When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend, Bradley, dumps her in the parking lot of her high school prom, she decides to do the unthinkable...convince the cute guy waiting to pick up his sister to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. The task is simple: two hours, zero commitment, a few white lies. The problem is that days after prom, she can't stop thinking about her fill-in boyfriend. But can Gia turn her fake boyfriend into a real one without exposing her lie and possibly destroying her friendships and her newfound relationship? Smartly observed and wonderfully romantic, Kasie West's talent shines in this tale of one girl's unexpected quest to find love...and possibly herself.
Reading Kasie West is a little like reading Sarah Addison Allen. Even my least favorite of their books are still pretty good. This one is my least favorite but it's still kind of fantastic. All because of Gia.
For me, Gia is pretty unlikable for at least half the book. When she's talking to people she's actually pretty decent. But as soon as it's just her internal monologue, she's awfully annoying.
The thing is, she also has a good arc. And I think she would be more relatable than annoying to a younger audience. I actually think this is a *great* book for a YA reader. It's funny. It's sweet. And if they can't see themselves in Gia they can probably see someone they know. Since she's got a good arc, that's s really good thing.
And the book is very witty and fun. It would be super sweet from anyone else but Kasie West does sweet so well it's only sweet.
So, not my favorite Kasie West. But totally something I'd buy for a friend's daughter.
