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BOYSICK
A high school junior eager for love takes desperate measures to win the heart of an old crush while a lifelong friendship confuses her mission.
Frizzy-haired and socially awkward sixteen-year-old Marlowe Ford is the self-proclaimed “nerdy best friend” of the high energy and gutsy Lenny Taylor whose boyfriend Jacob is never far behind. Together the girls are navigating the start of their junior year of high school, along with Lenny’s older brother, Carter, who Marlowe lovingly refers to as the “golden retriever of boys.” Forever the single best friend, Marlowe is determined this year to find The One.
Having met at summer camp as kids, the girls and their families have been friends since they were eight. So, Marlowe and Lenny can’t believe it when Beau Braxton, an old camp friend and huge childhood crush of Marlowe’s, shows up on the first day of school after having moved away years ago. Marlowe is already planning her future together with the newly returned Beau. Always the one to be pining about boys, she isn’t necessarily lovesick. Marlowe is Boysick.
Marlowe is crushed when Beau shares with her his interest in the rich, popular, gorgeous queen bee of the school, Maya. But Marlowe isn’t letting that dash her dreams with Beau, and she offers up a scheme to him to become a “fake couple” to make Maya jealous and win her over—while secretly trying to win over Beau for herself. When her plan with Beau blows up, the lines become blurred and she finds herself seeking solace with the person who has been there for her all along. It’s up to Marlowe to find out what’s fake and what’s real.
Frizzy-haired and socially awkward sixteen-year-old Marlowe Ford is the self-proclaimed “nerdy best friend” of the high energy and gutsy Lenny Taylor whose boyfriend Jacob is never far behind. Together the girls are navigating the start of their junior year of high school, along with Lenny’s older brother, Carter, who Marlowe lovingly refers to as the “golden retriever of boys.” Forever the single best friend, Marlowe is determined this year to find The One.
Having met at summer camp as kids, the girls and their families have been friends since they were eight. So, Marlowe and Lenny can’t believe it when Beau Braxton, an old camp friend and huge childhood crush of Marlowe’s, shows up on the first day of school after having moved away years ago. Marlowe is already planning her future together with the newly returned Beau. Always the one to be pining about boys, she isn’t necessarily lovesick. Marlowe is Boysick.
Marlowe is crushed when Beau shares with her his interest in the rich, popular, gorgeous queen bee of the school, Maya. But Marlowe isn’t letting that dash her dreams with Beau, and she offers up a scheme to him to become a “fake couple” to make Maya jealous and win her over—while secretly trying to win over Beau for herself. When her plan with Beau blows up, the lines become blurred and she finds herself seeking solace with the person who has been there for her all along. It’s up to Marlowe to find out what’s fake and what’s real.
- GenresRomance
286 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2025
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 7, 2025
YES. this book was so so so good!! As a person who absolutely despised the love triangle trorp this was done so well! The characters were written so well, I had a character to hate, a character to love, and one who made me feel many many emotions. The writing was just so good and I loved all of the references to other movies and books! I cannot wait for this book to be booktoks favorite new clean romance!
May 14, 2025
“𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
Boysick by Meredith Mincey is one of those books I just ate up!! It was ADORABLE. I loved each and every character (maybe not Beau 😬). I felt like I could relate to Carter and Marlowe, especially with anxiety. The anxiety in this book was written and represented so well. Every time anxiety was talked about, I was like, “Oh my gosh, this is how my anxiety feels.” Meredith poured so much into this book and you could tell based on the writing. The tropes in this book were written perfectly and I was so absorbed in the story! It was so hard to put this book down whenever I had to. I’m so proud of you @meredithmincey and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to have access to and read this book. 🤍
Boysick by Meredith Mincey is one of those books I just ate up!! It was ADORABLE. I loved each and every character (maybe not Beau 😬). I felt like I could relate to Carter and Marlowe, especially with anxiety. The anxiety in this book was written and represented so well. Every time anxiety was talked about, I was like, “Oh my gosh, this is how my anxiety feels.” Meredith poured so much into this book and you could tell based on the writing. The tropes in this book were written perfectly and I was so absorbed in the story! It was so hard to put this book down whenever I had to. I’m so proud of you @meredithmincey and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to have access to and read this book. 🤍
May 12, 2025
If I could give this book a higher rating (10 stars) I would!! I’m so lucky to have gotten an early copy and it was sooo good! I loved the triangle trope in this cute and adorable clean romance book! Meredith ate so hard with this and I’m so proud! I think this is the quickest ive ever read a book! I anticipated that it was gonna be good and it was great! 🫶🏼🫶🏼
June 2, 2025
✨”This could be the cure to my boysickness.”✨
This book was very cute- such a fun debut novel!
