Deeply Personal offers an intriguing premise—fake dating between Jessica, an interior designer, and Paul, a personal trainer—but ultimately, it falls short of delivering the romance and depth many readers may expect from this setup.

While the characters are likable, the pacing of the story is uneven, and the focus shifts away from the central relationship, which can feel frustrating. Instead of delving deeper into the romantic development between Jessica and Paul, the book spends significant time on side characters and subplots, such as Jessica’s work struggles and family dynamics, which detract from the main love story. The fake dating trope is introduced but never fully explored, and the story often feels bogged down by unnecessary details about their professional lives, rather than their connection.

The chemistry between Jessica and Paul is evident, but the lack of screen time between the two makes their romance feel forced and underdeveloped. Additionally, the book's tone is more dramatic than comedic, despite the rom-com expectations set by the cover and description. Moments that could have been funny or engaging fall flat, with little to no banter or playful interactions to lighten the mood.

Despite these issues, the book remains a light, easy read with a sweet, heartwarming quality. It may appeal to readers looking for a low-angst, slow-burn romance with a hint of personal growth, but it’s not for those who want a fast-paced, high-energy rom-com.

While the writing style is easy to follow, some readers may find the digressions into business and finance distracting. The overall story leaves much to be desired, especially considering its potential. Deeply Personal is a book that might satisfy those looking for a gentle, cozy romance but will likely leave others wanting more from the plot and characters.

Thank to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book!

I did not connect with this book…they had the opportunity to go deep on issues like self worth and self improvement but kept it all very surface level. I had a hard time paying attention to anything that was happening.

This was so cute! I honestly thought it would be steamier but it was more of a sweet, romance. Little to no banter or comedy too it, more of a drama. Enjoyable but not my favorite.

This book I really enjoyed reading.
We got a Turkey Trot, some heart issues, fake dating and falling in love. What more is there to ask for?
Jessica and Paul are the main characters in this book. They meet at a Turkey-trot (where Jessica's twin brother dragged her to) Jessica is having a medical issue and can't stand up and enter Paul who saves her from eating dirt. She learns that he is a personal trainer.
Long story short (because you need to read the book for the whole story and all the fun adventures in it) but Paul knows a big-wig guy who Jessica is trying to get the project of. They fake-dake a bit and then she learns more about him, his dad and him; who is a lot better than she thought a "personal trainer" would be. These two are adorable together, I love watching them on their dates and time together. You can just feel all their chemistry.
For me, this was a quick read. Yes you can say that this troupe is predictable but sometimes you just need a quick, fun, heartfelt rom-com book in your life to get your mind someplace else and happy.
I love reading books like these just for this reason.
Great story, with good characters and following them around their feelings/emotions is perfect.
So glad to have had the opportunity to read this book. Another great one to add to my list of read books :)

ARC REVIEW

Deeply Personal by Suzanne Collier had an interesting premise—a fake dating scenario between Jessica, an interior designer, and Paul, a personal trainer, to help Jessica land a client. However, while the story had potential, it ended up feeling all over the place.
The biggest issue for me was that the romance between Jessica and Paul didn’t really take center stage. Instead, the book spends a lot of time on side characters who, honestly, take up way too much of the story. It was hard to stay focused on the main couple when so much attention was given to other people, and because of that, I never really felt like Jessica and Paul were building a meaningful connection. They don’t spend enough time together, and it felt like the fake dating was more of a background plot than the main event.
Jessica’s obsession with her work and her financial struggles also took up a lot of space in the book, which I get is important for her character, but it overshadowed the romance. In the end, it felt more like a story about Jessica dealing with her career and money problems rather than a romantic journey. Plus, Jessica’s attitude was a bit too pessimistic for my taste, which made it hard to root for her.
The pacing was also off—things felt rushed in some parts and dragged in others. Overall, I think the book could’ve been a lot better if it had focused more on the developing relationship between Jessica and Paul, instead of so many side plots.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Deeply Personal was a super cute and short read! Paul and Jessica have the definition of a meet-cute at the Turkey Trot. Both characters are career driven and have that strong sense of motivation in common. I love how they both are helping each other grow within their careers and expanding their personal opportunities as well.

I feel like we get a really good sense of both characters’ backstories and familial relationships in this story. From Jessica’s twin brother to Paul’s grandparents, the role of family in this story cannot be understated. It was beautiful to see how these characters figured out their feelings through their interactions with their families.

I would have loved more of Paul and Jessica, but I enjoyed the time that I did spend with them. It was a really cute setting and I definitely could see these characters living a long and happy life together.

Thank you to Splitrail Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"DEEPLY PERSONAL by Suzanne Collier is an uplifting contemporary romance that combines themes of self-improvement, unexpected connections, and finding love when you least expect it. The story follows Jessica Chandler, a hardworking interior designer whose fast-paced lifestyle begins to take a toll on her health. After collapsing during a Turkey Trot event, she is rescued by Paul Brady, a kind-hearted personal trainer with a knack for motivation.

What begins as a practical arrangement—Jessica redesigning Paul’s drab condo in exchange for his help in improving her health—soon blossoms into something much deeper. Their growing friendship is filled with moments of humor, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry, as both characters confront their fears of commitment and learn to prioritize what truly matters.

Collier skillfully balances the romance with heartfelt personal journeys, making the characters relatable and their development rewarding to follow. The slow-burn relationship feels authentic, and the story’s themes of self-care and second chances add depth to the narrative. DEEPLY PERSONAL is a charming and heartwarming read that will leave readers rooting for love and personal transformation in equal measure."

I ate this up!!! Nice easy read but was heartfelt and funny. A good book to read if you just want something that flows easy. Now slow starts which I prefer!

The book starts off so strong but then the mains kinda get bogged down by their separate lives, barely see or talk to each other for weeks but fall in love despite little contact.

I guess I’m kinda disappointed, and feel a little mislead. There are a LOT of side stories and details about side characters that don’t matter to the plot long term. The MMC doesn’t actually train the FMC and it seems like she’s a functioning alcoholic but it’s never even mentioned that she’s drinking everyday multiple glasses.

The romance felt so forced and flat.
I think less time is side stories and more time on the romance. It was more side drama than romance.
It’s labeled as standalone from what I saw so all the side characters stories weren’t needed.
Like the MMC and FMC have had horrible trauma in their childhoods but that’s barely discussed, then we get a damn near a whole chapter about a rich old lady who was never lauded publicly for being a painter.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book. Fake dating trope was just right and not overdone. Fairly predictable but still a fun read! I give it 3.5 stars.

I was excited to read this one since it included an excising theme. Unfortunately, it fell very flat for me. I felt like the story was a great idea but the scenes throughout the book were not complete. Some of the monologue throughout wasn't intriguing or interesting.


Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I loved the humor of the characters. This was a light and fast read. A lot of the book was the FMC saying she's over her ex but not over her ex and that's why she can't date the MMC. Personally, I felt there was not enough build up of the romance and more on the progress of their personal business ventures. Overall, a cute little story.

When Jessica faints at a Turkey Trot, she meets Paul, a personal trainer. Jessica has sworn off romance to focus on her business, but when Paul needs an interior decorator, sparks continue to fly.

This book was an easy, fun read. I am a big annual Turkey Trotter, so I loved a meet cute centred around it. The book made its way to a happy ending without too much angst. It's a quick book for anyone looking for a light read.

The premise of this book was very interesting. I am a big fan of HGTV inspired romance so I was looking forward to reading it. I couldn't really get into this book. The dialogue was stilted. I normally like a dual pov but I couldn't see much difference in the voice between the two. Im not sure if i was the right reader for this book. May be better for someone who is a soap opera fan. If you want a non-taxing slow burn romance that deals a little with health and healing, this is for you. 1.5 stars. Thanks to Net Galley for this eARC im exchange for my honest review.

DEEPLY PERSONAL is a humorous, slow-burn contemporary romance by Suzanne Collier.
A sweet and charming story that had great characters.
Collier’s writing is just so engaging and addictive.

Goodreads Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Suzanne Collier for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a sweet, well-written romance that had many charming moments. The dialogue had a natural, enjoyable flow, making it easy to connect with the characters’ emotions and perspectives. However, the pacing of the story was a bit uneven—sometimes it moved too quickly, while other times it slowed down just as I was expecting things to pick up. The character arcs, particularly Paul’s and Jessica’s, also left me with some questions; they seemed to change suddenly without much explanation, which occasionally left me wanting a bit more depth.

That said, this is a wonderful choice if you're in the mood for a light-hearted, feel-good romance with low angst and minimal spice. While it didn’t entirely satisfy my desire for a deeper plot, it’s definitely a warm, cozy read perfect for fans of sweet romance.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review, and I look forward to seeing what Suzanne Collier writes next!

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Instagram Review:

🌸 Book Review 🌸

Thank you to NetGalley and Suzanne Collier for this sweet ARC!

This one was a delightful read, full of charm and witty dialogue that made me smile. The story flows easily, and the romance is perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good, low-angst escape. I did find the pacing a bit back and forth, and the character shifts felt a little quick at times, but overall, it’s an adorable, light read with plenty of heart! 💕

If you’re looking for a sweet love story without much spice, this one’s worth checking out. Can’t wait to see what Suzanne Collier brings us next!

3--⭐

This book got me confused and was ultimately underwhelming.
But the book is not bad per se.
The characters are nice, some scenes really sweet. Not heavy on the romance tho, not really sentimental nor steamy.
I'd say it was something in between a coming of age story and a romance.
The first 20/30% of the book was great, ideally building up to this beautiful, fun and romantic love story and then it went down down down.

Here's what went wrong for me:

- First (minor) issue: the writing style, not really for me. The author digresses a lot on the wrong things making it boring at times. I want the romance not the business and finance of their jobs so much. It got lost on technicalities a lot.

- Second: it was supposed to be a rom-com, heavy on the comedy side, instead I found it more leaning to the drama than the comedy. It was not funny, there was no banter or exhilarating situations.

- Third: THE PLOT IS NOT WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. I was reading and listening and reading through the Netgalley app, and waiting for him to start training her, for her to turn around her lifestyle and getting healthy thanks to her saviour personal trainer but NO. He never really gets to be her personal trainer and it downed on me the moment I read "deeply personal" trainer on page and went back to the description of this all.
Both the cover and the description of this romance give you expectations that are just not met once you're reading.
It's like they put down a plot idea and then the author changed her mind while writing it.

So I feel a bit betrayed by this all...

Thanks Netgalley for giving me access to a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really liked the premise of this charming love story, but many of the romantic scenes felt underwhelming and rushed, while some of the family scenes seemed to drag on too long. I often found myself skimming or skipping parts because it didn’t hold my attention like other books. I actually enjoyed the first half more, as the plot was developing, compared to the latter half.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the published for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was cute but not the romance I was expecting. Aside from a slooooow burn (I don’t think the romance developed and even shared a kiss u til 80% in)
Overall, sweet but not what I was expecting.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!