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Grove Valley High #1
The Stand-In Boyfriend
Livy Chapman is in love with Jessie Stephenson. It’s that simple. She has been for years but he only see’s her as his best friend. His best friend who copies her homework, relies on her to bail him out of trouble and who he hooks up with other girls in front of.
Enough is enough and when Chase Mitchell, star of the soccer team, and all round Mr. Popular steps in and convinces her that they can do each other a favour by pretending to date, Livy is just crazy enough over Jessie to agree to it.
I mean, Chase is just her stand-in boyfriend. Nothing could go wrong. Right?
Enough is enough and when Chase Mitchell, star of the soccer team, and all round Mr. Popular steps in and convinces her that they can do each other a favour by pretending to date, Livy is just crazy enough over Jessie to agree to it.
I mean, Chase is just her stand-in boyfriend. Nothing could go wrong. Right?
Unknown Binding
First published March 9, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
May 25, 2019
Honestly, I had a hard time finishing this book so by the end I was skimming the chapters. The only thing keeping me from DNFing this book is Chase, my book boyfriend of the month.
I wanted this book to focus more on Livy's soccer career but instead what I got is Jessie this, Jessie that. Jessie, Jessie, JESSIE! I mean, this girl is so obsessed!
Even if someone better was already stading in front of her, her focus will still be on Jessie, her selfish and obnoxiuous bestfriend/crush.
As I said, the only redeeming factor is Chase, her fake boyfriend .
That's all I can say for now.
I wanted this book to focus more on Livy's soccer career but instead what I got is Jessie this, Jessie that. Jessie, Jessie, JESSIE! I mean, this girl is so obsessed!
Even if someone better was already stading in front of her, her focus will still be on Jessie, her selfish and obnoxiuous bestfriend/crush.
As I said, the only redeeming factor is Chase, her fake boyfriend .
That's all I can say for now.
March 1, 2019
What is it about teenage drama and high school romance that turns me into a mushy, giddy crazy person? There's just something so delicious and sweet and innocent about this plotline and I honestly can't get enough of it. I have become such a big fan of Emma Doherty's because she just NAILS the drama and tumultuous emotion I crave in high school and college love stories... and she seriously wacked it out of the park with The Stand-In Boyfriend.
The fake relationship trope is one I've always been kind of indifferent to. It's cute and enjoyable, sure, but I can't say it's one I've actively sought out. But Emma Doherty just gave me a HUGE reason to LOVE IT wholeheartedly with the complicated dynamic between Chase, Olivia and Jessie. The Stand-In Boyfriend oozes with sweet flirtation and heavy emotion, fun banter and a deep romance that these characters don't anticipate. It was so fun to read but it's peppered with heartache and teen angst in all the right places. I seriously loved this book so much.
Emma Doherty set things up nicely for these characters in her prequel novella, Playing With Fire. I got a little taste of these characters and I definitely fell hard and fast into this world where I was immediately consumed with what I hoped might happen in a full length book. Well, I'm so thrilled to say that this book was EVERYTHING I hoped for and SO MUCH MORE. I never wanted to put it down. It checked all the boxes of what I love most in a high school romance and I just ate it right up. I can't wait for more from these characters, for the romance and the drama that is sure to come for so many of the personalities Doherty has created in this addictive world. I can't recommend this book enough!!
The fake relationship trope is one I've always been kind of indifferent to. It's cute and enjoyable, sure, but I can't say it's one I've actively sought out. But Emma Doherty just gave me a HUGE reason to LOVE IT wholeheartedly with the complicated dynamic between Chase, Olivia and Jessie. The Stand-In Boyfriend oozes with sweet flirtation and heavy emotion, fun banter and a deep romance that these characters don't anticipate. It was so fun to read but it's peppered with heartache and teen angst in all the right places. I seriously loved this book so much.
Emma Doherty set things up nicely for these characters in her prequel novella, Playing With Fire. I got a little taste of these characters and I definitely fell hard and fast into this world where I was immediately consumed with what I hoped might happen in a full length book. Well, I'm so thrilled to say that this book was EVERYTHING I hoped for and SO MUCH MORE. I never wanted to put it down. It checked all the boxes of what I love most in a high school romance and I just ate it right up. I can't wait for more from these characters, for the romance and the drama that is sure to come for so many of the personalities Doherty has created in this addictive world. I can't recommend this book enough!!
March 22, 2019
3.75 stars
Simply because the girl was so fucking stupidly oblivious of her surroundings!!!
God damn...she was blind to everyone around her, she was ignorant of the guy pinning for her for years cause she was pinning for her best friend...
Sweet jeeezus of aggravating frustration of being a YA
this is actually one of the main reasons I read YA as rarely as possible...I'm too old for this shit LOL
Even though, I have to emphasize the writing which is captivating in it's moderately fast pace...and even though the very subject irritated me, the way the characters were portrayed wasn't immaturely lame...quite the contrary...
Simply because the girl was so fucking stupidly oblivious of her surroundings!!!
God damn...she was blind to everyone around her, she was ignorant of the guy pinning for her for years cause she was pinning for her best friend...
Sweet jeeezus of aggravating frustration of being a YA
this is actually one of the main reasons I read YA as rarely as possible...I'm too old for this shit LOL
Even though, I have to emphasize the writing which is captivating in it's moderately fast pace...and even though the very subject irritated me, the way the characters were portrayed wasn't immaturely lame...quite the contrary...
October 5, 2019
I was so annoyed by Livy and her never ending Jesse triade. It was so annoying. I did like Chase but felt there was a bit too much drama for this book to be anything over 2 stars. I actually forgot that I read it until I checked my kindle, thats how memorable this book was.
October 25, 2020
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
Some people might automatically assume that The Stand-In Boyfriend is your typical fake relationship cliché young adult romance, but to all those people out there I have to say...THIS STORY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A CLICHÉ! Emma Doherty has managed to shed new light into this genre and give readers everything that they crave. She brings us some crazy fun banter, emotionally captivating moments and a deeply complicated romance that brings on all the angst!
Livy Chapman is the perfect leading lady, but the real question is...who will be her leading man? Only time will tell! Jessie Stephenson is her best friend and longtime crush while Chase Mitchell is the star of the soccer team and Mr. Popular. She might think that she knows who she wants, but truth be told she had no clue that Mr. Popular might just happen to be Mr. Right. Of course she has to consider the possibility of opening her heart before she can decide who she truly wants...
I absolutely loved the dynamic of this story and these characters took my breath away. Livy completely captivated my heart and I felt as if I was right beside her as she navigated through this emotional journey. While Jessie didn't really do it for me as a leading man, my lovable Chase definitely did and I kept rooting for him all the way through to the end. He melted my heart and gave me butterflies all throughout my body.
This is truly one of the BEST high school romances I have gotten my hands on in awhile and all I can say is that I cannot freaking wait for more stories from Emma Doherty, especially with this group of characters! She has gained a new reader and I hope she is ready for all the fangirl moments that are about to come her way!
Some people might automatically assume that The Stand-In Boyfriend is your typical fake relationship cliché young adult romance, but to all those people out there I have to say...THIS STORY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A CLICHÉ! Emma Doherty has managed to shed new light into this genre and give readers everything that they crave. She brings us some crazy fun banter, emotionally captivating moments and a deeply complicated romance that brings on all the angst!
Livy Chapman is the perfect leading lady, but the real question is...who will be her leading man? Only time will tell! Jessie Stephenson is her best friend and longtime crush while Chase Mitchell is the star of the soccer team and Mr. Popular. She might think that she knows who she wants, but truth be told she had no clue that Mr. Popular might just happen to be Mr. Right. Of course she has to consider the possibility of opening her heart before she can decide who she truly wants...
I absolutely loved the dynamic of this story and these characters took my breath away. Livy completely captivated my heart and I felt as if I was right beside her as she navigated through this emotional journey. While Jessie didn't really do it for me as a leading man, my lovable Chase definitely did and I kept rooting for him all the way through to the end. He melted my heart and gave me butterflies all throughout my body.
This is truly one of the BEST high school romances I have gotten my hands on in awhile and all I can say is that I cannot freaking wait for more stories from Emma Doherty, especially with this group of characters! She has gained a new reader and I hope she is ready for all the fangirl moments that are about to come her way!
April 7, 2020
✨✨✨✨CHASE the perfect no-fake boyfriend ever. How could Lily be so blind, since the beginning he liked her. You can feel the feelings coming from Chase in every word he said . I had the desire to jump in the book and make lily open her eyes a million times. I loved this book, I devoured it in less that 3 hours . I kept reading only to see when lily would have finally realize that what she really wanted has always been in front of her eyes. Maybe this is the real representation of the quote "love is blind".
I GAVE IT 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LET ME KNOW YOUR OPINION ABOUT THIS ONE
ENJOY✨✨✨✨
I GAVE IT 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LET ME KNOW YOUR OPINION ABOUT THIS ONE
ENJOY✨✨✨✨
May 26, 2019
Well I’m angry. This book was problematic at parts but I thought I’d enjoy it anyways cause I’m a sucker for these kinds of stories. But the end ruined it for me. I understand why it was done the way it was, I just didn't enjoy it.
July 16, 2022
This was so stinking cute. I have definitely found that high school contemporary romances are a comfort read for me. And with the fake dating trope, it makes them that much more appealing.
I really enjoyed this story overall. I felt myself consistently wanting to pick it up, and getting lost in the fun of this story. I would definitely consider this to be a solid romance to pick up, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a book like this!
I really enjoyed this story overall. I felt myself consistently wanting to pick it up, and getting lost in the fun of this story. I would definitely consider this to be a solid romance to pick up, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a book like this!
March 10, 2019
People may find The Stand-In Boyfriend a cliché and say that this story has been done many times before and although they may be right, that won’t stop me from reading a book like this. Some books with this trope are not written right or have parts in it that I hate but this book was the complete opposite. I loved it. It was written and protrayed to perfection. Time just flew while I was reading this.
Olivia (Livy) Chapman has been in love with her best friend Jesse for years. It’s a major type of a unrequited crush. He just sees her as a friend and she is tired of it. Her heart breaks every time he is with someone else in front if her. She has had enough. She wants to be seen as more and the person to help her out is the uber popular Chase Mitchell. He proposes a fake relationship between the two of them. Jesse will get jealous and Chase has his own reasons for this arrangement. It just be a simple win-win situation but things get complicated and feelings get mixed up. It starts to feel less fake and more real.
It was the perfect book to read after all the heavy books I have been through. It was like a palate cleanser. I’m left feeling light and fluffy (I don’t think that’s a real feeling). I want more of this feeling. I want more of Emma’s books. I can’t wait for more books from her.
Olivia (Livy) Chapman has been in love with her best friend Jesse for years. It’s a major type of a unrequited crush. He just sees her as a friend and she is tired of it. Her heart breaks every time he is with someone else in front if her. She has had enough. She wants to be seen as more and the person to help her out is the uber popular Chase Mitchell. He proposes a fake relationship between the two of them. Jesse will get jealous and Chase has his own reasons for this arrangement. It just be a simple win-win situation but things get complicated and feelings get mixed up. It starts to feel less fake and more real.
It was the perfect book to read after all the heavy books I have been through. It was like a palate cleanser. I’m left feeling light and fluffy (I don’t think that’s a real feeling). I want more of this feeling. I want more of Emma’s books. I can’t wait for more books from her.
March 25, 2019
Wow!
Ok so this was a good young adult book but definitely had a lot of drama. I loved Chase so much and he was amazing! The story line was great up until the end. Don't get me wrong it was still good but I could of went without the love triangle and drama that came with it. I also wish there was an epilogue that let me know how the future went! All in all of give this 3.5 stars!
Ok so this was a good young adult book but definitely had a lot of drama. I loved Chase so much and he was amazing! The story line was great up until the end. Don't get me wrong it was still good but I could of went without the love triangle and drama that came with it. I also wish there was an epilogue that let me know how the future went! All in all of give this 3.5 stars!
November 21, 2022
The beginning of this book was so good, and I was sure that I would want to reread it, but the ending ruined the book as well as the characters.
I really liked seeing Chase and Livy get to know each other and their relationship development. I did want to see a few more scenes where Chase and Livy spend time together as there were a lot of time jumps (it felt like most chapters started a few weeks after the previous one). Finally, I’ve found a book with a shy character (Livy), which is a shame that the ending made me hate her.
I liked that this book showed real friendships (Livy and Sophie, and Alex and Chase), and I wanted to see more of Sophie, who was great, and Alex, who was funny.
The ending ruined the whole book for me because I really didn’t like Livy anymore. She kept coming up with excuses, and instead of thinking things through, she stayed in denial about everything and ruined what could have been such a good book. I was already annoyed with what she did, but her reaction to everyone else’s reactions to what she did made me angry. What did she expect?
The beginning of this book was great, but Livy ruined everything for me, and I don’t think that I’m going to continue with this series as it seems like the conflict in the next book is going to be as bad as the conflict in this book.
I really liked seeing Chase and Livy get to know each other and their relationship development. I did want to see a few more scenes where Chase and Livy spend time together as there were a lot of time jumps (it felt like most chapters started a few weeks after the previous one). Finally, I’ve found a book with a shy character (Livy), which is a shame that the ending made me hate her.
I liked that this book showed real friendships (Livy and Sophie, and Alex and Chase), and I wanted to see more of Sophie, who was great, and Alex, who was funny.
The ending ruined the whole book for me because I really didn’t like Livy anymore. She kept coming up with excuses, and instead of thinking things through, she stayed in denial about everything and ruined what could have been such a good book. I was already annoyed with what she did, but her reaction to everyone else’s reactions to what she did made me angry. What did she expect?
The beginning of this book was great, but Livy ruined everything for me, and I don’t think that I’m going to continue with this series as it seems like the conflict in the next book is going to be as bad as the conflict in this book.
January 3, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Calling all soccer lovers 😍
“You’re a striker, not a defender. Get back to your end.” He grins and shakes his head. “You’re all mine today.”
Review : The Stand in Boyfriend by Emma Doherty
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Age: MA-YA (mature young adult)
Genre : Romance
I loved this book so much! I’m always a sucker for a good fake dating story especially when the guy is a popular athlete & the girl is a little nerdy but also an athlete 🔥 Livy has been in love with her best friend for years, and everyone can see it but him. She’s sick of watching him date other girls when she knows they’d be perfect together. After a party Chase (a popular varsity soccer star) sees Livy upset about her best friend hooking up with another girl, decides to offer her a deal. They should fake date. He wants to get rid of his obsessed ex gf, and she wants to be noticed by her best friend. What could go wrong right? 🔥
My 18 year old high school heart fell for Chase over and over 🤍 this boy is so swoony :) I connected a lot with Livy’s character, in a way that we both loved and played soccer, but also suffered from anxiety & panic attacks. There’s a scene where Chase just holds her and takes her away from her own thoughts which helps her calm down before a big game, and it was so sweet how he helped her through her toughest moments. He became someone she needed, for more than being a fake boyfriend, and he helped her grow as a character. The ending is a HEA, but damn 😅 there’s a scene right around the end that made me want to throw my kindle. IYKYK 😘 I recommend if you love mature, angsty YA books 🔥
Calling all soccer lovers 😍
“You’re a striker, not a defender. Get back to your end.” He grins and shakes his head. “You’re all mine today.”
Review : The Stand in Boyfriend by Emma Doherty
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Age: MA-YA (mature young adult)
Genre : Romance
I loved this book so much! I’m always a sucker for a good fake dating story especially when the guy is a popular athlete & the girl is a little nerdy but also an athlete 🔥 Livy has been in love with her best friend for years, and everyone can see it but him. She’s sick of watching him date other girls when she knows they’d be perfect together. After a party Chase (a popular varsity soccer star) sees Livy upset about her best friend hooking up with another girl, decides to offer her a deal. They should fake date. He wants to get rid of his obsessed ex gf, and she wants to be noticed by her best friend. What could go wrong right? 🔥
My 18 year old high school heart fell for Chase over and over 🤍 this boy is so swoony :) I connected a lot with Livy’s character, in a way that we both loved and played soccer, but also suffered from anxiety & panic attacks. There’s a scene where Chase just holds her and takes her away from her own thoughts which helps her calm down before a big game, and it was so sweet how he helped her through her toughest moments. He became someone she needed, for more than being a fake boyfriend, and he helped her grow as a character. The ending is a HEA, but damn 😅 there’s a scene right around the end that made me want to throw my kindle. IYKYK 😘 I recommend if you love mature, angsty YA books 🔥
November 7, 2021
4-4.5 stars. What happens when you’re on the wrong side of unrequited love? The pining and longing doesn’t go away with the snap of the fingers. Livy Chapman has a front row seat to watching her best friend Jessie hook up with girl after girl. Desperate that he’ll never notice her, she accepts Chase Mitchell’s plan to pretend they’re dating to make Jessie jealous and see her in a different way. Livy may have been oblivious and naive, but it was believable because she kept to herself and didn’t pay much attention to others while she kept her head down. Otherwise she might've taken notice that Chase is the better option all around. I thought she was endearing and sweet, especially with her insecurities. As much as Sophie and everyone else probably wanted to shake Livy by the shoulders over Jessie, Chase steps up in a way that she’s never had before with Jessie and it matters. While it was obvious what kind of roundabout game Chase was playing, Livy’s head is buried in the sand like an ostrich. I loved the high school drama and angst. Chase was fantastic and while he put up a good front, there was no mistaking his true intent and FINALLY the light bulb above Livy’s head lights up in comprehension. And as expected, Sophie is the best friend Livy could ever ask for. Great dialogue and face to face moments of confrontation.
January 8, 2021
**Re-read January 2021. I started the sequel to this book and after a couple chapters it just made me really want to read this one again. So I did. I enjoyed it just as much the second time around. Livy still managed to annoy me a good deal of the time, but Chase was just as sweet as I remembered.**
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I loved this. There were many ridiculous things and Livy kind of drove me crazy about 90% of the time, but I still loved it. Chase was so, so sweet and made up for everything else. A fun fake relationship story I recommend if you can deal with the angst.
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I loved this. There were many ridiculous things and Livy kind of drove me crazy about 90% of the time, but I still loved it. Chase was so, so sweet and made up for everything else. A fun fake relationship story I recommend if you can deal with the angst.
March 24, 2024
3.5 stars from me. Mainly because I found it so frustrating. Liv is a complete idiot. If I could have reached into the kindle and slapped her, I would have.
Very similar to my favourite “Emma Doherty” book, Four doors down. Only that book was much better. That one got 5 stars from me.
I’m not feeling this new series so far, but I’ll not give up on it yet.
Very similar to my favourite “Emma Doherty” book, Four doors down. Only that book was much better. That one got 5 stars from me.
I’m not feeling this new series so far, but I’ll not give up on it yet.
September 5, 2019
1.5 stars
To All the Boys I've Loved Before does this story better. Much MUCH better. This kinda just felt like a cheap knock-off.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before does this story better. Much MUCH better. This kinda just felt like a cheap knock-off.
March 18, 2019
Poor attempt to imitate All The Boys I've Lived Before, but lacking everything that made that book special.
April 15, 2019
Just the high School drama I needed. Chase you are everything🥰. Livi made me mad from time to time but hey, I understand!
March 24, 2019
My Review
Oh wow, words are not sufficient to convey the depth of feelings this book brought out. THE STAND-IN BOYFRIEND is filled with love and longing, insecurities, anxiety, and more. It’s like stepping back into high school. And though I read a lot of young adult, that doesn’t happen very often for me.
Livy Chapman has been in love with her best friend almost from the moment they met. But he doesn’t see her as anything more than a buddy, breaking her heart just a little more every day. When she finally thinks her chance with him might actually happen, he ends up hooking up with his ex, shredding her already damaged heart. In comes Chase Mitchell, hottest guy in school. He offers Livy a proposition: pretend to date to make Jessie notice her and get Chase’s ex-girlfriend, Abigail, off his back. The only problem is, other than soccer, Livy and Chase have nothing in common. Or do they? The more time they spend together, the more Livy realizes that Chase gets her. Even if he’s only pretending they’re a couple, he makes her laugh and feel comfortable in a way almost no one else can. So when she finally gets Jessie’s attention, everything should be smooth sailing, right? Right?
Plot
The plot centers around Livy’s relationships with Jessie and Chase. She and Jessie have been BFFs since seventh grade, but he doesn’t see her the way she sees him. Chase is the “it” guy in school, but Livy sees there’s so much more to him than everyone else does when they spend time alone. Even though their relationship is fake, the budding friendship is real. Livy is so blinded by her undying love for Jessie, she’s unable to see the boy right in front of her. As she’s tugged in two directions, her anxiety ramps up, eliciting genuine emotion from me as I read. Any female who has ever been a teenager will be able to identify with the emotions that are tearing Livy apart.
The Characters
The characters were really well developed. Both Livy and Chase had rich backstories that defined who they were and drove their actions in believable ways. As Livy’s best friends, Jessie and Sophie are vibrant foils to her more serious self. Even Abigail is more than a two-dimensional mean girl.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE STAND-IN BOYFRIEND
1. Angsty romance. My favorite kind, the type that makes me keep turning the page to find out what happens next.
2. Loyalty. Sophie is the best of the best when it comes to BFFs. She has Livy’s back no matter what. Always.
3. Chase Mitchell. He’s genuine, sweet, funny, and thoughtful as well as hot with buns of steel. What’s not to love?
4. Character depth. The author created well-rounded, fully fleshed characters that are easy to root for, flaws and all.
5. Anxiety. I have a teen daughter who suffers from anxiety, and I thought the author handled this perfectly.
Bottom Line
A breathtaking young adult romance that left me wanting more.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh wow, words are not sufficient to convey the depth of feelings this book brought out. THE STAND-IN BOYFRIEND is filled with love and longing, insecurities, anxiety, and more. It’s like stepping back into high school. And though I read a lot of young adult, that doesn’t happen very often for me.
Livy Chapman has been in love with her best friend almost from the moment they met. But he doesn’t see her as anything more than a buddy, breaking her heart just a little more every day. When she finally thinks her chance with him might actually happen, he ends up hooking up with his ex, shredding her already damaged heart. In comes Chase Mitchell, hottest guy in school. He offers Livy a proposition: pretend to date to make Jessie notice her and get Chase’s ex-girlfriend, Abigail, off his back. The only problem is, other than soccer, Livy and Chase have nothing in common. Or do they? The more time they spend together, the more Livy realizes that Chase gets her. Even if he’s only pretending they’re a couple, he makes her laugh and feel comfortable in a way almost no one else can. So when she finally gets Jessie’s attention, everything should be smooth sailing, right? Right?
Plot
The plot centers around Livy’s relationships with Jessie and Chase. She and Jessie have been BFFs since seventh grade, but he doesn’t see her the way she sees him. Chase is the “it” guy in school, but Livy sees there’s so much more to him than everyone else does when they spend time alone. Even though their relationship is fake, the budding friendship is real. Livy is so blinded by her undying love for Jessie, she’s unable to see the boy right in front of her. As she’s tugged in two directions, her anxiety ramps up, eliciting genuine emotion from me as I read. Any female who has ever been a teenager will be able to identify with the emotions that are tearing Livy apart.
The Characters
The characters were really well developed. Both Livy and Chase had rich backstories that defined who they were and drove their actions in believable ways. As Livy’s best friends, Jessie and Sophie are vibrant foils to her more serious self. Even Abigail is more than a two-dimensional mean girl.
Top Five Things I Loved About THE STAND-IN BOYFRIEND
1. Angsty romance. My favorite kind, the type that makes me keep turning the page to find out what happens next.
2. Loyalty. Sophie is the best of the best when it comes to BFFs. She has Livy’s back no matter what. Always.
3. Chase Mitchell. He’s genuine, sweet, funny, and thoughtful as well as hot with buns of steel. What’s not to love?
4. Character depth. The author created well-rounded, fully fleshed characters that are easy to root for, flaws and all.
5. Anxiety. I have a teen daughter who suffers from anxiety, and I thought the author handled this perfectly.
Bottom Line
A breathtaking young adult romance that left me wanting more.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2019
A nice high school romance with the usual amount of high school drama.
Livy has been pining over her best friend Jessie for years. Jessie doesn't see her as more than a friend. Honestly, I hated him. He treats Livy like crap, makes her do his homework, and takes advantage of her. The words "Why the **** are you friends with him?" left my mouth more than once while reading this book.
Chase approaches Livy with an offer of being fake boyfriend/girlfriend to make Jessie jealous and to get Chase's ex to leave him alone so he can step away from her drama and focus on soccer.
Chase and Livy are so good together. I absolutely adored Chase, especially as his character developed.
Really nice clean read. There is a varied cast of characters and it really put me back to my high school days.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy via Hidden Gems.
Livy has been pining over her best friend Jessie for years. Jessie doesn't see her as more than a friend. Honestly, I hated him. He treats Livy like crap, makes her do his homework, and takes advantage of her. The words "Why the **** are you friends with him?" left my mouth more than once while reading this book.
Chase approaches Livy with an offer of being fake boyfriend/girlfriend to make Jessie jealous and to get Chase's ex to leave him alone so he can step away from her drama and focus on soccer.
Chase and Livy are so good together. I absolutely adored Chase, especially as his character developed.
Really nice clean read. There is a varied cast of characters and it really put me back to my high school days.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy via Hidden Gems.
March 17, 2019
“I had this idea.”
I raise an eyebrow at him expectantly as a grin spreads across his face. “Yeah?” I ask after a couple of seconds of him not saying anything.
“You have to promise to hear me out.”
“Huh?”
“Say you won’t just dismiss the idea and will actually think about it.”
“Um…” This is getting weird. “Okay?”
He grins wider. “We should totally pretend to date.”
Emma had me eating out of the palm of her hand with The Stand-In Boyfriend. She rocks my world. I put my Kindle down last night, just so I could have a piece of this captivating, intoxicating story today, too.
I loved the characters, Livy was a bit oblivious, but such a good hearted girl. And Chase... he was just perfect. Great characers - even the side ones - , great story and even greater ending.
And yes! There's a new story coming up. Couldn't be more excited.
I raise an eyebrow at him expectantly as a grin spreads across his face. “Yeah?” I ask after a couple of seconds of him not saying anything.
“You have to promise to hear me out.”
“Huh?”
“Say you won’t just dismiss the idea and will actually think about it.”
“Um…” This is getting weird. “Okay?”
He grins wider. “We should totally pretend to date.”
Emma had me eating out of the palm of her hand with The Stand-In Boyfriend. She rocks my world. I put my Kindle down last night, just so I could have a piece of this captivating, intoxicating story today, too.
I loved the characters, Livy was a bit oblivious, but such a good hearted girl. And Chase... he was just perfect. Great characers - even the side ones - , great story and even greater ending.
And yes! There's a new story coming up. Couldn't be more excited.
June 27, 2019
Livy is honestly the worst. I dislike her, maybe more than the main character from Lucky In Love.
She's oblivious to everything, or at least, she chooses to be oblivious. It's annoying. She also makes bad decisions.
I like Chase, and I think him and Livy are a good couple. I just think Livy is sometimes very stupid and annoying, and I feel bad that Chase had to deal with that.
I also feel bad for myself for reading that.
She's oblivious to everything, or at least, she chooses to be oblivious. It's annoying. She also makes bad decisions.
I like Chase, and I think him and Livy are a good couple. I just think Livy is sometimes very stupid and annoying, and I feel bad that Chase had to deal with that.
I also feel bad for myself for reading that.
March 31, 2019
Thanks to the author and InkSlinger PR for proving me with a e-copy. This book involves fake dating. So it took me some time to get used to the books writing and honestly I was going to DNF it , but then something stopped me and then I got to read more parts between the couple(who were just perfect and did in the end become a real couple) and I am really happy that I finished it cause it was amazing . It revolves around a girl who feels that she loves her best friend but he keeps on dating other girls but then enters the main guy who wants a fake girlfriend cause he is scared his ex is not understanding the NO (this is pretty basic). What made the book amazing for me was that once they start fake dating the girl doesn't automatically fall for the new guy , that her football dreams were pretty fun to read , that both the main characters had an amazing set of friends , their support group and how the feelings developed slowly and steadily (from the girls side cause their is her Point Of View) and nothing felt rushed. And the ending felt authentic , yes it was a happy one but the author wanted to show us that first the girl actually took a stock of her feelings for her best friend and then made the final decision. If you enjoy the fake dating trope you will definitely enjoy this one.
July 2, 2023
HOLY MAMA CANNOLI
what an emotional rollercoaster. seriously, my mind and feelings were all over the place.
final thought, Chase Mitchell is so cute and babygirl. I love him.
what an emotional rollercoaster. seriously, my mind and feelings were all over the place.
final thought, Chase Mitchell is so cute and babygirl. I love him.
June 7, 2020
*3.5 stars
I probably liked this book so much because it's been a hot minute since I read a cheesy, contemporary romance novel (honestly, I needed this after reading fantasy from the past couple weeks straight, i.e. first all 6 The Mortal Instruments novels (waiting to get the other books in the universe as of right now), then #1-4 in Throne of Glass series (working on the fifth book right now). So part of the reason I probably loved it was because I felt like reading a book like this, and it was perfect for me right now.
I loved this book, mostly because of Chase and his perfect ways and his relationship with Livy. I took off 1.5 stars for these reasons:
1) the characters. This got 0.5 of a star taken off because first of all, the main character I loved but could be insanely stupid at times, which I sort of understand as main characters have to be stupid at points to keep the plot going. Jessie, on the other hand, was the worst. I hated him with all my heart. All his actions could not be justified, let alone accept him because of his stupidity (which he was the most stupid of them all, by the way). Sophie I liked, and was an amazing friend along with Chase's bros and Hallie. Chase is probably going to go down as one of my favorite contemporary book boyfriends of all time. He was honestly the best character in the whole thing. He freaking loved her from freshman year and wasn't a cringey boyfriend at all!!
2) the plot literally was the exact same as every pretend-boyfriend trope, just with the addition of he-doesn't-see-me-but-I'm-in-love-with-him (so basically To All the Boys I've Loved Before but without the letters). It was so predicatable. First she finds him betraying her, then the main love interest proposes to fake-date, it works for some time, they fall in love, the douchebag first dude gets jealous and asks her back, the girl goes back even though everything in the whole dang universe is telling her, "no, stay with the dude and make it official he is your freaking soulmate" and doesn't get the hints, main dude is heartbroken and everything's a mess until she goes back to him and everything in the universe is right again. The lines were cringey too; I have read so many of these books that I can recite what they are going to say before they say it. But it's a weakness of mine to read these books, so I absolutley loved this one just based on the relationship and two main characters.
Other than these two reasons, I adored the book and absolutley loved it. I wouldn't read the prequel novella, though, just because I'm not that interested in what happened the summer before!
3.5 stars because of Livy and Chase and their friends (NOT JESSIE) who carried the whole book on their backs!! :)
I probably liked this book so much because it's been a hot minute since I read a cheesy, contemporary romance novel (honestly, I needed this after reading fantasy from the past couple weeks straight, i.e. first all 6 The Mortal Instruments novels (waiting to get the other books in the universe as of right now), then #1-4 in Throne of Glass series (working on the fifth book right now). So part of the reason I probably loved it was because I felt like reading a book like this, and it was perfect for me right now.
I loved this book, mostly because of Chase and his perfect ways and his relationship with Livy. I took off 1.5 stars for these reasons:
1) the characters. This got 0.5 of a star taken off because first of all, the main character I loved but could be insanely stupid at times, which I sort of understand as main characters have to be stupid at points to keep the plot going. Jessie, on the other hand, was the worst. I hated him with all my heart. All his actions could not be justified, let alone accept him because of his stupidity (which he was the most stupid of them all, by the way). Sophie I liked, and was an amazing friend along with Chase's bros and Hallie. Chase is probably going to go down as one of my favorite contemporary book boyfriends of all time. He was honestly the best character in the whole thing. He freaking loved her from freshman year and wasn't a cringey boyfriend at all!!
2) the plot literally was the exact same as every pretend-boyfriend trope, just with the addition of he-doesn't-see-me-but-I'm-in-love-with-him (so basically To All the Boys I've Loved Before but without the letters). It was so predicatable. First she finds him betraying her, then the main love interest proposes to fake-date, it works for some time, they fall in love, the douchebag first dude gets jealous and asks her back, the girl goes back even though everything in the whole dang universe is telling her, "no, stay with the dude and make it official he is your freaking soulmate" and doesn't get the hints, main dude is heartbroken and everything's a mess until she goes back to him and everything in the universe is right again. The lines were cringey too; I have read so many of these books that I can recite what they are going to say before they say it. But it's a weakness of mine to read these books, so I absolutley loved this one just based on the relationship and two main characters.
Other than these two reasons, I adored the book and absolutley loved it. I wouldn't read the prequel novella, though, just because I'm not that interested in what happened the summer before!
3.5 stars because of Livy and Chase and their friends (NOT JESSIE) who carried the whole book on their backs!! :)
April 25, 2024
Very cute story until 85% and I lovedddd Chase! Livy was very sweet and awkward n adorable until she wasn't. I don't condone any form of cheating amd truly believe Chase deserves better and shouldn't have forgiven her at all.
I hated her from the moment she kissed her guy BFF who manipulated and used her while she was with Chase (albeit fake dating with real feelings). Hated her more when she broke Chase's heart again. Hated her so much more once she said yes to Jessie and finally felt like throwing the book away when she couldn't make up her mind and just acts like a victim. I understand anxiety but what she did was not cool in any way. Ofc she is still a teen and hence still learning...
Wouldn't advise reading this one if you abhor even the slightest of cheating drama.
Def will read the next one hoping there is no OM/OW cheating there
4.5 stars until the scene
2.5 after that (solely for Chase for being such a green flag) 💕
I hated her from the moment she kissed her guy BFF who manipulated and used her while she was with Chase (albeit fake dating with real feelings). Hated her more when she broke Chase's heart again. Hated her so much more once she said yes to Jessie and finally felt like throwing the book away when she couldn't make up her mind and just acts like a victim. I understand anxiety but what she did was not cool in any way. Ofc she is still a teen and hence still learning...
Wouldn't advise reading this one if you abhor even the slightest of cheating drama.
Def will read the next one hoping there is no OM/OW cheating there
4.5 stars until the scene
2.5 after that (solely for Chase for being such a green flag) 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2019
Omg i LOVED this. It was so dramatic I felt like i was watching degrassi or something but even better than degrassi. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good like I can’t stop smiling. It was a typical high school romance book but like really well written dramatic funny so cute it was great. I even cried a little when they were talking about their families. The friendship between Livy and Sophie, incredible. The way Sophie stood up for Hallie when that bitch tried to out her ugh queen. And Chase!!! The perfect book boyfriend I’m literally in love with him. That ending was amazing, the whole damn book outsold.
January 17, 2021
Out of all the cheesy books I read to get out of a reading slump, this has to be my favorite. Livy becomes more likeable as the book goes on, and Chase is loveable from the beginning. Its kind of obvious where it goes (which is expected and appreciated) but that doesn't mean I don't find a new detail every time I read it. No matter how cheesy or cliche this book is, it's such a good read for anyone looking for a cute, quick read.
October 19, 2020
This was a promising read at first but the book started to get boring towards the middle. Honestly, Chase saved this book for me, I LOVE HIM!!!!! BTW still trying to fill the hole in me known as Amanda Abram😭
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