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Second First Dates
A librarian swipes right on a charming high school teacher, only to realize that she’d already dated him once—and it ended in disaster.
Leti Maldonado has heard all the dating horror stories, but she never expected to be part of one after coming out of a four-year dating hiatus. When she matches with Julian Gutierrez, she doesn’t think much of how familiar his profile picture looks. But when the date goes awry, it unlocks the terrible first date memory that made her quit dating in the first place—because she’s been on this date before. And it’s just as bad the second time around.
To make matters worse, at the end of the night she discovers Julian lives in the same apartment building as her and his roommate is her younger brother. From then on, he’s inescapable. In the mailroom. In the stairwell. Outside her door with a takeout mix-up. He’s even a witness to yet another of Leti’s terrible first dates.
When Julian suggests taking over her dating accounts, he makes a surprisingly convincing case. If Leti’s proved anything, it’s that she sure doesn’t know how to pick ‘em. How much worse can Julian be at picking dates for her? It’s a terrible idea, but at this point he might be her only hope of finding real, lasting love. If they don’t fall for each other in the process, that is…
Leti Maldonado has heard all the dating horror stories, but she never expected to be part of one after coming out of a four-year dating hiatus. When she matches with Julian Gutierrez, she doesn’t think much of how familiar his profile picture looks. But when the date goes awry, it unlocks the terrible first date memory that made her quit dating in the first place—because she’s been on this date before. And it’s just as bad the second time around.
To make matters worse, at the end of the night she discovers Julian lives in the same apartment building as her and his roommate is her younger brother. From then on, he’s inescapable. In the mailroom. In the stairwell. Outside her door with a takeout mix-up. He’s even a witness to yet another of Leti’s terrible first dates.
When Julian suggests taking over her dating accounts, he makes a surprisingly convincing case. If Leti’s proved anything, it’s that she sure doesn’t know how to pick ‘em. How much worse can Julian be at picking dates for her? It’s a terrible idea, but at this point he might be her only hope of finding real, lasting love. If they don’t fall for each other in the process, that is…
600 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Gabriella Gamez
3 books812 followersGabriella Gamez is a Mexican American author from South Texas. She writes about incredibly messy, well-meaning women trying their best and accidentally falling in love. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee, wasting too much time playing video games, and obsessing over other people’s books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
April 8, 2026
These two sweet chaotic bisexual aspec baddies have my whole heart. Swoony AF. Cameos from your favorite characters from previous books. Read it!
Whats to love…
- hot teacher x hot librarian
- queer (bi demisexual x bi graysexual
- complicated family dynamics
- a little chaos
- grumpy (her) x sunshine (him) dynamic
- He helps her pick her dates on a dating app!
What might not work for some…
- I did want the plot and relationship to develop a bit faster but thats possibly just a me problem and the mood I was in.
4.25 ⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Forever for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Whats to love…
- hot teacher x hot librarian
- queer (bi demisexual x bi graysexual
- complicated family dynamics
- a little chaos
- grumpy (her) x sunshine (him) dynamic
- He helps her pick her dates on a dating app!
What might not work for some…
- I did want the plot and relationship to develop a bit faster but thats possibly just a me problem and the mood I was in.
4.25 ⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Forever for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2026
┆ ⤿ 🌅 ⌗ started: july 26, finished: august 2
2 stars 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ arc review with no spoilers.
⋆.˚ ★— thank you forever pub, netgalley and gabriella gamez for the e-arc in exchange for a honest review
after a string of terrible dates, leti is ready to give dating one last shot... until she realizes the charming guy she just matched with is actually someone she already went on a disastrous first date with years ago. as if that wasn't awkward enough, he turns out to live in her apartment building and is roommates with her younger brother. when julian offers to take over her dating apps and help her find the perfect match, the two grow closer than either of them expected. what starts as an attempt to help leti find love slowly becomes a sweet, funny, and heartwarming second chance at the person who might have been right for her all along.
i went into this book with pretty high expectations, not only because the cover is adorable, but because the summary sounded so interesting. the first 35% had me hooked. i was laughing, i was genuinely having fun, and i absolutely loved julian and his sunshine personality.
my biggest issue was leticia. i completely understand that she had a difficult childhood and that being the middle child shaped a lot of who she is, but the way she constantly spoke to julian and how rude she was almost every time he opened his mouth really started to frustrate me. i also agree that her brother could be incredibly annoying, but she was just so unbelievably stubborn that it became exhausting.
another thing that bothered me was the storyline. it was so obvious that they liked each other, and it felt like all julian had to do was actually communicate with leti. instead, everything got dragged out because neither of them would just have an honest conversation. by the second half, i found myself losing interest because the conflict felt more frustrating than believable.
that said, i still really enjoyed julian. he was sweet, patient, and probably the biggest reason i kept reading. i just wish the communication had been stronger and leti had been a little easier to root for because i think i would've enjoyed this so much more.
i also enjoyed the sexuality exploration that was touched on. it was so educating for me!
she annoyed me from the very beginning. i wanted to root for her because i understood why she was so guarded after everything she'd been through, but her attitude made it so difficult. she was unnecessarily rude to julian so many times, constantly assumed the worst, and refused to communicate even when it would've solved half of the problems. while i appreciated that she slowly became more vulnerable as the story went on, i never fully connected with her character. i don't have a lot to say for her.
oh he was HOT. from the very beginning, julian had that golden retriever energy that made him impossible not to love. he was patient, thoughtful, funny, and honestly handled leti's attitude far better than i ever could have. despite constantly being pushed away, he never stopped trying to understand where she was coming from, which made him such an easy character to root for.
i do wish we had gotten to know him on a much deeper level, though. there were so many hints about his past, his family, and why he was so guarded emotionally, but i felt like we only scratched the surface. i wanted more of his perspective outside of his relationship with leti because he was genuinely the more interesting character to me. i would've loved to see more of his vulnerabilities, his family dynamics, and what shaped him into the kind, caring person he became. he completely carried this book for me.
despite my frustrations with the story, i actually thought leti and julian had really great chemistry. their banter was fun, and i loved how comfortable they became around each other the more time they spent together. julian balanced leti so well, bringing out a softer side of her that i wish we'd seen more often. they had so many sweet moments that made me smile, and i genuinely wanted them to be together.
my only complaint is that their relationship was dragged out by unnecessary miscommunication. it was painfully obvious they had feelings for each other, yet they kept dancing around them instead of just being honest. with a little more communication and a little less stubbornness, i think their romance would've been even stronger. they had all the ingredients to be an amazing couple—it just took them far too long to get there.
.ᐟ good luck, babe! — chappell roan
.ᐟ love me not — ravyn lenae
.ᐟ birds of a feather — billie eilish
.ᐟ blue — yung kai
.ᐟ the bolter — taylor swift
.ᐟ espresso — sabrina carpenter
.ᐟ late night talking — harry styles
2 stars 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ arc review with no spoilers.
“you call me your sun, but i'm the one orbiting around you, leticia," he says. "always have, always will."
⋆.˚ ★— thank you forever pub, netgalley and gabriella gamez for the e-arc in exchange for a honest review
──★ ˙🫧 !! tropes
.ᐟ second chance
.ᐟ lgbtq rep
.ᐟ forced proximity
.ᐟ teacher x librian
.ᐟ brother’s best friend/roommate
.ᐟ miscommunication
.ᐟ he helps her date
.ᐟ grumpy x sunshine
summary:⋆˚࿔
after a string of terrible dates, leti is ready to give dating one last shot... until she realizes the charming guy she just matched with is actually someone she already went on a disastrous first date with years ago. as if that wasn't awkward enough, he turns out to live in her apartment building and is roommates with her younger brother. when julian offers to take over her dating apps and help her find the perfect match, the two grow closer than either of them expected. what starts as an attempt to help leti find love slowly becomes a sweet, funny, and heartwarming second chance at the person who might have been right for her all along.
thoughts:⋆˚࿔
i went into this book with pretty high expectations, not only because the cover is adorable, but because the summary sounded so interesting. the first 35% had me hooked. i was laughing, i was genuinely having fun, and i absolutely loved julian and his sunshine personality.
my biggest issue was leticia. i completely understand that she had a difficult childhood and that being the middle child shaped a lot of who she is, but the way she constantly spoke to julian and how rude she was almost every time he opened his mouth really started to frustrate me. i also agree that her brother could be incredibly annoying, but she was just so unbelievably stubborn that it became exhausting.
another thing that bothered me was the storyline. it was so obvious that they liked each other, and it felt like all julian had to do was actually communicate with leti. instead, everything got dragged out because neither of them would just have an honest conversation. by the second half, i found myself losing interest because the conflict felt more frustrating than believable.
that said, i still really enjoyed julian. he was sweet, patient, and probably the biggest reason i kept reading. i just wish the communication had been stronger and leti had been a little easier to root for because i think i would've enjoyed this so much more.
i also enjoyed the sexuality exploration that was touched on. it was so educating for me!
──★ ˙🎏 !! characters
leticia maldonado ⋆˚࿔
she annoyed me from the very beginning. i wanted to root for her because i understood why she was so guarded after everything she'd been through, but her attitude made it so difficult. she was unnecessarily rude to julian so many times, constantly assumed the worst, and refused to communicate even when it would've solved half of the problems. while i appreciated that she slowly became more vulnerable as the story went on, i never fully connected with her character. i don't have a lot to say for her.
julian gutierrez ⋆˚࿔
oh he was HOT. from the very beginning, julian had that golden retriever energy that made him impossible not to love. he was patient, thoughtful, funny, and honestly handled leti's attitude far better than i ever could have. despite constantly being pushed away, he never stopped trying to understand where she was coming from, which made him such an easy character to root for.
i do wish we had gotten to know him on a much deeper level, though. there were so many hints about his past, his family, and why he was so guarded emotionally, but i felt like we only scratched the surface. i wanted more of his perspective outside of his relationship with leti because he was genuinely the more interesting character to me. i would've loved to see more of his vulnerabilities, his family dynamics, and what shaped him into the kind, caring person he became. he completely carried this book for me.
leticia + julian ⋆˚࿔
despite my frustrations with the story, i actually thought leti and julian had really great chemistry. their banter was fun, and i loved how comfortable they became around each other the more time they spent together. julian balanced leti so well, bringing out a softer side of her that i wish we'd seen more often. they had so many sweet moments that made me smile, and i genuinely wanted them to be together.
my only complaint is that their relationship was dragged out by unnecessary miscommunication. it was painfully obvious they had feelings for each other, yet they kept dancing around them instead of just being honest. with a little more communication and a little less stubbornness, i think their romance would've been even stronger. they had all the ingredients to be an amazing couple—it just took them far too long to get there.
──★ ˙🌅 !! my playlist
.ᐟ good luck, babe! — chappell roan
.ᐟ love me not — ravyn lenae
.ᐟ birds of a feather — billie eilish
.ᐟ blue — yung kai
.ᐟ the bolter — taylor swift
.ᐟ espresso — sabrina carpenter
.ᐟ late night talking — harry styles
July 28, 2026
Second First Dates is a grumpy x sunshine romance full of banter and chemistry between Leti, a school librarian who is tired of dating, and Julian, a teacher and her brother's best friend turned roommate. After two bad dates together, Julian convinces Leti to let him take over her dating apps and prove himself a better man. However, as the two grow closer, Leti must decide if she's willing to give Julian another chance and start something for real. This was such a fun and charming read! I loved how Julian and Leti came together and got to know one another. The two had such a good rapport going and it was so lovely to see them fall all over themselves as they realized what they wanted. Aside from the romance, I loved the added family drama and all the happenings; it added such an exciting element to the otherwise sweet story. This heartfelt romance was well worth the read with endearing characters, emotional payoff, and a perfect dash of steam.
Read if you like:
✨Ace & Demi Rep✨
✨He Falls First✨
✨Forced Proximity✨
✨Slow Burn✨
✨Second Chance✨
~Many thanks to Forever for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Read if you like:
✨Ace & Demi Rep✨
✨He Falls First✨
✨Forced Proximity✨
✨Slow Burn✨
✨Second Chance✨
~Many thanks to Forever for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2026
I will have to keep a lot of my opinions to myself just not to hurt anyone's feelings. leaving the obvious aside, I Love how tender the emotions are in this book and how harmonious both the ML and the FL are. The friends to lovers trope is one of the most beloved tropes to me and this book just hit that sweet spot. It's a reminder to give people another second or even third chance -if they didn't cross the line.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Skip Chapters: 30, 31, 34, 39
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
The premise was intriguing so I got it 🤭 Thank you so much Forever and Netgalley for the eARC 💛🖤
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Skip Chapters: 30, 31, 34, 39
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
The premise was intriguing so I got it 🤭 Thank you so much Forever and Netgalley for the eARC 💛🖤
June 17, 2026
*4.5
Second First Dates is absolutely charming and will hopefully win your heart over just like it has mine!
Thank you to Forever for the e-arc and the physical galley through prioritized reader form!
Gabriella Gamez's Latine Queer rep is truly something special, this book features Leti, a high school librarian who is a biromantic and Julian, a demisexual high school teacher and their chaotic second chance at something more?
Leti is giving the dating apps a chance, after four years of being single she is ready to put herself out there again. She happens to swipe right and match with a cute guy named Julian, who loves rom-coms and wears an attractive set of glasses. It's immediately a match!
Deja Vu is quite the weird emotion especially if you can't even recall the moment you truly met your date, which happens to be exactly four years ago on a date that went sour.
Leti thinks she'll never have to see Julian again, but he's ironically everywhere. And happens to be her next door neighbor, who shares an apartment with Leti's younger brother (who Leti isn't a big fan of). The more they see each other, the more drawn Julian and Leti become, forming a close friendship as polar opposites.
Julian is sunshine impersonified and Leti is what Julian calls "Devil women," it's absolutely delicious and the banter between them sways you off your feet.
Leti has a complex family dynamic, growing up in a household where your siblings at times feel like your competitors more than family because of the dynamics set up by your parents is one of the most devastating and difficult experiences to have in a family. Especially because us Mexicans, come from such a collectivist culture in which family is vital to our identity. In a dynamic like this, you're constantly having to fend for yourself and at times, laying down that "protective" armor or that "defensive" sword is so difficult.
Watching Leti be prioritized by someone that she loves and cares about was so beautiful even when Leti herself couldn't acknowledge it. It truly speaks volumes as to how simply showing up and listening matters. Especially in close intimate relationships.
I had so much fun reading this, I strive to have a relationship with someone like Julian aka someone who is downbad, willing to fight for me, and is ready to commit!
This probably is one of my favorite queer books I've read this year! Seeing Ace rep in Latine spaces warms my heart.
Humbly asking to meet my own Julian soon because Leti really won fr.
This book will always hold such a special place in my heart, you guys aren't ready to meet MY PEOPLE.
Second First Dates is absolutely charming and will hopefully win your heart over just like it has mine!
Thank you to Forever for the e-arc and the physical galley through prioritized reader form!
Gabriella Gamez's Latine Queer rep is truly something special, this book features Leti, a high school librarian who is a biromantic and Julian, a demisexual high school teacher and their chaotic second chance at something more?
Leti is giving the dating apps a chance, after four years of being single she is ready to put herself out there again. She happens to swipe right and match with a cute guy named Julian, who loves rom-coms and wears an attractive set of glasses. It's immediately a match!
Deja Vu is quite the weird emotion especially if you can't even recall the moment you truly met your date, which happens to be exactly four years ago on a date that went sour.
Leti thinks she'll never have to see Julian again, but he's ironically everywhere. And happens to be her next door neighbor, who shares an apartment with Leti's younger brother (who Leti isn't a big fan of). The more they see each other, the more drawn Julian and Leti become, forming a close friendship as polar opposites.
Julian is sunshine impersonified and Leti is what Julian calls "Devil women," it's absolutely delicious and the banter between them sways you off your feet.
Leti has a complex family dynamic, growing up in a household where your siblings at times feel like your competitors more than family because of the dynamics set up by your parents is one of the most devastating and difficult experiences to have in a family. Especially because us Mexicans, come from such a collectivist culture in which family is vital to our identity. In a dynamic like this, you're constantly having to fend for yourself and at times, laying down that "protective" armor or that "defensive" sword is so difficult.
Watching Leti be prioritized by someone that she loves and cares about was so beautiful even when Leti herself couldn't acknowledge it. It truly speaks volumes as to how simply showing up and listening matters. Especially in close intimate relationships.
I had so much fun reading this, I strive to have a relationship with someone like Julian aka someone who is downbad, willing to fight for me, and is ready to commit!
This probably is one of my favorite queer books I've read this year! Seeing Ace rep in Latine spaces warms my heart.
Humbly asking to meet my own Julian soon because Leti really won fr.
This book will always hold such a special place in my heart, you guys aren't ready to meet MY PEOPLE.
July 25, 2026
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
"You're more than enough, Leticia," he says. "So much more."
"You call me your sun, but I'm the one orbiting around you, Leticia," he says. "Always have, always will."
ahhh this was such a cute and fun read! i was immediately pulled into the story because of the unique premise, i've never read anything like it before. after four years of being single, leti decides to give dating apps another chance. she happens to match with julian, and when they go on their first date she realises she's been on this exact date before. and then suddenly julian is everywhere and we just go from there.
i genuinely had so much fun reading second first dates. the book is funny, but it's also real. it explores relationships, sexuality, family dynamics, general life struggles, and that just makes it real. i also liked how the characters were written and how the writing flowed, it made it a very enjoyable read. i definitely recommend checking this out, and i'm excited to check out other books by this author!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Gabriella Gamez for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
"You're more than enough, Leticia," he says. "So much more."
"You call me your sun, but I'm the one orbiting around you, Leticia," he says. "Always have, always will."
ahhh this was such a cute and fun read! i was immediately pulled into the story because of the unique premise, i've never read anything like it before. after four years of being single, leti decides to give dating apps another chance. she happens to match with julian, and when they go on their first date she realises she's been on this exact date before. and then suddenly julian is everywhere and we just go from there.
i genuinely had so much fun reading second first dates. the book is funny, but it's also real. it explores relationships, sexuality, family dynamics, general life struggles, and that just makes it real. i also liked how the characters were written and how the writing flowed, it made it a very enjoyable read. i definitely recommend checking this out, and i'm excited to check out other books by this author!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Gabriella Gamez for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
June 20, 2026
A date so bad you wiped the offending party out of your memory….until you wound up on another first date with them four years later. That is the crux of Gabriela Gamez’s latest, Second First Dates. Leti and Julian went on a terrible date in college, so terrible it put one of them off dating for years and the other chasing the spark they could never get over. Four years later, a second first date gives both of them a do over, if they can just move past their animosity to uncover the connection simmering beneath. Gabriela Gamez is an underrated talent in modern romance and I am so thrilled with the continuation of her Librarians in Love series. Fellow lovers of chaotic romance duos rejoice in characters Leti, and Julian. Leti is an unapologetic and opinionated librarian who knows her mind (my favorite) and Julian, a sunshiny school teacher just trying his best while also being down bad™. One thing I love is a fictional man with a passion, who endears himself through a project. I mean how could you not adore this man when he showed up out of the blue having printed out Leti’s dating profile matches for them to go over. Gamez’s pursuit of queerness, especially in writing characters on the Ace spectrum exploring their identities and boundaries, is unmatched in this genre. Both Leti and Julian are on the ace spectrum and it kept the romance so fresh. Starting out, they’re navigating if they even really like each other as people and that deepens into the kind of feelings that make them go: oh so I’m YEARNING. Each move in this romance is deliberate, as they test moves and comfort with each other. The forehead touch moment alone had me hyperventilating and that entire scene on the couch is a masterclass in tension and vulnerability. Gabriela Gamez is a writer that knows the possibility at the center of queerness, in representing voices that have remained on the margins. Second First Dates is for the queer bibliophiles who all deserve a love story that honors identity and the core parts of themselves. That and so much more.
Bookstagram | Blog
Bookstagram | Blog
April 24, 2026
TL;DR: Funny, messy, and super addictive with great rep—but a slightly dragged-out ending. Perfect if you love chaotic romance and dysfunctional families.
I absolutely tore through this one. Gamez has truly mastered the art of addictive prose—I couldn’t put it down. The concept is genuinely hilarious, and honestly… who wouldn’t want a second chance at a first date? We’ve all bombed one before.
I also really appreciated how Gamez explored sexuality. I came away with a better understanding of demisexuality, graysexuality, and asexuality, and some of Julian’s perspective felt surprisingly relatable. It’s not something I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about personally, so I liked how naturally it was woven into the story.
The family dynamics were… messy. Very messy. At times they felt a bit exaggerated, and some of the sibling insults didn’t totally land for me. Julian’s meddling also leaned chaotic. But it did feel true to that early-20s phase of life. As I’m approaching 30 this year (gasp lol), those dynamics feel more exhausting than entertaining—but still recognizable.
The ending dragged a bit for me, which I’m noticing more and more in romance lately. The final 60–100 pages tend to turn into fluff. I know some readers love that extended wrap-up, but I usually hit a bit of a letdown there. It’s been happening a lot where I’m ready to give a book 5 stars, and then the pacing slows enough at the end that I have to bump it down. Not just a Gamez thing—definitely a broader trend.
Overall, this was funny, messy, and incredibly addictive. If you’re into chaotic romance with even messier family dynamics, this one will absolutely hit.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely tore through this one. Gamez has truly mastered the art of addictive prose—I couldn’t put it down. The concept is genuinely hilarious, and honestly… who wouldn’t want a second chance at a first date? We’ve all bombed one before.
I also really appreciated how Gamez explored sexuality. I came away with a better understanding of demisexuality, graysexuality, and asexuality, and some of Julian’s perspective felt surprisingly relatable. It’s not something I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about personally, so I liked how naturally it was woven into the story.
The family dynamics were… messy. Very messy. At times they felt a bit exaggerated, and some of the sibling insults didn’t totally land for me. Julian’s meddling also leaned chaotic. But it did feel true to that early-20s phase of life. As I’m approaching 30 this year (gasp lol), those dynamics feel more exhausting than entertaining—but still recognizable.
The ending dragged a bit for me, which I’m noticing more and more in romance lately. The final 60–100 pages tend to turn into fluff. I know some readers love that extended wrap-up, but I usually hit a bit of a letdown there. It’s been happening a lot where I’m ready to give a book 5 stars, and then the pacing slows enough at the end that I have to bump it down. Not just a Gamez thing—definitely a broader trend.
Overall, this was funny, messy, and incredibly addictive. If you’re into chaotic romance with even messier family dynamics, this one will absolutely hit.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3⭐️
These two were fine together? I think they were both fine as characters but I didn't feel the chemistry between them which I think led to not connecting to the story. Sometimes they came across as a young and immature, very 'new adult freshly out in the world'.
I think I also couldn't get past the fact that Julian lived with Leti's building, with her brother and yet she didn't have ANY idea who he was at first? Like they had been out on a date before, and his name didn't even ring a bell? And yes her and her brother had a strained relationship but surely she at least knew the name of his roommate
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"You call me your sun, but I'm the one orbiting aroudn you, Leticia. Always have, always will."This was a fun contemporary romance about a woman who forges back into the world of dating- only to end up on a first date with a man she had already gone on a date with. And that second date ends just as badly as the first. To make him even more unavoidable, he's ALSO her brothers roommate and recently moved into her building. When Julian decides to help Leti with her online dating woes, the two develop a friendship and that turns into more.
These two were fine together? I think they were both fine as characters but I didn't feel the chemistry between them which I think led to not connecting to the story. Sometimes they came across as a young and immature, very 'new adult freshly out in the world'.
I think I also couldn't get past the fact that Julian lived with Leti's building, with her brother and yet she didn't have ANY idea who he was at first? Like they had been out on a date before, and his name didn't even ring a bell? And yes her and her brother had a strained relationship but surely she at least knew the name of his roommate
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2026
OMG I LOVED THIS. this series always had my heart swooning. i loved leticia and julian and getting to read their banter and dates and all of it.
wonderfully written in a way that family dynamics are relatable and honest and just loved being back in this fictional world with these characters.
i’m such a slut for meaningful tattoos and julian is such a simp.
perfection.
wonderfully written in a way that family dynamics are relatable and honest and just loved being back in this fictional world with these characters.
i’m such a slut for meaningful tattoos and julian is such a simp.
perfection.
![Profile Image for kara lynn ₊˚⊹ ᰔ [semi ia].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1781659665i/162390701._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
August 5, 2026
`✦ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ 3⭐️
₊˚⊹ spoiler free review !! ⊹˚₊
╰┈➤ read july 25 - august 4
╰┈➤ review posted : august 12
╰┈➤ publication date : july 28
⇢ ˗ˏˋ “you call me your sun, but i'm the one orbiting around you, leticia," he says. "always have, always will.” ࿐ྂ
⋆.𐙚 ̊ tropes ꒰💛꒱
⟢ second chance
⟢ grumpy x sunshine
⟢ brother’s best friend
⟢ miscommunication
⟢ close proximity
⟢ lgbtq+ rep
⋆.𐙚 ̊ the premise ꒰📱꒱
when leti maldonado decides to give dating one last try, she matches with seemingly perfect julian gutierrez. not registering his incredibly familiar face, leti doesn’t realize until their first date that they’ve done this before. four years ago, dating was put aside after an awful date with the man sitting across from her. things continue to escalate that night when leti finds julian at her apartment building, living with her younger brother. julian, determined to make leti less annoyed with his presence, suggests taking over her dating apps to improve her dating life. what started as an attempt to help leti find her perfect match soon turns into the realization that julian might have found his…
꩜｡⋆ my thoughts ꒰✏️꒱
honestly, i was a little disappointed with this one. i’ve been into second chance lately, so this sounded so perfect, and the first few chapters really had me hooked. unfortunately, after that, it lost me and took a while to get through.
my main issue was the situation between leti and julian before they got together. everything just felt really repetitive. julian would go through leti’s dating app, pick someone for her, she’d go on the date, and the cycle would repeat. i think that was the main reason why i got bored. plus, it made no sense for julian to be helping leti date other people. i know he didn’t fall in love with her until later on, but he definitely liked her to some extent from the very beginning.
i did like julian a lot. he was very golden retriever and probably would be incredibly hot if he was real. that being said, i am not a fan of the miscommunication trope, so that was definitely a miss. their dates were never that bad, so this whole thing could’ve been solved if they had just communicated.
⋆˚࿔ the characters ꒰🎮꒱
ᯓ leti ˎˊ˗ was honestly great. a lot of readers hate her, but i think everything she did made sense for her character. the majority’s biggest complaint is that she’s too mean, but that’s because of how guarded she is. this is a girl who's practically given up on dating. when the man who made her give it up makes similar mistakes four years later, she’s bound to not like him. leti is too mean sometimes but that’s why i like her; she’s realistic.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ julian ˚. was, of course, incredible. he was funny and so thoughtful, even when leti was being difficult. this man had insane patience because every time he got pushed away, he still tried to connect with her. as i said, i wish he could have communicated a little bit better, especially on whether there was someone else.
i also believe the story could have benefited from more of julian’s backstory and life outside of leti. we learn a little about his family but not enough for the full picture. additionally, i would have loved to see more on julian teaching or spending time with friends.
જ⁀➴°⋆ overall ꒰📚꒱
gabriella gamez does a great job creating realistic characters while keeping things humorous and entertaining. the characters definitely carried this for me, but the romance was sweet too. i’d recommend this to certain people, but keep in mind the frustrating miscommunication.
「 ✦ i received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. thank you to forever (grand central publishing), gabriella gamez, and netgalley for giving me an arc in exchange for my honest review !! ✦ 」
╭──╯thank you for reading !! ‹𝟹 ╰──╮
₊˚⊹ spoiler free review !! ⊹˚₊
╰┈➤ read july 25 - august 4
╰┈➤ review posted : august 12
╰┈➤ publication date : july 28
⇢ ˗ˏˋ “you call me your sun, but i'm the one orbiting around you, leticia," he says. "always have, always will.” ࿐ྂ
⋆.𐙚 ̊ tropes ꒰💛꒱
⟢ second chance
⟢ grumpy x sunshine
⟢ brother’s best friend
⟢ miscommunication
⟢ close proximity
⟢ lgbtq+ rep
⋆.𐙚 ̊ the premise ꒰📱꒱
when leti maldonado decides to give dating one last try, she matches with seemingly perfect julian gutierrez. not registering his incredibly familiar face, leti doesn’t realize until their first date that they’ve done this before. four years ago, dating was put aside after an awful date with the man sitting across from her. things continue to escalate that night when leti finds julian at her apartment building, living with her younger brother. julian, determined to make leti less annoyed with his presence, suggests taking over her dating apps to improve her dating life. what started as an attempt to help leti find her perfect match soon turns into the realization that julian might have found his…
꩜｡⋆ my thoughts ꒰✏️꒱
honestly, i was a little disappointed with this one. i’ve been into second chance lately, so this sounded so perfect, and the first few chapters really had me hooked. unfortunately, after that, it lost me and took a while to get through.
my main issue was the situation between leti and julian before they got together. everything just felt really repetitive. julian would go through leti’s dating app, pick someone for her, she’d go on the date, and the cycle would repeat. i think that was the main reason why i got bored. plus, it made no sense for julian to be helping leti date other people. i know he didn’t fall in love with her until later on, but he definitely liked her to some extent from the very beginning.
i did like julian a lot. he was very golden retriever and probably would be incredibly hot if he was real. that being said, i am not a fan of the miscommunication trope, so that was definitely a miss. their dates were never that bad, so this whole thing could’ve been solved if they had just communicated.
⋆˚࿔ the characters ꒰🎮꒱
ᯓ leti ˎˊ˗ was honestly great. a lot of readers hate her, but i think everything she did made sense for her character. the majority’s biggest complaint is that she’s too mean, but that’s because of how guarded she is. this is a girl who's practically given up on dating. when the man who made her give it up makes similar mistakes four years later, she’s bound to not like him. leti is too mean sometimes but that’s why i like her; she’s realistic.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ julian ˚. was, of course, incredible. he was funny and so thoughtful, even when leti was being difficult. this man had insane patience because every time he got pushed away, he still tried to connect with her. as i said, i wish he could have communicated a little bit better, especially on whether there was someone else.
i also believe the story could have benefited from more of julian’s backstory and life outside of leti. we learn a little about his family but not enough for the full picture. additionally, i would have loved to see more on julian teaching or spending time with friends.
જ⁀➴°⋆ overall ꒰📚꒱
gabriella gamez does a great job creating realistic characters while keeping things humorous and entertaining. the characters definitely carried this for me, but the romance was sweet too. i’d recommend this to certain people, but keep in mind the frustrating miscommunication.
「 ✦ i received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. thank you to forever (grand central publishing), gabriella gamez, and netgalley for giving me an arc in exchange for my honest review !! ✦ 」
╭──╯thank you for reading !! ‹𝟹 ╰──╮
August 22, 2026
Audiobook Review 🎧
Thank you @forever for the gifted ebook copy. **Although I read as a @libby audio.
Title: Second First Dates
Author: Gabriella Gamez
Narrator: Ruby Corazon
Duration: 10 Hours 6 Minutes
Genre: Rom Com
🎧 Synopsis 🎧
A librarian matches with a high school teacher only to discover they've had a terrible first date before. Now he's her neighbor he's trying to help her find love.
🎧 My Thoughts 🎧
This is the very definition of a book edging you. Right when I thought something was about to happen between our two main characters, things would fizzle out and we'd have to start all over again rebuilding tension. I found myself constantly standing at the edge of a cliff, waiting for that gust of wind to send me over the edge. Honestly.... thrilling.
The plot was a little slow moving at points, but overall, I found myself compulsively binging this novel because I needed to see how things unfolded between our main characters. Although I did find myself repeatedly yelling at our FMC to stop being so dumb! All the answers were right in front of her she just failed to see every single one of them lol. I did like how her personality and sense of humor was though so overall I really liked the character. And I love a book that has me verbally interacting with it as I listen. This book was definitely that.
I really enjoyed the representation in the novel with regards to our main characters. Done so well through very insightful and meaningful conversations.
🎧 Narration 🎧
Ruby Corazon is a fantastic narrator. I have listened to her books before and always enjoy her smooth and interesting takes on characters.
~~~~~~~~~
🎧 Read if You Like 🎧
* Acespec/grey sexual/ demi sexual Rep
* Second Chance Romance
* Brother's Friend
* Tattooed MC
~~~~~~~~~
🏷️
#audiobookreview #audiobookrecommendation#secondfirstdates #Gabriellagamez #romancebooks
Thank you @forever for the gifted ebook copy. **Although I read as a @libby audio.
Title: Second First Dates
Author: Gabriella Gamez
Narrator: Ruby Corazon
Duration: 10 Hours 6 Minutes
Genre: Rom Com
🎧 Synopsis 🎧
A librarian matches with a high school teacher only to discover they've had a terrible first date before. Now he's her neighbor he's trying to help her find love.
🎧 My Thoughts 🎧
This is the very definition of a book edging you. Right when I thought something was about to happen between our two main characters, things would fizzle out and we'd have to start all over again rebuilding tension. I found myself constantly standing at the edge of a cliff, waiting for that gust of wind to send me over the edge. Honestly.... thrilling.
The plot was a little slow moving at points, but overall, I found myself compulsively binging this novel because I needed to see how things unfolded between our main characters. Although I did find myself repeatedly yelling at our FMC to stop being so dumb! All the answers were right in front of her she just failed to see every single one of them lol. I did like how her personality and sense of humor was though so overall I really liked the character. And I love a book that has me verbally interacting with it as I listen. This book was definitely that.
I really enjoyed the representation in the novel with regards to our main characters. Done so well through very insightful and meaningful conversations.
🎧 Narration 🎧
Ruby Corazon is a fantastic narrator. I have listened to her books before and always enjoy her smooth and interesting takes on characters.
~~~~~~~~~
🎧 Read if You Like 🎧
* Acespec/grey sexual/ demi sexual Rep
* Second Chance Romance
* Brother's Friend
* Tattooed MC
~~~~~~~~~
🏷️
#audiobookreview #audiobookrecommendation#secondfirstdates #Gabriellagamez #romancebooks
July 18, 2026
This book was so cute and funny! This is my second book by Gabriella Gámez and I just adore her characters and all of the representation that she includes!
Leti has had no luck at dating, but when she matches with Julian she decides to give it another chance. On the date she realizes that they’ve done this before and it didn’t end well. Julian ends up offering to help Lexi find the perfect match on the dating app all the while he’s falling for her.
This book is so messy!! It was a wild ride from beginning to end! I loved all of the family drama!
Read if you like:
Latine rep!
Queer rep!
Second chance romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Leti has had no luck at dating, but when she matches with Julian she decides to give it another chance. On the date she realizes that they’ve done this before and it didn’t end well. Julian ends up offering to help Lexi find the perfect match on the dating app all the while he’s falling for her.
This book is so messy!! It was a wild ride from beginning to end! I loved all of the family drama!
Read if you like:
Latine rep!
Queer rep!
Second chance romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 4, 2026
Gabby Gamez does not miss👏👏👏
As someone who claims San Antonio as her hometown, this book felt like a warm hug. The references to HEB, Whataburger, homemade tortillas and the central library downtown- Gabby absolutely delivered the essence of our beautiful city.
What I loved most about SFD is how real it feels. Gabby writes messy in a way you can’t put down, and I’d venture to say because I see so much of my own insecurities and fears in the characters. Julian’s bisexuality is portrayed with so much care, and is such a significant factor in his family’s dynamic. And as a bisexual who knows that grief of loss of individuals who no longer care to include you because of who you are, I resonated deeply with him. I ached for this thoughtful, loving man.
And sweet Leti. God I adored her. She’s not the perfect FMC. She’s the last one to “get settled” and feels so far behind. She makes choices she apologizes for. And she’s pushing herself despite being afraid. Honestly we need more fmc’s like her. Her stubborn pride mixed with her soft heart made me want to brandish a sword for her honor (I think it’d make her giggle okay). She showcases how characters are multifaceted and nuanced, as well as a proper character arc development.
And the bi/grey/demi/ace spec rep is immaculate. Gabby’s done a phenomenal job of this in her other books as well- in allowing the characters to educate one another, she also educates the audience.
And their chemistry???? DYNAMITE. When I say I want BANTER THAT BANTERS. The physical chemistry had me clenching my thighs and fanning myself. And I appreciate the late bloomer rep!! Julian’s patience with her and her growing sexual confidence?? SO HOT. God I’ve got two new book crushes.
We also get educator rep in a time where they deserve the upmost respect and support.
All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough. Highly recommend!!!
As someone who claims San Antonio as her hometown, this book felt like a warm hug. The references to HEB, Whataburger, homemade tortillas and the central library downtown- Gabby absolutely delivered the essence of our beautiful city.
What I loved most about SFD is how real it feels. Gabby writes messy in a way you can’t put down, and I’d venture to say because I see so much of my own insecurities and fears in the characters. Julian’s bisexuality is portrayed with so much care, and is such a significant factor in his family’s dynamic. And as a bisexual who knows that grief of loss of individuals who no longer care to include you because of who you are, I resonated deeply with him. I ached for this thoughtful, loving man.
And sweet Leti. God I adored her. She’s not the perfect FMC. She’s the last one to “get settled” and feels so far behind. She makes choices she apologizes for. And she’s pushing herself despite being afraid. Honestly we need more fmc’s like her. Her stubborn pride mixed with her soft heart made me want to brandish a sword for her honor (I think it’d make her giggle okay). She showcases how characters are multifaceted and nuanced, as well as a proper character arc development.
And the bi/grey/demi/ace spec rep is immaculate. Gabby’s done a phenomenal job of this in her other books as well- in allowing the characters to educate one another, she also educates the audience.
And their chemistry???? DYNAMITE. When I say I want BANTER THAT BANTERS. The physical chemistry had me clenching my thighs and fanning myself. And I appreciate the late bloomer rep!! Julian’s patience with her and her growing sexual confidence?? SO HOT. God I’ve got two new book crushes.
We also get educator rep in a time where they deserve the upmost respect and support.
All in all, I cannot recommend this book enough. Highly recommend!!!
October 6, 2026
The dating app shenanigans are strong with this book and something that I think most people will relate to if they have ever had to experience a dating app.
I’m a bit torn on my feelings with this book. It started so strong for me. I absolutely loved the queer and ace spectrum representation in this book!!! Seriously, some of the absolute best examples of both spectrums that I have ever read. It did such a wonderful job of explaining both and handling the discussion around them so well. I also really adored Julian. He seriously had a heart of gold and was such a solid green flag mmc.
I did, however, get frustrated with this book around the 70% mark, and before then, I was thinking this was going to be a five-star read for me. At that point, the book began to feel repetitive. Many of the issues the main couple had were around communication or lack thereof. I understand why the author made the choices she did for the plot, but I would have much rather seen more time invested in slowly repairing Leti’s relationship with Andrew (her brother) vs. the path she chose for the couple.
I did listen to this one mostly on audiobook and thought it was so well done. The book has dual POVs, and I thought the narrator did a fantastic job with both.
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the gifted earc.
I’m a bit torn on my feelings with this book. It started so strong for me. I absolutely loved the queer and ace spectrum representation in this book!!! Seriously, some of the absolute best examples of both spectrums that I have ever read. It did such a wonderful job of explaining both and handling the discussion around them so well. I also really adored Julian. He seriously had a heart of gold and was such a solid green flag mmc.
I did, however, get frustrated with this book around the 70% mark, and before then, I was thinking this was going to be a five-star read for me. At that point, the book began to feel repetitive. Many of the issues the main couple had were around communication or lack thereof. I understand why the author made the choices she did for the plot, but I would have much rather seen more time invested in slowly repairing Leti’s relationship with Andrew (her brother) vs. the path she chose for the couple.
I did listen to this one mostly on audiobook and thought it was so well done. The book has dual POVs, and I thought the narrator did a fantastic job with both.
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the gifted earc.
Currently Reading
April 13, 2026I received a NetGalley widget from Dana at Forever today.
I won a paperback copy today from Hachette!
I won a paperback copy today from Hachette!
July 25, 2026
I had a lot of fun reading Second First Dates! It’s charming and sweet, but it’s also a deeply reflective journey that explores sexuality, romance, as well as family dysfunctional dynamics.
Leti is looking to date again after a lengthy hiatus, she wants to connect on a deep level with someone. But she’s not had much luck. In fact the first date that seems promising is quickly doomed upon Leti realizing she’s been on that date before aaand with the same person: Julian. Leti expects another negative experience with Julian so she parts ways, except they begin to become part of each others’ ways as they discover they are both neighbors and colleagues. Their proximity leads to a cautious friendship that builds into a strong connection, and it certainly serves the base for romancing but instead Julian looks to help Leti find the right date. But perhaps she already did, muahaha!
Leti and Julian are truly endearing characters, I loved them. Especially Leti. She has a very tense relationship with her brother and an almost non-existent one with her judgemental parents. It certainly leads her to situations where she may appear unkind or unfair, but I honestly had her back. Even at times she was technically wrong, I still just wanted to bring Leti into a protective embrace, to let her know she has someone steadfast on her side. That she isn’t overlooked or underestimated. That said, if I were to have the ability to do that she would have missed out some needed growing. Luckily Julian is there to do just that and he in turn does the same through her. They become such wonderful support for one another, and they have such an ease around one another that really brings impact to their inevitable romance. They make sense, in all the best possible ways. It’s absolutely easy to root for their love story, as well as their personal journeys.
An aspect I greatly enjoyed and learned much from was the narrative’s openness in exploring sexuality. Prior to this I had a limited understanding of asexuality and even less of demisexuality, but I left this book far more knowledgeable. And it never felt like a lesson, it’s presented in a beautifully natural and seamless way. Better said it’s explored in such a way that it brought me closer to our leads. I understood why Leti approaches romance the way she does, and the importance in building a deep emotional bond that may or may not lead to sexual attraction. This is a core part of Leti, as is Julian’s sexuality to him, and it's reflected with much care in the narrative.
The narrative takes its time in exploring sexuality and romance, as it does in building the friendship into something more between Letit and Julian. I only wish the same could be said for Leti’s family dynamics. Now we do explore the feud between Leti and her brother, and that does come with resolution, but her resolution with her parents felt rushed. It read more like a footnote in the epilogue. She has a tense dynamic with her parents who favor her brother over her and who have not been a positive presence in her life, instead they consistently doubt and underestimate her. There were scenes where I had to scream into my pillow to muffle my frustration towards them. So I did expect more resolution in that area but it instead read rushed, as did the ending overall. I simply wanted more, and perhaps that makes it a me problem as I never wanted to leave this story. Even with some minuscule hiccups, I had a grand time reading this one! 1000% worth both the read and the buy!
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Leti is looking to date again after a lengthy hiatus, she wants to connect on a deep level with someone. But she’s not had much luck. In fact the first date that seems promising is quickly doomed upon Leti realizing she’s been on that date before aaand with the same person: Julian. Leti expects another negative experience with Julian so she parts ways, except they begin to become part of each others’ ways as they discover they are both neighbors and colleagues. Their proximity leads to a cautious friendship that builds into a strong connection, and it certainly serves the base for romancing but instead Julian looks to help Leti find the right date. But perhaps she already did, muahaha!
Leti and Julian are truly endearing characters, I loved them. Especially Leti. She has a very tense relationship with her brother and an almost non-existent one with her judgemental parents. It certainly leads her to situations where she may appear unkind or unfair, but I honestly had her back. Even at times she was technically wrong, I still just wanted to bring Leti into a protective embrace, to let her know she has someone steadfast on her side. That she isn’t overlooked or underestimated. That said, if I were to have the ability to do that she would have missed out some needed growing. Luckily Julian is there to do just that and he in turn does the same through her. They become such wonderful support for one another, and they have such an ease around one another that really brings impact to their inevitable romance. They make sense, in all the best possible ways. It’s absolutely easy to root for their love story, as well as their personal journeys.
An aspect I greatly enjoyed and learned much from was the narrative’s openness in exploring sexuality. Prior to this I had a limited understanding of asexuality and even less of demisexuality, but I left this book far more knowledgeable. And it never felt like a lesson, it’s presented in a beautifully natural and seamless way. Better said it’s explored in such a way that it brought me closer to our leads. I understood why Leti approaches romance the way she does, and the importance in building a deep emotional bond that may or may not lead to sexual attraction. This is a core part of Leti, as is Julian’s sexuality to him, and it's reflected with much care in the narrative.
The narrative takes its time in exploring sexuality and romance, as it does in building the friendship into something more between Letit and Julian. I only wish the same could be said for Leti’s family dynamics. Now we do explore the feud between Leti and her brother, and that does come with resolution, but her resolution with her parents felt rushed. It read more like a footnote in the epilogue. She has a tense dynamic with her parents who favor her brother over her and who have not been a positive presence in her life, instead they consistently doubt and underestimate her. There were scenes where I had to scream into my pillow to muffle my frustration towards them. So I did expect more resolution in that area but it instead read rushed, as did the ending overall. I simply wanted more, and perhaps that makes it a me problem as I never wanted to leave this story. Even with some minuscule hiccups, I had a grand time reading this one! 1000% worth both the read and the buy!
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
September 17, 2026
The romance in this book was super cute; Julian was a little metiche (meddlesome) but green flags all around and I love when the male main character falls first and hard! Leticia had a lot of deep-rooted family trauma and deserved a good partner like Julian. I kept rooting for her throughout the whole book.
There is also a lot of representation. Main characters are both Mexican, bisexual, and on the ace-spec.
Second First Dates had a bit of humor with all the coincidences between Leticia and Julian, but it also featured some heavy family issues that at certain points it made me so frustrated how the main characters were treated by their families. I also liked how this particular issue did not end “perfect” but showed progress. It made the novel very realistic.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this and I am looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to the author, Gabriella Gamez, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
There is also a lot of representation. Main characters are both Mexican, bisexual, and on the ace-spec.
Second First Dates had a bit of humor with all the coincidences between Leticia and Julian, but it also featured some heavy family issues that at certain points it made me so frustrated how the main characters were treated by their families. I also liked how this particular issue did not end “perfect” but showed progress. It made the novel very realistic.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this and I am looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you to the author, Gabriella Gamez, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2026
Started so good and then it was not very good :(
The book had a great premise though.
The book had a great premise though.
July 19, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
Second first dates is the story of Leti, Julian and their multiple first dates.
I have to be honest, I was very intrigued by the plot of this book but I didn't expect to like it so much. It wasn't love at first sight, it took me a little bit to warm up to the story but once I did couldn't stop reading. Second first dates is funny and charming, it's messy but more importantly it's real. It feels like talking to a friend and sharing your dating (and life) struggles.
I enjoyed how Julian and Leti are written, they both felt very relatable at times and again they just felt real. I also liked the way sexuality is discussed, it felt natural and well integrated in the story. I can't say if the sibling dynamics are accurate or not (only child here!), but I found it to be a little too much at times. It made Leti sound really immature at times, which I think it's probably the whole point but it was a tad annoying. In contrast, the rest of the family also was annoying at times , some of the things they did made me go wtf??
Anyway, except this minor things, this was a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this and I will definitely check out future works by this author!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
Second first dates is the story of Leti, Julian and their multiple first dates.
I have to be honest, I was very intrigued by the plot of this book but I didn't expect to like it so much. It wasn't love at first sight, it took me a little bit to warm up to the story but once I did couldn't stop reading. Second first dates is funny and charming, it's messy but more importantly it's real. It feels like talking to a friend and sharing your dating (and life) struggles.
I enjoyed how Julian and Leti are written, they both felt very relatable at times and again they just felt real. I also liked the way sexuality is discussed, it felt natural and well integrated in the story. I can't say if the sibling dynamics are accurate or not (only child here!), but I found it to be a little too much at times. It made Leti sound really immature at times, which I think it's probably the whole point but it was a tad annoying. In contrast, the rest of the family also was annoying at times , some of the things they did made me go wtf??
Anyway, except this minor things, this was a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this and I will definitely check out future works by this author!
Did Not Finish
July 25, 2026DNF
This is what happens when you cannot resist a Leni Kauffman cover on NetGalley. The cover? Adorable. The premise? So up my alley. The actual reading experience? Me slowly losing the will to continue every time the FMC opened her mouth.
Unfortunately... I DNF'd this at around the 20% mark.
My biggest issue was Leti. I usually LOVE strong, independent, black-cat FMCs. Give me sarcastic. Give me guarded. Give me emotionally unavailable women who need to be lovingly dragged into happiness kicking and screaming. But there's a very fine line between "guarded" and "just genuinely unpleasant to be around," and for me Leti sprinted past that line without ever looking back... much like she apparently drives—speeding through school zones, skipping indicators, and generally acting like everyone else on the road is just an inconvenience.
From the very beginning I couldn't understand how she didn't recognize Julian despite the book telling us they'd met multiple times before. That already had me raising an eyebrow, but once the story got going she just became more and more unbearable.
The entire catalyst for this romance is... fries.
FRIES.
The disastrous first date that apparently traumatized her enough to avoid dating for FOUR YEARS happened because he accidentally took some fries from her plate.
I'm sorry... what?
Look, I don't like sharing my food either. If you reach for my fries without asking, we're going to have words. But four years of swearing off dating because someone committed the grave crime of sampling a potato? That is not a personality trait. That is a therapy bill.
Especially when she wasn't exactly Date of the Year herself.
She's glued to her phone during that first date, barely paying attention to him, then proceeds to pull out her phone and ignore him AGAIN on their second date. Yet somehow he's the villain because... fries.
Then she gets upset that Julian is late...
...while conveniently forgetting that SHE WAS LATE TOO.
Girl.
Please.
The hypocrisy throughout the portion I read honestly drove me up the wall.
She gets annoyed because Julian notices how she looks, yet spends plenty of time internally commenting on his appearance herself. She repeatedly comes across as rude to him, sometimes even in front of coworkers, yet acts offended whenever he doesn't respond exactly how she'd like.
It felt like there was one set of rules for Leti and another set for everyone else.
And don't even get me started on her family.
By the point I DNF'd, she's so bitter toward her brother that she literally tells people she only has a sister.
I'm sorry... WHAT?
Maybe the book eventually reveals some devastating reason for this. I didn't get that far. But based on what I'd read, it just came across as incredibly petty. They're both in their early twenties, and pretending your sibling doesn't even exist because your relationship isn't great is absolutely wild behavior to me.
Then the hypocrisy continued with the conversation about children.
Leti herself doesn't want kids, which is completely fine. But then she starts talking to her brother as though he obviously will have them. When he understandably says something like, "We've only been together for a year," she immediately starts questioning how serious he is about his relationship.
So... everyone else has to live according to your expectations, but nobody gets to question yours?
Make it make sense.
By the time I put this down, I genuinely couldn't find anything about Leti that made me want to keep reading. I don't need my protagonists to be nice. I LOVE flawed women. I love morally gray women. I love messy women who make terrible decisions.
But I do need something that makes me root for them.
Humor.
Charm.
Vulnerability.
Growth.
Anything.
Instead, Leti came across as bitter, rude, self-centered, hypocritical, and exhausting.
Julian honestly deserved hazard pay.
It's such a shame because the premise sounded genuinely fun, the cover is absolutely gorgeous (curse you, Leni Kauffman, for making me request books based solely on aesthetics), and I really wanted this to work.
Instead, I got the Great French Fry Fiasco™, served with a generous helping of hypocrisy and a side order of "girl, please."
Maybe Leti has the greatest character arc ever written after the point where I DNF'd. Maybe she becomes warm, self-aware, and the patron saint of emotional growth. I genuinely wouldn't know, because by 20% she'd already exhausted every ounce of patience I had to give.
This is what happens when you cannot resist a Leni Kauffman cover on NetGalley. The cover? Adorable. The premise? So up my alley. The actual reading experience? Me slowly losing the will to continue every time the FMC opened her mouth.
Unfortunately... I DNF'd this at around the 20% mark.
My biggest issue was Leti. I usually LOVE strong, independent, black-cat FMCs. Give me sarcastic. Give me guarded. Give me emotionally unavailable women who need to be lovingly dragged into happiness kicking and screaming. But there's a very fine line between "guarded" and "just genuinely unpleasant to be around," and for me Leti sprinted past that line without ever looking back... much like she apparently drives—speeding through school zones, skipping indicators, and generally acting like everyone else on the road is just an inconvenience.
From the very beginning I couldn't understand how she didn't recognize Julian despite the book telling us they'd met multiple times before. That already had me raising an eyebrow, but once the story got going she just became more and more unbearable.
The entire catalyst for this romance is... fries.
FRIES.
The disastrous first date that apparently traumatized her enough to avoid dating for FOUR YEARS happened because he accidentally took some fries from her plate.
I'm sorry... what?
Look, I don't like sharing my food either. If you reach for my fries without asking, we're going to have words. But four years of swearing off dating because someone committed the grave crime of sampling a potato? That is not a personality trait. That is a therapy bill.
Especially when she wasn't exactly Date of the Year herself.
She's glued to her phone during that first date, barely paying attention to him, then proceeds to pull out her phone and ignore him AGAIN on their second date. Yet somehow he's the villain because... fries.
Then she gets upset that Julian is late...
...while conveniently forgetting that SHE WAS LATE TOO.
Girl.
Please.
The hypocrisy throughout the portion I read honestly drove me up the wall.
She gets annoyed because Julian notices how she looks, yet spends plenty of time internally commenting on his appearance herself. She repeatedly comes across as rude to him, sometimes even in front of coworkers, yet acts offended whenever he doesn't respond exactly how she'd like.
It felt like there was one set of rules for Leti and another set for everyone else.
And don't even get me started on her family.
By the point I DNF'd, she's so bitter toward her brother that she literally tells people she only has a sister.
I'm sorry... WHAT?
Maybe the book eventually reveals some devastating reason for this. I didn't get that far. But based on what I'd read, it just came across as incredibly petty. They're both in their early twenties, and pretending your sibling doesn't even exist because your relationship isn't great is absolutely wild behavior to me.
Then the hypocrisy continued with the conversation about children.
Leti herself doesn't want kids, which is completely fine. But then she starts talking to her brother as though he obviously will have them. When he understandably says something like, "We've only been together for a year," she immediately starts questioning how serious he is about his relationship.
So... everyone else has to live according to your expectations, but nobody gets to question yours?
Make it make sense.
By the time I put this down, I genuinely couldn't find anything about Leti that made me want to keep reading. I don't need my protagonists to be nice. I LOVE flawed women. I love morally gray women. I love messy women who make terrible decisions.
But I do need something that makes me root for them.
Humor.
Charm.
Vulnerability.
Growth.
Anything.
Instead, Leti came across as bitter, rude, self-centered, hypocritical, and exhausting.
Julian honestly deserved hazard pay.
It's such a shame because the premise sounded genuinely fun, the cover is absolutely gorgeous (curse you, Leni Kauffman, for making me request books based solely on aesthetics), and I really wanted this to work.
Instead, I got the Great French Fry Fiasco™, served with a generous helping of hypocrisy and a side order of "girl, please."
Maybe Leti has the greatest character arc ever written after the point where I DNF'd. Maybe she becomes warm, self-aware, and the patron saint of emotional growth. I genuinely wouldn't know, because by 20% she'd already exhausted every ounce of patience I had to give.
July 28, 2026
Imagine getting set up...going on a date and it was just not good. It is like so bad you just want to forget it. Then years later you go onto a dating app swipe right and match. But then its déjàvu when you go out on this date you set up...but wait its because you've had this same exact date before. It is going exactly the same. Then all of a sudden you recognize the person sitting on the other side of the table. YOU HAVE BEEN ON DATE, THIS DATE, WITH THIS PERSON BEFORE! and then all of a sudden they have followed you back to your apartment complex...no they live in the same apartment complex, and they are your brothers best friend.
Well you got this book. I loved it. Leti, she is a high school librarian and she also substitute teaches when needed. She is also asexual. She has an older sister and a younger brother. When it comes to her family relationships it is harder for her as she is the middle child. The family really goes towards Andrew being the child who seems to be the "perfect one". When ever something goes wrong Andrew is always right and Leti is wrong. She is the one who "is the cause of the problems" and it has caused animosity between them and her parents.
Julian is Andrew's best friend. They are roommates, he is demisexual, he has a good relationship with his mother and her boyfriend but because of him coming out to his parents initially about him being demisexual his father and him do not have a relationship. I really like how Leti and Julians relationship really builds from a not so great date x 2, to friendship, to a budding relationship to what we get in the end. You can see that she doesn't want to open up to him about how her relationship is with her brother since they are friends. And they both have a good amount of growth in this book to come together at the end, especially her.
I think Gabriella Gamez did a fantastic job exploring family dynamics, the different relationships one can have within the family and how they can be put back together.
Thank you Forever for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well you got this book. I loved it. Leti, she is a high school librarian and she also substitute teaches when needed. She is also asexual. She has an older sister and a younger brother. When it comes to her family relationships it is harder for her as she is the middle child. The family really goes towards Andrew being the child who seems to be the "perfect one". When ever something goes wrong Andrew is always right and Leti is wrong. She is the one who "is the cause of the problems" and it has caused animosity between them and her parents.
Julian is Andrew's best friend. They are roommates, he is demisexual, he has a good relationship with his mother and her boyfriend but because of him coming out to his parents initially about him being demisexual his father and him do not have a relationship. I really like how Leti and Julians relationship really builds from a not so great date x 2, to friendship, to a budding relationship to what we get in the end. You can see that she doesn't want to open up to him about how her relationship is with her brother since they are friends. And they both have a good amount of growth in this book to come together at the end, especially her.
I think Gabriella Gamez did a fantastic job exploring family dynamics, the different relationships one can have within the family and how they can be put back together.
Thank you Forever for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2026
Imagine matching with someone on a dating app... going on a horrible first date... only to realize halfway through that you've ALREADY BEEN ON THIS EXACT DATE WITH THIS EXACT PERSON YEARS AGO.💀🤣
What follows is one of the funniest and most heartfelt rom coms I've read this year.
Leti has spent years avoiding dating after one unforgettable disaster. Julian is the last person she expects to see again... yet he keeps showing up everywhere.
They're neighbors.
He lives with her younger brother.
He works at her school.
There's literally no escape babes!!!💀😂
Julian is the very patient….The support…The way he sees Leti exactly as she is and never asks her to become someone else completely melted my heart.🥹 He falls first, falls HARD, and never makes you question how deeply he cares.
I related to Leti so much! Beneath all her sarcasm and grumpiness is someone who's been carrying years of family expectations, hurt, and self doubt.
But wait it gets better babes….One of my favorite parts of this book was how naturally Gabriella Gamez included demisexual, graysexual, bisexual, and ace spectrum representation. It simply existed within these characters' lives, making the story feel inclusive and refreshing.
Yes, this was a romance but it was also healing family relationships, learning to prioritize yourself, and realizing that sometimes love shows up when you stop trying so hard to force it.
If you're looking for a rom com that'll make you laugh one minute but you catch yourself hugging the book the next... this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
💕 Second chance ish romance
🏢 Neighbors
😂 Awkward meet cutes
📱 Dating app romance
🏡 Forced proximity
❤️ Slow burn chemistry
📚 Brother's best friend
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💛 He falls first
🌈 Latine + LGBTQIA+ Representation
✨ Romantic Comedy
What follows is one of the funniest and most heartfelt rom coms I've read this year.
Leti has spent years avoiding dating after one unforgettable disaster. Julian is the last person she expects to see again... yet he keeps showing up everywhere.
They're neighbors.
He lives with her younger brother.
He works at her school.
There's literally no escape babes!!!💀😂
Julian is the very patient….The support…The way he sees Leti exactly as she is and never asks her to become someone else completely melted my heart.🥹 He falls first, falls HARD, and never makes you question how deeply he cares.
I related to Leti so much! Beneath all her sarcasm and grumpiness is someone who's been carrying years of family expectations, hurt, and self doubt.
But wait it gets better babes….One of my favorite parts of this book was how naturally Gabriella Gamez included demisexual, graysexual, bisexual, and ace spectrum representation. It simply existed within these characters' lives, making the story feel inclusive and refreshing.
Yes, this was a romance but it was also healing family relationships, learning to prioritize yourself, and realizing that sometimes love shows up when you stop trying so hard to force it.
If you're looking for a rom com that'll make you laugh one minute but you catch yourself hugging the book the next... this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
💕 Second chance ish romance
🏢 Neighbors
😂 Awkward meet cutes
📱 Dating app romance
🏡 Forced proximity
❤️ Slow burn chemistry
📚 Brother's best friend
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💛 He falls first
🌈 Latine + LGBTQIA+ Representation
✨ Romantic Comedy
July 27, 2026
First time reading a book from Gabriella Gamez! Very grateful for the NetGalley ARC that I was able to get as a Read Now!!
This book is a part of a series but you can read it as a standalone! I think one of my favorite things about this book was exploring what dating can look like when you are Bi, but also fit somewhere within the ace continuum/spectrum. There’s so much to explore here with relationship navigation! It can be quite different from folks who are allo. Plus, we love to see a gamer FMC!!!
Leti has almost fully sworn off dating after a number of bad experiences, she decides to give it one last shot, matching with Julian. As they are on their “first date” she starts getting flashbacks and realizes…they’ve been on a date before… and it wasn’t great. Julian has never forgotten Leti and wants to use this opportunity as a second chance, except…things go about as well as the first time they had a date lol. From here they realize they are also neighbors, work at the same school, oh and Julian is her brother’s best friend. Not great considering she’s got a strained relationship with her family(things are toxic here). Julian is determined to help Leti have a good experience dating, but basically they end up falling for each other while working through personal things along the way! There’s lots of shenanigans lol lol.
Second First Dates releases July 28th!
This book is a part of a series but you can read it as a standalone! I think one of my favorite things about this book was exploring what dating can look like when you are Bi, but also fit somewhere within the ace continuum/spectrum. There’s so much to explore here with relationship navigation! It can be quite different from folks who are allo. Plus, we love to see a gamer FMC!!!
Leti has almost fully sworn off dating after a number of bad experiences, she decides to give it one last shot, matching with Julian. As they are on their “first date” she starts getting flashbacks and realizes…they’ve been on a date before… and it wasn’t great. Julian has never forgotten Leti and wants to use this opportunity as a second chance, except…things go about as well as the first time they had a date lol. From here they realize they are also neighbors, work at the same school, oh and Julian is her brother’s best friend. Not great considering she’s got a strained relationship with her family(things are toxic here). Julian is determined to help Leti have a good experience dating, but basically they end up falling for each other while working through personal things along the way! There’s lots of shenanigans lol lol.
Second First Dates releases July 28th!
July 31, 2026
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever and author Gabriella Gamez, for providing me with the eARC of “Second First Dates”.
💭My Thoughts
I just want to know how her brother is so oblivious that treating his older sister like that is okay. And her parents!! I never wanted to throttle a family so much. Leti thankfully had her other sister sticking up for her but man, this family is a mess.
Their second first date was hilarious when Leti had the feeling. I never laughed so much, it was iconic. That one moment had twice on a date. The third first date though, that was perfection.
Julian! I loved how he stood up for Leti right away and was so head over heels for her. But, and its a small but, he should have stayed out of her drama with her brother. He is put in a horrible situation but the way he acted about it was not okay. Otherwise he's all green flags and we love him for that.
Perfect, quick, cozy and drama filled read that does need to be on your tbr.
❣️Tropes❣️
Second Chance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Brother's Best Friend
Close Proximity
Co-Workers
Dating App Shenanigans
He Falls First
LGBTQ+
Virgin FMC
🩵RATING🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️
Length: 352 Pages
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever
💭My Thoughts
I just want to know how her brother is so oblivious that treating his older sister like that is okay. And her parents!! I never wanted to throttle a family so much. Leti thankfully had her other sister sticking up for her but man, this family is a mess.
Their second first date was hilarious when Leti had the feeling. I never laughed so much, it was iconic. That one moment had twice on a date. The third first date though, that was perfection.
Julian! I loved how he stood up for Leti right away and was so head over heels for her. But, and its a small but, he should have stayed out of her drama with her brother. He is put in a horrible situation but the way he acted about it was not okay. Otherwise he's all green flags and we love him for that.
Perfect, quick, cozy and drama filled read that does need to be on your tbr.
❣️Tropes❣️
Second Chance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Brother's Best Friend
Close Proximity
Co-Workers
Dating App Shenanigans
He Falls First
LGBTQ+
Virgin FMC
🩵RATING🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️
Length: 352 Pages
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever
July 27, 2026
Who am I, reading all this contemporary romance lately?! I’ve always loved romance but I usually like it coupled with fantasy or something else. But lately, just good ol’ fashioned romcoms are all I need. So I’m so glad BookSparks put this on my radar, because it was a breath of fresh air I needed.
Both of the main characters in this are ace-spec, which is something I needed to google to make sure I understood correctly. But I loved learning about it through these characters. (And am a little ashamed I didn’t really understand it correctly before.) But I loved that aspect of the story, and just seeing how perfect Leti and Julian really are for each other. It made me realize how easy it is for first impressions to go sideways.
This book is so sweet, the banter is great, and the characters seemed very well developed. There’s plenty of spice once the MCs stop fighting those feelings, too 😉
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Fans of romance with some spice, and anyone looking for some ace-spec or Latine rep!
Both of the main characters in this are ace-spec, which is something I needed to google to make sure I understood correctly. But I loved learning about it through these characters. (And am a little ashamed I didn’t really understand it correctly before.) But I loved that aspect of the story, and just seeing how perfect Leti and Julian really are for each other. It made me realize how easy it is for first impressions to go sideways.
This book is so sweet, the banter is great, and the characters seemed very well developed. There’s plenty of spice once the MCs stop fighting those feelings, too 😉
𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Fans of romance with some spice, and anyone looking for some ace-spec or Latine rep!
Did Not Finish
August 27, 2026I just can’t with a troubled brother/sister storyline.
September 6, 2026
DNF at pg. 121
I may come back to this one later because I do enjoy Gabriella Gamez' writing. But this story is very much 24-year-olds making 24-year-old decisions. And I am so very much not 24 anymore (and very okay with that!!).
I may come back to this one later because I do enjoy Gabriella Gamez' writing. But this story is very much 24-year-olds making 24-year-old decisions. And I am so very much not 24 anymore (and very okay with that!!).
July 28, 2026
I hate to say it (because while this is my first Gamez book, I have this whole series) but this did not work for me. I liked the representation in this book, but I hated just about everything else. The book seemed to drag forever and ever for one, and it got to a point where I wondered if I would ever finish it. I really did not like any character, and good lord were there so many. Now again, this is the third book in this series and maybe that part would have been less of an issue if we meet them in earlier books, but reading on its own was not easy to follow.
Julian bothered me less than Leti, but I still did not rock with him. Leti however was just awful. Girl grow up and drop your family I cannot stand how immature she was and it was so much worse when she was around her also immature and super abusive family. They're just people leave them.
Another major gripe I had was about her job. I'm a teacher and also work in a high school. Now I would never perform the act of self harm which is teaching in Texas and I know it's terrible over there, but you're actually telling me that a woman with a Master's degree in library sciences is being taken from her position to sub? So the library's just closed indefinitely? Shitty ass school with illiterate kids my god quit you dumb bitch.
Everyone's problems in this book were their own fault and no one wanted to fix anything.
*SPOILERS*
And don't get me started on Julian getting their first dates tattooed on his arm before they were even official.
Thank you to Gabriella Gomez, Forever, and NetGalley for an early copy to review.
Julian bothered me less than Leti, but I still did not rock with him. Leti however was just awful. Girl grow up and drop your family I cannot stand how immature she was and it was so much worse when she was around her also immature and super abusive family. They're just people leave them.
Another major gripe I had was about her job. I'm a teacher and also work in a high school. Now I would never perform the act of self harm which is teaching in Texas and I know it's terrible over there, but you're actually telling me that a woman with a Master's degree in library sciences is being taken from her position to sub? So the library's just closed indefinitely? Shitty ass school with illiterate kids my god quit you dumb bitch.
Everyone's problems in this book were their own fault and no one wanted to fix anything.
*SPOILERS*
And don't get me started on Julian getting their first dates tattooed on his arm before they were even official.
Thank you to Gabriella Gomez, Forever, and NetGalley for an early copy to review.
May 10, 2026
2.75 ⭐️
I’m not sure this worked for me unfortunately.
I’ll start off with what I really appreciated in this book.
The representation across the board was fantastic. I really think this was one of the strong suits of the book. I often find that some characters can come away feeling like a caricature or a very poor execution of what someone in their shoes would think or feel but these characters don’t feel like they’re being put into a box.
I also really enjoyed the commentary of how it feels to be On The Apps in this day and age and how dating is HARD right now especially when you want to form a connection outside of physical intimacy first. I don’t think you necessarily have to fall under the ace/demisexual umbrella to appreciate the message being sent here because sometimes the apps and dating just suck and I think the majority of people will be able to relate to that.
The writing is something I struggled with. I think that for an adult book the writing was a little too simplistic and I had to remind myself sometimes that this wasn’t YA. There was a lot of telling and no real showing at some parts and I’m finding that to be an issue with the majority of the contemporaries being published these days.
At points I did wonder whether these two should have been actively looking for a relationship (in general). I love mess and I love messy characters and that’s usually the types of romances I reach for but I can’t say that it was down to them being messy because.. they weren’t (even though they both had pretty demanding lives). Again this seems to be connected to the writing, I just found them immature at times.
The sex. I think it really fit for these two that it would be a slowburn. A bit like Leti and Julian I love getting to know characters better before they jump into bed and I find the build up more rewarding when I know them so of course this aspect was done extremely well. I love the conversations they had around sex and how they engaged with each other and checked in during it.
All in all not a bad read I just felt like we could have dug a little bit deeper because they were extremely interesting characters I just wanted to see more of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own.
I’m not sure this worked for me unfortunately.
I’ll start off with what I really appreciated in this book.
The representation across the board was fantastic. I really think this was one of the strong suits of the book. I often find that some characters can come away feeling like a caricature or a very poor execution of what someone in their shoes would think or feel but these characters don’t feel like they’re being put into a box.
I also really enjoyed the commentary of how it feels to be On The Apps in this day and age and how dating is HARD right now especially when you want to form a connection outside of physical intimacy first. I don’t think you necessarily have to fall under the ace/demisexual umbrella to appreciate the message being sent here because sometimes the apps and dating just suck and I think the majority of people will be able to relate to that.
The writing is something I struggled with. I think that for an adult book the writing was a little too simplistic and I had to remind myself sometimes that this wasn’t YA. There was a lot of telling and no real showing at some parts and I’m finding that to be an issue with the majority of the contemporaries being published these days.
At points I did wonder whether these two should have been actively looking for a relationship (in general). I love mess and I love messy characters and that’s usually the types of romances I reach for but I can’t say that it was down to them being messy because.. they weren’t (even though they both had pretty demanding lives). Again this seems to be connected to the writing, I just found them immature at times.
The sex. I think it really fit for these two that it would be a slowburn. A bit like Leti and Julian I love getting to know characters better before they jump into bed and I find the build up more rewarding when I know them so of course this aspect was done extremely well. I love the conversations they had around sex and how they engaged with each other and checked in during it.
All in all not a bad read I just felt like we could have dug a little bit deeper because they were extremely interesting characters I just wanted to see more of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own.
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