Fat Forward Books | The Build-a-Boyfriend Project
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The Build-a-Boyfriend Project
Mason Deaver
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Bestselling and award-winning author Mason Deaver’s adult romance debut follows a journalist in a dead-end job who agrees to teach his disastrous blind date how to be a better boyfriend. Readers will delight in this sweet and steamy queer romance with trans representation!
Eli Francis is stuck. Stuck in an assistant position at the online magazine Vent when he should be a writer. Stuck with a boss who dangles a promotion but would rather he just fetch the coffee. Stuck working alongside the ex who has had no trouble moving up at work…or moving on.
When Eli’s roommates push him to date so he can get over his ex once and for all, they set him up with Peter Park. Tall, handsome, and unbelievably awkward. The date is a complete disaster, and further proof to Eli that love isn’t for him. But when his boss overhears Eli recounting the catastrophic night, he suggests teaching Peter to be a better boyfriend through a series of simulated dates so he can write an article about it.
But Eli has other ideas…Eli plays along, pretending to write the article, while secretly interviewing Peter about growing up queer in the South and coming-of-age dating wise in adulthood. Eli hopes writing this sort of piece will finally get him the promotion he deserves. And in exchange, he will teach Peter how to be a better boyfriend.
But the more time Eli spends with Peter, the closer they become, and the lines between what’s real and what’s fake begin to blur. Before long Eli is forced to face his greatest fears to become the writer he wants to be and secure the love he’s always needed.
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Posts about this title from Fat Forward Books
Fat Forward Books\ \ Samantha Puc\ \ • Jun 8
Pride Recommendations 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Happy Pride from #FatForwardBooks! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ If you’re looking for fat & LGBTQIA+ books to add to your TBR this summer, we’ve got you covered—and if you’re looking for even MORE fat & LGBTQIA+ books, be sure to check out our 2025 recs in our highlights!
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Posts about this book from across Bindery
Fat Forward Books\ \ Samantha Puc\ \ • Jun 8
Pride Recommendations 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
How many of these titles have you read? How many are new to you? Let us know in the comments! 💬
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[You definitely aren’t alone, I’m also navigating the wild, winding road of self-discovery—and let me tell you, it’s not a one-and-done kind of deal. For many of us, “coming of age” happened in adolescence—awkward braces, bad haircuts, and maybe a few embarrassing crushes. But honestly? That was just the opening act. The real, adult coming of age happens when you realize that life, love, and even your own desires are way more complicated (and way more exciting) than a teen rom-com.\ \ A Second Coming of Age—Because Who Says It’s Over?\ \ If you’re anything like me, you've spent years unpacking some pretty heavy stuff—religious upbringing, conservative values, judgments about your body, your sexuality, your worth. Maybe you’re still peeling back those layers, questioning everything you once believed. That’s what I call the second coming of age. And surprise: it’s just as messy, honest, and life-changing as the first.\ \ This second round is about re discovering yourself—your desires, your boundaries, and your capacity to love and be loved. It’s about deconstructing old narratives and rebuilding a version of yourself that’s more aligned with who you really are. And let’s be real: navigating this while unlearning a lot of shame—especially around sex and intimacy—can feel like trying to do a puzzle in the dark. But here’s the thing: you’re allowed to stumble, fumble, and laugh at yourself along the way.\ \ As a therapist, I see so many clients (myself included) who are just unraveling the layers of what society, religion, or family told us about our bodies and feelings. It’s often uncomfortable, sometimes heartbreaking, but also incredibly empowering. One thing I’ve learned: exploring our sexuality and love is a profoundly human experience. It’s about curiosity, honesty, and damn, a lot of patience with ourselves.\ \ Romance Novels: Your Secret Weapon (And Yes, They’re Actually Good for You)\ \ Now, here’s a little secret I tell my clients: romancelandia is more than escapism—it's a safe space to learn about desire, consent, emotional intimacy, and even—let’s be honest—how to flirt without dying of embarrassment. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, validation, or just a good laugh, romance books can be a tool for understanding your own wants and needs.\ \ They give us permission to explore love in all its messy, imperfect glory. Plus, reading about people falling in love might just inspire you to do the same—without the heartbreak of bad dates or awkward moments (well, mostly). It’s like practice for real life, but with less risk and more happily-ever-afters.\ \ Books That Might Help You Level Up in Love and Self-Discovery\ \ Coming of Age in Youth:\ \
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