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How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend
Standing at the foot of my comatose crush’s hospital bed is not how I envisioned becoming Hayden’s partner. First I needed to find out if he’s even into the theys, then hopefully some flirting, a cute date up in the valley or at Taco Bell, a kiss. The normal cutesy stuff, but this? No! Hayden wasn’t supposed to get hurt, especially not a trauma-induced extended nap from slipping on a wet floor at my job. On top of that, one of the nurses told his family we’re dating. Sure, it might have been because that's what I told her when I was trying to get to his room to see him…but it’s not true.
The wild part is his family believes it! They really think I’m the Hayden Marcus’s short little curly-haired enbyfriend. His partner! With one little lie, now they think he isn’t straight, and I’m terrified he actually is.
So now I’m having Thanksgiving with a family I barely know because, as far as they’re concerned, I’m “dating” their son. I can’t tell if this is a sign my love spell worked, or if I royally messed up and I’m being punished. I mean this family is amazing. It’s everything I wish I had, and honestly more. But it’s all based on a lie.
Oh, and as if all of that wasn’t bad enough, my comatose crush has an even cuter brother who I think I might be falling for…
The wild part is his family believes it! They really think I’m the Hayden Marcus’s short little curly-haired enbyfriend. His partner! With one little lie, now they think he isn’t straight, and I’m terrified he actually is.
So now I’m having Thanksgiving with a family I barely know because, as far as they’re concerned, I’m “dating” their son. I can’t tell if this is a sign my love spell worked, or if I royally messed up and I’m being punished. I mean this family is amazing. It’s everything I wish I had, and honestly more. But it’s all based on a lie.
Oh, and as if all of that wasn’t bad enough, my comatose crush has an even cuter brother who I think I might be falling for…
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2026
27 people are currently reading
3850 people want to read
About the author
Jordon Greene
19 books634 followersJordon Greene is an award-winning author and software engineer raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. His work ranges from tense horror thrillers to cute romance stories, however, Jordon's heart is most invested in writing young adult romance stories where both young and young-at-heart readers alike can feel the acceptance and worth they so deserve. Since his debut young adult novel in 2019, Jordon's stories have reached young readers with messages of diversity, found family, and hope while also handling difficult issues.
An alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.S. in Political Science, Jordon works professionally as a senior software engineer. When he isn't writing or at work you can usually find Jordon at his favorite little coffee shop with his found family, cuddling with his little demon spawns (aka cats), or posting online about his latest Asian-pop music or BL drama obsession. Jordon lives in Kannapolis, NC with his children Genji and Freyr (aka the aforementioned demon spawn).
Jordon is the award-winning author of EVERY WORD YOU NEVER SAID and A MARK ON MY SOUL.
An alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.S. in Political Science, Jordon works professionally as a senior software engineer. When he isn't writing or at work you can usually find Jordon at his favorite little coffee shop with his found family, cuddling with his little demon spawns (aka cats), or posting online about his latest Asian-pop music or BL drama obsession. Jordon lives in Kannapolis, NC with his children Genji and Freyr (aka the aforementioned demon spawn).
Jordon is the award-winning author of EVERY WORD YOU NEVER SAID and A MARK ON MY SOUL.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 6, 2026DNF 20%
The main character basically outed someone? Also, they just won't stop lying.
It's not bad, and I might come back to it.
Atm I'm just too annoyed.
But I must say that this cover is gorgeous.
The main character basically outed someone? Also, they just won't stop lying.
It's not bad, and I might come back to it.
Atm I'm just too annoyed.
But I must say that this cover is gorgeous.
Currently Reading
March 8, 2026I’m on BookTube now! =)
This book doesn’t just have a super long title - “How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend” - but also gives me “Dear Evan Hansen” with magic vibes. XD
Well, except of that the love interest is still alive but in a coma and the non-binary teen falls for their fake boyfriend’s brother. This sounds complicated and super chaotic and I’m so here for it.
Also I’m curious how the magical element plays into all of it.
I suppose only reading this ARC will tell!
I dunno about you, but I’m ready to discover a new author's work!
Fingers crossed this will be a good one. =)
Find me on:
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This book doesn’t just have a super long title - “How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend” - but also gives me “Dear Evan Hansen” with magic vibes. XD
Well, except of that the love interest is still alive but in a coma and the non-binary teen falls for their fake boyfriend’s brother. This sounds complicated and super chaotic and I’m so here for it.
Also I’m curious how the magical element plays into all of it.
I suppose only reading this ARC will tell!
I dunno about you, but I’m ready to discover a new author's work!
Fingers crossed this will be a good one. =)
Find me on:
My Blog
September 3, 2025
Fun witchy YA read! 4 stars!
Kenzie has a massive crush on Hayden.
Things get tricky when Hayden comes into Kenzie’s place of work, hits his head and ends up in a coma.
Kenzie pretends to be dating Hayden to just to check on him in the hospital, but the small lie quickly spirals into something much bigger.
Now, Kenzie finds themself falling for Hayden’s brother, Zach.
Kenzie’s lie looms over them- and threatens to ruin everything.
I thought this was a nice story.
Kenzie is a witch, so it has some magical elements.
While I don’t feel like magic is a huge part of the story, it does play a role, and adds a wymsical feel to it.
I’ve not read anything from this author before, but now I will be looking into his other books!
I thought the writing of this one was quite nice.
It has a classic young adult novel feel, but with a lot of moderness- which I love. It was also simple, but engaging at the same time.
The only thing i struggled with here, was connecting to Kenzie. They felt a bit immature, even for their age. They also seemed to be a little bit of gaslighter at times, turning things back around on others when they were the one in the wrong.
But i try to keep in mind that Kenzie is not an adult, so the emotional maturity isn’t always there. Which makes sense.
Overall, a pretty nice book and I enjoyed it!
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Franklin/Kerr Press | F/K Teen and author Jordan Greene for providing me with the eARC of “How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: March 10th, 2026
Kenzie has a massive crush on Hayden.
Things get tricky when Hayden comes into Kenzie’s place of work, hits his head and ends up in a coma.
Kenzie pretends to be dating Hayden to just to check on him in the hospital, but the small lie quickly spirals into something much bigger.
Now, Kenzie finds themself falling for Hayden’s brother, Zach.
Kenzie’s lie looms over them- and threatens to ruin everything.
I thought this was a nice story.
Kenzie is a witch, so it has some magical elements.
While I don’t feel like magic is a huge part of the story, it does play a role, and adds a wymsical feel to it.
I’ve not read anything from this author before, but now I will be looking into his other books!
I thought the writing of this one was quite nice.
It has a classic young adult novel feel, but with a lot of moderness- which I love. It was also simple, but engaging at the same time.
The only thing i struggled with here, was connecting to Kenzie. They felt a bit immature, even for their age. They also seemed to be a little bit of gaslighter at times, turning things back around on others when they were the one in the wrong.
But i try to keep in mind that Kenzie is not an adult, so the emotional maturity isn’t always there. Which makes sense.
Overall, a pretty nice book and I enjoyed it!
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Franklin/Kerr Press | F/K Teen and author Jordan Greene for providing me with the eARC of “How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: March 10th, 2026
Read
February 26, 2026 ESP:
Oh chica.
Esta es la historia de Kenzie, une brujille que después de un hechizo de amor fallido su crush cae en coma y se encuentra ahora haciendole creer a la familia del chico que es su pareja, y EL CAOS que sucede obviamente. Muy romcomezco.
No me encantó como esta escrito, porque se lee muy, MUY infantil. Tal vez es que si ahora el género juvenil romántico esta más construido como este libro, pero el monologo interior de Kenzie se sentía super aniñado, casi como si sí fuera una novela infantil. Que ojo, también puede ser que yo ya esté viejo para estos libros considerando que los protagonistas nacieron en 2018 QUÉ.
Creo que la representación no binaria con Kenzie es lo más lindo del libro, pues siempre es bueno tener historias de romance con personajes diversos! Ayudan mucho, sobretodo a validar que sin importar tu identidad SIEMPRE serás mercedor de una gran historia de amor. El problema radica en que Kenzie no me cae nada bien JAJAJA. Todo el libro sucede por sus tonterias y AUN ASÍ es incapaz de aceptar culpa, de aceptar su responsabilidad en los hechos y se la vive quejándose. Llegó un punto donde realmente me hartó y ya no queria leerle.
El romance esta bien, algo equison, al igual que otros temas. Me hubiera gustado leer más de la brujeria, menos referencias a la cultura popular aunque hay algunas buenas (me gusta el kpop y se que al autor también entonces el libro está lleno de eso, me gustó), hay ciertas cosas de la narración que no me encantaron pero fue rápido de leer. Una mezcla de varia cosa la verdad.
En fin, no creo que vaya a recordar mucho este libro. Sí me leería algo más del autor porque tiene ciertas tramas que me llaman la atención, pero lo pensaría bastante.
Gracias al autor por la copia avanzada de este libro!
ENG:
How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend is a fun rom-com ya novel following Kenzie, a kitchen witch, that after a love spell gone wrong is believed to be their crush's partner, and all the shenanigans that ensue.
It's a very quick read. It feels modern, like how I believe the YA genre to feel these days since I've been a litte off the grid with it recently. I admit it reads a litte to young, maybe more in the middle grade area. I think that the writing style, specially Kenzie's inner monologue lacks a little bit of maturity and direction, but it still gave me those gitty ya feels that I used to love.
The non binary rep was really cute and I really enjoyed seeing Kenzie feel super confortable in their body, but mostly as a love interest! I think that romances that focus on diverse identities really help tp validate that everyone deserves a big love story of their own. However, I would've liked to connect more with Kenzie, because if I'm completely honest I didn't like them at all lol. They were kind of unlikable thanks to their lack of responsability. Everything that went "wrong" was because of them and still they whined and complained throughout the whole book. By the end of the story, the growth in them felt nonexistent.
The romance was cute, but not my favorite, as well as the multiple pop culture refrences. Sometimes I think that they do a diservice to the story since it ages it (for example, it was very clear that the characters were super super young in this one, considering they were born in 2008), but sometimes, if they are not overused, I tend to enjoy them. I know the author is a huge fan of KPOP so it was great to read all of his favorite groups written into Kenzie's taste. I also believe that it would've been great to see more of the witchcraft aspect of the story, as it reads as something very secondary, almost background-ish with zero relevance and it is one of the main aspects of Kenzie.
Overall, I did enjoyed the story, and thought it was a pretty solid read! I'd definitely read the author's backlist.
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy of the book!
Oh chica.
Esta es la historia de Kenzie, une brujille que después de un hechizo de amor fallido su crush cae en coma y se encuentra ahora haciendole creer a la familia del chico que es su pareja, y EL CAOS que sucede obviamente. Muy romcomezco.
No me encantó como esta escrito, porque se lee muy, MUY infantil. Tal vez es que si ahora el género juvenil romántico esta más construido como este libro, pero el monologo interior de Kenzie se sentía super aniñado, casi como si sí fuera una novela infantil. Que ojo, también puede ser que yo ya esté viejo para estos libros considerando que los protagonistas nacieron en 2018 QUÉ.
Creo que la representación no binaria con Kenzie es lo más lindo del libro, pues siempre es bueno tener historias de romance con personajes diversos! Ayudan mucho, sobretodo a validar que sin importar tu identidad SIEMPRE serás mercedor de una gran historia de amor. El problema radica en que Kenzie no me cae nada bien JAJAJA. Todo el libro sucede por sus tonterias y AUN ASÍ es incapaz de aceptar culpa, de aceptar su responsabilidad en los hechos y se la vive quejándose. Llegó un punto donde realmente me hartó y ya no queria leerle.
El romance esta bien, algo equison, al igual que otros temas. Me hubiera gustado leer más de la brujeria, menos referencias a la cultura popular aunque hay algunas buenas (me gusta el kpop y se que al autor también entonces el libro está lleno de eso, me gustó), hay ciertas cosas de la narración que no me encantaron pero fue rápido de leer. Una mezcla de varia cosa la verdad.
En fin, no creo que vaya a recordar mucho este libro. Sí me leería algo más del autor porque tiene ciertas tramas que me llaman la atención, pero lo pensaría bastante.
Gracias al autor por la copia avanzada de este libro!
ENG:
How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend is a fun rom-com ya novel following Kenzie, a kitchen witch, that after a love spell gone wrong is believed to be their crush's partner, and all the shenanigans that ensue.
It's a very quick read. It feels modern, like how I believe the YA genre to feel these days since I've been a litte off the grid with it recently. I admit it reads a litte to young, maybe more in the middle grade area. I think that the writing style, specially Kenzie's inner monologue lacks a little bit of maturity and direction, but it still gave me those gitty ya feels that I used to love.
The non binary rep was really cute and I really enjoyed seeing Kenzie feel super confortable in their body, but mostly as a love interest! I think that romances that focus on diverse identities really help tp validate that everyone deserves a big love story of their own. However, I would've liked to connect more with Kenzie, because if I'm completely honest I didn't like them at all lol. They were kind of unlikable thanks to their lack of responsability. Everything that went "wrong" was because of them and still they whined and complained throughout the whole book. By the end of the story, the growth in them felt nonexistent.
The romance was cute, but not my favorite, as well as the multiple pop culture refrences. Sometimes I think that they do a diservice to the story since it ages it (for example, it was very clear that the characters were super super young in this one, considering they were born in 2008), but sometimes, if they are not overused, I tend to enjoy them. I know the author is a huge fan of KPOP so it was great to read all of his favorite groups written into Kenzie's taste. I also believe that it would've been great to see more of the witchcraft aspect of the story, as it reads as something very secondary, almost background-ish with zero relevance and it is one of the main aspects of Kenzie.
Overall, I did enjoyed the story, and thought it was a pretty solid read! I'd definitely read the author's backlist.
Thanks to the author for the ARC copy of the book!
April 6, 2026
My, that was so cute. Kenzie and Zach and Katie were just so awesome and the writing so fluffy that I could even ignore the premise that dragged on for way too long. All in all this was so wholesome and I loved it. Gimme more!
October 25, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Franklin/Kerr Press for the ARC of How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend!
The moment I saw the cover and read what it was about, I knew I had to request it and luckily, I got approved! The book comes out next year, on March 10th.
It hooked me really easily. I mean, give me a group of queer teens with more social life than me, and I’m sold. But even though I was super motivated and wanted to love this story, I just couldn’t. Unfortunately, I never managed to connect with the main character the way I hoped.
I get that they’re only sixteen, but the amount of lying and manipulation was exhausting. Kenzie constantly makes bad decisions, lies to literally everyone, and even gaslights the characters they have romantic feelings for it’s just too much. I understood the parts about not feeling seen or accepted, and I genuinely loved the warmth and kindness of the romantic interest’s family, but the endless lies and refusal to take responsibility completely ruined it for me.
As for the magic part (which was one of the main elements that first caught my attention), it honestly felt underdeveloped. It’s an interesting concept, but it only shows up in a few specific scenes just to move the plot along, and it never feels like a real part of the story.
And the ending… after an entire book of Kenzie lying to everyone, everything gets wrapped up in just a couple of pages. There’s barely any consequence, they end up with one of their love interests, and everyone forgives them instantly. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t buy that.
Overall, the premise is fun and the found-family element is sweet, but the main character’s behavior made it really hard for me to enjoy this one the way I wanted to.
The moment I saw the cover and read what it was about, I knew I had to request it and luckily, I got approved! The book comes out next year, on March 10th.
It hooked me really easily. I mean, give me a group of queer teens with more social life than me, and I’m sold. But even though I was super motivated and wanted to love this story, I just couldn’t. Unfortunately, I never managed to connect with the main character the way I hoped.
I get that they’re only sixteen, but the amount of lying and manipulation was exhausting. Kenzie constantly makes bad decisions, lies to literally everyone, and even gaslights the characters they have romantic feelings for it’s just too much. I understood the parts about not feeling seen or accepted, and I genuinely loved the warmth and kindness of the romantic interest’s family, but the endless lies and refusal to take responsibility completely ruined it for me.
As for the magic part (which was one of the main elements that first caught my attention), it honestly felt underdeveloped. It’s an interesting concept, but it only shows up in a few specific scenes just to move the plot along, and it never feels like a real part of the story.
And the ending… after an entire book of Kenzie lying to everyone, everything gets wrapped up in just a couple of pages. There’s barely any consequence, they end up with one of their love interests, and everyone forgives them instantly. I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t buy that.
Overall, the premise is fun and the found-family element is sweet, but the main character’s behavior made it really hard for me to enjoy this one the way I wanted to.
September 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
First of all, this cover is so pretty! I fell in love with the cover before I realized I’ve read more books of this author. So that made me even more excited when I was approved to read this arc🤭 (thank you so much Franklin/Kerr press and Jordan Greene for letting me read this in return for an honest review)
I really liked this book, queer ya books will always have a special place in my heart. I liked Kenzie as a character, I think young non binary people would be able to feel seen by them. Some of the choices Kenzie mad did bother me a little bit. They let the lie go way further then was necessary.
I did love how they discovered that the perfect image of Hayden they had in their head wasn’t the truth. Hayden definitely wasn’t bad but Kenzie had so much more in common with Zack. Also Zack going to the abandoned house with them even tho he really doesn’t like scary stuff melted my heart.
There was only one little plot hole that kind of bothered me. Even if Hayden really had the amnesia and didn’t remember dating Kenzie, there would have been pictures of them together, or at least text messages. If someone told me I was dating them and I didn’t have their number or a text thread to look back to I would definitely think the whole situation is sus
First of all, this cover is so pretty! I fell in love with the cover before I realized I’ve read more books of this author. So that made me even more excited when I was approved to read this arc🤭 (thank you so much Franklin/Kerr press and Jordan Greene for letting me read this in return for an honest review)
I really liked this book, queer ya books will always have a special place in my heart. I liked Kenzie as a character, I think young non binary people would be able to feel seen by them. Some of the choices Kenzie mad did bother me a little bit. They let the lie go way further then was necessary.
I did love how they discovered that the perfect image of Hayden they had in their head wasn’t the truth. Hayden definitely wasn’t bad but Kenzie had so much more in common with Zack. Also Zack going to the abandoned house with them even tho he really doesn’t like scary stuff melted my heart.
There was only one little plot hole that kind of bothered me. Even if Hayden really had the amnesia and didn’t remember dating Kenzie, there would have been pictures of them together, or at least text messages. If someone told me I was dating them and I didn’t have their number or a text thread to look back to I would definitely think the whole situation is sus
September 23, 2025
it is hard to like a book when you actually despise the main character, which is just an unfortunate thing when the idea and the settings worked.
i understood they were just 16, but kenzie was a compulsive liar, there's no other way to put it. they spent the entire book lying through their mouth, and gaslighting every single one of the other characters you meet, even when they are given thousands of opportunities to come clean once and for all.
i did enjoy the found family you could see being created throught the story, but kenzie was just an unredeemable aspect for me to actually enjoy the book.
also, i felt like the conflict (which is the entire plot, btw) got resolved in like a chapter and a half, with everyone forgiving kenzie way too fast —
thanks to Franklin/Kerr Press for the arc of how (not) to conjure a boyfriend in exchange of my honest review
i understood they were just 16, but kenzie was a compulsive liar, there's no other way to put it. they spent the entire book lying through their mouth, and gaslighting every single one of the other characters you meet, even when they are given thousands of opportunities to come clean once and for all.
i did enjoy the found family you could see being created throught the story, but kenzie was just an unredeemable aspect for me to actually enjoy the book.
also, i felt like the conflict (which is the entire plot, btw) got resolved in like a chapter and a half, with everyone forgiving kenzie way too fast —
thanks to Franklin/Kerr Press for the arc of how (not) to conjure a boyfriend in exchange of my honest review
September 5, 2025
THIS WAS SO CUTE IM MELTING ACTUALLY
Thank you @franklinkerrpress for an advanced copy to review!
This book was *SO MUCH FUN!!!* I was so obsessed with both Kenzie and Zachary and I really loved this While You Were Sleeping homage, but make it teens and witches. I had an absolute blast reading this book and I actually stretched it out a couple of days because I didn’t want to finish.
Kenzie was such a great character, accidentally becoming Hayden’s enbyfriend when Hayden slips and falls and goes into a coma. It’s like a comedy of errors getting to that point, which was amazing to watch. I loved Kenzie’s inner monologue so much, it was so endearing to see them struggle. They made me laugh and get frustrated because I was *SO* rooting for them and Zachary!!! (This is not a criticism, I LOVED IT - this means that I was so invested in the character of Kenzie that I felt for them!!!) I also was interested in Kenzie’s dynamic with their mother.
Zachary!!!!!!! Came by surprise!!!! And made me love him so much. Gosh he was such a little cutie face with all of his flirting and the first kiss was *SO* cute??? I was dyin. I also really just loved how they pursued Kenzie and how they gave them the nickname of Mack. THAT ENDING HAD ME SQUEALING SO HARD.
I love young love. This was beyond adorable. I am definitely going to preorder a copy for my shelf.
Thank you @franklinkerrpress for an advanced copy to review!
This book was *SO MUCH FUN!!!* I was so obsessed with both Kenzie and Zachary and I really loved this While You Were Sleeping homage, but make it teens and witches. I had an absolute blast reading this book and I actually stretched it out a couple of days because I didn’t want to finish.
Kenzie was such a great character, accidentally becoming Hayden’s enbyfriend when Hayden slips and falls and goes into a coma. It’s like a comedy of errors getting to that point, which was amazing to watch. I loved Kenzie’s inner monologue so much, it was so endearing to see them struggle. They made me laugh and get frustrated because I was *SO* rooting for them and Zachary!!! (This is not a criticism, I LOVED IT - this means that I was so invested in the character of Kenzie that I felt for them!!!) I also was interested in Kenzie’s dynamic with their mother.
Zachary!!!!!!! Came by surprise!!!! And made me love him so much. Gosh he was such a little cutie face with all of his flirting and the first kiss was *SO* cute??? I was dyin. I also really just loved how they pursued Kenzie and how they gave them the nickname of Mack. THAT ENDING HAD ME SQUEALING SO HARD.
I love young love. This was beyond adorable. I am definitely going to preorder a copy for my shelf.
January 19, 2026
Thank you so much Franklin/Kerr press , NetGalley and Jordan Greene for this ARC
Kenzie is working as a Barista and has a crush on one of their Regulars. They would be a perfect couple if only they could talk to Hayden for once and not be awkward as hell.
I Some of the choices Kenzie mad did bother me. They let the lie go way further then was necessary and hurt so many people.
It was a fun quick read that had me rooting for Zack the whole time.
Kenzie is working as a Barista and has a crush on one of their Regulars. They would be a perfect couple if only they could talk to Hayden for once and not be awkward as hell.
I Some of the choices Kenzie mad did bother me. They let the lie go way further then was necessary and hurt so many people.
It was a fun quick read that had me rooting for Zack the whole time.
November 12, 2025
*3.5
This book had such a fun premise and cozy vibes! I really enjoyed following along with an enby main character. It is always refreshing to see more queer representation like this in YA. The woodsy, witchy atmosphere was right up my alley and made the setting feel extra charming.
That said, I expected a bit more magic. The cover and description make it sound like there would be more emphasis on the magic, but the magical elements take a bit of a back seat to the relationships and character drama. The constant lying from the main character did get a little frustrating too. I understand that they are young, but the doubling down was pretty tough when a lot could be solved with some honesty.
The ending wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, but overall, this was a sweet, sort of witchy read with a cozy small-town feel. Also, can someone please make the café in this book real? I would be there every weekend. ☕🌿
This book had such a fun premise and cozy vibes! I really enjoyed following along with an enby main character. It is always refreshing to see more queer representation like this in YA. The woodsy, witchy atmosphere was right up my alley and made the setting feel extra charming.
That said, I expected a bit more magic. The cover and description make it sound like there would be more emphasis on the magic, but the magical elements take a bit of a back seat to the relationships and character drama. The constant lying from the main character did get a little frustrating too. I understand that they are young, but the doubling down was pretty tough when a lot could be solved with some honesty.
The ending wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, but overall, this was a sweet, sort of witchy read with a cozy small-town feel. Also, can someone please make the café in this book real? I would be there every weekend. ☕🌿
September 19, 2025
A huge thanks goes out to NetGalley, Franklin/Kerr Press, and Jordon Greene for letting me read How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend, publishing on February 28, 2026, in exchange for an honest review.
Before I move on to my review, I also want to thank Jordon Greene for teaching me the term for a non-binary person in a romantic relationship.
I was absolutely enamored by this story. This young adult novel does a great job of combining rom-com vibes while also exploring deeper and more meaningful topics like self-discovery, gender identity, family, and love—all delivered beautifully, without overwhelming or overcomplicating things.
Our main lead, Mackenzie, a non-binary kitchen witch, is a tiny bit awkward but also one of the cutest cutie-patooties I’ve ever encountered on paper. Honestly, I think we all have a little bit of Mackenzie in us.
So, when Mackenzie’s crush Hayden—someone they don’t really talk to aside from taking his coffee order—gets into a rather unfortunate accident and falls into a coma, Mackenzie (bless their soul) sneaks into his hospital room and introduces themselves to Hayden’s family as his partner. Already wild, right? Well, it gets even better, because in comes Zachery, Hayden’s brother—and someone Mackenzie gets very close with. Very close, if you catch my drift.
