This really did not work for me. I found a lot of the dialogue to be cringe-inducing, and I didn't think the characters were distinct enough from each other. There was also SO much going on (ex-boyfriend revenge club, fighting the administration's homophobic policies, running from homecoming king, etc.) and I think this would've been a stronger book if it had more focus. Also on a cover design note, I do not love that the main character, who has a lot of body image struggles and is described as fat, is skinny/the same size as everyone else on the cover.

Actual rating 4.5 stars for a powerful and important story WITHOUT (!) an effing third-act breakup. So happy about that!!

A vibrant cover. Think of The First Wives Club. A bulky main character (as Ezra calls himself). Book banning. A cinnamon roll love interest. A fantastic friendship between three boys! 
 
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge reminded me so much of Steven Salvatore’s Can’t Take That Away. Both books are about the courage to stand up for yourself and fight back. About friendship. About flawed and messy teens. And in the end about self-love.  
 
TLBRFR has got many things to love, and it’s a very timely story with, on the one hand, out and proud queer teens and, on the other hand, the silencing of those same queer kids in a ‘perversion-free environment’ including book banning. What I loved most, though, was the friendship between Ezra, Lucas, and Finley. Close friendships are so precious and important in our lives, and stories about them are underrated, in my opinion.

Of course, I also liked the romance in TLBRFR. I immediately knew who the Snapchatter was (still not sure if this is a word), and he was such a sweet cinnamon roll. People who have followed me for a longer time know I have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls, and my heart was overflowing with love when Ezra got that special message from Rolf Nyberg, a hockey player. Just know Ezra loves watching hockey!!

Matthew, I adored your debut and can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!

Thanks so much, Delacorte Press and NetGalley, for letting me read this book early!!

This book is an absolute must-read. It is so necessary for young LGBTQ+ people to be able to see that their voices matter and in spite of the vehement anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric out there today (book banning, don't say gay), we matter.

The Last Boyfriends Rules For Revenge was such a fun story and a powerful one. It was giving all of the "John Tucker Must Die" and "First Wives Club" realness. The pop culture references were tasteful as well.

There is an extremely emotional, personal, and triumphant story about our main characters taking on their school district's version of the "Don't Say Gay Bill". But this proves just how strong and powerful LGBTQ+ people and youth are. Especially when we are pushed around by bigots.

This truly gave me so much hope in the power of our next generation, I think this book will help and save LGBTQ+ kids. Save them from living afraid to stand up for themselves and their community against hate. A little noise and raising hell moves mountains.

"We're here, we're queer and we're not going any where" is the best way to describe this book. Well deserved 5 star review and read!

Ezra feels down after he finds out his boyfriend has been seeing other people and using him. He feels like he’s undateable and like no one will ever want him. He and his two best friends have all had their hearts broken and they form The Last Boyfriend’s Club. Not only that - but they’re dealing with a school administration that is trying to make them nonexistent.

Y’all - I’d been WAITING for this one. A YA book of queer people being themselves and figuring out how to make change? Revenge plot? Sassy friends? Sweet as pie romance? Supportive family?? Growth?? Flawed characters who apologize??!

This book was everything I want and more. Tell me why I messaged @matthewhubbard like he was my friend while reading because I was so blown away. This book is wonderful, and Matthew lets you into his brain, his experience, and shares a beautiful vulnerability with readers.

Glitter bomb: I relate to Ezra so much because I am that person. I’ve been that person, and my heart ached for him.

I cried twice reading this one. #Jazra!! So happy I preordered this one already. The copy will sit proudly on my shelf.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.