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Someone Borrowed

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Surviving my sister’s wedding to my ex-fiancé with my pride intact is the plan. Falling for my enemy turned fake wedding date is not.

The last thing I expected was my safe choice of a fiancé to cheat on me with my own sister. Worse, my mother is on her side.

What's a girl to do? Apparently, spill the whole sordid tale to the hot florist who has spent the last year trying to sabotage my business. Turns out I can swallow my pride, if it means I can send my darling sister the perfect floral message.

Except it might not be him trying to sabotage my business. And when he agrees to be my fake date for the wedding - despite the invitation being a joke - he suggests a little mayhem on the side, and I'm actually tempted. Especially when he shares his plans for the coat closet.

One spicy bet later, and I’m scrambling to rebuild the walls he’s taking a sledgehammer to. All I have to do is get through this wedding with my heart - and sanity - intact. But between my mother, my sister, and the florist I want to climb like a tree, that's starting to look like a pipe dream.

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2025

18 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

Anna Worth

2 books31 followers
Anna Worth was born and raised in rural Minnesota and has yet to make the leap to escape the cold winters or humid summers. Minnesota burrowed its way into her heart, so she expects she’s here to stay. She’s close with her parents and borrows their dog on a semi-frequent basis (often, for weeks at a time). He’s a superior snuggle buddy.

A lifelong reader, Anna was drawn in by the happily ever afters promised in romance novels. She decided to try her hand at writing her own and picked up the metaphorical pen in 2021. She promptly fell in love with novel writing (as expected by a few people, herself included). When health issues pushed her to take a break from practicing law after almost eight years, the newly freed time and energy allowed her to pursue self-publishing her debut, Glitter Bombs & Second Chances.

She adores writing strong heroines, sweet heroes, strong family (found or blood) ties, banter, and happily ever afters. Eventually, she may stray into writing fantasy, but love is magic enough for now.

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5 stars
64 (45%)
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54 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Alexandra.
94 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was a tough one for me to write. The bones of the book are fun; there's some good spice and a refreshingly non-toxic male lead. However, I must acknowledge that it took me almost a week to complete what would typically be a one-day read. So why didn't it grab me?

My main issue is the pacing. It is all over the place. It feels like we start in the middle of the story, which I usually wouldn't mind, except it sets up an insta-lust that somehow miraculously turns into a deep connection? And then there's a kinda pointless epilogue that feels like an excuse for a medium spicy scene.

It also seems very clear that the author is trying to set this up as a series, perhaps around the book club members. Unfortunately, I got so bogged down in all the side characters that it dragged, especially at the start.

As a bi woman, I was excited to have a bi lead, but it felt like more of a box-ticking exercise than an addition to the plot, especially since her relationship with two men is so central to the plot. Would more conversation about her past have made me happy? Or maybe more queer or male friends? I don't know. It just felt off somehow.

Also, there was so much random chat about non-alcoholic beverages (orange juice in champagne glasses, three types of soft drink for a movie date, how everyone takes their cider etc.), that I went back at one point to see if I'd missed a plot point about one of them being sober.

And if all of these seem like silly complaints to you, you'll probably enjoy the book. It's why I decided to write the review despite being a bit meh. I just personally couldn't fully immerse myself in the book as a result.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Cheyenne .
320 reviews10 followers
June 26, 2025
I don’t think I can get enough of Elle and Noah. I fell in love with them, especially Noah. I love how relatable they both seem. And the fact that he’s a florist and she’s a tattoo artist? Immediately head over hells. Especially with the fuck you flower bouquets. I also love all side characters as well. I wish I could be apart of the book club. I need to see more these girls. I highly, highly recommend this book. I’m very thankful to have been given a copy and I need to check out the other works written by this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

Genre/Tropes ✨ Tattoo artist MC, Florist MC, black cat MC, cinnamon roll MC, fake date, found family, curvy FMC, small town romance, contemporary romance, cheating ex, toxic family, flower language, banter
Profile Image for Ashley (andtheniwasbookish).
391 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2025
Absolutely adored this book! One word that came to mind (no matter the chaos and heart wrenching moments?): cozy.

This book takes place during a Minnesota winter, and all I wanted to do was get a thick pair of socks and a blanket to sit by the fire.

I thought this book was so unique in the way that we came into the story as they were clearing up their misunderstanding. Like, we got to go right past the miscommunication trope part of the story and into the good stuff. Fake dating even though they've already put it all out there on the table? Love that.

Each of our MC's still have their own stuff to work through, and they get there, but I love that they got there together (mostly).

This girl group that Worth wrote is something else!! They are so bright and colorful and chaotic, I always felt like my head was physically whipping around when they were all bantering trying to follow who was talking. It all felt so real and fun. The banter in this book was definitely top notch!

Really hoping we get to see more of these characters and more of this town!

overall: recommend!
spice: open door
Profile Image for Ashley.
100 reviews
June 30, 2025
Elle is a tattoo artist trying to make it through her sister's wedding. Her sister is marrying her ex fiancé and to make matters worse her mom is on her sister's side for the whole situation. Noah the florist next door has been giving her a hard time with her tattoo business but offers to help her make a flower arrangement message for her sister. Elle feels like she can never trust another man again but Noah is determined to change that.

This was my first book by Anna Worth and she did not disappoint. I loved this book so much that I had a hard time putting it down. What I also loved about this book was I related to Elle in so many ways which made it so easy to understand Elle's hesitation with getting close and trusting another man. I highly recommend this book. If you haven't added this to your TBR yet you definitely need to. It was one of my favorite reads this year so far. 🥰🩷🥹

Thank you Anna Worth for such an amazing ARC! 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Kelsey.
5 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book, and WOW! It was such a cute cozy read. I think I finished it in a day or two, which is crazy for me as a slow reader. I would LOVE to have a chance to meet more of the amazing characters in this book. I related so well to a lot of the characters in different ways. Absolutely a 5-Star read, definitely plan on a reread and purchasing this book!!
1 review1 follower
July 9, 2025
This book was such a cute and cozy read. It was full of sassy banter, adorable moments and spice 🌶️🌶️. I did want to dive in a little more to some of the side character but with how it ended maybe we will get to in the future …👀
I look forward to reading more from Anna Worth. Thank you for gifting me the ARC 🫶
Profile Image for Britton Ashley.
Author 2 books18 followers
August 19, 2025
The cast of characters, the town, the vibes, they were all so good!!! Anna wrote some DANG good spice, yall!!! I ate it UP!!
Profile Image for Kaellie Sanders.
42 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2025
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book in advance, t was fun! The characters were great, the story line was fun. The second hand hatred I felt on behalf of the FMC was strong… she fights through some strong feelings of betrayal from her family and there for is a less likely to accept love from the handsomely charming florist next door.

I did feel the ending was pretty abrupt but I believe it leads directly into book #2 but with different main characters.

If you are looking for a spicy, fun read with lots of family drama, this is the one!
Profile Image for Naylah.
45 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2025
Rating: 4⭐
Spice: 2🌶️
FMC: Elle Delaney
MMC: Noah Thatcher

First, I wanna say it was adorable how Noah wanted to woo Elle. He was super sweet and really thought it through how to surprise her. He took the time to get to know her and her interests.

Second, the name Noah is a personal favorite of mine, so that definitely gave him a plus from the start 😂

Third, Elle's family is so ..., I don't think I can use the right words, but they definitely stand lowest on, i'm sure everyone's sh*tlist. I'm glad Elle found wonderful friends who listen and are there for her when she needed someone. Definitely Cara, I really hope we'll get a book about her story, because she didn't have it the easiest either.

The story really had a great storyline and I was hooked to find out how it would come together about Elle's ex, the wedding, her family, the connection between the characters, Noah's history and how Elle was gonna respond to it.

Cypress Ridge is a town i'd love to get back to and learn more about, as well as the people living there!

Thank you Anna Worth for gifting me a copy. I really appreciated the opportunity to read / review it early 💕

Tropes:
🔵 found family
🔵 small town
🔵 he falls first
🔵 fake date
🔵 florist x tattoo artist
🔵 banter
🔵 dual first person pov

Quotes:
‘Noah Thatcher is infuriatingly attractive. Burn your house down, won’t throw him out of bed for eating crackers, climb him like a tree, hot.’
"All I can picture is biting it for you. Or giving you something else to do with your lips.”
”I have a feeling you’re going to be the death of me, but oh, what a way to go.”
”I’m going to need you to take me back to your place and fuck my brains out.”
”If I only wanted one night, I’d still treat you with this level of respect, but to be perfectly clear, Eleanor, I want as many nights as you’ll give me.”
’He drags the flower tortuously slow down my cheek before skating it down the side of my neck. Heat flares in my core, my panties dampening faster than they have any right to. I blame it on my dry spell while a corner of my mind tells me I know damn well that’s not it. I’m in trouble, and I’m not entirely sure I want to save myself from it.’
Profile Image for Christina Cooper.
77 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
Thank you to Anna Worth for providing an advanced copy of Someone Borrowed.

This novel delivers everything you could want in a small-town romance: charm, well-paced revenge, simmering chemistry, and a swoon-worthy slow burn that keeps you engaged throughout.

The premise alone was compelling, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. While the book does include some steamy scenes, the author thoughtfully provides a guide for readers who may want to skip them—though for those who enjoy spice, you’ll be pleased to know it begins around the 20% mark!

The story centers around Eleanor—“Elle” to her friends—a curvy, thirty-something tattoo artist running her own shop in a small Minnesota town. Her world is turned upside down when her younger sister, Faith, not only sleeps with Elle’s fiancé, Carter, but manages to convince the entire town that Elle gave her blessing. Long accustomed to being overlooked by her parents in favor of Faith, Elle is left with no choice but to attend the wedding of her ex and her sister.

Eldest daughters twist themselves in knots trying to please their parents. And the world spins round. That line could have been written for me. While my family is not nearly as toxic as Elle's, there is just something about being an eldest daughter that makes you want to be perfect.

Noah, the owner of the local flower shop, is a true cinnamon-roll hero. Though his past has a hint of mystery, his actions are rooted in loyalty and protectiveness. He strikes a playful deal with Elle: three dates (not counting his many small, thoughtful gestures) to prove himself. What follows is a tender and genuine romance that unfolds with heart and care.

One small note: the book is set in Minnesota, and while the atmosphere of small-town life is beautifully portrayed, I found myself wishing I read this during winter. The setting includes cozy, snowy scenes and would’ve added another layer of seasonal charm that fits perfectly with the emotional warmth of the story. This one might be better enjoyed with a warm drink during the colder months.


Now available on Kindle Unlimited!
Profile Image for B McMuffin.
212 reviews
August 7, 2025
I feel bad since my copy was a gift from the author but I really only liked the romance story and Its not even without its own faults. I think if the book had only focused on that and the family drama I would have enjoyed it so much more. The two MCs are fairly decently developed. Noah is the goodest of boys & every book girlies dream guy to the point he was a little to unrealistic but it wasn't anything that annoyed me. However, his secret and how that was done did. LITTERALLY AFTER MAKING A MISCOMUNICATION JOKE you're going to do that...like he could have just been too perfect & I would not have a complaint. Elle isn't my favorite FMC but I don't despise her existence, she's okay & totally justified in all her feelings towards her horrible family. I really like the romance plot, the start was a little rocky & confusing but I liked the banter & watching these two fall for each other. Everything outside of that was not that great. The family drama storyline had so much potential but it eventually fell flat. Then there is the matter of Elle's friend group & to be honest I kept thinking there are too many names. Looking back I'm pretty sure they're the FMCs of future books in the series but outside of Cara & the one that likes to bake they're all forgettable. Everything else going on in the book just felt like too much and insignificant.
I really wanted to like this book, I would not have requested a copy if I had thought I wouldn't. I may have not enjoyed it but I can see how someone may like all parts of this story.
Profile Image for Kayla C.
121 reviews
July 8, 2025
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC! All opinions are my own.
~
Actual rating: 4.5 ⭐️
My top must haves in a romance novel are great chemistry and incredible banter, and Anna Worth delivers both with Noah and Elle in Someone Borrowed. I also love the small town setting and well-rounded characters. This story is about a once-bitten twice-shy Elle, who has to attend the wedding of her sister and ex-fiancé. Elle’s tattoo shop is next to a flower shop run by Noah, who pines for her from afar after a misunderstanding. When those misconceptions are cleared up, Noah steps in as a wedding date, and later goes on to shower Elle in the love she deserves. These two are so evenly matched and although it seems like the author speeds through some of their early interactions, I enjoy that we get to see all the ways Noah shares his adoration of Elle and how her life is changing for the better.
Profile Image for Stef Renée.
1 review
July 14, 2025
Thank you to Anna Worth for gifting me Someone Borrowed. All opinions are my own.

What started from a tragic misunderstanding and separate sibling engagement/wedding hell, turned into the sweetest and cutest love story with friend support all around. Something you could only hope for in real life spawns in this tale between Elle and Noah, both sexy, spicy main characters. I was absolutely strung along by Noah's efforts in and out of the bedroom, and simultaneously, by Elle's resistance to dating. It's a fun "cat and mouse game," so to speak, for just the right duration, as to not drag it out and get frustrating, which I appreciate! The chase was just dreamy, and good fun.
The flirting between Noelle* kept hopes high, gave me a few giggles, and plenty of smiles. There was good banter between friends, making the story feel more like a movie. It was a nice balance to some of the more serious background issues, like family drama. Everything was leveled by the spicy scenes, though.
Normally, I don't read spice, but a small town trope reeled me in. Someone Borrowed was the perfect place for me to start my spicy adventure. The scenes aren't over the top or exaggerated acts that I could never pull off myself, so it's a realistic spice. It was the kind of spice that still left me feeling comfortable, if that makes sense. Noah knows what he's doing, Elle knows what she wants. &Noah is hot, period. It all just works.
Someone Borrowed was a great, flirty read perfect to indulge in for a bit of happiness.
Profile Image for Trish.
90 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this early, and it is literally one of the best small-town romances I've ever read. Filled with so much wit, banter, and moments that will literally make you laugh out loud...and the spice??🔥🔥not to mention the MMC being down bad and giving us all the swoonworthy moments. I couldn't put it down. Love love love it. I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Jenna Martel.
4 reviews
June 26, 2025
I was gifted this book by author Anna Worth, and I will be recommending this book to all my friends! I fell in love with the characters and loved seeing their development throughout the book. At least 🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the spice meter - very well written and consent was given at every turn.

I am glad this is book 1 of Cypress Ridge! Looking forward to reading more about the characters in this town. 💕
99 reviews
June 29, 2025
ARC review!

Someone Borrowed was adorable! I loved the characters and loved that they had depth to them. It was the perfect mix of cute, funny, emotional, and spicy. Elle's friend group was so fun, it made me wish I could be friends with them, too!
I was hooked from the beginning and read it all in a day. I will be recommending this book to everyone!

Thank you to the author for this eARC!
1 review
July 1, 2025
This book was given to me by the author and I absolutely loved it. The storyline is charming and sweet with just the right amount of spice mixed in. It has main characters that you actually care about and I found myself rooting for them to succeed even when things took a turn. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Ellen.
389 reviews7 followers
June 28, 2025
Amazing lovely story, I really enjoyed it
Profile Image for Kennedy Hahn.
1 review
July 14, 2025
This book was nothing short of adorable! It kept me on the hook the whole time. As a tattooed, purple-haired, curvy 30-something, having the main character share traits with me as a reader was an awesome experience. I think this was probably the first romance book I’ve read that was geared towards me this much!

This book was sweet, heartfelt, heart-wrenching at times and more importantly, believable. I don’t love reading a romance that is way too good to be true — I prefer when things feel “real.”

I refuse to share spoilers because that’s who I am, so I’m going to leave it at that! Give this book a spin if you’re into sweet, spicy, small-town romance with a fair bit of sad & laughter as well.

Adding as a note, I read Something Borrowed as a pre-release, so thank you Anna for that opportunity as well!
37 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2025
This was a cute story!
This was definitely a pallet cleanser for me compared to my normal reads but the storyline was cute and it allowed me to get lost in the story!

I loved the string tattooist FMC!

I did receive an ARC copy of this book!
Profile Image for Paige Ellbogen.
1 review
October 7, 2025
ARC Review: 3

I appreciate any book that doesn’t include a third-act break up and highlights female friendships! 👏👏 Noah is the epitome of the gift giving love language and I love the small town vibes!❤️ I found some parts hard to follow because there were so many characters to try to keep track of within conversations but would definitely read a follow up book about Cara and Jasper! 👀👀
Profile Image for Danielle Ferguson.
1 review
July 25, 2025
***I received this book for free as an ARC***

I was very excited for the concept, and enjoyed how it flipped the script with a tough tattoo artist FMC and a soft florist MMC. however, the execution of the characters and story felt like it was lacking a bit.

first, it was originally touted as "rivals to lovers". however, the conflict making them rivals was resolved in the first 8 pages, within the first scene. the banter was good, but it would have been fun to show more of their rivalry before it was resolved

the main plot point, being the sisters wedding to the ex-fiance, was very well fleshed out, with the sisters relationship strain playing through the whole book. but I wish we got to see the two sisters interact in person. we only ever see Faith through text. even at the wedding and reception, the bride and groom are never described or really mentioned more than in passing. the entire reception scenes focus instead on the main characters talking with the grooms grandparents, who are fleshed out well but never seen again after that event. Elle's dress is mentioned to juxtapose the sisters wedding dress but the wedding dress isn't mentioned. you would have believed the bride and groom weren't even in the room.

I enjoyed seeing the development of Elle and her feelings for Noah. it felt like how her feelings would have actually developed. Noah was a bit too insta-love for my taste. he was saying "I love you" after 3-4 dates which came after a year of her avoiding him during their "rivalry". in general, I wish he had been more soft than portrayed. yes, he plans great dates and is great at wooing and considering her and her feelings. his flower work is super interesting. but I really don't think he can be a soft golden retriever boyfriend if he's a hulking muscular man with a violent past, no matter the reasoning. the violent past was supposed to be his "flaw" and treated like a big deal when Elle finds out, but is pushed past very easily when he explains. he's a bit one dimensional, and a little too "perfect".

I was all for the friend group for the most part. they respected Elles boundaries for revenge until she gave the all clear, and acted as amazing friends. but I also think there were too many characters in the group. I couldn't keep them straight and ended up having to take notes to remember who was who with what backstory.

this book had great representation of disability (including a service animal) and queer rep without it feeling like it was checking a box.

I also got the vibe that the two best friends, Jasper and Cara, were being set up as a potential romance in a sequel, and I would be ALL for that. they were really well developed characters and I could see something happening there.

over all, a good read, with some issues bringing down my rating. it was an entertaining read none the less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bearyani Bookmarks.
14 reviews
July 13, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The banter? Impeccable. The chemistry? Off the charts. The fiery first meeting between Elle and Noah had me kicking my feet like I was the one who bumped into someone hot at a tattoo studio.
In Someone Borrowed, Elle - tattoo artist, unapologetic curvy queen, and secret Pride and Prejudice fangirl - needs a fake date for her sister’s wedding (to HER ex-fiance). Oh, and Noah - soft-spoken, secretly swoony florist with a tragic past and killer one-liners - steps up for the role. But what starts as fake quickly spirals into very real yearning, hilarious moments, and swoon-worthy dates that make you believe in love and standards again.
Noah is deliciously funny. This man literally injured himself just to stop thinking about how hot she is . As for Elle? Fierce, and very aware that she’s healing, not healed? She’s everything you want in a romance lead (and probably everything Noah wants too). We love an unashamed queen who knows she has some issues and wants to better herself.
He owns a flower shop. She tattoos dreams into skin. The vibes? Unmatched. 🎨💐
Noah falls first. Hard. Now let me tell you, the way he plans dream dates, knows exactly what the bare minimum is and rises far above it, and somehow makes groaning at “PITA” jokes charming? Irresistible. He’s hilarious, romantic, and has officially raised the bar for book boyfriends.
And don’t even get me started on how immersive the spice is - it never pulls you out of the moment, just tugs you in deeper 🌶️✨Perfect for a reader who doesn’t love TOO much spice and when they do, they like it tastefully done.
If you love:
💐 He falls first
🎨 Strong, sassy heroines
🏠 Small town coziness + found family
📽️ Movie references
🖋️ Tattooed pride and prejudice girls + flower shop soft boys
...then this is a book you need to borrow (and never give back). Anna Worth’s writing is gripping, comforting, and full of heart. If you had low standards before? Noah is here to raise them, with a bouquet and a well-timed wink.
Thank you so much Anna, for providing me with an e-ARC of your wonderful masterpiece. I cannot wait for the world to meet Elle and Noah. They’re not ready for how amazing this book is!
Profile Image for TheCoffeeGridReads.
16 reviews
July 15, 2025
I would first like to thank the author for the ARC I received through BookFunnel.

**Here are my thoughts:

Abso-FREAKING-lutley Amazing!!

Spice level for me was about 4 chili peppers (which means there were some explicit scenes). Which makes sense because it does say “A Steamy Small Town Romance” on the cover.

Elle and Noah are incredibly written! And so are the rest of the characters — even the ones I think that should take a long walk off a short pier. Because if you dislike a character so much for some of their actions and they are intended to be the bad guy in the story. Claps all around for the excellent writing of the author in my opinion.

The BANTER! *Chef’s Kiss* Because I am giggling and kicking my feet like I’m back in high school.

Cara and Elle’s friendship plus her friend circle/her chosen family. The way they are there to support her, but also willing to commit a few crimes (at most a misdemeanor). That’s the kind of friendship we should all have.

Cara and Jasper are like friendship blueprints! The dynamics between Cara and Elle & Jasper and Noah are the best! Jasper always messing with Noah especially when it’s about his feelings for Elle (and then Becky joins in!)

Becky is an icon! Her wanting the best for Noah and Jasper even offering advice for Noah to woo Elle. But also supporting him in making the flower shop his OWN, not just him taking it over in name only.

The brief mentions of Cara’s rabbit hole researches was one of my highlights in my notes because SAME. I go down rabbit holes when I’m researching and the next thing I’m learning about a bird’s mating dance with a hundred tabs open when I initially only wanted to check I was using the correct definition of a word.

And lastly, Elle’s family can go a place where the sun don’t shine! But Nick and Henri deserve all the ice cream in the world from Sundae Rise! (Except maybe the dark chocolate raspberry swirl — leave that for Elle!)

Overall, 5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend if you love a romance with some steam and a little comedy.

Profile Image for Sabrina | thebookishspot.
305 reviews11 followers
July 2, 2025
✨ARC Review✨


4.5 ⭐ for Someone Borrowed by Anna Worth


When this author reached out to me on booksta with an arc opportunity, I checked out the tropes and said yes please! Small town romance, with a florist MMC and a curvy tattoo artist FMC? I'm in. And I absolutely LOVED it.


It was so cute and delightful, beginning with Noah agreeing to be Elle's fake date to her toxic sister's wedding, and things escalating from there because Noah is down bad for her in the best way. He's such a green flag, but with a secret dark past (which only ended up making me love him even more, honestly) and is an absolute sweetheart of a man.


He woos Elle with flowers, sweets and books (hello, perfect man alert!) and is incredibly patient with her since she has trust issues because of her ex. She agrees to three dates with Noah, and he plans the sweetest dates perfectly tailored to her preferences, that had me swooning all over the place.


Elle is such a great FMC, strong and independent, but also has the aforementionned trust issues and a toxic family (especially her mother and sister), and I could relate to her struggles with her mother perfectly. I loved that she finally stands up to her, because the woman is horrible! Thankfully she has a found family with her friends, and I always love a found family trope!


Noah and Elle had so much chemistry, I loved how they fell for each other, though their 'rivalry' was more of a mention at the start of the book and not really explored, it set up their story and I quickly moved past it because they're just so good together. A delightful, sweet and spicy romcom I definitely recommend!


Thank you to Anna Worth for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for FN.
293 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2025
I was gifted this ARC and it's an absolute pleasure to read it, thank you Author! It delivered all the warm fuzzies I was hoping for and then some. This is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, tugging at your heart with every awkward encounter, sharp comeback, and tender moment that unfolds.

The story starts with a classic setup: opposite businesses and unresolved misunderstanding that sets the tone for our leads' prickly interactions. And yet... beneath the tension, it’s clear there’s something there - something sweet, simmering, and just waiting to be untangled.

What I loved most was how naturally the shift in their dynamic happened when they decided to clear the air and what follows is a whirlwind of a bet, flirty banter that had me smiling like a fool, and a series of delightful dates that pulled back layers I didn’t even realize I was waiting to see.

Both the FMC and MMC are dealing with their own personal baggage, and watching them support each other was moving. The emotional growth felt authentic, and the way they chose to face their issues together was the sweetest, most satisfying payoff.

This book gave me everything I want in a rom-com: laughter, longing, vulnerability, and a love that felt well-earned. If you love neighborly tension that turns into undeniable chemistry, and two stubborn hearts learning to meet in the middle, you’ll fall for this one.
Profile Image for Tay Rose.
3 reviews
July 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Someone Borrowed by Anna Worth, Elle finds herself in romantic tension with someone she thought that she hated, Noah Thatcher. After they quickly discover they are not the enemies they thought they were, Elle jokingly invites him to her sister’s wedding as a fake buffer date. Her sister who happens to be marrying Elle’s ex-fiancé. This story follows Elle as she navigates her forced dutiful role as sister and daughter while also discovering if she can ever really trust in love again.

This book was so much fun to read. It was filled with characters you can’t help but love and a HEA story that made you feel giddy from start to finish. There was
spice and romance. Elle made me want to be a part of her friend group with her easy-going attitude and their comradery paired with ever-present giggles. Noah and his friend were also a refreshing male bromance that didn’t leave me feeling icky. I loved and hated the characters I was meant to, as the author did a wonderful job at painting their personalities.

The plot was easy to follow and because I cared about the characters, I cared about what was going to happen next to them. It felt like a rom-com that I would cuddle up and watch when I would get sick, a story that’s comforting and elicits some laughter. The ending did leave me wanting a little, but overall I
appreciated where it landed.

I give this book 4 stars. Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jaime Totten .
18 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
GIFTED ARC

In Someone Borrowed, we meet Elle. A small town tattoo artist who comes from a weird family dynamic and has a found family within her friend group.

Noah, a cinnamon roll of a man, would do anything to protect the people that he loves. Which his past would prove…

No miscommunication trope here, they solved their dispute in the beginning of the book. However, a very juicy bet formed. Noah wants to date Elle, Elle has sworn off dating. I mean who wouldn’t after your fiancé cheats on you with your sister?!
Noah is given the opportunity of three dates to show Elle what kind of partner he would be. Can he do it? If he does, will she be able to let go of her past trauma and fully give her all in this relationship?

I was hooked. The premise alone is what made me want to read it but the writing is what made me stay. Her friends may have been my favourite part of the whole thing. With the possibility of Cara moving to California, I saw myself in Elle. I have a few long distance friends and it’s hard! But the love and friendship will always be there, no matter the proximity.
Also Noah? Swoon worthy, truly! The things he comes up with, not only for the dates but as gestures of his love are so cute. I’ll be sending my husband some ideas lol.

If you like spicier books, this one is open door! I don’t want to spoil anything but, it’s worth the read!!
If spice isn’t your thing, there is a guide to help you skip those parts 🥰

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Hannah.
853 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2025
You know a book is good if you decide sleep is optional. After a few false starts and DNFd working through my list of ARCs, I reached Someone Borrowed and just relaxed into it.

This is a small town fake dating romance. It’s sort of black cat (she’s a tattoo artist) x golden retriever (he’s a florist). It begins when she needs his help sending a bouquet with a *very specific* message to her sister (who is about to marry her ex-fiancé).

Each character has their own challenges - her family is toxic and controlling, while he has a past - that means they’re afraid of being hurt…but the attraction between them begins to win out.

There was so much to enjoy about this book. The banter was top notch and the found families are epic. There’s a grandmother so skilled in throwing shade she’s made it an art form, a tuxedo cat called Whiskey, guys sharing their emotions over ice cream, seriously competitive Uno, and random acts of toilets (it will make sense!). There are a few characters that I hope get their own books down the track.

This isn’t a slow burn at all and the doors - well, they’re wide open. There are definitely heavy themes surrounding family that will make this book unsuitable for some readers. It was a great read that I got through very quickly, and will be very comfortable on the TBR of any contemporary romance reader.
Profile Image for thriftlibreads.
84 reviews
July 9, 2025
“To be known is to be loved and all of that, but ugh. Can you see a little less?”

Thank you for the opportunity to read this amazing story early!

Elle(FMC) is not looking forward to attending her sister’s wedding. Why? Her sister is marrying Elle’s ex-fiancé! The only thing that might get her through the night is her fake date, Noah(MMC).

Noah and Elle leave the wedding early but can’t contain their attraction for one another. Elle is looking for a no strings attached hook up but decides to entertain Noahs suggestion. A bet. If he manages to get her off 3x before sunrise, he gets to woo Elle on 3 dates afterwards. A win-win either way if you ask me!

Throughout the story we also learn about Elle and the complicated relationship she has with her family. We get more insight into her tattoo shop, Noah’s floral shop, and the residents of their small town. Noah’s own troubled past arises which could potentially impact things with Elle.

Overall it was a great read! I loved the modern culture references within it. The open door spice was great! Intertwined with the characters witty banter and very obvious attraction went a long way. I learned to really like like both characters. I was constantly kicking my feet throughout their story. Grab a copy on July 14th!
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