The Next Best Fling

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 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.

A very cute, messy romance novel that is a real page turner.
There's a lovely aspect of body positivity in the book - with a plus size main character who is likeable (usually not the case).

The book is fast paced, easy to read, and well written.

If you're looking for a quick feeling read for a cozy night, this is brilliant for you.

Oh how I do love the drama! Marcela and Theo really do put themselves into some situations perfect set up for a rom-com. I wanted to see more of the relationship between Marcela and Theo because they were so cute together and down to earth... A heartwarming read💕

Thank you Dialogue Books for the eARC via Netgalley

In a world of Bens, be a Theo. This was such a fun and breezy read - a twist on the expected fake dating trope, toxicity and complex emotional webs unravelling all over the place. And it's just *sweet*. The tension just ticked up throughout. Love, love.

This was incredibly touching. Both Marcela and Theo are heartbroken, in love with people who won’t return their feelings, full of guilt and resentment for how they feel. Because of a misunderstanding, they start fake-dating, and getting to know each other. They help each other be a better version of themselves, make better choices, two broken pieces who grow to fit together. I have loved this story.

The Next Best Fling, by Gabriella Gamez, is a fast-paced romance, full of witty banter and laughable moments. This book is a quick easy read that is perfect to toss into your pool or beach bag!
Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC
ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

The Next Best Fling was such a swoon worthy book. Theo, honestly...I loved him! I didn't think I would like the premise of it too much but the plot was handled in a very mature way.

I flew through it in one sitting and absolutely loved it. It made me laugh and even tear up at times.

The only reason why I couldn't rate it 5 stars was that I felt like the quality of the writing dropped a little in the last few chapters. They felt a bit too rushed, not as well thought-out as the rest of the book and more like a first draft and the finished version in my opinion. Nevertheless, I'd highly highly recommend!

Normally I am not a fan of a love triangle trope, but this book was great. I loved the relationship between Theo and Marcela although I feel more time could have been spent on them and less on Alice and Ben. It was lovely the way the relationship progressed but I did find myself getting annoyed towards the ending when I just wanted Marcela to stop doubting herself and realise Theo was right in front of her.

This review is for The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez which releases in the UK on the 9th July! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Dialogue Books for giving me an eArc copy for this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the authors debut novel, and what a way to start! I read this in one day and honestly couldn’t put it down.

The main thing I loved about this story were the characters. I loved the diversity of characters we see, and I do have to say Angela was my favourite. She was my unproblematic Ace queen, and I connected with her the most. Seeing how she described learning about her sexuality, and how she figured out she was Asexual really resonated with me. Especially when she talks about still wanting to find love, and realising that not wanting sex, doesn’t mean she doesn’t want love. I also have a soft spot for Theo, he was such a cinnamon roll and I love a male main character who is such a sweetheart and willing to do anything for their partner. I love how this story was a good combination of romance and some more difficult topics, such as fatphobia (both external and internalised) and abandonment issues. It was a really good balance of witty banter and deep discussions about their feelings, being as honest with each other as they can.

Some aspects of the storyline did really frustrate me, such as the characters love for self sabotage. It was also just kind of a mess, with a lot of people kinda doing shitty things to each other. The drama of the storyline and the situation they were already in was already enough, the main character then also self sabotaging herself just seemed a bit much.

I did really enjoy this book, and can’t wait to read the next in the series. I hope the next books focuses on Angela, as I can’t wait to see her have a happy ending!

3.75

I adored this. Highly entertaining, absolutely enjoyable, packed with feels and enough emotional rollercoasters to last me a month.

I don't always read M/F romances because I have a tricky relationship with seeing my body represented on page. But romances with great rep are the exception to that rule: a Latinx, fat protagonist? Who loves and respects herself, but still manages to be vulnerable and insecure and relatable? Who's also a librarian? SIGN ME UP.
I adored Marcela. She was the absolute best, and although I kinda wanted her to come clean with Theo from the start, I absolutely cheered for her, and her HEA, from the very first page to the last.
And THEO. God, what a freaking delicious morsel of a man. He made me swoon so freaking hard. How does one find a person like him?!!!! Somebody tell me.
I also LOVED their relationship and dynamic so so much. A hint of fake dating (and friends with benefits!), plus a whole lot of unexpected chemistry, attraction and feels. I loved how their relationship felt realistic and relatable, but also goddamn dreaming and swoony at the same time.


Their relationship was fraught with misunderstandings and insecurities at times though: I was on the edge of my seat in those moments, and let me tell you, I wanted to knock some sense into Marcela's head more than once. I still adored seeing everything unfold on page.
I mostly wanted to run over that weasel Ben though. I despised him with my whole heart. He was HORRIBLE, and I can't believe Marcela spent all these years pining for him. Alice I can believe, but BEN? Ugh. What a horrid little man. On the other hand, I loved all the other side characters and I'm absolutely looking forward to seeing a few of these faces again.

All in all, "Best Next Fling" was a hoot of a book, wholly heartfelt and swoony, fun and enjoyable. The perfect feel-good summer read!

This was a cute, swoon worthy romance book with its fill of complication and drama! ❤️

Theo wants his brothers bride to be and Macella wants her best friend the groom to be, but they find each other and help each other navigate through their world of feelings and hurt! 🥹

This is a fake dating/friends with benefits/rebound book and it's so cute, I loved reading their story and how they helped each other out of messy situations and made each other better with patience and support and also the chemistry between them! I loved that Marcella was a plus sized FMC and I felt every single one of her insecurities! The book was filled with toxic relationships, sexual tension, banter, good friends and love 🔥

The story line was cute and well written and I read it within 24 hours, I would I have liked more spice but overall it was a great book and I would certainly recommend it to anyone! 🫶🏻

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review ❤️