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Greta Gets the Girl
From New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr comes a steamy tale of forbidden romance.
NY publishing is Greta Clayborne’s life, and she’s on a high since she edited a hot new series that was just adapted for television. In her career, everything is on track. On the relationship front, there are no relationships, not since she had her heart broken. Now Greta uses a dating app, Sappho’s Kiss Society, for casual connections.
That’s all the tattooed taciturn Lee was supposed to be when Greta invites the enigmatic woman to her hotel room, expecting to never see her again.
Kaelee has more secrets than truths. She changed her name, finished a couple degrees, and just sold her book in a deal that will replace the money she’s spent on her tiny studio during grad school. Her life is writing, teaching, and too much time at the gym. But after she meets “Marie” on her app, she can’t get the curvaceous woman out of her mind.
Long distance chat lead to another meeting, and the two discover that they both want more. Maybe. The possibility of something real seems in reach—until Kaelee walks into her meeting with her editor only to find that woman she’s starting to fall for is her editor. Now Greta’s career and reputation are at risk, but when Kaelee’s wealthy and influential family shows up to put a stop to the “embarrassment” of writing sapphic fiction, Greta has to decide what matters her heart or her career.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
NY publishing is Greta Clayborne’s life, and she’s on a high since she edited a hot new series that was just adapted for television. In her career, everything is on track. On the relationship front, there are no relationships, not since she had her heart broken. Now Greta uses a dating app, Sappho’s Kiss Society, for casual connections.
That’s all the tattooed taciturn Lee was supposed to be when Greta invites the enigmatic woman to her hotel room, expecting to never see her again.
Kaelee has more secrets than truths. She changed her name, finished a couple degrees, and just sold her book in a deal that will replace the money she’s spent on her tiny studio during grad school. Her life is writing, teaching, and too much time at the gym. But after she meets “Marie” on her app, she can’t get the curvaceous woman out of her mind.
Long distance chat lead to another meeting, and the two discover that they both want more. Maybe. The possibility of something real seems in reach—until Kaelee walks into her meeting with her editor only to find that woman she’s starting to fall for is her editor. Now Greta’s career and reputation are at risk, but when Kaelee’s wealthy and influential family shows up to put a stop to the “embarrassment” of writing sapphic fiction, Greta has to decide what matters her heart or her career.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
336 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
10 people are currently reading
4155 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Marr
108 books13k followersMelissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multi-book series with a myriad of accolades.
In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).
An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.
If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.
In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).
An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.
If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked the first half way more than I like the latter half, especially since they got together romantically so fast even with their set inhibitions and then had very little emotional development before the third act conflict that I honestly feel would have been better if it was internal rather than external. Loved reading about a butchfemme couple though!
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
January 15, 2026
Note: I received advance review copy of Greta Gets the Girl
After the prologue and the first chapter I sighed as it seemed one of the main characters was bound to be a crappy lesbian stereotype, then by chapter two I was proven wrong and was in store for an absolutely stunning love story.
The character writing here is done exceptionally well and even the minor characters had a bit of depth to them with their own motivations in life fleshed out to a surprising degree. The two main characters Greta and Kaylee are both amazing and quite different characters that are very relatable. Greta was especially likeable for me in a way that not only made me root for her but also for those that she was rooting and working for.
The conflict in the story is two-fold; first is the love story between Greta and Kaylee which is extremely good, then the second conflict is with Kaylee's family and past. Both aspects of the story are really well written and extremely compelling. This is what I really loved about this book because the whole story really strengthens the romance between Greta and Kaylee which is what I believe makes Greta Gets the Girl such a wonderful book.
I was worried about how this book was going to wrap up because the were several moments where it felt like a climax was coming only to have it pushed off til later. The when the climax of the book does occur it happens in such an satisfying way and compels several connected parts of the story into conclusion as well.
Really my whole review can be summed up by saying that Greta Gets the Girls is just a wonderfully crafted story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance story.
After the prologue and the first chapter I sighed as it seemed one of the main characters was bound to be a crappy lesbian stereotype, then by chapter two I was proven wrong and was in store for an absolutely stunning love story.
The character writing here is done exceptionally well and even the minor characters had a bit of depth to them with their own motivations in life fleshed out to a surprising degree. The two main characters Greta and Kaylee are both amazing and quite different characters that are very relatable. Greta was especially likeable for me in a way that not only made me root for her but also for those that she was rooting and working for.
The conflict in the story is two-fold; first is the love story between Greta and Kaylee which is extremely good, then the second conflict is with Kaylee's family and past. Both aspects of the story are really well written and extremely compelling. This is what I really loved about this book because the whole story really strengthens the romance between Greta and Kaylee which is what I believe makes Greta Gets the Girl such a wonderful book.
I was worried about how this book was going to wrap up because the were several moments where it felt like a climax was coming only to have it pushed off til later. The when the climax of the book does occur it happens in such an satisfying way and compels several connected parts of the story into conclusion as well.
Really my whole review can be summed up by saying that Greta Gets the Girls is just a wonderfully crafted story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance story.
January 3, 2026
I loved this sapphic romance! I loved how this relationship grew from casual, uncertain, just friends, friends with benefits, to ultimately working out without childish miscommunication so often represented in many adult romance novels. I thoroughly appreciated the communication between Greta and Kaelee in every aspect of their at times complicated relationship, especially intimately. Having the characters reveal their past trauma and experiences over time with each other made the relationship feel authentic and that it could actually work in real life.
Other things I enjoyed were that the ensemble cast of characters were interesting and not overwhelming with their different personalities. Another was having a glimpse into what having a career in book publishing entails. And as a person who grew up and lives outside of DC it was cool reading all the NOVA references!
Ultimately this was a fun queer read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the early access!
Other things I enjoyed were that the ensemble cast of characters were interesting and not overwhelming with their different personalities. Another was having a glimpse into what having a career in book publishing entails. And as a person who grew up and lives outside of DC it was cool reading all the NOVA references!
Ultimately this was a fun queer read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the early access!
January 5, 2026
3 stars ⭐️
I’m going to be honest in saying that the first half of this book was definitely a lot stronger plot wise and structure wise. The pacing just slowly got super inconsistent. I also didn’t like overly sexual everything in this book had to be, like yes I understand that they hook up but I mean must some form of sexual comment or action be made or done at the opportunity? honestly no, I would have cared more about their relationship if they had more build up and yearning.
(the inclusion of kaelee’s family at the end as a means to create drama just seemed a bit lazy a the book’s conflict, it would’ve been better if the couple were having difficulty being together because of how people would view them or if someone was trying to keep them apart. at least that’s my own opinion.)
Toni was also a bit less likeable in this book like I genuinely couldn’t wait for her to get off my page.
I’m honestly a bit let down at this read, I really wanted to love this book especially with the first one kind of being the tester for this authors writing I was hoping fir a bit more improvement in the story telling and character development.
I’m going to be honest in saying that the first half of this book was definitely a lot stronger plot wise and structure wise. The pacing just slowly got super inconsistent. I also didn’t like overly sexual everything in this book had to be, like yes I understand that they hook up but I mean must some form of sexual comment or action be made or done at the opportunity? honestly no, I would have cared more about their relationship if they had more build up and yearning.
(the inclusion of kaelee’s family at the end as a means to create drama just seemed a bit lazy a the book’s conflict, it would’ve been better if the couple were having difficulty being together because of how people would view them or if someone was trying to keep them apart. at least that’s my own opinion.)
Toni was also a bit less likeable in this book like I genuinely couldn’t wait for her to get off my page.
I’m honestly a bit let down at this read, I really wanted to love this book especially with the first one kind of being the tester for this authors writing I was hoping fir a bit more improvement in the story telling and character development.
January 11, 2026
Greta Clayborne’s life is all about her career in publishing and she is thriving, after getting burned in the past she doesn’t have time for relationships & turns to dating app Sapphos Kiss Society for casual connections to keep her from yet more heartbreak. Within the first 10% of this book Greta (posing as Marie) has organised a hook up with Lee to meet at a hotel and this sapphic romance adds a little ✨spice✨
Of course Lee isn’t her real name, Kaelee is harbouring her own secret identity and reasons for using the app for casual hook ups, and the skeletons in her closet may as well be a graveyard at this point. I especially loved the tender way we unpack her character later on in the book and Melissa Marr has written this perfectly to carefully unpack family, identity and forced relationship trauma. Eventually feeling a sense of reclaiming the narrative really felt like healing.
I absolutely adored both main characters in this book, getting to know both Kaelee and Greta as the story grew and their characters developed was an absolute joy. I would read a whole series based around these two and it was just the treat I needed for a cosy weekend read. The narrators really brought this to life and were super enjoyable to list to.
A big thank you to @brilliancepublishing and Brilliance Audio for this ARC via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Of course Lee isn’t her real name, Kaelee is harbouring her own secret identity and reasons for using the app for casual hook ups, and the skeletons in her closet may as well be a graveyard at this point. I especially loved the tender way we unpack her character later on in the book and Melissa Marr has written this perfectly to carefully unpack family, identity and forced relationship trauma. Eventually feeling a sense of reclaiming the narrative really felt like healing.
I absolutely adored both main characters in this book, getting to know both Kaelee and Greta as the story grew and their characters developed was an absolute joy. I would read a whole series based around these two and it was just the treat I needed for a cosy weekend read. The narrators really brought this to life and were super enjoyable to list to.
A big thank you to @brilliancepublishing and Brilliance Audio for this ARC via @netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Greta Gets The Girl
Written By: Melissa Marr
Narrated By: Gail Shalan and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
Releases on January 13, 2026
Tropes:
🩷Sapphic Romance
🩷Editor X Author
🩷Hidden Identity
🩷Lust to Slow Burn
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, Netgalley, and Marissa Marr for providing me with an Advanced Copy to review!
All opinions in this review are my own.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶
I did not read Tony and Addie Go Viral prior to reading Greta Gets the Girl, but I will be adding it to my TBR list in the future! This book started hot and heavy, with open-door scenes of the vanilla kind, and then turned more into a slow-burning story as Greta and Kaelee discover their feelings for each other and try to decide how to progress with their relationship.
This book was a fun read with a happy ever after. It felt like a hug in the romance genre, with the plot following along the lines of many other romance novels I’ve read. Once I started to read it, I didn’t want to stop reading it!
Where it fell short (for me) was that the sex scenes felt lacking, and the main character's only conversations were regarding intimacy. We didn’t get to see much of Greta and Kaelee outside of the normal honeymoon phase. It almost felt more along the lines of what a YA romance book would read, but with sex scenes added to sell it to an adult reader base.
My Book Rating System
⭐️ means it was a DNF.
⭐️⭐️ means I should have chosen to DNF.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was okay. I will not read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was good. I will probably read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was amazing. I am obsessed!
My Spice Rating System
🫑 means no spice.
🌶 means it has closed door or implied spice.
🌶🌶 means it has open door scenes but they're more on the vanilla side.
🌶🌶🌶 means it has descriptive scenes, starting to get kinker in description.
🌶🌶🌶🌶 means it has numerous scenes in the books and lots of description.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 means that we aren't reading it for the plot anyways.
* Please note that I will not add my Spice Rating Scale on any book reviews that are meant for young children or middle grade ages.
* A Green Pepper or 1 Pepper may appear on books classified as Young Adult.
Written By: Melissa Marr
Narrated By: Gail Shalan and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker
Releases on January 13, 2026
Tropes:
🩷Sapphic Romance
🩷Editor X Author
🩷Hidden Identity
🩷Lust to Slow Burn
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, Netgalley, and Marissa Marr for providing me with an Advanced Copy to review!
All opinions in this review are my own.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶
I did not read Tony and Addie Go Viral prior to reading Greta Gets the Girl, but I will be adding it to my TBR list in the future! This book started hot and heavy, with open-door scenes of the vanilla kind, and then turned more into a slow-burning story as Greta and Kaelee discover their feelings for each other and try to decide how to progress with their relationship.
This book was a fun read with a happy ever after. It felt like a hug in the romance genre, with the plot following along the lines of many other romance novels I’ve read. Once I started to read it, I didn’t want to stop reading it!
Where it fell short (for me) was that the sex scenes felt lacking, and the main character's only conversations were regarding intimacy. We didn’t get to see much of Greta and Kaelee outside of the normal honeymoon phase. It almost felt more along the lines of what a YA romance book would read, but with sex scenes added to sell it to an adult reader base.
My Book Rating System
⭐️ means it was a DNF.
⭐️⭐️ means I should have chosen to DNF.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was okay. I will not read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was good. I will probably read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was amazing. I am obsessed!
My Spice Rating System
🫑 means no spice.
🌶 means it has closed door or implied spice.
🌶🌶 means it has open door scenes but they're more on the vanilla side.
🌶🌶🌶 means it has descriptive scenes, starting to get kinker in description.
🌶🌶🌶🌶 means it has numerous scenes in the books and lots of description.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 means that we aren't reading it for the plot anyways.
* Please note that I will not add my Spice Rating Scale on any book reviews that are meant for young children or middle grade ages.
* A Green Pepper or 1 Pepper may appear on books classified as Young Adult.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Spice Level: 4/5 Explicit Open-Door
Greta is an editor in the book publishing world. She recently had a series fall into her lap that has become quite popular. She really wants to meet with the author, Kaelee, to talk book business but she is ever elusive. While in the author’s hometown in hopes of a meetup, she uses her sapphic dating app for a hookup using the fake name “Marie.”
Kaelee loves writing and it is one of the things that has literally saved her life. She had a rough past that she was able to literally run away from. One night, she has a hookup with “Marie” from the sapphic dating app using the somewhat fake name “Lee.” What was supposed to be a one night hookup turned into a couple nights, turned into both wanting more. Will each learn the other's real name? Will their hookup affect their potential business future?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. I love how the cover of the book / audiobook is deceiving in how spicy this book is. This book will definitely keep you warm on a cold night. So, forewarning to those who aren’t much into spice, you might want to skip this one. Those who love a healthy dose of spice, dive on in. There are plenty of books out there with spice and no substance, this book is not one of them.
This book also deals with some heavy topics so please be sure to check out all trigger warnings before reading. Kaelee has a bit of a traumatic past that results in her being more reserved and elusive in her professional life. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention from beginning to end.
The narrators for this audiobook are Gail Shalan and Shephanie Nemeth-Parker. I don’t know who voiced whom, but I only had one slight issue and that is more my neurodivergency. One of the narrators sounded like they were narrating with a dry mouth because you could hear that saliva smacking sound the whole time they were narrating. That’s all I could focus on when they were narrating. Other than that, I enjoyed the narration.
📖 Sapphic Romance
📖 Sexual Assault (referenced)
📖 Homophobia
📖 Forbidden Romance
📖 Lust to Love
📖 Secret Identity
📖 Trauma Recovery
Greta is an editor in the book publishing world. She recently had a series fall into her lap that has become quite popular. She really wants to meet with the author, Kaelee, to talk book business but she is ever elusive. While in the author’s hometown in hopes of a meetup, she uses her sapphic dating app for a hookup using the fake name “Marie.”
Kaelee loves writing and it is one of the things that has literally saved her life. She had a rough past that she was able to literally run away from. One night, she has a hookup with “Marie” from the sapphic dating app using the somewhat fake name “Lee.” What was supposed to be a one night hookup turned into a couple nights, turned into both wanting more. Will each learn the other's real name? Will their hookup affect their potential business future?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. I love how the cover of the book / audiobook is deceiving in how spicy this book is. This book will definitely keep you warm on a cold night. So, forewarning to those who aren’t much into spice, you might want to skip this one. Those who love a healthy dose of spice, dive on in. There are plenty of books out there with spice and no substance, this book is not one of them.
This book also deals with some heavy topics so please be sure to check out all trigger warnings before reading. Kaelee has a bit of a traumatic past that results in her being more reserved and elusive in her professional life. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention from beginning to end.
The narrators for this audiobook are Gail Shalan and Shephanie Nemeth-Parker. I don’t know who voiced whom, but I only had one slight issue and that is more my neurodivergency. One of the narrators sounded like they were narrating with a dry mouth because you could hear that saliva smacking sound the whole time they were narrating. That’s all I could focus on when they were narrating. Other than that, I enjoyed the narration.
📖 Sapphic Romance
📖 Sexual Assault (referenced)
📖 Homophobia
📖 Forbidden Romance
📖 Lust to Love
📖 Secret Identity
📖 Trauma Recovery
January 12, 2026
This book was an absolute gem. Although it’s not listed as being part of a series, the characters from Toni and Addie go viral were mentioned in ways that showcase their established story. It did make me want to read that one but I think it should be marketed as being a series.
With that being said, let’s get into the book itself. I loved this book. The characters were sweet. The story was believable and relatable. And it has religious, generational, and physical trauma.
I am not a religious person and can not stand mega churches and the ultra religious holier than thou, hypocrites. This book made me just the right amount of angry. Kaelee was the daughter of a man who had an extreme religious view and following. He allowed things to happen to his daughter and caused her a lot of pain. He said horrible things about the LGBTQ+ people. He was just horrible. Kaelee set out on her own, changing her name and starting her life over. She writes and book and starts the process of editing and publishing.
One night, Kaelee and Greta “meet” on an app designed for hookups (but can be more). They meet and have a great night together. However they meet with fake names and limited information about each others lives. The end up having fun more than once.
One day, Kaelee finds out that this amazing and sexy woman she had been hooking up with is her book editor.
The work on navigating their emotions and feelings about each other but also emotionally growing themselves with the help of each other and their friend group.
Greta is an awesome and badass editor. She’s sexy and powerful in her industry. Both women learn what they truly want.
I loved this book. It was very similar to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, which is my favorite sapphic romance, if not my favorite romance period of all time.
With that being said, let’s get into the book itself. I loved this book. The characters were sweet. The story was believable and relatable. And it has religious, generational, and physical trauma.
I am not a religious person and can not stand mega churches and the ultra religious holier than thou, hypocrites. This book made me just the right amount of angry. Kaelee was the daughter of a man who had an extreme religious view and following. He allowed things to happen to his daughter and caused her a lot of pain. He said horrible things about the LGBTQ+ people. He was just horrible. Kaelee set out on her own, changing her name and starting her life over. She writes and book and starts the process of editing and publishing.
One night, Kaelee and Greta “meet” on an app designed for hookups (but can be more). They meet and have a great night together. However they meet with fake names and limited information about each others lives. The end up having fun more than once.
One day, Kaelee finds out that this amazing and sexy woman she had been hooking up with is her book editor.
The work on navigating their emotions and feelings about each other but also emotionally growing themselves with the help of each other and their friend group.
Greta is an awesome and badass editor. She’s sexy and powerful in her industry. Both women learn what they truly want.
I loved this book. It was very similar to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, which is my favorite sapphic romance, if not my favorite romance period of all time.
January 16, 2026
(3.5 Stars) Kaelee lives in DC, working on her next degree, and has just sold her first novel. She meets up with a woman via a select dating app for a fantastic one night stand. It is only when she goes to meet her new editor in NYC that she realizes it is the woman that she hasn’t been able to forget. Greta Clayborne is the curvy and petite book editor. She doesn’t do relationships after her fiancee cheated on her two years before. She doesn’t want anything to hurt her career so sleeping with a writer is a huge conflict of interest. But they can’t seem to stop texting.
I thought the set up was very cute. It takes about a third of the book for everything to be discovered that is revealed in the blurb. The rest of the book deals with the will they or wont they continue and what it could look like. And there are complications from Kaelee’s family who she is actively hiding from. I was honestly disappointed that the showdown wasn’t bigger as it was built up a lot. There are several intimate scenes and talk of them but this isn’t erotica. There is also a lot of talk of consent and trust as that is an issue for both of them.
This is a stand alone novel but could be considered a sequel to “Toni and Addie Go Viral” (Aug 2025). I read that one and enjoyed seeing the MC’s from that one in this book. Toni’s editor is Greta and Kaelee has been Toni’s TA and is being mentored by her. She brought extra humor and it was fun seeing her still devoted to Addie. Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group, Bramble for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I thought the set up was very cute. It takes about a third of the book for everything to be discovered that is revealed in the blurb. The rest of the book deals with the will they or wont they continue and what it could look like. And there are complications from Kaelee’s family who she is actively hiding from. I was honestly disappointed that the showdown wasn’t bigger as it was built up a lot. There are several intimate scenes and talk of them but this isn’t erotica. There is also a lot of talk of consent and trust as that is an issue for both of them.
This is a stand alone novel but could be considered a sequel to “Toni and Addie Go Viral” (Aug 2025). I read that one and enjoyed seeing the MC’s from that one in this book. Toni’s editor is Greta and Kaelee has been Toni’s TA and is being mentored by her. She brought extra humor and it was fun seeing her still devoted to Addie. Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group, Bramble for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
December 11, 2025
This novel is a cozy yet spicy story about two women who work in the book industry. Greta, an experienced editor living in New York City and Kaelee, a new author living in DC. They meet through a lesbian dating app and hit it off instantly. What they don't know, however, is they're a part of the same book deal with Greta being Kaelee's editor. As the two work through their difficult pasts and a mutual aversion to commitment, they grow closer and experience feelings deeper than lust.
My overall problem with this book is that it's a little too sex-heavy for me. Even when the characters aren't actively having sex, almost every page talks about them getting intimate. It makes sense that in the early chapters, the book would be more smutty since they meet over a casual hook-up, but as the story progresses, the endless talk about intimacy gets a little old. The characters themselves are also a little stale and the overall romance feels stiff, again because of the sex-forward conversations the two MC's have.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a spicy book now and again, but I just wish the plot in this novel held more weight than it did. It seems that both the characters' goals and their issues came second to the intimate scenes. Though the ending was satisfying, with a happy conclusion. I recommend reading the trigger warnings on this book before you read it, though, since there was a surprising amount of heavy content, including homophobia and DV.
My overall problem with this book is that it's a little too sex-heavy for me. Even when the characters aren't actively having sex, almost every page talks about them getting intimate. It makes sense that in the early chapters, the book would be more smutty since they meet over a casual hook-up, but as the story progresses, the endless talk about intimacy gets a little old. The characters themselves are also a little stale and the overall romance feels stiff, again because of the sex-forward conversations the two MC's have.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a spicy book now and again, but I just wish the plot in this novel held more weight than it did. It seems that both the characters' goals and their issues came second to the intimate scenes. Though the ending was satisfying, with a happy conclusion. I recommend reading the trigger warnings on this book before you read it, though, since there was a surprising amount of heavy content, including homophobia and DV.
Read
January 13, 2026"And your job? My family?" "Fuck it all, Kaelee. We can figure it out. I want this. I want you. Dancing. Weekends. Texts. Dinners. All that you are willing to give me."
I LOVED this book. I read the first book in this standalone series when it came out and was already so excited to see Kaelees story, and here it finally is!
What was so special about this book to me was how unconventional the couples story was. Because, lets be real, even queer books usually end with them married and expecting children. I really appreciated that this was not the case here. Yes, they love each other and it is definitely a happy end but it doesn't feel like a copy-and-paste ending you would find in any romance book.
I also liked how Kaelees background was handled. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Because of her past, Kaelee struggles with sex and letting go of control. That is why I liked how spicy this book was. There were a lot of spicy scenes and I feel like they all served a purpose and contributed to the emotional relationship between the main characters.
Even though this book deals with these heavy issues, it was still so fun and swoony. I was giggling so much and I would describe the overall mood as happy. If you are looking for a sweet and emotional romance, this is a great option.
I received an advanced copy of this book and leaving a review voluntarily. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
I LOVED this book. I read the first book in this standalone series when it came out and was already so excited to see Kaelees story, and here it finally is!
What was so special about this book to me was how unconventional the couples story was. Because, lets be real, even queer books usually end with them married and expecting children. I really appreciated that this was not the case here. Yes, they love each other and it is definitely a happy end but it doesn't feel like a copy-and-paste ending you would find in any romance book.
I also liked how Kaelees background was handled. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Because of her past, Kaelee struggles with sex and letting go of control. That is why I liked how spicy this book was. There were a lot of spicy scenes and I feel like they all served a purpose and contributed to the emotional relationship between the main characters.
Even though this book deals with these heavy issues, it was still so fun and swoony. I was giggling so much and I would describe the overall mood as happy. If you are looking for a sweet and emotional romance, this is a great option.
I received an advanced copy of this book and leaving a review voluntarily. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Greta Gets the Girl brings us Greta and Kaelee, a high powered publisher and newly signed author who come across one another on a sapphic only dating app and meet for some no strings attached fun. They don't find out that they work in the same field until they've had a couple of meet-ups and some feelings are developing.
While the plot is really basic and the characters are pretty standard, I really appreciated the growth of the two main characters and the fact that there didn't seem to be any childish drama or miscommunication issues that we often see in this genre.
Kaelee has some hidden family drama that they end up having to navigate, complete with very republican family members who have VERY republican feelings about their queer daughter writing sapphic fiction, but I think that was handled really well.
The supporting characters didn't really do much for me and I thought the best friend Toni was pretty aggravating.
I liked the build up of Greta and Kaelee's relationship and how Greta was able to articulate her want to be non-committal and that whole evolution.
It wasn't mind blowing but was a nice, easy read.
Greta Gets the Girl is being published 01/13/2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.
While the plot is really basic and the characters are pretty standard, I really appreciated the growth of the two main characters and the fact that there didn't seem to be any childish drama or miscommunication issues that we often see in this genre.
Kaelee has some hidden family drama that they end up having to navigate, complete with very republican family members who have VERY republican feelings about their queer daughter writing sapphic fiction, but I think that was handled really well.
The supporting characters didn't really do much for me and I thought the best friend Toni was pretty aggravating.
I liked the build up of Greta and Kaelee's relationship and how Greta was able to articulate her want to be non-committal and that whole evolution.
It wasn't mind blowing but was a nice, easy read.
Greta Gets the Girl is being published 01/13/2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.
January 2, 2026
This review is based on the audiobook, and was my last book of 2025!
Greta Gets the Girl was my first read from this author, although at some point in reading, it became clear that this book is the second involving this particular cast of characters. I wish I had known that beforehand, as I would have preferred to read Toni and Addie's story first. This book works fine as a standalone, but for folks who like reading things in order, don't start here!
As for the story itself, I found it delivered on its premise -- a hookup goes wrong when a pair that match on an app turn out to have a professional connection that gets in the way of the romance. There was a whole lot of spice in this book (a little too much for my taste, to be honest), and an emotional rollercoaster as well. The threat of the family seemed a bit overblown, and Greta just went along with it, which took away from some of the respect I had for her character as a no-nonsense professional, but I guess the emotions got in the way of her judgment.
Regarding the narration, I liked Kaelee's narrator better than Greta's, which is too bad because Greta is the title character, though both did a decent job.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Greta Gets the Girl was my first read from this author, although at some point in reading, it became clear that this book is the second involving this particular cast of characters. I wish I had known that beforehand, as I would have preferred to read Toni and Addie's story first. This book works fine as a standalone, but for folks who like reading things in order, don't start here!
As for the story itself, I found it delivered on its premise -- a hookup goes wrong when a pair that match on an app turn out to have a professional connection that gets in the way of the romance. There was a whole lot of spice in this book (a little too much for my taste, to be honest), and an emotional rollercoaster as well. The threat of the family seemed a bit overblown, and Greta just went along with it, which took away from some of the respect I had for her character as a no-nonsense professional, but I guess the emotions got in the way of her judgment.
Regarding the narration, I liked Kaelee's narrator better than Greta's, which is too bad because Greta is the title character, though both did a decent job.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Greta Gets the Girl, especially the chemistry between Greta and Lee. That was easily the highlight for me. I loved the slow, natural way their relationship unfolded—it felt gradual and earned, and I liked getting to sit with the tension and the little moments between them instead of everything happening all at once.
That said, the pacing was a bit uneven. The book starts off very hot and heavy, which pulled me in right away, but then the middle kind of drags. There’s a lot of drama around their professional connection, and while I get why it’s there, it started to feel unnecessary and repetitive after a while. It slowed the story down just when I wanted things to keep moving.
The last third definitely picks up again and reminded me why I was enjoying it in the first place. Overall, I had a good time with this one, but it probably could’ve benefited from a bit more editing—especially in the middle—to keep the momentum going. Still, the romance and chemistry made it worth the read for me.
That said, the pacing was a bit uneven. The book starts off very hot and heavy, which pulled me in right away, but then the middle kind of drags. There’s a lot of drama around their professional connection, and while I get why it’s there, it started to feel unnecessary and repetitive after a while. It slowed the story down just when I wanted things to keep moving.
The last third definitely picks up again and reminded me why I was enjoying it in the first place. Overall, I had a good time with this one, but it probably could’ve benefited from a bit more editing—especially in the middle—to keep the momentum going. Still, the romance and chemistry made it worth the read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Greta and Kaelee are both dynamic characters with realistic aspects. There were real conversations about toxic families and SA in the past. I appreciated how Melissa Marr wrote about these topics in a more digestible way. I also understand the conversations about consent and what the parties are comfortable with. I enjoyed the cameo of Toni and Addie. Their book is already on my tbr. I do hope we get more love stories of the side characters in this book. This is the first book by Melissa Marr that I've read. I know it won't be my last. I would highly recommend this book.
The audiobook was excellent. Gail Shalan and Stephanie Németh-Parker did an incredible job with the book's cast of characters. Stephanie Németh-Parker has narrated several of my favorite romantasy audiobooks. Gail Shalan has also narrated some of my favorite romance audiobooks. Together, they are a power duo. I highly recommend the audiobook. It was such a quick and run read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Marr, and Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook was excellent. Gail Shalan and Stephanie Németh-Parker did an incredible job with the book's cast of characters. Stephanie Németh-Parker has narrated several of my favorite romantasy audiobooks. Gail Shalan has also narrated some of my favorite romance audiobooks. Together, they are a power duo. I highly recommend the audiobook. It was such a quick and run read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Marr, and Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
Greta Gets the Girl by Melissa Marr is quite enjoyable! The connection, the romance, the spice…all amazing. I love how both characters grow and mature naturally while learning how to love.
I did not read the first book in this series (Toni and Addie Go Viral), so when Toni repeatedly made Greta and Kaelee’s connection about herself, I was irrationally irritated. That reaction is likely because I did not know Toni outside of this book.
My absolute favorite thing is that the drama necessary for a romance book is not centered around an unnecessary breakup before coming back together. This was genuinely refreshing.
Gail Shalan as Greta was an interesting fit. The writing implies Greta is bubbly and uses emojis to reassure, whereas Gail’s voice is more subdued, so it took me a few chapters to adjust. Stephanie Németh-Parker as Kaelee works well, although she does not have the southern accent that Gail gives her based on the text. Aside from those inconsistencies, they complemented each other quite well.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an ALC.
I did not read the first book in this series (Toni and Addie Go Viral), so when Toni repeatedly made Greta and Kaelee’s connection about herself, I was irrationally irritated. That reaction is likely because I did not know Toni outside of this book.
My absolute favorite thing is that the drama necessary for a romance book is not centered around an unnecessary breakup before coming back together. This was genuinely refreshing.
Gail Shalan as Greta was an interesting fit. The writing implies Greta is bubbly and uses emojis to reassure, whereas Gail’s voice is more subdued, so it took me a few chapters to adjust. Stephanie Németh-Parker as Kaelee works well, although she does not have the southern accent that Gail gives her based on the text. Aside from those inconsistencies, they complemented each other quite well.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Greta Gets the Girl is not the highlight of Marr's work, but it was still okay. It's spicy and sapphic so if you are into that you'll like her work.
I did enjoy that it centers around publishing as that is something I haven't seen a lot of romance stories about (editor x author) so it was a different take for me to read which kept it a bit more interesting than usual.
The plot seemed to drag as each FMC dealt with her own walls/insecurities especially in the middle, so I had to stop reading at points. The author does also deal with the women's separate traumas in a way that seemed realistic enough but also took care to treat it delicately enough for the reader that it never felt like 'too much'.
While not really required I'd say Toni & Addi (the book that takes place before this) should be read prior and is better imo. Still, this isn't bad.
Thanks to Netgalley!
I did enjoy that it centers around publishing as that is something I haven't seen a lot of romance stories about (editor x author) so it was a different take for me to read which kept it a bit more interesting than usual.
The plot seemed to drag as each FMC dealt with her own walls/insecurities especially in the middle, so I had to stop reading at points. The author does also deal with the women's separate traumas in a way that seemed realistic enough but also took care to treat it delicately enough for the reader that it never felt like 'too much'.
While not really required I'd say Toni & Addi (the book that takes place before this) should be read prior and is better imo. Still, this isn't bad.
Thanks to Netgalley!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this Sapphic romance follow up to Tony and Addie go viral! Set in the same publishing world, this book features Kaelee, Addie's assistant who has a new book deal but is also hiding a LOT of dark family secrets. She finds herself using the same hook up app to meet 'Mary' not realizing that she is also her new book editor. What follows is a dual pov, one night stand to forbidden workplace romance that has tons of emotional depth, a rape survivor FMC and infuriating homophobic, toxic parental relationships. It was excellent on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Alexandria Bellefleur. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! While it can be read as a standalone, there are also fun cameos with Addie and Tony, including their wedding.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes
3rd person, dual POV
LOVES:
- Things started super hot 🔥 the dramatic irony around the secret identities was fun as a reader. I knew who they were, but they didn’t know who each other were. And a build up to a reveal is always fun 🤭
- Greta and Kaelee both had a lot of baggage and trauma holding them back, but they treated each other with such care and grace 💞
- I appreciated the trust that developed between them and the way they respected each other’s boundaries.
- The ending was so sweet 🥰
The extreme commitment phobia got to be a little intense for me, but it was explained well and the growth beyond that was well written. This was sweet and empowering.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bramble, & Tor/Forge Publishing Group for the advance copy 💝 Releases January 13th!
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes
3rd person, dual POV
LOVES:
- Things started super hot 🔥 the dramatic irony around the secret identities was fun as a reader. I knew who they were, but they didn’t know who each other were. And a build up to a reveal is always fun 🤭
- Greta and Kaelee both had a lot of baggage and trauma holding them back, but they treated each other with such care and grace 💞
- I appreciated the trust that developed between them and the way they respected each other’s boundaries.
- The ending was so sweet 🥰
The extreme commitment phobia got to be a little intense for me, but it was explained well and the growth beyond that was well written. This was sweet and empowering.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bramble, & Tor/Forge Publishing Group for the advance copy 💝 Releases January 13th!
November 25, 2025
Greta Gets the Girl is my first foray into Marr's work, and my, was this one SPICY! I love a book that centers around books/publishing, so of course I wanted to pick up a romance between an editor and her author. By keeping the cast of supporting characters around FMCs Greta and Kaelee small and dynamic, Marr succeeded in creating a world that felt both intimate and complex. The spice was REAL and I could feel the comfort each character had with the other, even when the plot seemed to drag as each FMC dealt with her own walls/insecurities. Marr also delicately addresses trauma in a way that allowed the character to be empowered and strong.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF at 40%
This book just wasn’t clicking for me. I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between Greta and Kaelee. It didn’t feel like they were naturally compatible and both were trying to hard to be something that the other person wanted. I also wasn’t buying that Kaelee wouldn’t have recognized Greta before they met in the office. I understand that she doesn’t have any pictures on the internet because of her family, but I find it hard to believe that an editor wouldn’t have a headshot, and that she wouldn’t have looked up her editors name.
This book wasn’t for me, but there is definitely an audience out there for it.
Thank you to Bramble for the early review copy!
This book just wasn’t clicking for me. I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between Greta and Kaelee. It didn’t feel like they were naturally compatible and both were trying to hard to be something that the other person wanted. I also wasn’t buying that Kaelee wouldn’t have recognized Greta before they met in the office. I understand that she doesn’t have any pictures on the internet because of her family, but I find it hard to believe that an editor wouldn’t have a headshot, and that she wouldn’t have looked up her editors name.
This book wasn’t for me, but there is definitely an audience out there for it.
Thank you to Bramble for the early review copy!
January 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC!
This was a sweet and heartfelt read ♥️
Watching Kaelee grow in her love for Greta was beautiful to behold. You could really tell that they made each other better.
I was so stressed at the beginning when they didn’t know who the other was. But I love that satisfying moment when they discover who they are. Oops!
The narrator also did a great job distinguishing between both POVs.
It was a dash of sweet with a sprinkle of f*ck homophobia.
This was a sweet and heartfelt read ♥️
Watching Kaelee grow in her love for Greta was beautiful to behold. You could really tell that they made each other better.
I was so stressed at the beginning when they didn’t know who the other was. But I love that satisfying moment when they discover who they are. Oops!
The narrator also did a great job distinguishing between both POVs.
It was a dash of sweet with a sprinkle of f*ck homophobia.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this title. This was everything you want in a sapphic romance, including a somewhat suspenseful extra plot line to engage with outside of the romance itself. That said, some of it was pretty unbelievable. The lack of conflict between the protagonists didn't feel realistic, and I think it could have been more interesting if they hadn't always treated each other so perfectly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was, overall, a good read. I liked the secret identity aspect we experienced early on and the tension Greta and Kaelee experience upon learning one another's identities and their workplace proximity.
I did feel a bit like the conflict with Kaelee's family in the second half was forced.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. If you're looking for some secret identity, workplace proximity, slow burn, sapphic goodness, this is a good choice.
I did feel a bit like the conflict with Kaelee's family in the second half was forced.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. If you're looking for some secret identity, workplace proximity, slow burn, sapphic goodness, this is a good choice.
January 12, 2026
This was an enjoyable read. The spice delivered and the narration was well done which made it easy to stay immersed. I also really enjoyed the publishing industry backdrop and appreciated the importance of seeing queer characters in stories along with the way it touched on past traumas and complicated family dynamics. While it didn’t fully linger with me after finishing, it was still a decent romance.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 15, 2026
I enjoyed this sapphic romance that wasn't just your cookie cutter novel.
Greta is an editor and Kaelee is one of her authors. Yet they havent met. After a steamy app hookup where fake names were shared, the 2 can't stop thinking about the other. Until they finally meet as author and editor.
Can the women keep business and personal life separate?
Content warnings for religious trauma and mentions of SA.
Audio arc provided by Netgalley
Greta is an editor and Kaelee is one of her authors. Yet they havent met. After a steamy app hookup where fake names were shared, the 2 can't stop thinking about the other. Until they finally meet as author and editor.
Can the women keep business and personal life separate?
Content warnings for religious trauma and mentions of SA.
Audio arc provided by Netgalley
January 3, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
FIRST BOOK OF 2026 AND ITS A SAPPHIC READ! LETS GOOOO!
Heavy, heavy SPICE! We love to see it. This would have been closer to a 5 star but I will say that although I loved the spice, I do agree with another reviewer that their goals and issues came second to the spice. Other than that, it was a fun read!
FIRST BOOK OF 2026 AND ITS A SAPPHIC READ! LETS GOOOO!
Heavy, heavy SPICE! We love to see it. This would have been closer to a 5 star but I will say that although I loved the spice, I do agree with another reviewer that their goals and issues came second to the spice. Other than that, it was a fun read!
December 2, 2025
I was lucky enough to win this through Goodreads giveaway and it surprised me! I thoroughly enjoyed this a lot. I never realized I loved the “secret identity” trope as much as I do, until this book. Also it was spicy but with great communication and boundary talk. 🥵
January 16, 2026
enjoyed the characters
I really enjoyed all of the characters! There were some inconsistencies and plot holes that were frustrating and I struggled to move past them. I loved the career aspect of this, as well as the backstory and the way trauma was handled.
I really enjoyed all of the characters! There were some inconsistencies and plot holes that were frustrating and I struggled to move past them. I loved the career aspect of this, as well as the backstory and the way trauma was handled.
December 1, 2025
I started this like a week ago ago and it’s good so far, I’m only about a fourth of the way through. It’s dragging a little bit but anything with queer representation I love
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