Minnie Maple

I loved this book. Snark and sexy times! This is very much a story for our current times - a virgin kindergarten teacher who stalks her celeb crush via the Gram self-publishes some very steamy romance novels, which then lead to said-celeb putting out a Tik Tok seeking the author. Of course the search goes viral.

Mary Beth is a preacher’s kid whose mom has seriously warped MB’s attitude about pre-marital sex. She lives in fear that someone will figure out she is new sensation author Minnie Maple. But she also wants to meet Drew and sell her books’ movie rights, so she outs herself to him, never thinking he is not the wholesome do-gooder he portrays on social media. The two clash tremendously and Drew ends up following MB home to her small town where he announces to everyone that he is her boyfriend. Desperate to keep her secret, MB plays along. And over time, the fake becomes real.

The main characters did take some time to grow on me. MB seemed a little spineless at the start and Drew was just icky (e.g., his earring collection). But together they each go out on individual journey of self-discovery, which allows them to also find the other.

Drew and MB have great banter and excellent chemistry. The sexy times are well-done. There are mentions of race and racism but they are woven into the story in a way that feels real. Religion plays a role in the book but again I thought it was well-done. I didn’t feel like religion was being forced onto me as a reader, it was simply part of the backstory.

The secondary characters were great, especially the best friends. I hope they get their own book! The Vegas twist was good, but the viral reveal was a bit unbelievable. Small quibbles though.

4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

I was intrigued when I read the synopsis of this book and decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did because I enjoyed it. It was slightly unbelievable but it's fiction so it doesn't really matter because it's pure escapism and just fun.

The plot starts with the male love interest wanting to break away from Hallmark movies and he is looking for a new project that interests him and changes how people view him. Enter the female main character, Mary Beth, or her pseudonym - Minnie Maple. Her book series has became a viral success on BookTok and caught the eye of celeb Drew who launches a search to find her and get the rights to the book and adapt it.

A lot of popular tropes were covered so if you enjoy the below, this might be for you:

- Dual POV
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Fake Dating
- Small Town
- 🌶 scenes

Other reviews mention Drew, the male lead, being a jerk but he is a celeb who doesn't need to work for anything and has women throwing themselves at him so it's easy for him to be this person, but I'd say stick with it if you find you like the story and the author's writing and hopefully the character will redeem himself for you, the reader😊

4⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, C. Edward Press LLC and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Hilarious and witty enemies to lovers rom com! Defintely one of my favourite reads of 2023. Publishing date 30th June,2023.
I received an ARC from Net gallery in exchange for an honest review.
I requested an ARC as the plot really intrigued me and I hadn't read a storyline like this previously. Very spicy book which I love!
Mary Beth is a 23 year old pastors daughter and kindergarten teacher who has a very dirty secret indeed. For a virgin she may be, but her mind is far from pure and she writes erotic books in her spare time. Cue a loveable best friend, vodka and then publishing the book which then leads to Mary-Beth meeting her celeb crush. Drew is a Hollywood playboy actor and he wants to buy the rights to Mary Beth's books to turn into movies. How far will he go to win the rights?
There were so many witty banter between Drew and Mary-Beth that had me laughing put loud. The author is certainly talented at writing and making the reader feel the chemistry. Favourite quotes: "Egotistical pig headed womaniser", "She's a smart ass with a black heart and closed mind".
There is more to this story that the characters finding love. They also go in on a journey of self discovery and life reflections. Making changes for the better with the help of each other. I did have a teary eye when I finished the book. Highly recommend!

Toothachingly sweet and sauna level steamy.

There are definitely some bumps and lumps in this book (ex: mentioning Harpers perfume by name in nearly every scene she was in, Drew’s initial comparison to MB as a teenager, etc.) but the actual book was great!

I was initially afraid it would be too meta but it’s the perfect blend of including a romance lover/author without pandering and being cringey.

The cover for this book is so gorgeous and the blurb so promising that I had to read this despite the fact that Christian rhetoric makes me deeply uncomfortable and personally upsetting but it was minimal and bearable so that was great!

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

This wonderful story will be bought in paperback and placed on my to keep shelf forever!! I loved this so much!! This should definitely be a GAC or Hallmark movie!!! I love this! I can't stop thinking about it!
I just reviewed Minnie Maple by Mandi May. #MinnieMaple #NetGalley
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I have to start by saying the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!! This book is fun, sexy and funny!! I loved the chemistry between Mary Beth and Drew. Their banter was so good! I definitely recommend this book!


Thank you NetGalley and C. Edward Press LLC for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.