The Fill-in Boyfriend

Gr 7 Up—Gia Montgomery is the epitome of a popular high school girl; she's a pretty, self-centered student body president who constantly seeks approval via social media. New girl Jules has been adopted into the popular girl clique but is really more of a frenemy, always trying to bring Gia down a notch or two. So when Gia's oft-bragged-about-but-never-actually-seen college boyfriend breaks up with her in the parking lot outside the prom, she is understandably desperate to save face. Enter random boy sitting in his car in the parking lot. Gia bangs on his window and demands/begs the stranger to fill in as her boyfriend for the prom. The Fill-In Bradley ("FIB") guy fits the bill, and Gia pulls off the deception to Jules and her friends. But circumstances continue to bring Gia and "FIB" (actual name: Hayden) together: Hayden's younger sister Bec is in Gia's history class and is quick to call in a favor. Now Gia is filling in as a pretend new girlfriend to make Hayden's ex jealous. Predictably, Gia and Hayden end up actually becoming friends, and a true attraction brews. The cotton candy-colored cover and title belie the fact that this is a genuinely clever and enjoyable book. Recommend this to fans of authors Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Stephanie Perkins as well as lovers of films like Clueless, Ten Things I Hate About You, and Easy A.