The Boyfriend Algorithm

Ruby and Aiden . . .

Ruby Hart’s life is not at its best right now. Working 12 hours per day, her bakery still isn't doing well, her ex Josh just got engaged to someone else, and she is getting family pressure to start looking for another guy even though that is not what she needs or wants. Her mother has already called twice to entice her to date her neighbor's son who graduated from dental school. Her mom's "selling point" is that he has beautiful teeth, although that's not what Ruby looks for in a man. However, her best friend Liv is insisting that cousin Natalie is getting married and Ruby absolutely must attend the wedding, especially since Josh is going to be there with his new gal Ashley or Audrey or whoever she is. Since Ruby won't stay that long, she says she doesn't need a date. But Liv reminds her that if she doesn't have a date, the entire family will be asking her why she is alone. She needs a date... just for show if nothing else!

When Ruby hears an odd sound in the utility room of her bakery, she finds a man on the floor, covered in mud, naked, and actually beautiful! And she suspects he perhaps is not human? It turns out that he is a decommissioned companion synth, an artificial human, super intelligent, but having no idea about personal boundaries. His name is Aiden and he is delighted when he gets to pretend he is Ruby's boyfriend for a weekend, her partner for the wedding... and very adaptable to his new job! He is loyal and devoted, and becoming more human as he assimilates actual feelings he isn't supposed to be capable of. (Some of the human characters may also steal your heart... ) Grab this fun story and enjoy something totally different!

reviewed

Passionate pages

57 reviews

Review of advance copy

Heartwarming, sci-fi-ish read.

This book is nothing like I have ever read before and I enjoyed every moment.

This is a romance between an innocent, amazing book boyfriend, Aiden, and Ruby, FMC. Aiden becomes Ruby's (synthetic) person who helps her become her best self. She along with her three best girlfriends are one of the best found families for Aiden I have read in a while.

The innocence of Aiden is beautifully written. He says and does all the right things Ruby needs. A lot of moments are beautifully written, but one of the first romantic scenes happens at the wedding where Ruby needs a “fake date” after seeing her ex, Josh. It made me sigh, laugh, and even cry just a little.

(Ruby) “You kissed me because of an article?”

(Aiden) “No,” I say. “I kissed you because Josh made your smile change, and I wanted to change it back. The article was—” I pause. “Justification.”

IMO, Ms. Ryan handles the issue of the building romance and Aiden being a synthetic human very well. Aiden and Ruby internally debated the awkwardness then openly discussed what it means for their relationship.

Although I don't usually read sci-fi, I enjoy a good fake date and found family trope. This book had me reading every spare moment I had until I finished. The bonus scene is both hilarious and adorable. This is my second book by this author and I really enjoyed the world she created in this one. I am hoping this is the start of a series as I would love to read more about Ruby's friends.

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

Jenna Wahl

11 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy

KYLE XY, anyone?! 😂Because apparently I have a very specific weakness for adorable men with no belly buttons!

I honestly don't even know how to explain this book except to say... it is one of the most original rom-coms I've read in a long time, and I had the BEST time with it.

The premise hooked me immediately...a struggling baker, a fake boyfriend, and a man who literally isn't human? I'm clearly toxic.
It was funny, surprisingly heartfelt, and had me smiling through so many pages. The setup is wonderfully absurd, but somehow it works so perfectly. The story follows Ruby, whose life is unraveling, and Aiden, a decommissioned companion synth who's trying to understand humanity while pretending to be her boyfriend.
Don't judge me, wicker ladies!

Aiden completely stole my heart. Watching him try to navigate emotions, relationships, sarcasm, and human connection was equal parts hilarious and incredibly sweet. Every awkward interaction had me giggling, but underneath all of that was this genuine innocence that made me root for him even more.

And Ruby? She was the perfect match. Their chemistry builds in such a fun, natural way, and I loved that the romance wasn't just about attraction.

If you're looking for a romance that's a little different, full of witty banter, fake dating, laugh-out-loud moments, and one of the most lovable heroes I've read in ages, this book is absolutely worth picking up.

I laughed, I swooned, and somehow found myself completely emotionally attached to the socially clueless artificial boyfriend. Didn't see that coming...

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

Lil Ms Reads A LOT

273 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 2, 2026

Ruby Hart needs help in the worst way. Her bakery is struggling, her mother is obsessed with her finding a boyfriend, and her ex and his new fiancé will be in attendance at her cousin's upcoming wedding. Ruby needs a plus one of the male variety in the worst way.

Aiden is one of the decommissioned companion synths—obsolete artificial humans with superior intelligence and a complete lack of understanding of what it means to experience or understand human emotion. After he accidentally crashes through Ruby's bakery window, he finds himself intrigued by the woman who comes to his aid.

Aiden may not necessarily have a beating heart, but he has a warm body and definitely appears to be of the male variety. In a pinch, he'll do as Ruby's plus one. What ensues is a story full of warmth, emotional growth, and longing for a sense of belonging--- to find someone who truly listens to you and accepts you as is instead of wanting to change you.

"The Boyfriend Algorithm" has a quirky, fun, and unique storyline. Definitely not a storyline that I have seen played out on repeat like so many other troupes. I love the ingenuity and wish I had my very own Aiden! He's the book boyfriend I never knew that I needed. To have a man look at me like Aiden looks at Ruby would be wow, just wow! He is definitely the first of his kind amongst my vast array of book boyfriends, and I'm so here for it! LOL

While Aiden and Ruby find their HEA, the ending hints that this will be the first book in a series? If so, I'm already eagerly looking forward to its publication. A+++++!!!

Laura

426 reviews15 followers

July 14, 2026

🤖 AI MMC
🧁 Bakery Owner FMC
💕 Fake Dating
😂 RomCom
✨ Learning To Be Human
🥹 Obsessed With Her
🐾 Obsessed With Dogs
🚫 Closed Door / No Spice
📚 Quick, Feel-Good Read

The Boyfriend Algorithm is such a super cute, fun read that had me smiling from beginning to end. It’s sweet, lighthearted, and the kind of book that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for a feel-good romantic comedy.

Ruby was easy to root for, and I found myself cheering for things to finally go her way. She has a big heart, and watching her navigate the chaos of her bakery and ex made for an entertaining journey.

But for me, Aiden absolutely stole the show.

Oh my gosh…his complete inability to lie, understand sarcasm, or pick up on social cues had me laughing so many times. Every overly literal response and unintentionally awkward interaction was comedy gold. And Ruby repeatedly wanting to “disassemble” him? I was in stitches. He was endlessly lovable in his own uniquely endearing way.

I also really enjoyed Ruby’s group of friends. They perfectly balance teasing one another with showing up when it counts, creating the kind of supportive friend group that makes a story even more enjoyable.

This is a sweet romance with no spice, plenty of laughs, and just enough heart to leave you smiling. If you’re looking for a quick, charming rom-com with lovable characters and lots of humor, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Special thanks to the author and Booksprouts for gifted copy 💕

arc cozy fake-dating

Dawn

98 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 1, 2026

Aiden ends up in Ruby's bakery with some blank spots in his memories when he is found by Ruby. He's not sure how he got there but he's out of the rain and mud and the horrid darkness they kept him and the others in. A woman finds him and when she doesn't kick him out or call anyone to come get him, he knows he's safe for now. Her kindness is what wins his computer over.
Ruby has had a rough time lately, she broke up with her fiancé of three years, her bakery isn't doing the best, and she has to go to a wedding that her ex will be at with his new fiancé
Ruby hears a noise in her bakery and what she's not expecting is a naked Mud cover GQ man crouched in the corner with some blank spots in his memory he can only explain by telling her what he is. She believes him when he tells her he will never hurt her so she takes upstairs to her apartment so he can get a shower, and she can find something to cover all that yumminess.
Ruby's friends get involved and are very encouraging with Ruby to take Aiden to the upcoming wedding as her boyfriend, she's reluctant of course because of what he is and can he pass inspection with her brother the cop. They go and come back as something more that she wasn't expecting, Aiden wants her and has since the start he just has to convince her now.

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

Rachel Walter

104 reviews

Review of advance copy

arc fake-dating futuristic-technology

“Time 41” (Bonus Scene) had me twinning with the 🤭-emoji

As my first Kendall Ryan book, I can safely say it won’t be my last
In this book, is a Romance (modern-day rom-com with SOME futuristic technology) with compelling characters who are confronted with scenarios of self-discovery, prioritizing goals and relationships.

Unfortunately, MUCH of the world right now is becoming increasingly concerned and downright suspicious of “artificial intelligence,” but author, Ryan, has written a really enjoyable and charming book that never had me suspect anything alarm-bell-worthy. Sure, there are ebbs and flows to the tension between characters as they navigate their own journeys…especially what Aiden’s mere existence adds to their plate(s)p

While this read is NOT “🌶️explicit🌶️,” the slow burn that occurs while Aiden and Ruby are working CLOSELY (conspiring?) CT -towards making their fake-dating relationship “passable”- I found myself chuckling just about any/every time Aiden’s innocent observations caused Ruby to become flustered 😅 And when they, YOU KNOW ::😉::, Aiden’s need to verbally examine and explain his observations are equally as entertaining.

If you’re looking for a lighter-leaning Rom-Com with exceptional banter, look NO further👍👍

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

Angelica

193 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy

August 24, 2026

I loved this romance! The two main characters, Ruby and Aiden, were absolutely adorablel and their romance, seemingly improbable, was perfect in every way. The only other book I've read by Kendall Ryan was a hockey romance (which I loved) and this one was different but similarly delightful to read.

Aiden is a not exactly human (a robot imbued with human skin) and anticipates Ruby's every need. He listens to her, follows her instructions, and cleans up after himself. The perfect man! I found myself laughing at the idea - as a woman who finds dating challenging (men in the dating pool are NOT like Aiden), I loved the idea of having a perfect boyfriend like Aiden.

Aiden was so pure and innocent and it was Ruby who had to really work through her feelings and how her family would react to her relationship with Aiden. It's certainly not a conventional one, but his affection for her was revealed to be real (he wasn't in the default "robot" mode when interacting with her). I was rooting for their relationship and was happy that Ruby forged ahead with her HEA with Aiden.

It was a great romance, had some spice, and had me laughing throughout. A great read overall.

I received an ARC through Booksprout and am leaving a voluntary review.

Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d)

1,732 reviews25 followers

Review of advance copy

August 17, 2026

The Boyfriend Algorithm was definitely something different, and I mean that in the BEST way! 😂 Ruby and Aiden’s story was unique, funny, sweet, and had me completely invested.

Ruby is already dealing with enough, and then she finds a very confused, very handsome, very naked man in the utility room of her bakery! 😂 Aiden has no belly button, no memories, and absolutely no idea how to act like a normal human. Watching him try to figure out sarcasm, personal space, relationships, and basically… being human had me laughing so many times.

I loved the Aiden’s researching, the banter, the chemistry, and especially how protective and devoted Aiden became. He may have been created as a synthetic human, but watching his feelings for Ruby develop was perfect. ❤️

This was such a fun rom-com with a storyline I honestly haven’t come across before. It had humor, spice, heart, found family, and a romance that had me hooked.

Kendall Ryan definitely gave me something unexpected with this one, and I really enjoyed Ruby and Aiden’s story! 💕📚

arc

Jennifer

1,035 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy

This is so fun. A truly heartwarming (and somewhat spicy) rom-com.
Ruby is a bit of a mess. Her bakery is doing only ok, and she’s still struggling to get over her ex who seemed to move on very quickly.
She needs a date for an upcoming family wedding and finds one in her utility room, naked, wet, and covered in mud.
The handsome stranger is Aiden; lost, with little memory, a synthetic companion who is perfect for Ruby.
I loved that he became more human every day as he struggled to compute feelings that he wasn’t’ programmed to have. That he sees her, is attentive and loyal, and proves everyday he takes notice and puts Ruby in the center of his world, makes him more loveable as the story progresses.
With friends and family making up the secondary characters and adding beautifully to the overall banter and heart in this story, and the sometimes embarrassing honesty from our hero, this was an enjoyable read from start to finish.
There’ a little hint at the end that suggests this may not be the end of this world from Ms. Ryan. Here’s hoping…

Tasha

1,106 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy

The Boyfriend Algorithm by Kendall Ryan was a fun, entertaining romance with plenty of chemistry, witty banter, and swoony moments. I really enjoyed the characters and watching their relationship develop as they navigated all the unexpected complications along the way. Kendall Ryan kept the story moving with a great mix of humor, romance, and tension. The characters were easy to connect with, and there were plenty of moments that had me smiling and turning the pages to see what would happen next. If you’re looking for a lighthearted contemporary romance with great chemistry and an enjoyable storyline, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Overall, The Boyfriend Algorithm was a quick, entertaining read that was easy to get lost in!

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

Barbara

1,403 reviews7 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

What a charming and quirky story. Ruby is struggling to keep her bakery afloat, keep her mom at bay over her social life and move on from the ex who was already engaged 8 months after they broke up. Enter A.I.D.E.N. late one night - naked, muddy and shaking, and life as she knew it would never be the same. Not when this handsome man shows up and turns out to not actually BE a man, except in the ways that really matter. This is a story of real connection where there shouldn’t be, and while certain aspects still leave me scratching my head thinking “but what about…” I still really enjoyed this story. Ruby is blessed with three uniquely wonderful friends, a high-energy-only-wants-her-daughter-to-be-happy mom, a too observant brother, and a fake-turned-real synthetic boyfriend who is just what she needed.

Kerry Glynn

189 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

Thank you to Kendall Ryan for the eARC of this book.

This was the quirkiest, cutest, laugh out loud book I have read all year! I love how Kendall writes and the dual POV chapters from Ruby and Aidan were so well done. To read Aidan’s POV and literally see when started to fall in love with Ruby (but in his own words) was literally making me swoon. I laughed so many times at the interactions between Rubys mom and everyone as well as Aidan’s responses to Ruby’s amazing circle of friends. Kendall always has such incredible girl squads in her books and this group might be my favorite yet. I cannot wait to see what comes next for this group. Maybe we will see where that mysterious “ping” hit and bounced back. Do not miss reading the extra bonus chapter (time 41 lol).

Loved this book! Was exactly what I needed this week!

Brenda Orozco

112 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 1, 2026

I’m trying to keep up with Kendall’s releases. She’s been writing some great books this year, and this one is no exception. I hadn’t really paid attention to the cover until I zoomed in and read the book. It was a Kendall book so I knew it would be good. This one made me swoon for Aiden. It was so well-written, and I really enjoyed it! If you’re looking for some laughs and a few tears, this book is it. We all might have a friend or two that remind you of Liv she had laughing so much with her no filtered mouth and Ruby’s mom, well, she had me cracking up at times. Those last pages had me wondering if this will become a series. I hope so!.

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

Terri

954 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

August 24, 2026

This was an interesting story. With all the talk about AI it comes to mind that this could be reality in the future.

When Ruby’s life has hit a standstill and her business is slowly falling apart she has no idea how her life is about to change. When she finds a naked man in her utility room and discovers he’s not quite normal, she lets her friends talk her into doing something crazy.
Aiden is capable of doing many things in a very efficient manner. He wants to make Ruby’s life better and he does but something is happening to him and he doesn’t want to give it or Ruby up.

This book is hilarious and sweet and a little emotional. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

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

L H

3,326 reviews23 followers

Review of advance copy

There was a movie a few years ago that this story reminded me of. The premise is very similar in places and it too was funny at times, heartwarming at others. Ruby needs support. She needs someone in her corner. Things have not been going well and then in drops - literally - what seems like the perfect guy. But even perfect has its limitations. I liked that the author made sure include that in the story. Faking a relationship with a synthetic man has its upsides but when you start falling for him there are other things to work out, especially if you have a certain vision for your future - family in particular.

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

A Johnson

3 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

The boyfriend algorithm is a fun romantic quick read. It has all of my favorite tropes the fake dating, the AI/android boyfriend, love at first sight, the ex who moved on quickly, and of course a happily ever after. Ruby is a down on her luck Baker when suddenly Aiden comes into her life, a humanoid robot, and essentially meets all of her needs. It really is a wonderful story. I came to love Aiden and how quirky he was as he learned more about being human. There are a few conversations where he reminds me of Sheldon from TBBT. If you love a short cute, romantic read with few light spicy jokes and moments, then this is for you.

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

Andrea Britton

2,219 reviews43 followers

Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers

June 25, 2026

I can’t believe I fell in love with a synthetic book boyfriend, but once you meet Aiden you will too! He is absolutely book boyfriend perfection. This book was a stellar read! Highly recommended.

What happens when you find a naked man in your supply room? You help him. What Ruby wasn’t expecting was to fall for the most perfect man that doesn’t have a belly button, watches her sleep, helps her when she needs it, and makes her feel like she isn’t alone in this crazy world.

This book is so entertaining and so good. I’m not going into anymore detail because I don’t want to spoil it. Read it!

Thank you to the author for my copy of this book.

Suzette

3,866 reviews23 followers

August 12, 2026

This quirky rom-com poses the fun question: “What if you could create the perfect boyfriend?” and delivers a charming, lighthearted story around that premise. The plot moves smoothly and keeps you engaged without feeling overly predictable.

The characters are well-written, with clear growth and development throughout the book, making it easy to root for them. I especially loved the way their quirks and personal challenges were woven into the romantic and comedic elements of the story.

If you’re looking for a witty, feel-good read that balances humor with heart, The Boyfriend Algorithm is definitely worth picking up.

Shelley

711 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy

August 13, 2026

This was a fun read that is very unique from the usual tropes. Our heroine, Ruby, is a baker and struggling to keep her small business afloat. One late night in the back of the bakery she hears a loud crash. She goes to investigate when she finds a very naked, wet and muddy man in her utility closet. After lots of questions, even stranger answers and a lot of uncertainty, Ruby hands him a towel and allows Aiden, who she names, to stay.

Over the coming weeks, they learn to work and live together. Aiden agrees to be her "fake boyfriend" for a wedding that her ex will be attending with his fiancée.

In the coming weeks fake turns very real.

Dana Graves

310 reviews1 follower

August 21, 2026

When the FMC Ruby finds a naked man in her bakery at night, I knew I was going to love this book! Read in one continous sitting, kept me engaged the whole time.

The Boyfriend Algorithm was sweet, hilarious laugh-out-loud funny, adorable, and had such a unique different plot! This is a closed-door romance, but I did not mind at all. Loved the premise of fake-dating turned into true love, a synthetic boyfriend who has more humanity in him than most human males. I am so enamored with Aiden and this light-hearted, banter-filled story I could NOT PUT DOWN!!!.

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

arcs-alcs read-2026

Clara Atkinson

1,256 reviews57 followers

Review of advance copy

August 25, 2026

The Boyfriend Algorithm is a charming, quirky, hilarious, feel good, lighthearted enjoyable rom-com. It follows Ruby Hart who ownes a bakery and Aiden a companion synths that Ruby found muddy, wet and naked in her bakery utility room. The storyline was unique, fresh and definitely not something I've read before. You can't help but love how Ruby and Aiden navigate through their new found life then add in her cast of hilarious, unfiltered friends and mom you have yourself a must read story. Oh and Biscuit their adorable stray dog.

I received a copy through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sandy

1,037 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy

MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog

A chance to indulge in the perfect boyfriend's being, including statistics and observations that I don't mind, and beware not to get overwhelmed, also ignoring bittersweet feelings.
Endearing, amusing, caring, and even sometimes unsettling for the heroine, the hero is very capable with many skills and evokes a lot of positive feelings.
The first scene with the hero and dog is wonderfully sweet and funny.
Finding someone at or in the bakery can't be a pattern because it brings more chaos each time, but it brings something good into one's life, so maybe it's okay to have someone unexpected.

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

1,542 reviews275 followers

Review of advance copy

cinnamon-roll cute fantasy

Ruby Hart’s life was already in shambles when an undressed man stumbles into her bakery! Aiden is unlike any other man she has met. Partly because he is not only beyond gorgeous but he also may not be totally human…more synthetic. Maybe, he can accompany her to her cousin’s wedding where her ex will be if she can get him to act a little more human. She just has to not fall for him too…or can she? What an adorable scifi-ish romance and with where electronics are headed maybe a possibility in the near future. Loved how sweet he is and more human than some humans I know. Cozy up for a love like no other! Told in first person and dual POV.

420 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author