I DNFed at 8%. I tried really hard to keep reading but I could tell from the beginning that this was not for me. I’m usually pretty good at knowing at the beginning of a book if I will end up liking it. This one unfortunately did not catch my attention. Something about it made me feel like I was gonna be cringing at the romance then eating it up. I am a hopeless romantic, so it doesn’t take a lot to win me over. I won’t give up on this book and maybe pick it up in the future.


Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

I really enjoyed this book overall. One of the standout features for me was the dual POV—when done well, it adds such a dynamic layer to the story, and this one pulled it off nicely. Being able to see into both characters’ minds gave a better understanding of their motivations and emotional arcs, which made the twists and turns of the plot even more engaging.

Speaking of plot twists—this book definitely delivered on that front. Just when I thought I had something figured out, another surprise came in and threw everything into question again. It kept the story feeling fresh and unpredictable, which I always appreciate in a romance with heavier themes or emotional stakes.

Now, I’ll admit: I didn’t love the ending. That’s definitely a personal preference more than a flaw in the writing itself. It just wasn’t the kind of conclusion I tend to gravitate toward, and it left me feeling a little unsettled. That said, I understand why it ended the way it did—it made sense within the world the author built, even if it wasn’t totally satisfying for me.

Another area where I wanted a bit more was character growth. The characters were likable and had solid backstories, but I found myself wanting deeper emotional development or at least a stronger evolution by the time we reached the end. There were hints of it, but I wished it had been more central to the narrative, especially given the intense experiences the characters go through.

One thing I really respected, though, was how the spice was handled. It felt age appropriate and thoughtful—not just there for the sake of steam, but actually fitting the characters’ arcs and the tone of the story. That balance is tricky to find, and I think the author handled it well.

Overall, this book had a lot to enjoy: entertaining dual POV, plot twists that kept me guessing, and a romance that had its sweet and spicy moments. While the ending and depth of character growth didn’t completely hit the mark for me personally, I’d still recommend it to readers looking for a twisty, emotionally engaging story with a romance that doesn’t go overboard but still brings the heat when it counts

This was a really great quick read. I loved the characters and their interactions. Jess is on the cusp of success in becoming a new author, meanwhile Gabe the TV superstar heart throb is just trying to deal with life and the changes he is going through.

Their chance encounters leads to a really great read. I enjoyed their chemistry and interactions, the realness and rawness of their emotions.

There were a few surprises the book took a turn I wasn't really expecting and I enjoyed it because it's not what I was thinking. Goes to show you how you really don't know what is going on in someone's lives unless you are living it with them.

This was a raw, endearing and really great read. lots of emotions .

This was a really enjoyable read. This gave me trauma bond but in a good way. Jess and Gabe needing each other in different ways but not realising it at first was what kept the suspense throughout the book, are they going to realise they are perfect for each other? Or not?
The dual POV was great getting to really delve into both their lives and seeing how they both deal with the chaotic circumstances. The romance was just perfect and a great wee read to break up the thrillers I’d been reading!

This book had me kicking my feet !! What a perfect YA read but even perfect for the older generation. I recommend my parent to read this and she absolutely loved it as much as me. Gabe and Jess are a perfect couple, would definitely recommend for all ages!

I enjoyed this book. It was a pretty quick read. It was something that I read at the right time. Great for mood reading if you are looking for a feel good book.

i loved this books portrayal of jess’s anxiety, the way it was written was very realistic. gabe was vulnerable but also charming and seeing their different dynamics play out and see their instant connection was amazing.

this story showed a journey of letting others in, finding strength in yourself, and going off script. this author had such an amazing way with words.

it was a cute rom-com ya read!

This might be trauma bonding gone right? He is a heartthrob actor who.is carrying several secrets while she is a struggling writer who falls into his lap when he needs an escape. Their overlapping secrets allow for them to come together but the others seem to be what will keep them apart.
Overall a cute bridge book a romance but YA but not minimizing the realities of growing up fast in trauma situations or in certain industries as well as the objectification of characters/actors.

3.5/5 stars. ☆

I absolutely adore them. Jess and Gabe were everything. They are complex character with deep story. I love how the author explored that complexity. I cried about what happened in their backstories. The writing was great too. The side characters were fine. But, I didn't feel chemistry between Jess and Gabe. I needed more romantic scenes. But still, I enjoyed this book.

This was a cute book! It was definitely a cliche trope, but I liked how the fmc was a teen author. They both had their flaws and the question of what happened to Gabe's mom was intriguing, and I couldn't stop reading! I ate this up in a day it was so adorable. Jess and Gabe were so cute and I loved seeing them grow closer with each other <3.

This was an enjoyable book, one that I think Y.A. readers would really get into. Jess is a teenage girl suddenly thrust into the spotlight due to the publication of her novel. Gabe is a tv star, known for his role in a childhood series, and for his present acting as a werewolf in a teen drama. When they meet unexpectedly, and are forced by those in authority to “fake a relationship” for publicity purposes, these two young people discover that they have many secrets and problems in common. And they are desperate to keep them private, at any cost…

* I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

This was such a cute rom-com book! I immediately fell in love with Jess and Gabe, their chemistry was adorable. I think what really sold me was the vulnerability they shared with one another. The slow opening up of feelings was such an important plot point; I love slow burn books so much and this totally satisfied me!!!
I appreciated the portrayal of anxiousness and insecurity. It was often relatable, understanding and feeling the characters’ struggles throughout.
If you happen to love closed door rom-coms, with opposites attract/slow burn/fake dating? This one is totally for you!
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book! All opinions are my own. <3

4,5 ✨ ~ ARC review

In this book we're meeting Jess and Gabe - and honestly, I knew it is a YA, but from the blurb I expected them to be a bit older than they are. When I got used to their ages I really enjoyed this book though. Both Jess and Gabe show emotional depth, both have their own struggles and feel like real people, not just someone's love interest. A couple of chapter's in I was very invested in what was going to happen to them - both as a "couple" (fake dating! love it!) and separately with their respective struggles.

The book was a quick read and yet made me so emotional that I was crying on the train when reading it - so maybe don't read it on public transport on your way to work.
All in all I can wholeheartedly recommend The Accidental Boyfriend - the 0,5 ✨ deduction is because I did expect characters that were older than 18 because they both have careers and that threw me for a loop in the beginning.

This is so cute! It got early 2010s YA vibes and is so wholesome! Accidental boyfriend is one of my fave tropes so if you love summery feel good romances, give this a try!

The accidental Boyfriend is a cute YA love story that has all the right ingredients to make this a hit. We meet Jess, a young writer with a secret she is hiding and Gabe, a young actor with a secret he can't tell. Throw in an escalator, a first kiss, some rules and you have " The Accidental Boyfriend" by Lori Freeland.. I was pulled in right away and loves the dual POV chapters, I would definitely recommend this book to by teen, as the spice level is low, Thank you to NetGalley and Booksgosocial Publishing for this ARC copy
#TheAccidentalBoyfriend #NetGalley.

The Accidental Boyfriend is so much more than a romance book. I almost think the cover is a bit misleading because I was not expecting the heaviness of alcoholism, abandonment, and early-onset Alzheimer’s. While the story centers on a fake relationship between reluctant teen author Jess and teen TV heartthrob Gabe, the thing that I appreciated about this book was that these two characters are both grappling with complicated family dynamics and how to navigate them while figuring out who they are and what they want to be. While I found parts of this book not quite believable, there was a lot to really like. Jess is a young girl with strong boundaries regarding her physical relationship with Gabe, so the romance is appropriate for younger teen readers who enjoy romance.

The Accidental Boyfriend by Lori Freeland was a heartfelt and surprisingly layered read. While it delivers on the cute and swoony romance front, it also doesn’t shy away from deeper issues—grief, identity, and emotional healing. I appreciated how the characters, Jess and Gabe, had their own personal struggles but still managed to support each other and grow by the end. Their chemistry was adorable and genuine, and I loved watching their relationship unfold.

That said, the ending left me a little uncertain—I wish it had taken a slightly different route to feel more satisfying. Still, it was an enjoyable story that balanced charm and emotional depth without being too heavy.

Definitely a good pick if you’re into romance with a touch of real-life complexity!

It has been years since I've read any YA, and after reading The Accidental Boyfriend, I remember why I used to love this genre!
I was hoping for a "lighter" read as I've read a lot of heavier, adult fiction recently. What I got what a well-written novel, with relatable characters, fun banter and age-appropriate romance.

It wasn't so light in the end, as the romance came with a good side of angst. Both protagonists had their own set of issues, and neither of them seemed able or willing to deal with those. Which actually felt very fitting, considering their age (17 - 18) One of my pet peeves is teenage characters displaying 28 y-o maturity levels - I want characters that react like they're actually teenagers! Cue avoidance, miscommunication and the occasional cringey moments. All of those felt very real.

The FMC's anxiety issues made me remember what it was like to feel as if a problem is so overwhelming no solution actually exists (spoiler alert : it does!). I also thought that the issue in question was original and also a very moving aspect to the story. Maybe even my favourite part.

The MMC is lovely. Just a lovely young man. Kind, respectful, honest about his feelings... Would that all young women could find these qualities in their significant others.

The dialogue feels natural, full of banter but also allowing for moments of emotional vulnerability.

My only criticism of the story would actually be the adult characters - who actually do behave like immature teenagers! Seriously, not one responsible or nurturing adult around these two kids? Or even one in possession of basic effective communication skills? Yes, it helped with the story, but as a mother myself, it made me sad.

All in all, I really enjoyed this title and will definitely be looking out for more from the author. And start reading YA again.

Audience : I would recommend it to kids aged 16+. There is no intercourse (the FMC is very clear she is not ready and the MMC equally clear he will wait until she is), however the MMC is previously experienced, and we are privy to his inner thoughts (which are what you'd expect for a healthy 18-y-o male). Again it always stays on the nice side - he likes her, finds her beautiful and sexually attractive.

This story brings all the feels. I read it in one setting. The characters are well developed, as are the side characters. The book goes back and forth between the main characters pov. This style lets you see all sides of the story in a way the connects everything.

This read like a 2010s teenage celebrity relationship drama in a teen magazine, and not the good kind. I tried so hard to resonate with the characters but in the end I failed to like any one of them, particularly Gabe and Vi.

If this wasn't an ARC, I definitely would've dnfed after the non-consensual kiss Gabe unceremoniously planted on Jess's lips in the beginning. I get that it was the baseline of the story but lack of consent is not romantic.

Jess and Gabe were quite immature as a couple [and individuals]. I get that they're young - and technically they are kids - but Jess's severe lack of awareness or knowledge about certain stuff was astounding. I doubt whether their relationship makes it past age 25.

The adults in their life were quite toxic. Though I don't think every character in a book should be flawless - if that were the case then every book would be the same - but I am of the opinion that Vi should've been booted out of Jess's life. She was very toxic towards Jess and came off as self-absorbed and it's baffling that Jess's dad didn't think much of it.

These are entirely my opinions of the book and I wouldn't want to stop someone else from reading it. If you want to give it a shot, go for it.

A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.