Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez is a fresh, light read with attractive, very well-written strong characters. 
The story is well-written, engaging and delightful on all levels. The characters are realistic, funny, and so very awesome you'll wish they were real.
The imagery in this book truly brought this story to life. We’re not just reading this book, we are able to experience this story along with the characters.

✨ Review ✨ Only Murders in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez, Narrated by Aure Nash

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, Harlequin Audio, and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

A perfect summer romance filled with books, poolside gossip, and a side of steamy romance. After Lily rage-quits her lawyer job while at a conference in Miami, she decides to stay for a bit and figure things out. She moves into an art deco hotel there and starts a book club with Ben, sometimes bartender and tortured poet professor who lives across the hall.

They start writing joint book reviews online, and gather a viral following for their smart and sassy reviews (living the dream lol). The book inserts journal entries, book reviews, and podcast scripts to bring a sort of "collected scraps" approach, inserting these alongside the main narrative (I always love this!).

The book is a definite slow burn, with friends-to-lovers / proximity tropes. Both were hesitant to start a relationship and this can feel a little frustrating at times. However, overall this is a perfect beach read. To top it off, it has Only Murders in the Building vibes with a great cast of side characters to fall in love with!

This was a fun debut, and I loved that it was set in Miami and had characters with Haitian and Cuban heritage!

🎧 The audio was great, and the "clips" of journal entries, podcasts, etc. flowed pretty seamlessly within the story. It's a perfect poolside listen!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.25 stars)
Genre: F/M contemporary romance
Setting: Miami, Florida
Length: 9 hours 46 minutes
Pub Date: July 15, 2025

Read this if you like:
⭕️ slow burn
⭕️ books about books
⭕️ Only Murders in the Building (but romance novels instead of true crime)
⭕️ friends to lovers

Thanks to netgalley for my copy!

This was definitely a sexy summer read. I enjoyed the setting of the Miami hot/beachy glam apartment building.

In theory, I liked everything about the story, but somewhere in the middle, I got a little lost in the writing style and plot, so I lost interest a bit, but it picked back up at the end. The Book club they reacted in the building was adorable and I love that they became buzzy online and were able to start a summer podcast series. I adore HOT PROFESSOR BEN! I was really glad that we got a little insight into his mind with his notes in the novel.

I was initially very interested in the premise of this book and for the most part it did deliver, especially with the writing style. Where this book a little fell flat though is a lack of personality or emotional depth within the characters. I felt like I didn’t really know Lily or Ben and how they made different decisions based on their thought processes.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Lily's had it - once again life at her job is unbearable, so she up and quits. She needs a refresh, so she heads to an extended stay in Miami. While there she meets a guy, and they become fast friends. They start a podcast about books, and they enjoy the easy chemistry friends have. Except there's more lying beneath, and if they ever let themselves, they can explore that feeling, that tension.

Lily and Ben are the quintessential summer beach read - fun, simmering deliciousness, and witty dialogue. They truly do start as friends, but it becomes apparent to everyone but themselves that there's far more going on between them than just friendship. Sometimes slow burn can be too slow, but here it's perfectly done. This is the first time I've read this author's work, but after this, it most certainly will not be the last!

Well. This was a whole rollercoaster. And i definitely enjoyed the ride . Lets start that the fact that the main character just up and left from her job bold. And then decided to stay in miami impulsive. But obviously everything worked out 😅. Personally i enjoyed the set up, the groups of friend that Lili makes and obviously Ben. I like that they grow into each other. They learn to care about each other. Also I enjoyed a lot of the bookclub and their reviews. That was so much fun and the podcast even more. Overall this was a nice easy read , perfect for summer.

If you have ever wanted to rage quit a job, you are going to be immediately rooting for Lily! I was hooked on this story right from the beginning - this was a fun read with great characters and banter and the perfect beachy setting.

I loved how Lily and Ben (her neighbor) shared a love of reading and reviewing books which leads to a book club and podcast. We see them start as friends and grow to maybe something more…

Lily especially was trying to decide to what direction to take her life and her thoughts and feelings and experiences felt very real and authentic. Ben was sweet and funny and also dealing with some family issues too.

The side characters were so much fun and overall I really enjoyed this book! Also, as an Only Murders In The Building fan, I loved how the building played a part in the story!

✨What To Expect:
💖Romantic Comedy
❤️‍🔥Friends to Lovers
⛱️Close Proximity
🔥Slow Burn
📚Book About Books
🏝️Beachy Read
💋Haitian FMC & Cuban MMC
😂Banter
🍹Miami Setting
🌴Quirky & Charming Characters
🏫Only Murders In The Building Vibes

Lily has quit her job as a corporate lawyer and now she’s heading to Miami for the rest of the Summer. Here she meets Ben. Ben is a jack of all trades. Not only does he translate literary works. He is a professor and sometimes takes over a bar a s a bartender for his sister.
Lilly does book reviews for fun on Booktap when somebody responds to one of her book reviews and comment the picture. It’s Ben! This is the start.
In the end, we have them turning into friends who start their own book club. They do book reviews and even start a podcast.
I really love their dynamic their chemistry was great. This book does contain a trope that I normally absolutely hate in Books. But I believe that that’s because it’s done horribly and it’s super frustrating. You might’ve guessed that’s the miscommunication trope. I think this one was done pretty well. You’ll see what I mean when you read it!
Actually getting to see the podcast filming and their banter going back-and-forth was great. It had me giggling and kicking my feet. I adore Books with podcasts in them so of course I adored this.
The audio was fantastically done. It was only one narrator, but I didn’t think because of that it lacked for anything the narrator was able to transition from male to female voice very well, and I actually liked their male voice. I would hundred percent listen to any book they narrate again!
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publication for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

As a romance book lover this book is so fun! It’s def a dream to say screw your job, quit and spend the summer sitting by the pool reading. Like yes please! It’s jammed pack full of banter, lol moments, fun quirky neighbor friends and Miami sunshine. A perfect summer read for any romance reader.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Liliane aka Lily just quit her job as a lawyer and instead of going home to NYC she decided to spend the summer in Miami. She found a rental at The Icon, an adorable Art Deco style building in Miami Beach. Her plan is to spend the summer by the pool reading romance books.

Then Lily kisses a stranger in the elevator and finds out he’s her new neighbor, Benedicto. Ben is a professor, poet and is about to start his sabbatical. The best part is Ben reads and reviews romance books so they instantly bond over books.

They decided to start a poolside book club for the summer just the two of them, strictly as friends. But as others see them at the pool their friends group grows and it becomes so much more than just of summer reading. Their combined reviews go viral and lead to a whirlwind summer of opportunity, new doors and possibly even love.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“There’s no me without you,” he said as he scrolled. “You bring out the best in me.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Friends to Lovers
* Neighbors for the Summer
* BIPOC Rep: Haitian FMC & Cuban MMC
* She Quit Her Job as a Lawyer
* He’s a Professor
* Romance Book Club at the Pool
* Found Friendships
* They Review Books on a Podcast Together!
* The Icon (Art Deco Building) Miami Beach
* Slow Burn + Amazing Banter w/ Spice

☀️📖🧡☀️📖🧡☀️📖🧡☀️

I was very much looking forward to this one but unfortunately, I felt it was very underwhelming. 😔

This book was so surfaced level and lacked a depth to the main characters. The author rarely dug deep into the plot and I was left with more questions than answers. I wanted to see Lily figure out her next career move and not just say it. I wanted to see Ben process his lack of a relationship with his father, not just hear him think about it. Even Lily and Ben lacked chemistry for me. I wasn’t fully sold on their romance. There was some lovey dovey scenes that I rate 1 🌶️ out of 5.

A lot of what happens is so glossed over too. Like Roxanna’s wedding? Literally turmoil for no reason.

Thank you NetGalley, Canary Street Press and Nadine Gonzalez for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Lily ends her lawyer's job in annoyance because she hasn't been recognised for good work done, instead a fly in male gets it all. And so begins Only Lover's in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez.

Deciding it is time for a break she settles on Miami with its great summer weather and settles into an apartment. When she meets Ben across the hall she is soon caught up in a fun relationship that begins to develop from neighbors to friends and then lovers. But just for the summer! Lily has warned she leaves at the end of the vacation! They become part of a set of friends that are good hearted and fun.

Lily is a romance reader and before you know it Ben and herself are deep into book reviews and eventually a podcast. That is a bit surprising because Ben is a professor plus his father was a well known poet. However they sizzle with good banter and become popular.

Ben has father issues, Lily realises she avoids communicating her thoughts and feelings. She can identify exactly how and where. The tension comes towards the end of the book when Lily and Ben must plot their next steps.

For me this book had great characters, a variety in the style of writing, good banter and a fun friendship group. I did find it, I have to admit as well, a bit boring. It was slow moving in pace, and I prefer something a little more upbeat. That said it was still a good read.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.

A feel, good romance that had me grinning from ear to ear. I adored this novel, I thought the female main character was so witty and this is definitely a pool-side read for the summer.

Lily and Ben both find they have a shared interest in romance books and spend the summer in Miami lounging by the pool and making a romance review podcast! With some slow burn, spice and ex drama along the way. 🔥

Thank you NetGalley for this fun rom-com!

Rating: 4⭐️/5

ARC Review-
“Only Lovers in the Building” follows Liliane “Lily” Lyons. While mid-corporate retreat she sees a social media post for the wedding her ex, her Mr. What-If. This scenario, compounded with a new co-worker receiving sole credit for her work winds up sending Lily over the metaphorical edge. She promptly leaves the retreat, submits her letter of resignation, and decides to book an Airbnb in Miami Beach to spend her summer enjoying the sun, cocktails, and reading books. She winds up finding a swanky art deco building to move into ironically named “The Icon” that has nothing but floors and floors of interesting tenants whom Lily begins meeting and friending little by little. After casually kissing the bartender of the building she soon realizes said bartender is her next door neighbor. I found this story to be a cozy-ish romance with a meet cute in the beginning, slow-burn through the middle, and spiciness towards the ending. I absolutely loved all the characters whom were quirky, contemporary, and had the best it’s like we’ve been friends forever, but really only known each other a short time. This book had great dialogue and banter between characters especially Lily and Ben. The setting was also perfect, Miami Beach is a dream locale filled with culture and diversity. All in all, I really enjoyed Only Lovers in the Building, and would definitely recommend to readers of contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and really anyone who loves sweet romance.

This book, released yesterday, was so fun and I could not put it down. I loved the whole cast of characters and omg give me more hot literature professors in glasses as romantic leads PLEASE.

After both being looked over by her firm for all her hard work AND seeing her ex’s wedding photos on insta, Liliane does the absolutely normal thing - quit her job and decide to stay in Miami for the summer laying by the pool and reading romance. She immediately meets Benedicto - translator, professor, and sometimes bar tender. Although sparks fly, the two decide they’re just friends… who have a romance book club. And then a podcast. And also undeniable chemistry. But Lily is supposed to go back to NYC at the end of the summer, so even if they want to, they can’t really be more than friends … right?

Normally I don’t love a one person POV, but here I loved it because I feel like I did know what Ben was thinking even if we weren’t in his brain. I also loved the transcripts from their romance book podcast cause sparks fly! The rest of the cast in their building is so fun and I’d happily read romance books about them all. And as a burned out at my job girly myself, I felt Lily’s struggle!! All in all, this was fun and sexy and perfectly summer. And A++ for the hot professor!!!

⭐️⭐️💫 (2.5 stars)

Only Lovers in the Building had a fun, high-concept premise that felt like a vacation in book form—romance readers turned accidental love gurus, a quirky building full of neighbors, and a slow-burn connection set in a vibrant Miami Beach backdrop. I expected something more ensemble-driven, with a stronger focus on the building’s book club and the messy romantic lives of its residents.

But the story took a different turn—and not in a way that worked for me.

Instead of diving into the dynamics of the building or creating a true ensemble rom-com vibe, the plot leaned heavily into Lily’s career shift. The pacing around her rise from anonymous reviewer to podcast host to book deal felt wildly unrealistic and left the story feeling rushed and off-balance. The podcast element, while promising, lacked spark—the on-air scripts felt stiff and missed the fun energy of the characters’ off-air chemistry.

And while I appreciated the meta-discussions around romance tropes and archetypes, the romance itself didn’t quite land. The chemistry simmered but never boiled, and Ben’s POV—something I really would’ve loved to see more of—arrives too late and too briefly to carry any weight. A deeper dive into his head throughout could’ve added nuance and depth to their connection.

There were some charming moments, and I liked the idea of two people who know romance on the page but can’t navigate it in real life. But ultimately, this one didn’t deliver on the vibe or emotional payoff I was hoping for.

🎧 Audiobook note: Narrated by Aure Nash, who brought a calm and pleasant tone, but it couldn’t fully energize a plot that stayed too surface-level for my tastes.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Summer romance
* They form a romance book club
* Fun and quirky side characters
* Forced proximity (they’re neighbors!)
* Overbearing parents
* Toxic jobs
* Slow burn
* He’s mysterious but absolute dreamboat 🫠

Thank you to NetGalley, Nadine Gonzalez, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Canary Street Press for this eARC! I loved everything about this book!

Just like Lily, I enjoyed peeling back the mysteries and layers of Ben: who he is a person, and his romantic history. He is absolutely dreamy and I could understand why Lily was so quickly infatuated by him! He could not only hold a conversation, but truly listened and kept it going with such wit, wisdom, inquisitively, and banter. It was really difficult to not just fall for him, even as a reader. From the first chapter, I couldn’t put this book down because of him!

I really liked how this book was organized. It included journal entries, interviews, and their podcast dialogue. It’s easy to follow and a nice touch to add to this unique book! And it’s exactly as titled: while Ben and Lily are the main focus, I like all the others that she meets are also in their own romantic escapades too.

Lily is a relatable character. She comes from NYC, and never really had a good romance, so she looks for them in her books. I love that she chooses to try and live out her own romantic story by spending the summer in Miami, and finding someone like Ben is a diamond in the rough there!

When they’re discussing books, their attraction is palpable, with thinly veiled double meanings for how they feel about each other and romance. This is the kind of book club I want!! Their conversation flows so easily about anything and everything, and I liked when they talked about tropes and how they also experience them in their past and current situations. It really sucks me in and I couldn’t help with the anticipation of will they or won’t they?!

When they finally do, it flows just as fiery and passionate as their discussions. Their romance is swoony and my heart swooped with so many things they said to each other, so once they get closer physically and emotionally, I was so invested! Nadine Gonzalez is such a great writer of romance, and how she told this story was captivating from start to finish!

This delightful novel whisks you away to a sun-drenched summer in Miami. Lily, seeking a fresh start after an unappreciated legal job in NYC, befriends vibrant neighbors at her Airbnb - including a model, an influencer, and a personal chef. She also meets Ben, an acclaimed literary translator, and their shared passion for romance novels sparks a deep connection.

Their mutual enthusiasm evolves into joint book reviews, a podcast, and ultimately a book deal for Lily. This story is the quintessential "Hallmark movie summer read," filled with comforting charm, gentle romance, and an uplifting spirit. It beautifully captures finding your voice, pursuing passions, and discovering love.

I enjoyed reading Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

A mid-life crisis and a sun-soaked summer romance come together in this sizzling will-they-or-won’t-they romance that also that also delivers smart and snarky book review commentary.

☀️ Lily Lyon abruptly quits her legal career while on a work retreat and opts for a summer hiatus in Miami vs facing real life back in NYC. While lounging poolside and indulging in ample summer romance reads, she finds herself and enjoys the camaraderie of her very attractive neighbor Ben Romero. He’s a bartender, a prize-winning poet, and a professor. Their proximity and personal circumstances put them in the friend zone, but everyone can feel the tension brewing.

⛱️ My Take: This is a sexy summer romance that delivers sumptuous details of a summer done right in Miami but that also delivers smart commentary on romance as a genre vs how the same tropes play out in real life. My critique of Lily and Ben’s own romance tropes are also shared on the page, so the author is well aware of what’s at play and how she’s achieved their particular slow burn. This is a smart summer romance that is both escapist and offers real character depth. I loved Lily, Ben, and all their friends.

Read ONLY LOVERS IN THE BUILDING for
😎 Summer romance
🔥 Slow-burn tension
📝 Sweet moments and handwritten notes
💘 Poolside romance book club, complete with snarky and snappy reviews
🏝️ An amazing friend group full of diverse characters, many of Caribbean heritage
💞 Second chances in life, love, and career
☀️Miami sunshine

😘 Thanks to @HTP_Hive, @HTPBooks, Canary St. Press, and #NetGalley for the gifted digital advance reader copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions are my own.

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.25/5

Beach reads, supportive book club friends, and a possible summer love all in one building? I WISH I could dive into this story!

— BRIEF SYNOPSIS —
This book starts off strong with the main character, Lily Lyon taking a sudden leap of faith and a much needed summer break at a rental in Miami Beach 😎 Initially, her only plan is to recharge with sunshine and plenty of reading. But she soon meets others in the building who set her on a path towards self-discovery and taking chances.

— MAIN CHARACTERS —
When Lily and her neighbor, Ben Romero bond over their love of reading and reviewing romance books, they start a mini book club that quickly grows to include their fascinating neighbors. I love that we get to read Lily and Ben’s full book reviews and that their deep analyses of those romance novels make you take a closer look at that genre. It also makes you think about the book itself, so it’s very meta.

— ELEMENTS I LOVED —
Although the banter in this story is satisfying and entertaining, I really appreciate that Lily also forms strong connections with others. The character development and world building are so well done that I frequently wished I could join their book club and hang out with these lovable characters!

— ELEMENTS I DIDN’T LOVE —
There are some unnecessary elements that are most likely meant to create more conflict, but I feel like the main issue of what will happen at the end of the summer is enough to carry the story forward. The plot is kind of chaotic, yet still enjoyable and somewhat predictable.

— REASONS TO READ THIS —
This book is perfect for vacation, the beach, a book club, a buddy read, or whenever you want to escape into a beautiful setting. It’s a fun, accurate representation of the book world, including bookish social media creators.

This would make a great movie! The only similar vibes to the TV show with a similar name (Only Murders in the Building) are that everyone seems to know each other and their antics are very entertaining. But instead of solving mysteries, these main characters solve relationship issues and talk about books. That’s my kind of friend group! 🫶🏽

📖 Thank you to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for ARCs of this novel!
🎧 The audiobook is great on its own, but I’m glad I was able to read multiple formats.. The narrator, Aure Nash is fantastic and made it really easy to keep track of different characters and elements.