Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Page Count: 288
Published by: Point
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends -- which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love contemporary stories! And Better Off Friends is an absolutely brilliant contemporary that was just perfect for me. I enjoyed every second of it! I don't think I could have picked a more perfect book for me. Yes, I think it really was that good.

Better Off Friends begins when Levi and Macallan meet in 7th grade, and the story continues through their teen years. I loved the progression of their friendship because it felt so natural and believable. The writing is simple and straightforward and really conveyed Levi and Macallan's relationship perfectly.

Macallan and Levi are just friends, but everyone around them assumes they are either:

1. currently boyfriend/girlfriend
2. previously boyfriend/girlfriend OR
3. will soon become boyfriend/girlfriend

They really are THAT close. They don't understand what everyone else sees between them, and they can't imagine ever being anything more than friends. As they get older, problems arise when their close friendship intimidates their respective boyfriend/girlfriend. They have an obvious connection, so much so that they finish each others sentences, which their friends and significant others find completely annoying.

Macallan and Levi were both so likable that it was a joy to read about them. I loved how honest they were with each other, and they weren't afraid to point out each others weaknesses and strengths. The fact that they weren't made out to be perfect was a huge plus for me. Their banter was pure genius at times. I really got a good feel for how deep their friendship was, and I must say it was wonderful to read about.

It isn't until Macallan and Levi realize their feelings for each other have changed that miscommunication starts to threaten their friendship. They are both scared and reluctant to change the way things have always been and cross into new territory. Of course, they both realize that things must change, but neither one wants to ruin their friendship for a romantic relationship.

Better Off Friends is a super duper cute and adorable story told in alternating POVs, with 'live' commentary from Macallan and Levi between each chapter that really kept the story fresh and interesting. It also kept me reading to find out how things turned out in the end between our protagonists!

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I loved every moment of this fun and heartwarming story, and it left me with a huge smile on my face! I would definitely recommend this one for contemporary lovers.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars