Scan barcode
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I would like to thank books with messy, easily unlikable characters for being so real (and relatable).
Neil is rude, irritable, and self-centered for a majority of the book. And I wouldn't have it any other way, really. His inner dialogue reminds me a lot of my own at times, especially when I was a teen. But that just makes his story and development that much more satisfying by the end.
There's honestly so much I could get into about this book and the ways it deals with complicated family dynamics, friendships, and other complicated relationships. Even if our main character wants things to be black and white with blame during conflicts, he learns that it's usually a lot more difficult to pin down than that.
And of course, I couldn't write this review without addressing how much I LOVED Wyatt as a character. They're such a loveable person, and it was so fun getting to know them more, bit by bit.
And the discussion around their gender when they come out to Neil... š„ŗ Their feelings surrounding gender are so similar to my own as a genderfluid person, so it was really nice to see it talked about by another person.
I will say that I do wishthat we got a bit more insight into Wyatt's feelings, how/when they developed, etc. Especially since there's a point where they say something about having wanted to kiss Neil "for a while." And there's that part of meāthe part that's weak for piningāthat wonders if their feelings (or an inkling of them) started even before Neil's scheme.
Overall, this book had me audibly reacting at multiple points, from the adorable, to the upsetting, to the downright silly. Despite the convoluted plans and a plot that won't necessarily happen to most people, the characters make it hit home in an authentic way that you can't help but love ā”
Neil is rude, irritable, and self-centered for a majority of the book. And I wouldn't have it any other way, really. His inner dialogue reminds me a lot of my own at times, especially when I was a teen. But that just makes his story and development that much more satisfying by the end.
There's honestly so much I could get into about this book and the ways it deals with complicated family dynamics, friendships, and other complicated relationships. Even if our main character wants things to be black and white with blame during conflicts, he learns that it's usually a lot more difficult to pin down than that.
And of course, I couldn't write this review without addressing how much I LOVED Wyatt as a character. They're such a loveable person, and it was so fun getting to know them more, bit by bit.
I will say that I do wish
Overall, this book had me audibly reacting at multiple points, from the adorable, to the upsetting, to the downright silly. Despite the convoluted plans and a plot that won't necessarily happen to most people, the characters make it hit home in an authentic way that you can't help but love ā”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Classism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Dysphoria, Sexual content, and Deadnaming
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
rachelfayreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Cursing, Alcohol, Dysphoria, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
bookish_cam27's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The main character is really annoying and low-key bad at communicatingā¦ but this is the entire point of his development. This book was generic and a good palette cleansing romance. My favorite part was the last 100 pages when all the plot lines were tied up all with a pretty bow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
kashrae99'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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Transphobia
Moderate: Classism, Cursing, Abandonment, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Death, and Deadnaming
trisvande's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The dynamic between Neil and Wyatt was addictive. I read the majority of the book in less than 48 hours. That's how addicted I was. That said, I did have some issues.
For starters the author LOVES to drop random tidbits of pop culture. I normally wouldnāt mind but at times it felt very unnecessary. Thereās a part where they land in LA and the chapter starts with āTwo hours later, we hopped off the plane at LAX.ā but then didn't. The dialogue after is about how they just landed and are about to get off the plane.
The author also repeats a lot. I canāt tell you the amount of times Neil said essentially the same thing to himself. Also, Iām sorry but no one cares THAT much about a hotel owner's child, unless theyāre actively trying to be in the limelight (ala Paris Hilton.)
For starters the author LOVES to drop random tidbits of pop culture. I normally wouldnāt mind but at times it felt very unnecessary. Thereās a part where they land in LA and the chapter starts with āTwo hours later, we hopped off the plane at LAX.ā but then didn't. The dialogue after is about how they just landed and are about to get off the plane.
The author also repeats a lot. I canāt tell you the amount of times Neil said essentially the same thing to himself. Also, Iām sorry but no one cares THAT much about a hotel owner's child, unless theyāre actively trying to be in the limelight (ala Paris Hilton.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Homophobia, and Sexual content
sarahmcg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver
My rating: 3.5āļø
Vibes: š³ļøāā§ļøš¤āļøššøš¤
Publishing date: Aug 2022 (out now)
Mini synopsis: Neil breaks up with Josh, his friends-with-benefits, when he tells Neil he loves him, right before they are supposed to fly home for Neilās brotherās wedding. Now, Neil needs a new date to bring along to prove to Josh that heās over him and needs to move on. Enter: Joshās roommate Wyatt, who thinks Neil is being a jerk, but goes along with the plan; as they get to know each other, they begin to understand each other, and learn what it can be like to truly fall in love for the first time.
What to expect:
Trans MMC
NB love interest
Several queer side characters
Roommates, fake dating
Young adult
What I liked:
- Wyatt ā¤ļø this sweet character *made* this story; their accent, their polite and humble nature, and the way they basically gave Neil a reality check
- I loved that the world this story occurred in had a ton of queer characters, including the friend group at school and Wyattās moms
My critiques:
- OMG Neil was soooo unlikeable! I just could not cheer for this main character. Ignorant, oblivious, entitled, rude, whinyā¦ I could go on. Since the book is from his POV, you see all of his interactions, and heās an asshole to literally everyone in his life. Just such a basic Beverly Hills rich kid who looked down on Wyattās clothes and basically everything else about them because he could tell their family didnāt have money. Neil really needed some serious character growth/an arc, but this book only took place over 1 week which brings me toā¦
- The pacing. Itās possible this book could have benefitted from a longer timeline, but I get the fact that this revolved around an upcoming wedding made that challenging
Overall, a quick read that I enjoyed in audiobook format.
ā ļø CW/TW: underage drinking, mention of neglectful parenting, transphobia (throughout, and specific incident with TSA), homophobia, indirect dead naming (Neil is dead named but the dead name is never mentioned on page and simply alluded to), fade-to-black sex scene, mentions of past sexual relationship
My rating: 3.5āļø
Vibes: š³ļøāā§ļøš¤āļøššøš¤
Publishing date: Aug 2022 (out now)
Mini synopsis: Neil breaks up with Josh, his friends-with-benefits, when he tells Neil he loves him, right before they are supposed to fly home for Neilās brotherās wedding. Now, Neil needs a new date to bring along to prove to Josh that heās over him and needs to move on. Enter: Joshās roommate Wyatt, who thinks Neil is being a jerk, but goes along with the plan; as they get to know each other, they begin to understand each other, and learn what it can be like to truly fall in love for the first time.
What to expect:
Trans MMC
NB love interest
Several queer side characters
Roommates, fake dating
Young adult
What I liked:
- Wyatt ā¤ļø this sweet character *made* this story; their accent, their polite and humble nature, and the way they basically gave Neil a reality check
- I loved that the world this story occurred in had a ton of queer characters, including the friend group at school and Wyattās moms
My critiques:
- OMG Neil was soooo unlikeable! I just could not cheer for this main character. Ignorant, oblivious, entitled, rude, whinyā¦ I could go on. Since the book is from his POV, you see all of his interactions, and heās an asshole to literally everyone in his life. Just such a basic Beverly Hills rich kid who looked down on Wyattās clothes and basically everything else about them because he could tell their family didnāt have money. Neil really needed some serious character growth/an arc, but this book only took place over 1 week which brings me toā¦
- The pacing. Itās possible this book could have benefitted from a longer timeline, but I get the fact that this revolved around an upcoming wedding made that challenging
Overall, a quick read that I enjoyed in audiobook format.
ā ļø CW/TW: underage drinking, mention of neglectful parenting, transphobia (throughout, and specific incident with TSA), homophobia, indirect dead naming (Neil is dead named but the dead name is never mentioned on page and simply alluded to), fade-to-black sex scene, mentions of past sexual relationship
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming and Alcohol
brookeisbusyreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Iāve read a bunch of queer romances that were swimming in queer characters and, as much as I like to see that representation, itās nice when the focus is on the main characters and a few background ones. Itās even better with how Deaver presents Neil and Wyattās sexualities and feelings/thoughts about gender. I think thatās what I appreciated the most from this book.
The premise of the wedding and surrounding events was well-planned in my opinion too! A lot of times I feel like writers āforceā(?) booksā worlds to be smaller so it gives more opportunities for characters to run into each other. This book didnāt do that - another plus. And the fake dating felt just as awkward and cute as it should have.
Side Note: Pink isnāt really a color I like but I do love the cover of this book!
The premise of the wedding and surrounding events was well-planned in my opinion too! A lot of times I feel like writers āforceā(?) booksā worlds to be smaller so it gives more opportunities for characters to run into each other. This book didnāt do that - another plus. And the fake dating felt just as awkward and cute as it should have.
Side Note: Pink isnāt really a color I like but I do love the cover of this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia
valreadssometimes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book is advertised as a romantic comedy. it is not that.
I was not rooting for the main couple. At all.
Here's the thing, in order to want the main couple to fall in love and end up together and have their happily-ever-after love story you need to believe that they're good together. You have to like the characters.
The main character of this book is the most unlikeable protagonist I have read in a while, especially because, as the reader, you're supposed to be rooting for him. Neil is a rich, self-centered, self-pitying, excuse-ridden mess. He expects everyone around him to live constantly accommodating his needs and wants. Even at the end, when he's supposedly "redeemed," he continues to have expectations and demands of the people around him.I was actually upset when he decided to randomly show up at Wyatt's house. Neil's whole arc revolved around him becoming more empathetic and kind; There is zero empathy in immediately demanding a relationship from the guy you decided to insult and send home for basically zero reason. No one is safe from Neil's whining and his excuses. He uses every inconvenience is his life as a way to write off his bad behaviors. Even his gender identity and journey is finely crafted in his internal monologue as this get-out-of-jail free card for not knowing how to treat others around him with basic empathy and respect. The whole arc with his mother was greatly upsetting. Neil blamed her for his bad childhood and his terrible experiences which was, in my opinion, incredibly unfair. Yes, in the end he does end up taking some responsibility for his own actions, but it felt cheap after berating his mother who, while misguided, was trying her best. Either make it more nuanced and real, or write it out. Neil does not deserve to placate his own guilt by targeting his family.
Wyatt, the main love interest, was sweet. He seemed to be authentic and naive and all of the good things Neil isn't. In a way, he was meant to help Neil become better, but he really just made me more aware of what a terrible person he was.Also the "hallmark moment" made me want to claw my eyes out. Like, Neil trying to make his Beverly Hills problems seem comparable to Wyatt's made me laugh out loud (not in the good way).
I was rooting for Wyatt. I was rooting for Josh. I was rooting for everyone that wasn't Neil.
Wyatt and Neil were just not meant to be. Maybe if Neil was able to step back (like really, really far back) and re-evaluate himself and his choices, it could have worked. But guess what? He can't. Not with this short of a time frame.
This could have been a better book if Neil and Wyatt had not ended up together (sorry not sorry).
I was not rooting for the main couple. At all.
Here's the thing, in order to want the main couple to fall in love and end up together and have their happily-ever-after love story you need to believe that they're good together. You have to like the characters.
The main character of this book is the most unlikeable protagonist I have read in a while, especially because, as the reader, you're supposed to be rooting for him. Neil is a rich, self-centered, self-pitying, excuse-ridden mess. He expects everyone around him to live constantly accommodating his needs and wants. Even at the end, when he's supposedly "redeemed," he continues to have expectations and demands of the people around him.
Wyatt, the main love interest, was sweet. He seemed to be authentic and naive and all of the good things Neil isn't. In a way, he was meant to help Neil become better, but he really just made me more aware of what a terrible person he was.
I was rooting for Wyatt. I was rooting for Josh. I was rooting for everyone that wasn't Neil.
Wyatt and Neil were just not meant to be. Maybe if Neil was able to step back (like really, really far back) and re-evaluate himself and his choices, it could have worked. But guess what? He can't. Not with this short of a time frame.
This could have been a better book if Neil and Wyatt had not ended up together (sorry not sorry).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Classism and Toxic relationship
Minor: Dysphoria, Homophobia, Deadnaming, and Outing
fanboyriot's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Read For:
š³ļøāā§ļø t4t
š Fake Dating
š Roommates
šļø Only One Bed
š©· Grumpy x Sunshine
I think this just might be my favorite Mason Deaver book yet! I loved this book so much!
The plot was cute, the characters were amazing, and the romance was perfect. It was everything. Neil and Wyatt were both total dorks and I absolutely adore them.
Iām so happy this book exists. The trans rep, the wedding where dealing with family is a nightmare. There was so many moments in this book that were cute and funny but there were moments where it felt realistic and raw. That Neil was the way he was because of the people around him. Always running away and shoving his feelings down until they didnāt existā¦ at least until he fell face first for the least likely person he was expecting.
The only negative thing I have to say was that I didnāt read it sooner.
Release Date: 16, August 2022
POV: First Person
Spice: š¶ļøš¶ļø (mentioned lightly, PG-13)
Rep: Transmasc Gay (MC), Transmasc Gay (SC), Bisexual Korean (SC), Black Bisexual (SC), Gay (SC), BIPOC Characters, LGBTQIA+ Characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Classism, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Cursing, Transphobia, Alcohol, Deadnaming, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Vomit, and Fatphobia