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Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball: A Funny Queer YA Romance About Femme Empowerment and Love
The next LGBTQ+ young adult rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Jason June (author of Jay's Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue )!
Femme, gay teen podcaster Riley Weaver has made it to junior year, which means he can finally apply for membership into the Gaybutante Society, the LGBTQ+ organization that has launched dozens of queer teens' careers in pop culture, arts, and activism. The process to get into the Society is a marathon of charity events, parties, and general gay chaos, culminating in the annual Gaybutante Ball. The one requirement for the Ball? A date.
Then Riley overhears superstar athlete, Skylar, say that gay guys just aren't interested in femme guys or else they wouldn't be gay. Riley confronts Skylar and makes a bet to prove him Riley must find a masc date by the time of the Ball, or he'll drop out of the Society entirely. Riley decides to document the trials and tribulations of dating when you're gay and femme in a brand new podcast. Can Riley find a fella to fall for in time? Or will this be one massive—and publicly broadcast—femme failure?
This new novel from Jason June explores how labels can limit and liberate us, and shows just what can happen when you bet on yourself.
Femme, gay teen podcaster Riley Weaver has made it to junior year, which means he can finally apply for membership into the Gaybutante Society, the LGBTQ+ organization that has launched dozens of queer teens' careers in pop culture, arts, and activism. The process to get into the Society is a marathon of charity events, parties, and general gay chaos, culminating in the annual Gaybutante Ball. The one requirement for the Ball? A date.
Then Riley overhears superstar athlete, Skylar, say that gay guys just aren't interested in femme guys or else they wouldn't be gay. Riley confronts Skylar and makes a bet to prove him Riley must find a masc date by the time of the Ball, or he'll drop out of the Society entirely. Riley decides to document the trials and tribulations of dating when you're gay and femme in a brand new podcast. Can Riley find a fella to fall for in time? Or will this be one massive—and publicly broadcast—femme failure?
This new novel from Jason June explores how labels can limit and liberate us, and shows just what can happen when you bet on yourself.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2023
11 people are currently reading
3342 people want to read
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April 23, 2023
Okay, fasten your seatbelts because Gaybutante ball, here we present you: Riley Weaver! D*mn, what a pacing. I’m still trying to catch my breath.
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball has so much to offer, especially LGBTQ+ wise. Fantastic rep, a queer-positive village, yet … there’s still queerphobia within the LBGTQ+ community. Because femme-looking gays aren’t gay, according to Skylar, a gay jock. Masc-looking gays won’t fall for a femme-looking one. And Riley is going to prove Skylar is wrong.
I loved the rep, I adored Riley, I laughed out loud, and I had a soft spot for Nick and immediately added him to my list of cute cinnamon rolls. The pacing is fast. Think of Alexis Hall’s writing in Something Fabulous and double the speed. To be honest, a bit too fast for me; I was hardly able to breathe. But overall, this story is excellent for those who love fast-paced books with superb rep, a refreshing premise, and adorable characters! And I believe that this book can be of great importance for femme gays, non-binary people, or all those who just need some support in being who they want to be. Riley is their perfect role model because he’s so confident in who he is.
Actual rating 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received an ARC from Harper Collins Children’s Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball has so much to offer, especially LGBTQ+ wise. Fantastic rep, a queer-positive village, yet … there’s still queerphobia within the LBGTQ+ community. Because femme-looking gays aren’t gay, according to Skylar, a gay jock. Masc-looking gays won’t fall for a femme-looking one. And Riley is going to prove Skylar is wrong.
I loved the rep, I adored Riley, I laughed out loud, and I had a soft spot for Nick and immediately added him to my list of cute cinnamon rolls. The pacing is fast. Think of Alexis Hall’s writing in Something Fabulous and double the speed. To be honest, a bit too fast for me; I was hardly able to breathe. But overall, this story is excellent for those who love fast-paced books with superb rep, a refreshing premise, and adorable characters! And I believe that this book can be of great importance for femme gays, non-binary people, or all those who just need some support in being who they want to be. Riley is their perfect role model because he’s so confident in who he is.
Actual rating 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received an ARC from Harper Collins Children’s Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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May 30, 2023
2.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's for an eARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
TWs: transphobia, femmephobia, homophobia, microaggressions, cyberbullying, side character in a toxic relationship, mentioned racism
Riley Weaver has one goal in life: get out of Mountain Pass, the small town where his mother is mayor. He dreams of becoming a popular podcaster and seeking out stories from all kinds of people, and he can't do that from Mountain Pass. He has a plan: become a member of the Gaybutante Society, an LGTBQ+ organization that has launched the careers of dozens of queer teens. The process culminates in the Gaybutante Ball, where all the Gaybutante-Hopefuls are presented to society. Riley isn't worried until he overhears Skylar, an athlete from his school, say that gay guys don't want to date femme guys or else they wouldn't be gay. Riley, a proud femme, bets Skylar that he'll find a masc date to the ball or drop out of the Society entirely.
I am genuinely so heartbroken every time I give an OwnVoices book a low rating, especially one that could've been great. Having read OUT OF THE BLUE by Jason June and mostly enjoying it, I was honestly excited to read this. I love books where social media plays a principal role in the narrative, and *especially* when the main character is an influencer or attempting to become one. I also, of course, love books that are unapologetically queer, and this promised to be that from the beginning. However, there were many aspects that undermined my enjoyment, so I've decided to this review as a pros/cons list.
Pros:
- The book's message. This book focuses on homophobia, specifically femmephobia, *within* the queer community, which I found unique. The main character, Riley wears flamboyant clothing, full faces of makeup, exquisite nail polish; he is proudly femme. Riley's internal struggle when faced with Skylar's femmephobic opinion was so real, and I really felt for him. I also learned a lot about femmephobia and hatred within the gay community, something that I haven't seen tackled in other books I've read.
- Connery. Aside from that god-awful name, Connery was such a cute character. I can't say much without spoiling but his character was amazing commentary on expectations of masculinity. He was also an interesting foil for Riley, and I wish we got more of him.
Uh. That's about it for the pros.
Cons:
- The transphobia. For a book that mentions how gender isn't related to appearance or gender assigned at birth, Riley makes a lotttt of statements that contradicts that. I highlighted all the instances of gender being associated with genitals and it comes up five separate times, the first of which being on the SECOND PAGE. Five mentions may not seem like a lot, but this book is ABOUT how presentation doesn't equal gender doesn't equal genitals!! Riley even SAYS "it's not about genitals for me but it is for other people" which is not TRUE because HE HIMSELF BRINGS UP GENITALS!! As a nonbinary person, every single time it was mentioned I just sat there like ???
- This is just an extension of the first point, but there's an instance where Riley thinks he's looking at a woman and then the person turns around and Riley immediately goes "omg not a woman but a very attractive man" (not a quote) and I was again in shock because?? How do you know that person is a man without asking?? They could still be a woman??? It was incredibly shocking, especially considering that the MC in Jason June's previous work deliberately did not assume gender from appearance despite some characters being very masc or very femme from the beginning; they always, always asked before gendering. I thought for sure that Riley was about to be called out for making an assumption based on appearance, but he never was!
- The plot. Basically, Riley goes on a series of dates with a few guys in an effort to find a date for the Gaybutante Ball; the problem with this is that he isn't honestly approaching any of these guys. One of the conditions for the bet is that the guy can't know about it, so that they can't be swayed into asking Riley to the ball. This means, though, that Riley has both an ulterior motive and a deadline for talking to all of these guys. He doesn't genuinely *like* any of them, and I thought for sure that he would be called out on it. It's a classic trope: person A approaches person B because of a bet, person B actually falls, person B finds out it was a bet, angst ensures. I didn't necessarily want the angst, but what I did want was accountability. Riley essentially played with all the guys because he had no intention of actually forming a relationship with any of them! He just wanted a date to the ball for this bet! And I also know it's not that serious, since dating doesn't equal a relationship, but at the same time it's a little screwed up that Riley got off scot-free for this.
- Bringing up the issues of accountability, Riley is almost never held accountable! He is by all counts a selfish person and a horrible friend, and when he finally does experience consequences for his actions, the consequences fade away within a few chapters! Also, unbelievably, Riley believes that HE is owed an apology from that friend when HE"S the one who blew their friendship up! This is only one example of Riley's selfishness going unchecked, but it's the most egregious one.
- The Gaybutante Society itself. I have no idea how this works. It's stated a few times that the Society accepts anyone who tries to enter and that it's a very popular event, so my question is why aren't there like a million Hopefuls every year? You just have to be a Hopeful to have access to the Gaybutante's social accounts, and I feel like there would be so many more people trying to take advantage of that to launch their careers. Moreover, why is the Gaybutante Society even in this random small town?? The Gaybutante Society has branches in New York, LA, and a few other big cities, but they are all BIG CITIES. Why are they in this random ass village :sob:
- The diversity. This book approaches the "how do you state a character's race in narration?" question by stating every single character's race. The problem is, this makes it obvious how few characters of color there are. I read the word "white" so many times in comparison to any other race/ethnicity that I started to get a bit uncomfortable. This may be more nitpicky than my other comments, but newer books that lack diversity are a pet peeve of mine.
This review is now longer than some oneshots I've written, and I haven't yet covered all my issues with this book. If it isn't clear, I do not recommend this book. Despite its anti-femmephobic core, the issues outlined above make me regret reading this. This hasn't turned me off of Jason June's books completely, since I don't think this is a representative work, but it has made me warier of his future releases.
TWs: transphobia, femmephobia, homophobia, microaggressions, cyberbullying, side character in a toxic relationship, mentioned racism
Riley Weaver has one goal in life: get out of Mountain Pass, the small town where his mother is mayor. He dreams of becoming a popular podcaster and seeking out stories from all kinds of people, and he can't do that from Mountain Pass. He has a plan: become a member of the Gaybutante Society, an LGTBQ+ organization that has launched the careers of dozens of queer teens. The process culminates in the Gaybutante Ball, where all the Gaybutante-Hopefuls are presented to society. Riley isn't worried until he overhears Skylar, an athlete from his school, say that gay guys don't want to date femme guys or else they wouldn't be gay. Riley, a proud femme, bets Skylar that he'll find a masc date to the ball or drop out of the Society entirely.
I am genuinely so heartbroken every time I give an OwnVoices book a low rating, especially one that could've been great. Having read OUT OF THE BLUE by Jason June and mostly enjoying it, I was honestly excited to read this. I love books where social media plays a principal role in the narrative, and *especially* when the main character is an influencer or attempting to become one. I also, of course, love books that are unapologetically queer, and this promised to be that from the beginning. However, there were many aspects that undermined my enjoyment, so I've decided to this review as a pros/cons list.
Pros:
- The book's message. This book focuses on homophobia, specifically femmephobia, *within* the queer community, which I found unique. The main character, Riley wears flamboyant clothing, full faces of makeup, exquisite nail polish; he is proudly femme. Riley's internal struggle when faced with Skylar's femmephobic opinion was so real, and I really felt for him. I also learned a lot about femmephobia and hatred within the gay community, something that I haven't seen tackled in other books I've read.
- Connery. Aside from that god-awful name, Connery was such a cute character. I can't say much without spoiling but his character was amazing commentary on expectations of masculinity. He was also an interesting foil for Riley, and I wish we got more of him.
Uh. That's about it for the pros.
Cons:
- The transphobia. For a book that mentions how gender isn't related to appearance or gender assigned at birth, Riley makes a lotttt of statements that contradicts that. I highlighted all the instances of gender being associated with genitals and it comes up five separate times, the first of which being on the SECOND PAGE. Five mentions may not seem like a lot, but this book is ABOUT how presentation doesn't equal gender doesn't equal genitals!! Riley even SAYS "it's not about genitals for me but it is for other people" which is not TRUE because HE HIMSELF BRINGS UP GENITALS!! As a nonbinary person, every single time it was mentioned I just sat there like ???
- This is just an extension of the first point, but there's an instance where Riley thinks he's looking at a woman and then the person turns around and Riley immediately goes "omg not a woman but a very attractive man" (not a quote) and I was again in shock because?? How do you know that person is a man without asking?? They could still be a woman??? It was incredibly shocking, especially considering that the MC in Jason June's previous work deliberately did not assume gender from appearance despite some characters being very masc or very femme from the beginning; they always, always asked before gendering. I thought for sure that Riley was about to be called out for making an assumption based on appearance, but he never was!
- The plot. Basically, Riley goes on a series of dates with a few guys in an effort to find a date for the Gaybutante Ball; the problem with this is that he isn't honestly approaching any of these guys. One of the conditions for the bet is that the guy can't know about it, so that they can't be swayed into asking Riley to the ball. This means, though, that Riley has both an ulterior motive and a deadline for talking to all of these guys. He doesn't genuinely *like* any of them, and I thought for sure that he would be called out on it. It's a classic trope: person A approaches person B because of a bet, person B actually falls, person B finds out it was a bet, angst ensures. I didn't necessarily want the angst, but what I did want was accountability. Riley essentially played with all the guys because he had no intention of actually forming a relationship with any of them! He just wanted a date to the ball for this bet! And I also know it's not that serious, since dating doesn't equal a relationship, but at the same time it's a little screwed up that Riley got off scot-free for this.
- Bringing up the issues of accountability, Riley is almost never held accountable! He is by all counts a selfish person and a horrible friend, and when he finally does experience consequences for his actions, the consequences fade away within a few chapters! Also, unbelievably, Riley believes that HE is owed an apology from that friend when HE"S the one who blew their friendship up! This is only one example of Riley's selfishness going unchecked, but it's the most egregious one.
- The Gaybutante Society itself. I have no idea how this works. It's stated a few times that the Society accepts anyone who tries to enter and that it's a very popular event, so my question is why aren't there like a million Hopefuls every year? You just have to be a Hopeful to have access to the Gaybutante's social accounts, and I feel like there would be so many more people trying to take advantage of that to launch their careers. Moreover, why is the Gaybutante Society even in this random small town?? The Gaybutante Society has branches in New York, LA, and a few other big cities, but they are all BIG CITIES. Why are they in this random ass village :sob:
- The diversity. This book approaches the "how do you state a character's race in narration?" question by stating every single character's race. The problem is, this makes it obvious how few characters of color there are. I read the word "white" so many times in comparison to any other race/ethnicity that I started to get a bit uncomfortable. This may be more nitpicky than my other comments, but newer books that lack diversity are a pet peeve of mine.
This review is now longer than some oneshots I've written, and I haven't yet covered all my issues with this book. If it isn't clear, I do not recommend this book. Despite its anti-femmephobic core, the issues outlined above make me regret reading this. This hasn't turned me off of Jason June's books completely, since I don't think this is a representative work, but it has made me warier of his future releases.
Read
May 31, 2023Gay-friendly and queer-inclusive (except could be clearer on trans inclusivity),
Riley Weaver is excited to finally be a high school junior, which means he can join his school's LGBTQ+ club and attend their Gaybutante Ball, which helps LGBTQ folk network for future jobs. And he wants to get out of his otherwise nurturing small down.
However, there's a local bully jock--a gay one, this time, who sneers at femme gays. Riley lays a wager he can find a date for the club's annual ball, and hijinks ensue.
I use the word "hijinks" deliberately here, as there is a kind of comic tone to the constant one-liners and to the somewhat superficial treatment of characters. Riley gets away with an awful lot, but as the book's protagonist, he has the plot armor you expect in a slightly comic story. That plus some unexamined assumptions that poked at me here and there relating to trans inclusivity raised a couple of eyebrows or three. Though all in all, let's Get More Gay out there for kids to read. They can discuss issues themselves, if they get enough books to compare them!
June 9, 2023
“𝙸’𝚖 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚞𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚞𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚞𝚙. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚛-𝚢, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚌𝚞𝚝𝚎.”
🌈🌈🌈🌈 / 5
»»————-✼————-««
Review:
A huge thank you to Harper Collins 360 and the author for the gifted copy of this fabulous book!
This was my first Jason June read and let me tell you, I’m running to Waterstones before work so I can pick up another if his works! I loved his fast paced, chatty writing style and I absolutely ate this book up! Did I stay up until 1am reading this last night? Yes! Do I regret it? Absolutely not! I was happy, silent (it was 1am I had to be respectful of my family) screaming at the ending!! I loved the addition of the podcast episodes in the chapters it helped add a flare of Riley’s personality!✨
RWNADTTGB was a fabulous queer-tastic coming of age story which explored the difficulties of friendships, life and finding love while being a queer teen. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this, but a warm fuzzy happiness filled me throughout reading and I was unable to put this book down!
I love Riley! He’s funny, challenges gender ‘norms’, has a big heart and is as confident as a teen can be! I really enjoyed the chatty style we got as it gave a huge insight into him as a person, I felt like I knew him from page one.
I liked that we got to see a different way of ‘dating’ most people would have jumped onto a dating app and found people that way, but Riley wanted to find that spark and connection tbrough meeting people and it was so refreshing! I Will however point out, Riley became a wee obsessed and started seeing everyone as a potential date rather than taking the time to get to know them. But he does reflect on that and starts dating’ for a boyfriend rather than ‘dating’ for a date.
We see a huge range of rep in RWNADTTGB including Riley who’s gay and femme, we also meet pansexual, bisexual, lesbian, gender fluid and many other queer characters along the way! At times it was hard to keep track of all the side changes, but the little descriptions Riley gives us of each character definitely made it easier! Also where can I find a place like Mountain Pass? All that queer support and happiness in one place? Sign me up😂
TW: Femmephobic comments are made towards the main character which may be triggering to some readers, there is an authors note at the begging which explains why they have been inputted, put yourself and your mental health first gorgeous✨
For lovers of:
- Femme main character
- LGBTQ+ cast
- Coming of age & self discovery
- Making bets
- Friends to lovers
🌈🌈🌈🌈 / 5
»»————-✼————-««
Review:
A huge thank you to Harper Collins 360 and the author for the gifted copy of this fabulous book!
This was my first Jason June read and let me tell you, I’m running to Waterstones before work so I can pick up another if his works! I loved his fast paced, chatty writing style and I absolutely ate this book up! Did I stay up until 1am reading this last night? Yes! Do I regret it? Absolutely not! I was happy, silent (it was 1am I had to be respectful of my family) screaming at the ending!! I loved the addition of the podcast episodes in the chapters it helped add a flare of Riley’s personality!✨
RWNADTTGB was a fabulous queer-tastic coming of age story which explored the difficulties of friendships, life and finding love while being a queer teen. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this, but a warm fuzzy happiness filled me throughout reading and I was unable to put this book down!
I love Riley! He’s funny, challenges gender ‘norms’, has a big heart and is as confident as a teen can be! I really enjoyed the chatty style we got as it gave a huge insight into him as a person, I felt like I knew him from page one.
I liked that we got to see a different way of ‘dating’ most people would have jumped onto a dating app and found people that way, but Riley wanted to find that spark and connection tbrough meeting people and it was so refreshing! I Will however point out, Riley became a wee obsessed and started seeing everyone as a potential date rather than taking the time to get to know them. But he does reflect on that and starts dating’ for a boyfriend rather than ‘dating’ for a date.
We see a huge range of rep in RWNADTTGB including Riley who’s gay and femme, we also meet pansexual, bisexual, lesbian, gender fluid and many other queer characters along the way! At times it was hard to keep track of all the side changes, but the little descriptions Riley gives us of each character definitely made it easier! Also where can I find a place like Mountain Pass? All that queer support and happiness in one place? Sign me up😂
TW: Femmephobic comments are made towards the main character which may be triggering to some readers, there is an authors note at the begging which explains why they have been inputted, put yourself and your mental health first gorgeous✨
For lovers of:
- Femme main character
- LGBTQ+ cast
- Coming of age & self discovery
- Making bets
- Friends to lovers
May 17, 2023
GAAAWWWWWWD!!! I love Jason June books! If there is one person who sees me as a queer person, it’s them!
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball is about queer love and acceptance. It’s about breaking down stereotypes and assumptions. It’s about showing that every person deserves love and that there is someone out there waiting for them. It’s about loving yourself and the people who care about you. It’s about not listening to the haters… even when they are the exact people who you’d normally be drooling over.
Riley wants to become a part of the Gaybutante Society, have a successful podcasting career, and finally find love. But one hateful jock named Skylar telling him that femme presenting gays shouldn’t be able to use the term “gay” sets in motion something he didn’t expect. A bet that he can’t find a date to the ball could ruin every plan he’s made for his future.
There are a lot frogs in Mountain Pass, so he needs to start kissing them if he’s gonna find his Prince. And the town sounds idyllic. It’s like queer Mecca, where all people are welcomed with open arms. But even places full of acceptance and love can have people with preexisting notions of who is deserving.
I feel like Jason June writes love letters to the world that they want to live in. I always see them in their characters and I love that so much. Maybe that’s why their books always feel so beautiful and truthful.
And When I tell you that my emotions were all over the place… I wasn’t sure where the story was going or if Riley would get his happily ever after. But I loved every second of the journey. Even if I did cry at one point.
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball is about queer love and acceptance. It’s about breaking down stereotypes and assumptions. It’s about showing that every person deserves love and that there is someone out there waiting for them. It’s about loving yourself and the people who care about you. It’s about not listening to the haters… even when they are the exact people who you’d normally be drooling over.
Riley wants to become a part of the Gaybutante Society, have a successful podcasting career, and finally find love. But one hateful jock named Skylar telling him that femme presenting gays shouldn’t be able to use the term “gay” sets in motion something he didn’t expect. A bet that he can’t find a date to the ball could ruin every plan he’s made for his future.
There are a lot frogs in Mountain Pass, so he needs to start kissing them if he’s gonna find his Prince. And the town sounds idyllic. It’s like queer Mecca, where all people are welcomed with open arms. But even places full of acceptance and love can have people with preexisting notions of who is deserving.
I feel like Jason June writes love letters to the world that they want to live in. I always see them in their characters and I love that so much. Maybe that’s why their books always feel so beautiful and truthful.
And When I tell you that my emotions were all over the place… I wasn’t sure where the story was going or if Riley would get his happily ever after. But I loved every second of the journey. Even if I did cry at one point.
July 5, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was really hoping this would get better as it went on... but it just didn't. I did really like that this book is incredibly queer-inclusive, with a fun plot surrounding the Gaybutante, but I just could not get on with the main character. While the main character does a great job of tackling femmephobia, he was just one of the most infuriating people - he was incredibly selfish, never really received any consequences for how horrible he was to his friends, who really did not deserve how he treated them. He also made a big deal at the beginning about not assuming genitalia = gender, or sexuality, but then throughout the book he did then assume these things? Maybe it's just me, because this book has some great reviews, but it really did not work for me.
I was really hoping this would get better as it went on... but it just didn't. I did really like that this book is incredibly queer-inclusive, with a fun plot surrounding the Gaybutante, but I just could not get on with the main character. While the main character does a great job of tackling femmephobia, he was just one of the most infuriating people - he was incredibly selfish, never really received any consequences for how horrible he was to his friends, who really did not deserve how he treated them. He also made a big deal at the beginning about not assuming genitalia = gender, or sexuality, but then throughout the book he did then assume these things? Maybe it's just me, because this book has some great reviews, but it really did not work for me.
May 1, 2023
I LOVE Jason June books! They're all full of sparkle and magic and heartfelt, very relatable queer characters. This latest was no exception and does such a great job tackling gender nonconformity and confronting people who still insist that there are 'right' ways to be.
Great on audio narrated by the author themselves with a heartfelt dedication and acknowledgement section. I think Riley Weaver just might be my new fav Jason June character and the book references in this book were top notch! HIGHLY, highly recommended and come on - how fabulous is this cover too?!?!
Many thanks to Librofm for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
Great on audio narrated by the author themselves with a heartfelt dedication and acknowledgement section. I think Riley Weaver just might be my new fav Jason June character and the book references in this book were top notch! HIGHLY, highly recommended and come on - how fabulous is this cover too?!?!
Many thanks to Librofm for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
March 5, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. So many novels about gender identity get very preachy and the pressure to talk about a serious topic often adversely impacts the plot. Not the case here.
Jason June writes a story for queer people that really anyone could find accessible, and the title character struggles in such a believable way that I found both beautiful and relatable. While some of the journey is predictable, it’s okay because the story is so interesting and well paced. I laughed out loud more than once and even teared up at the end. I hope this series continues- I could see a “ten years later” follow up being perfect!!
Jason June writes a story for queer people that really anyone could find accessible, and the title character struggles in such a believable way that I found both beautiful and relatable. While some of the journey is predictable, it’s okay because the story is so interesting and well paced. I laughed out loud more than once and even teared up at the end. I hope this series continues- I could see a “ten years later” follow up being perfect!!
June 5, 2023
Not only is this book a treasure, so full of queer joy, energy, amazing values, and beautiful dreams for a queer future, but listening to Jason June narrate the audiobook was an incredible treat. Jason brings Riley's energy fully to life with hollers, characters, and heart. I teared up more than a few times, and I'm so glad I chose to listen to this one. I felt seen in a way I wasn't expecting to be, and know how valuable this is going to be for so many people out there.
July 20, 2023
Trigger Warnings: cursing, past break-up, femme phobia, transphobia, homophobia
Representation: Gay, Femme, Black, Lesbian
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball is a YA, contemporary romance about femme, gay teen podcaster Riley Weaver, who has made it to junior year, which means he can finally apply for membership into the Gaybutante Society. The society is a LGBTQ+ organization that has launched dozens of queer teens' careers in pop culture, arts, and activism. The process to get into the Society is a marathon of charity events, parties, and general gay chaos, culminating in the annual Gaybutante Ball. The one requirement for the Ball? A date.
Then Riley overhears superstar athlete, Skylar, say that gay guys just aren't interested in femme guys or else they wouldn't be gay. Riley confronts Skylar and makes a bet that he can find a masc date by the time of the Ball, or he'll drop out of the Society entirely. Riley decides to document the trials and tribulations of dating when you're gay and femme in a brand new podcast. Can Riley find a fella to fall for in time? Or will this be one massive—and publicly broadcast—femme failure?
This is another home run from this author! Riley is a ton of fun and I loved hearing the author narrate his own work! Riley demonstrates a lot of growth and development as a character. This story also provides a lot of representation and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I loved the existence of this society and hope to see more accepting groups of this nature in the real world soon. I recommend it to readers of all ages and can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next!
Representation: Gay, Femme, Black, Lesbian
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball is a YA, contemporary romance about femme, gay teen podcaster Riley Weaver, who has made it to junior year, which means he can finally apply for membership into the Gaybutante Society. The society is a LGBTQ+ organization that has launched dozens of queer teens' careers in pop culture, arts, and activism. The process to get into the Society is a marathon of charity events, parties, and general gay chaos, culminating in the annual Gaybutante Ball. The one requirement for the Ball? A date.
Then Riley overhears superstar athlete, Skylar, say that gay guys just aren't interested in femme guys or else they wouldn't be gay. Riley confronts Skylar and makes a bet that he can find a masc date by the time of the Ball, or he'll drop out of the Society entirely. Riley decides to document the trials and tribulations of dating when you're gay and femme in a brand new podcast. Can Riley find a fella to fall for in time? Or will this be one massive—and publicly broadcast—femme failure?
This is another home run from this author! Riley is a ton of fun and I loved hearing the author narrate his own work! Riley demonstrates a lot of growth and development as a character. This story also provides a lot of representation and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I loved the existence of this society and hope to see more accepting groups of this nature in the real world soon. I recommend it to readers of all ages and can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next!
May 29, 2025
I am so beyond delighted to have finally read this book, it is one of the best queer books I’ve read in quite some time. I loved the self discovery, the self worth and confidence that was built, the friendships, the romance, the podcast element. To anyone who feels like they don’t belong in society because they don’t fit inside the box of queer/gender identity please pick up this book, you will feel at home. ❤️
August 15, 2023
I have conflicting thoughts. On one hand, when I finished this book I generally enjoyed it. There were a couple points that irked me and things that I think could have been done better, but it was a solid book.
After reading some of the reviews and looking at some of the author's content about this book I'm feeling more conflicted than ever.
The whole premise of this book is talking about femmephobia within the queer community which is something that exists and something that should be talked about. But there's a certain level of tone deafness that comes from both the main character and the author when talking about this topic. The main character is pretty much a stand-in for the author being that they're both femme white gay men and both are so surprised at this queer phobia within the queer community. As a fat white autistic asexual aromantic (probably agender) person, queerphobia within the queer community is a daily occurrence for me and it's so wild to me that people don't realize that.
There is so much toxicity within specific queer groups and as welcoming and wonderful as the queer community can be, there are still a lot of toxic values and stereotypes being pushed and perpetuated that are rooted in racism and misogyny and fat phobia.
And what's conflicting though is that that's what this book is trying to tackle but the key word there is trying. I don't know if it's totally successful.
For a character who is so verbal about gender and appearance not being the same thing and not having anything to do with sexuality, there are a lot of references to genitals in this book. Our main character is AMAB and reminds us multiple times throughout the story that he has a dick and just because he dresses femme doesn't mean he's not a man.
This is the moment where I just want to scream a bit because it defeats the whole purpose of the story. You do not have to have a dick to be gay. Not sure how to make that more clear.
I feel like now I'm just getting frustrated as I'm trying to dictate this review and I do want to touch on the fact that this book tried to have some diversity and I appreciated that I also appreciated the inclusion of both asexual and aromantic labels when discussing the queer community. There's a character who has an asexual boyfriend and the word aromantic is used once but if you're going to have a book centered around queerness, I'm going to need more queer diversity. It's not bad and it's definitely not only cis gay men, but it could have been better.
After reading some of the reviews and looking at some of the author's content about this book I'm feeling more conflicted than ever.
The whole premise of this book is talking about femmephobia within the queer community which is something that exists and something that should be talked about. But there's a certain level of tone deafness that comes from both the main character and the author when talking about this topic. The main character is pretty much a stand-in for the author being that they're both femme white gay men and both are so surprised at this queer phobia within the queer community. As a fat white autistic asexual aromantic (probably agender) person, queerphobia within the queer community is a daily occurrence for me and it's so wild to me that people don't realize that.
There is so much toxicity within specific queer groups and as welcoming and wonderful as the queer community can be, there are still a lot of toxic values and stereotypes being pushed and perpetuated that are rooted in racism and misogyny and fat phobia.
And what's conflicting though is that that's what this book is trying to tackle but the key word there is trying. I don't know if it's totally successful.
For a character who is so verbal about gender and appearance not being the same thing and not having anything to do with sexuality, there are a lot of references to genitals in this book. Our main character is AMAB and reminds us multiple times throughout the story that he has a dick and just because he dresses femme doesn't mean he's not a man.
This is the moment where I just want to scream a bit because it defeats the whole purpose of the story. You do not have to have a dick to be gay. Not sure how to make that more clear.
I feel like now I'm just getting frustrated as I'm trying to dictate this review and I do want to touch on the fact that this book tried to have some diversity and I appreciated that I also appreciated the inclusion of both asexual and aromantic labels when discussing the queer community. There's a character who has an asexual boyfriend and the word aromantic is used once but if you're going to have a book centered around queerness, I'm going to need more queer diversity. It's not bad and it's definitely not only cis gay men, but it could have been better.
Want to read
March 16, 2022"In this contemporary YA novel, gay, femme 16-year-old Riley hopes to enter the Gaybutante Society, a world-renowned organization full of queer tastemakers. When he's told by a gay cis classmate that gay guys aren't attracted to femme gays, Riley bets he'll find a boyfriend in time for the Gaybutante Ball."
May 26, 2023
So fun!
June 6, 2025
I seriously liked this book! It’s giving big gay energy in the best way, like if glitter, queer joy, and found family had a baby at a Gaybutante Ball 💅🌈✨
This is such a fun and affirming read, especially for femme gays who’ve been told they’re “too much” (spoiler: you’re not…you’re FABULOUS). The queer community/group setting? Adorable. The representation? I can’t stress this enough….Chef’s kiss. SO MUCH representation for everyone.
It does touch on some tough stuff like queerphobia and bullying, so please check content warnings for sure, but overall it kept things really hopeful. It’s 90% positive/hopeful and a happy ending.
And the audiobook?? ICONIC. The author narrates it and honestly brings Riley and the rest of the gang TO LIFE in the most fun, heartfelt way. A cute and meaningful read that left me smiling 💖✨
This is such a fun and affirming read, especially for femme gays who’ve been told they’re “too much” (spoiler: you’re not…you’re FABULOUS). The queer community/group setting? Adorable. The representation? I can’t stress this enough….Chef’s kiss. SO MUCH representation for everyone.
It does touch on some tough stuff like queerphobia and bullying, so please check content warnings for sure, but overall it kept things really hopeful. It’s 90% positive/hopeful and a happy ending.
And the audiobook?? ICONIC. The author narrates it and honestly brings Riley and the rest of the gang TO LIFE in the most fun, heartfelt way. A cute and meaningful read that left me smiling 💖✨
February 4, 2024
I have to admit the first chapter took awhile for me to get through. I didn’t understand the bet nor how Riley would get a date without them knowing about the bet. The rest of the story flowed easily and was fast paced once I got through chapter one. Though not to spoil anything but the ending was a bit odd and rushed for me. And I had to ask myself did Riley like his choice in the end? Took me by surprise actually. Otherwise, it was a good story. Definitely recommend to others. I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
July 5, 2023
Das war so ein tolles Jugenbuch über Geschlecht, Identität und Freundschaft. 😍 Jason June kreiert einfach so tolle, liebenswerte Charaktere und ich werde auch seine nächsten Bücher lesen. 💜
CW: Homophobie
CW: Homophobie
May 20, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to fall in love with this novel.
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball is a breath of fresh air, for a pair of lungs that have been without oxygen for so long. I'm not an avid reader of YA and rationally dabble in the genre specifically when it hits queer and, often, full of heart.
RWNDGB, I shall shorten to an acronym and an ode to a running joke in the novel, will take your breath away. At once, it's about love; found family, family, romantic love, platonic love, all of it and more. The amount of love in here could power an entire country, and I wish it could heal every heart that hurts currently with all of the transphobic bills, laws and news coming out across the country. Coupled with the kidnapping of indigenous children and the murder of marginalized people, the world is suffering.
This is the fearless, unwavering and utopian queer story that every queer, questioners and hets need. This world needs this love, and joy, and serotonin. I expected to like this book, even dislike some of it, but I fell in love with the story, the characters, the queer joy.
This story is so important. It tackles the gender binary, further examines femininity, and how society rules it as one class over the other, and how that comes into play with "pre-determined queer traits". I'm swaying between a trans man and genderqueer person, who likes being a boyfriend, and doesn't mind falling into a category of being afab man. I feel comfortable labeling myself as a femme gay man sometimes, but other times I want to throw my hands up and say... SCREW LABELS.
I just want to be a human, and often I don't want to be perceived at all, but when I do, I want to be a human first, label second. I want to be me, to figure out the ins and outs of who I am, without people judging or categorizing me, Despite leaning left and right in these categories, this novel came at the perfect time. I haven't read anything like it since The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin ( rest in peace legend ).
This story needs to reach the hearts of everyone, I think it would be the start to a process of healing. It battles toxic, possessive relationships and jealousy. It handles judgement among queers, and trying to determine if someone IS queer based on their allyship. It has one of the most beautiful, slow burn ( SUPER SLOW BURN ) romances I've ever read and wanted to root for, with the most profound platonic love that turns into romantic love ( I'm crying just thinking about it ).
Riley Weaver's journey from wanting to become a Gaybutante member and to take his love for podcasts and reaching out to people to really know them, and speak to others within the queer community, to bond and connect with people.. And the way that he loves his friends, and family, and sticks by them. The fierceness of his personality, his love, passion,, stubbornness. He was also hilarious, I adored the humor in this book and it made for several memorable scenes.
The side characters and ( several ) love interests were wonderful, full of love, and I will not be able to stop talking about the LOVE. My heart has never felt so full, and I have a feeling it won't stop swelling anytime soon. Like the Grinch, my heart keeps doubling in size when I think about this book.
From platonic friendships and love, to community, and LOVE, LOVE LOVE, this is EVERYTHING. Thank you Jason June, I love you in a very platonic, I am so thankful for your words and your heart kind of way.
I finished this in a few sittings since I'm between a couple of books, but I did stay up till almost two in the morning finishing it.
It was gorgeous. Stunning. Adjectives I save for my gorgeous, stunning boyfriend.
This book is EVERYTHING. It's going to be so banned. So read it. Buy it. Support it. Read it to your friends, your family, your kids. Love.
This... this is joy. Pure joy.
Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball is a breath of fresh air, for a pair of lungs that have been without oxygen for so long. I'm not an avid reader of YA and rationally dabble in the genre specifically when it hits queer and, often, full of heart.
RWNDGB, I shall shorten to an acronym and an ode to a running joke in the novel, will take your breath away. At once, it's about love; found family, family, romantic love, platonic love, all of it and more. The amount of love in here could power an entire country, and I wish it could heal every heart that hurts currently with all of the transphobic bills, laws and news coming out across the country. Coupled with the kidnapping of indigenous children and the murder of marginalized people, the world is suffering.
This is the fearless, unwavering and utopian queer story that every queer, questioners and hets need. This world needs this love, and joy, and serotonin. I expected to like this book, even dislike some of it, but I fell in love with the story, the characters, the queer joy.
This story is so important. It tackles the gender binary, further examines femininity, and how society rules it as one class over the other, and how that comes into play with "pre-determined queer traits". I'm swaying between a trans man and genderqueer person, who likes being a boyfriend, and doesn't mind falling into a category of being afab man. I feel comfortable labeling myself as a femme gay man sometimes, but other times I want to throw my hands up and say... SCREW LABELS.
I just want to be a human, and often I don't want to be perceived at all, but when I do, I want to be a human first, label second. I want to be me, to figure out the ins and outs of who I am, without people judging or categorizing me, Despite leaning left and right in these categories, this novel came at the perfect time. I haven't read anything like it since The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin ( rest in peace legend ).
This story needs to reach the hearts of everyone, I think it would be the start to a process of healing. It battles toxic, possessive relationships and jealousy. It handles judgement among queers, and trying to determine if someone IS queer based on their allyship. It has one of the most beautiful, slow burn ( SUPER SLOW BURN ) romances I've ever read and wanted to root for, with the most profound platonic love that turns into romantic love ( I'm crying just thinking about it ).
Riley Weaver's journey from wanting to become a Gaybutante member and to take his love for podcasts and reaching out to people to really know them, and speak to others within the queer community, to bond and connect with people.. And the way that he loves his friends, and family, and sticks by them. The fierceness of his personality, his love, passion,, stubbornness. He was also hilarious, I adored the humor in this book and it made for several memorable scenes.
The side characters and ( several ) love interests were wonderful, full of love, and I will not be able to stop talking about the LOVE. My heart has never felt so full, and I have a feeling it won't stop swelling anytime soon. Like the Grinch, my heart keeps doubling in size when I think about this book.
From platonic friendships and love, to community, and LOVE, LOVE LOVE, this is EVERYTHING. Thank you Jason June, I love you in a very platonic, I am so thankful for your words and your heart kind of way.
I finished this in a few sittings since I'm between a couple of books, but I did stay up till almost two in the morning finishing it.
It was gorgeous. Stunning. Adjectives I save for my gorgeous, stunning boyfriend.
This book is EVERYTHING. It's going to be so banned. So read it. Buy it. Support it. Read it to your friends, your family, your kids. Love.
This... this is joy. Pure joy.
April 9, 2024
1.5 rounded up. Full review to be posted when I have more energy.
Ok actual review. First of all this cover is ass and the audiobook is narrated by the author and reads the same as Jay's Gay agenda. I hated both so it felt like an appropriate level of brain rot getting through this series. Honestly I don't know why I read this other than giving the author another chance but wow it is so aggressively what milenials think GenZ is like. The cursing was painful, stop coming up with dumb censoring words just let your characters say fuck, teenagers say fuck, especially teens who are chronically online. The fact that some 16 year old twink is like "I'm gonna be the first feminine gay man ever represented in media and show that femboys deserve rights as well" and it wasn't played for laughs and was 100% serious like what are you doing? Believe it or not but historically hyperfeminine gay men are not underrepresented and if anything shown as the stereotypical gay man. The fact the main character literally sacrifices all his friendships to try and win the spot light and has the audacity to try and make us feel bad for him like he's not just a teenager making mistakes or a main character that needs to learn, he is like a straight up villain. Also the whole conflict with his parents was the fakest bullshit ever and fucking killed me. I also just cannot stand Jason June's sense of humor, it could just be a personal thing but it feels like reaching for the lowest hanging fruit and the writing style feels so out of touch.
Ok actual review. First of all this cover is ass and the audiobook is narrated by the author and reads the same as Jay's Gay agenda. I hated both so it felt like an appropriate level of brain rot getting through this series. Honestly I don't know why I read this other than giving the author another chance but wow it is so aggressively what milenials think GenZ is like. The cursing was painful, stop coming up with dumb censoring words just let your characters say fuck, teenagers say fuck, especially teens who are chronically online. The fact that some 16 year old twink is like "I'm gonna be the first feminine gay man ever represented in media and show that femboys deserve rights as well" and it wasn't played for laughs and was 100% serious like what are you doing? Believe it or not but historically hyperfeminine gay men are not underrepresented and if anything shown as the stereotypical gay man. The fact the main character literally sacrifices all his friendships to try and win the spot light and has the audacity to try and make us feel bad for him like he's not just a teenager making mistakes or a main character that needs to learn, he is like a straight up villain. Also the whole conflict with his parents was the fakest bullshit ever and fucking killed me. I also just cannot stand Jason June's sense of humor, it could just be a personal thing but it feels like reaching for the lowest hanging fruit and the writing style feels so out of touch.
August 1, 2024
4 stars ⭐
“Because Riley Weaver is going to take the world by storm. And that wouldn’t be possible without my friends.”
The romance in this book wasn’t the main plot. It was more about the stereotyping and hardships that Riley faces and I liked that. The little romance that was present in this book was very enjoyable though. I loved them so dearly.
“There is no one way to be gay, and if a few jerks have to let it be known they don’t like the way I’m gay, at least other femmes will know they aren’t alone.”
Maybe I’m the weird one in this situation, but I don’t think that Cassidy was as much of a bitch as she was made out to be. At least not in the start, she really wasn’t that terrible. Different people have different boundaries.
“I used to think romances all seemed so far-fetched. But if that kind of stuff can happen in real life? Who knows. Maybe my romance is just around the corner.”
I shouldn’t feel bad for Skylar when he is literally the villain of the story but he put his life and career on the line for a bet and lost. It was his own stupidity really but I feel bad for him having to quit what he loves. I feel like I might be too sympathetic of a person; it’s a problem.
“Because Riley Weaver is going to take the world by storm. And that wouldn’t be possible without my friends.”
The romance in this book wasn’t the main plot. It was more about the stereotyping and hardships that Riley faces and I liked that. The little romance that was present in this book was very enjoyable though. I loved them so dearly.
“There is no one way to be gay, and if a few jerks have to let it be known they don’t like the way I’m gay, at least other femmes will know they aren’t alone.”
Maybe I’m the weird one in this situation, but I don’t think that Cassidy was as much of a bitch as she was made out to be. At least not in the start, she really wasn’t that terrible. Different people have different boundaries.
“I used to think romances all seemed so far-fetched. But if that kind of stuff can happen in real life? Who knows. Maybe my romance is just around the corner.”
I shouldn’t feel bad for Skylar when he is literally the villain of the story but he put his life and career on the line for a bet and lost. It was his own stupidity really but I feel bad for him having to quit what he loves. I feel like I might be too sympathetic of a person; it’s a problem.
September 29, 2024
more excruciating than repeatedly bashing your head into the wall for about the amount of time it takes to read this book
May 24, 2023
Can I just say that it's so nice to have queer books acknowledge that aro and ace people exist? Like in a "whether you're ... or ... or ..." they straight up say aromantic, and there's an (although very minor) ace character. And not only that, every time they talk about finding love they mention that it's not just about romantic love, and they never put romantic relationships over friendships. I wish that wasn't something that's rare to hear in books, but it is! So reading this book felt like a warm hug. I would've loved to put my favourite quotes here, but I listened to the audiobook (which btw is perfectly narrated by the author!) and didn't write them down or bookmark while I was reading, so unfortunately that is not possible. I did, however, jump back through the final part of the book and managed to find this quote:
"Now get out there beautiful and go find your person. Or people, or escort, or best friend, or whoever the h*ll you want, romantically or otherwise, because I can guarantee you one thing: they're waiting for you."
It might not seem like much to most people, but for an aromantic person used to romantic love always being put above everything else? It means a lot.
Also, this whole book is just amazing in general. The idea of the Gaybutantes is the absolute best. Queer people supporting and uplifting each other? That's the way it should be. I also love all of the characters. Riley is so imperfectly human and makes mistakes, but he owns up to them and does better, which is what really matters. His friends are also the best. Like Nick is such a genuinely nice person? Shout out to the book guy as well, because I love him and want to be like him, with giving book recs to strangers that are absolutely spot on and bringing books literally everywhere (well I kind of already do the last part).
Oh and the ending is perfect. I did not see parts of it coming at all, but I also did see parts of it coming in the best way possible. Honestly I couldn't have imagined a better ending to the book at all.
"Now get out there beautiful and go find your person. Or people, or escort, or best friend, or whoever the h*ll you want, romantically or otherwise, because I can guarantee you one thing: they're waiting for you."
It might not seem like much to most people, but for an aromantic person used to romantic love always being put above everything else? It means a lot.
Also, this whole book is just amazing in general. The idea of the Gaybutantes is the absolute best. Queer people supporting and uplifting each other? That's the way it should be. I also love all of the characters. Riley is so imperfectly human and makes mistakes, but he owns up to them and does better, which is what really matters. His friends are also the best. Like Nick is such a genuinely nice person? Shout out to the book guy as well, because I love him and want to be like him, with giving book recs to strangers that are absolutely spot on and bringing books literally everywhere (well I kind of already do the last part).
Oh and the ending is perfect. I did not see parts of it coming at all, but I also did see parts of it coming in the best way possible. Honestly I couldn't have imagined a better ending to the book at all.
July 9, 2023
I really enjoyed Jason June's first two novels, but I totally loved Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball! This was such a beautiful and heartfelt novel from beginning to end. I love how Riley owned who he was throughout the story, even risking the chance to make his dreams come true in the process.
I just loved so much about this novel and had a really good time reading it. There's a letter from the author at the beginning with some trigger warnings about some of the language being used. While this language is hostile, it's also realistic in this day and age, sadly enough. It adds to the emotional intensity of the story. However, there's also so much good happening and that definitely balances out the stuff that's difficult to read.
I was surprised by almost everything that happened. (I guessed at one part, but the rest just had me in suspense.) Jason really puts Riley through the wringer the entire time and you just never know what's going to happen next.
I definitely recommend picking this one up! I was actually hoping that the Gaybutante Society was a real thing because that would be so amazing.
I just loved so much about this novel and had a really good time reading it. There's a letter from the author at the beginning with some trigger warnings about some of the language being used. While this language is hostile, it's also realistic in this day and age, sadly enough. It adds to the emotional intensity of the story. However, there's also so much good happening and that definitely balances out the stuff that's difficult to read.
I was surprised by almost everything that happened. (I guessed at one part, but the rest just had me in suspense.) Jason really puts Riley through the wringer the entire time and you just never know what's going to happen next.
I definitely recommend picking this one up! I was actually hoping that the Gaybutante Society was a real thing because that would be so amazing.
June 11, 2025
4.5 stars. Jason June is one of those authors that makes their story feel like a hug. Even if there's bullying, femmephobia, self-doubt, hopelessness and pain, they still have lovable characters who's hope and innate goodness wins out in the end. RWNADTTGB is a prime example of this. While I had problems with the beginning of the book (I was a bit bored for the first 20-30 pages where it seemed more like a list of instructions and info dumping about the Gaybutantes than getting to know Riley and his friends) I got attached to Riley with his energy, his need for social justice when it comes to other gays not taking femme people seriously, and his desperate need for someone to give him a shot as a boyfriend. It did get a little whiny and self-righteous sometimes, and his BFF Sabrina was pretty clueless about her GF, but really, that's pretty realistic when it comes to teens in relationships. I predicted some big plot points but even that didn't take away from the happiness that they happened. The ending was wonderful and June really got the point across that everyone, no matter what sexual orientation or gender they are, deserve love and no one should feel undatable because of theirs. A wonderful MFM YA novel that everyone craving a humorous romance should love.
June 7, 2023
If I had to describe this book I would do it using 3 of my all time favorite movies…. Shes all That, Never Been Kissed and You’ve Got mail. That’s right…let that sink in and then GO READ THIS BOOK!
This book was about so much more than a bet. It was about toxic and harmful external and internal stereotypes both intentional and not. I laughed so much and cried even more. They weren’t (all) tears of sadness but of heartfelt gut wrenching emotional connection to what these characters went thru. Riley was such a complex character.
I am stunned at this story. It really conveyed so much of what the LGBTQIA+ community goes thru. If you love found family vibes, friends to lovers, makeovers and all the queer representation you can fit into 313 pages then you won’t be disappointed
Side note: I read and listened to the audiobook because Jason June was the narrator OMG it was SPECTACULAR! So much passion and drama conveyed through the narration. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
This book was about so much more than a bet. It was about toxic and harmful external and internal stereotypes both intentional and not. I laughed so much and cried even more. They weren’t (all) tears of sadness but of heartfelt gut wrenching emotional connection to what these characters went thru. Riley was such a complex character.
I am stunned at this story. It really conveyed so much of what the LGBTQIA+ community goes thru. If you love found family vibes, friends to lovers, makeovers and all the queer representation you can fit into 313 pages then you won’t be disappointed
Side note: I read and listened to the audiobook because Jason June was the narrator OMG it was SPECTACULAR! So much passion and drama conveyed through the narration. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
June 14, 2023
To see a full review check it out here.
I was really excited to read a YA that tackled femmephobia. Femmephobia is rampant in the world. It is so gross too. Then the femmephobia immediately invalidated trans men as men, because gender and sexuality came down to penises yet again. The MC who was supposed to be the hero and know the right thing just keeps coming back to genitalia equals gender AND sexuality over and over again.
I was really excited to read a YA that tackled femmephobia. Femmephobia is rampant in the world. It is so gross too. Then the femmephobia immediately invalidated trans men as men, because gender and sexuality came down to penises yet again. The MC who was supposed to be the hero and know the right thing just keeps coming back to genitalia equals gender AND sexuality over and over again.
June 7, 2023
If this book isn’t on your TBR it should be!
This book was everything I hoped for and more! I really wish the Gaybutantes existed. Yes I know their are Pride centers, but honestly I would think something like the Gaybutantes would be fantastic for today’s kids.
Riley sets everyone on their butts as he proves there’s not one right way to gay. That’s the best message ever.
This book was everything I hoped for and more! I really wish the Gaybutantes existed. Yes I know their are Pride centers, but honestly I would think something like the Gaybutantes would be fantastic for today’s kids.
Riley sets everyone on their butts as he proves there’s not one right way to gay. That’s the best message ever.
July 29, 2023
Oh, to be a Gaybutante! What a world it would be if there were a Gaybutante Society to lift up queer youth and springboard their future successes. I loved the concept, the queer rep, and the primary messaging about being true to yourself and not letting others define or limit who can be attracted to or desired by whom.
The whole concept of Riley’s femme identity being a turnoff for cis masc gay boys was ludicrous to me, but I can see how a young person might let that kind of negativity affect their confidence.
That said, there was a moment early on when I was a little worried about the messaging, particularly when the antagonist suggests Riley should change his identity. Thankfully, that venomous observation is surpassed by a more positive take on gender and the inherently inclusive spectrum of queer identity as the characters grow.
All in all, Riley Weaver is a fun escape into a world where the queer kids get a chance to grow into their best selves with the help and support of a strong community with their best success at heart.
I enjoyed Riley’s style, his commitment to proving the haters wrong, and his ultimate development into a confident advocate for himself and others who dream of showing their true selves to the world.
Thank you #NetGalley, HarperTeen, and HarperCollins Children for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
The whole concept of Riley’s femme identity being a turnoff for cis masc gay boys was ludicrous to me, but I can see how a young person might let that kind of negativity affect their confidence.
That said, there was a moment early on when I was a little worried about the messaging, particularly when the antagonist suggests Riley should change his identity. Thankfully, that venomous observation is surpassed by a more positive take on gender and the inherently inclusive spectrum of queer identity as the characters grow.
All in all, Riley Weaver is a fun escape into a world where the queer kids get a chance to grow into their best selves with the help and support of a strong community with their best success at heart.
I enjoyed Riley’s style, his commitment to proving the haters wrong, and his ultimate development into a confident advocate for himself and others who dream of showing their true selves to the world.
Thank you #NetGalley, HarperTeen, and HarperCollins Children for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2023
Another amazing Jason June book. I feel like out of most of the LGBTQ authors that I read, his books read some of the most realistic (this is speaking from I guess just my experience as a gay human)! But I really enjoyed the conversations that this book started in me and can't wait until June's next book!
October 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this; the author has a great voice and style in the writing; very humorful and a lot of inside jokes with pop culture references. I thought the third act was a bit weak, I didn’t like where it went plot wise after a big reveal happened, but I loved the characters in this book; it was a fun read!
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