What do you think?
Rate this book
The Boyfriend Subscription
What happens when a simple deal gets… complicated?
After losing his marriage and his beloved retail plant business, Teddy Hughes is ready to drown his sorrows—or would be, if he could afford another beer in his favorite dive bar. He has no choice but to uproot his dreams and leave New York for good. And then a gorgeous stranger walks in with cheekbones that could cut glass and a confidence that leaves Teddy panting.
Like the leather harness he wears under his designer suit, Cole Vivien is a mass of contradictions. He’s a successful entrepreneur whose app, VERSTL, allows consumers and sex workers to form real—if temporary—connections. But now Cole is in the unfamiliar position of needing something from someone else. A fake boyfriend can help Cole project a more traditional image for a potential investor. And Teddy—shy, smart and so much hotter than he knows—is perfect for the part. Maybe too perfect.
Cole just has two conditions: no kissing and no falling in love. In exchange for one week together, Teddy will get enough money to get back on his feet, and no messy feelings will be in the mix.
But some rules are made to be broken…
After losing his marriage and his beloved retail plant business, Teddy Hughes is ready to drown his sorrows—or would be, if he could afford another beer in his favorite dive bar. He has no choice but to uproot his dreams and leave New York for good. And then a gorgeous stranger walks in with cheekbones that could cut glass and a confidence that leaves Teddy panting.
Like the leather harness he wears under his designer suit, Cole Vivien is a mass of contradictions. He’s a successful entrepreneur whose app, VERSTL, allows consumers and sex workers to form real—if temporary—connections. But now Cole is in the unfamiliar position of needing something from someone else. A fake boyfriend can help Cole project a more traditional image for a potential investor. And Teddy—shy, smart and so much hotter than he knows—is perfect for the part. Maybe too perfect.
Cole just has two conditions: no kissing and no falling in love. In exchange for one week together, Teddy will get enough money to get back on his feet, and no messy feelings will be in the mix.
But some rules are made to be broken…
304 pages, ebook
First published March 26, 2024
138 people are currently reading
6877 people want to read
About the author
Steven Salvatore
5 books562 followersSteven Salvatore is a critically acclaimed author, book coach, and chaos agent whose obsessions include Star Wars, Mariah Carey, boating in the Adirondacks, his loud Italian family, exploring Italy, being Italian (Siciliano, not Italian-American!), and having and dissecting his existential crises (not in that order). As a studied, accomplished composition professor with experience running college writing programs, he’s currently an academic advisor at Manhattanville University, where he also teaches. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. He lives somewhere with his amazing husband Chris.
Steven is represented by Jess Regel at Helm Literary. His books include the critical darling AND THEY LIVED..., CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY, NO PERFECT PLACES, and his adult romance debut THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION
Steven is represented by Jess Regel at Helm Literary. His books include the critical darling AND THEY LIVED..., CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY, NO PERFECT PLACES, and his adult romance debut THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 600 reviews
November 12, 2023
Somehow, I think Steven Salvatore has written a very personal story wrapped in sexy paper, and the cover matches my feelings even more.
When you follow an author through their books and on social media, you get to know them a little more. So, I know Steven Salvatore has mental health issues, suffers from body dysmorphia, and had to heal their wounds after their divorce.
Self-love. That’s what Steven basically writes about in their books. And that’s exactly what many of us are lacking, including Teddy and Cole.
The start of the book felt like a usual m/m romance. Until I suddenly realized Steven put their pain into this story and healed their wounds with it, and I found myself reading this romance differently. Teddy’s and Cole’s vulnerability was so tangible when they met and decided to hook up. Teddy’s feeling of not being enough and Cole’s loneliness dripped off the pages and gave them a sudden connection that was so different than simply having a one-night stand.
Even though the blurb and the beginning of this story might tell you otherwise, this book is not about sex. This book is not about sex workers or porn. Yes, it’s steamy, but in the end, this book is about loneliness, belonging, and feeling worthy to be loved. And the hugs between Teddy and Cole were so precious.
If you follow Steven on social media, just take another look at that cover … Doesn’t Teddy look a lot like Steven? Sweet, lovable, and so worthy of love. Luckily, Steven is in a beautiful and healthy relationship again, just as Teddy and Cole will get in this story.
So, this book grew on me while I unpacked all the layers those two men were hiding behind. Steven’s writing was beautiful again and I really loved Teddy and Cole. The only thing I didn’t like was the third-act breakup. But I’m known as the hater of third-act breakups, so it’s fully a me-thing. I recommend The Boyfriend Subscription to those who loved Steven’s YA books and their writing in the past, and to anyone who loves (queer) adult romances.
I received an ARC from Harlequin Books (Afterglow) and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Instagram
When you follow an author through their books and on social media, you get to know them a little more. So, I know Steven Salvatore has mental health issues, suffers from body dysmorphia, and had to heal their wounds after their divorce.
Self-love. That’s what Steven basically writes about in their books. And that’s exactly what many of us are lacking, including Teddy and Cole.
The start of the book felt like a usual m/m romance. Until I suddenly realized Steven put their pain into this story and healed their wounds with it, and I found myself reading this romance differently. Teddy’s and Cole’s vulnerability was so tangible when they met and decided to hook up. Teddy’s feeling of not being enough and Cole’s loneliness dripped off the pages and gave them a sudden connection that was so different than simply having a one-night stand.
Even though the blurb and the beginning of this story might tell you otherwise, this book is not about sex. This book is not about sex workers or porn. Yes, it’s steamy, but in the end, this book is about loneliness, belonging, and feeling worthy to be loved. And the hugs between Teddy and Cole were so precious.
If you follow Steven on social media, just take another look at that cover … Doesn’t Teddy look a lot like Steven? Sweet, lovable, and so worthy of love. Luckily, Steven is in a beautiful and healthy relationship again, just as Teddy and Cole will get in this story.
So, this book grew on me while I unpacked all the layers those two men were hiding behind. Steven’s writing was beautiful again and I really loved Teddy and Cole. The only thing I didn’t like was the third-act breakup. But I’m known as the hater of third-act breakups, so it’s fully a me-thing. I recommend The Boyfriend Subscription to those who loved Steven’s YA books and their writing in the past, and to anyone who loves (queer) adult romances.
I received an ARC from Harlequin Books (Afterglow) and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Instagram
March 28, 2024
Dnf @55%
⛔️Mild spoiler
Update- @77% . Wondered if maybe I abandoned it too soon but nope.Still bad, still a weird sallad of mishmash things -drama on top of drama, manipulations and even a random sexual assault. Everything is OTT and childish and nothing makes sense.
Yeah, so this was SO BAD !! I don’t have a freaking clue what the author wanted to say with this book. Nothing made sense and everything was all over the place and a walking talking cliché. I think they attempted a Pretty Woman but the other way around…? Like ..the rich guy was also the sex worker who in fact hires a poor guy to sleep with him and be his boyfriend?? You get it? The sex worker who’s also rich hired a guy who ISN’T a sex worker to sleep with him (well to be his bf but he said he wants sex too) . Bet you’re scratching your head now, aren’t you? 🤣 Yeah..so did I. Both guys were meh and they had no chemistry whatsoever and this on top of the fact that they didn’t even make sense. So the rich guy was actually an heir and comes from old money but he didn’t want to run his father’s empire, he wanted to be a fashion designer and to show his father that he can!!!! So he became a whore . 🤣🤣 Wait, there’s more :
While sleeping with lots and lots of guys he manages to create I don’t know what app(?) or something where he fucks ppl online (or was it porn) although he said that his brand wants to connect ppl through sex work by selling intimacy and whatnot (crazy confusing,I know) and thus he becomes owner of his own empire(and I, like an idiot work from 9 to 5 when being a prostitute can put you in Forbes, go figure 🤦🏻♀️). I don’t even understand, he’s the uber rich owner of an app/brand but who still sleeps with clients and does porn for the camera?? 😳🤔
And then we have the other dude who is so pathetic it makes your teeth grind. He is a Vivian (Pretty woman) wanna be (although it’s the other guy, the rich prostitute who’s named Viviene here, *scratches head again). However, what the author failed to do is make him as badass as Pretty woman. She was just as daft and without filter but she was a badass, strong and fierce, while this dude comes across as a pathetic,spineless, uncultured hick.
Of course, we also have insta love -the rich guy who is broody and aloof and doesn’t kiss on the mouth is like a kitten in the other dude’s hands and I have no freaking idea why? What did he see in him??? I don’t get it.
They knew each other a day and he’s already wishing to “make love”. 🙄 . Also for a book about sex workers this has got the cringiest sex scenes ever and not only that but the poor dude (I don’t even remember his name 😬) is so oblivious and so not worth the effort because while the rich dude wanted to “make looooove” what comes out of the poor dude’s mouth was “Fuck me like I’m one of your clients. Choke me daddy! Pull my hair” . And the other dude was like ..umm, I wanted to make love but ok. And the sex scene that followed was omg, so cringe and uncomfortable to read. 🤣🤣
This book is so bad that I’m even doubting my 2⭐️ rating . . 🤣🤣🤣
⛔️Mild spoiler
Update- @77% . Wondered if maybe I abandoned it too soon but nope.Still bad, still a weird sallad of mishmash things -drama on top of drama, manipulations and even a random sexual assault. Everything is OTT and childish and nothing makes sense.
Yeah, so this was SO BAD !! I don’t have a freaking clue what the author wanted to say with this book. Nothing made sense and everything was all over the place and a walking talking cliché. I think they attempted a Pretty Woman but the other way around…? Like ..the rich guy was also the sex worker who in fact hires a poor guy to sleep with him and be his boyfriend?? You get it? The sex worker who’s also rich hired a guy who ISN’T a sex worker to sleep with him (well to be his bf but he said he wants sex too) . Bet you’re scratching your head now, aren’t you? 🤣 Yeah..so did I. Both guys were meh and they had no chemistry whatsoever and this on top of the fact that they didn’t even make sense. So the rich guy was actually an heir and comes from old money but he didn’t want to run his father’s empire, he wanted to be a fashion designer and to show his father that he can!!!! So he became a whore . 🤣🤣 Wait, there’s more :
While sleeping with lots and lots of guys he manages to create I don’t know what app(?) or something where he fucks ppl online (or was it porn) although he said that his brand wants to connect ppl through sex work by selling intimacy and whatnot (crazy confusing,I know) and thus he becomes owner of his own empire(and I, like an idiot work from 9 to 5 when being a prostitute can put you in Forbes, go figure 🤦🏻♀️). I don’t even understand, he’s the uber rich owner of an app/brand but who still sleeps with clients and does porn for the camera?? 😳🤔
And then we have the other dude who is so pathetic it makes your teeth grind. He is a Vivian (Pretty woman) wanna be (although it’s the other guy, the rich prostitute who’s named Viviene here, *scratches head again). However, what the author failed to do is make him as badass as Pretty woman. She was just as daft and without filter but she was a badass, strong and fierce, while this dude comes across as a pathetic,spineless, uncultured hick.
Of course, we also have insta love -the rich guy who is broody and aloof and doesn’t kiss on the mouth is like a kitten in the other dude’s hands and I have no freaking idea why? What did he see in him??? I don’t get it.
They knew each other a day and he’s already wishing to “make love”. 🙄 . Also for a book about sex workers this has got the cringiest sex scenes ever and not only that but the poor dude (I don’t even remember his name 😬) is so oblivious and so not worth the effort because while the rich dude wanted to “make looooove” what comes out of the poor dude’s mouth was “Fuck me like I’m one of your clients. Choke me daddy! Pull my hair” . And the other dude was like ..umm, I wanted to make love but ok. And the sex scene that followed was omg, so cringe and uncomfortable to read. 🤣🤣
This book is so bad that I’m even doubting my 2⭐️ rating . . 🤣🤣🤣
October 30, 2023
E-ARC generously provided by Harlequin in exchange for a an honest review. Thank you so much
3.5 stars rounded up. Billed as a gay retelling of the romcom classic “Pretty Woman,” The Boyfriend Subscription brings a refreshing queer sensibility to a very traditional story.
3.5 stars rounded up. Billed as a gay retelling of the romcom classic “Pretty Woman,” The Boyfriend Subscription brings a refreshing queer sensibility to a very traditional story.
December 13, 2023
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is my first read by Steven Salvatore, but it certainly won't be my last! This book is the perfect MM romance novel that you're going to need to prioritize for 2024.
Having endured the loss of both his marriage and his retail plant business, Plant Daddy, Teddy Hughes finds himself at the lowest point in his life so far. Faced with financial constraints, he decides to abandon his aspirations and bid farewell to New York and move in with his mother. However, that all changes when he meets Cole Vivien. Cole enters the bar that Teddy is commiserating at with confidence and beauty that Teddy breathless. Cole is a successful entrepreneur of the VERSTL app, an app that links connections between consumers looking to meet and purchase time with sex workers. After meeting Teddy, Cole definitely feels an attraction that is reciprocated. To present a more conventional image for a potential investor, Cole asks Teddy if he could use him as a fake boyfriend in exchange for compensation and Teddy accepts. The terms are clear: no kissing and no falling in love. In exchange for one week of playing the role, Teddy will receive the financial boost he needs, with the assurance that emotions won't complicate the arrangement. But when emotions run high, who knows what will happen.
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is steamy AF everyone! This book is the perfect queer romance and will leave readers hot and heavy, while also pulling on your heartstrings. I loved the dynamics between Teddy and Cole and the story unfolded in an unexpected way that I didn't see evolving. The book is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t Harlequin romance that fans of the genre must read. Living in New York, I can easily see similarities with this story and the trajectories many queer men face in the City. I can't wait to see what's next with this author and will prioritize anything Steven Salvatore releases.
Having endured the loss of both his marriage and his retail plant business, Plant Daddy, Teddy Hughes finds himself at the lowest point in his life so far. Faced with financial constraints, he decides to abandon his aspirations and bid farewell to New York and move in with his mother. However, that all changes when he meets Cole Vivien. Cole enters the bar that Teddy is commiserating at with confidence and beauty that Teddy breathless. Cole is a successful entrepreneur of the VERSTL app, an app that links connections between consumers looking to meet and purchase time with sex workers. After meeting Teddy, Cole definitely feels an attraction that is reciprocated. To present a more conventional image for a potential investor, Cole asks Teddy if he could use him as a fake boyfriend in exchange for compensation and Teddy accepts. The terms are clear: no kissing and no falling in love. In exchange for one week of playing the role, Teddy will receive the financial boost he needs, with the assurance that emotions won't complicate the arrangement. But when emotions run high, who knows what will happen.
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is steamy AF everyone! This book is the perfect queer romance and will leave readers hot and heavy, while also pulling on your heartstrings. I loved the dynamics between Teddy and Cole and the story unfolded in an unexpected way that I didn't see evolving. The book is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t Harlequin romance that fans of the genre must read. Living in New York, I can easily see similarities with this story and the trajectories many queer men face in the City. I can't wait to see what's next with this author and will prioritize anything Steven Salvatore releases.
July 26, 2024
I understand that this book is intended to be a lighthearted gay romcom, but the idea that Teddy and Cole fall deeply in love in just three to four days is hard to believe. The premise, where Teddy, recovering from losing his marriage and business, agrees to be the fake boyfriend of the confident and successful entrepreneur Cole, is fun and engaging. Cole needs to project a more traditional image for an investor, and Teddy is perfect for the role, despite Cole's two rules: no kissing and no falling in love.
While it's clear that the author cares about the characters, the pacing doesn't quite work. The story wraps up too quickly and neatly, especially considering the complex setup of Cole's app, VERSTL, and the emotional stakes involved in their agreement. The book could have benefited from more time to explore the relationship between Teddy and Cole, particularly after the fake dating trope is resolved. A sequel could have provided the depth needed to fully develop the characters and their relationship, making it easier to root for their happily ever after.
While it's clear that the author cares about the characters, the pacing doesn't quite work. The story wraps up too quickly and neatly, especially considering the complex setup of Cole's app, VERSTL, and the emotional stakes involved in their agreement. The book could have benefited from more time to explore the relationship between Teddy and Cole, particularly after the fake dating trope is resolved. A sequel could have provided the depth needed to fully develop the characters and their relationship, making it easier to root for their happily ever after.
March 23, 2024
*Resharing my review from Jan. 1 2024 ahead of the book’s release date*
The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore is a treat! I did not expect to enjoy it so much — I have read a handful of “similar” stories that start with a fake romance that leads to something more. Where Boyfriend Subscription is different, however, are the themes Salvatore does a nice job of covering and how quickly we get to the action (in more ways than one).
Salvatore introduces characters and does a wonderful job of revealing their background and motivations. I loved getting to know Teddy and Cole (and the great secondary characters like Kit and Mallory,) but I wish we got to get to know them more naturally and spend more time with them. It’s a minor gripe, but the story takes place over the course of three days and in that time, these characters share so much of themselves that you have to suspend disbelief (which I had a hard time doing). I’m a jaded romantic who scoffs at folks falling in love on reality shows like 90 Day Fiancé and Love is Blind in 5 minutes - maybe I’m the problem!
Overall, I think this is a great novel and one that I hope others read — not many are telling queer stories that touch on healthy queer relationships and sex work. Please pick it up when it’s available March 26, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books/ Harlequin for an advance review copy.
The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore is a treat! I did not expect to enjoy it so much — I have read a handful of “similar” stories that start with a fake romance that leads to something more. Where Boyfriend Subscription is different, however, are the themes Salvatore does a nice job of covering and how quickly we get to the action (in more ways than one).
Salvatore introduces characters and does a wonderful job of revealing their background and motivations. I loved getting to know Teddy and Cole (and the great secondary characters like Kit and Mallory,) but I wish we got to get to know them more naturally and spend more time with them. It’s a minor gripe, but the story takes place over the course of three days and in that time, these characters share so much of themselves that you have to suspend disbelief (which I had a hard time doing). I’m a jaded romantic who scoffs at folks falling in love on reality shows like 90 Day Fiancé and Love is Blind in 5 minutes - maybe I’m the problem!
Overall, I think this is a great novel and one that I hope others read — not many are telling queer stories that touch on healthy queer relationships and sex work. Please pick it up when it’s available March 26, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books/ Harlequin for an advance review copy.
May 6, 2024
I've given this a D+ at AAR, 2.5 stars
Steven Salvatore is new-to-me, and I understand that they’ve previously published three successful queer YA novels. The Boyfriend Subscription is their first adult romance, and it’s a queered version of Pretty Woman in which the sex worker (Cole Vivian) is wealthy and the Edward character – in this case, Teddy Hughes - has just lost his home and business as part of a nasty divorce.
It's one of the early entries in Harlequin’s new Afterglow line, which the publisher describes as:
- a new Harlequin series aimed at the under-35 romance reader, featuring spicy romances grounded in relatable character journeys. From showing up to glowing up, these characters are on the path to leading their best lives and finding romance along the way…
Entrepreneur Cole Vivian is the man behind VERSTL, an app that, according to the book blurb “allows sex workers and consumers to make real - if temporary - connections.” (It seems to be a kind of mash up of OnlyFans, hookup app and escort agency.) The app has been a huge success and Cole continues to be one of its most successful content creators and performers - and now he is preparing to publicly launch the business and bring in outside investors. With the launch party in full swing and his schmoozing commitments fulfilled, Cole decides he needs a break and heads outside, looking for somewhere to escape.
On the day botanist and author Teddy Hughes files for bankruptcy and closes up his horticultural business for the very last time, his best friend and roommate Kit drags him out for a drink at a seedy bar near their apartment. Jobless and hopeless, deeply in debt and still angry and grieving for his failed marriage, Teddy is unable to continue to live in NYC so is preparing to return home to New Orleans in a week’s time. He and Kit are on a mission to drown Teddy’s sorrows and maybe get him laid – something that becomes infinitely more appealing when the most gorgeous guy he’s ever seen walks up to the bar.
Teddy and Cole enjoy a night of fantastic sex, and in the morning, Cole makes him a business proposition. He needs a date for his sister’s wedding at the weekend, plus he’d like Teddy to accompany him to dinner with a potential business partner that evening; he offers to pay Teddy to spend the week with him, pretending to be his boyfriend. He likes Teddy, enjoys his calm steadiness and enjoys his company – it’s not like he’s asking for forever.
This story follows the basic beats of the movie’s storyline, but unfortunately, the novel is poorly paced, poorly characterised, and devoid of chemistry between the leads. I did like some things – the sex and body positivity, Cole’s aim to ‘humanise’ sex work, the excellent queer rep, and Teddy – but the whole thing feels completely superficial. Okay, so the romance in the book follows the short time-frame of the one in the film, but at least Julia Roberts and Richard Gere had plenty of on-screen chemistry to carry it through; here, there just isn’t enough time spent on convincing the reader that Cole and Teddy are falling for one another.
Another thing the book has taken from the film is having a villain who tries to sabotage Cole’s business and who lies to him about Teddy’s background and intentions. What makes NO sense whatsoever is that, even after Cole finds out what’s going on and who is responsible, he still believes this person a few pages later when they lie about Teddy again. (There’s also a very sudden confession of sexual abuse by a secondary character, which feels as though it’s been thrown in just to reinforce that the bad guy is really bad – but sexual abuse of sex workers is, sadly, all too common, and just using it as a random plot point – and then forgetting about it – doesn’t sit well.) The author tries to inject some family drama into the story by having Cole somewhat estranged from his father because he – Cole – didn’t want to follow in his footsteps by taking over the family business empire, but the sting is taken completely out of the tail when his father turns out not to be the monster Cole has kind of built him up to be.
In terms of the characters, Teddy is more relateable than Cole. He’s sweet and funny and absolutely didn’t deserve what his ex-husband did to him both emotionally – making him feel as though he wasn’t good enough – or materially, forcing him into bankruptcy after he cheated, left him and screwed him over in the divorce. Teddy is something of an underdog and easy to root for, but Cole is pretty bland and other than his being a wealthy sex worker with daddy issues, I couldn’t tell you very much about him.
The Boyfriend Subscription is a quick, steamy read, but the writing is choppy, the pacing is off, the PoV switches every three or four pages were enough to give me whiplash, and on occasion, there are things written from the wrong perspective. The plot is all over the place, and there’s no romance here - Cole goes from zero (I don’t believe in love or commitment) – to sixty (I love you, let’s make out) - in less than three days, which might have (just about) worked if there’s been any chemistry between the characters. But there isn’t, so it doesn’t. TL:DR – not a book I’m going to recommend.
This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
Credit where credit's due - this is one of the rare occasions where I liked the illustrated cover!
Steven Salvatore is new-to-me, and I understand that they’ve previously published three successful queer YA novels. The Boyfriend Subscription is their first adult romance, and it’s a queered version of Pretty Woman in which the sex worker (Cole Vivian) is wealthy and the Edward character – in this case, Teddy Hughes - has just lost his home and business as part of a nasty divorce.
It's one of the early entries in Harlequin’s new Afterglow line, which the publisher describes as:
- a new Harlequin series aimed at the under-35 romance reader, featuring spicy romances grounded in relatable character journeys. From showing up to glowing up, these characters are on the path to leading their best lives and finding romance along the way…
Entrepreneur Cole Vivian is the man behind VERSTL, an app that, according to the book blurb “allows sex workers and consumers to make real - if temporary - connections.” (It seems to be a kind of mash up of OnlyFans, hookup app and escort agency.) The app has been a huge success and Cole continues to be one of its most successful content creators and performers - and now he is preparing to publicly launch the business and bring in outside investors. With the launch party in full swing and his schmoozing commitments fulfilled, Cole decides he needs a break and heads outside, looking for somewhere to escape.
