The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is my latest romance obsession. This queer romance got me through a reading slump! As a fan of Deaver’s previous books, this was such a joy! Keep reading this book review of The Build-a-Boyfriend Project for my full thoughts.
Summary
Eli Francis is stuck. Stuck in an assistant position at the online magazine Vent when he should be a writer. Stuck with a boss who dangles a promotion but would rather he just fetch the coffee. Stuck working alongside the ex who has had no trouble moving up at work…or moving on.
When Eli’s roommates push him to date so he can get over his ex once and for all, they set him up with Peter Park. Tall, handsome, and unbelievably awkward. The date is a complete disaster, and further proof to Eli that love isn’t for him. But when his boss overhears Eli recounting the catastrophic night, he suggests teaching Peter to be a better boyfriend through a series of simulated dates so he can write an article about it.
But Eli has other ideas…Eli plays along, pretending to write the article, while secretly interviewing Peter about growing up queer in the South and coming-of-age dating wise in adulthood. Eli hopes writing this sort of piece will finally get him the promotion he deserves. And in exchange, he will teach Peter how to be a better boyfriend.
But the more time Eli spends with Peter, the closer they become, and the lines between what’s real and what’s fake begin to blur. Before long Eli is forced to face his greatest fears to become the writer he wants to be and secure the love he’s always needed.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is like a queer “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” meets practice dating and vulnerability. Deaver allows us to get to know Eli and Peter. To see behind facades, what they really want, and how they grow throughout the book. We witness the awkwardness of first dates, the dance of trying to figure out where we stand. And sometimes we just need something to take away the pressure, a facade. The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is charming and swoony. It’s full of beautiful and tender character moments I fell into.
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Deaver balances the depth of exploring what it’s like to grow up queer with the relationships and dynamics we navigate as adults. There’s layers to this romance which fold on top of each other and the core of character work. It’s one of my favorite queer romances I read this year and I’m so glad it lived up to the hype in my mind! Find The Build-a-Boyfriend Project on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.