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Off The Market: A Swoon-worthy, steamy romcom
Rosie Grange loves romance…but only in books.
Outside of the safety of fiction, being forced to interact with a man outside the bedroom causes her to break out in hives. After a disastrous night involving too much tequila and too little sleep, her best friend issues a challenge. Give up casual sex and try to form a real connection with someone.
Five dates. No Sex. Easy Peasy.
George Blake is wading through quicksand. His business is crumbling from the inside out, and ever since they first met, he’s been falling for the girl who is staunchly against relationships.
When an online date goes wrong, Rosie realises that years of casual hookups have left her incapable of making small talk.
So George proposes a plan. To help Rosie win the bet, he offers to be her date - on one condition: he wants to show her that dating can be fun.
She’s determined to prove that being alone is a choice and not due to her inability to commit. But pushing aside years of hurt isn’t easy, especially when George continuously proves her preconceptions about men wrong.
She can handle five dates—as long as she doesn’t focus on how easy it is to talk to him or how good he feels against her body.
As long as she remembers it’s all fake, it shouldn’t be too difficult...right?
Outside of the safety of fiction, being forced to interact with a man outside the bedroom causes her to break out in hives. After a disastrous night involving too much tequila and too little sleep, her best friend issues a challenge. Give up casual sex and try to form a real connection with someone.
Five dates. No Sex. Easy Peasy.
George Blake is wading through quicksand. His business is crumbling from the inside out, and ever since they first met, he’s been falling for the girl who is staunchly against relationships.
When an online date goes wrong, Rosie realises that years of casual hookups have left her incapable of making small talk.
So George proposes a plan. To help Rosie win the bet, he offers to be her date - on one condition: he wants to show her that dating can be fun.
She’s determined to prove that being alone is a choice and not due to her inability to commit. But pushing aside years of hurt isn’t easy, especially when George continuously proves her preconceptions about men wrong.
She can handle five dates—as long as she doesn’t focus on how easy it is to talk to him or how good he feels against her body.
As long as she remembers it’s all fake, it shouldn’t be too difficult...right?
Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2024
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Adeline Brown
3 books26 followersAdeline Brown is an author of contemporary, steamy romance books with flawed characters who are always striving to be better.
She likes all types of romance books but has a soft spot for why chooses. She drinks far too much coffee (although it doesn’t have the slightest effect on her), watches Big Bang Theory constantly, and hates leaving her house.
Feel free to catch up with her on all her social media platforms! She loves connecting with readers.
She likes all types of romance books but has a soft spot for why chooses. She drinks far too much coffee (although it doesn’t have the slightest effect on her), watches Big Bang Theory constantly, and hates leaving her house.
Feel free to catch up with her on all her social media platforms! She loves connecting with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 25, 2025
ARC Review:
First, Adeline, thank you for sending this to me as an ARC ❤️
Wow, I absolutely love this book. This is the third book I read ,written by Adeline and the second book I got as an ARC. I love "On the Sidelines," and it was one of my favorite books last year. To be able to continue the story and get to know these characters more was lovely. I love the character development and how relatable the characters are. Especially Rosie. I resonated with her a lot. I love the jokes the relatable bookworm things Rosie thought about. It is every bookgirls dream to have such a wonderful and handsome boyfriend like George. And a best friend like Fallon. Reading this made me laugh, almost cry, and absolutely fall in love all over again with the characters , the storyline , the plot, and the character development. Absolutely love it❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶🌶🌶3/5
First, Adeline, thank you for sending this to me as an ARC ❤️
Wow, I absolutely love this book. This is the third book I read ,written by Adeline and the second book I got as an ARC. I love "On the Sidelines," and it was one of my favorite books last year. To be able to continue the story and get to know these characters more was lovely. I love the character development and how relatable the characters are. Especially Rosie. I resonated with her a lot. I love the jokes the relatable bookworm things Rosie thought about. It is every bookgirls dream to have such a wonderful and handsome boyfriend like George. And a best friend like Fallon. Reading this made me laugh, almost cry, and absolutely fall in love all over again with the characters , the storyline , the plot, and the character development. Absolutely love it❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶🌶🌶3/5
May 22, 2025
How can I possibly begin to review Rosie and George?
A book I thought wasn’t going to come out when Adeline announced she was shelving it, I was quietly very upset because I loved these guys in On The Sidelines… quietly, because I thought maybe she’d change her mind & I’d heard other authors say that pressure wasn’t helpful.
Let me tell you now, I’m so glad she carried on writing it! And then agreed to send me an ARC and I nearly wet myself.
Rosie is an absolute sweetheart, she’s complicated like Fallon was, with her own issues and history and eccentricities. She’s a dark romance reader (we would, in fact, be friends) and she’s a dog mum and vet, so obviously she’s just excellent.
George is the greenest of green flags. His history, his relationship with his brother, his supportiveness of Rosie… just all excellent. Also adore the bi-boy rep ✌️
And the banter?
Top notch 👌 Right up my alley in terms of humour, as was On the Sidelines.
And the spice?
For a contemporary romance, I was clutching at my non-existent pearls while giggling away to myself. I think I blushed at one point.
Thank you for the arc, Adeline. I need to be away now to read the next one 👀
💚
Fave bits and highlights (⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️)
‘Those sexy eyes aren’t fooling me. You’re a pro at this, aren’t you?’
‘Yeah, so don’t feel bad. You never stood a chance.’ His gaze pierced through me, darkening in a way that had my pulse flickering to life.
‘I’m beginning to see that.’
‘Oh, tell me more. This serial killer, is he hot?’ I said. ‘Not. Funny.’ ‘I can name twelve books where that exact thing happened to all the main characters.’
Some people went to the gym and did cardio on the treadmill after a rough week. I preferred my cardio to include more moaning and a lot more dirty talk.
‘Excuse me, my flaps are perfectly tucked.’ ‘Lucky,’ Fallon grumbled. ‘I get carpet burns when I get out of bed too quickly.’
‘Have you had a lobotomy?’ With all the seriousness in the world, he replied, ‘Not recently. I’ve got one scheduled for next Thursday, though.’
‘So it’s a thriller?’ She shook her head. ‘Romance.’ ‘A romance about a serial killer?’
‘The stalking part isn’t what’s attractive. It’s the fact that you have this man who is so utterly obsessed with the heroine that he can’t go a single day without her consuming his thoughts. She’s everything to him. It’s the adoration in all of his actions that, yes, okay, might be at times misguided and extreme—’ ‘He cut off the dick of a man who assaulted her and gave it to her in a box, wrapped like a Christmas present,’
‘Would you tell me to fuck off and hang up if I told you I just wanted to hear your voice?’
Whatever fucked up experiences she’d had told her that men didn’t do things to be nice or sweet. Only when they wanted something. And she was right. I did want something, and partly my desire was selfish. I wanted to spend time with her. Be in her presence and watch that icy exterior melt away. Even if it was only for a moment.
‘Go ahead, sweetheart. I meant what I said to Oliver. I’m not afraid of being hurt by you. I want to be right here when your brain tells you to push me away because you think I’m not going to be fucking obsessed with every part of you. I’m going to prove it wrong. Every. Fucking. Time.’
Out of context, a cock is one of the strangest things you’d encounter and unless you were floating on a high of endorphins, they were the least attractive parts of the male body.
‘Yes. And then acted like it was nothing.’ ‘Right, so he loves you.’
‘I’m in love with a man who is covered in fucking green flags,’
‘I’m sorry because I have absolutely zero plans on letting you go and even though the possibility of this working out and lasting is, well, not great.’ ‘Shut the fuck up.’ ‘Okay, that’s not the sexiest thing anyone’s ever said to me.’ ‘Neither is telling me that we probably won’t work out,’
‘I don’t know. You fell in love with me, your judgement clearly can’t be trusted.’
A book I thought wasn’t going to come out when Adeline announced she was shelving it, I was quietly very upset because I loved these guys in On The Sidelines… quietly, because I thought maybe she’d change her mind & I’d heard other authors say that pressure wasn’t helpful.
Let me tell you now, I’m so glad she carried on writing it! And then agreed to send me an ARC and I nearly wet myself.
Rosie is an absolute sweetheart, she’s complicated like Fallon was, with her own issues and history and eccentricities. She’s a dark romance reader (we would, in fact, be friends) and she’s a dog mum and vet, so obviously she’s just excellent.
George is the greenest of green flags. His history, his relationship with his brother, his supportiveness of Rosie… just all excellent. Also adore the bi-boy rep ✌️
And the banter?
Top notch 👌 Right up my alley in terms of humour, as was On the Sidelines.
And the spice?
For a contemporary romance, I was clutching at my non-existent pearls while giggling away to myself. I think I blushed at one point.
Thank you for the arc, Adeline. I need to be away now to read the next one 👀
💚
Fave bits and highlights (⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️)
‘Those sexy eyes aren’t fooling me. You’re a pro at this, aren’t you?’
‘Yeah, so don’t feel bad. You never stood a chance.’ His gaze pierced through me, darkening in a way that had my pulse flickering to life.
‘I’m beginning to see that.’
‘Oh, tell me more. This serial killer, is he hot?’ I said. ‘Not. Funny.’ ‘I can name twelve books where that exact thing happened to all the main characters.’
Some people went to the gym and did cardio on the treadmill after a rough week. I preferred my cardio to include more moaning and a lot more dirty talk.
‘Excuse me, my flaps are perfectly tucked.’ ‘Lucky,’ Fallon grumbled. ‘I get carpet burns when I get out of bed too quickly.’
‘Have you had a lobotomy?’ With all the seriousness in the world, he replied, ‘Not recently. I’ve got one scheduled for next Thursday, though.’
‘So it’s a thriller?’ She shook her head. ‘Romance.’ ‘A romance about a serial killer?’
‘The stalking part isn’t what’s attractive. It’s the fact that you have this man who is so utterly obsessed with the heroine that he can’t go a single day without her consuming his thoughts. She’s everything to him. It’s the adoration in all of his actions that, yes, okay, might be at times misguided and extreme—’ ‘He cut off the dick of a man who assaulted her and gave it to her in a box, wrapped like a Christmas present,’
‘Would you tell me to fuck off and hang up if I told you I just wanted to hear your voice?’
Whatever fucked up experiences she’d had told her that men didn’t do things to be nice or sweet. Only when they wanted something. And she was right. I did want something, and partly my desire was selfish. I wanted to spend time with her. Be in her presence and watch that icy exterior melt away. Even if it was only for a moment.
‘Go ahead, sweetheart. I meant what I said to Oliver. I’m not afraid of being hurt by you. I want to be right here when your brain tells you to push me away because you think I’m not going to be fucking obsessed with every part of you. I’m going to prove it wrong. Every. Fucking. Time.’
Out of context, a cock is one of the strangest things you’d encounter and unless you were floating on a high of endorphins, they were the least attractive parts of the male body.
‘Yes. And then acted like it was nothing.’ ‘Right, so he loves you.’
‘I’m in love with a man who is covered in fucking green flags,’
‘I’m sorry because I have absolutely zero plans on letting you go and even though the possibility of this working out and lasting is, well, not great.’ ‘Shut the fuck up.’ ‘Okay, that’s not the sexiest thing anyone’s ever said to me.’ ‘Neither is telling me that we probably won’t work out,’
‘I don’t know. You fell in love with me, your judgement clearly can’t be trusted.’
May 21, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ ARC
Loved this so much !
Honestly no notes ! 📝
Loved this so much !
Honestly no notes ! 📝
May 27, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4.5 ⭐️
Off the Market by Adeline Brown is one of those rare rom-coms that manages to balance charm, heat, and heart without ever tipping too far in any direction. From the very first page, I found myself completely swept up in Rosie and George’s world, a story that was equal parts hilarious, tender, and unexpectedly moving.
The spice in this book? Impeccably done. It was steamy without being overdone, adding depth to the characters and their relationship rather than existing just for the sake of it. Brown writes these scenes with a level of emotional intelligence that elevates them above the usual fare, making them feel both genuine and utterly swoon-worthy.
What also stood out to me was just how easy this book was to read. Brown’s writing flows so naturally, it’s the kind of story you can devour in one sitting without even realizing you’ve done it. Yet beneath that breezy tone lies a plot that’s wonderfully paced and layered. The author has a talent for weaving in more serious emotional beats without it feeling abrupt or forced. The tonal shifts feel organic, allowing readers to laugh one moment and reflect the next.
George, the golden retriever MMC, deserves a special shoutout. I rarely see such well-crafted, endearing male leads who manage to be soft and sweet without coming off as cringey, and George is absolutely a standout. His kindness and sincerity felt authentic, and I caught myself giggling more than once at his interactions with Rosie.
Rosie herself is a triumph. Her character development, especially within a standalone book, is rich and satisfying. She’s flawed, relatable, and incredibly easy to root for. Watching her navigate vulnerability and growth added so much emotional resonance to the story.
While it leans light and romantic on the surface, there are beautifully woven dark romance undertones, from emotional wounds to moments of vulnerability and inner conflict, that add depth and intensity without overwhelming the tone. It’s subtle, but it gives the story just the right edge.
If I had one tiny wish, it would be to see more of the relationship tutor element, it was such a fun concept that I think could’ve been explored even further. But honestly, that’s the only critique I can come up with. Off the Market is a warm, witty, and wonderfully spicy read that I’ll definitely be recommending 🫶🏻
Releasing June 4th
4.5 ⭐️
Off the Market by Adeline Brown is one of those rare rom-coms that manages to balance charm, heat, and heart without ever tipping too far in any direction. From the very first page, I found myself completely swept up in Rosie and George’s world, a story that was equal parts hilarious, tender, and unexpectedly moving.
The spice in this book? Impeccably done. It was steamy without being overdone, adding depth to the characters and their relationship rather than existing just for the sake of it. Brown writes these scenes with a level of emotional intelligence that elevates them above the usual fare, making them feel both genuine and utterly swoon-worthy.
What also stood out to me was just how easy this book was to read. Brown’s writing flows so naturally, it’s the kind of story you can devour in one sitting without even realizing you’ve done it. Yet beneath that breezy tone lies a plot that’s wonderfully paced and layered. The author has a talent for weaving in more serious emotional beats without it feeling abrupt or forced. The tonal shifts feel organic, allowing readers to laugh one moment and reflect the next.
George, the golden retriever MMC, deserves a special shoutout. I rarely see such well-crafted, endearing male leads who manage to be soft and sweet without coming off as cringey, and George is absolutely a standout. His kindness and sincerity felt authentic, and I caught myself giggling more than once at his interactions with Rosie.
Rosie herself is a triumph. Her character development, especially within a standalone book, is rich and satisfying. She’s flawed, relatable, and incredibly easy to root for. Watching her navigate vulnerability and growth added so much emotional resonance to the story.
While it leans light and romantic on the surface, there are beautifully woven dark romance undertones, from emotional wounds to moments of vulnerability and inner conflict, that add depth and intensity without overwhelming the tone. It’s subtle, but it gives the story just the right edge.
If I had one tiny wish, it would be to see more of the relationship tutor element, it was such a fun concept that I think could’ve been explored even further. But honestly, that’s the only critique I can come up with. Off the Market is a warm, witty, and wonderfully spicy read that I’ll definitely be recommending 🫶🏻
Releasing June 4th
May 21, 2025
Rosie and George.
This is an enjoyable and easy read. There is no third act breakup and not really any conflict. The storyline flows smoothly.
George absolutely did not disappoint. He was simply lovely. So kind, so patient and so sweet.
But here lies my issue. I hate a manwhore story line and it turns out I hate the female version too. Rosie has lots of sex since meeting Geroge and even starts kissing a man at a bar once she's called George to come and pick her up - knowing fine rightly how he feels about her. Look, if it was the other way round, I probably would have dnf'd. I just don't like ow/om drama (especially on page after fmc and mmc has met). We do get her back story and learn about her daddy issues but honestly it just wasn't enough to justify doing that to poor George for me.
Now in saying all of that once she commits to her fake dates, she is loyal and we don't see her thinking about other men etc. And George just accepts all of this and rolls with it, he says he isn't jealous etc - maybe I'm just not evolved enough 🤷♀️😂
The Fallon/Rosie love fest was still going strong and I'm here for it and loved all of the Oliver and Fallon cameos ❤️ And daddy Blake 🫶
This is an enjoyable and easy read. There is no third act breakup and not really any conflict. The storyline flows smoothly.
George absolutely did not disappoint. He was simply lovely. So kind, so patient and so sweet.
But here lies my issue. I hate a manwhore story line and it turns out I hate the female version too. Rosie has lots of sex since meeting Geroge and even starts kissing a man at a bar once she's called George to come and pick her up - knowing fine rightly how he feels about her. Look, if it was the other way round, I probably would have dnf'd. I just don't like ow/om drama (especially on page after fmc and mmc has met). We do get her back story and learn about her daddy issues but honestly it just wasn't enough to justify doing that to poor George for me.
Now in saying all of that once she commits to her fake dates, she is loyal and we don't see her thinking about other men etc. And George just accepts all of this and rolls with it, he says he isn't jealous etc - maybe I'm just not evolved enough 🤷♀️😂
The Fallon/Rosie love fest was still going strong and I'm here for it and loved all of the Oliver and Fallon cameos ❤️ And daddy Blake 🫶
May 28, 2025
ARC Review
This was my first book by Adeline Brown. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I loved how George was the sweetest guy but could be assertive in the best ways. Rosie was so relatable. She is a strong, independent woman but learned it's ok to lean on other people. Her friendship with Fallon is also beautiful, and I LOVED they have had each other throughout their lives.
This was my first book by Adeline Brown. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I loved how George was the sweetest guy but could be assertive in the best ways. Rosie was so relatable. She is a strong, independent woman but learned it's ok to lean on other people. Her friendship with Fallon is also beautiful, and I LOVED they have had each other throughout their lives.
June 4, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
When I read On The Sidelines I fell in love with the character of Rosie and was so looking forward to reading her story. So glad that Adeline was able to give us this novel.
This books made me laugh and cry and I loved all the little references to Rosie being a reader.
“You bought a book on a date.”
“You brought me coffee?
Black… like your soul”
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
When I read On The Sidelines I fell in love with the character of Rosie and was so looking forward to reading her story. So glad that Adeline was able to give us this novel.
This books made me laugh and cry and I loved all the little references to Rosie being a reader.
“You bought a book on a date.”
“You brought me coffee?
Black… like your soul”
November 6, 2025
This book is a dive into the world of commitment-phobe Rosie, a woman who adheres strictly to "one-night-only". But after a party night goes a little too wild and she needs rescuing, Rosie finds herself in a wild bet with her bestie: five dates, absolutely zero sex.
Enter George, the brother of her friend's boyfriend – a man who, despite his own past heartbreak, remains an unwavering believer in love and relationships. He steps in to help Rosie win her bet, and in doing so, he begins to help her unravel years of deeply ingrained relationship issues stemming from a childhood witnessing her father's emotional abuse and infidelity.
What makes "Off the Market" sparkle is the dynamic between Rosie and George. Watching Rosie heal and grow is compelling as she navigates her past scars. But honestly, George totally steals the show! His approach is so refreshing. He's not just understanding of her history; he's patient, respectful, and never pushes her boundaries. This guy is the ultimate green flag, a total breath of fresh air in a genre that sometimes throws too many questionable men with crappy behaviour towards women. Seriously, George is a beautiful unicorn.🦄
I loved this book. It was refreshing to see the MMC falling first and the FMC undergoing significant personal growth without making the MMC feel crappy or less than. Adeline Brown beautifully balances Rosie's emotional journey with a romance that's both sweet and sizzling.
If you're a fan of authors like Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry but crave a bit more spice in your love stories, I feel this would be a read for you. It's charming, heartfelt, and a genuinely satisfying romance that will leave you rooting for Rosie to find her HEA.
Full disclosure: I received this book as an ARC 🥰
And i would read it again.
Enter George, the brother of her friend's boyfriend – a man who, despite his own past heartbreak, remains an unwavering believer in love and relationships. He steps in to help Rosie win her bet, and in doing so, he begins to help her unravel years of deeply ingrained relationship issues stemming from a childhood witnessing her father's emotional abuse and infidelity.
What makes "Off the Market" sparkle is the dynamic between Rosie and George. Watching Rosie heal and grow is compelling as she navigates her past scars. But honestly, George totally steals the show! His approach is so refreshing. He's not just understanding of her history; he's patient, respectful, and never pushes her boundaries. This guy is the ultimate green flag, a total breath of fresh air in a genre that sometimes throws too many questionable men with crappy behaviour towards women. Seriously, George is a beautiful unicorn.🦄
I loved this book. It was refreshing to see the MMC falling first and the FMC undergoing significant personal growth without making the MMC feel crappy or less than. Adeline Brown beautifully balances Rosie's emotional journey with a romance that's both sweet and sizzling.
If you're a fan of authors like Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry but crave a bit more spice in your love stories, I feel this would be a read for you. It's charming, heartfelt, and a genuinely satisfying romance that will leave you rooting for Rosie to find her HEA.
Full disclosure: I received this book as an ARC 🥰
And i would read it again.
June 6, 2025
Ok this was a very middle of the road read for me. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a quick and easy read with a few laughs and heartfelt moments.
On the plus side, this book was an easy read, a good palette cleanser, and you don't have to have read the first book in the series to enjoy the second book. Disclaimer, I haven't first book yet and I don't think that negatively affected my reading experience of this book. I was more interested in Fallon and Oliver than Rosie and George but I'll get into that a bit later. The shining star of this book is the friendship between Rosie and Fallon. I feel that kind of close friendship is often not something that is explored or showcased in typical romance novels. I honestly would have read a whole book just on them and the backstory of their friendship. It was really beautiful to see. There were also several very touching emotional moments between the characters. Specifically between Rosie and her mom and George and his dad/brother. I wasn't really expecting those scenes to hit as hard as they did but they were really well done. I also really enjoyed George's big declaration of love to Rosie. I thought that was one of the best written parts of the book.
Now, what didn't work for me was the "fake dating". I love the fake dating trope - it is my favourite. But this simply wasn't fake dating. (this could be a hot take but it's just my opinion) So in the story, Rosie and George have known each other for a year and they are both very aware of their attraction to each other but Rosie keeps her distance. Ok that's fine. But when George offers to "fake" date Rosie it's actually not a secret from anyone? Like there's actually no one that they need to trick into thinking they are dating. Usually, there's a reason that the characters need everyone else in the book to believe they are dating to achieve some sort of goal. But in this story, Rosie tells Fallon it's "fake" right away and that has no effect on the bet in place (which was the catalyst for the fake dating). So what was the point? I know George didn't tell Oliver right away but also there was no reason not to tell him. This just really bothered me and I felt was a weak point of the story. I feel like this might not be an issue for most readers but it was for me. Also, I feel some of Rosie's behaviours in the early chapters may be triggering to readers regarding her alcohol abuse.
This book had its ups and downs for me but ultimately, I would read this author's work again. I do want to read Fallon and Oliver's story now that I've already met them.
On the plus side, this book was an easy read, a good palette cleanser, and you don't have to have read the first book in the series to enjoy the second book. Disclaimer, I haven't first book yet and I don't think that negatively affected my reading experience of this book. I was more interested in Fallon and Oliver than Rosie and George but I'll get into that a bit later. The shining star of this book is the friendship between Rosie and Fallon. I feel that kind of close friendship is often not something that is explored or showcased in typical romance novels. I honestly would have read a whole book just on them and the backstory of their friendship. It was really beautiful to see. There were also several very touching emotional moments between the characters. Specifically between Rosie and her mom and George and his dad/brother. I wasn't really expecting those scenes to hit as hard as they did but they were really well done. I also really enjoyed George's big declaration of love to Rosie. I thought that was one of the best written parts of the book.
Now, what didn't work for me was the "fake dating". I love the fake dating trope - it is my favourite. But this simply wasn't fake dating. (this could be a hot take but it's just my opinion) So in the story, Rosie and George have known each other for a year and they are both very aware of their attraction to each other but Rosie keeps her distance. Ok that's fine. But when George offers to "fake" date Rosie it's actually not a secret from anyone? Like there's actually no one that they need to trick into thinking they are dating. Usually, there's a reason that the characters need everyone else in the book to believe they are dating to achieve some sort of goal. But in this story, Rosie tells Fallon it's "fake" right away and that has no effect on the bet in place (which was the catalyst for the fake dating). So what was the point? I know George didn't tell Oliver right away but also there was no reason not to tell him. This just really bothered me and I felt was a weak point of the story. I feel like this might not be an issue for most readers but it was for me. Also, I feel some of Rosie's behaviours in the early chapters may be triggering to readers regarding her alcohol abuse.
This book had its ups and downs for me but ultimately, I would read this author's work again. I do want to read Fallon and Oliver's story now that I've already met them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
“Fake Dating for Science” aka “I Swore Off Men But Accidentally Got a Plant Daddy Boyfriend”🌶️
Oh honey. Buckle up. This book? This book slaps. It saunters into your life with combat boots, eyeliner sharper than your ex’s lies, and a lab coat stained with caffeine and chaos. It is unhinged in the best way, and I love her for it.
We’ve got Her: the hot mess queen with black cat energy, emotionally unavailable, probably hasn’t texted her therapist back in months, and somehow a brilliant vet who’d rather wrestle a rottweiler than admit she caught feelings. She's out here giving off "I burn sage and bridges" vibes while keeping her emotional walls higher than her credit score.
Then we have Him: the human embodiment of a golden retriever with dirt under his nails, the softest eyes, and the tragic backstory of a plant shop that’s dying harder than my will to online date. He falls for her like a fern off a high shelf. Head first. No helmet. Bless his delusional optimism.
Cue: Fake Dating. For Science. Because why not manipulate biology and emotions while you’re at it?
She just wants her friends to chill about her solo era. He just wants to breathe life into his plant babies and maybe—maybe—touch her soul (and maybe her butt, respectfully). There’s banter, there’s bickering, there's tension so thick you could mulch it and use it as compost. She sleeps around to avoid feelings. He catches them like it's his full-time job. It’s sweet. It’s spicy. It's got more chemistry than her beaker cabinet.
They fake date and you know the rules: catch no feelings, tell no truths, and definitely don’t start slow dancing in the greenhouse with soft lighting and vulnerable eye contact.
Spoiler: the rules get absolutely demolished.
Verdict: 10/10, would fake date a cinnamon roll plant man for emotional growth again. If you like chaos with heart, sarcasm with soul, and spice that leaves you needing to mist yourself like a tropical orchid, you need this in your life.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to emotionally imprint on a houseplant and cry over fictional people being happy.
Oh honey. Buckle up. This book? This book slaps. It saunters into your life with combat boots, eyeliner sharper than your ex’s lies, and a lab coat stained with caffeine and chaos. It is unhinged in the best way, and I love her for it.
We’ve got Her: the hot mess queen with black cat energy, emotionally unavailable, probably hasn’t texted her therapist back in months, and somehow a brilliant vet who’d rather wrestle a rottweiler than admit she caught feelings. She's out here giving off "I burn sage and bridges" vibes while keeping her emotional walls higher than her credit score.
Then we have Him: the human embodiment of a golden retriever with dirt under his nails, the softest eyes, and the tragic backstory of a plant shop that’s dying harder than my will to online date. He falls for her like a fern off a high shelf. Head first. No helmet. Bless his delusional optimism.
Cue: Fake Dating. For Science. Because why not manipulate biology and emotions while you’re at it?
She just wants her friends to chill about her solo era. He just wants to breathe life into his plant babies and maybe—maybe—touch her soul (and maybe her butt, respectfully). There’s banter, there’s bickering, there's tension so thick you could mulch it and use it as compost. She sleeps around to avoid feelings. He catches them like it's his full-time job. It’s sweet. It’s spicy. It's got more chemistry than her beaker cabinet.
They fake date and you know the rules: catch no feelings, tell no truths, and definitely don’t start slow dancing in the greenhouse with soft lighting and vulnerable eye contact.
Spoiler: the rules get absolutely demolished.
Verdict: 10/10, would fake date a cinnamon roll plant man for emotional growth again. If you like chaos with heart, sarcasm with soul, and spice that leaves you needing to mist yourself like a tropical orchid, you need this in your life.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to emotionally imprint on a houseplant and cry over fictional people being happy.
June 1, 2025
I was excited to finally read Rosie and Georges story after meeting them in On The Sidelines, and it was so worth the wait. I was so happy to hear Adeline had decided to revisit their story and she totally delivered!
So we pick up the story with Rosie our feisty FMC, fabulous friend to Fallon, doggy mum and dedicated vet. She also lives by her “no dating and one night only” rules when it comes to her love life. As the story progresses we learn about the family issues in her past and how this has effected her adult life. After a particularly low week of drunken nights George ends up coming to Rosie’s rescue.
George is pure golden retriever energy and the biggest green flag guy you could wish for. He has liked Rosie since the night they met but had graciously never pushed the issue of that kiss, or his feelings for her.
Rosie ends up agreeing to a bet with Fallon to try to prove she can indeed date guys, but after a disastrous first attempt, George ends up offering to step in and help her win the bet with some coaching.
What follows is a fabulous story of these two dealing with their own life situations and issues whilst realising the growing feelings they have for each other. These two had me giggling, laughing and swooning all the way, but there was also a really moving feel to the story too, as we see the characters learning to heal and grow.
I loved their banter. The spice was perfect too, Georges dirty mouth was a surprising delight! Seeing Fallon and Oliver in the story was such a treat too! I also must mention the female friendship between Rosie and Fallon. As I said with book one, every girl needs a friendship like theirs.
Its not essential but I would highly recommend reading On The Sidelines first for an even better experience of the characters,
I was honoured to be able to receive an ARC of this from Adeline to read and review and this is my own opinion.
So we pick up the story with Rosie our feisty FMC, fabulous friend to Fallon, doggy mum and dedicated vet. She also lives by her “no dating and one night only” rules when it comes to her love life. As the story progresses we learn about the family issues in her past and how this has effected her adult life. After a particularly low week of drunken nights George ends up coming to Rosie’s rescue.
George is pure golden retriever energy and the biggest green flag guy you could wish for. He has liked Rosie since the night they met but had graciously never pushed the issue of that kiss, or his feelings for her.
Rosie ends up agreeing to a bet with Fallon to try to prove she can indeed date guys, but after a disastrous first attempt, George ends up offering to step in and help her win the bet with some coaching.
What follows is a fabulous story of these two dealing with their own life situations and issues whilst realising the growing feelings they have for each other. These two had me giggling, laughing and swooning all the way, but there was also a really moving feel to the story too, as we see the characters learning to heal and grow.
I loved their banter. The spice was perfect too, Georges dirty mouth was a surprising delight! Seeing Fallon and Oliver in the story was such a treat too! I also must mention the female friendship between Rosie and Fallon. As I said with book one, every girl needs a friendship like theirs.
Its not essential but I would highly recommend reading On The Sidelines first for an even better experience of the characters,
I was honoured to be able to receive an ARC of this from Adeline to read and review and this is my own opinion.
May 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW- OFF THE MARKET
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🪴Fake Dating
🩺Golden Retriever x Black Cat
🪴Bisexual MMC
🩺Boy Obsessed
🪴He Falls First and Hard
___________________________
Thanks to Adeline Brown for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
___________________________
Ever since reading On the Sidelines and getting introduced to this characters, I have been dying to read George and Rosie’s story. Addy took a break, ended up releasing another book and then came back to this story. And it was SOOOO worth the wait!!
George Blake is the GREENEST FLAG to green flag. If he wanted to, he would. He’s the ooeyist gooeyist cinnamon roll but has the absolute DIRTIEST MOUTH. Everyone deserves a George Blake in their lives. Even with his propensity to want to take care of everyone around him but never ask for help for himself, he’s such a solid, wonderful and genuine man.
Rosie Grange is a hot mess express. Deathly allergic to commitment, this girl has never been on a first date! Enter George, who is already obsessed with her, to take her on 5 dates to show her that dating and relationships can be fun and actually work.
This book was sweet, spicy, hilarious but also a masterclass on how trauma in childhood can affect you and your relationships with people later in life. THERAPY, PEOPLE! This book has everything you need in a romance. We get more of Oliver and Fallon and Rosie’s hot mess dog Roxy is the doggo we all want.
I can’t recommend Adeline Brown and her books enough. They are always such fun to read with banter, laughter, angst and trauma abound. And she writes green flag men DIRTY MOUTH syndrome™️. There’s nothing not to like. Be sure to grab this one and read On the Sidelines before release to get the most out of all the characters!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🪴Fake Dating
🩺Golden Retriever x Black Cat
🪴Bisexual MMC
🩺Boy Obsessed
🪴He Falls First and Hard
___________________________
Thanks to Adeline Brown for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
___________________________
Ever since reading On the Sidelines and getting introduced to this characters, I have been dying to read George and Rosie’s story. Addy took a break, ended up releasing another book and then came back to this story. And it was SOOOO worth the wait!!
George Blake is the GREENEST FLAG to green flag. If he wanted to, he would. He’s the ooeyist gooeyist cinnamon roll but has the absolute DIRTIEST MOUTH. Everyone deserves a George Blake in their lives. Even with his propensity to want to take care of everyone around him but never ask for help for himself, he’s such a solid, wonderful and genuine man.
Rosie Grange is a hot mess express. Deathly allergic to commitment, this girl has never been on a first date! Enter George, who is already obsessed with her, to take her on 5 dates to show her that dating and relationships can be fun and actually work.
This book was sweet, spicy, hilarious but also a masterclass on how trauma in childhood can affect you and your relationships with people later in life. THERAPY, PEOPLE! This book has everything you need in a romance. We get more of Oliver and Fallon and Rosie’s hot mess dog Roxy is the doggo we all want.
I can’t recommend Adeline Brown and her books enough. They are always such fun to read with banter, laughter, angst and trauma abound. And she writes green flag men DIRTY MOUTH syndrome™️. There’s nothing not to like. Be sure to grab this one and read On the Sidelines before release to get the most out of all the characters!
May 27, 2025
Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to Adeline Brown for the opportunity to read this book early! As you can probably tell from the five star rating... I'm obsessed!
I was so excited to be able to read George and Rosie's story after seeing them in On the Sidelines (which is an incredible book and you need to go and read it immediately!). I love a book where one/both of the characters have to work through things during the book. For Rosie that was her fear of men being like her father and I was an absolutely incredible time being able to watch George break down every single one of the expectations Rosie had for men and prove that he was nothing like her father.
George is literally the most green flag man I have ever had the joy of reading about and he will forever now be one of my favourite book boyfriends! I have spent the last two days reading this book, smiling and giggling the whole way through and that is absolutely everything I needed in a book right now! It was so fun being able to see Fallon and Oliver again throughout this story because On the Sidelines was one of my favourite books that I read last year and I loved being able to see where the characters are a few months after their story took place.
Thank you again to Adeline for the opportunity to Arc read for you again!
I was so excited to be able to read George and Rosie's story after seeing them in On the Sidelines (which is an incredible book and you need to go and read it immediately!). I love a book where one/both of the characters have to work through things during the book. For Rosie that was her fear of men being like her father and I was an absolutely incredible time being able to watch George break down every single one of the expectations Rosie had for men and prove that he was nothing like her father.
George is literally the most green flag man I have ever had the joy of reading about and he will forever now be one of my favourite book boyfriends! I have spent the last two days reading this book, smiling and giggling the whole way through and that is absolutely everything I needed in a book right now! It was so fun being able to see Fallon and Oliver again throughout this story because On the Sidelines was one of my favourite books that I read last year and I loved being able to see where the characters are a few months after their story took place.
Thank you again to Adeline for the opportunity to Arc read for you again!
May 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫5
🌶️🌶️/5
I laughed, I cried, I swooned. What an adorable story!
I have to start off by saying that my wish is that every person has a George in their life. Our bi king! He is the ultimate book boyfriend: Kind, gentle, and so so patient with Rosie, and absolutely positively GONE for her. Can we also talk about that man’s mouth??? Please. 🥵 I completely understood Rosie’s distrust of literally every man, because she was never shown any examples to the contrary. But watching her open up and trust George was so beautiful. The YEARNING between these two had me eating this book up so I could see all their interactions finally reach a tipping point.
I love them 🥰
Thank you to Adeline Brown for this ARC and for having me on your team. The book was splendid and I look forward to reading more of your stories!
Favorite Quote:
“ ‘Wow, so the great George Blake does have a weakness.’ Her laugh was like sunlight. I stared at her, feeling her finger still tangled with mine. She hadn’t pulled away, and I wasn’t about to be the first person to break the connection. ‘Sweetheart, you have no idea.’ “
🌶️🌶️/5
I laughed, I cried, I swooned. What an adorable story!
I have to start off by saying that my wish is that every person has a George in their life. Our bi king! He is the ultimate book boyfriend: Kind, gentle, and so so patient with Rosie, and absolutely positively GONE for her. Can we also talk about that man’s mouth??? Please. 🥵 I completely understood Rosie’s distrust of literally every man, because she was never shown any examples to the contrary. But watching her open up and trust George was so beautiful. The YEARNING between these two had me eating this book up so I could see all their interactions finally reach a tipping point.
I love them 🥰
Thank you to Adeline Brown for this ARC and for having me on your team. The book was splendid and I look forward to reading more of your stories!
Favorite Quote:
“ ‘Wow, so the great George Blake does have a weakness.’ Her laugh was like sunlight. I stared at her, feeling her finger still tangled with mine. She hadn’t pulled away, and I wasn’t about to be the first person to break the connection. ‘Sweetheart, you have no idea.’ “
May 27, 2025
Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to Adeline Brown for the opportunity to read this book early! As you can probably tell from the five star rating... I'm obsessed!
I was so excited to be able to read George and Rosie's story after seeing them in On the Sidelines (which is an incredible book and you need to go and read it immediately!). I love a book where one/both of the characters have to work through things during the book. For Rosie that was her fear of men being like her father and I was an absolutely incredible time being able to watch George break down every single one of the expectations Rosie had for men and prove that he was nothing like her father.
George is literally the most green flag man I have ever had the joy of reading about and he will forever now be one of my favourite book boyfriends! I have spent the last two days reading this book, smiling and giggling the whole way through and that is absolutely everything I needed in a book right now! It was so fun being able to see Fallon and Oliver again throughout this story because On the Sidelines was one of my favourite books that I read last year and I loved being able to see where the characters are a few months after their story took place.
Thank you again to Adeline for the opportunity to Arc read for you again!
I was so excited to be able to read George and Rosie's story after seeing them in On the Sidelines (which is an incredible book and you need to go and read it immediately!). I love a book where one/both of the characters have to work through things during the book. For Rosie that was her fear of men being like her father and I was an absolutely incredible time being able to watch George break down every single one of the expectations Rosie had for men and prove that he was nothing like her father.
George is literally the most green flag man I have ever had the joy of reading about and he will forever now be one of my favourite book boyfriends! I have spent the last two days reading this book, smiling and giggling the whole way through and that is absolutely everything I needed in a book right now! It was so fun being able to see Fallon and Oliver again throughout this story because On the Sidelines was one of my favourite books that I read last year and I loved being able to see where the characters are a few months after their story took place.
Thank you again to Adeline for the opportunity to Arc read for you again!
May 22, 2025
This is it, the best book I’ve read all year! I’ve loved these characters since meeting them briefly in on the sidelines and have waited patiently for their story-I know how difficult it was for this to become a reality and am so grateful they got their book because honestly it was out of this world. There is flirty banter, instant chemistry and green flags galore.
I was expecting the heat and the tension and the inevitable moment restraint broke what I was not expecting was the emotional turmoil and tears shed for Rosie and what she had been through and how she chose to live her life.
I had many things to do today and have done none of them as I had to finish the last 50% of this book in one sitting. Absolutely blown away and will be a long time before George Blake is knocked from top tier boyfriend position!
I was expecting the heat and the tension and the inevitable moment restraint broke what I was not expecting was the emotional turmoil and tears shed for Rosie and what she had been through and how she chose to live her life.
I had many things to do today and have done none of them as I had to finish the last 50% of this book in one sitting. Absolutely blown away and will be a long time before George Blake is knocked from top tier boyfriend position!
June 10, 2025
I was super worried we’d never get to read this book but I’m so glad that Adeline found it in her to trust that her work is amazing and took a chance on us and herself to publish it.
Rosie and George’s story is everything we needed and more after first hearing about them in On the Sidelines (book one).
George is just perfect for Rosie and is so patient with her. Rosie’s character development is written and executed so well. Her future was rewritten with the help of George and Fallon but the work she did to get herself there too was something
Recommended if you love:
-Fake dating
-bisexual rep
-he falls first
-boy obsessed
June 3, 2025
What started off as a bet, turned into something more. Suppessing their feelings so they don’t ever get hurt and to save themselves from the one person they want to date, the opportunity finally came. Off the Market was a cute lighthearted book that was amazing in detail. Each aspect of this book was well written and you just wanted to keep reading more.
June 15, 2025
This is a heart warming story of patience and acceptance. George is an oh so lovely man, who has it bad for Rosie. Rosie doesn't trust men as far as she can throw them, which isn't far. Watching this pair navigate relationship issues, as well as what life is throwing at them, is delightful. The banter was good, the spice was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
May 27, 2025
Adeline!!! You’ve done it again. I love your books.
Rosie is a hot headed do it herself character and George is the sexy golden Labrador. He falls first and hard, there’s a few unexpected turns and so much good spice (towards the end).
Rosie is a hot headed do it herself character and George is the sexy golden Labrador. He falls first and hard, there’s a few unexpected turns and so much good spice (towards the end).
June 1, 2025
when I tell you I ate this book up in less then 24 hours guys!
This is the book I needed Rosie's story to be. The emotions I went through - laughed, cried, swooned, you name it I was there. If you've not read this book, you must pick this up next!
So thankful I found Adeline's books 😍
This is the book I needed Rosie's story to be. The emotions I went through - laughed, cried, swooned, you name it I was there. If you've not read this book, you must pick this up next!
So thankful I found Adeline's books 😍
September 25, 2025
*3⭐️3🌶️ (look on my profile to see what my ratings mean to me)
**ARC REVIEW**
First of all I would like to thank Adeline Brown for allowing me to read this ARC.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Fake Dating
He Falls First
Reverse Grumpy X Sunshine
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Easter Eggs Linking To Previous Books
The Relationship Between Rosie And George
The Friendship Between Rosie And Fallon
Nicknames
Good Storyline
Didn’t like/ improve:
When reading this book I wish there were some more conflict/ drama in this book. George is probably of the biggest walking GREEN flag book boyfriends there is… but my problem is that I’m a bit too twisted (if that’s the word for it) who wants a few red flags thrown in for good measure. There could've been more spice but the spicy scenes in my opinion but I enjoyed the ones we got. Like past books I didn't like was when speech happens the indicators are ’ ‘ but I wish they are" " as they are more clear. I can't wait to read more from Adeline Brown in the future.
**ARC REVIEW**
First of all I would like to thank Adeline Brown for allowing me to read this ARC.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Fake Dating
He Falls First
Reverse Grumpy X Sunshine
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Easter Eggs Linking To Previous Books
The Relationship Between Rosie And George
The Friendship Between Rosie And Fallon
Nicknames
Good Storyline
Didn’t like/ improve:
When reading this book I wish there were some more conflict/ drama in this book. George is probably of the biggest walking GREEN flag book boyfriends there is… but my problem is that I’m a bit too twisted (if that’s the word for it) who wants a few red flags thrown in for good measure. There could've been more spice but the spicy scenes in my opinion but I enjoyed the ones we got. Like past books I didn't like was when speech happens the indicators are ’ ‘ but I wish they are" " as they are more clear. I can't wait to read more from Adeline Brown in the future.
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