What do you think?
Rate this book
Not Looking
A dislike to lovers, secret identity, match made in banter & bed.
Susan Merriman has her hands full. Single-mothering fourteen-year-old twin girls, she just wants to shuttle them to Starling Hills High School with minimum psychological damage. Without her planner and Dungeons and Dragons party to bolster her up, she’s not sure she could keep her whirlwind day-to-day in check.
Enter Dillon Weaver, Fun Uncle extraordinaire and new in Starling Hills after his job was “eliminated.” For the next few weeks, Dillon is in charge of his thirteen-year-old niece while her parents travel Europe. Talk about being thrown into a cave of trolls!
Both are fans of the same D&D podcast, chatting to each other in an online server. After they unknowingly meet at their girls’ soccer game, Dillon’s golden retriever energy couldn’t antagonize black cat Susan more. They run into each other at school pick-up and parent teacher conferences, with the final blow being when Dillon scores an invite to Susan’s D&D group.
Neither are looking for love, but they can’t deny the sparks. After all, they say the best things show up when you’re not looking.
Not Looking is a standalone novel in set in Starling Hills, Michigan.
Not Looking contains mature content and sensitive topics. Content warnings can be found in the first pages of the book.
Susan Merriman has her hands full. Single-mothering fourteen-year-old twin girls, she just wants to shuttle them to Starling Hills High School with minimum psychological damage. Without her planner and Dungeons and Dragons party to bolster her up, she’s not sure she could keep her whirlwind day-to-day in check.
Enter Dillon Weaver, Fun Uncle extraordinaire and new in Starling Hills after his job was “eliminated.” For the next few weeks, Dillon is in charge of his thirteen-year-old niece while her parents travel Europe. Talk about being thrown into a cave of trolls!
Both are fans of the same D&D podcast, chatting to each other in an online server. After they unknowingly meet at their girls’ soccer game, Dillon’s golden retriever energy couldn’t antagonize black cat Susan more. They run into each other at school pick-up and parent teacher conferences, with the final blow being when Dillon scores an invite to Susan’s D&D group.
Neither are looking for love, but they can’t deny the sparks. After all, they say the best things show up when you’re not looking.
Not Looking is a standalone novel in set in Starling Hills, Michigan.
Not Looking contains mature content and sensitive topics. Content warnings can be found in the first pages of the book.
- GenresSmall Town Romance
374 pages, ebook
Published July 7, 2025
34 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Alaina Rose
6 books41 followersAlaina lives in Michigan with her spouse and grumpy cat, Gary. She self-publishes angsty & sexy romance novels.
find me, my newsletter, & more on Instagram, @alainarosebooks
find me, my newsletter, & more on Instagram, @alainarosebooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 26, 2025
Just perfect from beginning to end, in all its glorious messiness.
Single mom Susan is living her best life brilliantly co-parenting twin girls with her ex: she got to keep the D & D group in the divorce (score!) and the girls are whipsmart shes-who-are-not-to-be-trifled-with. An excellent friend group and a very good job round out her carefully curated chaotic existence, until one day the fun uncle of a fellow student of her daughters crashes into both her online and IRL exisistences, making her crave things she feels she shouldn’t.
After the tech startup in which he’d spent years working was sold and his position eliminated, Dillon accepts his brother’s offer to spend a few months looking after his teenage niece and overseeing the care of their mother who’s in a memory care facility requiring around the clock support while he and his wife travel Europe. He discovers being an uncle is pretty rad, and connects with a new D & D cohort which includes the snarky, sassy single mom who piques his interest.
What begins as a roasting-as-flirtation situation quickly becomes pretty intense. As Dillon’s domestic gig comes to a close, tough decisions must be made about what the future will look like, and someone’s heart may be broken.
I just adored this: the nerdery! The spice! The ridiculous coincidences! The strong friend groups and the family ties were perfectly imperfect as well. This is a new to me author, and I’ll be indulging in her entire back catalogue as soon as possible.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from Love Notes PR, and I’m sharing my honest and enthusiastic review.
Single mom Susan is living her best life brilliantly co-parenting twin girls with her ex: she got to keep the D & D group in the divorce (score!) and the girls are whipsmart shes-who-are-not-to-be-trifled-with. An excellent friend group and a very good job round out her carefully curated chaotic existence, until one day the fun uncle of a fellow student of her daughters crashes into both her online and IRL exisistences, making her crave things she feels she shouldn’t.
After the tech startup in which he’d spent years working was sold and his position eliminated, Dillon accepts his brother’s offer to spend a few months looking after his teenage niece and overseeing the care of their mother who’s in a memory care facility requiring around the clock support while he and his wife travel Europe. He discovers being an uncle is pretty rad, and connects with a new D & D cohort which includes the snarky, sassy single mom who piques his interest.
What begins as a roasting-as-flirtation situation quickly becomes pretty intense. As Dillon’s domestic gig comes to a close, tough decisions must be made about what the future will look like, and someone’s heart may be broken.
I just adored this: the nerdery! The spice! The ridiculous coincidences! The strong friend groups and the family ties were perfectly imperfect as well. This is a new to me author, and I’ll be indulging in her entire back catalogue as soon as possible.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from Love Notes PR, and I’m sharing my honest and enthusiastic review.
June 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW‼️ I had so much fun diving into Susan and Dillon's story when I first saw this ARC. I was all for it. A single mom, and they both play D&D, which is right up my alley. Susan is the tired mom of teenagers who runs on Red Bull, and D&D. Dillon is the fun uncle in town, taking care of his teenage niece. Dillon has the most golden retriever energy, finding ways to talk to Susan even though she shows zero interest in even looking his way. Watching their friendship grow while also learning the secret identities of each was such a fun concept, and I never knew I needed more of it in my life. If you're looking for a good, quick read, I wholeheartedly suggest you read this when it releases on July 7th!!
4⭐️⭐⭐⭐ "The woman keeps flashing me these dirty looks that I drink up like chocolate oat milk through a straw." "For a gal determined not to look for love, fate, the tricky bastard, really rolled me a nat 20 on this one."
