A fluffy christmas rom com set in Hay-on-Wye? Sounds right up my alley!

Look Up, Handsome is the story of Quinn, struggling to keep his gay bookshop, 'Kings & Queens', in the Welsh bookshop town of Hay-on-Wye, open even though his stepfather wants to shut him down. Enter hunky romance author Noah Sage - broody, reserved, and once resident of Hay. Can Quinn and his friend Ivy save the shop? And what about the spark between Quinn and Noah?

Books, gays and Christmas sound like the perfect trifecta for me! Sadly, it didn't deliver on all fronts. I really enjoyed the writing, it was engaging and I was entertained. I actually was surprised that the brief moment of spice towards the end of the book was well written as well. I also found the set up and the setting to be well chosen and compelling, so I did read it quite quickly. I also think the qay that the topic of Hermione, Noah's mother, was handled well and with compassion.

Despite this, there were a few issues I had. I felt the characters, especially Quinn, were quite one-dimensional. Ok so he had an ex who left him in a shitty way, there's the bookshop that once belonged to his beloved Dad, he wants to write and has a job offer at a publishers in London but doesn't want that. Overall it was all very superficial.
The book also did not have compelling side characters. There are the random Deb and June who keep popping up but who are not engaging enough to warrant a lot of time, Ivy is fun but again, she feels quite confusing as a character. When we are introduced to her I was not sure if she and Quinn were that close, but then she hung around so, apparently they were.
Noah and Quinn did not have a lot of chemistry on the page. Obviously we suspend our disbelief when it comes to romance but even with that it can sometimes feel like the author is pushing it a bit, and it did here.
Finally I don't actually think the christmas setting was that strong. Maybe it was the fact that I have read this on one of the hottest days of the year, but I was never fully taken into the christmas spirit, and kept having to be reminded that this was, in fact a Christmas romance. (Also how does a Christmas romance not know what Mistletoe looks like? When Noah and Quinn kiss in the bookshop it is described as having red berries - which is what holly has. Mistletoe has white berries.)

Overall this is light, fluffy and quick for those wanting a hit of wholesome romance with a small amount of spice, even though for me it did not fully work. I will be interested to see what the author does next as I think the writing shows a lot of promise!

4 stars

This was a sweet, festive, surprisingly emotional book. This is part romance, part a story about a small town rallying together to save a queer bookstore. I loved how much we got to see the community and how they were impacted by the bookstore. It felt very realistic and really showed how important it is to have safe spaces for queer people. The stories of all the people, while fictional, made me emotional because they are definitely real experiences people have every day.
The romance was nice but felt secondary to the rest of the plot. There was a little bit of a love triangle moment which wasn’t my fave but it was resolved quickly. I also really wish the two mc’s would’ve just communicated a little more. It felt like they were never really on the same page

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the ARC!

It was a nice romance. I was a fan of Quinn but not so much of Noah. The romance between them was a bit off for me. I liked that the queer bookstore was a huge part of the story. I liked the small town feel of the town of Hay and the neighborhood townsfolk. The ending was well done. Overall, it was a good romance. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

4 ☆

the story follows quinn, a book shop owner in a little town called hay-on-wye, wales. not only is he a bookshop owner, he’s the owner of the only lgbtq+ bookshop in hay. when he is threatened with losing the shop, he teams up with his best friend ivy, to help save it. along the way, many people join in on the fight, amongst those, the charming author noah, who was only meant to be in hay for a fleeting moment, has been forced to stay due to a snowstorm and must face his demons and why he let hay all those years ago.

『 tropes 』
•lqbtq+
•slow burn
•small town
•famous/non-famous
•forced proximity
•grumpy x sunshine

『 plot 』
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. i feel that was the main point and it was beautifully written. i loved that both main characters had their own issues to deal with, and they both helped one another to come to terms with their struggles. they were so sweet and a great little love story, very much a slow burn but worth the wait! i loved the side story of hermione, noah’s mum. what an intriguing and interesting character she was, i would absolutely love to read a book just on her story!


『 characters 』
all the characters were absolute sweethearts, apart from harold, for obvious reasons but every story needs an antagonists and boy, harold was easy to hate!

quinn was just a delightful human, just a beautiful soul honestly. he was such a sweetheart who was easy to love and had you rooting for him through the entire book. he had his shortcomings, he rarely stuck up for himself, which led to heartbreak and disappointment for him, but fighting for his shop brought him out of his shell and made him realise he deserves everything good in this world, and he does!

noah was a grumpy, loveable little soul and was also easy to love! his past and how he dealt with everything made him harbour a lot of guilt and shame, but reconnecting with his mum and meeting quinn made him see that dealing with trauma isn’t black and white and you need to handle things how you see fit, at that time.

the side characters brought such a fun dynamic to this story. ivy with her tarot reading and lover of reading people’s aura’s, she was wise and forceful and fierce.

i say ‘side’ characters, but honestly, every character in the book made this story so special.

『 writing style 』
i like the writing style. i normally prefer first person narrative and a dual POV but honestly, i’m not mad that this didn’t have that. i liked not seeing the story from noah’s POV, i like being in the dark about his feelings, all you had was how quinn perceived their relationship and i found that super fun

『 overall 』
i loved it. it was sweet, insightful, hopeful, powerful and an all round great book with alluring characters and important themes, mixed in with some comedy.

10/10, would recommend

Sweet little romcom that got me right in the Christmas spirit. Unfortunately did feel a little Hallmark-y at times, but I think that's due to the amount of Christmas films available to watch at any time as well as the single POV - au think it would have been more interesting to hear Noah's POV as well.


My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

Look Up, Handsome is a gay romcom set at Christmas, as the owner of an LGBTQ bookshop in Hay-on-Wye has to fight to save his shop whilst finding himself attracted to the romance novelist in town. Quinn Oxford runs the only queer bookshop in the book-festival-famous town, and he knows it's important, but the threat of a redevelopment could put an end to his dream. When Noah Sage, hot romantic novelist of the moment, arrives in town for the winter book festival, he seems reticent, especially given the scandal around his mother, but Quinn is drawn to Noah, and soon he is juggling saving his livelihood and dealing with his attraction to Noah.

I do enjoy watching some of those terrible Netflix romcoms, so I was hoping this book might have a spark of that, and the LGBTQ bookshop premise is a fun one. I'd say that Look Up, Handsome does have some of the classic tropes of a silly Christmas romcom—one of the pair hating the town they've returned to, an inexplicable Christmas deadline for the main drama, mistletoe, Christmas alcohol, a character with the same name as an actor just for a joke at the end—but it also isn't overly Christmas-y, so despite the very festive cover, I think it could be read outside of the festive period.

The narrative is from Quinn's point of view and I don't know if this contributes to one of the main things I didn't like about the book: I didn't feel like I knew anything about Quinn. He runs a bookshop, he thinks Noah is hot, and he's still dealing with the death of his dad. There was a lack of anything else about him, like what he likes and dislikes, and even how he feels. I was particularly surprised that despite being set in a bookshop, the book seemed to shy away from mentioning almost any books at all, or even genres beyond romance, classics, and celebrity-written kids' books (though I did like the cutting remarks about the latter). Also, there was basically no information about Noah's novels in the book, and I thought there was some suggestion that he didn't write queer romance, which I assumed was going to be a plot point, and then it never came back, so maybe I imagined that. For me, I like a contemporary romcom that feels like the characters have real, specific interests, and though the book does have a lot of description, sometimes in the middle of conversations, it was often quite vague and didn't build up a picture of the characters.

The book is cheesy, but it's meant to be, and there's enough drama and conflict even with that. The subplot with Noah's mother, whose unfair treatment by the media has left her stuck indoors, is good and questions how we view celebrities, especially women, when what seems like scandal happens, bringing a different dimension to the book. Look Up, Handsome exists in a universe in which everyone seems to be very positive about there being an LGBTQ bookshop (it's just greed that threatens its existence, and that's a realistic message) and that might be what some people need from this book. Personally, I might've preferred something that engages a bit more with the realities of LGBTQ people in Britain, given that the argument around the bookshop is that people need it, but in the world of the book, it isn't entirely clear that they do. There's one uncertain parent of a trans teenager who is recommended Juno Dawson's What the T? in perhaps the only specific book mention of the novel, and I think maybe a few more moments like this would've made the bookshop (and Quinn) feel a bit more real.

I enjoy the odd queer romcom with a good premise but I'm not a big romance reader (if we're talking about sections of the LGBTQ bookshop, queer horror is much more my area), so I do think big fans of the genre might have fewer issues with some of the things I didn't like as much. Look Up, Handsome is a fun story that celebrates the queer bookshops we have and that we must protect, whilst fitting well into the cheesy Christmas romcom category. There's some funny moments—like shouting about Eastenders during a major dramatic point—but for me I wanted more of this, more witty specificity and details that make it feel like these are real queer characters with interests and thoughts.

I came into this book expecting Hallmark movie vibes and it definitely delivered! I enjoyed the warm fuzzy feelings it gave and it made me want to spend a Christmas in Hay.

With that being said I ended up not enjoying Noah and Quinn as the main couple. Noah having a boyfriend really ruined them for me. I understand that he claims their relationship was as good as over but it wasn’t actually over as he was openly flirting with Quinn. It made it hard for me to root for them.

I also felt that a lot of the information was delivered with clunky descriptions instead of just showing us. I feel like this book could have been shorter if the show don’t tell mentality was taken. Instead we ended up with the first 90% of the book being emotional cheating and clunky info dumping only for the last 10% to fly through the boys getting together and his cousin saving the shop and everyone getting a happy ending.

Overall this wasn’t a terrible book and I don’t regret reading it but I also don’t know that I would recommend it to anyone else.

Even though it's July, I still enjoyed reading this festive rom com novel. It was cute, easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. I look forward to reading more by the author. I definitely recommend it.
💓 Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to adore this book. A queer bookstore in Wales—what's not to love? And I think the author has the makings of a great story... but it's not there yet. For starters, I spent a large portion of the book wondering who the main couple was supposed to be. It seemed to me that Quinn had as much chemistry with Blair as he did with Noah. The choice to use single rather than dual POV is legitimate but didn't help with the uncertainty. I'm all for romances that color outside the lines in terms of genre expectations, but unfortunately, this one just didn't feel fully baked to me.

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

I requested and received an eARC of Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange via NetGalley. I’m a complete sucker for this cover, I love a good holiday romance and this immediately caught my eye. Quinn Oxford is the owner of Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop. The shop is not only his livelihood, but also as a safe space for the town’s queer folk and holds a special place in Quinn’s heart. When he is threatened with eviction, he realizes he must overcome his fears and learn to speak up to save the shop. Quinn’s frequent run-ins with romance author Noah Sage, who is stranded in Hay because of the snow, only add to his frenzied state. The writer is gorgeous and charming, but clearly uncomfortable being in Hay. Can Quinn save his store and crack the mystery that is Noah Sage? Maybe with a little Christmas magic!

Although the plot is a bit simplistic in that wonderful Hallmarkish way, the author adds depth at every occasion. Quinn’s shop does much more than sell books. It fosters community and has an impact on the customers, which made me actually care about the outcome! The author does a great job with messaging, particularly with the bits about Hermione Sage. I loved the pop-culture and EastEnders references sprinkled throughout the story, as well as the explanation of some Welsh traditions (I was fascinated by Mari Lwyd!) I grew to love Quinn as I read this book, but when it came to his romance with Noah, there were admittedly a few things that left me scratching my head.

I think there were certain moments in the narrative that information was revealed in a way that felt a bit clunky. The dialogue between Noah and Quinn was always enjoyable, but halfway through the story their dynamic grew more complicated, and I found myself conflicted about their blossoming romance. A really positive attribute of the story, however, was the humor! Both Quinn and Noah are dealing with some pretty heavy situations and these moments of humor helped to ensure that this was a cozy, heartwarming read. It definitely helped to satisfy my craving for a little Christmas in July. I really thought this was a charming story and I enjoyed it for the most part.

Love, love, love! I loved this book. It is a cute MM romance between a bookseller who wants to keep his shop and a stranded hotshot author who is from Hay but never wants to come back.

It’s your typical Hallmark movie plot but better and happening in Wales. It transported me from July to December with all the holiday joy you would want from a cozy holiday read.

Summary: When his queer bookshop faces closure, Quinn must save it while navigating a growing romance with brooding novelist Noah Sage.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for inviting me to read an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

Super cute cosy MM romance set in a welsh town. I loved the plot of this book I think book lovers and any fan who read LGBTQ books are going to really enjoy this.

3.5 stars. My biggest thing is the quotes for talking but I was able to move past that because I was very invested in this plot. It’s a typical hallmark Christmas movie and I eat it up every time. I liked the characters and the relationships with each other. Ivy is the best. Sometimes the story was a bit slow but overall this was just a cute feel good story that I would recommend.

A cozy and sweet holiday MM romance that takes place in a historical bookish town in Wales. Booklovers and the lgbtq+ community will really appreciate this book. All the characters in the story are lovely (except a few who are not - I’m looking at you Harold and Matty) and there is a great community who comes together for and is supportive of a great cause. The main characters, Quinn and Noah have a connection from the very first moment that builds in a slow burn. The setting is very idyllic with snowy landscape, holiday decorations and winding small streets. I really liked that Quinn wasn’t afraid to show his emotions and cried openly. I recommend this for the upcoming holidays while cozying up under a blanket. And all hail to booksellers, you are just simply great.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.

Yes, it's summertime and sweltering hot outside, but I couldn't help myself from reading this cute Christmas story about saving a bookshop! This story is so cute and definitely reminds me of something you could find on the Hallmark Channel but I say that in the best way possible. This was wholesome, and heartwarming. This is a Small Town, Forced Proximity, Grumpy x Sunshine novel that is festive, flirty and fun. I think this will be perfect for reading anytime of year, but especially around the holidays.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for inviting me to read an eARC of this book.

There’s nothing like reading Christmas books in July! Despite the hot weather, the snowy setting of this book was easy to envision and I enjoyed reading about the small town and its residents. Quinn is our main protagonist and he runs the towns only queer friendly space for the local lgbtq+ community. That place, Kings & Queens, is Quinn’s bookshop and his pride and joy. Sadly said bookshop is in danger of being shut down by a developer. Enter Noah, a broody novelist who is reluctantly snowed in. While he’s unable to leave the town, he and Quinn grow close as they attempt to save the shop. Christmas romance’s never get old and I would recommend giving this one a try

Thank you to Harper Collins for giving me early access. I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion I am giving voluntarily. While I love Christmas books, the whole hallmark vibe is my absolute favorite, and I love queer representation even more I regret to say this is not it. The information dumping needs to be edited a bit more and maybe moved around to a part where the men are having a heartfelt moment. There isn't much mention of facial expression or sweaty palms or how a character is feeling. This alone makes me feel like an outsider reading facts instead of pulling at my heart strings and reeling me in. The main character doesn't have much of his own personality, how interesting his dialogue is depends on a character he's taking to and the only parts that had a lively interaction was when he was with Ivy. I really loved the idea for this, a Christmas book about saving a book shop? Love! Unfortunately it fell flat, I couldn't hear the author's voice or figure out the writing style. I would like to read another book by the author in the future I feel he (I'm sorry I don't know your pronouns) is only going to get better.

I may have read this in the middle of summer, but the way this book transports you to a whole other world makes Christmas in July perfectly acceptable.
Oh, I just adored this book. I only visited Hay-on-Wye for the first time last year, it was such an idyllic destination for a book lover, and Jack has captured the essence of the place perfectly. The friendly atmosphere, the beautiful buildings, the cosy small town vibes. Whilst elements of the story are more fiction than others, there were also some really fun real facts peppered throughout- I particularly loved reading more about Richard Booth and his peculiar ways.
Our main character, Quinn, is SO relatable. Awkward and anxious, but so real. I loved seeing him and Noah's interactions, the will-they-won't-they element keeping us guessing throughout. What I loved more, though, was Quinn's beloved bookshop. Kings and Queens sounds absolutely perfect- a welcoming space that is truly the heart of the community, and a safe haven to not just the LGBTQ+ community, but everyone that needs it. The moments in the book where Quinn gives advice were so genuine, and didn't feel forced at all.
It was really interesting discovering more about Quinn and Noah's respective family histories, and subsequently their relationships with their families now. I guess that brings us to Hermione - what a woman! I adored this mysterious lady and coming to understand why she was so misunderstood.
Every single one of the supporting characters in this novel serve a purpose, and there wasn't a moment when I wasn't genuinely invested in them all. (Speaking of supporting characters, I would absolutely read Ivy and Bloody Blair Beckett's story 👀)

Overall an absolute joy to read, definitely one you want to find under the Christmas tree this year, and absolutely not want to one to be missed- a book lover's perfect Christmas read.