Better Off Friends
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Publisher: Point
Summary:
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?
First Sentence: Guys and girls can be friends.
My Review:
I honestly don’t know how to begin this review. Everything I wrote and then deleted sounded super awkward, so I’ll just get straight to the point: YOU NEED THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIFE. Seriously guys, you have to own, or at least read Better Off Friends. I guarantee you – Better Off Friends will constantly tug on your heartstrings, maybe make you tear up a little (it certainly made me tear up a bit), and have you happily smiling at the very end, wanting more, and then proceed to reread your favorite parts all over again. I regret not reading this one sooner. (And could you believe that I was planning on not even giving this book a chance since I’ve never heard of it before? Very foolish decision.)
So you want me to lie?
Um, yeah. Friends lie to make each other feel better. You didn’t know that?
Have I told you that you look really cute today?
Thanks. I – wait a second.(ARC 17)
If you know me very well, you’ll know that I don’t like reading contemporaries, at all. It’s a sad, but very true fact. Most contemporaries are a miss for me with the exception of a very few books: the fabulous Anna and the French Kiss, Pushing the Limits, Being Sloane Jacobs, and My Life Next Door. Before I started Better Off Friends, I was a bit wary of it; I was worried that I wouldn’t connect with it, that I would grow bored with it, and that I would fall asleep while it, all the things that usually happens to me when I read contemporaries. However, the exact opposite happened to me when I was reading Better Off Friends; I breezed through the book and couldn’t get enough of it.
Better Off Friends started off adorably. It reminded me of my middle school days – Levi is the new kid at school in Wisconsin and Macmallan is forced to show him around the school. They eventually bond that very day and hit it off, becoming best friends. Right from the very start, we automatically knew that Levi likes Macmallan that way, even though he didn’t realize it himself yet (I mean, what kind of middle school kid will notice that their best friend’s hair changes colors during different seasons or think about how much they love their best friend’s smile?) and those moments were just so adorable to read about. I just wanted to leap into the book and pinch Levi’s cheeks like an old grandmother and give him a HUGE hug, probably creeping middle school Levi out.
And then you had to get a boyfriend.
It was only a matter of time before I was snatched up, especially when you can bake a brownie like I do. (ARC 107)
Better Off Friends is also so relatable, even though I don’t have a best guy friend throughout my life like Macallan does, nor did I go through all the things both Macallan and Levi went through. (I used to have best guy friends, but right after middle school, we all sadly grew apart since we all went to different high schools.) Macallan and Levi’s best friend moments remind me of my current friendships and reconfirmed the fact that I want my future boyfriend to be my best friend. I just love how Macallan and Levi have their own inside jokes, how they truly get one another like nobody else does, how they are so ridiculously witty together, and how they went through so many ups and downs but still found a way to eventually be together as friends (or maybe even more than friends -wink wink-) in the end.
Gross. But don’t forget that you got a girlfriend at the start of sophomore year.
Yes, I did.
But did the questions stop about whether or not we were a couple?
No, they did not. (ARC 107)
I love that Better Off Friends pretty much cemented this middle school rule for me: Boys are dumb. Like seriously, they’re dumb. They do stupid things, thinking they’ll help, but it makes things turn out worse instead. There’s this part in Better Off Friends (when you read it, you’ll automatically know what I’m talking about) that made me want to shake Levi, asking him why on earth did you do that?! Again, boys are dumb. You’ll probably think that too when you read Better Off Friends.
Do I recommend Better Off Friends? YES. I don’t know if I managed to convey my love for this book through my review (I’m dead tired right now and I’m currently supposed to be studying, but yeah), but I really loved Better Off Friends and can’t wait to meet Elizabeth Eulberg so I can fangirl all over her (and hopefully not creep her out)! So guys, what are you waiting for, go grab or pre-order your copy today (and I rarely do say this)!
Just so you guys know, yes, girls and guys can be just friends.
Aww I’m really glad that you liked this one and that it reminded you of middle school. i’ve been reading nothing but positive reviews so I’m thinking that I’m going to need to try and read this soon because it looks amazing! :) Fantastic review, Kelly! <33
Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain recently posted…Ten Tiny Breaths by KA Tucker
You should definitely read this one Eileen; it is SO good and amazing like everyone else says it is! :D<3
Thanks Eileen! <3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I was really surprised when I first read The Lonely Hearts Club. I ended up really enjoying it! I’ve been so very excited to read this since I first saw the cover. Glad you enjoyed it!! I need to get my hands on this one.
Ha ha, I was exactly like you; I so was so shocked when I found myself enjoying Better Off Friends. I’ll definitely be checking out Elizabeth Eulberg’s other books!
Yes, you definitely NEED to get your hands on this one Vivien. It is SO good.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
This has been on my TBR list for a while now and I’m so glad to hear that you liked it, Kelly! The question of “can guys and girls just be friends?” is a question that’s been around for a while now and I think it’s nice to have someone explore it, instead of the usual boy x girl= love. Definitely great that it’s humorous, too, and I can’t wait until I get my hands on a copy of it!
alice-jane recently posted…Finding Inspiration for Blogging
You will LOVE this one too Alice-Jane! Better Off Friends is definitely not the obvious boy and girl meets and of course dates kind of book; it is way more than just that!
And Better Off Friend is definitely a humorous book! I love Macmallan and Levi’s sense of humor! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I am SO happy to see a good review on this one!! I am hoping to read this one soon and I just love the idea that this is NOT a Best Friends Turned Romance Exploration! Eep. It’s so refreshing to just see BEST FRIENDS, not Best Friends So We Make Perfect Lovers kinda thing. Now I’m really excited to read this. Awesome review Kelly!
Xoxo, Inky
Inky recently posted…Review: Cress (Frozen Style)
Yay yay yay, I hope you’ll love this one too Inky! It’s just too fabulous ad awesome not to love! :D<3
And you will LOVE Macmallan and Levi's friendship, I guarantee it! (Now prove me right. :P)
Thanks Inky! <3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I’ve read another one of Elizabeth Eulberg’s books and didn’t really like it. But this sounds great! Really similar to something I’m writing, actually…
Everyone’s reviews are making this book-buying ban reallllyyyy hard! Lol.
Emily Mead recently posted…J K Rowling Regrets Ron And Hermione: My Thoughts
Oh no! I really hope you’ll love this one though; Better Off Friends is AMAZING.
Ha ha, but maybe your plots are different? Who knows?
Psst, this book is definitely worth the buy. ;DD
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I like any review that says I need this book in my life :)
Missie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Dorothy Must Die
Then you like my lovely review? ;D
But seriously, you should definitely get your hands on Better Off Friends Missie. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I haven’t heard about this book before, but it sounds amazing, and just like a book I would love! I added it to my Goodreads. Great review, thanks for sharing :)
Rochelle Sharpe recently posted…Fiction Friday: Review ‘The Raven Boys’ by Maggie Stiefvater.
I hope you’ll love Better Off Freinds as much as I do when you read it Rochelle! :D
Better Off Friends is amazing by the way. ;D
Thanks & no problem!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
Have you read The Lonely Hearts Club? Because it’s by the same author. I read it a few months ago and I found it to be pretty enjoyable! It’s a classic contemporary, if you ask me – but I loved how Eulberg managed to make it seem – not forced. So it was good. I had no idea she had any other books, but I definitely must read this one. Not just because you said so – I’m not that impressionable, pshhh – but because guys and girls being friends has been something of an issue for me lately. I won’t elaborate because I don’t want to bore you! It’s certainly not as interesting as this book sounds haha
But I’m glad you loved it! And those quotes are great. They make me want to know the context. Jeez, how am I going to wait until Feb 25???
Joanna V recently posted…Today is the Day I Write
I’ve never read anything written by Elizabeth Eulberg until now, but I’ll definitely check out all her other books.
And pshh, you’ll never bore me. ;D
But I’m glad that you’ll be checking out Better Off Friends and giving it a chance!
Don’t worry, you’ll only have to wait less than 20 days. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
Aw, I think I need to read this. It sounds like the perfect mix of adorable and memorable. :) Don’t you hate it when reviews are super hard to write?!? Gah. I always have SUCH trouble if I reeeally like the book or people have asked me to review it.
Cait @ Notebook Sisters recently posted…Why People Don’t Read
Better Off Friends is SO adorable and cute Cait; you’ll love it!
And positive reviews are always hard to write, all I want to say is “<3<3<3<3<3!"
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I WANT THIS SO BAD TOOOOOOOO!!! So jealous you got it! I haven’t read it yet, but I sure will get it! Even if boys are dumb :D
Jules recently posted…Teaser Tuesday: Fury by Elizabeth Miles
Don’t worry, it is SO worth the wait!
And pshh, when are boys NOT dumb? ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
Glad to hear you really liked this! I’ve been waiting for this one, it sounds so cute! Love the little quotes, definitely can’t wait to check it out. Great review Kelly!
Cyn recently posted…Romantic Thursday: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Better Off Friends is definitely worth the wait Cyn! ;D
Ha ha, I had TONS of other quotes I want to put in my review too, but that was a little bit too much, so… :P
Thanks Cyn! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
OMG I WANT THIS BOOK askdf;aksd;faksjdflasdf!
Gah it sounds even more awesome than I thought. Major grabby hands happening right now lol
hahaha boys are dumb are they? I wonder what Levi does to make you repeat that so many times :P
Nara recently posted…Review: Bird by Crystal Chan
YOU WILL HAVE IT SOON. oeosgepjpq
Better Off Friends is TOTALLY worth the wait, trust me.
YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU READ IT NARA. TRUST ME. YOU WILL KNOWW.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
I love the quotes you included in your review! :) I’ve read another one of Eulberg’s books (Take a Bow) and it was supremely well written and very emotionally affecting, so I am pretty sure, I’d end up enjoying her latest one as well, especially after what you said in your review. Thank you for sharing!
Evie recently posted…Blog Tour: Snakeroot by Andrea Cremer (Review + Giveaway)
I am literally going to check out each and every one of Elizabeth Eulberg’s books now, including Take A Bow. Better Off Friends is THAT good!
And wait until you read the book; there are way more great quotes in there! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
Great review. Cute little school romance for Valentine’s day. <3
Thanks Cali! (:
Ha ha, too bad this book releases after Valentines Day. D:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
This sounds like a cute chic lit book. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve read a cute YA high school contemporary. I miss it haha. Great review :)
Better Off Friends is one of the best YA high school contemporary in my opinion. :D
It’s adorable, fun, silly, and cute. You’ll love it May!
Thanks May! (:
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [70]
Kelly, I still can’t believe you don’t like contemporaries. How can you not? D: THEY’RE WONDERFUL (except when they’re not). Anyway, I’m glad you liked this one. I’ve been really looking forward to it because 1. It’s sounds adorable and 2. Elizabeth Eulberg’s a good author. All her books are cute (well the ones I read anyway). I want my future boyfriend to be my best friend, but um none of my best friends are guys. FAIL. I need to read this, Kelly, NEED. It’ll be released soon, thank god. Oh, and if you ever go meet her, take me with you! We (or I) can unsuccessfully not creep her out together! :D Doesn’t that sound FUN. (It probably isn’t for her, haha.) Beautiful review, Kelly! I love the quotes you chose. <3
Angela, how can you like contemporaries that much? They’re…plain! Except for a select few.
I need to read all Elizabeth Eulberg’s other books now!
Don’t worry, the ARC you won should be coming any day soon now!
And that means you’ll be with me in March when Elizabeth Eulberg comes to NYC right? ;DD
Thank you Angela! <3
Watch, there are even more awesome quotes in the book. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: Legend, Prodigy + Champion – Marie Lu
To be honest, I don’t like contemporary novels very much either, but I absolutely loved Better Off Friends! This was an awesome review, it really sums up all the amazingness/adorableness of the book! I definitely recommend it to everyone, whether they like contemporaries or not.
Yay, I’m glad you loved Better Off Friends even though you’re not a contemporary fan like I am! -high fives-
Ha ha, I tried! But seriously, I can’t stop goshing about this one many days later still. -sighs wistfully-
I agree!
Kelly recently posted…Judge A Book By Its Signature: Legend, Prodigy + Champion – Marie Lu
I agree…this book was amazing!
Cassie L. recently posted…Plain Jayne by Laura Drewry, A Review ★★★★★