This was my first ARC that I signed up for and received. I was so excited to get approved to read this book from Netgalley. What drew me in to the book at first was it's cover. It had a dog on it. I have a dog myself and anytime I see a book with a dog on the cover I definitely look into it more. After reading the book description I found out it was about vets and a reality TV show which obviously sounds like a interesting combo. My sister is in school for becoming a vet and with me loving animals I was just drawn to wanting to read it.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I rated it 4/5 stars. Amber and Ian are both interesting characters and have unique personality that make them both likeable and annoying at times. I like how Amber was the grump and Ian was the sunshine in the story. Most of the time it's the other way around in romance books. Amber is rough around the edges but deep down just wants ti be loved like everyone else. Ian is the understanding, charming and loveable guy that fall head over feet for Amber and is willing to do whatever to show her that. I love how fast pace and easy the book was to read. I recommend reading this book if your a animal lover, like enemies to lovers, second chances, family connections and rom-com. I would definitely read a sequel to this book or any other books by Zoe Forward!

Thank you again to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

thank you netgalley for this arc, first and foremost. I thought this would be right up my alley. in some ways, it was. I loved how the girl was grumpy instead of the guy, I dont often see that in books. Also, the veterinary world was fascinating. Also a rare setting for a romance book. Some of it was very cliche, very cringe but in the end I enjoyed it so much.

My first book by Zoe Forward and I could tell straightaway she is an experienced author...and a veterinarian! All these wonderful scenes with animal patients (sometimes cute, sometimes heartbreakingly tragic, always realistic)- they must have been based on Zoe's real life experience. Trust me, they were one of the best aspects of the book.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is full of tension and passion by definition, but here we have two ER vets with an unresolved conflict from college time being forced into fake dating on national TV, and you know it's a perfect recipe for lots and lots of drama. Add the snark, general grumpiness and (in my opinion justified) Olympic level grudge-holding ability of one of the protagonists and the easygoing 'sunshine' of the other one-no wonder sparks do fly!

Dr Amber Hardin might come across as prickly, but when it comes to saving animal lives, she is one of the best. The ER clinic where she's finishing her residency year needs to bring in money and does it by hosting a reality TV show. Amber is contractually obligated to be on camera 30% of her working time. . When her 'old nemesis' Ian Todd is brought in on the show, Amber knows she will have to endure working with him for a few months, but then the stakes are raised, as the producers would like Ian to become Amber's love interest. Our protagonists have their reasons for complying with this request, although it certainly makes their relationship super complicated. Ian genuinely likes and respects Amber and would love to get a second chance with her, while Amber struggles working out what is true and what is there just for the sake of rolling cameras.

I liked the protagonists. Despite her grumpy, '#NoFilter' reputation, Amber is very truthful, loyal, and down-to-earth person, while there's definitely more to Ian than just his good looks and bright smiles. Whatever happened in the past to drive these two apart, they have a lot in common in terms of their values and their life outlook (their background couldn't have been more different). They are much more friends-who-are-bound-to-become-lovers than enemies, and it worked for me. I loved their first date! I wish the secondary characters were more developed, though. There was a lot of potential with Amber's siblings, each of whom could be a star of their own book.

Who would I recommend this book to? Obviously anyone who loves animals and reality TV! It's an easy, entertaining book with likeable protagonists and a perfect happy ending. Hope Zoe Forward turns it into a series and tells us more about Bruno, Joley, Marino, and Nabi.

3.5

I thought the book was cute and funny at times. The characters were were funny. I however didn’t like the plot there wasn’t much of one to me. I was a little disappointed. It just wasn’t for me.

Me gustó bastante el libro. Era entretenido y rápido de leer. Y el tema del reality daba pie a muchas situaciones entretenidas.
Sin embargo, siento que la linea de la historia y los sentimientos de los personajes a veces no eran coherentes entre los capítulos. De un momento a otro, las cosas pasaban muy rápido y cambiaban demasiado entonces sentía que no tenía tiempo de procesar lo que había pasado y si seguía leyendo las cosas volvían a cambiar.
En términos de los cliches, es una buena relación falsa pero no me convenció el enemies to lovers.
En cuanto a Amber, me encanto como personaje. Me gusto su background story, su personalidad, que defendiera tanto a sus pacientes y que en ningún momento se dejara pasar a llevar.
Ian, también me gustó, pero no hay nada muy memorable sobre él.
En cuanto a los dos como pareja, me gustaron pero siento que me falto sentir química entre ellos. Eso falto mucho e hizo que la historia no resaltara para mí. Lo que sí resto es que desde el inicio eran honestos con como se iban sintiendo, y como se iban sintiendo con las situaciones y que confiaban el uno en el otro.

The premise caught my attention when I first read the blurb--enemies-to-lovers in a fake relationship all playing out on live TV. Sounded like an entertaining read to me. Thankfully, the author delivered on that front. The overall story was engaging and the main and secondary characters were interesting to get to know.

I liked Amber. She was feisty, smart and funny. I liked that she was confident yet vulnerable at times. Not gonna lie--she was a little much at times and it took a while for me to warm up to her. I did like her for Ian though. He was charming, handsome and a flirt, but he was also understanding and caring when it came to Amber. Sure, they bickered like crazy, but through it all their attraction and chemistry never stopped making themselves known.

I do feel like something was missing in their romance. Most times I really didn't get a sense of connection between Amber and Ian. Perhaps because I was told about their time together in the past and not experienced it for myself. Or because there weren't enough heart-to-heart moments in the present to justify moving from "fake" to "real". The few candid conversations they shared in the present--away from the cameras--were a treat for me because it felt like they were really reconnecting and growing closer. Unlike when they were in front of the cameras or other people because it was what was expected of them.

All in all, a fun, entertaining read.

ARC REVIEW FOR DOC SHOWMANCE

2.5 stars (rounded to 3 stars)

Thank you to Netgalley and Zoe Forward for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

When the book started I thought to myself "Oh wow- this is gonna be good!" The details of being a vet, the badassery (technical term) of Amber, the witty dialogue- I thought I was going to love this book. Even the back and forth anger/hatred/whathaveyou with Ian was great. it came out of the gate and really felt like I was going to love these characters. However, as SOON as they started their fake dating, it went downhill... REALLY QUICK. And outside of Amber, the other characters just felt underdeveloped.

The dialogue was lackluster. The story, especially the part with Ian's family felt forced (although it was for the storyline, it even felt forced from the writing perspective.) Some of the characters added later on in the story just had no substance. I ended up being disappointed and then sad because the last 50% of the book did not live up to any sort of expectation that the first 50% set.

I wanted to love this book. I wanted to love this book SO BAD. A veterinary romance? SIGN ME UP! The concept was there...the execution left a few things to be desired.

It was cute, and funny! I like the characters, and it definitely a nice and easy read. I give it 4 stars as sometimes the plot was not as good as I would hope it to be and it felt a little to predictable

I definitely enjoyed this book! I love the combination of the enemies to lovers and forced proximity trope! I really enjoyed the banter between the characters and I especially liked Amber. Not the spiciest but still a super great book!

If you couldn’t already tell by the title this is a reality tv show romance but not your typical tv show romance starring Amber our grump and Ian our sunshine. An enemies turned in to lovers two vet techs get the opportunity to rekindle a bud that was squashed years before. I absolutely loved this book it is a very light easy read not only is Amber passionate about the animals she treats but also the family she has created. Ian is a wildlife vet tech and is hesitant to take on the new show his agent is pushing on him, once he realizes he’ll be starring with his ex vet tech partner he had in school he is more than on board. As much as Amber tries to deny the growing tension and chemistry between the two it’s laugh out loud funny and steamy as they each try to navigate what’s real between them and what’s just a showmance for the cameras.

3.5⭐

Perfect for fans of Sophie Sullivan and Tessa Bailey. Enemies to lovers, fake dating, and some serious spice!

Amber is a no-no sense ER Vet on a reality show.

Ian is an exotic vet on a reality show.

They went to vet school together and were epic rivals. When Ian's agent lands him a brief stint on Amber's show, she can't believe her eyes. Her enemy is invading her space, and on live TV. When the producers get wind of their intense chemistry, they plan a fake dating scheme to boost ratings.

Sparks fly and Amber and Ian are forced together in a witty, sharp romance.

The first half of the books really sucked me in and I enjoyed the writing. Somewhere after the first half, some of the intimate scenes felt a little off and I lost my enthusiasm a little bit. It was a well written, fun book: 3.5 ⭐.

Romance. Drama. Excitement. Reality TV. Wow! What a fun ride reading Doc Showmance was. Ian and Amber showcase their reluctant chemistry towards each other. Very much a tease while reading, it’s very will they or won’t they. Side characters were a great addition to the story to provide background and help move along the plot. Quite enjoyed reading.

I hate that I can’t honestly give this book a higher rating because it had all the potential to be a super funny rom-com style romance and I’m all up for those. The thing is that I actually flew through this and so will anyone, the pace is good and the story is so addictive you’ll be done before you even realize it. However, if you’re looking for a complex and nuanced romance… this may not be it.

Let’s discuss its blessings and sins.

About the blessings:

- It’s an uncomplicated story with a pretty likable main character (I still have a few things to say about her), the kind you can read in one sitting.
- It’s a vet story, meaning cute animals but also bringing up important discussions (if lightly) of topics such as animal abuse, animal rights, etc.
- The writing is straightforward, not too flowery or descriptive, so if you generally prefer to avoid books with extra-long paragraphs full of metaphorical language you will have no issue with this one.
- It’s the grumpy/sunshine dynamic!
- You will be invested in all the characters’ business. I love how almost the whole thing is supposed to be material for a reality show and it actually feels like it. Half the scenes are purposefully overdramatic and over-the-top but just as if you were watching any other reality, you just live for it and always wanna know more.
- If you, like me, love relationships where there’s an actual animosity between the characters before it evolves into a romance, oh boy will this feed your soul.

Still, even if it has a lot of potential some things could still stand for improvement. So let’s go with the sins:

- I DON’T need to be reminded every few pages about how short, little, petite, tiny, small Amber is. For real… I got it the first time.
- The way the characters' relationship transitioned from hatred to true love doesn’t make that much sense realistically speaking. I don’t think they shared enough quality time together for a true connection to form.
- There’s a not-like-other-girls vibe about Amber that doesn't sit right with me. The worst thing is that it comes mainly from Ian and the way he perceives her and talks or thinks about her. A few examples:

«And she wasn't... like Amber. Of course, no one was like Amber. Not that I wanted to marry Amber, but she was far more interesting than women like Maya.»

«I like that you don't eat like other women» Although in this one even the character becomes self-aware enough to point out the stupidity of the statement right after... it still doesn't save face.

«She rubbed her arms and hugged herself but didn't complain. That was one thing I admired about Amber. She never bitched about the small stuff.»

Although this doesn't mean Amber herself doesn't deliver quite a few times:

«Have you ever dated someone who wasn't a model or celebrity before? Someone who's not afraid to throw a punch and enjoys a good burger»

- There are also some serious plot holes. For instance, the one that made me so furious I just had to lower the rating is the one about the punching-Brock scene. I still can’t tell who did it (Ian or Amber?) and this pisses me off. I think I understand what may have happened, the author had different ideas at different points about who should be the one to punch him (I love that she just knew someone had to), probably initially wrote one of them, then changed it afterwards but didn't properly edit out the first one. This is frustrating because you alternate between the two narratives on multiple occasions, it's not even a one-time thing. This book undoubtedly needs another editor. I hope the final version fixes this.

Overall, I wouldn't say it's an outstanding book but if you wanna have a good time and love complicated romantic dynamics this may be an interesting one for you! I certainly would say I had a good time reading it.

Amber is a veterinarian. She stops at nothing if animals' life is in danger. That's why viewers of the reality show that is filmed at her clinic, love her. The cameras only follow her sometimes and she isn't a fan of it, but she loves the place she works so she goes with it.

Then they hire Ian Todd, the guy that crushed her in vet school, who also happens to be very good-looking and has his own reality tv show. They want to boost ratings, so they forced them to have a relationship. The problem is that they hate each other. But as time goes on, the lines between fake and real get blurry. They meet each other's family and get to really know each other.

It's such a cute romance, I loved reading it! Especially cause it has a bit of a different vibe than the usual romances I read. I especially love Amber. She is so strong and unapologetic about who she is and where she stands. Plus her snaky comments make the reading extra fun. :)

Highly recommend it!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, cute and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

Ian and Amber are both veterinarians, stuck together on a reality tv show. They are supposed to take date for the ratings, but there are real sparks between then.
Great fun read.

This is my first read of a new to me author. Cute story of opposites attract/enemies to lovers/workplace tropes. Rival reality TV show vets go head to head in an emergency clinic with high drama (sometimes faked). When they get paired up for ratings, sparks happen. The two have to decide for themselves what they want and where they want to be. My only turnoff was that in an effort to protect herself or be a badass, the main character was actually just mean at times.

Amber Harding is an awesome vet and now she has to fake a showmance with Ian Todd who may or may not be her handsome archenemy from vet school.
It had so much potential as a great romcom with enemies to lovers trope but sadly it just fell flat to me. The writing didn’t sit well with me and the dialogues between characters felt forced and awkward. Everything was told rather than seen. I didn’t feel anything for amber and Ian’s story. Plus, I usually live for a bunch of misfits coming together as a family but even that sector didn’t stick out to me much.
I thought I was going to love amber but I couldn’t get past the whole not like other girls vibe. I get she’s amazing and cool. I don’t want to be told repetitively that how different she is to ‘other’ girls. Not to mention, the amount of times it was said that every girl other than amber drools on him with a single look.
What I did love was side characters like Nabi and Danny. Probably because they had smaller page time 😬There were times I really enjoyed reading it but it’s little compared to the overall experience.
That being said, it’s a 3 star review from me because the epilogue was cute.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Fake relationship, cute dogs, enemies in college and an exquisite slow burn... my first Zoe forward of many that I plan to read in the future
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Amber is a badass veterinarian who is always ready for any emergency, even if she has to do it with the cameras of the reality show that is recorded in the clinic where she works
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Caught up in her job and taking care of her siblings, her world is disturbed when Ian Todd, the famous world-traveling exotic animal vet, arrives. Everyone can be impressed , everyone but Amber who knows Ian first hand and knows what he is capable of
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But the production of the program and the director of the clinic have other plans for them and soon they find themselves involved in having to pretend that they are dating
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A manipulative producer, competitive colleagues, a snobbish family, and a trio of close-knit siblings throw Amber and Ian into situations that lead them to give themselves another chance
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I really enjoyed this book, Amber is a very badass character, and Ian is the Playboy who after a bad situation is looking to focus on his career but could never forget the girl he let go
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I really liked the dialogues between this two and how they got to the good parts, the conflict third act of rupture was perfect as well as the ending
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Thanks to Zoe Forward and Xpresso Book Tours for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

I requested for this ARC on NetGalley on a whim because of the cute cover and the intriguing blurb! Safe to say I really enjoyed this one. Enemies to lovers will always remain one of my favourite tropes and this was just adorable. I especially enjoy stories where the FMC is grumpy and MMC is a sunshine character and to top it off, Doc Showmance has also got fake dating. So there were plenty of reasons to love the book! Ian was an absolute charmer and Amber was a total bad**s who perfectly fit together and I thoroughly enjoyed their banter! At times I did feel like something was missing but overall it’s a quick, cute romance that you simply can’t hate. If you love any of the tropes I mentioned or are an animal lover, give this book a read 💕