Alex, Approximately

Alex, Approximately
Written by Jenn Bennett
Contemporary, Romance
400 Pages
Published April 2017
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★☆
Bailey Mink Rydell has met the boy of her dreams. They share a love of films and talk all day, Alex is perfect. Well, apart from the fact that they’ve never actually met... And neither of them knows the other’s real name.

When Bailey moves to sunny California to live with her dad, who happens to live in the same town as Alex, she decides to track him down. But finding someone based on online conversations alone proves harder than Bailey thought, and with her irritating but charismatic and potentially attractive colleague Porter Roth distracting her at every turn, will she ever get to meet the mysterious Alex?

From the author of Night Owls comes a story of summer, first love and hidden identities.
Bailey Rydell is embarking on a new adventure, moving from Washington to the coastal tourist town of Coronado Cove in California, where her father has lived since separating from his wife, in avoidance of perpetual arguments between her mother and her new husband. Bailey's internet friend Alex also resides in Coronado Cove, a young man who shares her love of classic films.

Seventeen year old Bailey is a wonderfully practical young woman, spirited although has a strong tendency of avoidance. In the online Lumière Film Fanatics Community she's referred to as Mink, ascribed by her love of vintage clothing. Alex has invited Bailey to the annual Coronado Springs Film Festival and unaware she has already moved to the Californian coastal town, Bailey attempts to find Alex before introducing herself, uncertain of her online friend and his authenticity.

Although Bailey and Alex are friends, one aspect I appreciated was how both adolescents were reluctant to explore aspects online in which they could be identified. An important reminder. With her fabulously restored vintage scooter, Bailey is employed at The Cavern Palace, a local tourist attraction along the seashore boardwalk and meets Grace Achebe, a effervescent American Nigerian young lady employed throughout the summer. Not all the employees at the The Cavern Palace are as accommodating.

Porter Roth is a third generation surfer, Polynesian Chinese American, handsome and grandson of the legendary Pennywise Roth, working as The Cavern Palace security and supervisor. The progression of their companionship was wonderful, Bailey is infuriated by Porter but gradually glimpses the boy beneath the confident and disarming exterior, a tender and charismatic young man and I applaud young adult authors that include intimacy and female masturbation as a relationship progresses.

The relationship with Bailey's father was gentle and a wonderfully positive influence, encouraging her ambition and providing Bailey with responsibility. Although once distraught by the infidelity and dissolution of his marriage, it was wonderful to see him exploring a new relationship and Bailey's acceptance. A lovely aspect of their familial relationship. The narrative also discusses trauma that both Bailey and Porter have experienced within their young lives.

Jenn Bennett is phenomenal. Alex, Approximately is a nostalgic and whimsical contemporary romance, enchanting and beautifully written. Captivating until the final page.

41 comments

  1. YAS I LOVE THIS BOOK & THIS REVIEW! (i fr need endless of contemps. written by jenn bennett) <3

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    1. I can't wait for Starry Eyes! She's such a remarkable author.

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  2. I loved this book so much and couldn't put in to words what made it so great. Jenn Bennett is this amazing YA author, she writes these characters I can love and I just love her books. I loved the relationship between Porter and Bailey, they grew closer and even though it frustrated me that Bailey took so long to figure out who her chat buddy was I did enjoy seeing them talking about one another without being aware. I totally want to reread this book now.

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    1. She really is Becky. I love that her books have that touch of predictability too, sometimes you just need a lovely contemporary romance without excess dramatics. I loved their relationship and the humour was such a beautiful touch. She's amazing!

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  3. Woo! I'm so happy you liked this one! Jenn Bennett is one of the few contemporary YA authors I can continue reading these days. My old favorites like Kasie West have been disappointing the heck out of me. How excited are you for Starry Eyes???

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    1. I cannot contain my excitement! She's brilliant, one of the few international young adult contemporary authors that I'll read anything she writes. Books. Shopping lists. Post notes. Doctors scripts. If she slaps a cover on it, I'm there.

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  4. I loved Porter and Bailey. I thought there was fabulous adults in this story. There were fun hijinks, and this couple was so shippable. I loved them together.

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    1. Same! Both as individuals and as a couple. I'm a fiend for enemies to friends to lovers romances and Jenn Bennett is brilliant!

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  5. Yesss I'm so glad you liked this book Kelly! <3 I adore Jenn Bennett's books, and this one was definitely a hit (so is her next one, Starry Eyes!). I love how the characters are open about sexual relationships and the family, friendship, and romantic dynamics. Fabulous review!

    - Aila @ Happy Indulgence

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    1. I can't wait to read it too Aila and absolutely thrilled that you loved it, makes me even more excited now! She writes such realistic characters and I love how sexually positive her books are.

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  6. I LOVE JENN BENNETT! Have you read Bitter Spirits? I still need to finish the rest of the series. I'm so glad you liked this one! I'm going to read it soon--swear! I'm in the middle of The Anatomical Shape of a Heart.

    Lovely review!
    Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. I actually haven't had the pleasure of reading her adult historical series but just about to purchase book one, thank you for reminding me! The Anatomical Shape of a Heart or Night Owls as it's called here is phenomenal, I loved that one and Alex, Approximately both equally. Such a talented woman.

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    2. I agree. I'm really excited about Starry Eyes! Night Owls? What an awesome alternative title! I can't wait to see what you think about Bitter Spirits!

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  7. I totally agree, I love Bailey's relationship with her father the most! For me it was the best part of the book :) I also love how Bailey and Porter's relationship progressed and how positively open this book about sexual relationships. Glad you enjoyed it Kelly!

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    1. It was beautiful. Normally young adult focuses on the daughter mother relationship, when the parents are present, so it was a wonderful change. I loved how tentative it was at first as they learnt about one another again after the divorce and how accepting Bailey was of her father's new relationship. Such a heartwarming touch.

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  8. I love Alex Approximately and glad to know you like it too, Kelly :D I love relationship between bailey and her father too :D Great review, Kelly! :D I awe that you managed to discuss and cover many aspects in short review *standing applause*

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    1. Thanks Hans. So excited that you loved this one too. She's a brilliant author isn't she, are you excited for Starry Eyes?

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  9. This sounds so good! Thank you for this review I'm 100% gonna be adding this to my TBR!

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    1. You definitely won't be disappointed Charlotte, both Alex, Approximately and Night Owls are phenomenal. Can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  10. Beautiful review, Kelly! I still need to read something by this author. I believe I've seen mostly positive things about this book, so that's great. I like that it explores sexuality (especially female sexuality) in such a positive way. There needs to be much more of that in YA, but I do feel like we're getting it more and more these days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. We are and it's wonderful but still so many authors are afraid to mention periods and female masturbation but seemingly have no issue with violence. We'll always need more positive sexual experiences and this was absolutely wonderful Lauren.

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  11. I love all of this authors books - adult and YA. She has a rel gift for writing quirky but relatable characters.

    I loved this one too - especially the parental relationships.

    For What It's Worth

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    1. It was lovely wasn't it. I've just bought a copy of Bitter Spirits actually and excited to see if that charm and enchantment carries into her adult series.

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  12. This sounds so beautiful, Kelly! I think I've owned a book by this author since... 2014? 2015? Well, it's been ages. I have no idea why I've been putting it off for so long. :( The father-daughter relationship sounds amazing, and I'd love to get into that since I'm very comfortable with my dad as well. <3

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    1. I can almost guarantee that you'll love it Aimee, such a spectacular read.

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  13. this was def one of my favorite books last year, I really adored the romance and the love hate thing they had going on - makes me sappy

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    1. The romance was so, so lovely. I love Jenn Bennett romances, the characters are always wonderful individuals. Gosh I loved it.

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  14. This sounds like such a good book, I think I'll have to give it a read, especially after reading your review and the positive comments others have left :)

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    1. It's amazing Amy! You can't go wrong with Jenn Bennett, she writes incredibly captivating stories that leave you on an incredible high. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  15. Glad you enjoyed this one! I've had my eye on this book, and I've bene hearing good things about it so far. I definitely need to check it out soon! Great review!

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    1. Thanks Amanda and lovely to see you again! It's such a brilliant read and can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  16. I've hear a lot about Alex, Approximately! But for some reason I still haven't picked it up.... I'm in a bit of a contemporary kick at the moment though so it's probably a good time for me to read it!! I'm glad you enjoyed this! I must read it so we can actually talk about it properly!

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    1. Oh Lara, you simply must read it. Or Night Owls, both are incredible contemporaries that I can't recommend enough.

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  17. I have seen Jenn bennet on my Twitter feed many times :p Plus all these positive comments under your post! This girl is gonna be broke lol :D
    Haniya
    booknauthors.blogspot.com

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    1. Ooh maybe ask at your local library if they have it or if they could order it in Haniya. I think online libraries would probably have the digital copy to borrow as well. Such a magnificent read, you definitely won't be disappointed.

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  18. This sounds amazing! I'd heard of this book, but hadn't added it to my tbr. But after reading your lovely review, it definitely sound like a book I would enjoy! Off to add this on Goodreads :)

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    1. Rebecca! I miss being able to visit your blog. I always check from time to time to see if you've decided to come back.

      It's brilliant and one I think you'll fall head over heels for. I would love to see what you think of it!

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  19. Wow, this seems so popular and yet I haven't heard of it yet. Thanks for putting this one on my radar! Great review!
    Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review

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    1. You need this book in your life Rebecca, Jenn Bennett is one of the best young adult authors I've ever had the privilege of reading.

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  20. I've read so many positive feedback of this story and I guess it's time to get a copy for myself :)

    Vanessa @ Blushing Geek

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  21. Kelly, I just adore you and your " always fucking good reviews. " How dare you write your ass off, serving me such amazingness and making me want to read books I've already read. I love and despise you all at the same time. Bye, I'm going to tell you about yourself in our chat lol.

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