Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg
Rating: ★★★★★ stars
Date published: February 25th, 2014
Synopsis: WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.
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?
From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?
What I Thought:
I've always thought a guy and girl can't be just friends. Let me clarify, I believe at one point or another, one or both of the people involved may develop romantic feelings for the other. I'm not saying they have to become a couple, because the timing may not work out or someone may be afraid to say something. I'm not knocking being friends to lovers. Being friends first can lead to a really strong relationship. Of course if it goes wrong, it can mean the end of something important and special that can't be fixed or go back to the way it was before.
Macallan and Levi's story is funny, entertaining, sweet, heart wrenching at times, and just overall fun to read. I know the tagline in the synopsis says, "Friends at first sight," but that's not true. Macallan is still coming to terms with a devastating loss and Levi is certainly interested and intrigued by Macallan but he picks up on the vibes coming from her. I love how the book spans so many years from middle school through high school and a multitude of events and yet never drags. This book flows fast and quick.
I think my favorite part of this book was Levi and Macallan themselves. I loved Macallan's serious and kind nature. She didn't hesitate to stand up for her family and those who needed defending. I loved how thoughtful she was and how much of a good friend even when it hurt her or came with no rewards. I loved how Levi was stunned by Macallan all the time. He really valued their friendship even though he didn't always put it or Macallan first.
My second favorite part of the book had to be the little intros to each chapter/event. This book is told from a dual point of view and both Macallan and Levi have a different font to help you appreciate what you're experiencing so there is no confusion or mix up. I will admit to getting emotional while reading this book. There are moments where I felt indignation on both Macallan's and/or Levi's behalf. I can tell you that there are scenes that brought tears to my eyes and at times a dull ache to my chest. Now if you're an emotional reader you probably will too, but if you're able to keep your wits and not completely fall in love with a book, you might experience what I did in more mild manner.
I've read one other book by Elizabeth Eulberg and that one was fantastic too. She has this gift of writing books that are not only funny and romantic, but thought provoking and emotional too. I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I went out and bought a hardback copy for myself. This is one book you'll enjoy and that'll take you back to those days of young love and friendship. I do hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I can't wait to see what Elizabeth writes next, but in the mean time I'm going to try and read her backlist before then.
Website: http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/
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* A copy was provided through netgalley for review. I also purchased the hardback for my library.*
Macallan and Levi's story is funny, entertaining, sweet, heart wrenching at times, and just overall fun to read. I know the tagline in the synopsis says, "Friends at first sight," but that's not true. Macallan is still coming to terms with a devastating loss and Levi is certainly interested and intrigued by Macallan but he picks up on the vibes coming from her. I love how the book spans so many years from middle school through high school and a multitude of events and yet never drags. This book flows fast and quick.
I think my favorite part of this book was Levi and Macallan themselves. I loved Macallan's serious and kind nature. She didn't hesitate to stand up for her family and those who needed defending. I loved how thoughtful she was and how much of a good friend even when it hurt her or came with no rewards. I loved how Levi was stunned by Macallan all the time. He really valued their friendship even though he didn't always put it or Macallan first.
My second favorite part of the book had to be the little intros to each chapter/event. This book is told from a dual point of view and both Macallan and Levi have a different font to help you appreciate what you're experiencing so there is no confusion or mix up. I will admit to getting emotional while reading this book. There are moments where I felt indignation on both Macallan's and/or Levi's behalf. I can tell you that there are scenes that brought tears to my eyes and at times a dull ache to my chest. Now if you're an emotional reader you probably will too, but if you're able to keep your wits and not completely fall in love with a book, you might experience what I did in more mild manner.
I've read one other book by Elizabeth Eulberg and that one was fantastic too. She has this gift of writing books that are not only funny and romantic, but thought provoking and emotional too. I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I went out and bought a hardback copy for myself. This is one book you'll enjoy and that'll take you back to those days of young love and friendship. I do hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I can't wait to see what Elizabeth writes next, but in the mean time I'm going to try and read her backlist before then.
Purchase links
Ebook:
Hardback:
About the Author:
The short and sweet version:
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, and Better Off Friends. She lives outside of Manhattan with her three guitars, two keyboards, and one drumstick.
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, and Better Off Friends. She lives outside of Manhattan with her three guitars, two keyboards, and one drumstick.
* A copy was provided through netgalley for review. I also purchased the hardback for my library.*
I'm pretty sure this book would stress me out and have me on an emotional roller coaster but it sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if emotional roller coaster is applicable. Certainly there were moments when I felt like I had been sucker punched. Of course, I'm more of an emotional reader and that sort of connection only happens when I'm really into a book, so it's a good thing. It certainly was lovely.
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