Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and PRHAudio for the ebook and ALC arcs!

I requested this one because I read the other by this author, I love anything space related, and it’s such a cute cover. This was a fun listen. The characters work together and are going into a simulation for six weeks to try to win prize money. Our female lead wants the money to help the school’s library, and our male lead’s dad is the principal at their school, someone who gives Brianna a hard time.

I liked the premise here, I thought the chemistry developed well, but the story moved a little slow for me. Overall, pretty good!

I loved this author's debut but this one missed the mark. Most of it took place inside of the Mar simulation but I couldn't for the life of me picture what it looked like or what was happening at any given time. The romantic relationship between Brianna and Romance felt tepid at best on a chemistry level. Also the author made Briana and big reader and it felt like in book promotion the amount of times she name dropped certain titles.

I enjoyed Etta Easton’s debut novel last year, The Kiss Countdown, and couldn’t wait to read her latest release, The Love Simulation. I listened to the audiobook version thanks to my local library (Libby). Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy The Love Simulation as much as I enjoyed The Kiss Countdown, and I’m disappointed about that.

I still enjoyed some aspects of the story. I admired the FMC, Brianna, for her determination to upgrade the school’s library and her commitment to completing the Mars Simulation alongside her fellow teachers. Throughout the Simulation, Brianna faced numerous obstacles, but she persevered and proved not only to herself but also to others that she could succeed. She truly was an inspiration, and I was rooting for her character the whole time while doing the Simulation.

My main issue with the book was believing the romantic relationship that developed between Brianna and Roman. Throughout the Simulation, Brianna struggled with trust issues regarding Roman, fearing that he might sabotage everything. I completely understood her concerns, as I also had my own trust issues with him. He was the Principal’s son, and the Principal was the very reason the library upgrade wasn’t happening. I think if Etta had included Roman’s point of view, I might have been convinced that he genuinely cared for Brianna. While I occasionally enjoy reading a single POV, I definitely prefer dual POV, especially in this case where I didn’t particularly like Roman.

I wanted to love this story, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet my expectations compared to the first book. Brianna was the main reason I kept reading; I wanted to see her prove the Principal wrong by securing the funding from the Mars Simulation to upgrade the library without his or the superintendent’s help. She was truly inspiring.

I give this book three stars, and I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary romance and stories about a heroine who is determined to step out of her comfort zone to achieve at completing the Mars Simulation.

What to Expect:
✔️Hate to Love/Enemies to Lovers
✔️Workplace Romance
✔️Forced Proximity

The Love Simulation is a delightful, heartwarming romance that follows Brianna Rogers and Roman Major as they navigate an intense summer spent in a Mars simulation. What starts as a rivalry quickly evolves into something deeper as the two teachers clash and connect in unexpected ways. Brianna’s determination to improve her school and Roman’s hidden layers make for an engaging read filled with tension and chemistry. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC! I’ve already purchased a copy for my library system. This book is a perfect mix of romance, humor, and heart—highly recommended for fans of slow-burn love stories!

I don't think this was a bad book at all, it was actually well written. I just think some of the elements in this story didn't work for me to where it took away from me enjoying the overall story.

I found it hard to believe the love story between our main characters Briana and Roman. Her being a vice principle and him a teacher at the same middle school as her set this up as a workplace romance which is a hit or miss for me. However the romance never blossomed in the workplace, but instead outside of the workplace in a forced proximity kind of setting.
I will say the fact that Roman's father is actually the principal and he doesn't like Briana and wants his son Roman to be the vice-principal instead was juicy and definitely added to the ending of the story with how everything played out.

I also was not a fan of the heavy pop culture references, outdated slang and even TikTok dance references. It dated the novel in a way I eventually found to be cringey.

The space simulation seemed so interesting, but I feel as if the adults over there were acting like children, and making some careless poor choices.

I did like Roman's character and loved how crazy he was about Briana, but beyond her physical attraction to the man, I questioned her liking of Roman.

I'm glad others were able to enjoy this story and I look forward to more from this author.

thank you net galley and berkley publishing for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I wish I liked this more 😓 but sadly, it just wanted it for me. Idk what it was missing, but it was missing something.

The Love Simulation follows Brianna and Roman. Bri’s the vice principal of a middle school, and Roman is the son of the current principal and also a teacher at the school. These 2 were supposed to be enemies but ended up mutually crushing on each other all school year. And when Bri gets a chance to raise money to upgrade their school’s library, she collabs with some other teachers (including Roman) to enter into this space simulation challenge.

I liked Bri and Roman together, but I just wish there was more to it. And the space challenge itself was kinda boring ngl. I also didn’t really like how Bri and Roman’s 3rd act conflict played out. But this wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read, just wish it had more to it.

