Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings

I'm going to be perfectly honest and just say it: I'm feeling very Reginald. I don't want to say good-bye to Ruby but at the same time, I almost don't want to see a fifth Ruby Oliver book. I'd like to think that Ruby has learned as much as she can possibly learn, has experienced all types of crazy scenarios and that in the future, although she is bound to still find herself in a mountain of debacles, she'll be able to persevere onward, facing them head-on, and tackle them with her vast knowledge of relationships, life, and love. Real Live Boyfriends is very possibly my favorite Ruby Oliver book (although The Boyfriend List is probably the most re-readable) and I was amazed at the level of depth Lockhart was able to put into this book that had never been done previously in the series. Every Ruby Oliver is unique, special, and insightful in its own way, but Real Live Boyfriends knocked them all out of the park. It's Ruby's senior year and everything seems to be perfect: Noel is her boyfriend (clarification: her real live boyfriend). He calls her when he says he will, he replies to her emails, he doesn't check his phone when she talks to him, and Ruby can't believe she can be this happy. However, when Noel comes back from visiting his brother Claude in New York, he seems to have changed; their relationship seems to have changed. Furthermore, Ruby's grandmother dies, leaving her father in a pool of depression; her mother is driving her up the wall and seems to be going crazy; Gideon seems to be mysteriously re-appearing into her life; and if that isn't enough, college applications are due just around the corner! Ruby's life was never easy, but senior year may just be her hardest one yet. Real Live Boyfriends is literally a culmination of all Ruby's previous teachings from her therapy appointments. It's almost like a final test. I love how we're able to witness Ruby's thought processes: how she breaks down every thought, analyzes it, takes out what she wants, and goes out to get it. Yet, there are still dozens of mistakes, misinterpreted situations, and over-analyzed remarks. In some ways Ruby is back to being the same girl who was in a relationship with Jackson: insecure, whining, and desperate. At the same time however, Ruby picks herself up, dusts herself off, and goes off into the wide world. Her character is portrayed extremely realistically (who doesn't fall back into bad habits from time to time?), yet I love that she is now mature enough to change not only her actions towards others, but her actions towards herself too. Perhaps my favorite aspect of Real Live Boyfriends (either than the romance/misunderstandings/love story between Ruby and Noel) is Ruby's parents. They have always been a large and important part of her life, but they truly came alive in this conclusion. Ruby really had to deal with her parents: their issues, their problems, their romance. She was forced to understand them in ways she had never seen before and the overall growth of their relationship was rewarding. Other relationships I loved to see evolve in this book were Ruby's friendships. Her friendship with Hutch (despite the fact that he was in Paris), her friendship with Nora (despite the fact that she kinda wasn't talking to her), and her friendship with Meghan (despite the fact that her life primarily revolved around Finn). Throughout the series, Ruby has constantly struggled to make wise decisions concerning her friends, unable to find her true friends from a sea of enemies. However, by senior year, Roo truly does find out who her real friends are and what makes them that way. Her friendships, despite being few and far between, are genuine and I am confident will stay true throughout her college years. Finally, the last thing I have to say about this book is that I loved the ending. Lockhart ends this series on a realistic note. Yes, she ties up the loose ends, but not all of them. There is hope for what the future may bring and Roo's future is up for the reader's imagination - which I love. Through her books, Lockhart has shared Roo with us all, bringing her into our lives, our thoughts, and our hearts. Now, in her conclusion, she allows us to keep Ruby with us always, learning from her mistakes, all the wiser for her therapy appointments, and ever so hopeful for our futures. The Ruby Oliver series is one that will stick with you, no matter your age. Anyone and everyone can relate to Ruby and it is comforting to know that whenever I am in need of a shrink, expert advice, or just someone to share my debacles with, Ruby is waiting for me in the covers of these books. This series is one you won't forget easily - especially if you're consumed with Reginald like me (;