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roygbiv_books's review
3.0
This was a surprisingly sweet, entertaining, and different read. The Boyfriend Subscription is a modern retelling of Pretty Woman. We meet Teddy Hughes at a low point in his life, it’s the last day he has in his beloved plant shop, Plant Daddy, freshly divorced, and soon moving home to his mom’s house in Louisiana. While drowning his sorrows out at a bar with his friend Kit, he meets Cole Vivien, a young entrepreneur/sex worker. Cole and Teddy come to an agreement that Teddy will accompany Cole to his sister’s wedding and help Cole disguise his life, business, and lifestyle. What could go wrong, or right?
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Cole and Teddy and how genuine their chemistry came through the page. The dual POV provides us insight into what both characters are feeling and their intentions behind the agreement. This allows for the plot to be a bit more believable and allows the reader a better understanding. I do have to admit I didn’t quite follow the conflict between Jason, Nicko, and Cole. It’s possible this misunderstanding is due to me not being deep in the business world, but nevertheless, I understand that there was discourse between them easily enough. I also want to note that roughly 22% through the book, the POV changed without notice – otherwise, throughout the book, it is very clear when the POV changes.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Cole and Teddy and how genuine their chemistry came through the page. The dual POV provides us insight into what both characters are feeling and their intentions behind the agreement. This allows for the plot to be a bit more believable and allows the reader a better understanding. I do have to admit I didn’t quite follow the conflict between Jason, Nicko, and Cole. It’s possible this misunderstanding is due to me not being deep in the business world, but nevertheless, I understand that there was discourse between them easily enough. I also want to note that roughly 22% through the book, the POV changed without notice – otherwise, throughout the book, it is very clear when the POV changes.
mareliweb1's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
2.0
I read this book for a book club and it is almost straight porn. There is some plot but mostly it’s just graphic sex scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual harassment
samuraibunny's review
Not a huge fan of the insta-love in this. Also not a fan of the writing style.
danwyn's review
4.0
I received an ARC of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My biggest complaint with this book is that it wasn’t longer. Both because I was enjoying it and because I honestly believe the story would benefit from a little extra time. The tension/conflict and the character development and the relationship all needed a little time to breathe to feel truly satisfying at the end. Despite that I really did enjoy it. Cole and Teddy’s dynamic was great, and they both felt very real as characters, which is definitely what carried me through the novel as quickly as I read it. I would’ve loved an epilogue of some sort as well. Did Teddy open a new nursery in Cold Spring? Did *spoilers* get formally ousted? What happened to Nicko?
Also I love seeing a revised take on pretty woman/sex work/all of those aspects. I DNF-ed a book by this author a while back, so I wasn’t sure if this one would be to my taste. I was pleasantly surprised. The other was YA, so I’ll be on the lookout for more of Salvatore’s adult books.
My biggest complaint with this book is that it wasn’t longer. Both because I was enjoying it and because I honestly believe the story would benefit from a little extra time. The tension/conflict and the character development and the relationship all needed a little time to breathe to feel truly satisfying at the end. Despite that I really did enjoy it. Cole and Teddy’s dynamic was great, and they both felt very real as characters, which is definitely what carried me through the novel as quickly as I read it. I would’ve loved an epilogue of some sort as well. Did Teddy open a new nursery in Cold Spring? Did *spoilers* get formally ousted? What happened to Nicko?
Also I love seeing a revised take on pretty woman/sex work/all of those aspects. I DNF-ed a book by this author a while back, so I wasn’t sure if this one would be to my taste. I was pleasantly surprised. The other was YA, so I’ll be on the lookout for more of Salvatore’s adult books.
sugarysweetlibrary's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
When in doubt just rent a boyfriend. That’s what I’ve learned from this beautiful story. Basically that smetimes love can help you learn where you want to go in life. What is the life that you want to see for yourself? This proses the age old line of, "You have to get under someone to get over someone else.". Both of these men are trying to put up a front to figure out what’s there next move. But why not have a lot of fun along the way. With twist and turns and a break up or two. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings before swiping right on this.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
diredreamings's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
hardlyworking's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Hard to connect to at the start because of the sex work advocacy--I'm not opposed, but it does impede the narrative--once the action starts, though... It's incredibly sexy, and the sex feels true to life. It makes a difference, having an author whose bodily experience is similar to their characters.
alexthelibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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