📖 Overview
Three women in Austin become unexpected friends after discovering they've been dating the same man. Software developer Samiah Brooks channels her viral dating disaster into a pact with her new friends - they'll spend six months focusing on their careers and personal growth instead of men.
At work, Samiah encounters Daniel Collins, a new colleague who challenges her resolve to stay away from dating. As they collaborate on projects, she must balance her professional ambitions with her growing attraction, while remaining true to her commitment to self-improvement.
The story explores themes of female friendship, career advancement in tech, and the complexities of modern dating. Through Samiah's experiences, the novel examines questions of trust, authenticity, and the balance between personal relationships and professional success.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlighted the strong female friendships, workplace dynamics, and tech industry representation. Many connected with the main character Samiah's career ambitions and appreciated seeing a Black woman succeed in STEM. The romance development between Samiah and Daniel received positive feedback for its mature, communication-focused approach.
Key likes:
- Authentic portrayal of modern dating and social media
- Balance of romance with career focus
- Female solidarity and support systems
- Representation of women in tech
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in the middle sections
- Predictable plot developments
- Some found the ending rushed
- Romance takes time to build momentum
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (22,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings)
BookBub: 4.1/5 (1,900+ ratings)
One reader noted: "Finally, a romance that doesn't require the heroine to choose between love and career." Another mentioned: "The friendship between the women outshone the actual romance plot."
📚 Similar books
The Dating Plan by Sara Desai
A software engineer enters a fake relationship with her childhood crush to satisfy family expectations while pursuing her career goals.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert A tech-savvy woman with chronic illness creates a life-improvement list and finds unexpected romance with her apartment building's superintendent.
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams A university professor creates a to-do list to revamp her life after her department faces elimination and meets a man who changes her plans.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren A data scientist skeptically tests a DNA-based matchmaking system and receives a high compatibility score with the company's founder.
Girls in Tech by Susanne Tedrick A woman navigates workplace dynamics, career advancement, and romance while breaking barriers in the male-dominated tech industry.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert A tech-savvy woman with chronic illness creates a life-improvement list and finds unexpected romance with her apartment building's superintendent.
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams A university professor creates a to-do list to revamp her life after her department faces elimination and meets a man who changes her plans.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren A data scientist skeptically tests a DNA-based matchmaking system and receives a high compatibility score with the company's founder.
Girls in Tech by Susanne Tedrick A woman navigates workplace dynamics, career advancement, and romance while breaking barriers in the male-dominated tech industry.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔷 Author Farrah Rochon drew inspiration from a viral Twitter thread about a woman who discovered she was being catfished when she showed up for a date and found two other women there to meet the same man.
🔷 The book emphasizes the importance of women in STEM fields, with protagonist Samiah Brooks working as a senior software engineer in Austin's tech industry.
🔷 The Boyfriend Project spawned two companion novels featuring Samiah's friends: The Dating Playbook and The Hookup Plan, forming a trilogy of interconnected but standalone stories.
🔷 Farrah Rochon incorporated elements of cybersecurity and financial technology into the plot after extensive research into Austin's growing tech scene.
🔷 The novel addresses contemporary issues like workplace discrimination, online dating scams, and the challenges faced by Black women in predominantly white tech spaces.