I was really interested in the premise of the book but I do feel that for me, it didn’t hit the mark. I thought Tia was great and the focus on her career journey was interesting.

It was an okay read but there were times where I found myself glossing over the words. There was so much unnecessary (in my opinion) description and the dialogue between the characters seemed immature.

Great modern romance novel that wasn’t just about the love interests! (Although Nate was an interesting option!) Happy that Tia went for the ending she did.

Some of the writing was a bit repetitive and if I wasn’t so up on modern culture I think some of the references would’ve gone over my head. Could definitely promote more as New Adult.

This book started slowly and it was obvious from early on how it was going to end.

The work life ethic versus culture differences are all touched on this book. Made myself so grateful not to the that work pressure daily. No wonder more people are trying to escape it.

I think this book is aimed more for the younger generation who can relate to the slang talk of a lot of the youngster's.

Very easy read but did not really grip me.

Overall this was an easy read that I got through in a day or two. I think it’s better suited to younger audiences and will be popular among this demographic!

One thing I’ve loved about bookstagram is that it’s gotten me into romance novels, something I would really have never touched in my early twenties or teens. Now, though, I find myself drawn to a romance more often than not, and it’s so lovely to find new writers in the genre.

The Situationship is the first romance offering from Merky books, and Rumble’s first novel. I will admit it took me a while to get in to; for the first 100 pages I wasn’t really sure where the story was going and whether I was a fan of the writing style. Once I was in, though, I was IN and I couldn’t stop reading.

Tia, our main character, was absolutely fantastic and a character I felt sad to see go by the end of the book. I’ve had a string of those reads lately and Tia is firmly on my list of characters I’d love to see a sequel for. We meet her at a time of disruption and confusion in her life, and I think there’s something amazing about writing that makes you root so strongly for characters, to cheer or cry or laugh with them.

I did find the main plot itself a little obvious, but I think we all know what we’re going in to with a book with this title (…or maybe I’m just a cynic who can’t trust fictional love interests 😂). What I found more amazing was Rumble’s ability to take that romance formula and breathe fresh life into it, and making the social commentary within a key part of the novel and it’s characters.

I’ll definitely be intrigued to see how the happy ending of this book goes down with other reviewers, as I don’t think it’s one that we typically see in romance novels. I think it is absolutely the one that worked, though, and was a perfect end to Tia’s story.

This one is out in August, so get your pre-order in now for a perfect summer read!

I did like this premise and the ending I really thought was well done. I loved the discussion of Tia's workplace and the struggles of being a minority in a white-centric workplace, also I absolutely loved the project that Tia and Eloise works on. I loved the friendship roles in this and how present Hannah and Luca were. The one main critique I have is that I didn't vibe with how old the actual characters were. I found it hard to believe that Tia was 24 and everything being so heavy on miscommunication. I completely get not knowing where you are at 24 and everything like that, but the whole unsure nature of Tia not clarifying if her and Nate were exclusive and discussions between her and her friends. It all just felt a bit juvenile for me, I think it could have worked if maybe they were 21 and fresh out of uni, I'm not sure.

I’ve been a bit lazy with my reads recently, and had been struggling to make decent headway with any book I picked up, but I’m pleased to say I think this one my have broken me out of the rut, as the quickest book I’ve read this year.

Pitted as Merky Books first ‘rom-com’, The Situationship by Taylor-Dior Rumble follows protagonist Tia, as she navigates romances, friendships, workplace drama, and all the obstacles that come with these.

This books has all the classic features of a good rom-com, from the witty best friends, to the jarring work (almost)villain, and does not disappoint when it comes to butterfly-inducing moments and funny one-liners that gave me good chuckle here and there. I can definitely imagine this title being adapted for the screen as a feel-good film or limited series - think along the lines of ‘Someone Great’ or ‘Rye Lane’.

Despite the obvious focus on romantic relationships, I actually found the friendships Tia had to be the greatest love story of the book. From her struggles in the workplace, and all the dating drama, Tia’s friends were always there for her ready with unrelenting support and hilarious quips that would be both Tia and me laughing out loud.

Overall, this was a good, solid read. Perfect for needing something light-hearted and fast-paced to get out of a reading rut.

I enjoyed this book! I was a refreshing read that kept me throughly entertained! I managed to read this is a week.

I really enjoyed this book, it felt different from anything I have read and I was gripped from chapter one. It was an easy read but so enjoyable.

This to me wasn’t just a rom-com, rooting for Tia in her job, her relationship and everyday life and the struggles as a black girl has to navigate.

The relationships between Tia and her best friends felt genuine and as a sucker for boy meets girl happy ever after this book left me smiling and it was a perfect ending to a fabulous book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the download.

I thoroughly enjoyed Tia's dating escapades and problems with emotionally unavailable men and I found I could relate to her a lot! It's nice to have a book that has so many relevant aspects of dating life! However, I feel the overload of pop culture references almost seemed like a tick-box system and the term 'kissed his/her lips' seemed to be used at least once on every page and was quite monotonous in a sense. I also felt like some aspects of the book were somewhat underdeveloped and not explained well. However, the book has immense potential!

Mixed feelings about The Situationship. I was expecting the characters to be a bit older and maturer, but it definitely seemed more suited to a YA/Gen Z audience. The author has filled it with pop culture references which got boring after a while and the repition of the phrase 'kissed their teeth' drove me crazy by the end. Overall it was a good book and I enjoyed the ending but I don't think I waa the right audience for it

The Situationship was a really enjoyable debut from Taylor-Dior Rumble.

We follow Tia worker as a researcher at big London media company LCN awaiting the return of her FWB, Aaron, from America. When he returns with A GIRLFRIEND, Tia jumps on the apps and starts chatting with Nate. They hit it off and Nate gasses her up, giving her a much needed confidence boost and collaborator at work. But how do they define the relationship without having The Talk? And should business and pleasure be mixed?

I liked Tia’s character growth throughout the novel, and her relationships with her friends and mentor were written with real warmth. The novel astutely covers the institutional racism within a London media company. Similarly, I thought the conundrum of vulnerability in modern relationships was portrayed well.

I tend to agree with other reviewers that the marketing of this book as a rom-com doesn’t quite resonate - the romance(s) didn’t feel central and although there were moments of humour, I wouldn’t say this was a particularly comedic novel.

I think this also would have benefited from a further edit for repetition and pacing.

Pick up this book up if: fans of The Bold Type, Queenie or Sara Jafari.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 rounded up.
A romance with a bit more substance. It was an engaging read and I felt myself rooting for the protagonist especially in the workplace. Similar to other reviews, I felt that it was more aimed at a younger audience?! I enjoyed it nonetheless!

I always feel bad aborting a book. I managed to get through 20% before admitting that as a middle-aged mom, I'm probably not the intended audience. Although I normally love revisiting the romance of my youth, and enjoy a good romcom, I felt a bit excluded. The style, genre, dialogue and pop culture of the writing targets a specific and much younger, audience, So I don't feel my critique would be fair, other than to say its more relatable to someone in their 20's.

Easy to read with likeable characters and believable relationships.

Overall a fun and interesting read which focussed more on the work life of Tia more than the description would suggest. This book being marketed more as a rom-com is interesting as it was the story of Tia’s struggles within LCN were clearly, to me, the biggest plot points.

I enjoyed this very much. I don’t usually read romance or chick lit but I fell this one is current and on point. Online dating apps and situationships are very much the world we are living in, and I can say this as a single woman! I enjoyed the characters and felt it represents London and Londoners. It will be great for the Book Club. Great for a chill weekend with a glass of wine and then a chat with your girl mates.

I’m not sure this book is aimed at me - I prefer characters who can speak in intelligible sentences! I gave up after chapter 11 - I got fed up googling words…

I found the dialogue repetitive - and the number of times our heroine “kisses her teeth”…what’s that all about?

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review

A comically clever exploration into modern dating culture and just how complicated it can really be.

Our leading lady Tia was an absolute diamond - so very real in her flaws and concerns, in the way she doesn't always make the best decisions but at her core she was just looking for real, meaningful connections with people. She is hilariously relatable as she navigates the unwritten rules of dating and relationships, and her narration made her feel like a friend catching us up on her latest catastrophic date. She was instantly familiar, genuine and open - a spectacular voice who really pushed this story forwards.

Despite her not always being sure about herself, I adored how outspoken and strong she was when standing against misogyny and racism - she was fiercely loyal and passionate not just about these issues but about her friends who created a beautifully vibrant group with brilliantly written interwoven relationships.

The pacing was quick, with easily readable short chapters that jump from moment to moment easily building a picture of the life Tia has built before everything starts to change. A charmingly chaotic and heartwarming romcom with a refreshing contemporary edge.

I'll be honest I was scared to read this book because of the Title. I have been in countless situationships and I was worried about reading a book all about complicated dating. Boy was I wrong. This book was brilliant!

From the opening scene of her crush returning from months abroad with a surprise to the situationship with Nate. I will say the book focuses more on Tia's work life rather than dating I would say the dating comes secondary in this story but it was relatable and a book I feel everyone will relate to no matter your age.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for the arc copy!

A fun story, it's one that is relatable and familiar. It was a fabulous and easy read with a good pace, it's always fun to recognise London in books and movies and know roughly where they are.
Really enjoyed the journey that the protagonist, Tia, took us on. I can't wait to read what comes next from Taylor-Dior Rumble!!