A review by queer_books_and_kitties
Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange

emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I am a bit conflicted on this one!

I was really excited to read it as I'd heard great things and the premise was really cute. Unfortunately it fell a little short of my expectations.

From the title and the blurb, I was expecting a sweet romance with a side of heartwarming LGBTQ+ community triumphing over an evil corporation. What I got was a Character who who had far too many struggles to keep track of and (albeit understandably) felt sorry for himself throughout most of the book and did little to rectify the situations. If it wasn't for Ivy and various other side characters, I don't think the HEA would have happened at all.

I also wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. Although parts of the story were very beautiful, overall it didn't feel like it flowed all that well. There just seemed to be something a little disjointed and part of that, in my opinion was the third person perspective. Aspects of the story felt a bit unnecessary, like Matty for example. 

The characters also failed to capture my heart, unfortunately. Quinn was sweet but kind of lacked substance. Noah wasn't the most likable of characters in the beginning and failed to redeem himself throughout the plot. 

Regarding the spice, I don't have an issue with closed door scenes in general, but usually the lack of detail in intimate scenes are for a specific and easily discernable reason, for example if the book is being marketed as YA or if the romance isn't meant to be one of the key focuses. None of that seemed to apply here and skipping the only intimate scene in the book just felt at odds with the rest of the book that was filled with cheeky thoughts and innuendos.

The ending also lacked a big sparkly reveal. I kind of wish Quinn had scraped together enough to buy the shop outright instead of his step-cousin (who somehow managed to be promoted to partner of a Property firm in just a couple of months) buying it and renting it out to him. 

All of that being said, the overall community and found family aspects are beautiful and really help to redeem some of the things I didn't enjoy as much. 

Overall, this wasn't the lighthearted Christmas romance I was expecting but it was pleasantly surprising in some other ways.