The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Initially, I picked it up because I love reading books that are turned into movie adaptations. After reading it, I'm not sure if I'll watch the movie. With the way the few clips I've seen show, it's not much like the book at all. And some of the things I really loved about the book seem to be missing from the film... but back to the book! The Duff is a laugh out loud, sweet, sexy, and at times serious read. It's a book about friendship, loyalty, and even love.

Bianca is the type of heroine I love reading about. The kind that's snarky, outspoken, is who she is and doesn't change for anyone. She is also relatable. She's a good friend and a good daughter. And she is the ‘Duff' of her group, according to Wesley Rush. Wesley is one of the best looking guys at school. A duff isn't someone who is fat or ugly necessarily, all it means is that out of your group of friends, you may be the least attractive, etc. It's not a term of endearment, even though Wesley makes it seem that way.

So this Wesley guy... he seems like a total tool, right? Rich, popular, thinks he's the all that. Well, there is more to Wesley than meets the eye. Wesley's life isn't as perfect as it seems. And really, by the end of the book, I completely loved him. Wesley and Bianca's not so much friends with benefit's relationship was something that developed over time. At first, it was just physical. A way to escape what they were both going through, but with time, feelings developed. Both characters realized they cared and Bianca realizes that she's doing the unthinkable. She is falling for Wesley Rush.

If you're looking for a good enemies-to-lovers story, a story about friendships, finding yourself and coping with the hard stuff in life, this would be a great pick. I loved both of the main characters, and Bianca's friends were great too! It's one of the better YA books I've read lately, and honestly, for YA it was a little on the steamy side, which is just another plus. I listened to the audio version of this book and I loved the narrator. I thought she captured Bianca perfectly.