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A family trip to Hawaii is complicated for Kenzie Reed by the arrival of her picture-perfect boyfriend—who is supposed to be fictitious!
Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by Becky Dean. Delacorte Press, 2023. 384 pages.
- Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18
- Recommended For: ages 15 and up
Kenzie Reed has a plan. No longer will she disappoint her serious, over-achieving family. Gone are her attempts to convince them that photography could be more than a quirky hobby. Kenzie 2.0 is serious and ready to join the family optometry business.
To help out her image, Kenzie has created a fictional, over-achieving boyfriend. (He’s conveniently long-distance.) Kenzie is already planning a mature break-up once her family returns from their big family trip to Hawaii . . . . Imagine her surprise to arrive in Hawaii and find her family has surprised her by inviting her very fictional boyfriend along! Facing an undoubtedly real Jacob, who seems to know all about her and her fictitious creation, Kenzie launches into sleuth mode.
She is determined to find out the truth about Jacob while trying to resist the many photographical charms of Hawaii, not to mention the fact her fictional boyfriend is very attractive. But what secrets is he hiding? How does he know about her? Becky Dean balances a YA vacation romance with some thoughtful reflections on character growth, family expectations, and the importance of honesty.
Considerations:
- Romance: The novel contains age appropriate romance (with some kissing).
Bottom Line: A fun rom-com beach read for teen girls with some quiet truths learned along the way.
Related Reading From Redeemed Reader
- A Review: Don’t miss Becky Dean’s Love and Other Great Expectations (we gave it a starred review!) and Love Unmasked (also by Becky Dean)
- A Review: Girls who enjoy Becky Dean’s novels may also enjoy Belittled Women (particularly if they’re familiar with Little Women).
- A Review: For mature teens, check out House of Salt and Sorrows (based on the fairy tale, “Twelve Dancing Princesses”)
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