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Boyfriend by Christmas
It's bad enough to be perpetually single, without also being the dating journalist for a major lifestyle website. And Genie Havisham has just been set her toughest deadline yet: find a boyfriend by Christmas or find a new job.
Determined not to end the year alone and jobless, Genie sets out to find where all the eligible bachelors in London have been hiding, using whatever means possible.
But among the terrible dates, one night stands and the unexpected return of her 'supposedly reformed' ex-boyfriend, could Genie have overlooked what's been right under her nose all along?
Determined not to end the year alone and jobless, Genie sets out to find where all the eligible bachelors in London have been hiding, using whatever means possible.
But among the terrible dates, one night stands and the unexpected return of her 'supposedly reformed' ex-boyfriend, could Genie have overlooked what's been right under her nose all along?
392 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2015
10 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 19, 2015
I LOVED, LOVED,LOVED IT!!
I just flew through this and it definitely got me out of my still kinda there reading slump.
Genie was such and awesome character and I instantly clicked with her because she was so relatable and because she loved stuff I also love.
Taylor Swift, New Girl, Girls(TV Show), The Hunger Games.
That book is definitely what I needed and it got me everything. I can just recommend it over and over
I just flew through this and it definitely got me out of my still kinda there reading slump.
Genie was such and awesome character and I instantly clicked with her because she was so relatable and because she loved stuff I also love.
Taylor Swift, New Girl, Girls(TV Show), The Hunger Games.
That book is definitely what I needed and it got me everything. I can just recommend it over and over
December 31, 2024
Das Beste was man aus diesem Buch noch machen kann ist Geschenkpapier. Den Stil finde ich sehr langweilig aber das ginge ja noch. Die Prämisse (sie schreibt einen dating blog und muss bis weihnachten einen freund finden) ist schon das absolute Klischee, aber dann noch so eine miese Story draus zu machen. Nein, deine Chefin kann dich nicht zwingen über jedes deiner dates wahrhaft zu schreiben. Nein, sie kann dich nicht feuern wenn du bis Weihnachten keinen Freund hast. Die Hauptperson ist unsympathisch, absolut oberflächlich, egoistisch und dazu kommt noch jede Menge fatshaming (aber auch zu kleine Männer, solche mit Glatze und Gott bewahre, die mit Bart und Glatze sind alle ekelhaft laut ihr). Zusätzlich ist sie quasi permanent betrunken und am sudern. Sowie fast alle. Die Chefin ist unglücklich weil sie drei Söhne hat und eine Tochter will, die Kollegin ist fett und trotzdem glücklich (muss mehrfach betont werden), die Freundin kriegt kalte Füße vor der Hochzeit weil sie jetzt ja so viel aufgibt, etc.
Die einzige zurechnungsfähige Person ist der Mann der sie bittet nicht im Blog über ihn zu schreiben... Und sie dann auf WhatsApp blockt als sie es doch tut. Weil er muss doch verstehen, ihre Karriere und bla... , Lauf, Mann, lauf !
Normalerweise stelle ich Bücher ja in den Bücherschrank, aber das kommt ins Altpapier.
Die einzige zurechnungsfähige Person ist der Mann der sie bittet nicht im Blog über ihn zu schreiben... Und sie dann auf WhatsApp blockt als sie es doch tut. Weil er muss doch verstehen, ihre Karriere und bla... , Lauf, Mann, lauf !
Normalerweise stelle ich Bücher ja in den Bücherschrank, aber das kommt ins Altpapier.
November 18, 2015
As soon as I spotted "Boyfriend by Christmas", debut novel by Jenny Stallard, I knew, I just KNEW, this is a book for me. Firstly, this beautiful cover has drawn me in - maybe it's not full of images and colourful pictures, but its normality, modesty makes it outstanding, and I personally love it! It's already so festive, and it fits the novel itself brilliantly. Secondly, the blurb - oh guys! You know me, you know I am a sucker for a story about dates, and the blurb promises not only dates, but TERRIBLE dates! Just what the doctor ordered, and super duper excited I started to read this little gem of a book.
The idea of the book is simple and let's be honest, it's been written about it thousand of times - a girl must find a boy, "or else" (the "else" this time means that either Genie is going to find a boyfriend by Christmas or she can find a new job) and I couldn't wait to see how the author managed this story. I mean, we've read so many times about dating, right? Blind dates, dates in darkness, London Eye dates - we've seen this all. But let me tell you - this book doesn't feel like a carbon copy of any other book, it's fresh, unique and incredibly sharp - observed. It's a modern, sophisticated and up - to - date brilliant novel, and I'll keep my eye on the author's next releases, oh I will.
What was not so typical was the fact that the dates that Genie was on were presented to us in the form of her articles for the Coolhub website. So altogether we could say that the whole big part, the whole background, the exactness of how Genie and her men met, how come they went on the date, the date in its detailed descriptions etc were missing, but 'Though this be madness, yet there is method in't."
Yes, the book was about dates, but it was also a story about Genie looking for a real love, and the dates - however entertaining, hilarious, awkward - were just a means to an end. And as - let's be honest - the guys Genie were on the dates with were not significant characters, it was the best way to write them like the author did, in my modest opinion.
The book starts in July, and so our Genie has five months to find herself a boyfriend, or to find a new job. But what is it that Genie does actually? Well, she's a dating columnist for a lifestyle website but her dream is to write more serious articles, but right now she's got this challenge to find a boyfriend by Christmas. You can only imagine how many disastrous dates there are throughout the story, how many different men she's going to meet - because she MUST go on every date that she has a chance. Even though if the men are not Genie's type, and it very quickly becomes clear who's not Genie's type - and of course! Of course! - those are mostly those that she meets. Damn!
But this book is of course not all about dates. This book is also about Genie. I loved Genie, just like that. For her, being single in her 30s, and watching other couples on the streets or on the tube, is maybe not a disaster, but it makes her ask herself "why me?" So she takes the challenge and battles her way through endless rounds of dates with bald men and setting thousands of profiles on online dating websites. And so we follow her, flying from one date to another and trying to forget about her ex in between. And it is a very busy five months for our Genie - she has dates, she has kisses, she even has one - night stands (but trust me, she's not sex - obsessed, and she's not shallow!), but there is one thing that she doesn't have - namely she can't change her Facebook status into "in relationship"! She was a lovely person, sometimes naive, sometimes over - reacting, so she was just like me and you. She loved her job, she was truly passionate about it - loved it so much that she was even able to put her new and fresh relationship in danger, but I truly adored how passionate she was about it. Although I must admit - there came a moment that I felt very desperate with Genie and I couldn't get her. She wanted a boyfriend, right? Not only because of her feature to write, but she herself wanted a boyfriend, she wanted to have somebody to cuddle, to have fun, to love. So why, oh why was she so uncertain? Why, oh why did she defend herself from the feeling? It was mostly visible at the end of the book and it made me a little frustrated with our Genie. On the other hand, which of us didn't take an ex - boyfriend back, hoping that everything will be much better this time? I did for example, and I could really understand where Genie was coming from - even though her ex was so obnoxious and I so, so, so didn't like him.
There were also Genie's friends at work, Willow and Rio, and I loved every single scene with them, they were so funny and so level - headed, but they were the first for a mischief. Then we have Tabitha, the boss from hell, and I mean "The Devil Wears Prada" boss from hell -type. I really liked how much depth the author gave to each of her characters, and really, the scenes of the meetings at work were brilliant. Not sure how the girls did bear up with Tabitha. And we also have Cordelia, Genie's sister, who is so different to Genie, and still believes in love.
Of course, next to the girls, we have boys in this story. Many, many boys - as many as there are dates. Sure, Jenny Stallard couldn't focus on each and single one, and so there are two significant ones. Genie's ex, and ITBOY. I so knew, from the very first scene, what's going to happen with one of them, but it didn't spoil the reading for me, not at all, on the contrary, he was so great that I personally wanted to push Genie in his direction, close them in a room and throw the key away, as those two were so brilliant together!
The entries on Genie's blog that were the reports from the many different dates, were so, so, so entertaining, and written in a very level - headed and also ironic way. Because Genie had a healthy distance from herself, she didn't take herself so seriously, and it reflected in her writing, she was not afraid of making fun either of her or the men she was meeting. This blog is truly a great record of all Genie's adventures during those 5 months. Through the entries we can learn about the great opportunities she has had, from dating in the dark, through dating bootcamp to many different versions of speed - dating involving for example sniffing of other people's clothes. Hmmm... And Genie was so honest with her entries. She says how it is, and how it was, she didn't beat around the bush if the men weren't suitable (or were bald). There came a moment that I started to wonder if Genie is really happy with her challenge? At the beginning it was fun but the longer the challenge lasted, the more men she met, I had a feeling she was really tired - but she also never lost her spirit!
It is a humorous book with a depth, which I truly liked. Yes, I admit I was a little scared how the author is going to manage with so many dates, to make them exceptional and unique, but no worries here, she did manage! Well, I guess she has had her own portion of dates herself - as she wrote a column for "Metro" under the same title as her debut novel! It is a brilliant read and will be a perfect Christmas present, not only for your single bestie. It is exactly what I was expecting and what I was looking for, a kind of book that most of us can identify with, I think, and not only in the dating department. Whole - heartedly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
November 30, 2015
Unfortunately the best thing I find about this book is the cover, which I love. I was very excited to start reading this as it looked right up my street but the more I read the book, the more I found it boring! If I was the type of person to just put a book down unfinished I would of, but I thought I would keep going and see if it got any better, it didn't!
I am gutted about this book and I am sorry to be leaving it such a bad review, but in my honest opinion it was a bit tedious as I found it was a story that could of been told much quicker, and the author just dragged it out and frankly I found myself almost falling asleep whilst reading on many occasions. It also took me a week to finish because I didn't find myself reaching for it at every opportunity and it felt like more of a chore. Usually if I start reading a book I enjoy I will finish it within a couple of days.
Having said all of this I will not be put off by the author and would give another book written by her a chance as sometimes whilst reading as much as I do, you do find a book that you really don't like.
I am gutted about this book and I am sorry to be leaving it such a bad review, but in my honest opinion it was a bit tedious as I found it was a story that could of been told much quicker, and the author just dragged it out and frankly I found myself almost falling asleep whilst reading on many occasions. It also took me a week to finish because I didn't find myself reaching for it at every opportunity and it felt like more of a chore. Usually if I start reading a book I enjoy I will finish it within a couple of days.
Having said all of this I will not be put off by the author and would give another book written by her a chance as sometimes whilst reading as much as I do, you do find a book that you really don't like.
December 13, 2016
I had to DNF this book though I skim read through to the end. Reasons being:
1. I wanted to read a romance but it was chicklit.
2. Excellent if you have been seeking a mashup read of Bridget Jones's Diary, Geordie Shore, 10 Ways to Lose a Guy and Sex in the City. It's a niche audience and I am not it.
3. Drunkenness, sexting and bitching on middle aged women are not my reading cup of tea.
4. And did I tell you it is chicklit? Sooooo not a romance. Possibly a good read if you are looking for chicklit.
1. I wanted to read a romance but it was chicklit.
2. Excellent if you have been seeking a mashup read of Bridget Jones's Diary, Geordie Shore, 10 Ways to Lose a Guy and Sex in the City. It's a niche audience and I am not it.
3. Drunkenness, sexting and bitching on middle aged women are not my reading cup of tea.
4. And did I tell you it is chicklit? Sooooo not a romance. Possibly a good read if you are looking for chicklit.
December 10, 2016
I normally give any book I finish 2 stars, because there must have been something about it that ensured I finished it, but since about halfway through I was reading from pure furious hate, I'm still going to give it one star.
Poor writing is something that doesn't necessarily slow me down - although this really was poorly written, to such an extent that I often had to re-read bits to find out what was meant to be going on - but there has to be something else about the book to enjoy. The plot is dubious of course, and wouldn't hang together if Genie would just go to HR and complain about being told to date someone or be fired. And do not get me started on the characters.
Everyone in this book is either two-dimensional or unlikeable, or two-dimensional AND unlikeable. Occasionally Stallard tries to throw in a cliched motivation for someone - "is sad because she's had three sons and wants a girl" / "has cold feet about her marriage" - but mostly everyone just bumbles along, hideous and unknowable. The poor sod who Genie does eventually end up with, a pleasing cardboard cut-out of a man with such a ridiculous name I literally yelled in rage when it was revealed, is a sweetheart, albeit one with very little presence in the novel, and when he does appear he's being treated like a doormat. He'd do much better getting with Genie's friend Willow, whose sole purpose in the book is to be "curvy" and provide foodstuffs.
And Genie? Ohhhh, Genie. I can't remember the last time I spent a novel in such frustrating, unpleasant company - and I've read American Psycho. I started out finding her a little ditsy and annoying, but as the book progressed I found her unlikeable personality driving me towards actively hating her. She's had her heart broken in the past, and is now apparently "scared" of trying again. Reasonable, but the relationship portrayed in flashbacks is surprisingly short-lived, and while the Ex acts badly, Genie is sabotaging the relationship from day one, for reasons I didn't understand. Being "scared" nowadays means that Genie is self-centred and unsupportive of those she supposedly loves, including a recently heartbroken sister and a close friend who perhaps didn't want Genie to ruin her hen do with her bitter opinions on marriage and singledom. Genie is fixated on her single status but also seems to hate the idea of settling down, and spends the book bitchily judging every man she comes into contact with in scenes that rapidly become repetitive (she meets him, doesn't fancy him, flees the date, berates all menkind for being short/ugly/boring on her blog). By the end I don't think she's learned anything, so will presumably continue staggering on being unlikeable and drunk, just now with a poor cardboard cut-out boyfriend who probably wouldn't deserve this if he was in any way a real person I could sympathise with.
Oh yes - the drinking. I'm not a prude, so didn't mind Genie casually shagging every man she didn't find short/ugly/boring, but the fact she literally spends 90% of the book chugging booze made me think that she wasn't so much a fun single girl as someone with a serious problem who needs help. Genie drinks a lot, at all hours of the day and night. She drinks at work, at home, on dates - in fact, every date or singles event she goes on is an excuse to knock back as much booze as possible - when socialising, and LOVES train journeys because they're excuses to drink several cans of cocktails and some wine too. Even the hipflasks of complete strangers are a great idea for Genie, who spends most chapters either tipsy or hungover.
I also find it bemusing that the writer on a website doesn't know how to upload a blog post, especially after six months of keeping a dating-specific blog, but at this point this book bears no resemblance to reality so I suppose that was par for the course.
Boyfriend By Christmas isn't festive, isn't romantic, and isn't funny. It's the tale of a spoiled bitch staggering drunkenly from mistake to mistake with no self-awareness or care for others, and while she does end the book with a boyfriend, I suppose what happens next is a question of what gives out first - her relationship or her liver.
Poor writing is something that doesn't necessarily slow me down - although this really was poorly written, to such an extent that I often had to re-read bits to find out what was meant to be going on - but there has to be something else about the book to enjoy. The plot is dubious of course, and wouldn't hang together if Genie would just go to HR and complain about being told to date someone or be fired. And do not get me started on the characters.
Everyone in this book is either two-dimensional or unlikeable, or two-dimensional AND unlikeable. Occasionally Stallard tries to throw in a cliched motivation for someone - "is sad because she's had three sons and wants a girl" / "has cold feet about her marriage" - but mostly everyone just bumbles along, hideous and unknowable. The poor sod who Genie does eventually end up with, a pleasing cardboard cut-out of a man with such a ridiculous name I literally yelled in rage when it was revealed, is a sweetheart, albeit one with very little presence in the novel, and when he does appear he's being treated like a doormat. He'd do much better getting with Genie's friend Willow, whose sole purpose in the book is to be "curvy" and provide foodstuffs.
And Genie? Ohhhh, Genie. I can't remember the last time I spent a novel in such frustrating, unpleasant company - and I've read American Psycho. I started out finding her a little ditsy and annoying, but as the book progressed I found her unlikeable personality driving me towards actively hating her. She's had her heart broken in the past, and is now apparently "scared" of trying again. Reasonable, but the relationship portrayed in flashbacks is surprisingly short-lived, and while the Ex acts badly, Genie is sabotaging the relationship from day one, for reasons I didn't understand. Being "scared" nowadays means that Genie is self-centred and unsupportive of those she supposedly loves, including a recently heartbroken sister and a close friend who perhaps didn't want Genie to ruin her hen do with her bitter opinions on marriage and singledom. Genie is fixated on her single status but also seems to hate the idea of settling down, and spends the book bitchily judging every man she comes into contact with in scenes that rapidly become repetitive (she meets him, doesn't fancy him, flees the date, berates all menkind for being short/ugly/boring on her blog). By the end I don't think she's learned anything, so will presumably continue staggering on being unlikeable and drunk, just now with a poor cardboard cut-out boyfriend who probably wouldn't deserve this if he was in any way a real person I could sympathise with.
Oh yes - the drinking. I'm not a prude, so didn't mind Genie casually shagging every man she didn't find short/ugly/boring, but the fact she literally spends 90% of the book chugging booze made me think that she wasn't so much a fun single girl as someone with a serious problem who needs help. Genie drinks a lot, at all hours of the day and night. She drinks at work, at home, on dates - in fact, every date or singles event she goes on is an excuse to knock back as much booze as possible - when socialising, and LOVES train journeys because they're excuses to drink several cans of cocktails and some wine too. Even the hipflasks of complete strangers are a great idea for Genie, who spends most chapters either tipsy or hungover.
I also find it bemusing that the writer on a website doesn't know how to upload a blog post, especially after six months of keeping a dating-specific blog, but at this point this book bears no resemblance to reality so I suppose that was par for the course.
Boyfriend By Christmas isn't festive, isn't romantic, and isn't funny. It's the tale of a spoiled bitch staggering drunkenly from mistake to mistake with no self-awareness or care for others, and while she does end the book with a boyfriend, I suppose what happens next is a question of what gives out first - her relationship or her liver.
December 29, 2016
Genie Havisham works for a website, sits in an office five days a week. She's an average girl in a more than average job and she's single.
After a break up, she doesn't trust men much anymore.
This book follows a challenge she is given by her boss, as she writes about dating (the irony) it's time she got herself a man.
That's the start of Boyfriend by Christmas- a blog that covers all her dating ups and downs, from Tinder dates to X Factor finalists. And it's hilarious.
Genie is a lovable character and it was great fun following her around her dating life as well as dealing with the worst.
The return of The Ex.
And the man she's looking for is in front of her face the whole time.
It was a lovely fluffy book, perfect to finalise the festive season. :)
After a break up, she doesn't trust men much anymore.
This book follows a challenge she is given by her boss, as she writes about dating (the irony) it's time she got herself a man.
That's the start of Boyfriend by Christmas- a blog that covers all her dating ups and downs, from Tinder dates to X Factor finalists. And it's hilarious.
Genie is a lovable character and it was great fun following her around her dating life as well as dealing with the worst.
The return of The Ex.
And the man she's looking for is in front of her face the whole time.
It was a lovely fluffy book, perfect to finalise the festive season. :)
January 1, 2016
I was determined to finish this book before the end of 2015 just like Genie with her goal however it was in the first hour of the New Year that i managed it. It was quite a fun read with plenty of laugh out loud moments.
Want to read
December 13, 2015review to come soon!!
December 30, 2017
Die Roman-Idee fand ich spannend und da ich vor Kurzem erst „150 Days to Date“ gelesen hatte, das auch bei Bastei Lübbe erschienen ist und mir sehr gut gefiel, war ich wirklich neugierig auf dieses Buch. Die Ideen ähneln sich sehr, aber hier kam noch das Weihnachtsflair hinzu. Dachte ich zumindest. Ein weihnachtliches Buch sollte man hier jedoch nicht erwarten, da die Story von Juli bis Januar spielt und Weihnachten größtenteils nur als Zeitrahmen für die Suche nach Mr. Right eine Rolle spielt.
Der Erzählstil ist sehr abwechslungsreich und es gibt viele witzige Begebenheiten, sodass der Roman nicht langweilig wird. Über viele Szenen konnte ich beim Lesen lachen oder schmunzeln und einige Charaktere wie z.B. Genies Kollegin Willow sind mir ans Herz gewachsen. Die Protagonistin selbst wurde mir jedoch mit fortschreitender Story immer unsympathischer. Genie ist leider nicht die Person, mit der man gern Zeit verbringen würde. Daher fand ich den Erfolg bei ihren Dates (auch wenn es dann nicht Mr. Right war) teilweise nicht nur unglaubwürdig sondern fast haarsträubend. Zudem war ziemlich früh absehbar, wer am Ende ihr FBW werden wird. Insofern konnte das Buch den tollen ersten Eindruck der ersten Kapitel leider nicht aufrecht erhalten, sodass ich leider nicht mehr als drei Sterne geben kann. Das ist aber persönlicher Geschmack. Vielleicht können andere Leserinnen mit Genie mehr anfangen, wenn sie ihr hoher Alkoholkonsum und zum Teil sehr rücksichtsloser Umgang mit ihren Mitmenschen nicht stört.
Ein witziger Blick auf Dating und zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen. Wer Romane dieser Art gern liest, wird sich hier gut unterhalten fühlen.
Der Erzählstil ist sehr abwechslungsreich und es gibt viele witzige Begebenheiten, sodass der Roman nicht langweilig wird. Über viele Szenen konnte ich beim Lesen lachen oder schmunzeln und einige Charaktere wie z.B. Genies Kollegin Willow sind mir ans Herz gewachsen. Die Protagonistin selbst wurde mir jedoch mit fortschreitender Story immer unsympathischer. Genie ist leider nicht die Person, mit der man gern Zeit verbringen würde. Daher fand ich den Erfolg bei ihren Dates (auch wenn es dann nicht Mr. Right war) teilweise nicht nur unglaubwürdig sondern fast haarsträubend. Zudem war ziemlich früh absehbar, wer am Ende ihr FBW werden wird. Insofern konnte das Buch den tollen ersten Eindruck der ersten Kapitel leider nicht aufrecht erhalten, sodass ich leider nicht mehr als drei Sterne geben kann. Das ist aber persönlicher Geschmack. Vielleicht können andere Leserinnen mit Genie mehr anfangen, wenn sie ihr hoher Alkoholkonsum und zum Teil sehr rücksichtsloser Umgang mit ihren Mitmenschen nicht stört.
Ein witziger Blick auf Dating und zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen. Wer Romane dieser Art gern liest, wird sich hier gut unterhalten fühlen.
January 22, 2019
Full Review at http://www.thegraduatedbookworm.com
So I picked this book up probably close to when it came out back in 2015, and it took me basically two years to actually read the damn thing! That's the problem being a bookworm is that you've got tons of books that are on your shelves (physical or tablet) and you can't get to all of them at once so it literally takes you years to read some!
I think that personally for myself, I found that it really drug through the entire time, and even when there were moments of hilarity or love, it just seemed to become a struggle to actually read through it all!
The novel is broken down into months and days, kind of like a journal almost, and it just felt like the story could have been more fast paced had it been set all in the month of December, giving her less than a month, which I think would have been more entertaining with the time crunch she would have had.
Okay, let me take a moment to rant on this boss of hers! Talk about EVIL VILLIAN! Right at the beginning, you get this feeling like her boss is always watching her every move, and that she in fact needed to get some action herself with that giant stick shoved up where the sun don't shine...Pretty sure every scene that she was written in, I may have had a scowl on my face.
Overall this was an okay book. There were definitely romantic, funny, and frustrating moments while reading, but it just didn't overall keep me interested. I felt like it could have been shortened or that there could have been a small twist in the middle to make it more entertaining
So I picked this book up probably close to when it came out back in 2015, and it took me basically two years to actually read the damn thing! That's the problem being a bookworm is that you've got tons of books that are on your shelves (physical or tablet) and you can't get to all of them at once so it literally takes you years to read some!
I think that personally for myself, I found that it really drug through the entire time, and even when there were moments of hilarity or love, it just seemed to become a struggle to actually read through it all!
The novel is broken down into months and days, kind of like a journal almost, and it just felt like the story could have been more fast paced had it been set all in the month of December, giving her less than a month, which I think would have been more entertaining with the time crunch she would have had.
Okay, let me take a moment to rant on this boss of hers! Talk about EVIL VILLIAN! Right at the beginning, you get this feeling like her boss is always watching her every move, and that she in fact needed to get some action herself with that giant stick shoved up where the sun don't shine...Pretty sure every scene that she was written in, I may have had a scowl on my face.
Overall this was an okay book. There were definitely romantic, funny, and frustrating moments while reading, but it just didn't overall keep me interested. I felt like it could have been shortened or that there could have been a small twist in the middle to make it more entertaining
December 11, 2018
Having been given this the other year as fun present off my sister, I've finally got around to reading it as it Christmas and I wanted to read a fun Christmas story.
Yes it's chicklit, yes it's a bit Bridget Jones but yes it's a fun read. Whilst the end was predictable, its still a great read. Following the dating mishaps of Gennie as the she navigates the modern world of dating and one who has ever looked online for love will identify with her.
If you looking to a serious read them this isn't it, but it is a fun easy read and after all it is Christmas.
Yes it's chicklit, yes it's a bit Bridget Jones but yes it's a fun read. Whilst the end was predictable, its still a great read. Following the dating mishaps of Gennie as the she navigates the modern world of dating and one who has ever looked online for love will identify with her.
If you looking to a serious read them this isn't it, but it is a fun easy read and after all it is Christmas.
December 22, 2019
I guess like the readers of Genie’s blog, there may have been a part of me seeking out tips of how to get a boyfriend by Christmas (...I failed!). This book was easy enough to read, and although the ending was predictable (I had worked it out from about half way through) it was enjoyable enough.
November 26, 2023
The MC is unbearable, most characters feel very thin, she learns nothing, the "feminism" is so dated, it was such a struggle to finish, validating why i dnf books really, and to end, it is too racist? or something to learn geography i guess, which brings down the rating to 1 star
January 8, 2020
Brilliant quick read
Read
December 4, 2021Did not enjoy this.
December 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I might try this next year, sounds fun 😜
December 31, 2025
3.75 Stars
A quick, easy, fun read. It was a little bit predictable but it was still good. There were also a few laugh out loud moments. Tampon Mouse, if you know you know.
A quick, easy, fun read. It was a little bit predictable but it was still good. There were also a few laugh out loud moments. Tampon Mouse, if you know you know.
January 25, 2016
Is the life of many young women in 21st Century Britain as it's depicted here? There's so much angst, so much insecurity, so much self doubt, so much fear. But not of the real dangers that surround them, i.e., economic melt-down, international tensions, social conflict. No, the modern woman still measures herself by the person with whom she sleeps with on a regular, (semi)-permanent basis. Even in the more free and 'liberal' age where problems surrounding sexual identity is supposed to be a thing of the past, for Genie that place (decreed by her boss) has to be taken by a male. If the challenge, laid down at the beginning of July, had been boyfriend OR girlfriend then Stallard would have been able to play around with the idea in a much more anarchic manner.
Like all employees in so many jobs nowadays, it's not possible to blag it. She has to tell her boss what her plans are for the coming week and then she has to write something on an almost daily basis. Only a handful of people work in her office but it's a website and something, anything, has to be posted on a regular, if not a daily, basis.
And that, in itself, made me glad that I went through such situations long before 'social media' had been invented where the obligation is to hang out even the dirty washing to be seen by unknown readers. There were even some sites that Genie used that I hadn't even heard about. However, in the social media world if things go wrong there are more hits on the site. The puerile appetite of the public knows no bounds.
Although she doesn't get any closer to the goal set for her six months before the deadline this doesn't mean she is living the life of a nun. She has her fun, she throws back the shots (that's a habit of the young of today that I don't get – and that's from someone who enjoyed a drink when young but made it last a bit longer than seems to be the norm nowadays), she has her desired level of sex but instead of making the most of that and enjoying it she gets diverted into the monogamy trap. What she has seems OK but it's not enough – but then, perhaps I'm just jealous things weren't as easy when I was young (even though the perception that it was).
In a sense, her initial goal isn't the boyfriend per se. If she succeeds then she might be able to move on to better, more serious and more substantial journalistic writing. She accepts that there is a certain banality of being the one devoted to dating issues on the website and hopes for more of a challenge.
Genie doesn't want to cheat, although at times she thinks she could, especially when her past comes back to haunt her. If nothing else this challenge makes her look at her life in a more critical manner and realises that if something didn't work in the past it doesn't bode well for the future – if things are to be more meaningful than a few nights rolling in the hay.
She also looks out of her own area. Yes, with technology it's easier to get to 'know' a greater spread of supposedly eligible candidates but online people tell lies, because its so easy. That leads to disappointment on meeting and that must, eventually, put a lot of people off from pursuing that route.
People were getting together before the concept of technology was invented and in the past, as in the present (we can't necessarily say the same about the future) most relationships develop closer to home. Although her friends (and we, the reader) are aware where she should be concentrating her efforts less than half way through the story Genie is the only one that doesn't understand the lessons of history.
I found the first person narration easy to read (that's not always been the case with some other attempts I read recently) and by interspersing the narration of her travails with her public declarations on the website the novel has a certain, realistic pace. We can actually understand her desperation as the end of the year approaches.
Like all employees in so many jobs nowadays, it's not possible to blag it. She has to tell her boss what her plans are for the coming week and then she has to write something on an almost daily basis. Only a handful of people work in her office but it's a website and something, anything, has to be posted on a regular, if not a daily, basis.
And that, in itself, made me glad that I went through such situations long before 'social media' had been invented where the obligation is to hang out even the dirty washing to be seen by unknown readers. There were even some sites that Genie used that I hadn't even heard about. However, in the social media world if things go wrong there are more hits on the site. The puerile appetite of the public knows no bounds.
Although she doesn't get any closer to the goal set for her six months before the deadline this doesn't mean she is living the life of a nun. She has her fun, she throws back the shots (that's a habit of the young of today that I don't get – and that's from someone who enjoyed a drink when young but made it last a bit longer than seems to be the norm nowadays), she has her desired level of sex but instead of making the most of that and enjoying it she gets diverted into the monogamy trap. What she has seems OK but it's not enough – but then, perhaps I'm just jealous things weren't as easy when I was young (even though the perception that it was).
In a sense, her initial goal isn't the boyfriend per se. If she succeeds then she might be able to move on to better, more serious and more substantial journalistic writing. She accepts that there is a certain banality of being the one devoted to dating issues on the website and hopes for more of a challenge.
Genie doesn't want to cheat, although at times she thinks she could, especially when her past comes back to haunt her. If nothing else this challenge makes her look at her life in a more critical manner and realises that if something didn't work in the past it doesn't bode well for the future – if things are to be more meaningful than a few nights rolling in the hay.
She also looks out of her own area. Yes, with technology it's easier to get to 'know' a greater spread of supposedly eligible candidates but online people tell lies, because its so easy. That leads to disappointment on meeting and that must, eventually, put a lot of people off from pursuing that route.
People were getting together before the concept of technology was invented and in the past, as in the present (we can't necessarily say the same about the future) most relationships develop closer to home. Although her friends (and we, the reader) are aware where she should be concentrating her efforts less than half way through the story Genie is the only one that doesn't understand the lessons of history.
I found the first person narration easy to read (that's not always been the case with some other attempts I read recently) and by interspersing the narration of her travails with her public declarations on the website the novel has a certain, realistic pace. We can actually understand her desperation as the end of the year approaches.
November 12, 2015
I loved Boyfriend by Christmas, its exactly what a single girl needs to read in the run up to Christmas. Not only are there many, many examples of various zany dating events, and events for singles, but there is a nightmare boss, some great friends, many men, and the book starts and ends at Christmas.
I have to love a book that starts with Christmas in July, highlighting that if you are a journalist then you start getting Christmas products sent as early as July for the Christmas features that you tend to see everywhere. And for Genie Havisham that is no exception. It was while she was buzzing about one of these press events, that her boss Tabbitha decides that Genie needs a new challenge.
For Genie is a dating columnist, for a lifestyle website, as well as writing other features, but she has been single for years, with her running in the opposite direction from the first hint of dating. Tabbitha challenges Genie to get a Boyfriend by Christmas, and to blog about it. She has to accept every dating offer that comes her way throughout the challenge Tabbitha also makes it clear that if Genie fails, Genie's job will be in danger.
There is just one small problem, Genie has had a previously bad experience with an ex (which is slowly revealed) and is petrified of giving her heart to another man, but since she has no real choice, she gives the challenge her best shot to hilarious consequences.
I really enjoyed all of Genie's various blog entries, which are written in a slightly different style to the rest of the narrative, but really give a full insight into the journey she is undertaking in just 5 months, and allows you to see as well how she makes fun of some of the events she goes to, and some of the men she meets.
We discover that Genie has set thoughts on certain aspects of a man, and of internet dating, but yet she can't help herself from going back for more.
There is such humour in the book, and seeing Genie flee from one date, after a public declaration of like had been made, to get on an expensive train home, was one of my highlights, and indicators that Genie may not be fully loving this Boyfriend by Christmas task, as it goes against everything she lives her life by.
However she does give it her all, along with her colleagues to support her, Willow, Rio and ITBoy, and its a rollercoaster few months as she tries to succeed.
Occasionally I couldn't help but think that Genie was coming over as shallow and the situation that led to her being emotionally crippled, isn't to be honest that shocking, although I do understand and can empathise completely.
If you enjoy books that have lots of various dates, not huge amounts of sex, and some romance, and love books with a great sense of humour, then Boyfriend For Christmas is definitely worth reading.
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
I have to love a book that starts with Christmas in July, highlighting that if you are a journalist then you start getting Christmas products sent as early as July for the Christmas features that you tend to see everywhere. And for Genie Havisham that is no exception. It was while she was buzzing about one of these press events, that her boss Tabbitha decides that Genie needs a new challenge.
For Genie is a dating columnist, for a lifestyle website, as well as writing other features, but she has been single for years, with her running in the opposite direction from the first hint of dating. Tabbitha challenges Genie to get a Boyfriend by Christmas, and to blog about it. She has to accept every dating offer that comes her way throughout the challenge Tabbitha also makes it clear that if Genie fails, Genie's job will be in danger.
There is just one small problem, Genie has had a previously bad experience with an ex (which is slowly revealed) and is petrified of giving her heart to another man, but since she has no real choice, she gives the challenge her best shot to hilarious consequences.
I really enjoyed all of Genie's various blog entries, which are written in a slightly different style to the rest of the narrative, but really give a full insight into the journey she is undertaking in just 5 months, and allows you to see as well how she makes fun of some of the events she goes to, and some of the men she meets.
We discover that Genie has set thoughts on certain aspects of a man, and of internet dating, but yet she can't help herself from going back for more.
There is such humour in the book, and seeing Genie flee from one date, after a public declaration of like had been made, to get on an expensive train home, was one of my highlights, and indicators that Genie may not be fully loving this Boyfriend by Christmas task, as it goes against everything she lives her life by.
However she does give it her all, along with her colleagues to support her, Willow, Rio and ITBoy, and its a rollercoaster few months as she tries to succeed.
Occasionally I couldn't help but think that Genie was coming over as shallow and the situation that led to her being emotionally crippled, isn't to be honest that shocking, although I do understand and can empathise completely.
If you enjoy books that have lots of various dates, not huge amounts of sex, and some romance, and love books with a great sense of humour, then Boyfriend For Christmas is definitely worth reading.
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
June 4, 2016
Sometimes the right book sneaks it's way into your life just at the right time. And even though this isn't a book I'd normally pick up in a shop (got it through a "date with a book" charity fundraiser, how perfect isn't that?!) it was just what I needed. A light and funny read after a heavy couple of months. And even though one can more or less guess the ending 50 pages in, the hilarious twists and turns are definitely worth the read. But most of all, I loved the representation of friendship through difficult times and the fact that even if a relationship is good it doesn't make it less scary, a lesson I feel is too often forgotten in the never ending sea of rom-com stories. The style of the writing is easy going, reflecting a more Internet-based reality, and Stallard brings London to life with her specificity, giving her story life within our everyday setting. All in all, thank you for writing a beautiful book :)
December 24, 2015
Oh how I love a good British book! (I love London (and Brighton!) so of course I loved it, loved the British cultural references.)
I was looking for a good Christmas book and this one was just perfect (Chritsmassy but not too Chritsmassy, just perfect)
I loved the characters, Genie was really fun (can I be her friend as well?), I loved loved that it took place in London (I definitely share Genie's love for Carnaby Street)
The story was cute and the ending was even better. So basically, I really enjoyed this book, and I will probably read it again (probably next year, during Christmas time).
December 10, 2015
received as part of Good Reads First Reads
Genie is a reporter - but not just any reporter - her column is about dating and relationships. Not too bad a job you might think nut Genie is single , very single
Her boss challenges her to write an article following her as she dates men..........and to get herself a boyfriend by Christmas
By trying dating agencies, blind dates, and singles nights she meets different men but none are THE one
Does Genie find herself a man for Christmas ...........I am not spoiling it !
Genie is a reporter - but not just any reporter - her column is about dating and relationships. Not too bad a job you might think nut Genie is single , very single
Her boss challenges her to write an article following her as she dates men..........and to get herself a boyfriend by Christmas
By trying dating agencies, blind dates, and singles nights she meets different men but none are THE one
Does Genie find herself a man for Christmas ...........I am not spoiling it !
January 7, 2016
I received Boyfriend by Christmas by Jenny Stallard free from goodreads.com
Genie is a very likeable character, and from the start I was rooting for her. The ending is predictable very early on, but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of reading this book.
The author's prose appears effortless, and is easy to read at a good pace. There is a lot of humour, making this a good light read on a dull winter's day, or at any other time
Genie is a very likeable character, and from the start I was rooting for her. The ending is predictable very early on, but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of reading this book.
The author's prose appears effortless, and is easy to read at a good pace. There is a lot of humour, making this a good light read on a dull winter's day, or at any other time
December 28, 2015
First book i have read by Jenny and will be her reading others. This follows Genie, who in 6months must find herself a boyfriend by Christmas.
Genie blogs about this through her work. As we follow Genie on various dates she quickly becomes a likeable charactor. Id sussed the 'Pip' situation half way through so was pleased that was the outcome. This is not overly festive and at times i felt the story was dragging on a bit. That said it was still a book i wanted to finish to the end.
Genie blogs about this through her work. As we follow Genie on various dates she quickly becomes a likeable charactor. Id sussed the 'Pip' situation half way through so was pleased that was the outcome. This is not overly festive and at times i felt the story was dragging on a bit. That said it was still a book i wanted to finish to the end.
January 7, 2016
I heard about this book during a segment on Woman's Hour about "cuffing" (the phenomenon that is finding a date for the festive season) and my interest was piqued.
'Boyfriend by Christmas' is the story of how dating journalist Genie Havisham is set a target by her mean boss of finding a boyfriend by December 25th. Despite the slightly corny naming of the protagonist and wee rambling bits, this book is a good chilled out holiday read, and if anything, it will get you feeling Christmas-y!
'Boyfriend by Christmas' is the story of how dating journalist Genie Havisham is set a target by her mean boss of finding a boyfriend by December 25th. Despite the slightly corny naming of the protagonist and wee rambling bits, this book is a good chilled out holiday read, and if anything, it will get you feeling Christmas-y!
March 16, 2016
I won this book on a giveaway - thank you Penguin! - and it's a great book! Genie is a very relatable character. The story is original and well written. I loved every bit of it, although I predicted the end quite early. Aghh I needed a book like this one, fresh, boozy and christmassy!! Very recommendable :)
December 12, 2015
This is a good fun light read.
Although I am mid 40s and struggled with some of the text speak, I found it difficult to put down wanting to know what dating event would be next and who would be there. A glimpse into the modern 30 year old single career girls life. Enjoyable and fun to read.
Although I am mid 40s and struggled with some of the text speak, I found it difficult to put down wanting to know what dating event would be next and who would be there. A glimpse into the modern 30 year old single career girls life. Enjoyable and fun to read.
December 3, 2015
A well written story from beginning to end. Will be liked by anyone who loves chicklit. I won this book on Goodreads.
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