GROW (Your Own Boyfriend)

by Jennifer M. Waldrop

What if you could grow the perfect boyfriend?

One drunk night. One impulsive click. One synthetic man on her doorstep.

K8 isn’t buying the manupartner hype. She wants something real—messy, human, unfiltered. Everyone else is happy with programmable perfection. But when the box shows up, it’s too late to cancel.

No returns. No refunds.

Instead of the docile, made-to-order partner she expected, she gets James Alexander a sharp-tongued entrepreneur from 2035 with memories, opinions, and absolutely zero interest in being anyone’s customizable sweetheart.
When his lease on life starts ticking down, they strike a deal—she’ll help him survive the future if he pretends to be the perfect manupartner.

There’s just one his résumé hasn’t aged well. The only marketable skills James has left involve blood, fists, and a few broken underground laws.

As he fights for the cash to buy his freedom, and K8 fights the urge to get emotionally attached, their fake relationship starts to feel dangerously real. The lines between programming and passion blur, and when trust finally breaks down, K8 has to decide whether love is worth the risk—especially when it’s the messy, maddening kind that can’t be manufactured.

Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis and Christina Lauren’s The Soulmate Equation, GROW Your Own Boyfriend is a quirky, heartfelt romp through a bubblegum dystopia where love isn’t dead—it’s just been discontinued.

Genres: Science Fiction, Ebooks, Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

About the author

JENNIFER writes stories that explore the human experience — searching for clarity in the chaos, meaning in the unexpected, and connection through the characters we come to love. Her work spans from lush fantasy romance to quirky speculative fiction, all rooted in emotional truth, hidden layers, and a touch of the unexpected. Whether she’s exploring love, death, or the weird magic in between, she’s here for readers who crave stories that surprise, resonate, and stay with you long after the final page.

When she’s not writing, you might find her whipping together her favorite dark chocolate mousse, lost in the minutia of one of her excel spreadsheets, or power walking a beach in front of her house in the Turks and Caicos.

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this in one day. I picked it up thinking I’d read a few chapters and suddenly I was halfway through, completely sucked into this futuristic world. The author built something so fascinating and unique and I loved every detail of how society had shifted, how relationships worked, and how technology shaped the way people connected. It was intriguing in that way where you keep pausing just to think, “oh wow… this is actually so believable.”

K8 was such a fun, heartfelt FMC. She’s bubbly and brilliant and lonely in this way that felt real, and watching her stumble into accidentally ordering a manupartner had me grinning. And then James shows up he’s absolutely not the pre-programmed man she expected and their dynamic hooked me instantly. Their banter, the misunderstandings, the slow warmth that starts building between them… it all felt surprisingly tender for a book with this premise.

There’s something so emotional about the contrast between their two worlds, K8 dreaming of the kind of relationship her parents had, James trying to navigate a future where everything familiar is gone. Those moments where they start truly seeing each other were some of my favorites. Even with all the humor and chaos, the story still manages to hit you right in the feelings.

The pacing was perfect, the worldbuilding was rich without ever slowing the story, and the romance had that wonderful blend of chemistry, tension, and genuine heart. I loved every minute of this and didn’t want to put it down for a second.

Such a wonderful, heartfelt read and now I absolutely need more books set in this world.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did someone order an age gap, fake dating rom com with forced proximity set in the future? I got one fresh right here and WOW was it fun!

In the distant future, society has changed drastically. Fashion is...questionable. Friends are assigned, and traditional relationships are a thing of the past. Instead, people prefer short term affairs with custom made flesh robots called manupartners.

It’s in this world we meet K8, a bubbly 86 yr old scientist who craves real companionship like her parents had. She accidentally orders a manupartner after her birthday drinks but quickly discovers her model is…a little different.

In a technical glitch, the DNA of 21st entrepreneur James that has been used to create K8’s new partner actually recreates the original man, with all his memories. To avoid the “recycling of his biological material” James must convince authorities he is a regular manupartner. He also needs to come to terms with living in a world where everything that made him successful previously is now irrelevant.

There’s a lot to love about this story. I loved seeing the character growth of both K8 and James as individuals. It’s a slow burn, open door book and there will be more to come in the series. It’s a highly enjoyable book that will appeal to many readers, but especially anyone who enjoys futuristic romance.

