Early Reader Review: The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

Source: From Publisher for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date:  February 13, 2024 

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A charming romantic comedy about a South Indian American teen girl who makes a wish upon a flower for her perfect boyfriend…and then a new boy moves in right next door. With love triangles, prank wars, and a sizzling sweet romance—this is perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon and Jenny Han.

Deepa’s a hopeless romantic. And even though Deepa’s checklist for the perfect boyfriend is a mile long, her mom and dad’s fairy-tale love story makes her feel like romantic success ought to be a family trait. It’s why when her grandmother gives her a jasmine flower with the promise that it will fulfill her heart’s greatest desire, and then a new boy moves in across the street, Deepa knows—he must be her wish come true.

Rohit checks off every box on Deepa’s timelessly handsome, a thoughtful listener, and a romantic who knows his flowers. Deepa’s next-door neighbor (and constant tormentor) Vik also surprisingly approves, though she knows it shouldn’t be a mark against Rohit.

Is it luck or is it magic? Deepa doesn’t want to take chances, so when her grandmother warns her that the wish is only permanent if she seals it with a kiss, she knows she needs to move quickly. Rohit is the right boy in every way, so then why does Deepa not feel like he might not be the right choice?

Review: 

Deepa is a high schooler looking to have the perfect high school experience and to do that he has plans and lists and eveything has a time and a place. This year her goal is to get the perfect high school boyfriend and like her parents, fall in love and have her happily ever after. Sadly her first attempt at asking her crush to the dance does not go as planned. Back home, bummed out, her grandmother tells her to make a wish on the last jasmine flower, and so the perfect boyfriend is the plan. 

Deepa is so planned out and a perfectionist in many ways, and so her boyfriend should be too right? What I liked about this YA book is that it does a good job really helping the reader understand that perfect isn't always what you think it will be. 

I really liked a number of things in this book, first it was great to see Indian characters and a whole community. The family relationships were so wonderful and the siblings were teh funniest part of this book, you will love them. The prank war made me a little anxious but it was fun too. 

Deepa as a character was determined, stubborn, and had far too many rules for herself and her life, but I liked that she was still part of this fun prank war thing.

Vik was your characteristic annoying guy that you have ben friends with forever and you cant see passed his annoying qualities to see his heart of gold... classic frenemies to romance set up.

Rohit, the perfect boyfriend material, was so boring. I know that this was set up for a reason, but the character felt SO FLAT that I wasn't ever rooting for him. He was bland and I was frustrated. 

Overall this was a quick read, and it was laugh out loud funny at times, but really this was a great YA rom-com that will be light and fun for most readers.