The One Where They Fall in Love

by Cristina Wolf

You never know when love may come knocking…

Hopeless romantic and romance editor Elle Thompson lives for happy endings-but real-life love? Not so much. But that doesn't mean she isn't thrilled when her best friend gets engaged. Really. Not jealous at all.

Meanwhile, Oliver Cole likes things a certain way. Schedules and routines and order. So when his move back to New York is disrupted with the unwelcome addition of Thor-the dog his sister adopted for him-he's less than enthused. Even less enthused than Oliver? His neighbour, Elle.

When Elle can't bear to hear Thor howling all night, the two agree to strike a she'll dog-sit while he's on shift.

But what starts as a reluctant arrangement soon turns into late-night chats, sizzling chemistry, and two lonely hearts daring to let each other in.

Genres: Romance, Rom Com

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Cristina Wolf lives in New Jersey and writes contemporary, hilarious, and heartwarming romance. She has experience working in book publishing and now works as a teacher. When she is not writing, Cristina loves spending time with her dogs, Zoey, Winnie, and Mabel, exercising on her Peloton, laying on her hammock with a good book, and planning her next trip to Disney World. How to Write a Rom-Com is her debut novel. Follow Cristina on Instagram @cwolfbooks.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

It started off strong, but gradually fell short for me

Oliver is a resident in New York, following in his father’s footsteps though it clearly makes him miserable. Elle is a book editor and yoga teacher. They meet throughout Oliver’s dog and because they live in the same building.

The premise was promising, but I found myself losing interest as the story went on. I never felt truly invested in the relationship. Oliver and Elle are so different that I struggled to picture them as a believable couple. By the time the drama unfolded toward the end, it felt a bit over the top, and I finished the last chapters without much emotional involvement.

I can see how this story might resonate with some readers, but in the end, it just wasn’t for me and that’s okay.

Thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the arc 🫶🏻

[Rae Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interconnected standalone is even better than the first where we initially meet Elle, Lucy’s bff4l. The banter is smart + witty. The slow-burn is super sexy. The vulnerability of both characters doesn’t feel forced or over done. I’m biased but Cristina, a fellow Jersey Girl, weaves all of your favorite romance elements with deep, thoughtful storytelling where the girl gets the guy without losing herself. We love to see it.

[Harps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopeless romantic Elle, who believes in happily ever after for everyone but herself, is thrown together with her routine-loving neighbour Oliver when they strike a dog-sitting deal. What begins as reluctant teamwork soon sparks late-night chats, growing chemistry, and the chance for two guarded hearts to find their own happily ever after.

I have to say, the meet-cute was perfect. It wasn’t the usual “catch each other’s eyes and fall in love” moment, it felt fresh and brilliant.

Both Elle and Oliver had great main-couple energy, and I really enjoyed the dual perspectives. It helped capture who they were and made it easier to connect with them.

I could relate to some of Elle’s moments, and it did bring a tear to my eye, not because it was sad, but because it felt realistic and human.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Cristina, and I loved it. The way she slowly built the connection between Elle and Oliver was brilliant. Overall, a great, uplifting romance read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.

[Katie Lavoie]

A fun romcom with all the quintessential elements: a meet-cute, loyal best friend (both human and dog), banter, and a happily ever after.

It also felt very millennial - lots of references (Friends especially), questioning career choices especially around familial pressure, and learning to make time for and prioritize yourself.

Thanks to Cristina Wolf, Head of Zeus, and Atria for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this ARC for an honest review.
This is a second book in the series- could be read as a standalone but much better if read second.
I absolutely loved Elle and Oliver.
Elle is the ultimate hype girl with main character energy and every Hype Girl need their HEA.
Oliver is in his residency following in his Fathers footsteps with loads of pressure on his shoulders along with OCD (love the rep of that.)
The story follows an unconventional meetcute and a friendship that Elle and Oliver bring out the best in each other you will be rooting for them the whole time.

[Georgina Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who feels like the hype girl. You’re the main character of your own story.”

Honestly, that dedication alone had me. Before I’d even started the story, I already knew I was going to love this book.
The One Where They Fall in Love by Cristina Wolf is such a gorgeous, feel-good rom com with heart. From the very beginning, you can tell this is a story that understands people, especially when it comes to mental health. The way Cristina acknowledges that everyone experiences things differently felt so thoughtful and genuine, and it really set the tone for the rest of the book.

The characters are easy to fall for, with fantastic chemistry that feels completely natural. Their connection is so palpable that you find yourself rooting for them from the start. There’s a lovely balance between humour, friendship, and romance, and those friend dynamics really add to the warmth of the story.

I also loved the little moments where the book leans into its rom com roots, the awareness of tropes, the banter, and the overall vibe just made it such an enjoyable read. Plus that romance, the chemistry is definitely there. The spice is written in a way that feels both emotional and intense without being overdone, that final chapter especially had that perfect mix of angst and “hot under the collar” energy, but still felt delicate and true to the characters.

“Your dreams are like the stars. They might be in the distance, but if you can see them, you can reach them."

That quote really stayed with me, and honestly captures the heart of this story.

For me, the only thing that held it just shy of a full five stars was the miscommunication trope. I know a lot of readers love it, but it’s just not a personal favourite of mine, and there were moments where I found myself wanting the characters to just talk to each other. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I still genuinely enjoyed the story.

The epilogue was absolutely adorable and left me closing the book with such a happy feeling. I’m already looking forward to whatever Cristina Wolf writes next.

A warm, romantic, and genuinely uplifting read that reminds you you’re the main character in your own story.

[donutqueenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

“She’s the main character of every room she walks into.”

Oliver is a doctor who likes routine and order but gets stuck with a dog that keeps his neighbor Elle awake all night. Elle works in book publishing and becomes a meddling problem Oliver didn’t ask for and then can’t live without. (TW: obsessive compulsive disorder and panic attacks, mention of divorce, sibling with a disability)

💜 Dual POV
🐶 Grumpy x sunshine
🗽 New York City
🩺 Enemies to lovers
💛 Neighbors
💜 Friends inspired
🐶 Cute dog
🗽 Hilarious
🩺 Mental health rep

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is so cute and encompasses everything a rom com should so well. There’s an unexpected meet-cute, banter, sidekick best friends, career struggles, and a grand gesture. It squeezed on heartstrings and made me laugh out loud multiple times.

I loved being back in this world and the peek at Lucy (FMC from book 1) with the updates to her life.

“Chase the stars.” ✨

I loved how Elle talked about helping to care for her brother and how Oliver noticed that she lit up when did. I loved how Oliver was so used to relationships crumbling and thinking it’s his own fault because of the OCD until Elle came along. The progression of their relationship from frenemies to more is so squishy and cute. I love that Elle didn’t magically “fix” his OCD because that’s not how that works so that dynamic was written so well.

“Because your crazy matches my crazy.”

I’m not a fan of yoga and there’s alot of it in this book but I did like that the yoga served as a vehicle for some growth and development. 🧘‍♀️“But the mat has become a place where I can commit to failure.”

Release date 8/11/26!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!

“Living in New York City in your twenties is nothing like Friends makes it out to be.”

[Ananya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and light read. I enjoyed it very much.
I would actually like to clarify the tropes in this book, as I found some other descriptions a bit misleading:

(Slight)Hate to Love: Enemies seems like a bit too heavy of a word for this dynamic.

Unintentional Matchmaking: You definitely can’t call it a love triangle. There were hardly five or six chapters with Henry (the third side of the triangle).

Neighbors to Lovers: Obviously, he lived in the apartment right above her's.

Dogs: Is this a trope? If not, it should be, because Hulk was the sweetest thing in this story.

Grumpy x Sunshine: He is grumpy and somewhat reserved, while she has a completely bubbly nature but feels left out sometimes.

Only One Bed: Yes, when her apartment floods. This happens after the 50% mark of the book.

OCD Representation: For him.

I genuinely loved the plot of this book. The concept was great. They explore the city and navigate their fears together, beginning to see each other as more than neighbours. Their connection felt truly affectionate. The ending was also beautifully written and executed.

If you like a cozy, light read with will-they-won’t-they vibe, then this is for you.

*ARC provided by the author.

[Cristina Wolf]

✨ Trope & Blurb Reveal ✨

THE ONE WHERE THEY FALL IN LOVE
🔥enemies to lovers
🏡neighbors to lovers
🔼 love triangle
🚿only one apartment
☀️grumpy x sunshine

I can’t wait for you to read Oliver and Elle’s story!

You never know when love may come knocking…

Hopeless romantic and romance editor Elle Thompson lives for happy endings-but real-life love? Not so much. But that doesn't mean she isn't thrilled when her best friend gets engaged. Really. Not jealous at all.

Meanwhile, Oliver Cole likes things a certain way. Schedules and routines and order. So when his move back to New York is disrupted with the unwelcome addition of Thor-the dog his sister adopted for him-he's less than enthused. Even less enthused than Oliver? His neighbour, Elle.

When Elle can't bear to hear Thor howling all night, the two agree to strike a deal: she'll dog-sit while he's on shift.

But what starts as a reluctant arrangement soon turns into late-night chats, sizzling chemistry, and two lonely hearts daring to let each other in.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle siempre creyó en las historias de amor. Trabaja rodeada de ellas, las lee a diario y sabe exactamente cómo empiezan las mejores. Lo que nunca imaginó es que a su edad mientras todos a su alrededor conocen a su media naranja, ella sentiría que se quedó sola. Hasta que una noche un perro llorando la lleva a conocer al hombre que vive encima de su apartamento.

Oliver es irritante, reservado y experto en sacar de quicio a cualquiera. Tiene horarios imposibles, demasiadas preocupaciones y una vida que funciona a base de cansancio y rutina. Desde el primer encuentro con Elle queda claro que no están destinados a llevarse bien. Pero las discusiones empiezan a convertirse en platicas, un pequeño perro se vuelve el cómplice inesperado de ambos y sin darse cuenta, dos personas que parecían ser completamente diferentes empiezan a ver que en realidad podrían tener muchas cosas en común.


____

Me faltaron más capítulos de ellos como novios.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Jenn Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely stole my heart—I honestly cried happy tears by the end. Elle and Oliver are the perfect grumpy–sunshine duo, and watching their relationship grow from reluctant neighbors to something real felt so natural and satisfying. I loved the dual POV because it made their emotions hit even deeper, especially as they both slowly let their guards down. Thor the dog added such a sweet (and sometimes chaotic) touch that made the story even more lovable. The mix of enemies-to-lovers tension, late-night conversations, and undeniable chemistry kept me hooked the whole time. Set in NYC, it had the perfect cozy yet vibrant backdrop for a hopeless romantic story. If you love swoony, emotional romances with heart, humor, and a little bit of emotional tension, this one is definitely a 5-star read.

[Tereza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, cozy read. Elle and Oliver’s story brings all the feels while not shying away from more difficult topics. Don’t worry, these are all listed in the trigger warnings at the beginning.

Overall, if you’re looking for that feeling of falling in love with someone, this is definitely the book to pick up.

I really related to Elle and the feeling of being a hype girl in someone else’s main storyline while perhaps neglecting your own a little. I loved how Oliver made her feel truly cherished.

Thank you to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

[Lindi Weier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a light, feel good rom-com that was easy to fly through. Even though it used the miscommunication trope, it still felt fun and charming rather than frustrating. The meet-cute involving the dog was adorable, and the banter between the characters immediately drew me in. I really enjoyed watching their connection grow naturally throughout the story, and their chemistry made the romance feel sweet and believable.

Thanks you Netgalley for the ARC

[Katie Naymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, heartfelt, breezy romcom about becoming the main character in your own story - with NYC vibes, a steamy yoga scene, an adorable pup, OCD rep, and Friends references!