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The Meet and Greet
When a famous pop star and a straight-laced academic cross paths, it throws both their lives off course in this light-hearted, opposites-attract lesbian romance.
Uptight lecturer Jane Miles reluctantly takes her superfan niece along to meet touring Aussie singer Amber Hatfield. Jane comes away with a happy niece and…Amber’s phone number? How on earth does that happen?
Being whisked into Amber’s creative and free-flowing life feels so right but it also threatens to jeopardise Jane’s promotion at a prestigious university.
Can two such different career women ever find a way to create an unexpected harmony together?
Uptight lecturer Jane Miles reluctantly takes her superfan niece along to meet touring Aussie singer Amber Hatfield. Jane comes away with a happy niece and…Amber’s phone number? How on earth does that happen?
Being whisked into Amber’s creative and free-flowing life feels so right but it also threatens to jeopardise Jane’s promotion at a prestigious university.
Can two such different career women ever find a way to create an unexpected harmony together?
238 pages, ebook
First published February 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 4, 2026
This was a good story with neurodivergent character Jane, who suffered in social interactions. She was nerdy and awkward, but interesting too. I liked the way Rain created her. Amber is an Australian rock star who’s been around awhile. In Australia she’s very well known and famous. In the US, she’s less well known. Jane’s niece, Sara, wants to go to her concert and Jane takes her there as a birthday gift. The concert includes a meet and greet.
Audrey’s character was kind and patient with all her fans. She falls hard for Jane and pursues her. Jane is overwhelmed with the attention and tries to get out of it.
The grey moment at the 80% mark was well done in this story. I felt the break up justified, but the ending was a bit rushed and I would have liked a longer ending.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Audrey’s character was kind and patient with all her fans. She falls hard for Jane and pursues her. Jane is overwhelmed with the attention and tries to get out of it.
The grey moment at the 80% mark was well done in this story. I felt the break up justified, but the ending was a bit rushed and I would have liked a longer ending.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
March 30, 2026
OK. This is an entertaining and pleasant book. And nothing more. But nothing less, either.
March 18, 2026
3.5 stars
February 11, 2026
I thought this was a sweet and easy story to read. Jane, while visiting her sister in California, takes her niece to a concert. She pays extra for them to have a VIP meet and greet with the Aussie singer Amber Hatfield. Amber is a B list celebrity making money touring but never making the elite status she hoped for when coming to the USA. Amber is intrigued with Jane and invites her out for coffee.
Jane works in academia as a lecturer in Australia hoping for a professorship position soon. She is also neurodivergent and has a hard time with social cues or changing topics quickly. It is a nice representation as she is smart but self aware of some limitations. The romance begins naturally and is a bit instant but I wasn’t put off by that. The villainess ex is predictable and I wish she’d have gotten some comeuppance. Overall I enjoyed the main characters. They are mature enough to be comfortable with themselves. And except for the third act drama they speak up for what they want and need from each other. I liked the niece and Teddy who is Amber’s assistant as well. I read this in one satisfying sitting. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Jane works in academia as a lecturer in Australia hoping for a professorship position soon. She is also neurodivergent and has a hard time with social cues or changing topics quickly. It is a nice representation as she is smart but self aware of some limitations. The romance begins naturally and is a bit instant but I wasn’t put off by that. The villainess ex is predictable and I wish she’d have gotten some comeuppance. Overall I enjoyed the main characters. They are mature enough to be comfortable with themselves. And except for the third act drama they speak up for what they want and need from each other. I liked the niece and Teddy who is Amber’s assistant as well. I read this in one satisfying sitting. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
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January 31, 2026I thoroughly enjoyed Rain’s debut Perks of Office, the author’s second book (Onside Play), was less good to me. And we’ve got a trend here. I think this book is on par with the previous by the author.
While I like we have a main character on the ASD spectrum and another who doesn’t make a big deal out of any of it, that’s about all the positives I have to say. I like the niece in this book, the assistant is ok, our mains are tad flat and repetitive. The premise of the book is promising and cute, but it’s too easy, too quick. Of course we have the sapphic book issue of the dark o ent coming fairly late, even when we see it coming from mikes away.its too late subsequently the resolution and wrap up of the story are too.
I am sure there is an audience for this.book, it is light, set in Australia (mostly, but not very noticeable), we have some fun secondary characters and it’s easy to read.
While I like we have a main character on the ASD spectrum and another who doesn’t make a big deal out of any of it, that’s about all the positives I have to say. I like the niece in this book, the assistant is ok, our mains are tad flat and repetitive. The premise of the book is promising and cute, but it’s too easy, too quick. Of course we have the sapphic book issue of the dark o ent coming fairly late, even when we see it coming from mikes away.its too late subsequently the resolution and wrap up of the story are too.
I am sure there is an audience for this.book, it is light, set in Australia (mostly, but not very noticeable), we have some fun secondary characters and it’s easy to read.
March 23, 2026
This is a brilliant book!
Jane is a university lecturer in Brisbane, Australia, but currently visiting her sister and family in Los Angeles. At the start of the story Jane and her 20yo niece Sara are queuing for a concert by one of Sara’s favourite performers, fellow Australian Amber Hatfield. Jane really doesn’t have a clue who the singer is, or why she is so famous.
Amber is on the last night of the tour, tired, but waiting for the meet and greets after the concert. These are her biggest money spinners for the tour; all those fans who paid substantially more to meet her in person. Tonight turns out to be a special case, as the last couple, Sara and her aunt Jane really catch her attention, and after they have gone Amber gets her assistant Teddy to run after Jane and pass on her phone number.
Jane is so stressed by her work atmosphere, and especially by her colleague and ex, Lauren, by her controlling ways even now after they have broken up.
I loved the way this is written. How we see the imperfections in both Jane and Amber, but how they work together. We get to see lots of Jane’s internal monologue, and how many years of gaslighting by Lauren really messed her up. At one point Jane treats Amber abysmally, which causes a breakdown between them, and it is difficult to see how their relationship can survive, but with help from both Sara and Teddy they reconcile their differences and move on.
This also shows the political intrigues that can exist in universities and other tightly knit communities, often controlled by an extremely conservative faction within the establishment.
This is a fun story, ideal for those who like sapphic romances where one of the characters is a celebrity, but it also has a lot of thought provoking undercurrents about establishment, academia, about pda and about mental heath and wellbeing.
Jane is a university lecturer in Brisbane, Australia, but currently visiting her sister and family in Los Angeles. At the start of the story Jane and her 20yo niece Sara are queuing for a concert by one of Sara’s favourite performers, fellow Australian Amber Hatfield. Jane really doesn’t have a clue who the singer is, or why she is so famous.
Amber is on the last night of the tour, tired, but waiting for the meet and greets after the concert. These are her biggest money spinners for the tour; all those fans who paid substantially more to meet her in person. Tonight turns out to be a special case, as the last couple, Sara and her aunt Jane really catch her attention, and after they have gone Amber gets her assistant Teddy to run after Jane and pass on her phone number.
Jane is so stressed by her work atmosphere, and especially by her colleague and ex, Lauren, by her controlling ways even now after they have broken up.
I loved the way this is written. How we see the imperfections in both Jane and Amber, but how they work together. We get to see lots of Jane’s internal monologue, and how many years of gaslighting by Lauren really messed her up. At one point Jane treats Amber abysmally, which causes a breakdown between them, and it is difficult to see how their relationship can survive, but with help from both Sara and Teddy they reconcile their differences and move on.
This also shows the political intrigues that can exist in universities and other tightly knit communities, often controlled by an extremely conservative faction within the establishment.
This is a fun story, ideal for those who like sapphic romances where one of the characters is a celebrity, but it also has a lot of thought provoking undercurrents about establishment, academia, about pda and about mental heath and wellbeing.
March 4, 2026
So dreamy!
Jane takes her niece to Amber Hatfield’s show and a special meet and greet, but ends up with Amber’s phone number. Getting swept up in Amber’s exciting and star studded life is the last thing Jane expected to happen to her, and hesitant at first, she soon finds there is more about Amber than just being a pop star.
This was the stuff of dreams, and it always happens to the person who has never heard of the famous person, right? Not the people who follow and support their careers. Amber and Jane fitted that perfectly, the pop star who wants normality and the person who isn’t used to the spotlight having a perfect connection. There was a slight age gap between them that meant Jane was really out of her comfort zone in Amber’s world and trying to communicate with her. At first it was quite entertaining, especially when Jane was trying to keep it all a secret from her niece. Of course, it was Jane and her awkwardness that eventually lead to all the drama that a great romance needs.
I empathised with Jane and how she struggled to navigate Amber’s world and how she would be a part of it. On the odd occasion when they first started spending time together that Amber got noticed, Jane dealt with the situation really well, but as she got further drawn in, her insecurities had her questioning her place and breakdown in communication lead to some heartache. Luckily both of them were surrounded by the right people to force them to do something about it all.
Really enjoyed this. It was simple, fun, and filled with magical moments that were like being in another world.
Jane takes her niece to Amber Hatfield’s show and a special meet and greet, but ends up with Amber’s phone number. Getting swept up in Amber’s exciting and star studded life is the last thing Jane expected to happen to her, and hesitant at first, she soon finds there is more about Amber than just being a pop star.
This was the stuff of dreams, and it always happens to the person who has never heard of the famous person, right? Not the people who follow and support their careers. Amber and Jane fitted that perfectly, the pop star who wants normality and the person who isn’t used to the spotlight having a perfect connection. There was a slight age gap between them that meant Jane was really out of her comfort zone in Amber’s world and trying to communicate with her. At first it was quite entertaining, especially when Jane was trying to keep it all a secret from her niece. Of course, it was Jane and her awkwardness that eventually lead to all the drama that a great romance needs.
I empathised with Jane and how she struggled to navigate Amber’s world and how she would be a part of it. On the odd occasion when they first started spending time together that Amber got noticed, Jane dealt with the situation really well, but as she got further drawn in, her insecurities had her questioning her place and breakdown in communication lead to some heartache. Luckily both of them were surrounded by the right people to force them to do something about it all.
Really enjoyed this. It was simple, fun, and filled with magical moments that were like being in another world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is very much an insta love story that isn't for me.
Jane is a strict lecturer on ASD spectrum who meets an Australian singer Amber and within a week they decide there's enough of a connection to give a long distance relationship a try. Following that, both of them adjust their lives and priorities to fit the other into it.
Honestly I struggled the most with the insta love aspect but also with how late in the story the third act drama comes in. It felt very sudden and then it really didn't feel like there was enough time for the characters to fix everything. In between those two major events, this was a fairly inoffensive and easy read so I think as long as you don't mind insta love as a trope, this might be a quite an enjoyable read for you.
Thank you to Ylva publishing and Liz Rain for providing me with the ARC.
Jane is a strict lecturer on ASD spectrum who meets an Australian singer Amber and within a week they decide there's enough of a connection to give a long distance relationship a try. Following that, both of them adjust their lives and priorities to fit the other into it.
Honestly I struggled the most with the insta love aspect but also with how late in the story the third act drama comes in. It felt very sudden and then it really didn't feel like there was enough time for the characters to fix everything. In between those two major events, this was a fairly inoffensive and easy read so I think as long as you don't mind insta love as a trope, this might be a quite an enjoyable read for you.
Thank you to Ylva publishing and Liz Rain for providing me with the ARC.
March 28, 2026
The Meet and Greet begins with a meet-cute between singer Amber and doting aunt Jane at a private post-concert event that Jane attends with her niece. Jane and Ambers’ relationship develops rather quickly. Of course, given all the continent hopping, time is of the essence. The couple is surrounded by a decent supporting cast providing insights into each woman’s state of mind. There is a reasonable amount of angst, giving way to brief moments of melodrama towards the end. Fortunately, with some not so gentle nudges from niece Sara and assistant Teddy, the couple is able to reunite without driving the reader to distraction. This is an enjoyable tale with a satisfying, if rather brief, conclusion.
February 15, 2026
Definitely a ‘breath of fresh air’ book. I loved the characters, especially Jane. Very ‘opposites attract’ but both working to really ‘see’ each other.
The secondary characters add but don’t detract from the story and it certainly reaches a warm HEA.
The secondary characters add but don’t detract from the story and it certainly reaches a warm HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆˙✮ 3.5 (rounded down)
This was so sweet and fun! It was super lighthearted and a pretty quick read as well. It’s your typical opposites attract, celebrity, and discreet dating tropes, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 they’re Australian. What’s not to love?!?
Amber and Jane were just super cute! I will say, it did feel very insta-lovey which isn’t really my cup of tea, but both characters had inner monologues along the lines of “ok I need to calm down,” so it felt like an intentional choice by the author. They truly are like magnets, not just because they can’t keep their hands off each other, but because like I said earlier, they’re complete opposites! Amber is a well-known pop singer in Australia who radiates joy, while Jane is a pensive and reclusive university lecturer who has a one-track mind: securing the Associate Professor position. They’re the epitome of a golden retriever x black cat duo, and they truly do bring the best out in each other.
I liked the premise and the characters a lot, but I had some issues with the pacing. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people that checks out when the pacing isn’t to my taste. I suppose that this is a relatively short book, so I understand why it may have felt that way to me, but once I clock something like that, it’s all I will be thinking about until I finish the book. I just felt like everything went from 0-100 real quick, and the insta-lovey feeling I mentioned earlier most likely played a role in that. It felt like we were moving from point A to B so quickly that I didn’t have time to digest it all. I fully recognize that this is a personal preference, which is where the extra .5 in the rating comes from. If you’re not as nitpicky about pacing, this will likely be a very enjoyable read.
This book also had some funny moments and dialogue, along with pop-culture references, which I always enjoy because they make the characters feel more authentic and real. One of the recurring bits that made me laugh was Sara insisting Lauren has a fake accent, purely stemming from her dislike for the woman. 😹
Overall, I still had a good time with this one. It’s low-angst and lighthearted with a couple you want to root for. I’ll have to check out some other works by this author, as this was my first read from Liz Rain!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This was so sweet and fun! It was super lighthearted and a pretty quick read as well. It’s your typical opposites attract, celebrity, and discreet dating tropes, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 they’re Australian. What’s not to love?!?
Amber and Jane were just super cute! I will say, it did feel very insta-lovey which isn’t really my cup of tea, but both characters had inner monologues along the lines of “ok I need to calm down,” so it felt like an intentional choice by the author. They truly are like magnets, not just because they can’t keep their hands off each other, but because like I said earlier, they’re complete opposites! Amber is a well-known pop singer in Australia who radiates joy, while Jane is a pensive and reclusive university lecturer who has a one-track mind: securing the Associate Professor position. They’re the epitome of a golden retriever x black cat duo, and they truly do bring the best out in each other.
I liked the premise and the characters a lot, but I had some issues with the pacing. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people that checks out when the pacing isn’t to my taste. I suppose that this is a relatively short book, so I understand why it may have felt that way to me, but once I clock something like that, it’s all I will be thinking about until I finish the book. I just felt like everything went from 0-100 real quick, and the insta-lovey feeling I mentioned earlier most likely played a role in that. It felt like we were moving from point A to B so quickly that I didn’t have time to digest it all. I fully recognize that this is a personal preference, which is where the extra .5 in the rating comes from. If you’re not as nitpicky about pacing, this will likely be a very enjoyable read.
This book also had some funny moments and dialogue, along with pop-culture references, which I always enjoy because they make the characters feel more authentic and real. One of the recurring bits that made me laugh was Sara insisting Lauren has a fake accent, purely stemming from her dislike for the woman. 😹
Overall, I still had a good time with this one. It’s low-angst and lighthearted with a couple you want to root for. I’ll have to check out some other works by this author, as this was my first read from Liz Rain!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fabulous mains, wonderful secondaries and a romance you can't help but root for
I wasn't sure what to make of each main character when they're first introduced but it didn't take long to fall for Jane and Amber and to want good things for them individually and as a couple. Their first meeting is so unusual but it makes sense for them to be drawn to each other; they both have baggage from unhealthy previous relationships and their worlds couldn't be further apart. Jane has diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, something I know nothing about, but I found her so relatable thanks to her lack of knowledge of pop and celebrity culture; her goodness and treatment of everyone as a person rather than anyone to be put on a pedestal is refreshing and at times amusing to read. I chuckled plenty while reading this book and a few times wanted to intervene between characters, such was my attachment to, and investment in them emotionally. Jane has an energetic young adult niece and older sister whose love for her and protectiveness of her shines on the page; Amber has a similar rapport with Teddy. Given their past relationships and the hurt and damage they're still carrying from them, it's heartening to read characters who rally around and look out for, protect those still healing and vulnerable; they're the kind of friends and family (chosen or blood) we want to have in real life.
There's lots of drama and some angst but more than enough sweet and spicy romance to offset the heavier bits. The workplace shenanigans in the academic sphere are gross and hair pulling to read (out of frustration, not the other kind ) with some slimy, slick and icky characters populating that realm, doing awful things for ego based reasons. There's plenty of steamy scenes and great banter along with Aussie slang which, for non-Aussie readers, is easy to translate in this context where it's used. Having read a lot of Oz based stories over the years I found a few slang words here that were new to me.
If you're craving low angst, steamy celebrity romance between opposites with baggage and wonderful support systems around them, this one's worth reading. Check out author Liz Rain's other books as well. I'll be keeping an eye out to see what she publishes next so I can read it.
I wasn't sure what to make of each main character when they're first introduced but it didn't take long to fall for Jane and Amber and to want good things for them individually and as a couple. Their first meeting is so unusual but it makes sense for them to be drawn to each other; they both have baggage from unhealthy previous relationships and their worlds couldn't be further apart. Jane has diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, something I know nothing about, but I found her so relatable thanks to her lack of knowledge of pop and celebrity culture; her goodness and treatment of everyone as a person rather than anyone to be put on a pedestal is refreshing and at times amusing to read. I chuckled plenty while reading this book and a few times wanted to intervene between characters, such was my attachment to, and investment in them emotionally. Jane has an energetic young adult niece and older sister whose love for her and protectiveness of her shines on the page; Amber has a similar rapport with Teddy. Given their past relationships and the hurt and damage they're still carrying from them, it's heartening to read characters who rally around and look out for, protect those still healing and vulnerable; they're the kind of friends and family (chosen or blood) we want to have in real life.
There's lots of drama and some angst but more than enough sweet and spicy romance to offset the heavier bits. The workplace shenanigans in the academic sphere are gross and hair pulling to read (out of frustration, not the other kind ) with some slimy, slick and icky characters populating that realm, doing awful things for ego based reasons. There's plenty of steamy scenes and great banter along with Aussie slang which, for non-Aussie readers, is easy to translate in this context where it's used. Having read a lot of Oz based stories over the years I found a few slang words here that were new to me.
If you're craving low angst, steamy celebrity romance between opposites with baggage and wonderful support systems around them, this one's worth reading. Check out author Liz Rain's other books as well. I'll be keeping an eye out to see what she publishes next so I can read it.
February 12, 2026
Jane is taking her niece Sara to a concert, and their tickets include a meet and greet with Amber Hatfield. Whom Jane hasn't heard of, as she's not into pop culture and is on the autism spectrum. Sara enjoys meeting the singer, and she actively tries to include Jane too. They leave, and Jane gets given Amber's number.
Amber is used to fans at these events, not a striking yet awkward woman totally out of her depth. Yet Jane helped prompt her niece, and seems so happy when she was happy. And a chance remark from Sara revealed she was a lesbian.
So when Jane calls thinking it might be related to Sara, she's surprised that Amber is interested in her. They get coffee, then another non-date, then Amber asks her out to a Hollywood party. They sleep together, but Jane is weird when Sara calls after the date.
As Jane has to go home to Australia, she thinks they should end it there, but Amber wants to try. They agree to meet up. Also Jane is working to become a professor, and wonders if dating might endanger that.
(Amber avoids Australia as her Mom lives there and is a manipulative user. So certainly there will be issues.)
We meet Lauren, the ex, who also seems a manipulative douche. Jane tells Sara about Amber and her, and the girl is overjoyed. Jane and Amber meet several times, and the dating mostly goes well, tho Jane is not totally comfortable with the bigger events.
Jane does not get the professor position, blames it on dating Amber. They fight, she leaves.
Jane finds out Lauren revealed her relationship with Amber to the school, and that's why no promotion. She resigns.
Teddy, Amber's assistant, and Sara devise a plan to get the woman back together.
Wrap up...
4 out of 5 stars. Solid writing, characters, and having a autistic heroine was interesting.
Small gripe: it felt like there was a set up for a arc involving Amber's Mom, but it never happened.
Amber is used to fans at these events, not a striking yet awkward woman totally out of her depth. Yet Jane helped prompt her niece, and seems so happy when she was happy. And a chance remark from Sara revealed she was a lesbian.
So when Jane calls thinking it might be related to Sara, she's surprised that Amber is interested in her. They get coffee, then another non-date, then Amber asks her out to a Hollywood party. They sleep together, but Jane is weird when Sara calls after the date.
As Jane has to go home to Australia, she thinks they should end it there, but Amber wants to try. They agree to meet up. Also Jane is working to become a professor, and wonders if dating might endanger that.
(Amber avoids Australia as her Mom lives there and is a manipulative user. So certainly there will be issues.)
We meet Lauren, the ex, who also seems a manipulative douche. Jane tells Sara about Amber and her, and the girl is overjoyed. Jane and Amber meet several times, and the dating mostly goes well, tho Jane is not totally comfortable with the bigger events.
Jane does not get the professor position, blames it on dating Amber. They fight, she leaves.
Jane finds out Lauren revealed her relationship with Amber to the school, and that's why no promotion. She resigns.
Teddy, Amber's assistant, and Sara devise a plan to get the woman back together.
Wrap up...
4 out of 5 stars. Solid writing, characters, and having a autistic heroine was interesting.
Small gripe: it felt like there was a set up for a arc involving Amber's Mom, but it never happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun read that I really enjoyed, a rockstar falling for a normal person is always intriguing to read about. A bit of insta-lust and not a traditional falling in love story but I don’t mind that, it is how things work in the real world, a real relationship can evolve starting with lust as in this book or it is just a one and done kind of thing. Not all romances must be slow burn and building something before hitting the sack, it can work the other way as well.
Jane is visiting her sister and her family in LA from Brisbane. She is taking her niece Sara to a concert with the Aussie legend Amber Hatfield, Jane has no clue who that is, but Sara loves her so to make her extra happy she has purchased a package that includes a meet and greet. Jane is her normal very awkward autistic self during the meeting with Amber and somehow Amber takes a liking to Jane (or feels lust) and make sure Jane gets her number.
When Jane is alone house sitting in LA she decides to text Amber and she calls her right away and they meet up. They get to know each other a bit and Amber invites Jane for a New year’s party. No games for Amber, if she is interested, she goes for it and Jane likes that a lot, being autistic she does not really read social cues very well so directness the way to go with her. Clear at once that they really lust for each other and they have a few amazing days in LA, but Jane must go back to Brisbane and her job that she is very focussed on. That could be the end of this, but they stay in touch and Amber makes sure she gets a job in Australia to be able to meet Jane again. It is interesting to read how they try to make things work out but there are of course things that come up that may break them up for good that they must work through.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Jane is visiting her sister and her family in LA from Brisbane. She is taking her niece Sara to a concert with the Aussie legend Amber Hatfield, Jane has no clue who that is, but Sara loves her so to make her extra happy she has purchased a package that includes a meet and greet. Jane is her normal very awkward autistic self during the meeting with Amber and somehow Amber takes a liking to Jane (or feels lust) and make sure Jane gets her number.
When Jane is alone house sitting in LA she decides to text Amber and she calls her right away and they meet up. They get to know each other a bit and Amber invites Jane for a New year’s party. No games for Amber, if she is interested, she goes for it and Jane likes that a lot, being autistic she does not really read social cues very well so directness the way to go with her. Clear at once that they really lust for each other and they have a few amazing days in LA, but Jane must go back to Brisbane and her job that she is very focussed on. That could be the end of this, but they stay in touch and Amber makes sure she gets a job in Australia to be able to meet Jane again. It is interesting to read how they try to make things work out but there are of course things that come up that may break them up for good that they must work through.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
March 9, 2026
This was a really sweet opposites-attract romance. Amber, a lively singer, and Jane, an Australian academic who is much more reserved and careful in how she expresses herself, are such different characters that at first I honestly wondered how they would ever work together. Jane is neurodivergent, and I thought her autism was portrayed in a very realistic and thoughtful way.
Their first meeting at a concert in L.A. was fun and you could definitely feel the chemistry right away. The early part of the book had a lot of rom-com vibes and some genuinely funny moments that made me chuckle. Watching their first dates and the slow connection forming between them was really sweet.
I also liked the contrast between Amber’s free-spirited artistic world and Jane’s more serious academic life, which added a bit of a darker academia vibe once the story moved more into Jane’s career. The writing itself was really solid and the story flowed well.
That said, it did take me a while to finish this book. Some parts felt a bit slower for me and my attention wandered to other things at times. Because of that I lost a little of the momentum that usually pulls me completely into a love story. The third-act breakup also felt quite sudden to me and a little out of character for Jane.
Overall though, this was a charming romance with lovable characters and some really fun moments. This was my first book by this author, but I’m definitely curious to check out more of her work in the future.
Got an ARC via Netgally for an honest review. Thanks for that ;)
Their first meeting at a concert in L.A. was fun and you could definitely feel the chemistry right away. The early part of the book had a lot of rom-com vibes and some genuinely funny moments that made me chuckle. Watching their first dates and the slow connection forming between them was really sweet.
I also liked the contrast between Amber’s free-spirited artistic world and Jane’s more serious academic life, which added a bit of a darker academia vibe once the story moved more into Jane’s career. The writing itself was really solid and the story flowed well.
That said, it did take me a while to finish this book. Some parts felt a bit slower for me and my attention wandered to other things at times. Because of that I lost a little of the momentum that usually pulls me completely into a love story. The third-act breakup also felt quite sudden to me and a little out of character for Jane.
Overall though, this was a charming romance with lovable characters and some really fun moments. This was my first book by this author, but I’m definitely curious to check out more of her work in the future.
Got an ARC via Netgally for an honest review. Thanks for that ;)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The blurb on this one got me curious. Lecturer gifts her niece a meet-and-greet op with a celebrity, and charms said celeb. Sparks fly, leading to a short fling that calls for an encore. But their differences and past hurts simmer under the surface.
The Meet and Greet was a pretty short read that took us across oceans from LA to Australia. Jane is struggling to balance her recovery from a toxic relationship while still having to deal with her ex on a professional level as a colleague. Amber is a musician who has fled from Australia to further her career in LA.
Though I didn’t really get the initial attraction, I would tip my hat off at the attempt to deliver a realistic development between two strangers meeting in unlikely circumstances.
Amber had me rooting for her right from the get-go, and watching Jane struggle with her fears and anxiety was heart-wrenching. However, the resolution left me wondering if the ending would be vastly different if life hadn’t thrown Jane’s plans off... There were also some attempts to convey the experience of a high-functioning neurodivergent character, though it felt more of a plot device at times.
If you like a fun contemporary sapphic romance with a good amount of cute awkward scenes, add The Meet and Greet to your tbr!
The Meet and Greet was a pretty short read that took us across oceans from LA to Australia. Jane is struggling to balance her recovery from a toxic relationship while still having to deal with her ex on a professional level as a colleague. Amber is a musician who has fled from Australia to further her career in LA.
Though I didn’t really get the initial attraction, I would tip my hat off at the attempt to deliver a realistic development between two strangers meeting in unlikely circumstances.
Amber had me rooting for her right from the get-go, and watching Jane struggle with her fears and anxiety was heart-wrenching. However, the resolution left me wondering if the ending would be vastly different if life hadn’t thrown Jane’s plans off... There were also some attempts to convey the experience of a high-functioning neurodivergent character, though it felt more of a plot device at times.
If you like a fun contemporary sapphic romance with a good amount of cute awkward scenes, add The Meet and Greet to your tbr!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cozy, feel good HEA story with a few road bumps along the way. Jane, with her quirky ways and social innocence, is openly on the spectrum. Her eyes are firmly set on obtaining a promotion she has worked tirelessly towards. Enter Amber, an Australian pop star living in LA. After a post-show meet and greet that Jane's niece dragged her to, Amber finds she can't get the slightly awkward Jane out of her mind. And so, tentatively at first, a relationship begins.
Amber takes on a role hosting a popular show in Australia so that she can give their fledgling relationship a chance. But how can Jane live beside her in the constant spotlight?
This is very much Jane's story. While shedding the light on her neuro diversity it also makes a social statement about the price we pay to achieve those life goals we think we should have ,rather than examining what we really want. It was clever and very respectful of Jane's condition. The romance I think played a secondary role. It had the usual angst and drama you would expect from such a situation, but for me the real star was Jane. Her character is written with complexity and authenticity that you can't help but fall a little in love with her :)
Amber takes on a role hosting a popular show in Australia so that she can give their fledgling relationship a chance. But how can Jane live beside her in the constant spotlight?
This is very much Jane's story. While shedding the light on her neuro diversity it also makes a social statement about the price we pay to achieve those life goals we think we should have ,rather than examining what we really want. It was clever and very respectful of Jane's condition. The romance I think played a secondary role. It had the usual angst and drama you would expect from such a situation, but for me the real star was Jane. Her character is written with complexity and authenticity that you can't help but fall a little in love with her :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed the connection between Jane and Amber, two women from very different worlds and the way the author brought these two very different women together. Amber is a vivacious pop star with a love of the limelight and lots of fans while Jane is an introverted, autistic academic who just wants to secure the promotion that she's been working towards her whole career. I really loved the depth in both characters, their obvious connection and generally great communication albeit with moments of getting on their own heads that contributed to bumps in their road to finding lasting happiness together. I was definitely rooting for them from the get go.
There were definitely numerous funny moments and a raft of wonderful side characters, especially Jane's niece that all helped bring this heartwarming story to life.
Another wonderful story from Liz Rain that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light, easy, relatively low-angst story full of Aussieisms.
I am grateful to the author, Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were definitely numerous funny moments and a raft of wonderful side characters, especially Jane's niece that all helped bring this heartwarming story to life.
Another wonderful story from Liz Rain that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light, easy, relatively low-angst story full of Aussieisms.
I am grateful to the author, Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐
The story about singer Amber and lecturer Jane was cozy and nice. Two completely different characters. Amber is open and lively, while Jane is more reserved and very careful in her statements. Jane's autism was portrayed very realistically.
At the beginning, I really wondered how these two would get together, because Amber has everything that Jane has excluded from her life. I found their first encounter particularly exciting and could definitely see the chemistry between them. The first dates were really sweet and a connection slowly developed. But at some point, I lost interest in the plot. I don't know if it was because of the pace or the progression of the relationship. I just missed what draws me into a love story and makes me not want to put the book down. And the 3-act breakup... that came very suddenly for me and Jane was a bit out of character.
All in all, a sweet Australian opposites attract love story with two lovable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The story about singer Amber and lecturer Jane was cozy and nice. Two completely different characters. Amber is open and lively, while Jane is more reserved and very careful in her statements. Jane's autism was portrayed very realistically.
At the beginning, I really wondered how these two would get together, because Amber has everything that Jane has excluded from her life. I found their first encounter particularly exciting and could definitely see the chemistry between them. The first dates were really sweet and a connection slowly developed. But at some point, I lost interest in the plot. I don't know if it was because of the pace or the progression of the relationship. I just missed what draws me into a love story and makes me not want to put the book down. And the 3-act breakup... that came very suddenly for me and Jane was a bit out of character.
All in all, a sweet Australian opposites attract love story with two lovable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aussie academic meets Hollywood
This book was an absolute charmer which had me at first thoroughly entertained and chuckling along and then got me thinking about what‘s important in life.
There is Jane, Australian, an academic focused on her career, oblivious to anything else, esp. to American pop-culture, neurodivergent. She visits her sister‘s family in L.A. and invites her niece to a concert where she meets free-wheeling artist Amber. Talk about opposites attract! There are quite a few outright hilarious as well as tongue-in-cheek moments.
When both decide to try long-distance Jane‘s job and her career bring dark academia vibes along which enriches the story.
The story was very well written. The author had obviously fun writing the first part which reads much like a rom-com and was equally invested in adding the more serious parts. Well done! A lovely read.
I received an ARC from via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily
This book was an absolute charmer which had me at first thoroughly entertained and chuckling along and then got me thinking about what‘s important in life.
There is Jane, Australian, an academic focused on her career, oblivious to anything else, esp. to American pop-culture, neurodivergent. She visits her sister‘s family in L.A. and invites her niece to a concert where she meets free-wheeling artist Amber. Talk about opposites attract! There are quite a few outright hilarious as well as tongue-in-cheek moments.
When both decide to try long-distance Jane‘s job and her career bring dark academia vibes along which enriches the story.
The story was very well written. The author had obviously fun writing the first part which reads much like a rom-com and was equally invested in adding the more serious parts. Well done! A lovely read.
I received an ARC from via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily
March 15, 2026
One of my favourite tropes is the superstar/famous actress meets and falls hard for every day, working-class woman. There’s just something magical about the idea. Liz Rain captures the essence of many sapphics daydreams in The Meet and Greet.
Jane’s sights are hyper-focused on her future. She knows what she wants and has worked hard for it. After a somewhat awkward and definitely surreal experience with one of Australia’s most beloved pop stars, she is suddenly spun out of her own orbit and into that of fame, excitement, and suddenly feeling like she is losing control.
Amber is drawn to Jane from the moment she meets the university lecturer, and she isn’t afraid to pursue what she wants. Keeping her though, with her erratic, jet-setting lifestyle, becomes a challenge she is determined to meet.
Being inclusive plays a big part in the authentic feel of Rain’s writing, making the characters relevant and relatable to a wider audience, without it feeling forced. I enjoyed getting to know Jane and her niece, and the strong bond they had was sweet. And the patience that Amber has toward Jane, is endearing. She pushes gently, not letting her get away with retreating back into the safety of routine and consistency.
I received an ARC from YLVA Publishing via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
Jane’s sights are hyper-focused on her future. She knows what she wants and has worked hard for it. After a somewhat awkward and definitely surreal experience with one of Australia’s most beloved pop stars, she is suddenly spun out of her own orbit and into that of fame, excitement, and suddenly feeling like she is losing control.
Amber is drawn to Jane from the moment she meets the university lecturer, and she isn’t afraid to pursue what she wants. Keeping her though, with her erratic, jet-setting lifestyle, becomes a challenge she is determined to meet.
Being inclusive plays a big part in the authentic feel of Rain’s writing, making the characters relevant and relatable to a wider audience, without it feeling forced. I enjoyed getting to know Jane and her niece, and the strong bond they had was sweet. And the patience that Amber has toward Jane, is endearing. She pushes gently, not letting her get away with retreating back into the safety of routine and consistency.
I received an ARC from YLVA Publishing via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Slipped the telephone number of the pop start Amber while treating her niece Sara to a ‘meet and greet’ after the concert results in Jane, a serious academic who doesn’t know one pop star from another and who is also autistic going on a coffee ‘date’ with impulsive, bubbly Amber.
We are then pulled along on their hurdle filled journey where they each have to learn(if they want their romance to succeed) how to accept and adjust to each others view/take on life which are impacted by their respective histories and differing personalities.
It’s an interesting, at times funny, low angst romance with a dash of heat that kept me entertained.
Thanks to Ylva and NetGalley for the ARC - this review was left honestly and voluntarily
We are then pulled along on their hurdle filled journey where they each have to learn(if they want their romance to succeed) how to accept and adjust to each others view/take on life which are impacted by their respective histories and differing personalities.
It’s an interesting, at times funny, low angst romance with a dash of heat that kept me entertained.
Thanks to Ylva and NetGalley for the ARC - this review was left honestly and voluntarily
February 27, 2026
Interesting story with neurodivergent, Jane who doesn't do well in social situations and is extremely nerdy and awkward.
Amber is an Australian rock star who’s been around for awhile. In Australia she’s very well known and famous. In the US, not as much. Jane’s niece, Sara, wants to go to her concert and Jane takes her there as a birthday gift. The concert includes a meet and greet. Amber's character was kind and patient with all her fans. She falls hard for Jane and pursues her. Jane is overwhelmed with the attention and tries to get out of it.
3rd act breakup was imminent, but knew it was coming. The ending was rushed and I felt like it needed to tie up a few more loose ends, but overall, not a bad story.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amber is an Australian rock star who’s been around for awhile. In Australia she’s very well known and famous. In the US, not as much. Jane’s niece, Sara, wants to go to her concert and Jane takes her there as a birthday gift. The concert includes a meet and greet. Amber's character was kind and patient with all her fans. She falls hard for Jane and pursues her. Jane is overwhelmed with the attention and tries to get out of it.
3rd act breakup was imminent, but knew it was coming. The ending was rushed and I felt like it needed to tie up a few more loose ends, but overall, not a bad story.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a sweet, cosy read with two very loveable main characters. From the start, I adored both Jane and Amber. They are truly opposites, however the understanding and communication between them was enjoyable to read.
The Meet and Greet had a super cute storyline and was relatively low angst making it a light, easy read.
The author really brought the characters to life through displaying their vulnerabilities, as well as mistakes. Jane especially was a delightful character to unravel and it was a pleasure to read her growth.
Thank you NetGalley and Ylva publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Meet and Greet had a super cute storyline and was relatively low angst making it a light, easy read.
The author really brought the characters to life through displaying their vulnerabilities, as well as mistakes. Jane especially was a delightful character to unravel and it was a pleasure to read her growth.
Thank you NetGalley and Ylva publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun take on an opposites-attract, celebrity/non-celebrity romance. When I first started reading, I couldn’t see how Jane and Amber could end up together, but after the first few chapters, I was so sucked in that all I wanted to do was read and see what happened next. This novel has a great blend of humor and emotion, and I’d easily recommend this novel to anyone looking for a light and funny, but still emotionally driven read. I would love to see a novella of these two in the future, or another book in this same universe with cameos from them.
Bonus for the Australian accents, imagined or not.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
Bonus for the Australian accents, imagined or not.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was happy to suspend belief and settle in for a fun ride. I enjoyed the first half, then the spectre of separation loomed, it wasn’t dragged out and happened. Half way through I am still enjoying it. I think compelling might be over stating it but I am certainly happy to keep reading. I do keep reading and shortly after halfway, possibly before 75%, compelling comes calling. I enjoyed this, and enjoyed the Australianisms and quirks, which also have similarities to British vernacular, that I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the good natured ribbing of American differences. 3.5.
February 12, 2026
4.5 stars
I had fun with this one. I liked Amber and Jane's relationship, and I really appreciated the autism rep for Jane. I think this one does a good job of presenting a different worlds collide romance with the MCs being a singer and a sociology instructor. I don't know what it is exactly, but something about how this was written just ticked all the right boxes for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I had fun with this one. I liked Amber and Jane's relationship, and I really appreciated the autism rep for Jane. I think this one does a good job of presenting a different worlds collide romance with the MCs being a singer and a sociology instructor. I don't know what it is exactly, but something about how this was written just ticked all the right boxes for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
February 15, 2026
opposites attract
Definitely a ‘breath of fresh air’ book. I loved the characters, especially Jane. Very ‘opposites attract’ but both working to really ‘see’ each other.
The secondary characters add but don’t detract from the story and it certainly reaches a warm HEA.
Definitely a ‘breath of fresh air’ book. I loved the characters, especially Jane. Very ‘opposites attract’ but both working to really ‘see’ each other.
The secondary characters add but don’t detract from the story and it certainly reaches a warm HEA.
February 18, 2026
Excellent! Fun and flirty with great mains who after a surprising start established a real connection. Also a big smile from me for the Nick Cave cameo and MC Jane's reaction.
Did Not Finish
May 29, 2026DNF at 29% - not for me and not sure why, maybe style of the writing. Quite boring and other reviews confirmed late third act break up without enough time to get over it.
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