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Still Not My Type
Nothing heals a broken heart like a friendly neighbor
Gina Reyes learned the hard way that mixing business with pleasure never works. She thought she was heading for her happily ever after, but her former co-worker Luke Martin had other ideas. Now jobless and directionless, the thirty-something moves back into her mom’s Bronx condo and takes a chance on her old dream of being a painter. Gina finds unexpected support and friendship from her unique new neighbors, including Tommy—the building’s tall, dark, and handsome handyman—who’s eager to know her better. Chemistry between them is instant, but just as Gina starts to get her groove back, Luke returns, determined to rekindle their spicy past.
Suddenly, the world gets put on pause with COVID lockdowns, throwing Gina and Tommy into quarantine with nothing but time to connect. Gina finds herself falling for him more and more every day. Torn between two men, she must decide between the excitement of something new or a second chance for the one who broke her heart.
Gina Reyes learned the hard way that mixing business with pleasure never works. She thought she was heading for her happily ever after, but her former co-worker Luke Martin had other ideas. Now jobless and directionless, the thirty-something moves back into her mom’s Bronx condo and takes a chance on her old dream of being a painter. Gina finds unexpected support and friendship from her unique new neighbors, including Tommy—the building’s tall, dark, and handsome handyman—who’s eager to know her better. Chemistry between them is instant, but just as Gina starts to get her groove back, Luke returns, determined to rekindle their spicy past.
Suddenly, the world gets put on pause with COVID lockdowns, throwing Gina and Tommy into quarantine with nothing but time to connect. Gina finds herself falling for him more and more every day. Torn between two men, she must decide between the excitement of something new or a second chance for the one who broke her heart.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
38 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 9, 2025
The spice, the drama, the mess, that cliffhanger? Chef’s kiss. Oh and Mariela is a hater.
May 27, 2025
Still Not My Type by S. Elmsford continues Gina Reyes’ journey as she picks up the pieces of her life following a tough breakup and career setback. Forced to move back into her mother’s Bronx condo, Gina finds herself surrounded by a colorful cast of neighbors and meets Tommy—a kind-hearted handyman whose presence slowly nudges her toward healing. When the COVID-19 lockdowns force them into close quarters, their connection grows, even as Gina’s past keeps knocking on her door.
Elmsford’s writing is enjoyable, and her depiction of Gina’s physicality through body-positive and body-neutral language is a definite strength. The story has a strong sense of place, and the quirky, supportive neighbors add warmth to the backdrop. The romance between Gina and Tommy has sweet and charming moments, especially when they’re confined together during quarantine and begin to let their guards down.
Still Not My Type is a solid, character-driven romance that explores heartbreak, healing, and second chances. While I didn’t always agree with the choices the characters made, I appreciated the themes and the slice-of-life storytelling. Readers who enjoy slow-burn pandemic romances with a dash of emotional messiness may find this a worthy addition to their TBR.
However, Gina’s emotional journey felt uneven at times. Her lingering attachment to her ex, Luke, was frustrating—especially considering how he treated her in the first book and his role in damaging Tommy’s family business. Gina’s inability to fully let go of Luke, paired with a lack of transparency with Tommy, made it harder to root for her romantic growth. That said, her internal conflict and confusion were relatable, and Elmsford does a good job showing that healing from heartbreak isn't always linear.
The pacing of the story was another mixed element. Some parts moved quickly, while others dragged or felt underdeveloped. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and while it sets up future installments, it left me wishing for more closure in this particular book.
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 the 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!
Elmsford’s writing is enjoyable, and her depiction of Gina’s physicality through body-positive and body-neutral language is a definite strength. The story has a strong sense of place, and the quirky, supportive neighbors add warmth to the backdrop. The romance between Gina and Tommy has sweet and charming moments, especially when they’re confined together during quarantine and begin to let their guards down.
Still Not My Type is a solid, character-driven romance that explores heartbreak, healing, and second chances. While I didn’t always agree with the choices the characters made, I appreciated the themes and the slice-of-life storytelling. Readers who enjoy slow-burn pandemic romances with a dash of emotional messiness may find this a worthy addition to their TBR.
However, Gina’s emotional journey felt uneven at times. Her lingering attachment to her ex, Luke, was frustrating—especially considering how he treated her in the first book and his role in damaging Tommy’s family business. Gina’s inability to fully let go of Luke, paired with a lack of transparency with Tommy, made it harder to root for her romantic growth. That said, her internal conflict and confusion were relatable, and Elmsford does a good job showing that healing from heartbreak isn't always linear.
The pacing of the story was another mixed element. Some parts moved quickly, while others dragged or felt underdeveloped. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and while it sets up future installments, it left me wishing for more closure in this particular book.
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 the 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!
April 18, 2025
Good read
Sure! Here’s a friendly, more polished version of your thoughts, while keeping your original tone and sentiment:
At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book ending on a cliffhanger. I really wanted more of Luke trying to win Gina back. Instead, the story focused more on Gina’s new relationship and how she’s made progress in her life. It dives into her journey of self-discovery, although she does get sidetracked and caught up in Tommy.
You get to see the selfish sides of both men—each one thinking they know what’s best for Gina and how she should live her life. What I’ve come to realize is that Gina needs to love herself first and learn how to be alone to truly find out who she is—outside of her friendships and relationships.
Deep down, I’m still rooting for Luke. He hasn’t done the best job trying to win her back, but I know he’s dealing with a lot. I just don’t fully understand how a grown man can let his life be so dictated by his family and financial status. And now, I’m wondering if it’s too late for him and Gina—especially since I think she might be pregnant.
The author did a great job with the story, even though it felt a bit slow at times. The love story between Tommy and Gina unfolds during the COVID pandemic, and they make the most of their situation. For me, COVID was such a heavy time with so much turmoil and loss, and I think the author could’ve at least acknowledged some of the struggles families faced during that period. But I understand—it’s a romance novel, not based on real events.
Still, I give this book five stars. It definitely got me in my feelings! This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues.
Let me know if you’d like to shorten it, or add a touch of humor or drama to match your review vibe more!
Sure! Here’s a friendly, more polished version of your thoughts, while keeping your original tone and sentiment:
At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book ending on a cliffhanger. I really wanted more of Luke trying to win Gina back. Instead, the story focused more on Gina’s new relationship and how she’s made progress in her life. It dives into her journey of self-discovery, although she does get sidetracked and caught up in Tommy.
You get to see the selfish sides of both men—each one thinking they know what’s best for Gina and how she should live her life. What I’ve come to realize is that Gina needs to love herself first and learn how to be alone to truly find out who she is—outside of her friendships and relationships.
Deep down, I’m still rooting for Luke. He hasn’t done the best job trying to win her back, but I know he’s dealing with a lot. I just don’t fully understand how a grown man can let his life be so dictated by his family and financial status. And now, I’m wondering if it’s too late for him and Gina—especially since I think she might be pregnant.
The author did a great job with the story, even though it felt a bit slow at times. The love story between Tommy and Gina unfolds during the COVID pandemic, and they make the most of their situation. For me, COVID was such a heavy time with so much turmoil and loss, and I think the author could’ve at least acknowledged some of the struggles families faced during that period. But I understand—it’s a romance novel, not based on real events.
Still, I give this book five stars. It definitely got me in my feelings! This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues.
Let me know if you’d like to shorten it, or add a touch of humor or drama to match your review vibe more!
April 12, 2025
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER!!! I don't know how to feel about this.
The writing is good. I greatly enjoy Elmsford's writing style and, as I mentioned in my review for the first book in this series, I love how body positive/body neutral her writing is. I truly can't get enough of her body descriptors. Plus, I really enjoyed how she depicted the Covid pandemic and included it in the story. It was different and unique but so relatable.
But, I can't believe this saga continues! This is like a never ending soap opera. I thought Gina was finally getting her HEA. This book was very long only to end in such a crazy cliffhanger. At the end of the first book I hated Luke. I didn't think he deserved a second chance, but part of my heart secretly wanted them to get their HEA. In this book, at first I thought Luke would redeem himself and there would be a slight love triangle/square 🤦🏻♀️ But then Gina develops this solid relationship with Tommy and Luke disappears for most of the book. And right when you start to get comfortable and you think, yay, this is it - BAM! Plot twist and cliffhanger OUT OF NOWHERE!
If the book was going to end like this, why was it so long? And why did we have to get sooo invested in this new relationship only for that to fall apart as well? Instead of resolution for all the drama in the first book, we get an added love triangle. If I was Gina I would block EVERYONE, move to another country, and start fresh.
I don't think I can handle a third book. Honestly, I'm OVER all of this unnecessary drama. *But* even as I say this, I have to admit the writer has a gift for getting you freakishly invested in this story. By the end of this book, I was basically mad at every single character, DONE with the story, and determined not to read the third book. Yet, now as I write this review I'm thinking 🤔 after investing all this time and effort in the first two books, am I sure I can skip the third book and not find out what happens? 🤷🏻♀️ TBD ...
ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER!!! I don't know how to feel about this.
The writing is good. I greatly enjoy Elmsford's writing style and, as I mentioned in my review for the first book in this series, I love how body positive/body neutral her writing is. I truly can't get enough of her body descriptors. Plus, I really enjoyed how she depicted the Covid pandemic and included it in the story. It was different and unique but so relatable.
But, I can't believe this saga continues! This is like a never ending soap opera. I thought Gina was finally getting her HEA. This book was very long only to end in such a crazy cliffhanger. At the end of the first book I hated Luke. I didn't think he deserved a second chance, but part of my heart secretly wanted them to get their HEA. In this book, at first I thought Luke would redeem himself and there would be a slight love triangle/square 🤦🏻♀️ But then Gina develops this solid relationship with Tommy and Luke disappears for most of the book. And right when you start to get comfortable and you think, yay, this is it - BAM! Plot twist and cliffhanger OUT OF NOWHERE!
If the book was going to end like this, why was it so long? And why did we have to get sooo invested in this new relationship only for that to fall apart as well? Instead of resolution for all the drama in the first book, we get an added love triangle. If I was Gina I would block EVERYONE, move to another country, and start fresh.
I don't think I can handle a third book. Honestly, I'm OVER all of this unnecessary drama. *But* even as I say this, I have to admit the writer has a gift for getting you freakishly invested in this story. By the end of this book, I was basically mad at every single character, DONE with the story, and determined not to read the third book. Yet, now as I write this review I'm thinking 🤔 after investing all this time and effort in the first two books, am I sure I can skip the third book and not find out what happens? 🤷🏻♀️ TBD ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
To be continued.
ARC Review-
Another spicy continuation of Gina's convoluted love life involving Tommy and Luke. Lots of theatrics with a good dose of humor, this story was an enjoyable read. Will Gina end up with Luke, who is engaged to another woman, or the fun-loving Tommy? I can't wait to find out! Highly recommended.
ARC Review-
Another spicy continuation of Gina's convoluted love life involving Tommy and Luke. Lots of theatrics with a good dose of humor, this story was an enjoyable read. Will Gina end up with Luke, who is engaged to another woman, or the fun-loving Tommy? I can't wait to find out! Highly recommended.
April 5, 2025
***ARC review***
The way this series has me in a chokehold! I was obsessed with the first book and after that cliffhanger I was chomping at the bit to get to this second book! At first, I didn’t know how I felt about Gina with a different guy but I surprisingly liked it as part of the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this plot with it going through COVID time and found it to be very relatable and realistic, I loved the side characters as well. I would have given this 5 ⭐️ if this one didn’t end on another cliffhanger, I honestly need the next book to come out tomorrow 😂 I can’t get enough of Luke and Gina’s story and I NEED more!
My only critiques:
- We never got any answers about what happened with Tori and George
- I wanted more Luke/Gina scenes
The way this series has me in a chokehold! I was obsessed with the first book and after that cliffhanger I was chomping at the bit to get to this second book! At first, I didn’t know how I felt about Gina with a different guy but I surprisingly liked it as part of the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this plot with it going through COVID time and found it to be very relatable and realistic, I loved the side characters as well. I would have given this 5 ⭐️ if this one didn’t end on another cliffhanger, I honestly need the next book to come out tomorrow 😂 I can’t get enough of Luke and Gina’s story and I NEED more!
My only critiques:
- We never got any answers about what happened with Tori and George
- I wanted more Luke/Gina scenes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
After reading #1 and #2, Gina needs to get it together. How is she unable to move on from Luke?? He was an ASS majority of the first book and treated her bad. There was never a moment in the book where he treated her good unless they were in bed. Tbh she did not deserve Tommy, he lost his dad and found out that his girlfriend was in a “relationship” (lets be honest what Luke and Gina had was no relationship) with the man who ruined his family business. If she had told him that she was seeing Luke then I wouldn’t feel this way. Like I can’t feel bad for her, at first I did when Luke FIRST ghosted her. But then he kept doing it and she kept taking him back, then LIED to Tommy and started crying about” “oh they always leave me”. Girl you did it to yourself😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
so this is part 2 and just like the first book I can't get enough of Gena. we catch up with our girl broken hearted and trying to put herself back together . She has no job...(because of the ex sorta) she has moved into her mom's apartment and life is about to change in more ways than one ... 1st and foremost she is having frenemy vibes with a gorgeous man Tommy who is applying all the right pressure.., still dealing with unresolved feelings with now engaged Luke and damn COVID . This is just the tip of the iceberg however we do get to see our girl shine and come into herself a little more . We watch as she realizes the love may not look like what you expect. we get to see a black man express not only his desire for this woman but love that is complicated and pure . don't get all excited I said complicated which is an understatement. I highly recommend the first book and this one .. so please don't make me wait for book 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
it redeemed itself
I started reading this on Kindle Vella, but when I saw the whole thing available to read , I had to pick up where I left off. I kind of stopped reading it before Villa discontinued because Gina was getting on my nerves. She did seem very self involved and kind of goofy. And the people she surrounded herself with loved her, but they could be kind of “iffy” in the friendship department when it comes to some things.
I waited most of the story for her to get some kind of backbone and when it happened, it did not disappoint. I expected more of Tommy, but I don’t know how much more.
It definitely picked up towards the end. The buildup to the next installment left me wanting more. It says, the next one is fall of 2025 and I’m ready for it.
I started reading this on Kindle Vella, but when I saw the whole thing available to read , I had to pick up where I left off. I kind of stopped reading it before Villa discontinued because Gina was getting on my nerves. She did seem very self involved and kind of goofy. And the people she surrounded herself with loved her, but they could be kind of “iffy” in the friendship department when it comes to some things.
I waited most of the story for her to get some kind of backbone and when it happened, it did not disappoint. I expected more of Tommy, but I don’t know how much more.
It definitely picked up towards the end. The buildup to the next installment left me wanting more. It says, the next one is fall of 2025 and I’m ready for it.
June 28, 2025
hooked
I need part 3 now 😭😭😭😭😭 please please please.
This hit even harder than the first book. The characters aggravate me but I love them all. I found myself rooting for Gina to take Luke’s trifling ass back while simultaneously rooting for her to be with Tommy. Now by the end of the book, I’m just rooting for part 3 😭😭
I need part 3 now 😭😭😭😭😭 please please please.
This hit even harder than the first book. The characters aggravate me but I love them all. I found myself rooting for Gina to take Luke’s trifling ass back while simultaneously rooting for her to be with Tommy. Now by the end of the book, I’m just rooting for part 3 😭😭
July 5, 2025
Rooting for Gina
First, I'm not team Luke. So I'm all him rotting where he's going. Tommy? I was on his team until the disappearing act. He was so mature until he wasn't. So now, I'm all for a third guy. But I'll take Tommy back if he profusely apologizes and makes life long retribution. As to Gina. Empress, let go of those bad habits and be a better you.
First, I'm not team Luke. So I'm all him rotting where he's going. Tommy? I was on his team until the disappearing act. He was so mature until he wasn't. So now, I'm all for a third guy. But I'll take Tommy back if he profusely apologizes and makes life long retribution. As to Gina. Empress, let go of those bad habits and be a better you.
May 13, 2025
can’t wait for book 3
That cliffhanger was something! Hang with this story because it will get GOOD! I can’t wait for part 3! I was rooting for Tommy and still hope he will return!
That cliffhanger was something! Hang with this story because it will get GOOD! I can’t wait for part 3! I was rooting for Tommy and still hope he will return!
June 9, 2025
imma fan imma fan I’m a FAN!
Finally!!!! A woman I can root for!!! The character development is too freaking tier. I laughed, cried, grasped numerous times and yelled at my phone like it was a reality show series. I’m not even mad I gotta wait till fall.
Finally!!!! A woman I can root for!!! The character development is too freaking tier. I laughed, cried, grasped numerous times and yelled at my phone like it was a reality show series. I’m not even mad I gotta wait till fall.
August 1, 2025
Just my kind of book!!😏😏😏
Such an enjoyable read!! I really can’t wait for part 3 of this series. Just entertaining and overall 10/10!! I’m definitely going to be on the look out for the next release!!
Such an enjoyable read!! I really can’t wait for part 3 of this series. Just entertaining and overall 10/10!! I’m definitely going to be on the look out for the next release!!
June 5, 2025
love this series
This book is So so so good ……can’t wait til the final book I hope she learns to love herself tho ….
This book is So so so good ……can’t wait til the final book I hope she learns to love herself tho ….
June 16, 2025
Had I known
Had I known this wasn't a finished series, I would have not wasted my time. With that being said, this was a really really good book.
Had I known this wasn't a finished series, I would have not wasted my time. With that being said, this was a really really good book.
July 1, 2025
The plot thickens
Damn, everyone on the run or locked up, what a cliff hanger. Fall 2025 can't get here quick enough. Way to go....
Damn, everyone on the run or locked up, what a cliff hanger. Fall 2025 can't get here quick enough. Way to go....
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