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Operation HEA #1
Operation Meet Cute
Harlow is on a single-minded mission: meet the man of his dreams by any meet-cute necessary.
All my life, I’ve dreamed of one thing: the perfect movie moment. I want a man and his boombox outside my window; I want kissing in the rain; I want a romantic hero who will take my breath away.
Switching mail with my cute neighbor didn’t work. Swapping coffee with a hottie at the coffee shop just got the poor barista yelled at. And bus guy? Total bust. I’m starting to wonder if Hollywood got the whole meet-cute thing wrong. Sacrilege, I know.
Is it possible the perfect leading man has been living in the apartment above me the entire time, playing the role of my best friend?
Things are about to get very interesting…
***Operation: Meet-cute is a swoony, steamy, best friends to lovers, friends with benefits turned more, laugh out loud story with low angst and plenty of heat.
All my life, I’ve dreamed of one thing: the perfect movie moment. I want a man and his boombox outside my window; I want kissing in the rain; I want a romantic hero who will take my breath away.
Switching mail with my cute neighbor didn’t work. Swapping coffee with a hottie at the coffee shop just got the poor barista yelled at. And bus guy? Total bust. I’m starting to wonder if Hollywood got the whole meet-cute thing wrong. Sacrilege, I know.
Is it possible the perfect leading man has been living in the apartment above me the entire time, playing the role of my best friend?
Things are about to get very interesting…
***Operation: Meet-cute is a swoony, steamy, best friends to lovers, friends with benefits turned more, laugh out loud story with low angst and plenty of heat.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2021
190 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
100 books3,320 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
August 5, 2021
Operation Meet Cute is an adorable, low-angst, humorous, scorching hot story about two best friends completely in love with each other.
Unfortunately, only one of them, Teddy (aptly named because he's a bit of a stocky, hairy bear), a finance guru, realizes it.
The other, Harlow (a director's assistant) is still looking for The One via Operation Meet Cute as per the many, many rom-coms he's seen.
Harlow is more enamored with the idea of falling in love than actually finding a real relationship. He comes to realize Teddy is perfect for him (following Operation Let's Be Friends with Benefits), but still hesitates because he's afraid the relationship will fall apart, like his parents' did.
The storyline is predictable, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. I loved both MCs, especially Teddy whose patience with Harlow knew no bounds, and read the book in two sittings.
Unfortunately, only one of them, Teddy (aptly named because he's a bit of a stocky, hairy bear), a finance guru, realizes it.
The other, Harlow (a director's assistant) is still looking for The One via Operation Meet Cute as per the many, many rom-coms he's seen.
Harlow is more enamored with the idea of falling in love than actually finding a real relationship. He comes to realize Teddy is perfect for him (following Operation Let's Be Friends with Benefits), but still hesitates because he's afraid the relationship will fall apart, like his parents' did.
The storyline is predictable, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. I loved both MCs, especially Teddy whose patience with Harlow knew no bounds, and read the book in two sittings.
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this one and could barely put it down. Harlow comes across as oblivious at first but turns out to be in denial, that worked well. He seems shallow and OTT but I still liked him. Teddy is the BEST. I just wish the characters were more fully fleshed out. They had nuance don't get me wrong but I don't feel I really know them if that makes sense. This book reminded me of Painted Lace because in both we have an MC who is artistic and all over the place and one who is more "serious". I thought that Painted laces handled that contrast better. Harlow is supposed to be a film director and script writer but that does not really inform his character outside his work. I really recommend this one though because I had a nice time, something was just missing for it be a 5 star and I can't exactly put my finger on what.
August 6, 2021
Perfectly fine if a bit bland. Which tracks with my feelings on most of this author's books in general. Th only series of hers I really enjoy is the Nailed series, and the last book I read in it was such a disappointment I haven't even been able to bring myself to read the most recent release... ANYWAY
I knew going into this that I'd probably struggle with it because I find the idea of a character obsessed with engineering meet cutes to be absolutely fucking annoying and ridiculous and frankly unbelievable. The characters were fine, but I never particularly cared about either of them. I just... wasn't that interested? And the ending did that thing that I've been particularly annoyed with lately, in that the actual ending should have happened around 85% when they have their big ~moment~ and decide to be together, and instead the book continues meandering for another 15% of what essentially reads like the world's longest epilogue. I legit don't understand why authors keep doing this as all momentum and tension is gone. In this case, I actually *do* understand that there was a purpose, in that the author was showing us life ~beyond~ the usual romcom happy ending, but I don't think she actually pulled it off and instead I was just bored reading about them house hunting and Harlow's magically becoming a super famous director because he wrote a movie of their love story which actually wasn't all that interesting tbh. Wow, that got harsher than I anticipated, but this was just very meh. Like, a fine read, but not at all memorable.
I knew going into this that I'd probably struggle with it because I find the idea of a character obsessed with engineering meet cutes to be absolutely fucking annoying and ridiculous and frankly unbelievable. The characters were fine, but I never particularly cared about either of them. I just... wasn't that interested? And the ending did that thing that I've been particularly annoyed with lately, in that the actual ending should have happened around 85% when they have their big ~moment~ and decide to be together, and instead the book continues meandering for another 15% of what essentially reads like the world's longest epilogue. I legit don't understand why authors keep doing this as all momentum and tension is gone. In this case, I actually *do* understand that there was a purpose, in that the author was showing us life ~beyond~ the usual romcom happy ending, but I don't think she actually pulled it off and instead I was just bored reading about them house hunting and Harlow's magically becoming a super famous director because he wrote a movie of their love story which actually wasn't all that interesting tbh. Wow, that got harsher than I anticipated, but this was just very meh. Like, a fine read, but not at all memorable.
August 9, 2021
Super cute.
I am always a little hesitant when it comes to KM Neuhold. Definitely a hit or miss author for me. But I am really glad I gave this one a go.
I thought Teddy and Harlow were cute together. I liked their banter and relationship. Harlow was definitely a bit clueless and Teddy had some serious patience. But all in all I enjoyed how everything played out. And they were hot together.
Perfect easy ready for a Sunday afternoon.
I am always a little hesitant when it comes to KM Neuhold. Definitely a hit or miss author for me. But I am really glad I gave this one a go.
I thought Teddy and Harlow were cute together. I liked their banter and relationship. Harlow was definitely a bit clueless and Teddy had some serious patience. But all in all I enjoyed how everything played out. And they were hot together.
Perfect easy ready for a Sunday afternoon.
December 20, 2021
4 Sweet & Steamy Stars!! 🤩 ❤️ Every time I pick up a book by KMN, I fall in love with her characters and end up smiling through-out the book.. makes me wonder why I don't read her books more? 🤔 but it changes now, I am ready to proclaim that KMN is now one of my fav authors.. 😍
Getting back to the book, this was a wonderful BFFs to BFF-with-benefits to Lovers story with lots of humorous bits and incidents, plenty of steam and sizzle and some light angst with a whole lotta romance ❤️.
Teddy is just a lovable guy-next-door who has been in love with his head-in-the-clouds neighbor Harlow ever since they met 4 years ago. They have been friends every since their first meeting, but through-out it all Teddy has been waiting for "Low" to see him as more that just his best friend . What also doesn't help Teddy's state of mind is Harlow's constant look-out for the love of his life . He is always trying to live-out a Hollywood rom-com much to Teddy's amusement and annoyance. So when their platonic relationship suddenly takes a turn to include a "with benefits" clause will Harlow start taking Teddy seriously? Or will this lead to heartbreak on both sides? What is this inner fear within Harlow that is resisting anything more with Teddy?
This is really a sweet story with likable MCs; although Harlow is a bit much...but Teddy is just the best friend/boyfriend/boss ever!! I can't imagine anyone not loving Teddy.. 😍 I enjoyed this low-angst, light read and highly recommend it to all fans of M/M romance who are looking for a fun yet steamy read. 👍👍
Getting back to the book, this was a wonderful BFFs to BFF-with-benefits to Lovers story with lots of humorous bits and incidents, plenty of steam and sizzle and some light angst with a whole lotta romance ❤️.
Teddy is just a lovable guy-next-door who has been in love with his head-in-the-clouds neighbor Harlow ever since they met 4 years ago. They have been friends every since their first meeting, but through-out it all Teddy has been waiting for "Low" to see him as more that just his best friend . What also doesn't help Teddy's state of mind is Harlow's constant look-out for the love of his life . He is always trying to live-out a Hollywood rom-com much to Teddy's amusement and annoyance. So when their platonic relationship suddenly takes a turn to include a "with benefits" clause will Harlow start taking Teddy seriously? Or will this lead to heartbreak on both sides? What is this inner fear within Harlow that is resisting anything more with Teddy?
This is really a sweet story with likable MCs; although Harlow is a bit much...but Teddy is just the best friend/boyfriend/boss ever!! I can't imagine anyone not loving Teddy.. 😍 I enjoyed this low-angst, light read and highly recommend it to all fans of M/M romance who are looking for a fun yet steamy read. 👍👍
August 10, 2021
It’s a Hallmark movie and warm hug all wrapped up in a Christmas proposal.
This is sweet and, luckily for me, got a little sassy or funny every time it veered to the right of too sweet. It was definitely overdone at times and made me roll my eyes, but it was never cringey.
This is a simple friends to friends with benefits to lovers story. It’s exactly what you want it to be and delivers on the heat too. Teddy has been in love with Harlow for 4 years. Harlow is over the top in his quest for a rom com meet cute…but there’s a good reason for it.
If you want your simple fluffy romance with a few giggles and some hot scenes, then this is for you.
This is sweet and, luckily for me, got a little sassy or funny every time it veered to the right of too sweet. It was definitely overdone at times and made me roll my eyes, but it was never cringey.
This is a simple friends to friends with benefits to lovers story. It’s exactly what you want it to be and delivers on the heat too. Teddy has been in love with Harlow for 4 years. Harlow is over the top in his quest for a rom com meet cute…but there’s a good reason for it.
If you want your simple fluffy romance with a few giggles and some hot scenes, then this is for you.
August 7, 2021
3,75 stars
Cute and fluffy.
Light and airy.
Easy and angst-free.
But ultimately a teeny bit sweet for me toward the end. Not sure I needed tree chapters of HEA, although there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But ... perfect for a relaxing weekend.
Cute and fluffy.
Light and airy.
Easy and angst-free.
But ultimately a teeny bit sweet for me toward the end. Not sure I needed tree chapters of HEA, although there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But ... perfect for a relaxing weekend.
August 3, 2021
[3.75] ALL HAIL OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, KEANU REEVES 😌🙏🏼
bffs-to-fwbs-to-lovers but of course they’re acting like wholesome & steamy lovers earnestly from the get-go!!
Harlow (nickname: “Low”): aspiring director obsessed with having his own picture-perfect movie meet-cute and doing practically anything (without much success lol) to make it happen, lover of romcoms, always burning food in the kitchen ‘cause he’s too busy dancing and singing to music (sometimes with Teddy’s 3-legged kitty in his arms 🥺), absolutely oblivious to his friend’s feelings, simultaneously fearful of relationships due to his father
Teddy (nickname: “Teddy Bear” 🥺): Harlow’s best friend of five years & his upstairs neighbor, pining for Low for four(!) of those years; honestly a nearly perfect bear of a man with patience and thoughtfulness in spades; Harlow’s greatest hype man, almighty savior from disaster dates, and skillful giver of foot rubs (excuse me, where can i find a Teddy of my own? 👀)
okay but seriously, Teddy leaves notes with terrible poetry written on them in Harlow’s clothes, etc. just because the guy mentioned once that he’d love to find a man who would write poetry about him (could it be any more obvious???? 🤣)
their banter is lovely, their chemistry is sizzling, and just a general chest-clutching fest, particularly with the first half of the book!!
but i also can’t get over the fact that towards the end, in Harlow’s grand attempt to
also the night before Harlow’s set to go on his
despite these niggles, i undoubtedly adored their interactions and i ate up that domestic content like french fries (mmmm french fries 🤤🍟). happy to hear we’re getting a follow-up to their story later this year!!
bffs-to-fwbs-to-lovers but of course they’re acting like wholesome & steamy lovers earnestly from the get-go!!
Harlow (nickname: “Low”): aspiring director obsessed with having his own picture-perfect movie meet-cute and doing practically anything (without much success lol) to make it happen, lover of romcoms, always burning food in the kitchen ‘cause he’s too busy dancing and singing to music (sometimes with Teddy’s 3-legged kitty in his arms 🥺), absolutely oblivious to his friend’s feelings, simultaneously fearful of relationships due to his father
Teddy (nickname: “Teddy Bear” 🥺): Harlow’s best friend of five years & his upstairs neighbor, pining for Low for four(!) of those years; honestly a nearly perfect bear of a man with patience and thoughtfulness in spades; Harlow’s greatest hype man, almighty savior from disaster dates, and skillful giver of foot rubs (excuse me, where can i find a Teddy of my own? 👀)
okay but seriously, Teddy leaves notes with terrible poetry written on them in Harlow’s clothes, etc. just because the guy mentioned once that he’d love to find a man who would write poetry about him (could it be any more obvious???? 🤣)
their banter is lovely, their chemistry is sizzling, and just a general chest-clutching fest, particularly with the first half of the book!!
but i also can’t get over the fact that towards the end, in Harlow’s grand attempt to
also the night before Harlow’s set to go on his
despite these niggles, i undoubtedly adored their interactions and i ate up that domestic content like french fries (mmmm french fries 🤤🍟). happy to hear we’re getting a follow-up to their story later this year!!
August 11, 2021
I wanted to love Operation Meet Cute, but it was a bust.
I just did not like Harlow. His whole Hollywood cute meet obsession was utterly ridiculous, he was shallow, and I just found him immature. Yes, the author threw in him helping his mom, but not even that redeemed him in my eyes. He was annoying.
The only reason I finished this book was Teddy and his assistant Ezra. I even began getting annoyed with Teddy because he was a borderline doormat when it came to Harlow, but his character was lovely; he couldn't help his bad taste.
Yes, it is low angst and fluffy, but it makes it impossible to enjoy the book when you hate the main character in the story.
2.5 Stars
I just did not like Harlow. His whole Hollywood cute meet obsession was utterly ridiculous, he was shallow, and I just found him immature. Yes, the author threw in him helping his mom, but not even that redeemed him in my eyes. He was annoying.
The only reason I finished this book was Teddy and his assistant Ezra. I even began getting annoyed with Teddy because he was a borderline doormat when it came to Harlow, but his character was lovely; he couldn't help his bad taste.
Yes, it is low angst and fluffy, but it makes it impossible to enjoy the book when you hate the main character in the story.
2.5 Stars
August 3, 2021
3 stars
I am afraid this was just ok for me :( Which is such a shame because KM Neuhold rarely disappoints me.
Do you ever dislike a character so much that it doesn't matter what they do, they'll never redeem themselves in your eyes? Well, that was Harlow for me. I just did not like him as a character at all. I hated his obsession with having meet cutes, his juvenile behaviour, the way he used Teddy - because yes, he was basically using him, dragging him along intrisically knowing that Teddy was in love with him or at least wanted more of their relationship than what Harlow was giving him.
And Teddy... he was such a teddy bear and such a great guy, and I couldn't help feeling sorry for him, and totally agreeing with his assistant Ezra on my opinion of Harlow (#teamEzra!). I kept wondering how Teddy could be in love with him when all Harlow seemed to do was use him.
For the first 60% of the book I kept wondering if I should shelf it for another time or even DNF it, however it started getting better towards the end. We finally discover the very tenous reasons why Harlow didn't see what was in front of him all along (although I didn't buy it) and he does do a couple of things that would have redeemed himself, but I had taken such a dislike towards him that simply didn't work for me.
The epilogue is over cute and over sweet for me too. But for the love of Keanu Reeves, I did like Teddy quite a lot, and that's why this book is 3 stars and not less.
I am afraid this was just ok for me :( Which is such a shame because KM Neuhold rarely disappoints me.
Do you ever dislike a character so much that it doesn't matter what they do, they'll never redeem themselves in your eyes? Well, that was Harlow for me. I just did not like him as a character at all. I hated his obsession with having meet cutes, his juvenile behaviour, the way he used Teddy - because yes, he was basically using him, dragging him along intrisically knowing that Teddy was in love with him or at least wanted more of their relationship than what Harlow was giving him.
And Teddy... he was such a teddy bear and such a great guy, and I couldn't help feeling sorry for him, and totally agreeing with his assistant Ezra on my opinion of Harlow (#teamEzra!). I kept wondering how Teddy could be in love with him when all Harlow seemed to do was use him.
For the first 60% of the book I kept wondering if I should shelf it for another time or even DNF it, however it started getting better towards the end. We finally discover the very tenous reasons why Harlow didn't see what was in front of him all along (although I didn't buy it) and he does do a couple of things that would have redeemed himself, but I had taken such a dislike towards him that simply didn't work for me.
The epilogue is over cute and over sweet for me too. But for the love of Keanu Reeves, I did like Teddy quite a lot, and that's why this book is 3 stars and not less.
November 3, 2021
Eh... Idk about this one. On paper it sounds like the perfect book for me. Filled with humor and romance and silly situations. However, Harlow annoyed me to no end. The way he just refused to confront his feelings towards Teddy and just let stuff go on and on gave me anxiety. They really didn't get any time together as a couple until the very end, because of that and not having them being a couple throughout the whole book didn't really work for me either.
3 stars for Teddy though. I really enjoyed his parts of this story. I have to agree with Ezra, Teddy deserved better than Harlow.
3 stars for Teddy though. I really enjoyed his parts of this story. I have to agree with Ezra, Teddy deserved better than Harlow.
August 1, 2021
Quintessential KM Neuhold.
(Rounded up from 4.5)
This book features a quirky, kind of shallow-but-fab young guy with daddy issues and his quiet, reliable, patient, HOT bear of a best friend who's been in love with him for ages and agrees to going the friends-with-benefits route in hopes it will end in a HEA.
It does, of course, but with a lot of humor, sweetness, hot sex and *gasp* character growth along the way. It's a fun and sexy rom-com, the kind of book that the author does so well.
First-person, present tense, dual POV, with plenty of steam, no cheating, and of course, a satisfying HEA.
(Rounded up from 4.5)
This book features a quirky, kind of shallow-but-fab young guy with daddy issues and his quiet, reliable, patient, HOT bear of a best friend who's been in love with him for ages and agrees to going the friends-with-benefits route in hopes it will end in a HEA.
It does, of course, but with a lot of humor, sweetness, hot sex and *gasp* character growth along the way. It's a fun and sexy rom-com, the kind of book that the author does so well.
First-person, present tense, dual POV, with plenty of steam, no cheating, and of course, a satisfying HEA.
January 8, 2022
3.5-4 stars
Super cute and low angst! Just what was looking for.
I do think at the beginning Harlow was a little annoying he does get better as the book goes on but omg he was a little much to start.
Teddy is just the best, I will say he might have been too perfect but he was a good balance to the lively Harlow.
Nick J Russo did an amazing job with the narration.
Can’t wait for the novella!
Super cute and low angst! Just what was looking for.
I do think at the beginning Harlow was a little annoying he does get better as the book goes on but omg he was a little much to start.
Teddy is just the best, I will say he might have been too perfect but he was a good balance to the lively Harlow.
Nick J Russo did an amazing job with the narration.
Can’t wait for the novella!
August 4, 2021
Harlow was a “chick with a dick,” and not a very likable one at that.
Teddy was very likable.
These two things didn’t really make for a great book.
#teamEzra
Teddy was very likable.
These two things didn’t really make for a great book.
#teamEzra
October 11, 2021
1.5 ooof. was rolling my eyes so hard by the end
July 25, 2021
4.5 stars
Harlow is a dreamer. He dreams of directing his own work and mostly of setting up his perfect movie meet-cute to find the perfect fantasy man. But so far things are not working out so well in either department. He loves the idea of love, but actually opening up and being vulnerable scares him.
Teddy is his best friend and upstairs neighbor. They have been there for each other for years. Teddy is successful, dependable, sweet, thoughtful, caring, and loyal. He adores all of Harlow's idiosyncrasies and is totally in love with him. But he needs Harlow to figure that out on his own.
When they take their friendship to a friends-with-benefits situation, things get a bit more complicated. And eventually, Harlow is going to have to open his eyes and see what is right in front of him or really risk losing something good.
Everyone seems to know what is going on except Harlow. I will admit Harlow actually frustrated me with his obliviousness. Even knowing he is afraid, I still just wanted to smack sense into him. Teddy is such a gem and I totally adored him. They are a great pair that both contrast and complement each other in the best of ways. Their friends offer both support and some tough love when needed.
I loved the eighties movies references and nods to classic romcoms. This book has a sense of fun and energy to it that mimics those. But it also takes on a more heartfelt and emotional turn and gives you a bit more than expected. It's a smile-inducing, cute, sexy, sweet, adorkable, and swoony best-friends-to-lovers story with a lot of heart.
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Harlow is a dreamer. He dreams of directing his own work and mostly of setting up his perfect movie meet-cute to find the perfect fantasy man. But so far things are not working out so well in either department. He loves the idea of love, but actually opening up and being vulnerable scares him.
Teddy is his best friend and upstairs neighbor. They have been there for each other for years. Teddy is successful, dependable, sweet, thoughtful, caring, and loyal. He adores all of Harlow's idiosyncrasies and is totally in love with him. But he needs Harlow to figure that out on his own.
When they take their friendship to a friends-with-benefits situation, things get a bit more complicated. And eventually, Harlow is going to have to open his eyes and see what is right in front of him or really risk losing something good.
Everyone seems to know what is going on except Harlow. I will admit Harlow actually frustrated me with his obliviousness. Even knowing he is afraid, I still just wanted to smack sense into him. Teddy is such a gem and I totally adored him. They are a great pair that both contrast and complement each other in the best of ways. Their friends offer both support and some tough love when needed.
I loved the eighties movies references and nods to classic romcoms. This book has a sense of fun and energy to it that mimics those. But it also takes on a more heartfelt and emotional turn and gives you a bit more than expected. It's a smile-inducing, cute, sexy, sweet, adorkable, and swoony best-friends-to-lovers story with a lot of heart.
January 30, 2022
All the rom-com meet cute ideas were silly but sweet, but it almost killed me when Harlow suggested being friends with benefits to Teddy. Poor Teddy! I can kinda see why Ezra doesn't like him -- and it's a little refreshing when one set of friends isn't wild about one of the MCs and everybody deals with it and gets on with their lives. Still, great last dinner party with Ezra and Joey, everything not perfect but good and real anyway!
August 3, 2021
I hated Harlow.
Harlow is obsessed with rom coms and wants to meet the love if his life in a drastically cheesy way. It doesn't matter that his best friend is sexy, attentive, and tragically one-sidedly in love with him. I wanted to like this. I waited and waited for Harlow to stop being a jerk and stringing a lovesick Teddy around, but alas no moment of redemption arrived. Teddy fell in love with a jerk and ended up with a jerk- the end. Since I don't like jerkfaces I didn't really enjoy any of the hotter scenes despite KMN's impeccable creativity and eloquence. This is the first KMN book I didn't love. I feel blindsided. 😶
Harlow is obsessed with rom coms and wants to meet the love if his life in a drastically cheesy way. It doesn't matter that his best friend is sexy, attentive, and tragically one-sidedly in love with him. I wanted to like this. I waited and waited for Harlow to stop being a jerk and stringing a lovesick Teddy around, but alas no moment of redemption arrived. Teddy fell in love with a jerk and ended up with a jerk- the end. Since I don't like jerkfaces I didn't really enjoy any of the hotter scenes despite KMN's impeccable creativity and eloquence. This is the first KMN book I didn't love. I feel blindsided. 😶
July 23, 2021
Disclaimer: I won an ARC via a random drawing contest in the author's FB group. I am giving it a fair and honest review. I'd already pre-ordered the book before I received the ARC.
I've liked K.M. Neuhold's books since reading Rocket Science in November 2020. I have this notion that her books tend to be angsty, but I think that's a holdover from some of the first ones I read because in the more recent books she's publishing, the angst comes from internal rather than external issues--family issues when young, self-issues, and so on.
In Operation Meet Cute, Harlow is an assistant director and personal assistant on a film set. He's written several screenplays but hasn't been able to have anyone review them yet. He loves rom-coms and is sure he can meet Mr. Right if he engineers a meet-cute situation. Oh, and the guy better have a screen-worthy name like River or Boston. He's best friends with his upstairs neighbor, Teddy, who he met 4 years earlier when Teddy tossed his cheating boyfriend's stuff out the window and onto Harlow's balcony.
Teddy is a down-to-earth but high-flying finance guy who does something with hedgehogs (as Harlow says). He's been crushing on Low for ages but has never seen any sign of reciprocal feelings. Teddy realizes that Harlow's not ready for a relationship and has never let on what he's feeling.
