with Avery. I was invested in the slow-burning romance between Avery and Zac, and I also liked how close Avery was with her father and brother.
Overall, this very much reminded me of a Kasie West novel. I’m happy I gave this book a chance despite my rather low expectations (the gorgeous cover was the deciding factor), and I’d love to read more books by Shana Norris.
OK, it does follow the typical YA romance formula and it is somewhat fluffy and light, but surprisingly it was also really good. No insta-love and no love triangle (because that is what I expect from a typical YA romance) and the dialogue was clever and spot-on. I wouldn’t go as far as saying these characters are complex or have depth, but they have shortcomings, are believable, and have normal reactions to the consequences of the mistakes they make.
None of the characters really stood out for me, but each one possessed a quality or a trait that I liked about them. Usually, in many of these types of stories I find the angry teenage protagonist overbearing and annoying, but I didn’t feel this way with Avery. I was invested in the slow-burning romance between Avery and Zac, and I also liked how close Avery was with her father and brother.
Overall, this very much reminded me of a Kasie West novel. I’m happy I gave this book a chance despite my rather low expectations (the gorgeous cover was the deciding factor), and I’d love to read more books by Shana Norris.
April 29, 2015
This was one of the first ebooks I bought many years ago and finally read it! It was really cute as I expected. A little unrealistic but I make exceptions if they have an out there plotline since it is one I just happen to love for some reason. When someone else hires you to get with someone. I really wonder if it has ever happened in real life!?!?! LOL But it always makes an entertaining plot. Avery James is a perfectly organized straight A student on her way to being a doctor. She wants to take a trip to Costa Rica for a medical volunteer program but is short on money. When her arch nemesis Helen Cohen offers her $500 to steal her boyfriend Avery says why not? Okay she isn't talked into that easily but she goes along with it. Avery is partnered up with Zac for a school project so it's the perfect time to spend time together. But of course during this time Avery falls for Zac.
October 24, 2015
No ha sido una historia perfecta, en mi opinión faltaban un par de páginas mas para darle el final que se merece y no hacer que todo sea tan precipitado, pero aún así me ha gustado, nunca viene mal una lectura ligera y esta, en ese sentido, ha sido la elección perfecta.
Me gustaría poder leer el libro de Hannah, porque está claro que tiene mucho que ofrecernos.
Avery y Zac son geniales. Especialmente Zac, estará como una cabra pero es adorable y no se merece lo que le sucede.
Me gustaría poder leer el libro de Hannah, porque está claro que tiene mucho que ofrecernos.
Avery y Zac son geniales. Especialmente Zac, estará como una cabra pero es adorable y no se merece lo que le sucede.
March 7, 2018
*Gag *eye roll *gag *eye roll
So basically this is what I kept on doing throughout this book. The main character, Avery was just too much for me. I dont even know how to describe her. It's not like I hate her or anything, but I kind of don't like her. She's a nut case. And the way this book was written was just so whiny, Avery is whiny, some aspects are whiny and just so "ugh" material. But I did like Zac, the male main character, in a way. Because from all the characters in the book he was the only one who didn't come out as whiny as the others. This was a light read though, so you could just easily skim this especially when you're in a reading slump, but do get ready for the all the whining. I don't know how many times I've already mentioned that word in this review but I just found that word to be the best adjective to describe this book. Although, I did like the ending and I do admit, that I felt the teenage romance between Zac and Avery in there, in the last part. And that was a plus I guess. This book wasn't all that bad, I just didn't appreciate it that much.
So basically this is what I kept on doing throughout this book. The main character, Avery was just too much for me. I dont even know how to describe her. It's not like I hate her or anything, but I kind of don't like her. She's a nut case. And the way this book was written was just so whiny, Avery is whiny, some aspects are whiny and just so "ugh" material. But I did like Zac, the male main character, in a way. Because from all the characters in the book he was the only one who didn't come out as whiny as the others. This was a light read though, so you could just easily skim this especially when you're in a reading slump, but do get ready for the all the whining. I don't know how many times I've already mentioned that word in this review but I just found that word to be the best adjective to describe this book. Although, I did like the ending and I do admit, that I felt the teenage romance between Zac and Avery in there, in the last part. And that was a plus I guess. This book wasn't all that bad, I just didn't appreciate it that much.
December 17, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
Estuvo bien, pero siempre me falta más 😫
Estuvo bien, pero siempre me falta más 😫
August 1, 2012
Original post at One More Page
Avery has her eyes set on her life plan: she plans to attend a summer program in Costa Rica, graduate the top of her class during senior year and then head for medical school. She wasn't going to let anything get in her way...except her dreams hang on a very critical issue: she needed more money to get into the program in Costa Rica. Then her biggest rival for the valedictorian position and ex-best friend Hannah gives her an offer: she will pay Avery five hundred dollars if she can make Zac Greeley break up with Hannah. Avery accepts the offer, only to be surprised that Zac is nothing like she expected.
I read The Boyfriend Thief by Shana Norris expecting that there would be two girls trying to steal a guy, or at least a girl falling for a guy who has a girlfriend and the girl trying to steal him. You know, the kind you watch on TV shows that make you curse whoever you don't like and wish for the guy to end up with the girl you most identified with? Well, it wasn't at all like that, and I know I should have read the summary more so I wouldn't bethat surprised.
But it's not a bad surprise anyway. The Boyfriend Thief is a fun, independently published contemporary YA novel about a girl who likes being in control. Avery is a girl who needs to have everything in control, but not really without good reason. When Avery's mom left them, she took control of their household, thinking that if she has everything under her control, then no one would leave anymore. I used to be/still am a control freak so I know how that feels, but I also know how hard it is when things do not go the way I want to. In a way I sympathized with Avery with this, and I was really worried at what could happen with the fallout.
Here's the thing, though -- as much as I can relate to Avery, I don't think I really like her. I don't think I would be good friends with her because she can beso uptight! I'd like to believe that I'm not like that anymore (dear friends, I'm not, right? :D) and I figure that if I met Avery, I wouldn't really want to be friends with her. :-s That doesn't mean that she's a bad character though -- I think this reaction is kind of a testament that she was well-written that I get this reaction. On the upside, her growth in the book felt real, and I found myself cheering for her when she finally loosens up.
The other characters that needs to be noted are Zac and Hannah. Zac seemed like such a darling. I liked him and his craziness, even if his spontaneity would probably drive me nuts, too. I liked his intensity and his chemistry with Avery. I wished there was more to Hannah, though, like a bit more dimension in her character? She was mean and calculating, but I wished there was some kind of redemption for her in the end, instead of being a "scorned woman" character.
Overall, I liked The Boyfriend Thief enough. It was a fun read (although not so quick, because I think I was reading Fellowship of the Ring while I was also reading this), and it's also quite well written. I learned several things in this -- not about stealing boyfriends, but how sometimes, we just have to let go of control and let life happen because sometimes it just works better that way. :)
Avery has her eyes set on her life plan: she plans to attend a summer program in Costa Rica, graduate the top of her class during senior year and then head for medical school. She wasn't going to let anything get in her way...except her dreams hang on a very critical issue: she needed more money to get into the program in Costa Rica. Then her biggest rival for the valedictorian position and ex-best friend Hannah gives her an offer: she will pay Avery five hundred dollars if she can make Zac Greeley break up with Hannah. Avery accepts the offer, only to be surprised that Zac is nothing like she expected.
I read The Boyfriend Thief by Shana Norris expecting that there would be two girls trying to steal a guy, or at least a girl falling for a guy who has a girlfriend and the girl trying to steal him. You know, the kind you watch on TV shows that make you curse whoever you don't like and wish for the guy to end up with the girl you most identified with? Well, it wasn't at all like that, and I know I should have read the summary more so I wouldn't bethat surprised.
But it's not a bad surprise anyway. The Boyfriend Thief is a fun, independently published contemporary YA novel about a girl who likes being in control. Avery is a girl who needs to have everything in control, but not really without good reason. When Avery's mom left them, she took control of their household, thinking that if she has everything under her control, then no one would leave anymore. I used to be/still am a control freak so I know how that feels, but I also know how hard it is when things do not go the way I want to. In a way I sympathized with Avery with this, and I was really worried at what could happen with the fallout.
Here's the thing, though -- as much as I can relate to Avery, I don't think I really like her. I don't think I would be good friends with her because she can beso uptight! I'd like to believe that I'm not like that anymore (dear friends, I'm not, right? :D) and I figure that if I met Avery, I wouldn't really want to be friends with her. :-s That doesn't mean that she's a bad character though -- I think this reaction is kind of a testament that she was well-written that I get this reaction. On the upside, her growth in the book felt real, and I found myself cheering for her when she finally loosens up.
The other characters that needs to be noted are Zac and Hannah. Zac seemed like such a darling. I liked him and his craziness, even if his spontaneity would probably drive me nuts, too. I liked his intensity and his chemistry with Avery. I wished there was more to Hannah, though, like a bit more dimension in her character? She was mean and calculating, but I wished there was some kind of redemption for her in the end, instead of being a "scorned woman" character.
Overall, I liked The Boyfriend Thief enough. It was a fun read (although not so quick, because I think I was reading Fellowship of the Ring while I was also reading this), and it's also quite well written. I learned several things in this -- not about stealing boyfriends, but how sometimes, we just have to let go of control and let life happen because sometimes it just works better that way. :)
August 4, 2011
Ever since reading Shana Norris' Troy High, which was hilarious as well as very sweet, I've been eagerly awaiting her next book, so when I heard about The Boyfriend Thief, her newest YA, I knew I had to read it as soon as possible, if not sooner. Thankfully, The Boyfriend Thief was exactly what I was hoping it would be and more- romantic, witty, and utterly delightful!
If Avery James had one wish for the summer lying ahead of her, it would probably go towards her dream destination: an expensive humanitarian program in Costa Rica, which would allow her to not only help the underprivileged but also provide the extra edge to her college applications. As luck may just have it, Avery actually may be able to go, thanks to all the extra hours she puts in at her part time job as well as the sacrifices she has made. However, there is one slight problem: Avery is short a few hundred dollars. Just when Avery is afraid she may lose her chance, Hannah Cohen, her school’s ice queen, makes an unexpected yet tempting offer: Hannah will give Avery the money she needs, but only if Avery wins Zac, Hannah’s boyfriend, over and in the process inspires him to break up with Hannah. Avery jumps at the offer, knowing that this is her last chance to get what she wants, but what Avery is not expecting to do is becoming attached, or more accurately falling for Zac. Will Avery be able to snap out of it and get the money before it is too late, or will Avery let her heart take over and hurt more than one person before this charade is complete? Only time and more pages can tell in this quick and fun read sure to reel in any contemporary or YA fan!
The Boyfriend Thief contained several fantastic aspects and one of them was the characters of course. While Avery may have appeared to be a bit headstrong and nasty at first, as the novel progressed and Avery’s backstory was revealed, it was easy to see just how sweet this girl was deep down, which made me like and root for even more! What I liked best about her character, however, was how she never really took no for an answer. Constantly she aimed for the stars in a way she hoped would help her as well as her friends and family even when it meant putting in a few extra hours of work in, or saying no to a tempting chance… basically she was realistic and lots of fun to read about it.
As you probably can garner, The Boyfriend Thief mainly revolves around Avery’s attempt at a friendship and something more with Zac, and while I am generally opposed to cheating of any kind (however this was not really cheating I suppose), it was a fun part of the novel. Relaxed and just all around great guy, Zach was very lovable as a character for not only his zany antics but also his ability to bring Avery out of the shell she had cocooned herself in. Because of this all, I was continuously rooting for them as a couple, even when the going got a bit disastrous.
The Boyfriend Thief addressed family and friend drama, which I also felt was well done. Avery’s relationship with her father and brother appeared realistic, while her friendship with her best friend provided lots of laugh and heart as well.
Amusing as well as heartwarming, The Boyfriend Thief is sure to enchant readers every step of the way. Best of all, The Boyfriend Thief is now available in eBook format for the low price of $2.99, and let me tell you, it’s worth every single penny!
Grade: A-
If Avery James had one wish for the summer lying ahead of her, it would probably go towards her dream destination: an expensive humanitarian program in Costa Rica, which would allow her to not only help the underprivileged but also provide the extra edge to her college applications. As luck may just have it, Avery actually may be able to go, thanks to all the extra hours she puts in at her part time job as well as the sacrifices she has made. However, there is one slight problem: Avery is short a few hundred dollars. Just when Avery is afraid she may lose her chance, Hannah Cohen, her school’s ice queen, makes an unexpected yet tempting offer: Hannah will give Avery the money she needs, but only if Avery wins Zac, Hannah’s boyfriend, over and in the process inspires him to break up with Hannah. Avery jumps at the offer, knowing that this is her last chance to get what she wants, but what Avery is not expecting to do is becoming attached, or more accurately falling for Zac. Will Avery be able to snap out of it and get the money before it is too late, or will Avery let her heart take over and hurt more than one person before this charade is complete? Only time and more pages can tell in this quick and fun read sure to reel in any contemporary or YA fan!
