Nate Plus One

Kevin van Whye

May 2022 · Sold by Random House Books for Young Readers

About this ebook

Boy plus boy. Two weeks in Johannesburg. A summer of music, adventure, self-discovery . . . and definitely not love. What could go wrong?

Nate needs a date to his cousin’s wedding. Jai is Nate’s best friend and secret crush. Could Jai be Nate’s plus-one—and only?

Nate Hargraves is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. That’s why he dreams of being a songwriter instead of a singer. But things change the summer after junior year as Nate gets ready to fly to South Africa for his cousin’s lavish destination wedding. The trip is bound to be epic. Except—Nate just found out that his ex-boyfriend will be at the reception. Ugh. He does not want to face this one solo.

Jai Patel, Nate’s best friend (and secret crush), has his own problems. The lead singer of Jai’s band, Infinite Sorrow, quit weeks before a contest that promised to be their big break. But Nate rocks Jai’s world when he agrees to sing with the band. Even though Nate’s not one for the spotlight, he knows this is the kind of stuff you do for . . . friends. In return, Jai volunteers to be Nate’s travel buddy around South Africa, a buffer against his ex, and his plus-one at the wedding.

Maybe this summer will be epic after all. Now that Nate’s crush is on board, will love crash the party? Fall in love with this joyful, swoon-worthy rom-com by the author of Date Me, Bryson Keller.

Ratings and reviews

When Nate's mom can't go to a family wedding in Johannesburg at the last minute, Nate's best friend Jai volunteers to be his plus-one. Little does Jai know that Nate is secretly in love with him. Will this trip be a chance for them to become more than friends—or will it destroy their relationship forever? This is a well-written book with a strong voice. The story is sort of quiet and low-angst, without a lot of conflict. The best part is the Johannesburg setting. The ending is low-key, without the emotional hit I expect from romance. The feel is more gay YA. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I'm tearing up from reading the synopsis alone!! Date Me Bryson Keller was EVERYTHING. A book that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Kevin van Whye brings a special type of relevancy and REALISTIC freshness with his words that just connects with the reader so effortlessly and after reading this book, I must say it lived up to or even surpassed that standard. So excited and thrilled to hopefully read many many many more books in future from what is now one of my favorite author.

About the author

Kevin van Whye was born and raised in South Africa, where his love for storytelling started at a young age. Kevin is the author of Date Me, Bryson Keller. He lives in Johannesburg, and when he's not reading, he's writing stories that give his characters the happy rom-com endings they deserve. Find him at KevinvanWhye.com.