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430 reviews for:

That Boy

Jillian Dodd

3.65 AVERAGE


So, this book, for some reason, kept me reading. That is the only reason that it gets the extra half star I’m giving it. I thought the writing was pretty subpar. The main character was terrible. She made terrible choices and then moaned about the results. The guy she ended up with deserved way better. I don’t really understand how this is a whole series. Not my fave, that’s for sure. ⭐️⭐️1/2

dudasrocha's review

5.0

Okay so this book completely took me by surprise, I mean when amazon recommended it for me, and I read all that reviwes how cute this book was, I thought well maybe this is exactly the book for me right now, because come on, everyone looooooves cute boys, and when there's two together, that makes just perfect!

what I loved the most, is that we follow the whole JJ story, since the beginning, she tells us how she met Phillip and Danny,their friendship, and they whole relationship...it was like JJ was a friend of mine, talking about her life on a girl's night.

This book was a pleasant surprise, and Jillian Dodd just became a writer that I will follow from now on, because Oh My God! she can write!
She made me laugh, cry and swoon, through the entire time that I spend reading this book.

And when I saw that it will be a sequel, I can honestly say that I cannot wait till it comes out, because this book became one of my favorites.
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duartepatri's review

5.0

I loved it!

It is a journal that takes us into a very emotional, funny, witty, loyal, etc...journey.

I loved the way we see how the characters grow up, how they face tough stuff together, how they look out for each other, I loved Danny and Phillip is certainly to die for.
I thought it was funny when she described them as "cute" as well as many other things, "cute" was her word I guess.

I laughed out loud, cried my eyes off, sighed, smiled and fought tears all over again....I did love this book and I am starting its sequel right away!


This novel kicks off in a unique fashion, starting with a very young JJ until it finally comes to a close in her early twenties. It's cute and funny and heartbreaking all the same. The writing style is such a fresh take on a story, that it makes for the most perfect audiobook. I definitely recommend you give it a listen!

Oh my heart! This was actually surprisingly a good book and super cute! It was kind of like a love triangle, but a good love triangle we hardly see with three best friends. Even though you'd normally want one particular guy with the girl, or in this case, Jadyn, I couldn't care less about who she ended up with in the end cause both Danny and Philip were super hot and adorable and just so much fun and perfect for her. I did like who she ended up with near the end and all, and that freaking proposal!? *swoon* I did almost cry at some point in this story over a tragedy, but to have Danny, Philip, and Jadyn being a support to each other through it all was heartwarming and same with the parents.

If you've read this book, you'll know what I'm talking about ;)

overall, I can't wait to continue Jadyn's story after this one and see what's next for her in her soon to be new chapter of life with that boy she chose.

This is one of the best books I’ve read. I seriously love it so much. Jayden, Philip, and Danny’s story is so adorable.

I knew that Jayden and Philip were always meant to be together, since he started calling her Princess.

The story of how they grew up together was fun to read. I loved following along as they changed, seeing how they were growing.

It’s honestly one of the best books’/series I’ve ever read. The audiobook is so fun, the narrator is amazing, and I love love love how she interprets Jaden’s attitude and her silly side.

The ending was so perfect for Jaden and Philip, because they’ve been in each others lives and finally admitted their feelings for each other, so it didn’t seem like a rush to me, it was perfect for them.
Can’t want to see how the series continues with the next generation (That Summer, 11/2020)!
I honestly wish this was sort of like my life, that’s how much I adore the book!
10 stars, highly recommend!

pixelski's review

1.0

Great story but seriously the writing was absolutely atrocious and juvenile throughout

maggieweygand's review

4.0

8/31/12: Oh god the crying I did during the middle of this book was ridiculous. I was completely unprepared for that.

8/29/15: I read this book again cause I saw the new one came out. I can honestly tell you that I must have mentally blocked out the middle cause I sobbed all over again. I could right now just thinking about it. But I love this book, That Wedding again next and the. I can't wait to meet their baby!

Ever since I first heard about this book, I couldn't wait to read it because it sounded right up my alley. And it was, but it started out terribly slow. I understand why Jillian Dodd started the book by having Jadyn tell her story from 4th grade onward because it shared her, Phillip, and Danny's life together up until present day. However, I really found myself getting into the story when she was in high school and beyond. Saying that, I will say I loved Jadyn as a main character and her growth she exhibited as the story progressed with everything she went through. Her friendship with Danny and Phillip was so well-written and amazing and I can't wait to read more about them in the next books. Phillip and Jadyn's romance was also so cute and a great slow-burn that I couldn't wait until they finally got together because of how cute they are. I feel like they get each other like no one else could and I can't wait to see how they continue!

Favorite Quote: “I haven't met anyone that made me want to stay with them, more than I wanted to go and rescue you.”

bibt198's review

2.0

Rating:1.5

I was warned. But being the stupid, bull-headed me I decided to go ahead and read this book anyway. And look at where it got me. Four wasted afternoons that could have been used for something good and productive. Given the four point something average rating in goodreads.com I thought it was be a good read at least, if not amazing, but the ratings were completely, absolutely misleading.
Okay, so enough with my ranting, let’s get to the book and the reasons why it didn’t work for me.
I hated the characters. Actually, loathed would be the suitable word. The sweet, innocent (not!) JJ; the geeky, handsome Phillip; and the athletic, golden boy Danny. There were times when I liked both Phillip and Danny, but those moments were very few and far in between. After reading the synopsis I was really excited. First crush, first kiss, prom, hot boys right next door…come on, who wouldn’t love THAT! And the first chapter created this mysterious setting about who ‘THAT BOY’ was. But then we got into the events that led to THAT moment. As if the events themselves weren’t bad enough I had to read them unfold through the mentality of a five year old. In the beginning it was fun and felt kind of genuine, since JJ was young and in fourth grade, and young kids don’t think like adults. But when it became evident that that mentality was constant throughout the novel…well, let’s just say that hearing a kid babble on about everything freaking thing that happens gets kind of boring. And to present the level of thinking that our girl here presents here’s a little example:

“Jay, you look REALLY hot!” he exclaims, looking me over from perfectly done hair to perfectly painted toe.
Now normally, I would be excited by this compliment because it's not something I typically hear.
But what I'm thinking is, MY GOD, I have spent, like, the following:

$400 dollars and months of shopping, which is still not a pastime I find enjoyable, on a fabulous halter dress in a beautiful, stretchy coral fabric with coral and silver beading. This dress actually makes me look like I have hips.
$60 on a special bra, so I'd show no straps.
$120 on a pair of high-heeled, strappy silver sandals with rhinestones. (And yay, even in 5 inch heels, Danny's still taller than me, unlike my previous date, Mr. Unfaithful.)
$78 on a silver clutch, that is only big enough to hold some lip gloss and a cell phone.
$60 on a silver gossamer wrap, in case it gets chilly. (Okay, so I have absolutely no idea what gossamer is either. But Lisa said that's what it's called and she should know. All I know is that it's a very sheer fabric that has no chance in hell of ever keeping me warm.)
$240 plus tips, to get my nails, toes, hair and makeup done.


And all Danny can say is Jay, you look really hot?
You'd think that maybe he could come up with something a little more original like, Wow, that color dress looks amazing on you. Or, Your face looks flawless. (which incredibly it does) or I love how your toenails are the exact shade of coral as your dress, and my aren't they painted perfectly.
But no, I am HOT.
Still, coming from Danny, it does make me feel good. For two reasons really.
One. It is the second time in a week, no less, and the first time really, that he has used my name and hot in the same sentence. Except for something like, Jay, it's REALLY smoking HOT out here, why don't you go grab us some drinks?
And two. I think it's the only time I've ever heard him say those words not being used in reference to a supermodel, cheerleader, or playmate.
The boy really does need to broaden his horizons a bit.
Did I mention how handsome Danny looks? He's wearing a black tuxedo with a cool silver and black patterned vest and tie. I love the way his shoulders look so broad when he wears a suit.
Danny grabs my hand and kisses me. “So, are ya ready?”
Um, I have been like, getting READY for the last 6 hours.
HELLO?
Can't you tell?


So I don’t know about you, but her unnecessary rambling really not only made the damn novel long but also irritated the hell out of me!
As the story progresses, JJ goes through some real shit. Losing the people you love at such a young age, feeling like your all alone. All this is bound to make for a tough time. But the way our girl here behaved made me wonder if she was even human. I mean who thinks about flirting with the hot guys when someone you love is in death bed? JJ is the kind of daughter that I wouldn’t wish on even my worst enemy. She completely lacks empathy.
This book honestly had so much potential. But the slutty, baby-minded characters completely ruined it. I mean I get that the author may have wanted to show that life must go on even when faced with the worst adversity, but she failed at it miserably. I’ll have to think twice before I pick out another Jillian Dodd book.

Disappointed! :(

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