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This Is Not A Romance
✔️ Nursing student? Check.
✔️ Three jobs? Check.
✔️ Zero time for love? Double check.
Emma Clark has her priorities pass nursing school, keep the residents at Maplewood Assisted Living entertained through book club, and never trust a man who doesn’t read the ingredient list on a gluten-free muffin. Love? Not on the checklist.
But when the assisted living book club ladies decide Emma’s love life needs a plot twist, they arm her with a new checklist—one full of romance tropes, strong chamomile tea, and a vintage shirt that might still smell like mothballs.
✔️ Meet-cute on public transit? Check.
✔️ Sinful smile and dark curls? Check.
✔️ Perfect casual fling? Double check.
The two checklists are separate and everything is going perfectly until, the casual bus fling ends up being the new psychiatrist for the assisted living home. Now Emma’s list is spiraling out of
✔️ Enough sexual tension to short circuit bingo night? Check.
✔️ Debates about patient care? Check.
✔️ Psychiatrist has already seen her naked? Double check.
All she has to do is check off the list and survive her shifts—without catching real feelings for the guy she promised was a distraction.
For readers who
A trope-filled checklistWorkplace romanceForced proximityFound FamilyChronic disease repSingle POVSlow burn spice
✔️ Three jobs? Check.
✔️ Zero time for love? Double check.
Emma Clark has her priorities pass nursing school, keep the residents at Maplewood Assisted Living entertained through book club, and never trust a man who doesn’t read the ingredient list on a gluten-free muffin. Love? Not on the checklist.
But when the assisted living book club ladies decide Emma’s love life needs a plot twist, they arm her with a new checklist—one full of romance tropes, strong chamomile tea, and a vintage shirt that might still smell like mothballs.
✔️ Meet-cute on public transit? Check.
✔️ Sinful smile and dark curls? Check.
✔️ Perfect casual fling? Double check.
The two checklists are separate and everything is going perfectly until, the casual bus fling ends up being the new psychiatrist for the assisted living home. Now Emma’s list is spiraling out of
✔️ Enough sexual tension to short circuit bingo night? Check.
✔️ Debates about patient care? Check.
✔️ Psychiatrist has already seen her naked? Double check.
All she has to do is check off the list and survive her shifts—without catching real feelings for the guy she promised was a distraction.
For readers who
A trope-filled checklistWorkplace romanceForced proximityFound FamilyChronic disease repSingle POVSlow burn spice
- GenresRomance
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2026
4 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for allowing me an advanced reader copy of her amazing book before publication. I laughed, swooned, cried and laughed some more! Such a heartwarming lovely book about happily-ever-afters, found families, living vicariously through others, and pushing through when things get hard! Loved the ladies in this book club! I’d want them fighting in my corner any day! Definitely recommend you all read this!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You know what else isn't romantic, despite what the movies say? Being a broke college student with wet feet and zero dignity."
There is nothing like a romance that makes you laugh, and Adeline Aimes is the Queen of this category.
This being the second book I've read by her, it did not disappoint and I think this one has become my favorite of hers so far.
I love how relatable our FMC Emma is, she's not perfect, she's quirky, she's weird and I love her. The witty dialogue between Emma and James showed so much chemistry between them and made me root for them immediately.
Our MMC James is 100% swoon worthy. He is professional, he is sweet, and the little gestures he does for Emma will have you kicking your feet because everyone deserves a man like him.
This being a romance book aside, the memories this book brought back from the the days of me working in an assisted living made me laugh and made me sad. So many things I haven't thought of for years and all the great times I had while working there. It makes me relate to the FMC so much because the residents from the assisted living in the story made me remember all my residents and how much I loved them.
So shout out to you @Adeline for a beautifully written, funny, amazing story. I adored everything about this book. (Also I would LOVE a Helen and Charles story btw)
If you love Slowww burn, angst, tension, forced Proximity, witty banter that will also have you laughing out loud, and old ladies rooting for our FMC to get laid, you will love this. The story is so much fun and I had the best time reading it.
Happy Release Day! Everyone needs to run and snag this book asap.
thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy of this book!!
There is nothing like a romance that makes you laugh, and Adeline Aimes is the Queen of this category.
This being the second book I've read by her, it did not disappoint and I think this one has become my favorite of hers so far.
I love how relatable our FMC Emma is, she's not perfect, she's quirky, she's weird and I love her. The witty dialogue between Emma and James showed so much chemistry between them and made me root for them immediately.
Our MMC James is 100% swoon worthy. He is professional, he is sweet, and the little gestures he does for Emma will have you kicking your feet because everyone deserves a man like him.
This being a romance book aside, the memories this book brought back from the the days of me working in an assisted living made me laugh and made me sad. So many things I haven't thought of for years and all the great times I had while working there. It makes me relate to the FMC so much because the residents from the assisted living in the story made me remember all my residents and how much I loved them.
So shout out to you @Adeline for a beautifully written, funny, amazing story. I adored everything about this book. (Also I would LOVE a Helen and Charles story btw)
If you love Slowww burn, angst, tension, forced Proximity, witty banter that will also have you laughing out loud, and old ladies rooting for our FMC to get laid, you will love this. The story is so much fun and I had the best time reading it.
Happy Release Day! Everyone needs to run and snag this book asap.
thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy of this book!!
January 10, 2026
If I could rank this as a 6 star read I could! Emma and James absolutely captured my heart in this (not a) romance novel.
Going into it I thought it was going to be your run-of-the-mill RomCom, and boy was I WRONG! There was so much emotional depth, character growth, and even some spice packed into this novel. I found myself laughing out loud on one page and crying on another. I could literally not put it down.
There was not a single character in this entire book that was one dimensional. Even the side characters that are only on a few pages. Everyone has depth and is so well written. Adeline Aimes is a phenomenal writer and deserves all the praise.
I truly love Emma and James’s relationship from start to finish. Through the ups and downs they acted like a real couple, and not a cliche’d romance novel couple that I’ve grown to expect.
And the ladies of the assisted living facility? Betsy, Helen, and Ginny? Can I be their friend? Because they seem like the life of the party! I want to sit there and listen to their stories for hours and hours.
Going into it I thought it was going to be your run-of-the-mill RomCom, and boy was I WRONG! There was so much emotional depth, character growth, and even some spice packed into this novel. I found myself laughing out loud on one page and crying on another. I could literally not put it down.
There was not a single character in this entire book that was one dimensional. Even the side characters that are only on a few pages. Everyone has depth and is so well written. Adeline Aimes is a phenomenal writer and deserves all the praise.
I truly love Emma and James’s relationship from start to finish. Through the ups and downs they acted like a real couple, and not a cliche’d romance novel couple that I’ve grown to expect.
And the ladies of the assisted living facility? Betsy, Helen, and Ginny? Can I be their friend? Because they seem like the life of the party! I want to sit there and listen to their stories for hours and hours.
February 6, 2026
This was the most wonderful story. It had me solidly and in some ways unexpectedly in my feels. It made me squeal from embarrassment, question my bus riding skills, giggle like a teenager, swoon, cry from sorrow & happiness, scream in frustration, and swoon from the sweetness. It brought the laughs and delivered on spice. It made me reflect on my own heart & life. It was a lot in the very best & most wonderful way.
Emma is a nursing student and works at an assisted living facility.
James is a psychiatrist.
They meet on the bus. It is not cute. And they don't really meet at first. He speaks, she startles, note cards are lost. It is not good. And subsequent encounters aren't much better. It is so good. There is a date. There are promises of casual. There is a shared workplace. And in it all a group of older women who are doing their best to live their lives for themselves & help her live hers for a change.
Emma is nearly done her schooling and is very focused on her career and not relationships. She has been burned in the past and those wounds have not healed. So, she is very focused on her work at the assisted living home and her friendships with the book club. She has a huge heart and cares so much for others but she is neglecting herself & her own heart and the ladies can see that. And they want better for her. She goes through a lot of things in these pages and has to confront a lot of her past, her pain, her beliefs, the future. It is not easy. And mistakes are made. Pain is added. And hope is found.
James is gorgeous and sweet and funny. If the universe wants to send me a bus buddy like him, I would consider moving my backpack from the seat beside me. Maybe.
The title of this book is perfect. This is not a romance. This is a story of many different kinds of love & care. Of healing. Of learning. Of realizing your worth. Of choosing to trust, to hope. Of showing up and seeing effort. Of saying hello and goodbye. Romance exists and there are some solid swoons and excellent *moments* along the way, but this is a story about life and learning to live it. And it is beautiful.
I really enjoy Adeline's writing. I love her characters and the way heart, hope & healing are woven into every word.
I received this as an ARC and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. This had no impact on my review.
Emma is a nursing student and works at an assisted living facility.
James is a psychiatrist.
They meet on the bus. It is not cute. And they don't really meet at first. He speaks, she startles, note cards are lost. It is not good. And subsequent encounters aren't much better. It is so good. There is a date. There are promises of casual. There is a shared workplace. And in it all a group of older women who are doing their best to live their lives for themselves & help her live hers for a change.
Emma is nearly done her schooling and is very focused on her career and not relationships. She has been burned in the past and those wounds have not healed. So, she is very focused on her work at the assisted living home and her friendships with the book club. She has a huge heart and cares so much for others but she is neglecting herself & her own heart and the ladies can see that. And they want better for her. She goes through a lot of things in these pages and has to confront a lot of her past, her pain, her beliefs, the future. It is not easy. And mistakes are made. Pain is added. And hope is found.
James is gorgeous and sweet and funny. If the universe wants to send me a bus buddy like him, I would consider moving my backpack from the seat beside me. Maybe.
The title of this book is perfect. This is not a romance. This is a story of many different kinds of love & care. Of healing. Of learning. Of realizing your worth. Of choosing to trust, to hope. Of showing up and seeing effort. Of saying hello and goodbye. Romance exists and there are some solid swoons and excellent *moments* along the way, but this is a story about life and learning to live it. And it is beautiful.
I really enjoy Adeline's writing. I love her characters and the way heart, hope & healing are woven into every word.
I received this as an ARC and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. This had no impact on my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always, Adeline Aimes delivers a cute romcom that had me laughing out loud, shaking my head, and whispering “why are you like this” to the characters in the best way possible. This book is exactly what the title promises and also somehow so much more.
At its core, this story is about an unpredictable friendships, the truth that comes with opening yourself up to love, and learning how to embrace romance… or not so romance. It was incredibly relatable, and honestly I loved every single character in this book. My heart broke at times, but not for the reasons you’d expect.
Our MFC is someone who gives her everything to her job and to the residents she takes care of.But what happens when those boundaries start to blur? When residents stop feeling like “work” and start feeling like family? That emotional line is explored so beautifully, and it absolutely made my heart hurt later in the story.
And let’s talk about the three older ladies. ICONS. Fiery personalities, book club chaos, zero filters, and just an all around good time.
Now, the romance. The main romance in this book is genuinely one of the cutest things ever. We all want that movie moment, being kissed in the rain, opening your window and finding the man of your dreams standing outside. But this book reminds us that real life does not usually look like that. Real life is messy. Real life is questioning. Even when the man or woman seems perfect on paper.
There were moments where I caught myself thinking certain scenes were a little cringy, but then I realized… that’s literally the point. Real life is cringy. Awkward conversations happen. People say the wrong thing. Feelings get complicated. And sometimes it’s refreshing to read a romance that leans into that instead of pretending everything is smooth and cinematic.
If you love romcoms that are funny, emotional, a little awkward, and very real, This Is Not a Romance is absolutely worth picking up.
And yes, I would happily read anything Adeline Aimes writes next. 💗📚
At its core, this story is about an unpredictable friendships, the truth that comes with opening yourself up to love, and learning how to embrace romance… or not so romance. It was incredibly relatable, and honestly I loved every single character in this book. My heart broke at times, but not for the reasons you’d expect.
Our MFC is someone who gives her everything to her job and to the residents she takes care of.But what happens when those boundaries start to blur? When residents stop feeling like “work” and start feeling like family? That emotional line is explored so beautifully, and it absolutely made my heart hurt later in the story.
And let’s talk about the three older ladies. ICONS. Fiery personalities, book club chaos, zero filters, and just an all around good time.
Now, the romance. The main romance in this book is genuinely one of the cutest things ever. We all want that movie moment, being kissed in the rain, opening your window and finding the man of your dreams standing outside. But this book reminds us that real life does not usually look like that. Real life is messy. Real life is questioning. Even when the man or woman seems perfect on paper.
There were moments where I caught myself thinking certain scenes were a little cringy, but then I realized… that’s literally the point. Real life is cringy. Awkward conversations happen. People say the wrong thing. Feelings get complicated. And sometimes it’s refreshing to read a romance that leans into that instead of pretending everything is smooth and cinematic.
If you love romcoms that are funny, emotional, a little awkward, and very real, This Is Not a Romance is absolutely worth picking up.
And yes, I would happily read anything Adeline Aimes writes next. 💗📚
February 6, 2026
I have been waiting for this one ever since I knew it was coming and it DID NOT disappoint.
This is the second book in a series of standalone romances. The first one - The Dead Husbands Society - was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it as well.
But this one? This one right here exceeded my every expectation (and let me tell you, they were high).
I love Emma and James' story so much. Everything from their meet cute to "the universe" bringing them closer together is just so whimsical, endearing, and sometimes downright hysterical.
And the ladies. Betsy, Ginny, and Helen are the coolest women I wish I could meet. I loved everything about them, from their meddling plots to their heartfelt wisdom.
Adeline Aimes is one to keep an eye on. She's an amazing storyteller, who crafts heartfelt stories that feel so genuine and real that you find yourself wanting to use the Google (IFKYK) to find out if these people exist.
No one else can have me full on ugly crying one minute, and, in the span of 10 pages, having me laughing so hard my side hurts. But Aimes does just that, and she does it on more than one occasion.
At its heart, this novel is about learning how to live without fear or regrets, so you can one day look back and say "I lived my life to its fullest."
And ultimately, isn't that what all of us should strive for? A life full of love (however that looks for each of us), choices that take us out of our comfort zone and grow us, and ultimately finding the place and people you belong with - your family.
No, this is not a romance. This is a declaration to embrace that you are someone who truly deserves to live life with reckless abandon and passion.
This is the second book in a series of standalone romances. The first one - The Dead Husbands Society - was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it as well.
But this one? This one right here exceeded my every expectation (and let me tell you, they were high).
I love Emma and James' story so much. Everything from their meet cute to "the universe" bringing them closer together is just so whimsical, endearing, and sometimes downright hysterical.
And the ladies. Betsy, Ginny, and Helen are the coolest women I wish I could meet. I loved everything about them, from their meddling plots to their heartfelt wisdom.
Adeline Aimes is one to keep an eye on. She's an amazing storyteller, who crafts heartfelt stories that feel so genuine and real that you find yourself wanting to use the Google (IFKYK) to find out if these people exist.
No one else can have me full on ugly crying one minute, and, in the span of 10 pages, having me laughing so hard my side hurts. But Aimes does just that, and she does it on more than one occasion.
At its heart, this novel is about learning how to live without fear or regrets, so you can one day look back and say "I lived my life to its fullest."
And ultimately, isn't that what all of us should strive for? A life full of love (however that looks for each of us), choices that take us out of our comfort zone and grow us, and ultimately finding the place and people you belong with - your family.
No, this is not a romance. This is a declaration to embrace that you are someone who truly deserves to live life with reckless abandon and passion.
January 13, 2026
What to expect: psychiatrist MMC, nursing student FMC, three meddling matchmakers, hilarious banter, workplace romance, found family, forced proximity, slow burn spice, romance checklist, single pov
I’d rate this book six stars if I could! Adeline Aimes is truly the queen of hilarious, heartwarming rom-coms!!! 👑 Her second book did not disappoint and I adored it.
Emma and James are phenomenal main characters. Emma is a CNA working at a nursing home while putting herself through nursing school, and James is a psychiatrist on a temporary assignment. Emma is super cynical about romance until James comes along and slowly starts breaking down the walls around her heart.
What begins as something casual quickly turns into something much more, thanks in part to three unforgettable matchmakers: Ginny, Betsy, and Helen. The character depth in this story is truly so well done!! Every character is vividly written and adds something meaningful to the plot.
There’s so much happening beyond the romance that I couldn’t put this book down (I was up until 1 am finishing it). It made me feel all the feelings. Seriously…I laughed out loud and cried more than once. The emotions are raw, messy, and beautifully real. Adeline Aimes has a gift for writing characters that feel authentic and capturing their emotions in a way that sticks with you.
I highly recommend adding this to your TBR so you too can fall in love with a book club, a list, three elderly accomplices, and a boombox. 💗
I’d rate this book six stars if I could! Adeline Aimes is truly the queen of hilarious, heartwarming rom-coms!!! 👑 Her second book did not disappoint and I adored it.
Emma and James are phenomenal main characters. Emma is a CNA working at a nursing home while putting herself through nursing school, and James is a psychiatrist on a temporary assignment. Emma is super cynical about romance until James comes along and slowly starts breaking down the walls around her heart.
What begins as something casual quickly turns into something much more, thanks in part to three unforgettable matchmakers: Ginny, Betsy, and Helen. The character depth in this story is truly so well done!! Every character is vividly written and adds something meaningful to the plot.
There’s so much happening beyond the romance that I couldn’t put this book down (I was up until 1 am finishing it). It made me feel all the feelings. Seriously…I laughed out loud and cried more than once. The emotions are raw, messy, and beautifully real. Adeline Aimes has a gift for writing characters that feel authentic and capturing their emotions in a way that sticks with you.
I highly recommend adding this to your TBR so you too can fall in love with a book club, a list, three elderly accomplices, and a boombox. 💗
February 8, 2026
This is Not a Romance by Adeline Aimes is the funniest, sweetest, adorable-est book I’ve read so far this year! Our FMC, Emma Clark, is a nursing student, but also works at an assisted living facility. She runs a book club there with three hilarious older ladies, who make a list for Emma to fulfill regarding her love life. (However, Emma’s father walked out on her and her Mom when she was young, and she has had several bad relationships, so she is seriously jaded on the subject of love.) I seriously adored these old ladies. Each resident is given a character all her own, and they are all so well-written. Emma is a character I can relate to in real life, and I really sympathized with her gluten issues. Anyway, I digress. Emma literally runs into James on a bus, spilling her tea on him, and what happens after that is…comically tragic. But seriously, their relationship was wonderful to watch bloom and flourish (when Emma would allow it, that is). And I’d love to have those old ladies in my corner anytime! Adeline Aimes is the queen of comic romance for me now. Beneath the comedy, there is a wonderful sense of found family, quirkiness, swoony romance, and realness that hits just right. Thank you to the author for the gifted arc. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Adeline Aimes for an advance copy of This Is Not A Romance in exchange for my honest review. Can I rate a book 10 stars?? Because this one is IT!
First, Adeline has a way with her pen that creates absolute magic. The best lines & the best banter. I loved the bus friends and the assisted living home friends...they were absolute GOLD. I also bawled my eyes out, this book just had my emotions in a chokehold.
Emma works at an assisted living home as she's going through nursing school. She runs a book group with some women that work there and they want her to get out and live her life so they create a romance checklist with their favorite tropes. When Emma has an encounter with James on a bus ride to work, she decides to check a few things off her checklist. Will the checklist lead her to love?
Seriously, get your hands on this book as soon as possible. It is one of the best books I have read in a LONG time!
First, Adeline has a way with her pen that creates absolute magic. The best lines & the best banter. I loved the bus friends and the assisted living home friends...they were absolute GOLD. I also bawled my eyes out, this book just had my emotions in a chokehold.
Emma works at an assisted living home as she's going through nursing school. She runs a book group with some women that work there and they want her to get out and live her life so they create a romance checklist with their favorite tropes. When Emma has an encounter with James on a bus ride to work, she decides to check a few things off her checklist. Will the checklist lead her to love?
Seriously, get your hands on this book as soon as possible. It is one of the best books I have read in a LONG time!
January 15, 2026
✨This Is Not A Romance ✨
Quote: “The book ends, but life doesn’t. We relive the conflict and the happy ending over and over.”
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes: psychiatric MMC , Nursing student FMC , Banter , workplace romance , slow burn , found family, three meddling matchmakers with a romance checklist..
My first ARC of the year and I am beyond grateful I got to read this story ! I found myself giggling because of Betsy , Helen and Ginny. Those three together can cause some chaos 🤭. James is the perfect man every women would love to have. He is smart , funny , very attentive and understanding. He was patient with Emma and love how he took her medical condition into consideration when planning for a date. Overall this book was an amazing read I found myself giggling and crying more than once. I highly recommend it ❤️.
Quote: “The book ends, but life doesn’t. We relive the conflict and the happy ending over and over.”
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes: psychiatric MMC , Nursing student FMC , Banter , workplace romance , slow burn , found family, three meddling matchmakers with a romance checklist..
My first ARC of the year and I am beyond grateful I got to read this story ! I found myself giggling because of Betsy , Helen and Ginny. Those three together can cause some chaos 🤭. James is the perfect man every women would love to have. He is smart , funny , very attentive and understanding. He was patient with Emma and love how he took her medical condition into consideration when planning for a date. Overall this book was an amazing read I found myself giggling and crying more than once. I highly recommend it ❤️.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly don’t even know what to say except that this book was so cute and genuinely funny. I loved every single minute of it.
James was incredibly kind and patient with Emma, our romantic cynic who is on a personal mission to do grand romantic gestures for the elderly ladies she cares for. And can we talk about them for a second? Because they were such a highlight. I love sassy, silly older ladies who truly do not care what anyone thinks. Their weekly book club, where they basically peer pressure Emma into all kinds of ridiculous things, was absolute perfection.
Emma is also celiac, and the accuracy of that representation meant so much to me. You really don’t see it often in books, and as someone who also can’t face gluten, I loved seeing it portrayed so thoughtfully.
I loved every minute of this book and genuinely hated that it had to end.
James was incredibly kind and patient with Emma, our romantic cynic who is on a personal mission to do grand romantic gestures for the elderly ladies she cares for. And can we talk about them for a second? Because they were such a highlight. I love sassy, silly older ladies who truly do not care what anyone thinks. Their weekly book club, where they basically peer pressure Emma into all kinds of ridiculous things, was absolute perfection.
Emma is also celiac, and the accuracy of that representation meant so much to me. You really don’t see it often in books, and as someone who also can’t face gluten, I loved seeing it portrayed so thoughtfully.
I loved every minute of this book and genuinely hated that it had to end.
February 6, 2026
This book was so, so funny. Hilarious in a laugh-out-loud kind of way, but with the perfect amount of witty banter and swoon-worthy moments from our MMC, James. James is perfection. He is so gentle with Emma, says the absolute sweetest and giggling-kick-your-feet words to her. Many butterflies-inducing moments with that man. The scene where he brushes his teeth just to KISS HER because she's gluten-free, will live rent-free in my brain forever. Adeline has a distinct voice that comes through in a unique and fresh way. Her romances are never tired or repetitive to what's out there, they're a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend anything by Adeline! You will never regret reading one of her books - they're just that good!
February 7, 2026
Funny and Romantic
I was hooked after reading Dead Husbands Society and this was just as good if not better.
The bond between Emma and her nursing home clients/found family was touching and hilarious. The list and book club provided much needed hilarity to some serious, inevitable issues that many of us face as someone we love ages.
James and Emma and the reality of them falling in love was perfect in its imperfections and awkward moments. It wasn’t all about flowers and cheesy declarations, but so much more as they live life. Adeline Aimes knows how to write flawed, lovable, genuine heroes with plucky side characters.
I am looking forward to Calm the Carols and am hoping that Tina Clark and Alicia get books of their own in the future.
I was hooked after reading Dead Husbands Society and this was just as good if not better.
The bond between Emma and her nursing home clients/found family was touching and hilarious. The list and book club provided much needed hilarity to some serious, inevitable issues that many of us face as someone we love ages.
James and Emma and the reality of them falling in love was perfect in its imperfections and awkward moments. It wasn’t all about flowers and cheesy declarations, but so much more as they live life. Adeline Aimes knows how to write flawed, lovable, genuine heroes with plucky side characters.
I am looking forward to Calm the Carols and am hoping that Tina Clark and Alicia get books of their own in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm writing this review with tear stains barely dried on my cheeks. Wow. Adeline has once again blown me away with a book that gets me. Emotionally, personally, intellectually.
I know this is going to sound cheesy, but This ISN'T a romance. at least, not JUST a romance. This book, just like her others, deals with the ugly realities of life, and God, it makes me feel things that I didn’t want to face yet, but have to.
I love this book, I love this author, and I want everyone I ever knew in this lifetime to read this book.
I know this is going to sound cheesy, but This ISN'T a romance. at least, not JUST a romance. This book, just like her others, deals with the ugly realities of life, and God, it makes me feel things that I didn’t want to face yet, but have to.
I love this book, I love this author, and I want everyone I ever knew in this lifetime to read this book.
Review of advance copy
I received this book for an ARC review.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to read the second book, and it did not disappoint. The FMC was quirky and funny, and the MMC was just so sweet. I absolutely feel in love with the side characters. The way this author tackles aging and friendship is so raw and realistic. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm just going to say that this book made me laugh and cry. 5 stars!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to read the second book, and it did not disappoint. The FMC was quirky and funny, and the MMC was just so sweet. I absolutely feel in love with the side characters. The way this author tackles aging and friendship is so raw and realistic. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm just going to say that this book made me laugh and cry. 5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness I loved this book!
I don't even know where to start. This story made me laugh so much - but also had some incredibly emotional scenes that hit me straight in the chest. I often find that I don't fully root for the side characters - but in this I really loved all of them, especially the meddling book club. I also loved how some complex topics were dealt with with such sensitivity
I don't even know where to start. This story made me laugh so much - but also had some incredibly emotional scenes that hit me straight in the chest. I often find that I don't fully root for the side characters - but in this I really loved all of them, especially the meddling book club. I also loved how some complex topics were dealt with with such sensitivity
February 6, 2026
I loved this! The meet cute made me absolutely cackle - and actually all the humour in this book completly got me. But alongside the humour there are some really deep emotional moments (just like in her previous book). I love how the author manages to blend all that together.
Definitely excited for her next book
Definitely excited for her next book
February 6, 2026
hilarious and smart! everyone read now!
I had the most amazing time with this romance! My favorite book by this author and I just vibe with her style so much! This book is witty and I’m obsessed with the MMC. He’s so caring and when he washes out his mouth just so he can kiss her…that scene will live RENT FREE in my mind!
I had the most amazing time with this romance! My favorite book by this author and I just vibe with her style so much! This book is witty and I’m obsessed with the MMC. He’s so caring and when he washes out his mouth just so he can kiss her…that scene will live RENT FREE in my mind!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read an early copy of this and I can't wait for the official publication date! It was just fantasic - I will definitley be writing a very long review when everyone else can finally get their hands on it!
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this and I am SO glad I did! Full review coming soon, but let me just say YOU WILL LAUGH HYSTERICALLY
February 10, 2026
4⭐️/5
Ginny, Betsy, and Helen have my heart 🥹🥰
Ginny, Betsy, and Helen have my heart 🥹🥰
February 6, 2026
Adeline Aimes has done it again! She’s written characters that are so lovable, funny, and real. I love the variety of ages and found myself wanting to be part of the book club so badly (you’ll want in too once you meet the group)!
Who wouldn’t love our FMC Emma and MMC James?! Their story was so fun to watch unfold, and I loved the unexpected depths the story went into.
The thing about Adeline’s stories, though, is that they’re never just about a traditional romance. The found friendships, the tricky conversations and topics, and the humor throughout are what take her books to the next level.
I loved the women at the nursing home—seeing their journeys and struggles (as tear-inducing as that was). Having aging parents, these are things I often think about, so I connected deeply with that aspect. These women reminded me of my spicy grandma, who is sadly no longer here, but she would have thrived in these conversations (and book clubs 🤭😆).
Lastly, I love seeing similarities between her two books: This Is Not a Romance and The Dead Husbands Society. I intend to reread them both to find even more. They are standalones, but it feels really sweet and special to see nods toward the other book. Examples include Adeline’s effortless ability to weave in humor while also addressing serious topics, LISTS!, found family, resistance, and growth.
I absolutely love her writing and feel so lucky that I stumbled upon an ARC opportunity, which led me to ARC read for both books!
Who wouldn’t love our FMC Emma and MMC James?! Their story was so fun to watch unfold, and I loved the unexpected depths the story went into.
The thing about Adeline’s stories, though, is that they’re never just about a traditional romance. The found friendships, the tricky conversations and topics, and the humor throughout are what take her books to the next level.
I loved the women at the nursing home—seeing their journeys and struggles (as tear-inducing as that was). Having aging parents, these are things I often think about, so I connected deeply with that aspect. These women reminded me of my spicy grandma, who is sadly no longer here, but she would have thrived in these conversations (and book clubs 🤭😆).
Lastly, I love seeing similarities between her two books: This Is Not a Romance and The Dead Husbands Society. I intend to reread them both to find even more. They are standalones, but it feels really sweet and special to see nods toward the other book. Examples include Adeline’s effortless ability to weave in humor while also addressing serious topics, LISTS!, found family, resistance, and growth.
I absolutely love her writing and feel so lucky that I stumbled upon an ARC opportunity, which led me to ARC read for both books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Format: Kindle
If you are looking for a cute and fluffy read I would definitely recommend picking this one up! The banter between characters was absolutely hilarious and so well done. I absolutely loved getting to meet each of the characters! I would say I was laughing so much through out this whole book, thoughI was also ugly crying through some of the scenes as well. And for me if a book can make me laugh and cry its a must read! I loved getting to meet these characters, I was in it from the first page.
If you are looking for a cute and fluffy read I would definitely recommend picking this one up! The banter between characters was absolutely hilarious and so well done. I absolutely loved getting to meet each of the characters! I would say I was laughing so much through out this whole book, thoughI was also ugly crying through some of the scenes as well. And for me if a book can make me laugh and cry its a must read! I loved getting to meet these characters, I was in it from the first page.
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