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The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss (Bountiful Beaus Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 181 ratings

At Ms. Broussard's Home for Bountiful Beaus, even the unlovable can find a love story for the ages. She offers custom-made automatons, fully trained in the art of keeping a home.

Arthur Price is not looking for love. The lonely librarian clings to his work and routine to keep himself functioning. When his brother, Jared, arrives in the middle of the night with an i-Series automaton meant to lift his spirits, he realizes his routine life is about to be upended. Cheerful to a fault, Periwinkle is not someone Arthur would normally choose to befriend, much less enter into a romantic entanglement with, but he somehow programs himself perfectly into his life.

Miraculously, Arthur finds himself growing almost fond of the robot. Periwinkle may not possess much experience outside cleaning, but he can’t help noticing the loneliness in his librarian’s eyes. If it means giving Arthur Price a fresh start, Periwinkle is more than happy to stitch together all of Arthur’s broken pieces. Whether Arthur likes it or not, Periwinkle's mechanical heart beats only for Arthur.

The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss is a dual POV, slow-burn romance about a lonely librarian and his made-to-order boyfriend. There are themes of abuse in one of the side character arcs, but there is no abuse between the MCs. Heavy hurt/comfort, heavy warm and fuzzies. A side character is left in a vulnerable state with an abuser, but his HEA will come in book two, The Lonely Heart's Guide.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CSXFPH2L
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 3, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 14.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 379 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Bountiful Beaus
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 181 ratings

About the author

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Lance Lansdale
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
181 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a very cute and imaginative story, with one describing it as a fun sci-fi-esque fairy tale. Moreover, the writing is full of whimsy, making it a delightful read. They appreciate the character development, with one customer noting how the author treats Peri like a person.

13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of the book, describing it as cute with adorable moments, and one customer notes it's a fun sci-fi-esque fairy tale.

"This was a charming, funny, very cute story that I really enjoyed...." Read more

"...There were so many warm, funny, and adorable moments, too! Peri is so sassy once he comes into himself...." Read more

"Arthur and Periwinkle This story was really good. It had me tearing up and actually shedding a tear, or two... possibly more at times...." Read more

"Engaging story that hits a lot of strong notes - what love, humanity, family mean - though it fails to fully address issues like whether a created..." Read more

11 customers mention "Humor"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very funny and absolutely delightful.

"This was a charming, funny, very cute story that I really enjoyed...." Read more

"...this is a bit different, but still an amazing read. It’s got a touch of sci-fi (humanistic robot MC), but still the characters are charming...." Read more

"This book is wonderful - I want to put that out there first. I'm not so sure "cosy" is a good description for this story, however...." Read more

"...Overall, I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a humorous and heart-warming romance!" Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, which is full of whimsy, with one customer noting its touch of sci-fi elements.

"...this is a bit different, but still an amazing read. It’s got a touch of sci-fi (humanistic robot MC), but still the characters are charming...." Read more

"...and general bewilderment about so much of daily life are written very well...." Read more

"...The writing is superb and the story imaginative. You fall in love with the characters easily, especially Periwinkle!..." Read more

"The writing was good, and the storyline was interesting, but still certain aspects just didn't interest me, and put me off on some of the book." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning how Arthur treats Peri like a person, while another notes how sweet the characters are as they find each other.

"...’s got a touch of sci-fi (humanistic robot MC), but still the characters are charming...." Read more

"...Arthur is incredibly kind and treats Peri like a person. So, not really a cozy romance, but still highly recommended!" Read more

"...Peri is the sweetest character. I enjoyed his "dramatics". It was absolutely adorable. It's easy to see how Arthur came to care for and love him...." Read more

"Engaging story that hits a lot of strong notes - what love, humanity, family mean - though it fails to fully address issues like whether a created..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2025
    This was a charming, funny, very cute story that I really enjoyed. There were a couple of spots where I was laughing so hard I could barely catch my breath and I had tears running down my face. LOL.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
    If you read author Lance Lansdale’s debut novel (there is a one liner shout-out that had me laughing!), this is a bit different, but still an amazing read. It’s got a touch of sci-fi (humanistic robot MC), but still the characters are charming. Periwinkle is our innocent humanistic robot that loves wholeheartedly and wants nothing more than to please Arthur.

    Arthur has a bit of low self esteem, and has been hurt in the past. But he enjoys cuddling and getting to know Periwinkle. Arthur has the up most respect for Periwinkle, regardless if he isn’t technically a human.

    I enjoyed the written “househusband rule book,” and the chapters that followed were examples of a particular rule. Lansdale did a great job going back and forth between the two.

    I loved all the 80s TV show references and the humor brought in by all the innuendos, expressions and puns. All of which go over Periwinkle’s head and it makes his character even more lovable.

    If you enjoy cute love stories and found family, you’ll enjoy this book!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    This book is wonderful - I want to put that out there first. I'm not so sure "cosy" is a good description for this story, however.

    There are moments in this book that were hard for me. Cruelty, injustice, and fear all exist in parts of the story. My heart broke for Periwinkle more than once.

    There were so many warm, funny, and adorable moments, too! Peri is so sassy once he comes into himself. Arthur is incredibly kind and treats Peri like a person.

    So, not really a cozy romance, but still highly recommended!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
    Peri and Arthur are #HusbandGoals for sure! This book needs a sequel - I need to know more about Duck and Goose, more about the fine gentleman from Texas (who's name started with an A but I've forgotten), and I'd love to see some resolution to the i-series being human (but that might take a couple of books and would deviate from the lighthearted aim of the book). Overall, I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a humorous and heart-warming romance!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
    Arthur and Periwinkle

    This story was really good. It had me tearing up and actually shedding a tear, or two... possibly more at times. It was sweet. They weren't tears of sadness, however. The storyline wasn't one that I've ever read before and it was enjoyable. Peri is the sweetest character. I enjoyed his "dramatics". It was absolutely adorable. It's easy to see how Arthur came to care for and love him. You should definitely read it! Can't wait to see what's next.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
    Engaging story that hits a lot of strong notes - what love, humanity, family mean - though it fails to fully address issues like whether a created life has individual rights to self-determination, can be abused with impunity, or can be trafficked as a sex slave. It’s a very funny book in many ways, as Periwinkle’s literalism, dramatics, and general bewilderment about so much of daily life are written very well. At the end of the book, however, one is left with the feeling that the author got in a little over his head and opened up avenues he wasn’t prepared to explore. I’d be interested to see him revisit this world, particularly with an eye towards redressing some of the wrongs done to other automatons.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2024
    This book was my introduction to Lance’s writing and it hooked me from “robot househusband romcom”. Stepford housewife meets bicentennial man IMO. What an adorable concept! Something I haven’t read before, and it delivered a beautiful modern fairytale! The writing is superb and the story imaginative. You fall in love with the characters easily, especially Periwinkle! He’s charming and innocent with a hunger to please that blossoms into a journey for maturity and independence.
    I’ve read it twice already, and will definitely dive back in again!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
    The writing was good, and the storyline was interesting, but still certain aspects just didn't interest me, and put me off on some of the book.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lady Macbeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars So beautiful!
    Reviewed in Italy on May 17, 2025
    4.5 stars
    Such a precious story! I'm so in love with lance Lansdale's writing and I'm very glad I finally got to read this book!
    These two men stole my heart, I loved every second of their stories and I appreciated very very much the slow burn: it fit perfectly well both their personalities.
    Arthur was hesitant to open his heart because of his negative past experience and Periwnkle, despite being programmed to love, was navigating a lot of insecurities due to the differences between what his mother taught him and the actual complexity of the reality outside his creator's house. I loved how he wasn't afraid to ask question, how he was eager to learn.
    There were a lot of hilarious moments and very emotional ones: one of the things I loved the most was Peri's personal growth, how little by little he became aware of his mother's lies and how he was so brave to stood for himself.

    I would have preferred for Arthur to be more assertive with Mark, their confrontation left me unsatisfied.

    The author is planning a second book: that's great because Elliott needs his own HEA (maybe with Mister Davenport?). We'll see.

    Higlhy recommended.
  • RN
    5.0 out of 5 stars fun and sweet
    Reviewed in Australia on April 7, 2024
    This was a very unusual story. Periwinkle is quite hilarious in his naivety, but also very sweet and vulnerable. He can’t help but make his way into Arthur’s heart. I enjoyed this story very much.
  • Nicole A
    5.0 out of 5 stars sweet love story
    Reviewed in Canada on December 3, 2024
    I loved this story!
    This was so beautifully written, and I was so emotionally attached to Periwinkle and Arthur. Who knew I would cry over a…. I won’t say the word because Per-bear doesn’t like it. But Periwinkle had my heart from the very beginning.
    The Househusband’s Guide to Domestic Bliss is a wonderful book, full of warmth, emotion, humour and love. I can’t wait to read more from Lance Lansdale!
  • Kit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweetest Automaton x Human Romance!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2025
    Sometimes you just need a book that picks you up, shakes all the tears out of you and then wraps you in a giant hug. The Househusband’s Guide to Domestic Bliss did all that and more! I cried my way through this absolutely stunning emotional rollercoaster of a book and was left with the biggest smile on my face when I finished it.

    Arthur and Periwinkle and the most vibrant grumpy/sunshine couple. Arthur is a kind and slightly lost seeming human librarian still struggling from the heartbreak he suffered a year ago. Periwinkle is the sassy, joyful cleaning and companion robot built as a surprise present for him - one he doesn’t initially want. But Peri’s sweetness and personality are irresistible!

    I loved both MCs together and as individuals. They care so much for each other and to watch those emotions develop was really lovely (and really well written). This isn’t insta-love, so expect a slower burn as they learn what they really mean to each other and how their feelings change. It was really interesting especially to see Arthur’s journey from someone who doesn’t believe in the sentience of robots to someone who sees Peri for exactly the wonderful person he is.

    There is also a truly amazing cast of secondary characters in this book with a wonderful found family vibe which I adored wholeheartedly. This is also where quite a lot of humour came from to lighten some of the more angsty moments! Live your wholesome Stepford Wife fantasy today. But not.

    I can’t even explain to you how much I loved Househusband’s Guide, how much you need to read it, or how much I’m looking forward to the sequel which I pre-ordered as soon as I finished. If you need a good cry, a good cosy read, or a good reason never to let your robot drive a Vespa, read this now!
  • CDP
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book was like a warm hug on a cold day.
    Reviewed in Italy on January 20, 2025
    The Househusbands Guide to Domestic Bliss
    By Lance Landsdale

    A modern day fairytale of a Robot Househusband that finds his prince charming in a grumpy, sad and lonely librarian Arthur

    I-739 is programmed to be a Stepford-esque househusband but with the narrative that his "Master" will love and care for him but reality is far different. Purchased by one master and then gifted to another i-739 falls back on his training from "Mother's Manual for a Happy Home" of caretaking, cooking and cleaning

    It is enchanting to watch Periwinkle become a "real boy" with feelings and desires
    He cannot understand modern idioms and thus his replies are so sweet and funny
    Finds himself a family with the neighbours and the Auxiliary members. During a road trip with Mrs Peppercorn Peri buys a men's risque magazine and sets out to seduce Arthur. This plot line is genius
    But as in every fairytale there is the evil presence that spoils the happiness of Peri and Arthur and there is a little bit of angst before we arrive at the HEA

    Peri must be the most lovable, adorable character I've read in a long time

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