The Friend Scheme

by Cale Dietrich

Seventeen-year-old Matt is the son of one of the most powerful criminals in the world - and everyone expects him to follow in his father’s dark footsteps. But his father’s world has never suited Matt. His desire for a different life grows when, one night, he meets a boy named Jason. Smart, chaotic, and as disinterested in a life of crime as Matt is, the pair quickly become friends. And when Jason comes out to him, Matt thinks they have a shot at becoming more than that, revealing a part of himself he has long repressed out of fear of his father.

As Matt and Jason’s connection grows deeper, Matt grows suspicious of his new friend’s motives. He really does seem like the perfect boy - maybe even too perfect, especially when he starts encouraging Matt to disclose details of his father’s empire. Now Matt must figure out if he can trust his new friend, or his father’s plans for him... and must decide if he can ever do the impossible and come clean about who he really is, and who he is meant to love.

• ISBN10: 1250186994
• ISBN13: 9781250186997
• Publish Date: 1 September 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 2 December 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Feiwel and Friends
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 256
• Language: English

Reviews

[lessthelonely]

This book can be started and finished easily. The writing is somewhat clichè and sometimes seems to go a little too lighthearted for the story it's trying to tell, but it's not bad in any way shape or form.

What I didn't like was the handling of the relationship in the book, though the plot was also a bit lackluster: the characters clearly like each other, want to hug, make out... but THEY'RE JUST FRIENDS.
It felt actually annoying just how much it seemed that the main character wanted to go with the "JUST BROS" route, and then lusting for the love interest.

I really liked the love interest. He's probably the best character here. Got a little overdescriptive, there, Mr. Dietrich: we can know he's hot after the 1st time you describe his body, you know? Those descriptions didn't help much!

There are two twists in this book. I think anyone who reads this book will guess both, mostly because outside of the main relationship, there's not much plot. Of course, there's the MC's family, but they take a bit of a background place unless something bad needs to happen. I liked Luke a lot, as well! The contrast between him having everything a potential asshole could have and NOT being an asshole? Groundbreaking.

Also? Love the cover and the hardcover. Stylish as all hell!