I— 😭😭😭

I just love this book! I loved the trans representation this book brought! I loved the two main characters! I loved the supporting characters too! This book will stay in my heart forever!

This was such a cute book! I HIGHLY recommend this book! The romance, the intention, the little details, and then ending were so great!

I WILL BE PURCHASING MY OWN COPY FOR MY LIBRARY!

Deeply deeply charming, full of love for these characters and then finding their place in the world. I think that what really worked for me in this book was the way that both Eli and Peter felt so deeply tangible — I've known people like both of them! — and as a result nothing about their dynamic felt contrived, and they still ran into a lot of friction and the complications of people learning how to come together. Tbh I was just so genuinely delighted by this book, especially since it was pitched as a romance, which is a genre where I am often wary of the general genre expectations of it all!!

Mason Mason Mason! Imagine if 27 Dresses, She’s All That and How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days had passionate sex and their love child would be The Build A Boyfriend Project. It was utterly addictive to the point where I was reading it (and reacting) at work! Peter and Eli had me laughing and screaming so so hard! The Build A Boyfriend Project was a truly incredible adult debut!

Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the other works I've read by Mason Deaver, so I was interested to see their debut into the adult fiction world. Build-a-Boyfriend started out a bit slow for me, but I saw the charm in Peter after their disastrous first date happenings were explained. I wasn't a huge fan of the plot, partially because I spent a lot of time worrying about when the whole fake dating/article plan was going to blow up in their faces (I have no trust in authors.. just kidding..). So the overall trope plus the outcome wasn't my favorite and didn't feel very unique, but I do enjoy Deaver's writing style and the way they craft their descriptions. I would recommend this book to those looking for a queer romcom with a trans main character, but it wasn't personally my favorite book by this author.

Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes, which was one of the reasons that I was excited to read The Build-a-Boyfriend Project. The main character, Eli, is working as an assistant at a Buzzfeed-like website, but wants to write more serious stories. His boss is toxic and, to make things considerably worse, his ex also works there. After a disastrous blind date with Peter, he pitches his boss a story about fake dating Peter in order to “fix” him. Meanwhile, he tells Peter that he wants to write an article about what it was like to grow up as a queer person of color in the South, in exchange for some tips on dating. Of course, as they spend more time together, Eli sees past Peter’s socially awkward exterior and starts to develop feelings, but isn’t sure how to communicate this.

I’d recommend this book to fans of movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Devil Wears Prada. Much like those movies, it did it drive me kind of crazy that the main character chooses to stay in such a toxic work environment, but then again, that’s kind of a key plot point. Overall, I loved the writing style and character development. Eli and Peter felt real and I was rooting for them throughout the book.

Eli and Peter’s story is like the perfect blend of humor, heart, and steamy romance. I mean, who wouldn’t fall for Peter’s adorable awkwardness and Eli’s snarky charm? Their fake dating adventure turns into something real, and it’s SO satisfying! The way Deaver explores self-worth and career ambitions is truly inspiring.

In the beginning, I adored this book. It’s funny, it is informational, and it feels like real life.

But by the end, I was 100% fangirling for Peter Park & no one hurts my boy. So, I grew somewhat annoyed with Eli — I found him snarky and self absorbed. I really wish the end would have shown a bit more of the redemption story so that I could have given him a second chance.

When characters really fuck up, as a reader, I struggle to look past that—especially when there’s a relatively short period before they are forgiven.

I will say, despite my contempt for Eli, I truly felt for him. This story may not have put him in the best light, but it captured him during a particularly trying phase of life. It’s hard not to empathize with his struggles.

Ultimately this book is four stars for me, because Parker is everything. He deserves the world, and I am so proud of him for chasing his dreams.

This was such a heartfelt, heartwarming queer romance—I loved the trans rep and the exploration of going after your dreams and finding love. A wonderful adult romance from Deaver!

Oh this was just so cute and cozy. I want to read it again and again. a total comfort novel. So adorable.

Mason Deaver explores love, ambition, and self-discovery in his endearing and poignant adult romance debut. Eli Francis, a dissatisfied journalist in a job that seems to be going nowhere, is the subject of The Build-a-lover Project. He discreetly works on the story that he believes would transform his career while also suddenly finding himself tutoring the hilariously awkward Peter Park on how to be a better lover. Eli, however, is forced to face his anxieties regarding love and his own value as their fictitious dating experiment develops into something far more genuine.

This book is the ideal balance of romance, humor, and gay representation, all delivered with Deaver's trademark wit and emotional depth. For fans of romantic comedies, The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is a delightful, sultry, and heartwarming book.

Fantastic queer representation. Loved it!

While the premise was nice, the writing was... not what I expected. I wanted more from the characters because I felt that what was on the front cover and the front flap was not what we were given.

I love Mason Deaver, and I am very thankful to have read an ARC of their newest book.

I was dying laughing from almost the very first page. Eli and Peter's meet disaster was over the top disastrous (but still realistic!), and I could feel the awkwardness through the page. Peter shows up to Eli's workplace, where Eli is executive assistant to a journalist, to apologize When Eli's boss catches wind of what happened, he tells Eli that the staff writer position is his if he writes an article about "fixing" Peter by teaching him how to date. Eli doesn't like this idea, but he really wants to become a writer, after slogging away as an assistant for five years with nothing to show for it. Eli prefers hard hitting journalism, writing about things that matter, but his boss only cares about the clicks. Eli pretends to go along with the idea, while also choosing to write another article about growing up queer in the south, since Peter is from a small town in Georgia. He only pitches this second idea to Peter, conveniently leaving out that he's still writing the first article alongside it.

I could see the third act conflict and breakup coming a mile away. My heart broke for Peter. How dare Eli do my man dirty like that. The miscommunication is strong from the beginning. Eli is concealing his intentions from Peter.

Peter is precious. He is very autistic-coded. He finds it hard to detect sarcasm and is very literal in his interpretations. One of my favorite Peter moments (there are many!) is when Eli is reading Peter's dating profile. One of the prompts is "Favorite Dish" and Peter's response is "Mugs." When Eli says he doesn't understand, Peter is all like, "Mugs, they're good for hot things. You've got the handle there, they're comfortable in your hand." (exact quote from the ARC, subject to change, though I hope it doesn't, LOL) I literally laughed out loud during this scene.

Although I was mad at Eli, I could also relate to him plugging away at a career that doesn't fulfill him. He has big dreams but has become resigned over the years. I loved him as a main character.

Peter is Korean American; the author is not. The book is written from Eli's point of view (Peter is the love interest), but I am curious to see how Korean American readers react to his representation. I liked that Mason Deaver exposed the racism in the queer community, the reality that so many gay men write things like "No Asians" on their profiles. As a white reader, I cannot speak to the quality of the representation, but I did want to note it.

This was one of my favorite reads so far this year! I fell in love with these characters and was so attached to seeing this story through to see how it would end. Eli’s personal growth, while supporting and encouraging Peter was so wholesome and made for a lovely read that I absolutely devoured! Can’t wait to recommend this sweet book when it comes out in August of 2025!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon, Mason Deaver, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a delightful read! From the very first page, I found myself completely immersed in the story. The writing was so approachable and warm, making it easy to connect with the characters and the plot. I loved how the book felt both inviting and engaging, without ever being too complex or hard to follow. It was just the right mix of comfort and intrigue, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it. It’s a wonderful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming escape!

Alright, let’s talk rom-coms. Specifically, let’s talk about the things I love, the things that drive me up a wall, and where this book lands.

First off, a personal gripe: I don’t love the over-exposition of a main character’s romantic woes right out the gate. I get why it’s there—so we understand them, so we empathize, so the act three redemption hits harder—but sometimes, I just want to get to the plot. And Eli? Eli is spiraling. Hard. He’s got that classic insufferable rom-com lead energy, and while it makes sense for the story, it took a minute to settle into.

Then there’s the supporting cast—Rose, the chaotic friend, Patricia, the grounding presence. The archetypes are in place, and the book leans into them well. But let’s pause for a moment because I need to know: what is the deal with coming for the Yoshi build in Mario Kart? Is this a queer thing? Because I feel called out.

But once the love interest enters? I’m in. Despite my initial gripes, the writing is solid, and even if Eli is a lot, the rom-com energy is strong. The first date? A complete disaster. And I loved every second of it. I laughed. I cringed. It was a horrible, horrible, horrible date in the best way possible.

Now, let’s talk representation. This book isn’t just a rom-com with queer characters—it’s a rom-com that understands queer culture. It weaves in conversations about monogamy, identity, and community in ways that feel natural. There’s an authenticity here that’s refreshing, even if it took a couple of chapters for the story to find its rhythm. But once it did? Oh, I was hooked.

And Peter? Sweet, lovely, too-good-for-this-world Peter? I have a little book crush. He’s just out here trying his best, and I adore him. Meanwhile, Michael can burn in hell, and I’d be fine with that.

As the story moves along, it really hits its stride. The tropes are strong, but they work. The writing style is approachable, not overly deep, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s here to tell a story about love, identity, and figuring things out. And yeah, I wanted to skip past the inevitable rom-com falling out, but I get why it’s there. The emotional beats still land, and when it hurts, it hurts.

And the cry meter? Yeah, I cried. The dance scenes in particular hit me right in the heart. This book has moments that are just so sweet, and they’re done well.

If you love rom-coms, if you want queer representation that feels real, and if you can handle a lead who is a lot at first but grows on you, this book delivers. The journey is worth it. Just be warned—there is a sex scene, and the third-act heartbreak? Yeah, it stings. But, like any good rom-com, it comes back around.

Final verdict: If you’re in the mood for a queer rom-com that balances chaos and charm, this one’s worth picking up.

This was such a cute romance! I loved the characters (especially Eli) and had such a fun time reading. Loved the trans rep in this! Such a feel good book, even though the 3rd act breakup was pretty predicable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for a copy of this ARC.

4.5 stars!

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book! It’s a bit predictable but quite charming! I enjoyed the writing style; I found it quite vivid and engaging. I also enjoyed how well-rounded the characters were! The book could be funny, but there were some really deep moments that touched me emotionally. I wish I had more to critique about it, but other than the slightly predictable plot—and by this, I mean that I wasn’t surprised by anything in particular or couldn’t figure out on my own how the story would end—I found myself quite engaged throughout!

I completely recommend giving this book a go if you enjoy this genre or even if you don’t!

Did not finish... A very promising start, but once Eli began interacting with Peter, he became kind of insufferable. I know the set up is for both to experience character growth through their relationship and learning from each other, but the way Eli's personality switches up and he begins to use Peter that really rubbed me the wrong way. Not my cup of tea.

Sweet, fun, and full of emotion, The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is a heartfelt novel that is really relatable for the current dating and work culture and actually makes GREAT use of a fake dating trope in a way that feels authentic and also makes you giggle.

Eli is a wannabe journalist looking to break through at his dead-end job who is having a hard time getting into the dating scene after being broken up with by his long-term boyfriend (who else works at the same agency and is seemingly having more career success, oof). When Eli is set up for a first date with a friend-of-a-friend named Peter, the night ends in complete embarrassment with Peter making a disaster of the night. But upon hearing how horrid the date is, Eli's boss positions Eli to write a series of stories about how bad Peter is at dating. Seeing his big break, Eli instead propositions Peter to go on these dates but to write about Peter's life as a queer person of color from a small Southern town and his new experiences dating. Naturally, they fake date to get everything accurate.

I can't understand how sweet this story is. Mason Deaver's voice is strong in the novel, and they bring to light a lot of perspectives throughout the story that are sometimes overlooked or not thought of when writing romances. I appreciate that Eli and Peter develop great boundaries with each other throughout the story, and how they show Peter's growth (as well as Eli's). I also appreciate the exploration of selfishness and the idea of needing to take control of your own life, even when things feel stacked against you. I think Deaver's also love and honesty about the American South is also an appreciated part of the story, and Deaver's own personality shines through in the novel.

The third act of course is a bit predictable, but I think how it was handled still was heartfelt and was more honest of the mistakes Eli or Peter made along the way.

I understand this is Deaver's jump into adult fiction as well, so yes this is adult! I know the cover looks similar to the YA books but just a side note.

The Build-A-Boyfriend Project is like the book version of the non-binary love child of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Hitch.

Eli is working as an assistant at a magazine dreaming of becoming a staff writer. They long to write hard hitting, substantive articles like what was produced in the hey day of the magazine. Unfortunately for Eli, the magazine is more likely to focus on gossip than tough journalism.

Enter Peter. After a disastrous first date with Peter, Eli's boss convinces them to write an article about teaching Peter how to date. Peter agrees to help Eli with their article, but Eli doesn't quite tell Peter the whole truth of what the article is about.

There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this book. I already knew that I find Mason Deaver's writing style easy to read and enjoyable. You can tell they put a lot of themselves into this book. I liked the build up of the relationship between Eli and Peter. They're both flawed people which made them feel realistic. Eli is somewhat self-centered, which unfortunately felt pretty accurate for their age. I liked watching them grow throughout the book, often stumbling before finding their way through.

At times I found myself frustrated by Eli. They seemed to be in their own way a lot and refuse to see that they already have to solution to their problems available if they would just be willing to make a change.

This wasn't my most favorite book by Mason, but it was still good read.

I received an eARC of this book from Avon Books and NetGalley. This is my honest review.