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Heartbreak Boys: A Funny LGBTQ YA Rom-Com Road Trip About Social Media Hijinks, Family Adventures, and Real Romance
"One of the most hilarious, heart-flippingly romantic, charmingly observant writers in the game right now." —Becky Albertalli, author of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda A road trip rom-com about heartbreak, social media hijinks, and learning to be happy with who you are, perfect for fans of Heartstopper, Becky Albertalli and Phil Stamper. When their ex-boyfriends get together and start Instagramming a disgustingly perfect summer of love, Jack and Nate decide to concoct a mutual Insta-worthy summer adventure of their own to prove they’re just fine and everything’s great . Of course, it’s hard to have an epic summer road trip when they’re stuck in a van with Nate's mid-life crisis-bound parents and his annoying younger sister. And it’s been years since Jack and Nate have said more than a few sentences to each other. But their followers don’t have to know any of that. How hard could faking the high life be? Posting as @TheHeartBreakBoys, the duo stumbles into one hilarious situation after another—and each discover that maybe the cure for heartbreak has been the boy riding next to him all along.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2020
125 people are currently reading
9696 people want to read
About the author
Simon James Green
22 books770 followersSimon James Green grew up in a small town in Lincolnshire that definitely wasn’t the inspiration for Little Fobbing – so no-one from there can be mad with him, OK? He enjoyed a classic British education of assorted humiliations and barbaric PE lessons before reading Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he further embarrassed himself by accidentally joining the rowing team despite having no upper body strength and not being able swim. When it turned out that being a lawyer was nothing like how it looks in Suits or The Good Wife, and buoyed by the success of his late night comedy show that involved an inflatable sheep, he travelled to London to pursue a glamorous career in show business. Within weeks he was working in a call centre, had been mugged, and had racked up thousands of pounds worth of debt. Finding strength and inspiration in the lyrics of "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba, he eventually ended up working on a range of West End shows and UK tours, co-wrote a feature-length rom-com for the BBC and directed Hollyoaks for C4 / Lime Pictures. After trying really, really hard, he also managed to write Noah Can’t Even. If you are interested in stalking him, he still lives in London, where he spends a lot of time telling people that Noah Can’t Even is only partly autobiographical, and his mum has definitely never done a Beyoncé tribute act.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 666 reviews
April 18, 2023
I've only read two of Simon James Green's novels, and I love them both.
Heartbreak Boys follows Nate and Jack, both of whom have had their boyfriends cheat on them. And to make matters worse their boyfriends cheated on them with each other and are now a couple, with an Instagram account dedicated to their love.
Heartbroken, both boys (ayyy get it?) decide to create their own Instagram account. Where they'll document their summer, not their actual summer, but a summer that'll outdo their exes'.
However, Nate and Jack used to be friends and along the way we learn what happened between them, and see them grow closer than ever before.
Heartbreak Boys follows Nate and Jack, both of whom have had their boyfriends cheat on them. And to make matters worse their boyfriends cheated on them with each other and are now a couple, with an Instagram account dedicated to their love.
Heartbroken, both boys (ayyy get it?) decide to create their own Instagram account. Where they'll document their summer, not their actual summer, but a summer that'll outdo their exes'.
However, Nate and Jack used to be friends and along the way we learn what happened between them, and see them grow closer than ever before.
August 24, 2020
This is 100% pure joy. This is the gay rom-com we all deserve. It’s so much fun to read. Like any good rom-com it’s not just romance with humor, but also some serious issues, like coming out, being gay, being too much gay or being not enough gay. Comedy with depth. And fun. Very much fun. Have I already mentioned how much fun it is?
I usually don’t like alternating first person pov narration, because most of the time it’s poorly done and hard to read. Either you can’t tell them apart, because they all read like the same. Or they’re massively exaggerated to make them more distinguishable, which is no better. There are only a few books where this actually works, and this is one of them. Both main characters have strong enough personalities so you can easily tell them apart without thinking. And they are not the least exaggerated, they are just on the point.
But most importantly the story benefits greatly from the alternating first person pov narration. Jack and Nate have slightly different personalities and very different views of certain things or events. Best example is when they’re invited to a party and both give their first impression which could not be more different. This is so much fun to read, because it’s late in the book when you know both of them pretty well.
I wish there were more books like this. Books that are actually funny and romantic and also have an awesome plot.
I usually don’t like alternating first person pov narration, because most of the time it’s poorly done and hard to read. Either you can’t tell them apart, because they all read like the same. Or they’re massively exaggerated to make them more distinguishable, which is no better. There are only a few books where this actually works, and this is one of them. Both main characters have strong enough personalities so you can easily tell them apart without thinking. And they are not the least exaggerated, they are just on the point.
But most importantly the story benefits greatly from the alternating first person pov narration. Jack and Nate have slightly different personalities and very different views of certain things or events. Best example is when they’re invited to a party and both give their first impression which could not be more different. This is so much fun to read, because it’s late in the book when you know both of them pretty well.
I wish there were more books like this. Books that are actually funny and romantic and also have an awesome plot.
February 24, 2021
Simon James Green's most recent book,
Heartbreak Boys
, is an adorable and fun story about trying to overcome heartache and finding the strength to start over.
It’s prom night. Jack is hoping that he and his boyfriend Dylan might be crowned king and queen. Although school had been hell for Jack since he came out, once popular athlete Dylan did, Jack’s flamboyance became nearly tolerable by his classmates. (Nearly.)
Meanwhile, Nate is still coming to terms with publicly acknowledging his sexuality. He’s kept his relationship with Tariq very secret until this point, but on prom night he’s ready to finally let the world know who he is, and let everyone know he and Tariq are together.
But prom night isn’t the magical occasion Jack and Nate hope it will be, when they both get dumped, quite publicly. They’re both devastated, and while Jack is used to being the target of humiliation, for Nate, it seems like a good excuse to go back into hiding again.
With their now-ex-boyfriends showing no signs of regret or sadness, Jack comes up with a plan: he and Nate could create the illusion that they’re having the summer of their lives, too. Jack agrees to tag along on Nate’s family’s road trip across England, and document their exaggerated and/or fake moments of living their best lives for social media.
Nate and Jack were childhood friends, but Nate pulled away from Jack right around the time he came out. Nate knows he’s nothing like Jack and he isn’t sure he wants to be, but is the idea of rekindling their friendship really that awful?
If you’ve read a rom-com or two, you know where all of this is going. Heartbreak Boys was a really sweet, enjoyable book that accurately captured the emotions of young relationships and the battle between living your truth and staying out of the spotlight.
Given that you know how things will unfold, the pacing was a bit slow at times, and I wanted the characters to say what they needed to instead of constantly avoiding subjects. But Jack and Nate, as well as a few of the supporting characters, are such fun, you can’t help but root for them.
This is my first Simon James Green novel, but it won't be my last, that's for sure!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
It’s prom night. Jack is hoping that he and his boyfriend Dylan might be crowned king and queen. Although school had been hell for Jack since he came out, once popular athlete Dylan did, Jack’s flamboyance became nearly tolerable by his classmates. (Nearly.)
Meanwhile, Nate is still coming to terms with publicly acknowledging his sexuality. He’s kept his relationship with Tariq very secret until this point, but on prom night he’s ready to finally let the world know who he is, and let everyone know he and Tariq are together.
But prom night isn’t the magical occasion Jack and Nate hope it will be, when they both get dumped, quite publicly. They’re both devastated, and while Jack is used to being the target of humiliation, for Nate, it seems like a good excuse to go back into hiding again.
With their now-ex-boyfriends showing no signs of regret or sadness, Jack comes up with a plan: he and Nate could create the illusion that they’re having the summer of their lives, too. Jack agrees to tag along on Nate’s family’s road trip across England, and document their exaggerated and/or fake moments of living their best lives for social media.
Nate and Jack were childhood friends, but Nate pulled away from Jack right around the time he came out. Nate knows he’s nothing like Jack and he isn’t sure he wants to be, but is the idea of rekindling their friendship really that awful?
If you’ve read a rom-com or two, you know where all of this is going. Heartbreak Boys was a really sweet, enjoyable book that accurately captured the emotions of young relationships and the battle between living your truth and staying out of the spotlight.
Given that you know how things will unfold, the pacing was a bit slow at times, and I wanted the characters to say what they needed to instead of constantly avoiding subjects. But Jack and Nate, as well as a few of the supporting characters, are such fun, you can’t help but root for them.
This is my first Simon James Green novel, but it won't be my last, that's for sure!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
August 13, 2020
What a fun book!
The road trip across England trip where two teen boys try to escape heartache and end up finding something they both thought they’d lost forever is full of funny and touching moments.
This is enjoyable because of the way most of the characters have depth and levels. I’d say I felt Dylan and Nate’s dad were the only ones who seemed one dimensional. Everyone else had kind of an arc. Dylan is frankly described as a grade A jerk, and that can be too id plastic and degrade from the other a maid for
The undiscovered love story between two best friends worked well. I was pulling for them to make it the entire time. I want Nate and Jack to be happy. Jack is unapologetic and Nate is trying to come out in a big way. It was so endearing.
We learned that camping in England can be just as trashy as camping in the USA. We saw some mid life crises. We saw the perils of YouTube and other social media success. We saw that you should never secretly bring burgers to a veggie fest.
The writing, minus a few type-o’s, is tight and focused. The story is well developed. I really love this book and recommend it for sure.
The road trip across England trip where two teen boys try to escape heartache and end up finding something they both thought they’d lost forever is full of funny and touching moments.
This is enjoyable because of the way most of the characters have depth and levels. I’d say I felt Dylan and Nate’s dad were the only ones who seemed one dimensional. Everyone else had kind of an arc. Dylan is frankly described as a grade A jerk, and that can be too id plastic and degrade from the other a maid for
The undiscovered love story between two best friends worked well. I was pulling for them to make it the entire time. I want Nate and Jack to be happy. Jack is unapologetic and Nate is trying to come out in a big way. It was so endearing.
We learned that camping in England can be just as trashy as camping in the USA. We saw some mid life crises. We saw the perils of YouTube and other social media success. We saw that you should never secretly bring burgers to a veggie fest.
The writing, minus a few type-o’s, is tight and focused. The story is well developed. I really love this book and recommend it for sure.
February 2, 2023
Well this book was absolutely brilliant. I wish I'd had something like this to read when I was 16.
August 24, 2020
pretty sure i just read 400 pages of british teens saying stuff that were cool 4 years ago, the author doing a shameless self promo of his own books and more owl city references than i needed.
the commentary on cancel culture could've been worked on a little more though, it'd be a nice touch.
overall a nice book, i'm just too old for it.
the commentary on cancel culture could've been worked on a little more though, it'd be a nice touch.
overall a nice book, i'm just too old for it.
July 31, 2020
Thank you to Scholastic for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows 2 main characters, Nate and Jack, who find out on prom night that their boyfriends have been cheating on them and are now in a relationship together! In an effort to prove that Nate and Jack "are doing just fine" despite their heartbreak, they set off on a road trip with Nate's family and create a fake "perfect holiday" on Instagram. Despite falling out in their early teens, the road trip brings them closer together and they learn how important friendship, love and being yourself are.
What I Liked:
Relatability. This book was very realistic on many levels, and one that I think many teenagers will be able to connect with. The comedy, family dynamics, setting and relationships didn't create any unattainable ideals, too many YA books project "perfect" lives. Simon James Green captured current teenage lives perfectly and the vocabulary used felt life like.
Characters. Both Nate and Jack had such distinct and vibrant voices which made me connect with the story immediately. Jack was flamboyant, out spoken and funny while Nate was insecure, well meaning and willing to change. Even the minor characters had clear personality traits and helped to make the story fleshed out and realistic. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Jack, Nate and Elliot. The situations they got into and their banter was hilarious. Nate and Jack had clear character arc's and I loved watching them learn and grow into more confident individuals.
Themes. I really appreciated the conversation around respectability politics. Through Jack's character the author made it clear that you should always be yourself despite what others may think of you and you can never be "too much" of yourself. It's a message that I think is important to modern day teens.
What I Didn't Like:
Pacing. The reason this book didn't get 5 stars was because at some points I felt the story dragged and I think 400 pages was too long for this type of "road trip" story.
Overall this was a funny, heartfelt and relatable novel that is perfect for modern day young adults to read. It looked at every day teenage issues and discussed them in a sensitive and encouraging way. I can't wait to see what Simon James Green writes next and I will be reading his other novels.
This book follows 2 main characters, Nate and Jack, who find out on prom night that their boyfriends have been cheating on them and are now in a relationship together! In an effort to prove that Nate and Jack "are doing just fine" despite their heartbreak, they set off on a road trip with Nate's family and create a fake "perfect holiday" on Instagram. Despite falling out in their early teens, the road trip brings them closer together and they learn how important friendship, love and being yourself are.
What I Liked:
Relatability. This book was very realistic on many levels, and one that I think many teenagers will be able to connect with. The comedy, family dynamics, setting and relationships didn't create any unattainable ideals, too many YA books project "perfect" lives. Simon James Green captured current teenage lives perfectly and the vocabulary used felt life like.
Characters. Both Nate and Jack had such distinct and vibrant voices which made me connect with the story immediately. Jack was flamboyant, out spoken and funny while Nate was insecure, well meaning and willing to change. Even the minor characters had clear personality traits and helped to make the story fleshed out and realistic. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Jack, Nate and Elliot. The situations they got into and their banter was hilarious. Nate and Jack had clear character arc's and I loved watching them learn and grow into more confident individuals.
Themes. I really appreciated the conversation around respectability politics. Through Jack's character the author made it clear that you should always be yourself despite what others may think of you and you can never be "too much" of yourself. It's a message that I think is important to modern day teens.
What I Didn't Like:
Pacing. The reason this book didn't get 5 stars was because at some points I felt the story dragged and I think 400 pages was too long for this type of "road trip" story.
Overall this was a funny, heartfelt and relatable novel that is perfect for modern day young adults to read. It looked at every day teenage issues and discussed them in a sensitive and encouraging way. I can't wait to see what Simon James Green writes next and I will be reading his other novels.
October 2, 2021
Wow my disappointment reached a new peak.
RTC.
RTC.
December 27, 2023
“@TheHeartbreakBoys because, you know, overcoming hurt, angst, and torment is what the people want. Living our best lives to get revenge on our exes.”
Wow. This book was an unexpected and pleasant surprise in so many ways. Here’s what I loved : the humor, the characters, the plot, and the lessons learned.
The humor. It was so. fucking. funny. I ugly laughed like a complete idiot throughout the entire duration of the book. The humor is alternatingly deadpan, niche, specific, raunchy, and chaotic.
"Let's download Grindr and lie about our age!" had me ROLLING.
"My god, I want to cancel Karen so badly."
"Karen's a total bitch and I fucking hate her. 😌"
" ...“Is it because you’ve never seen grass?” Jack asked one of them. “No, it’s because we’re all on probation,” the other kid replied."
I could not go more than a few pages without giggling (or completely screaming) at something. Seriously, this book was a complete riot at times and I adored it for that reason.
The characters. Jack and Nate were both such lovable protagonists, and I loved that this book had a dual POV. All you wanted was for them to win. As someone who you used to be told so frequently that I made myself a target by being “too much” and “too gay” … I truly loved Jack and his enormous heart. Nate’s sensitivity and sometimes grumpy demeanor balanced him and Jack so well. They were fantastic.
They’re made all the more loveable when juxtaposed with their dishonest, cheating ex-boyfriends who have the NERVE to play the victims throughout the book. “Dylan” rhymes with “villain.” Coincidence? Maybe not, but I fucking hated him lmao. Seriously. I am president of the Dyl*n Hate Club. He was cruel for no reason, and I’ve known a few people like that (in real life AND including Aunt Karen).
On the plus side, we had brilliant supporting characters including ball-of-sunshine Elliot, Nate’s parents and sister, and Leila. I was LIVING for Mrs. Nate’s spiritual awakening.
The plot. So much happened (it is a road trip story, after all) but it all felt like it served a greater purpose for the plot. I wasn’t ever bored with what was happening.
The lessons learned. Spoiler alert! I loved that this book explored identity so well, through the lens of coming out / being true to yourself. Learning the reality of why Jack and Nate grew apart (which made me so sad) was crucial to the story and said a lot about the pressure and danger that LGBTQ teens face. Despite the book being incredibly humorous, it didn’t shy away from including more meaningful, emotional elements.
This book had so many of my favorite tropes. This one combined several by giving us fake-dating, friends-to-enemies-to-kind of friends-to-friends-to-lovers, only-one-bed realness – and the final product was glorious.
I’m so happy I picked Heartbreak Boys up. I read it less than 48 hours because I simply could not put it down. I would love a sequel and to see how Jack and Nate’s journey continues. I will be endlessly recommending this to everyone for the foreseeable future. One of the easiest 5-star ratings I’ve ever given.
Wow. This book was an unexpected and pleasant surprise in so many ways. Here’s what I loved : the humor, the characters, the plot, and the lessons learned.
The humor. It was so. fucking. funny. I ugly laughed like a complete idiot throughout the entire duration of the book. The humor is alternatingly deadpan, niche, specific, raunchy, and chaotic.
"Let's download Grindr and lie about our age!" had me ROLLING.
"My god, I want to cancel Karen so badly."
"Karen's a total bitch and I fucking hate her. 😌"
" ...“Is it because you’ve never seen grass?” Jack asked one of them. “No, it’s because we’re all on probation,” the other kid replied."
I could not go more than a few pages without giggling (or completely screaming) at something. Seriously, this book was a complete riot at times and I adored it for that reason.
The characters. Jack and Nate were both such lovable protagonists, and I loved that this book had a dual POV. All you wanted was for them to win. As someone who you used to be told so frequently that I made myself a target by being “too much” and “too gay” … I truly loved Jack and his enormous heart. Nate’s sensitivity and sometimes grumpy demeanor balanced him and Jack so well. They were fantastic.
They’re made all the more loveable when juxtaposed with their dishonest, cheating ex-boyfriends who have the NERVE to play the victims throughout the book. “Dylan” rhymes with “villain.” Coincidence? Maybe not, but I fucking hated him lmao. Seriously. I am president of the Dyl*n Hate Club. He was cruel for no reason, and I’ve known a few people like that (in real life AND including Aunt Karen).
On the plus side, we had brilliant supporting characters including ball-of-sunshine Elliot, Nate’s parents and sister, and Leila. I was LIVING for Mrs. Nate’s spiritual awakening.
The plot. So much happened (it is a road trip story, after all) but it all felt like it served a greater purpose for the plot. I wasn’t ever bored with what was happening.
The lessons learned. Spoiler alert! I loved that this book explored identity so well, through the lens of coming out / being true to yourself. Learning the reality of why Jack and Nate grew apart (which made me so sad) was crucial to the story and said a lot about the pressure and danger that LGBTQ teens face. Despite the book being incredibly humorous, it didn’t shy away from including more meaningful, emotional elements.
This book had so many of my favorite tropes. This one combined several by giving us fake-dating, friends-to-enemies-to-kind of friends-to-friends-to-lovers, only-one-bed realness – and the final product was glorious.
I’m so happy I picked Heartbreak Boys up. I read it less than 48 hours because I simply could not put it down. I would love a sequel and to see how Jack and Nate’s journey continues. I will be endlessly recommending this to everyone for the foreseeable future. One of the easiest 5-star ratings I’ve ever given.
May 22, 2025
#️⃣2️⃣3️⃣7️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 🐠 🍭
Date 🌬️:, May , 2025 ☄️ a few days ago, not today
Word Count📃: 81k Words, average
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀🌸💮🌸❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ My 45th read in summertime read-a-thon "since idk wtf to do with my life for one thousand — two hundred — twenty four hours straight" (^-^ )
5️⃣🌟, I TOLD YOU GAY BOOKS ARE PEAKK
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
Both Jack and Nate our heartbroken boys that got you to done by both of their boyfriends being actually in love with each other instead of...the two of them. So they both try to guilt trip and make them jealous by setting up this instagram account that highlights how better their "fake" relationship is, what is that fake online relationship persona really fake tho?
But I did hate the Elliottt sub plot though...like who the fuck are you to steal the story's entire plot? Why are we suddenly learning about your freaking talent show audition? WHO ARE YOU???????????? YOU'RE NOT EVEN RELEVANT TO THE STORY!!?!?
Anyways, except for dipshit Elliotttt, the story is really good with many character developments and what it means to move on and realize and accept and appreciate the love that surrounds you, and to not be oblivious that maybe the love of your life is like right...beside you, as the two of you are doing your "fake" online relationship persona to make everyone including both of your exes jealous. This is a really goofy rom-com that was surely make you entertained and laugh almost in every scene because of just how odd and eccentric the situations that both Jake and Nate bump into, like you're telling me both of you "accidentally" went into a military shooting range training and almost got shot???????😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😆😆😆.
Date 🌬️:
Word Count📃: 81k Words, average
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀🌸💮🌸❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ My 45th read in summertime read-a-thon "since idk wtf to do with my life for one thousand — two hundred — twenty four hours straight" (^-^ )
5️⃣🌟, I TOLD YOU GAY BOOKS ARE PEAKK
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
Both Jack and Nate our heartbroken boys that got you to done by both of their boyfriends being actually in love with each other instead of...the two of them. So they both try to guilt trip and make them jealous by setting up this instagram account that highlights how better their "fake" relationship is, what is that fake online relationship persona really fake tho?
But I did hate the Elliottt sub plot though...like who the fuck are you to steal the story's entire plot? Why are we suddenly learning about your freaking talent show audition? WHO ARE YOU???????????? YOU'RE NOT EVEN RELEVANT TO THE STORY!!?!?
Anyways, except for dipshit Elliotttt, the story is really good with many character developments and what it means to move on and realize and accept and appreciate the love that surrounds you, and to not be oblivious that maybe the love of your life is like right...beside you, as the two of you are doing your "fake" online relationship persona to make everyone including both of your exes jealous. This is a really goofy rom-com that was surely make you entertained and laugh almost in every scene because of just how odd and eccentric the situations that both Jake and Nate bump into, like you're telling me both of you "accidentally" went into a military shooting range training and almost got shot???????😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😆😆😆.
March 11, 2022
4.5 stars. Heartbreak Boys was funny and 100% cute!
February 13, 2023
A DELIGHTFUL summer road-trip YA rom-com of pure joy! (★★★★.5). Really! I couldn’t stop smiling while reading this.
Jack and Nate are recently dumped by their cheating A-HOLE exes! Reeling in heartache, the former best friends reunite their friendship after their disastrous prom breakups to take a summer roadtrip across the UK, and start an Instagram account to show the school that they are 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 and having the 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (or at least faking it).
Jack is loud, proud, and hilarious, Nate’s only recently out and the most heartbroken of the two - grumpy vs sunshine, former friends-to-lovers. Their relationship arc is very well done and will warm any cynic’s heart. I loved both of them and enjoyed the dual perspective view in this book.
The boys go from one hilarious situation to another during their road-trip and learn a few important life lessons along the way. Social media is all fake, even the influencers. The importance of family. And there no such thing as being too-gay or not enough - one should be authentic and true to themselves.
Great book! Would make a great summer read IMO.
PS: I’m 100% listening to Embers by Owl City on repeat RN!
Thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollinsch for the ARC for an honest review.
Jack and Nate are recently dumped by their cheating A-HOLE exes! Reeling in heartache, the former best friends reunite their friendship after their disastrous prom breakups to take a summer roadtrip across the UK, and start an Instagram account to show the school that they are 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 and having the 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (or at least faking it).
Jack is loud, proud, and hilarious, Nate’s only recently out and the most heartbroken of the two - grumpy vs sunshine, former friends-to-lovers. Their relationship arc is very well done and will warm any cynic’s heart. I loved both of them and enjoyed the dual perspective view in this book.
The boys go from one hilarious situation to another during their road-trip and learn a few important life lessons along the way. Social media is all fake, even the influencers. The importance of family. And there no such thing as being too-gay or not enough - one should be authentic and true to themselves.
Great book! Would make a great summer read IMO.
PS: I’m 100% listening to Embers by Owl City on repeat RN!
Thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollinsch for the ARC for an honest review.
July 18, 2023
[3.4~3.5] the only rational plan of action when two people discover their boyfriends have been seeing each other behind their backs is to fake a summer road trip of a lifetime to counteract their overbearing happiness on social media because SPITE DRIVES US ALL.
i know plenty of readers will find Jack hard to like because he thrives off drama and can be rather self-absorbed, but second hand embarrassment aside, i think there’s something to be said for the satisfaction of watching someone let out their hurt with no filter and not have to be the "better person" when they were so clearly wronged. as a staunch people-pleaser myself, just let me imagine for a moment what it would be like to have the guts to stand up for myself like Jack does.
also Dylan is the absolute worst human being. exit's on your right, dear sir. don't let the door hit you on your way out 👋
i know plenty of readers will find Jack hard to like because he thrives off drama and can be rather self-absorbed, but second hand embarrassment aside, i think there’s something to be said for the satisfaction of watching someone let out their hurt with no filter and not have to be the "better person" when they were so clearly wronged. as a staunch people-pleaser myself, just let me imagine for a moment what it would be like to have the guts to stand up for myself like Jack does.
also Dylan is the absolute worst human being. exit's on your right, dear sir. don't let the door hit you on your way out 👋
August 27, 2020
Final Thoughts
✨”If it’s just you and me against a constant shitstorm, I don’t care. As long as it is you and me. Like before. Like it always should have been.” ✨- Heartbreak Boys, Simon James Green.
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🏳️🌈Reading Heartbreak Boys was one of the highlights of my year. This beautiful YA rom/com made me laugh so much- I forgot the world has currently gone to shit. It features two ex best friends determined to have the time of their lives when their boyfriends cheat on them with each other. However during one wacky road trip, they begin to embark on their own slow burn opposites attract romance. 🏳️🌈
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✨It’s rare when I say this because usually one gets on my nerves but I LOVED BOTH OUR MAIN CHARACTERS. Jack is flamboyant, sweet and so dramatic. He brought the comedy to the book and I loved him from the first moment he appeared on page. (WEARING A RAINBOW CAPE TO HIS PROM WAS SUCH A POWER MOVE!) Nate, is shy, grumpy, and prefers to hide away from company. I loved him, and his character growth throughout was definitely my favourite. Jack helps Nate become more comfortable in himself more than anyone and I loved that they find their friendship again before the romance. ✨
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🌺The plot was outstanding and Heartbreak boys was a joy to read. I highly recommend you read this. Especially if you want some added happiness in your life. In addition, I couldn’t help but picture this as a movie and Netflix really need to get on this pronto! It’s the English gay romantic comedy we all deserve. Thank you to @pridebooktours for including me in this fabulous tour and thank you @scholastic_uk for providing me with a finished copy.🌺
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Just Finished Thoughts
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK.
So cute and so gay and so SWEET. Apparently romcoms is what I’ve been missing.
Thank you again to Pridebooktours for including me in the tour. My full review will be live August 20th as that’s my tour stop :)
✨”If it’s just you and me against a constant shitstorm, I don’t care. As long as it is you and me. Like before. Like it always should have been.” ✨- Heartbreak Boys, Simon James Green.
•
•
•
🏳️🌈Reading Heartbreak Boys was one of the highlights of my year. This beautiful YA rom/com made me laugh so much- I forgot the world has currently gone to shit. It features two ex best friends determined to have the time of their lives when their boyfriends cheat on them with each other. However during one wacky road trip, they begin to embark on their own slow burn opposites attract romance. 🏳️🌈
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✨It’s rare when I say this because usually one gets on my nerves but I LOVED BOTH OUR MAIN CHARACTERS. Jack is flamboyant, sweet and so dramatic. He brought the comedy to the book and I loved him from the first moment he appeared on page. (WEARING A RAINBOW CAPE TO HIS PROM WAS SUCH A POWER MOVE!) Nate, is shy, grumpy, and prefers to hide away from company. I loved him, and his character growth throughout was definitely my favourite. Jack helps Nate become more comfortable in himself more than anyone and I loved that they find their friendship again before the romance. ✨
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🌺The plot was outstanding and Heartbreak boys was a joy to read. I highly recommend you read this. Especially if you want some added happiness in your life. In addition, I couldn’t help but picture this as a movie and Netflix really need to get on this pronto! It’s the English gay romantic comedy we all deserve. Thank you to @pridebooktours for including me in this fabulous tour and thank you @scholastic_uk for providing me with a finished copy.🌺
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Just Finished Thoughts
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK.
So cute and so gay and so SWEET. Apparently romcoms is what I’ve been missing.
Thank you again to Pridebooktours for including me in the tour. My full review will be live August 20th as that’s my tour stop :)
July 6, 2021
This one is a hilarious emotional gay rom-com road trip story I didn't know I needed. It's a ex-friends to lovers story. It's honestly just so much fun. Jack and Nate are both recently broken up with in heartbroken after they find out that their boyfriends have been cheated on them and they set out to take an instagramable road trip that will prove to everyone that they are over their shitty exes.
This of course it's not the swoon-worthy, jealously-inducing road trip they imagine, but instead of road trip full of unplanned interesting adventures. I am a sucker for extroverted friend takes shy introverted friend under their wing and if that trope is not the most prevalent thing in this book I don't know what is. Jack is out and proud and trying to live as unapologetically himself as humanly possible. This often leads to him hiding his own feelings and putting up a tough facade. Nate on the other hand is very shy and will do just about anything to avoid being in the spotlight. So obviously the two of them are friends. They were friends when they were kids had some falling out early teenagers, and are brought back together by their cheating boyfriends.
I don't have to say about this book besides it is super fun. There were definitely a couple moments that I got all emotional about the feelings, but as a whole this is a very fluffy low angst book.
This of course it's not the swoon-worthy, jealously-inducing road trip they imagine, but instead of road trip full of unplanned interesting adventures. I am a sucker for extroverted friend takes shy introverted friend under their wing and if that trope is not the most prevalent thing in this book I don't know what is. Jack is out and proud and trying to live as unapologetically himself as humanly possible. This often leads to him hiding his own feelings and putting up a tough facade. Nate on the other hand is very shy and will do just about anything to avoid being in the spotlight. So obviously the two of them are friends. They were friends when they were kids had some falling out early teenagers, and are brought back together by their cheating boyfriends.
I don't have to say about this book besides it is super fun. There were definitely a couple moments that I got all emotional about the feelings, but as a whole this is a very fluffy low angst book.
November 29, 2022
why isn't anybody making movies out of simon james green books
March 6, 2024
Jos tarvitset kirjan, joka on sateenkaareva ja hauska, tässäpä sinulle sellainen. Halusin lukea söpösti sateenkaarevan kirjan ja lukupinoja katsellessani silmäni osui tähän kevään uutuuteen, Simon James Greenin Heartbreak boysiin (Otava 2024, suom. Lotta Sonninen).
Jack ja Nate ovat poikaystäviensä kanssa yläasteen päättäjäisissä, kun heille valkenee, että poikkikset ovatkin pettäneet heitä keskenään. Jack keksii perustaa Instagram tilin, jossa hän ja Nate näyttävät, kuinka hauskaa heillä on kesällä ilman Dylania ja Tareqia, vaikka oikeasti he ovat lomalla Naten vanhempien kanssa lainatulla kämäisellä matkailuautolla.
Tapahtumat saavat koko ajan mitä uskomattomampia käänteitä ja kaikki mikä voi mennä pieleen myös menee pieleen. Mutta se tekeekin reissusta paljon hauskemman ja aidomman. Eikä lukijalle tule lainkaan yllätyksenä, että poikien feikkideittailulta näyttävä Insta-näpäyttely muuttuukin pikku hiljaa oikeaksi rakkaudeksi.
Nate ja Jack olivat lapsuudessaan parhaat ystävät, mutta kun Jack tuli kaapista ollessaan 13-vuotias, Nate katkaisi välit häneen. Syynä tosin oli Jackin epäilyjen sijaan jotain aivan muuta, Nate ei siis häpeillyt näyttäytyä homon ystävänsä kanssa sen pelossa, että leimautuisi itsekin homoksi, vaan siksi, koska oli itsekin homo, mutta ei vielä ollut käsitellyt asiaa. Jack sai paljon lokaa niskaansa kaapista tulonsa jälkeen ja se säikäyttää Naten, vaikka hän tajuaa, että olisi voinut olla ystävänsä tukena. Mutta parempi myöhään kuin ei milloinkaan.
"Helvetti sentään, miten voi olla että vieläkin joillakin on ongelma siitä, ketä joku toinen ihminen rakastaa?" (s. 315)
Jack ja Nate ovat poikaystäviensä kanssa yläasteen päättäjäisissä, kun heille valkenee, että poikkikset ovatkin pettäneet heitä keskenään. Jack keksii perustaa Instagram tilin, jossa hän ja Nate näyttävät, kuinka hauskaa heillä on kesällä ilman Dylania ja Tareqia, vaikka oikeasti he ovat lomalla Naten vanhempien kanssa lainatulla kämäisellä matkailuautolla.
Tapahtumat saavat koko ajan mitä uskomattomampia käänteitä ja kaikki mikä voi mennä pieleen myös menee pieleen. Mutta se tekeekin reissusta paljon hauskemman ja aidomman. Eikä lukijalle tule lainkaan yllätyksenä, että poikien feikkideittailulta näyttävä Insta-näpäyttely muuttuukin pikku hiljaa oikeaksi rakkaudeksi.
Nate ja Jack olivat lapsuudessaan parhaat ystävät, mutta kun Jack tuli kaapista ollessaan 13-vuotias, Nate katkaisi välit häneen. Syynä tosin oli Jackin epäilyjen sijaan jotain aivan muuta, Nate ei siis häpeillyt näyttäytyä homon ystävänsä kanssa sen pelossa, että leimautuisi itsekin homoksi, vaan siksi, koska oli itsekin homo, mutta ei vielä ollut käsitellyt asiaa. Jack sai paljon lokaa niskaansa kaapista tulonsa jälkeen ja se säikäyttää Naten, vaikka hän tajuaa, että olisi voinut olla ystävänsä tukena. Mutta parempi myöhään kuin ei milloinkaan.
"Helvetti sentään, miten voi olla että vieläkin joillakin on ongelma siitä, ketä joku toinen ihminen rakastaa?" (s. 315)
June 14, 2023
Simon James Green once again delivers a delightful and hilarious story!
Jack and Nate, former best friends who grew apart, are total opposites. Jack is outspoken, sassy and confrontational while Nate is an introvert, shy and a bit grumpy. The they are brought together again by heartbreak-both of their boyfriends dump them...to date each other. Reluctlantly, they go on a trip to try and get over it-and get revenge on the guys who caused it.
The premise sounds simple but the story is so well crafted and funny that you will stay glued to the page, captivated by Jack and Nate's cute journey-literally and metaphorically!
This road trip sweet book is also perfect Netflix adaptation material!
After re-read addition: I double down on my review and add that Simon gifts us a hilarious and quite realistic portrayal of "entertainment" in British countryside 😂
Jack and Nate, former best friends who grew apart, are total opposites. Jack is outspoken, sassy and confrontational while Nate is an introvert, shy and a bit grumpy. The they are brought together again by heartbreak-both of their boyfriends dump them...to date each other. Reluctlantly, they go on a trip to try and get over it-and get revenge on the guys who caused it.
The premise sounds simple but the story is so well crafted and funny that you will stay glued to the page, captivated by Jack and Nate's cute journey-literally and metaphorically!
This road trip sweet book is also perfect Netflix adaptation material!
After re-read addition: I double down on my review and add that Simon gifts us a hilarious and quite realistic portrayal of "entertainment" in British countryside 😂
March 12, 2021
Couldn’t finish it. Main character- infuriating, self absorbed, literally nothing redeeming about him. I got nearly halfway through the book but it was so juvenile. Tries to create scenarios that are ‘funny, quirky, insane!’ But made me want to roll my eyes. ‘Oh no got lost in the woods, ahhh we run into hot army guys, oh no we get tricked!’
For ages 14 and below definitely.
For ages 14 and below definitely.
August 27, 2023
1.75
mam duzy problem z ta ksiazka… pierwsze 120 stron bylo dla mnie katastrofa. pozniej bylo coraz lepiej, nawet dobrze sie bawilem, ale niektore momenty byly tak cringy ze wywracalem oczami i swear. no raczej nie dla mnie jednak
mam duzy problem z ta ksiazka… pierwsze 120 stron bylo dla mnie katastrofa. pozniej bylo coraz lepiej, nawet dobrze sie bawilem, ale niektore momenty byly tak cringy ze wywracalem oczami i swear. no raczej nie dla mnie jednak
September 4, 2020
This was a fun read. It’s nice to have two POV’s and constantly knowing which POV is telling. Jack is the most hilarious MC I read about in ages, out and proud without a filter whatsoever. Nate is the opposite, not wanting to stand out, staying in the background. But I laughed out loud with the both of them. Nate telling at a massage that Elliot is with a very kind-looking woman, called Maria, Jack is with Javier who is Spanish and beautiful and he is with Olga, who is exactly who you’d imagine. Or Jack refusing to wear a life jacket because it didn’t match his shorts. Elliot is pure joy and adding even more color to the story.
The book could have been a little shorter especially at the end to speed up the story but all together a pleasant read. 3,5 stars but I rounded it up because of the fun I had.
The book could have been a little shorter especially at the end to speed up the story but all together a pleasant read. 3,5 stars but I rounded it up because of the fun I had.
August 13, 2020
- so fun
- estranged best friends with their minds set on a bit of revenge
- summer road trip through England
- people finding themselves
- rude comments from annoying little sisters (bless her)
- lots of sarcasm
- wearing a pride flag as a cape to prom??? what an icon
- quality family time
- I laughed tears
- ultimate summer read
rep: gay, bi
TW: homophobia, cheating, bullying
- estranged best friends with their minds set on a bit of revenge
- summer road trip through England
- people finding themselves
- rude comments from annoying little sisters (bless her)
- lots of sarcasm
- wearing a pride flag as a cape to prom??? what an icon
- quality family time
- I laughed tears
- ultimate summer read
rep: gay, bi
TW: homophobia, cheating, bullying
August 16, 2025
4.25⭐
I needed this
I was craving it without realizing.
All the cute summery vibes, the road trip which provokes the characters development. Two oblivious ex-friends about their real feelings. Totally my vibes.
Both Jake and Nate's personalities were very interesting. I was so drown into their experiences and their affection on both of them.
The story wasn't just about love, or coming out. It's about Self-discovery, flaws acceptiness, it's about life.. real life, family, friendships, broken hearts, human emotions.
It wasn't dramatic, but also meaningful.
I really adore those boys and their journey.
***
I miss my wife (gay romance)
I needed this
I was craving it without realizing.
All the cute summery vibes, the road trip which provokes the characters development. Two oblivious ex-friends about their real feelings. Totally my vibes.
Both Jake and Nate's personalities were very interesting. I was so drown into their experiences and their affection on both of them.
The story wasn't just about love, or coming out. It's about Self-discovery, flaws acceptiness, it's about life.. real life, family, friendships, broken hearts, human emotions.
It wasn't dramatic, but also meaningful.
I really adore those boys and their journey.
***
I miss my wife (gay romance)
April 24, 2023
4 stars; I very much enjoyed this book. The book toggles back and forth between our two main characters, Jack and Nate, 16 year old former friends in suburban Nottingham, England whose respective boyfriends epically and very publicly dump them at prom. This being the age of social media, the former BFs create an Instagram account that follows their uber-fabulous summer, so our two MCs also go on the road and create a sort of "revenge Insta." However, they're on the road through rural England with Nate's family in a caravan, so, much more humbly
The premise is a bit far-fetched, honestly, one of the reasons that I couldn't go quite to 5 stars, as much as I enjoyed and was engaged by the book and its characters. Another reason: WAY too many typos! (Yes, I deduct for typos. You have a whole team - which the author credits - and he and they couldn't find all those mistakes?!?!) But overall, a really worthy book, with lots of great laughs and situations to enjoy along the way. One example: Auntie Karen, who is the ultimate Karen! And the book has a lot of heart, and I do love that kind of book. I highly recommend "Heartbreak Boys"!
The premise is a bit far-fetched, honestly, one of the reasons that I couldn't go quite to 5 stars, as much as I enjoyed and was engaged by the book and its characters. Another reason: WAY too many typos! (Yes, I deduct for typos. You have a whole team - which the author credits - and he and they couldn't find all those mistakes?!?!) But overall, a really worthy book, with lots of great laughs and situations to enjoy along the way. One example: Auntie Karen, who is the ultimate Karen! And the book has a lot of heart, and I do love that kind of book. I highly recommend "Heartbreak Boys"!
August 5, 2022
3.5/5
This was cute and enjoyable!
This was cute and enjoyable!
January 4, 2022
Heartbreak Boys hat mich aufgrund der witzigen Ausgangssituation direkt angesprochen, denn die klingt richtig unterhaltsam:
Für Jack und Nate sollte der Prom ganz besonders werden, doch was die beiden nicht wissen: Ihre festen Freunde haben eine Affäre. Am Ende des Abends sind Nate und Jack Single - und ihre Ex-Freunde offiziell zusammen. Und als wäre das nicht schon schlimm genug, zelebrieren die frisch Verliebten ihre Beziehung auf Instagram. Also beschließen Jack und Nate auf ihrem eigenen Account @TheHeartbreakBoys zum Gegenangriff überzugehen. Dabei schlittern sie von einer kuriosen Situation in die nächste. Ob sie gemeinsam ihren Herzschmerz überwinden können?
Simon James Green hat mit Heartbreak Boys eine wundervolle Geschichte über gebrochene Herzen geschrieben und wie man damit umgeht. Er wirft den Leser direkt in die Geschichte, die aus den Perspektiven der beiden Protagonisten Jack und Nate geschildert wird.
Jack und Nate sind zwei ganz unterschiedliche Charaktere, die ich aber von Anfang an ins Herz geschlossen habe. Jack ist extrovertiert und weiß genau, was er will, während Nate eher zurückhaltend und unsicher ist. Die beiden waren einmal beste Freunde und es macht richtig Spaß zusehen wie die Freundschaft, der beiden wieder aufblüht. Hier hat der Autor zwei unterschiedlichste Charaktere entworfen, die sich aber richtig gut ergänzen. Selbst die Nebencharaktere sind so gut ausgearbeitet, dass sie einem im Gedächtnis bleiben, ganz besonders Elliot hat mir gut gefallen.
Der Schreibstil war super angenehm zu lesen, mit viel Witz aber auch auf emotionaler Ebene konnte mich die Geschichte von der ersten Seite an packen. Der Autor bringt hier viele wichtige Themen zur Sprache, die einem auf dem Weg zu Erwachsen werden begegnen, findet dabei aber die richtige Mischung aus Ernsthaftigkeit und Humor, die diese Geschichte zu etwas Besonderem macht.
Heartbreak Boys ist eine wundervolle Geschichte mit einer wichtigen Message: Sei du selbst! Und diese Nachricht wird in dieser humorvollen Roadtrip-Geschichte richtig toll verpackt. Eine Achterbahn der Gefühle, die einen nicht mehr loslässt. Von mir gibt es eine absolute Leseempfehlung.
5 von 5 Sternen
Für Jack und Nate sollte der Prom ganz besonders werden, doch was die beiden nicht wissen: Ihre festen Freunde haben eine Affäre. Am Ende des Abends sind Nate und Jack Single - und ihre Ex-Freunde offiziell zusammen. Und als wäre das nicht schon schlimm genug, zelebrieren die frisch Verliebten ihre Beziehung auf Instagram. Also beschließen Jack und Nate auf ihrem eigenen Account @TheHeartbreakBoys zum Gegenangriff überzugehen. Dabei schlittern sie von einer kuriosen Situation in die nächste. Ob sie gemeinsam ihren Herzschmerz überwinden können?
Simon James Green hat mit Heartbreak Boys eine wundervolle Geschichte über gebrochene Herzen geschrieben und wie man damit umgeht. Er wirft den Leser direkt in die Geschichte, die aus den Perspektiven der beiden Protagonisten Jack und Nate geschildert wird.
Jack und Nate sind zwei ganz unterschiedliche Charaktere, die ich aber von Anfang an ins Herz geschlossen habe. Jack ist extrovertiert und weiß genau, was er will, während Nate eher zurückhaltend und unsicher ist. Die beiden waren einmal beste Freunde und es macht richtig Spaß zusehen wie die Freundschaft, der beiden wieder aufblüht. Hier hat der Autor zwei unterschiedlichste Charaktere entworfen, die sich aber richtig gut ergänzen. Selbst die Nebencharaktere sind so gut ausgearbeitet, dass sie einem im Gedächtnis bleiben, ganz besonders Elliot hat mir gut gefallen.
Der Schreibstil war super angenehm zu lesen, mit viel Witz aber auch auf emotionaler Ebene konnte mich die Geschichte von der ersten Seite an packen. Der Autor bringt hier viele wichtige Themen zur Sprache, die einem auf dem Weg zu Erwachsen werden begegnen, findet dabei aber die richtige Mischung aus Ernsthaftigkeit und Humor, die diese Geschichte zu etwas Besonderem macht.
Heartbreak Boys ist eine wundervolle Geschichte mit einer wichtigen Message: Sei du selbst! Und diese Nachricht wird in dieser humorvollen Roadtrip-Geschichte richtig toll verpackt. Eine Achterbahn der Gefühle, die einen nicht mehr loslässt. Von mir gibt es eine absolute Leseempfehlung.
5 von 5 Sternen
June 15, 2021
I would like to wholeheartedly thank Pride Book Tours and Scholastic for my copy of Heartbreak Boys that I received in exchange for an honest review.
“I am in pink shorts and flip-flops. I could run for my life, but what’s the point? It’d be like Bambi trying to escape the Terminator.”
This book was pure joy.
You know that feeling you get in your chest when you’re so happy you feel like you could burst? That’s what this story gave me.
Jack is out, proud and loud – and not just about his sexuality. He doesn’t let people box him in, not his serious boyfriend, or judgmental aunts that he ends up meeting. He is who he is and he’s not ashamed to stand up and be seen.
Nate really is his opposite in so many ways. He’s shy, quiet, a little awkward and he definitely doesn’t like being the center of attention.
Together, they’re a force of nature. I think they’ll balance each other out in every way. And I’d honestly love a ‘five years later' story about them.
The ‘I love you' because we could die at any moment thing they do is so unbelievably cute. That is friendship goals right there.
I absolutely loved Elliot, what a wee gem he is and Rose is absolutely hilarious. She’s the kind of sibling everyone should hope for.
This is my first read from Simon, I love how he subtly recommended one of his own books in this book and after this I’ll definitely be checking it out.
And I loved the way chapter forty eight to fifty played out. It was so incredibly sweet, and clever
Simon brought every moment and every character to life in the most magnificent way. I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe. I cried a little too. I absolutely loved every second.
If you want a read in one sitting, feel good, laugh out loud kind of story that has the most magnificent bunch of characters, with LGBTQ+ representation then I suggest picking this one up. I will definitely reread this whenever I need a pick me up.
“Magic happens when you step out of your regular routine, out of your comfort zone.”
“I am in pink shorts and flip-flops. I could run for my life, but what’s the point? It’d be like Bambi trying to escape the Terminator.”
This book was pure joy.
You know that feeling you get in your chest when you’re so happy you feel like you could burst? That’s what this story gave me.
Jack is out, proud and loud – and not just about his sexuality. He doesn’t let people box him in, not his serious boyfriend, or judgmental aunts that he ends up meeting. He is who he is and he’s not ashamed to stand up and be seen.
Nate really is his opposite in so many ways. He’s shy, quiet, a little awkward and he definitely doesn’t like being the center of attention.
Together, they’re a force of nature. I think they’ll balance each other out in every way. And I’d honestly love a ‘five years later' story about them.
The ‘I love you' because we could die at any moment thing they do is so unbelievably cute. That is friendship goals right there.
I absolutely loved Elliot, what a wee gem he is and Rose is absolutely hilarious. She’s the kind of sibling everyone should hope for.
This is my first read from Simon, I love how he subtly recommended one of his own books in this book and after this I’ll definitely be checking it out.
And I loved the way chapter forty eight to fifty played out. It was so incredibly sweet, and clever
Simon brought every moment and every character to life in the most magnificent way. I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe. I cried a little too. I absolutely loved every second.
If you want a read in one sitting, feel good, laugh out loud kind of story that has the most magnificent bunch of characters, with LGBTQ+ representation then I suggest picking this one up. I will definitely reread this whenever I need a pick me up.
“Magic happens when you step out of your regular routine, out of your comfort zone.”
May 4, 2021
It was soooo cutesy. I loved it.
And I hated Dylan and Tariq. They could have literally done a hundred other things except cheat. Tariq especially. He knew Nate was emotionally invested but he chose to hurt him anyway. Dylan is just a big a-hole. One thing that did satisfy me was that their relationship seemed more of a scam than Nate and Jack's. So there's that.
And I hated Dylan and Tariq. They could have literally done a hundred other things except cheat. Tariq especially. He knew Nate was emotionally invested but he chose to hurt him anyway. Dylan is just a big a-hole. One thing that did satisfy me was that their relationship seemed more of a scam than Nate and Jack's. So there's that.
August 20, 2020
Ahhh, that was so good! And the ending was just perfect!!
Full review at My Endless Shelf
Full review at My Endless Shelf
August 17, 2024
4.5 stars
Total fun matched with heart that doesn't veer into false sentimentality or manufactured romance. The story feels swift and light, like a teen rom com limited run series, and uses friendship, heartache, and vulnerability as the true story threads, not romantic pairing. And it's genuinely fun and funny throughout—and I loved the love(s) the characters rediscover and ultimately claim. I also appreciated the different kinds of gay masculinity represented as well as the honest critiques of social media performativity.
Truly delighted in these characters and their confusingly-mapped romp around England* via Volkswagen bus. Excited to check out more by Simon James Green.
[Excellent audiobook narration from Joe Jameson and Andrew Fallaize]
*I was confused, however, as to whether the book version I read was an Americanized version. Mentions of "soccer" and "sidewalks" instead of "football" and "pavement" were just some of the vocabulary pings that would have had me thinking this was American-authored if I didn't already know it wasn't. Also, I know a lot of American cultural practices have been exported to the UK and that proms have become a thing, but I was very confused about the process in the story of voting for dual prom king & queen by couple, not by individual. Maybe that's the British spin on things, but I think it was just a mistake, upon which the plot somewhat depended. But as with all prom-related things in general, doesn't really matter.
Total fun matched with heart that doesn't veer into false sentimentality or manufactured romance. The story feels swift and light, like a teen rom com limited run series, and uses friendship, heartache, and vulnerability as the true story threads, not romantic pairing. And it's genuinely fun and funny throughout—and I loved the love(s) the characters rediscover and ultimately claim. I also appreciated the different kinds of gay masculinity represented as well as the honest critiques of social media performativity.
Truly delighted in these characters and their confusingly-mapped romp around England* via Volkswagen bus. Excited to check out more by Simon James Green.
[Excellent audiobook narration from Joe Jameson and Andrew Fallaize]
*I was confused, however, as to whether the book version I read was an Americanized version. Mentions of "soccer" and "sidewalks" instead of "football" and "pavement" were just some of the vocabulary pings that would have had me thinking this was American-authored if I didn't already know it wasn't. Also, I know a lot of American cultural practices have been exported to the UK and that proms have become a thing, but I was very confused about the process in the story of voting for dual prom king & queen by couple, not by individual. Maybe that's the British spin on things, but I think it was just a mistake, upon which the plot somewhat depended. But as with all prom-related things in general, doesn't really matter.
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