Look Up, Handsome

By: Jack Strange

Narrated by: Laurie Kynaston

'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

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

©2024 Jack Strange (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

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!

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!

astonishing work

such a beautiful well written romance novel. Noah fell in love with him from the beginning of first sight.

Good writing, convoluted storytelling

This was my first time with this author and I like his writing style quite a lot. I was less positive on the plot and character arcs. I do not like a love triangle and the romance plot was very hard to get behind. The bookshop storyline was drawn out so much it didn’t feel important anymore by the end. Most of the characters were well written, except the antagonist was one dimensional, which made the conflict less interesting.

Narration was good and it was an easy listen while working.

I’ll try another of the authors books in future for sure.