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Book Boyfriend
Two sisters find themselves falling for imaginary men . . . but are they both too good to be true?
Jemma has always loved books. Fiction, non-fiction, the dictionary. She has lived a thousand lives apart from, maybe, her own.
Her favourite book is a romance called Too Good to Be True. She’s got a first edition and all the special editions, but it doesn’t stop her from taking it out from the library whenever she can. Except recently someone keeps taking it out too and she’s forever on the waiting list for it. And worse still, one day there is a note from the mystery borrower – scolding her for bending the cover!
Her twin sister, Clara, can’t understand Jemma’s obsession – surely you should only ever need to read a book once. Clara likes reality and drama – even more so when it's on TV. Her latest infatuation happens to be the TV adaptation of Too Good to Be True. Especially because the actor is gorgeous.
When Jemma and her book thief start to exchange longer and longer notes, and Clara’s infatuation grows, both sisters find themselves falling for men they have never actually met.
Jemma has always loved books. Fiction, non-fiction, the dictionary. She has lived a thousand lives apart from, maybe, her own.
Her favourite book is a romance called Too Good to Be True. She’s got a first edition and all the special editions, but it doesn’t stop her from taking it out from the library whenever she can. Except recently someone keeps taking it out too and she’s forever on the waiting list for it. And worse still, one day there is a note from the mystery borrower – scolding her for bending the cover!
Her twin sister, Clara, can’t understand Jemma’s obsession – surely you should only ever need to read a book once. Clara likes reality and drama – even more so when it's on TV. Her latest infatuation happens to be the TV adaptation of Too Good to Be True. Especially because the actor is gorgeous.
When Jemma and her book thief start to exchange longer and longer notes, and Clara’s infatuation grows, both sisters find themselves falling for men they have never actually met.
400 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2025
126 people are currently reading
2430 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Vine
13 books240 followersLucy Vine is a writer, editor and the bestselling author of Hot Mess, What Fresh Hell, Are We Nearly There Yet? and Bad Choices. Her books have been translated into sixteen languages around the world, with Hot Mess optioned for a TV series. She has been nominated twice for the Comedy Women In Print Award and hosts the podcast and live event series Hot Mess Clubhouse, celebrating funny women. Her journalism has appeared in international publications, including Grazia, Stylist, heat, Fabulous, New, Now, Marie Claire, Glamour Online, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, and The Mirror. She lives in Cambridgeshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
May 24, 2025
Very sadly I must report that I didn't gel with this book. I was so glad to see new Lucy Vine and the synopsis was really not bad, but while reading I was asking myself "what is this at all?".
I didn't connect with the story, I didn't connect with the writing style, that didn't feel like Lucy Vine's, I didn't connect with the characters. The main characters were so dislikeable, childish, their behaviour was not funny, it was sad and tragic and their humour so forced. Overdone situations, stretching into even more overdone. Nothing fitted in this story. There was so much potential that isn't used, the story is very superficial.
The one extra star must be for the cover.
I didn't connect with the story, I didn't connect with the writing style, that didn't feel like Lucy Vine's, I didn't connect with the characters. The main characters were so dislikeable, childish, their behaviour was not funny, it was sad and tragic and their humour so forced. Overdone situations, stretching into even more overdone. Nothing fitted in this story. There was so much potential that isn't used, the story is very superficial.
The one extra star must be for the cover.
July 20, 2025
*Sisters*
This book was annoying in part, but overall a fair read. It follows the lives of fraternal twins, Jemma and Clara.
Jemma is a serious and book-loving character, which I appreciated. However, she spends most of her life thinking about the characters in her books rather than her own life. She also spends a lot of time in the library, where one day she finds a note from a stranger. Over time, they exchange notes and little tidbits about each other, all the time wondering who it could be.
Clara, on the other hand, is outgoing, difficult at times, and high maintenance. She’s always in a pickle and drama follows her wherever she goes. She spent five years in America with hardly a word, and when she flies back to the U.K unexpectedly she presumes that she would have her old room back at home. However, a lot has changed in that time, and she’s vague about her life in the USA. Clara is also obsessed with the lead actor in a tv adaptation of Jemma’s favourite book, believing he’s her soulmate.
The twins are prickly with each other, and we gradually uncover the true reasons behind their animosity. There’s a lot of irritating behaviour from Clara, especially, but when her past catches up with her, we see another layer to her character.
One aspect I would have liked to see more of is the revelation of the author of the notes. I felt it deserved more attention, even though I guessed who it was. However, the reveal felt too rushed for my liking.
This book was annoying in part, but overall a fair read. It follows the lives of fraternal twins, Jemma and Clara.
Jemma is a serious and book-loving character, which I appreciated. However, she spends most of her life thinking about the characters in her books rather than her own life. She also spends a lot of time in the library, where one day she finds a note from a stranger. Over time, they exchange notes and little tidbits about each other, all the time wondering who it could be.
Clara, on the other hand, is outgoing, difficult at times, and high maintenance. She’s always in a pickle and drama follows her wherever she goes. She spent five years in America with hardly a word, and when she flies back to the U.K unexpectedly she presumes that she would have her old room back at home. However, a lot has changed in that time, and she’s vague about her life in the USA. Clara is also obsessed with the lead actor in a tv adaptation of Jemma’s favourite book, believing he’s her soulmate.
The twins are prickly with each other, and we gradually uncover the true reasons behind their animosity. There’s a lot of irritating behaviour from Clara, especially, but when her past catches up with her, we see another layer to her character.
One aspect I would have liked to see more of is the revelation of the author of the notes. I felt it deserved more attention, even though I guessed who it was. However, the reveal felt too rushed for my liking.
October 25, 2025
What even was this?! Bafflingly bad! It’s like it was written by a teenage girl. Such a good premise terribly executed. I made myself finish but skimmed the last 60%.
July 22, 2025
I didn't enjoy this at all! I ended up skim reading parts just to get through it, as I don't like to "DNF". I wanted to give it a chance...
The writing is so poor; the main characters don't seem like adults at all, more like teenage behaviour. I'm very disappointed.
I don't like to be mean because I understand the effort that goes into writing/publishing, but man, this just wasn't good at all. It's not even one worth recommending for others to read (sorry).
I was intrigued by the whole note swapping concept, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The only thing I actually like is the front cover/sprayed edges 😅.
I hated most of the characters too. I found it quite boring and I put it up there as one of the worst books I've ever read.
The writing is so poor; the main characters don't seem like adults at all, more like teenage behaviour. I'm very disappointed.
I don't like to be mean because I understand the effort that goes into writing/publishing, but man, this just wasn't good at all. It's not even one worth recommending for others to read (sorry).
I was intrigued by the whole note swapping concept, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The only thing I actually like is the front cover/sprayed edges 😅.
I hated most of the characters too. I found it quite boring and I put it up there as one of the worst books I've ever read.
August 14, 2025
Yayyyyy Lucy Vine is back and with another winner,I love her books but this one just edges it ( just) as my favourite so far
We meet twins, Jemma and Clara who couldn’t be more different,one of them is having a friendship via notes left back and forth in a library book,(she doesn’t however know who with) the other fantasises a current tv film star is to become her boyfriend,(and is intent on making it happen) both relationships are of course going to go nowhere……..probably!
We also meet flatmates,Mum’s and library staff,all brilliantly written and all adding a layer to the story,the occasional narrator ‘talking to us’ is a great addition
It is a romp of a read,funny,real,daring but overidingly it is enjoyable,one of those books you feel you have met people and made friends
If someone was to ask me why I love reading so much I would gift them this book and say this is why
Loved every page
We meet twins, Jemma and Clara who couldn’t be more different,one of them is having a friendship via notes left back and forth in a library book,(she doesn’t however know who with) the other fantasises a current tv film star is to become her boyfriend,(and is intent on making it happen) both relationships are of course going to go nowhere……..probably!
We also meet flatmates,Mum’s and library staff,all brilliantly written and all adding a layer to the story,the occasional narrator ‘talking to us’ is a great addition
It is a romp of a read,funny,real,daring but overidingly it is enjoyable,one of those books you feel you have met people and made friends
If someone was to ask me why I love reading so much I would gift them this book and say this is why
Loved every page
July 14, 2025
Yeah, no...
I feel like reading the Bible would've got me more thrill than this book did.
At one point, I was convinced Jemma was going to have a full blown make out session with that bloody book. I'm still sure she fancies the pages more than the guy.
And the narrator? What was the point of that? Was there a page count we needed to hit for this book or something? Pointless.
I dont usually give bad reviews, but 28 year olds speaking and acting like 6 year olds and just making you generally grit your teeth through anything coming out their mouths ,yeah no thankyou.
I feel like reading the Bible would've got me more thrill than this book did.
At one point, I was convinced Jemma was going to have a full blown make out session with that bloody book. I'm still sure she fancies the pages more than the guy.
And the narrator? What was the point of that? Was there a page count we needed to hit for this book or something? Pointless.
I dont usually give bad reviews, but 28 year olds speaking and acting like 6 year olds and just making you generally grit your teeth through anything coming out their mouths ,yeah no thankyou.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
http://www.writingis.fun/book-boyfrie...
Понякога една книга идва при теб точно в момента, когато имаш нужда от лекота, хумор и малко романтика, поднесени с топлота и разбиране. Book Boyfriend от Люси Вайн беше точно такава книга за мен – чаровна история за две сестри, любов към литературата и различните начини, по които хората се опитват да се свържат със света.
Джема е интроверт, посветен читател и човек, който предпочита сигурността на познатото пред риска на реалния живот. Любимата ѝ книга Too Good to Be True я придружава от години – не просто защото обича историята, а защото в нея намира утеха и принадлежност. Докато един ден в библиотечно копие открива анонимна бележка от непознат, който споделя същата любов към книгата. Така започва една писмена кореспонденция, изпълнена с литературни препратки, деликатна интимност и неочаквано разтърсваща емоционална близост.