I was immediately drawn to the premise. I love fake dating and love triangles! “Boysick” checked all my favorite trope boxes, and didn’t let me down in that department. I especially enjoyed the popular book and musical references- so many of my favs were mentioned!
I would recommend if you like this type of book:
💕coming-of-age hurdles
💕fake dating trope
💕no spice romance
💕he falls first
💕childhood friends to lovers
💕mental health awareness
Congrats to the author, I’m so happy to support and can’t wait to see what other books may come!
This book was very cute- such a fun debut novel!
I was immediately drawn to the premise. I love fake dating and love triangles! “Boysick” checked all my favorite trope boxes, and didn’t let me down in that department. I especially enjoyed the popular book and musical references- so many of my favs were mentioned!
I would recommend if you like this type of book:
💕coming-of-age hurdles
💕fake dating trope
💕no spice romance
💕he falls first
💕childhood friends to lovers
💕mental health awareness
Congrats to the author, I’m so happy to support and can’t wait to see what other books may come!
May 22, 2025
guys. guys. MY FRIEND MEREDITH WROTE A BOOK!!!!
I’m not much of a YA reader anymore, especially YA romance, but BOYSICK had me kicking my little feet and I loved it! I see my younger self in Marlowe SO MUCH, and I think that added a lot to my experience. I was constantly looking at Marlowe’s delusions and becoming frustrated, but I GOT her, and her character growth through the entirety of the novel is so fantastic. also the romance. listen. I’ve been in Marlowe’s shoes too many times to count, and I think the depiction of love stemming from friendship is so lovely here. plus Carter is just 💓💓💓
IM SO SO PROUD OF YOU MER!!!!!!
I’m not much of a YA reader anymore, especially YA romance, but BOYSICK had me kicking my little feet and I loved it! I see my younger self in Marlowe SO MUCH, and I think that added a lot to my experience. I was constantly looking at Marlowe’s delusions and becoming frustrated, but I GOT her, and her character growth through the entirety of the novel is so fantastic. also the romance. listen. I’ve been in Marlowe’s shoes too many times to count, and I think the depiction of love stemming from friendship is so lovely here. plus Carter is just 💓💓💓
IM SO SO PROUD OF YOU MER!!!!!!
May 2, 2025
MERE this book was amazing everything about it was perfect it was wrtiten so well i felt like i was reading a lynn painter book, boysick lovesick I LOVE IT. IM SO GLAD AND PROUD TO SAY I HAVE BEEN TEAM CARTER SINCE THE BEGINNING. HIM AND MAR R SO PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER, so when is the next book coming out?! THIS ROMANCE WAS AMAZING theyre just so perfect and not a single part of the book was boring seriously im so happy i got an early arc bc i cant wait anymore ilysm mere for writing this book truly amazing, i wouldnt say i was a big fan of beau i didnt trust him from the beginning his actions were just off. carter is the cutest red head and he reminds of wes theyre so alike, i loved it so much and i need more of this.
May 30, 2025
wow. Okay Meredith Mincy, how and when did you watch my ENTIRE junior year on tape? I’ve been really excited about this book, ever since I saw the author posting about it on her socials. I followed her and decided I would give it a try. Of course, since it was her debut, this book has its flaws. There’s some things that are repeated / probably unnecessary. And yet, this book was SO relatable. I just finished my junior year of High School, and at the beginning of the book the mc, Marlowe, starts hers. The feelings of never being wanted is so so real. I have a lot of friends who are in relationships and I’ve just never seemed to grab a guys attention fully. Another thing I fully understood was Marlowe’s emotions when fighting her best friend. This year I had a huge fall out with a girl I no longer call my best friend, and though Marlowe was able to patch things up with Lenny, the moments of heartache and bottomless pits in the stomach resonated so much with my experience this year. AND HER WORKLOAD. This year has been the toughest academically speaking. Yes, this book wasn’t perfect. But I cried about and highlighted sentences that literally EXPLAINED my year. I swear this author stalked me. Good job on the first book! Can’t wait to read the next!!
September 22, 2025
this book was so so good!! meredith is truly the sweetest and i love her so much and i am so so proud of her for releasing her debut novel and it being this good!!! let’s get started i love lenny so so much she is truly such a good friend to marlowe and even tho they had there up and downs at the end of the book they always find a way back to each other! beau i liked at first but by like 100 ish pages in he was just such a manchild like no way you are gonna say you need space than have sec with the girl you wanted like hello what the actual flip. maya i didnt like at ALL but when they finally talked i kinda liked her. and carter i could say so many amazing things about him but he is literally the MAN! he is the definition of if he wanted too he would! this book made me crash out especially with the ACT stuff but carter helped mar so much i just love them so so much! this was literally a 2000’s romcom feeling book to the core! i also love all the references to so many amazing things music, books, movies, tv shows, it’s just all so amazing!! this book overall is a 4.5⭐️ but for meredith i will round it up!! loved this book so happy i finally read it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
“He looks at me as if I’ve just had the Princess Diaries makeover from Paolo. But the truth is that I’ve got on a half layer of mascara and comfy clothes.”
I ADORED THIS BOOK!!!!! The characters were INCREDIBLE, the plot was amazing, and I was not expecting a lot of what happened. Meredith did an AMAZING job with her debut novel, and I cannot wait for her second one to come out!
CARTER TAYLOR IS THE STANDARD!!!! Girlies, don’t settle for anything else other than this man. I love how Meredith included the issue of anxiety intertwined with the characters in the story. It made Marlowe and Carter grow very close to my heart. It shows how Marlowe (the main character) learned how to cope with her anxiety. It was all written in a very relatable way. Meredith, thank you for that.
My second favorite relationship in this book (after Carlowe of course) was the relationship between Marlowe and Lenny. I feel like Lenny brought out the best in Marlowe and I loved how they worked through their friendship issues. I also loved how Meredith incorporated SO MANY REFERENCES in her book! If you have existed on this planet for any moment in time, you will find a reference for you in this book.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK NOW!!!!!!!!! I loved it sosososo much and I know so many others will too. go read it now :)
spice: none
language: a couple bad words
I ADORED THIS BOOK!!!!! The characters were INCREDIBLE, the plot was amazing, and I was not expecting a lot of what happened. Meredith did an AMAZING job with her debut novel, and I cannot wait for her second one to come out!
CARTER TAYLOR IS THE STANDARD!!!! Girlies, don’t settle for anything else other than this man. I love how Meredith included the issue of anxiety intertwined with the characters in the story. It made Marlowe and Carter grow very close to my heart. It shows how Marlowe (the main character) learned how to cope with her anxiety. It was all written in a very relatable way. Meredith, thank you for that.
My second favorite relationship in this book (after Carlowe of course) was the relationship between Marlowe and Lenny. I feel like Lenny brought out the best in Marlowe and I loved how they worked through their friendship issues. I also loved how Meredith incorporated SO MANY REFERENCES in her book! If you have existed on this planet for any moment in time, you will find a reference for you in this book.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK NOW!!!!!!!!! I loved it sosososo much and I know so many others will too. go read it now :)
spice: none
language: a couple bad words
October 5, 2025
3.5
The first part of the book was kinda slow, but the second part was really good.
I love the fact that Carter remembers every little detail about her and that he's always there for her. The book shows anxiety because of exams, I find that really interesting because we don't find that often in books and it's a subject that affects a lot of people. Carter is the greenest flag ever!!! (he's a swiftie)
Some quotes that I really appreciate:
"you can't really love someone until you love yourself."
"On the plane, I kept hearing songs that reminded me of you, so I made a playlist."
' I like who I am when I'm with you. I like you, Marlowe."
The first part of the book was kinda slow, but the second part was really good.
I love the fact that Carter remembers every little detail about her and that he's always there for her. The book shows anxiety because of exams, I find that really interesting because we don't find that often in books and it's a subject that affects a lot of people. Carter is the greenest flag ever!!! (he's a swiftie)
Some quotes that I really appreciate:
"you can't really love someone until you love yourself."
"On the plane, I kept hearing songs that reminded me of you, so I made a playlist."
' I like who I am when I'm with you. I like you, Marlowe."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
That was AMAZING!!!! Oh my goodness!!!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I read this book in 3 hours, and I am head over heels for it!!!!( I did notice that Rosetta was misspelled the times it came up) but overall it’s a wonderful book and a beautiful story!! Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was a sharp turn and everything changed. I loved Beau at first, but then he turned out to be a real jerk. In the end I adore Carter, he truly is THE standard. My favourite scenes were the Treehouse/Camp scenes, Parachute scene, nightmare scene, panic attack scene, and the Pickles scenes!!! I have never related to a book THIS much, I feel like Meredith took my thoughts and my personality and perfectly pasted them into Marlowe. As a rising Junior/Senior in high school, I found so many relatable aspects to the stressors of school, as well as just normal teenage girl things that were perfectly written!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
My book, "BOYSICK," is now out into the world.
That short sentence is something that I don't think I've ever let myself fully believe. From the moment I began writing, I always labeled it as a pipe dream. It was something that seemed far away. If I talked about my book with others, I never fully dove into the details of it. If I don't seem that serious about it, then it hurts less when I fail, right?
Two years ago, I let my mom and best friend read a couple chapters. I opened the lock to a door that I thought would stay shut forever. Six months later, I enrolled in an Advanced Fiction writing class where the entire course concept was built off of workshopping our manuscripts. I was thrown into the deep end of letting people in on this dream I had. But it made me realize something- sharing your work with others isn't a bad thing.
Workshop helped me realize that writing my book, "BOYSICK," was never about the potential for failure or success. I wrote "BOYSICK" to reconnect with my younger self. I was essentially gatekeeping my work because I was afraid of the disapproval from others, but I wasn't even writing it for them.
I wrote "BOYSICK" for the little Meredith who was always described as a chatterbox and “needed to talk less.” I wrote it for the little Meredith who never understood why the boys in her class weren’t nice to her. I wrote "BOYSICK" for the little Meredith who had crippling anxiety to where she didn’t know who she was anymore. I wrote it for the little Meredith who felt so awkward and uncomfortable around guys. I wrote "BOYSICK" for the little Meredith who hated herself.
In writing this book, I healed a younger part of myself that I didn't realize was broken. I crafted characters that I fell in love with and wrote of experiences that I wanted as a teenager.
Publishing "BOYSICK" has never been about success, money, or fame. Publishing "BOYSICK" is simply a love letter to my younger self.
I hope you read it as a love letter to your younger self as well. We are all trying, and we are all growing. I hope that "BOYSICK" allows you to repair the bridge of self love and that it shows you that it's okay to have an obsessive crush sometimes!
Thank you for picking up the book that is no longer a figment of my imagination. Thank you for picking up the book that is an extension of myself.
Stay Boysick,
Mer
That short sentence is something that I don't think I've ever let myself fully believe. From the moment I began writing, I always labeled it as a pipe dream. It was something that seemed far away. If I talked about my book with others, I never fully dove into the details of it. If I don't seem that serious about it, then it hurts less when I fail, right?
Two years ago, I let my mom and best friend read a couple chapters. I opened the lock to a door that I thought would stay shut forever. Six months later, I enrolled in an Advanced Fiction writing class where the entire course concept was built off of workshopping our manuscripts. I was thrown into the deep end of letting people in on this dream I had. But it made me realize something- sharing your work with others isn't a bad thing.
Workshop helped me realize that writing my book, "BOYSICK," was never about the potential for failure or success. I wrote "BOYSICK" to reconnect with my younger self. I was essentially gatekeeping my work because I was afraid of the disapproval from others, but I wasn't even writing it for them.
I wrote "BOYSICK" for the little Meredith who was always described as a chatterbox and “needed to talk less.” I wrote it for the little Meredith who never understood why the boys in her class weren’t nice to her. I wrote "BOYSICK" for the little Meredith who had crippling anxiety to where she didn’t know who she was anymore. I wrote it for the little Meredith who felt so awkward and uncomfortable around guys. I wrote "BOYSICK" for the little Meredith who hated herself.
In writing this book, I healed a younger part of myself that I didn't realize was broken. I crafted characters that I fell in love with and wrote of experiences that I wanted as a teenager.
Publishing "BOYSICK" has never been about success, money, or fame. Publishing "BOYSICK" is simply a love letter to my younger self.
I hope you read it as a love letter to your younger self as well. We are all trying, and we are all growing. I hope that "BOYSICK" allows you to repair the bridge of self love and that it shows you that it's okay to have an obsessive crush sometimes!
Thank you for picking up the book that is no longer a figment of my imagination. Thank you for picking up the book that is an extension of myself.
Stay Boysick,
Mer
September 7, 2025
AHHHH I’ve finally read Boysick!!! This book truly felt like watching a DCOM or a 2000s romcom! I adore all the characters and I love that we got to know the side characters and it truly felt like an ensemble tv show cast. I love my girl Marlowe, we are TWINS. She went through so much in this book and I loved seeing her character develop and grow!! There were so many times in this book that I just wanted to give her a hug because she was going THROUGH IT. When I was reading about Beau initially, I felt what Marlowe was feeling, excited, happy, a little giddy. But then chapter 19 happened. AND I OFFICIALLY HATE THAT MAN. But Carter, I ADORE HIM! Everyone needs a Carter, Mer wrote one of the sweetest, caring, and kindest book boyfriends I’ve ever read! He definitely earned a medal from Camp Calee for YEARNING. Also, I have such a special place in my heart for Lenny and Jacob!! UGHHHH they are adorable and perfect in every single way. I love how Mer wrote about dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, that ACT scene is ingrained in my mind and you can tell how much care and thought went into writing that scene. I also loved the storyline with Carter and his dad, poor Carter doesn’t deserve that😭 he went through so much and I’m so glad that Marlowe and Carter were there for each other. Also as someone who grew up watching those nostalgic Disney shows & movies, listening to Taylor, and watching her music videos like they were movies, all the references that Mer included mean so much to me!! It was like collecting easter eggs as I read and Carter loving teen beach movie just makes sense🥹!!
I’m so grateful that Mer sent me a copy of her wonderful debut novel, I still can’t believe that I have BOYSICK in my hands!! I can’t wait for all of Mer’s future books, and until then I will be patiently waiting to read them!
I’m so grateful that Mer sent me a copy of her wonderful debut novel, I still can’t believe that I have BOYSICK in my hands!! I can’t wait for all of Mer’s future books, and until then I will be patiently waiting to read them!
June 6, 2025
“It’s not that I want to be such a brat about guys’ lack of awareness of me, but I can’t help it. Im a hater first, girl second.”
Boysick by Meredith Mincey
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Age rating:14+
Spice:none
This book felt like a hug. It was so sweet and cute. It felt like a 2000s romcom in the best way. I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to put it down I was annoyed because I just wanted to keep reading. I had a smile on my face most of the time. I loved seeing fake dating done this way, and the romance was so really really sweet. Team Carter all the way. Marlowe is so delusional in the beginning and I absolutely love her. She’s also so relatable and I adore her. One thing I related to so much was how she had so much anxiety and stress when it came to school. I felt so seen, so much of what she was struggling with I’ve dealt with, and it was just really nice to see what I’ve dealt with in a book. Also this just felt so nostalgic for some reason and I loved that. It was just a great book and I was so sad when it was over because I wanted it to never end. Definitely recommend this one!
Boysick by Meredith Mincey
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Age rating:14+
Spice:none
This book felt like a hug. It was so sweet and cute. It felt like a 2000s romcom in the best way. I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to put it down I was annoyed because I just wanted to keep reading. I had a smile on my face most of the time. I loved seeing fake dating done this way, and the romance was so really really sweet. Team Carter all the way. Marlowe is so delusional in the beginning and I absolutely love her. She’s also so relatable and I adore her. One thing I related to so much was how she had so much anxiety and stress when it came to school. I felt so seen, so much of what she was struggling with I’ve dealt with, and it was just really nice to see what I’ve dealt with in a book. Also this just felt so nostalgic for some reason and I loved that. It was just a great book and I was so sad when it was over because I wanted it to never end. Definitely recommend this one!
July 9, 2025
I'm absolutely in love with this story and all the romcom clichés! this story is definitely not going to hit with every audience, but it really spoke to me! it was fast-paced enough to keep my attention, and every chapter left me wanting more!
I was absolutely hooked from the beginning, and I just loved the atmosphere! It gave HUGE 'Better than the movies' vibes without feeling like it was copied. I'm also in love with all of the references! it really made Marlowe feel like a true fangirl!! I think I screamed when 'to all the boys I've loved before' was mentioned!
I'm so impressed by and immensely proud of Meredith for writing and publishing this book!
I don't want to "criticize" it per se, but I have a few thoughts, I related heavily to Marlowe and her inner thoughts but sometimes when she was just speaking to someone it felt more like she was texting and had very prepared responses, especially when she was speaking to Beau, now I understand that it may have purposely been portrayed that way but I kinda wish it was expanded upon in those scenes.
but overall, I'm absolutely in love with this book, and I can't wait until Meredith writes more!
I was absolutely hooked from the beginning, and I just loved the atmosphere! It gave HUGE 'Better than the movies' vibes without feeling like it was copied. I'm also in love with all of the references! it really made Marlowe feel like a true fangirl!! I think I screamed when 'to all the boys I've loved before' was mentioned!
I'm so impressed by and immensely proud of Meredith for writing and publishing this book!
I don't want to "criticize" it per se, but I have a few thoughts, I related heavily to Marlowe and her inner thoughts but sometimes when she was just speaking to someone it felt more like she was texting and had very prepared responses, especially when she was speaking to Beau, now I understand that it may have purposely been portrayed that way but I kinda wish it was expanded upon in those scenes.
but overall, I'm absolutely in love with this book, and I can't wait until Meredith writes more!
June 10, 2025
BOYSICK REVIEW
⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
favorite quote: “it turns out i’m no longer boysick. i’m lovesick.” PERFECT FINAL SENTENCE AHHHH
this book was really, really cute!! i was SO excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint!! the funny thing is, i’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but it was so well-written, that i really liked it!!!
at first, i thought i liked beau, BOY WAS I WRONG. yes, he was sweet at first, but as time went on, he started really irritating me. safe to say, i LOVED carter!! he’s so so sweet, and the fact that he’s always been there for her, even though marlowe (by the way, i LOVE that name!!) never really looked at him like that?? he’s AMAZING. i loved their banter, their trip to the shelter, how he helped her during her panic attack, THE NIGHTMARE SCENE?? HELLO?? probably my favorite scene in the whole book, it had me giggling and kicking my feet 🤭
also can we talk about lenny?? she’s an absolute QUEEN!! i definitely felt kinda bad for her at parts, since marlowe was kinda caught up in all the boy drama, and kinda forgot about her best friend for a bit. lenny was an amazing friend the whole time, and she was definitely one of my favorite characters in this book!!
in conclusion, it was such a cute romcom!! if you’re looking for a fun summer read with friends to lovers and an adorable mmc, then this book is for you!!
(dare i say i want more marlowexcarter content??? 🤭👀)
⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
favorite quote: “it turns out i’m no longer boysick. i’m lovesick.” PERFECT FINAL SENTENCE AHHHH
this book was really, really cute!! i was SO excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint!! the funny thing is, i’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers, but it was so well-written, that i really liked it!!!
at first, i thought i liked beau, BOY WAS I WRONG. yes, he was sweet at first, but as time went on, he started really irritating me. safe to say, i LOVED carter!! he’s so so sweet, and the fact that he’s always been there for her, even though marlowe (by the way, i LOVE that name!!) never really looked at him like that?? he’s AMAZING. i loved their banter, their trip to the shelter, how he helped her during her panic attack, THE NIGHTMARE SCENE?? HELLO?? probably my favorite scene in the whole book, it had me giggling and kicking my feet 🤭
also can we talk about lenny?? she’s an absolute QUEEN!! i definitely felt kinda bad for her at parts, since marlowe was kinda caught up in all the boy drama, and kinda forgot about her best friend for a bit. lenny was an amazing friend the whole time, and she was definitely one of my favorite characters in this book!!
in conclusion, it was such a cute romcom!! if you’re looking for a fun summer read with friends to lovers and an adorable mmc, then this book is for you!!
(dare i say i want more marlowexcarter content??? 🤭👀)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Boysick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I would like to say, MEREDITH MINCEY YOU MADE ME CRY READING SOME OF THIS!!
I loved Boysick! It is probably one of my favorite reads this year. Carter and Marlowe’s relationship is top tier.
This book kinda reminds me of better than the movies iykwim. So if you like bttm, READ THIS.
I love the references. I may be young, but sometimes when an author would reference something, I wouldn’t get it. So I love how I just understood them all. I love them so much.
Can I also say, where’s my Carter? Bc I need someone like him in my life!! 😩
Oh and I do NOT like Beau. Like dude get out of here :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I would like to say, MEREDITH MINCEY YOU MADE ME CRY READING SOME OF THIS!!
I loved Boysick! It is probably one of my favorite reads this year. Carter and Marlowe’s relationship is top tier.
This book kinda reminds me of better than the movies iykwim. So if you like bttm, READ THIS.
I love the references. I may be young, but sometimes when an author would reference something, I wouldn’t get it. So I love how I just understood them all. I love them so much.
Can I also say, where’s my Carter? Bc I need someone like him in my life!! 😩
Oh and I do NOT like Beau. Like dude get out of here :)
June 8, 2025
This book was so incredible, the first line hooked me instintly.
I loved how relatable the characters were.
Don’t even get me started on Carter, I absolutely love him. He’s so Wes Bennett coded and I love it.
All of reference were so nostalgic and , especially the teen beach movie, to all the boys I loved before, and better than the movies, etc.
I was going through a mix of emotions throughout this book, I was crying, laughing, kicking my feet.
Overall, this book was an amazing ya romance.
I loved how relatable the characters were.
Don’t even get me started on Carter, I absolutely love him. He’s so Wes Bennett coded and I love it.
All of reference were so nostalgic and , especially the teen beach movie, to all the boys I loved before, and better than the movies, etc.
I was going through a mix of emotions throughout this book, I was crying, laughing, kicking my feet.
Overall, this book was an amazing ya romance.
July 17, 2025
You can tell me a million times that this is a debut book but honestly…I would never believe you🙂↔️
This book has my whole heart as does these characters. I felt seen in ways that I would have never expected when I read this book and it is just so amazing! The writing style was easy to read and I definitely need a “Pickles” in my life.
I am so boysick for boysick🙂↕️
This book has my whole heart as does these characters. I felt seen in ways that I would have never expected when I read this book and it is just so amazing! The writing style was easy to read and I definitely need a “Pickles” in my life.
I am so boysick for boysick🙂↕️
June 24, 2025
this book was so good!!! I relate so much to Marlowe and I love her character so much! I really liked how her and Carter’s anxiety were woven into the story, and how it helped them become closer. Love love love the book overall!!! 🩷✨🤩
June 29, 2025
I had the hardest time getting through this book. The characters needed a lot more development. The plot also seemed very rushed and reminded me of other romance novels I have read. I decided to try this book out and I almost dnf’d it. I was very disappointed!
April 10, 2025
I can tell how much love went into writing this and I cannot wait to read it!
May 28, 2025
This book was so stinking cute! The cutest love story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested til the very end!! Obsessed!
June 4, 2025
THIS BOOK!!!!! It was so sooo good! I love Carter and Marlowe SO much. and Marlowe is such a relatable character. I also loved all the references! Meredith, you did AMAZING on this!!🩵💚🩵
December 25, 2025
A light and cute read which is just what I needed! This story really reminded me of teen relationships and young love, and I loved all of the pop culture references! (P.S. so proud of you, Meredith!!! Congrats on your 1st book)
June 2, 2025
I SERIOUSLY CAN'T!!!!!! This book got me out of my one month reading slump and God I'm so glad I was able to read it. Meredith's writing style reminds me so much of Jenny Han and Lynn Painter, which obviously meant this was going to be the best book ever. The whole time I was reading the boom I literally couldn't put it down because each chapter was a new event. Also, halfway through the book!!!!! WHAT THE HECK!!!!!! The gasp I gasped while reading should probably be studied. Overall if you are looking for a soft fluffy romance that will make you giggle, scream, and kick your feet definitely read BOYSICK.
November 21, 2025
I feel like I need to explain myself a bit with this review, so here we go. 👇
I was so excited for Boysick. I follow Meredith (the author) on Instagram and she seems like the sweetest person ever, so of course I wanted to support her and love her first book. I really thought this would be a solid four-star read for me. But honestly, it just didn’t work out that way. 😕
There were definitely things I enjoyed. The summer camp flashbacks gave the story a nice nostalgic vibe and I liked how those memories helped explain the way Marlowe sees certain people in the present. I also thought the references to music, shows and books were fun and added a personal touch. 📚🎶
I really liked Carter. He was kind, thoughtful and just felt like the right choice from the beginning. I also loved Lenny. She always seemed to have good intentions, and I understood her the whole time. She was sweet, creative and exactly the kind of friend you want in a story like this. 💕
But some things didn’t work out for me. I had a hard time getting used to the writing style. ✍️ I’m not sure why, but something about how the characters talked and how certain scenes were described just didn’t click.
One thing that I noticed and what bothered me is that the dialogue started to feel repetitive between Carter and Marlowe early on. They kept having the same conversation again and again about her stress and his play and it was frustrating! 😣
I also felt like there were too many tropes thrown in. It felt like a lot and it made things seem predictable and sometimes forced.
Marlowe was a tough character for me. I get what Meredith was trying to do and I really appreciated the way her anxiety was written. But overall, I just couldn’t really connect with her the way I wanted. And honestly if people find Liz Buxbaum (character from the book: better than the movies) delusional than I can tell you right now, that Marlow takes that to another level 🫣. Beau clearly liked Maya from the beginning, and she still believed there was a chance between them. Sorry but no…
Then once Beau and Maya got together, Beau basically disappeared from the story. It made the book feel like two parts: one with Beau and the other with Carter. I almost wish Meredith had just focused the whole book on Carter and Marlowe. Their connection felt stronger and more natural.
The ending was wrapped up nicely and everything did come full circle, which I appreciated. I didn’t hate it, and I totally get why some people love it. But for me, it just didn’t come together like I hoped so I’m giving it 2.5 stars. ⭐️
I was so excited for Boysick. I follow Meredith (the author) on Instagram and she seems like the sweetest person ever, so of course I wanted to support her and love her first book. I really thought this would be a solid four-star read for me. But honestly, it just didn’t work out that way. 😕
There were definitely things I enjoyed. The summer camp flashbacks gave the story a nice nostalgic vibe and I liked how those memories helped explain the way Marlowe sees certain people in the present. I also thought the references to music, shows and books were fun and added a personal touch. 📚🎶
I really liked Carter. He was kind, thoughtful and just felt like the right choice from the beginning. I also loved Lenny. She always seemed to have good intentions, and I understood her the whole time. She was sweet, creative and exactly the kind of friend you want in a story like this. 💕
But some things didn’t work out for me. I had a hard time getting used to the writing style. ✍️ I’m not sure why, but something about how the characters talked and how certain scenes were described just didn’t click.
One thing that I noticed and what bothered me is that the dialogue started to feel repetitive between Carter and Marlowe early on. They kept having the same conversation again and again about her stress and his play and it was frustrating! 😣
I also felt like there were too many tropes thrown in. It felt like a lot and it made things seem predictable and sometimes forced.
Marlowe was a tough character for me. I get what Meredith was trying to do and I really appreciated the way her anxiety was written. But overall, I just couldn’t really connect with her the way I wanted. And honestly if people find Liz Buxbaum (character from the book: better than the movies) delusional than I can tell you right now, that Marlow takes that to another level 🫣. Beau clearly liked Maya from the beginning, and she still believed there was a chance between them. Sorry but no…
Then once Beau and Maya got together, Beau basically disappeared from the story. It made the book feel like two parts: one with Beau and the other with Carter. I almost wish Meredith had just focused the whole book on Carter and Marlowe. Their connection felt stronger and more natural.
The ending was wrapped up nicely and everything did come full circle, which I appreciated. I didn’t hate it, and I totally get why some people love it. But for me, it just didn’t come together like I hoped so I’m giving it 2.5 stars. ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHERE do I even begin?!! my best friend PUBLISHED A BOOK!! and it’s the cutest, most wholesome, relatable book I have ever read. it was like meredith had gone into my 16-year-old brain and read all my secrets. ever since I first heard about the idea of being boysick, I immediately knew that this was a book I had to get my hands on because nothing had ever been more relatable.
reading boysick felt like an absolute breath of fresh air. all the characters are so well-rounded and relatable in their own ways, marlowe especially. we follow her through the highs and lows of high school romance, standardized testing, and girlhood. she’s so human and flawed and just trying her best that it’s hard not to love her completely. I was sitting up to shout at her through the pages sometimes while rereading some sentences over and over because they made me feel so seen.
and CARTER. listen, redheads aren’t really at the top of my list but boysick moved them a LOT higher up. he is absolute perfection. he’s kind, thoughtful, creative, charismatic, and totally girlsick over marlowe yet he still helps her chase the man of her dreams!! he is the whole package. and hearing his struggles genuinely made me ache for him. it just goes to show how great meredith is at writing realistic characters.
honorary mention to beau—he doesn’t know anything, he’s only 17! no, but seriously, somehow meredith made me love him and hate him and then sympathize with him all in the same book?? I have no idea how she did it, but I’m in awe. she balanced that line of a likable/unlikable character so well.
lastly, I love love love how meredith discussed anxiety issues in the book. they were done so realistically and offered another layer of depth to marlowe. I’m so glad it was included because it’s one of those things that’s often discussed but never represented.
boysick is a book I think every girl who was boy crazy as a teenager should read. it’s for all the girls who spent so much time crushing on boys who never even knew they existed. who dreamt up imaginary scenarios and listened to love songs.
I saw the hard work and love and vulnerability poured into this book draft after draft, and watching it become published has been one of the best feelings. you deserve all the good things, mer bear! love you to the moon and to saturn! ❤️🧸
WHERE do I even begin?!! my best friend PUBLISHED A BOOK!! and it’s the cutest, most wholesome, relatable book I have ever read. it was like meredith had gone into my 16-year-old brain and read all my secrets. ever since I first heard about the idea of being boysick, I immediately knew that this was a book I had to get my hands on because nothing had ever been more relatable.
reading boysick felt like an absolute breath of fresh air. all the characters are so well-rounded and relatable in their own ways, marlowe especially. we follow her through the highs and lows of high school romance, standardized testing, and girlhood. she’s so human and flawed and just trying her best that it’s hard not to love her completely. I was sitting up to shout at her through the pages sometimes while rereading some sentences over and over because they made me feel so seen.
and CARTER. listen, redheads aren’t really at the top of my list but boysick moved them a LOT higher up. he is absolute perfection. he’s kind, thoughtful, creative, charismatic, and totally girlsick over marlowe yet he still helps her chase the man of her dreams!! he is the whole package. and hearing his struggles genuinely made me ache for him. it just goes to show how great meredith is at writing realistic characters.
honorary mention to beau—he doesn’t know anything, he’s only 17! no, but seriously, somehow meredith made me love him and hate him and then sympathize with him all in the same book?? I have no idea how she did it, but I’m in awe. she balanced that line of a likable/unlikable character so well.
lastly, I love love love how meredith discussed anxiety issues in the book. they were done so realistically and offered another layer of depth to marlowe. I’m so glad it was included because it’s one of those things that’s often discussed but never represented.
boysick is a book I think every girl who was boy crazy as a teenager should read. it’s for all the girls who spent so much time crushing on boys who never even knew they existed. who dreamt up imaginary scenarios and listened to love songs.
I saw the hard work and love and vulnerability poured into this book draft after draft, and watching it become published has been one of the best feelings. you deserve all the good things, mer bear! love you to the moon and to saturn! ❤️🧸
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