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Always the Boyfriend
"Always the Boyfriend had me grinning, giggling, and occasionally yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY!” at my Kindle." - a Goodreads reviewer
"I ATE this up! I seriously could not put this down." - a Goodreads reviewer A winning lottery ticket.
A threatening message.
A…catnapping?
Hazel Jacobs is a self-proclaimed hot mess. She’d be the first to tell you she’s not the tidiest person, nor the most responsible. And sure, maybe she is all over the place. But for the most part, she’s kept it together.
Until now.
Just when she’d thought her luck was finally turning around, boom—she’s being threatened. Now, her life is officially in shambles. It all feels hopeless—until she meets Reid Mitchell.
Reid loves a good routine, is a tiny bit uptight, and has been known to obsessively color-code his fridge. Oh, and he also has a small amateur-sleuthing hobby. When his sister asks him to help her coworker, Hazel, he can’t say no.
Hazel blows in like a hurricane at first, but the more Reid gets to know her, the more he comes to realize that letting her down is not an option.
So despite being complete opposites, the two become unlikely comrades in solving a crime. Will they be able to figure it out? Will their personalities clash? Or will the growing attraction between them become too distracting…
Authors Absolutely no cats come to harm or even experience an ounce of discomfort throughout this book.
"I ATE this up! I seriously could not put this down." - a Goodreads reviewer A winning lottery ticket.
A threatening message.
A…catnapping?
Hazel Jacobs is a self-proclaimed hot mess. She’d be the first to tell you she’s not the tidiest person, nor the most responsible. And sure, maybe she is all over the place. But for the most part, she’s kept it together.
Until now.
Just when she’d thought her luck was finally turning around, boom—she’s being threatened. Now, her life is officially in shambles. It all feels hopeless—until she meets Reid Mitchell.
Reid loves a good routine, is a tiny bit uptight, and has been known to obsessively color-code his fridge. Oh, and he also has a small amateur-sleuthing hobby. When his sister asks him to help her coworker, Hazel, he can’t say no.
Hazel blows in like a hurricane at first, but the more Reid gets to know her, the more he comes to realize that letting her down is not an option.
So despite being complete opposites, the two become unlikely comrades in solving a crime. Will they be able to figure it out? Will their personalities clash? Or will the growing attraction between them become too distracting…
Authors Absolutely no cats come to harm or even experience an ounce of discomfort throughout this book.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
About the author
Allison Speka
23 books717 followersAllison Speka's stories are light on the spice and heavy on the banter. She delivers realistic characters that you'll instantly root for, taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. With moments of passion, humor, and a fast-paced plot, her books will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put them down.
Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka
Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.
Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop
Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka
Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.
Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
November 17, 2025
I had so much fun with this book! It had everything you could want…nerdy MMC, forced proximity, CATS!!! This cozy mystery rom com left me feeling so giggly and happy
October 18, 2025
This book was so refreshing. It was not what I was expecting but in the best way. Forced proximity, a mystery to solve, and tons of Gilmore Girl vibes. The MMC and FMC make this book so engaging and hard to put down. If you are looking for a quick, quality read or need a pallet cleanser, I highly recommend Always the Boyfriend. Receives as an ARC but will 100% be purchasing a hard copy for my library!
October 21, 2025
My first ever ARC review!!
I loved this book!! Not only did we get an adorable romance but we also got a fun mystery that kept my interest the entire time! I genuinely think Reid may be my top MMC from Allison thus far!!! He very much gave me Spencer Reid vibes from Criminal Minds so I ate that shit right up. The FMC Hazel was such a refreshing character to read! She was very relatable & realistic in the sense that she would be super confident one second and then doubting herself the next. Overall I loved this story & these characters and I really hope she writes another focusing on Ruby & West!!! 🤩
I loved this book!! Not only did we get an adorable romance but we also got a fun mystery that kept my interest the entire time! I genuinely think Reid may be my top MMC from Allison thus far!!! He very much gave me Spencer Reid vibes from Criminal Minds so I ate that shit right up. The FMC Hazel was such a refreshing character to read! She was very relatable & realistic in the sense that she would be super confident one second and then doubting herself the next. Overall I loved this story & these characters and I really hope she writes another focusing on Ruby & West!!! 🤩
January 15, 2026
ARC Review 🖤 | 4.5 ⭐️
Such a good story! It had me smiling the entire time I was reading. I completely fell in love with the characters and could truly relate to them. Their dynamic felt so real—just like my husband and me: me being all over the place and a hot mess, and him working in IT, always on top of everything and having it all together.
Thank you so much for the ARC—I truly enjoyed reading it! ✨📖
Such a good story! It had me smiling the entire time I was reading. I completely fell in love with the characters and could truly relate to them. Their dynamic felt so real—just like my husband and me: me being all over the place and a hot mess, and him working in IT, always on top of everything and having it all together.
Thank you so much for the ARC—I truly enjoyed reading it! ✨📖
December 30, 2025
I am realizing that these silly little novellas may just not be for me? Whenever things are set in the real world, everything just takes on a weird tacky facade that I can’t fully immerse in. Literally everything is so cringey about this.
Unfortunately I am a lover and a hopeless romantic, so I fear a cozy little apartment romance doesn’t get me like a fantasy confession at sword point does.
It was a sweet and sappy story, but I can’t stand Hazel because I am too much like Reid. Unlike Reid, though, I am apparently not willing to let chaos into my life unless it has first been approved by me.
I think this book spreads propaganda that introverts need to become more outgoing. The real problem is that extroverts need to stop crossing boundaries and be quiet for once !!!! (i’m joking but only halfway)
Unfortunately I am a lover and a hopeless romantic, so I fear a cozy little apartment romance doesn’t get me like a fantasy confession at sword point does.
It was a sweet and sappy story, but I can’t stand Hazel because I am too much like Reid. Unlike Reid, though, I am apparently not willing to let chaos into my life unless it has first been approved by me.
I think this book spreads propaganda that introverts need to become more outgoing. The real problem is that extroverts need to stop crossing boundaries and be quiet for once !!!! (i’m joking but only halfway)
November 5, 2025
4.5 stars super cute! rtc
October 20, 2025
This is such a fun, cute read. From the very beginning, we've got a lottery-winning FMC, a cat-napping, and a new acquaintance with a penchant for amateur crime solving. Hazel was so relatable to me, which might be because I'm also a naturally messy person who lived with my grandmother at her age. My heart ached for her to find the love she deserved. And she and Reid were so cute with their opposites-attract energy. There were a few times I giggled out loud, and I was surprised when we discovered whodunit. The side characters were fun, too. I hope we’re getting a brother’s best friend story next!
Thank you to the author for the advanced release copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for the advanced release copy. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
Another hit from Allison Speka!
This book has everything you could want in a romcom. The sweetest MMC, a perfectly herself FMC, and a little bit of mystery? What more do you need! The chemistry between all of the characters felt so natural. Nothing was forced between the MCs or any of the supporting characters.
I’m so thankful to have received an ARC of this and I can’t wait for everyone else to fall in love with Reid and Hazel like I did.
This book has everything you could want in a romcom. The sweetest MMC, a perfectly herself FMC, and a little bit of mystery? What more do you need! The chemistry between all of the characters felt so natural. Nothing was forced between the MCs or any of the supporting characters.
I’m so thankful to have received an ARC of this and I can’t wait for everyone else to fall in love with Reid and Hazel like I did.
November 11, 2025
4.5* rounded up!
Want to Read
November 4, 2026skip the second halves of ch24 & ch26
October 27, 2025
When I say this book is a perfect mix of humor, heart, and a hint of mystery, I mean it truly strikes the right balance between making you laugh, feel, and stay intrigued.
The humor comes naturally through Hazel’s chaotic energy and witty dialogue. She’s delightfully relatable in her imperfections, and her interactions with Reid often lead to laugh-out-loud moments. Whether it’s her unfiltered honesty or her knack for getting into ridiculous situations, her charm keeps the tone light and entertaining.
The heart shines through in the growing connection between Hazel and Reid. Beneath the humor, there’s a tender story about two people learning to trust and lean on each other. Reid’s steady, methodical nature perfectly complements Hazel’s spontaneity, and watching them slowly break down each other’s walls gives the story real emotional depth.
And then there’s the hint of mystery—just enough to keep you turning pages. The threatening message and catnapping add an element of suspense without ever overshadowing the romance. It’s a cozy, low-stakes mystery that enhances the story rather than dominating it.
Together, these elements create a feel-good story that’s both funny and heartfelt, with a sprinkle of intrigue to keep it exciting. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished the last page.
The humor comes naturally through Hazel’s chaotic energy and witty dialogue. She’s delightfully relatable in her imperfections, and her interactions with Reid often lead to laugh-out-loud moments. Whether it’s her unfiltered honesty or her knack for getting into ridiculous situations, her charm keeps the tone light and entertaining.
The heart shines through in the growing connection between Hazel and Reid. Beneath the humor, there’s a tender story about two people learning to trust and lean on each other. Reid’s steady, methodical nature perfectly complements Hazel’s spontaneity, and watching them slowly break down each other’s walls gives the story real emotional depth.
And then there’s the hint of mystery—just enough to keep you turning pages. The threatening message and catnapping add an element of suspense without ever overshadowing the romance. It’s a cozy, low-stakes mystery that enhances the story rather than dominating it.
Together, these elements create a feel-good story that’s both funny and heartfelt, with a sprinkle of intrigue to keep it exciting. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished the last page.
November 19, 2025
My 3rd Allison Speaka book and her first cozy mystery genre.
I’m finding that I really like Cozy Mystery. This was about a catnapping. The FMC is a hot mess and the MMC is strict in his ways, but somehow someway, they balance eachother out.
I found the pacing pretty solid, kept my attention at the beginning and I genuinely wanted to find out who took the cat.
Not my favorite cozy mystery, but still a good read. Oh, and it takes place in October/November/December so it’s a good fall read!
I’m finding that I really like Cozy Mystery. This was about a catnapping. The FMC is a hot mess and the MMC is strict in his ways, but somehow someway, they balance eachother out.
I found the pacing pretty solid, kept my attention at the beginning and I genuinely wanted to find out who took the cat.
Not my favorite cozy mystery, but still a good read. Oh, and it takes place in October/November/December so it’s a good fall read!
October 27, 2025
This was such a fun cozy RomCom. Allison never disappoints with her stories. The humor and characters in this book are absolutely hilarious. You get polar opposites, he is a neat freak and she's a mess, they end up forced together in one house and the tension is amazing!! The way these two thrive off of each others ways by the end of the book 🤌Sprinkle in a little mystery around a cat napping and you've got yourself the perfect book.
October 31, 2025
Another ARC I received from Allison Speka and her books always are amazing!!
Always the Boyfriend is probably in my top 3 Allison Speka books. love a cozy mystery element-I thought I had it figured out but I did not, so that’s an even bigger plus!! Reid & Hazel were incredible: Hazel has a special place in my heart and I adore her and Reid is just the best cinnamon roll boyfriend ever!
Always the Boyfriend is probably in my top 3 Allison Speka books. love a cozy mystery element-I thought I had it figured out but I did not, so that’s an even bigger plus!! Reid & Hazel were incredible: Hazel has a special place in my heart and I adore her and Reid is just the best cinnamon roll boyfriend ever!
October 28, 2025
The very first ARC I have ever received and my third book by this author! I adored Reid and Hazel’s story as they tried to figure out who took Vermont. This was such an enjoyable read and I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the rest of Allison’s books.
October 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book an feel honored to be an ARC reader! Hazel and Reid easily became one of my favorite couples and their story was all the good things!! I can’t wait to read more of her books because her writing style is my favorite kind!! AAAAA+++++
November 2, 2025
*ARC Reader Review*
It's been a minute since I've ARC read anything, and I want to start off by saying thank you to Allison for being kind enough to send me an E-copy of her latest romance novel! I do feel like the story went off-track for a while; I forgot the whole reason these characters even met because of it (it plays a crucial part in the plot).
I wish we'd delved deeper into the mystery plot since that was what started this whole novel in the first place. The person who was the culprit didn't make enough sense. It felt like a quick decision--in which I wasn't mad about--but it felt like, out of all the motives from different suspects, that was the weakest.
I also wish we'd had some closure with the best friend of our FMC. Maybe I'm just being nitpicky, but that's just how I felt while reading.
Now, for the romance. I feel like these two were such a good couple and had amazing development. The forced proximity, the tension, the mystery, it was the perfect setup for their love story. Allison has always done an amazing job when it comes to tension and romance, and doesn't rely heavily on the spice scenes. (Thankfully, there is only one, and it wasn't that intense, I feel, so it was easy to skip.)
I definitely think this is worth the read and the perfect way to start November! <3
It's been a minute since I've ARC read anything, and I want to start off by saying thank you to Allison for being kind enough to send me an E-copy of her latest romance novel! I do feel like the story went off-track for a while; I forgot the whole reason these characters even met because of it (it plays a crucial part in the plot).
I wish we'd delved deeper into the mystery plot since that was what started this whole novel in the first place. The person who was the culprit didn't make enough sense. It felt like a quick decision--in which I wasn't mad about--but it felt like, out of all the motives from different suspects, that was the weakest.
I also wish we'd had some closure with the best friend of our FMC. Maybe I'm just being nitpicky, but that's just how I felt while reading.
Now, for the romance. I feel like these two were such a good couple and had amazing development. The forced proximity, the tension, the mystery, it was the perfect setup for their love story. Allison has always done an amazing job when it comes to tension and romance, and doesn't rely heavily on the spice scenes. (Thankfully, there is only one, and it wasn't that intense, I feel, so it was easy to skip.)
I definitely think this is worth the read and the perfect way to start November! <3
October 27, 2025
This was so cute and fun! And every time I thought I had solved the mystery I was so very wrong 😂
If you like opposites attract and nerdy cinnamon roll MMCs, you should check out this book!
If you like opposites attract and nerdy cinnamon roll MMCs, you should check out this book!
September 23, 2026
It was a cute book, different than I usually read but definitely loved the slow burn in it!
October 28, 2026
10/10 would recommend
October 29, 2025
**ARC REVIEW / POTENTIAL SPOILERS **
First of all, a huge thank you to Allison (again!) for allowing me to read an ARC of her newest book that comes out in November!
If you like a cozy mystery romcom with a hint of spice, sibling/friend banter, fall/winter vibes, love/hate relationships with characters… This one is for you!
First of all, a huge thank you to Allison (again!) for allowing me to read an ARC of her newest book that comes out in November!
If you like a cozy mystery romcom with a hint of spice, sibling/friend banter, fall/winter vibes, love/hate relationships with characters… This one is for you!
November 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC. It’s a cutesy mystery with a side of forced proximity and sleuthing. Though a little predictable at times, I enjoyed it. The characters were well-written and I thought it was a pretty fast-paced story. Would recommend to anyone looking for a quick, fun romantic mystery!
October 15, 2026
I adored this book
Loved every minute of this book
All the warm and fuzzies
Lots of laughter and love between the characters
Adorable story
Loved every minute of this book
All the warm and fuzzies
Lots of laughter and love between the characters
Adorable story
May 14, 2026
Allison Speka graduated deans list top honors at the Emily Henry school of writing romance books and I love it.
November 12, 2025
Always the Boyfriend is a fun opposites attract amateur sleuthing book that beautifully addresses what it means to lose and make friends as adults while showing how love can bloom after loss.
Content Ratings:
violence: G
substances: G
language: PG13
romance: R
overall: R
PG13 if you skip the second halves of ch24 & ch26
3 stars for me means I would totally recommend it to others who enjoy the genre! Releasing soon!!
This is a voluntary ARC review.
Content Ratings:
violence: G
substances: G
language: PG13
romance: R
overall: R
PG13 if you skip the second halves of ch24 & ch26
3 stars for me means I would totally recommend it to others who enjoy the genre! Releasing soon!!
This is a voluntary ARC review.
November 12, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
Book Title: Always the Boyfriend
Author: Allison Speka
Release Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Genre: Romance
Breaking and entering...
into each other's hearts.
A winning lottery ticket.
A threatening message.
A…catnapping?
Hazel Jacobs is a self-proclaimed hot mess. She’d be the first to tell you she’s not the tidiest person, nor the most responsible. And sure, maybe she is all over the place. But for the most part, she’s kept it together.
Until now.
Just when she’d thought her luck was finally turning around, boom—she’s being threatened. Now, her life is officially in shambles. It all feels hopeless—until she meets Reid Mitchell.
Reid loves a good routine, is a tiny bit uptight, and has been known to obsessively color-code his fridge. Oh, and he also has a small amateur-sleuthing hobby. When his sister asks him to help her coworker, Hazel, he can’t say no.
Hazel blows in like a hurricane at first, but the more Reid gets to know her, the more he comes to realize that letting her down is not an option.
So despite being complete opposites, the two become unlikely comrades in solving a crime. Will they be able to figure it out? Will their personalities clash? Or will the growing attraction between them become too distracting…
Tropes:
● Opposites Attract
● Forced Proximity
● Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Review: First of all, I’d like to thank the author Allison Speka and Book funnel for sending me ebook ARC and giving me the opportunity to read this book. I appreciated the emotional depth woven throughout the story. There were moments that genuinely moved me, and a few twists I didn’t see coming.
Always the Boyfriend is an opposites attract, forced proximity, and a cozy mystery. The romance and chemistry between Hazel and Reid was adorable and cute, this book was a refreshing quick read. It was a 4 star read for me and I liked the book.
However, there were a few parts that felt a bit slow, especially in the middle chapters. Some of the side characters could’ve used a bit more development, and I occasionally got lost in the world’s lore. I also felt bad for Hazel and could somewhat relate to her character.
Book Title: Always the Boyfriend
Author: Allison Speka
Release Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Genre: Romance
Breaking and entering...
into each other's hearts.
A winning lottery ticket.
A threatening message.
A…catnapping?
Hazel Jacobs is a self-proclaimed hot mess. She’d be the first to tell you she’s not the tidiest person, nor the most responsible. And sure, maybe she is all over the place. But for the most part, she’s kept it together.
Until now.
Just when she’d thought her luck was finally turning around, boom—she’s being threatened. Now, her life is officially in shambles. It all feels hopeless—until she meets Reid Mitchell.
Reid loves a good routine, is a tiny bit uptight, and has been known to obsessively color-code his fridge. Oh, and he also has a small amateur-sleuthing hobby. When his sister asks him to help her coworker, Hazel, he can’t say no.
Hazel blows in like a hurricane at first, but the more Reid gets to know her, the more he comes to realize that letting her down is not an option.
So despite being complete opposites, the two become unlikely comrades in solving a crime. Will they be able to figure it out? Will their personalities clash? Or will the growing attraction between them become too distracting…
Tropes:
● Opposites Attract
● Forced Proximity
● Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Review: First of all, I’d like to thank the author Allison Speka and Book funnel for sending me ebook ARC and giving me the opportunity to read this book. I appreciated the emotional depth woven throughout the story. There were moments that genuinely moved me, and a few twists I didn’t see coming.
Always the Boyfriend is an opposites attract, forced proximity, and a cozy mystery. The romance and chemistry between Hazel and Reid was adorable and cute, this book was a refreshing quick read. It was a 4 star read for me and I liked the book.
However, there were a few parts that felt a bit slow, especially in the middle chapters. Some of the side characters could’ve used a bit more development, and I occasionally got lost in the world’s lore. I also felt bad for Hazel and could somewhat relate to her character.
December 29, 2025
3.5 Stars
When your cat goes missing and you're getting extorted for a large sum of money, who is the #1 suspect? It's always the boyfriend! Or so Reid Mitchell thinks. He’s takes on sleuthing cases in his spare time with the help of his online friends, and this theory has proven correct on many occasions.
Will it be the case when he’s asked to help his sister’s friend Hazel, who blows into his life after her cat, Vermont, is catnapped from in front of her building and then offered up for ransom?
A self-proclaimed hot-mess, Hazel Jacobs, challenges Reid’s buttoned up personality in all the best ways as they work together to solve the case of her missing Grandmother’s cat. The two of them on paper don’t work if compared side by side, but the author writes them so well that they complement each other in the best ways. It’s endearing and sweet to watch the protective side of Reid come out as he looks out for Hazel. In return Hazel is helping Reid become flexible and live a bit more spontaneously, out of his comfort zone a bit.
The premise of this story, a cat gone missing and being held for ransom, seemed plausible in the description, but in execution it lacked the true mystery I was hoping for. It felt drawn out a bit too long, the pacing of the story as it pertained to the mystery just didn’t work for me. When all was revealed, it was anti-climactic for all the build up.
As for their relationship, I was pleased with how things worked out between Reid and Hazel. It could have been insta-love, but at times I wanted to jump into the book and shake them and make them kiss already!!
When your cat goes missing and you're getting extorted for a large sum of money, who is the #1 suspect? It's always the boyfriend! Or so Reid Mitchell thinks. He’s takes on sleuthing cases in his spare time with the help of his online friends, and this theory has proven correct on many occasions.
Will it be the case when he’s asked to help his sister’s friend Hazel, who blows into his life after her cat, Vermont, is catnapped from in front of her building and then offered up for ransom?
A self-proclaimed hot-mess, Hazel Jacobs, challenges Reid’s buttoned up personality in all the best ways as they work together to solve the case of her missing Grandmother’s cat. The two of them on paper don’t work if compared side by side, but the author writes them so well that they complement each other in the best ways. It’s endearing and sweet to watch the protective side of Reid come out as he looks out for Hazel. In return Hazel is helping Reid become flexible and live a bit more spontaneously, out of his comfort zone a bit.
The premise of this story, a cat gone missing and being held for ransom, seemed plausible in the description, but in execution it lacked the true mystery I was hoping for. It felt drawn out a bit too long, the pacing of the story as it pertained to the mystery just didn’t work for me. When all was revealed, it was anti-climactic for all the build up.
As for their relationship, I was pleased with how things worked out between Reid and Hazel. It could have been insta-love, but at times I wanted to jump into the book and shake them and make them kiss already!!
February 26, 2026
This was the perfect book to read during a cold winter day, it radiated such cozy energy and felt like a familiar friend. I had the pleasure of ARC reading this before Christmas and I have actually since read it again (which I never do!) Which is where this review comes in.
Hazel was such a fun character to me, she was eccentric, didn't care what people thought of her and was often careless. It was interesting to see her gain self confidence throughout the book with the help of Reid and she even picked up a few good habits like finally learning how to tidy a house. It was a slow burn romance for her and Reid, perhaps a little quicker for Hazel as she had the initial attraction to Reid, but it was so cute to read the two realize they were more than friends.
Reid is the reason why I re-read again, he is the perfect book boyfriend! I loved the opposites attract aspect of the romance, Reid was so straight laced and afraid of chaos in his life, but incomes Hazel with her thrift shop trinkets and blue hair - she brought colour to his ordinary life. I loved his little true crime blog family and how they knew he was down bad for Hazel before he did 🤣. Reid was also so respectful towards Hazel, he never overstepped boundaries and was very patient. I loved seeing him get overprotective and jealous! Plus he also wears glasses 👀 one of my favourite microtropes.
Overall, this book had everything I could have asked for in a sweet romance. Even though I already knew the outcome of the catnapping on the second read, it didn't make the story boring, I was totally there for the cute chemistry and banter.
Hazel was such a fun character to me, she was eccentric, didn't care what people thought of her and was often careless. It was interesting to see her gain self confidence throughout the book with the help of Reid and she even picked up a few good habits like finally learning how to tidy a house. It was a slow burn romance for her and Reid, perhaps a little quicker for Hazel as she had the initial attraction to Reid, but it was so cute to read the two realize they were more than friends.
Reid is the reason why I re-read again, he is the perfect book boyfriend! I loved the opposites attract aspect of the romance, Reid was so straight laced and afraid of chaos in his life, but incomes Hazel with her thrift shop trinkets and blue hair - she brought colour to his ordinary life. I loved his little true crime blog family and how they knew he was down bad for Hazel before he did 🤣. Reid was also so respectful towards Hazel, he never overstepped boundaries and was very patient. I loved seeing him get overprotective and jealous! Plus he also wears glasses 👀 one of my favourite microtropes.
Overall, this book had everything I could have asked for in a sweet romance. Even though I already knew the outcome of the catnapping on the second read, it didn't make the story boring, I was totally there for the cute chemistry and banter.
October 20, 2025
This is such a fun and cozy read that is perfect for fall! If you like a romcom that has light spice, good banter, some mystery, and relatable characters, this is for you! This is my first book by Allison, and I was so excited to be able to get an early copy to read.
Hazel is the definition of "hot mess express" and just doesn't seem to have the best of luck. She is down in the dumps with how things in her life have gone recently, such as the loss of her grandmother, who was her only family. Hazel thought her luck was turning around when she won the lottery the day of her grandmother's funeral, however, that was short lived when her grandmothers beloved cat was stolen, and Hazel was being extorted for her lottery winnings. In comes Reid, who is the absolute sweetest, but also so rigid and set in his ways. These two were the perfect "opposites attract" couple! Reid works in IT for a bank but is part of an online cold case crime solving group. He starts working with Hazel to solve the mystery of who took the cat.
The balance between the banter and the emotional moments that tend to sneak up was perfect. I loved the mystery that was intwined in this book and was totally surprised with the outcome! I cannot forget the wonderful family aspect as well with Reid's family.
This was a refreshing read I definitely recommend that you add to your fall TBR. I will definitely be checking out Allison's other books!
Hazel is the definition of "hot mess express" and just doesn't seem to have the best of luck. She is down in the dumps with how things in her life have gone recently, such as the loss of her grandmother, who was her only family. Hazel thought her luck was turning around when she won the lottery the day of her grandmother's funeral, however, that was short lived when her grandmothers beloved cat was stolen, and Hazel was being extorted for her lottery winnings. In comes Reid, who is the absolute sweetest, but also so rigid and set in his ways. These two were the perfect "opposites attract" couple! Reid works in IT for a bank but is part of an online cold case crime solving group. He starts working with Hazel to solve the mystery of who took the cat.
The balance between the banter and the emotional moments that tend to sneak up was perfect. I loved the mystery that was intwined in this book and was totally surprised with the outcome! I cannot forget the wonderful family aspect as well with Reid's family.
This was a refreshing read I definitely recommend that you add to your fall TBR. I will definitely be checking out Allison's other books!
October 17, 2025
I’m over the moon overjoyed after reading Always the Boyfriend! I discovered this author’s books a couple of months ago and devoured the Key Ridge series, so I jumped on this upcoming new release.
Always the Boyfriend delivers an absolute delight of a romance. You get your cinnamon-roll MMC, your hot mess FMC, forced proximity and only one bed, and on top of all these, there’s a mystery to solve!
Hazel is insecure about how chaotic her life has become, she has no family in the wake of her beloved grandmother's passing, and now her inherited cat has been stolen, the catnapper demanding a huge chunk of her soon-to-be-received lottery ticket winnings. Reid, the straitlaced guy with a penchant for solving crime from behind a computer screen, steps in to help Hazel identify the person attempting to extort her, and in the process, their opposite personalities find a way to coexist. In fact, they’re not just coexisting…they’re becoming friends, and maybe even something more than friends.
I adored every bit of this novel. It’s like a warm blanket and a cup of hot cider on a chilly fall day—romance lovers will want to return to this one again and again. Reid and Hazel and their friends and his family are characters that feel completely real. Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Always the Boyfriend delivers an absolute delight of a romance. You get your cinnamon-roll MMC, your hot mess FMC, forced proximity and only one bed, and on top of all these, there’s a mystery to solve!
Hazel is insecure about how chaotic her life has become, she has no family in the wake of her beloved grandmother's passing, and now her inherited cat has been stolen, the catnapper demanding a huge chunk of her soon-to-be-received lottery ticket winnings. Reid, the straitlaced guy with a penchant for solving crime from behind a computer screen, steps in to help Hazel identify the person attempting to extort her, and in the process, their opposite personalities find a way to coexist. In fact, they’re not just coexisting…they’re becoming friends, and maybe even something more than friends.
I adored every bit of this novel. It’s like a warm blanket and a cup of hot cider on a chilly fall day—romance lovers will want to return to this one again and again. Reid and Hazel and their friends and his family are characters that feel completely real. Thanks to the author for the ARC!
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