Overall: 4/5
Spice level: 2/5
Tropes: neighbors to lovers, forced proximity, summer love, found family, slow burn, mutual pining, insta-love

This was my first read by the author. It was fun and quirky with a hint of spice. I say that because there's quite a slow burn to Lily and Ben's story.

For the most part, I liked the main characters. I would've liked to see more about Lily's life in New York beyond the job she quits. Did she leave behind friendships in the city? We don't know. I do like the friends she made throughout the story though.

And there were moments I felt like Ben was a pushover, but in a good way. The fact he would just do anything for Lily at any time from the moment they met.

I thought the ending was cute, but it felt rushed the way it basically just wrapped up everything in the last chapter instead of giving it time over the last few like many stories do.

Overall though, I thought this was an enjoyable read and felt pretty cozy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Nadine Gonzales for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

There was a LOT going on in this book with a large cast of eccentric characters. I enjoyed this story but kept a real birds eye view on it since so much was going on. If I really honed in and focused hard on all the subplots- I would have gotten lost in the sauce. So I listened to the audio-- didn't overthink it and enjoyed it.

Narration was well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Only Lovers in the Building is has a cute premise. After Lily Lyon blows up her life while on a work trip to Miami, and a chance encounter with a hot bartender, said bartender ends up being her new next door neighbor for the summer. There's a lot more to him than meets the eye, and chaos, obviously ensues.

The bones of a solid story were there. I liked Lily and Ben's meet-cute, I liked the idea of all of the different personalities being friends in the building, and I liked the nod to BookTok/Bookstagram through the story's book social media platform, BookTag. Unfortunately, a lot of the story fell flat in execution. Or rather, the chaos that ensued felt too... chaotic.

There were a lot of times when multiple characters would be speaking/talking over each other. When this is done well, it makes you feel like you're sitting in the middle of a fun group of friends playing quippy, verbal ping-pong. In Only Lovers, it felt more like everyone chasing after their own ping-pong. The conversations didn't flow well.

I also struggled with my suspension of disbelief at Lily's rise to "BookTap Fame" (quotations mine). Maybe because I'm already pretty familiar with Bookstagram in real life, but someone suddenly giving her and Ben a limited run podcast, offering her a book deal, and then extending the podcast for another season felt way too impossible.

There was a lot of extra written media thrown into the text of the book. Transcripts of the podcast (which seemed like each episode would only last like 5 minutes, and she got a book deal off that?), Ben's journal entries, snippets of Lily's writing about romance genre tropes... it got to the point where it felt like spaghetti was being thrown at the wall in the hopes that some of it might stick to beef up the plot.

I also CRINGED when Lily talked about how much she hates the miscommunication trope, when that was literally what was happening with her and Ben. The "will they, won't they" was so played out after a certain point, and then when they finally give in, we're thinking they're not actually talking about their true feelings for each other?

Now that I've written this all out, I can see how it probably seems like I disliked the book. I didn't dislike it. It was fun and kept me entertained. But at the end of the day, I felt like there were a lot of things that could've been better.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

This book was just ok. I liked the characters, but the romance seemed to be a little bit lacking in my opinion. It is not a bad book per se, I just don't think it was the right book for me. I also didn't get the comparison to Only Murders in the Building. I did like the audiobook narrator though.

Liliane is officially fed up—tired of her job, tired of others taking credit for her work, and tired of watching past relationships evolve while her own life feels stuck. So, she does what many only dream of: she quits. Then she books an Airbnb in Miami and decides to spend the summer poolside, drink in hand, with nothing to worry about except which romance novel to read next.

But when she meets Ben, a charming, flirtatious bartender, her restful retreat takes an unexpected turn—and the summer starts to look a lot more interesting.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t hooked from page one, but as the full cast of characters slowly came into view, the story really started to shine. While this is a romance between Lily and Ben, it’s the people they surround themselves with who bring real spark to the story. This is a feel-good summer read full of familiar tropes, bookish banter, and the kind of friendships that help you figure out what you actually want from life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

A perfect summer read that will also be great in the winter when you need a dose of sunshine. Lily quits her job as an attorney and impulsively decides to stay in Miami at a Airbnb at the Icon which has a terrific pool. And so she meets Ben, a bartender (with a secret more that I won't spoil) and they form a book club. A book club for romance readers. Fans of the genre know how this is going to go but seriously, the combo of books (romance novels!) and a found family made this a little more special. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A fun one.

Obsessed! I absolutely loved this book. The perfect summer book! I love books about books and this was just such a great romance!

review:
↝ arc by netgalley review

who doesn’t love a good friends to lovers?

this book is about lily abruptly quitting her job and decides to book an airbnb to stay in miami….. she finds herself at the apartment bar and doesn’t know how to get the bartenders attention who she later kisses in the elevator…….. oh. and he’s her neighbor.
the friendship they create through reading and having book clubs was my favorite part. it was almost as if each story they were reading theirs was unfolding. it’s the perfect beach reach and i swooooned over ben….. they were perfect for eachother and everybody around them knew it except THEMMMM.
truly enjoyed and loved this! im such a huge rom com girlie and i feel like this made my heart burst!! i’m really hoping for a sequel…. maybe with jeremy involved? 🤭

thank you netgalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for this opportunity to an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review!

Ben and Lily had such great chemistry with their love for books, their banter, and the tension between them. I really enjoyed their storyline, it was fun, lighthearted, and it never felt forced or repetitive.

I loved the way the author was able to smoothly switch the tone from sunshine and rainbows on one page, and reflection and emotion on the next. That said, I do wish the dialogue had been a bit sharper. Some of the characters felt too similar to each other, and the ending felt rushed.

Overall, it’s a feel-good story with charming chaos and depth. I would highly recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc!

Only Lovers in the Building is an easy summer romance centered around Lily and Ben in Miami soon after Lily quits her job mid-conference. That same night, she meets Ben "the bartender" and banter ensues.

I enjoyed the setting and the premise of this summer romance, but it didn't quite land with me. I found the dialogue between all the characters stilted/forced and the characters not fully flushed out. Ben is clearly an MMC written with the female gaze in mind, and he was almost too perfect/whole-package for me to really suspend my disbelief. I enjoyed the poolside book club the two of them (and friends) ended up creating as a way to delve into themes and messages in romance novels since the romance genre generally is not analyzed as much as other genres. For that, I give Nadine Gonzalez props since that message is important for readers.

Overall, this book set out to do exactly what it's marketed as - a fun, light beach/pool summer read.

I absolutely loved this story! It was the perfect light, fun summer read — one of those books you can easily breeze through in a single day.

The Miami setting was so vibrant and immersive, and I especially loved the found family Lily discovers along the way — each character brings their own quirks and charm. Watching Lily quit her corporate job on a whim and embrace a summer of freedom was so refreshing. From the moment she meets Ben bartending at her soon-to-be neighborhood bar, the chemistry is instant.

I loved the romance book club they started together and all the scenes of them reading poolside — pure summer goals! The fact that they fell for each other while insisting it wouldn’t become serious was such a fun slow-burn. Plus, all the side adventures and friendships sprinkled throughout kept the pace exciting.

I read this in less than 24 hours and can honestly say it was the perfect light and breezy summer escape. Absolutely a must-read for your summer TBR! 🌴📖💖

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing an advance copy for an honest review.

The book blurb and premise of this book quickly drew me in. However, the dialogue and characters fell flat and seemed forced so I did drift away and never returned to finish.

Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez was a fun, summery read that gradually pulled me in. I’ll admit—I wasn’t hooked right away, but once the story found its rhythm, I was all in (well, listening in—this was an audiobook ARC though I was lucky enough to also be approved for the ebook as well, thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio/Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press).

The story kicks off with Lily abruptly quitting her NYC job and escaping to Miami, where she stumbles into a cute, slightly awkward meet-cute with a bartender/professor who turns out to be her new neighbor. What follows is a sweet friends-to-lovers journey as Lily and Ben become co-hosts of a book review podcast and, inevitably, something more.

I really enjoyed the way Gonzalez wove in themes of friendship and family—those dynamics added real heart to the story. That said, I was a little thrown by a dramatic wedding moment involving Ben’s sister (during the actual ceremony!) that felt a bit over the top—especially considering she still went through with it. But hey, family drama keeps things interesting!

While I wasn’t totally in love with the audiobook narrator, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story itself. This was a solid, feel-good read—perfect for summer—and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Nadine Gonzalez.

This is exactly the book I was looking for! A Book that celebrates the bookish community, rom-coms and romance books and is filled with banter, all of the tropes, swoon worthy main characters with depth, and interesting, quirky supporting characters.

Lily, a New York City lawyer is in Miami for a conference and after one too many frustrations she impulsively quits and decides to spend the summer in Miami. A booklover with an online presence she finds herself in the rooftop bar of the art deco building she will be staying at and of course there is a hot bartender. Ben, aka the hot bartender, is actually a professor and award winning translator with a messy past and baggage he is trying to work through. After a spark-filled first in person and online encounter the sparks fly. They form a romance book club and spend their days reading and bantering by the pool. Lily is starting to think about the world in terms of a romance novel. But is that the real world? Are Lily and Ben ready to take a chance on their own happily ever after or are they doomed by the miscommunication trope?

I loved this! The banter and connection between Lily and Ben was everything and how could I not adore a book that celebrates my favorite things, romance books and the bookish community. There is a Only Murders in the Building vibe that I appreciated and it added to the appeal but this book stands on its own. I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy romance books and banter.

📖 ARC Review:

3.5/5 ⭐️

I absolutely loved the premise of this book. I think everyone dreams of quitting their job, booking an extended Airbnb, spending their days by the pool, and joining a book club with eccentric members.

Lily is our FMC and she quits her job at the very start of this book and decides to stay in Miami where she was currently attending a work conference. While waiting to check-in to her Airbnb, she meets our MMC, Ben, who is tending the rooftop bar. After an awkward mishap in the elevator at the end of the night, the two agree to friendship and the start of a book club.

Ben is the definition of a “man written by a woman” almost to a fault. He’s attractive, tattooed, well educated, and is interested in joining a book club centered around reading romance novels? A little unrealistic but we’ll run with it.

Overall, I think the idea of this book was great but it unfortunately fell a little flat for me. The characters had so much potential but the dialogue was lacking and could have been fleshed out a little. I feel like this story read a lot like a sitcom, and if I was watching it, I would have loved it.

Thank you, Net Galley and Nadine Gonzalez for the ARC 🫶🏼

I will be posting to Goodreads (7/7/25), as well as Instagram (7/13/25).

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/160829602
https://www.instagram.com/kaleighskindle

Escape the heat with this light-hearted beach read featuring sunny Miami vibes, vibrant Art Deco architecture, and an amusing poolside book club.

On the surface, Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez is a whimsical tale that unfolds in a fictional world of pools and cocktail social hours. The book’s revolving door of entertaining apartment dwellers and fast-burning chemistry is a lovely reprieve.

It’s a fantasy that explores the romantic “what ifs” of quitting your day job and starting a new life in a new city where the champagne is flowing and there are endless warm days of reading by the pool. Throw in a quirky building with historical accents and a hot professor as your neighbour, and this Miami-set romance is a penthouse of blissful encounters.

Lily is just the right amount of bubbly and outgoing to counterbalance the more immature tone that women in romances often adopt. Ben has a saltry delivery that certainly makes buying into this relationship easy from the start. The new neighbours are a lot of fun to be with, offering a refreshing, no-nonsense banter that cuts to the core of their desires.

There’s no beating around the bush with Ben and Lily. They vocalize their interest in eachother from their very first meeting, and that is a breath of fresh air.

Only Lovers in the Building also dips its toes into analyzing popular romance tropes through the book club at the centre of this novel. If you enjoy meta rom-com discussions and tongue-in-cheek plotting, the well-read couple at the heart of this love story offer thoughtful discussion about the highs and lows of the genre.

Despite their self-awareness, these romance experts can’t avoid the pitfalls of all the rom-coms that came before them.

Ben and Lily have a sizzling chemistry and an epic back-and-forth banter, but there’s not much else. The book doesn’t delve far into the inner depths of these two as individuals and relies entirely on their sexual attraction in place of character development.

Unfortunately, much of the book reads this way. This Miami fantasy sometimes feels excruciatingly fictional, with interactions that are too stiff and superficial. Everything about Lily’s new world comes too easily, from free drinks to new career opportunities. The book doesn’t introduce conflict for her to overcome, resulting in a very shallow victory. Ultimately, it creates the same cycling thought process of whether she should stay with Ben in Miami or move back to New York City for much of the story.

None of the characters in this vibrant ensemble of residents feels like they could be real people, and that leads to a setting that lacks a lived-in feel. The Art Deco building is exciting in concept, but never transforms into a three-dimensional structure.

Most of all, it is disappointing to see this book’s beautiful cover and eye-catching title go to waste. The premise has so much potential that it never acts on it. Despite the title being a play on the show Only Murders in the Building, the podcast is an afterthought. The author could easily remove the podcast from the story, and it would have no effect on the narrative’s trajectory.

Only Lovers in the Building proposes a laid-back escape from reality at the cost of leaving an impression on its readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This book was cute; it moved quickly and is the perfect summer/beach read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the eARC!

This is a cute romance and would make a great summer/beach read. While the writing style wasn't really for me, I think most people would find it a charming distraction! Also, this cover could NOT be cuter!!
I liked the premise, especially the setting. Having everyone live in the same building was so fun. I think this might be even better as an audiobook because there are podcast elements.

This was surprisingly really cute. I didn't expect it to have friends to lovers vibes and that was a fun surprise. I do wish that they were just a little bit more open about their feelings. Also this book for sure needed an epilogue because I needed to know more.

I received an arc through netgalley.

This was a perfectly fine summer romance that I mostly requested for the cute cover and fun title. I liked the characters but I found that I just wanted more from this one. It had real potential
Though!