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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
My goodness, how I loved this book! The Love Simulation features a group of teachers - and their vice principal, Brianna - on a six-week Mars simulation over the summer. The goal? To finish out the whole project in order to win necessary funds to fix the school library, which is desperately need of repair and restocking. The issue? One of the teachers, Roman, is also the principal's son - and may have been sent to sabotage the trip in favor of fixing up the football field instead.
Brianna was so relatable as she struggled to find the balance between professionalism and friendship in their six-week simulation, along with trying to figure out what truly makes her happy. Roman, while we didn't get his POV, was well-represented in the pages and the reader was given good insight into his thoughts through his words, gestures, and body language. Their slow burn started in chapter one, and once their romance was in full swing, readers were definitely rewarded! The Mars simulation tasks, and relationships built with other team members, were a wonderful addition to the story. All in all, a very enjoyable book, and one of my top reads so far this year. This is my first book by Etta Easton but it won't be my last! Thank you, Berkley Romance, for the free copy of The Love Simulation, receipt of which did not impact my review.
Brianna was so relatable as she struggled to find the balance between professionalism and friendship in their six-week simulation, along with trying to figure out what truly makes her happy. Roman, while we didn't get his POV, was well-represented in the pages and the reader was given good insight into his thoughts through his words, gestures, and body language. Their slow burn started in chapter one, and once their romance was in full swing, readers were definitely rewarded! The Mars simulation tasks, and relationships built with other team members, were a wonderful addition to the story. All in all, a very enjoyable book, and one of my top reads so far this year. This is my first book by Etta Easton but it won't be my last! Thank you, Berkley Romance, for the free copy of The Love Simulation, receipt of which did not impact my review.
funny
hopeful
fast-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
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½
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πππππ πͺπ π¦ π«Άπ» @berkleyromance for free book and @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook. #berkleypartner #berkley All opinions are my own.
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βIβll take you however I can have you. In here, where itβs just us. Out there, in front of everybody. Iβll follow your lead.β
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The Love Simulation is such a sweet story! If you are a fan of forced proximity or he falls first then this is the book for you! I should also note that the audiobook is fantastic and Sisi Aisha Johnson does a masterful job narrating the story!
When Briannaβs principal halts the schoolβs library upgrade in favor of spending money on the football field, she joins a team of teachers who are spending their summer in a Mars simulation in hopes of winning enough prize money to fund the upgrade themselves. But when Roman, a science teacher and son of the principal, is added to the team at the last min, Brianna sees red -- is he there to spy for his dad or sabotage their chances in some other way? Brianna and Romanβs hostility and attraction quickly intensifies with their close quartes but as the schoolβs assistant principal, Brianna is afraid that she will soon have to choose between the school she loves and the man who has captured her heart.
I throughly enjoyed this sweet and entertaining rom com! Etta Eastonβs writing is so engaging. I just ate this book up! The Mars simulation setting was fun and I liked that she introduced many STEM elements into the story without overwhelming the reader. All in all, The Love Simulations is fun and sweet with the perfect balance of wittyness and heart.
If you have been looking for a swoon-worthy enemies to lovers story to add to your bookshelf this spring then check this one out, especially if you are an audiobook listener. It is so cute!!
βπππ ππ πͺπ π¦ ππππ π
β© Enemies to Lovers
β© Forced Proximity
β© He falls first
β© STEM references
β© Interconnected Standalones
β© Some Spice
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
this one was cute and lighthearted. the plot was unique. i feel like it didnβt make a huge impression but i enjoyed reading it
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the e-arc of this book. 3.5 stars
I read Etta Easton's debut novel last year, and read most of it in one sitting. I'm happy to say that the same was true for her follow up novel. This one follows Bri, the younger sister of the MMC of The Kiss Countdown. She's working as a vice principal with a boss who is plotting against her, and a hot science teacher who she wants but can't have. This gave me strong Abbott Elementary vibes in the best way. Bri and Roman reminded me of Jeannine and Gregory with their silly banter and slow burn romance. I found the circumstances to be so unique (they're working together on a six week Mars simulation), and the way Easton writes it, you start to feel time get jumbled up just as the characters do. There was one scene toward the end that truly made me laugh out loud because of how dramatic our main character acts. Six weeks in an enclosed space with no natural sunlight will do that to you!
I also loved how passionate Bri is about giving children access to books. At a time where books are being banned left and right, and libraries are constantly threatened with cuts to funding, it's refreshing to see a character care so deeply about books and libraries. Her advocacy is so important, and I hope that message makes it to the masses. Overall I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a sweet workplace romance with some real laugh out loud moments.
I read Etta Easton's debut novel last year, and read most of it in one sitting. I'm happy to say that the same was true for her follow up novel. This one follows Bri, the younger sister of the MMC of The Kiss Countdown. She's working as a vice principal with a boss who is plotting against her, and a hot science teacher who she wants but can't have. This gave me strong Abbott Elementary vibes in the best way. Bri and Roman reminded me of Jeannine and Gregory with their silly banter and slow burn romance. I found the circumstances to be so unique (they're working together on a six week Mars simulation), and the way Easton writes it, you start to feel time get jumbled up just as the characters do. There was one scene toward the end that truly made me laugh out loud because of how dramatic our main character acts. Six weeks in an enclosed space with no natural sunlight will do that to you!
I also loved how passionate Bri is about giving children access to books. At a time where books are being banned left and right, and libraries are constantly threatened with cuts to funding, it's refreshing to see a character care so deeply about books and libraries. Her advocacy is so important, and I hope that message makes it to the masses. Overall I'd recommend this book for anyone looking for a sweet workplace romance with some real laugh out loud moments.
From the beginning, Briannaβs character shines. Her journey resonates with anyone who has ever felt overshadowed by more accomplished family members or struggled to find their purpose. As she navigates her career shifts, Brianna is on a quest to find her true passion. Despite her feelings of inadequacy, she pours her heart into everything she does, and her supportive family is a constant reminder of her worth.
This slow-burn romance hits all the right notes, featuring wonderful, relatable characters, simmering tension, and a unique backdrop. The chemistry between Brianna and Roman, a reserved science teacher and the principal's son, is palpable. Their relationship is fraught with obstacles, yet their attraction is undeniable. I appreciated the gradual development of their connection, filled with swoon-worthy moments and genuine support, as Roman shows a keen interest in Brianna and her aspirations.
The side characters add another layer of fun to the story. The teachers bring their own quirks, with no filter Angie providing plenty of laughs and science enthusiast Jordan fully committed to the mission. Itβs also a joy to see familiar faces from The Kiss Countdown, especially the dynamic between Brianna and her sister as well as Vincent giving mission advice.
Overall, The Love Simulation is a sweet and lighthearted read that left me smiling and chuckling throughout. Etta Easton has crafted a story that beautifully balances humor and heart, making it a perfect escape.
This slow-burn romance hits all the right notes, featuring wonderful, relatable characters, simmering tension, and a unique backdrop. The chemistry between Brianna and Roman, a reserved science teacher and the principal's son, is palpable. Their relationship is fraught with obstacles, yet their attraction is undeniable. I appreciated the gradual development of their connection, filled with swoon-worthy moments and genuine support, as Roman shows a keen interest in Brianna and her aspirations.
The side characters add another layer of fun to the story. The teachers bring their own quirks, with no filter Angie providing plenty of laughs and science enthusiast Jordan fully committed to the mission. Itβs also a joy to see familiar faces from The Kiss Countdown, especially the dynamic between Brianna and her sister as well as Vincent giving mission advice.
Overall, The Love Simulation is a sweet and lighthearted read that left me smiling and chuckling throughout. Etta Easton has crafted a story that beautifully balances humor and heart, making it a perfect escape.
Good story. Interesting premise. And that was the most unique third act break up I have ever read. I wish the principal wasnβt Romanβs father because I kinda wish he got more of a comeuppance for all the stuff he pulled. I mean he got almost everything he wanted in the beginning with a brand new library thrown in. But overall cute and unique read.
3.5 stars
1 spice
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
3.5 stars
1 spice
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Berkley Romance for this e-ARC! The Love Simulation follows Bri, a vice principal at a middle school who is determined to receive funding for her school's library. She has a crush on a fellow teacher Roman, who is also the son of the school's principal. Conflict arises because Bri thinks Roman is competing for her vice principal position. Bri, Roman, and a few other teachers agree to compete in a Mars simulation to win money for the school's library.
I liked that this book takes place in the same universe as The Kiss Countdown. Our FMC (Bri) is the little sister of the MMC in The Kiss Countdown, but the Love Simulation can be read as a standalone novel. The first few chapters of the book reminded me of Abbott Elementry! The setting of the Mars simulation was very unique in my opinion. This was a cute read, but the romance in this book felt very surface-level. I recommend this to anyone looking for a fluffy, low-stakes book. Read if you enjoy:
- Forced proximity
-Slow burns
-Workplace romances
-Single POV
I liked that this book takes place in the same universe as The Kiss Countdown. Our FMC (Bri) is the little sister of the MMC in The Kiss Countdown, but the Love Simulation can be read as a standalone novel. The first few chapters of the book reminded me of Abbott Elementry! The setting of the Mars simulation was very unique in my opinion. This was a cute read, but the romance in this book felt very surface-level. I recommend this to anyone looking for a fluffy, low-stakes book. Read if you enjoy:
- Forced proximity
-Slow burns
-Workplace romances
-Single POV
medium-paced
Thank you to #berkleypartner @berkleyromance for my early gifted copy and #prhaudiopartner @prhaudio for my gifted ALC.
This one was a sweet workplace romance with just the right dash of enemies to loversβ dynamic. I really appreciated how the story kept the space theme that I enjoyed in πβπ πΎππ π πΆππ’ππ‘πππ€π. It added a unique charm to Briana and Romanβs love story and tied the narrative together beautifully.
This one was a sweet workplace romance with just the right dash of enemies to loversβ dynamic. I really appreciated how the story kept the space theme that I enjoyed in πβπ πΎππ π πΆππ’ππ‘πππ€π. It added a unique charm to Briana and Romanβs love story and tied the narrative together beautifully.
I also enjoyed the nod to πβπ πΎππ π πΆππ’ππ‘πππ€π. The mentions of Amerie and Vincent felt like catching up which I did not expect. Itβs always a treat when connected stories give us a glimpse of previous loved characters from previous books. As for Briana and Roman, their progression was heartfelt. However, Brianaβs relentless overthinking about her feelings for Roman did get a bit tedious for me. I understand the weight of her responsibilities as vice principal and her passion project, but there were moments I just wanted to shake her a bit and say, βJust let it flow, go with your heart!β
π§Audiobook bonusβ¦listening to Sisi Aisha Johnson narrate the audiobook was a highlight as well. She brought the emotion whether, anger, frustration, love, and nuance that kept me listening. Overall, this was an enjoyable romance experience to read and listen to. It had sweetness, tension, and heartfelt romance, a perfect pick for fans of workplace loves stories!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I am so grateful I got to read the ARC and when I say this book GAVE! It gave. I truly loved learning more about Brianna Rogers (Vincent sister from The KISS Countdown). I related to her so much. So much so she frustrated me at times. This book was a book that I was able to visualize every word and I love when an author does that to me. Etta Easton is such an incredible writer. Her words come to life. I loved Brianna (FMC) and Roman (MMC) and all of the other characters truly added their own value. I felt every character mentioned needed to be there. Thanks again for another amazing read Etta Easton.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed Etta Eastonβs first book, and while The Love Simulation wasnβt as strong for me, I still enjoyed it. The light science-y vibes are once again fun, and I particularly enjoyed the academic environment with the teachers and their competition, as well as the space simulation itself. Thereβs also some light references to the first book, although this is not a formal series.
Brianna is a sympathetic protagonist, and I love her devotion to her job and drive and passion in general. I did find her complex feelings toward Roman to be a bit all over the place, because on the one hand, sheβs pretty gaga for him, but on the other, heβs also her professional rival, and there didnβt seem to be a consistent through-line for that. And the result was that the stakes and tension felt rather low.
Roman is a solid love interest, and heβs definitely swoon-worthy. But I feel there was definitely more to explore and flesh out with him, particularly if heβd been given his own POV. Heβs not flat by any means, but I canβt help but feel like there was a lot of missed potential given his position as the principalβs son to be probed further.
The romance overall was pretty cute, even if it was fairly low-stakes in the grand scheme of things. The simulation provided some fun challenges and a unique environment for them to explore their chemistry, and they were fairly easy to root for.
This was a pretty cute read, and Iβd recommend it to readers who are in search of Black romance with a focus on the education and STEM fields.