Anyway, it’s a mess, just as you’d expect from a “fake dating where only one party knows about it” trope combined with a “my crush’s brother” trope.
The found family theme hits hard in this book.
But my favorite part is the natural, thoughtful exploration of queer identity, handled without clichés or stereotypes.
On top of that? The cover is stunning.
Pre-order it or put it on your TBR right now.
Before I move on to my review, I also want to thank Jordon Greene for teaching me the term for a non-binary person in a romantic relationship.
I was absolutely enamored by this story. This young adult novel does a great job of combining rom-com vibes while also exploring deeper and more meaningful topics like self-discovery, gender identity, family, and love—all delivered beautifully, without overwhelming or overcomplicating things.
Our main lead, Mackenzie, a non-binary kitchen witch, is a tiny bit awkward but also one of the cutest cutie-patooties I’ve ever encountered on paper. Honestly, I think we all have a little bit of Mackenzie in us.
So, when Mackenzie’s crush Hayden—someone they don’t really talk to aside from taking his coffee order—gets into a rather unfortunate accident and falls into a coma, Mackenzie (bless their soul) sneaks into his hospital room and introduces themselves to Hayden’s family as his partner. Already wild, right? Well, it gets even better, because in comes Zachery, Hayden’s brother—and someone Mackenzie gets very close with. Very close, if you catch my drift.
Anyway, it’s a mess, just as you’d expect from a “fake dating where only one party knows about it” trope combined with a “my crush’s brother” trope.
The found family theme hits hard in this book.
But my favorite part is the natural, thoughtful exploration of queer identity, handled without clichés or stereotypes.
On top of that? The cover is stunning.
Pre-order it or put it on your TBR right now.
September 7, 2025
5★
First, I'd like to thank Netgalley, F/K Teen Press, and author Jordon Greene for providing me with the eARC of “How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend”, in exchange for my honest review!
Now, onto the review itself. Getting into this book, I expected a cozy urban fantasy like Love at Second Sight, which motivated me to request this ARC in the first place. I only skimmed the summary, so, boy, was I surprised to find out our MC, Kenzie, to be the more realistic kind of a witch, with spells whispered over Walmart candles, jar necklaces filled with herbs, and crystals. Now, this was in no way a bad surprise, don't get me wrong, I loved Kenzie's character and it was incredibly refreshing for me to see some AMAB nonbinary representation.
Speaking of representation, this book is exactly what I meant when I said we need more of it in the literary industry. Each character was so beautifully crafted, and all of them were different and had their own personalities—even if, I must admit, I was getting a bit lost in the Marcus family. As for Kenzie themself, I didn't agree with many of their decisions, but each time that happened, it reminded me time and time again that they are just a teenager, that they're allowed to make bad choices and mistakes. And, in the end, it all turned out well for them! I absolutely adored Zach's character. Yes, he was a bit of an ass in the beginning, but he was only trying to protect his older brother. In the end, he always had Kenzie's back and always tried to stand by them, even when they weren't exactly nice to him. Hayden, on the other hand, I could stand less and less each chapter after he woke up. I mean, yeah, bro was in a coma and suddenly gained an enbyfriend, but still...
The plot was quite fast-paced, which I can appreciate in a book. It wasn't too fast, so all the important information was still there, and I, as a reader, could enjoy all the sweet scenes, but it also didn't unnecessarily drag on, like some YA books tend to. Kenzie's constant inner battle between their conscience and their selfishness—or however else I could call the desire to continue lying about dating their crush—was written so well, I could believe the author went through it himself. I also just LOVED the character of Super Old Gran, cause, I mean, we'd all love to have a great-grandma like that.
Overall, this book was a beautifully cozy read, and once I got invested in it, I couldn't put it down. It had everything you could want in a queer YA romance, and yet it was like nothing I've read before.
First, I'd like to thank Netgalley, F/K Teen Press, and author Jordon Greene for providing me with the eARC of “How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend”, in exchange for my honest review!
Now, onto the review itself. Getting into this book, I expected a cozy urban fantasy like Love at Second Sight, which motivated me to request this ARC in the first place. I only skimmed the summary, so, boy, was I surprised to find out our MC, Kenzie, to be the more realistic kind of a witch, with spells whispered over Walmart candles, jar necklaces filled with herbs, and crystals. Now, this was in no way a bad surprise, don't get me wrong, I loved Kenzie's character and it was incredibly refreshing for me to see some AMAB nonbinary representation.
Speaking of representation, this book is exactly what I meant when I said we need more of it in the literary industry. Each character was so beautifully crafted, and all of them were different and had their own personalities—even if, I must admit, I was getting a bit lost in the Marcus family. As for Kenzie themself, I didn't agree with many of their decisions, but each time that happened, it reminded me time and time again that they are just a teenager, that they're allowed to make bad choices and mistakes. And, in the end, it all turned out well for them! I absolutely adored Zach's character. Yes, he was a bit of an ass in the beginning, but he was only trying to protect his older brother. In the end, he always had Kenzie's back and always tried to stand by them, even when they weren't exactly nice to him. Hayden, on the other hand, I could stand less and less each chapter after he woke up. I mean, yeah, bro was in a coma and suddenly gained an enbyfriend, but still...
The plot was quite fast-paced, which I can appreciate in a book. It wasn't too fast, so all the important information was still there, and I, as a reader, could enjoy all the sweet scenes, but it also didn't unnecessarily drag on, like some YA books tend to. Kenzie's constant inner battle between their conscience and their selfishness—or however else I could call the desire to continue lying about dating their crush—was written so well, I could believe the author went through it himself. I also just LOVED the character of Super Old Gran, cause, I mean, we'd all love to have a great-grandma like that.
Overall, this book was a beautifully cozy read, and once I got invested in it, I couldn't put it down. It had everything you could want in a queer YA romance, and yet it was like nothing I've read before.
March 10, 2026
Jordon Greene keeps leveling up with every new book, and How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend is no exception. With a little bit of While You Were Sleeping energy and a splash of lively Dear Evan Hansen (iykyk), this story is equal parts heartfelt, chaotic, and charming.
Kenzie, a practical Norse kitchen witch, just happens to be exactly where the universe needs them to be—even if they don’t quite realize it at first.
Greene blends life lessons, young love, and just the right sprinkle of teenage chaos into a story that feels both magical and deeply human. What begins with a massive lie that seems to lead Kenzie toward the person they think they want ultimately becomes something far more meaningful. In the end, it’s honesty, understanding, and being able to give themselves grace… that truly set them free.
Sweet, thoughtful, and full of heart, this one is a delightful read for anyone who loves a little magic mixed with the messy reality of growing up.
Kenzie, a practical Norse kitchen witch, just happens to be exactly where the universe needs them to be—even if they don’t quite realize it at first.
Greene blends life lessons, young love, and just the right sprinkle of teenage chaos into a story that feels both magical and deeply human. What begins with a massive lie that seems to lead Kenzie toward the person they think they want ultimately becomes something far more meaningful. In the end, it’s honesty, understanding, and being able to give themselves grace… that truly set them free.
Sweet, thoughtful, and full of heart, this one is a delightful read for anyone who loves a little magic mixed with the messy reality of growing up.
September 5, 2025
Love spells aren’t supposed to feel like lies, but sometimes they lead you somewhere unexpected ✨
I picked up How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend for the cozy vibes, the queer representation, and that sprinkle of magic, and it delivered all of that - and more. Kenzie, our nonbinary kitchen witch, feels so real and relatable and seeing their identity woven naturally into the story was such a comfort
The heart of the book, for me, was the found-family energy. Hayden’s family is warm, chaotic, and completely lovable, and the way Kenzie navigates their trust and care gave the story a depth beyond the usual rom-com beats. And then there’s Zack - gentle, sweet, and quietly brave. The moments with him, like the abandoned house scene, were the kind of scenes that make you sigh and grin at the same time
The magic itself is soft and whimsical, more aesthetic than central, which kept the focus on relationships and feelings. And yes, Kenzie’s choices are messy - very teen, very real - but that’s part of their charm and the story’s honesty
Overall, this is a tender, queer, witchy YA rom-com that left me smiling. It’s not perfect, but its warmth, humor and inclusivity make it a really enjoyable read
3.5/5 ✨ whimsical, affirming and full of heart
I picked up How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend for the cozy vibes, the queer representation, and that sprinkle of magic, and it delivered all of that - and more. Kenzie, our nonbinary kitchen witch, feels so real and relatable and seeing their identity woven naturally into the story was such a comfort
The heart of the book, for me, was the found-family energy. Hayden’s family is warm, chaotic, and completely lovable, and the way Kenzie navigates their trust and care gave the story a depth beyond the usual rom-com beats. And then there’s Zack - gentle, sweet, and quietly brave. The moments with him, like the abandoned house scene, were the kind of scenes that make you sigh and grin at the same time
The magic itself is soft and whimsical, more aesthetic than central, which kept the focus on relationships and feelings. And yes, Kenzie’s choices are messy - very teen, very real - but that’s part of their charm and the story’s honesty
Overall, this is a tender, queer, witchy YA rom-com that left me smiling. It’s not perfect, but its warmth, humor and inclusivity make it a really enjoyable read
3.5/5 ✨ whimsical, affirming and full of heart
August 31, 2025
⭐️ 4/5
This was an excellent book and a truly enjoyable read. The portrayal of gender and identity was thoughtfully and sensitively handled. I appreciated the depiction of teenage experiences and dilemmas. Additionally, the representation of spirituality, including manifestation and the law of attraction, was well done.
