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bridgetlovesbooks's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Next Best Fling' is a sizzling romance set in the heart of San Antonio. With plus-size librarian Marcela, as the relatable protagonist, the story offers a refreshing spin on the fake dating trope. The chemistry between the leads is electric. But it's not just the romance that shines; Gámez tackles some more serious issues of trust, healing from the trauma of past relationships and family conflict. The supporting cast adds depth and humor, making this thoroughly enjoyable. I found myself rooting for Theo and Marcela every step of the way. Thank you to Forever and Net galley for the eARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Abandonment
hipearson's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read that I didn’t want to put down. I liked that it didn’t take itself too seriously — making fun of the tropes within the book for being cliche. I really fell for Marcela and Theo as I read and wish I knew even more about their story already.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Fatphobia and Body shaming
dogbuttsandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I loved this book! The plus size book loving heroine, the San Antonio vibes, MCs having actual emotional growth and sizzling physical chemistry made Next Best Fling a read I couldn’t wait to come back to multiple times day until I finished it.
At times I worried about our main character, Marcela, and her self sabotaging habits built from a cycle of family trauma, but major kudos to the author for actually having our girl do some much needed self reflection and have a honest to goodness character arc! We love to see it!
I don’t know what tropes I would use to describe this book, and I love that fact! It’s a refreshing read, shaking up the sometimes over-relied on romance tropes. Will “getting over someone by getting UNDER his brother” be romance’s next big thing? Because this was HAWT.
I loved the themes of friendship, how family can hurt you, and self acceptance woven throughout the book. And praise the romance gods for giving us a plus size MC who doesn’t hate her body!!! As a plus size reviewer, I connected with some of Marcela’s very real thoughts and insecurities about previous dates and interactions, but she ultimately never let them become intrusive or stop her from loving herself. Seriously, the bar shouldn’t be so low but I adored how the author allowed Marcela to convey some realities of plus size life without ever leaning on fatphobia to show us.
All in all, I loved this one and will absolutely be recommending to all Texan and Plus size romance readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Abandonment, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Fatphobia and Emotional abuse
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