Obsessed with this book! Thank you so much, Berkley, for the ARC.

Best friends since childhood. The ones who know each other the most. They decide to fake date for mutually beneficial reasons. But when the faking doesn’t feel too fake anymore, they decide to “make it real” for a weekend. A test run, if you will. And of course, any romance reader knows what all that means. 😏

My goodness. I probably sound like a broken record to all my friends who regularly read my posts, but I loooove a good friends to lovers romance. The mutual pining? The pushing of that friendship boundary? To more?! SO good.

What I really want to highlight, though, is the writing. I think ALLTS was so beautifully written. It felt like effortless storytelling with nuanced characters. I thought it was a well-rounded story, and I had a good grasp and understanding of the characters and their choices. I understood them, and I felt for them.

Another thing I want to point out is how much I loved the representation of chronic pain, and being a BIPOC female having to deal with a very biased healthcare system.

Overall, a tender, sweet, emotional story with a good amount of spice! Highly recommend this book. 🧡

amazing and this book its just a love letter to people. I am so happy I got this arc because its just amazing and I cried a little because I felt too much and I love when books make me feel so much

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 stars! Such a cute read! Laniah and Isaac have been best friends since they were kids and Isaac has always been considered family by her mom. Laniah and her mom, Vanessa own a natural hair care business that hasn’t been doing well, and they do not have the funds to pay their rent. Issac is an influencer who is doing really well and has reached celebrity status.

Laniah needed his assistance to keep her business and even though she didn’t want to ask him for help, he couldn’t not help her. What he recommended they do is fake date..his status can help bring her followers and potential business and this will also help him.

This story is more than about their fake dating. Laniah has some issues that she is dealing with and we learn about what is going on with her. Overall, this is a cute friends to lovers story that I recommend.

A Love Like the Sun is a slow burn, fake dating, friends-to-lovers romance. Those tropes probably tell you if this is the book for you - and if you are into those, there’s a lot to enjoy here. There are times I found myself really frustrated with Laniah and thinking a little more communication could really help a lot! I also didn’t fully buy some of the plot points. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.

This was a pretty hard review to write. When I don’t like something I can give you 350,000 reasons why. But when I loved a book, it’s so hard to put into words exactly what I’m feeling. I can’t ever really explain what it is that made me fall for something. It’s almost like I can’t put it into words. And this is exactly how I felt with this one.

Ok so I went into this with a little trepidation. I was a little scared because her previous YA books weren’t for me. But I decided that this was adult romance and it might actually be a lot different. And I’m so glad I went ahead and read it! I ADORED this book! I mean from the writing style, to the romance, to the actual writing that didn’t seem like it was doing it for the trope, just EVERYTHING. I couldn’t stop reading it. I was supposed to be buddy reading this and read like 20% everyday and ended up finishing it in 2 days. (More like 3 because on the third day it was like 2 am lol) But I just could not stop reading this. And I really hope we get another or at least a book from his POV because that was the only thing I missed from this one.

The other thing that I really loved about this was the number of individual things I love in a book. I know this is cliche or whatever, but this book was like written for me lol I As a loud proclaimer of friends to lovers, I knew it was coming and I was excited for it. But imagine my surprise when I realized there was also my other favorite trope, Fake Dating! I hadn’t seen anyone talking about that part of it, and I was like WTF I would have read this way earlier lol Idk man I just got even more excited! And then of course there was a mirror scene that if you KNOW me, then yeahhhhh. Definitely went on my favorite books immediately lol I also liked the social media aspect of it. The author showed all sides of it, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good is how he is looked at as a celebrity. A friend once said, “influencers are today’s celebrities” and it definitely made me realize that she’s right. Because the way people were falling all over themselves for Isaac (and I mean rightfully so lol) was like he was a movie actor or something lol And then there was the bad and ugly part. The Darius like people of the world and what he did. My skin crawled every time he was on the page. (In my headphones?) You’ll understand when you read it lol

The other thing that was in there that I loved was the rep. I knew the MC was going to be biracial, but that was it. I didn’t realize there was also acute/chronic disorder rep as well. I won’t say what, but I know that it pissed me off, but it was so for real. There is a serious issue in Medicine surrounding Black women, and I was glad that this one went there. I won’t say much so it’s not a spoiler, but I did enjoy it. And to find out that this might be like the author’s journey (according to the author’s note) And that made me rage. I hate that she went through that.

