The characters in Kris Ripper’s novel The Love Study are unique and complex, and just plain wonderful. Leave it to Kris Ripper to write something so wholly original, poignant, and thoughtful. The Love Study made me smile, and sometimes that’s all it takes to affirm my faith in the power of love, right when I need it most!

There hasn’t been a character who affected me quite as powerfully as Sidney in a very long time. Doing their best to thrive, they’ve created a safe place where they fit into the world. I know it’s constant work, but Sidney’s careful and intelligent approach to life is a real inspiration. They are a unique and complex character, and it’s yet another testament to the extremely high quality of Kris Ripper’s writing that we only get to know them through Declan’s story.

Speaking of Declan, what reader’s heart doesn’t break just a bit when his story starts out with the statement that he left his last boyfriend at the altar? Declan and his jilted fiancé Mason have worked hard to ensure their friendship survives, along with their places in their mutual friend group. The love and support these two provide for each other is admirable.

This is Declan’s first relationship since his disastrous attempt at marriage, and to say he’s a bit of a mess is putting it mildly. He’s on very shaky ground because he thinks of himself as unable to commit, or being unworthy of someone’s love. Heck, Declan doesn’t even want a permanent position of employment and chooses to do temp work instead.

As the story progresses, it is clear what a truly amazing person Declan is. His friendships are solid, his boss adores him, and facing his fear of relationships is a great first step toward finding love in his life again. Even more courageous is how Declan opens his heart and bares his insecurities when he discovers his feelings for Sidney. I admire this guy’s ability to confront and deal with his anxiety. I have to say that I wish I had a bit more of Declan’s characteristics inside me.

The Love Study is a classic Kris Ripper novel. Centered around personal growth, this emotional story tugged on my heartstrings, and made me look at love in a new light. As with all Kris Ripper’s writing, ze propels me to think hard about my place in the world and the relationships I have with others. For all of that, The Love Study is filled with lightness and humor. Quirky characters with clever, sassy dialogue kept me smiling the whole way through.

Declan and Sidney and their eclectic group of friends are sure to be back in future episodes of Kris Ripper’s The Love Study series. Personally, I hope it’s Declan’s jilted ex Mason, but I’ll try to be patient and wait to see whose story is next!

When I started the book initially, I had a lot more expectations. However, Love Study by Kris Ripper was a disappointment for me. Be it the writing style, or the narration speed I could not get connected with the book. The characters were lovable from a surface level. It lacked in-depth research.

The storyline is good. The chemistry between the protagonists is cute. I felt a feel-good vibe but that was the only positive spark. T guess that this story was not for me.

If you are someone who likes to have a light read, you may go for this one. This book can provide you with that cozy feel. Do not expect anything more. You are not going to get that.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Love Study is a fun and entertaining queer romance about two Millennials. I enjoyed most of this book with a few hiccups here and there. Declan and his group of friends made me laugh out loud more than once. I loved the premise of the YouTube advice show.

This was my first book with non-binary, gender queer individuals and it has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I knew very little about.

In the beginning I had a harder time adjusting to the writing style but once I figured it out the flow was pretty good. There were portions of the story that I felt were a little out of place. But overall a good plot line.

I feel this book would be perfect for High school kids or early to late twenties. It has such a huge focus on being who you are and not afraid to show it.

Overall I give it a 3.75 rating

Thank you to Netgalley for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I've read a lot of LGBTQIA titles and have found all them entirely readable and a celebration of love in whichever form it takes.

Although the formula for this book is pretty universal it just didn't 'do it' for this avid romance reader.

Tbh what I found most difficult, if you will, was the use of 'non-binary' pronouns throughout the text.

Maybe I need to become more educated in love in all forms but, as a teacher, reading a person being described as 'they' (plural) instead of 'he' or 'she' (singular) is not in keeping with proper grammar and although this is a tiny detail, it majorly impacted on my enjoyment of an otherwise enjoyable story.

More exposure is maybe the answer?

I enjoyed reading this book but was underwhelmed.

Glows:

-It was nice reading such an inclusive romance novel. The only genderqueer character I had read prior to this book was one of the side characters in "Conventionally Yours." It took a minute to get used to the they/them pronouns used by Sidney, but it made me feel like I was training my brain to do something useful.

-It was fun having a YouTuber as one of the main leads. It felt like a very millenial/Gen Z career to feature. I've read so many romance novels with white collar office worker protagonists. It was nice to mix it up.

Grows:

-The story just didn't have that much actual conflict. The biggest conflict at the end could have been resolved by the characters just having a conversation. I found myself having to force myself to finish because I was just so exasperated with the characters. A good romance novel is all about the internal conflict of two characters, but the insecurities and struggles of these leads felt pretty one dimensional. I need a little more angst and melancholy at the climax of a romance novel to really be compelled.

I'm quitting this book at 60%
I like the MCs and their romance, the awkwardness of their courtship, the frank discussion about love and relationships and the different forms they can take. It's very low on angst and the conflict is almost non-existent. I all for stories of queer (all characters here are queer) love and joy but I also find no engaged enough in the story. I want the MCs to get together, I am confident that they will make a great couple but I don't feel excitement in following their journey.
It's probably a me thing, this being an OK book, just not working for me.

Thank you Harlequin Press for a copy of The Love Study by Kris Ripper for review,

I really wanted to love this one. The Love Study is a queer romance and has lots of representation for all types of queer, including a non binary main character. I did really like the discussions our two main characters had all throughout this book to set the terms and limits that they needed to make it work. Lots of examples of good and bad communication that might be needed in a non traditional relationship and I was so glad to see it. A great example of a healthy and well communicating couple could be. I just found the characters fell a little flat and one note. I wish that the one relationship our main character had wasn't regularly brought up as a sign of his failure and it kept coming up and around again and in the end, it just dragged down the character and the plot for me. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next in the series by this author though!

This was a great nontraditional romance. Declan, the main character, is a bit of a basketcase with A LOT of rambling internal monologuing, and he has never really recovered from leaving his former fiancé/current best friend at the altar six years ago. He's afraid of dating, and generally avoids it, until he meets Sidney, a genderqueer YouTuber who also works at a store with one of Declan's close friends. Sidney pitches an idea for a YouTube series called "The Love Study" in which Sidney and their viewers set up Declan on a series of dates as kind of a romance experiment. Soon, sparks fly between Sidney and Declan in a way that feels cute and natural. The exploration of their relationship, and the way that they both ultimately feel uncomfortable with "traditional" norms of dating was very interesting, and I think this may be the first romance I've read that centers a genderqueer love interest.

The Love Study is the first book in a series by thee same name by Kris Ripper. Declan has commitment issues. He’s been an office temp for literally years now, and his friends delight in telling people that he left his last boyfriend at the altar.And that’s all true. But he’s starting to think it’s time to start working on his issues. When Declan meets Sidney, a popular nonbinary YouTuber with an advice show, an opportunity presents itself: as part of The Love Study, Declan will go on a series of dates arranged by Sidney and report back on how the date went in the next episode. The dates are sort of blah. It’s not Sidney’s fault; the folks participating are (mostly) great people, but there’s no chemistry there. Maybe Declan’s just broken. Or maybe the problem is that the only person he’s feeling chemistry with is Sidney.

The Love Study is a romance that does a good job of capturing the anxiety that is so much a part of daily life for so many, especially in the context of dating. Declan has fears, doubts, and all sorts of issues when in comes to confidence in himself and in his ability to have a successful relationship beyond those in his established freindgroup. Sydney is nonbinary with anxiety and worries of their own. I really enjoyed getting to know both of these characters, and the group of supportive people that are in their lives. This story felt so real, because the anxiety was more real than anything I remember reading in other romance. The conflict is not caused by outside forces, and something a simple conversation could fix forever in ten minutes. Instead the conflict is real emotion and self doubt, anxiety and fear of causing and feeling pain, and the solution is ongoing communication and commitment. I think this was more visceral and real than anything else. I think just about everyone has felt some of this, or had a similar internal dialogue to Declan at some point in their lives. I also liked how honest and real the discussions about gender, language choices, and consent were handled. This book was hard to read now and then, because I could physically feel Declan's anxiety in several situations. However, there were also moments that made me chuckle or smile at the sweetness and respect inherent in the characters. I am eager to read the next book in the series, The Hate Study, because two of my favorite secondary characters get to find love next.

The Love Study is a fabulous read that hits all the fears and handles anxiety, gender identity, and consent in the best ways.

I went into this title on a win whim. I felt like the characters were believable as well as representative of today's society. One thing I commend of this title is the ability to not only let the reader learn about the main characters dating life, but also its sorry to teach/ inform the reader while going on this adventure. The story was fun and routinely all in one.

I was really excited for this book, looking to read something entirely new to me, having read LGBTQ books, but not with such diverse characters. However, form the start, the entire plot seemed forced, contrived and there was zero chemistry. Adding to that dialogue that in no way fit their ages and an incessant need to "giggle", was simply enough to make me not like any bit of this, sadly.

I found The Love Study to be a cute read overall but the repetitive conversations between the protagonists was tedious at times as they seemed to talk in circles. Their overall lack of desire to grow up was also less than desirable.

OMG, this was such a fun read!

The characters of The Love Study--Declan and Sidney especially, though the rest of the OGMFers too--are such a wonderfully quirky bunch. I loved that their idea of a bachelorette party was a slumber party with their entire friends group, and every time they all got together on the page their camaraderie shone through in everything they did (though it is more than a little uncool that they constantly bring up the fact that Dec left his fiance at the altar three years ago--especially when that fiance is one of them). There's a teaser for Oliver's book at the end, and I am here for it--I can't wait to spend more time with this bunch! Is it May 25 yet? ;)

But back to The Love Study...

The premise behind the plot--that dating is hard, and queer dating has its own challenges on top of that, so Sidney's going to help Dec navigate his way through it with their YouTube advice show--was a bit gimmicky, but fun. It was very quickly obvious to everyone *except* Dec and Sidney that they were the ones who should really be going on dates, though honestly that part was resolved a bit faster than I was expecting. Which was fun, but then it gave Dec extra time for his commitment-phobe, I-am-clearly-broken-because-I-left-my-boyfriend-at-the-altar-so-I'll-just-hurt-them-too self to slowly build up to a massive freak out.

Which he does. In spectacular fashion.

Luckily, this is a romance with a guaranteed HEA (it's right there in the Carina Adores promo materials!) and Sidney, being an advice giver-outer by (at least one of their) profession(s), ends up taking him back without making themselves into a doormat, and a delightful HEA is had by all.

Well, is had by Dec and Sidney, and the other friends who are already paired up when the story starts, at least. Which brings us back to Oliver (May 2021!) and Mason (the ex-fiance who'd better be getting a book too--I assume sometime after that?)...and here I am, counting the days... ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This book is adorable! Loved the romance and the dynamic of the friends. Highly recommended to those you loved Red, White and Royal Blue.

I have to admit this was the first LBGQ+ book that I’ve read. I liked reading a romance that for once I couldn’t put myself into. I could just read a book. So I find it hard to give a really good review as I wasn’t use to some terminology so had to google a few things which is fine, but maybe not a great book for newbies to this genre. I also struggled with with non binary them/they/their pronouns. I did get use to it as I went on, but did find in conversations if people’s names weren’t used I’d often get lost. I also found everyone to be a bit too polite and worried about everyone’s feelings. I like a bit of drama and turmoil. But overall I like the characters and I liked to story line and concept

when declan meets sidney in the love study he's immediately captivated by them. but they don't date. declan has a history that makes him less than promising as a potential love interest. he did leave his ex-fiancé standing at the altar. like left him standing at the altar. it was the right choice, and the exes are friends. but it's still something his friends delight in teasing him about.

it's not that declan has anything against marriage either. or commitment. it's just that maybe marriage as a construct isn't for him. sidney runs a popular youtube vlog and has an opportunity to tie in a sponsorship around declan's dating. and even though he's not sure about the dating thing, declan jumps at the opportunity to spend more time with them.

this story is cute and low-angst. the characters have some baggage to overcome, but the openness of their communication is so endearing. even when they are mixed up about each other, there is such a sweet kindness about this book. just a lovely read.

**the love study will publish on september 29, 2020. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press (carina adores) in exchange for my honest review.

Sure, <i>The Love Study</i> has a sweet couple whose romance I enjoy, but the way it examines the nature of love is even better.

First the setup - Declan abandoned his last boyfriend at the altar and has avoided dating for years, thinking that relationships are beyond him. His heart has healed in the meantime, though, and he might be ready to try meeting people again.

Enter Sidney. They're a relationship advice YouTuber looking to start a new video series - The Love Study - and Declan is the perfect subject. Sidney will set him up on dates, and after each they'll discuss what worked and what didn't. But as they spend more time together, Declan realizes the only person he has chemistry with is Sidney.

Before I get into the review proper, some rep - Ripper is genderqueer and so is Sidney. Yes, the jacket copy says "nonbinary", probably because it's a more recognizable term, but in the book Sidney prefers "GQ" to "enby". Declan has anxiety including panic attacks, but it's not overly detailed and didn't end up bothering me. There are also mentions of homophobia, transphobia, and racism.

The little things make me feel safe reading this book, and most boil down to respect. When Declan and Sidney make plans options are offered including the option to do nothing, no pressure. They brainstorm solutions, like when trying to figure out what to call each other - partner? lover? datemate? companion? They're comfortable talking out their feelings, even when they don't have all the words for them yet. This kind of respect should be the foundation of <i>all</i> relationships, not just intimate ones, and I love seeing it.

Related - Declan is used to spilling the beans about his sexual escapades to friends, but Sidney wants to keep things private and he respects that, even grows to like it after a while. Sidney's wishes end up affecting us readers as well - this is a closed door romance, so there's no explicit sex on the page.

The respect is great but my favorite thing about this book, hands down, is how it made me think about the nature of relationships. By watching Declan's dates - never disasters, but always lacking somehow - Ripper examines what it means to be "romantic" and how different people have different definitions. Sidney laments how "romantic" gestures often have a gendered element, even in queer relationships - someone offering to pay for dinner, opening doors, giving chocolate on Valentine's Day. That it feels more like playing a role than being genuine.

There are thoughtful discussions on whether dating is the best way to get to know someone, and the "goal" of relationships. Now that everyone can marry, should that be the universal goal? Is long-term commitment sufficient? Heck, is it necessary? How much are thoughts around queer marriage are bound up with it being not only a personal statement, but also a political one?

In examining these issues Ripper is also taking a meta look at the Happily Ever After in romance. Many books end with a marriage or similar, but can the main characters simply like each other a lot and have that count as an HEA? There were times that I would put the book down and stare off into space, thinking about everything Ripper is laying down.

As much as I love this book there are a couple of things that didn't quite work for me. I would have preferred a higher heat level, while recognizing that it would have brought a genderqueer character's genitals into the conversation, which is never ever a requirement. There's a found family element but it felt a bit forced to me. Then again, I think that dynamic takes a couple of books to develop. And the ending was... fine. A bit predictable, not bad, just fine.

If you are a thematic reader, if you would like to examine the nature of love and relationships, and if you are looking for a comfortable, safe space to go in these uncertain times, there's nothing better than <i>The Love Study</i>. I'm an instant fan of Ripper and can't wait to dive into zir backlist.

Review originally published at Romancing Romances.

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

2.75*

Although this is a 2.75* stars review, I feel like I should make a few distinctions, and mention a few things. First of all, I’m not queer/part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I do, however, have very good friends who are. Second, I feel like the story of the book and the meaning of the book almost deserve different ratings (intellectual chemistry anyone?).

For me, the best part of the book was closer to the end, when and after Declan, our main character, does this huge thing that changes his life immensely, as well as the life of Sidney, the person he was dating. And why? Because I think that’s when we had more emotion, when we actually saw who Declan was, and what he was dealing with.

The plot itself didn’t really clicked for me, I loved the chemistry between our characters, but I always felt like it was all a bit fake… Maybe that was the point? Because the end leads to that, to the question of what we want for us, for our lives, and the most important one of who we really are. No masks, no “doing what society thinks it’s right”, etc. This is the part I actually liked. So, for the questions it raised, I would probably give it a 4*. But for the enjoyment of the book… It just didn’t work for me. Maybe 2*?

I really liked the YouTube stuff, how they planned the love study, the dates, etc. It was interesting to see a project like that come to life. And it was fun to see Declan and Sidney connect. But that was about it.

I’m sure it’s a great book for many people, for me it just was a bit boring story wise, but great in pointing out the problems with society and with what society makes us feel.

This was a really cute story about two people in an unconventional romantic relationship. It was different seeing two people that didn't want a standard dating life plus marriage. They wanted to loved and be loved and it was hard for them because not everyone avoids standard romanticism, like going out on a fancy dinner date, going to the movies, picnics, etc. Those things were definitely not for them.

I liked both of the main characters: pansexual super bubbly but a ball of anxiety, Declan. Love him so much. He clearly had some things he needed to go to therapy for, ask for help. Then genderqueer Youtube kind of vip, Sidney. I love them, too! They were so sweet and I feel they had a fantastic clothing style! Spinster Uncle, hilarious! Giving dating a chance even after disasters and disappointments was both sweet and hard.
I loved their peculiar relationship and I loved how they were very insecure, but so very cute with each other.

My heart did still hurt a bit even if the book was mostly funny. The writing was very easy to get into and I read the whole thing in one go. I really really liked it!

Absolutely adorable! The relationship between Declan and Sidney is so sweet and supportive and just amazing. The extended cast of characters is great, and they're so unique that it never feels that they're shoved in just to have people for the MCs to talk to. Declan's internalized fear of commitment and anxiety are portrayed very realistically and make the eventual meltdown all that more believable. I adored the last chapter where he explains what their relationship looks like and why it works for them. So many people would benefit from My Spinster Uncle being a real show!