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The Pining Paradox
Six months ago, Hallie Thatcher’s parents sold The Stone’s Throw Inn, where she’s lived and worked for her entire life. Everything is changing around her, and she’s been trying to adjust. Really. Even when it means navigating her new promotion at the inn. Helping to plan her best friend’s wedding to Hallie’s new boss. And now, there’s an interim manager joining the team, ensuring that Hallie can go visit her family over the holidays.
What she’s not expecting is to like the new manager, Brynn Fitzpatrick, as much as she does. Nothing about them should click, but they do. And though Brynn’s time in Stoneport is temporary, Hallie can’t help but lean into her unassuming charm, even when it means getting roped into Brynn’s ridiculous plan to start online dating. Or, more dangerously, when it means wondering why, as Hallie tries to start dating, no one compares to Brynn.
Brynn Fitzpatrick thinks helping out at The Stone’s Throw Inn is the right next step after a very public failed engagement. It’s a perfect favor to her ex-fiancé’s sister, whom she’s come to consider a friend. And friends have always been in short supply in Brynn’s life. Plus, she’s not ready to settle back in Boston, under the scrutiny of her parents’ overbearing but well-meaning support, in a city that’s never really felt like home.
For someone who was supposed to be getting married a few months ago, Brynn’s never really thought a lot about love, but spending so much time with Hallie is making her think about all kinds of things for the first time. And it’s making her want things that she’s never expected to crave. Including Hallie.
This friends-to-lovers sapphic romance can be read as a standalone but also features characters introduced in The Love Lie.
What she’s not expecting is to like the new manager, Brynn Fitzpatrick, as much as she does. Nothing about them should click, but they do. And though Brynn’s time in Stoneport is temporary, Hallie can’t help but lean into her unassuming charm, even when it means getting roped into Brynn’s ridiculous plan to start online dating. Or, more dangerously, when it means wondering why, as Hallie tries to start dating, no one compares to Brynn.
Brynn Fitzpatrick thinks helping out at The Stone’s Throw Inn is the right next step after a very public failed engagement. It’s a perfect favor to her ex-fiancé’s sister, whom she’s come to consider a friend. And friends have always been in short supply in Brynn’s life. Plus, she’s not ready to settle back in Boston, under the scrutiny of her parents’ overbearing but well-meaning support, in a city that’s never really felt like home.
For someone who was supposed to be getting married a few months ago, Brynn’s never really thought a lot about love, but spending so much time with Hallie is making her think about all kinds of things for the first time. And it’s making her want things that she’s never expected to crave. Including Hallie.
This friends-to-lovers sapphic romance can be read as a standalone but also features characters introduced in The Love Lie.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2025
275 people are currently reading
1457 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,506 followersMonica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 19, 2025
The most comforting WLW/sapphic romance. No notes. Just internal screaming. Actually it’s external. Bloody hell this was everything.
I’ve really enjoyed a lot of Monica’s books lately but this was on another level. The slow burn, the pining, the actual in depth communication and working through of emotions, and of course the spice that had me BLUSHING. I read omegaverse smut before this. Did I blush? No. But this??? Dead. Gone. Evaporated by the spice because it’s so perfectly written.
This is a great read if you want: slow-burn, pining, later in life coming out, roommates, friends to lovers, some family drama, a good helping of spice, and a cathartic and comforting read to curl up with.
McCallan really crafted a story that grips your soul and then spoon feeds it back to you, and you’ll be thankful for every second.
Rep// queer woman MC, queer woman MC. Queer women SCs. Central romance is WLW/Sapphic.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// alcohol and drinking, loss of family member in past, cheating in past, nightmares, family struggles.
I’ve really enjoyed a lot of Monica’s books lately but this was on another level. The slow burn, the pining, the actual in depth communication and working through of emotions, and of course the spice that had me BLUSHING. I read omegaverse smut before this. Did I blush? No. But this??? Dead. Gone. Evaporated by the spice because it’s so perfectly written.
This is a great read if you want: slow-burn, pining, later in life coming out, roommates, friends to lovers, some family drama, a good helping of spice, and a cathartic and comforting read to curl up with.
McCallan really crafted a story that grips your soul and then spoon feeds it back to you, and you’ll be thankful for every second.
Rep// queer woman MC, queer woman MC. Queer women SCs. Central romance is WLW/Sapphic.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// alcohol and drinking, loss of family member in past, cheating in past, nightmares, family struggles.
January 21, 2026
Monica McCallan seriously has never disappointed me. I knew I was slowly falling into a book slump, so the only way to make sure I don’t fall into one? Read a book from one of my favorite authors.
I love when characters are from other books, and Hallie’s story was one I really wanted to hear! When reading the synopsis and learning that Brynn was the other MC, I was honestly so excited to read about their love story.
Both characters were incredibly easy to love, Brynn especially. There was something about her that was so sweet yet charming (and also lowkey a freak in the sheets??). What was not the love about the two MCs. They were absolutely perfect for one another.
The timeline was technically pretty quick, and of course we had to go at lesbian speed, but it flowed really well to the point that it didn’t feel like a short amount of time. It was really well written and honestly who hasn’t uhauled before?
I love when characters are from other books, and Hallie’s story was one I really wanted to hear! When reading the synopsis and learning that Brynn was the other MC, I was honestly so excited to read about their love story.
Both characters were incredibly easy to love, Brynn especially. There was something about her that was so sweet yet charming (and also lowkey a freak in the sheets??). What was not the love about the two MCs. They were absolutely perfect for one another.
The timeline was technically pretty quick, and of course we had to go at lesbian speed, but it flowed really well to the point that it didn’t feel like a short amount of time. It was really well written and honestly who hasn’t uhauled before?
February 12, 2026
I experienced a bit of a paradox myself with this book. I didn’t connect with either of the FMCs, but you may love Hallie and Brynn, and neither of us would be wrong.
I made two mistakes. First, I absolutely adore Sydney and Reese from The Love Lie, which is the companion book to this one. In that book, Hallie and Brynn are side characters and both simply pale in comparison. The second mistake I made was reading this immediately after reading TLL, so I spent the entire book wanting more scenes with Sydney and Reese. If I had given myself some space between the two, I might have clicked more with Hallie and Brynn.
I’m still giving this book 4-stars as my problem with this book is my problem with this book. If you know me, you know I’m not a fan of contrived drama, but this book needed some conflict. Both love interests had issues with their families, but that was resolved with a little backbone for both of them.
Ashley and Reese were a super team in The Love Lie, which is why I loved them. Hallie and Brynn, on the other hand, still felt like side characters in their own book.
I made two mistakes. First, I absolutely adore Sydney and Reese from The Love Lie, which is the companion book to this one. In that book, Hallie and Brynn are side characters and both simply pale in comparison. The second mistake I made was reading this immediately after reading TLL, so I spent the entire book wanting more scenes with Sydney and Reese. If I had given myself some space between the two, I might have clicked more with Hallie and Brynn.
I’m still giving this book 4-stars as my problem with this book is my problem with this book. If you know me, you know I’m not a fan of contrived drama, but this book needed some conflict. Both love interests had issues with their families, but that was resolved with a little backbone for both of them.
Ashley and Reese were a super team in The Love Lie, which is why I loved them. Hallie and Brynn, on the other hand, still felt like side characters in their own book.
February 6, 2026
I reread The Love Lie over the weekend in anticipation of The Pining Paradox. I was very excited for this story because Hallie and Brynn both deserve good things, and Monica McCallan delivered. I especially enjoyed the awkwardness of Brynn and the awkwardness of Brynn's situation: falling for the best friend of the girl who was your ex-fiane's ex-girlfriend who is now dating her ex-fiance's sister, who is the boss of ex-fiance's, ex-girlfriend's best friend. Were you able to follow that? Don't worry if not, it will make sense. But give me all that drama!
I also like that there's not a ton of relationship angst here. There's definitely angst, and it certainty impacts the romantic relationship a bit, but it's not really about the relationship at all. And I liked that. It felt real in a way that a lot of romances don't-where a situation feels contrived entirely for plot. No, what McCallan delivers here is the very realistic fact that our own individual hangups and insecurities and fears are the things that affect our ability to love and be loved.
But for all I enjoyed it, the relationship did feel a little too easy. I would have preferred more of that angst. Still, I'd probably read this again when I want romantic escapism.
3.5 stars
I also like that there's not a ton of relationship angst here. There's definitely angst, and it certainty impacts the romantic relationship a bit, but it's not really about the relationship at all. And I liked that. It felt real in a way that a lot of romances don't-where a situation feels contrived entirely for plot. No, what McCallan delivers here is the very realistic fact that our own individual hangups and insecurities and fears are the things that affect our ability to love and be loved.
But for all I enjoyed it, the relationship did feel a little too easy. I would have preferred more of that angst. Still, I'd probably read this again when I want romantic escapism.
3.5 stars
December 8, 2025
Such a perfect book
January 5, 2026
Yes! Hallie and Brynn’s story…..finally! My take? Hallie and Brynn’s story is simply delightful and so are their characters; one is a people-person, an organise chaos, while the other is more of an introvert. Slow-burn, friend-to-lovers romance. Nothing new there but the pining that both Hallie and Brynn have for each other and their banters were so so well written. Simply loved it!
5 ⭐️
December 17, 2025
The Pining Paradox follows Hallie and Brynn in this slow burn romance about 2 new adults managing that weird transition that most of us go through in our mid to late twenties. And it’s just a perfect book for me. It wasn’t completely low angst, which is my jam, but all of the feelings I felt seemed to be intentionally developed by the author. I felt frustrated when I supposed to. I wanted to yell at Hallie and Brynn to “just kiss already!” I was thrilled when I was supposed to thrilled. That’s smart writing. Or maybe Monica somehow broke into my brain and wrote this just for me.
Hallie was introduced in The Love Lie, but other than her being Sydney’s best friend, we don’t get too much back story on her. She’s honest and loyal but she feels a bit adrift in the world. She’s alienated from her family by emotion and distance. She’s never been in a relationship. The easy way to write Hallie would have been to make her a player who never gets close to anyone and just hooks up a lot. I’m so impressed that this was NOT her story. Hallie wanted connection, to be seen, and to have purpose.
Brynn was also introduced in The Love Lie. It’s a complicated backstory and it’s totally worth the read, but not necessary to understand the story. Brynn is logical, introverted, sheltered by her parents. It’s not stated explicitly, but she’s got demisexual written all over her. She’s quirky and funny and so open to learning.
The two come together as coworkers at The Stone’s Throw Inn. Let the pining begin. It’s a lot of effing pining, but that’s built right into the title. This is the best banter that Monica has ever written. It’s clever and funny and quite sophisticated with the humor and the philosophy. The writing just flowed
The Pining Paradox avoids miscommunication and immaturity beautifully. It’s particularly impressive to write this kind of romance with two characters who’ve never experienced romantic attraction prior in their lives. The trajectory of both characters was designed to line them up and shoot them towards each other. Monica McCallan also managed to deliver a new take on the dreaded third act break up. There is no break up, per se, but it FEELS like there’s one and that is impressive since Brynn and Hallie never turned away from each other. Was it frustrating to read that part? Hell yes! But it was super intentional by the author and it served the purpose of individual development. The payoff for the long burn was delicious.
I’ve read Monica McCallan’s entire catalog (some books more than 3 times) and I’ll readily admit that she is my go to comfort author. Then & Now will always be near and dear to my heart and my favorite of her books, but in The Pining Paradox, she really upped her writing game. SO STINKING GOOD!
I received an arc from the author and all opinions are my own. And on this book, I’m completely correct in my opinions.
“And for a long time, I looked at being happy as never being sad.” Brynn
Hallie was introduced in The Love Lie, but other than her being Sydney’s best friend, we don’t get too much back story on her. She’s honest and loyal but she feels a bit adrift in the world. She’s alienated from her family by emotion and distance. She’s never been in a relationship. The easy way to write Hallie would have been to make her a player who never gets close to anyone and just hooks up a lot. I’m so impressed that this was NOT her story. Hallie wanted connection, to be seen, and to have purpose.
Brynn was also introduced in The Love Lie. It’s a complicated backstory and it’s totally worth the read, but not necessary to understand the story. Brynn is logical, introverted, sheltered by her parents. It’s not stated explicitly, but she’s got demisexual written all over her. She’s quirky and funny and so open to learning.
The two come together as coworkers at The Stone’s Throw Inn. Let the pining begin. It’s a lot of effing pining, but that’s built right into the title. This is the best banter that Monica has ever written. It’s clever and funny and quite sophisticated with the humor and the philosophy. The writing just flowed
The Pining Paradox avoids miscommunication and immaturity beautifully. It’s particularly impressive to write this kind of romance with two characters who’ve never experienced romantic attraction prior in their lives. The trajectory of both characters was designed to line them up and shoot them towards each other. Monica McCallan also managed to deliver a new take on the dreaded third act break up. There is no break up, per se, but it FEELS like there’s one and that is impressive since Brynn and Hallie never turned away from each other. Was it frustrating to read that part? Hell yes! But it was super intentional by the author and it served the purpose of individual development. The payoff for the long burn was delicious.
I’ve read Monica McCallan’s entire catalog (some books more than 3 times) and I’ll readily admit that she is my go to comfort author. Then & Now will always be near and dear to my heart and my favorite of her books, but in The Pining Paradox, she really upped her writing game. SO STINKING GOOD!
I received an arc from the author and all opinions are my own. And on this book, I’m completely correct in my opinions.
“And for a long time, I looked at being happy as never being sad.” Brynn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
this was pretty lovely. i really liked both brynn and hallie as individual characters, (brynn, in particular reallly stole my heart, and i related to hallie.... a somewhat uncomfortable amount) and i enjoyed their dynamic together a lot. i did kind of laugh at it being labeled a slow burn, bc the girlie fall in love in like a span of maybe two months, lol. that said, i enjoyed the pacing for the most part, i liked the winter vibes, i found the secondary family stuff on both sides engaging and it all made the main relationship stuff work well for me, personally. if you're looking for a pretty low angst, sweet, wintry romance, this is a great one to grab. monica mccallan has become a really reliable def grab it and likely buy, for me. her writing has improved so much over the years and i really liked this new one. i can't wait to hear it on audio.
December 20, 2025
I am a big fan of Monica McCallan’s work and this story is no different. I haven’t read The Love Lie yet but it’s not necessary in order to understand the plot of The Pining Paradox.
I loved Hallie and Brynn so very much. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t instant love, it built up as they spent time together, but from the beginning you could tell they were just meant to be. I adored Brynn’s parents, maybe because they remind me of my own family. I couldn’t stand Hallie’s parents, the complete lack of awareness and care as to how their daughter was feeling and not even considering that she could have wanted to own the inn.
I loved that nobody questioned Brynn questioning her sexuality and having a girlfriend, it was just accepted.
I’m looking forward to reading Sydney and Reese’s story, as I loved the brief snippets into their relationship in this book.
Thank you to Monica McCallan for providing me with an eARC.
I loved Hallie and Brynn so very much. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t instant love, it built up as they spent time together, but from the beginning you could tell they were just meant to be. I adored Brynn’s parents, maybe because they remind me of my own family. I couldn’t stand Hallie’s parents, the complete lack of awareness and care as to how their daughter was feeling and not even considering that she could have wanted to own the inn.
I loved that nobody questioned Brynn questioning her sexuality and having a girlfriend, it was just accepted.
I’m looking forward to reading Sydney and Reese’s story, as I loved the brief snippets into their relationship in this book.
Thank you to Monica McCallan for providing me with an eARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclamer this is an ARC review. Also Im bilingual and english is my second language sorry if you find spelling mistake.
This book tells the story of two very different yet surprisingly similar women who find themselves reunited by circumstance and also friends. What begins as friendship than kinship slowly grows into something deeper. The romance is a SLOW burn, but it’s handled so beautifully that you never lose interest. Au contraire, your burning for it to happen.When it Finally happens, it takes your breath away in a way only Monica McCallan seems able of doing (Still not over how it happen as writting this rewiew).
For those who read the Love lie, you will be happy to see familiar face and catch up with them.
That beeing said, the Pining paradoxe absolutely stands on its own. If you haven’t read the first book yet, there’s still time but you don’t need it to read and enjoy this one.You should absolutly read it do ( ITS A MUST). The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5/5 is that I didn’t connect as much with the characters at the begining of the book as much as I wish i would. I had, because the way I am, an harder time connecting to Hallie and Brynn. Its only throught their growth in the book and the way hallie is with Brynn that I was hable to connect more. But i feel it have nothing to do with the book or the writting but more who I am and how I related to does caracter.
This book tells the story of two very different yet surprisingly similar women who find themselves reunited by circumstance and also friends. What begins as friendship than kinship slowly grows into something deeper. The romance is a SLOW burn, but it’s handled so beautifully that you never lose interest. Au contraire, your burning for it to happen.When it Finally happens, it takes your breath away in a way only Monica McCallan seems able of doing (Still not over how it happen as writting this rewiew).
For those who read the Love lie, you will be happy to see familiar face and catch up with them.
That beeing said, the Pining paradoxe absolutely stands on its own. If you haven’t read the first book yet, there’s still time but you don’t need it to read and enjoy this one.You should absolutly read it do ( ITS A MUST). The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5/5 is that I didn’t connect as much with the characters at the begining of the book as much as I wish i would. I had, because the way I am, an harder time connecting to Hallie and Brynn. Its only throught their growth in the book and the way hallie is with Brynn that I was hable to connect more. But i feel it have nothing to do with the book or the writting but more who I am and how I related to does caracter.
January 3, 2026
Hallie is frustrated with her family who think she is invisible. Restless and a bit insecure in her job as the Manager at an East Coast Inn.
Brynn is a philosopher, people pleaser, bit of a brainy nerd and recently out of a broken engagement. To the man who was also cheating on Hallie's best friend. She takes a job at the Inn on a temp basis.
Both looking for love Hallie and Brynn decide to join a dating app together. But neither of them want their matches on the app.
Yep they are crushing and pining all over the place for each other.
Very well drawn out slow burn by the author here, not overdone. There are a few steamy hot scenes in here where they explore their relationship. Need to read more Monica McCallan in 2026.
While you can read this as a stand alone I had read The Love Lie ages ago and that helped fill in the gaps for the friends Sydney and Reese.
All in all very romantic, loved it.
Brynn is a philosopher, people pleaser, bit of a brainy nerd and recently out of a broken engagement. To the man who was also cheating on Hallie's best friend. She takes a job at the Inn on a temp basis.
Both looking for love Hallie and Brynn decide to join a dating app together. But neither of them want their matches on the app.
Yep they are crushing and pining all over the place for each other.
Very well drawn out slow burn by the author here, not overdone. There are a few steamy hot scenes in here where they explore their relationship. Need to read more Monica McCallan in 2026.
While you can read this as a stand alone I had read The Love Lie ages ago and that helped fill in the gaps for the friends Sydney and Reese.
All in all very romantic, loved it.
January 17, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 stars
This was peak coziness.
This was peak coziness.
December 12, 2025
Thank you to Monica McCallan for the opportunity to read the ARC!
I loved getting to see Reese and Sydney, from The Love Lie, again! I especially loved seeing Hallie and Sydney’s friendship. They are amazing best friends and I love when platonic love like that is shown. Speaking of Hallie, she is so wholesome. I don’t know how to explain it, but she is genuine and it shows throughout the story. I feel like Brynn is the same way, so Hallie and Brynn together makes so much sense.
I loved that Hallie hadn’t dated anyone before and was 28. This isn’t something you read about in romance novels very often and as someone who didn’t have their first girlfriend until 27, I felt very seen. I also felt seen when Brynn and Hallie had their conversation about orgasms. I’ll leave it at that, but it was again, refreshing to read about. I think Monica did a fantastic job with that scene.
This was such a beautiful story with beautiful people. I’m not ready to let go of Brynn, Hallie, Reese and Sydney. I hope there is more to come with these ladies!
I loved getting to see Reese and Sydney, from The Love Lie, again! I especially loved seeing Hallie and Sydney’s friendship. They are amazing best friends and I love when platonic love like that is shown. Speaking of Hallie, she is so wholesome. I don’t know how to explain it, but she is genuine and it shows throughout the story. I feel like Brynn is the same way, so Hallie and Brynn together makes so much sense.
I loved that Hallie hadn’t dated anyone before and was 28. This isn’t something you read about in romance novels very often and as someone who didn’t have their first girlfriend until 27, I felt very seen. I also felt seen when Brynn and Hallie had their conversation about orgasms. I’ll leave it at that, but it was again, refreshing to read about. I think Monica did a fantastic job with that scene.
