Review of Call Your Boyfriend by Katherine Locke
From the moment I stumbled upon Call Your Boyfriend by Katherine Locke, the vibrant cover and the tantalizing tagline piqued my interest. A story about “a girlfriendless misfit teaching another girlfriendless misfit how to reel in the prom queen” sounded like a delightful rollercoaster of emotions, and I was more than ready to hop on. This charming sapphic rom-com not only delivered on its promise of humor and heart but also explored deep themes of love, identity, and the often-complex dynamics of relationships.
The narrative kicks off with Beau showing up at a party—panties in hand—ready to confront the girl she’s been casually seeing, Maia. But when Beau catches sight of Maia about to kiss another girl, her world flips upside down. Enter Charm, who is equally infatuated with Maia and naïvely hopeful after all their flirty tutoring sessions. The story unfolds as both girls discover that they’ve been played by the very same person, resulting in a plan that’s equal parts cunning and hilarious to get back at Maia.
Locke masterfully captures the essence of youthful friendship and the bittersweet sting of first loves gone awry. The initial setup—a classic “if we do this, we can’t fall in love” scenario—had me grinning from ear to ear. As Beau and Charm embark on their “lessons” in flirtation, not only do they gravitate toward one another, but it resonates with anyone who’s ever tried to navigate the choppy waters of high school romance. In fact, I found myself chuckling at Beau’s moment of realization: she’s inadvertently created a “monster” by teaching Charm the art of seduction, only to realize she’s falling for her mentorship subject.
The exploration of parental abandonment and insecurity is both poignant and authentic. Both Beau and Charm grapple with their pasts—Beau feels the sting of keeping her relationships secret, while Charm’s prior heartbreak echoes loudly in her mind. Their journey towards demanding the love they deserve is a touching thread that weaves through the narrative, grounding the whimsical plot in real emotional depth.
One character who really intrigued me was Maia. I appreciated the layers to her character, feeling both sympathy and frustration towards her. Her struggle with her identity speaks to the broader narrative of self-discovery, and it’s a testament to Locke’s writing that even the antagonists are given room to breathe.
The writing style flowed effortlessly, with a delightful blend of witty banter and heartfelt exchanges that kept me turning pages. The pacing was just right—holding my attention without feeling rushed, allowing for character development that felt earned.
If you’re in the mood for a book that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt, I wholeheartedly recommend Call Your Boyfriend. It captures what it feels like to be young, confused, and desperately hopeful—whether you’re navigating the hallways of high school or the complexity of young love. This book will resonate with anyone who appreciates the messiness of growing up and learning to embrace one’s identity. Thank you, Simon Teen, for the eARC; this one will surely hold a special place on my shelf!