"The Next Best Fling" by Gabriella Gamez is a captivating and enchanting read that drew me in from the very first page. This debut novel effortlessly blends endearing characters, a swoon-worthy romance, and layers of unexpected emotional depth.

Marcela, the lively and passionate youth librarian, immediately wins you over with her dedication to nurturing a love for books and learning in the young minds she works with. Her enthusiasm for her job and her spirited personality make her a delight to follow. On the other side, we meet Theo, the genuine and charming hero whose honesty and warmth shine through, making him impossible not to adore.

What truly sets this novel apart is its masterful balance between light-hearted romance and deeper, more poignant themes. While Marcela and Theo’s budding relationship provides plenty of heart-fluttering moments, the story also delves into significant issues like facing insecurities, embracing life's inevitable changes, and finding the courage to pursue one's true desires. The portrayal of Ben, Theo's brother, and his struggles adds an authentic layer of complexity, bringing a relatable touch to the narrative.

The chemistry between Marcela and Theo is electric from their first interaction, yet their relationship stands out for its genuine nature. Their connection is beautifully grounded in mutual admiration and sincere affection. As they navigate their feelings and the uncertainties of new love, their story feels raw and real, compelling you to root for their happiness throughout.

I found myself devouring "The Next Best Fling" in a single sitting, completely immersed in its warm-hearted charm and the irresistible pull of Marcela and Theo’s journey. Gabriella Gamez has crafted a stunning debut that promises great things for her future works. If you’re a fan of heartfelt love stories with both light and depth, this book is a must-read. Grab a copy, settle in, and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting tale of Marcela and Theo. You’ll be glad you did!

I enjoyed the body positive aspect of this book and felt it was handled well and true to life. The main characters were fun and had a good amount of baggage. Great front cover.

Title: The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

Release date: July, 9th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The Next Best Fling" by Gabriella Gamez is a captivating and spicy debut romance that explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the unexpected paths to healing. This novel is a delightful journey of two broken hearts finding solace and passion in each other's company, navigating the murky waters of a no-strings-attached relationship that defies their initial intentions.

Marcela Ortiz, a librarian with a secret long-standing love for her best friend, is faced with the harsh reality of moving on when he gets engaged. Her world is further complicated by the arrival of Theo Young, the ex-NFL player brother of the man she loves, who harbors feelings for the bride-to-be. In a twist of fate, Marcela and Theo find themselves entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and an undeniable attraction that neither of them anticipated.

Their relationship starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement to distract themselves from their unrequited loves. However, as they explore the depth of their connection, they discover that their fling is far from superficial. It becomes a source of emotional growth, support, and a profound understanding that challenges their initial perceptions of each other and themselves.

Gamez's novel is a masterful blend of emotion, passion, and humour. It delves into the messy dynamics of family, the pain of unrequited love, and the healing power of a connection that starts as a rebound but evolves into something much more meaningful. The chemistry between Marcela and Theo is palpable, their interactions filled with wit, warmth, and a sensuality that adds depth to their evolving relationship.

"The Next Best Fling" is a testament to Gabriella Gamez's storytelling prowess, her ability to craft characters who are flawed, relatable, and deeply endearing. It's a novel that celebrates the idea that sometimes, the path to true love is paved with unexpected detours and that healing can come from the most unlikely of sources.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance, filled with emotional depth, steamy encounters, and a journey towards self-discovery and love. Gamez's debut is not only a triumph but also a promise of more heartwarming and irresistible stories to come.

Thank you to The Publisher Dialogue Books | Renegade Books ,The Author Gabriella Gamez & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 9 July 2024

In this debut romance, two people with broken hearts find unexpected solace in each other. Marcela Ortiz, a librarian secretly in love with her best friend, decides to move on when he gets engaged. Her plans are disrupted by Theo Young, an ex-NFL player and the groom's older brother, who intends to confess his love to the bride-to-be. Marcela stops him and offers him a place to sleep off his drunken mistake. The next day, they attend a family brunch where everyone mistakenly assumes they hooked up. To cover Theo's feelings for the bride and distract Marcela from her unrequited love for the groom, they agree to a fake dating relationship. As they explore their chemistry, their no-strings-attached arrangement starts to feel more real, challenging their initial intentions.

"The Next Best Fling" captivates with its blend of lighthearted charm and deep exploration of serious themes. Marcela and Theo's journey goes beyond romance, delving into themes of insecurity, change, and the courage to follow one's heart. Character growth, particularly Ben's regression, adds relatable complexity. Marcela and Theo's chemistry is palpable and authentic, grounded in respect and affection. As they navigate attraction and uncertainty, readers are compelled to root for them. Gabriella Gamez's debut is a triumph, delivering heartwarming charm and irresistible romance. A must-read for love story enthusiasts, this book enchants with Marcela and Theo's magical journey.

Fans of Abby Jimenez and Lynn Painter will adore this debut romance about a librarian and an ex-NFL player who enter a fake relationship to mend their broken hearts.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dialogue Books, and the author, Gabriella Gamez, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

The book was cute but too rushed in my opinion. I wanted more angst, more tension. The think i liked was the plus size representation. Also Theo is a really cute character, but again, it felt too rushed.