On the day botanist and author Teddy Hughes files for bankruptcy and closes up his horticultural business for the very last time, his best friend and roommate Kit drags him out for a drink at a seedy bar near their apartment. Jobless and hopeless, deeply in debt and still angry and grieving for his failed marriage, Teddy is unable to continue to live in NYC so is preparing to return home to New Orleans in a week’s time. He and Kit are on a mission to drown Teddy’s sorrows and maybe get him laid – something that becomes infinitely more appealing when the most gorgeous guy he’s ever seen walks up to the bar.
Teddy and Cole enjoy a night of fantastic sex, and in the morning, Cole makes him a business proposition. He needs a date for his sister’s wedding at the weekend, plus he’d like Teddy to accompany him to dinner with a potential business partner that evening; he offers to pay Teddy to spend the week with him, pretending to be his boyfriend. He likes Teddy, enjoys his calm steadiness and enjoys his company – it’s not like he’s asking for forever.
This story follows the basic beats of the movie’s storyline, but unfortunately, the novel is poorly paced, poorly characterised, and devoid of chemistry between the leads. I did like some things – the sex and body positivity, Cole’s aim to ‘humanise’ sex work, the excellent queer rep, and Teddy – but the whole thing feels completely superficial. Okay, so the romance in the book follows the short time-frame of the one in the film, but at least Julia Roberts and Richard Gere had plenty of on-screen chemistry to carry it through; here, there just isn’t enough time spent on convincing the reader that Cole and Teddy are falling for one another.
Another thing the book has taken from the film is having a villain who tries to sabotage Cole’s business and who lies to him about Teddy’s background and intentions. What makes NO sense whatsoever is that, even after Cole finds out what’s going on and who is responsible, he still believes this person a few pages later when they lie about Teddy again. (There’s also a very sudden confession of sexual abuse by a secondary character, which feels as though it’s been thrown in just to reinforce that the bad guy is really bad – but sexual abuse of sex workers is, sadly, all too common, and just using it as a random plot point – and then forgetting about it – doesn’t sit well.) The author tries to inject some family drama into the story by having Cole somewhat estranged from his father because he – Cole – didn’t want to follow in his footsteps by taking over the family business empire, but the sting is taken completely out of the tail when his father turns out not to be the monster Cole has kind of built him up to be.
In terms of the characters, Teddy is more relateable than Cole. He’s sweet and funny and absolutely didn’t deserve what his ex-husband did to him both emotionally – making him feel as though he wasn’t good enough – or materially, forcing him into bankruptcy after he cheated, left him and screwed him over in the divorce. Teddy is something of an underdog and easy to root for, but Cole is pretty bland and other than his being a wealthy sex worker with daddy issues, I couldn’t tell you very much about him.
The Boyfriend Subscription is a quick, steamy read, but the writing is choppy, the pacing is off, the PoV switches every three or four pages were enough to give me whiplash, and on occasion, there are things written from the wrong perspective. The plot is all over the place, and there’s no romance here - Cole goes from zero (I don’t believe in love or commitment) – to sixty (I love you, let’s make out) - in less than three days, which might have (just about) worked if there’s been any chemistry between the characters. But there isn’t, so it doesn’t. TL:DR – not a book I’m going to recommend.
This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
Credit where credit's due - this is one of the rare occasions where I liked the illustrated cover!
February 14, 2024
3.5 stars
After a divorce and losing his retail plant business, Teddy Hughes can no longer afford to live in NYC. Before he moves back to the South, he makes one last visit to his favorite bar. There he meets the very handsome Cole Vivien, an entrepreneur of an app that matches up consumers with adult entertainment workers. Cole just so happens to need a fake boyfriend to show off to investors and he thinks Teddy will be perfect in that role. Teddy could use the money… fake dating trope activated!
Teddy is definitely an underdog type character as he’s down on his luck at the moment which is why it was easy to root for him. The story has a nice balance of fun and light moments while also touching on some serious subjects. Cole and Teddy had great chemistry but the actual falling in love part needed more development. Teddy is a likable character but it needed to be shown why Cole would be able to form a deep connection with him.
Overall, I enjoyed this romance as it had good humor, some heart, and lots of steam.
I won an advance copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
After a divorce and losing his retail plant business, Teddy Hughes can no longer afford to live in NYC. Before he moves back to the South, he makes one last visit to his favorite bar. There he meets the very handsome Cole Vivien, an entrepreneur of an app that matches up consumers with adult entertainment workers. Cole just so happens to need a fake boyfriend to show off to investors and he thinks Teddy will be perfect in that role. Teddy could use the money… fake dating trope activated!
Teddy is definitely an underdog type character as he’s down on his luck at the moment which is why it was easy to root for him. The story has a nice balance of fun and light moments while also touching on some serious subjects. Cole and Teddy had great chemistry but the actual falling in love part needed more development. Teddy is a likable character but it needed to be shown why Cole would be able to form a deep connection with him.
Overall, I enjoyed this romance as it had good humor, some heart, and lots of steam.
I won an advance copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Read
March 31, 2024DNF @50%
The writing is cringy and melodramatic.
There was also a very preachy tone that took me out of the mood.
The interactions between the MCs were.... plastic.
Didn't work for me on all fronts.
The writing is cringy and melodramatic.
There was also a very preachy tone that took me out of the mood.
The interactions between the MCs were.... plastic.
Didn't work for me on all fronts.
March 20, 2024
Such a great queer M/M romance retelling of Pretty Woman for the modern age. I loved how the author both paid homage to the classic and adapted it in a fresh way where Vivian's character is both a sex worker AND a millionaire. Add in a cuddly, down on his luck 'bear' in Teddy who is fresh off a divorce and going bankrupt thanks to his wealthy ex's vindictive family and this was a highly charged, emotional and fun love story. I couldn't get enough and I was already a huge fan of Steven's! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and galley copy in exchange for my honest review!!
Steam level: open door
Steam level: open door
April 8, 2025
What happens when a simple deal gets...complicated?
I didn't have many feelings at all about this book...neither good nor bad. The chapters are way long and there's very few of them considering the length of the book. It’s all dual POV that switches within the chapters, sometimes multiple times, and that, at least to me, bogged down the storyline.
Somehow the mix of a horticulturist who lost his blooming plant business to his ex-husband’s family and is now financially broke and even more spiritually broken and the high-profile owner of a sex-positive app, who is also the app’s top-earning worker, did somehow manage to work. We have Teddy who grew up poor and built his business through years of hard work and his love of plants. Then we have Cole who grew up ultra rich and was always expected to step into his father’s shoes to take over the family business. Instead, Cole went his own way and became a success. These two men just seem to understand each other. Their first meeting and the ensuing night together is sweet and builds an intimacy between them that carries out through the rest of the story.
When things got rough, the reactions were completely understandable on both their parts, considering all their insecurities. Yet somehow...sometimes, they managed to keep each other from most of the things that others thought or said about their relationship. As a result, they weren’t irrational or immature, but they didn’t always think before speaking or acting. There was a lot of realistic emotions involved in their story...so what was the problem?
There were so many times when the background characters got to be entirely too much. They just took away too much from the story.... even though many of them were an integral part to how things ultimately played out. It became hard to remember where the story was supposed to be going. I had to try and remember who was talking, who was being talked about and what "big new thing" was happening. That may have all been an issue with me and not with the writing.
Ultimately the romance was good...and the two sweeties have their "happy ever after"...although Cole's father would probably disagree with me:)
I didn't have many feelings at all about this book...neither good nor bad. The chapters are way long and there's very few of them considering the length of the book. It’s all dual POV that switches within the chapters, sometimes multiple times, and that, at least to me, bogged down the storyline.
Somehow the mix of a horticulturist who lost his blooming plant business to his ex-husband’s family and is now financially broke and even more spiritually broken and the high-profile owner of a sex-positive app, who is also the app’s top-earning worker, did somehow manage to work. We have Teddy who grew up poor and built his business through years of hard work and his love of plants. Then we have Cole who grew up ultra rich and was always expected to step into his father’s shoes to take over the family business. Instead, Cole went his own way and became a success. These two men just seem to understand each other. Their first meeting and the ensuing night together is sweet and builds an intimacy between them that carries out through the rest of the story.
When things got rough, the reactions were completely understandable on both their parts, considering all their insecurities. Yet somehow...sometimes, they managed to keep each other from most of the things that others thought or said about their relationship. As a result, they weren’t irrational or immature, but they didn’t always think before speaking or acting. There was a lot of realistic emotions involved in their story...so what was the problem?
There were so many times when the background characters got to be entirely too much. They just took away too much from the story.... even though many of them were an integral part to how things ultimately played out. It became hard to remember where the story was supposed to be going. I had to try and remember who was talking, who was being talked about and what "big new thing" was happening. That may have all been an issue with me and not with the writing.
Ultimately the romance was good...and the two sweeties have their "happy ever after"...although Cole's father would probably disagree with me:)
March 11, 2024
The last three novels I read by Steven Salvatore have been young adult, so it was nice to read their first adult novel, The Boyfriend Subscription. And yes, this is very much adult, as the spice level is through the roof!
I liked both Teddy and Cole. They were both vulnerable and made a good pair. If Pretty Woman were LGBTQ+, this is what you'd get. There was a nice blend of steamy and emotional. I hated what Teddy had been put through in the past and that he lost his gardening store as a result. I was so angry on his behalf. I also felt bad for Cole in terms of how his dad treated him and that there were people in his life who didn't really have his best interest at heart. I loved his sister, as well as Teddy's best friend.
Overall, an enjoyable, sexy, and romantic read! I can't wait for more from Steven Salvatore, whether it is YA or more adult novels.
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
I liked both Teddy and Cole. They were both vulnerable and made a good pair. If Pretty Woman were LGBTQ+, this is what you'd get. There was a nice blend of steamy and emotional. I hated what Teddy had been put through in the past and that he lost his gardening store as a result. I was so angry on his behalf. I also felt bad for Cole in terms of how his dad treated him and that there were people in his life who didn't really have his best interest at heart. I loved his sister, as well as Teddy's best friend.
Overall, an enjoyable, sexy, and romantic read! I can't wait for more from Steven Salvatore, whether it is YA or more adult novels.
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Cole: Colton Haynes
Teddy: Jaymes Vaughan
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TW: Sexual assault (description of past event by a secondary character)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TW: Sexual assault (description of past event by a secondary character)
March 20, 2024
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
"Who doesn’t love a hot ginger plant daddy?”
I haven't had the pleasure of reading author Steven Salvatore before , though I do love a good queer young adult romance, so I am going to have to check them out. The Boyfriend Subscription is his first Queer Adult romance and I must say he knocked it out of the park. I absolutely loved this book and was invested in both characters right from the start.
He shrugs. “I like harnesses. Plants and harnesses and guys named Cole.” “Bold.” “It’s true.”
Teddy's life has been dismantled by his rich ex-husband's family, and he has to move back home and start all over. His bestie takes him to a straight bar to drink away his sorrows. Cole is the wealthy owner / creator of a very popular queer friendly sex app. After a stressful party he escapes to a straight bar for a breather which just so happens to be the same bar Teddy's at. What follows is an instant connection that leads to a fake relationship business transaction that means more very quickly.
There’s something magnetic about his energy; his face is a source of comfort, which is so foreign I’m not sure what to do next.
TEDDY !!!! That man from the first chapter steals your heart, and he can keep it because he is precious with his honest love of love, his plant babies, his ramblings, and just everything single aspect of his character. He was just such an easy character to connect to, you felt his joy and his devastation, and you want nothing but the best for him. Then we have Cole, who desperately needed Teddy in his life. To remind him that he's not alone, that he's worthy a love, and a safe place to be himself without performing. He may be rich and successful, but he has anxiety issues that he has coping mechanisms for he still struggles behind the face he puts on for the public.
I want to see, feel, kiss every part of him, nuzzle my nose between his legs and dive deep, coming up for air only when I need him to breathe for me. “Damn near perfect.”
Together they were endlessly entertaining. Whether they were getting to know each other, getting dirty in the sheets, or simply cuddling, I couldn't get enough. Their relationship is so heartfelt and while its fast-paced it just felt right. Swoony, steamy, fun, emotional and sweet are all the way I'd describe them together.
Overall The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore is 100% worth a read. An MM romance between opposites that has pretty woman vibes, a fake relationship, positive sex work rep, a lovable plaid wearing ginger, plants, crystals, snuggles, steam , humor, a dash of drama, family, friendships, and a satisfying HEA.
Trigger warning : there is the sexual assault of a side character that's described by the victim.
Other Favorite Quotes :
Potential
"Who doesn’t love a hot ginger plant daddy?”
I haven't had the pleasure of reading author Steven Salvatore before , though I do love a good queer young adult romance, so I am going to have to check them out. The Boyfriend Subscription is his first Queer Adult romance and I must say he knocked it out of the park. I absolutely loved this book and was invested in both characters right from the start.
He shrugs. “I like harnesses. Plants and harnesses and guys named Cole.” “Bold.” “It’s true.”
Teddy's life has been dismantled by his rich ex-husband's family, and he has to move back home and start all over. His bestie takes him to a straight bar to drink away his sorrows. Cole is the wealthy owner / creator of a very popular queer friendly sex app. After a stressful party he escapes to a straight bar for a breather which just so happens to be the same bar Teddy's at. What follows is an instant connection that leads to a fake relationship business transaction that means more very quickly.
There’s something magnetic about his energy; his face is a source of comfort, which is so foreign I’m not sure what to do next.
TEDDY !!!! That man from the first chapter steals your heart, and he can keep it because he is precious with his honest love of love, his plant babies, his ramblings, and just everything single aspect of his character. He was just such an easy character to connect to, you felt his joy and his devastation, and you want nothing but the best for him. Then we have Cole, who desperately needed Teddy in his life. To remind him that he's not alone, that he's worthy a love, and a safe place to be himself without performing. He may be rich and successful, but he has anxiety issues that he has coping mechanisms for he still struggles behind the face he puts on for the public.
I want to see, feel, kiss every part of him, nuzzle my nose between his legs and dive deep, coming up for air only when I need him to breathe for me. “Damn near perfect.”
Together they were endlessly entertaining. Whether they were getting to know each other, getting dirty in the sheets, or simply cuddling, I couldn't get enough. Their relationship is so heartfelt and while its fast-paced it just felt right. Swoony, steamy, fun, emotional and sweet are all the way I'd describe them together.
Overall The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore is 100% worth a read. An MM romance between opposites that has pretty woman vibes, a fake relationship, positive sex work rep, a lovable plaid wearing ginger, plants, crystals, snuggles, steam , humor, a dash of drama, family, friendships, and a satisfying HEA.
Trigger warning : there is the sexual assault of a side character that's described by the victim.
Other Favorite Quotes :
Potential
April 1, 2024
The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore is an updated and queerified Pretty Woman retelling. I was completely sold from the moment I read the premise. I loved the plant shop/small business owner meets an app designer aspect, the app concept itself, even the app name I thought was clever. The Pretty Woman fairytale is always a winner and while this didn’t quite capture the magic of its source material, it was absolutely an enjoyable, romantic read with lovable characters. I also enjoyed the great sense of humor throughout the book. (There were several jokes poking fun at straight people that I found especially funny.) And I liked how Salvatore developed the dramatic parts to create a really interesting source of conflict for all the characters.
I’m not sure I completely vibed with the writing style but overall the reading experience was a good one. I never felt like putting the book down. It was funny and sweet and, like the movie, addresses the perennially relevant topics of social/class differences and sex work, and in deeper and more thoughtful ways than PW could. It also had loads of positive messaging about the queer community and an up-close and personal take on queer relationships like I haven’t seen in many other books. A few things could have been wrapped up more toward the end but it’s a great story and well worth reading. Definitely check it out.
3.5 stars out of 5
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for providing the digital arc.
I’m not sure I completely vibed with the writing style but overall the reading experience was a good one. I never felt like putting the book down. It was funny and sweet and, like the movie, addresses the perennially relevant topics of social/class differences and sex work, and in deeper and more thoughtful ways than PW could. It also had loads of positive messaging about the queer community and an up-close and personal take on queer relationships like I haven’t seen in many other books. A few things could have been wrapped up more toward the end but it’s a great story and well worth reading. Definitely check it out.
3.5 stars out of 5
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for providing the digital arc.
February 4, 2024
Little known fun fact about me; but PRETTY WOMAN is arguably my favorite movie of all time! I’ve seen it more times than is healthy to admit and when I was in NYC I bought front-row tickets to Pretty Woman The Musical…
So…. When someone told me there was a new rom-com MM book coming out that was a modern day retelling of Pretty Woman {except essentially the hooker has all the money…} well sign me up, baby!
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is a supremely spicy Harlequin novel, an adult debut from YA novelist Steven Salvatore; and this book, which is ranked 6+ out of 5 on the chili peppers scale- is certainly not for YA readers 😂 However, it is sweet and cute and charming and addictive; I haven’t found my self literally racing through pages in a romance book like this in a while! It has some of my favorite tropes; the main plot is an entrepreneur that has created a new app for the sex work community called VERSTL is trying to expand his brand so he employs “fake dating” by hiring a one night stand to be his boyfriend for $7,000 for 7 days to attend business meetings and his sisters upcoming wedding with him…. And some chaos ensues as you’d expect. Plus; the banter between the two main characters is just chef’s kiss 💋
I loved every single page. Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC.
So…. When someone told me there was a new rom-com MM book coming out that was a modern day retelling of Pretty Woman {except essentially the hooker has all the money…} well sign me up, baby!
THE BOYFRIEND SUBSCRIPTION is a supremely spicy Harlequin novel, an adult debut from YA novelist Steven Salvatore; and this book, which is ranked 6+ out of 5 on the chili peppers scale- is certainly not for YA readers 😂 However, it is sweet and cute and charming and addictive; I haven’t found my self literally racing through pages in a romance book like this in a while! It has some of my favorite tropes; the main plot is an entrepreneur that has created a new app for the sex work community called VERSTL is trying to expand his brand so he employs “fake dating” by hiring a one night stand to be his boyfriend for $7,000 for 7 days to attend business meetings and his sisters upcoming wedding with him…. And some chaos ensues as you’d expect. Plus; the banter between the two main characters is just chef’s kiss 💋
I loved every single page. Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC.
June 13, 2024
A lot of the story felt a bit preachy and forced specially about the online sex site and some problematic aspects but overall it was okay
November 15, 2023
Oh gosh y'all, what a sweet, fun book! The Boyfriend Subscription was described as a modern, queer twist on the 80s classic movie Pretty Woman, but it's SO much more than that. It's not only a commentary on the perils of falling in love, but also on the beauty of finding it in unexpected places. Paired with some hilarious banter and an amazing cast of characters, this book is definitely on my list of favorite romcoms!
After a disastrous divorce and bankruptcy lawsuit, Teddy's life is in shambles as he's forced to leave NYC to move back in with his mother. While drowning his sorrows at a bar, he meets handsome and mysterious Cole and ends up going home with him. He eventually finds out that Cole is a famous and wealthy s3x worker who also owns a successful adult entertainment app. Cole finds Teddy to be a breath of fresh air - he doesn't recognize him and seems to be honest and genuine. And Teddy loves Cole's vulnerability and openness with him (though, of course, there can be no kissing). On a whim, Cole offers to pay Teddy to act as his boyfriend for a series of important events. Though things go smoothly at first, the situation goes downhill rapidly as it becomes harder and harder to keep the secret - and Teddy and Cole both realize that they aren't just acting like they are in love, but they are really falling for each other.
This book is dual POV, and I was LIVING for it. Teddy is hilarious and adorable while Cole is more introspective, but I loved them both. Y'all, the banter was *chef's kiss* - I was laughing, crying, and just generally enjoying myself through all the dialogue. The shopping spree sequence was giving me actual Pretty Woman flashbacks, and all of Teddy's rambling about plants was really fun. And wow, talk about s3x positive! I've read several modern books with s3x worker MCs this year, and I'm just so impressed by how it's handled.
I decided to read this one after receiving both a physical and an eARC, and I am SO incredibly grateful to Harlequin Publicity Team, Harlequin Books, and NetGalley for trusting me! If you want to know just how serious I was about finishing this book, I actually put off starting one of my most anticipated reads of the year (Iron Flame) to blaze through the last few chapters. It was THAT good. The Boyfriend Subscription is out on March 26, and you'd better believe I'll be hyping it up more closer to then. Get this one on your TBR's right now!
After a disastrous divorce and bankruptcy lawsuit, Teddy's life is in shambles as he's forced to leave NYC to move back in with his mother. While drowning his sorrows at a bar, he meets handsome and mysterious Cole and ends up going home with him. He eventually finds out that Cole is a famous and wealthy s3x worker who also owns a successful adult entertainment app. Cole finds Teddy to be a breath of fresh air - he doesn't recognize him and seems to be honest and genuine. And Teddy loves Cole's vulnerability and openness with him (though, of course, there can be no kissing). On a whim, Cole offers to pay Teddy to act as his boyfriend for a series of important events. Though things go smoothly at first, the situation goes downhill rapidly as it becomes harder and harder to keep the secret - and Teddy and Cole both realize that they aren't just acting like they are in love, but they are really falling for each other.
This book is dual POV, and I was LIVING for it. Teddy is hilarious and adorable while Cole is more introspective, but I loved them both. Y'all, the banter was *chef's kiss* - I was laughing, crying, and just generally enjoying myself through all the dialogue. The shopping spree sequence was giving me actual Pretty Woman flashbacks, and all of Teddy's rambling about plants was really fun. And wow, talk about s3x positive! I've read several modern books with s3x worker MCs this year, and I'm just so impressed by how it's handled.
I decided to read this one after receiving both a physical and an eARC, and I am SO incredibly grateful to Harlequin Publicity Team, Harlequin Books, and NetGalley for trusting me! If you want to know just how serious I was about finishing this book, I actually put off starting one of my most anticipated reads of the year (Iron Flame) to blaze through the last few chapters. It was THAT good. The Boyfriend Subscription is out on March 26, and you'd better believe I'll be hyping it up more closer to then. Get this one on your TBR's right now!
April 9, 2024
I was so excited when I found out that one of my favorite YA authors would be releasing his debut adult romance. Young Adult has been my comfort genre for so many years, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve picked up even more romance books and have grown to love the genre as much, if not more, at times.
The Boyfriend Subscription was a beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking story, seeing as how both men had so many hurdles in their life to leap in order to find one another.
Teddy has just lost everything. Last year he was a huge social media influencer, had written his second book, owned a successful business called Plant Daddy, and was happily married. When we begin the book, he’s watching as his business is being torn apart and taken away by his ex-husband’s father after an expensive court case that has left him penniless. Now as he’s a week away from moving back home, he’s spending his last little bit of time with his best friend who pushes him to go out and meet a man for a one night stand.
Cole is the mind behind the successful app VERSTL (think OnlyFans), as well as a full time content creator/sex worker. He may have come from wealth, but he disavowed his father’s money and built his business from the ground up. He even legally changed his name so that no one would know who he was. He hasn’t settled down with anyone and he doesn’t really seem to trust men. When guy’s are usually using him to see what they can get, it’s hard to know who wants you for what reason.
These two are complete opposites and I think that’s why it works so well. Teddy is a big ginger bear in a lumberjack flannel and Cole is a French sex god in Armani. While they shouldn’t fit, they’re the missing pieces to the other’s puzzle.
This gave me Pretty Woman vibes (which makes sense, seeing as how it’s a retelling😝), as well as had a Fake Dating plot for a portion of the story. Honestly, they were a match from the start, so the only real fake dating they did was fudge how long they’d known each other. Even for that, they said 2 months. So it’s not like they had much time together either way.
I really enjoyed the story and definitely need more books like this one from Steven.
The Boyfriend Subscription was a beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking story, seeing as how both men had so many hurdles in their life to leap in order to find one another.
Teddy has just lost everything. Last year he was a huge social media influencer, had written his second book, owned a successful business called Plant Daddy, and was happily married. When we begin the book, he’s watching as his business is being torn apart and taken away by his ex-husband’s father after an expensive court case that has left him penniless. Now as he’s a week away from moving back home, he’s spending his last little bit of time with his best friend who pushes him to go out and meet a man for a one night stand.
Cole is the mind behind the successful app VERSTL (think OnlyFans), as well as a full time content creator/sex worker. He may have come from wealth, but he disavowed his father’s money and built his business from the ground up. He even legally changed his name so that no one would know who he was. He hasn’t settled down with anyone and he doesn’t really seem to trust men. When guy’s are usually using him to see what they can get, it’s hard to know who wants you for what reason.
These two are complete opposites and I think that’s why it works so well. Teddy is a big ginger bear in a lumberjack flannel and Cole is a French sex god in Armani. While they shouldn’t fit, they’re the missing pieces to the other’s puzzle.
This gave me Pretty Woman vibes (which makes sense, seeing as how it’s a retelling😝), as well as had a Fake Dating plot for a portion of the story. Honestly, they were a match from the start, so the only real fake dating they did was fudge how long they’d known each other. Even for that, they said 2 months. So it’s not like they had much time together either way.
I really enjoyed the story and definitely need more books like this one from Steven.
October 27, 2023
This is one of those books that came to me at just the right time.
It was the perfect book for my mood. And I read it in two sittings.
It was such a cute, emotional, lovely short read. The characters Teddy and Cole were just so loveable. And I have such a weakness for the french. Maybe that skewed my view of Cole a little. But I loved him to bits.
The plot was a little lacking, but honestly this is a romance novel and so the 'plot' was the romance. And that romance was good. There were some really profound lines which I'm a little surprised at. I thought The Boyfriend Subscription would be more of a rom-com. And it was that. But it also got a little deep.
The only complaint I have is the side characters and how the Jason plot was wrapped up. I think those things could be finessed a little more.
The perfect balance.
I would definitely recommend this book!
Also- thank you Netgallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
It was the perfect book for my mood. And I read it in two sittings.
It was such a cute, emotional, lovely short read. The characters Teddy and Cole were just so loveable. And I have such a weakness for the french. Maybe that skewed my view of Cole a little. But I loved him to bits.
The plot was a little lacking, but honestly this is a romance novel and so the 'plot' was the romance. And that romance was good. There were some really profound lines which I'm a little surprised at. I thought The Boyfriend Subscription would be more of a rom-com. And it was that. But it also got a little deep.
The only complaint I have is the side characters and how the Jason plot was wrapped up. I think those things could be finessed a little more.
The perfect balance.
I would definitely recommend this book!
Also- thank you Netgallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 20, 2024
My rating for this one is different. I personally did not really like the story, BUT, that's me, not the book. I can appreciate that others will like this and the author did nothing wrong with the story. It was me, it was all me. I didn't read the blurb (exactly). All the sex and more sex, and no kissing rules, and drama...this wasn't for me.
This is a spin on Pretty Woman. Even the names have connections to the movie.
I did give this 3 stars because it's a fine story, well written. My personal feelings and rating is 1 star, because it didn't work for me but I don't want to give people the wrong impression about the quality of the story telling.
The audio narrators did a wonderful job, of course, and I do indeed recommend the audio for those who want to read this (type of) story.
This is a spin on Pretty Woman. Even the names have connections to the movie.
I did give this 3 stars because it's a fine story, well written. My personal feelings and rating is 1 star, because it didn't work for me but I don't want to give people the wrong impression about the quality of the story telling.
The audio narrators did a wonderful job, of course, and I do indeed recommend the audio for those who want to read this (type of) story.
March 21, 2024
Oh boy, this book was not it for me.
I don't know if was the writing style, the pacing, or the plot that was so confusing to me, but I could not get into it. I didn't find the characters to be likeable or relatable at all, and while it is true that I may not be the target audience for this book, I wanted to at least like one thing about it.
Alas, that did not happen. There was too much insta love and manipulation going on for my liking. And if I am honest, I don't think this is a couple that would ever last.
If you like gay smut, I guess you should read this book.
I liked the plants. There.
Sorry to the publisher for this negative review. I do appreciate the ARC.
I don't know if was the writing style, the pacing, or the plot that was so confusing to me, but I could not get into it. I didn't find the characters to be likeable or relatable at all, and while it is true that I may not be the target audience for this book, I wanted to at least like one thing about it.
Alas, that did not happen. There was too much insta love and manipulation going on for my liking. And if I am honest, I don't think this is a couple that would ever last.
If you like gay smut, I guess you should read this book.
I liked the plants. There.
Sorry to the publisher for this negative review. I do appreciate the ARC.
April 1, 2024
Rounding up to four stars.
Honestly I requested this book in large part because the cover is gorgeous. And then I went into this with very managed expectations because I've seen a few critical reviews in the last couple of months. But I thought it was a good and easy read. There were times where it felt a little unpolished (repetition, pacing) but overall I liked the voice and found myself interested in the characters and the story. There were also times where the beats were a bit predictable (miscommunication, third act conflict) and the falling in love timeline is quick but this is a Pretty Woman retelling and I've seen that movie many times so that was to be expected, and it still was original enough that I wanted to know what would happen next. I liked the way the book plays around with the source material and mixed things up and I liked the overall sex work positivity, even if that seemed to lack some depth. There were a couple of choices/phrases that gave me pause and pulled me out of the book, but no dealbreakers. There are probably more content notes worth sharing but the one that comes to mind is an off-page sexual assault (it's a pretty short mention/description.)
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Afterglow by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly I requested this book in large part because the cover is gorgeous. And then I went into this with very managed expectations because I've seen a few critical reviews in the last couple of months. But I thought it was a good and easy read. There were times where it felt a little unpolished (repetition, pacing) but overall I liked the voice and found myself interested in the characters and the story. There were also times where the beats were a bit predictable (miscommunication, third act conflict) and the falling in love timeline is quick but this is a Pretty Woman retelling and I've seen that movie many times so that was to be expected, and it still was original enough that I wanted to know what would happen next. I liked the way the book plays around with the source material and mixed things up and I liked the overall sex work positivity, even if that seemed to lack some depth. There were a couple of choices/phrases that gave me pause and pulled me out of the book, but no dealbreakers. There are probably more content notes worth sharing but the one that comes to mind is an off-page sexual assault (it's a pretty short mention/description.)
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Afterglow by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! It was messy with a capital M, but it was also a fun and quick read. I loved that Teddy and Cole were such opposites and not really looking for anything past a week of fun together. And yet…they found a spark of something more in each other. I wish their communication was a little better, but also I can completely understand why things happened the way they did. (Also, Jason deserves a punch to the face and some serious jail time for what he did. I hate him with every fiber of my being! 😡) I think the only thing I wanted a bit more of was Cole’s job as a sex worker and the company he created around it. Otherwise, I really liked this and it’s getting four stars from me!
May 2, 2024
The Boyfriend Subscription made me realize that my favorite type of romance books are those in which I adore all of the MCs right from the start. And I was absolutely head over heels for both of the MCs in this book, Teddy and Cole. These two sweet baby angels have never done anything wrong in their entire lives and I will die on this hill. Their genuine, messy, hearts of gold made this book so enjoyable.
Teddy has lost everything at the hands of his POS ex-husband. He’s lost his marriage, his home, and now his business. On his last night in NYC before moving back to Louisiana, he and his bestie Kit decide the only place to mourn the end of this era is at the bar. Teddy wants to let loose for his last night in the city and if that means going home with someone, that’s no one’s business. But as the bar scene starts to stale, in walks the incredibly sexy and wealthy entrepreneur, Cole Vivien, who flips Teddy’s world upside down.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the author’s spin on the movie Pretty Woman. For the record, Pretty Woman is a top 5 best romcom in cinematic history and you can go argue with a wall if you disagree. And what the author does in this book is create such a fun and unique twist on the classic. In The Boyfriend Subscription, the sex worker (Cole) also happens to be the successful and wealthy businessman. He’s built a thriving and safe company centered around sex work. I loved this dynamic so much and I adored how down to earth Cole was, despite the money. Teddy, the actual loml, was out here trying his damndest! The guy was one of the most resilient characters I’ve read in a long time and I loved that about him. I also need to shoutout Kit, Teddy’s sassy childhood bestie who is in a very sweet and supportive polyamorous relationship (we love to see it). And finallyyy… the women 😮💨😍 All of the women in this book were exceptionally badass 🔥
The Boyfriend Subscription is out TODAY so make sure you pick up your copy! 🥳🎉🍾
*4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to Harlequin for the gifted copy of this book ❤️
Teddy has lost everything at the hands of his POS ex-husband. He’s lost his marriage, his home, and now his business. On his last night in NYC before moving back to Louisiana, he and his bestie Kit decide the only place to mourn the end of this era is at the bar. Teddy wants to let loose for his last night in the city and if that means going home with someone, that’s no one’s business. But as the bar scene starts to stale, in walks the incredibly sexy and wealthy entrepreneur, Cole Vivien, who flips Teddy’s world upside down.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the author’s spin on the movie Pretty Woman. For the record, Pretty Woman is a top 5 best romcom in cinematic history and you can go argue with a wall if you disagree. And what the author does in this book is create such a fun and unique twist on the classic. In The Boyfriend Subscription, the sex worker (Cole) also happens to be the successful and wealthy businessman. He’s built a thriving and safe company centered around sex work. I loved this dynamic so much and I adored how down to earth Cole was, despite the money. Teddy, the actual loml, was out here trying his damndest! The guy was one of the most resilient characters I’ve read in a long time and I loved that about him. I also need to shoutout Kit, Teddy’s sassy childhood bestie who is in a very sweet and supportive polyamorous relationship (we love to see it). And finallyyy… the women 😮💨😍 All of the women in this book were exceptionally badass 🔥
The Boyfriend Subscription is out TODAY so make sure you pick up your copy! 🥳🎉🍾
*4.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to Harlequin for the gifted copy of this book ❤️
April 26, 2024
Dnf at 27%. It was just bad. Many layers of bad. For a story about sex workers and a sex worker app, there were implied sex going in but no actual on page sex. I’m fine with waiting for it happen, but it’s clearly happening so why isn’t it on page? It’s just a graphic fade to black. The character backstories are dumb. I even had a hard time telling them apart because they were both so boring and their scenes were so short it was constantly changing perspective.
January 23, 2025
I haven't read as much MM lately because it is a genre so dominated by straight women readers and writers who also won't have anything to do with sapphic and behave badly in this space. I am not trying to be gender essentialist, I have read some great MM written by straight women, but a lot of it is just conventional and their sexuality is just about the hot sex between two men and it has nothing about the queer experience, or the men are hyper-sexualized or hyper-masculine. So if I read MM now I try to be intentional about choosing ownvoices, nonbinary and queer authors. Queer men deserve a place to tell their stories too.
This was a very conventional retelling of Pretty Woman except for a queer audience, which made it refreshing for me. I felt like a lot of MM by straight women is written for straight women and if you like those types of books you'll probably hate this. I liked this because it was very clearly written for a queer audience, and I liked how Teddy was a ginger bear, a representation that's common in the gay community but I do not see much of in MM romance.
I think this book worked best as a sensitive exploration of Teddy finding love after a brutal divorce instead of a conventional spicy romance. The melodrama, adherence to the Pretty Woman plot and the instalove kept it from being a four star read for me. I liked how Teddy was "Plant Daddy," a horticulturalist influencer and author, and Cole had made his own way as an entrepreneur with a successful social platform for gay sex workers, but he really wanted to be a fashion designer. I liked how they were whole people with interesting personalities and they had many sweet moments together. This book worked best when they dropped the commodification of intimacy act and were real with each other.
I did wish that Teddy had made more of a splash with the hotel employees like in Pretty Woman; it was mostly about Cole's rich but boring family and I thought Teddy's character development fell flat. And while it was a spicy book, and I appreciated that they talked about safe sex practices and cleaning up after each other, a lot of the sex scenes felt clinical and awkward.
Teddy and Cole were also kind of shitty to each other in the third act breakup, and that made me wonder how they could work through their differences and Teddy's hurt for a lasting HEA. It's only been a week. Maybe it's just that I don't usually care for instalove.
So in short I applaud this for bringing conventional straight romance tropes to a queer audience, raunchy rom com style, but it fell a little short for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very conventional retelling of Pretty Woman except for a queer audience, which made it refreshing for me. I felt like a lot of MM by straight women is written for straight women and if you like those types of books you'll probably hate this. I liked this because it was very clearly written for a queer audience, and I liked how Teddy was a ginger bear, a representation that's common in the gay community but I do not see much of in MM romance.
I think this book worked best as a sensitive exploration of Teddy finding love after a brutal divorce instead of a conventional spicy romance. The melodrama, adherence to the Pretty Woman plot and the instalove kept it from being a four star read for me. I liked how Teddy was "Plant Daddy," a horticulturalist influencer and author, and Cole had made his own way as an entrepreneur with a successful social platform for gay sex workers, but he really wanted to be a fashion designer. I liked how they were whole people with interesting personalities and they had many sweet moments together. This book worked best when they dropped the commodification of intimacy act and were real with each other.
I did wish that Teddy had made more of a splash with the hotel employees like in Pretty Woman; it was mostly about Cole's rich but boring family and I thought Teddy's character development fell flat. And while it was a spicy book, and I appreciated that they talked about safe sex practices and cleaning up after each other, a lot of the sex scenes felt clinical and awkward.
Teddy and Cole were also kind of shitty to each other in the third act breakup, and that made me wonder how they could work through their differences and Teddy's hurt for a lasting HEA. It's only been a week. Maybe it's just that I don't usually care for instalove.
So in short I applaud this for bringing conventional straight romance tropes to a queer audience, raunchy rom com style, but it fell a little short for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2024
So I've read all of Steven Salvatore's books and I followed him on social media and I think that's the reason I like this book. I like it because I knew how personal it was and understood why things were happening and how the characters were but I don't think I would have liked it had I not had that context. Or at least I wouldn't have liked it as much. This is definitely not a favorite of mine and it's honestly probably one of my least favorite of the author's books but it is a good book.
I think my issues came with the secondary plot lines. The main plot was fine and I liked the two main characters but there were some things going on in the background that didn't feel fully meshed out or dealt with and that was unfortunate. I also feel like their first sex scene was so awkward and so cringy to listen to. It got better as the book went on but that one did not work for me. That was very little consent happening in terms of kink and BDSM and I just was not here for it. I normally love kinky books but they have to be done well and that scene was done very poorly in my opinion.
I think my issues came with the secondary plot lines. The main plot was fine and I liked the two main characters but there were some things going on in the background that didn't feel fully meshed out or dealt with and that was unfortunate. I also feel like their first sex scene was so awkward and so cringy to listen to. It got better as the book went on but that one did not work for me. That was very little consent happening in terms of kink and BDSM and I just was not here for it. I normally love kinky books but they have to be done well and that scene was done very poorly in my opinion.
May 17, 2024
Yes, this is a fresh take on a romance novel, and I lived the characters it was just that it read a bit flat, and the alternate chapters from each character weren't different enough in tone to make anyone stand out.
Fun, but really not that great.
Fun, but really not that great.
February 15, 2024
Got an arc from work 3.5 rounded up
Was this high art? No. The pacing was a bit all over the place and I wish there had been a more solid comeuppance for the antagonist, that felt like it was left dangling (see janky pacing) but it was fun enough, it made me laugh out loud several times and left me with a smile on my face, and I think that’s a reasonable thing to expect from a rom com
Was this high art? No. The pacing was a bit all over the place and I wish there had been a more solid comeuppance for the antagonist, that felt like it was left dangling (see janky pacing) but it was fun enough, it made me laugh out loud several times and left me with a smile on my face, and I think that’s a reasonable thing to expect from a rom com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 600 reviews