Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

This book was cute, deep and a shock. After reading fantasy for the past month the smack back into reality was a little palate cleanser. The pace was gripping and I loved all of the characters, I’m clearly out of practice for reading normal, real-world romance because I wasn’t expecting certain things to be revealed the way it was. While the characters go through episodes of complete and utter stupidity, I have to remind myself that they are 17 and 18 years old and that literally changed how I viewed them in that moment. I remember when I was 17 and 18 and I did stupid things and had 360 arguments and doubts in the same way that the characters do—albeit in less dire situations regarding my parents.

The characters are drawn together as they experience loneliness and their out-of-depth reality. The characters, again, are so young and as an adult who still makes terrible decisions and waiting for my frontal lobe to finish developing, I imagine that I would probably be in a similar situation and dealing with the issues the characters face in the exact same way—panic, stress and overthinking everything. These two woefully unprepared-for-the-real-world teenagers just make me want to hug them, in true romance fashion their problems are semi-solved in a satisfactory ending (for me at least) and I can’t wait to reread this in the future and pick up on where certain plot twists were in regards to the foreshadowing.

(Cross-posted on Fable and Goodreads and Storygraph)

This book had me hooked from the first chapter. There were unexpected twists and turns throughout the plot that kept me interested during the entire story.

This is an easy, fun , YA romance read which includes coming of age. Opposites attract, forced proximity and fake dating. I enjoyed reading about the fake dating coming to age part although parts were a bit cringy and unrealistic it was still a enjoyable read. I liked the different POVs throughout this book of both Gabe and Jessica makes the story interesting to read.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

The Accidental Boyfriend by Lori Freeland is a charming, heartwarming romance that perfectly blends humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters. This young adult contemporary novel offers a refreshing take on love, friendship, and the unpredictable twists of life.

The story revolves around Aiden, a high school senior, who unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a "fake" relationship with his best friend, Paige. What begins as a harmless ploy to help Paige impress her parents quickly becomes more complicated as feelings start to develop and secrets unravel. Aiden and Paige’s chemistry is undeniable, and their witty banter and tender moments keep the pages turning.

Freeland excels in creating realistic, multifaceted characters. Aiden is easy to root for — he’s funny, loyal, and self-reflective, while Paige is strong, independent, and relatable in her own right. Their dynamic is what makes the story so engaging; you can't help but want them to figure things out, both in their relationship and with their personal struggles.

One of the standout features of the book is the development of Aiden and Paige’s friendship. While the romance aspect is front and center, the story also takes time to explore themes of personal growth and self-discovery. Both characters face challenges that feel real and relatable, which gives the story a depth that goes beyond just a love story.

Lori Freeland’s writing style is warm, approachable, and infused with humor. She does an excellent job of capturing the teen experience, balancing lighthearted moments with more emotional, introspective ones. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but also enough emotional punch to keep readers invested in the characters’ journeys.

Overall, The Accidental Boyfriend is a delightful read for fans of contemporary YA romance. It's sweet, funny, and full of heart, with a plot that will keep you hooked until the very end. If you're looking for a feel-good story with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, this book is definitely worth checking out!