Животът ѝ обаче се преобръща, когато нейната близначка Клара внезапно се прибира от Америка и се настанява при нея. Клара е всичко, което Джема не е – шумна, хаотична, уверена, екстровертна. Между двете винаги е имало напрежение, но след пет години раздяла, различията им изглеждат още по-големи. Клара не разказва какво я е върнало у дома, но вместо това се вкопчва в нова обсесия – актьора, който играе главната роля в телевизионната адаптация на Too Good to Be True. За Клара, това не е просто влюбване – тя е убедена, че той е мъжът на живота ѝ.
Историята се развива в редуващи се глави от гледните точки на Джема и Клара, а понякога се появяват и кратки откъси от мистериозен трети разказвач. Така романът постига баланс между романтиката, личната драма и комедията, като ни повежда едновременно през съзряването на две много различни жени, чиито пътища започват да се сближават.
Това, което най-силно ме докосна в Book Boyfriend, беше усещането за уюта, който книгите могат да донесат. Начинът, по който Джема се разгръща чрез анонимната кореспонденция, е изключително трогателен. А Клара, въпреки че първоначално изглежда повърхностна и лекомислена, постепенно разкрива дълбочина и уязвимост, които ѝ придават плътност и правят нейната история също толкова важна.
Луси Вайн успява да създаде свят, изпълнен с обич към литературата, приятелството и човешките слабости. Романът не само забавлява, но и поставя въпроси за това какво е реална връзка, как се справяме със сянката на миналото и какво означава да се оставиш да бъдеш видян такъв, какъвто си.
Book Boyfriend е перфектният избор за читатели, които обичат книги за книги, романтични мистерии и истории за сложните връзки между сестри. Лек, забавен, но с дълбочина, която оставя следа. И макар че разказва за измислени герои, на моменти се усеща по-истински от реалността.
Понякога една книга идва при теб точно в момента, когато имаш нужда от лекота, хумор и малко романтика, поднесени с топлота и разбиране. Book Boyfriend от Люси Вайн беше точно такава книга за мен – чаровна история за две сестри, любов към литературата и различните начини, по които хората се опитват да се свържат със света.
Джема е интроверт, посветен читател и човек, който предпочита сигурността на познатото пред риска на реалния живот. Любимата ѝ книга Too Good to Be True я придружава от години – не просто защото обича историята, а защото в нея намира утеха и принадлежност. Докато един ден в библиотечно копие открива анонимна бележка от непознат, който споделя същата любов към книгата. Така започва една писмена кореспонденция, изпълнена с литературни препратки, деликатна интимност и неочаквано разтърсваща емоционална близост.
Животът ѝ обаче се преобръща, когато нейната близначка Клара внезапно се прибира от Америка и се настанява при нея. Клара е всичко, което Джема не е – шумна, хаотична, уверена, екстровертна. Между двете винаги е имало напрежение, но след пет години раздяла, различията им изглеждат още по-големи. Клара не разказва какво я е върнало у дома, но вместо това се вкопчва в нова обсесия – актьора, който играе главната роля в телевизионната адаптация на Too Good to Be True. За Клара, това не е просто влюбване – тя е убедена, че той е мъжът на живота ѝ.
Историята се развива в редуващи се глави от гледните точки на Джема и Клара, а понякога се появяват и кратки откъси от мистериозен трети разказвач. Така романът постига баланс между романтиката, личната драма и комедията, като ни повежда едновременно през съзряването на две много различни жени, чиито пътища започват да се сближават.
Това, което най-силно ме докосна в Book Boyfriend, беше усещането за уюта, който книгите могат да донесат. Начинът, по който Джема се разгръща чрез анонимната кореспонденция, е изключително трогателен. А Клара, въпреки че първоначално изглежда повърхностна и лекомислена, постепенно разкрива дълбочина и уязвимост, които ѝ придават плътност и правят нейната история също толкова важна.
Луси Вайн успява да създаде свят, изпълнен с обич към литературата, приятелството и човешките слабости. Романът не само забавлява, но и поставя въпроси за това какво е реална връзка, как се справяме със сянката на миналото и какво означава да се оставиш да бъдеш видян такъв, какъвто си.
Book Boyfriend е перфектният избор за читатели, които обичат книги за книги, романтични мистерии и истории за сложните връзки между сестри. Лек, забавен, но с дълбочина, която оставя следа. И макар че разказва за измислени герои, на моменти се усеща по-истински от реалността.
January 4, 2025
Brilliant and hilarious. Lucy Vine’s best yet!
June 13, 2025
Hmmm not sure on this one.
It had the potential to be a completely different storyline, but I don’t think that what happened was as good as it could’ve been?
The writing seemed a bit odd in parts, especially the narrator’ part & I found it focused more on Clara and Harry than Jenna; who I thought was going to be the main star of the show!
It had the potential to be a completely different storyline, but I don’t think that what happened was as good as it could’ve been?
The writing seemed a bit odd in parts, especially the narrator’ part & I found it focused more on Clara and Harry than Jenna; who I thought was going to be the main star of the show!
June 23, 2025
‘ Book Boyfriend’ by Lucy Vine is everything I hoped it would be, a super cute very readable romcom with a group of amazing characters, all of whom I would love to hang out with, set against my perfect background of libraries and book lovers.
Jemma is one of these dedicated booklovers - she re-reads her favourite book ‘Too Good To Be True’, checking it out of the library almost weekly, especially now that someone has been leaving her anonymous hidden letters inside her favourite copy. Jemma’s everyday life is quite safe and stable: she goes to work, she reads books, she spends time with friends, she doesn’t want anything to rock the boat too much.
Everything is going swimmingly and peacefully until Jemma’s twin sister Clara turns up out of the blue. The two couldn’t be more different, Clara the life and soul of the party who moved to America on a whim, and Jemma the quiet, sensible one who never left her hometown. Jemma has always felt secondary to Clara; plainer, duller, quieter and finds Clara's exuberant outgoing personality too much to cope with.
When Clara arrives, she has to move in to Jemma’s apartment. She immediately wins over the other flatmates, Jemma's best friend Selma and Harry much to Jemma’s annoyance. Jemma herself is still so irritated by Clara's every move that she can't bear it.
The flatmates start watching 'Book Boyfriend', a televised version of Jemma's beloved book. Main actor Milo is gorgeous; Clara becomes obsessed with him, determined that he is her soulmate and that he would fall for her if they ever met. In the meantime, Jemma's obsession with her anonymous penfriend is growing - can she find the courage to move their conversation into real life?
Told from both sisters' perspectives and with some wonderful insights about sibling rivalry and relationships, 'Book Boyfriend' is such a lovely read to lose yourself in. I love Lucy's writing, her books are always guaranteed to put a smile on my face and 'Book Boyfriend' is up there with the best of them!
Jemma is one of these dedicated booklovers - she re-reads her favourite book ‘Too Good To Be True’, checking it out of the library almost weekly, especially now that someone has been leaving her anonymous hidden letters inside her favourite copy. Jemma’s everyday life is quite safe and stable: she goes to work, she reads books, she spends time with friends, she doesn’t want anything to rock the boat too much.
Everything is going swimmingly and peacefully until Jemma’s twin sister Clara turns up out of the blue. The two couldn’t be more different, Clara the life and soul of the party who moved to America on a whim, and Jemma the quiet, sensible one who never left her hometown. Jemma has always felt secondary to Clara; plainer, duller, quieter and finds Clara's exuberant outgoing personality too much to cope with.
When Clara arrives, she has to move in to Jemma’s apartment. She immediately wins over the other flatmates, Jemma's best friend Selma and Harry much to Jemma’s annoyance. Jemma herself is still so irritated by Clara's every move that she can't bear it.
The flatmates start watching 'Book Boyfriend', a televised version of Jemma's beloved book. Main actor Milo is gorgeous; Clara becomes obsessed with him, determined that he is her soulmate and that he would fall for her if they ever met. In the meantime, Jemma's obsession with her anonymous penfriend is growing - can she find the courage to move their conversation into real life?
Told from both sisters' perspectives and with some wonderful insights about sibling rivalry and relationships, 'Book Boyfriend' is such a lovely read to lose yourself in. I love Lucy's writing, her books are always guaranteed to put a smile on my face and 'Book Boyfriend' is up there with the best of them!
August 28, 2025
Que experiência de leitura tão tão boa!! Gostei tanto de ler este livro (aka devorá-lo de um dia para o outro) !! 🥹🥹
Amei o slow burn (mesmo slooooow), o duplo pov entre duas irmãs tão diferentes, a pessoa misteriosa, o drama… tudo! É um 2 em 1 porque temos a história das duas irmãs num só livro! Para além disso, é SUPER ENGRAÇADO !!! Ri-me várias vezes 🤣
Algo peculiar neste livro e que eu amei, foram os capítulos do narrador. O livro está dividido em 3 partes e todas começam com um capítulo do narrador a “introduzir” a história. O final foi perfeito e super diferente dos epílogos comuns! O final foi a perspetiva do narrador a contar o que aconteceu com as personagens e eu amei tanto!!!!
Quero ler tudo o que esta autora escrever!!!
Amei o slow burn (mesmo slooooow), o duplo pov entre duas irmãs tão diferentes, a pessoa misteriosa, o drama… tudo! É um 2 em 1 porque temos a história das duas irmãs num só livro! Para além disso, é SUPER ENGRAÇADO !!! Ri-me várias vezes 🤣
Algo peculiar neste livro e que eu amei, foram os capítulos do narrador. O livro está dividido em 3 partes e todas começam com um capítulo do narrador a “introduzir” a história. O final foi perfeito e super diferente dos epílogos comuns! O final foi a perspetiva do narrador a contar o que aconteceu com as personagens e eu amei tanto!!!!
Quero ler tudo o que esta autora escrever!!!
July 23, 2025
I was sent an arc of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The premise of this book - sending letters to a stranger in the pages of a library book captured my attention, and the idea of the story following two very different twin sisters and their romantic entanglements sounded great.
Unfortunately however, I really did not gel with this book.
The book begins with an omniscient narrator of who we are not given the identity of until the very end of the book. It then follows the POV of each of the twin sisters. One sister, Jemma is a bookish, reserved character and the other, Carla is an eccentric, over-the-top loud character. Perfect opposites. I absolutely could not stand the chapters in Carla’s POV. They were too immature and the comedic moments which should have been lighthearted and fluffy were just so over the top that I got completely turned off, her character was just so unlikeable.
The focus of this story is on the relationship between the twin sisters rather than the romantic relationships of each twin, which would have been fine, I’m not mad that the focus wasn’t solely on the romantic relationships because this usually adds extra depth to the characters and introduces discussion and thought about familial relationships, and how we can perceive ourselves to be the inferior person in a situation when in reality everyone feels at least a little bit like that.
The premise of the book about the letters sent through the library book was completely overshadowed by the drama and outlandish behaviour of not only Carla but sometimes the other characters too, and whilst I’ve seen others say they laughed out loud, I just found this to be cringy.
I won’t continue to say what didn’t work for me as I don’t believe in completely bashing a book when its probably a case of it just not being the book for me. This was my first book by Lucy Vine and perhaps will be my last.
If you want a lighthearted, almost slapstick comedy with an abundance of modern references to celebrities and current social media trends then I am sure you will have a more pleasurable time with this book and rate it much higher than I have.
The premise of this book - sending letters to a stranger in the pages of a library book captured my attention, and the idea of the story following two very different twin sisters and their romantic entanglements sounded great.
Unfortunately however, I really did not gel with this book.
The book begins with an omniscient narrator of who we are not given the identity of until the very end of the book. It then follows the POV of each of the twin sisters. One sister, Jemma is a bookish, reserved character and the other, Carla is an eccentric, over-the-top loud character. Perfect opposites. I absolutely could not stand the chapters in Carla’s POV. They were too immature and the comedic moments which should have been lighthearted and fluffy were just so over the top that I got completely turned off, her character was just so unlikeable.
The focus of this story is on the relationship between the twin sisters rather than the romantic relationships of each twin, which would have been fine, I’m not mad that the focus wasn’t solely on the romantic relationships because this usually adds extra depth to the characters and introduces discussion and thought about familial relationships, and how we can perceive ourselves to be the inferior person in a situation when in reality everyone feels at least a little bit like that.
The premise of the book about the letters sent through the library book was completely overshadowed by the drama and outlandish behaviour of not only Carla but sometimes the other characters too, and whilst I’ve seen others say they laughed out loud, I just found this to be cringy.
I won’t continue to say what didn’t work for me as I don’t believe in completely bashing a book when its probably a case of it just not being the book for me. This was my first book by Lucy Vine and perhaps will be my last.
If you want a lighthearted, almost slapstick comedy with an abundance of modern references to celebrities and current social media trends then I am sure you will have a more pleasurable time with this book and rate it much higher than I have.
June 18, 2025
I don't like to give 1 start reviews because I think writing any book is an incredible achievement. But this was painful from the start to the finish. I kept reading hoping it would get better and the ending would be really satisfying but in the end it was just predictable and as dull as the rest of it.
June 29, 2025
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK SO MUCH
June 29, 2025
(3.75)
This was a fun and fast-paced summer read centered around twin sisters, Clara and Jemma. While their relationship is far from perfect, I enjoyed following both of their romantic journeys as they unfolded. I especially loved the touch of the notes between Jemma and her mystery writer.. I actually wish there had been more of those!
That said, I found myself wanting more development in the romantic relationships and less focus on the sister dynamic. The book felt much more like a sister-themed story than a romance, so I think it would’ve been better marketed that way to set the right expectations.
The characters didn’t quite read like 30-year-olds to me; the tone and energy felt younger, which made it a bit harder to fully buy into some of their experiences.
This was a fun and fast-paced summer read centered around twin sisters, Clara and Jemma. While their relationship is far from perfect, I enjoyed following both of their romantic journeys as they unfolded. I especially loved the touch of the notes between Jemma and her mystery writer.. I actually wish there had been more of those!
That said, I found myself wanting more development in the romantic relationships and less focus on the sister dynamic. The book felt much more like a sister-themed story than a romance, so I think it would’ve been better marketed that way to set the right expectations.
The characters didn’t quite read like 30-year-olds to me; the tone and energy felt younger, which made it a bit harder to fully buy into some of their experiences.
July 23, 2025
I dove in without having a clue what the story was about.
It read like a British 90s comedy, like AbFab or Ally McBeal.
Did not care for Clara's character at the beginning but she came around eventually.
Absolutely LOVED the pivot joke,
as well as the emails from Clara as 'publicist for a day' to Katys, plural, where you can hear the enthousiasm become less and less with each mail. Hilarious.
I figured out the plot pretty soon, as well as both love interests, but the whole storybuilding was very entertaining.
4,5 stars rounded up! Would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook!
It read like a British 90s comedy, like AbFab or Ally McBeal.
Did not care for Clara's character at the beginning but she came around eventually.
Absolutely LOVED the pivot joke,
as well as the emails from Clara as 'publicist for a day' to Katys, plural, where you can hear the enthousiasm become less and less with each mail. Hilarious.
I figured out the plot pretty soon, as well as both love interests, but the whole storybuilding was very entertaining.
4,5 stars rounded up! Would definitely recommend listening to the audiobook!
June 30, 2025
this book was super heartwarming. One of those you can imagine as a film, a romcom with really cosy vibes.
September 23, 2025
all the characters were pretty annoying but it did make me giggle once or twice.
January 11, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
unfortunately i didn‘t really like the characters, they were lacking depth for me and i thought they were annoying for the majority of the book
unfortunately i didn‘t really like the characters, they were lacking depth for me and i thought they were annoying for the majority of the book
June 24, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
May 5, 2025
This book is entertaining and very funny in parts, the love stories are sweet and it’s a very easy read. I did enjoy seeing these 2 twin sisters, who couldn’t be more opposite, rebuild their relationship and learn to understand each other. The reason I haven’t rated it higher is because it’s described as being about a romance where they’re passing notes through the books and I felt that part was more of a subplot of the book. This book is definitely more focused on the sibling relationship which was great but it left me feeling like I wasn’t getting what I was looking for. Also there are a lot of pop culture references within this book which personally I don’t mind but I know can bother some people.
June 19, 2025
Book Boyfriend is about twin sisters who couldn’t be more different if they tried! Clara is scattered brained and flamboyant, always looking for her next adventure whereas Jemma is quieter, and content with her friends and books. Jemma had always felt overshadowed by Clara’s exuberance as a child and they didn’t really get on. I could understand why Jemma was frustrated that people always thought they’d have a special bond just because they were twins. For a large part of the book, although she was a fun character to read about, I found Clara just as annoying as Jemma did. But you’ll be pleased to know that she grew on me!
A tv adaptation of Jemma’s favourite romance novel, Too Good To Be True, sparks potential love interests for both. Jemma was obsessed with the book and had multiple copies and, as many book lovers will understand, was very worried that the adaptation wouldn’t do the book justice. She was also furious that the title had been changed to Book Boyfriend. I loved reading all the notes she was receiving from an unknown enthusiast, as they communicated through a borrowed copy of the library book. Very romantic! I had great fun all the way through trying to guess who her very own ‘book boyfriend’ might be. There were several candidates and I’ll say no more than he turned out to be one of the people I thought he might be!
There was also a bit of a mystery surrounding Clara who had gone off to live in America then unexpectedly arrived home again. What had happened in America and why had she fled home? She becomes obsessed with the actor playing the lead character in the Book Boyfriend tv adaptation and convinced he is the man for her. It was so funny reading about her attempts to find him and casually bump into him!
With the chapters bouncing between the sisters’ points of view plus occasional chapters from a mystery narrator (gosh!), I found Book Boyfriend to be a very fast paced read. Although I’m probably well past the target audience age for this one, I found it hugely entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny with great character development and a perfect ending.
A tv adaptation of Jemma’s favourite romance novel, Too Good To Be True, sparks potential love interests for both. Jemma was obsessed with the book and had multiple copies and, as many book lovers will understand, was very worried that the adaptation wouldn’t do the book justice. She was also furious that the title had been changed to Book Boyfriend. I loved reading all the notes she was receiving from an unknown enthusiast, as they communicated through a borrowed copy of the library book. Very romantic! I had great fun all the way through trying to guess who her very own ‘book boyfriend’ might be. There were several candidates and I’ll say no more than he turned out to be one of the people I thought he might be!
There was also a bit of a mystery surrounding Clara who had gone off to live in America then unexpectedly arrived home again. What had happened in America and why had she fled home? She becomes obsessed with the actor playing the lead character in the Book Boyfriend tv adaptation and convinced he is the man for her. It was so funny reading about her attempts to find him and casually bump into him!
With the chapters bouncing between the sisters’ points of view plus occasional chapters from a mystery narrator (gosh!), I found Book Boyfriend to be a very fast paced read. Although I’m probably well past the target audience age for this one, I found it hugely entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny with great character development and a perfect ending.
June 22, 2025
Jemma has lived a thousand lives through books, in fact the only life she isn’t living is her own. That is, until the day she finds a note from a stranger in her favourite library book. When she replies, the pair begin a longhand conversation about their love of novels that sees Jemma finally coming out of her shell. Is she ready to fall in love for the first time – with someone she’s never met? Meanwhile, her sister Clara is focusing all her energy obsessing over a hot new actor, starring in the TV adaptation of Jemma's favourite book. Soon, Clara is reading every interview, trawling his social media, and following him to showbiz parties in the hopes he’ll notice she’s The One. As the sisters fall hard for two men they’ve never met, it’s time to ask the question: can either relationship survive the real world?
One thing you can always guarantee with a Lucy Vine book is the smile that stays on your face throughout, they just can’t help but make you happy! Mix that in with a character who loves books and you’ve hit the jackpot!
The comical prose in Lucy’s writing is laugh out loud funny at times, I always enjoy how the author’s personality influences her characters, making them all ones you’d want to be friends with. I was rooting for Jemma from the start &, despite Clara being an annoyance at first, I really enjoyed the development of her character throughout, alongside the fabulous Harry & Salma too.
Are there elements that are a little predictable? Of course BUT I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, this title being a fabulous emotionally fuelled journey of love, friendship & family connections. I adored how everything falls into place at the conclusion (no spoilers!) and overall left me with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Another great read and the perfect summer read for book lovers - also please do read the acknowledgments, loved Lucy’s approach here!
One thing you can always guarantee with a Lucy Vine book is the smile that stays on your face throughout, they just can’t help but make you happy! Mix that in with a character who loves books and you’ve hit the jackpot!
The comical prose in Lucy’s writing is laugh out loud funny at times, I always enjoy how the author’s personality influences her characters, making them all ones you’d want to be friends with. I was rooting for Jemma from the start &, despite Clara being an annoyance at first, I really enjoyed the development of her character throughout, alongside the fabulous Harry & Salma too.
Are there elements that are a little predictable? Of course BUT I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, this title being a fabulous emotionally fuelled journey of love, friendship & family connections. I adored how everything falls into place at the conclusion (no spoilers!) and overall left me with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Another great read and the perfect summer read for book lovers - also please do read the acknowledgments, loved Lucy’s approach here!
August 31, 2025
This book was brilliant! 🤩
Jemma and Clara are twins but they couldn’t be more different. Jemma is quiet and reserved, an introverted book lover who would much rather stay at home re-reading her favourite book than go out and party. Clara is the completely opposite. Outgoing, loud, vivacious. She can often be found in the centre of chaos! The sisters aren’t very close, especially following Clara’s five year stint in America, but now she’s back. Jemma and Clara end up living together, but is it a recipe for disaster?
Love is in the air for the sisters…Jemma has begun exchanging notes with a mystery man via a library book, and Clara has her sights set on the actor at the centre of the TV adaptation of Jemma’s favourite books. Can they get their happily ever afters or do such things only exist in the realms of fantasy??
I loved the alternating POVs and hearing from both of them. The supporting cast of characters were brilliant and added so much joy and laughter. Sooooo many laugh out loud moments, I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. It was so relatable too! I loved the more touching, sentimental moments too, especially between Jemma and Clara. I really related to Jemma, but I found Clara to be such a ray of sunshine too…I honestly did not want this book to end, I could happily have kept reading about their lives! I wish I was in their friendship group!! The final line from the narrator actually made me a little bit emotional too 🥹 A fantastic book that I highly recommend!
Jemma and Clara are twins but they couldn’t be more different. Jemma is quiet and reserved, an introverted book lover who would much rather stay at home re-reading her favourite book than go out and party. Clara is the completely opposite. Outgoing, loud, vivacious. She can often be found in the centre of chaos! The sisters aren’t very close, especially following Clara’s five year stint in America, but now she’s back. Jemma and Clara end up living together, but is it a recipe for disaster?
Love is in the air for the sisters…Jemma has begun exchanging notes with a mystery man via a library book, and Clara has her sights set on the actor at the centre of the TV adaptation of Jemma’s favourite books. Can they get their happily ever afters or do such things only exist in the realms of fantasy??
I loved the alternating POVs and hearing from both of them. The supporting cast of characters were brilliant and added so much joy and laughter. Sooooo many laugh out loud moments, I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. It was so relatable too! I loved the more touching, sentimental moments too, especially between Jemma and Clara. I really related to Jemma, but I found Clara to be such a ray of sunshine too…I honestly did not want this book to end, I could happily have kept reading about their lives! I wish I was in their friendship group!! The final line from the narrator actually made me a little bit emotional too 🥹 A fantastic book that I highly recommend!
September 23, 2025
Reading Book Boyfriend felt like sitting across from a friend who insists, with full conviction, that fictional men are safer than the real ones and part of me nodded along. Lucy Vine captures that escapist urge perfectly, how sometimes it’s easier to fall for someone who exists only in pages than risk the awkward mess of real dating apps and lukewarm first dates.
What I enjoyed most wasn’t just the humor (though there are plenty of laugh-out-loud lines) but the way the story slyly questions why we cling to fictional crushes in the first place. The protagonist’s banter with her friends felt sharp and comforting, like the group chat you actually want to check.
But at the same time, the middle chunk dragged for me. Some scenes looped back on themselves, like déjà vu of the same gag, and I found myself waiting for the narrative to take a bigger leap. The romance itself isn’t as dazzling as the premise promised, though the self discovery arc softens that blow.
For me, this is less a swoony romance and more a funny, slightly bittersweet reminder that books can be safe havens but they can’t hold your hand in real life. That angle made it worth the read, even if the pacing kept me at arm’s length at times.
What I enjoyed most wasn’t just the humor (though there are plenty of laugh-out-loud lines) but the way the story slyly questions why we cling to fictional crushes in the first place. The protagonist’s banter with her friends felt sharp and comforting, like the group chat you actually want to check.
But at the same time, the middle chunk dragged for me. Some scenes looped back on themselves, like déjà vu of the same gag, and I found myself waiting for the narrative to take a bigger leap. The romance itself isn’t as dazzling as the premise promised, though the self discovery arc softens that blow.
For me, this is less a swoony romance and more a funny, slightly bittersweet reminder that books can be safe havens but they can’t hold your hand in real life. That angle made it worth the read, even if the pacing kept me at arm’s length at times.
September 28, 2025
Against all my better judgement I picked up a romance book. This is largely because my trashy book this year have been going oh so well. How the mighty have fallen. The characters in this novel are absolutely insufferable. The opposing twin trope wasn’t intriguing just annoying. Not only that, the constant gen-z references made this book feel old and cringe instead of the witty, tongue in cheek that I assume Vine was looking for.
Also, the odd narrator sections felt really bizarre. Made only worse by the reveal that it was Harry. I don’t understand why this was included as Harry had no mention of writing or even liking books. I don’t know what’s worse: the thought that it was some sort of breaking the fourth wall by Vine or the reveal at the end.
This was boring overall but made me happy that I can keep being a snob about books knowing my opinion has been right all along ;)
Also, the odd narrator sections felt really bizarre. Made only worse by the reveal that it was Harry. I don’t understand why this was included as Harry had no mention of writing or even liking books. I don’t know what’s worse: the thought that it was some sort of breaking the fourth wall by Vine or the reveal at the end.
This was boring overall but made me happy that I can keep being a snob about books knowing my opinion has been right all along ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
This was an extremely cute and charming romcom. It had me laughing and smiling, and I read the whole book in one day!
I loved how realistic Jemma and Clara's sibling relationship was. I found Jemma to be an extremely relatable character. I am sure we can all relate to her introverted nature, her love of books and obsession with fictional boyfriends. I found Clara very frustrating at first, but I think that is the whole point, because we gradually learn to love and understand her. I absolutely loved her character growth.
And the swapping of notes in the library was the cutest premise. It was so romantic and the dream meet-cute.
The friendships were also so sweet and wholesome. I loved the flat TV nights.
Overall this was an extremely wholesome read and it had me smiling throughout!
I loved how realistic Jemma and Clara's sibling relationship was. I found Jemma to be an extremely relatable character. I am sure we can all relate to her introverted nature, her love of books and obsession with fictional boyfriends. I found Clara very frustrating at first, but I think that is the whole point, because we gradually learn to love and understand her. I absolutely loved her character growth.
And the swapping of notes in the library was the cutest premise. It was so romantic and the dream meet-cute.
The friendships were also so sweet and wholesome. I loved the flat TV nights.
Overall this was an extremely wholesome read and it had me smiling throughout!
July 24, 2025
Hey, so this sucked.
Both main characters were the worst people in the world, like that may be the only way I knew they were twins was I hated them both.
I feel bad for how much I disliked this but the writing was bad too, the 'funny' moments made me cringe and the writing was just like a millennial trying to write what they thought was relatable.
I fully skipped the narrator's chapters, they were really bad.
Why did Mack get so much airtime I don't care.
It also took me 3 weeks to read a 300 page book that I took on 3 separate journeys but chose to do nothing instead.
Art is subjective tho so I am sure there is an audience but I won't pick up Lucy Vine again.
The sprayed edges of my edition are pretty though.
Both main characters were the worst people in the world, like that may be the only way I knew they were twins was I hated them both.
I feel bad for how much I disliked this but the writing was bad too, the 'funny' moments made me cringe and the writing was just like a millennial trying to write what they thought was relatable.
I fully skipped the narrator's chapters, they were really bad.
Why did Mack get so much airtime I don't care.
It also took me 3 weeks to read a 300 page book that I took on 3 separate journeys but chose to do nothing instead.
Art is subjective tho so I am sure there is an audience but I won't pick up Lucy Vine again.
The sprayed edges of my edition are pretty though.
June 30, 2025
This is one for anyone who’s ever wondered why real men can’t measure up to fictional pen pals and library crushes. Jemma is my people: socially awkward, book-obsessed, and 100% more comfortable swapping notes in the stacks than enduring another disappointing date. Clara, the twin who blows back in from the States, is the human equivalent of an unsolicited group text—annoying, a bit much, but oddly entertaining once you surrender.
📚 Anonymous pen pals (romance for people who hate eye contact)
👯♀️ Twins with enough baggage for a long-haul flight
🏠 Flatmates who’d defend your library fines in court
🎬 Celebrity crushes (for when reality just won’t do)
Four stars—funny, self-aware, and jammed with enough bookish banter to make any introvert feel seen. If you’d rather spend your Friday night with a fictional man and a cup of tea, this one’s practically written for you.
📚 Anonymous pen pals (romance for people who hate eye contact)
👯♀️ Twins with enough baggage for a long-haul flight
🏠 Flatmates who’d defend your library fines in court
🎬 Celebrity crushes (for when reality just won’t do)
Four stars—funny, self-aware, and jammed with enough bookish banter to make any introvert feel seen. If you’d rather spend your Friday night with a fictional man and a cup of tea, this one’s practically written for you.
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