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Bountiful Beaus #2
The Lonely Hearts Guide
At Ms. Broussard's Home for Bountiful Beaus, even the unlovable can find a love story for the ages. That's what Elliot Price was promised by Mother.
Elliot's mind has been playing tricks on him. He can remember leaving Master Price's home in a rush. He can remember the bus ride to Genevieve, Georgia. He remembers the a little life growing inside his stomach, though he doesn't remember how it got there.
There's something else, tucked away in the corner of his mind. A memory he wants to remember. A small flickering of something that feels a lot like hope. A late-night stroll across Sugarplum Island. Plum jam cookies. An adorable fieldmouse. A gentle kiss on a ferry dock with Mr. Alexander Davenport.
Elliot doesn't know what the memories mean, but he knows they mean everything to him, and he'll stop and nothing to find out why.
The Lonely Hearts Guide deals with heavy themes. Forced pregnancy, an abusive spouse (Jared), and heavy trauma. Please review the content warnings before reading.
Elliot's mind has been playing tricks on him. He can remember leaving Master Price's home in a rush. He can remember the bus ride to Genevieve, Georgia. He remembers the a little life growing inside his stomach, though he doesn't remember how it got there.
There's something else, tucked away in the corner of his mind. A memory he wants to remember. A small flickering of something that feels a lot like hope. A late-night stroll across Sugarplum Island. Plum jam cookies. An adorable fieldmouse. A gentle kiss on a ferry dock with Mr. Alexander Davenport.
Elliot doesn't know what the memories mean, but he knows they mean everything to him, and he'll stop and nothing to find out why.
The Lonely Hearts Guide deals with heavy themes. Forced pregnancy, an abusive spouse (Jared), and heavy trauma. Please review the content warnings before reading.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
8 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Lance Lansdale
13 books204 followersLance Lansdale is the author of F**k, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy. He's a sucker for gay romance and devours far more audiobooks than one ought. Texan by blood (Louisianan by circumstance), his stories take place in small towns with quirky side characters.
You can email him at lancelansdalewrites@gmail.com or visit his website at www.lancelansdale.com
You can email him at lancelansdalewrites@gmail.com or visit his website at www.lancelansdale.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 26, 2025
5 stars
I'm so so happy Lance Lansdale gave Elliot his HEA! I think there's no MC in mm romance that deserves to be happy more than him.
We met him in the first book of this series, when Elliot went with Jared to pick Periwinkle up and it was immediately clear that Jared was abusive and that he wasn't treating him right.
Elliot is such a tender soul, he's gentle, kind, attentive, he cries at the thought of leaving a little mouse alone, he just want to be loved. Instead he only had hurt, pain and abuse.
But Elliot is not a weak man and he found in himself the courage to escape and to seek help.
Alexander is also a great character: he's so respectful, caring, loving, just the perfect partner for Elliot (and also a great friend for Goose and Duck).
As usual, this author is capable to make the reader cry both happy and sad tears, he alternates painful and hard parts with hilarious and unhinged ones, and that makes the story flows seamlessly and the book very easy to read.
There are characters from other books who made their appearance here, one of them is Periwinkle, forever one of my favourites.
The epilogue is so so sweet and the author also give us a glimpse of the next book MC. Can't wait for it!
Very very recommended (but read The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss first to fully understand the world of the Bountiful Beaus).
I'm so so happy Lance Lansdale gave Elliot his HEA! I think there's no MC in mm romance that deserves to be happy more than him.
We met him in the first book of this series, when Elliot went with Jared to pick Periwinkle up and it was immediately clear that Jared was abusive and that he wasn't treating him right.
Elliot is such a tender soul, he's gentle, kind, attentive, he cries at the thought of leaving a little mouse alone, he just want to be loved. Instead he only had hurt, pain and abuse.
But Elliot is not a weak man and he found in himself the courage to escape and to seek help.
Alexander is also a great character: he's so respectful, caring, loving, just the perfect partner for Elliot (and also a great friend for Goose and Duck).
As usual, this author is capable to make the reader cry both happy and sad tears, he alternates painful and hard parts with hilarious and unhinged ones, and that makes the story flows seamlessly and the book very easy to read.
There are characters from other books who made their appearance here, one of them is Periwinkle, forever one of my favourites.
The epilogue is so so sweet and the author also give us a glimpse of the next book MC. Can't wait for it!
Very very recommended (but read The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss first to fully understand the world of the Bountiful Beaus).
April 29, 2025
4.75 stars
I, once again, had so much fun with this one. This series has so much heart and emotion alongside the humor and ridiculousness. Lance Lansdale does such a great job of balancing out the heavy topics (Elliot's past abuse) with the humor and sweetness of the rest of the story. Both Elliot and Alexander really deserve their HEA, and I'm so glad we got their story. Elliot is so interesting and so brave as he heals and works to do what is best for himself and his baby. Alexander is such a selfless person, always doing what needs to be done for others, but now he finally deserves his own happiness. Along the way, we get so much growth between our two MCs, a lot of emotion, and plenty of shenanigans among our lovely found family (listen, Mrs. Peppercorn deserves a story of her own with all her antics). All in all, I absolutely loved this, and I wouldn't expect anything less than that from Lance Lansdale. He has easily become one of my favorite authors, and I always look forward to anything he writes. If you want something fun, a little different, with plenty of heart, then this is worth checking out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I, once again, had so much fun with this one. This series has so much heart and emotion alongside the humor and ridiculousness. Lance Lansdale does such a great job of balancing out the heavy topics (Elliot's past abuse) with the humor and sweetness of the rest of the story. Both Elliot and Alexander really deserve their HEA, and I'm so glad we got their story. Elliot is so interesting and so brave as he heals and works to do what is best for himself and his baby. Alexander is such a selfless person, always doing what needs to be done for others, but now he finally deserves his own happiness. Along the way, we get so much growth between our two MCs, a lot of emotion, and plenty of shenanigans among our lovely found family (listen, Mrs. Peppercorn deserves a story of her own with all her antics). All in all, I absolutely loved this, and I wouldn't expect anything less than that from Lance Lansdale. He has easily become one of my favorite authors, and I always look forward to anything he writes. If you want something fun, a little different, with plenty of heart, then this is worth checking out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2025
I read this very quickly. It is such a great addition to the series. Highly recommend. I was provided an arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2025
A Love Story For the Ages
Dee’s Grade: A+
Lexy and Elliot’s story is full of adventure and love. The author has a way of writing these quirky brilliant books that keep you enthralled from beginning to end. That was definitely the case in this book.
Dee’s Grade: A+
Lexy and Elliot’s story is full of adventure and love. The author has a way of writing these quirky brilliant books that keep you enthralled from beginning to end. That was definitely the case in this book.
May 1, 2025
After reading Househusband’s Guide, I was dying to read Elliot’s story and it did not disappoint! Full of all the truly ridiculous antics and heartfelt weirdos we expect from Lansdale’s books, this book was sweet, silly, and fun.
For those new to Lansdale’s work, get ready to leave your sense of incredulity at the door and go along for a ridiculous ride with an over-the-top cast of characters and story beats that would feel unbelievable if you cared to feel that kind of thing. It’s fun and silly and sweet and kind of the perfect antidote for the state of the actual world right now.
Elliot and Alexander are a gentle, cozy delight together. I absolutely loved spending time on Sugarplum Island and, honestly, kind of want to live there myself. Spending time with Beau was another highlight for me - nice to see that he grew up to be the adult version of the big hearted weirdo we met in County Fair Queen. Never change, Beau.
I was completely delighted by everything about Professor Plum - what’s cuter than a tiny automaton mouse? A tiny automaton mouse in swim trunks, be still my heart! And, of course, it was deeply satisfying to see all the Big Bads we met in book 1 get what’s coming to them.
Also, this is not really about the content, but I LOVE the cover art on these two books now. It feels just right for our beloved characters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For those new to Lansdale’s work, get ready to leave your sense of incredulity at the door and go along for a ridiculous ride with an over-the-top cast of characters and story beats that would feel unbelievable if you cared to feel that kind of thing. It’s fun and silly and sweet and kind of the perfect antidote for the state of the actual world right now.
Elliot and Alexander are a gentle, cozy delight together. I absolutely loved spending time on Sugarplum Island and, honestly, kind of want to live there myself. Spending time with Beau was another highlight for me - nice to see that he grew up to be the adult version of the big hearted weirdo we met in County Fair Queen. Never change, Beau.
I was completely delighted by everything about Professor Plum - what’s cuter than a tiny automaton mouse? A tiny automaton mouse in swim trunks, be still my heart! And, of course, it was deeply satisfying to see all the Big Bads we met in book 1 get what’s coming to them.
Also, this is not really about the content, but I LOVE the cover art on these two books now. It feels just right for our beloved characters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
Oh my sweet precious baby Elliot!! He has my whole heart! And his Alexander couldn't be a more perfect match for him... kind, loving, protective. This book has all the things I've come to love about Lance Lansdale's writing: unique, REFRESHING, hilarious, unexpected, beautifully crafted, and filled with so many FEELS! This is the type of story that makes me want to hug my book to my chest with a dreamy contented sigh.
The found family trope is one of my top faves & it watching Elliot & Alexander create their own brought tears to my eyes a few times, especially with everything they have been through in their respective lives. And Professor Plum is the absolute best best best sidekick. The Lonely Hearts Guide will forever hold a special place in my heart.
The found family trope is one of my top faves & it watching Elliot & Alexander create their own brought tears to my eyes a few times, especially with everything they have been through in their respective lives. And Professor Plum is the absolute best best best sidekick. The Lonely Hearts Guide will forever hold a special place in my heart.
April 30, 2025
I received this ARC for my honest opinion. Elliot’s story was one that came from abuse to find someone whom he loved and loves him. He is a victim who has found someone to support him in the ways he needed. Elliot and Alexander are so adorable together. Seeing Beau as a grown adult was amazing as well. This book made me tear up because I have been through similar things in parts of my life. Lance has a way of making every story he writes connect to his audience. Which is always amazing!! I will recommend to friends!
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May 14, 2025Unfortunately this didn't work for me. As much as I wanted to like this and was very much looking forward to Elloit's story I was getting whiplash from the constant switch ups from the more serious topics to the ridiculousness and comedy thrown in.
Maybe I'm just a grouch and prefer my stories to be more serious when they involve domestic abuse,trauma and death, even if it's towards an automaton. It felt a little weird going from a PTSD episode to making jokes and going on with their day like nothing happened.
Maybe I'm just a grouch and prefer my stories to be more serious when they involve domestic abuse,trauma and death, even if it's towards an automaton. It felt a little weird going from a PTSD episode to making jokes and going on with their day like nothing happened.
May 5, 2025
Elliot was created to serve his Master and to be a good, submissive and loving husband to him. Always. No matter what. After suffering for years at the hand of the man who had him created, it is no longer just him he has to worry about. Not all that clear on how he became to be with child, Elliot finds himself pregnant and with quite a few memories amiss. But he knows one thing he can’t stay. So he goes on a journey of finding safety, his memories and the man who was kind to him only last week… or last month… or last year?
Alexander is a workaholic, who has more than enough money and not enough love, that is according to his mother at least! Unfortunately he seems to be rather unlucky when it comes to love and the one man he wanted slipped right through his fingers. At the off chance of finding him again he goes on a single cruise. When Alexander and Elliot’s ways cross for a second time, their connection is still there, but so are the circumstances doing their best to keep them apart!
Elliot finally got his well deserved story with this book. His story is all about strength, perseverance and fighting for the life you deserve. He finds such a supportive and loving partner in Alexander. This was the perfect continuation of book 1. Rising questions and criticism of the business of creating the bountiful beaus. And showing the darker sides of what it means to be created for another ones pleasure. So glad Elliot found happiness and peace.
Alexander is a workaholic, who has more than enough money and not enough love, that is according to his mother at least! Unfortunately he seems to be rather unlucky when it comes to love and the one man he wanted slipped right through his fingers. At the off chance of finding him again he goes on a single cruise. When Alexander and Elliot’s ways cross for a second time, their connection is still there, but so are the circumstances doing their best to keep them apart!
Elliot finally got his well deserved story with this book. His story is all about strength, perseverance and fighting for the life you deserve. He finds such a supportive and loving partner in Alexander. This was the perfect continuation of book 1. Rising questions and criticism of the business of creating the bountiful beaus. And showing the darker sides of what it means to be created for another ones pleasure. So glad Elliot found happiness and peace.
May 2, 2025
After reading the first book in the series, I felt so bad for poor Elliot! Jared was the absolute worst and it was awful to think that poor Elliot was stuck with him. Alexander was so sweet in book one and I so happy to realize he'd be the one to give Elliot his HEA! Elliot deserves someone as wonderfully sweet as Alexander.
Pregnancy and children in general aren't a trope I tend to enjoy, but Elliot is so adorable that it didn't bother me at all.
Pregnancy and children in general aren't a trope I tend to enjoy, but Elliot is so adorable that it didn't bother me at all.
April 30, 2025
This was incredible! So heartbreaking and so funny at times.
This one had much heavier themes than the first in the series and had me crying throughout but Honey Peppercorn would show up with her usual chaotic energy and have me laughing again in no time.
The more that is revealed throughout the book the more we realise how awful Eliot’s life had been previously.
Also, I’m obsessed with Professor Plum and I’m sure you will be too
This one had much heavier themes than the first in the series and had me crying throughout but Honey Peppercorn would show up with her usual chaotic energy and have me laughing again in no time.
The more that is revealed throughout the book the more we realise how awful Eliot’s life had been previously.
Also, I’m obsessed with Professor Plum and I’m sure you will be too
May 2, 2025
Aside from being a mess, this was such a good book. I liked the first one, but I loved this one. Elliot and Alexander were absolutely the most precious bbs and the whole thing was the same mix of chaos, super-serious heavy energy, and outright silliness I love that this author does so well.
It dealt with a lot of topics that were… well, a lot, and I had some tears going more than a couple of times because my heart hurt, but then there would be a splash of lighthearted humour and wild, ridiculous situations that broke up the intensity, and the balance was fantastic and exactly what the emotional, trauma-rich roller coaster ride needed.
Also, can we pause to appreciate the way several series tie in together and somehow it all manages to make total sense? Because for some reason, it just works and wouldn’t be the same without the crossovers. Beau was an extra special, delightfully adorable treat, and just as quirky and unhinged as he should be.
4/5. Seriously. A whole-ass mess. Another one of those times when I wonder if Amazon ruined something or the wrong file got uploaded… idk, but the cherry on top was the epilogue being tagged to the wrong character POV. I still loved every minute I spent devouring the story, though, and while you’re still gonna have to work your dick into the dirt to sell me on Benito being redeemable in any fucking capacity, I cannot WAIT to see how Beau saves the day in what will be his future book. Hopefully. I better get more Rivers being the frazzled Patron Saint of Tolerance and Patience, too. Oh, and Peri & Peppercorn are still the Dynamic Duo, confirmed. SO MUCH GOES ON AND MY BRAIN STRUGGLES FOR FOCUS. HAPPILY.
It dealt with a lot of topics that were… well, a lot, and I had some tears going more than a couple of times because my heart hurt, but then there would be a splash of lighthearted humour and wild, ridiculous situations that broke up the intensity, and the balance was fantastic and exactly what the emotional, trauma-rich roller coaster ride needed.
Also, can we pause to appreciate the way several series tie in together and somehow it all manages to make total sense? Because for some reason, it just works and wouldn’t be the same without the crossovers. Beau was an extra special, delightfully adorable treat, and just as quirky and unhinged as he should be.
4/5. Seriously. A whole-ass mess. Another one of those times when I wonder if Amazon ruined something or the wrong file got uploaded… idk, but the cherry on top was the epilogue being tagged to the wrong character POV. I still loved every minute I spent devouring the story, though, and while you’re still gonna have to work your dick into the dirt to sell me on Benito being redeemable in any fucking capacity, I cannot WAIT to see how Beau saves the day in what will be his future book. Hopefully. I better get more Rivers being the frazzled Patron Saint of Tolerance and Patience, too. Oh, and Peri & Peppercorn are still the Dynamic Duo, confirmed. SO MUCH GOES ON AND MY BRAIN STRUGGLES FOR FOCUS. HAPPILY.
April 29, 2025
Elliot Price shows up in Genevieve, Georgia to surprise his "brother" Periwinkle and Peri's husband Arthur. But things aren't quite right with Elliot.
He has holes in his memory filled with "cake frosting" as he puts it. He has lapses in time. He's traumatized and scared. Oh and he's expecting! Elliot's betrothed Jared is nowhere to be found.
He wants to stay with Peri and Arthur but they don't have the room, but they do have a brochure, and there's a face among the many within that brochure that stirs something in Elliot.
Memories of Sugarplum Island, Plum Jam Cookies, a field mouse, and Alexander Davenport.
this sweet books deals with second chances, not just at love but at life. If you've ever been in an abusive relationship, this book will resonate a little differently. The lapses in time, the fuzzy memories, the insecurities, the feeling of "it's easier to simply resign oneself to least painful options" (because sometimes (most times) physical pain is less hurtful than emotional pain) .
Alexander is so patient with Elliot and all he went through, giving him the love and reassurance that he needed throughout the book to face what happened to him and what he did to save himself and his child.
We also are reintroduced to a grown up Beau Riveria from "The County Fair Queen" and he's just as cute grown up as he was as a kid.
He has holes in his memory filled with "cake frosting" as he puts it. He has lapses in time. He's traumatized and scared. Oh and he's expecting! Elliot's betrothed Jared is nowhere to be found.
He wants to stay with Peri and Arthur but they don't have the room, but they do have a brochure, and there's a face among the many within that brochure that stirs something in Elliot.
Memories of Sugarplum Island, Plum Jam Cookies, a field mouse, and Alexander Davenport.
this sweet books deals with second chances, not just at love but at life. If you've ever been in an abusive relationship, this book will resonate a little differently. The lapses in time, the fuzzy memories, the insecurities, the feeling of "it's easier to simply resign oneself to least painful options" (because sometimes (most times) physical pain is less hurtful than emotional pain) .
Alexander is so patient with Elliot and all he went through, giving him the love and reassurance that he needed throughout the book to face what happened to him and what he did to save himself and his child.
We also are reintroduced to a grown up Beau Riveria from "The County Fair Queen" and he's just as cute grown up as he was as a kid.
April 26, 2025
Second in series (Bountiful Beaus), best if read in order. Futuristic. Hurt/comfort. Mpreg. Found family. Very slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Elliot is an automaton that is unhappy with his circumstances and wishes for freedom but his memories are confusing and he can’t remember what or who it is he might be looking for. Over the years Alexander has had friendly relationships with automatons, and although nothing has worked out in the past a chance meeting with Elliot really sparks a hope in his heart even if he has to wait years for another chance.
This story definitely is heartbreaking with the trauma that Elliot goes through and luckily there is a huge amount of sweetness and caring that also occurs once Alexander and Elliot find each other again. The innocence of the automatons in these stories certainly brings out the feelings of protectiveness and the reader definitely roots for them to find happiness at any cost. If anyone deserves and HEA it’s Elliott and thank goodness he finds Alexander. Plenty of supportive secondary characters to offset the awful and a sweet relationship that felt like it was meant to be.
Elliot is an automaton that is unhappy with his circumstances and wishes for freedom but his memories are confusing and he can’t remember what or who it is he might be looking for. Over the years Alexander has had friendly relationships with automatons, and although nothing has worked out in the past a chance meeting with Elliot really sparks a hope in his heart even if he has to wait years for another chance.
This story definitely is heartbreaking with the trauma that Elliot goes through and luckily there is a huge amount of sweetness and caring that also occurs once Alexander and Elliot find each other again. The innocence of the automatons in these stories certainly brings out the feelings of protectiveness and the reader definitely roots for them to find happiness at any cost. If anyone deserves and HEA it’s Elliott and thank goodness he finds Alexander. Plenty of supportive secondary characters to offset the awful and a sweet relationship that felt like it was meant to be.
May 1, 2025
This was such a sweet yet devastating read. Elliot has endured so much pain in his life and so little joy, which is why it makes my heart so happy to see him find someone who is utterly devoted to making sure that he is never blue again. I absolutely love how insanely adorable Alexander and Elliot are, the relationship they build will make you swoon. While there is definitely a lot of big emotions in this book, there are some comical points as well, which is something I love when reading a book that covers heavy topics. Anyone who has ever been in a dangerous situation or has experienced huge life changes that they may not have wanted or been prepared for will find a pice of them inside of Elliot.
Something that I have come to love about Lance’s books is that they all seem to exist in the same universe, meaning at some point there is going to be a reference to others from pervious books. When I say that my flabbers where gasped at the end with a character cameo I was no expecting it is no exaggeration. However, despite these cameos you do not need to read Lance’s other books outside the Bountiful Beaus series to enjoy this book. This is a series I 100% recommend.
Something that I have come to love about Lance’s books is that they all seem to exist in the same universe, meaning at some point there is going to be a reference to others from pervious books. When I say that my flabbers where gasped at the end with a character cameo I was no expecting it is no exaggeration. However, despite these cameos you do not need to read Lance’s other books outside the Bountiful Beaus series to enjoy this book. This is a series I 100% recommend.
May 3, 2025
Did I read this book in one day? Yes, yes I did. Did I love it? Also yes! Book 2 in Lance Lansdale's Bountiful Beaus series is here and it's marvelous!
Elliot has had a rough time. Made to love and please his husband as an automatron under Dr. Emily Broussard. Now he seems to have memory gaps and he's on the run. Alexander had one quick chance meeting with Elliot previously and has never forgotten. Is it possible to find this sweet man again? **Insert me squealing and kicking my feet. **
Yes! Once again Lance has written these incredible characters and a story that is full of all the emotion! Never fear, we still have the wacky cast of characters and nutty shenanigans as well. In fact, my new role model is Mrs. Peppercorn. IYKYK. 😉 As with book 1, there is so much beautiful queer and mental health representation with and a beautiful message seamlessly woven into the fun and misadventures.
If you are ready for a diverse love story filled with second chances, support, friendship, and found family, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Elliot has had a rough time. Made to love and please his husband as an automatron under Dr. Emily Broussard. Now he seems to have memory gaps and he's on the run. Alexander had one quick chance meeting with Elliot previously and has never forgotten. Is it possible to find this sweet man again? **Insert me squealing and kicking my feet. **
Yes! Once again Lance has written these incredible characters and a story that is full of all the emotion! Never fear, we still have the wacky cast of characters and nutty shenanigans as well. In fact, my new role model is Mrs. Peppercorn. IYKYK. 😉 As with book 1, there is so much beautiful queer and mental health representation with and a beautiful message seamlessly woven into the fun and misadventures.
If you are ready for a diverse love story filled with second chances, support, friendship, and found family, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
April 29, 2025
OH MY GOODNESS THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT!
"Your colors are beautiful. I want to see more of them. Every color you've got. I want to take those blues and reds and oranges and turn them all pink, because nothing in this world matches the look of pure joy on your face. You deserve that joy, Elliot. You deserve that and so much more."
I can't keep the smile off my face. I have to give a shout for how wonderful this story is. Old Friends and New Friends are coming together to make me laugh, cry and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I am bouncing off my seat because with each chapter it just gets better and better! I love the twists and turns and don't want this to end!
“I don’t feel lonely when I’m with you, and I never want to feel lonely again.”
This is a great time to read The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss while you wait for the release! You will enjoy this story so much more if you start from the beginning.
Thank You for your stories Lance!
"Your colors are beautiful. I want to see more of them. Every color you've got. I want to take those blues and reds and oranges and turn them all pink, because nothing in this world matches the look of pure joy on your face. You deserve that joy, Elliot. You deserve that and so much more."
I can't keep the smile off my face. I have to give a shout for how wonderful this story is. Old Friends and New Friends are coming together to make me laugh, cry and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I am bouncing off my seat because with each chapter it just gets better and better! I love the twists and turns and don't want this to end!
“I don’t feel lonely when I’m with you, and I never want to feel lonely again.”
This is a great time to read The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss while you wait for the release! You will enjoy this story so much more if you start from the beginning.
Thank You for your stories Lance!
April 29, 2025
The Lonely Hearts Guide is the second book in the Bountiful Beaus series.
Elliot, my dear Elliot, with his pink suitcase and a baby in the belly runs away from Jared in search of Peri, looking for help and hoping to find Alexander, who he met in the past, where he taught him what it was to be respected and gave him a flash of affection.
Alexander , for his part , has not had much luck in love , has always treasured that moment he spent with Elliot.
His story has made me cry , laugh.... As always the author's prose has taken me by the hand to another world where finding the right person is possible.
Keep an eye on the triggers, because it deals with tough themes.
I want to mention Beau Rivera, a character that already appeared in another of the author's books. He deserves his HEA too, maybe with Rodolfo and another character yet to be known? Only time and the author can tell.
I'm so happy that Elliot got his well-deserved HEA.
Elliot, my dear Elliot, with his pink suitcase and a baby in the belly runs away from Jared in search of Peri, looking for help and hoping to find Alexander, who he met in the past, where he taught him what it was to be respected and gave him a flash of affection.
Alexander , for his part , has not had much luck in love , has always treasured that moment he spent with Elliot.
His story has made me cry , laugh.... As always the author's prose has taken me by the hand to another world where finding the right person is possible.
Keep an eye on the triggers, because it deals with tough themes.
I want to mention Beau Rivera, a character that already appeared in another of the author's books. He deserves his HEA too, maybe with Rodolfo and another character yet to be known? Only time and the author can tell.
I'm so happy that Elliot got his well-deserved HEA.
May 18, 2025
I did not think it was possible to love a couple more than I loved Periwinkle and Arthur from book 1; however, I fell absolutely head over heels in love with Elliot and Alexander. Plus, the fact that so many epic and awesome characters from the Tallulah-verse were included, it just added to my love for the story.
The banter between Elliot and Alexander was adorable. Favorite quotes:
"Alexander twitched a smile. 'Because you're fascinating. You carry a mouse on your person.'"
"You're very close to my face. If you're attempting to kiss me, I would like to remind you that you're a married man, and I am neither snake nor philanderer."
Mrs. Peppercorn (#lifegoals), adds so much life to the story. I adored her hunger for power and prestige, as it seemed so out of character until it actually happened. Favorite quote:
"Yes, well, I've always wanted to give a villainous monologue where I explain my reasoning for committing various atrocities. We're here to make your dreams come true, so I figured I could scratch that one off my bucket list in the process. I apologize if I've upstaged you, baby."
Me too Mrs. Peppercorn... me too.
In my review for The County Fair Queen (please read this book also, as it directly ties into this story and is also a delight!) I mentioned a sassy kid. Said sassy kid, Beau Rivera, appears in this book, all grown up and now the Mayor of Tallulah. He also plays an extremely important role, and I can't wait for him to get his own book and a chance at romance with a Bountiful Beau!
The only possible trigger for me in this book was the automaton m-preg. Have I read m-preg? Yes. Automaton m-preg, no. But, I will say, as someone who never wanted to be pregnant and really doesn't like reading anything regarding pregnancy, this was the least triggering story I've ever read containing the topic of pregnancy. There weren't any unnecessary details or overly descriptive sections regarding said pregnancy (or delivery.)
Anything else I would like to gush about would be major spoilers, so I will just end it here!
The banter between Elliot and Alexander was adorable. Favorite quotes:
"Alexander twitched a smile. 'Because you're fascinating. You carry a mouse on your person.'"
"You're very close to my face. If you're attempting to kiss me, I would like to remind you that you're a married man, and I am neither snake nor philanderer."
Mrs. Peppercorn (#lifegoals), adds so much life to the story. I adored her hunger for power and prestige, as it seemed so out of character until it actually happened. Favorite quote:
"Yes, well, I've always wanted to give a villainous monologue where I explain my reasoning for committing various atrocities. We're here to make your dreams come true, so I figured I could scratch that one off my bucket list in the process. I apologize if I've upstaged you, baby."
Me too Mrs. Peppercorn... me too.
In my review for The County Fair Queen (please read this book also, as it directly ties into this story and is also a delight!) I mentioned a sassy kid. Said sassy kid, Beau Rivera, appears in this book, all grown up and now the Mayor of Tallulah. He also plays an extremely important role, and I can't wait for him to get his own book and a chance at romance with a Bountiful Beau!
The only possible trigger for me in this book was the automaton m-preg. Have I read m-preg? Yes. Automaton m-preg, no. But, I will say, as someone who never wanted to be pregnant and really doesn't like reading anything regarding pregnancy, this was the least triggering story I've ever read containing the topic of pregnancy. There weren't any unnecessary details or overly descriptive sections regarding said pregnancy (or delivery.)
Anything else I would like to gush about would be major spoilers, so I will just end it here!
April 29, 2025
4.75 ⭐
🌶️🌶️
I LOVE them your honour 🥹 Elliot finally found his happily ever after and it was so sweet and argh 😭🥰
I normally don't much care for pregnancy tropes, in fact I avoid them like the plague. But I'm so happy I made an exception for this adorable but damaged automaton! There were quite a few recurring characters, so definitely read the Househusband's guide first.
I honestly don't know what more to say. My heart is full, my tear ducts empty and I cannot wait to see what the next story will bring!
🌶️🌶️
I LOVE them your honour 🥹 Elliot finally found his happily ever after and it was so sweet and argh 😭🥰
I normally don't much care for pregnancy tropes, in fact I avoid them like the plague. But I'm so happy I made an exception for this adorable but damaged automaton! There were quite a few recurring characters, so definitely read the Househusband's guide first.
I honestly don't know what more to say. My heart is full, my tear ducts empty and I cannot wait to see what the next story will bring!
May 5, 2025
Welcome to the return of the wacky world of Mrs. Broussard's Home for Bountiful Beaus! Elliot is an automaton created for and cruelly treated by Jared. Alexander, in his kindness, helped Elliot so Elliot runs to him one day, penniless and pregnant and Alexander steps in to help him. In this series, automatons have no rights to freedom and are subject to the cruelties and perversions of their owners. It's an unusual concept with quirky characters and original situations - a walk in a futuristic world with its share of good and bad people, troubles and pleasures.
May 6, 2025
Healing from past trauma
So much emotional growth 👏🏼👏🏼🖤
I love Elliot just as much as everyone else does and he does get a well deserved HEA. But there is something so sweet and genuine about Alexander. I love that even though both characters have been through trauma - they actively work on healing. This is such a breath of fresh air.
Also- I love the comedic relief sprinkled in just the right places! Lance is funny and witty with his story telling 🖤🖤 it draws you right in and keeps you engaged through the whole book
So much emotional growth 👏🏼👏🏼🖤
I love Elliot just as much as everyone else does and he does get a well deserved HEA. But there is something so sweet and genuine about Alexander. I love that even though both characters have been through trauma - they actively work on healing. This is such a breath of fresh air.
Also- I love the comedic relief sprinkled in just the right places! Lance is funny and witty with his story telling 🖤🖤 it draws you right in and keeps you engaged through the whole book
April 29, 2025
I was excited to read Elliot’s story after meeting him in the first book. He definitely needed a happy ending. The fact that it was with Alexander, who had a sad story of his own, was just chef’s kiss. This book was fun, silly, sweet, clever and heartfelt. I enjoyed it so much. Low angst, moderate heat, HEA.
May 6, 2025
Elliot gets his HEA! It would not be a Lance book without all the things and Jared gets what’s coming to him 🙌🏻 Alexander is the sweetest soul and his love for Elliot is just everything. The pregnancy was so adorable and as a doula had fun seeing how exhaustion and feeling the baby all played out for Elliot. And sweet baby once it’s born is just the best 🥰
April 30, 2025
With this being my first Lance Lansdale book, the introduction couldn’t have been sweeter. Such a roller coaster of emotions going through all the humor, trauma, and sweet moments within the story. But the HEA is definitely worth it!
May 1, 2025
A BEAUTIFUL, EMOTIONAL, AND HUMOROUS READ!
I felt so much for precious Elliot and so happy he had Alexander. These two made my heart swell with so much love. A great read that has a lovely story with characters that I will remember forever! Just loved!
I felt so much for precious Elliot and so happy he had Alexander. These two made my heart swell with so much love. A great read that has a lovely story with characters that I will remember forever! Just loved!
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. This was such a wonderful emotional story and I absolutely adored these two together. The world building is interesting and the characters are unforgettable. I can’t wait for more from this author.
May 4, 2025
Elliott and Alexander. Two truly beautiful souls who finally got their fairytale. ❤️
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