In my defense, I tried to give the Wattpad book a try. I really did. Unfortunately just wasn't my vibe. Super cute cover though.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As Long as You Love Me was my first book by Marianna Leal but it certainly won't be my last. I've been trying to diversify my reading by adding more books writing by BIPOC authors and including BIPOC characters. Catalina has left Venezuela after her brother was killed in a political protest but there is someone standing in the way of her dream job: Gabriel Cabrera.

I love when a man falls first and falls HARD. Gabe certainly fell for Cata and I loved everything about him. Cata was such a strong and diverse main character and I really was able to relate with her, which made this such an enjoyable read. It also gave me more insight into the political situation in Venezuela, which I am shamed to say I don't know nearly enough about it. Reading is enjoyable, but it is also political and I need to do a better job of remembering that in 2024.

I definitely recommend picking this one up!

3.5 ⭐️


Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a pleasant surprise! I definitely enjoyed this book more than expected. It was fun, a different take on academic rivals that felt fresh and interesting, with the added layer of fake-dating.

There was unexpected depth to the story, which didn’t shy away from the truths that were a true part of Catalina’s character as a Venezuelan that studied in the U.S, the experiences of her family, or the cultural differences between Gabe and Cata, and Cata and her classmates.

I enjoyed the first half of the book, but things seemed to unravel towards the end. Where there was a great pace throughout the story for Gabe and Catalina’s relationship at the beginning, it later seemed that they were having two entirely different conversations during various scenes. The ending felt rushed and slightly hectic, as if the loose ends that had previously been so well plotted out, were now being tied up as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As a side note, the book is deserving of a full star solely for the way the Spanish is written into the story. Many authors include it in a way that is unnatural and forced, but this was tastefully done and helped the story flow fluidly. It really added to the plot and character/world building

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was good! Nothing super special in terms of romance novels, but satisfying. I liked the incorporation of the Venezuelan culture and how it impacted the FMC’s life. Gabe was a star!

I really loved this! Super cute & quick read!
I really enjoyed the characters and their development and dialogue!
The plot was amazing and everything about this was my favorite!!
Would read a second story, if there ever was one!
Such a great book and definitely recommend everyone read it!!
10/10 across the board!!!

Enemies….
Rivals….
Nemesis….

She’s chasing the American dream with hardships everywhere she goes while he makes everything look so easy.

They compete for the best grade in college and the same job…then he asks for a favor. To ruin his brother’s wedding by being his fake girlfriend.

She agrees and it moves to fake dating. We all know where is going to lead but it’s a cute ride! This one does have some really heavy topics throughout but I overall enjoyed it.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

This was so cute!!! Really enjoyed these characters and the writing! The chemistry, banter, and tension was so perfect!! Would definitely recommend!!

"As Long As You Love Me" transported me on a delightful journey by intertwining a gripping love story with important contemporary themes. Our main character, Catalina, embodies relatability as she manages the obligations of providing for her family while juggling the demands of being the oldest daughter in a tough STEM program. This novel stands out in that Catalina's priorities and challenges unfold against a backdrop of romance rather than romance being the only highlight of the story. I enjoyed the academic rivals-to-lovers theme, and how the relationship developed between Catalina and Gabriel!
I cannot wait to read more from the author. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy. <3

Marianna wrote a story who touched a sensitive subject such as the political situation in Venezuela and make it work. The romance was sweet but it was missing something for me to love it because it felt like the author tried to make it seemed like enemies to lovers and insta-love but it was both and none at the same time.

When I got this as an ARC, I thought it was about working professionals. Turns out, this book is more new adult, college internship romance. It reminds me a lot of The Spanish Love Deception- even the FMC names are similar.

I liked that there was depth to Catalina’s background and why she is the way she is. The familial strife was a great addition to the story. What stopped me from raving about this story is how unbelievable the love between the two main characters are. We know he’s loved her for years, but it’s very unclear as to why… it’s almost instant love. I feel like there could be more relationship building between the two of them that would make for a more believable love story. This book missed the mark on showcasing love.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

This was more than your average romance novel! Catalina is a Venezuelan student finishing up her mechanical engineering degree and internship - she’s the perfect immigrant and plans to get approved for permanent residency and the US ASAP. Everything starts to go wrong when she gets tangled up with her academic rival, Gabe, and they embark on what’s meant to be a fake relationship - he needs to ruin his brother’s wedding and will concede to the permanent job at their internship if Catalina helps him.

It has aaaaalllll the good romance tropes but actually deals super sensitively with serious issues such as immigration and political unrest. It’s a deliciously frustrating slow burn at times, but Gabe is a worth the wait book boyfriend - I love his Gabe, Everyone’s Babe persona 😂

What to expect:

- academic rivals
- enemies to lovers
- fake dating
- he falls first
- closed door but still 🔥

Very much reminiscent of The Spanish Love Deception, but that is one of my favorite romcoms of the last five years. This is a very strong enemies/rivals to lovers story. The backstory of both characters is very strong. The chemistry is absolutely sizzling as well. A definite must read for any enemies to lovers fan.

I'm a sucker for a good academic rivals book, and this one was adorable!

I loved Catalina as a main character. She has some unique backstory that makes her really interesting, and raises her stakes a little higher than some other contemporary romcom heroines. She's smart, has a good sense of self, and is devoted to her family, which is lovely.

Gabriel is the perfect foil for her, and when they entered the fake dating relationship, I knew he was a goner. He's a well-written character who compliments Catalina, and I enjoyed watching their relationship solidify.

I will definitely pick up the next book from this author.

Hello Fellow Readers,

First of all, if anyone needs a book boyfriend can I recommend Gabe? He's so sweet, I can really see why Catalina ends up falling in love with him (although he falls first, which I am always a sucker for). First, let us talk about how Leal addressed the political situation in Venezuela as it is not something you hear talked about much less used as a plot point in a book.

As for Catalina and Gabe, I loved them. Rivals to Lovers and Fake Marriages just give me the tingles and never fail to make me completely fall in love with a book. I will say that I could have done without the drama from a certain side character (looking at you Gabe's Mama), but that shouldn't deter you from this sweet romance.

Overall, very good read.

This was a fun read! I really related with the pressure that Catalina put on herself to be perfect and to achieve everything that she set out to, and I loved how Gabe gave her the space to both succeed but also not have to succeed in order to have worth. I do wish that we had had more opportunities to better get to know Gabe, since this was written only from Catalina's POV, but other than that I highly enjoyed this book!

Thank you to Wattpadd Books and NetGalley for the review copy.

I DNF this book. I just wasn't invested in this book. I gave it a good shoot, but no, not for me...
Thanks to Netgally

This book was so much more than a romance novel. I love how it discussed immigration and other real world issues while also balancing the romance; I'll definitely check out more from marianna!

This book was so enjoyable! I found Catalina relatable as an eldest daughter in a STEM program who is so preoccupied with succeeding and supporting her family that romance really isn’t at the forefront of her mind, or the top of her priorities. I also really enjoyed the academic rivals to lovers arc, and that he fell first (and harder 🤭). I appreciate how their relationship was well paced and Gabe was steady and supportive.

Not only was this a compelling romance, but it effectively detailed the political unrest in Venezuela and the effects it has on families and people of all ages. It was important to include these realistic experiences of immigrants in America and I appreciate the care taken with it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This modern romance was excellent. I loved the chemistry that Cata and Gabe had together. Two of my favorite tropes are "enemies-to-lovers" and "fake dating," Cata and Gabe excelled at both. The humor between the main characters was excellent, and the book's heavy passages dealing with Cata's trauma were expertly balanced with triumphant and joyful moments. I enjoyed the writing; it moved along quickly, wasn't overly corny, and had a few surprises that kept you turning pages. It was an easy read for me and will undoubtedly lift your reading spirits. Because of how she fell in love with him, I adored the narrative. I recommend it for anyone looking for a college-workplace rival to lovers / fake dating romance !!