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The Downstairs Flirt
Love is on the menu at #1 Love Place
Hazel
Visiting my grandmother, Nonnie Laine, at #1 Love Place is always a sweet escape. The bonus? Her neighbor, Mr. Perpetual Smirk, who always seems to appear whenever I least expect him, armed with a flirty line and dangerous good looks. Totally out of my league, but who am I to refuse a harmless flirt? So imagine my absolute shock when I walk into Nonnie’s for Sunday lunch to find him sitting at her dining table. Suddenly, his playful glances don't feel quite so innocent, and my heart definitely didn't get the memo about playing it cool.
Preston
For weeks, she’s been the mystery girl who got away—a flash of a smile, a quick laugh, and then poof, gone before I can even ask for her number. I promised myself the next time I saw her, I wouldn’t let her slip by. I was ready to chase her down the street if I had to.
Turns out, I didn’t have to run far. Nonnie invites me over for lunch, and just as I’m getting comfortable, in walks the girl of my dreams. Hazel. Finally, a name to match the daydream. Fate has clearly set the table, and I’m done playing games. The catch-me-if-you-can phase? Officially over. Now, the wooing begins—just as soon as she stops looking at me like I’m an alien invasion in her grandmother’s kitchen.
Hazel
Visiting my grandmother, Nonnie Laine, at #1 Love Place is always a sweet escape. The bonus? Her neighbor, Mr. Perpetual Smirk, who always seems to appear whenever I least expect him, armed with a flirty line and dangerous good looks. Totally out of my league, but who am I to refuse a harmless flirt? So imagine my absolute shock when I walk into Nonnie’s for Sunday lunch to find him sitting at her dining table. Suddenly, his playful glances don't feel quite so innocent, and my heart definitely didn't get the memo about playing it cool.
Preston
For weeks, she’s been the mystery girl who got away—a flash of a smile, a quick laugh, and then poof, gone before I can even ask for her number. I promised myself the next time I saw her, I wouldn’t let her slip by. I was ready to chase her down the street if I had to.
Turns out, I didn’t have to run far. Nonnie invites me over for lunch, and just as I’m getting comfortable, in walks the girl of my dreams. Hazel. Finally, a name to match the daydream. Fate has clearly set the table, and I’m done playing games. The catch-me-if-you-can phase? Officially over. Now, the wooing begins—just as soon as she stops looking at me like I’m an alien invasion in her grandmother’s kitchen.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
35 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy
Downstairs Flirt is delightful. This fun, steamy romcom will make you chuckle and also swoon over Preston while he is obsessing over Hazel. Their story is cute and left me waiting for Jude's.
February 27, 2026
4.5*
This was such a cute, feel good, no drama instalove with a slower, more realistic relationship timeline. I really enjoyed both of their POV's and how they both internally freaked out about each other in different ways. One week flew by for Hazel and the same week dragged on for Preston for similar reasons and it was so cute. The whole book was basically them just falling in love with each other and learning to go at their own paces. Preston stressing over and putting so much thought into the dates and even the flowers to show he was thinking about her always was perfection. I loved Hazel's Nonnie and that she played such a big role in their lives as well. I was a little confused on the comment she made about Hazel's mother though because it seemed to be said and then nothing else was brought up. As well as the fact her parents died when she was young and her Nonnie raised her, so the comment felt odd. No cheating or OM/OW drama, virgin FMC, dual POV, HEA and a sweet epilogue 6 months in the future. Really looking forward to Jude's book, he seems funny and chaotic in the best way, so I can only imagine the woman he falls in love with in is for a wild ride.
This was such a cute, feel good, no drama instalove with a slower, more realistic relationship timeline. I really enjoyed both of their POV's and how they both internally freaked out about each other in different ways. One week flew by for Hazel and the same week dragged on for Preston for similar reasons and it was so cute. The whole book was basically them just falling in love with each other and learning to go at their own paces. Preston stressing over and putting so much thought into the dates and even the flowers to show he was thinking about her always was perfection. I loved Hazel's Nonnie and that she played such a big role in their lives as well. I was a little confused on the comment she made about Hazel's mother though because it seemed to be said and then nothing else was brought up. As well as the fact her parents died when she was young and her Nonnie raised her, so the comment felt odd. No cheating or OM/OW drama, virgin FMC, dual POV, HEA and a sweet epilogue 6 months in the future. Really looking forward to Jude's book, he seems funny and chaotic in the best way, so I can only imagine the woman he falls in love with in is for a wild ride.
March 5, 2026
The Downstairs Flirt by Loni Ree was a fun, sweet and steamy read.
As a short, small town, instalove, romance the storyline had a definite rom com vibe and the main characters Preston, and Hazel, were both likeable and engaging.
Hazel, a curvy librarian, regularly visits her grandmother at #1 Love Place and appreciates the glimpses of the hot, flirty neighbour with the perpetual smirk. Preston, quickly becomes obsessed with Hazel after a chance meeting but doesn't get her details or see her again but a visit with his neighbour Nonnie Laine allows him to discover that his dream girl Hazel is Nonnie's granddaughter.
Preston and Hazel's mutual attraction is strong and their simmering chemistry soon ignites. Matchmaking Nonnie encourages their steamy connection and the ensuing spiciness kept me turning the pages right through to their satisfying HEA.
I am now looking forward to the next inhabitant of #1 Love Place to fall!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a short, small town, instalove, romance the storyline had a definite rom com vibe and the main characters Preston, and Hazel, were both likeable and engaging.
Hazel, a curvy librarian, regularly visits her grandmother at #1 Love Place and appreciates the glimpses of the hot, flirty neighbour with the perpetual smirk. Preston, quickly becomes obsessed with Hazel after a chance meeting but doesn't get her details or see her again but a visit with his neighbour Nonnie Laine allows him to discover that his dream girl Hazel is Nonnie's granddaughter.
Preston and Hazel's mutual attraction is strong and their simmering chemistry soon ignites. Matchmaking Nonnie encourages their steamy connection and the ensuing spiciness kept me turning the pages right through to their satisfying HEA.
I am now looking forward to the next inhabitant of #1 Love Place to fall!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2026
**A Delightfully Fun Read!**
I’m absolutely in love with the #1 Love Place series, and I’m so excited about the third book, *The Downstairs Flirt!* In this charming story, Hazel heads to her Nonna’s for their weekly sushi night and literally tumbles right into Preston’s arms. Unfortunately, she rushes off before they can exchange names! But fate steps in when Preston meets Hazel’s Nonna and gets invited to lunch. That’s where he finally discovers Hazel’s name and has the chance to see her again.
The chemistry and attraction between them are simply off the charts! Their slow-burn romance is so cute, and their playful banter, along with the delightful presence of her Nonna, makes for a fun, cozy read. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day. I can’t wait for Jude’s book, which I really hope is next in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m absolutely in love with the #1 Love Place series, and I’m so excited about the third book, *The Downstairs Flirt!* In this charming story, Hazel heads to her Nonna’s for their weekly sushi night and literally tumbles right into Preston’s arms. Unfortunately, she rushes off before they can exchange names! But fate steps in when Preston meets Hazel’s Nonna and gets invited to lunch. That’s where he finally discovers Hazel’s name and has the chance to see her again.
The chemistry and attraction between them are simply off the charts! Their slow-burn romance is so cute, and their playful banter, along with the delightful presence of her Nonna, makes for a fun, cozy read. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day. I can’t wait for Jude’s book, which I really hope is next in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2026
#1 Love Place is officially my favorite apartment complex ever — there is just so much love in this place, it’s unreal. I was already in love with this series. Preston and Hazel's story dit it again.
That first meet-cute?! I mean… literally tumbling into his arms? I was grinning so hard. And the way fate keeps pulling them back together (thank you, Nonna!) was perfection. Preston and Hazel’s chemistry is off the charts — sweet, flirty, playful, and so full of tension in the best way.
Their slow-burn romance had me smiling, swooning, and completely hooked. The banter? Adorable. The longing? Delicious. And Nonna? An absolute icon. She made this story even more special.
I loved every single moment.
That first meet-cute?! I mean… literally tumbling into his arms? I was grinning so hard. And the way fate keeps pulling them back together (thank you, Nonna!) was perfection. Preston and Hazel’s chemistry is off the charts — sweet, flirty, playful, and so full of tension in the best way.
Their slow-burn romance had me smiling, swooning, and completely hooked. The banter? Adorable. The longing? Delicious. And Nonna? An absolute icon. She made this story even more special.
I loved every single moment.
March 2, 2026
Hazel is a librarian who has a weekly date with her Nonna to share dinner however this week she literally crashes into Preston, a fellow resident. In the time since she hasn’t been able to forget their flirty interaction but the last place she expected to see him was at her Nonna’s when they are both invited for lunch.
Preston is an architect who has been distracted by meeting Hazel both at work and at home. He knows Nonna however he was surprised to find out that Hazel is the granddaughter she has been trying to match him with. Once he finds out they are the same woman he is much more interest in accepting her invitation.
Preston is both sweet and swoony as he shows Hazel that the attraction they share is only the beginning as he wants forever and not just a fling.
Preston is an architect who has been distracted by meeting Hazel both at work and at home. He knows Nonna however he was surprised to find out that Hazel is the granddaughter she has been trying to match him with. Once he finds out they are the same woman he is much more interest in accepting her invitation.
Preston is both sweet and swoony as he shows Hazel that the attraction they share is only the beginning as he wants forever and not just a fling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sushi date with her feisty grandmother was something Hazel always looked forward to. She loved her life, even though she didn’t have a man in her life, she had everything she wanted. A good job at the library, a cute little apartment, and she was happy. That is until fate decided it was her turn. One little trip and she fell into the arms of her future. Preston was new to town, and when this perfect woman fell into his arms, he knew that she was his, but one little problem. He did not even know her name. Then a chance meeting with a feisty older woman in his building changed that. Preston knew his future’s name, Hazel. This is the cutest, sweetest, spiciest story. I loved it!!!
February 27, 2026
"Sometimes a peach cobbler is just a peach cobbler, stop trying to add kale to it!"
Nobody gives advice better than a meddling, matchmaking grandmother who is genetically engineered for plotting...Hazel and Preston don't stand a chance! Between Nonnie's interfering and the explosive chemistry that steals their breath and frys their brain, love is inevitable. I love that they are both equally affected by their attraction, seeing the normally calm and confident Preston boredering feral and totally on edge as he obsesses about Hazel is very sweet, his fantasies however leave sweet in the rear view mirror! This is an entertaining visit to #1 Love Place, which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Nobody gives advice better than a meddling, matchmaking grandmother who is genetically engineered for plotting...Hazel and Preston don't stand a chance! Between Nonnie's interfering and the explosive chemistry that steals their breath and frys their brain, love is inevitable. I love that they are both equally affected by their attraction, seeing the normally calm and confident Preston boredering feral and totally on edge as he obsesses about Hazel is very sweet, his fantasies however leave sweet in the rear view mirror! This is an entertaining visit to #1 Love Place, which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
February 27, 2026
Hazel and Preston, ummmm, they are so cute, so patient, full of yearning for each other and perfect together.
This is a slow burn insta attraction story. A librarian and an architect meet when Hazel bumps into Preston in the foyer of his apartment building (she is visiting her grandmother). A few dates and lots of talking leads to two strong people getting hot and heavy.
Hazel’s Inner dialogue made me smile
A swoon worthy HEA epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a slow burn insta attraction story. A librarian and an architect meet when Hazel bumps into Preston in the foyer of his apartment building (she is visiting her grandmother). A few dates and lots of talking leads to two strong people getting hot and heavy.
Hazel’s Inner dialogue made me smile
A swoon worthy HEA epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
Loni Ree is a favorite author of mine, she knows how to grab onto her readers from the 1st page to the last. Her characters are so very delightfully flawed that you can't help cheer for their happily ever after. The story of Preston and Hazel is one of having a chrush on someone and accidentally running into them going to see your Nonnie for dinner. This is the 3rd book of the #1 Love Place series and you will be sorry if you miss it as well as the others in this awesome series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another great read by Loni Ree! This one was a short an easy read that will certainly put a smile on your face. Hazel and Preston’s relationship with Hazels Grandma Nonnie was the best and she sure was great. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Loni and Instalove for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Loni and Instalove for the ARC
Review of advance copy
A charming Instalove that had me chuckling throughout as Hazel and Preston navigate their love journey. But believe me the slowburn to sizzle will have you fanning yourself. Wonderful characters, loved spunky Nonnie, sweet moments, witty banter, and a whole lot of heart. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a delightful series.
March 1, 2026
Hazel enjoys spending time with her grandmother Nonnie and notices a very tall and handsome man who lives in her apartment building. Preston has also taken notice of a very pretty and frequent visitor to the building. After literally running into each other in the lobby, Hazel's grandmother decides to play matchmaker and the results are combustible. Good little novella !!!
March 2, 2026
I enjoyed Hazel and Preston's story.
Boy did Preston fall fast!
Lust at first sight, or love?
I think Hazel fell just as hard as Preston.
Loved the grandmother!
Wait until you see how romantic Preston is!
Wonderful, one-sitting read!
Ms. Ree had me laughing out loud!
Boy did Preston fall fast!
Lust at first sight, or love?
I think Hazel fell just as hard as Preston.
Loved the grandmother!
Wait until you see how romantic Preston is!
Wonderful, one-sitting read!
Ms. Ree had me laughing out loud!
March 4, 2026
Instantly Obsessed
When Preston bumps into a woman in the lobby of his building he is instantly obsessed but doesn’t see her that often until his older neighbor invites him for lunch and he learns his new obsession is her granddaughter Hazel. These two burn hot and fast and soon are spending all their time together in this sweet read.
When Preston bumps into a woman in the lobby of his building he is instantly obsessed but doesn’t see her that often until his older neighbor invites him for lunch and he learns his new obsession is her granddaughter Hazel. These two burn hot and fast and soon are spending all their time together in this sweet read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 3 in#1 Love Place series. A rom com with a sweet meet cute. I love Hazel's relationship with her Nonna. Preston and Hazel falls fast with the sweetest interactions. I smiled throughout the book. I loved the main and side characters. A fun read that I finished in one setting.
February 26, 2026
Ooh, I love meddling grandmas! Reading this definitely made me feel hungry. There’s lots of sweet romance plus spicy scenes, but on top of that we get so many food-related scenes too!
This was a fun and quick read, and I really love the Hazel and Preston pairing—the adorable and the tall one. 😆
This was a fun and quick read, and I really love the Hazel and Preston pairing—the adorable and the tall one. 😆
March 4, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Hazel and Preston are attracted to each other from the start. From their first official meeting, I liked how they flirted and fell in love. It was a fun story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Light hearted, cute, instalove short read that is easy to follow with a guaranteed happy ending.
Loni delivers another great installment of the #1 Love Place and I'm looking forward to Jude's book.
Loni delivers another great installment of the #1 Love Place and I'm looking forward to Jude's book.
February 28, 2026
I loved this one!
Nonnie was a hoot! Hazel and Preston made the best couple! I’ve enjoyed all the ones in this series, but this one was hilarious with the grandma in it. 5 stars!!
Nonnie was a hoot! Hazel and Preston made the best couple! I’ve enjoyed all the ones in this series, but this one was hilarious with the grandma in it. 5 stars!!
March 2, 2026
Hazel and Preston
You ate going g to love this story. It is love at first sight, accidental run ins in the lobby, and a spirited Nonna. It is obsession at its finest.
You ate going g to love this story. It is love at first sight, accidental run ins in the lobby, and a spirited Nonna. It is obsession at its finest.
March 2, 2026
Preston and Hazel are perfect for each other! Such a wonderful and beautiful love story! Soo soo good and soo soo H.O.T I absolutly loved it! 🥰❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️❤️😍
March 3, 2026
Hazel and Preston have a fun and quick romance. Their connection is instant the moment they meet. I liked them together. It was cute to read about their pining. They are adorable.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews