What do you think?
Rate this book
Boyfriend / Trouble #2
The Boyfriend Project
One of two brand-new paperback original companion books from beach-read favorite Rachel Hawthorne, this cute, romantic read is about a girl who wishes her sweet boyfriend had a little more edge.
The Boyfriend Project is the companion novel to Trouble from the Start and features a teen trying to figure out just what true love means to her.
Kendall and her boyfriend, Jeremy, have been together forever, and Kendall is starting to wonder if Jeremy is a little boring.... So she embarks on a boyfriend makeover. But as Jeremy learns to strut his stuff, other girls start to notice him and, what’s worse, he’s noticing them back. Then Jeremy breaks up with Kendall and she realizes her makeover project was the ultimate disaster. Is the sweet boyfriend she loved gone forever?
Perfect for fans of summer beach reads and authors such as Jennifer Echols, Stephanie Perkins, Susan Colasanti, and Lauren Barnholdt, these two companion novels make wonderful summer reads!
The Boyfriend Project is the companion novel to Trouble from the Start and features a teen trying to figure out just what true love means to her.
Kendall and her boyfriend, Jeremy, have been together forever, and Kendall is starting to wonder if Jeremy is a little boring.... So she embarks on a boyfriend makeover. But as Jeremy learns to strut his stuff, other girls start to notice him and, what’s worse, he’s noticing them back. Then Jeremy breaks up with Kendall and she realizes her makeover project was the ultimate disaster. Is the sweet boyfriend she loved gone forever?
Perfect for fans of summer beach reads and authors such as Jennifer Echols, Stephanie Perkins, Susan Colasanti, and Lauren Barnholdt, these two companion novels make wonderful summer reads!
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2015
13 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hawthorne
30 books1,616 followersaka Jade Parker and also writes with her son as J.A. London
(also writes romance under Lorraine Heath)
Rachel Hawthorne, who also writes as Lorraine Heath and Jade Parker, is the daughter of a British beauty (her mother won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero-who played the Joker on the old Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Herts, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan. She enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence, a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, the Rising Star Award as well as other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Club. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.
(also writes romance under Lorraine Heath)
Rachel Hawthorne, who also writes as Lorraine Heath and Jade Parker, is the daughter of a British beauty (her mother won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero-who played the Joker on the old Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Herts, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan. She enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence, a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, the Rising Star Award as well as other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Club. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 6, 2021
The Boyfriend Project was a companion novel to Trouble from the Start. I thought Trouble from the Start was a cute read even though it wasn't that spectacular, so I was actually looking forward a little to reading The Boyfriend Project. But I needn't have bothered. It was terrible.
The synopsis: Kendall and her boyfriend, Jeremy, have been together forever, and Kendall is starting to wonder if Jeremy is a little boring.... So she embarks on a boyfriend makeover. But as Jeremy learns to strut his stuff, other girls start to notice him and, what’s worse, he’s noticing them back. Then Jeremy breaks up with Kendall and she realizes her makeover project was the ultimate disaster. Is the sweet boyfriend she loved gone forever?
I was so tempted to smash my own head (and/or the book) against the wall for the most part of the book. Kendall, the MC, is whiny and annoying and can't make up her own mind at all. She was an absolute pain. I couldn't stand her comparing her boyfriend to other guys all the time and worrying about what other people thought of him, and constantly trying to change him because she thought he was "boring". It's like, if you're not satisfied with him why did you even get together in the first place?!
Okay so after reading these quotes you can probably see why I was practically losing my shit.
The entire focus of this book is about some gun show, where guys flex their muscles and show their abs and people donate money after seeing it. Kendall is, of course, worried her boyfriend won't get any donations because no one will notice him. She pushes him to sign up because she's hoping her other colleagues will finally remember she has a boyfriend (again, what the fuck?). And then afterwards when Jeremy does make himself a little more rough-cut (think unshaven jaw, longer hair, rolled-up sleeves) for Kendall (yes, that's how shallow she is), he starts to attract girls. Kendall then realises she doesn't want her boyfriend to be rough-cut anymore. She wanted Jeremy to change because he was too boring?? Then after he changed for her, she wanted him to change back?? Does she think people can change like underwear?? By this point I was 0.001 seconds from slamming my head on the table.
This sort of unnecessary, childish angst continued in Kendall's POV for most of the book, and if there hadn't been alternating chapters in Jeremy's POV I would totally have DNFed it.
I liked Jeremy. He was sweet and understanding and didn't deserve a girlfriend like Kendall. I honestly thought he was the only saving grace in the book. The plot was predictable, uninteresting and severely lacked depth. I really hated Kendall so much that despite mildly liking the other characters this book was an absolute chore to read.
If anything, this book is a lesson for shallow, fickle girls everywhere. If you've got a steady boyfriend and you like him, he should be enough for you. You should be accepting him for who he is instead of trying to mold him into something that you think is "ideal". I can't believe I actually wasted my time on this book. I could have done without all the whiny drama.
The synopsis: Kendall and her boyfriend, Jeremy, have been together forever, and Kendall is starting to wonder if Jeremy is a little boring.... So she embarks on a boyfriend makeover. But as Jeremy learns to strut his stuff, other girls start to notice him and, what’s worse, he’s noticing them back. Then Jeremy breaks up with Kendall and she realizes her makeover project was the ultimate disaster. Is the sweet boyfriend she loved gone forever?
I was so tempted to smash my own head (and/or the book) against the wall for the most part of the book. Kendall, the MC, is whiny and annoying and can't make up her own mind at all. She was an absolute pain. I couldn't stand her comparing her boyfriend to other guys all the time and worrying about what other people thought of him, and constantly trying to change him because she thought he was "boring". It's like, if you're not satisfied with him why did you even get together in the first place?!
"Those girls." I bit on my lower lip. "It's stupid, but it bothers me that they aren't talking to Jeremy. Like maybe they don't think they could be into him." I shook my head. "See, that is so shallow and stupid. I don't want to be jealous, but I wouldn't mind if girls were jealous of me." Because if they were, then I'd know that they knew I had a terrific guy. I didn't know why I needed that validation.(Because you're a shallow and toxic girl, duh)
It wasn't that I wanted her coming after my guy, but I wouldn't have minded her showing a bit of interest in him. Jeremy and I had been friends before we'd started dating and I'd never heard of him asking another girl out. But what if he was with me because I'd been his only choice?
Okay so after reading these quotes you can probably see why I was practically losing my shit.
The entire focus of this book is about some gun show, where guys flex their muscles and show their abs and people donate money after seeing it. Kendall is, of course, worried her boyfriend won't get any donations because no one will notice him. She pushes him to sign up because she's hoping her other colleagues will finally remember she has a boyfriend (again, what the fuck?). And then afterwards when Jeremy does make himself a little more rough-cut (think unshaven jaw, longer hair, rolled-up sleeves) for Kendall (yes, that's how shallow she is), he starts to attract girls. Kendall then realises she doesn't want her boyfriend to be rough-cut anymore. She wanted Jeremy to change because he was too boring?? Then after he changed for her, she wanted him to change back?? Does she think people can change like underwear?? By this point I was 0.001 seconds from slamming my head on the table.
I'd wanted girls to notice Jeremy. I just hadn't wanted them to kiss him. Or for him to kiss them back.
This sort of unnecessary, childish angst continued in Kendall's POV for most of the book, and if there hadn't been alternating chapters in Jeremy's POV I would totally have DNFed it.
I liked Jeremy. He was sweet and understanding and didn't deserve a girlfriend like Kendall. I honestly thought he was the only saving grace in the book. The plot was predictable, uninteresting and severely lacked depth. I really hated Kendall so much that despite mildly liking the other characters this book was an absolute chore to read.
If anything, this book is a lesson for shallow, fickle girls everywhere. If you've got a steady boyfriend and you like him, he should be enough for you. You should be accepting him for who he is instead of trying to mold him into something that you think is "ideal". I can't believe I actually wasted my time on this book. I could have done without all the whiny drama.
April 12, 2021
Hiya everyone! Sorry for the late review, this book took a bit to collect my thoughts after reading this book, so bare with me. But thankfully this review isn't going to be throw up in review form like the last few I wrote directly after reading a book. 😉
This book captured me, right after it started. Those of you who read my reviews know that I am a sympathizer, if something happens in the book that makes someone upset, and they cry... I get teary...🙄 and get ready, I might actually cry over something not very sad.
This book, unlike most I read, wasn't an emotional read. This book was an average romance... but it had the feel of a real romance. Like REALLY real. Where someone has something/someone that they love, but don't realize what they have and give it away or try to change it.
Kendall has had a rough time losing people. Her father died when a bridge crashed on him. She feels very responsible. If she had gotten up at the right time, if she had not dragged her feet to her backpack then to the car, if she had dragged it out more. He might still be here. Her mom and her would no longer be sad.
She feels the need to control everything in sight.
