The Secrets of Boys

by Hailey Abbott

Eric: Loves surfing, has killer abs, an even better smile, and a heart of gold.

Joe: A sarcastic goofball who gives great advice, which no one ever takes.

Zach: Sophisticated college boy, wise in the ways of French painting as well as other French things.

A California girl like Cassidy Jones should be out on the beach, not stuck in summer school! But her life heats up when she meets the worldly and romantic Zach—she can't stop thinking about him, even though she already has a boyfriend. Cassidy wishes her pal Joe were around to help her figure out the secrets of boys, but he's hundreds of miles away. Will she be able to ignore her feelings for Zach—or will temptation be too strong to resist?

Ages 14+

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Summer, Summer Reads, High School

274 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2006

About the author

Hailey Abbott grew up in Southern California, where she split her time between creative writing and creative beaching. She is the author of Summer Boys, Next Summer: A Summer Boys Novel, The Bridesmaid, Getting Lost with Boys, and The Secrets of Boys. Hailey now lives in New York City.

Her first book was Summer Boys, published in 2004, the first of a series. It was described as "escapist beach reading" by the School Library Journal.

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassidy Jones is a 'sidekick'. Her best friend Larissa is the gregarious, talkative, boy-crazy one. But this is the summer that everything changes. Cassidy has been Eric's girlfriend for two years...two years in which he's never said “I Love You” and she's never had sex with him. Her good friend, Joe, who she grew up with is shipped out to camp, and she is enrolled (by her parents) in an advanced summer class of French. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for her, her TA is really handsome.

This story is, at it's core, about finding your voice. About learning to be assertive and speak up. About learning that sometimes what you think is right, and what you know you SHOULD do...isn't always what ends up happening. How you can enjoy something that is bad for you...knowing what you are doing is wrong, or that the activity might hurt you in the long run, but making a conscious choice to enjoy it anyway. I liked that Cassidy knew that she would end up hurt by her choices, but that she consciously made them anyway and accepted the consequences. To many people blame others: Oh, I couldn't help myself OR I never knew what would happen. But Cassidy owns it. For better or worse, she discovers herself and becomes her own person.

[GW · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read, but so unrealistic. I mean, did that honestly just happen? Just started to lol at the parts when Eric yells Sweetie! People actually say that? Got a tad creeped out there. And the ending, it sorta leaves you hanging and thinking up an ending all by yourself. I hate those types of endings. Why can't there just be a clear happy ending? For Joe and Cassidy! Anyways. How unrealistic is it that, oh you break up with your boyfriend. Then once you hook up with the TA, he leaves. Then you view your best friend as something more..... Does that actually happen, in one summer? Ha, and her french final... Ha. Anyways, with the cover, I sorta wish there was more aspects of the beach and surfing involved. :/ But there was little to none.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Allison M. Rotonda for TeensReadToo.com

Cassidy Jones has her summer all planned out; she and her BFF, Larissa, have jobs lined up at a super-trendy clothing boutique and her gorgeous, surfer boyfriend, Eric, wants her to spend time in the sand with him. Sadly, her ultra-organized and goal-oriented parents have decided she should spend her summer in an intensive language program at a university.

Once classes start everything starts changing. Larissa is too busy to make time for her friend. Eric is suddenly jealous of everything. Cassidy is suddenly finding Zach, the worldly college boy, attractive, and she starts to question everything. The reintroduction of her childhood best friend, Joe, into the equation makes life even more interesting for her, even if he is all the way across the country. Throughout the summer she expands her horizons, but begins to wonder if she really knows anything about the real secrets of boys and life in general.

The thoughts and feelings that Cassidy experience will likely be familiar to readers. Abbott uses believable dialogue to help tell her story. Readers will be envious of the amazing wardrobes Cassidy and Larissa have access to. Some of the events seem a little unlikely, but they do not distract from the important lessons that Cassidy learns while finding herself. In the end, things wrap up in a satisfying way even if it is not what readers may hope for. There is a feeling that life is just starting to get good for Cassidy Jones.

[Olivia Archambault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so The Secret of Boys is a cute romantic short novel to past time in on a road trip of mine. I love Hailey Abbott books and even though this one was particularly unrealistic I still enjoyed it. Some parts were a bit cliché but understandable. I loved Cassidy's character and found it very easy to relate to except when she kind of went all boy crazy in the end. The ending is quite shocking but very cute. I don't find lots of books with nice endings, this one was wonderful in my view. I think if you're looking for a summer romance novel READ THIS.

[Katie Kopecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book, that I stepped upon by chance and truly loved from page one. It is another read that I read in just a few hours (I think, five) and was so captivating without being even a little supernatural,(I am a big fan of the supernatural fiction world) so it was one of those books where the storyline could totally happen in the real world. I loved loved loved it, and all of the boys in the story were so incredibly, imaginably attractive. I even found myself caring deeply for the well written/described characters, and wanting to step into the main character, Cassidy's, shoes. The ending was satisfying though partly heart-breaking, but i'm going to stop there and not ruin anything. I definitely reccommend it for anyone really into summer romance, and hot hot hot guys.

[Kaylynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this book just made me sad and frustrated. I mean I understand that the story was about her growing up and coming out of her shell, but it really kinda just pissed me off when they didn't end up together. I mean i know thats cheesy and shit but I dunno I was still mad.

[Shanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

abt a cheating slut. not a fan!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

God this book was just terrible. The only redeeming factor was in the end she didn't get either guy. Which she deserved. I couldn't stand reading about a cheating liar and did not feel and sympathy for all her wallowing. She deserved it. I have no idea why the main characters had to have such terrible moral values because I most definitely was not rooting for her or on her side ever. Only reason this got more than one star was because it was an easy read and when I'd finally sit down with it I was able to get through fast and finish it.

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than some chick lit out there. I humorously picked it up because I share a name with the main character, but it was kind of cute and harmless. Like reading a magazine as a teenager.
The cover art is terrible though. Like embarrassing enough that I taped paper over it so that I could take it to the beach with me and not feel creepy reading about teens in their underwear.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed other books by Hailey Abbott. The plot was boring and so were the characters. I would not recommend.

[Laila · Rating 2 out of 5]

The two stars are only because I liked Joe and Eric (mostly Joe). Everyone else sucked (mostly Cassidy).

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had lots of boy drama. It was relatable, a girl finding her voice and real personality.

[Greyland Reviews]

5 stars
June 2008
All the books I've rated 5 stars from 2006~2013 will be getting that star rating removed. Unless I plan on doing a re-read.

[Keiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great, kept me on my toes the whole time.

[Cayla Mccarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Secrets of Boys”, by Hailey Abbott, is a story about a girl named Cassidy. Cassidy has a boyfriend named Eric, who has plans for Cassidy and him to just hang out at the beach. Cassidy’s best friend, Larissa, also has special plans for Cassidy over the summer. Cassidy and Larissa plan to work at a nearby boutique together. They had it all planned out. Unfortunately, Cassidy’s parents have some other plans for her, none of which include Eric or Larissa. In some ways, however, this turns out to be a good thing for Cassidy.

This summer, Cassidy and Larissa were supposed to get jobs together at a boutique nearby. Cassidy is also supposed to spend time with her boyfriend, Eric, at the beach. However, Cassidy’s parents have other plans for her summer. This summer, instead of have fun with her friends, Cassidy will now be going to summer school. This is a different kind of summer school though. This summer school is an accelerated summer school for students interested in the French language. After Cassidy’s classes start, she only has limited times to spend with people. Although, often, Larissa is too busy to hang out with her considering that she still took the job at the boutique. Eric is not very fond of the fact that Cassidy is never able to be with him. Cassidy, however, is becoming quite fond of this summer school. While at this advanced summer school, she met an attractive boy named Zach. Cassidy thinks she is beginning to gain feelings for this new guy. Zach is basically the complete opposite of Eric, and Cassidy thinks that’s what she likes. To find out who Cassidy ends up with, you’ll have to read the book.

One of the positives of this book was definitely the plot. I think for some people, this would have been a very relatable story which makes it easier for the readers to get involved with the book. Also, this story being told in a third person point of view does a lot of good things for the story. This story helps the readers to see every aspect of the characters instead of only seeing what is happening in one character’s life. Another strength of this story is the way the author was able to keep you completely engaged. To me, there was never a dull moment in this book. The author always left the chapter endings in ways that will make you feel the need to just keep reading. I personally could not find any weaknesses about this book. The entire book was good and I was always engaged. For me, this book was a very easy read. It had low level vocabulary, but that’s not what made it simple to read. This book was easy due to the fact that I could not put it down. I always wanted to keep reading as much as I could. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I personally really enjoyed this book, and I hope that everyone else who reads this book will love it as much as I did.

[Charlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Hailey Abbott as an author, although she isn't my favourite writer ever, her books are usually such an easy read and they have pretty cute stories, but for some reason I just didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. I think I went in with expectations because I have read books by her before and because they were so simple to read, I didn't have to think much about what was happening and could pick it up at anytime for a few pages, unfortunately it didn't work like this for me. I just couldn't get into the style of writing so it was difficult trying to push my way through the rest of the book. I've just looked up when she wrote this book and saw it was one of the first standalone novels that she wrote so this might be the reason, maybe she had a more relaxed style afterwards.
Cassidy Jones wants to spend her time at the beach with her friends and boyfriend, Eric. However she finds out her Mum has signed her up for French summer school to help her with her college application. There she meets Zach her French TA. She can't stop thinking about him, so what happens with Eric and why is she writing to Joe, her old best friend. What does she do?! I was excited by the blurb because I love France and thought it might have the same kind of substance as Anna and the French Kiss but sadly it didn't.
I didn't particularly have any favourite characters, which is weird for me because I usually get hooked on to one or maybe a couple so that was odd. I also think the ending was a bit weird, it seems to that more could have been written.
Although I don't think I will reread this book, I'm glad I did because I'm trying to read all of Hailey Abbott's books. I've only got a few left so will probably end up doing a comparison in the end, but at the moment this is down in my estimations, although it is a quicker read than other authors I have read in the past it wasn't the best in her selection.

[Alexis Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets of Boys by Hailey Abbott
The Secrets of Boys by Hailey Abbott tells a story that teen girls will take pleasure in and be able to relate to. It is centered on a teen girl, Cassidy Jones, her best friend and boys. Who is she suppose to fall for? People may think she’s not making the right choice but wouldn’t you follow your heart, soul, and mind?
Cassidy is a California girl trapped in summer school while she and her best friend were supposes to work together! She and her boyfriend of 2 years, Eric, are not having the time they should because of her summer school. Her new tutor, Zach is starting to catch her eye. Maybe summer school isn’t so terrible after all. Felling abandon by her best friend and not having anyone to go to, how is she supposed to make boy decisions?! Even thought she has a boyfriend, could summer school get in the way or her hot tutor?
I took pleasure in reading The Secrets of Boys because it’s a situation any teen, especially a teen girl can relate to. I don’t agree with everything Cassidy did but sometimes you must follow your heart, not your mind. Others might think differently of her for some choices she made but it’s what makes the book interesting. Other situations teens can relate to is not getting enough attention from their best friend and felling like you have no one to talk to such as Cassidy did. If you like teen thrillers and reading about something you can relate to then this is your book! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it kept me on my toes and wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Brenna Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secrets of Boys written by Hailey Abbott is a realistic fiction book about a teenage girl named Cassidy. I did not like some of the characters in this book. Cassidy's boyfriend was a little pushy towards Cassidy. He wanted things out of her that she didn't want to do. I feel like the book dragged on, it went from taking about how Cassidy doesn't know what guy she liked and what guy she wanted. I was disappointed that Cassidy's mom made her go to summer school. Cassidy had her whole summer planned out. She was going to hang out with her boyfriend Eric and she had a job lined up with her best friend at a store. But one day her mom told her that she was going to a French summer school. It was all about the language of French and what behind the history of it. Before she goes off to the French summer school she goes to a party were she sees her old best friend his name is Joe. After that she goes to summer school and meets her TA which is this unbelievable hot guy that Cassidy adores. Eric starts to get jealous of how much her and Joe are talking but he doesn't know about Zach her TA. Cassidy thinks that Zach is starting to like her, and she wants to know. I believe that he writers way of writing is good but it has a lot of repeating. The book really just dragged on. It was definitely written in this time because the girls in it seem the same as the ones today. It's a good read for anyone that wants a summer read, and that likes books about the teenage life.

[Leah Schmidt]

I am almost done with this book and I have liked it. It is about a quiet, shy girl named Cassidy with a boyfriend of two years. They are thinking about having sex but he hasn't told her that he loves her so she doesn't know if she wants to. Her best friend, Larissa, is very outgoing and has always been the center of attention and talked for her. But when Cassidy's parents make her take French class all summer and Larissa is working at a fashion store their friendship starts to fade. Cassidy falls in love with her French Teacher Assistant and becomes a whole lot more outgoing. Larissa sees that and feels like Cassidy is going to take her spot light. They got in a fight, and are currently not talking. Cassidy broke up with her boyfriend after cheating on him with the French guy. Now the French guy is moving back to New York to finnish college. Cassidy has no one to turn to and she is all alone. This book has a lot of drama in it. I like it and it is interesting but she kind of annoys me because I wanted her to stay with her boyfriend.

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it two stars bc it's definitely not a boring book but I'm not really a fan of plots that involve cheating. The main love interest i forgot his name is a freak why are you a college student getting with a high schooler. Also omg the poor boyfriend did not deserve that he was a decent dude and it really didn't make me like the main character whatsoever so when it was hinted she was gonna get with her childhood friend i literally rolled my eyes. Like I'm sorry idc about whatever life changing discovery you made while cheating on your boyfriend you suck. Also just book is very much an early 2000's book the describing of clothes oh god it hurt even imagining it and the language used is a product of its time honestly don't know how it managed to get published with that language but i guess that's the early 2000's. Anyway yeah if you want a quick dumb possibly infuriating read then read this book.

[Tana Elmhorst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy Jones our main character is in the summer of her first year of high school in present day California. Things were going good until she meets Zach, the new TA for french class. He's everything she wants and needs ,but what about her boyfriend? And when she needs advice the most her best friend is hundreds of miles away. With complex feelings and a long summer ahead;this book will keep you on your toes and you'll never want to put it down.

The things I really liked in this book are: How much someone can relate to the main character, the conflicting feelings that keep me guessing, and the guy choice in the end. I really didn't like that the author didn't have the parents in here much.

I would suggest this book to high school girls who love a good twisted romance.

[Aileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of my FAVORITE books by Hailey Abbott!! It was so different from some of her other books I've read!! I REALLY enjoyed this one, more than I expected and also more than I have enjoyed some of her other books. It was like this was not even written by her!! The storyline, the characters, the plot, EVERYTHING was SO GOOD!! I thought that this book had depth to it that a lot of other books out there in this genre don't have. You can not only relate to the main character, many possibilities there, but also, you just got a better sense of why she was doing what she was doing. I really enjoyed this book and am really glad I finally read it!!

[brigette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of this book was bittersweet. I was so sad to see Zach go. And Eric was a really great boyfriend, so when Cassidy broke up with him, it was upsetting. But, honestly? Joe was awesome, so I liked how Hailey Abbott left it open in end end...let you think that things between Cassidy and Joe might heat up!

God, Larissa was so annoying. I have a good friend like her...who only cares about herself and is SO self-centered it's not even funny, but I'm glad things worked out with them in the end.

Everything kind of fell into place.

I really enjoy Hailey Abott's books.

[Rachael Bragg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was above average but not great. Sometimes I feel like Hailey Abbott has got the potential for a really good storyline and then it just falls rather short. Something is not quite right with this story to make it 5 stars. I think Cassidy's dilemma is one may soon to be college or just starting college girls face, which makes her very relateable to the young adult. So many of us go into college with high school relationships that don't work out once we see the world of boys we have been missing out on. I think there needed to be more meat to this story. It never got deep into the content, just skimmed the surface.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg i so love this book its soooo sooooo good omg she sleptt the with a teacher wow the sexy zach think thats his name , ne ways i love cassidy its cassidy rite oh well i love it from boy drama 2 bf drama. i love the part where she reveals 2 her bf in the hotel she couldnt have sex even tho it was an emotinal break down i still love that part. i also love the part with the affair with the sexy hot teacher omg hmmm. ne ways i really love that they connect but i hate when he left sad.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew she would get with Joe. She's such a slut. 3 guys in one summer? Come on. I liked the shy girl coming out of her shell element and the dating the sexy TA element. However, I think Zachary is kinda a douche. He takes this girls virginity, then darts off to NY. Not cool. And a whole summer of everyday 6 hours a day French class would SUCK. But then again, so would going to a crazy infested drug abuse camp when you're clean

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Hailey Abbott's book, this one is very similar. It's about a girl who falls in love with her TA. She ends up losing him because he has to go back to New York to go back to work. But at the end she find out that all along, her true love was right next to her. It was her best friend Joe.

[Frezanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of 3.5 stars for me. The only thing that makes me give it 4 stars is Joe. I don't care for the rest of the characters or even the story. Even though Joe was not there almost the whole book but his letters are the most interesting.

[bianca]

It was the third book in a row that I read where a girl dumped her boyfriend for another guy and I guess that's why I kinda felt like the main character did kind of a bitchy thing when she dumped Eric...

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does it seem like I am wasting time on teenage lovestories? I know, I know. This story was so common (as in regular summer romance story, avarage teenagers, typical neighborhood) and so plain I wondered why I ever finished this one up. But anyway we are entitled to idle, stupid moments too.