What do you think?
Rate this book
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
176 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,466 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
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.
December 8, 2025
Such a perfect book
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a solid read. The best part of this book to me is the fact that both characters act like adults the whole time. A lot of times in romances, there’s some part of the emotional and romantic arc where one or both of the characters act in an immature way, usually due to some sort of emotional trauma or something to that effect. And though it is an immature move, it usually makes sense for the character even if it’s frustrating to read. I feel like in most books, and romances especially, there’s at least one time where you want to shake a character by the shoulders to get them to act in a normal and/or adult way. But there was never a point in this book when I wanted to do that, and it was a breath of fresh air. Though both characters had emotional barriers and arcs, they never acted in ways that projected or deflected their issues onto the other person. They both recognized that they had these issues and wanted to resolve them before getting into a relationship with someone they really liked. As a reader, I really appreciated that. It was lovely to see.
You can really tell how much the two FMCs grow to love each other in their own ways, and that was really cute. They both have distinct ways of processing and thinking things through, and the way they view each other as they start to fall in love is really sweet and unique to them. Their story, and the book in general, had a very sweet vibe. This is my fourth Monica McCallen read, and I think it's my favorite.
This is technically an interconnected standalone with the Love Lie, which I did know going in. As someone who, to a comical extent, reads interconnected standalones out of order, both knowingly and not, this was one of the most confusing second books I’ve read. Just the nature of the characters relationship to one another and the couple from the first book is very intertwined and took a bit to grasp as someone who hasn’t read the first book (Hallie is Sydney’s best friend and Brynn is the ex-fiance of Sydney’s ex-boyfriend when their mutual ex was dating both at the same time + Hallie’s boss Reese is Sydney’s partner/sister of the mutual ex -> not a spoiler BTW). I felt more strongly than I have with other interconnected standalone books that I wished I had read the first book, mostly because it would’ve saved me a lot of my initial confusion. You eventually get it, so I wasn’t confused the whole book, but I was confused for a good portion of the beginning.
Overall, it was good. There was nothing that I felt like fell short in terms of writing quality - the characters both felt distinct, the story was sweet, the setting was great, and the writing was good. It just wasn’t an out-of-the-park home run for me. As for who I’d recommend it to: if you like the plot summary and/or Monica McCallen’s books, you should read it. If the description doesn’t particularly draw you in, reading the book probably won’t change your mind. Outside of that, I can’t say I’m going to go out of my way to convince you to read it. But if the summary intrigues you and you think you’ll like it, you will.
⭐️⭐️⭐️(3.5 rounded down)
🌶️🌶️🌶️(3.5 rounded down, 3 explicit scenes and a few half scenes/cutaways or they get interrupted)
Thank you to Monica McCallan for the advanced copy! I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
You can really tell how much the two FMCs grow to love each other in their own ways, and that was really cute. They both have distinct ways of processing and thinking things through, and the way they view each other as they start to fall in love is really sweet and unique to them. Their story, and the book in general, had a very sweet vibe. This is my fourth Monica McCallen read, and I think it's my favorite.
This is technically an interconnected standalone with the Love Lie, which I did know going in. As someone who, to a comical extent, reads interconnected standalones out of order, both knowingly and not, this was one of the most confusing second books I’ve read. Just the nature of the characters relationship to one another and the couple from the first book is very intertwined and took a bit to grasp as someone who hasn’t read the first book (Hallie is Sydney’s best friend and Brynn is the ex-fiance of Sydney’s ex-boyfriend when their mutual ex was dating both at the same time + Hallie’s boss Reese is Sydney’s partner/sister of the mutual ex -> not a spoiler BTW). I felt more strongly than I have with other interconnected standalone books that I wished I had read the first book, mostly because it would’ve saved me a lot of my initial confusion. You eventually get it, so I wasn’t confused the whole book, but I was confused for a good portion of the beginning.
Overall, it was good. There was nothing that I felt like fell short in terms of writing quality - the characters both felt distinct, the story was sweet, the setting was great, and the writing was good. It just wasn’t an out-of-the-park home run for me. As for who I’d recommend it to: if you like the plot summary and/or Monica McCallen’s books, you should read it. If the description doesn’t particularly draw you in, reading the book probably won’t change your mind. Outside of that, I can’t say I’m going to go out of my way to convince you to read it. But if the summary intrigues you and you think you’ll like it, you will.
⭐️⭐️⭐️(3.5 rounded down)
🌶️🌶️🌶️(3.5 rounded down, 3 explicit scenes and a few half scenes/cutaways or they get interrupted)
Thank you to Monica McCallan for the advanced copy! I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
December 21, 2025
A Five-Star Romance, Where Love Holds You.
If you love a slow burn that actually earns the payoff, let me lovingly shove The Pining Paradox into your hands and tell you to clear your schedule.
This book is more than a friends-to-lovers sapphic romance—it’s a story about growing into yourself, about learning to both take up and hold space, and about finding someone who doesn’t want to “fix” you, but instead makes room for you to be exactly who you are.
Hallie and Brynn feel incredibly real. Hallie is warm, loyal, and effortlessly good with people, even while feeling a bit lost in her own life—disconnected from her family and unsure of what comes next.
