Ann Liang’s This Time It’s Real is a heartfelt exploration of identity, loneliness, acceptance and belonging, friendship, and romance. The story follows Eliza Lin, a high school student whose essay about her perfect boyfriend goes viral. The only problem? The boyfriend doesn’t exist. 

The book is touching and charming while simultaneously being nuanced and insightful. 

I particularly enjoyed how their relationship was captured; it was quiet but loud and I felt there was a genuine connection between them and I enjoyed the progression of them going from fake to real. 

Caz is definitely a swoon-worthy book boyfriend and Ann Liang once again, does not miss!