anaisareads2day 's review for:

The Build-A-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver

4.0

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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The Build-a-Boyfriend Project was such a heartwarming and genuinely funny read! I found myself laughing out loud at so many moments, but what really made this story shine was its heart.

I loved the subtle homage to Eli’s love for cinema with the chapter titles. It added such a personal, almost nostalgic touch to his character and made the whole story feel cinematic in its own right. I also really appreciated how conscientious Eli was when writing Peter’s character, especially in the way he thoughtfully portrayed Peter’s racial and sexual identity. It never felt performative; just respectful and intentional.

The cast of supportive characters made this even more of a feel-good read. It was refreshing to see queer joy and friendship front and center, and it really balanced out the moments of self-doubt and emotional vulnerability.