This was a fun book, I enjoyed majority of it. Sometimes it did feel like it was dragging a bit but overall I did enjoy it. The storyline was interesting and watching the characters grow and learn was nice. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to people in the future.

I was hoping for a cozy romance and ended up with a love hate relationship with this book. And honestly that’s the best kind of relationship. First off, this book talks a lot about boundaries and being honest. I didn’t think a fake dating/friends with benefits romance book would get into emotional cheating. And I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a fan of the main character when I started.
Does she love to read? Yes. Is she awkward and dorky? Yes. Is she plus size with self esteem that fluctuates? Yes. But I couldn’t stand her relationship with her best friend that she was pining for. It was giving the vibes like “Something Borrowed,” the movie/book. I really struggles with her constant white lies and having a decent guy who was completely open with her. Was it complicated because he loved her love interest fiancé? Absolutely yes. But pushing through the book I respected that the author addresses that. So if you’re against emotional affairs, this may not be the book for you.
I will say once you get past that, you really see a chemistry from the two main characters that just feels natural. There’s no unrequited love by chapter two but there is attraction. And it just overall felt like a good story arc. The main character redeems herself and I really enjoyed that the author puts all what if away for both characters. You’re left feeling like they chose each other because they wanted each other. Communication being a big deal for a man! Hallelujah! The love interest had faults but he was open with them. Overall I loved this book and really left me feeling satisfied. The spice is there but the communication is better.
Cant believe this is a debut author! She really nailed it from someone who reads a lot of romance books. Can’t wait to read her next story!

I did not like this book. I really wanted to like this book. The premise of a plus size librarian falling for the brother of her friend/ex, who happens to be a retired football player, is a good idea.

However the friend/ex is an absolutely horrid friend and the heroine just allows it because she's got confidence issues. It's 2024 and I know that women still have confidence issues, especially plus size women, but the way this woman was written made me want to throw my phone across the room at several points.

The football playing brother has his own issues as well, but he is still one of the better characters in this book. The same can be said with Marcela's best friend, Angela.

I will say that after the halfway point, the book quickly got better and wrapped up in a nice neat HEA bow, but getting there was a struggle.

If you can handle a self-conscious character that has massive communication issues, then you might actually enjoy this book. I apparently cannot handle it.

This book was impeccable!!! Like ever in my life have i wanted to be a FMC more than I wanted to be Marcela! Loved the plus sized rep and a youth librarian…I AM SCREAMING! I have read this book from front to back twice already and it is sure to be added to the comfort read list!

very interesting tropes!!! i loved it!! it was very fun to read and i would definitely read more books by this author!!

I really enjoyed Theo and Marcela's story! Fake dating tropes are my fav and this didn't disappoint. Marcela is in love with her BFF, Ben, who is Theo's brother. Theo is in love with Ben's fiancee and drama ensues. I love the inclusivity of diverse characters and a happy ending. Buy this book! I can't wait for the next installment.

This was a fun, enjoyable read. There were moments that felt like they dragged a bit, in terms of the plotting but Marcela was a fun character to follow and I especially appreciated the inclusivity of different character types.

A cute twist on the fake dating trope. I loved how Marcel’a and Theo were in the same situation and so neither had the upper hand. I love how Theo ended up being the sweetest.

There were so parts that I found myself a little bored. The story line did have me want to yell Just communicate already.!!!! Overall it was an enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed reading this first installment of a new series. I was drawn in by the personalities of the main characters as well as the fact that their careers are not often found in other romance novels. I appreciated the specificity of the setting and the care with which some issues were treated.

When the best friend and brother of the groom end up faking a relationship to hide their feelings for the newly engaged couple neither of them expects their explosive chemistry they share. But can helping each other get over someone else really lead to a happy ever after together?

Marcela was a character whose self doubts really resonated with me and when I sometimes wanted to shake her, I couldn’t help but understand her. Theo and and Marcela’s romantic journey was frustrating at times but filled with sweet moments and gestures and some hit you in the face steam. I was undeniably invested. Looking forward to seeing what Gamez writes next.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! As a librarian, the female main character was relatable,. but I also enjoyed the dynamic between Marcela and Theo. I liked that they had real problems, but in the end everything worked out. Excited to read more from this author in the future!

I loved this book, and I think you will, too. There's so much to love about it. I picked it up and couldn't put it down

Loved this so much. The diversity and representation were excellent, and the story just pulls you in. The complications of the love square - sometimes had me cringing from secondhand embarrassment but that just shows how well told the story was. Definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series!

This book had all my favorite tropes. Such a fun read! Really excited to get a physical copy to put on my shelf.

This was a fantastic read! I couldn't put it down. I also appreciated the plus size representation. I loved reading how Marcela and Theo helped each other grow and found love in a mutually respectful relationship.

If you like messy complicated drama, then I’d definitely recommend this book!
Despite how complicated things were for the characters, I really appreciated how Theo and Marcella wanted better for themselves, even if they didn’t know the healthiest ways to get there. I liked the empathy they showed one another, it’s nice to see that in books.

I also LOVED the bookish aspects and the representation we got with Marcella’s character!!!! (Like loved x12788)

I can’t wait to read book 2!

Thank you so much to Forever Publishing for my ARC 🥰.

3/5⭐️

There’s just something about seeing a book about a book lover!

I loved Marcela and watching her grow over the course of this story. Her friendship with Angela is so special and having someone like that in your corner is a rarity, but so good to see.

Theo was great at someone who is actively aware of his flaws and truly trying to make amends and better himself. The honesty was so refreshing. And when she showed him her BOOKS!?! Gahhhh *swoon*

This was a really fun read! Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy!

I received an E-Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review! Thank you.

This story was so cute and emotional! Gosh I don't know where to start.

There was was cute moments, spicy moment and moments that made me giggle. I was not expecting moments where I had to do a double read to make sure what I read was happening! It was that good.

Theo and Marcela both had discoveries to make throughout the story. Feelings and life! The story and characters showed that relationships can be scary and you never know what can happen. Sometimes relationships and life is a risk and sometimes it is not. It hit some pretty real truths like a roller coaster ride going up and down and sideways. Whoo!

The connection between Marcela and Theo were great characters in this book. I think they were made for each other but do they end up together or not?

This beautiful story took me a few day to read due to life being busy. I will say that the cover is so pretty. I may have to purchase a physical copy of this book due to the it's cover and the story.

This is a must read!
You must get it for this summer.
Put it on your list.
Pick it up in July 2024 and you won't regret it.

I’m just too old for the Gen Z drama. The maturity levels of the main characters is pretty low. And they’re drunk most of the book.

DNF

This book was really good! It starts with the slightly messy drama of Marcela being in love with her best friend Ben. She is devastated when she learns he is getting ready to propose to his girlfriend. At the engagement party she catches Theo, Ben's brother preparing to confess his love to Ben's fiancé. Marcela manages to convince Theo to leave the party. They join together with a plan to fake date to cover for their unrequited love. Ben and Marcela have incredible chemistry! The book was funny and touching. I really enjoyed watching them grow as individuals and then grow together to become a strong unit. I will be very interested in reading more books fro Gabriella in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.