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Be In My Bubble: Romance in Lockdown: What Could Possibly Go Right?
London. 2020. Lockdown. Emily has had a terrible year when it comes to love. And now she’s stuck in her apartment, alone. Things change when—one fateful night—she trudges to the rubbish chute and bumps into Robbie. Robbie—tall, hot, Australian Robbie. Robbie—her brother’s friend from school Robbie. Why on earth did I choose to wear my twerking corgi T-shirt tonight of all nights? And that’s when her bubble of one becomes a bubble of two. Cue glorious meals, dancing the night away, and cuddling on the couch. Can this love bubble stand the test of time, or is it set to burst? Read now to find out.
This is the coronavirus-era rom-com you didn’t know you needed.
This is the coronavirus-era rom-com you didn’t know you needed.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2023
7 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Maya Mason
3 books12 followersI'm a New Zealander living abroad who loves dogs, trash TV, and every food under the sun.
I write books that I hope will make you laugh, smile, and maybe sometimes cry. My debut novel 'Be In My Bubble' is set during the Covid lockdown in London, and I actually wrote it during lockdown (doing so actually helped get me through those years). Please let me know what you think of it, I love to hear from readers.
I write books that I hope will make you laugh, smile, and maybe sometimes cry. My debut novel 'Be In My Bubble' is set during the Covid lockdown in London, and I actually wrote it during lockdown (doing so actually helped get me through those years). Please let me know what you think of it, I love to hear from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 20, 2025
A romance based on the pandemic, surprisingly not super unbelievable storyline with extreme things. Some of the timelines did seem a little quick but knowing how people did think and feel during the quarantine it still does make sense. The story did have a lot of focus on mental health and self conscious undercurrent that did make it a bit more believable. It was a quick read once you get going.
I received this ARC from publishers via Netgalley
#BeInMyBubble #NetGalley
I received this ARC from publishers via Netgalley
#BeInMyBubble #NetGalley
May 28, 2024
I thought this was super cute and sweet. It was so interesting reading about a relationship starting during the pandemic. (As a married mom of two, I definitely had different experiences of the lockdown. 😂)
April 12, 2024
Amazing!
Let me tell you - I absolutely adored this book! It had me gripped immediately. The drama, the 'will they, won't they', the comedy... Perfect! I've laughed, I've cried, I've growled with frustration and clapped with excitement. Maya has a fantastic way with words and I will definitely be keeping an eye open for future releases. Brilliant book!
Let me tell you - I absolutely adored this book! It had me gripped immediately. The drama, the 'will they, won't they', the comedy... Perfect! I've laughed, I've cried, I've growled with frustration and clapped with excitement. Maya has a fantastic way with words and I will definitely be keeping an eye open for future releases. Brilliant book!
May 23, 2024
love love love this book
Not much else to say really
Why do I have to write 14 words? It doesn’t need it
It was just amazing
Not much else to say really
Why do I have to write 14 words? It doesn’t need it
It was just amazing
November 17, 2023
Be in my Bubble was such a sweet read. Although it was written about a time which is usually associated with negative emotions, it was nice to read about a positive experience during lockdown. I loved Emily, the main character, she had a traumatic couple of months when she had a messy break up and then lockdown happened. She feels vulnerable and lonely in this time which are feelings I know was common during this time, this makes her a relatable character. She meets Robbie while taking her rubbish to the chute and they hit it off.
Emily and Robbie were such a sweet couple and I enjoyed reading about their relationship. At times it got steamy as they created a ‘lockdown bubble’ to keep each other company. I like how they both developed throughout the book and their relationship helped them both grow and mature. I was intrigued to see how their relationship would work out as the lockdown continued.
I thought this book was written well and it was an entertaining rom-com. It was an easy read and I like the dual pov between Emily and Robbie. It gave the reader a good insight into both of the characters and what they were thinking and how that felt about certain situations. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading romance books, however, I will say to be cautious of it regarding the lockdown theme as I know many people suffered. Although, I did enjoy reading it and I found it to be a lighthearted romance book. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this author!
Emily and Robbie were such a sweet couple and I enjoyed reading about their relationship. At times it got steamy as they created a ‘lockdown bubble’ to keep each other company. I like how they both developed throughout the book and their relationship helped them both grow and mature. I was intrigued to see how their relationship would work out as the lockdown continued.
I thought this book was written well and it was an entertaining rom-com. It was an easy read and I like the dual pov between Emily and Robbie. It gave the reader a good insight into both of the characters and what they were thinking and how that felt about certain situations. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading romance books, however, I will say to be cautious of it regarding the lockdown theme as I know many people suffered. Although, I did enjoy reading it and I found it to be a lighthearted romance book. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this author!
November 9, 2023
Many people have been avoiding writing and reading books set during or involving "that" time ...you know, when we all had to lockdown and there was chaos and confusion around the world.
Well, I've come across a couple of great books now that have dealt with this time in their storyline and it's been done beautifully.....and this is one of them.
When the news hit, Emily was just getting over a messy break up - feeling vulnerable and lonely - and now stuck in her London apartment all alone.
Until one night, she bumps into Robbie at the rubbish chute and they hit it off.
It was great to watch our main characters relationship evolve even during this period of uncertainty.
None of us knew what the future held and I think this was dealt with really well in this book as Emily and Robbie discussed plans and futures and really gave us a sense of hope for how things would be after.
This really reflected the thoughts of many of the nation.
I found this a really easy read even though it brought back some difficult memories of my own experience during the lockdowns.
The feeling that someone, somewhere could have been having a similar experience really made me smile, that although it was a time of great uncertainty and sadness for many, others could have been beginning new relationships and friendships that may never have happened.
Well, I've come across a couple of great books now that have dealt with this time in their storyline and it's been done beautifully.....and this is one of them.
When the news hit, Emily was just getting over a messy break up - feeling vulnerable and lonely - and now stuck in her London apartment all alone.
Until one night, she bumps into Robbie at the rubbish chute and they hit it off.
It was great to watch our main characters relationship evolve even during this period of uncertainty.
None of us knew what the future held and I think this was dealt with really well in this book as Emily and Robbie discussed plans and futures and really gave us a sense of hope for how things would be after.
This really reflected the thoughts of many of the nation.
I found this a really easy read even though it brought back some difficult memories of my own experience during the lockdowns.
The feeling that someone, somewhere could have been having a similar experience really made me smile, that although it was a time of great uncertainty and sadness for many, others could have been beginning new relationships and friendships that may never have happened.
November 19, 2023
April 2020 and October 2021 prior to the world of covid and lockdowns it’s crazy to read a book that captures so many memories. From socialising online via zoom chats and whatsapp messages. Told by the two character perspectives of Robbie and Emily. I loved how every page I read flowed and felt like I was part of the characters. There were a lot of funny moments from the get go and lots of key messages, from infertility to the importance of adopting older dogs. When you realise the betrayal Emily went through your heart hurts a little and the author brings out the depth of emotion.
The speed comes to light a bit more when we meet Robbie. And the vibes of lockdown start to look up. Will the sweet romance of lockdown love be continued once lockdown ends? It’s fun, romantic, realistic and put across exceptionally. I wasn’t sure what the age range was for this but I adored it either way. It’s light hearted and a cosy overall enjoyable read that puts butterflies back into your stomach.
The speed comes to light a bit more when we meet Robbie. And the vibes of lockdown start to look up. Will the sweet romance of lockdown love be continued once lockdown ends? It’s fun, romantic, realistic and put across exceptionally. I wasn’t sure what the age range was for this but I adored it either way. It’s light hearted and a cosy overall enjoyable read that puts butterflies back into your stomach.
February 11, 2025
Be in My Bubble by Maya Mason is a sweet and heartwarming RomCom set in London during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The story follows Emily, who is stuck in her apartment alone during lockdown, as she navigates the challenges of isolation and loneliness.
One night, Emily meets Robbie, her brother's friend from school, at the rubbish chute. They decide to form a "bubble" together, and their friendship quickly blossoms into something more. As they spend more time together, they learn to navigate their differences and perspectives, and their bond is tested as they face the challenges of the pandemic and their personal lives.
Mason does a great job of capturing the unique atmosphere of London in 2020, and the characters are relatable and likeable. The story is full of humor and heart, and it's sure to give readers that warm and fuzzy feeling.
While the story is enjoyable, it's not particularly groundbreaking. The plot felt predictable at times, and the characters are somewhat stereotypical of a typical Rom-Com. Also, being set in London, there was a British Dialect that was worked into the story. The outside Dialect made it hard for me to understand the story at times (I needed to a cultural deep dive after chapter 4) However, I'd definitely recommend Be in My Bubble as it's still a fun and lighthearted read that's perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good romance.
One night, Emily meets Robbie, her brother's friend from school, at the rubbish chute. They decide to form a "bubble" together, and their friendship quickly blossoms into something more. As they spend more time together, they learn to navigate their differences and perspectives, and their bond is tested as they face the challenges of the pandemic and their personal lives.
Mason does a great job of capturing the unique atmosphere of London in 2020, and the characters are relatable and likeable. The story is full of humor and heart, and it's sure to give readers that warm and fuzzy feeling.
While the story is enjoyable, it's not particularly groundbreaking. The plot felt predictable at times, and the characters are somewhat stereotypical of a typical Rom-Com. Also, being set in London, there was a British Dialect that was worked into the story. The outside Dialect made it hard for me to understand the story at times (I needed to a cultural deep dive after chapter 4) However, I'd definitely recommend Be in My Bubble as it's still a fun and lighthearted read that's perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good romance.
February 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Look, I don't have any proof, but the only reason I picked this was because it seemed a little like Bellarke fanfiction. It was a long shot, I know that now, and my entire theory was based mostly on the familiar-looking guy on the cover and the fact he's Australian. It could all just be a coincidence, but I went into this book like a detective, trying to find all possible clues to prove my theory.
However, not even this imaginary detective assignment I’ve given myself was enough to keep me invested in the story. Unfortunately, after a couple of chapters, I was already a little bored. But then we were introduced to a conflict and I thought we were headed into low stakes enemies to lovers territory but that didn’t happen. There wasn’t any flirty banter, any teasing, any chemistry to keep me interested. Instead, at around the 20% mark, they kissed. That was enough for me to call it quits.
If the story was written in a more interesting way, I probably would’ve kept reading. However, the dialogue was so cringe at times and the altering POVs sounded so similar I had to keep looking back to figure out whose part I was reading.
All in all, this didn’t turn out to be my cup of tea. However, if you don’t mind instant love and all the usual romcom cliches, this might just be the book for you!
Look, I don't have any proof, but the only reason I picked this was because it seemed a little like Bellarke fanfiction. It was a long shot, I know that now, and my entire theory was based mostly on the familiar-looking guy on the cover and the fact he's Australian. It could all just be a coincidence, but I went into this book like a detective, trying to find all possible clues to prove my theory.
However, not even this imaginary detective assignment I’ve given myself was enough to keep me invested in the story. Unfortunately, after a couple of chapters, I was already a little bored. But then we were introduced to a conflict and I thought we were headed into low stakes enemies to lovers territory but that didn’t happen. There wasn’t any flirty banter, any teasing, any chemistry to keep me interested. Instead, at around the 20% mark, they kissed. That was enough for me to call it quits.
If the story was written in a more interesting way, I probably would’ve kept reading. However, the dialogue was so cringe at times and the altering POVs sounded so similar I had to keep looking back to figure out whose part I was reading.
All in all, this didn’t turn out to be my cup of tea. However, if you don’t mind instant love and all the usual romcom cliches, this might just be the book for you!
April 4, 2025
Be in my Bubble: locked down by Maya Mason is a light hearted and often comical look back at life and love during lockdown.
The book begins on October 20 202, flashes back to April 20 2020 and then alternates between Robbie and Emily's point of view.
Life used to be great for Emily, living with her boyfriend and her best friend. Until one day she came home and found them hooking up on the counter. Now the world is locking down and she's all alone.
Robbie struck gold when a project of his goes viral. But then his next project flops, his fiance leaves him and he is stuck at his friends apartment until the travel ban lifts so he can get home.
A chance meeting at the garbage shoot during the pandemic has Emily and Robbie deciding to bubble up and spend time together instead of isolating alone.
Thank you to Maya for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
The book begins on October 20 202, flashes back to April 20 2020 and then alternates between Robbie and Emily's point of view.
Life used to be great for Emily, living with her boyfriend and her best friend. Until one day she came home and found them hooking up on the counter. Now the world is locking down and she's all alone.
Robbie struck gold when a project of his goes viral. But then his next project flops, his fiance leaves him and he is stuck at his friends apartment until the travel ban lifts so he can get home.
A chance meeting at the garbage shoot during the pandemic has Emily and Robbie deciding to bubble up and spend time together instead of isolating alone.
Thank you to Maya for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
February 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm typically someone who will immediately DNF a book the second it seems too much like the real world. Mention Taylor Swift, Tiktok, or any real-life headline and I'm pulled out of the story. I was unsure going into this read if I would be able to stay interested in a story that was too reminiscent of such a crappy time in all of our lives.
I was pleasantly surprised that Maya Mason was able to keep the plot of this rom-com light and entertaining. If I hadn't lived through COVID-19 myself, I might have thought the timeline was a little rushed but those were "unprecedented times" and isolation made 1 year feel like 100.
A quick, entertaining read worth adding to your TBR.
I'm typically someone who will immediately DNF a book the second it seems too much like the real world. Mention Taylor Swift, Tiktok, or any real-life headline and I'm pulled out of the story. I was unsure going into this read if I would be able to stay interested in a story that was too reminiscent of such a crappy time in all of our lives.
I was pleasantly surprised that Maya Mason was able to keep the plot of this rom-com light and entertaining. If I hadn't lived through COVID-19 myself, I might have thought the timeline was a little rushed but those were "unprecedented times" and isolation made 1 year feel like 100.
A quick, entertaining read worth adding to your TBR.
January 28, 2025
Be in my bubble is a COVID-19 romance. I was a bit scared of reading a lock down romance but was happily suprised. I enjoyed the characters and found the pacing nice and easy. The story and characters had depth. It was a nice close door romance. I was left frustrated with the representation, throughout the story Emily is desxribed as being plus-size but once again the cover show a thin woman. I also felt like some of the conversations around sexisms were overlooked. Maybe i would of enjoyed even more if there was more critical insight. I would recommmed to any romance lover.
Thanks Netgally for the ARC.
Thanks Netgally for the ARC.
February 28, 2025
This was a cute rom com that takes place during the Covid 19 outbreak and lockdowns. Emily and Robbie grew up together in London but have grown apart as adults. The London lockdown reconnects them when they're both at low points in their lives. I loved the chemistry between Robbie and Emily but the misunderstanding troupe was a little heavy and it was a big part of why I couldn't give a five star review. Once, I can believe but more than that. You're adults, just use your words and explain the situation. I felt the couple was super cute and I really wanted them to be together pretty quickly in the book.
I received a review copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
January 27, 2025
This is a tough book for me to comment on because the file I downloaded was mostly gibberish. There were only a smattering of legible sentences throughout. That said, the concept for the book was interesting and fairly timely. I liked the parts that I could read well enough and thought the book as a whole showed promise. It struck me as a solid cute three star rom com read, so that's what I'm giving it.
I read a copy of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
I read a copy of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
February 13, 2025
2.7 ⭐️ maybe
it was ok like it wasn’t great or anything special. Interesting to have a romance set in the pandemic of course. felt that the mmc was just pretty childish, like I get that there’s a pandemic but him just having one argument and basically going back to Australia. I get he had been thinking about it but being that impulsive was just ugh.
i’ll come back and finish this review
April 6, 2025
I thought this was a very cute book. The interaction between Emily and Robbie was great and realistic. Fun going back to Covid times and reliving bubble life. Loved Sian as BFF. I think there should’ve been something about Emily’s brother and his reaction when he found out Emily and Robbie were dating though. Chapters were short but I like that versus long chapters.
July 11, 2024
it’s very cute and sweet, but until 120 is amazing, then it’s repetitive, there’s so many mentions about social media names that aren’t necessary at all. what’s the point of that?
the conclusion and the introduction feels like two different books.
the conclusion and the introduction feels like two different books.
February 16, 2025
3-3.5⭐️
This was a cute read, but I must admit I was looking for a bit more from Robbie and Emily’s story. Their journey from running into each other again to more than friends happened quickly, without much tension or buildup and before I really felt any of their chemistry or attraction. Nevertheless, it was a cute story on a unique time in our world. As someone in healthcare who worked through the whole pandemic, it was a different perspective.
—
😷Debut novel
❤️Re-release
😷COVID
❤️Forced proximity
😷Brother’s ex-best friend
💔Death of a pet
📍London, England
—
Thank you Maya Mason & NetGalley for this complimentary ARC - all thoughts are my own! 📚
Publishers release date 10/11/2023
This was a cute read, but I must admit I was looking for a bit more from Robbie and Emily’s story. Their journey from running into each other again to more than friends happened quickly, without much tension or buildup and before I really felt any of their chemistry or attraction. Nevertheless, it was a cute story on a unique time in our world. As someone in healthcare who worked through the whole pandemic, it was a different perspective.
—
😷Debut novel
❤️Re-release
😷COVID
❤️Forced proximity
😷Brother’s ex-best friend
💔Death of a pet
📍London, England
—
Thank you Maya Mason & NetGalley for this complimentary ARC - all thoughts are my own! 📚
Publishers release date 10/11/2023
May 11, 2025
Who doesn’t love a run down memory lane lol even when it reminds you times you’d rather forget but locked down hit loads of people in many different ways. But for Emily it started with a messy break up and being confined to her apartment alone! Until you bump into your brother (hot) best friend Robbie and finding out he’s living in the same apartment building as you.
I really enjoyed the story of Emily and Robbie, watching their relationship grown during a very hard time was something precious. Some very cutesy moments through out.
I love a multi POV and this one didn’t disappoint, I found it an easy enjoyable read, at times it felt just a wee bit frustrating (just get together already) lol
If you love brothers best friend, close proximity, loved up kinda tropes your gonna love this one.
I really enjoyed the story of Emily and Robbie, watching their relationship grown during a very hard time was something precious. Some very cutesy moments through out.
I love a multi POV and this one didn’t disappoint, I found it an easy enjoyable read, at times it felt just a wee bit frustrating (just get together already) lol
If you love brothers best friend, close proximity, loved up kinda tropes your gonna love this one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews