Reviews

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard

armaust's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.25

jareadforfilth's review against another edition

dark funny hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was super cute and very fun while also being incredibly important in its statement. It largely centers around the discriminatory agendas being pushed at schools specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ history and people while starting as a fun revenge plot on our main characters’ ex-boyfriends. Watching these characters, and specifically Ezra, grow into themselves and become stronger versions of themselves is really nice. Also, the TikTok aspect of this book was relatable and actually exciting, like I was pumped to see what their next upload would be and how people would react (art imitates life, I suppose 😅) also the rep here is FANTASTIC, this small town in Alabama has soooo much queerdom going on I’m obsessed and ready to move (jk but still 😂) 

The blossoming romance between Kackson and Ezra made me soooo happy! Like they are soooo cute together and I love that they each get a win here after how they were treated by Presley. Jackson is such a lil puppy dog and the fact that he’d been crushing for so long on Ezra is incredibly sweet.

I will say that I wish the ending weren’t left to the imagination as much with this one. I think that we could have gotten a more firm conclusion here, seeing the final interview and School Board meeting and verdict. With the way the antagonists were so openly harassing students and cartoonishly villainous, that would have been incredibly rewarding and balance out the horrible behavior and bullying a bit better. That said, the presumption of the HEA these characters deserve is very nice!

Overall, I loved this book, I love our protagonists and this would definitely make a super cute movie!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Homophobia, and Bullying

Moderate: Sexual harassment

cayeman's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

samwalburn's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

bookmarkedbybecky's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Wow! This book should be in every library and bookstore. If you don’t think you’ve been seen, read Matthew Hubbard's debut novel!  You’ll be singing “You Don’t Own Me” with the rest of the Harper Valley High School in no time. Yes, the song from The First Wives Club movie.   

I’m thoroughly impressed with Matthew Hubbard’s storytelling. He provides a great mix of serious life lessons and funny scenes. One of the scene stealers is Ezra’s dad. He is what every parent should strive to be: supportive, great listener, nonjudgmental, and offers sound advice.  His best advice is, “Best revenge is believing in yourself.”  

Matthew Hubbard dedicates the book to “Every Queer Person Who Has Fought To Exist.”  And Ezra proves the fight is worth it.   He lives in a community where politicians want to repress LGBTQIA+ rights (cough - sounds like parts of the US today - cough) by enacting a Watch What You Say initiative based on “true” family values.  However, Ezra and his friends take on the bullies, who are often disguised as adults, and empower kids to fight for their right to live without repercussions or erasure.  Cue the music again - “You Don’t Own Me.”  

Once again, I paired the physical and audiobook.  I’ve always loved Lee Osorio’s narrations, but this one!!!  He handles all the characters with such ease - multiple voices, great delivery with the humorous scenes, and his southern accent. ❤️ 

Other Highlights: Viral TikTok videos, Drag Queen Show, Taylor Swift references, Sour Patch Kids (my kids devoured these in HS).

lululiebs's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

katiefairchild's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

luchalibrarian's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

4.5

I absolutely LOVED The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard! A fun, yet serious, story about a Southern small town and the LGBTQ+ students at the local high school who’ve had enough of their schools’ “Don’t Say Gay”-esque mantra. I loved the inclusive queer rep - gay, bi, pan, lesbian - and also the acknowledgment of queer identity as it coincides with youth athletes and that dynamic can be extra explosive.  …go back to Party City!

sevireene's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

danielghurst's review

5.0

A fun debut! We love queer rebellion!