Call Your Boyfriend: A Delightful Rom-Com that Hits All the Right Notes
When I first stumbled upon Call Your Boyfriend by Kate Larkindale, the description pulled me in like a magnet: “A girlfriendless misfit teaching another girlfriendless misfit how to reel in the prom queen.” As a sucker for witty love stories brimming with emotional depth, I knew I had to dive into this one. Let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint!
At its heart, Call Your Boyfriend offers an engaging mix of humor, heartache, and a dash of scheming—elements that perfectly encapsulate the tumultuous landscape of teenage relationships. We meet Beau, who shows up at a party with a pair of panties in hand, moments before a tumultuous love triangle unfolds. Chasing after Maia, the girl she’s been secretly hooking up with, she finds herself heartbroken when Maia leans in to kiss another girl. Enter Charm: a charming but self-doubting misfit, eager to be more than just a wallflower.
Their connection feels both familiar and fresh, as they bond over shared heartache and the audacity to take matters into their own hands. It’s delightful to see how their initial plan to “give Maia a taste of her own medicine” transforms into something much deeper—an exploration of self-acceptance, friendship, and the unpredictability of love.
The characters are beautifully crafted; Beau, with her playboy charm, and Charm, who believes she’s awkward despite capturing the attention of nearly every girl in the room, balance each other perfectly. Their “flirtation lessons” bring plenty of laughs, especially when Beau realizes she’s unleashed a charming monster in Charm, leading to some irresistibly funny situations. The dialogue is snappy and filled with witty banter, drawing you in with each page.
What I found particularly refreshing is how the book doesn’t shy away from deeper issues, like parental abandonment and insecurity. Both Beau and Charm have their share of struggles, and their evolution throughout the story is poignant. It’s a narrative that uplifts, showing that love isn’t just about finding the right person, but also demanding a love that’s worthy of us.
One memorable quote that stuck with me is the delightful reminder: “If we do this, we can’t fall in love.” Ah, the classic trope of contracts and conditions that ultimately play to our heartstrings! This only heightens the tension as readers watch Beau and Charm unwittingly cross those lines.
As the story progresses, I found myself rooting for these flawed yet relatable characters—especially Maia, who brings a complex layer of empathy and disdain. She reflects the struggles many face with sexuality, which adds a rich texture to the narrative.
In conclusion, Call Your Boyfriend is a charming sapphic rom-com that is sure to resonate with teens and adults alike. If you love a storyline filled with playful scheming, authentic character growth, and a dash of drama, this book is for you. It not only entertained me; it reminded me of the importance of self-worth in love. Thank you, Simon Teen, for the eARC—I can easily see this becoming a favorite for many young readers navigating the wild world of love!
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