REVIEW: CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE by L.M. AUGUSTINE

Category/Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 5/9/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 252
Source: Received from author for review

1,135,789. That’s how many subscribers sixteen-year-old West Ryder has on his web vlog series. But he only has eyes for one of them.

As one of the internet’s most prestigious video bloggers, West talks about high school relationships under the name “Sam Green.” As far as he knows, no one from school, not even his best friend, Cat, has seen his videos. But the highlight of the whole thing is Harper Knight, who comments every day at exactly 2:02 in the afternoon. He doesn’t know anything about her aside from the occasional deep philosophical messaging on why pizza tastes so delicious, but as stupid as it sounds, he might be falling for her. So when they finally agree to meet in real life, West’s hope for romance seems more and more in reach. But that all changes as soon as he arrives at their meeting spot and sees Cat walking toward him, wearing the same “I <3 Sam Green” T-shirt Harper promised she'd have on.

To his alarm, West realizes he is falling in love with the best friend who has always been a sister to him.

 

 

 

What happens when your best friend falls in love with you?

 

 

Click to Subscribe was a really sweet story, but it also had a lot more depth than I anticipated. The synopsis really only clues you in to half the story. Yes, it is about a boy who falls for a regular commenter on his vlog. And yes, he finds out that this girl is actually his best friend, Cat. But, this happens in the first portion of the story and the real hook is finding out what happens next.

 

Click to Subscribe is the cute and sweet story promised in the synopsis and on the cover. West and Cat were funny and so adorable. They've been best friends for their entire lives, and have the rapport to show for it. They have a lifetime of  memories and love to show for it. There is also a lot of pain in West's life. His mom died a year ago in a drunk driving accident. His dad was the driver, and the relationship between West and his dad is understandably horrible. [Sidenote: I have to wonder, how is his dad not in jail? Or even still have custody of West?] So not only has West lost his mom, but essentially his father as well. Cat is the one person he loves that is still in his life. She is a fabulous person and friend.

 

But what happens when your best friend falls in love with you? It seems like it would be great, yeah? I mean, I can speak for myself and say that falling and love and marrying my best friend is the best thing that happened to me. But, being that Cat is all that West has left, he has to wonder and worry what will happen if things don't work out? It is a very valid and reasonable worry and the author did an excellent job of conveying all of West's concerns over the matter. I could have gotten irritated with how hesitant and slow West is to make a decision, but I felt that it was authentic (or so I would think) to a teenage boy's mind. Especially one who's lost as much as West.

 

Click to Subscribe was a very fast, fun (yes, I said it again) and thoughtful story. If you're looking for a great young adult story with a male point-of-view, I recommend it.

 

 

Favorite Quote:

  "We can be friends for now." But West Ryder, if you think this means I won't fight for you with every last breath I have, you're in for a hell of a surprise."  ~ 56%


  If we kiss -- and I'm not saying we will -- I want it to be real. Honest. I want us to both be ready, and I want it to be the best damn kiss this world has ever seen.  ~79%

 

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About the author:
L.M. Augustine is a YA romance author who is obsessed with writing about dorky teenagers, love, and happy endings. He currently lives in New England, where he spends far too much time reading books and screaming at his computer, and he believes that the solution to the world’s problems can be found in chocolate cake. Click To Subscribe is his first novel, but it won’t be his last.

Connect with L.M. at:
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