How to Break a Boy by Laurie Devore

YA Contemporary, 2017 by Imprint, 342 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• As is common in YA books (and romance books) so much of the problems in this story could be solved if the characters would just TALK to each other. 
• Many of the characters are NOT good people. They make bad choices, bully others, and generally act appalling. Consider that a content warning. 

What I Did Like:

• The language in the opening chapter sets the voice of the MC so well that I was hooked on this character in 3 pages. She’s NOT a good person. She’s flawed and dark and tortured. But she’s relatable and she reads so realistic that it’s breathtaking. 
• I will never NOT love fake dating. There’s something about the idea of promising to pretend and then falling into feelings that just appeals to me. 
• The ending is perfect. No spoilers, but it addresses every aspect of the story well and I loved it. 

Who Should Read This One:

• Young adult romance fans, specifically fans of the fake dating trope.
• Contemporary fans who like slice-of-life stories about high school. Really, that’s what this is. 

My Rating: 4 Stars

• It’s a fast read with beautiful language and strong characters. Highly recommend.