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Boyfriend Chronicles #1
Blackmail Boyfriend
Sometimes, blackmail is the only weapon a girl has...
Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she's dateable—despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers—or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.
Bryce didn't know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he's being blackmailed by an honor student. His new "girlfriend" has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she's...well, difficult. And different.
Can something so fake turn into something real?
Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she's dateable—despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers—or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.
Bryce didn't know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he's being blackmailed by an honor student. His new "girlfriend" has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she's...well, difficult. And different.
Can something so fake turn into something real?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2015
233 people are currently reading
2988 people want to read
About the author
Chris Cannon
17 books846 followersChris Cannon is the award-winning author of the Mysteries of Mystic Hills series, Going Down In Flames series, the Crossroads Chronicles, the Boyfriend Chronicles, and the Dating Dilemma series. She lives in Southern Illinois with her husband and several furry beasts.
She believes coffee is the Elixir of Life. Most evenings after work, you can find her sipping caffeine and writing paranormal adventures. You can find her online at www.chriscannonauthor.com.
She believes coffee is the Elixir of Life. Most evenings after work, you can find her sipping caffeine and writing paranormal adventures. You can find her online at www.chriscannonauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
September 3, 2015
1.5
I plan to stay away from all YA contemporary romances unless it's written by Kasie West or Kody Keplinger.
I honestly think they are the only two authors in capacity to write dislikable characters that are still able to make you feel something other than hatred or annoyance.
But let's start from the beginning.
I like to think I've read my share of fake relationships, it being a trope I will never tire of. So when it comes to reading them I expect them to go a certain way cause you know what they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". These books tend to have a structure that, as previously proven has always worked; dilemma occurs and for some ridiculous reason they need to enter said fake relationship, they're not quite happy about it but they suck it up, some more dilemma happens that leads them to being friends. Then temptation occurs and they start to give in without forgetting they are in a FAKE RELATIONSHIP, and finally some more dilemma occurs, they confess their undying love and live happily ever after.
Now here's the question: Did you see that specific point where I clearly emphasized a tad?
Apparently Haley was a bit dense on getting that memo. From the get go and by get go I mean day one she is acting like an entitled psycho jealous girlfriend, more like dictator, that demands to be the center of attention.
You see, that was my mayor problem. At times I really liked Haley because she was sarcastically funny, smart and stood her own-which definitely won brownie points with me- but at the same time she was annoying as heck! I get that she needed Bryce to act like a boyfriend in public but she would constantly go mental when he didn't do it in private and again-from the start.
I mean look at this...
And that's just the first and only fake date from their arrangement which he was basically forced to do. He was constantly backed into a corner by Haley, Jane and Nathan and it just felt wrong. And highly pathetic, I might add.
Nope, not done complaining about her.
She was constantly complaining her brothers where the reason for her absent social life, but seriously, that girls needs to sit the heck down and reevaluate her life and her attitude. She freaking scares everyone away with that crazy. I mean I'm one of the people who think who can't just show your crazy from day one. You got to tone that shit down. Bring it out gradually so people won't notice.
She was also needy as can be. She was constantly prying for Bryce's complete and I mean complete attention and the second he got distracted or had to do something, again, she would go mental. Acting like someone shit on her cake when he failed to meet all her ridiculous expectations.
Did I also mention she was ridiculously jealous? I mean, this is the kind of girl that lets you have no friends unless they have a weiner hanging between them legs. She was constantly (I've used that word quite a few times here right?) making a big deal out of him talking or even looking other girls. That shit just got creepy fast.
As for everything else?
Just no.
The ending was weak, the added family drama held no importance to the plot, the brothers were as flat as a cardboard, the friends were only used to inform the reader of the MC's feelings, in case you're too oblivious to grasp the blatantly obvious, Bryce was about as fun as cleaning a sewer, and the ex girlfriend drama was just too much.
But the great news is:
Small mercies ^_^
I plan to stay away from all YA contemporary romances unless it's written by Kasie West or Kody Keplinger.
I honestly think they are the only two authors in capacity to write dislikable characters that are still able to make you feel something other than hatred or annoyance.
But let's start from the beginning.
Great premise, sucky as heck execution.
I like to think I've read my share of fake relationships, it being a trope I will never tire of. So when it comes to reading them I expect them to go a certain way cause you know what they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". These books tend to have a structure that, as previously proven has always worked; dilemma occurs and for some ridiculous reason they need to enter said fake relationship, they're not quite happy about it but they suck it up, some more dilemma happens that leads them to being friends. Then temptation occurs and they start to give in without forgetting they are in a FAKE RELATIONSHIP, and finally some more dilemma occurs, they confess their undying love and live happily ever after.
Now here's the question: Did you see that specific point where I clearly emphasized a tad?
Apparently Haley was a bit dense on getting that memo. From the get go and by get go I mean day one she is acting like an entitled psycho jealous girlfriend, more like dictator, that demands to be the center of attention.
You see, that was my mayor problem. At times I really liked Haley because she was sarcastically funny, smart and stood her own-which definitely won brownie points with me- but at the same time she was annoying as heck! I get that she needed Bryce to act like a boyfriend in public but she would constantly go mental when he didn't do it in private and again-from the start.
I mean look at this...
I sniffled. Crap. I fanned my eyes. I would not cry. “He didn’t kiss me good night.”
And that's just the first and only fake date from their arrangement which he was basically forced to do. He was constantly backed into a corner by Haley, Jane and Nathan and it just felt wrong. And highly pathetic, I might add.
Nope, not done complaining about her.
She was constantly complaining her brothers where the reason for her absent social life, but seriously, that girls needs to sit the heck down and reevaluate her life and her attitude. She freaking scares everyone away with that crazy. I mean I'm one of the people who think who can't just show your crazy from day one. You got to tone that shit down. Bring it out gradually so people won't notice.
She was also needy as can be. She was constantly prying for Bryce's complete and I mean complete attention and the second he got distracted or had to do something, again, she would go mental. Acting like someone shit on her cake when he failed to meet all her ridiculous expectations.
Did I also mention she was ridiculously jealous? I mean, this is the kind of girl that lets you have no friends unless they have a weiner hanging between them legs. She was constantly (I've used that word quite a few times here right?) making a big deal out of him talking or even looking other girls. That shit just got creepy fast.
As for everything else?
Just no.
The ending was weak, the added family drama held no importance to the plot, the brothers were as flat as a cardboard, the friends were only used to inform the reader of the MC's feelings, in case you're too oblivious to grasp the blatantly obvious, Bryce was about as fun as cleaning a sewer, and the ex girlfriend drama was just too much.
But the great news is:
I finished the book!!
Small mercies ^_^
September 7, 2015
Haley Hoffman used my name to cover up her pre-promise-ring-fling with Bryce. Bryce went along with the lie to avoid a beating from Denny. I used the lie to trap Bryce into being my boyfriend and break the bubble of “protection” my brothers had created around me. He kissed me to annoy my brothers and land me in detention.
Best Monday ever
Okay, the thing is, all the books I'm getting that I had at least some expectations are disappointing me. This one? It wasn't far from that.
In one hand, I partially got what I wanted. This was the first Chris Cannon book I read. It has a fast pace and I loved her witty and playful writing style. Even though it's cliche, the blackmail and fake relationship just calls me. I already expected it to be all fluffy and to has this love-hate cute moments.
I accidentally-on-purpose kicked Bryce in the shin. “Sorry, about that.”
“You expect me to believe that was an accident?”
“Nope.” I opened my chips. “I expect you to behave in a socially appropriate manner and accept my apology.”
So, it started with a lovely beginning, making me laugh and objective at the same time. And then....
WE GOT DOUBLE POVED!!
I seriously LOVE different POVs. Especially when we have the crazy boy-girl relationship.
So, what was wrong?
Firstly, to see both sides of feelings is amazing. When it is well done. To be inside Bryce's head wasn't so different from Haley. I just couldn't see the guy-girl big difference. Bryce is known for being a huuuge womanizer. Dating curvy girls and bitchy kinds. When we are in Haley's POV, Bryce is charming other girls who are his type. Inside his head it's like this part doesn't exist. He is all like "I'm with Haley. She is not my type. Can't wait for this to end. My family sucks. My life sucks".
Secondly, we have to get one thing straight here. Since the beginning this was a FAKE relationship. Both agreed with staying together for only three weeks. We usually knows where it goes. The problem is, since the beginning Haley was acting like a completely jealous girlfriend. So much that it was suffocating even for me.
“Bryce, why didn’t you offer to give me a ride today?”
"Why did he find the idea of going on a real date with me repulsive? I was cute, smart, and did charity work with animals. If you thought about it that way, we weren’t a bad match"
And this gets me to the huge immature parts. There's this part...
“Detention for both of you,” my homeroom teacher declared. “Public displays of affection are not tolerated in this school.”
Ok, this is not a spoiler if you consider that it's in the first chapter and nothing really happened. But later we get to see a lot of kissing and more at the SAME freaking place. What happened with the rules? Transition sent its regards.
Oh, and talking about kissing....
I sniffled. Crap. I fanned my eyes. I would not cry. “He didn’t kiss me good night.”
WHERE THE HELL WAS THE LINE BETWEEN REAL AND FAKE RELATIONSHIP HERE??? She basically never acted like this was fake. And please... Good night kiss...
All in all, it was still entertaining and easy to read. Aside from all the crappy parts, it was fun and the writing style was really a plus. And I can't leave without saying what a lovely friendship this book had. The secondary characters had a real feeling here and the parents were portrayed more realistic than many contemporary YAs around there.
Best Monday ever
Okay, the thing is, all the books I'm getting that I had at least some expectations are disappointing me. This one? It wasn't far from that.
In one hand, I partially got what I wanted. This was the first Chris Cannon book I read. It has a fast pace and I loved her witty and playful writing style. Even though it's cliche, the blackmail and fake relationship just calls me. I already expected it to be all fluffy and to has this love-hate cute moments.
I accidentally-on-purpose kicked Bryce in the shin. “Sorry, about that.”
“You expect me to believe that was an accident?”
“Nope.” I opened my chips. “I expect you to behave in a socially appropriate manner and accept my apology.”
So, it started with a lovely beginning, making me laugh and objective at the same time. And then....
WE GOT DOUBLE POVED!!
I seriously LOVE different POVs. Especially when we have the crazy boy-girl relationship.
So, what was wrong?
Firstly, to see both sides of feelings is amazing. When it is well done. To be inside Bryce's head wasn't so different from Haley. I just couldn't see the guy-girl big difference. Bryce is known for being a huuuge womanizer. Dating curvy girls and bitchy kinds. When we are in Haley's POV, Bryce is charming other girls who are his type. Inside his head it's like this part doesn't exist. He is all like "I'm with Haley. She is not my type. Can't wait for this to end. My family sucks. My life sucks".
Secondly, we have to get one thing straight here. Since the beginning this was a FAKE relationship. Both agreed with staying together for only three weeks. We usually knows where it goes. The problem is, since the beginning Haley was acting like a completely jealous girlfriend. So much that it was suffocating even for me.
“Bryce, why didn’t you offer to give me a ride today?”
"Why did he find the idea of going on a real date with me repulsive? I was cute, smart, and did charity work with animals. If you thought about it that way, we weren’t a bad match"
And this gets me to the huge immature parts. There's this part...
“Detention for both of you,” my homeroom teacher declared. “Public displays of affection are not tolerated in this school.”
Ok, this is not a spoiler if you consider that it's in the first chapter and nothing really happened. But later we get to see a lot of kissing and more at the SAME freaking place. What happened with the rules? Transition sent its regards.
Oh, and talking about kissing....
I sniffled. Crap. I fanned my eyes. I would not cry. “He didn’t kiss me good night.”
WHERE THE HELL WAS THE LINE BETWEEN REAL AND FAKE RELATIONSHIP HERE??? She basically never acted like this was fake. And please... Good night kiss...
All in all, it was still entertaining and easy to read. Aside from all the crappy parts, it was fun and the writing style was really a plus. And I can't leave without saying what a lovely friendship this book had. The secondary characters had a real feeling here and the parents were portrayed more realistic than many contemporary YAs around there.
September 8, 2015
The only Entangled Crush title that didn't work for me... and I'm devastated. Seriously, I am.
Blackmail Boyfriend just don't come out as genuine to me. Especially the love interest. I find his thoughts and actions annoying and not believable. He was not a fan of our main character at first and then suddenly he's love stricken? I don't buy it. The progression towards their HEA was not something that seems real to me so in result of that, it didn't make me swoon.
The heroine was infuriating and that's all I can say about her. If there was a ‘character development', I didn't see it.
A big SIGH and NOPE.
Blackmail Boyfriend just don't come out as genuine to me. Especially the love interest. I find his thoughts and actions annoying and not believable. He was not a fan of our main character at first and then suddenly he's love stricken? I don't buy it. The progression towards their HEA was not something that seems real to me so in result of that, it didn't make me swoon.
The heroine was infuriating and that's all I can say about her. If there was a ‘character development', I didn't see it.
A big SIGH and NOPE.
August 16, 2015
So honestly: I expect this to be a cute & fluffy, was hoping this was well written - and I would have been happy.
But I kinda got more...
I never read anything by Cannon before. So I was pleased to discover I enjoyed her writing style. It's witty, sassy and fresh.
The plot was sweet, fun and while I expected mega predictable- it actually did throw me on several occasions. I mean this is a cute & fluffy- you can guess the outcome.. so basically the main plot line had no huge surprises. But Cannon took what could have been a run of the mill kinda story- albeit it would have been sweet and cute- and added her own brand to it. Essentially this is a mash up getting thrown together-by-accident and girl and boy from totally different sides of town kinda love story. To be frank I would have been probably happy with just that. Since it was written very well. But Cannon layered into this several other factors, which made this an unexpected good read.
Essentially though Cannon shines in the character building of the two MCs. Hayley and Bryce are both more than they seems. And their POV were both written exceptionally well. I love all their little angst fest. The best part about it is that probably 99% of the female population could relate to her behaviour, her worries and fears.
I think she is a very good example for how many of us gals behave and feel at that age. I am talking when it comes to boys and our insecurities. I wasn't an animal rescue kinda gal- then again I had my own quirks and obsessions- hence I can relate.
Nathan and Jane were an incredible support cast. And I honestly feel like I know those four kids. Each unique and each from a different family. Cannon did a great job portraying the different family dynamics and the way all of them deal with it.
I found however some of the adults a bit to cliche and too stark. Brittany in compare to all the different characters was too over the top in my opinion.
Then there is the country club scene... and I honestly found myself a bit irritated. I felt somehow Cannon might ruin the last bit of the book. I begrudgingly found myself smile at Bryce's grand gesture. But then Cannon won my heart completely with the last paragraph. That last paragraph also encompasses everything I loved about Blackmail Boyfriend in just a few phrases.
A must read that is surprising, cute, fun and full of wonderful details and moments.
But I kinda got more...
I never read anything by Cannon before. So I was pleased to discover I enjoyed her writing style. It's witty, sassy and fresh.
The plot was sweet, fun and while I expected mega predictable- it actually did throw me on several occasions. I mean this is a cute & fluffy- you can guess the outcome.. so basically the main plot line had no huge surprises. But Cannon took what could have been a run of the mill kinda story- albeit it would have been sweet and cute- and added her own brand to it. Essentially this is a mash up getting thrown together-by-accident and girl and boy from totally different sides of town kinda love story. To be frank I would have been probably happy with just that. Since it was written very well. But Cannon layered into this several other factors, which made this an unexpected good read.
Essentially though Cannon shines in the character building of the two MCs. Hayley and Bryce are both more than they seems. And their POV were both written exceptionally well. I love all their little angst fest. The best part about it is that probably 99% of the female population could relate to her behaviour, her worries and fears.
I think she is a very good example for how many of us gals behave and feel at that age. I am talking when it comes to boys and our insecurities. I wasn't an animal rescue kinda gal- then again I had my own quirks and obsessions- hence I can relate.
Nathan and Jane were an incredible support cast. And I honestly feel like I know those four kids. Each unique and each from a different family. Cannon did a great job portraying the different family dynamics and the way all of them deal with it.
I found however some of the adults a bit to cliche and too stark. Brittany in compare to all the different characters was too over the top in my opinion.
Then there is the country club scene... and I honestly found myself a bit irritated. I felt somehow Cannon might ruin the last bit of the book. I begrudgingly found myself smile at Bryce's grand gesture. But then Cannon won my heart completely with the last paragraph. That last paragraph also encompasses everything I loved about Blackmail Boyfriend in just a few phrases.
A must read that is surprising, cute, fun and full of wonderful details and moments.
November 15, 2015
Fafa's Book Corner (Wordpress)
Fafa's Book Corner (Blogger)
DNF
When I first heard of this book I thought 'Why not give it a go.' It sounded interesting and I downloaded the sample from iBooks before deciding to purchase this. Man am I glad that I did.
The book begins with Haley's best friend asking her whether the rumors were true. Confused Haley asks what rumors her friend is talking about and she explains that Bryce is claiming that he hooked up with her. Haley says that this is not true.
Before Haley's brothers find out the two decide to go and confront Bryce. Bryce says that he has never seen her before. When Haley gives a description of the other Haley in their school he says that he hooked up with the other Haley. The other Haley runs into them explaining that she and her boyfriend have made up and he gave her a promise ring. She then says that for some reason people are claiming that she hooked up with Bryce and she doesn't understand why as she has a boyfriend.
Haley's brothers come and she explains that is didn't hook up with Bryce but is dating him. Her brothers are okay with that and they go to class. Bryce makes it clear that he doesn't date. Haley then explains that it was he sheer stupidity that landed her in his mess in the first place and that he owes her. She continues to explain that she wants to prove that she can date guys without the school worrying about her brothers.
After this conversation Bryce tries staging a break-up during lunch. Haley reminds him again that he is the reason her reputation is ruined and that if he breaks up with her then she'll tell the other Haley's boyfriend. He agrees but only because he fears her actually telling the boyfriend and him getting pummeled.
I found this to be a very dumb plot with pretty shallow characters. Why would anyone go around and spread a rumor that he hooked up with so-and-so? Why would some girl need to prove her brothers and the boys in her school that she is date able? Haley seemed really dumb along with her friend Jane. Oh and lets not forget Bryce. Thus I saw no point in purchasing this because I found it to be incredibly stupid.
Overall this was not a good read. I cannot bring myself to recommend it to anyone.
Fafa's Book Corner (Blogger)
DNF
When I first heard of this book I thought 'Why not give it a go.' It sounded interesting and I downloaded the sample from iBooks before deciding to purchase this. Man am I glad that I did.
The book begins with Haley's best friend asking her whether the rumors were true. Confused Haley asks what rumors her friend is talking about and she explains that Bryce is claiming that he hooked up with her. Haley says that this is not true.
Before Haley's brothers find out the two decide to go and confront Bryce. Bryce says that he has never seen her before. When Haley gives a description of the other Haley in their school he says that he hooked up with the other Haley. The other Haley runs into them explaining that she and her boyfriend have made up and he gave her a promise ring. She then says that for some reason people are claiming that she hooked up with Bryce and she doesn't understand why as she has a boyfriend.
Haley's brothers come and she explains that is didn't hook up with Bryce but is dating him. Her brothers are okay with that and they go to class. Bryce makes it clear that he doesn't date. Haley then explains that it was he sheer stupidity that landed her in his mess in the first place and that he owes her. She continues to explain that she wants to prove that she can date guys without the school worrying about her brothers.
After this conversation Bryce tries staging a break-up during lunch. Haley reminds him again that he is the reason her reputation is ruined and that if he breaks up with her then she'll tell the other Haley's boyfriend. He agrees but only because he fears her actually telling the boyfriend and him getting pummeled.
I found this to be a very dumb plot with pretty shallow characters. Why would anyone go around and spread a rumor that he hooked up with so-and-so? Why would some girl need to prove her brothers and the boys in her school that she is date able? Haley seemed really dumb along with her friend Jane. Oh and lets not forget Bryce. Thus I saw no point in purchasing this because I found it to be incredibly stupid.
Overall this was not a good read. I cannot bring myself to recommend it to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2017
I´ve been reading a lot of cliché novels but I think this one takes the cake. Not only was the protagonist incredibly desperate she also let the guy walk all over her. It was nicely hidden behind her "stomping out" and her "bossiness" but still felt a bit like the first relationship you get into and don´t really know how you should be treated.
August 22, 2015
DEFINITELY NO!
One of those beautiful covers, shitty content. It was both teen-ish and child-ish. Too predictable.
One of those beautiful covers, shitty content. It was both teen-ish and child-ish. Too predictable.
August 12, 2015
“Love is a wonderful thing, my dear, but it leaves you wide open for blackmail.”
----Jasper Fforde, an English author
Chris Cannon, an American author, pens her new book, Blackmail Boyfriend, which is a cute high school love story between a rich guy and a middle class girl, who blackmails the guy to be her fake boyfriend till a certain rumor dies down, but for that the guy needs to face the girl's three elder dominating brothers, and little bit into the mess and fake boyfriend-girlfriend drama, both started to get real feelings for one another.
Synopsis:
Sometimes, blackmail is the only weapon a girl has…
Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she’s dateable—despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers—or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.
Bryce didn’t know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he's being blackmailed by an honor student. His new “girlfriend” has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she's…well, difficult. And different.
Can something so fake turn into something real?
Haley lives in the part of town which is not that sophisticated and also she has to work hard to keep up with the family. Bryce is the guy who belongs from the richer part of the town and also with a wealthy family. These two meets at crossroads when one weekend, Bryce hooks up with a girl, who doesn't share her first name because of the fear of her scary and macho boyfriend, so that girl uses Haley's name to protect her identity. Come Monday, Haley realizes that there's a rumor that she hooked up with Bryce over the weekend. Taking advantage of the situation, Haley blackmails Bryce to pretend that he is her boyfriend for a week to make herself look date-able in the eyes of the other guys in school and also to get away from the shadows of her over protecting brothers. Can they ignore the real feelings that started to crept up between them?
The writing style is fine with a catchy narrative style and the author has perfectly captured the voice of a teenage high schooler who is going through lots of drama in both school and home. The prose is articulate with a fast pace.
The characters, especially Haley and Bryce, are drawn with lots of realism by layering them with flaws as well as insecurities. Haley is strong and smart girl yet suffered from her own insecurities, whereas on the other hand, Bryce too started off as a bit of a jerk, but finally got scared about his true feelings for Haley. The supporting cast is also nicely developed, which lightened off the whole plot with their witty demeanor.
The chemistry is cute and sweet, and their love story is like any other first time teenage couple, going on and off constantly. Although the climax was very predictable, yet it was such an entertaining read that kept me engaged pretty much the entire time.
Verdict: If you fancy reading cheesy contemporary YA stories, the go for it, otherwise, skip it.
Courtesy: I received an ARC from the YA Bound Book Blog Tours.
----Jasper Fforde, an English author
Chris Cannon, an American author, pens her new book, Blackmail Boyfriend, which is a cute high school love story between a rich guy and a middle class girl, who blackmails the guy to be her fake boyfriend till a certain rumor dies down, but for that the guy needs to face the girl's three elder dominating brothers, and little bit into the mess and fake boyfriend-girlfriend drama, both started to get real feelings for one another.
Synopsis:
Sometimes, blackmail is the only weapon a girl has…
Haley Patterson has had a crush on golden boy Bryce Colton for ages. But when she hears a rumor that he hooked up with her she gives him a choice: be her boyfriend for a month to show other guys that she’s dateable—despite her overprotective and very intimidating brothers—or deal with the angry, cage-fighting boyfriend of the girl he actually did hook up with.
Bryce didn’t know the other Haley even had a boyfriend. He was just trying to get his ex off his back. And now, not only is he being blackmailed, he's being blackmailed by an honor student. His new “girlfriend” has two three-legged dogs, her father mows grass at the country club, and she's…well, difficult. And different.
Can something so fake turn into something real?
Haley lives in the part of town which is not that sophisticated and also she has to work hard to keep up with the family. Bryce is the guy who belongs from the richer part of the town and also with a wealthy family. These two meets at crossroads when one weekend, Bryce hooks up with a girl, who doesn't share her first name because of the fear of her scary and macho boyfriend, so that girl uses Haley's name to protect her identity. Come Monday, Haley realizes that there's a rumor that she hooked up with Bryce over the weekend. Taking advantage of the situation, Haley blackmails Bryce to pretend that he is her boyfriend for a week to make herself look date-able in the eyes of the other guys in school and also to get away from the shadows of her over protecting brothers. Can they ignore the real feelings that started to crept up between them?
The writing style is fine with a catchy narrative style and the author has perfectly captured the voice of a teenage high schooler who is going through lots of drama in both school and home. The prose is articulate with a fast pace.
The characters, especially Haley and Bryce, are drawn with lots of realism by layering them with flaws as well as insecurities. Haley is strong and smart girl yet suffered from her own insecurities, whereas on the other hand, Bryce too started off as a bit of a jerk, but finally got scared about his true feelings for Haley. The supporting cast is also nicely developed, which lightened off the whole plot with their witty demeanor.
The chemistry is cute and sweet, and their love story is like any other first time teenage couple, going on and off constantly. Although the climax was very predictable, yet it was such an entertaining read that kept me engaged pretty much the entire time.
Verdict: If you fancy reading cheesy contemporary YA stories, the go for it, otherwise, skip it.
Courtesy: I received an ARC from the YA Bound Book Blog Tours.
February 28, 2019
This was a pretty good YA romance, though I don't quite buy Bryce as a romantic lead. Hayley is awesome. And Jane and Nathan were a hoot. Indeed, I'm really glad Cannon included Nathan as a contrast to Bryce because it evened out what could easily have been a classist mono-message.
I liked Hayley from the start. I liked her assertiveness and worried for the vulnerability she did a mostly good job covering. I liked that she didn't waffle or manipulate (well, okay, there's the blackmail, but that's more of an extortion and she's very up front about it). She isn't nearly as good at hiding her emotional state as she thinks she is and that ends up twisting Bryce into knots, but it isn't deliberate and it's more of an indication that he isn't a complete snotrag and can be touched by her emotional distress so that worked out.
Bryce, on the other hand, is emotionally stunted and Cannon does a pretty good job of showing why that is and how he tries to cope. So I found myself sympathizing with his dilemma. Sometimes. I have a harder time sympathizing with his difficulty following-through, though, and that dragged this story down. And it makes it hard for me to buy that their HEA can be of the lasting variety. Which, hey, High School and all, so that's generally okay, but I typically want resolution that feels more solid than this managed.
There was a lot of laugh-out-loud in the story and as I said, Jane and Nathan were a second-hand delight. And that offsets my difficulties with Bryce at least somewhat. So I'm going with 4½ stars, but I'm not going to round up on the justification that the final gesture felt off and I'm not sure if I buy the resolution.
A note about Chaste: Hayley hasn't had a boyfriend and her relationship with Bryce is mostly façade through much of the story so we only ever get some kissing. And only a handful of that. So this is pretty chaste though with talk of teen sex present enough it may be uncomfortable for stricter tastes.
I liked Hayley from the start. I liked her assertiveness and worried for the vulnerability she did a mostly good job covering. I liked that she didn't waffle or manipulate (well, okay, there's the blackmail, but that's more of an extortion and she's very up front about it). She isn't nearly as good at hiding her emotional state as she thinks she is and that ends up twisting Bryce into knots, but it isn't deliberate and it's more of an indication that he isn't a complete snotrag and can be touched by her emotional distress so that worked out.
Bryce, on the other hand, is emotionally stunted and Cannon does a pretty good job of showing why that is and how he tries to cope. So I found myself sympathizing with his dilemma. Sometimes. I have a harder time sympathizing with his difficulty following-through, though, and that dragged this story down. And it makes it hard for me to buy that their HEA can be of the lasting variety. Which, hey, High School and all, so that's generally okay, but I typically want resolution that feels more solid than this managed.
There was a lot of laugh-out-loud in the story and as I said, Jane and Nathan were a second-hand delight. And that offsets my difficulties with Bryce at least somewhat. So I'm going with 4½ stars, but I'm not going to round up on the justification that the final gesture felt off and I'm not sure if I buy the resolution.
A note about Chaste: Hayley hasn't had a boyfriend and her relationship with Bryce is mostly façade through much of the story so we only ever get some kissing. And only a handful of that. So this is pretty chaste though with talk of teen sex present enough it may be uncomfortable for stricter tastes.
November 8, 2015
I am always on the look out for fake relationship books and when I saw this I thought it would be another cute story. It was not.
Hayley was one of the most unlikable characters I've ever read. She was super immature, bratty, delusional, and kind of a psycho. The way she treated Bryce, her blackmailed fake boyfriend, was crazy. And I think if roles would have been reversed and he treated her that way everyone would consider him a creepy, possessive, abusive stalker.
There's a lot more ranting I could do about this book, but I really don't want to waste any more time on it.
Hayley was one of the most unlikable characters I've ever read. She was super immature, bratty, delusional, and kind of a psycho. The way she treated Bryce, her blackmailed fake boyfriend, was crazy. And I think if roles would have been reversed and he treated her that way everyone would consider him a creepy, possessive, abusive stalker.
There's a lot more ranting I could do about this book, but I really don't want to waste any more time on it.
August 28, 2015
I picked up this book because I was in the mood for a cute romance novel. This was the perfect book to satisfy my craving. Reading this book was like watching a romantic comedy. I ate it up! This book was lighthearted a lot of fun to read.
There were a lot of humorous scenes that made me laugh out loud in this book. The characters in this book were very charming and unique in their own way. I grew to love all of the characters, and I loved watching the side characters form a romance. I thought the two main characters, Haley and Bryce, had a lot of character development. I enjoyed watching them grow to care for each other and open up to each other. The romance was very sweet and well paced.
There were few things that bugged me in this book. I thought Haley nagged a lot and over reacted to a lot of things that were not that big of a deal. I think she was just a tad immature and I wish she wouldn't have been as annoying as she was at times. Bryce was a bit dense a few times in this book. He did and said some really dumb things in this book that made me face palm. I also didn't like how the popular girls were described as bitches with big boobs who wore a lot of make up. It annoyed me that the author fed into that over played stereotype.
Those things aside, I really enjoyed this book! I read this book in one sitting because there was just something so addicting about this book. This book was really sweet and fun. I thought the romance was really cute in this book, and I also enjoyed the drama outside the romance in this book. If you are in the romantic comedy mood, then this book would be perfect for you! I really hope that Chris writes more books in this series, because I would love to see more of these characters. I just hope that Chris writes more romance books in general, because I know I will love them.
3.5/ 5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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* This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review *
There were a lot of humorous scenes that made me laugh out loud in this book. The characters in this book were very charming and unique in their own way. I grew to love all of the characters, and I loved watching the side characters form a romance. I thought the two main characters, Haley and Bryce, had a lot of character development. I enjoyed watching them grow to care for each other and open up to each other. The romance was very sweet and well paced.
There were few things that bugged me in this book. I thought Haley nagged a lot and over reacted to a lot of things that were not that big of a deal. I think she was just a tad immature and I wish she wouldn't have been as annoying as she was at times. Bryce was a bit dense a few times in this book. He did and said some really dumb things in this book that made me face palm. I also didn't like how the popular girls were described as bitches with big boobs who wore a lot of make up. It annoyed me that the author fed into that over played stereotype.
Those things aside, I really enjoyed this book! I read this book in one sitting because there was just something so addicting about this book. This book was really sweet and fun. I thought the romance was really cute in this book, and I also enjoyed the drama outside the romance in this book. If you are in the romantic comedy mood, then this book would be perfect for you! I really hope that Chris writes more books in this series, because I would love to see more of these characters. I just hope that Chris writes more romance books in general, because I know I will love them.
3.5/ 5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
* This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review *
August 16, 2015
Blackmail Boyfriend was an okay read for me. Its plot, while a little bit overused, is one of my favorite tropes. But my problem was that I couldn't connect with both main characters and they began to annoy me as the chapter progressed.
Bryce was a jerk -- his on and off attitude towards Haley wasn't cute at all, in fact, it was really unfair to Haley. Haley, on the other hand, was an eager puppy. She would get upset whenever Bryce was being a jerk but the second he gave her a (half-assed) apologies, she immediately forgave him. It just annoyed. I'm aware the author meant those to be a character flaw but they still annoyed me.
Overall, it's a two for me.
Bryce was a jerk -- his on and off attitude towards Haley wasn't cute at all, in fact, it was really unfair to Haley. Haley, on the other hand, was an eager puppy. She would get upset whenever Bryce was being a jerk but the second he gave her a (half-assed) apologies, she immediately forgave him. It just annoyed. I'm aware the author meant those to be a character flaw but they still annoyed me.
Overall, it's a two for me.
March 29, 2016
I LOVE this book! It was a lot of fun and romantic :S I love Hayley and her blackmailing methods, I love Bryce(?) and that he want things to be his way. I love how sweet Nathan and Jane is and Jane is alot of fun and caring. I love the honest and all the fun comments. I like her brothers Charlie and Matt and would totally date them, all just cause the wood chipper machine xD I like how it is all is playing out and everything!!
August 18, 2015
**I received an advanced copy from NetGalley via Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**
OPENING LINES
Prior to starting Blackmail Boyfriend I was in a huge reading slump. Everything contemporary wise I came across I was unable to connect with the characters and finish the book. So when I received my copy of Blackmail Boyfriend I was worried it was going to be yet another contemporary read I couldn’t get into. Luckily, that was not the case :D.
When I first came across Blackmail Boyfriend I knew it was one I would have to read, and am I ever glad I did! This was such a cute and entertaining read that it pulled me out of my reading slump! The writing style flows well throughout the novel, and I really enjoyed the dual POV we get from both Haley and Bryce. As much as I liked Bryce and Haley, I think the secondary characters Jane and Nathan were my absolutely favourites! However, at times I would find myself getting annoyed with both Haley and Bryce, Haley was a great influence on Bryce and was able to make him see that there is more to life than money. The character growth between Hayley and Bryce was well played out and as the story progressed I was able to love them both!
Chris Cannon picked a realistic approach when it came to her characters throughout this book. I enjoyed that each character’s personality, families, situations and how they handled things was something that readers could relate to and see in every day life. Overall, Blackmail Boyfriend was the perfect read to get my out of my horrible reading slump and I can’t wait to read Chris Cannon’s next book!
OPENING LINES
"I turned into the Greenbrier High School parking lot with a singular mission: figure out a way to keep my brothers from chasing off every guy who seemed interested in me."
Prior to starting Blackmail Boyfriend I was in a huge reading slump. Everything contemporary wise I came across I was unable to connect with the characters and finish the book. So when I received my copy of Blackmail Boyfriend I was worried it was going to be yet another contemporary read I couldn’t get into. Luckily, that was not the case :D.
When I first came across Blackmail Boyfriend I knew it was one I would have to read, and am I ever glad I did! This was such a cute and entertaining read that it pulled me out of my reading slump! The writing style flows well throughout the novel, and I really enjoyed the dual POV we get from both Haley and Bryce. As much as I liked Bryce and Haley, I think the secondary characters Jane and Nathan were my absolutely favourites! However, at times I would find myself getting annoyed with both Haley and Bryce, Haley was a great influence on Bryce and was able to make him see that there is more to life than money. The character growth between Hayley and Bryce was well played out and as the story progressed I was able to love them both!
Chris Cannon picked a realistic approach when it came to her characters throughout this book. I enjoyed that each character’s personality, families, situations and how they handled things was something that readers could relate to and see in every day life. Overall, Blackmail Boyfriend was the perfect read to get my out of my horrible reading slump and I can’t wait to read Chris Cannon’s next book!
August 6, 2015
Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books
Well, I certainly did not expect this. To be honest, my expectations of this one were quite low since I wasn't the biggest fan of the author's other book Going Down in Flames. But this one surprised me. I ended up reading it in one sitting until 3am. I may have lost a couple of hours of sleep, but it was worth it.
When Haley Patterson arrives at school one morning hearing rumors she's hooked up with the popular Bryce Colton during the weekend, she has no idea what's going on. Turns out Bryce hooked up with another girl named Haley, one with a boyfriend. Haley makes a deal with Bryce. He plays the role of her boyfriend as to not hurt her reputation and maybe let other boys know they can date her without having to be scared of her brothers. In exchange, she helps him keep the other Haley's boyfriend from hurting him and keep his ex-girlfriend away. But Haley and Bryce seem to be complete opposites and at first it doesn't seem like it would ever work out. And then somehow, slowly, things start changing between them.
Okay, this was nothing mind-blowing. I wasn't wow-ed by this book. But I did really enjoy it a lot and it was swoon-worthy for sure. Haley and Bryce did annoy me at first but they grew on me and they changed over the course of this book. Their romance was very sweet and perfectly paced, in my own humble opinion. I didn't really love how things ended, it seemed somewhat rushed. I loved Jane, she was an awesome best friend, and Nathan too, surprisingly. He's a spoiled rich kid and he's not afraid to admit that. I wasn't always the biggest fan of the parents and Bryce's dad is still an ass, but Haley's mom really redeemed herself and she had a reason for her strange behavior. I also liked Haley's brothers!
I don't know what else to say about this one really. It surprised me, it really did. If you're a contemporary fan, definitely check this one out. You may not like it as much as I did, sure, but maybe you love it even more than I do. Who knows? Give it a shot, it certainly deserves it.
This review is also (or -soon- will be) posted on Istyria book blog.
August 9, 2015
Adorable! That's the word I kept thinking while reading this one. From cupcakes to puppy dogs, this story was adorable. It's a light, enjoyable read that you can devour in an afternoon.
Characters are huge deal for me. If I don't like them, then I'm not gonna like the book, Sometimes I like one but not the other and that's okay. But it's the best when I love both characters. Such in the case this time.
Bryce comes from money, not as much money as his father would like but money. They belong to the country club and appearances have been drilled into his head since he could talk. Things work a certain way. It's no wonder he developed an OCD personality that like his things alphabetized and at at right angles - just so adorable. He's not as much of a player as the blurb may suggest but he does have a cray cray ex-girlfriend that he'd like to cut loose. So the mutually beneficial fake boyfriend duty works for him. What he wasn't counting on was falling for the quirky honor student who rescues dogs and is smart enough to see through his games. Things are just better around Haley but she's not his normal type and he so likes things as they normally are. It's a battle he fights as he gets closer to a real boyfriend and less of a fake one.
Haley is cute but not the tall curvy girl that Bryce usually goes for. She's well aware of it too. But she's willing to pretend so that other boys will see her a dateable. Her older twin brother tend to chase them all away but Bryce is confident enough to deal with that. Yes, this could work. But she doesn't count on getting used to his touch. real kisses over a dog bath, and most of all, finding out who the real Bryce is and liking him. His hot and cold confuses her as he tries to work through what he's used to verse what he likes. It's just adorable.
Told from alternating POVs, this story is a fast read. The writing is comfortable and enjoyable. It's a great mixing of two worlds kinda story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you like nice clean YA that just makes you happy at the end of the book, then this is a good one to pick up.
Characters are huge deal for me. If I don't like them, then I'm not gonna like the book, Sometimes I like one but not the other and that's okay. But it's the best when I love both characters. Such in the case this time.
Bryce comes from money, not as much money as his father would like but money. They belong to the country club and appearances have been drilled into his head since he could talk. Things work a certain way. It's no wonder he developed an OCD personality that like his things alphabetized and at at right angles - just so adorable. He's not as much of a player as the blurb may suggest but he does have a cray cray ex-girlfriend that he'd like to cut loose. So the mutually beneficial fake boyfriend duty works for him. What he wasn't counting on was falling for the quirky honor student who rescues dogs and is smart enough to see through his games. Things are just better around Haley but she's not his normal type and he so likes things as they normally are. It's a battle he fights as he gets closer to a real boyfriend and less of a fake one.
Haley is cute but not the tall curvy girl that Bryce usually goes for. She's well aware of it too. But she's willing to pretend so that other boys will see her a dateable. Her older twin brother tend to chase them all away but Bryce is confident enough to deal with that. Yes, this could work. But she doesn't count on getting used to his touch. real kisses over a dog bath, and most of all, finding out who the real Bryce is and liking him. His hot and cold confuses her as he tries to work through what he's used to verse what he likes. It's just adorable.
Told from alternating POVs, this story is a fast read. The writing is comfortable and enjoyable. It's a great mixing of two worlds kinda story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you like nice clean YA that just makes you happy at the end of the book, then this is a good one to pick up.
July 9, 2019
Ugh.
My main gripe with this book was the girl-on-girl hate. Every girl that is not Haley or her best friend, is blond and has big boobs and is dumb. Oh my god, Haley's obsession with other people's boobs, dude, what's wrong with having or not having boobs? Somehow having boobs = bad person. And her whole NotLikeTheOtherGirls(™) shtick, yeah, I'm not here for it.
In general, I didn't like Haley a lot. She blackmails Bryce into a relationship and then acts surprised or hurt or shocked when the dude doesn't want to ask her on a date. And this happens SEVERAL TIMES. Jane and Nathan have sort of a cute couple moment in front of Bryce and Haley, Haley gets her panties in a twist because Bryce does not want to coupley things with her too. Gee, I wonder why? Surely not cuz you're not his type or you blackmailed him into hanging out with you or blasted other girls for having boobs or generally being a holier-than-thou pain in the ass. Nope, that can't be it.
Not that Bryce was Prince Charming, mind you. He was quite shallow and emotionally stunted, to use Jane's words, to the point where he seemed just dumb. Not the best hero material.
It's not all bad, because Haley has some admirable qualities, and the book goes out of its way to show that if you want something, you should go after it. Which I quite liked. The humor is on point too.
Her mother is awful. I get being concerned about your daughter, but what she did is messed up.
I think that's it. This was the first YA novel I read in years, and while I complain a lot, it was readable. I don't think I'll continue with the series tho. Life is too short to hate on other girls or read about it. 💁🏻♀️
My main gripe with this book was the girl-on-girl hate. Every girl that is not Haley or her best friend, is blond and has big boobs and is dumb. Oh my god, Haley's obsession with other people's boobs, dude, what's wrong with having or not having boobs? Somehow having boobs = bad person. And her whole NotLikeTheOtherGirls(™) shtick, yeah, I'm not here for it.
In general, I didn't like Haley a lot. She blackmails Bryce into a relationship and then acts surprised or hurt or shocked when the dude doesn't want to ask her on a date. And this happens SEVERAL TIMES. Jane and Nathan have sort of a cute couple moment in front of Bryce and Haley, Haley gets her panties in a twist because Bryce does not want to coupley things with her too. Gee, I wonder why? Surely not cuz you're not his type or you blackmailed him into hanging out with you or blasted other girls for having boobs or generally being a holier-than-thou pain in the ass. Nope, that can't be it.
Not that Bryce was Prince Charming, mind you. He was quite shallow and emotionally stunted, to use Jane's words, to the point where he seemed just dumb. Not the best hero material.
It's not all bad, because Haley has some admirable qualities, and the book goes out of its way to show that if you want something, you should go after it. Which I quite liked. The humor is on point too.
Her mother is awful. I get being concerned about your daughter, but what she did is messed up.
I think that's it. This was the first YA novel I read in years, and while I complain a lot, it was readable. I don't think I'll continue with the series tho. Life is too short to hate on other girls or read about it. 💁🏻♀️
July 12, 2016
This book is funny with a capital "F." Haley, the heroine is snarky and doesn't let anyone get away with anything, not even Bryce, the hot guy who she embarks on a blackmail romance with in the hopes that it will make her seem like possible girlfriend material to the guys at school, despite the fact that her twin brothers would do anything to keep guys away from her.
Beyond her snarky voice, I loved that Haley is an animal shelter volunteer who smart, interesting, and easy to talk to, even to Bryce who is used to keep his feelings under wraps. I also loved the fact that she has an amazing friend in Jane who offers various portions of cupcake amounts to Bryce depending on the way he treats Haley, and who has a rich, full life, including a seemingly great, REAL boyfriend, in Bryce's BFF Nathan, rather merely being a one-dimensional, sidekick for Haley.
If you love opposites attract (with the class disparity between both Haley and Bryce and Jane and Nathan) and/or the fake relationship tropes, you won't want to miss this one.
Beyond her snarky voice, I loved that Haley is an animal shelter volunteer who smart, interesting, and easy to talk to, even to Bryce who is used to keep his feelings under wraps. I also loved the fact that she has an amazing friend in Jane who offers various portions of cupcake amounts to Bryce depending on the way he treats Haley, and who has a rich, full life, including a seemingly great, REAL boyfriend, in Bryce's BFF Nathan, rather merely being a one-dimensional, sidekick for Haley.
If you love opposites attract (with the class disparity between both Haley and Bryce and Jane and Nathan) and/or the fake relationship tropes, you won't want to miss this one.
April 27, 2021
cute banter, and pretty hilarious! i thoroughly enjoyed the book (especially since i'm usually a sucker for cliche or cheesy stories) :D i was also keen on the author's writing style and how she articulated her thoughts around this book was just astonishing. ✨
September 13, 2015
Ну не смогла я дочитать ее. Редкостная скукотень.
August 11, 2015
Title: Blackmail Boyfriend
Author: Chris Cannon
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Humor
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
No matter where I go genre wise with my reading, there is always one place I always come back to. A place that feels like home. Familiar and safe. And that is the Young Adult genre. Whether it be paranormal, contemporary, horror. You name it and I’m usually all over it if I can find the time.
Blackmail Boyfriend was the book that I found in yet another return to the young adult realm and one that now, having finished reading it and not just basing my excitement on a synopsis, I’m so glad that I found.
I’ve never read this author before. And as much as it pains me to admit, until I came across this story on NetGalley and requested it, I’d never even heard of the author, so I had no idea what to expect going in. Other than getting a YA read.
This author pleasantly surprised me. The writing style was ripe with humor, fast paced and to the point and just plain fun. I think she captured the teenage brain quite nicely and I found myself engaged the whole way through.
I would like to be able to say that this book falls into a niche, like there is one particular plot device that is used here, (think like Cinderella…poor girl, rich guy, magical happy ending) but that would be doing the book a disservice. There are a lot of different things going on here that come together beautifully in the telling of how Bryce and Haley came to be.
Rich boy, working class girl. Guy who plays the field and the virgin. Sports star and the girl who volunteers. So many different things came together here to create a really great young adult, first love romance.
It all starts with a rumor. Yep, you guessed it. Haley happens to share the first name of the girl that this rumor happened with. A girl that also has a boyfriend. So in an effort to combat the rumor and the resulting judgments that the rest of the teenage populace make, as well as save Bryce’s butt from getting taken out by said boyfriend of the girl he was actually with, Haley blackmails him into being her boyfriend.
Negotiations ensue, friends are thrown into the mix and eventually, as time moves on, real feelings develop and the pace at which all of this happens was brilliant. It wasn’t like “Oh, I’m gonna blackmail you today and fall in love for real tomorrow.” It took quite a while for these two to admit there was more going on and I think that’s what I liked most. If it drags on too long, I’d get irritated, but this happened at just the right speed.
Now I would hate myself if I didn’t talk about the best part of this book. The humor. I knew there was going to have to be, given the storyline, but the levels this author and characters took it was amazing! I haven’t laughed so much, smiled like a goober so much in so very long that I almost forgot what it felt like. It was such a refreshing change from what I’m used to reading and executed perfectly.
The other characters in the story, the best friends, normally you would expect them to stick to the background as the real focus was on Haley and Bryce but that’s not what happened here at all. I found myself loving them just as much as I did the main characters and well all I can say about Jane is, I need her in my life so I can get some cupcakes too. Fantastic addition.
If you’re a fan of young adult, contemporary romance or just plain humorous, realistic style writing in general, this book is for you. I only hope that you see the beauty in it that I did and enjoy just as much, if not more.
Thank you so much Entangled Publishing, the author and NetGalley for letting me get the chance to read this book. I loved every second of it. Outstanding!
August 16, 2015
I received this book in exchange for a honest review, thanks to YA Book Tours and Netgalley
Ahhh!!!! This book!! *gets excited* I love the cover ALOT! Can you tell I am a cover lover? (that rhymed lol) *gets funny looks* Okay I will be quiet now.
Hayley, Hayley, Hayley! Where do I start with this girl? Such a fiesty and doesn't deal with no BS kind of person. I loved her character from the beginning, she is one smart llladddy ;). I really like the mixture Cannon put in with a honour student and a fiesty, stubborn, intellectual, sweet, loyal and funny person. There was no way you could not fall in love with Hayley, the way she blackmails her way in a relationship with Bryce is purely genius- you will have to read the book to find out how! :), I really did feel sorry for Hayley, it is very difficult to put up with older siblings who are overprotective of their sisters (so they say!) and make their life a hell. But she turned the situation around to make it work to her advantage rather than against her, the real story then comes along the journey of this fake relationship takes.
Now, Bryce. I can tell you one thing from the very beginning her is a jerk, a big fat JERK! He is such a coward for making up the rumor about him and Hayley just to get away from an ex clingy girlfriend. What I liked most about this book was the two POV's, it really did help to see from his perspective and once you get in the book you see why Bryce is the way he is (it's not his entire fault). The one thing I disliked about Bryce very much was he wasn't oblivious to what was happening around him but he certainly did act it which more often than not landed him in trouble, and by that I mean yep, you guessed it right with Hayley! It was definitley a good moments like the dog scene when you see sparks of the real Bryce who does not have his head in the sky but his feet on the ground and you see a window through his soul!
Bryce and Hayley do not get along at all, especially since they come from two different backgrounds so their mentality, perspective and everything else is constantly clashing.
Nathan and Jane were antagonists who predominatly played supporting roles to each of the main characters which certainly added an interesting element to the book. Jane was a half glass kind person and got excited about little things like a toddler and has a very sweet tooth! Nathan, on the other hand....well he was a bit of idiot purely because at the beginning he blames Bryce for his date with Jane, which is true but come on did you have to shove it in his face every opportunity you get? Which made me dislike him as he was a bigger jerk than Bryce and is shown to be super rich who wants to be perfect and has expensive taste! It is nice to see a subtle change in him when he does begin to hang out with Jane a lot more which is good
(spoiler alert: you find out a very shocking truth about Hayley's brothers which I did not expect at all- you will have to read the book to find out!)
Ahhh!!!! This book!! *gets excited* I love the cover ALOT! Can you tell I am a cover lover? (that rhymed lol) *gets funny looks* Okay I will be quiet now.
Hayley, Hayley, Hayley! Where do I start with this girl? Such a fiesty and doesn't deal with no BS kind of person. I loved her character from the beginning, she is one smart llladddy ;). I really like the mixture Cannon put in with a honour student and a fiesty, stubborn, intellectual, sweet, loyal and funny person. There was no way you could not fall in love with Hayley, the way she blackmails her way in a relationship with Bryce is purely genius- you will have to read the book to find out how! :), I really did feel sorry for Hayley, it is very difficult to put up with older siblings who are overprotective of their sisters (so they say!) and make their life a hell. But she turned the situation around to make it work to her advantage rather than against her, the real story then comes along the journey of this fake relationship takes.
Now, Bryce. I can tell you one thing from the very beginning her is a jerk, a big fat JERK! He is such a coward for making up the rumor about him and Hayley just to get away from an ex clingy girlfriend. What I liked most about this book was the two POV's, it really did help to see from his perspective and once you get in the book you see why Bryce is the way he is (it's not his entire fault). The one thing I disliked about Bryce very much was he wasn't oblivious to what was happening around him but he certainly did act it which more often than not landed him in trouble, and by that I mean yep, you guessed it right with Hayley! It was definitley a good moments like the dog scene when you see sparks of the real Bryce who does not have his head in the sky but his feet on the ground and you see a window through his soul!
Bryce and Hayley do not get along at all, especially since they come from two different backgrounds so their mentality, perspective and everything else is constantly clashing.
Nathan and Jane were antagonists who predominatly played supporting roles to each of the main characters which certainly added an interesting element to the book. Jane was a half glass kind person and got excited about little things like a toddler and has a very sweet tooth! Nathan, on the other hand....well he was a bit of idiot purely because at the beginning he blames Bryce for his date with Jane, which is true but come on did you have to shove it in his face every opportunity you get? Which made me dislike him as he was a bigger jerk than Bryce and is shown to be super rich who wants to be perfect and has expensive taste! It is nice to see a subtle change in him when he does begin to hang out with Jane a lot more which is good
(spoiler alert: you find out a very shocking truth about Hayley's brothers which I did not expect at all- you will have to read the book to find out!)
August 12, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Blackmail Boyfriend is a whole new genre for author Chris Cannon. I love her going down in flames series, and I love contemporary romances, so I was happy to give this one a read. And I did enjoy it! I think I like her paranormal series more, but this was a cute little read. Blackmail Boyfriend starts out with the kind of crazy twisted web of lies, that made me want to run and grab a snack before I went on a little further. Let me set the stage for you:
Bryce has a crazy ex girlfriend that doesn't get that they are broken up. Bryce hooks up with a popular girl Haley over the weekend and decides to start telling people (I think to send a message to his ex that they are over.) Popular Haley uses another Haley's name because popular Haley recently got back together with her beefcake on again, off again boy toy, and she doesn't want him to get mad at her. "Other Haley" (our main character) shows up at school on Monday hearing these rumors that she hooked up with Bryce. Meanwhile, "other Haley" can never find a boyfriend because her older, and majorly intimidating, older brothers scare all guys away. So when Bryce realizes he used the wrong Haley's name, he tries to set the record straight. But "other (our) Haley" decides to use this to her advantage. She forced Bryce into a fake relationship to make other guys see that even with her brothers she is still datable and approachable. Still with me?
And don't worry, I didn't spoil anything because all of that happened in the first chapter of the book. So as you can tell, it was a flurry of fast acting, and yes sometimes immature reactions. I knew I was in for one wild, and fun!, ride. It took me a while to adjust myself to the speedy pace of the book, and to warm up to the characters, but once I did, I really enjoyed Blackmail Boyfriend. Haley and Bryce were cute with each other, mostly because I think everything about the whole situation took them each by surprise. It is a high school ride that completely reminded me of a teen high school soap opera.
Blackmail Boyfriend is great for fans of high school romances. It was at times a little immature, but always a whole lot of fun. So buckle up and get ready for a fast paced good time with Blackmail Boyfriend.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Blackmail Boyfriend is a whole new genre for author Chris Cannon. I love her going down in flames series, and I love contemporary romances, so I was happy to give this one a read. And I did enjoy it! I think I like her paranormal series more, but this was a cute little read. Blackmail Boyfriend starts out with the kind of crazy twisted web of lies, that made me want to run and grab a snack before I went on a little further. Let me set the stage for you:
Bryce has a crazy ex girlfriend that doesn't get that they are broken up. Bryce hooks up with a popular girl Haley over the weekend and decides to start telling people (I think to send a message to his ex that they are over.) Popular Haley uses another Haley's name because popular Haley recently got back together with her beefcake on again, off again boy toy, and she doesn't want him to get mad at her. "Other Haley" (our main character) shows up at school on Monday hearing these rumors that she hooked up with Bryce. Meanwhile, "other Haley" can never find a boyfriend because her older, and majorly intimidating, older brothers scare all guys away. So when Bryce realizes he used the wrong Haley's name, he tries to set the record straight. But "other (our) Haley" decides to use this to her advantage. She forced Bryce into a fake relationship to make other guys see that even with her brothers she is still datable and approachable. Still with me?
And don't worry, I didn't spoil anything because all of that happened in the first chapter of the book. So as you can tell, it was a flurry of fast acting, and yes sometimes immature reactions. I knew I was in for one wild, and fun!, ride. It took me a while to adjust myself to the speedy pace of the book, and to warm up to the characters, but once I did, I really enjoyed Blackmail Boyfriend. Haley and Bryce were cute with each other, mostly because I think everything about the whole situation took them each by surprise. It is a high school ride that completely reminded me of a teen high school soap opera.
Blackmail Boyfriend is great for fans of high school romances. It was at times a little immature, but always a whole lot of fun. So buckle up and get ready for a fast paced good time with Blackmail Boyfriend.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
October 28, 2015
3.5 Cupcakes
I liked it and it was an okay read but in the end it could of been more...
It had me laughing out loud throughout the book but it was like the story itself was missing something. :/
Bryce reminded me of a wuss in the end. He was too stiff and even the big HORRAY in the end just seemed off to me. He didn't apologize for anything and demanded a 'yes' from Haley.
Haley in all honesty she was a pushover and a doormat in the end. Even though she swore and thought it constantly 'I'm no doormat' ...she was one. She let Bryce walk over her and if she didn't agree with him; then he shut down.
The two main characters almost seemed the same even though the POV was from Bryce and Haley it was almost identical in the way they talked and thought.
In the end it was an alright read but it so could of been MORE...
Til next time - Sweets Books
I liked it and it was an okay read but in the end it could of been more...
It had me laughing out loud throughout the book but it was like the story itself was missing something. :/
Bryce reminded me of a wuss in the end. He was too stiff and even the big HORRAY in the end just seemed off to me. He didn't apologize for anything and demanded a 'yes' from Haley.
Haley in all honesty she was a pushover and a doormat in the end. Even though she swore and thought it constantly 'I'm no doormat' ...she was one. She let Bryce walk over her and if she didn't agree with him; then he shut down.
The two main characters almost seemed the same even though the POV was from Bryce and Haley it was almost identical in the way they talked and thought.
In the end it was an alright read but it so could of been MORE...
Til next time - Sweets Books
August 16, 2015
Such a fun book! So great, so entertaining, and just another great book by Chris Cannon! Just awesome!
July 13, 2018
Haley Patterson has had a minor crush on Bryce Colton, a rich jock. When Haley arrives at school, she is on the other end of a rumor mill. She supposedly got busy this weekend and hooked up after a party with Bryce. The thing is Haley Patterson didn't, but another Haley did. The Haley that did give her a fake last name as she doesn't want her actual boyfriend Denny to find out. Haley Patterson sees this to her advantage as she needs someone to be her fake boyfriend to get her brother's off her back and to show the world that she is not just an honors nerd who loves animals but is in fact also quite dateable. One thing leads to another and what starts out as a fake romance, starts to blossom between the two and eventually will turn into something real. The thing is though that they come from two totally different worlds and their parents aren't exactly fine with them dating. When I read Haley's mother is overreacting, I was hoping it had something to do with Bryce's dad - that would have made a nice twist, but I still didn't see the twist of the real reason coming. When Bryce has to choose between Haley or his family and wealth, what will he choose? Will Bryce make the right decision or go back to dating fake blondes who only want his money?
Find out in this fun YA romance by Chris Cannon - a change from her more popular Dragon shifting series - "Blackmail Boyfriend."
Find out in this fun YA romance by Chris Cannon - a change from her more popular Dragon shifting series - "Blackmail Boyfriend."
May 5, 2022
How is it that I am now just realizing I have a bunch of rich guy/poor girl romances on my kindle?
Anywho, I must say the H and h made me laugh multiple times but I'm not a huge fan of the H. He is a bit of a jerk.
There are some grammatical errors that need fixing but other than that the writing was good. It was different compared to the other stories I have read recently. I loved the banter but sometimes both MCs got on my nerves. The h for her neediness and the H for his aloofness.
There were times I really wished I was reading about the best friends who fell in love with cupcakes and the ability to just say weird random things that came to mind.
Anywho, I must say the H and h made me laugh multiple times but I'm not a huge fan of the H. He is a bit of a jerk.
There are some grammatical errors that need fixing but other than that the writing was good. It was different compared to the other stories I have read recently. I loved the banter but sometimes both MCs got on my nerves. The h for her neediness and the H for his aloofness.
There were times I really wished I was reading about the best friends who fell in love with cupcakes and the ability to just say weird random things that came to mind.
June 2, 2020
First of all, Bryce was a VERY shallow jerk.
And Hailey expected too much, especially since Bryce was so uncomfortable.
So what? It's okay. Hailey had her first boyfriend, Bryce had his first smart girlfriend not approved by his father.
They had to make their way slowly, had to fall. Had to pick each other up again
Bruce lied too much, but Hailey was so innocent we dont wosh for her to ever know this.
Anyone else feel a very rushed ending? I mean it was sweet and all, but.. a longer epilogue would have been nice.
But J thoroughly enjoyed. I am becoming an Entangled Teen fan.
And Hailey expected too much, especially since Bryce was so uncomfortable.
So what? It's okay. Hailey had her first boyfriend, Bryce had his first smart girlfriend not approved by his father.
They had to make their way slowly, had to fall. Had to pick each other up again
Bruce lied too much, but Hailey was so innocent we dont wosh for her to ever know this.
Anyone else feel a very rushed ending? I mean it was sweet and all, but.. a longer epilogue would have been nice.
But J thoroughly enjoyed. I am becoming an Entangled Teen fan.
May 10, 2020
Not my favourite by any means but damn it. Those moments when they’re fake it but really feeling it - I get all swooney and grin like an idiot.
I needed a whole lot more than just what we got, but I’ll take whatever we can get when it comes to fake dating in high school!
I needed a whole lot more than just what we got, but I’ll take whatever we can get when it comes to fake dating in high school!
February 1, 2023
This one didn't really work for me. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the execution of the story but I didn't really like either of the main characters. They annoyed me and I just couldn't connect with them. I thought that the secondary characters were well-developed and added a nice touch of depth to the story. I didn't care for the romance in the story. This is an opposites-attract trope and I didn't think it was executed very well. The two main characters enjoyed the time that they spent together and admired certain things about each other but there was a lot of back and forth where their feelings were concerned. Bryce especially seemed to flitter back and forth on whether or not he even liked Haley. His indecision was a little nerve-wracking. And if I am being honest, I didn't think that their romance was all that believable. The fake relationship trope was not convincing because Bryce never seemed to take a sincere interest in Haley. Overall, I think that this is an adorable story that will work for a lot of people but it missed the mark for me. I would definitely consider reading something else from this author because I did enjoy the writing style.
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