Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an advance listening copy of #WeMetLikeThis. After a disappointing first date, the main characters continue to match and chat through the apps. Great banter. 5 stars.

I love a good prologue, but a SPICY one? SIGN ME TF UP!

I've read basically everything that Kasie West has written and I am excited that I got a chance to read her first adult book early. I DEVOURED IT! Everything about it gave me classic Kasie while also catering to this more mature audience. The spice was hot. The banter was amazing. The plot was interesting and made me want to know what would happen next. This take on dating apps I had never read before and that was also refreshing. I just really enjoyed their story. Plus I always appreciate a book that I don't want to put down and that makes me laugh. Romcoms have my heart!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I could not turn this audiobook off! The further I got into We Met Like This, the more I wanted to keep going—so much so that I devoured it in just two days!

Let's face it, love is hard, and it’s not always as easy for some as it seems for others. As someone who once had to navigate the dating scene after divorce at 35, I totally relate to the frustrations and questionable characters on dating apps. Kasie West captures that reality beautifully, making the story feel authentic and relatable.

Some might think the book is too "steamy," but honestly, it starts with a descriptive adult encounter that sets the tone. If you're someone who can relate to modern dating or enjoy a semi-steamy romance, this won't offend you. The steamy scenes are well-balanced and only appear a couple of times—when it gets truly hot and heavy, it’s impactful but not overwhelming. Overall, it's a delightful blend of romance, humor, and just a touch of sexiness.

The audiobook experience was fantastic—the narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I’d happily listen to her again!

What I loved most was how the protagonist, Margot, evolves throughout the story. She’s genuinely likable, and her journey towards understanding healthy relationships, self-worth, and personal growth is inspiring and heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartfelt, humorous romance with a bit of spice. It’s perfect for hopeless romantics and anyone looking for a relatable, uplifting story. This was my first Kasie West book, and I’m already excited to read more of her work!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went into We Met Like This expecting literary fiction (the cover had me fooled!) and was delighted to discover a sharp, funny, and heartfelt romance instead. What a treat.

This book has so many of my favorite things woven in: the snappy, witty banter that makes you grin while reading; the playful chaos of online dating (which I’ve never tried myself, but I loved experiencing vicariously); and a peek behind the curtain of the publishing world, with all of its quirks, egos, and unspoken rules. The workplace politics felt spot-on — frustrating at times, but incredibly relatable. And the complicated sister dynamic? Equal parts familiar, painful, and real in a way that made the story resonate even more.

The pacing keeps you hooked, and the characters feel like people you’d want to grab coffee with (or maybe gossip with over cocktails). It’s the kind of book that energizes you as you read — addictive, fun, and brimming with heart. Definitely one I’d like to collect and revisit whenever I need a boost.

Special shoutout to Katie Bloomwood’s narration on audio: absolute perfection. She captures the humor and nuance so beautifully that the story feels even more alive.

Big thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC. Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a romance that’s clever, refreshing, and just plain fun.

Oh my goodness, how adorable was this book. I loved the premise of people constantly matching on dating apps even though they had a bad first date. Margot and Oliver's interactions were such a nice progression once their initial interaction took place. His more reserved and calm character was a nice foil to her exuberance and dreamer-like personality. There was a fun twist that added some drama, but there is a HEA guaranteed!

This is what romantic comedies are supposed to feel like. It was light, had feeling, lots of banter/one liners, and a HEA. Plus it had a twist I actually didn’t see coming.

I devoured this in half a day. Katie Bloomwood did a fantastic job narrating. Although I prefer a dual pov so that the male lead reads the male lines, this book obviously didn’t have that. It was in a single pov and the “male voice” she used wasn’t off putting like some I’ve listened to. Her reading kept me engaged and had just enough emotion to not be overbearing. Overall great audio!

WAIT - this is an adult romance debut?! I had no idea. This is a new author to me and I truly enjoyed her writing. I’m not a YA girly but I would totally read more adult romance from her! I’m seeing this wasn’t expected (or necessarily embraced) by her previous readers which is sad, but I get it. If you’re a closed door reader, this one ain’t for you - sorry ✌🏻

With that being said - this book was on the milder side of spice for me. So even though it starts off with a bang (ha) it really isn’t super descriptive or over the top. Sex is alluded to quite often, mostly in a joking manner, but it’s really not on page very often. If anything, it’s a good book to dip your toe in the water after reading mostly YA.

I could’ve done with more spice, of course. I wasn’t all that convinced of their physical “chemistry” due to the lack of heated moments between the two, but their banter was top notch. Verbal foreplay rates up there with physical foreplay if you ask me 🤷‍♀️

Tropes include: <i>Cinnamon Roll Hero, Dating App Meet Cute, Opposites Attract, Romance Loving FMC</i>

Some details I loved:
* Awkward first dates 😳
* Smut on the first page 🌶️
* Dating app message fails 💬
* Margot’s messiness (like as a person)

Overall story was good! I’m picky, so I thought some parts were a little fluffy and could’ve been cut or slimmed down. Although I liked some of the secondary characters, I wasn’t a fan of a few. Which was the point, I know. But when you’re trying to redeem someone by the end that feels irredeemable - that’s a tough sell.

I loved Oliver but I wanted to know MORE. Maybe it’s my propensity to read dual povs, so I know the MMCs a little better, but I just felt like his character could’ve used a bit of development from just “a good guy who kisses well”. He shows growth but there’s just something missing where I didn’t feel that same pull toward an MMC that I love.

Although I saw the conflict coming from 300 miles away, the way it was done made it surprising. If you’re going to write a predictable reveal/third act, this is the way to do it. Could it have used a bit more development before all is patched up? Sure. Would I have been able to look past everything? Nope 🙂‍↔️ But true love prevails and all that.

I think the cover is absolutely beautiful but I’m not really sure it gets across what the book is about. Kind of missed an opportunity to do something cute with dating app related art and instead chose such a minuscule part of their story to highlight.

This is a fun read chock-full of comical moments and so much drama. It’s giving YA with some heat. I’d bring this with me on vacation in a heartbeat. Definitely worth a read.


The Basics:
Tech Contractor?? Unsure 💻 // Literary Agent 💕📝
1st Person Single POV
Standalone
Narrated by: Katie Bloomwood
HEA 🖤 + epilogue
🌶️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio | Saturday Books for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🤍🎧

3.5⭐️ This was cute… and I think that was the goal. I think k I’m trying to marry in my mind the blending of “meet cute” with spice as it doesn’t fully work. Now the spice is mediocre at best and at times a bit cringy but I’m sure for readers that prefer the cute and don’t read any open door spice they will be clutching their pearls—probably in protestation.

The cute vibe was accentuated with Katie Bloomwood’s narration with the lilt at the end of her phrasing. She did a good job however as in this case it matches the character. She also did a serviceable job with the other characters, changing her voice to suit their characterization. Overall the production itself was wonderful. I always enjoy the opening jingle that Macmillan Audio has on their audiobooks. It always pairs nicely with the prose and sets the mood for the read.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

For this being my first book by Kasie West, it was such a great experience. After finishing the audiobook, I found out that she usually writes YA romance, so I’ll be checking those out next.

The banter between the leads—the on-and-off of being in each other’s lives through dating apps—was well done. The way they talked so easily with one another was sweet and felt natural, making their connection believable and heartwarming.

The spicy moments and the dramatic, messy ones were equally fun and perfectly suited to the characters. Narrator Katie Bloomwood was wonderful too—her relaxing voice made it the perfect audiobook for a cozy day of listening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!