Member Reviews

While the story was a little slow-going at times, there was a nice connection between Kai and Gray that kept me engaged and invested in their development. Slow-burn romances can be fun, but at times, this story missed the mark with the growth of the relationship and the new dynamics created seemed a little underdeveloped at times.

The best friends-to-lovers trope worked well overall, though considering their connection, the characters' lack of open communication sometimes boggled my mind, edging on the side of frustrating.

A cute and funny story with likable mains characters and secondary characters.

Was this review helpful?

Because falling in love with your best friend is scary sometimes.
- Briar Prescott, The Happy List

I really enjoyed this one. 💕

Gray is going through the motions of life. Doing the usual things, taking all the steps. But is that all he wants out of life? Is he actually happy?

Kai is Grays best friend. He is a free spirit who’s finally decided it’s time to come home.

When Grays relationship ends abruptly, it’s time for him to take stock of what he actually wants out of life. A night out with Kai turns into a game of ‘never have I ever’ and the realisation hits of just how boring Gray really is. So begins his mission to discover who he is and what really makes him happy. Perhaps making a list will help?

This was such a gorgeous slow burn story, of best friends falling for each other. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Kai and Gray. I loved following Gray on his journey of self discovery. He was a very unique character, quite clueless and almost a little bit of a push over. But the moment he realised something about his life and himself he had no trouble acting on it. I really liked this about him. I also really appreciated that once he clued into the fact that he had feelings towards Kai, he just went with it. No hesitation or denial. This was just an easy and sweet read that I think anyone who likes to read romance would enjoy.

Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review 😊

Was this review helpful?

This was a really cute friends-to-lovers story.
There's always that potential for things to go wrong when friends decide to take things to the next level, especially when one of the friends already has strong feelings for the other, but I'm so happy that didn't happen with Kai and Gray.
Yes, there was a little lack of communication when they both realized how much they truly cared for each other, but I was glad things weren't drawn out.
Gray and Kai had such a great friendship it only seemed natural for them to take that next step. I liked being inside Gray's head as he came to the realization that he loved Kai, as more than just a friend. And with Kai having kept his feelings for Gray hidden for so long, I loved that he was finally able to share those feelings.
The Happy List was just an all around feel good, fun little love story.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Jenn loves Grey loving Kai stars

The Happy List is a seriously sigh-worthy, boys-loving-boys, good book. Briar Prescott gives us a beautiful sexual discovery plus BFFs becoming BBFs (Best Boyfriends Forever). What more could a girl ask for?

Grey has spent years diligently and concisely becoming who he thinks he should be. A big-time lawyer at a highly recognized firm. He is nothing if not organized, responsible, and predictable. It isn't until his long-time girlfriend proposes that he even considers what it is he truly wants and even who he really is. Luckily, his BFF Kai is there while he's slowly sinking into an existential crisis of his own making.

Kai has just returned to his home in Boston and is finally ready. Ready to set down some roots. Ready to take the chance and start his own business. And he is absolutely ready to finally get over his extremely inconvenient crush on his very straight best friend. Life and his business are moving along well until he accidentally finds Gray’s happy list, which contains some very interesting... items. As a good friend, it is his job to help him with that list but when some of the items become well more than what friends should be doing it's Kai who starts having the existential crisis as Grey figures out exactly what he wants.

I loved the sexual discovery and how it crossed over with a demisexuality angle, even though it was never fully stated. Grey's feelings were slow going from their authentic backgrounds into their full realization and actualization of them. But, that slow meld of feeling to the realization of what they meant was deliciously beautiful. From the high-drama beginnings of basically unintentionally jilting his long-term girlfriend to falling for his best friend, The Happy List was thankfully a fairly low-angst read.

The Happy List is def going on the same yummy, feel-good sigh-inducing book love shelf as Boyfriend Material and Red, White & Royal Blue BUT instead of the 'fade to black' of those books... we get a... not fade to black? technicolor reel? the smexy details? Meh, whatever you want to call it. We get it! And of what yummy things they were.

This was my first book with the author and I am so all about reading more. I have the strong urge to now go stalk her entire backlog. Don't mind me in my obsessive-compulsive (non-DSM-V diagnosis) ways.

Did this alter my world? No. Change my outlook on... anything? No. But It absolutely makes my very own Happy List. (Yeah, I know that was seriously cheesy. But, I don't care.) The Happy List was a well-written, emotionally dense, and delicious smorgasbord of yummy romance goodness. And I couldn't be happier about it. (Get over it and just lean into the puns).

I absolutely recommend this book for those looking to add a little more swoon-worthy happiness to their romance reads.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Was this review helpful?

The Happy List follows childhood friends Kai and Grey as they decide to try living together after a series of major life changes for them both. Grey is at such a crossroads that he makes a bucket list, the titular "Happy List" to help him find new meaning in his relationships and work. At first glance, the story may seem like a play on the Odd Couple when you see the laidback and blue-collar Kai and the fastidious white-collar Grey. Yet, it quickly becomes evident that this is a story about how they realize that despite their differences, they can find a fulfilling life together. Prescott has a strong sense for character development and a witty turn of phrase, which helps keep the inevitable plot points fun and logical. There was a dip in the action of the plot around the mid-point that did feel a bit like treading water, yet it finally did ramp up to the conclusion that made the whole work satisfying. It's a good way of spending a long evening paging through to find out what the final "Happy list" includes.

Was this review helpful?

The Happy List by Briar Prescott was a really sweet friends to lovers romance! It was about Gray and Kai who have been best friends since they were kids. Kai has been travelling for the past decade so when he decides to move back home, Gray offers to let him stay at his apartment. They get into a routine and things are going well, until Kai's old feelings for Gray come back and Gray starts to realize that the only time he's truly happy is when Kai is around.

This book is all about the romance. Unlike a lot of modern romance novels, there's not much angst or other storylines. Everything revolves around Gray and Kai and their feelings for one another. Yes, there are some obstacles and it takes them a while to let each other in, but overall, this is a classic friends to lovers romance. Personally I would have appreciated a little more in the form of a story outside the main romance. While the actual happy list plays a role, it's mainly there to enhance the relationship Gray and Kai share.

To me, it was more of an in-between-books read. It's a good book, but there's not much outside the romance and if that's not what you're looking for then this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for just a straight up romance, I would definitely recommend this!

I'd give it 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding down for the lack of an outside story.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this sweet love story. The chemistry between Gray and Kai was palpable and their hesitancy to show their feelings was torturous. I loved the caring and genuine friendship that came first for these two. I will definitely check out more books from this author!

Was this review helpful?

This was a much needed light hearted read. Gary's life is more structured, and Kai is more free-spirited and they have been long time friends since teenagers. One day Gary makes a Happy List after figuring out his life is boring and he hasn't been living it to the fullest. Kai is very happy to help him complete a lot of his list. Secretly they both feelings for the other, but do not want to risk losing their friendship.

Is this a predictable story? Maybe, but this did not bother at all. It is a slow burn to them finally getting to relationship status but it is worth it! They have so much trust and respect for each other and it is clearly conveyed through their chats and thoughts. This is so well written and a great story. I did not know I needed to read this and so glad I did!

5 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley, Brian Prescott, and Books Go Social for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available now: 10/25/20

Was this review helpful?

The review will be posted 19th November on instagram (@soooomanybooks) and Goodreads as well.

Thank you Netgalley and Briar Prescott for providing me a copy to review.

If you're looking for a feel-good M/M romamce than go no further as The Happy List brings you to a fun romantic comedy where best friends become lovers and the truth between them finds its way to the light.

The Happy List tells the story of long time best friends, Kai and Gray.
After Gray rather ubruptly comes out of a relationship, his best friend is there to help him as always. And although Kai has been travelling the world for the past dacade now he'a finally ready to come home.

The story:
Gray and Kai try to find a new rythem after being best friends through email and phone. And like everything between them, living together feels easy and right.
When after a night out Gray realises his life has been boring and uneventful he writes a list of things he wants to do. And when Kai finds the list titled The Happy List, he's determined to help his friend out and make some memories!

Their relationship starts to change though when Grayson experiences feelings he never had before towards his best friend. And his little gestures and odd behaviour just bring out Kai's long forgotten (denied) crush for the man.
They start something totally new but besides the obviously good parts they hold back their feelings thinking the other would not be intersted at all in the long run.

The Characters:
Gray is a corporate lawyer working way too much. That's why he tries to make a list of things he'd love to experience.
Also he's very kind and caring behind the corporate facade. I loved his relationship with his brother and his grandma that gave a lot of perspective to who he is.

Kai is a wood worker who finally decided to settle down and open his own shop after he ran away from his teenage crush. He's insecure and hesitent to belive Gray would look at him any other way than to a best friend. I liked his humour and how he seemed to always be able to cheer Gray up.
Gray was the happiest when he was with Kai and it was kind of fun seeing him realise why is that.

It was fun and light and funny and meaningful. I liked every aspect and how it made me smile and laugh out loud.

Was this review helpful?

This book was exactly what I needed right now! Gray and Kai were an absolute delight to fall in love with. I loved the progression of their relationship from best friends to lovers to partners. Kai is more free-spirited and just back from years of traveling. Gray is tightly wound and never really "lived" outside of the confines he set for himself. When he creates his list of things he wants to try in order to truly be happy, he really begins to live. It doesn't hurt that Kai sees the list and finds himself lending a helping hand. And did I mention that he has been in love with Gray for years?

I also thoroughly enjoyed the supporting cast of characters from Kai's sister and brother-in-law, to Max but most especially Con. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that Con gets his own story sometime soon!

I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to dive into more books by Prescott!

Was this review helpful?

This is a great slow burn, best friends to lovers romance. This book hooked me from the start and I finished it in two sittings.
.
I love our main characters, Kai and Grey, they had such great chemistry the whole time and their relationship never felt forced. I enjoyed following Grey through his realization that he actually likes Kai as more than just a friend and as he explores his sexuality for the first time. It was very nice to see them talking about their feelings openly and discussing things instead of causing unneeded drama. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and I wanted more from it. I also wanted to know more about their families and what happened to their parents.
.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think if you are looking for a best friends to lovers, low angst, enjoyable read that will make you smile then this is for you.
.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this gem of a book. The story was about two best friends that could be more than friends. . Gray realizing that life was boring at the age of 28 decided to make a ‘happy’ do list. Kai was happy to help him achieve some of the items on that list. What I loved was that their relationship was that it was beautiful, respectful, and genuine. I liked the alternative POV and found it refreshing to get each guy’s perspective on love, life, and friendship. I didn’t want this book to end. Ah the book was just wonderful. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next book.

I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

Was this review helpful?

*4.5 stars*

A sexuality discovery story with best friends-to-lovers and a slow, slow burn... yes, please.

Whew, my first read from Briar Prescott and I fell in love! This was the low-angst romance I needed in my life right now. A sweet, sweet infinitely slow burn, pining for daaaaaaaays, and a demisexual MC. I seriously was in heaven.

Just a warning: The Happy List are not for those who are easily frustrated. It takes a VERY long time for the relationship parts of the story to get going. Sure, I sometimes hate it when we get two MCs who just won't SHARE their feelings, and it gets even worse when one is entirely clueless, but it honestly worked for me here. There was a lot of very sweet chemistry-building and a TON of sexual tension build-up, and I ate that up. I also think that moving from friendship to attraction was just such a paradigm-shift for Gray that he just didn't see it at first. Kai was infinitely patient or just too roped in to stop, but he had to suffer a lot before he saw his attraction being returned. Stick with the story and your patience will be rewarded, I promise.

Anyone who knows my reading tastes knows I love a story when a character is exploring their sexuality for the first time, and man, I was satisfied here. I love it when a character realizes their attractions and goes all in. Gray was confused at first, but once he figured himself out, he was raring to so (same, buddy, same). The book had the perfect amount of steam, and the sex scenes worked. I always like a book more when it doesn't lead with sex, and so it worked out for me here.

Add to the story a very sweet romance-y ended, and you got me hooked. My 2020 happy list has this book on it, that's for sure.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Was this review helpful?

This was such a sweet friends to lovers book. I adored Kai and Grey's friendship and they fit so well together. The step from friends to lovers was so natural even if Kai stressed out about it at first. I also enjoyed that Grey seemed to place the sexual attraction second and just accepted that being with Kai made him happy. Though he was surprised by being attracted to a guy he didn't struggle with it and it didn't seem to be an issue in their relationship. Overall a really great and fun read with nice steamy scenes.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars

Gray is a corporate lawyer who always has a sensible plan for everything. Everything is organized, everything is responsible, everything is boring. Then his childhood best friend Kai moves back to town and moves in with Gray. Kai has had a crush on his best friend for years, but always kept it under control. Until Gray started questioning his life...

You guys, I loved this book! It was FULL of angst. I am a grown ass woman, but I love me some angsty romance! Their banter back-and-forth was great. And the sex scenes are hot as hell! This is not a tame m/m romance, so be warned.

This was my first book from this author, and it won’t be my last. Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for this advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This really is a book full of happiness. Everytime you think that the story is going to use a normal trope, the direction of the book just changes completely because it simply doesn't have the time for stupid unnecessary bullsh*t.

I loved this story and look forward to more in this series. It was very well written from two different prespectives so the reader could understand both points of view which often doesn't work and ends up giving mixed messages. What impressed me most was how well Briar depicted the fluidy of sexuality and how unimportant labels are when it comes to what people feel, like and are. I hope that this story becomes the success it deserves to be.

Was this review helpful?

This was sweet and I gobbled it up in one sitting. I think Gray is probably on both the demisexual and demiromantic spectrums, and I absolutely loved that approach to the friends to lovers trope, which is already one of my all-time favorites.

I also loved the whole idea of the Happy List, what prompts it and how it manifests in Gray's life. I didn't like this quite as much as Project Hero, but Prescott has a knack for making her characters and their motivations feel true to life, even when they're in the middle of the tropiest of romances. (The heat rating's also significantly lower than PH, just FYI :)

There is a lingering sub-trope used here that's one of my least favorites, so that dinged my enjoyment just a little, but I don't think it was enough to affect my rating.

Was this review helpful?

The Happy List is such a cute and heart-warming m/m romance story about falling in love with your best friend and about awakenings; to realize that things you’d taken for granted in your life might not be what you actually need or want, and about being brave enough to risk losing it all for love and happiness.

Gray is the responsible, somewhat repressed, lawyer who’s always done what’s expected of him, even though he’s not very happy neither with his career nor his girlfriend. He’s never really done anything crazy or unplanned. Not until he turns his girlfriend’s proposal down and start realizing that his best friend Kai might be more to him than just a friend. Why else would seeing him with another guy feel like being stabbed in the heart?

Kai om the other hand has been in love with Gray since they were teenagers, but has finally gotten over it and won’t do anything to jeopardize their friendship. But that’s getting harder and harder to pull off when Gray’s looking at him in a new way…

I loved Briar Prescott’s writing style and the wonderful dynamic between Gray and Kai (even as friends). I loved their banter and the humor, and not to mention the chemistry… It was absolutely sizzling! There were also some really great character developments. I loved the way Gray realized he was not happy at his work, and how he’d never had any real feelings for anyone but Kai. His character development from repressed and stuck in a job he doesn’t like just because it’s what his brother expects of him, to a person who is willing to take risks and put his heart on the line was amazing, and his mix of demisexual and bisexual awakening was so well and realistically executed.

I read this book in one sitting, it was so addictive and I rooted so much for the characters that I just couldn’t bear to put it down until the very end! There isn’t much angst in this book though. No unnecessary drama just for the sake of it, which I really appreciated. Falling in love with your best friend and trying to navigate the way through a new relationship is overwhelming enough.

All in all, The Happy List is a fast-paced, light, funny and sweet friends-to-lovers tale that will make you smile and warm your heart! I truly recommend it and can’t wait for the second book in the series!

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook review copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 fluffy feel-good stars, rounding up to 5

Was this review helpful?