I was so excited for another book by Etta and it was as fun as the first.

Brianna is a middle school vice principal who yearns for a new library and is promised a new one by the Principal..... Until he decides they need the football field redone instead. So Brianna enters a "Mars simulation" another teacher had asked for volunteers for before and she rejected. If this team of teachers win, they could get prize money to get a library back on track.

6 weeks of trying to get the teachers to see her as not only their semi-boss but as a friend without her getting too close at the same time. Roman, the science teacher and Principal's son makes it hard.

I liked the 4 tasks they had to do in the simulation. Tempers can run high, Jordan (the team leader) is bossy, the "food" sucks and close quarters are not always ideal. There is an incident with the school nurse and a spider and I felt bad for what happened to her, though...SAME GIRL! I would have freaked too!

I really loved that this gave Brianna the courage to pursue something that is a better fit for her. I never felt suspicious of Roman though he gave some valid reasons TO suspect him sometimes.

Read If You Like:
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- Forced proximity
- STEM settings
- Slow-burn chemistry

Brianna is determined to secure funding for her school's library renovation. When the principal reallocates the budget to the football field, Brianna seizes an unconventional opportunity: participating in a Mars simulation competition that promises a grand prize. Her resolve is tested by the unexpected inclusion of Roman Major, the science teacher and son of the principal, whose she is wildly attracted to and also doesn’t trust as far as she can throw him because of his dad and the issues Brianna has had with him when it comes to what’s best for the school.

As they navigate the challenges of the simulation, their initial animosity evolves into mutual respect and undeniable mutual attraction. Brianna must confront her preconceptions and decide if she can trust Roman with both the competition and her heart as they wind up the final two on their team left in the simulation and the school library is riding on their shoulders.

The Mars simulation setting serves as a unique backdrop, intensifying the stakes and fostering genuine connections among the characters. Easton's storytelling and the fun rid bits added ensures that readers are invested in the outcome, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance.

Thank you to Berkley for my ARC! .

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

Brianna, the youngest of four siblings, has always felt overshadowed by their successes. Determined to carve out her own path, she takes her role as vice principal seriously, ensuring professionalism is never compromised. However, she can't ignore the growing attraction she feels toward Roman, the school's charming science teacher—who also happens to be the principal’s son. Given the difficult time his father has given her all year, Brianna refuses to blur the lines.

When the school’s library renovation plans fall through, and rumors circulate about her possibly leaving, she begins to suspect Roman is involved. To secure the much-needed funding, Brianna joins a six-week Mars simulation competition, hoping to win the grand prize. However, when a last-minute crew change forces Roman to take the nurse’s place, Brianna is convinced it’s another attempt by the principal to sabotage her efforts.

Forced into close quarters with the man she's been secretly pining over, Brianna struggles with her feelings. As they grow closer, she still can't shake the suspicion that Roman isn’t being completely honest. When she finally discovers he was sent to interfere with the mission, she’s left questioning everything—was any of it real? Determined to see the project through, she finishes the mission on her own.

Brianna and Roman’s relationship was built on assumptions and secrets, making their slow-burning chemistry all the more engaging. I loved watching Brianna break free from the pressures of living in her siblings' shadows and finally choosing what made her happy. Roman was incredibly intentional in showing his feelings for her, which made their connection even sweeter. However, the predictable moment when he hesitated to tell her the truth after they finally got together felt a bit cliché. The ending also felt somewhat rushed, but I was glad to see Brianna and Roman find their way back to each other.

Overall, this was a cute slow-burn romance with a unique premise, compelling tension, and a satisfying conclusion. While the pacing at the end could have been smoother, Brianna’s journey of self-discovery and the chemistry between her and Roman made it an enjoyable read.

This one was such a fun enjoyable read! I really enjoyed reading about Bri and Roman and this environment that they were in due to the Mars simulation that they were in for 6 weeks!

The characters were so much fun. It’s probably what I enjoyed most about this book. I related so heavy to Bri, not only because she was the youngest sibling, but also because she didn’t really know what she wanted to do in the future and what her career was going to be. She had a job and not exactly a passion. However, as the story progresses, she finds the perfect thing and everything just feels right in that.

I really enjoyed her as a FMC, although she was SO clueless about how down bad Roman was for her. It was so obvious and I couldn’t see how anyone else didn’t notice it sooner. She was hilarious and I loved the cameo of The Mead Mishaps series and all that discussion about the first and second book. It’s so hilarious and I love that they started a book club!!!

Roman was such a golden retriever teddy bear of a MMC. I loved and adored him. He was nerdy and sexy at the same time. I however think that the thing that he did was not right and agree with Camille with how she said things to Bri after she came back from the simulation.

Jordan, Simone, and Angie were such wonderful side characters. Angie was so unhinged but hilarious. The beef between her and Jordan was so funny to read about. I loved what little we saw of Simone and think that her relationship with her family was so cute.

This definitely taught me so many things I did not know about conditions on Mars and how to survive them. I did not know all of that but it was so fun learning about it all. I think, if presented with the opportunity to do a simulation like this, I’d definitely be up for it.

The whole save-the-library campaign was so amazing. I liked that this book showed how schools are so underfunded and they never like to contribute money to the arts and instead use it for sports. The ending was SO CUTE and I loved to see it so much.

There were just like, two comments made in this that I thought were questionable, but not enough for me to rate it anything less than 4.75 stars. (My final rating is 4.8!)

Etta’s writing is so amazing and I really enjoy it. Definitely would recommend this and am looking forward to reading future books from this author.

This one was a sweet workplace romance with just the right dash of enemies to lovers’ dynamic. I really appreciated how the story kept the space theme that I enjoyed in 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐾𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛. It added a unique charm to Briana and Roman’s love story and tied the narrative together beautifully.

I also enjoyed the nod to 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐾𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛. The mentions of Amerie and Vincent felt like catching up which I did not expect. It’s always a treat when connected stories give us a glimpse of previous loved characters from previous books. As for Briana and Roman, their progression was heartfelt. However, Briana’s relentless overthinking about her feelings for Roman did get a bit tedious for me. I understand the weight of her responsibilities as vice principal and her passion project, but there were moments I just wanted to shake her a bit and say, “Just let it flow, go with your heart!”

Audiobook bonus…listening to Sisi Aisha Johnson narrate the audiobook was a highlight as well. She brought the emotion whether, anger, frustration, love, and nuance that kept me listening. Overall, this was an enjoyable romance experience to read and listen to. It had sweetness, tension, and heartfelt romance, a perfect pick for fans of workplace loves stories!

I enjoyed The Kiss Countdown so I was excited to recieve an earc of The Love Simulation! This is a fun premise, I enjoyed seeing old characters again, and the new characters were a hoot (I'm lookin' at you, Angie!)

This was my first read by Ms Easton. This was such a cute story. As a book lover & patron of my library, I loved the premise of school personnel trying to find ways to raise money due to a shortfall. Who doesn’t enjoy a little romance mixed with schoolhouse drama. I can’t wait to read her other works.

I had trouble connecting with our main characters and their relationship was weird. Bri's obsession was offputting. Like I get it, but also, just no. I liked the concept of the simulation and the drive to provide the winning funds towards the school library. However, this fell flat and suffered from second book syndrome for me.

Synopsis: As vice principal, Breanna Rogers has been committed to securing funding for a much needed library update for her school. When the principal rescinds the funding to update the football field instead, Breanna decides to enter into a Mars simulation competition to win money for the library. The only wrench in her plan is the arrival of Roman, the handsome science teacher who also happens to be the principal’s son.

Thoughts: This is a really cute romcom! I felt like I was reading an episode of Abbott Elementary, which I loved! The main characters are admirable with their compassion for teaching, and the entire Mars simulation crew is super likable. The setting is a fun, unique take on forced proximity. I was waiting for a little more chemistry and a little less miscommunication from the romance, but overall it still worked for me. A note on the audio: Narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson, the audio is a very fun listen!

Read this if you like:
🛸 workplace romance
🛸 forced proximity
🛸 astronauts
🛸 teachers

The Love Simulation is a nice sophomore novel from Etta Easton, also focusing on a space related romance between two rival educators. OBVIOUSLY I loved that Brianna's reasons for competing in the simulation was to raise money for a quality library for her middle school. This was cute, and it's downfall may be that it's actually a little too cute, making the characters seem younger than they are at points.

Feel. Good.

That's how The Love Simulation made me feel. Good. I didn't stop smiling throughout this book. It lit me up. I had the best time!

Our heroine Brianna is a school vice principal who joins colleagues for a Mars simulation event in which participants who last through the end of the program receive a significant monetary prize; a prize Brianna is desperate to win in order to build a better school library. The school principal has continuously rejected Brianna's efforts to gain funds, so this is her last shot at success. However, she hits a roadblock in the form of Roman, fellow colleague, reserved science teacher, and son of the antagonistic principal who Brianna fears could sabotage her efforts. But Roman isn't just a potential saboteur, he's also very much the recurrent visitor of Brianna's secret dreams. Furthering her inner turmoil and heart and reason battle.

The narrative is told entirely from Brianna's perspective and I so loved the way she journeyed through life. It immersed me so wholly into her story. I admired her resiliency, I sympathized with her insecurity in feeling less in comparison to the accomplishments of her family, I related to her self-doubt, and I was so inspired by her resolve to attain the goal she strived for. With every roadblock in her way, she continuously found another path forward. She's a wonderful heroine and one so deserving of all the success- and all the love as well.

My gosh! The way I swooned over her romance with Roman. My gosh, y'all! Usually I prefer dual POV, to get into the heads of both protagonists, but in this case I loved that Roman's inner thoughts were kept secret. He is an already incredibly alluring man that keeping us from his thoughts positively served to strengthen that pull towards him. I wanted more and more! You immediately want to know more about him, the same as Brianna. To peel back those layers, one by one. To find the charm beneath the reserved. The big heart beneath the stoic exterior. Watching Brianna peel those layers back made for such a fun and heartfelt journey. Especially as she battles her ever growing crush on Roman alongside her mistrust of him. It may be clear to the reader where Roman's feelings lie, but it's pure delight waiting for Brianna to catch up in knowledge. For there's hijinks to be had first! And it brings the giggles, the swoons, and all the heart. Once the barriers are passed, the romance that blooms between Brianna and Roman feels earned-- and feels right.

Also bringing the giggles and heart is the enchanting supporting cast of Jordan, Angie, and Simone! I may or may not have cried out a dramatic noooo when their respective spots in the Mars program may or may not have been compromised. They added such vibrancy to the narrative, and it made me want to explore more each character individually. That's how much I came to love them.

This is a certified comfort read. When you need a pick me up, just hold onto The Love Simulation. It'll pull you through.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

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.