PICTURE PERFECT BOYFRIEND (Becky Dean) – Cute, Quirky YA Rom-Com

A Delightful Read from the Author of Love & Other Great Expectations

Becky Dean’s Love & Other Great Expectations was an unexpectedly enjoyable read for me last year. When I saw she had released a new rom-com story, I knew I wanted to try it. Sure enough – although pretty different from her first book – Picture Perfect Boyfriend was absolutely delightful. I zoomed right through it, and it made me smile.

A Summary

Kenzie Reed has resigned herself to a boring life of science clubs, spreadsheets, and… optometry. For years, her artsy, nature-photography-loving self could not get her straightlaced family to take her seriously; and thus, she has reinvented herself as Kenzie 2.0 for them. And so far, it’s working! They seem to respect her more, and she’s gotten way less disapproving looks and frustrated sighs out of Mom and Dad.

She even creates a fake boyfriend, one already in college and considering optometry for a career; and boy, does Jacob Miller impress her parents! She’s stifled and miserable, but at least her family is pleased. But nothing lasts forever. And on a family vacation to Hawaii, Kenzie is surprised by none other than Jacob Miller at the airport. Waiting for her. Knowing all of her lies. Playing right along with her and sticking around all week long… 

What I Liked

Secret-Keeping Trope Surprised Me

Okay, so right off the bat, I have to say: I don’t generally like books driven by lies and miscommunication. I recognize it’s an easy plot-motivator, but they can be pretty stereotypical. Thankfully, I did not find Picture Perfect Boyfriend to be super stereotypical.

Sure, there were moments where my brain screamed, “TELL THE TRUTH ALREADY.” But, all in all, it worked for this book and this story. In fact, it lent itself to substantial character growth and development, and I appreciated this. Plus, it actually resolves in a reasonable and fairly healthy manner (maybe I should amend my “I don’t like lie-plots” to “I don’t like unbelievable lie-resolution plots”). 

Likable Characters with Growth & Connection

Kenzie and Jake (Fake Jacob’s real name) are likable characters. They’re relatable, they’re funny, and they develop a really sweet connection. They help each other navigate the pressures of familial expectations and pain they’re experiencing. It shouldn’t be a spoiler that they do actually fall for each other for real.

Their romance is not only appropriate for their ages (18/19) but quite healthy and normal, despite the abnormal circumstances of the novel. 

Interesting Supporting Characters

Kenzie’s family annoyed me the way I think they’re supposed to. You feel stifled as a reader by their critical attitudes and feel for Kenzie as she desperately craves their approval.

Although Dean attempts to give her sister Alana some redeeming qualities, I really felt like she was just as judgmental and unnecessarily close-minded as her parents. I liked the character development of her brother Tyler, and Kenzie’s Gran is a hilarious and heartwarming addition to the group.

Hawaii Setting

I loved the descriptions of Hawaii and seeing it through Kenzie’s photographer eyes. That was a neat way to showcase the beauty of both that place and the art of photography.

What I Didn’t Love

Unrealistic Behaviors?

As a whole, I felt like Kenzie’s family was definitely on the extreme. While this made for dramatic storytelling, it didn’t feel the most realistic. Even in Hawaii, all her family does is critique the island and everything they encounter. Maybe I just haven’t met these people, but it definitely didn’t feel like normal behavior for anyone on vacation. What a hard way to live.

Cheesy Dialogue

Some of the dialogue felt a teeny bit cheesy for me (mostly Kenzie and her nicknames for stuff), but as a whole, I had no issues with the writing style.

Content Concerns for Picture Perfect Boyfriend?

There is no language or graphic content of any kind. It’s 100% no spice.

Final Thoughts

I would definitely recommend this novel for a good, fun clean rom-com story, especially for young adults. It gets four stars from me, and it would be the perfect vacation read!

Content Rating: Mild

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Copyright Becky Dean and Delacorte Press. Image from Amazon.