title: Bookish Boyfriends
author: Tiffany Schmidt
description: Gr 8 UpMerrilee Campbell is extremely excited to be transferring to Hero High with her best friend Elisa and her younger sister Rory. Toby, Merri's other best friend, already attends Hero High, which makes the transfer even better. Merri is a big dreamer and romantic, but believes boys in books are better than in real life. Then she meets Monroe Stratford, a junior who appears to be infatuated with her. Merri is convinced she's living Juliet's life to Monroe's Romeo until he starts to get on her nerves with his constant texts, phone calls, and demands on her time. Meanwhile, Merri can't stand Toby's friend Fielding Williams, who always seems to be around in embarrassing situations or when she's being extra clumsy. Thanks to her favorite teacher, Merri realizes that maybe her life isn't Romeo and Juliet after all. Other issues are touched on: her older sister is getting married, her younger sister is struggling with classes, and Elisa's parents are always away on a research trip. But the focus of the story is Merri and her addiction to romance stories. Halfway through the work, the narrative begins to reference Pride and Prejudice, and the story starts to pick up. The novel is told in first person, and eventually Merrilee becomes a likable narrator. Some teens may be so frustrated with Merri during the first half, that they may not stick with the story. VERDICT A good choice for large romance collections.Natalie Struecker, Cedar Rapids Public Library, IA
zlib_text: Praise for the runaway New York Times bestseller
  
  
  
  
  
  REAL
  
  
  
  
  
  “I have a new book crush and his name is Remington Tate.”
  
  
  
  
  
  —Martini Times
  
  
  
  
  
  “Unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Remy and Brooke’s love story is one
  that has to be experienced because until you do, you just won’t get it . . .
  one rollercoaster ride that you’ll never forget!”
  
  
  
  
  
  —Books over Boys
  
  
  
  
  
  “Sweet, scary, unfulfilling, fulfilling, smexy, heartbreaking, crazy, intense,
  beautiful, oh did I mention hot?! Kudos are in order for Ms. Evans for taking
  writing to a whole new level. She makes you FEEL every single word you read.”
  
  
  
  
  
  —Reality Bites
  
  
  
  
  
  “I loved this book. As in, I couldn’t stop talking about it.”
  
  
  
  
  
  —Dear Author
  
  
  
  
  
  “Wow—Katy Evans is one to watch.”
  
  
  
  
  
  —Wicked Little Pixie
  
  
  
  
  
  “Remy was complex and his story broke my heart . . . made me cry! This author
  had me gripped and on the edge of my seat through the whole story . . .
  without a doubt I absolutely fell in total LOVE with Remy.”
  
  
  
  