I really wanted to like this book more, I’m sad about it. Lots of great tropes and I loved the STEM aspect of it. Plot was cute but something fell flat for me. I was skimming towards the end just to get it over with. I did like how obsessed Mateo was with Charlie.

Deep in Love had such a great setup with the forced proximity at sea, rivals to lovers tension, and a really fun academic backdrop. Charlie and Mateo had all the ingredients to pull me in, and there were definitely moments where I enjoyed their banter and chemistry.

That said, there were times where the immaturity of both main characters brushed me up in the wrong way. I wanted to see more of their emotional growth and progression as a couple, but instead the story leaned heavily on the spice to carry their connection. While the tension was hot, I felt like it came at the cost of fully developing their relationship in a way that would’ve made the payoff feel more satisfying.

I did appreciate Charlie’s layers and the exploration of her insecurities, and the marine biology angle was a refreshing and unique setting that added something different to the romance. It just wasn’t quite enough to balance out the things that didn’t click for me.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read with some great moments, but I was left wishing for a bit more depth and maturity in the storytelling.

This one had potential to be a good spicy stem romance, but a few things made me have mixed feelings on it.
The title is cute (and reminded me of Ali Hazelwood), as did the book blurb. We get academic rivals to lovers - YAY!
***potential plot spoilers***
My biggest struggles were that they were colleagues and get scheduled to go on a "work trip" and the bosses AND the MMC know that there's only one room and ONE BED. Look, I love a one bed trope and forced proximity but not if realistically they're co-workers and the bosses KNEW.
There was something about the MMC insta-love that just didn't quite work for me in the same way other books with men who yearn have. It wasn't terrible but he was bold and flirty but then suddenly insecure. I don't know, just didn't fully land with me.

I did like some of it. I appreciated some of the nerdy science parts and that she loved Charles Darwin. I liked that there was no 3rd act break up and the ending was kinda cute (I can see it leading into another book for two side characters as well).

Solid mid-range rating 3.5⭐
Readers might like the spice, the rivals to lovers trope, etc.

5 stars ⭐️

Some books you just know are a five-star ⭐️ read from the very beginning—and this was one of them.

Charlie hates Mateo. She has always seen him as her rival. Two researchers are forced to spend three weeks at sea 🌊 together—but there’s a catch Charlie doesn’t discover until she’s already on board. Mateo, on the other hand, has lacked the courage to be honest with her since the very first day they met. Meanwhile, Charlie is still carrying the pain of an accident that left her with scars—both inside and out.

I loved both of the main characters; they felt so real. The development between them was authentic. Charlie and Mateo are forced to share a bed, confronting years of rivalry that started with the wine 🍷 accident, and slowly trying to become friends. I loved the pranks, the chocolate 🍫, the Willy Wonka references, and the way they navigated Charlie’s insecurities, her past injury, and her struggles with self-esteem.

They balance each other beautifully. The love between them felt raw, unique, and unforgettable.

Thank For Netgally and Nicole Cubba for this opportunity to read book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This story follows Charlie and Mateo who are PhD students that work together at the University of Rhode Island. They are academic rivals, or so Charlie believes. They get an opportunity to go on a trip of a lifetime, a three week expedition on a research vessel at sea. But the catch is that they have to go together, and there is only one bed. Charlie quickly realizes that the dislike that she has been harboring toward Mateo may have actually been attraction. And Matteo is waiting for Charlie to catch up.

Overall, this was a cute story. Mateo was so supportive of Charlie when she was going through anything emotional. It was sweet. But what I didn't really love was that a lot of it felt immature. I felt like these were maybe college freshman instead of mid to late twenties PhD students. I did like the story though. The research expedition story felt unique and interesting.

If you love STEM romances, definitely add this one to your TBR. The relationship between the characters is downright adorable and I loved every page of this book!

Such a cute, sweet and spicy read.

Mateo is down bad and I love a man in yearning. These two are sweet and adorable. I loved watching these two interact, especially watching Charlie realize what was right in front of her. I also loved all the side character development, seeing little tidbits of their lives thrown in the mix with these two characters.

I absolutely adore a stem related romance story!

So to begin I did enjoyd the premises and the overall setting in this story. I did also enjoy the characters and I thought Charlie had an interesting story with her accident and I loved that we got to see her insecurities and how it affected her relationships with others. I also enjoyed the overall plot.

Now the things I slightly struggled with was the immaturity of the main characters and their lack of communication. The reason for the main characters dislike towards the mmc is honestly quite dumb and it didn't feel like an actual rivals setting. Due to us not seeing the characters relationships starting point since they already know for a few years I felt like their relationship moved quite fast.

It was a nice lighter read so if you Like a romance in the Stem I absolutely recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reader copy.

Thank you so much to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for the ARC of this book!

Deep in Love by Nicole Cubba
is the near perfect STEM romance of the season. This book features Charlie and Mateo, two PhD students, as they fall in love on a three week research vessel. For Mateo, it was love at first sight when he met Charlie two years ago. For Charlie, it was hate at first sight as Mateo spilled his wine all over her. Mateo spent two years pining after Charlie, while she aimed to make Mateo her number 1 academic rival. This book featured two of my favorite tropes: only one bed and forced proximity. It also had wonderful disability representation as Charlie has numerous scars and health complications following a car accident and Mateo uses a CPAP machine.

Charlie’s quirks made the story so enjoyable and I truly grew to love both of the characters. I love that they were both so passionate about their work and Charlie’s obsession with Charles Darwin had my nerdiness absolutely thrilled.

This book is open door and contains multiple spicy scenes. I would highly recommend it. A rare 5 stars from me!

A really fun and sweet read!

Deep in Love is heart warming, giggle inducing, and swoony. A testament to how fun forced proximity can be when done well and paired with fun tropes. I loved the overall tone of Cubba's writing and how she paced Charlie's internal struggles and rules with Mateo's antics and overall charm.

Their personalities and characterization worked so well for this style of romance and I think it'll be a hit.

This was such a delightful read! I'm a sucker for when the MMC is a goner for the girl and Charlie was my girl (I just wanted the best for her, especially given everything we learned about her too). It's packed with so many of my fave tropes and it scratches that academia itch i've come to love and appreciate in my romcoms too! It's tender, moving and romantic while also being so charming and funny too.

Thank you so much to Nicole Cubba for my ARC! I look forward to your next release :)

4/5

A heart-warming romance about two marine biology researchers and academic rivals who have to spend three weeks together on board a research vessel.

Mateo has been yearning for Charlie for two years and he takes this research trip as his final chance to open up and tell her how he feels and hopes she gives him a chance.

Mateo was both a great MMC and also one with a few red flags, bordering slightly on the creepy side with his knowledge of Charlie’s menstrual cycle (I feel like that could’ve been left out - it added nothing other than to feel a bit eww about a MMC who I was liking up until then) and he had a few immature moments when he refused to speak to Charlie when he was jealous (but understandably hurt). Other than that, he was sweet, understanding and respectful with Charlie.

Charlie was a great FMC too and I liked seeing her confidence grow and how she flourished on the vessel, which I feel she would’ve done with or without Mateo there. She was a bit unkind towards Mateo, which I can understand because she was trying to protect herself, but I was still very glad when she fully accepted Mateo and gave him a chance.

I loved the side characters, especially Amy (can we have her story next please?) and the crew of the vessel. I enjoyed the setting and thought the amount of scientific language was appropriate and not too much and I liked learning about some of the deep sea creatures. I also loved Charlie’s obsession with Charles Darwin and thought the ending involving Darwin was so cute.

Tropes:
- rivals to lovers.
- he falls first.
- one bed.
- forced proximity.
- STEM/academic romance.

3.5 stars.

Thank you Nicole Cubba, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of *Deep in Love* in exchange for my honest review💙💚

Rounded up from 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🗓️ Publish date: Sept 16, 2025

💚 STEM romance (Marine biology, too!)
💙 forced proximity
💚 emotional healing / overcoming trauma
💙 super smart FMC
💚 golden retriever MMC (oh, Mateo! Swoon!)
💙 witty banter
💚 dual POV
💙 no third act breakup👏🏼 (thank you, Nicole!)

Charlie and Mateo’s story tugs at every emotion - it's emotional, uplifting, funny and inspiring. What begins as academic rivalry evolves into a love that feels fated. From their witty banter and playful nicknames to their quiet, intimate moments, every step of their relationship was beautifully written.

The MCs are both PhDs students in the same lab. Charlie, a passionate Charles Darwin enthusiast, can’t stand Mateo - while he’s been quietly infatuated with her for more than two years. When they land a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the deep sea, they’re forced to spend three weeks in close quarters aboard a research vessel, including sharing a room with a single bed.

Their story had so many amazing parts but I especially loved seeing Charlie’s growth as she learned not only to open her heart to others but also to embrace self-love. Her past added so much depth. Mateo was everything you could hope for in a romantic lead (again, swoon!). He's sweet, patient, and just the right amount of obsessed. His steady presence - constantly reminding Charlie of her worth, brilliance, and beauty - was touching and made their love story all the more powerful.

This book delivered on every level: it was entertaining (laughing out loud funny), spicy, and deeply moving. The pacing was spot on, and the passion for science and Marine biology really came through. Fans of Ali Hazelwood and STEM romance will definitely enjoy *Deep in Love*💙💚

Deep in Love by Nicole Cubba was such an enjoyable romance. I really liked the academic rivals to lovers tension between Charlie and Mateo. It added just the right amount of conflict and playful banter. The yearning between them was off the charts and had me grinning, swooning, and desperate to see where their chemistry would take them next.

Beyond the romance, this story carried a strong life lesson about accepting yourself. That emotional depth made the lighter moments even more meaningful, and it left me thinking about the story long after I finished.

This was engaging, heartfelt, and full of swoony moments that made it such a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to read this early copy. I cannot wait to see what Nicole Cubba writes next.

I am a STEM girlie through and through so when I first saw this book pop up, i knew I had to read it. And I am so glad I did! Charlie and Mateo are everything 💚 This book has everything i love, from the science, to the (one-sided) enemies to lovers. I was such a great read and I seriously could not recommend it more!!!

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of Deep in Love in exchange for an honest review.

Gosh, I’m such a sucker for a good STEM romance, it’s pathetic. Lovers of Ali Hazelwood unite and dive into Deep in Love for your next STEM fix! Love the enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed scenario here because it all just works so well! Charlie and Mateo are about as adorable as it gets and Mateo gives me hope for men in science! Charlie is working at healing both mentally and physically from a traumatic accident years prior and has since viewed herself as broken and a bit of a hermit. Marred by severe scars over a large portion of her face and body, Charlie has felt more comfortable hiding into the background than standing out. However, ever since running into Mateo two years ago at a party (literally), she’s never been able to blend into the background of his perspective.

A rare opportunity occurs that allows both Charlie and Mateo to venture out to sea on a research trip corresponding to their PhD research. Literally forced to tolerate each other over the next three weeks, the two form a bond and begin to open up to each other in ways they have never been able to do before, in part because Charlie thinks Mateo is synonymous with Satan. Watching Charlie accept that she isn’t unlovable was such an adorable thing to read about. I think at times we all have a little of Charlie in us, and it’s refreshing to see what happens when you trust someone enough to let them in.

This was such a fun and steamy STEM romance! I really couldn’t put it down and I’m excited to keep an eye out for other books by Nicole Cubba! Solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!

SWEET STEM ROMANCES! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!
Do I know a thing about marine biology? No but did I eat this up? 10000%
Also funny because I know nothing about PHD’s but they seem to be my fav romances characters! We move.
This was so well written and Charlie! MY BABY! MY HEART. As someone with a physical difference, this felt raw but handled well.
The romance is rivals to lovers aka one of my favourites!!!

Deep In Love follows Charlie, a scientific advisor on the SeaStar research vessel, whose dream job takes a complicated turn when she finds herself stuck working (and living in close quarters) with her nemesis, Mateo. What starts as tension and clashing personalities slowly unravels into something deeper as they’re forced to face not only each other but also their own vulnerabilities.

I really enjoyed the ocean setting (I’m personally a sucker for ANYTHING ocean! Especially deep sea!)—it added a fresh backdrop to the romance—and the dynamic between Charlie and Mateo kept me turning the pages. Their banter felt sharp and fun, while the quieter, more emotional moments gave the story balance. There were a few parts that didn’t fully land for me, but overall, the romance felt genuine and the character growth was done tenderly and beautifully.

Thank you to so much to Nicole Cubba and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Your girl LOVES a STEM rom-com and this one delivered! The banter between Charlie and Mateo was hilarious and the tension was enough to make anyone sweat. Not to mention it included the coveted “only one bed” trope — need I say more?!

This book was not a typical “fluffy” rom-com. I loved that it dove way deeper (pun intended) into Charlie’s relationship with her body image after a tragic past, and how Mateo helped her along that journey.

Mateo was the definition of a golden retriever MMC. Not only was he kind and caring towards Charlie, this man YEARNED. The chocolate he leaves for her every day? The words of affirmation?! His relationship with his abuela being the most adorable thing on earth? This man had me kicking my feet and giggling!

Charlie was a great FMC. She was funny, nerdy, headstrong, and above all relatable. I loved the way she grew throughout the story.

The supporting characters in this book were also wonderful. I’d love to see a story about Amy and Oliver in the future! 👀

Overall, I really enjoyed this one! If you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood or Christina Lauren, I highly suggest you pick up this book. And guess what? It’s out TOMORROW!

Huge thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#Review: *Deep In Love* - Nicole Cubba - ARC [18+]
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️

I was super curious about this book when I saw it on the author's page. Thankfully, I got accepted by Negalley and Nicole to receive this early copy. Thank you!

Mateo and Charlotte 'Charlie' were both scientists, working in the same place. They've started pretty wrong even from their first encounter and they sort of became enemies. Or at least that's what they were from Charlie's point of view. The same thing cannot be said when it came to Mateo, who had a huge crush on Charlie.

When the opportunity to stay 3 weeks on SeaStar vessel for researching purposes, both Charlie and Mateo were delighted to be part of such an amazing experience. What they didn't know from the start was that they will go together and, later on, discovering that they also have to share a room and bed together. Upsii!🤭 Will they be able to overcome their little disagreements in order to enjoy the amazing experience they were blessed with?

I had so much fun with Charlie and Mateo! They were so flustered when they were in each others presence, being always stunned by how amazing the other was. But all that in secret, because they were both afraid of rejection. That was mostly from Charlie's side, because she wasn't too happy about herself and the way she looked after a tragic experience which left her with many scars. But Mateo was super determined and I loved his jealously crises, which were way too sweet. I liked how he always tried to open Charlie's eyes, to make her see beyond the surface and accept what was inside both their hearts.

Even though this book was mostly super fun, it also had some very sensitive subjects in there, about self acceptance, trying to overcome a traumatic event and to see the positive side of life, even though there will always be mean people who would spread negative thoughts.

✨Tropes
#AcademicRivalsToLovers
#HeFallsFirst
#OneBed
#StemRomance
#BoyObsessed
#TragicPast
#OppositesAttract
#ForcedProximity
#WorkplaceRomance
#MentalHealthRep