Jeremy loves Kendall for the way she is. That is until he gets sick of his dad criticizing him/controlling his life and quits his job to go have fun over the weekend. When Kendall decides (unintentionally) to start telling him what to change. Trying to get him to become something he isn't.
Creating conflict.
They have to reshape themselves from what they have become to find each other again, if they can.
The story was pretty straightforward, and made sense. So, why, you might ask, is there a 4 star above this review? 🤫 2 reasons:
1.) This book WASN'T above and beyond. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't one I would read immediately again.
2.) There was a lot of content that put me on edge the whole time.
Other than that, I REALLY liked this book. If you like dogs, a bit of romance, and buff guys, this book is for you. 😉😁
CONTENT: This book has mentions of romance going further than kissing, but nothing is witnessed, the main characters are not involved in it. There is some swearing.
I hope you enjoyed my review of The Boyfriend Project by Rachel Hawthorne! Happy Reading! -RR
This book captured me, right after it started. Those of you who read my reviews know that I am a sympathizer, if something happens in the book that makes someone upset, and they cry... I get teary...🙄 and get ready, I might actually cry over something not very sad.
This book, unlike most I read, wasn't an emotional read. This book was an average romance... but it had the feel of a real romance. Like REALLY real. Where someone has something/someone that they love, but don't realize what they have and give it away or try to change it.
Kendall has had a rough time losing people. Her father died when a bridge crashed on him. She feels very responsible. If she had gotten up at the right time, if she had not dragged her feet to her backpack then to the car, if she had dragged it out more. He might still be here. Her mom and her would no longer be sad.
She feels the need to control everything in sight.
Jeremy loves Kendall for the way she is. That is until he gets sick of his dad criticizing him/controlling his life and quits his job to go have fun over the weekend. When Kendall decides (unintentionally) to start telling him what to change. Trying to get him to become something he isn't.
Creating conflict.
They have to reshape themselves from what they have become to find each other again, if they can.
The story was pretty straightforward, and made sense. So, why, you might ask, is there a 4 star above this review? 🤫 2 reasons:
1.) This book WASN'T above and beyond. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't one I would read immediately again.
2.) There was a lot of content that put me on edge the whole time.
Other than that, I REALLY liked this book. If you like dogs, a bit of romance, and buff guys, this book is for you. 😉😁
CONTENT: This book has mentions of romance going further than kissing, but nothing is witnessed, the main characters are not involved in it. There is some swearing.
I hope you enjoyed my review of The Boyfriend Project by Rachel Hawthorne! Happy Reading! -RR
July 27, 2015
It was boring to be honest. Some of the characters lacked depth and the plot was predictable. I just didn't find it unique.
February 14, 2016
Another Rachel Hawthorne book, this time her newest book, and what a good book it was. It had some ups and downs, but generally it was a lovely book and I enjoyed it.
The book shows us 2 perspectives, Kendall, the girlfriend, and Jeremy, the boyfriend. I love that this was done, it showed us both sides of a story. Showed us what Kendall thought, but also why Jeremy did what he did. It told us more closely what is going on in the lives of both these characters.
For instance, Kendall is quite a control freak and likes to have everything right and straight, this due to the death of her dad. An accident for which she still feels guilty (even though she shouldn't feel that way, as it wasn't her fault, but she wonders about the whole if she had been faster with stuff, maybe he wouldn't have been where he was when the accident happened). At times her controlling nature just got annoying. For instance in the store? That she wanted everything correct? Or the way she got a bit too overkill on the whole Jeremy needs a make-over thing. I just wanted to shake her around and tell her Jeremy is good enough. That it is nice and all that you want him changed a bit, but that you should also respect him when he says no, and that you shouldn't push it too much. You can clearly see that Jeremy is at times uncomfortable, but for some reason she just barges ahead.
And she was also a bit confusing. She wanted people to notice her boyfriend, and when they did, she didn't want them to do it and she became jealous. It was a bit strange and I was just shaking my head and saying to the book: "Yeah, girl, you wanted this, now don't complain!"
But, she was also really sweet and truly cared about her friends and her boyfriend. I loved how she was with animals, how hard she worked at the shelter and her love for Bogart was wonderful.
Then we have Jeremy, who doesn't have the easiest life at home. His parents see him as a mistake, see him as the one who ruined stuff. Well, his dad hasn't said it specifically, but his mom did. I can only imagine how much that must hurt, being called a mistake.
His dad also is a dick. From the first time we met him, until the last time, I just disliked him so much. The way he treated Jeremy, like Jeremy was some kind of carbon copy of him, but this time he could make the dreams come true.
