What do you think?
Quite the Pair
Two best friends. One apartment. Zero chance of this going to plan.
Austin and Sydney have been best friends since he moved into her shoebox apartment on West 49th Street over a decade ago. Now in their early thirties and living with their respective long-term partners, their lives in New York City are finally on Austin is performing on Broadway eight times a week, and Sydney is the VP comma Marketing at a lucrative tech startup. Everything is perfect. They’re so happy. (Right?)
But when both of their relationships implode on the same night, Austin and Sydney realise that things weren’t quite as perfect as they seemed, and that their only option is to move back in together.
The pair make a pact to use their new twelve-month lease to break the cycle of their toxic habits. For Austin, this means not falling in love with every man who so much as looks at him; and for Sydney, it means prioritising herself for possibly the first time in history.
But it’s not long before Austin’s resolve starts to crack—a gorgeous children’s book editor has absolutely nothing to do with that—and Sydney slips all too easily into old patterns, letting the shadow of Austin’s presence eclipse her own needs.
The question can people truly change? Or are these self-proclaimed soulmates doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over . . . and risk losing each other in the process?
Austin and Sydney have been best friends since he moved into her shoebox apartment on West 49th Street over a decade ago. Now in their early thirties and living with their respective long-term partners, their lives in New York City are finally on Austin is performing on Broadway eight times a week, and Sydney is the VP comma Marketing at a lucrative tech startup. Everything is perfect. They’re so happy. (Right?)
But when both of their relationships implode on the same night, Austin and Sydney realise that things weren’t quite as perfect as they seemed, and that their only option is to move back in together.
The pair make a pact to use their new twelve-month lease to break the cycle of their toxic habits. For Austin, this means not falling in love with every man who so much as looks at him; and for Sydney, it means prioritising herself for possibly the first time in history.
But it’s not long before Austin’s resolve starts to crack—a gorgeous children’s book editor has absolutely nothing to do with that—and Sydney slips all too easily into old patterns, letting the shadow of Austin’s presence eclipse her own needs.
The question can people truly change? Or are these self-proclaimed soulmates doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over . . . and risk losing each other in the process?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2026
About the author
Tobias Madden
7 books377 followersTobias is an author and editor from Sydney, Australia. Originally from Ballarat, Tobias worked for ten years as a performer, touring Australia and New Zealand with musicals such as Mary Poppins, CATS, Singin' in the Rain, and Guys and Dolls. In 2019, he edited and published UNDERDOG, the first #LoveOzYA short story anthology for previously unpublished Aussie young adult fiction writers. Also in 2019, he wrote the cabaret show Siblingship, which played to sold out audiences in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Tobias is a passionate member of the #LoveOzYA and LGBTQ+ communities, and currently works in publishing as a Digital Marketing Executive and YA Publicist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 20, 2026
My biggest issue with this book was how repetitive it felt. The same feelings, conversations, and ideas were brought up over and over again, and after a while, it started to feel more like a cheesy rom-com than the kind of romance story I enjoy. I also didn’t find the relationship particularly realistic. I’m not a big romance reader to begin with, so I probably wasn’t the ideal audience for this book, but even putting that aside, I struggled to connect with the way the relationship developed. Maybe this is simply a matter of personal taste, because I know a lot of readers really enjoy this kind of romance. It just wasn’t for me. The repetitive writing and overly cheesy tone made it difficult for me to stay invested in the story.
August 15, 2026
Absolutely loved this, had the best time reading it!
September 4, 2026
Loved this story. I think this is SOOO similar to relationships so many of us have as gay men; our best girlfriend is our life force to sanity. These two were so fun to watch grow, explore and become their true selves. I've enjoyed each book by this author and I cannot wait to read more from him!
August 20, 2026
(rounded down from 4.25)
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.
This was a fun read for anyone who enjoys exploring dysfunctional platonic relationships. If you've never had a long-term friendship devolve into toxicity through power imbalances, codependency, or jealousy, you probably haven't had a truly long-running friend.
Austin and Sydney have been best friends for a decade, having met in their twenties while searching for cheap NYC housing. Now in their thirties, Austin flits between men who underappreciate him, while Sydney enjoys financial freedom from a marketing job she finds dull and stays in a nine-year relationship she is equally indifferent to. Seeking to recreate the period Austin insists was their happiest, they move back in together.
What follows is a portrayal of two deeply flawed adults who love each other, but whose codependency borders on toxic—each person's flaws accentuating the other's. I rated this slightly below five stars because the book's primary romantic relationship (Austin and Zac) feels shallow and surface-level. Rather than focusing on their mutual lust during dates, more emphasis on how Zac complements Austin's personality flaws would have better highlighted Austin's character growth.
Overall, this is a moving, relatable look at close friendships that become unsustainable despite underlying love, as well as a great commentary on defining what you truly want for yourself versus what society expects.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.
This was a fun read for anyone who enjoys exploring dysfunctional platonic relationships. If you've never had a long-term friendship devolve into toxicity through power imbalances, codependency, or jealousy, you probably haven't had a truly long-running friend.
Austin and Sydney have been best friends for a decade, having met in their twenties while searching for cheap NYC housing. Now in their thirties, Austin flits between men who underappreciate him, while Sydney enjoys financial freedom from a marketing job she finds dull and stays in a nine-year relationship she is equally indifferent to. Seeking to recreate the period Austin insists was their happiest, they move back in together.
