I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

This is another sweet, spicy read from Easton, and I liked it just as much as The Kiss Countdown, to which it is a sequel (but could probably be read as a standalone). The characters are engaging as is the premise (I love the idea of a Mars survival simulation) and the humor and warmth aren't overshadowed in dealing with more complex and unhappier subjects. I'll be keeping Easton on my radar for sure!

For sensitive readers, this novel contains depictions of neglectful parenting, workplace harassment, graphic sexuality, and references to grief and trauma.

Reading The Kiss Countdown, and seeing the siblings interact absolutely made me want more of them! This book gave me everything I wanted and more regarding Brianna. The semi-focused unsure sister, still trying to figure things out felt so personal and i absolutely loved reading her journey. I can’t wait to read more for Etta!!

Brianna is a vice-principal who still hasn't found her real calling in life, but tiptoes around her interest for Roman, a teacher at her school and the principal's son. When they are thrown unexpectedly together in a NASA funded Mars simulation, Brianna has to decide whether Roman is telling the truth about his motivation - to help her complete the simulation and win funding for her struggling school.
This cute he likes only her story has a unique but creative premise to bring the leads together.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so this one was kind of a letdown for me. I'm really not into "instalove" as a trope, so when they were basically into each other from the start it just wasn't my vibe. I love Etta Easton's writing style, so I read until the end, but I just wish I could have seen more tension and growth between the two.

When a much-needed library renovation fund is reallocated for a new football field, VP Brianna struggles to find a way to help her students while the school's principal tries his best to thwart her. When a teacher proposes a contest that involves living in a space simulation for 6 weeks, Brianna agrees to participate as long as the money goes to the library reno. She never expected for her crush and potential nemesis Roman (the son of the principal) joins the expedition. Can the teacher pull together to complete the simulation and save the library?

This book was funny, with charming characters, a great STEM element and libraries. This is the first book I've read by Etta Easton, it will not be the last.

I’m still reeling from how much I loved this book! Brianna and Roman are absolute dynamite together. Their bickering, heated moments, and those unexpectedly tender scenes had me flipping pages faster than I could read. Watching Brianna and Roman navigate their fierce attraction while facing their own personal dilemmas was incredibly captivating. The emotional depth of their connection, combined with the steamy romance, made this book impossible to put down.