In "Good Time Boyfriend" by Carrie Ann Ryan, readers are drawn into a charming, heartfelt romance that stitches together themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the persistent quest for happiness. Ryan, who is known for her ability to craft relatable characters and engaging plots within the romance genre, does not disappoint with this latest offering. This book explores the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic, and does so with a cleverness and warmth that is often sought but rarely found in contemporary romances.

The narrative circles around Kenzie Owens and Xander O’Malley, who, at first glance, are polar opposites. Kenzie, a meticulous planner obsessed with organizing her life, finds herself at a crossroads both personally and professionally. Xander, on the other hand, is your quintessential “good time guy,” seemingly carefree and always the life of the party. Their worlds collide when they find themselves co-inheriting a beautiful yet dilapidated historic mansion that requires more than a little TLC. This unexpected twist of fate forces them into each other’s orbits on a much more constant basis than either would have chosen under different circumstances.

The development of their relationship is crafted with an engaging mixture of depth and delightful moments. Kenzie’s character shines as Ryan skillfully unravels the layers of self-doubt and fortitude that define her. Her journey from being someone who craves control to a person who learns to embrace the chaos of life is compelling and relatable. Xander, while he initially appears as merely the fun counterpart, is revealed to have depths that are both unexpected and deeply emotive. His backstory provides a solid foundation on which his actions are built, lending credibility to his transformation throughout the narrative.

Ryan’s writing style is vibrant and effective, making use of dual perspectives to give the reader an intimate look into the internal struggles and evolution of both main characters. The use of this technique enhances the story, allowing for a balanced understanding of both Kenzie and Xander’s motivations and fears. The dialogue between the characters is snappy, genuine, and often laden with an emotion that resonates well beyond the pages. This genuine connection crafted by Ryan makes the chemistry between Kenzie and Xander palpable, turning their love story into something the reader roots for with fervor.

The subplot involving the renovation of the mansion serves as a beautiful metaphor for personal reconstruction and healing that both protagonists undergo. As the layers of the old mansion are peeled away and rebuilt, so too are the layers of Kenzie and Xander’s personalities and their views on life and love. The setting of the mansion, with its historical charm interspersed with modern struggles, parallels the contemporary issues faced by the characters, making the narrative both timeless and timely.

Supporting characters are not merely fillers in this story but add richness to the narrative, providing comic relief, wisdom, and challenges that propel the main characters forward in their journey. Each one is meticulously crafted with backstories that hint at potential spin-offs or sequels, which is something regular readers of Carrie Ann Ryan might find particularly enticing.

While the book follows the conventional path of most contemporary romances, what sets it apart is the authenticity with which the author depicts the evolution of a relationship — from miscommunication and doubt to understanding and acceptance. Additionally, Ryan doesn’t shy away from portraying the vulnerability in both male and female characters, which is refreshing and adds a layer of realness to the story that emotional readers will appreciate and find reassuring.

The climax of the book, revolving around both personal resolutions and their romantic culmination, is well executed, satisfying yet not overly predictable. It ties up the journey of Kenzie and Xander in a meaningful and hopeful manner, leaving the reader with a significant sense of closure while still wanting to know more about their future adventures.

Overall, "Good Time Boyfriend" is a testament to Carrie Ann Ryan’s ability to blend deep emotional themes with playful and engaging storytelling. It is a love story not just between two people who are seemingly wrong for each other but also an ode to loving oneself. It’s a read that promises entertainment, emotional roller-coasters, and ultimately, a heartwarming conclusion that reinforces the belief in happy endings, perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for something both touching and substantive.