Can a computer program understand love better than the human heart?Archer, the AI at the dating service Qpid, realizes humans don’t always make the best choices, so it begins making some unconventional choices for them.Fox Kincade is the last of his group of friends to be single, so he’s delighted when he discovers a new match in his Qpid app—one that, according to the new AI wizardry, should be … new AI wizardry, should be the love of his life. Instead of the woman he’s expecting, he’s paired with Drew Larsen, a shy, somewhat nerdy PhD student who has also grown discouraged with romance.
Drew and Fox have little in common—aside from the fact that they’re both straight. Or so they thought. But as the guys get to know each other, they realize Archer might have the right idea. Their path isn’t smooth, because both need to overcome every idea they have about themselves and what true love might look like. But with the help of Archer—and some friends who have stuck with Fox and Drew through the thick and thin of their relationship trials—they might find their way into each other’s hearts.
more
3.5 stars- It’s becoming a bit of a theme for me when I read this author’s works, but Q*Pid is a more difficult book to rate. There were some parts that left me less than enthused and others I loved, but it has to be said that once I was a little less than half way through the book, I couldn’t get enough of it.
First and foremost, the plot of Q*Pid was really noteworthy with a dating service using Artificial Intelligence to help guide matches beyond the parameters users set. Couple that with a double gay-for-you trope, and I was intrigued as to how it would all work. The characters were interesting, with different backgrounds that gave an opposites attract sort of feel to the romance. Overall, I liked Drew and Fox together, especially once they worked through all their concerns, but something was missing for a good chunk of the story. This wasn’t helped by the narrator who overacted voices for some characters. Despite having a good rhythm, his style didn’t quite work for me and took me some time to get accustomed to the voice shifts.
The gay-for-you trope is always difficult to navigate because the author has to sell the character’s straight persona, then switch things up in ways that make their expanding sexuality plausible. Unfortunately, I think this is where Q*Pid stumbled. There was so much foundation to prove Drew and Fox were straight, but not enough framework to make their falling for each other very believable. Despite seeing where things were headed, I never felt those confusing emotions as the men navigated these new emotions and attractions…it just happened. That said, the transition from close friendship to lovers did hit all the marks and I enjoyed seeing these men get their happily ever after. Once again, I find myself recommending a book by this author that, while having some bobbles, has enough a unique storyline and characters that makes it a really good read.
*Reviewed audiobook for Alpha Book Club*
I will admit this started slow. I was tempted to not finish but I did like the concept and Archer and his quirky neighbor lady. Fox finally grew on me as the story progressed.
There are some really cool characters in this book. Fox has a friend that wants updates on his sex life, and his wife usually is right there for the video chat. She is intrigued when the guy shows up and Fox agrees to meet for a drink then they continue meeting as friends.
Archer is a real sweetheart and I adored his elderly tenant and how he always had her favorite imported sausages “just laying around needing cooked” I liked that he was open when he male match came and he took the chance to reach out if not anything but for a friend and out of curiosity as to why the machine matched him with a man.
I also liked the Machine itself as a character. I would have liked a little more on it, but I guess the match and romance did need to be up front.
The story is extremely well written, intriguing and fun.
The narrator Rudy Sanda was new to me. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the narration. I did not like Fox’s voice at all. I think maybe if Fox and his friend’s voice was switched it may have worked more for me. The pacing was good though and all in all, once the story picked up so did the narration.
If you like Gay For You you get a double whammy as it’s Gay for You for both characters. It is a good slow burn as well, and lots of humor.
I grabbed this book off another reader’s recommendation and WOW, I was not disappointed. This story is sweet, and romantic, and unexpected. I loved every moment of reading it. The story line is creative and again…unexpected. Two straight men looking for a connection and a computer glitch that took sexual identity off the table. One of the best friends to lovers stories I’ve ever read.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Cute and enjoyable read! Very well-paced story with a lot of funny moments and teasing banter between the MC’s.
I was pleasantly surprised by this original take on the Gay/Out For You trope, focusing very much on emotional compatibility and building a friendship first. Love and attraction come after, or at least, are only acknowledged after.
At first glance, the MC’s, Drew and Fox, couldn’t be more different. Not exactly “match made in heaven” material. Even worse, they both identify as straight, so it throws them for a loop when the Q*pid AI matches them. A 99.5 percent match no less!! In spite of all that, they each take a chance and start dating each other anyway – I mean casually meeting up – as friends do… in a friendly manner.
Drew and Fox are so genuine when they are together, falling into friendship/love almost seamlessly. I loved that! If only Fox wouldn’t stay so willfully blind to his feelings! How many interventions from his bestie Chad does he need?
I adored the secondary characters in this story, especially the two most important ones, Chad and Mrs. Schwartzmann. They are quirky, loyal and a lot of fun, as well as excellent friends to Drew and Fox, giving them a piece of their mind when they need it. Which is often.
Though I don’t know if Mrs. Schwartzmann needed to sound quite so much like a yenta channeling her inner Yoda.
I’d have liked it better if the author would have left the question of Archer’s independence, or the possibility of him going rogue, a bit more open. I think it a pity that his “acting up” was so neatly explained away.
A lot of attention was given to Veera and Archer, explaining the AI and the Q*pid app, to make it sound plausible and the risks more real.
I hope that means the author has other Q*pid books planned!