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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Yes
REALLY liked how this was written, the way the conflicts and communications played out, and how the characters were developed. This whole story is highly relevant to my life in a way I wasn't expecting when I started reading it, but somehow it's exactly the book I needed to read in this moment.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The chemistry! The angst! The spice!
One of my favorite things about this book was Theo’s relentless commitment to communication—he never let Marcela have an ounce of misunderstanding. It was such a breath of fresh air compared to the usual romance trope where characters avoid each other and let miscommunication drag on. (No shade, I still eat that sh*t up, LOL.)
This story was messy in the best way—raw, real, and completely engaging. The drama felt authentic rather than forced. Overall, a super cute read and highly recommend!
One of my favorite things about this book was Theo’s relentless commitment to communication—he never let Marcela have an ounce of misunderstanding. It was such a breath of fresh air compared to the usual romance trope where characters avoid each other and let miscommunication drag on. (No shade, I still eat that sh*t up, LOL.)
This story was messy in the best way—raw, real, and completely engaging. The drama felt authentic rather than forced. Overall, a super cute read and highly recommend!
slow-paced
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved that Theo wanted to communicate so much! Books where they just run away from each other and not talk annoy me.
Sometimes Marcela made me frustrated in her overthinking and self sabotage.
Sometimes Marcela made me frustrated in her overthinking and self sabotage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol
Moderate: Fatphobia
I've been so excited for this read, I love when I get to read a curvy latine FMC!
Marcela has been in love with Ben for years. Ben, however just proposed to his girlfriend Alice. At the engagement party, Marcela realizes that Ben's brother, Theo, is in love with Alice and stops him from intervening in their relationship. After allowing Theo to sleep off his drunken stupor, the two show up together for the engagement brunch and everyone thinks they hooked up. They didn't, but the shenanigans begin.
Many of you know that fake dating isn't my favorite trope. I think it's the secret keeping aspect that makes me too anxious when I read. I had a hard time with Marcela not being forthcoming that it was Ben she loved, while Theo was up front with his feelings for Alice. It would have been nice to read more from Theo's POV. I did really enjoy seeing Marcela gradually have her eyes opened to the ways that Ben manipulated her for years. Y'all, Ben suuuuuuuuuucks! Marcela and Theo are able to get over their unrequited feelings and build a stronger relationship between themselves.
I LOVED the references to pan dulce, huevos con papas, and chisme. Immediately, I felt like I was cozy in my abuelita's kitchen. The latine rep in this book was strong and proud.
Marcela has been in love with Ben for years. Ben, however just proposed to his girlfriend Alice. At the engagement party, Marcela realizes that Ben's brother, Theo, is in love with Alice and stops him from intervening in their relationship. After allowing Theo to sleep off his drunken stupor, the two show up together for the engagement brunch and everyone thinks they hooked up. They didn't, but the shenanigans begin.
Many of you know that fake dating isn't my favorite trope. I think it's the secret keeping aspect that makes me too anxious when I read. I had a hard time with Marcela not being forthcoming that it was Ben she loved, while Theo was up front with his feelings for Alice. It would have been nice to read more from Theo's POV. I did really enjoy seeing Marcela gradually have her eyes opened to the ways that Ben manipulated her for years. Y'all, Ben suuuuuuuuuucks! Marcela and Theo are able to get over their unrequited feelings and build a stronger relationship between themselves.
I LOVED the references to pan dulce, huevos con papas, and chisme. Immediately, I felt like I was cozy in my abuelita's kitchen. The latine rep in this book was strong and proud.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Next Best Fling is the perfect read for anyone who loves witty, slow-burn romantic comedies that come with a side of emotional complexity and the "fake relationship" trope that blossoms into something more genuine.
The dynamic between the heroine, Marcela, and the hero is electric. You can feel the chemistry between them from the get-go, and it only builds as the story progresses. But what I really appreciated about their connection was the way they could joke around and have fun together — it’s that perfect balance of banter and sweetness that makes a romantic comedy so addictive.
The dynamic between the heroine, Marcela, and the hero is electric. You can feel the chemistry between them from the get-go, and it only builds as the story progresses. But what I really appreciated about their connection was the way they could joke around and have fun together — it’s that perfect balance of banter and sweetness that makes a romantic comedy so addictive.
Marcela, our female main character, is a librarian — and as a huge fan of librarian heroines, I was already won over! Her love for books and her quiet, introspective nature gave her such a relatable, down-to-earth charm. But what really made her character stand out was the emotional depth she brings to the story. Sometimes, her overthinking and self-sabotage frustrated me, especially as it seemed like she was standing in the way of her own happiness. However, I think this made her feel even more real and authentic. We’ve all been there — second-guessing ourselves or pushing people away when we’re afraid of getting hurt. Watching Marcela work through these emotions and grow was so rewarding, and it really added to the emotional depth of the story.
The book is filled with all the sweet, classic rom-com moments that fans of the genre will adore. From meet-cutes to steamy yet tender moments, this story has it all. What I really loved is how the fake relationship trope was handled — it didn’t feel forced or predictable, and the emotional stakes were high as the characters’ feelings evolved in unexpected ways.
In short, The Next Best Fling is a treat. If you love romantic comedies with that perfect blend of humour, heart, and a dash of emotional complexity, this one is a must-read.
Almost made it to the 30% mark. Quality-wise this is reading like a C+ KU romance. Completely chaotic plot. Both characters pining after others, insta lust, no real chemistry. I like Marcela and it’s so refreshing to see some better representation in trad pub romance. Theo is giving nothing. Ben is a twat I can’t imagine pining after for 10+ years.
If one of y’all refers to this as a sports romance I will riot. The man is a RETIRED NFL player and we aren’t even told what position he plays.
If one of y’all refers to this as a sports romance I will riot. The man is a RETIRED NFL player and we aren’t even told what position he plays.
I absolutely love Theo. There were a good handful of moments that I was swooning for him. So kilig for Marcela. I also like how Theo is pretty upfront with his feelings. He doesn't shy away from them once he is certain and that is hot.
Marcela's perception of herself and why she's scared to love and feel and doesn't put herself out there is so relatable. Is this play about us? HAHA
I am so sad/mad for Marcela and how Ben had her waiting on the sidelines all these years. There were times when Ben would say something and I was metaphorically waving a red flag, hoping Marcela would see it.
I audibly gasped when it was suggested that Ben purposely hurt Theo so that Theo could not play for the NFL. He is so scared to be left alone, but thats crazy if true. The confrontation in the end what I wanted, i love drama LOL. I think it was kinda nice that Ben didn't get a redemption arc, and that's just how the cookie crumbles.
Theo's gift with all the books and UGH how he said that she deserves every book to be signed by the author. Unrealistic but I still loved it LOL.
When he was like, "you can call me whatever you want, I'm just gonna call you mine" OK taylor swift LOL so rep coded aka the true taylor love album. I love when the author is a swiftie and can make it taylor coded but not too annoying obvious, more iykyk and you definitely know at the end when you read Miss Gabriella's playlist songs and notes.
Marcela's perception of herself and why she's scared to love and feel and doesn't put herself out there is so relatable. Is this play about us? HAHA
I am so sad/mad for Marcela and how Ben had her waiting on the sidelines all these years. There were times when Ben would say something and I was metaphorically waving a red flag, hoping Marcela would see it.
Theo's gift with all the books and UGH how he said that she deserves every book to be signed by the author. Unrealistic but I still loved it LOL.
When he was like, "you can call me whatever you want, I'm just gonna call you mine"