Why Audre & Bash Are Just Friends Captivated Me: A Heartfelt Review
As a self-proclaimed book addict, I often find myself browsing the YA section, with mixed feelings about what I might discover. However, my intrigue was piqued with Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by the talented Katrina Leno. A summer romance where the hottest guy in school is hired as a "fun consultant"? Yes, please! And I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book as much as I did.
The story revolves around Audre, who seemingly clings to her summer fun plan by enlisting Bash—everyone’s crush—to help her check off experience challenges. But, as expected, their “just friends” label is as precarious as a tightrope walk. The chemistry? Electric. I could feel their awkwardness and flustered exchanges braiding into something beautifully tender. Their texts? Adorable to the point of making my heart flutter:
“Bash: Smiles are contagious, too. Yours is, at least.
Audre: Wait, what?
Bash: When you smile, I wanna smile, too.”
If that doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, I’m not sure what will!
For me, Bash was the standout character, effortlessly charming yet grappling with an emotional backstory that added depth to his sweetness. His kindness persisted, even after facing personal struggles, and you could practically feel him melting at every little moment shared with Audre. When he expressed his longing with lines like,
“What was I supposed to say to you? That not being near you feels pointless, like wasted time? That every kiss I don’t give you burns a fucking hole in me?”
Well, let’s just say he had me swooning.
But this book is more than just a cute romance! It dives into significant themes such as race, gender, mental health, and the complexities of family. Audre’s relationship with her mother—who seems to prioritize perfection over understanding—resonated deeply with me. I found myself nodding along when Audre questioned:
“What about what I want? Or what do I need? I’m a whole person with a life, not an extension of you.”
This poignant reflection added an enriching layer to the narrative and made Audre feel real, relatable, and distinctly compelling.
I must also applaud the humor peppered throughout. From an unexpectedly hilarious scene where Audre drunkenly freestyle raps—an instance that could have made me cringe (but didn’t!)—to moments where Bash can’t help but mention how stunning she is, the lightheartedness struck a perfect balance with the deeper topics.
However, not everything was perfect in this delightful novel. I found myself a bit disengaged with Audre’s best friend Reshma’s POV; it felt like a distraction from the main event. The resolution at the end felt rushed, especially around her complex relationship with her mother. Closure is something I always crave, and I wished for more after such a significant part of Audre’s journey.
Overall, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends was a heartwarming joy that exceeded my expectations. With its emotional depth, lovable characters, and relatability, it’s a solid 4-star read. If you’re a fan of YA romances that offer genuine feelings and a splash of real-life messiness, this book is calling your name! Grab a copy, curl up, and prepare for a delightful experience—you won’t regret it!
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