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Social Craze

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Livi Kent is everyone’s go-to girl.

She’s earned her place as Craze Magazine executive, Tirzah Abram’s, millennial protégé, and she’s known on social media as @livilavidaloca, the girl you turn to for the inside scoop on any social situation. How did she get here? By setting goals and following strict boundaries. Plus, Livi knows that the more she accepts Tirzah’s ludicrous requests, the more opportunities she will receive.

But when Tirzah asks Livi to blur the boundaries and head a singles event at Cancún’s hottest new resort, Livi faces a predicament she never would have anticipated. The resort owner is Damien Vidal, media heartthrob gone MIA.

He and Livi have worked together in the past…perhaps a little too closely.

The singles at the event have deemed the pair a gush-worthy couple. No matter how much Livi and Damien try to bury their feelings and enforce professional boundaries, the guests demand romance is at play. Even more, they have the pictures to prove it, and they've quickly created a social media fan club of sorts featuring pictures that make even Livi wonder what’s true and what’s not as she sorts through her feelings.

Will Livi be able to keep her go-to girl status from turning her into the girl who’s got to go?

388 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2024

8 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Russell

2 books11 followers

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5 stars
21 (35%)
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19 (31%)
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12 (20%)
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5 (8%)
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3 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Rachelle LeBlanc.
509 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2024
summary:

Olivia is an editor for Craze Magazine. She is in charge of Social Craze (online platforms for Craze). She is tricked into being a part of the Singles Getaway. It was a collaboration between Social Craze and Vidal Resorts. Olivia was not looking forward to working with Dame Vidal again.

Dame is co-CEO of Vidal Resorts. The first time they worked with Social Craze he met Olivia and she made him feel things that scared him. Now he has to work closely with her to promote Vidal Resorts Mexico location. He isn’t looking forward as he has been trying to not think about her.


My thoughts:

I related to Olivia. She has to have everything planned out in order to feel in control. She agreed to the Singles Getaway simply because she wanted a promotion. It put her so far out of her comfort zone that she struggled the whole week. With the way it was all set up, she had to spend the whole week with Dame. Their interactions were fun. The push and pull between them was so well written.

Dame ended up not being how I expected. I just thought he would be an entitled rich kid but he was written as down to earth and humble. It was refreshing that he was different. The entire time he had a she’s mine hands off attitude.

I really enjoyed Samantha Russell’s writing style and look forward to reading more from her.

Thank you for the ARC of Social Craze.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Ficklin.
50 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2024
The banter was just right and the location I could picture so clearly in my mind it felt like true escapism! I felt like this was truly a unique story line. I can’t wait for any future books by Samantha!
Profile Image for Jordan Zemp.
3 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2024
I loved this book! The characters, the setting, the romance 🥰. This is not usually my genre but it captivated me the entire time! Can’t wait for more from Miss Samantha Russell!
Profile Image for Chelan Hollingsworth.
215 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2024
A fantastic beach/vacation read! I laughed, I was enraged, I swooned, and I loved the ending! Wishing the resorts in this book were real bc man they sound dreamy!
Profile Image for Amy Gaskins.
91 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2024
The only thing wrong with Social Craze is the ending, because I loved this book and characters so much- I DID NOT WANT IT TO END!!!!

This book is the perfect blend of fun banter, blurry lines and slow-burn romance! It was such a sweet story and I loved every minute of it!

Livi Kent is everyone’s go-to girl.

She’s earned her place as Craze Magazine executive, Tirzah Abram’s, millennial protégé, and she’s known on social media as @livilavidaloca, the girl you turn to for the inside scoop on any social situation. How did she get here? By setting goals and following strict boundaries. Plus, Livi knows that the more she accepts Tirzah’s ludicrous requests, the more opportunities she will receive.

But when Tirzah asks Livi to blur the boundaries and head a singles event at Cancún’s hottest new resort, Livi faces a predicament she never would have anticipated. The resort owner is Damien Vidal, media heartthrob gone MIA.

