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Husband Hunters
You never know where the love of your life might turn up.
When Matt Connelly suggests to his best buddy Cody Mook that they head to downtown Seattle to audition for the gay reality TV show, Husband Hunters, both agree the experience might be a lark and a chance to grab their fifteen minutes of fame. What they don't know is that the show, modeled after HGTV's House Hunters, will open doors of longing neither expected. For Matt, the secret love he has long harbored for Cody might be thrust into the spotlight. Cody might realize his search for his perfect-forever-man extends no farther than the man who's always been at his side.
Husband Hunters promises laughter, tears, and, just maybe, a happy ever after. Will Cody and Matt's story be one of best-friends-to-lovers—or an outright disaster?
When Matt Connelly suggests to his best buddy Cody Mook that they head to downtown Seattle to audition for the gay reality TV show, Husband Hunters, both agree the experience might be a lark and a chance to grab their fifteen minutes of fame. What they don't know is that the show, modeled after HGTV's House Hunters, will open doors of longing neither expected. For Matt, the secret love he has long harbored for Cody might be thrust into the spotlight. Cody might realize his search for his perfect-forever-man extends no farther than the man who's always been at his side.
Husband Hunters promises laughter, tears, and, just maybe, a happy ever after. Will Cody and Matt's story be one of best-friends-to-lovers—or an outright disaster?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,047 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 22, 2014
Finding love is like buying fruit. You pick one you think looks perfect: the shape, color, firmness. But when you bite into it you realize that doesn't taste good or like anything at all because it hasn't matured--it isn't ripe. Often the most fragrant, delicious fruit has an imperfection.
Reed writes compellingly of the superficiality of the gay dating/hook up scene. His men want love, but somehow need to look beyond the facade and see the real person beneath before they can find happiness. Cody fits this to a T. He's got everything he could want, does want, right in front of him. Matt's been pining and choosing to accept what he can have rather than risk a sure thing for the possibility of bliss.
I love the honesty in Reed's characters, the flaws in his heroes. What I've never been a huge fan of is pop culture references in stories. No clue why, but they just aren't my thing and this impeded my enjoyment.
Overall, a charming read of a friends to lovers' obliviousness
3.5 Stars
Reed writes compellingly of the superficiality of the gay dating/hook up scene. His men want love, but somehow need to look beyond the facade and see the real person beneath before they can find happiness. Cody fits this to a T. He's got everything he could want, does want, right in front of him. Matt's been pining and choosing to accept what he can have rather than risk a sure thing for the possibility of bliss.
I love the honesty in Reed's characters, the flaws in his heroes. What I've never been a huge fan of is pop culture references in stories. No clue why, but they just aren't my thing and this impeded my enjoyment.
Overall, a charming read of a friends to lovers' obliviousness
3.5 Stars
October 12, 2014
4.5 stars
This is one of the best friends-to-lovers stories I've read and I've read a lot.
What happens when one best friend wants more than friendship? When he's in love but the other man just sees him as his buddy? Matt knows this only too well. He hopes that talking Cody into auditioning for a reality show, Husband Hunters, a show that brings gay men together, that it will either bring the two of them together finally, or maybe force Matt to move on once and for all. Only things don't go remotely as planned - for either man.
An excellent story that will have you smiling one minute and maybe a little teary the next.
Full review can be found at -
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 10, 2017
Huh? Color me surprised but this didn't work so well for me. I've had it tucked away in my kindle for ages and perhaps this was a sign.
I loved the writing.
I enjoyed the humor.
I thought Matt was marvelous!
But the other star of the show never won me over.
Then the catalyst that opened Cody's eyes...upset me.
Not cool Cody. I think Matt deserves better.
I'm marking this one, the RRR that got away from me.
And...I'm moving on!
I loved the writing.
I enjoyed the humor.
I thought Matt was marvelous!
But the other star of the show never won me over.
Then the catalyst that opened Cody's eyes...upset me.
Not cool Cody. I think Matt deserves better.
I'm marking this one, the RRR that got away from me.
And...I'm moving on!
September 24, 2014
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Fun! Fun! Fun! The premise is fun, the characters were fun, and the reading was fun. Even with the ups and downs the MCs go through, I found that reading this story made me happy and kept me feeling that way all day. In fact, it was darn hard to put down. How dare real life interfere with my reading time?
The television show “House Hunters” is so successful why not try “Husband Hunters”? When the idea seems to be a success, producers expand their geographic area and come to Seattle to stage their search for more eligible gay men—some who will be the hunter, and some the hunted. Matt talks his best friend, and secret love, Cody, into auditioning for the show. Both young men have expressed a desire to find the perfect mate, the man who will be their future husband and partner in life. Both are good-looking in a non-model sort of way, have similar likes and dislikes and spend much of their time in each other’s company. What Cody doesn’t know, and Matt is too fearful to tell him, is that Matt is head-over-heels in love with him. But he’s afraid that if he tells Cody, he’ll ruin their friendship, and his past attempts to step up the romance have failed miserably. If he can’t have Cody, then he might as well try his hand at husband hunting, and if nothing else, if Cody finds a man, it will allow Matt to move on.
Both men are chosen for the show, and unknown to them, the producers who chose them did so because they think that it would improve ratings to show two best friends falling in love. The hitches and glitches along the way, however, do nothing but drive a wedge between the two men. One of the producers convinces Matt to pretend he’s dropping out, asking him to distance himself from Cody in the intervening weeks, plotting that this will make it even better when Cody realizes he’s Cody’s third mystery date on the show. Against his better judgment, Matt agrees, and the resulting mess this makes of Matt’s and Cody’s relationship looks like it might be irreparable.
Without revealing more plot spoilers, I will say that we do get a HEA for these guys, but the author makes them work for it. And although what happens might seem simple and trite to some readers, I enjoyed the way the author managed it, making it believable and inevitable, and leaving me feeling warm and happy. And really, why else do I read? I want to enjoy the story and feel warm and happy!
I recommend this to all lovers of m/m romance who like a friends-to-lovers story and those who simply appreciate a romance between two average guys who might fall in love, get married, and have a long and happy future together. 4.5 stars rounded up due to how much pleasure I found in reading it.
Fun! Fun! Fun! The premise is fun, the characters were fun, and the reading was fun. Even with the ups and downs the MCs go through, I found that reading this story made me happy and kept me feeling that way all day. In fact, it was darn hard to put down. How dare real life interfere with my reading time?
The television show “House Hunters” is so successful why not try “Husband Hunters”? When the idea seems to be a success, producers expand their geographic area and come to Seattle to stage their search for more eligible gay men—some who will be the hunter, and some the hunted. Matt talks his best friend, and secret love, Cody, into auditioning for the show. Both young men have expressed a desire to find the perfect mate, the man who will be their future husband and partner in life. Both are good-looking in a non-model sort of way, have similar likes and dislikes and spend much of their time in each other’s company. What Cody doesn’t know, and Matt is too fearful to tell him, is that Matt is head-over-heels in love with him. But he’s afraid that if he tells Cody, he’ll ruin their friendship, and his past attempts to step up the romance have failed miserably. If he can’t have Cody, then he might as well try his hand at husband hunting, and if nothing else, if Cody finds a man, it will allow Matt to move on.
Both men are chosen for the show, and unknown to them, the producers who chose them did so because they think that it would improve ratings to show two best friends falling in love. The hitches and glitches along the way, however, do nothing but drive a wedge between the two men. One of the producers convinces Matt to pretend he’s dropping out, asking him to distance himself from Cody in the intervening weeks, plotting that this will make it even better when Cody realizes he’s Cody’s third mystery date on the show. Against his better judgment, Matt agrees, and the resulting mess this makes of Matt’s and Cody’s relationship looks like it might be irreparable.
Without revealing more plot spoilers, I will say that we do get a HEA for these guys, but the author makes them work for it. And although what happens might seem simple and trite to some readers, I enjoyed the way the author managed it, making it believable and inevitable, and leaving me feeling warm and happy. And really, why else do I read? I want to enjoy the story and feel warm and happy!
I recommend this to all lovers of m/m romance who like a friends-to-lovers story and those who simply appreciate a romance between two average guys who might fall in love, get married, and have a long and happy future together. 4.5 stars rounded up due to how much pleasure I found in reading it.
December 16, 2019
Husband Hunters is such a great book with fascinating main characters who have real emotional issues to battle with, a great cast of secondary characters to support them, and quite a few observations and criticisms about today’s fascination with “reality” TV. Which, of course, reflects anything other than reality. The story starts off as more or less pure entertainment, but then gradually turns into an intriguing character study of Cody, who is desperate to find “the one”, and Matt, his best friend, who is deeply in love with Cody but too scared to tell him for fear of losing the friendship they have. Different from ‘Husband Material’ by Xavier Mayne (reviewed here earlier this year), Husband Hunters not only focuses on matching two gay men (who are both out) as part of the show, but is also centered around the two main characters’ emotions far more than their activities during the “weekend encounters” that are supposed to help them get to know each other better.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 11, 2014
EXCELLENT!!!!!
September 13, 2014
review on Booklikes: http://myfictionnook.booklikes.com/po...
March 27, 2024
Rick R. Reed's Husband Hunters is a clever and witty friends to lovers romance. I've got to say, I’ve been so happy that Reed has been releasing these previously published books in audio! I'm a huge audiobook fan, and this has given me a chance to enjoy these books for the first time.
I enjoy the way the story is structured, all the twists and turns keep it quite lively. Especially at the beginning, we get inside information that makes it doubly fun to watch as these characters navigate the story. Husband Hunters is completely unique, and nothing like I was expecting.
I'm seriously impressed by Wesley Landry's narration in the audio version of Husband Hunters. Landry totally understands Reed’s marvelous sense of humor, and imparts this into his performance. Wonderful!
an audiobook copy of Husband Hunters was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
I enjoy the way the story is structured, all the twists and turns keep it quite lively. Especially at the beginning, we get inside information that makes it doubly fun to watch as these characters navigate the story. Husband Hunters is completely unique, and nothing like I was expecting.
I'm seriously impressed by Wesley Landry's narration in the audio version of Husband Hunters. Landry totally understands Reed’s marvelous sense of humor, and imparts this into his performance. Wonderful!
an audiobook copy of Husband Hunters was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
October 30, 2019
Reality TV Matchmaking!
Do you believe that you can find love in reality TV? Are you fond of watching reality TV? Well, this story is about a guy looking for his one true love!
Best friends Cody and Matt auditioned for the reality show Husband Hunters. Cody has had a lot of one-night stands and he’s tired of it. Matt meanwhile has been in love with his best friend since day one. He believes Cody will never see him in that light, so he suggested they audition for the reality show. Who knows, he might find the man meant for him there who is not Cody.
But everything starts to get real, and something happened that made Cody start thinking about a lot of things like love, compatibility, the right and not-the-right guy. What he believed reality tv is, is truly is and more. And he can’t stop thinking of that important element that should be present in a relationship. But life and people are sometimes frustrating and annoying, never able to see the good thing right in front of them.
A story about two best friends who are both looking for the one. One knows who he wants but does not think he’ll ever get him or be noticed. One keeps looking far for his ideal husband. This story is a little heartbreaking because we all understand that feeling of looking for Mr. Right. Each character brought something into the story to make it what it is. You will love Matt, sometimes Cody will annoy you, but their quirks and imperfections made their story perfect for them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do you believe that you can find love in reality TV? Are you fond of watching reality TV? Well, this story is about a guy looking for his one true love!
Best friends Cody and Matt auditioned for the reality show Husband Hunters. Cody has had a lot of one-night stands and he’s tired of it. Matt meanwhile has been in love with his best friend since day one. He believes Cody will never see him in that light, so he suggested they audition for the reality show. Who knows, he might find the man meant for him there who is not Cody.
But everything starts to get real, and something happened that made Cody start thinking about a lot of things like love, compatibility, the right and not-the-right guy. What he believed reality tv is, is truly is and more. And he can’t stop thinking of that important element that should be present in a relationship. But life and people are sometimes frustrating and annoying, never able to see the good thing right in front of them.
A story about two best friends who are both looking for the one. One knows who he wants but does not think he’ll ever get him or be noticed. One keeps looking far for his ideal husband. This story is a little heartbreaking because we all understand that feeling of looking for Mr. Right. Each character brought something into the story to make it what it is. You will love Matt, sometimes Cody will annoy you, but their quirks and imperfections made their story perfect for them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 31, 2019
I loved the idea of Husband Hunters.
Matt and Cody have been best friends for years. Matt convinces Cody that they should both audition for the TV show Husband Hunters when it comes to town.
This was a funny yet sometimes sad story about the ups and downs of reality TV.
I enjoyed watching Cody on his dates.
I did feel bad for the friends when things became awkward between them.
Will their friendship survive?
Will either of these men admit to feeling something more?
How will these stubborn men get their HEA??
Matt and Cody have been best friends for years. Matt convinces Cody that they should both audition for the TV show Husband Hunters when it comes to town.
This was a funny yet sometimes sad story about the ups and downs of reality TV.
I enjoyed watching Cody on his dates.
I did feel bad for the friends when things became awkward between them.
Will their friendship survive?
Will either of these men admit to feeling something more?
How will these stubborn men get their HEA??
October 31, 2019
this was good.. parts were really odd to me but overall i enjoyed it.. it caught my attention and held it.. so i enjoyed it
December 11, 2019
Husband Hunters
By Rick R. Reed
Dreamspinner Press, 2014
Four stars
I’ve read quite a few of Rick Reed’s books, and clearly like his intelligent prose, and the way his stories probe the reality of what it actually is to be a gay man. In some ways “Husband Hunters” is a classic m/m romance; but there is a distinct flavor of reality here that is often lacking in romances written by people who have no experience of gay life.
The intentionally absurd premise for this 2014 novel is a reality TV show that pairs gay men to see if they can find a life-long partner in just three weekends. Everybody in the story – including the television show producers – think it’s an absurd premise, but we live in a world of absurd premises in 2019, don’t we?
Cody Mook is a hottie and a player. With his best friend and wingman Matt Connelly – who is more of an average joe, as well as a fellow high school teacher in Seattle – Cody trolls the Seattle night spots for bedtime company. Matt is far less of a player, and often finds himself alone late at night once Cody slips away with his homme du jour.
Then Matt gets wind of auditions for the reality TV show “Husband Hunters” and convinces Cody that this would be a great idea for them to do together. The untold truth here is that Matt has loved Cody for years, and somehow, in that working of logic known only to the lovelorn, believes this might be what it takes to help Cody see him in a new light.
Really, how silly can you get? And yet…Reed manages to use this idea as a way to look inside gorgeous Cody’s head and discover someone who is only a player because it comes easily to him. What his heart really wants is something else. The more difficult challenge the author has set himself is how to make Matt’s story as interesting and important as Cody’s. The friend-zone dynamic that rules Cody and Matt’s relationship has gotten so necessary for both of them, that only Matt, who is more introspective and self-aware (at least it seems to me), understands the downside of the way things stand between them.
Reed manages to dodge and leap, puzzling us and pushing his characters to their emotional limits; while never once stepping away from the core notion that the reality TV show “Husband Hunters” is a stupid idea. The reality of being on reality TV is, well, unreal. This keeps the reader amused, intrigued and turning the pages, until the finale, which might be too nuanced for some m/m readers. Love and sex are, obviously, not the same thing. The surprise is that friendship might be more complicated than love, and just as precious.
By Rick R. Reed
Dreamspinner Press, 2014
Four stars
I’ve read quite a few of Rick Reed’s books, and clearly like his intelligent prose, and the way his stories probe the reality of what it actually is to be a gay man. In some ways “Husband Hunters” is a classic m/m romance; but there is a distinct flavor of reality here that is often lacking in romances written by people who have no experience of gay life.
The intentionally absurd premise for this 2014 novel is a reality TV show that pairs gay men to see if they can find a life-long partner in just three weekends. Everybody in the story – including the television show producers – think it’s an absurd premise, but we live in a world of absurd premises in 2019, don’t we?
Cody Mook is a hottie and a player. With his best friend and wingman Matt Connelly – who is more of an average joe, as well as a fellow high school teacher in Seattle – Cody trolls the Seattle night spots for bedtime company. Matt is far less of a player, and often finds himself alone late at night once Cody slips away with his homme du jour.
Then Matt gets wind of auditions for the reality TV show “Husband Hunters” and convinces Cody that this would be a great idea for them to do together. The untold truth here is that Matt has loved Cody for years, and somehow, in that working of logic known only to the lovelorn, believes this might be what it takes to help Cody see him in a new light.
Really, how silly can you get? And yet…Reed manages to use this idea as a way to look inside gorgeous Cody’s head and discover someone who is only a player because it comes easily to him. What his heart really wants is something else. The more difficult challenge the author has set himself is how to make Matt’s story as interesting and important as Cody’s. The friend-zone dynamic that rules Cody and Matt’s relationship has gotten so necessary for both of them, that only Matt, who is more introspective and self-aware (at least it seems to me), understands the downside of the way things stand between them.
Reed manages to dodge and leap, puzzling us and pushing his characters to their emotional limits; while never once stepping away from the core notion that the reality TV show “Husband Hunters” is a stupid idea. The reality of being on reality TV is, well, unreal. This keeps the reader amused, intrigued and turning the pages, until the finale, which might be too nuanced for some m/m readers. Love and sex are, obviously, not the same thing. The surprise is that friendship might be more complicated than love, and just as precious.
September 26, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Finding love on reality TV. Cody and Matt are going to find out if it’s possible. Matt, however, has already found the man the loves, Cody. Cody is a good looking guy that has a string of one night stands that never lead anywhere. (On a side note, Cody calls these guys tricks, which made me think of prostitution, although Cody is clearly not a prostitute.) Cody and Matt do everything together as friends, but Cody has no attraction to Matt.
The guys get chosen for the show with Cody being the main guy who goes on the three dates. The contact of the show tells him it’s all about appearance and how the show looks. So then some of the details were lacking and inconsistent when Cody gets picked up from home in his own clothes, gets driven directly to a restaurant for his first date, and there is no TV makeup used and no coaching on how or where to speak to the camera. He doesn’t even know if the server is a restaurant employee or an extra. The first two dates have issues for various reasons and the second one is very emotional for two guys meeting for the first time on camera and it is hard to relate to so much sharing so quickly.
From a writing perspective, this book is well done. The story flows well, the dialogue is natural, and the locations are realistic. You have to really like Cody here to enjoy this book and, well, I sort of didn’t really like him in regards to being a possible mate for Matt. Cody relies on Matt and Matt is Cody’s biggest fan. All the way through the story, Cody makes it clear time and time again that he is not attracted to Matt, which okay, he’s being honest. He even makes a comment that he does not think Matt would be good in bed. So when they get together, only after Cody thinks he is losing Matt, and Matt has to pretty much explain Cody’s own feelings and sort them out for him, I never felt the connection that Cody was really in love with Matt. It was more like he still wanted his best bud to continue to idolize him.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Finding love on reality TV. Cody and Matt are going to find out if it’s possible. Matt, however, has already found the man the loves, Cody. Cody is a good looking guy that has a string of one night stands that never lead anywhere. (On a side note, Cody calls these guys tricks, which made me think of prostitution, although Cody is clearly not a prostitute.) Cody and Matt do everything together as friends, but Cody has no attraction to Matt.
The guys get chosen for the show with Cody being the main guy who goes on the three dates. The contact of the show tells him it’s all about appearance and how the show looks. So then some of the details were lacking and inconsistent when Cody gets picked up from home in his own clothes, gets driven directly to a restaurant for his first date, and there is no TV makeup used and no coaching on how or where to speak to the camera. He doesn’t even know if the server is a restaurant employee or an extra. The first two dates have issues for various reasons and the second one is very emotional for two guys meeting for the first time on camera and it is hard to relate to so much sharing so quickly.
From a writing perspective, this book is well done. The story flows well, the dialogue is natural, and the locations are realistic. You have to really like Cody here to enjoy this book and, well, I sort of didn’t really like him in regards to being a possible mate for Matt. Cody relies on Matt and Matt is Cody’s biggest fan. All the way through the story, Cody makes it clear time and time again that he is not attracted to Matt, which okay, he’s being honest. He even makes a comment that he does not think Matt would be good in bed. So when they get together, only after Cody thinks he is losing Matt, and Matt has to pretty much explain Cody’s own feelings and sort them out for him, I never felt the connection that Cody was really in love with Matt. It was more like he still wanted his best bud to continue to idolize him.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 21, 2021
Matt has been in love with Cody for a while, but Cody has never looked at his best friend that way. He is very firm that friends and lovers should be in separate categories and he doesn't mix them. Matt convinces Cody to try out for a Husband Hunters reality show and the show thinks that Matt and Cody would be a great match together. It almost completely ruins their friendship before Cody realizes that Matt is what he wants.
This is a tough one for me to rate. Part of me hated Cody; the other part of me totally got him and thought the story was too forced for them. I really liked Matt and felt sorry for him. At first, I didn't really connect to Cody, probably because I felt bad for Matt and because Cody was just so oblivious and sleeping with anything that moved. Then I realized that I really didn't have any reason to be mad at Cody. He was straight up with his feelings. It almost felt at first that the story was just forced to get them together when they really shouldn't be. I guess I wasn't so convinced that they should be together. In the end, I was glad they worked it out, but it also felt like there was so much sex with everyone else and Cody not seeing Matt that way, but then all of a sudden it was fine and they were together, but it was all off-page. I felt like I lost a little of that connection between them to really buy that they will be together forever.
Overall, it was a good story that got the characters together. The TV premise was interesting.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
This is a tough one for me to rate. Part of me hated Cody; the other part of me totally got him and thought the story was too forced for them. I really liked Matt and felt sorry for him. At first, I didn't really connect to Cody, probably because I felt bad for Matt and because Cody was just so oblivious and sleeping with anything that moved. Then I realized that I really didn't have any reason to be mad at Cody. He was straight up with his feelings. It almost felt at first that the story was just forced to get them together when they really shouldn't be. I guess I wasn't so convinced that they should be together. In the end, I was glad they worked it out, but it also felt like there was so much sex with everyone else and Cody not seeing Matt that way, but then all of a sudden it was fine and they were together, but it was all off-page. I felt like I lost a little of that connection between them to really buy that they will be together forever.
Overall, it was a good story that got the characters together. The TV premise was interesting.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
September 8, 2014
4,25stars
I have to admit I'm not a fan of reality shows. To be honest you can say I hate them!
Everything in these shows is false/fake. Very often even the dialogues are written for the participants and not their own words.
So I had to think hard if I wanted to read a book with this main theme. But because I like Rick's books, I gave it a try.
And boy, am I glad that I did!
I had so much fun reading it. It was a rollercoaster for me. And my feelings were all over the place.
One minute I couldn't stand a character and after a few pages I loved him. The same is to say for the other way round!
There were times I really didn't like Cody. And sometimes I wanted to smack him...hard!
Other times I felt so sorry for him and I wanted to give the person who "hurt" him a piece of my mind. *sighs*
I was engaged in this book and with the characters.
Matt was such a wonderful character and my heart broke for him in some scenes. (that were the times where I wanted to slap Cody^^)
At the end I’m still not sure if Cody is the right partner for him but if he's happy that's all that counts.
Oh and Chappy.. don’t let me forget him. He doesn’t have a big part but somehow I fell in love with him. At least a bit ;) So it was no wonder that my heart broke for him. I wanted to hug him…desperately. And I really wished there’d be a book where he gets his HEA.
I have to admit I'm not a fan of reality shows. To be honest you can say I hate them!
Everything in these shows is false/fake. Very often even the dialogues are written for the participants and not their own words.
So I had to think hard if I wanted to read a book with this main theme. But because I like Rick's books, I gave it a try.
And boy, am I glad that I did!
I had so much fun reading it. It was a rollercoaster for me. And my feelings were all over the place.
One minute I couldn't stand a character and after a few pages I loved him. The same is to say for the other way round!
There were times I really didn't like Cody. And sometimes I wanted to smack him...hard!
Other times I felt so sorry for him and I wanted to give the person who "hurt" him a piece of my mind. *sighs*
I was engaged in this book and with the characters.
Matt was such a wonderful character and my heart broke for him in some scenes. (that were the times where I wanted to slap Cody^^)
At the end I’m still not sure if Cody is the right partner for him but if he's happy that's all that counts.
Oh and Chappy.. don’t let me forget him. He doesn’t have a big part but somehow I fell in love with him. At least a bit ;) So it was no wonder that my heart broke for him. I wanted to hug him…desperately. And I really wished there’d be a book where he gets his HEA.
February 13, 2017
~3.5 stars~
September 22, 2014
Actually I'd give this a 3.5 simply for the ending. Cody drove me crazy, and more than once I wanted to smack him upside the head. And I still think Tre and Frank (who never met in the book) should get a story of their own.
December 2, 2014
I really like this author's writing style - lots of details. I liked the story but just couldn't find the love for Cody. He really annoyed me for some reason.
March 28, 2024
Cute story (an audio review)
I enjoy Rick R. Reed stories and this one was enjoyable. Wasn’t my favorite, though, and I wasn’t surprised to see it’s one of his older books. I feel the newer ones have more depth and are a bit edgier. Regardless, I snapped this one up and listened.
Matt really grabbed my heart. He’s in love with his best friend. Unrequited love is always painful – especially when it’s a friend you literally see everyday in your job. The men are teachers together and often hang out on weekends. When Cody’s not getting laid, that is. Matt doesn’t see himself as attractive as someone like Cody, and he resists telling his friend how he feels.
Enter Husband Hunters – the reality show that help singles find mates. This version, filming in Seattle, is helping gay men find husbands. Matt loves the show and drags Cody down for an audition. His premise of hoping they’ll somehow wind up together felt a little bit of a stretch, but I was willing to roll with it. And although most of the book is in Cody and Matt’s point of view (skewing a little bit more toward Cody), having Martha Stewart’s point of view was super cute (no, not THAT Martha Stewart).
The ’will they or won’t they’ pull existed throughout the book, even as I was sure they would. Generally, when you have two point of view characters, they wind up together. But Rick occasionally pulls the rug out from under me, so I was never one hundred percent certain. Especially when someone approached Matt and really appreciated him for who he was – something no one else had really done.
This is a cute story, quite fluffy, and enjoyable. Made more so by Wesley Landry’s strong narration. He has a great style that suits Rick’s words and the two work well together. I’ll certainly pick up any others which come my way.
I enjoy Rick R. Reed stories and this one was enjoyable. Wasn’t my favorite, though, and I wasn’t surprised to see it’s one of his older books. I feel the newer ones have more depth and are a bit edgier. Regardless, I snapped this one up and listened.
Matt really grabbed my heart. He’s in love with his best friend. Unrequited love is always painful – especially when it’s a friend you literally see everyday in your job. The men are teachers together and often hang out on weekends. When Cody’s not getting laid, that is. Matt doesn’t see himself as attractive as someone like Cody, and he resists telling his friend how he feels.
Enter Husband Hunters – the reality show that help singles find mates. This version, filming in Seattle, is helping gay men find husbands. Matt loves the show and drags Cody down for an audition. His premise of hoping they’ll somehow wind up together felt a little bit of a stretch, but I was willing to roll with it. And although most of the book is in Cody and Matt’s point of view (skewing a little bit more toward Cody), having Martha Stewart’s point of view was super cute (no, not THAT Martha Stewart).
The ’will they or won’t they’ pull existed throughout the book, even as I was sure they would. Generally, when you have two point of view characters, they wind up together. But Rick occasionally pulls the rug out from under me, so I was never one hundred percent certain. Especially when someone approached Matt and really appreciated him for who he was – something no one else had really done.
This is a cute story, quite fluffy, and enjoyable. Made more so by Wesley Landry’s strong narration. He has a great style that suits Rick’s words and the two work well together. I’ll certainly pick up any others which come my way.
October 29, 2019
Husband Hunters by Rick R. Reed is a standalone contemporary m/m romance about two best friends who are about to get some surprises when they decide to try out for a gay reality show, Husband Hunters.
If you do not like stories that include characters becoming intimate with other people besides the other main character, even if it occurs before they are together, then proceed with caution... after all it's about a dating show where contestants are considering several potential suitors. The romance between these friends evolve alower... sometimes you need to explore other options before you realize what you really want was right there all along.
Matt and Cody are interesting characters. They do not have an easy transition going from best friends to lovers. There were times I wanted to smack one of them, both of them - Cody to just stop being dumb and embrace what they could have... or Matt to stop pining for Cody and find a sweet guy who wouldn't so easily dismiss his proclamations of love.
Overall, this story had a lot of drama and angst, a lot of humor and some romance. There were times in this book that I thought about stopping. The book is well written in my opinion, and I love Friends to Lovers romances... but I didnt feel warm and fuzzy reading this, It felt off. Matt loved his best friend but they each had things going on with other people for most of the book. But something kept me reading, I still wanted to see it all play out.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
If you do not like stories that include characters becoming intimate with other people besides the other main character, even if it occurs before they are together, then proceed with caution... after all it's about a dating show where contestants are considering several potential suitors. The romance between these friends evolve alower... sometimes you need to explore other options before you realize what you really want was right there all along.
Matt and Cody are interesting characters. They do not have an easy transition going from best friends to lovers. There were times I wanted to smack one of them, both of them - Cody to just stop being dumb and embrace what they could have... or Matt to stop pining for Cody and find a sweet guy who wouldn't so easily dismiss his proclamations of love.
Overall, this story had a lot of drama and angst, a lot of humor and some romance. There were times in this book that I thought about stopping. The book is well written in my opinion, and I love Friends to Lovers romances... but I didnt feel warm and fuzzy reading this, It felt off. Matt loved his best friend but they each had things going on with other people for most of the book. But something kept me reading, I still wanted to see it all play out.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
April 18, 2024
Performance: 3 Stars
Story: 3 Stars
The premise - finding love on a reality show that is really a friends-to-lovers story - sounded promising. But I didn't find the love connection between Matt and Cody all that convincing, mostly because of Cody. (And this may be spoiler-ish, but if MCs hooking up with others on-page prior to their coupling up isn't your cup of tea, fair warning.)
Sweetheart Matt is secretly in love with Cody, his longtime best friend, and I struggled the whole story to see why. Cody isn't even that great of a friend, he's selfish and immature, and his rebuff of Matt after the man finally admits his feelings was heartbreaking.
It certainly didn't leave a good taste for setting up their eventual pairing, when Matt is on the verge of finding happiness with another and a jealous Cody finally gets his head out of his bum. I kept thinking, "You snooze, you lose." Truly, I was rooting for Matt and cameraman Tre to sail off into the Seattle sunset together.
The narration didn't really help reel me in to the story either. This was my first time hearing this narrator, and their delivery was alright... not unpleasant, but there also wasn't much variation between character voices or emotion put into the performance. It fell a little flat overall.
Story: 3 Stars
The premise - finding love on a reality show that is really a friends-to-lovers story - sounded promising. But I didn't find the love connection between Matt and Cody all that convincing, mostly because of Cody. (And this may be spoiler-ish, but if MCs hooking up with others on-page prior to their coupling up isn't your cup of tea, fair warning.)
Sweetheart Matt is secretly in love with Cody, his longtime best friend, and I struggled the whole story to see why. Cody isn't even that great of a friend, he's selfish and immature, and his rebuff of Matt after the man finally admits his feelings was heartbreaking.
It certainly didn't leave a good taste for setting up their eventual pairing, when Matt is on the verge of finding happiness with another and a jealous Cody finally gets his head out of his bum. I kept thinking, "You snooze, you lose." Truly, I was rooting for Matt and cameraman Tre to sail off into the Seattle sunset together.
The narration didn't really help reel me in to the story either. This was my first time hearing this narrator, and their delivery was alright... not unpleasant, but there also wasn't much variation between character voices or emotion put into the performance. It fell a little flat overall.
December 16, 2019
Husband Hunters is such a great book with fascinating main characters who have real emotional issues to battle with, a great cast of secondary characters to support them, and quite a few observations and criticisms about today’s fascination with “reality” TV. Which, of course, reflects anything other than reality. The story starts off as more or less pure entertainment, but then gradually turns into an intriguing character study of Cody, who is desperate to find “the one”, and Matt, his best friend, who is deeply in love with Cody but too scared to tell him for fear of losing the friendship they have. Different from ‘Husband Material’ by Xavier Mayne (reviewed here earlier this year), Husband Hunters not only focuses on matching two gay men (who are both out) as part of the show, but is also centered around the two main characters’ emotions far more than their activities during the “weekend encounters” that are supposed to help them get to know each other better.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 22, 2024
I had high hopes for this book, but in the end, it was merely OK. I liked Matt a lot, a funny, sweet guy in love with his best friend. Cody seemed a bit too harsh, critical of his best friend’s appearance, and drawing a strange rigid line between friendship and love.
They agree to audition for Husband Hunters, and Cody goes on two dates with two guys, neither of which are right. The third date is with Matt, who finally confessed his feeling, and Cody still shoots him down.
They return to their lives and Matt meets a great guy, but when Cody finds out, he’s jealous and begins to realize how he feels more deeply about his best friend.
I actually liked Matt’s new guy better than Cody, and with Cody being so adamant, it was confusing for him to have a change of heart.
The narrator was great, and the premise was fun, but the execution could be a little more believable if Cody was more gradually interested in Matt. I also disliked Martha, the producer, who was too pushy with medication and trying to create drama for her show.
I received this audiobook ARC for free, and am glad to provide my honest review with gratitude.
They agree to audition for Husband Hunters, and Cody goes on two dates with two guys, neither of which are right. The third date is with Matt, who finally confessed his feeling, and Cody still shoots him down.
They return to their lives and Matt meets a great guy, but when Cody finds out, he’s jealous and begins to realize how he feels more deeply about his best friend.
I actually liked Matt’s new guy better than Cody, and with Cody being so adamant, it was confusing for him to have a change of heart.
The narrator was great, and the premise was fun, but the execution could be a little more believable if Cody was more gradually interested in Matt. I also disliked Martha, the producer, who was too pushy with medication and trying to create drama for her show.
I received this audiobook ARC for free, and am glad to provide my honest review with gratitude.
October 31, 2019
3.5 stars- Not quite what I was hoping for
I was excited about the premise of Husband Hunters. I love friends to lovers romances, and this seemed like a fun and unique take on a favorite trope. In some ways, Husband Hunters was what I hoped for- delivering good characters who had a sweet and fun friendship, easy pacing, and good writing. Despite having so much going for it, I ended up struggling a bit and didn’t find this love story as satisfying as I hoped.
The friendship between Matt and Cody was sweet from the start. Though it seemed a little odd that Cody dismissed Matt as a catch worthy of his special someone, I did like their bond and thought they had a cute connection that played well off each other. That said, I found myself wishing there was more of a palpable undercurrent of attraction between Cody and Matt from the start. There were snippets for sure, but nothing that made me yearn to see these two get a happily-ever-after. Considering how heartrending it was to get to these men’s happy ending, I can’t help but think that more chemistry up front may have helped, or at least make it feel like the pain was worth it. Instead, I struggled with Cody. His dismissals and treatment of Matt made it difficult to feel anything gracious towards him. That isn’t to say Matt was a saint in this story. There were specific moments his actions/choices really frustrated me as well. Inevitably, these rough spots had me questioning if Matt and Cody really were the best match for one another. I wanted the friendship to translate to a wonderful love story, and although I was happy with the ending, the bumpy road they took jarred me out of the story a little too much and left me feeling out of sorts.
*eARC received via LesCourt Author Services*
I was excited about the premise of Husband Hunters. I love friends to lovers romances, and this seemed like a fun and unique take on a favorite trope. In some ways, Husband Hunters was what I hoped for- delivering good characters who had a sweet and fun friendship, easy pacing, and good writing. Despite having so much going for it, I ended up struggling a bit and didn’t find this love story as satisfying as I hoped.
The friendship between Matt and Cody was sweet from the start. Though it seemed a little odd that Cody dismissed Matt as a catch worthy of his special someone, I did like their bond and thought they had a cute connection that played well off each other. That said, I found myself wishing there was more of a palpable undercurrent of attraction between Cody and Matt from the start. There were snippets for sure, but nothing that made me yearn to see these two get a happily-ever-after. Considering how heartrending it was to get to these men’s happy ending, I can’t help but think that more chemistry up front may have helped, or at least make it feel like the pain was worth it. Instead, I struggled with Cody. His dismissals and treatment of Matt made it difficult to feel anything gracious towards him. That isn’t to say Matt was a saint in this story. There were specific moments his actions/choices really frustrated me as well. Inevitably, these rough spots had me questioning if Matt and Cody really were the best match for one another. I wanted the friendship to translate to a wonderful love story, and although I was happy with the ending, the bumpy road they took jarred me out of the story a little too much and left me feeling out of sorts.
*eARC received via LesCourt Author Services*
April 4, 2024
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rick R. Reed has a wonderful writing style and I thought "Hunsband Hunters" was clever and funny.
It's about friends to lovers. Cody is clueless about how Matt feels about him and so Matt suggests that they both apply to be on a reality show. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and I liked the twists and turns because some of them were unexpected. I liked the structure of the story in general, it was something different and I enjoyed listening to Matt and Cody's story.
There is also hurt/comfort and one of the main characters has a bit of a lack of self-esteem. But I think it's good when main characters aren't perfect but also show weaknesses. As well as not-so-nice side characters, there were also totally likeable side characters.
I'm really impressed with Wesley Landry's narration, who I didn't know as a narrator before. Wesley Landry has a very pleasant voice and he conveyed the emotions well as well as the humor that is in this story. I enjoyed his narration.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rick R. Reed has a wonderful writing style and I thought "Hunsband Hunters" was clever and funny.
It's about friends to lovers. Cody is clueless about how Matt feels about him and so Matt suggests that they both apply to be on a reality show. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and I liked the twists and turns because some of them were unexpected. I liked the structure of the story in general, it was something different and I enjoyed listening to Matt and Cody's story.
There is also hurt/comfort and one of the main characters has a bit of a lack of self-esteem. But I think it's good when main characters aren't perfect but also show weaknesses. As well as not-so-nice side characters, there were also totally likeable side characters.
I'm really impressed with Wesley Landry's narration, who I didn't know as a narrator before. Wesley Landry has a very pleasant voice and he conveyed the emotions well as well as the humor that is in this story. I enjoyed his narration.
November 1, 2019
Take a hokey reality show (think if House Hunters had a baby with The Bachelor), add a twist (the participants are all gay men) and Reed had a plot bunny that easily built to fruition.
Add in a potential orchestrated friends-to-lovers scenario, and I was charmed.
Matt is the plainer, average-looking best friend of the more classically handsome Cody. The pair teach at the same school and are best friends. Matt discovers auditions are occurring in their hometown Seattle for the show, and the story takes off from there.
I am not a reality tv show fan, so the contrived aspects of the show were a bit eye-rolling to me. Nonetheless, this did not take away from the underlying story of these two men.
Reed shows readers his ease with his craft as he develops intricate stories for both characters that meld together beautifully.
A sweet, cute, relatively low-angst story that is enjoyable and fulfilling.
Trigger warning for short scene of attempted sexual assault.
Add in a potential orchestrated friends-to-lovers scenario, and I was charmed.
Matt is the plainer, average-looking best friend of the more classically handsome Cody. The pair teach at the same school and are best friends. Matt discovers auditions are occurring in their hometown Seattle for the show, and the story takes off from there.
I am not a reality tv show fan, so the contrived aspects of the show were a bit eye-rolling to me. Nonetheless, this did not take away from the underlying story of these two men.
Reed shows readers his ease with his craft as he develops intricate stories for both characters that meld together beautifully.
A sweet, cute, relatively low-angst story that is enjoyable and fulfilling.
Trigger warning for short scene of attempted sexual assault.
March 15, 2024
I was really excited to start this one as the idea of House Hunters, but instead of the perfect house, you find the perfect husband, was honestly hilarious to me.
Sadly this audio just didn't do it for me. I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator but also I wasn't a huge fan of the writing either. I didn't feel the pull of them wanting to be together, and all in all, it just felt awkward to me.
I enjoyed Matt a lot and honestly? I think he deserved someone so much better than Cody. I didn't like how rude he was to Matt and how he just seemed to brush aside his feelings and then that just... suddenly changed and now they're both in love? Cody just seemed to dismiss Matt and ignore him even from the beginning which irked me greatly. It just didn't feel believable and I think they were better off as friends, if that, personally.
I received an ALC of this by GRR in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sadly this audio just didn't do it for me. I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator but also I wasn't a huge fan of the writing either. I didn't feel the pull of them wanting to be together, and all in all, it just felt awkward to me.
I enjoyed Matt a lot and honestly? I think he deserved someone so much better than Cody. I didn't like how rude he was to Matt and how he just seemed to brush aside his feelings and then that just... suddenly changed and now they're both in love? Cody just seemed to dismiss Matt and ignore him even from the beginning which irked me greatly. It just didn't feel believable and I think they were better off as friends, if that, personally.
I received an ALC of this by GRR in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 17, 2024
MM Fun reality show
It was well written, with friends, hurt/comfort, and a huge lack of self-worth from one of the main characters.
Both main characters have flaws, but I enjoyed the story and felt sorry for Matt.
It's only at the end that you start to breathe again, like in every well-written book; that's when all the missing pieces come together.
It is such a moving book that causes all your emotions to the surface, and I would highly recommend it.
Wesley Landry is a new to me narrator, but I soon warmed up to him and enjoyed the narration. I did speed up to 1.20 on audible, which is my norm.
Husband Hunters
By: Rick R. Reed
Narrated by: Wesley Landry
Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.00 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
It was well written, with friends, hurt/comfort, and a huge lack of self-worth from one of the main characters.
Both main characters have flaws, but I enjoyed the story and felt sorry for Matt.
It's only at the end that you start to breathe again, like in every well-written book; that's when all the missing pieces come together.
It is such a moving book that causes all your emotions to the surface, and I would highly recommend it.
Wesley Landry is a new to me narrator, but I soon warmed up to him and enjoyed the narration. I did speed up to 1.20 on audible, which is my norm.
Husband Hunters
By: Rick R. Reed
Narrated by: Wesley Landry
Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.00 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
October 30, 2019
A wonderful slow-burn MM “friends to lovers” romance & a enjoyable read. The plot is well-written with a entertaining plot & good world building. The characters are fairly well-developed with realistic emotions & longings.
There is: a young man (Matt) is highly attracted to his best friend (Cody) but for some rhyme or reason Cody does not seem to realize this & Matt comes up with a plan to audition for a gay reality show “Husband Hunters”, some twists, drama, some humor, secrets, attractions, longings, reality show, interviews, unease, hopelessness, condescending attitude, mystery dates, verbal disagreements, admittance, misunderstandings, anguish, uneasy alliance, distractions, discovery, unexpected jealousy, realization, heartache, loneliness, surprises, love, some steam & a satisfying ending.
There is: a young man (Matt) is highly attracted to his best friend (Cody) but for some rhyme or reason Cody does not seem to realize this & Matt comes up with a plan to audition for a gay reality show “Husband Hunters”, some twists, drama, some humor, secrets, attractions, longings, reality show, interviews, unease, hopelessness, condescending attitude, mystery dates, verbal disagreements, admittance, misunderstandings, anguish, uneasy alliance, distractions, discovery, unexpected jealousy, realization, heartache, loneliness, surprises, love, some steam & a satisfying ending.
March 15, 2024
Reality TV love match!
This e-book was released by Rick R Reed in October 2019. The audiobook was recently released on 3/8/2024.
Wesley Landry did a great job with the narration and brought the story to life.
I had some mixed feelings about this one. Usually a Rick R Reed story is five star entertainment for me. I didn't connect with the characters as much as I should have or as much as I have in prior books by him. Maybe it was the subject matter?!? I can't quite put my finger on it. The audio was entertaining but I just didn't fall in love with either of these guys. It could just be a "me thing" at this time. If I revisit this audio at a later date, I'll update my review at that time.
Best friends to lovers, coworkers, both looking/dreaming for that one guy, their forever guy
This e-book was released by Rick R Reed in October 2019. The audiobook was recently released on 3/8/2024.
Wesley Landry did a great job with the narration and brought the story to life.
I had some mixed feelings about this one. Usually a Rick R Reed story is five star entertainment for me. I didn't connect with the characters as much as I should have or as much as I have in prior books by him. Maybe it was the subject matter?!? I can't quite put my finger on it. The audio was entertaining but I just didn't fall in love with either of these guys. It could just be a "me thing" at this time. If I revisit this audio at a later date, I'll update my review at that time.
Best friends to lovers, coworkers, both looking/dreaming for that one guy, their forever guy
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