The Book of Luke

“An addictive, immersive love story set against the backdrop of an insane reality show!” 

—Andy Cohen

"The Book of Luke captivates with the same relationship drama, wild challenges, and emotion-driven storylines that keep us hooked on our favorite reality TV competition shows.  Lovell has absolutely nailed it with this one.  As a 20 year reality TV queen, I would know!"

—Parvati Shallow

"Wildly entertaining... You may find yourself screaming at the book like it's your TV."—Entertainment Weekly, a Must List Pick

"Survivor fans will devour this debut novel. . . Dishy, page-turning and delightful."—People Magazine

"Fans of reality TV and funny, moving tales of self-discovery, make room on your shelf for this one."—Marie Claire

"[One of] the best books about reality TV... A fast-paced, cliffhanger-filled novel."

—Bustle

"Reality TV devotees will eat this book up with a spoon. Add a sweet, unresolved romance for Luke, and it’s a winning debut novel from Holder."—Library Journal, starred review

"[The Book of Luke] exemplifies a growing trend in contemporary queer fiction. Rather than stories being anchored in themes typically found in stories starring gay characters such as coming out, first love and homophobia—Luke shows how authors are imagining more mature stories for their queer protagonists."—Xtra Magazine

"For anyone who’s binged Amazing Race or Survivor, Lovell Holder has crafted a steamy behind-the-scenes drama revealing the machinations of reality competition shows. . . [with] twisty plot, cliffhangers, complex puzzles, and sexy trysts that kept me riveted to the jaw-dropping finale."—Audible

"Holder's debut has everything reality TV fans crave: the archetypal competitors, the drama, a bag of snakes. . . [R]eaders will hold on tight for the ride."—Booklist

“A novel of quiet growth and resiliency against the wild and propulsive backdrop of reality TV. The most fun you'll have reading all year.”—Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Celebrants

"The Book of Luke is a delight! Squid Game meets Kramer vs Kramer – a heartfelt odyssey through the cutthroat world of reality TV. With (sometimes literal) cliffhangers, Holder expertly unfolds his story of twists and turns, taking us on an emotionally devastating yet ultimately redemptive journey of love and forgiveness, most importantly for oneself."—Stacy Rukeyser, Peabody Award-winning Executive Producer of Sex/Life and UnREAL

“Bold and provocative, The Book of Luke is equal parts satire and drama, told through the lens of a reality television contestant in the midst of a divorce from his husband. Holder writes with both wit and frankness as he navigates queer identity, reality television, and love. It had me laughing and tearing up—sometimes both at the same time.”—Lauren Ling Brown, USA Today Bestselling author of Society of Lies

"A wildly entertaining, adrenaline-fueled novel of betrayal, redemption and second chances, set in the blistering world of reality television. Keenly observed and beautifully realized, Lovell Holder has created an irresistible protagonist, surrounded by an indelible cast of globetrotting characters, navigating the regrets of their past while pursuing the hopes of the future. Funny, clever, heartbreakingly human, The Book of Luke is an unforgettable ride and a remarkable debut!"
—Bill Gaythwaite, author of Underburn and winner of the 2025 Drue Heinz Literature Prize

"The Book of Luke is as intriguing, propulsive, sexy, entertaining, and compulsively bingeable as your favorite reality show (and don’t pretend you don’t have one). Lovell Holder is the rare breed of storyteller who can pull off twists that will make you gasp."—Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of Colton Gentry’s Third Act

"Holder takes readers inside the reality TV universe as only a novelist of his skill can: with wit, warmth, imagination, and acute psychological insight. Come for the hijinks, furtive romances, and catfights; stay for the moving, thoroughly compelling story of one man’s journey through the merciless worlds of American politics and entertainment, set on the very cusp of an era in which the two dissolve into one."—Daniel Lefferts, author of Ways and Means

"At once a rich character study of a person unwillingly thrust into fame and an unstinting look into a culture that rewards attention-seeking at any cost, The Book of Luke will keep you hanging by your fingertips until the very last page. Reality show contestants may not be there to make friends, but, thanks to Lovell Holder’s skillful writing, observant eye, and dazzling imagination, you’ll emerge from The Book of Luke grateful for the opportunity to have met Luke, and to have spent time in his surreal, all-too-recognizable world."—Daniel D’Addario, author of The Talent

This story of a man’s reckoning with his past is fast, fun, and steamy to boot."—Kirkus