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A review by jessicakiersten
The Build-A-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver
5.0
5 stars
This was so good in so many ways and I just love that Mason Deaver has ventured into adult romance! I loved the exploration of being queer from a small town and how that could hinder the whole queer experience better available in more populated areas. Add to that the racial aspect of Peter being Korean growing up in a small southern town. But also showing that the south isn't all bad (honestly there have been many more concerning northern towns in my personal experience). PLUS we get Eli's experience as a trans man (and his nonbinary sibling!) and both MCs had supportive and loving parents which is SO NICE to see. I think we all could see what the catalyst would be for the 3rd act breakup from pretty early on in the story so I am always glad when that conflict makes sense to the plot and characters. The love though! It was so gentle and calm as it grew between the two in the midst of "dating lessons" which felt natural. And I am just a big fan of giving someone a second chance for being an unintentional disaster with good intentions.
Regarding the audiobook specifically, I believe this is the same narrator from the authors YA which is nice to see them stick together. I will say the narrator would be a fantastic NPR podcast host, such a calm and relaxing voice. Though the voice changes between characters weren't always easily decipherable, particularly Eli and his boss. Production was fantastic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC and eARC!
This was so good in so many ways and I just love that Mason Deaver has ventured into adult romance! I loved the exploration of being queer from a small town and how that could hinder the whole queer experience better available in more populated areas. Add to that the racial aspect of Peter being Korean growing up in a small southern town. But also showing that the south isn't all bad (honestly there have been many more concerning northern towns in my personal experience). PLUS we get Eli's experience as a trans man (and his nonbinary sibling!) and both MCs had supportive and loving parents which is SO NICE to see. I think we all could see what the catalyst would be for the 3rd act breakup from pretty early on in the story so I am always glad when that conflict makes sense to the plot and characters. The love though! It was so gentle and calm as it grew between the two in the midst of "dating lessons" which felt natural. And I am just a big fan of giving someone a second chance for being an unintentional disaster with good intentions.
Regarding the audiobook specifically, I believe this is the same narrator from the authors YA which is nice to see them stick together. I will say the narrator would be a fantastic NPR podcast host, such a calm and relaxing voice. Though the voice changes between characters weren't always easily decipherable, particularly Eli and his boss. Production was fantastic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC and eARC!