Review of Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Emma Lord
Oh, where do I even begin? When I picked up Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, the latest offering from Emma Lord, I anticipated a light-hearted summer read, but what I got was a delightful journey filled with warmth, messiness, and surprising emotional depth. As someone who doesn’t always vibe with YA, especially when it veers into Gen Z slang, I was genuinely taken aback by how much I adored this book. It felt like a refreshing splash of joy on a hot day—one I didn’t know I needed!
At its core, the story follows Audre, a girl with a complex life, who hires the school’s hottest boy, Bash, to be her “fun consultant” for the summer. Spoiler alert: they’re not just friends, though the premise sets a hilarious stage for all the awkwardness that ensues. I couldn’t help but feel those fluttering butterflies as Audre and Bash navigated their undeniably flustered relationship. Their shyness was palpable, and I found myself grinning like an absolute goof while reading their text exchanges. I mean, who can resist Bash saying, “smiles are contagious, too. yours is, at least”? Talk about swoon-worthy!
Bash truly stole my heart. Described as “everyone’s crush,” he embodies that sweet, funny, chill persona that draws people in. Yet, beneath this charming exterior lies a profound emotional backstory that made him even more relatable and lovable. His earnestness when he admits feelings like “not being near you feels pointless” strikes a chord, amplifying the story’s stakes. His affection for Audre is so down bad; it’s practically hard to read without melting into a puddle.
While the romance shines brightly, I was pleasantly surprised by the deeper themes woven throughout. The novel touches on significant issues concerning race, gender, sexuality, and mental health. Audre’s relationship with her mother, Eva—a character we meet in Lord’s Seven Days in June—is complicated and turbulent. Audre grapples with her mother’s expectations, feeling more like an extension of her rather than a person in her own right. That profound statement—“What do I need? I’m a whole person with a life, not an extension of you”—hit deep, and I found myself nodding along, resonating with Audre’s conflict.
And let’s not forget the humor! I found myself laughing out loud during a scene where Audre drunkenly attempts to freestyle rap. I usually cringe at such moments, but somehow, it felt perfectly fitting within the context of her character. Lord has a way of capturing that blend of awkward humor and genuine emotion that makes the characters feel authentically relatable.
If I had to nitpick, there were moments that didn’t entirely land for me. Reshma’s POV—Audre’s best friend—felt a bit unnecessary, and I often wished I could return to the delicious tension between Audre and Bash. I also felt the ending was rushed; the main conflict wrapped up way too quickly for my taste, leaving some threads hanging, especially concerning Audre’s relationship with her mom.
Overall, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is a delightful treasure that surprised me at every turn and stirred my heart in ways I didn’t see coming. With its relatable characters, emotionally rich storylines, and laugh-out-loud moments, I can’t recommend this enough for anyone who enjoys YA romances with a sprinkle of real-life complexities. A solid 4 stars from me! If you’re seeking a book that offers cute characters and genuine emotions, this is definitely one to add to your TBR pile. Happy reading! 📚✨
Discover more about Audre & Bash Are Just Friends on GoodReads >>