What follows is a portrayal of two deeply flawed adults who love each other, but whose codependency borders on toxic—each person's flaws accentuating the other's. I rated this slightly below five stars because the book's primary romantic relationship (Austin and Zac) feels shallow and surface-level. Rather than focusing on their mutual lust during dates, more emphasis on how Zac complements Austin's personality flaws would have better highlighted Austin's character growth.
Overall, this is a moving, relatable look at close friendships that become unsustainable despite underlying love, as well as a great commentary on defining what you truly want for yourself versus what society expects.
August 28, 2026
Tobias Madden has released three queer YA titles over the last few years and now ventures into the adult fiction territory.
Quite The Pair is his first in that category.
A contemporary story about friendship, romance, family, self discovery and the in between chaos.
Sydney and Austin are BFF’s, best friends forever.
That friendship began over a decade ago, when they lived together in a small apartment in New York City.
Sydney works in marketing and Austin performs on Broadway.
Their lives are on the right path.
Until it isn’t……
They both break up with their partners on the same night, so with the only solution they move back in together.
Both need to make changes, heal and stop making the same mistakes.
Can they make a success of everything before the twelve month lease pact is over.
This is a sweet, funny and delightful read.
It has elements of a romcom and lots of drama.
I did find I was yelling at Austin at some of his unnecessary comments and actions at times and I was smiling at the antics and moments of Sydney.
A must read for fans of the genre.
Quite The Pair is his first in that category.
A contemporary story about friendship, romance, family, self discovery and the in between chaos.
Sydney and Austin are BFF’s, best friends forever.
That friendship began over a decade ago, when they lived together in a small apartment in New York City.
Sydney works in marketing and Austin performs on Broadway.
Their lives are on the right path.
Until it isn’t……
They both break up with their partners on the same night, so with the only solution they move back in together.
Both need to make changes, heal and stop making the same mistakes.
Can they make a success of everything before the twelve month lease pact is over.
This is a sweet, funny and delightful read.
It has elements of a romcom and lots of drama.
I did find I was yelling at Austin at some of his unnecessary comments and actions at times and I was smiling at the antics and moments of Sydney.
A must read for fans of the genre.
September 2, 2026
TOBIAS MADDEN, OH HOW I LOVE YOU!
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
This was quite literally perfect. No notes 🤭
Aussie Aussie Aussie!
This was quite literally perfect. No notes 🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wise, warm yet utterly funny, Quite The Pair captures all the messiness and wonders of coming undone in adulthood. This is a laugh-out-loud, hilarious and tender story about coming of age after you thought you had everything figured out. What happens when the perfect life you've built for yourself crashes and burns overnight? That question kickstarts the journey for best friends Austin and Sydney. I loved every minute of being with them in their New York apartment, watching them grow and sometimes fail to change. A refreshing and wise read that felt like watching an episode of Friends or Sex & The City. It gave me the New York sitcom fix I've been missing!
May 12, 2026
4.5⭐️
This was UGH such a good read!
The dialogue and the characters felt so real, I was hurting with them, I was cringing with them, I was laughing with them.
Reading this on the train, the facial expressions I would’ve been making, I can only imagine what people thought I was reading… LOL
Sydney goddamn literally felt like my story and my feelings was being blasted public in this novel. Let’s just say #relatable (girl studying marketing who dreams of working in publishing and/or writing a novel)
UGH loved this book
This was UGH such a good read!
The dialogue and the characters felt so real, I was hurting with them, I was cringing with them, I was laughing with them.
Reading this on the train, the facial expressions I would’ve been making, I can only imagine what people thought I was reading… LOL
Sydney goddamn literally felt like my story and my feelings was being blasted public in this novel. Let’s just say #relatable (girl studying marketing who dreams of working in publishing and/or writing a novel)
UGH loved this book
August 12, 2026
“Maybe that’s why people get addicted to life in New York City—the unrelenting noise drowns out all the things you don’t want to hear within yourself.”
Austin and Sydney have been best friends for over a decade, living together briefly in their 20s before parting ways to further develop their own careers and live with long-term partners. Austin finally finds himself performing on Broadway after a long string of rejections, while Sydney holds a successful marketing job at a tech startup. After both of their relationships fall apart on the same day, the two move in together once again, this time with the goal of breaking bad habits, soul-searching and healing over the course of their lease for the next year.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere that the NY setting brought to this story (big yes to Central Park runs), as well as the familiarity of the Australian references through Austin’s hometown roots. The star of the show, however, was the friendship between these two characters, which had me invested in them both as individuals and as a pair. They were the ultimate ride-or-die best friends to one another, although they both had different ways of showing this.
The duality of the romantic connections explored (both surface-level and soulmate-type ones) also made for a fun time, all the while hiding a deeper level of grief, complex parental relationships and childhood trauma under the surface that played a role in shaping patterns of behaviour for these characters. Sydney’s mum, Lori, with her tarot cards and readings, was such a heartwarming and hilarious addition to the story, and I loved the found family aspect and the relationships that these characters developed with one another (particularly between her and Austin). This one had me laughing out loud, my heart aching for these characters, and me wanting them both to find their happily ever after in life, whether that be together or apart.
Thank you, lovely Tanaya and the Penguin team @penguinbooksaus for my gifted copy of this one!
Austin and Sydney have been best friends for over a decade, living together briefly in their 20s before parting ways to further develop their own careers and live with long-term partners. Austin finally finds himself performing on Broadway after a long string of rejections, while Sydney holds a successful marketing job at a tech startup. After both of their relationships fall apart on the same day, the two move in together once again, this time with the goal of breaking bad habits, soul-searching and healing over the course of their lease for the next year.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere that the NY setting brought to this story (big yes to Central Park runs), as well as the familiarity of the Australian references through Austin’s hometown roots. The star of the show, however, was the friendship between these two characters, which had me invested in them both as individuals and as a pair. They were the ultimate ride-or-die best friends to one another, although they both had different ways of showing this.
The duality of the romantic connections explored (both surface-level and soulmate-type ones) also made for a fun time, all the while hiding a deeper level of grief, complex parental relationships and childhood trauma under the surface that played a role in shaping patterns of behaviour for these characters. Sydney’s mum, Lori, with her tarot cards and readings, was such a heartwarming and hilarious addition to the story, and I loved the found family aspect and the relationships that these characters developed with one another (particularly between her and Austin). This one had me laughing out loud, my heart aching for these characters, and me wanting them both to find their happily ever after in life, whether that be together or apart.
Thank you, lovely Tanaya and the Penguin team @penguinbooksaus for my gifted copy of this one!
August 24, 2026
I went into Quite the Pair expecting a fun, messy story about friendship, relationships and starting over, but I ended up thinking way more about codependency, identity and how sometimes loving someone deeply doesn’t necessarily mean the way you love them is healthy. Austin and Sydney really are quite the pair, for better AND for worse.
I found Austin really interesting to pull apart as a character. The book literally begins with him proposing to Tyler and being told no, and I think that says so much about who Austin is. He’s an actor, so his career is basically built around auditioning and waiting for someone else to choose him: “Am I good enough?” “Do you want me?” “Did I get the part?” I think he carries that exact same need for validation into his relationships. He falls hard and wants the relationship, the commitment and the certainty of knowing someone has chosen him. So when Tyler rejects his proposal, it feels like more than just heartbreak, it hits this much deeper insecurity Austin already has about his own worth.
And then Sydney almost feels like the opposite. Austin is constantly desperate for other people to choose him, whereas Sydney is constantly choosing everyone else before herself. She’s capable, successful and has built this huge life for herself, but she also has this tendency to shrink her own needs to make room for the people she loves. Austin is probably the biggest example of that. She’s spent so long being there whenever he needs her that helping him has almost become part of who she is.
That’s why I loved that the friendship itself becomes one of the biggest conflicts in the book. Normally in stories like this, relationships come and go but the best friend is HOME. This book asks a much messier question: what happens when home becomes somewhere you’re hiding from? Austin and Sydney call each other soulmates, know absolutely everything about each other and have spent more than a decade being each other’s “person”. That’s beautiful, but it’s also become a little unhealthy. Neither of them really knows how to exist without immediately falling back on the other.
Even moving back in together felt symbolic of that. After both of their relationships fall apart, they immediately retreat into something familiar: each other. Their apartment becomes this little safe bubble where they can convince themselves they’re starting again, when really they’re slipping straight back into old patterns. Austin can rely on Sydney for everything, Sydney can keep putting Austin before herself, and they can both call it friendship without questioning whether they’re actually helping each other grow.
I also really liked the title Quite the Pair because by the end it almost takes on a different meaning. At first it’s cute, like they’re inseparable! They’re soulmates! Look at these two disasters trying to navigate life together! But eventually, being a “pair” becomes something they actually need to break away from. Not because they need to stop loving each other, but because they need to learn that they are two complete people rather than two halves of one friendship.
And I think that’s what I liked most about the ending. Their growth isn’t about becoming less important to each other. Sydney has to realise that choosing herself doesn’t mean she’s abandoning Austin, while Austin has to realise that someone setting boundaries doesn’t automatically mean they’re rejecting him. They have to learn how to love each other without completely disappearing inside their friendship.
Underneath all the humour, relationships and chaos, this ended up feeling like a coming-of-age story for people who thought they’d already come of age. You can have the career, the relationship, the best friend and the life you thought you were supposed to want and still realise you have absolutely no idea who you are outside of those things.
Sometimes growing up isn’t about finding your person. Sometimes it’s about figuring out who you are when you’re standing on your own.
I found Austin really interesting to pull apart as a character. The book literally begins with him proposing to Tyler and being told no, and I think that says so much about who Austin is. He’s an actor, so his career is basically built around auditioning and waiting for someone else to choose him: “Am I good enough?” “Do you want me?” “Did I get the part?” I think he carries that exact same need for validation into his relationships. He falls hard and wants the relationship, the commitment and the certainty of knowing someone has chosen him. So when Tyler rejects his proposal, it feels like more than just heartbreak, it hits this much deeper insecurity Austin already has about his own worth.
And then Sydney almost feels like the opposite. Austin is constantly desperate for other people to choose him, whereas Sydney is constantly choosing everyone else before herself. She’s capable, successful and has built this huge life for herself, but she also has this tendency to shrink her own needs to make room for the people she loves. Austin is probably the biggest example of that. She’s spent so long being there whenever he needs her that helping him has almost become part of who she is.
That’s why I loved that the friendship itself becomes one of the biggest conflicts in the book. Normally in stories like this, relationships come and go but the best friend is HOME. This book asks a much messier question: what happens when home becomes somewhere you’re hiding from? Austin and Sydney call each other soulmates, know absolutely everything about each other and have spent more than a decade being each other’s “person”. That’s beautiful, but it’s also become a little unhealthy. Neither of them really knows how to exist without immediately falling back on the other.
Even moving back in together felt symbolic of that. After both of their relationships fall apart, they immediately retreat into something familiar: each other. Their apartment becomes this little safe bubble where they can convince themselves they’re starting again, when really they’re slipping straight back into old patterns. Austin can rely on Sydney for everything, Sydney can keep putting Austin before herself, and they can both call it friendship without questioning whether they’re actually helping each other grow.
I also really liked the title Quite the Pair because by the end it almost takes on a different meaning. At first it’s cute, like they’re inseparable! They’re soulmates! Look at these two disasters trying to navigate life together! But eventually, being a “pair” becomes something they actually need to break away from. Not because they need to stop loving each other, but because they need to learn that they are two complete people rather than two halves of one friendship.
And I think that’s what I liked most about the ending. Their growth isn’t about becoming less important to each other. Sydney has to realise that choosing herself doesn’t mean she’s abandoning Austin, while Austin has to realise that someone setting boundaries doesn’t automatically mean they’re rejecting him. They have to learn how to love each other without completely disappearing inside their friendship.
Underneath all the humour, relationships and chaos, this ended up feeling like a coming-of-age story for people who thought they’d already come of age. You can have the career, the relationship, the best friend and the life you thought you were supposed to want and still realise you have absolutely no idea who you are outside of those things.
Sometimes growing up isn’t about finding your person. Sometimes it’s about figuring out who you are when you’re standing on your own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2026
such a beautiful story! i wish nothing more than having as strong of a relationship as austin & sydney.
even though not everything works out perfectly in life, their bond got them through and it was so beautiful to watch. i love books that explore the complexities of life, and i love even more when characters aren't perfectly polished individuals - which this book definitely explores. the messiness of austin & sydney are what bring this book so much heart, that despite their hardships and mistakes, they are able to still love each other and be there to support each other (even if they are worlds apart).
this book feels like a love letter to new york city, and knowing tobias' lore with his move from australia to new york makes me feel like i was right there with him on that journey. we witnessed the highs and lows of the city, yet in the end, new york still felt like a dream. incredible debut adult novel!
even though not everything works out perfectly in life, their bond got them through and it was so beautiful to watch. i love books that explore the complexities of life, and i love even more when characters aren't perfectly polished individuals - which this book definitely explores. the messiness of austin & sydney are what bring this book so much heart, that despite their hardships and mistakes, they are able to still love each other and be there to support each other (even if they are worlds apart).
this book feels like a love letter to new york city, and knowing tobias' lore with his move from australia to new york makes me feel like i was right there with him on that journey. we witnessed the highs and lows of the city, yet in the end, new york still felt like a dream. incredible debut adult novel!
September 19, 2026
This book def resembles my friendship with my very own gay best friend. The things he would do for me and the things I would do for him. How we have each other’s back no matter what.
It reminded me of our good ol times when we were still at school and how we bonded and meshed so perfectly together but as we mature and are now in two different continents, the friendship changed and yes at times, it was stifling. Eventually, we found our groove back. It’s still a work in progress, don’t get us wrong but I know that he will forever be my person and I will forever be his. I’ll have to call him one of these days so that he can show me the new crystals that he bought (spoiler alert: but Lori will like him lots) (also, my mum is such a Lori and she too always has a soft spot for my best friend)
It reminded me of our good ol times when we were still at school and how we bonded and meshed so perfectly together but as we mature and are now in two different continents, the friendship changed and yes at times, it was stifling. Eventually, we found our groove back. It’s still a work in progress, don’t get us wrong but I know that he will forever be my person and I will forever be his. I’ll have to call him one of these days so that he can show me the new crystals that he bought (spoiler alert: but Lori will like him lots) (also, my mum is such a Lori and she too always has a soft spot for my best friend)
September 28, 2026
This is my new favourite from Tobias Madden!
I loved the exploration of the friendship as the core relationship, alongside the romantic relationships in the story.
I also enjoyed the influence of Tobias' own NYC adventures sprinkling through, in the same way as his Ballarat childhood has appeared in his previous novels.
An easy read and I really enjoyed it
I loved the exploration of the friendship as the core relationship, alongside the romantic relationships in the story.
I also enjoyed the influence of Tobias' own NYC adventures sprinkling through, in the same way as his Ballarat childhood has appeared in his previous novels.
An easy read and I really enjoyed it
September 17, 2026
4.25
i really enjoyed this! great writing, interesting characters. main problem would be that i thought the conflict at the end was a bit harsh, but apart from that one part i enjoyed how it influenced the ending.
i really enjoyed this! great writing, interesting characters. main problem would be that i thought the conflict at the end was a bit harsh, but apart from that one part i enjoyed how it influenced the ending.
September 26, 2026
I loved this. Really made me think how I show up in my relationships. Bonus points for being the intersection of all my interests
August 17, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up!! This was such a cute read! I loved the writing style, the story was a lot of fun, and the characters felt so real. The NYC setting gave the book life, and the Aussie references weren’t silly - which I think is really hard to do! I also really enjoyed the Broadway actor storyline. Very keen to read more from this author!
August 9, 2026
4.5 stars
Thanks so much to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
I really loved this book. These characters are messy and imperfect and they make mistakes, treat the people they love poorly sometimes, treat themselves poorly even more often. They felt so relatable at times that it made me angry. I loved them even when I hated them.
This is a really great platonic love story. These two will always have each other, no matter what. They could probably do with some better communication and some healthier boundaries, but the ending truly felt like they were working on that, and I lowkey loved that nothing was “fixed” by the end, only being worked on. It momentarily frustrated me before I realised how realistic and honest it felt, not just to the characters but to life in general.
I love Madden’s YA books but I hope he writes more adult novels in future, too! A brilliant adult debut.
Thanks so much to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
I really loved this book. These characters are messy and imperfect and they make mistakes, treat the people they love poorly sometimes, treat themselves poorly even more often. They felt so relatable at times that it made me angry. I loved them even when I hated them.
This is a really great platonic love story. These two will always have each other, no matter what. They could probably do with some better communication and some healthier boundaries, but the ending truly felt like they were working on that, and I lowkey loved that nothing was “fixed” by the end, only being worked on. It momentarily frustrated me before I realised how realistic and honest it felt, not just to the characters but to life in general.
I love Madden’s YA books but I hope he writes more adult novels in future, too! A brilliant adult debut.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the advance eARC.
This book reminds me that friendships can be just as messy, epic and life-changing as any romance you can have in your life. Austin's and Sydney's friendship was the heart of this story. I loved reading how they both navigate adulthood while trying to hold onto the person who knows them best (spoiler: it's each other). As much as their relationship is funny, chaotic and even frustrating at times, underneath it all is just so much love. I did find myself rooting for them even when they were making all the wrong decisions.
What I found resonated with me was the reminder that growing up isn't something you finish in your twenties. As we grow older, we are all still learning who we are, making mistakes, letting people go and finding ourselves. Tobias Madden captures that uncertainty with such warmth and honesty that it feels impossible not to see parts of myself in these characters.
As much as I liked reading the book, the ending kind of annoyed me a bit as I didn't think it was that plausible. But it was still quite an enjoyable read nonetheless. I wouldn't call this a romance book, but a book that celebrates chosen family, platonic soulmates and the beautiful people who stay beside you and hold your hands while you're figuring life out. It is hearfelt, hillarious and full of moments that made me smile while quietly reminding me of how important it is to have someone who chooses you again and again.
This book reminds me that friendships can be just as messy, epic and life-changing as any romance you can have in your life. Austin's and Sydney's friendship was the heart of this story. I loved reading how they both navigate adulthood while trying to hold onto the person who knows them best (spoiler: it's each other). As much as their relationship is funny, chaotic and even frustrating at times, underneath it all is just so much love. I did find myself rooting for them even when they were making all the wrong decisions.
What I found resonated with me was the reminder that growing up isn't something you finish in your twenties. As we grow older, we are all still learning who we are, making mistakes, letting people go and finding ourselves. Tobias Madden captures that uncertainty with such warmth and honesty that it feels impossible not to see parts of myself in these characters.
As much as I liked reading the book, the ending kind of annoyed me a bit as I didn't think it was that plausible. But it was still quite an enjoyable read nonetheless. I wouldn't call this a romance book, but a book that celebrates chosen family, platonic soulmates and the beautiful people who stay beside you and hold your hands while you're figuring life out. It is hearfelt, hillarious and full of moments that made me smile while quietly reminding me of how important it is to have someone who chooses you again and again.
August 23, 2026
3.5 stars 🌟
I’m not sure how I feel about this one! This unique romcom definitely had its ups and downs. Even though it’s maybe not my favourite, it definitely stands out and keeps you entertained along the way.
Don’t get me wrong, I liked this interesting take on the genre. It’s essentially a rom-com, except about friendships and how dramatic, messy and difficult they can be. Friendships are forever changing and evolving just like romantic relationships and I can see this type of almost dysfunctional relationship existing in real life.
The emotions felt real between each character, even those fleeting. The relationships Sydney and Austin have with their parents, with each other, and all the men passing through their lives.
However, I didn’t like the romance set up between Austin and Zac. The pacing just seemed a bit off, and when the inevitable blow up happens I can’t figure out whose “side” I’m on. The ending between them feels unsatisfying and unbelievable to me.
Where we leave off with Sydney and Austin also doesn’t totally sit right with me, it feels like it’s missing something. Maybe it’s just not what I was expecting.
Regardless, this story of chosen family and finding your soulmate is one I would recommend. It feels like an important reminder that we need to focus on ALL of those in our circle, and not just our romantic partners. Most importantly, we need to focus on ourselves, making sure we’re protecting who we are, so we can continue to be there for those around us.
I’m not sure how I feel about this one! This unique romcom definitely had its ups and downs. Even though it’s maybe not my favourite, it definitely stands out and keeps you entertained along the way.
Don’t get me wrong, I liked this interesting take on the genre. It’s essentially a rom-com, except about friendships and how dramatic, messy and difficult they can be. Friendships are forever changing and evolving just like romantic relationships and I can see this type of almost dysfunctional relationship existing in real life.
The emotions felt real between each character, even those fleeting. The relationships Sydney and Austin have with their parents, with each other, and all the men passing through their lives.
However, I didn’t like the romance set up between Austin and Zac. The pacing just seemed a bit off, and when the inevitable blow up happens I can’t figure out whose “side” I’m on. The ending between them feels unsatisfying and unbelievable to me.
Where we leave off with Sydney and Austin also doesn’t totally sit right with me, it feels like it’s missing something. Maybe it’s just not what I was expecting.
Regardless, this story of chosen family and finding your soulmate is one I would recommend. It feels like an important reminder that we need to focus on ALL of those in our circle, and not just our romantic partners. Most importantly, we need to focus on ourselves, making sure we’re protecting who we are, so we can continue to be there for those around us.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sydney and Austin meet as flatmate newcomers to New York in their twenties but at a deeper unspoken level they share a common experience of abandonment by their fathers. Sydney’s father has died and Austin’s father left his family and embarked on a carousel of subsequent relationships. Austin’s experiences have left him a little clingy, while Sydney is the opposite, incredibly responsible and self reliant often to her detriment.
The premise of the book is both friends’ relationships end on the same day and so they decide to return to their flat sharing days although, like a lot of things in their relationship, how things seem is not the whole truth.
I have a soft spot for books set in New York and Tobias Madden renders the world charmingly. We have the onstage banter of the minor cast in a queer regency musical, Central Park running dates and diverse picture books being launched in independent bookshops.
The book also explores the question of the creative financially precarious life versus the financially sensible life and the challenges that coexist in friendships when friends choose differently.
The twist ‘the key in the door’ was a great moment for me and the book shifts gears. How much of the stories we tell about ourselves and our loved ones are the whole truth? From a highly readable rom com with a pastel cover, the story becomes a thoughtful rumination about the self we choose to be and the pleasure of finding that out through writing.
The premise of the book is both friends’ relationships end on the same day and so they decide to return to their flat sharing days although, like a lot of things in their relationship, how things seem is not the whole truth.
I have a soft spot for books set in New York and Tobias Madden renders the world charmingly. We have the onstage banter of the minor cast in a queer regency musical, Central Park running dates and diverse picture books being launched in independent bookshops.
The book also explores the question of the creative financially precarious life versus the financially sensible life and the challenges that coexist in friendships when friends choose differently.
The twist ‘the key in the door’ was a great moment for me and the book shifts gears. How much of the stories we tell about ourselves and our loved ones are the whole truth? From a highly readable rom com with a pastel cover, the story becomes a thoughtful rumination about the self we choose to be and the pleasure of finding that out through writing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Warm, funny, endearing, heartbreaking & real. What a story, I honestly felt like I was sitting down next to my two friends in a cosy cabin hearing the events of the last ten years of their life. It felt so raw, honest, real & relatable.
Austin & Sydney moved into a tiny nyc apartment nearly 10 years ago and quickly went from strangers to roommates to soulmates. Now in their early thirties, both of them find their lives at a standstill, in different ways & for very different reasons. This book really solidifies how important friendships are, how messy they can be, how consuming and uplifting they are and how communication is key as people grow and change over time.
I found Sydney to be such a relatable character, I could see parts of myself in both MCs but Sydney really hit home for me. I loved the realness and depth of her relationship with her mum and exploring that side of her that wasn’t just surrounding friendship or romance.
This book was described as a must read for fans of new girl, dolly alderton & Madeline gray and this could not have been described in a more accurate way! If you love contemporary stories surrounding friendship, growth, love, loss & life in your thirties you MUST pick this up!
Thank you penguin books & Tobias for an arc copy of quite the pair and the best promotional box I’ve ever received !!!
Austin & Sydney moved into a tiny nyc apartment nearly 10 years ago and quickly went from strangers to roommates to soulmates. Now in their early thirties, both of them find their lives at a standstill, in different ways & for very different reasons. This book really solidifies how important friendships are, how messy they can be, how consuming and uplifting they are and how communication is key as people grow and change over time.
I found Sydney to be such a relatable character, I could see parts of myself in both MCs but Sydney really hit home for me. I loved the realness and depth of her relationship with her mum and exploring that side of her that wasn’t just surrounding friendship or romance.
This book was described as a must read for fans of new girl, dolly alderton & Madeline gray and this could not have been described in a more accurate way! If you love contemporary stories surrounding friendship, growth, love, loss & life in your thirties you MUST pick this up!
Thank you penguin books & Tobias for an arc copy of quite the pair and the best promotional box I’ve ever received !!!
September 26, 2026
“But this... I don't want to be invisible. I want to take up more space. I want to build a giant house so I have room to finally unpack everything I've been carrying around with me all these years. Regret goes in the master bedroom. Self-doubt in the downstairs bathroom. The whole basement reserved for unpro cessed grief.”
This book made me laugh on my first sitting, just pages in - which turned out to be a very early sign that I’d end up really enjoying this book in whole.
Our protagonists Austin and Sydney were flawed and loveable in the most relatable ways. Their shared history, quirks and banter, all made them feel very ‘real’ and well-developed.
I appreciated that the book was centred on their friendship as opposed to any of their respective romantic relationships - which may have incited the series of events in this book.
It did feel like the imbalance in the friendship made one protagonist easier to empathise with. However, that might have been the author’s intention given said protagonist had more of an arc. I still enjoyed both characters, all the same!
“I'm still not sure what I'm going to do next. But whatever it is, whatever I decide, I know I'll be able to look back with absolute certainty and say, 'I never would've done that if I hadn't bid farewell to safety and security and everything comfortable I'd known for the last ten years.’”
This book made me laugh on my first sitting, just pages in - which turned out to be a very early sign that I’d end up really enjoying this book in whole.
Our protagonists Austin and Sydney were flawed and loveable in the most relatable ways. Their shared history, quirks and banter, all made them feel very ‘real’ and well-developed.
I appreciated that the book was centred on their friendship as opposed to any of their respective romantic relationships - which may have incited the series of events in this book.
It did feel like the imbalance in the friendship made one protagonist easier to empathise with. However, that might have been the author’s intention given said protagonist had more of an arc. I still enjoyed both characters, all the same!
“I'm still not sure what I'm going to do next. But whatever it is, whatever I decide, I know I'll be able to look back with absolute certainty and say, 'I never would've done that if I hadn't bid farewell to safety and security and everything comfortable I'd known for the last ten years.’”
August 17, 2026
The book I didn’t know I needed!!!🥹😻🫶
I was recently sent a copy of Quite The Pair and I won’t lie, I came home from work and binged the entire thing in one sitting!
I’m quite enjoying contemporary fiction and I need to know. WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK?!?!
Our main characters are Sydney, a 34-year old woman who just left a 9-year relationship with her soon to be husband. Then there’s “very, very gay” Austin (reference from the book😆), who proposed to his partner of 3 years and heard the words everyone dreads to hear, “No.” Both besties relationships fall apart on the same night and they find each other deciding to lease an apartment together for 1 year, to break their toxic habits.
THIS WAS SUCH A FUN READ! I was so absorbed by this book, reading it felt like a big warm hug 🥰
There is so much depth to the characters (even Austin’s side trists and his friends), they are written with so much care and detail that you feel like you know them personally!
I absolutely adored the relationship between Sydney and Austin. Their friendship spans 11 years and obviously they have faults, they aren’t perfect but they feel so damn real and relatable!
Thank you Tanaya and Penguin Books Aus for sending me a gifted copy to read and review!
I was recently sent a copy of Quite The Pair and I won’t lie, I came home from work and binged the entire thing in one sitting!
I’m quite enjoying contemporary fiction and I need to know. WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK?!?!
Our main characters are Sydney, a 34-year old woman who just left a 9-year relationship with her soon to be husband. Then there’s “very, very gay” Austin (reference from the book😆), who proposed to his partner of 3 years and heard the words everyone dreads to hear, “No.” Both besties relationships fall apart on the same night and they find each other deciding to lease an apartment together for 1 year, to break their toxic habits.
THIS WAS SUCH A FUN READ! I was so absorbed by this book, reading it felt like a big warm hug 🥰
There is so much depth to the characters (even Austin’s side trists and his friends), they are written with so much care and detail that you feel like you know them personally!
I absolutely adored the relationship between Sydney and Austin. Their friendship spans 11 years and obviously they have faults, they aren’t perfect but they feel so damn real and relatable!
Thank you Tanaya and Penguin Books Aus for sending me a gifted copy to read and review!
September 11, 2026
Brilliant meet cute moments and an awkward family dinner scene, but the end falls flat and it got very repetitive.
This was quite the chaotic whirlwind, and I was somewhat there until the end. It kind of reads like it got near the final word count and things had to happen, but no decision was ever actually reached on what those things were so it sort of just meanders around a bit and someone went off to have a nap. It also doesn’t help that the characters aren’t particularly likeable, and one might even go so far as to call them insufferable.
“Do you forgive me?”
Actually, no. Where was the apology, let alone grovelling. This was the weakest, most annoying happy bit ever. Austin does nothing to earn it. The entire ending brought this book down for me and definitely lost a star.
Credit where credit is due: this being the author’s first published adult book after publishing YA, it does read as an adult novel, not just a YA book where they tell you the characters are older but they still act sixteen and some sex scenes are thrown in. Actual adult fiction, so kudos for that.
2.5
This was quite the chaotic whirlwind, and I was somewhat there until the end. It kind of reads like it got near the final word count and things had to happen, but no decision was ever actually reached on what those things were so it sort of just meanders around a bit and someone went off to have a nap. It also doesn’t help that the characters aren’t particularly likeable, and one might even go so far as to call them insufferable.
“Do you forgive me?”
Actually, no. Where was the apology, let alone grovelling. This was the weakest, most annoying happy bit ever. Austin does nothing to earn it. The entire ending brought this book down for me and definitely lost a star.
Credit where credit is due: this being the author’s first published adult book after publishing YA, it does read as an adult novel, not just a YA book where they tell you the characters are older but they still act sixteen and some sex scenes are thrown in. Actual adult fiction, so kudos for that.
2.5
August 24, 2026
Tobias Madden tells a GOOD story.
Having really enjoyed the depth of this YA stories, I was excited to see what he would do in the adult space. And I was not disappointed.
This is a story of two best friends, Sydney and Austin. When their big relationships both end on the same night they start trying to figure out how to break their cycle. Sydney is an absolute girl boss who is making good money and smashing it career wise, but who always puts herself second when the people she loves need her. Austin feels everything deeply and dramatically (including heartbreak), and so while he can create and amazing atmosphere, he can also end up taking up all the oxygen in the room!
This is a beautifully told story that had me laughing, and cringing, and thinking deeply about how to manage adult relationships. I particularly appreciated reading a story that centred platonic friendship and chosen family and how complex those relationships can be.
If he wasn’t before, this would have cemented it for me… Tobias Madden is an auto-buy author for me.
Having really enjoyed the depth of this YA stories, I was excited to see what he would do in the adult space. And I was not disappointed.
This is a story of two best friends, Sydney and Austin. When their big relationships both end on the same night they start trying to figure out how to break their cycle. Sydney is an absolute girl boss who is making good money and smashing it career wise, but who always puts herself second when the people she loves need her. Austin feels everything deeply and dramatically (including heartbreak), and so while he can create and amazing atmosphere, he can also end up taking up all the oxygen in the room!
This is a beautifully told story that had me laughing, and cringing, and thinking deeply about how to manage adult relationships. I particularly appreciated reading a story that centred platonic friendship and chosen family and how complex those relationships can be.
If he wasn’t before, this would have cemented it for me… Tobias Madden is an auto-buy author for me.
July 24, 2026
One of the best books I’ve read in 2026 so far! Austin and Sydney have been best friends since he moved into her shoebox apartment in NYC over a decade ago. Now in their early 30s, life is good. Austin is living his dream performing on Broadway and Sydney is the VP, Marketing of a lucrative tech start up and living with her fiancé. But when both of their relationships implode on the same night, they decide to move in together again and spend the next year focusing on breaking their toxic traits. For Austin, this means NOT falling in love with every man he meets, and for Sydney it means putting herself first.
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! As someone also in her early 30s I could relate to Austin and Sydney's stage of life and the crises that come along with it. The friendship Austin and Sydney shared was just gorgeous - the true definition of platonic soulmates. This book was full of heart and humour and I truly loved every second I spent reading it. We read from both Austin and Sydney's POVs, and there are little snippets of how their friendship came to be from when they first lived together in the form of things like text messages, video transcripts and voicemails which I just adored. When I finished this I just hugged the book - it truly makes you feel all the warm fuzzies!!! I cannot recommend this highly enough - if you enjoy contemporary stories about friendship, finding yourself and you love a good LOL moment then definitely pick this one up!
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! As someone also in her early 30s I could relate to Austin and Sydney's stage of life and the crises that come along with it. The friendship Austin and Sydney shared was just gorgeous - the true definition of platonic soulmates. This book was full of heart and humour and I truly loved every second I spent reading it. We read from both Austin and Sydney's POVs, and there are little snippets of how their friendship came to be from when they first lived together in the form of things like text messages, video transcripts and voicemails which I just adored. When I finished this I just hugged the book - it truly makes you feel all the warm fuzzies!!! I cannot recommend this highly enough - if you enjoy contemporary stories about friendship, finding yourself and you love a good LOL moment then definitely pick this one up!
August 12, 2026
This is a tale of two best friends whose personal love lives implode on the same night and how they move forward. Set in New York City, it’s a fun, witty and tender tale of friendship.
🛋️ I had such a fun time reading this book! It’s raw, honest, funny and very relatable. It’s like a rom-com but for best friends rather than lovers.
Austin is the chaos to Sydney’s calm. He feels everything and wears his heart in his sleeve and at times I wanted to reach through the pages and shake him. Sydney is more reserved. She puts her thoughts into her journals rather than saying them out loud and I wanted to yell at her to say what she was thinking in the moment. Together though, they push each other in a supportive way and I enjoyed their banter as they did so.
Quite the Pair is a witty exploration of friendships, finding yourself, love and all the messiness in between. It gently reminds readers that growth and learning are lifelong journeys. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a copy to review.
🛋️ I had such a fun time reading this book! It’s raw, honest, funny and very relatable. It’s like a rom-com but for best friends rather than lovers.
Austin is the chaos to Sydney’s calm. He feels everything and wears his heart in his sleeve and at times I wanted to reach through the pages and shake him. Sydney is more reserved. She puts her thoughts into her journals rather than saying them out loud and I wanted to yell at her to say what she was thinking in the moment. Together though, they push each other in a supportive way and I enjoyed their banter as they did so.
Quite the Pair is a witty exploration of friendships, finding yourself, love and all the messiness in between. It gently reminds readers that growth and learning are lifelong journeys. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a copy to review.
August 18, 2026
Quite the Pair is quite simply the best thing Tobias Madden has written yet. His foray into the world of platonic love yielded surprisingly hilarious results and I ended up loving this gay rom-com with my whole heart.
The story takes place in the ever-iconic heart of romantic comedy – New York City. The tale itself isn’t your average romantic comedy though. Quite the Pair is instead a story about two friends simultaneously go through break-ups and find themselves sharing a house again, just as they had in their 20’s.
I found it so refreshing reading a book where it isn’t a romantic relationship which takes centre stage, but a platonic one. That’s not to say there is 0 romance in this book. But it’s certainly not the point. The focus is instead on Sydney and Austin and their relationship.
It’s a story that Tobias pulls off perfectly. There are a lot of funny moments in this book. But there is also a lot of heart that has gone into it too. I loved the way Sydney and Austin lean on each other for support. I also enjoyed the flashbacks that show how their relationship developed throughout the years.
Tobias also accurately portrays what it’s like to be in your 30’s. As a 30 something myself I found the characters to be so incredibly relatable. Family troubles, job troubles, identity troubles and relationship troubles are all addressed throughout the book.
However, my favourite part of Quite the Pair was the humour interspersed throughout. There were some moments that had me truly snort laughing. I hope to see many more books like this from the author in the future.
The story takes place in the ever-iconic heart of romantic comedy – New York City. The tale itself isn’t your average romantic comedy though. Quite the Pair is instead a story about two friends simultaneously go through break-ups and find themselves sharing a house again, just as they had in their 20’s.
I found it so refreshing reading a book where it isn’t a romantic relationship which takes centre stage, but a platonic one. That’s not to say there is 0 romance in this book. But it’s certainly not the point. The focus is instead on Sydney and Austin and their relationship.
It’s a story that Tobias pulls off perfectly. There are a lot of funny moments in this book. But there is also a lot of heart that has gone into it too. I loved the way Sydney and Austin lean on each other for support. I also enjoyed the flashbacks that show how their relationship developed throughout the years.
Tobias also accurately portrays what it’s like to be in your 30’s. As a 30 something myself I found the characters to be so incredibly relatable. Family troubles, job troubles, identity troubles and relationship troubles are all addressed throughout the book.
However, my favourite part of Quite the Pair was the humour interspersed throughout. There were some moments that had me truly snort laughing. I hope to see many more books like this from the author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this!! The relationship between Sydney and Austin is layered and complex, while still being fun and relatable. Neither is a perfect person but they weather the storms with a satisfactory conclusion. I literally laughed out loud multiple times while I binge read this. Perfect for a holiday/vacation read. I'd love to see this adapted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
September 2, 2026
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this one. It’s Tobias Madden’s first book that isn’t interconnected with his little universe from his previous books, and I realised I really miss that as a reader. It was a good, easy read, but I struggled with Sydney, whether it was the character or how she was written. Something just didn’t quite click for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews