Inheritance and New Beginnings

Milo Copeland, a quirky, neurodivergent accountant from San Diego, is stunned to learn he's inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small Maine island from a grandmother he never knew existed. The news disrupts his carefully ordered life and exposes family secrets—his mother, Beverly, was adopted and never spoke of her biological mother, Wilma. Despite his mother's protests and his own anxieties about change, Milo is drawn to the idea of starting over somewhere new, craving independence and a sense of belonging he's never found in California. He impulsively decides to move to Little Beach Island, determined to honor his grandmother's legacy and discover what this unexpected inheritance might mean for his own identity.

Tattooed Neighbor, Unlikely Friend

Gideon Barlow, the tattooed, pierced owner of Conflicting Ink, is the odd one out in his family and on the island. He's out, proud, and a little jaded, having returned to Little Beach after heartbreak and years away. When he hears Wilma's mysterious grandson is coming to claim the building, he's wary—his shop and home are at stake. Gideon's family, especially his golden-boy brother Orlando, tease him about his "bad boy" image, but beneath it, he's sensitive and searching for connection. The island buzzes with gossip about Wilma's secret daughter and the new heir. Gideon braces for change, not expecting the new landlord to be someone who might change his life.

Bookstore Keys and First Impressions

Arriving on Little Beach, Milo is overwhelmed by the quaintness of the town and the reality of his inheritance. He meets Gideon, the tattooed tenant, and is immediately struck by his attractiveness and easygoing nature. Their first interaction is awkwardly honest—Milo blurts out that Gideon is attractive, worries about being punched, and rambles about homophobia and labels. Instead of recoiling, Gideon matches Milo's candor with warmth and humor. The two quickly establish a rapport, surprising both. Milo's need for routine and honesty finds an unexpected match in Gideon's acceptance and gentle teasing. The seeds of friendship—and something more—are sown.

Dinner, Honesty, and Hangry Hearts

Gideon offers to show Milo around and take him to dinner, where their conversation is a blend of bluntness, curiosity, and laughter. Milo's neurodivergence is apparent—he's direct, struggles with social cues, and is particular about food and routines. Gideon, instead of being put off, finds Milo's honesty refreshing. They discuss everything from flip-flops to sex kinks, and Milo's openness about his lack of sexual experience and desire for trust is met with respect. The dinner cements their budding friendship, and both sense a rare comfort in each other's company. Milo's anxieties about fitting in begin to ease as he realizes Gideon might be the first person to truly "get" him.

Roommates and Boundaries

Milo's hotel stay is miserable, and Gideon, recognizing the unfairness of Milo suffering while he occupies the inherited apartment, suggests they become roommates. Milo, after inspecting the space and considering his own comfort, agrees. They establish ground rules—honesty, communication, and respect for each other's quirks. Living together brings new challenges: Milo's routines, his dislike of pants, and his need for clear boundaries. Gideon adapts, finding joy in Milo's presence and the domesticity they share. Their friendship deepens, and the apartment becomes a safe haven where both can be themselves without judgment.

Building Trust, Breaking Patterns

Milo throws himself into reviving the bookstore, enlisting Rachel, a local with her own story of resilience, as his right hand. He discovers Wilma's business was struggling and feels the weight of responsibility. With Gideon's help, he plans a remodel to make the store a community hub, balancing tradition with innovation. As they work, Milo's confidence grows, and he begins to see himself as capable and independent. Gideon, meanwhile, is forced to confront his own patterns of running from pain and not letting people in. Their mutual support becomes a foundation for healing old wounds and building something lasting.

Family Ties and Island Gossip

Milo's presence on the island stirs up old gossip and brings him into contact with Gideon's family and friends. Orlando, Gideon's brother, is well-meaning but awkward, and Milo's bluntness leads to misunderstandings. Milo's mother, Beverly, visits, bringing her own baggage and skepticism about Gideon's intentions. The island's small-town dynamics amplify every interaction, and Milo's insecurities about being "too much" or an embarrassment are triggered. Yet, through these encounters, Milo and Gideon learn to advocate for each other, set boundaries with their families, and define their relationship on their own terms.

Friendship, Flirting, and Fears

As Milo and Gideon grow closer, the line between friendship and something more blurs. They flirt, joke, and share increasingly intimate moments, but both are wary—Milo because of his inexperience and need for trust, Gideon because of past heartbreak and fear of wanting too much. Their physical attraction intensifies, but they agree to prioritize friendship and honesty. Milo's candidness about his desires and anxieties creates a space where Gideon feels safe to be vulnerable. Together, they explore what it means to want, to be wanted, and to risk their hearts.

Bestie Goals and Growing Closer

Living together, Milo and Gideon become "bestie goals"—a term Milo coins for their unique, supportive friendship. They share routines, inside jokes, and a growing sense of home. Milo's trust in Gideon allows him to explore physical intimacy at his own pace, and Gideon's patience and care help Milo feel safe. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect, consent, and a willingness to communicate openly about needs and boundaries. As they navigate the challenges of small-town life, family expectations, and their own fears, their bond deepens into something unmistakably romantic.

Exploring Intimacy, Setting Rules

Milo and Gideon's relationship evolves into a sexual one, but on Milo's terms. They experiment with mutual masturbation, oral sex, and eventually penetrative sex, always prioritizing Milo's comfort and consent. Their physical connection is an extension of their emotional intimacy—playful, honest, and free of shame. They navigate Milo's sensory sensitivities, preferences, and boundaries with humor and care. Each new step is a celebration of trust and acceptance, and their willingness to talk through awkwardness and mistakes strengthens their partnership.

Past Wounds, Present Healing

Milo seeks out Gene, Wilma's partner, to learn about his grandmother and the reasons behind his mother's adoption. The revelations are bittersweet—Wilma's choices were shaped by societal pressures and love, not rejection. Milo shares this with his mother, helping her begin to heal old wounds. Gideon, too, confronts his feelings of not fitting in with his family, eventually having honest conversations with his father and brother. Both men learn that family is complicated, but chosen family—built on acceptance and love—can be just as powerful.

Grand Opening, Overwhelming Crowds

The grand reopening of Little Beach Books is a community event, but the crowds and attention overwhelm Milo, triggering a meltdown. Gideon recognizes the signs and helps Milo retreat to safety, offering comfort without judgment. The experience is a turning point—Milo learns to advocate for his needs, and Gideon realizes the importance of respecting Milo's autonomy. Their families witness the depth of their bond, and even skeptics begin to see the strength of their partnership. The bookstore's success becomes a symbol of Milo's growth and the life he's built on his own terms.

Meltdowns, Comfort, and Confessions

As their relationship deepens, Milo and Gideon face new challenges—misunderstandings, jealousy, and the fear of holding each other back. When Gideon hides a family event to protect Milo from potential discomfort, Milo feels betrayed and questions whether he's a burden. Through honest, sometimes painful conversations, they learn that love means giving each other choices, not making decisions out of fear. They apologize, forgive, and reaffirm their commitment to honesty and mutual respect. Each conflict becomes an opportunity for growth and deeper connection.

From Friends to Boyfriends

After a series of confessions and vulnerable moments, Milo and Gideon officially become boyfriends. The transition is both natural and momentous—they realize that their friendship, built on trust and acceptance, is the foundation for a lasting romantic partnership. They navigate the newness of being "boyfriend goals," balancing independence with togetherness, and celebrating the joy of being truly seen and loved. Their relationship becomes a model for healthy, affirming queer love in their community.

Family, Found and Forged

Milo and Gideon's relationship brings together a chosen family—Rachel and her daughter Cammy, Gene, Gideon's parents and brother, and eventually even Beverly. Through shared meals, celebrations, and everyday moments, they create a network of support and belonging. Milo finds a grandfather in Gene, and Beverly begins to reconcile with her past. The couple's openness and authenticity inspire those around them, and the bookstore-tattoo shop becomes a hub for connection and acceptance on the island.

Facing Fears, Facing Love

As the years pass, Milo and Gideon continue to face their fears—of rejection, of not being enough, of losing each other. They support each other through setbacks, celebrate each other's successes, and never stop communicating. When Milo proposes marriage in his typically blunt, heartfelt way, Gideon's joy is immediate and unreserved. Their engagement is a testament to the life they've built together—a life defined by honesty, laughter, and unconditional love.

Mistakes, Forgiveness, and Growth

Throughout their journey, Milo and Gideon make mistakes—miscommunications, forgotten events, moments of doubt. Each time, they return to the principles that brought them together: honesty, consent, and the willingness to grow. They learn that love is not about perfection, but about showing up, apologizing, and choosing each other again and again. Their relationship becomes a safe space where both can be fully themselves, flaws and all.

Boyfriend Goals, Husband Dreams

Three years later, Milo and Gideon are still best friends, lovers, and now fiancés. They've remodeled their shared building, blending the bookstore and tattoo shop into a unique community space. Their families are intertwined, and even Beverly has found peace. Milo and Gideon's proposal is as unconventional and honest as their love story—no grand gestures, just a simple, mutual decision to spend their lives together. They remain "boyfriend goals," now "husband goals," proving that love, in all its messy, beautiful forms, is worth fighting for.

Characters

Milo Copeland

Milo is a brilliant, quirky accountant whose neurodivergence shapes his worldview—he's direct, honest, and struggles with social conventions. His routines and sensory sensitivities are both a comfort and a challenge, often making him feel like an outsider. Inheriting a bookstore on Little Beach Island is a catalyst for his journey toward independence and self-acceptance. Milo craves connection but fears rejection, especially in romantic and sexual contexts. His relationship with Gideon is transformative—Gideon's patience and acceptance allow Milo to explore intimacy and vulnerability at his own pace. Over time, Milo grows from a guarded, anxious young man into someone who embraces his uniqueness, builds community, and finds love on his own terms.

Gideon Barlow

Gideon is the tattooed, pierced owner of Conflicting Ink, known for his "bad boy" exterior but gentle, nurturing heart. He's the odd one out in his family, having left the island after heartbreak and returned seeking solace. Gideon is fiercely loyal, protective, and deeply empathetic, especially toward Milo. His own insecurities—about not fitting in, about being "too much" or "not enough"—mirror Milo's, creating a profound bond between them. Gideon's willingness to adapt, communicate, and prioritize Milo's needs makes him an ideal partner. Through their relationship, he learns to let down his guard, accept love, and build a life rooted in authenticity and joy.

Beverly Copeland

Beverly is Milo's mother, a successful, driven woman whose overprotectiveness stems from her own abandonment and trauma. Adopted as a child and estranged from her biological mother, Wilma, Beverly struggles with vulnerability and trust. Her relationship with Milo is loving but fraught—she wants to shield him from pain but often underestimates his resilience. Beverly's journey involves confronting her past, reconciling with Wilma's choices, and learning to let Milo forge his own path. Her eventual acceptance of Gideon and the island community is a testament to her growth and capacity for forgiveness.

Rachel

Rachel is a local who becomes Milo's first true friend on the island. A single mother and survivor of her own challenges, Rachel is empathetic, practical, and fiercely loyal. She helps Milo navigate the bookstore remodel, offers advice on relationships, and provides a safe space for honesty and vulnerability. Rachel's friendship is instrumental in Milo's integration into the community and his journey toward self-acceptance. Her daughter, Cammy, adds warmth and humor to the found family they create.

Orlando Barlow

Orlando is Gideon's older brother, the family's golden child—a lawyer, husband, and soon-to-be father. He's outgoing, supportive, and sometimes oblivious, often teasing Gideon but always having his back. Orlando's interactions with Milo are initially awkward, but he grows to appreciate Milo's uniqueness and becomes a bridge between Gideon and the rest of the family. His own journey involves learning to see beyond appearances and value authenticity over conformity.

Gene

Gene is Wilma's longtime partner and a gentle, wise presence in Milo's life. He provides the missing pieces of Milo's family history, helping both Milo and Beverly understand Wilma's choices. Gene becomes a surrogate grandfather to Milo, offering unconditional support and a sense of belonging. His stories and acceptance help Milo heal generational wounds and embrace his heritage.

Freddy

Freddy is Gideon's colleague at Conflicting Ink, an older artist with a laid-back demeanor. He provides comic relief and practical support, helping Gideon navigate the ups and downs of small-town business. Freddy's acceptance of Milo and his friendship with Gideon reinforce the theme of chosen family and community.

Kris

Kris is Gideon's lifelong best friend and former lover, now happily married to Megan. His history with Gideon is complex—what began as experimentation became unrequited love for Gideon. Their enduring friendship is a model for healthy boundaries and moving on. Kris's presence challenges Milo's insecurities and helps Gideon recognize the difference between past and present love.

Cammy

Cammy is Rachel's precocious, energetic daughter who quickly bonds with Milo. Her acceptance and affection help Milo feel valued and included. Cammy's interactions with the adults around her highlight the importance of community, patience, and unconditional love.

Annemarie and Mr. Barlow

Gideon's parents represent the traditional, sometimes distant family dynamic. Annemarie is warm and eager to include Milo, while Mr. Barlow is more reserved, struggling to connect with Gideon. Over time, both come to appreciate Milo's influence on their son and embrace the unconventional family they've become.

Plot Devices

Dual POV and Alternating Narration

The novel alternates between Milo and Gideon's perspectives, allowing readers to experience their internal worlds, anxieties, and desires firsthand. This structure deepens empathy and highlights the ways their differences complement each other. The dual POV also enables the author to explore misunderstandings, personal growth, and the gradual intertwining of their lives.

Honesty as a Narrative Engine

Milo's neurodivergent honesty is both a source of humor and a catalyst for intimacy. His inability to filter thoughts or hide discomfort forces those around him to confront their own assumptions and communicate more openly. This device creates both comedic moments and poignant breakthroughs, making the love story feel authentic and earned.

Found Family and Community

The theme of found family is woven throughout the narrative—Milo, Gideon, Rachel, Gene, and others form a support network that transcends blood ties. The bookstore and tattoo shop serve as physical and symbolic centers for this community, reinforcing the idea that home is where acceptance and love are found.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Recurring motifs—Milo's routines, the labeled keys, the whiteboard, the remodeling of the bookstore—serve as symbols of control, adaptation, and growth. The gradual blending of the bookstore and tattoo shop foreshadows the merging of Milo and Gideon's lives. The inheritance itself is a metaphor for the unexpected gifts of love and self-discovery.

Consent and Communication

The novel foregrounds consent, especially in sexual exploration. Milo and Gideon's willingness to discuss preferences, anxieties, and boundaries models healthy queer intimacy. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, patience, and the understanding that love is a continuous process of learning and adapting.

Humor and Vulnerability

Humor—often arising from Milo's bluntness or Gideon's teasing—balances the heavier themes of trauma, rejection, and self-doubt. Vulnerable moments are often punctuated by laughter, making the emotional arc feel both realistic and uplifting.

Analysis

Boyfriend Goals is a heartfelt, contemporary queer romance that stands out for its authentic portrayal of neurodivergence, consent, and the messy, beautiful process of building a life with another person. At its core, the novel is about finding home—not in a place, but in people who accept and celebrate your differences. Riley Hart crafts a love story that is both swoon-worthy and grounded, eschewing grand gestures for the quiet heroism of everyday care, honesty, and growth. The book challenges traditional narratives of romance by centering communication, mutual respect, and the importance of chosen family. It also offers a nuanced exploration of how trauma, family history, and societal expectations shape our capacity for intimacy. The lessons are clear: love is not about perfection, but about showing up, apologizing, and choosing each other—again and again. In a world that often demands conformity, Boyfriend Goals is a joyful, radical affirmation that the best relationships are those where we can be fully, unapologetically ourselves.

Last updated: January 21, 2026