Supermodel Lior Flynn is at the top of her game: gorgeous, confident, and successful. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she finds herself growing tired of the constant media scrutiny and even more tired of men who only view her as arm candy. Yearning to travel the world's beautiful places rather than just pose in them, she's ready for a change and ready to make a real connection—if she can find the courage to take the first step.
Bestselling novelist Graham Forrester is still reeling from the collapse of his marriage to a flashy socialite turned influencer, and officially done with high-drama women. Trapped post-divorce in a house that no longer feels like home and tending to his beloved old dog Brontë who doesn't have long to live, he knows he's stuck in a desperate rut but has no idea how to get out.
When Lior's designer sneaker hits a steaming pile of you-know-what from the sweet golden retriever at the end of Graham's leash, it's no meet-cute - in fact, it's a meet-poop. And every encounter after is somehow messier than the first, until a chance moment when both let their guards down and sparks fly. But can Lior trust Graham not to put her in a book and bolster his own fame? And can Graham trust that the drama of Lior's life won't derail his own?
Noelle Salazar is the USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction novels The Flight Girls, Angels of the Resistance, The Roaring Days of Zora Lily, and The Lies We Leave Behind. Her debut romcom, The Meet-Poop, about a famous fashion model and the messy meet-cute she has with a well-known author, is available now.
Noelle resides in the PNW with her two children, a teetering TBR stack, and one semi-feral cat.
💘💩😉Well..... shit happens💘💩😉. The Meet Poop written by Noelle Salazar was emotional, absolutely hilarious, cuteness overloaded, heart warming, raw, pure, relatable, and heart breaking. I have never read anything by Noelle Salazar before, but after loving this book so much, I'm definitely going to read everything she writes, her characters are so relatable, her writing style is just absolutely beautiful, and her story telling is just hands down phenomenal. I had so many different emotions while reading this book, I was angry, I was happy, I was laughing, I was smiling, I was heart broken, and I was crying, so honestly, I don't know whether to cry or laugh anymore. I'm truly so blessed and thankful I had the privilege to read this book early because I just loved it so much, it was definitely a favorite for me in 2025. When I first saw that title, I couldn't stop laughing, I had tears streaming down my face, but when I saw that precious fur baby on the cover, I knew I had to read this beautiful book as soon as possible. I have never read a book with poop in the title, so this was a first for me, but it turned out to be such an amazing and emotional story. I can't recommend The Meet Poop enough, so please mark your calendars for December 2nd, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on having this book in your life. The Meet Poop will forever live rent free in my head. I wish I could give The Meet Poop an infinity star rating because it brought out so many of my emotions. Noelle, please let me know where I can send you my therapy bill because you broke me.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND NOELLE SALAZAR INC FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNING'S Death Of An Animal- PLEASE SKIP CHAPTER 28!!!!!! Losing a pet isn't fair, life isn't fair, but the death of a pet absolutely breaks my heart, yes, I know it's a part of life, and I don't believe animals should suffer nor be in pain, but watching an animal lose their life brings me a different kind of pain that I can't even explain😭💔. I know I should have skipped this chapter, but I couldn't because I know people cope differently and I wanted to see how the main character coped after losing his beloved dog, but boy oh boy did this chapter shatter my heart and soul. I'm not going to write a whole paragraph on a trigger warning, but the thought of losing a fur baby is heart breaking.
"💓💯There is no instruction manual on how to get through life💓💯".
"💗😭Manipulators are excellent at what they do.....💗😭"
"💞🐕A woman who gets down on your dog's level is a woman you want to keep around💞🐕".
Lior Flynn is a world renowned fashion model and icon. Lior is twenty-nine and recently single, but as her thirtieth birthday looms, Lior is mentally exhausted. Lior is at the top of her game, she's absolutely gorgeous, confident, and successful, but she's ready for a change after life changing events. Half of her modeling portfolio are pictures of Lior in sheer clothing, and y'all, this woman is freaking gorgeous. Lior is recently single after ending her relationship with movie star Oliver Manning. There's a rumor going around that Oliver is part of a "classic" sexual practice of caning where he doesn't give pleasure in sex, he only likes receiving it. After the ending of their relationship, Oliver claimed Lior dumped him and he took to social media that he's "broken hearted", but don't let him fool you, he's not heart broken because the same day that Lior broke up with him, Oliver was out smooching on other females. Lior has major trust issues from crappy men that used her to secure the best jobs and score the highest amount on money. Lior is mentally exhausted, she's tired of the constant social media scrutiny and the shitty men that only view her as arm candy to make their ways to the top of the ladder. Lillian Flynn- Lior's mom was also a model, but now Lillian is just a classic narcissist. Lillian is a manipulator who made Lior feel less than by putting her down and picking Lior apart every chance she got because she just wanted to make Lior feel small and not worthy. Lior's favorite cardio is a brisk morning walk, but that all changes one morning when Lior becomes known as the meet poop girl- tis in the shitter. After everything Lior has been through, I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give this woman the biggest hug imaginable, Lior Flynn deserves the world.
Graham Forrester is a seven time New York Times best selling author and he's also the author of Lior's favorite novels. Graham has a fifteen year old golden retriever named Brontë whose life is winding down very fast, Brontë doesn't want to go for walks anymore, she doesn't even want to eat her dog food anymore, she just wants to lay in her dog bed and act like the precious queen that she is. Graham has thought about getting a new puppy after Brontë passes away, but it feels almost traitorous because Graham doesn't want Bronte to be replaced, she was his beloved old girl. I relate to Graham so much, I lost my first dog in 2019, it was the worst heart break I ever went through losing her, I never wanted to get another dog again because I just couldn't go through that pain once again and I never wanted her to feel like she was replaceable, but a few months after losing my sweet girl, I decided to get another dog and I'm so blessed to have him because he truly saved my life, he has helped me heal in ways he will never truly know. Graham is also a column writer for the Brooklyn Tribune where he writes articles called Around The Neighborhood, the Brooklyn Tribune is also where Graham refers to Lior as the stupid poo shoe lady after a little mishap one morning. Graham is currently going through a divorce after his ex-wife Nadia left him after cheating on Graham for a year. Graham has major trust issues from past failed relationships in his life, he has enough drama in his life that will last for a lifetime. Trusting women has only brought Graham misery, they always seem to fuck him over whether they cheat on him or just walk right out of his life. It was so hard not to root for Graham Forrester, he was just a sweetheart. Did I also mention that Graham wears glasses and has the cutest eighteen year old half sister named Marley? Marley and Graham's better was absolutely hilarious, their interactions had me laughing so much throughout this book.
Lior and Graham first met one morning when they were both out for a walk and Lior stepped in Brontë's dog poop because Lior wasn't paying attention- she had just received a phone call that her best friend is lying in a hospital bed on the other side of the country. Graham also didn't bother picking up after his dog, so of course that set Lior off even more, and frankly causes Lior to lose her shit screaming at Graham for ruining her designer shoes. After their interaction, Graham writes a story about Lior in the Brooklyn Tribune where she is now known as the meet poop girl- this was no meet cute, this tragically was a meet poop💩😂. Graham's nickname for Lior was Little Miss Poo Patrol, oh my goodness, I couldn't stop laughing at Lior and Graham's banter, their bickering had me giggling non-stop. After that tragic morning, Lior and Graham kept running into each other everywhere, whether it was the bar, the grocery store, restaurant's, and even at special events. After a few days, Graham decided to clean Lior's shoe and left her a little poem- seriously how sweet and adorable is that? A few weeks later, Graham and Lior have to do a photo shoot for Vogue Magazine which of course their agents had set up but didn't know that Graham and Lior started off on the wrong foot. The Meet Poop's spice was spicing, but it wasn't rushed nor forced by any means, it was actually a perfect slow burn. Ugh, I'm going to miss Lior and Graham so much, I know they are fictional characters, but they actually made me laugh and cry, it's truly going to be hard to forget about them. It was so hard not to root for these two love birds after they captured your heart. I thought it was so funny when everyone referred to Lior as the meet poop girl whenever she went out in public. Lior Flynn and Graham Forrester, I had the best time with y'all during this book.
Read for a cover quote, which I'm delighted to provide:
THE MEET POOP marks historical novelist Noelle Salazar's side-quest adventure into the world of romcoms, and she's got a gift for it: endlessly likeable characters, vivid backdrops and solid friendships, and one adorable dog. Supermodel Lior and jaded novelist Graham collide in the messiest possible way when Graham's aging retriever plops a pile in the way of Lior's designer shoe, and it's anything but a meet cute. Subsequent meetings only prove how wrong they are for each other: after a lifetime in the spotlight Lior is wary of men using her for her fame; and after being burned by a voracious social media influencer ex-wife, Graham is wary of high-drama women. But what if they're so wrong they're right? I rooted for their happy ending, smiling till the final page
Brooklyn, New York. Lior Flynn is a supermodel, as she approaches her thirtieth birthday, she’s tired of the media attention and men treating her as an accessory and not a person. Lior has been all over the world, but was too busy working to take in the sights, and maybe she's ready for a change and should consider her options.
Graham Forrester is a bestselling author, he’s still getting over his divorce to his cheating wife and keeping him company in the house she decorated is his elderly golden retriever dog Brontë.
Lior and Graham go for a daily walk, despite living in the same neighbourhood they have never met until she steps in some doggy doo, Lori has just received bad news, so having to deal with the smelly mess is the final straw and she lets loose at Graham. A responsible dog owner, Graham had no idea Brontë had been leaving a trail behind her and he doesn’t get a chance to defend himself or his companion.
I received a copy of The Meet-Poop by Noelle Salazar from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. When I read the title of Ms Salazar’s first romcom I did laugh, she’s a brave lady to use the word “poop” and splash it across the front cover.
So let’s stop with the shit jokes and move onto what’s important and that’s the narrative and characters, it was a brilliantly crafted read and brought up some interesting topics.
Such as discrimination against women, toxic relationships, importance of friends, aging pets and skip chapter twenty eight if you struggle with this and how hard it is for the owners, loss of a parent, and life is too short to hold a grudge.
I highly recommend The Meet-Poop where two people keep bumping into each other, try desperately to ignore the obvious, with lots of sizzling chemistry and possibilities. Five stars from me and I can't wait to read the next book in the series about Addie, she's a vet and Lior's best friend.
I’m still not really sure why I requested this ARC. 😹😹 I know I’m a cat person through and through, yet I see a dog romcom and apparently thought, why not? It looked cute, I forgot I even asked for it, and once it arrived… I just went with it 🤷🏼♀️ so here we are.
I started The Meet-Poop expecting something playful and ridiculous in the best way, but the story turned out to be less romcom and more drama with a few sweet, awkward moments scattered in. I kept waiting for the charm to sweep me up, but it never fully did. 😔
Lior is a supermodel at the center of the story, and she was the hardest part for me to connect with. She doesn’t mean to be insensitive, but she reacts without thinking, and it made me feel distant from her. I kept hoping she’d slow down and notice the people around her, but she rarely did. Graham felt more grounded, and I found myself liking his quiet and messy life, even when nothing particularly exciting was happening. I just never connected with them as a couple in the way the story wanted me to. 🤷🏼♀️
Then came the intimate moment that was supposed to feel like the payoff. It landed SO awkwardly, and instead of leaning into it emotionally, I found myself cringing through the scene. 😭 (honestly I skimmed almost the whole scene after reading a paragraph or two) I wanted depth or chemistry, but it just DID NOT show up there. 😬
What’s funny is that I still cried at the end. 🫣 If you know the general premise, you can probably guess why. It was tender and sad in a real way, but even that moment, as affecting as it was, didn’t shift the book into something unforgettable. …sigh 😔
Now that I’m done, it feels like a quick palate cleanser. Not bad. Not incredible. Just fine. If someone loves dogs, doesn’t mind a little drama, and wants a light romance to pass the time, they might enjoy this more than I did. I’ll probably hand it off to a dog lover and move on.
I will say there were some sweet quotes I loved… they just didn’t match the vibe of the book at all LOL ↓ ↓ ↓
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
”It was as if she was gravity and I was matter, unable to resist her pull.”
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“There was something primal about the way I craved him. And it wasn't just that I wanted him. I wanted to be had by him.”
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“My body and soul ached for him.”
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🐶 friends→lovers 🐶 model x author 🐶 divorced MMC 🐶 miscommunication 🐶 emotional support pet
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Noelle Salazar for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
I would like to say a big thank you to Noelle, Victory editing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc and leave an honest review of The Meet-Poop.
The Meet-Poop is a beautiful romantic comedy with the most adorable dog that you will fall in love with!
🐾Model x Author 🐾Enemies to Lovers 🐾Slow Burn 🐾Iconic Meet-Cute 🐾Emotional Growth and Healing 🐾Emotional Support Pet 🐾Dual POV
We never know how we will meet someone and what is going on in the other person's life. This is exactly the case when Lior Flynn receives frightening news and steps into a pile of you know what from a dog who is attached to her leash walking with her owner Graham Forrester. Lior doesn’t have a meet-cute… she has a meet-poop!
The very lovable Brontë, who Is Grahame's fifteen-year-old golden retriever, brought them unexpectedly together but all does not go well when they first meet. After making a bad first impression on each other fate keeps bringing them together but each encounter gets messier and the chemistry is sizzling hot!
This story was so well written! It has chemistry, humor, love, passion, adorableness, self-discovery and heartbreak. I went through so many emotions whilst reading this book, I cried, laughed out loud and felt both happy and sad at times. It was so beautifully written and incredibly relatable. I was rooting for the characters and I liked how the characters realised the importance of working on themselves. I absolutely adored Graham golden retriever Brontë! She had my heart from the beginning and I loved the emotional support she gave to Graham. I thought Noelle captured how much a dog can mean and impact our lives beautifully. For all animal lovers please read the author note at the very beginning of the book because it includes a very important trigger warning!!
I really enjoyed both characters' self-growth and healing. If you love a good rom com with vulnerability and depth then this book is for you!
The Meet-Poop By: Noelle Salazar Pub Date: December 2, 2025
I have loved all of Salazar’s historical fiction, but I also love rom-coms. I was thrilled when she announced she wrote a romance book.
This cover is adorable, and the not so perfect meet-cute. Off to a crazy and frustrating start. One never knows what is going on in others lives, which was the case when words were exchanged after model Lior Flynn meets Graham Forrester when she walks in his dogs’ poop.
Graham is a bestselling novelist going through some tough times. He and his dog Bronte are dealing with a divorce and health. Bronte is an older golden retriever and his time is limited, so Graham is emotional and his writing has become a challenge, which is expected. They meet a few times and their chemistry is off the charts, but they are both dealing with their own lives. Sometimes you meet the right person and timing is off. Can they find the right timing and discover if their chemistry is worth the risk?
Salazar, you nailed this rom-com. Ready for more! Make sure you read the trigger warning. 🩷🐶
Thank you to NetGalley and Noelle Salazar Inc for an Arc of "The Meet-Poop".
This book was a fun, easy read. I love how it was a dual pov with Loir and Graham throughout the story.
The title of the book gives it away on how Loir and Graham met but they met when Loir was going for a while near the park. Loir stepped in poop that was Graham's dog's poop. They meet in a not so "meet cute" way.
I have to add that this has the most unique third act break up that I've seen. It makes sense for the characters to do because this is something that people in real life need or should do. I found it very encouraging and hopeful for the possible happy ending.
The Meet-Poop was an amazing book that I would recommend. It was such an easy book to read and get lost in.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Noelle Salazar Inc for the free eARC.
💭 This is Noelle Salazar’s first rom-com after being known for her historical fiction novels, and I think it’s both courageous and wonderful when authors step outside their usual genre.
The book started off with five-star potential, but unfortunately, it lost a bit of its spark along the way. I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Lior and Graham — both are dealing with their own struggles, and I loved that they each sought help independently rather than relying on the relationship to fix them. The writing is simple and easy to read, the banter is spot-on, and the side characters are sweet and supportive.
Where it fell short for me was in the miscommunication. Even though Lior and Graham weren’t officially together, they kept “breaking things off,” which left me a bit confused around the 60% mark, and that confusion lingered until the end.
Overall, I’m still glad I read it — it’s a light, easy story that makes for a nice palate cleanser between heavier reads.
Before I start, I want to thank NetGalley and the author for sending me a copy of this book prior to its release date. This is my honest review.
Trigger warning: pet loss Tropes: enemies to friends to lovers
Okay, this book was a super fun and easy read. It was light, fluffy, and moved along pretty quickly. I was immediately drawn in by the title-- how cute! Let's break the story down:
Characters: Okay, I loved Lior. I thought she was wonderfully intricate character who felt very fleshed out. She came with traumas, friendships, and insecurities. And the way Salazar wrote about these issues felt very realistic and true to who Lior was. Some authors struggle with this. They will tell us the character's traumas, but they don't do a great job and writing/depicting how that trauma came about. For Lior, we see where her insecurities and challenges come from pretty easily. She was just so kind and sweet and I loved this down-to-earth supermodel.
Graham was a little less likeable. I found him to be a little more shallow. The best things about him were Bronte and his little sister. Otherwies, he spent so much of the book just leading on our sweet Lior. And I just don't understand how he and his ex-wife were even a thing. They are just so different.
Writing: I thought the writing was easy to read. It was straight to the point and not bad at all. The author provided the right about of descriptions without being too overwhelming. There were certain parts that were a little quick such as transitions. They were often done within a matter of a few sentences. Not terrible, but if you blinked, you'd miss it.
Romance: The romance was sweet. It was mildy spicy. There are few open door scenes with some fade to black scenes. So, if you're looking for something super spicy, this one isn't it. I'd give it a 2/5 spice rating level. This is also more of a slow burn. I don't think their romantic relationship kicks in until 60-70%. It didn't even feel like a slow burn because I loved reading about their friendship so much.
Overall: Overall, I'm rating this book a 3/5. I liked it, but it wasn't something I aboslutely fell in love with. It's a great palate cleanser type of book. If you're looking for a sweet, quick read, I'd highly recommend it. The description is also a little misleading-- Lior doesn't step in the dog poop with her designer shoes! They're just old sneakers she's had forever. But, all in all, not a bad read at all!
Thank you Noelle Salazar Inc and Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book! 5/5 Stars!!!
The Meet-Poop is this author’s romantic comedy debut after several historical fiction works, being most known for The Flight Girls. I actually got a copy of this long before knowing about this work, and with how amazing this book was for me, I’m even more excited to read it! Before I start this review, I want to talk about trigger warnings. There’s only one warning but it is a big one to know about before choosing to pick this up, as the story involves the death of a senior dog. This subject is handled with immense care and respect, and the warning is available just before the first chapter in the book in the author’s note. With that being said, let me get into what I loved about The Meet-Poop, a meet cute that was technically anything but cute.
The story follows Lior, a model frustrated with all the pressures in her life, and Graham, a best-selling author with the cutest dog ever named Bronte who’s nearing the end of her life. The two of them have serious romantic baggage, with Lior being absolutely fed up with the men that treat her like a trophy, like she has to bend and mold to fit their standards rather than being enough on her own. Graham subsequently has had a failed marriage with an ex of a similar glitzy background to Lior, making him wary of that lifestyle as well as becoming prey of a narcissist again.
The two are thrown together by chance when Lior steps in Bronte’s poop in the park, leading to an explosive yet inspiring encounter for Graham’s writing. This doesn’t end with the sensational column he publishes about her, as they start seeing each other everywhere. It’s like fate is throwing them together, since they’ve lived near each other and yet barely have crossed paths until now. But as they turn from strangers to friends and to something more, their emotional wounds hold them back from embracing a relationship.
Their wounds are very complex, and it creates an interesting conflict as they learn to overcome them to have a life with each other. The story has really healthy messages about setting boundaries in relationships. Both characters are clear about what they aren’t comfortable with, and while they show some flexibility within reason, they don’t force each other to change. If anything, these boundaries allow them to do the inner growth that’s needed individually to be in a better place to enter a relationship.
I also want to add that out of all the third-act breakups I’ve seen, this is by far the most unique. I don’t feel like a lot of stories I’ve read have the kind of structure to do this, so I found it really cool.
The Meet-Poop was an amazing book that I’d highly recommend! The chemistry between Lior and Graham was really present, and the way their relationship evolves is unique and meaningful as it shows how people sometimes need time apart to heal before throwing themselves into something they aren’t ready for. The story has its immensely sad moments as well as its lighthearted moments, and was really well written for this author’s first foray into the romance genre! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for Addie’s story, as the bits and pieces of info we did get in the text caught my attention.
I’ve long admired Noelle Salazar’s historical fiction, and now I can officially say I love her rom-com writing just as much! The Meet Poop is charming, heartfelt, and completely addictive—I truly couldn’t put it down.
The story follows Lior, a gorgeous supermodel with a heart of gold—thoughtful, kind, and the type of friend everyone dreams of having—and Graham, a gifted, slightly broody writer whose devotion to his aging dog Brontë will melt your heart. Both characters carry the scars of past relationships, and their reluctant, sometimes messy, but ultimately beautiful connection felt so authentic. Their banter, vulnerability, and the way they challenge each other to grow made me root for them every step of the way.
Salazar also gives readers a delightful supporting cast that adds humor, warmth, and depth to the story. By the end, I felt like I loved not just Lior and Graham, but so many of the people around them.
This rom-com is witty, heartfelt, and full of swoon-worthy moments. A perfect balance of fun and emotional depth—it left me smiling long after the last page. Fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren will adore this, and longtime Salazar readers will be thrilled to see her shine in a whole new genre.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy—I absolutely loved this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! The Meet-Poop … I don’t know how to start this review; I’m still very upset over chapter 28, #iykyk. I’m giving this book 4/5! But this book was very well written, the past tense kind of made it a tad bit annoying but that’s a minor point. When I first saw this on NetGalley, I thought “what a hilarious title!” And then it said “golden retriever” and I was sold haha. And of course who doesn’t love a romcom. I really enjoyed the background characters and was a bit sad there wasn’t more to the MMC’s background characters. I found the first few chapters hard to get into but it really had me hooked in for the majority of the book! I was also excited to see that there is a book coming out in the future around one of the background characters - I would definetly read books by this author.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: please stop reading now. Last warning, 3, 2, 1 - chapter 28 ripped my heart out - if you read the trigger warning about pet death, skip the chapter. I thought I could handle it and sobbed in bed until my pillow was soaked with my tears. It wasn’t gory or detailed but it was so well written that I felt the pain in every word and as a golden retriver owner, it hurt so much. Again, it was very well written though! I have never cried while reading a book, I’ve been close but I sobbed in bed last night even though you knew it was coming.
Many thanks to Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-Op for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Supermodel Lior, novelist Graham and his beloved senior dog Brontë all live in the same neighbourhood in New York but have never met, until one fateful morning when Lior steps in a deposit left by Brontë on the daily walk. After their first explosive meeting, they keep running into each other in increasingly messy encounters. Can they let their guards down and open up to new possibilities or will past experiences and trust issues on both sides end this relationship before it even begins?
I must preface this by saying that Noelle Salazar is one of my absolute favourite authors and I reread her stunning book The Flight Girls frequently. I was absolutely ecstatic to see that she was releasing a rom-com and couldn’t move quick enough to NetGalley to request it. I absolutely adored this book. Lior and Graham are delightful and real with understandable past experiences to deal with. I loved their interactions with each other and with those closest to them. Brontë is a very good girl, but I hesitate to call her the best girl, because that title belongs to my girl Luna. I laughed and sobbed through this book in equal measure and could not put it down. I liked that it felt realistic and overall healthy decision-making with highs and lows and work to get to a happy stable place. I highly recommend it and would now really like to visit Seattle. I also cannot wait for Addie’s story to be released!
I have loved Noelle Salazar’s historical fiction books so when I saw she was throwing her shoe in the ring (almost literally) and wrote a rom-com, I knew I needed to read it as well!
Thank you to @noelle__salazar and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of THE MEET-POOP. I fell in love with Lior, Graham and Brontë. This book made me laugh, cry and want to book another trip to Seattle stat!
Out December 2 - preorder your copy today! AND I was so happy to hear that Addie is getting her own story! Can’t wait! 🐶
“he had a way of noticing things exactly like I did. He saw the absurd in the mundane. The sweet in the ugly. The silliness in the elegance. He was kind and decent and sexy and …. Perfect”
This was absolutely delightful. I don't read a lot of contemporary romance (not for any particular reason, I just don't typically gravitate towards it), but I came across this one on Netgalley and decided to request it because the title made me chuckle, the premise pulled me in, and there was a dog as a main character!
This book was brilliantly done; it managed to be funny and light but also touched on deeper things.
Be sure to not skip the author's note at the beginning because it involves a very important content warning 🐾
This is definitely now a favourite romance book and I'll be recommending it to everyone when it's out.
Lior Flynn is a supermodel at the top of her game, but hoping to reinvent herself away from media scrutiny and the unwanted attention that comes with fame. Graham, an author still reeling from a failed marriage to a flashy influencer, is focused on caring for his beloved dog Bronte, who’s nearing the end of her life. After an awful morning brings life-altering news, Lior accidentally steps in Bronte’s poop, leading to the opposite of a meet-cute and followed by a scathing article written about her by none other than Graham. But fate keeps throwing them back together, and the question becomes whether they can move beyond their disastrous first impressions.
This one was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but still had plenty of enjoyable moments. I really loved the beginning, which had a playful rom-com energy and a fun, chaotic tone that pulled me in right away. Lior’s character also had wonderful depth, and I appreciated the growth we saw from her as the story progressed. Bronte absolutely stole the spotlight, and many of the side characters added warmth and charm. As the story went on, though, it didn’t fully deliver on the sweetness or chemistry I expected. Graham came across a lot less likeable, and a lot of the relationship tension stemmed from his choices which frustrated me. Still, the writing was engaging, and I liked how the integrated flashbacks filled in the backstory of the characters, making them feel fully-fledged!
Overall, this is a quick, easy, sweet read with a touch of celebrity drama, heartfelt moments, and memorable furry friends at its center.
Thank you to Noelle Salazar and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you as always for the ARC! This is going to be the wildest review of my life I fear.
The Meet-Poop follows Lior, world loved influencer and model and Graham a columnist of Around the Neighborhood and NYT bestselling books.
When Lior walks through Grahams dogs diarrhea he didn’t notice or pick up while receiving bad news - she loses it on him and ends up the star of his latest column article where Graham calls her out for being mean about his old dying dogs poop problems.
Fate continues to bring Lior and Graham together and this book is full of banter, poop jokes, and strong friendships with side characters.
All of this to say, this book somehow despite the title and concept was on its way to a five star rating….
Then… you might say that “shit” hit the fan (thanks Anupama). The dying dog. The third act break up - which wasn’t really because they never were together. Graham wanted to change Lior. The therapy speak. Idk the end LOST me. It is sad because I really thought I was gonna 5 ⭐️ this meet poop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Noelle Salazar Inc. for the ARC of The Meet-Poop.
Historical fiction author Noelle Salazar takes a delightful detour into rom-com territory with The Meet-Poop—and absolutely nails it. This book is charming, cheeky, and full of heart. From the first page, it’s clear this story doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it still delivers emotional depth and genuine warmth.
The premise alone sets the tone: Loir and Graham’s first meeting happens when she quite literally steps in his dog’s poop. It’s not exactly a traditional “meet-cute,” but it’s hilarious and unforgettable, sparking an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that unfolds with quick wit, great banter, and plenty of chemistry. Their relationship feels real—equal parts swoony and laugh-out-loud funny.
What stood out most to me was the third-act breakup. It’s one of the most unique I’ve read—grounded in emotional growth and self-awareness rather than drama. It’s refreshing to see characters make choices that feel both mature and hopeful.
Salazar’s transition from historical fiction to rom-com is seamless. The tropes (enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, miscommunication) are executed with a fresh twist, and the writing sparkles with humor, heart, and perfectly timed puns. The spice level is just right—a slow burn with undeniable chemistry.
Overall, The Meet-Poop is a hilarious, heartwarming, and refreshingly original romance that’s easy to fall into and hard to put down. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a feel-good story with wit, warmth, and plenty of grin-inducing moments.
Where to begin with this book? The title had me captured and I adored the premise of the story.
Lior (or Lenore as my mind kept reading) is a world renowned model who happens to step into a steaming pile or dog excrement after receiving some devastating news. What does she do? She loses her marbles at the handsome owner of the goodest girl in the world for being careless and not picking it up.
Little does she realise that the man she is raging at is none other than her favourite novelist and the author of her most favourite column in the paper, Graham, and their meeting may just make it into his next column much to her embarrassed dismay.
What follows next is the classic equation of the universe throwing Lior and Graham into the path of one another causing them to form an unlikely friendship with a need for more. However, both characters are damaged from their past relationships and struggle to decide what is best for each to do for their futures.
I did enjoy this book but something wasn’t quite there for me. I feel Lior and Graham spent far too many pages not interacting with one another and it was hard for me to believe that they felt as much for one another as they did. I also got fed up with how long it took to get to the conclusion. It wasn’t exactly a case of the miscommunication trope, but the back and forth in their heads of what they needed from one another was a little too drawn out and I found myself becoming bored. I wish the story had been more bones to it — the plot needed to be deepened in my honest opinion.
The characters were developed well and I enjoyed seeing them work through their issues even if it was long winded. But let’s be honest, in reality this could truly be the case. I didn’t particular like being reminded how clumsy Lior is with stains littering most of her attire but I understand what the author was attempting to do in making this stunning supermodel relatable to us everyday folk.
The writing was easy to read and it flowed well. I loved how easily the author transitioned past moments into the prose without needing to add in flashbacks. It was incredibly effective for getting to know side characters, and making them feel real with their own personalities. I do think the formatting could use a little work as there were no page breaks to show a change in scene or time within a chapter, but it did not take away from understanding the story.
Overall, I think this was a sweet read with a lot of heart that depicted a variety of grief types and different ways in which we move through the process of moving onwards.
Would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you've visited my blog much, you know I love my dogs. Well, all dogs really. And let's be honest, if a dog dies in a book, I usually automatically deduct a star (or a paw) from my rating. However, Salazar manages to not only have the dog die (it's a spoiler right at the beginning and she even states if it bothers the reader, they can skip directly to chapter 28), but she does it in a way that makes me love this book even more.
Graham is an author working on his latest book. His best friend and 4-legged pal, Brontë, is also growing older and the vet has advised she is probably nearing the end of her life. Graham wants nothing more to spend time with his dog and finish his novel. While walking her one day, Brontë has an accident Graham doesn't realize. Along comes supermodel Lior, who steps in it. Lior herself has just received some bad news and she ends up stepping in it. She goes off on Graham (but not Brontë) and Graham and soon becomes the topic of Graham's latest editorial for a nation-wide newspaper.
Once the article publishes, Lior realizes the man she accosted is actually one of her favorite authors. They continue to cross paths in the city, bot accidentally and then conveniently arranged, and eventually find some sort of comfort in each other. Lior, Graham and Brontë grow closer but both adults have baggage which prevent them from realizing how much their feelings are actually growing. But Br may know. After all, Lior is the only other person who has ever gotten a two-thump tail approval from Brontë.
This book had it all. The title might imply it's a lighthearted rom-com, but the author tackles a lot of deeper topics - family trauma, friendships, loss, complicated family dynamics and lifestyle changes. She also tackles losing a much-loved pet/family member. I loved Brontë and the relationship she had with Graham and the community. Even when she passed, it was covered with grace and from an author I'm betting has experienced this type of loss herself.
Salazar didn't wrap Lior and Graham's story in a nice package with a pretty bow which I respected and enjoyed. Both characters showed quite a bit of growth and development as the book progressed and the side characters added substance and added to the plot, never distracting from it. Of course, there is an upcoming release focusing on Lior's best friend who just happens to be a veterinarian and of course, I'm counting the days to read that one as well. Don't ignore this book because the dog dies. I never once regretted picking it up and loved reading Brontë (and Graham and Lior's) story.
I absolutely loved The Meet-Poop by Noelle Salazar. I loved the premise, it immediately pulled me in. What truly stood out to me was the dynamic between the two main characters and their back-and-forth dialogue. Their chemistry wasn’t just based on physical attraction; it was grounded in something much deeper and more intellectual. The emotional connection they developed felt real, and I appreciated that the relationship never veered into toxicity. Instead, both characters had their own struggles and personal baggage, but they worked on themselves individually. I loved that both Lior and Graham went to therapy, not for the sake of fixing each other, but because they genuinely wanted to become better people for themselves first, and ultimately for the possibility of a future together. That kind of emotional maturity needed for them to realize they needed help was refreshing.
Lior was independent and never lost sight of herself, even while navigating unresolved feelings. It was empowering to see a female lead who chose herself and her own healing without making it all about the romance. Graham, too, had depth and complexity, and while he faced his own challenges, he never became a burden or acted out in toxic ways. Their journey felt balanced and real, and I loved watching them grow, not just as a potential couple, but as individuals striving toward emotional wellness.
And I can’t forget about Bronte, Morticia, and Gomez; the adorable fur babies who completely stole my heart. They added such warmth and heart to the story, grounding it with little moments of joy and emotional support. They weren’t just background pets, at least not when it came to Bronte. His presence made the story even more cozy and endearing. The way the author incorporated them added a layer of comfort and familiarity that made the emotional beats of the story even more impactful. especially after having had many pets throughout my life.
Overall, this book hit so many of the right notes for me. It combined emotional depth with witty banter, an intellectually charged romance, and characters who respected each other’s journeys. I love that the story didn’t rely on drama or toxic tropes to create tension, but instead allowed its characters to grow in real, meaningful ways.
Supermodel Lior Flynn is at the top of her game: gorgeous, confident, and successful. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she finds herself growing tired of the constant media scrutiny and even more tired of men who only view her as arm candy. Yearning to travel the world's beautiful places rather than just pose in them, she's ready for a change and ready to make a real connection—if she can find the courage to take the first step.
Bestselling novelist Graham Forrester is still reeling from the collapse of his marriage to a flashy socialite turned influencer, and officially done with high-drama women. Trapped post-divorce in a house that no longer feels like home and tending to his beloved old dog Brontë who doesn't have long to live, he knows he's stuck in a desperate rut but has no idea how to get out.
When Lior's designer sneaker hits a steaming pile of you-know-what from the sweet golden retriever at the end of Graham's leash, it's no meet-cute - in fact, it's a meet-poop. And every encounter after is somehow messier than the first, until a chance moment when both let their guards down and sparks fly. But can Lior trust Graham not to put her in a book and bolster his own fame? And can Graham trust that the drama of Lior's life won't derail his own? My Thoughts; Bestselling author Graham & mega glam supermodel Lior meet when she quite literally steps in his dog’s s̶h̶i̶t̶ and has a meltdown about it! Days later, he writes about the experience in his weekly column and it for viral! And of course they start running into each other at every turn! Oh the banter, the humor, the sweet tension! Give me all of it! Such a well written, heartwarming story! I also really enjoyed that both main characters were respected in their fields and mature adults! Although there were minor misunderstandings, they didn’t feel exasperating and were resolved fairly quickly. Thanks NetGalley, Author and Publisher Noelle Salazar for the advanced copy of "The Meet-Poop" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation. #NetGalley #NoelleSalazarPublisher #NoelleSalazar #TheMeet-Poop ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⚠️Trigger Warning: death of pet
I was looking forward to reading this because I love a good pun in a title. I expected a rom-com and this is sort of one.
The author does give you a heads up that this has a death of a pet in it but, you can skip the chapter that goes over that to still read this book but feel the loss knowing it happened without the details.
I liked Lior because even for a model she is a mishap disaster on her close and I find it endearing in characters that are supposed to be beautiful and held to a higher standard because of it. One of the tings I didn't like was that Lior seemed to be a bit less messy around Graham and I wanted to see their dynamic once he see that she isn't as out together and accident-prone free as he thinks she is. The only indication we get is towards the end when there is a passing description of Lior in a stained sweatshirt. I would hav loved to see how Graham re-adjusted his immersion of her and handled the situation when she destroyed a designer dress or outfit with a stain.
We also have 2 grown adults that refuse to get help with the trauma from relationships until the author decided to make them towards the end. They have been told by people close to them before they even meet but they brush it off as if it isn't important. They allow past hurts and manipulations to color the actual reality of the other person, second-guessing every interaction and placing imagined expectations of the other one instead of JUST COMMUNICATING!!! Miscommunication tropes are not my cup of tea, especially when you are adults!
Then the actual getting together of the MCs was rushed and then a bunch of back and forth or 'just friends' and 'oops, we slept together again'. I really hoped this would have reflected a more mature evolution of a relationship, especially with the close people in their lives giving then feedback that lined up before but instead of believing them about this new person... they throw out the differences that are pointed out in favor of whining and drama.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved seeing two successful MCs trying to figure out their next steps as life isn’t always as perfect as it looks. I loved the sweet 14yr old golden girl Brontë but TW she does pass in chapter 28, I cried but it’s a beautiful reminder how pets bring so much joy to our lives. This is just one of those books that has depth but also a great story that keeps you turning the pages.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Lior is a supermodel at the top, but as she approaches 30 she realizes she just not happy playing the game anymore. She’s contemplating leaving it all behind and escaping the spotlight for something else.
Graham is a NYT best selling author, he just got out of a messy marriage with a woman who cheated on him. He’s done with women who attract drama he wants real connection. His favorite girl is his sweet 14 year old golden retriever named Brontë. She is really slowing down and he knows the end is near so his goal is to soak up as much time with her as possible.
So when Brontë has an accident while on a walk and a random stranger steps in it and goes off on him his guard goes way up. He actually writes an article called the Meet-Poop for his column about it, calling her out.
Turns out that stranger was the supermodel Lior. That interaction sets the two of them off on a chain reaction of unplanned encounters that seem to just get messier and messier. Until that hate flips into something else’s entirely.
𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“She lived in a cage, albeit a beautiful one, but that didn’t change the fact that it was indeed a cage.”
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Super Model x Famous Author * Being in Public Eye * They Friend-zoned Eachother * Aging Pet & Loss (Sweet Golden Retriever) * Forced Proximity- Vogue Shoot * Finding Love After Divorce * Big Life Changes * New York City & Seattle * Dual POV - Slow Burn
Noelle Salazar takes the rom-com formula, tosses it into a pair of designer sneakers, and lets a golden retriever do the rest. The Meet Poop is warm, witty, and surprisingly introspective — a romance that uses an absurdly funny accident to crack open two people who desperately need something real.
Supermodel Lior Flynn could have easily been written as a glossy stereotype, but Salazar gives her depth that feels earned: she’s lonely in a life that looks perfect from the outside, exhausted by being treated like a commodity, and craving something authentic. When she crosses paths—okay, steps in something—with Graham Forrester, a bestselling author grieving both his divorce and his aging dog Brontë, the contrast between them is immediately electric. Their worlds shouldn’t overlap, and yet they do… beautifully, awkwardly, messily.
What really shines here is the emotional vulnerability. Lior and Graham are both in transition, both quietly breaking in places no one sees, and Salazar lets their connection grow in those soft, human cracks. The banter is fast and witty, but the heart comes from the still moments—quiet porch talks, guarded confessions, and the tenderness that grows around Graham’s love for Brontë.
This book is also a refreshing reminder that chemistry isn’t the same as chaos. Yes, the meet-poop sequence is outrageous, but the romance develops thoughtfully, giving space to trust, boundaries, and healing. I loved that the story digs into what it means to be seen fully — not as a brand, not as a muse, not as a headline — but as a whole person.
By the final pages, I felt like I’d watched two people finally exhale. It’s sweet, mature, lightly messy, and deeply hopeful — the kind of rom-com that makes you laugh, sniffle, and root for new beginnings.
Thanks to NetGalley and Noelle Salazar, Inc. for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars — A sweet, funny, heart–melting rom-com! 🐶💌 Huge thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Noelle Salazar for the ARC — all thoughts are my own! I still don’t fully know why I requested this ARC 😹 — I’m a dedicated cat person, yet here I was reading a dog rom-com… and honestly, I’m so glad I did! The Meet-Poop had me laughing, cringing, and tearing up in the best way. Lior, a high-pressure supermodel, meets Graham, a soft–spoken bestselling author, in the most chaotic meet-cute possible: by stepping right into his dog’s poop 💩. From that moment, the story unfolds into an adorable slow-burn filled with humor, tension, and warm fuzzy feelings. The plot was absolutely adorable — one of the few romances where the spice doesn’t swallow the story, but instead complements it. The sweetness and emotional softness get room to shine, making the romance feel warm, gentle, and natural. The character development was truly beautiful — watching the FMC and MMC gradually grow, both separately and together, felt realistic and refreshing. Their relationship blooms slowly, emotionally, and genuinely. You can’t help rooting for them. Both characters carry emotional bruises — Lior battles being seen as only a pretty face, while Graham carefully protects his heart after divorce. I loved how the book lets them heal, communicate, and build trust before falling all the way in 💞. It’s mature, tender, and real. Bronte the dog 🐕 added so much heart (and a few tears 😭), and the third-act breakup felt earned rather than dramatic for drama’s sake. Some pacing bumps and occasional miscommunication held me back, but overall the story was warm, cozy, and full of charm. 💖 Tropes & Vibes ✔️ Friends ➝ Lovers ✔️ Slow-burn + light spice 🔥 ✔️ Model x Author ✍️✨ ✔️ Emotional growth + healing 🌱 ✔️ Silly moments, soft moments, and dog–shaped chaos 🐾 And I HAVE to say — I’m already excited for Addie’s book next 😍 She was hilarious, bold, and absolutely stole scenes. If her story is anything like her personality, it’s going to be chaotic perfection. If you want a rom-com that’s sweet, playful, a little messy, and full of heart — this one’s for you. 💗📚
3.75 stars but it falls close to 4 stars – Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! What a messy romantic comedy!! If you know me, you’ll know that I adore rom-com films, so imagine how perfect my imagination gets when I’m reading a humorous book combined with emotional depth?!
We have Lior and Graham, a recently divorced novelist, whose contrasting worlds collide when Lior steps in a pile of poop from Graham’s dog LOL. It’s the ultimate anti–meet-cute and such a great scene! I found each of their interactions messier than the last. I find romances featuring characters with trust issues so powerful, I love diving into those stories to see how they make things work and what challenges they face. Here, Lior fears being turned into a character in one of Graham’s novels, while Graham worries that Lior’s celebrity drama will derail his fragile peace. Watching how they each face these fears is what really made me enjoy this book.
A small heads-up - there’s a pet loss element in this story. It’s handled with real vulnerability and ultimately becomes the turning point that allows both Lior and Graham to show the person beneath the trauma and the fame.
I found Noelle’s writing just perfect, cosy and easy to sink into. Her style suits the journey of this book so well, serving as a sweet reminder that the best relationships often unfold when you stop chasing the perfect headline or following a neat, predictable script.
I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a fresh, heartfelt take on finding love when life feels completely out of control. It brings laughter together with a mature, healing kind of romance.
Well, first and foremost, let me say that this book was fun. I really enjoyed both characters. I adored Graham until I didn't. Lior though? Man, she was awesome!
So, let's get into it. I loved the banter in the book. It was funny and charming and I was definitely smiling through it. The first part of the book was written so freaking well but then something happened. I'm not sure what but things kind of fell off.
It's spicy but it's not? Like they go at it a few times but it's somewhere in between trying to be spicy and closed door? It almost felt like the author wanted to get into smut but then decided nah, let's go a bit more clean. It was kind of odd.
Now to the things I didn't love... Some of the scene changes had weird pacing. One minute they were running into each other while jogging and 2 pages later, they were going at it like horny teenagers. Even the reconciliation was kind of boring. I guess I expected him apologizing for being kind of a jerk when they had their 3rd act break up. It just felt kind of there. Like after both of you told each other that you were sick of people trying to change you and blamed each other for doing that and then we're all just hunky-dory with no apology? I am confusion. I guess I just didn't like how it ended.
Also, MAJOR SPOILER ABOUT THE DOG BUT DON'T READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ ABOUT A DOG DYING.
Anyway, the book started out strong but it was just... fine.
This book made me both laugh out loud and also sob hysterically. I absolutely loved the enemies-to-lovers trope and thought it was the perfect length between the two. I can't stand when the enemies-to-lovers only last about 3 chapters and then insta love; this book is not that. The banter, not only between the FMC and MMC but the FMC and her best friend, was so funny and reminded me a lot of my friend group and our "Yes, and" humor.
I will not forgive this author for making me cry like that during Chapter 28 (Trigger Warnings for this chapter are at the beginning of the book, so that's my fault), but I will commend her for handling it and her characters the way she does. It wasn't overbearing throughout the rest of the book, and I honestly felt myself grieve and get past the situation as Graham does.
The only reason this isn't a full 4 stars for me is the "3rd act breakup". I do like that both characters went to therapy and continued after they made sure they each got help, but the argument leading to the "breakup" seemed one-sided and abrupt. Not abrupt in the sense of "I didn't see this coming", the author had been alluding to it the whole book. But more abrupt to the point of "I don't think it was warranted at this time".
Overall, a fun read! I will be looking out for this one to add to my physical shelf as a trophy!
ARC Review: The Meet-Poop is local PNW author Noelle Salazar’s rom-com debut.
This is the story of a down-to-earth supermodel, Lior Flynn, and a hot, recently-divorced novelist, Graham Forrester. The two have a meet-cute/poop that’s accidentally orchestrated by Graham’s senior dog, Brönte. Their first meeting leaves both of them with a bad impression of the other, but they can’t stop running into each other in their neighborhood of Park Slope in Brooklyn (hello forced proximity, plus shoutout to the Ripped Bodice Brooklyn) and of course, sparks fly eventually!
Even though the story starts in Brooklyn, there are many trips to Seattle for this couple and I loved reading all the Seattle rep (UW, Alki, Agua Verde, Dick’s Drive Inn, etc.). Also, as a dog mom to 3 good boys, I loved reading about Brönte’s thumping tail. Even though she was dealing with health issues and was nearing the end of her life (check the content warning at the beginning of the book!) I loved reading about Brönte’s role in Graham and Lior’s love story. I found this story endearing and sweet, with funny dialogue and a guaranteed good time.
Read for: 🦴 Sloppy model x sexy novelist 🦴 Dislike to lovers 🦴 Forced proximity 🦴 Rom-com 🦴 Red rocket 🦴 Seattle love 🦴 Mental health rep 🦴 Sweet senior dog
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy for free in exchange for my honest review!