This was such a beautiful story with beautiful people. I’m not ready to let go of Brynn, Hallie, Reese and Sydney. I hope there is more to come with these ladies!
December 21, 2025
I stopped doing star ratings a while ago, just because many books need a half star mark up or mark down, for this one I am changing back to handing out stars.
This slow burn romance has so many things going for it. We have good communication, loveable characters, internal and external turmoil, lovely side characters (I need to go back and read their origin story) and the pining. My oh my the pining.
This is the kind of book I missed reading, it has a depth and a comfort about it that I really enjoy. Especially on these dark and rainy winter days.
If I enjoyed it so much, why then just 4 stars? Well… the slow burn was agonisingly slow, I would have liked them to get together just a tiny bit sooner, or just more pages added to the book to enjoy them together. Either or really.
And while I understand a certain mentioned “character” being mentioned, it got to be too much/ repetitive at some point. (Not saying anything about this because SPOILERS)
This slow burn romance has so many things going for it. We have good communication, loveable characters, internal and external turmoil, lovely side characters (I need to go back and read their origin story) and the pining. My oh my the pining.
This is the kind of book I missed reading, it has a depth and a comfort about it that I really enjoy. Especially on these dark and rainy winter days.
If I enjoyed it so much, why then just 4 stars? Well… the slow burn was agonisingly slow, I would have liked them to get together just a tiny bit sooner, or just more pages added to the book to enjoy them together. Either or really.
And while I understand a certain mentioned “character” being mentioned, it got to be too much/ repetitive at some point. (Not saying anything about this because SPOILERS)
December 29, 2025
Longest foreplay ever.
December 18, 2025
The Pining Paradox
5 / 5 ⭐
Started 13 Dec - Finished 14 Dec
The Pining Paradox is hands down the coziest and most heartwarming sapphic romance I’ve ever read.
This book takes everything you’d expect and love out of the genre and blends it to perfection. It truly has it all from yearning to spice to amazing friends that make even more amazing lovers to sprinkles of philosophy and so much more.
The Pining Paradox works perfectly as a stand alone while also satisfying the curiosity built in The Love Lie on both Hallie and Brynn. Getting to follow back up with Brynn and her emotional state after where she was left previously was really intriguing. As the reader we essentially have as much context as Hallie does going into the book so getting to see the inner workings of Brynn’s mind was really satisfying. Not to mention all the philosophy tidbits that are in this novel due to Brynn’s area of study. As much praise can be said for Hallie and her portions and watching her think of what comes next.
Both Hallie and Brynn are such loveable characters that are sure to make your heart feel full. There was not a single scene of the duo that I wasn’t scrambling to get more from. They left me so excited for every word that came next. It was a delight to watch them both navigate their current paths in life and discovering what that might mean for them together.
The Pining Paradox makes a big point throughout its entirety on being seen and to be seen is to be loved. In such a big world filled with so many other people sometimes just having someone that understands you and sees you and loves you as you are is truly a gift. Brynn and Hallie become that for each other and it’s a type of love that evokes so many gut wrenching emotions through the novel, but in all the best ways possible.
Personally I've gone through my fair share of sapphic romances and holiday romances, but none left me quite as warm and fulfilled as this one. It very quickly became a stand out in my collection and I'm waiting for the perfect weather to throw myself into it all over again.
Finally, a big thank you to Monica for allowing me to be an ARC reader for her new novel. I've never been happier to support an author and it genuinely made my year.
5 / 5 ⭐
Started 13 Dec - Finished 14 Dec
The Pining Paradox is hands down the coziest and most heartwarming sapphic romance I’ve ever read.
This book takes everything you’d expect and love out of the genre and blends it to perfection. It truly has it all from yearning to spice to amazing friends that make even more amazing lovers to sprinkles of philosophy and so much more.
The Pining Paradox works perfectly as a stand alone while also satisfying the curiosity built in The Love Lie on both Hallie and Brynn. Getting to follow back up with Brynn and her emotional state after where she was left previously was really intriguing. As the reader we essentially have as much context as Hallie does going into the book so getting to see the inner workings of Brynn’s mind was really satisfying. Not to mention all the philosophy tidbits that are in this novel due to Brynn’s area of study. As much praise can be said for Hallie and her portions and watching her think of what comes next.
Both Hallie and Brynn are such loveable characters that are sure to make your heart feel full. There was not a single scene of the duo that I wasn’t scrambling to get more from. They left me so excited for every word that came next. It was a delight to watch them both navigate their current paths in life and discovering what that might mean for them together.
The Pining Paradox makes a big point throughout its entirety on being seen and to be seen is to be loved. In such a big world filled with so many other people sometimes just having someone that understands you and sees you and loves you as you are is truly a gift. Brynn and Hallie become that for each other and it’s a type of love that evokes so many gut wrenching emotions through the novel, but in all the best ways possible.
Personally I've gone through my fair share of sapphic romances and holiday romances, but none left me quite as warm and fulfilled as this one. It very quickly became a stand out in my collection and I'm waiting for the perfect weather to throw myself into it all over again.
Finally, a big thank you to Monica for allowing me to be an ARC reader for her new novel. I've never been happier to support an author and it genuinely made my year.
December 22, 2025
I’m sitting here all up in my feels after finishing this book <3.
Heartwarming, sweet, beautiful. I feel like I just want to kick up my heels and giggle lol.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s plot, there’s drama, there’s humor, there’s steam, and a slowwwww burn. All of it is so very well executed. Well paced and so hard to put down from start to finish!
Hallie and Brynn connect right from the start. Their ease turns into friendship. Having that connection and friendship leads to feelings. And when feelings get involved…can two very different people from very different backgrounds fit perfectly together like it seems so easy to do? Read and find out how their story develops…highly recommend!!
Heartwarming, sweet, beautiful. I feel like I just want to kick up my heels and giggle lol.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s plot, there’s drama, there’s humor, there’s steam, and a slowwwww burn. All of it is so very well executed. Well paced and so hard to put down from start to finish!
Hallie and Brynn connect right from the start. Their ease turns into friendship. Having that connection and friendship leads to feelings. And when feelings get involved…can two very different people from very different backgrounds fit perfectly together like it seems so easy to do? Read and find out how their story develops…highly recommend!!
December 20, 2025
When a friend told me I needed this release on my TBR, I jumped at the opportunity to read it as an ARC, even though I hadn’t read The Love Lie first. I’m so glad I did, because Hallie and Brynn are two lovely characters, and I loved watching both of them grow throughout the book. Although it’s tagged as a standalone, I would still recommend reading The Love Lie first, because honestly, I felt a bit lost during the first few chapters.
Brynn was a good surprise to me. I could relate to the way she navigates the world, (the blood type part cracked me up) and I was rooting for Hallie as she learned to stand up for herself. I loved seeing their feelings evolve and the admiration they developed for one another. Overall, it was a cute, sometimes funny and sometimes touching, cozy winter romance.
Brynn was a good surprise to me. I could relate to the way she navigates the world, (the blood type part cracked me up) and I was rooting for Hallie as she learned to stand up for herself. I loved seeing their feelings evolve and the admiration they developed for one another. Overall, it was a cute, sometimes funny and sometimes touching, cozy winter romance.
December 29, 2025
This book is a very nice read that I devoured even though a bit too fluffy and sweet for my taste. It is a story about slowly falling in love, finding that perfect person that fully understands you, really falling in love for the first time ever for both. All that is good but a bit more drama would have enhanced the read for me, now Hallie and Brynn are just so perfect from the very beginning. I loved that sweet Brynn finally got her HEA after her horrible experience with Grant in The Love Lie, Hallie is her perfect match, nobody can argue about that. It was also great to get a bit more of Sydney and Reese to check in that they worked long term.
December 22, 2025
Disclaimer: I WAS AN ARC READER.
I love all of Monica books. I especially love reading stories of characters from other books. I loved HALLIE and BYRNN. I related too well with Hallie and internal struggles. In love with her friendship with Sydney. BYRNN caught me be surprise. I was most excited to learn about her coming into this and was not expecting how quirky and analytical she was. I loved her soo much. The spice was amazing as always. Only thing that disappointed me was that it was not really a slow burn for me. Feelings were realized and said pretty quickly in my opinion. But I’ll take two months over reading characters falling in love after one week together right after a break up. Nonetheless was a great read and can’t for the audio.
I love all of Monica books. I especially love reading stories of characters from other books. I loved HALLIE and BYRNN. I related too well with Hallie and internal struggles. In love with her friendship with Sydney. BYRNN caught me be surprise. I was most excited to learn about her coming into this and was not expecting how quirky and analytical she was. I loved her soo much. The spice was amazing as always. Only thing that disappointed me was that it was not really a slow burn for me. Feelings were realized and said pretty quickly in my opinion. But I’ll take two months over reading characters falling in love after one week together right after a break up. Nonetheless was a great read and can’t for the audio.
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January 15, 2026Maybe even 4.5 ⭐️ because I love love love the characters.
Def worth reading ‘The Love Lie’ first for more in depth overlap & understanding. Also meant I went into this book already liking Hallie and supporting Brynn. This was my first read after a pretty major slump and I’m so happy that I got to enjoy it as much. To me it’s a book of two halves. The first is vaguely re-telling and setting the individual characters, as well as their familial relationships, up. I did find some of the details repetitive but perhaps that was enhanced by having read The Love Lie. Hallie is a ‘people person’ who may have strayed too far into people pleaser, allowing herself to be overlooked and under considered. I don’t want to spoil what Brynn was going through but she finds personal relationships a lot harder and is very intellectual and factual. This setting creates the space for their lovely friendship to form. A supportive space where they both feel more understood and appreciated than with anyone else. They are also both such homebodies and I enjoyed the rep of a slower, quieter, intimate life. It really is a slow burn and you are aching for the switch up in the second half of book. When you get there though… WOW. I think this is the best or at least my favourite spice Monica McCallan has written. It feels like a true awakening. Spice always just hits different when there is tension and there was plenty built up here. The chemistry between the characters was excellently written. Love and lust grow concurrently and that’s an important balance to get right. Whilst it was still perhaps a bit quick to love, we could see the path to it. Through their intimate friendship, proximity/ sheer amount of time spent together. It was all so cosy and dreamy yet a little angsty and a lot hot. I actually think I enjoyed this more than The Love Lie. The writing is good, the characters are amazing and it is still a cosy setting. Maybe not mind blowing but perfect at what it is ❤️🔥
Def worth reading ‘The Love Lie’ first for more in depth overlap & understanding. Also meant I went into this book already liking Hallie and supporting Brynn. This was my first read after a pretty major slump and I’m so happy that I got to enjoy it as much. To me it’s a book of two halves. The first is vaguely re-telling and setting the individual characters, as well as their familial relationships, up. I did find some of the details repetitive but perhaps that was enhanced by having read The Love Lie. Hallie is a ‘people person’ who may have strayed too far into people pleaser, allowing herself to be overlooked and under considered. I don’t want to spoil what Brynn was going through but she finds personal relationships a lot harder and is very intellectual and factual. This setting creates the space for their lovely friendship to form. A supportive space where they both feel more understood and appreciated than with anyone else. They are also both such homebodies and I enjoyed the rep of a slower, quieter, intimate life. It really is a slow burn and you are aching for the switch up in the second half of book. When you get there though… WOW. I think this is the best or at least my favourite spice Monica McCallan has written. It feels like a true awakening. Spice always just hits different when there is tension and there was plenty built up here. The chemistry between the characters was excellently written. Love and lust grow concurrently and that’s an important balance to get right. Whilst it was still perhaps a bit quick to love, we could see the path to it. Through their intimate friendship, proximity/ sheer amount of time spent together. It was all so cosy and dreamy yet a little angsty and a lot hot. I actually think I enjoyed this more than The Love Lie. The writing is good, the characters are amazing and it is still a cosy setting. Maybe not mind blowing but perfect at what it is ❤️🔥
December 17, 2025
Arc provided by the author, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book in advance!
“The Pining Paradox” is the second book by Monica McCallen set in Stoneport. I absolutely loved this book. I’ve never read any other books by her before - this was my first and I can definitely say it’s now one of my favorites.
Both Hallie and Brynn were very well written, and I could identify and resonate with them. I also really loved the humour, the communication and the yearning! It was just such a fun and cozy read, but oh my… I really wanted to punch Hallie’s family in the face at some point for treating her so poorly.
All I can say is that this definitely won’t be the last book I read by Monica McCallen!
“The Pining Paradox” is the second book by Monica McCallen set in Stoneport. I absolutely loved this book. I’ve never read any other books by her before - this was my first and I can definitely say it’s now one of my favorites.
Both Hallie and Brynn were very well written, and I could identify and resonate with them. I also really loved the humour, the communication and the yearning! It was just such a fun and cozy read, but oh my… I really wanted to punch Hallie’s family in the face at some point for treating her so poorly.
All I can say is that this definitely won’t be the last book I read by Monica McCallen!
December 20, 2025
As with every Monica McCallan book, this was such a delight to read! I loved the world she built in the Love Lie and it was so great to see it expanded upon in this book with characters we came to love already. Hallie and Brynn are such a perfect pair, as individual characters their stories of independence and discovering themselves are so well thought out but they truly shine when they come together.
I did find the book to be a bit slow at some points and the beginning did take me some time to really get into the story but once Hallie and Brynn began orbiting one another regularly, I devoured the rest of the book.
If you love cozy romance, found family, and the perfect amount of spice then this book is definitely for you! Can’t wait to see what Monica cooks up next!
I did find the book to be a bit slow at some points and the beginning did take me some time to really get into the story but once Hallie and Brynn began orbiting one another regularly, I devoured the rest of the book.
If you love cozy romance, found family, and the perfect amount of spice then this book is definitely for you! Can’t wait to see what Monica cooks up next!
December 23, 2025
oh hey, a book by the author featuring a dutiful daughter neglected in favour of the golden son. one more* and I get bingo
ah, the sweet sapphic mating dance of the mutual unspoken attraction masochism tango. Hallie is the classic Overbearing Romcom Best Friend Who Gets Her Own Romance, while Brynn is an adorable angel and I would be honoured to let her harvest my organs. we also have Sydney and Reese from The Love Lie taking over Hallie's role as overbearing romcom best friends, as well as Brynn's family demonstrating the darker side of unconditional love and support for their daughter. well, not that much darker they're still wonderful people it's just Brynn has a complex or two
the watchwords of the book are homebody fantasy and comfort porn. Hallie and Brynn have an enormously intimate friendship where they care for and support each other, and pretend that it's totally normal to look forward to your date ending so you can go back home and snuggle on the couch with your platonic friend
the book is very well structured and paced, you really get that classic slow burn WILL YOU JUST KISS ALREADY GOD DAMN IT LESBIANS (bi/pan and demi respectively). and just so the reader doesn't get too comfortable, Hallie's trip home to her awful family really is awful. although they are thankfully less present than the Deverauxs were last book, it really frees up the emotional bandwidth for Hallie and Brynn to just be cosy. and then very, very horny. cosy horny romance
*Then & Now, Back in Your Arms, The Love Lie, and those are just the books of hers I've read featuring the sibling dynamic. it's a very particular sibling dynamic
ah, the sweet sapphic mating dance of the mutual unspoken attraction masochism tango. Hallie is the classic Overbearing Romcom Best Friend Who Gets Her Own Romance, while Brynn is an adorable angel and I would be honoured to let her harvest my organs. we also have Sydney and Reese from The Love Lie taking over Hallie's role as overbearing romcom best friends, as well as Brynn's family demonstrating the darker side of unconditional love and support for their daughter. well, not that much darker they're still wonderful people it's just Brynn has a complex or two
the watchwords of the book are homebody fantasy and comfort porn. Hallie and Brynn have an enormously intimate friendship where they care for and support each other, and pretend that it's totally normal to look forward to your date ending so you can go back home and snuggle on the couch with your platonic friend
the book is very well structured and paced, you really get that classic slow burn WILL YOU JUST KISS ALREADY GOD DAMN IT LESBIANS (bi/pan and demi respectively). and just so the reader doesn't get too comfortable, Hallie's trip home to her awful family really is awful. although they are thankfully less present than the Deverauxs were last book, it really frees up the emotional bandwidth for Hallie and Brynn to just be cosy. and then very, very horny. cosy horny romance
*Then & Now, Back in Your Arms, The Love Lie, and those are just the books of hers I've read featuring the sibling dynamic. it's a very particular sibling dynamic
December 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Seriously, I fell in love with this book. Brynn and Hallie were both such well-written and relatable characters that I was fully engrossed from the beginning.
I love slow burns for a lot of reasons, and The Pining Paradox hits them all. The intimacy and relationship building that comes from friends to lovers is unmatched.
I also LOVE when books have a very specific tie-in to their title and this one was so dang cute!!!
The yearning??? The communication?? The Gilmore Girls vibes?? I definitely recommend this book. It’s cozy, inspiring, and I couldn’t put it down. You’d better believe I’ll be reading all the Monica McCallan books now.
Seriously, I fell in love with this book. Brynn and Hallie were both such well-written and relatable characters that I was fully engrossed from the beginning.
I love slow burns for a lot of reasons, and The Pining Paradox hits them all. The intimacy and relationship building that comes from friends to lovers is unmatched.
I also LOVE when books have a very specific tie-in to their title and this one was so dang cute!!!
The yearning??? The communication?? The Gilmore Girls vibes?? I definitely recommend this book. It’s cozy, inspiring, and I couldn’t put it down. You’d better believe I’ll be reading all the Monica McCallan books now.
December 24, 2025
(rounded down from 4.25)
I had a really good time with this one. I love romance books that are focused on two people with faults and flaws coming together to find they're a perfect fit for each other. It appeals to the soppy romantic inside me. That said, I think the pace slowed down a fair bit after the main couple gets together, which is why this didn't quite make it to a 4.5 for me BUT I did very much enjoy it and would highly recommend it!
I had a really good time with this one. I love romance books that are focused on two people with faults and flaws coming together to find they're a perfect fit for each other. It appeals to the soppy romantic inside me. That said, I think the pace slowed down a fair bit after the main couple gets together, which is why this didn't quite make it to a 4.5 for me BUT I did very much enjoy it and would highly recommend it!
December 12, 2025
After enjoying Sydney and Reese's story in The Love Lie, I was excited to receive and ARC of The Pining Paradox in exchange for an honest review - thanks again Monica McCallan!
We return to The Stone's Throw where Hallie continues to live and work, and in a fortuitous twist of events, Brynn ends up there too. Hallie is in a rut and is at a stage in her life where everything is a bit repetitive and stale despite the positives. Brynn who is a logical and reasoned planner has had six months of tumult and comes to The Stone's Throw temporarily for work as a favour to her friend, Reese.
This is an opposites attract, friends to lovers (sort of), forced proximity story but McCallan has a way of making it feel quite fresh rather than cliché. I really enjoyed the interactions with the characters from The Love Lie and seeing how their stories progress, namely Sydney and Reese, and the unstoppable, loveable force that is Stan Fitzpatrick (if you know you know)!
Both Brynn and Hallie are chronic over thinkers, internalising and second guessing everything which really gave the story heart, with their flaws making them all the more real although it sometimes slightly got in the way of pace. I did buy into the characters more because of it though and I was really hoping for both of them to get their happy ending.
All in all, a really engaging read with endearing protagonists!
We return to The Stone's Throw where Hallie continues to live and work, and in a fortuitous twist of events, Brynn ends up there too. Hallie is in a rut and is at a stage in her life where everything is a bit repetitive and stale despite the positives. Brynn who is a logical and reasoned planner has had six months of tumult and comes to The Stone's Throw temporarily for work as a favour to her friend, Reese.
This is an opposites attract, friends to lovers (sort of), forced proximity story but McCallan has a way of making it feel quite fresh rather than cliché. I really enjoyed the interactions with the characters from The Love Lie and seeing how their stories progress, namely Sydney and Reese, and the unstoppable, loveable force that is Stan Fitzpatrick (if you know you know)!
Both Brynn and Hallie are chronic over thinkers, internalising and second guessing everything which really gave the story heart, with their flaws making them all the more real although it sometimes slightly got in the way of pace. I did buy into the characters more because of it though and I was really hoping for both of them to get their happy ending.
All in all, a really engaging read with endearing protagonists!
December 30, 2025
Such a cozy read, their love is described in a tangible way. The build up, the pining, the evolving communication got me hooked. I hope others enjoy.
January 2, 2026
I have no words, this was perfection
Where’s the Brynn to my Hallie? 😭
Where’s the Brynn to my Hallie? 😭
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