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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... 🥺 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 me—the part that's weak for pining—that 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 ♡
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 ♡
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Classism, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Dysphoria, Sexual content, and Deadnaming
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
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
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
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: 3.5⭐️
Vibes: 🏳️⚧️🤑✈️💍🎸🎤
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 Neil’s brother’s wedding. Now, Neil needs a new date to bring along to prove to Josh that he’s over him and needs to move on. Enter: Josh’s 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 ❤️ 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 Wyatt’s moms
My critiques:
- OMG Neil was soooo unlikeable! I just could not cheer for this main character. Ignorant, oblivious, entitled, rude, whiny… I could go on. Since the book is from his POV, you see all of his interactions, and he’s an asshole to literally everyone in his life. Just such a basic Beverly Hills rich kid who looked down on Wyatt’s clothes and basically everything else about them because he could tell their family didn’t have money. Neil really needed some serious character growth/an arc, but this book only took place over 1 week which brings me to…
- The pacing. It’s 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.
⚠️ 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: 3.5⭐️
Vibes: 🏳️⚧️🤑✈️💍🎸🎤
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 Neil’s brother’s wedding. Now, Neil needs a new date to bring along to prove to Josh that he’s over him and needs to move on. Enter: Josh’s 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 ❤️ 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 Wyatt’s moms
My critiques:
- OMG Neil was soooo unlikeable! I just could not cheer for this main character. Ignorant, oblivious, entitled, rude, whiny… I could go on. Since the book is from his POV, you see all of his interactions, and he’s an asshole to literally everyone in his life. Just such a basic Beverly Hills rich kid who looked down on Wyatt’s clothes and basically everything else about them because he could tell their family didn’t have money. Neil really needed some serious character growth/an arc, but this book only took place over 1 week which brings me to…
- The pacing. It’s 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.
⚠️ 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
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:
🏳️⚧️ t4t
😍 Fake Dating
🔑 Roommates
🛏️ Only One Bed
🩷 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.
I’m 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 didn’t exist… 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 didn’t read it sooner.
Release Date: 16, August 2022
POV: First Person
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (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
walrus420's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Transphobia and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Death, and Alcohol
danajoy's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
2.5
Neil REALLY got on my nerves.
Judgemental and entitled Neil was a difficult protagonist to root for. Especially when the reasoning behind the fake dating ruse was to break the heart of their friend with benefits even more because of his emotional unavailability.
I really liked Wyatt. I don't see what they see in Neil.
I'm not really a fan of grand gestures.
I acknowledge that I am not the target demographic.
I was pretty upset that Wyatt's first kiss and first sexual experience were on the same day. Especially when the characters were struggling to communicate and be vulnerable with one another. I understand that we needed a third act conflict and grand gesture but it really soured it for me. It felt rushed. I especially think it was reckless of Neil to escalate things when he is struggling with commitment issues.
Judgemental and entitled Neil was a difficult protagonist to root for. Especially when the reasoning behind the fake dating ruse was to break the heart of their friend with benefits even more because of his emotional unavailability.
I really liked Wyatt. I don't see what they see in Neil.
I'm not really a fan of grand gestures.
I acknowledge that I am not the target demographic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, and Deadnaming
booksbeyondthebinary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming, Dysphoria, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
caidyn's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
I'm conflicted on this read. On one hand, I enjoyed it. Yet, I found Neil to be a very annoying character. While I am happy about his growth AND how he was called out on his actions, I still didn't like him. Wyatt was my saving grace!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol
stacy837's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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: Transphobia and Dysphoria
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Cursing, Deadnaming, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent and Panic attacks/disorders