I loved this. It was really cure and I loved the reaction ship that formed between them. I liked the story and how it develops throughout the story. It was a great read and I think Deaver made a wonderful novel that will be loved by many

Cute novel it was fast paced
I enjoyed the relationship building although it did get a bit predictable at times

However I think people will really enjoy this book.

I really enjoyed this as a romance novel, it had realistic characters and their romance was realistically done. I enjoyed the plot and how their jobs worked overall, it had that element that I wanted and thoroughly enjoyed going on this journey.

Peter is a lovely cinnamon roll who should be protected at all costs. I also adored Eli, even when he screwed up big time. The plot was pretty predictable, but every interaction was so charming.

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. I have zero notes, I’m pretty much speechless. I am obsessed.


Thank you for writing this

an INCREDIBLY endearing love interest and a protag i liked even when he (Frequently) messed up. third act breakup is typical, but in general good. 4 stars. would recommend. tysm for the arc.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc!

This is such a feel-good, early 2000s rom-com book! This is the first book I've read with trans representation and I believe it was beautifully done. The author didn't shy away from difficult topics and fully delved into them while maintaining the lighter feel of this book. I'll admit that I knew pretty much nothing about this population, so this book opened my eyes to so many things! I'm glad every group is being represented and I hope the author continues his work in spreading awareness and inclusivity!

Mason Deaver's The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is a refreshing, heartfelt rom-com that deftly explores self-discovery, ambition, and love. With wit, charm, and an undercurrent of real emotional depth, Deaver brings readers into Eli Francis’s world—a place where dating disasters, career dreams, and unexpected connections weave together into a genuinely captivating story.

Eli, a complex and relatable protagonist, is stuck in both his career and his personal life, feeling underappreciated at work and haunted by his ex’s success. His chance encounter with Peter Park—a first date so awkward it’s almost endearing—sparks a series of “practice” dates with a hilarious twist: Eli's pretending it's all for an article while actually digging deeper into Peter’s story. This clever setup makes for some laugh-out-loud moments but also allows Deaver to explore the nuances of queer dating, the challenges of coming out in the South, and the vulnerability of truly opening up to someone new.
Peter is the kind of character you can't help but root for: he’s sweet, awkward, and authentic in ways that contrast perfectly with Eli’s more cynical, guarded personality. Their relationship builds slowly, with layers of trust and respect that make each “date” feel increasingly meaningful. The chemistry between them is palpable, and the progression from "fake" dating to something real is both organic and deeply satisfying.

Beyond the romance, Eli's journey to find his voice as a writer and break free from the limitations placed on him at work is inspiring. Deaver captures the frustration of being stuck in a role that feels beneath one's potential, making Eli's professional journey just as compelling as his romantic one. His final decisions reveal growth, courage, and a newfound understanding of his own worth—both as a writer and as a person capable of love.

The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is more than just a lighthearted romance; it’s an honest, uplifting exploration of self-worth, career ambition, and the messy, wonderful process of opening up to love again. Deaver’s writing is sharp, funny, and brimming with heart. A must-read for anyone who loves a rom-com with substance and authenticity, this book is bound to leave readers smiling long after the last page.

With its perfect mix of humor, heart, and steamy romance, The Build-a-Boyfriend Project delivers a queer love story that’s as tender as it is swoon-worthy. Eli’s snarky, ambition-fueled perspective collides beautifully with Peter’s endearing awkwardness, creating a dynamic that feels both authentic and electric. Mason Deaver crafts a story that not only explores love and self-discovery but also dives deep into what it means to grow beyond your comfort zone.

I've been a big fan of Mason Deaver since their YA debut, and I knew for sure that I'd enjoy this book, too, but it blew my socks off. I fell head over heels for the characters, seeing myself in both Eli and Peter as they each struggled through things that were holding them back. Add to that the fact that I'm a sucker for cheesy rom-coms and the fake dating trope, and it was no surprise that I'll be giving this book five stars.

Though the plot is entertaining and fast-paced (I couldn't put it down), it is character-driven which I think is something that makes Deaver's books special. The reader gets to know the characters intimately, and the plot of the book helps push things along. I found myself encouraging Peter as he stepped out into the world, taking baby steps as many of us do when we're queer and trying firsts that we maybe didn't get to do in high school like many of our heterosexual peers; I voraciously tore through the pages, desperate for more interaction between Eli and Peter -- happy when they were happy, sad when they were sad.

In all, Mason Deaver has come through with yet another wonderful queer book that brought me an abundance of trans joy. I hope you'll take the time to read this when it arrives on shelves in August 2025!

Screaming! Crying! Throwing up! My heart feels so full for their relationship. I’m so glad these books exist. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to have it.