*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book.*
Note: This review was partially written back in January 2024. I am currently working through my backlog of reviews that need to be written.
In an attempt to make a fresh start at school, trans teen Noah joins the elusive Borrow a Boyfriend Club, where members rent themselves out to their classmates for dates and relationship advice.
[cues the opening to Ouran High School Host Club]
Noah wants to be acknowledged as a boy amongst his peers. When he discovers that his new school’s club is masquerading as a rent-a-boyfriend service to him, it seems like the best chance to show everyone who he truly is. After he fails his interview, Noah strikes a deal with the club’s president, Asher. He’ll help out the club with its funding issues, and in exchange, Asher will allow Noah to prove his boyfriend skills in a series of tests that include romancing Asher himself. But when fake turns to real, Noah risks breaking apart the club for a chance at love.
Up front, this plot is going to sound absolutely ridiculous to a lot of readers. And in a way, it is. Luckily, I’ve read my fair share of webtoons with plots that make this seem relatively tame in comparison. The Borrow a Boyfriend Club is sweet, wholesome, and fun. It’s a definite cosy read – where the stakes aren’t so high, but the teen drama is there. It has all the hallmarks for a fun read to recommend to any younger reader.
Noah’s journey made me feel super emotional. He spends much of the book worrying about what people think of him, desperate to find a space to be himself. While his family is accepting, there is always something in the back of his mind, and while the plot might sound ridiculous when you’re sixteen, everything feels much bigger than it is. Powars has encapsulated the feeling of teen dread as Noah grows desperate to keep the new friends he has found amongst the club – members and patrons alike. But when he reaches that moment of clarity, he feels like he is enough – it was a scene I knew would be empowering for so many teen readers.
Overall, I recommend The Borrow a Boyfriend Club for any teen readers. While some may find the plot absurd, at its core, it is a fun queer coming-of-age story with a great deal of humour and a whole load of love. Powars has written something marvellous for younger readers.
GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUTHOR
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