Thanks to Berkley for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

Etta's first book, The Kiss Countdown, was one of my faves in 2024, so I was very excited to find out that her second book, The Love Simulation, was going to be in the same universe, with one of Vincent's sisters, Brianna, as the FMC, AND have a space-related theme! woohoo!

Brianna felt so relatable to me: am ambitious woman trying to find her path and purpose in life, trying different ways to get there, wanting to do right for her students and community, and also loves reading. YES PLEASE.
Roman provided a great MMC as well as a counterfoil to Brianna. He challenges her, supports her, but she still has her suspicions given his father is the principal of the school and doesn't really care for Brianna. There were a few things Roman did that made me go "umm... no. don't do that" but I liked that over the book, he acknowledged his wrongdoing, took accountability, apologized, and did better.

But honestly, I was NOT prepared for the scene when Brianna boots Roman. OH MY GOODNESS. That was a surprise to me. I understood where she was coming from and yeah, Roman kinda deserved it. At the same time, it showed that Brianna still had a lot of work to do to be vulnerable, ask for help, and realize she doesn't have to do everything on her own.

A great book and I am excited to read more by Etta!

This was a fun and easy listen. It went by really fast and I really enjoyed the school/teacher part of the story at the middle school and then enjoyed the Mars simulation as well. I thought the relationship between teachers and even with the administrators was relatable for anyone who has worked in a school environment. Although the big bad principal was a little over the top, it overall was an entertaining read. Highly recommend this one on audio.

Another sweet contemporary romance from Etta Easton. The Love Simulation follows Vincent's sister, a middle Vice President trying to do right by her students and resist temptation from one of her teachers. This book is for lovers of slow burns and workplace romance.

Did not finish the book. Stopped at 31%.

I was excited to read this because I enjoyed The Kiss Countdown. This one didn't hit the same. I made it to 31%. It was not holding my attention, and I wasn't connecting with the main characters. I was more interested in if they'd win the Mars simulation contest than the love story.

Thank you partners for the gifted copies of this book! The premise of this book was super unique and I really liked that about the book. I love how both of Etta’s books have had to do with space because I don’t feel like we get enough space/astronaut type romances.

The Love Simulation follows Brianna Rogers (sister to Vincent from book 1), and she joins a space simulation to help upgrade the schools library where she works as a Vice Principal. The simulation should be a piece of cake, except Roman is there. Roman is the Principal's son who Brianna thinks hates her because he wanted her job. Their relationship has been hot and cold all year, and it isn't until they're stuck in this simulation that she really gets to know him and who he is.

There were parts of this story I really liked, but what I liked most was Brianna staying true to herself and not changing herself or her plans for this guy. There was a moment in the end where I was like FK YA BRI! The simulation felt real, and again, was different to read about and try to imagine. I don’t know I would survive the way they did.

I honestly love how the title matched the theme of the book. This was sweet and cute. The characters were relatable.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!

Oh my goodness; this book has truly changed the game for grumpy/sunshine novels going forward as the way in which Etta Easton wrote Roman was seriously next level. I absolutely adored the chemistry between Roman and Brianna and the slow burn was intense! It was this perfect blend of wit, a touch of drama, dazzling banter, next level chemistry until it all came to a head and exploded into a beautiful and spicy romance.

I really LOVED the STEM focus in this romance; especially the fact that black characters in a STEM romance. I don't read that nearly enough and WE.NEED.MORE! The entire MARS simulation was done so well and it was just unlike any other STEM romance I've ever read so it was just absolutely amazing to read.

I loved the characters and the amount of personal growth that they both showed - Brianna really found herself, found. her voice, and I just adored that.

I love Etta Easton and how she always has such a fresh and beautiful take on romances and can't wait to read even more from her in the future.

Berkley, you are the literal LOML, like 10s across the board, but I think I'm a little broken because this is SO sweet and I do fear I have to soft DNF. The writing style seems fine, the plot is there, I just don't think I'm a fluffy romance girl - will try it later but I do need a read that will damage me rn I'm so sorry.

Thank you thank you thank you - I will come back to this one later!!!

Nerdy Black Love, Enemies-to-Lovers, Workplace Romance, Simulation Adventure

The Love Simulation is a sweet and unexpected love story where good prevails and love shows up when—and where—you least expect it. Bri, a determined vice principal, and Roman, a charming science teacher (and the principal’s son!), find themselves as reluctant teammates in a high-stakes school-wide simulation that lands them "trapped" on Mars. The tension between them fuels both their in-game strategy and their romantic chemistry, making for a delightful will-they-won’t-they dynamic that blossoms beautifully.

This story had all the things I love—strong Black leads, nerdy tension, and a swoon-worthy payoff. The pacing was solid, the romance was believable, and the setting? So creative. As a frequent romance reader, it absolutely met my expectations.

Thank You To: NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Etta Easton for the advanced reader copy of this gem.

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5

This book was so cute!! 🪐 I had a lot of fun reading this one. It’s nothing too serious or crazy, just a simple, cozy, little read. The setting was so much fun, and I liked the characters a lot. I didn’t realize this was part of an interconnected standalone set, but it can absolutely be read by itself. I had no problem jumping right in.

The Love Simulation follows a group of teachers as they attempt to survive 6 weeks in a Mars simulation in order to raise money for a new school library. Brianna Rogers, vice principal, has been butting heads with the school’s principal all year trying to finally get the school library remodeled. When the principal goes back on his word and uses the money allocated for the library to upgrade the football field, Brianna is livid. He has been trying to run her off all year so his son can take her position as vice principal, but Brianna is stubborn. She isn’t going to let this be the nail in her coffin. So when Brianna hears about an opportunity to earn the money for the library a different way, she jumps at the chance.

The only problem is that the principal has sent his pesky son, Roman, with them into the simulation to keep an eye on things and potentially sabotage Brianna’s chance at success. Brianna and Roman have had a tense but friendly relationship all year, but when Roman starts to hint at wanting more, Brianna isn’t sure if he’s being sincere or just trying to throw her focus off of mission success. The more time they spend in close quarters, the more Brianna falls for Roman, and the more her mission and heart are in jeopardy. Six weeks is no biggie, right? But can Brianna maintain her professionalism even when her feelings are telling her to go for it? And can she actually trust Roman, or is it all going to blow up in her face along with her chances at remodeling the library …

Brianna is kind of a baddie 💪🏼. I have so much respect for her digging her heels in and not letting that horrid principal push her around. That man literally made me so mad! Like you’re telling me that you’re a principal, yet you’re actively working against getting a new library for your kids?? And are willing to go so far as to sabotage the project?? That is just insane to me. I have no idea how this man still has a job tbh. If I were Brianna, I would have been out of there so fast. Good for her for not letting him walk all over her.

I loved the setting of this! It was so much fun! The Mars simulation was such a unique setting for a romance. I haven’t read anything like it. It’s actually really fascinating to think about how people will respond in isolation like that. Almost a social experiment of sorts, like Survivor, which I LOVE! All of the side characters were so funny, especially Angie and Jordan. They had me cracking up!

I have mixed feelings on Roman … did he handle everything correctly? Absolutely not. I do feel like he did the best he could with the situation he was given, though. However, if I were Brianna, I would have done exactly what she did in the end to secure that money for the library. She kept her eye on the prize and got it done when everyone else couldn’t but was also able to recognize that she did not deserve to be treated the way she had and set fantastic boundaries to remedy that.

I really appreciate that Roman allowed her to set those boundaries and saw the value in her and the work she had been trying to do, even if his father couldn’t. I respect a man that can admit he’s in the wrong and apologize for it. That’s what Ms. Brianna deserved 👏🏼

Overall, this was such a cute read! I loved the space setting, the characters, and the story. 👩🏾‍🚀🔭☄️

Thank you to NetGalley, Etta Easton, and Berkley Publishing group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions stated are my own.

this book started out strong and had a lot of potential, however, it fell flat for me. I was so bored and I didn't care about the MMC or really want them to be together. Overall, I just didn't really enjoy and it was a struggle to read.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the free copy of this book!

This was really cute.

This had:
- workplace rivals
- teacher/AP
- forced proximity
- summer romance
- NASA/Houston
- LOL moments
- teacher moments (this feels more like a trigger warning for me - a retired teacher haha)

Brianna is the AP at Roman’s school (his father is the principal) so nothing could ever happen between them. But when they’re thrown into a Mars simulation program to win some money, they cross paths more often and get to know each other more intimately. Or are they? Or is Roman working for his dad?

I really enjoyed their chemistry! They were hot and cold and cute and cheesy and sweet!! This was a perfect rom com. 🥹

I LOVED this book so much! I’m so glad I read it! I want to read so much more by Etta Easton!
The characters were dynamic and funny and just REAL

Ooooh I loved this. I instantly loved Brianna and connected with her. I love her passion, her personality, her humor. Also the set up of the Mars simulation was absolutely fascinating and so well done. And I love how we learned so much about Roman alongside Bri, as she slowly loses we assumptions about him. The romance was quite adorable and the locked room, have to keep it secret but everyone is watching, atmosphere really turned up the heat. I had so much fun reading this book!