this story was such a cosy, fun, charming read. i thoroughly enjoyed reading this. i absolutely loved the story of the only lgbtq+ bookshop in hay-on-wye, kings & queens, and it being threatened with being shut down. the story helped pave the way of how important representation actually is to the people in the queer community, that something like a bookstore can help, and guide and heal people.

Look Up, Handsome is a sweet little novel that sees Quinn Oxford fighting to save his livelihood, Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop. When an awkward yet adorable meet-cute happens between Quinn and author Noah, a possible budding romance is set in motion. But Noah has no plans to stay in Hay, as ghosts of his past still torment the writer. Will Quinn lose his shop and his chance at love?

Honestly? It’s hugely predictable and exactly what you want from a romantic novel of this genre. Yes the plot is simple and cheesy, but it’s not denying that, it fully embraces it’s romcom roots and rightly so.

As a person who has been to Hay Festival (albeit in the summer) and the town of Hay, I did love the setting, and Strange did capture the magic of both the town and the festival perfectly, and made me want to visit again. However, I think the Christmas setting could have been developed much more.

The characters are very likeable, and the interactions between Quinn and Noah are believable and adorable. I think they lacked any real depth though, and could have definitely been fleshed out more. I think on reflection, we didn’t really get to learn much about who Quinn was other than on a superficial level.

What I did find irritating, was every so often, Strange would throw in a cliched, stereotypical LGBTQIA word or phrase such as “Slay!” or “Werk!” and it just felt really out of place as if the author was just including it to be trendy. I also found one of the later scenes rather jarring… if you’re going to write a sex scene, do it properly or simply fade to black. This was so rushed; it lacked the build-up and emotion that would have been a lovely payoff. It just didn’t seem to fit in with the style of the rest of the book.

Look Up, Handsome is a nice little read, but it isn’t life changing in any way. One piece of advice…read it in Winter, not the middle of Summer!

Quinn is about to be evicted from his LGBTQIA+ book shop - by his stepfather! He and his friend Ivy are considering how they can save the shop when Noah does a book talk in town and eventually gets wind about the possibility of the store being closed.

There’s a funny meet-cute (well not for Quinn) and a sub plot of Quinn also being a writer and Noah’s infamous actress mother needing a ghost writer for her autobiography. we have grump sunshine banter, a potential love triangle, a small town, family dysfunction, and a host of super fun secondary characters you want to know more about. Except the step-father ……. He can go jump.

For readers who like some simmering tension, a little angst and a pretty clean romance this one might be for you.

My preference is a little more of an open door but this book worked and the enjoyment factor for me was still high regardless.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me the opportunity to read and review the book.

4.25/5

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC. The story follows Quinn as he tries to save his beloved (and Hay’s only LGBTQIA+) bookshop from being closed down while also dealing with his crush on the town’s romance author.
I enjoyed reading this book, though the romance was a full slow burn that could’ve been given a bit more attention in my opinion. There was some great character development from both the main and the side characters. I also absolutely loved Quinn’s interactions with his bookshop customers and they way the community of Hay came together for his bookshop - it highlighted the importance of safe queer spaces.
If you want a cosy, slow burn Christmas romance this book is for you.

A simple, sweet, gay Hallmark-esque novel that will get you into the cozy winter spirit. Faced with losing his LGBTQ+ bookstore, Quinn must find the energy and nerve to push back against his stepfather and rally with the community to keep his doors open. Along the way, what's a little romance with a best-selling romance author who avoids the town they were raised in? This was a feel-good novel that helped me beat the heat at the end of July. I will definitely recommend this novel to patrons and friends alike.

a cute story about the owner of a bookshop who falls in love with another man. sweet, quick read. I enjoyed the story.

