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A review by jsncnrd
The Boyfriend Subscription by Steven Salvatore
4.0
This is my third Steven Salvatore book, and I can confidently say that I will read anything by them at this point.
The Boyfriend Subscription was so many things — funny, charming, heartwarming, and sensual. And it is not without its more serious topics that include abuse, trauma, and self-loathing. But the book’s elements are balanced so well — the sad moments are supplemented with levity and wit, and it made for a lovely reading experience that will make you feel a wide range of emotions.
The writing is excellent. The pacing is just right. The banter and dialogue is very well-done. The Taylor Swift references?! Those were a lovely little detail.
And the characters? Let’s talk about them … They are messy, they are flawed, and they make questionable choices. But you will absolutely love them. The frustration of the injustices that both of our main characters go through makes you want to hug them — and that means that Steven did their job — they made us CARE about both protagonists.
The book is a great look at self-worth and how the relationship we have with ourselves will always impact the relationships we have with others. It’s also a great reminder that we are all worthy of love.
My one critique that keeps this book from being a full 5 stars ... I don’t want to give spoilers, but I will say that the *ahem* third act *wink* has a romance trope *cough* that is not my favorite, because it derailed the emotional momentum and progress that had been made up to that point. It felt misplaced.
Anyway. You think this may not be your type of book? Take a chance on it. It might surprise you the way it surprised me. It has so many more layers to it than I expected — it’s not just a standard rom-com.
Steven Salvatore is going to be an auto-read author moving forward.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC of the book!
"You wanting me tonight feels impossible -- but it's coming down, no sound, it's all around ... like snow on the beach. - Taylor Swift
The Boyfriend Subscription was so many things — funny, charming, heartwarming, and sensual. And it is not without its more serious topics that include abuse, trauma, and self-loathing. But the book’s elements are balanced so well — the sad moments are supplemented with levity and wit, and it made for a lovely reading experience that will make you feel a wide range of emotions.
The writing is excellent. The pacing is just right. The banter and dialogue is very well-done. The Taylor Swift references?! Those were a lovely little detail.
And the characters? Let’s talk about them … They are messy, they are flawed, and they make questionable choices. But you will absolutely love them. The frustration of the injustices that both of our main characters go through makes you want to hug them — and that means that Steven did their job — they made us CARE about both protagonists.
The book is a great look at self-worth and how the relationship we have with ourselves will always impact the relationships we have with others. It’s also a great reminder that we are all worthy of love.
My one critique that keeps this book from being a full 5 stars ... I don’t want to give spoilers, but I will say that the *ahem* third act *wink* has a romance trope *cough* that is not my favorite, because it derailed the emotional momentum and progress that had been made up to that point. It felt misplaced.
Anyway. You think this may not be your type of book? Take a chance on it. It might surprise you the way it surprised me. It has so many more layers to it than I expected — it’s not just a standard rom-com.
Steven Salvatore is going to be an auto-read author moving forward.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC of the book!
"You wanting me tonight feels impossible -- but it's coming down, no sound, it's all around ... like snow on the beach. - Taylor Swift