When Marcella overhears her best friend Ben's brother Theo planning to break up Ben's engagement to Alice, she can't help but intervene. Even if Theo's actions would benefit her as long hoped for nearly a decade Ben would return to her after their brief relationship at university. But what if her intervention turns out to heal both their hearts?

Well-paced and tightly plotted, I was really blown away but how this book had so much depth and well-rounded characters I wished were in my friendship group. Gabriella Gamez has elevated a well-trodden plot with a well layered story about having faith in yourself and opening up your heart. I loved all the plot developments that eschewed the same tired tropes. For instance, where most books would make a huge deal about Marcella not telling Theo the complete truth, he didn't storm off.

Marcela and Theo were just so good for each other who refreshingly communicated. They both made each other better, made each other dig deep to examine their hearts, minds and motivations about what they wanted and who they wanted. Theo was an absolutely sweetheart by making safe space for Marcella open up more. (OMG his library date!) I also loved that we got to see the early days of them in a relationship and trying to make it work after all the hurdles. It's thanks to Theo that Marcela is finally able to move on from Ben, who has kept her at his beck and call, just giving her enough hope before snatching it away, then interferring any time she tried to move on from him (reminiscent a bit of Mhairi McFarlane's 'Last Night').

One stand out was how Marcela addresses being plus size in a fatphobic world which was so relatable. I often find myself cringing how a lot of other books go overboard with repeated mentions of how a character is plus size. Instead Marcela has some days where she's more confident than others or just neutral, and thats okay.

If I had any critique, I'd have loved a bit more exploration about Theo being an ex-NFL player. I was surprised that he wasn't recognised given football is popular in Texas, and that he needed to get a job as he only had enough savings to last a short while. That would've been a fresh take on how there are pro athletes who are the lesser known 'bread and butter' players and just added another layer to Theo's backstory.

A dazzling debut and I can't wait for the next book.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such a cute book! The cover is absolutely beautiful and I could not put it down. I would highly recommend!

This book was so cute! I spent the whole time rooting for Theo and Marcela. That he ends up falling for her first is just *chef's kiss*.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my digital ARC!

I loved this story! Marcela and Theo are adorable. Both in love with the soon to be bride and groom trying to help each other get over their love through each other. The characters are done so well, the secondary characters are some of my favorite in a romance. They really add to the story.
This book is filled with many different tropes. The story has a lot of emotion to it as well as light humor. which made for a quick, fun read.
I'd recommend this for romance readers that like fake dating, rebound relationships, love square, mild/medium spice and heartfelt conversations.

Thank you NetGalley, Forever, and the Author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Not a bad story, but I've seen each element (plus-size heroine, fake relationship, past pining, etc.) done with a bit more polish.

I also got the vibe that the author had a lot to vent about - which hey, I get it. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to reach through certain dialogue between certain characters.

First book in a standalone series called "Librarians in Love" - definitely a lot of librarian talk if that's what gets it going for you

Interested in seeing what future librarians have going on in the series!

I'm having mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the humor, the representation of plus-sized characters, and Angela as a character. However, I found it difficult to get fully invested in the overall storyline. I’m definitely interested in what she releases next. However, I just think I may not be the indented audience for this book. Once I reached the halfway point of the book, my interest waned as there seemed to be too much going on outside of the romantic plot. Marcela's emotions regarding Theo and the unclear details surrounding what happened between Theo and Ben left me feeling stressed and confused.

"The Next Best Fling" by Gabriella Gamez is an absolute delight! From the moment I cracked open its pages, I was swept away into a world of charming characters, swoon-worthy romance, and unexpected depth.

Marcela, our spirited youth librarian protagonist, stole my heart with her infectious passion for her job. There's something undeniably endearing about her dedication to fostering a love for literature. And then there's Theo, the handsome and genuine hero who captures your attention with his honesty and warmth.

What I truly adore about this book is its ability to blend light-hearted cuteness with meaningful exploration of serious topics. Marcela and Theo's journey isn't just about butterflies and romance; it's about confronting insecurities, embracing change, and discovering the courage to follow your heart. And let's not forget the rollercoaster of emotions brought on by the ups and downs of character growth, especially Ben's (Theo's brother) regression, which adds a relatable layer of complexity to the story.

The chemistry between Marcela and Theo is palpable from the start, but what sets their relationship apart is its authenticity. Their connection feels real and raw, grounded in mutual respect and genuine affection. And as they navigate the murky waters of attraction and uncertainty, you can't help but root for them every step of the way.

I devoured "The Next Best Fling" in one sitting, completely swept up in its heartwarming charm and irresistible romance. Gabriella Gamez's debut novel is a triumph, and I'm already itching to dive into whatever she writes next. Trust me when I say, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good love story. So go ahead, grab a copy, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Marcela and Theo's journey. You won't regret it!

This was so cute. Loved that the main character wasn't a skinny minnie!!! And her love for books - so relatable to read about. And her home library- so jealous.
I found myself rooting for them the whole time - can't wait to continue this series!!!!

*ARC Review: All thoughts and opinions below are my own*
Rating: 4.5
The Next Best Fling is exactly what the title says. It’s also about faith and releasing the concept control any and every little thing in our lives. In this story that translate to Marcela’s fear of being left and how that impacts her relationships. The development of her character alone made give this 4+ stars. A lot of the time you read books and the main character has learned nothing but both MCs grew from their past. So much so, that they were able to take a chance on someone new (okay I promise I’ll stop before I spoil something). The other .5 of my rating comes from the romance (because of course). Theo’s planning and thought behind everything made it more than just any other romance book. Basically I just loved the thought and development behind every scene of this book and can’t wait for any future expansions if there are any in the works :) Also Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this early.

So this book was such a fun read that I binged this in one day, practically without any breaks.

There was so much in this stoey that I could personally identify with. I loved the fact that the FMC was plus sized. I also loved how much she LOVED books - we got a decent amount of reader culture included.

And can we just all agree that Ben is one of the biggest romance villains of 2024 - he was such a gaslighter! I really liked the side characters in this book, they didn't detract from, but enhanced the overall story.

While there were open door spice scenes, the were still palatable for those who maybe prefer their spice to be more on the mild/medium side. I definitely felt that there was chemistry between Marcela and Theo, instead of trying to get into an insta-love story line.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and the writing style. I can't wait to see what comes next from Ms. Gamez!

I was excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of The Next Best Fling.

It was refreshingly cute. With the perfect amount of smut mixed into the romantic comedy aspects, the characters were fun and relatable. The fact that the main character was a librarian and loved reading so much was a fun detail too.

This was a good read. I loved every moment of this. Kept me quite captivated. Looking forward to more from this author.

A quick, fun, sexy read. I loved the relationship between our main characters and how much they communicate. Often, the couples miscommunicate, so having a couple talk it out and figure things out was so refreshing. A sweet complicated tale.

Damaged hearts, a rebound relationship, and witty banter make this debut romance novel an absolute must-read. Marcela, a librarian, and Theo, an ex-professional football player, find themselves in a secret no-strings-attached relationship to hide their true feelings for their first-loves. Gabriella Gamez's dazzling words sweep you off your feet and her charming characters (minus Ben) make it impossible to put the book down.

I feel like this book was made for women like me! As soon as I read the first chapter, my heart was full because Marcela is not only Mexican American and from my hometown but she is also plus-sized like me. Everything she described from being overlooked and not being the first choice romantically is something I could relate to. Marcela is a bookworm turned librarian who has been in love with her best friend, Ben. They did go on dates briefly in college, but he decided they were better as friends. 8 years later she finds herself face to face with him and an engagement ring...that's not for her. How is she supposed to push her feelings aside and watch the man of her dreams marry someone else?

Theo Young is a former professional football player and is back in town for his brother's upcoming wedding celebrations. He is mysterious, sexy as hell, and a playboy. Everything is going according to plan when Marcela overhears him prepping himself to declare his love for the bride, Alice. She stops him from making that mistake and starts the chisme train. Everyone now thinks that Marcela and Theo hooked up. They could set the rumors straight, but they need each other to help them move past their feelings for Alice and Ben.

The chemistry is always there between Theo and Marcela and his is surprisingly romantic. Through the years, Marcela never really got to know Theo but now that she is she is charmed. Ben has always described Theo as the enemy but she doesn't get those vibes from him. As they begin to go out more together and show PDA in front of Ben and Alice, Marcela is surprised at Ben's reaction. She has always waited for the day that Ben realized that she was the right one for him, but now it just seems annoying when he continues to tell her that Theo is bad news.

From the moment I started reading, I got lost in the book. I related so much to Marcela and it was easy to root for Theo and roll my eyes at Ben. I rooted for Marcela the entire time and was ecstatic when she came into her own realizing that Ben may not be the prince charming in her life. I can't believe this is author Gabriella Gamez's debut because it was polished like words coming from a seasoned author. I never wanted the book to end and loved getting to read a book that featured someone who is like me. Gabriella Gamez will be on every reader's radar!

Rating: 5/5

Character Development:

Marcela and Theo are beautifully crafted characters, each grappling with their own insecurities and heartaches. Gamez skillfully depicts their emotional journeys as they navigate the uncharted territory of their budding romance. From Marcela's vulnerability to Theo's resilience, their evolution throughout the story is both authentic and relatable, endearing them to readers from the very first page.

Themes and Exploration:

At its core, "The Next Best Fling" explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace second chances. Through Marcela and Theo's experiences, Gamez delves into the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of acceptance and self-discovery. The novel resonates with heartfelt moments and poignant reflections on the nature of human connection, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and longing.

Plot and Pacing:

The plot of "The Next Best Fling" unfolds with perfect pacing, seamlessly blending moments of humor, passion, and introspection. Gamez expertly navigates the twists and turns of Marcela and Theo's journey, keeping readers engaged and invested in their story from beginning to end. The narrative is rich with tension and emotion, building to a satisfying crescendo that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Writing Style:

Gamez's writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the vibrant world of Marcela and Theo with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. Her prose is infused with warmth and humor, creating an immersive reading experience that captivates the senses and stirs the heart. With its delightful blend of wit and sincerity, "The Next Best Fling" is a testament to Gamez's talent as a storyteller and her ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers of all ages.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "The Next Best Fling" is a delightful and heartwarming romance that captivates from start to finish. With its engaging characters, heartfelt themes, and irresistible charm, Gabriella Gamez has crafted a debut novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Whether you're a fan of contemporary romance or simply in search of a feel-good read that will warm your heart, "The Next Best Fling" is an absolute must-read. Get ready to fall in love with Marcela, Theo, and their unforgettable journey of self-discovery and second chances.

This was amazing!! I loved this!! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes! I loved it!! I loved Theo and Marcela's characters and I loved them even more together!! This was so perfect!!! I need more like this!!! 5 star read!!
I just reviewed The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez. #NetGalley
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I absolutely loved this book! It is the perfect best friends brother, fake dating romance book! I loved it so much I read it in one sitting! Can’t wait for it to be released to get a physical copy!

This was so cute and also made me tear up multiple times. Also if anyone has eyes on Ben his shin has an appointment with my foot.

Marcela and Theo’s friendship alone makes this book worth it. Because in the chaos of everything else about their relationship, friendship is truly at its core (as it should be) and that’s why they work so well. I wish that Marcela had been honest with him earlier on, but I get why she wasn’t and I also loved that he didn’t hold it against her even though he was hurt. They both gave each other space to navigate what they were going through.

Also, we all need an Angela. She is an icon and a quality friend. And I am always so pleased when romances include strong platonic friendships as well, because we can’t have healthy relationships in a vacuum!

Super cute, weirdly kind of wholesome in spite of, you know, the whole concept, and so so sweet.

Such a solid debut, can't wait for her next book. Fake dating tropes are a favorite subgenre and can be hard to really nail. This one does.

3.5 stars. I wanted to love this, but it fell a little flat for me. The author tried to go deeper with our two main characters outside of the romance storyline (which I always enjoy in a romance) but nothing really felt fleshed out. Everything felt very surface level, just not quite getting to the meat of the emotion/problem/etc.