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The Boyfriend App
Weeks before Valentine’s, seventeen-year-old Kate Lapuz goes through her first ever breakup, but soon she stumbles upon a mysterious new app called My Dream Boyfriend, an AI chatbot that has the ability to understand human feelings. Casually, she participates in the app’s trial run but finds herself immersed in the empathic conversations with her customizable virtual boyfriend, Ecto.
In a society both connected and alienated by technology, Kate suspects an actual secret admirer is behind Ecto. Could it be the work of the techie student council president Dion or has Kate really found her soulmate in bits of computer code? She decides to get to the bottom of the cutting-edge app. Her search for Ecto’s real identity leads Kate to prom, where absolute knowledge comes with a very steep price.
In a society both connected and alienated by technology, Kate suspects an actual secret admirer is behind Ecto. Could it be the work of the techie student council president Dion or has Kate really found her soulmate in bits of computer code? She decides to get to the bottom of the cutting-edge app. Her search for Ecto’s real identity leads Kate to prom, where absolute knowledge comes with a very steep price.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2019
13 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Mon D. Rea
9 books17 followersFor a long time Mon D Rea has taught English as a foreign language, but his one true love has always been writing stories. He never stopped scribbling – between classes at uni, in between part-time work, on napkins, on the back of receipts, on the bus, and inside his dreams.
His friends say he’s a grammar Nazi with a hyperactive imagination, and these two personalities of him are constantly at each other’s throats. He used to be a Neanderthal but now almost tech-savvy. He likes superhero movies.
His friends say he’s a grammar Nazi with a hyperactive imagination, and these two personalities of him are constantly at each other’s throats. He used to be a Neanderthal but now almost tech-savvy. He likes superhero movies.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 8, 2020
“But the longer you cried the more I realized I wasn’t alone in my sadness. And someone as perfect as Kate Lapuz also had her off days. Just listening to you cry your heart out, with only a wall between us, I found a reason to live. I wanted to heal your sorrow and make you smile again. I wanted to reach out through the wall and tell you everything was going to be OK. I wanted to be stronger and better than I was so I could protect you and take care of you. I promised myself I was going to fix everything. You gave me a reason to wake up the next morning and the many mornings after”
😭😢
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😭😢
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June 29, 2018
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers*
This book does take a bit to actually get into. I think maybe I just had some difficulty with the narration voice because it seemed a little simplistic so it took awhile to adjust. That being said, once the story picks up a bit more, it does get better.
Basically girl dates bad boy, doesn't work out, ends up talking to an AI on her phone. There is definitely some gush worthy dialogue and feelings in there. I will say I think this story resolved nicely.
For me the big points I look at with any book are the writing style, the characters, and the plot/storyline. So the writing style definitely wasn't my favorite, and I feel like if you read a lot you'll probably have some difficulty picking through this one (but then again, it is pretty short so what I would call more of an afternoon read). I feel like the author definitely could have done more with the characters, but there's enough to get a good feel for them at least. The main character seems to somewhat be the typical stereotypical teenager so there could have been some more development there, but it's sufficient for the point of the story. The plot is interesting. I like the idea and especially the latter part of the book. So there were some interesting points in there, but then again, if you've seen any classic teen drama high school movie...if you catch my drift.
So- I'm going with 2 stars because it was okay. Would I recommend it to a friend? Maybe. Like it just depends, honestly. It's a pretty short read. You can't beat the current price if you're picking up an electronic copy. If you're looking to waste an afternoon, and the synopsis sounds like something you would be interested, I would definitely say go for it (and don't give up because of the first couple chapters).
This book does take a bit to actually get into. I think maybe I just had some difficulty with the narration voice because it seemed a little simplistic so it took awhile to adjust. That being said, once the story picks up a bit more, it does get better.
Basically girl dates bad boy, doesn't work out, ends up talking to an AI on her phone. There is definitely some gush worthy dialogue and feelings in there. I will say I think this story resolved nicely.
For me the big points I look at with any book are the writing style, the characters, and the plot/storyline. So the writing style definitely wasn't my favorite, and I feel like if you read a lot you'll probably have some difficulty picking through this one (but then again, it is pretty short so what I would call more of an afternoon read). I feel like the author definitely could have done more with the characters, but there's enough to get a good feel for them at least. The main character seems to somewhat be the typical stereotypical teenager so there could have been some more development there, but it's sufficient for the point of the story. The plot is interesting. I like the idea and especially the latter part of the book. So there were some interesting points in there, but then again, if you've seen any classic teen drama high school movie...if you catch my drift.
So- I'm going with 2 stars because it was okay. Would I recommend it to a friend? Maybe. Like it just depends, honestly. It's a pretty short read. You can't beat the current price if you're picking up an electronic copy. If you're looking to waste an afternoon, and the synopsis sounds like something you would be interested, I would definitely say go for it (and don't give up because of the first couple chapters).
March 3, 2018
I received this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a really cute book. I appreciated the view from a different culture and not having it be a stereotypical family set up. The story was fresh in some areas, but a little hurried or done in others. The ending comes to mind as a rushed feeling question mark, rather than the bow to wrap up a wonderful story. The best part of this story is the protagonist, Kate, who I found to be very likable when others around her fell flat or felt out of place (like her ex-boyfriend, Josh).
While there were a few grammatical errors, they weren't so frequent or dramatic that they would impede the story.
If you are looking for a light, cute read, I'd recommend this! It was an easy read and didn't lull, making it ideal for a cozy, rainy day read.
Overall, this was a really cute book. I appreciated the view from a different culture and not having it be a stereotypical family set up. The story was fresh in some areas, but a little hurried or done in others. The ending comes to mind as a rushed feeling question mark, rather than the bow to wrap up a wonderful story. The best part of this story is the protagonist, Kate, who I found to be very likable when others around her fell flat or felt out of place (like her ex-boyfriend, Josh).
While there were a few grammatical errors, they weren't so frequent or dramatic that they would impede the story.
If you are looking for a light, cute read, I'd recommend this! It was an easy read and didn't lull, making it ideal for a cozy, rainy day read.
September 19, 2018
I want to thank Voracious Readers only for an opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.
Because you can get a synopsis of the plot of the book from the Website, I'd like to simply focus on what I liked and disliked about the book, and how I came to my rating:
Likes:
-The construction of the book was timely. With teens focused more on online life, it is perfectly realistic and reasonable that Kate would develop such a strong relationship with Ecto.
-I felt empathy for Kate. Let's face it -- many of us girls have thought we could change the bad boy into something better, and the majority of us have failed. Hence the mantra, date the bad boy and marry the good boy.
Dislikes:
-There were some inconsistencies. Kate made a comment about how she was always cleaning up Josh's texting language, yet her online language with Ecto is full of textisms.
-I felt that there were a lot of ancillary characters that did not do much to move the story along. For example, Kate's friends were there but kind of not there. Teenage girls talk about everything with their friends. I guess I expected to see more conversations there.
-I didn't like that Dion turned out to be such a jerk. Throughout the book he was considered a nice guy and a friend to Kate. Then, he's kind of cruel when he reveals what Ecto had him do.
So, for timeliness and the main character, those were positives for me.
Because you can get a synopsis of the plot of the book from the Website, I'd like to simply focus on what I liked and disliked about the book, and how I came to my rating:
Likes:
-The construction of the book was timely. With teens focused more on online life, it is perfectly realistic and reasonable that Kate would develop such a strong relationship with Ecto.
-I felt empathy for Kate. Let's face it -- many of us girls have thought we could change the bad boy into something better, and the majority of us have failed. Hence the mantra, date the bad boy and marry the good boy.
Dislikes:
-There were some inconsistencies. Kate made a comment about how she was always cleaning up Josh's texting language, yet her online language with Ecto is full of textisms.
-I felt that there were a lot of ancillary characters that did not do much to move the story along. For example, Kate's friends were there but kind of not there. Teenage girls talk about everything with their friends. I guess I expected to see more conversations there.
-I didn't like that Dion turned out to be such a jerk. Throughout the book he was considered a nice guy and a friend to Kate. Then, he's kind of cruel when he reveals what Ecto had him do.
So, for timeliness and the main character, those were positives for me.
June 9, 2018
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for the review copy of The Boyfriend App. All opinions are my own.
The Boyfriend App follows Kate, an 11th grader, who just went through her first big break up. Devastated, she doesn't know where to turn. Love isn't supposed to hurt, is it?
After losing her cell phone and having it returned by a mystery classmate, she sees an ad for an app called "My Dream Boyfriend". Through AI technology, a user would create the perfect boy who would then chat with them and be the perfect boyfriend - no cheating, no lying, purely love. Figuring she has nothing to lose, Kate downloads the app and creates Ecto.
Kate actually ends up falling for Ecto, but starts to believe there is a real person behind the creation of him. Maybe one of her classmates is secretly feeding Ecto lines. Her search leads her to go to prom with Dion, where she is convinced Ecto is going to show up. She finally finds out a lot about Ecto and his creation, but that doesn't make things any easier.
This was such an interesting idea to write a novel on. At first, I was hesitant to read it because I wasn't sure I was going to like it. A girl falling in love with a cell phone app? Sounds ridiculous. But it was really well done and I actually very much enjoyed this book. I finished it quickly because I found myself wanting to see what was going to happen with Kate and Ecto next. Well written, cute concept, 4 out of 5 stars.
#VRO #voraciousreadersonly #books #bookstagram #bibliophile #reviewer
The Boyfriend App follows Kate, an 11th grader, who just went through her first big break up. Devastated, she doesn't know where to turn. Love isn't supposed to hurt, is it?
After losing her cell phone and having it returned by a mystery classmate, she sees an ad for an app called "My Dream Boyfriend". Through AI technology, a user would create the perfect boy who would then chat with them and be the perfect boyfriend - no cheating, no lying, purely love. Figuring she has nothing to lose, Kate downloads the app and creates Ecto.
Kate actually ends up falling for Ecto, but starts to believe there is a real person behind the creation of him. Maybe one of her classmates is secretly feeding Ecto lines. Her search leads her to go to prom with Dion, where she is convinced Ecto is going to show up. She finally finds out a lot about Ecto and his creation, but that doesn't make things any easier.
This was such an interesting idea to write a novel on. At first, I was hesitant to read it because I wasn't sure I was going to like it. A girl falling in love with a cell phone app? Sounds ridiculous. But it was really well done and I actually very much enjoyed this book. I finished it quickly because I found myself wanting to see what was going to happen with Kate and Ecto next. Well written, cute concept, 4 out of 5 stars.
#VRO #voraciousreadersonly #books #bookstagram #bibliophile #reviewer
August 24, 2021
"Why the heck do people fall in and feel happy, just to fall out of love and get their hearts broken?"
"Aristotle: Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
"7 times 10 raised to the 27th power. That is the total number of atoms in the average human body. H squared equals 8 thirds of pi G rho. This is the formula that demonstrate constant expansion of the universe. For a less scientific or numerical perspective, I was created to love you, Kate."
I had a hard time finishing this book that it took me 3 days even though it is just a 191 pages novel. I don't like how the author use jargon words. It really makes me irritated because I still need to check the meaning of the words. I read a lot of books but I did not encounter unfamiliar words as many as in this book.
The story for me is shallow but it is not a very predictable ending.
I think this is appealing for young readers but not to an old lady like me hahaha...
"Aristotle: Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
"7 times 10 raised to the 27th power. That is the total number of atoms in the average human body. H squared equals 8 thirds of pi G rho. This is the formula that demonstrate constant expansion of the universe. For a less scientific or numerical perspective, I was created to love you, Kate."
I had a hard time finishing this book that it took me 3 days even though it is just a 191 pages novel. I don't like how the author use jargon words. It really makes me irritated because I still need to check the meaning of the words. I read a lot of books but I did not encounter unfamiliar words as many as in this book.
The story for me is shallow but it is not a very predictable ending.
I think this is appealing for young readers but not to an old lady like me hahaha...
September 1, 2018
This was a cute, short little story with a premise I've never seen before. The writing was a little too simplistic for my liking, and it took a while for the story to get going. The characters needed a lot more development as only Kate and Ecto were really fleshed out. The author managed to fit an impressive amount of plot into a short book, but the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying to me. Ecto was definitely my favourite character, and some of the things he did for Kate were absolutely adorable!
-I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only-
-I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only-
March 7, 2018
It got off to a slow start and my interest waned. But by the time I got to the start of the boyfriend app part, I began to get hooked and soon became compelled to keep reading. The plot was clever and original. In short, I found this book fascinating. I have never read anything else like it. I would recommend it to those who are looking for something different. Thank you for the opportunity of reading my free review copy.
June 24, 2018
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the copy of The Boyfriend app for my honest review.
This book was hard to get into, I'm unsure if it was because it was a little simplistic
or if it was because I found the story slow to get started. Once it started it seemed to rush to the end.
It was an easy read and one you didn't really have to think about so if your looking for an easy read this is one for you.
This book was hard to get into, I'm unsure if it was because it was a little simplistic
or if it was because I found the story slow to get started. Once it started it seemed to rush to the end.
It was an easy read and one you didn't really have to think about so if your looking for an easy read this is one for you.
October 12, 2018
I was able to get a copy of this book through Voracious Readers and honestly I’m torn. I desperately enjoyed the romanticism of this novel and the ache and joy the passion of true love brought to me; however, I can’t quite explain what I felt was missing. I did enjoy the concept and Mon writes love like nobody I’ve ever read before.
In summary, it’s a passionate and romantic book and that’s all there is too it!
P.s. where can I get an ecto 😍
In summary, it’s a passionate and romantic book and that’s all there is too it!
P.s. where can I get an ecto 😍
July 12, 2018
I love the concept of the story and almost got the happy ending I was hoping for.
This book was a little bit hard for me to engage fully with, especially as the main character professes her love of English and need to write everything correctly then proceeds to message Ecto in slang and coded text.
I thought it was a fabulous idea for a story and thank Voracious Readers for this book.
This book was a little bit hard for me to engage fully with, especially as the main character professes her love of English and need to write everything correctly then proceeds to message Ecto in slang and coded text.
I thought it was a fabulous idea for a story and thank Voracious Readers for this book.
August 23, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. I really enjoyed this book. It was totally different from most things I read and kept me interested in the story from the very start. I want my own boyfriend app. :)
September 2, 2018
Thank you Voracious Readers only for the complimentary copy to review!
I did enjoy the book, was younger than I thought.
So, not something I would usually read. Thought it was very entertaining. It was a well written book. Not sure as if I would buy into another in the series.
I did enjoy the book, was younger than I thought.
So, not something I would usually read. Thought it was very entertaining. It was a well written book. Not sure as if I would buy into another in the series.
November 5, 2022
I liked it a lot, but sensed what would be the end of it, and it made me sad. Getting to the end, they had a twist on it that I appreciated, but I still wished the story would have ended sweetly, and not bittersweet.
August 30, 2018
Sweet! To me without question this book would be appropriate audience. I thought it cute and quick. I enjoyed it very much!
November 27, 2019
Light and fun read. ❤️❤️❤️
February 9, 2020
This book was so awesome! I loved it!
October 26, 2021
You can tell this was written by a man.
January 21, 2022
just no
no me gustó el estilo narrativo y no podía seguir leyendolo
Aparte
Se notaba q estaba escrito por un hombre god damn
no me gustó el estilo narrativo y no podía seguir leyendolo
Aparte
Se notaba q estaba escrito por un hombre god damn
August 18, 2022
it it okay tbh. i had trouble reading it, maybe because of the narration.
January 20, 2025
No one has ever written such vivid and lifelike characters (with a touch of sci-fi) as Mon D. Rea, aka Phenomenal Pen! I'm in love with the story, the characters, and the heartbreak. I remember reading this on Wattpad before—it made me cry and deeply empathize with Kate. The story's depth, the slow-burn romance, and the rich depiction of Philippine culture, especially the life of high school students, are incredible. From the only air-conditioned rooms being the Principal's office, the Library, and the Computer Lab, every detail felt so authentic.
There wasn't a single dull moment; everything was perfectly balanced and essential to the story. I especially enjoyed the added bonding between Ecto and Kate during the game—a key element, I suspect, for the next book. Bernadette's backstory was also compelling—sad, but it offers a different perspective on life: survival of the fittest. I found myself quoting a lot from the book, especially Dion's—ahem, I mean Ecto's—poem for Kate, the prom, and the life advice quoting The Little Prince.
I loved every chapter, the flow of events, Ecto's corny pick-up lines, the peaceful community life, and the sweet romance between an artificial intelligence trapped in the digital world and a student whose heart is sure of her love for Ecto.
So, where can I get my very own boyfriend app!?
I'm so excited for the next book, Jailbreak! It has truly captured my heart and piqued my interest, especially with the possibility of Ecto's return!
August 20, 2024
There wasn't a single dull moment; everything was perfectly balanced and essential to the story. I especially enjoyed the added bonding between Ecto and Kate during the game—a key element, I suspect, for the next book. Bernadette's backstory was also compelling—sad, but it offers a different perspective on life: survival of the fittest. I found myself quoting a lot from the book, especially Dion's—ahem, I mean Ecto's—poem for Kate, the prom, and the life advice quoting The Little Prince.
I loved every chapter, the flow of events, Ecto's corny pick-up lines, the peaceful community life, and the sweet romance between an artificial intelligence trapped in the digital world and a student whose heart is sure of her love for Ecto.
So, where can I get my very own boyfriend app!?
I'm so excited for the next book, Jailbreak! It has truly captured my heart and piqued my interest, especially with the possibility of Ecto's return!
August 20, 2024
November 4, 2018
Teenage angst &dating
This is a fun, light read. Nothing too serious, it does touch on suicide near the end. A lighthearted read about a girl who "connects with technology" in a very personal way.
This is a fun, light read. Nothing too serious, it does touch on suicide near the end. A lighthearted read about a girl who "connects with technology" in a very personal way.
March 21, 2019
Cute story, a little weird, but an easy and quick read for those who have limited time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews