elizgangsta 's review for:

The Build-A-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver

4.0

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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After a disastrous first date, what could possibly go right?

Peter, hopeless at dating, makes a deal with Eli: Eli will write about Peter’s journey of growing up gay in the rural South, while Eli teaches Peter how to be a better date. The lessons are simple—stay off your phone, show up on time, ask questions, and open up about yourself.

But here’s the catch: Eli is secretly writing two articles. One about growing up gay in the South, which his boss doesn’t know about, but Peter does. The other is about Peter’s journey from being a terrible date to learning how to improve—something Peter doesn’t know about, even though Eli’s boss requested it after hearing about their disastrous first date.

As the two spend more time together, their friendship grows, and eventually, it turns into something more. But when trust is broken, everything seems to fall apart.

This book is a sweet LGBTQ+ romance, filled with fake dating and second chances.

I absolutely loved Peter! He was so shy and adorable—honestly, we all need a genuine Peter in our lives. Eli was a bit frustrating at times, but he went through a lot of growth. The ending wrapped up well, though I’d love to read more about these two characters. I also really enjoyed the side characters. Eli’s mom, Rue, offered sage advice, and his two roommates were fun, feeling like real best friends.

4 stars from me!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.