This book, out September 26, follows Quinn, a LGBT+ bookstore owner in England who is fighting to keep his bookstore from his stepfather, who owns it. Sprinkle in the Christmas season and a sexy author stranded in the town, and Quinn has to figure out exactly what his next steps are.
I absolutely loved this book. Quinn was so adorable and fun to read his perspective on things and how he wanted to try and keep what basically is his baby, the LGBT+ bookstore that he worked so hard to build. Cue Noah, an author, who is stranded in town due to a snowstorm, and Noah's mother, who had a scandal that she wants Quinn to write about, and you have a really fun and cute Christmassy novel.
On that note, I loved the Hallmark vibe of this! Granted, this wouldn't be shown on the Hallmark channel, but it still gives the vibe.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Look Up Handsome hits shelves September 26th!

What a wonderful celebration of books and Queerness! 🏳️‍🌈

As for the romance, you could definitely see the blooming chemistry between bookstore owner Quinn Oxford and author Noah Sage (which btw is such a cute romance plot: bookstore owner + author🥰). Though, I did have a concern regarding the relationship. I’m personally not a fan of love triangles or cheating. And I felt the relationship that was being built between Quinn and Noah was heading into dangerous territory while Noah was still in a relationship with someone else. Noah does voice that he’s in a relationship, and we actually meet his boyfriend, because he’s staying with him while he’s in town, but still begins to pursue Owen romantically. Even in failed relationships, if a character is still in one, trying to engage a new romantic possibility, makes the foundation a slippery one.

This is where I was really rooting for Quinn.

During a pivotal moment in the book between Quinn and Noah, Quinn makes a really hard decision, but one that wouldn’t undermine his values and his own self-worth. It really endured his character to me that much more, not only his passion in keeping his beloved bookstore, but that he is just a genuinely good person.

Look Up, Handsome is a love letter to the magic of bookstores and how they can provide a safe space for readers of all ages. It’s a story filled with romance favorite tropes: small town romance, grumpy + sunshine, workplace-ish romance, and forced proximity. Fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall will get wrapped up in Quinn’s determination, sweet sunshine personality, and his willingness to do almost anything to keep his bookshop.

I do adore a well-written M4M romcom, especially when they take place outside the US. I find the ones in the US are often over-done, and in Jack Strange's debut (unless the author is masquerading behind the personality), Wales is center stage. Ah the accents, lovely small countryside villages, and a quaint bookstore in need of some support. So many great things, a few not so believable, but an all-around cast with lots to love. In particular, the main character is a doll, and he balances the loss of his father with a desire to succeed. I wish we saw them in scenes together. Flashforward to the future, I'm immediately rooting for Noah to win his heart. But in truth.... I felt like there was some missing points to close up on, so I couldn't go the full 5 stars. I'll definitely read the 2nd book from the author, as his recent articles seem to hint he has a two-book deal. Shall we team up?

DnF at 40%

I tried to like this book. I really, really tried to like this book with this cute hallmark ass premise. I had a whole Queermas in July readathon going on and I found this late and thought it'd be a perfect addition to round out the month and instead this book actively put me into a reading slump. It's made a scrooge of me. (Also why is a collectable Dickens novel in a queer bookshop? Am I missing something there?) Quinn's character is inconsistent at the best of times. I could care less about Noah's existence almost halfway into the book he is not doing a great job as a love interest and his motivations for avoiding town are flimsy at best. maybe they reveal to be more later in the book but I just could not get through it. Others may enjoy it but I'm going to have to say Bah Humbug and leave this off of my holiday reccomendations list

We meet Quinn, owner of the only LGBTQIA bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, Kings and Queeens, but his life is beginning to crumble when his stepfather has decided to evict him and reep financial rewards for himself, against Quinn's pleas and dismay. In walks, famous romance writer Noah... Now we are set for the perfect grumpy meets sunshine small town romance.

I loved the setting of Hay on Wye, especially being a Welsh booklover. It was the perfect setting, it gave the cosiest vibes, and I just love how small town romances with the famous guy visiting gives that Hallmark channel romance feel. Look Up, Handsome gave me major You've Got Mail meets Sweet Home Alabama vibes with a more contemporary twist.

The sense of home and community layered into this book really made my heart swell, beyond the interactions between Quinn and Noah, I loved how the bookshop was a place for people to come together and seek that sense of family, it made me realise that the book community goes beyond that digitally, it is a place of home for many of us, and Jack has captured the essence of that.

I've known Jack from many online interactions, and there is definitely a slice of his heart injected into this book - the love of books, astronomy, sunshine and the playlist at the beginning of the book. I loved that, and it reflected the passion for writing - which is gorgeous at atmospheric!

Christmas in September is fast approaching, and you NEED to spend it with this book!
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Quinn is from a small town in Wales called Hay and he owns the only LGBTQ+ bookshop. He has cultivated community and a safe place in an area that was lacking. However, he received his final eviction notice from his STEPFATHER who wants to turn the bookstore into an information center for the city’s historic castle in the name of, “it’s just business”. When does the shop have to close by? CHRISTMAS. As a result, Hay rallies for Quinn through news v, an influencer, a GoFundMe, a protest, an author signing, and more.

In the meantime, romance novelist Noah Sage is home visiting and a flirtation between him and Quinn begin. However, both parties have challenges they need to deal with before they can be the right partner for each other.

This book has some wonderful lessons on capitalistic greed, coming into your sexuality, owning and championing yourself, and more. The imagery in this book is delectable, however the pace can be slow and dense at parts. For a debut, you see potential in the author and overall this does have cozy, gay vibes.

Star Rating: 3.5
Spice Level: 1
Pub Date: October 18th, 2024
#rainbowreads #lqbtqiabooks #debutauthor #advancedreadercopy #readingreccomendations #keephaygay #booksta

If you need something cosy to read to keep away those cold winter nights then this book is it! Set in Hay-on-Wye, where the town’s only queer bookshop is under threat, it is a real heartwarming read.



I whizzed through this book so quickly, because I couldn’t wait to see how the central romance worked out. You’ll also be rooting for all the supporting characters too, who each have their own journey of discovery.



This book is a book lover’s delight, with a bit of festive cheer mixed in for good measure.

This is a cute wintery romance. Although it's package like a Holiday romance, there's very little mention of the holidays. That's fine - it doesn't detract from the story.

I liked the writing... although there was a bit too much internal exposition a few times which kind of took me out of the story. The story is told from Quinn's point of view as he fights to save the queer bookshop he runs. It's a battle that seems to be more about his sense of self than "just" a bookstore. I liked that he was so dedicated to the cause of a queer bookshop.

I'm afraid I felt as though I didn't really get to know much about the characters beyond the bookstore/writer story line.

Quinn has never been very good at standing up for himself, but when his bookshop - the only queer bookshop in Haye-on-Wye - is threatened with closure, he realises that he has to fight it, not just for himself but also for his community. And while the support of Noah, a romantic novelist stranded in Hay by the weather, is much appreciated, it is also incredibly distracting. Because Quinn can't expect one Christmas miracle, let alone two...

Look Up, Handsome is pure wish-fulfilment, with its feet-sweeping romances, ridiculously attractive love interests, and book-selling dreams. It's the perfect feel-good read, made all the more so by its festive setting, and rest assured it has a happy ending. But Look Up, Handsome also manages to tackle some very real and important topics, and I loved the scenes set in Quinn's bookshop, which is shown to be a vital space for the queer community in and beyond Hay. I also loved the storyline that features Noah's mother, Hermione, who is a wonderful character. The emotion behind this book is clear, and although it never becomes overwhelming, some readers might find its themes of grief and sexual assault (which is discussed but not depicted) upsetting.

This one wasn't quite a five-star read for me, as I wasn't always completely hooked and a few of the characters felt a little flat, but I really enjoyed its fresh takes on small town and bookish romances. I would definitely recommend it!

Quinn, dueño de una librería queer conoce al famoso escritor Noah en una convension, pero porque terminó siendo humillado cuando su amiga le tiro una bebida y todos pensaron que se había hecho del baño, incluyendo el escritor.


No me gustan los infieles, Noah estaba en una relación con Matty y eso no le impidió coquetear con Quinn y casi besarse, pero no lo hicieron porque llegó el novio. La justificación del infiel fue que su relación era mala, ¿si ya estaba mal por qué no terminar su relación en lugar de lastimarlo?

No me pudo gustar Quinn desde que se enteró que el otro tenía novio y eso no le impidió dejarse llevar.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This debut was sweet, genuine, and full of queer joy. Noah Sage, city boy and successful gay romance author, meets Quinn Oxford, the owner of his home town's LGBTQIA bookstore and sparks fly. But Quinn's bookstore is being shut down and Noah may not be as content as he seems...

I loved the cheesy but fun way the cast of side characters interacted with their wonderful openness and curiosity. Noah and Quinn's romance was sweet and low-angst with fun banter and flirting. The intermingled lives of their friends and family brought a wonderful sense of warmth and community. I look forward to more books from this author! 4.25 stars!

(This was a review of a free advanced review copy. Thanks to One More Chapter, Jack Strange, and NetGalley for that privilege!)

This is a good low-angst holiday read. Bookseller Quinn Oxford is trying to save his shop from a corporate closure. It's the only LGBTQ+ shop in his small Welsh town. When author Noah Sage rolls back into the town where he grew up, he sees Quinn and starts to get involved in the efforts to save the shop. 
I really liked the small-town setting of Hay-on-Wye, which is apparently a real town in Wales! And if it's really a town of books, I'd absolutely love to visit! In Look Up Handsome, it seems like a very cute place, and the kind of place where all the residents are up in each other's business, which I kind of love. Quinn is so kind and so devoted to his shop and the people who enjoy it and find it helpful. While it's clear he's on the morally right side of things, I did find it a little hard to root for him at first, because he seemed very reluctant to stand up for himself. Throughout the book, he does develop a bit more of a backbone, which is nice to see. 
I liked the evolution of Noah and Quinn from author/starstruck fan to actual friends. They get along so well, despite Quinn's hidden attraction for Noah. Noah overall seems like a good guy, but I was a bit put off by the way he seems to hide his boyfriend from Quinn. I don't know that it was intentional, but it was hard for me to understand why Noah would bring Matty to Hay-on-Wye and then be leaving the house without him everyday. Fortunately, there is no cheating trope here. Phew! But I do wish Noah had been a little more emotionally mature about things. 
I love the side characters June and Deb are hilarious. Blair is such a golden retriever. I loved Daniel Craig, the bookstore worker. So much dry humor and comic relief from him. And Hermione and Gordon, too. 
Overall, this is a pretty low-stakes, relaxing holiday read, if you're looking for one!

A great Christmas in July (or august) read. This story was fantastic in my opinion and a good easy read. Quinn our resident book lover introvert is a very relatable character for many of us queer book lovers. He is following in his father's footsteps and taking it to the next level. He must learn to stand up for himself and fight for his shop.

Noah is an author doing his best to hide in the small town of Hay-on-Wye that he grew up in. Escaping his mother's shadow is something he always felt the need to do. He steps out of his comfort zone to help Quinn save Kings & Queens.

These characters had a good amount of personality and the advice Quinn gives is advice many young queers need. We also love the quirky side character best friend Ivy.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

There are a lot of things that I lined about this cozy book. The setting of Hay-On-Wye, the Christmas backdrop and the charming villagers. I also liked Quinn and enjoyed his complicated journey to save his bookshop. The romance, though, was not my favorite. I didn’t really feel the chemistry and I thought Quinn deserved quite a bit more groveling from Noah than he received. Overall, though this is a sweet book and one I recommend reading around the holiday season.