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The Boyfriend Launcher
In this sweet teen rom-com, in order to find the right guy, she will have to (fake) date the wrong one first—perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Kasie West.
When soccer star Dru Eason’s longtime crush Kai finally asks her out, she can’t say no. She also can’t say yes. Not when she knows things with him will end just as they have with all of her exes. They’ll date, break up, and in a matter of days he’ll become someone else’s perfect boyfriend.
Because Dru is The Boyfriend Launcher.
To buy time to figure out why this keeps happening, Dru negotiates a no-dating pact with her team for the duration of the playoffs—twenty-four days. Then she asks Winston Portis, one of her best friends, to secretly fake-date her. Maybe after some feedback on what it’s like being her boyfriend, she can take her chance with Kai and keep him far away from the launchpad.
But is twenty-four days enough time to uncover her issues? Or is it just long enough for Dru to wonder: Has she been overlooking the perfect boy, or is she just launching Winston for the next girl? And is she finally brave enough to take a shot at finding out?
When soccer star Dru Eason’s longtime crush Kai finally asks her out, she can’t say no. She also can’t say yes. Not when she knows things with him will end just as they have with all of her exes. They’ll date, break up, and in a matter of days he’ll become someone else’s perfect boyfriend.
Because Dru is The Boyfriend Launcher.
To buy time to figure out why this keeps happening, Dru negotiates a no-dating pact with her team for the duration of the playoffs—twenty-four days. Then she asks Winston Portis, one of her best friends, to secretly fake-date her. Maybe after some feedback on what it’s like being her boyfriend, she can take her chance with Kai and keep him far away from the launchpad.
But is twenty-four days enough time to uncover her issues? Or is it just long enough for Dru to wonder: Has she been overlooking the perfect boy, or is she just launching Winston for the next girl? And is she finally brave enough to take a shot at finding out?
- GenresYoung AdultRomance
Unknown Binding
Expected publication February 24, 2026
3 people are currently reading
3028 people want to read
About the author
RaeChell Garrett
2 books41 followersRaeChell Garrett is the author of the young adult rom-coms Promposal and The Boyfriend Launcher (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). She lives in Michigan, where she enjoys writing about the ups and downs of carefree girls finding their way in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy
Teen/YA Rom-Com | Sports Romance | High School Romance | Fake Dating / Dating Experiment | Family Drama
Super sweet read, truly endearing. I thought I would be annoyed with the back and forth Boyfriend/Girlfriend naming thing, but it was really cute. It was interesting reading as Dru's relationships progressed, the subtle changes as they happened, and having the anticipation of their reactions once they realized what was really going on and how they really felt.
I did feel sorry for Dru and the way she was treated and made to feel. Having to live up to the legacy of The Girls and always seeming to disappoint. It was no wonder that she carried all those insecurities onto other relationships. So many expectations of her, criticism, blame, burdens... and too many possibilities that she was or would become a letdown.
Winston was a peach. Such a kind, thoughtful, caring, and patient friend. But he was partially at fault, too.
Getting out of one's head is difficult. I can relate.
And the very last line, LOVED it!
ARC courtesy of NOVL Nation | Little, Brown and Company / Hachette Book Group
Super sweet read, truly endearing. I thought I would be annoyed with the back and forth Boyfriend/Girlfriend naming thing, but it was really cute. It was interesting reading as Dru's relationships progressed, the subtle changes as they happened, and having the anticipation of their reactions once they realized what was really going on and how they really felt.
I did feel sorry for Dru and the way she was treated and made to feel. Having to live up to the legacy of The Girls and always seeming to disappoint. It was no wonder that she carried all those insecurities onto other relationships. So many expectations of her, criticism, blame, burdens... and too many possibilities that she was or would become a letdown.
Winston was a peach. Such a kind, thoughtful, caring, and patient friend. But he was partially at fault, too.
Getting out of one's head is difficult. I can relate.
And the very last line, LOVED it!
ARC courtesy of NOVL Nation | Little, Brown and Company / Hachette Book Group
July 25, 2025
I’ve never written a book review before.
I don’t know if I’ve been too shy or scared or lazy, but in the years since I’ve started reading like my life depends on it, I’ve been a mere lurker on here. But halfway through this book, I knew that, for this one, I had to write something. Anything.
First and foremost, dear author, Miss RaeChell Garrett (if you’re even reading this which I totally get it if you aren’t), this book was fantastic. Like, I can’t express to you how much I loved every single line of this book.
As a (new) lover of YA, someone who isn’t too far from my high school years, and a black girl with too many emotions not often voiced for fear of being too much, this book was everything and more to me.
I loved Dru and Winston in ways that I haven’t loved any characters in a LONG time. You know when you have to force yourself to put down a book so you can actually sleep only to have a dream starring characters of said book?? Well, this book had that exact effect on me. And do you also know when you can’t put down a book because you just need to know what will happen next yet you also sort of dread reading more because you never ever want it to end? Well, this book also had that effect on me.
Okay. Now that I’ve gotten all that out, let me list the three things I loved most about this book:
1. The characters, the characters, the characters — everyone was soooo freaking likeable and just so…real? I don’t know how to explain it. I never doubted for once that Dru was who she said she was and was feeling the things she was feeling. And the complex relationship with her sisters was built so well??? And the way Winston and Dru expressed their emotions to each other????? This takes me to point number two.
2. THE WRITING WAS JUST SO PERFECT — I just love when authors can convey meaning and feeling in a way that is witty and perfectly shows what each character is feeling. Ugh, I’m explaining this wrong, but I know that if I was our dear author RaeChell Garrett I would have the perfect words because she’s just good like that.
3. The story was so… fresh?? And mature???? But also still YA-ish?? — Once again, not sure how much sense this makes to people not in my brain, but I think my favorite thing about YA is how we get to see the inner workings of a young person’s mind and how, even though, yes they are young and make dumb mistakes and say very stupid things sometimes, but in YA their thoughts matter and are treated as such. BUT some YA can feel unnecessarily kiddish and dare I say cringey. So when a YA - especially a YA romance - manages to be about a young person and their dilemmas while still highlighting very important interpersonal issues that the main character is struggling with? Yeah, that will always do it for me!
Well. This is my first review and I’m not sure if I’m ever going to do this again LOL. But, for some final thoughts: I NEED TO SEE THIS BOOK AS A MOVIE. I’m not only saying this because I loved the novel but because I recently received a whole degree in Film (and business) and currently working in the industry, so I *legally* know what I’m talking about when I say that this book is very adaptable with the right screenwriter and cast.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the e-ARC!! And the most thanks to our dear author Miss RaeChell. I had the pleasure of reading this book and you don’t know just how much I needed this right now. Please, please never stop writing.
Now off to read Promposal I go…🏃🏿♀️
I don’t know if I’ve been too shy or scared or lazy, but in the years since I’ve started reading like my life depends on it, I’ve been a mere lurker on here. But halfway through this book, I knew that, for this one, I had to write something. Anything.
First and foremost, dear author, Miss RaeChell Garrett (if you’re even reading this which I totally get it if you aren’t), this book was fantastic. Like, I can’t express to you how much I loved every single line of this book.
As a (new) lover of YA, someone who isn’t too far from my high school years, and a black girl with too many emotions not often voiced for fear of being too much, this book was everything and more to me.
I loved Dru and Winston in ways that I haven’t loved any characters in a LONG time. You know when you have to force yourself to put down a book so you can actually sleep only to have a dream starring characters of said book?? Well, this book had that exact effect on me. And do you also know when you can’t put down a book because you just need to know what will happen next yet you also sort of dread reading more because you never ever want it to end? Well, this book also had that effect on me.
Okay. Now that I’ve gotten all that out, let me list the three things I loved most about this book:
1. The characters, the characters, the characters — everyone was soooo freaking likeable and just so…real? I don’t know how to explain it. I never doubted for once that Dru was who she said she was and was feeling the things she was feeling. And the complex relationship with her sisters was built so well??? And the way Winston and Dru expressed their emotions to each other????? This takes me to point number two.
2. THE WRITING WAS JUST SO PERFECT — I just love when authors can convey meaning and feeling in a way that is witty and perfectly shows what each character is feeling. Ugh, I’m explaining this wrong, but I know that if I was our dear author RaeChell Garrett I would have the perfect words because she’s just good like that.
3. The story was so… fresh?? And mature???? But also still YA-ish?? — Once again, not sure how much sense this makes to people not in my brain, but I think my favorite thing about YA is how we get to see the inner workings of a young person’s mind and how, even though, yes they are young and make dumb mistakes and say very stupid things sometimes, but in YA their thoughts matter and are treated as such. BUT some YA can feel unnecessarily kiddish and dare I say cringey. So when a YA - especially a YA romance - manages to be about a young person and their dilemmas while still highlighting very important interpersonal issues that the main character is struggling with? Yeah, that will always do it for me!
Well. This is my first review and I’m not sure if I’m ever going to do this again LOL. But, for some final thoughts: I NEED TO SEE THIS BOOK AS A MOVIE. I’m not only saying this because I loved the novel but because I recently received a whole degree in Film (and business) and currently working in the industry, so I *legally* know what I’m talking about when I say that this book is very adaptable with the right screenwriter and cast.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the e-ARC!! And the most thanks to our dear author Miss RaeChell. I had the pleasure of reading this book and you don’t know just how much I needed this right now. Please, please never stop writing.
Now off to read Promposal I go…🏃🏿♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
While the story did contain bits and pieces that I enjoyed, mainly the MMC he was a sweetheart. There was a lot that irked my nerves mainly the FMC. I could not get over the miscommunication being throughout the entire story. I understand this is a YA but I like to think not all young adults are incable of expressing themselves in any capacity. The writing had me confused at times, there was so much going on. It would have been nice to have more dialogue between the love interest. The story had fake dating, friends to lovers, some language, slow burn, he fell first she fell harder. overall I liked it.
August 11, 2025
3.5!! 💫 This was a cute YA romance! I enjoyed Dru and Winston a lot! I liked how the communication between the characters in the story were mature. Typically, in YA books that I have read, the communication between the characters tend to be a bit childish. Which, I don't mind since it's meant for YA readers, yet I find this change to be nice to read! I'll have to check out Promposal at some point! 🤭 A big thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this e-ARC!
October 1, 2025
4.5 stars! The Boyfriend Launcher by RaeChell Garrett is a fun, sports-centered rom-com.
Soccer player Dru’s crush Kai finally asks her out, but she hesitates, considering herself the “Boyfriend Launcher” since the relationships she's had ends with her ex quickly becoming someone else’s perfect match. So she enlists best friend Winston to fake-date her so that she can pinpoint what’s going wrong before she takes a real chance on Kai.
The sharp and witty dialogue kept the story interesting, and Dru’s blend of confidence with vulnerability and some anxiety made her an especially relatable heroine. I could not put this book down.
The fake-dating trope was handled well with fresh twists, and the gradual shift from friendship to something more with Winston felt very genuine and sweet.
I loved Dru and Winston’s friendship. The entire time, its sweetness was shining in every scene as they are able to be themselves around each other, always ready with encouragement, honest advice, and unwavering support, making each other happier and lifting each other up at every turn.
Overall, The Boyfriend Launcher was an enjoyable and well-written rom-com that had charm, humour, and many heartfelt moments. It is an essential read to anyone who loves teen sports drama mixed with fake-dating/friends to lovers romance.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Soccer player Dru’s crush Kai finally asks her out, but she hesitates, considering herself the “Boyfriend Launcher” since the relationships she's had ends with her ex quickly becoming someone else’s perfect match. So she enlists best friend Winston to fake-date her so that she can pinpoint what’s going wrong before she takes a real chance on Kai.
The sharp and witty dialogue kept the story interesting, and Dru’s blend of confidence with vulnerability and some anxiety made her an especially relatable heroine. I could not put this book down.
The fake-dating trope was handled well with fresh twists, and the gradual shift from friendship to something more with Winston felt very genuine and sweet.
I loved Dru and Winston’s friendship. The entire time, its sweetness was shining in every scene as they are able to be themselves around each other, always ready with encouragement, honest advice, and unwavering support, making each other happier and lifting each other up at every turn.
Overall, The Boyfriend Launcher was an enjoyable and well-written rom-com that had charm, humour, and many heartfelt moments. It is an essential read to anyone who loves teen sports drama mixed with fake-dating/friends to lovers romance.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Part romance, part coming-of-age? Say less. This book had my whole heart. 💖
It was genuinely endearing, and I loved the premise because I know so many people who lived some version of this story—or at least felt like they did.
Even though I’m well past the age this book is aimed at, it brought me right back to those years of figuring out who I was, who I wanted to be, and how relationships suddenly made everything feel ten times more complicated. The emotional journey felt real and grounded, and I think teens will connect with it instantly because it speaks directly to that in-between stage of life where everything feels both exciting and overwhelming.
There were a few moments I wished had a little more polish—some repetition and chronic miscommunication that made me want to gently shake the characters and say, “Please just talk to each other.” But honestly? The strengths of this story completely overshadowed those hiccups.
And the banter?? Top tier. Witty, natural, and actually funny. I loved the solid friendship between the FMC and MMC because it gave their romance such a healthy foundation. Watching that friendship slowly turn into something more felt earned and sweet instead of rushed or forced.
Also, can we talk about the soccer element? I really appreciated how sports were woven into the story. It added balance to her life, brought in some comic relief, and made everything feel more authentic to the teenage experience—where practices, games, and friendships are just as important as feelings and crushes.
This is a well-written romcom that works for readers young and old. It absolutely belongs in high school libraries and classrooms because while it’s entertaining and fun, it also carries emotional depth that teens can hold onto.
Final vibe: heartfelt, funny, and relatable in that “wow, this feels like my life” way.
A sweet coming-of-age romance that proves growing up is messy, confusing… and kind of magical too.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary physical ARC from the Novl, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
It was genuinely endearing, and I loved the premise because I know so many people who lived some version of this story—or at least felt like they did.
Even though I’m well past the age this book is aimed at, it brought me right back to those years of figuring out who I was, who I wanted to be, and how relationships suddenly made everything feel ten times more complicated. The emotional journey felt real and grounded, and I think teens will connect with it instantly because it speaks directly to that in-between stage of life where everything feels both exciting and overwhelming.
There were a few moments I wished had a little more polish—some repetition and chronic miscommunication that made me want to gently shake the characters and say, “Please just talk to each other.” But honestly? The strengths of this story completely overshadowed those hiccups.
And the banter?? Top tier. Witty, natural, and actually funny. I loved the solid friendship between the FMC and MMC because it gave their romance such a healthy foundation. Watching that friendship slowly turn into something more felt earned and sweet instead of rushed or forced.
Also, can we talk about the soccer element? I really appreciated how sports were woven into the story. It added balance to her life, brought in some comic relief, and made everything feel more authentic to the teenage experience—where practices, games, and friendships are just as important as feelings and crushes.
This is a well-written romcom that works for readers young and old. It absolutely belongs in high school libraries and classrooms because while it’s entertaining and fun, it also carries emotional depth that teens can hold onto.
Final vibe: heartfelt, funny, and relatable in that “wow, this feels like my life” way.
A sweet coming-of-age romance that proves growing up is messy, confusing… and kind of magical too.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary physical ARC from the Novl, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I knew I was in trouble the moment I read the title! 🚀💔 I mean relatable, hilarious, and instantly click-worthy? Sign me up.
The Boyfriend Launcher is the kind of teen rom-com that had me smiling nonstop. Dru is a soccer star with the worst dating superpower ever. Every guy she dates turns into someone else’s perfect boyfriend, and watching her try to outsmart her own love life is both funny and painfully real. The fake-dating setup with her best friend Winston? Fantastic! The banter is cute, the friendship feels genuine, and the slow realization that maybe the right person has been there all along made my heart do a little happy flip.
This story is light, sweet, and full of those “wait… oh no… OH YES” moments that make YA rom-coms so fun to read. It’s about self-reflection, taking risks, and figuring out when to stop launching everyone else into love and finally keep some for yourself.
✨️Thank you, Novl Nation, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and RaeChell Garrett, for sharing The Boyfriend Launcher with me!
The Boyfriend Launcher is the kind of teen rom-com that had me smiling nonstop. Dru is a soccer star with the worst dating superpower ever. Every guy she dates turns into someone else’s perfect boyfriend, and watching her try to outsmart her own love life is both funny and painfully real. The fake-dating setup with her best friend Winston? Fantastic! The banter is cute, the friendship feels genuine, and the slow realization that maybe the right person has been there all along made my heart do a little happy flip.
This story is light, sweet, and full of those “wait… oh no… OH YES” moments that make YA rom-coms so fun to read. It’s about self-reflection, taking risks, and figuring out when to stop launching everyone else into love and finally keep some for yourself.
✨️Thank you, Novl Nation, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and RaeChell Garrett, for sharing The Boyfriend Launcher with me!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: The Boyfriend Launcher
Author: Rachell Garrett
Genre: Ya Romance
Format: ebook
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️✨️ (4.2)
When soccer star Dru Eason's longtime crush Kai finally asks her out, she can't say no. She also can't say yes. Not when she knows things with him will end just as they have with all of her exes. They'll date, break up, and in a matter of days he'll become someone else's perfect boyfriend.
While you can see the ending coming a mile away, the character development between the two main characters was nice. The cover art is what really caught my eye; it's gorgeous! This is for middle- to high-school-aged kids. So YA, with low to no drama and low stakes. But it does give you everything you need.
The Ending: Happily Ever After
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Days
Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Rachell Garrett
Genre: Ya Romance
Format: ebook
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️✨️ (4.2)
When soccer star Dru Eason's longtime crush Kai finally asks her out, she can't say no. She also can't say yes. Not when she knows things with him will end just as they have with all of her exes. They'll date, break up, and in a matter of days he'll become someone else's perfect boyfriend.
While you can see the ending coming a mile away, the character development between the two main characters was nice. The cover art is what really caught my eye; it's gorgeous! This is for middle- to high-school-aged kids. So YA, with low to no drama and low stakes. But it does give you everything you need.
The Ending: Happily Ever After
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Days
Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Boyfriend Launcher is a witty, hilarious, sweet, swoon-worthy, heartfelt, and fun YA romcom! I absolutely love the focus on decision making in this book! Dru is such a relatable character questioning herself at every turn and wondering why things never work out for her. This book beautifully showcases that sometimes things perfectly align for us in unexpected ways if we are brave enough to take a chance and follow a path we never planned to follow. It is such a sweet romance and the fake dating is so cute! I also love that dream boy Kai and right in front of her best friend fake boyfriend Winston are such lovable romantic leading men.
September 19, 2025
I think this is teen me’s overthinker personality dream book. This is also why I still can’t let YA romance/contemporary go. I love Dru as a protagonist and I enjoyed her journey to discover her “flaws” and make sure her next boyfriend doesn’t get “launched” too. I also really appreciated the balance between the more sweet, squee-worthy romantic parts of the book with the soccer team
components and Dru’s strained relationship with her older sisters (which had a resolution that very much worked for me).
I’m excited for this book to release and have my shiny copy right on the bookshelf.
components and Dru’s strained relationship with her older sisters (which had a resolution that very much worked for me).
I’m excited for this book to release and have my shiny copy right on the bookshelf.
October 30, 2025
#TheBoyfriendLauncher #NetGalley
Too distracted by the frequently used titles of “girlfriend “ and “ boyfriend” by Winston and Dru.
Readers know what these two are up to. No need to have the characters continuously invoke their roles out loud.
That said, like that it is the FMC whose inner doubts showcase her vulnerability. Author has Dru do a bit of self examination. Her roles as friend, daughter and sister adds dimension to her character as well.
This ARC was provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Too distracted by the frequently used titles of “girlfriend “ and “ boyfriend” by Winston and Dru.
Readers know what these two are up to. No need to have the characters continuously invoke their roles out loud.
That said, like that it is the FMC whose inner doubts showcase her vulnerability. Author has Dru do a bit of self examination. Her roles as friend, daughter and sister adds dimension to her character as well.
This ARC was provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
One of the best romance books I have read in a long time. I related a lot to the fmc as someone who has never been in a successful relationship so this healed me a bit. I enjoyed the personal exploration of how having walls can create barriers even when we do not realize they are there. In addition, the yearning and friends to lovers aspect made it all the better. Amazing book that got me out of a reading slump. I had a difficult week in my life before picking this up and this was the escape that made it all better.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really cute romance with some good plotting. the vibes of this one were great, and it definitely captured the classic genre of the one whos partners always go on to find happiness with someone else really well in a YA. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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February 24, 2026
I received an ARC of The Boyfriend Launcher by RaeChell Garrett thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While the ending is obvious from the start, the journey to get to it was sweet. I loved the characters and how the relationships developed, even the moments were you wanted to slap some sense into the main character. I am not a fan of the sisters but that is the point of them. Recommended!
While the ending is obvious from the start, the journey to get to it was sweet. I loved the characters and how the relationships developed, even the moments were you wanted to slap some sense into the main character. I am not a fan of the sisters but that is the point of them. Recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy my way💘
This was super cute! Fake dating is always a trope that I enjoy and this was no exception. I also adore friends to lovers, so those two tropes combined made for a great read. I loved the emotional maturity of the FMC and also our MMC in general. Definitely recommend this!!
This was super cute! Fake dating is always a trope that I enjoy and this was no exception. I also adore friends to lovers, so those two tropes combined made for a great read. I loved the emotional maturity of the FMC and also our MMC in general. Definitely recommend this!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The boyfriend launcher was a good teen rom-com. There are family dynamics which lead to a deeper story. While the light hearted comedy and miscommunication ensues. This was a heartwarming story. A breath of fresh air.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group and the Goodreads Giveaway for the opportunity to read this book.
While I liked parts of the story, some sections felt repetitive and made it hard to stay engaged. I wish there had been more insight into how the friendship developed and why the characters grew so close.
Overall, I’d rate this 2.5 stars
While I liked parts of the story, some sections felt repetitive and made it hard to stay engaged. I wish there had been more insight into how the friendship developed and why the characters grew so close.
Overall, I’d rate this 2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews