Gym-Bros and New Beginnings

Brad, a charismatic, energetic game designer in Las Vegas, finds himself feeling like a third wheel after his best friend Jason gets a boyfriend. At the gym, Brad meets Joey, a strong, kind construction worker new to town. Their instant camaraderie is built on shared workouts, playful banter, and a mutual sense of being a little lost in life. Brad, ever the extrovert, is thrilled to make a new friend, while Joey, more reserved, is quietly smitten. Their friendship is cemented by inside jokes, high-fives, and the promise of future gym sessions, setting the stage for a connection that will change both their lives.

The Accidental Date

Joey, encouraged by his cousin, works up the courage to text Brad and arrange a workout. Their chemistry is palpable, but Brad's obliviousness to Joey's attraction leads to a series of misunderstandings. When Joey invites Brad to dinner, he believes it's a date, but Brad sees it as a friendly hangout. The evening is filled with laughter, shared stories, and a growing sense of comfort, but ends with Joey's hopes dashed when Brad reveals he's straight. Despite the awkwardness, both men value the budding friendship, even as Joey quietly nurses his disappointment.

Friendship, Flirting, and Fumbles

Brad, ever the wingman, is determined to help Joey find love, not realizing Joey's feelings are for him. He creates dating profiles, arranges dates, and even screens potential suitors, all while remaining blissfully unaware of the tension simmering beneath the surface. Joey, meanwhile, struggles with his feelings, torn between wanting more and not wanting to lose Brad's friendship. Their dynamic is a mix of genuine affection, sexual innuendo, and emotional near-misses, with Brad's well-meaning but misguided efforts leading to a series of comedic and heartfelt moments.

The Kiss That Wasn't

After a disastrous date Brad sets up for Joey, the two share a vulnerable moment. Joey confesses his attraction, and Brad, surprised but supportive, reaffirms their friendship. They agree to set boundaries, but Brad's continued physical affection and emotional intimacy blur the lines. The chapter explores the complexities of friendship, attraction, and the fear of losing someone important, as both men navigate the shifting terrain of their relationship.

Bros With Benefits

Recognizing the tension between them, Brad proposes a one-month "bros with benefits" arrangement, allowing them to explore their chemistry without risking their friendship. Joey, still in love, agrees, hoping Brad might reciprocate his feelings. Their physical connection is electric, but both are careful, prioritizing communication and consent. The arrangement is filled with playful experimentation, mutual discovery, and a deepening emotional bond, as they learn more about themselves and each other.

Wingman Gone Wild

Determined to fulfill his promise as Joey's wingman, Brad orchestrates a series of increasingly ridiculous dates, from a watersports mix-up to a boudoir photoshoot. Each attempt ends in disaster or hilarity, but also brings the two men closer. Brad's efforts are both endearing and exasperating, as he remains oblivious to the fact that the perfect match for Joey might be himself. Joey, for his part, endures the chaos with good humor, his affection for Brad only growing.

The Boudoir Photoshoot

When a date bails on a couple's boudoir photoshoot, Brad steps in, leading to an unexpectedly intimate experience. The session is charged with sexual tension, vulnerability, and unspoken longing. Both men are forced to confront their feelings, as the physical closeness and emotional honesty of the shoot strip away their defenses. The photos become a symbol of their connection, capturing a moment when friendship and desire collide.

Realizations and Revelations

Brad begins to question his sexuality, spurred by his attraction to Joey and the intensity of their connection. Conversations with friends and introspection lead him to accept that he might be bisexual. Joey, sensing the shift, is cautiously hopeful but fears being hurt. Their dynamic becomes more charged, with Brad's flirtation turning intentional and Joey's longing becoming harder to hide. The chapter is a turning point, as both men begin to see the possibility of something more.

Cuddles, Codes, and Confessions

Physical affection becomes a cornerstone of their relationship, with cuddling, inside jokes, and shared routines blurring the line between friendship and romance. Brad's jealousy over Joey's dates and Joey's willingness to be vulnerable create a safe space for honesty. They develop codes for flirting, navigate awkward encounters, and support each other through personal challenges. The emotional intimacy they share becomes undeniable, setting the stage for a deeper commitment.

The Jealousy Test

A night out at a gay bar becomes a crucible for Brad's feelings, as he reacts with unexpected jealousy to Joey's attention from others. The experience forces Brad to confront his desire for exclusivity and his fear of losing Joey. Joey, emboldened by Brad's reaction, confesses his love, risking everything for a chance at happiness. The chapter is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the courage it takes to pursue love.

Facing Fears Together

Brad and Joey face their individual fears—Brad's fear of swimming, Joey's fear of rejection—by supporting each other through challenges. Brad learns to swim with Joey's patient guidance, while Joey finds acceptance and belonging with Brad's family. Their willingness to be vulnerable and to help each other grow cements their bond, transforming their relationship from tentative exploration to genuine partnership.

Family, Food, and Fanny Packs

Joey introduces Brad to his large, loving family, and Brad is embraced with open arms. The experience is both overwhelming and affirming, as Brad finds the sense of belonging he's always craved. Fanny packs become a symbol of their quirky connection, and shared meals, inside jokes, and family traditions weave Brad into the fabric of Joey's life. The chapter highlights the importance of chosen family and the joy of building a life together.

Learning to Swim

Brad's fear of water is a metaphor for his fear of vulnerability. With Joey's help, he learns to trust, to let go, and to embrace new experiences. The swimming lessons are filled with humor, encouragement, and small victories, mirroring the growth of their relationship. Brad's willingness to face his fears for Joey's sake is a testament to his love, and Joey's patience and support show the depth of his commitment.

The One-Month Deal

As their one-month arrangement comes to an end, both men are forced to confront their true feelings. Brad, realizing he can't imagine life without Joey, plans a grand gesture to confess his love. Joey, afraid of being let go, prepares to fight for what he wants. The tension is high as they navigate misunderstandings, miscommunications, and the fear of rejection, but ultimately, love wins out.

Crossing the Line

Brad and Joey finally admit their love for each other, crossing the line from friends to lovers. Their physical and emotional connection deepens, and they commit to building a future together. The transition is both exhilarating and terrifying, as they navigate new territory and redefine what it means to be partners. Their love is messy, passionate, and real, grounded in friendship and mutual respect.

Becoming More Than Friends

With their relationship out in the open, Brad and Joey face new challenges—coming out, dealing with family expectations, and integrating their lives. They support each other through ups and downs, celebrate victories, and weather setbacks. Their love is tested but endures, strengthened by honesty, humor, and a shared vision for the future. The chapter is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the power of partnership.

The Big Gay Awakening

Brad's coming-out party is a joyful, raucous celebration of love and identity, attended by friends, family, and a cast of colorful characters. The event is filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches, marking a milestone in Brad's journey of self-acceptance. Joey's unwavering support and the embrace of their community affirm that they are exactly where they belong—together, loved, and seen.

The Charity Auction

A charity auction becomes the backdrop for a pivotal moment in their relationship. Brad's heartfelt, if chaotic, public speech about Joey is interrupted by a fainting spell, but the message is clear: he loves Joey deeply. The event cements their status as a couple in the eyes of their friends and family, and their willingness to be vulnerable in public is a testament to their growth and commitment.

The Grand Gesture

Brad and Joey, both hopeless romantics in their own way, plan elaborate proposals—only to discover they've both been planning to propose at the same time. Their simultaneous, chaotic, and deeply sincere proposals are a perfect encapsulation of their relationship: messy, heartfelt, and full of love. They commit to a lifetime together, surrounded by the people who matter most.

Happily Ever After Plans

The story concludes with Brad and Joey's wedding, a celebration of love, friendship, and the journey they've taken together. Their vows are a reflection of the steps they took to find each other—making friends, taking risks, being brave, and never giving up. The epilogue shows them years later, still in love, still making each other laugh, and still building a life together, proving that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones you never saw coming.

Characters

Brad Ulysses Bradley

Brad is a 25-year-old game designer with boundless energy, a penchant for innuendo, and a heart of gold. Raised by his grandfather after being abandoned by his parents, Brad craves connection and belonging. His friendship with Joey is transformative, awakening feelings he never expected and prompting a journey of self-discovery. Brad's psychological arc is one of moving from obliviousness to self-awareness, from fear of vulnerability to embracing love. His humor, loyalty, and willingness to try new things make him both endearing and exasperating, but ultimately, he is defined by his capacity to love deeply and without reservation.

Joey Francis Delgado

Joey is a construction worker with a big heart, a calm demeanor, and a deep well of patience. Having grown up with a complicated family dynamic, Joey values loyalty and honesty above all. His attraction to Brad is immediate, but he is careful, respectful, and willing to wait for Brad to catch up emotionally. Joey's journey is one of hope, resilience, and the courage to risk his heart. He is the anchor in the relationship, providing stability and support, but also learning to ask for what he needs. His love for Brad is unwavering, and his willingness to be vulnerable is his greatest strength.

Jason ("Birdie")

Jason is Brad's lifelong best friend, a nurse with a dry wit and a fiercely protective streak. He is the "Birdie" to Brad's "Bee," providing emotional support and tough love when needed. Jason's relationship with Brad is foundational, but he also serves as a mirror, challenging Brad to grow and be honest with himself. His own journey with his partner Cas provides a parallel to Brad and Joey's story, highlighting themes of chosen family and queer community.

Cas ("Cat-man")

Cas is Jason's partner and Brad's other gym-bro, a physical therapist with a gentle demeanor. He is a source of calm and wisdom, offering advice and perspective when Brad is floundering. Cas's acceptance and encouragement are instrumental in Brad's journey of self-discovery, and his relationship with Jason models healthy communication and mutual support.

Alex ("Tink")

Alex is a friend from the extended queer community, a porn star with a flair for drama and a talent for matchmaking. He is both comic relief and emotional catalyst, pushing Brad to embrace his identity and celebrate his love for Joey. Alex's larger-than-life personality masks a deep well of empathy and a genuine desire to see his friends happy.

Iggy

Iggy is Joey's cousin and coworker, a straight-shooting, supportive presence who provides both comic relief and practical advice. He is skeptical of Brad at first but comes to appreciate the depth of his cousin's feelings. Iggy's role is to ground Joey, offering perspective and a reminder of the importance of family.

Mama Delgado

Joey's mother is a source of unconditional love and support, welcoming Brad into the family with open arms. She is a touchstone for both men, offering advice, encouragement, and a model of what it means to love fiercely and without reservation.

The Elite 8 Crew (Dixon, Niko, Teddy, Kipp, Finn, Rowan, Emil, Christian)

This group of friends, many of whom work in adult entertainment, provide a vibrant, supportive backdrop to Brad and Joey's story. They are a found family, offering acceptance, celebration, and a reminder that love comes in many forms. Their presence underscores the importance of community and the joy of being seen and celebrated for who you are.

Logan and Lewis

Logan and Lewis are two of Brad's matchmaking attempts for Joey, both of which end in disaster but ultimately lead to friendship and, eventually, a relationship with each other. Their arc provides closure for Joey's search for love and highlights the unpredictability of romance.

Eugenia Davis

Eugenia is the winner of Brad's charity auction cuddle session, representing the ways in which Brad's journey of self-discovery and love extends beyond himself, touching the lives of others.

Plot Devices

Dual POV and Alternating Narration

The novel alternates between Brad and Joey's perspectives, allowing readers to experience the misunderstandings, longing, and growth from both sides. This structure heightens dramatic irony, as the audience is privy to each man's feelings and fears, even as they remain hidden from each other. The dual POV deepens emotional resonance and provides insight into the psychological complexity of falling in love.

Comedy of Errors and Miscommunication

Much of the plot is driven by misunderstandings, missed signals, and Brad's well-intentioned but misguided matchmaking. These comedic elements serve to both entertain and underscore the vulnerability inherent in pursuing love. The humor is balanced by moments of genuine emotion, creating a narrative that is both lighthearted and deeply affecting.

Symbolism: Fanny Packs, Tool Belts, and Food

Fanny packs and tool belts become recurring symbols of Brad and Joey's connection, representing both their quirks and their willingness to embrace each other's weirdness. Food—bananas, corn dogs, waffles—serves as both innuendo and comfort, highlighting the sensual and nurturing aspects of their relationship.

The "List" and Stepwise Structure

Brad's evolving list of steps to "finding himself and falling in love" provides a narrative throughline, marking milestones in his journey and serving as a touchstone for both men. The list is both literal and metaphorical, representing the incremental, often accidental nature of growth and connection.

Found Family and Community

The presence of chosen family—friends, coworkers, and the broader queer community—provides a safety net for Brad and Joey, modeling acceptance, celebration, and resilience. Their support is instrumental in both men's journeys, reinforcing the novel's themes of belonging and self-acceptance.

Foreshadowing and Callbacks

Early jokes, misunderstandings, and symbols (like the boudoir photos, the fanny packs, and the "wingman" promise) are revisited and recontextualized as the story progresses, providing satisfying emotional payoffs and reinforcing the sense of a lived-in, interconnected world.

Analysis

10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love is a joyful, heartfelt, and deeply queer romantic comedy that explores the messy, hilarious, and ultimately transformative journey from friendship to love. Emmy Sanders crafts a narrative that is both laugh-out-loud funny and emotionally resonant, using humor as a vehicle for vulnerability and growth. The novel's greatest strength lies in its characters—Brad's exuberant, open-hearted chaos and Joey's steady, patient devotion create a dynamic that is both electric and comforting. The

Last updated: May 3, 2025