Look Up, Handsome

By: Jack Strange

Narrated by: Laurie Kynaston

'Do you ever just read a story and know that you could happily exist in the world on page? Well Look Up, Handsome is the world that I think I would love to live in. It’s cozy and quaint and cutesy and very demure!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ NetGalley Reviewer

'Cozy, queer, and Christmas-y, Look Up, Handsome reads like a love letter to bookstores’ Laurie Gilmore

‘A cozy and emotional holiday romance’ New York Times

Quinn wants to save his bookshop, the last thing he needs is to fall in love…

Hay-on-Wye’s only queer bookshop is always a hive of activity. So when it’s threatened with closure, its owner Quinn Oxford is determined to do whatever it takes to save his beloved shop.

That is until romantic novelist Noah Sage arrives in town. Gorgeous, brooding and clearly unhappy to be there, Noah is the distraction Quinn doesn’t need. Noah has a history with Hay and it’s one he’d rather not face. But when the snow leaves him stranded, he’s left with no choice.

Hay is a small town, meaning Quinn can’t help but bump into Noah wherever he goes. And as the two grow closer together, is it possible that Noah’s feelings towards Hay will thaw? Can Quinn have a real-life romance and save his beloved bookshop? Or will he need a Christmas miracle…

The perfect festive romcom for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall!

Tropes:

• Small Town
• Forced Proximity
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Bookshop
• Seasonal romance

Readers cannot get enough of Look Up, Handsome

‘Heartfelt and hilarious. Jack Strange writes smart and zesty romance with a kick’ A. J. West

‘An adorable holiday romcom that checks all the boxes’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The ultimate cute cosy Christmas romcom with all the Hallmark movie vibes combined with cute small town Wales’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A great queer Christmassy romcom… full of strife, tension and lots of feels’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I absolutely adored this book, it was so cute and so heartwarming that I didn't want it to end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The conflict of the bookstore being taken away was a nice contrast to the romance, it gave the story stakes beyond your typical romcom’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Similar vibes to a Hallmark Christmas movie’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Super sweet, cosy and heartwarming’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A quick easy read that was inviting and heartwarming. Reading this reminded me of books by Alexis Hall.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'If you need something cosy to read to keep away those cold winter nights then this book is it’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2024 Jack Strange (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Fun and emotional

Really fun story about the famous book town in Wales. Loved the tarot reading new age character who gave the support and advice. Great take on the home town vs. move to the city theme for queer folk. Fact that it was centered in a queer bookstore not in a big city was an engaging theme.

A Christmas Feel Good.

In a world of happy endings it’s nice when the author can throw in some curve balls to keep you engaged. This was a lovely little feel-good tale, with plenty of ups and downs and more than enough character depth to punch above its weight as a Christmas story. You can’t help but love these characters and feel their emotions and struggles. All around just a really lovely piece of work.

My favorite piece of fiction since Harry Potter

I absolutely loved this audiobook. All of the characters were fascinating and well developed from the principle characters to Dawn and June the local gossips.

I laughed, I cried, I squealed (in horror and delight), and thoroughly enjoyed the entire piece

I was so invested in this book. I literally canceled my dinner plans to sit in the car and finish it.

A Charming Holiday Gay Romance

I'm surprised this title wasn't recommended to me by Audible sooner as it's right up my alley. I do wish the narrator was a little more distinctive with the different voices, and there could have been a little more conflict in the story, but honestly...for a holiday queer rom com, it was exactly what I needed. You definitely pull for the main character, and I absolutely loved Ivy and Noah. Extra bonus points for having a holiday book that is full length. I'll definitely look out for more from this author!

Loved it!

What a heartwarming story! Loved the setting and characters! Wished it would have never ended! Would love to see what Quinn and Noah do next!