What do you think?
Rate this book
The Proximity Effect
Getting stuck in a snowdrift and watching my red thong take flight into a pine tree was not how I imagined starting my honeymoon. Then again, I also hadn't imagined starting it alone.
When I saw the heart-shaped bed in the honeymoon suite (totally not on the website) and was served microwaved bacon for breakfast (how dare they), I knew this trip was going downhill faster than my dignity after face-planting on the bunny slope.
The cause? Three gorgeous former best friends who inherited way more than they could handle.
So, naturally, I offer to run the restaurant when their entire staff quits.
There were supposed to be professional boundaries, but when our sizzling chemistry threatens to melt all the snow—and my heart—I start to wonder if my honeymoon might not be such a waste after all.
The Proximity Effect is a spicy winter romance standalone where the main character falls in love with three men. It is not connected to any other books.
When I saw the heart-shaped bed in the honeymoon suite (totally not on the website) and was served microwaved bacon for breakfast (how dare they), I knew this trip was going downhill faster than my dignity after face-planting on the bunny slope.
The cause? Three gorgeous former best friends who inherited way more than they could handle.
So, naturally, I offer to run the restaurant when their entire staff quits.
There were supposed to be professional boundaries, but when our sizzling chemistry threatens to melt all the snow—and my heart—I start to wonder if my honeymoon might not be such a waste after all.
The Proximity Effect is a spicy winter romance standalone where the main character falls in love with three men. It is not connected to any other books.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
677 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Maya Nicole
46 books920 followersFor an updated list of books visit my Amazon author page or my website.
https://www.mayanicole.com
Join My Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mayan...
https://www.mayanicole.com
Join My Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mayan...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 23, 2025
4 stars.
This was really cute.
I adored the ‘word vomit’ moments of humor.
I would have liked a bit more in the relationship department. What we got was good. But it did feel like we got cut off at the beginning of the middle, and then the epilogue showed us the end…18 months later.
Not my favorite type of epilogue. I prefer for the settling to happen in the last chapter, and then have the epilogue be years later to see how everything is doing after.
It was still a fun read though.
This was really cute.
I adored the ‘word vomit’ moments of humor.
I would have liked a bit more in the relationship department. What we got was good. But it did feel like we got cut off at the beginning of the middle, and then the epilogue showed us the end…18 months later.
Not my favorite type of epilogue. I prefer for the settling to happen in the last chapter, and then have the epilogue be years later to see how everything is doing after.
It was still a fun read though.
December 17, 2025
The Proximity Effect by Maya Nicole is a spicy, snowy romantic comedy about a woman named Tessa whose life takes an unexpected turn when her honeymoon goes off the rails: stuck in a snowdrift, facing microwaved bacon for breakfast, and stranded at a quirky resort owned by three former best friends who inherited more than they can handle. What begins as a chaotic solo honeymoon quickly transforms into a story of forced proximity, steaming chemistry, and heartfelt growth as Tessa offers to help run the resort’s restaurant and slowly finds herself drawn into something far more meaningful than she ever anticipated. This standalone reverse harem rom-com blends humor, heat, and emotional moments in a wintry setting that supports both laughter and connection.
Stepping into this book felt like turning onto a cozy mountain road full of unexpected laughter and warming tension, with Tessa’s hilarious inner monologue and “word vomit” moments making me genuinely smile even on tougher pages. I was especially charmed by how distinct Archer, Evan, and Liam felt as individuals: Archer’s gruff edges hiding thoughtful layers, Evan’s playful optimism, and Liam’s adventurous spirit each added flavor and depth to the group dynamic.
What moved me most was how the story portrays healing from past wounds and opening your heart again, not just romantically but personally and creatively as Tessa rediscovers her passion for cooking and resilience after a painful breakup. While some parts lean more toward lighthearted fun than deep emotional exploration, I found the balance of humor, spice, and growth refreshing and easy to relish.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I adored how this story made me laugh, swoon, and feel genuinely invested in its quirky characters; I am giving it four stars because, for me, a little more time on emotional depth and relationship evolution would have elevated it even further. Overall, this is a joyful, heart-warming read that left me smiling well after the last snowy page.
Stepping into this book felt like turning onto a cozy mountain road full of unexpected laughter and warming tension, with Tessa’s hilarious inner monologue and “word vomit” moments making me genuinely smile even on tougher pages. I was especially charmed by how distinct Archer, Evan, and Liam felt as individuals: Archer’s gruff edges hiding thoughtful layers, Evan’s playful optimism, and Liam’s adventurous spirit each added flavor and depth to the group dynamic.
What moved me most was how the story portrays healing from past wounds and opening your heart again, not just romantically but personally and creatively as Tessa rediscovers her passion for cooking and resilience after a painful breakup. While some parts lean more toward lighthearted fun than deep emotional exploration, I found the balance of humor, spice, and growth refreshing and easy to relish.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I adored how this story made me laugh, swoon, and feel genuinely invested in its quirky characters; I am giving it four stars because, for me, a little more time on emotional depth and relationship evolution would have elevated it even further. Overall, this is a joyful, heart-warming read that left me smiling well after the last snowy page.
dnf
May 16, 2025DNF. Idk why I keep picking up romance books labeled romcoms because they all seem susceptible to oops-I’m-so-clumsy-and-I-can’t-stop-word-vomiting-and-I-literally-can’t-go-ten-seconds-without-the-universe-fucking-with-me FMCs and plots. Clearly some people enjoy this vibe, but I’m definitely not one of them.
March 3, 2025
I love Maya Nicole's books. All of the characters have their flaws, but it makes them more real, more relatable. Nobody is perfect, and while some books write some characters that way, Maya is not one of them. However, they do all have their charms!
I really enjoyed the FMC, Tessa. She has the worst case of verbal diarrhea that anyone has ever seen. She's sweet, genuine, and has aspirations to become a chef of her own restaurant, despite what her ex-fiance thought.
The three new owners of the resort she booked were making a mess of things. Formerly friends, they didn't get along at all, and each had different ideas for the place, none of which were really working. Thankfully meeting Tessa cracked the walls that they built around themselves, and between her and letters from their deceased friend Gavin (who left them the resort in the first place), they figured out how to work together and dedicate themselves to the resort.
As much as I love this author's writing and other books, I found this one lacking much plot. If you want a super simple, sweet, fluffy read with no complications, this is great. If you want something with some depth... this might miss the mark a bit. It's all about the characters working things out and steamy scenes. At one point, her ex makes an appearance, but the book wouldn't have even changed if he hadn't been written in at all. It was supposed to show us how much Tessa changed, how she was able to stand up for herself, and not worry about his feelings, but I didn't get much of that. Also, the owner of "Sweet Cheeks?" I thought we'd see him again after it was hinted he had a connection with Gavin, but I was a bit saddened that we didn't.
All in all, it was still a sweet, fairly funny book. Again, it's definitely more on the fluffy side with no real plot or complications.
I really enjoyed the FMC, Tessa. She has the worst case of verbal diarrhea that anyone has ever seen. She's sweet, genuine, and has aspirations to become a chef of her own restaurant, despite what her ex-fiance thought.
The three new owners of the resort she booked were making a mess of things. Formerly friends, they didn't get along at all, and each had different ideas for the place, none of which were really working. Thankfully meeting Tessa cracked the walls that they built around themselves, and between her and letters from their deceased friend Gavin (who left them the resort in the first place), they figured out how to work together and dedicate themselves to the resort.
As much as I love this author's writing and other books, I found this one lacking much plot. If you want a super simple, sweet, fluffy read with no complications, this is great. If you want something with some depth... this might miss the mark a bit. It's all about the characters working things out and steamy scenes. At one point, her ex makes an appearance, but the book wouldn't have even changed if he hadn't been written in at all. It was supposed to show us how much Tessa changed, how she was able to stand up for herself, and not worry about his feelings, but I didn't get much of that. Also, the owner of "Sweet Cheeks?" I thought we'd see him again after it was hinted he had a connection with Gavin, but I was a bit saddened that we didn't.
All in all, it was still a sweet, fairly funny book. Again, it's definitely more on the fluffy side with no real plot or complications.
October 3, 2025
DNF @ 35%
I feel bad - this is a fluffy contemporary and if I had been in the right head space, I would have finished this book but I cannot when my mind wants violence and I didn't realize until it was too late!
To be honest, if I had continued reading this book - it would have been a 2-3 star. So, I will leave a 3 star rating because it isn't the authors fault!
I feel bad - this is a fluffy contemporary and if I had been in the right head space, I would have finished this book but I cannot when my mind wants violence and I didn't realize until it was too late!
To be honest, if I had continued reading this book - it would have been a 2-3 star. So, I will leave a 3 star rating because it isn't the authors fault!
March 14, 2025
Idk, it was ok in the beginning but then it fell into the all too common contemporary romcom trope of trying way too hard to make “witty banter” which really grated on my nerves, the relationships between them and her and them and each other never felt fully developed for me and I never felt like they resolved what went wrong between them. Especially the fact that it was specifically a woman. If it had been anything else it would be at least a little more understandable but they have this decade long fall out because of a woman and then randomly they meet a girl while they’re still hardly speaking to each other and decide “yes, this is a good idea, nothing further needed here” like come on. And then randomly bringing in the ex fiancé? If he was going to cause trouble like bringing in lawyers to destroy them or something or trying to make them thing she was getting back with him so they break up with her at least it would be a plot point, add to the tension, but he came, had like two minor scenes, and then left? It made no sense to me and was weird. The epilogue also was weird to me, her family is there and no mention of how she’s in a relationship with three guys, her dad’s just walking her down the aisle.
May 5, 2025
No stress here. Easygoing, lighthearted, and at times very funny. Lots of spice.
Would have liked a little more tension, or conflict, but sometimes its just nice to have an easy read with a happy ending.
Would have liked a little more tension, or conflict, but sometimes its just nice to have an easy read with a happy ending.
March 8, 2025
This was so much better than the emma Foxx book. Characters were fun, setting and situation was all unique and well written. Forced proximity snowstorm always a favorite 😍 ❄️🔥
May 28, 2025
3.75⭐️
November 10, 2025
Sweet love story about friendships and hearts repaired. Finding your passions and falling in love. It was hilarious.
Wheels10
Wheels10
Read
March 5, 2025Now available here: The Proximity Effect
March 15, 2025
I’ve read everything Maya has written so when this one surprised me ON release day I dropped everything to read it! She writes some of the best why choose books and I was so excited for this one.
After her fiancé called off the wedding….while she was glazing a ham…Tessa decided to go on her honeymoon trip anyway. Unfortunately her resort is nothing like she expected since it’s recently found itself under new ownership. After some horrible meals she finds herself in the kitchen doing what she loves, and before long she finds that she loves the owners too!
This one is quirky at times with Tessa “accidents” and Evan trying to redecorate a resort & give menus a special flair. He seems to be the only one who wants to run the resort from the beginning. Liam and Archer get on board pretty quickly though when they start imagining running it with Tessa.
I absolutely loved the relationship between these four. However, I think what I took away from this more than anything was what the different stages of grief can really look like for different people and also what it sometimes takes to really forgive yourself and others. Getting to experience all of that while also feeling all warm & cozy reading a romcom was so nice. I’m not sure if that’s what she was going for when she wrote this book, but I am grateful to Maya for it either way!
After her fiancé called off the wedding….while she was glazing a ham…Tessa decided to go on her honeymoon trip anyway. Unfortunately her resort is nothing like she expected since it’s recently found itself under new ownership. After some horrible meals she finds herself in the kitchen doing what she loves, and before long she finds that she loves the owners too!
This one is quirky at times with Tessa “accidents” and Evan trying to redecorate a resort & give menus a special flair. He seems to be the only one who wants to run the resort from the beginning. Liam and Archer get on board pretty quickly though when they start imagining running it with Tessa.
I absolutely loved the relationship between these four. However, I think what I took away from this more than anything was what the different stages of grief can really look like for different people and also what it sometimes takes to really forgive yourself and others. Getting to experience all of that while also feeling all warm & cozy reading a romcom was so nice. I’m not sure if that’s what she was going for when she wrote this book, but I am grateful to Maya for it either way!
March 5, 2025
The Proximity Effect by May Nicole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶💀
A recently departed lost friend's wish heals a friendship between three friends and gives one woman a beautiful future.
Tessa, fresh from being dumped on Christmas finds herself stuck in the snow on her way to her unhoneymoon. However things go topsy-turvy only to be rescued by a tall stranger, Archer. Turns out the ⅓ owner of the resort. Tessa's unique verbal spew leave Liam and Evan ⅔ flustered in their meetcutes. They are head over heals for this chaos bubble that floats in and absolutely destroys their carefully built walls.
An absolute swoonworthy why choose romance filled with laugh out loud moments as much a cringeworthy moments. Quirky fmc, grumpy mmc, cinnamon roll flirt mmc and the control freak mmc they create an entertaining read.
Tropes:
No 3rd act breakup. Ex fiance. Close proximity. Winter ski resort. Romcom. Spicy. Best friends. HEA. Why choose.
Quotes:
...the Perpetually Embarrassed Avengers. PEA for short. Our nemesis would be small talk and social grace.
“Better than okay.” Her lips curved into a smile that could light up the darkest corners of my soul, and damn if I didn’t want to see that expression on her face every day for the rest of my life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶💀
A recently departed lost friend's wish heals a friendship between three friends and gives one woman a beautiful future.
Tessa, fresh from being dumped on Christmas finds herself stuck in the snow on her way to her unhoneymoon. However things go topsy-turvy only to be rescued by a tall stranger, Archer. Turns out the ⅓ owner of the resort. Tessa's unique verbal spew leave Liam and Evan ⅔ flustered in their meetcutes. They are head over heals for this chaos bubble that floats in and absolutely destroys their carefully built walls.
An absolute swoonworthy why choose romance filled with laugh out loud moments as much a cringeworthy moments. Quirky fmc, grumpy mmc, cinnamon roll flirt mmc and the control freak mmc they create an entertaining read.
Tropes:
No 3rd act breakup. Ex fiance. Close proximity. Winter ski resort. Romcom. Spicy. Best friends. HEA. Why choose.
Quotes:
...the Perpetually Embarrassed Avengers. PEA for short. Our nemesis would be small talk and social grace.
“Better than okay.” Her lips curved into a smile that could light up the darkest corners of my soul, and damn if I didn’t want to see that expression on her face every day for the rest of my life.
March 3, 2025
Poor Tessa. Life is not being very kind to her, at all. But it seems fate has some things in store for her. She has a great sarcastic sense of humor. Her habit of verbally word vomiting is hysterical. You never really know what is going to come out and I think sometimes it surprises her as much as the people around her.
The guys had a lot of growth through the story which I really appreciated. Archer seemed like such a jerk when we first meet him. That doesn't change a whole lot through the story, but it's not because he is a jerk, just a control freak. Hah. Evan has the golden retriever energy. He is adept at hiding his feelings, pain, and hurt behind jokes and smiles. Liam is a surprising combination of both of them. He isn't controlling but he can be serious and kind of stoic like Archer but also flirty and fun like Evan. Together they make a well rounded group of guys. They each have their strengths and it shores up any weaknesses they each have.
Was a great rom-comish story about forgiveness and finding your own happiness, whatever that may look like. I loved it!
The guys had a lot of growth through the story which I really appreciated. Archer seemed like such a jerk when we first meet him. That doesn't change a whole lot through the story, but it's not because he is a jerk, just a control freak. Hah. Evan has the golden retriever energy. He is adept at hiding his feelings, pain, and hurt behind jokes and smiles. Liam is a surprising combination of both of them. He isn't controlling but he can be serious and kind of stoic like Archer but also flirty and fun like Evan. Together they make a well rounded group of guys. They each have their strengths and it shores up any weaknesses they each have.
Was a great rom-comish story about forgiveness and finding your own happiness, whatever that may look like. I loved it!
March 3, 2025
*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Rom-Com
*Forced Proximity
*Snow Resort
*Jilted FMC
*MMCs on the out
*Mid Burn
*Established Harem (3)
*Standalone
Amusing Read
This story follows Tessa and the debacle she faces after being jolted but decides to go on the lucrative snow resort honeymoon by herself….and honestly chaos ensues 🤣 the resort is being ran by three former best friends who are all like chalk and cheese but are trying to run the resort at the bequest of their friend who passed 😖 Archer is uptight and struggles to let go but has a mischievous side hidden very deep; Liam is a grump and would prefer to be outside away from people yet cares deeply; then Evan is the childlike dreamer who can see the situation for what it really is and the hope there is 🥰 Tessa nervous babble is hilarious and makes her endearing along with her commitment to live her life, and being snowed in with these men allows her to fulfill her dreams and teach them something about forgiveness and moving forward 😆
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Rom-Com
*Forced Proximity
*Snow Resort
*Jilted FMC
*MMCs on the out
*Mid Burn
*Established Harem (3)
*Standalone
Amusing Read
This story follows Tessa and the debacle she faces after being jolted but decides to go on the lucrative snow resort honeymoon by herself….and honestly chaos ensues 🤣 the resort is being ran by three former best friends who are all like chalk and cheese but are trying to run the resort at the bequest of their friend who passed 😖 Archer is uptight and struggles to let go but has a mischievous side hidden very deep; Liam is a grump and would prefer to be outside away from people yet cares deeply; then Evan is the childlike dreamer who can see the situation for what it really is and the hope there is 🥰 Tessa nervous babble is hilarious and makes her endearing along with her commitment to live her life, and being snowed in with these men allows her to fulfill her dreams and teach them something about forgiveness and moving forward 😆
March 7, 2025
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (it starts around 30% in)
MFMM - no actual MM but swords may touch 😅
Jilted bride on her honeymoon for 1
Forced proximity- got to love a snow storm
Chance to rebuild tarnished friendship.
Grief of a friend (MMCs former best friend passed off page)
Literally ate this book up! The banter between the FMC and MMCs is exactly what you expect from a Maya Nicole book. This is meant to be a fun and fluffy romance an easy read with a little angst and tension but the spice is still spicing!
I thoroughly enjoyed how all 4 of these characters were processing their own issues and hold ups while the others worked to bring down one another walls without really realizing what they are doing, well maybe except for Evan (Our golden retriever).
Another 5 star from me and I cannot wait for her next book 🩷
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (it starts around 30% in)
MFMM - no actual MM but swords may touch 😅
Jilted bride on her honeymoon for 1
Forced proximity- got to love a snow storm
Chance to rebuild tarnished friendship.
Grief of a friend (MMCs former best friend passed off page)
Literally ate this book up! The banter between the FMC and MMCs is exactly what you expect from a Maya Nicole book. This is meant to be a fun and fluffy romance an easy read with a little angst and tension but the spice is still spicing!
I thoroughly enjoyed how all 4 of these characters were processing their own issues and hold ups while the others worked to bring down one another walls without really realizing what they are doing, well maybe except for Evan (Our golden retriever).
Another 5 star from me and I cannot wait for her next book 🩷
May 4, 2025
❄️ Why-Choose
🍽 RomCom
❄️ Multiple POV
🍽 Forced proximity
This was a fun & light-hearted romance. Don't let that fool you tho, the spicy was fire (3.5/5🌶)!
The things Tessa goes through on the first day at the resort are hysterical. I think while the book is mainly light-hearted.. it does a good job of showing that everyone handles grief differently. I enjoyed how all four of these characters were dealing with their own issues/hold-ups while helping the others tear down their walls without really trying to.
I do think the ending of the book was a little rushed. I feel like they all just got on the same page and all of a sudden it was the end of the book. I wish we would have got more details on their relationship and how they end up running the resort.
Overall, this was a cute & short Why-Choose RomCom 😊
🍽 RomCom
❄️ Multiple POV
🍽 Forced proximity
This was a fun & light-hearted romance. Don't let that fool you tho, the spicy was fire (3.5/5🌶)!
The things Tessa goes through on the first day at the resort are hysterical. I think while the book is mainly light-hearted.. it does a good job of showing that everyone handles grief differently. I enjoyed how all four of these characters were dealing with their own issues/hold-ups while helping the others tear down their walls without really trying to.
I do think the ending of the book was a little rushed. I feel like they all just got on the same page and all of a sudden it was the end of the book. I wish we would have got more details on their relationship and how they end up running the resort.
Overall, this was a cute & short Why-Choose RomCom 😊
May 2, 2025
A Fun & Spicy Getaway!
Okay, so I just finished The Proximity Effect, and wow, what a ride! This is a spicy romantic comedy standalone reverse harem, and it definitely delivered on the fun. The premise is hilarious – our heroine gets dumped just before her wedding and decides to take the honeymoon solo at a gorgeous snowy resort.
Naturally, hilarious mishaps lead her right to the three hot guys who run the place. The characters were really entertaining, and the plot kept things moving. While maybe the chemistry didn't quite give me all the swoons, I appreciate how this author writes more realistic reverse harems. Overall, I truly enjoyed it and absolutely recommend this book and author! Definitely keeping an eye out for more.
Okay, so I just finished The Proximity Effect, and wow, what a ride! This is a spicy romantic comedy standalone reverse harem, and it definitely delivered on the fun. The premise is hilarious – our heroine gets dumped just before her wedding and decides to take the honeymoon solo at a gorgeous snowy resort.
Naturally, hilarious mishaps lead her right to the three hot guys who run the place. The characters were really entertaining, and the plot kept things moving. While maybe the chemistry didn't quite give me all the swoons, I appreciate how this author writes more realistic reverse harems. Overall, I truly enjoyed it and absolutely recommend this book and author! Definitely keeping an eye out for more.
July 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book, but felt there was a lot missing, for me I needed more on the growth of their relationship, and how the boys overcame their previous conflicts that had them not talking to each other for 10 years!
After quite a few spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes everything was fixed and they were planning a full life together after just a couple weeks. I get that romance novels aren’t real life, however I just felt like once they finally did the dead that was enough for happy ever after, which to me just isn’t enough. There was so much more that could have been explored. Even the ex turning up seemed to be more of an opsie moment than issues being resolved. 🤷♀️
On saying that, I did enjoy this quick, easy read.
After quite a few spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ scenes everything was fixed and they were planning a full life together after just a couple weeks. I get that romance novels aren’t real life, however I just felt like once they finally did the dead that was enough for happy ever after, which to me just isn’t enough. There was so much more that could have been explored. Even the ex turning up seemed to be more of an opsie moment than issues being resolved. 🤷♀️
On saying that, I did enjoy this quick, easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
Sweet, entertaining read
This was a fun, light read. There was some great humor--I just loved the FMCs nervous word vomit. So cute and endearing. The three MMCs are distinct characters, which in my experience, some reverse harem stories struggle with. The spice was there without being completely overwhelming. I love a story with communication and low angst and this hit perfectly.
My one small complaint is the introduction of Ava (FMCs best friend perhaps?) almost 50% of the way through the story with no introduction or explanation of who she was or their relationship with each other.
Overall, it was a cute, light, quick read! Loved it!
This was a fun, light read. There was some great humor--I just loved the FMCs nervous word vomit. So cute and endearing. The three MMCs are distinct characters, which in my experience, some reverse harem stories struggle with. The spice was there without being completely overwhelming. I love a story with communication and low angst and this hit perfectly.
My one small complaint is the introduction of Ava (FMCs best friend perhaps?) almost 50% of the way through the story with no introduction or explanation of who she was or their relationship with each other.
Overall, it was a cute, light, quick read! Loved it!
March 6, 2025
Overall I enjoyed book, it was funny, had good feels and the spice was yummy 💋. A few parts dragged a little but overall decently written. Evan was too much like an overactive toddler but Archer and Liam were well written. I loved Tessa and her word vomits, absolutely hilarious. My favorite part of the book was: "Sometimes we convince ourselves that the safe choice is the right choice. But safe doesn't always mean happy". I like it when a book can make me stop for a deep thought session, especially this time because its so true.
March 7, 2025
A beautiful story
The Proximity Effect by Maya Nicole is a hilarious, steamy rom-com with forced proximity, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of chaos. Stranded on a solo honeymoon, the heroine takes over a struggling restaurant and finds herself entangled with three ex-best friends—grumpy Archer, playful Evan, and thrill-seeking Liam. With witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and undeniable romance, this book is a fun, fast-paced read. Perfect for fans of quirky, feel-good love stories!
The Proximity Effect by Maya Nicole is a hilarious, steamy rom-com with forced proximity, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of chaos. Stranded on a solo honeymoon, the heroine takes over a struggling restaurant and finds herself entangled with three ex-best friends—grumpy Archer, playful Evan, and thrill-seeking Liam. With witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and undeniable romance, this book is a fun, fast-paced read. Perfect for fans of quirky, feel-good love stories!
March 10, 2025
Felt rushed
I love the RH genre. I prefer a medium o mesiumslow-burn, but fast burn are good too. But this book just didn’t do it for me. It got better in the last third to last quarter of the book, but the majority of it was kind of “meh”. I think maybe because there was no emotional connection with the characters until deep into the book. Maybe they needed more of a backstory clarification earlier in the book, or just more character and relationship ledevelopment. It wasn’t bad, just a little boring initially.
I love the RH genre. I prefer a medium o mesiumslow-burn, but fast burn are good too. But this book just didn’t do it for me. It got better in the last third to last quarter of the book, but the majority of it was kind of “meh”. I think maybe because there was no emotional connection with the characters until deep into the book. Maybe they needed more of a backstory clarification earlier in the book, or just more character and relationship ledevelopment. It wasn’t bad, just a little boring initially.
March 27, 2025
Great why choose read.
Tessa was funny. Loved her word spewing and inappropriate dialog that had me laughing out loud several times. Evan was endearing and charming. Liam is adventurous but charming too. Archer was alpha and serious, but deeply caring.
The story did not have a ton of depth. It was a fun, light read. A perfect little soul soothing fairy tale like feel for when life is chaotic and dark. A lovely palette cleanser to make you wish you were a chef stumbling into three hungry, hunky men.
Tessa was funny. Loved her word spewing and inappropriate dialog that had me laughing out loud several times. Evan was endearing and charming. Liam is adventurous but charming too. Archer was alpha and serious, but deeply caring.
The story did not have a ton of depth. It was a fun, light read. A perfect little soul soothing fairy tale like feel for when life is chaotic and dark. A lovely palette cleanser to make you wish you were a chef stumbling into three hungry, hunky men.
July 6, 2025
One of the best
Reverse harem novels I have read so far. It has it all; funny scenes that had me laughing out loud, sad or heartfelt scenes that actually made me cry, and a storyline that, not once, got boring or overly drawn out. Ah, the sex scenes, wow, did not even know some of that was possible without ending up at the hospital.
Oh, when Archer does the Peggy thing at the bar, do not be eating or drinking anything while reading it. You will laugh so hard, you might choke. Funniest thing ever!!!
Reverse harem novels I have read so far. It has it all; funny scenes that had me laughing out loud, sad or heartfelt scenes that actually made me cry, and a storyline that, not once, got boring or overly drawn out. Ah, the sex scenes, wow, did not even know some of that was possible without ending up at the hospital.
Oh, when Archer does the Peggy thing at the bar, do not be eating or drinking anything while reading it. You will laugh so hard, you might choke. Funniest thing ever!!!
September 11, 2025
Second Chances in Spades
Who knew word vomit could be so fun.
Tessa can’t help but let snark fly. She’s determined to move forward and boldly she goes. However, we’ve got 3 best friends who went their separate ways over a woman for a decade, and 4th friend who died and his last wish is for them to reconcile. It seems like Gavin died still estranged from Archer, Liam, & Evan -even though he wasn’t involved with the chick. Never really get that story, other than vague references. Which makes this story built on a boatload of heartache and regret.
Who knew word vomit could be so fun.
Tessa can’t help but let snark fly. She’s determined to move forward and boldly she goes. However, we’ve got 3 best friends who went their separate ways over a woman for a decade, and 4th friend who died and his last wish is for them to reconcile. It seems like Gavin died still estranged from Archer, Liam, & Evan -even though he wasn’t involved with the chick. Never really get that story, other than vague references. Which makes this story built on a boatload of heartache and regret.
March 6, 2025
This was such a fun feel good RH romance! Tessa is hysterical and I loved her nervous rambling. She’s a sweet and capable person who just got treated very poorly by her ex-fiancé. And the guys are a broken group of friends who haven’t dealt with their issues. Tessa is exactly what they need, and vice versa. I loved reading about Tessa getting out there and trying new things, like snowboarding, and also opening her heart and mind to the guys.
March 14, 2025
So close....
This had so much potential... The characters were all great and the banter was on point. I wish it it had been longer and we got more of their relationship together.
That ending was absolutely horrible! Such a disappointment.
There was nothing about how things were progressing at the hotel or how it turned out. It was basically the build-up to "do you guys wanna have a relationship together?" Yes... OK good.. the end.
This had so much potential... The characters were all great and the banter was on point. I wish it it had been longer and we got more of their relationship together.
That ending was absolutely horrible! Such a disappointment.
There was nothing about how things were progressing at the hotel or how it turned out. It was basically the build-up to "do you guys wanna have a relationship together?" Yes... OK good.. the end.
May 8, 2025
spicyyyy 🔥
This isn’t the next great novel, that’s not why this was a 5 ⭐️ read for me. It was a 5 ⭐️ read for other reasons, the way that she developed all four characters, the way that it was very spicy but at the right times, the way that it was equally sweet, and the fact that there was NOT a 3rd act breakup (I absolutely hateeee those). So, if you’re looking for a great spicy, sweet, and funny read, this is for you.
This isn’t the next great novel, that’s not why this was a 5 ⭐️ read for me. It was a 5 ⭐️ read for other reasons, the way that she developed all four characters, the way that it was very spicy but at the right times, the way that it was equally sweet, and the fact that there was NOT a 3rd act breakup (I absolutely hateeee those). So, if you’re looking for a great spicy, sweet, and funny read, this is for you.
May 15, 2025
I wish this book had been 50 pages longer to weave in more character/relationship development. It could have taken place over more time to let things develop more naturally. It had so much promise, but eventually every other sentence was a simile or metaphor, the word vomit got old real fast, and the FMC’s character development was non-existent. The plot/character development has to be there to support the spice, and unfortunately, despite a strong start, it missed the mark.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews