This book was so good! The writing was beautiful, the characters were interesting and the plot had me hooked. It also had some important conversations and I enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy.

I have to admit, I requested this book because the premise reminded me of a BL film I watched which I later found out was also a manga. I didn't know if I'd like it but I absolutely LOVED it. I fell in love with this book and both Kai and Bryson, and I absolutely loved the story. I don't even know how to review it and how to talk about it.

It talks about important things like coming out to a religious family, coming out in general, and figuring out your own sexuality. I loved the way the book talks about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and what it feels like. I loved all of the messages the book sends and I honestly have absolutely no idea what more to say. This is my first 5-star LGBT book of the year and my second contemporary 5-star book. It's also only my 3rd 5-star book pf the year. I honestly didn't expect to love it as much as I did, I literally flew through it and while I usually don't like books written in the present tense, it didn't bother me here one bit.

I would definitely reread this book in the future because I'd need to annotate it. I loved it this much.

Date Me, Bryson Keller is a YA romcom about a dare that leads to a closeted gay teenager secretly dating the school soccer star. Everyone knows that Bryson Keller accepted a dare to date a new person each week, and the rule is that it must be the first person who asks him that week. By Friday, it is over. That is, until Kai finds himself unexpectedly asking Bryson out on Monday morning. Nobody knows Kai is gay, but now he's secretly fake dating the only person who does: Bryson Keller.

This novel takes the fake dating trope found in romcoms and fanfiction and adds the twist that nobody actually knows they're fake dating. Maybe this doesn't quite make sense, but it seems to fit with the fast-paced narrative (everything in the book happens over two weeks) if you assume it's an excuse on Bryson's part as well as Kai's. The romance part of the novel is sweet and shows how people can be different to how you assume before you know them, but the tension in the novel doesn't come from this plot line but from forced outing, including to the whole school. This makes the novel a bit more divisive, as the romcom turns into something that is very horrible for the main character, dealing with both a religious mother who can't accept what she's just found out about her son and the whole school making jokes about him. These are obviously important issues, but though very much foreshadowed, they do feel a bit rushed at the end of the book without space to deal with them.

This was a quick read with cute characters, but it felt like it brushed over some of the issues raised and could've done with a bit more to show Kai's relationship with his best friends, especially once they knew he was gay. Up until a certain point the book is heartwarming, but the ending is pretty intense, especially for closeted people reading or people who've gone through similar situations. It feels similar to a lot of other current teen romcoms so will probably be enjoyed by fans of those particularly, but the depiction of a few gay teenage guys in a school of straight people may frustrate people.

So listen. I have thoughts. Prior to any kind of review I want to say this:
I have seen a lot of critisism around for this book because of it's similar concept to the manga Seven Days. Let me just say this: That similar concept is precisely why I desperately wanted to pick this up in the first place. Because I have loved that manga for years and my copy at home is absolutely battered because I've read it so often.
I don't see why the similar set up (for the rest of the book goes into a different direction afterwards), should evoke any kind of criticism in anyone. At the end of the day, every work has been inspired by another. We all have tropes that we love that we know from multiple works we've read. Enemies to lovers? Fake Dating? Oh my god they were roommates? Bedsharing? These are things that aren't original. They're cliché and I for one LOVE them. Half of the classics have taken parts of other classics and written around it. Mr van Whye has honestly written an amazing book that should be on everyone's bookshelf.

Now on to the review itself. You might have noticed but I absolutely adored this book. The premise was adorable, both Bryson and Kai are extremely likable and I honestly enjoyed sibling dynamics of Crystal and Bryson and Kai and Jazz so. freaking. much. Jazz is my hero of this story, hands down. I also loved the three musketeers and their unwavering friendship and support.

While this book is mainly light hearted, super cute and funny, it also deals with the enormous burden of coming out and if that was not enough prejudice to face; coming out as a mixed-race teen. Of course, this presents more of a difficulty for some than it does for others. The book shouts "OUTING SOMEONE IS NOT OKAY" from the rooftops and I am so here for it I could not be more here for it. What Kai goes through? Even though there are statistically worse cases? Is one of the most horrible things in the world. Not knowing if your family will still love you just because of who you love. Kai's feelings are beautifully and heartbreakingly displayed and I felt my insides clench from feeling with him.

I am so happy that this novel is out there. That it adresses bullies, that it adresses how it's sometimes safer to be in the closet, both mentally and physically. And I hope that everyone who needs this in their lives will find this and will hold it as close to their hearts ans I already am.

This is a truly beautiful story.

As a sidenote: I also loved the author's note at the end. This is an Own Voices novel that obviously means a lot to the author and reading the author's note made it mean even more to me. And I absolutely adore that van Whye does list his influences and he doesn't just list the Seven Days Manga, but he also lists Skam. Which is only one of my favourite things in the world.

This is flat-out adorable and I was smiling like a fool the entire time I was reading. It's the queer rom-com of my heart! So much heart, crushes, and even inclusion of more serious topics.

I adored this book. It was so fast paced and everything I wanted it to be and so much more. From the get go I knew it was going to be a winner with characters called Donald Duckworth who named his car the quackmobile how could this go wrong. The plot line was adorable and a total feel good rom-com, following our main character Kai who is in the closet as he decides to take part in Bryson Keller's dare to date someone new every week. Only they really meant a new girl every week. The story follows these two boys as they are finding who they are and as the dare heats up a little who they are together.
I adored Kai's family dynamic, I saw my own family in how they are together and felt like their family felt really realistic. I loved that Kai also showed the struggles being mixed race and how people can also be prejudiced because of that.
I felt like most of the characters in this were very well done, they were well rounded characters that although they didn't always have the most back story they were definitely 3 dimensional.
I loved the representation and diversity shown throughout this book and I liked the representation of a family coming to terms with finding out their son is gay.
I thought this story was really lovely - I just wish their was more of it.
This was an amazing debut novel and I cant wait to read more from Kevin Van Whye in the future.
5 out of 5 stars.

“Awwwwww” is the first thing that comes to mind when I thought about how to best sum up my feelings about Date Me, Bryson Keller. While I read this book, I don’t think a page went by where I didn’t respond to the story with some form of “aww”, whether due to the incredible adorableness of the story or feelings of sadness for what the main characters Kai and Bryson go through. Date Me, Bryson Keller is an extremely entertaining and enjoyable book that gave me a lot of feelings and I finished it feeling all kinds of giddy-happy.

As soon as I read the premise for this book I had very high hopes that it was going to be the perfect rom-com and I have to say that now I have read it, I am not at all disappointed. Date Me, Bryson Keller met all my expectations. Not only does the book contain a precious romance, a fun plot, strong friendships, families finding acceptance, realistic depictions of homophobia and a true, honest portrayal of what it’s like to be a closeted gay teenager, it also has two main characters that I absolutely loved. I really can’t say enough how much I enjoyed reading about Kai and Bryson and seeing how by getting to know each other they also got to know themselves better. I could hug them both. Not to mention Kai and Bryson’s sisters, who both really deserve a massive thumbs up shout out.

I think this is a book that will speak to many and I have to thank Kevin Van Whye for writing a book that speaks the truth and will give so many people hope and understanding. It isn’t easy to step out the door and be brave enough to be who you are and I think this book really depicts how amazing it is for someone to do just that in a world where they are unfortunately not accepted by everyone as they should be. I felt this is a very hopeful book that looks to a future where people can love who they love without being judged and bullied for it. I have hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it was just lovely. If there was a sequel I would read it right now because I would love to spend more time with Kai and Bryson, who are just both too darn precious.

I knew the moment I read the synopsis that I would love this story and it did not disappoint. Date Me, Bryson Keller is so cute.

I loved the concept - it was so fun and offered a different twist on some great YA tropes. Kai and Bryson made such a great couple and I smiled so much while I was reading- their relationship is adorable and heartwarming.

Kai was a fantastic protagonist - I felt for him so much with the blushing and social awkwardness and there were a few passages I highlighted because they felt so much like my own internal monologue! van Whye really gets inside Kai's head, giving him a realistic teenage voice that readers will love. The side characters, like Kai's sister Yazz and his best friends, were also really strong.

Beyond the cute romantic plot, Date Me, Bryson Keller also explores the complexities of coming out, especially when it happens before you're ready. This is a book I would like to see in secondary school libraries everywhere, accessible to all the teens who need to read it, who will find it comforting and understanding. The author's note at the end of this story was hugely impactful and highlighted exactly why stories like Date Me, Bryson Keller are so important. I can't wait to read whatever van Whye writes next.

This book made me laugh and it made me cry. It is just a sweet and at the same time hard-hitting as you would expect from its description. This is a book about love, coming out, and acceptance.

I sped through this book in a single daily as it was unresitably charming and I really struggled to put it down.

If you are a fan of LGBTQ+ own voices romance which also includes a diverse cast of characters, this book is definitely for you.

van Whye is one to watch out for as this debut novel is amazing and I am already looking forward to his next novel!

Jock Bryson Keller doesn't date, he's dared to date a different person each week, a boy asks him out, things get really interesting. This book was just too cute; little to no drama, people actually talked, things weren't left unsaid, and the story proceeded slowly even if the book actually took place in a couple weeks time.

I liked how the issues were faced. The family, religion, how people aren't always how they decide to appear to the world and we shouldn't judge before knowing them. It was cute, fun, and had deeper themes that make you think how things in the queer community have really changed, but they haven't changed enough. I was so sad reading about Kai watching his friends being all cuddly and him thinking how easy it was for them, how nobody would watch them badly for doing so since it's so natural it's love. But it's also love for two boys and I was so sad Kai knew he wouldn't have that freedom, how he knew he would always have a half life.

The writing is easy to read and follow and the plot with the date dare was fun. We all love a fake dating situation that makes the characters understand they actually love each other!

This book was a breath of fresh air that I read in one straight sitting. I'll be recommending it to everyone I know!

4.25/5 Stars

Trigger warnings for homophobia, bullying, a character being outed

This was such a heartwarming and fluffy read, it's definitely the feel-good book I needed right now and I'm so glad to have read it!

The premise was quite fun and interesting, but what really did it for me were the two main characters, Bryson and Kai. I just liked them so much! Even though this book takes place in just two weeks I appreciated how Bryson and Kai's relationship started and then developed. Also, I was surprised to see that to me it did not feel rushed, it felt quite organic actually.
Their interactions were everything and on multiple occasions I found myself laughing alongside them and deeply caring for these two young boys.

Even though it was a fluffy book for the most part, there were also some awful moments that Kai especially had to go through. It was devastating to read and I'm quite glad with how things turned out in the end, even though some resolutions felt a bit rushed and easy.

Overall it was a great read that I truly recommend!

This book was all kinds of cute. Loved the swoon-factor between Kai and Bryson but also loved all the supportive secondary characters, like Yazz and Crystal. Touches on more serious topics but I’m here for the adorable love story.

Wonderful coming out story. This would be a great book for young people coming to terms with their sexuality, or parents with newly out kids. Loved every minute of it. I really hope we check in with them again.

In a word, in a phrase? It’s a preachy bulshit. If you’re looking for a light, cute gay romcom, you should keep looking. This book is not it.

The thing we can all agree on is that stories need angst to actually make sense. You can call it conflict or whatever else, but something in the plot has to stop working for a while for the whole book to start working in the end. The problem is, the cause for that can’t feel like bordeling tragedy porn, can’t feel like kicking one already down, repeatedly.

That’s what Date Me, Bryson Keller failed to grasp.

Kai, the mc, is a closeted gay high school senior. So far so good. He’s terrified of coming out to his parents, mostly because his mom is Catholic and very religious. Still fine. He never came out to his two best friends he met at the beginning of high school because when he was thirteen he came out to his best friend at the time and was ghosted. Kind of a lot for a kid not to have a single person he’s comfortable with, but that is sometimes our reality.

But then, what else happens to this kid? He gets outed, multiple times, including to his mother and to his whole school. His mother turns out to be as homophobic as you would expect from a straight Catholic, and needs literal days to come around. Both he and his boyfriend get in fights with homophobes.

Oh, and all this in the span of three days. (The whole books takes two weeks so we don’t have a lot of time.)

You could say, well this still happens to LGBT youth! To which I say, you’re totally right! But it’s a matter of choosing how to write about those things. Books are not real life, they need to have some balance. If you have unsupportive parents, consider having another supportive figure in mc’s life from the start. If you decide to out your mc, stop to think why are you doing that. Is it solely to show the few characters who are better than the asshole who did the outing? Is it so those characters can make a speech about how bad outing someone is?

All the bad things that happen in Date Me, Bryson Keller feel like they only happen so that someone can make a speech and condemn them. Also so that Kai feels more lonely. I said the book is a preachy bulshit and that is exactly what I meant. No opportunity is wasted to include a paragraph or two of someone defending an idea, and all of them have the subtlety of getting pummeled in the head with a sledgehammer. It’s also present in the narrative at other times, when Kai explains to readers how difficult it is to be a gay teen and how he hates it because love is love.

Throughout the whole book Kai keeps asking himself if Bryson can possibly be gay, too. That is because so far, during the dare, Bryson only dated girls, but he also held Kai’s hand without being asked. Not once does Kai consider that Bryson might be bisexual or pansexual. Over 300 pages and Kai keeps thinking of sexulity as a binary: you’re either gay or you’re straight.

He does that to other people as well. He has a crush on a boy whom he never really talked to and knows nothing about. (Which is the nature of crushes, of course.) And the whole time he just assumes said boy is straight. Because straight is the default and people can ever only be straight or gay, right? He actually gets called out on it, but then just keeps doing it for the rest of the book.

The word “bi” is used once (!) in the whole book. Not even bisexual, just bi. And not as an actual label someone decided on, just thrown in as a possibility in a stressful situation and never brought up again. Not all of us use labels, obviously, but Kai is very adamant about using “gay” to describe himself (to the point where he’s afraid kids will only see him as “the gay one”, instead of his actual personality) and his love interest nevers gets to have a label. It would be different if it was actually addressed by the narrative, but alas.

Having a personality is actually another problem in this book. No one really feels… like they do… It’s more like a few traits slapped together to make a shape of person. A quirk here or there, because those are supposed to make characters more believable. And that’s the best case scenario. The worst? Making a character a racist, homophobic caricature because the author needs them to do something shitty to move the plot forward. Meet Shannon. Meet Dustin.

Kai is obviously the best example of that. We’re told (by him, since the book is written in first person pov) that he’s shy, but then we literally not once get to see it. We’re told he’s not popular, but his two best friends are part of the popular crowd and he gets invited by parties thrown by them, and the most popular kid in school knows his name. It’s impossible to pin down anything actually real about this kid. (Apart from the fact that he’s a pretentious asshole, like a lot of teenagers are, but I’m pretty sure that wasn’t actually author’s intention.)

All this to say that Date Me, Bryson Keller is just very poorly written. Not just in terms of nonexistent characterisation, but also the style itself. The dialogues read like the author never heard teens talk before in his life. The descriptions are overly detailed, even in places that don’t really need any descriptions at all. There are constant repetitions of words, phrases and ideas, usually in space of a few pages. As if the author wasn’t sure we got what he was going for the first five times.

The tone is very preachy, as mentioned before, but also basic and not nuanced at all; sounds more like an adult telling the story. The most important part of writing YA books is nailing down teens’ voice and this book failed at that miserably. It’s cringy and embarrassing, and takes a lot of effort to get through. That Steve Buscemi “How do you do, fellow kids?” meme? That’s exactly this book’s energy.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some cute parts in this novel! Kai and Bryson go on dates, have fun, get overly romantic & sappy. It’s sweet at times! Bryson’s mom and sister are very cool with him not being straight (in stark contrast to Kai’s mom). It’s not all bad.

Is it worth to read the whole thing for a few cute scenes, though? Well.

At the end of the day Date Me, Bryson Keller feels like it was written not so much for closeted gay kids who might need something good and shiny in their life, but for the straight audience to teach them a lesson. I thought we’re past that.

This was an engaging book with likeable characters but obvious plot twists. At first I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style but it got better as the book went on; I also felt like the motivations for the actions of some side characters could have been explained in more detail as the book itself wasn't very long. This had a very heartwarming romance at the core of it though, which was by far the best bit, and I'd love to read more about the characters in future!

An irresistible, fun and engaging romance that leaves your heart feeling fuzzy and warm. It's full of romance, Angst and humour, it's got characters that make you feel and root for them as the story unfolds.

Date Me Bryson Keller is a perfect read. It's a welcome addition to the genre with it's originality and strong likeable characters.