Our story really kicks off when Harlow offers to change their relationship to friends-with-benefits. Teddy's not so sure but can't pass up what might be his only chance...
It's very sweet story with Harlow taking Teddy back home to Georgia while he helps his other bestie get ready for her wedding.
I'm an easy grader/reviewer. I think my default is 5 stars and a disconnect with the characters or a wonky storyline will lose stars. I also grade on whether I would reread a story and I will definitely reread Operation Meet Cute!
I've liked K.M. Neuhold's books since reading Rocket Science in November 2020. I have this notion that her books tend to be angsty, but I think that's a holdover from some of the first ones I read because in the more recent books she's publishing, the angst comes from internal rather than external issues--family issues when young, self-issues, and so on.
In Operation Meet Cute, Harlow is an assistant director and personal assistant on a film set. He's written several screenplays but hasn't been able to have anyone review them yet. He loves rom-coms and is sure he can meet Mr. Right if he engineers a meet-cute situation. Oh, and the guy better have a screen-worthy name like River or Boston. He's best friends with his upstairs neighbor, Teddy, who he met 4 years earlier when Teddy tossed his cheating boyfriend's stuff out the window and onto Harlow's balcony.
Teddy is a down-to-earth but high-flying finance guy who does something with hedgehogs (as Harlow says). He's been crushing on Low for ages but has never seen any sign of reciprocal feelings. Teddy realizes that Harlow's not ready for a relationship and has never let on what he's feeling.
Our story really kicks off when Harlow offers to change their relationship to friends-with-benefits. Teddy's not so sure but can't pass up what might be his only chance...
It's very sweet story with Harlow taking Teddy back home to Georgia while he helps his other bestie get ready for her wedding.
I'm an easy grader/reviewer. I think my default is 5 stars and a disconnect with the characters or a wonky storyline will lose stars. I also grade on whether I would reread a story and I will definitely reread Operation Meet Cute!
December 15, 2024
Teddy and Harlow have been friends and neighbours for 5 years. Teddy is in love woth Harlow and there's quite a lot of pining but also quite a lot of patience and understanding on his part. And Harlow is dreaming of a movie-like meet-cute, all the while avoiding those pesky real feelings, because there's no disappointment in fantasy, right? Until the lines of friendship start to blur, and the friends with bennies starts to look too much like love and what are they going to do about it?
Fun and a bit ott, but with humour and feelings as KM Neuhold always delivers.
Fun and a bit ott, but with humour and feelings as KM Neuhold always delivers.
August 11, 2021
Harlow wants to find the love of his life but is going about it all wrong but it’s a little bit on purpose (even if he doesn’t realize it). Teddy has been watching him go through these crazy schemes for years all while worrying that someday Harlow may actually meet his leading man. I loved their friendship and how much they care about each other and I know that’s what scared Harlow the most. Their hastily made friends with benefits agreement turned into everything either could have ever hoped for, even if one of them didn’t realize it at the time.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
August 3, 2021
Holy fuck this was so cheesy I'm surprised my fingers aren't covered in grease
April 10, 2024
Ebook - 8/2021
Audiobook - 4/2024
Operation Meet Cute is totally adorable. I don't care that it might be a cheesy romcom following similar formula, I have a great fun time reading it and doesn't want it to end.
We have a clueless and romantic Harlow who is always planning to look for his perfect leading man by concocting all sorts of meet cute moment. All the planning blew up in his face, but the silver lining is his friend, Teddy is always there to rescue him.
Teddy is such a perfect leading man, but Harlow is too blind to see it. Oh Teddy, the unrequited love from his end just make me want to give him a big hug and tell him, "don't give up! You will get the guy!"
I love their friendship, they might only know each other a few years, but they live like a pair of old married couple. The chemistry is delicious. Harlow was being an idiot sandwich for not realizing and admitting his feeling sooner, but I enjoy their journey to their HEA.
Audiobook - 4/2024
Operation Meet Cute is totally adorable. I don't care that it might be a cheesy romcom following similar formula, I have a great fun time reading it and doesn't want it to end.
We have a clueless and romantic Harlow who is always planning to look for his perfect leading man by concocting all sorts of meet cute moment. All the planning blew up in his face, but the silver lining is his friend, Teddy is always there to rescue him.
Teddy is such a perfect leading man, but Harlow is too blind to see it. Oh Teddy, the unrequited love from his end just make me want to give him a big hug and tell him, "don't give up! You will get the guy!"
I love their friendship, they might only know each other a few years, but they live like a pair of old married couple. The chemistry is delicious. Harlow was being an idiot sandwich for not realizing and admitting his feeling sooner, but I enjoy their journey to their HEA.
August 2, 2021
Reading this book is like a full torture for me. I can't imagine what Teddy's feeling after all this time, 4 years hiding his unrequited love for his best friend Harlow. Even after I know that both Teddy and Harlow have dry spell for quite some time, it didn't help me like their story. Teddy is a good man, Harlow is fucking lucky to have Teddy and plain stupid to ignore what's good for him for years. Friends to lovers is one of my pet peeves, so 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
Operation Meet Cute
Every time I read a new K.M. Neuhold book, I think these are my two favorite MC’s she’s written. Then she writes another, and I think no, these are my favorites. Harlow and Teddy may stay my favorites forever. (Or, at least in the top five). I don’t know how she manages to write such wonderful books, but I hope she never stops.
Harlow “Low” Monroe (The. Best. Name. Ever.) is a screenwriter and director, currently a director’s PA, but that’s just a stepping stone. He’s all kinds of hyper cute, and spends his free time coming up with plans for his very own “Operation Meet Cute”. He’s obsessed with rom-coms (who isn’t?), and he is convinced the only way to meet his one true love is in some crazy, swoon worthy, movie moment. While Low believes in the theory of love, the reality of it terrifies him.
He spends most of his free time with his best friend, and upstairs neighbor, Teddy Mullins. (Not a leading man name, as Low has told him.) Teddy is successful, has his life together, and is the ultimate cinnamon roll. A big, bearded softy. He’s quite happy watching movies with Low, making sure Low doesn’t burn down his apartment with his attempts at cooking, and more times than not, rescuing Low from his disastrous meet cute plots. (There’s a scene in the rain that is truly movie swoon worthy). He is also one hundred percent in love with Low.
Low, tired of the failure rate of his meet cutes, and going through a “dry spell”, proposes that he and Teddy should be “friends with benefits.” Teddy, being in love with Low, agrees, because he’d rather have Low this way, even for a little while, then no way. Teddy knows he needs to give Low enough time to figure out his feelings, and he’s hoping spending even more time together – naked – will help Low along.
I loved everything about this book (as I do with all the authors books), but this one hit me a little different than some of them. There was something so raw about these MC’s feelings, and thoughts, and I couldn’t get enough of them. She even managed to almost make me do something I have never done when reading a book – I almost cried – almost. There is a point where Low is so scared of his feelings, so freaked out, so convinced he can’t have his HEA (because movies never show the “after” parts once the credits roll, when life gets real and hard), that it’s impossible for him to say the one word Teddy needs – wants – him to say. I got a lump in my throat, and a pain in my chest. I felt that. Hard.
As always with her books, there are laugh out loud moments, mixed with sweet ones, and hot, steamy ones. There’s also a bonus scene, which is a must read. This book left me with a book hangover, in all the best ways
Every time I read a new K.M. Neuhold book, I think these are my two favorite MC’s she’s written. Then she writes another, and I think no, these are my favorites. Harlow and Teddy may stay my favorites forever. (Or, at least in the top five). I don’t know how she manages to write such wonderful books, but I hope she never stops.
Harlow “Low” Monroe (The. Best. Name. Ever.) is a screenwriter and director, currently a director’s PA, but that’s just a stepping stone. He’s all kinds of hyper cute, and spends his free time coming up with plans for his very own “Operation Meet Cute”. He’s obsessed with rom-coms (who isn’t?), and he is convinced the only way to meet his one true love is in some crazy, swoon worthy, movie moment. While Low believes in the theory of love, the reality of it terrifies him.
He spends most of his free time with his best friend, and upstairs neighbor, Teddy Mullins. (Not a leading man name, as Low has told him.) Teddy is successful, has his life together, and is the ultimate cinnamon roll. A big, bearded softy. He’s quite happy watching movies with Low, making sure Low doesn’t burn down his apartment with his attempts at cooking, and more times than not, rescuing Low from his disastrous meet cute plots. (There’s a scene in the rain that is truly movie swoon worthy). He is also one hundred percent in love with Low.
Low, tired of the failure rate of his meet cutes, and going through a “dry spell”, proposes that he and Teddy should be “friends with benefits.” Teddy, being in love with Low, agrees, because he’d rather have Low this way, even for a little while, then no way. Teddy knows he needs to give Low enough time to figure out his feelings, and he’s hoping spending even more time together – naked – will help Low along.
I loved everything about this book (as I do with all the authors books), but this one hit me a little different than some of them. There was something so raw about these MC’s feelings, and thoughts, and I couldn’t get enough of them. She even managed to almost make me do something I have never done when reading a book – I almost cried – almost. There is a point where Low is so scared of his feelings, so freaked out, so convinced he can’t have his HEA (because movies never show the “after” parts once the credits roll, when life gets real and hard), that it’s impossible for him to say the one word Teddy needs – wants – him to say. I got a lump in my throat, and a pain in my chest. I felt that. Hard.
As always with her books, there are laugh out loud moments, mixed with sweet ones, and hot, steamy ones. There’s also a bonus scene, which is a must read. This book left me with a book hangover, in all the best ways
August 8, 2021
This was a very blah book for me. The characters were one dimensional, and their romance lacked any, well, romance.
Harlow is remarkably and painfully self-centered. I wasn’t sure if he was callously oblivious to Teddy’s feelings, or burying himself in absolute denial. There was a jump where he went from not knowing anything to accepting that Teddy has feelings for him, and I felt like I missed something with how abrupt it was.
Teddy…honestly, what a sad pile of soggy cardboard. Pines for years, but never does anything. His entire personality is pining. #teamEzra
For all the obsession with romance movie moments, I was hoping that there’d be a legitimate moment where Harlow has to face real life isn’t a romance movie. But no, he clings to the movie moments until the very end without issue, and I felt like that really showed his complete lack of growth as a character. The entire book just feeds Harlow’s shallow obsession with romantic tropes. Especially with Teddy miraculously coming up with a “leading mans name”.
Overall, this book felt flat. There was no tension, no emotion, no romance for me. Neither character had depth. The last ~15% felt like a long drawn out epilogue, solely for the “after the HEA moment”, but it was just a long ending and more romance tropes for Harlow to trot out.
Harlow is remarkably and painfully self-centered. I wasn’t sure if he was callously oblivious to Teddy’s feelings, or burying himself in absolute denial. There was a jump where he went from not knowing anything to accepting that Teddy has feelings for him, and I felt like I missed something with how abrupt it was.
Teddy…honestly, what a sad pile of soggy cardboard. Pines for years, but never does anything. His entire personality is pining. #teamEzra
For all the obsession with romance movie moments, I was hoping that there’d be a legitimate moment where Harlow has to face real life isn’t a romance movie. But no, he clings to the movie moments until the very end without issue, and I felt like that really showed his complete lack of growth as a character. The entire book just feeds Harlow’s shallow obsession with romantic tropes. Especially with Teddy miraculously coming up with a “leading mans name”.
Overall, this book felt flat. There was no tension, no emotion, no romance for me. Neither character had depth. The last ~15% felt like a long drawn out epilogue, solely for the “after the HEA moment”, but it was just a long ending and more romance tropes for Harlow to trot out.
July 29, 2021
aaawwwww best friends to lovers but really they’ve just been dating for years cuteness
Every meetcute you can think of…i bet they’re in this book. Harlow tries his damndest to meet someone but then has actually those meetcutes with his bestie Teddy. Adorable.
Slight blargh over the dark moment but hey Harlow really needed to pull his head from his own ass.
Love the acknowledgment that romance doesn’t end with proposals or relationship status changes.
(Also I see that Ted reference. And I love it).
Every meetcute you can think of…i bet they’re in this book. Harlow tries his damndest to meet someone but then has actually those meetcutes with his bestie Teddy. Adorable.
Slight blargh over the dark moment but hey Harlow really needed to pull his head from his own ass.
Love the acknowledgment that romance doesn’t end with proposals or relationship status changes.
(Also I see that Ted reference. And I love it).
August 9, 2021
Sweet, cute, fluffy, rom-com in a book. Harlow is looking for the perfect "meet cute" so he'll end up with the man of his dreams. He goes to outlandish lengths to meet a man and yet his best friend is in the apartment above him and loves him dearly. But Harlow remains clueless through quite a bit of this story. Teddy, the bestie, is a real sweetheart and my heart broke for him. In fact, there were a few point when I just wanted to either quit or skip ahead and stop Harlow from driving me mad with his goofy meeting situations.
Thankfully, it all worked out, though both men getting the careers of their dreams, especially Harlow's requires a rubber-band imagination, if you know what I mean.
If you are looking for a mindless, sweet, fluffy romance, look no further.
Thankfully, it all worked out, though both men getting the careers of their dreams, especially Harlow's requires a rubber-band imagination, if you know what I mean.
If you are looking for a mindless, sweet, fluffy romance, look no further.
August 2, 2021
Romcom-obsessed Harlow keeps trying to engineer the perfect meet cute and find his leading man, completely ignoring the fact that the perfect man is right in front of his face, patiently waiting for him to get his head out of his ass.
I am a total sucker for the best-friends-to-lovers trope and this was a really fun one! At first I thought Harlow’s antics were a bit over the top, but then realized he’s working desperately to ignore the scary feelings inside him. His best friend Teddy has the patience of a saint, but he sees the truth inside Harlow and knows he needs time to work through his feelings. This book had so many moments that made me laugh. Harlow and Teddy have a fun, opposites attract thing going on and I loved their snarky banter. It’s really funny and sweet and light, but had a few emotional parts too. I think Kyleen excels at these light, funny, and sexy romances. She’s a one-click author for me!
I am a total sucker for the best-friends-to-lovers trope and this was a really fun one! At first I thought Harlow’s antics were a bit over the top, but then realized he’s working desperately to ignore the scary feelings inside him. His best friend Teddy has the patience of a saint, but he sees the truth inside Harlow and knows he needs time to work through his feelings. This book had so many moments that made me laugh. Harlow and Teddy have a fun, opposites attract thing going on and I loved their snarky banter. It’s really funny and sweet and light, but had a few emotional parts too. I think Kyleen excels at these light, funny, and sexy romances. She’s a one-click author for me!
July 31, 2021
So cute!! I just love Harlow and Teddy! They are so cute together that I just couldn't help but love them. I love seeing friends as they become lovers. I love being on their journey from friends to friends with benefits to even more. KM Neuhold has just made another story that I love. I can't wait for the next book!
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