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Boy Friends
How do you close the space between boy friends?
Luca has secretly been in love with Simo for as long as he can remember. He wishes he knew how to tell Simo the truth, but he's terrified that it will mean losing his best friend.
When an anonymous message on the town noticeboard announces that SIMO AND LUCA ARE IN LOVE, the boys are forced to confront their deepest feelings for one another.
Figuring out their feelings is hard enough, even without getting shipped by an entire town. One thing's for nothing will be the same again. Is their friendship set to break or can they close the gap between boy friends.
Curl up and prepare to be swept away by this cosy, beautiful love story perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Sophie Gonzales.
Luca has secretly been in love with Simo for as long as he can remember. He wishes he knew how to tell Simo the truth, but he's terrified that it will mean losing his best friend.
When an anonymous message on the town noticeboard announces that SIMO AND LUCA ARE IN LOVE, the boys are forced to confront their deepest feelings for one another.
Figuring out their feelings is hard enough, even without getting shipped by an entire town. One thing's for nothing will be the same again. Is their friendship set to break or can they close the gap between boy friends.
Curl up and prepare to be swept away by this cosy, beautiful love story perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Sophie Gonzales.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2026
About the author
Kai Spellmeier
8 books14.7k followersKai Spellmeier studied Literature in Berlin and Edinburgh. He writes unapologetically queer books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 12, 2025
you’ll love this book if you like:
- sorrowful poets with good hair
- book-shopping as a form of therapy
- Gilmore Girls
- chocolate chip muffins
- boys helplessly in love
- complex family dynamics
you’ll hate this book if you dislike:
- dogs
- the sea
- slow burn romance
- Cate Blanchett or Josh O'Connor
- sorrowful poets with good hair
- book-shopping as a form of therapy
- Gilmore Girls
- chocolate chip muffins
- boys helplessly in love
- complex family dynamics
you’ll hate this book if you dislike:
- dogs
- the sea
- slow burn romance
- Cate Blanchett or Josh O'Connor
March 31, 2026
When you've been using Goodreads for a while, like I have, and reading YA stories, then you’ve probably come across one (or many) of Kai Spellmeier’s reviews. I know I did when I first started using the platform. I devoured his reviews and ended up adding so many of the books he’d read to my TBR—everything from Adam Silvera, Adib Khorram, and Shaun David Hutchinson to Zack Smedley and William Hussey. So when I saw that Kai had written his own book, Boy Friends, I was eager to read it.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into the story. The ARC formatting didn’t work in my favor (those double sentences kept popping up), and the lack of a tense shift during the first flashbacks threw me off a bit. But the more I read, the more I got invested in Luca and Simo’s story. It’s clear that Kai is an avid reader, and it has the feels of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Heartstopper. The bones of Boy Friends are strong: there’s a wonderful relationship between Luca and his very young gay dad, Luca's secret love for Simo, the strained relationship between Simo and his parents, Simo grieving his older brother without talking about it, and the secret message on the notice board.
I did wish for a bit more consistency in some places (Luca never questioned why his dad took his mum’s last name, even though they never married?) and wanted to connect a little more with the side characters (where did Miss M. go for a long time??). I also would have loved spending a bit more time with the boys in certain scenes, rather than cutting them off so quickly. Even though the writing is really beautiful, the cut off scenes made the story sometimes a bit too fragmented for me.
Overall, though, Boy Friends is an adorable and wholesome story, and I loved Kai’s beautiful descriptions of that small coastal town. Those last chapters made me blink and blink until I couldn’t stop the tears. And that ending… I can’t wait to read the second book of this duology that comes out in 2027!
Actual rating somewhere between 3.5 and four stars, but of course rounded up to four.
Thank you Bloomsbury UK and NetGalley, for this great ARC.
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I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into the story. The ARC formatting didn’t work in my favor (those double sentences kept popping up), and the lack of a tense shift during the first flashbacks threw me off a bit. But the more I read, the more I got invested in Luca and Simo’s story. It’s clear that Kai is an avid reader, and it has the feels of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Heartstopper. The bones of Boy Friends are strong: there’s a wonderful relationship between Luca and his very young gay dad, Luca's secret love for Simo, the strained relationship between Simo and his parents, Simo grieving his older brother without talking about it, and the secret message on the notice board.
I did wish for a bit more consistency in some places (Luca never questioned why his dad took his mum’s last name, even though they never married?) and wanted to connect a little more with the side characters (where did Miss M. go for a long time??). I also would have loved spending a bit more time with the boys in certain scenes, rather than cutting them off so quickly. Even though the writing is really beautiful, the cut off scenes made the story sometimes a bit too fragmented for me.
Overall, though, Boy Friends is an adorable and wholesome story, and I loved Kai’s beautiful descriptions of that small coastal town. Those last chapters made me blink and blink until I couldn’t stop the tears. And that ending… I can’t wait to read the second book of this duology that comes out in 2027!
Actual rating somewhere between 3.5 and four stars, but of course rounded up to four.
Thank you Bloomsbury UK and NetGalley, for this great ARC.
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Want to Read
November 5, 2025close enough, welcome back simon vs. the homo sapiens agenda
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you love Heartstopper… *gestures vaguely*
The romance was a bit meh for me to be honest. I actually enjoyed Luca and Simo’s separate storylines more but it was a super easy read overall.
Luca’s father was my favourite character and I aim to achieve as much sass as that man has in my own life.
The ending had a slight cliffhanger… not sure if that means a book 2 or?
I received an advanced copy for free through the publisher (Bloomsbury) and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The romance was a bit meh for me to be honest. I actually enjoyed Luca and Simo’s separate storylines more but it was a super easy read overall.
Luca’s father was my favourite character and I aim to achieve as much sass as that man has in my own life.
The ending had a slight cliffhanger… not sure if that means a book 2 or?
I received an advanced copy for free through the publisher (Bloomsbury) and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
★ thanks to netgalley for providing me an arc of this, in exchange for an honest review! ★
This book follows 10 year long best friends Luca and Simo. Luca has been secretly in love with Simo for as long as he can remember, but he’s convinced the feeling isn’t mutual… until one day, an anonymous post on their town message board claims that Luca and Simo are in love. From there, everything unravels. The story follows the emotional fallout as both boys are forced to confront feelings they’ve been avoiding.
Read if you like:
➛ best friends to lovers
➛ slow burn
➛ sexuality/self-discovery
➛ complex family relationships
➛ small town vibes
➛ first loves
Now onto my thoughts.
I need to be honest: this book frustrated me. A lot.
I was hooked at the start. The premise is strong, the story feels full of heart, and I was especially drawn to Simo. He has this quiet, melancholy depth, and there are hints of internalised homophobia that make his character feel layered and real. He was easily the standout for me, as I tend to connect with characters like that, and I thought he had a lot of potential, (we'll get to him later)
I also quite liked the setting of Lombard, it was charming. The small-town atmosphere felt warm and accepting in a way that was comforting to read. There were definitely moments of sweetness throughout.
Unfortunately, it kind of went downhill from there.
I didn’t hate this book, but I also don’t think it was particularly good. The biggest issue for me was the writing, I don't know if it was because I had an arc copy so I don't know if that played a part but this felt like more of a formatting issue, The story at it's core felt fragmented and disjointed, like I was missing key pieces of the story. I even checked if this was the author’s debut because it reads like one and was surprised to see he has written multiple books in the past. And then another issue I had was that the writing was constantly laid back, and included modern references but then the author would just chuck in some random metaphor that didn't work and was extremely jarring.
Another major problem was the lack of emotional buildup, it just isn’t there. Simo’s arc, which should have been the heart of the story, resolves far too quickly and without the depth it needed. It goes from tension to acceptance so abruptly that it didn’t feel believable, especially given how his character was set up. Like WHY does Simo suddenly feel like it's okay to love Luca, Where is the self-reflection? Where is the struggle? I genuinely couldn’t tell you.
And that’s what makes this so frustrating.
Because the potential was right there. The setup promised something meaningful, but the execution didn’t follow through. It felt like big emotional moments were skipped over, like I was missing crucial pieces of the story. I kept waiting for it to slow down and really dig into the characters, but it never did. I am not sure if I am conveying this properly.
But for example, I didn't feel like there was enough set up in the beginning. If I don't know your before, why should I care about you after? Luca has supposedly been in love with Simo for 10 years, but it never feels like that. It’s told to us, sure- but it doesn’t come through strongly enough in his character or actions. I get that Luca has other things going on in his life, but his feelings for Simo should have felt more central, more ingrained in who he is.
And the ending… yeah, that didn’t work for me either. It felt underdeveloped and lacked proper foreshadowing.
Overall, I’d give this 2.5 stars. I can see this working for readers who are newer to queer romance or just romance in general, but for me, it just wasn’t fleshed out enough to fully invest in. I probably won’t be continuing with the sequel.
This book follows 10 year long best friends Luca and Simo. Luca has been secretly in love with Simo for as long as he can remember, but he’s convinced the feeling isn’t mutual… until one day, an anonymous post on their town message board claims that Luca and Simo are in love. From there, everything unravels. The story follows the emotional fallout as both boys are forced to confront feelings they’ve been avoiding.
Read if you like:
➛ best friends to lovers
➛ slow burn
➛ sexuality/self-discovery
➛ complex family relationships
➛ small town vibes
➛ first loves
Now onto my thoughts.
I need to be honest: this book frustrated me. A lot.
I was hooked at the start. The premise is strong, the story feels full of heart, and I was especially drawn to Simo. He has this quiet, melancholy depth, and there are hints of internalised homophobia that make his character feel layered and real. He was easily the standout for me, as I tend to connect with characters like that, and I thought he had a lot of potential, (we'll get to him later)
I also quite liked the setting of Lombard, it was charming. The small-town atmosphere felt warm and accepting in a way that was comforting to read. There were definitely moments of sweetness throughout.
Unfortunately, it kind of went downhill from there.
I didn’t hate this book, but I also don’t think it was particularly good. The biggest issue for me was the writing, I don't know if it was because I had an arc copy so I don't know if that played a part but this felt like more of a formatting issue, The story at it's core felt fragmented and disjointed, like I was missing key pieces of the story. I even checked if this was the author’s debut because it reads like one and was surprised to see he has written multiple books in the past. And then another issue I had was that the writing was constantly laid back, and included modern references but then the author would just chuck in some random metaphor that didn't work and was extremely jarring.
Another major problem was the lack of emotional buildup, it just isn’t there. Simo’s arc, which should have been the heart of the story, resolves far too quickly and without the depth it needed. It goes from tension to acceptance so abruptly that it didn’t feel believable, especially given how his character was set up. Like WHY does Simo suddenly feel like it's okay to love Luca, Where is the self-reflection? Where is the struggle? I genuinely couldn’t tell you.
And that’s what makes this so frustrating.
Because the potential was right there. The setup promised something meaningful, but the execution didn’t follow through. It felt like big emotional moments were skipped over, like I was missing crucial pieces of the story. I kept waiting for it to slow down and really dig into the characters, but it never did. I am not sure if I am conveying this properly.
But for example, I didn't feel like there was enough set up in the beginning. If I don't know your before, why should I care about you after? Luca has supposedly been in love with Simo for 10 years, but it never feels like that. It’s told to us, sure- but it doesn’t come through strongly enough in his character or actions. I get that Luca has other things going on in his life, but his feelings for Simo should have felt more central, more ingrained in who he is.
And the ending… yeah, that didn’t work for me either. It felt underdeveloped and lacked proper foreshadowing.
Overall, I’d give this 2.5 stars. I can see this working for readers who are newer to queer romance or just romance in general, but for me, it just wasn’t fleshed out enough to fully invest in. I probably won’t be continuing with the sequel.
May 3, 2026
I was really curious about this book. I love reading queer YA romances as they're always so heartwarming and this book seemed right up my alley.
But as I was reading the book, my disappointment grew with every chapter. Luca and Simo are both dealing with their own issues. Luca when he realises his father has been lying to him all his life and Simo with his parents' thoughts on sexuality. After a very public message about how they would be in love with each other on top of being friends, they have to face their feelings and deal with the opinions of the town.
All of this sounds like a good base for the story. But it all just kinda stays surface level. Especially Simo's struggles with accepting his sexuality and what he thinks his parents will think of it feel like they disappear within seconds. He behaved like there had never been any doubts or struggles at all and besides one short conversation, we don't get much more from his parents. The drama with Luca's family also doesn't really go anywhere. There's another big reveal but as it's literally the last sentence of the book, it feels like it's there for shock value instead of to add anything to the story.
Their relationship was cute but I would've loved to see more of their friendship throughout the years. For two people who are supposed to be attached to the hip, there were so many things they had never even talked about which made their friendship hard to belief.
I do think the book had potential but we either needed less side plots or more pages to focus on actually developing the plots to make the book work,
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
But as I was reading the book, my disappointment grew with every chapter. Luca and Simo are both dealing with their own issues. Luca when he realises his father has been lying to him all his life and Simo with his parents' thoughts on sexuality. After a very public message about how they would be in love with each other on top of being friends, they have to face their feelings and deal with the opinions of the town.
All of this sounds like a good base for the story. But it all just kinda stays surface level. Especially Simo's struggles with accepting his sexuality and what he thinks his parents will think of it feel like they disappear within seconds. He behaved like there had never been any doubts or struggles at all and besides one short conversation, we don't get much more from his parents. The drama with Luca's family also doesn't really go anywhere. There's another big reveal but as it's literally the last sentence of the book, it feels like it's there for shock value instead of to add anything to the story.
Their relationship was cute but I would've loved to see more of their friendship throughout the years. For two people who are supposed to be attached to the hip, there were so many things they had never even talked about which made their friendship hard to belief.
I do think the book had potential but we either needed less side plots or more pages to focus on actually developing the plots to make the book work,
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautiful!
There was no doubt that a book written by Kai would be soulful, cozy and full of beautiful scenes!
Luca and Simo's story has a Heartstopper and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda vibe - boys having their first crush, coming to terms with themselves and navigating their fears, their friendship and the curveballs of teenage life while struggling with their feelings.
The small town setting is wonderfully done, it feels like a gateway to the past sometimes, with the "everyone knows everyone" Lombard society, the small island where the boys escape to be with their thoughts, the one cafe and one restaurant in the whole town.
Complicated families is another theme, with one twist after the other. I particularly loved Luca's interactions with his father, they are very honest and hilarious.
It's a book full of heart with a dual POV of two boys who hopelessly love each other and you can see it in every interaction!
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the ARC!
There was no doubt that a book written by Kai would be soulful, cozy and full of beautiful scenes!
Luca and Simo's story has a Heartstopper and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda vibe - boys having their first crush, coming to terms with themselves and navigating their fears, their friendship and the curveballs of teenage life while struggling with their feelings.
The small town setting is wonderfully done, it feels like a gateway to the past sometimes, with the "everyone knows everyone" Lombard society, the small island where the boys escape to be with their thoughts, the one cafe and one restaurant in the whole town.
Complicated families is another theme, with one twist after the other. I particularly loved Luca's interactions with his father, they are very honest and hilarious.
It's a book full of heart with a dual POV of two boys who hopelessly love each other and you can see it in every interaction!
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the ARC!
February 7, 2026
THATS ENDING?!?! HELLO?!?!!?
July 3, 2026
what do you do when the secret emotions you’ve been harbouring for your best friend of ten years gets posted on your small town notice board for everyone to see?
this was a cute YA romance about two young boys trying to see if friendship is enough for them or if they will have to cross the boundaries into love to be truly happy.
I think younger audiences will love this, if you’re a teenager and trying to discover who you are or find hope in your queerness- this is a great book. I think as an older reader it was too YA for me to truly love it, and that’s completely my taste and not the book itself
If you want a small town cute romance with found family and a diverse set of characters then you should check this out
this was a cute YA romance about two young boys trying to see if friendship is enough for them or if they will have to cross the boundaries into love to be truly happy.
I think younger audiences will love this, if you’re a teenager and trying to discover who you are or find hope in your queerness- this is a great book. I think as an older reader it was too YA for me to truly love it, and that’s completely my taste and not the book itself
If you want a small town cute romance with found family and a diverse set of characters then you should check this out
June 22, 2026
Just such a cosy hear felt book! I loved it
July 31, 2026
THAT ENDING! WHAT ON EARTH
all in all i loved luca and simos relationship
from friends to lovers it was adorable!!
i absolutely loved maz aswell i think he is fantastic
all in all i loved luca and simos relationship
from friends to lovers it was adorable!!
i absolutely loved maz aswell i think he is fantastic
March 7, 2026
I need to be honest. Kai is my friend. So, I was planning on writing a great review either way because.. that’s what friends do. I had no clue if the book will be any good and I was kinda scared of figuring out what to say if I didn’t like it or thought it was just mediocre.
So, I’m quite frankly shocked I inhaled it in almost one sitting. I had no idea I was even able to do that anymore, being a mom to a baby.
I think what I love most about this book, is that it was… easy. It doesn’t weigh on you, maybe the opposite. I think it feeds you, in a way. Books sometimes try too hard to make you go somewhere, feel whatever it is they want you to experience. This book had this quiet quality that allowed you to exist alongside it. You feel for the characters, but they don’t try to push you out of yourself.
It was warm and comforting, honest, and idunno, just full of love. It spilled out of it, waves and waves of emotion. And I’m not just talking about romantic love, but love in general. For books, for the value of history, for the meaning of family, for the strength and complexities of a community. For love, love for love. Maybe respect for it, too.
It wasn’t without its flaws, the book. But it didn’t matter much, even while I was seeing them.
I’m not one for straightforward reviews so that’s what you’re gonna get from me:
I, as honestly as I can, am giving this beautiful bool 5 fluffy stars.
So, I’m quite frankly shocked I inhaled it in almost one sitting. I had no idea I was even able to do that anymore, being a mom to a baby.
I think what I love most about this book, is that it was… easy. It doesn’t weigh on you, maybe the opposite. I think it feeds you, in a way. Books sometimes try too hard to make you go somewhere, feel whatever it is they want you to experience. This book had this quiet quality that allowed you to exist alongside it. You feel for the characters, but they don’t try to push you out of yourself.
It was warm and comforting, honest, and idunno, just full of love. It spilled out of it, waves and waves of emotion. And I’m not just talking about romantic love, but love in general. For books, for the value of history, for the meaning of family, for the strength and complexities of a community. For love, love for love. Maybe respect for it, too.
It wasn’t without its flaws, the book. But it didn’t matter much, even while I was seeing them.
I’m not one for straightforward reviews so that’s what you’re gonna get from me:
I, as honestly as I can, am giving this beautiful bool 5 fluffy stars.
February 7, 2026
4.5/5 stars
Boy Friends is a beautiful story about two boys as they figure out how to go from friends to boyfriends.
At it’s heart, this is a small town romance that focuses on love yet it is unafraid to delve into deeper topics such as grief, sexuality, and complicated family struggles.
Kai Spellmeier has wonderful prose which is especially shown in his delightful descriptions of the small town our story is set in, and more importantly shown in his writings on love. He describes love in many different ways, from the experiences of queer love, to the love of a parent to a child, and even the love we’re too scared to admit we harbour.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did!! However, as I began to read through the book, I became enraptured by this story, and truly didn't want to put it down. The main characters were so lovable, and incredibly relatable. They were written very well, and fully fleshed out.
I really enjoyed how Spellmeier explored grief, especially through a younger person’s lens. I haven’t read many novels that explore grief in this way so it felt very refreshing! Truthfully, I didn’t expect this book to make me cry but it did and honestly? Not mad at it all.
Additionally, there was a strained family dynamic for both Luca and Simo which we get to explore in different ways. Luca's family dynamic in particular was especially fleshed out in a way that really hooked me into the story. I don’t want to say too much about this particular theme as I truly don’t want to spoil anything but I felt it was very well done.
The romantic elements were really strong as well! I thought the love that grew between the two characters was so cute and really adorable. The further I got through this book, the more the smile grew on my face!!
Overall, this novel was such a fantastic read! It was unapologetically YA, unapologetically queer and 100% a story that deserves all the praise!! The characters, setting and important themes paired with the author's prose made for an excellent read! I truly believe that this book is perfect for anyone of all ages and I can’t wait for more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury UK for this ARC.
Boy Friends is a beautiful story about two boys as they figure out how to go from friends to boyfriends.
At it’s heart, this is a small town romance that focuses on love yet it is unafraid to delve into deeper topics such as grief, sexuality, and complicated family struggles.
Kai Spellmeier has wonderful prose which is especially shown in his delightful descriptions of the small town our story is set in, and more importantly shown in his writings on love. He describes love in many different ways, from the experiences of queer love, to the love of a parent to a child, and even the love we’re too scared to admit we harbour.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did!! However, as I began to read through the book, I became enraptured by this story, and truly didn't want to put it down. The main characters were so lovable, and incredibly relatable. They were written very well, and fully fleshed out.
I really enjoyed how Spellmeier explored grief, especially through a younger person’s lens. I haven’t read many novels that explore grief in this way so it felt very refreshing! Truthfully, I didn’t expect this book to make me cry but it did and honestly? Not mad at it all.
Additionally, there was a strained family dynamic for both Luca and Simo which we get to explore in different ways. Luca's family dynamic in particular was especially fleshed out in a way that really hooked me into the story. I don’t want to say too much about this particular theme as I truly don’t want to spoil anything but I felt it was very well done.
The romantic elements were really strong as well! I thought the love that grew between the two characters was so cute and really adorable. The further I got through this book, the more the smile grew on my face!!
Overall, this novel was such a fantastic read! It was unapologetically YA, unapologetically queer and 100% a story that deserves all the praise!! The characters, setting and important themes paired with the author's prose made for an excellent read! I truly believe that this book is perfect for anyone of all ages and I can’t wait for more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury UK for this ARC.
January 6, 2026
This book was sweet, wonderful, and an amazing spring/summer read, which is why its release date is perfect :). The vibes were Gilmore Girls meets Heartstopper, and, honestly, what more could you ask for? I immediately fell in love with Simo and Luca and their beautiful friendship and budding romance, since I've always been down bad for a well-executed friends-to-lovers trope and this book did it perfectly. Kai Spellmeier's writing is incredibly atmospheric and has gorgeous descriptions that truly transport you into the town of the book. I was so shocked by the epilogue ending until I read some other reviews and realised it's supposed to be the first book in a duology, so I absolutely can't wait until the next one comes out!! This is a perfect comfort read to devour while lying on a picnic blanket in a park or on a beach during a sunny day :).
May 27, 2026
Boy friends is a beautiful YA coming of age story focussed around Simo and Luca as they come to terms with changes in both their lives and relationship. I found it to be a lovely read, exploring themes of family, friendship, grief, teenage decisions and love.
I loved the two different portrayals of parents in this book, and the acceptance both sets showed their sons in different ways. I definitely related to Poppy, she gave off cool aunt energy for real 🤣
The book did end on a cliffhanger so Kai, what’s next??!!!!
I loved the two different portrayals of parents in this book, and the acceptance both sets showed their sons in different ways. I definitely related to Poppy, she gave off cool aunt energy for real 🤣
The book did end on a cliffhanger so Kai, what’s next??!!!!
June 3, 2026
4.25⭐
I randomly picked up this book and went into it
completely blind, and I'm so glad I did. It was such a pleasant surprise. Luca and Simo were incredibly sweet, and their relationship felt genuine and heartwarming. The writing, the setting, the story, and the characters all came together beautifully, making this a truly enjoyable read.I'm definitely looking forward to book two after that ending.🫶🏻🫶🏻
I randomly picked up this book and went into it
completely blind, and I'm so glad I did. It was such a pleasant surprise. Luca and Simo were incredibly sweet, and their relationship felt genuine and heartwarming. The writing, the setting, the story, and the characters all came together beautifully, making this a truly enjoyable read.I'm definitely looking forward to book two after that ending.🫶🏻🫶🏻
May 28, 2026
I adored every second of this book. Simo and Luca are amazing characters as well as Maz, the icon.
I am obsessed and could not stop reading for one second.
That ending though... Are you kidding me. I have to wait a year for the sequel.....
I am obsessed and could not stop reading for one second.
That ending though... Are you kidding me. I have to wait a year for the sequel.....
June 22, 2026
[2,5]
um daqueles casos de definitivamente um livro já escrito.
um daqueles casos de definitivamente um livro já escrito.
June 26, 2026
3.75
this was so stinking cute !!
this was so stinking cute !!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well I have alot to say about this book, it being my 1st ARC copy and all.
It might've taken me a few weeks to read but I've enjoyed every page. The slow burn of the MMCs is well written and the way they are fighting feelings that they each hold is fun. I liked how it was nearer the end of the book the boys relationship starts to change and with a few snags thrown in the path they still find eachother. I would love to see more about Lucas parents as its clear they are definitely hiding things, but from what I can guess only for love.
Luca and Simo are cute characters and different in many ways and the added side characters including Lucas dad being so supportive when they can't admit it to eachother. I found myself wanting to read more.
This is the 1st book I've read by this author and I can confirm I'll be reading more, the chapters were nicely laid out and short enough for my dyslexic brain to stay focused.
Though I have to say the cliff hanger ending is CRIMINAL!
It might've taken me a few weeks to read but I've enjoyed every page. The slow burn of the MMCs is well written and the way they are fighting feelings that they each hold is fun. I liked how it was nearer the end of the book the boys relationship starts to change and with a few snags thrown in the path they still find eachother. I would love to see more about Lucas parents as its clear they are definitely hiding things, but from what I can guess only for love.
Luca and Simo are cute characters and different in many ways and the added side characters including Lucas dad being so supportive when they can't admit it to eachother. I found myself wanting to read more.
This is the 1st book I've read by this author and I can confirm I'll be reading more, the chapters were nicely laid out and short enough for my dyslexic brain to stay focused.
Though I have to say the cliff hanger ending is CRIMINAL!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Let's start with the good first. I bought this book in a Berlin bookshop while I wasn't looking for any queer reads (I'd just come off of Pride Month, where I read a TON of gay books) because I saw it was a gay childhood friend romance, and there are few tropes that make me as weak in the knees as that. Not all gay childhood friend romances I read actually manage to scratch that itch; sometimes the feelings aren't worked out well enough, or I don't believe their history, and so I just read it shrugging. But Spellmeier ABSOLUTELY delivers on everything I need from a romance like this; the endless pining from Luca to Simu where the book starts, the way they are friends but definitely more than that and everyone can see it except for them; and the way they look at each other in a way that can only be described as being helplessly in love. The fact that the book changes perspective every chapter made me cringe at first, but Spellmeier makes it work. It would be either a snoozefest or read like an angsty teenager's writing in the hands of the wrong author, but Spellmeier is the right one. He's no Alire Sáenz or David Levithan yet, but it's his debut novel and his prose shows a lot of promise, and makes all those passages worth reading.
However, I started this review mentioning that there was good, and that implies bad, and unfortunately this is there as well. While Luca and Simu work marvellously as a couple, everything around it starts off strong, it all fizzles out. And for that, let's delve into spoiler territory. And to round out the Western trilogy, here's the ugly.
A lot of this book works and a lot of this book doesn't - I don't see myself rereading this one any time soon. However, the central part of the story works, and since that's the only part that I really needed to work, this book gets four stars on the core romance alone. The rest, well... don't expect too much.
However, I started this review mentioning that there was good, and that implies bad, and unfortunately this is there as well. While Luca and Simu work marvellously as a couple, everything around it starts off strong, it all fizzles out. And for that, let's delve into spoiler territory. And to round out the Western trilogy, here's the ugly.
A lot of this book works and a lot of this book doesn't - I don't see myself rereading this one any time soon. However, the central part of the story works, and since that's the only part that I really needed to work, this book gets four stars on the core romance alone. The rest, well... don't expect too much.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First things first: thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury UK for the ARC of Boy Friends. I’m genuinely so grateful I got to read this early, because this book stayed with me in a way YA rarely does anymore.
If you’ve been on Goodreads long enough — like I have — you probably already knew Kai Spellmeier before you knew Boy Friends. His reviews were everywhere when I first started seriously reading YA, and I trusted his taste completely. My TBR owes him a personal debt thanks to authors like Adam Silvera. So when I found out he’d written his own book, this was an instant yes.
You’ll love this book if you enjoy sorrowful poets with good hair, book-shopping as a form of therapy, Gilmore Girls energy, chocolate chip muffins, boys helplessly in love, and complex, slightly messy family dynamics. You’ll hate it if you dislike dogs, the sea, slow-burn romance, or Cate Blanchett or Josh O’Connor — which, frankly, would be alarming.
I’ll be honest: it did take me a little while to fully settle into the story. The ARC formatting didn’t do it many favours, and the early flashbacks threw me slightly. But once I found my footing — once I really met Luca and Simo — I was completely invested.
The bones of this story are incredibly strong. Luca’s relationship with his young, gay dad is tender and refreshing. Luca’s quiet, aching love for Simo feels painfully real. Simo’s strained relationship with his parents, his unspoken grief over his older brother, and the weight of everything he doesn’t say are all handled with so much care. The secret message board is such a simple idea, but it adds an emotional pull that really works.
This is a book that lets feelings breathe. It allows longing to sit in the silence. It allows grief to exist without being rushed or neatly tied up. The small coastal town is described so beautifully that you can almost smell the sea air, and Kai’s love of books is woven into every page. There are echoes of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Heartstopper, but Boy Friends has its own voice — quieter, sadder, and more poetic.
I did wish for a little more consistency in places and more time with some of the side characters, and there were moments I wanted to stay in scenes longer instead of being pulled away. Occasionally, the story felt slightly fragmented. That said, these are small things in a book that is clearly written with so much heart.
The final chapters absolutely wrecked me. Proper blinking-back-tears, sit-in-silence-afterwards kind of wrecked. And that ending? I already know I’ll be counting down the days until book two, even if 2027 feels cruelly far away.
Boy Friends is a gentle, emotional, beautifully written small-town romance that doesn’t shy away from grief, trauma, or complicated love. It’s soft without being weak, sad without being hopeless, and romantic in a way that feels earned.
Five stars, without hesitation.
If you’ve been on Goodreads long enough — like I have — you probably already knew Kai Spellmeier before you knew Boy Friends. His reviews were everywhere when I first started seriously reading YA, and I trusted his taste completely. My TBR owes him a personal debt thanks to authors like Adam Silvera. So when I found out he’d written his own book, this was an instant yes.
You’ll love this book if you enjoy sorrowful poets with good hair, book-shopping as a form of therapy, Gilmore Girls energy, chocolate chip muffins, boys helplessly in love, and complex, slightly messy family dynamics. You’ll hate it if you dislike dogs, the sea, slow-burn romance, or Cate Blanchett or Josh O’Connor — which, frankly, would be alarming.
I’ll be honest: it did take me a little while to fully settle into the story. The ARC formatting didn’t do it many favours, and the early flashbacks threw me slightly. But once I found my footing — once I really met Luca and Simo — I was completely invested.
The bones of this story are incredibly strong. Luca’s relationship with his young, gay dad is tender and refreshing. Luca’s quiet, aching love for Simo feels painfully real. Simo’s strained relationship with his parents, his unspoken grief over his older brother, and the weight of everything he doesn’t say are all handled with so much care. The secret message board is such a simple idea, but it adds an emotional pull that really works.
This is a book that lets feelings breathe. It allows longing to sit in the silence. It allows grief to exist without being rushed or neatly tied up. The small coastal town is described so beautifully that you can almost smell the sea air, and Kai’s love of books is woven into every page. There are echoes of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Heartstopper, but Boy Friends has its own voice — quieter, sadder, and more poetic.
I did wish for a little more consistency in places and more time with some of the side characters, and there were moments I wanted to stay in scenes longer instead of being pulled away. Occasionally, the story felt slightly fragmented. That said, these are small things in a book that is clearly written with so much heart.
The final chapters absolutely wrecked me. Proper blinking-back-tears, sit-in-silence-afterwards kind of wrecked. And that ending? I already know I’ll be counting down the days until book two, even if 2027 feels cruelly far away.
Boy Friends is a gentle, emotional, beautifully written small-town romance that doesn’t shy away from grief, trauma, or complicated love. It’s soft without being weak, sad without being hopeless, and romantic in a way that feels earned.
Five stars, without hesitation.
May 21, 2026
Thank you, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Bloomsbury YA and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early in exchange of an honest review.
In the small seaside city Lombard, Simo and Luca have been best friends since they were seven. Luca, though, has been secretly in love with Simo as long as he can remember, but he's too scared to ruin their friendship. When on the city noticeboard announces that SIMO AND LUCA ARE IN LOVE, both of them are forced to confront rumors and people shipping them and their own feelings.
I loved reading Boy Friend by Kai Spellmeier. This story is so cute and cozy and I truly loved everything. The story is set in a small seaside town and I adore the setting, with the beach and the sea, people knowing everything about each other (and that could be a good or a bad thing. In Luca and Simon's case, with the noticeboard, a bad thing).
Told by Luca and Simo's POVs, the reader is able to know Luca, with his father Maz, owner of the only cafè and diner of the town, both of them gay and with a wonderful father-son relationship and his mother away for work at the other side of the world, and Simo with both his parents and dealing with a family loss and absence. Forced by the noticeboard, Simo and Luca are put on a spotlight and they have to deal with people actually shipping them and drawing hearts around the town with their initials in it. Not only they have to deal with their own feelings for each other, rumors and people asking questions and pressuring them but, when Luca's grandparents enter in his life, Luca has to deal with family's drama and secrets.
It was such a pleasure reading how Luca and Simo slowly found the way to accept and recognize their own feelings and to be honest and open to each other, while fearing to lose their friendship, but, at some point, willing to take a step forward to embrace what they are and who they want. Their friendship is sweet and deep and I really loved it, how fiercely they protected, loved and supported one other in every circumstance.
With, also, lovely side characters, like Mrs M and Maz, Daniel and their friends, I really liked this book, from the seaside setting, the cozy atmosphere and the beautiful and deep bond between Luca and Simo, the fulcrum of the entire book.
With bantering and teasing, muffins and movie nights, adventures at galas and special moments, this book explore not only growing up and embracing who you love and who you are, but also the different way someone deal with loss and family drama and secret, until the surprising ending.
In the small seaside city Lombard, Simo and Luca have been best friends since they were seven. Luca, though, has been secretly in love with Simo as long as he can remember, but he's too scared to ruin their friendship. When on the city noticeboard announces that SIMO AND LUCA ARE IN LOVE, both of them are forced to confront rumors and people shipping them and their own feelings.
I loved reading Boy Friend by Kai Spellmeier. This story is so cute and cozy and I truly loved everything. The story is set in a small seaside town and I adore the setting, with the beach and the sea, people knowing everything about each other (and that could be a good or a bad thing. In Luca and Simon's case, with the noticeboard, a bad thing).
Told by Luca and Simo's POVs, the reader is able to know Luca, with his father Maz, owner of the only cafè and diner of the town, both of them gay and with a wonderful father-son relationship and his mother away for work at the other side of the world, and Simo with both his parents and dealing with a family loss and absence. Forced by the noticeboard, Simo and Luca are put on a spotlight and they have to deal with people actually shipping them and drawing hearts around the town with their initials in it. Not only they have to deal with their own feelings for each other, rumors and people asking questions and pressuring them but, when Luca's grandparents enter in his life, Luca has to deal with family's drama and secrets.
It was such a pleasure reading how Luca and Simo slowly found the way to accept and recognize their own feelings and to be honest and open to each other, while fearing to lose their friendship, but, at some point, willing to take a step forward to embrace what they are and who they want. Their friendship is sweet and deep and I really loved it, how fiercely they protected, loved and supported one other in every circumstance.
With, also, lovely side characters, like Mrs M and Maz, Daniel and their friends, I really liked this book, from the seaside setting, the cozy atmosphere and the beautiful and deep bond between Luca and Simo, the fulcrum of the entire book.
With bantering and teasing, muffins and movie nights, adventures at galas and special moments, this book explore not only growing up and embracing who you love and who you are, but also the different way someone deal with loss and family drama and secret, until the surprising ending.
July 1, 2026
I picked up this book thinking it's a yellow summery read. It turned out to be a red autumn one. A story with the intensity of this ocean deep song.
I do not know where to start, I'm truly at a loss of words. How many times have I read the best friends to lovers trope? How many times have I read the story of two boys falling in love? Yet something about this story was different. And that something is the depth of the characters so perfectly written by the author. Thank you thank you thank you author and publisher for bringing this book to us. 🫶🏻
The plot of the story is quite simple enough. Two childhood best friends - Simo and Luca, have grown up together since age 7. Luca has been having feelings for Simo, but he's afraid to confess. That's it. That's the plot. Sounds too simple, right? Wrong!! Zoom in. That's what the author did. He zoomed in to this section of life where you realise that you are falling in love with your best friend, the person who's been your home since forever, THE person, YOUR person, but you don't know whether he likes you in that way or not and whether blurring the lines will end up messing the very foundation of the bond that has defined their lives - their friendship! This is the first time I am reading a book where it truly tells us what it feels like to fall for your best friend, or rather falling in love for the first time - the anxiety, the fear, the hope, the possibility of a future that can be your best dream or your worst nightmare. When Simo says that he won't survive if he loses Luca too, I felt that, deep in my bones.
As a Pride read, I couldn't have chosen better. Luca and his father Maz (the best father son duo I've ever read btw) are both gay and they openly accept their sexuality. Simo, on the other hand, took some time understanding his own feelings and orientation, mostly because of his own repressed family stuff and what happened to his brother Hamza. His path to finding and understanding himself through books and Luca was something so utterly precious! 🥹 And lastly, with Luca's grandparents and him living in a quaint small town with his single dad and his mom travelling for work and constant cafe vibes, I couldn't help but enjoy the cozy 'Gilmore Girls' vibes. (I need finish it soon 😭)
And of course, it ended in a cliffhanger. Idk wtf is going on with me this week but all my fav reads are ending in cliffhangers. Grrr!! Now I have to wait till next year for the sequel and to know what happens after THAT crazy ending 😭😭.
I do not know where to start, I'm truly at a loss of words. How many times have I read the best friends to lovers trope? How many times have I read the story of two boys falling in love? Yet something about this story was different. And that something is the depth of the characters so perfectly written by the author. Thank you thank you thank you author and publisher for bringing this book to us. 🫶🏻
The plot of the story is quite simple enough. Two childhood best friends - Simo and Luca, have grown up together since age 7. Luca has been having feelings for Simo, but he's afraid to confess. That's it. That's the plot. Sounds too simple, right? Wrong!! Zoom in. That's what the author did. He zoomed in to this section of life where you realise that you are falling in love with your best friend, the person who's been your home since forever, THE person, YOUR person, but you don't know whether he likes you in that way or not and whether blurring the lines will end up messing the very foundation of the bond that has defined their lives - their friendship! This is the first time I am reading a book where it truly tells us what it feels like to fall for your best friend, or rather falling in love for the first time - the anxiety, the fear, the hope, the possibility of a future that can be your best dream or your worst nightmare. When Simo says that he won't survive if he loses Luca too, I felt that, deep in my bones.
As a Pride read, I couldn't have chosen better. Luca and his father Maz (the best father son duo I've ever read btw) are both gay and they openly accept their sexuality. Simo, on the other hand, took some time understanding his own feelings and orientation, mostly because of his own repressed family stuff and what happened to his brother Hamza. His path to finding and understanding himself through books and Luca was something so utterly precious! 🥹 And lastly, with Luca's grandparents and him living in a quaint small town with his single dad and his mom travelling for work and constant cafe vibes, I couldn't help but enjoy the cozy 'Gilmore Girls' vibes. (I need finish it soon 😭)
And of course, it ended in a cliffhanger. Idk wtf is going on with me this week but all my fav reads are ending in cliffhangers. Grrr!! Now I have to wait till next year for the sequel and to know what happens after THAT crazy ending 😭😭.
June 28, 2026
'Longing to close the space between' is what the story revolves around. So many things happen in this lovely, cosy, cute title and it has been a beautiful journey. I finished this book in three sittings and it hasn't been a bore.
In the beginning, we find two seventeen year old boys, Simo and Luca, who were allegedly best friends since they were grown out of their diapers, I mean since they were seven. Based in Lombard, a small seaside town where almost everybody knew each other, Luca finds something written on their Town hall notice board which seems to give away his innermost thoughts about his best friend.
He panics when he realises that the entire town is going to know the same within hours, including his best friend, Simo. This drives the plot into spirals of heartthrob, anxiety, self pity, which almost guides their friendship for self sabotage. However, that doesn't stop them from seeking each other, even in the worst of cases.
Staying away from each other seems to be one of the most difficult tasks for them and no amount of anxiety and feelings of betrayal can overcome that. Their fondness and longing are like the epitome of their friendship, which makes them feel incomplete without the other's presence.
I went into it expecting a cute rom-com love story which it is but there is also so much more to witness. This gives Heartstopper and Gilmore girls vibes with a taste of its originality. It shows how teenage expression of love works, how they explore it instead of just muffling it with excuses, the banter between a child and their family, how different the perspectives are for each family and lastly, the importance of friendship.
It goes on so smoothly that I don't realise it until it is over. And the revelation in the end is something truly and utterly unexpected. I mean, what on earth is that? Are we getting book 2? Because I'm pretty sure this needs a sequel. The writing is easy to apprehend and certain mentions of real life personals makes it even more relatable.
Lastly, if you want a swoonworthy romance between two young souls who are busy interrogating their own feelings, pick this up. Maybe you can help them out?
In the beginning, we find two seventeen year old boys, Simo and Luca, who were allegedly best friends since they were grown out of their diapers, I mean since they were seven. Based in Lombard, a small seaside town where almost everybody knew each other, Luca finds something written on their Town hall notice board which seems to give away his innermost thoughts about his best friend.
He panics when he realises that the entire town is going to know the same within hours, including his best friend, Simo. This drives the plot into spirals of heartthrob, anxiety, self pity, which almost guides their friendship for self sabotage. However, that doesn't stop them from seeking each other, even in the worst of cases.
Staying away from each other seems to be one of the most difficult tasks for them and no amount of anxiety and feelings of betrayal can overcome that. Their fondness and longing are like the epitome of their friendship, which makes them feel incomplete without the other's presence.
I went into it expecting a cute rom-com love story which it is but there is also so much more to witness. This gives Heartstopper and Gilmore girls vibes with a taste of its originality. It shows how teenage expression of love works, how they explore it instead of just muffling it with excuses, the banter between a child and their family, how different the perspectives are for each family and lastly, the importance of friendship.
It goes on so smoothly that I don't realise it until it is over. And the revelation in the end is something truly and utterly unexpected. I mean, what on earth is that? Are we getting book 2? Because I'm pretty sure this needs a sequel. The writing is easy to apprehend and certain mentions of real life personals makes it even more relatable.
Lastly, if you want a swoonworthy romance between two young souls who are busy interrogating their own feelings, pick this up. Maybe you can help them out?
July 24, 2026
This was a cute, laid-back summer read. I will preface by saying that I am not the intended audience for this book. I am very much on the wrong side of 30 and I came to it with that life experience which then influenced how I engaged.
Here’s what worked brilliantly for me – The humour was great, Josh O’Connor catching strays, a Schiaparelli meme moment. There were gorgeous, romantic descriptions both of places and people. A scene near the end, on a foggy beach was particularly stunning both visually and romantically. The yearning and desire are sold so well. I have been there more times than I care to admit. I really felt for and related to Simo and his bookish ways, but it was Mrs M and Maz who were my favourite characters. I love the idea of a quirky old lady in the attic giving out unsolicited advice. I’d come out to her.
There’s a universe out there where Maz has his own, adult novel and it’s a universe I’d very much like to be in. He’s a Sugababes fan and my age, icon! The biggest mystery though, what WAS the Sugababes album? Is he lawful neutral with an Angels with Dirty Faces or a Taller in More ways or is he CHAOTIC and want justice for Sweet 7? Was Maz a demon twink in 2010 like me?
The main issue I had was with the pacing. it took these boys a long ass time to get to the point. Issues that could have been avoided if they’d opened their damn mouths and spoken. But that’s the point, isn’t it? That was me at 16, harbouring feelings I felt would make the world crumble and destroy everything. That’s where my age and how I react to YA books comes into play. I just know younger me, without life experience, would have understood it and ate this up. At the same time though, it helped the book pick up as it went along. The anxiety, the existential crisis and, of course, the physical / emotional build-up of Luca and Simo FINALLY giving in. That was very rewarding, especially in how the entire scenario came about – the before and after. It was like Taylor Swift – Enchanted for the gays, with a ball set in the castle from Beauty & The Beast (in my head anyway).
I look forward to the sequel because that cliffhanger…it was foreshadowed but it was still a gag!
Here’s what worked brilliantly for me – The humour was great, Josh O’Connor catching strays, a Schiaparelli meme moment. There were gorgeous, romantic descriptions both of places and people. A scene near the end, on a foggy beach was particularly stunning both visually and romantically. The yearning and desire are sold so well. I have been there more times than I care to admit. I really felt for and related to Simo and his bookish ways, but it was Mrs M and Maz who were my favourite characters. I love the idea of a quirky old lady in the attic giving out unsolicited advice. I’d come out to her.
There’s a universe out there where Maz has his own, adult novel and it’s a universe I’d very much like to be in. He’s a Sugababes fan and my age, icon! The biggest mystery though, what WAS the Sugababes album? Is he lawful neutral with an Angels with Dirty Faces or a Taller in More ways or is he CHAOTIC and want justice for Sweet 7? Was Maz a demon twink in 2010 like me?
The main issue I had was with the pacing. it took these boys a long ass time to get to the point. Issues that could have been avoided if they’d opened their damn mouths and spoken. But that’s the point, isn’t it? That was me at 16, harbouring feelings I felt would make the world crumble and destroy everything. That’s where my age and how I react to YA books comes into play. I just know younger me, without life experience, would have understood it and ate this up. At the same time though, it helped the book pick up as it went along. The anxiety, the existential crisis and, of course, the physical / emotional build-up of Luca and Simo FINALLY giving in. That was very rewarding, especially in how the entire scenario came about – the before and after. It was like Taylor Swift – Enchanted for the gays, with a ball set in the castle from Beauty & The Beast (in my head anyway).
I look forward to the sequel because that cliffhanger…it was foreshadowed but it was still a gag!
March 23, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury for giving me an E-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating 4.25⭐️
Boy Friends was honestly so cute. It was so emotional. This is a very character driven story about two friends Simo and Luca who have been best friends forever. but Luca has had a secret crush on Simo. Then someone in their small town posts on the notice board that Simo and Luca are in love, and this starts a whole tornado of things for these two best friends.
You really get to dive into them and their emotions, and them re-examining just how much they mean to each other are they more then just friends? Will this ruin their friendship or will it bring them even closer together than they’ve ever been before?
Their connection was definitely the heart of the story. They really felt like each other’s person and that emotional closeness carried a lot of the book for me. You also get some family drama with both of them and their different family dynamics. Luca finds out some pretty massive family secrets that have been hidden for 17 years and you get to watch him navigate that shock. He’s a character who’s lived a very sheltered life in this small town with amazing supportive parents so realizing his world isn’t quite what he thought it was while trying to figure stuff out with his best friend hits hard.
Then we have Simo who is also going through a lot of family drama but in a very different way. His family is not nearly as open and you see how they don’t have the best coping mechanisms for dealing with big situations.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars is that the plot itself is pretty light. It leans much more on characters and their emotions which could make it feel slow at points. There were also a few moments where I struggled with certain character choices. That said, I still really enjoyed this read and highly recommend you check it out when it drops. The writing made the emotions feel incredibly genuine and I found myself completely invested in these characters.
Rating 4.25⭐️
Boy Friends was honestly so cute. It was so emotional. This is a very character driven story about two friends Simo and Luca who have been best friends forever. but Luca has had a secret crush on Simo. Then someone in their small town posts on the notice board that Simo and Luca are in love, and this starts a whole tornado of things for these two best friends.
You really get to dive into them and their emotions, and them re-examining just how much they mean to each other are they more then just friends? Will this ruin their friendship or will it bring them even closer together than they’ve ever been before?
Their connection was definitely the heart of the story. They really felt like each other’s person and that emotional closeness carried a lot of the book for me. You also get some family drama with both of them and their different family dynamics. Luca finds out some pretty massive family secrets that have been hidden for 17 years and you get to watch him navigate that shock. He’s a character who’s lived a very sheltered life in this small town with amazing supportive parents so realizing his world isn’t quite what he thought it was while trying to figure stuff out with his best friend hits hard.
Then we have Simo who is also going through a lot of family drama but in a very different way. His family is not nearly as open and you see how they don’t have the best coping mechanisms for dealing with big situations.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars is that the plot itself is pretty light. It leans much more on characters and their emotions which could make it feel slow at points. There were also a few moments where I struggled with certain character choices. That said, I still really enjoyed this read and highly recommend you check it out when it drops. The writing made the emotions feel incredibly genuine and I found myself completely invested in these characters.
Review of advance copy
3.5/5 ⭐
Boyfriends by @kaispellmeier is a small town gay romance set in England. Simo and Luca are the two seventeen year old protagonists who are also best friends.
Luca knows that he's gay and is in love with his best friend Simo whereas on the other hand Simo is a bit reserved. Simo is still trying to figure out who he is and since he belongs to a conservative Spanish family (or as he thinks so) he is afraid of the feelings he's feeling lately for his best friend.
Simo's discomfort becomes evident when on a certain Monday someone puts up a post saying 'Luca and Simo are in love' on the notice board which is also the norm in that town, Lombard.
Luca is portrayed as a boy who's mature beyond his age, he's sensitive, caring and understanding. Simo is someone who's sensitive but he's also someone who's been through a tragedy so he fears losing someone he cares about deeply.
What I liked about the book is the unconventional relationship between Luca and his father Maz. Maz became a father at the age of sixteen, he himself is a gay and that too a vocal one. So the relationship between Maz and Luca is more like friends than the conventional father and son relationship. His friendship with Simo whom he adores and because he doesn't want it to end he tries very hard to keep his feelings to himself.
What I felt was amiss was the pacing of the book, there were a few parts which were a bit stretched out which needn't be and at some places it felt a bit rushed. The story line is subtle but since it ended on a cliffhanger, a little less pages would have been fine.
Overall, i liked the book, for a no brainer it's a cutesy romance and very teenage-ish. If you want to unwind yourself from the heavy reads then give this one a try. It's a sweeping read, something you won't regret.
Boyfriends by @kaispellmeier is a small town gay romance set in England. Simo and Luca are the two seventeen year old protagonists who are also best friends.
Luca knows that he's gay and is in love with his best friend Simo whereas on the other hand Simo is a bit reserved. Simo is still trying to figure out who he is and since he belongs to a conservative Spanish family (or as he thinks so) he is afraid of the feelings he's feeling lately for his best friend.
Simo's discomfort becomes evident when on a certain Monday someone puts up a post saying 'Luca and Simo are in love' on the notice board which is also the norm in that town, Lombard.
Luca is portrayed as a boy who's mature beyond his age, he's sensitive, caring and understanding. Simo is someone who's sensitive but he's also someone who's been through a tragedy so he fears losing someone he cares about deeply.
What I liked about the book is the unconventional relationship between Luca and his father Maz. Maz became a father at the age of sixteen, he himself is a gay and that too a vocal one. So the relationship between Maz and Luca is more like friends than the conventional father and son relationship. His friendship with Simo whom he adores and because he doesn't want it to end he tries very hard to keep his feelings to himself.
What I felt was amiss was the pacing of the book, there were a few parts which were a bit stretched out which needn't be and at some places it felt a bit rushed. The story line is subtle but since it ended on a cliffhanger, a little less pages would have been fine.
Overall, i liked the book, for a no brainer it's a cutesy romance and very teenage-ish. If you want to unwind yourself from the heavy reads then give this one a try. It's a sweeping read, something you won't regret.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Boyfriends by @kaispellmeier
3.75/5 stars 🌟
This book was an amazing little read and was definitely an easy reader! I really enjoyed the storyline and the relationship between our main characters Luca and Simo.
We really got an in depth look into their family dynamics and more which really helped build out their personalities and reasons for how they grew up.
The concept of a small village/island off the beach was fantastic for the storyline as it made the close knit gossipers feel realistic as a small town would know everyone and talk and spread rumours.
Here we have Luca an openly gay man who fancies his best friend Simo but has never openly confessed incase it was to damage their best friend relationship, but even tho they’re best friends they don’t seem to talk about things as normal best friends would for example relationships and sexuality.
His father Maz is also an openly gay man /‘d very accepting and open in his parenting techniques and his mother poppy isn’t really in the picture as much as she’s following dreams of helping animals far off.
Simo’s relationship with his parents is awkward and very distinct due to death in the family. Simo also has some mixed feelings in regard to Luca but this is explained nicely in the book.
We have an unexpected family appearance for Luca, lots of poking into Luca and Simo’s relationship by the town and friends and honestly so much more happens so you’re just gonna have to buy the book when it comes out on May 21st 2026!
Thanks @bloomsburypublishing and @kaispellmeier again and hope you enjoy the book x
3.75/5 stars 🌟
This book was an amazing little read and was definitely an easy reader! I really enjoyed the storyline and the relationship between our main characters Luca and Simo.
We really got an in depth look into their family dynamics and more which really helped build out their personalities and reasons for how they grew up.
The concept of a small village/island off the beach was fantastic for the storyline as it made the close knit gossipers feel realistic as a small town would know everyone and talk and spread rumours.
Here we have Luca an openly gay man who fancies his best friend Simo but has never openly confessed incase it was to damage their best friend relationship, but even tho they’re best friends they don’t seem to talk about things as normal best friends would for example relationships and sexuality.
His father Maz is also an openly gay man /‘d very accepting and open in his parenting techniques and his mother poppy isn’t really in the picture as much as she’s following dreams of helping animals far off.
Simo’s relationship with his parents is awkward and very distinct due to death in the family. Simo also has some mixed feelings in regard to Luca but this is explained nicely in the book.
We have an unexpected family appearance for Luca, lots of poking into Luca and Simo’s relationship by the town and friends and honestly so much more happens so you’re just gonna have to buy the book when it comes out on May 21st 2026!
Thanks @bloomsburypublishing and @kaispellmeier again and hope you enjoy the book x
June 24, 2026
Kai Spellmeier
This story by Kai Spellmeier is so CUTE! Taking place in the small town of Lombard, Luca and Simo are long-time best friends. Luca is out as gay, Simo has never stated his sexuality… they are only in high school after all. They have the kind of non-toxic male relationship that we wish we could see everywhere.
One day, the town message board says “Simo and Luca Are in Love.” Luca panics that Simo will not want to be his friend any more. Simo tries to just let the furor die down… but they both go on the hunt for who could have made that message happen and why??
With the whole town now shipping them, is there any way their friendship can survive? Are Luca’s hopes that maybe Simo might have had shared feelings about him dashed by the sudden public statement? How does Luca’s gay dad and the wealthy grandparents he never knew he had, who suddenly show up in town, figure into the story?
The author created a sweet little seaside town where the action takes place. There’s even a map of the town in the front of the book, which I LOVE, as it gives me a little idea of the setting as the author intended. The side characters are interesting but not distracting… and there is going to be another book with Luca and Simo’s continued story!!!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves MM romance in a YA coming-of-age setting. Not spicy, thank heaven. But very sweet.
This story by Kai Spellmeier is so CUTE! Taking place in the small town of Lombard, Luca and Simo are long-time best friends. Luca is out as gay, Simo has never stated his sexuality… they are only in high school after all. They have the kind of non-toxic male relationship that we wish we could see everywhere.
One day, the town message board says “Simo and Luca Are in Love.” Luca panics that Simo will not want to be his friend any more. Simo tries to just let the furor die down… but they both go on the hunt for who could have made that message happen and why??
With the whole town now shipping them, is there any way their friendship can survive? Are Luca’s hopes that maybe Simo might have had shared feelings about him dashed by the sudden public statement? How does Luca’s gay dad and the wealthy grandparents he never knew he had, who suddenly show up in town, figure into the story?
The author created a sweet little seaside town where the action takes place. There’s even a map of the town in the front of the book, which I LOVE, as it gives me a little idea of the setting as the author intended. The side characters are interesting but not distracting… and there is going to be another book with Luca and Simo’s continued story!!!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves MM romance in a YA coming-of-age setting. Not spicy, thank heaven. But very sweet.
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