March 15, 2023
Two late bloomers try fake dating to gain confidence and skills for the real thing. Reluctant basketball superstar Bethany Greene might once have been so repelled by boys that she publicly burst into tears at the revelation that one of her besties had done the deed. That was before Oliver Gutierrez opened her eyes to "how truly hot boys can be." But when both Oliver and her backup plan turn her down for homecoming, Bethany knows she has to find a way to get some experience and shed her "Crybaby Bethany" reputation. Enter Jacob Yeun, aspiring filmmaker and the reticent boyfriend (and then ex-boyfriend) of another of Bethany's besties. In her first young adult novel, established adult romance author Weatherspoon gives readers what they want as Bethany and Jacob are thrown together, enter a secret dating pact, and eventually fall for each other. The Los Angeles teens are wholesome and appealing and just a touch more glamorous than real life: Both of Bethany's moms played in the WNBA, and Jacob's parents are tattoo artists. Bethany is a confidently fat Black girl, and Jacob is a lightly tattooed Korean American skater. Each is surrounded by their own racially mixed crews, which also include gay and nonbinary representation. The characterization of the sprawling cast of friends and family members is cursory, but the love and affirmation between them carries the day. Light and sweet. (Romance. 13-18)
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March 27, 2023
Two Los Angeles teenagers agree to date each other as practice for the real deal in this endearing rom-com by Weatherspoon (the Cowboys of California series, for adults). Bethany Greene, who is Black, has just been turned down by her crush, and she’s confident that it’s because of her reputation as a crybaby with no dating experience. Meanwhile, Korean American Jacob Yeun’s girlfriend recently broke up with him because she “could never tell if he actually liked me or if he was just being polite.” While easing their hurts surrounding their mutual dating troubles, Jacob suggests that he and Bethany secretly date each other until they each grow more comfortable in their own skin (“Fake it ’til you make it, right?” Jacob says). The plan is to go out until they can find real partners for the upcoming dance, but as the two grow closer, separating pretend from reality becomes harder to do. Misunderstandings introduced via text conversations add drama to Jacob and Bethany’s vibrant, rapidly paced alternating narrations, while sincerely rendered character dynamics provide a well-rounded vehicle through which to explore themes surrounding stigma, sexual identity, and healthy relationships. Ages 14–up.
Starred review from May 15, 2023
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Weatherspoon makes an absolutely effortless entry into the YA market here. Bethany Greene could use some confidence. Her moms are basketball legends, and as a varsity player, Bethany has a future in professional sports, too--but she doesn't want that future. Nor does Bethany know how to tell anyone that her true passion is cooking and experimenting with different ingredients. As homecoming approaches, Bethany finds herself without a date--the only one among her group of friends--so she gathers her confidence to ask a boy out, only to be turned down. Devastated and determined to change her reputation, Bethany enters a fake-dating pact with Jacob Yeun, a talented filmmaker who struggles in the love department. At the end of their month together, Jacob and Bethany hope to gain confidence and learn to be better partners. This fake-dating story will delight readers to no end. Weatherspoon relates the events from both Bethany's and Jacob's perspectives, delving into their insecurities, their home lives, and the impact rumors have on each character. Alongside a strong cast of characters and a vivid portrayal of California, the author crafts a fully formed world and authentic depiction of first love, which celebrates awkward high-school experiences, unexpected romances, and stellar support systems.
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October 13, 2023
Gr 9 Up-Eager to shed her "Crybaby Bethany" reputation, Bethany Greene asks her long-time crush Oliver Gutierrez to the homecoming dance. When he turns her down, her best friend Saylor offers Bethany her new boyfriend Jacob Yeun as her escort. Shy, quiet, and often hidden behind a camera, Jacob physically matured over the summer making him a sudden romantic interest at their high school. Unprepared for the new attention and inexperienced as a boyfriend, Jacob has been publicly dumped by one girlfriend. Before the homecoming dance, Bethany and Jacob learn that they genuinely enjoy each other's company. After Saylor breaks up with Jacob, Bethany and Jacob hatch a plan to practice dating each other so they can both overcome their reputations as undateable people. Over the next month their friendship grows, they meet each other's families, go out on dates, and confide in each other. While not surprising to readers, Bethany and Jacob develop romantic feelings for each other. Before they gain the confidence to share their true feelings, unexpected news from a long-time crush threatens their relationship. The characters are three dimensional and the dialogue is witty. Bethany's fears about disappointing her moms and finding her true passion will resonate with many teens. The plot moves along at a readable pace, even if readers know long before Jacob and Bethany that they are meant to be together. VERDICT A unique addition to romance collections that will connect to many readers.-Lynn Rashid
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