I loved the MMC in this story. I mean, who doesn’t love a football player?! But it was a little slow moving for me. This would be great for people who love a slow burn!

What a delightful and charming read that hits all the right notes. The story revolves around Marcela Ortiz, a librarian who's been nursing a secret crush on her best friend for years. When her best friend gets engaged, Marcela decides it's time to move on. Enter Theo Young, an ex-NFL player and the older brother of the man she's been in love with. When Theo shows up at the engagement party with intentions of confessing his feelings for the bride-to-be, Marcela steps in to stop him, leading to an unexpected and tantalizing twist.

What starts as a cover-up for Theo's feelings and Marcela's heartbreak quickly evolves into a no-strings-attached relationship. Their chemistry sizzles as they explore their newfound attraction, whether it’s in the library aisles or Marcela's bed. The story perfectly blends spicy moments with sweet and heartfelt interactions, making for a fun and engaging read. If you’re in the mood for a romance full of messy dynamics and uncovered secrets, this debut is definitely worth a read.

Thanks Forever for such an amazing and run book!

3.5⭐️
Thank you so much for Forever and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

I was extremely excited going into this book - the cover, the synopsis, everything sounded like this was a going to be a perfect hit.

Unfortunately this is the epitome of a perfectly fine romance.

There were parts I really loved, parts I didn't so much enjoy. And in the end I'm left feeling very little about it in any way.

I think this was a fun twist on a love triangle, explored complex relationships, and definitely had a satisfying ending (iykyk). But the amount of unnecessary secrets, lies, and self-sabotaging behavior was also quite frustrating.

So I'm left in the middle not feeling strongly about the story in any way. But since this is a debut, I am interested in picking up this author's next book.

Librarian Marcela Ortiz has harbored feelings for Ben since their college days. However, Ben regards her solely as his best friend. When Ben proposes to his girlfriend, it sends Marcela on an unwanted journey.
Theo Young, a former NFL player and Ben's older brother, has secretly loved Ben's fiancée for years. At the engagement party, Theo resolves to confess his feelings, but Marcela accidentally hears him plotting to disrupt the wedding.
In a twist of fate, Theo and Marcela pretend to be a couple, triggering a chain of events. As they navigate their sham relationship with Ben attempting to separate them, unexpected complications arise, including their own growing affection for each other.

I loved this book. I just finished the second half of it in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough.

Marcela has feelings for Ben. Theo has feelings for Alice. Ben and Alice are engaged. What are two people with unrequited feelings supposed to do?

Engage in a no-strings-attached arrangement, of course. The catch? Theo is Ben’s older brother (who he doesn’t have a great relationship with) and Theo doesn’t know Ben is the one Marcela is hung up on. What could possibly go wrong?

This book is so messy and complicated and REAL in the best ways possible. Having to work through unrequited feelings is so hard, but even harder when you’re harboring feelings for your best friend who’s engaged to another woman. Marcela’s struggle was so relatable, as was Theo’s, and it was so heartbreaking to watch her realize that she was always a second choice to Ben — but it made Theo genuinely choosing her that much sweeter.

Theo was CHEF’S! KISS! The man was so communicative, so willing and wanting to talk things out that I found myself gasping at the “come in, let’s talk about this” line 62% through the book. Like, WHAT? I understood Marcela’s hesitation to open up, but I loved Theo’s determination to be adults and talk about the hard things. It’s usually the woman having to do that, so KUDOS.

I also loved the dynamic between Marcela and her best friend, Angela. Angela was the perfect example of a confidant secondary character and I appreciated how she held space for her friend to feel what she needed to feel, but also talked sense into her when she needed it. You don’t want to ‘yes’ your friends to death — sometimes we all need a reality check, and that’s what a good friend does.

And I can’t end this review without thanking Gabby for writing a character that I could see myself in, especially when it came to being plus size. The fears that Marcela had, ESPECIALLY during her first time with Theo, were so relatable. Wondering how we look in our most vulnerable state is a thought that can derail us and keep us from fully enjoying ourselves, and I felt for her in that moment when she didn’t want to get undressed because the man before her was, well, really fit. But the way he assured her that she was sexy as hell and he wanted her 100% made me so happy for her. You’re not any less beautiful because of the size of your body, and I really appreciated the care with which that scene was written.

I loved, loved, LOVED this book and I’ll read everything Gabby writes.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Forever Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was such a quick, funny but intense and addicting book! I love the connection between Marcela and Theo and to me, it was immediately the feeling of "these two are better suited for each other" even though it was "fake dating."

Love how Marcela felt defensive of Theo since she was going through the same situation and allowed him to lean on her and vice-versa. I also liked how they were very honest throughout the story's feelings and expectations but it did bother me that Marcela wasn't as honest (although I understand the reason why) but just thought Theo was so understanding, that he would've just been like "okay, well, cool" lol

I felt very connected to the characters and the little things they would do for each other as you were able to feel the tension of the situations as well as their feelings developing.


If I could change one thing, it'd be how at the end, Marcela was still doubting their future together and her feelings, since Theo had declared his love and feelings and was so sure.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and Gabriella Gamez for the chance to read this!

This was sweet, funny, and steamy! Enjoyed every second and cannot wait for more from Gabriella Gamez :)

Obsessed with this cover and all of these characters!

I loved this one. Who would have known two people who had secret crushes on other people could turn into such a heartfelt story? I enjoyed this one all the way through!

There were so many things I loved about this book. I was expecting this book to be MESSY, and while it did have its moments, I was surprised by how sweet the romance between Marcela and Theo ended up being. At first glance, it appears they couldn’t have anything in common aside from their pining over the wrong person. As they get to know eachother better it turns out they make a really great pair and bring out the best in each other. Theo was such a great MMC. Even though their relationship started out fake, you can tell he fell first and he fell hard. His library grand gesture? Perfection. Ben was the WORST and I’m glad he got the ending he deserved. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for a review copy.

This story combines comedy, spice, and emotional depth to create a beautiful new twist on the rebound romance trope. The plot centers on two characters: Theo Young, an ex-NFL star who is secretly in love with Ben's fiancée, and Marcela Ortiz, a librarian harboring unrequited love for her best friend Ben. At Ben's engagement celebration, their worlds collide as Theo, drunk, nearly ruins the celebration with his revelation. When Marcela steps in, what appears to be accidental meeting during a family brunch develops into a fake relationship that both parties utilize as an escape from their unfulfilled romantic loves. This book was quite cute!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story didn’t work for me. But I would read more from the author. I just struggled with the plot of this one.

Cute, steamy, entertaining, real and heartwarming.

Best friends older brother, unrequited love, fake dating and shotsssss baby.

In this one we have a plus sized librarian who has been in love with her best friend for as long as she could remember and her bff’s older brotherrrr, who also has his own ties to this tangled web lol. They both attend the engagement party of his brother and after a drunken night of confessions, are thought to have slept together 👀 so they run with it lol. Good lord I love fake dating.

I’m a mid size girlie and dang if this didn’t tug at my little ‘fluffy’ heart strings loool I highlighted so many parts of this that felt like they fell right out of my head and heart.

This one was about being open and vulnerable and accepting what comes and knowing what you deserve.

It was cute and quick and steamy and I definitely recommend 📚 thankful to NetGalley for this read!

Happy Friday y’all! And here’s to two reviews in one week! Woohoo! As I mentioned in my other review this week, I read two eARCs at the beach- Like Cats and Dogs was the first one and The Next Best Fling was the other one, so now it’s time for my review of that one! Exciting news on The Next Best Fling- it’s been out since July 9th, so as soon as you’re done reading my review, you can go out and grab a copy to read! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever for letting me read an eARC of this one.

The Next Best Fling 4/5 Stars

Summary from Goodreads: Two broken hearts decide that the best way to get over their first loves is with a no-strings-attached relationship in this spicy and charming debut romance.

Librarian Marcela Ortiz has been secretly in love with her best friend for years—and when he gets engaged, she knows it’s long past time to move on. But before she gets the chance, she has a bigger problem to contend with in the form of Theo Young, ex-NFL player and older brother of the man she’s in love with. When she discovers Theo’s plans to confess his feelings for his brother’s fiancée at their engagement party, Marcela is quick to stop him—despite how tempting it is to let him run away with the bride-to-be. She manages to convince Theo to sleep off his drunken almost-mistake at her place and when they arrive at a family brunch the next day together, everyone wrongly assumes they hooked up.

Since Theo needs a cover for his feelings for the bride and Marcela needs a distraction from her unrequited feelings for the groom, they decide to roll with the lie. Until one late night at a bar, they take it a step further and discover a layer of attraction neither realized existed. Soon, they find themselves exploring the simmering chemistry between them, whether in library aisles or Marcela’s bed. There are no boundaries for the rebound relationship they form—just a host of complicated feelings, messy familial dynamics, and uncovered secrets that threaten to tear them apart before they can even admit to themselves that their rebound is working. Maybe a little too well.

The Next Best Fling was so incredibly adorable- it was such a fun summer/beach read. I really loved Theo and Marcela as main characters. They were flawed and had baggage, but were willing to try and work through things and become more emotionally available for each other- and man, their interactions were so cute. I also was pretty hooked from the beginning as soon as Marcela had a quote from An Ember in the Ashes in her dating app bio, so I’m kind of biased there. I have zero experience being in love with my best friend who is dating/engaged to someone else, but Gabriella Gamez wrote Marcela’s unrequited love in such a relatable way. Our side characters were also really fun- I really wanted to hate Alice, but I had no reason to hate her, and honestly couldn’t. I had every reason to hate Ben, and I did. I loved Angela- the best friend a girl could have! And Theo- what can I say about Theo. He’s such a great, complex male love interest and he does so much for Marcela (and she does so much for him too, of course). Pacing and plot wise, things were really great- I was never bored or ready to move on. I also really liked how we got a glimpse into Marcela and Angela’s lives at librarians. I also love seeing programs they run etc (a part of me imagines that I would have been a librarian in another life). Overall, I really loved this book and I cannot wait for more books by Gabriella Gamez/more books with these characters! Definitely pick this one up today.

I loved this one. Though I have to say I did find the part about Marcela taking library books out of the library without checking them out hard to believe, as I've never meet a librarian who did that. At least myself and my coworkers wouldn't do that. I loved the banter between her and Theo as well as her friendship with Angela. I also love how Theo treats her even when they were faking. I honestly think he fell first. And I knew by the third chapter how much of jerk one of the characters was and I don't think that they would change.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Next Best Fling" by Gabriella Gamez is a fresh take on the rebound romance trope, offering readers a delightful mix of humor, spice, and emotional depth. The story follows Marcela Ortiz, a librarian nursing unrequited love for her best friend Ben, and Theo Young, the ex-NFL player who is secretly in love with Ben’s fiancée. Their worlds collide at Ben’s engagement party when Theo, in a drunken state, almost jeopardizes the event with his confession. Marcela intervenes, and a seemingly accidental pairing at a family brunch leads to a fake relationship that both use as a distraction from their unfulfilled loves.

Gamez’s debut is brimming with witty banter and heartfelt moments, as the fake relationship between Marcela and Theo evolves into something more genuine. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their journey from faux romance to real affection is portrayed with a blend of humor and poignancy. Despite some occasional missteps in their communication, the story’s exploration of personal growth and messy emotions feels authentic and engaging.

While the setup might initially seem like a typical romance, the book's nuanced portrayal of the characters' struggles and growth elevates it. Gamez’s writing shines in its ability to balance the lighthearted with the deeply emotional, making "The Next Best Fling" a memorable and enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance.

There were some elements of this book that I enjoyed - I loved the librarian aspect and honestly, Theo. He was a great MMC. I just could not vibe with Marcela’s hang ups and her obsession with Ben, Theo’s brother. Immediately, he was red flag central and I loathed him. Everything wrapped up neatly at the end, and I liked that the miscommunication wasn’t taken overboard and what was in the story was done very well.

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez is a charming and engaging read that offers a refreshing take on modern romance. The story follows Marcela as she navigates a whirlwind of unexpected emotions and romantic entanglements, all while balancing personal growth and self-discovery.

Gamez’s writing is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of contemporary romance with a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Overall, The Next Best Fling is a delightful read that fans of romance will thoroughly enjoy. It’s a testament to Gamez’s talent for crafting engaging and entertaining stories. I'm excited to read more of her work! Perfect for a light, cozy weekend read!

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez is a fun and spicy romance about two people trying to get over their first loves by faking a relationship—only to find themselves falling for each other for real. Marcela, a librarian secretly in love with her best friend, and Theo, an ex-NFL player with feelings for his brother’s fiancée, decide to pretend they’re hooking up. What starts as a cover-up turns into something much more, with plenty of chemistry and complications along the way.

The story is lighthearted and enjoyable, with lots of playful banter and steamy moments. Marcela is easy to root for, but since the story is told from her point of view, Theo can feel a bit distant at times. While the book doesn't bring anything new to the romance genre, it's still a solid read if you’re looking for something quick and fun.

Marcela has secretly loved her best friend, Ben, for nearly a decade. She knows it’s time to finally move on when he gets engaged. Enter Theo Young, the unrequited love’s NFL player brother. He’s returned to town and when Marcela accidentally hears him talking to himself about his own secret love for Ben’s fiancée, things start to get complicated

This book had so much promise for me! It started great with a fun setup and lots of banter and book talk but it lost me somewhere along the way. Theo and Marcela just didn’t do it for me and I wanted a little less drama.

What I liked (because there was a lot!):
-a librarian FMC
-book about books
-plus size rep
-best friend’s brother (in a twisted way)
-swoony moments and grand gestures

What I didn’t like:
-I couldn’t find anything redeeming about Ben. He’s clearly just manipulating their friendship and she hasn’t gotten over him in a decade??
-Lots of talk about honesty but neither of them actually wants to share all of themselves.
-Too much self sabotage. Nothing was ever good for long

If you like a messy romance with books and football and libraries, this one might be for you!

This was a really cute book! I ate it up… Marcela had been in love with Ben for almost a decade when he got engaged to his longtime girlfriend. The twist is that Ben’s brother Theo is in love with said girlfriend, now-fiancée, Alice. Marcela foils Theo’s drunken plot to try convince Alice to not marry Ben at their engagement party. Theo goes home with Marcela to sleep off the alcohol and because he is staying with Ben and Alice, so when they go to brunch the next morning together, everyone assumes they hooked up. They kind of run with the idea to try to get over their respective unrequited loves and then chaos ensues. Feelings develop, complications happen, truths come out. I was hooked and had to know why Ben and Theo had a strained relationship (before Alice even came into the picture) and why Ben was so insufferable. The writing was cute and funny and I enjoyed the side characters and representation. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!