ARC/ALC BOOK REVIEW

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton

Thank you, Berkley, for the #free finished copy and eARC of this book and another thank you to PRHA for the #free audiobook! #berkleypartner #PRHAudioPartner Tag Author

SYNOPSIS: “Brianna Rogers has been told a time (or six) she needs to stop jumping into things headfirst. But when the principal rescinds his approval for a library upgrade, deciding to spend the money on a football field instead, she sees red. Literally. Brianna throws her hat in the ring and joins a team of teachers who will spend their summer in a Mars simulation. As the sister of an astronaut, this should be easy, right? What she didn’t count on was the last-minute addition to the team—Roman science teacher, son of the principal, and too handsome for his own good.

Roman and Brianna have been hot and cold all year, and living in close quarters intensifies their animosity and attraction. Brianna is sure he’s been sent by his father to sabotage them, foiling their chance at prize money that will cover all of the school’s actual needs. But each day, Roman proves himself to be a dedicated teammate—and Brianna finds herself falling harder and harder. While it’s clear the feeling is mutual, she can’t shake the sense that he’s hiding something. As the simulation nears its end, Brianna realizes she may have to make an impossible choice, between the school she’s dedicated herself to, and the man who has won his way into her heart.”

REVIEW: What a swoony, out-of-this-world romance! The tension between Roman and Brianna is electric from the beginning. Close quarters, six weeks stuck together? I just knew sparks would fly inside the Mars simulation.

In addition to being a fun and steamy romcom, the book makes commentary on the often-inadequate funding libraries (especially for underserved populations), the prevalence band books, and the lack of representation in books. I really feel like the author did a wonderful job bringing in these important issues, blending them into the story, so that we can understand the perspective of our main character and the struggles that she is going through to ensure that her students have the resources (and representation) they need.

I did an immersive read of this one, mixing in the audiobook, and it was such a fun experience! Sisi Aisha Johnson did such a great job with this one. I adore her as a narrator, and I was not disappointed.

While this is my first book by Easton, it definitely won’t be my last! Looking forward to reading The Kiss Countdown next!

Publisher: Berkley, Berkley Romance, PRH Audio
Pub date: 3/4/25

The Love Simulation, written by Etta Easton, is a delightful read that will surely captivate fans of forced proximity and romantic comedies. From the very first page, I found myself completely engrossed in the story, unable to set it aside. If you enjoy heartwarming tales of unexpected love, this book is a must-read.

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton had all the makings of a great rom-com—forced proximity, workplace romance, and a touch of futuristic charm—but it didn’t quite deliver the emotional depth I was hoping for. The premise was fun, and there were definitely some cute moments, but the pacing felt uneven, and I struggled to fully connect with the characters. While the romance had its sweet spots, it never completely pulled me in.

That said, fans of light, tech-infused romances might still enjoy this one! Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC—I’ll be curious to see what Etta Easton writes next.

Title: The Love Simulation
Author: Etta Easton
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Love Simulation" by Etta Easton

My Insight:

"The Love Simulation" is an enchanting romance that masterfully navigates the delicate dance from rivals to lovers while weaving in the complexities of workplace dynamics and the struggles of unspoken feelings. Brianna and Roman's relationship transformation is heartwarming, especially as they bravely peel back their layers and reveal their genuine emotions. I was particularly impressed by how the author skillfully managed conflicts, crafting natural and deeply satisfying resolutions.

At the heart of the story is Vice Principal Brianna Rogers, who embarks on a thrilling journey with her fellow teachers in a Mars simulation, eager to win a substantial prize that would revitalize her school's neglected library. Despite the obstacles created by the principal's misguided choices, Brianna is relentlessly determined to make a meaningful difference for her students. The underlying tension between her and Roman adds a tantalizing layer to the narrative, sparking chemistry amidst their rivalry.

Are you curious about how it all unfolds? This delightful story beckons readers to dive in and experience the author's captivating storytelling and richly developed character. It's a must-read that promises to charm and inspire!

Thank you to Net Gallery and Berkley for the read.

Thank you Berkley, NetGalley, and Etta Easton for the E-ARC of the Love Simulation. I really enjoyed this book, I really felt like this book was so relatable especially because i saw myself in in Brianna. I feel that if you want to read a cute read with fluffy vibes and little spice this is definitely the book for you to read. I enjoyed the build up of the relationship, their communication styles, and the family aspect. I loved it all.

Thanks to Negallery and Berkley romance for the ARC of The Love Simulation by Etta Easton.

This review is hard for me to write because I absolutely adored the book The Kiss Countdown by Etta, that I had the pleasure to read last year. I was so excited to read this one, and continue with this interconnected series. However, this one didn't work for me, not one bit. I found the main characters childish, and immature. Their romance felt very superficial and there was no chemistry. I will check other works by this author but I just can't recommend this one.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Love Simulation
Author: Etta Easton

Thank you Berkeley and Netgalley for this ARC! I loved this book so much! Space meets romcom are two of my favorite things! Our FMC is a science teacher that is trying to upgrade the schools library, and her requests keep getting rejected. The principals son also happens to be a teacher at the school. She ends up being offered to join a mars simulation over the summer, and hopes to win the award and save the library! To her dismay, the Principals son, Roman, also joins the team. She has a huge crush on him, but is also super reluctant to accept that he is there since she fears he is just trying to sabotage the simulation for his father. As the simulation plays out, he slowly starts to gain her trust, and they end up getting closer and working together to make it through to the end. I have to add how awesome the mars simulation was. I kind of thought it was similar to the movie The Martian, and I think it was really well done. Also what a fun idea.. how do I sign up for one of those? I really adored everything about this book and I’m so grateful for the ARC!

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the e-arc of this book. 3.5 stars

I read Etta Easton's debut novel last year, and read most of it in one sitting. I'm happy to say that the same was true for her follow up novel. This one follows Bri, the younger sister of the MMC of The Kiss Countdown. She's working as a vice principal with a boss who is plotting against her, and a hot science teacher who she wants but can't have. This gave me strong Abbott Elementary vibes in the best way. Bri and Roman reminded me of Jeannine and Gregory with their silly banter and slow burn romance. I found the circumstances to be so unique (they're working together on a six week Mars simulation), and the way Easton writes it, you start to feel time get jumbled up just as the characters do. There was one scene toward the end that truly made me laugh out loud because of how dramatic our main character acts. Six weeks in an enclosed space with no natural sunlight will do that to you!

I also loved how passionate Bri is about giving children access to books. At a time where books are being banned left and right, and libraries are constantly threatened with cuts to funding, it's refreshing to see a character care so deeply about books and libraries. Her advocacy is so important, and I hope that message makes it to the masses. Overall I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a sweet workplace romance with some real laugh out loud moments.

Thank you NetGalley and Barkley publishing for the arc of The Love Simulation! I enjoyed this book and thought it was cute. Although I enjoyed this book I only rated it 3 stars because it felt a little slow for me and I think it really could've benefited from being dual POV. Bri the protagonist would sometimes act like she knew exactly what her love interest was thinking. I would rather hear his thoughts from him. Overall I thought it was a decent book and worth the read.

A fun, low-stakes read! Bri, a determined vice principal, competes in a Mars simulation to fund her school's library, all while navigating a crush on fellow teacher Roman. The setting was unique and the 'Abbott Elementary' vibe in the beginning was charming. While enjoyable, the romance felt a bit surface-level. Fans of forced proximity, slow burns, and workplace romances will enjoy this fluffy story. Bonus: it's set in the same universe as 'The Kiss Countdown,' but works perfectly as a standalone.

When Brianna Rogers’ school library upgrade is scrapped for a football field, she joins a Mars simulation to win funding—only to be stuck with Roman, the principal’s son and her biggest rival. As tension and chemistry ignite in close quarters, Brianna must decide: fight for her school or risk it all for the man she’s falling for.

This was such a quick, cute read! I loved seeing Black characters represented in a STEM-adjacent setting. Since they’re teachers, not scientists, the focus leaned more on their forbidden romance as vice principal and teacher, but the Mars simulation added a fun twist.

While nothing about this felt extraordinary, it was still an enjoyable read. The best part? Roman being completely smitten from the start. I just wish we got to see even more of those moments, since it’s told from Brianna’s POV. We see her obsession right from the beginning, but it was kinda too over the top too quickly.

If you’re into space vibes or just want a sweet Black romance, this one is a solid pick! 🚀💕

Perfect for you if you like:
STEM adjacent setting
Forbidden workplace romances
Light-hearted, low-stakes drama
Teachers

Similar to:
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert (haven’t read)
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Honey & Spice by Bolu Bablola

⛔️chapters 19 (very brief) and 21 contain explicit romance scenes (open door)
⚠️mild language, this is extremely low angst so the simulation TWs feel more lighthearted

Good story. Interesting premise. And that was the most unique third act break up I have ever read. I wish the principal wasn’t Roman’s father because I kinda wish he got more of a comeuppance for all the stuff he pulled. I mean he got almost everything he wanted in the beginning with a brand new library thrown in. But overall cute and unique read.

3.5 stars rounded up to a 4

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of The Love Simulation in exchange for an honest review.

Brianna Rogers is the best kind of vice principal: she’s devoted, caring, and willing to put in hard work to get the best outcomes for her students. She gets along great with the kids and (most of) the teachers. The only thorns in her side are her boss, the school principal Mr. Major (an underhanded, manipulative jerk with questionable priorities) and science teacher, Roman Major, the principal’s son.

To anyone paying attention, it’s pretty clear that Roman has a big ole crush on Brianna, but because of her tense working relationship with the principal, she’s willfully dense when it comes to the attractive science teacher. She’s convinced that he’s playing the role of his father’s minion and that he’s in the plot to stop her beloved library renovation project in favor of a new sports field.

Then, Brianna is recruited to take part in a summer-long Mars simulation experiment. If she and the team complete all their assigned objectives and last the entire simulation period, the prize money will cover what she needs for the library. What she doesn’t anticipate is Roman Major also joining the team, and the prospect of all that time, in a sealed environment with her nemesis. He must be there to sabotage her, right?

As time passes and various challenges eliminate their teammates, they are left alone in the simulation. Roman is clearly ready to do the work and prove that he’s not the villain she thinks he is.

All in all, it’s a really interesting setup for a forced proximity romance. The simulation is so thorough that it really starts to feel like maybe they ARE astronauts on Mars, and not just in a bubble in the desert. The intimacy ramps up quickly but does so alongside the knowledge that they are constantly monitored for the experiment. So as Brianna gradually sheds her stubborn dislike of Roman, she’s still unable to act on it as freely as she might like, a necessary constraint that keeps the sexual tension high. It’s delicious.

Apart from a decision she makes in the third act (which is debatable but maybe understandable?), Brianna is a likeable character. She’s stubborn for sure, and that can be frustrating, but that ferocity of will also makes her a great candidate for the exact scenario she’s in. She’s going to win and she’s doing it for the children. Easy to cheer for that.

Roman is also likeable. Roman is charming, determined, and hard working, although sometimes frustratingly opaque. A little open, frank communication early on might have benefited both of them.

A good follow up to The Kiss Countdown (featuring Brianna’s astronaut brother but isn’t required reading to appreciate The Love Simulation.) Recommended for readers who appreciate a dab of sci-fi in their romance and for folks who kinda like a little claustrophobia in their love stories.

3.5/5 stars - Thank you to Berkley Romance for this e-ARC! The Love Simulation follows Bri, a vice principal at a middle school who is determined to receive funding for her school's library. She has a crush on a fellow teacher Roman, who is also the son of the school's principal. Conflict arises because Bri thinks Roman is competing for her vice principal position. Bri, Roman, and a few other teachers agree to compete in a Mars simulation to win money for the school's library.

I liked that this book takes place in the same universe as The Kiss Countdown. Our FMC (Bri) is the little sister of the MMC in The Kiss Countdown, but the Love Simulation can be read as a standalone novel. The first few chapters of the book reminded me of Abbott Elementry! The setting of the Mars simulation was very unique in my opinion. This was a cute read, but the romance in this book felt very surface-level. I recommend this to anyone looking for a fluffy, low-stakes book. Read if you enjoy:

- Forced proximity
-Slow burns
-Workplace romances
-Single POV

2.5 stars

i’m sad to be giving this book such a low rating, cause i really did enjoy Etta Easton’s debut but The Love Simulation fell flat in comparison. i liked the premise of the characters participating in a mars simulation where they have to “survive” in order to earn money for their school, but the romance wasn’t doing it for me. i didn’t even think Brianna or Roman were unlikable necessarily, cause they were fine. it’s just that they were lacking chemistry and their connection felt surface level and kind of.. bland? with no sort of stakes or anything. It felt like Brianna was more into Roman than he was her and the writing with all its pop culture references were dragging me out of the story. The setup for this was so unique but I couldn’t connect to the characters and was a bit bored by it all. I think others could like this more but it didn’t stand out for me personally.

This one was just so fun! I absolutely love Abbott Elementary and the two MCs, Brianna and Roman, were definitely Janine and Gregory coded.

Combine that with a close proximity, high stakes challenge, rivals to lovers chemistry, and fun, snappy dialogue, and this was an absolute blast (wink wink) from start to finish!

This was such a beautiful story of family, doubt, trust, and love. The characters in this book were so raw and unfiltered, and the stories shared and arcs that were drawn together were so important and so impactful. This resonated in a way that contemporary romances haven’t for me in a while, and that’s pretty incredible.

Wow! This was such a beautiful story. It’s the epitome of stepping out of your comfort zone to find your true love. Parts of the storyline reminded me of Abbott Elementary and kept me laughing. I just kept thinking about the episodes when Ava had a crush on Gregory. The Love Simulation follows Brianna, Vice Principal of a middle school, who has a crush on the Principal’s son, Roman. She set professional boundaries among her and the staff so she felt like she had to withstand a certain image and not act on it. When Jordan came to her and few other staff members about joining a space simulation to raise money for the school library she was all for it.

Could you imagine taking part in a space simulation for 6 weeks with your crush! I was rooting for Roman and Brianna throughout the whole book! I could sense a strong connection from the time they were in the teachers lounge making tea. Even though everyone stayed away from Roman due to his father being the principal, he was actually really loving and attentive when it came to Brianna. I knew once they were together for such a long period of time and forced proximity, they were going to explore what could happen between them.

ARC Review: The Love Simulation by Etta Easton
Pub Date: March 4

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the early #gifted copy of the book! All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #berkleypartner

Bri is a middle school vice principal. When the principal walks back a promise to fund a new library for the school, Bri takes it upon herself to join a Mars simulation which comes with a prize for the school if the team survives. The team is made up of other school employees including Bri's nemesis and the son of the principal - Roman. She suspects that he is on the team for nefarious reasons but she also can't help herself being drawn to him.

I really liked this unique concept and was really excited for this book! There were some things that I thought worked well - the simulation and the side characters - and some that I struggled with. It was a very quick read which I also liked.

This one focused a little too much on the simulation portion for me to really believe in the relationship. Honestly the relationship almost came out of left field for me. I was really interested in the simulation so I did actually enjoy that but given that this is a romance book I did expect a bit more set up for the actual romance. The third act conflict was wilddddd to me honestly - the whole ending of the book just kind of went off the rails.

I wish I had liked this more but ultimately I think it wasn't quite for me!

Etta Easton has done it again!!! Lately romance has been over run with stories that feel like we've read it before, however picking up an Easton book I know I am reading a story that I've never read before! The setting of this story being a school with a not so nice principal, a new vice principal trying to navigate how to interact with her peers and juggle her new position, a moody teacher that she keeps having intimate thoughts and small moments with. I loved the use of forced proximity in this story. It was fun, quirky, and the common goal added necessity and pressure when their team mates started getting eliminated. Watching Roman and Brianna was a sweet experience. Their small moments felt so important and were amazing foundation blocks for their eventual love. This was a fun and sexy romance!