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Love on the Vine #3
Isn't He Romantic?
To deter his ex, a lovelorn cellist starts a fake relationship with his one-night stand in this steamy, swoony fake dating romance from USA Today bestselling author Adib Khorram.
Arya’s always been a “one-and-done” man when it comes to romance—but with his friends all pairing up and the big 4-0 creeping ever closer, he’s starting to question his life choices. Especially when he discovers his latest hookup is the new committee chair for the charity ball Arya’s company is planning.
Ben’s plan to start over in Kansas City isn’t going so great. And having to spend lots of time with the one-night stand who ghosted him isn’t helping. Worse yet, when his ex-boyfriend shows up looking for a reunion, a panicked Ben claims he’s already moved on—with Arya.
Torn between staying professional and helping the man he can’t forget, Arya agrees to give Ben a hand, in exchange for Ben’s help landing a big client. But when the lines start to blur, they’ll have to decide if it’s time to change their tunes about love.
Arya’s always been a “one-and-done” man when it comes to romance—but with his friends all pairing up and the big 4-0 creeping ever closer, he’s starting to question his life choices. Especially when he discovers his latest hookup is the new committee chair for the charity ball Arya’s company is planning.
Ben’s plan to start over in Kansas City isn’t going so great. And having to spend lots of time with the one-night stand who ghosted him isn’t helping. Worse yet, when his ex-boyfriend shows up looking for a reunion, a panicked Ben claims he’s already moved on—with Arya.
Torn between staying professional and helping the man he can’t forget, Arya agrees to give Ben a hand, in exchange for Ben’s help landing a big client. But when the lines start to blur, they’ll have to decide if it’s time to change their tunes about love.
658 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Adib Khorram
19 books2,017 followersADIB KHORRAM is the author of DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY, which earned the William C. Morris Debut Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature, and a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor, as well as a multitude of other honors and accolades. His followup, DARIUS THE GREAT DESERVES BETTER, received three starred reviews, was an Indie Bestseller, and received a Stonewall Honor. His debut picture book, SEVEN SPECIAL SOMETHINGS: A NOWRUZ STORY was released in 2021. When he isn’t writing, you can find him learning to do a Lutz jump, practicing his handstands, or steeping a cup of oolong. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where people don’t usually talk about themselves in the third person. You can find him on Twitter (@adibkhorram), Instagram (@adibkhorram), or on the web at adibkhorram.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
June 14, 2026
Ugh! Some men are terribly child-like... they break up with you, then realize they made a mistake, and they insert themselves into your life in many unwelcome ways. That's what happens in the third installment of Love on the Vine, a series written by Adib Khorram. We loved Arya as a side character in supporting books but when he takes centerstage here, all the better. Except he can be a little full of himself! Hot scenes in the vineyard. Silly scenes when faking a relationship. Love how the parents interact. But some moms don't how how to temper their control! Will there be a 4th?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“To hell with the rules.”
I really really loved this one! The fake dating was SO good and it actually made sense. I absolutely loved Arya and Ben together. They had so much chemistry, and I liked seeing how their relationship developed. There was a lot of fun and spice, but the romance still was really sweet.
I liked how Arya grew more comfortable with Ben, and how he opens up about his past. Ben was also a very interesting character. I feel like we don't get enough side representation in gay romances, so I really appreciated that this was being part of his character. His ex, however... he really needs to touch some grass.
🎧 The audiobook was also really good! The narration worked really well for the story and made it an especially fun listen.
Overall, this was just such a fun and sweet romance and exactly the kind of fake dating story I want. I was completely invested in these two!
✧ Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the ARC!
I really really loved this one! The fake dating was SO good and it actually made sense. I absolutely loved Arya and Ben together. They had so much chemistry, and I liked seeing how their relationship developed. There was a lot of fun and spice, but the romance still was really sweet.
I liked how Arya grew more comfortable with Ben, and how he opens up about his past. Ben was also a very interesting character. I feel like we don't get enough side representation in gay romances, so I really appreciated that this was being part of his character. His ex, however... he really needs to touch some grass.
🎧 The audiobook was also really good! The narration worked really well for the story and made it an especially fun listen.
Overall, this was just such a fun and sweet romance and exactly the kind of fake dating story I want. I was completely invested in these two!
✧ Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the ARC!
September 22, 2026
Isn’t He Romantic by Adib Khorram
Love on the Vine series #3. Diverse M-M romance. Alternating 1st person POV. Can be read as a standalone.
Ben Liu moves to Kansas City for a cellist position to get away from his ex lover who hasn’t taken their breakup well. The bad news is that Justin followed him to Kansas City and continues to dog Ben’s footsteps. The good news for Ben is that Arya Nazeri coincidentally lives in KC. He’s the man Ben told his ex was his new relationship. Ben and Arya agree to fake dating to get rid of the ex and soon their friendship becomes real and the passion grows.
Relationships aren’t really Arya’s thing though. Can Ben change his mind?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and an audiobook narrated by Rodd Cyrus and A J Ren. Both performances bring the characters to life with passion, worry and life anxiety emotions. The audiobook brings their personalities off the page.
The romance between Arya and Ben is instant attraction and slow burn as they move from fake to tentative relationship. Work and daily life take a toll for Arya as his business partner goes into crisis and Arya looks at himself turning 40 as the end of his social life.
Arya hasn’t had any examples of intimacy in his life. He doesn’t know what emotional love is, so doesn’t know how to show it either.
Evocative and detailed in both the physical and emotional parts of loving.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
Love on the Vine series #3. Diverse M-M romance. Alternating 1st person POV. Can be read as a standalone.
Ben Liu moves to Kansas City for a cellist position to get away from his ex lover who hasn’t taken their breakup well. The bad news is that Justin followed him to Kansas City and continues to dog Ben’s footsteps. The good news for Ben is that Arya Nazeri coincidentally lives in KC. He’s the man Ben told his ex was his new relationship. Ben and Arya agree to fake dating to get rid of the ex and soon their friendship becomes real and the passion grows.
Relationships aren’t really Arya’s thing though. Can Ben change his mind?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and an audiobook narrated by Rodd Cyrus and A J Ren. Both performances bring the characters to life with passion, worry and life anxiety emotions. The audiobook brings their personalities off the page.
The romance between Arya and Ben is instant attraction and slow burn as they move from fake to tentative relationship. Work and daily life take a toll for Arya as his business partner goes into crisis and Arya looks at himself turning 40 as the end of his social life.
Arya hasn’t had any examples of intimacy in his life. He doesn’t know what emotional love is, so doesn’t know how to show it either.
Evocative and detailed in both the physical and emotional parts of loving.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.
August 17, 2026
Thank you so much Forever pub for the digital copy to review!
I am Adib's biggest fan and self proclaimed bestie (I have the book signatures to prove it!!) and this book just solidifies, yet again, that he is one of the best writers of queer, adult fiction. His characters are always well fleshed out (hehe), have their own problems and hangups, and they go THROUGH it to be together. But he always brings the banter and the sweetness and rounds out the books with as much banging as possible and honestly, what more could you ask for?? Not much in my opinion. This one has spicy time within 10% and I was *here* for it!!
Oh Arya, my sweet summer child, I love how oblivious he was the entire book. I think he protested *too much* when he was thinking he didn't do commitment. Sweet, sweet Ben. My little angel baby chicken nugget. Thinking he could have a one night stand with Arya and *then* fake date him????????? PLEASE he was so gone from the minute he met Arya and he knew it. The fake dating in this one was so real and cute, and I loved seeing our friends from the other two books in this series weigh in. OH and f*cking Todd even got his HEA ... or HFN... either way..
Adib writes men who are in their late 30s and early 40s. Men who are a little self conscious about their age and bodies. Men who also are confident in their sex lives and know what they want and deserve. It's such a gift to be able to read characters who are my age or older still finding and having love. Plus, Adib is funny, charming, and the best type of human.
I'm lucky to read his words. Definitely recommend picking this one up!
I am Adib's biggest fan and self proclaimed bestie (I have the book signatures to prove it!!) and this book just solidifies, yet again, that he is one of the best writers of queer, adult fiction. His characters are always well fleshed out (hehe), have their own problems and hangups, and they go THROUGH it to be together. But he always brings the banter and the sweetness and rounds out the books with as much banging as possible and honestly, what more could you ask for?? Not much in my opinion. This one has spicy time within 10% and I was *here* for it!!
Oh Arya, my sweet summer child, I love how oblivious he was the entire book. I think he protested *too much* when he was thinking he didn't do commitment. Sweet, sweet Ben. My little angel baby chicken nugget. Thinking he could have a one night stand with Arya and *then* fake date him????????? PLEASE he was so gone from the minute he met Arya and he knew it. The fake dating in this one was so real and cute, and I loved seeing our friends from the other two books in this series weigh in. OH and f*cking Todd even got his HEA ... or HFN... either way..
Adib writes men who are in their late 30s and early 40s. Men who are a little self conscious about their age and bodies. Men who also are confident in their sex lives and know what they want and deserve. It's such a gift to be able to read characters who are my age or older still finding and having love. Plus, Adib is funny, charming, and the best type of human.
I'm lucky to read his words. Definitely recommend picking this one up!
July 2, 2026
Most likely my least favorite of the series, even as it has my favorite trope ever. I do not know what happened, maybe the fact that I'm still having a horrible depressive spiral, but I just wasn't as invested in these two as I was the others. I will say that I loved seeing the side rep, and it was so well written too.
I'm so deeply attached to this series and I'm lowkey sad it's ending but I'm excited to have read it. Thank you Netgalley and Forever for the arc.
I'm so deeply attached to this series and I'm lowkey sad it's ending but I'm excited to have read it. Thank you Netgalley and Forever for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25/5.
I came to the realization today that Adib Khorram is basically giving us a Nancy Meyers vibe, but without all the aggressive whiteness and heterosexuality. (And with hotter sex.)
He's writing about people in their late thirties and early forties finding love, getting into some messy drama, doing well enough at their jobs (which are like "cello" or "wine") to embark on weeks-long crash out trips abroad while still making time to brunch with friends, and hooking up in... unique places. Like, amongst the vines in a vineyard, when it comes to Arya and Ben.
His PARENTS' vineyard. Ben gets cum all over his parents' grape plants, or something. Just the vines, not the grapes. To be so clear. Part of me is horrified, and part of me is like—you know what? Good for you. Life is short. Go fuck that hot stranger among the vines.
Khorram is an expert at the romcom. His books don't have a lot of heavy PLOT, but they do have great character development and establish realistically human characters you simply must root for. The romance truly is the plot in this one, fake dating stuff aside, and that's totally cool. Ben and Arya have an instant chemistry—and certainly plenty of lust—but they only really start to fall in love as they get to know each other. And it's a great balancing act, with Khorram having to both give them obstacles that have to lie in their relationship, while avoiding making them look like total dumbasses.
Of course, we have some other issues to worry about—Ben's loser ex Justin being the most obvious. But aside from that, I found Arya's familial tensions really nuanced and different, and I appreciated so much that this man was 40 and still struggling with those family problems and his parents' poor decisions. The older you get, the more you realize you never really snap out of that. There's some work drama for extra stakes, too. But ultimately, the novel sort of luxuriates in community and love and the way physical and emotional intimacy kind of go together.
Speaking of: If you've read Adib Khorram's adult romances before, you know he writes really hot sex scenes that feel tailored to his characters, which is the best kind of sex scene there is. But in particular, I really appreciated him getting into what it means for Ben to be a side, how some people react to that compared to others, and how a lot of people... love sex, but don't love penetrative sex. And that is FINE. It's COOL. You really don't see see even the concept of being a side discussed much in MM romance novels (and it probably isn't a coincidence that the majority of popular MM romance novels are written by cis women). Generally speaking, sexual compatibility a something you like, discuss and can be in and out of synch on isn't discussed in romance. I just loved that it was a thing here.
Also: Fuck Justin.
This is very much a comforting romcom, but it's thinking about bigger things at the same time. It also made me want to go to Kansas City, which is frankly wild. The audiobook narration is perfect, with distinct tones set for Arya and Ben via Rod Cyrus and A.J. Ren. I also really loved pulling in the couples from the previous books—the sense of community, and especially the queer community in an area a lot of people might assume doesn't have one, is so heartwarming. I kind of think this series just kept getting stronger over time, and you know what? That isn't easy to pull off. A big accomplishment, and, I hope, a sign that Adib Khorram is here to stay as an adult romance writer.
Thanks to Hachette Audio for giving me a copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I came to the realization today that Adib Khorram is basically giving us a Nancy Meyers vibe, but without all the aggressive whiteness and heterosexuality. (And with hotter sex.)
He's writing about people in their late thirties and early forties finding love, getting into some messy drama, doing well enough at their jobs (which are like "cello" or "wine") to embark on weeks-long crash out trips abroad while still making time to brunch with friends, and hooking up in... unique places. Like, amongst the vines in a vineyard, when it comes to Arya and Ben.
His PARENTS' vineyard. Ben gets cum all over his parents' grape plants, or something. Just the vines, not the grapes. To be so clear. Part of me is horrified, and part of me is like—you know what? Good for you. Life is short. Go fuck that hot stranger among the vines.
Khorram is an expert at the romcom. His books don't have a lot of heavy PLOT, but they do have great character development and establish realistically human characters you simply must root for. The romance truly is the plot in this one, fake dating stuff aside, and that's totally cool. Ben and Arya have an instant chemistry—and certainly plenty of lust—but they only really start to fall in love as they get to know each other. And it's a great balancing act, with Khorram having to both give them obstacles that have to lie in their relationship, while avoiding making them look like total dumbasses.
Of course, we have some other issues to worry about—Ben's loser ex Justin being the most obvious. But aside from that, I found Arya's familial tensions really nuanced and different, and I appreciated so much that this man was 40 and still struggling with those family problems and his parents' poor decisions. The older you get, the more you realize you never really snap out of that. There's some work drama for extra stakes, too. But ultimately, the novel sort of luxuriates in community and love and the way physical and emotional intimacy kind of go together.
Speaking of: If you've read Adib Khorram's adult romances before, you know he writes really hot sex scenes that feel tailored to his characters, which is the best kind of sex scene there is. But in particular, I really appreciated him getting into what it means for Ben to be a side, how some people react to that compared to others, and how a lot of people... love sex, but don't love penetrative sex. And that is FINE. It's COOL. You really don't see see even the concept of being a side discussed much in MM romance novels (and it probably isn't a coincidence that the majority of popular MM romance novels are written by cis women). Generally speaking, sexual compatibility a something you like, discuss and can be in and out of synch on isn't discussed in romance. I just loved that it was a thing here.
Also: Fuck Justin.
This is very much a comforting romcom, but it's thinking about bigger things at the same time. It also made me want to go to Kansas City, which is frankly wild. The audiobook narration is perfect, with distinct tones set for Arya and Ben via Rod Cyrus and A.J. Ren. I also really loved pulling in the couples from the previous books—the sense of community, and especially the queer community in an area a lot of people might assume doesn't have one, is so heartwarming. I kind of think this series just kept getting stronger over time, and you know what? That isn't easy to pull off. A big accomplishment, and, I hope, a sign that Adib Khorram is here to stay as an adult romance writer.
Thanks to Hachette Audio for giving me a copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this spicy MM love story between a cellist and an older Iranian American businessman. The characters were diverse, interesting and there was also fun cameos from other characters in the series. That said this can easily be read as a standalone too. Recommended for fans of authors like Timothy Janovski and MA Wardell. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2026
Hoo, she spicy — prolly the spiciest of the series!🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars.
"Isn't He Romantic?" by Adib Khorram is a $mut-forward queer romance between Ben (MMC) and Arya (MMC), two men in their late 30s-almost 40s. They both know they are hot and own their sexuality. Arya has never really done "relationships," preferring one-night stands to love and romance. Ben recently got out of a long-term relationship with his ex, Justin, who told him he wanted to be in an open relationship with Ben, much to his dismay. Ben and Arya meet one night at Ben's family's vineyard, and the two of them open up to one another in ways they haven't in the past. After a hookup, Arya ghosted Ben. Ben moves to Kansas City to try and start over, but Justin follows him there, and in a moment of AHHHHHHH! frenzy franticness, he tells Justin he has moved on with Arya. The two of them have to fake date in order for Ben to stave off Justin's advances, but in the process, real feelings bloom between them. I really liked the relationship between Arya and Ben. Arya is *a little* judgmental, and Ben is *a little* boring, but both of these characters feel realistic and lived-in. The jokes between them is side-splitting; I laughed so much while reading this! I liked seeing all of the couples from the first two books as well. Also, the spicy scenes were so good! I love a fake dating scheme, and though the premise here is *a little* flimsy, I don't care too much; I loved the coupling between these two. They each have some other drama going on on the side as well. Arya's parents both have their issues that have bled into Arya's life as an adult, which has made him realize it might be part of the reason he feels how he feels about love and relationships. Ben has to deal with Justin, his parents, as well as his job as a cellist. Speaking of Justin, that RAT, I hated him so much, and I do not buy his apology. I love how both sets of parents, no matter how imperfect they are individually, supported and loved Arya and Ben and accepted who they wanted to love. I found this to be a mostly quick read, perhaps a teensy bit repetitive, but easy to get through and funny as heck! I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Rodd Cyrus and A.J. Ren. They both bring these characters to life in hilarious, realistic ways!
Thank you to NetGalley, Adib Khorram, Hachette Audio, and Forever for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Isn't He Romantic?" by Adib Khorram is a $mut-forward queer romance between Ben (MMC) and Arya (MMC), two men in their late 30s-almost 40s. They both know they are hot and own their sexuality. Arya has never really done "relationships," preferring one-night stands to love and romance. Ben recently got out of a long-term relationship with his ex, Justin, who told him he wanted to be in an open relationship with Ben, much to his dismay. Ben and Arya meet one night at Ben's family's vineyard, and the two of them open up to one another in ways they haven't in the past. After a hookup, Arya ghosted Ben. Ben moves to Kansas City to try and start over, but Justin follows him there, and in a moment of AHHHHHHH! frenzy franticness, he tells Justin he has moved on with Arya. The two of them have to fake date in order for Ben to stave off Justin's advances, but in the process, real feelings bloom between them. I really liked the relationship between Arya and Ben. Arya is *a little* judgmental, and Ben is *a little* boring, but both of these characters feel realistic and lived-in. The jokes between them is side-splitting; I laughed so much while reading this! I liked seeing all of the couples from the first two books as well. Also, the spicy scenes were so good! I love a fake dating scheme, and though the premise here is *a little* flimsy, I don't care too much; I loved the coupling between these two. They each have some other drama going on on the side as well. Arya's parents both have their issues that have bled into Arya's life as an adult, which has made him realize it might be part of the reason he feels how he feels about love and relationships. Ben has to deal with Justin, his parents, as well as his job as a cellist. Speaking of Justin, that RAT, I hated him so much, and I do not buy his apology. I love how both sets of parents, no matter how imperfect they are individually, supported and loved Arya and Ben and accepted who they wanted to love. I found this to be a mostly quick read, perhaps a teensy bit repetitive, but easy to get through and funny as heck! I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Rodd Cyrus and A.J. Ren. They both bring these characters to life in hilarious, realistic ways!
Thank you to NetGalley, Adib Khorram, Hachette Audio, and Forever for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
September 23, 2026
4.5 stars
I really love Adib Khorram’s books, particularly his Love on the Vine series, focused on three gay childhood friends living in Kansas City. This is the third and final (I’m guessing) book in the series, and I just love these characters! Thanks so much to Forever and NetGalley for the advance copy!!
Talk about a meet-cute! Arya is getting ready to leave a Napa Valley vineyard, where his company has held an event. It’s Ben’s family’s vineyard, and he is trying to avoid his ex-boyfriend when he runs into Arya. He asks Arya if he could kiss him, which turns into a steamy encounter amidst the vines. But in the morning, Arya is gone, without a goodbye.
The last thing Arya is expecting when he’s back home in Kansas City is to run into Ben, who has just moved to be a cellist with the Philharmonic. Not only that, but Ben is on a committee that is planning the Philharmonic’s annual ball, which Arya’s company is producing. They vow to keep things civil and try to be friends.
But when Ben’s ex moves to Kansas City to try and get him back, Ben tells him he’s already moved on—with Arya. The two agree to be fake boyfriends but make some strict rules—no sex and no falling in love. (Eye roll.)
The thing is, Arya doesn’t do relationships. He’s always been happy being his slutty self. With his 40th birthday approaching and his two best friends in serious relationships, he starts to wonder if he needs to change his perspective. But given the dysfunction of his parents’ marriage, how will he know what love is?
I love fake dating stories, and Arya and Ben are just adorable (and hot) together. I so enjoy the way Khorram infuses the characters’ Iranian heritage in these books. I feel like Arya, Ramin, and Farzan have become my friends, and I hope we’ll see them again. Definitely give this series a try—it’s funny, emotional, sweet, and quite steamy.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
I really love Adib Khorram’s books, particularly his Love on the Vine series, focused on three gay childhood friends living in Kansas City. This is the third and final (I’m guessing) book in the series, and I just love these characters! Thanks so much to Forever and NetGalley for the advance copy!!
Talk about a meet-cute! Arya is getting ready to leave a Napa Valley vineyard, where his company has held an event. It’s Ben’s family’s vineyard, and he is trying to avoid his ex-boyfriend when he runs into Arya. He asks Arya if he could kiss him, which turns into a steamy encounter amidst the vines. But in the morning, Arya is gone, without a goodbye.
The last thing Arya is expecting when he’s back home in Kansas City is to run into Ben, who has just moved to be a cellist with the Philharmonic. Not only that, but Ben is on a committee that is planning the Philharmonic’s annual ball, which Arya’s company is producing. They vow to keep things civil and try to be friends.
But when Ben’s ex moves to Kansas City to try and get him back, Ben tells him he’s already moved on—with Arya. The two agree to be fake boyfriends but make some strict rules—no sex and no falling in love. (Eye roll.)
The thing is, Arya doesn’t do relationships. He’s always been happy being his slutty self. With his 40th birthday approaching and his two best friends in serious relationships, he starts to wonder if he needs to change his perspective. But given the dysfunction of his parents’ marriage, how will he know what love is?
I love fake dating stories, and Arya and Ben are just adorable (and hot) together. I so enjoy the way Khorram infuses the characters’ Iranian heritage in these books. I feel like Arya, Ramin, and Farzan have become my friends, and I hope we’ll see them again. Definitely give this series a try—it’s funny, emotional, sweet, and quite steamy.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a huge fan of the Love on the Vine series, I could not wait for Arya’s book! We watched him be allergic to relationships in the first two, all while being an incredibly loving and thoughtful friend. So as readers, we knew that when he fell, he’d fall hard.
One thing that stood out to me was how similar Ben and Arya were, and how that showed up in different ways. Neither wanted to be a burden or trouble anyone else, so they kept things to themselves, like Ben not telling his parents the truth about his ex or Arya not telling his best friends about his parents. It was wonderful to see Ben and Arya open up to each other and start building a real friendship out of the fake-dating scenario. Plus, they were absolutely perfect for each other!
Adib Khorram absolutely nails realism in his romcoms in a way that is so absolutely refreshing. Much like “F*cking Todd” in book 2, Justin is not an evil villain. He’s a bad boyfriend who makes some really, really bad choices out of selfishness that impact Arya and Ben, but as much as I didn’t like him, I could understand him. While the main characters have to deal with the impact of the people around them, like Arya navigating situations with Mitchell and his parents, these scenarios feel very real (normal? recognizable?).
Finally, I love the friendship between Farzan, Ramin, and Arya. It’s wonderful to see their circle expand with new characters, but the bond between the three men remains as close as ever.
Isn’t He Romantic was absolutely fantastic and a perfect addition to the series.
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I received an advance copy of this book from Forever and NetGalley at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
One thing that stood out to me was how similar Ben and Arya were, and how that showed up in different ways. Neither wanted to be a burden or trouble anyone else, so they kept things to themselves, like Ben not telling his parents the truth about his ex or Arya not telling his best friends about his parents. It was wonderful to see Ben and Arya open up to each other and start building a real friendship out of the fake-dating scenario. Plus, they were absolutely perfect for each other!
Adib Khorram absolutely nails realism in his romcoms in a way that is so absolutely refreshing. Much like “F*cking Todd” in book 2, Justin is not an evil villain. He’s a bad boyfriend who makes some really, really bad choices out of selfishness that impact Arya and Ben, but as much as I didn’t like him, I could understand him. While the main characters have to deal with the impact of the people around them, like Arya navigating situations with Mitchell and his parents, these scenarios feel very real (normal? recognizable?).
Finally, I love the friendship between Farzan, Ramin, and Arya. It’s wonderful to see their circle expand with new characters, but the bond between the three men remains as close as ever.
Isn’t He Romantic was absolutely fantastic and a perfect addition to the series.
---
I received an advance copy of this book from Forever and NetGalley at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
September 22, 2026
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ARC Reading Vlog: Spicy Queer Romance💜& Cozy Fantasy🔮 (NetGalley Reads!)
~Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for a honest review~
Ahh, I really need to go back and read the first in this series, because I’ve enjoyed the last two immensely! Khorram does a phenomenal job of creating characters and weaving in so many elements of their lives to make them hop off the page. They’re so convincing and enjoyable that you have to root for them and that also ends up taking me away with the romances as well.
Arya was such a fun background character in the second, that I was very excited for him to shine here and he definitely did. I loved how unapologetically himself he was and the more we picked up of his background, the more fleshed out he became and it all made me like him more. Ben took a little bit longer for me to connect with, but I also felt like he was a solid foil by the end! I really liked the writing taking on a more musical quality in Ben’s perspective since he’s a cellist. They had such great chemistry immediately, the fake dating angle didn’t fall into the traps I’m usually worried about, and the spice was spicing. That all said, the third act conflict was *so dumb.* That’s honestly what knocked my rating down a star, even if I did like how they both recovered from it.
Highly recommend this author and series still!!
ARC Reading Vlog: Spicy Queer Romance💜& Cozy Fantasy🔮 (NetGalley Reads!)
~Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for a honest review~
Ahh, I really need to go back and read the first in this series, because I’ve enjoyed the last two immensely! Khorram does a phenomenal job of creating characters and weaving in so many elements of their lives to make them hop off the page. They’re so convincing and enjoyable that you have to root for them and that also ends up taking me away with the romances as well.
Arya was such a fun background character in the second, that I was very excited for him to shine here and he definitely did. I loved how unapologetically himself he was and the more we picked up of his background, the more fleshed out he became and it all made me like him more. Ben took a little bit longer for me to connect with, but I also felt like he was a solid foil by the end! I really liked the writing taking on a more musical quality in Ben’s perspective since he’s a cellist. They had such great chemistry immediately, the fake dating angle didn’t fall into the traps I’m usually worried about, and the spice was spicing. That all said, the third act conflict was *so dumb.* That’s honestly what knocked my rating down a star, even if I did like how they both recovered from it.
Highly recommend this author and series still!!
September 19, 2026
So this is my second book by this author, and when I received the complimentary ALC from Hachette Audio via NetGalley, I didn’t realize it was part of a series. In fact, I didn’t even realize the book I read previously, It Had to Be Him, was Book 2 in the Love on the Vine series until now! 😂 Needless to say, both books can absolutely be read as standalones.
I’ll also mention that while I can recount the romantic adventure that happened in Book 2, I don’t remember any details that would connect the two books. I’m guessing the connection is through the friend group and perhaps one of the characters was mentioned previously? But honestly, it’s a complete non-issue because nothing felt like it was missing from this story.
Phew, moving on…
The audio? Wonderful. Rodd Cyrus and A.J. Ren did a fantastic job with the narration. Their pacing and tone were spot on, and I was completely comfortable with how they handled the spice scenes. That also speaks to the writing because I can be hit or miss with spice in general, but especially when the sexuality doesn’t align with my own experience. Sometimes it can feel a little strange for me, not because of the acts themselves because that’s all fine, but simply because I’m coming at it from a completely unfamiliar perspective. It’s something I have zero life experience with and never will because, well, I’m not a man. 😂
Anyway, I really enjoyed that the focus was on more mature characters. I felt like the author captured their stage of life really well, and the characters’ experiences and perspectives felt authentic. The two MMCs are very different from one another, both in personality and life experience, and watching those differences gradually bridge together was lovely. I’m also a sucker for fake dating, especially when it’s done well.
And this had more depth than you don’t always see with the fake-dating trope. It wasn’t simply a matter of going from fake to real. There was vulnerability involved, along with plenty of baggage that came along with making that transition, and I really appreciated that the relationship had to navigate all of that.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the way the relationship unfolded. My biggest disappointment is that I would absolutely love to be friends with both of these men IRL. 😂
Well, that and the cover art… I’m just glad I was desperately in need of an audiobook because otherwise, this one probably never would have caught my eye.
I’ll also mention that while I can recount the romantic adventure that happened in Book 2, I don’t remember any details that would connect the two books. I’m guessing the connection is through the friend group and perhaps one of the characters was mentioned previously? But honestly, it’s a complete non-issue because nothing felt like it was missing from this story.
Phew, moving on…
The audio? Wonderful. Rodd Cyrus and A.J. Ren did a fantastic job with the narration. Their pacing and tone were spot on, and I was completely comfortable with how they handled the spice scenes. That also speaks to the writing because I can be hit or miss with spice in general, but especially when the sexuality doesn’t align with my own experience. Sometimes it can feel a little strange for me, not because of the acts themselves because that’s all fine, but simply because I’m coming at it from a completely unfamiliar perspective. It’s something I have zero life experience with and never will because, well, I’m not a man. 😂
Anyway, I really enjoyed that the focus was on more mature characters. I felt like the author captured their stage of life really well, and the characters’ experiences and perspectives felt authentic. The two MMCs are very different from one another, both in personality and life experience, and watching those differences gradually bridge together was lovely. I’m also a sucker for fake dating, especially when it’s done well.
And this had more depth than you don’t always see with the fake-dating trope. It wasn’t simply a matter of going from fake to real. There was vulnerability involved, along with plenty of baggage that came along with making that transition, and I really appreciated that the relationship had to navigate all of that.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the way the relationship unfolded. My biggest disappointment is that I would absolutely love to be friends with both of these men IRL. 😂
Well, that and the cover art… I’m just glad I was desperately in need of an audiobook because otherwise, this one probably never would have caught my eye.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love on the Vine series has been so good if you are looking for queer romance that's steamy with great connections between the characters.
I love that Arya and Ben are older characters and their meet cute turned chance encounter turned fake dating was so entertaining.
They are so good together and I enjoyed watching them open up to each other and start thinking of each other as the person they want to be with.
I wasn't a big fan of Arya always slut shaming himself and felt for him with his family and work dynamics. I did appreciate how Arya was so respectful of Ben's preferences.
My favorite part of this series is the found family and seeing all of the characters from the previous books play a big role was felt like coming home.
Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of the ebook.
I love that Arya and Ben are older characters and their meet cute turned chance encounter turned fake dating was so entertaining.
They are so good together and I enjoyed watching them open up to each other and start thinking of each other as the person they want to be with.
I wasn't a big fan of Arya always slut shaming himself and felt for him with his family and work dynamics. I did appreciate how Arya was so respectful of Ben's preferences.
My favorite part of this series is the found family and seeing all of the characters from the previous books play a big role was felt like coming home.
Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of the ebook.
October 23, 2026
Love love love. I love this author. I love the 3 besties. I love the story of Arya and Ben. I wish the book came with a wine line! I enjoyed reading about Arya’s event planning career as well as Ben being a cellist. The main characters are in their 40s. The spice is hot, proving knowing, communicating and respecting preferences and boundaries is extremely sexy.
Each book in the series references many story details from previous books…I highly recommend reading in order.
Each book in the series references many story details from previous books…I highly recommend reading in order.
October 7, 2026
3.5/5
Knew this was going to be my least fav of the trio since I'm not huge on fake dating romance. Was still a fun read.
Knew this was going to be my least fav of the trio since I'm not huge on fake dating romance. Was still a fun read.
September 22, 2026
This was my first Adib Khorram book, and I LOVED it! Isn't He Romantic? has characters in their late 30s/early 40s, fake dating, queer BIPOC representation, messy family drama, and found family, making it the perfect romcom. Also, wildly, this book made me want to visit Kansas City—a thought that had never crossed my mind before! 😂
The story follows Arya, a self-proclaimed slut and lifelong one-night-stand type of guy, who unexpectedly connects with Ben while visiting a vineyard in Napa. When Ben kisses Arya in a misguided attempt to get his ex to leave him alone, they both realize that the attraction between them is real. They agree to enter into a fake relationship, and while the chemistry and lust between them is instant, Ben and Arya also develop genuine feelings for each other as they spend more time together. Eventually, their lives become so intertwined that their fake relationship doesn’t feel fake anymore.
This sweet romcom really showcases all the messy, beautiful parts of building a life with another person—the intimacy, vulnerability, and active choosing. And while I loved the romance, I also enjoyed the found family aspect of this book, with Arya’s friends from Khorram’s previous books playing a major role in Arya and Ben’s story. I also liked the messy, but very real family drama, which shows how, no matter how old you are, you'll still have to renegotiate your relationship with your parents and establish new boundaries over time.
Narrators Rodd Cyrus and A.J. Ren did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. I’ll definitely be purchasing this audiobook and checking out the rest of the series!
The story follows Arya, a self-proclaimed slut and lifelong one-night-stand type of guy, who unexpectedly connects with Ben while visiting a vineyard in Napa. When Ben kisses Arya in a misguided attempt to get his ex to leave him alone, they both realize that the attraction between them is real. They agree to enter into a fake relationship, and while the chemistry and lust between them is instant, Ben and Arya also develop genuine feelings for each other as they spend more time together. Eventually, their lives become so intertwined that their fake relationship doesn’t feel fake anymore.
This sweet romcom really showcases all the messy, beautiful parts of building a life with another person—the intimacy, vulnerability, and active choosing. And while I loved the romance, I also enjoyed the found family aspect of this book, with Arya’s friends from Khorram’s previous books playing a major role in Arya and Ben’s story. I also liked the messy, but very real family drama, which shows how, no matter how old you are, you'll still have to renegotiate your relationship with your parents and establish new boundaries over time.
Narrators Rodd Cyrus and A.J. Ren did a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. I’ll definitely be purchasing this audiobook and checking out the rest of the series!
September 3, 2026
”Being with someone means choosing them, over and over, in a million different ways.”
This book was so much fun! I’m sure how many times I actually laughed out loud or snorted at something said or something happening! Like not knowing whether to salute or simply stare in awe at the sight of an eagle being backlit by the sun in a Grand Ballroom… Lol!
This was my first read by this author—I know this is the third in a trilogy featuring three best friends as the MCs, but this book hadn’t actually come up on my radar until I’d been offered a widget from Forever and couldn’t resist checking it out! And am I glad I decided to chance it because I really did enjoy this book! I loved the characters, the romance, and especially loved the hilarious moments sprinkled throughout the story! 🥰
The characters. This book is centered on Arya and Ben, both having very different takes on relationships, but still somehow each finding their way to each other. The romance. From the beginning, it’s obvious, their attraction to each other, that is, but they’re also very sweet and considerate towards each other, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. And the hilarious moments?? Not even counting the eagle moment I mentioned earlier, there were plenty of moments that had me chuckling!
This book was all-around entertaining and I really did enjoy reading it! Now I’ll definitely have to make sure and add the previous two books to my TBR!
Recommended if you’re a fan of queer romances, comedy, and awesome friendships/relationships!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for giving me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so much fun! I’m sure how many times I actually laughed out loud or snorted at something said or something happening! Like not knowing whether to salute or simply stare in awe at the sight of an eagle being backlit by the sun in a Grand Ballroom… Lol!
This was my first read by this author—I know this is the third in a trilogy featuring three best friends as the MCs, but this book hadn’t actually come up on my radar until I’d been offered a widget from Forever and couldn’t resist checking it out! And am I glad I decided to chance it because I really did enjoy this book! I loved the characters, the romance, and especially loved the hilarious moments sprinkled throughout the story! 🥰
The characters. This book is centered on Arya and Ben, both having very different takes on relationships, but still somehow each finding their way to each other. The romance. From the beginning, it’s obvious, their attraction to each other, that is, but they’re also very sweet and considerate towards each other, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. And the hilarious moments?? Not even counting the eagle moment I mentioned earlier, there were plenty of moments that had me chuckling!
This book was all-around entertaining and I really did enjoy reading it! Now I’ll definitely have to make sure and add the previous two books to my TBR!
Recommended if you’re a fan of queer romances, comedy, and awesome friendships/relationships!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for giving me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
I'm not the biggest fan of fake dating, but I am a fan of this series and this author, so that may just be why I found this unexpectedly charming.
Arya and Ben first meet in wine country where they have a fun hang with bigger implications for both of them. Who cares? They'll never see each other again. Or WILL they...?
They do, of course, and while their relationship has a steamy start and already comes with too much baggage early on, they - and really Khorram - find a way to become charming and sweet and swoony anyway.
I enjoyed the story of these two and the opportunity to spend time with some old pals in their world in the process. I hope this series goes on indefinitely. I'll be here enthusiastically ready to read every installment.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dana Cuadrado at Forever for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I'm not the biggest fan of fake dating, but I am a fan of this series and this author, so that may just be why I found this unexpectedly charming.
Arya and Ben first meet in wine country where they have a fun hang with bigger implications for both of them. Who cares? They'll never see each other again. Or WILL they...?
They do, of course, and while their relationship has a steamy start and already comes with too much baggage early on, they - and really Khorram - find a way to become charming and sweet and swoony anyway.
I enjoyed the story of these two and the opportunity to spend time with some old pals in their world in the process. I hope this series goes on indefinitely. I'll be here enthusiastically ready to read every installment.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dana Cuadrado at Forever for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
September 30, 2026
Love on the Vine series book three, Isn’t He Romantic.
Spoiler alert… HE IS!! <3 I absolutely adore everything about this story, this series and these guys!
Arya is worried about aging. He has always been a bit of a player, relying on his body and looks. He thinks that’s just how things were and would be for him.
“Yeah, he loved his friends and family. But he didn’t date, he didn’t have boyfriends, he didn’t fall in love. He was a slut through and through.”
Ben relocated to Kansas City for a new job. He has just had a bad breakup but his ex follows him to his new city.
Isn’t He Romantic is sweet and swoony and SO Hot! I did not want the book to end and really hope there will be more stories where these characters can show up on the page for me to visit!
-5 Stars-
Spoiler alert… HE IS!! <3 I absolutely adore everything about this story, this series and these guys!
Arya is worried about aging. He has always been a bit of a player, relying on his body and looks. He thinks that’s just how things were and would be for him.
“Yeah, he loved his friends and family. But he didn’t date, he didn’t have boyfriends, he didn’t fall in love. He was a slut through and through.”
Ben relocated to Kansas City for a new job. He has just had a bad breakup but his ex follows him to his new city.
Isn’t He Romantic is sweet and swoony and SO Hot! I did not want the book to end and really hope there will be more stories where these characters can show up on the page for me to visit!
-5 Stars-
November 1, 2026
i really like this series and adib khorram's writing in general. he writes sweet romcoms that still feel grounded and not too over-the-top, which i prefer! I like how this series shows a wide range of experiences queer men can have, and I like that it features older protagonists, which is rare in romance, especially in MM romance. that being said, this was my least favorite in the series. i didn't particularly care for the two characters, and the third-act conflict was stupid and could have been resolved in one conversation.
also sidenote, there were WAYY too many mentions of "slutty little glasses" in this book (16 in total i counted). literally every time the glasses were described. and i GET IT!! you don't need to keep saying it.
also sidenote, there were WAYY too many mentions of "slutty little glasses" in this book (16 in total i counted). literally every time the glasses were described. and i GET IT!! you don't need to keep saying it.
September 19, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever for the ARC of Isn’t He Romantic?
I’ve enjoyed the authors previous work and when I saw this available on Netgalley, I immediately ran!! And it did not disappoint!! From chapter 1 to the very end I was invested! I love how the first chapter alone just kept me intrigued to keep going and the story kept unfolding and I enjoyed it so much! I love me a good fake dating situation and really enjoyed this one. I thought that the characters fit well together and had so much chemistry. I would definitely recommend this series!!
I’ve enjoyed the authors previous work and when I saw this available on Netgalley, I immediately ran!! And it did not disappoint!! From chapter 1 to the very end I was invested! I love how the first chapter alone just kept me intrigued to keep going and the story kept unfolding and I enjoyed it so much! I love me a good fake dating situation and really enjoyed this one. I thought that the characters fit well together and had so much chemistry. I would definitely recommend this series!!
October 28, 2026
While I did enjoy this one, the second book in this trilogy is by far the best. This one is okay and I feel pretty similar about this one as I did the first one. I wanted more connection from the characters but I really liked the setting and the community aspect.
Seeing one MC who is bald and one who is a side is fun and unique rep through for a romance. We love all kinds of representation here. I especially liked the conversations about how expansive sex can be for each person and how it isn't a cut and dry experience for everyone.
Seeing one MC who is bald and one who is a side is fun and unique rep through for a romance. We love all kinds of representation here. I especially liked the conversations about how expansive sex can be for each person and how it isn't a cut and dry experience for everyone.
September 26, 2026
I haven't read any of the Love on the Vine (but I'm now running to do so!). Ben and Arya are so cute together; I enjoyed getting to know them and their own personal life experiences and how they affected them and are now affecting this new relationship. By the end, the spiralling on certain specific subjects became a bit repetitive, but it was still a very enjoyable read! The narrator was great too!
Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review (
Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette Audio for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review (
October 3, 2026
I loved the chemistry and dialogue and Arya's internal views about his father especially and seeing the Iranian family background affevting him. That small part of the atory which was relevant to his development but wasn't highlighted as much as I wanted to see. This dragged out a bit during the last 20% which is why the rating is 3 stars because it didn't expand on things. The relationship was cute overall.
September 19, 2026
This was super cute, I just loved Arya and Ben! This is book 3 in the series and you definitely don’t need to read the other 2 before this one (I read them out of order) I highly recommend it because they are just as good.
Read if you enjoy, fake dating, forced proximity, slutty little glasses, all the wine, and the best found family.
And the most perfect furry friend.
*****
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
Read if you enjoy, fake dating, forced proximity, slutty little glasses, all the wine, and the best found family.
And the most perfect furry friend.
*****
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love me some fake dating, but I will say this one wasn’t my absolute favorite.
I felt like we kept going in circles with Arya talking about what a slut he was and Ben’s storyline was a bit boring.
I liked seeing Arya grow as a character and him working through his family dynamics.
Overall, just okay!
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!
I felt like we kept going in circles with Arya talking about what a slut he was and Ben’s storyline was a bit boring.
I liked seeing Arya grow as a character and him working through his family dynamics.
Overall, just okay!
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC!
Review of advance copy
Adib Khorram does it again!!! I absolutely adore this trilogy. His characters are good humans who choose good humans and all are easy to root for. I’m sad it’s over because the three friends are all coupled up but maybe there’s room to tell everyone’s wedding stories? I found the sex scenes to have got more daring and descriptive in each book. Unlike the first 2 books, this one did not give me a laugh out loud moment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sharing a review one day before a book pub day is a first for me (I never push it so close to a deadline!) but what I have to say 'Isn't He Romantic' got frank about aging with a level of sage realism interwoven with relationships that I personally really enjoyed. Adib continues to write with fierceness and I for one love it.
My thanks to Forever for the digital copy!
My thanks to Forever for the digital copy!
September 21, 2026
Adib does it again! I really enjoyed the first two book in the Love on the Vine series and this one did not disappoint. You had me at fake dating but I was so happy to see side rep too. I was rooting for Arya and Ben to find their HEA and I'm sure you will be too! It was wonderful to get a glimpse at some of the characters from previous books as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
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