Homecoming King

by Penny Reid

[Berls]

I've had Penny Reid on my TBR for a least a solid year, probably longer. I've meant to get around to her books, I really have. But it wasn't until Anne asked if I wanted to buddy read this newer series that I finally got around to it. After finishing Homecoming King, I am definitely kicking myself. this was fantastic and easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

For one, it's one of my favorite tropes - fake relationship. I just love watching two people try to fool themselves that they don't feel anything and can pretend to be a couple, or in the case of Rex and Abby, a married couple. You just keep waiting for the moment that they realize that this is not pretend anymore. The wait is fantastic and the moment of realization is even better - that was certainly the case with Homecoming King.

Secondly, this book was hilarious! It's partly the characters. Both Abby and Rex have a great sense of humor. And their banter - especially over text messages - kept me laughing. And there are some situations - particularly at the beginning, that had me in stitches.

Third, I really liked all the characters. Yes, Rex and Abby were great. But the secondary characters, from Abby's lawyer friend and her boss to Rex's Aunt and Uncle and their mutual friend Cyrus, were all really great. The only not great character was Abby's ex - who was absolutely awful but very well written in his awfulness.

So yeah, this was an absolute homerun - or should I say touchdown since Rex plays football? - and I look forward to reading more of both this series and Penny Reid.