If you are looking for a queer rom-com set in a small town at Christmas time, this is for you!

Quinn Oxford is the owner of Kings & Queens, a LGBTQ+ bookstore in Hay-on-Wye. The local castle is being renovated and Quinn's stepfather Harold is leading the renovation team.

To Harold, business comes first and as he is the owner of Quinn's premises, he issues Quinn with an eviction notice, stating that he wants to make the bookstore a ticket office for the castle.

Quinn is understandably devastated but the whole town rally round in support as his shop is not only a bookstore, but a place for the queer community and is very much needed.

At the same time, romance author Noah Sage returns from London to his hometown of Hay for a festival and, Quinn being a massive fan, is delighted to meet him. The romance that blossoms between these two is beautiful and of course, not an easy road.

I really enjoyed the spin off aspect of Noah's mother, actress Hermione Sage and her downfall caused by the media. Can we get a story about her please? The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of my favourite books and that aspect gave me similar vibes.

This is a super cute read for the festive season with a stunning location and wonderful characters.

Today, we celebrate the release of #LookUpHandsome! Huge congrats to Jack Strange for this remarkable achievement. The #OneMoreChapterReadalong of #LookUpHandsome has been an absolute delight. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming tale where Quinn's determination to save his beloved bookshop is captivating and inspiring. Noah's lovable grumpiness adds a unique charm to the story, making it an unforgettable read. The portrayal of parent-child relationships is beautifully touching, resonating with readers deeply emotionally. Like those cosy Hallmark movies that warm your heart, this book leaves you feeling fuzzy. Let's continue to spread the magic of #LookUpHandsome and share the joy of reading. #booklovers #bookcommunity #readingtime #newrelease #literaryworld #celebration #fiction #inspiringreads #mustread #heartwarmingstories.

I've loved everything about this book. It's set in Hay-On-Wye, with book festivals and loads of bookshops.

The MC runs the lgbtqia+ Kings and Queens bookshop, but his step dad wants the shop back, so he is evicting him. His mantra is to do nothing and hope it goes away. The storyline follows his journey to save the shop with the help of the community.

Set over Christmas, it's lovely to see the Christmas magic when he falls for a local author. Unfortunately, it's not all plain sailing as he tries to find love.

There are some great side characters. I did feel for Hermione, who has lived like an hermit for so long. And who could forget Bloody Blair Beckett, I did chuckle at his nickname

It is a very enjoyable storyline that is already on my 're-read at Christmas list'.

Thank you to HarperCollins & OneMoreChapter for this e-arc!
I think this is an adorable book for many readers and I loved the fact that this romance was written by a man (we need more of those)
Im sure its not for everyone but i enjoyed it and i think i would've enjoyed this more if i was in the christmas spirit already. Jack's writing is inviting and I would be excited to see what's next!

3.5⭐️

Wow! This book completely blindsided me. I was just expecting romance but instead I got a whole sub-plot which turned the story on the head.

This follows the story of Quinn, who is about to lose his bookshop and his encounter with romance novelist, Noah.

It touches on deep and sensitive topics such as non-con p*rn, bullying and ostracising.

The sub plot involving Noah’s mother was the highlight of the book for me. The unfair treatment she received highlights the plight of women till date regarding consent and the attendant media coverage and demonisation.

It was fun and filled with quirky moments and characters who will not be forgotten in a hurry. There were definitely laugh out loud moments.
I love the LGBTQIA representation and all that the bookshop represents.

As far as romance goes, I didn’t see much chemistry between Quinn and Noah. I wanted more. Maybe it would have helped if Noah had his POV.

Nevertheless, if you are looking for a MM holiday romance then you should read this. If you also love books about books and bookshops then you will enjoy this

Quinn owns a queer bookstore and safe space. His horrible step father is evicting him to make some quick money. On Christmas. How can Quinn save his shop and his livelihood?

This book has a great premise. And that's where the greatness ends. I think this book could've done with a bit more editing. At least one more pass. The main draws of romcoms are witty banter and loveable characters. I found myself not liking any of the characters the longer the story went on. The dialogue felt somehow stilted and rushed all at once and I found myself getting lost in the jarring pace of some of the conversations.

I also checked out the minute it was revealed that Noah was in a relationship lol. But that's just a personal taste kind of thing.

I think this book has great bones but fell a bit flat in the execution. This is a debut and I look forward to seeing the next efforts from this author because the foundation of this book felt really good. I'm looking forward to seeing his growth. (I can't stay away from queer romcoms so I'll be back for the next one!)

Thank you to HarperCollins/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This has an interesting and sweet concept and a lot of promise but I felt that it fell a little short in some ways. I also didn't love the romance between Noah & Quinn. I didn't particularly like Noah as a character in general. The writing was very strong, as was the world building and whilst this was an enjoyable enough read I didn't love it.

Plot

Quinn wants to save his bookshop, the last thing he needs is to fall in love…

Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop is always a hive of activity. So when it’s threatened with closure, its owner Quinn Oxford is determined to do whatever it takes to save his beloved shop.

That is until romantic novelist Noah Sagearrives in town. Gorgeous, brooding and clearly unhappy to be there, Noah is the distraction Quinn doesn’t need. Noah has a history with Hay and it’s one he’d rather not face. But when the snow leaves him stranded, he’s left with no choice.

Hay is a small town, meaning Quinn can’t help but bump into Noah wherever he goes. And as the two grow closer together, is it possible that Noah’s feelings towards Hay will thaw? Can Quinn have a real-life romance and save his beloved bookshop? Or will he need a Christmas miracle…

Review

Where do I start with this cosy, sweet, charming book?

I was thrilled that I could finally read a book set in a town not far from where I live and the atmosphere of said town was caught amazingly. Hay on Wye is a book paradise and my only wish is that Kings and Queens actually existed there.

Jack Strange brings together a fabulous array of characters from optimistic but guarded Quinn, to handsome but slight closed off Noah to, who has to be up there as a favourite, the eccentric but determined Ivy, Quinn’s best friend and partner in crime to save his beloved shop.

The storyline kept me engaged all the way through and I loved the dynamics of not only the romantic relationships but also the familial ones which are increasingly important as the story goes on – won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers!

The pacing is also perfect with the right amount of comedy and drama to have you laughing or gasping at the right moments – shout out to Deb and June – if you know you know.

In conclusion, this book is a sweet romantic tale with a good amount of drama, comedy and intrigue thrown in. It’s a beautiful debut from Jack Strange and I look forward to more.

Rating

4 stars

Recommend

Yes with a hot chocolate a cosy blanket and a heart ready to be warmed

Thank you to One More Chapter for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

Look Up, Handsome is a heartwarming Christmas story set in the charming Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye. The story follows Quinn as he fights to save his beloved queer bookstore after receiving a final eviction notice from his stepfather, the building's owner, who insists, "It's just business!"

The community bands together to support Quinn, emphasizing the vital role of safe spaces for queer individuals. Enter Noah, a renowned author originally from Hay, who returns for a festival, sparking a slow-burn romance. I adored all the characters, especially Quinn's friend Ivy and Noah's mother, Hermione; their presence truly enriches the story.

While the ending may be predictable, the journey there wasn't as expected which I appreciated. I even found myself shedding happy tears in the second-to-last chapter. This sweet tale is perfect for cozying up with during the holiday season to evoke all the feels!

Thanks to @netgalley, @onemorechapter @jackstrangeauthor for the advanced copy.

This was a great story. The main character has the same overthinking and hyper focusing on the worst outcomes, which reminds me of someone very important in my life. This story is relatable even to people outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. I love that this story is about more than just a romance. It was wonderful watching Quinn come into his own and find his voice. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

This book has a really cute concept: struggling bookstore fights against the capitalist machine, also known as the owner's stepfather, to avoid getting closed down right before the holidays. And naturally, the bookstore owner is falling in love with an author. But I struggled to get through it, and I found a few recurring problems with the book.

First: it is way too long. No holiday romance novel has any busy being as long as it was.

Second: There was too much going on. Introducing the author's recluse mother wanting a ghostwriter to help with her autobiography was unnecessary and only added to what was already a long and complicated story.

Third: This is just a personal preference, but I am not a fan when one of the main characters is already in a relationship, even if it is flawed / toxic. Just end the relationship, wait a respectful period of time, and then try with the new person who has caught your eye.

Finally: There were some weird inconsistencies / irregularities with the plot. If they live in such a small town, how did they not know each other in high school? But also, the owner mentioned a high school crush. But also, they had never met. I ended up keeping a list of things that didn't make sense to me as I was reading.

Ultimately, I was disappointed by this one. It had a cute concept, but it was not executed well.

A town full of bookshops? Woohoo!
And a romance set in this town? Count me in!
"Look Up, Handsome" is the new, LGBTQ+ romance book set in a Hay-On-Wye and it's a wonderful, festive treat. Quinn is the owner of "Kings and Queens" bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, and by running the bookshop, he is following in the footsteps of his father. However, his beloved livelihood is in trouble as his stepfather own the lease on the shop and is threatening to sell up. While this is all going on, Quinn meets the love of his life, Noah Sage, a local and famous author.
Faced with the twin threats of losing his business and his heart, Quinn has to decide which one to fight for - or should he just walk away?
A perfect, uplifting read for any time of the year, Look Up Handsome is ideal for the lead upto the festive season. And one of my favourite aspects is how the novel adds hints of reality such as mentioning how bookshops have become safe spaces, in a warm and happy way.

This is Perfect, Feel-good, cosy up with the fire, wrapped in a blanket, with a hot chocolate and your Christmas tree-lit kind of book!

This is a very sweet Christmas romcom - it made me want to visit a Hay-On-Wye (it’s been on my list for ages but this book has made me realise I need to get there asap)! Noah and Quinn’s story was absolutely. The romance is a slow burn but it is worth it! It gave me plenty of time to get to know both the main characters and what was going on with them without feeling like the story was dragging on! The two of them have so many lovely meet cutes and it made this store so romcom Christmas cheesy in the best ways.

Who could resist an LGBTQ romance set in the book town of Hay-on-Wye? Not me, obviously (and I was excited to learn in the Acknowlegements that there is now a new LGBTQ bookshop in the town!). Quinn runs "Kings and Queens" in Hay-on-Wye, following on in his late father's tradition in being a bookseller, but threatened by his stepfather's plans to cash in on the lease he owns on Quinn's shop and turf him out. Mum is caught in the middle but not doing much, and Quinn's always been a quiet people-pleaser so keeps just shoving the eviction notices in a drawer. He has two piece of luck: knowing Ivy, the colourful, redoubtable cleaner who knows everyone's secrets, and meeting Noah, romance writer and son of the town who seems to be everywhere. We follow these characters as they work to save the bookshop, with the help of influencers and drag queens; the whole thing is charming, with good touches of reality, noting how the bookshop offers a safe space for people, including its employee, and how Welsh traditions suppressed by the English have bounced back (yes, there's a Mari Llwyd - shudder!). A very nicely done novel with a real feel for bookshops and a proper warmth.

Blog review published 25 September: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2024/09/25/covid-netgalley-reading-roundup-warona-jay-jack-strange-and-chandra-clarke/

This is an adorable holiday romcom that checks all the boxes. It's set in a cozy small town in Wales (Hay-on-Wye, which apparently is a real-life book town)! We've got the cute devoted bookseller Quinn and the sexy brooding author Noah.

Where Quinn loves his customers and the haven his bookstore has become to the local queer community, Noah has a complicated past with the quaint town and wants to get back to London as soon as he can.
But when everyone gets snowed in after the festival, and then they find out Quinn's LGBTQ+ bookshop is in danger. His author crush Noah is willing to help, along with a cast of characters like his super fun bestie Ivy, television reporter "Bloody" Blair Beckett, some romance fans, an influencer and a few drag queens. There are parties, protests, and book signings. But as Christmas day gets closer, the developer shows no sign of giving in. And Quinn and Noah are getting closer, further complicating things.
I loved the side story about the aging starlet, recluse who wants her biography written by Quinn. She has a great story and an interesting personality.
I also loved the ambiance and traditions of the small local town. It was its own character with cozy bookshops, inviting restaurants and a castle. I wanted to be there, bundled up, walking the snowy streets, and enjoying all the Welsch customs while drinking a hot beverage. The setting was definitely a highlight.

While I loved the romance between the main characters, I wanted more! They had great chemistry but so much was keeping them apart that sometimes I got frustrated at Noah for Quinn! Lol I just wanted to see more growth together between the two.

The ending was such a HEA! It was so satisfying! I loved this quote about Quinn's bookstore: "Kings & Queens was more than just a bookshop. It was a sanctuary, a respite, and a friend."

I have to mention a couple more things that made me love the book. First, I kept imagining Quinn as Joe Locke for some reason. That was just the vibe I got. So then the couple was just an aged up Charlie and Nick from Heartstoppers in my head. Lol Also, being a bookseller myself, I related to Quinn's passion and love of books. It felt authentic and you could tell the author understood working in a bookstore.
So if you like a good Hallmark holiday romcom with a little Alexis Hall feel, this is perfect for you to check out.

This was such a cute Christmas romance! It read like a Hallmark movie, which I am pretty sure was the author’s intention. Quinn is the proud owner of the only queer bookstore in Hay. He prides himself on creating a safe space for queer youth, families of LGBTQIA+, and anyone else who finds themselves in Kings and Queens. He sanctum is threatened by none other than his own stepfather. A man who puts business before Quinn’s and the people of Hay’s feelings. Quinn has to make a choice: Back down and allow Richard to do what he wants (which is his usual MO) or stick up for himself and finally learn how to fight back!

There were a lot of conflicts in this story, some of which I felt were not crucial to the story and could’ve been cut (*cough cough* Matty). This book just felt unnecessarily long at times and I think cutting out some of the unnecessary conflicts may have helped with that. The ending, although adorable, missed the mark a little for me. I wanted more. Some issues seemed to just magically solve themselves. I also wish Richard had gotten more comeuppance at the end; he just seemed to get everything he wanted and didn’t really care about the consequences.

Lastly, I would say that if you love cheesy Hallmark romances, then Look Up, Handsome is for you!

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

This book had me in the first 50%; it’s cute it’s hallmark it’s romcom then something happens in the 50% that really threw me off and it kind of felt out of left field and honestly the book goes downhill for me after that and it made me a little infuriated BUT obviously I kept reading so there’s that 🤣 what I liked? The Christmas vibes, the rom com vibes, the cute small town (that is an actual town that the author has been to I may add so I love that he wrote about something he knows and loves) what I didn’t like? The out of nowhere (at least it felt like that to me) plot developments and throwing things in to move the plot along that felt unnecessary. I really wanted to love this one but unfortunately it wasn’t my fav

The cover of this story is too cute and the synopsis had me hooked! Unfortunately the writing style in this novel was not for me.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed the vibe of this book. The cosy, wintry Hay was perfect as we move into the colder months. But that was pretty much the only highlight for me unfortunately.

Something about the way it was written just didn’t mesh with me. It felt too repetitive and too full of information it was almost more stream of consciousness. Because of this none of the characters felt multi dimensional, not even Quinn. And especially not Noah. I didn’t get any sense of chemistry or see what it was that drew the two together other than just happening to be in the same place.