The Boyfriend Thief contained several fantastic aspects and one of them was the characters of course. While Avery may have appeared to be a bit headstrong and nasty at first, as the novel progressed and Avery’s backstory was revealed, it was easy to see just how sweet this girl was deep down, which made me like and root for even more! What I liked best about her character, however, was how she never really took no for an answer. Constantly she aimed for the stars in a way she hoped would help her as well as her friends and family even when it meant putting in a few extra hours of work in, or saying no to a tempting chance… basically she was realistic and lots of fun to read about it.
As you probably can garner, The Boyfriend Thief mainly revolves around Avery’s attempt at a friendship and something more with Zac, and while I am generally opposed to cheating of any kind (however this was not really cheating I suppose), it was a fun part of the novel. Relaxed and just all around great guy, Zach was very lovable as a character for not only his zany antics but also his ability to bring Avery out of the shell she had cocooned herself in. Because of this all, I was continuously rooting for them as a couple, even when the going got a bit disastrous.
The Boyfriend Thief addressed family and friend drama, which I also felt was well done. Avery’s relationship with her father and brother appeared realistic, while her friendship with her best friend provided lots of laugh and heart as well.
Amusing as well as heartwarming, The Boyfriend Thief is sure to enchant readers every step of the way. Best of all, The Boyfriend Thief is now available in eBook format for the low price of $2.99, and let me tell you, it’s worth every single penny!
Grade: A-
May 13, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
Boyfriend thievery isn't a topic I would usually be interested in, but I'll admit that my curiosity was piqued by the premise of The Boyfriend Thief, especially because Avery doesn't sound like the type of character to commit such an atrocious act. And once it was revealed who exactly wanted to pay her to do the stealing, I was on board.
Avery is the kind of protagonist that's going to grate on a lot of people's nerves. She did mine...at least, she did at first. But the more I got to know of her character, the more I realized that my teenage self had a lot in common with her. Avery is very goal-oriented, very ambitious, and very competitive. She's vying for Valedictorian and is currently tied with her ex-best friend for the top spot. I found myself in this very same predicament my senior year of high school. It was our competitive natures that drove the wedge in our friendship, but for Avery and her best friend, it was something far less altruistic: a boy.
Avery's mother left her family in a lurch after battling depression for many years, and Avery's never really recovered. She sabotages practically every relationship she's ever had, romantic and otherwise, and she's still doing it to this day. Avery doesn't believe in love except in a purely scientific manner, so when the opportunity to make the money she needs for her trip presents itself, she truly thinks she can keep it all business. But she never expected Zac to get under her skin the way he did.
The romance was cute, but I found it a tad predictable, especially since you can pretty much assume that Avery will mess things up at every turn, usually by jumping to conclusions or misunderstanding things and not waiting for the full explanation. It's comical at first but it becomes annoying after awhile. But there again, when I think back to my relationships in high school, I didn't always have the best judgment either, nor did I have much patience. However, I did like how Zac and Avery used each other as sounding boards and how they forced each other to face their problems instead of avoiding or running from them as they had before.
The Boyfriend Thief was a very quick read, and I think it's the perfect jaunty little book for a day at the beach. I recommend it to friends who are looking for a fun contemporary on the lighter side of YA because there's not a lot of depth here; it explores some deeper issues while remaining cute and fluffy. You won't walk away with all of life's questions answered, but you'll have fun anyway. ;0)
GIF it to me straight:
This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.
Boyfriend thievery isn't a topic I would usually be interested in, but I'll admit that my curiosity was piqued by the premise of The Boyfriend Thief, especially because Avery doesn't sound like the type of character to commit such an atrocious act. And once it was revealed who exactly wanted to pay her to do the stealing, I was on board.
Avery is the kind of protagonist that's going to grate on a lot of people's nerves. She did mine...at least, she did at first. But the more I got to know of her character, the more I realized that my teenage self had a lot in common with her. Avery is very goal-oriented, very ambitious, and very competitive. She's vying for Valedictorian and is currently tied with her ex-best friend for the top spot. I found myself in this very same predicament my senior year of high school. It was our competitive natures that drove the wedge in our friendship, but for Avery and her best friend, it was something far less altruistic: a boy.
Avery's mother left her family in a lurch after battling depression for many years, and Avery's never really recovered. She sabotages practically every relationship she's ever had, romantic and otherwise, and she's still doing it to this day. Avery doesn't believe in love except in a purely scientific manner, so when the opportunity to make the money she needs for her trip presents itself, she truly thinks she can keep it all business. But she never expected Zac to get under her skin the way he did.
The romance was cute, but I found it a tad predictable, especially since you can pretty much assume that Avery will mess things up at every turn, usually by jumping to conclusions or misunderstanding things and not waiting for the full explanation. It's comical at first but it becomes annoying after awhile. But there again, when I think back to my relationships in high school, I didn't always have the best judgment either, nor did I have much patience. However, I did like how Zac and Avery used each other as sounding boards and how they forced each other to face their problems instead of avoiding or running from them as they had before.
The Boyfriend Thief was a very quick read, and I think it's the perfect jaunty little book for a day at the beach. I recommend it to friends who are looking for a fun contemporary on the lighter side of YA because there's not a lot of depth here; it explores some deeper issues while remaining cute and fluffy. You won't walk away with all of life's questions answered, but you'll have fun anyway. ;0)
GIF it to me straight:
February 14, 2015
More reviews at The Bookish Thought
When I see the title, I kinda hope that this is one of those book that have cute romance, interesting plot, and lovable character. Unfortunately, I only got cute romance. The plot is actually interesting, but its predictable. We all know that this book will end well. And the characters, well, lets just say that Avery James didn't make it to my favorite characters list.
I dislike Avery at first. She's a neat freak, and she'd do anything to make everything perfect, under control, and organized, even if that mean she has to hurt other people. I hate how she treated her father, her brother, Zac Greeley, and sometimes even her best friend Molly. She treated them like they're her servants, therefore they have to do it like she said. I also hate that she accept Hannah's offer to 'steal' Zac's heart for a money! For someone that claimed to be so smart, she's stupid for accepting that. I actually understood why she acted like this, but still, I couldn't help but dislike it. Despite that flaws, I admire how she realized her mistake and be a better person in the end.
While I dislike Avery, I love Zac the moment we were introduced to him. He's funny, hilarious, reckless and a lovable character. Basically, he's kind of person everyone would describe as class clown--funny but lazy or stupid. But, he's not stupid or lazy at all. He's actually very smart in his own ways, with his wit and charm. Though, behind those humorous facade, the saying 'the saddest people smile the brightest' could apply here. Zac has a problem with his family, especially with his dad. Fortunately, Avery actually help him. This is why I love the romance--not just because its cute but because they help each other.
Like I said, one thing that I love in this book isZac the romance. Avery and Zac both have a flaws, but they help each other to cope with it. I love it when romance is not just 'I like you and I like you too', but when they actually have something to be with each other. Beside the romance, I enjoy the plot too, though I can't say that I love it since its predictable. I definitely enjoy Zac's funny comments and behaviors, and even Avery's new personality at the end of the book.
Overall, if you're looking for a light, fun, and adorable book, you can read this one!
When I see the title, I kinda hope that this is one of those book that have cute romance, interesting plot, and lovable character. Unfortunately, I only got cute romance. The plot is actually interesting, but its predictable. We all know that this book will end well. And the characters, well, lets just say that Avery James didn't make it to my favorite characters list.
I dislike Avery at first. She's a neat freak, and she'd do anything to make everything perfect, under control, and organized, even if that mean she has to hurt other people. I hate how she treated her father, her brother, Zac Greeley, and sometimes even her best friend Molly. She treated them like they're her servants, therefore they have to do it like she said. I also hate that she accept Hannah's offer to 'steal' Zac's heart for a money! For someone that claimed to be so smart, she's stupid for accepting that. I actually understood why she acted like this, but still, I couldn't help but dislike it. Despite that flaws, I admire how she realized her mistake and be a better person in the end.
While I dislike Avery, I love Zac the moment we were introduced to him. He's funny, hilarious, reckless and a lovable character. Basically, he's kind of person everyone would describe as class clown--funny but lazy or stupid. But, he's not stupid or lazy at all. He's actually very smart in his own ways, with his wit and charm. Though, behind those humorous facade, the saying 'the saddest people smile the brightest' could apply here. Zac has a problem with his family, especially with his dad. Fortunately, Avery actually help him. This is why I love the romance--not just because its cute but because they help each other.
Like I said, one thing that I love in this book is
Overall, if you're looking for a light, fun, and adorable book, you can read this one!
June 30, 2013
Rating: 3.5/5
It is always a pleasure to be surprised by a book and getting bitch-slapped for judging it beforehand. Because this was NOT the cute little book I thought it would be.
Sure enough, it had cute moments, but the characters weren't that superficial one-dimensional teenagers you expect to encounter in this kind of books.
Favorite quote:
Avery James is what I'd call: a control-freak with a serious case of OCD. She tries so hard to fill the void that her depressive mother left when she took off, all of the sudden and without any explanation, four years ago, leaving her Dad and little brother for her to take care of. That screwed her up in more way than one and now she doesn't believe anymore in love and attachement and finding that special someone to fulfill happiness. Only science is relevant and predictable and makes sense.
Zac Greeley is not your tall, dark and brooding hero; he has an upbeat personnality and an overworking mind that could let you think he's just an unfocused kid who acts all the time like everything is a joke. The class clown who won't go far in life. When in fact he's hyperactive, and if given the opportunity could come up with the most ingenious ideas.
That's what I liked most about this book. Not the romance, but the harsh issues that kids these days suffer from, the tremendous pression they have to deal with on daily-basis and that could probably damage the most balanced of us and how Avery learned to loosen up a little, started living fully her life and stopped blaming herself for her mother's departure.
It is always a pleasure to be surprised by a book and getting bitch-slapped for judging it beforehand. Because this was NOT the cute little book I thought it would be.
Sure enough, it had cute moments, but the characters weren't that superficial one-dimensional teenagers you expect to encounter in this kind of books.
Favorite quote:
I was a boyfriend thief, I reminded myself. A boyfriend thief couldn’t get personally attached to her work. It was a business agreement and nothing more. I wasn’t that girl who fell for a guy that was absolutely, completely wrong for her and who had come along at exactly the absolute wrong time. I couldn’t afford distractions at this point in my life. And Zac Greeley had distraction written all over him.
Avery James is what I'd call: a control-freak with a serious case of OCD. She tries so hard to fill the void that her depressive mother left when she took off, all of the sudden and without any explanation, four years ago, leaving her Dad and little brother for her to take care of. That screwed her up in more way than one and now she doesn't believe anymore in love and attachement and finding that special someone to fulfill happiness. Only science is relevant and predictable and makes sense.
Zac Greeley is not your tall, dark and brooding hero; he has an upbeat personnality and an overworking mind that could let you think he's just an unfocused kid who acts all the time like everything is a joke. The class clown who won't go far in life. When in fact he's hyperactive, and if given the opportunity could come up with the most ingenious ideas.
That's what I liked most about this book. Not the romance, but the harsh issues that kids these days suffer from, the tremendous pression they have to deal with on daily-basis and that could probably damage the most balanced of us and how Avery learned to loosen up a little, started living fully her life and stopped blaming herself for her mother's departure.
December 24, 2011
Let me kick this of with my reaction on the cover. Well, the cover is so cute
The Boyfriend thief is about Avery James, a typical teenage girl who has a very un-typical nature of being organized. She works at a hotdog stand to earn money for her dream to attend a Humanitarian Program in Costa Rica. Then her biggest rival Hannah, offered her to steal her boyfriend Zac Greeley. Since she is short in money, she accepted it, only that Zac is really nothing she expected! She ends up falling for the real Zac who do silly things that surprised her.With that, she ends up not knowing what to do, does she need To continue her Summer Job In Costa Rica or get over her past and have Zac on her life?
This story has a good mix of drama & humor plus some non-preachy life lessons.Yeah, it’s a familiar story, but I found myself really enjoying while reading it. Though the ending is a bit corny, but atleast it is kinda corny-cute
July 17, 2011
The Boyfriend Thief is what I would call a typical teen book. Good girl who's a control freak and try to project an image of perfection in every way possible. Bad girl who's actually not that different from the good girl, but a falling out between the two of them a few years back made them ennemies. Cute, Funny, oh so wrong for her type boy who may just be what she needs after all...
Will she learn to let go of her control and live a little? Will the boy learn that maybe he's more than the funny guy? Will she discover that the ennemy is not actually all that bad. Will she learn to trust others again...
It's an easy read. Fun summer book. Entertaining, safe, cute.
I'm giving it a 4 stars because I had a good time reading it.
Rated G: No bad language, no sex, no violence. Very safe book.
Will she learn to let go of her control and live a little? Will the boy learn that maybe he's more than the funny guy? Will she discover that the ennemy is not actually all that bad. Will she learn to trust others again...
It's an easy read. Fun summer book. Entertaining, safe, cute.
I'm giving it a 4 stars because I had a good time reading it.
Rated G: No bad language, no sex, no violence. Very safe book.
January 13, 2013
RECENZE NA BLOGU
Kdyby tu byly půlhvězdičky, dala bych i 3,5. Knížka nebyla špatná, ale přece jen to bylo odzačátku naprosto předvídatelné a žádné překvapení se nekonalo. Navíc, i když je příběh jiný, tak trochu mi to připomínalo knihu Poslouchej od Sarah Dessen. Avery mi občas připomněla Annabel a Zac zase Owena. Možná je to blbost, protože každá kniha je úplně o něčem jiném a Poslouchej se mi celkově líbilo víc, ale některé situace si tam byly hodně podobné. Pořád je ale Blbá sázka o fajn kluka příjemná oddechovka! =)
Kdyby tu byly půlhvězdičky, dala bych i 3,5. Knížka nebyla špatná, ale přece jen to bylo odzačátku naprosto předvídatelné a žádné překvapení se nekonalo. Navíc, i když je příběh jiný, tak trochu mi to připomínalo knihu Poslouchej od Sarah Dessen. Avery mi občas připomněla Annabel a Zac zase Owena. Možná je to blbost, protože každá kniha je úplně o něčem jiném a Poslouchej se mi celkově líbilo víc, ale některé situace si tam byly hodně podobné. Pořád je ale Blbá sázka o fajn kluka příjemná oddechovka! =)
July 4, 2011
I loved this book! The heroine and Hero were lovely 3 dimensional people who I fell in love with. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put the book down.
The only thing I regret is not knowing how to make the lime, cherry and grape slushie that the hero of the book can make.
I read it the first day I got it. I've started reading it again now.
The only thing I regret is not knowing how to make the lime, cherry and grape slushie that the hero of the book can make.
I read it the first day I got it. I've started reading it again now.
August 9, 2011
Zac is such a funny guy. I love him. I thought it was cute he wanted to be a comedian when he grows up. He could clearly make me laugh. I would steal him from Hanna for free. ;) Avery was an Ice Queen but surprisingly I liked her. She wanted to remain in control and Zac was her total opposite. They were a good match.
Fun summer book.
Fun summer book.
December 17, 2011
I thought I would get annoyed by Avery's issues, but in the end I just felt empathy for her...she was really screwed up, and I don't think she really knew how much. And she didn't get off with a slap on the wrist... The chemistry with Avery and Zac was superb, adorable... *shrugs* It was deeper than I had been expecting. With not perfect characters all around. I thoroughly enjoyed it....
November 21, 2012
Ach... Totální kliše a v době, kdy mi bylo 13 bych z toho byla asi hodně na větvi. Přesto se to četlo skvěle, asi díky tomu, že jsem zrovna měla období, kdy jsem potřebovala pořádnou dávku romantiky a naivity. Byla jsem hodně naměkko a knížka se mi moc moc líbila (i když asi většině přijde jako blbost).
May 6, 2013
It's quite hard to enjoy a book with a protagonist so irritating and whiny, and every other character as interesting as a night spent clipping your toenails. I yawned my way through the majority of it. This book was awful. Just plain awful.
September 22, 2015
"Everyone is messed up in their own way. The funny part is no one wants anyone else to know, so we work so hard to hide it."-
This was such a cute story!! I loved that Avery was so jaded and Zac was just Sac!!
This was such a cute story!! I loved that Avery was so jaded and Zac was just Sac!!
August 2, 2011
Team Zac! :)
September 4, 2015
This was such a cute book! At first, I thought it wasn't worth to finish but I liked the development of the characters.
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