Brynn, on the other hand, is brilliant, logical, introverted, and clearly shaped by overprotective parents and a very public failed engagement. She reads as neurodivergent and demisexual, and the narrative honors her awkwardness and thought processes with respect, compassion, and care. Watching these two quietly orbit each other, admire each other, and slowly build trust is an absolute joy.
Both Hallie and Brynn were introduced in The Love Lie, though they never met there. This book completely stands on its own, but if you’ve read The Love Lie, it’s especially satisfying to see them take center stage here. (And if you haven’t—what are you waiting for? The Love Lie is a fantastic read!)
The slow burn here is perfect. It’s intentional and patient, filled with gentle touches, lingering looks, and emotional intimacy that somehow feels more intense than anything physical. You will absolutely be thinking “just kiss her already”—but you’ll also completely understand why they’re taking their time. And when they finally do admit and act on what’s been building between them, it’s realistic, deeply touching, and—unsurprisingly—scorching hot because of everything that came before it.
I also loved how beautifully and maturely Hallie and Brynn communicate. No unnecessary drama. No third-act breakup. Just two adults learning how to show up for themselves and for each other.
The cozy inn and small-town setting add so much warmth that it practically wraps you in a blanket. Stoneport feels alive, like another character quietly nudging these two together.
Thank you to Monica McCallan for providing an ARC ofThe Pining Paradox—all thoughts and opinions here are entirely my own. I’ve read and loved every one of her books, but this one genuinely stands out. It’s tender, affirming, emotionally rich, deeply introspective, and romantic in the most satisfying way.
If you enjoy slow burns, character-driven romance, cozy settings, and stories where love is about growth, safety, and choosing each other, do yourself a favor and read this one. You’ll be thinking about Hallie and Brynn long after the last page. 💛
#MonicaMcCallan, #ThePiningParadox, #Books, #BookReview, #SapphicBooks, #SapphicBookReview, #IHeartSapphic, #LGBTQbooks, #SapphicRomance, #WLWlovestories, #WLW, #SapphicFiction, #QueerRomance, WLWfiction, #LisaB_ReviewsBooks, #ARC, #AdvanceReaderCopy, #NetGalley, #Amazon, #BookBub, #Goodreads, #bookstagram, #indieauthors
If you love a slow burn that actually earns the payoff, let me lovingly shove The Pining Paradox into your hands and tell you to clear your schedule.
This book is more than a friends-to-lovers sapphic romance—it’s a story about growing into yourself, about learning to both take up and hold space, and about finding someone who doesn’t want to “fix” you, but instead makes room for you to be exactly who you are.
Hallie and Brynn feel incredibly real. Hallie is warm, loyal, and effortlessly good with people, even while feeling a bit lost in her own life—disconnected from her family and unsure of what comes next.
Brynn, on the other hand, is brilliant, logical, introverted, and clearly shaped by overprotective parents and a very public failed engagement. She reads as neurodivergent and demisexual, and the narrative honors her awkwardness and thought processes with respect, compassion, and care. Watching these two quietly orbit each other, admire each other, and slowly build trust is an absolute joy.
Both Hallie and Brynn were introduced in The Love Lie, though they never met there. This book completely stands on its own, but if you’ve read The Love Lie, it’s especially satisfying to see them take center stage here. (And if you haven’t—what are you waiting for? The Love Lie is a fantastic read!)
The slow burn here is perfect. It’s intentional and patient, filled with gentle touches, lingering looks, and emotional intimacy that somehow feels more intense than anything physical. You will absolutely be thinking “just kiss her already”—but you’ll also completely understand why they’re taking their time. And when they finally do admit and act on what’s been building between them, it’s realistic, deeply touching, and—unsurprisingly—scorching hot because of everything that came before it.
I also loved how beautifully and maturely Hallie and Brynn communicate. No unnecessary drama. No third-act breakup. Just two adults learning how to show up for themselves and for each other.
The cozy inn and small-town setting add so much warmth that it practically wraps you in a blanket. Stoneport feels alive, like another character quietly nudging these two together.
Thank you to Monica McCallan for providing an ARC ofThe Pining Paradox—all thoughts and opinions here are entirely my own. I’ve read and loved every one of her books, but this one genuinely stands out. It’s tender, affirming, emotionally rich, deeply introspective, and romantic in the most satisfying way.
If you enjoy slow burns, character-driven romance, cozy settings, and stories where love is about growth, safety, and choosing each other, do yourself a favor and read this one. You’ll be thinking about Hallie and Brynn long after the last page. 💛
#MonicaMcCallan, #ThePiningParadox, #Books, #BookReview, #SapphicBooks, #SapphicBookReview, #IHeartSapphic, #LGBTQbooks, #SapphicRomance, #WLWlovestories, #WLW, #SapphicFiction, #QueerRomance, WLWfiction, #LisaB_ReviewsBooks, #ARC, #AdvanceReaderCopy, #NetGalley, #Amazon, #BookBub, #Goodreads, #bookstagram, #indieauthors
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a lighthearted friends-to-lovers romance between Hallie, the manager of Stone’s Throw Inn, and Brynn—Grant’s ex-fiancée, who also happens to be Sydney’s ex (the FMC from The Love Lie), as well as Hallie’s best friend. The dynamic might sound a little messy at first, and you may wonder whether you need to read The Love Lie to fully understand this story, but the good news is: you don’t. It works perfectly well as a standalone.
