Hot British Boyfriend

December 1, 2020
After a viral video humiliates her, Ellie stumbles out of the spotlight and into romantic adventures overseas. Ellie Nichols moved to Washington, D.C., at the end of her junior year of high school. As the new girl, she's disheartened that Crystal, her only friend, is set to study in England for fall semester. But at least Ellie is certain that popular, sporty Andy is going to ask her out at his party. Instead, disaster strikes: When Andy professes his feelings in front of everyone, he's actually speaking to Crystal, something Ellie only realizes after she's thrown her arms around him. The mortifying moment floods social media. When Crystal decides to stay in the States with Andy, this leaves an opening on the study abroad program for Ellie. Her luck quickly turns: A handsome British boy named Will sweeps her off her feet. He's everything she wants, but Ellie can't open up to him. Instead, she relies on Dev, a boy from her high school whom she previously didn't know well, to coach her on attracting Will. In the end, she must choose between her hot British boyfriend and staying true to herself. The setting is sumptuous, and Ellie and Dev's banter rings true. But Ellie's naivet� acts as the main--and not very compelling--obstacle; more swooning and interpersonal drama would have made for a better read. Most characters are White; Dev is Indian American. A lukewarm travel romance. (Romance. 14-18)

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December 1, 2020
Grades 7-10 Ellie's always had trouble fitting in, so she's thrilled when she moves to a new school and basketball star Andy flirts with her. But when Andy humiliates her and she becomes a meme, well--Ellie just wants to disappear. Salvation presents itself in the form of an honors program near London, and while Ellie's never been an honors student, she's willing to work extra hard if it means escaping the embarrassing gossip, getting to travel abroad, and maybe even meeting some cute British boys. And practically no sooner has she arrived than she meets totally gorgeous Will, who's somehow into her, too. But even as she gets swept away by new love, Ellie starts to make true, genuine connections with the others in her program--including with Dev, a boy who's maybe the first person to see her for who she really is. This lighthearted whirlwind of a debut is part frothy romance, part thoughtful venture of self-exploration. Readers will enjoy rooting for Ellie as she struggles to choose between the fantasy and the reality.

COPYRIGHT(2020) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-After Ellie Nichols embarrasses herself in front of her entire school and becomes the subject of a meme, she decides to escape via her school's study abroad trip to England to find adventure and, best of all, British guys. After arriving, she realizes that her classmates have a very different mentality than her-studying. Instead, Ellie wants to take in the sights and experience life with a hot English boy. However, once she finds a wonderful and debonair Brit, sandy-haired Will, she wonders if he's right for her. Dev, her studying companion and new friend, makes things even more complicated. Should she be with Will or Dev? This book is perfect for any high schooler who loves cheesy romances. While going on a date with a complete stranger in a new country doesn't make the most logical sense, readers will be swept away by this story. Characters are from a variety of backgrounds: Dev is Indian American and his large family wants him to be a successful doctor; Will is from a very successful family and he struggles with what he wants to do in life. New friend Huan, who has black hair, is gay, and Ellie's race isn't stated. VERDICT This book will sweep Anglophiles and romantics off their feet.-Paige Kostelyk, DeMotte Christian Grade Sch., IN

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 4, 2021
After a humiliating public rejection goes viral, Washington, D.C., high school senior Ellie, 17, swaps places with the ex-friend who’s now dating her crush, hastily joining a rigorous study abroad program. Determined to leave her embarrassment and the happy couple behind, Ellie plans to skate by academically while taking in England and landing a hot British boyfriend. Swiftly checking goals off her list, she launches into a relationship with dashing Will, whose good looks and expensive tastes more than make up for their lack of common interests—and the lies Ellie finds herself telling to win him over. She also forms unexpected bonds with fellow American exchange students, including studious roommate Sage and Dev, a frequent study partner from her high school whose easy banter causes her to question what she truly wants, romantically and for her future. Boyce attains believable growth for Ellie, her insecurity and lack of direction giving way to a developing self-confidence as she opens herself up to new experiences and people while tapping into her passion for gardening and art. Boyce keeps lighthearted humor and romance at the forefront, delivering a satisfying happy-for-now ending to a feel-good rom-com. Ages 13–up. Agent: Tara Gonzalez, Erin Murphy Literary.