Oh, That Boy!

Title: That Boy
Author: Jillian Dodd
Series: #1 That Boy
Genre: New Adult

Synopsis from GoodReads:
You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits. 

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth.  Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me.  And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.

******

Another review in my continuing quest to read every TFEiC author! =)

This is such a great read! Jillian Dodd has created extremely lovable characters...the kind you feel like you've known your whole life...the kind you've watched grow up. It's a pretty amazing feat to write the ever-changing perspective of a girl as she matures. And Ms. Dodd does it with aplomb and great humor.

The beginning of the book is set in the present and then we are taken back through the lives of the three main characters. I have to say that Ms. Dodd kept me guessing through much of the book about which boy "That Boy" actually was...I was gratified with the reveal. :)

The story isn't all fun & games...J.J., Phillip, and Danny go through trials and tribulations, J.J. in particular. But the way they weather those times is testament to the strong community upbringing they've had (not unintentional I'm sure, since Ms. Dodd grew up in Nebraska as well ;) The way in which these three revolve around each other and stay entangled in each other's lives is incredible. I hate to use the word "sweet" but it is a sweet story. In the end, I think this story illustrates the strong bonds of friendship and love formed between a girl and her two boys next door. I'm looking forward to the next chapter...That Wedding!