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Only Friends
Fans of The Regency Vows and For the Love of Austen series will adore this sexy and charming rom-com debut about an aspiring screenwriter and a gorgeous model teaming up to create regency era thirst content for online fans.
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer’s block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she’s rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dashwood Bennet has been modeling for years, though recently, his current portfolio includes some more risqué shots. However, he never imagined that after his encounter with Mariel, he’d be putting on his regency breeches just to take them off again…in front of the camera.
Dash is the answer to Mariel’s prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he’s the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she’s created that captured her attention and won’t let go. Third, he’s more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he’s her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer’s block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she’s rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dashwood Bennet has been modeling for years, though recently, his current portfolio includes some more risqué shots. However, he never imagined that after his encounter with Mariel, he’d be putting on his regency breeches just to take them off again…in front of the camera.
Dash is the answer to Mariel’s prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he’s the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she’s created that captured her attention and won’t let go. Third, he’s more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he’s her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2026
31 people are currently reading
10280 people want to read
About the author
Lydia San Andres
23 books107 followersLydia San Andres (She/Her) lives and writes in the tropics, where she can be found reading, sipping coffee, and making excuses to stay out of the sun. As much as she enjoys air conditioning, she can sometimes be lured outside with the promise of cookies and picnics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
April 19, 2026
I've been dragging the audiobook for almost a week, but it's not the book's fault, at least not entirely, I've been super busy. At the same time though, I didn't feel a sense of urgency to continue the story. It was fine, don't get me wrong, and I liked it, I just wasn't in love with it.
The premise was interesting, and I mostly liked the execution, but I wish the book went a bit deeper. As is, it felt like a light, beachy read that I probably won't be thinking about for years to come. And that's okay!! I just mean that I was expecting a bit more is all.
When it comes to the MCs, I preferred Dash to Mariel, he was a lot more likable. For Mariel, it took almost until the end of the book for her to get some development, and it felt so rushed.
Romance wise, I liked them together, but I gotta say that they truly felt like friends from the get go, and I wouldn't have been mad if the book had ended that way.
Only Friends gets bonus points for all the diversity, it's one of the main reasons why I'd be open to trying more books by this author in the future.
The premise was interesting, and I mostly liked the execution, but I wish the book went a bit deeper. As is, it felt like a light, beachy read that I probably won't be thinking about for years to come. And that's okay!! I just mean that I was expecting a bit more is all.
When it comes to the MCs, I preferred Dash to Mariel, he was a lot more likable. For Mariel, it took almost until the end of the book for her to get some development, and it felt so rushed.
Romance wise, I liked them together, but I gotta say that they truly felt like friends from the get go, and I wouldn't have been mad if the book had ended that way.
Only Friends gets bonus points for all the diversity, it's one of the main reasons why I'd be open to trying more books by this author in the future.
Read
July 14, 2025things i enjoyed:
the premise! struggling screen-writer teams up with social media thirst trap influencer to create a sexy regency Duke character.
Casually queer. Dash is bisexual, not at all a part of the plot besides he is. Other queer characters and characters of color yay!
setting in NYC, loved how we get to fall in love with the city and its people along with the characters, neither of whom lived there until they were adults.
amazing, punchy start that grabbed my interest.
the not so great:
the punchy start petered out for me as Dash and Mariel were having a great, horny buildup to banging, but once they did bang we got everything BUT the penetration, which felt anti-climatic especially for the premise, and then the rest of the book was mostly implied/fade to black.
Also, the discussion of Dash's sex work on OnlyFans felt, superficial at best. It was never really described as more than thirst trapping, but I'm assuming it was more than that? I wish this nuance was explored a bit more as Dash expresses discontent with previous partners who were ashamed of his work. I was pleased Mariel had no issues or qualms, but the way it was written made it seem more like simple tiktok thirst traps than for example the sex worker in Caught Up by Navessa Allen. I was also confused that this site was called a real world name while the other ones used were made up.
the premise! struggling screen-writer teams up with social media thirst trap influencer to create a sexy regency Duke character.
Casually queer. Dash is bisexual, not at all a part of the plot besides he is. Other queer characters and characters of color yay!
setting in NYC, loved how we get to fall in love with the city and its people along with the characters, neither of whom lived there until they were adults.
amazing, punchy start that grabbed my interest.
the not so great:
the punchy start petered out for me as Dash and Mariel were having a great, horny buildup to banging, but once they did bang we got everything BUT the penetration, which felt anti-climatic especially for the premise, and then the rest of the book was mostly implied/fade to black.
Also, the discussion of Dash's sex work on OnlyFans felt, superficial at best. It was never really described as more than thirst trapping, but I'm assuming it was more than that? I wish this nuance was explored a bit more as Dash expresses discontent with previous partners who were ashamed of his work. I was pleased Mariel had no issues or qualms, but the way it was written made it seem more like simple tiktok thirst traps than for example the sex worker in Caught Up by Navessa Allen. I was also confused that this site was called a real world name while the other ones used were made up.
February 18, 2026
THIS WAS SO CUTE OMG 😭🩷
Muchas gracias a Primero Sueño Press for the physical ARC and finished copy 🩷
Only a Dominican Baddie would come up with the genius idea of creating regency thirst traps for the internet to feast upon
I truly had such an amazing time reading this, it's the perfect pick me up romance that'll make you laugh out loud and swoon all at once.
As a middle child, Mariel is literally who I see myself in. It's okay to not have everything figured out, we're only human. We know our gifts and abilities better than those around us. I truly have a soft spot for messy girls like us.
Mariel and Dash were so cute, their romance was really fitting to the novels premise and I just love how they both are with one another, it's the cutest. I also don't make the rules but having a bisexual character wins brownie points for me!
This is the perfect book if you're looking for a feel good romance but especially for all the Latine dreamers, readers, and writers!
Muchas gracias a Primero Sueño Press for the physical ARC and finished copy 🩷
Only a Dominican Baddie would come up with the genius idea of creating regency thirst traps for the internet to feast upon
I truly had such an amazing time reading this, it's the perfect pick me up romance that'll make you laugh out loud and swoon all at once.
As a middle child, Mariel is literally who I see myself in. It's okay to not have everything figured out, we're only human. We know our gifts and abilities better than those around us. I truly have a soft spot for messy girls like us.
Mariel and Dash were so cute, their romance was really fitting to the novels premise and I just love how they both are with one another, it's the cutest. I also don't make the rules but having a bisexual character wins brownie points for me!
This is the perfect book if you're looking for a feel good romance but especially for all the Latine dreamers, readers, and writers!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Atria for my advanced copy of this delightful romcom! Overall, this was such a cute and fun story. Mari is a chaotic yet relatable FMC, and Dash is an absolute dreamboat. I loved the fun twist on a Regency-era romance, with Mari and Dash setting out to create a Regency-inspired character for OnlyFans.
While their instant chemistry and bond were undeniable, the miscommunication between Dash and Mari was often infuriating. Truly, just say what you’re feeling for once, please. This definitely reminded me why I so often struggle with romances centered on characters in their early twenties, but overall, it was still a fun time.
While their instant chemistry and bond were undeniable, the miscommunication between Dash and Mari was often infuriating. Truly, just say what you’re feeling for once, please. This definitely reminded me why I so often struggle with romances centered on characters in their early twenties, but overall, it was still a fun time.
April 2, 2026
• arc review •
release date - feb 10th, 2026
thank you to atria books for a gifted arc copy of only friends, in exchange for my honest review.
———————
I enjoyed this for what it was, but I'm also glad it's over. The FMC Mariel literally couldn't communicate her feelings for the life of her and the MMC Dash was...interesting. I liked the premise of the story I just think it fell flat for me.
release date - feb 10th, 2026
thank you to atria books for a gifted arc copy of only friends, in exchange for my honest review.
———————
I enjoyed this for what it was, but I'm also glad it's over. The FMC Mariel literally couldn't communicate her feelings for the life of her and the MMC Dash was...interesting. I liked the premise of the story I just think it fell flat for me.
September 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel.
Only Friends is a novel about self-love, self-respect, and being kind to yourself. This novel follows Mariel as she works to learn how to believe that she is worthy of friends, family, compassion, a career she enjoys, and most of all - love. Enter Dash, the perfect regency 'duke' to help her along the way, and a few new bookish friends too. If you like a cute, hipster romance, then this is for you. There is also LGBT+ representation that is wonderfully done, and it's nice to see LGBT+ characters written as actual people, not as how the writer believes them to behave.
Unfortunately, I did have some trouble relating to Mariel and Dash, and I think that is because I don't live in a place like NYC. This novel felt like the characters were really written a certain way because of the setting, but if the setting had been elsewhere it probably would've been a whole different novel. While I do understand the part the setting plays in a novel, I think it's also important to remember that all readers are not from places like where the novel is set, and it might be a good idea to include things for us to grab onto in the writing.
Only Friends is a novel about self-love, self-respect, and being kind to yourself. This novel follows Mariel as she works to learn how to believe that she is worthy of friends, family, compassion, a career she enjoys, and most of all - love. Enter Dash, the perfect regency 'duke' to help her along the way, and a few new bookish friends too. If you like a cute, hipster romance, then this is for you. There is also LGBT+ representation that is wonderfully done, and it's nice to see LGBT+ characters written as actual people, not as how the writer believes them to behave.
Unfortunately, I did have some trouble relating to Mariel and Dash, and I think that is because I don't live in a place like NYC. This novel felt like the characters were really written a certain way because of the setting, but if the setting had been elsewhere it probably would've been a whole different novel. While I do understand the part the setting plays in a novel, I think it's also important to remember that all readers are not from places like where the novel is set, and it might be a good idea to include things for us to grab onto in the writing.
September 25, 2025
I really loved the general idea of Only Friends, but I had a hard time actually relating to the characters. It’s a relatively short book, so that’s kind of to be expected though.
There were lots of really cute moments that I thoroughly enjoyed too. In general, if you’re looking for a quick fun read, it will definitely get the job done.
There were lots of really cute moments that I thoroughly enjoyed too. In general, if you’re looking for a quick fun read, it will definitely get the job done.
2026
October 21, 2025Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press
February 16, 2026
Thanks Netgalley and Atria for the ARC of the Spanish edition of this book. I enjoyed reading it in Spanish and I also listened to the audio book in English. This book is so underrated and under-hyped! It was such a genuine depiction of dating with avoidant attachment style. I'm not even into regency romance and usually get bored by spice but the spice in this book was sexy! The Manhattan setting was fun. I loved the Dominican matriarchy. This book is so effortlessly gender inclusive.
February 17, 2026
3.75/5
Fun story with great characters and Regency themes.
Didn't love that it took them literally until the end to get together.
I was happy to see the trails of flirting and an open door scene early-ish into the book. It fizzled out after and we get into the meat of the story, scenes after that are closed door.
Fun story with great characters and Regency themes.
Didn't love that it took them literally until the end to get together.
I was happy to see the trails of flirting and an open door scene early-ish into the book. It fizzled out after and we get into the meat of the story, scenes after that are closed door.
March 5, 2026
Great RomCom with a unique premise.
Once i started this book it was so hard to put it down the writing was compelling and San Andres had a way to make me feel everything Mariel was feeling in every single word, She also managed to capture the complexity of interfamilial relationships in a latinoamerican matriarchy and how it also affects other relationships.
I really enjoy it being in a single POV because it gave me as a reader time to sit with Mariel’s inner conflicts and how her inner fears restrain her and how self aware she is, but the best part is how we see her character growth, and how she affronts her abandonment issues in order to try and fix her relationship with Dash.
I loved this book all around but Mariel’s all around colorful personality and style and Dash’s swoony loving personality had me stuck to that book from beginning to end.
~Blurb~
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer’s block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she’s rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dash is the answer to Mariel’s prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he’s the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she’s created that captured her attention and won’t let go. Third, he’s more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he’s her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
Tropes:
♥️Friends To Lovers
👩🏾❤️👨🏻Interracial romance
👩🏽💻Screenwriter FMC
🌶️Spicy Content Creator MMC
❤️🔥He Falls First (and harder)
💞Found Family
🥹Cinnamon Roll MMC
🤫Chaotic FMC
OnlyFriends is out, make sure to check it out
Thanks to Lydia San Andres, Netgalley and Atria for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Once i started this book it was so hard to put it down the writing was compelling and San Andres had a way to make me feel everything Mariel was feeling in every single word, She also managed to capture the complexity of interfamilial relationships in a latinoamerican matriarchy and how it also affects other relationships.
I really enjoy it being in a single POV because it gave me as a reader time to sit with Mariel’s inner conflicts and how her inner fears restrain her and how self aware she is, but the best part is how we see her character growth, and how she affronts her abandonment issues in order to try and fix her relationship with Dash.
I loved this book all around but Mariel’s all around colorful personality and style and Dash’s swoony loving personality had me stuck to that book from beginning to end.
~Blurb~
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer’s block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she’s rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dash is the answer to Mariel’s prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he’s the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she’s created that captured her attention and won’t let go. Third, he’s more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he’s her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
Tropes:
♥️Friends To Lovers
👩🏾❤️👨🏻Interracial romance
👩🏽💻Screenwriter FMC
🌶️Spicy Content Creator MMC
❤️🔥He Falls First (and harder)
💞Found Family
🥹Cinnamon Roll MMC
🤫Chaotic FMC
OnlyFriends is out, make sure to check it out
Thanks to Lydia San Andres, Netgalley and Atria for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed this book! If you like a man who knows how to weild his words, this is for you!
Dash was a dreamy, devilish duke who reminded me why I loved reading historical romance. I wish their whole project was real because boy would I eat that up. He was so kind and thoughtful, and definitely more patient that I ever will be.
I enjoyed the pacing of this book!! I also felt like the side characters were pretty well developed, and would love to read a book about them.
There were a few things that held me back from loving it. First, I didn’t love the amount of pop culture references. It’s not a bad thing, just not something I enjoy!
Second, I feel like Mariel was a touch toxic at points in this book. I understand that she was dealing with her own trauma, but I still don’t feel like it was properly addressed. She did a lot of things that were just generally bad things to do to someone, and Dash, ever the gentleman, was too quick to let it slide. There’s nuance there, and of course it’s a more complex issue than I am making it sound, but it was something I couldn’t get out of my mind reading this book.
Overall, this was a good book with just a couple quirks that kept it from being a 5 star read for me!
A huge thank you to Primero Sueno Press for the early review copy!!
Dash was a dreamy, devilish duke who reminded me why I loved reading historical romance. I wish their whole project was real because boy would I eat that up. He was so kind and thoughtful, and definitely more patient that I ever will be.
I enjoyed the pacing of this book!! I also felt like the side characters were pretty well developed, and would love to read a book about them.
There were a few things that held me back from loving it. First, I didn’t love the amount of pop culture references. It’s not a bad thing, just not something I enjoy!
Second, I feel like Mariel was a touch toxic at points in this book. I understand that she was dealing with her own trauma, but I still don’t feel like it was properly addressed. She did a lot of things that were just generally bad things to do to someone, and Dash, ever the gentleman, was too quick to let it slide. There’s nuance there, and of course it’s a more complex issue than I am making it sound, but it was something I couldn’t get out of my mind reading this book.
Overall, this was a good book with just a couple quirks that kept it from being a 5 star read for me!
A huge thank you to Primero Sueno Press for the early review copy!!
January 19, 2026
This was a really fun and quirky romcom! The characters were so fun and interesting to meet, the exploring of New York was so cool, and the amount of queer Black and Brown characters was amazing!! My only beef was with my chaotic gremlin Mariel🫠 she was such a frustrating character to read about bc of her self aware but still self destructive behavior and it was just really difficult to feel for her when she was quite literally making the choice to put herself in those situations🙃 But thankfully when she started making friends and being honest with herself WAYYYYYY later in the book, she became a much better character to stick around for. I do hope Yaz and Chase get a book bc those two were making eyes at each other and I need to see him in Prince Naveen cosplay again😭
Thank you Primero Sueño Press for the ARC!! I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with🙂↕️👏
Thank you Primero Sueño Press for the ARC!! I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with🙂↕️👏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this friends to buddies who bone to lovers fade to black romance set in NYC that follows a struggling screen writer who has trouble seeing projects through to the end and who gets captivated by Dash and his dreamy British accent.
Pivoting away from her current project she embarks on an online Dashing Duke social media story project for fun. When it goes viral though neither Dash or her are prepared for the increased attention and it puts a strain on their relationship.
Both characters has past trauma they work through in the story and I loved seeing how their HEA comes together. This was good on audio narrated by Stacey Gonzales and perfect for fans of books like Ana takes Manhattan by Lisette Decos. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: fade to black, kissing only
Pivoting away from her current project she embarks on an online Dashing Duke social media story project for fun. When it goes viral though neither Dash or her are prepared for the increased attention and it puts a strain on their relationship.
Both characters has past trauma they work through in the story and I loved seeing how their HEA comes together. This was good on audio narrated by Stacey Gonzales and perfect for fans of books like Ana takes Manhattan by Lisette Decos. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: fade to black, kissing only
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a cute romcom with such a fun, modern twist!
Mariel is a HOT MESS. She keeps getting ghosted by her dates, she lost her job, and has been trying to write her screenplay with no progress being made. She ends up having a meet cute with Dash when he rescues her. Dash is a model who is trying to explore more risqué work online. Little do they know they are about to get into a very niche, regency thirst era. They work together to create fun, seductive regency videos on soical media and online platforms.
Working together brings them closer, but this is all Mariel has been able to do right. She can't take another professional or romantic loss! Did I sometimes feel like shaking her to get it together? I did! Our FMC requires some patience and understanding, but she finds her way eventually!
This felt like a true romcom! A little cheesy, a little over the top, but all with a happy ending.
Mariel is a HOT MESS. She keeps getting ghosted by her dates, she lost her job, and has been trying to write her screenplay with no progress being made. She ends up having a meet cute with Dash when he rescues her. Dash is a model who is trying to explore more risqué work online. Little do they know they are about to get into a very niche, regency thirst era. They work together to create fun, seductive regency videos on soical media and online platforms.
Working together brings them closer, but this is all Mariel has been able to do right. She can't take another professional or romantic loss! Did I sometimes feel like shaking her to get it together? I did! Our FMC requires some patience and understanding, but she finds her way eventually!
This felt like a true romcom! A little cheesy, a little over the top, but all with a happy ending.
Did Not Finish
April 4, 2026guys i’m so sorry i tried so hard to like this book but it was just so immature 😭 like the FMC was always breaking the fourth wall and the author kept adding “(heh)” after every joke that could be remotely dirty. so…yeah i promise i tried. back to Carley Fortune ✌️☀️🌺
April 7, 2026
I just couldnt connect with this one at all. the fmc is way too dramatic and emotional and erratic lol and the mmc just isnt my type I guess
May 1, 2026
this is a shitty benedict bridgerton fanfiction. the kind of smut eighth graders be writing
July 30, 2025
Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!!
2.5 stars, rounded up!
Listen, based on the description of this book, I wasn’t expecting anything too serious or mind blowing. And, honestly, that’s why I requested an ARC. I was intrigued by the premise of it. It’s not something I’ve ever seen in a book before and I figured that even if my suspicions were correct (that’s it not mind blowing) it would still be a fun read. And, I mean, it sort of was?
It was silly and definitely had a unique concept, but I caught myself skimming the pages a few times. Not that it was boring, per se. It’s just that the plot was barely there. I mean, it stuck to what the description promised, but that’s about it. It almost read like the author had no outline and just started writing as she went along. Not that that made the book bad by any means. I just think it could have been a tad more structured. Despite being a short book, it felt like it went on forever.
I wasn’t big on either of the main characters, unfortunately. Mariel was very chaotic and she kept running away from her problems (which was mentioned A LOT—at least she’s self aware). She was OKAY, but not my favorite. As for Dash, he was also just OKAY. He was super sweet and a big cinnamon roll (also mentioned a lot), but sometimes it felt like a little too much. Like he had no flaws. And don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he wasn’t a terrible person, it’s just that he didn’t seem to have any regular ole flaws either (even his apartment was spotless).
So anyways, I think a lot of people will love this book, merely because it’s a fast read and not overly plot heavy. And I also think lots of people will love both of the main characters! There is definitely stuff to like in this book! I like how diverse the cast of characters is and, again, how unique the concept is. Unfortunately, I wasn’t overly invested in really anything that happened in it.
2.5 stars, rounded up!
Listen, based on the description of this book, I wasn’t expecting anything too serious or mind blowing. And, honestly, that’s why I requested an ARC. I was intrigued by the premise of it. It’s not something I’ve ever seen in a book before and I figured that even if my suspicions were correct (that’s it not mind blowing) it would still be a fun read. And, I mean, it sort of was?
It was silly and definitely had a unique concept, but I caught myself skimming the pages a few times. Not that it was boring, per se. It’s just that the plot was barely there. I mean, it stuck to what the description promised, but that’s about it. It almost read like the author had no outline and just started writing as she went along. Not that that made the book bad by any means. I just think it could have been a tad more structured. Despite being a short book, it felt like it went on forever.
I wasn’t big on either of the main characters, unfortunately. Mariel was very chaotic and she kept running away from her problems (which was mentioned A LOT—at least she’s self aware). She was OKAY, but not my favorite. As for Dash, he was also just OKAY. He was super sweet and a big cinnamon roll (also mentioned a lot), but sometimes it felt like a little too much. Like he had no flaws. And don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he wasn’t a terrible person, it’s just that he didn’t seem to have any regular ole flaws either (even his apartment was spotless).
So anyways, I think a lot of people will love this book, merely because it’s a fast read and not overly plot heavy. And I also think lots of people will love both of the main characters! There is definitely stuff to like in this book! I like how diverse the cast of characters is and, again, how unique the concept is. Unfortunately, I wasn’t overly invested in really anything that happened in it.
July 21, 2025
Mariel is at a crossroads - recently fired from her job and struggling with writer’s block, her dreams of finishing a screenplay seem stalled. Enter Dashwood (aka Dash), who agrees to partner with her on an unconventional creative venture: an Austen-inspired OnlyFans account. Mariel writes the content, Dash performs as a brooding, modern Mr. Darcy, and their account quickly goes viral—bringing both the rewards and complications of internet fame.
While the premise is certainly contemporary, I struggled to connect with the tone and character development. The normalization of using a platform like OnlyFans to launch a career felt somewhat underexplored and inconsistent, with fluctuating levels of explicitness that left me unclear on the intended audience or message. Additionally, the main characters felt underdeveloped—Mariel came across as flat, and Dash lacked agency.
The novel had potential, especially in its commentary on fame, content creation, and performance, but it could benefit from stronger pacing and deeper character work. It may resonate more with readers who are more in step with its generational and cultural references, but it didn’t quite land for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
While the premise is certainly contemporary, I struggled to connect with the tone and character development. The normalization of using a platform like OnlyFans to launch a career felt somewhat underexplored and inconsistent, with fluctuating levels of explicitness that left me unclear on the intended audience or message. Additionally, the main characters felt underdeveloped—Mariel came across as flat, and Dash lacked agency.
The novel had potential, especially in its commentary on fame, content creation, and performance, but it could benefit from stronger pacing and deeper character work. It may resonate more with readers who are more in step with its generational and cultural references, but it didn’t quite land for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 15, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
This was okay. It was a low angst, lighthearted rom com featuring a quirky manic pixie dream girl and a cinnamon roll hero. The premise was cute: an aspiring screenwriter and a model team up to create content in order to make money so that she can pay rent while pursing her dream of writing a rom com. Is it far-fetched? Sure. I think I would have been more into it if I’d connected with the heroine more. She was your standard version quirky girl who doesn’t have her life together. There wasn’t anything inherently complex about her, which was a shame because there was a missed opportunity to really delve into her fear of abandonment and her relationship with her mother. All we get is surface level, and it wasn’t engaging enough for me to be invested in her journey.
The hero was a sweet and patient man, and I did really enjoy their flirty banter. While they had chemistry, it felt more like a platonic relationship. Once they got together the pace started to drag for me, especially given the push and pull from the heroine. Dash was an amazing and earnest guy, and I felt like he could do better than Mariel.
Overall, an interesting storyline, but the execution fell short for me.
This was okay. It was a low angst, lighthearted rom com featuring a quirky manic pixie dream girl and a cinnamon roll hero. The premise was cute: an aspiring screenwriter and a model team up to create content in order to make money so that she can pay rent while pursing her dream of writing a rom com. Is it far-fetched? Sure. I think I would have been more into it if I’d connected with the heroine more. She was your standard version quirky girl who doesn’t have her life together. There wasn’t anything inherently complex about her, which was a shame because there was a missed opportunity to really delve into her fear of abandonment and her relationship with her mother. All we get is surface level, and it wasn’t engaging enough for me to be invested in her journey.
The hero was a sweet and patient man, and I did really enjoy their flirty banter. While they had chemistry, it felt more like a platonic relationship. Once they got together the pace started to drag for me, especially given the push and pull from the heroine. Dash was an amazing and earnest guy, and I felt like he could do better than Mariel.
Overall, an interesting storyline, but the execution fell short for me.
December 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria / Primero Sueno Press for an ARC of this book! I really enjoyed it! It was a sweet and swoony book. I loved Dash's character and how Shy and Aria become interconnected characters. I don't love a 3rd act breakup, but I could see it coming. The idea of the Regency thirst traps is so fun! I hope to see an expansion of this book into a series so we can see the love stories for Chase and Yaz. Or a prequel that shows how Shy and Aria reconnected after those 6 years. I love the queer and cultural representation that Lydia San Andres included in this book. I'm excited to read her next one!
February 15, 2026
4.25⭐️/ 2🌶️
*Thank you to Atria for providing me this book, I greatly appreciate it.
This was such a fun twist on combining the fandom of regency romances with a contemporary setting, and having our two main characters, Mariel and Dash create regency romances content! Mariel was an aspiring screenwriter and with her having the time (due to unfortunately being fired from her job) to write her screenplay, she was ready to make it happen…except she kept hitting a mental roadblock and couldn’t figure out what to write. Enter our MMC, the dashing, charming, handsome, and thoughtful, Dash! Dash was a former model, and now a content creator who did regency videos as well as ahem spicy regency content on OnlyFans. When a chance encounter brought Mariel and Dash meeting and subsequently running away from a horde of fans (you’ll understand when you read the book), the two of them struck up an idea to write, create, and produce regency videos that went beyond what Dash was already doing, and giving Mariel the chance to screen-write the type of romance books she adored!
I’ll admit, I haven’t been the biggest fan of reading regency romances, but after reading this book and the way Lydia San Andres wrote it…I may have to look into it reading regency romance books now. I think the way Lydia wrote the concept of Mariel and Dash creating regency content videos was fun and interesting especially because, it reminded me of how certain fandoms love seeing that kind of content. In addition, it felt like it was a little nod to the bookish community with the discussion of different tropes to incorporate into their videos. Seeing Mariel and Dash’s love for regency romance novels, and the overall enthusiasm as they collaborated was inspiring. Mariel and Dash knew exactly what they were doing when they wrote the scripts and brought to life the whole idea of Dash’s alter ego, and GIRL! The way I blushed whenever it was Dash’s time to film his videos and the way he spoke according to the script, PHEW MY GOODNESS I WAS GETTING ALL HOT OVER JUST A MERE BRUSH OF SOMEONE’S HAND OR NECK IN THE SCENARIOS DASH CREATED!
This wouldn’t be a romance book without the romance, and let me just say, it was a gradual build of flirty banter, playfulness, and it became evident just how much Dash and Mariel were attracted to each other from the start. The chemistry was clear as day, and I felt the connection between Mariel and Dash. The chemistry was so good that, I still keep thinking about the scene in which Dash was in the middle of filming a video, and Mariel decided she was going to play along with Dash, and….lets just say that video footage wasn’t going to be used at all! IYKYK! Plus, I enjoyed the overall way Dash and Mariel just naturally got along and they were sweet together.
My only issue with the book was how Mariel didn’t communicate with Dash. (Sigh) I know, I know that part of Mariel’s backstory was her dealing with her abandonment issues and other things that played a part in it, but the way she handled at times especially when it came to her growing connection to Dash, it frustrated me! There were times I wanted to shake Mariel and be like, “girl what are you doing?! Stop it!” There was even a point where I felt like I wasn’t liking Mariel to be honest. Although, as much as Dash was sweet and thoughtful, he also had his own flaws specifically not taking more of an initiative to say what he wanted and what he didn’t like. So, with that in mind both Marie and Dash had their flaws.
Overall, despite my minor issue with the way certain things were handled between Mariel and Dash, I still very much enjoyed this book. I think if you’re a fan of regency romances, this will be a great book to read, or even if you just want to read a book that has a fun twist on the beloved genre. I liked the sense of community and friendship that Mariel found amongst Dash and his friends who became her friends too. Mariel and Dash both felt lonely in the world, but through their collaboration they found their way to achieving the dreams they originally set out towards from Dash’s dream of designing window displays to Mariel finally finishing her screenplay and getting a deal to screen write other projects, it worked for both of them in the end. I don’t know if Lydia plans to write a sequel specifically to tell Mariel’s cousin, Yaz, whose own story seems like there might be more to discover. Anyways, this was a good book, I adored it, and more importantly I liked how Dash and Mariel eventually got to have their happy ending.
*Thank you to Atria for providing me this book, I greatly appreciate it.
This was such a fun twist on combining the fandom of regency romances with a contemporary setting, and having our two main characters, Mariel and Dash create regency romances content! Mariel was an aspiring screenwriter and with her having the time (due to unfortunately being fired from her job) to write her screenplay, she was ready to make it happen…except she kept hitting a mental roadblock and couldn’t figure out what to write. Enter our MMC, the dashing, charming, handsome, and thoughtful, Dash! Dash was a former model, and now a content creator who did regency videos as well as ahem spicy regency content on OnlyFans. When a chance encounter brought Mariel and Dash meeting and subsequently running away from a horde of fans (you’ll understand when you read the book), the two of them struck up an idea to write, create, and produce regency videos that went beyond what Dash was already doing, and giving Mariel the chance to screen-write the type of romance books she adored!
I’ll admit, I haven’t been the biggest fan of reading regency romances, but after reading this book and the way Lydia San Andres wrote it…I may have to look into it reading regency romance books now. I think the way Lydia wrote the concept of Mariel and Dash creating regency content videos was fun and interesting especially because, it reminded me of how certain fandoms love seeing that kind of content. In addition, it felt like it was a little nod to the bookish community with the discussion of different tropes to incorporate into their videos. Seeing Mariel and Dash’s love for regency romance novels, and the overall enthusiasm as they collaborated was inspiring. Mariel and Dash knew exactly what they were doing when they wrote the scripts and brought to life the whole idea of Dash’s alter ego, and GIRL! The way I blushed whenever it was Dash’s time to film his videos and the way he spoke according to the script, PHEW MY GOODNESS I WAS GETTING ALL HOT OVER JUST A MERE BRUSH OF SOMEONE’S HAND OR NECK IN THE SCENARIOS DASH CREATED!
This wouldn’t be a romance book without the romance, and let me just say, it was a gradual build of flirty banter, playfulness, and it became evident just how much Dash and Mariel were attracted to each other from the start. The chemistry was clear as day, and I felt the connection between Mariel and Dash. The chemistry was so good that, I still keep thinking about the scene in which Dash was in the middle of filming a video, and Mariel decided she was going to play along with Dash, and….lets just say that video footage wasn’t going to be used at all! IYKYK! Plus, I enjoyed the overall way Dash and Mariel just naturally got along and they were sweet together.
My only issue with the book was how Mariel didn’t communicate with Dash. (Sigh) I know, I know that part of Mariel’s backstory was her dealing with her abandonment issues and other things that played a part in it, but the way she handled at times especially when it came to her growing connection to Dash, it frustrated me! There were times I wanted to shake Mariel and be like, “girl what are you doing?! Stop it!” There was even a point where I felt like I wasn’t liking Mariel to be honest. Although, as much as Dash was sweet and thoughtful, he also had his own flaws specifically not taking more of an initiative to say what he wanted and what he didn’t like. So, with that in mind both Marie and Dash had their flaws.
Overall, despite my minor issue with the way certain things were handled between Mariel and Dash, I still very much enjoyed this book. I think if you’re a fan of regency romances, this will be a great book to read, or even if you just want to read a book that has a fun twist on the beloved genre. I liked the sense of community and friendship that Mariel found amongst Dash and his friends who became her friends too. Mariel and Dash both felt lonely in the world, but through their collaboration they found their way to achieving the dreams they originally set out towards from Dash’s dream of designing window displays to Mariel finally finishing her screenplay and getting a deal to screen write other projects, it worked for both of them in the end. I don’t know if Lydia plans to write a sequel specifically to tell Mariel’s cousin, Yaz, whose own story seems like there might be more to discover. Anyways, this was a good book, I adored it, and more importantly I liked how Dash and Mariel eventually got to have their happy ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5/5
—think Quinn-type content
—cinnamon roll hero
—heroine who sees herself as Too Much
The Basics:
Aspiring screenwriter Mariel is out of a job and a relationship, which is why she's desperate enough to ask the model she met in Regency costume (him, not her) to collaborate on a series of spicy~ videos in which he's the sexy historical romance hero of your dreams. She and Dash hit it off, becoming fast friends—which gets a little complicated when they hook up. It doesn't have to be complicated, though! Especially when the videos take off and they have their blossoming careers at stake. But... he's just so cute...
The Review:
Okay, so. I love the idea of more books about heroes with jobs related to the SW industry (and this is sex work!). Quinn is obviously taking off in a big way, and they do indeed have audios with historical romance vibes. (Although I should note—Dash's content does involve video, not just audio.) Even if this type of content isn't necessarily for me as a consumer, it should be normalized, and I love the idea of a hero vamping it up in front of the camera while the heroine writes the scripts and essentially directs him.
And while I've complained about friends to lovers before—this is basically friends with benefits to lovers. Although Dash and Mariel don't hook up immediately, it doesn't take them too long. From there, it's basically casual. This is a great way to do friends to lovers, in my opinion.
So a lot of things to like, and a lot of things different readers probably will like. For me, this was another book where I kept going, "I need his POV. I need his POV. I NEED HIS POV."
Without Dash's POV, he is just too perfect. Too sweet, too tender, too... non-problematic. And I'm not saying he needs to be terrible, at all! Obviously, if he's working in a sexual context (even if it's on the lighter side) with Mariel, I don't want him to be a creep. But he's just so... enlightened. He loves romance novels. And I'm sorry! I'm just really tired of reading about heroes who are attracted to women (notice that I don't say "straight", because Dash isn't, and I give big kudos for that—bi and pan heroes are rare in MF romances) revealing this love of romance novels.
Romances are wish fulfillment in some ways. But they have to be more than that to work for me. I don't want to read about the perfect guy. Dash would probably be a delight to date in real life. He just doesn't have enough development here.
And that's kind of highlighted more by the fact that Mariel is a lot more interested. She's a little brash, openly herself, and quirky in a way that did feel real to me, rather than put on. I wish that the Lydia San Andres had come back to a way to sum this up other than "she's afraid of being see as TOO MUCH", because... Yes, it's something lots of women struggle with, I'm sure. But I've seen it a good bit lately in romance novels and onscreen. Maybe I would be a bit less tired of it if the heroes paired with these TOO MUCH heroines weren't kinda boring. Sadsack boring or "too perfect" boring.
I think there's a lot of cuteness here, but it just felt TOO cute. A really creative premise, with a hero who just doesn't have the interiority to match our heroine. And this is just a note—I think we have too many pop culture references here. Some current, some too old. Either way, I think pop culture references date a book, the author... it throws people off the game.
If you do not mind that much cuteness, a hero who is just ready to be your feminist fantasy without any work—check this out. I'm just not quite there myself.
The Sex:
I was surprised by how tame the scenes were in a book wherein the friends with benefits element is so prominent. They are good, but I could've used something a bit hotter.
The Conclusion:
A little too sugary to really hit the emotions the way it should, Only Friends is cute... But I wanted it to be great. If a sugar rush is your thing, though, this could totally be what you need.
Thanks to Atria/Primero Sueno Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—think Quinn-type content
—cinnamon roll hero
—heroine who sees herself as Too Much
The Basics:
Aspiring screenwriter Mariel is out of a job and a relationship, which is why she's desperate enough to ask the model she met in Regency costume (him, not her) to collaborate on a series of spicy~ videos in which he's the sexy historical romance hero of your dreams. She and Dash hit it off, becoming fast friends—which gets a little complicated when they hook up. It doesn't have to be complicated, though! Especially when the videos take off and they have their blossoming careers at stake. But... he's just so cute...
The Review:
Okay, so. I love the idea of more books about heroes with jobs related to the SW industry (and this is sex work!). Quinn is obviously taking off in a big way, and they do indeed have audios with historical romance vibes. (Although I should note—Dash's content does involve video, not just audio.) Even if this type of content isn't necessarily for me as a consumer, it should be normalized, and I love the idea of a hero vamping it up in front of the camera while the heroine writes the scripts and essentially directs him.
And while I've complained about friends to lovers before—this is basically friends with benefits to lovers. Although Dash and Mariel don't hook up immediately, it doesn't take them too long. From there, it's basically casual. This is a great way to do friends to lovers, in my opinion.
So a lot of things to like, and a lot of things different readers probably will like. For me, this was another book where I kept going, "I need his POV. I need his POV. I NEED HIS POV."
Without Dash's POV, he is just too perfect. Too sweet, too tender, too... non-problematic. And I'm not saying he needs to be terrible, at all! Obviously, if he's working in a sexual context (even if it's on the lighter side) with Mariel, I don't want him to be a creep. But he's just so... enlightened. He loves romance novels. And I'm sorry! I'm just really tired of reading about heroes who are attracted to women (notice that I don't say "straight", because Dash isn't, and I give big kudos for that—bi and pan heroes are rare in MF romances) revealing this love of romance novels.
Romances are wish fulfillment in some ways. But they have to be more than that to work for me. I don't want to read about the perfect guy. Dash would probably be a delight to date in real life. He just doesn't have enough development here.
And that's kind of highlighted more by the fact that Mariel is a lot more interested. She's a little brash, openly herself, and quirky in a way that did feel real to me, rather than put on. I wish that the Lydia San Andres had come back to a way to sum this up other than "she's afraid of being see as TOO MUCH", because... Yes, it's something lots of women struggle with, I'm sure. But I've seen it a good bit lately in romance novels and onscreen. Maybe I would be a bit less tired of it if the heroes paired with these TOO MUCH heroines weren't kinda boring. Sadsack boring or "too perfect" boring.
I think there's a lot of cuteness here, but it just felt TOO cute. A really creative premise, with a hero who just doesn't have the interiority to match our heroine. And this is just a note—I think we have too many pop culture references here. Some current, some too old. Either way, I think pop culture references date a book, the author... it throws people off the game.
If you do not mind that much cuteness, a hero who is just ready to be your feminist fantasy without any work—check this out. I'm just not quite there myself.
The Sex:
I was surprised by how tame the scenes were in a book wherein the friends with benefits element is so prominent. They are good, but I could've used something a bit hotter.
The Conclusion:
A little too sugary to really hit the emotions the way it should, Only Friends is cute... But I wanted it to be great. If a sugar rush is your thing, though, this could totally be what you need.
Thanks to Atria/Primero Sueno Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 11, 2026
Lydia San Andres, go ahead and accept my award for rom com of the year!
I don’t read a ton of historicals but when I do, I’m going to grab a Lydia San Andres Harlequin Historical. This is her first contemporary book but I’m OBSESSED.
Okay so Only Friends is the love story of Mariel, a Dominican-American New York City transplant from Miami and Dash (real name Dashwood—swoon) an OF star and her actual knight in shining armor.
When they meet, Mariel is fresh off a string of bad luck. First, she finds out she’s the other woman. Then she blows up at an event planning client and gets fired. Then she gets ghosted after what she thought was a great date. And now? She’s being chased through Times Square by tourists who mistake her for a pop star that’s bigger than Beyonce & Rihanna combined. Dash is in full regency wear which feels like kismet because she recently ideated a character she named the “the Duke of Harding” (pun intended) to star in regency era spicy content.
There was a hole in the market and she filled it with Dashwood. Together they design scripts and shoot easily viral content full of Dash making love to the camera with a baritone and suggestive language.
Dash is a bit of a cinnamon roll which is the best kind of jovial, incomprehensibly hot man. Seriously, people stop him on the street to stare at his beauty.
And he wants Mariel. Which she doesn’t get. So she calls them friends that bone. And bone they do! Hot, hot, HOT on fire. I’m not sure what’s steamier. New York in the summer or their love making sessions.
Mariel is also such a vivid woman that I feel like I would recognize her if I saw her walking down the street. She dresses like she’s the main character at all times and I love the vivid descriptions of whatever zany dress she plus more combo she just put on.
This book is very fun/funny but there’s a healthy bit of reality mixed in. When we meet Mariel, she’s insecure about how she’s going to afford her life as newly unemployed. She doesn’t want to lean on her family again because she feels like an unserious person in comparison. That is when she’s not suffering under the weight of being abandoned by her parents.
Dash is a performer who feels like he’s always performing, except for with Mariel. I love that their heavy conflict (yes, there is a third-act breakup) is the two of them falling into old patterns with one another when it’s clear they can be so much more.
This is a beautiful won HEA plus general life glow-up and I think you’ll enjoy every moment of it!
Thank you to Atria for this gifted copy.
I don’t read a ton of historicals but when I do, I’m going to grab a Lydia San Andres Harlequin Historical. This is her first contemporary book but I’m OBSESSED.
Okay so Only Friends is the love story of Mariel, a Dominican-American New York City transplant from Miami and Dash (real name Dashwood—swoon) an OF star and her actual knight in shining armor.
When they meet, Mariel is fresh off a string of bad luck. First, she finds out she’s the other woman. Then she blows up at an event planning client and gets fired. Then she gets ghosted after what she thought was a great date. And now? She’s being chased through Times Square by tourists who mistake her for a pop star that’s bigger than Beyonce & Rihanna combined. Dash is in full regency wear which feels like kismet because she recently ideated a character she named the “the Duke of Harding” (pun intended) to star in regency era spicy content.
There was a hole in the market and she filled it with Dashwood. Together they design scripts and shoot easily viral content full of Dash making love to the camera with a baritone and suggestive language.
Dash is a bit of a cinnamon roll which is the best kind of jovial, incomprehensibly hot man. Seriously, people stop him on the street to stare at his beauty.
And he wants Mariel. Which she doesn’t get. So she calls them friends that bone. And bone they do! Hot, hot, HOT on fire. I’m not sure what’s steamier. New York in the summer or their love making sessions.
Mariel is also such a vivid woman that I feel like I would recognize her if I saw her walking down the street. She dresses like she’s the main character at all times and I love the vivid descriptions of whatever zany dress she plus more combo she just put on.
This book is very fun/funny but there’s a healthy bit of reality mixed in. When we meet Mariel, she’s insecure about how she’s going to afford her life as newly unemployed. She doesn’t want to lean on her family again because she feels like an unserious person in comparison. That is when she’s not suffering under the weight of being abandoned by her parents.
Dash is a performer who feels like he’s always performing, except for with Mariel. I love that their heavy conflict (yes, there is a third-act breakup) is the two of them falling into old patterns with one another when it’s clear they can be so much more.
This is a beautiful won HEA plus general life glow-up and I think you’ll enjoy every moment of it!
Thank you to Atria for this gifted copy.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to Primero Sueño Press for sending me a physical ARC of this book.
Only Friends follows aspiring screenwriter Mariel, our Latina main character, as she tries to figure out her life and passions in NYC after being fired from her job and going through a messy breakup. When she encounters the love interest, Dashwood (Dash), the two team up to create spicy regency/historical short form online content. What begins as a business partnership quickly becomes complicated when feelings and attraction get thrown into the mix.
This book might be good for you if you:
- Enjoy slow burns (and fade to black/closed door romances)
- Enjoy (sort of) workplace friends to lovers
- Don’t mind mentions of social media/pop culture in books
- Prefer books that give you a lot of description
*****
Overall, this book was a quick read, but I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second half. In the first half, the book clearly establishes this quirky, semi-distraught, 20-something who is just trying to make it work in New York and an attractive, wholesome love interest. The book was really easy to get into and had an enjoyable and unique concept going for it while still bringing in familiar storylines and tropes.
By the midway point, though, I was struggling with the writing. There were too many similes (for my taste) and the overuse of the word “flail” was a little grating. Some points of the prose also felt like jokes were made with the reader in mind or like the main character was telling the story TO the reader rather than actively living it. Given that this dynamic wasn’t established from the beginning, it felt like the main character was breaking the fourth wall and took me out of the story every time. Funnily enough, I kept thinking this probably could have been interesting as a screenplay.
I found that throughout the book some descriptions were a little heavy-handed. At first, I interpreted this as a way to give some shape to the characters but when it continued happening through the end, it didn’t quite work for me because we already knew the characters. The description didn’t add anything to the story.
I believe there’s potential here but this didn’t feel quite polished enough to me. Regardless, I have no doubt that this book will find its audience! It’s a fun read worth giving a try if the premise sounds interesting.
Only Friends follows aspiring screenwriter Mariel, our Latina main character, as she tries to figure out her life and passions in NYC after being fired from her job and going through a messy breakup. When she encounters the love interest, Dashwood (Dash), the two team up to create spicy regency/historical short form online content. What begins as a business partnership quickly becomes complicated when feelings and attraction get thrown into the mix.
This book might be good for you if you:
- Enjoy slow burns (and fade to black/closed door romances)
- Enjoy (sort of) workplace friends to lovers
- Don’t mind mentions of social media/pop culture in books
- Prefer books that give you a lot of description
*****
Overall, this book was a quick read, but I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second half. In the first half, the book clearly establishes this quirky, semi-distraught, 20-something who is just trying to make it work in New York and an attractive, wholesome love interest. The book was really easy to get into and had an enjoyable and unique concept going for it while still bringing in familiar storylines and tropes.
By the midway point, though, I was struggling with the writing. There were too many similes (for my taste) and the overuse of the word “flail” was a little grating. Some points of the prose also felt like jokes were made with the reader in mind or like the main character was telling the story TO the reader rather than actively living it. Given that this dynamic wasn’t established from the beginning, it felt like the main character was breaking the fourth wall and took me out of the story every time. Funnily enough, I kept thinking this probably could have been interesting as a screenplay.
I found that throughout the book some descriptions were a little heavy-handed. At first, I interpreted this as a way to give some shape to the characters but when it continued happening through the end, it didn’t quite work for me because we already knew the characters. The description didn’t add anything to the story.
I believe there’s potential here but this didn’t feel quite polished enough to me. Regardless, I have no doubt that this book will find its audience! It’s a fun read worth giving a try if the premise sounds interesting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
This was such a cute book, especially as I gear up to watch the new season of Bridgerton!
You can really tell Lydia’s love for regency romance in how she crafted this story and the characters. It was a fun mix because the author also blends her love for this genre with very modern day challenges, social apps, and social demographics.
This book has great representation of diverse characters including the lgbtqia+ community and latine cultural representation. These elements really add to the story and proving a better understanding of some of the lived expierence of the characters, making them more relatable. I think this type of representation is so important in what we read. On top of that, the themes that this story touches on are very relatable like being in a new city trying to find your way, scared to disappoint your family and community by failing (publicly), and the all too common feeling that you need to “have your shit together” because you think everyone else does until you find out were all fumbling through life just trying to do our best.
What I also liked about this book was the connection to using social media platforms as a job and gaining followers/community through an online presence. I thought it was especially clever how they made a subtle connection to the sometimes taboo platform Only Fans. I don’t think that that is a platform that should have such a stigma around it and I thought this book did such a great job or normalizing the app, and highlighting that it is a very valid form on income and work.
The only challenge I had with the book was the pacing. It started off a bit slow for me in the dynamics building between Dash and Mariel. I sometimes found myself frustrated with Mariel and her extreme avoidant attachment style. This is definitely a slow burn and I was almost worried we wouldn’t get a resolution at the end. However, I did really like the ending and how it brought the book full circle and even referenced some of the early content of the book when Dash and Mariel first met.
This was such a cute book, especially as I gear up to watch the new season of Bridgerton!
You can really tell Lydia’s love for regency romance in how she crafted this story and the characters. It was a fun mix because the author also blends her love for this genre with very modern day challenges, social apps, and social demographics.
This book has great representation of diverse characters including the lgbtqia+ community and latine cultural representation. These elements really add to the story and proving a better understanding of some of the lived expierence of the characters, making them more relatable. I think this type of representation is so important in what we read. On top of that, the themes that this story touches on are very relatable like being in a new city trying to find your way, scared to disappoint your family and community by failing (publicly), and the all too common feeling that you need to “have your shit together” because you think everyone else does until you find out were all fumbling through life just trying to do our best.
What I also liked about this book was the connection to using social media platforms as a job and gaining followers/community through an online presence. I thought it was especially clever how they made a subtle connection to the sometimes taboo platform Only Fans. I don’t think that that is a platform that should have such a stigma around it and I thought this book did such a great job or normalizing the app, and highlighting that it is a very valid form on income and work.
The only challenge I had with the book was the pacing. It started off a bit slow for me in the dynamics building between Dash and Mariel. I sometimes found myself frustrated with Mariel and her extreme avoidant attachment style. This is definitely a slow burn and I was almost worried we wouldn’t get a resolution at the end. However, I did really like the ending and how it brought the book full circle and even referenced some of the early content of the book when Dash and Mariel first met.
March 9, 2026
Only Friends follows Mariel, an aspiring screenwriter who is having the kind of week where everything is falling apart. She loses her job, gets ghosted (again), and her writer’s block is hitting hard. Basically she’s one spilled coffee away from a full public meltdown.
Enter Dash.
A ridiculously handsome model wearing Regency era clothing in the middle of Times Square who accidentally ends up rescuing her from chaos… and somehow becomes the perfect partner for her next big idea: creating spicy Regency romance content for the internet.
Yes. Regency thirst traps. And honestly the concept alone had me giggling.
Watching Mariel and Dash collaborate on these dramatic, romantic little scenes was so fun. You can feel their shared love for storytelling and romance tropes, and the way their creative partnership grows into something deeper felt really natural.
Dash was honestly such a sweet cinnamon roll MMC. Supportive, thoughtful, and clearly down bad for Mariel pretty early on. Meanwhile Mariel is… well… a bit of a hot mess at times. She’s dealing with self doubt, abandonment issues, and trying to rebuild her life after everything goes sideways. There were definitely moments I wanted to shake her a little, but her character growth throughout the story made those struggles feel real.
Their chemistry was playful and flirty, and I loved the balance between humor, vulnerability, and spice.
One of the things I really appreciated was how the story also touches on creative ambition, family dynamics, and the pressure of figuring your life out in your twenties. Mariel’s journey as a writer and her struggle to believe in herself added a nice emotional layer to what is otherwise a very fun, feel good romance.
Overall, this was such a cute, modern rom com with a really unique premise. If you enjoy romances with creative characters, chaotic heroines finding their footing, and a hero who is completely supportive of her dreams, this one is definitely worth picking up.
And honestly… the idea of Regency romance content creators? Iconic.
Enter Dash.
A ridiculously handsome model wearing Regency era clothing in the middle of Times Square who accidentally ends up rescuing her from chaos… and somehow becomes the perfect partner for her next big idea: creating spicy Regency romance content for the internet.
Yes. Regency thirst traps. And honestly the concept alone had me giggling.
Watching Mariel and Dash collaborate on these dramatic, romantic little scenes was so fun. You can feel their shared love for storytelling and romance tropes, and the way their creative partnership grows into something deeper felt really natural.
Dash was honestly such a sweet cinnamon roll MMC. Supportive, thoughtful, and clearly down bad for Mariel pretty early on. Meanwhile Mariel is… well… a bit of a hot mess at times. She’s dealing with self doubt, abandonment issues, and trying to rebuild her life after everything goes sideways. There were definitely moments I wanted to shake her a little, but her character growth throughout the story made those struggles feel real.
Their chemistry was playful and flirty, and I loved the balance between humor, vulnerability, and spice.
One of the things I really appreciated was how the story also touches on creative ambition, family dynamics, and the pressure of figuring your life out in your twenties. Mariel’s journey as a writer and her struggle to believe in herself added a nice emotional layer to what is otherwise a very fun, feel good romance.
Overall, this was such a cute, modern rom com with a really unique premise. If you enjoy romances with creative characters, chaotic heroines finding their footing, and a hero who is completely supportive of her dreams, this one is definitely worth picking up.
And honestly… the idea of Regency romance content creators? Iconic.
February 11, 2026
Title: Only Friends-a standalone
Author: Lydia San Andres-new to me author
Publication date: 2/10/26 | Read: 2/10/26
Format: e-Book 288 pgs.
Genre:
*Multicultural Interests
*Romance
Tropes:
*interracial relationship
*book lovers
*workplace romance
*friends w/ benefits
*Regency-themed spice
*summer in NYC
*LGBTQIA+ rep
POV: 1st person single
TW: h cheated on, financial woes, parental abandonment, controlling parent
Setting: NYC
Summary: Mariel was just fired and broke up with her boyfriend. Looking to screenwriting, her Duke of Harding Regency hero appears out of nowhere to help her. Dash is dressed as a cosplayer duke, and together they collaborate in business and more.
Heroine: Mariel Rivera-26, screenwriter of spicy historical romance shorts
Hero: Dashwood Bennett-28, model, cosplayer-OnlyFans
Other Characters:
* Yazmine-Mariel's cousin, BFF engaged to Amal, Tia Nena-her mother
* Chase-Dash's friend/burlesque dancer
* Milo-Marie's ex-boyfriend, now married
*Grace Hong-college friend w/ Hollywood producer connections
*Lady Cerulean/Milady Sandoval-a famous writer of online fanfic, has a musical career
*Georgie Hart-Queen of Hearts-writes Regency romances
*Dash's father and 2 grandmothers
*Mariel's mother-travelling, father unknown
*Aria and Shy- a psychic Mariel befriends & her spouse owns an independent bookstore
🤔 My Thoughts: Mariel and Dash were two lonely people looking to make a living in NYC and join together for some Regency fun. Mariel wrote Regency spicy romances, and Dash was her muse for her Duke of Harding. It didn't hurt that he was a cosplayer on OF, comfortable with a little steam. NYC was a character on its own with their subway adventures, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐
Spice level: 4/5🔥
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Atria |Atria Primero Sueno Press, and Lydia San Andres for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Lydia San Andres-new to me author
Publication date: 2/10/26 | Read: 2/10/26
Format: e-Book 288 pgs.
Genre:
*Multicultural Interests
*Romance
Tropes:
*interracial relationship
*book lovers
*workplace romance
*friends w/ benefits
*Regency-themed spice
*summer in NYC
*LGBTQIA+ rep
POV: 1st person single
TW: h cheated on, financial woes, parental abandonment, controlling parent
Setting: NYC
Summary: Mariel was just fired and broke up with her boyfriend. Looking to screenwriting, her Duke of Harding Regency hero appears out of nowhere to help her. Dash is dressed as a cosplayer duke, and together they collaborate in business and more.
Heroine: Mariel Rivera-26, screenwriter of spicy historical romance shorts
Hero: Dashwood Bennett-28, model, cosplayer-OnlyFans
Other Characters:
* Yazmine-Mariel's cousin, BFF engaged to Amal, Tia Nena-her mother
* Chase-Dash's friend/burlesque dancer
* Milo-Marie's ex-boyfriend, now married
*Grace Hong-college friend w/ Hollywood producer connections
*Lady Cerulean/Milady Sandoval-a famous writer of online fanfic, has a musical career
*Georgie Hart-Queen of Hearts-writes Regency romances
*Dash's father and 2 grandmothers
*Mariel's mother-travelling, father unknown
*Aria and Shy- a psychic Mariel befriends & her spouse owns an independent bookstore
🤔 My Thoughts: Mariel and Dash were two lonely people looking to make a living in NYC and join together for some Regency fun. Mariel wrote Regency spicy romances, and Dash was her muse for her Duke of Harding. It didn't hurt that he was a cosplayer on OF, comfortable with a little steam. NYC was a character on its own with their subway adventures, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐
Spice level: 4/5🔥
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Atria |Atria Primero Sueno Press, and Lydia San Andres for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
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