Editing Emily: Faking it in the City

by Mia Rosette

The last few chapters of Emily's life have been a disaster, and unfortunately, it's not as easy to take control of her story as she thought…
Inheriting a crumbling Brownstone in New York City after her parents' devastating loss was supposed to be a fresh start, not another page in her ongoing disaster. She doesn’t know what to do with it, but her controlling boyfriend does.

Andy, sees the Brownstone not as a beacon of hope but as a quick fix for his spiraling debts—and he's scripted Emily's future as a domestic backdrop to his ambitions, sidelining her dreams of becoming a writer.

Determined to revise her fate, Emily's first edit involves ejecting Andy from her narrative.

And her second edit involves taking a gamble on four vibrant women who need a place to stay while they chase their own dreams, and hope they can at least get close enough to scrap together the rent money Emily needs to turn the nearly uninhabitable house into a home.

Just as she's warming up to the ladies, life throws her another plot twist: Sebastian.

He's a charismatic, sensitive bad-boy who even cures her anorgasmia by giving her the elusive orgasm she’s been yearning for...but is he really as perfect as he seems on paper? Or just a one-night stand?

Or will the secret he's keeping leave her wishing life came with a backspace key?

A story of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience, the first book in this fun, clever, and emotional women’s fiction series for fans of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "The Bold Type" is a must-read.

Genres: Romance

278 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

"Mia Rosette is a luminous voice in the world of Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, and Romantic Comedy. With a flair for crafting irresistibly charming characters and plots that blend wit with warmth, Mia has captivated readers looking for that perfect escape.

Her stories, rooted in contemporary romance, offer delightful twists, hearty laughs, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Beyond her passion for writing, Mia is an avid coffee enthusiast, a lover of vintage rom-coms, and believes in the magic of a perfect first date.

Dive into her worlds where love, humor, and modern-day fairy tales await, and let Mia remind you of the joy of finding romance in the everyday."

Reviews

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book. I liked the characters and really enjoyed the development of the FMC. The romance was cute and I had a blast reading their relationship. The writing was flawless and I liked the steady pacing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Emily's journey after she breaks up with her boyfriend as she navigates through her anorgasmia by documenting it on a blog, renovating her parents' home after their deaths and holding off developers, and pursuing her dream of being a writer. She meets 4 new roommates who move into her house and also Sebastian, who is a playboy but also the first guy she feels sparks with. Things get a lot more complicated as she pursues a casual relationship with Sebastian.

I liked following Emily on her journey of self-discovery and growth. She was always putting herself out there with new opportunities (personal and professional). We see her go through so many new experiences (high Emily was the best Emily) as she gains more confidence in herself. The book focuses on womanhood and female friendships as Emily develops long-lasting relationships with her four new roommates. It's honestly the best part of the book as we see them supporting each other throughout. Emily's relationship with Sebastian surprised me and takes more of a turn: they kind of go from friends with benefits to rivals (Sebastian was honestly kind of a jerk during this period). I actually liked how their relationship turned out in the end and totally agreed with Emily's rationale and reasons.

Something that bothered me about the writing was that there were a LOT of exclamation points everywhere - in the external and internal dialogue from all characters - that made the book sound overtly chipper and enthusiastic (there were multiple exclamation points on each page). But it toned down as the book progressed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storyweave Press Ltd for the ARC!

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5

Editing Emily tells the story of Emily who is trying to figure out what to do with the inheritance (a brownstone in NYC that is in need of some TLC) she received after the sudden death of her parents; while also dealing with major changes in her career, friendships and relationships.

Unfortunately, the story was all over the place for me and most of the characters were very unlikable; with the exception of Emily's roommates. The ending of the book was very unexpected; but it left me very curious about the rest of the series.

Thank you Storyweave Press Ltd for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Maddie Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read. Even the side characters were memorable which I loved (#GoCat). I feel like this is a book where, once again, communication could have solved so many issues but I get in the context of their lives it wouldn’t have made sense for them. I’m excited to read the next book!!

[Holly McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Editing Emily! The way Mia Rosette weaves the different aspects of Emily's life together is fantastic. The premise of Emily inheriting a Brownstone in New York City, hoping for a fresh start, quickly turning into a new disaster was both intriguing and relatable. The tension between Emily’s desire for independence and her controlling boyfriend, Andy, was intense and added so much depth to the story.

The progression of Emily's journey, from ejecting Andy from her life to taking a chance on the four women who need a place to stay, was empowering and felt like the right path for her. And Sebastian, the charismatic bad-boy, definitely kept me on my toes—he was both a source of excitement and mystery. The way he helped Emily with her personal struggles was unexpected, but also incredibly sweet.

However, the ending threw me for a loop! I didn’t realize it was going to end the way it did, and now I’m left eagerly waiting for the next book. I know the next installment will focus on Cat, but I’m really hoping that Emily gets her happy ending too. The emotional rollercoaster was worth it, but I can't wait to see how her story evolves!

It's a perfect blend of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience, and I highly recommend it!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping that inheriting the old brownstone would help Emily sorr her life out. However nothing is ever that easy. Split with her ex after he thinks the house is the answer to his money worries. Emily is left to turn the unloved house into a welcoming home which she can eventually rent rooms out to help with an income. But as I said nothing is easy and Sebastian certainly complicates everything. This is a story that centres around Emily but we also meet Cat who will get a story of her own. The way Emily grows throughout the story is good to see. However nothing everything turns out how you expect and the ending certainly surprised me. I'm looking forward to reading Cats story next.

[Danielle Stiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute story. I was expecting a complete romance story but this was really a romance of self. The fact that Emily had to deal with losing both of her parents and then trying to move on from a relationship at the same time. She really went down a journey of self-discovery that ended up paying off for her. This is a great story, the kind that many women need to read in order to realize that there are other women out there that want to build you up and not tear you down. That you always need to do what is best for you and not doing something for a guy. To not lose yourself for a guy as well.

[Shana · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 3%
I simply could not with the multitude of typos.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the story and most of the characters are unforgettable.

[Stacey Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved all the characters in the book. Loved that twist did not see that coming!! Quirky and fun with a little hot spark thrown in. Cannot wait to read the next book.

[Hallie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I chose this book off Netgally because I thought that the cover was cute and that I would enjoy reading it. In the beginning, I gave it a chance because I really wanted to like it. It started off with the classic parents dying and i don't know what I am going to do with my life. Also, lets add in a splash of break up with the stupid boyfriend. I think I could have liked it if it didn't move so fast. That was the first chapter and by the next chapter Emily was adding in roommates that would live in the house that her mom and dad owned. That would be fine if it didn't move so fast or the fact that she said the house was under construction to the point she didn't even know if she could live there. I skimmed a lot of it and then I went to the last chapter and read the last chapter to find out that it didn't really resolve anything and there are more books to this now series.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, "Editing Emily" follows Emily's life after it kind of implodes. She inherits this crumbling Brownstone in New York City after a really tough loss – her parents. You'd think that would be a fresh start, right? Wrong. Her controlling boyfriend, Andy, just sees dollar signs and wants her to sell it, completely ignoring Emily's dreams of becoming a writer. So, naturally, Emily decides to edit that storyline right out of her life, kicking Andy to the curb. Her next big edit? Taking in four roommates to help make ends meet while she tries to turn this fixer-upper into a home and finally pursue her writing dreams. Just when things start to settle, in walks Sebastian, a charismatic "bad boy" who, apparently, is quite skilled in the bedroom department. But is he the perfect plot twist, or will his secrets leave Emily wishing for a backspace button on life?

What I really appreciated about this book was Emily's journey of self-discovery. She wasn't afraid to put herself out there and try new things, both personally and professionally. Watching her gain confidence and figure out what she truly wanted was definitely the highlight for me. The book also shines when it focuses on the bond Emily develops with her four new roommates. Their female friendships felt genuine and supportive, and honestly, they were my favorite part of the story. I also have to admit, Emily's relationship with Sebastian took some unexpected turns, and I actually ended up agreeing with her decisions in the end, even if he was a bit of a jerk for a while there.

However, there were a few things that kept me from completely falling in love with "Editing Emily." The writing style, particularly in the beginning, felt a bit over-enthusiastic with an abundance of exclamation points in everyone's dialogue and internal thoughts. It made everything sound a little too chipper, even in serious moments, although thankfully, it did tone down as the story progressed. Also, while I enjoyed Emily's personal growth, the big plot twist surrounding Sebastian wasn't much of a surprise for me and didn't quite land the way I think it was intended to. Plus, while the female friendships were a strong point, they sometimes felt a little one-dimensional, with conversations often revolving solely around Emily's experiences. I also personally felt like the story could have used a little more spice in the romance department. Overall, though, "Editing Emily" is an easy and engaging read, perfect for fans of women's fiction who enjoy stories about empowerment and finding yourself, even if the execution isn't always perfectly smooth.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri Van Steen · Rating 3 out of 5]

*probable spoilers and some words are censored so the bots don’t come for me*

I want to start by saying that I really enjoy the writing style of Mia. This book is easy to read, it flows nicely and I don’t have to do that annoying thing where you have to read over things multiple times to understand what it’s saying.

The thing that let this book down for me was what the story was about. As a die hard feminist and someone with a huge interest in the gender orga$m gap and women’s smexual pleasure in general this book just missed the mark unfortunately. It was so close but so far.
Our FMC has never been able to reach the big O like so many other women and she goes on a journey to figure out why and to hopefully make it happen. At this point I was sold! She even pulls herself up for some internalized misogyny which I also loved. She has some bad dates and hook ups and finally meets Sebastian. She has her first big O, yay! However she has it by grinding on his leg in the middle of a club while being high on E 🤦🏻‍♀️. I’m sorry but no, I’ve never taken a substance like that so I can only speculate but, no!
They hook up more and he is able to get her to achieve lift off multiple times including during penetrative smex with no external stimulation. No!!!! Roughly 85% of women cannot “finish” through penetration alone and this book could have been amazing if it actually showed that but no. She went from never finishing to being able to finish in one of the more rare ways.
Not to mention there is mostly no mention of contraception throughout her casual dating which I think should have been included.
She is also someone that clearly shouldn’t have even been in a casual relationship with Sebastian as she so clearly didn’t have the emotional capacity for it. She wanted more almost immediately. Let’s not even forget how awful Sebastian is to her and yet she still manages to let him off and thinks he’s a nice guy deep down (he really really isn’t).

This book seemed to start as a woman on a journey of self discovery and embracing herself and learning from her mistakes but it ended up not being that at all and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t intentional.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, it does actually have a vibe similar to the "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants", so I don't feel lied to, which is a pro. In what way? It's not strictly a romance, as it is about so much more, and that's a good thing here. Maybe it's not amazing or life-changing, but it kept me hooked. The group of friends is nice, and by the end I was able to tell who was who, which is good (I'm bad with names on paper). The subplots are also interesting and easy to follow.

It was nice reading about a woman who has problems with achieving an orgasm, because not many books explore that. What I didn't like is how quickly it was fixed and forgotten. It felt cheap and chipped away the meaningfulness of the whole thing. I can guarantee that if you have problems with coming, a hot guy is not going to fix them right away, no matter how magical he is - you still need time and trying out different options.

Overall, I had a lot of fun, and would love to read the next books in the series when they come out. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The next thing here is going to be a big spoiler, so stop reading if you want to avoid it! I just have to vent.
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Sebastian is the biggest piece of sh*t on this planet and that's abundantly clear from like chapter 27 or something, when she gets to the resort to do her job. I'm so grateful that she didn't get together with him in the end, because I was mad at everything that was happening for the last 12 chapters. I wanted to throw stuff. I hated him so much, and the way she was acting around him, being so forgiving and - frankly - stupid was sooo annoying. I was strongly considering lowering the rating just because of this entitled, narcistic, god-complex-having, stealing as*hole who can't do anything right but blames everyone else for his incompetence. At the end of the day, though, it was entertaining to read, and she did in fact told him 'no' in the end, so all's good (she should've thrown his ass out the door and scream her lungs out or something, not feel sad, but I'll take it).

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Mia Rosette and Storyweave Press Ltd for this E-Arc, in exchange for an honest review.

Editing Emily by Mia Rosette follows Emily's life as she navigates personal challenges, relationships, and a quest for self-discovery. After a tough breakup, Emily decides to document her struggles with anorgasmia on her blog, all while taking on the massive task of renovating her late parents' home and fighting off developers trying to tear it down. Along the way, she pursues her dream of becoming a writer and meets a group of quirky new roommates who move into the house. Then, there's Sebastian—a charming playboy who sparks something in Emily, even though she’s hesitant to let her guard down.

What I really loved about this book was getting to see Emily grow. She’s a woman who throws herself into new experiences, both personally and professionally, and you can’t help but root for her as she pushes past her boundaries. Her journey is full of ups and downs, but it's clear that she's gaining confidence along the way. The strongest element of the story, though, has to be the bond Emily forms with her roommates. Their friendship feels real and supportive, and it was honestly my favorite part of the book. Watching them cheer each other on through the mess of life was refreshing and heartwarming.

Now, the relationship between Emily and Sebastian is a rollercoaster. What starts as a casual fling turns into something much more complicated, with a few moments where I really wasn’t sure where it was going. Sebastian has his moments of being a total jerk, but Emily’s evolution and how she handles things with him by the end really made sense. I was fully on her side with the way everything wrapped up.

If you're into stories that blend romance, self-growth, and strong female friendships, Editing Emily is the book for you. It’s fun, inspiring, and filled with some great moments of empowerment.

4.25 Stars!
#MiaRosette, #EditingEmily, #StoryWeavePress #RomanceBooks

[Sarah Putrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect going into this story but was pleasantly surprised. Here I thought this was a romance story about love but really it's about loving oneself and self discovery. I loved the feminist girl power vibe.

The book starts with finding out her parents had died and she inherited their house that needs some more work. Her boyfriend of a year and a half bombards her with trying to convince her to sell it to...out of his debts! For 'their' future. I would have dumped him too, the nerve! Emily moves into her parents home and gets four other women to move in and rent. I loved the sisterhood vibe with them all. Something we all strive for and wish we had with other women, at least I do. After moving in and playing a game Emily blurts out she's never had an orgasm...ever. Thus taking us down her journey of self discovery and finding herself while writing her blog.

I really liked the dynamic between Emily and Sebastian, the chemistry was hot! He really was able to help her discover herself in new ways. They felt like more than just hookups. I can't say I wasn't disappointed with the turn of events towards the end as I was. I was extremely disappointed in him because I was routing for them to be together for real. Plus I always love a HEA and I understand she wanted it couldn't work with him. I know her HEA is with fully discovering who she is and what she wants first. I get that can be just as powerful too.

I loved all the supporting characters and I'm guessing each of the roommates will each get their own books. Very excited to continue this series and see what happens next. Definitely invested now! This is a nice quick read that will make you feel empowered as a woman. Maybe men should take notes from this..hmm just a thought.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aleksandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Editing Emily kicks off Mia Rosette’s Faking It in the City series with a fresh, empowering premise and a messy-but-relatable heroine who's trying to rebuild her life—literally and emotionally. While the book shines in some areas, particularly its themes of female friendship and self-discovery, other elements hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Emily inherits a rundown New York City Brownstone after the death of her parents, only to realize that a fresh start is far messier than expected. She’s trying to escape a manipulative boyfriend, pursue a stalled writing career, and figure out who she is—all while the roof is basically falling in. The decision to open her home to four strangers brings a lot of warmth and some genuinely sweet moments of camaraderie that become the heart of the story.

Her complicated relationship with Sebastian—the brooding, mysterious “bad-boy”—adds romantic spice and emotional twists, though his transformation from steamy supporter to something more antagonistic felt a bit jarring. Their dynamic is interesting but not always satisfying, and the romance doesn't quite deliver the payoff readers might hope for, though it leaves the door open for future growth.

Where the book stumbles is in its tone and pacing. The overuse of exclamation points early on makes the dialogue feel a bit forced and overly chipper, which clashes with the heavier emotional themes. Fortunately, this calms down as the book progresses. Also, the ending feels more like a pause than a resolution, which might frustrate readers who prefer more closure.

That said, Editing Emily is a solid read if you're in the mood for a modern story about starting over, building strong female bonds, and learning to choose yourself. While it’s not perfect, it’s a promising start to a series that has plenty of heart—and sass.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

EDITING EMILY is the first book in the Faking it in the City series and I can’t wait for each of Emily’s roommates to get their own story. Emily has a run of bad luck with the unexpected deaths of her parents, a boyfriend who leaves a lot to be desired and even her job. So things can only go up, right? Especially when strong female friendships are part of the story ARC.

Emily decides to make some of her parents dreams her own and when she decides to put herself and what she wants first she gains the friendships of four strong women who have each other’s backs and are always there for each other. Watching Emily grow personally, sexually, emotionally and career wise is carefully crafted and I became vested in the story from the beginning to the end. There are some laughs along with tears as we get to know Emily and watch her learn to put herself and her needs first.

There are multiple stories being told and they flow together nicely. The writing is strong and has a depth to it. We see Emily’s strengths come to the forefront even when others seem to want to derail her. We see how Emily proves herself and how better opportunities seem to present themselves. There isn’t a happily ever after but good things are on the horizon to reinforce her own dreams and she knows her parents are looking out for her and guiding her from the beyond. I would have liked the ending to be more about Emily and her next steps rather than segue into Cat whose story is next.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L & J Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. While the narrative arc, beginning with the tragic loss of the protagonist's parents and the subsequent inheritance of a dilapidated historic building, provides a compelling foundation for the story, the execution was somewhat lacking.

Emily’s parents die unexpectedly in an auto accident at the start of the book. They had purchased an old building they were renovating into a B & B, and she leaves her stable job and a boss who holds her in high regard to finish her parents dream. Her conflict with her boyfriend, who wants her to sell the property to pay for his student loans leads to a subsequent decision to pursue her own path This forms a central and relatable theme concerning self-reliance and independence in romantic relationships. The development of her B&B, undertaken with four female roommates, serves as a backdrop for a nuanced exploration of female camaraderie and the complexities of self-discovery, including her evolving understanding of her sexuality and relationship expectations.

However, while the exploration of female bonding and self-empowerment is successfully rendered, certain plot points felt underdeveloped, creating an imbalance with other aspects that were, in my opinion, excessively detailed. This uneven pacing occasionally detracts from the narrative's overall impact. Despite these structural shortcomings, the story possesses a bittersweet, subtly sensual quality that resonates with the protagonist's journey toward self-sufficiency.

I received an advance review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Amanda Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
✨ 3 words to describe: girl power, self-growth, sexual awakening
✨ synopsis: after her parents unexpectedly pass away, Emily is given their old house with wishes to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Needing the money to fund this project, she takes in 4 roommates. They all become fast friends and she realizes that there are girls out there that don’t feel the need to compete about everything and are there to support. She opens up to them about never having gotten pleasure out of her sex life and with their help, she begins a journey of self discovery. Her first conquest is Sebastian, a hot playboy from the local coffee shop. After a casual night in the club, Sebastian gives her the first orgasm she’s ever had and she realizes she wants more than one night. At the coffee shop the next day, they agree to a no strings attached arrangement. She gets a call from her job about an opportunity to go to the Bahamas to evaluate it and she decides to bring her 4 roommates. Once there, she realizes Sebastian is there for work too and he believes she’s trying to steal his job. Will they end up together or will circumstances tear them apart?
✨what I liked: this is a great story of female empowerment and sexual awakening. I liked that the author wasn’t afraid to touch on such a (still to this day) taboo topic. I felt like Emily grew as a character and I did enjoy the girls trip to Bahamas and banter with her and Sebastian at points. I wish the author would have gone into more detail on the other roommates to make readers excited for future books focusing on them.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a ride. We follow Emily on her journey of self-discovery, from leaving a stagnant relationship to making a career change and embracing so much more. I really appreciated that the story wasn’t centered on romance but on Emily herself—her growth, struggles, and the process of shedding societal prejudices and preconceptions. The subtle “woman power” dynamic among the roommates was a nice touch, reinforcing the theme of self-appreciation and independence.

I also liked the relationship ending—it wasn’t the typical rom-com conclusion, but it was still satisfying. The pacing was well-balanced; while the story takes its time to develop, it never drags or feels rushed. The writing was easy to read, though I wasn’t particularly fond of the blog posts sprinkled throughout.

However, around the 60% mark, I found myself skimming. The big plot twist wasn’t much of a twist, and instead of adding excitement, it actually took away from my enjoyment. Additionally, while the book highlights female friendships, they often felt one-dimensional—conversations mostly revolved around Emily, with little depth beyond what the plot required. There was so much potential to explore stronger friendships rather than leaning on relationship drama.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with low spice and plenty of introspection, Editing Emily has its merits, but it didn’t fully hold my interest until the end.

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it was a good debut novel. However, first impressions can colour how the rest of a book is perceived, and for me, the initial tone was wrong-- recalling how she was told over the phone that her parents were dead, the character's very next lines are "What a day. What a week. What a month!" Not that I think the book should start on a morose, solemn note, but when I say I've been having a day, I mean that I spilled coffee on myself, the event I've been looking forward to has been cancelled, and multiple people cut me off on my drive home from work. My interpretation of the lines were that they were too light for someone grieving their parents.

In light of that, the roommates all seemed too good to be true, especially them becoming insta-besties. A couple of plot things later in the book also didn't ring quite true, but I could have just been picky at that point.

The B and B angle seemed unnecessary. I also didn't know if we were actually supposed to like Sebastian. Personally, he gave me the ick. I mean, it's one thing to be a player and put some time between conquests (even if it's only, say, a day). It's another to say goodbye to one and immediately pursue the next, or to use a coworker-with -benefits to make someone else jealous, and then jump into bed with said someone.

I like the premise of the series. And there were some humourous moments. I'm willing to give the next book a go.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free as an ARC

The story in this book is cute but the writing leaves a lot to desired. The characters are flat and the ideas around sex are weird. It tries to be sex positive but deals with an undercurrent of shame that comes through pretty strongly. I looked up the publisher and it’s a small Christian hybrid, which makes sense.

Also, to be clear, this book seems to be marketed as a romance and it’s not. Every male character in this book is utterly awful, even the main love interest. And the FMC forgives that man way too easily over and over for absolutely atrocious behavior, which is frankly really dangerous messaging for young women who may read this book.

The story itself was fun and interesting, although not fleshed out super well. There isn’t a lot of description and the author just kind of tells you what’s going on.

I also think the decision to have 4 main side characters via her roommates was a mistake. It’s too many characters to be able to develop deeply enough for readers to be able to differentiate between them (aside from their main life goals which seems to be the only thing that defines each one). It’s clear they’re just trying to set the stage for other books in the series but I think time would have been better spent actually developing fewer characters.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ,a first book in series and it’s hit already ,I can envisage. Inheriting a Brownstone in NYC you see and Andy ,well he thinks he’s got a meal ticket and would take over but Andy her boo is as controlling as heck ,and I loved to see her give him the check, the door . Out ya go! She takes a chance on four vibrant women ,gives them a place to reside. She is an upcoming writer , now she’s rid of Andy and his demands perhaps at her writing now she has a chance. The rent from the four friends ,gives Emily the funds to make her home a happy and comfortable one. Then life throws her another challenge, a secret a certain one night stand potentially more is holding that makes her want to go back ,before she even got in the sack..So what’s this all about I hear y’all shout . Yeah it’s engrossing ,it’s drawing you in . It did me and it was written so well . The story was interwoven with angst and romance and an underlying storyline. Does the charismatic bad boy vibe give her the release of her dreams and when the nightmare confession is over ,does she go back for more sessions. A happy or a sticky end? Read this book and see for yourself but I can tell you it’s top shelf good . Understood? Mia Rosette ,I’m looking forward to reading the next already, as I love your writing it’s easy reading and steady with a bit of heady stuff too .

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily's self discovery

This book definitely falls more in the category of 'women's fiction' than my usual reading fare of contemporary romance. Through the book, Emily posts blog articles posing rather open-ended questions about societal norms, expectations, and gendered double standards. The questions are definately valid, and at least some of the answers Emily arrives at have a certain validity, although I can't much endorse her methods for her research.
My favorite part of the book was gathering this core group of young women as tenant/housemates and watching them become a 'found family' for each other. Each of the women are very unique, each with her own strengths and foibles. There is also a secondary plotline, which I expect will carry through the future books in the series, about a shifty developer trying to buy Emily's house and those of her neighbors.
I feel that I should caution other readers that if you are expecting a HEA at the end of the book, wrapping up with a tidy bow, you are not going to find it here. I don't say this as a spoiler, but so that the reader is prepared to pursue relationships and the fight to save the house through the entire series. If cliffhangers are not your 'thing', you have been warned.

I received a free advance copy of this story from StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Mia Rosette, and I'm in love!! This is a different kind of love story. It's a book about finding yourself after tragedy and setbacks and loving yourself. I could see myself in Emily, just going with the flow, being unfulfilled, and accepting life as it is. However, finally realizing that's no longer enough, she takes action and decides to go on a journey of self discovery. I enjoyed every minute of it! Her roommates are awesome as well, and bring so much to the story. Their friendship and sisterhood from the beginning was amazing to read. What surprised me was the turn of events after the presentation was given. Emily is such a better person than me. The entire world would've known what happened and how anger I was. I think my favorite part is the ending. I'm so happy that her future looks bright, but most importantly she stood her ground with Sebastian. They are in two different places, and it's obvious nothing good could come from a relationship between them right now. Emily choosing to focus on myself so she can be in a better place is simply inspiring. I can't wait to see how the series unfolds for Emily and the rest of the roommates. I'd definitely recommend this book.

[Roisin Gleeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Editing Emily: Faking it in the City is a charming and heartfelt story that goes beyond a typical romance. Rather than focusing solely on a love story, it’s really about Emily’s journey of self-discovery. Dealing with the loss of both her parents while trying to move on from a complicated relationship, Emily’s growth feels authentic and inspiring. This is the kind of story many women will relate to — a reminder that there are women who uplift and support each other, and that staying true to yourself is the most important thing, especially in relationships.

When Emily inherits an old brownstone, she hopes it will be the fresh start she needs. But things quickly get complicated. After splitting with her ex—who thought the house might solve his financial problems—Emily sets out to transform the neglected property into a welcoming home, planning to rent out rooms to support herself. Yet, as always, life isn’t that simple, and Sebastian’s arrival adds even more twists.

While Emily is the heart of the story, we also meet Cat, whose own story promises to be just as compelling. Emily’s personal growth throughout the book is satisfying to watch, and the unexpected ending left me eager to read Cat’s story next.

[Dara Wasalino Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Editing Emily by Mia Rosette is the first novel in the "Faking it in the City" series, introducing aspiring writer Emily and her newly formed roommate/girl-gang.

We meet Emily, who, after tragically losing both of her parents, inherits their retirement project/dream 100 year old brownstone fixer upper, and dumps her selfish and obtuse boyfriend. Emily moved into the brownstone seeking a fresh start and some new roommates.

Emily’s decision to transform the crumbling property into a home leads her to form unexpected bonds with four vibrant women, each pursuing their own dreams. Emily begins working from home and sometimes from a coffee shop and meets Sebastian and sparks fly.

Editing Emily" is a delightful book that combines humor, romance, and the complexities of starting anew. Mia Rosette crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who's ever sought to rewrite their own story, making it a delightful start to a promising series.

I will say that I didn’t like that we didn’t necessarily get an HEA ending, but a cliffhanger and teaser for the next book in the series in the final pages.

[Ku.Reii.Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo, this book was a ride!!! 😂😂😂 First of all, WHY were half the words in the beginning not spaced properly??? Like, am I hallucinating??? 🤯😭 I swear, I was squinting at my screen like, "Is this a formatting error or intentional. Either way, it was so unnecessary and annoying. 😭

At first I thought I missed something, because one second the house is falling apart💥⚠️, and the next, she's looking for roommates??? LMAOOO. I kept reading, and she literally says the house isn't a dump🏚️, so maybe I just need better reading comprehension. 😂

Also, I didn't read the full blurb properly (oops), so I had NO IDEA about that part of her struggle. 😭 I genuinely thought this was gonna be 🔞, but it wasn't, and I'm actually SO GLAD. 🙌 The ending?? Loved it. Her decisions?? 👏👏👏 I wanna say more, but no spoilers!!!

Her roommates were actually so fun, and I'm SO HAPPY there's gonna be another book!! 🎉🎉 Hopefully, we get more of the house renovations because we barely saw any, and the book was short. Like, I wanna see that transformation!! 😩🏡

Thank you so much for the ARC👏🏼🧸💝

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Editing Emily by Mia Rosette is a fun and fast-paced read about Emily starting over after a breakup. She’s trying to renovate her late parents’ house, build a writing career, and figure out life; all while also taking in four new roommates who quickly become like family. Then there’s Sebastian, the playboy who somehow gets under her skin in a way no one else has. As she juggles friendships, romance, and big life decisions, Emily learns a lot about herself along the way.

The story has some great moments, especially the strong female friendships, but there were a few things that didn’t work for me. The writing had way too many exclamation points, which made some parts feel over-the-top, and the missing spaces between words were super distracting. The romance was a bit all over the place, and the ending? Totally shocking! I did not see that coming. I really hope the next book wraps things up. Overall, it’s a quick and entertaining read, but not without its flaws. **3/5 stars.**

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley.