The writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a slow burn friends to lovers romance that had it's moments of frustration, but otherwise was a joy to read. So if you're looking for lighthearted MM romance with great banter, this is the one for you.

I loved that Gray's discovery of his feelings for Kai develop over time but once he understands them he commits to them entirely, and with no hesitance at all. The fact that it's his best friend who's a man doesn't phase him at all.

The writing in this is great, the banter, which can especially be hard to write, was done really well, I had a fair few laugh out loud moments and I loved the two main characters and their developing relationship. If you need an uplifting LGBTQ+ read, give this a go.

This was one of the sweetest friends to lovers books I've ever read. We have two point of views, two dumb men, one questioning, one gay and with a crush as big as the Atlantic ocean for his best friend. It was painful to see how innocent things Gray said, made Kai and his mind in love interpret it different.
There was a tiny bit on miscommunication, tons of pining and angst. They do talk, but not immediately instead leaving things unsaid. I was in pain because those two were clearly madly in love and so very compatible.
Their conversations, and the conversations with their family, were hilarious. A fun narration that guarantees a nonstop reading session. In fact, I started it and didn't stop reading it until it was over and it was 3am.
Swoon moments galore, slap some sense moments as well, this was certainly one of the sweetest books I've read this read. The author is on my radar from now on!

Sometimes, you want a book that makes you feel good. The Happy List is definitely one of those books. From the first moments of Gray sneaking out of a failed marriage proposal (he said no which is a beautiful twist on a tired trope) to the final epilogue, the characters of this book leave you smiling. The wit and banter between Gray and Kai make them believable as two best friends who happen to also be insanely attracted to one another.

It reads like a rom-com. Meaning there are parts that are formulaic and tropey, but let's be honest with ourselves. We enjoy the rom-com for the formulaic and tropey aspects and we love them when they subvert particular tropes or add in a new spin. Prescott manages to do that with this novel. For instance, the two rival love interests are rivals only for want of a better word. Jealousy isn't used as some major obstacle between these two characters, but instead as a very human emotion that is experienced.

I do wish that some of the side characters had been better fleshed out, but they had just enough flesh to make them more than cardboard cutouts of characters. They were still very much side characters.

All in all, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a quick and fun MLM romance.

If you are in the mood for a cute friends-to-lovers romance, this one might do the trick.

Project Hero is still my favorite, but this book has some of the same plusses. Both Kai and Gray are likeable guys, and their bumbling attempts to figure out how to go from being friends to being a couple made for an amusing read. There’s a fair amount of humor, especially when Gray and Kai are messing with each other like friends do.

The main issue I had with the story is that it seemed a little flat to me at times. Maybe it’s because they’re such good friends, which cuts down on the tension of the romance. After all, they already know and like each other, and Kai’s fretting that Gray was just having fun with him wasn’t enough to make me feel like was a high chance of their relationship not working out.

I did enjoy the book, though, and the author is firmly on my auto-read list.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Damn I loved this!!!!!!
I’ve never even heard of this author before and I honestly didn’t expect to love it this much.
I was in a mental state where I only wanted to read a cute romance when I decided to download it.

I totally fell in love with the characters, the banter between them and the humour in general are amazing and I peed my pants reading some of the dialogue and thoughts of the protagonists! So so funny!!!

Also seeing a character in their late 20s questioning their sexuality?! And a male character on the ace spectrum?!
Folks, I am SO here for it! So much yes to this!!!!

If you know my reading habits I am not a fan of unnecessary drama. And there is always a little drama in romance books.
But here it was all very understandable and I could relate so much to both of the guys.
They’ve been friends for years, one of them is gay and under the impression that his best friend is straight. Also he’s been in love with him since years and doesn’t wanna get hurt.
The other one has a kind of sexual epiphany and is questioning his sexuality after almost 30 years. And is finally starting to realise something about himself.
Both of them don’t want to ruin the friendship. Both of them don’t know what the other one is really thinking and talking about feelings always makes you vulnerable.
I loved that it was all so super realistic and how Kais sister helped both of them. And talking is hard, I get that so much. I avoid talking at all costs.

Talking about Kais sister: I loved the side characters. I loved both their families and also Jamie. Since I saw that it’s actually going to be a series I HOPE the next book is about Con and/or Jamie. (I felt some vibes there....?!)
I loved the dynamic between all of them and also: the banter. Yes!

Can’t wait for the next book and will definitely put the other books by this author on my wishlist.

Original Rating: 3.9/5

‘The Happy List’ is a light romance with a generous dash of humour and plenty of emotions.

When Kai enters Gray’s life again (in an outstanding scene), Grayson realizes the boring reality of his life and determines to be happy and live a normal, yet crazy life. And so, “The Happy List” is made.

You can call the list cupid for these two. They have been best friends for years, but there was always the hope of more, however deep it was. Slowly, the hope becomes a reality.

The best friends to lovers tropes is quite basic but executed well and carried lovingly.

Kai had been crushing on Gray for years, but when on one hand, he is suppressing his feelings, Gray, on the other, is realising something deep and beautiful.

Great writing style, and the narrative speaks to the writer.
I loved the characters, even the side characters are amazing.
Romance flows organically.

Overall, it is a Happy Book and an adorable. light-hearted read.

While the story was a little slow-going at times, there was a nice connection between Kai and Gray that kept me engaged and invested in their development. Slow-burn romances can be fun, but at times, this story missed the mark with the growth of the relationship and the new dynamics created seemed a little underdeveloped at times.

The best friends-to-lovers trope worked well overall, though considering their connection, the characters' lack of open communication sometimes boggled my mind, edging on the side of frustrating.

A cute and funny story with likable mains characters and secondary characters.

Because falling in love with your best friend is scary sometimes.
- Briar Prescott, The Happy List
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I really enjoyed this one. 💕
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Gray is going through the motions of life. Doing the usual things, taking all the steps. But is that all he wants out of life? Is he actually happy?
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Kai is Grays best friend. He is a free spirit who’s finally decided it’s time to come home.
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When Grays relationship ends abruptly, it’s time for him to take stock of what he actually wants out of life. A night out with Kai turns into a game of ‘never have I ever’ and the realisation hits of just how boring Gray really is. So begins his mission to discover who he is and what really makes him happy. Perhaps making a list will help?
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This was such a gorgeous slow burn story, of best friends falling for each other. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Kai and Gray. I loved following Gray on his journey of self discovery. He was a very unique character, quite clueless and almost a little bit of a push over. But the moment he realised something about his life and himself he had no trouble acting on it. I really liked this about him. I also really appreciated that once he clued into the fact that he had feelings towards Kai, he just went with it. No hesitation or denial. This was just an easy and sweet read that I think anyone who likes to read romance would enjoy.
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Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review 😊

This was a really cute friends-to-lovers story.
There's always that potential for things to go wrong when friends decide to take things to the next level, especially when one of the friends already has strong feelings for the other, but I'm so happy that didn't happen with Kai and Gray.
Yes, there was a little lack of communication when they both realized how much they truly cared for each other, but I was glad things weren't drawn out.
Gray and Kai had such a great friendship it only seemed natural for them to take that next step. I liked being inside Gray's head as he came to the realization that he loved Kai, as more than just a friend. And with Kai having kept his feelings for Gray hidden for so long, I loved that he was finally able to share those feelings.
The Happy List was just an all around feel good, fun little love story.

The Happy List by Briar Prescott is a light hearted story of two friends falling in love. Kai is a wandering artist that is ready to put down roots and open his own shop. Then there is Kai’s best friend Gray a straight laced lawyer who needs a little more happiness in his life. And Kai is just the guy to make it happen.

This is a slow burn romance with pining for days! I love it so much-it is worth the time it takes to get there. I think Briar Prescott did a really good job building up from their friendship to their relationship. It was gradual and realistic.

Really enjoyable story all around! I will definitely keep my eye out for more by this author!

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Jenn loves Grey loving Kai stars

The Happy List is a seriously sigh-worthy, boys-loving-boys, good book. Briar Prescott gives us a beautiful sexual discovery plus BFFs becoming BBFs (Best Boyfriends Forever). What more could a girl ask for?

Grey has spent years diligently and concisely becoming who he thinks he should be. A big-time lawyer at a highly recognized firm. He is nothing if not organized, responsible, and predictable. It isn't until his long-time girlfriend proposes that he even considers what it is he truly wants and even who he really is. Luckily, his BFF Kai is there while he's slowly sinking into an existential crisis of his own making.

Kai has just returned to his home in Boston and is finally ready. Ready to set down some roots. Ready to take the chance and start his own business. And he is absolutely ready to finally get over his extremely inconvenient crush on his very straight best friend. Life and his business are moving along well until he accidentally finds Gray’s happy list, which contains some very interesting... items. As a good friend, it is his job to help him with that list but when some of the items become well more than what friends should be doing it's Kai who starts having the existential crisis as Grey figures out exactly what he wants.

I loved the sexual discovery and how it crossed over with a demisexuality angle, even though it was never fully stated. Grey's feelings were slow going from their authentic backgrounds into their full realization and actualization of them. But, that slow meld of feeling to the realization of what they meant was deliciously beautiful. From the high-drama beginnings of basically unintentionally jilting his long-term girlfriend to falling for his best friend, The Happy List was thankfully a fairly low-angst read.

The Happy List is def going on the same yummy, feel-good sigh-inducing book love shelf as Boyfriend Material and Red, White & Royal Blue BUT instead of the 'fade to black' of those books... we get a... not fade to black? technicolor reel? the smexy details? Meh, whatever you want to call it. We get it! And of what yummy things they were.

This was my first book with the author and I am so all about reading more. I have the strong urge to now go stalk her entire backlog. Don't mind me in my obsessive-compulsive (non-DSM-V diagnosis) ways.

Did this alter my world? No. Change my outlook on... anything? No. But It absolutely makes my very own Happy List. (Yeah, I know that was seriously cheesy. But, I don't care.) The Happy List was a well-written, emotionally dense, and delicious smorgasbord of yummy romance goodness. And I couldn't be happier about it. (Get over it and just lean into the puns).

I absolutely recommend this book for those looking to add a little more swoon-worthy happiness to their romance reads.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

The Happy List follows childhood friends Kai and Grey as they decide to try living together after a series of major life changes for them both. Grey is at such a crossroads that he makes a bucket list, the titular "Happy List" to help him find new meaning in his relationships and work. At first glance, the story may seem like a play on the Odd Couple when you see the laidback and blue-collar Kai and the fastidious white-collar Grey. Yet, it quickly becomes evident that this is a story about how they realize that despite their differences, they can find a fulfilling life together. Prescott has a strong sense for character development and a witty turn of phrase, which helps keep the inevitable plot points fun and logical. There was a dip in the action of the plot around the mid-point that did feel a bit like treading water, yet it finally did ramp up to the conclusion that made the whole work satisfying. It's a good way of spending a long evening paging through to find out what the final "Happy list" includes.

The Happy List by Briar Prescott was a really sweet friends to lovers romance! It was about Gray and Kai who have been best friends since they were kids. Kai has been travelling for the past decade so when he decides to move back home, Gray offers to let him stay at his apartment. They get into a routine and things are going well, until Kai's old feelings for Gray come back and Gray starts to realize that the only time he's truly happy is when Kai is around.

This book is all about the romance. Unlike a lot of modern romance novels, there's not much angst or other storylines. Everything revolves around Gray and Kai and their feelings for one another. Yes, there are some obstacles and it takes them a while to let each other in, but overall, this is a classic friends to lovers romance. Personally I would have appreciated a little more in the form of a story outside the main romance. While the actual happy list plays a role, it's mainly there to enhance the relationship Gray and Kai share.

To me, it was more of an in-between-books read. It's a good book, but there's not much outside the romance and if that's not what you're looking for then this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for just a straight up romance, I would definitely recommend this!

I'd give it 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding down for the lack of an outside story.

I really enjoyed this sweet love story. The chemistry between Gray and Kai was palpable and their hesitancy to show their feelings was torturous. I loved the caring and genuine friendship that came first for these two. I will definitely check out more books from this author!

This was a much needed light hearted read. Gary's life is more structured, and Kai is more free-spirited and they have been long time friends since teenagers. One day Gary makes a Happy List after figuring out his life is boring and he hasn't been living it to the fullest. Kai is very happy to help him complete a lot of his list. Secretly they both feelings for the other, but do not want to risk losing their friendship.

Is this a predictable story? Maybe, but this did not bother at all. It is a slow burn to them finally getting to relationship status but it is worth it! They have so much trust and respect for each other and it is clearly conveyed through their chats and thoughts. This is so well written and a great story. I did not know I needed to read this and so glad I did!

5 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley, Brian Prescott, and Books Go Social for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available now: 10/25/20

The review will be posted 19th November on instagram (@soooomanybooks) and Goodreads as well.

Thank you Netgalley and Briar Prescott for providing me a copy to review.

If you're looking for a feel-good M/M romamce than go no further as The Happy List brings you to a fun romantic comedy where best friends become lovers and the truth between them finds its way to the light.

The Happy List tells the story of long time best friends, Kai and Gray.
After Gray rather ubruptly comes out of a relationship, his best friend is there to help him as always. And although Kai has been travelling the world for the past dacade now he'a finally ready to come home.

The story:
Gray and Kai try to find a new rythem after being best friends through email and phone. And like everything between them, living together feels easy and right.
When after a night out Gray realises his life has been boring and uneventful he writes a list of things he wants to do. And when Kai finds the list titled The Happy List, he's determined to help his friend out and make some memories!

Their relationship starts to change though when Grayson experiences feelings he never had before towards his best friend. And his little gestures and odd behaviour just bring out Kai's long forgotten (denied) crush for the man.
They start something totally new but besides the obviously good parts they hold back their feelings thinking the other would not be intersted at all in the long run.

The Characters:
Gray is a corporate lawyer working way too much. That's why he tries to make a list of things he'd love to experience.
Also he's very kind and caring behind the corporate facade. I loved his relationship with his brother and his grandma that gave a lot of perspective to who he is.

Kai is a wood worker who finally decided to settle down and open his own shop after he ran away from his teenage crush. He's insecure and hesitent to belive Gray would look at him any other way than to a best friend. I liked his humour and how he seemed to always be able to cheer Gray up.
Gray was the happiest when he was with Kai and it was kind of fun seeing him realise why is that.

It was fun and light and funny and meaningful. I liked every aspect and how it made me smile and laugh out loud.

This book was exactly what I needed right now! Gray and Kai were an absolute delight to fall in love with. I loved the progression of their relationship from best friends to lovers to partners. Kai is more free-spirited and just back from years of traveling. Gray is tightly wound and never really "lived" outside of the confines he set for himself. When he creates his list of things he wants to try in order to truly be happy, he really begins to live. It doesn't hurt that Kai sees the list and finds himself lending a helping hand. And did I mention that he has been in love with Gray for years?

I also thoroughly enjoyed the supporting cast of characters from Kai's sister and brother-in-law, to Max but most especially Con. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that Con gets his own story sometime soon!

I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to dive into more books by Prescott!

The Happy List is probably something I would skip over in a different mood. But, I have to say I'm just sooo sick of cover art with some mostly naked guy it caught my attention. I read the description and was intrigued.

The concept, gay man in love with his best friend doesn't want to ruin their relationship by telling him then suddenly best friend develops feelings for him... kinda overdone. So really, you'd think I'd be bored out of my mind. But, I wasn't. It had me hooked from the first paragraph. Also, having a demi character, even if it's not spelled out that way in the book, makes me very happy. I can only remember one other book with one. AND best of all, there is no angst or anything over it. No turmoil at all. Gray's just kinda like "oh, I like a guy... whatever." *sigh* If only more books could be that way.

Poor Gray. He thought he was going to a leap-year surprise birthday party with all of his closest friends and family there. Instead, his girlfriend proposed to him. After telling her no, he has no urge to be married or ever having the kids she's suddenly talking about, he takes his grandmother's advice and climbs out the bathroom window. And, of course, Kai's there. Kai's been his best friend since they were like 12 or something and has been pretty much nomadic all their adult lives. When he finally decides to put down roots, Gray asks him to move in with him. Kai thought he was over his crush on Gray but after living together he realizes... not so much.

Anyway, on to the happy list. After the unwanted surprise proposal followed by a night of bar-hopping with Kai, his sister Monica and brother-in-law Ian in which they all share stories about all the crazy things they've done in their lives, Gray decides he needs a change. He makes a list of things he's never done, mostly things mentioned during the drinking game, and when Kai finds it he decides to help him out with the list, even if it means seeing his best friend with someone else. So yea, obviously in the process Gray discovers feelings for Kai. *trumpets blare* And none of the "OMG he's a guy" things that usually happen ensue. It's more like "holy shit he's my best friend."

Okay, so I've said more than I usually do in book reviews. But dang this was a really good book! The banter between Gray and Kai was hilarious. There weren't any really emotional and depressing moments despite both of them having childhood tragedies. I'd say it was a good fluff read but it really was more than that. Truthfully, it had a 5-star rating from me until it got to all the sex. Sorry peeps, I'm just not into all that and all the skimming over it got kind've annoying. So yea, if you enjoy all the hotness along with the hilarity, it'll be a 5-star book for you for sure.

This is a great slow burn, best friends to lovers romance. This book hooked me from the start and I finished it in two sittings.
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I love our main characters, Kai and Grey, they had such great chemistry the whole time and their relationship never felt forced. I enjoyed following Grey through his realization that he actually likes Kai as more than just a friend and as he explores his sexuality for the first time. It was very nice to see them talking about their feelings openly and discussing things instead of causing unneeded drama. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and I wanted more from it. I also wanted to know more about their families and what happened to their parents.
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Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think if you are looking for a best friends to lovers, low angst, enjoyable read that will make you smile then this is for you.
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Thank you to netgalley for providing me an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this gem of a book. The story was about two best friends that could be more than friends. . Gray realizing that life was boring at the age of 28 decided to make a ‘happy’ do list. Kai was happy to help him achieve some of the items on that list. What I loved was that their relationship was that it was beautiful, respectful, and genuine. I liked the alternative POV and found it refreshing to get each guy’s perspective on love, life, and friendship. I didn’t want this book to end. Ah the book was just wonderful. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next book.

I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!