[Destin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for GROW and I absolutely loved it! This book has it all! Dark Romcom, Dystopian, futuristic, fake dating, morally grey, age gap, some sweet and spicy romance all wrapped up into one heck of a book! This story follows K8 and James. K8 who lives in a futuristic world full of artificial advances and technology, is longing for a partner with specific character traits based off of those that a “real” person would have had in the “past.” Prone to “drunken” late night shopping, K8(or “drunk” K8) finds herself finally placing an order for her “GROW” your own manupartner, making sure to carefully select his traits and qualities. But what she receives is anything BUT the complacent, pre-programmed, man of her dreams! She receives James, who is definitely easy on the eyes, but stubborn, brash, and very much human! Taking K8 by surprise, she and James must figure out a way to work together and live together before his impending “expiration date.” The slow burning, tension building, progression of their relationship journey was chalked full of banter, character development, sweet and spicy moments, and so much more! GROW was everything I didn’t know I needed and a MUST READ! I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend you add it to your TBR!

[CONNIEBENNETT26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer M. Waldrop was a unique writing style that flows. James and K8 story is absolutely hilarious at precarious moments,and will have you think you are in an episode of “THE TWLIGHT ZONE” or “STAR TREK”, modern day.!
At other moments there is depth , thought and past and present reality.
Epic blurring of past and present technology, science fiction, and love.

[Moonburst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly lonely and prone to drunken shopping, K8 orders a manupartner from GROW. K8 has always yearned for real companionship, so she's never really understood why her friends enjoy their programmable, synthetic manupartners. But there's something wrong with her GROW: instead of a biddable, eager to please lover, she ends up with James, a critical entrepreneur who is not willing to live out the life K8 wants. They reach an uneasy agreement, K8 will support James as he adjusts to the future, and he will find a way to make his own way before GROW realizes their mistake and force James to be recycled.

GROW Your Own Boyfriend takes place in a somewhat dystopian future. Much of the world is under water, and the atmosphere is toxic to breathe in. Despite that, medical advances have allowed humans to live up to three hundred years in relative comfort and convenience. Despite the relative pleasant lives, isolation and loneliness run rampant. Friendships are government mandated, and typically stay fairly superficial. As K8 and her friends attempt to help James, his cutthroat self-important attitude creates severe waves, challenging James sense of self-worth and K8's idealized conceptions of a relationship.

A fascinating sci-fi romance that thoroughly explores the concepts of loneliness, connection, and the value of humanity.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anya Shrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start off by saying I don’t usually read sci-fi : romance or no, but Grow (Your Own Boyfriend) has me wondering if I’m missing out on a whole romance genre I would love because WOW
Is it perfect? Probably not for some more critical reviewers, but personally it’s everything I wanted and needed. It took me a chapter or two to get used to this future world, but it really wasn’t hard to follow. I thought the author’s writing style was very nice, easy to follow and enjoy. The would building was perfect- I could place myself in this world visually while reading without being overwhelmed with information(a struggle of mine). There’s character growth and depth. They’re likable and realistic.
A great slow burn with a satisfying peak of spice.
So many comments in my highlights ranging from laughing out loud to me going wth is going to happen next - I loved this book

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was unlike anything I’ve read so big props for originality! I loved the characters and the dual POV really made it so you could understand both sides. It was a fun read and you should just add to your list now!

[Amy Bergesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous read! Jennifer Waldrop gives us a futuristic fantasy world (that is actually understandable!) where people willingly commit suicide because of loneliness in their interminable lives. But our FMC K8 (Kate) longs for a relationship that would have happened in the past, like that of her parents. A manufacturing glitch brings her James, a real man from 2035, and the story takes off.

Every misunderstanding between K8 and James is relatable and genuine. Despite the wildly different worlds they come from, these two still sacrifice for each other and learn how real people can still relate to each other, no matter what year it is.

Perfectly edited (OMG!!!!!!) and full of slow-burning spice (🌶️🌶️🌶️), GROW Your Own Boyfriend absolutely delivers!

I received a free ARC of this book. The views expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Shelbey Xiong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and guys…I finished it in one day…OBSESSED 💀 I needed a sci-fi romance to start spooky season and this was exactly what I needed. The world building? INSANE! The author thought of every potential question, I just had to think it and it was on the next page. K8 and James had chemistry from the very beginning and while I felt the spicy scenes were a little rushed, they still delivered. The countdown was a nice touch and caused me just enough anxiety I had to keep reading late into the night 😅 I can’t wait to read more in this world (and maybe even get an Ope on there, after all, it’s Minnesota) 😘

👀 Forced Proximity
☀️ Fake Dating
💚 Age Gap

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Stress Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌌🌠💚GROW (Your Own Boyfriend) ARC Review 💚🌌🌠
4 ⭐
2 🌶️

"People during her time may not form long-lasting romantic partnerships, but each member of society holds a valuable place. Regardless of the profession or pay bracket."

💬💭 GROW teleports readers a few hundred years into the future with our FMC, K8 (Kate) at the helm. In this world, the world is under one government and 'scientific advances have brought about medical fountain of youth' allowing humans to live hundreds of years without signs of aging. Humans no longer form long-lasting romantic partnerships, but turn to "manupartners" - "flesh robots provide an easy, no-strings-attached option for companionship. Eager to please and disposable." You get to pick to particulars you want, from looks to personality, ranging from base models to luxury.

But 86 year old K8 wants more, she's been lonely a long time. She wants companionship, long term - like her parents had. After a night out drinking with her FRIENDS (government assigned friend group), she decides to do some online shopping (as one does), and drunkenly orders her very own manupartner. No takebacks, no refunds. All her FRIENDS have one, and her lease is only 3 months so she may as well and grow her GROW branded manupartner. At the end of their lease, manupartners are "recycled" (turned back into blobs of biological material).

Enter 35 year old James - who doesn't arrive quite matching his spec sheet. He thinks it's 2035 and has all his memories of his entrepreneur, billionaire life in NYC. Basically James has been given a second chance at life, although it's limited as being recycled would be the true end for him. Since he's an expensive brand of manupartner, extending his short lease is quite expensive, and nearly all the skills and education from centuries ago aren't really relevant now.

Will K8 and James be able to come up with the funds to extend his lease before his lease is up, or will he lose his second chance at life mere months in? With the lines between them blurring and James trying to become a less selfish person, has K8 finally found the companionship she's desperate for, or is she destined to spend centuries plagued by loneliness?

💭 GROW got it's fantasy, sci-fi, romance hooks into me immediately and I was happily engaged from the getgo. It's funny and endearing at times, while at others it handles serious topics with care and respect.

If you're a romance reader who's been thinking about giving sci-fi a try, especially sci-fi romance, I encourage you to give this a try.

📖 I thoroughly enjoyed how real (while taking place in the future) the plot felt. The themes are relevant and nuanced. I appreciate Waldrop discussing the morals and ethics of the whole GROW idea, especially once hers turns out to be a real human. Character-driven for the most part.

There were some minor plot points that I felt weren't fully addressed, or were left ambiguous. Some more minor than others, with none of them having any real impact on the plot. Like K8's shopping. It was mentioned a few times, but no real conclusion. The one that I felt had a bigger role was K8's friends - initially she tells us they're "surface level" friends. They only spend time together out of obligation to meet their FRIENDS quota. But then later, when K8 has a big, dangerous secret, she confides in them and we see that they're quite tight-knit and spend loads of time together. Most of the book James called K8 "Kate," then a few times he switched to K8, but at the end he calls her Kate again, like he never realized her name was K8. The K8 would might be a typo, though, or an accidental thing, idk. Mostly not big deals, very minor - especially the last thing I mentioned.

✍🏼 Accessibly and descriptively written, this makes for a quick, fun read. Rich descriptions make it an immersive experience.

⏳I thought the pacing was excellent. It uses character growth and action to propel the plot, moreso growth than action.

🗺️ Taking place on earth in the future, this world is well developed.

If you're concerned about the sci-fi aspect and that's the only thing holding you back from reading this, I wouldn't let that hold you back. While it is sci-fi, it's written in a way that makes it accessible to all readers, including those new to sci-fi.

👥 Well developed characters with great growth and arcs. I appreciate that we get a selfish, hyper-independant character who isn't entirely likeable. Showing the duality of how people can be more than just any one thing.

Waldrop gives us a diverse and inclusive cast that doesn't feel forced. I appreciate the inclusion of a nonbinary character in a way that feels natural, without anyone questioning their pronouns or identity - including the person from 2035.

🎙️ The banter is great. Dialogue read fluidly for me and felt fitting for the characters and story.

💞 I love the slow burn we get and that we get to see James grow and change while he and K8 go from strangers to roommates and slowly watch them become more. It feels grounded and real.

🌶️ Oh the tension this slow burn gives! The will they, won't they - beautiful. This is more quality spicy than it is quantity, which is my preference. You get a "good girl," too.

⚠️ Please check the author's site for TW/CW. There is material within this book that I strongly encourage readers to check first.

📚 If you like: Ice Planet Barbarians (Ruby Dixon), The Love Hypothesis (Ali Hazelwood), or The Soulmate Equation (Christina Lauren), then I think you'd enjoy this.


Thank you to @authorjmwaldrop and @booksirens for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[Kim Finazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not my type of time travel. I would definitely say if this is your kind of story then definitely read

Very creative writing. Sometime it would be nice to be able to create your partner. This is a definite must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book releases 8/15/25!

I went back and forth on what to rate this book because once i got a chapter or two, I COULD NOT put it down!! Antisocial reading on the beach instead of spending time with family levels of couldn’t put it down. But in the end, there were a few elements that took away the fifth star.

I thought the entire world was so fascinating and seemed believable and realistic for the future. I have a lot of questions (for example, are people stuck in their city or can they travel at all?) The premise of the Manupartners also unfortunately seem like a generally reasonable concept for the future. But James is different, he is a real person! And WOW what a concept it is!! I’ve absolutely never read anything remotely like this book and I think that’s why it was so captivating.

There were some references to the future world like the “non-deities” that were casually referenced or mentioned but were not explained. There were also some things that didn’t line up like how K8’s FRIENDS were supposed to be very superficial and unsupportive but aside from the first conversations with them, that was definitely not the impression they gave! They seemed like decent friends. Another discrepancy was that James apparently decided in his past life in 2030 that he was ready to settle down and have a wife and family. His behavior did reflect that but there was also just no hint at his past. It seemed very unrealistic because I don’t think that’s actually a personality switch you can just flip.

K8’s shopping addiction was relatable! The “it will all work out and I don’t want to look at my bank account” attitude - I think we are all guilty of something similar at times! But it doesn’t define her as a person.
I will say besides physical attraction and James meeting K8’s requirements for her desire for a real relationship with a real person, the relationship between the two of them did seem mostly surface level and only finally started to grow closer as the book got toward the end.

The end where James proposed to K8 and spelled her name wrong made me laugh out loud! And was also maybe a sign of the immaturity of their relationship - he literally didn’t even know how to spell her name.

Overall, this book was unique, fascinating, funny, and fun! It kept me captivated throughout. I would absolutely recommend it!

This was my second ever ARC and I’m so happy I was able to read it!

[Kim Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Waldrop’s GROW is a unique, thought-provoking debut that seamlessly merges science fiction with a slow-burn romance grounded in emotional depth and existential stakes.

Set in the year 2390, humanity lives under a single global government, where advanced biotechnology has made aging obsolete and companionship is outsourced to lab-grown “manupartners.” K8 (Kate), a successful, but emotionally unfufilled scientist, impulsively (drunkenly) orders a manupartner from the GROW program, which is a disposable, customizable companion.

However, what she receives is James, a 35-year-old former billionaire from 2035 who wakes up with all his memories intact and no idea how he ended up in the future. With his lease set to expire in three months (after which he’ll be “recycled”), James and K8 must navigate their growing connection, the ethics of his existence, and a system that sees him as property.

What starts off as a quirky, futuristic romcom, takes a deeper turn, exploring themes like autonomy, identity, loneliness, and the meaning of humanity in a hyper-technological world. The story is character-driven, with a slow-burn romance.

Strengths:
• Original Premise: A creative twist on both romance and sci-fi tropes.
• Character Growth: Both K8 and James are deeply flawed, yet compelling. Strong development, both together, as well as, individually.
• Writing Style: Witty, and emotionally resonant. The dialogue flows well, and the world-building, though sometimes vague, is fairly immersive.

Minor Drawbacks:
• Some inconsistencies in side plots and character relationships (particularly K8’s “surface-level” friends who later become confidants).
• A few stylistic quirks, like the use of strike-throughs, may not appeal to everyone. I’d originally thought since my copy was an ARC, it was an unfinished, but I'm not certain it wasn't purposeful.
• Certain world-building elements (e.g., deities like Zypher and Zorg) feel underdeveloped, or perhaps odd.

Final Thoughts:
GROW is a unique and compelling read that balances speculative sci-fi with heartwarming (and at times heartbreaking) romance. It's smart, emotional, and surprisingly grounded for a story set in a hyper-tech future. If you’re a romance reader curious about sci-fi, or vice versa, this is a perfect crossover title. It was a fun read.

I received a copy of the book as an ARC. This is an honest review based on my reading.

[Carolyn Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gets 5 stars for originality for sure.

Set in the future, this is science fiction romance. A future where humans don't often have real relationships with each other, but instead choose their ideal mate and then "grow" them with some organic material. K8 has always felt creeped out by this and hasn't succumbed to buying her own "model." Instead, she yearns for a real relationship, one like her parents had. On her birthday, she gets drunk and buys one though. She is in for a surprise because the model that wakes up is James -- who was an actual person in the past and has retained some of his memories! James is disoriented in the future and has to figure out who he is and how he can have a purpose in the future.

It's an interesting take, but this one was only 3 stars for me (2 🌶️). I appreciated some of the take on the future -- a world where the surface is uninhabitable without an air mask (particularly poignant during a week where my air quality is so poor due to wild fires in Canada), where humans have lost some of their basic humanity. But, other parts of the world building fell flat -- the whole non-deity's of Zypher and Zorg -- elements like that were frankly unnecessary to the plot and then not well developed.

Secondly, I didn't really care for the characters. Both K8 and James were flawed in their own ways, and I didn't love them. I particularly hated K8's shopping addiction and while I see how it was used to move the narrative along it felt like it cheapened her as a character.

Lastly, there were 2 elements of the writing that I couldn't get past. One was the author's weird unique use of strike-throughs to indicate K8's reframing of her internal dialogue. If it were used a handful of times, fine, but it felt over-used and I have to believe there is a different way to write that reframing without using strike-throughs in the text. Second, I did not understand at all James' internal dialogue that included anthropomorphizing inanimate objects. It didn't seem necessary and it was just bizarre.

Thanks to Naughty Nook PR for the ARC -- comes out August 15!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
GROW (Your Own Boyfriend) by Jennifer M. Waldrop
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Thank you to @naughtynookpr for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

K8 (Kate) just wants companionship. But in the year 2390, relationships look nothing like they do in 2025. Friends are government-assigned, having a baby requires winning a lottery, and legal marriage no longer exists. One drunken night, she does the unthinkable: she orders a manupartner- a biologically identical duplicate of a real person from the past, manufactured without their memories and meant to be disposed of when you’re done.

Enter James. In 2035, he boarded a plane. In 2390, he wakes up— wealth, power, and his old life gone. Reeling from the impossibility of returning, he’s wary of K8… until he realizes she might just be the perfect woman for him. Once a selfish, morally grey billionaire, James is determined to become a better man for her.

I don’t read a ton of sci-fi romance, but this one hooked me. K8’s yearning for authentic connection felt so raw, and I loved that she never intended to treat James as “property.” Instead, she does everything she can to help him regain freedom and identity. James’s arc was incredibly satisfying— going from arrogant capitalist to someone vulnerable, romantic, and deeply in love. Their romance builds slowly, and that slow burn made the payoff even sweeter.

I also loved that K8 is a powerhouse FMC in STEM, thriving as one of the top earners in her field. Rational but tender, pragmatic yet romantic— she was such a compelling heroine.

If you’re looking for a futuristic romance, this one’s worth picking up.

✨ For fans of:
🚀 Sci-fi romance | 🖤 Morally grey MMC | 👩‍🔬 FMC in STEM | ⏳ Age gap | 🛋️ Forced proximity | ⚖️ Ethical quandaries

#GrowYourOwnBoyfriend #JenniferMWaldrop #ARCreview #SciFiRomance #RomanceReaders #BookReview #MorallyGrey #FMCinSTEM #AgeGapRomance #ForcedProximity #EthicalDilemma #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceBookstagram #Bookstagram

[Megan Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the idea of this book and was trope city: futuristic, dystopian, time travel, rom com, slow burn, age gap, race against time, forced proximity.

The book is set 300 years in the future. K8 is from the future time in which the book is set, where you can’t go outside without a gas mask, romantic relationships don’t exist, and the government assigns FRIEND groups, living sectors, and jobs. James is a heartless billionaire who dies in a plane crash in the year 2035, and after a GROW manufacturing glitch, wakes up in 2390 in K8’s house supposedly as a GROW manupartner/flesh partner owned by K8. Only for K8 and James to quickly realize that he is a real person and they need to figure out a way to make enough money to extend his GROW contract until they can get James a fake identity to live normally in this future time. During the time they’re figuring this out, James is living with K8 and they slowly fall in love.

While I like the idea of the book and the general storyline, I never really felt connected to any of the characters. K8’s personality is all over the place. She’s a scientist (although we never really heard much about her job), who’s also a romantic (despite relationships not being a thing in her time), who also has a shopping addiction (which we hear about too much). I understand that people can have layers and be more than one thing, but her characteristics just seemed to contradict each other and I never really bought into being on her side. The shopping addiction, in particular, made me despise her and see her as immature, despite her age and “maturity” that she swears she has. I wish we would’ve heard a little more about what she does for her job. I surprisingly liked James’ personality more since he seemed to master the personal growth more quickly. Not only did he grow himself, but he also helped those in the future time learn more about empathy and grow as a result.

Overall it was a decent book.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a futuristic rom-com with a touch of spice, GROW (Your Own Boyfriend) delivers big time! I didn’t expect to fall so hard for K8, James, and the quirky FRIEND group, but here we are—I’m hooked and fully invested in this series already.

Set in the year 2390, relationships look a little different. Instead of meeting someone “the old-fashioned way,” people order a GROW kit to design and grow their ideal manupartner. Within a week, you’ve got a partner programmed to please you—until you get bored, recycle, and start fresh. But K8, a brilliant scientist with a hopelessly romantic heart, dreams of something deeper.

One drunken night, she takes the plunge and orders her own kit—only for it to glitch. Instead of a standard partner, she ends up with James, a reincarnated billionaire from 2035, complete with all his memories and absolutely no clue about the bizarre future he’s been grown into. Suddenly, this man who’s always been independent finds himself “owned” by a sexy scientist, while K8 discovers her heart wants more than a pre-programmed happily-ever-after, she wants a true love romance

I absolutely flew through this book. The futuristic world-building, the clever twist on modern dating, and the sizzling chemistry between K8 and James had me laughing, swooning, and refusing to put it down. Jennifer M. Waldrop nailed the balance of humor, romance, and heart, making this one of my top reads of the year.

💫 Highly recommend if you love:
• Rom-coms with a futuristic twist
• Unique world-building
• Quirky, lovable friend groups
• A sweet slow-burn with just enough spice

I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Barbara Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Waldrop’s GROW is the kind of book that sneaks up on you, seduces you with its premise, and then full-on tackles you with plot, emotion, and sizzling tension. It’s the first in a planned trilogy. And let me just say, if this is her book baby, it was born with a full head of hair and an attitude.

FMC Kate (K8) is a lonely scientist living in a future where everything from your dog to your bestie is synthetic. After one too many birthday drinks she finally concedes and orders herself a three-month lease on a “manupartner” from GROW. What she gets isn’t the customized pleasure-bot she expected.

Enter MMC James: Ex-billionaire. Alpha male. Control freak. Unapologetically human. And somehow, 300 years out of place in an unrecognizable world of government-assigned friendships, a poisoned atmosphere, and robotic everything. Dystopian but also uncomfortably close to where we might be headed. (Yikes.)

What follows is a wildly addictive clash of wills as K8 and James are forced to navigate not only each other as roommates, but also a pricey lease extension, and a company hell bent on covering up their recent manufacturing errors.
The spice simmers, slow and delicious, laced with sharp banter, palpable tension, pet names, and praise.

And just when you think this is going to be just a hot-guy-in-the-future romcom, GROW throws you emotional curveballs and existential questions about choice, identity, and what it means to actually live.

Fans of sci-fi romance, emotional slow burns, and morally grey heartthrobs, this one’s for you. Fun, bold, and surprisingly deep, GROW delivers both heat and heart.

[Samantha Carol-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I'm not gonna lie I was kinda nervous when I signed up for an ARC for this book. I didn't know what to expect fully and it was not a book in my normal realm of books.

BUT I'm happy to say that I very much enjoyed this book. The future aspect made it that more attention gripping and interesting.

The world that @authorjmwaldrop built in this book was amazing.

James and K8's story was one that I had a hard time putting down. Watching the two of them grow throughout was a pleasure.

K8 is a scientist and lives in the future but has always seeked a love like the one she experienced with her parents. But companionship like that no longer exists, and the only way to have something even resembling that is through a manupartner. K8 hates the idea of having a "flesh robot" as she calls it but one drunken night on her birthday, she ends up ordering one. Will it be just as she has assumed or will she be proven wrong?

James is from the past, remembers a plane crash but nothing more than that at the beginning. When he wakes up in front of a beautiful woman (K8), he assumes the worst and thinks he has been kidnapped as some sort of hazing ritual. When he finally comes to terms with the fact that he is in the future and nothing is the same as he last remembers, he has a choice to make. Will he continue to stay trapped in the past or use his second chance to make something even better of himself?

Now I want to take a moment to thank @authorjmwaldrop for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. While your book is not one I would have normally picked up, I am so happy that I took the chance. It really is a fun read and I enjoyed every minute of this book.

[Amber Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sci-fi, dystopian romance was unexpected but enjoyable. In the distant future, where humans no longer seek romantic commitments, K8 finds herself an anomaly for wanting to have a human connection with someone. And not the pretend kind, with "manupartners" you program and grow for your companionship needs but a REAL relationship. However, when she drunkenly orders her own manupartner, she's in for a shock when the guy is more than just a "flesh robot" but actually remembers his life. James, too, struggles to accept that he's essentially been reincarnated several hundred years into the future. Now they're on a mission to figure out how to save him from being decommissioned -- and figure out if love still exists this far into the future.

I really appreciated how much K8 (Kate) and James both grew and developed as the story went on. They both learn a lot about what it means to be human, no matter what time period they exist in. It was also interesting to me that the future described seemed "utopic" in theory, with lots of ethical and moral concerns even in this "equalized" society. Like any dystopian novel, it touched on the problems in society, while including elements of a forced-proximity, fake dating kind of romance. I appreciated how developed the setting and society was, and though it was confusing at first, it actually made me connect more with James, who was also learning all about this world for the first time. Overall, the characters were fun, the storyline was intriguing, and the romance was sweet.

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and @JulyHousePublishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so much fun! Grow Your Own Boyfriend had me hooked from the first few pages. Girl drunkenly orders a synthetic boyfriend, wakes up to find a very not obedient, very human man from the future on her doorstep and somehow, Jennifer M. Waldrop turns that wild idea into something surprisingly layered and heartfelt.

K8 is a great FMC, skeptical, messy, and refreshingly self aware. She’s not looking for a fairytale romance, and that’s exactly what makes her dynamic with James so compelling. James isn’t the perfect, pre-programmed dream guy; he’s sarcastic, flawed, and clinging to survival in a world that’s clearly left him behind. Their chemistry is fire from the beginning and watching them slowly navigate their fake turned real relationship was both hilarious and genuinely emotional.

What I didn’t expect was how much heart and depth this story had. It’s not just about romance, it’s about autonomy, identity, and what it means to be “real” in a world full of manufactured connections.

If you're into sci-fi romance with sharp writing, a dash of dystopia, and characters who feel like real, messy humans (even the synthetic ones), this book is the one for you! Just don’t be surprised if all of a sudden, you're feeling all the feels.

4.25 Stars!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The atmosphere was giving me mixed vibes between Altered Carbon Netflix show & the Uglies series, which is why I’m giving this three stars. I was enjoying it, especially the complex dynamics between the two mcs & their respective timelines, but then the flow of the character arcs & the plot lost its appeal to me.

I thought how K8 handled & lied about her finances, especially after demanding James’ trust in the fact she had the first extension covered, was too immature for her character. It didn’t fit. And then she has the audacity to get mad at him because he called her out on her lack of apology & then her shitty attempt at an apology — all while he’s panicking about his possibly pending doom.

My only issue with James was that he switched too quickly from being appalled/shocked to wanting to woo K8. The emotional growth between them wasn’t what I would’ve liked. They spent days without communicating much with each other in more than one instance, & that’s pretty lame to read about in a romance with adults.

Viper’s role & reasoning for causing this issue in James’ plan wasn’t convincing for me. I’m not sure what I wanted in terms of the plot, but all the business talk & scheming made me lose interest. So when the progression between their relationship got awkward in a way that felt disingenuous to me, I decided to stop.

DNF ~80%

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightfully unexpected read! I went into this book thinking it would be light and quirky—and it is—but it also surprised me with its depth and heart.

The author weaves a story that blends humor, romance, and a touch of darkness in a way that’s completely addictive. K8, our heroine, wants something real in a world that thrives on artificial perfection, and that longing for a genuine connection drives the heart of this book. Her interactions with the “manupartner” she never expected to want are layered with wit, warmth, and just the right amount of emotional tension.

I also loved how the story explored what it truly means to love someone for who they are, flaws and all, while giving readers fun sci-fi elements and a creative world that’s easy to visualize. The pacing was spot-on—I never felt like the story dragged, and by the end, I was completely invested in seeing where these characters would go next.

If you enjoy quirky, romantic sci-fi with heart, this book is a must-read. Thank you to Ms. Nicole Kincaid PA, Naughty Nook PR, and Jennifer M. Waldrop for providing me this ARC—I’ll be eagerly awaiting more books in this series!

[Judy W · Rating 3 out of 5]

The future doesn't look too bright. The air is inhospitable and used as a form of suicide and the government assigns you friends complete with reviews. On the plus side you can live a couple hundred years and still look like your in your late twenties. K8 lives in this world and though she has a good paying job and likes her assigned friends she is lonely. There will be no children unless she wins the birth lottery. In this world you can 'grow' yourself a boyfriend/companion from one of several companies and if you don't like them you can return then for recycling. K8 drunkenly orders one and when she can't return it she uses it. These companions are made of cloned tissue and when James wakes up he still has the memories from his previous life. James was a driven, successful and ultra rich business man with a grumpy attitude. He wants to figure out how to get out of this situation. K8 is a little too passive here but she agrees they need James out of the system before the company suspects anything. This started out really strong but there was a bit of a sag near the end. This close to 4 stars for me but the story didn't quite meet its potential...for me.

[Stacey Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 — 3.75 Stars

Okay, hear me out. Imagine a future where, instead of swiping left on 4,327 profiles just to end up with a “u up?” text at 2 a.m., you could literally… grow your own boyfriend. That’s the playful premise here, and honestly? It’s a mood.

As a fantasy girlie who thrives on dragons, curses, and political intrigue, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel diving into this sci-fi-meets-romcom vibe. And while it was a fun read with a fresh take on modern loneliness and connection, there were a few slower patches for me where I found myself wishing the plot would kick into higher gear. Totally possible that’s just my brain missing sword fights and magic portals, though.

That said, the concept is clever, the future-dating commentary is sharp, and the main character’s journey hits on that universal longing for companionship—without getting too heavy. If you’re in the mood for something witty, a little weird (in a good way), and unlike the standard romcom formula, this might just be your next binge.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book is for you if you like a little Twilight Zone mixed in with your romance. It's a fun read that’s a quirky, romantic take on what the future might be like.

In 2035, billionaire James Fletcher dies in a plane crash just as he’s reaching the pinnacle of his achievements. Fast-forward to 2390, where scientist K8 is disillusioned by a superficial society content to have flesh robots as romantic partners. She wants more, so imagine her chagrin when she receives the male companion she drunkenly ordered online. Even more surprising, the man wakes up with memories, agency, and no desire to be anyone’s programmed partner.

I liked this story from the start. It reminded me of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits episode with its great blend of science fiction, romance, and tension. The chemistry between two flawed characters thrown into an unpredictable situation is sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating. The emotional stakes and quirky side characters kept me entertained, and the resolution was satisfying. I look forward to seeing these characters again in book two.

Thank you to @authorjmwaldrop and @booksirens for this eARC.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dystopian sci-fi with many a moment of laugh-out-loud ridiculousness. This was a refreshingly unique combination of futurism, slow-burn age gap romance, fake dating, “enemY-to-lovers” (enemies is a very strong word lol), and race-against-time.

But my GOD, was the emotionally stunted FMC insufferable (and the MMC wasn’t much better, mind you). My original empathy for her wore thin, and I found myself wanting to rush through the story as it did - I was going to scream if I had to endure another scene involving her bursting into tears at her big age of 86.

On the other hand, the story did a great job fleshing out the emotions involved in the normal human desire for romantic connection. The loneliness, the insecurity, the self-loathing when the fairytale just isn’t happening. I think this human experience, personified, is poignant for many young adults, even more so in our current 21st-century, romance-obsessed world.

And period @ the discussion of wealth hoarding and there being no ethical billionaires. 🤏🏿

[Deanna DeCesare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in the future and things are a little different. K8 wants to find real love but it no longer exists. K8 orders a Manupartner kit after getting drunk on her birthday. A Manupartner is basically a customizable GROW your own boyfriend but this one is different and has memories from before he died.

James was a billionaire before he died in a plane crash and his body was donated to science. He wants to come up with a plan to help prevent him from becoming "recycled" but its not as easy as his past life. He has no skills that transfer to the future other than boxing illegally.

K8's dream is to become a Mom and hopefully fall in love with the Father of the baby. But the only way to have a baby is if you win the lottery. When things get down to the wire and K8 finally wins the lottery she has to choose between the man she fell in love with or the dream of having a baby.

I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Jennifer Belke · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I do like Science Fiction, it is not always my favorite. Unfortunately, that was the case for this book. I read this as I had just finished Love Hypothesis and heard it was supposed to be similar. A lot of the topics that were explored were different and fun, such as Birthing Agency’s and the less than inhabitable world. But it felt long and slow until about the last 100 pages where it picked up. At times, the POV changes hindered my understanding of characters (especially the names with the different spellings) causing me to reread pages. I did enjoy the idea of a second chance/redemption story. Overall, it was a good story. I just struggled with really falling in love with the book.

If you love dystopian/science fiction books with a happy ending, then you should definitely give this one a try!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Greer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not much into sci-fi, but this book was a pleasant surprise. This takes place 300 yrs in the future. This is a science fiction dystopian romance. This is in a time that traditional relationships are a thing of the past. Humans no longer seek romantic commitments, but the main female character longs for a human connection like her parents had years ago. After a night of drinking, K8, decides she wants a partner with specific characteristics. So K8 decides to use the Grow program and orders a manupartner, but after a manufacturing glitch it soon brings her a man from 2035 named James.
Coming from different worlds causes many challenges but they sacrifice and work together to make this relationship work before the 3 month expiration date arrives.

Dark Romcom
Futuristic
Fake dating
Age Gap
A little spice
Banter
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity