Apparently, I'm A Bitch: A Spicy Friends To Lovers Romantic Comedy

by Demi Blaize

Nikki is not a bitch… is she?

Starting her career as a lawyer in New York has been the most difficult challenge she’s faced so far, but when her best friend, Tristan, decides to buy and renovate the one place she’s always used as an escape, Nikki's unfiltered opinion wounds not only Tristan’s pride, but their nine-year long friendship.

Everything is awkward now… but Tristan still loves everything about Nikki. Her honesty, her bravery and her social justice streak have inspired him to give meaning to his art. She might not know it yet, but the wall her honesty built was made to be broken down–and Tristan knows exactly how to destroy it.

Apparently, I’m A Bitch is a sexy-swoony-angsty romantic comedy based on the age-old question: Is honesty always the best policy?

This spicy best friends to lovers romantic comedy is set in contemporary New York City, and is the first book within the Apparently, We're The Problem series, but can be read as a standalone. This full length romance features:

-A Happily Ever After
-Cinnamon-roll hero
-Reverse fake dating
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Found Family
-He falls first
-Open door, slow burn spice
-Dual first person POV (point of view)
-Aesthetic New York coffee shops, baking and art

If you enjoyed Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood, Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez, or The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren, you'll love this book!

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Spicy

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Zolexi Alfonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to Demi and good girls PR for this arc!
4.25/5 stars

I really enjoyed this book!

I enjoyed that it was a friends to lovers, as these are always so good! I really enjoyed how easy of a read this was. I really enjoyed how hard MMC tried to get with FMC. I loved the coffee shop aspect as well. The main characters banter was so funny and flirty. I really also enjoyed how they had a past. Towards the end, I did feel like things happened a little quick, but it was also still a good pace if that makes sense?

Overall, this was an easy and quick read which i really liked!

[dreamingofbookss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars ⭐️

Tropes:
friends to lovers 🫶🏻
he falls first ❤️
slow burn 🔥 
spicy 🌶️ 

This was a cute ‘friends to lovers’ story that takes place in New York. If you love that vibe, give it a try! 🗽

I found that it was easy to read and fast paced. ☕️

In the book, you follow Nikki and Tristan. They were best friends but because of a misunderstanding, their friendship changed…

Tristan owns a coffee bar called ‘Extra Shot’ and Nikki works as an associate at L&K Criminal Law.

You follow their story after the fight that was based on said misunderstanding, 4 months later.

Thank you to Grey’s Promo, Demi Blaize and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.

[Bryana Napthen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a quick read and I enjoyed most of it, however there was a lot of miscommunication and it was very frustrating. At the very beginning Tristan & Nikki get into a disagreement but then never discuss it again. Instead they let their friendship of 9 years become strained & weird - then out of nowhere they’re making out in her office. I feel like I had whiplash lol. I also think Nikki was a little unreasonable at certain times, Tristan can’t be expected to share every thought that pops in his head.

Also…if I have to read “he clucked his tongue” one more time I’ll go insane.

Aside from that, there were a lot of really cute moments. I really liked the separate storylines between Nikki and her co-workers and then Tristan dealing with Rochelle!

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

3.75⭐️

Firstly congratulations to the author on the debut book🫶🏼

This was an enjoyable friends to lovers read. This book follows Nikki and Tristan. Nikki is an attorney who is establishing her career in the big city and let’s just say it’s not as easy as she expected. Nikki is also a very honest person, maybe a little too honest👀

This is a friends to lovers read with a little twist, not all is as it seems👏🏼

The only critique I would have is I felt there was too much background noise occurring in this book and it distracted me from the overall story. But still an enjoyable read and I will definitely be reading the second book in this series🖤

This e-arc was provided for my honest thoughts✨

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Seeing how this book is about Nikki who's brutally honest and it (more often than not) comes off as bitchy--and the book requested that I leave my own brutally honest review--this is it.

I keep going back and forth on what I should rate it, so I settled finally on 3.25. I normally am not a fan of the miscommunication trope and the reason why Nikki and Tristan went from BFFs to basically strangers is due to miscommunication. HOWEVER...the way Demi handled this miscommunication seemed 100% true to life. It was angsty and heartbreaking to see both of them suffer the loss of the friendship and thinking it was because of something they did and that has to mean that the other obviously hates them due to their reactions/actions. The way they think makes sense on the outside, but not to us readers who see both sides of the story.

I also made notes and will try to discuss them without spoilers. I feel like Nikki is kind of a bitch, but not for the reasons she thinks. I feel like she' thinks she knows everything and knows what's best for everyone else (except for herself). Her mom even says so much towards the end. She's actually quite self-aware of how others view her and why they have those feelings towards her, which made me like her character more than I did at the beginning of the book.

I couldn't get over the fact that everyone at her office uses nick names with her or her with them. "Kel" or "Nik" even though they loathe her and she hates them right back (well, most of them). It drove me nuts to have this kind of informality between people who are coworkers and can't stand to be in the same room as each other.

I also found it quite jarring that Nikki and Tristen went so long without talking and then all of a sudden they do nothing but talk and Nikki still is quick to forgive and doesn't let people finish explaining the situation which just causes the situation to not be remedied and therefore it's the same argument being had the entire book.

All that being said, I really enjoyed the plot and really enjoyed the characters (for the most part). There are a few we're not meant to like, but even they have some redeeming qualities. I feel mostly bad for Rochelle (even though I don't think we're meant to). She has this moment with Tristen where she basically lays her heart out on the table and I feel like while her actions are horrible and she deserved what came to her, I still feel bad for her because of all she'd gone through in the past. Oh, and I'm actually looking forward to Shawn's story with Lilly next.

Thank you Demi Blaize and Grey's Promotions for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I debated how I wanted to rate this one. Overall it was an easy read and I flew through it.

Nikki is starting her career as a lawyer in NY, but she is brutally honest and this is why she seems like a bitch. She struggles to make connections at work, the paralegals don’t like her, and she can’t stand the other lawyer because she thinks he is abusing his paralegal and making her do all the work.

Her best friend Tristan and her have grown apart because he bought and renovated their coffee shop they both worked at and it was the only place she had always loved and she’d as an escape.

Unfortunately due to some brutal honesty Nikki hurts Tristan and causes a rift in their relationship. Their relationship becomes awkward and there is some miscommunication - I hate this - and you realize they both have been pining for each other for a LONG time.

I enjoyed the little twist at work for Nikki, could not STAND Rochelle - well done making a very unlikeable character - and hated how Nikki would not communicate with Tristan and would jump to conclusions without listening.

Overall it was a good read I just didn’t love the dynamics between the characters. Thanks to Demi & Grey’s for the ebook!

[Samantha Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I just want to say thank you to Demi and Grey promotions for the opportunity to arc read this book.


I had a really fun time readying this book. It was just what the book doctors ordered after reading kingdom of ash.

While I prefer my romance books to have more plot other then just the romance and the relationship of the main characters to carry the book throughout. I really didn't mind that the main plot was Nikki and Tristen's relationship because I felt like all the characters ( supporting characters and Niki and Tristen) were written with a lot of depth and kept my attention to the book. I also felt like I was watching an episode of Suite because Niki is a lawyer and her rival lawyer coworker his name is Harvey and I felt like a lot of his character traits were based off the Harvey in suits.

Since this is the first book in a new duet I am volunteering now as tribute to arc read the second book and finishing out the duet.

The only thing that I have any negative feelings towards is how easily Niki got mad either in per professional life with Harvey and her personal life with Tristen, it seemed little childish with her almost being 30.

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki and Tristan have been best friends for years, but when they have a silly argument, it puts a dent in their relationship, and they don't speak properly for months, with both of them thinking they are to blame rather than talking things through. Initially, I was unsure how the author was going to make an entire book out of one fallout and the duo's inability to communicate, to the point where I even considered DNF'ing the book, but once we got through those initial chapters and their relationship and struggles became more complex, I really got into the flow of the book and enjoyed every minute of it. It was a much angstier read than I originally expected, though.

Nikki tends to speak before she thinks, and her words sometimes cause hurt that was never intended. It's because of this that she's become the victim of some workplace bullying, and we see her doubting herself and wishing she was a nicer person, thanks to the inner monologues shown in her POV. It was those inner thoughts that allowed us as readers to see her vulnerabilities and her true feelings, and the strong and untouchable facade she puts on is just that—an act.

Tristan has been brought up to be the opposite of Nikki—to not be outspoken—and that, for him, is where his problems lie. By not being forthcoming with her, Nikki sees it as lying, and it sows seeds of doubt and shows a lack of trust, which is only made worse when a woman sets her sights on Tristan and tries to manipulate him into being with her.

There are lots of ups and downs in the story; you think they are making progress, and then something else crops up. Even though everyone around them was championing them, and I loved that for them, it wasn't the smoothest of journeys. I also really enjoyed the sideline story of Nikki in the office building a relationship with a co-worker who had previously had issues with her; it showed real character growth.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different take on friends to Lovers as they become ex friends for them to discover their feelings.
Nikki and Tristan have been best friends for 9 years and share the love of the coffee shop they used to work together in before she became a lawyer.
Nikki's issue is she is blunt and honest. But some parts were unnecessary and she was very hurtful. It was hard to like her at first because of that attitude and she definitely lived up to that name.
But Tristan never let that be an issue, he just knew she was honest and he instead felt guilty for upsetting her. He really was the perfect cinnamon roll.
He was a closet artist and she unknowingly disregarded his art too. That argument caused a rift between them and things were awkward, but Tristan still pined for her.
When he finally made the move he was propositioned with an offer to make it big with his art. Rochelle was awful and wanted whatever she laid her eyes on.
This causes issues in their new relationship and Nikki had trust issues regarding their relationship.
I really felt sad for Tristan, he just couldn't get anything right.
I did start to like Nikki when she started to see how she was hurting others. She had her own issues at work to, so drama everywhere.
These two kept getting interrupted every time it got hot and spicy. It was frustrating for me too haha.
I loved how he showed her how much he loved her and how to show her the truth behind Rochelle's scheming. I loved the ending, it was very fitting.
I also loved Lili, Shawn and Uncle Henry. They were funny and the found family.
Can't wait for Lili and Shawn's story. Wonder how that will work out.

[Natalie | nats.bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ best friends to lovers
✨ set in New York
✨ she’s a lawyer, he owns a coffee shop
✨ it’s always been you

This was an enjoyable and wonderful debut novel from Demi Blaze. This book was set in New York following Nikki & Tristian. Nikki a criminal defense lawyer and Tristian is a coffee shop owner and painter. They have been best friends for years until 4 months ago Tristian surprised Nikki with the coffee shop he bought. And Nikki was a bitch. Four months later these best friends don’t know how to get back what they once were. But when they do can they really settle for just being friends again?

While I throughly enjoyed this story I did have parts that I struggled with. The beginning was very slow moving and I found myself very frustrated with the miscommunication. Especially between two people who have been best friends for 9 years. But once we got past that bump I ended up enjoying this story a bit more.

I did like Nikki and her abrasive take no shit demeanor. Nikki was honest and never let people guess how she felt but also very sensitive and headstrong in what she feels. I love how she sticks up for Kelly even with the way she’s been treated. Tristian was such a cute character who loved Nikki with all his heart. He always understood how Nikki was and loved her for exactly who she was. He had Sonny moments and lots of moments I wanted to punch him in the face. This book has a fair bit of drama with side characters and miscommunication between these characters

3.5/5 ⭐️

[Janiece Dasilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Apparently Im a Bitch
By Demi Blaize

First off I want to thank Demi and Greys Promo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I went into this thinking it was gonna be a typical friends to lovers but the beginning hooked me into the book automatically!! How would you feel if your best friend insulted the place you bought to fix up and your art and then your friendship went awkward? Nikki is nick named the cutter because of her brutal honesty, she wants to change and make amends but during that process she realizes she is falling in love with Tristan.

Tristan is absolutely the cutest MMC I’ve ever read! Everything he does is for Nikki! I loved how even though she made him doubt himself he still wanted to be better for her and love her! He has been in love with her for forever and was getting his girl even if it meant losing his art career! I loved how bother of these characters grew stronger as individuals and realized that people can change! The conflict made me grip the edge of my seat in angst and hope that there is a resolution! I loved how Nikki and Kelly were able to get along as well after being at each other throats! I thought Shawn and Lily were absolutely great side characters as well!

I truly and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book so much!! This book made me feel sad, anxious, happy and made me laugh so hard! I absolutely cannot wait to read At Least I Can Do and read Shawn and Lily’s story!!!

[Sylviane BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki et Tristan sont meilleurs amis depuis toujours.
Mais lorsque ce dernier achète le café où elle se sentait bien , en le modifiant, Nikki ne l’a pas bien pris.
Elle est d’un mordant sans borne, elle dit tout haut ce que les gens pensent et tant pis si les gens pensent que c’est une garce. Elle est franche, ce qui est nécessaire en tant qu’avocate pénaliste. Mais ce changement, elle l’a senti comme une trahison et elle a déballé sans détour ce qu’elle avait sur le coeur, blessant son meilleur ami.

Tristan est un barista mais aussi un artiste. Il aime Nikki depuis toujours et c’est vrai que ces mots l’ont blessés, or il ne peut pas se résigner à ce qu’elle ne fasse plus partie de sa vie. Même si les autres disent d’elle que c’est une garce, personne ne la comprend comme lui.

Tristan est un artiste et il a un grand coeur, bien sur qu’il aimerait que ses oeuvres soient connues mais méfions nous de certaines personnes.
Outre leur romance dans laquelle Tristan va devoir tout faire pour abattre ces murs, afin qu’elle lui fasse confiance.
Cette Romance parle de harcelement au travail. Nikki est avocate et elle voit comment se comporte des avocats sans scrupules qui ne font rien mais qui ont les lauriers grâce à leur assistante.
Un harcelement aussi concernant des artistes, si vous ne sortez pas avec telle personne, vous serez blacklistés. Non ce genre de chose doit être dénoncé.

En conclusion j’ai passé un bon moment dans cette lecture, et les héros m’ont touchés

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently, I'm A Bitch

"Apparently, I'm A Bitch" dives into the messy, hilarious, and heartwarming world of Nikki and Tristan who are best friends. Buckle up for a spicy, angsty ride through the bustling streets of New York City, where honesty clashes with love, and second chances bloom amidst all the hurdles.

Nikki's blunt honesty and Tristan's artistic sensitivity create a dynamic duo that's both relatable and entertaining. Their banter is witty and their chemistry undeniable, making their journey towards love both angsty and sweet.

The "Is honesty always the best policy?" question adds a layer of depth to the romance, forcing both characters to confront their flaws and navigate the complexities of communication.


Experiencing the story from both Nikki and Tristan's perspectives allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and emotions, making their connection all the more real.

The promised "open door, slow burn spice" delivers, offering steamy moments that balance the emotional journey without overshadowing it.


The bustling backdrop of the city adds authenticity and vibrancy to the story, immersing readers in the characters' world.

Overall:

"Apparently, I'm A Bitch" is a fun, sexy, and heartwarming read perfect for fans of best friends to lovers romances with a touch of angst. Just be prepared for a cinnamon-roll hero and a possible case of déjà vu for the well-worn romance tropes. I loved it, go for it.
Rating: 4.25✨

[PurpleGypsyBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I absolutely could not wait to see if I was selected for this ARC! From the moment of cover reveal I was drooling. With that much hype I was so scared to be disappointed. I can 100% say Demi Blaize is now in my top 5 fave authors!

I loved everything about this book. Tristan is an artist that purchases a coffee shop that he and Nikki worked at for years together. Nikki and Tristan have always relied on each other through the hard times, like Nikki going through law school and Tristan losing one of his hero's, his mother.

The characters gained more depth with every turn of the page.....and then Rochelle had the nerve to show up. I've never wanted to see a character put in their place so bad! Nikki and Tristan have to decide what their priorities are and what means the most to them. Sometimes all endings aren't happy and the outside world can have a lot of influence.

Nikki known as, the cutter, in her law office knowing she is not liked. Tristan trying to create art and redo the coffee shop has ruffled feathers. Add in the layer of Tristan's parents immigration story and wow, my heart felt it like I was standing there watching through their eyes.

Bravo @demiblaizebooks and I cannot wait to get my hands on your next book!

Thank you Demi and @greyspromo for a copy of this gem to review!

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki is working as a lawyer in NYC and is trying to establish her career, but is finding it harder than she expected. Tristan decides to secretly buy and renovate their favorite local coffee shop. When Nikki finds out…well, she is a real B to him and sticks her foot in her mouth big time. Four months later they still barely speaking and this things are very awkward. Tristan still loves everything about Nikki and has plans to fix their relationship…until he finds himself in a bit of a situation…what will Nikki do when she finds out?

This was a really easy read! There is some great banter in this book and I found myself laughing out loud several times. Nikki and Tristan have great chemistry and I was rooting for them to finally get it together!

I have to say that I liked the unique take on fake dating - It wasn’t something that I have seen before. I loved the coffee shop setting and felt like it really added to the story. While Nikki and Tristan do have a miscommunication there is a deeper point that is made that definitely resonated with me.

✨Tropes
😂Romantic Comedy
🩷Friends to Lovers
⭐️Fake Dating
☀️Grumpy/Sunshine
🌸He Falls First
☕️Coffee Shop
🥐Baking
💜HEA

[Raynbow Corleone · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚💻📚💻📚💻📚💻📚💻📚💻📚💻📚💻📚💻📚
**ARC Review** Thanks for choosing me to be apart of your ARC team for this book, Apparently, I’m a Bitch by @demiblaizebooks This book was published on January 23, 2024.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Friends to lovers. A lot of misunderstanding because everyone was so irritating and wanting to have a conversation. However, the character growth was great. Thank you for that. I felt this story. Enjoyed the irritable characters that made me want to fall in love with them. A little spice… a lot.. you know. It was that moment of “OMG they finally kissed!” And then the epilogue!!! Yesssss!!! I cannot wait to learn more in the next book!!
👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽😍👏🏽
#raynbowstales #raynbowreads #raynbowsarcs #arcreader #raynbowsreviews #raynbowsarcreviews #raynbowreadsbooks #raynbowsbookreviews #nycreader #nycarcreader #raynbowssirentales #sirentales #books #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #readmorecomplainless #arcreviews #readingraynbow #lesbianbookreader #bookworm #bookdragon #bookwyvern #booksiren #audiobooklistener #audiobookreader #alcreader #advancelistenercopy #advancereadercopy #ApparentlyImABitch

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the title of this book, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to read something about someone being a b*tch! However, this just wasn’t for me. I do like a good work place romance but the best friends to lovers trope has never been my favorite. I really liked Nikki, I felt for her and all the workplace drama she faced. Tristian felt kind of whiny without outwardly being whiny; he was not a swoon worthy MMC for me. I will say I was very impressed with the spice level in this book, I would say probably 4/5 🌶️ and that’s really what kept me hooked on reading it. I also enjoyed the law office aspect and Nikki’s cases, I found that pretty interesting. It was also nice to learn more about different cultures like Nikki’s Greek heritage and Tristian’s Lebanese heritage; it was interesting and unique thus I enjoyed it. I think there was just a quality lacking here for entertainment value which is why I’m only giving it a 3/5 ⭐️. I wouldn’t discourage you from picking this book up and reading it, it just wouldn’t be my first choice in recommendations.

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author had a decent writing style. However, I found the characters very frustrating-- they sucked at communicating and reading each other's attraction cues while simultaneously pining away for each other. I also was pulled out of the story by some of the things they did (but were unfortunately integral to plot progression) such as the whole butter folk remedy thing. I was too hung up on this to be engaged in the rest of the scene. I also didn't understand how Tristan got enough money to purchase the coffee shop (even if it was just enough to secure a loan from a bank) and renovate it, so that also pulled my attention away from the story.

Because of my frustration with the first half of the book, I found it hard to stay engaged in the story and care about the characters in the second half. I also felt that while things happened in the story, this didn't necessarily translate into forward momentum relationship-wise.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover is SO cute. It’s giving noughties-MyScene-doll-vibes.

I liked the plot: friends-to-lovers, where he falls first.
This has some spice and a slow burn feel, both are done really well.

Tristan is a great character, an artist who owns a coffee shop.
I really, really, really struggled to like Nikki. I found myself rolling my eyes constantly at everything she did. I get that the whole idea behind this book is that people have less-than-stellar opinions on her personality, but oh my god. She’s pretty unlikeable, and I found myself not wanting her to end up with Tristan. (It worked out in the end, but no spoilers).

I liked the side plots in this story- trying to win an impossible legal case; breaking through in the art industry. It kept things fresh and interesting.

Overall, I’d recommend this book!
*I was provided with an ARC for this book courtesy of Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*ARC Review – Not Sure it’s Being a Bitch
This is a new author to me and I was drawn in by the title. The ARC was provided by Hidden Gems. It is the story of Nikki and Tristan, who met and became friends while working in a coffeeshop in New York. Once Nikki graduates from law school and becomes a lawyer, their relationship changes. Tristan is an artist but has decided to buy the shop from the owner Henry.
As he begins to make the shop his own, a rift between the friends forms and Nikki tells him exactly what she thinks about the changes. At the same time, she is having issues at the office, where she is a little too honest about what she sees playing out there. As the friends begin to see their relationship a little clearer, there are a few misunderstandings and issues that they have to deal with. In the end, I did not see Nikki as being a bitch, just having no tact when expressing her opinions.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Damn him. How was it possible that being in this weird awkward phase made him seem even hotter than he used to be?”

Apparently, I’m a Bitch | Demi Blaize | Apparently, We’re the Problem #1

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️.5/5

“I wish she didn’t hate me. I wish she’d tease and talk to me like she used to. I wish she’d let me touch her the way I needed to.”

Read this if you love: friends to lovers | happily ever after | cinnamon roll hero | grumpy x sunshine | found family | he falls first | slow burn | Dual POV | New York aesthetic - coffee shops, baking, art

“I wanted her so badly I couldn’t think straight anymore, and yesterday I finally did something about it.”

I am interested to see where this one goes as a series. I enjoyed Tristan and Nikki together. Their history kept the story moving, but so did their friends and family. The payoff was worth it, but there is some angst to get you there. I enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nikki found out that her best friend Tristan was the new owner of her favorite coffee shop, she didn’t take it well.
She felt betrayal that he had kept it a secret from her and when she saw the changes he had made she was livid. And evidently, also insulting, of another secret he had been hiding from her.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.

This book is action-packed and full of angst. Nikki had made such a big deal about Tristan purchasing the coffee shop that they had worked at that she was too embarrassed to show her face and apologize. Not only was she avoiding her favorite spot, but she had ruined her friendship with the man who meant the world to her.

Nikki and Tristan had me turning to pages as one misunderstanding led to another. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. If you love angsty rom-coms, you will love this story. Highly recommend!

[burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nikki may be a b!t@h, but at least she’s honest!

Tristian has been best friends with Nikki for years. They have gone through everything together, working side-by-side at Henry’s coffee shop, but one day quickly puts their friendship in the gutter.

When Tristian surprises Nikki by buying out Henry’s and completely renovating the place that has become like a second home to her, she tells him EXACTLY how she feels about it. The two slowly drift into a weird gray space of friendship, scared to rock their unstable relationship anymore.

I thought the story started out super cute and friendly and I was flying through the book.

It started getting a little testy when Tristian began lying and hiding even more things from Nikki after she explicitly expressed more transparency from him.

There was quite a bit of miscommunication throughout the book that was in my opinion avoidable and unnecessary, but overall, I thought this was a really fun book with an original story.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Grey’s PR and Demi Blaize for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Book Rating: 3/5
Spice Rating: 3/5

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but I honestly couldn't get past how much I disliked Nikki. She is working in NYC as a lawyer and trying to establish her career. However, it's not as easy as she thought it would be. Tristan is her friend, and he secretly buys and is going to renovate the local coffee shop that is their absolute favorite. When Nikki finds out, she is a complete B to him, and she says some things that aren't very nice. Fast forward a few months,and they are barely speaking to one another. Tristan still really loves and cares for Nikki and wants to fix the problem at hand, but things happen, and he finds himself in a situation. This book was fast-paced, easy to read, and one that you can fly through in no time. I really did enjoy the plot and everything this book had to offer, I just didn't care for Nikki, even though I tried.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki is an associate attorney and former barista at a neighborhood coffee shop in NYC. The book opens when Nikki is blindsided when her best friend and former co-worker, Tristan, purchases the coffee shop without telling her and totally remodels and renames it, shocking Nikki and causing her to say the first things that come to mind about how much she hates everything about it, including the art on the walls. Art that just so happens to have been painted by Tristan. Months later their relationship is still awkward and coupled with the fact that no one at her law firm likes her because her brutal honesty causes her to have the nickname Cutter. 

I have to admit I didn’t know if I would like this book but I really enjoyed it. Nikki is like your blunt friend that says all the wrong things and often hurts feelings but ultimately is just trying to be honest. Everyone knows a Nikki. At first I wan’t sure I would like her but her character really grew on me. This book has some company, some angst, and at its heart it’s a book about how we deal with change for better or worse. I liked this book a lot and I can’t wait to read book 2 in the Series.

Thanks HiddenGems for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest review.

[Jeicy Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super cute, however, the main characters were driving me up the walls. The miscommunication between them was killllllling me but I knew there was a purpose to this madness with the deeper meaning behind the story. This book was great, it was really heartfelt, and I caught myself grinning like a fool most of the time while reading it. This book has a focus on the misconception of how honest people are considered to be bitches and on the other hand how people can easily rollover to others who are actually being bitches without knowing that they have the power to stop it.

Overall, I think this was an endearing quick read with great meanings behind the front story line. Also, Tristan... the mouth on that man was exquisite.

[Amy and Rae Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cute contemporary romance about Nikki and Tristan, who met working at a coffee shop and became best friends. Now, Nikki is a criminal defense attorney and she is maybe a little too honest and lacks a filter. Tristan bought the coffee shop and runs it. This book is a friends to lovers romance with so much conflict thrown in. The characters are well developed and real. It’s a slow burn that is really spicy. The whole thing is set in New York City. We get glimpses into the art world that I really enjoyed, and spend quite a bit of time in the cozy coffee shop.

There is some fake dating but it’s a total twist on what we normally read. It’s a very small part of the plot and I would have loved to see more of it as I love that trope.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut from this author, and my word, she is certainly an author to look out for in the future.
Triston and Nikki are best friends, with Nikki being a lawyer, and Triston is the owner of the coffee shop they both used to work at. Nikki is outspoken, unfiltered, and brutally honest, and when Tristan buys a place to renovate, which is the place she always uses as an escape, her comments damage their friendship. Can these two overcome their misunderstanding?
This is a good story which is a slow burn, with grumpy / sunshine, friends / lovers, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, miscommunication, engaging and relatable characters, challenges, and love, which leads to an enjoyable and spicy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.

[Apoorva Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like friends to lovers with a hint of golden retriever and black cat energy. This book is for you.

It revolves around Tristan who is running the coffee shop his uncle handed him over and Nikki who is now an Associate at law firm but used to work at the same coffee shop.

Nikki is know as “The Cutter” because of how she talks and says what’s in her head. Because of the same nature she thinks she messed up with Tristan 4 months ago.

But Tristan? He is a charm. His care for Nikki was so beautiful to read at.

One thing I didn’t like much? Nikki and her unreliable character. She had through and through hot and cold vibes.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! It’s a quick and easy read with some fun tropes and, to me, some relatable main characters. Nikki and Tristan are a little bit messy and fumble their way into a friends-to-lovers relationship. There’s miscommunication, jumping to conclusions, and lack of awareness on both sides that is a little eye-roll inducing but…I kind of felt like if it were real life those things would legitimately happen that way. People can be messy and poor communicators 🤷‍♀️

The side characters weren’t my favorite - a lot felt like caricatures. But it made it that much more enjoyable when the bad ones got what they deserved!