Mackenzie is a wonderful character who has a crush on a coffee shop regular and attempts to manifest bringing their love into their life. It’s important to remember that when practicing manifestation, clarity and precision in your intentions are essential!
A fantastic read, especially for younger audiences or anyone who enjoys romance that supports diverse identities in a single story!
This was an excellent book and a truly enjoyable read. The portrayal of gender and identity was thoughtfully and sensitively handled. I appreciated the depiction of teenage experiences and dilemmas. Additionally, the representation of spirituality, including manifestation and the law of attraction, was well done.
Mackenzie is a wonderful character who has a crush on a coffee shop regular and attempts to manifest bringing their love into their life. It’s important to remember that when practicing manifestation, clarity and precision in your intentions are essential!
A fantastic read, especially for younger audiences or anyone who enjoys romance that supports diverse identities in a single story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
I am so happy that I got the chance to read this ARC! Big thank you to the author Jordon Greene and F/K Teen for this opportunity to read the ARC for this book through NetGalley.
A wonderful story highlighting the feelings of having a teenage crush and navigating misunderstandings in life. What starts out as just a crush quickly turns into the pressure of keeping up with the expectations that are being heaped upon Kenzie (from both themselves and others). Add in that now they're spending a lot of time with Hayden's brother, Zach - who makes them feel things that they thought only Hayden would - what is an assumed enbyfriend to do? I think teens will benefit from being taught that we all make mistakes - it just matters how you handle it in the end but also that you own up to it - especially when it involves disclosing information about someone else that they may not have been ready for. Excellent ending that summarized that we don't always end up where we think we will and sometimes that's for the better!
A wonderful story highlighting the feelings of having a teenage crush and navigating misunderstandings in life. What starts out as just a crush quickly turns into the pressure of keeping up with the expectations that are being heaped upon Kenzie (from both themselves and others). Add in that now they're spending a lot of time with Hayden's brother, Zach - who makes them feel things that they thought only Hayden would - what is an assumed enbyfriend to do? I think teens will benefit from being taught that we all make mistakes - it just matters how you handle it in the end but also that you own up to it - especially when it involves disclosing information about someone else that they may not have been ready for. Excellent ending that summarized that we don't always end up where we think we will and sometimes that's for the better!
September 25, 2025
What a sweet, fun, and endearing little YA romance this was! If you're acquainted with Jordon Greene's works, you'll know you can expect laugh-out-loud shenanigans, beautiful found family, a nuanced look at complex topics such as grief or the loss of a parent, and - above all - a swoonworthy love story between two young people you will not be able to not root for. If you're not familiar with Jordon's previous works, though... You are in for a treat, because this is an author you will definitely be adding to your auto-buy list once you finish "How (Not) to Conjure A Boyfriend".
Young non-binary teen witch Mackenzie has a massive crush on Hayden Marcus, their high school's star basketball player whose smoky grey eyes and perfect smile are enough to make Mackenzie weak in the knees. There's no way Hayden would ever notice them, though. Why would a jock like him ever look at a scrawny enby barista twice? One can dream, though, or so Mackenzie tells themself when they carry out a ritual to ask Freyja, one of the goddesses they have faith in, for help with their love life... Which comes in the shape of Hayden slipping on the café's wet floor, banging his head against the tiles, and slipping into a coma. Before Mackenzie can so much as process what's going on, one of the nurses has announced them as Hayden's partner to the entire Marcus family, who are both shaken by the horrendous accident and stunned to meet Hayden's enbyfriend when, for all intents and purposes, they all thought Hayden was straight. Even though Kenzie knows they should come clean, it's hard to think of losing the Marcus family when they've taken them under their wing as another one of their own. But it's getting harder and harder to keep up the farce, and the more time that Mackenzie spends with Hayden's brother Zachary, the more afraid they are that admitting to their lie might mean losing Zach forever.
Fake dating gets an original and clever twist in this novel, which takes us on a wild ride that blends one-sided fake dating with forbidden romance. It was such a fun ride that I admit to delaying finishing it, merely because I didn't want the book to be over! Mackenzie is an endearing main character whose antics were both hilarious and relatable, and I was very invested as they struggled to do the right thing due to an acute fear of being rejected by a family whose warmth and love are too good to lose. As I knew I could expect from Jordon Greene (devoted Noahverse reader here), I found myself on the verge of tears as Mackenzie struggled to do what they knew was right. Something that I love to see in YA stories is the depth, complexity, and nuanced discussion of difficult topics that are often reserved for adult fiction, and I was extremely pleased to find it in "How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend". While the prose was light-hearted and definitely sounded to me like a teen's narrative voice, the story was in no way simple or one-dimensional.
Another thing I deeply appreciated in "How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend" was how respectful the story felt. While having a non-binary main character might not be as uncommon anymore, there still aren't too many stories out there that do not focus, in one way or another and to some extent, on the discrimination and rejection faced by non-binary folks day in and day out. Granted, this is a very real issue that does happen, but every now and then it feels like a warm hug to read about a non-binary main character whose gender identity is never questioned or dismissed. In this sense, it felt extraordinary to watch Mackenzie struggle with age-appropriate stuff such as school, the idea of college or crushes, without their identity being reduced solely to how hard it is to be a non-binary person nowadays. Allowing an enby teen to have issues unrelated to their gender identity, as well as to be accepted as they are without any questions or reluctance to treat them with dignity, was a powerful choice, and I have to take my hat off for Jordon Greene because this book was filled with enby joy precisely because the non-binary character was allowed to be their own person outside of their gender identity.
The writing was really compelling, to the point that the world seemed to dissolve around me every time I picked up "How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend", and I was really mesmerized by the very beautiful lines here and there that packed a punch and a half. Half of their impact comes from them being objectively beautiful quotes, but the other half stems from how cheerfully YA Mackenzie is as a narrator. Many scenes were endearing and had me swooning merely because of how adorable they were, and it was super cute to have Zach fall for Mackenzie first in a story told from Mackenzie's POV! All the little cues and hints at Zach's feelings had me squealing, and Mack's obliviousness made it feel super realistic and had me sighing and swooning and kicking my feet.
Oh, and please let's give it up for Super Old Gran!! What an MVP that woman was, she made me laugh hard enough with her stellar interventions that my belly ended up hurting from cackling so much. Her and Eliza both!! Eliza was an incredible character in that she was someone Mackenzie could look up to, both as a practising witch and as someone who is clearly different from the Marcus family but longs to belong nonetheless. It was really incredible to see Eliza and Mackenzie develop a mentor-mentee relationship that was so loving, and it warmed my heart to see that Mackenzie and their faith were taken seriously. Witchcraft is often scoffed at nowadays, particularly when the people practising it are young, but this novel was incredibly respectful. It never came across as judgemental in any way, which felt like a very brave choice, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by how thorough Greene's research clearly was. There were many small day-to-day rituals that are often overlooked whenever someone who doesn't practise witchcraft writes about witch characters, and there were spot-on conversations about what witchcraft is and means to those who practise it.
All in all this was an extraordinary and fun read that you absolutely cannot miss out on!
Young non-binary teen witch Mackenzie has a massive crush on Hayden Marcus, their high school's star basketball player whose smoky grey eyes and perfect smile are enough to make Mackenzie weak in the knees. There's no way Hayden would ever notice them, though. Why would a jock like him ever look at a scrawny enby barista twice? One can dream, though, or so Mackenzie tells themself when they carry out a ritual to ask Freyja, one of the goddesses they have faith in, for help with their love life... Which comes in the shape of Hayden slipping on the café's wet floor, banging his head against the tiles, and slipping into a coma. Before Mackenzie can so much as process what's going on, one of the nurses has announced them as Hayden's partner to the entire Marcus family, who are both shaken by the horrendous accident and stunned to meet Hayden's enbyfriend when, for all intents and purposes, they all thought Hayden was straight. Even though Kenzie knows they should come clean, it's hard to think of losing the Marcus family when they've taken them under their wing as another one of their own. But it's getting harder and harder to keep up the farce, and the more time that Mackenzie spends with Hayden's brother Zachary, the more afraid they are that admitting to their lie might mean losing Zach forever.
Fake dating gets an original and clever twist in this novel, which takes us on a wild ride that blends one-sided fake dating with forbidden romance. It was such a fun ride that I admit to delaying finishing it, merely because I didn't want the book to be over! Mackenzie is an endearing main character whose antics were both hilarious and relatable, and I was very invested as they struggled to do the right thing due to an acute fear of being rejected by a family whose warmth and love are too good to lose. As I knew I could expect from Jordon Greene (devoted Noahverse reader here), I found myself on the verge of tears as Mackenzie struggled to do what they knew was right. Something that I love to see in YA stories is the depth, complexity, and nuanced discussion of difficult topics that are often reserved for adult fiction, and I was extremely pleased to find it in "How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend". While the prose was light-hearted and definitely sounded to me like a teen's narrative voice, the story was in no way simple or one-dimensional.
Another thing I deeply appreciated in "How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend" was how respectful the story felt. While having a non-binary main character might not be as uncommon anymore, there still aren't too many stories out there that do not focus, in one way or another and to some extent, on the discrimination and rejection faced by non-binary folks day in and day out. Granted, this is a very real issue that does happen, but every now and then it feels like a warm hug to read about a non-binary main character whose gender identity is never questioned or dismissed. In this sense, it felt extraordinary to watch Mackenzie struggle with age-appropriate stuff such as school, the idea of college or crushes, without their identity being reduced solely to how hard it is to be a non-binary person nowadays. Allowing an enby teen to have issues unrelated to their gender identity, as well as to be accepted as they are without any questions or reluctance to treat them with dignity, was a powerful choice, and I have to take my hat off for Jordon Greene because this book was filled with enby joy precisely because the non-binary character was allowed to be their own person outside of their gender identity.
The writing was really compelling, to the point that the world seemed to dissolve around me every time I picked up "How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend", and I was really mesmerized by the very beautiful lines here and there that packed a punch and a half. Half of their impact comes from them being objectively beautiful quotes, but the other half stems from how cheerfully YA Mackenzie is as a narrator. Many scenes were endearing and had me swooning merely because of how adorable they were, and it was super cute to have Zach fall for Mackenzie first in a story told from Mackenzie's POV! All the little cues and hints at Zach's feelings had me squealing, and Mack's obliviousness made it feel super realistic and had me sighing and swooning and kicking my feet.
Oh, and please let's give it up for Super Old Gran!! What an MVP that woman was, she made me laugh hard enough with her stellar interventions that my belly ended up hurting from cackling so much. Her and Eliza both!! Eliza was an incredible character in that she was someone Mackenzie could look up to, both as a practising witch and as someone who is clearly different from the Marcus family but longs to belong nonetheless. It was really incredible to see Eliza and Mackenzie develop a mentor-mentee relationship that was so loving, and it warmed my heart to see that Mackenzie and their faith were taken seriously. Witchcraft is often scoffed at nowadays, particularly when the people practising it are young, but this novel was incredibly respectful. It never came across as judgemental in any way, which felt like a very brave choice, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by how thorough Greene's research clearly was. There were many small day-to-day rituals that are often overlooked whenever someone who doesn't practise witchcraft writes about witch characters, and there were spot-on conversations about what witchcraft is and means to those who practise it.
All in all this was an extraordinary and fun read that you absolutely cannot miss out on!
October 28, 2025
3.25 stars
While this is a sweet, queer, YA take on the classic 90s film While You Weren't Sleeping, this didn't 100% work for me. I also had slightly different expectations going into this. This book is definitely witchy, but in a more Wiccan type of way than a whimsical Pratical Magic kind of way. I had a hard time connecting with Kenzie. They were definitely an OTP teenager, and I may not be the audience for that. I did really like Zach and found him to be rather interesting, but we don't get that much since the whole story is from Kenzie's POV. What I wasn't a huge fan of was the aspect of the story where Kenzie tells Hayden's family they are in a relationship not knowing if he is out as queer or whatever. I don't enjoy forced outings. While Hayden's family is cool about it, it still didn't sit well with me. I liked the concept and the writing is really good, but I ultimately don't this is story was for me. It's a fine enough read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While this is a sweet, queer, YA take on the classic 90s film While You Weren't Sleeping, this didn't 100% work for me. I also had slightly different expectations going into this. This book is definitely witchy, but in a more Wiccan type of way than a whimsical Pratical Magic kind of way. I had a hard time connecting with Kenzie. They were definitely an OTP teenager, and I may not be the audience for that. I did really like Zach and found him to be rather interesting, but we don't get that much since the whole story is from Kenzie's POV. What I wasn't a huge fan of was the aspect of the story where Kenzie tells Hayden's family they are in a relationship not knowing if he is out as queer or whatever. I don't enjoy forced outings. While Hayden's family is cool about it, it still didn't sit well with me. I liked the concept and the writing is really good, but I ultimately don't this is story was for me. It's a fine enough read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2026
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a joy to read. A brilliant premise, well carried out. Thoughtful characterization, amazing character work. The protagonist, Kenzie, felt very relatable to teenage me (in so many clever little ways), which made the main conflict of the book hit that much harder. We're not talking about a small misunderstanding or a bit of a squabble: what Kenzie does once the plot kicks off is genuinely messed up, and yet it still feels very plausible for an impressionable teen. Because I had a similar home situation growing up, I found their motivation rang true to the novel's themes. (Cue anecdocte about 16-year-old me dating someone I wasn't that into because they had !!! seven artsy siblings !!! and an incredibly fun home life I really wanted to be a part of.)
I do have one complaint, though, especially because the book's central conflict was so strong: I thought the ending was a bit lackluster overall and didn't deliver the well-rounded finale I'd been hoping for. (End of book spoilers)
Those are, however, my only real gripes with what was otherwise a YA novel full of heart. It was beautifully told, well-paced, and built on a fantastic premise. The writing style is very accessible, and it got a few chuckles out of me. I thought the author managed what we saw on page well to avoid "the boring parts", the time elipsis carried scenes smoothly one after the other, even though a lot of Kenzie's life had to be skipped (e.g. going to school, since it had nothing to do with the plot and would have bogged down the pacing).
I genuinely enjoyed spending time in this book and will be thinking of it often! It was absolutely lovely.
This book was such a joy to read. A brilliant premise, well carried out. Thoughtful characterization, amazing character work. The protagonist, Kenzie, felt very relatable to teenage me (in so many clever little ways), which made the main conflict of the book hit that much harder. We're not talking about a small misunderstanding or a bit of a squabble: what Kenzie does once the plot kicks off is genuinely messed up, and yet it still feels very plausible for an impressionable teen. Because I had a similar home situation growing up, I found their motivation rang true to the novel's themes. (Cue anecdocte about 16-year-old me dating someone I wasn't that into because they had !!! seven artsy siblings !!! and an incredibly fun home life I really wanted to be a part of.)
I do have one complaint, though, especially because the book's central conflict was so strong: I thought the ending was a bit lackluster overall and didn't deliver the well-rounded finale I'd been hoping for. (End of book spoilers)
Those are, however, my only real gripes with what was otherwise a YA novel full of heart. It was beautifully told, well-paced, and built on a fantastic premise. The writing style is very accessible, and it got a few chuckles out of me. I thought the author managed what we saw on page well to avoid "the boring parts", the time elipsis carried scenes smoothly one after the other, even though a lot of Kenzie's life had to be skipped (e.g. going to school, since it had nothing to do with the plot and would have bogged down the pacing).
I genuinely enjoyed spending time in this book and will be thinking of it often! It was absolutely lovely.
October 26, 2025
Final Verdict
DNF at 20 percent. Now before you give up on this book for how I 've rated it I very much want to discuss what this book does well, because 5 years ago, I would've loved this book. The me today does not. And that's because tastes change. Also we have an enby main character which I haven't seen since Otherworldly and this book keeps up with the pronouns which believe me: I've seen so many books do awfully.
For me however: what put me off the book is we get to 20 percent and everyone is just hot to the character. And I believe I have a few enby mates who would love this book because apparently that is the bisexual experience. I have no idea what that feels like. I don't think the main character is bi- I didn't finish the book so what do I know. Which is another reason I don't want people to just look at my review and be like well he didn't like it so I won't.
But you know, the story is definitely interesting. The story literally is what it says on the blurb- that is the tone throughout the book which appeased my adhd too, because everything just kept happening. All the things, all the time, it never got boring.
I was kind of hoping for more information on the three characters on the front of the book, I couldn't get engaged with the characters personally, I was hoping for deep meaningful conversations, I think this is a young adult book but it is very adhd coded. I think this is going to be a brilliant book for a lot of people. I took one look at the cover and was reminded of when I was a huge fan of otome games, so was kind of hoping for something along the lines of the games I used to play. I was hoping that maybe the main character would accidentally summon a boyfriend, but; they don't.
I appreciated the moments though Kenzie's lens. I know if this was a gay story as in two men, I would've probably adored it, but I think not having that personal relation to the story also kind of ruined it for me. Put it this way: If you love Percy Jackson and you are an enby: and you love the narrative within Percy Jackson, how Rick Riordan writes his stories: and you also love corny romance and plot convenience: You absolutely will devour this book. You are going to devour it. You are the target audience, trust me on this one.
There are not many books about enby romances, much less books that keep up with the pronouns, so again to have a book which does that, and see that representation, it was absolutely stunning.
So enby's- go get your free ebook on Netgallery. And when the deadlines gone- go buy it. This one is for you.
Before notes:
Hoping to be an arc reader, if not will buy when released oof. I love the front cover, the colours are cute, and I really like the art on it. The title itself looks fascinating. I want whatever this book is.
DNF at 20 percent. Now before you give up on this book for how I 've rated it I very much want to discuss what this book does well, because 5 years ago, I would've loved this book. The me today does not. And that's because tastes change. Also we have an enby main character which I haven't seen since Otherworldly and this book keeps up with the pronouns which believe me: I've seen so many books do awfully.
For me however: what put me off the book is we get to 20 percent and everyone is just hot to the character. And I believe I have a few enby mates who would love this book because apparently that is the bisexual experience. I have no idea what that feels like. I don't think the main character is bi- I didn't finish the book so what do I know. Which is another reason I don't want people to just look at my review and be like well he didn't like it so I won't.
But you know, the story is definitely interesting. The story literally is what it says on the blurb- that is the tone throughout the book which appeased my adhd too, because everything just kept happening. All the things, all the time, it never got boring.
I was kind of hoping for more information on the three characters on the front of the book, I couldn't get engaged with the characters personally, I was hoping for deep meaningful conversations, I think this is a young adult book but it is very adhd coded. I think this is going to be a brilliant book for a lot of people. I took one look at the cover and was reminded of when I was a huge fan of otome games, so was kind of hoping for something along the lines of the games I used to play. I was hoping that maybe the main character would accidentally summon a boyfriend, but; they don't.
I appreciated the moments though Kenzie's lens. I know if this was a gay story as in two men, I would've probably adored it, but I think not having that personal relation to the story also kind of ruined it for me. Put it this way: If you love Percy Jackson and you are an enby: and you love the narrative within Percy Jackson, how Rick Riordan writes his stories: and you also love corny romance and plot convenience: You absolutely will devour this book. You are going to devour it. You are the target audience, trust me on this one.
There are not many books about enby romances, much less books that keep up with the pronouns, so again to have a book which does that, and see that representation, it was absolutely stunning.
So enby's- go get your free ebook on Netgallery. And when the deadlines gone- go buy it. This one is for you.
Before notes:
Hoping to be an arc reader, if not will buy when released oof. I love the front cover, the colours are cute, and I really like the art on it. The title itself looks fascinating. I want whatever this book is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Jordon Greene, and Franklin/Kerr Press for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning: Mild Homophobia, Mild Transphobia, Minor Blood/Gore, Injury, Seizures, Hospitals, Death, Death of Family/Parent, Underage Smoking/Drinking, and Depression.
I am going to be upfront and honest with you right away; I did not enjoy this book. "How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend" fell flat for me due to cringe-worthy dialogue and how the characters acted. Very early in the book, one of the characters is injured. The characters surrounding him, instead of thinking of phoning an ambulance immediately, simply sit there, watching him have a seizure. Yes, the main character stepped in to guard his head, but still. Just a few scenes later, and the main character sneaks into the injured character's hospital room after lying about being his enbyfriend/ lying that they were dating. It spirals out of control in the most absurd manner.
It really felt like all of the characters were just that--characters. I felt no depth or emotion. They were flat. Their dialogue was terrible, stuff one would read in a poorly written fan fiction. I just couldn't get behind the writing at all. The story itself was kind of boring on top of that.
I ended up giving "How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend" two stars out of five because I do think that maybe, somewhere, there is someone who would find merit in this book. I don't think it's completely horrible; there is representation for non-binary and other LGBTQIA+ people, as well as rather decent representation for some types of modern day witchcraft as a spirituality.
Content Warning: Mild Homophobia, Mild Transphobia, Minor Blood/Gore, Injury, Seizures, Hospitals, Death, Death of Family/Parent, Underage Smoking/Drinking, and Depression.
I am going to be upfront and honest with you right away; I did not enjoy this book. "How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend" fell flat for me due to cringe-worthy dialogue and how the characters acted. Very early in the book, one of the characters is injured. The characters surrounding him, instead of thinking of phoning an ambulance immediately, simply sit there, watching him have a seizure. Yes, the main character stepped in to guard his head, but still. Just a few scenes later, and the main character sneaks into the injured character's hospital room after lying about being his enbyfriend/ lying that they were dating. It spirals out of control in the most absurd manner.
It really felt like all of the characters were just that--characters. I felt no depth or emotion. They were flat. Their dialogue was terrible, stuff one would read in a poorly written fan fiction. I just couldn't get behind the writing at all. The story itself was kind of boring on top of that.
I ended up giving "How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend" two stars out of five because I do think that maybe, somewhere, there is someone who would find merit in this book. I don't think it's completely horrible; there is representation for non-binary and other LGBTQIA+ people, as well as rather decent representation for some types of modern day witchcraft as a spirituality.
January 31, 2026
This is a YA novel with 16yo characters, set in high school. There were elements I really liked: the non-binary representation felt intentional and respectful, including the use of correct pronouns and terms like “enbyfriend.” Hayden’s family was lovely, and the side characters were interesting, even if not explored as deeply as they could have been.
Unfortunately, the main character didn’t work for me. The constant lying and selfish decisions dragged on far too long, especially when there were several moments where a confession felt earned. Instead, the truth only came out when he was cornered, which left the story without emotional growth.
The moment that completely lost me was when Kenzie outed the other boy while he was in a coma. I found this deeply disturbing. Yes, teenagers can be impulsive and reckless, but authors still make choices, and this one felt especially harmful given the book’s emphasis on queer representation.
I also hated the cheating, and it wasn’t even acknowledged in the book. Like that’s ok. It was unnecessary and avoidable.
Kenzie being a witch had potential but was underdeveloped and inconsistent. It was treated more as something they did rather than who they were, and for a supposed kitchen witch, there was very little magic or cooking.
By the end, the lack of real consequences for the lies left me frustrated. While I appreciated the representation and some of the characters, the resolution of the central conflict had no narrative payoff.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Franklin/Kerr Press for the ARC.
Unfortunately, the main character didn’t work for me. The constant lying and selfish decisions dragged on far too long, especially when there were several moments where a confession felt earned. Instead, the truth only came out when he was cornered, which left the story without emotional growth.
The moment that completely lost me was when Kenzie outed the other boy while he was in a coma. I found this deeply disturbing. Yes, teenagers can be impulsive and reckless, but authors still make choices, and this one felt especially harmful given the book’s emphasis on queer representation.
I also hated the cheating, and it wasn’t even acknowledged in the book. Like that’s ok. It was unnecessary and avoidable.
Kenzie being a witch had potential but was underdeveloped and inconsistent. It was treated more as something they did rather than who they were, and for a supposed kitchen witch, there was very little magic or cooking.
By the end, the lack of real consequences for the lies left me frustrated. While I appreciated the representation and some of the characters, the resolution of the central conflict had no narrative payoff.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Franklin/Kerr Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Actual rating 0.5 stars
[Digital copy provided by Netgalley]
I really wanted to like this book. A queer romance inspired by "When We Were Sleeping"? And with a non-binary main character? What a treat! However, there ended up being very little I enjoyed. Kenzie's narration I found very repetitive and never really connected with them. While I did enjoy having a non-binary main character who's into guys and the prominence of inclusive language, we never really see beyond the surface of Kenzie and many threads of the story remain under-explored. That's probably due to the shortness of the book, which also didn't help the pacing. The characters were too bare bones and overall the book lacked depth. I did like having Kenzie be half German which is rare in American books, but didn't find the representation particularly authentic. Why does Kenzie perpetuate the "German sounds angry" stereotype? And also the bilingual moments from their mother felt really forced. At least the German was correct which isn't always the case. One of my biggest issues though was the way the "When We Were Sleeping" aspect of the plot was executed. In that movie the romance between the main character and the brother character is sweet and they never kiss at all in the whole movie, especially not when the brother thinks the main character is taken. Further the family thinking the main character is in a relationship with the comatose man is a genuine mistake. In How (not) to Conjure a Boyfriend Kenzie kisses Zach, as far as he knows fully cheating, and actively lies to gain access to Hayden as well as continuously lying again and again. It adds a lot more agency and guilt to their character. Kenzie is more active in deceiving a family about their relation to their son than Evan in Dear Evan Hansen is, and that's not a good thing. Also I found the witch aspect to be really odd, the world building is so ambiguous about the effects of spells that I found it hard to be engaged by everything.This was just not the book for me at all it turns out, which is a shame.
[Digital copy provided by Netgalley]
I really wanted to like this book. A queer romance inspired by "When We Were Sleeping"? And with a non-binary main character? What a treat! However, there ended up being very little I enjoyed. Kenzie's narration I found very repetitive and never really connected with them. While I did enjoy having a non-binary main character who's into guys and the prominence of inclusive language, we never really see beyond the surface of Kenzie and many threads of the story remain under-explored. That's probably due to the shortness of the book, which also didn't help the pacing. The characters were too bare bones and overall the book lacked depth. I did like having Kenzie be half German which is rare in American books, but didn't find the representation particularly authentic. Why does Kenzie perpetuate the "German sounds angry" stereotype? And also the bilingual moments from their mother felt really forced. At least the German was correct which isn't always the case. One of my biggest issues though was the way the "When We Were Sleeping" aspect of the plot was executed. In that movie the romance between the main character and the brother character is sweet and they never kiss at all in the whole movie, especially not when the brother thinks the main character is taken. Further the family thinking the main character is in a relationship with the comatose man is a genuine mistake. In How (not) to Conjure a Boyfriend Kenzie kisses Zach, as far as he knows fully cheating, and actively lies to gain access to Hayden as well as continuously lying again and again. It adds a lot more agency and guilt to their character. Kenzie is more active in deceiving a family about their relation to their son than Evan in Dear Evan Hansen is, and that's not a good thing. Also I found the witch aspect to be really odd, the world building is so ambiguous about the effects of spells that I found it hard to be engaged by everything.This was just not the book for me at all it turns out, which is a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
How NOT to conjure a Boyfriend by @jorbangreene
Thanks you NetGalley, Jordan and Franklin/kerr Press for the eARC
4/5 Stars 🌟
This book was such a quick read! I throughly enjoy the store and concept and I adore ‘home magic witches’ so this felt like the perfect time to read it! Aka Spooky Season haha
We start with the lovely NonBinary Mackenzie who is crushing on a boy who comes into their coffee shop!
One day an accident happens which results in our love interest Hayden’s Family thinking Kenzie is his enbyfriend.
Hayden’s brother doesn’t exactly believe Kenzie and starts to question him about how the relationship really started.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book but honestly it was fantastic, some cringy parts but I think that made the book what it was!
Also lots of K-pop references which has introduced me to the world 😂
Again check it out when it’s fully published!
Thanks you NetGalley, Jordan and Franklin/kerr Press for the eARC
4/5 Stars 🌟
This book was such a quick read! I throughly enjoy the store and concept and I adore ‘home magic witches’ so this felt like the perfect time to read it! Aka Spooky Season haha
We start with the lovely NonBinary Mackenzie who is crushing on a boy who comes into their coffee shop!
One day an accident happens which results in our love interest Hayden’s Family thinking Kenzie is his enbyfriend.
Hayden’s brother doesn’t exactly believe Kenzie and starts to question him about how the relationship really started.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book but honestly it was fantastic, some cringy parts but I think that made the book what it was!
Also lots of K-pop references which has introduced me to the world 😂
Again check it out when it’s fully published!
October 23, 2025
I adored this book! I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read it as an E-ARC through NetGalley, so thank you for that.
While reading, I laughed out loud so many times! Funny and relatable, it was just wonderful reading a book from the perspective of a character who was like me, non-binary. The nuances of Mackenzie navigating the potential fears of being out to certain people after already being out to the majority were really relatable, as well as trying to work out if someone is into'theys' or not. I also found the "While You Were Sleeping" style narrative brilliant, I watched that film a lot as a child with my mother, but seeing it refreshed like this was great!
The added bonus of a real life witch being the protagonist was brilliant too, it's something I have/do dabble in and it was a really great addition.
I would definitely suggest this book to friends, and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a copy for my bookshelf as soon as I am able to get one.
While reading, I laughed out loud so many times! Funny and relatable, it was just wonderful reading a book from the perspective of a character who was like me, non-binary. The nuances of Mackenzie navigating the potential fears of being out to certain people after already being out to the majority were really relatable, as well as trying to work out if someone is into'theys' or not. I also found the "While You Were Sleeping" style narrative brilliant, I watched that film a lot as a child with my mother, but seeing it refreshed like this was great!
The added bonus of a real life witch being the protagonist was brilliant too, it's something I have/do dabble in and it was a really great addition.
I would definitely suggest this book to friends, and I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a copy for my bookshelf as soon as I am able to get one.
October 21, 2025
How (Not) To Conjure A Boyfriend
Jordon Greene
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: YA
Jordon knocked it out of the park with this one!
What do you do when your crush hits their head and is rushed to the hospital? Obviously pretend they’re your boyfriend to get into the room.
How (Not) To Conjure A Boyfriend has such a fun ride. I spent most of it screaming “TELL THEM!” Every ten seconds watching Mackenzie get themselves deeper and deeper in their lie.
Zach was so great! At first he comes off as a jerk, but I think it was hurt that his brother kept his “relationship” a secret. He slowly warms to Kenzie and the scene where the spiral down the K-Pop rabbit hole was adorable.
Hayden is the perfect representation of most of my crushes. They’re cute and you create this swoony personality, when in reality they are NOT who you created in your head!
All in all it was another amazing book from Greene and I am so excited to see what everyone thinks of it when it releases on March 10, 2026!!
Jordon Greene
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: YA
Jordon knocked it out of the park with this one!
What do you do when your crush hits their head and is rushed to the hospital? Obviously pretend they’re your boyfriend to get into the room.
How (Not) To Conjure A Boyfriend has such a fun ride. I spent most of it screaming “TELL THEM!” Every ten seconds watching Mackenzie get themselves deeper and deeper in their lie.
Zach was so great! At first he comes off as a jerk, but I think it was hurt that his brother kept his “relationship” a secret. He slowly warms to Kenzie and the scene where the spiral down the K-Pop rabbit hole was adorable.
Hayden is the perfect representation of most of my crushes. They’re cute and you create this swoony personality, when in reality they are NOT who you created in your head!
All in all it was another amazing book from Greene and I am so excited to see what everyone thinks of it when it releases on March 10, 2026!!
January 20, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and FK Teen Publishing for this ARC!
I’m a sucker for a fake dating romance, so make it queer and add a bit of a mix up??
I was sold from the first page of this book. The characters, the dialogue, the emotion. This book felt so real.
This is the kind of book I wish I had when I was younger and I’m so grateful that kids will be able to stumble upon this masterpiece and see themselves inside
I’m a sucker for a fake dating romance, so make it queer and add a bit of a mix up??
I was sold from the first page of this book. The characters, the dialogue, the emotion. This book felt so real.
This is the kind of book I wish I had when I was younger and I’m so grateful that kids will be able to stumble upon this masterpiece and see themselves inside
September 23, 2025
This was such a charming and heartwarming read. Watching Kenzie figure things out while handling crushes and missteps felt really natural. Their time with Zach was sweet and often made me smile. The story stayed light and enjoyable, leaving me with a genuinely warm feeling at the end.
Thank you to NetGallery and Franklin/Kerr Press for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGallery and Franklin/Kerr Press for the ARC.
March 23, 2026
Now this gets an extra point because it has a witch in it however I just really couldn’t connect with any of the characters probably because I’m much older than deer probably the intended audience it’s not a bad book I’m sure there’s an audience out there for it the writings OK.
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