I am a sucker for holiday books, so this one seemed perfect for me. I loved the cover and thought the plot seemed really interesting. Although it wasn’t my all time favourite book or anything, I still thought it was a really good holiday read!

I enjoyed the main characters, but I felt like the side characters were also really great! Iris, Hermione, and James in particular I thought were really fun and I liked any scene they were in.

I was so pleasantly surprised that Quinn ghostwriting Hermione’s book wasn’t kept secret from Noah. I fully expected that to end up being a big reveal and conflict, but I’m really glad that didn’t happen.

The biggest thing I disliked was the whole situation with Matty. Although he was not a character I liked, I don’t like how his involvement played out.

If this becomes a series, I would absolutely read a book about Daniel and his relationship.

The story follows Quinn Oxford running the only queer bookshop in a small town called Hay. On the verge of closing down, Quinn meets author Noah Sage and sparks begin to fly. While struggling to save his bookshop, Quinn begins to navigate his life, all while receiving help from unlikely places.

I loved reading this story although there were some hiccups along the way. The plot is simple and primarily focused on romance. I enjoyed how the story weaved saving the bookshop with Quinn’s budding romance and the tension that grew from both. The story flows smoothly with a core supporting cast and then some others who appear more for background noise than anything.

The relationship and chemistry between Quinn and Noah is questionable on many levels but I love them both. They both had great chemistry with each other, however because Noah’s character needed a somewhat pitiful past, it was becoming hard to justify their relationship. Noah was in a relationship before he started leading on Quinn and he shamelessly admitted it all while knowing Quinn’s feelings for him. I hated it but I also loved their interactions and yet, I also don’t endorse cheating. I was conflicted so I honestly just removed the fact that Noah was in a relationship while reading the book.

This story has a lot of LGBTQ+ representation in both characters, discussions and events. I loved how they were part of the story but it felt disconnected. They didn’t feel natural to the story as if they belonged but felt more forced, as if they were inserted just for representation.

The supporting cast of characters were entertaining but nothing really stuck with me. I think they added some depth to both Quinn and Noah characters, but the majority of them either had their own unfinished stories at the end or a quick ending. I wasn’t attached to any but I loved how most were supportive and positive.

This story is set in the winter months around the Christmas season. I absolutely love that season but it’s also one that makes me very lonely. This book does a great job in transporting us to that small town during winter. The writing is simple yet descriptive enough to make out each character’s emotions, the setting and the combined beauty of both.

Overall, I enjoyed this story mainly for the romance between Quinn and Noah. I would have loved to read a little more about their combined life in the future but I’ll settle for this. Quinn’s endeavor to save his bookshop and the family issues discussed throughout were interesting but it was not enough for me to feel captivated by this story. Definitely a good read if you’re looking for romance but don’t read if you’re not okay with cheating.

Look Up Handsome is a cosy, sweet, and heartwarming romance.

With Hallmark vibes, but far less cheesiness, this book was a lovely escapist read. I found the pacing a little slow, but the ending satisfying and warm. Quinn’s character had substance, and both he and Noah were wonderfully endearing. I loved the supporting cast of characters, particularly Ivy and Hermione. The small Welsh town setting of Hay, and the validating and empowering bookshop were my favourite parts of the story, making for a truly cosy Christmas read.

Thank you HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for this arc. Opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this and read it in one sitting! I love MM romance books that take place outside the United States and I felt the setting for this novel really shined and I want to visit Wales now. This is truly a cute festive romance that felt just a few cheesy moments away from being something you'd see on Hallmark during winter. But this is not a detriment to the writer. It comes across as intentional and fun. I loved both characters but Quinn really held my heart.

Super sweet, cosy and heartwarming LGBTQIA+ romance. I loved it. I hope there’s a sequel.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was one of my first Christmas reads this year and I loved it! Such wholesome vibes exactly what I needed to start off my festive book season.

Rating: 3.75/5 rounded up to 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this free advance review copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

With Christmas soon approaching Quinn has finally recognised the inevitable, that he is being evicted by his step-father from his beloved book shop. The only queer bookshop in Hay-on-Wye. After accidentally going viral on Instagram and getting the local community behind him, along with visiting romance author Noah, a plan is formed to save the shop.

What I Liked: This was a super cute, warm hot chocolate with a candy cane stick in it, Christmas romance of a book! Both the main characters were lovely though I was more drawn towards Quinn than Noah, he could grovel a bit more to be honest. The secondary characters were fun and well placed and the townspeople were entertaining background extras. The overall plot kept me guessing, I actually rolled my eyes a couple of times thinking it was going to go a more typical route and then was happily surprised!

What didn’t work for me: A couple of things. The main one was the maths wasn’t mathing for Hermione’s backstory, hopefully without giving any spoilers she needs to be younger to have been “young and innocent” for when ‘the event’ takes place given Noah’s age now and ‘the event’ itself needs to have happened a lot closer to the millennium. The other thing was I think we should have had more discussion with what happened between Quinn and Noah and some assurances that it wasn't going to be a repeat as Noah has a history of such behaviour…

Final thoughts: A lovely winter romance (I live in New Zealand so was wrapped up warm during a few miserable rainy days while I read it) that also embraces community spirit and letting go of old fears and preconceptions.

Who would enjoy this: People who like cosy sweet romances with not too much unnecessary drama, low spice and happy ever afters.

My favorite thing about this story was the setting. It takes place in the town of Hay-on-Wye, which is known for having over 20 bookstores. It also took place at christmas time which created a really cozy atmosphere.
The cast of characters was fun. I really liked how everyone rallied around Quinn to help save the bookshop. I feel like my main issue was that I just found myself slightly bored. I didn't feel fully connected to anything going on. The elements were all interesting on there own it just wasn't executed in a way that had me fully pulled into the story. I also really liked all the scenes with Noah's mother in them. She was probably my favorite character in the whole story.
I'll also say that I was surprised by how the conflict of the book ended up being resolved. I thought I had it figured out early on but I was definitely wrong. I also really appreciated the feeling of family at the end of the story.
Overall this was pretty cute, and if you want hallmark movie vibes in a bookstore town with LGBT+ protagonists this might be a good option for you.

A sweet, queer Christmas season romance! It’s a bit cheesy, but in an endearing way that I appreciated. I didn’t feel like the main characters had the most sparkling chemistry, but it was a fun holiday read.

3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this book!

It was honestly super cute and British and I loved the Christmas vibes.

The main character had a great personality, and the buildup between the two MMCs was lovely. It felt like a cozy gay rom com! I loved the astrology talk and the queer exploration conversations as well. All of the things I love in a queer book were definitely in this!

The only downside is that I felt like things were getting dragged out a bit too long and I was starting to get bored about 70% in. I really had to push myself to finish the book, but I am glad I did!

Again, super cute, gay, and cozy!! Would still recommend to others♥️🫶🏻

I COULD LIVE IN THIS BOOK WORLD FOREVER!!

Do you ever just read a story and know that you could happily exist in the world on page? Well Look Up, Handsome is the world that I think I would love to live in. It’s cozy and quaint and cutesy and very demure!

Jack Strange is an author that has caught my attention and will keep it! This novel was so adorable and exactly what I want in my holiday romances. Look Up, Handsome has wit, classic romance, and enough angst to keep me hooked. And I think that speaks to the amazing ability that Jack Strange possesses. This is also coming from someone that doesn’t usually love super cozy books, but something about the safe atmosphere made me want to be present for each and every scene.

The plot of this story is at first pretty straightforward. We follow our hero, Quinn, as he is introduced to one of his favorite authors. However, hijinks ensue and Quinn has to write off the experience. Once Noah enters the scene, things take off at a fast pace. The story has some twists and turns with the bookstore saving plot that might feel like a Hallmark movie (this is something that I loved though)! But never fear, the romance and problem solving offers so much for both queer readers and allies (much like the clientele of Kings & Queens)!

Truly I enjoyed this and cannot recommend it enough for a great holiday romance! Check this out - you will thank me later!!

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for a complimentary eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review

I was immediately pulled into Hay-On-Wye with this holiday gay rom-com. The way Jack wrote about Quinn finding his voice and Noah’s anxiety resonated with me and my own anxiety. This reminded me of a hallmark movie and was a quick easy read that was inviting and heartwarming. Reading this reminded me of books by Alexis Hall.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I would rate this book 3.5 stars and 1 chili pepper for spice. If you enjoy slow burns (and I mean slow) this was a super cute drawn out romance. As far as plots go, this book could easily be a Hallmark Christmas movie. I enjoyed the plot of Quinn fighting to not lose his LGBTQ+ bookstore, and his love interest, Noah, is a famous author who is struggling with his own family and relationship issues. I rated it 3.5 stars because I really personally wished that this book would have been dual POV. I found my self wanting to know Noah's thoughts during the whole book. I also wish there would have been a little bit more spice because this entire book is a slow burn up until the last few chapters. I just felt like I was waiting forever for something to happen between the to MC's. If you like low spice and slow burns then this is the perfect holiday story to read on a cold winter day.

this was a very heartwarming read, very much the vibes of a hallmark movie /pos. not much thought needed, lighthearted, quick read with a sweet couple and good causes. sure, it could’ve been better but the simple-ness made it charming. you know who the bad guy is, who the love interest will be, who the best friend is. it’s neatly laid out in a way that’s relaxing and refreshing

thank you to netgalley and jack strange for an e-ARC in exchange for this review :)

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for a complimentary eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Look Up, Handsome tells the story of Quinn Oxford, proprietor of Hay-on-Wye's (of Hay Festival fame) first and only queer bookshop, Kings and Queens. Catastrophe looms as Kings and Queens is threatened by eviction during the festive season. Enter Noah Sage, romance novelist, who reluctantly returns to Hay to attend the Hay Festival Winter Weekend. Trapped by inclement weather, Noah stays longer in Hay than expected, running into Quinn over and over again in the small town. As Christmas approaches, Quinn tries to save Kings and Queens (with the help of his best friend Ivy, his employee Daniel Craig, and a whole cast of supportive community members) all while his feelings for Noah grow and deepen.

I had a lot of fun with this novel! It had so much going for it: a book about a bookstore, queer representation, small (and twee!) town drama, family conflict, hidden secrets, and, of course, Christmas (including an enigmatic visit with Santa)! Quinn's yearning for the aloof, mysterious, and brooding Noah is palpable and the cast of supporting characters is lovely, even if some of them aren't fully fleshed out. It's easy to like and support Quinn, especially against the forces conspiring against him.

The book is enjoyable, fun, and quick. It's a great treat during the coming winter months as the nights grow longer and days grow colder. It's not revolutionary in the genre of romance but that doesn't mean it can't be savoured (like mulled wine)! It warmed my heart and made me smile. The acknowledgements were a special treat! For those in the know, Gay on Wye is the real-life LGBTQ+ bookstore in Hay-on-Wye and I was so happy to see them acknowledged. It was like this book put that energy into the universe and the universe responded.

I love a good bookshop trope, and this definitely didn’t disappoint!

Quinn is fighting to save his bookshop, Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop, from a greedy developer who wants to make it part of the castle that is being restored across the street.

Things become more complicated with who the developer is.

Then there is the dashingly handsome author, Noah, that has come home to speak at the annual book festival. Clearly unhappy to be back in the small town of his childhood, foul weather lengthens his stay.

Can the pair team up to find a way to fight the developer?

This was a really fun, cozy read. I loved Quinn’s dedication to his store and the customers that it serves. And Noah is everything you look for in a grumpy character. Noah’s mother adds a bit of mystery to the story as well.

You’re going to love this small town and the way they band together!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

2.75/5

It's not a terrible book, but it's not my favourite one either.

The first scene of Quinn meeting Noah was already a terrible one and it only went downhill from there. He was dragged by his friend Ivy to Noah's panel, and then, she poured her drink on his trousers so it looked like Quinn wet himself. And THEN everyone (including Noah) saw his wet pants and came to the same conclusion. But did Ivy apologize or say it was her doing? No, not until Quinn left, humiliated. And even then people thought that Quinn had an accident.

And it only went downhill from there. Quinn was so shy and anxious he could barely speak to other people and it was annoying how Ivy didn't respect his boundaries and forced him to do things he didn't want to. Eventually Quinn realized that he had to do them by himself (fear of eviction etc), but being in his head was annoying. I was waiting for Noah's point of view and was disappointed that we never got any.

The book was cheesy and predictable. The writing wasn't the best and the author threw random words like "werk" which seemed really out of place and we're jarring. The small town setting was cute and Christmas books are always fun, but this one wasn't for me. But perhaps other people like it more!

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me access to this ARC.

A queer Christmas romcom?! ITS A DREAM COME TRUE! 🫶🏼

This story is super cute, I loved all the characters and I felt so happy reading it.

Brief synopsis:
Our main character Quinn, is a gay bookstore owned in a small town in the UK, Hay. He loves his work, loves helping people, loves the town, and hopes to continue owning Kings & Queens forever. Enter: his mom’s boyfriend Harold 😡 Harold gets in the way of Quinn’s lovely life and threatens everything he has built. Quinn meets Noah at a local book signing and they feel pulled to each other, as their friendship forms they both feel the pull for something more - but Noah is a city guy, with no intentions of moving to Hay. The story follows Quinn’s journey through the holiday season navigating his life and it’s a fun ride we get to come along for!

The story moved at a good pace for me and I felt the characters were all sweet and easy to like.

If you’re looking for a sweet, queer holiday romcom, this is for you!

Such a cosy little romcom to get you in the winter spirit!
I would have loved it to be dual pov but oh well.

I was so very lucky to be able to visit Hay on Wye whilst I read this book, and this really is a love letter to the town. If you know the place, this will bring this book to life even more.

I enjoyed the story, it was fun and the whole premise worked for me. I liked Quinn, but I would have loved a dual POV for this, I really would have loved to be in Noah’s head and to see more of him and his character.

I struggled a little with the relationship between the two, it was sometimes too slow and sometimes too fast. I adored the side characters and the villain, Ivy and Gordon being stand out for me.

I would recommend this book, it was sweet and fun and if you love Hay on Wye, it is a necessity.