The Build-a-Boyfriend Project A Novel

"The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is full of heart, full of charm, full of swoons and, most importantly, full of things to say about life, love, and becoming who we want to be. Mason Deaver has built a winner!" - Adib Khorram, USA Today Bestselling Author of I'll Have What He's Having

"I was swept up in Eli and Peter's endearing romance about how searching for love can lead to finding yourself. Funny, honest, and full of fake dating tropey goodness, Eli and his cinnamon roll hero are your next must-have book boyfriends. Put this rom-com to the top of your 2025 TBR pile!" - Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series

"Sweet and sexy, The Build-a-Boyfriend Project is a delightful romance about taking chances and embracing the unexpected. Disastrous first date to possible true love...what could be more delicious?" - Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn't Date

"The Build-A-Boyfriend Project is an addicting story full of hard-hitting emotions, balanced perfectly by a whip-smart and hilarious voice. An adorable love interest will have you rooting for a well-earned happily-ever-after until the very end. The trans masculine representation was glorious, and it was so exciting to see Eli's experience as a trans man on the page. Mason bravely does not shy away from difficult topics, and it's validating and gratifying to see Eli's realistic struggles. Mason has knocked it out of the park with this heartwarming romance." - National Book Award-Winning Author, Kacen Callender

"From the frustration of feeling creatively stagnant to the anxiety of exploring romance and love for the first time as a queer adult, Deaver captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of your late twenties in a fake-dating romance that's full of charm, authenticity, and so much yearning. Eli and Peter's messy, tender love story speaks to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider, capturing at once the heartbreak and joy of finding yourself and your people." - Emma R. Alban, USA Today Bestselling Author of Don't Want You Like a Best Friend

"Trans protagonist Eli and love interest Peter are fabulous characters who begin with fake-dating and segue into a wonderful, sweet (but also steamy) romance." - Booklist (starred review)

"Deaver's adult debut will win fans with Peter's awkwardness and quiet appeal...The romance is lighthearted without glossing over the societal challenges experienced by Peter and by Eli, who is a trans man." - Library Journal

"Deaver sticks the landing. This should earn Deaver a whole new set of fans." - Publishers Weekly