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Sounds Like Fun
A warm and bittersweet novel about love, loneliness, coffee and the pitfalls of an ill-advised selfie, perfect for fans of Monica Heisey, Nora Ephron and Katherine Heiny .
'Moriarty's uplifting debut has much in common with Ephron's classic novel Heartburn , covering as it does long-term love, casual sex and heartbreak.' IRISH INDEPENDENT
' Delightful . . . entertaining, often funny, but also makes you think about relationships, loneliness, and how to find out who you really are' IRISH EXAMINER
' A perfect literary romcom that is compelling and warm without missing out the vagaries of Grindr, drunken nights out and the loneliness of London.' KATE SAWYER
'An insightful and utterly believable take on the emotional and practical realities of opening up a relationship . . . A beautiful, understated novel about connection, self-discovery and trying to get by. Highly recommended' ATTITUDE
' A super-fun must-read - we finished it in one sitting!' CLOSER
'A candid, funny romcom' BBC SOUNDS
'S o refreshing and compelling, I can't wait to buy copies for everyone I know. Hard recommend!' LUCY VINE
' Such a warm writer tha t every word glows on the page ' HANNAH TOVEY
' I loved spending time with this whole cast of characters . . . a witty, warm, contemporary read' NIAMH HARGAN
'An absolute delight of a book. You will totally fall in love with Eoin ' OLIVIA BEIRNE
'Hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure' KIRSTY EYRE
' An absolute treat. I adored every minute.' HANNAH DOYLE
******
Meet Eoin. Eoin is doing great. He's 27, gainfully employed and in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend Rich.
Okay, so his best friend Jax is diving into yet another disastrously bad relationship and Eoin's going to be the one dealing with the eventual fallout. And his boss at the café, Rebecca, seems to have vanished, so somehow Eoin's left managing the place. And to be honest, he's not got much else going on.
But still, he's got his boyfriend Rich - steady, sensible and dependable Rich. That is, until Eoin's world is turned upside down when Rich announces that he wants an open relationship. Terrified of losing the man he loves, Eoin reluctantly agrees to this new arrangement, and stumbles into the world of dating with no strings attached.
What could go wrong?
******
READERS ARE LOVING SOUNDS LIKE
'I stayed up until midnight to binge read this in one go' READER REVIEW, 5*
'An utterly gorgeous read with a compelling lead who had me rooting for him on every page' READER REVIEW, 5*
'I gobbled this story up in just two sittings and will certainly recommend all my rom com loving pals pick it up' READER REVIEW, 5*
'A witty and wise stroll through London's contemporary gay scene, bulging with humour and really great characters that I'm missing already' READER REVIEW, 5*
'A fun and heartwarming read, with a depth of feeling that I perhaps wasn't fully expecting before I started' READER REVIEW, 5*
'Moriarty's uplifting debut has much in common with Ephron's classic novel Heartburn , covering as it does long-term love, casual sex and heartbreak.' IRISH INDEPENDENT
' Delightful . . . entertaining, often funny, but also makes you think about relationships, loneliness, and how to find out who you really are' IRISH EXAMINER
' A perfect literary romcom that is compelling and warm without missing out the vagaries of Grindr, drunken nights out and the loneliness of London.' KATE SAWYER
'An insightful and utterly believable take on the emotional and practical realities of opening up a relationship . . . A beautiful, understated novel about connection, self-discovery and trying to get by. Highly recommended' ATTITUDE
' A super-fun must-read - we finished it in one sitting!' CLOSER
'A candid, funny romcom' BBC SOUNDS
'S o refreshing and compelling, I can't wait to buy copies for everyone I know. Hard recommend!' LUCY VINE
' Such a warm writer tha t every word glows on the page ' HANNAH TOVEY
' I loved spending time with this whole cast of characters . . . a witty, warm, contemporary read' NIAMH HARGAN
'An absolute delight of a book. You will totally fall in love with Eoin ' OLIVIA BEIRNE
'Hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure' KIRSTY EYRE
' An absolute treat. I adored every minute.' HANNAH DOYLE
******
Meet Eoin. Eoin is doing great. He's 27, gainfully employed and in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend Rich.
Okay, so his best friend Jax is diving into yet another disastrously bad relationship and Eoin's going to be the one dealing with the eventual fallout. And his boss at the café, Rebecca, seems to have vanished, so somehow Eoin's left managing the place. And to be honest, he's not got much else going on.
But still, he's got his boyfriend Rich - steady, sensible and dependable Rich. That is, until Eoin's world is turned upside down when Rich announces that he wants an open relationship. Terrified of losing the man he loves, Eoin reluctantly agrees to this new arrangement, and stumbles into the world of dating with no strings attached.
What could go wrong?
******
READERS ARE LOVING SOUNDS LIKE
'I stayed up until midnight to binge read this in one go' READER REVIEW, 5*
'An utterly gorgeous read with a compelling lead who had me rooting for him on every page' READER REVIEW, 5*
'I gobbled this story up in just two sittings and will certainly recommend all my rom com loving pals pick it up' READER REVIEW, 5*
'A witty and wise stroll through London's contemporary gay scene, bulging with humour and really great characters that I'm missing already' READER REVIEW, 5*
'A fun and heartwarming read, with a depth of feeling that I perhaps wasn't fully expecting before I started' READER REVIEW, 5*
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2023
5 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 29, 2023
3.75 🌟
Super quick and easy read. Loved the queer representation in this book and also the cafe setting was extremely relatable. Loved the commentary about coffees and customers throughout☕️
Super quick and easy read. Loved the queer representation in this book and also the cafe setting was extremely relatable. Loved the commentary about coffees and customers throughout☕️
July 21, 2023
The opening of a gay relationship is the force function of one man's journey toward self-awareness in this charming, wry novel.
Introducing Eoin: 27 years old, Irish, kind of running a cafe in London, happy with his long term partner Rich (even if, after six years, they still have no plans to move in together). When, after a long day of work, Rich suggests spicing up their love life by opening things up, Eoin's life begins to take some interesting turns. Including the realization that, actually, Eoin can have more fun than he's had in a long time courtesy of some apps, even if it doesn't feel rewarding afterward. But when his work situation changes - his manager's disappeared, some strangers are dropping by the cafe, and a new coworker is too cute to ignore - Eoin realizes that life might not be as fun as it should be for him, and that maybe he should change some parts of his life.
Bryan Moriarty's debut novel gives us a loveable character in some occasionally predictable moments in this novel that feels as much inspired by Nora Ephron's Heartburn as other contemporary queer fiction writers, such as Ryan O'Connell, Henry Fry, or Byron Lane. Here we get another soft, confused, creative protagonist whose potential seems just out of grasp. We get the villainous other half who from page one is wrong for our protagonist. We get sassy best friends and complicated dynamics with straight men. It's all a bit familiar -- but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable here.
SOUNDS LIKE FUN is an endearing read, one that succeeds by avoiding some typical queer fictional tropes (like coming outs). I appreciated the avoidance of any sort of morality messaging around the notion of open relationships, which could have made this novel something of a buzzkill. It's contemporary London setting and character-forward storyline gives the novel the air of a lot of recent British TV successes or popular novels (take Queenie, for example). It gives you a fun character to root for, some harebrained hi-jinxes, and a "happy" ending that feels optimistic and fulfilling. The "will-they-wont-they" between Eoin and his suitors is romantically compelling without being saccharine. Sure, it falls into some debut traps of predictability, but the promise of Moriarty joining the ranks of queer authors with great perspectives is exciting to anticipate.
Introducing Eoin: 27 years old, Irish, kind of running a cafe in London, happy with his long term partner Rich (even if, after six years, they still have no plans to move in together). When, after a long day of work, Rich suggests spicing up their love life by opening things up, Eoin's life begins to take some interesting turns. Including the realization that, actually, Eoin can have more fun than he's had in a long time courtesy of some apps, even if it doesn't feel rewarding afterward. But when his work situation changes - his manager's disappeared, some strangers are dropping by the cafe, and a new coworker is too cute to ignore - Eoin realizes that life might not be as fun as it should be for him, and that maybe he should change some parts of his life.
Bryan Moriarty's debut novel gives us a loveable character in some occasionally predictable moments in this novel that feels as much inspired by Nora Ephron's Heartburn as other contemporary queer fiction writers, such as Ryan O'Connell, Henry Fry, or Byron Lane. Here we get another soft, confused, creative protagonist whose potential seems just out of grasp. We get the villainous other half who from page one is wrong for our protagonist. We get sassy best friends and complicated dynamics with straight men. It's all a bit familiar -- but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable here.
SOUNDS LIKE FUN is an endearing read, one that succeeds by avoiding some typical queer fictional tropes (like coming outs). I appreciated the avoidance of any sort of morality messaging around the notion of open relationships, which could have made this novel something of a buzzkill. It's contemporary London setting and character-forward storyline gives the novel the air of a lot of recent British TV successes or popular novels (take Queenie, for example). It gives you a fun character to root for, some harebrained hi-jinxes, and a "happy" ending that feels optimistic and fulfilling. The "will-they-wont-they" between Eoin and his suitors is romantically compelling without being saccharine. Sure, it falls into some debut traps of predictability, but the promise of Moriarty joining the ranks of queer authors with great perspectives is exciting to anticipate.
February 9, 2023
I found this book very enjoyable and I would recommend it to and contemporary readers who enjoy good queer representation.
The main character Eoin seems a bit lost at the start of the book. He's moved from Dublin to London for a man, but the relationship doesn't seem perfect, and he's just been asked to open it up to others. What follows is a fun-ish exploration of how not to deal with an open relationship. Rule number 1 is that communication is key, however the couple religiously do not talk about things, which makes it feel less like an open relationship and more like a serial cheating scenario.
What I found most compelling is the representation of someone who doesn't have it all together and who gradually, over the course of the book, manages to make changes what put him in a much happier place. His dreams aren't grandiose, he's just a normal guy who just wants to do what pleases him without allowing the expectations of others to impact him too much.
The reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is just because I felt that it was too short. I wanted more flesh to the bones in some places, especially at the end (but I suppose I'm always greedy for a more concrete ending). I also wish that there had been more communication between Eoin and Rich, just to give good representation of what an open relationship can be. It made it seem as though they can never work, but they do work for many couples and maybe a better example of that could have been provided. I realise that it was a function of the plot, but perhaps it could have been 'look at this couple for whom this works, but it just doesn't work for us'. But I still enjoyed it obv.
The writing style was exactly what I like. Contemporary and straightforward, yet still descriptive. I was immediately drawn in and couldn't wait to get back to it to find out how things turned out.
I was kindly provided with a copy of the audiobook by the publisher via Netgalley, so thanks to them for allowing me to read this book. It was narrated excellently by the author, who I think it a fantastic job with it.
The main character Eoin seems a bit lost at the start of the book. He's moved from Dublin to London for a man, but the relationship doesn't seem perfect, and he's just been asked to open it up to others. What follows is a fun-ish exploration of how not to deal with an open relationship. Rule number 1 is that communication is key, however the couple religiously do not talk about things, which makes it feel less like an open relationship and more like a serial cheating scenario.
What I found most compelling is the representation of someone who doesn't have it all together and who gradually, over the course of the book, manages to make changes what put him in a much happier place. His dreams aren't grandiose, he's just a normal guy who just wants to do what pleases him without allowing the expectations of others to impact him too much.
The reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is just because I felt that it was too short. I wanted more flesh to the bones in some places, especially at the end (but I suppose I'm always greedy for a more concrete ending). I also wish that there had been more communication between Eoin and Rich, just to give good representation of what an open relationship can be. It made it seem as though they can never work, but they do work for many couples and maybe a better example of that could have been provided. I realise that it was a function of the plot, but perhaps it could have been 'look at this couple for whom this works, but it just doesn't work for us'. But I still enjoyed it obv.
The writing style was exactly what I like. Contemporary and straightforward, yet still descriptive. I was immediately drawn in and couldn't wait to get back to it to find out how things turned out.
I was kindly provided with a copy of the audiobook by the publisher via Netgalley, so thanks to them for allowing me to read this book. It was narrated excellently by the author, who I think it a fantastic job with it.
April 6, 2023
You know when you have just started reading a book and then you forget? These characters felt so familiar right from the beginning that it felt almost as if I had come back to something — or as if I had always been there! Hilarious with a hint of mystery and the dream of opening my own café with books all over the place on the side! Light, gentle, kind and real. It sounds like fun and it is fun! I’m almost sorry for that last line. Almost.
January 11, 2024
This was such a fun read. I went through emotions and travelled to memories I've gathered in London. This books talks about a lot of the things people go through, struggles with relationships, lack of friends and the evergreen work drama. It was a fun, sweet and easy read. I'd recommend this book for a happy time and just to see the excitement and simplicity of life.
January 17, 2024
3.75 very easy but a bit of fun
October 25, 2023
4,5 stars. A fun and smart read
March 23, 2025
I read this ages ago! But I remembered it just now and realised my review wasn't on here. This is such a brilliant, brilliant story!! Funny, clever and insightful.
January 17, 2023
This is a sweet and fun ride through the life of Eoin, whose life seems to be mostly decided by everyone else around him- his boss Rebecca, a mysterious figure who has seemingly abandoned her cafe, leaving Eoin in charge; his friends who are all at very different stages of life; and his partner, whose suggestion of an open relationship sparks many of the changes in the book.
I found this book utterly charming, and very quietly funny as it unfolded, devouring it in one long bus journey.
Although I would have preferred a slightly better representation of open relationships in the book (there were some nuances that felt like they were missing), the overall premise and story of this book felt like a fresh take on a more familiar plot.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book utterly charming, and very quietly funny as it unfolded, devouring it in one long bus journey.
Although I would have preferred a slightly better representation of open relationships in the book (there were some nuances that felt like they were missing), the overall premise and story of this book felt like a fresh take on a more familiar plot.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2023
This is an absolutely wonderful book! I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction books so I wasn't sure how I would feel about it going in but I absolutely adored it - before I knew it I had read a huge chunk of it in one sitting!
The characters were so three-dimensional and charming, the places were so vivid and it was such a relatable and real portrait of queer London life. It was so lovely to watch Eoin's character develop throughout the novel - I was rooting for him the whole way through.
Can't wait to see more from this author!
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were so three-dimensional and charming, the places were so vivid and it was such a relatable and real portrait of queer London life. It was so lovely to watch Eoin's character develop throughout the novel - I was rooting for him the whole way through.
Can't wait to see more from this author!
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2023
Honestly, most of the scenes in this book just felt like funny banter the author came up with in the shower... I was mostly interested in a book exploring the intricacies of having an open relationship, yet that turned out to be a very small part of the plot. Most of it was about the goings on in a coffee shop and various conversations between the protagonist and his friends/colleagues. It did pick up a bit towards the end though. If british people bantering is your type of humour you might enjoy it more than me.
December 31, 2023
3.5
some dhumb ajss (boyf) got scammed by the London LGBT bookstore, thinking that it’s a book about throuples but it’s actually about polyamory and it reads like an easy queer sitcom
some dhumb ajss (boyf) got scammed by the London LGBT bookstore, thinking that it’s a book about throuples but it’s actually about polyamory and it reads like an easy queer sitcom
June 29, 2025
‘There comes a point when it’s inevitable that, short of a major natural catastrophe, you’re going to kiss someone…’
A sweet, breezy read. I was hoping it would delve deeper into the messy consequences of a long-term relationship opening up, but even so, it was heartfelt and enjoyable on the whole.
(3.5 stars rounded down to 3.)
A sweet, breezy read. I was hoping it would delve deeper into the messy consequences of a long-term relationship opening up, but even so, it was heartfelt and enjoyable on the whole.
(3.5 stars rounded down to 3.)
March 9, 2023
Sounds Like Fun is a smooth blend of gay characters with a frothy crème of romance and relationship issues.
The story focuses around Eoin and his daily work at a struggling coffee house, trying to keep the business afloat with ineffective co-workers and an awol manager / owner. He has few friends outside those of his long term boyfriend Rich but when he reluctantly agrees to try an open relationship, Eoin begins to reassess his life.
An easy, fun read with sympathetic characters and a low stress romance.
The story focuses around Eoin and his daily work at a struggling coffee house, trying to keep the business afloat with ineffective co-workers and an awol manager / owner. He has few friends outside those of his long term boyfriend Rich but when he reluctantly agrees to try an open relationship, Eoin begins to reassess his life.
An easy, fun read with sympathetic characters and a low stress romance.
June 20, 2023
How not to do poly in one short book.
Enjoyable read, but terrible non-monogamy representation.
Enjoyable read, but terrible non-monogamy representation.
July 23, 2023
A very enjoyable romcom! Technically about open relationships, but this bit is wildly inaccurate/badly done by the people engaging about it, so don't read it for information about polyamory. But sweet and fun to read
March 6, 2023
As an older woman living in the North I'm maybe not the demographic this book is aimed at, but I really loved it.
A gentle romcom, full of coffee, self doubt, dating apps, sex, love and finding yourself. All told in an easy style thats full of humour - what's not to like?
Thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of this book
A gentle romcom, full of coffee, self doubt, dating apps, sex, love and finding yourself. All told in an easy style thats full of humour - what's not to like?
Thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of this book
May 6, 2023
I really enjoy reading about relationship dynamics, so when I realised what this one was about I was really intrigued.
Eoin is blindsided one day when his boyfriend of 6 years suggests they have an open relationship, is it a good idea? Is it something he actually wants to go through with?
I loved Eoin as a character, the book was a fun and lighthearted look at a slightly more taboo subject. It was really interesting to read how Eoin and Rich go about the new dynamic and what the outcome was.
This was a quick read, but well worth picking up.
Eoin is blindsided one day when his boyfriend of 6 years suggests they have an open relationship, is it a good idea? Is it something he actually wants to go through with?
I loved Eoin as a character, the book was a fun and lighthearted look at a slightly more taboo subject. It was really interesting to read how Eoin and Rich go about the new dynamic and what the outcome was.
This was a quick read, but well worth picking up.
February 12, 2023
(2.5)
i received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
i was very intrigued by the premise but unfortunately didn't enjoy it as much as i thought i would.
what bothered me the most was the lack of overall communication between rich and eoin, and the story felt quite one-dimensional to me but i can definitely see other readers enjoying this more than i did.
i received an advance review copy for free, and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
i was very intrigued by the premise but unfortunately didn't enjoy it as much as i thought i would.
what bothered me the most was the lack of overall communication between rich and eoin, and the story felt quite one-dimensional to me but i can definitely see other readers enjoying this more than i did.
February 17, 2023
Funny, clever, and so original, really enjoyed reading!
August 26, 2024
Bit clumsy, quite funny at points, little bit boring, and I really liked the final chapter. Cute
February 11, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Bryan Moriarty for accepting me to be a pre-publication review of this book and audiobook - I primarily listened to it because the narrator (Moriarty himself) read it really well, his Irish accent lent itself well to the main character bringing the story to life and was in general a really great listen - so smooth and clear… also Irish accents are super nice so Yhh.
The basic plot is we follow Eoin via a first person account, his boyfriend of five years, Rich, suggests they consider an open relationship as something that ‘might be fun’ which he is not too keen on at first. He works at a cafe basically in the role of manager and there’s strange occurrences happening there, he hires a new employee James who makes him think about his own relationship in different ways. There are more storylines but don’t want to spoil anything. I did really like how Eoin considered the idea of who he was and in what spaces he felt comfortable being and expressing this true self and his journey was one of ups and downs but defiantly character growth. This brings me into the characters which I did really like, Eoin especially was really great and super lovable yet had some flaws making him more real, there were relatable parts of his story which I loved. James was also quite developed and I did really like him, Rich was alright maybe a little one-dimensional at points but not necessarily bad. Jax was fun and a good friend, Billy (employee) was clumsy but sweet and yhh nearly all of the characters had their pros and cons and were realised. I would say some parts were repetitive and a little unrealistic in how things panned out but mostly it was fine. The writing too was alright, not really that amazing but decent enough for a debut, it’s enjoyable and understandable. I don’t think Moriarty was going for a very impactful novel so it’s not this but the messages put forward I did resonate with and it was a nice lighthearted read. As someone who doesn’t particularly like reading smut, I appreciated that the sex scenes were implied occurring off the page and there’s no real TW topics to mention at all, great! Also the (northern) London specific references were great as I know these places e.g. Wood Green and crouch end - loved it.
Overall, I would totally recommend checking this book out - specifically the audiobook read by the author as his accent is super smoothing and it brings Eoin’s character to life - and despite not being a new favourite I am excited to check out what Moriarty brings out next, I’ll be keeping an eye out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Bryan Moriarty for accepting me to be a pre-publication review of this book and audiobook - I primarily listened to it because the narrator (Moriarty himself) read it really well, his Irish accent lent itself well to the main character bringing the story to life and was in general a really great listen - so smooth and clear… also Irish accents are super nice so Yhh.
The basic plot is we follow Eoin via a first person account, his boyfriend of five years, Rich, suggests they consider an open relationship as something that ‘might be fun’ which he is not too keen on at first. He works at a cafe basically in the role of manager and there’s strange occurrences happening there, he hires a new employee James who makes him think about his own relationship in different ways. There are more storylines but don’t want to spoil anything. I did really like how Eoin considered the idea of who he was and in what spaces he felt comfortable being and expressing this true self and his journey was one of ups and downs but defiantly character growth. This brings me into the characters which I did really like, Eoin especially was really great and super lovable yet had some flaws making him more real, there were relatable parts of his story which I loved. James was also quite developed and I did really like him, Rich was alright maybe a little one-dimensional at points but not necessarily bad. Jax was fun and a good friend, Billy (employee) was clumsy but sweet and yhh nearly all of the characters had their pros and cons and were realised. I would say some parts were repetitive and a little unrealistic in how things panned out but mostly it was fine. The writing too was alright, not really that amazing but decent enough for a debut, it’s enjoyable and understandable. I don’t think Moriarty was going for a very impactful novel so it’s not this but the messages put forward I did resonate with and it was a nice lighthearted read. As someone who doesn’t particularly like reading smut, I appreciated that the sex scenes were implied occurring off the page and there’s no real TW topics to mention at all, great! Also the (northern) London specific references were great as I know these places e.g. Wood Green and crouch end - loved it.
Overall, I would totally recommend checking this book out - specifically the audiobook read by the author as his accent is super smoothing and it brings Eoin’s character to life - and despite not being a new favourite I am excited to check out what Moriarty brings out next, I’ll be keeping an eye out.
July 7, 2023
Prvo se moram ograditi jer mislim da ova knjiga nije bila za mene, ali da mogu (donekle) da razumem zašto je drugima tako simpatična. Otuda toliko pozitivnih recenzija.
Moja neće biti baš toliko pozitivna. Dajem jednu zvezdicu više samo zato što je jedna devojka uspela da odoli osmehu tamo nekog Arona (a to je zapravo baš teško!) i što je knjižica u par navrata imala duhovitih scena. Ali sve u svemu, našla sam ovu knjigu nedovoljno kreativnom, previše banalnom i bezveznom. Evo zašto:
• nije kreativna - iako priča počinje sa sasvim običnim dečkom sa sasvim običnim poslom i životom, veoma brzo prerasta u Pepeljuginu priču. Ne može se bez nekog glumca i slave, random modne revije i narko-priče. I sve to je tako skupljeno na gomilu, da pomisliš kako negde postoji neka eksel tabela sa radnjama koje se dobro kotiraju među čitaocima i da je ovaj pisac baš odlučio da što više tih gluposti ubaci ovde.
• je banalna - situacije u kojim se glavni lik našao da bi priča imala nekakva dešavanja su toliko proste, da lako postaju glupe. prim.prev.
• je bezvezna- ovde ću konkretno dati primer.
Trudim se da mi se iskustva sa ovakvim knjigama ne pretvore u predrasude, ali nekad je stvarno teško. Sa moje tačke gledišta, ova knjiga ne predstavlja queer zajednicu u najboljem svetlu, a o otvorenim vezama neću ni da počinjem.
Moja neće biti baš toliko pozitivna. Dajem jednu zvezdicu više samo zato što je jedna devojka uspela da odoli osmehu tamo nekog Arona (a to je zapravo baš teško!) i što je knjižica u par navrata imala duhovitih scena. Ali sve u svemu, našla sam ovu knjigu nedovoljno kreativnom, previše banalnom i bezveznom. Evo zašto:
• nije kreativna - iako priča počinje sa sasvim običnim dečkom sa sasvim običnim poslom i životom, veoma brzo prerasta u Pepeljuginu priču. Ne može se bez nekog glumca i slave, random modne revije i narko-priče. I sve to je tako skupljeno na gomilu, da pomisliš kako negde postoji neka eksel tabela sa radnjama koje se dobro kotiraju među čitaocima i da je ovaj pisac baš odlučio da što više tih gluposti ubaci ovde.
• je banalna - situacije u kojim se glavni lik našao da bi priča imala nekakva dešavanja su toliko proste, da lako postaju glupe. prim.prev.
• je bezvezna- ovde ću konkretno dati primer.
Trudim se da mi se iskustva sa ovakvim knjigama ne pretvore u predrasude, ali nekad je stvarno teško. Sa moje tačke gledišta, ova knjiga ne predstavlja queer zajednicu u najboljem svetlu, a o otvorenim vezama neću ni da počinjem.
March 17, 2023
I eat drink and sleep crime fiction. It's my go to, bread and butter, genre of choice. But it can get a bit samey, stuck in a rut. So I find that a change is always as good as a rest. So when I get the chance to find something new, something a little different, I usually jump at it. Hence this book! I am usually good when I take a punt on something. And I was definitely on my game here as I loved it.
We meet Eoin who has moved to London from Dublin, following his heart, well, following Rich anyway. He works in a cafe for boss Rebecca who is currently on holiday. Or so he believes. And then there's best friend Jax who flits from bad relationship after bad life decision often relying on his shoulder.
But he is ticking along nicely until he and Rich have the talk... Rich wants an open relationship... To say Eoin is shocked is a bit of an understatement but he has no choice if he is to keep his man in one way shape or form. But he is thrown into a whole new world he has never considered before...
This is a very character driven book and to achieve in this genre you really need to have great characters. And our cast in this book definitely tick that box. I took to Eoin straight away - probably my overwhelming need to mother him but that's my issue, and however we connected doesn't matter, we connected! Being a hetero-cis-50ish-woman I have no idea if the relationship stuff is well represented, it's not my call to comment on that with no experience. What I can and will comment on is that, as a reader, it all came across as credible and felt real. And that is what matters to me personally. It also felt well balanced and included quite a lot of humour which played well against the relationship developments. Especially the scenes in the coffee shop!
It's a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. I do admit to getting a bit over involved at times and did shout at the characters along the way when I thought they were either not seeing something I thought was blatantly obvious or did something stupid. The mother in me again I think!?
I followed every step of the way, every failure, every success, and was rewarded with what I considered to be the best ending, which wholly satisfied. Although that said, I was also sad at having to say goodbye to the characters - another tick for them feeling real!
All in all a cracking debut from what looks like a new voice that will only mature further as he writes more books. Speaking of which, clock is now ticking, hurry up Mr Moriarty!My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We meet Eoin who has moved to London from Dublin, following his heart, well, following Rich anyway. He works in a cafe for boss Rebecca who is currently on holiday. Or so he believes. And then there's best friend Jax who flits from bad relationship after bad life decision often relying on his shoulder.
But he is ticking along nicely until he and Rich have the talk... Rich wants an open relationship... To say Eoin is shocked is a bit of an understatement but he has no choice if he is to keep his man in one way shape or form. But he is thrown into a whole new world he has never considered before...
This is a very character driven book and to achieve in this genre you really need to have great characters. And our cast in this book definitely tick that box. I took to Eoin straight away - probably my overwhelming need to mother him but that's my issue, and however we connected doesn't matter, we connected! Being a hetero-cis-50ish-woman I have no idea if the relationship stuff is well represented, it's not my call to comment on that with no experience. What I can and will comment on is that, as a reader, it all came across as credible and felt real. And that is what matters to me personally. It also felt well balanced and included quite a lot of humour which played well against the relationship developments. Especially the scenes in the coffee shop!
It's a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. I do admit to getting a bit over involved at times and did shout at the characters along the way when I thought they were either not seeing something I thought was blatantly obvious or did something stupid. The mother in me again I think!?
I followed every step of the way, every failure, every success, and was rewarded with what I considered to be the best ending, which wholly satisfied. Although that said, I was also sad at having to say goodbye to the characters - another tick for them feeling real!
All in all a cracking debut from what looks like a new voice that will only mature further as he writes more books. Speaking of which, clock is now ticking, hurry up Mr Moriarty!My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 10, 2023
Another queer romcom I absolutely loved. Sounds Like Fun by Bryan Moriarty accidentally got misplaced in my bedroom office, but luckily for you that means that it’s out now already, in paperback and ebook. I think it’s a perfect summery read.
Eoin is reeling from the suggestion from his steady long-term boyfriend that they open up their relationship. Things are already going a bit wonky as he’s accidentally managing the coffee shop he works at, which seems to be careening towards disaster, and his friend Jax has fallen for another terrible man. Terrified of losing Rich, Eoin agrees to re-enter the world of dating. What could go wrong?
Sounds Like Fun is deeply funny and filled with lovable characters, especially James!!!! It’s much more of a romcom than the pitch and blurb suggest — as Eoin starts experimenting, he keeps bumping into someone he can’t escape, and soon realises he might not want to.
The arc of Eoin’s relationship with Rich, and how over time we start to see Rich outside Eoin’s starry-eyed love for him, is so well written and heartfelt. I love Eoin’s vulnerability and ridiculousness and terrible earnest attempts to give it all a go.
There’s a thread of that turning point in your mid-late twenties where you start to sit back and ask what you’re actually trying to do, which I thought was written really well. And also it’s just very funny!! In the week I read it, I was so busy and yet I found myself staying up late for just a few more pages.
In summary: a big-hearted romcom about giving it all a go, being a bit of a disaster in your twenties, finding your feet and true love along with it all. I loved the gentle burgeoning romance in this charming and hilarious romcom.
Eoin is reeling from the suggestion from his steady long-term boyfriend that they open up their relationship. Things are already going a bit wonky as he’s accidentally managing the coffee shop he works at, which seems to be careening towards disaster, and his friend Jax has fallen for another terrible man. Terrified of losing Rich, Eoin agrees to re-enter the world of dating. What could go wrong?
Sounds Like Fun is deeply funny and filled with lovable characters, especially James!!!! It’s much more of a romcom than the pitch and blurb suggest — as Eoin starts experimenting, he keeps bumping into someone he can’t escape, and soon realises he might not want to.
The arc of Eoin’s relationship with Rich, and how over time we start to see Rich outside Eoin’s starry-eyed love for him, is so well written and heartfelt. I love Eoin’s vulnerability and ridiculousness and terrible earnest attempts to give it all a go.
There’s a thread of that turning point in your mid-late twenties where you start to sit back and ask what you’re actually trying to do, which I thought was written really well. And also it’s just very funny!! In the week I read it, I was so busy and yet I found myself staying up late for just a few more pages.
In summary: a big-hearted romcom about giving it all a go, being a bit of a disaster in your twenties, finding your feet and true love along with it all. I loved the gentle burgeoning romance in this charming and hilarious romcom.
March 30, 2023
𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
🎧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook ALC
📆 𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 30.03.23
✍🏼 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance/LGBTQ+
#️⃣ 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 06:44
The striking front cover and fun title drew me instantly to this book and I was so excited when I was granted early access on Netgalley. This was Moriarty’s DEBUT NOVEL and I absolutely adored it.
Narrated by Moriarty himself (Irish narration is my absolute fave🤌🏼) this was a charming, fun, lighthearted story of self-exploration + discovery and getting out of a relationship comfort zone.
I loved Eoin’s character: hilarious, cheerful and charmingly Irish, whose perspective was a joy to follow. The storyline was so fun, from the drama and friendships of the Quarter Turn cafe, to Eoin’s dating app disasters as he and Rich open up their relationship.
My only complaint is though the rep of a non-mainstream relationship was brilliant, the lack of communication seems to be a super common problem in any book I’ve read where the characters explore an open relationship. I do wish the communication was there, and we saw a healthy outcome from such an exploration.
Despite the above, I listened to this in just over a day and absolutely could not put it down. I loved seeing Eoin’s journey of finding himself, and realising he was his own person. Charming, heartwarming and overall just a delightful listen: I’d really recommend picking this up for a fun and different romance.
𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑: I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest thoughts - all opinions are my own.
🎧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook ALC
📆 𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 30.03.23
✍🏼 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance/LGBTQ+
#️⃣ 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 06:44
The striking front cover and fun title drew me instantly to this book and I was so excited when I was granted early access on Netgalley. This was Moriarty’s DEBUT NOVEL and I absolutely adored it.
Narrated by Moriarty himself (Irish narration is my absolute fave🤌🏼) this was a charming, fun, lighthearted story of self-exploration + discovery and getting out of a relationship comfort zone.
I loved Eoin’s character: hilarious, cheerful and charmingly Irish, whose perspective was a joy to follow. The storyline was so fun, from the drama and friendships of the Quarter Turn cafe, to Eoin’s dating app disasters as he and Rich open up their relationship.
My only complaint is though the rep of a non-mainstream relationship was brilliant, the lack of communication seems to be a super common problem in any book I’ve read where the characters explore an open relationship. I do wish the communication was there, and we saw a healthy outcome from such an exploration.
Despite the above, I listened to this in just over a day and absolutely could not put it down. I loved seeing Eoin’s journey of finding himself, and realising he was his own person. Charming, heartwarming and overall just a delightful listen: I’d really recommend picking this up for a fun and different romance.
𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑: I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest thoughts - all opinions are my own.
March 31, 2023
BRYAN MORIARTY – SOUNDS LIKE FUN *****
I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Sounds like Fun describes itself well. A witty and wise stroll through London’s contemporary gay scene, bulging with humour and really great characters that I’m missing already. Not just the endearing but somewhat hapless narrator, Eoin, our Irish hero, who, in the very first sentence, comes off his bike because of a pothole, but his myriad of friends and lovers. Rich, his partner who decides he wants to try an open relationship, James, a budding actor hoping for success, and Billy, oh poor Billy, so sweet Billy, making every gaff known to mankind.
The principal setting – the Quarter Turn, a coffee shop with major problems, not least its absent owner - is drawn brilliantly, almost another character. Eoin and Billy work there and is joined by out of work actor James. But it is the periphery cast which create such a great background. The way their lives interact with each other, their highs and lows, is the canvas into which Eoin’s life is stitched so brilliantly. Which brings it alive.
To say anything more would mean spoilers, and this story is such fun that it is best to read it without too much previous knowledge.
Five stars. One of the most enjoyable stories I have read in ages. Should be a film.
I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Sounds like Fun describes itself well. A witty and wise stroll through London’s contemporary gay scene, bulging with humour and really great characters that I’m missing already. Not just the endearing but somewhat hapless narrator, Eoin, our Irish hero, who, in the very first sentence, comes off his bike because of a pothole, but his myriad of friends and lovers. Rich, his partner who decides he wants to try an open relationship, James, a budding actor hoping for success, and Billy, oh poor Billy, so sweet Billy, making every gaff known to mankind.
The principal setting – the Quarter Turn, a coffee shop with major problems, not least its absent owner - is drawn brilliantly, almost another character. Eoin and Billy work there and is joined by out of work actor James. But it is the periphery cast which create such a great background. The way their lives interact with each other, their highs and lows, is the canvas into which Eoin’s life is stitched so brilliantly. Which brings it alive.
To say anything more would mean spoilers, and this story is such fun that it is best to read it without too much previous knowledge.
Five stars. One of the most enjoyable stories I have read in ages. Should be a film.
March 7, 2023
I saw this was recommended by Berts Books as one of his favourite reads so was keen to read it, Im so glad I did, I loved the book, I read it in one swoop and wanted to keep on reading more.
Eoin lives in London, near Rich, his boyfriend of 6 years, happy in their relationship, happy with his job as a barista, enjoying London life enough for now. When Rich says he'd like them to have an open relationship, it crushes Eoin, who thought that their relationship was going well, its the only real relationship he's had.
He starts to explore the no strings dating scene, ending up in some very interesting scenarios. At the same time, things in the cafe are becoming more fraught as the manager is AWOL and Eoin is trying to keep everything going as best he can. James, a new employee joins the team - he and Eoin clash from the outset, arguing over every little thing. Even though I could guess where the story was going to take us from the first meeting, the journey there was gorgeous with some beautiful moments in it.
The author has a great talent for conjuring up realistic people and situations, dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation, wondering where your life is going and have you achieved enough- a great read that I would definitely recommend.
Eoin lives in London, near Rich, his boyfriend of 6 years, happy in their relationship, happy with his job as a barista, enjoying London life enough for now. When Rich says he'd like them to have an open relationship, it crushes Eoin, who thought that their relationship was going well, its the only real relationship he's had.
He starts to explore the no strings dating scene, ending up in some very interesting scenarios. At the same time, things in the cafe are becoming more fraught as the manager is AWOL and Eoin is trying to keep everything going as best he can. James, a new employee joins the team - he and Eoin clash from the outset, arguing over every little thing. Even though I could guess where the story was going to take us from the first meeting, the journey there was gorgeous with some beautiful moments in it.
The author has a great talent for conjuring up realistic people and situations, dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation, wondering where your life is going and have you achieved enough- a great read that I would definitely recommend.
March 1, 2023
I found myself engaged by Bryan Moriarty’s writing right from the first page: I read the first third in one go which threw a planned early night out of the window. You wouldn’t think that this story of a twentysomething still finding his way in life and working out who he wants to spend it with would resonate with me, twenty years older and a whole lot more set in my ways, but it’s joyous and poignant and bursting with warmth.
The main character Eoin is really sympathetic, making questionable decisions as I think we all do in our twenties, and the secondary ones really well drawn too, from Eoin’s former flatmate Jax to long-term boyfriend Rich. The observations of everyday life and relationships are spot on, and often very funny.
I only lived in London for a year in the 1990s but I’m a keen tourist and I love books that show me parts I already know or ones I don’t. The location is a really big part of the story here and adds a lot to the atmosphere. The writing is so engaging and the characters so vibrant that I ate it up in three evenings.
I received a free proof copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The main character Eoin is really sympathetic, making questionable decisions as I think we all do in our twenties, and the secondary ones really well drawn too, from Eoin’s former flatmate Jax to long-term boyfriend Rich. The observations of everyday life and relationships are spot on, and often very funny.
I only lived in London for a year in the 1990s but I’m a keen tourist and I love books that show me parts I already know or ones I don’t. The location is a really big part of the story here and adds a lot to the atmosphere. The writing is so engaging and the characters so vibrant that I ate it up in three evenings.
I received a free proof copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 12, 2023
Firstly, a huge thanks to @twofondofbooks for my #twittergiveawaywin ! I am so grateful to have won and got a copy of #soundslikefun
The book wasn’t what I expected, it was raw and open and took the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride (sometimes literally!)
"𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕀 𝕘𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕦𝕡 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕤𝕠𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜."
Eoin, my heart broke for him. He was a young man infatuated with someone who was changing him to be someone he didn’t want to be… but it took him a while to realise.
It was a story of how Eoin overcame relationships and the feeling of being lonely despite being surrounded by people. It just shows that in a room full of people, you can still be the lonely one - or feel that way.
He had quite a life and I applaud the strength he had with overcoming obstacles and at the end, fighting for what he wants, even if that means a little heartbreak for him.
A great debut novel. Very powerful message throughout.
Thank you to Bryan for signing this book and to @hodderbooks for posting me a copy of the book.
The book wasn’t what I expected, it was raw and open and took the reader on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride (sometimes literally!)
"𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕀 𝕘𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕦𝕡 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕤𝕠𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜."
Eoin, my heart broke for him. He was a young man infatuated with someone who was changing him to be someone he didn’t want to be… but it took him a while to realise.
It was a story of how Eoin overcame relationships and the feeling of being lonely despite being surrounded by people. It just shows that in a room full of people, you can still be the lonely one - or feel that way.
He had quite a life and I applaud the strength he had with overcoming obstacles and at the end, fighting for what he wants, even if that means a little heartbreak for him.
A great debut novel. Very powerful message throughout.
Thank you to Bryan for signing this book and to @hodderbooks for posting me a copy of the book.
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