very interesting tropes!!! i loved it!! it was very fun to read and i would definitely read more books by this author!!

I really enjoyed Theo and Marcela's story! Fake dating tropes are my fav and this didn't disappoint. Marcela is in love with her BFF, Ben, who is Theo's brother. Theo is in love with Ben's fiancee and drama ensues. I love the inclusivity of diverse characters and a happy ending. Buy this book! I can't wait for the next installment.

This was a fun, enjoyable read. There were moments that felt like they dragged a bit, in terms of the plotting but Marcela was a fun character to follow and I especially appreciated the inclusivity of different character types.

A cute twist on the fake dating trope. I loved how Marcel’a and Theo were in the same situation and so neither had the upper hand. I love how Theo ended up being the sweetest.

There were so parts that I found myself a little bored. The story line did have me want to yell Just communicate already.!!!! Overall it was an enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed reading this first installment of a new series. I was drawn in by the personalities of the main characters as well as the fact that their careers are not often found in other romance novels. I appreciated the specificity of the setting and the care with which some issues were treated.

When the best friend and brother of the groom end up faking a relationship to hide their feelings for the newly engaged couple neither of them expects their explosive chemistry they share. But can helping each other get over someone else really lead to a happy ever after together?

Marcela was a character whose self doubts really resonated with me and when I sometimes wanted to shake her, I couldn’t help but understand her. Theo and and Marcela’s romantic journey was frustrating at times but filled with sweet moments and gestures and some hit you in the face steam. I was undeniably invested. Looking forward to seeing what Gamez writes next.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! As a librarian, the female main character was relatable,. but I also enjoyed the dynamic between Marcela and Theo. I liked that they had real problems, but in the end everything worked out. Excited to read more from this author in the future!

I loved this book, and I think you will, too. There's so much to love about it. I picked it up and couldn't put it down

Loved this so much. The diversity and representation were excellent, and the story just pulls you in. The complications of the love square - sometimes had me cringing from secondhand embarrassment but that just shows how well told the story was. Definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series!

This book had all my favorite tropes. Such a fun read! Really excited to get a physical copy to put on my shelf.

This was a fantastic read! I couldn't put it down. I also appreciated the plus size representation. I loved reading how Marcela and Theo helped each other grow and found love in a mutually respectful relationship.

If you like messy complicated drama, then I’d definitely recommend this book!
Despite how complicated things were for the characters, I really appreciated how Theo and Marcella wanted better for themselves, even if they didn’t know the healthiest ways to get there. I liked the empathy they showed one another, it’s nice to see that in books.

I also LOVED the bookish aspects and the representation we got with Marcella’s character!!!! (Like loved x12788)

I can’t wait to read book 2!

Thank you so much to Forever Publishing for my ARC 🥰.

3/5⭐️

There’s just something about seeing a book about a book lover!

I loved Marcela and watching her grow over the course of this story. Her friendship with Angela is so special and having someone like that in your corner is a rarity, but so good to see.

Theo was great at someone who is actively aware of his flaws and truly trying to make amends and better himself. The honesty was so refreshing. And when she showed him her BOOKS!?! Gahhhh *swoon*

This was a really fun read! Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy!

I received an E-Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review! Thank you.

This story was so cute and emotional! Gosh I don't know where to start.

There was was cute moments, spicy moment and moments that made me giggle. I was not expecting moments where I had to do a double read to make sure what I read was happening! It was that good.

Theo and Marcela both had discoveries to make throughout the story. Feelings and life! The story and characters showed that relationships can be scary and you never know what can happen. Sometimes relationships and life is a risk and sometimes it is not. It hit some pretty real truths like a roller coaster ride going up and down and sideways. Whoo!

The connection between Marcela and Theo were great characters in this book. I think they were made for each other but do they end up together or not?

This beautiful story took me a few day to read due to life being busy. I will say that the cover is so pretty. I may have to purchase a physical copy of this book due to the it's cover and the story.

This is a must read!
You must get it for this summer.
Put it on your list.
Pick it up in July 2024 and you won't regret it.

I’m just too old for the Gen Z drama. The maturity levels of the main characters is pretty low. And they’re drunk most of the book.

DNF

This book was really good! It starts with the slightly messy drama of Marcela being in love with her best friend Ben. She is devastated when she learns he is getting ready to propose to his girlfriend. At the engagement party she catches Theo, Ben's brother preparing to confess his love to Ben's fiancé. Marcela manages to convince Theo to leave the party. They join together with a plan to fake date to cover for their unrequited love. Ben and Marcela have incredible chemistry! The book was funny and touching. I really enjoyed watching them grow as individuals and then grow together to become a strong unit. I will be very interested in reading more books fro Gabriella in the future!

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

LOVED THIS! First, the representation was immaculate. I always love a good plus sized romance but this was special and had other representation as well.
Theo is absolutely swoon-worthy and Marcela is sweet and relatable.
As a book nerd I love the librarian aspect and all the references to other book series.
I CANNOT wait for the next book in this series. Well done Gabby!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever publishing for the ARC.

Guysssss when Forever sent me an email gushing about this book, I grabbed it from NetGalley SO FAST. Gabriella is a debut author and I’m so impressed!

Librarian Marcela decides to have a rebound when the toxic guy she’s loved for years gets engaged. What she doesn’t plan on is the rebound being with his brother Theo, the NFL player, who happens to love the fiancée. But when they decide that a rebound with each other will get them to move on, they get a lot more than they bargained for.

Read this if you like:
🏈libraries
🏈plus size FMCs
🏈football
🏈steam
🏈sassy friends
🏈he falls first
🏈messy families

Very excited to see what else this author will do!

I loved this book!! It was fabulous and well done. The characters were on point and I thought the plot was well developed. I would recommend this book to others.

Let me start by acknowledging that this was one of my most anticipated releases for 2024. I RAN when it was announced that ARCs were on Netgalley and dropped everything to start reading it that night. And Gabriella did not disappoint!

This book follows Marcela, a plus-sized Latina youth librarian and Theo, retired NFL player. I adore Marcela and Theo is made for the book girlies. Theo was so swoon-worthy. Them together? Immaculate! At times, they feel messy, but that’s what makes them feel real!

I couldn’t put this one down! From holding my breath to intense hatred, laughing, and tearing up, this book made me feel it all. Marcela’s growth was the most precious part of this story for me.

I’m still shocked this is a debut novel and I cannot wait for the next story!!