He and Livi have worked together in the past…perhaps a little too closely.

The singles at the event have deemed the pair a gush-worthy couple. No matter how much Livi and Damien try to bury their feelings and enforce professional boundaries, the guests demand romance is at play. Even more, they have the pictures to prove it, and they've quickly created a social media fan club of sorts featuring pictures that make even Livi wonder what’s true and what’s not as she sorts through her feelings.

Social Craze is the PERFECT beach read! I can’t recommend it enough! Such a fun read that leaves you smiling! 🙂 Thank you Samantha Russell for the opportunity to read Social Craze!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ (closed door romance)
Profile Image for Clerissa.
96 reviews
March 23, 2024
This book was just pure FUN! I continually found myself relating with Livi, and being able to bond with a character like that is my favorite thing! Social Craze is the perfect Spring Break trip book that everyone needs to have in their beach bag! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
616 reviews20 followers
April 3, 2024
“I don’t want to imagine a life without you in it.”

Dear Livi Kent is everyone’s go-to girl. She’s earned her place as Craze Magazine executive, Tirzah Abram’s, millennial protégé, and she’s known on social media as @livilavidaloca, the girl you turn to for the inside scoop on any social situation. How did she get here? By setting goals and following strict boundaries. Plus, Livi knows that the more she accepts Tirzah’s absolutely ludicrous requests, the more opportunities she will receive.

But when Tirzah asks Livi to blur the boundaries and head a singles event at Cancún’s hottest new resort, Livi faces quite a predicament she never would have anticipated. The resort owner is Damien Vidal, media heartthrob gone MIA. He and Livi have worked together in the past... perhaps a little too closely.

The singles at the event have deemed the pair a gush-worthy couple. No matter how much Livi and Damien try to bury their feelings and enforce professional boundaries, the guests demand romance is at play. Even more, they have the pictures to prove it, and they’ve quickly created a social media fan club of sorts featuring pictures that make even Livi wonder what’s true and what’s not as she sorts through her feelings…

Social Craze, is a fun book to read. It took me a bit to get into this story at first. There is much packed into this story but, over time it got better. The added presence of paparazzi and some workplace drama, keeps things interesting throughout the whole story. With its resort setting, you will feel like you’ve been transported to the summer on the beach and will be craving tacos. I enjoyed the endearing characters, scenery, and the satisfying ending. It’s a book to be enjoyed reading anytime!

•Content: Some minor language, some innuendo, some lewd humor.

“When I’m with him, I feel like the most genuine version of myself. I don’t have to worry about showcasing a certain side of my personality around him, I can just be.”

#socialcraze
#samantharussell

“It’s about being true to who you are.”
266 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2024
Samantha Russell’s debut novel the Social Craze was an adorable read that had me laughing, commiserating, worrying, swooning, and hoping. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.

The story focuses on Livi Kent as she tries to secure a promotion at the high-profile magazine. She is tasked with heading the social media for a weeklong singles event at a posh resort in Mexico. Livi expects everything to run smoothly until she runs into a man from her past—Damien Vidal. As Damien and Livi work together to promote the magazine and his hotel and face their feelings for each other, everything seems to go wrong.

Livi and Damien were so good together. Their connection was so strong from the beginning, so much so that people warn them away from each other. Their relationship was slow burn, but their banter, chemistry, and little touches more than made up for the delayed first kiss. It was so good, and that first kiss, when it finally comes, is so swoony.

The story focuses a lot on social media posts and how the image posted does not always share the complete story. I thought Samantha did a great job exploring that topic and using it as a tool in the story.

Things to love in this story:
-Mexican beach setting
-second chance romance/enemies to lovers
-tacos, churros, and Coke—yum!
-women supporting women
-Necessary Hotness List—so good!
-Grumpy(with a cinnamon roll center)-sunshine
-so many good quotes and moments

This book was so delightful. I was rooting for Livi and Damien from the beginning and loved how the story ended. I am excited to read Samatha’s next book.

TW: There is some lewd humor at the beginning and some innuendo throughout. The story has some steamy make outs.
Profile Image for Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading).
816 reviews121 followers
Read
March 16, 2024
Genre: contemporary romance
Content: makeouts

This was a fun ARC read because it was the first time I’ve ever met the author before I read their book! Last month, I met @samantharussellisanauthor at the A Desert Book Affair event and she casually mentioned that she was releasing a book soon. Once we connected here on booksta, I knew I wanted to give her story a try!

So first off, congratulations Samantha! You wrote a whole entire book!!! I mean, really, how cool is that?!

Quick synopsis: Livi is forced to collaborate on Singles Getaway, a work project, with Damien. They have previously worked together and felt some sparks but then Livi was basically ditched. As they work, professional and personal boundaries get crossed. Because this is a romance, you know how it’s going to end. But how do they get there?! You’ll have to read to find out! 😏

Things I Loved:
-Dame’s nickname for Livi
-the resort setting (those bungalows sound AMAZING)
-the cenote scene!

I will say that in the beginning of the book the way that Livi and her boss were discussing the Singles Getaway event using words like “orgy fest” and “sextastic” made me 🥴 and wonder what I was reading 😳. The actual event IS NOT like that and doesn’t have any kind of sexual details beyond kisses. Just be aware there is some discussion like that in the book.

Favorite Quote:
❤️ When I’m with him, I feel like the most genuine version of myself. I don’t have to worry about showcasing a certain side of my personality around him, I can just be.

This one releases on March 30th!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
Profile Image for Maria.
89 reviews8 followers
March 24, 2024
Thank you to Samantha Russel for giving me a chance to obsess about this summer read early, and proving me with an ARC to do so.


So, it took me a bit to get into the story, jumping straight into the office life was a little hard to follow at first especially whenever Mads was involved. Once I was in though, I binged this hard and read with every spare moment! This was a very enjoyable reading experience with great pacing and had all my favorite sweet romance and exciting banter. The slow burn, closed door romance was so well done!

Olivia, Livi’s character is so relatable and well thought out overall. I loved the sexual tension beautifully intertwined with comedic relief that was featured in so many scenes, especially the airport scene! Which is really a commentary on the dynamic writing, which was so well done throughout. The distinct stolen moments and shared inside jokes were swoon-worthy.

The side characters, their backstories and motivations (mainly Lucia and Selena) were novel and well thought out. I loved the descriptions of the jewelry and wished there were pics of that body chain!

My favorite moment was the cenote scene. I didn’t want it to end!

If you’re looking for a summer beach read, with a mix of banter, The Bachelor x The Devil Wears Prada vibes, romantic comedy slow burn with tacos, you’ve found your new must read.

Let’s just say, I will always be wearing my bright yellow top to the airport after reading this!
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,752 reviews92 followers
March 15, 2024
This was such a fun read! I'll admit it took me just a bit to get into the story at first, but I think that was more my mood at the time than anything else... because once I got into the story, I was absolutely hooked! These characters drew me in right away... Livi is fun, but takes her job very seriously, until Damien walks (back) into the picture and throws her world for a loop. I loved the chemistry between these two! Try as they might to keep things professional, there's a magnetism there that just flies off the pages... and I absolutely loved it. The presence of paparazzi and some workplace drama kept things interesting throughout the story and I found myself unable to put it down. With it's resort setting, this felt a bit like an escape and would make it a great summer read... but really is great for anytime. With a debut like this, I am so looking forward to seeing more from Samantha Russell in the future!

Social Craze is a closed-door romance with great chemistry but nothing beyond kisses. There is some minor language throughout.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Noelle.
209 reviews13 followers
March 9, 2024
I absolutely loved Social Craze! I’m usually a small town romance type of reader… and small town girl in real life but this book makes the glam of big city, business life so alluring. Olivia has big goals for her future in the magazine and social media industry and to get there she finds herself agreeing to attend a singles getaway in Mexico at a stunning beach resort! We learn a lot about Olivia as she puts on the face and personality that each situation needs. We finally get to see more of her real self when a handsome, broody man from her past reappears and she has to spend more time with him while at this beautiful location in Mexico. As she continues to spend more time with him, old and new feelings arise… but things get messy as personal and professional lines get blurred. Will their relationship withstand the expectations that business partners and the media are putting on them?

You won’t want to miss Social Craze. It has the perfect banter and slow burn. I couldn’t put this book down and didn’t want it to end! Thank you Samantha Russell for this amazing novel!!!
Profile Image for Mimi.
142 reviews7 followers
March 21, 2024
With summer around the corner, I’ve found your next beach read! This cute, work forced proximity romance was the perfect way to break up the fantasy series I love! It has closed door romance but it’s not missing any romantic/relationship development!

In order to get a promotion for Social Craze, a social media platform Olivia has built from the ground up, she agrees to go on a singles getaway in Mexico. Her boss thinks it’s an amazing marketing collaboration with Vidal resorts! They will even poll their viewers to choose who Olivia interacts with and who she goes on dates with. The full insider scoop!

Only problem is she has to work with Damien Vidal, the guy she was crazy about until he ghosted her after a magical dance in Miami years prior. Working with him so closely could be a problem! Of course the Craze fans are desperate to see more of Damien and Olivia together. Let the polls and fun begin!
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,114 reviews59 followers
April 1, 2024
Todo el libro estuve muy confundida porque no tenían sentido los pensamientos y acciones de los personajes. Parece que lo escribió una adolescente.

De Liv puedo decir que es superficial, no entiendo que le vio al tipo, y Damien es un idiota, o sea en la parte final el piensa que Liv lo traicionó, en lugar de hablar, llamó a su ex para que los fotografiaran, la besó y su justificación es:

“We didn’t hook up, Liv. We barely even kissed, and even then it was only for the cameras. She wanted the press, so I allowed her to use me for it. I was numb.”🙄

Ah, y esa no fue la primera vez que dejó por la ex, la primera vez que se conocieron el idiota estuvo toda la semana coqueteando con Liv, pero al final llegó la entonces novia y él y Aisha se burlaron de que parecía una colegiala enamorada -Liv no sabía que tenía novia-. Obviamente Liv lo perdonó.

No comentaré sobre la falta de información sobre México porqué sería hablarle a la pared.
8 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this first book by Samantha Russell, it flowed very well and the banter was excellently entertaining, I was surprised at how quickly i was pulled into the story and that I really liked Olivia from the get go, since social media is not usually or at all my jam; her interactions with hispanic hard-A always brought major swoon and her every conversation with her boss was at the same time terrifying and terrific.

The only reason this isn't five stars is that the ending felt a bit rushed to me, the conflict felt a bit swept under the rug or maybe i am just less forgiving a person than Olivia and i needed a bit more chat to forgive the careless way he hurt her. I also would have liked to see more flashback to the before or the MIAMI epoch, and a bit more of them being them at the happy ever after, i need itttttt. Looking forward to reading what's next from this author!
Profile Image for Alexia Brooks.
1 review1 follower
February 23, 2024
I had way too much fun reading this book! It comes out March 30th and I cannot wait for everyone to be able to read it! This romance was the PERFECT beach read. I’m honestly mad at myself for not saving it for our cruise but I couldn’t put it down! Picture a brooding and 🥵 love interest and a very relatable type-A female lead falling in love at a beach resort. I also adored all the side characters! So many people and intertwining stories to love and cheer for. Thank you Sam for letting me be one of your ARC readers!!! 🤍🤍🤍

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Spice: 🌶️
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,458 reviews24 followers
April 4, 2024
4.25 stars! As an editor on a special project, Liv is sent to Cancun to help increase exposure of her employer’s magazine and a resort where she meets again the son/part-owner the resort, Damien. The banter and slow-burn romance of these two characters is outstanding. What I especially appreciated about this plot line was the unique aspect of how paparazzi and social media can truly affect one’s life and life choices.
Let’s take a moment for the swoon-worthy, beautiful yellow background cover design that perfectly reflects the destination resort atmosphere.
Profile Image for Larissa.
118 reviews9 followers
March 17, 2024
ARC Book Review!

Social Craze

3 / 5 ⭐️
1 / 5 🔥

Although I loved the characters (excluding Mads!) and setting, a lot of the angst seemed to contradict itself. This is the problem causing all kinds of issues.. so let’s fix it by leaning into it? It just didn’t make sense to me. With that being said, overall the book was enjoyable and entertaining. It kept a good level of tension and pace.

Profile Image for Samantha Bruce.
1 review
March 30, 2024
I loved this book and breezed through it. Such an easy read - a total summer beach read! I was worried since I’m not super in social media that it wouldn’t be my cup of tea but I was so wrong. It has it all, romance, humor, friendship. Absolutely adored this book and already asked the author when she was releasing her next one 😂
267 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2024
This one just didn't do it for me. I never got that attached to the mmc, and at the end, I just wanted the girl to ditch the man and ditch her "best friend" and strike out on her own and do great things without them. I feel like Liv forgave a lot of shiz from way too many people way too quickly.
1 review
September 22, 2025
This was a cute, fast read by a local Arizonian who I had the pleasure of meeting at our local bookclub. She was so sweet and it was a great experience hearing about her book writing processes! I can’t believe this was her first book and I look forward to reading many more! ❤️
2 reviews
October 27, 2025
quick and easy read

I bought this on the recommendation of a friend and it was a darling book from the start. It was an escape for me. Cheesy, romantic and light hearted with just enough tension to keep me interested.
Profile Image for Arzum.
687 reviews156 followers
April 2, 2024
OH I ADORED THE FMC LIVI I LOVE YOUUUUU
Profile Image for Jamie Sommerfeldt.
11 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
Loved this one!! Romcom is a favorite category to read and this one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed how the storyline and character dynamics all came together. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Del.
3 reviews
June 1, 2024
Loved the banter between Liv and Dame! Really liked the perspective and her thoughts. Can’t wait for more from this author!
Profile Image for Sariah Hartley.
297 reviews
April 6, 2025
One of the cutest rom-coms I’ve read in a while! I can’t believe this is a debut, it was so well-written!
Profile Image for Reagan Taylor.
292 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2025
This celebrity romance 💘 was EVERYTHING! Celebrity romance, tropical island, paparazzi 📸 ! So good! 🤩

Livi. Chronic people pleaser. After she finally takes a stand for herself to get the promotion💰, she wanted, she somehow finds herself shipped off to an island🏝️ to participate in a singles event as the social media guru 🤳. After a series of unfortunate events she meets the hottest ��� man alive and makes a fool of herself. And, of course, he runs the hotel the even it’s being hosted at 🙈

Damien. After having his heart broken 💔 , Damien has avoided the public scene for 4️⃣ years. And now he’s back at a “bachelor in Paradise” type of event at his hotel 🏨 . When he sees Livvy, Kent, a ghost from his past, the attraction is undeniable 😍. But is that the only thing pushing him towards her 👀 ?

The KISSES 💋 , the FLIRTING 😘 , and the SCENERY 🌊 ! Not to mention the plot was so fast paced and fun! Such an amazing debut 📚 !

⚠️CW: innuendo, some lewd humor in the beginning, steamy make outs but closed door, minor swearing⚠️
Profile Image for Kamee Thompson.
46 reviews
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!
The FMC Livi is driven and hard working, and though some of the situations she gets thrown into were hard to "watch" her go through, she triumphed in the end and got her dream job and her dream man.

I loved the relationship Livi was able to create with Lucia and Selena. It was refreshing to see her be able to feel comfortable with them when her work environment was so stressful.

The settings were vivid and I felt like I could picture perfectly the scenes the author created. Between the dates, dancing to the mariachi band and one of the final scenes where they fight for their love, I felt I was right there with them!

This book is a fun read that I devoured in a day.
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