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tristatereader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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
You know when Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda first came out in 2015 and the book community (especially the queer book community) was like, “Stop everything you’re doing and read this book right now”? I had the same reaction while reading TLBRFR. This book made me feel like a new wave of queer defiance is being ushered in, and I am here 👏🏼 for 👏🏼 it 👏🏼. I think it’s more than serendipitous that Becky Albertalli blurbed for this book.
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge tells the story of Ezra, Finley, and Lucas. These three Alabama-living besties are in relationships with the shittiest guys. I mean, their boyfriends are just the WORST. And as each of these toxic relationships begins to crash and burn, EF&L take solace in the fact that they're all "last boyfriends". At the same time, their school attempts to stifle their queerness under the guise of a "Watch What You Say" initiative, and the boys are not having it. They decide to fight back.
There were so many things about this book that I loved and the amount of diversity and representation was just the tip of the iceberg. The characters in this book were all so uniquely and unapologetically themselves, which is something I adore. I also loved the unwavering courage shown by all of the characters in the face of adversity. I adored Ezra, Fin, and Lucas’ friendship and the unshakable loyalty shown to one another throughout this story. And on top of all of that, there was romance 😍, a Zaddy named Kevin, a “Carrie moment”, and a plethora of Sour Patch Kids.
TL;DR- Reading TLBRFR has made me feel like I’m part of a movement. This book has lit a fire, fueled by queer-defiance. And we, as the readers, are helping to feed the flames. I am bursting with pride by that sentiment and I can’t wait to watch my community create an inferno 🔥
BONUS: Please enjoy the following Kevinisms:
- "Don't be afraid of a fight"
- "Being brave is doing what's right when you know the consequences"
- "The best revenge is believing in yourself"
- "And wear a rubber if you're gonna have sex"
*The The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge is out April 30th, but you can pre-order now and submit your receipt to www.lastboyfriends.com for some fun swag 💃*
Thank you so much to Underlined and Delacorte Press for an ARC of this book ❤️
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge tells the story of Ezra, Finley, and Lucas. These three Alabama-living besties are in relationships with the shittiest guys. I mean, their boyfriends are just the WORST. And as each of these toxic relationships begins to crash and burn, EF&L take solace in the fact that they're all "last boyfriends". At the same time, their school attempts to stifle their queerness under the guise of a "Watch What You Say" initiative, and the boys are not having it. They decide to fight back.
There were so many things about this book that I loved and the amount of diversity and representation was just the tip of the iceberg. The characters in this book were all so uniquely and unapologetically themselves, which is something I adore. I also loved the unwavering courage shown by all of the characters in the face of adversity. I adored Ezra, Fin, and Lucas’ friendship and the unshakable loyalty shown to one another throughout this story. And on top of all of that, there was romance 😍, a Zaddy named Kevin, a “Carrie moment”, and a plethora of Sour Patch Kids.
TL;DR- Reading TLBRFR has made me feel like I’m part of a movement. This book has lit a fire, fueled by queer-defiance. And we, as the readers, are helping to feed the flames. I am bursting with pride by that sentiment and I can’t wait to watch my community create an inferno 🔥
BONUS: Please enjoy the following Kevinisms:
- "Don't be afraid of a fight"
- "Being brave is doing what's right when you know the consequences"
- "The best revenge is believing in yourself"
- "And wear a rubber if you're gonna have sex"
*The The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge is out April 30th, but you can pre-order now and submit your receipt to www.lastboyfriends.com for some fun swag 💃*
Thank you so much to Underlined and Delacorte Press for an ARC of this book ❤️
proftoddreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
This is a 5 star debut novel by Matthew Hubbard! The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge is a queer YA reimagining of First Wives Club following 3 high school best friends who are plotting revenge on their ex boyfriends while also secretly fighting their school’s new anti-gay policies via an anonymous TikTok account that quickly goes viral!
If you like:
✨Queer friendships
✨Ally communities
✨LGBTQ+ pride
✨Student uprisings
✨Revenge
✨Humor
✨Glitter Bombs
✨Drag shows
This novel is for you!!
I had an absolute blast reading every page of this book. It was a delightful romp with meaningful messages about friendship, love, adversity, and standing up against institutionalized hate. Hubbard’s characters show us what it means to wrestle with self doubt, find your voice, and gain the strength to fight back against oppression.
Equal parts delightful & empowering, this book offers important insights into the dangers facing queer youth and the sinister policies targeting them. Hubbard expertly blends wit and humor with social commentary, making this novel an absolute must read for all ages.
Thank you so much to Matthew Hubbard for sending me an ARC of this book. I will be enthusiastically joining the “glitter dusted revolution” and buying the print version on April 30!
If you like:
✨Queer friendships
✨Ally communities
✨LGBTQ+ pride
✨Student uprisings
✨Revenge
✨Humor
✨Glitter Bombs
✨Drag shows
This novel is for you!!
I had an absolute blast reading every page of this book. It was a delightful romp with meaningful messages about friendship, love, adversity, and standing up against institutionalized hate. Hubbard’s characters show us what it means to wrestle with self doubt, find your voice, and gain the strength to fight back against oppression.
Equal parts delightful & empowering, this book offers important insights into the dangers facing queer youth and the sinister policies targeting them. Hubbard expertly blends wit and humor with social commentary, making this novel an absolute must read for all ages.
Thank you so much to Matthew Hubbard for sending me an ARC of this book. I will be enthusiastically joining the “glitter dusted revolution” and buying the print version on April 30!
ninergrl6's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley for providing access to this ARC! I enjoyed the empowerment angle as the plot evolved from revenge to advocacy. That’s when I became invested. Kevin and Jackson are endearing, fresh supporting (and supportive) characters, but I wish Lucas and Finley had more distinct voices. Great message and great main character growth
matthewhubbard's review against another edition
5.0
Dear Reader,
“We’re here” is a powerful reminder. These two words burned like a fire inside me as I wrote The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge. This story of queer teens in rural Alabama began as them seeking revenge for their heartbreak; however, while writing my heart was broken as Florida House Bill 1557, the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, began targeting my community. I cried tears of anger as events unfolded and turned to the document that would become this book to do the only thing I could: keep hope alive.
As I started writing to fight back, I thought of how helpless those affected by anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation must feel. It reminded me of my own struggles growing up in a small Alabama town. Just like the main character, Ezra, I felt alone and bullied by the world. After being harassed at school, I often begged the universe for answers: Will I always be alone? Will I ever belong? Do I even matter? Keeping that desperation in mind, I set out to write for anyone who might feel the same. Ezra is a younger version of me; I wrote my present-day self as his father to help him see himself clearly. As his father, I was able to finally answer those questions and heal the hurt I’ve carried for far too long. I hope you’ll discover yourself in these pages, as I have discovered myself, and know that you aren’t alone and you belong and you matter.
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge has been my story for so long, but now it’s our story. Together we’ll learn to believe in ourselves like Ezra and his friends as they cause mayhem and have fun doing so—believing in yourself is the best revenge, after all. With great pride, I welcome you to join the fight and promise you that you aren’t alone. We’re here, and we’re all “last boyfriends.”
Proudly,
Matthew
“We’re here” is a powerful reminder. These two words burned like a fire inside me as I wrote The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge. This story of queer teens in rural Alabama began as them seeking revenge for their heartbreak; however, while writing my heart was broken as Florida House Bill 1557, the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, began targeting my community. I cried tears of anger as events unfolded and turned to the document that would become this book to do the only thing I could: keep hope alive.
As I started writing to fight back, I thought of how helpless those affected by anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation must feel. It reminded me of my own struggles growing up in a small Alabama town. Just like the main character, Ezra, I felt alone and bullied by the world. After being harassed at school, I often begged the universe for answers: Will I always be alone? Will I ever belong? Do I even matter? Keeping that desperation in mind, I set out to write for anyone who might feel the same. Ezra is a younger version of me; I wrote my present-day self as his father to help him see himself clearly. As his father, I was able to finally answer those questions and heal the hurt I’ve carried for far too long. I hope you’ll discover yourself in these pages, as I have discovered myself, and know that you aren’t alone and you belong and you matter.
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge has been my story for so long, but now it’s our story. Together we’ll learn to believe in ourselves like Ezra and his friends as they cause mayhem and have fun doing so—believing in yourself is the best revenge, after all. With great pride, I welcome you to join the fight and promise you that you aren’t alone. We’re here, and we’re all “last boyfriends.”
Proudly,
Matthew
elijah9715's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.5
bethany6788's review against another edition
5.0
Ezra feels down after he finds out his boyfriend has been seeing other people and using him. He feels like he’s undateable and like no one will ever want him. He and his two best friends have all had their hearts broken and they form The Last Boyfriend’s Club. Not only that - but they’re dealing with a school administration that is trying to make them nonexistent.
Y’all - I’d been WAITING for this one. A YA book of queer people being themselves and figuring out how to make change? Revenge plot? Sassy friends? Sweet as pie romance? Supportive family?? Growth?? Flawed characters who apologize??!
This book was everything I want and more. Tell me why I messaged @matthewhubbard like he was my friend while reading because I was so blown away. This book is wonderful, and Matthew lets you into his brain, his experience, and shares a beautiful vulnerability with readers.
Glitter bomb: I relate to Ezra so much because I am that person. I’ve been that person, and my heart ached for him.
I cried twice reading this one. #Jazra!! So happy I preordered this one already. The copy will sit proudly on my shelf.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Y’all - I’d been WAITING for this one. A YA book of queer people being themselves and figuring out how to make change? Revenge plot? Sassy friends? Sweet as pie romance? Supportive family?? Growth?? Flawed characters who apologize??!
This book was everything I want and more. Tell me why I messaged @matthewhubbard like he was my friend while reading because I was so blown away. This book is wonderful, and Matthew lets you into his brain, his experience, and shares a beautiful vulnerability with readers.
Glitter bomb: I relate to Ezra so much because I am that person. I’ve been that person, and my heart ached for him.
I cried twice reading this one. #Jazra!! So happy I preordered this one already. The copy will sit proudly on my shelf.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
lberestecki's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
keleneski's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
this book is sharply written, witty and warm, full of love and revenge and characters you would die to protect. i feel so lucky to have read this book and have the opportunity to scream from the rooftops about how wonderful it is. last boyfriends has. it. all. tackles important and timely real-world issues? check. funny and smart? check. revenge plots? check. adorable best friends? check. a protagonist you love to pieces and would do anything for? check. queer love and justice at the forefront? double check.
this book is not only intensely readable, going down smoothly like a fine cocktail, but extremely important. and i think i might have to preorder a copy to send directly to that loser desantis, packaged with glitter of course.
this book is not only intensely readable, going down smoothly like a fine cocktail, but extremely important. and i think i might have to preorder a copy to send directly to that loser desantis, packaged with glitter of course.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Biphobia
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