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Alex, Approximately

Jenn Bennett

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Mar 07, 2018 Kim rated it it was ok

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary-romance

I think I have another Stephanie Perkins-esque situation here. The book is perfectly adequate; I'm just not the right audience for it. I'll probably give Bennett's next book a shot to see if her other work is a better fit...but that didn't really work for Stephanie Perkins, so we'll see.... ...more

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Dec 28, 2016 Jennie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fya-review

Delightful, as I knew it would be. 4.5!

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Mar 08, 2019 Emma rated it really liked it

Bailey "Mink" Rydell loves few things as much as she loves classic movies. It's the basis for her entire relationship with Alex, a boy she met in a classic movie fan forum. Alex seems like the perfect guy for Bailey--the only problem is that she doesn't know anything about him except for his profile name.

When Bailey moves cross country to live with her dad, it should be her opportunity to finally meet Alex in person. Except then she panics and starts to wonder if it wouldn't be smarter to try an Bailey "Mink" Rydell loves few things as much as she loves classic movies. It's the basis for her entire relationship with Alex, a boy she met in a classic movie fan forum. Alex seems like the perfect guy for Bailey--the only problem is that she doesn't know anything about him except for his profile name.

When Bailey moves cross country to live with her dad, it should be her opportunity to finally meet Alex in person. Except then she panics and starts to wonder if it wouldn't be smarter to try and scope Alex out in real life before she makes any grand gesture. After all, what if he's a total creep? Or a poser?

Her efforts to uncover Alex's true identity are hampered by making sense of her new home, a new job at the local museum that is as kitschy as it is eccentric, and discovering a new nemesis. Porter Roth is cocky and quick to put her in her place in the most embarrassing ways. He's also painfully good looking and impossible to ignore.

With two guys vying for her attentions Bailey has the rest of the summer to figure out if she's willing to risk her heart on a messy reality instead of pining for a fantasy that may not exist offline in Alex, Approximately (2017) by Jenn Bennett.

Alex, Approximately is a gentle standalone contemporary romance. Bennett introduces readers to Bailey's new hometown with evocative landscapes, quirky shops, and all of Bailey's awe. Epigraphs of quotes from classic films can be found at the start of each chapter.

Snarky banter, madcap shenanigans, and genuine moments of vulnerability help to develop Bailey and Porter's relationship in this story about first impressions and connection. A varied and well-rounded cast of secondary characters add another layer to an already richly imagined novel.

Alex, Approximately is a sweet, summery book ideal for fans of stories with mistaken identities, hate to love romance, and fantastic vintage vespas.

Possible Pairings: Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum, Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen, The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake, Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks, Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo, The Museum of Heartbreak by Meg Leder, Tweet Cute by Emma Lord, When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, Analee in Real Life by Janelle Milanes, Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood, The Shop Around the Corner, You've Got Mail ...more

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Jun 24, 2018 Ruth Soz rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult

My life needs light fiction right now, so a cute rom-com type YA book was right up my alley. Aside from the fact that I took a minute to warm up to the protagonist, and the baffling decision of the publishers to include a revelation that doesn't take place until well over page 300 in the blurb on the dust jacket...this was a fun page-tuner once it got going. There was also a healthy dose of 'enemies to lovers,' which is one of my favorite guilty pleasure tropes. I'd like to pick up more of Jenn ...more

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May 11, 2017 Marianne rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Interesting premise. Mink (Bailey) and Alec (Porter) meet online through their love of old-time movies. When Bailey moves to the town where Porter lives to spend the summer with her dad, she attempts to find him without his knowing that she has moved. Romance with some mature material that may not be suited to all readers.

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