The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise
In The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise, super-smart, somewhat geeky Audrey McCarthy can’t wait to get out of high school. Her father’s death and the transformation of her one-time BFF, Blake Dawkins, into her worst nightmare have her longing for the new start college will bring.
But college takes money. So Audrey decides she has to win the competition for the best app designed by a high schooler—and the $200,000 that comes with it. She develops something she calls the Boyfriend App, and suddenly she’s the talk of the school and getting kissed by the hottest boys around. But can the Boyfriend App bring Audrey true love?
Publishes in US: April 30th 2013 by Balzer & Bray
Source: ARC from HarperTeen via Edelweiss
Series? No.
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The Boyfriend App was mostly what I expected it to be--cute and quick. I wasn't expecting the almost sci-fi element to it though, nor the twist with Public, a manufacturer of phones and ipod type things as well as social networking for teens leader in this book.
I really enjoyed Audrey and she is the reason I suspended belief a bit with some of the capabilities of technology. She is nerdy and smart, she is the middle of the road almost invisible girl in school, and although I wasn't quite the computer genius like she is, I related with her a lot. She is really into coding and some of that went over my head, but it never made me disconnect from the story. It was very believable in that she learned the script and such from her dad, and that is her hobby.
I also really enjoyed her group of "trog" friends in this book--Nigit, Mindy and especially Aiden. I liked their connection but I was right there wondering when and if there was something romantic there. Audrey's friendship with her cousin Lindsay also added a lot to this story. They seem like unlikely allies and close friends because Lindsay is hardcore into fashion, but still they are there for each other, and support each other no matter what.
The first usage of the app was more what I was expecting. Especially its first happy couple. But the second version is what had me questioning the story. I mean, it is an interesting twist, but I just wasn't expecting the story to go in the direction it did. And I think, no I know that Audrey really didn't think about what she was setting in motion.
Okay, so the rivalry between Blake her ex bff and Audrey... Blake seemed to be the definition of a mean girl, but I could always tell she was just a hurt and jealous girl. But that can make some people act out and try to bully.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you think an app or dating site can truly match people together?
I think it's possible, but that there's no accounting for chemistry. This sounds like a cute story, but I'm not sure about the "SciFi". Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty impossible though
DeleteI wouldn't expect the sci-fi feel either. Very curious on what I'll think. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Sara @ Forever 17 Books
I just started this book and found the first chapter a little confusing-I'm hoping to fall more into the story as I read further. I've heard some good things about dating site algorithms so I think it's possible to have it introduce you to some good people but it's not a guarantee.
ReplyDeleteYeah, i know there are a lot of compatibility factors, but without chemistry like Andrea said
DeleteI got this book from Edelweiss but haven't read it yet. The beginning was too dramatic for me, but this review just made me want to read it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAs for the question, no, I don't think apps can match people. You need to actually talk, interact and know the person before something actually happens. The similarities won't really matter.. :)
It was pretty over the top and that way for most of book
DeleteHmm. I'm glad that you got to read this, Brandi! I remember your WoW on it. (: Anywho, I know what you mean about not connecting with the story, but at least the characters were good! Great review. (:
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure-- some people do it and come out very happy. Some people don't. I think that it's just a coincidence, finding the person you're supposed to love on a website. A beautiful coincidence. (:
Yep, at least you know the other person is looking
DeleteOooh, this sounds really cute :)
ReplyDeleteIn relation to your question,I think apps are convenient tools but I don't think much can happen if people don't have the heart and sincerity to build a relationship.
Thanks for sharing, Brandi!
Thats true. How much can a computer know about our love life--well, maybe that is a more scary question
DeleteI've been seeing a lot of this lately. Glad you enjoyed the characters Brandi :)
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
Oo you have me curious about the sci-fi element. I'm glad that it was a cute and fun read for you, I'm hoping to get to read this one.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question...I suppose it's possible. It depends on if the people involved want it though, so it will always come down to interaction.
Yep, comes down to converstation and atrraction
DeleteOh another good review of this book. I wouldn't have given this book a second look without them. :) It does sound cute!
ReplyDeleteI think we're probably too complex for a dating ap. I know several people who would never have picked their spouse on paper, but love them just the same. I don't think an ap could ever predict that special spark.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, an app can't even perceive that
DeleteMaybe not an app but with the success of dating sites I wont be surprised if they come up with this soon!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for you to review this because the premise is real intriguing. I guess it sounds a little typical of chick lit but if it ain't broke right?
It is mostly pretty typical but it has the scifi elements
DeleteMaybe not the book for me, I do want the whole story to click
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty good! I like apps but I don't' really think the whole online dating thing works. Great review :)
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ReplyDeleteI wasn't really interested in this one, but the positive reviews recently have had me changing my mind. I really like the sound of the main character. I think I could relate to her pretty easily. Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that there were parts of this that didn't sit well with you but overall it seems like a cute read, and at least it took some unexpected turns.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
It was cute and fun
DeleteSounds cute. I wouldn't have thought it had any sic-fi in it either.
ReplyDeleteI confess I wouldn't expect sci-fi elements either but I would for the cute part. It sounds nice, thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun, cute read, though I wasn't expecting any sci-fi elements. To answer your question, I think it's possible for sure, I know several very happy couples who met on dating sites. Of course they don't work for everyone, but some people have had luck with them. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYou really piqued my interesting in this one. I love how its more than what you were expecting even if some of it bothered you. Great review.
ReplyDeleteWe had the same thoughts about this one, Brandi! I went into this book expecting a cute and light contemporary romance, so it definitely came as. Shock when the story turned out to be so much more... interesting. Unlike you, though, I didn't really appreciate the characters much. Audrey was a little bit too emotionless, and I didn't like Aidan. The only person I really liked was Nigit and Lindsay. :P
ReplyDeleteNigit was awesome :)
DeleteI have seen the dating sites work Brandi. I mean, they matched people up and I know people that have gotten married from dating sites. Now if they stay together? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI think this book sounds pretty cute! Great review!
Heather
Well, no garantees about staying together even if you meet in person
DeleteNow I'm dying to know the twist!
ReplyDeleteAnd … I do think online dating can work, but I also think that after the match is made by technology, the couple has to click in real life. Doesn't always happen!
I have this one and I plan to read it between the heavier books. I expect it to be light and easy and probably not very mind blowing, but you actually made it sound more interesting than I was even thinking.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was a cute, quick read. Doesn't sound like the best book for me...but interesting premise!
ReplyDeleteYea it seems that this book is what I expected it to be. Cute little read. I've seen it around and I might read it once when I find some time :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review Brandi. I don't think this one would be for me, I'm not too fond of this kind of thing. I don't know if dating agencies can make a match, but if you get set up enough times you're eventually going to meet someone you connect with, no? lol
ReplyDeleteYep, metting a lot of people you are bound to click with someone
DeleteI kinda skimmed through your review. I am glad you enjoyed this. My review is scheduled for later this month. :D
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Anything is possible indeed. I haven't used one either
ReplyDeleteSo it's sort of Sci-Fi? I didn't know that. I think a dating site could match people based on what they like, but I don't think that's all it takes to build a relationship with someone.
ReplyDelete