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Noticing Natalie
What happens when the boy you crushed on in high school—the one who crushed your heart—turns up 6 years later…and he needs your help?
Natalie Henderson was that girl in high school. The invisible one lost in her books; going unnoticed in the hallways. Until he paid her attention. Matthew Barkly was that boy in high school. The star of the soccer team and all-round Mr Popular, and he’d started noticing her. Under the guise of studying together, Natalie was swept into his spotlight and started believing that perhaps she wasn’t invisible after all. But turns out…it was all a lie.
Six years later, Natalie is taking her first steps into adulthood. Leaving behind the shy, awkward girl from high school and embracing her new role as a nurse in a busy hospital, she has everything carefully planned out. Until her one and only crush comes barrelling back into her life, disrupting everything.
Matthew is a national soccer hero and has the world at his feet. He’s also wondering if any of it—fame, attention, money—is worth it. And then he sees her again. The one he always wanted, the one he can’t forget. Grasping at any opportunity to spend time with her; he begs Natalie to pretend to be his girlfriend to help fix his playboy image. Unbelievably, she agrees to play along, and soon the lines between what’s fake and what’s real are blurred and all those long-forgotten feelings are flaring back to life.
But as Natalie navigates the pitfalls of fame and media attention that follow ‘dating’ a celebrity sports star, will the distrust and uncertainty from their past stand in the way of them becoming something more in the present? Or will Natalie have the courage to believe that Matthew could possibly notice her…for real this time?
Find out in this delightful celebrity romantic comedy with a splash of fake dating and no third act breakup. Noticing Natalie is a closed-door romance that will make your heart swoon with steamy kisses and has no explicit content.
Natalie Henderson was that girl in high school. The invisible one lost in her books; going unnoticed in the hallways. Until he paid her attention. Matthew Barkly was that boy in high school. The star of the soccer team and all-round Mr Popular, and he’d started noticing her. Under the guise of studying together, Natalie was swept into his spotlight and started believing that perhaps she wasn’t invisible after all. But turns out…it was all a lie.
Six years later, Natalie is taking her first steps into adulthood. Leaving behind the shy, awkward girl from high school and embracing her new role as a nurse in a busy hospital, she has everything carefully planned out. Until her one and only crush comes barrelling back into her life, disrupting everything.
Matthew is a national soccer hero and has the world at his feet. He’s also wondering if any of it—fame, attention, money—is worth it. And then he sees her again. The one he always wanted, the one he can’t forget. Grasping at any opportunity to spend time with her; he begs Natalie to pretend to be his girlfriend to help fix his playboy image. Unbelievably, she agrees to play along, and soon the lines between what’s fake and what’s real are blurred and all those long-forgotten feelings are flaring back to life.
But as Natalie navigates the pitfalls of fame and media attention that follow ‘dating’ a celebrity sports star, will the distrust and uncertainty from their past stand in the way of them becoming something more in the present? Or will Natalie have the courage to believe that Matthew could possibly notice her…for real this time?
Find out in this delightful celebrity romantic comedy with a splash of fake dating and no third act breakup. Noticing Natalie is a closed-door romance that will make your heart swoon with steamy kisses and has no explicit content.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
10 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Mary
8 books223 followersBelinda Mary is a long-time lover of all the books and has dreamed of being a writer her whole life. Since picking up her first Judy Blume novel at the age of ten, she has been happily lost in the world of fiction, and ask anyone around her, when she has a book to read, she turns into a very unproductive member of society.
After studying for ten years and obtaining her PhD in molecular biology, she pursued a career in the healthcare industry, and has recently taken the leap to make her lifelong dream of writing and publishing a novel come true. And when she is not looking after her two kids, her husband of eleven years and her crazy spoodle, she can be found on the couch reading, watching all things Bravo TV, or listening to true crime podcasts.
Belinda writes the kind of stories that she loves to read; filled with laughs, longing and love.
For the latest news, book information and bonus scenes—sign up to Belinda's newsletter at https://belindamary.com
After studying for ten years and obtaining her PhD in molecular biology, she pursued a career in the healthcare industry, and has recently taken the leap to make her lifelong dream of writing and publishing a novel come true. And when she is not looking after her two kids, her husband of eleven years and her crazy spoodle, she can be found on the couch reading, watching all things Bravo TV, or listening to true crime podcasts.
Belinda writes the kind of stories that she loves to read; filled with laughs, longing and love.
For the latest news, book information and bonus scenes—sign up to Belinda's newsletter at https://belindamary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 23, 2024
Some days you just want to read a lighthearted romcom that you can devour quickly and this book fits that need perfectly!
This novella by Belinda Mary is just the perfect intro to her writing style and the beloved characters that you meet in her full length books and series.
I loved that because this is a second chance romance we get to see the main characters as teens in high school and then again six years later as adults. Seeing where they began their friendship was so sweet and I loved that we get to see their back story.
Matthew is just the sweetest MMC ever! I love how he builds up Natalie and that he does all he can to show her how much worth she has. I love that like is ultra protective of her and that everyone knows that she is to be cherished for exactly who she is. I also love that he is just sunshine and just an all around kind guy.
Natalie is the perfect compliment to Matthew. She is smart, determined, humble and just wants to be there to support those she loves. I loved that we get to see her journey from seeing herself as unworthy of someone like Matthew to realizing she is his perfect other half.
If you are looking for an author who can write a quirky romcom with wonderful characters, swoony one liners, great kisses and just amazing all around give Belinda's books a go!
Physical Intimacy Level 2.5 (More descriptive kissing with brief mention of tongue)
Mild Swearing (8 uses of dam* and 3 hel*)
Single 1st person POV (Natalie) Epilogue is from Matthew's POV
Fake Dating
Opposites Attract
Second Chance
Protective Hero
This novella by Belinda Mary is just the perfect intro to her writing style and the beloved characters that you meet in her full length books and series.
I loved that because this is a second chance romance we get to see the main characters as teens in high school and then again six years later as adults. Seeing where they began their friendship was so sweet and I loved that we get to see their back story.
Matthew is just the sweetest MMC ever! I love how he builds up Natalie and that he does all he can to show her how much worth she has. I love that like is ultra protective of her and that everyone knows that she is to be cherished for exactly who she is. I also love that he is just sunshine and just an all around kind guy.
Natalie is the perfect compliment to Matthew. She is smart, determined, humble and just wants to be there to support those she loves. I loved that we get to see her journey from seeing herself as unworthy of someone like Matthew to realizing she is his perfect other half.
If you are looking for an author who can write a quirky romcom with wonderful characters, swoony one liners, great kisses and just amazing all around give Belinda's books a go!
Physical Intimacy Level 2.5 (More descriptive kissing with brief mention of tongue)
Mild Swearing (8 uses of dam* and 3 hel*)
Single 1st person POV (Natalie) Epilogue is from Matthew's POV
Fake Dating
Opposites Attract
Second Chance
Protective Hero
February 28, 2024
Noticing Natalie is beautifully written second chance sweet story. I have loved all the previous books in this series and this one doesn’t disappoint. Matthew and Natalie are complete opposites and a second chance encounter brings them together again. The way Belinda writes has all the Sarah Adams vibes so wholesome and addictive. The only thing I would have loved was that their storyline was a little longer, more of their time together before the epilogue. The reason for Matthew’s nickname for Natalie was so heart felt so perfect for the story. I would highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2024
This novella is sooo cute and swoony and I cannot get enough of Natalie and Matthew. Seriously!! Matthew is the true definition of boy obsessed and I am eating up all his moves towards Natalie. ALSO, NEW GIRL!? like heck yeah, double points for my show reference. Their story is honestly so beautiful and I enjoyed it as much as the three novels in this universe, if not a little bit more to be honest. Definitely read this if you're in the mood for a quick celebrity, "fake-dating" novella.
Thank you, Belinda Mary, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, Belinda Mary, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2025
Simple, sweet, loving, lil’touch of drama, he’s soo determined and love the protectiveness ❤️
I absolutely, 110%, enjoyed this💙
Love the way Natalie thinks:
🤣 I may not be supermodel material, but I’m not a troll to look at when I put in some effort.
🐈 Today’s news is tomorrow’s kitty litter.😆
Matthew: 🥰 “This grown-up version of Natalie? She’s everything she was in high school and more. I’m not letting her go this time.”🫠🫠🫠
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛I had to laugh: “Magpies aren’t just any bird,” he whispers from behind his hands, like he’s worried they’ll hear him and exact revenge. “They’re eye-gauging terrorists of the sky.”
I bite my lips to stop the laugh that is dying to emerge from me, not wanting to mock his phobia, but also really wanting to mock his phobia.” 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
I absolutely, 110%, enjoyed this💙
Love the way Natalie thinks:
🤣 I may not be supermodel material, but I’m not a troll to look at when I put in some effort.
🐈 Today’s news is tomorrow’s kitty litter.😆
Matthew: 🥰 “This grown-up version of Natalie? She’s everything she was in high school and more. I’m not letting her go this time.”🫠🫠🫠
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛I had to laugh: “Magpies aren’t just any bird,” he whispers from behind his hands, like he’s worried they’ll hear him and exact revenge. “They’re eye-gauging terrorists of the sky.”
I bite my lips to stop the laugh that is dying to emerge from me, not wanting to mock his phobia, but also really wanting to mock his phobia.” 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
January 3, 2025
The sweetest book!!! I loved everything about it from the fake dating, to her being a nerd, to the fact that there is no third act break up! I love how there's NO SPICE at all!!! Such cute flirting and chemistry that had me giggling out loud and feeling stupid! I was so sad when I got to the last chapter because I didn't want it to end💕
May 5, 2024
Had to read this when I saw the title. And it didn’t disappoint! It was a short, super quick read and the story was pretty adorable. Teenage me would have been obsessed.
April 28, 2024
i had so much fun reading this book!!!! it had no business being so fricking adorable!!!!
March 3, 2024
ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Nerdy high schooler, Natalie Henderson never thought she would be spotted in a crowd by the soccer star and popular upperclassman, Matthew Barkly. But Matthew doesn’t just see her, he approaches her for help in science, and the two forge an unlikely friendship. That is until Natalie overhears Matthew’s interest in her came about because of a bet, and she severs all ties.
Fast forward six years, Natalie is training as a nurse and Matthew enters her hospital for an injury he suffered as a professional soccer player. Unable to let Natalie go twice, Matthew convinces her to be his fake girlfriend in an effort to help his career. Will this be their second chance at love, or will it prove once and for all that some people are just not meant to be?
I am so honored to be apart of Belinda Mary’s ARC team for Noticing Natalie!!!
Mary is an author I have seen all over Boostsgram and have been curious about. As an avid closed door/sweet romance reader it can be challenging to find books that give you all the feels without all the spice. I am happy to report that Mary has mastered this.
Natalie and Matthew were couple goals!!! I loved how protective he was of her, especially when it came to how his manager treated her. But nothing prepared me for the scene where we learn where the nickname ‘New Girl’ came from. When I say I literally squealed out loud, I mean it! This scene will live in my mind rent free.
Special thanks to Belinda Mary for giving me the opportunity to be apart of her ARC team. I look forward to going back and reading Love, Lilly, Always, Amy, and Ciao Bella.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Nerdy high schooler, Natalie Henderson never thought she would be spotted in a crowd by the soccer star and popular upperclassman, Matthew Barkly. But Matthew doesn’t just see her, he approaches her for help in science, and the two forge an unlikely friendship. That is until Natalie overhears Matthew’s interest in her came about because of a bet, and she severs all ties.
Fast forward six years, Natalie is training as a nurse and Matthew enters her hospital for an injury he suffered as a professional soccer player. Unable to let Natalie go twice, Matthew convinces her to be his fake girlfriend in an effort to help his career. Will this be their second chance at love, or will it prove once and for all that some people are just not meant to be?
I am so honored to be apart of Belinda Mary’s ARC team for Noticing Natalie!!!
Mary is an author I have seen all over Boostsgram and have been curious about. As an avid closed door/sweet romance reader it can be challenging to find books that give you all the feels without all the spice. I am happy to report that Mary has mastered this.
Natalie and Matthew were couple goals!!! I loved how protective he was of her, especially when it came to how his manager treated her. But nothing prepared me for the scene where we learn where the nickname ‘New Girl’ came from. When I say I literally squealed out loud, I mean it! This scene will live in my mind rent free.
Special thanks to Belinda Mary for giving me the opportunity to be apart of her ARC team. I look forward to going back and reading Love, Lilly, Always, Amy, and Ciao Bella.
March 8, 2024
I have LOVED Belinda's writing and I was so excited to be a part of her ARC team for Noticing Natalie.
Now, I haven't read the Love Always series yet, but they are all on my TBR! Belinda's characters are so lovable and so much their own. Natalie and Matthew are no exceptions. I adored Natalie's quirks, dedication, and her loving nature. She was so REAL and her dynamics with her friends/ family were so sweet. Then adding superstar soccer player Matthew who is cocky and only has eyes for her… Could you ask for a more perfect mix??
I'm not usually a fan of fake dating but I really enjoyed the way Belinda did it here. I think the connection between Natalie and Matthew really made it even more enjoyable. Him being smitten with her and her not noticing, will always be a fave.
This was a quick novella and I think it was paced really well. The flashbacks in HS really helped you understand them as characters and then how they grew into young adults. Obviously, since I enjoyed the book I will say I want more characters and (more Matthew POVS).
I really enjoyed this read and I look forward to reading the Love, Always series.
Thank you so much Belinda Mary for giving me this ARC!
Now, I haven't read the Love Always series yet, but they are all on my TBR! Belinda's characters are so lovable and so much their own. Natalie and Matthew are no exceptions. I adored Natalie's quirks, dedication, and her loving nature. She was so REAL and her dynamics with her friends/ family were so sweet. Then adding superstar soccer player Matthew who is cocky and only has eyes for her… Could you ask for a more perfect mix??
I'm not usually a fan of fake dating but I really enjoyed the way Belinda did it here. I think the connection between Natalie and Matthew really made it even more enjoyable. Him being smitten with her and her not noticing, will always be a fave.
This was a quick novella and I think it was paced really well. The flashbacks in HS really helped you understand them as characters and then how they grew into young adults. Obviously, since I enjoyed the book I will say I want more characters and (more Matthew POVS).
I really enjoyed this read and I look forward to reading the Love, Always series.
Thank you so much Belinda Mary for giving me this ARC!
March 12, 2024
Natalie & Matthew are the second chance romance that dreams are made of 💕 I think they're my favourite couple of the Authors!!
The intelligent and unknowingly gorgeous girl and the popular soccer player formed an unlikely pair as study partners in high school, yet had a disastrous falling out. 6 years later, they run into each other in the ED (as a nurse in training and a world famous soccer star) and after the rumour mill runs wild... decide that fake dating may be the only way to appease the paparazzi trailing them both. Will they work through the issues they faced in the past or will they crash and burn?
I don't read many clean/closed door romances, but this Author's books are so addictive that I don't miss the spice at all. Her love stories are so beautiful and Natalie and Matthew's is no different. I do love a story that follows MCs out of their high school experience and it hit me completely in the feels!
Happy publication day 🥳 If you're looking for a shorter read that still manages to pull you completely into the story, then look no further!!
The intelligent and unknowingly gorgeous girl and the popular soccer player formed an unlikely pair as study partners in high school, yet had a disastrous falling out. 6 years later, they run into each other in the ED (as a nurse in training and a world famous soccer star) and after the rumour mill runs wild... decide that fake dating may be the only way to appease the paparazzi trailing them both. Will they work through the issues they faced in the past or will they crash and burn?
I don't read many clean/closed door romances, but this Author's books are so addictive that I don't miss the spice at all. Her love stories are so beautiful and Natalie and Matthew's is no different. I do love a story that follows MCs out of their high school experience and it hit me completely in the feels!
Happy publication day 🥳 If you're looking for a shorter read that still manages to pull you completely into the story, then look no further!!
March 13, 2024
Noticing Natalie is a sweet romance about two very loveable characters that met in high school, became friends, fell in love but parted ways due to certain misunderstandings before they could define their relationship. They meet six years later and realise their feelings haven’t changed. They end up fake dating and pretty soon the lines begin to blur.
Noticing Natalie is a beautifully written, perfectly paced book that will definitely melt your heart. I enjoyed the chemistry between Natalie & Mattew. Mattew was the sweetest. I loved how protective he was of Natalie and how despite being a famous soccer player he treated her student nursing as equally important. It was a heartfelt moment when we learned the reason behind the nickname ‘New Girl’.
Thank you, Belinda Mary, for providing me with a copy & letting me be a part of the ARC Team of Noticing Natalie. I haven’t yet read any other books from the ‘Love, Always’ series. However, this book ensured that I would start the series soon.
Ratings: ★★★★
Noticing Natalie is a beautifully written, perfectly paced book that will definitely melt your heart. I enjoyed the chemistry between Natalie & Mattew. Mattew was the sweetest. I loved how protective he was of Natalie and how despite being a famous soccer player he treated her student nursing as equally important. It was a heartfelt moment when we learned the reason behind the nickname ‘New Girl’.
Thank you, Belinda Mary, for providing me with a copy & letting me be a part of the ARC Team of Noticing Natalie. I haven’t yet read any other books from the ‘Love, Always’ series. However, this book ensured that I would start the series soon.
Ratings: ★★★★
February 29, 2024
*ARC review*
I have read all the books in this series and I think this is one of my favorites. The storyline is really cute and was an easy read. I finished this book in a day. I do wish that there would have been more chapters after they got together or more from Matthew’s point of view as an adult. I liked that this book had some of the previous characters in her other books. I’m hoping that she keeps writing more books that incorporate the characters from her other books as well.
I have read all the books in this series and I think this is one of my favorites. The storyline is really cute and was an easy read. I finished this book in a day. I do wish that there would have been more chapters after they got together or more from Matthew’s point of view as an adult. I liked that this book had some of the previous characters in her other books. I’m hoping that she keeps writing more books that incorporate the characters from her other books as well.
May 27, 2024
I read in my book funnel library, omg couldn't put my phone down, so good luv it. I laughed, cried n fuss at my phone lol I'm a book worm all the way
March 10, 2024
4.5⭐️ Thank you Belinda and Booksirens for sending me an ARC of the book. This book is part of the Love Always series as a prequel, the other three books in the series have already been published, but you do not need to have read them before.
Tropes:
💉 Close door romance (no spicy, only kisses)
💉Second chance
💉Childhood sweethearts
💉Fake dating
💉Friends to lovers
💉MMC soccer player
Natalie and Matthew have had an interest in each other since school, for her he is her crush, but something happens and they separate. Six years later they meet, she is doing an internship to be a nurse and he is a successful soccer player. After this meeting, it turns out that a fake dating begins, which in reality is not so fake dating, and the illusion between them resurfaces. In reality, despite the years and the distance, they always loved each other. I really liked this story, I loved reading about Lily and Amy, who are the FMC of books 1 and 2, Natalie's grandmother is quite a character and the chemistry and tenderness of Natalie and Matthew is perfect, we will also discover the real origin of why he calls her “New Girl” since school. A short story, but very nice.
4.5⭐️ Gracias Belinda y Booksirens por enviarme un ARC del libro. Este libro forma parte de la serie Love Always como un prequel, los otros tres libros de la serie ya han sido publicados, pero no se necesita haberlos leído antes.
Tropes:
💉 Close door romance (no spicy, only kisses)
💉Second chance
💉Childhood sweethearts
💉Fake dating
💉Friends to lovers
💉MMC soccer player
Natalie y Matthew desde la escuela tienen interés mutuo, para ella es su crush, pero algo ocurre y se separan. Seis años después se encuentran, ella está haciendo prácticas para ser enfermera y el es un futbolista exitoso. Tras este encuentro, resulta que empieza un fake dating que en el fondo tan fake dating no es y resurge la ilusión entre ellos, en realidad a pesar de los años y la distancia siempre se quisieron. Me gustó mucho esta historia, me encanto leer de Lily y Amy, que son las protagonistas de los libros 1 y 2, la abuela de Natalie es todo un personaje y la química y la ternura de Natalie y Matthew es perfecta, además descubriremos el real origen de por qué él desde el colegio la llama “New Girl”. Una historia corta, pero muy bonita.
