Review by 30something_reads - The Build-A-Boyfriend Project

30something_reads 's review for:

The Build-A-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver

3.5

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Book thoughts:
Hate to report that I, a certified fake-dating enthusiast, did not really like the fake dating component to this story. It felt very convoluted. And while I always have to suspend my disbelief somewhat when it comes to the fake dating trope in contemporary (it's a ridiculous trope), this particular instance just made less and less sense as it went on-

because, at the end of the day, WHO were they fake dating for? Everyone knew it was fake.

And I know that it was drawing inspiration from How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days (classic) with Eli’s journalistic intent as the catalyst for the fake dating, but it STILL doesn't hold up. The reason it works in the movie is because both parties do not realize that the other is also faking the relationship. They both kind of suck for that (but it makes it funny and endearing when they start to catch feelings.) But here,

it just makes it hard to root for Eli and his endeavors because the only person getting lied to is Peter. Which is silly because why does Eli only tell Peter about the 1 article if Peter is already aware of the entire faking dating scheme and Eli's plan to write his real article?

(Also, just now realizing that I would have liked some closure regarding Eli's real article. Would have loved for it to have gotten picked up somewhere or any other indication in the “epilogue" chapter- but that mainly focuses on Peter's success.)

And I know that this makes it sound like I might not have enjoyed the book but there are actually many things that I loved too.

1. Deaver's character work for Peter and Eli.

Peter Park is one of the sweetest, most endearing love interests that I've read recently and I absolutely adore his story. (I think the author's history in the YA genre is very evident in the richness of Peter's character.)
Even Eli, as frustrating as his decisions and thought processes were sometimes, still had a very complex history that tugged on my heartstrings. (There are two particular moments where we get insight into Eli's past/ his relationship with both of his parents that genuinely had me tearing up.)

2. Despite it being painful, I really liked the way the conflict came to a head in the final bit of the book.

Eli was left stewing in regret and honestly, he deserved it. I liked the way it brought about his decision to build himself back up and finally do something to move forward with his life.

I think, overall, this book had some really beautiful moments that got lost in the overly complicated "fake dating" plot. But it does have me interested in checking out this author's YA work.

Audiobook specific thoughts:
Unfortunately, I don't think Logan Rozos’s narration really did anything for the story. There was not a lot in the way of variety or inflection and it left all of the interactions between the characters feeling really flat. It is one of those cases where they narrated but they didn't voice act and I think the audio suffers for that.

Content Warnings