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Just a Fling
What happens when a recently divorced, jaded surgeon meets a starry-eyed, romantic young football player? Sparks fly at a destination wedding when these two men meet, both vowing only to have a fling. But their kisses don’t taste fleeting, and their emotions don’t understand the word fling. Can Sully and Tate find love against the backdrop of romantic Tuscan scenery and shared secrets under the stars?
This 18k-word short story was originally featured in the Love in Tuscany anthology in June 2025. No words have been added, and the story remains the same. This story features an age gap, size difference, forced proximity, and all the tender romance Maya Jean is known for.
This 18k-word short story was originally featured in the Love in Tuscany anthology in June 2025. No words have been added, and the story remains the same. This story features an age gap, size difference, forced proximity, and all the tender romance Maya Jean is known for.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Maya Jean
9 books100 followersMaya spends most of her time imagining happily ever afters for the characters that live in her head. If she's not plotting how to heal broken hearts for her characters then she’s spending time with her precocious daughter. She loves baking competitions, listening to the same song on repeat for months, and discussing the latest pop culture event in a group chat with her best friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 17, 2026
Short, lovely, sweet and romantic 🥰
4.6 stars
4.6 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️
Sully and Tate gave my heart all the touch starved sweetness set to the backdrop of Tuscany. This little novella was everything I love about MJ’s writing, all the comfort and sweetness with a bite of pain.
Heart Surgeon x Football Player
Age Gap
Divorced MC
Size Difference
Best Friend’s New Wife’s Brother
Touch Starved
Sweet and Swoony
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
Sully and Tate gave my heart all the touch starved sweetness set to the backdrop of Tuscany. This little novella was everything I love about MJ’s writing, all the comfort and sweetness with a bite of pain.
Heart Surgeon x Football Player
Age Gap
Divorced MC
Size Difference
Best Friend’s New Wife’s Brother
Touch Starved
Sweet and Swoony
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a sweet, short story. I had a smile on my face the whole time. I loved every date & every encounter between Tate & Sully.They were perfect for each other & I'm so glad they got their HEA.
January 13, 2026
5 stars
Such a sweet novella: the settings, the main characters, the secondary ones, the plot, the tender moments, the epilogue. I adored all of it, it was just perfect.
Sully, a football player, grew up in foster care, loyal friend but lonely and determined to have his own family one day, he's a precious man and I adored him. I really really loved that, despite he was scared of the strong and sudden feelings he was having for Tate, he was also so very brave and asked him for more.
Tate was amazing too: he was afraid of not being a good partner because of his demanding job (he's a cardiac surgeon) and because of his messy divorce, that made him unsure about finding love again, but at the same time he could not denied how cherished and loved Sully made him feel.
They found true love into each other's arms during a beautiful and romantic week in Tuscany and that will be just the beginning of their forever.
I also need to mention how beautifully the author handled Sully's asexuality and how Tate is completely at ease with that and doesn't need anything more than the comfort of Sully's arms around him.
Save this read when you need something to warm your heart.
Such a sweet novella: the settings, the main characters, the secondary ones, the plot, the tender moments, the epilogue. I adored all of it, it was just perfect.
Sully, a football player, grew up in foster care, loyal friend but lonely and determined to have his own family one day, he's a precious man and I adored him. I really really loved that, despite he was scared of the strong and sudden feelings he was having for Tate, he was also so very brave and asked him for more.
Tate was amazing too: he was afraid of not being a good partner because of his demanding job (he's a cardiac surgeon) and because of his messy divorce, that made him unsure about finding love again, but at the same time he could not denied how cherished and loved Sully made him feel.
They found true love into each other's arms during a beautiful and romantic week in Tuscany and that will be just the beginning of their forever.
I also need to mention how beautifully the author handled Sully's asexuality and how Tate is completely at ease with that and doesn't need anything more than the comfort of Sully's arms around him.
Save this read when you need something to warm your heart.
January 14, 2026
“I’ve finally found a home to call my own, and it’s not a place but a person.”
This little story was the perfect pick me up from an emotional read. Sully & Tate were so good separately but also together. They made each come out of each others shells in a way.
This was definitely fast paced and instant but I enjoyed every second I spent in Tuscany.
Maya is amazing at emotion and even if this was a short small read it definitely had the emotions involved from chapter 1.
This little story was the perfect pick me up from an emotional read. Sully & Tate were so good separately but also together. They made each come out of each others shells in a way.
This was definitely fast paced and instant but I enjoyed every second I spent in Tuscany.
Maya is amazing at emotion and even if this was a short small read it definitely had the emotions involved from chapter 1.
January 21, 2026
Tate, jaded and still reeling from a cheating ex, is instantly attraction to Sully, a football star who is waiting for the right guy to come along. It's a super sweet short romance. Well rounded with it's detail and real characters. I really enjoyed it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 17, 2026
Krótkie, acz treściwe. Jejku jakie to było dobre.
January 14, 2026
"Be my date?"
"How many dates are we going to have?"
"As many as you'll give me"
Just a Fling by Maya Jean
I truly don’t know how Maya does it, but somehow, she always finds a way to make me cry. I’m not someone who tears up easily, but Just a Fling proved me beautifully wrong. It’s one of the novellas in this exquisite trio, and Maya’s piece wrapped itself around my heart like a soft, familiar melody.
There’s something about the way she writes, it’s peaceful, tender, and radiates warmth, like a golden summer evening in Tuscany. I’ve never been to Italy, but through her words, I felt as though I were standing right there, barefoot in a dusky Tuscan garden, surrounded by the scent of lavender and the quiet promise of something sacred. That’s her magic. She transports you.
And in this enchanted place, I met Tate and Sully.
Tate, my guarded, lovely Tate, was etched with the quiet fears left behind by a broken marriage. His hesitation, his reluctance to trust again… it all felt so real. So human. Trust is a sacred gift, and not everyone is worthy of it. Tate had built his walls high, willing to allow only a fleeting moment, a one week fling and nothing more. But love doesn’t follow rules. I’m beyond grateful it didn’t end the way he planned. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to walk away either.
Then there’s Sully, my sweet, tender Sully. The name suits him perfectly. Gentle, shy, and quietly luminous, he was a balm to every wound Tate carried. His backstory broke my heart, but the way he found home in Tate? Absolutely breathtaking. There was a certain stillness in him, like moonlight on water, and I felt myself falling for him too.
Every word of this novella felt like stardust. Despite its brevity, it left a massive imprint on my soul. Maya has this uncanny ability to make me believe, in love, in second chances, in the kind of connection that defies time and circumstance. I felt the same way reading her Sweet Southern Series, she has a way of writing that revives the romantic in me, entirely and without apology.
If you’ve never read anything by Maya before, this is the perfect introduction. Her storytelling is a gentle whisper to the heart, and these two beautiful men will live in mine for a very long time. Just a Fling may be short, but its magic lingers. I already can’t wait to read it all over again.
"How many dates are we going to have?"
"As many as you'll give me"
Just a Fling by Maya Jean
I truly don’t know how Maya does it, but somehow, she always finds a way to make me cry. I’m not someone who tears up easily, but Just a Fling proved me beautifully wrong. It’s one of the novellas in this exquisite trio, and Maya’s piece wrapped itself around my heart like a soft, familiar melody.
There’s something about the way she writes, it’s peaceful, tender, and radiates warmth, like a golden summer evening in Tuscany. I’ve never been to Italy, but through her words, I felt as though I were standing right there, barefoot in a dusky Tuscan garden, surrounded by the scent of lavender and the quiet promise of something sacred. That’s her magic. She transports you.
And in this enchanted place, I met Tate and Sully.
Tate, my guarded, lovely Tate, was etched with the quiet fears left behind by a broken marriage. His hesitation, his reluctance to trust again… it all felt so real. So human. Trust is a sacred gift, and not everyone is worthy of it. Tate had built his walls high, willing to allow only a fleeting moment, a one week fling and nothing more. But love doesn’t follow rules. I’m beyond grateful it didn’t end the way he planned. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to walk away either.
Then there’s Sully, my sweet, tender Sully. The name suits him perfectly. Gentle, shy, and quietly luminous, he was a balm to every wound Tate carried. His backstory broke my heart, but the way he found home in Tate? Absolutely breathtaking. There was a certain stillness in him, like moonlight on water, and I felt myself falling for him too.
Every word of this novella felt like stardust. Despite its brevity, it left a massive imprint on my soul. Maya has this uncanny ability to make me believe, in love, in second chances, in the kind of connection that defies time and circumstance. I felt the same way reading her Sweet Southern Series, she has a way of writing that revives the romantic in me, entirely and without apology.
If you’ve never read anything by Maya before, this is the perfect introduction. Her storytelling is a gentle whisper to the heart, and these two beautiful men will live in mine for a very long time. Just a Fling may be short, but its magic lingers. I already can’t wait to read it all over again.
Review of advance copy
Just as lovely on reread, even with the added word. The setting is still breathtaking, the characters still achingly beautiful, and my love for Tate and Sully somehow grew even more
This was my original review from the anthology edition.
Just a Fling by Maya Jean - 4.5⭐MCs: Tate (40 yo) & Sully (30 yo)
Age gap | doctor x NFL player | Ace/ Demi rep
Tate, a workaholic cardiac surgeon recently divorced after his ex cheated on him due to his long hours, meets Sully—a gentle giant and NFL player in his final season—at the wedding of Olivia (Tate’s sister) and Bailey (Sully’s best friend and teammate).
God, the pure perfection of these two—whether they’re in the middle of a vineyard or soaking in a hot spring in Tuscany—it gives my heart a little tug. And to think it all started with just a little fling.Their intimacy is just as perfect as everything else about them. There’s such a quiet joy in how they come together, completely in sync. And the ace/demi rep? Done beautifully.
I’ll definitely read anything Maya writes—I absolutely love her style and the way she makes me fall head over heels (and swoon my ass off) for every single MC she creates. 🙏
This was my original review from the anthology edition.
Just a Fling by Maya Jean - 4.5⭐MCs: Tate (40 yo) & Sully (30 yo)
Age gap | doctor x NFL player | Ace/ Demi rep
Tate, a workaholic cardiac surgeon recently divorced after his ex cheated on him due to his long hours, meets Sully—a gentle giant and NFL player in his final season—at the wedding of Olivia (Tate’s sister) and Bailey (Sully’s best friend and teammate).
God, the pure perfection of these two—whether they’re in the middle of a vineyard or soaking in a hot spring in Tuscany—it gives my heart a little tug. And to think it all started with just a little fling.Their intimacy is just as perfect as everything else about them. There’s such a quiet joy in how they come together, completely in sync. And the ace/demi rep? Done beautifully.
We sway and sway some more, ignoring the sounds of those around us, just two lonely souls finding something unexpected among the Tuscan hills. Did I think I’d find love when I came to Tuscany for a wedding? No. But I did. Tate’s tender heart beats the same fragile tattoo as mine. When I finally pull away to look down at Tate, his eyes are red-rimmed, and his gaze is raw with want.
I brush my thumbs under his eyes. “No more tears.”
Tate smiles through the tears. “No more tears. Dance with me some more?”
I’ll definitely read anything Maya writes—I absolutely love her style and the way she makes me fall head over heels (and swoon my ass off) for every single MC she creates. 🙏
Review of advance copy
My only bummer of this book was it's length. In my head a prefer to think of it as a novella which proceeds a book about these two.
Tate is still trying to recover from his divorce, with i t being a year one might think he would be over it but the pain is real. Now he finds himself in Tuscany for a week to celebrate the marriage of his younger half sister. He is a heart surgeon and works long hours. His now ex husband Evan cheated on him for their entire marriage and then dragged Tate through the mud during the divorce proceedings. Now he has to pretend love is real and he is happy about his sister getting married. Having arrived he is desperate for sleep. When he awakes his sister laughs at him and makes him promise to enjoy the week and forget his past. Then he meets one of the groomsmen....
Sully is a fellow NFL player like the groom. He was one of the invitees who was allowed to come to Tuscany a week early and spend the week in a villa with the family and wedding members. At the first meet and greet he sees the brides brother and can see he has pain. He goes and talks him and realizes just how special of a man he is. Soon the both realize they want to try a fling for the week. That is all, just a fling, till the week is over.
Will Tate learn about Sully's past? Will he learn about football since he does not know sport at all? Will Sully finally learn how to drive a standard automobile? Will the Sully and Tate find what they have been looking for, the other half of the heart? Will Tate's sister be okay with him spending time with Sully? How will things change once their week together ends? Will their age difference become a big deal?
As I mentioned I really loved this book and would be very interested in another book with these two!
Tate is still trying to recover from his divorce, with i t being a year one might think he would be over it but the pain is real. Now he finds himself in Tuscany for a week to celebrate the marriage of his younger half sister. He is a heart surgeon and works long hours. His now ex husband Evan cheated on him for their entire marriage and then dragged Tate through the mud during the divorce proceedings. Now he has to pretend love is real and he is happy about his sister getting married. Having arrived he is desperate for sleep. When he awakes his sister laughs at him and makes him promise to enjoy the week and forget his past. Then he meets one of the groomsmen....
Sully is a fellow NFL player like the groom. He was one of the invitees who was allowed to come to Tuscany a week early and spend the week in a villa with the family and wedding members. At the first meet and greet he sees the brides brother and can see he has pain. He goes and talks him and realizes just how special of a man he is. Soon the both realize they want to try a fling for the week. That is all, just a fling, till the week is over.
Will Tate learn about Sully's past? Will he learn about football since he does not know sport at all? Will Sully finally learn how to drive a standard automobile? Will the Sully and Tate find what they have been looking for, the other half of the heart? Will Tate's sister be okay with him spending time with Sully? How will things change once their week together ends? Will their age difference become a big deal?
As I mentioned I really loved this book and would be very interested in another book with these two!
January 17, 2026
This was a sweet, quick romantic story about a divorced cardiac surgeon named Tate and a sweet football player named Sully. They both met at a wedding where Tate's sister was marrying Sully's best friend in Tuscany. Tate is jaded after having his husband cheat on him pretty much throughout their marriage and Sully hasn't really dated and doesn't do flings. He grew up in the foster care system and just wants a family. Neither man expected to find a spark at a wedding in a beautiful country but here they were with an instant attraction that felt like more even though they'd just met. Tate is older than Sully by 10 years and they only have a week together but even though they both have a feeling a week won't be enough they decide to have a fling and just have fun and get to know each other. But with feeling and a connection like the one they have will a fling be enough? Well they'll have to look deep and find the answer and fight for each other. This was a really sweet read and for a little under 70 pages I liked how their relationship progressed and even if it wasn't ideal they made it work because they'd never felt that strongly about anyone before. There wasn't alot of spice but there was some sensual steam and I loved that they didn't rush that aspect and honestly just wanted to be around each other more than anything. I was very happy that they found each other and found a life worth sharing together.
Review of advance copy
Just A Fling - Maya Jean
4.75/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
When Maya Jean’s name pops up, I just know I have to read it. No questions asked.
Sully and Tate were just the cutest as any couple can be. Sully made Tate see the light again and I was here for their sweet adventure to finding love again when Tate comes to his sister’s wedding and who knows her fiancé’s best man would be Sully.
I was here for every cute moment. I couldn’t wipe the silly smile from my face when it came to these two because they never expected to find the one they were meant to be with.
There were so many cute moments but I absolutely loved the ending when Sully climbed in the tub fully clothed. What a way to end this perfect book with the most perfect line:
𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕘𝕠, 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖. ℕ𝕠𝕨 𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕓𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕝. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘.
This book was packed with so much emotion that I didn’t need. I just love the sweet and swoon vibes, along with the touch starved moments that Tate desperately needed.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.75/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
When Maya Jean’s name pops up, I just know I have to read it. No questions asked.
Sully and Tate were just the cutest as any couple can be. Sully made Tate see the light again and I was here for their sweet adventure to finding love again when Tate comes to his sister’s wedding and who knows her fiancé’s best man would be Sully.
I was here for every cute moment. I couldn’t wipe the silly smile from my face when it came to these two because they never expected to find the one they were meant to be with.
There were so many cute moments but I absolutely loved the ending when Sully climbed in the tub fully clothed. What a way to end this perfect book with the most perfect line:
𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕘𝕠, 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖. ℕ𝕠𝕨 𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕓𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕝. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕒 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘.
This book was packed with so much emotion that I didn’t need. I just love the sweet and swoon vibes, along with the touch starved moments that Tate desperately needed.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 16, 2026
Here's Maya Jean's "Just a Fling." This short story was originally published Love in Tuscany anthology; no words have been added, and the story remains the same.
["What happens when a recently divorced, jaded surgeon meets a starry-eyed, romantic young football player? Sparks fly at a destination wedding when these two men meet, both vowing only to have a fling. But their kisses don’t taste fleeting, and their emotions don’t understand the word fling. Can Sully and Tate find love against the backdrop of romantic Tuscan scenery and shared secrets under the stars?"]
These two were adorable as hell. Sweet and soft and soooo utterly, instantly in love from the very beginning. There was that moment of just knowing you've met someone important, someone who will change your life, someone who will be your home.
Trigger Warnings: foster care system, past abuse in foster care system, previously being cheated on by a spouse, and more.
#arcs #arcteammember #grr #gayromancereviews
#justafling #mayajean #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["What happens when a recently divorced, jaded surgeon meets a starry-eyed, romantic young football player? Sparks fly at a destination wedding when these two men meet, both vowing only to have a fling. But their kisses don’t taste fleeting, and their emotions don’t understand the word fling. Can Sully and Tate find love against the backdrop of romantic Tuscan scenery and shared secrets under the stars?"]
These two were adorable as hell. Sweet and soft and soooo utterly, instantly in love from the very beginning. There was that moment of just knowing you've met someone important, someone who will change your life, someone who will be your home.
Trigger Warnings: foster care system, past abuse in foster care system, previously being cheated on by a spouse, and more.
#arcs #arcteammember #grr #gayromancereviews
#justafling #mayajean #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Review of advance copy
Love in the air at destination wedding🌄🍷
The central pair, a sunny, burly football player and a work-obsessed heart surgeon, were a sweet match-up, the angst limited to Tate's memories of his ex. For its brevity, the story had a good, full plot arc, including a cozy epilogue. A few details jarred me, like, why serve anything but Italian wine when they're surrounded by it? And why Adirondack chairs in Tuscany? But such minor blips didn't take anything away from the immediate connection between Tate and Sully or the way they took the opportunity to get to know each other and ran with it. I wouldn't classify the scenes as overly steamy; they preponderently evoke caring and emotional connection.
I was not familiar with the author's writing. I'd definitely read more by her.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The central pair, a sunny, burly football player and a work-obsessed heart surgeon, were a sweet match-up, the angst limited to Tate's memories of his ex. For its brevity, the story had a good, full plot arc, including a cozy epilogue. A few details jarred me, like, why serve anything but Italian wine when they're surrounded by it? And why Adirondack chairs in Tuscany? But such minor blips didn't take anything away from the immediate connection between Tate and Sully or the way they took the opportunity to get to know each other and ran with it. I wouldn't classify the scenes as overly steamy; they preponderently evoke caring and emotional connection.
I was not familiar with the author's writing. I'd definitely read more by her.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
January 6, 2026
This novella absolutely wrecked me in the best way. I felt everything. The swoon, the ache, the warmth. At this point, anything Maya Jean writes has me in a chokehold because what did she put in this story? I was genuinely emotional while reading.
The writing had this quiet, comforting quality to it. There were lines that made my chest feel full and eased my real-life anxiety as I read. I’m usually someone who flies through books, but this one made me slow down and really sit with every moment. It has that calm, countryside atmosphere that feels soft and grounding.
Sully and Tate both stood so strongly on their own, but together they just worked. The way their connection grew felt intense and real, especially for such a short book, which honestly impressed me so much. I did find myself wishing for more of their life together, but not because anything was missing. I just didn’t want to let them go.
Such a beautiful, satisfying read. I can’t recommend it enough
The writing had this quiet, comforting quality to it. There were lines that made my chest feel full and eased my real-life anxiety as I read. I’m usually someone who flies through books, but this one made me slow down and really sit with every moment. It has that calm, countryside atmosphere that feels soft and grounding.
Sully and Tate both stood so strongly on their own, but together they just worked. The way their connection grew felt intense and real, especially for such a short book, which honestly impressed me so much. I did find myself wishing for more of their life together, but not because anything was missing. I just didn’t want to let them go.
Such a beautiful, satisfying read. I can’t recommend it enough
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you’re looking for an absolutely sweet and romantic story, this one was made for you. Yes, it’s short—but it delivers everything it needs to in the most beautiful way.
The two main characters, Tate and Sully, both carry wounds from their pasts, but the author doesn’t focus on that. Instead, the spotlight is on the instant attraction that forms between them—and it works perfectly.
Tate and Sully are both wonderful characters on their own, but together they’re truly something special. Maya did an amazing job showing how this beautiful love developed between them, even within such a short story.
It was an incredibly good book and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
The two main characters, Tate and Sully, both carry wounds from their pasts, but the author doesn’t focus on that. Instead, the spotlight is on the instant attraction that forms between them—and it works perfectly.
Tate and Sully are both wonderful characters on their own, but together they’re truly something special. Maya did an amazing job showing how this beautiful love developed between them, even within such a short story.
It was an incredibly good book and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Review of advance copy
This was so sweet, beautiful and romantic! I almost melted and definitely swooned while reading this. I loved the whole setting and Sully and Tate's instant connection. I loved their little dates and how well they saw each other from the start.
It was beautifully written and I just felt like I was floating on a cloud and kicking my feet while reading this. I could have read so much more of their story, but I really loved the amount we got. This 60 page novella had everything I wanted: heartfelt moments, emotional connection, we got to know important parts of Tate and Sully's history, and we got all of their blushes and Sully's shy smiles.
Loved every moment of this novella and this will be a comfort read when I need a sweet pick me up.
It was beautifully written and I just felt like I was floating on a cloud and kicking my feet while reading this. I could have read so much more of their story, but I really loved the amount we got. This 60 page novella had everything I wanted: heartfelt moments, emotional connection, we got to know important parts of Tate and Sully's history, and we got all of their blushes and Sully's shy smiles.
Loved every moment of this novella and this will be a comfort read when I need a sweet pick me up.
January 15, 2026
A wonderful sweet romantic book that has all the feels. Two wounded me, Tate and Sully, meet in Italy at a destination wedding. They have off the charts chemistry but their pasts make them reluctant to see their time together as more than a fling. Soon those feelings and emotions become more. Tate made me want to hug him and tell him he would be okay from his recent divorce, and Sully was simply the sweetest, shy, and lovable character. This one is an easy read but you will get teary and fell all of the emotions. And the writing made me feel like I was in Tuscany (having been before this book reminded me why I will go again, as it was like being there). A great book with low drama and lots of feel good moments.
January 16, 2026
SUCH A SWEET STORY!💕
Oh my this was such a sweet story that really pulled on the heart strings!
“How about a little fling?”
“Just a little fling.”
“some fun before we return to real life in the States. Okay?”
A destination wedding in a romantic setting in Tuscany would have been cardiac surgeon Tate’s ultimate heartbreak a year after his divorce, but he did it for his half sister Victoria who is his everything…
Then he meets Sully- Best man to his future brother in law- sweet, gentle giant , sexy and patient Sully who sweeps him off his feet in one week BUT
ITS ONLY A FLING…
I loved this sweet, steamy heartwarming short story about finding love in the most unexpected way!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
Oh my this was such a sweet story that really pulled on the heart strings!
“How about a little fling?”
“Just a little fling.”
“some fun before we return to real life in the States. Okay?”
A destination wedding in a romantic setting in Tuscany would have been cardiac surgeon Tate’s ultimate heartbreak a year after his divorce, but he did it for his half sister Victoria who is his everything…
Then he meets Sully- Best man to his future brother in law- sweet, gentle giant , sexy and patient Sully who sweeps him off his feet in one week BUT
ITS ONLY A FLING…
I loved this sweet, steamy heartwarming short story about finding love in the most unexpected way!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just A Fling is a MM romance short story about Tate and Sully.
Tate is a forty year old recently divorced cardiac surgeon. He is in Tuscany for his half sister’s wedding. It is here that he first meets the groom’s best friend Sully, a thirty year old football player. Tate and Sully find themselves attracted to each other. They head out together the next day for wine tasting, and end up agreeing to have just a fling for their time in Tuscany. But we soon see how things turn into so much more than either of them expected. This was a short and sweet story, and Tate and Sully were so cute together.
Tate is a forty year old recently divorced cardiac surgeon. He is in Tuscany for his half sister’s wedding. It is here that he first meets the groom’s best friend Sully, a thirty year old football player. Tate and Sully find themselves attracted to each other. They head out together the next day for wine tasting, and end up agreeing to have just a fling for their time in Tuscany. But we soon see how things turn into so much more than either of them expected. This was a short and sweet story, and Tate and Sully were so cute together.
January 16, 2026
Short and sweet
Tate is in Tuscany for his sister's wedding.
He's feeling a little selfish because he's still bitter over his divorce and doesn't feel he'll be able to fully participate.
Sully is Olivia's fiancé Baily's football teammate and best man.
They initially start as companions for the wedding trip but both ferl an instant connection and attraction between them.
They take the week to slowly get to know one another.
What started as just a wedding fling soon becomes more for them both.
Tate is terrified of being hurt again and Sully just wants a family of his own.
Together they take a leap of faith and recognize they're perfect for each other.
Tate is in Tuscany for his sister's wedding.
He's feeling a little selfish because he's still bitter over his divorce and doesn't feel he'll be able to fully participate.
Sully is Olivia's fiancé Baily's football teammate and best man.
They initially start as companions for the wedding trip but both ferl an instant connection and attraction between them.
They take the week to slowly get to know one another.
What started as just a wedding fling soon becomes more for them both.
Tate is terrified of being hurt again and Sully just wants a family of his own.
Together they take a leap of faith and recognize they're perfect for each other.
January 16, 2026
A lovely, uplifting short read. Though its a short story, it packs in a surprising amount of heart. Sully’s world-weariness and Tate’s open, romantic outlook played off each other beautifully, and their connection felt natural despite the fast pace. The Tuscan setting added a dreamy backdrop that suited their story perfectly, making every shared moment feel intimate and special. I really enjoyed how they helped each other open up and see what they’d been missing. Tender, emotional and quietly hopeful, this was a charming escape I finished with a smile. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
January 16, 2026
There is something about setting a limit that chemistry can blow past. Tate and Sully are in Tuscany for a wedding. Tate's half-sister and Sully's best friend are getting married. And they are feeling an attraction to one another. Weddings will do that. They agree to have a fling but the kisses are sweet and the emotions turn on and it becomes more than either of them were expecting. This story was short and sweet, yet it covered all the bases. These two were so cute together as they got caught up in the magic of the occasion and the madness of love striking where, when and how it wants to.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2026
Sweet! I want to find love in Tuscany! Maya creates characters that make you fall in love with them, wish only the best for them and let you feel you are right there in the middle of their love adventure. Tate is a heart surgen, so stressful job. Tate, is still grieving his divorce and thinking himself undeserving. Sully, is in the NFL, another stressful job. Tate and Sully are both delightful men to whom you want only good things to happen. Sweet story, but way too short. Kudos, to Maya for giving the reader so much and hitting all of our reader needs in so few words. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2026
This was the sweetest little pick-me-up.
I had a smile on my face the entire time. Tate and Sully were absolutely adorable together, with an instant connection that just worked. Their dates were charming, their chemistry felt natural, and I loved how they truly saw each other from the very beginning.
This novella may be short, but it’s packed with heartfelt moments, emotional depth, and just the right amount of backstory to make their relationship feel meaningful. Sully’s shy smiles and Tate’s cautious hope melted my heart, and the HEA was perfect.
Soft, romantic, and swoony, this is definitely going on my comfort-read list for when I need something sweet and uplifting.
I had a smile on my face the entire time. Tate and Sully were absolutely adorable together, with an instant connection that just worked. Their dates were charming, their chemistry felt natural, and I loved how they truly saw each other from the very beginning.
This novella may be short, but it’s packed with heartfelt moments, emotional depth, and just the right amount of backstory to make their relationship feel meaningful. Sully’s shy smiles and Tate’s cautious hope melted my heart, and the HEA was perfect.
Soft, romantic, and swoony, this is definitely going on my comfort-read list for when I need something sweet and uplifting.
January 5, 2026
I read this in one sitting and I’ve never felt so mushy (in the best way). Tate and Sully were drawn to each other immediately, like kindred spirits. Tate needed someone who could love him for all that he is; Sully needed someone who could show him what stability and home is. They fit each other perfectly :’)
I highly recommend this heartwarming short story!!!
A few things to expect from Just a Fling:
- cardiac surgeon / football player
- age gap
- instant-attraction
Thank you to the author and to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
I highly recommend this heartwarming short story!!!
A few things to expect from Just a Fling:
- cardiac surgeon / football player
- age gap
- instant-attraction
Thank you to the author and to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Review of advance copy
Saccharine sweet novella about Tate, a surgeon who works too hard and doesn’t think much of his own needs, and Sully, an NFL player who never has felt home until he meets Tate.
This is honestly a good palate cleanser after you’ve read something dark or brooding. It’s just two men both somewhat touch starved and affection starved meeting each other in Tuscany at a destination wedding.
Nice and short and sweet.
I received this free copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This is honestly a good palate cleanser after you’ve read something dark or brooding. It’s just two men both somewhat touch starved and affection starved meeting each other in Tuscany at a destination wedding.
Nice and short and sweet.
I received this free copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊 𝙵𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.25/5 ⭐️
.5/5 🌶️
↓↓
This was just so sweet and perfect and everything that I have come to love of Maya's writing.
Well Tate and Sully were just the absolute sweetest. Instant connection that grew quick for both of them.
I'm so happy it all worked out in the end and they got their HEA. I wouldn't mind another book on them going more in depth on both their past and future.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🍇 Age Gap
🍇 Size Difference
🍇 Forced Proximity
🍇 Heart Surgeon x Football Player
🍇 Touch Starved
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.25/5 ⭐️
.5/5 🌶️
↓↓
This was just so sweet and perfect and everything that I have come to love of Maya's writing.
Well Tate and Sully were just the absolute sweetest. Instant connection that grew quick for both of them.
I'm so happy it all worked out in the end and they got their HEA. I wouldn't mind another book on them going more in depth on both their past and future.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🍇 Age Gap
🍇 Size Difference
🍇 Forced Proximity
🍇 Heart Surgeon x Football Player
🍇 Touch Starved
January 14, 2026
I enjoyed this story on the first read, and it was a lovely, warm read to re-visit. I dare y'all to not be absolutely charmed by the embodiment of sunshine that is Sully! Or not to relate with Tate's bruised self esteem as he navigates a new stage of life?
If you're looking for a gentle, heartwarming quick read or palette refresher? This is for you!
Originally part of the Love In Tuscany charity anthology, Just A Fling is now available all the time as a sweet treat 18k novella. No content has been changed.
*thoughts and opinions my own*
If you're looking for a gentle, heartwarming quick read or palette refresher? This is for you!
Originally part of the Love In Tuscany charity anthology, Just A Fling is now available all the time as a sweet treat 18k novella. No content has been changed.
*thoughts and opinions my own*
Review of advance copy
Such a sweet story about Sully and Tate who meet at a wedding in Tuscany. It was part of the Love in Tuscany anthology and has not been changed from that format. I loved the romanticness of how Sully and Tate fell for each other. It was a bit instalove but when you find your soulmate you just know. :) This made for a very sweet low-angst read. I really enjoy this author and cannot wait to see what she brings next.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
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