Thank you to the author, Alcove Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick, fun read with some of the most typical tropes of the romcom genre, i.e. fake dating, childhood friends, brother’s best friend, and found family - but it delivered in a low-key slowly developing way. I did like the overall vibe of the book, that you need to find your own path, embrace your mistakes, and persevere to find happiness. But oh, the mopiness of millenials - I think I'm getting too old to put up with it. Sorry, this sounds curmudgeonly and does not reflect on the author, except that a bit more oomph and spark to the interactions of the main characters would have been great.

When it feels like your life is falling apart, the last thing you want is your childhood frenemy/brother's best friend around to see your fall. That's the premise of this women's fiction/romance crossover, where the foundation of the relationship is the years these two characters have spent feuding. I loved the history between them and how it influenced their present day decisions, and I loved that they knew each other so well. Our heroine is a hot mess who took the expected path in life and is now feeling the weight of debt and poor decision-making. It's relatable and has an authentic feel, which makes it stand out from the pack. I liked how the hero supported and uplifted the heroine - he's known her so long that he gets her in a way that no one else would. Add in an accidental towel drop and some fake dating to change the dynamic between them, and it's no wonder they found themselves becoming closer than either would've anticipated.

The story follows Isla, a 20-something who is broke, drowning in student loan debt, working a job she hates, and now without a place to live. Isla's brother is out of the country for the next month, so she decides to crash at his place until she can get back on her feet again. The only problem? When she arrives, Isla gets an unexpected eyeful of her brother's best friend, Cade. The two have unwillingly been a part of each other's lives for as long as they can remember, and seeing each other naked was never part of the plan. But Cade knows something is up with Isla, and he's not going to let her fall to pieces. When Isla agrees to attend some work events as Cade's "girlfriend," it changes their relationship even more. Suddenly, the two are getting to know each other in a way they never have... and that's sure to cause some problems.

While the romance is central to the story, I'd consider this more of a women's fiction crossover, simply because Isla's finances are such a big part of the book. It's something you don't read about all that much in modern romance, but is a reality that many readers face. I liked its inclusion, but this romance reader wanted less focus on finances and more on the budding relationship. It felt like every time the romance would gain momentum, it would get stalled by a side plot revolving around Isla's bleak financial situation. That's what loses this a star for me - I liked a whole lot of it, but I could've done with significantly less focus on Isla's burdens. We only get Isla's perspective, so spending more time with Cade would've given more depth to the romance and his character. That said, there was a whole lot of good stuff going on, and I liked that this felt fresh and modern in so many ways.

Isla is hanging on by a thread - passed up for another promotion, student loan and credit card debt looming, and the cherry on top? Her roommates unceremoniously kicked her out of the apartment (sure, she owes them 3 months rent, but putting all her stuff on the curb is cold). And just when she thought she could crash at her brother’s condo to lay low and figure out a plan, she finds her brother’s best friend, Cade, is already there while his place is renovated. No one can know how far she’s fallen, even Cade, who might be the only one who could understand.

This book is chaotic, hilarious and pretty swoony! Brother’s best friend has always been on my list of fave tropes, and we get some pining and fake dating too? Sign me up.

I am so lucky that I don’t have student debt hanging over me(especially to the extent that US institutions cost) but the cost of living is skyrocketing while many people, like Isla, are being left behind. This might hit way too close to home for a lot of people, especially when she sees her reality in contrast with the homes of the rich executives she ends up house sitting for.

I loved the scenes at the library, where she’s always found among the stacks by a librarian she wants to befriend.

The reflection on family, values and beliefs was really interesting, especially because Isla, her brother Seb, and Cade all grew up hearing her parents’ beliefs on working hard and not leeching off society (which, WOW, pretty toxic, especially from Cade’s point of view)

I love Cade, and his company social events throughout this book. The morale and company culture is completely different than Isla’s job, and makes for some bright spots for both of them throughout.

AND THE CHEMISTRY. I swear, these two could start a wildfire with the sparks and sexual tension between them. That, and their shared history, made them so much fun to read about.

I think this could have ended pre-epilogue, but was a fun and hilarious love story all the same. Looking forward to more Sonia Hartl!

4⭐️ | 2 .5🌶️

This is a quick read with some of my favourite tropes is fun, witty and quite adorable!

The MCs give off major Monica and Chandler vibes. The FMC is very relatable and the MMC is just the sweetest. The chemistry between the two is spectacular from the very start and I devoured this book in a day because it’s so so cute.

While it’s a fun read, it also deals with some real life difficulties like low-paying jobs, struggles to pay bills, etc. which made the book more realistic.

Overall it’s an interesting and entertaining book and I look forward to read more of Sonia’s work.

4 stars!

Fake dating? Brother's best friend? Forced proximity? Toxic families? Commentary on the rising cost of college and the depreciation of getting a degree? Social commentary on income inequality and the crushing weight of student loan debt? Sign me up!

"Rent to Be" by Sonia Hartl has a bit of everything: some excellent banter, a slow-growing connection, some intriguing characters, a little immaturity and a little growth, and a hefty dose of spiciness. I found myself enjoying this book for the most part! It's a quick read that will leave you panting and pinings right alongside the characters. I will admit, some of main character Isla's decisions were head-scratch-worthy, but hey, we all make bad decisions in the name of trying to get a paycheck, right? As I said, there is some immaturity ("Rainbow Bear" kind of made me want to vomit from cuteness and ickiness?), but not so much that it ruined my enjoyment of this book as a whole. I appreciated the chemistry between Isla and Cade, Isla's brother's best friend and their next-door neighbor growing up. They are two people who have clearly been in love with each other for years (him more so than her), but they just haven't gotten their timing right. Hartl knows her way around a swoon-worthy love story.

This book is so much more than a fluffy romance. I envision many readers nagging about the "pOlItIcS!!!111~~" and social commentaries that are included in this book, to which I say a hearty GET OVER IT!!!!!!! So, so many millennials are facing income inequality, a lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, job losses despite years of college/having degrees, and homelessness that it is dividing a generation. It's swell if none of this impacts your life in the slightest, but millions of people are experiencing these issues on a daily basis. You can't turn a blind eye just because your precious little romance book talked about injustice and trauma. Ignore it all you want: IT'S. STILL. HAPPENING. The least you can do is not complain about it and not rate a book poorly just because you're out of touch and can't identify with anyone else's plight. To me, these topics aided in telling this story. Cade and Isla's generational trauma has shaped who they are as people, but all her boomer-a$$ relatives can do is complain about how "college brainwashed her" and made her unable to take a joke?!? Absolutely no self-reflection or looking inward at how they treated the poor people around them, including the man she loves, when he was just a child?! Coolcoolcool gotitgotitgotit. Preach, Sonia Hartl. I see what you're doing and I appreciate the heck out of it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sonia Hartl, and Alcove Press for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Rent To Be Sonia Hartl

Isla is living her worst nightmare. Kicked out of her apartment for not paying rent with nowhere to go. She has a low paying job and student loans out of the wazoo from her MBA so she is barely scraping by. Thankfully, her brother is out of town for work for two months. When she gets there, her brother's best friend, Cade, is there so she cannot admit to her problems and crash there. By some miracle, she starts to house sit for people so she can make extra money and have somewhere to crash. Cade finds out her issues and they come to an agreement. Cade won't tell her brother if she agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend for company events. The dating begins to feel less and less fake as they go on.

I did enjoy this book. I like that Isla is dealing with something a lot of millennials struggle with. Low pay with high student debt. Isla and Cade were a cute couple. I didn't get why Isla feels like she knows Cade well and can't just crash at her brother's place. It seemed like he would not have an issue with it at all. I could not stand her parents or the fact that they don't really seem to support their child unless she is doing really well.
I loved the different places she house sat for and was glad she seemed to come up with a smart idea on her feet. It falls apart at the end but it was really just a smart idea.

This was a cute read. Plenty of build up to a lot of steam closer to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Sonia Hartl for the e-ARC of this book. This review is my own opinion.

3.5 stars

Ilsa was forced to move out of the house she shared with her roommates because she was not able to pay the rent on time.

She is moving in her brother's house while he is traveling.

But she is used to relaying on herself, to not ask for any hand outs.

But Ilsa is not the only one staying there, her brother's best friend who lives there as well is currently there.

His place is getting renovated.

They agree to a deal, one where she is his fake girlfriend so that Cades bosses will leave him alone.

Can I say how I loved that he didn't solve her problems? It is something that needs to be seen in more contemporary romances and since in the end it was perfectly balanced it gave the perfect color to this romcom/contemporary romance
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Touching deep and real issues such as student loans, family expectations, economic appearances and real relationships but putting loose and fun characters with great chemistry between them like Isla and Cade in a great brother best friend, enemies to lovers
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Isla comes home from work only to find her things in boxes on the street. Her two best friends decided it was for the best after falling behind on her rent. She never imagined that after getting her degree and getting a job in a corporation she would barely be able to pay her bills or fix her car.
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Desperate to find a place to stay, she decides to stay at her brother's house who is away for a month but upon arrival she discovers that the house is not empty. Cade, her brother's best friend is staying in the guest room.
and after trying to deceive him, she decides to tell him the truth but in exchange for keeping the secret he needs to ask another favor
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Isla agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend for work functions as she tries to balance her life but the more time they spend together pretending, the more real it feels and Isla begins to see all aspects of her life and her family with new eyes
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Steamy, funny and with a lot to say, I enjoyed reading this book and the journey of these characters, is my first book by this author but definitely no the last one
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Thanks to Sonia Hartl and Alcove Press for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion

This is your tried and true romance. It’s friends to lovers with a third act breakup. But there really is so much more to this book that I had to give it 5 stars. I’ll start with the romance aspect of the book. It’s written perfectly. You feel the history between Isla and Cade. You feel the connect and the pull between the two. They definitely have some chemistry. And for me, I think I felt it so much because there was one or two scenes that were so funny and cute towards the beginning of book. I also related to Isla. I spent all this time and money getting a degree that I barely use. My student loans are outrageous and I thought I was setting myself up for financial comfort. In reality, that didn’t happen. The thing that really sold this book for me was Hartl addressing family dynamics and toxicity. It was a theme throughout the book and really addressed towards the end. OH! And there’s definitely some level 2-3 spice in here. Overall, I think this book was perfect.

I really enjoyed this story! It was a lot of fun and a quick read! I must admit I read another last year (Heartbreak) that wasn’t my fave, but I definitely really liked this one! It was quick, fun and very current.

Poor Isla (literally), suddenly gets booted from her apartment by her roommates, since she hasn’t been able to keep up with the rent. Student loans have become too much - who knew having an MBA would make life more difficult and get you an entry level dead end job that others with no education are also doing? Because her family is so unsupportive and awful about everything, she can’t go home or ask her folks for help so she heads to her brother’s condo (since he’s out of town for a month).

Unfortunately, she has a really embarrassing run-in with his best friend Cade who happens to be staying there during renovations at his own place, so she makes a quick decision to lie, leave all her stuff there, and go sleep at work (oh, the plight of millennials!). She ends up nearly getting caught but in the end, comes out with a house-sitting job from one of the company’s higher-ups… which leads to several more, and mostly solves her housing issues and gives some extra cash. When Cade discovers her at one of her jobs, during a work party, he talks her into a fake dating gig to join him at his frequent work events so his coworkers will stop trying to set him up with someone, so he won’t tell her brother what she’s up to. And of course, we can all see how that might end up!

A really fun, millennial, brother’s best friend, fake relationship romcom, with a whole lot more going on - definitely worth the read!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Alcove Press, and this is my honest feedback.

This was a lovely read for me. The writing is easy and engaging and I flew threw it without really noticing.

I really, really liked the main character and narrator, Isla. Her voice as a narrator was really distinct and funny. I had a lot of empathy with her situation; she felt like a truly troubled, lonely character and I felt so happy for her when she made friends with Neeta and began to grow closer to Cade. The way her situation was presented was done really well for me.

Cade was a sweetheart. He was softer than I expected, and he was really cute and good to her, I just wanted her to start letting him in. Their chemistry was great and I loved the dynamic between them; their banter was really fun and the sex scenes were hot and well-written.

I also really liked the angst in this book. It was a good contrast, really, as the book itself is quite gentle and light but the conflict over their feelings, over her situation with her family, was really well-written. The final bits of conflict hurt but they made perfect sense. The subplot involving her family was also quite painful but I did like how it was done and how it resolved – or didn’t, I suppose. The ending was very satisfying to me and I liked that things weren’t perfect but she was happy – it just rounded off the novel really well for me.

I just really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun but occasionally angsty contemporary romance with the best friend’s brother, friends-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Death of a parent (in past), childhood neglect (in past), difficult relationship with parents, references to violence and home invasions, on-page sex.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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Rent to Be follows Isla, MBA holder and sad, corporate employee. Isla is going through it. She was kicked out of her apartment for not paying rent, she isn’t making great money, she doesn’t have a relationship, and she has no friends (anymore). Isla plans to crash at her brother’s while he’s in London, but someone else is too - Cade. Cade is Isla’s childhood friend who didn’t have a great home life and spent lots of time at her house. She also has always liked him - whether she acknowledged it or not. What happens when the two fake date and kind of flirt while Isla is in and out of her house sitting gig and sleeping under her desk?
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I overall liked this. It felt a little slow burn ish but it was good. It had fake dating, childhood friends, brother’s best friend, and found family. I thought it was cute.

I didn’t care for the ending much as it felt abrupt. I do like Cade. I also like Isla, even though she’s a little chaotic. I feel like this book captures the struggle of being in your 20s!

I would love a book about Netta and Seb

thank you to netgalley, alcove press, and rb media for providing me with both the e-arc and the alc in exchange for my honest thoughts <3

*** 4.5 stars

isla jane is going through it like most millennials are these days. she did everything she was “supposed” to: went to college, got a job, and moved out on her own. unfortunately, like many of us she’s barely making it by at a dead end entry level job that barely covers her student loan debt. she’s kicked out of her apartment and has nowhere to go except her brother’s condo while he’s out of town for work. only problem is… her brother’s best friend Cade Greenley is already staying there while his condo is getting remodeled. when a desperate attempt at finding a place to stay ends with her sleeping under her desk at work and unintentionally scoring a housesitting job, things start looking up. but when cade spots her lounging in a bikini in a home she doesn’t own, they strike a deal. he won’t tell her brother about her struggles and in return she will pose as his girlfriend at upcoming corporate events. the line between what’s real and fake is blurry at best and housesitting isn’t going to last forever.

listen here folx: i freaking loved this book!! from the first page i was cracking up. sonia hartl has such a talent for weaving comedy, romance, and tough times into a seriously heartfelt story!! i absolutely loved isla from the start, because she felt so real (and let’s be honest here the post grad struggle hit a little too close to home in this one) because she was a mess and afraid of what her family would have to say if they found out she was struggling. cade was a swoon worthy love interest and i wish so badly that he was real because he was a SNACK!! all that being said i had such a fun time reading this and will definitely be picking up more by sonia hartl in the future <3 <3 kirsten leigh’s voice was hypnotic as she narrated this wonderful story.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the chance to read and review this book. Literally read this book in two sittings. Probably could have been one if I didn’t start it so late the night before. Such an adorable rom-com. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something fun and light to read!

Thanks to Alcove Press, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

This is a really sweet and occasionally funny contemporary romance. We've got Isla who is underpaid and under appreciated at work and in her home life, and Cade, her brother's best friend who is overbearing and overly attractive. We've got some fake dating in here too but mainly it's about a young woman who needs to start standing up for herself.

Both Isla and Cade are great characters and their chemistry is HOT. I really loved Neeta's character and, eventually, Sebastian.

Although it got a little too sappy for me at the end, I still really enjoyed this book overall.

Rent to Be is a swoon worthy rom-com with fake dating, forced proximity and found family - what's not to love!

Isla Jane is very much down on her luck - struggling to pay rent, hating her job and drowning in student loan debt. When things come crashing down and she ends up with nowhere to live, she decides to drop in on her brother's flat while he is conveniently away on a work trip. However, when she gets there and discovers her brother's best friend Cade is also staying there while his own place undergoes renovations, she finds herself in a bit of a pickle.

This was a lovely, quick read that left me feeling warm and fluffy! I feel like Isla represents a lot of young women and I liked how her problems genuinely felt real and relatable, which is something I often struggle with in romance characters. I think that her relationship with her parents is one that will hit home for a lot of people and is something that I think is very relevant for the generation that she represents.

Cade is dreamy - an attractive, but genuinely kind and caring person who has quite clearly always had a strong connection with Isla and from the off I found myself rooting for him. I was glad that he didn't start off as an 'arsehole' who needed to be redeemed as the book went on, he was just a genuinely good guy (but not too good to be true kind of guy) who had valid trauma and hang ups from his childhood - I think the author dealt with these perfectly too.

I think that the reason I enjoyed this book so much and found myself picking it up and wanting to read on was because of how well Sonia Hartl wrote these characters. They are authentic, fleshed out and have real character development. She doesn't shy away from their flaws but also doesn't rely too heavily on them to tell the story either. They are acknowledged, but the characters thrive despite them and I was rooting for them all the way through.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a slightly spicy, fun rom-com read that doesn't shy away from the realities of being a young person in the current climate, but presents you with loveable characters who you will absolutely fall in love with.

I recently stumbled upon an exceptional author whose book left a profound impact on me. The central premise of two individuals feigning a romantic relationship intrigued me from the start, but what truly won me over was the gradual evolution of their emotions.

The author masterfully portrays the shift from mere friendship to a much deeper connection. It's akin to the feelings that often blossom over time between friends. The pacing of the story is commendable; the author takes ample time to let the characters' bond flourish organically.

What impressed me most was the unwavering support the characters offer each other. They provide solace, companionship, and shared laughter, yet they yearn for a connection that surpasses these bounds. Their desire for something profound is palpable, creating an engaging narrative tension.

The story kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to uncover what lay ahead. Each exchanged glance and shared quiet moment had me speculating if they would eventually acknowledge their true emotions. The plot unfolded like a tantalizing puzzle I was eager to solve.

One of the highlights is the realistic portrayal of the characters' emotional journey. Love doesn't strike suddenly; it simmers and intensifies like a gentle flame growing into a roaring fire. The characters navigate moments of doubt and uncertainty, making the eventual resolution even more gratifying.

For enthusiasts of stories that explore the delicate transition from friendship to a deeper connection, this book is an absolute gem. The writing envelops you in warmth and comfort, making it an ideal companion for cozy reading sessions. If you're seeking a tale that tugs at your heartstrings and resonates long after the final page, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a read. Prepare to be swept away by the captivating journey, just as I was.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5

Isla Jane is looking for a new place. After getting evicted from her apartment, she does not have many options as her entry-level job barely pays her. Knowing her brother is on work travel, she thought spending a month at his condo would buy her some time. Alas, his best friend Cade Greenley beat her to the space while his own place is under construction. Desperate, she ends up with housesitting gigs, but when Cade discovers her temporary job, he agrees to keep her secret if she becomes his fake girlfriend at work shindigs.

As it is with close proximity, our main characters learn more about each other and find that there is more reality to their fake relationship than they thought.

This was a very enjoyable read. Struggling with the combination of adult bills and a low-paying job after business school graduation hit a bit close to home, but Sonia Hartl perfectly portrayed those difficulties -- especially under the microscope of passive-aggressive parents. The connection between Isla and Cade was great. I had hoped for them to be stuck in the brother's condo together, but the fake relationship trope did well to bring them closer together.

There are moments of immaturity, even in Cade's case, but I just had to remind myself that these were young people with little helpful guidance from their parents.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Sonia Hartl, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

You know that moment early in a book when you desperately want to reach into the pages and shake the heroine by the shoulders, screaming “Girl, he’s been in love with you for years, stop being so clueless!!!!” If you don’t have that moment reading Rent to Be, you’re a stronger reader than me. And if you don’t have it again, this time in regards to the MMC, when he’s being stupid during the third act drama, can you please teach me how to live a stress free life because it must be lovely?

This book is super cute. Isla and Cade are so obviously meant to be from the first pages, and I enjoyed getting little peeks into their shared history, starting when they were kids. Their romance is both sweet and steamy. And we get some fake dating, which I always, always, always love. If that was the whole plot – girl falls for older brother’s best friend, fake dating, feelings ensue – I’d be a totally happy reader.

But no, this book had to tug at my heartstrings too. Isla is like too many of us millennials, drowning in her student loan debt and unable to ask for help. Her parents don’t like handouts or people who need help, and they’ve made that known over the years. So she can’t go to them for help, and that fractured relationship will break your heart. It certainly made me appreciate my own parents more, because it was genuinely difficult to read how her parents dismiss her concerns and make jokes at her expense. Some parts of this book are light and fluffy, but this plotline might be hard for some readers who are living an all too similar situation.

Overall though, a great romance, fun leads, and it tackles some important, heavy things.

This was a super fun, coming of age, fake-dating, brother's best friend roommance, spicy love story. I enjoyed how relatable recent college grad Isla is as she struggles to find an affordable place to live and a well-paying job she doesn't despise! The chemistry between Isla and her brother's best friend Cade is OFF THE CHARTS and it doesn't take long for them to give into their romantic feelings thanks to lots of forced proximity, fake dating foreplay. Good on audio narrated by Kirsten Leigh and definitely recommended for fans of authors like Falon Ballard. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!!