4⭐️⭐⭐⭐ "The woman keeps flashing me these dirty looks that I drink up like chocolate oat milk through a straw." "For a gal determined not to look for love, fate, the tricky bastard, really rolled me a nat 20 on this one."
August 8, 2025
Thank you Alaina Rose and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
Honestly, I do not even know where to begin with this one… I struggled so hard to finish it…
From the pop culture references to the D&D mentions and games, and oh my god don’t even get me started on the “kitten” nickname. The pacing of this was all over the place, and not even the spice could have saved this one. Also, these almost 40 year olds read more like teenagers than grown adults.
Unfortunately, this book just was not for me at all. This is one of those that I should have just DNFed and called it a day.
Honestly, I do not even know where to begin with this one… I struggled so hard to finish it…
From the pop culture references to the D&D mentions and games, and oh my god don’t even get me started on the “kitten” nickname. The pacing of this was all over the place, and not even the spice could have saved this one. Also, these almost 40 year olds read more like teenagers than grown adults.
Unfortunately, this book just was not for me at all. This is one of those that I should have just DNFed and called it a day.
November 30, 2025
This book was fun. Definitely not a D&D person but it was easy to follow. And the banter between the two was great. I enjoy little plot twists, even if it's just for the MCs.
The build up tension between the two was palpable! Loved it!
🌶️/5
The build up tension between the two was palpable! Loved it!
🌶️/5
July 11, 2025
This was so cute! I loved being back in Starling Hills! I love this little universe Alaina has created! And getting to revisit everyone is always so fun!! There were also a lot of new faces!! I understand nothing about Dungeons and Dragons but they all seemed to be living their best lives and I loved to see it!! I love all of Alaina’s books! There is such a GOOD midwestern feel and it really makes me feel so at home!!
Dillion and Susan were FUN! Their similar interests but opposite lifestyles made them such an interesting match! I loved seeing them try and figure everything out. Seeing how much they wanted to be with each other, but Susan really struggling with the change aspect and the fact that Dillion was so different than her made the push and pull of their whole story so much fun! They were sweet and their tension was GOOD! Their instant attraction was obvious but with all Susan’s reservations it was a little bit of a slow burn in such a good way!
I thought the third act conflict came a little late BUT how quickly it was resolved was perfect. It really isn’t took them being apart for them to realize they absolutely DID NOT want that and I loved that for them!!
I can’t wait to be back in a world Alaina’s creates, I’ll forever read her books!!
Dillion and Susan were FUN! Their similar interests but opposite lifestyles made them such an interesting match! I loved seeing them try and figure everything out. Seeing how much they wanted to be with each other, but Susan really struggling with the change aspect and the fact that Dillion was so different than her made the push and pull of their whole story so much fun! They were sweet and their tension was GOOD! Their instant attraction was obvious but with all Susan’s reservations it was a little bit of a slow burn in such a good way!
I thought the third act conflict came a little late BUT how quickly it was resolved was perfect. It really isn’t took them being apart for them to realize they absolutely DID NOT want that and I loved that for them!!
I can’t wait to be back in a world Alaina’s creates, I’ll forever read her books!!
August 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was such a fun read! I really loved Dillion and Susan and their chemistry was off the charts I swear 🙂↕️💕 The books pacing fluctuated for me, the beginning was really slow and then it sped up in the middle and then slowed down at the end again. It was still enjoyable, I was just thrown off. I really loved how well Dillion and Susan understood each other, but I hated our third act breakup (as always lol) it just felt unnecessary for something that wasn't even set in stone yet. I love that they got their happily ever after💕
Huge thank you to Love Notes PR for this arc!!
This was such a fun read! I really loved Dillion and Susan and their chemistry was off the charts I swear 🙂↕️💕 The books pacing fluctuated for me, the beginning was really slow and then it sped up in the middle and then slowed down at the end again. It was still enjoyable, I was just thrown off. I really loved how well Dillion and Susan understood each other, but I hated our third act breakup (as always lol) it just felt unnecessary for something that wasn't even set in stone yet. I love that they got their happily ever after💕
Huge thank you to Love Notes PR for this arc!!
July 14, 2025
I couldn’t relate to Susan as a DnD lover myself, I really liked the dislike to lovers trope.
Dillon is also into DnD and their passion is what they have in common. He is the perfect golden retriever and she is the image of a black cat, both of them deep down have insecurities and they don’t want to be hurt.
But the book is a little bit nerdy and a little bit spicy just like we love it 🔥🔥
Dillon is also into DnD and their passion is what they have in common. He is the perfect golden retriever and she is the image of a black cat, both of them deep down have insecurities and they don’t want to be hurt.
But the book is a little bit nerdy and a little bit spicy just like we love it 🔥🔥
June 26, 2025
Not Looking 🎧
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes Pr & Alaina Rose, for trusting me with this ARC!
We follow Susan a single mother,who is trying to figure out how girlhood works for the sake of her girls,while having no plan,her only way of 'me time' is when she attends her D&D club.On the other side Dillion is in charge of his niece for the next following weeks,and has to be THE UNCLE for her.Suddenly,they will meet,even will they,suddently again,fall in love?
Rose's story is not your usual romance.It is an experience of finding not only love again,yet yourself after abandonment,trauma & trust issues.Her away of unfolding everything was really unique in my opinion,because she literally SERVED real life.From the parents and teachers meetings to dinner with the girls,she gave us how things are and how,in an instant may change to the better ✨
My absolute favourite in this book was Dillion himself.That man CARRIED the story,he was cute,the funniest,loving, carring,and the list goes on!I loved how he made Susan feel cared again after all those years of loneliness,while giving her what she craves🌶️.
Added the romance & the 🌶️ where both more than wonderful,we had a slow burn with a twist (YES GIRL) while it was accompained with a flame the whole time,leaving the reader unable to close the book!
Continuing,as a teenage girl,I liked the way she decribed and represented those years,from how girls feel, the 🌶️ conversations, to the way the experience anger and the way people sees them was so real to me!
Lastly,this story had one con for me,even though I really did like the most of it some pet names were a big no to my preferences,leading me to need some time off the book,while I found the pacing of the story a little bit flat!
3⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes Pr & Alaina Rose, for trusting me with this ARC!
We follow Susan a single mother,who is trying to figure out how girlhood works for the sake of her girls,while having no plan,her only way of 'me time' is when she attends her D&D club.On the other side Dillion is in charge of his niece for the next following weeks,and has to be THE UNCLE for her.Suddenly,they will meet,even will they,suddently again,fall in love?
Rose's story is not your usual romance.It is an experience of finding not only love again,yet yourself after abandonment,trauma & trust issues.Her away of unfolding everything was really unique in my opinion,because she literally SERVED real life.From the parents and teachers meetings to dinner with the girls,she gave us how things are and how,in an instant may change to the better ✨
My absolute favourite in this book was Dillion himself.That man CARRIED the story,he was cute,the funniest,loving, carring,and the list goes on!I loved how he made Susan feel cared again after all those years of loneliness,while giving her what she craves🌶️.
Added the romance & the 🌶️ where both more than wonderful,we had a slow burn with a twist (YES GIRL) while it was accompained with a flame the whole time,leaving the reader unable to close the book!
Continuing,as a teenage girl,I liked the way she decribed and represented those years,from how girls feel, the 🌶️ conversations, to the way the experience anger and the way people sees them was so real to me!
Lastly,this story had one con for me,even though I really did like the most of it some pet names were a big no to my preferences,leading me to need some time off the book,while I found the pacing of the story a little bit flat!
3⭐
July 7, 2025
3.5 Stars
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Alaina Rose for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
I am an absolute sucker for two people chatting online while also unknowingly knowing each other in real life - it's at the very top of my favorite trope list. I like when one character is torn between this online person that they know they get along really well with and this person in real life that they've just met but have a connection with. I like the moment of realization that it's been the same person the entire time. I think over all, I just love the idea that two people are so meant to be that they met on the great big internet and in real life. Alaina Rose nails this trope in Not Looking. It's made even better by Susan not wanting to like Dillon - she's set in her ways as a 39 year old single mom and Dillon throws her for a loop with his cheery fun uncle ways. I liked how much they had in common and how easily they fit into each others lives - they have a shared love for a podcast (which is how they meet online), they both love DnD and they both have teenage girls that they are trying to do their best to raise.
This book also felt like a major love letter to Michigan - my state. I knew that Alaina Rose was local but in her writing, I could tell that she loves the state even in the fictional city that she created.
I think my biggest issue was with how Susan was acting like she is ancient - like she's only 39 but I would have guessed she was going on 50 with the way she spoke about herself. This may just be a personal issue as I don't view being in your late 30's as old but I am only 27 so maybe my mind will be changed by the time I am in my late 30's. There is also a part where they play DnD which I loved but I think the story would have benefited without the detailed description of the one shot they run, it didn't add to anything and just made the book longer.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Alaina Rose for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
I am an absolute sucker for two people chatting online while also unknowingly knowing each other in real life - it's at the very top of my favorite trope list. I like when one character is torn between this online person that they know they get along really well with and this person in real life that they've just met but have a connection with. I like the moment of realization that it's been the same person the entire time. I think over all, I just love the idea that two people are so meant to be that they met on the great big internet and in real life. Alaina Rose nails this trope in Not Looking. It's made even better by Susan not wanting to like Dillon - she's set in her ways as a 39 year old single mom and Dillon throws her for a loop with his cheery fun uncle ways. I liked how much they had in common and how easily they fit into each others lives - they have a shared love for a podcast (which is how they meet online), they both love DnD and they both have teenage girls that they are trying to do their best to raise.
This book also felt like a major love letter to Michigan - my state. I knew that Alaina Rose was local but in her writing, I could tell that she loves the state even in the fictional city that she created.
I think my biggest issue was with how Susan was acting like she is ancient - like she's only 39 but I would have guessed she was going on 50 with the way she spoke about herself. This may just be a personal issue as I don't view being in your late 30's as old but I am only 27 so maybe my mind will be changed by the time I am in my late 30's. There is also a part where they play DnD which I loved but I think the story would have benefited without the detailed description of the one shot they run, it didn't add to anything and just made the book longer.
July 14, 2025
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.75
• 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑅𝐶 ღ
🌸 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞
۶ৎ Not Looking is a sweet and honest story. It talks about love between older people and shows real-life things like divorce, parenting, loss, and starting again. Alaina Rose writes with a lot of heart, even if some parts of the story are not perfect.
۶ৎ Susan is a solo mum with a sarcastic and very realistic voice, with whom it's easy to empathise. Dillon, on the other hand, is a sweet, funny and vulnerable man, and the chemistry between the two flows naturally and engagingly.
۶ৎ It's refreshing to see a novel centred on characters over 35, where themes such as infertility, burnout and difficult family relationships are explored with tact and humanity.
۶ৎ What bothered me was the pacing of the story — it felt slow during the everyday moments but rushed through the important parts of the relationship. Some of the more intimate scenes could have been better connected to the characters’ emotions, as the sexual aspects sometimes overshadowed their inner struggles.
۶ৎ The main characters are well-developed, but the secondary ones, like Dillon’s daughters and ex-wife, could have had a bigger presence or more impact in the story. I also liked the idea of the podcast and D&D, but it wasn’t fully explored and could have been more engaging.
۶ৎ Told in first person with alternating POVs between Susan's and Dillon, the narrative is sarcastic, contemporary and emotional and full of snappy, realistic dialogue and lots of cultural references such as Taylor Swift, Good Charlotte, etc...
• 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑅𝐶 ღ
🌸 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞
۶ৎ Not Looking is a sweet and honest story. It talks about love between older people and shows real-life things like divorce, parenting, loss, and starting again. Alaina Rose writes with a lot of heart, even if some parts of the story are not perfect.
۶ৎ Susan is a solo mum with a sarcastic and very realistic voice, with whom it's easy to empathise. Dillon, on the other hand, is a sweet, funny and vulnerable man, and the chemistry between the two flows naturally and engagingly.
۶ৎ It's refreshing to see a novel centred on characters over 35, where themes such as infertility, burnout and difficult family relationships are explored with tact and humanity.
۶ৎ What bothered me was the pacing of the story — it felt slow during the everyday moments but rushed through the important parts of the relationship. Some of the more intimate scenes could have been better connected to the characters’ emotions, as the sexual aspects sometimes overshadowed their inner struggles.
۶ৎ The main characters are well-developed, but the secondary ones, like Dillon’s daughters and ex-wife, could have had a bigger presence or more impact in the story. I also liked the idea of the podcast and D&D, but it wasn’t fully explored and could have been more engaging.
۶ৎ Told in first person with alternating POVs between Susan's and Dillon, the narrative is sarcastic, contemporary and emotional and full of snappy, realistic dialogue and lots of cultural references such as Taylor Swift, Good Charlotte, etc...
July 7, 2025
Nerdiness? Check. Characters in their 30s and up? Check. Banter & awkward flirting? Check.
I love books with characters that are my age and older. Why? Because it's totally relatable. And while there are many things about this book (hello, fellow nerds!), that carried it for me. Approaching 40 and feeling ancient? Yeah, can totally relate, especially with teenage nephews who remind me I'm old. Enough of that.
Dillon and Susan's banter along with their totally awkward in-person flirting? Pretty sure I straight up cackled. They're so smooth online with one another but then once they meet in person and the dislike is immediate... all bets are off! And while DND has never been my thing, I have enough friends that play it that I understand enough about it. I don't think you need to know about the game to read this book, but it is a part of this book that features in Susan and Dillon's relationship.
This also gave me Cathy Yardley 'Role Playing' vibes (which is another book I love!). So overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read for me. I realize that some of these things are geared towards things specifically my age and nerdiness, but hey, that's my cup of tea!
🏡 Small Town
💞 Single Mom
🤭 Secret Identity
❤️🔥 Dislike to Lovers
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🎲 Tabletop (and Bedroom) Role-Playing Games
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy
I love books with characters that are my age and older. Why? Because it's totally relatable. And while there are many things about this book (hello, fellow nerds!), that carried it for me. Approaching 40 and feeling ancient? Yeah, can totally relate, especially with teenage nephews who remind me I'm old. Enough of that.
Dillon and Susan's banter along with their totally awkward in-person flirting? Pretty sure I straight up cackled. They're so smooth online with one another but then once they meet in person and the dislike is immediate... all bets are off! And while DND has never been my thing, I have enough friends that play it that I understand enough about it. I don't think you need to know about the game to read this book, but it is a part of this book that features in Susan and Dillon's relationship.
This also gave me Cathy Yardley 'Role Playing' vibes (which is another book I love!). So overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read for me. I realize that some of these things are geared towards things specifically my age and nerdiness, but hey, that's my cup of tea!
🏡 Small Town
💞 Single Mom
🤭 Secret Identity
❤️🔥 Dislike to Lovers
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🎲 Tabletop (and Bedroom) Role-Playing Games
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy
June 28, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
Girl, I feel this mom with her story at the beginning. Parenting is freaking rough. I do agree, 5 Red Bulls a day is freaking crazy, how is this lady thriving and surviving? lol, Also, I love how authors and books are normalizing D&D, like it’s a cool thing to play now and I’m loving it!
Some of the vocabulary threw me off haha, like dingleberry, wtf lol. Im 35 and the writing for these characters make them seem so much older than 40, I’m embarrassed for them at times and they are only 5 years older than me but then at the same time Susan says “Can you let a b**** live?” How do you go from dingleberry to that?
It’s kind of got a ‘you’ve got mail situation’ going on but with an online forum setting. Why do I love the nickname Juju for Julia? It’s cute. She’s a good friend. I’m trying not to give too much away but just the right amount of information lol. The conversation at the end of the book, is like the perfect depiction, had me laughing when they were trying to talks to the twins and they keep interrupting with the craziest stuff. Maybe I’m reading too much smut but when they call it making love haha it just feels off especially since they do dirty dirty things to each other after that statement.
It’s fun and cute. Grumpy x sunshine.
July 6, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Susan Merriman is a planner-wielding, sarcasm-slinging, Dungeons & Dragons-loving single mum doing her best to raise twin teenage girls. Her world is hectic, structured, and just the way she needs it to be… until it’s not.
Dillon Weaver is the laid-back, sunshine to her storm—temporarily in Starling Hills and trying to keep up with his niece while her parents travel the world. He’s all golden retriever energy, bad jokes, and relentless optimism. He’s also unknowingly chatting with Susan online as they both geek out over the same D&D podcast.
Their IRL meet-cute? Total disaster. Think soccer game sideline banter that escalates into full-on grump vs. sunshine tension. From awkward school events to unexpected game nights, their lives keep colliding—both in person and online. Sparks fly. Witty insults turn into warm conversations. And when their anonymous online personas are finally revealed… let’s just say the dice rolls are about to get interesting.
Not Looking is heartwarming, hilarious, and filled with delightful D&D energy. Alaina Rose delivers a romance that’s both real and whimsical, pairing quirky parenthood with swoony, soft moments. If you love banter, secret identities, and unlikely love stories that sneak up on you, this one’s for you.
July 5, 2025
Susan is a single mother to twin teenage girls. Dillon is the fun uncle to a teenage girl. When his brother and sister in law go travelling around Europe, Dillon agrees to look after his niece. He runs into Susan at football practice (sorry, I refuse to call it soccer 🤢🤣), school pick up and a parent teacher conference and they don’t get off to the best start. But there’s more they start running into each other, the more they both start to believe they may have misjudged the other. When they discover the person they’ve been flirting with online, in a D&D chat, is the other, they realise they have a lot in common and should give it a shot. But will Dillon be leaving town soon? And can Susan find time for love in her overly organised life?
This was a cute, fun romance. I’d recommend to fans of D&D because it was quite heavy on the references and game play but don’t worry if you’re not a fan because it’s still enjoyable to read. Susan and Dillon were entirely well matched. And it was refreshing to read a book with both MC’s hovering around 40!
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
This was a cute, fun romance. I’d recommend to fans of D&D because it was quite heavy on the references and game play but don’t worry if you’re not a fan because it’s still enjoyable to read. Susan and Dillon were entirely well matched. And it was refreshing to read a book with both MC’s hovering around 40!
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
July 6, 2025
First of all, I would like to give a giant thank you to Alaina Rose and Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to review the arc of Dillon and Susan's story.
There were so many things that I loved about this book, my favorite being the excerpts from the D&D game played on the page. This author did a fantastic job of weaving a story within the ongoing narrative, creating a fun and fresh reading experience. I do wish that there was more of the D&D element when it came to playing the game, as it gave the book a uniqueness that I have yet to see elsewhere.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to understand the dynamic between Dillon and Susan. I haven't read too many novels in which both characters are close to their 40s and dealing with mid-life struggles, so this kept me interested in how they would both grow. Unfortunately, I felt as though I was missing something between the two of them in their romantic relationship, aside from their private, intimate moments. I would have loved a few more chapters that let readers into their growth as a couple and exactly why and how their feelings for each other formed.
Overall, I would recommend Not Looking to anyone looking for a quick and easy read who appreciates millennial humor and nerdy topics!
There were so many things that I loved about this book, my favorite being the excerpts from the D&D game played on the page. This author did a fantastic job of weaving a story within the ongoing narrative, creating a fun and fresh reading experience. I do wish that there was more of the D&D element when it came to playing the game, as it gave the book a uniqueness that I have yet to see elsewhere.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to understand the dynamic between Dillon and Susan. I haven't read too many novels in which both characters are close to their 40s and dealing with mid-life struggles, so this kept me interested in how they would both grow. Unfortunately, I felt as though I was missing something between the two of them in their romantic relationship, aside from their private, intimate moments. I would have loved a few more chapters that let readers into their growth as a couple and exactly why and how their feelings for each other formed.
Overall, I would recommend Not Looking to anyone looking for a quick and easy read who appreciates millennial humor and nerdy topics!
July 13, 2025
Not Looking by Alaina Rose
Tropes: black cat x golden retriever, single mom to teenage twins, dislike to lovers, small town
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️
Random thoughts:
- Susan is a hilarious name to choose for your FMC- even if she is nearing 40, only because it’s so old school and this is a new book. It’s not a name you see often anymore.
- I love the framing of “the choice is yours”.
I appreciate LoveNotes PR and Alaina Rose for trusting me with this ARC! I was surprised, as a non-D&D player, that I actually found the gameplay portions of this book SO entertaining. I honestly preferred those chapters over the actual story within the book.
I found Susan to be almost unbearable at times- the fiercely independent “boss babe” attitude just isn’t me so it was difficult to stay with her throughout the story. I loved Dillon- he was therapized to the gods and knew how to communicate in an honest and direct but caring way, real men: take notes!
The smut throughout the book was decent but there would always be ~something~ said or done to take me out of it. The characters truly seemed older than their written ages and the pet names gave me the ick. Overall it was a fine story but I wouldn’t pick it up to read again.
Tropes: black cat x golden retriever, single mom to teenage twins, dislike to lovers, small town
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️
Random thoughts:
- Susan is a hilarious name to choose for your FMC- even if she is nearing 40, only because it’s so old school and this is a new book. It’s not a name you see often anymore.
- I love the framing of “the choice is yours”.
I appreciate LoveNotes PR and Alaina Rose for trusting me with this ARC! I was surprised, as a non-D&D player, that I actually found the gameplay portions of this book SO entertaining. I honestly preferred those chapters over the actual story within the book.
I found Susan to be almost unbearable at times- the fiercely independent “boss babe” attitude just isn’t me so it was difficult to stay with her throughout the story. I loved Dillon- he was therapized to the gods and knew how to communicate in an honest and direct but caring way, real men: take notes!
The smut throughout the book was decent but there would always be ~something~ said or done to take me out of it. The characters truly seemed older than their written ages and the pet names gave me the ick. Overall it was a fine story but I wouldn’t pick it up to read again.
July 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
Absolutely obsessed with this book! As a millennial who's nearing 40, I LOVE getting to read about women closer to my age. Bonus points when they're nerdy horndogs like Susan (and me).
Susan is content being a working single mom to her twin preteen daughters. She has her besties, her D&D group, and her new online friend who listens to the same D&D podcast she does. When Dillon pops up at her girls' soccer game playing fun uncle for a few weeks, he's instantly smitten and she's weirdly fixated on his bucket hat obsession. When he ends up in the same friend group for D&D, she can't deny their chemistry.
I love love love the banter between Susan & Dillon SO MUCH. Its so witty and hilarious and sounds like anyone in my friend group. He's SUCH a good uncle because he's emotionally mature which also helps him navigate dating a single mom who isn't even interested in dating anyone. I love the effort he puts in to breaking down her walls and showing her he's a good man. I also love how her friend group and her kids help her overcome her fears of dating and overall change in her life. And the spice? *chef's kiss*
Thank you to so much to the author & LoveNotes PR for the chance to ARC read and review!
🌶️🌶️.5
Absolutely obsessed with this book! As a millennial who's nearing 40, I LOVE getting to read about women closer to my age. Bonus points when they're nerdy horndogs like Susan (and me).
Susan is content being a working single mom to her twin preteen daughters. She has her besties, her D&D group, and her new online friend who listens to the same D&D podcast she does. When Dillon pops up at her girls' soccer game playing fun uncle for a few weeks, he's instantly smitten and she's weirdly fixated on his bucket hat obsession. When he ends up in the same friend group for D&D, she can't deny their chemistry.
I love love love the banter between Susan & Dillon SO MUCH. Its so witty and hilarious and sounds like anyone in my friend group. He's SUCH a good uncle because he's emotionally mature which also helps him navigate dating a single mom who isn't even interested in dating anyone. I love the effort he puts in to breaking down her walls and showing her he's a good man. I also love how her friend group and her kids help her overcome her fears of dating and overall change in her life. And the spice? *chef's kiss*
Thank you to so much to the author & LoveNotes PR for the chance to ARC read and review!
July 6, 2025
If you are a fans of dungeons and dragons- then this is the book for you!
I have read and loved all of Alaina’s books, so I was eagerly waiting for her next book. I was happy that we got a story about “old Suze” from Alaina’s first series, as well as lots of cameos from familiar characters!
While I’m not a DnD fan or player, I still enjoyed this book. Letting yourself embrace what makes you happy - being nerdy, going camping, reading fan fiction. It was highly enjoyable! I loved how Dillian and Susan met- first online and then when they both figured out who each other was in re life when their paths crossed. Both of them have their own lives, and are not looking for love, but they can’t help their attraction for each other, and their chemistry is undeniable!
I also loved the relationship Susan has with her teenage twin daughters, Dillian with hai niece, Brynn (and his he helps her navigate her own emotions and struggles!)
You can also expect the same fun steamy moments on this book, that is on all of Alaina’s books! 🔥🔥🔥
Do you play DnD? Or a fan of it? If so, highly recommend picking this one up TOMORROW on KU or Amazon!
I have read and loved all of Alaina’s books, so I was eagerly waiting for her next book. I was happy that we got a story about “old Suze” from Alaina’s first series, as well as lots of cameos from familiar characters!
While I’m not a DnD fan or player, I still enjoyed this book. Letting yourself embrace what makes you happy - being nerdy, going camping, reading fan fiction. It was highly enjoyable! I loved how Dillian and Susan met- first online and then when they both figured out who each other was in re life when their paths crossed. Both of them have their own lives, and are not looking for love, but they can’t help their attraction for each other, and their chemistry is undeniable!
I also loved the relationship Susan has with her teenage twin daughters, Dillian with hai niece, Brynn (and his he helps her navigate her own emotions and struggles!)
You can also expect the same fun steamy moments on this book, that is on all of Alaina’s books! 🔥🔥🔥
Do you play DnD? Or a fan of it? If so, highly recommend picking this one up TOMORROW on KU or Amazon!
July 14, 2025
Being new to this author's work and how the blurb caught my eye I wanted to pick this book up. I liked this story!
Susan and Dillion's journey got my attention! Their first meeting doesn't exactly go well. As life continues to bring Dillion and Susan together, could it forever shake up their campaigns and hearts?
The moment that Susan and Dillion met I wanted to see how things would play out for these two. They'd both been through things in their lives. I admired how dedicated Susan was to her twins, Mackenzie and Kendall, and how Dillion was there for his niece, Brynlee and I enjoyed what they brought to the story.
I enjoyed getting to see Dillion and Susan's love for Dungeons & Dragons, the secret identity of it all, and how they got to each other. I just struggled a bit at certain points.
How the Dungeons & Dragons game was part of their story was awesome to me.
With Not Looking, Alaina Rose has created a good dislike to lovers read!
Check out the author's note about the content/trigger warnings.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Notes PR / the author*
Susan and Dillion's journey got my attention! Their first meeting doesn't exactly go well. As life continues to bring Dillion and Susan together, could it forever shake up their campaigns and hearts?
The moment that Susan and Dillion met I wanted to see how things would play out for these two. They'd both been through things in their lives. I admired how dedicated Susan was to her twins, Mackenzie and Kendall, and how Dillion was there for his niece, Brynlee and I enjoyed what they brought to the story.
I enjoyed getting to see Dillion and Susan's love for Dungeons & Dragons, the secret identity of it all, and how they got to each other. I just struggled a bit at certain points.
How the Dungeons & Dragons game was part of their story was awesome to me.
With Not Looking, Alaina Rose has created a good dislike to lovers read!
Check out the author's note about the content/trigger warnings.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Notes PR / the author*
July 16, 2025
So good to be back in Starling Hills with the extended Callaghan clan. This stands alone but there are glimpses of characters from previous books - great fun!
First up though, I need to admit that I don't play Dungeons and Dragons, I don't like cargo shorts, or bucket hats, or BDSM, and I've never tried an energy drink, and yet ... I am totally engaged by two likeable and vulnerable people who open themselves up to each other and fall in love.
Susan is a single mum with teenage twin daughters. She's not looking for a relationship and enjoys her life with her kids and D&D friends, both online and in her community. Dillon returns to Starling Hills when he loses his job, and he ends up looking after his niece for a couple of months while he plans his next employment move. It's so wonderful how Susan and Dillon connect - they are so great together and I love how they manage the teenagers and their friendships. It's fantastic to see some older characters (in their forties), getting it on. This is small-town, low-angst love and I gobbled it up - recommended!
Thank you Alaina Rose and Love Notes PR for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
First up though, I need to admit that I don't play Dungeons and Dragons, I don't like cargo shorts, or bucket hats, or BDSM, and I've never tried an energy drink, and yet ... I am totally engaged by two likeable and vulnerable people who open themselves up to each other and fall in love.
Susan is a single mum with teenage twin daughters. She's not looking for a relationship and enjoys her life with her kids and D&D friends, both online and in her community. Dillon returns to Starling Hills when he loses his job, and he ends up looking after his niece for a couple of months while he plans his next employment move. It's so wonderful how Susan and Dillon connect - they are so great together and I love how they manage the teenagers and their friendships. It's fantastic to see some older characters (in their forties), getting it on. This is small-town, low-angst love and I gobbled it up - recommended!
Thank you Alaina Rose and Love Notes PR for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
July 5, 2025
First, thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC of this book. I’m not really a Dungeons & Dragons fan and I don’t really know much about it so the plot surrounding D&D didn’t really entertain me and I didn’t understand. I still really enjoyed the book. I loved the idea of a single mom trying to get life together and take care of her daughters, as well as try to figure things out for herself. Susan, our female main character is essentially running on empty. She doesn’t really have much me time. Her focus is solely on her daughters and she is a single parent as she is divorced from her ex-husband…we don’t really like him. Dillion, our male main character is taking care of his niece for a while and that’s how he meets Susan. Her daughters and his niece all play soccer. Little do either of them know, they already know each other from D&D just as different people. This is a pretty quick, short and easy read and I enjoyed it. I will say I wish we had more of a conclusion before the epilogue, but you know maybe that leaves room for another book.
July 9, 2025
Not Looking is the first Alaina Rose novel I have read, so I can comfortably say that it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone despite being part of a series.
The FMC is Susan Merriman, who is a single mother of twin teenage girls and a major Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) nerd (I mean that in a good way). The MMC is Dillon Weaver, who juggles taking care of his teenage niece while her parents are out of the country, his demented mother, and a recent job loss. Like Susan, Dillon finds solace in D&D. Neither is looking for a relationship, but you know how it goes in most romance novels. However, their way there was different from many other books of the genre, which is why I rate it four stars. The reason why I didn't give it five stars is truly my own "issue" - their kinks are just not my kinks, so the spicy scenes were not really my jam. But overall, I certainly enjoyed the book and now want to read the previous books of the series (especially Jules and Thomas' book, Relative Fiction).
I received this book as an ARC from Love Notes PR and the author.
The FMC is Susan Merriman, who is a single mother of twin teenage girls and a major Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) nerd (I mean that in a good way). The MMC is Dillon Weaver, who juggles taking care of his teenage niece while her parents are out of the country, his demented mother, and a recent job loss. Like Susan, Dillon finds solace in D&D. Neither is looking for a relationship, but you know how it goes in most romance novels. However, their way there was different from many other books of the genre, which is why I rate it four stars. The reason why I didn't give it five stars is truly my own "issue" - their kinks are just not my kinks, so the spicy scenes were not really my jam. But overall, I certainly enjoyed the book and now want to read the previous books of the series (especially Jules and Thomas' book, Relative Fiction).
I received this book as an ARC from Love Notes PR and the author.
July 14, 2025
Susan & Dillon. Susan is divorced with twin teen daughters, Dillon is single, just lost his tech job after the company was sold, is staying in his brother's basement while watching his niece while her parents are out of town. They meet and he falls first. These two are so cautious with each other I wasn't sure they were actually going to get around to doing the thing. But they do and they are lovely. They are both so respectful of each other and their current life situations. Dillon is a beautiful example of how to integrate yourself into a family. The D&D aspect of this book was so fun. I loved getting a glimpse into their campaigns. Their friends are just the right amount of meddling. Susan is a great mom and I loved how the author showed that good moms can be good in other places too (IYKYK). These two bring the spice. What I am most happy about in this book is that both Susan & Dillon were respectful of the teens around them and didn't just make an insta-family. They are happy and practical.
I received this eARC for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the opportunity.
3.5 rounded up
I received this eARC for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the opportunity.
3.5 rounded up
June 25, 2025
Susan Merriman no está buscando el amor. Divorciada, casi cuarenta, madre de unas gemelas adolescentes y feliz con su rutina entre el trabajo, su grupo de Dungeons & Dragons y mucho Red Bull, ha logrado construir una vida que realmente disfruta. Pero todo cambia tras un accidental encuentro con Dillon Weaver en un partido de fútbol escolar. Dillon, un encantador desastre con energía de golden retriever, acaba de perder su empleo en tecnología y está temporalmente en el suburbio cuidando a su sobrina.
Ambos chocan desde el principio: ella es sarcástica y estructurada; él, relajado y torpe, pero encantador. Lo que comienza como una simple molestia evoluciona lentamente en una amistad inesperada y una conexión que se fortalece tanto en la vida real como de forma anónima en línea, sin que ninguno sepa que están hablando con la misma persona en un servidor de podcast de D&D.
Gracias Love Notes por el ARC.
Ambos chocan desde el principio: ella es sarcástica y estructurada; él, relajado y torpe, pero encantador. Lo que comienza como una simple molestia evoluciona lentamente en una amistad inesperada y una conexión que se fortalece tanto en la vida real como de forma anónima en línea, sin que ninguno sepa que están hablando con la misma persona en un servidor de podcast de D&D.
Gracias Love Notes por el ARC.
July 3, 2025
Receive this book as an ARC!
I loved this book way more than I expected to! Not Looking is exactly what you pick up when you want a feel-good small town romance with just the right amount of steam, sass, and sweet family moments. Susan and Dillon banter between each other it was amazing, the nerdy references, the awkward flirting… it’s adorable. I also liked that they’re both grown-ups with real-life problems. There’s no billionaire or fake fiancé twist here just two people who weren’t looking for anything but found each other anyway.
My only tiny complaint is that I wish there’d been a bit more spice “scenes” only because I love spicy books, but this is my first time ever reading a book that the main characters are older people and I have to say I liked it more than I thought I would.
If you like small town romance, geeky vibes (hello, dice rolls and podcast fandom), and characters who feel like people you’d actually want to hang out with, add this to your TBR.
I loved this book way more than I expected to! Not Looking is exactly what you pick up when you want a feel-good small town romance with just the right amount of steam, sass, and sweet family moments. Susan and Dillon banter between each other it was amazing, the nerdy references, the awkward flirting… it’s adorable. I also liked that they’re both grown-ups with real-life problems. There’s no billionaire or fake fiancé twist here just two people who weren’t looking for anything but found each other anyway.
My only tiny complaint is that I wish there’d been a bit more spice “scenes” only because I love spicy books, but this is my first time ever reading a book that the main characters are older people and I have to say I liked it more than I thought I would.
If you like small town romance, geeky vibes (hello, dice rolls and podcast fandom), and characters who feel like people you’d actually want to hang out with, add this to your TBR.
July 6, 2025
okay this was actually really good. I'm not big into D&D (like, I legit don't know much about it other than from seeing stuff my sister does) but i was very intrigued throughout. I didn't feel very lost, and I was giggling so much.
I really loved the aspect of both MMCs being 39/40, and as a Millennial myself I was cracking up throughout at the references. Seeing Susan be a badass single mom was awesome, and I love how Dillon just fit right in despite not having kids himself. his relationship with Bryn was SO SWEET!! she really needs her uncledill and hes there no matter what.
The dom/sub aspect was nice, though imo i wish it would have been played out just a tad longer - it was so fun seeing their chemistry work out. and oh my God Dillon is a consent KING 😩😩🖤🖤
all-in-all this was a great read, and I finished it within a day!
thank you, Alaina and love notes PR, for the ARC in exchange for a an honest review 🫶
I really loved the aspect of both MMCs being 39/40, and as a Millennial myself I was cracking up throughout at the references. Seeing Susan be a badass single mom was awesome, and I love how Dillon just fit right in despite not having kids himself. his relationship with Bryn was SO SWEET!! she really needs her uncledill and hes there no matter what.
The dom/sub aspect was nice, though imo i wish it would have been played out just a tad longer - it was so fun seeing their chemistry work out. and oh my God Dillon is a consent KING 😩😩🖤🖤
all-in-all this was a great read, and I finished it within a day!
thank you, Alaina and love notes PR, for the ARC in exchange for a an honest review 🫶
July 6, 2025
This book for me was a solid 3.5 but I'm rounding up for the banter!
Susan and Dillion live very different lives but share a lot of similar interests. I enjoyed the dislike to love vibe and the sassiness between the characters at the beginning of the book. David is sweet and funny and full of live, and poor susan is out here just trying to survive and make time for her herself while trying to survive her teenage daughters.
This is the second D&D themed romance book I have read this year and while I love the references and generally nerdiness of the book. I will say I lose interest while reading about a campaign play. This is probably a personal preference though as I'm sure those who are more into tabletop RPG games would enjoy this more. I also feel like while this book is enjoyable to all readers, it will be more appealing to those who understand and appreciate all of the references in the book!
Susan and Dillion live very different lives but share a lot of similar interests. I enjoyed the dislike to love vibe and the sassiness between the characters at the beginning of the book. David is sweet and funny and full of live, and poor susan is out here just trying to survive and make time for her herself while trying to survive her teenage daughters.
This is the second D&D themed romance book I have read this year and while I love the references and generally nerdiness of the book. I will say I lose interest while reading about a campaign play. This is probably a personal preference though as I'm sure those who are more into tabletop RPG games would enjoy this more. I also feel like while this book is enjoyable to all readers, it will be more appealing to those who understand and appreciate all of the references in the book!
July 14, 2025
Firstly, a huge thanks to @lovenotes.pr for allowing me access to this ARC.
I do love me a single-parent trope. I enjoyed the concept of the book and seeing how Susan - a single mum - navigated life with her twin girls. How she done everything she could to give her girls best the life - even if she was struggling herself.
Susan gets no time to herself. Making sure her girls are OK is her number one priority. She needs time to heal and allow herself to feel and work through her trauma and emotions.
Then we meet Dillon. He’s a handsome guy who is currently looking after his niece. He’s living in his brothers basement whilst he finds himself again.
This was an interesting, deep and emotional read at times. It’s a book about finding yourself again, working through trauma and allowing yourself to be in the feels when you need.
Alaina Rose writes these characters with a lot of emotion, consideration and intricacy. I do feel that at times their romance was a little flat and I wasn’t feeling it but that was probably just me and how I perceived the characters at times.
Again, thanks for having me @lovenotes.pr!
I do love me a single-parent trope. I enjoyed the concept of the book and seeing how Susan - a single mum - navigated life with her twin girls. How she done everything she could to give her girls best the life - even if she was struggling herself.
Susan gets no time to herself. Making sure her girls are OK is her number one priority. She needs time to heal and allow herself to feel and work through her trauma and emotions.
Then we meet Dillon. He’s a handsome guy who is currently looking after his niece. He’s living in his brothers basement whilst he finds himself again.
This was an interesting, deep and emotional read at times. It’s a book about finding yourself again, working through trauma and allowing yourself to be in the feels when you need.
Alaina Rose writes these characters with a lot of emotion, consideration and intricacy. I do feel that at times their romance was a little flat and I wasn’t feeling it but that was probably just me and how I perceived the characters at times.
Again, thanks for having me @lovenotes.pr!
July 13, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC from Lovenotes. Sorry I am posting this a couple days later than I wanted but I’ve been nesting and trying to get everything ready for my baby’s arrival. This book was adorable. I loved diving into Susan and Dillon’s story! We first learn a little bit about Susan, she’s a single mom of teenage girls who has an addiction to Red Bull and D&D. Then we meet uncle Dillon, who is taking care of his niece while her parents are on a kid free vacation. When they meet on the soccer field Dillion can NOT stop trying to talk to Susan, even though she has no interest in anything he is saying or doing. Getting to watch their friendship grow felt so special! I love that they chat with “random” people in the servers while listening to the D&D podcast, only to find out they aren’t random people! If you need/want a good nerdy romance this book right here is the book for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
✨Book Review: Not Looking by Alaina Rose✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book made my nerdy little heart so incredibly happy. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed in a romance: charming, geeky, heartfelt, and hilarious.
Susan and Dillon are pure opposites in the most golden retriever meets black cat way—and I was absolutely living for every moment of their dynamic. Susan’s sarcasm and guarded heart clashing (and then melting) under Dillon’s sunshiney persistence gave me ALL the swoons.
But what truly sealed the deal? The unapologetic nerdiness. Tabletop card games, Dungeons & Dragons, comic shops… I felt so seen. There’s something magical about reading a love story that embraces niche passions like these, and Not Looking does it perfectly.
Also, I’m not saying Dillon convinced me to bring back bucket hats… but I’m not not saying it either. 🧢💁🏻♀️
If you love quirky, slow-burn romcoms with heart and humor—and a healthy dose of geek culture—Not Looking is a must-add to your TBR. 🎲💘📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book made my nerdy little heart so incredibly happy. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed in a romance: charming, geeky, heartfelt, and hilarious.
Susan and Dillon are pure opposites in the most golden retriever meets black cat way—and I was absolutely living for every moment of their dynamic. Susan’s sarcasm and guarded heart clashing (and then melting) under Dillon’s sunshiney persistence gave me ALL the swoons.
But what truly sealed the deal? The unapologetic nerdiness. Tabletop card games, Dungeons & Dragons, comic shops… I felt so seen. There’s something magical about reading a love story that embraces niche passions like these, and Not Looking does it perfectly.
Also, I’m not saying Dillon convinced me to bring back bucket hats… but I’m not not saying it either. 🧢💁🏻♀️
If you love quirky, slow-burn romcoms with heart and humor—and a healthy dose of geek culture—Not Looking is a must-add to your TBR. 🎲💘📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews