What do you think?
Rate this book
The Friendship Variable
Not yet published
Expected 9 Dec 25
He's in love with his best friend.
The only problem? She's engaged to someone else.
Claire Beaumont has always done everything by the book—the math book, that is. Straight A’s? Check. Earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math? Check. Land a job teaching community college, just like Mom and Dad? Check.
Her parents are also thrilled she’s dating the son of their best friends, even if he still lives in his parents’ basement at the age of twenty-seven. So when he proposes in front of both families and an audience of fifty thousand baseball fans, she can’t say no—even though her first instinct tells her to run. Thankfully, Claire has her best friend and coworker, Ryan, to lean on. He’s the one person who always has her back.
Ryan Matthews, Coastal Vista Community College’s resident surfer/math professor, has been head-over-heels for Claire since the day they met. But when he found out she had a boyfriend, he decided to settle for being her friend—and her sounding board for all her boyfriend complaints. He was sure they were on the verge of a breakup, but now, they’re engaged.
Resolved to move on, Ryan throws himself into dating again. But when he and Claire are paired to lead a high-profile campus project, keeping his feelings under wraps proves harder than solving a four-variable system of equations.
The only problem? She's engaged to someone else.
Claire Beaumont has always done everything by the book—the math book, that is. Straight A’s? Check. Earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math? Check. Land a job teaching community college, just like Mom and Dad? Check.
Her parents are also thrilled she’s dating the son of their best friends, even if he still lives in his parents’ basement at the age of twenty-seven. So when he proposes in front of both families and an audience of fifty thousand baseball fans, she can’t say no—even though her first instinct tells her to run. Thankfully, Claire has her best friend and coworker, Ryan, to lean on. He’s the one person who always has her back.
Ryan Matthews, Coastal Vista Community College’s resident surfer/math professor, has been head-over-heels for Claire since the day they met. But when he found out she had a boyfriend, he decided to settle for being her friend—and her sounding board for all her boyfriend complaints. He was sure they were on the verge of a breakup, but now, they’re engaged.
Resolved to move on, Ryan throws himself into dating again. But when he and Claire are paired to lead a high-profile campus project, keeping his feelings under wraps proves harder than solving a four-variable system of equations.
- GenresRomanceWorkplace Romance
Audible Audio
Expected publication December 9, 2025
150 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 17, 2025
I did not want to put this book down!
I adored Ryan and his quiet, supportive, deep love for Claire and their amazing friendship. I felt for Claire and her journey of recognizing her people-pleasing ways, and though I truly I wanted to shake some sense into her multiple times, I also loved her journey of growth in this area that healed multiple relationships in the process.
This is a SLOW burn, but with so much tension, heart, and feels. Technically, this is a love triangle, and she does get engaged, but it is obviously to the wrong guy and there is absolutely no cheating. It’s a he falls first to the max, and it’s done really beautifully. I loved the whole ending so much! 😍
I adored Ryan and his quiet, supportive, deep love for Claire and their amazing friendship. I felt for Claire and her journey of recognizing her people-pleasing ways, and though I truly I wanted to shake some sense into her multiple times, I also loved her journey of growth in this area that healed multiple relationships in the process.
This is a SLOW burn, but with so much tension, heart, and feels. Technically, this is a love triangle, and she does get engaged, but it is obviously to the wrong guy and there is absolutely no cheating. It’s a he falls first to the max, and it’s done really beautifully. I loved the whole ending so much! 😍
October 21, 2025
when i heard this was based on jim and pam from the office (my favorite show of all time), i knew i had to read it ASAP.
I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWNNNNNNN!!!
the tension, the pining, and the yearning. and omg the caretaking. 🥹🥹 i loved every second of it. claire and ryan were so perfectly matched. their friendship was effortless and they truly lifted each other up. the way everything works out in the end is was perfection!
i do think it’s important to note that even though claire is engaged for the majority of the book, the relationships were handled delicately. i never felt like any lines were crossed and decisive actions were taken once there was clarity.
i loved all the nods to the office. it was fun to figure out who secondary characters were based on. i thought claire’s character arc was so relatable. it’s so easy to get caught up in making people happy that you forget to make sure you’re happy. it was beautiful to see claire realize this and what she was doing to herself and how she corrected things while still being respectful of others.
this was one of the best friends to lovers books i’ve read. it’s a tricky trope for me, but i just loved the way this one was done. the angst and romance were balanced perfectly and i couldn’t get enough!
content: kisses
I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWNNNNNNN!!!
the tension, the pining, and the yearning. and omg the caretaking. 🥹🥹 i loved every second of it. claire and ryan were so perfectly matched. their friendship was effortless and they truly lifted each other up. the way everything works out in the end is was perfection!
i do think it’s important to note that even though claire is engaged for the majority of the book, the relationships were handled delicately. i never felt like any lines were crossed and decisive actions were taken once there was clarity.
i loved all the nods to the office. it was fun to figure out who secondary characters were based on. i thought claire’s character arc was so relatable. it’s so easy to get caught up in making people happy that you forget to make sure you’re happy. it was beautiful to see claire realize this and what she was doing to herself and how she corrected things while still being respectful of others.
this was one of the best friends to lovers books i’ve read. it’s a tricky trope for me, but i just loved the way this one was done. the angst and romance were balanced perfectly and i couldn’t get enough!
content: kisses
October 13, 2025
Wow! This book was so captivating and heartfelt. I loved Claire and Ryan and their relationship.
I adored Ryan and his determination to always respect Claire even when he didn’t agree with her choice in boyfriend/fiancé. I loved that he wasn’t pushy about his feelings.
Claire had such a beautiful character arc. As a people pleaser, she had to come to terms about what would make her the happiest in life instead of all the people around her.
Favorite parts:
-Claire and Ryan’s math jokes
-their pi day traditions
-Ryan just being so good for Claire and showing up for her again and again.
-the faculty dance
-all the parts where I said did that really just happen?! But you’ll have read the book for those moments.
Favorite Quotes:
If I were married to Claire, and her best friend was another man… Yeah, that would never fly with me. When I do get married, I want to be my wife’s best friend, and I want her to be mine.
The point is that I’ve been waiting for you for three years, and I can’t let another minute go by without telling you how I feel. That no one out there holds a candle to you. That watching you be with someone else is slowly killing me, and if you married him without knowing how I feel, once and for all, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
I want to be everything to you.
I adored Ryan and his determination to always respect Claire even when he didn’t agree with her choice in boyfriend/fiancé. I loved that he wasn’t pushy about his feelings.
Claire had such a beautiful character arc. As a people pleaser, she had to come to terms about what would make her the happiest in life instead of all the people around her.
Favorite parts:
-Claire and Ryan’s math jokes
-their pi day traditions
-Ryan just being so good for Claire and showing up for her again and again.
-the faculty dance
-all the parts where I said did that really just happen?! But you’ll have read the book for those moments.
Favorite Quotes:
If I were married to Claire, and her best friend was another man… Yeah, that would never fly with me. When I do get married, I want to be my wife’s best friend, and I want her to be mine.
The point is that I’ve been waiting for you for three years, and I can’t let another minute go by without telling you how I feel. That no one out there holds a candle to you. That watching you be with someone else is slowly killing me, and if you married him without knowing how I feel, once and for all, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
I want to be everything to you.
October 10, 2025
Another sweet book from Marie Soleil. I don’t normally like love triangle type books because of the chance of cheating, but this book didn’t even hint at anything. Ryan was respectful of Claire’s relationship so he just becomes her friend, never attempting to cross any boundaries. It took a lot of nudging from others and some major self reflection before Claire finally realized how to truly be happy.
October 18, 2025
The FRIENDSHIP VARIABLE
by: Marie Soleil
@authormariesoleil
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~He’s in love with his best friend. The only problem?
She’s engaged to someone else…
“Somethings don’t happen when you expect, and that’s
okay too.”
-The FRIENDSHIP VARIABLE, my friends is such a delightful story! If you enjoy The Office with Jim and Pam, vibes run through this dear story. If you don’t know what I am talking about, you still will enjoy this story in all the ways. It is filled precisely and wonderfully with delightful banter, swoony moments, tension, humor, and heart! I adored watching dear characters come to realize that what may be in front of them for so long is really the best thing, that makes them feel loved and valued for who they really are. The process to realize this may be slower on one part of the equation, but, seeing minds realize what hearts have known all along was a powerful solution. I loved the yearning and pay off that came when characters took the leap of faith to be vulnerable, to open up and admit true feelings-whether at a party or flying across the ocean on the beach. Together is best! This is such a cute story worth reading!🩷📚✨
“Though our friendship was a variable we couldn’t solve for, once I let go of unnecessary expectations, the equation balanced perfectly. And the solution was simple-Ryan has always been where I belong.”
•Content: strained family dynamics/relationships, no cheating, no language, no mild peril/violence, a scene with drinking, kisses only. Clean-closed door!
“If you want it badly enough, you can make it happen.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“The people who really matter, the ones who love you most, still see who you are and care about what you want.”
#thefriendshipvariable
#authormariesoleil
“My heart pounds as we kiss, saying, Finally. This is where you’re meant to be.”
#Bears.Beets.Battlestar.Galactica.
“I need to be where you are.. You’re my home.”
#allaboutthebestreads
by: Marie Soleil
@authormariesoleil
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~He’s in love with his best friend. The only problem?
She’s engaged to someone else…
“Somethings don’t happen when you expect, and that’s
okay too.”
-The FRIENDSHIP VARIABLE, my friends is such a delightful story! If you enjoy The Office with Jim and Pam, vibes run through this dear story. If you don’t know what I am talking about, you still will enjoy this story in all the ways. It is filled precisely and wonderfully with delightful banter, swoony moments, tension, humor, and heart! I adored watching dear characters come to realize that what may be in front of them for so long is really the best thing, that makes them feel loved and valued for who they really are. The process to realize this may be slower on one part of the equation, but, seeing minds realize what hearts have known all along was a powerful solution. I loved the yearning and pay off that came when characters took the leap of faith to be vulnerable, to open up and admit true feelings-whether at a party or flying across the ocean on the beach. Together is best! This is such a cute story worth reading!🩷📚✨
“Though our friendship was a variable we couldn’t solve for, once I let go of unnecessary expectations, the equation balanced perfectly. And the solution was simple-Ryan has always been where I belong.”
•Content: strained family dynamics/relationships, no cheating, no language, no mild peril/violence, a scene with drinking, kisses only. Clean-closed door!
“If you want it badly enough, you can make it happen.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“The people who really matter, the ones who love you most, still see who you are and care about what you want.”
#thefriendshipvariable
#authormariesoleil
“My heart pounds as we kiss, saying, Finally. This is where you’re meant to be.”
#Bears.Beets.Battlestar.Galactica.
“I need to be where you are.. You’re my home.”
#allaboutthebestreads
October 17, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. Marie Soleil is one of my favorite romcom authors…but this was a difficult read. I know Claire and Ryan didn’t technically cheat, but there was a lot of emotional cheating I just couldn’t get by, and so even though I love Ryan’s character…this wasn’t one of my favorite Marie Soleil novels.
I was given an E-ARC in return for an honest review. This has in no way altered my review or opinion.
I was given an E-ARC in return for an honest review. This has in no way altered my review or opinion.
October 17, 2025
4/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
🚨TW: trying her best to please her mother, controlling mother
📚Book/ARC Review 📚
The Friendship Variable by Marie Soleil (@authormariesoleil)
Rate: 4/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
🚨TW: trying her best to please her mother, controlling mother
Read it if you like:
🧮 Dual POV
🧮 Best friends to lovers
🧮Maths Joke
🧮 Friendships
🧮He Falls First
🧮 STEM Romance
🧮Inspired by The Office
🧮 Closed door
Favourite Moments
🧮 Their math jokes on Post it Notes that they share to each other.
🧮 Them helping their students to understand how to do maths.
🧮 Them helping each other and being there for each other.
🧮 His friends encouraging him to tell his feelings and her friend and sister help her to realise her feelings.
🧮 Him taking care of her when she is sick
🧮 Them working together opening a tutoring centre. (can’t spoil it)
🧮 He helped her with the move along with his friends.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🧮 He falls first.
🧮 He is always there for her and knows what she likes.
🧮 He waited for her.
🧮 He respects her.
🧮 He takes care of her when she was sick.
(lots more)
Synopsis
Claire
A math professor who loves to write and wanted to become an author one day. She has a boyfriend who she had known since childhood who doesn’t really care instead looking on the phone all day. She is following her parents’ footsteps and wants them to be happy and she has a best friend who is always there for her.
Ryan
A Math genius who is also a math professor. He is in love with his best friend for the longest time but she has a boyfriend.
Things get interesting when she was proposed in front of everyone in the arena with the kiss cam on her which pressured her to say yes and worst her best friend Ryan saw everything and the next day their relationship changes. Will Ryan be able to win her heart? Will he confess his feelings towards her? Will they ever get to be together? Read The Friendship Variable to find out!!
Review:
As I read this book, I can feel that Ryan is singing inside his heart Shawn Mendes- Treat You Better because he definitely treated Claire better than her boyfriend Zach. He is always had been there for her and supported her in doing what she loves which is writing. She had always wanted to be an author but she was afraid of upsetting her parents so she decided to go for their dreams instead and even marrying who her mom want her to marry. You can see Claire growing as we continue reading the story, little by little she realised her feelings of who she loves more and also what she really want to be. Love their passion in helping the students who were struggling with their maths. And their cute little post its with all the maths jokes are just so cute and sweet. And he checking out on her when she was sick and stay by her side to take care of her. His friends encouraging him to tell her his feelings and not to give up because she is not exactly married yet. This book made me smile, swoon, at times frustrated (read then you will know why) and rooting for them to be together.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own Thanks to @authormariesoleil for the ARC.
You can purchase Marie Soleil’s books on Amazon and it is available on KU.
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
🚨TW: trying her best to please her mother, controlling mother
📚Book/ARC Review 📚
The Friendship Variable by Marie Soleil (@authormariesoleil)
Rate: 4/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
🚨TW: trying her best to please her mother, controlling mother
Read it if you like:
🧮 Dual POV
🧮 Best friends to lovers
🧮Maths Joke
🧮 Friendships
🧮He Falls First
🧮 STEM Romance
🧮Inspired by The Office
🧮 Closed door
Favourite Moments
🧮 Their math jokes on Post it Notes that they share to each other.
🧮 Them helping their students to understand how to do maths.
🧮 Them helping each other and being there for each other.
🧮 His friends encouraging him to tell his feelings and her friend and sister help her to realise her feelings.
🧮 Him taking care of her when she is sick
🧮 Them working together opening a tutoring centre. (can’t spoil it)
🧮 He helped her with the move along with his friends.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🧮 He falls first.
🧮 He is always there for her and knows what she likes.
🧮 He waited for her.
🧮 He respects her.
🧮 He takes care of her when she was sick.
(lots more)
Synopsis
Claire
A math professor who loves to write and wanted to become an author one day. She has a boyfriend who she had known since childhood who doesn’t really care instead looking on the phone all day. She is following her parents’ footsteps and wants them to be happy and she has a best friend who is always there for her.
Ryan
A Math genius who is also a math professor. He is in love with his best friend for the longest time but she has a boyfriend.
Things get interesting when she was proposed in front of everyone in the arena with the kiss cam on her which pressured her to say yes and worst her best friend Ryan saw everything and the next day their relationship changes. Will Ryan be able to win her heart? Will he confess his feelings towards her? Will they ever get to be together? Read The Friendship Variable to find out!!
Review:
As I read this book, I can feel that Ryan is singing inside his heart Shawn Mendes- Treat You Better because he definitely treated Claire better than her boyfriend Zach. He is always had been there for her and supported her in doing what she loves which is writing. She had always wanted to be an author but she was afraid of upsetting her parents so she decided to go for their dreams instead and even marrying who her mom want her to marry. You can see Claire growing as we continue reading the story, little by little she realised her feelings of who she loves more and also what she really want to be. Love their passion in helping the students who were struggling with their maths. And their cute little post its with all the maths jokes are just so cute and sweet. And he checking out on her when she was sick and stay by her side to take care of her. His friends encouraging him to tell her his feelings and not to give up because she is not exactly married yet. This book made me smile, swoon, at times frustrated (read then you will know why) and rooting for them to be together.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own Thanks to @authormariesoleil for the ARC.
You can purchase Marie Soleil’s books on Amazon and it is available on KU.
October 18, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book prior to it’s release. I was not required to leave a positive review.
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars-- rounded up to 4)
After absolutely falling in love with the Once Upon a RomCom series by Marie Soleil, I was so excited when I saw her ARC forms were open. I mean, she is easily one of my favorite clean fiction authors, and while this one wasn’t a fairytale retelling, it was still really cute. The plot itself was slightly frustrating, because I had very strong opinions about some of the characters– but our main couple were just absolutely so sweet and truly perfect for each other.
Let’s be honest– I wanted to put Claire in a time-out until she was thinking properly during a lot of this book. I get that it’s hard to realize the guy you friend-zoned is actually your soul mate. But, come on! He was so kind and supportive of her– the exact opposite of her fiancee, who, quite frankly, was a walking red flag.
But Ryan was a sweetheart. Let me go out on a limb by saying he was amazing, and he was so kind, even when she really was making bad decisions. There were many times I wanted him to just tell her how he felt, but, with the exception of that, he was pretty great, and a really sweet guy. I feel like often the male leads of romcoms can be a bit… iffy. This guy wasn’t. He was a genuinely good guy, and I really liked seeing that.
Together, they were adorable. I loved the nerdy math post-its they left for each other. They made me grin– and their Pi Day tradition? So adorable. Honestly, from the first second together, I was totally rooting for them. And the scene where she was sick… oh, he was so sweet and protective of her, and it made me grin with happiness. Honestly, it was just so refreshing to see.
So, overall, I thought their relationship was super cute. It did frustrate me how long it took to get them together, but Marie Soleil handled it with her usual romcom charm, and I really did enjoy it a lot, and kind of wish I could read a sequel about them as a couple, if that makes sense.
The romance was super sweet and clean, but there were a few uses of the word “crap” sprinkled throughout. I don’t think there was any other content to note, however. The way this story just felt so clean and refreshing… it really was quite adorable, and I was such a big fan of our main couple. I wouldn’t hesitate to give this one to older teens.
I believe this book is available on Kindle Unlimited, so if you have that subscription and enjoy sweet friends-to-lovers romance, please give this one a try. It was a really good time, and the main couple… ahh, they were just perfect for each other.
EMOJI REVIEW!
🙂🙂 friend-zoned
📓 STEM co-workers
👰♀️ she’s engaged to someone else
🥰 sweet and clean romance
📱 available on kindle unlimited
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars-- rounded up to 4)
After absolutely falling in love with the Once Upon a RomCom series by Marie Soleil, I was so excited when I saw her ARC forms were open. I mean, she is easily one of my favorite clean fiction authors, and while this one wasn’t a fairytale retelling, it was still really cute. The plot itself was slightly frustrating, because I had very strong opinions about some of the characters– but our main couple were just absolutely so sweet and truly perfect for each other.
Let’s be honest– I wanted to put Claire in a time-out until she was thinking properly during a lot of this book. I get that it’s hard to realize the guy you friend-zoned is actually your soul mate. But, come on! He was so kind and supportive of her– the exact opposite of her fiancee, who, quite frankly, was a walking red flag.
But Ryan was a sweetheart. Let me go out on a limb by saying he was amazing, and he was so kind, even when she really was making bad decisions. There were many times I wanted him to just tell her how he felt, but, with the exception of that, he was pretty great, and a really sweet guy. I feel like often the male leads of romcoms can be a bit… iffy. This guy wasn’t. He was a genuinely good guy, and I really liked seeing that.
Together, they were adorable. I loved the nerdy math post-its they left for each other. They made me grin– and their Pi Day tradition? So adorable. Honestly, from the first second together, I was totally rooting for them. And the scene where she was sick… oh, he was so sweet and protective of her, and it made me grin with happiness. Honestly, it was just so refreshing to see.
So, overall, I thought their relationship was super cute. It did frustrate me how long it took to get them together, but Marie Soleil handled it with her usual romcom charm, and I really did enjoy it a lot, and kind of wish I could read a sequel about them as a couple, if that makes sense.
The romance was super sweet and clean, but there were a few uses of the word “crap” sprinkled throughout. I don’t think there was any other content to note, however. The way this story just felt so clean and refreshing… it really was quite adorable, and I was such a big fan of our main couple. I wouldn’t hesitate to give this one to older teens.
I believe this book is available on Kindle Unlimited, so if you have that subscription and enjoy sweet friends-to-lovers romance, please give this one a try. It was a really good time, and the main couple… ahh, they were just perfect for each other.
EMOJI REVIEW!
🙂🙂 friend-zoned
📓 STEM co-workers
👰♀️ she’s engaged to someone else
🥰 sweet and clean romance
📱 available on kindle unlimited
October 13, 2025
Utterly delightful in every way!
Claire Beaumont has always followed a carefully planned path so when her longtime boyfriend proposes in front of a huge crowd, she says yes despite her doubts.
Ryan Matthews, has secretly loved his best friend and fellow math professor Claire for years but has never said anything since she has a boyfriend. But as the two work closely together on a campus project, Ryan struggles to hide his feelings, and Claire starts questioning the life she’s been so careful to build.
What you'll love:
friends to lovers
dual pov
workplace romance
math professors
surfer MMC
forced proximity
she's engaged to someone else
Pam & Jim from The Office vibes
That DANCE scene
he falls first
slow burn
sorta love triangle (No cheating!)
PERFECT ENDING!
If Pam & Jim are one of your all-time fave couples (like me!!), then get ready because this book delivers those vibes in the best way possible. One of my favorite authors plus all the slow-burn tension and emotional payoff is perfection! I am completely and totally in love!!
I absolutely adored Claire and Ryan’s friendship, full of inside jokes, flirty teasing, and genuine trust. Watching their connection evolve felt so natural and real genuine. And YES, there’s a sortof love triangle, but trust me when I say: no cheating. Just an emotional journey for Claire as she figures out what she wants (finally!) and learns to put herself first.
The angst and longing and tension were so swoony and that ending was absolute *chef's kiss* and absolutely, positively worth the wait! And don’t even get me started on Ryan. Patient, supportive, quietly swoony with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. He’s a total green flag and the kind of MMC that makes your heart melt. (Did I mention that he also surfs? Just saying.)
Whether you know who Pam and Jim are or not, if you love friends to lovers with heart, swoony surfer guys who teach math, and satisfying happily ever afters, then you do not want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Claire Beaumont has always followed a carefully planned path so when her longtime boyfriend proposes in front of a huge crowd, she says yes despite her doubts.
Ryan Matthews, has secretly loved his best friend and fellow math professor Claire for years but has never said anything since she has a boyfriend. But as the two work closely together on a campus project, Ryan struggles to hide his feelings, and Claire starts questioning the life she’s been so careful to build.
What you'll love:
friends to lovers
dual pov
workplace romance
math professors
surfer MMC
forced proximity
she's engaged to someone else
Pam & Jim from The Office vibes
That DANCE scene
he falls first
slow burn
sorta love triangle (No cheating!)
PERFECT ENDING!
If Pam & Jim are one of your all-time fave couples (like me!!), then get ready because this book delivers those vibes in the best way possible. One of my favorite authors plus all the slow-burn tension and emotional payoff is perfection! I am completely and totally in love!!
I absolutely adored Claire and Ryan’s friendship, full of inside jokes, flirty teasing, and genuine trust. Watching their connection evolve felt so natural and real genuine. And YES, there’s a sortof love triangle, but trust me when I say: no cheating. Just an emotional journey for Claire as she figures out what she wants (finally!) and learns to put herself first.
The angst and longing and tension were so swoony and that ending was absolute *chef's kiss* and absolutely, positively worth the wait! And don’t even get me started on Ryan. Patient, supportive, quietly swoony with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. He’s a total green flag and the kind of MMC that makes your heart melt. (Did I mention that he also surfs? Just saying.)
Whether you know who Pam and Jim are or not, if you love friends to lovers with heart, swoony surfer guys who teach math, and satisfying happily ever afters, then you do not want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
October 10, 2025
This one was such a delight. The Friendship Variable blends cozy academia, slow-burn tension, and just the right amount of sweetness... I devoured it in 24 hours.
Claire, a rule-following community college professor, has her life all mapped out until her slacker boyfriend Zach proposes in front of fifty thousand people. The one person who really gets her is Ryan, her best friend and coworker, who’s been quietly in love with her for years. The setup is perfection, and the campus backdrop makes their friendship and growing feelings feel so natural and grounded.
I adored the premise and the tone—it reminded me so much of Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances but without the spice. Just cute banter, a slow build, and genuine emotional growth. I will say Ryan’s voice sometimes didn’t feel super masculine... a few of his inner thoughts read more like a woman writing as a man. But the dynamic between him and Claire still worked beautifully, especially once you realize it’s meant to be a bit like Jim and Pam from The Office.
Claire’s family, on the other hand, oh my. I could not get over how over-the-top they were. They basically disowned their oldest daughter because she didn’t love math? It’s silly and a little reductive... but it does give Claire a believable reason for her people-pleasing streak. I kept wanting her to see how awful Zach was sooner, but I get it—that’s where the tension comes from.
By the end, everything tied up in such a satisfying way. Overall, this one’s sweet, smart, and heartwarming—a total 10/10 recommendation for anyone who loves academia romances, no spice reads, or stories about friendship that turn into something more. Thank you to the author for the advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Claire, a rule-following community college professor, has her life all mapped out until her slacker boyfriend Zach proposes in front of fifty thousand people. The one person who really gets her is Ryan, her best friend and coworker, who’s been quietly in love with her for years. The setup is perfection, and the campus backdrop makes their friendship and growing feelings feel so natural and grounded.
I adored the premise and the tone—it reminded me so much of Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances but without the spice. Just cute banter, a slow build, and genuine emotional growth. I will say Ryan’s voice sometimes didn’t feel super masculine... a few of his inner thoughts read more like a woman writing as a man. But the dynamic between him and Claire still worked beautifully, especially once you realize it’s meant to be a bit like Jim and Pam from The Office.
Claire’s family, on the other hand, oh my. I could not get over how over-the-top they were. They basically disowned their oldest daughter because she didn’t love math? It’s silly and a little reductive... but it does give Claire a believable reason for her people-pleasing streak. I kept wanting her to see how awful Zach was sooner, but I get it—that’s where the tension comes from.
By the end, everything tied up in such a satisfying way. Overall, this one’s sweet, smart, and heartwarming—a total 10/10 recommendation for anyone who loves academia romances, no spice reads, or stories about friendship that turn into something more. Thank you to the author for the advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
So much yearning. So much longing. So much waiting and hoping. So much love and care. And soooo swoon-worthy. The author says that this book is for all her fellow fans of Jim and Pam's slow-burn romance on The Office, and boy, she wasn't kidding! As a huge fan of The Office (and Jim and Pam's iconic romance), I was taken in by this story right from the start! I found myself fondly remembering many moments with Jim and Pam while reading this story, but the author also put a unique, original twist on this type of storyline and made it her own. I was so hooked on finding out how Ryan and Claire's torturous (in the best way possible!) friendship-turned-love-story would turn out that I didn't want to put this book down! The main male character, Ryan, is irresistibly sweet and loveable and you can't help but root for him on every page. I found myself yelling at a couple of the characters at some points in the story, smiling and laughing at other points, and even getting teary-eyed while reading this book. Even though the book focuses on one character being in love with the other while she's engaged to someone else, I was very impressed how the author kept the story - and the relationship between the characters - classy and respectful. There's no cheating, or even temptations to cheat, and it's so well done, which I appreciate very much. And as a firm believer in and lover of happy endings, I absolutely loved how beautifully this story concluded! If you're a fan of yearning-filled, slow-burn romance mixed with hopelessly romantic, selfless, patient love, then this book is for you!
(I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book, but all opinions and reviews are mine and are 100% honest.)
(I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book, but all opinions and reviews are mine and are 100% honest.)
October 16, 2025
I adored this book! It was such a cute romance, and both Ryan and Claire felt like such real people. I would love to have had them as professors.
I sympathized with Claire so much! I honestly never even got frustrated with her as she struggled with her feelings with Ryan because I think the web of people pleasing is so hard to get out of. She was trying to do the right thing, but she was also stuck in people’s expectations of her. I really liked how Ryan never forced her hand in anyway, but she changed because he was worth fighting for. Also, I love her job! It fit her so well, and the fact that she’s also a writer was such a fun add.
I love Ryan so much! He was genuinely so in love with Claire, and they balanced each other really well. Their whole friendship felt so real, and I felt for him as he navigated his feelings for her with also his desire to be honorable. I think he handles the whole situation fairly well especially because Zach is such a jerk. I really liked all of the little ways that he cares for Claire especially when she’s sick. It’s so cute!
The plot in this one kept me hooked! I couldn’t wait to find out how Claire and Ryan would end up together, and I love both of their arcs. This is an adorable friends to lovers romance that I would totally recommend! It is a clean read with only kissing and no cheating.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I sympathized with Claire so much! I honestly never even got frustrated with her as she struggled with her feelings with Ryan because I think the web of people pleasing is so hard to get out of. She was trying to do the right thing, but she was also stuck in people’s expectations of her. I really liked how Ryan never forced her hand in anyway, but she changed because he was worth fighting for. Also, I love her job! It fit her so well, and the fact that she’s also a writer was such a fun add.
I love Ryan so much! He was genuinely so in love with Claire, and they balanced each other really well. Their whole friendship felt so real, and I felt for him as he navigated his feelings for her with also his desire to be honorable. I think he handles the whole situation fairly well especially because Zach is such a jerk. I really liked all of the little ways that he cares for Claire especially when she’s sick. It’s so cute!
The plot in this one kept me hooked! I couldn’t wait to find out how Claire and Ryan would end up together, and I love both of their arcs. This is an adorable friends to lovers romance that I would totally recommend! It is a clean read with only kissing and no cheating.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
October 29, 2025
Kisses and emotional cheating
This was a hard and frustrating read for me. Claire was a careless people pleaser who chose her mom over anyone else. She is also in a serious relationship nearly the entire book so having there be a love interest for her that is not her fiancé was icky.
I appreciated that Ryan respected her relationship and didn’t press things. I don’t think he needed to proclaim his love for her. He should be with someone that will choose him not someone who will string him along and then keep choosing someone else.
A note on the Jim and Pam connection (The Office spoilers ahead)
It was not lost on me that this story is very similar to Jim and Pam’s story. It made me question if I actually like the Jim and Pam story or if Pam was emotionally cheating on Roy the whole time. I’ve decided I still like Jim and Pam but I do not like Claire and Ryan here is why:
•We do not get Pam’s inner monologue of how she really feels about marrying Roy. Nor does she indicate that she’s thinking of breaking up only to have her mom convince her otherwise.
• Pam is not marrying Roy because her parents expect it or because they’ve been friends their whole life. She’s marry him because she’s not a risk taker and he’s not a risk.
•Pam doesn’t push Jim away the closer it gets to her wedding
•Jim actually leaves and works someplace else for a while
•There is time between the called off wedding and Jim and Pam getting together. Pam has time to figure out herself. Jim has time to date other women. They don’t jump right in to being together.
This was a hard and frustrating read for me. Claire was a careless people pleaser who chose her mom over anyone else. She is also in a serious relationship nearly the entire book so having there be a love interest for her that is not her fiancé was icky.
I appreciated that Ryan respected her relationship and didn’t press things. I don’t think he needed to proclaim his love for her. He should be with someone that will choose him not someone who will string him along and then keep choosing someone else.
A note on the Jim and Pam connection (The Office spoilers ahead)
It was not lost on me that this story is very similar to Jim and Pam’s story. It made me question if I actually like the Jim and Pam story or if Pam was emotionally cheating on Roy the whole time. I’ve decided I still like Jim and Pam but I do not like Claire and Ryan here is why:
•We do not get Pam’s inner monologue of how she really feels about marrying Roy. Nor does she indicate that she’s thinking of breaking up only to have her mom convince her otherwise.
• Pam is not marrying Roy because her parents expect it or because they’ve been friends their whole life. She’s marry him because she’s not a risk taker and he’s not a risk.
•Pam doesn’t push Jim away the closer it gets to her wedding
•Jim actually leaves and works someplace else for a while
•There is time between the called off wedding and Jim and Pam getting together. Pam has time to figure out herself. Jim has time to date other women. They don’t jump right in to being together.
October 23, 2025
I love Marie Soleil books, she has a really calming writing voice, her stories are very sweet and full of emotional turmoils and would make a great hallmark movie. Why the 3 stars? because I was very heartbroken for Ryan, it dragged too long and it was too much for me. Another thing I had mixed feelings about was the repetition that there was no cheating and even if Claire questions this a bit, it was still a bit uncomfortable. From the beginning it was obvious why we shouldn’t like Zack for Claire, and this being dragged for too long just made me question (as probably most of all of the readers of this book will be female) that if the genders were reversed and it happened to you, would you feel like there was no cheating. For me cheating is not only a physical thing it is also emotional, so if you’re thinking or having feelings about another person while being with your partner it’s still cheating. For those who don’t have an issue with it, then that won’t be an issue. I would have preferred they broke up on the first third of the book and then have them deal with how to deal with their feelings, but that’s me. I still liked their love story and was so happy to get to them getting together at last. How she described their feelings and angst was well done, honestly, she make me have all these feelings when reading the story and I think that is good writing.
I received this book as an ARC.
I received this book as an ARC.
October 14, 2025
The Friendship Variable is a sweet, quirky, and emotional read with layered characters and a captivating story.
It centres around Claire and Ryan, two friends and co-workers as STEM professors. They have amazing chemistry as friends that slowly transform into something more. They share math puns at work and have this 'I'll always be there for you' dynamic. Throughout the story, they have ups and downs as feelings rise and their friendship is questioned.
Claire is such a sweetheart, and I say this with all the love, a people pleaser. Because of her family's pressure, she's even married to an 'okay' guy! He isn't physically harming her, but he just...is? He doesn't do a thing and depends on Claire for everything. Let's just say, this guy has some growing up to do, and Claire deserves a man who can be supportive and loving. It was heartbreaking to read about her going along with other people's wishes. It was always 'okay', but that's not living. That is surviving. So, I was cheering when this girl went through her character development.
Ryan is a catch! Other women know it, he knows it, Claire knows it. He's supportive and incredibly patient, allowing Claire some space to find herself. However, a man can only wait so long. He tries to get over her with the help of his friend, which is comical in a sense, but no one can top Claire Beaumont for him. It shows the real bumpy road of life's romance.
The fact that Claire is engaged to that slouchy guy and the slow-burning chemistry between her and Ryan give the story its uniqueness. Marie Soleil managed not to make this a weird, awkward dynamic, but rather a loving, yearning one.
Thank you, Marie Soleil, for receiving an e-arc as a member of your street team. I hope that many more readers will find your work and fall in love with your talented writing!
It centres around Claire and Ryan, two friends and co-workers as STEM professors. They have amazing chemistry as friends that slowly transform into something more. They share math puns at work and have this 'I'll always be there for you' dynamic. Throughout the story, they have ups and downs as feelings rise and their friendship is questioned.
Claire is such a sweetheart, and I say this with all the love, a people pleaser. Because of her family's pressure, she's even married to an 'okay' guy! He isn't physically harming her, but he just...is? He doesn't do a thing and depends on Claire for everything. Let's just say, this guy has some growing up to do, and Claire deserves a man who can be supportive and loving. It was heartbreaking to read about her going along with other people's wishes. It was always 'okay', but that's not living. That is surviving. So, I was cheering when this girl went through her character development.
Ryan is a catch! Other women know it, he knows it, Claire knows it. He's supportive and incredibly patient, allowing Claire some space to find herself. However, a man can only wait so long. He tries to get over her with the help of his friend, which is comical in a sense, but no one can top Claire Beaumont for him. It shows the real bumpy road of life's romance.
The fact that Claire is engaged to that slouchy guy and the slow-burning chemistry between her and Ryan give the story its uniqueness. Marie Soleil managed not to make this a weird, awkward dynamic, but rather a loving, yearning one.
Thank you, Marie Soleil, for receiving an e-arc as a member of your street team. I hope that many more readers will find your work and fall in love with your talented writing!
October 17, 2025
➕️ The Friendship Variable - ARC Review ➕️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, hear me out I might be a spice reader at heart but when I pick up a clean romcom, it’s gotta be by @authormariesoleil ! No one else does it like her! This book was just so sweet and full of heart 🥹
Claire and Ryan completely won me over. Their friendship? Adorable. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The yearning and slow burn had me kicking my feet more than once 😭 Ryan is the ultimate green flag : patient, kind, respectful to a fault, and quietly in love in the most swoony way possible. And Claire’s journey? I felt that. Watching her stop people-pleasing and finally choose herself was just beautiful!
I have to say, I loved the little maths jokes sprinkled throughout they made me grin every time! I’m not in sciences anymore for my studies, but I did keep maths for as long as I could, and now I kinda want to annoy my scientific friends with a few jokes 😅
And even though I never watch The Office (Gen Z problems, sorry 😅), I loved the whole academic setup — two math professors, a friendship full of teasing and trust, and that slow realization of feelings? Pure perfection 🤩
I devoured this one in a single sitting and closed it with a big smile on my face. Another win for @authormariesoleil !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, hear me out I might be a spice reader at heart but when I pick up a clean romcom, it’s gotta be by @authormariesoleil ! No one else does it like her! This book was just so sweet and full of heart 🥹
Claire and Ryan completely won me over. Their friendship? Adorable. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The yearning and slow burn had me kicking my feet more than once 😭 Ryan is the ultimate green flag : patient, kind, respectful to a fault, and quietly in love in the most swoony way possible. And Claire’s journey? I felt that. Watching her stop people-pleasing and finally choose herself was just beautiful!
I have to say, I loved the little maths jokes sprinkled throughout they made me grin every time! I’m not in sciences anymore for my studies, but I did keep maths for as long as I could, and now I kinda want to annoy my scientific friends with a few jokes 😅
And even though I never watch The Office (Gen Z problems, sorry 😅), I loved the whole academic setup — two math professors, a friendship full of teasing and trust, and that slow realization of feelings? Pure perfection 🤩
I devoured this one in a single sitting and closed it with a big smile on my face. Another win for @authormariesoleil !
October 18, 2025
This book basically destroyed my soul. But in the best way.
We'll start with the characters. These characters were very human. Claire is delusional about what she wants and what is really good for her, and is only focused on people-pleasing. I was glad to see her come around by the end. While Ryan was a great guy and a fantastic love interest, he should've just manned up and told her how he felt long before. I'm glad he finally realized that. Claire's parents were just straight up annoying to me. However, that's honestly a pro because I love a good annoying character. Keeps me coming back for more. If the characters aren't human enough, the story is bland and trite. Marie gives a lot of character depth and difference and I just love it.
This book honestly told the story of my life. Wanting to marry a guy who is totally not what you need, and he just wants to sit around while you support him. It really did strike a nerve, but I loved that I could relate on such a deep level.
I think I loved this one so much because it did hit me on a personal level. But, like everything Marie Soleil writes, it is charming, funny, interesting, and engaging. If I could give it 7/5 stars I would.
Thank you, Marie, for an ARC copy of this book! Amazing!!
We'll start with the characters. These characters were very human. Claire is delusional about what she wants and what is really good for her, and is only focused on people-pleasing. I was glad to see her come around by the end. While Ryan was a great guy and a fantastic love interest, he should've just manned up and told her how he felt long before. I'm glad he finally realized that. Claire's parents were just straight up annoying to me. However, that's honestly a pro because I love a good annoying character. Keeps me coming back for more. If the characters aren't human enough, the story is bland and trite. Marie gives a lot of character depth and difference and I just love it.
This book honestly told the story of my life. Wanting to marry a guy who is totally not what you need, and he just wants to sit around while you support him. It really did strike a nerve, but I loved that I could relate on such a deep level.
I think I loved this one so much because it did hit me on a personal level. But, like everything Marie Soleil writes, it is charming, funny, interesting, and engaging. If I could give it 7/5 stars I would.
Thank you, Marie, for an ARC copy of this book! Amazing!!
October 21, 2025
This story completely stole my heart from page one! The Friendship Variable is a beautifully written friends-to-lovers romance that’s heartfelt, emotional, and full of that delicious slow-burn tension I can’t get enough of.
Claire and Ryan’s friendship was everything—fun, flirty, and built on real trust. I adored how their connection felt so genuine, like you were watching two people slowly realize what’s been right in front of them all along.
And Ryan… oh, Ryan. He’s the definition of a green flag MMC—kind, patient, quietly swoony, and endlessly supportive. Let’s be real though—there were plenty of times I wanted to shake Claire and put her in a time-out until she realized what an absolute gem was standing right in front of her! Her fiancé? A walking red flag . But even when she made questionable choices, Ryan never stopped showing up for her. He respected her boundaries, saw her heart, and loved her without conditions—and that’s what made his character so special.
Marie Soleil did an incredible job balancing humor, longing, and emotional growth. I loved watching Claire learn to stop living for everyone else’s approval and finally choose her own happiness. This story had depth, heart, and such a satisfying emotional payoff that made every bit of the slow burn so worth it.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
First time reading a book by this author but it won't be my last! I really enjoyed the writing style, and it was such a fun and cute story! And also a bit frustrating at times, not going to lie, haha. I wanted to shake the characters at different times. Especially Claire. Even if I could understand her reasoning/struggles. My husband had to listen to me rant about Claire's situation and what the best thing was for her, haha. All good-naturedly of course. I am so happy with how this book ended. So good and worth the frustrations. XD
Gave me a lot of "The Wedding Singer" vibes, too.
Also have to admit that some of the math talk went over my head. I am not adept at math. I was the child who cried through every lesson of math, haha. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the story at all, and I loved Claire and Ryan's love of math as well as their shared love of teaching it.
The Friendship Variable is the perfect friends-to-more story, and I loved the slow burn!
Such a cute read with great characters.
(Also, will Chase and Amber be getting a book? Because I feel like there's a story there...and I want to read it!)
I received a complementary ebook from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.
Gave me a lot of "The Wedding Singer" vibes, too.
Also have to admit that some of the math talk went over my head. I am not adept at math. I was the child who cried through every lesson of math, haha. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the story at all, and I loved Claire and Ryan's love of math as well as their shared love of teaching it.
The Friendship Variable is the perfect friends-to-more story, and I loved the slow burn!
Such a cute read with great characters.
(Also, will Chase and Amber be getting a book? Because I feel like there's a story there...and I want to read it!)
I received a complementary ebook from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.
November 15, 2025
I do love a good friends to more story and this one had me enthralled! I devoured this book in a day.
Claire and Ryan have been best friends since they started work at the same college. They are opposite in a lot of ways but complement each other so well. On paper, they would make the perfect couple, in fact, most people THINK they’re a couple. The problem is Claire has a boyfriend… and declares she’s in love with him. Ryan has a secret though… he’s been in love with Claire since the day he met her. Is all hope lost after Claire gets engaged? What will become of their friendship? Will they ever admit their true feelings out loud?
This book had a lot of moments where I wanted to shake the main characters so bad! It’s clear they were perfect but sometimes it’s takes drastic measures for true feelings to come out. Claire battles with wanting to please those around her versus what she feels in her heart. Ryan is the most patient man! He’s pretty rash when it comes to some of his decisions but I loved his loyalty and devotion. They really did make such a cute couple and the ending was oh so satisfying!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Claire and Ryan have been best friends since they started work at the same college. They are opposite in a lot of ways but complement each other so well. On paper, they would make the perfect couple, in fact, most people THINK they’re a couple. The problem is Claire has a boyfriend… and declares she’s in love with him. Ryan has a secret though… he’s been in love with Claire since the day he met her. Is all hope lost after Claire gets engaged? What will become of their friendship? Will they ever admit their true feelings out loud?
This book had a lot of moments where I wanted to shake the main characters so bad! It’s clear they were perfect but sometimes it’s takes drastic measures for true feelings to come out. Claire battles with wanting to please those around her versus what she feels in her heart. Ryan is the most patient man! He’s pretty rash when it comes to some of his decisions but I loved his loyalty and devotion. They really did make such a cute couple and the ending was oh so satisfying!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
Oh my goodness... what a story! Math might not seem like the most romantic of subjects, but Claire and Ryan just might change your mind! First things first though, if you saw the tagline for this one and found yourself uncertain, I'm right there with you. I'm always a little hesitant with stories where one of the main characters is already in a serious relationship with someone else when the story begins... and throughout most of the story too. Let me assure you though, Marie Soleil pulled it off brilliantly in a way that didn't give off any love triangle or cheating vibes. But it absolutely gave us all the yearning that I was absolutely here for. Claire and Ryan had a really sweet friendship... I loved how he always seemed to see her for who she was, more so than anyone else in her life. Seeing them finally get the chance to take it from friends to more? Even better. This one was the slowest of burns... but so worth the payoff in the end! I loved these two together and couldn't get enough!
The Friendship Variable is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Friendship Variable is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
Let it be said before I get any further in this review, there was NO LOVE TRIANGLE AND ABSOLUTELY NO CHEATING in this book! I know some people were concerned about that but trust me this story is better than you can imagine!
Claire is an early bird, driven math professor, loving daughter, devoted girlfriend and loyal best friend! This girl is going places! While she may not always understand her boyfriend’s (of so many years) ambitions and direction in life, she happily stands by him! When she finds out her best friend/colleague needs help with a side project to help secure tenure Claire seizes the opportunity to lend a hand. All is well in good in her life until a very public proposal with a very gaudy ring is projected for the world to see… then things get complicated!
Ryan is a usually late (but never too much), diligent math professor, chill surfer, fun roommate and a bend over backwards for his best friend. Ryan and Claire were hired at the same time and very quickly became close despite being opposites in how they approached their teaching. On the personal side, they are two peas in a pod, but Ryan has been biding his time for Claire’s affection, but sadly that day has yet to come to pass.
Over the course of this book, you see that the loyalty line doesn’t get crossed, but also how steadfast the friendship is between the two protagonists. You also get to see how family dynamics aren’t all that they originally appear, but they make for an interesting subplot! I love reading about how the best kept secrets aren’t as covert and that when people’s true colors come out in the most surprising of ways! All in all, this was perhaps one of the best stories I have read from Marie Soleil and I will stand behind it!
CW: People pleaser
Claire is an early bird, driven math professor, loving daughter, devoted girlfriend and loyal best friend! This girl is going places! While she may not always understand her boyfriend’s (of so many years) ambitions and direction in life, she happily stands by him! When she finds out her best friend/colleague needs help with a side project to help secure tenure Claire seizes the opportunity to lend a hand. All is well in good in her life until a very public proposal with a very gaudy ring is projected for the world to see… then things get complicated!
Ryan is a usually late (but never too much), diligent math professor, chill surfer, fun roommate and a bend over backwards for his best friend. Ryan and Claire were hired at the same time and very quickly became close despite being opposites in how they approached their teaching. On the personal side, they are two peas in a pod, but Ryan has been biding his time for Claire’s affection, but sadly that day has yet to come to pass.
Over the course of this book, you see that the loyalty line doesn’t get crossed, but also how steadfast the friendship is between the two protagonists. You also get to see how family dynamics aren’t all that they originally appear, but they make for an interesting subplot! I love reading about how the best kept secrets aren’t as covert and that when people’s true colors come out in the most surprising of ways! All in all, this was perhaps one of the best stories I have read from Marie Soleil and I will stand behind it!
CW: People pleaser
October 17, 2025
You + Me = Us
What a sweet friends-to-lovers story! It's a perfectly balanced equation.
Claire can't see what is right in front of her... she is in love with her best friend, and he with her, but she is going to marry her deadweight long-term boyfriend. I wanted to strangle Zach, the free loader, so many times in this story, and also occasionally Claire, because she can't see it. Or she does, but refuses to do anything but take the path of least resistance. Claire is portrayed as ever the people-pleaser, and she feels guilty for considering any options that her own heart wants to make.
While I enjoyed the lightness of this sweet, mathematical love story, there is a fair amount of angst. But all the confessions are worth their weight in gold, and if we get to enjoy the moment when Claire realizes, truly realized, that she does want to have pretty babies with Ryan and not Zach, it is worth the rocky road!
Brush up on your math and get ready to solve for the Friendship Variable! ❤️
I received a copy of the author's story for consideration. All thoughts contained here are my own.
What a sweet friends-to-lovers story! It's a perfectly balanced equation.
Claire can't see what is right in front of her... she is in love with her best friend, and he with her, but she is going to marry her deadweight long-term boyfriend. I wanted to strangle Zach, the free loader, so many times in this story, and also occasionally Claire, because she can't see it. Or she does, but refuses to do anything but take the path of least resistance. Claire is portrayed as ever the people-pleaser, and she feels guilty for considering any options that her own heart wants to make.
While I enjoyed the lightness of this sweet, mathematical love story, there is a fair amount of angst. But all the confessions are worth their weight in gold, and if we get to enjoy the moment when Claire realizes, truly realized, that she does want to have pretty babies with Ryan and not Zach, it is worth the rocky road!
Brush up on your math and get ready to solve for the Friendship Variable! ❤️
I received a copy of the author's story for consideration. All thoughts contained here are my own.
October 17, 2025
This book was super cute and had me smiling all the way through! It's definitely a heartfelt, funny, and clean friends-to-lovers romcom filled with laughs and swoons. It’s the perfect mix of slow-burn tension, witty math humor (which I may or may not have gotten lol), and emotional depth that makes you fall in love with both the characters and their journey.
Claire Beaumont is a brilliant math professor who’s always lived her life by logic and expectation—until her picture-perfect engagement starts to feel more like a miscalculation. Her one constant? Ryan Matthews, the charming surfer-slash-fellow math professor who’s been quietly, selflessly in love with her from day one.
Their chemistry builds through faculty meetings, math puns, and late-night project sessions until every glance feels electric. From their adorable Pi Day traditions to that unforgettable faculty dance (and a few “did that really just happen?!” moments I won’t spoil) it definitely was filled with the sweetest feels!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
Claire Beaumont is a brilliant math professor who’s always lived her life by logic and expectation—until her picture-perfect engagement starts to feel more like a miscalculation. Her one constant? Ryan Matthews, the charming surfer-slash-fellow math professor who’s been quietly, selflessly in love with her from day one.
Their chemistry builds through faculty meetings, math puns, and late-night project sessions until every glance feels electric. From their adorable Pi Day traditions to that unforgettable faculty dance (and a few “did that really just happen?!” moments I won’t spoil) it definitely was filled with the sweetest feels!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
October 20, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC of The Friendship Variable! I love a friends to lovers trope and watching the slow burn between Ryan and Claire made this unable to put down!
They’re fellow math professors at a community college and I enjoyed their interactions and nerdiness together. Claire’s boyfriend was so pathetic it was quite frustrating watching them together, yet she kept going back to him and believing in him.
I love how Soleil always includes so much personal growth, especially in her FMCs. While Claire’s actions (or lack of) were frustrating, I do think it was very realistic. She has such a strong desire to please her parents, especially after what happened with her estranged sister, that she never puts her own feelings first. And I would have loved to see a bit more of her romantic feelings for Ryan, as it seemed to all come from his POV. Chase was also a bit of a surprise side character, as he seems like quite the playboy but really tries to help Ryan out, and I particularly loved his bluntness with Claire at the end.
Overall this is such a fun, quick read, and I recommend if you love closed door and friends to lovers romances!
They’re fellow math professors at a community college and I enjoyed their interactions and nerdiness together. Claire’s boyfriend was so pathetic it was quite frustrating watching them together, yet she kept going back to him and believing in him.
I love how Soleil always includes so much personal growth, especially in her FMCs. While Claire’s actions (or lack of) were frustrating, I do think it was very realistic. She has such a strong desire to please her parents, especially after what happened with her estranged sister, that she never puts her own feelings first. And I would have loved to see a bit more of her romantic feelings for Ryan, as it seemed to all come from his POV. Chase was also a bit of a surprise side character, as he seems like quite the playboy but really tries to help Ryan out, and I particularly loved his bluntness with Claire at the end.
Overall this is such a fun, quick read, and I recommend if you love closed door and friends to lovers romances!
October 25, 2025
What a fun read! I'm usually a little nervous about a friends to more love story because it's not always my favorite but when I saw that The Friendship Variable had Jim+Pam from the Office vibes I knew I had to read it! And boy, am I am so glad I did!
Claire and Ryan were the best of best friends...except for the little secret that Ryan is in love with Claire. The way Ryan yearned for Claire was chefs kiss! He was always cheering her on and wanting what was best for her. He really believed in her and that was one of my favorite things about Ryan.
Claire was a sweetheart. She was so focused on making everyone around her happy that it was so hard to see that Ryan was right here in front of her as more than a friend. I thought I might get upset with Claire being slow to see Ryan in a different light, but her relationships with Zach and both of their parents was complex and multilayered that | just really felt for her and how difficult the situation was.
The vibes were amazing and on point, I loved Ryan and Claire as well as the fun cast of side characters! I highly recommend this romcom to anyone who loves a great love story!
Claire and Ryan were the best of best friends...except for the little secret that Ryan is in love with Claire. The way Ryan yearned for Claire was chefs kiss! He was always cheering her on and wanting what was best for her. He really believed in her and that was one of my favorite things about Ryan.
Claire was a sweetheart. She was so focused on making everyone around her happy that it was so hard to see that Ryan was right here in front of her as more than a friend. I thought I might get upset with Claire being slow to see Ryan in a different light, but her relationships with Zach and both of their parents was complex and multilayered that | just really felt for her and how difficult the situation was.
The vibes were amazing and on point, I loved Ryan and Claire as well as the fun cast of side characters! I highly recommend this romcom to anyone who loves a great love story!
October 8, 2025
The Friendship Variable by Marie Soleil was such a compelling read—I stayed up far too late because I just had to know how Ryan and Claire’s story would unfold.
Ryan and Claire have worked together for years, and while Ryan is completely head over heels for her, Claire’s already in a relationship with Zach… until a surprise proposal forces her to re-evaluate everything. Ryan’s determination to show Claire that she deserves better—and to encourage her to define what she truly wants for her own life—makes for a heartfelt, emotional journey.
Claire’s inner conflict and guilt felt very real, and the chemistry between her and Ryan was beautifully drawn. There were some especially sweet moments (like when Ryan takes care of her when she’s ill ❤️). The story is definitely a slow burn—at times long and a little torturous—but it fits the Jim-and-Pam inspiration perfectly, with a fun twist of maths geekery added in!
If you love friends-to-lovers romances full of longing, heart, and slow-building tension, this one’s for you.
Ryan and Claire have worked together for years, and while Ryan is completely head over heels for her, Claire’s already in a relationship with Zach… until a surprise proposal forces her to re-evaluate everything. Ryan’s determination to show Claire that she deserves better—and to encourage her to define what she truly wants for her own life—makes for a heartfelt, emotional journey.
Claire’s inner conflict and guilt felt very real, and the chemistry between her and Ryan was beautifully drawn. There were some especially sweet moments (like when Ryan takes care of her when she’s ill ❤️). The story is definitely a slow burn—at times long and a little torturous—but it fits the Jim-and-Pam inspiration perfectly, with a fun twist of maths geekery added in!
If you love friends-to-lovers romances full of longing, heart, and slow-building tension, this one’s for you.
October 11, 2025
This book was described as being a love story inspired by Jim and Pam from The Office...
...and boy did Marie Soleil deliver! If you love that storyline at all, I would recommend this book!
I was sucked in immediately. I just HAD to know what was going to happen with Claire and Ryan, who are best friends and math professors at the same college. Claire is currently dating Zach, who she's been with since high school. All the while, Ryan is harboring a secret crush from Claire.
I loved watching Claire slowly come into her own and realize that she doesn't have to spend her whole life making choices that make other people happy. An added bonus as that some of the side characters felt like homages to other Office characters. (Looking at you specifically Christopher David)
This is a friend-to-more story done well. And don't be concerned about the love triangle. There is no cheating involved in the storyline, and everything was handled in a very respectable way.
Thank you to the author, Marie Soleil, for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
...and boy did Marie Soleil deliver! If you love that storyline at all, I would recommend this book!
I was sucked in immediately. I just HAD to know what was going to happen with Claire and Ryan, who are best friends and math professors at the same college. Claire is currently dating Zach, who she's been with since high school. All the while, Ryan is harboring a secret crush from Claire.
I loved watching Claire slowly come into her own and realize that she doesn't have to spend her whole life making choices that make other people happy. An added bonus as that some of the side characters felt like homages to other Office characters. (Looking at you specifically Christopher David)
This is a friend-to-more story done well. And don't be concerned about the love triangle. There is no cheating involved in the storyline, and everything was handled in a very respectable way.
Thank you to the author, Marie Soleil, for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2025
The Friendship Variable by Marie Soleil is such a heartwarming and quietly powerful story about friendship, love, and learning to set boundaries when your heart wants to please everyone.
I related so deeply to Claire — her desire to keep peace, make everyone happy, and avoid disappointing others hit way too close to home. It’s that tension between wanting to be dependable yet slowly realizing that saying “yes” to everything often means saying “no” to yourself.
Marie Soleil writes that struggle so authentically — not as a weakness, but as a reflection of someone who genuinely loves deeply and wants to do right by everyone.
And Ryan? I loved how his quiet strength and steadfast care helped Claire see that she didn’t need to perform or be a people pleaser to be loved, she was already worthy just as she was.
This story reminded me that true friendship doesn’t demand perfection, it invites authenticity. A sweet story full of encouragement, laughter, and healing moments that linger long after the last page.
I related so deeply to Claire — her desire to keep peace, make everyone happy, and avoid disappointing others hit way too close to home. It’s that tension between wanting to be dependable yet slowly realizing that saying “yes” to everything often means saying “no” to yourself.
Marie Soleil writes that struggle so authentically — not as a weakness, but as a reflection of someone who genuinely loves deeply and wants to do right by everyone.
And Ryan? I loved how his quiet strength and steadfast care helped Claire see that she didn’t need to perform or be a people pleaser to be loved, she was already worthy just as she was.
This story reminded me that true friendship doesn’t demand perfection, it invites authenticity. A sweet story full of encouragement, laughter, and healing moments that linger long after the last page.
October 15, 2025
A sweet, slow burn romance that’ll have you screaming “just kiss already!” at the pages. These two take their time to get together, and there were definitely moments I wanted to shake some sense into the characters.
But here’s the thing- I was completely hooked anyway. The characters are so relatable, and despite the wait, I couldn’t put it down. I was fully invested in seeing them finally figure it out. Even the math concepts woven throughout were surprisingly interesting and fun. Who knew equations could be romantic?
The payoff is worth every page turning moment of anticipation. This sweet romance will have you sighing with happiness by the end, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you like clean romance and don’t mind a slower pace, give it a read. Just pack your patience and maybe a calculator for good measure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
But here’s the thing- I was completely hooked anyway. The characters are so relatable, and despite the wait, I couldn’t put it down. I was fully invested in seeing them finally figure it out. Even the math concepts woven throughout were surprisingly interesting and fun. Who knew equations could be romantic?
The payoff is worth every page turning moment of anticipation. This sweet romance will have you sighing with happiness by the end, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you like clean romance and don’t mind a slower pace, give it a read. Just pack your patience and maybe a calculator for good measure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews