I absolutely love the premise of this novel, but the execution left a lot to be desired. Bryson Keller was also one of the most cardboard cutout love interests I’ve read recently; he was the perfect boyfriend and... that was it. I do love other aspects of this book like the exploration of being mixed race and how coming out stories are still relevant in modern day. But overall, I found this debut lacking in many areas. It’s a quick read and it’s cute — if tries to be too cute at times — though, so maybe give it a shot if it sounds like your thing and you’re not a tough critic.

This was an incredible read that managed to give a balance of both the lighter, sweeter sides of teen romance, with the darker, scarier sides of coming out. The main character, Kai's, inner monologues and reflections on why he hasn't come out yet are worded in such a way that it rekindles an otherwise watered down understanding of what it means to be closeted. We ourselves might be incredibly accepting, but with that acceptance also comes a blindness for how bad it still is for so many in the LGBTQIA+ community. The writing itself and Kai's words are strung together in such a way that it hits home all over again how truly terrifying it is to be a teen in any non-normative or binary category. I know for me, homosexuality is just as common and normal to me as anything. There were so many LGBTQIA+ kids at my middle school, high school, college, grad school, and my hometown overall; I grew up seeing this as so ingrained in my life, that I'm still shocked when I see certain things happen right in front of me. But this book REsensitized me to how it still is for teens elsewhere, and it also makes me see how fortunate I am to live in such an accepting community. That being said though, it was still light-hearted and entertaining. Your emotional balance won't sink with reading this one, but you won't leave without a deeper understanding of an important issue either.

I love love love this book and can't wait for it to come out. Bryson is absolutely wonderful throughout.

Regardless of where the author took his inspiration for this plot, this is well written Young Adult novel. I appreciate that this feels like an accurate portrayal of the fear and pain involved with coming out or being outed. Kai and Bryson are adorable and Kai's has one kick ass little sister. The highlight of this book is really the connection between Kai and Bryson. Their relationship feels like it builds through small moments and simple gestures of affection and support and these small, private moments aren't always shown in a lot of YA novels that seem to focus more on attraction and grand gestures. I will definitely be reading this one again in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read this entire book in one sitting, and what an adorable, sweet, lovely book it was! It's a super sweet romance that celebrates gay identity, friendship, and first love. I loved how the main character, Kai, reflected on the ways that being gay can still be difficult, even in an era of increasing acceptance of queer identity. I appreciated the way that the religious parents were written, and the role that religion played in Kai's reluctance to come out, as it resonated a lot with my own experiences. I also loved how van Whye wrote the relationship between Kai and his sister, Yazz, who was one of my favorite characters in the book. But I loved, also, how the story wasn't at all tragic, and how I sighed and squeeee'd at the romance of it all! Overall, this is a lighthearted, fun read.

Overall, ‘Date Me, Bryson Keller’ is a really fun, fast-paced read with likable characters. I really liked the chemistry between Bryson and Kai and especially liked that the novel was both a love story and a coming out story. One thing I noted is that the novel often came across as didactic, which isn’t innately a bad thing, but I often found myself questioning whether this was an authentic part of Kai’s dialogue or a moralistic interjection from the author. Though the novel could have benefitted from more subtlety/nuance (i.e. perhaps by providing space for the reader to interpret the novel rather than be told the meaning), I still think that it is an important YA novel that many young readers may find themselves in. Special thanks to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for supplying me with the eARC.

First off: I was granted access to an early copy of this book by Netgalley, so now onto the review.

I REALLY liked this story. I can definitely see where people see the Simon Vs comparisons. I love the story in this and love the way it develops. It was so cute and I liked it enough that I read it all in less than 20 hours (I worked too so about 9.5 hours of that 20 was not reading)

There are a couple things I would do different if I were the one to write this book. I wish the characters had been fleshed out a little more. We only really got a description of Bryson and Kai, but not really anyone else. This book could also be about 50-100 pages longer. There’s so much more that could have happened. Maybe even some more story to go. I just wanted more time in this world with these boys.

It was still great & the perfect kind of contemporary. Overall, I think this book is like a 4.5, but like a high 4.5.

What a beautiful book about romance. I loved the characters and how they were so well developed. The confusion and uncertainty of figuring out whether a person returns your feelings was done so well I had butterflies in my stomach.
To make any story even better you need a conflict. This was done in a poignant and nerve wracking way. The main characters are boys. And neither one is out. (Which was reflectively thought about by the main character. ) there are so many good moments in this book, as well as important topics we all need to think about with compassion and tolerance.
My emotional roller coaster ride is over but the characters and their stories will stay with me.
I will definitely read more of this author.

Date Me Bryson Keller is a cute young adult romance, but it's also a beautiful story.

It involves some of the typical teen things, such as friends making bets, closeted teens, and caddy, forceful girls.

Overall, Bryson and Kai get to know each other as they work on a school project together. What follows is a beautifully natural friendship that develops seamlessly, and then evolves into more.

Kai's a lovable character, who's tired of being closeted and living in the shadows. Meanwhile Bryson is a boy going through a sexual awakening, suddenly realizing he might be gay. They are super cute together, as they struggle with their feelings and making a move. My heart warms at some of the moments, such as the feelings involved by just holding hands.

The author does a wonderful job illustrating the fear of being openly gay in high school versus remaining closeted and always hiding and lying in fear.

As well, the author delivers with some fantastic secondary characters. Holy crap, I can't praise Yazz enough. She's such a spitfire and so darn brilliant.

"You deserve to be happy. You deserve to love and be loved."

My favorite moment is that of ahhh, the freedom of being true to oneself and living openly. That amazing feeling of living life for ones' self rather than for others.

Date Me, Bryson Keller! is a sweet, tender, and romantic story with all the feels of first love. It's perfect for anyone in the mood for an easy-going young adult romance.

My review will be posted to https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot.com/ on release day.

Wonderful #ownvoices novel.

‘Date Me, Bryson Keller’ has a charming PG-rated slow burn romance, but is first and foremost a coming-out story. Kai and Bryson are both relatable teens who are easy to root for, and feel for, as they go through ups and downs.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

Every once in awhile, I get in a book rut. Nothing sounds good, I can't get into a book, and I don't even know what genre I feel like diving into. But it's books like Date Me, Bryson Keller, that reignite my reading fuel and make me want to do nothing but read, read, read.

I demolished this book in a day. What a beautiful, heartfelt, relatable novel! I can relate all too well with the anxiety and many other emotions that Kai feels, even at 31. The characters are relatable and likable, and the humor had me giggling. I really appreciated being in Kai's perspective, and I loved the snapshots of his friends. Priya and Donny were hilarious and I hope there are more stories of them as well as Yazz. PLEASE give me more Kai and Bryson though. Kaison? I ship it.

There's a lot to know about Kai Sheridan. He's in drama class but he hates performing, he thinks pineapple has no place on pizza, and he loathes Leonardo DiCaprio's never-ending Oscar quest. He also has a very big secret: he's gay. Then he's paired up with Bryson Keller for a drama project. Bryson is the star of the school soccer team, super popular, and straight. He also thinks dating in high school is stupid, so a group of friends dared to say yes to anyone who asks him out and "date" them for a week. There's even a hashtag to go along with the whole thing: #datemebrysonkeller. In a brief burst of bravery and/or insanity, Kai leaves his comfort zone entirely and decides to ask Bryson out himself. It's safe because Bryson is straight, and it won't mean anything. Kai will get the opportunity to see what it's like to have a boyfriend, even though it's fake, and Bryson can keep up his end of the dare (even though they won't tell anyone because Kai isn't ready to come out). They have to spend time together for their school project anyway, so no one will suspect a thing. Only....the more time they spend together, the more they both enjoy it. And Bryson isn't exactly behaving like someone who's just putting on an act to fulfill a dare. Could there be more to this fake relationship than either of them ever dreamed?

I'll start by saying that there's some drama surrounding this book because apparently the plot borrows heavily from a manga called Seven Days. I haven't read that one, so I can't speak to whether this book was plagiarized or just has a similar plot. A lot of people are VERY upset at a gay man "borrowing" ideas from a queer woman and passing them off as his own, and I can't say I blame them (though it would bother me the same if they were both straight or bother women or whatever...don't steal someone else's ideas). Having said that, this author has addressed the concerns and said that while there some similarities, he approached some of the elements differently and wanted to bring a different perspective to how certain issues were handled. If he truly did just use Seven Days as a jumping-off place but changed things to tell his own story, I'm not sure I'd call that plagiarizing. Again, I don't know how much is actually different here. For me, this story was entirely new.

I thought this book was adorable and so important. It covers a lot of the fears gay teens face when deciding whether and how to come out, and it handles them with sensitivity but also disappointment and frustration at the injustice that "coming out" is a thing anyone has to do at all. I think the author actually says in the acknowledgements that he wrote the book he wished he had when he was a teenager in the hopes that he can help others who might be having the same experience. I especially appreciated the fact that not all the characters respond well to finding out Kai is gay. Some do, representing the dream of acceptance and nothing at all changing because the person himself hasn't changed, but some break Kai's heart. But then, some of them own up to not responding well and try to make amends. It all felt real and genuine, and the message that "it won't all be perfect but you'll be ok" came through loud and clear.

The relationship between Bryson and Kai kind of blossoms out of nowhere and has shades of insta-love because it happens so quickly, but they ended up being so cute together than I didn't really mind. It was a pretty fast read, and the writing sucks you right in. It's not quite as sharp and witty as Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda, but it's definitely a fun and powerful addition to a growing genre.

**Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!**

I adored this book! I have not been reading a lot of YA lately and this was the perfect one to return to the genre with. Date me, Bryson Keller! was an adorably sweet coming of age, coming into ones own tale of Kai, and closeted high school senior, learning to own his life and be truthful with himself and his community. From the first page this book played like a movie in my head and I want to watch it so badly (think: To all the boys I've loved before, The kissing booth, 10 things I hate about you, She's the man...) ATTN Netflix: Snatch up this book and make it into a movie! This is the first book by Kevin van Whye and his writing style, POV and all the characters in the book. I want to send this book to middle schools and high schools across the country, because the message of acceptance is so important. Love is love and "jokes" about sexuality are not funny they perpetuate discrimination. I hope Kevin van Whye keeps writing and expanding on these characters. I want Donny and Priya's story! I want more of Kai and Bryson, I hope even the sisters get their own books! I encourage everyone to read this story and share it with a teen or preteen that they know! I received an arc of this book and voluntarily give my review.

A fluffy, fun rom-com that handles sexuality and coming out wonderfully. In some ways, it was a bit like insta-love but the characters were so well written that I didn't really care. Some parts of the ending conflict felt a bit rushed and unearned. Overall a really fun read!

3.5 Stars - Fun rom-com that also explores some heavy topics with delicacy and sensitivity. I think as a debut, van Whye did a fantastic job of tackling these issues in a way that will speak to teen readers. The relationships are sweetly depicted and I also really enjoyed the friendship/support system that Kai has in his two best friends. Ultimately, is this book perfect? No - but I enjoyed it and I think it will definitely find an audience in teen readers.

Very cute and fast read! I needed something quick so I downloaded my arc of this one. It was sweet, cheesy and felt realistic. It reminded me of a mix between Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda and the fake dating of To All The Boys I Loved Before.

I liked the character development of Kai and Bryson, as Bryson seemed a little flat/stereotypical at first. They were cute and reminded me a lot of the awkwardness, innocent, and sweetness of first love.

I thought the coming out aspect was very realistic and heartbreaking, as we got to see into Kai’s thoughts and fears. It breaks my heart to think of people who are kicked out, disowned, etc. just for being who they are.


“Living your truth is important, but sometimes living the lie is what keeps you warm, fed, looked after…breathing. Which is something a lot of people looking in from the outside don’t get. "

I think it’s important this is an #ownvoices story, written by a biracial, gay man.

Thanks netgalley for the arc!

e-arc provided for me by the publisher and netgalley

So to address the issue that's been raised about this book: it apparently draws heavy inspiration from a manga called Seven Days. I'm hoping there will be blatant credit for that given in the final copy because passing this off as an original idea does not sit well with me. However I don't see anything wrong with a retelling/reimagining as long as creators are credited appropriately.

Now, beyond the moral and legal issues of inspiration vs plagiarism, this book was wonderful. It was so fun to read such an outlandish concept like a dating contest in a book normalizing mlm.

Books often try to tackle many topics at once, and YA books specifically overpush on issues to the point of obvious insertion only for the point of teaching. This book didn't do that. Kai is mixed-race, and he has thoughts about not fitting in with either black people or white people, but it's just a passing thought. Either someone who can relate would feel seen by it, or someone who couldn't relate would be able to use it as something to think about. Teens don't need to be explicitly taught things in books; they are more than capable of coming to their own conclusions and this book doesn't overstep there.

Huge trigger warning for public outing in this book. It was scary and upsetting.

Bryson is so sweet and Kai is pretty sure of himself regardless of the fact he's been hiding part of himself and both characters were so cute and headstrong. Some side characters don't learn their lessons and that sucks but it's realistic. Part of this book, a sad reality, is about accepting yourself knowing you'll never be accepted by everyone.

Yazz was the sweetest little sister. Some of her lines were a little hard to believe, but she was so supportive and funny. Kai's best friends were also sweet too.

I just devoured this book and I really hope that the original source is given credit because I see no issues with it otherwise. Definitely recommend this light fluffy romance with traces of heavier stuff.

Very cute story about two boys figuring themselves and their world out. Great for fans of Simon vs the Homosapien's Agenda.

I read this book early thanks to #NetGalley.

SWOON! I read this book cover to cover. I loved it so much. I can't wait to get it for my HS Library. This story is just fantastic. I laughed a lot, I also cried a lot. I can't say enough good things about this book! If you enjoined 'Two Boys Kissing', this book will be right up your alley! Treat yourself to this LGBTQ YA love story!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book "Date Me, Bryson Keller". I love a good romance and this one has a bit of a unique twist. Kai Sheridan is your average gay teen living with religious parents. He hasn't come out yet, not to school or his friends, and most definitely not to his family. When popular jock Bryson Keller becomes involved in a Dare to date the first person who asks him out for one week, Kai somehow, almost inadvertently asks him out. Bryson takes it surprisingly well and thereby is the first person to learn Kai is gay. Thus begins a week of the two of them spending time together and getting to know each other. I don't want to give anything away but the plot points were all cute and charming. About 2/3rds of the way through the book the story digs into some deeper territory about how things go for the boys when people start to learn about their friendship. It was very realistic and I was charmed by the main and supporting characters. I read the book in a few spurts over the course of one day. This book doesn't break new ground, but I still found the book a lot of fun and more books about normalize the LGBTQ community the better. Especially our at risk youth.