Man’s best friend is about to be his best wingman.
Nadia
Moving into a shoebox studio at #1 Love Place was a dream come true for me. I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect him.
I first saw Julian "Jay" Vale being walked by his dog—literally. There is nothing funnier, or hotter, than watching a Greek god of a man get bossed around by a ten-pound Platinum Frenchie. When he caught me laughing and walked over with that devastating grin, my brain short-circuited.
Now, I’m seeing him everywhere. In the lobby, by the mailboxes, near the elevator. Every time our eyes meet, my knees go weak. I know I just got here, but my heart is already trying to move in upstairs.
Jay
I’ve never believed in love at first sight. Lust? Sure. Feelings? Definitely. But looking at Nadia Mirewood standing on the sidewalk felt like getting hit by a lightning bolt. She’s beautiful, she’s funny, and she’s the only woman who’s ever made me forget my own name.
I knew the second I saw her that she was mine. The problem is, I need to convince her of that without looking like a stalker.
Good thing I have a secret weapon. My Frenchie, Salty, will do anything for a treat—including tangling his leash around the prettiest girl in the building. I’m playing for keeps, and I’m not above playing dirty to make sure Nadia falls just as hard as I have.
I read Dear Detective, by Loni last week and I didn’t think I could be any more in love watching Poppy and Jack (Jay’s identical twin) get their HEA….but Jay and Nadia????!!!!! Just as adorable!!!! This book was soooo freaking cute, completely OTT instalove hotness with a side of sassy French Bulldog (with accessories), a sarcastic third grade teacher with glitter trauma and a hunky security expert who falls head over heels so fast I don’t think he knows what state he’s in anymore!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*The Upstairs Crush* is the second book in the #1 Love Place series, and it’s an absolute delight! Jay finally gets what his twin brother Jack has been talking about—being bitten by the instalove bug! It all starts with a cute meet-cute at the dog park with the lovely Nadia and his adorable little Salty. The spark between Jay and Nadia is instant—fun, sweet, and oh-so-spicy!
I couldn’t stop laughing at the hilarious moments between Jay and Salty, especially with Salty’s mischievous shenanigans. This series of overprotective, sexy alpha males is fantastic—these guys love their women hard and fast, and it’s clear they’ve found their perfect matches. I’m so excited to see who the next couple is in this charming, easy-to-read Love Place series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Short spicy novella. Instant everything, cringy writing, spoiled dog, fancy apt, unplanned pregnancy w twins, married, etc. All in 80 pages.
Nadia is a third grade teacher who is somehow living in a swanky apt building with an attached dog park. She bumps into Jay while he’s walking his French bulldog. Insta everything starts and continues from there.
And even at only 80 pages, I skimmed the last 30. Just so bad. lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
#1 Love Place is seriously the most amazing apartment complex ever — there is so much love in this place, it’s unreal. I was already head over heels for Jack and Poppy, but now we get Jay’s story… and WOW. Jay (the twin brother!) and Nadia absolutely set the pages on fire.
The chemistry between Jay and Nadia is intense, and so incredibly hot. You can feel the love pouring off every page. It’s passionate, sweet, steamy, and funny — everything I want in a romance.
This story had me smiling, swooning, and completely hooked from beginning to end. I loved every single moment.
Nadia, a school teacher who is exhausted and has a fall on her way home. She doesn’t hit the ground as Jay grabs her, and BAM both get the insta bug, on sight! This a a cute, witty love story with lots of tender moments, spicy times, oh and a rather spoilt dog that adds to the fun. Highly entertaining story that had me from page 1. No angst, and a lovely HEA ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cute, quick, steamy read. Nadia/Jay where super cute with the "accidental" meets and the cute banter. But who stole the show? Salty the Frenchie! That little dog did everything. Over all another winner from the Love Place apartments!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loni Ree captures the magic of unexpected romance in The Upstairs Crush, a delightful and witty installment of the #1 Love Place series. Nadia’s move to her tiny studio apartment marks not just a new chapter in her life, but sparks an unforgettable encounter with Jay, her charming, dog-walking neighbor.
From their first hilarious meeting (thanks to Jay’s adorable Frenchie, Salty) to the sparkling chemistry that follows, Nadia and Jay’s journey is full of swoon-worthy moments and laugh-out-loud mishaps. Watching Jay, a jaw-dropping gorgeous type, get dragged around by his tiny dog is irresistibly funny and instantly endearing.
The story sweeps you along as Nadia finds herself bumping into Jay throughout the building, each encounter adding more sparks and sweet tension. Her heart can’t resist moving upstairs, and honestly, neither could mine!
Jay’s perspective is equally enchanting. He’s instantly struck by Nadia, and his internal struggle to win her over without coming on too strong is both relatable and heartwarming. Salty, the Frenchie, emerges as the ultimate and unexpected wingman, cleverly helping Jay and Nadia’s love story unfold.
With great comedic timing, clever banter, and a dash of sweet steaminess, Ree’s writing shines. Both Nadia and Jay feel real and lovable, making it easy to root for their happily ever after. The mix of humor, romance, and the mischievous Salty makes this book simply irresistible.
If you’re searching for a lighthearted, funny, and utterly romantic read, The Upstairs Crush is a must-pick. Loni Ree delivers a sweet and steamy instalove story with authentic, relatable characters and plenty of hilarious moments. Highly recommended for anyone who loves feel-good romance!
5 enthusiastic stars!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Upstairs Crush is the second book in the #1 Love Place series by Loni Ree. This book is the first of the series I have read and I loved it. The story tales place in Worthington Hills and is about Nadia Mirewood and Julian 'Jay' Vale, and his little but mighty dog Salty. Nadia is the third grade teacher at the local elementary school. She loves her job even if it is like "wrangling thirty sugar-high squirrels with nothing but her wits and diminishing patience". She rented a small bachelor apartment in the luxury high-rise in the heart of Worthington Hills, which is in walking distance from the school. He owns Vale Security Solutions and works from from home and in the office. Jay is "owned" by Salty, a twenty pound French Bulldog that has the energy which screams, "I run this town!". When Nadia is walking up to the building she immediately notices the dog walking the hot James Bond man, and that is before they get tangled up together in many enjoyable ways. This is another fun, flirty, quirky, lol, and smoking hot and sexy romance by a wonderful author.
The Upstairs Crush by Loni Ree was a fun, steamy short read. As an small town, instalove, meet-cute, romance the storyline was completely engaging especially with the main characters of Jay, the Greek God OTT alpha male, and Nadia, a curvy woman newly moved into the building. Nadia a third grade school teacher is exhausted wrangling her charges during the last week before break and is distracted by Jay and his French Bulldog Salty nearly face planting outside their apartment building. This meet-cute is entirely sweet with Jay being completely captivated by Nadia never having believed in love at first sight but its all it takes as he decides he needs to make Nadia his. Sparks are flying and the attraction is mutual with some rom com vibes as Jay immediately starts planning ways to ensure Nadia falls for him as well. The sizzling chemistry and steam and spiciness had me turning the pages right through to their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5⭐️ This book was super cute with zero drama and no time apart for the MC’s. We first met Jay in his identical twin brother Jake’s book, Dear Detective, and I’m so glad we got his love story as well. Both Jay and Nadia were adorably awkward and a little shy when it came to each other at first. But after he asked her up for a pizza date, their relationship moved at warp speed. Salty the Frenchie made for some funny moments, and I love that both Jay and Jake absolutely spoil their dogs and have to hesitation when it comes to that. It didn’t talk about past relationships or hook ups, but it also wasn’t mentioned if they were virgins either so a little confused on that, but didn’t take away from anything. No cheating or OM/OW drama, dual POV, HEA and the sweetest epilogue with the perfection ending. Looking forward to whoever falls in love next in the building!
This is another story in the #1 Love Place series and is about Jay and Nadia….and of course a frenchie named Salty… Nadia just wants to go home..she’s had a day of chaos with her third graders…she’s looking forward to closing her door and the calm and quiet…but Salty has other ideas…Nadia ends up almost falling and Jay comes to the rescue. Jay saw Nadia and knew she was gonna mean something big in his life. He fell hard and fast. I guess teasing his brother (Jack from Dear Detective) has come back to bite him in the butt.. he know sees how it’s possible to fall instantly. Nadia thinks he’s hot but doesn’t know if she truly has a chance with him. She’s trying to not freak out but then he asks her out…. How will she respond? Will Salty come to the rescue? Can Jay show Nadia that he wants her forever? 5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
Whoosh, Whoosh x2. Incredible. Nadia has had a chaotic day with her third graders and just wants to get to her apartment. She’s also lugging three loaded tote bags on her walk home. She gets almost to the front door of the building when she sees the most handsome, huge, man being walked by the his small dog. Suddenly, the little dog takes off chasing something yanking the leash out of his hand and knocks her off balance. Two of the totes go flying spilling everything out as she heads to the ground. Jay has been staring at the gorgeous woman when his tornado on four legs takes off. Seeing what’s about to happen he catches her before any more damage can be done. Then, he takes off after his little terror all the while thinking “What a way to meet his future?”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 of the #1 Love Place series. Can be read as a standalone but why would you want to?!
'Good thing I have a secret weapon. My Frenchie, Salty, will do anything for a treat—including tangling his leash around the prettiest girl in the building. I’m playing for keeps, and I’m not above playing dirty to make sure Nadia falls just as hard as I have.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loni Ree has been a favorite author of mine for some time now, 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 Jay and Nadia is one of finding your soul mate and deciding that you aren't going to ever let go. Salty the Frenchie dog is absolutely adorable and funny, I laughed so hard! This is the 2nd book in #1 Love Place series and you will be sorry if you miss it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After a challenging day with her third-grade class Nadia is looking forward to being home when a chance encounter with her swoony neighbor and his adorable dog Salty creates chaos. When he offers to carry her bags and walk her to her door they are both disappointed when he leaves.
Jay was drawn to Nadia from their first meeting and is quite happy to have Salty act as their matchmaker. He is all in when it comes to Nadia and is willing to show her the wonderful life they could have together.
Nadia and Jay’s story is low angst and high chemistry as once Nadia and Jay meet they can’s picture a future without each other.
This is book number 2 of the #1 Love Place series and focuses on Jay and Nadia. Jay is the twin brother of Jack from Dear Detective and he lives at #1 Love Place with his very spoiled dog. While taking his dog on their afternoon walk/potty break, Jay sees Nadia, a teacher, and immediately knows that he has found his forever person. He wastes no time in his pursuit of her. He is determined to get Nadia to fall for him just as hard as he has fallen for her. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Small Town romance. Nadia is a young schoolteacher who has just moved into her new apartment building. While carrying the last boxes from her car to her apartment, she meets a handsome man walking his dog who seems determined to force a meeting between them. Jay is a security guard who works from home, sharing his apartment with his French bulldog. When he meets his new neighbor after her dog knocks him over, it's love at first sight. Will Nadia and Jay have a beautiful love story, or will their shyness cause them to miss out….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The couple in this story, Nadia and Jay, go from looks on the sidewalk to full on relationship in about 7 seconds flat. This was fast even for instalove. The two scenes I loved the most were the dinner with Jack and Poppy (great to see them again) and then the end when Nadia realizes how her life is going to change. It's cute, full of steamy make out scenes and a happy ending that brings this story full circle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Upstairs Crush is the second book in this delightful insta-love romantic comedy which features Jay and Nadia who both live at #1 Love Place. Nadia first meets Jay while he is walking his platinum Frenchie, Salty and love lightning hits them both. This cute insta-love novella is a quick read, has amazing characters including a wonderful little Frenchie, fun banter, humorous situations, and steamy chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nadia and Jay have a sweet meet-cute...even if his dog created it. I really like that Nadia has barely survived her day when they meet, she is definitely not at her best....but she steals Jay's heart anyway! True love! It's a whirlwind romance, but we shouldn't be surprised as his twin, Jack's, was too, another great book if you missed it. Funny and flirty, sweet and sexy, this is a lovely read on Kindle Unlimited.
I absolutely loved all the stories that unfolded in this #1 Love Place. Jay was out walking his pampered Frenchie when he saw Nadia and knew his life would take a different turn. It was love at first sight between them; everything happened so fast, they found love, and they lived happily ever after. Another thing I loved about the book was the hilarious interaction between the twins, Jay and Jack (Dear Detective).
The second book in Loni Ree's #1 Love Place series is another delightful (and steamy) instalove romance set in the coolest residence in town. Jay and Nadia are both instantly smitten with one another after their hysterical meet-cute - and with a little help from Jay's adorable Frenchie Salty. Such an entertaining rom-com full of banter and swoon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 of #1 Love Place is an adorable read. Nadia and Jay have an instant connection. Nadia and Jay’s relationship takes off almost immediately and they are inseparable. Jay’s regal little Frenchie Salty is always front and center in their relationship. If you read book 1, Pepper the crazy terror dog is Salty’s sister. I adore this series and can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is such a great book! I love the OTT guy and the insta-love between Jany and Nadia. I was laughing so hard at how they met! Jay's dog, Salty, was the cause of most of the laughs. Jay and Nadia are perfect together. This book is another wonderful addition to the #1 Love Place series. I can't wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fantastic book by this fabulous Ms Ree. Definitely love her books and has me coming back for more. It’s a couple of hours read, one fantastic story, and one happily ever after you won't forget! One of my favourite reads of 2026!! Super excited for more books from #1 love place!! Just pick this one up, you won’t regret it. Happy reading
Nadia is a teacher, and Jay owns a security business. I love how the author brought Nadia and Jay together, and his Frenchie, Salty, is the perfect addition to this sweet love story. This is a well written, small town romance with humor, great characters, fun banter, steam, and a happily ever after. I am loving this fun, new, instalove series by Loni Ree, and I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Book 2 of #1 Love Place story of Nadia and Jay. I have to say this is romantic and just perfect. I loved how they fell in love from first sight. The helper that brings these two together is a menace but hilarious to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 2 in #1 Love Place series. Nadia is a third grade teacher who nearly falls in front of security tech Jay and his spoiled Frenchie Salty. A fun meet cute with the most adorable dog. I loved Salty role in the story. A sweet quick read that will put a smile on your face. Jay's identical brother has his own book called Dear Detective where we first met Jay and Salty.
4.5/5⭐️ What an interesting meet-cute. Nadia has just moved in and lucky girl that she is, ends up being rescued by Jay!
This was a whirlwind romance between the two neighbours who both feel a strong, mutual attraction for each other. Add on a dose of forced proximity and voila, we get our Happy Ever After.
The Upstairs Crush is the second book of #1 Love Place and is a light hearted, fun little read with a guaranteed happy ending which we all need.
We met Jay in Dear Detective so knew his story would be great as well. The meet cute between Nadia and Jay is cute and the entire story is a sweet read. Definitely recommend this and the series.