Boyfriends with Girlfriends by Alex Sanchez
Review by: Lauren
Copy From: I bought it!
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Official Summary: Lance has always known he was gay, but he's never had a real boyfriend. Sergio is bisexual, but his only real relationship was with a girl. When the two of them meet, they have an instant connection--but will it be enough to overcome their differences?
Allie's been in a relationship with a guy for the last two years--but when she meets Kimiko, she can't get her out of her mind. Does this mean she's gay? Does it mean she's bi? Kimiko, falling hard for Allie, and finding it impossible to believe that a gorgeous girl like Allie would be into her, is willing to stick around and help Allie figure it out.
Review: I've read a few books by Alex Sanchez now, and I have to admit, I'm definitely a fan. This particular book deals a lot with the idea of bisexuality. It seems strange to me, being straight, that people that are gay or lesbian often don't believe in being bi. I think it's all just who you are. You can be gay, straight, lesbian, transgender...and yeah, I believe you can be bi. You just like both genders equally and can be attracted to either one at any time. Sanchez obviously agrees. In Boyfriends with Girlfriends, Lance really likes Sergio...but he's not sure he could ever date him since Sergio says he's bi. Lance doesn't think it's real. He's gay, he likes boys...why can't Sergio just admit the same thing and completely come of the closet? The thing is...he is out. He's just out as who he is, which is bi. Lance has to learn to deal with that, as well as the fact that he's more innocent in the relationship department, so to speak, than Sergio is.
As for Allie...she thinks she might like girls, but it was never something she really considered. She's been with her boyfriend Chip for years, so she likes boys, right? I think Allie would be considered bi as well, the same as Sergio. It's just at this point in her life, she'd much rather be with Kimiko (who is a lesbian) than with Chip. Kimiko lives in a strict family and while they know she dresses more "like a boy" than a girl, they don't actually know that Kimiko wants to be with a girl and not a guy. Between these two, Allie is the more experienced one in a relationship...but Kimiko knows more about liking girls and being okay with that for the most part.
I really liked that both couples and all four characters had their issues to work out. They were all dealing with their sexuality in some way, but more important...they were simply learning how to be in a stable relationship: one where they were happy and healthy and felt that everything was okay.
While this book doesn't have specific sections for each character, it does follow all of them. You don't just get Lance's point of view or just Kimiko's...you get all of them. Which is nice. You can see what they are thinking and what the other one is thinking and sometimes you just wish they would all open up more! It's life though, and it takes time. Sigh. Too bad for us. But then again, I suppose it makes it more intersting for us.
This is a very good book. If you aren't sure about bisexuality, it might help you understand it more as well. Beyond that, it's just an enjoyable read and that deals with issues of today. It's also quite a fast read too!
Don't forget, if you buy this book or any other LGBT novel, you get entered the giveaway. Details at the top of the page!
