Blastoff and read debut romance, The Kiss Countdown!

Amerie Price needs her event planning business to blast off. Luckily for her, she's about to get a little more than just that when she runs into astronaut Vincent Rogers. Needing a cop out, she informs her ex that Vincent is her boyfriend. But she's not out of the woods yet... she's got to play fake girlfriend for Vincent. It starts off as an innocent fake date which quickly turns into a live-in situation. No feelings, no love. Yet why is she soon counting down til their next kiss?

I enjoyed reading Etta Easton's debut romance, The Kiss Countdown! I really appreciated how Amerie took nothing from anyone and really stood up for what she believed in towards the end of their relationship. We definitely need more astronaut romances! I loved the space simulator date and how Amerie stepped out of her comfort zone for Vincent. Vincent's caretaking and plant daddy vibes made me smile while flipping the pages! However; I am not fully convinced Amerie and Vincent would last, that ending was a little bit rushed.

Rating: I really liked it!

What a fun debut! Etta nailed it with this swoony romance between an event planner & astronaut. I found myself smiling a lot while listening to this book and I didn’t want to stop!

I thought the writing was great, the characters were well rounded and likeable and the story was different! If you google black astronauts, there aren’t many(so hard to make this reel), so I’m happy to see Vincent in a space where we may not see many.

I loved Amerie & her best friend, they were so funny. Also if Vincent was real, I’d totally try and date him 🤣 he’s quiet, steady, smart and ambitious.

The Kiss Countdown comes out next week, so there’s still time to preorder now!

+fake dating
+forced proximity

At the end of 2023, the cover of this book caught my eye on an anticipated rom-com list. I read the synopsis and instantly put it on a list of books I had to read. What can I say? I’m a simple woman. I see a fake dating story and my interest is piqued.

The plot: Amerie (Mimi), an event planner, runs into her ex at a coffee shop with his new girlfriend. In a moment of panic, she claims the man she spilled coffee on the week before is her new boyfriend (hello, Vincent). Thankfully, Vincent who just so happens to be an astronaut, plays along. They begin a fake relationship, even becoming roommates, because Vincent needs to get his family off his back before his moon mission. This may sound a little "out of this world" but the pacing and plot are so good. I finished The Kiss Countdown in a day. I couldn’t put it down.

Etta Easton wrote the cutest characters. I loved Mimi (and, I too don’t have hiking shoes). The added layer of her mother’s health feels like such an honest representation of chronic illness and how caretakers/families can be affected. Then there’s Vincent, an absolute cinnamon roll of a man. I loved all the random space facts we learned through him. He’s going on the book boyfriend list. It was a joy reading how he quietly, but very clearly fell for Mimi first. The chemistry and banter between these characters is A++++. You will giggle and kick your feet.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC. The Kiss Countdown is scheduled to be released on April 9, 2024 and is available for pre-order now!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of "The Kiss Countdown" by Etta Easton in exchange for an honest review.

Event planner Amerie Price isn't in a good place. She's lost her job, her romantic partner, and now she's about to lose her apartment. Her mother is recovering from serious illness (and equally serious hospital bills) and Amerie doesn't want to admit that things are rough, for fear of spoiling everything now that her mother is finally enjoying life again.

Desperate, she agrees to fake date devastatingly handsome astronaut Vincent Rogers. She can stay in his home as long as she poses as his girlfriend to please his family. Saving on rent will help her launch her own event planning business so despite the myriad risks in the proposition, she agrees.

As you might imagine, things don't go as planned. Amerie and Vincent have overwhelming chemistry and very quickly, the fake-dating starts turning less fake. But Amerie's been burned by relationships in the past and Vincent has a past tragedy to overcome and he is LITERALLY GOING TO THE MOON, so it takes a little while for them to come the conclusion that they are actually perfect for each other.

It's a lovely take on the fake-dating trope. There are a lot of things to like here. These are two people with genuine emotional baggage who need to decide whether their relationship is more important than their scars. But that said, it's not too heavy on melancholy. It's also great o see characters who are great but not TOO unbelievably great at their jobs.

Recommended for readers who always wanted to travel to the moon and those who enjoy the fake-dating trope.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

Oh my gosh, this book was out of this world (see what I did there? Sorry, sorry.) and I loved every minute of it!
The story follows Amerie, an event designer who is down on her luck, looking for a way to start fresh. After dealing with the trauma of almost losing her mother, then the heartache of losing her job AND boyfriend, Amerie can't help but wish to the stars that something good will put her back on the path towards herself.
And the universe answered in the form of Vincent- a patient, kind, respectful, encouraging, HUNK of a man. Oh, did I mention he is also an extraordinarily brilliant astronaut? Yeah, he's some top tier book boyfriend material, and Etta Easton did such an incredible job writing a man with such depth and charm.

"It's like I'm in one of those old commercials where a water bottle keeps blowing in the wind until someone finally picks it up and recycles it, allowing it to become something new. I'm that water bottle, only there's no good Samaritan out there to pick me up. I have to do it myself."

Amerie was such an amazing FMC, with many relatable moments of wanting to make a space for yourself in the world, of wanting to be everything for everyone, of never wanting to show weakness to those that might suffer for it. So many pieces of her were relatable, and I found myself completely immersed in her character. Her wit and sarcasm, her barbed edges... all of it was done so well, in a way that made her feel like an old friend, and that truly speaks to the gift of Etta's storytelling.
I loved walking alongside Amerie as she battled for herself, her family, and her love. She let the world rock her a time or two, but she never let it keep her down forever, and I absolutely admire that about her character.

"Didn't you hear? Nerds are in. Women are over the overbearing alpha. We want smart, emotionally available cinnamon rolls. If he knows his was around a science lab, it's on."

Well butter my buns and call me a biscuit, Etta knows how to write a HOT scientist. Vince was absolutely everything. He was so patient with Amerie, and you could truly tell that he wanted to see her succeed, to chase her dreams with him cheering her on, and I loved that for them both. I was so appreciative of the idea that, separately, they have their own dreams and aspirations, and together they support each other in those endeavors. Whether it is planning a bomb ass party or flying to the moon, their relationship is built on solid ground, and that is something that I adore in a fake dating scenario. That moment when the lines begin to blur and true love can be felt? I eat it up, and Etta SERVED.

Alongside the relationship between the MCs, I love love loved the side characters! Gina was such a fun character and I want a book just about her, or one of Vincent's sisters, because they were all so captivating and lovable. There was not a character I didn't appreciate, and all of it just felt like a warm hug, a long conversation with an old friend.

Truly, everything about this book was so well done. The character development, the spice, the banter, the angst, the familial bonding and growth... it was all just done so well and I am so grateful to have been able to read it. Absolutely would recommend, especially to fans of Ali Hazelwood!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-fake dating
-roommance
-slow burn
-hurt/comfort

I've been wanting to read this one for a while and am so glad to have received an early copy. This book was low angst and such a lovely slow burn. But added in were Amerie and Vincent's family struggles. I loved how they always had each other's back and were just there for each other through it all as they navigated their fake relationship. Etta built such strong secondary characters that really added to the layers of the story and just had me rooting that it would all work out despite the mess that Vincent and Amerie built for themsleves, all while the countdown is clicking off for Vincent's takeoff.

I loved how these two just loved what they did and enjoyed showing that to each other. The space station date just had me squealing. This book is adorable, soft, and just low conflict and exactly what I needed.

I just finished devouring "The Kiss Countdown" by the excellent Etta Easton, and let me tell you, it's the perfect blend of sweetness, romance, and heartwarming moments!

First things first, let's talk about the characters. Easton has this incredible talent for creating characters you can't help but fall in love with. From the charming protagonist to the quirky sidekicks, each one felt like a friend I'd love to hang out with in real life.

Now, onto the plot. "The Kiss Countdown" had me hooked from the very first page. It's a deliciously sweet story with just the right amount of tension and anticipation to keep you turning those pages late into the night. And let me tell you, what is the chemistry between the main characters? 🔥 It practically sizzled off the page!

But what sets this book apart is its heart. Sure, it's got all the swoon-worthy romance you could ask for, but it's also packed with moments of genuine emotion and vulnerability that had me reaching for the tissues more than once.

Overall, "The Kiss Countdown" is a feel-good read that'll leave you with a smile and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart. Look no further if you're in the mood for a charming romance with plenty of heart. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down! 💖😘

The Countdown by Etta Easton is a captivating read that follows a struggling event planner and a sinfully hot astronaut as they navigate the complexities of a fake relationship. Together, they must decide if their connection is worth pursuing a shot at happily ever after in this stellar debut novel. Filled with humor, witty banter, and charming moments, Etta Easton's debut will surely dazzle readers. Fans of the fake dating trope will absolutely adore this book. I can't wait to read more from this author!

Lift off to an uplifting romance!
Reading this book took me into outer space.
I loved the fake dating from all angles. Vincent was to die for. I did want to shake Amerie because she kept running away from her life and all its possibilities.
I read this in one sitting at Mission Control.
If you love space, the stars, a romantic story, and a cosmic experience, blast off into this book!

I’ve been hearing nothing but rave reviews for The Kiss Countdown and I also really enjoyed it!

Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for my gifted copies.

Amerie is jobless and single when she runs into her ex and his new girlfriend at her favorite coffee shop. She previously bumped into Vincent and spilled coffee on him so when he enters, she calls his name and pretends they’re in a relationship. This quickly spirals when they bump into his sister and it turns out he’s already been pretending to be dating someone. They begin an arrangement where she’ll live rent free with him and pretend to be his girlfriend around his family.

I loved their relationship. They are clearly attracted to each other even though they start a fake relationship. Vincent is an astronaut and struggling with his mother’s lack of support. I loved how supportive Amerie was and how she helped the mother and son to bridge this gap. This was slow burn and tension filled but I loved every look exchanged. I really enjoyed this and I can’t believe it was a debut! I’m hopeful we’ll get more amazing books from Etta Easton.

This is a powerful love story. It’s just POWERFUL beyond words. Deeply powerful. As I read, I’d get these full body CHILLS (then tears) over and over and over again. I couldn’t out this down.

After a breakup, juggling her mom’s health, and trying to get her party planing business off the ground, Amerie runs into a handsome astronaut. What were the odds of seeing each other again? Well. Turns out their chance meeting develops into a fake relationship of sorts—make Amerie’s ex squirm and Vincent’s family rested knowing he’s being cared for. They just need to fake it for 3 months until Vincent’s mission… easy enough, right?

This was sweet! Can’t go wrong with a fake dating x roomance. There were lots of adorable and just plain silly moments, good writing, and I swooned for Vincent, for sure. Definitely check this one out!

This was a really sweet and cute debut romance. I liked the writing and how evenly paced the book was. The main characters Mimi and Vincent were likable and I found myself rooting for them. Their chemistry and interactions were cute and though it’s a slow burn when they got together it was a bit steamy. Even though this book is light read there are still some things like the loss of a sibling and a parent who is ill that brings some seriousness to the book. There is some miscommunication with a third-act breakout but I would recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet diverse romance. Thank you Berkley for this arc for an honest review!

Read for:
- Fake dating
- Black romance
- He falls first
- Astronaut mmc/event player fmc
- Forced proximity
- Only one bed
6 likes

The Kiss Countdown was okay for me. I just didn’t think anything about it was something new to me. I read plenty of fake dating / engagement books but I just was never super attached to the couple. It was a good book just not like a new favorite or anything for me.

4.5 ⭐️

I read this in one sitting and it was so freaking adorable!!! I enjoyed it so much and it was so wholesome and so funny. I absolutely adore the FMC and MMC and I would definitely be reading more from this author. Love love love!!!

I absolutely adored this debut from Etta Easton. I love fake dating but Amerie and Vincent were on a whole different level. the chemistry was perfect - I wanted to scream at Amerie at how smitten that Vincent was. I loved the families and the side characters. They definitely stood on their own and really added to the story.

I usually dislike the third act breakup but the way this was written worked so well and I loved how they came together at the end.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I initially requested this after falling in love with the cover, but after flying through the book in two sittings, this is one of my favorite debut romances of the year. Mimi an event planner and Vincent an astronaut are two strangers that make a plan to fake date as a win/win for both of them (the set up was hilarious). The two are complete opposites and their journey to getting to their HEA is what makes this one standout.

Read id you like:
-Forced proximity (one bed)
-Fake dating
-Banter and whit
-Cinnamon roll/ sunshine hero
-Slow burn

I thought this was a fun read. It started with a sweet meet cute where the two main characters have attraction but don’t really get along. As the story progresses we learn more about these two as their paths cross again. The forced proximity and fake dating tropes were both well done. Vincent and Amerie have great chemistry with lots of good banter. The reader definitely roots for these two to find their way through their individual issues. An entertaining and quick read. Thank you to Berkley publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: contemporary romance

Amerie Price has just started out on her own as an event planner after losing her job and her boyfriend. At a coffee shop she literally runs into sexy astronaut Vincent Rogers, spilling coffee down his front. Only a few days later she runs into her ex, and sees Vincent nearby and pretends that he’s her boyfriend so that she can feel a little better about her ex with another woman already. But then as payback, Vincent asks Amerie to come to his sister’s New Years Eve party as his girlfriend, which turns into coming to his mother’s birthday party at the family cabin for a week. Which turns into a lot more fake dating than Amerie signed up for.

This was a setup I really wanted to like, but unfortunately the book wasn’t for me. Contemporary romances are really always hit or miss for me, because it’s difficult to convey real life situations and build realistic characters for me. I either need them really zany and bananas or really heartfelt and bringing me to tears. The slow burn relationship between Amerie and Vincent was really lovely, but my brain couldn’t shut out the other details swirling behind the plot. I find that a lot of debut authors are excited to get their ideas on page, but at the expense of putting too many things into motion in the plot. As a primarily historical romance reader, my enjoyment of the book rests in my inability to suspend disbelief at moments of reality that don’t add up for me, like getting upset over the expense of business cards with an incorrect spelling but not over lying about losing a job to your parents for almost a year.

I love that Easton has all Black main and side characters in her book, and love that mainstream publishers are producing books like The Kiss Countdown. If you love fake dating in contemporary romance, you’ll eat up this open door slow burn romance. I loved the moment where Amerie and Vincent finally realize that they actually like each other. They take a lot of big personal risks to open up to each other, making this a worthwhile read.

In this debut novel, a struggling event planner finds herself in a fake relationship with a charming astronaut. Amerie Price, jobless and facing eviction, agrees to pretend to be Vincent Rogers' girlfriend for three months in exchange for a rent-free room and support for her struggling business. As their charade progresses, Amerie wrestles with her feelings, torn between the safety of her former life and the unpredictable allure of Vincent. Will she settle for the safe option or take a chance on love among the stars?

My Thoughts: This romantic comedy centered around fake dating was an absolute joy. Brimming with humor, well-developed characters, heartfelt family dynamics, wonderful platonic friendships, and undeniable chemistry between Amerie and Vincent. The dynamic between Mimi and Vincent had me absolutely giggling when they would sass and make little quips towards each other. I typically don't love single POV books, but I really didn't mind it being only Amerie's POV (although I would have loved Vincent's too!!!)

Read if you love:
-fake dating
-coffee shop meet cutes
-Black MMCs
-astronauts!
-family dynamics
-one bed
-caretaking
-cinnamon roll mmc
-slowburn
-forced proximity
-MEN IN GRAY SWEATPANTS

Thank you so much to Berkley Pub, @BerkleyPub, Berkley Romance, @BerkleyRomance, and Netgalley, @Netgalley for this arc!