The romance was literally everything I wanted. She was an anxious mess around him, but the way he loved her, gah! It was so amazing. The way he loved on her? And the way she couldn’t see it? Like how could you NOT see it? I think I remember saying, “GIRL HOW CAN YOU NOT TELL HE LOVES YOU?!” Idk if she was really like not seeing it or if I’ve read too many romance books, but here we are. Isaac is definitely my Book Boyfriend of the Month for now. Because Lordt, that last like quote that I highlighted made me cry. Ugh it was beautiful. I really wish we what his thoughts were like. (Although I was a bit scared at that one part because girl what?!)

Ok so maybe I lied lmao I can’t stop talking about this book lol But I still don’t think I did it justice. This was a book I know I’m going to be thinking about for a very long time. I really hope there’s another romance book coming to us. I know she wrote this during Nano (which damn, that’s bad ass) so Idk if there was plans for another. But if sooooooooo……. Yeah, I need that lol

Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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This was such an emotional friends to lovers story and Nielson really wrote a couple to root for. I loved Laniah and Isaac, best friends since childhood, since foster care, since food stamps, since the death of a parent and since the start of their careers. Laniah has always dreamt of opening a natural hair store and Isaac has always dreamt of creating art. When he becomes internet famous he can use his platform to help out Laniah. There’s some fake dating, a great cast of characters and a whole lot of love. This one comes out tomorrow!
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if I was rating this based on vibes alone, this would have a million stars ❤️ issac and laniah have a love story for the ages, truly soulmates in every definition of the word, and it was a blessing to read

which is so crazy that I just typed those words because friends to lovers is so not my jam 🤡 perhaps (most definitely) I’m speaking from my own personal trauma when I say that friends to lovers is never as seamless or easy as it is in real life, and while that’s quite literally the point of fiction, it gives me a feeling of regret and panic just by reading it

that being said!! I loved the stolen glances, the fake dating turned real feelings, the mutual pining - it was all written so beautifully 🥹 and after reading the author’s note, I feel even more connected to these characters

the pacing was glacier slow in the beginning where I kept having to set it down for days to get back in the mood to read again, but once the drama kicked in about halfway, I was invested and finished it in one sitting! the third act breakup, of course, was predictable based on the character’s inner thoughts and personalities, but still had me groaning at how avoidable it was with a single conversation 🙃🙃

the author’s writing was so beautiful and her text paragraphs felt like prose - I’m so glad I stuck through this one 🩷 thank you to berkley and berkley romance for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: napa valley cabernet sauvignon

Wow, this was BEAUTIFUL. A friends to lovers and fake dating story done right. I appreciated the way Laniah and Isaac handled their friendship and relationship with such care and maturity. You could tell they had a solid and genuine friendship, and it was believable why it took so many years to move beyond friendship.

In addition to a beautiful love story, I liked the way Neilson handled chronic illness, grief, and familial relationships. I'm excited to read more from her.

Ratings
Quality of Writing 5/5
Pacing 5/5
Plot Development 4/5
Character Development 5/5
Overall Enjoyability 5/5

Laniah and Issac are way too cute. The fact that she’s so oblivious to the way he’s in love with her. 🥺 There did come a point though where Laniah was frustrating. Her not wanting to tell her best friend what was going on with her was infuriating.

I don't know how to review a book that means the world to me. This book speaks to my soul. I will recommend it to the end of my days. It's my favorite book of all time.

I love a good childhood friends-to-lovers story. Its one of my favorite troupes

Laniah "Ni" Thompson and Issac Jordan have been best friends since childhood,


Isaac is outgoing modal, artist and social media influencer, who lives in Cali with the rich and famous. Ni is a homebody who cleans hotel rooms, runs a small business with her mom, really values her privacy, and avoids social media at all costs. When Issac finds out that Laniah and her mom are about to close the doors on their business, he OF COURSE comes up with a plan to use his fame and influence ( fake dating) to help.

Feelings start to change and romance ensues...

That being said, this was the slowest of the slow burns for me.
SLOOOOOWWWW BURN
But overall a cute ending.

3.5 stars!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc. All opinions are my own,

Thank you NetGalley for a chance to read this as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last. I enjoyed it so much. I can’t wait to own it.

This was another NTM author and I was not disappointed in this book. I was surprised to open it and se set in Providence, RI. It was awesome to read about settings I've been to many times. It had a few slower moments but once it geot going I enjoyed the read.

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
-friends to lovers
-fake dating
-denial
-chronic illness rep
-angstyyyy
-it's always been you

This is such a beauitfully crafted story. So many threads interwoven to perfection and a shining example of why friends to lovers is an incredible dynamic between MCs. Laniah and her mother have resigned themselves to the fact that the business they dreamed about has failed. But when laniah's best friend comes back into town, famous for being a good guy, he helps her out by setting up a fake dating scheme. There's so much denial and pining as these two skate around figuring out these dynamics. An incredibel friendship and dynamic that leads to incredible chemistry. The banter was so much fun and easily led into these two flirting their heads off.

The absoltue risks of falling for you brest friend and what that could mean for your friendship. But also the trust and just comfort of being with someone who's also your best friend. Isaih gosh what a simp of a man who just had an incredible heart. His one liners had me screaming because you jsut know this is a man down bad and trying to keep his cool (he fals at it in the most spectacular fashion). The angst of it all.

Weaved into this incredible love story is also the story of chronic illness. Anything I can say on this would feel too personal, but gosh just the gaslighting by doctors, of pushing on and not letting others see you're hurting, and not wantng to burden others.

I couldn't have loved this book more. A must read.

Officer, it was a simp-to-simp pipeline situation. He began the book as a simp and ended the book as an even bigger simp. That man was so down bad crying at the gym, during FaceTimes, on social media... Basically, they’ve been friends forever and he's recently reached minor celebrity status. He actively uses his influence to support her and pamper her and help her small business grow…WHICH WAS SO HOT. And don’t even get me started on the HEAT. Riss made us wait, but good lord it was so good.

Friends to lovers x fake dating is a LETHAL combo in my opinion because normal friends to lovers is normally pretty slowburn because they’re like OPPOSED to touching. But with f2l fake dating, even though they're still probably opposed to touching, it necessitates that they get all over each other wayyy quicker. It was still a slow burn romance—because Leniah was absolutely clueless to Issac’s pining—but the tension was so delicious and I never felt stuck in the story.

Leniah also had health issues that her doctor wasn’t taking seriously, which was a super poignant through line. Although it was frustrating to see her not get a second opinion sooner, I think it would’ve ruined what the author was trying to illustrate. Obviously getting her issues figured out in chapter two would’ve been great for her, but a compelling story that does not make. I also knew where the third act was heading, but to be honest, I ate it up. It was dramatic and it hurt and it made sense for Leniah.

The only thing I had an issue with was the inclusion of a “villain” character/plot. There was already a lot going on and he did NOT get the proper comeuppance to warrant his inclusion. *Spoilers* The book opens with Leniah sending a nude to this guy who literally thumbs down reacts!!! GREAT OPENING. But then he comes back and posts revenge porn of her because he wants clout. His only punishment was getting paid off by Issac’s manager!!! I understand Leniah couldn’t deal with pressing charges, but then just don’t include this plot linet!!! Because what???? I was so angry lol.

It was one of those audiobooks that I simply could not stop listening to. I was running errands and my AirPods were in. I was at dinner and my AirPods were in. I was at a bookstore buying other books and my AirPods were in. But it was also one of those books where I couldn’t physically do anything while listening to it. A staring-at-the-wall-and-taking-it-all-in kind of book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5


CWs: Dead parent (Leniah’s father, heart issues, recounted), Issac’s parents died in an accident when he was young, not being listened to/being gaslit in a medical setting, and revenge porn


I received an ALC from PRHaudio and an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

☀️🩷☀️
📖Review
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
📖Book 25/100
📚A Love Like the Sun
💫Genre: Fiction/MultiCultural Romance
✍️Author:
Riss M. Neilson

📝Synopsis 📝
Laniah and her mom’s small business is on the rocks, and they had to make the decision of closing their shop. They decided they’ll run it from their house just like they did when barely beginning it. Laniah has to confess this to her childhood best friend Isaac. He has an idea on saving her from closing it down and saving his face from social media judgment. Does his plan work? Does anything else happen?

My thoughts 💭
This was such a great friends to lovers romance story. You have your introvert and extrovert who just balance each other so well. The wonders of taking chances makes this story such a gem. The fake dating always lures me too, and I felt their chemistry since the get go. I also enjoyed the lack of conflict since there were other elements (medical) that made it work! Yes, it is a slow burn but worth the wait. I really liked both main characters as different as they were.
✨✨✨✨✨

🩷Thank you so much @netgalley and @berkleyromance @berkleypub for approving this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨Publishing Date: June 11, 2024

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ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This story was a super cute, fun summer read. It’s mostly lighthearted, about two best friends realizing they want to be together. I loved the premise of him being a famous artist and her making skin and hair products for her small business. There were some sad moments but in the end it’s an HEA if you’re looking for that. I would recommend to anyone who likes romance and friends to lovers books!

This was a cute fake dating friends to lovers romance. The pacing was a little slow for me but overall I enjoyed this story.

A Love Like The Sun is a deeply emotional friends to lovers with a splash of fake dating. This was more rom than com, and I appreciated the depth of the relationship and the hardships faced. The love story felt authentic and the supporting characters were extremely well developed. I will definitely read more by this author.

A LOVE LIKE THE SUN was the sweetest friends-to-lovers romance that takes place across three sizzling summer months and will make your heart swoon.

~ friends-to lovers and fake dating tropes
~ chronically ill MC rep
~ slow burn spicy scenes well worth the wait
~ perfect summer romance across three sizzling months

Isaac’s life is in the public eye running his international brand on the west coast and Laniah is more of a private homebody, running a hair care shop with her mom on the east coast. Despite their differences and an entire country between them, Laniah and Isaac’s childhood friendship is stronger than ever, fueled by their love and support for each other’s dreams. When they each run into a snag in their personal lives, they opt to give fake dating a try, quickly realizing what it might mean to their relationship and their futures if they became more than friends.

Issac and Laniah have an addictingly magnetic pull to each other that I couldn’t get enough of. This was a solid friends-to-lovers romance with a nice heaping side of fake dating and a slow burn to make the steamy bits worth the wait. And trust when these childhood besties finally give into their feelings… it’s magic! I loved the chronic illness rep and how the author wanted to include a chronically ill MC finding love and being loved after receiving her own diagnosis. There were definitely times when you wanted to scream at Laniah to communicate better with Isaac and to stop shutting him out (!!) and for Isaac to open his eyes and come to terms with his feelings but these two strong MC’s give us what we need in the end.

A LOVE LIKE THE SUN is out tomorrow (6/11) so don’t miss out on this summer romance! Thanks @berkleypub for the advanced digital copy and physical galley to enjoy.