In all honesty: it took me a bit to fully settle into this one. The beginning felt a little directionless, and I wasn’t sure where the story was heading. But as I kept reading, everything slowly started to click. Hallie and Brynn slowly grew on me, and there were several moments where I genuinely saw myself in both of them. On one hand, Hallie has never had a serious romantic relationship; on the other, Brynn has had a few, but for all the wrong reasons. When they come together, you can tell something just clicks. They truly see one another in a way neither has experienced before.
By allowing themselves to be vulnerable, they find the courage to finally be their authentic selves. Hallie gains the confidence to stand up to her toxic family and prioritize her mental health, while Brynn begins to understand her own sexuality and feels safe enough to follow her heart instead of relying solely on logic. There’s also a surprisingly sweet conversation about orgasms that really highlights how kind and considerate they both are, and I loved how thoughtfully that moment was handled. Altogether, Hallie and Brynn fit together like two missing pieces of the same puzzle.
The side characters were such a nice touch too. If you’ve read The Love Lie, seeing Reese and Sydney again will definitely make you smile. Even though they aren’t the main focus this time, they still play an important role in Hallie and Brynn’s journey, and we also get a satisfying glimpse of how their own love story has evolved.
My only small complaint is the pacing, it starts off pretty slow, and I almost gave up before things picked up around the 20% mark. That said, once it finds its rhythm, the romance really shines.
If you love romances that feel intimate, emotionally grounded, and a little bit healing, this one might be your next comfort read. Cozy, heartfelt, and emotionally rewarding, definitely worth the wait!
Huge thanks to the author for the eARC—feeling very lucky to have read it early!
In all honesty: it took me a bit to fully settle into this one. The beginning felt a little directionless, and I wasn’t sure where the story was heading. But as I kept reading, everything slowly started to click. Hallie and Brynn slowly grew on me, and there were several moments where I genuinely saw myself in both of them. On one hand, Hallie has never had a serious romantic relationship; on the other, Brynn has had a few, but for all the wrong reasons. When they come together, you can tell something just clicks. They truly see one another in a way neither has experienced before.
By allowing themselves to be vulnerable, they find the courage to finally be their authentic selves. Hallie gains the confidence to stand up to her toxic family and prioritize her mental health, while Brynn begins to understand her own sexuality and feels safe enough to follow her heart instead of relying solely on logic. There’s also a surprisingly sweet conversation about orgasms that really highlights how kind and considerate they both are, and I loved how thoughtfully that moment was handled. Altogether, Hallie and Brynn fit together like two missing pieces of the same puzzle.
The side characters were such a nice touch too. If you’ve read The Love Lie, seeing Reese and Sydney again will definitely make you smile. Even though they aren’t the main focus this time, they still play an important role in Hallie and Brynn’s journey, and we also get a satisfying glimpse of how their own love story has evolved.
My only small complaint is the pacing, it starts off pretty slow, and I almost gave up before things picked up around the 20% mark. That said, once it finds its rhythm, the romance really shines.
If you love romances that feel intimate, emotionally grounded, and a little bit healing, this one might be your next comfort read. Cozy, heartfelt, and emotionally rewarding, definitely worth the wait!
Huge thanks to the author for the eARC—feeling very lucky to have read it early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
God-tier pining, growth, and emotional payoff
The Pining Paradox is everything I want in a friends-to-lovers romance and more. If you’re a sucker for slow burn, emotionally intelligent writing, and characters who feel deeply human, this book will absolutely own you.
After reading The Love Lie, I was both excited and curious when I learned this story would focus on Hallie and Brynn. These were two characters whose paths I never expected to collide — and watching Monica McCallen bring them together was genuinely incredible. I was accepted as an ARC reader, and I can confidently say this book lived in my head from the first page. I’ve had it for a week and I’ve already read it twice, which is something I only do with books that truly stick with me.
What makes this story so powerful isn’t just the romance — it’s the growth. Both Hallie and Brynn begin this book feeling lost in very different ways. Hallie is struggling with her sense of worth, identity, and the lingering belief that she is never the person people choose. Brynn, on the other hand, is someone who has always relied on logic, research, and certainty — not feelings — and watching her slowly let desire and emotion lead her is one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve ever read.
The pining in this book is elite. Much of the story lives in quiet moments — friendship, longing, gentle touches, and emotional closeness that feels more intimate than anything physical. The slow burn is intentional and earned, and the payoff is so worth it. This is the kind of romance that makes you scream “just kiss already” while also understanding exactly why they can’t yet.
What I loved most is that this book never falls into unnecessary drama or miscommunication. These are adults who are self-aware, emotionally messy in realistic ways, and still capable of showing up for each other. The story beautifully explores how love doesn’t fix you — but it can give you the space to believe you’re worth the effort, the growth, and the happiness you’ve been denying yourself.
At its heart, The Pining Paradox is about learning to believe you are enough, allowing someone to meet you where you are, and choosing your happiness even when it feels terrifying. It’s tender, funny, deeply emotional, and incredibly well written.
This is easily one of my favorite romances I’ve read, and Brynn may be one of my favorite characters of all time. Monica McCallen absolutely delivered.
The Pining Paradox is everything I want in a friends-to-lovers romance and more. If you’re a sucker for slow burn, emotionally intelligent writing, and characters who feel deeply human, this book will absolutely own you.
After reading The Love Lie, I was both excited and curious when I learned this story would focus on Hallie and Brynn. These were two characters whose paths I never expected to collide — and watching Monica McCallen bring them together was genuinely incredible. I was accepted as an ARC reader, and I can confidently say this book lived in my head from the first page. I’ve had it for a week and I’ve already read it twice, which is something I only do with books that truly stick with me.
What makes this story so powerful isn’t just the romance — it’s the growth. Both Hallie and Brynn begin this book feeling lost in very different ways. Hallie is struggling with her sense of worth, identity, and the lingering belief that she is never the person people choose. Brynn, on the other hand, is someone who has always relied on logic, research, and certainty — not feelings — and watching her slowly let desire and emotion lead her is one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve ever read.
The pining in this book is elite. Much of the story lives in quiet moments — friendship, longing, gentle touches, and emotional closeness that feels more intimate than anything physical. The slow burn is intentional and earned, and the payoff is so worth it. This is the kind of romance that makes you scream “just kiss already” while also understanding exactly why they can’t yet.
What I loved most is that this book never falls into unnecessary drama or miscommunication. These are adults who are self-aware, emotionally messy in realistic ways, and still capable of showing up for each other. The story beautifully explores how love doesn’t fix you — but it can give you the space to believe you’re worth the effort, the growth, and the happiness you’ve been denying yourself.
At its heart, The Pining Paradox is about learning to believe you are enough, allowing someone to meet you where you are, and choosing your happiness even when it feels terrifying. It’s tender, funny, deeply emotional, and incredibly well written.
This is easily one of my favorite romances I’ve read, and Brynn may be one of my favorite characters of all time. Monica McCallen absolutely delivered.
December 17, 2025
Huge thank you to the Author for the ARC.
I picked this up thinking it would be a simple slow burn, and then somewhere along the way it turned into a story I did not want to put down. Brynn and Hallie just work in this awkward, tender, slightly chaotic way that feels so familiar.
Brynn’s character got me right away. It isn’t spelled out, but the neurospicy and possibly demisexual coding felt close to home. The hyperfixations, the awareness of struggling to read a room sometimes, the PowerPoint moment, all of it made her feel so real. It is written as a sexual awakening, but not in a sapphic panic way. It is more about how finding the right person can shift your entire world in a believable, grounded way.
And the tension. The whole wondering what the other person is thinking, then finally admitting the feelings and still trying to take things slow even though they are both doing a terrible job of it. That push and pull was done so well.
Hallie is confident at work but so unsure about how she is perceived by the people she actually care about. Her family dynamics will hit home for many queer readers, not because of dramatic conflict, but because of the small, layered pieces of how relationships grow and sometimes drift. Brynn balances her perfectly, especially in their little miscommunications that end up saying everything. This is a very slow burn and it works.
The grief and neurospicy threads landed deeply for me. There were moments that reminded me of old versions of myself, or people I have known. It gave the story a softness that felt grounded and real.
And when they finally get together, the intimacy surprised me in the best possible way. It was softer, deeper, and so much more them than I expected, and it made perfect sense for who they are.
The small town inn setting adds so much warmth. Winter, routines, quiet corners of safety. It all fits. No over the top third act breakup, which honestly made the whole story easier to stay inside.
It was painfully slow in the best possible way. A real head on collision with love.
I picked this up thinking it would be a simple slow burn, and then somewhere along the way it turned into a story I did not want to put down. Brynn and Hallie just work in this awkward, tender, slightly chaotic way that feels so familiar.
Brynn’s character got me right away. It isn’t spelled out, but the neurospicy and possibly demisexual coding felt close to home. The hyperfixations, the awareness of struggling to read a room sometimes, the PowerPoint moment, all of it made her feel so real. It is written as a sexual awakening, but not in a sapphic panic way. It is more about how finding the right person can shift your entire world in a believable, grounded way.
And the tension. The whole wondering what the other person is thinking, then finally admitting the feelings and still trying to take things slow even though they are both doing a terrible job of it. That push and pull was done so well.
Hallie is confident at work but so unsure about how she is perceived by the people she actually care about. Her family dynamics will hit home for many queer readers, not because of dramatic conflict, but because of the small, layered pieces of how relationships grow and sometimes drift. Brynn balances her perfectly, especially in their little miscommunications that end up saying everything. This is a very slow burn and it works.
The grief and neurospicy threads landed deeply for me. There were moments that reminded me of old versions of myself, or people I have known. It gave the story a softness that felt grounded and real.
And when they finally get together, the intimacy surprised me in the best possible way. It was softer, deeper, and so much more them than I expected, and it made perfect sense for who they are.
The small town inn setting adds so much warmth. Winter, routines, quiet corners of safety. It all fits. No over the top third act breakup, which honestly made the whole story easier to stay inside.
It was painfully slow in the best possible way. A real head on collision with love.
December 22, 2025
I was thrilled when I got the chance to read an ARC of The Pining Paradox! I've been a huge fan of Monica's since last winter, when I picked up Cuffing Season during my search for sapphic holiday novels. And let me tell you, I was hooked. I've read 8 of her books so far, so I am well aware that Monica is the queen of the slow burn! But! I was NOT prepared for this book and WHY this beautiful, slowest of slow burns, was absolutely perfect for a reader like me.
Brynn and Hallie's friends to lovers story had so many aspects to it that I loved. For example how they both have family issues that have shaped them into the women they are and which they have to overcome to change their trajectory. I also really appreciate how Hallie is enthralled by how Brynn's mind works and how she appreciates and supports her. As someone who is neurospicy too, I love seeing this part of their relationship.
However what I really want to discuss is all of the pining and the slow burn of their relationship because to me, a demisexual who didn’t realize my own sexuality until later in life, it made 100% perfect sense! Of course Brynn didn't know she liked women, of course she wasn’t aware that her feeling for Hallie could possibly be romantic, of course it took her a while to figure things out, because that's how being demi works! You don’t have sexual attraction without deep emotional connection and that is why I was all in with this absolutely perfect love story! With other couples, when neither person is demi, sometimes the slow burn can seem dragged out just to torture the reader. But with Brynn's sapphic awakening being linked to her close friendship with Hallie, it made perfect sense. And Hallie was absolutely the right person for Brynn because she respected her boundaries and didn't push her before she was ready.
Because of how deeply connected I felt to this story, I have to rank The Pining Paradox as my favorite of Monica's novels and one of the best books I've read this year! I hope all of you go grab a copy immediately!
Brynn and Hallie's friends to lovers story had so many aspects to it that I loved. For example how they both have family issues that have shaped them into the women they are and which they have to overcome to change their trajectory. I also really appreciate how Hallie is enthralled by how Brynn's mind works and how she appreciates and supports her. As someone who is neurospicy too, I love seeing this part of their relationship.
However what I really want to discuss is all of the pining and the slow burn of their relationship because to me, a demisexual who didn’t realize my own sexuality until later in life, it made 100% perfect sense! Of course Brynn didn't know she liked women, of course she wasn’t aware that her feeling for Hallie could possibly be romantic, of course it took her a while to figure things out, because that's how being demi works! You don’t have sexual attraction without deep emotional connection and that is why I was all in with this absolutely perfect love story! With other couples, when neither person is demi, sometimes the slow burn can seem dragged out just to torture the reader. But with Brynn's sapphic awakening being linked to her close friendship with Hallie, it made perfect sense. And Hallie was absolutely the right person for Brynn because she respected her boundaries and didn't push her before she was ready.
Because of how deeply connected I felt to this story, I have to rank The Pining Paradox as my favorite of Monica's novels and one of the best books I've read this year! I hope all of you go grab a copy immediately!
December 16, 2025
Monica McCallen knocked this out the park!! I liked The Love Lie but I LOVED this one. Everybody this is a slowwww burn! Mentally prepare yourself for that.
Brynn being a quirky oddball made her one of my favorite characters this year. I think I enjoyed this character so much because I really liked her little parts in the other book. Brynn is smart, funny, full of random knowledge, and great at fixating on what she finds intriguing at the moment. Brynn’s relationship with her parents is a major part of her story I would’ve loved to see an open conversation with how they made Brynn feel with all the coddling and checking in. Her parents were a lot and it was nice seeing a character with strong family ties. They were pretty prominent at the beginning and then just kind of disappeared.
Hallie…I just wanted to hug her at the beginning. Her relationship with her family was heartbreaking. Her story started in The Love Lie, yes this can be read as a standalone, if you want more information on how this story truly began. I feel her story did not come to real conclusion with the family line just seemed sad and open ended. Hallie and Sydney are lucky to have each other and seeing such a strong friendship represented was nice. Again like the parents Sydney and Reese both had a strong presence in the beginning and somewhere along the way they seemed to just stop showing up. I think the impact of these characters was important and would have loved to see them pop up more. Along with Brynn’s only other friend Gregory who just sort of disappeared. I found it strange that he didn’t meet Hallie.
Once you did hit the spicy scenes you will not be disappointed! Monica really delivered with 3 solid scenes and honorable mentions to some steamy makeout sessions! Overall a fun read but like I said at the beginning this is such a slow burn and you’ll be pulling your hair saying “just kiss already!” approximately 25% into the book.
Brynn being a quirky oddball made her one of my favorite characters this year. I think I enjoyed this character so much because I really liked her little parts in the other book. Brynn is smart, funny, full of random knowledge, and great at fixating on what she finds intriguing at the moment. Brynn’s relationship with her parents is a major part of her story I would’ve loved to see an open conversation with how they made Brynn feel with all the coddling and checking in. Her parents were a lot and it was nice seeing a character with strong family ties. They were pretty prominent at the beginning and then just kind of disappeared.
Hallie…I just wanted to hug her at the beginning. Her relationship with her family was heartbreaking. Her story started in The Love Lie, yes this can be read as a standalone, if you want more information on how this story truly began. I feel her story did not come to real conclusion with the family line just seemed sad and open ended. Hallie and Sydney are lucky to have each other and seeing such a strong friendship represented was nice. Again like the parents Sydney and Reese both had a strong presence in the beginning and somewhere along the way they seemed to just stop showing up. I think the impact of these characters was important and would have loved to see them pop up more. Along with Brynn’s only other friend Gregory who just sort of disappeared. I found it strange that he didn’t meet Hallie.
Once you did hit the spicy scenes you will not be disappointed! Monica really delivered with 3 solid scenes and honorable mentions to some steamy makeout sessions! Overall a fun read but like I said at the beginning this is such a slow burn and you’ll be pulling your hair saying “just kiss already!” approximately 25% into the book.
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
A colleagues to lovers cozy Christmas read ❄️
The Pining Paradox is an opposites attract, friends/colleagues to lovers story that I wish I had not read as a standalone, but as a series.
HEAR ME OUT!
Monica offers many a detail throughout the story to help make sense of the background characters and give you insight as to how they all got to where they are now. I believe I would have taken in the information better and appreciated it more if I had read the 1st book in this series before diving into ‘The Pining Paradox’.
But do with that what you will! I don’t have the best attention span, so that could just be me!
It took me a little bit longer than usual to get into this story, but I found myself literally ‘pining’ both Hallie and Brynn as a couple, and also excited to go back and read ‘The Love Lie’ as it sounded like there was a lot of drama I was missing out on!
I related to the back and forth Hallie experiences in her relationships with her family, and enjoyed the weaving of those relationships into her self discovery journey throughout the book. At the same time, and the opposite end of the spectrum, Brynn is also being challenged by her relationship with her parents and finding her feet. I enjoyed the parallel of the two characters experiences, that in the end, helps bring them even closer together.
I also enjoyed following along as the characters navigate and realise that not everything is perfect and has to make sense. Including them. You’ll get to go on a wintery adventure with these two as they find their way around their desires and realisations with each other and those around them.
Many will be pleased to know this has a happy ending and whilst there are a couple portions of the book that pull on the heart strings, over all, it is a very pleasant to read and at times found myself laughing at some of the ridiculous things Brynn thinks, says and does (and if you are looking for some spice.. Monica writes their excitement, and Brynn’s lack of experience in sexual scenarios, very, very well. Expect to be teased, and wanting more until the very end because you will have to wait 😉).
The Pining Paradox is an opposites attract, friends/colleagues to lovers story that I wish I had not read as a standalone, but as a series.
HEAR ME OUT!
Monica offers many a detail throughout the story to help make sense of the background characters and give you insight as to how they all got to where they are now. I believe I would have taken in the information better and appreciated it more if I had read the 1st book in this series before diving into ‘The Pining Paradox’.
But do with that what you will! I don’t have the best attention span, so that could just be me!
It took me a little bit longer than usual to get into this story, but I found myself literally ‘pining’ both Hallie and Brynn as a couple, and also excited to go back and read ‘The Love Lie’ as it sounded like there was a lot of drama I was missing out on!
I related to the back and forth Hallie experiences in her relationships with her family, and enjoyed the weaving of those relationships into her self discovery journey throughout the book. At the same time, and the opposite end of the spectrum, Brynn is also being challenged by her relationship with her parents and finding her feet. I enjoyed the parallel of the two characters experiences, that in the end, helps bring them even closer together.
I also enjoyed following along as the characters navigate and realise that not everything is perfect and has to make sense. Including them. You’ll get to go on a wintery adventure with these two as they find their way around their desires and realisations with each other and those around them.
Many will be pleased to know this has a happy ending and whilst there are a couple portions of the book that pull on the heart strings, over all, it is a very pleasant to read and at times found myself laughing at some of the ridiculous things Brynn thinks, says and does (and if you are looking for some spice.. Monica writes their excitement, and Brynn’s lack of experience in sexual scenarios, very, very well. Expect to be teased, and wanting more until the very end because you will have to wait 😉).
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book felt like cozying up next to a fireplace while drinking hot cocoa!!!
✮⋆˙ 4.5 (rounded up)
I adored absolutely everything about this book!!! Not only did I love revisiting The Stone’s Throw and seeing snippets of Sydney and Reese’s life post-The Love Lie, but I was absolutely smitten with Hallie and Brynn and their story. The romance between Hallie and Brynn was both wholesome and oozing with chemistry at the same time. There’s just something so specific about a slow burn that I adore. The secret pining and yearning for one another, never being sure if the other person feels the same way, and all the tension leading to the inevitable confession— Monica McCallan did it all with this book, and trust that the spicy scenes were more than worth the wait.
Brynn is literally the cutest little nerd ever, and I’m her #1 defender. That’s all, that’s the entire paragraph. In all seriousness though, Brynn is so precious and charming, and I loved her dedication to understanding the things she wasn’t familiar with. I’m glad she was finally able to get her HEA after the events that took place in The Love Lie, and even more that it was with Hallie, who is so kind, funny, and patient.
I also really enjoyed how authentic the characters felt and how they were navigating life with their respective struggles while still showing up for each other. Sweet Hallie deserved way better than how her family treated her, but there’s something so special in showcasing how she already had a family in Brynn, Sydney, and Reese. The writing had me kicking my feet and giggling during the sweet moments and feeling for the characters during the emotional moments. There wasn’t a single time throughout the book where I wasn’t rooting for Hallie and Brynn.
Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I definitely recommend reading The Love Lie beforehand for the extra context! If you’re looking for a cozy and wintery sapphic romance to read right before the holidays, this is it!!
✮⋆˙ 4.5 (rounded up)
I adored absolutely everything about this book!!! Not only did I love revisiting The Stone’s Throw and seeing snippets of Sydney and Reese’s life post-The Love Lie, but I was absolutely smitten with Hallie and Brynn and their story. The romance between Hallie and Brynn was both wholesome and oozing with chemistry at the same time. There’s just something so specific about a slow burn that I adore. The secret pining and yearning for one another, never being sure if the other person feels the same way, and all the tension leading to the inevitable confession— Monica McCallan did it all with this book, and trust that the spicy scenes were more than worth the wait.
Brynn is literally the cutest little nerd ever, and I’m her #1 defender. That’s all, that’s the entire paragraph. In all seriousness though, Brynn is so precious and charming, and I loved her dedication to understanding the things she wasn’t familiar with. I’m glad she was finally able to get her HEA after the events that took place in The Love Lie, and even more that it was with Hallie, who is so kind, funny, and patient.
I also really enjoyed how authentic the characters felt and how they were navigating life with their respective struggles while still showing up for each other. Sweet Hallie deserved way better than how her family treated her, but there’s something so special in showcasing how she already had a family in Brynn, Sydney, and Reese. The writing had me kicking my feet and giggling during the sweet moments and feeling for the characters during the emotional moments. There wasn’t a single time throughout the book where I wasn’t rooting for Hallie and Brynn.
Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I definitely recommend reading The Love Lie beforehand for the extra context! If you’re looking for a cozy and wintery sapphic romance to read right before the holidays, this is it!!
December 17, 2025
I am a sucker for a story like this! Everyone’s life had taken a drastic turn when Brynn had put her ex-fiancés infidelity on blast. Not to mention said ex-fiancés sister purchasing the Inn they were planning to be married at from Hallie’s parents- leaving Hallie with no known direction for her future. Picking up with Hallie settling into her role as the Inn manager while the new owner, Reese, settles into to their love bubble with Hallie’s best friend Sydney. (While reading The Love Lie is not mandatory prior it is highly recommended to really be in on all the tea!). Hallie barely has any semblance of a work life balance when BFF (Brynn Freaking Fitzpatrick) comes through the Inn doors to help manage The Stones Throw Inn temporarily through the holidays. Brynn, fresh off the whirlwind public breakup, sees the world in processes, logical explanations, and does not enjoy the unexpected. Hallie had lived her whole life at the Inn. What follows are lessons on discovering your own wants, self love, and really just choosing yourself to find your happy ending. This slow burn left me chaotically reading page after page waiting for these two to finally understand what was happening! Dual point of view writing had me silently screaming at the pages for the MCs to really SEE each other. Throw in a dash of meddling best friends, family tragedy and trauma, and two of the kindest souls I’ve read in quite some time and you have the perfect curled up and cozy read!
December 17, 2025
The Pining Paradox celebrates exciting new love and clear communication. It shows that complex family dynamics don’t always need a happy resolution when you face them with the right people. It has rescue animals. And beautiful friendships. It celebrates PowerPoint presentations! I am in love.
Absolutely adored this read; a definite slow burn but one which felt completely natural and organic, allowing both Brynn and Hallie to grow individually before finally coming together (pun intended!). I loved how they supported each other unwaveringly through all their situations. It was also a lot of fun getting snippets of Sydney and Reese’s relationship progressing in the story as a couple but also as friends of Hallie and Brynn.
Of the two - Brynn, to me, was perfect. A great representation of a character possibly naive of real world experiences before. And although Hallie had a much more ‘normal’ grasp on the real world, she also realised her situation was less than ideal and didn’t know how to work it through; but together their feelings of security, strength, support and safety in each other allowed them to face their pasts and come away stronger for themselves, together, and for each other individually.
Fun fact: my newly realised book kink is very clearly characters who actually communicate efficiently, and I am here. for. it.
I am exceptionally grateful to Monica McCallan for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.
Absolutely adored this read; a definite slow burn but one which felt completely natural and organic, allowing both Brynn and Hallie to grow individually before finally coming together (pun intended!). I loved how they supported each other unwaveringly through all their situations. It was also a lot of fun getting snippets of Sydney and Reese’s relationship progressing in the story as a couple but also as friends of Hallie and Brynn.
Of the two - Brynn, to me, was perfect. A great representation of a character possibly naive of real world experiences before. And although Hallie had a much more ‘normal’ grasp on the real world, she also realised her situation was less than ideal and didn’t know how to work it through; but together their feelings of security, strength, support and safety in each other allowed them to face their pasts and come away stronger for themselves, together, and for each other individually.
Fun fact: my newly realised book kink is very clearly characters who actually communicate efficiently, and I am here. for. it.
I am exceptionally grateful to Monica McCallan for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.
December 20, 2025
ARC Review of The Pining Paradox
After falling for Sydney and Reese in The Love Lie, I was so ready to return to Stone’s Throw Inn. A huge thank you to Monica McCallan for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story brings us back to Hallie, who is still the backbone of the inn despite the crushing realization that her parents sold it right out from under her. She’s caught in a cycle of stagnation and betrayal, feeling unable to move forward. That changes when Brynn arrives—a logical, structured woman seeking a temporary escape from her own chaotic life as a favor to Reese.
The result is a slow-burn, opposites-attract, "dating coach" romance that feels grounded and earned. Using dating apps as a bridge for their connection was such a clever way to spark their bond, allowing their friendship to shift into something deeper without feeling forced.
Both Hallie and Brynn are relatable overthinkers. While their constant internal debating might slow the plot for some, it made them feel like real people navigating genuine insecurities.
By the end, their connection felt incredibly solid—a pairing built on mutual understanding and shared vulnerability. It’s a soft yet intense romance that perfectly captures the "pining" promised in the title.
Overall, The Pining Paradox is a cozy, emotionally resonant sapphic read that reminds us why Monica McCallan is a staple in the genre. If you love a slow burn with high emotional stakes, don't miss this one.
After falling for Sydney and Reese in The Love Lie, I was so ready to return to Stone’s Throw Inn. A huge thank you to Monica McCallan for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story brings us back to Hallie, who is still the backbone of the inn despite the crushing realization that her parents sold it right out from under her. She’s caught in a cycle of stagnation and betrayal, feeling unable to move forward. That changes when Brynn arrives—a logical, structured woman seeking a temporary escape from her own chaotic life as a favor to Reese.
The result is a slow-burn, opposites-attract, "dating coach" romance that feels grounded and earned. Using dating apps as a bridge for their connection was such a clever way to spark their bond, allowing their friendship to shift into something deeper without feeling forced.
Both Hallie and Brynn are relatable overthinkers. While their constant internal debating might slow the plot for some, it made them feel like real people navigating genuine insecurities.
By the end, their connection felt incredibly solid—a pairing built on mutual understanding and shared vulnerability. It’s a soft yet intense romance that perfectly captures the "pining" promised in the title.
Overall, The Pining Paradox is a cozy, emotionally resonant sapphic read that reminds us why Monica McCallan is a staple in the genre. If you love a slow burn with high emotional stakes, don't miss this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
Arc Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Pining Paradox by Monica McCallan
I love a slow burn and when it’s done exceptionally well as Monica has proven to do, the story and characters become all encompassing. These characters are so well written that as an empath, the emotional journey is powerful and breathtaking. One of the best self discovery stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading and two of the most beautiful souls brought to life! Their chemistry is unmatched. As if magnetically woven together by the universe.
Hallie is witty, charismatic and charming. Doesn’t realize her own worth and incredible talents.
Brynne is hyper intelligent , keen to please, and on an expedition back to herself after declaring her ex-fiancés’ infidelities at her own engagement party. (Mic drop).
Apart, they’re lost and broken but together, they’re a phoenix rising.
Monica McCallan has written a self discovery masterpiece. Filled with emotional depth and chemistry. A magnificent journey of empowerment, growth and new found self worth. A story about finally being seen and realizing that it doesn’t really matter unless it’s by the person you love most. Slow burn at its best, our patience pays off when Hallie and Brynne’s Pining Paradox collides in an explosion of spicy passion. It’s well worth the wait and the journey to get there is just as good. One of Monica’s best pieces yet in my opinion. A solid 5 stars!
The Pining Paradox by Monica McCallan
I love a slow burn and when it’s done exceptionally well as Monica has proven to do, the story and characters become all encompassing. These characters are so well written that as an empath, the emotional journey is powerful and breathtaking. One of the best self discovery stories I’ve had the pleasure of reading and two of the most beautiful souls brought to life! Their chemistry is unmatched. As if magnetically woven together by the universe.
Hallie is witty, charismatic and charming. Doesn’t realize her own worth and incredible talents.
Brynne is hyper intelligent , keen to please, and on an expedition back to herself after declaring her ex-fiancés’ infidelities at her own engagement party. (Mic drop).
Apart, they’re lost and broken but together, they’re a phoenix rising.
Monica McCallan has written a self discovery masterpiece. Filled with emotional depth and chemistry. A magnificent journey of empowerment, growth and new found self worth. A story about finally being seen and realizing that it doesn’t really matter unless it’s by the person you love most. Slow burn at its best, our patience pays off when Hallie and Brynne’s Pining Paradox collides in an explosion of spicy passion. It’s well worth the wait and the journey to get there is just as good. One of Monica’s best pieces yet in my opinion. A solid 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews