As addicted as I am to contemporary romances, I still have standards. Unfortunately, Camp Boyfriend did not perform accordingly. I’m not exactly sure when my annoyance turned into detestation. All that I know is that at some point, I really wanted to throw this book out the window. (SAT word: defenestrate!). This review will attempt to pinpoint what exactly went wrong, as well as what I did enjoy about the story.
Lauren Carlson used to be geeky. Over her sophomore year, she ditched her braces and uncool ways for popularity, a boyfriend, and the cheer team. Despite her changes, though, Lauren still wants to return to summer camp and to her camp boyfriend, Seth. That’s where the problems start. Her actual boyfriend, Matt, won’t give up just yet. While Seth and Matt battle it out for Lauren, Lauren herself must decide who she wants, and ultimately, just who Lauren Carlson actually is.
My biggest issue? Lauren Carlson. As you probably know, I absolutely loathe annoying characters. It’s one thing if the character is intended to be annoying. However, it wasn’t that case for Lauren. She was whiny, selfish, and indecisive. Throughout the novel, I wanted to hunt Lauren down and scream at her to fix the problems she created. As a reader, I knew which guy she was going to choose even before I opened the book. When that happens, you know you’ve got a problem.
However, Camp Boyfriend also has quite a few redeeming qualities. As much as I hated Lauren, I will admit that through her, the author managed to teach many lessons. Whether it’s self-esteem, identity, or romance, J. K. Rock had something to say. So even if you don’t like the plot, the messages in the story are definitely made. And that’s the most important part, so I really can’t complain too much. Oops. I already did.
Unfortunately, the other characters are just as unimpressive as Lauren. Whether we’re talking about Matt, Seth, or Lauren’s other friends, I disliked them all. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I recommend that you read this novel to make your own. For Matt and Seth, I didn’t understand why they would ever chase after Lauren. As for Lauren’s friends, they were just as frivolous and boring.
I think it’s pretty easy to conclude what I think went wrong, Lauren Carlson. Of course, Camp Boyfriend is still a cute read that’s worthy of being read!
Rating: 3 out of 10
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary (July 2nd, 2013)
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Source: Netgalley
ISBN #: 9781939392503
Length: 324 pages (Paperback)
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