In her debut novel Build a Girlfriend, Elba Luz delivers a delightful and relatable young adult romantic comedy about love, curses, and self-discovery. Think Jenny Han meets John Tucker Must Die, but with a modern twist, a sprinkle of humor, and plenty of heart. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the book and my honest review!
About the book:
Title: Build a Girlfriend
Author: Elba Luz
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 368
Description:
A teen deep-dives into her dating history to uncover her mistakes, become the perfect girlfriend, and get revenge on the wrong guy so she can ride into the sunset with the right one in this debut rom-com.
To the surprise of no one, Amelia Hernandez is once again single. It’s her family curse at work; whether it’s by heartbreak, scandal, or even accidental death, every romantic relationship that a Hernandez woman has will meet its demise eventually. And that may be fine with Amelia’s sisters, mom, and aunts, but definitely not with Amelia.
So, convinced that she is the problem, Amelia decides to embark on an “Ex Retrospective:” tracking down her exes, finding out where she went wrong, and using that information to finally become un-break-up-able for whenever her next relationship comes along. Because Amelia is determined to be free of the family curse…and her family.
However, when Amelia is unwillingly reunited with Leon, the ex to end all exes, she can’t resist having a little revenge on the side, too. After all, what better way to test out her new persona of perfect girlfriend traits than on the boy who broke her heart?
But old loves die hard, and as Amelia’s feelings grow more complicated, she suspects that she may be in for more than she bargained for.
My Review
Amelia Hernandez is no stranger to heartbreak. Her family’s curse has doomed generations of Hernandez women to failed relationships—whether by heartbreak, scandal, or worse (accidental death, anyone?). While her sisters, mom, and aunts have resigned themselves to this fate, Amelia is determined to break free.
Enter the “Ex Retrospective.” Armed with determination and charm, Amelia tracks down her exes to uncover why her relationships never work out. Her ultimate goal? To transform herself into the “perfect girlfriend” and finally outwit the curse. But things take a turn when she reunites with Leon—the ex who broke her heart. As revenge dating turns into something more complicated, Amelia discovers that love isn’t as simple as a checklist, and maybe, just maybe, the problem isn’t her after all.
What Makes This Book Shine
⭐ Amelia’s Relatable JourneyAmelia is a breath of fresh air! Her strength and humor shine through, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. From hilarious dating mishaps to heartfelt moments of self-reflection, her journey is as entertaining as it is meaningful. Teenage readers will undoubtedly connect with her struggle to fit in and her desire to change for others—something many of us have experienced.
⭐ The Perfect Blend of Humor and HeartLuz expertly balances comedy and romance, ensuring that the book remains light and fun while exploring deeper themes like self-worth, identity, and the complexities of relationships. The “family curse” adds a unique twist that keeps the plot engaging, while the revenge-dating subplot injects plenty of laughs and drama.
⭐ A Bisexual MC Done RightRepresentation matters, and Luz portrays Amelia’s bisexuality with nuance and authenticity. Her romantic struggles are universal yet deeply personal, making her a standout protagonist in YA literature.
⭐ A Fresh Take on Second ChancesWhat makes Build a Girlfriend truly stand out is its message: sometimes, relationships fail not because of one person’s flaws but because they just weren’t meant to work. Amelia’s journey reminds readers that self-discovery and embracing your authentic self are far more important than trying to mold yourself for someone else’s approval.
What I Loved Most
One of the highlights of the novel is how it explores the pressure teens often feel to change themselves to fit in or be liked. Luz captures this struggle with sensitivity and humor, showing readers that they are enough just as they are. Amelia’s humor and resilience make her a standout character, and her messy, complicated relationships only make her more real.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Elba Luz’s Build a Girlfriend is an absolute joy to read. Packed with heart, humor, and a protagonist you can’t help but cheer for, it’s perfect for fans of laugh-out-loud rom-coms with a touch of real-life relatability. Whether you’re a teenager grappling with your own relationships or an adult reminiscing about those awkward, life-changing moments, this book is bound to strike a chord.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
🌟A fun, heartwarming read that proves love is about being yourself, curses and all!
About the author:
Elba Luz is a Puerto Rican author and a lover of stories, whether in the form of anime, manga, video games, or, of course, books. Speaking of books, she should be writing her own. Instead, you'll probably find her replaying Final Fantasy, listening to classical music, or cuddling up with her adorable pit bull, Stormy.
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