Title: The Build-a-Boyfriend Project
Author: Mason Deaver
Publisher: Avon
Publication date: August 5, 2025
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Summary
Eli has felt stuck for a while. Stuck in a job he doesn’t like, stuck at a company working with his ex, stuck with a boss he actively dislikes. So, his friends push him into a blind date with a man named Peter Park. A blind date that ends up being an absolutely disaster.
However, the date turns itself into an opportunity. Eli’s boss suggests that Eli take Peter on a series of dates teaching him how to be a better boyfriend and write an article about it. Eli agrees, in the hopes that it will get him the promotion he wants. What Eli doesn’t expect? To start falling for Peter once he starts getting to know him.
Review: The Build-a-Boyfriend Project
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Build-a-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver to review! This is Deaver’s first foray into adult romance from the young adult world, and I’d have to say it was a success! As a Spider-Man fan, I especially appreciated some of the nods to Spider-Man throughout, and also the references to various movies in the chapter titles. It made the whole reading experience fun!
Deaver excels at writing characters; it’s something I’ve always enjoyed about their YA books. Their character work is on full display here. As we learn more about Peter through Eli’s eyes, you also can’t help but fall for his slightly awkward demeanor. Eli and Peter have great chemistry, which just makes the entire book a fun read.
This sort of reminded me of that Christmas movie that came out a few years ago on Netflix, Love Hard. Not quite the same premise, but it’s got that journalism/dating angle. If you want something fun to round out your summer reading, definitely check this one out!
4/5 stars