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Boston Hearts #2

Not Your Girl

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It was a normal morning flight back home, until a gorgeous stranger took the seat next to mine. Then, what was normal became the opposite of that. In six hours of conversation at thirty-five thousand feet, I saw my entire life ahead of me, and every part looked like her.
But when the plane landed in Boston, she disappeared without a trace, leaving me with nothing but her first name. Amelia.
For six months, I haven't been able to get Amelia out of my head. I had almost given up hope that I would ever find my mystery girl, until she walks into my classroom on the first day of school. Everything about her draws me right back in, as if no time has passed.
A relationship with my grad student could put my job at risk, and Amelia Sullivan has her own reasons for keeping me at arm's length.
But when her tech brilliance and a decades-long family mystery have us spending more time together, despite all of our best intentions, the draw between us is undeniable, our connection impossible to resist.
With my job on the line and Amelia's secrets at risk of being revealed, nothing about us being together is easy. But with my heart already lost to her, I don't care about what's easy. I care about what's right. And I know with absolute certainty that what is right is Amelia and me. Together. Forever

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

83 people are currently reading
624 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Brinn

10 books199 followers
Samantha Brinn (Sam to everyone who knows her) is an author of sweet, spicy, and swoony contemporary romance novels. A Pittsburgh girl currently living in the suburbs of NYC, Sam stole her first romance novel off of her mom’s bookshelf at age thirteen and has read pretty much nothing but romance ever since. Her Kindle is basically an extension of her hand at this point.

A lawyer by day and author by night, Sam can most often be found in bed with her laptop and writing desk late into the night, having the time of her life writing words and weaving stories and grinning at her characters’ hijinks.

Aside from being a reader and a writer, Sam is a lover of French fries, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and diet Pepsi, and much like her debut FMC, she rarely makes her coffee the same way twice. A mom of two, Sam cosplays as an organized human, but at her core, she’s mostly chaos and prefers it that way, and is loving every second of this wild indie author ride.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Chiara^•^.
438 reviews118 followers
July 21, 2025
Not Your Girl by Samantha Brinn
4/5⭐
3/5🌶️

I was excited to dive into this book after finishing the first one! I couldn’t wait to learn more about the girl Elliot meets on the airplane. Once I saw the tropes for this book, my anticipation skyrocketed! Amelia and Elliot meet at the airport and end up sitting next to each other on their flight. Right away, their chemistry is off the charts, and Elliot knows she’s someone special. Fast forward a few months, and he can’t shake her from his mind. He tries to track her down but hits a wall until, surprise, she walks into his classroom! Yep, she’s one of his new grad students! This obviously complicates things, but Elliot isn’t backing down. He’s determined to show her that she’s the one for him.

Amelia is a fantastic character! She’s smart, strong, and fiercely independent, but she’s always lived in her brother's shadow. People tend to overlook her potential, seeing her only as “her brother’s sister.” So, she quits her job to pursue her PhD without telling him. At first, she tries to keep Elliot at arm's length, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is for her to resist him. I loved how she becomes his safe space, always there to support him when he needs it the most.

Then there’s Elliot — he’s such a sweetheart with that classic golden retriever energy! He’s the fixer of the family, always there to tackle problems for his siblings. Right from their first meeting, he’s completely taken by Amelia. The best part? He’s never pushy. He understands the challenges she faces as a woman in STEM and always respects her decisions, cheering her on every step of the way. The way the author handles mental health representation is just beautiful. I felt so proud of him when he opened up to his brothers about his own struggles.

One of my favorite things about this book is the found family theme! Amelia lost her parents when she was young, but the Wyles family embraces her like one of their own right away. Those moments she shares with them are so heartwarming! The Wyles brothers have such a fun dynamic, always bickering and teasing each other, but it’s clear that they support and care for one another deeply. Overall, this was such a delightful read, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Janine.
147 reviews8 followers
July 17, 2025
In Not Your Girl, we follow Amelia and Elliot. They meet in an airport and end up seated next to each other on the plane. It’s love at first sight, especially for Elliot. He becomes lowkey obsessed with finding her again and even searches the entire country for her. But then fate steps in: Amelia turns out to be a grad student in his class. Will they finally get their chance?

I had pretty high hopes for this one. I read the first book in this series back in May and really liked it! So, when I had the chance to read an ARC of book two, I signed up right away. I was so excited to finally get to know ‘airplane girl’ after her short appearance in book 1.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t hit the same for me. I was kind of looking forward to the “she’s the one” vibes, but it ended up being a bit too much. Elliot is convinced Amelia is the love of his life after just a few hours, which felt a little unrealistic.

That said, I did really enjoy the whole professor-student setup. It gave the story a fun twist and even made me giggle a few times. I mean, we’ve all had that one teacher we secretly adored, right?

The smut, though... it was a bit much for me. I love smut but some scenes stretched over multiple chapters and felt a little repetitive.

Luckily, Elliot’s adorable family makes a return in this book. I loved them in part 1, and I was so happy we got to see more of them! Amelia’s family was sweet too, and I loved how their lives intertwined.

I also really appreciated how the author explored Elliot’s mental health. It’s rare to see male characters dealing with emotional struggles and depression, so this was very important.

All in all, a nice read, but not quite what I had hoped for after loving book 1. Still, it was enjoyable and I will definitely read part 3 when it comes out!

Not Your Girl is book 2 in the Boston Heart series and was published on July 17th.

Thanks to WordSmith Publicity for the ARC!
Profile Image for Sariah.
384 reviews19 followers
July 21, 2025
5 stars no notes, inject this in my veins!!! THE WAY I DEVOURED THIS MULTIPLE TIMES!!!

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 is book ✌🏻 in the Boston Hearts series and and the vibes are UNMATCHED!!! But Sariah what are the vibes? I’m so glad you asked!!!

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 vibes 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
💙Age Gap
💙Forbidden
💙Airplane Meet Cute
💙Professor (Grad Student)
💙Found Family
💙Mental Health Rep

I AM SCREAMING AT YOU TO READ THIS BOOK!!!

Okay but let’s get to a real review…. FIRST OF ALL…… we get a spicy holy shit that was HOT AF, let me grab my vibe and one hand this read office scene. I’m talking well DAMN!!!! I think words just made me ovulate and now I’m pregnant.

Second of all there is a cute/funny meet cute that will make you absolutely and completely feral for these two. Guarantee you fall in love with these two kind of meet cute!

Third of all YOU GET TO SEE ALL THE HOT AS F•U•C•K WYLES BROTHERS SO immediately IMMEDIATELY 💦🤰🏻

Fourth of all you get a super incredible second amazing love story in this story!!

Fifth of all you get more Jo & Jordan and you can feel the love burning through the pages!!

Sixth of all…. This book has a bad ass grandma that you will want to have adopt you ASAP!!

Seventh of all…… you get to see daddy Gabe. DADDY GABE IN REAL TIMEEEEE😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Basically what I’m saying is this book is SO GOOD!!! The storyline is so captivating, the characters are so relatable and amazing, the spice is SPICING!!
Profile Image for Gracie.
61 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2025
•Forbidden Romance-professor x student
•Meet cute in airport/airplane
•Mystery solving duo
•Love at first sight feels
•Mental health rep-depression
•Brotherhood/found family girl gang vibes

Y’all I have been sleeping on Samantha Brinn. This is my second book of hers and I ate it up! This book was SO good. Elliot (El) and Amelia (Ames) were green flag energy! *immediately starts book 3 in series

♾️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Chelsea Mansell.
284 reviews22 followers
July 10, 2025
Not Your Girl by Samantha Brinn eARC review 💙

All the stars for Amelia and Elliot. This was such an incredible and unique love story and my love for Sam’s writing just continues to grow. Starting off with the cutest meet cute EVER and then finally running into each other months later and sparks immediately flying—😍 yup, I was swooning the entire time.

Amelia and Elliot are just so fricken sweet with one another. The way he is so down bad for his girl is everything and she is honestly just as crazy about him. The forbidden aspect of their relationship makes it that much better. The spice…. SO HOT. 😮‍💨

The Wyles brothers and their group chat is amazing and hilarious and one of my favorite things about this book. The found family is incredible and I absolutely adored how much Jordan and Jo are in this book 🥹

Truly, all the stars. I loved this book so much and cannot wait for Noah’s book. Sam’s writing is incredible and she truly continues to amaze me with her books.

What to expect:
Airplane meet cute
Professor x grad student
Age gap
Forbidden
Found family
Mental health rep

Thank you so much Sam and Wordsmith for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
Profile Image for Amilia Poling.
304 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2025
Once again, Samantha Brinn gave us an amazing love story!! I loved this story, and it felt like a great addition to this series! I loved Amelia and her determination to make space and a name for herself through her own hard work! She was so amazing to watch as she came into her own and took the world by storm! And Elliot's steadiness for her and for his family was so amazing to watch! The way he was able to grow and accept his mental health, and open up to his family about it, was so real and beautiful to see! Watching these two come together was just so much fun, and I loved how they so effortlessly bonded over their passions and solving the family mystery! And any time we get to be immersed in the Wyles family, especially with a dash of the Sullivans, is a grand old time!! I'd do some sketchy things to have Cece in my life!! Overall this was a super sweet story, with Sam's signature dose of excellent spice! I loved it, and I am so excited to see what will come next for these brothers! 4.5 stars; 3.75 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Forbidden Relationship
- InstaLove
- No Third Act Breakup
- Professor x Grad Student
- Secret Identities
- Meddling Family
Profile Image for Cat.
130 reviews10 followers
July 18, 2025
⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Been going back and forth over the rating for this book, but how can I rate a book highly that I struggled to finish? The story is so sweet, but it is simply too insta love for me. I was bored by the 35% mark and it put me in a bit of a slump. However, I did annotate and highlight a lot because the one liners were SO cute and Sam really nailed the mental health representation. Can you see my confliction here?

There were some forbidden romance parts that were fun, but frankly there was not enough of the push and pull effect. If the story was more tension-fuelled I would have eaten it up. I do have to say, the spice was so good and was the reason I kept reading. Sam included the most romantic storyline that was influenced by her grandmothers story, and that was lovely to read.

I didn't enjoy the character interactions, the relationship development was incredibly fast paced. I felt more inclined to stay reading for the mental health rep and the side characters (Hannah's story will be interesting, I think).

Overall, if you enjoy insta love romances where the main characters are obsessed with each other from the beginning but grow together as the story develops, then this is the book for you.

I did receive this as an ARC and I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to read this as such but unfortunately, "Not Your Girl" didn't hit the mark for me.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
199 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2025
ARC Review : Not Your Girl by Samantha Brinn || Book 2 in the Boston Hearts series || Releasing 7.17.25

Featuring:
•Elliot “El” Wyles
•Amelia “Mystery Girl” Sullivan

What to expect:
-Airplane Meet Cute
-Forbidden Romance
-Professor x Grad Student
-Found Family
-Age Gap
-Mental Health Rep (Depression)

Well. I’ve come to the conclusion that Sam will forever blow me away with her stories. Every book that she writes has everything I need and Amelia & Elliot were no different.

Amelia and Elliot meet on an airplane and for 6 months after Elliot searches for Amelia. It isn’t until Amelia walks into Elliot’s class that they are reunited. They try to put aside their feelings because of the forbidden nature, however after a joint effort figuring out a family secret they fall deep in love.

Elliot is the perfect man. He is smart, swoony, and sexy. He is kind and caring and he is always there for others. His heart recognized Amelia’s and she became his home.

Amelia was there for Elliot on his dark days, lifting him up and being the strength he needs. She spent most of her life in her brother’s shadows and is determined to make it on her own. In doing so she became a powerhouse. She is brilliant and bold and beautiful and loves with her whole soul.

The added mystery to the book, with Elliot’s great-grandmothers story was a fun little twist & I enjoyed being along for the ride.

Thank you Sam for reminding me that it is okay to have dark days. For reminding me that even those of us a little broken can always find love. Your words have the power to change lives and I am forever in awe of you.
Profile Image for Shana .
411 reviews68 followers
July 17, 2025
4.5⭐️ | 3.5🌶
Everything I expected and more! Elliot's been gone for Amelia from day 1 and I was ready for their book.
This was soooo good. I love Sam's books and each one gets better and better. Everything about this one felt like a cinnamon roll. Just pure delight. Cannot wait for book 3. Thank you to wordsmith publicity for the arc
Profile Image for Liz | Bookslizreads90 .
429 reviews113 followers
October 14, 2025
Samantha is becoming a favorite of mine. 2nd 5 star read in a row from her. Elliot mother f-ing Wyles 😍❤️‍🔥🔥. The perfect nerdy delicious MMC 😍.
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett.
244 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW

4.5⭐️
2.5🌶

Samantha has done it again, y'all. 😍 I want to be a part of the Wyles family soooo bad!! The pining in this book was so amazing. I really enjoyed the side story and the journey she took us on with the postcards. That was a fun little mystery.

Their meet-cute had me cracking up. It was so much fun and really played into their characters perfectly. The chemistry was INSTANT and you could feel it throughout the entire book. They were made for each other and it was so refreshing to see them do whatever it took to be together.

I loved it. I love them. I love this series and I loved all the cameos from her previous books. It's so much fun that they're all connected somehow and that we get to see the other happy couples.

Tropes:
✨️ Professor/Student
✨️ Airline Meet Cute
✨️ Age Gap
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Forbidden Romance
Profile Image for ToniLynette.
294 reviews
July 13, 2025
ARC Review

🌶️🌶️.5

THANK YOU Samantha Brinn and Wordsmith Publicity for an advanced copy of this book. I was so lucky the day I stumbled upon Sam’s books and who has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

In this book we get Elliot and Amelia’s story. And everything that comes out of El’s mouth is pure $€X. I had to stop highlighting all of his quotes. He fell for his girl and he did not waste a single second, “when you know, you know, right?” Swoon. 🥰

Sam handled MDD so well. As an LPC I always get a little nervous whenever we start talking about mental health. Misinformation is already too easy to find, but that wasn’t the case here. She gave a true and accurate representation of what it’s like for a lot of people. And how important proper medication, regular therapy, and having someone in your corner really is.

Cece needs her own book! She was downplayed in Jordan and Jo’s story because we spent so much time in NYC, but LAWD that woman has my whole heart. I need a Cece in my life.

I loved seeing the J’s in this book! This found family is superior to all others I have ever read.

Love a bada$$ FMC? That’s all Sam writes. Her women have struggles that we all face and in this book, it slaps Elliot in the face and I almost cried when he realized he’ll never truly understand what it is to be a woman in this world, but he vowed to be better and to always support Amelia. (I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.)

Lastly, we get two love stories for the price of one in this book. I’m not going to spoil it, but it was tragic and wonderful at the same time.

Noah and Hannah are on my radar and I just KNOW he’s going to be exactly what she needs.
Profile Image for Karly Marie.
154 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2025
Sam has done it again! I wasn’t sure Jordan & Jo could be topped, but Elliot and Amelia are right up there with them! I have a feeling all the Wyles brothers will be fighting each other for the top.

“𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

Elliot and Amelia have a meet cute on a flight to Boston. Elliot leaves the airport with only a first name. For the next six months, he tries to find her with no luck. Until the new semester starts and Amelia stumbles into Elliot’s class, as one of his grad students. The spice was definitely hot in this one! Two words… office scene.

Elliot and Amelia’s story was the perfect blend of sweet and unique. I love that some of the story came from Sam’s own family story! Amelia is an absolute boss babe and her brilliant mind is what lead her and Elliot on their little adventures. Giving them their own story along the way.

𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.”

Elliot had me sobbing when his mind took him to those darker places. Amelia was there, loving every part of him. I loved that he was able to open up to her right away so she could help him and take care of him.

Again, please let me join the Wyles family. I loved how much we got to see them all and the friendship between my girls Jo & Amelia. Also where do I sign up to be apart of the Smart Girl Smut Sisters?
Counting the days until Noah’s & 🤫 story next. 👀👀 As well as my sweet dude Cooper! They’re both going to be a good time, I can already tell!


Thanks @samanthabrinnauthor and @wordsmithpublicity for allowing me to read Elliot and Amelia’s story early!

Profile Image for Whitney Martin.
128 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2025
I love them with everything. Elliot was a perfect man, with the depression episodes showing so much vulnerability that I felt them deep within my core. Sam you out did yourself with them. Also the snippets of Gabe were so perfect.


I’m not sure how Sam does it every-time but each character in her books are so relatable on a surface and deeper level. Amelia and Elliot were so fun to read about. We got their adorable meet cute on the airplane and we got the yearning from Elliot. I MEAN THE MAN SPENT 6 MONTHS TRYING TO FIND HER!!!!

The insta-love connection isn’t always for me but I do love it, when there is a forbidden aspect to it and Sam did it so perfectly with these two!


He knew she was the girl he wanted but she had to follow the rules. Not only is it a forbidden, teacher x student relationship but also the found family might be my most favorite of all series! The Wyles family is just so fun and loving. I love Pam & Cece so much!!!

The relationship Elliot and Amelia form is not only a chemical and physical but the emotional one they build from trying to solve the mystery of the postcards is so fun to watch unfurl.

Also, the sexual tension and the way Elliot is with Amelia is like a dream or something because he was unreal. I love him with everything. 🥵🥵

The Mental health aspect of depression from Elliot was so real and raw, I loved every aspect of it from him being ashamed of it, as most men are, to Amelia opening up and wanting to love that part as well, to him eventually finding the courage to tell his family. So well written and so accurate.

Thank you Samantha For another Banger from the Wyles brothers!

eARC review.
Profile Image for Chelsi Langdon.
38 reviews
July 26, 2025
Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved this story line. From the initial ‘love at first site’ encounter in the airport to MIA “Mystery Girl”, this book has intrigued me to want to read Elliot’s story. When I read Samantha’s last book, I couldn’t wait for Elliot’s story to be released. And here I am, writing a review on the story. This book was full of excitement and who doesn’t love a little professor meets student interaction.

Elliot has done countless of hours searching for his “mystery woman” after she left him at the airport baggage claim. This woman who he met once and stole her plane seat, has all of a sudden become the woman of his dreams… if only he could find her on social media or around the town. Until one day, he meets her again…in his classroom. The spark is still there but Elliot is her professor.
Amelia on the other hand, has a secret she is keeping from her billionaire tech brother and university she is attending. Actually, she has a couple secrets😉

The spice level in this book is over the top. Honestly, I think this book has the most sex scenes than any of the authors other books. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Gosh, this forbidden relationship is everything everyone needs. Forbidden romance story lines go straight to my heart and other places 🥵. Which is probably the reason why I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
94 reviews15 followers
July 21, 2025
“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚, 𝙈𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡.”

@samanthabrinn does it again! She killed it with Not Your Girl and I’m already counting down the days until Just My Type releases! You need to read Not Your Girl! It will have you swooning in the absolute best way.

"𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡. 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡. 𝘼 𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙨? 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨."

I have been dying to find out who Mystery Girl was since Yours to Lose and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! Elliot and Amelia have that instant connection that pulls you in from the start. Their meet cute was adorable, and their reunion? Even better. Elliot is so gone for her, and the forbidden vibes just make it all the more irresistible.

“𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙡𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚."

The Wyles family is EVERYTHING. I love the bond they share and their group chats were seriously the best! Also, CeCe really is MAGIC!

Highlights:
💙Airplane meet cute
💌Professor x (Grad) Student
💙Forbidden relationship
💌Age gap
💙Mental health rep
💌Dual POV
💙Found family

Thank you @samanthabrinnauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Sammy Robinson.
360 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2025
not your girl arc review ✉️✈️💙

ELLIOT FOUND HIS MYSTERY GIRLLL 🥳 ever since Yours To Lose i was waitinggg for this moment and elliot’s hea with the girl he met on the plane (who he was obsesseddd with) and LET ME TEL YOU, SAM DELIVERED 👏🏽 this book started off strong and had be hooked from the authors note…yeah you read that right THE AUTHORS NOTE!!! it interconnects with the story and was so different and so beautifully written 😍

there was so many things i loved about this book and could go on and on about. elliot was such a sweet and oh so sexy mmc who didn’t care about the obstacles and consequences there was to being with amelia…that’s how obsessed and down bad he was 🫠 ALSO was not expecting the spice and mouth on him…wooo so good. and amelia was an amazing fmc who wanted to make her mark on this world without being known for her last name. they were sooo good for each other and was so supportive of one another!!! also obsessed with the wyles family and I CANNOT WAIT for the other two brothers to get the hea

tropes:
🏫 professor x grad student
🤫 forbidden romance
👀 age gap
🧠 mental health rep
💙 found family

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

@tropesandblurbs
Profile Image for Staci.
233 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2025

Sam has done it again!! I eat her books up every time and this was no exception! I really tried to take my time with this one because I truly did not want it to end.
Amelia & Elliot have the best meet cute in an airport/airplane and the chemistry was instant. These two are truly meant for each other. Their banter had me giggling and the tension and yearning had me sweating! Elliot was down BAD for Amelia and was showing up for her in any way she needed. Amelia is used to taking care of herself but Elliot showed her how to let her guard down and lean on someone.
I just love this series and the Laws of You series. Sam is amazing at writing the found family trope and seeing previous characters made me so happy! Everyone takes care of each other and no one is left behind. Also, if I could have a Cece in real life my life would be made!!

Not Your Girl | Samantha Brinn | The Boston Hearts series book 2 | 7.17.25
✨airplane meet cute
✨professor x grad student
✨forbidden
✨age gap
✨found family
✨mental health rep

Thank you Sam for the arc!
Profile Image for Jordan Vogel.
221 reviews30 followers
July 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW - OUT NOW 💙

In Not Your Girl, we follow Amelia and Elliot, who meet by chance at an airport and end up sitting next to each other on a flight. It’s instant chemistry — especially for Elliot, who becomes very determined to find her again after they part ways. Fate (and maybe a little romance novel magic) intervenes, and Amelia ends up being a grad student in Elliot’s class. Cue the drama, the longing, and the “is this allowed?” tension that I love so much in romances.

I went into this one really excited, especially after LOVING book one. Both Amelia and Elliot felt layered, and I appreciated how much care Sam put into showing Elliot’s mental health journey. It’s refreshing — and honestly necessary — to see a male character grappling with depression and vulnerability in such a thoughtful way.

I also really loved the sibling dynamics on both sides. Amelia’s brother (Gabe from Sam's Laws of You series) was a standout for me, and seeing more of Elliot’s family (especially his mom!) was such a treat. I absolutely love the Wyles family.

While I loved loved loved this story- there were a few things that missed the mark for me. One being the romance itself. I’m usually okay with insta-love, but this felt more like insta-obsession from the very first interaction. Elliot’s intense reaction to Amelia after just one conversation took me out of it a little- but I can see why it's needed if the two would then enter into more of a taboo relationship. I guess I wanted more build-up, more moments that made their connection feel grounded rather than purely fated.

***SLIGHT SPOILER***

The subplot around the long-lost family secret was super compelling — but HOW did no one in Clara’s family know about Henry after thirty years together? It was hard to believe her daughter never even heard his name... but Henry's daughters got to be around the relationship and integrated into their lives?

All in all, even with a few misses, I still really enjoyed this story. Sam's books never fail to completely captivate me. The characters are lovable, the mental health rep is strong, and I’ll without a doubt be back for book three!

- age gap
- taboo (professor and grad student)
- such a fun meet-cute
- forced proximity
- mental health rep
- he falls first and HARD
- available on KU
Profile Image for Claire.
50 reviews
July 10, 2025
sam never fails! i’ve been waiting for this since the second elliot brought up his girl in book 1. this was such a cute read and the family mystery was so fun to see unfold. i loveeee watching the family dynamics in all of sam’s books, and the wyles are just perfect im loving getting to know everyone more. i need some of cece magic in my life rn!!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Strzepek.
196 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2025
Samantha Brinn knows how to write a man!! I swear I fall in love more and more each book! This man will make you swoon, laugh, love and sweat🥵😮‍💨

It all started with a meet cute on an airplane! Unable to forget one another, later reconnect in his classroom as professor/ grad student dynamic. Talk about a man who is willing to wait for what he wants! Amelia and Elliot are true perfection and I loved everything about this book from start to finish!

💙airplane meet cute
💙forbidden
💙Professor/ grad student
💙Age gap
💙Found family
💙Mental health recap

I can’t wait to see what Samantha has in store for us next😍
Profile Image for Alisha.
488 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2025
Very insta love without as much substance I would have wanted.
Profile Image for Chelsey McCarrick.
17 reviews
July 19, 2025
Love found again after a freak encounter on a plane?? Yes please! I adored Elliot and his golden retriever personality. The way these two found each other and forged a way for their love was everything! The heart wants what the heart wants! 5 stars!!
Profile Image for Katie Boone.
291 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
4.5⭐️

I think I enjoyed Elliott and Amelia’s story more than the first in the series! Felt a lot more emotionally connected and could relate to Amelia a lot at times which is kinda funny cause we couldn’t be more different? Anyways I am excited for the 3rd book to come out in a few months!
Profile Image for Annalee (annalees_reading).
141 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2025
Not Your Girl won me over. Samantha definitely noticed it with the number of DMs I sent her, gushing about it, but this book is probably my favorite written by her. The romance between Elliot and Amelia melted my heart. I loved following their investigation as a secondary plot and rediscovering characters that I particularly like (I missed Gabe and Molly so much) ❤️. Cece is always fantastic and I appreciated being able to see her a little more in her element, she reminds me a lot of my own grandmother. 😂 Now that I've devoured this book, I can only wait for Hannah and Noah's book.
Profile Image for Jen.
49 reviews
July 8, 2025
i knew this would be perfect 3 pages into the prologue
Profile Image for Ash.
140 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2025
Elliott notices Amelia in an airport and feels an instant connection before they even board the plane. Bantering with her is the most fun he’s had in months, and by the time they land, he’s completely hooked. But she disappears at baggage claim, and all he’s left with is the memory of the girl who’s been on his mind ever since. When Amelia walks into his classroom six months later, their chemistry is just as strong and impossible to ignore.

Their connection is magnetic, and the tension between them is perfectly mixed with longing, timing, and the line they’re not supposed to cross. Sam always nails the fun and witty text message banter. I like how this one balances mystery with emotional depth. The way the story portrays family, identity, and really feeling seen makes it all the more powerful.

Also, when does Cece get her own book? Because I need it.

𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗦
☑ Professor / Grad Student
☑ Airplane meet cute
☑ Found family
☑ Insta love
☑ Forbidden relationship
☑ Family mystery
☑ Mental health rep
☑ Emotional support snacks
☑ SPICE

Thank you to Samantha Brinn and Wordsmith Publicity for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Brittany (happy.ending.always).
1,251 reviews48 followers
July 7, 2025
I didn’t think I could love another book as much as I love Jo & Jordan’s book, but Samantha Brinn has done it again!!! ♾️⭐️

This book has everything you want in an incredible story! A fantastic meet cute. A pining like no other! 🥰 And two absolutely incredible characters that will blow you away! They are sooooo sweet together!

Normally professor/student isn’t for me, however these two are grown adults, the fmc, Amelia is in a PhD program and, it is soooo hot how smart and compatible these two are! Samantha writes incredible chemistry for her characters. They fit so perfectly together!

There is a component of this story where the mmc finds mysterious love letters and he recruits Amelia to help him figure them out. I could have had a book written just about this part. I fell head over heels in love with the mystery, where the story went and how it was written. Samantha’s creativity is absolutely amazing!

So many of our favorites from Samantha’s other books rejoin in the amazingness that is this story! I am also head over heels in love with these Wyles Brothers. Grandma Cece is sweetheart and the best meddler every book needs! Absolutely amazing!

This book is an absolute must read!!! Infinity times infinity stars!!! Run and read this!
Profile Image for Emma.
601 reviews19 followers
July 13, 2025
“Yours. All of me is yours.” It should feel too soon for those words, but it doesn’t because this is Amelia, and I can’t explain any of it, but I feel like I’ve known her forever, and I will keep on knowing her for an eternity.”

✔️airplane meet cute
✔️professor x grad student
✔️age gap (she’s 25, he’s 32)
✔️forbidden
✔️found family
✔️mental health rep
✔️no 3rd act breakup

“Tell me your secret, Amelia. I promise I’ll keep it safe.”

Amelia (FMC) and Elliot (MMC) are soulmates, and it is apparent from the very first chapter. What starts as Elliot meeting his mystery girl on an airplane and then watching her quickly slip away when they return to Boston turns into a love story that is beautiful and deeply all-consuming. While the romance is the main focus and plot line of the story, the characters that this author creates are real and so are their struggles. We see what the MMC has been hiding from his brothers in terms of his mental health, and the FMC has secrets of her own that she has been holding onto tightly. They find their peace and safe space in each other, and it really is just a beautiful story.

Though their relationship seems like it will be impossible given the circumstances, I love that they both figure out fairly quickly that they want a future together and once they make the decision to fight for it they will stop at nothing to get there. The mental health representation is so real and raw and accurate (at least to my experience), and I appreciate the care that was obviously put into writing it. I love the addition of the family mystery that the MCs need to solve and how it all ties together in the end.

It is always nice to see the Wyles brothers/family again, as well as Gabe and Molly (from It’s Always Been You, the fourth book in this author’s Laws of You series). The close-knit found families in these books are the gold standard, as is the way they show up no questions asked. Pam Wyles (Elliot’s mom) and Rachel Parker (Ben & Julie’s mom from the Laws of You series) are both badass mama bears cut from the same cloth and I love them. I say this with every book that she releases, but this is another Samantha Brinn favorite, and I am convinced that she can’t write a bad book. Every single one is just the right balance of sexy (the office scene in this book is 🔥), sweet, emotional and swoony. If you love books with characters who communicate well and love with their whole souls you should read these books. They are all interconnected standalone novels, but the characters are intertwined so much that I recommend reading from the start (though really, you won’t be confused if you just pick up this one).



*Thank you so much to the author (Samantha Brinn) and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Morgan.
437 reviews116 followers
July 8, 2025
📖 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙖 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙣

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭,” 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺.
𝘌𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. “𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵.”

Samantha Brinn’s ability to capture my soul within the first chapter of one of her books is just magical. I truly love her characters and stories so much. I didn’t think I could love a book more than 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙨𝙚, but I was wrong! Not Your Girl had banter, close proximity, and so much SWOON!

Elliot Wyles, and his whole family are just so lovable. He met the girl of his dreams on a plane and then she ghosted him. It drove him wild for 6 months until she walked into his class as a grad student. He was ready to throw caution to the wind for her, but she had her reasons for wanting to keep a low profile.

Amelia Sullivan lived in the shadow of her billionaire tech genius brother, Gabriel. She wanted to prove to the world and herself that she could he successful without her connection to Gabe.

“𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘚𝘰, 𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘨𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.”

I loved Amelia so much! All of Samantha’s FMCs are so fun and quirky. We already knew her backstory from Gabe’s book but hearing how she tried to be self sufficient so that her brother wouldn’t have to worry about her, broke my heart.

Elliot was so absolutely smitten with Amelia. He went out of his way to show her so much care and love. He’s the guy that always takes care of his siblings and others even though he battled his demons in private.

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥, 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴.”

Elliot’s mental health struggles were handled with such care by the author. It truly felt like as a reader, I was there in the darkness with him, and brought out of it by Amelia’s kindness and care.

I loved Elliot and Amelia together! Everything about their friendship that evolved it a relationship was so fun! The burn simmered in the beginning, but towards the second half it was full on SCORCHING. There’s an “professor’s office” scene that threatened to overheat my kindle! 🥵😂

“𝘉𝘢𝘣𝘺, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.“

The subplot of them tracking down a generational love story/mystery was great! I love genealogy.

I am so ready for the next Wyles brother’s story! 🤭

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
❤️‍🔥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳 𝘹 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵
🤭 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱
💞 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
🍷 𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘱 (7𝘺𝘳𝘴)
✈️ 𝘈𝘪𝘳𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘦𝘵-𝘊𝘶𝘵𝘦
🫶🏼 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
👵🏻 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘬𝘺 ‘𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘺’
🥵 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯 + 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌
❤️‍🩹 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘱
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