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Look Up, Handsome
Quinn wants to save his bookshop, the last thing he needs is to fall in love…
Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop is always a hive of activity. So when it’s threatened with closure, its owner Quinn Oxford is determined to do whatever it takes to save his beloved shop.
That is until romantic novelist Noah Sage arrives in town. Gorgeous, brooding and clearly unhappy to be there, Noah is the distraction Quinn doesn’t need. Noah has a history with Hay and it’s one he’d rather not face. But when the snow leaves him stranded, he’s left with no choice.
Hay is a small town, meaning Quinn can’t help but bump into Noah wherever he goes. And as the two grow closer together, is it possible that Noah’s feelings towards Hay will thaw? Can Quinn have a real-life romance and save his beloved bookshop? Or will he need a Christmas miracle…
The perfect festive romcom for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall!
Small Town Forced Proximity Grumpy x Sunshine Bookshop Seasonal romance ‘Heartfelt and hilarious. Jack Strange writes smart and zesty romance with a kick’ A. J. West
Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop is always a hive of activity. So when it’s threatened with closure, its owner Quinn Oxford is determined to do whatever it takes to save his beloved shop.
That is until romantic novelist Noah Sage arrives in town. Gorgeous, brooding and clearly unhappy to be there, Noah is the distraction Quinn doesn’t need. Noah has a history with Hay and it’s one he’d rather not face. But when the snow leaves him stranded, he’s left with no choice.
Hay is a small town, meaning Quinn can’t help but bump into Noah wherever he goes. And as the two grow closer together, is it possible that Noah’s feelings towards Hay will thaw? Can Quinn have a real-life romance and save his beloved bookshop? Or will he need a Christmas miracle…
The perfect festive romcom for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall!
Small Town Forced Proximity Grumpy x Sunshine Bookshop Seasonal romance ‘Heartfelt and hilarious. Jack Strange writes smart and zesty romance with a kick’ A. J. West
Audible Audio
Published September 26, 2024
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About the author
Jack Strange
2 books138 followersAuthor of Look Up, Handsome, which the New York Times called 'a cozy and emotional holiday romance', Jack Strange is a native writer to Wales. He writes romantic comedies with gay male leads, as well as dystopian dark academia as J S Strange.
Jack is published by HarperCollins.
Born in South Wales, at 27 Jack moved to Vancouver, Canada, before moving back home to Wales. When he isn't writing, he's using Instagram and TikTok too much. You might also find him reading tarot cards online and at festivals. Or you might see him opening Pokemon cards online.
Jack is published by HarperCollins.
Born in South Wales, at 27 Jack moved to Vancouver, Canada, before moving back home to Wales. When he isn't writing, he's using Instagram and TikTok too much. You might also find him reading tarot cards online and at festivals. Or you might see him opening Pokemon cards online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
September 6, 2024
I do adore a well-written M4M romcom, especially when they take place outside the US. I find the ones in the US are often over-done, and in Jack Strange's debut (unless the author is masquerading behind the personality), Wales is center stage. Ah the accents, lovely small countryside villages, and a quaint bookstore in need of some support. So many great things, a few not so believable, but an all-around cast with lots to love. In particular, the main character is a doll, and he balances the loss of his father with a desire to succeed. I wish we saw them in scenes together. Flashforward to the future, I'm immediately rooting for Noah to win his heart. But in truth.... I felt like there was some missing points to close up on, so I couldn't go the full 5 stars. I'll definitely read the 2nd book from the author, as his recent articles seem to hint he has a two-book deal. Shall we team up?
October 28, 2024
D+ / 2.5 stars
Something we reviewers often say is that the hardest books to review are the middling ones; the ones that aren’t terrible but aren’t great and are just kind of okay. Unfortunately, Jack Strange’s début, Look Up, Handsome, doesn’t quite get to ‘okay’ levels; it’s billed as a rom-com but is neither romantic nor funny, the characters are wooden and there’s a LOT of overblown introspection, which leads to an overall feeling that the author is telling the reader stuff rather than the story evolving organically through character action and interaction. Worse, it’s an over-idealised, Hallmark Christmas movie in book form, which is just not my thing.
Quinn Oxford runs Kings & Queens, the only LGBTQ+ bookshop in Hay-on-Wye (famous for its literary festivals and many bookshops) and for the last few months he’s been ignoring the letters telling him he’s going to be evicted just before Christmas. The restoration of the local castle is being undertaken by the building firm run by his mother’s new partner, Harold, who wants to convert the shop – which is housed in the site of the old chapel – into the castle’s ticket office and information centre. Quinn has told nobody about the letters and the coming eviction - even his mother is on Harold’s side - and he doesn’t know what to do. The shop is more than his livelihood; it’s a safe space for the area’s queer community, and Quinn hates the thought of losing his ability to be there for the people who need help selecting a book, a sympathetic ear, or just somewhere they can be themselves.
Best-selling romance author Noah Sage - on whom Quinn has something of a hopeless crush - is doing a book signing at the winter festival, but an accident with a glass of champagne sends Quinn running to find a clean pair of trousers and he almost misses it. He and and his friend, Ivy, are almost at the front of the queue, and Quinn is sure he’s caught Noah glancing at him, but Noah’s minders arrive to hustle him away to his next event so they never get to actually speak.
Quinn had thought Noah leaving the signing meant he was leaving Hay, but later that day, the pair run into each other again at the nearby cemetery, where Quinn has gone to visit his father's grave. The next morning, they bump into each other again, this time outside the local coffee shop, and manage a slightly longer conversation during which Noah confesses to not wanting to be in Hay. Quinn is saddened by this; he can’t imagine living anywhere else and wonders why Noah feels that way.
But he doesn’t have time to moon over the handsome author. With some shoving from Ivy, Quinn decides it’s time to stop letting life happen to him and to step up and actually do something to try to save Kings & Queens. As word starts to get out – thanks to help from Noah and a friendly TV journalist - the battle to save the shop starts to gain momentum as townsfolk and visitors alike get behind the campaign, which eventually attracts national media attention. With just days to go before Christmas, will Quinn be able to save his shop?
There’s an interesting secondary plotline about Noah’s mother, Hermione, once a famous actress who is now something of a recluse and rarely leaves her home in the neighbouring village. Twenty years earlier, and with a couple of Oscars and a BAFTA to her name, she’d been all set for mainstream Hollywood success when a sex scandal tanked her career. I liked the way the story explores the costs of fame and the way we view celebrities – especially women – and I appreciated Hermonie regaining her voice and taking control of her narrative. I do think, however, that her hiding away for twenty years because she fears the locals are laughing at her, and thinking that the media is just waiting for her to show her face before pouncing on her to stir it all up again is a bit of a stretch. Today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s fish and chip paper and all that.
The romance between Quinn and Noah is pretty much non-existent. They have zero chemistry, I have no idea what they saw in each other, and they’re so bland and uninteresting that I didn’t care about either of them. There is no spark of sexual tension or attraction between them and the book’s single sex scene is all build up and no action. Write a sex scene or don’t - I get that not every author is comfortable writing them and that’s fine – but if you’re going to do it, then do it; don’t half-arse it.
Being in Quinn’s head the whole time means we have absolutely no concept of who Noah is as a person. All we know is that he left Hay at sixteen, hates coming back and has no intention of staying; and he’s a best-selling romance author who is gay, but doesn’t write queer romance. [I’m heading into spoiler territory here, but I think I have to mention that for over half the book, Quinn has no idea that Noah has come to Hay with his boyfriend, Matty – who is obviously a dick. Noah is not happy with him, but they’re still a couple when Noah is regularly flirting with Quinn, and they don’t break up until later in the book. (There’s no physical cheating though.) ]
Quinn is just as poorly characterised. He’s gay, he owns a bookshop, he’s got a crush on Noah, and he’s still struggling to process the death of his father, who was his friend and his biggest supporter. Quinn’s tendency to run from confrontation leads to his doing nothing about the potential loss of his livelihood until the very last minute – how on earth has this man managed to run a business for any length of time?
The secondary cast isn’t at all memorable, although perhaps Ivy deserves a mention for being the person who gives Quinn the necessary (and metaphorical) kick up the arse he needs to get moving on saving the shop.
A couple of things don’t add up. At one point, we’re told that Hermione is “old Hollywood” – which I think of as 1940s - but she’s not that old! And the scandal happened twenty years ago, but Noah is in his late twenties/early thirties, so he’s too old for that to be right. Then there’s the fact that Hermione’s autobiography is published just four months after it’s delivered. A showbiz autobiography in which she sets the record straight would surely have had to go through rounds and rounds of fact-checking by lawyers as well as all the usual editing processes, and I can’t believe that could happen in such a short space of time.
Oh, and surely, any romance author worth their salt setting a story around Christmas time knows mistletoe has white berries, not red ones.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Jack Strange, and I think it’ll be a while before I pick up another. Look Up, Handsome tips the scales at below ‘middling’ because the plot is trite, the characters are flat and two-dimensional, the romance is a non-starter and there's nothing in the story that enabled me to connect emotionally or invest in it - I just didn't care about the fate of the shop or the characters. This kind of twee, overly sentimental story just isn’t for me, and I freely admit that I considered DNF-ing several times and probably would have done so had I not committed to write a review. But I did (finish) and I have (written a review). My work here is done.
Something we reviewers often say is that the hardest books to review are the middling ones; the ones that aren’t terrible but aren’t great and are just kind of okay. Unfortunately, Jack Strange’s début, Look Up, Handsome, doesn’t quite get to ‘okay’ levels; it’s billed as a rom-com but is neither romantic nor funny, the characters are wooden and there’s a LOT of overblown introspection, which leads to an overall feeling that the author is telling the reader stuff rather than the story evolving organically through character action and interaction. Worse, it’s an over-idealised, Hallmark Christmas movie in book form, which is just not my thing.
Quinn Oxford runs Kings & Queens, the only LGBTQ+ bookshop in Hay-on-Wye (famous for its literary festivals and many bookshops) and for the last few months he’s been ignoring the letters telling him he’s going to be evicted just before Christmas. The restoration of the local castle is being undertaken by the building firm run by his mother’s new partner, Harold, who wants to convert the shop – which is housed in the site of the old chapel – into the castle’s ticket office and information centre. Quinn has told nobody about the letters and the coming eviction - even his mother is on Harold’s side - and he doesn’t know what to do. The shop is more than his livelihood; it’s a safe space for the area’s queer community, and Quinn hates the thought of losing his ability to be there for the people who need help selecting a book, a sympathetic ear, or just somewhere they can be themselves.
Best-selling romance author Noah Sage - on whom Quinn has something of a hopeless crush - is doing a book signing at the winter festival, but an accident with a glass of champagne sends Quinn running to find a clean pair of trousers and he almost misses it. He and and his friend, Ivy, are almost at the front of the queue, and Quinn is sure he’s caught Noah glancing at him, but Noah’s minders arrive to hustle him away to his next event so they never get to actually speak.
Quinn had thought Noah leaving the signing meant he was leaving Hay, but later that day, the pair run into each other again at the nearby cemetery, where Quinn has gone to visit his father's grave. The next morning, they bump into each other again, this time outside the local coffee shop, and manage a slightly longer conversation during which Noah confesses to not wanting to be in Hay. Quinn is saddened by this; he can’t imagine living anywhere else and wonders why Noah feels that way.
But he doesn’t have time to moon over the handsome author. With some shoving from Ivy, Quinn decides it’s time to stop letting life happen to him and to step up and actually do something to try to save Kings & Queens. As word starts to get out – thanks to help from Noah and a friendly TV journalist - the battle to save the shop starts to gain momentum as townsfolk and visitors alike get behind the campaign, which eventually attracts national media attention. With just days to go before Christmas, will Quinn be able to save his shop?
There’s an interesting secondary plotline about Noah’s mother, Hermione, once a famous actress who is now something of a recluse and rarely leaves her home in the neighbouring village. Twenty years earlier, and with a couple of Oscars and a BAFTA to her name, she’d been all set for mainstream Hollywood success when a sex scandal tanked her career. I liked the way the story explores the costs of fame and the way we view celebrities – especially women – and I appreciated Hermonie regaining her voice and taking control of her narrative. I do think, however, that her hiding away for twenty years because she fears the locals are laughing at her, and thinking that the media is just waiting for her to show her face before pouncing on her to stir it all up again is a bit of a stretch. Today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s fish and chip paper and all that.
The romance between Quinn and Noah is pretty much non-existent. They have zero chemistry, I have no idea what they saw in each other, and they’re so bland and uninteresting that I didn’t care about either of them. There is no spark of sexual tension or attraction between them and the book’s single sex scene is all build up and no action. Write a sex scene or don’t - I get that not every author is comfortable writing them and that’s fine – but if you’re going to do it, then do it; don’t half-arse it.
Being in Quinn’s head the whole time means we have absolutely no concept of who Noah is as a person. All we know is that he left Hay at sixteen, hates coming back and has no intention of staying; and he’s a best-selling romance author who is gay, but doesn’t write queer romance. [I’m heading into spoiler territory here, but I think I have to mention that for over half the book, Quinn has no idea that Noah has come to Hay with his boyfriend, Matty – who is obviously a dick. Noah is not happy with him, but they’re still a couple when Noah is regularly flirting with Quinn, and they don’t break up until later in the book. (There’s no physical cheating though.) ]
Quinn is just as poorly characterised. He’s gay, he owns a bookshop, he’s got a crush on Noah, and he’s still struggling to process the death of his father, who was his friend and his biggest supporter. Quinn’s tendency to run from confrontation leads to his doing nothing about the potential loss of his livelihood until the very last minute – how on earth has this man managed to run a business for any length of time?
The secondary cast isn’t at all memorable, although perhaps Ivy deserves a mention for being the person who gives Quinn the necessary (and metaphorical) kick up the arse he needs to get moving on saving the shop.
A couple of things don’t add up. At one point, we’re told that Hermione is “old Hollywood” – which I think of as 1940s - but she’s not that old! And the scandal happened twenty years ago, but Noah is in his late twenties/early thirties, so he’s too old for that to be right. Then there’s the fact that Hermione’s autobiography is published just four months after it’s delivered. A showbiz autobiography in which she sets the record straight would surely have had to go through rounds and rounds of fact-checking by lawyers as well as all the usual editing processes, and I can’t believe that could happen in such a short space of time.
Oh, and surely, any romance author worth their salt setting a story around Christmas time knows mistletoe has white berries, not red ones.
This is the first novel I’ve read by Jack Strange, and I think it’ll be a while before I pick up another. Look Up, Handsome tips the scales at below ‘middling’ because the plot is trite, the characters are flat and two-dimensional, the romance is a non-starter and there's nothing in the story that enabled me to connect emotionally or invest in it - I just didn't care about the fate of the shop or the characters. This kind of twee, overly sentimental story just isn’t for me, and I freely admit that I considered DNF-ing several times and probably would have done so had I not committed to write a review. But I did (finish) and I have (written a review). My work here is done.
January 15, 2025
I really wanted to love this one. I did not.
The ideas were there, and sometimes they worked. There were some fun moments that were heartwarming, and those were excellent.
When it comes to writing style, there is such a thing as being too introspective, too often. Many of the passages of Quinn reflecting on emotions felt like the exact same thing was being said over and over and over, just in different words. It became a bit redundant.
This was sold as a rom-com with a "grumpy X sunshine" trope. The book lacked the "com" aspect of being a rom-com. I didn't pick up on any real humor. The grumpy X sunshine trope was nowhere to be found. Neither Quinn nor Noah were any extreme of either of those dispositions at any time -- they both fluctuated throughout the story. There was no binary positioning like that trope generally contains. I also didn't find any real chemistry between them, which is what you need for a story like this to work out.
There are some parts that worked, but it just seemed like plot line after plot line was being added just for the sake of additional plot lines. The writing has potential, but it just needs some refining. I would absolutely give another book of his a chance. For me, it didn't completely stick the landing, but I'm glad to see that it did for plenty of other readers!
The ideas were there, and sometimes they worked. There were some fun moments that were heartwarming, and those were excellent.
When it comes to writing style, there is such a thing as being too introspective, too often. Many of the passages of Quinn reflecting on emotions felt like the exact same thing was being said over and over and over, just in different words. It became a bit redundant.
This was sold as a rom-com with a "grumpy X sunshine" trope. The book lacked the "com" aspect of being a rom-com. I didn't pick up on any real humor. The grumpy X sunshine trope was nowhere to be found. Neither Quinn nor Noah were any extreme of either of those dispositions at any time -- they both fluctuated throughout the story. There was no binary positioning like that trope generally contains. I also didn't find any real chemistry between them, which is what you need for a story like this to work out.
There are some parts that worked, but it just seemed like plot line after plot line was being added just for the sake of additional plot lines. The writing has potential, but it just needs some refining. I would absolutely give another book of his a chance. For me, it didn't completely stick the landing, but I'm glad to see that it did for plenty of other readers!
November 20, 2024
Welsh, queer, Christmas romcom….. shame it was a bit shit
July 11, 2024
I may have read this in the middle of summer, but the way this book transports you to a whole other world makes Christmas in July perfectly acceptable.
Oh, I just adored this book. I only visited Hay-on-Wye for the first time last year, it was such an idyllic destination for a book lover, and Jack has captured the essence of the place perfectly. The friendly atmosphere, the beautiful buildings, the cosy small town vibes. Whilst elements of the story are more fiction than others, there were also some really fun real facts peppered throughout- I particularly loved reading more about Richard Booth and his peculiar ways.
Our main character, Quinn, is SO relatable. Awkward and anxious, but so real. I loved seeing him and Noah's interactions, the will-they-won't-they element keeping us guessing throughout. What I loved more, though, was Quinn's beloved bookshop. Kings and Queens sounds absolutely perfect- a welcoming space that is truly the heart of the community, and a safe haven to not just the LGBTQ+ community, but everyone that needs it. The moments in the book where Quinn gives advice were so genuine, and didn't feel forced at all.
It was really interesting discovering more about Quinn and Noah's respective family histories, and subsequently their relationships with their families now. I guess that brings us to Hermione - what a woman! I adored this mysterious lady and coming to understand why she was so misunderstood.
Every single one of the supporting characters in this novel serve a purpose, and there wasn't a moment when I wasn't genuinely invested in them all. (Speaking of supporting characters, I would absolutely read Ivy and Bloody Blair Beckett's story 👀)
Overall an absolute joy to read, definitely one you want to find under the Christmas tree this year, and absolutely not want to one to be missed- a book lover's perfect Christmas read.
Oh, I just adored this book. I only visited Hay-on-Wye for the first time last year, it was such an idyllic destination for a book lover, and Jack has captured the essence of the place perfectly. The friendly atmosphere, the beautiful buildings, the cosy small town vibes. Whilst elements of the story are more fiction than others, there were also some really fun real facts peppered throughout- I particularly loved reading more about Richard Booth and his peculiar ways.
Our main character, Quinn, is SO relatable. Awkward and anxious, but so real. I loved seeing him and Noah's interactions, the will-they-won't-they element keeping us guessing throughout. What I loved more, though, was Quinn's beloved bookshop. Kings and Queens sounds absolutely perfect- a welcoming space that is truly the heart of the community, and a safe haven to not just the LGBTQ+ community, but everyone that needs it. The moments in the book where Quinn gives advice were so genuine, and didn't feel forced at all.
It was really interesting discovering more about Quinn and Noah's respective family histories, and subsequently their relationships with their families now. I guess that brings us to Hermione - what a woman! I adored this mysterious lady and coming to understand why she was so misunderstood.
Every single one of the supporting characters in this novel serve a purpose, and there wasn't a moment when I wasn't genuinely invested in them all. (Speaking of supporting characters, I would absolutely read Ivy and Bloody Blair Beckett's story 👀)
Overall an absolute joy to read, definitely one you want to find under the Christmas tree this year, and absolutely not want to one to be missed- a book lover's perfect Christmas read.
January 2, 2025
I was craving a sweet holiday romance and Look Up, Handsome delivered the goods. The setting of this book was wonderful. I’ve never visited Hay-on-Wye, but this book had such a gorgeous community atmosphere that made me want to be there myself.
Quinn, the owner of Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookstore, is desperate to save his business from the clutches of his monstrous step father. The descriptions of the bookstore made me infinitely jealous of those who got to regularly browse the contents of the bookshelves. I need a bookstore like Kings and Queens in my life. The community that developed around the store, the important stories that were shared there, the support that the staff gave those who were exploring themes of gender and sexuality, and the way the customers came together to help save the business, were all so heartwarming.
I loved the romance between Quinn and Noah. Their relationship progressed slowly due to several obstacles that they had to overcome. I enjoyed their chemistry and think they were a wonderful pair. Yet, I have to be honest. It was Noah’s mother Hermione who stole the show. I absolutely adored Hermione and how her character progressed throughout the novel. I really appreciated the conversations around how women are treated in the media, and how Hermione has been misunderstood.
This is the perfect holiday romance for those looking for something feel-good that has a community atmosphere. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
Quinn, the owner of Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookstore, is desperate to save his business from the clutches of his monstrous step father. The descriptions of the bookstore made me infinitely jealous of those who got to regularly browse the contents of the bookshelves. I need a bookstore like Kings and Queens in my life. The community that developed around the store, the important stories that were shared there, the support that the staff gave those who were exploring themes of gender and sexuality, and the way the customers came together to help save the business, were all so heartwarming.
I loved the romance between Quinn and Noah. Their relationship progressed slowly due to several obstacles that they had to overcome. I enjoyed their chemistry and think they were a wonderful pair. Yet, I have to be honest. It was Noah’s mother Hermione who stole the show. I absolutely adored Hermione and how her character progressed throughout the novel. I really appreciated the conversations around how women are treated in the media, and how Hermione has been misunderstood.
This is the perfect holiday romance for those looking for something feel-good that has a community atmosphere. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
January 28, 2025
I feel genuinely bad for saying this, especially since the author was very kind and has followed me on Instagram (he has since unfollowed me because I'm assuming he saw my review on here, but kept on as a follower of his because of course he did, so I no longer feel bad about rating this book 2 stars and that was me being generous, mind you), but this book was absolutely not it for me and here's why:
. The whole Matty thing made me incredibly uncomfortable, because it was giving cheating.
Quinn knew Noah had a partner, Noah damn sure knew he had a partner, and yet they continued to engage in clear and obvious flirting and got in situations where they were physically close to one another, KNOWING that Noah had a partner.
Sorry but that's a big no from me.
. Noah seriously flakes on Quinn and completely abandoned him in his time of need and that's not a move that a potential partner can do without me losing faith in him.
. The writing was... How do I say that? Repetitive and redundant in some parts, unnecessarily and clonkily descriptive in others and I had to resort to skimming in order to get through it.
. I found the ending to be absurdly convenient, so much so that I couldn't help but roll my eyes at it.
Not only does Quinn get 50k in donations out of nowhere, because of course he does, but a relative buys his former shop and gifts it back to him, meaning that we went through this whole thing just for Quinn to get handed his shop back, because... Reasons?
I don't know... This cover really lured me in but the characters and their actions were genuinely questionable at times and I couldn't get behind them 🤷🏻
. The whole Matty thing made me incredibly uncomfortable, because it was giving cheating.
Quinn knew Noah had a partner, Noah damn sure knew he had a partner, and yet they continued to engage in clear and obvious flirting and got in situations where they were physically close to one another, KNOWING that Noah had a partner.
Sorry but that's a big no from me.
. Noah seriously flakes on Quinn and completely abandoned him in his time of need and that's not a move that a potential partner can do without me losing faith in him.
. The writing was... How do I say that? Repetitive and redundant in some parts, unnecessarily and clonkily descriptive in others and I had to resort to skimming in order to get through it.
. I found the ending to be absurdly convenient, so much so that I couldn't help but roll my eyes at it.
Not only does Quinn get 50k in donations out of nowhere, because of course he does, but a relative buys his former shop and gifts it back to him, meaning that we went through this whole thing just for Quinn to get handed his shop back, because... Reasons?
I don't know... This cover really lured me in but the characters and their actions were genuinely questionable at times and I couldn't get behind them 🤷🏻
December 5, 2024
With family like this, who needs enemies? Quinn runs the town's queer bookshop, but he's being evicted by his stepfather. Yes, you read that right. Thankfully, the town doesn't want to lose the queer bookshop, which is a community staple for them, so a plan to save the bookshop ensues.
I would love to see a movie adaptation of this holiday romcom. The writing is so funny, and the story is very charming. I had such a good time reading this.
I would love to see a movie adaptation of this holiday romcom. The writing is so funny, and the story is very charming. I had such a good time reading this.
June 22, 2025
This book is a cutesy small town cozy holiday book that will be enjoyed by those looking for something to read while they sip hot chocolate. Unfortunately that reader would not be me.
Sigh. This sounded right up my Hallmark Christmas movie loving alley, but it missed the mark on some pretty major fronts.
The writing wasn’t great overall. Information was dumped onto me instead of being woven into the story and I was being told most things rather than shown. Now I usually associate this with weak writing but hey, if I’m invested in the plot/characters, I can persevere. Which leads me into the characters and why I did not care about them.
When reading a romance or a romcom I am expecting one thing to shine through and that is chemistry, which is often led by dialogue! And the dialogue at play here was so awkward and stilted I found myself cringing. WHO talks like this? (I’ll answer that : the teen lead of a Disney channel movie from 2010.) Quinn’s voice was juvenile and Noah was written to be the “mysterious deep handsome stranger”… which is a type and not a multidimensional character. I’m gonna be so real, my hate for Noah clouded me the whole book. It was hard to see past the massive ick he gave me. Together these two had no chemistry. At all.
Honestly I’m most disappointed that this could have been great! The concept is fantastic for a cozy holiday novel and the narrative of Hermione reclaiming her story while Quinn fights for his bookshop (and romance) is heartwarming.
Special thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for providing an arc of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Sigh. This sounded right up my Hallmark Christmas movie loving alley, but it missed the mark on some pretty major fronts.
The writing wasn’t great overall. Information was dumped onto me instead of being woven into the story and I was being told most things rather than shown. Now I usually associate this with weak writing but hey, if I’m invested in the plot/characters, I can persevere. Which leads me into the characters and why I did not care about them.
When reading a romance or a romcom I am expecting one thing to shine through and that is chemistry, which is often led by dialogue! And the dialogue at play here was so awkward and stilted I found myself cringing. WHO talks like this? (I’ll answer that : the teen lead of a Disney channel movie from 2010.) Quinn’s voice was juvenile and Noah was written to be the “mysterious deep handsome stranger”… which is a type and not a multidimensional character. I’m gonna be so real, my hate for Noah clouded me the whole book. It was hard to see past the massive ick he gave me. Together these two had no chemistry. At all.
Honestly I’m most disappointed that this could have been great! The concept is fantastic for a cozy holiday novel and the narrative of Hermione reclaiming her story while Quinn fights for his bookshop (and romance) is heartwarming.
Special thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for providing an arc of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
November 11, 2025
First of all. Poor Bloody Blair Beckett! He seems harmless and actually very helpful. 😂
Secondly, I cannot understand the reviews. I mean, of course, it’s each to their own, but I absolutely love this book.
It’s cosy and romantic. There’s angst and fear for Quinn. There are crazy side stories and characters. There are twists and turns enough to keep you engaged. There’s found family and community support. It’s cute and quaint, and it’s just an adorable story full of love perfect for a holiday romance.
I did worry I was going to be disappointed at the ending, but then in comes Gordon, our silent hero!
I absolutely loved it, and had it not been for work (urgh), I wouldn’t have put it down! 😆
Secondly, I cannot understand the reviews. I mean, of course, it’s each to their own, but I absolutely love this book.
It’s cosy and romantic. There’s angst and fear for Quinn. There are crazy side stories and characters. There are twists and turns enough to keep you engaged. There’s found family and community support. It’s cute and quaint, and it’s just an adorable story full of love perfect for a holiday romance.
I did worry I was going to be disappointed at the ending, but then in comes Gordon, our silent hero!
I absolutely loved it, and had it not been for work (urgh), I wouldn’t have put it down! 😆
December 3, 2024
What a wonderful book! The characters were so relatable and I had a good laugh while reading it. This is a bit of a slow burn which I normally HATE but I LOVED ♥️ it this time. The relationship felt so genuine and I mean I can’t think of a better setting for the book. It’s made me want to go there!!! 😭😭
If you are after an easy, joyful, funny read full of fun, book drama and swoon worthy relationships PLEASE read this one! 🙏🏻🥰😍♥️🙏🏻
If you are after an easy, joyful, funny read full of fun, book drama and swoon worthy relationships PLEASE read this one! 🙏🏻🥰😍♥️🙏🏻
January 14, 2025
"Oh, God, do I have a Santa fetish?"
Had fun elements, but damn it needed some editing. I will always appreciate a gay rom-com, so 2.5 stars.
Had fun elements, but damn it needed some editing. I will always appreciate a gay rom-com, so 2.5 stars.
December 27, 2025
Now this is how you do romance!!! I love love loved this book. There was so much plot and ACTUAL chemistry. I was SO happy to have read this on Christmas -- it gave the best vibes. I really want more books like this in romance.
December 6, 2024
Why is this already over? ❤️🩹
November 3, 2024
This book deserves 1000 stars, not 5.
Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange is hands down my favorite book of 2024. From the enchanting setting of Hay-on-Wye to the adorable romance between two handsome men, this book had everything I love—including a mention of my favorite flowers, bluebells.
I adored how the storyline of Quinn fighting for his shop while falling for Noel mixed so perfectly with the interwoven storylines of Daniel’s struggles and Quinn’s grief of losing a parent. The continuous link of the little Christmas robin really made me well up, adding a beautifully emotional touch.
An absolutely genius addition to the book was having an LGBTQ+ bookshop housed in a church; the connotation is brilliant. All in all, this was one of the most joyous reads of 2024, and I hope to see more from Strange in the coming years.
Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange is hands down my favorite book of 2024. From the enchanting setting of Hay-on-Wye to the adorable romance between two handsome men, this book had everything I love—including a mention of my favorite flowers, bluebells.
I adored how the storyline of Quinn fighting for his shop while falling for Noel mixed so perfectly with the interwoven storylines of Daniel’s struggles and Quinn’s grief of losing a parent. The continuous link of the little Christmas robin really made me well up, adding a beautifully emotional touch.
An absolutely genius addition to the book was having an LGBTQ+ bookshop housed in a church; the connotation is brilliant. All in all, this was one of the most joyous reads of 2024, and I hope to see more from Strange in the coming years.
November 20, 2024
This was a cute dual POV, holiday underdog M/M romance story that sees the owner of the only London suburb queer positive bookstore fighting to keep from getting evicting by his stepfather who falls for a best-selling queer author. While I'm usually totally on board for a good underdog story, I found this one just okay for me. Recommended for fans of books like Under the mistletoe with you by Lizzie Huxley-Jones.
August 21, 2024
I COULD LIVE IN THIS BOOK WORLD FOREVER!!
Do you ever just read a story and know that you could happily exist in the world on page? Well Look Up, Handsome is the world that I think I would love to live in. It’s cozy and quaint and cutesy and very demure!
Jack Strange is an author that has caught my attention and will keep it! This novel was so adorable and exactly what I want in my holiday romances. Look Up, Handsome has wit, classic romance, and enough angst to keep me hooked. And I think that speaks to the amazing ability that Jack Strange possesses. This is also coming from someone that doesn’t usually love super cozy books, but something about the safe atmosphere made me want to be present for each and every scene.
The plot of this story is at first pretty straightforward. We follow our hero, Quinn, as he is introduced to one of his favorite authors. However, hijinks ensue and Quinn has to write off the experience. Once Noah enters the scene, things take off at a fast pace. The story has some twists and turns with the bookstore saving plot that might feel like a Hallmark movie (this is something that I loved though)! But never fear, the romance and problem solving offers so much for both queer readers and allies (much like the clientele of Kings & Queens)!
Truly I enjoyed this and cannot recommend it enough for a great holiday romance! Check this out - you will thank me later!!
Do you ever just read a story and know that you could happily exist in the world on page? Well Look Up, Handsome is the world that I think I would love to live in. It’s cozy and quaint and cutesy and very demure!
Jack Strange is an author that has caught my attention and will keep it! This novel was so adorable and exactly what I want in my holiday romances. Look Up, Handsome has wit, classic romance, and enough angst to keep me hooked. And I think that speaks to the amazing ability that Jack Strange possesses. This is also coming from someone that doesn’t usually love super cozy books, but something about the safe atmosphere made me want to be present for each and every scene.
The plot of this story is at first pretty straightforward. We follow our hero, Quinn, as he is introduced to one of his favorite authors. However, hijinks ensue and Quinn has to write off the experience. Once Noah enters the scene, things take off at a fast pace. The story has some twists and turns with the bookstore saving plot that might feel like a Hallmark movie (this is something that I loved though)! But never fear, the romance and problem solving offers so much for both queer readers and allies (much like the clientele of Kings & Queens)!
Truly I enjoyed this and cannot recommend it enough for a great holiday romance! Check this out - you will thank me later!!
December 13, 2024
A lovely sentimental festive read.
Quinn runs the only queer bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, and it's a pivotal part of the wonderful bookish town, but he's hiding from the truth that it might all get pulled away from him!!
Adding to the drama is Noah, the handsome writer back in town and catching Quinn's eye.
We honestly all knew this book would have a happy ending, but that didn't spoil the fun.
Quinn runs the only queer bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, and it's a pivotal part of the wonderful bookish town, but he's hiding from the truth that it might all get pulled away from him!!
Adding to the drama is Noah, the handsome writer back in town and catching Quinn's eye.
We honestly all knew this book would have a happy ending, but that didn't spoil the fun.
December 11, 2024
Utterly adorable! It’s like a gay Christmas “book lovers” and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
August 13, 2024
4.25/5
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC. The story follows Quinn as he tries to save his beloved (and Hay’s only LGBTQIA+) bookshop from being closed down while also dealing with his crush on the town’s romance author.
I enjoyed reading this book, though the romance was a full slow burn that could’ve been given a bit more attention in my opinion. There was some great character development from both the main and the side characters. I also absolutely loved Quinn’s interactions with his bookshop customers and they way the community of Hay came together for his bookshop - it highlighted the importance of safe queer spaces.
If you want a cosy, slow burn Christmas romance this book is for you
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC. The story follows Quinn as he tries to save his beloved (and Hay’s only LGBTQIA+) bookshop from being closed down while also dealing with his crush on the town’s romance author.
I enjoyed reading this book, though the romance was a full slow burn that could’ve been given a bit more attention in my opinion. There was some great character development from both the main and the side characters. I also absolutely loved Quinn’s interactions with his bookshop customers and they way the community of Hay came together for his bookshop - it highlighted the importance of safe queer spaces.
If you want a cosy, slow burn Christmas romance this book is for you
December 12, 2025
2.75/5
It's not a terrible book, but it's not my favourite one either.
The first scene of Quinn meeting Noah was already a terrible one and it only went downhill from there. He was dragged by his friend Ivy to Noah's panel, and then, she poured her drink on his trousers so it looked like Quinn wet himself. And THEN everyone (including Noah) saw his wet pants and came to the same conclusion. But did Ivy apologize or say it was her doing? No, not until Quinn left, humiliated. And even then people thought that Quinn had an accident.
And it only went downhill from there. Quinn was so shy and anxious he could barely speak to other people and it was annoying how Ivy didn't respect his boundaries and forced him to do things he didn't want to. Eventually Quinn realized that he had to do them by himself (fear of eviction etc), but being in his head was annoying. I was waiting for Noah's point of view and was disappointed that we never got any.
The book was cheesy and predictable. The writing wasn't the best and the author threw random words like "werk" which seemed really out of place and we're jarring. The small town setting was cute and Christmas books are always fun, but this one wasn't for me. But perhaps other people like it more!
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me access to this ARC.
It's not a terrible book, but it's not my favourite one either.
The first scene of Quinn meeting Noah was already a terrible one and it only went downhill from there. He was dragged by his friend Ivy to Noah's panel, and then, she poured her drink on his trousers so it looked like Quinn wet himself. And THEN everyone (including Noah) saw his wet pants and came to the same conclusion. But did Ivy apologize or say it was her doing? No, not until Quinn left, humiliated. And even then people thought that Quinn had an accident.
And it only went downhill from there. Quinn was so shy and anxious he could barely speak to other people and it was annoying how Ivy didn't respect his boundaries and forced him to do things he didn't want to. Eventually Quinn realized that he had to do them by himself (fear of eviction etc), but being in his head was annoying. I was waiting for Noah's point of view and was disappointed that we never got any.
The book was cheesy and predictable. The writing wasn't the best and the author threw random words like "werk" which seemed really out of place and we're jarring. The small town setting was cute and Christmas books are always fun, but this one wasn't for me. But perhaps other people like it more!
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me access to this ARC.
October 8, 2024
‘I left Hay to find myself,’….’This whole time, all I needed was you.’
Oh my days, what a gem this story is!
Quinn is desperately trying to save his beloved book shop. Located in the beautiful old church in the quaint town of Hay-On-Way, the Kings and Queens bookshop is a safe place for the LGBTQ community. After receiving eviction notice after eviction notice, how on earth is he going to save the shop from becoming a tourist information centre. With all this stress just before Christmas, Quinn can’t believe that the book shop that has been such a haven for him and his customers is going to be no more.
Noah Sage is a romantic novelist who is back in his home town of Hay. Having left the town many years ago. Living in London now, the town that he grew up in doesn’t hold that much joy for him…until he meets Quinn.
Although this story is about Quinn and his developing relationship with Noah, I found this story was about the whole community of Hay supporting him and how they could help Quinn to save his book shop. Everybody needs an Ivy, a Blair, a Gregory, oh and the local drag queens. They really made this story that extra special.
I have to say the audio was just amazing. @laurie and his narration was sublime bringing not just Quinn and Noah to life, but all the characters of Hay!
Bravo Jack, looking forward to more stories in the future!
Oh my days, what a gem this story is!
Quinn is desperately trying to save his beloved book shop. Located in the beautiful old church in the quaint town of Hay-On-Way, the Kings and Queens bookshop is a safe place for the LGBTQ community. After receiving eviction notice after eviction notice, how on earth is he going to save the shop from becoming a tourist information centre. With all this stress just before Christmas, Quinn can’t believe that the book shop that has been such a haven for him and his customers is going to be no more.
Noah Sage is a romantic novelist who is back in his home town of Hay. Having left the town many years ago. Living in London now, the town that he grew up in doesn’t hold that much joy for him…until he meets Quinn.
Although this story is about Quinn and his developing relationship with Noah, I found this story was about the whole community of Hay supporting him and how they could help Quinn to save his book shop. Everybody needs an Ivy, a Blair, a Gregory, oh and the local drag queens. They really made this story that extra special.
I have to say the audio was just amazing. @laurie and his narration was sublime bringing not just Quinn and Noah to life, but all the characters of Hay!
Bravo Jack, looking forward to more stories in the future!
September 26, 2024
Quinn owns a queer bookstore and safe space. His horrible step father is evicting him to make some quick money. On Christmas. How can Quinn save his shop and his livelihood?
This book has a great premise. And that's where the greatness ends. I think this book could've done with a bit more editing. At least one more pass. The main draws of romcoms are witty banter and loveable characters. I found myself not liking any of the characters the longer the story went on. The dialogue felt somehow stilted and rushed all at once and I found myself getting lost in the jarring pace of some of the conversations.
I also checked out the minute it was revealed that Noah was in a relationship lol. But that's just a personal taste kind of thing.
I think this book has great bones but fell a bit flat in the execution. This is a debut and I look forward to seeing the next efforts from this author because the foundation of this book felt really good. I'm looking forward to seeing his growth. (I can't stay away from queer romcoms so I'll be back for the next one!)
Thank you to HarperCollins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has a great premise. And that's where the greatness ends. I think this book could've done with a bit more editing. At least one more pass. The main draws of romcoms are witty banter and loveable characters. I found myself not liking any of the characters the longer the story went on. The dialogue felt somehow stilted and rushed all at once and I found myself getting lost in the jarring pace of some of the conversations.
I also checked out the minute it was revealed that Noah was in a relationship lol. But that's just a personal taste kind of thing.
I think this book has great bones but fell a bit flat in the execution. This is a debut and I look forward to seeing the next efforts from this author because the foundation of this book felt really good. I'm looking forward to seeing his growth. (I can't stay away from queer romcoms so I'll be back for the next one!)
Thank you to HarperCollins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2024
Look Up, Handsome is a simple and sweet holiday romance. The setting is charmingly cozy and while the main plot involving the bookshop is a bit predictable, it’s still plenty heartwarming reading about the outpour of love and support to save the only LGBTQ bookshop in town. Quinn as a main character is someone you really want to root for, and I’m glad by the end of it, he learns to stand up for himself. Noah, however, wasn’t my favourite. I found his lack of emotional maturity disappointing and hard to sympathize with. I feel if this had been a dual POV, we could maybe understand him a bit better. Overall, this is a wholesome read perfect for the Christmas season!
no
December 12, 2024you need to pay me for that amount of suspending my disbelief
dnf-or-skipped
October 19, 2024DNF / skipped to the end after a few chapters because MC1 is a mopey ineffectual lump, MC2 has all the allure of a cut out man advertising toothpaste in your dentist's waiting room and—this is the killer—the business plot does not make sense.
December 14, 2024
Jack Strange’s „Look Up, Handsome“ is a charming and heartfelt holiday romance that brings the magic of books and community to life. Set in the picturesque book-loving town of Hay-on-Wye, the story follows Quinn Oxford, the endearing owner of the town’s only queer bookshop, as he fights to save his beloved shop from closure. Along the way, he encounters brooding romance author Noah Sage, whose reluctant return to Hay sparks an unlikely connection.
What sets this novel apart is its celebration of the power of bookstores as safe havens for diverse stories and people. Quinn’s love for his shop and its role in the community is palpable, and his determination to save it is inspiring. The romance between Quinn and Noah is filled with beloved tropes like grumpy meets sunshine, small-town charm, and forced proximity. Their dynamic is both entertaining and deeply emotional, with undeniable chemistry shining through.
However, the romance is not without its complications. Noah arrives in Hay with baggage—namely, an existing relationship. While Noah’s inner conflict and honesty about his situation add layers to his character, the overlap between his relationship and his growing feelings for Quinn may raise eyebrows. The novel handles this tension thoughtfully, culminating in a pivotal moment where Quinn’s integrity and self-respect shine through. This decision not only strengthens Quinn as a character but also reinforces the story’s themes of authenticity and self-worth.
Strange’s writing is witty and warm, creating a festive atmosphere that wraps the reader in the charm of a small town in winter. Fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall will enjoy the humor, heart, and cozy queer romance that Look Up, Handsome delivers.
Look Up, Handsome is a love letter to bookstores, queer joy, and the messy, beautiful complexities of relationships. It balances lighthearted romance with meaningful character development, making it a perfect holiday read. While some readers may find the romantic conflict a bit thorny, the story ultimately rewards patience with a sweet and satisfying conclusion. This conclusion in my opinion feels slightly rushed and out-of-nowhere in some parts which might be my only small criticism, even though it really rounds out the narrative.
All in all, „Look Up, Handsome“ is a festive, feel-good romance that’s as much about finding love as it is about finding your place in the world.
What sets this novel apart is its celebration of the power of bookstores as safe havens for diverse stories and people. Quinn’s love for his shop and its role in the community is palpable, and his determination to save it is inspiring. The romance between Quinn and Noah is filled with beloved tropes like grumpy meets sunshine, small-town charm, and forced proximity. Their dynamic is both entertaining and deeply emotional, with undeniable chemistry shining through.
However, the romance is not without its complications. Noah arrives in Hay with baggage—namely, an existing relationship. While Noah’s inner conflict and honesty about his situation add layers to his character, the overlap between his relationship and his growing feelings for Quinn may raise eyebrows. The novel handles this tension thoughtfully, culminating in a pivotal moment where Quinn’s integrity and self-respect shine through. This decision not only strengthens Quinn as a character but also reinforces the story’s themes of authenticity and self-worth.
Strange’s writing is witty and warm, creating a festive atmosphere that wraps the reader in the charm of a small town in winter. Fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall will enjoy the humor, heart, and cozy queer romance that Look Up, Handsome delivers.
Look Up, Handsome is a love letter to bookstores, queer joy, and the messy, beautiful complexities of relationships. It balances lighthearted romance with meaningful character development, making it a perfect holiday read. While some readers may find the romantic conflict a bit thorny, the story ultimately rewards patience with a sweet and satisfying conclusion. This conclusion in my opinion feels slightly rushed and out-of-nowhere in some parts which might be my only small criticism, even though it really rounds out the narrative.
All in all, „Look Up, Handsome“ is a festive, feel-good romance that’s as much about finding love as it is about finding your place in the world.
August 19, 2025
Before notes (lets face it this is what most of my followers are here for; unabridged chaos):
Lets get one thing straight: This book ain't.
Welcome to autumn- is it the time to be reading this book? Absolutely not. But this book will be in high demand in winter, and I need to read it.
Spotify playlist at the beginning of the book? Check. Could I have done with some form of map> yes. Is the text a lot smaller than I was expecting? Yes. Am I struggling because every time I hear the word Noah in a book, I think of that one dude I had a crush on over a year ago who my mates kept teasing me about for not asking out, and because the name is in a book I'm both scarred for life, and unable to move on because Noah is the main love interest?
Potentially. Look Up Handsome- just not at me.
You know what else is killing me, the other male main has the same name as my cousin. I told my cousin they told me to grow a pair in the comedic way we joke about our queerness and then my transness and they gave me a hug and apologised thinking I was having a meltdown for that reason. I was having a meltdown because if I"m being honest- my crush from over a year ago is more likely to date my cousin and this book is giving merry christmas you scallywags.
It's got the vibes of those Gilmore books, remember when I read that one
I fell in love with it and absolutely chuckled my way through the crappy writing. Well this radiates MLM writing. It was wrote by a queer author. It's going to be brilliant. So why is the font killing me off too? I've renewed this book three times? Is it just not the time?
It's been in my to be read for a year. Do I read or do I remain a scrouge? I half want to buy my own copy of the book because I feel like after renewing it three times I've now withheld it from someone who would love to borrow the book and I've been holding it captive as a treasure I can't convince myself to read but I so desperately want to.
Lets get one thing straight: This book ain't.
Welcome to autumn- is it the time to be reading this book? Absolutely not. But this book will be in high demand in winter, and I need to read it.
Spotify playlist at the beginning of the book? Check. Could I have done with some form of map> yes. Is the text a lot smaller than I was expecting? Yes. Am I struggling because every time I hear the word Noah in a book, I think of that one dude I had a crush on over a year ago who my mates kept teasing me about for not asking out, and because the name is in a book I'm both scarred for life, and unable to move on because Noah is the main love interest?
Potentially. Look Up Handsome- just not at me.
You know what else is killing me, the other male main has the same name as my cousin. I told my cousin they told me to grow a pair in the comedic way we joke about our queerness and then my transness and they gave me a hug and apologised thinking I was having a meltdown for that reason. I was having a meltdown because if I"m being honest- my crush from over a year ago is more likely to date my cousin and this book is giving merry christmas you scallywags.
It's got the vibes of those Gilmore books, remember when I read that one
I fell in love with it and absolutely chuckled my way through the crappy writing. Well this radiates MLM writing. It was wrote by a queer author. It's going to be brilliant. So why is the font killing me off too? I've renewed this book three times? Is it just not the time?
It's been in my to be read for a year. Do I read or do I remain a scrouge? I half want to buy my own copy of the book because I feel like after renewing it three times I've now withheld it from someone who would love to borrow the book and I've been holding it captive as a treasure I can't convince myself to read but I so desperately want to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
A sweet Welsh Christmas romcom debut? I’m sat!
Quinn Oxford owns the only LGBTQ+ book store in Hay - the Welsh town known for all its bookstores - and is facing a final eviction notice from none other than his own stepfather to turn it into a welcome center for the newly renovated Kay Catsle. And the eviction date? Christmas Eve! Humbug!
When Quinn’s favorite author and subject of a (very) minor crush is in town, he can’t help but fantasize a life with the sweet, flirty Noah Sage (who fled his hometown of Hay when he was young and never looked back). Noah also inspires Quinn to fight for his bookstore, taking to social media and the press to try and stop the eviction - even staging a protest led by local drag queens to Hay Castle!
As they get to know each other and fight for Quinn’s shop, more obstacles appear that really leaves the reader wondering how could they ever make it work? They definitely need a Christmas miracle!
While this had the makings of a super cute holiday romcom, it was doing a bit too much with the various side plots. Personally, the Matty subplot was unnecessary to the romance between Noah and Quinn with the other obstacles between them. It was giving cheating, even if Noah was already thinking of ending it with Matty. Partnered with the Hermione Sage subplot, Quinn’s relationship with his mom, Gordon, Bloody Blair Beckett and Ivy’s budding relationship, a rogue visit to Noah’s uncle, Daniel Craig’s self discovery, Deb and June constantly showing up - it was A LOT! And if anything could go to make the romance plot better it would be Matty.
For that reason, I’d say this is more a 3.75 for me.
I’d still recommend it as a cute holiday romance read, but not my favorite.
Quinn Oxford owns the only LGBTQ+ book store in Hay - the Welsh town known for all its bookstores - and is facing a final eviction notice from none other than his own stepfather to turn it into a welcome center for the newly renovated Kay Catsle. And the eviction date? Christmas Eve! Humbug!
When Quinn’s favorite author and subject of a (very) minor crush is in town, he can’t help but fantasize a life with the sweet, flirty Noah Sage (who fled his hometown of Hay when he was young and never looked back). Noah also inspires Quinn to fight for his bookstore, taking to social media and the press to try and stop the eviction - even staging a protest led by local drag queens to Hay Castle!
As they get to know each other and fight for Quinn’s shop, more obstacles appear that really leaves the reader wondering how could they ever make it work? They definitely need a Christmas miracle!
While this had the makings of a super cute holiday romcom, it was doing a bit too much with the various side plots. Personally, the Matty subplot was unnecessary to the romance between Noah and Quinn with the other obstacles between them. It was giving cheating, even if Noah was already thinking of ending it with Matty. Partnered with the Hermione Sage subplot, Quinn’s relationship with his mom, Gordon, Bloody Blair Beckett and Ivy’s budding relationship, a rogue visit to Noah’s uncle, Daniel Craig’s self discovery, Deb and June constantly showing up - it was A LOT! And if anything could go to make the romance plot better it would be Matty.
For that reason, I’d say this is more a 3.75 for me.
I’d still recommend it as a cute holiday romance read, but not my favorite.
December 14, 2024
3.5 stars!!
This was definitely one of the cutest books I’ve read. I did really struggle with it at the start just as I thought nothing was really happening and then when the focus was brought to one thing it then shifted to a whole different thing. So I had to put the book down for abit and read something else.
I also feel like it took way to long for the relationship to get going which isn’t always a bad thing once there’s a steady storyline going with it but I felt like it was to connected to the romance that wasn’t really there much.
I also would have lovedddd Noah’s POV because most of the time he just seemed like a creep to me because I didn’t know what he was thinking!
But that being said once I picked the book back up i definitely started to enjoy it a lot more than I was the first go around!!
I also may have shed a tear or 2 every now and again!!
I also can’t believe I’m saying this I never thought in a million years me reading a MM romance and I’m the biggest fan of a…. A straight person WTF!!!
This was definitely one of the cutest books I’ve read. I did really struggle with it at the start just as I thought nothing was really happening and then when the focus was brought to one thing it then shifted to a whole different thing. So I had to put the book down for abit and read something else.
I also feel like it took way to long for the relationship to get going which isn’t always a bad thing once there’s a steady storyline going with it but I felt like it was to connected to the romance that wasn’t really there much.
I also would have lovedddd Noah’s POV because most of the time he just seemed like a creep to me because I didn’t know what he was thinking!
But that being said once I picked the book back up i definitely started to enjoy it a lot more than I was the first go around!!
I also may have shed a tear or 2 every now and again!!
I also can’t believe I’m saying this I never thought in a million years me reading a MM romance and I’m the biggest fan of a…. A straight person WTF!!!
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