What do you think?
Rate this book
Hopeful Romantics
Sumaya Kasimu is a love cynic. Perpetually entangled in relationships that drain her time and energy, her most recent breakup only reinforces her belief that love is a letdown. Dating doesn’t excite her. It exhausts her. To her friends, she’s the designated heartbreaker, the one who walks away before things have the chance to fall apart.
After yet another failed office romance, Maya swears off dating. Especially anyone from work. It’s a foolproof rule. That is, until a new hire from New York is placed under her wing. Suddenly, he’s challenging her at every turn, questioning how she interacts with authors, how she handles conflict, even how she sees herself. His persistence grates on her nerves… until she realizes it doesn’t feel like criticism. It feels like care.
After yet another failed office romance, Maya swears off dating. Especially anyone from work. It’s a foolproof rule. That is, until a new hire from New York is placed under her wing. Suddenly, he’s challenging her at every turn, questioning how she interacts with authors, how she handles conflict, even how she sees herself. His persistence grates on her nerves… until she realizes it doesn’t feel like criticism. It feels like care.
- GenresRomance
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
7 people are currently reading
1492 people want to read
About the author
Susan Rufai
2 books17 followersSusan's literary journey is driven by her love for reading and a passion for sharing unique stories of love, self-improvement, and personal growth. Her debut manuscript, "Bisola: Finding Home," marks a significant milestone in her creative endeavors. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural background and life experiences, Susan crafts stories that deeply resonate with readers, touching their hearts and minds. Beyond her professional pursuits, she values her roles as a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She cherishes the connections she has formed with people from diverse backgrounds, which enrich her understanding of the world and inspire her storytelling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 14, 2026
This is a Romance. I loved this book so much. I got totally pulled into this book, and I just loved it from the first page to the last page. Great read. I loved the characters and that there was book stuff in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
July 6, 2025
Hopeful Romantics
ARC review on behalf of Susan Rufai and Booksirens
I received this book for free for my honest review.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. Romance is not a genre I read often, but Hopeful Romantics was a breath of fresh air.
Sumaya Maya was very relatable. There were times that I was frustrated with her. I hated her being so fearful. But I also commend her being true to her process.
Damien is the man we all need want and desire however the build up of his relationship with Maya begs to wonder- is it truly hard for us to identify the things we want in a partner when it’s staring right at us.
This story touched on many things, death, grief, fidelity, esteem and more. This was a great short read. It’s very easy to get swept up in the characters and feel connected to the story as a whole,
A quote that stood out to me, “loneliness can have you bringing people into your life that aren’t good for you just to fill the emptiness.”
Don’t take my word for it, read it for yourself.
ARC review on behalf of Susan Rufai and Booksirens
I received this book for free for my honest review.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. Romance is not a genre I read often, but Hopeful Romantics was a breath of fresh air.
Sumaya Maya was very relatable. There were times that I was frustrated with her. I hated her being so fearful. But I also commend her being true to her process.
Damien is the man we all need want and desire however the build up of his relationship with Maya begs to wonder- is it truly hard for us to identify the things we want in a partner when it’s staring right at us.
This story touched on many things, death, grief, fidelity, esteem and more. This was a great short read. It’s very easy to get swept up in the characters and feel connected to the story as a whole,
A quote that stood out to me, “loneliness can have you bringing people into your life that aren’t good for you just to fill the emptiness.”
Don’t take my word for it, read it for yourself.
July 7, 2025
Another great arc read. In this book we follow Samaya (Maya to her friends) and Damian in their rocky start, their he falls first and harder, their she is terrified of love story that ends a the sweetest HEA ever.
Maya, or fierce now senior Editor of Peelback Publishing who is scared of love as she has only even witnessed the trauma that comes if it fails. Is reluctant to have any relationship turn into something serious.
Damian the new guy in the office who our FMC has to show the ropes to bring him up to speed, forces her to stand up for herself and her writers. Encourages her to allow love to happen.
Filled with real heartbreaking plot lines and character development some of us could learn from I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book
4/5 but only because I want to see more of them, and the 1 year jump seemed too quick but that’s just my opinion xx
Maya, or fierce now senior Editor of Peelback Publishing who is scared of love as she has only even witnessed the trauma that comes if it fails. Is reluctant to have any relationship turn into something serious.
Damian the new guy in the office who our FMC has to show the ropes to bring him up to speed, forces her to stand up for herself and her writers. Encourages her to allow love to happen.
Filled with real heartbreaking plot lines and character development some of us could learn from I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book
4/5 but only because I want to see more of them, and the 1 year jump seemed too quick but that’s just my opinion xx
July 21, 2025
“Loneliness can have you bringing people into your life that aren’t good for you, just to fill the emptiness.”
Maya just got out of a relationship with someone at work and she vows not to bring that kind of drama into her life again. She’s a love cynic until she meets Damian, the new hire. He’s a hopeful (not hopeless) romantic. Does she dare date another coworker?
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The voice is strong, and the setup is quite promising from the get-go.
Maya is a people pleaser with a toxic tendency to fall for her coworkers. Her last workplace romance ended so badly that she still has emotional whiplash. It wasn’t just that Maya and Ramon weren’t a good fit, but he was trying to mold her into his life, ignoring the reality of her own. Kudos to Maya for having the personal strength to end it, but the guilt of the breakout keeps her from really moving on. You can feel the weight of her choices and her internal tug-of-war as she navigates office politics, but you might also get just as mad as I was for Maya every time Ramon tries to make her feel bad for ending their relationship.
It’s not all relationship woes for Maya; she’s also navigating her position in a company that promotes diversity but doesn’t always live up to that pledge. Maya sometimes feels like the token diversity hire, but she’s also sometimes treated like one, too. I’m not sure if I was madder at Ramon for how he acted post-break-up or the other dude bros and her sometimes micro-aggressive boss Bruce.
“Moments like this are when I doubt myself, questioning whether I belong in this company. Bruce constantly undermines my choices, giving amazing offers only to the books he can relate to, while paying my author’s dust. It’s a perpetual battle I keep losing.”
This book doesn’t shy away from the very real challenges faced by women of color in professional spaces — Maya must fight for almost every inch of her voice to be heard. You can clearly read the privilege in the room during the scenes at Peelback Publishing, but at least Maya isn’t completely overlooked. That’s where the weight of reality hits. The book feels contemporary and like an authentic and honest story without being overly dramatized.
Maya isn’t the only character with depth and backstory. She’s been shaped by her past just as much as the book’s love interest, Damian. He is opinionated but truthful, telling it like it is. Watching them circle each other with their emotional baggage was so satisfyingly messy.
The cast of characters feels like it’s just the right size, and they are all impressively well-developed. No one felt like filler, and every subplot added to the main story without feeling too complex. If you love realistic romances with depth, you’ll enjoy this perfectly balanced book.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery.
Maya just got out of a relationship with someone at work and she vows not to bring that kind of drama into her life again. She’s a love cynic until she meets Damian, the new hire. He’s a hopeful (not hopeless) romantic. Does she dare date another coworker?
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The voice is strong, and the setup is quite promising from the get-go.
Maya is a people pleaser with a toxic tendency to fall for her coworkers. Her last workplace romance ended so badly that she still has emotional whiplash. It wasn’t just that Maya and Ramon weren’t a good fit, but he was trying to mold her into his life, ignoring the reality of her own. Kudos to Maya for having the personal strength to end it, but the guilt of the breakout keeps her from really moving on. You can feel the weight of her choices and her internal tug-of-war as she navigates office politics, but you might also get just as mad as I was for Maya every time Ramon tries to make her feel bad for ending their relationship.
It’s not all relationship woes for Maya; she’s also navigating her position in a company that promotes diversity but doesn’t always live up to that pledge. Maya sometimes feels like the token diversity hire, but she’s also sometimes treated like one, too. I’m not sure if I was madder at Ramon for how he acted post-break-up or the other dude bros and her sometimes micro-aggressive boss Bruce.
“Moments like this are when I doubt myself, questioning whether I belong in this company. Bruce constantly undermines my choices, giving amazing offers only to the books he can relate to, while paying my author’s dust. It’s a perpetual battle I keep losing.”
This book doesn’t shy away from the very real challenges faced by women of color in professional spaces — Maya must fight for almost every inch of her voice to be heard. You can clearly read the privilege in the room during the scenes at Peelback Publishing, but at least Maya isn’t completely overlooked. That’s where the weight of reality hits. The book feels contemporary and like an authentic and honest story without being overly dramatized.
Maya isn’t the only character with depth and backstory. She’s been shaped by her past just as much as the book’s love interest, Damian. He is opinionated but truthful, telling it like it is. Watching them circle each other with their emotional baggage was so satisfyingly messy.
The cast of characters feels like it’s just the right size, and they are all impressively well-developed. No one felt like filler, and every subplot added to the main story without feeling too complex. If you love realistic romances with depth, you’ll enjoy this perfectly balanced book.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery.
August 5, 2025
Hopeful Romantics by Susan Rufai, published in 2025, is a contemporary romance novel that seamlessly blends humor, vulnerability, and emotional growth. Set in Toronto, the story follows Maya Kasimu, an ambitious editor navigating love, friendship, and trauma in a multicultural, modern world.
This novel centers on Maya and her reluctant entanglement with Damian—a sharp, sarcastic, but emotionally intuitive co-worker. What starts as a contentious professional dynamic slowly evolves into a tentative, then passionate, relationship. Along the way, readers are drawn into Maya's deeply personal world: her complex friendships, past heartbreaks, and lingering wounds from loss. Hopeful Romantics is as much about romantic love as it is about self-love and healing.
Rufai’s debut is poignant, relatable, and layered. The character work is exceptional, the dialogue rings true, and the emotional beats land hard. Though the pacing stutters occasionally, and some side plot threads fade unresolved, the overall experience is immersive and rewarding.
Maya, a guarded and fiercely intelligent editor, has sworn off love after a string of emotionally draining relationships. Damian, new to the publishing house, is charming, direct, and emotionally self-aware in ways Maya doesn’t expect. Their working relationship is fraught with passive-aggressive power plays, undeniable chemistry, and reluctant vulnerability.
Surrounded by a vibrant friend group—Whitney and Adeola, both well-drawn and distinctive—Maya begins to question her cynicism. As she and Damian grow closer through shared trauma and trust-building moments, their slow-burn romance becomes a mirror for Maya’s own insecurities and healing journey.
Maya is a brilliantly flawed protagonist—witty, self-deprecating, and emotionally layered. Her inner dialogue carries the novel with moments of raw honesty and sharp humor. Damian is the standout: an emotionally literate love interest who challenges toxic masculinity norms. He feels like a refreshing addition to the genre—capable of holding space and calling Maya in without trying to "fix" her. Their chemistry is palpable, both emotionally and physically.
Side characters, especially Maya’s best friends, are not just comic relief; they provide insight into themes of loyalty, accountability, and how women show up for each other.
At its core, Hopeful Romantics explores vulnerability, trust, emotional resilience, and the generational echoes of grief. Maya’s reflections on love—through cultural, familial, and feminist lenses—give the novel a grounded, reflective tone. It doesn’t shy away from discussing therapy, toxic relationship cycles, or grief as an ongoing process.
Susan Rufai’s Hopeful Romantics is an emotional, character-rich love story that breaks romance conventions in all the right ways. Its greatest triumph is its honesty—about love, about fear, and about the work it takes to show up for yourself and someone else.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy introspective, emotionally rich romances with mature characters. Fans of Tia Williams (Seven Days in June), Jasmine Guillory, or Kennedy Ryan will feel right at home. This is for readers who crave more than just a HEA—they want the healing journey that leads to it.
Hopeful Romantics is a slow-burning, emotionally intelligent romance that offers catharsis, representation, and heart. It’s not just a romance—it’s a love letter to the idea that we can be broken and still worthy of love. And sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is try again.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Open-door intimacy with emotional depth)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novel centers on Maya and her reluctant entanglement with Damian—a sharp, sarcastic, but emotionally intuitive co-worker. What starts as a contentious professional dynamic slowly evolves into a tentative, then passionate, relationship. Along the way, readers are drawn into Maya's deeply personal world: her complex friendships, past heartbreaks, and lingering wounds from loss. Hopeful Romantics is as much about romantic love as it is about self-love and healing.
Rufai’s debut is poignant, relatable, and layered. The character work is exceptional, the dialogue rings true, and the emotional beats land hard. Though the pacing stutters occasionally, and some side plot threads fade unresolved, the overall experience is immersive and rewarding.
Maya, a guarded and fiercely intelligent editor, has sworn off love after a string of emotionally draining relationships. Damian, new to the publishing house, is charming, direct, and emotionally self-aware in ways Maya doesn’t expect. Their working relationship is fraught with passive-aggressive power plays, undeniable chemistry, and reluctant vulnerability.
Surrounded by a vibrant friend group—Whitney and Adeola, both well-drawn and distinctive—Maya begins to question her cynicism. As she and Damian grow closer through shared trauma and trust-building moments, their slow-burn romance becomes a mirror for Maya’s own insecurities and healing journey.
Maya is a brilliantly flawed protagonist—witty, self-deprecating, and emotionally layered. Her inner dialogue carries the novel with moments of raw honesty and sharp humor. Damian is the standout: an emotionally literate love interest who challenges toxic masculinity norms. He feels like a refreshing addition to the genre—capable of holding space and calling Maya in without trying to "fix" her. Their chemistry is palpable, both emotionally and physically.
Side characters, especially Maya’s best friends, are not just comic relief; they provide insight into themes of loyalty, accountability, and how women show up for each other.
At its core, Hopeful Romantics explores vulnerability, trust, emotional resilience, and the generational echoes of grief. Maya’s reflections on love—through cultural, familial, and feminist lenses—give the novel a grounded, reflective tone. It doesn’t shy away from discussing therapy, toxic relationship cycles, or grief as an ongoing process.
Susan Rufai’s Hopeful Romantics is an emotional, character-rich love story that breaks romance conventions in all the right ways. Its greatest triumph is its honesty—about love, about fear, and about the work it takes to show up for yourself and someone else.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy introspective, emotionally rich romances with mature characters. Fans of Tia Williams (Seven Days in June), Jasmine Guillory, or Kennedy Ryan will feel right at home. This is for readers who crave more than just a HEA—they want the healing journey that leads to it.
Hopeful Romantics is a slow-burning, emotionally intelligent romance that offers catharsis, representation, and heart. It’s not just a romance—it’s a love letter to the idea that we can be broken and still worthy of love. And sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is try again.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Open-door intimacy with emotional depth)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2026
I picked up Hopeful Romantics expecting the usual contemporary romance comfort read jaded heroine swears off love after one too many disappointments, charming new guy shows up at work, sparks fly, cue the grand gesture and HEA. I was ready for something light and predictable.
But Susan Rufai gave me so much more than that. Sumaya (Maya) Kasimu is not just a cynic she's exhausted. Her relationships have drained her time, energy, and belief in anything lasting. She's the friend who always walks away first to avoid the inevitable crash, and after her latest office romance implodes, she draws a hard line: no more dating, especially not anyone from work. It's a rule that feels like self-preservation, not stubbornness.
Then the new hire from New York arrives, placed under her wing. At first, his constant questions and challenges grate how she talks to authors, how she handles conflict, how she sees herself. It feels like criticism… until it doesn't. Rufai writes this shift so subtly and beautifully that you feel it before you name it: what starts as irritation slowly becomes care. The kind of care that makes someone look at you and see the parts you've hidden even from yourself.
The office setting is perfect no over-the-top drama, no contrived obstacles. It's the everyday moments that build the tension: a shared glance during a meeting, a quiet conversation after hours, the way his persistence forces Maya to confront her own patterns. Rufai doesn't rush the romance; she lets it breathe, lets the characters earn every step forward. The emotional payoff feels earned, not handed out.
What I loved most is how real Maya feels not a caricature of the "heartbreaker" trope, but a woman who's been hurt enough to protect herself fiercely. The multicultural touches (drawn from Rufai's own background) add quiet depth without ever feeling forced. And the theme of hope creeping back in when you're convinced it's gone forever? That's the heart of the book. It's hopeful without being naive, romantic without being saccharine.
Hopeful Romantics is a gentle, introspective read that lingers. It's not loud or explosive it's the kind of story that sneaks up on you, warms you from the inside, and leaves you believing love can still surprise even the most guarded hearts.
Highly recommend for readers who want contemporary romance with real emotional weight, slow-burn growth, and characters who feel like people you could know. Susan Rufai is one to watch this debut has heart and craft in equal measure.
But Susan Rufai gave me so much more than that. Sumaya (Maya) Kasimu is not just a cynic she's exhausted. Her relationships have drained her time, energy, and belief in anything lasting. She's the friend who always walks away first to avoid the inevitable crash, and after her latest office romance implodes, she draws a hard line: no more dating, especially not anyone from work. It's a rule that feels like self-preservation, not stubbornness.
Then the new hire from New York arrives, placed under her wing. At first, his constant questions and challenges grate how she talks to authors, how she handles conflict, how she sees herself. It feels like criticism… until it doesn't. Rufai writes this shift so subtly and beautifully that you feel it before you name it: what starts as irritation slowly becomes care. The kind of care that makes someone look at you and see the parts you've hidden even from yourself.
The office setting is perfect no over-the-top drama, no contrived obstacles. It's the everyday moments that build the tension: a shared glance during a meeting, a quiet conversation after hours, the way his persistence forces Maya to confront her own patterns. Rufai doesn't rush the romance; she lets it breathe, lets the characters earn every step forward. The emotional payoff feels earned, not handed out.
What I loved most is how real Maya feels not a caricature of the "heartbreaker" trope, but a woman who's been hurt enough to protect herself fiercely. The multicultural touches (drawn from Rufai's own background) add quiet depth without ever feeling forced. And the theme of hope creeping back in when you're convinced it's gone forever? That's the heart of the book. It's hopeful without being naive, romantic without being saccharine.
Hopeful Romantics is a gentle, introspective read that lingers. It's not loud or explosive it's the kind of story that sneaks up on you, warms you from the inside, and leaves you believing love can still surprise even the most guarded hearts.
Highly recommend for readers who want contemporary romance with real emotional weight, slow-burn growth, and characters who feel like people you could know. Susan Rufai is one to watch this debut has heart and craft in equal measure.
July 7, 2025
This book easily got a 5/5 in my books. It’s a young adult/adult novel about a girl navigating through office drama with a little bit of romance. Super easy read and I had a hard time putting the book down as soon as I started!!!
Maya is a young smart book editor that deals with imposter syndrome in many aspects of her life. and Damian is the handsome new hire that challenges her perspective while carving the ice around her heart that grew from previous relationship fails. It’s a semi slow burn and their relationship had me smiling like i was reading my own love story lol.
I really enjoyed her relationship with her friends and family, each character had their own charm. The book was super relatable often reminding me of my own life experiences.
The character dynamics were great I loved her friendship with Adeola and Whitney, both charming and hilarious. Her mom a typical African mother 😂
Damian was my favourite character, although he was always there lol he meant well and is green flags all over. He gets 5 stars from me cause we love a man that listennnnnnnnss 👏🏾 👏🏾
Overall the book is a solid read and I really enjoyed the authors writing style, I will definitely be looking out for more books from them in the future and hopefully a part 2 to this novel because the epilogue was not enough!
Maya is a young smart book editor that deals with imposter syndrome in many aspects of her life. and Damian is the handsome new hire that challenges her perspective while carving the ice around her heart that grew from previous relationship fails. It’s a semi slow burn and their relationship had me smiling like i was reading my own love story lol.
I really enjoyed her relationship with her friends and family, each character had their own charm. The book was super relatable often reminding me of my own life experiences.
The character dynamics were great I loved her friendship with Adeola and Whitney, both charming and hilarious. Her mom a typical African mother 😂
Damian was my favourite character, although he was always there lol he meant well and is green flags all over. He gets 5 stars from me cause we love a man that listennnnnnnnss 👏🏾 👏🏾
Overall the book is a solid read and I really enjoyed the authors writing style, I will definitely be looking out for more books from them in the future and hopefully a part 2 to this novel because the epilogue was not enough!
July 6, 2025
A good romance novel should connect the reader to the characters, the plot and have an overall emotional impact - Hopeful Romantics did exactly that for me. The quality of writhing brought the story to the next level, you could FEEL the chemistry and intimate bonds between Maya and all the characters.
Susan Rufai also did a magnificent job in highlighting the main character’s short comings which made her so much more relatable. Maya is an anxious decision maker and struggles with her confidence at times and I loved how Hopeful Romantics took me through the pitfalls of living with such a personality - whether it be in friendships, romantic relationships or even just family. I really hope there is a part 2 to this story because I would love to continue with Damian and Maya on their journey and see how they have grown together …or apart 👀
All in all Hopeful Romantics is a great read! A stimulating and soul-moving story all wrapped up into a relatable tale that many readers across a wide range of demographics can relate to! An easy 10/10 rating - give it a chance and you won’t regret it!
Susan Rufai also did a magnificent job in highlighting the main character’s short comings which made her so much more relatable. Maya is an anxious decision maker and struggles with her confidence at times and I loved how Hopeful Romantics took me through the pitfalls of living with such a personality - whether it be in friendships, romantic relationships or even just family. I really hope there is a part 2 to this story because I would love to continue with Damian and Maya on their journey and see how they have grown together …or apart 👀
All in all Hopeful Romantics is a great read! A stimulating and soul-moving story all wrapped up into a relatable tale that many readers across a wide range of demographics can relate to! An easy 10/10 rating - give it a chance and you won’t regret it!
August 13, 2025
Hopeful Romantics is a warm, insightful, and sharply observant contemporary romance that lingers long after the last page. At its core, it’s not only a story about love—it’s a layered exploration of identity, boundaries, and the beautiful, sometimes chaotic overlap between work and personal life for a woman of color. With grounded, memorable characters and an honesty that rings true, Susan Rufai delivers a romance that feels both tender and real.
For readers who crave love stories rooted in authenticity, enriched by modern realities, and alive with both heart and thought—this one is an absolute standout.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For readers who crave love stories rooted in authenticity, enriched by modern realities, and alive with both heart and thought—this one is an absolute standout.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2026
A young professional woman has to heal her relationship with love and romance from previous life experiences her own and others to be able to find the love that she deserves. Her : hardworking, some emotional baggage. Him : golden retriever being true to himself. Absolutely great highly recommend for anyone who loves a budding romance. picked it up on A Saturday finished it by Tuesday. seriously the fasted I've ever read a physical book. here's hoping for Adeolas story in in the works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
This was a cute read and I enjoyed the comical interaction between the main characters. I would like to have read a little more detail about there time spent together that helped build their relationship, but I enjoyed this read overall. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I definitely will look for more literary work from this author.
January 14, 2026
A smart, emotionally layered slow-burn romance that feels honest and deeply relatable. Maya is a compelling heroine, and the office dynamics, personal growth, and gradual romance are handled with nuance and care. This story balances heart, realism, and hope beautifully, making it a truly satisfying read.
September 13, 2025
This book was so cute to read! Loved all the characters. 3.75 ⭐️
August 29, 2025
I was so invested in the book, and the MMC was so cute and charming. The FMC had her own struggles, but her constant concern about her ex’s feelings was a bit annoying. I understand they were friends before anything, but that drunk scene he pulled should have been enough for her to realize he was a ****.
Anyway, I really loved and enjoyed reading the book, especially her character growth.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Final rating: 3.5/5
Favourite Character: Kat, The cat.
Anyway, I really loved and enjoyed reading the book, especially her character growth.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Final rating: 3.5/5
Favourite Character: Kat, The cat.
June 27, 2025
Really sweet story about a girl struggling to accept love into her life. Found the storyline between her and Damian heartwarming. Appreciated the story with her mom too.
June 21, 2025
‘Hopeful Romantics’ by Susan Rufai is heartwarming, witty, and thoughtful.
Thanks to BookSirens for the e-ARC.
Thanks to BookSirens for the e-ARC.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews