The Girlfriend RequestAuthor: Jodie Andrefski
Published by: Entangled Crush
Publication Date: January 11, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 216
Source: Publisher
Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like...way more. From friend request to In a Relationship--it all seemed so completely logical when she'd planned it.
Eli can't figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she's the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe...he missed his chance with the girl next door.
Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated...
Okay, so here’s the thing. The Girlfriend Request is a book I need to step back from and look at objectively.
I love the fact that Emma and Eli were best friends since first grade, and now at the age of sixteen, they realize their feelings for each other have grown into something more. I was expecting something on the more fun side and full of crazy shenanigans. More comedic and cute, I guess. Ay ay ay, but is it ever a bumpy, drama-filled road they have to navigate in order to reach their HEA. There are some cute moments, great friendships, and involved parents, but the teen angst is very much present.
With that being said.
I think this is the type of YA that many adults won’t necessarily enjoy. This truly is a ‘teen book’ that is geared towards them. So while I personally thought it was just okay, I feel there are a lot in the target audience who would love it. In fact, I have a couple girls in mind I plan to recommend The Girlfriend Request to.
Fantastic review, and yep sometimes they really are geared to the tweens/teens. Love the new look.
I’m glad I caught your review before I grabbed this one. I totally get what you mean b/c I’ve had to set aside a few books b/c I’m too old for them.
Agreed. I was expecting more of what you were talking about. I have been enjoying these Entangled books, but this one was missing something for me.
I think some youthful shenanigans just seem too unlikely to us once we’re adults, even if we’re good at remembering our teen-years. And I’m not one for drama, especially if it feels as if it was created just for drama’s sake.
Great review, Christy 🙂
There are those YA books that are truly for YA. I just can’t bring myself to read them. Unless there’s some kind of strong message, I most likely won’t enjoy it. Great review!
Ah I know what you mean. I have picked up books that are really just for teens to enjoy. Glad there were some cute moments though and you have people to recommend it to! Great review!
I read a similar book yesterday, The Year We Fall Apart, and dear lord, the drama and the angst before the kids got together had me bashing my head against the wall. I’m too old for these kinds of books now I think. And most of the drama and angst was so stupid and unnecessary – like the kids made them out to be a much much bigger deal than they were. But I get it though. These aren’t books aimed at me.
Looks like this is one I’m going to stay away from even though the book did have some cute moments.
Nice review. I agree there are those YA books that are definitely aimed at the YA audience and I don’t tend to enjoy those as much. I’m curious about this one though despite the angst. And since I have 2 teen daughters, maybe I’ll get it for them…and then I can read it. 🙂
Sounds kind of cute but probably something I’m gonna pass on. Thanks for the review!
Lots of teen angst? Not the book for me then Christy! I really appreciate your thoughts on this one though, I do tend to struggle with the books that read a little younger, but as you said, I’m not the target age group so this will likely appeal way more to those who are:)
I honestly think I would have expected the same as you did, not all the angst. I would think being friends with someone that long would offer a bit more insight into how they think and the communication would have been better, *shrugs* what do I know?
Great review. I will definitely keep that in mind for this one.
It might be too teen for me then
Yea, I think you have the some of the same problems I do with YA contemp. I do think I’ll pass on this one but it does sound good for some peeps I do have in mind. 🙂
There are a lot of YA books that I love and quite a few that I know I should leave for my 15 year old daughter. I am an old lady and sometimes the teen drama is just too much for me to handle.
I love the new look on your blog – very pretty!
That’s good you think this would be good for teens as the intended audience. Sounds way too dramatic for me though!
Thanks for the warning, Christy. I think it might not be for me this time…
I’m likely too old for this one then, but it’s good you mention it’s a true YA.
It sounds sweet and I like the fact that they were long time friends. I wouldn’t have expected a teen book though.
Ahh yes that sounds a little too young for me. I do enjoy some YA but some just feel too young. Thanks for the heads up!
I can see why you had a few issues with this one Christy, it sounds like a cute, fluffy friends to lovers contemporary, but the drama and angst would turn me off too. There’s really no need for it other than to bulk up a storyline. I like the fluffy romances, but the drama gets too much for my adult brain to handle. Thanks for the objective review and hopefully your next read is much, much better <3
Ahh…. I love best friend romances and this one certainly has a lot of history.
Thanks for clearing it up, I’ll be sure to skip this! lol I can’t appreciate juvenile romances anymore, signs of aging!
Happy 2016, Christy!
This sounds super sweet, and I think I know a teen who would love this – lol. Thanks for sharing!
I understand what you mean by ‘adults probably not enjoying this one’ but still believing the target audience for it would absolutely love it. I’ve come across many of those types of books lately. I do love the fact that this one deals with a friendship turned romance. i’m a sucker for those types of books and i know tons of younger girls who would love a plot like this one.
By the way! This is my first time visiting the blog since your update! I love the new background design! <3
I don’t think this is the right type of a read for me because I prefer more adult stories, but I’m glad you enjoyed it despite some issues.