3.5 on the Masq Scale. Between Boyfriends by @SJPublicity9 #chicklit #bookreview
Written by Sarka-Jonae Miller
Follow @SJPublicity9
Genre: Chick-Lit
Book Synopsis
Then her boyfriend dumps her, her friendships fall apart, and her parents cut her off. Suddenly without money, without a man, and without a plan, it's time for Jan to grow up.
Determined to get her life back on track, Jan decides it's time to make it on her own. Can she find her way as a single lady in San Diego? Can she fix her friendships, her job prospects, and her hair? And can she keep her vow that she'll never date again, even after she meets a guy who just might be perfect for her?
BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS is a sexy, hilarious story of living life, finding love, and growing up... but not necessarily in that order.
Joy Campbell's Review
BBetween Boyfriends opens from the perspective of a guy who’s stifled by his demanding girlfriend. The novel then moves to the point-of-view of said girl friend, Jan Weston, who I found dizzy and maddening at first. She’s rich, spoiled and has self esteem issues, which cause her to stifle the men she dates. Like attracts like and so the writer makes one of her girlfriends the same type as Jan, only meaner. Her other two friends play contrasting roles as the story progresses; one is caring and sensible, the other is naive and exasperating.
Jan loses her boyfriend, and then financial support when her domineering mother realizes that Jan has dropped out of university. She goes through a period where she does nothing but whine and snivel and wonder how she’s going to survive. She also decides she’s giving up on dating after being dumped by her boyfriend. Enter Juan, who at first comes across as trying too hard, but then becomes a solid means of support.
The book teaches both subtle and obvious lessons about friendship, relationships, responsibility and decision making. It takes Jan a while to realize that her family’s dysfunction and her resulting neediness lead her into unhealthy relationships. She also takes some time before facing the reality that some friendships are draining, rather than uplifting. As well, she learns to appreciate her true friends.
The writer does not do a 360 degree turnaround with Jan. In parts, the story felt a bit drawn out, but by the end of the book, Jan is stronger, a lot less bitchy and able to handle her day to day finances without the support of her parents. However, she also manages not to see what’s obvious—the guy who cares deeply about her and wants a relationship with her. I don’t think the ending will go down well with some readers, but there’s a sequel to come, so I suspect the writer will rectify that situation.
Between boyfriends is funny in parts and has some likeable and not-so-likeable characters. I found Jan’s mother and father a tad unrealistic in both disposition and attitude, but their role in the story explains much about Jan’s character. Chick-lit and new adult novels are not my favourite reads and Jan is not a complex character, however, I wouldn’t mind following her adventure in the sequel.
Review Disclaimer: Book provided in exchange for an honest review.
Content Disclaimer: Marked mature due to language.
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