The Happy List

The Happy List is such a cute and heart-warming m/m romance story about falling in love with your best friend and about awakenings; to realize that things you’d taken for granted in your life might not be what you actually need or want, and about being brave enough to risk losing it all for love and happiness.

Gray is the responsible, somewhat repressed, lawyer who’s always done what’s expected of him, even though he’s not very happy neither with his career nor his girlfriend. He’s never really done anything crazy or unplanned. Not until he turns his girlfriend’s proposal down and start realizing that his best friend Kai might be more to him than just a friend. Why else would seeing him with another guy feel like being stabbed in the heart?
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Kai om the other hand has been in love with Gray since they were teenagers, but has finally gotten over it and won’t do anything to jeopardize their friendship. But that’s getting harder and harder to pull off when Gray’s looking at him in a new way…

I loved Briar Prescott’s writing style and the wonderful dynamic between Gray and Kai (even as friends). I loved their banter and the humor, and not to mention the chemistry… It was absolutely sizzling! There were also some really great character developments. I loved the way Gray realized he was not happy at his work, and how he’d never had any real feelings for anyone but Kai. His character development from repressed and stuck in a job he doesn’t like just because it’s what his brother expects of him, to a person who is willing to take risks and put his heart on the line was amazing, and his mix of demisexual and bisexual awakening was so well and realistically executed.

I read this book in one sitting, it was so addictive and I rooted so much for the characters that I just couldn’t bear to put it down until the very end! There isn’t much angst in this book though. No unnecessary drama just for the sake of it, which I really appreciated. Falling in love with your best friend and trying to navigate the way through a new relationship is overwhelming enough.
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All in all, The Happy List is a fast-paced, light, funny and sweet friends-to-lovers tale that will make you smile and warm your heart! I truly recommend it and can’t wait for the second book in the series!

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook review copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 fluffy feel-good stars, rounding up to 5

I absolutely loved this gem of a book. The story was about two best friends that could be more than friends. . Gray realizing that life was boring at the age of 28 decided to make a ‘happy’ do list. Kai was happy to help him achieve some of the items on that list. What I loved was that their relationship was that it was beautiful, respectful, and genuine. I liked the alternative POV and found it refreshing to get each guy’s perspective on love, life, and friendship. I didn’t want this book to end. Ah the book was just wonderful. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next book.

I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

This was such a sweet friends to lovers book. I adored Kai and Grey's friendship and they fit so well together. The step from friends to lovers was so natural even if Kai stressed out about it at first. I also enjoyed that Grey seemed to place the sexual attraction second and just accepted that being with Kai made him happy. Though he was surprised by being attracted to a guy he didn't struggle with it and it didn't seem to be an issue in their relationship. Overall a really great and fun read with nice steamy scenes.

This really is a book full of happiness. Everytime you think that the story is going to use a normal trope, the direction of the book just changes completely because it simply doesn't have the time for stupid unnecessary bullsh*t.

I loved this story and look forward to more in this series. It was very well written from two different prespectives so the reader could understand both points of view which often doesn't work and ends up giving mixed messages. What impressed me most was how well Briar depicted the fluidy of sexuality and how unimportant labels are when it comes to what people feel, like and are. I hope that this story becomes the success it deserves to be.

This is a great slow burn, best friends to lovers romance. This book hooked me from the start and I finished it in two sittings.
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I love our main characters, Kai and Grey, they had such great chemistry the whole time and their relationship never felt forced. I enjoyed following Grey through his realization that he actually likes Kai as more than just a friend and as he explores his sexuality for the first time. It was very nice to see them talking about their feelings openly and discussing things instead of causing unneeded drama. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and I wanted more from it. I also wanted to know more about their families and what happened to their parents.
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Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think if you are looking for a best friends to lovers, low angst, enjoyable read that will make you smile then this is for you.
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Thank you to netgalley for providing me an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Happy List is probably something I would skip over in a different mood. But, I have to say I'm just sooo sick of cover art with some mostly naked guy it caught my attention. I read the description and was intrigued.

The concept, gay man in love with his best friend doesn't want to ruin their relationship by telling him then suddenly best friend develops feelings for him... kinda overdone. So really, you'd think I'd be bored out of my mind. But, I wasn't. It had me hooked from the first paragraph. Also, having a demi character, even if it's not spelled out that way in the book, makes me very happy. I can only remember one other book with one. AND best of all, there is no angst or anything over it. No turmoil at all. Gray's just kinda like "oh, I like a guy... whatever." *sigh* If only more books could be that way.

Poor Gray. He thought he was going to a leap-year surprise birthday party with all of his closest friends and family there. Instead, his girlfriend proposed to him. After telling her no, he has no urge to be married or ever having the kids she's suddenly talking about, he takes his grandmother's advice and climbs out the bathroom window. And, of course, Kai's there. Kai's been his best friend since they were like 12 or something and has been pretty much nomadic all their adult lives. When he finally decides to put down roots, Gray asks him to move in with him. Kai thought he was over his crush on Gray but after living together he realizes... not so much.

Anyway, on to the happy list. After the unwanted surprise proposal followed by a night of bar-hopping with Kai, his sister Monica and brother-in-law Ian in which they all share stories about all the crazy things they've done in their lives, Gray decides he needs a change. He makes a list of things he's never done, mostly things mentioned during the drinking game, and when Kai finds it he decides to help him out with the list, even if it means seeing his best friend with someone else. So yea, obviously in the process Gray discovers feelings for Kai. *trumpets blare* And none of the "OMG he's a guy" things that usually happen ensue. It's more like "holy shit he's my best friend."

Okay, so I've said more than I usually do in book reviews. But dang this was a really good book! The banter between Gray and Kai was hilarious. There weren't any really emotional and depressing moments despite both of them having childhood tragedies. I'd say it was a good fluff read but it really was more than that. Truthfully, it had a 5-star rating from me until it got to all the sex. Sorry peeps, I'm just not into all that and all the skimming over it got kind've annoying. So yea, if you enjoy all the hotness along with the hilarity, it'll be a 5-star book for you for sure.

This was a much needed light hearted read. Gary's life is more structured, and Kai is more free-spirited and they have been long time friends since teenagers. One day Gary makes a Happy List after figuring out his life is boring and he hasn't been living it to the fullest. Kai is very happy to help him complete a lot of his list. Secretly they both feelings for the other, but do not want to risk losing their friendship.

Is this a predictable story? Maybe, but this did not bother at all. It is a slow burn to them finally getting to relationship status but it is worth it! They have so much trust and respect for each other and it is clearly conveyed through their chats and thoughts. This is so well written and a great story. I did not know I needed to read this and so glad I did!

5 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley, Brian Prescott, and Books Go Social for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available now: 10/25/20

I really enjoyed this sweet love story. The chemistry between Gray and Kai was palpable and their hesitancy to show their feelings was torturous. I loved the caring and genuine friendship that came first for these two. I will definitely check out more books from this author!

A delightful friends-to-lovers with a a good writing and charming carachters. The romance was well developed and really sweet.

This book was exactly what I needed right now! Gray and Kai were an absolute delight to fall in love with. I loved the progression of their relationship from best friends to lovers to partners. Kai is more free-spirited and just back from years of traveling. Gray is tightly wound and never really "lived" outside of the confines he set for himself. When he creates his list of things he wants to try in order to truly be happy, he really begins to live. It doesn't hurt that Kai sees the list and finds himself lending a helping hand. And did I mention that he has been in love with Gray for years?

I also thoroughly enjoyed the supporting cast of characters from Kai's sister and brother-in-law, to Max but most especially Con. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that Con gets his own story sometime soon!

I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to dive into more books by Prescott!

The Happy List by Briar Prescott is a light hearted story of two friends falling in love. Kai is a wandering artist that is ready to put down roots and open his own shop. Then there is Kai’s best friend Gray a straight laced lawyer who needs a little more happiness in his life. And Kai is just the guy to make it happen.

This is a slow burn romance with pining for days! I love it so much-it is worth the time it takes to get there. I think Briar Prescott did a really good job building up from their friendship to their relationship. It was gradual and realistic.

Really enjoyable story all around! I will definitely keep my eye out for more by this author!

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Jenn loves Grey loving Kai stars

The Happy List is a seriously sigh-worthy, boys-loving-boys, good book. Briar Prescott gives us a beautiful sexual discovery plus BFFs becoming BBFs (Best Boyfriends Forever). What more could a girl ask for?

Grey has spent years diligently and concisely becoming who he thinks he should be. A big-time lawyer at a highly recognized firm. He is nothing if not organized, responsible, and predictable. It isn't until his long-time girlfriend proposes that he even considers what it is he truly wants and even who he really is. Luckily, his BFF Kai is there while he's slowly sinking into an existential crisis of his own making.

Kai has just returned to his home in Boston and is finally ready. Ready to set down some roots. Ready to take the chance and start his own business. And he is absolutely ready to finally get over his extremely inconvenient crush on his very straight best friend. Life and his business are moving along well until he accidentally finds Gray’s happy list, which contains some very interesting... items. As a good friend, it is his job to help him with that list but when some of the items become well more than what friends should be doing it's Kai who starts having the existential crisis as Grey figures out exactly what he wants.

I loved the sexual discovery and how it crossed over with a demisexuality angle, even though it was never fully stated. Grey's feelings were slow going from their authentic backgrounds into their full realization and actualization of them. But, that slow meld of feeling to the realization of what they meant was deliciously beautiful. From the high-drama beginnings of basically unintentionally jilting his long-term girlfriend to falling for his best friend, The Happy List was thankfully a fairly low-angst read.

The Happy List is def going on the same yummy, feel-good sigh-inducing book love shelf as Boyfriend Material and Red, White & Royal Blue BUT instead of the 'fade to black' of those books... we get a... not fade to black? technicolor reel? the smexy details? Meh, whatever you want to call it. We get it! And of what yummy things they were.

This was my first book with the author and I am so all about reading more. I have the strong urge to now go stalk her entire backlog. Don't mind me in my obsessive-compulsive (non-DSM-V diagnosis) ways.

Did this alter my world? No. Change my outlook on... anything? No. But It absolutely makes my very own Happy List. (Yeah, I know that was seriously cheesy. But, I don't care.) The Happy List was a well-written, emotionally dense, and delicious smorgasbord of yummy romance goodness. And I couldn't be happier about it. (Get over it and just lean into the puns).

I absolutely recommend this book for those looking to add a little more swoon-worthy happiness to their romance reads.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

3.5 stars rounded up because of the feel good nature of the book. This is a classic best friends to lovers story. No big surprises here and low angst. But, the draw of the book is its simplicity and feel good nature. This is the perfect book to read in between heavier reads, or when you just need a little fairytale happiness. I do think the book could have ended a little sooner.

This was such a nice read! The overall tone of the book is funny and the writing style is so nice and easy to read.
Grays journey and his way to a happy life were truly inspiring. The transformation was never strange or forced it just flowed within the story. Thanks to Kai I would say. I would have loved, if his story would have been recounted more. What about his parents? How was the relationship? What happend after? Did his sister raise him. We know that about Gray but not Kai. But nevertheless I also loved Kai. His personality is a treat for everyone ;)
The story was really good and well build.

All in all I can say, that i devoured this book in one afternoon and loved it! The characters, the story, the writing and humor made this a 5 star read.

This is a slowburn friends-to-lovers gay romance with demisexual rep... so basically it's everything I could wish for in a book. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and it was done so well! The characters were two lovable idiots and I enjoyed reading about Gray and Kai so much.
And reading about aspec characters is always extra special for me, so I really loved that this representation was included here.
The only thing I didn't liked about this book were some scenes in the middle were Gray was extremely jealous and such an ass and I hate when characters do that. But this was nonetheless a great read; I loved the relationship between Kai and Gray but also between Kai and his sister, these characters were so much fun to read about!
I guess all I have to say about this book is that I had a really good time with it and if you are looking for a queer romance, I would totally recommend. 👌🏻

I am not the biggest fan of slow burn romance but I loved this one! I loved the friends to lover trope. I loved every single characters personality and that each, down to the side characters, had depth. I loved the maturity of the romance, it was a healthy relationship and neither Kai nor Gray were toxic. I highly recommend this for people who like slow burn with a bit of smut and a whole lot of depth!

Attending the funeral of a dear friend and colleague can make a person seek out a book like this. One that offers a slice of life full of happy struggles and uplifting messages that does not set out to preach or teach lessons, but one that offers a space for readers to contemplate their own happiness through a fun, light read.

I did love this a lot.

Thanks to netgalley and publisher. I will look out for more books by this author.

Came out October 25.

I was given a eBook copy of the book for my honest review.

The Happy List is Such a Heart Warming Story. Discovering your true self is always hard for everyone, and this story takes you on an adventure of gray coming into his real feelings and realizing that the life he has might not be the life he wants.

Gray soon starts to question himself once he see's his best friend kai with someone and the butterflies start to land on the branches of Sexuality and realization.

The Dynamic between gray and kai just as friends is wonderful and refreshing, The Wonderful character growth between characters that had a Narrative written for their lives and what it should be by other people and over coming these expectations so they can live the life they want and deserve.

I Enjoyed Having Multiple POVs as it gave us a perspective on the way each character and their feelings about their friendship and each other. It goes well with the "Happy List" Adventure that Kai is Helping Gray complete.

It is a wonderful light hearted read for any one to pick up and not want to put down.

I will Be giving this Book a 5/5


Description:
Gray

There are some things I excel at:

- Exercising rigid control over every aspect of my life

- Making sensible decisions at every turn

- Being organized, predictable and responsible to an abnormal degree

In short, I’m boring as hell and in desperate need of a change.

Luckily I have my best friend by my side and a newly written to-do list to guide my way through the murky waters of finding happiness.

It’s all very promising at first, but as weeks pass, I start to realize that the best part of my day has always been Kai.

And when I see him out on a date with some guy?

Let’s just say I’m definitely not happy about it.

Kai

I’m back in Boston after ten years of traveling, and I’ve fulfilled all my goals:

- See the world

- Figure out what to do with my life

- Get over my impossible crush on Gray

Check, check and check.

Life’s good until I accidentally find Gray’s happy list, which contains some very interesting things that friends never ever do with each other.

And as weeks pass, it becomes clear those not-so-innocent parts are the ones Gray is determined to explore with me.

In short, I’m screwed because no matter how hard I try, I can’t resist him, and pretty soon I'm forced to admit that I’m not as done with my crush as I thought I was...

4.5 stars-

I heard a lot of praise for this author over the past year. As a big fan of friends to lovers romances, I was excited to give The Happy List a try. I really enjoyed the writing, characters, story, slow burn romance, and humor, and will definitely looking forward to more from this author.

Gray and Kai were fantastic. They had an easy banter and obvious connection from the start. I loved how fun and adorable these two were just as friends and it got better as their story unfolded. Their personalities were different in many ways, but they came together and supported each other perfectly. I really liked the slow, steady burn of Gray and Kai’s romance. The move from best friends to lovers felt natural- with tentative moves forward, tension at times, and the undeniable, palpable bond that comes with knowing someone for years.

Gay-for-you is always a tricky trope for me because I crave more believability vs lust-fueled steam. I thought Gray’s bi-awakening/ attraction to Kai was handled well throughout the story. Though there was a lot of initial discussion of labels at first, especially as Kai attempted to deal with re-emerging romantic attraction to Gray, Gray’s thoughts felt more organic- focusing on how Kai made him feel rather than his gender or what others would think. Additionally, the fact that it was Gray’s first time with a man wasn’t dismissed, which is always a bonus for me.

Offering heat, humor, chemistry, and a sweet love story, The Happy List was a solid win. I was completely enamored with Kai and Gray and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this title to any reader who likes friends to lovers romance or appreciates palpable chemistry.

"The Happy List" by Briar Prescott was a wonderful read; exactly what we need in challenging times like this.
It is Gray's story of finding happiness when he realizes his life is routine, an overly intense workload, an unfulfilling relationship and boredom. His best friend Kai is carefree and adventurous and the only thing in Gray's life that makes him feel alive.
I really like the dynamic of both of them together; how they both challenged each other in different situations and really just clicked. Both MCs are very likable and credible characters, so different in their habits, thoughts, feelings and attitudes and yet the are not oppositional stereotypes. They ARE characters; deep and well-written and so amazing to see their development.
The story was lovely even if it felt a little rushed at times. I liked the everydayness of their being together. Nothing incredibly special was told here, but nevertheless I couldn't put the book down.

I absolutely adore this book. We love a good friends-to-lovers trope and excuse me, we're talking clothes sharing friends, here. How about that for a mental image?
It is funny, it is witty, it is swoony and I couldn't get enough of Gray and Kai.
If there is one thing I live for, then it's good pining and this book? Was absolutely freaking delicious.
The slow burn was so frustrating and so amazing at the same time and I really loved how Gray was able to discover himself.
I enjoyed every single sentence of this story and if there was one thing for me to complain about then it's that I never wanted to leave these two. Absolute lovely love story I can heartely recommend.

This was an amazing book, Gray and Kai ara adorable and I really liked their dinamic, from friends to much more. The list wasn't something really important on the book but helps in the best ways to their relationship.
I'm going to be reading more books from the author for sure, it made me smile and laugh out loud sometimes, something so important nowadays.

This is your typical bestfriends to lovers trope. We have Gray and Kai, long time bestfriends who knew each other since they were teens.

This is a dual POV kind of book. We both have Kai and Gray's perspective which is a plus for me. Sometimes I feel like they have almost the same way of thinking and I needed to double check which perspective I'm currently in. Also, a bit too sassy for my taste? Lol.

I love that the characters are fleshed out and I relate on Gray and Kai's dilemma on life. I prefer that part of the book, the life struggles, more than the romance part.

It was a slow burn romance with family dynamics on the mix. It was a good read.👍

***Thanks to the publisher and author for making this book available for review via Netgalley.***

I would've liked a bit more angst or tension with the resolution. It came together too "nicely" for me.

Definitely loving this author. Her writing style is so good. Another solid book from her. Haven't been disappointed yet

This book was a warm hug, and it was amazing to see such a solid representation of demisexuality on the page.

I laughed so hard listening to Gray and Kai’s thoughts. Their inner dialogue makes The Happy List the funniest male/male romance I have read this year.

Briar Prescott not only had me in stitches, but by the time Gray and Kai got out of their own way…the steam (it’s got hot in here!). Whew! Prescott definitely made up for the close calls and the “I can’t do this” moments. Humor abounded everywhere. It was awesome.

The characters also went through a growth period as they figured out what they really wanted out of their lives and how they wanted to go about achieving these new ideas. I love growth journeys. It enhanced the already strong friendship foundation between Gray and Kai.

I have seen this book tagged in different ways but Gray really comes across to me as demisexual and pan. He talks about how he got involved with Cecilia and he says they became friends first and after a while he then sort of became interested in her. Then we see how his relationship with Kai progresses and it’s not about being gay. It’s about Kai. This is basically the definition of pansexuality and demisexuality. I checked the author’s website, but they have nothing on the book other than how to buy it (their website could really use some work).

I am not usually a fan of jealousy, BUT Gray’s completely clueless internal and sometimes external dialogue regarding Kai’s dating was freaking hilarious. For this alone, I would recommend The Happy List. Luckily for us Prescott gives us a great romance between friends to go along with it.