Review
★★★★★ This was so freaking good! Loved it! -- #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Abbi Glines
★★★★★ This book completely melted me into one big pile of goo reminding me exactly what romance is all about. It was so real, honest, and vulnerable; I completely lost myself in the story. -- Tough Critic Book Reviews
★★★★★ Danny is the dreamy football player. that every girl has a crush on. Phillip is the adorable friend. that JJ has had since birth. He is always rescuing JJ and tries to keep her out of trouble. Each boy teaches her different things but she will only fall in love with one of them. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by Jillian Dodd. -- Ashley, Amazon Reviewer
★★★★ That Boy is one of those stories that picks up momentum quickly, allowing you to refreshingly dive right in. It was sweet, tender, completely HILARIOUS, and it hooked me instantly!.-- Kristin, Goodreads Reviewer 4.5 Stars
★★★★ This story will completely immerse you into these characters' lives, make you wish you really knew them, grew up with them. It is a truly feel-good book if there ever was one.... -- Natasha is a Book Junkie
★★★★★ Overall, That Boy is a happy story that will have you cracking up and squealing in delight., but it also has some extremely touching and emotional moments that will break your heart. -- Reading, Eating, Dreaming Blog
★★★★★ This book will remind you of your firsts. -- first crush, first love, first kiss...and of course, that boy. -- Geri Reads
★★★★★ Jillian you did a wonderful job at creating something beautiful. I love Jadyn, Danny & Phillip. Their story makes you laugh, then cry, only to laugh again.. -- I'll Never Tell
★★★★★ This may be one of the cutest, funniest, and sweetest storied I've ever read.. -- Joyce Dale
★★★★★ Wonderful characters! Great writing, and a story that brought tears to my eyes. in sadness and joy! -- Susan, Amazon
★★★★★ A heartwarming gem of a book that will leave you with a huge smile on your face. That Boy is not a book you want to miss out on!!!. -- Christy Baldwin BBU
★★★★★ Highly recommend this one ... Jillian Dodd has created a book full of real-life circumstances, that is honest, sweet and full of raw emotions.. -- CA Funk
★★★★★ This was an adorable story. You know, the kind of book that makes you smile that goofy smile so big, for so long, it makes your cheeks hurt - and then, when it's over, all you can do is sigh a dreamy sigh.. -- A book a day
★★★★★ Without a doubt, this is one of the best YA books I've read. this year. I cannot think of a voice I have appreciated more than that of this story's protagonist. She is SO real. -- Toni Leonard Rogers
★★★★★ I loved That Boy! I could relate myself to Jay and understand her personality. I LOVED IT! It is hard not to picture Danny, the football star, completely worth crushing over. Then there is Phillip, the boy next door that grew up totally hot and also crush worthy. -- The Readiacs
★★★★★ The power that grips you through Dodd's wonderfully entertaining storytelling. makes you sincerely feel like you've lived right along with these three BFF's. -- Author Leslie Fear
★★★★★ This is a lovely read, warm, tender, sweet, funny, heart wrenching and beautifully written.. -- Fred LeBaron
★★★★★ As always Jillian's writing style is extremely fun, it is witty, a little bit quirky, but it is infectious, you will get drawn into That Boy's little bubble and you won't want it to finish.. -- The Romance Cover
★★★★★ I think that this book just made my day!. -- The Talented Miss Ripley
★★★★★ I literally laughed and cried throughout this book. You just feel so connected to all the characters in Jadyn's life, including her parents, friends, and friends parents. I couldn't help but get wrapped up in her lifeI really just love this book. Buy it! You'll love it! -- AwesomeSauce Book Club
★★★★★ You really become apart of Jadyn's life while reading this novel. This is a wonderful story that will make you feel every emotion. That Boy is a happy story that will have you cracking up and squealing in delight. -- Eating, Reading, and Dreaming
★★★★★ This is sincerely one of the sweetest books I have read in a long time. It was the perfect mix of romance, drama and had a touch of angst. to make my heart flip-flop. -- Lisa's Book Reviews
★★★★★ I absolutely love THAT BOY, the characters, emotions, friendships, relationships., absolutely everything. Jillian Dodd, thank you so much for writing something beautiful. -- Alyssha Bunnie
★★★★★ Jillian Dodd does it again. That Boy series will pull at your heart.. -- Nerdy Inked Momma
★★★★★ I laughed, swooned, giggled, and sobbed.. -- Jenn, Goodreads
★★★★★ Jillian's writing is so clever and engaging; she is witty and keeps the reader emotionally involved in the story.. -- Jennifer Howell
★★★★★ I absolutely loved this one!!! I really enjoyed JJ and all of her sass and personality. And not just one, but two great guys to swoon over.! -- Tracy Dalton
★★★★★ I love the way Jillian created imperfect characters who were so realistic and relatable.! -- Ashlyn Powell
★★★★★ JJ was one of the most memorable characters I've ever read in a contemporary YA romance.. Her narrative is funny, quirky, and so cute. -- Shannon Rogers
★★★★★ A book that walks you through all of the emotions is such a rare gem! Buy it. Read it.. -- Mia, Goodreads
★★★★★ If there was ever a time I'd rate a book more than 5 stars. "That Boy" would be it. -- R.E. Hunter
★★★★★ OH MY GOD! This is legitimately one of the cutest, awesomest. love stories I've ever read! Awww! This book was sooo perfect.. -- Elle VDM
★★★★★ This was one of the most unique books I have ever read.. The concept was so fresh and original. The storyline made sense and had such a great twist to it. -- Andrea Heltsley
★★★★★ A really sweet, romantic. journey that swept me away! -- Amy, Goodreads
★★★★★ 5 Stars all the way!. I absolutely ADORED this book! Read it all in a day, one of those books that hooks you and just reels you in. -- Esti, Goodreads
★★★★★ Wow. I love this book. I want to buy a million copies and walk around handing them out just so other people will experience this novel with me.. I feel so close with the characters. Jillian Dodd did an amazing job of using a dated plot and giving it life. The characters are so great I can imagine driving down their block and hanging out with them as kids. I love this book and cannot wait to start That Wedding. -- Heather, Goodreads
★★★★★ I love the way Jillian Dodd writes - fast-paced and funny.! This is an excellent YA book and, although I don't often give 5 stars. -- Author Patricia Sands
★★★★ Jillian Dodd...I think it's possible you were trying to kill me with this book. I've never had so many mood swings. in that short a period of time before. -- Tara, Amazon
★★★★ I found the teenage voice authentic, and the story line was sweet, sexy, and fun.. -- Miranda L. Nelson
★★★★★ Epic Jillian, it was epic!. -- Steffy, Goodreads
★★★★★ Dodd is a master of the emotional roller coaster.. --bbsbookreviews
★★★★★ I literally laughed and cried. throughout this book! It was unexpected and lovely. -- ISUGrads97
★★★★★ Loved this story. It was addictive from word one.! -- Reader
★★★★★ I just absolutely love Jillian Dodd's writing style.. -- Brianne's Reviews
★★★★★ Wow! Just wow!!!. The humor and sensitivity with which this story was told is unbelievably amazing! -- Y. Wallace
★★★★★ This book is really for anyone who loves a great heartfelt romance story.. I give this book five stars hands down. -- Drea, Amazon
★★★★★ I absolutely loved this book and have recommended it to everyone I know.! -- Judging Books By Their Covers
★★★★★ This is a wonderful story of friendship and love, that you won't want to miss! -- Tina, Amazon
★★★★★ I absolutely adore Jillian's writing and the way she always makes me feel as though her characters are friends that I want to hang out with. every day. -- Leigh6771
★★★★★ Jillian Dodd's writing style is completely different and refreshing.. -- RuchMomBookJunkie
★★★★★ I can't count how many times I literally laughed out loud.. -- Melissa H.
★★★★★ Love this book! Such a fun read.! -- SashaSays
★★★★★ This is one book that I can honestly say I will never get tired of reading. -- Christina B.
★★★★★ The author did an awesome job at keeping the readers guessing. -- Sara N.
★★★★★ Great read for young adults! -- BVREED
★★★★★ The book is witty, touching and incredibly romantic. -- Shilpa Mudiganti
From the Author
Three days until my first real date.
I am so excited!
I am also a paranoid, nervous wreck.
I like this boy so much! His name is Ryan. Ryan Marshall.
Ryan is so good-looking, and he's a senior! He reminds Katie and me of Jake from the movie Sixteen Candles. I know it's an old movie, and the clothes are weird, but it's still funny and romantic, and it is worth watching just to lust after Jake. Lisa, Katie, and I all rank Jake in the Top 25 on our lists of All-Time Movie Hotties.
So, how does this sound?
JJ Marshall.
Jadyn Marshall.
Jadyn James Reynolds-Marshall.
Mrs. Ryan Marshall.
Doesn't that just roll off your tongue?
Speaking of tongues, they are the main reason I'm a nervous wreck. Ryan is a senior, and, well, sadly, I'm not all that experienced with boys. I mean, I'm a freshman, and I have been to dances with boys my age and have even gone out with boys, but I've never really kissed them. Not like I hope to kiss Ryan anyway.
Bobby Robinson did shove his tongue into my mouth one time when we were kissing under the bleachers at a football game, but it didn't feel so good. I'm pretty sure he didn't have it exactly right.
So, I talked to my friends Katie and Lisa about how to properly make out.
But ... well, here is just a bit of their unhelpful advice.
"Just let him take the lead and do whatever he does."
Um, couldn't that get me into a lot of trouble?
"Just sort of kiss his tongue but try not to drool."
"Don't open your mouth too wide."
And then, "Just open your mouth wide."
See?
Stupid, conflicting information.
And this from girls who supposedly know how to do this!
I feel like I'm an undercover CIA agent trying to wrestle vital information out of a ruthless double agent when the fate of the free world depends upon it. All the while, the president is yelling at me in a panic, saying, Somebody! Anybody! Just get me the truth!
You know, this is really the kind of stuff that would be helpful to learn in health class. Much more useful information than knowing how a fallopian tube works or what kinds of cancer I can fight by adding fiber to my diet.
I mean, this is a date of epic proportions.
He's a senior, for God's sake!
My high school reputation could be ruined or made in one single night.
I don't want to be known as a terrible kisser!
Or, worse, as totally inexperienced!
I've got to do something.
Get me somebody, anybody!
I need someone who has experience and, most importantly, who will help me.
I glance out my window and see Danny's bedroom light is on.
Cha-ching.
Danny has experience, and I'm too desperate to be embarrassed.
So, I call him. "Danny, are your parents home?"
"No, they went to that parents' meeting at school with yours."
Yay!
"Good. I'm coming over. And you're, like, totally alone? Phillip isn't there, is he?"
"No, I'm totally alone. What's up, Jay?"
"Um, I just really, really need your help with something. Be right there."
I slam down the phone and run out of my house and over to his. I barge in the front door and take the stairs two at a time up to his bedroom. He's sitting on his bed with a varsity football playbook spread out in front of him. I can tell by the intense look on his face, he has been studying hard. Danny's goal is to be the best high school quarterback in the state and then play for Nebraska. Let's just say, he is well on his way to achieving his goals.
"Hey, Jay," he says, straightening up. "What's the top-secret meeting all about?"
Maybe this is a bad idea.
No. You've got to find this stuff out.
It's vital to our country's well-being!
Okay, that's a bit dramatic, but it is vital to my well-being.
I pace the length of his room a couple of times, wringing my hands together, trying to get up the nerve.
"Okay, here it is. I need your help, and, well, I'm kind of embarrassed to say it, but here goes. I have that date with Ryan on Saturday, and I'm afraid I won't know what to do. I mean, I've never done it before, and I'm not exactly sure how. I don't even know if he'll want to do it with me, but I'm hoping that he will, and, well, I want to, you know, be prepared. So, I need you to help me, Danny. Will you show me what to do?"
Danny stares at me in disbelief.
"This is a joke, right?" He laughs, gets off the bed, and looks down the hall. "Where's Phillip hiding?"
"No, Danny, I'm serious. I mean, if you can't show me, could you at least tell me if I know how to do it right?"
"Let me get this right, Jay. You want me to show you how to have sex?" He has a huge goofball grin on his face. "Wow. Well, I suppose that could be arrange--"
"Wait! What? Sex? Danny, what are you talking about?"
"What are you talking about, Jay? You're the one who said you've never done it and that you want me to show you."
"I never said that!" Well, wait a minute. Maybe I sorta did. "I mean, if I did say it, it's not what I meant."
Now, he's staring at me like I'm psycho.
I probably am.
"The truth is, Danny, I've never really made out." There, I said it. "And I really, really need to know how to do it right. I can't seem to get reliable information from my friends, I can't ask my parents, and Ashley's at college, so you're my only hope."
He continues the stone-faced look at me. "I thought you made out with Bobby?"
"Yeah, I did, and it was awful. And I don't wanna be awful," I whine desperately.
Then, I change directions in my thinking, trying to figure out a way to get him to teach me. So, I say with a challenge, "Hmm, well, maybe you can't do it. That's okay. I'll just go ask Phillip for help."
"Heck no," he growls. "He has about as much experience in that department as you do. Fine. I'll help you." He puts his hand up to his chin, thinking. "Hmm. Come sit down."
I sit cross-legged on his bed, facing him.
"Here. Take this." He throws his pillow at me.
Ooh. Yum. It smells just like him.
But, uh, excuse me. I've already tried practicing on my pillow, and it was no help!
"No, that won't work." He quickly snatches the musky thing away from me. "Too big. I know. Hold your hand up to your face," he orders. "Kiss it."
I look at him like he's nuts, but he nods his head, so I hold my palm up in front of my face and push my lips into it.
"Turn sideways a bit, so I can see better," he bosses, so I turn. "Okay, but your puckering is way too tight. You're not kissing your grandma, Jay."
"No, worse," I gripe, "I'm kissing my hand."
He glares at me. I think I had better just do as he said.
"Just loosen your lips. Try again."
This time, I pucker my lips but then try to make them loose. I glance over at him, my eyebrows raised in hope.
"All right, now, slightly open your mouth."
I try to slightly open my mouth. "This feels ridiculous."
"Hmm, is this really that important to you?"
"Uh, ye-ah. He's a senior! My entire reputation is at stake here."
"Well, okay then." He jumps off his bed, shuts and locks his door, and turns off the light. There's plenty of light coming through his window from the streetlight, so I can still see him. But I must appear alarmed because he says, "Look, I just don't want anyone walking in on this."
He looks at me like he's a soldier being sent off to war, and I should be proud of his bravery and selflessness.
Actually, I am.
"Plus, you need to relax. Maybe, in the dark, you won't feel so stupid." He plops back down on his bed next to me and continues, "Tilt your head a little to the left."
I tilt my head.
"Lick your lips, so they're not all dry."
I lick.
"Stop smiling and close your eyes."
I close them.
"Come on, Jay, I shouldn't have to tell you everything! Pucker those lips."
About the Author
Jillian Dodd is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 bestselling author. She writes fun romances with characters her readers fall in love with--from the boy next door in the That Boy series to the daughter of a famous actress in The Keatyn Chronicles to a spy who just might save the world in the Spy Girl series. She adores writing big fat happily ever afters, wears a lot of pink, buys too many shoes, loves to travel, and is distracted by anything covered in glitter.
How come a boy can be so stupid, but a daddy, who actually used to be a boy himself, can be so wonderful?Highlighted by 1,114 Kindle readers
