RATING: 3.25/5 STARS

THE BORROW A BOYFRIEND CLUB was cute! I thought the concept was unique. It was the perfect set up for a feel good rom-com with fake-dating escapades. But this book also had a deeper side to it through the exploration of Noah's identity as trans, his desire to be seen and acknowledged for who he is, and his internal struggle with gender stereotypes. Page Powars struck a great balance between lighthearted and serious themes.

I don't know what else to say besides the fact that I really loved this book.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but Page Powars's voice drew me in instantly. I loved Noah as a main character, and it was so easy to feel what he felt, especially during the embarrassing parts. -cue me hiding behind my hands here-

I loved the romance between him and Asher as well.

I will say that, if anything, I wish we could have seen Asher fleshed out as a character more, especially in the second half of the book. I feel like we were just getting to know him when the novel ended.

Overall, this was an amazing romance and it's definitely bingeable; I devoured half of the book in one sitting! So I totally recommend it.

1 Sentence Summary: Noah Byrd just wants to prove to everyone at his new school that he’s a normal boy so that what happened at his old school when he transitioned doesn’t happen again, and what better way to do that than joining the Borrow a Boyfriend Club, where the most popular guys at school rent themselves out for dates?

My Thoughts: THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN! I wasn’t expecting to love it so much, but this absolutely captivated me. I started reading it last night, and had to stay up until 2 am to finish because I just could not put it down.

It was really well written, and I loved the characters. The side characters weren’t super developed, but they were still fun. And the romance was adorable!

Okay, and this book was HILARIOUS. I was in my bed at 1 am laughing so hard that literal tears were coming out of my eyes. I am not even joking, it was so funny.

Recommend to: People who want to read a heartwarming YA romance and laugh A LOT while doing so.

(Warnings: swearing)

I was in the mood for something silly and light, and this perfectly delivered. At its core this is a book of chosen family and recognizing your own worth. I love the writing and the characters were such a delight. Just a little angst to add some flavor and spice, but overall this is just silly and fun and full of many kinds of love.

The Borrow a Boyfriend Club was a fun and warm YA story about finding your place, falling in love, and accepting yourself truly and wholly.

In this story we follow Noah Byrd, a boy who just changed schools after the quiet but very much present transphobia became too much for him at his old school. Now he has a chance to reinvent himself, to prove that he is as much of a boy as he always knew himself - cue his decision to join a club that screams "boysss" aka the Football and Lamborghini club. But that name is just a front for a real club behind it, the super popular Borrow a Boyfriend Club led by the haughty and entitled Asher. Now Noah has to prove that he has what it takes to join this club through a series of tests - all while trying hard not to fall for Asher who is not all hard edges as Noah initially thought. If he has to help the boys of the club to win a school talent show with a dance routine to get in, so be it, Noah's got this. Or does he?

The Borrow a Boyfriend Club made me tear up, it made me laugh and swoon. This story has all the best tropes, from kinda enemies to lovers (or more dislike to lovers?), to found family and low-key fake dating and unexpected kisses! It's a warm story of fighting for yourself but also accepting all parts of yourself (even the ones that Noah doesn't consider stereotypically "for men" like dancing at first), of finding your people who will be there for you no matter what, of speaking up, correcting your wrongs, and falling in love. Noah goes through quite a journey through the book and I loved every minute of it. And don't even get me started on this tentative love story he has going on with Asher ahh.

All in all, The Borrow a Boyfriend Club is a warm YA contemporary full of queer and trans joy, first loves, and friendship. A total banger of a debut, I am excited for everything Page Powars writes next!

Thank you so much to Netgalley for this arc!

This book follows Noah as he tries to join an Italian Club that is actually a boyfriend borrowing service. Honestly, I would like to see this book have an adaptation. It really gave a rom-com feels. This book was so sweet and I teared up at certain scenes. I really enjoyed seeing Noah's journey of navigating friendships and his relationship with Asher.

This is definitely a book that many people should pick up! I can not wait to read another book by this author.

Reading this book was basically just me alternating between kicking my feet while squeeing and desperately wanting to give the main character the biggest bear hug and if the same doesn't happen for you I don't want to be friends.

This book is actually the first instance of me reading a book because of some official review of it. Sort of. I did not read the full review in question, only the repost done by the author, which I saw through another account, that highlighted a single word– Transgender–with some ellipses meant to represent the rest of the review.
I was immediately convinced, and added the book to my tbr, and eventually received the advance copy of it. I got exactly what I wanted out of it, a really sweet trans romcom about someone trying their hardest to affirm their gender and realizing that what he believed everyone thought about him was not, in fact, the truth. In a good way.
The characters are simultaneously ridiculously immature and scheming– in the way that only high schoolers who want money can be, and it was really fun to read.

Page Powars’ debut is an absolute delight. It finds the perfect balance between silly jokes and important themes, which is something I always love to see in my romcoms, and to have that in a queer trans YA novel? Page Powars really is out here doing god’s work!!

In short: U had the best time reading THE BORROW A BOYFRIEND CLUB and will be waiting impatiently for the author’s next book!

This book was funny from the first sentence all the way to the end - like genuinely laugh out loud funny. And while it is funny, it also doesn't hold back from dealing with real issues and digging deeper. The characters in this story are so relatable, andd each one enhances the story with their own voice.

Funny, romantic, nerdy, cringy, and full of love and acceptance, this book is going to be so so loved.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it early!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was absolutely adorable. I love the obvious Ouran High School Host Club and other anime references. This felt like a cute queer shojo manga. Noah’s transformation into a confident boy mirrored even the best anime transformation.

The themes of acceptance and self love were so wonderful and needed. Noah’s mission to be the ultimate boy was his driving force to joining the club. The character development between Asher and Noah were my favorite parts. I also really enjoyed Lenny. He seemed like such a funny dude and he was a real friend. I imagined him as a kpop boy.

This was a quick sugary sweet read that I think everyone who is a fan of cute anime and sappy romances should read. There’s plenty of fun cliches and moments that made me go “awww” and kept me wanting to figure out what was going to happen at the end. There are moments I was pissed at Asher and thought he was being a prick (pun intended) but he grew on me after a while. I loved this story and am looking forward to Page’s next book!!

Every now and then, I'll read a story that feels so visceral, with imagery so vivid and a cast so wonderful that I feel like I want to live inside it. These stories don't usually also then have me laughing out loud multiple times, grinning like a fool AND have a compelling romance that leaves me wanting to binge the whole book in a day. But, boy oh boy, did this book hit ALL the marks.

One of my favorite things in books is when the side characters feel just as real as the main characters, as if you can imagine their story just as much as the one you're reading. This book had that and then also so many wonderful scenes, a wonderful unique premise and a trans mc too!!

Which, the trans mc, Noah, was perhaps a tad TOO relatable at times. I loved him dearly. And then there was Jonah, who was Insufferable (complimentary).

I'll stop gushing for now but if you want queer joy and well fleshed out characters, pick this up!

4.5 stars

Noah Byrd has just started at a new school and is determined to prove to everyone that he’s a boy. Which is why he needs to join his new schools most exclusive club: The Borrow a Boyfriend Club. However, he doesn’t get off on the best foot with the club’s president, Asher.

After a failed interview, Asher has given Noah another chance. If he’s able to romance Asher into a successful date, he can be let into the club. The only problem? The more Noah gets to know Asher, the more he realizes that he might be falling for him. No matter what, it seems like Noah will lose. After all, if he makes it into the club, the first rule is: no boyfriends or girlfriends.

Thanks to Delacorte and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Borrow a Boyfriend Club by Page Powars to review! Let me just say, if you’re looking for a fluffy, happy rom-com, this book has you covered. It’s all about teenagers being teenagers, trying to navigate the dating world. Are they absolutely ridiculous at times? Yes. And that’s part of what makes this book such a fun story to read.

While yes, this book is a lot of fluffy rom-com fun, it doesn’t shy away from more serious issues. Especially Noah’s desire to prove that he’s a boy. A lot of this story is Noah trying to fit into what society deems to be a boy, allt he while learning that he doesn’t have to fit anyone’s expectations. He can still do what he loves (like dancing), and have it fit his identity. It’s such a great message at the core of an adorable romance.

And oh my goodnes, Noah and Asher are such teenagers. They’re oblivious to what’s right in front of them, they make many mistakes, and it’s just wonderful to read about. Powars is going to be a wheelhouse in teen romances, I just know it. If this first book is any indication, he’s got a knack for writing a great teenage voice.

All in all, if you’re looking for a happy, fluffy romance to pick up this fall, definitely check this one out!

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

The feel-good YA story of 2023! I just know a lot of my friends will love this witty and cute book. So if you adore Robbie Couch’s and Simon James Green’s books, please pick up this one too! I bet you will laugh out loud!

Fluff, fluff, and more fluff, and then suddenly, with dept, this story is a perfect comfort read. A silly story, according to Page Powers, but I disagree. It’s so sweet and cute. Noah is a character to root for, and the borrow a boyfriend club is such a fantastic group of friends. I had to warm up to Asher for a while, but I was also curious about what was behind his push-and-pull strategy. I raced through the story while sitting on the edge of my seat. I wanted more, more, more, and at the same time, I didn’t want this delightful book to end. And now I did, I want, no need to read Page’s sophomore book, And Then They Were Roommates, ASAP!

I won an eARC of this book in a giveaway held by the author on instagram!

This book was such a joy to read!!! The moment I got my hands on it I literally didn’t stop reading it until it was over!

Don’t get me wrong: the premise is absolutely ridiculous. A bunch of high school boys having a club where they get rented out as fake boyfriends? And our MC (who is trans) trying to get into this club to prove he is a “real boy” by having to literally “romance the president” + get the boys to win a dance competition? Oh, it’s so absurd! But was I here for all that silliness? Hell yeah! 😎😎😎 This book is sooo much fun!!!!! It’s such a cute and easy read, and the writing is funny, without seeming too forced.

Noah is such a great main character! He is so ridiculous and silly and pathetic, and I love him with all my heart! This boy has 3 braincells and a dream. He is constantly getting himself into crazy situations and he just takes L after L after L. He’s absolutely pitiful. I love him! 😭🤲💜

I obviously absolutely adored the trans rep in this book! Page Powars managed to show the struggles of being a trans boy while still making this book lighthearted and without including “strong” examples of transphobia on page. He found a perfect balance: the book definitely shows how much trans kids go through, but overall it is still a fun and low-angst rom-com that I think everyone can find comfort and joy in.

Asher was a very interesting love interest. He was definitely very well rounded. I liked learning more about his life, and the banter between him and Noah was really enjoyable. I loooved seeing Asher slowly falling for Noah, and Noah being too oblivious to notice it. 🤭 With that said, I do think he was a little too combative for my taste. He was rude to everyone in the club, and also to Noah, for no damn reason. I understand that it was kind of explained and he apologized in the end, but I have to say: as a reader, after like the 3rd time of Asher finally let Noah in, only to then immediately push him away, it got a little annoying.

I also genuinely never understood why the club boys took Asher seriously. He was so antagonistic. Why would these kids put up with that? And also, why would everyone at school be so obsessed with the Borrow a Boyfriend Club? Their influence was really seen after their dance performance (where students were literally lining up to take selfies with the club boys), but it honestly never felt granted. I feel like the author needed to build both Asher and the Club’s reputation, power and popularity up a bit better, so that people’s attitudes towards them seemed more realistic. I think the author could still add a bit more to the book before publication, so that students literally glorifying this club seems more justified.

Also – this is more of a personal thing – but I would’ve loved to see a bit more at the end! I really enjoyed the side characters (especially Lenny, my beloved 🫶), and I loved seeing Noah finally accepting himself, reaching out to his old friends, accepting the club as his new friends, and, obviously, getting with Asher. I would’ve really liked at least an epilogue to get a bit more of these characters! 🥹💖

Overall: this is such a cute book, and if you like rom-coms you should definitely add this to your TBR! And omg I can’t WAIT for Page Powars’ next book! It’s already one of my most anticipated reads! 🤩🤩🤩

You know it’s going to be a good book when the dedication mentions ‘SK8 the Infinity’ and it definitely lived to my expectations! I’m absolutely obsessed with this silly little book following Noah as he tries to join the ‘Borrow a Boyfriend Club’. The whole premise is, of course, very theatrical but it’s such an entertaining read that I don’t mind at all. This isn’t something to be taken too seriously but still has impactful moments all throughout. This balance of silly second hand embarrassment moments and relatable ones was so well done. When finishing this I was left with a warm feeling in my heart. Noah and Asher’s romance dynamic is super fun and had so many moments that had me giggling. The characters were all very like able and Noah’s subtle character development was a wonderful addition. The cast ended up feeling like a found family and I absolutely loved them.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this! This inclusion of adorable moments, pure chaos, and trans joy mixed to create a one of my new comfort reads!

This book is everything to me. It is so funny and joyous and Page’s writing has a Powar (hehe) to just grab you and hold you into the story. This filled my heart with so much joy. I laughed SO much. Literally bringing the com back to rom coms. I will read anything by Page. If I die, have Page write my obituary.

I don't remember associating this with Ouran High School Host Club when I picked this reading but from the description of the school club that is the center of this story, it was impossible not to think of it. What I don't get is why the book never recognizes the inspiration, is manga/anime too cringey?

But this isn't really a fanfic in disguise, it's just the general idea that is here, transplanted into an American high school. The actual story is about Noah, who has finished his transition and finally feel passable, so he starts at a new school, so people there wouldn't even know about it and never get his pronouns or name wrong. For that, he looks for the most boy club he can find and that he could apply to in the middle of the school year, that's when he ends up in the Football and Lamborghini something something club. He doesn't know that it is a fake name for the Borrow a Boyfriend Club, where students can go and hire the members, according to their types and specialties, to spend time with them be it on a date or at a school dance. However, this club is so elite it rarely accepts new members, which throws Noah in a multi-round admission challenge, which includes romancing their prick of a president, Asher. Can Noah pass all the rounds and finally be recognized as one of the boys?

I love the twists in the story. I don't know how a trans person feels, so I can't judge any of it, but there's stuff there that made me understand why Noah goes to such lengths so people will stop calling him the wrong way, especially how his parents won't even call him by his actual name, will just call him N, as they always have, since before when he still was called the dead name. It's terrible to think people so close to you can't get a clue.

The book itself is fast paced and fun. Each character seemed more interesting than the other, and I wish I could spend more time with them. Asher is also a good book boyfriend, to a point I can't really buy that he is a "prick" as Noah calls him. It's just too obvious how it'll go, and Asher breaks quicker than I had expected. In all, it's a cute romance. And the author knew how to do it. The influence from manga and anime felt obvious to me, though it could just be in my mind after I realized this is inspired in Ouran. Anyway, I loved the scenes Asher and Noah ended up alone with Noah's parents, they made me laugh hard.

Noah's complexes get a little repetitive; as I said I have no idea how hard and traumatizing things are for transpeople for me to judge, but it was a lot of tell that already had a decent amount of show to explain his trauma. There were some fears Noah seemed to have, on the other hand, that could have used the time, for example the details that bothered him so much when dancing to a point it caused him stage fright. There was obviously a lot more than just the one thing Noah repeats, although of course, this is evidently what moves him the most.

One quick comment, I liked the UK cover more... The US cover portrays Asher and Noah's date that happens in the beginning, and it made me imagine a different story when I saw it. Well, it still worked to attract me to the book lol


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

A very sweet and relatable story. 1-year old Noah just wants everyone to accept him as a boy. So he tries to join the most popular boys club in school. Despite the book being about a trans person's journey, I found myself easily relating to Noah's need to belong. It's a universal feeling we all have at some point in our lives, trans or otherwise.

This was such an amazing debut YA novel. I loved it so much! When Noah transfers to a new school, he is looking for a chance to start over. Noah is a trans teen, and he wants to join a club where he can be accepted as one of the guys. He decides to join the Italian Club, but it's really a club called The Borrow A Boyfriend Club. The club allows students to 'rent' one of the members for a date. Asher is the leader of the club, and he is following in the footsteps of his brother, who started the club.

Asher puts Noah through a series of tests to see if he can join the club. One of the tests is to show Asher how Noah would be on a date. On their date, there is so much chemistry! I loved that the trope was flipped in this story. Asher is the popular guy at school, and he develops feelings for Noah, but Noah is oblivious to Asher's feelings toward him. Noah even dislikes Asher... at first.

The characters in this story are so strong! There is a lot of heart, romance, and humor. I laughed out loud several times during this book.

Overall, this is such a sweet YA romcom. I definitely recommend it!