Author: Rachel Harris
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Pub Date: Sept. 30 2014
According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.
With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.
But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.
Wow so Aly is without a doubt is my high school soul sister. I kept thinking, this was my life in high school!! I even did a makeover thing because much like her, even though I was a dancer and fit, I would hide behind baggy clothes. My makeover didn’t last, the extra attention creeped me out and I went back to my laid back style. I loved that Aly learns through her own transformation what it means to really be yourself and that the people who really matter to you are going to love you no matter what.
I loved Brandon. I liked how casual he was and I don’t mean in the “casuals” kind of way. He’s just that awesome guy that’s protective of Aly but also completely clueless in some departments. I see why he is scared of a long term relationship and I like how he also grows in the book. The characters grow together! I love that.
I loved the story, it’s one of my favorite plots. Fake relationships lead to real feelings. I also really like how Justin isn’t just some random fantasy guy. He’s for starters, friends with Brandon and there is more to him than just good looks and bad attitude. I like that we do get to know a little bit more about him besides the fact that he is the target. Also mean girl Lauren is kind of fun character as well.
I love the writing. I just wanted to speed through some things because I was getting so frustrated but at the same time I didn’t because I was enjoying the story. I liked the strong representations of family and friendships. It was great to see that both characters had people in their corners. Plus the parents were also there to kind of say, hey you are just a kid it’s okay to not know what the heck you are doing. I loved that Kara and Gabi are so different but are such good friends to Aly. That Drew and Carlos have Brandon’s back but they also have Justin’s. Just a great mix of people.
So I’m a definite fan of this book and now that it’s over, it makes me a little sad. Of course I have the next one to gear up and get excited for now. Bring on Book 2, The Fine Art of Awesome (okay so it’s not going to be called that).
An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.
