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morgangiesbrecht's review
5.0
This story was the perfect summer afternoon read! I mean, a Hawaiian vacation with sightseeing, photography, plenty of humour, and so much good food? Yes, please!
Kenzie & Jake were super fun. Kenzie’s parents & her sister totally stressed me out, haha. But Gran & Tyler & Neal more than made up for it!
There’s a huge amount of lying in the premise yet it isn’t condoned in anyway. And the characters have to confront & come to terms with their mistakes. Which I thought was so well done!
While this a cute YA romance, it’s so much more. It’s deep and the themes hit hard. People-pleasing and reinventing yourself to make others accept you isn’t the answer. You have to be brave and face the truth.
“‘Listening to someone talk about what they care about isn't a false boyfriend thing, Kenz. It's a decent-person thing.’”
.
.
“‘If you're constantly living for others, you'll miss out on so much.’”
Kenzie & Jake were super fun. Kenzie’s parents & her sister totally stressed me out, haha. But Gran & Tyler & Neal more than made up for it!
There’s a huge amount of lying in the premise yet it isn’t condoned in anyway. And the characters have to confront & come to terms with their mistakes. Which I thought was so well done!
While this a cute YA romance, it’s so much more. It’s deep and the themes hit hard. People-pleasing and reinventing yourself to make others accept you isn’t the answer. You have to be brave and face the truth.
“‘Listening to someone talk about what they care about isn't a false boyfriend thing, Kenz. It's a decent-person thing.’”
.
.
“‘If you're constantly living for others, you'll miss out on so much.’”
zbrarian's review
4.0
Fun summer romp in paradise. Interesting take on the lying trope, although there were a lot of characters lying to protect themselves and what they wanted to to most in life. The setting of Hawaii was written beautifully, making me want to travel there some day! Lesson to be learned; lying doesn't get you anywhere except trouble, where everything blows up in your face. Sweet building of a love story built on a few fibs. Follow your dream, not what your parents want You'll be happier in the end.
laelah's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
tayz090's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
tales_of_a_bookbug's review
4.0
I just finished reading an ARC of Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by Becky Dean - and I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it! The blurb had me requesting this one on Netgalley and it was quite unique - imagine making up a fake boyfriend in a scheme to reassure your parents that you've changed for the 'better' and he shows up to meet you on your family vacation
caylieratzlaff's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.
This is a quick, cute read set in Hawaii during the summer. Kenzie has made up a fake boyfriend to impress her parents who expect her to be exactly like her older sister and to not be "distracted" or aloof or anything but serious. So, this fake boyfriend and her self denial of her photography career lead to her parents liking this "new" Kenzie. Everything is fine (well, not for Kenzie who is forcing herself to be someone she's not) until this fake, imaginary boyfriend surprises her on their Hawai'i trip at the airport...and she just has to roll with it.
Jake and Kenzie's fake dating into POSSIBLY real dating was adorable (I mean...I put the possibly there for spoilers but like...it's a HEA). No idea how Kenzie didn't freak out, especially since she doesn't find out how Jake came to be until about 50% or so through the novel. The forced proximity and fake dating is strong in this book. Kenzie's Gran is also a massive supporter of Kenzie, and I love how she's just cheering for her the whole time (even after Gran figures out Jake is fake).
Overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected to!
This is a quick, cute read set in Hawaii during the summer. Kenzie has made up a fake boyfriend to impress her parents who expect her to be exactly like her older sister and to not be "distracted" or aloof or anything but serious. So, this fake boyfriend and her self denial of her photography career lead to her parents liking this "new" Kenzie. Everything is fine (well, not for Kenzie who is forcing herself to be someone she's not) until this fake, imaginary boyfriend surprises her on their Hawai'i trip at the airport...and she just has to roll with it.
Jake and Kenzie's fake dating into POSSIBLY real dating was adorable (I mean...I put the possibly there for spoilers but like...it's a HEA). No idea how Kenzie didn't freak out, especially since she doesn't find out how Jake came to be until about 50% or so through the novel. The forced proximity and fake dating is strong in this book. Kenzie's Gran is also a massive supporter of Kenzie, and I love how she's just cheering for her the whole time (even after Gran figures out Jake is fake).
Overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected to!
z_brarian's review
4.0
Fun summer romp in paradise. Interesting take on the lying trope, although there were a lot of characters lying to protect themselves and what they wanted to to most in life. The setting of Hawaii was written beautifully, making me want to travel there some day! Lesson to be learned; lying doesn't get you anywhere except trouble, where everything blows up in your face. Sweet building of a love story built on a few fibs. Follow your dream, not what your parents want You'll be happier in the end.
brooke_review's review
4.0
The weight of parental expectations can be a load to bear. High school senior Kenzie Reed is no stranger to changing the very essence of who she is to please her mom and dad. "Give up my dream of becoming a professional nature photographer to instead join the family ophthalmology practice because that's what is expected of me? Sure thing!" So, it's no surprise that Kenzie also creates a fake boyfriend to fit better into her buttoned-up, by-the-book family. Kenzie's fake boyfriend, Jacob, is exactly who her parents would want her date - boring, traditional ... and also interested in ophthalmology.
Kenzie never plans on her family actually meeting Jacob - maybe because he doesn't really exist - so when he shows up at the airport on their vacation to Hawaii, Kenzie is floored. How is "her Jacob" here in the flesh? How is a guy exactly like the one she dreamed up standing right before her? Naturally, Kenzie can't give up the ruse and let her family know that THIS Jacob is a complete stranger to her - she just can't lose face in front of them - so like so many things in her life, she just goes along with it.
As Kenzie gets to know Jacob over the week in wonderful, majestic Hawaii, she begins to realize she has feelings for the real guy hiding beneath the one she created. Jacob encourages Kenzie to be true to herself in a good way, pushing her to pursue her passions and tell her parents the truth about what she really wants for her future. Just who is this "real" Jacob who seems to be perfect for the "real" Kenzie? And will Kenzie be brave enough to go for what she wants?
Becky Dean's picturesque Picture-Perfect Boyfriend is a lovely, wholesome destination-themed romance for the young adult crowd. More a coming-of-age novel than anything, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend delves into the topics of self-discovery and being true to one's self, despite the expectations of others. It is about pursuing your passion and not making yourself small in order to fit into someone else's ideal world. Light on the romance, heavy on the teenage angst, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend will resonate with teens setting forth and finding their way in the world.
Kenzie never plans on her family actually meeting Jacob - maybe because he doesn't really exist - so when he shows up at the airport on their vacation to Hawaii, Kenzie is floored. How is "her Jacob" here in the flesh? How is a guy exactly like the one she dreamed up standing right before her? Naturally, Kenzie can't give up the ruse and let her family know that THIS Jacob is a complete stranger to her - she just can't lose face in front of them - so like so many things in her life, she just goes along with it.
As Kenzie gets to know Jacob over the week in wonderful, majestic Hawaii, she begins to realize she has feelings for the real guy hiding beneath the one she created. Jacob encourages Kenzie to be true to herself in a good way, pushing her to pursue her passions and tell her parents the truth about what she really wants for her future. Just who is this "real" Jacob who seems to be perfect for the "real" Kenzie? And will Kenzie be brave enough to go for what she wants?
Becky Dean's picturesque Picture-Perfect Boyfriend is a lovely, wholesome destination-themed romance for the young adult crowd. More a coming-of-age novel than anything, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend delves into the topics of self-discovery and being true to one's self, despite the expectations of others. It is about pursuing your passion and not making yourself small in order to fit into someone else's ideal world. Light on the romance, heavy on the teenage angst, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend will resonate with teens setting forth and finding their way in the world.
penn_and_paper's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The narrator chosen was an excellent choice. She brought each character and the story to life. She fit what I would have pictured for the character.
This book surprised me in a good way. It was refreshing to read a different take on fake dating.
The author did a wonderful job telling this story. The parental expectations is something many readers can relate to. While it is YA I didn’t feel like I was reading a YA.
This is the first book I’ve read by this and it won’t be the last.
This book surprised me in a good way. It was refreshing to read a different take on fake dating.
The author did a wonderful job telling this story. The parental expectations is something many readers can relate to. While it is YA I didn’t feel like I was reading a YA.
This is the first book I’ve read by this and it won’t be the last.
saloniporwal's review
5.0
I didn't realize I needed this book so badly!! Picture perfect boyfriend is the most rejuvenating summer novel I've read, and here's why.
What would you do if your imaginary boyfriend- who you made up to impress your family- actually turned up on vacation? Exactly our MCs situation. Kenzie is a photographer at heart but reinvents herself for her parent's happiness.
As I do often nowadays, I requested this novel a while back, completely forgot what it was about, and started reading without checking the blurb. Turns out it was a great decision!
I am supremely impressed by the characters, whom I fell in love with instantly, and the ones I wasn't sure about became alright by the end. Kenzie is a relatable, comfort character in a tough dillema. Parent's approval Vs her happiness.
Enter fake Jacob Miller. Good looking, EXACTLY like the guy she made up, and more understanding than her family. I shipped him and Kenz from the very start, their chemistry was fire!! He fit in with her like a puzzle piece, from the very start. (I adored the interlocked hands from the very start). Just a minute complaint here- Jacob's physical description didn't match my mental image of a cute 19 yo guy. I felt that the description more suited a mature 20- something man.
Special mention for gran!! Everyone needs this bold, impulsive, slightly crazy woman supporting them every step along the way.
I loved the climax as it popped when I was not expecting it. The ending was sweet and I think I need a part 2 coz this was just sooo good!!
You've made it this far so I might as well tell you- the title is just elite! While reading, I just realised that it made so much sense in so many ways, it's so cool. I can't stop thinking about how to interpret the title with respect to the story there are so many references!!!!
So obviously, I loved this book (Thank you Becky Dean for penning it down<3) and would love for you to read it. Tell me your thoughts about the book/ my review!!
What would you do if your imaginary boyfriend- who you made up to impress your family- actually turned up on vacation? Exactly our MCs situation. Kenzie is a photographer at heart but reinvents herself for her parent's happiness.
As I do often nowadays, I requested this novel a while back, completely forgot what it was about, and started reading without checking the blurb. Turns out it was a great decision!
I am supremely impressed by the characters, whom I fell in love with instantly, and the ones I wasn't sure about became alright by the end. Kenzie is a relatable, comfort character in a tough dillema. Parent's approval Vs her happiness.
Enter fake Jacob Miller. Good looking, EXACTLY like the guy she made up, and more understanding than her family. I shipped him and Kenz from the very start, their chemistry was fire!! He fit in with her like a puzzle piece, from the very start. (I adored the interlocked hands from the very start). Just a minute complaint here- Jacob's physical description didn't match my mental image of a cute 19 yo guy. I felt that the description more suited a mature 20- something man.
Special mention for gran!! Everyone needs this bold, impulsive, slightly crazy woman supporting them every step along the way.
I loved the climax as it popped when I was not expecting it. The ending was sweet and I think I need a part 2 coz this was just sooo good!!
You've made it this far so I might as well tell you- the title is just elite! While reading, I just realised that it made so much sense in so many ways, it's so cool. I can't stop thinking about how to interpret the title with respect to the story there are so many references!!!!
So obviously, I loved this book (Thank you Becky Dean for penning it down<3) and would love for you to read it. Tell me your thoughts about the book/ my review!!