The Happiness Project

I gave up on Suki Fleet for a while because her books were just too dark, with the MCs being put through hell (physical abuse, homelessness, drug use, etc.) before they finally are able to be together, usually in the very last chapter. But given this book is entitled The Happiness Project, I thought maybe her style had lightened up a bit.

This is still a hurt/comfort story - I don't think Fleet will be writing goofy romcoms anytime soon - but I didn't spend the entire book in a constant state of dread. Bruno has no money, no job, and a secret he is ashamed to share with anyone. Alexei, who lives in the apartment next door, is agoraphobic and almost completely mute, with his own secrets to keep. Fortunately they become friends early on, and are able to support each other through their respective crises. The major barrier to their HEA is Bruno's belief that he is unlovable, and Alexei's confusion about both his gender and his sexuality.

Suki Fleet must have heard the complaints about her books ending abruptly, because she gifts us with FOUR separate epilogues that eventually take us 16 years into the future. There's a confusing hint of the paranormal, but Bruno and Alexei's relationship was so wonderful that I didn't mind. I'll still approach Fleet's books with caution, but this one was just right.