Once upon a time, I read Elizabeth Eulberg's Prom & Prejudice. I LOVED IT. I bought Better off Friends when it was on sale at some point, but then I forgot about it. This week, I've had a horrible summer cold (aren't colds even worse when you get them in the summer?), and my cold-addled brain couldn't take anything deep or serious, so I went scrolling through my Kindle and came across Better off Friends. It was exactly what I needed!
For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.
Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?
This book is too cute! It reminds me of Kasie West's books—clean, cute, and a littly swoony. It's written in first person in alternating chapters between Macallan and Levi, and in between chapters, present-day Levi and Macallan comment. It's a unique storytelling voice, and I really enjoyed it.
Though Levi was a little maddening at times, and Macallan was quick to hold a grudge without explaining to Levi what was wrong, I still really liked both of them, and I rooted for them to be together.
I really enjoyed how the book started when they met in seventh grade and then progressed through their junior year of high school. It was a little When Harry Met Sally, with the reader dropping in on certain times in their lives while they progressed toward their eventual relationship. Overall, this book is such fun, and it's perfect for YA lovers of all ages. 4 stars.
Note: This book is squeaky clean aside from one swear word that honestly feels appropriate for the situation. There's no sex, talk of sex, or teen drinking. It's very PG-type stuff.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Prom & Prejudice (5 stars).
Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before heading off to college at Syracuse University and making a career in the New York City book biz. Now a full-time writer, she is the author of The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Take a Bow, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality, Better Off Friends, We Can Work it Out, Just Another Girl,, and The Great Shelby Holmes series. She lives outside of Manhattan with her three guitars, two keyboards, and one drumstick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and chose to review it. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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I've had this one (and I think Prom and Prejudice, too) on my shelf for WAY too long. Someday I *need* to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteThey're both sooooooo cute, Rissi! Enjoy!
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