I can’t with this book! I have read this author before and enjoyed her stories, but this was just too much. First of all, having the name EVER was very confusing because half of the time, I thought I was reading the WORD ever and not the name Ever. Second, Ever’s friends are awful and mean to her. And then she thinks they are great because they say they are sorry. I didn’t like the dynamic at all. Matt was a good character, but the romance isn’t hot enough to keep you wanting to read this one. Sorry, not for me. All opinions are my own. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

Everleigh and her besties are like siblings won a lottery,instead of money it was a inn. They all worked together and got it ready for open when Matt the chief of police had a sudden problem when his house burned down and knowing it was arson he kept everything from everyone. Matt and Everleigh grows closer and helps each other.

This a light read if you’re in the mood for it. I would say this is a slow burn romance as nothing really beyond a kiss happens until about 60% through the book. I am not really into slow burn romances which is one of the reasons why it’s not a 5-star read for me. The read was boring during certain parts for me and there were times I considered not finishing because it was not keeping my interest. I will say that the book is well-written and the characters are likable. I am interested in the next book as I love the friends to lovers trope. I am just hoping it’s not a slow burn like this one!

I received an advanced reader's copy of Definitely Not Dating by Christi Barth from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book by Christi Barth that I had read and I was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable new author to follow.

Overall, I felt this was a solid romance novel and I found it to be extremely well written. The plot was engaging and the characters were nicely written (layers, folks!). And while our main characters, lottery winner slash loser in love Everleigh Girard and police chief Matt Halliday, had flaws, they were likable and had chemistry. The plot wasn’t terribly original, but it was evenly paced and flowed.

This was a quick, fun read.

This is an entertaining book that I just loved. I fell in love with the characters - especially Ever, who I'm sure most women can relate to, as she tries to overcome her history of picking out losers to date. We've all done it, but Ever has done it in a way that effectively blew up her life. When they win a hotel lottery, she, along with her friends, sees it as a way to get a fresh start.

Matt is the local police chief, and a friend of Ever and her friends. When his house burns down, he takes a room in the inn. While Ever and Matt have been attracted to each other, being under the same room proves to be too much temptation. They are committed to not dating and their non-dating relationship begins.

I loved the way Matt and Ever were together, but mostly, I loved how Ever found a way to overcome her past and recreate a better version of herself. Along the way, Matt helped her, while also overcoming his own past. Their relationship was sexy and sweet. and made me fall in love with them.

If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. The author is on my must read authors' list.