Jeremy was a nice character, and I liked that he did try his best to change a bit. Slowly but surely. Sadly, this also showed a side to Jeremy that I didn't like. I won't say what, I will leave that up to be read. But lets just say, I didn't expect that to happen. He was so sweet and kind.
However, considering his life and how Kendall pushed him, I can somehow imagine why he did all of this.
The story is really good and I loved the setting. One couple, one last summer before college, a chance to change and become different people, it was really fun.
I can't wait to get the other book in this series, because I really loved Avery and Fletcher, and I want to know how those two got together. And I want to know more about Fletcher, he is such an interesting character.
All in all, I would really recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The book shows us 2 perspectives, Kendall, the girlfriend, and Jeremy, the boyfriend. I love that this was done, it showed us both sides of a story. Showed us what Kendall thought, but also why Jeremy did what he did. It told us more closely what is going on in the lives of both these characters.
For instance, Kendall is quite a control freak and likes to have everything right and straight, this due to the death of her dad. An accident for which she still feels guilty (even though she shouldn't feel that way, as it wasn't her fault, but she wonders about the whole if she had been faster with stuff, maybe he wouldn't have been where he was when the accident happened). At times her controlling nature just got annoying. For instance in the store? That she wanted everything correct? Or the way she got a bit too overkill on the whole Jeremy needs a make-over thing. I just wanted to shake her around and tell her Jeremy is good enough. That it is nice and all that you want him changed a bit, but that you should also respect him when he says no, and that you shouldn't push it too much. You can clearly see that Jeremy is at times uncomfortable, but for some reason she just barges ahead.
And she was also a bit confusing. She wanted people to notice her boyfriend, and when they did, she didn't want them to do it and she became jealous. It was a bit strange and I was just shaking my head and saying to the book: "Yeah, girl, you wanted this, now don't complain!"
But, she was also really sweet and truly cared about her friends and her boyfriend. I loved how she was with animals, how hard she worked at the shelter and her love for Bogart was wonderful.
Then we have Jeremy, who doesn't have the easiest life at home. His parents see him as a mistake, see him as the one who ruined stuff. Well, his dad hasn't said it specifically, but his mom did. I can only imagine how much that must hurt, being called a mistake.
His dad also is a dick. From the first time we met him, until the last time, I just disliked him so much. The way he treated Jeremy, like Jeremy was some kind of carbon copy of him, but this time he could make the dreams come true.
Jeremy was a nice character, and I liked that he did try his best to change a bit. Slowly but surely. Sadly, this also showed a side to Jeremy that I didn't like. I won't say what, I will leave that up to be read. But lets just say, I didn't expect that to happen. He was so sweet and kind.
However, considering his life and how Kendall pushed him, I can somehow imagine why he did all of this.
The story is really good and I loved the setting. One couple, one last summer before college, a chance to change and become different people, it was really fun.
I can't wait to get the other book in this series, because I really loved Avery and Fletcher, and I want to know how those two got together. And I want to know more about Fletcher, he is such an interesting character.
All in all, I would really recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 24, 2015
Осилила 160 страниц ридера из 450 и бросила.
Заявленное в аннотации и названии перевоспитание бойфренда на деле идет в книге примерно третьим планом. На первом - отношения с родителями, на втором - описание того, как двое неопытных подростков подходят к своему "первому разу".
Кендалл - не совсем тот человек, который бы мог заняться чьим-то перевоспитанием. Она - образец правильности, достаточно застенчивая. Ну и чему она научить может? Да она страниц сто просто ходит и думает "ой, был бы он посмелее", потом еще 60 - ходит по пляжу с подружкой и мусолит то же самое.
Я так и не дождалась каких-то действий от героини, кроме предложения парню, мол, отпусти волосы подлиннее и выступи на благотворительном конкурсе по демонстрации мускулов. Возможно, дальше что-то и было, но я уже не дотерпела.
Проблемы с родителями (отец-тиран героя и мама, ищущая нового мужа, у героини) на этом унылом фоне выписаны так ярко, что перетягивают на себя всю канву повествования.
В общем, замах на рубль - удар на копейку.
Заявленное в аннотации и названии перевоспитание бойфренда на деле идет в книге примерно третьим планом. На первом - отношения с родителями, на втором - описание того, как двое неопытных подростков подходят к своему "первому разу".
Кендалл - не совсем тот человек, который бы мог заняться чьим-то перевоспитанием. Она - образец правильности, достаточно застенчивая. Ну и чему она научить может? Да она страниц сто просто ходит и думает "ой, был бы он посмелее", потом еще 60 - ходит по пляжу с подружкой и мусолит то же самое.
Я так и не дождалась каких-то действий от героини, кроме предложения парню, мол, отпусти волосы подлиннее и выступи на благотворительном конкурсе по демонстрации мускулов. Возможно, дальше что-то и было, но я уже не дотерпела.
Проблемы с родителями (отец-тиран героя и мама, ищущая нового мужа, у героини) на этом унылом фоне выписаны так ярко, что перетягивают на себя всю канву повествования.
В общем, замах на рубль - удар на копейку.
May 27, 2015
Just the book that was needed at the moment.
The right book always comes by the right time.
The right book always comes by the right time.
February 23, 2019
I didn’t like it quite as well as Trouble From the Start, but it was still cute. I liked both Jeremy and Kendall. They were really sweet together and I liked that they were comfortable with each other. I loved that Kendall was a dog person and that Jeremy liked her for who she was, flaws and all. I liked seeing Avery and Fletcher in this one as well. Avery and Kendall were really good friends to each other and I like books that have a strong female friendship.
January 9, 2017
5 stars!
Okay. I freaking loved this book! It is so much better than the companion novel, Trouble From The Start. I liked Avery and Fletcher together but Kendall and Jeremy are just undeniably perfect and meant for each other. The issues tackled in here are very normal... humane. Everything about this book felt right for me.
I hesitated reading this book before because I don't know if I will be able to feel their chemistry since they are already together in the start of the book. But I have to say that Kendall and Jeremy's story, and as individual characters, are more developed than most couples in YA books who started out as strangers then became lovers.
Jeremy and Kendall have always been together and things felt natural between them. It is relationship goals. I love their personalities, individually and together. I love the main cause of their problem: change. As a teenager, it is very normal. Wanting to explore, experiment, and other stuff. I was able to completely relate to the book. For some people, Kendall seemed annoying because she wanted some things about Jeremy to change. But I call it normal and humane.
Their time apart is painful. There were times when I wanted to shake Jeremy and tell him to stop hanging out and flirting with other girls. But you really couldn't blame him. Everyone around him wanted him to change, be better for appearances, even Kendall. It made him feel that they are not contented and satisfied with who he is.
There were also times when I thought to myself that Kendall deserved the hurt she is been going whenever she sees Jeremy with Jade. But again, she is a teenager. She is growing. Some people experience growing up the hard way. And losing Jeremy was very hard.
I loved the resolution. It was not abrupt, rushed, or force. Like what I said, everything about this book is just right. I HIGHLY recommend this to readers who want a REALLY GOOD young adult romance novel.
P.S. I really liked the dedication in this book. It hit me right in the feels.
"During the movie, she laughed at something. I can't even remember what it was now. I just remember looking over at her and knowing there was nothing I wanted to do more than kiss her at that moment."
Okay. I freaking loved this book! It is so much better than the companion novel, Trouble From The Start. I liked Avery and Fletcher together but Kendall and Jeremy are just undeniably perfect and meant for each other. The issues tackled in here are very normal... humane. Everything about this book felt right for me.
I hesitated reading this book before because I don't know if I will be able to feel their chemistry since they are already together in the start of the book. But I have to say that Kendall and Jeremy's story, and as individual characters, are more developed than most couples in YA books who started out as strangers then became lovers.
Jeremy and Kendall have always been together and things felt natural between them. It is relationship goals. I love their personalities, individually and together. I love the main cause of their problem: change. As a teenager, it is very normal. Wanting to explore, experiment, and other stuff. I was able to completely relate to the book. For some people, Kendall seemed annoying because she wanted some things about Jeremy to change. But I call it normal and humane.
"In spite of the fact that we'd somehow lost each other, she still mattered. She'd always matter."
Their time apart is painful. There were times when I wanted to shake Jeremy and tell him to stop hanging out and flirting with other girls. But you really couldn't blame him. Everyone around him wanted him to change, be better for appearances, even Kendall. It made him feel that they are not contented and satisfied with who he is.
There were also times when I thought to myself that Kendall deserved the hurt she is been going whenever she sees Jeremy with Jade. But again, she is a teenager. She is growing. Some people experience growing up the hard way. And losing Jeremy was very hard.
I loved the resolution. It was not abrupt, rushed, or force. Like what I said, everything about this book is just right. I HIGHLY recommend this to readers who want a REALLY GOOD young adult romance novel.
P.S. I really liked the dedication in this book. It hit me right in the feels.
For every girl who has known the scary, confusing, wonderful, thrilling adventure of falling in love...
And for every girl who hasn't yet, but one day will...
June 25, 2015
Man, really great book! Really glad for the dual POV in this book, because otherwise, things would have been so much less! So great to get both of their stories, and then reading these books in this order, Trouble from the Start, then this book, which turned out to be right, since Avery is dating Fletcher in this book, yeah!
January 10, 2017
Fue un libro que se me hizo lento y aburrido al inicio.
Kendall se me hizo un personaje tan irritante, este tipo de personajes que tienen OCD se me hacen tan exasperantes.
Jeremy se me hizo dulce pero un poco simple.
Una lectura para pasar el rato sin esperar muchas expectativas.
Kendall se me hizo un personaje tan irritante, este tipo de personajes que tienen OCD se me hacen tan exasperantes.
Jeremy se me hizo dulce pero un poco simple.
Una lectura para pasar el rato sin esperar muchas expectativas.
July 27, 2021
Look, I’ll be honest. I didn’t pick up this book thinking it’d be great. I bought it a few years ago for a couple bucks thinking it’d be a mediocre read that was somewhat entertaining. Instead, it was a terrible story that I couldn’t bring myself to stop reading, no matter how much I wanted to, because I had the smallest bit of hope that the story could still be turned around. In the end, it went in every direction I wasn’t expecting, and somehow that made it worse.
This book simultaneously felt like a prepubescent girl imagining what being eighteen will be like and a middle-aged woman trying to relive her glory days the way she wished they’d gone. No matter what happened, I never felt like these characters were my age, even though we are at the exact same stage of life. I am eighteen, and right now, it’s the summer leading up to my freshman year at college, but I failed to most of these characters even remotely relatable.
It took me all of three pages to realize I might have made a mistake when I chose to read this book. It opens right in the middle of a make-out scene in the back of a small car, which, to be fair, isn’t the worst way to open a book (though it certainly isn’t the best). However, any good will the opening may have garnered was lost when it told us about Kendall and Jeremy’s relationship in an exposition dump, and managed to include some of the most uncomfortable lines I’ve ever read.
However, that is just one of a few nitpicks that I had. I could deal with some awkward lines and similar issues if the plot was good. I could even deal with those things and a bad plot if the characters were good. However, that’s what was most frustrating: most of the characters in The Boyfriend Project were downright detestable, so even if its plot was great, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it.
We have our protagonist, Kendall. She is one of our point of view characters. The other is Jeremy, but despite the author’s best efforts, he is ultimately just a deuteragonist. In the end, this is obviously Kendall’s story. This is evident from the fact that Kendall’s chapters are almost always several pages longer than Jeremy’s. On several occasions, I really just wished that Jeremy’s perspective was cut all together. It obviously was only included in several cases just to keep up with the alternating perspectives and to pad out the plot. I would much rather have just seen some of those parts cut out to shorten this book, because it didn’t need to be 327 pages long.
The only real redeeming qualities in this book were Avery and Fletcher. Fletcher is supposed to be a “bad boy,” though we are never actually shown evidence to prove this. We’re told he was held back at least a year and got in fights, but we never see this. He says he’s gone skinny dipping, but we also never see that, and I don’t think that is something that qualifies you as a bad boy. All we really see of this is the fact that girls find him very attractive and try to flirt with him when he’s out and about, he wears leather, he rides a motorcycle, and he doesn’t set the salt shaker back in the center of the table when he’s done with it.
Oh, I'm shaking in my boots.
Honestly, part of the reason I don’t want to read Trouble from the Start is because it’s from Avery’s and Fletcher’s perspectives, and I don’t want to stop liking them. I also just don’t think I can handle another book written by Hawthorne. I don’t like the way she handled The Boyfriend Project’s plot; it felt like it went everywhere while going nowhere that made sense. I also just wasn’t big on her writing style.
You can read my whole review (with spoilers) here: The Boyfriend Project: Thanks, I Hate It!
This book simultaneously felt like a prepubescent girl imagining what being eighteen will be like and a middle-aged woman trying to relive her glory days the way she wished they’d gone. No matter what happened, I never felt like these characters were my age, even though we are at the exact same stage of life. I am eighteen, and right now, it’s the summer leading up to my freshman year at college, but I failed to most of these characters even remotely relatable.
It took me all of three pages to realize I might have made a mistake when I chose to read this book. It opens right in the middle of a make-out scene in the back of a small car, which, to be fair, isn’t the worst way to open a book (though it certainly isn’t the best). However, any good will the opening may have garnered was lost when it told us about Kendall and Jeremy’s relationship in an exposition dump, and managed to include some of the most uncomfortable lines I’ve ever read.
“We were doing our contortionist impression, as we struggled to find a comfortable position in the cramped backseat of his car that was quickly turning into a sauna.” (Kendall, 1)
“He skipped his tongue over my lips before slipping it inside to dance with mine.” (Kendall, 3)
However, that is just one of a few nitpicks that I had. I could deal with some awkward lines and similar issues if the plot was good. I could even deal with those things and a bad plot if the characters were good. However, that’s what was most frustrating: most of the characters in The Boyfriend Project were downright detestable, so even if its plot was great, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it.
We have our protagonist, Kendall. She is one of our point of view characters. The other is Jeremy, but despite the author’s best efforts, he is ultimately just a deuteragonist. In the end, this is obviously Kendall’s story. This is evident from the fact that Kendall’s chapters are almost always several pages longer than Jeremy’s. On several occasions, I really just wished that Jeremy’s perspective was cut all together. It obviously was only included in several cases just to keep up with the alternating perspectives and to pad out the plot. I would much rather have just seen some of those parts cut out to shorten this book, because it didn’t need to be 327 pages long.
The only real redeeming qualities in this book were Avery and Fletcher. Fletcher is supposed to be a “bad boy,” though we are never actually shown evidence to prove this. We’re told he was held back at least a year and got in fights, but we never see this. He says he’s gone skinny dipping, but we also never see that, and I don’t think that is something that qualifies you as a bad boy. All we really see of this is the fact that girls find him very attractive and try to flirt with him when he’s out and about, he wears leather, he rides a motorcycle, and he doesn’t set the salt shaker back in the center of the table when he’s done with it.
Oh, I'm shaking in my boots.
Honestly, part of the reason I don’t want to read Trouble from the Start is because it’s from Avery’s and Fletcher’s perspectives, and I don’t want to stop liking them. I also just don’t think I can handle another book written by Hawthorne. I don’t like the way she handled The Boyfriend Project’s plot; it felt like it went everywhere while going nowhere that made sense. I also just wasn’t big on her writing style.
You can read my whole review (with spoilers) here: The Boyfriend Project: Thanks, I Hate It!
January 30, 2018
When you need something entertaining for a long plane ride, Rachel Hawthorne might be a good choice. She isn't the best writer, let's be honest. But her stories are cute and fairly clean, and can be read cover to cover in just a couple of hours. It was what I expected.
November 7, 2017
Very cute little love story!
August 26, 2018
30% in and I’m kind of bored with the book..
I’m probably going to skim through it.
I’m probably going to skim through it.
September 23, 2018
This book was pretty funny and I liked the story line. It was slow at the beginning but it eventually got good.
December 15, 2018
So dumb. I'll stick with Trouble from the Start.
February 8, 2019
It wasn't as gripping as the first one, but it was still really interesting to see a ln actual more authentic experience happen.
July 1, 2020
Decent story line but kinda predictable
November 23, 2020
Light, predictable. Made a mistake snd read this for a challenge prompt instead of another book with same title.
October 17, 2017
This book's timeline starts after, "Trouble from the Start". Kendal and Jeremy are an adorable couple, but a little too perfect which kind of made them a little annoying. When they had a fight and started seeing other people, it made the book better because both of them realized their flaws and why they loved each other. These two make an amazing couple and are meant to be!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
Extremely juvenile story about Kendall having the best boyfriend ever in Jeremy, then decides she wants him to completely change who he is and obviously she regrets it. This book was awful, would not recommend
November 2, 2015
"I just think we could be a little more exciting."
"I think you need to be more careful what you wish for."
3.5 TBE. An okayyyyy read though I almost smash my head in a wall before reaching the half part of the book. This was told in both Kendall and Jeremy's POV which is a relief because Kendall is annoying and whiny and unappreciative and did I mention annoying and her voice is just a pain, but that's the point of this story and her character. Hawthorne definitely succeeded in making the readers (well, at least me)loathe her, in the beginning, anyway. I love Jeremy. I love his voice. I love how his manners. I love how we see his inner-struggles with his family, his self, and his girlfriend. It put things in a different perspective as we understand him deeper than what we're going to if we just see things from Kendall's eye. I love the character development and how Hawthorne wrapped everything in the end.
A fun and entertaining with a bit swooooooooooooon read.
And is it really that easy to gain a six-pack?
"I think you need to be more careful what you wish for."
3.5 TBE. An okayyyyy read though I almost smash my head in a wall before reaching the half part of the book. This was told in both Kendall and Jeremy's POV which is a relief because Kendall is annoying and whiny and unappreciative and did I mention annoying and her voice is just a pain, but that's the point of this story and her character. Hawthorne definitely succeeded in making the readers (well, at least me)loathe her, in the beginning, anyway. I love Jeremy. I love his voice. I love how his manners. I love how we see his inner-struggles with his family, his self, and his girlfriend. It put things in a different perspective as we understand him deeper than what we're going to if we just see things from Kendall's eye. I love the character development and how Hawthorne wrapped everything in the end.
A fun and entertaining with a bit swooooooooooooon read.
And is it really that easy to gain a six-pack?
May 18, 2020
This was cute and I really liked it! I dont remember much about it but I liked it
December 5, 2016
Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Lauren Barnholdt, and Susane Colasanti, The Boyfriend Project is a romantic read about a girl who wishes her sweet boyfriend had a little more edge.
Kendall and her boyfriend, Jeremy, have been together forever, and Kendall is starting to wonder if Jeremy is a little boring. . . . So she embarks on a boyfriend makeover. But as Jeremy learns to strut his stuff, other girls start to notice him and, what's worse, he's noticing them back. Then Jeremy breaks up with Kendall and she realizes her makeover project was the ultimate disaster. Is the sweet boyfriend she loved gone forever?
A companion novel to Rachel Hawthorne's paperback original Trouble from the Start, this title is perfect for fans of summer beach reads and sweet treats
Kendall and her boyfriend, Jeremy, have been together forever, and Kendall is starting to wonder if Jeremy is a little boring. . . . So she embarks on a boyfriend makeover. But as Jeremy learns to strut his stuff, other girls start to notice him and, what's worse, he's noticing them back. Then Jeremy breaks up with Kendall and she realizes her makeover project was the ultimate disaster. Is the sweet boyfriend she loved gone forever?
A companion novel to Rachel Hawthorne's paperback original Trouble from the Start, this title is perfect for fans of summer beach reads and sweet treats
December 19, 2016
was a decent read. first book i've finished in a while but it was a good kick starter for binge reading. kendall's and jeremy's relationship was cute but the way they interacted with other people sorta bothered me honestly. this is the second book in the series and i haven't even read the first one (cuz i cant find it) which shows how this book can be read as a stand alone. interesting plot that i haven't read about in a while but some of the problems werent fully developed enough for me plus some other problems werent as resolved as i hoped they'd be. all in all, average read that i would recommend when ur surrounded by boredom.
May 23, 2015
It was okay.
"For some reason, I found it most difficult to deal with knowing that he could make her laugh.
That was my job.
To make her laugh, to keep her happy." Jeremy might be my spirit animal
This book reminds me of a meme that shows a couple at the beginning of the relationship with the girl telling the guy to never change. After a while that he has to change this and that, and at the end she telling her boyfriend that she's leaving because he's changed.
I don't think I would've been able to just stare at some bitches while they climbed on top of my boyfriend in bikinis
"For some reason, I found it most difficult to deal with knowing that he could make her laugh.
That was my job.
To make her laugh, to keep her happy." Jeremy might be my spirit animal
This book reminds me of a meme that shows a couple at the beginning of the relationship with the girl telling the guy to never change. After a while that he has to change this and that, and at the end she telling her boyfriend that she's leaving because he's changed.
I don't think I would've been able to just stare at some bitches while they climbed on top of my boyfriend in bikinis
May 26, 2015
I'm a fan of Rachel's books, and I did enjoy this story, but not as much as I loved Trouble From the Start. I think this is partly because I found Kendall a little whiny and ungrateful, which are two of my least favorite qualities in people, but I did love how everything turned out. She grows and matures and that's exactly what we want to see in a story. There was a good, positive relationship between Kendall and her mom here that I always appreciate seeing in YA. Overall, this and Trouble From the Start make a good pair that I highly recommend.
July 23, 2015
I'm honestly not sure who is the bigger nut case in the relationship. Kendall for trying so hard to change her boyfriend or Jeremy for letting her change him. All I'm saying was if she really loved him, she wouldn't try so hard to change him into something he's not.P.S She only did it to get laid. And those two wouldn't have moved on so fast if they loved each other as much as they said they did.
July 31, 2015
The storyline was kind of predictable and half way through the book, I couldn't even finish it. It was slow at some point and I do not like Kendall's character at all. She wanted Jeremy to change because he was too boring and then when he did, she wants him to change back. I got very annoyed with her behavior that I want to slam my head on the table.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews