It Had to Be Him

By: Adib Khorram

Narrated by: Corvin King, Vikas Adam

Heartstopper meets Eat Pray Love in this swoony, spicy, second-chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Adib Khorram about two former classmates unexpectedly reuniting in Italy.

"It Had To Be Him is a swoony, sunny, sexy treat—hot single dads, not-so-unrequited crushes ... Adib Khorram spins a story of yearning, learning, and about how the sweetest fresh starts come from second chances." ―Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone, bestselling co-authors of A Merry Little Meet Cute

Ramin Yazdani's marriage proposal has just gone bottoms up: his ex dumped him in public for being boring. Bent on proving him wrong, Ramin books a spontaneous solo trip to Italy. When he runs into his high school crush while in a gelateria, however, his resolve to reinvent himself is put to the test.

Noah Bartlett’s in a rut. Since his divorce, he's become a bit of a homebody. So when his ex-wife insists he join her and their son on an Italian holiday, Noah reluctantly agrees. But his reticence turns to excitement when he sees his former classmate, who's aged just like a fine wine. As a teenager, Ramin fascinated him—and since Noah now knows that fascination was code for crush—all those feelings are quick to come rushing back.

Soon Ramin and Noah are tumbling headfirst into a relationship. Only Ramin fears Noah’s feelings won’t last without Ramin’s adventurous new persona—and Noah's not sure he can be the supportive partner Ramin deserves.

With the days counting down to the end of their trip, can their love last without the magic of Italy?

"Adib Khorram has penned a lush second chance romance set in Italy and filled with delicious food, decadent wine pairings, and plenty of steamy interludes. You’ll want to curl up with a glass of Italian red to savor this sensual and emotionally charged romance." ―Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

"A perfect combination of funny, tender, and sexy moments makesIt Had to Be Him absolutely shine. Ramin and Noah have my heart. This book is so lovely I wish I could read it again for the first time!" ―Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of When Javi Dumped Mari

Critic reviews

"It Had To Be Him is a swoony, sunny, sexy treat—hot single dads, not-so-unrequited crushes . . . hotels with only one bed! Amidst the gorgeous scenery and delicious food, Adib Khorram spins a story of yearning, learning, and about how the sweetest fresh starts come from second chances."—Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone, bestselling co-authors of A Merry Little Meet Cute

"Adib Khorram has penned a lush second chance romance set in Italy and filled with delicious food, decadent wine pairings, and plenty of steamy interludes. You’ll want to curl up with a glass of Italian red to savor this sensual and emotionally charged romance."—Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

"Adib Khorram arrives in adult romance with a perfectly concocted love story. This book has all the ingredients I love in a romance: big feelings, delicious tension, and characters that stay with you long after the last page."—Adriana Herrera, USA Today bestselling author of An Island Princess Starts a Scandal, on I'll Have What He's Having

"A sensuous and immensely satisfying queer love story."—Kirkus, Starred Review, on I'll Have What He's Having

"With an eminently likable group of characters, a generous helping of wine and foodie culture, and an extra steamy and tender love story, YA author Khorram’s first foray into adult fiction will warm readers’ hearts."—Library Journal, Starred Review, on I'll Have What He's Having

Love

Romantic, sweet, realistic, funny. I like that the misunderstandings are brief and resolved like adults. A new favorite! Narrators are awesome, I love vikas adam.

Enjoyed but needed more conflict

I really enjoyed about 2/3 of the novel. I loved the scenic atmosphere the author created of Italy, the main characters and the Italian family. However, I felt like the second half of the book fell flat--was mainly just steamy scenes without any conflict, challenges for the main characters to overcome, or much plot/character development. Great performances by both narrators though!

Beautiful story

A typical romance novel full of heart. While the ending felt rushed, the rest of the story has great pacing. You find yourself rooting for all of the characters who go on their own journey of growth. The narrator does a great job of bringing both the characters and story to life.

LOVED THIS

Especially as a Missourian with a fondness for Italy. Both main characters were well rounded and realistic and all were flawed in some way. Most importantly, the romance was a joy to witness and really took center stage. I need more books like this in my life!