Tropes:
💉 Close door romance (no spicy, only kisses)
💉Second chance
💉Childhood sweethearts
💉Fake dating
💉Friends to lovers
💉MMC soccer player
Natalie and Matthew have had an interest in each other since school, for her he is her crush, but something happens and they separate. Six years later they meet, she is doing an internship to be a nurse and he is a successful soccer player. After this meeting, it turns out that a fake dating begins, which in reality is not so fake dating, and the illusion between them resurfaces. In reality, despite the years and the distance, they always loved each other. I really liked this story, I loved reading about Lily and Amy, who are the FMC of books 1 and 2, Natalie's grandmother is quite a character and the chemistry and tenderness of Natalie and Matthew is perfect, we will also discover the real origin of why he calls her “New Girl” since school. A short story, but very nice.
4.5⭐️ Gracias Belinda y Booksirens por enviarme un ARC del libro. Este libro forma parte de la serie Love Always como un prequel, los otros tres libros de la serie ya han sido publicados, pero no se necesita haberlos leído antes.
Tropes:
💉 Close door romance (no spicy, only kisses)
💉Second chance
💉Childhood sweethearts
💉Fake dating
💉Friends to lovers
💉MMC soccer player
Natalie y Matthew desde la escuela tienen interés mutuo, para ella es su crush, pero algo ocurre y se separan. Seis años después se encuentran, ella está haciendo prácticas para ser enfermera y el es un futbolista exitoso. Tras este encuentro, resulta que empieza un fake dating que en el fondo tan fake dating no es y resurge la ilusión entre ellos, en realidad a pesar de los años y la distancia siempre se quisieron. Me gustó mucho esta historia, me encanto leer de Lily y Amy, que son las protagonistas de los libros 1 y 2, la abuela de Natalie es todo un personaje y la química y la ternura de Natalie y Matthew es perfecta, además descubriremos el real origen de por qué él desde el colegio la llama “New Girl”. Una historia corta, pero muy bonita.
August 5, 2025
I've had this for months now in my TBR, and I am so glad I finally read it. I fell in love with this book early on, and up to the very end I was just smitten by it. I found myself smiling and swooning every now and then, and I realized...this is what a great book can really do: it makes you feel so darn good. And delighted. And enraptured.
Reading this book brought me back to some thirty years ago when I met my future husband and fell truly in love for the first time. It was when I discovered how amazing it felt to be loved right back by the man you adored, while at the same time feeling incredulous at how someone as wonderful as him could love someone as regular as me. And that is precisely the dynamic between the main characters here. Natalie is the one girl in high school who felt invisible and unappreciated, while Matthew is the popular star athlete blessed by a god-like physique and good looks that drew everyone to his orbit. He could have his pick of just about any girl. But as fate would have it, he saw her - for everything that she truly was - and only her, and sought to make her his girl. Unfortunately, fate deemed the time was not yet theirs to spend together. A crucial misunderstanding then ruins their friendship, and their lives are thrown apart for the next six years.
Their paths cross again now, six years later, and Matthew realizes he has never gotten over her. Unbeknownst to him, Natalie still feels the same way about him, too. So, for the rest of the story, we witness how these two deeply connected souls rekindle not just their friendship, but bring back roaring to life the love that had been at the precipice of being acknowledged between them all those years ago.
What enraptured me most about this story was its purity and innocence. It speaks of that kind of love that is built on deep friendship, of seeing how truly amazing the other person is, and realizing that person brings you so much joy and warmth and contentedness that none else could give. It was truly a heartwarming story through and through.
I received a free copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
Reading this book brought me back to some thirty years ago when I met my future husband and fell truly in love for the first time. It was when I discovered how amazing it felt to be loved right back by the man you adored, while at the same time feeling incredulous at how someone as wonderful as him could love someone as regular as me. And that is precisely the dynamic between the main characters here. Natalie is the one girl in high school who felt invisible and unappreciated, while Matthew is the popular star athlete blessed by a god-like physique and good looks that drew everyone to his orbit. He could have his pick of just about any girl. But as fate would have it, he saw her - for everything that she truly was - and only her, and sought to make her his girl. Unfortunately, fate deemed the time was not yet theirs to spend together. A crucial misunderstanding then ruins their friendship, and their lives are thrown apart for the next six years.
Their paths cross again now, six years later, and Matthew realizes he has never gotten over her. Unbeknownst to him, Natalie still feels the same way about him, too. So, for the rest of the story, we witness how these two deeply connected souls rekindle not just their friendship, but bring back roaring to life the love that had been at the precipice of being acknowledged between them all those years ago.
What enraptured me most about this story was its purity and innocence. It speaks of that kind of love that is built on deep friendship, of seeing how truly amazing the other person is, and realizing that person brings you so much joy and warmth and contentedness that none else could give. It was truly a heartwarming story through and through.
I received a free copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2024
I signed up for this arc as soon as I saw it, cause I love all of Belinda’s books!
♡ They’re short, sweet, with great character’s development and a cohesive world building. So I knew I had to get my hands on it!
♡ Can I just say before you get to read my review that THIS DOESNT GET BETTER. Do you remember when you would read Harry Styles fanfics on @wattpad where he was the popular guy and y/n was the nerd? And we ate it up?? Well, THIS IS THE PUBLISHED VERSION of popular guy/ nerd girl without all the spelling mistakes! And sadly it is not based on Mister Harry Styles, cause guess what, Oliver kinda looks like him, but the aussi version!
♡ This story follows Natalie and Matthew through high school till adulthood where they find each other again. Now he is a national famous soccer player and she is a nurse student.
They first met when Matthew was the captain of the school soccer team and Nathalie was trying to survive school like any other girl, set his eyes on her and asks her a favor, for her to be his tutor, what starts as a freshman teaching a senior science ends up forming a wholesome friendship and maybe something else.
♡ I loved Matthew with my whole heart, his ideas to get Natalie to notice him. Him always checking on her, being supportive and being a golden retriever cinnamon roll guy. Natalie is every “the girl next door”, “the quiet one”, “the nerd”, and she is so much more. Like a great friend, an awesome human being and them together is perfect. I didn’t want it to end, and I would’ve loved to see a bit of their life at the end of the book, but I’ll take what I can get!
♡ Oh, and I wanna thank Belinda again, because she created true wholesome friendships, I hope everyone has a Bianca who supports them and makes them feel the prettiest and an Amy to have their back! I love female friendships!
♡ They’re short, sweet, with great character’s development and a cohesive world building. So I knew I had to get my hands on it!
♡ Can I just say before you get to read my review that THIS DOESNT GET BETTER. Do you remember when you would read Harry Styles fanfics on @wattpad where he was the popular guy and y/n was the nerd? And we ate it up?? Well, THIS IS THE PUBLISHED VERSION of popular guy/ nerd girl without all the spelling mistakes! And sadly it is not based on Mister Harry Styles, cause guess what, Oliver kinda looks like him, but the aussi version!
♡ This story follows Natalie and Matthew through high school till adulthood where they find each other again. Now he is a national famous soccer player and she is a nurse student.
They first met when Matthew was the captain of the school soccer team and Nathalie was trying to survive school like any other girl, set his eyes on her and asks her a favor, for her to be his tutor, what starts as a freshman teaching a senior science ends up forming a wholesome friendship and maybe something else.
♡ I loved Matthew with my whole heart, his ideas to get Natalie to notice him. Him always checking on her, being supportive and being a golden retriever cinnamon roll guy. Natalie is every “the girl next door”, “the quiet one”, “the nerd”, and she is so much more. Like a great friend, an awesome human being and them together is perfect. I didn’t want it to end, and I would’ve loved to see a bit of their life at the end of the book, but I’ll take what I can get!
♡ Oh, and I wanna thank Belinda again, because she created true wholesome friendships, I hope everyone has a Bianca who supports them and makes them feel the prettiest and an Amy to have their back! I love female friendships!
March 24, 2024
I loved this book!! I have not read the Love Always series yet but I can't wait to start reading them after I read this prequel novella!!!
The story follows Natalie and Matthew who meet in high school. Natalie being the invisible one,always lost in her books and going unnoticed in the hallways until Matthew notices her.He approaches her to tutor him and Natalie gets swept into his spotlight. However they have a fall out when she hears that it was all for a bet.
The story then moves forward to 6 years later with Natalie as a trainee nurse and Matthew in her hospital due to his injury,who is now a professional soccer player.They start fake dating to appease the paparazzi following them both.Pretty soon the lines begin to blur and they realise their love for each other.
Tropes
•Second chance romance
•Fake dating
•High school sports romance
•Sweet, closed door romance (no spice)
•Soccer Player MMC
•Nurse FMC
•Cinnamon roll MMC
This is the first book I read by Belinda Mary and totally loved her way of writing which was simple and easy.
Sports romance,fake dating and high school romance are my favourite tropes and I really enjoyed these tropes in this book.It was fast paced with great character development and world building.
I loved Matthew and how he was smitten with Natalie.He is the perfect example of a supportive golden retriever MMC.I totally loved his nickname for Natalie. I wish there were more chapters from his POV.
Thank you Belinda Mary for providing a digital review copy and letting me be a part of the ARC team.I am looking forward to read the Love Always series.
The story follows Natalie and Matthew who meet in high school. Natalie being the invisible one,always lost in her books and going unnoticed in the hallways until Matthew notices her.He approaches her to tutor him and Natalie gets swept into his spotlight. However they have a fall out when she hears that it was all for a bet.
The story then moves forward to 6 years later with Natalie as a trainee nurse and Matthew in her hospital due to his injury,who is now a professional soccer player.They start fake dating to appease the paparazzi following them both.Pretty soon the lines begin to blur and they realise their love for each other.
Tropes
•Second chance romance
•Fake dating
•High school sports romance
•Sweet, closed door romance (no spice)
•Soccer Player MMC
•Nurse FMC
•Cinnamon roll MMC
This is the first book I read by Belinda Mary and totally loved her way of writing which was simple and easy.
Sports romance,fake dating and high school romance are my favourite tropes and I really enjoyed these tropes in this book.It was fast paced with great character development and world building.
I loved Matthew and how he was smitten with Natalie.He is the perfect example of a supportive golden retriever MMC.I totally loved his nickname for Natalie. I wish there were more chapters from his POV.
Thank you Belinda Mary for providing a digital review copy and letting me be a part of the ARC team.I am looking forward to read the Love Always series.
March 1, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
A misunderstanding can change everything, but clearing that misunderstanding after years, will you be able to trust once again? Will you be able to make that bond stronger than ever? Yes, but trusting can be hard, yet beautiful. So this happily ever after love story starts in high school as he was a soccer player and she was studying for meds. The story line was sweet and very easy to read, Such a beautifully written book, but i wished there should be Matthew's point of view chapters more. I haven't read her previous books but yeah this book, i loved it! Her friends!!! I wish i had friends like her Amy, Bianca and lilly!! And the way he nicknamed her as "New girl" I kept giggling whenever he called that. I loved her grandmother so much, Yia Yia. She was so cute, caring and lovely! I love the chemistry between Matt and Nat!
This man had me blush off screen. He even remembered her favourite cupcake(╥﹏╥) even after years. The panic, over thinking and anxiety moments felt so so real! That confession in front of the whole world!!! Omg i can't—His pov *sobs* so beautiful!! an introverted FMC and the boy who always noticed her? Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.
This book includes:
-Second chance romance,
-high school romance,
-soccer player x nurse student,
- Awkward x sunshine,
-fake dating,
- sweet,closed door romance.
If this suits your taste then you should definitely read this!!
Thank you so much, Dear Belinda for giving me this wonderful masterpiece.
A misunderstanding can change everything, but clearing that misunderstanding after years, will you be able to trust once again? Will you be able to make that bond stronger than ever? Yes, but trusting can be hard, yet beautiful. So this happily ever after love story starts in high school as he was a soccer player and she was studying for meds. The story line was sweet and very easy to read, Such a beautifully written book, but i wished there should be Matthew's point of view chapters more. I haven't read her previous books but yeah this book, i loved it! Her friends!!! I wish i had friends like her Amy, Bianca and lilly!! And the way he nicknamed her as "New girl" I kept giggling whenever he called that. I loved her grandmother so much, Yia Yia. She was so cute, caring and lovely! I love the chemistry between Matt and Nat!
This man had me blush off screen. He even remembered her favourite cupcake(╥﹏╥) even after years. The panic, over thinking and anxiety moments felt so so real! That confession in front of the whole world!!! Omg i can't—His pov *sobs* so beautiful!! an introverted FMC and the boy who always noticed her? Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.
This book includes:
-Second chance romance,
-high school romance,
-soccer player x nurse student,
- Awkward x sunshine,
-fake dating,
- sweet,closed door romance.
If this suits your taste then you should definitely read this!!
Thank you so much, Dear Belinda for giving me this wonderful masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2024
*✩‧˚ 𝟰 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ੈ✩‧₊˚
Thankyou so much to the author for providing me with another ARC from the “Love, Always” series! This little novella follows Natalie, as we skip to a few years before where we meet Lilly in the first book.
This is all kinds of sweet and fluffy, it is closed door, you get high shool friends to ‘more, but never quite there’, missed chance (because she’s the one that got away!!), fake dating, he’s a football player, or soccer (football how I know it at least), and she is a student nurse - boy did I feel her when she was on vomit duty!! 🫣
I sometimes struggle with novella’s, because I want soooo much more from them. But, Belinda does a good job of setting up the back story at the beginning of the book and then we time leap 6 years in to the present where our second chance romance kicks off - and what better way to do it than with a bit of fake dating!! 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 - I can’t get enough of it!!
I could have had more of Matthew’s POV because OMG he was just smitten with Natalie, he was so protective of her and the nickname, 𝘐 𝘊𝘈𝘕’𝘛 !! He never had an ulterior motive with Natalie, other than to get closer to her and she was just so adorably blind to how much he wanted her, then and now!
I adore the host of characters in these books and how we got to see a bit of them in this one. A great novella and a very quick read, I would have ate this up as a fully fleshed out book though!! ♡
Thankyou so much to the author for providing me with another ARC from the “Love, Always” series! This little novella follows Natalie, as we skip to a few years before where we meet Lilly in the first book.
This is all kinds of sweet and fluffy, it is closed door, you get high shool friends to ‘more, but never quite there’, missed chance (because she’s the one that got away!!), fake dating, he’s a football player, or soccer (football how I know it at least), and she is a student nurse - boy did I feel her when she was on vomit duty!! 🫣
I sometimes struggle with novella’s, because I want soooo much more from them. But, Belinda does a good job of setting up the back story at the beginning of the book and then we time leap 6 years in to the present where our second chance romance kicks off - and what better way to do it than with a bit of fake dating!! 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 - I can’t get enough of it!!
I could have had more of Matthew’s POV because OMG he was just smitten with Natalie, he was so protective of her and the nickname, 𝘐 𝘊𝘈𝘕’𝘛 !! He never had an ulterior motive with Natalie, other than to get closer to her and she was just so adorably blind to how much he wanted her, then and now!
I adore the host of characters in these books and how we got to see a bit of them in this one. A great novella and a very quick read, I would have ate this up as a fully fleshed out book though!! ♡
March 7, 2024
*4.5
thank you so so much belinda mary for an arc of this wonderful story! it was an honor for you to reach out to me and ask me to read this one and i loved it so much!
i wanna give this baby a 5 so bad but i just can’t but i can’t tell you why without spoiling so i WON’T, but i WILL tell you that this is so good!!! i’ve been around since the start of the love always series and i LOVE what belinda has done! the growth she’s shown is incredible and each book is getting better. and this book is a standalone! so you can read it without having read anything by belinda before and you won’t miss a thing!
also i do love matthew both then and now, tyvm
then:
“i can see you being any of those things. you’re so good at this stuff.”
“it’s not that i’m naturally smart. i just work hard. and i pay attention.”
“you pay attention to *some* things.”
“you’re one to talk. you thought i was new at this school until a month ago.”
“you have no idea what i’ve thought about you.”
(*side note: idk how to italicize the word “some,” i do apologize)
and now:
“matthew, that was 6 years ago. that was high school. surely you haven’t given it, me, a single thought since then.”
“i’ve thought many thoughts about you, natalie. more than you can possibly know.”
“you don’t mean that.”
“you have no idea.”
tropes:
- second chance
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- awkward fmc
- sunshine mmc
- closed door
thank you again belinda!! i’m so excited to see what else you do and write!!
thank you so so much belinda mary for an arc of this wonderful story! it was an honor for you to reach out to me and ask me to read this one and i loved it so much!
i wanna give this baby a 5 so bad but i just can’t but i can’t tell you why without spoiling so i WON’T, but i WILL tell you that this is so good!!! i’ve been around since the start of the love always series and i LOVE what belinda has done! the growth she’s shown is incredible and each book is getting better. and this book is a standalone! so you can read it without having read anything by belinda before and you won’t miss a thing!
also i do love matthew both then and now, tyvm
then:
“i can see you being any of those things. you’re so good at this stuff.”
“it’s not that i’m naturally smart. i just work hard. and i pay attention.”
“you pay attention to *some* things.”
“you’re one to talk. you thought i was new at this school until a month ago.”
“you have no idea what i’ve thought about you.”
(*side note: idk how to italicize the word “some,” i do apologize)
and now:
“matthew, that was 6 years ago. that was high school. surely you haven’t given it, me, a single thought since then.”
“i’ve thought many thoughts about you, natalie. more than you can possibly know.”
“you don’t mean that.”
“you have no idea.”
tropes:
- second chance
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- awkward fmc
- sunshine mmc
- closed door
thank you again belinda!! i’m so excited to see what else you do and write!!
March 11, 2024
All of Mary’s books are intertwined stand-alones. So this one takes place before Love, Lilly. We meet Natalie when she is a student nurse, and in comes famous soccer star Matthew. He recognizes her immediately and calls her over. She freezes. He broke her heart in high school. He’s happy to see her and wants to talk. After they clear the air, the paparazzi catch them out. He asks Natalie to be his fake girlfriend to help clear up his image. But dating a celebrity isn’t everything, and it has its downfalls too. Will they finally really see each other?
From the very first chapter, this book is swoon worthy. Matthew is your classic cinnamon roll MMC that makes you heart melt. I’ve read many cinnamon roll MMCs, but I think Matthew is one of my favorites for just how much he wears his heart on his sleeve and just how much he was into Natalie, and for all the right reasons – even in high school.
I also enjoyed Natalie. I can understand her second guessing his intentions, especially in high school where people can be cruel. But I also really love how Natalie, and even Matthew, matured. Even though these two met in high school, and we do get a flashback, they no longer feel like they are in high school. For me personally, not many authors are successful at making that transition in a book.
So, if you’re into fake dating, second change, closed door, cinnamon roll MMC, and he falls first tropes, then check out this book TODAY!
From the very first chapter, this book is swoon worthy. Matthew is your classic cinnamon roll MMC that makes you heart melt. I’ve read many cinnamon roll MMCs, but I think Matthew is one of my favorites for just how much he wears his heart on his sleeve and just how much he was into Natalie, and for all the right reasons – even in high school.
I also enjoyed Natalie. I can understand her second guessing his intentions, especially in high school where people can be cruel. But I also really love how Natalie, and even Matthew, matured. Even though these two met in high school, and we do get a flashback, they no longer feel like they are in high school. For me personally, not many authors are successful at making that transition in a book.
So, if you’re into fake dating, second change, closed door, cinnamon roll MMC, and he falls first tropes, then check out this book TODAY!
March 9, 2024
The sweetest!
Matthew Barkly was THAT guy at high school! He was the star of the soccer team and all the girls worshipped him. And when he asks Natalie if she will tutor him, she's slightly confused as he certainly doesn't need it, but she says yes all the same, it's Matthew Barkly! However, when she overhears someone saying it was all for a bet, Natalie is distraught and wants nothing more to do with him.
Fast forward 6 years - Matthew is the star of the national football team and Natalie is progressing with her career in medicine. The last thing she expects is now mega famous Matthew to turn up in her A&E department after a soccer injury and request that she be present. Seeing him again brings back all sorts of feelings but can Natalie forgive him for what he did to her back in high school?
This novella is the sweetest. I loved it and devoured it in no time! Matthew and Natalie are such loveable characters. Natalie struggles with her self-worth and thinks that no-one ever notices her, which I can totally relate to personally. And most of us know what it's like to have a crush on the cutest guy at school and him not notice you. But what if he did? If you love sweet, closed door romance try this celeb MMC, STEM student MFC and friends to lovers vibe, you will love it! Such a gorgeous read!
Matthew Barkly was THAT guy at high school! He was the star of the soccer team and all the girls worshipped him. And when he asks Natalie if she will tutor him, she's slightly confused as he certainly doesn't need it, but she says yes all the same, it's Matthew Barkly! However, when she overhears someone saying it was all for a bet, Natalie is distraught and wants nothing more to do with him.
Fast forward 6 years - Matthew is the star of the national football team and Natalie is progressing with her career in medicine. The last thing she expects is now mega famous Matthew to turn up in her A&E department after a soccer injury and request that she be present. Seeing him again brings back all sorts of feelings but can Natalie forgive him for what he did to her back in high school?
This novella is the sweetest. I loved it and devoured it in no time! Matthew and Natalie are such loveable characters. Natalie struggles with her self-worth and thinks that no-one ever notices her, which I can totally relate to personally. And most of us know what it's like to have a crush on the cutest guy at school and him not notice you. But what if he did? If you love sweet, closed door romance try this celeb MMC, STEM student MFC and friends to lovers vibe, you will love it! Such a gorgeous read!
March 12, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the prequel to the Love Always Series and can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb is straightforward. Noticing Natalie is told through Natalie's pov, except for one chapter, and is a sweet second chance romance.
Although this is a novella, the author did a great job in the pacing to show us Natalie and Matthew as both teenagers and adults. I liked that we got to know them when they were younger as it helped us understand how they were when the story begins. Natalie was the bookish and academic girl who kept to the shadows and Matthew was the popular athlete who had everyone's attention. I liked seeing how their friendship began and evolved as they spent time together. While adult Natalie and Matthew still had some similarities to their teenage selves, I liked seeing the way that they were different too.
Because of their shared past, it didn't take them long to pick up where they had left off. I liked how they talked about the past and were able to become friends again. While Natalie had some reservations, I liked how Matthew didn't waste time to clear up misunderstandings between them. She may have not realized some things so I liked how Matthew didn't give up on their friendship. Their romance was a clean one consisting of steamy kisses, though they don't cross any lines, and no cursing was used. Overall, I think this is my favorite book of the series and I know readers, both fans of the series and new readers, will enjoy this lighthearted novella.
Although this is a novella, the author did a great job in the pacing to show us Natalie and Matthew as both teenagers and adults. I liked that we got to know them when they were younger as it helped us understand how they were when the story begins. Natalie was the bookish and academic girl who kept to the shadows and Matthew was the popular athlete who had everyone's attention. I liked seeing how their friendship began and evolved as they spent time together. While adult Natalie and Matthew still had some similarities to their teenage selves, I liked seeing the way that they were different too.
Because of their shared past, it didn't take them long to pick up where they had left off. I liked how they talked about the past and were able to become friends again. While Natalie had some reservations, I liked how Matthew didn't waste time to clear up misunderstandings between them. She may have not realized some things so I liked how Matthew didn't give up on their friendship. Their romance was a clean one consisting of steamy kisses, though they don't cross any lines, and no cursing was used. Overall, I think this is my favorite book of the series and I know readers, both fans of the series and new readers, will enjoy this lighthearted novella.
April 27, 2024
Noticing Natalie by Belinda Mary is a prequel novella to her Love Always series.
It’s a sweet story about a second chance at real love. Natalie was a sweet, smart, bookworm, & probably more of introvert like myself and so I could relate to her feeling in the book. Matthew to me would be her opposite he’s not shy more out going and in high school he was mister popular who has now went on to play national soccer.
The story begins and ends in Matthew point-of-view but the majority of the book is in Natalie’s point-of-view. I found this really worked well for Matthew & Natalie story.
Some things I really loved about this book include
When they meet again the meet-cute is adorable and I loved Matthew instantly after reading it.
The magpies incident
How Matthew loves Natalie for who she really is deep down although she may not see it we the readers see it.
I loved how protective he was of her and have found I love a protective MMC.
Grandma Yia-Yia is such a fun character. I loved her so much.
The meaning behind New Girl which you will find out if you just grab the book and keep reading.
We got several tropes rolled into one with this one from friends to more, a second chance romance,opposites attract, awkward sunshine, and fake dating.
This is a closed door romance with just swoony kisses. This was my first by this author and I am really excited about reading the rest of the series. So go grab a copy and fall in love with Natalie & Matthew story. Also don’t forget Grandma Yia-Yia. I promise she will definitely make you smile.
It’s a sweet story about a second chance at real love. Natalie was a sweet, smart, bookworm, & probably more of introvert like myself and so I could relate to her feeling in the book. Matthew to me would be her opposite he’s not shy more out going and in high school he was mister popular who has now went on to play national soccer.
The story begins and ends in Matthew point-of-view but the majority of the book is in Natalie’s point-of-view. I found this really worked well for Matthew & Natalie story.
Some things I really loved about this book include
When they meet again the meet-cute is adorable and I loved Matthew instantly after reading it.
The magpies incident
How Matthew loves Natalie for who she really is deep down although she may not see it we the readers see it.
I loved how protective he was of her and have found I love a protective MMC.
Grandma Yia-Yia is such a fun character. I loved her so much.
The meaning behind New Girl which you will find out if you just grab the book and keep reading.
We got several tropes rolled into one with this one from friends to more, a second chance romance,opposites attract, awkward sunshine, and fake dating.
This is a closed door romance with just swoony kisses. This was my first by this author and I am really excited about reading the rest of the series. So go grab a copy and fall in love with Natalie & Matthew story. Also don’t forget Grandma Yia-Yia. I promise she will definitely make you smile.
March 2, 2024
Noticing Natalie is a prequel to the Love Always series and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
This was such a sweet read! It has all the vibes of a second chance romance, but really there wasn't much of a first chance to start with... perhaps more of a missed chance? Either way, I couldn't get enough of Matthew and Natalie's sweet relationship. They had a friendship in high school that ultimately ended badly. When he is injured and finds himself in the ER where she has just started working as a student nurse, it seems like fate is stepping in to give them the chance they never really got back then. The story goes back and forth between past and present, and I loved seeing their history play out. There really was just something so sweet and genuine between them that I absolutely adored. I tend to love nicknames in a romance anyway and thought his calling her 'New Girl' was really cute... but when we finally find out WHY he started calling her that to begin with? Oh my heart... so stinkin' sweet!
Noticing Natalie is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have just a handful of minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was such a sweet read! It has all the vibes of a second chance romance, but really there wasn't much of a first chance to start with... perhaps more of a missed chance? Either way, I couldn't get enough of Matthew and Natalie's sweet relationship. They had a friendship in high school that ultimately ended badly. When he is injured and finds himself in the ER where she has just started working as a student nurse, it seems like fate is stepping in to give them the chance they never really got back then. The story goes back and forth between past and present, and I loved seeing their history play out. There really was just something so sweet and genuine between them that I absolutely adored. I tend to love nicknames in a romance anyway and thought his calling her 'New Girl' was really cute... but when we finally find out WHY he started calling her that to begin with? Oh my heart... so stinkin' sweet!
Noticing Natalie is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have just a handful of minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2024
Natalie never thought she was anything special; smart, bookish, not popular; and then Matthew, a gorgeous sports jock, most popular guy and a senior, asks her to be his math tutor and they get to know each other; she's got a crush. Things are going well until Natalie overhears a cheerleader implying Matthew was playing her. Matthew confessed he lied about needing a tutor. Her insecurities activated, Natalie tells Matthew she doesn't want to see him again and disappears from his life. The angst of insecurities in a sixteen y.o. girl were portrayed well. When fate brings them together again six years later, Matthew's a national soccer league star, Natalie's a student nurse. He doesn't want to lose her again. It's a cute story, flows well, reflects interesting characters that draw you in. Supposedly she's a fake girlfriend, gets lots of media attention--much more than Natalie's comfortable with. Yet any chance he gets, Matthew lets her know how special she is, that he notices her and care about her. No big break-up angst (appreciated, thank you), and a feel-good ending with an epilogue.
March 12, 2024
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘
▪︎▪︎ closed door romance
▪︎▪︎ fake dating
▪︎▪︎ second chance romance
▪︎▪︎ dual POV
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦
Yay! Another Belinda book strikes again and I could not be happier I got to read this one. Although technically you could read this as a standalone it is part of an interconnected series and the events in this book take place 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 those in Love, Lilly (book one of the series)
I loved the fact that this book was so fast paced but yet it had everything I know and love from Belinda. The way she writes these cute fluffy romances has me giddy and squealing like a school girl. I just love it.
Natalie and Mathew are two polar opposite individuals alas that is where any great love story begins because they just couldn't keep away from each other. Natalie is your typical stubborn FMC and Mathew is the golden retriever/cinnamon roll we all know we secretly love and adore.
I devoured this book in one sitting which let's be honest is the norm whenever I read a book by Belinda.
▪︎▪︎ closed door romance
▪︎▪︎ fake dating
▪︎▪︎ second chance romance
▪︎▪︎ dual POV
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦
Yay! Another Belinda book strikes again and I could not be happier I got to read this one. Although technically you could read this as a standalone it is part of an interconnected series and the events in this book take place 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 those in Love, Lilly (book one of the series)
I loved the fact that this book was so fast paced but yet it had everything I know and love from Belinda. The way she writes these cute fluffy romances has me giddy and squealing like a school girl. I just love it.
Natalie and Mathew are two polar opposite individuals alas that is where any great love story begins because they just couldn't keep away from each other. Natalie is your typical stubborn FMC and Mathew is the golden retriever/cinnamon roll we all know we secretly love and adore.
I devoured this book in one sitting which let's be honest is the norm whenever I read a book by Belinda.
March 9, 2024
Noticing Natalie is a cute and sweet closed door romance. It is related to the Love, Always series but it happens before, so it can easily read as a standalone. Belinda always knows how to suck me into her sweet stories, they are always so addicting and heartfelt.
I love both Natalie & Matthew. They were such opposites but just kept being drawn back to each other. The chemistry they had, the spark and sweetness of their relationship just made my heart happy. Matthew was soooo swoony, so protective and the way he knew that Natalie was his personal just melted my insides.
I have devoured all of her books and will keep doing so. Belinda has a crazy talent of creating the best and sweetest stories. She knows how to give you all the feels with her words. I just adored it as I have all her books. Highly recommend!
✨️ Thank you to @belindamary for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love both Natalie & Matthew. They were such opposites but just kept being drawn back to each other. The chemistry they had, the spark and sweetness of their relationship just made my heart happy. Matthew was soooo swoony, so protective and the way he knew that Natalie was his personal just melted my insides.
I have devoured all of her books and will keep doing so. Belinda has a crazy talent of creating the best and sweetest stories. She knows how to give you all the feels with her words. I just adored it as I have all her books. Highly recommend!
✨️ Thank you to @belindamary for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2024
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is a prequel to the Love Always series. Natalie was the nerdy girl in high school and Matthew was the star soccer player. Natalie had tutored Matthew and they became close, Natalie even thought he liked her…until she overheard girls in the bathroom saying it had been a bet with his friends. Natalie tells Matthew she never wants to hear from him again. Flash forward 6 years, Natalie is interning at a hospital and Matthew is in front of her calling her his nickname from high school “New Girl”. How is this happening to her? Everyone is staring at her because Matthew is now a National Soccer Star, and she’s frumpy Natalie in her scrubs. She just squeals and runs away. But then her head nurse says that Matthew has requested her to be his nurse. And since he’s a star, her boss is going to make her go. You won’t want to stop turning the pages of this missed chance / misunderstanding story.
March 13, 2024
Anytime Belinda Mary has a new book out, I have to read it. Noticing Natalie, a prequel to her Love Always series doesn't disappoint. Its classic tropes, character development, and feel good storyline makes this novella a quick, must read.
Natalie and Matthew, two past friends from high school, reconnect and are thrown into a classic fake dating scenario. Matthew's soccer stardom and Natalie's nursing career create a wonderful pairing, rich with trope scenes, and on point rom com greatness. The book feeds the nostalgia opening with a high school love chance gone wrong, with years later being given a second chance at love.
Whether at the beach, in front of a cozy fire on a rainy day, or on an airplane flying to meet your own love, Belinda Mary's Noticing Natalie makes for a perfect afternoon read.
Natalie and Matthew, two past friends from high school, reconnect and are thrown into a classic fake dating scenario. Matthew's soccer stardom and Natalie's nursing career create a wonderful pairing, rich with trope scenes, and on point rom com greatness. The book feeds the nostalgia opening with a high school love chance gone wrong, with years later being given a second chance at love.
Whether at the beach, in front of a cozy fire on a rainy day, or on an airplane flying to meet your own love, Belinda Mary's Noticing Natalie makes for a perfect afternoon read.
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