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A review by thebookishnarwhal
The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore
5.0
Talk about a delightful blend of sizzling romance, heartwarming moments, and irresistible charm. Readers are taken to New York City in "The Boyfriend Subscription" by Steven Salvatore, and experience the essence of love, vulnerability, and unexpected connections.
Meet Teddy Hughes. He’s a down-on-his-luck former retail plant business owner who finds himself drowning his sorrows in a dive bar. His life takes an unexpected turn when a confident and enigmatic stranger walks in. With cheekbones that could cut glass and a leather harness hidden beneath his designer suit, this stranger is a mass of contradictions.
Meet Cole Vivien. He’s a successful entrepreneur, has created an app called VERSTL, which is a platform where consumers and sex workers can form real but temporary connections. However, he now faces an unfamiliar predicament: he needs a fake boyfriend to project a more traditional image for a potential investor. This is when he meets a stranger who is shy, smart, and hotter than he realizes. The deal is simple: one week together, no kissing, and definitely no falling in love.
Salvatore masterfully weaves together themes of authenticity, identity, and vulnerability. Teddy's struggle to regain his footing after losing everything resonates with anyone who has faced adversity. His dreams of returning to New York collide with the unexpected opportunity to play Cole's fake boyfriend. The chemistry between them is palpable, and readers will root for their unconventional arrangement to blossom into something more.
The banter between Teddy and Cole is both witty and endearing. Their interactions range from playful teasing to vulnerable confessions, creating a rollercoaster of emotions. Salvatore's writing captures the pulse of the city—the bustling streets, the hidden corners, and the magic that can happen when two souls collide.
As the week unfolds, Teddy and Cole navigate their arrangement with humor, longing, and a growing sense of attachment. The "no kissing" rule becomes increasingly difficult to uphold, and their hearts become entangled. Salvatore explores the complexities of intimacy—the fear of vulnerability, the thrill of connection, and the power of shared moments.
The supporting characters add depth to the narrative. From Teddy's quirky friends to Cole's business associates, each plays a vital role in shaping the story. Then there's New York itself, who is an ever-present character that weaves its energy into every scene.
"The Boyfriend Subscription" pays homage to classic rom-coms while carving its own unique path. Fans of "Pretty Woman" will appreciate the nods to the iconic film, but Salvatore infuses the story with modern sensibilities. The LGBTQIA+ representation is authentic and refreshing, celebrating love in all its forms.
At its core, this novel is about breaking down barriers. Teddy and Cole defy societal norms, challenging the idea of what a relationship should be. Their journey is a reminder that love doesn't adhere to rules, it simply happens when two hearts collide.
Readers will rejoice in this delightful escape. Salvatore invites us to believe in love, even when it defies logic. Grab a copy of this book to let Teddy and Cole sweep you off your feet.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Teddy Hughes. He’s a down-on-his-luck former retail plant business owner who finds himself drowning his sorrows in a dive bar. His life takes an unexpected turn when a confident and enigmatic stranger walks in. With cheekbones that could cut glass and a leather harness hidden beneath his designer suit, this stranger is a mass of contradictions.
Meet Cole Vivien. He’s a successful entrepreneur, has created an app called VERSTL, which is a platform where consumers and sex workers can form real but temporary connections. However, he now faces an unfamiliar predicament: he needs a fake boyfriend to project a more traditional image for a potential investor. This is when he meets a stranger who is shy, smart, and hotter than he realizes. The deal is simple: one week together, no kissing, and definitely no falling in love.
Salvatore masterfully weaves together themes of authenticity, identity, and vulnerability. Teddy's struggle to regain his footing after losing everything resonates with anyone who has faced adversity. His dreams of returning to New York collide with the unexpected opportunity to play Cole's fake boyfriend. The chemistry between them is palpable, and readers will root for their unconventional arrangement to blossom into something more.
The banter between Teddy and Cole is both witty and endearing. Their interactions range from playful teasing to vulnerable confessions, creating a rollercoaster of emotions. Salvatore's writing captures the pulse of the city—the bustling streets, the hidden corners, and the magic that can happen when two souls collide.
As the week unfolds, Teddy and Cole navigate their arrangement with humor, longing, and a growing sense of attachment. The "no kissing" rule becomes increasingly difficult to uphold, and their hearts become entangled. Salvatore explores the complexities of intimacy—the fear of vulnerability, the thrill of connection, and the power of shared moments.
The supporting characters add depth to the narrative. From Teddy's quirky friends to Cole's business associates, each plays a vital role in shaping the story. Then there's New York itself, who is an ever-present character that weaves its energy into every scene.
"The Boyfriend Subscription" pays homage to classic rom-coms while carving its own unique path. Fans of "Pretty Woman" will appreciate the nods to the iconic film, but Salvatore infuses the story with modern sensibilities. The LGBTQIA+ representation is authentic and refreshing, celebrating love in all its forms.
At its core, this novel is about breaking down barriers. Teddy and Cole defy societal norms, challenging the idea of what a relationship should be. Their journey is a reminder that love doesn't adhere to rules, it simply happens when two hearts collide.
Readers will rejoice in this delightful escape. Salvatore invites us to believe in love, even when it defies logic. Grab a copy of this book to let Teddy and Cole sweep you off your feet.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.