Just A Fling

A Modern Second-Chance Romance

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Pub Date Apr 05 2023 | Archive Date Dec 31 2023

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Description

**A Publishers Weekly BookLife March 2023 Editor's Pick**

"A sexy tale of undeniable attraction featuring a sensitive hero struggling with past trauma." - Kirkus Reviews

Law student Dawn Mathison’s steamy summer romance with solar developer Callan Marlowe is just a fling…until it isn’t. Swept off her feet–and into lots of different positions–by the sexy Brit, Dawn believes Callan is The One...right until he dumps her.

But that was last summer. Now, she is living her dream with a kick-ass job in New York City and couldn't care less about Callan. Not one bit. Truly.

Callan knows he left Dawn broken-hearted, confused, and pissed off. But, dammit, he doesn't do serious relationships. Not after his past. It doesn't matter anyway because he'll never see Dawn again. Which is for the best. Really.

When a twist of fate brings Callan back into Dawn’s life–and into her office–their sizzling attraction reignites. Maybe this time around, they won't get too serious. But fate has a sense of humor. Because Callan thinks Dawn is The One who can help him. And maybe turn their hot affair into something more?

**A Publishers Weekly BookLife March 2023 Editor's Pick**

"A sexy tale of undeniable attraction featuring a sensitive hero struggling with past trauma." - Kirkus Reviews

Law student Dawn Mathison’s...


Advance Praise

From Publishers Weekly Book Life * March 2023 Editor's Pick*

Grace’s steamy tale follows Dawn and Callan as they discover love’s ability to transform their past, dreams, and future. Dawn, a law student studying abroad in Cambridge, falls for Callan, a local Brit and the CEO of a solar tech company, at their first meeting. The two hit it off immediately, and what begins as a summer fling quickly turns serious—until Callan, fighting his guilt over the traumatic loss of his ex-wife and daughter, gets cold feet. The two drift apart, returning to their respective lives, but a chance encounter reignites their passion and triggers the potential for a future together.

Grace skillfully captures the complexity of love, exploring a strong will-they-or-won’t-they connection. The story sustains that energy through Dawn and Callan’s personal-and professional-ups and downs. When the two throw themselves into work as an antidote for their longing, fate steps in to deal them a twist: Callan’s company hires Dawn’s firm, forcing them to face the truth of their attraction. With that move, Grace breathes new life into Dawn and Callan’s relationship, and this time they’re determined not to lose each other, even if it means they must face their pasts and futures head-on. The vulnerability both are willing to endure is inspiring, particularly Callan’s trauma that both threatens their tenuous reunion and is soothed by his attraction to Dawn.

This romance is a perfect match for readers who relish undeniable chemistry, complex characters, and intimate passion. Every plot point feels compelling and earned, and Grace’s writing is witty and perfectly paced, leaving room for the immersive case amid the page-turning storyline. Both leads experience personal growth as an outward manifestation of their support for one another, and although Callan and Dawn’s initial attraction is exciting, the growth of their flirtation into a deep connection is relatable and accurate to lived experience. This is a knockout romance.

Takeaway: This stellar romance captures love in the midst of the intricacies of healing.

Great for fans of: Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient.

Production grades

Cover: B-

Design and typography: A

Illustrations: N/A

Editing: A

Marketing copy: A

From Publishers Weekly Book Life * March 2023 Editor's Pick*

Grace’s steamy tale follows Dawn and Callan as they discover love’s ability to transform their past, dreams, and future. Dawn, a law...


Marketing Plan

Feel free to post about Just a Fling and tag me! My media kit is below, along with social post graphics. 

Feel free to post about Just a Fling and tag me! My media kit is below, along with social post graphics. 


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781509245864
PRICE $4.99 (USD)
PAGES 314

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
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Average rating from 144 members


Featured Reviews

Rollercoaster of emotion while multiple players push fate to bring together two misdirected and somewhat lost souls. Nothing goes smoothly, and obstacles abound - but the story moves fast as it pulls you along with them, rooting them on. Will they ultimately find what they are looking for?

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This is to die for good! I read this in one sitting and could not get enough, I had to know what was happening next. Loved this so much!
I just reviewed Just A Fling by Katherine Grace. #justafling #NetGalley
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I adored this book! I'm such a sucker for second chance romances, so this one checked ALL the boxes. I appreciated that the author provided the back story of Dawn & Callahan's relationship, to help tie the story all together.

This book has it all. Romance, steamy scenes, working through difficulties, along with some deeper subjects that just make the characters seem relatable.

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy!

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A second change romance that has a bit of mystery? Yes please! Dawn and Callan meet in England and I really enjoyed falling in love with them as they were falling for each other. Then Callan has to go and mess it up because he’s emotionally stunted. Told from third person point of view of both Dawn and Callan, this book will make you fall in love with them, make you hate Callan, and then make you fall in love with Callan all over again. I enjoyed the career aspects of both the characters, especially Dawn. I went through law school and took a bar exam, so I understand her worries about student loans and also waiting to find out bar results. The author put me right back to that moment from MANY years ago. I also enjoyed that Dawn’s character growth. While she seemed to be a bit of a push over in the beginning when it came to Callan, she eventually stands up to him to tell him how she feels. I will say, there is one point in the book that Callan gets really mean and Grace did a great job of making me feel hate for this man, as if he were saying those things to me! It is fast paced and quick read. OH yeah… there’s definitely a bit of spice in this book. I loved it!

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Aww i really enjoyed this one.

These characters were real and flawed and aiming to do better and i liked that.

Pros:
1. I really rooted for both these characters
2. Steamy scenes
3. The characters were making their choices based on real grown-up issues - this wasnt some BS miscommunication trope

Cons:
Nada for me - i would suggest you read it

Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy! I will definitely read this again.

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Just a Fling is a heartfelt and emotional second chance romance. For fans of that trope, Just a Fling is a definite recommend!

When American law student Dawn meets British developer Callan while she’s studying abroad, they both make it clear from the start that they’re only interested in a fling. Dawn because she’s set to return home and Callan because he’s carrying around trauma from a previous relationship. Their affair is hot and heavy, with palpable chemistry that jumps off the page. Time and distance separate them until a chance meeting a year later brings them back into each others lives. Dawn and Callan have to decide for themselves if what they feel is worth the risk.

A well done second chance romance with a decent amount of angst. Open door and several steamy scenes.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

American law student Dawn and British CEO Callan meet in Cambridge and have a summer romance. Dawn develops feelings for Callan and he has emotional trauma that makes him purposely not have relationships anymore. He leaves her broken hearted, as she makes her way back to New York.
Fate brings them together again, both wanting more.

I really enjoyed this book.m! I flew through it in one day. I thought this book had great character growth. I loved Dawn and had a love/hate/love for Callan! There was a lot of personal and professional up and downs and missed communication, which made this book feel very real. This book was emotion, beautifully written, and a little spicy. I love a second chance romance and this was done well!

I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Katherine Grace!

📘: Just a Fling by Katherine Grace
🗓 Pub Date: April 5, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine Grace, and The Wild Rose Press for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads. Will review on retail once published!

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Second chance romance, which is a great, easy read. The author did an amazing job of making the characters feel real and genuine.

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Honestly, this cover wasn't the thing that grabbed me; it was the synopsis that reminded me of those early New Adult romance days of our blog. It looked like it had that love-hate that can really make things entertaining. So while the cover wasn't doing it for me, the two for one story really did.

The story of Dawn and Callan starts in present day--a year after they had an intense summer love affair--and all we know is that something went terribly wrong and Dawn is a bundle of hurt and angry feelings. We quickly learn that Callan carries a lot of guilt and continuing infatuation of Dawn and when he initiates contact, things get tense very fast. After one really heated and angry/sad exchange, we get flung into the backstory, hence the two for one story.

A vast majority of the midsection of this novel shows us the story of how Dawn and Callan met while she was studying abroad in Oxford. Their attraction is instant and what starts as a fun fling-y type thing, it slides into a thing that has growing feelings, much to their consternation. Dawn is really into the idea of continuing the relationship, though hesitant to bring it up due to Callan's weirdness about certain things. And Callan tries very hard to be in denial that this is anything but a fling even though it's glaringly obvious that he cares for her...is probably in love with her but cannot let go of his tragic past to see a future with anyone, including Dawn.

Once we get that story, we return to present day where we understand, now, why she's so pissed and he's so flaky. It seems like normally, this would be where their story zooms to a quick conflict/resolution but Katherine Grace gives us even more story...and I'm really glad she did; I wasn't ready for their story to end. Their present day story isn't any less complicated, though they try to make it easy, and before you know it, they are saying hurtful things and we're back to hurt feelings and silence. All of that builds to a final scene that finally gives these two the happiness they so desperately deserve.

I really enjoyed Just a Fling and am looking forward to the next book in what looks to be a series (maybe Gemma's next?). I appreciated the time and space Katherine Grace gave her characters to allow them to develop.

A great weekend read.

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Such a cute book! I love the cover. It’s so romantic and sexy. Great beach read. Look forward to more books by the author.

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I could not put this book down!

This book goes back and forth between the present day and past relationship of Dawn and Callan. The time lapse is so helpful in understanding their current relationship, or lack of. It created a depth to their relationship which made the story that much better.
I loved the back and forth between them and it wasn't an instant fall in love, happy ending story.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves second chance romances.

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JUST A FLING is a steamy, second-chance love story that gently touches on loss, trauma, and panic. The description drew me in along with the emotional unavailability and baggage the characters Dawn and Callan must learn to navigate, and the book did not disappoint. A fun read for this author’s debut!

Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

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What a pleasant surprise! A Second Chance trope is not something that I would be reading but this one is delightful to read
There's enough angst, steam and mystery in this book.
Dawn is a lawyer interning in one of the reputable firms in New York while waiting for the result of her bar exam. Callan is a British entrepreneur who wants to expand his business in Europe and deal with US investors who appointed lawyers from Dawn's firm to work with. So when they meet each other in NY, all the stories from when Dawn was enrolled in a summer law program in Cambridge last year came out to the surface with full force.
There are two timelines in this book, the summer of last year and the present
Dawn and Callan are both likeable characters, the conflicts are not too crazy, but the pull and push are pretty relatable to whoever has ever been in a fling and long-distance relationship.

There is a little bit of technical error in my kindle in Chapter 14, loc 1988 around 40% mark. The Alignment was off.

Thank you for NetGalley, the Publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

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this book gave me the feels. i was drawn by the title of the book and then i was sucked in completely. really liked this and want to find more of her books.

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I LOVE second chance romances!! Especially when there is a significant gap between when the characters see each other again. I really liked that this was a bit heavier than I was expecting. I loved Dawn and I related to her a lot. Callan was a bit harder to love but by the end I was rooting really hard for him to get his happy ending. Another bonus of this story: it had a legal setting background which I always enjoy, Overall if you’re a second chance lover you should definitely pick this one up!

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The title makes it seem like this will be a light-hearted fun read, but it's so much more. It starts in the present, where you see Dawn and Callan "reconnect" unexpectedly and that leads you to the past to get their whole story - then brings you back to the present to resolve all the things. Dawn is ambitious and career-focused, love an afterthought. Callan is an entrepreneur trying to stay numb to his past - specifically around love. In a cute coffee-house meet cute, they hit it off and start to realize they are uncharacteristically falling for each other. The plot is great, banter is fun, but the story underneath is tragic. So while I was loving all the tension and fun of them getting to know each other, I also was ugly crying at the end. I thought the author did a great job bringing very realistic and sensitive topics around mental health into this book. It doesn't take it over - just gives it a bit more substance. You are drawn into the world of Dawn and Callan so the subplots don't seem as important, but are useful to bring the story along. Overall a great read.

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I always love a second chance romance, I found this story so sweet and it was an easy read. I enjoyed how even though it was in third person, you were able to get both the characters perspectives which drew me in. I love the growth you see between Dawn and Callan. It touches upon experiences that are so real, such as trauma, grief, friendships, work and struggling to figure out where you’re meant to be in life.

I received an arc through NetGalley, for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity as well, Katherine!

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I really liked this book! It started off just a little bit slow, but once it picked up I really enjoyed it and I loved their relationship!

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I really appreciated the dimensions that were put into Dawn and a Allen’s relationship. It wasn’t a basic, surface level relationship. It had real-life ups and downs. Situations that genuinely could cause there to be struggles and a breakdown in a relationship. I feel that the way they navigated their whole relationship felt authentic and realistic, not cookie cutter like most romance novels portray.

My only complaint would be some of the words used when describing intimate moments were pretty cringe. Otherwise, I really liked this book and would recommend it.

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A really funny story with some great characters.
The timeline does play with your head a little but once you get into the story, it all comes together.

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Immediate attraction & flirtatious banter leads to a romance between Callan & Dawn, but is it a fling or a relationship?

This well written book takes you on a journey of second chance romance between 2 relatable MCs, even when told in a 3rd person POV. Switching between Callan & Dawn’s view, there chemistry is palpable and I loved their witty interactions. Plus I was a big fan of the British slang and the way Callan called her ‘Love’ in his British accent (swoon).
Going back in time to their first Cambridge encounter over a year ago & their summer romance, gives an insight into both the MC’s character growth & healing.

Would recommend if you like:
- Second chance romance
- 3rd person POV
- Age Gap
- Instant Chemistry
- Partly workplace romance

Thank you to The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for the chance to read a free advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

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Dawn and Callan have a summer romance while she is studying abroad. They of course fall for each other and hard, but Callan is kinda a jerk about it and emotionally unavailable. Ultimately she returns back to New York where she is interning for a law firm awaiting her boards.

Fast forward when Callan comes to the same law firm for a legal deal when his business is expanding and they run in to each other. Sparks fly. Old feelings surface. The angst is felt and the push pull of them both drew me in. I loved Callan, then hated him, then loved him again. His backstory, which I will not ruin, explains so much. We learn why he is both strong and broken and we get to see him ask for help in healing. This made it so much more than a RomCom or second chance romance. Dawn was a strong character and really grew into her role.

Book is written in two timelines, summer fling and present. Written with both perspectives of Dawn and Callan so you really feel their feelings. What starts off as a fling really develops the story. It is beautifully written. While the flirting and bantering was fun, it had some serious undertones and angst.

Thank you to NetGalley, The Wild Rose Press, and Katherine Grace for the opportunity to read and review the advanced copy of this book. Anticipated publish date 4-3-2023.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Wild Rose Press and Katherine Grace for the opportunity to read an ARC for “Just a Fling”, this is my honest and unpaid review of the book.
This book surprised me. I was expecting the usual romance sort of story I’ve read in countless other books but this one had much more depth. I loved how the characters struggled with making choices, even when they were hard ones to make. These characters had more to them then the average romance novel stock character, these ones had complexity, and it was refreshing. I enjoyed reading their story!

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Y'all this book! I did not want to put it down at all! This second chance romance had all the perfect makings of a good romance. There was a surprise reunion, steamy summer romance, heartbreak, grief and past trauma, as well as professional and self development. I went it this book not knowing what the expect but came out of it with one of my new favorite reads of 2023!

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I loved this book!!! It had all the feels. It was very well written and I loved the characters in the book. I couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in 2 days!! Best book I read all year!!

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Oh boy this book just gutted me. I beautiful story about how complicated real relationships can be with the baggage of the past haunting you. Great book that tugged at my heart string and made me happy cry at the end

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A very cute second chance romance, with some darker themes! Callan put us through the wringer, but he came out on top! Dawn’s character growth throughout the story was so well done. I was also appreciative of Callan’s backstory - it explained so much!

I haven’t read many books in third-person, but I really enjoyed this!

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This book was a extremely well written, second chance (3rd chance) romance. These characters were beautifully flawed in a way that only a reader could love it. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down.
Dawn is a character who reminds me of myself. She is extremely driven and is almost too worried about accolades over her happiness for all firstborn children. She is an extremely relatable character.
Callan on the other hand is dealing with a grief that is almost unimaginable. I think that the author does an extremely good job of describing how grief is felt by a man.

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What a book. I loved it There was so much pain and hope in the book that just messed with my heart. Bill was such a fun character and Gemma is what I hope to become. I loved the progression of the plot, but I think it did move a little too fast, it felt a little insta-love, which is a preference thing. It’s also definitely a new adult romance, not YA, which I do prefer.

Dawn is a great hopeful character who strives for best but because of this she pressures herself a lot. I think she lives with a lot of internalized pressure and it makes a really relatable character because she’s just in her head. She’s a very well-written and strong character. She was just super well done. She could have been tougher on Callan though, I think she was way too easy on him.

Callan had layers, at first he seems happy, but as you get to know him, you see that he’s struggling with his past. He’s been through a difficult thing, and needs to move on, I loved that Dawn pushed him to be better. He needed to understand that he has to face his past to move forward.

Overall, a really wonderful book, but I think the romance is a little overshadowed by the other themes of the book (which isn’t bad). It does deal with grief and depression, so maybe trigger warning. But I really enjoyed reading it and couldn’t put it down! I’m hoping the next book is Gemma’s!

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This story begins with a very attractive British man named Callan who has started his own company and Dawn a law school student studying at Cambridge for the summer. They have a “rom-com” chance meeting at a coffee shop, and the rest is history. They begin a passionate love affair for the summer that has them both questioning their own personal goals and dreams. However, their epic love story isn’t that simple and their summer romance is cut short due to Callan’s tragic past. Fast forward a year and they then run into each other by fate again back in the States unexpectedly. They both realize that they have unfinished business. Secrets are revealed and old wounds begin to heal as Callan faces hard truths, accepts that the past is the past, and allows someone new to show him that he can be happy again without having to forget the people he had lost.

I throughly enjoyed this story. I had never read a second chance romance quit like this. I fell in love with the characters and how they interacted with each other. The way Dawn helped Callan heal from his past was an unique perspective that I hadn’t read before. I also liked the fact that it was semi-realistic and how correctly portrayed grief and how it is unique to each individual. The way a person deals with loss isn’t a universal concept.

I would recommend this book, especially if they wanted a quick light read with a happy ending. The “spice” was also minimal which I thought was refreshing. It allowed me to be able to focus more on the plot which would appeal to more readers. I would classify this as a Young Adult novel.

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What could possibly happen in the chemistry behind summer flings for Dawn and Callan?

Summer fling can be a blast, right? But how awful could it be when after that hot steamy-filled summer loving with one another, then all of a sudden one of you ditches another? It’s a jerk move, I know. But keep yourself calm. This is a second chance romance. So, expect some twists and turns, stressful moments and complicated circumstances.

The book is written in two timelines – summer and the present. It has POV’s of the MC’s. It has helped me to connect easily with the characters; at the same time, their dynamics are enjoyable. It’s convincing for me that Dawn and Callan are really made for each other. Aside from the steamy open-door romance, can I also just share that there are funny moments in between them? I found myself laughing alone while reading this in a coffeeshop. Lucky enough, I was thankful at that time. There were only few customers.

Anyway, this book is actually so much more. It explores different forms of love – self-love, love in between family members, friendships and dysfunctional love. The romance is realistic. It catches a glimpse of a realistic love story that could be relatable to anyone. A realistic love that we can learn from. It also addresses real issues such as climate change, human trafficking and depression.

Overall, the story is well-written by @authorkatherinegrace . The book entertains me well that has made me satisfied until the ending.

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Law student Dawn Mathison thought that her fling with solar developer Callan Marlowe was just a fling, but as they spend more time together, she feels that he is the one. Reorganising her life for him, it all comes crashing down when he dumps her, just as she thinks they are ready to settle down together.
When they meet again, Dawn has an amazing job in New York City and Callan’s company is enlisting Dawn’s firm for its legal processes. Yet, this chance meeting turns into more and Callan begins to rethink his future, even if he might not be able to cope with it all.
The title made me think that this might be a light read, but as I explored the complexity of this story, I found myself captivated. The intensity of Callan’s past is gradually revealed so much so, that I wondered whether this couple could rise above it all. A great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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"Dawn...I am in love with you. Desperately, madly in love with you."
Siri, play Truly Madly Deeply by One Direction.

Thank you NetGalley, The Wild Rose Press, and the author for this ARC!

So...wow. I cried a few times, but the tears came heavy at the end.

Don't be fooled by the title or the cover; this is a deep, angsty romance that breaks your heart and mends it at once. It features grief, and the guilt of letting someone go and moving on. The pain felt very real, as did the conflicted feelings the MMC, Callan, battled with throughout the entirety of the novel.

Dawn is a great character--I actually adore her. She is funny and strong, but a hopeless romantic at heart. She is also wayyyyy more forgiving than I could dream to be.

Callan is charming, and kind, and really gives his all to the people he loves. You can tell. I mean, the man read Dawn's readings on CASE LAW when she was sick, and summarized them for her so she wouldn't be behind on her work--and even took notes by HAND. T'was a very swoon-worthy moment.

He's also a tall, broad, gorgeous, British man. That definitely helps.

"I'm going to kiss you now," Callan said. "Thoroughly."
UGHHH. I don't know why that gets me.

Also, I must say...the spice?? Chef's kiss.

The only critique I have is that sometimes the book was slow-moving because the plot starts to dominate a bit, as do the relationships with the side characters--I think a little more action between them would have been great. But the plus side is that this is strong, solid writing. You can tell the author knows what she's talking about! Also...if it were up to me, there would be at least two more chapters of groveling, but I might just be crazy.

This book comes out tomorrow, April 5th, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a spicy, swoon-worthy romance with depth; this is definitely the one.

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Thank you NetGalley & The Wild Rose Press for this advanced ebook copy of Just A Fling for an honest review. I absolutely thought this was a good easy read. I loved the back and forth between Dawn and Callan and it seemed like real life. I liked the second chance romance aspect and thought Dawn & Gemma were two of my favorite characters. I would definitely recommend.

What I liked:
•second chance romance
•two timelines
•legal aspect
•travel
•characters seemed very real
•loved Dawn’s growth throughout the book
•Dawn’s best friend
•British vibe

What I disliked:
•I did get frustrated at Callan’s character through some of the book
•I wish it would have had a bit more spice
•spice words were less than desirable

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It's been a long time since I found a second chance (or a third chance) that doesn't involve cheating or messy breakups. There are highs and lows, but I can understand where the characters were coming from.

I can really relate with Dawn about her career choices. And Callan's backstory actually made sense and seemed plausible as to why he was holding back. Also, the steam was steaming alright 😌

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and the writing kept me hooked throughout. I like dual pov when written in third person. Great for romance starters who love this trope!

𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁: Pick this one if you love summer flings and second chances 🪄

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Just a fling by Katherine Grace is just what you need for your very own spring fling. It was a delight to read and see a debut novelist get better on every page. If you are inclined to read Colleen Hoover or Emily Henry, then you are going to love this book. The plot is simple, but what Katherine Grace does to make you want to read more should be taught in school. She does a fantastic job of teasing you within the confines of a contemporary modern romance novel. The way she dances back and forth from the will they or won't they is genius and a testament to her writing capabilities. Pick this book up if you are looking for a steamy and sexy book for the spring or summer, but stay for the writer's innate ability to describe things in detail. Whether it was that inevitable sex scene that she teased you forever or her description of activities, such as punting and running, she does a brilliant job at bringing it all together. Every beginner writer who wants to write a romance novel should look at this as a perfect starting point and go from there. It will make you laugh, maybe cry, but definitely leave you wanting more.

To Katherine Grace, herself. If you ever read this or not, just know that you should be incredibly proud of your first novel and it will be much appreciative if you continue to write because you grew on every page I read. It is very hard to get me to read a romance novel, but you managed to make me enjoy myself and read faster than I ever thought I could. Can't wait to see what else you have in store.

Get out there and pick up the book wherever you can. You will not be dissapointed, maybe, just maybe, it will even make you wish you can find your good looking star wars nerd or a six foot tall WNBA star.

Happy Reading.

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Guysssss I finished my first ARC from @netgalley today and feel so accomplished ☺️
Here's my review for JUST A FLING by @authorkatherinegrace which released this week!

Highlights -
🇬🇧 second chance romance
🇬🇧 grumpy x sunshine
🇬🇧 dual POVs + timelines
🇬🇧 British MMC x American FMC

I gave this 4☆ I loved the tropes, the meet cute, and dual timeline so we could get more background into Callan and Dawn's relationship.

🇬🇧 Callan struggled with a mysterious trauma from his past relationship that readers don't fully know the truth of until later in the story. Callan was motivated to work through this for Dawn, but it took some time for him to want to do it for himself. I actually really liked this because mental health treatment/trauma processing does not happen overnight and it was clear it would be an ongoing commitment for him.
🇬🇧 The BFFs in the story were top notch - called bullshit when needed and gave sound advice too.
🇬🇧 HEA but didn't gloss over all the inner work that the two MCs needed to address.
🇬🇧 the epilogue had me in tears! TW for grief/loss and substance use trauma.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review 🇬🇧

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My Thoughts:

Okay, I'm still reeling with emotions after reading this one. 😉🫣🥵😁🤣😭😢😡😭🥰
Dawn and Callan are so perfect for each other, yet so
much stands in their way, like an entire ocean for one.

For most of this story we know Callan was married before
and they are no longer together, we dont know why, but we do
know it will be tragic. When the reason for the wife's absence is revealed? 🫣

Callan has issues, man. I wanted to shake sense into him, still not sure why
exactly Gemma, Sarah and Will didn't , but i get it by the end. We are definitely
rooting for Dawn and Callan to get it together and just be happy.

"Love should be easy. Loving Jane is easy. Love shouldn't be painful. Don't do that."

Love is just crazy. Just a Fling fits right in the craziness.

Read it. You wont be sorry! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 💕💕💕💕💕

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Law student Dawn Mathison’s steamy summer romance with solar developer Callan Marlowe is just a fling…until it isn’t. Swept off her feet–and into lots of different positions–by the sexy Brit, Dawn believes Callan is The One...right until he dumps her.

But that was last summer. Now, she is living her dream with a kick-ass job in New York City and couldn't care less about Callan. Not one bit. Truly.

Callan knows he left Dawn broken-hearted, confused, and pissed off. But, dammit, he doesn't do serious relationships. Not after his past. It doesn't matter anyway because he'll never see Dawn again. Which is for the best. Really.

When a twist of fate brings Callan back into Dawn’s life–and into her office–their sizzling attraction reignites. Maybe this time around, they won't get too serious. But fate has a sense of humor. Because Callan thinks Dawn is The One who can help him. And maybe turn their hot affair into something more?

I love this story. Perfect book palate cleanser. Will recommend this story to others.

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Just a Fling was such a good second chance romance and the main characters Dawn and Callan are so relatable. It was a great read, with a lot of funny, cute and deep emotional moments.

The books is a second chance romance with a then and now timeline that includes deeper subjects and has a bit of spice! This story is deep and is not all fluff which made me like the characters even more. Both characters were well developed and has realistic flaws which makes you feel for and love both of them.

Dawn is a law student that decides to do a semester abroad in England. She has a funny meet cute with Callan and their relationship starts from there. They enjoy a summer romance, just a fling, right? But of course, they start developing feelings and just like that (out of nowhere) Callan dumps her!

A year later, fate brings them face to face as Callan is in New York for business and they have to face everything that happened a year ago...

If you love a second chance romance this is definitely a great one to read. I absolutely adored the cast of characters and believe that the author, Katherine Grace, wrote a great story with tons of heart, great friendships, real every day struggles, a bit of humor and spice and great character development.


Thank you The Wild Rose Press and NetGalley for my e-ARC.

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Dawn is a motivated, driven student. She is working hard to earn a law degree, and has gotten into a Summer session at Cambridge, which should help bolster her resume and lead to a great career. While she is in England, she meets a man called Callan, and they spend the Summer together, knowing that Dawn will leave in the Fall and go back to her life in the states. When we first meet Dawn, this Summer at Cambridge is in the past and she has returned to the states alone. She is now hard at work as an associate at a prestigious law firm, doing a job she hates, hoping to stick it out for a few years until she can pay down her insane amount of student loans. Dawn has found a file needed by her boss for an important meeting, so she brings it to the conference room and finds that one of the people at the table is Callan. Can they reconnect and move forward, or is their relationship doomed to end?

I loved this story. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but I cared so much about Dawn and Callan that I never wanted to get off. I laughed at their snarky conversations, I felt sympathy for their mental health, and I cried a few times. It was a very emotional story, and I was along for the whole ride.

"Callan was the heat, the flame for her. He'd burn her right up, but she'd shine like a star while it happened."

"Her fall for him wasn't candy and roses; it was jumping off a cliff and praying for survival."

"She was his beginning and his end, his sunrise and sunset."

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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“Her fall for him wasn’t candy and roses; it was jumping off a cliff and praying for survival.”

The PERFECT book for Spring! Whether it’s a Spring Break Trip Read or just to get you in the mindset of good and sunny days ahead.

I cannot explain all the feelings I had while reading this book. I started it a week ago and got through the first 4 chapters, but then life got busy until today. I picked it back up today and DEVOURED the remaining 25 chapters.

Katherine Grace has such a beautiful writing style that any contemporary romance enthusiast would appreciate and love. Her ability to balance hard real-life circumstances while also using cute /witty banter and the spicier scenes was enthralling.

The only reason this book did not receive higher than a 4/5 (I personally wished to give it a 4.75/5), was because throughout the book I thought it was a Dual POV and then it would switch to a 3rd person POV which I found to be confusing at times.

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Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: April 5, 2023

Just a fling is a second chance romance told from the main Female Characters POV from now and then perspective.

Dawn Mathison is a driven young woman spending her summer in England to study law at Cambridge University. This is an incredible opportunity for her to get ahead of her studies and focus on her future as a lawyer.

Dawn doesn’t have time for a relationship and certainly isn’t looking for one especially while she is England for a short period of time.

Dawn literally runs into Callan Marlowe at a coffee shop near campus. After spilling hot coffee all over her, Callan can’t seem to get Dawn off his mind.

Callan has his own dark past and has vowed never to get into a long term relation again, it’s not worth it. After all these years of feeling nothing, he can’t deny the spark between him and Dawn.

Dawn and Callan decide they will have a summer fling, no strings attached. They enjoy each other’s company, have incredibly hot sex and with Dawn leaving at the end of the summer, no commitments. Until one of them wants more than the other can give.

I really enjoyed Dawn and Callan’s story. Callan’s history and background story is sad and they way it was woven into the epilogue was really well done. The characters were well developed and I was really rooting for them to make things work. There was some spice but it was sprinkled within the story and was the right amount for what I would expect. This is a four star read for me!

#NetGalley #justafling #katherinegrace

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Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this book. I like how you jump right into the storyline! I really enjoyed getting to read back and forth between past and present. I understood that Callan had past trauma but I just felt like Dawn deserved better than him at times. I truly loved them together though and they definitely make me believe in fate. I loved how accurate the author depicted grief. This was a very intense romance that I enjoyed and would recommend! I went through a rollercoaster of emotions and loved that about it.

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Dawn is an associate at a top-tier law firm in NYC after graduating from law school second in her class. She’s caught off guard one day during a firm meeting when who is there but none other than her steamy British fling from her semester abroad - Callan - a.k.a. the emotional unavailable one that got away. Do you believe in second chances?

This book is written very uniquely because it alternates POVs between Dawn and Callan mid-chapter, mid-scene. I’ve never read a book before that does that, and I absolutely loved it. I also loved how the conflict started early on in the book and it grasped me and drew me in then developed the backstory through dual timelines instead of a long lead up to establish the background which would have been *yawn* fest! As a lawyer, it’s sometimes very difficult to read books that depict law students or lawyers that aren’t accurate. This one was very accurate. It was also relatable and frickin’ hilarious. And don’t forget about steamy too!

Fantastic debut from Katherine. She is a very talented and humorous writer. Can’t wait to read more from her in the future!

Thank you to Katherine, Wild Rose Press, and NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!

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I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun heartfelt journey and the happy ending was perfect! I really enjoyed the characters and the development of the relationship. I would definitely recommend!

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I didn’t want to put it down!


A second-chance romance with a splash of comedy that will no doubt pull at your heart strings.

Dawn… a first year law associate just trying to find her way in a job she hates has her world turned upside down when the one person who broke her heart returns unexpectedly. And I have to add that my girl is TALL! As a tall woman myself, I will always love a book that highlights the MFC being tall (5’10+) and that making her even more attractive!

Callan… the successful business man working to build his company with a dark spot in his past that has him hiding from any sort of love. That is until he runs into (literally) Dawn in a small London coffee shop (yes just like you imagine it playing out in all the rom com movies).

Throughout this book we see their past and present together. We are pulled into the future that could be. And we see how they both just can’t get it together 🤣. But of course this is a HEA so they get it together eventually.

Maybe I’m just a big ol sap but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Katherine Grace did a great job of really making me feel their emotions. Feel their pain, their joy, their struggle, and all the love. The moments that Callan and Dawn share are so stinkin cute and the spice 🥵 was just mmmmmm so good (not too much, not too little, jusssttt right). The drama between these two had me wanting to shake some sense into them both but it was a journey well worth going on. Although there was a moment that I wanted Dawn to go a little harder on Callan, that didn’t deter me from how I feel about this book.

Now I NEED to hear this in audio form with a good Brit to voice Callan (please see this and make it happen Katherine 👀👀)

I can not recommend this enough for anyone who loves second chance romances.


4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for the early copy. ❤️

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The characters in this novel are well-written and relatable, and the chemistry between Dawn and Callan is electric. Their steamy romance is both believable and captivating, and the plot is well-paced, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

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If you love second chance romance then this is the novel for you! It provides a flashback that allowed some context of the relationship. The characters were great but definitely could have gotten a little more detail about them. 3.5/5

-Second chance romance
-Then and now
-Light with darker themes

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I loved this book! I am glad it was a dual POV so we got both Dawn and Callan's perspectives.

Dawn Mathison was an American law student who was over studying in London for a few short months and Callan Marlowe was a solar developer. Dawn and Callan's relationship was steamy from the start when Callan accidently spilt hot coffee on her! Dawn and Callan had a wonderful summer romance. Dawn quickly fell in love with Callan and even tried to find a way to stay in London for longer. However, Callan wanted it to be just a summer fling and had deep issues he needed to work through and thought breaking her heart was for the best.

In a twist of fate, they are reunited a year later with Dawn working at a law firm and the same law firm is working with Callan's solar company. Dawn was understandably annoyed and angry seeing him again!

I am glad he ends up sharing his past with her. It's not smooth sailing but I was happy with the ending. The epilogue was beautiful and had me crying.

Would highly recommend this book! 4 star read from me

Thanks to Netgalley and Katherine Grace for letting me read this book to review. It is entirely my own opinion

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I loved this book! Just a Fling far exceeded my expectations, and was a poignant story that skillfully navigated tough topics. I will definitely be recommending this book to others!

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I really loved this book, the story was great and I really liked the characters. But there was also some things that I disliked, I didn't really like the way the past came into the story and I really wished Callan worked on his issues before doing all of this to Dawn.

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This was such a good read. I read it in one sitting. What a rollercoaster of emotions this took me on.

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GENERAL INFO

Year Pub: 4/5/23

Date read: 5/22/23

Format: Kindle

Source: e-ARC- I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Page Count: 278

Setting: NY

Genre: Rom-Com, Contemporary Romance

Tropes: 2nd chance romance, office romance, enemies to lovers

Standalone/Cliffhanger/Part of a Series: standalone

HEA/HFN ending: HEA

Epilogue Included: yes, 2 years later

Character(s)POV Spoken: H Callan and h Dawn-alternating chapters and timelines

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Dawn Mathison is a law student working at one of the most prestigious firms-White & Halston LLP. She is driven to be the best, but things aren't going too well. Not to mention, in walks the man who broke her heart with no explanation-Callan Marlowe. A twist of fate have them working together. Will Dawn give him another chance or protect her heart and forget him?

M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F

Representation: law students and lawyers

Flashbacks: yes, the story goes back and forth between the previous year in England where Dawn and Callan met to their current relationship.

Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : Callan is jealous of Kurt-an associate lawyer at the firm who likes Dawn.

Amount of Sex In The Book: enough

Overall Smex Rating: 3

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Hero: Callan Marlowe

Hero Description: 30, British solar developer w/ his own business Green Solar. He had a summer fling w/ Dawn. Comes to her law firm for investors meeting. He doesn't do relationships, marriage, or kids since "the incident" with his ex-wife.

Hero Likability Rating: 3

Heroine: Dawn Mathison

Heroine Description: 25, from Alabama, currently a law student working at a firm she hates. Callan broke up w/ her a year ago and has made no contact since.

Heroine Likability Rating: 4

Secondary characters:
Jane-Dawn's bff, still lives in AL w/ bf Todd
Mr. White-Dawn's boss
Gemma-chief legal office @Green Solar. Callan's friend
Bill White Sr.-Started the firm Dawn and Callan are working at
Will and Sarah-Callan's childhood friends getting married

AUTHOR OVERVIEW
Katherine Grace
New or read before & any favorites: new author

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 4*

Do You Recommend This Book: yes

Will You Re-read This Book: yes

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

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What can I say that hasn't been said? A Second chance romance that you cannot put down! This one is totally worth your time. it is all that you would expect from this genre. Lots of heart and ups and down...but just lovely

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She’s in England for her student exchange program in law when she has a meet cute.
He’s a super tall, hunky Brit that has her swooning from the start. But he can’t commit, his past has secrets that have his mind screaming “it’s just a fling” but he can’t get her out of his mind even when she returns to NYC.

A beautiful story about tragic loss and second chances. You will be mesmerized with this truly addictive steamy romance. It’s very hard to put this book down, a must read romance.
I love love loved it!

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Just finished this one and had to write a review right away! (I still have some other reviews to write).

Loved, loved, loved this book! I might be a little biased because of the lawyer theme, but honestly that wasn’t even a major plot in the book. Well, kinda is, kinda not.

Dawn and Callan were perfect for each other from the moment they met! Obviously like any romance novel they have to go through some things…(who wants to read a romance novel with no drama?) but they come out the other side stronger together.

Dawn has always wanted to be the best at everything. She is a second year law student spending the summer in the UK studying law to gain some edge over her competition in law school (darn you Mae-Lin!) What she doesn’t expect is to run into (literally) the most amazingly handsome Brit Callum Marlowe.

Dawn’s summer turns into a whirlwind love affair with Callum, but he’s got his own secrets, which eventually tear them apart.

Fate is funny and keeps throwing them together.

Dawn was heartbroken after her summer ended and she left the UK to return to DC to work for White & Halston. Her only worries now are passing the bar and landing an associates position to start paying off her student loans….but….

She can’t stop thinking about a certain Brit….and then who should end up in the very office that Dawn is working at…..

Can they rekindle what was left of their romance? Can Callum open up and share his secrets?

Read and find out!!

Seriously, sitting at work and I can stop thinking about this book.

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"Just a Fling" by Katherine Grace is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and second chances. Following Dawn Mathison, a bright law student, and Callan Marlowe, a charming British solar developer, the narrative is beautifully crafted with dual POV, oscillating between past and present timelines. While the change in perspective mid-chapter took some getting used to, it added a layer of depth to both characters and their struggles.

The romantic spark between Dawn and Callan is compelling and complicated, with a past summer fling turning into something more substantial when fate brings them back together. Grace's portrayal of Callan's past trauma was particularly poignant, adding a layer of complexity to his character that was both frustrating and endearing. His journey toward healing and acceptance was profoundly moving.

The characters' professional and personal development was seamlessly woven into the narrative, giving their romance a grounded and authentic feel. Dawn's strength and determination were admirable, and her evolution from a fling to a pillar of support for Callan was wonderfully portrayed. Grace doesn't shy away from the heavier aspects of life, deftly balancing the light-hearted banter and flirtation with more serious themes.

But what set "Just a Fling" apart for me was the depth of emotion and realism injected into the narrative. From the vibrant descriptions of Cambridge to the bustling energy of NYC, the settings were atmospheric and evocative. The thoughtful integration of mental health issues also added a unique dimension to the story without overshadowing the romance.

"Just a Fling" is a well-rounded and engrossing read that goes beyond the traditional romance novel. With endearing characters, an engaging plot, and a thoughtful exploration of deeper themes, it's an enjoyable journey. Thank you, NetGalley, Wild Rose Press, and Katherine Grace, for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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I was instantly hooked to this book, from the beginning. Callan and Dawn have instant connection and fire.... then when her summer is up with a summer abroad things do not go as planned without any notes or explanation. Fast forward Dawn is in board room entering a meeting and comes face to face with Callan 1 year later. da da da......
The connection is still there but the hurt is lingering.... can Dawn continue with a fling or turn her back for good?
highly recommend!
4.5 stars

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Butterflies, sad tears, chemistry, happy tears, international adventures and the best found family in their corners. . .Dawn and Callan's romance is a bit of a roller coaster right from their meet cute, through the 3rd act before finally getting to the HEA. And y'all I was so invested and their story hit me in alllll the feels. The sweet moments, the emotional moments, the heart wrenching moments and the grand gesture moment 🥰🫠😭🫠😍, I was here for all of it, it was just SO good.


Thank you Netgalley and The Wild Rose Press for the ARC in exchange for my review!

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Dawn and Callan’s was such an emotional journey. When they were together, they just clicked with perfect chemistry and had sweet moments together, but Callan’s heartwrenching background and struggles held their relationship back from evolving. Both Dawn and Callan needed to learn some lessons. Dawn needed to figure out who she wanted to be and needed to stop being such an overachiever, while Callan had to learn to cope with his past, needed to forgive himself, to take care of himself and heal. It’s a beautiful story about second chances and I willingly recommend it to those who don’t shy away from a bit of heavier emotional themes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.

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Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free e-copy of the book to read.

I expected it to be a light and fun read on the basis of the name. Guess what, it's not!

- Since I'm a sucker of emotional books it was a treat to read.
- The main characters are so realistic, relatable and matured that it's not possible to hate them or their decisions.
- Loved the character of Jane (the best friend of the FMC).
- The epilogue is so heart-touching.
- Glad that the author mentioned issues like child trafficking, mental health etc.
- I found some chapters being unnecessarily landy, specially those containing the feelings of the main characters, repeating the same things that had been mentioned 2-3 chapters earlier.

Overall I loved the story and had a great time reading it.

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Stellar. Amazing, Wonderful. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this ARC by Katherine Grace. Just A Fling was a fast-paced story of love, loss, and forgiveness. It follows Dawn Mathison's steamy and extremely complicated fling with Callan Mawlowe...and the pain that follows when she realizes that she wants more than just a fling. But will the two lovers be able to overcome distance, jobs, and past traumas? Or will they instead part ways forever?

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It was such a cute read, and I finished it so quickly because I just never wanted to put it down. There were a few times that the dialogue or the text messages felt a little choppy, but other than that I was in love with this book. If you like on-and-off, forced proximity romances with plenty of semi-censored spice, then this is the book for you. I can't wait until it's released on April 5 so I can share it with all of my friends!

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Just a Fling 💋

I have spent my Sunday curled up in the same spot with my favourite mug of coffee and stormed through this cheeky second (or third) chance romance.

Blurb 💋

Law student Dawn Mathison's steamy summer romance with solar developer Callan Marlowe is just a fling...until it isn't. Swept off her feet-and into lots of different positions-by the sexy Brit, Dawn believes Callan is The One...right until he dumps her. But that was last summer. Now, she is living her dream and couldn't care less about Callan. Not one bit. Truly. Callan left Dawn broken-hearted, confused, and pissed-off. But, dammit, he doesn't do serious relationships. Not after his past. It doesn't matter anyway because he'll never see Dawn again. Which is for the best. Really. When a twist of fate brings Callan back into Dawn's life-and into her office-their sizzling attraction reignites. Maybe this time around, they won't get too serious. But fate has a sense of humor. Because Callan thinks Dawn is The One who can help him. And maybe turn their hot affair into something more?

💋
This book was very enaging and I loved the main characters and their friends! I liked how they were always routing for them and the gave very good advice. Where can I get my own Jane?

The writing was engaging and the chapters were perfect length to keep the reader engaged whilst giving them enough information to be up to date with the characters movements.

I was shocked by the MMC’s secret that is revealed half way through and I loved how the writer handled that very sensitively.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you like second chance romances with a little bit of 🌶️ and a very engaging plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wild Rose Press for the opportunity to read and review this book 💋

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Just A Fling by Katherine Grace is a wonderful second chance romance story.
The romance in the book was so heartwarming.
I adored both characters who are struggling with past trauma.
This story was so emotional, riveting and gripping.
And I thought Grace did an excellent job at the storytelling and bringing these characters to life.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

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Dawn is in England for a law student exchange program where she has a meet cute. Calan is a tall, hunky Brit that has her swooning from the first moment. But he can’t commit, his past has secrets that have his mind screaming that what they have is “just a fling” but they can’t get each other out of their minds even when they part ways.

This turned out to be a cute second hand romance I highly enjoyed. I loved the way the relationship between Dawn and Calan worked and how well written their chemistry was written. One of my favorite parts would also have to be the relationship the characters have with their families and friends as I feel it added an extra layer of interest in the story.

Calan and Dawns scenes were really fun to read and there were dark topics discussed but I feel like they were dealt with really well. All In all I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun fast paced read.

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I loved this book! I loved how they fell in love in the beginning but then he couldn't do it because of personal reasons. I loved learning about his secrets and the ending was a twist but it was amazing.

Thank you to the publisher, author and netgalley for allowing me to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Instagram review on @teach.travel.read

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This book kept me on my toes, cheering for a "happy ending." Through the twists and turns of character development, I very much enjoyed this easy read. I appreciate the mentality of the main character being strong enough to be okay without Callan, opposed to the traditional mindset that the heroine will fall apart without her male counterpart. It may have just been the platform I used(Kindle), but there were some formatting issues on the first page(Chapter 1) and spelling error of best in chapter 7.

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Whether you're a fan of romance novels or just seeking a poignant and beautifully crafted story, thisis a must-read that will leave you with a warm and hopeful feeling, even after the final page has been turned.

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Just a Fling
Written By Katherine Grace
Publisher The Wild Rose Press
Release Date April 15, 2023

Characters:
Plot:
Pace:
Overall Enjoyment:


A modern second chance novel….. hmmm. I am not normally one you will find reading a romance.genre book, but when I read the blurb for this book, I just really wanted to read it. I am so glad that I did.

Dawn Mathison and Callan Marlowe have had a summer of steamy fun with their fling relationship. Then something happens….feelings. She believes that Callan is the one she wants to be with forever. That is until he breaks things off and breaks her heart. That was last year!

Dawn now lives in New York City and has a job that every Lawyer wants and as far as Callan goes…..she has never looked back an he is just a memory. The thing is, Callan does not really want a serious relationship. Especially not after the last girlfriend he hadr. He knows that Dawn was hurt and angry by what he did but…..as luck would have it he enters her office and that spark is ther again. However, Dawn certainly does not want to see him. Callan knows he made a huge mistake but can he win her heart back and right the wrongs that have occurred between them?

Grace has taken a heartbreak and turned it into an amazing love story that proves that if you just give a little bit, you could get a whole lot in the end. I was rooting for this relationship from the start because you could certainly feel the connection the two characters had and the build up from the start is what makes this book even better.

5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me a copy to read in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

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Second chance romances re not up very high on my usual favorite trope list. That is unless it’s done right. This one… was so right! I finished this book in record time. I never got bored, my attention was laser focused. Simple and understandable writing. It is real and relatable. So many real life issues are portrayed in this book and I feel like it just made me connect so much easier, and so much better with the characters. It’s not far fetched at all. This literally would make sense as if someone named Dawn were telling you their past romance history. I laughed, I cried, I rode out those highs and lows as though I’ve lived them. Katherine Grace had a way of showing her readers a way to relate to these characters and their traumas, experiences, and emotions. I felt so much while reading this book and I just could NOT put it down. Bravo! I absolutely recommend!

I received this book for free from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own.

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Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

What a good story.

I love second chance romances. I love to go on the journey with Callan and Dawn and followi them through their ups and downs. I am sure everyone can relate. I wonder whats next for these two.

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I absolutely loved this book from the get go. From the first chapter I adored Dawn. She was funny, smart and so relatable. Callan is our broken charming hero and at times I felt like yelling at him but at times I felt Iike hugging him too.
Dawn and Callan meet in Cambridge where she is taking summer course for law and he is attending his best friends' wedding. They had sizzling summer fling and Dawn fells head over heels in love with him but Callan due to his baggages breaks her heart and lets her go. One year later, fate brings them together again, when Callan visits New York for his business. Once again they get a chance to rekindle thier love but is Callan willing to let go his baggage and hold Dawn.
This book is so much more then a second chance romance. Definitely a must read !

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I love a good second chance romance! The characters were very likeable I love Dawn and Callan's relationship
I haven't ever read anything by this author and I was just scrolling through net galley and stumbled upon this book and I am so glad I did. It was a very enjoyable second hand romance. I got sucked in and went on a rollercoaster of emotions, which I love when that happens when I am reading.

Such a cute good romance you should definitely give it a read!
Can't wait to see what the author does next!

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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Just a Fling is a story about a second chance at love, forgiveness and learning to coup with your past. Dawn and Callan have a meet-cute at the coffee shop while she’s studying abroad. He’s a bit of a grump at times and they definitely have a rollercoaster love affair. He broke her heart the year before and then he suddenly is back in her life again through work. I was definitely rooting for these two characters. I enjoyed the plot and overall it was a good read.

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This is a good book. The two main characters are Dawn and Callan. Dawn goes to England for the summer for studying abroad. There she meets Callan at a coffee shop. There is an instant attraction. They start dating. Then at the end of summer Dawn went back to her university. They meet up again in New York after Dawn graduates. They start dating again. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

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This was a beautifully written second chance story about dealing with tragic loss and letting yourself heal. Dawn is a law student and goes to England for the summer through her student exchange program. While there, she meets Callan, and they have one amazing, hot summer fling and fall in love, but then he just leaves her. Dawn had really thought he was the one. Dawn's heart has mended now, but they meet again when she is back in New York, living her best life with her dream job. Callan is a broken man with a tragic past, and he just doesn't do relationships. He hasn't told Dawn any of his past, but he thinks Dawn is the one for him. Callan wants Dawn back and is motivated to work through his issues with his past. Their story gets more emotional as they break up and get back together a number of times. Dawn can help him heal and move on, but will he let her?
A great story with interesting characters that had me engaged from start to finish. Glad to have had the chance to read this.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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I was taken aback at how it started but once I kept reading I was sucked right in and couldn't put it down. Good flow to the story of Callan and Dawn with some good supporting characters who definitely added humor all wrapped with some good spicy bits as well. I really enjoyed how the story came together and how all the interesting parts that I scratched my head on, all fell into place. I would absolutely recommend and will be reading again.

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Just A Fling is a amazingly beautiful second chance romance with love and loss. Dawn is in school studying for a degree in the field of law along with currently being in a student exchange program in law. During this time she meets a cute solar developer named Callahan. Callahan is adoringly cute, tall and hunky brit with an amazing accent. He is known for not committing in relationships and self sabotaging himself by refusing to let himself be happy. Callahan dumps Dawn after a summer filled with love and passion. Dawn and Callahan's future after not speaking to each other comes colliding through their current jobs. Just a fling has a dual timelines current time as well as flashbacks. This was such a great steamy, addictive, second chance romance. I loved every minute of reading this novel.

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I liked this book! Written in 2 timelines from the perspective of both Dawn and Callan, the 2 MC. I really loved getting to know them, and really enjoyed their banter and the way they worked through the issues they each had in order to be together. I am typically not a fan of 2nd chance romance books, but this one pulled me in! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

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This cover is beyond adorable and screams valentines day! I love second chance romances SO MUCH and I enjoyed this one so very much! I also really enjoyed the little bit of mystery we got, too! The meet cute was SO SO swoon worthy and I loved Dawn and Callum! The writing was engaging and made this read so enjoyable! Oh - and the spice was spicin'! :)

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Grace has crafted quite an undeniably beautiful book with imperfect characters you will both relate to and root for. Plus, I so loved the second chance trope in it, made it so angsty!

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4/5 stars.

Thanks to net galley for this ARC.

It took me a while to get into this book solely because at the beginning don’t get a good understanding of how Dawn and Callan meet. While I usually don’t mind second chance books, for me the backstory needs to be introduced first so there is a solid foundation we are building the story off of. Once I got into it, I got sucked!! It was very good

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I zoomed through this book and for good reason! It was such an easy read filled with the perfect amount of angst and romance that kept me flicking pages until I had reached the end.

I’m not normally a fan of second chance romances but I’m so glad I gave this one a chance, and I recommend others to give it a go too!

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Thank you to netgalley for sending me this arc and allowing me to read it and review it.

This was so cute and i feel in love with the plot, characters and overall vibe. I will be gifting this to friends as of 2024 so we can all gush over how cute this book was.

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