What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome, Caller
Malcolm would like for his life to stay comfortably predictable. He spends every day with his best friends in the world, and it takes 12 seconds to walk to his workplace below his apartment. Like an episode of Friends, it's the type of thing every person in their mid-20s wants. But good things don't last. Malcolm's self-proclaimed archnemesis, Peter, has re-entered his life after their long-dead rivalry back in college--a rivalry which seemed to start without Malcolm's knowledge or permission. Already dealing with bursts of extreme anger that he can't seem to explain, Malcolm needs to keep his routine from being interrupted by any more unnecessary stressors; and, as infuriating as he is handsome, Peter Tollemache is one massive stressor.
Determined to keep Peter off his mind, Malcolm finds solace in calling into a late-night radio show hosted by the charming and mysterious "Rebo." Malcolm isn't one to have crushes (much less on people he's never met in person), but something about Rebo's soothing voice is too enticing to ignore. He's funny, kind, smart...and familiar. Before he can stop himself, Malcolm's daydreaming about him; about his voice, his laugh, and what this stranger could possibly look like on the other side of the phone. Rebo and his radio show become a new part of Malcolm's routine; unexpected, but certainly not unwanted. That is, until Malcolm finds out the man's true identity.
With Peter on one shoulder and Rebo on the other, how will Malcolm bring his life back into its comfortable balance? How can he keep his anger episodes in check when his nemesis has a habit of popping up around every corner? How can he keep these two worlds he's created from colliding? And more importantly: does he want to?
Determined to keep Peter off his mind, Malcolm finds solace in calling into a late-night radio show hosted by the charming and mysterious "Rebo." Malcolm isn't one to have crushes (much less on people he's never met in person), but something about Rebo's soothing voice is too enticing to ignore. He's funny, kind, smart...and familiar. Before he can stop himself, Malcolm's daydreaming about him; about his voice, his laugh, and what this stranger could possibly look like on the other side of the phone. Rebo and his radio show become a new part of Malcolm's routine; unexpected, but certainly not unwanted. That is, until Malcolm finds out the man's true identity.
With Peter on one shoulder and Rebo on the other, how will Malcolm bring his life back into its comfortable balance? How can he keep his anger episodes in check when his nemesis has a habit of popping up around every corner? How can he keep these two worlds he's created from colliding? And more importantly: does he want to?
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 20, 2023
All the reps draw me in 🥹🥹 I was so excited seeing bi, trans, and AUDHD MC !! I’m the luckiest :P
Seeing I’m here for the reps, let’s begin with those. Malcolm is not easy to like. You might not like him here. But I could see a lot of myself in him. Growing up, people often find it hard to cope with my ADHD just like Mal, although he has amazing people around him. Happy for him :)) He’s both autistic and adhd (AUDHD). He gets annoyed with stuffs that he doesn’t even know about, gets angry and irritated if things don’t work his way and has anger issues that are difficult to control. THIS is the kind of AUDHD rep I want. The difficult, but real ones, the one that struggle to do things the “right” way to please other people. The one that struggles with anger issues and sensory issues. It’s not negative at all, and I think the author manage to raise awareness by telling this story. I’d choose this over those “goofy ADHD MCs”. It was expressed accurately and in depth. It was amazing, I teared up.
The rep makes me feel seen, and I feel euphoric. It’s so often this issue is taken lightly in books; I’m glad I found this author. The AUDHD rep is true to life, and superbly portrayed. There was not a lot of focus on bisexuality and trans issues. Only a bit and it was dysphoric :’)
This was a sweet low angst. I had a few laughs near the end :)) I cry again near the end when they discuss about their relationship. Gah, love like this… cute 🥹
However, I do have some minor gripes with this book. One part of the plot is so predictable 😬🥲 At some point, I had to shake my head in embarrassment because it’s so obvious lmaoo 💀💀 it’s funny. The writing kinda help bcs it wasn’t boring at all. But you can see how the story unfolds like MILES away...
It also feels a bit messy to catch up on what happen in every chapter. The plot is eventful but at the same time lacks of significance and the overall outcome is a bit underwhelming. I also feel a bit off with Peter fancy-ing both C.K and Mal. Their love development was a bit rushed near the end, but it got really sweet after.
Wanted to give this a 3.5, but changed my mind. It was definitely worth a try, and a creative YA debut. I adore those reps 👀❤️ I am looking forward for more releases from you, Mr Wright ;)
Seeing I’m here for the reps, let’s begin with those. Malcolm is not easy to like. You might not like him here. But I could see a lot of myself in him. Growing up, people often find it hard to cope with my ADHD just like Mal, although he has amazing people around him. Happy for him :)) He’s both autistic and adhd (AUDHD). He gets annoyed with stuffs that he doesn’t even know about, gets angry and irritated if things don’t work his way and has anger issues that are difficult to control. THIS is the kind of AUDHD rep I want. The difficult, but real ones, the one that struggle to do things the “right” way to please other people. The one that struggles with anger issues and sensory issues. It’s not negative at all, and I think the author manage to raise awareness by telling this story. I’d choose this over those “goofy ADHD MCs”. It was expressed accurately and in depth. It was amazing, I teared up.
The rep makes me feel seen, and I feel euphoric. It’s so often this issue is taken lightly in books; I’m glad I found this author. The AUDHD rep is true to life, and superbly portrayed. There was not a lot of focus on bisexuality and trans issues. Only a bit and it was dysphoric :’)
This was a sweet low angst. I had a few laughs near the end :)) I cry again near the end when they discuss about their relationship. Gah, love like this… cute 🥹
However, I do have some minor gripes with this book. One part of the plot is so predictable 😬🥲 At some point, I had to shake my head in embarrassment because it’s so obvious lmaoo 💀💀 it’s funny. The writing kinda help bcs it wasn’t boring at all. But you can see how the story unfolds like MILES away...
It also feels a bit messy to catch up on what happen in every chapter. The plot is eventful but at the same time lacks of significance and the overall outcome is a bit underwhelming. I also feel a bit off with Peter fancy-ing both C.K and Mal. Their love development was a bit rushed near the end, but it got really sweet after.
Wanted to give this a 3.5, but changed my mind. It was definitely worth a try, and a creative YA debut. I adore those reps 👀❤️ I am looking forward for more releases from you, Mr Wright ;)
January 22, 2023
DNF @ 10%.
I think Malcolm I’d an asshole ( I don’t know why you call a guy you never met a prick because you don’t like the Irish name of his store). I think Peter likely is too. Malcolm’s friends seem to be at least halfway assholes (like Jazz telling Malcolm, “when are you going to learn we will always be on the side that involves laughing at your misfortune”).
Chapter 1 has too many people and too much info dumping. It immediately it throws 3 side characters at me and then give me an info dump of how Malcolm made friends with his lesbian friend and how he is bi and how Malcolm’s friend helped his realize he was trans by reading him a book about sexuality and how Malcom’s friend later discovered from the same book that she was asexual, and Malcolm realized he is definitely still bi. And yet for all the info dumping in the first chapter, 5 chapters in, I know more about Jazz than I do Malcolm or Peter.
In regards to the enemies to lovers… or arch-nemesis to lovers, it definitely isn’t that. It has the lamest origin story of them becoming arch-nemeses. When asked why they hate each other:
They literally never even spoke before their first run-in. So everyone is just assuming everyone hates everyone.
But apparently (discovered through keyword searching), Malcolm has ADHD, and Peter has (self-diagnosed) ADHD and/or autism… and Malcolm declares, had he known Peter was like him, “ADHD, autistic, or whatever”, they could have bonded and need friends sooner. You’d had to have spoken to him to know that, Malcolm, bud.
I think Malcolm I’d an asshole ( I don’t know why you call a guy you never met a prick because you don’t like the Irish name of his store). I think Peter likely is too. Malcolm’s friends seem to be at least halfway assholes (like Jazz telling Malcolm, “when are you going to learn we will always be on the side that involves laughing at your misfortune”).
Chapter 1 has too many people and too much info dumping. It immediately it throws 3 side characters at me and then give me an info dump of how Malcolm made friends with his lesbian friend and how he is bi and how Malcolm’s friend helped his realize he was trans by reading him a book about sexuality and how Malcom’s friend later discovered from the same book that she was asexual, and Malcolm realized he is definitely still bi. And yet for all the info dumping in the first chapter, 5 chapters in, I know more about Jazz than I do Malcolm or Peter.
In regards to the enemies to lovers… or arch-nemesis to lovers, it definitely isn’t that. It has the lamest origin story of them becoming arch-nemeses. When asked why they hate each other:
”I’m not really sure. It’s just…always been like that. He’s always hated me, and I guess I just wasn’t sure what to do except hate him back”
They literally never even spoke before their first run-in. So everyone is just assuming everyone hates everyone.
But apparently (discovered through keyword searching), Malcolm has ADHD, and Peter has (self-diagnosed) ADHD and/or autism… and Malcolm declares, had he known Peter was like him, “ADHD, autistic, or whatever”, they could have bonded and need friends sooner. You’d had to have spoken to him to know that, Malcolm, bud.
March 28, 2023
Really satisfying new adult romance between Malcolm, a white bi trans guy with ADHD, and Peter, a Black gay guy with ADHD and autism. Malcolm is a fiery guy with a lot of edges, but I really don't mind that in a young character who's been through a *lot* and has actually coped it with it quite well overall. He has a fantastic growth arc during the book, too. Peter is a sweetheart and I adore him, and I love how both these guys are able to find their way to supporting and trusting each other.
I also thought the author, who is trans and "auDHD" (quotes are me indicating a quote, not using scare quotes!) did a fantastic job showing how queer folks form friend groups to replace hostile family. Malcom's back-and-forth with his clearly devoted friends is often hilarious, especially the pretend-mean jokes many people make with those they know and love, such as when Jazz tells Malcolm his friends will always pick the side of laughing at his misfortune. This crew all has each other's backs.
I did have some minor quibbles: bi-erasure by a secondary character ("if I were straight" used to mean "if I liked guys"), same with Han Solo described as "part of everyone's sexual awakening," ableist language ("moron" and "insane.")
Overall, though, this was a lovely debut. I went around trying to find social accounts etc. for the author to make sure I don't miss any future books, and only found one on Bookbub, so hopefully that will be enough.
I also thought the author, who is trans and "auDHD" (quotes are me indicating a quote, not using scare quotes!) did a fantastic job showing how queer folks form friend groups to replace hostile family. Malcom's back-and-forth with his clearly devoted friends is often hilarious, especially the pretend-mean jokes many people make with those they know and love, such as when Jazz tells Malcolm his friends will always pick the side of laughing at his misfortune. This crew all has each other's backs.
I did have some minor quibbles: bi-erasure by a secondary character ("if I were straight" used to mean "if I liked guys"), same with Han Solo described as "part of everyone's sexual awakening," ableist language ("moron" and "insane.")
Overall, though, this was a lovely debut. I went around trying to find social accounts etc. for the author to make sure I don't miss any future books, and only found one on Bookbub, so hopefully that will be enough.
January 26, 2023
AAAAAAAA this book had me giggling and kicking my feet omg peter is so cute. i love how there was a strong focus on the platonic friendships as well as the romance. this book did the found family trope so well !!!!! also i love the way that malcom’s struggles were written and i loved getting to read about a character who goes through some of the same things that i do :) the parts where he would break down over his routine being changed were so personal to me and yeah i just really enjoyed reading this and relating to the characters
July 21, 2024
I don’t like when books are trying too hard to be inclusive instead of just making it seem normal but ig it was important in this whole theme bUT omg there’s a bit where they start barking ??? And I got terrible second hand embarrassment had to push thru
November 10, 2023
This is a super cute book. Like other readers, I agree that the blurb gives away the plot/plot twist- of course, it's also predictable enough that I think I would have guessed it without having read the blurb anyways.
There's good representation here, and the neurodivergency is written very accurately. I don't think this book is for everyone, in that I think the book will speak loudly to queer/neurodivergent people, but will be confusing at times to people who are neurotypical.
I think this book could have been longer with the side characters being a bit more fleshed out, but I also recognize that debut books have an easier time getting published if they're on the short end of things.
Finally, I think that the enemies-to-lovers trope is a bit of a misnomer here. It's more like they're just clashing, not that they're enemies.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's cute, sweet, and to the point, with relatable plot elements and endearing characters.
There's good representation here, and the neurodivergency is written very accurately. I don't think this book is for everyone, in that I think the book will speak loudly to queer/neurodivergent people, but will be confusing at times to people who are neurotypical.
I think this book could have been longer with the side characters being a bit more fleshed out, but I also recognize that debut books have an easier time getting published if they're on the short end of things.
Finally, I think that the enemies-to-lovers trope is a bit of a misnomer here. It's more like they're just clashing, not that they're enemies.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's cute, sweet, and to the point, with relatable plot elements and endearing characters.
April 22, 2023
What a beautiful book! I was very excited for this to come out, I’ve been following the author on tiktok for a while and was anxiously awaiting getting my hands on a copy. So happy I got one.
First off, the representation in this book is phenomenal. I love how inclusive the author was with the characters, giving them a diverse set of characteristics and identities and neurodivergences. I know so many readers including myself will feel seen when they read this book. The tenderness with which this friend group treats each other is so beautiful to read. I loved the dynamics, the dialogue, the settings. It all felt so real and I think it’s something queer people yearn for is this type of friendship and many of us are lucky enough to have these in our lives. The romance and plot of this story are unique but include plenty of those tropes that we all love to see: one bed, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers. It’s such a sweet story and the ending wraps it up beautifully. I highly recommend this book for those wanting a short and sweet cozy queer romance. My only missing star is for two reasons. Half, because of some of the writing style choices which I am super picky about! Third person present is tricky and I think I just struggled to read a lot of it due to that, plus switching tenses and using pronouns instead of names left me a little confused at points. My other half star comes out because of the plot. The author practically tells you the plot twist from the back cover, and while reading it you know the ending from a mile away. I don’t think this takes away from reading it, which is why I only knock half a star off from this. Sure, it can be a little frustrating knowing the plot while you’re going through and wondering how it could take them this long to figure out. However, I think the representation and dialogue and relationships between these very realistic characters makes the read worth it.
Overall, a phenomenal book and I hope they continue writing!
First off, the representation in this book is phenomenal. I love how inclusive the author was with the characters, giving them a diverse set of characteristics and identities and neurodivergences. I know so many readers including myself will feel seen when they read this book. The tenderness with which this friend group treats each other is so beautiful to read. I loved the dynamics, the dialogue, the settings. It all felt so real and I think it’s something queer people yearn for is this type of friendship and many of us are lucky enough to have these in our lives. The romance and plot of this story are unique but include plenty of those tropes that we all love to see: one bed, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers. It’s such a sweet story and the ending wraps it up beautifully. I highly recommend this book for those wanting a short and sweet cozy queer romance. My only missing star is for two reasons. Half, because of some of the writing style choices which I am super picky about! Third person present is tricky and I think I just struggled to read a lot of it due to that, plus switching tenses and using pronouns instead of names left me a little confused at points. My other half star comes out because of the plot. The author practically tells you the plot twist from the back cover, and while reading it you know the ending from a mile away. I don’t think this takes away from reading it, which is why I only knock half a star off from this. Sure, it can be a little frustrating knowing the plot while you’re going through and wondering how it could take them this long to figure out. However, I think the representation and dialogue and relationships between these very realistic characters makes the read worth it.
Overall, a phenomenal book and I hope they continue writing!
July 2, 2024
fun read, loved all the representation, but the backstory and general angst stuff was too vague and generic for me, a little too on the nose
October 28, 2025
Okay I may or may not have cried at least twice reading this. This book made me feel so represented, not only as a genderqueer person of some sort but as someone in Peter’s boat of self-diagnosed neurodivergency, and that representation I really came to appreciate.
As for the book itself, the major plot point is, oh my god so predictable! Read the blurb, take a guess what happens, and you probably hit the nail on the head. God do I think that the whole Rebo is Peter thing could have been done better. If Malcolm had guessed it, I dunno, way sooner, and confessed to Peter, I dunno, way sooner, then maybe that whole plot point (which is the main plot of the book) wouldn’t have been such a chore to get through. Also, the whole enemies to lovers thing was very much rushed. Malcolm was crushing on Peter before they’d even sorted out their rivalry, which was definitely rather petty on Malcolm’s part since he didn’t even remember what they were mad at each other about. But yeah, after they became friends and had an agonising avoidance phase (cmon Mal), they got together pretty quick, and then the book ends so…I don’t know. They’re sweet, they made me cry, and that’s about it.
It’s definitely a nice book, impressive for a debut, and I enjoyed it. The characters could have done with some more fleshing out with their backstories and stuff, the rep seemed good as far as I can tell, and I had a good time reading it for the most part. I’m definitely getting out of my reading slump wooo
As for the book itself, the major plot point is, oh my god so predictable! Read the blurb, take a guess what happens, and you probably hit the nail on the head. God do I think that the whole Rebo is Peter thing could have been done better. If Malcolm had guessed it, I dunno, way sooner, and confessed to Peter, I dunno, way sooner, then maybe that whole plot point (which is the main plot of the book) wouldn’t have been such a chore to get through. Also, the whole enemies to lovers thing was very much rushed. Malcolm was crushing on Peter before they’d even sorted out their rivalry, which was definitely rather petty on Malcolm’s part since he didn’t even remember what they were mad at each other about. But yeah, after they became friends and had an agonising avoidance phase (cmon Mal), they got together pretty quick, and then the book ends so…I don’t know. They’re sweet, they made me cry, and that’s about it.
It’s definitely a nice book, impressive for a debut, and I enjoyed it. The characters could have done with some more fleshing out with their backstories and stuff, the rep seemed good as far as I can tell, and I had a good time reading it for the most part. I’m definitely getting out of my reading slump wooo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
idk why my review got deleted and it put some random review on here that i did not write ????
either way i didn’t really enjoy this book. it was heavy on the info dumping and felt a little too heavy handed and pretty corny. the plot holes were easily avoidable and only really there because of lazy writing
either way i didn’t really enjoy this book. it was heavy on the info dumping and felt a little too heavy handed and pretty corny. the plot holes were easily avoidable and only really there because of lazy writing
December 19, 2023
pretty cute but like a lot of books that have characters who are queer and/or neurodiverse it feels didactic too often. presumably the target audience, like myself, already lives these identities and it interrupts the flow of the story to try and explain them. i wish more books with these characters would just let them exist within the story
April 8, 2024
nice and cute. just what i needed when i read it
December 18, 2023
I am a little sucker for cute romance, even more of a sucker when it's queer romance. This book was again something I read online on hoopla in class and my god was it good. Malcolm is a frustratingly relatable main character. In many ways. He's a queer, trans, neurodivergent young adult and I can 100% relate to all of his struggles as a queer, trans, neurodivergent teen. The fear of falling in love because he was trans hit hard. The feeling of being insane and just an asshole, when it was an untreated mental disorder, is also something I relate to. Feeling like an outcast and being afraid of hurting others during (in my case) an autistic meltdown/overstimulation is something that is a constant struggle.
I've never been one to fall head over heels for a book romantic love interest until I read this book. I was reading this and watching Malcolm's interactions with Peter and was sort of losing my mind. It made me feel like such a nerd basically fangirling over their interactions. Peter is also an incredibly relatable character and a good example (Malcolm too but I'm talking about Peter right now) of how you can be inclusive in a book without making it feel forced. He feels like a genuine person and isn't watered down to what makes him different/an inclusive character. I can't relate to any of his struggles when he mentioned being black in a small town but I know others can.
If we're talking about good characters we need to talk about Malcolms' friends. It made me smile reading their interactions because I couldn't help but see my friends in the way they interacted. A big mess of different identities and backgrounds all together being friends. Bullying each other, laughing at one another, and caring for them. Backing them up in any situation. It made me smile how they were all there for one another and all had their ways of making each other happy and making them feel alive (sometimes even staying alive in Monas' case)
This book's conflict didn't feel forced and I was able to see how and why it developed which is incredibly important to make a book not feel flat or boring. I understood the main character's emotions and how the conflict affected them.
Overall it's a cute book with a realistic conflict for the most part and relatable main characters. If you're a quick reader like me, I recommend reading this if you need a quick and cute romance. (especially if you want a cute queer romance) Overall, I give it 5 stars and if you read it because of this review, that's pretty cool B)
I've never been one to fall head over heels for a book romantic love interest until I read this book. I was reading this and watching Malcolm's interactions with Peter and was sort of losing my mind. It made me feel like such a nerd basically fangirling over their interactions. Peter is also an incredibly relatable character and a good example (Malcolm too but I'm talking about Peter right now) of how you can be inclusive in a book without making it feel forced. He feels like a genuine person and isn't watered down to what makes him different/an inclusive character. I can't relate to any of his struggles when he mentioned being black in a small town but I know others can.
If we're talking about good characters we need to talk about Malcolms' friends. It made me smile reading their interactions because I couldn't help but see my friends in the way they interacted. A big mess of different identities and backgrounds all together being friends. Bullying each other, laughing at one another, and caring for them. Backing them up in any situation. It made me smile how they were all there for one another and all had their ways of making each other happy and making them feel alive (sometimes even staying alive in Monas' case)
This book's conflict didn't feel forced and I was able to see how and why it developed which is incredibly important to make a book not feel flat or boring. I understood the main character's emotions and how the conflict affected them.
Overall it's a cute book with a realistic conflict for the most part and relatable main characters. If you're a quick reader like me, I recommend reading this if you need a quick and cute romance. (especially if you want a cute queer romance) Overall, I give it 5 stars and if you read it because of this review, that's pretty cool B)
April 1, 2023
I want to shout from the rooftop how much I love this book! As a cisgender white woman who fully supports everyone’s right to their own identity and sexual preferences, but often feels like she “can’t speak” about any of it because you know….she’s a cisgender white woman and doesn’t know what the heck she’s talking about - this story not only made me feel connected to the characters on so many levels (the sensory overloads, the love of the close friends for each other, etc) but it also opened my eyes about many of the struggles and joys that come with every little moment that any person has to walk through - especially if they’re transgender or identify as different than “the norm” (which I’ve always hated - who wants to be “the norm”? Gag).
1) i wish i were Malcolm’s mom. I’d have loved the shiz out of you Malcolm! I recognize that many many many parents are not supportive and accepting and it’s a tragedy that breaks my heart. I hated reading about that trauma but I’m also grateful that this author let me see it and how much it can truly harm a person. It ignites in my the passion to go out and BE that good mom that all these young people truly need in their lives.
2) Peter. Omg I love Peter to the moon and back. He’s the sweetest, kindest, most aware person in this story - even with everything that he struggles with personally. That scene in the back of the record shop?? Stop it. Tell me you didn’t cry! I dare you.
3) Malcolm (and Peter) (and Ivan too) and their found family. It’s home. It really is home. Chaos half the time but truth all the time. And the love that is there is love that any individual no matter what is different about them (because i hate to break it to ya, but everyone is broken) any person should get to find that community, that home, for themselves.
It’s a beautiful story. It’s likely going to live rent free in my head for a long time. Thank you to the amazing author for sharing this with me and with the world. And please tell me there’s a story coming for Ivan!! Please!!
1) i wish i were Malcolm’s mom. I’d have loved the shiz out of you Malcolm! I recognize that many many many parents are not supportive and accepting and it’s a tragedy that breaks my heart. I hated reading about that trauma but I’m also grateful that this author let me see it and how much it can truly harm a person. It ignites in my the passion to go out and BE that good mom that all these young people truly need in their lives.
2) Peter. Omg I love Peter to the moon and back. He’s the sweetest, kindest, most aware person in this story - even with everything that he struggles with personally. That scene in the back of the record shop?? Stop it. Tell me you didn’t cry! I dare you.
3) Malcolm (and Peter) (and Ivan too) and their found family. It’s home. It really is home. Chaos half the time but truth all the time. And the love that is there is love that any individual no matter what is different about them (because i hate to break it to ya, but everyone is broken) any person should get to find that community, that home, for themselves.
It’s a beautiful story. It’s likely going to live rent free in my head for a long time. Thank you to the amazing author for sharing this with me and with the world. And please tell me there’s a story coming for Ivan!! Please!!
October 17, 2023
Read For:
Slow Burn
Radio Show
Found Family
Enemies to Lovers
Everyone is Queer 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
The characters in this book were everything!! So many flavors of queer people, not to mention how wholesome the found family trope was written. There was such good queer rep, mental health rep, and neurodivergent rep. Malcolm learning how to deal with his sensory issues was written really nicely. Basically, the writing style was so lovely, the setting, the vibe of this book, and the friendships were all quite iconic and fun to read.
I loved how the enemies-to-lovers trope was a bit dorkish. I couldn’t help but laugh at how they had a crush on each other way before they even realized they could be friends. Just hating each other for years out of stubbornness.
All of Malcom’s friends were honestly iconic and I love them all so dearly. They really brought the chaos, the queerness, the love, and wholesome support with them on every page they appeared. Jazz, Mona, Goby, and Peter were literally so wholesome and such ride-or-die friends.
I’m still screaming, crying, and throwing up about this book. I absolutely loved it. I’m pretty sure it took me the first page to realize it was going to be one of my favorites. The characters, the humor, the plot, and the slow burn of enemies to lovers was *chefs kiss*
The ending was perfect and the closure Malcolm got with his mom in the epilogue was seriously written so well, adding in a bit of humor too with Jazz’s comments in the background.
10/10 would very much recommend this book.
Release Date: 17, January 2023
POV: Third Person
Spice: n/a
Rep:Trans-man Bisexual (MC), Gay Black (LI), Asexual Lesbian (SC), Trans-woman (SC), Depression, ADHD, Autism (LI, undiagnosed), Neurodivergent characters, and Queer characters
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Cursing and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Transphobia, Death of parent, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Terminal illness, Dysphoria, Deadnaming, and Emotional abuse
Slow Burn
Radio Show
Found Family
Enemies to Lovers
Everyone is Queer 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
The characters in this book were everything!! So many flavors of queer people, not to mention how wholesome the found family trope was written. There was such good queer rep, mental health rep, and neurodivergent rep. Malcolm learning how to deal with his sensory issues was written really nicely. Basically, the writing style was so lovely, the setting, the vibe of this book, and the friendships were all quite iconic and fun to read.
I loved how the enemies-to-lovers trope was a bit dorkish. I couldn’t help but laugh at how they had a crush on each other way before they even realized they could be friends. Just hating each other for years out of stubbornness.
All of Malcom’s friends were honestly iconic and I love them all so dearly. They really brought the chaos, the queerness, the love, and wholesome support with them on every page they appeared. Jazz, Mona, Goby, and Peter were literally so wholesome and such ride-or-die friends.
I’m still screaming, crying, and throwing up about this book. I absolutely loved it. I’m pretty sure it took me the first page to realize it was going to be one of my favorites. The characters, the humor, the plot, and the slow burn of enemies to lovers was *chefs kiss*
The ending was perfect and the closure Malcolm got with his mom in the epilogue was seriously written so well, adding in a bit of humor too with Jazz’s comments in the background.
10/10 would very much recommend this book.
Release Date: 17, January 2023
POV: Third Person
Spice: n/a
Rep:Trans-man Bisexual (MC), Gay Black (LI), Asexual Lesbian (SC), Trans-woman (SC), Depression, ADHD, Autism (LI, undiagnosed), Neurodivergent characters, and Queer characters
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Cursing and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Transphobia, Death of parent, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Terminal illness, Dysphoria, Deadnaming, and Emotional abuse
January 4, 2024
I loved the queer and neurodivergent representation in this book; it felt very authentic. I felt as though the book read more as YA than adult and I kept having to remind myself that the characters were adults who were finished college. I loved the friend group and the tenderness in which they all care for each other. The friend group dynamic and setting felt very real.
The blurb does give away the plot/ twist but it doesn’t take away from the story in my opinion. Overall I found it very cute and iI found the background characters to be well fleshed out. I feel like enemies to lovers is a stretch in this case and they never really hated each other. I feel like the pacing of the book was uneven near the beginning there was a lot of background information about the character all at once which I feel like could be more spread out. While I understand that Malcom is traumatized and has been through a lot but at times he could be quite frustrating and unlikeable. I also think Peter was a very nice guy and overall seemed very likeable but I feel like his character could have been fleshed out a bit more to make him feel 3D. Most of his flaws are only discussed but not actually shown. I also think that the time jump near the end is not clearly displayed and it is unclear how far in the future it was.
Overall the book was sweet and cozy with a focus on both platonic and romantic love which I really enjoyed.
The blurb does give away the plot/ twist but it doesn’t take away from the story in my opinion. Overall I found it very cute and iI found the background characters to be well fleshed out. I feel like enemies to lovers is a stretch in this case and they never really hated each other. I feel like the pacing of the book was uneven near the beginning there was a lot of background information about the character all at once which I feel like could be more spread out. While I understand that Malcom is traumatized and has been through a lot but at times he could be quite frustrating and unlikeable. I also think Peter was a very nice guy and overall seemed very likeable but I feel like his character could have been fleshed out a bit more to make him feel 3D. Most of his flaws are only discussed but not actually shown. I also think that the time jump near the end is not clearly displayed and it is unclear how far in the future it was.
Overall the book was sweet and cozy with a focus on both platonic and romantic love which I really enjoyed.
February 11, 2024
Un libro romcom con gran inclusión y diversidad, parte de la trama se enfoca en los problemas del protagonista en torno a su identidad, no en el sentido de cuestionarla, sino de los traumas que le ha causado tener un familiar que no le apoye. También está la parte de ser neurodivergente y no saber lidiar con algunos aspectos que conlleva. Todo esto mientras el protagonista tiene un crush con su "archienemigo" (al principio parece tener pinta de rivals to lovers, pero yo no lo clasificaría como tal) y al mismo tiempo un nuevo interés en una figura misteriosa en un show de radio nocturno.
La introducción puede parecer un poco cargada de información, se habla de todos los personajes y sus orientaciones y géneros, de los trabajos y sus dinámicas, de las relaciones entre los personajes, cae un poco en el "tell instead of showing", pero al mismo siento que hace sentir la narración más como sí Malcolm (el protagonista) nos lo estuviera relatando directamente, suena a como yo lo contaría a un nuevo amigo a quien le voy a contar todo el chisme.
En general, la lectura es muy amena, tiene un ritmo rápido la mayoría del tiempo, me reí mucho con ciertos momentos. Estoy un poco decepcionada del final, no porque sea malo, simplemente siento que no dio tanto como el resto del libro, pero es simple y lindo.
La introducción puede parecer un poco cargada de información, se habla de todos los personajes y sus orientaciones y géneros, de los trabajos y sus dinámicas, de las relaciones entre los personajes, cae un poco en el "tell instead of showing", pero al mismo siento que hace sentir la narración más como sí Malcolm (el protagonista) nos lo estuviera relatando directamente, suena a como yo lo contaría a un nuevo amigo a quien le voy a contar todo el chisme.
En general, la lectura es muy amena, tiene un ritmo rápido la mayoría del tiempo, me reí mucho con ciertos momentos. Estoy un poco decepcionada del final, no porque sea malo, simplemente siento que no dio tanto como el resto del libro, pero es simple y lindo.
June 11, 2025
hmm, like 3.25.
This was good, definitely made me laugh out loud. And cry, more than once.
Some of the explanations and back story were a bit long winded, and sometimes I feel like we don't need a textbook kind of reiteration of what autism, or adhd are. It could be a smidge shorter if the characters are explaining it to another person, imo. I feel like a lot of ppl. who read this books are queer and/or neurodivergent. So they may already know these things.
This was pretty predictable, and legit was like romcom movie energy. And of course there was a happy ending. And Malcolm and Peter opened a store together???
Just some things I thought were weird when they barked at Malcolm's mom. I think there was a few other things, but I don't remember.
Over all the story was good, and I liked the characters.
This was good, definitely made me laugh out loud. And cry, more than once.
Some of the explanations and back story were a bit long winded, and sometimes I feel like we don't need a textbook kind of reiteration of what autism, or adhd are. It could be a smidge shorter if the characters are explaining it to another person, imo. I feel like a lot of ppl. who read this books are queer and/or neurodivergent. So they may already know these things.
This was pretty predictable, and legit was like romcom movie energy. And of course there was a happy ending. And Malcolm and Peter opened a store together???
Just some things I thought were weird when they barked at Malcolm's mom. I think there was a few other things, but I don't remember.
Over all the story was good, and I liked the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
I just finished reading Welcome, Caller and it is now genuinely one of my favourite books of all time. not only does it have the representation i have always dreamed of, but it also has some of the most thoughtful messages, detailed imagery, and ALIVE characters i've ever read. this novel means a lot to me. for once i was able to truly see myself in the characters and relate on a deep level to their life experiences as neurodivergent queer people. if you're looking for something that will make you feel less alone and inspire you to take your life into your own hands, this is the book for you.
February 29, 2024
Absolutely adorable book. I'm so glad I came across M. Dean Wright's TikTok one day promoting it and thought it sounded right up my alley. A classic enemies-to-lovers, I couldn't wait to devour this book. Peter and Malcolm are both adorably precious in their awkwardness and, even though I knew how the trope would end, I couldn't wait to see it played out. I can't wait to read more from Wright and eagerly anticipate the next.
March 10, 2024
Literally binge read this book then got sad when I finished it haha! While the plot was predictable, I still enjoyed every second of this book! I found myself laughing and crying a long with the characters and even recognized myself in them sometimes! I love adore the idea of this book! Definitely a 5 star read and this book has made it's way into my heart I love it so much!
I'm still sad I finished it so quickly 😭
I'm still sad I finished it so quickly 😭
January 17, 2023
I want to live in this book and with these characters. I’m in love with all of them and this is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s so rare for me to love a protagonist as much as I love Malcolm, so I commend anyone who can accomplish that. New favorite author. Please write more books and I will live long enough to read them.
March 6, 2023
This is such a good comfort read!
I was in a bit of a reading slump and picked this up on a whim since it was in the "new" section of my library, and I'm so glad I did! It's fluffy and adorable with just the right amount of angst to make the feels hit even harder!
If this book was a food: A Sweet Watermelon Slice with Salt Sprinkled on it
I was in a bit of a reading slump and picked this up on a whim since it was in the "new" section of my library, and I'm so glad I did! It's fluffy and adorable with just the right amount of angst to make the feels hit even harder!
If this book was a food: A Sweet Watermelon Slice with Salt Sprinkled on it
June 14, 2023
it's got everything you'd want in a cozy LGBTQ+ contemporary romance.
chosen family? yes
rivals to lovers? yes in essence
two idiots pining over each other but are oblivious as well? yes
i loved seeing how autism and how overstimulation looked from another's perspective, i enjoyed the characters' arcs in how each of them came together as a chosen found family.
chosen family? yes
rivals to lovers? yes in essence
two idiots pining over each other but are oblivious as well? yes
i loved seeing how autism and how overstimulation looked from another's perspective, i enjoyed the characters' arcs in how each of them came together as a chosen found family.
September 8, 2025
Great to see a close knit queer group of friends in their support of one another and the main character. Filled with quippy one liners, sarcastic responses and heartfelt deep conversations. I was yelling at the characters, at some points and laughing the next. Good story, with complex developed characters, rich cast.
April 29, 2023
This book is amaizing. It got my on the first Pagés. There is si muh diversity. The characters just adentify with certain lables and that is never seen ar weird. I never thought i would ever read a book on which i would identify with some parte of each characters. In adicion, the author is really kind. He is also such a good writer, his writting never lets you time to get bored
December 22, 2023
me pareció re predecible desde que lo empecé a leer pero sinceramente no me importa yo lo disfruté, me hacía la sorprendida con todo como si no fuera obvio lo que iba a pasar jajs no sé aguante el amor y la amistad aguanten los lgbts slay
January 22, 2024
UGH the rep and the characters have my HEART. i want to read it again right now, honestly.
goby is probably my favorite, they are so relatable, along with peter and mal. i’m autistic and goby and peter felt so similar to me, in every way.
i crave a friend group like this so bad
goby is probably my favorite, they are so relatable, along with peter and mal. i’m autistic and goby and peter felt so similar to me, in every way.
i crave a friend group like this so bad
January 23, 2024
3.5-4 stars, it was a very slow burn with a heart warming finish. Do think the main character was a little bit hamfisted in neuro-divergent mannerisms. Still very enjoyable and I'm not upset that I read it!
April 12, 2023
why would the mc name himself malcolm and not something cool like shredder or megatron
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews