Love and Other Distractions

by Tracy Baack

She’s always seen love as an obstacle to what she wants. How long can she deny that it’s exactly what she needs?

Amaya Simmons is climbing the corporate ladder one determined step at a time. Career goals? Crushing it. Finding love? Hard pass.

When Amaya earns a huge promotion, she’s elated. When she’s assigned a temporary consultant to help with data analytics, she’s annoyed. When she discovers who that consultant is, she’s horrified.

Not only is Miguel Alvarez her best friend’s brother-in-law, he’s also the only man who has ever tempted her to give love a shot—before she shut off her heart and doubled down on never.

As they collaborate at work, Amaya finds herself wishing Miguel’s presence wasn’t temporary. But that feeling is precisely the distraction she’s convinced will hinder her career.

Can the encouragement of her faith and her friends drown out the voices of doubt? Or will Amaya push love away permanently?

Love and Other Distractions is a contemporary best friend's brother-in-law, workplace romance. Readers who appreciate sweet romances, relatable characters with depth and growth, and light faith themes will love this story. You'll find plenty of swoon with no spice in this closed-door, kisses-only romance.

This is the third book in the interconnected Love and Other. . . series, following Love and Other Goals and Love and Other Chances. While written as a standalone, reading the books in order will provide the best reader experience.

Content Toxic absent parent, past drug use and promiscuity, mentions of miscarriage and opioid overdose.

Genres: Christian

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2026

Reviews

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading)]

I had the honor of proofreading this one, and it is SO
GOOD!

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, the Love and Other series has come to an end! I love the Beefs so much, and it’s bittersweet to watch Tracy’s chapter with them close. Lana’s story was one of my favorites of this year thus far & I’ve read Teegan’s story twice already. Needless to say, I’ve been anticipating this book & so glad I had the opportunity to read early.

Amaya’s lovely self had layers. She’s ambitious and determined, yet service-minded and loving. She was invested in people and loved learning. When Miguel walked back into her life after years of not seeing one another, the crush she harbored along with the forced proximity was the best to send our Corporate Queen into denial river real quick. Miguel comes with a lifeboat though, don’t you worry!!

Miguel and his thoughtfulness & patience reminded me of Mateo, but he also was so direct and honest, which was so needed for Amaya. He didn’t leave any room for her to doubt him and his intentions. We love a man who isn’t scared of a woman’s goals and wants to walk alongside her & support her dreams. I swear Tracy puts an extra special layer of intentionality in ALL the Alvarez men (looking at you, Luis😭). Go green flags!!💚💚

I so, so appreciated when Tracy incorporated Scripture & prayer into the narrative for Amaya. The girl needed reminding of her true identity, and I definitely cried as Amaya made this realization & changed course. The book really built to a wonderful last 25%. It was so sweet and I loved all the moments that made up this joyful ride for our final gal!

The Triangle of Treasure will live on in our minds & books 4eva. Tracy wrote these girls who loved each other so well and they leaned on Jesus the entire way. What a privilege it is to read these stories. Beefs for life.💖

Thanks for the ARC, Tracy! All thoughts are my own. 🥹

CW: This is a closed door romance with kisses only and no language and it included faith elements. There’s mention of an absent parent, a side character with a past drug issue, and past cheating from a former partner.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy Baack has delivered another amazing novel. This book has so much heart to it. The faith aspect of this book was so strong in recognizing your plan isn’t always what is best and learning to trust God’s plan.

When Miguel steps back into Amaya’s life as a fixture of more than just Lana’s brother in law, Amaya’s life plan is suddenly challenged. Amaya has to decide if her plan for success will bring her joy…or if falling in love, friendship, and service give her the greatest happiness.

Favorite parts:
-Hexagon of Happiness
-the baseball game
-the conference Miguel and Amaya attended together
-Miguel’s confidence in Amaya about her capabilities
-Miguel DTRing their relationship at the craziest moment possible
-Amaya’s faith
-time spent with the BEEFs or with Miguel’s family
-their first date— squeal
-time spent at the Hangout
-all the new hobbies attempted


Favorite Quotes
“That hardly seems like a good idea right after we admitted to having feelings for each other that we don’t know what to do about.”
His eyes catch mine with a spark of fire. “Speak for yourself. I know exactly what I want to do about my feelings.”

I’m precious not because of what I accomplish. I’m precious because of who loves me. Because of Jesus.

Nothing about your past scares me away from you. None of the choices you made back then make me not choose you now. This is really real.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars.

💙 The vibes:
- Workplace / coworkers
- Slow burn
- She’s a corporate queen
- He’s obsessed with it.
- Book 3 in interconnected series
- Closed door (kisses only)

💙 My thoughts:
As a workaholic, Amaya feels like there’s no space in her life to be distracted by a man. The first half of the book was slower paced while we got to know Amaya and see all of her inner-workings. Of course she meets a man and gets very distracted (😏) which made the second half of the book fly.

💙 The friend group is the focus of this series for me. Lana and Teegan were the ultimate voices of reason, constantly pouring truth into Amaya when she was struggling, and I loved to see how strong their friendship was.

💙 The romance was so sweet. Miguel meets Amaya right where she is at. He was so good to her. He was the exact type of guy she needed. Amaya has this super driven personality, but I still found her super likable. Her friendships brought out a lot of those moments that endeared me to her.

💙 The faith elements woven in this story (and in the series) make sense to me and fit well with the character arcs. I didn’t think the faith themes were heavy handed in this but were definitely there, and I felt like they supported the direction of the plot.

💙 Quick points with no context. The injury, the hobby hunting, and Amaya’s mom. Be still my heart. I loved those moments so much.

Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only)
Release date: April 16, 2026.

Thank you so much to Tracy Baack for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.

[Lisa Beloved · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect finish to a perfect Christian romance series ♥️

We follow Amaya, the career woman of the group of friends and see how she slowly learns where her worth truly lies. That whole process is kickstarted by our MMc Miguel who is such a sweet, calm and steady character.

The thought spirals, the freak out moments, the heart melting and so much more had me so emotionally invested, I lost a lot of sleep trying to finish this book in 24 hours.

Although I could personally not relate to the FMC too much, the MMC was so much like my husband that it had me squealing and go look for him just to give him a kiss.
Steady, calm and reliably, sweet and caring, aware of the FMCs emotional turmoil and bold on moments when necessary

Sorry, I’m gushing. But I can’t help it.
I just had the best time.

Wanna have a good time too?
Go read that book!
Or even better:
Read all three books in the series 😊

[Clean Book Hoarders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Other Distractions Review ✨

Love and Other Distractions is the third book in the Love and Other… series. In this book we’re following Amaya as she’s on her way to becoming the corporate queen of Kansas City. On her way up the ladder she is tasked to work with Miguel Alvarez, her best friends brother in law. When they start becoming closer together it’s hard to tell the lines between personal and professional, but she knows it would only be a matter of time before her go get it attitude sends him leaving. However is Miguel the one God has had for her all along? Read to find out, 5 ⭐️ read!

[Menallie Slusher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect end to the BEEF trilogy. I loved Amaya’s storyline. She is a strong independent woman.

Tracy writes Christian’s super well. Her faith felt believable and real. It didn’t feel forced or overly fake.

I continue to love being apart of Tracy’s ARC teams

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending for the BEEFs, although I’m sad it’s ended it was an amazing series. I loved Amaya and Miguel’s chemistry. Miguel was such a sweet and great man for Amaya. He fell hard and fast first for her while Amaya was reluctant after she had some bad experiences with relationships growing up. I won’t spoil anything but I love how Miguel made her feel loved and cherished even though she struggled with her absent father. There is a lot of life lessons here that Amaya learned. I loved the faith elements in this book. Teegan, Amaya and Lana the Beefs are legendary in my book. Loved their energy and true bond.

Tropes:
Contemporary romance
Best friend's brother-in-law
Workplace romance
Faith
Closed door, kisses-only

Another 5 star ⭐️ book from Tracy Baack

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a highly anticipated story for me, and I grew to love it more and more as I continued reading! Amaya is incredibly driven and ambitious, which has put love in the rear view mirror for her often. When Miguel comes back into her life, the sparks fly (as do the confusing feelings). I loved how patient and mature Miguel handled his pursuit of Amaya, and watching them come together was such a sweet payoff! I loved loved LOVED seeing Amaya reunited with her BEEFs Lana and Teegan again, and thought their relationship with each other (and their significant others) were tied up nicely. A great conclusion to one of my favorite series I’ve read this year!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alllll the stars for this one!!

•••

This book you guys.😭😍 This is the conclusion to one of my favorite contemporary romance series, and it’s bittersweet. I’m not ready to say goodby to the BEEFS yet.🥺

This series actually holds an extra place in my heart because when I started my Bookstagram page a little over a year and a half ago, Tracy was one of the first people that I connected with on here, and she’d just released her first book Love and Other Goals. I got the chance to read it and immediately fell in love with her writing style and her characters, never to look back. Every book she’s released since then I’ve had the privilege of being on her street team for. None of her books have disappointed in the least, and this one was no different. Also, Tracy herself is an amazing human being.🫶🏼

Here we finally get Amaya’s story- the last of our beloved BEEFS. We got Lana’s story in book one, and Teegan’s story in book two. This one comes full circle and completes all of their stories in the best ways possible.

(That ending!😭😭😭)

I loved Amaya. Her struggle to climb the corporate ladder and work hard to achieve every goal was inspiring and exhausting at the same time. She doesn’t want love in her life (or so she tells herself), and she doesn’t want to be held back from doing the best job she can possibly do.

When Miguel walks into her life as a temporary consultant at her job (who she will have to work very closely with btw), she is not happy. She doesn’t have time for all of the emotions his closeness brings, and she definitely doesn’t want to risk letting her guard down around her heart.

Miguel was definitely a favorite character for me. He is charming and sweet, and super smart. He isn’t intimidated by Amaya and her “corporate queen” status, but instead works alongside her to help her achieve her goals, and encourages her. I love their team dynamic!

And once again, we have Lana, Teegan and Amaya encouraging one another and always being there for each other.

I’m so sad to say goodbye to these best friends and their stories, but I know I will continue to read and reread these books for years to come.

•••

I was given an ARC of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

CW: past drug abuse, toxic absent parent, promiscuity, talk of miscarriage, and opioid overdose
Language: none
Spice: none- kisses only

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaya Simmons is a Corporate Queen. She's so intent on climbing the ladder that she's decided love is not for her. When she gets a promotion at work Amaya couldn't be happier. Until she finds out that she temporarily needs to work with a data analyst. Her new colleague turns out to be Miguel Alvarez, her best friend's brother-in-law - the only man who's ever made Amaya question her decision to say no to love.

Amaya is as far from me as it is possible. Instead of climbing any ladder I'm happy where I am - on the floor - and I have no plans of trying to get anywhere else. It's nice that we all have different goals and ambitions, but something I believe most of us still have in common is that we put value in what we DO, not who we ARE. Amaya struggles a lot with that and contemplates who she would be without her work and her drive. Miguel enjoys his job, but he's already realised that work isn't everything he is. While Amaya wants things to go fast, he slows her down to make sure everything goes right. He still tries to oblige her energy, without risking the end result. Miguel is really as charming and thoughtful as his brother Mateo, who we met in the first book in the series!

Since this is the last book we of course get an update of Lana's and Teegan's lives as well. The three best friends (the Beefs!) are together in the same city again, for the first time since they met in college, and it's so much fun to see how they've developed through the years. I've really enjoyed hanging with the Beefs and their partners and I'm going to miss all of them! My favorite is Lana, probably because I can relate to her the most, but the others are not far behind. All three books are written so they can be read as standalones, but to get the best reading experience I recommend that you read them in order!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *

[bookswithmari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaya’s story was perfection 🩵
I knew when I read LAOG (first in the series) that Amaya was going to be my favorite Beef and once I read Love and Other Distractions it was confirmed.

Amaya is driven, ambitious and determined. She has been successful climbing the corporate ladder and will not let anything slow her down especially a relationship. As someone who works in corporate America, reading Amaya’s story had me thinking of my own life especially early in my career, the feelings of self doubt, the feeling of needing to be successful at all costs and the thought that relationships will only get in the way. But when the right person shows up you start to see things different and your priorities change.

Miguel the only man that has made Amaya rethink her life plans and Amaya’s best friend’s brother in law. Without a doubt he is my favorite MMC from the series. He is patient and steady, someone you want to have in your corner. The way he shows up and the way he cares about Amaya had me fully swooning over him. The whole time I was thinking Tracy wrote this character based on my husband 😂

I have to admit none of the other LAO books made me cry but this one I may have shed a tear or two. But who can blame me when the book is beautifully written and it’s the end of the series. While I may be sad that the series is over I am glad that I found it because it will be a series that I plan to reread and a series I will always recommend to others.

Thank you @authortracybaack and @happilyeverreaders.services for the advance reader copy of Love and Other Distractions

While this can be read as a stand alone, you’ll love it even more if you read the first 2 books first:
💜 Love and Other Goals
🩷 Love and Other Chances
🩵 Love and Other Distractions

✨| For readers who enjoy:
Strong female friendships • Closed door romance • Workplace romance • Slow burn

[Stephanie Cragun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amaya & Miguel 🩵🩵🩵 The BEEF's 💜🩷🩵
The perfect ending to these special girls. I will always and forever recommend these books. They're so real, encouraging, faith-filled, just wonderful.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Tracy and @happilyeverreaders.services for allowing me to read this book in advance. It was such a bittersweet journey to get to read the last BEEFS book. I’ve been trying to get my thoughts together for days. 🫣

Amaya is a very goal driven, climb the corporate ladder, get the job done woman. She will not let any romantic relationship get in the way of her goals. Even her best friends (BEEFS) have known this since they all met in college. We get flashbacks to when there was only one person who could have changed her mind.

Miguel. He is the sweetest, self-confident guy who pays attention and notices what others don’t. He spends time showing Amaya she is valuable, she is worthy, and that her identity is not in what she accomplishes at her job.

I truly love the faith themes that are throughout this series. Amaya, like her friends, learns that her true identity is in Christ and how to actually lean into that instead of just having it be head knowledge.

I highly recommend not only this book but the series. In the first one, you meet all three of these girls when they are in college and we continue to follow their journeys as they become adults with careers and families. The epilogue was beautifully done as each girl, excuse me, woman got her own moment to reflect. even with wonderful families, these girls have a family with each other and their spouses (hexagon of happiness!! 😍), and ultimately in the Lord.

[Amanda Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh! The Beefs!!! 😍😍😍 This was a perfect ending to a great girls trio. I LOVED that these stories spanned over some 7 years! Honestly, part of the reason why I didn’t start reading the series sooner was that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read college romance stories, but these girls are hard NOT to love. 🥰

This story was soooo lovely on so many levels. Reading about Amaya’s desires and struggles in her job brought back memories of when I climbed up the corporate ladder before I became a teacher. I remember the struggle to find a balance and throughout the book kept crying out to Amaya saying “Your identity isn’t in your job. It’s in Jesus!” That struggle is so real and Tracy did a beautiful job capturing it!

Miguel had some big shoes to fill since his little bro, Mateo is one of my all time fave MMCs. 🤭 Miguel was a fantastic MMC that had some of the same traits as Mateo but obviously has a different personality that worked perfectly with Amaya. I loved how steady, constant and levelheaded he was for Amaya. But honestly, if Mateo and Miguel’s mom was real, I would want to ask her questions about how best to raise my 3 boys! #momgoals

I love Tracy’s writing style for many reasons but the one I really have noticed with her last two books is her pacing. She doesn’t follow normal romance book pacing where you as the reader expect certain events to happen at certain points in the book (ie. the MCs kiss at 75% or they break up or have miscommunication at 60%) and I’m TOTALLY here for it! I love that we see the characters deal with life stuff throughout the book and it isn’t just “Oh they get together at 87% of the way through book and things are happily ever after.” The characters may become a couple sooner (or later in some cases) but Tracy writes in real life problems, anxieties, big decisions, family dynamics, etc. and wonderfully shows how the characters deal with those adversities.

I loved the book and it was hard to know the Beefs stories are over! 😭 You can read this book as a standalone but it adds so much depth if you start with Love and Other Goals. I highly recommend this series and if you can’t get enough of the Beefs definitely don’t miss the extra Epilogue!! 😍

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book of the "love and other..." series and I loved it. I found myself relating in a lot of ways with Amaya so I was hooked with her story, and it made this book my favorite of the series.

Amaya is very determined, ambitious and work focus, but also care deeply for the people she cares. She has a mission: escalating the corporate ladder, and she will not let anything or anyone get in the way, not even love until Miguel. I loved seeing her confronting her issues/past and her grow throughout the story. It felt natural and relatable.

Miguel is the only one who has made her think in giving love a shot. Out of the MMC from the series, he is my favorite. He's patient, thoughtful and steady. I loved how he supported her and was always reassuring her of Christ's love for her and his love. Their relationship is really cute and I really enjoyed their hobby hunting.

The friendship between The Beefs was a key element in this story. Teegan and Lana were there to support and encourage Amaya, but also to tell her the hard truths with love when needed.

I appreciated how the author incorporates faith elements in a natural way and in the lives of each character, specially Amaya as MC. In this case, the message is about finding our identity and value in Christ which makes Amaya's growth special to read.

This book can be read as standalone, but having read the first two provides more depth of the characters and their dynamic.

* This is a closed-door romance with faith elements
* Thanks the author and Happily Ever Readers for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Lynsey McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final installment of this series is here, and this will go down in history as my favorite fictional friend group of all time.

As with the others in this series, Love and Other Distractions focuses on faith, the family we choose (or that finds us), friendship, and what it means to be loved on purpose. Amaya is so driven, but is that all she is? I love that her struggle rests in identity. We see her rest her value in her productivity and success, and I love the way her people point her in the right direction. Clear communication and the Truth handed out with love but not watered down? Slay. Just because we CAN do life alone, does not mean that we should!

Miguel, you have just been waiting for your moment, bro. He shows up quietly and confidently as himself. I love how secure he is in his own identity. His earnest contentment and security lends itself so completely to his pursuit of Amaya. Confidence in the King is key. We love it. The way he’s only affectionate with her… somebody help me— I’m dying.

I don’t want to spoil anything because there are some MOMENTS okay? Read this if you love found family, friend groups you would want to be a part of, and swoony (no-spice) romances.

I absolutely love these books and still cannot believe this was her debut series. I look forward to what else lives in her brain.

FOTMS: 🫑
Note: read the author’s trigger-warnings. Everything is dealt with very delicately, I personally think you’ll be just fine.

[LuluLobbesReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love!

💕Book 3 of standalone series!

💕Follows Amaya, a full on Corporate Queen, who has zero time or desire to fall in love and Miguel, a golden retriever data analyst determined to be her support and forever love.

💕These two are absolutely adorable ! The way they help each other, work together and bond is amazing.

💕Aside from the main romance, we got a beautiful dose of friendship, personal growth, faith elements and strong family bonds.

💕 Once again I highly recommend any book by Tracy Baack and this one is no different! The story and writing are gold!

💕Spice :0

💕Language:0

💕This book was given as an ARC, so first of thank you to author Tracy Baack. Second, all thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or more

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A best friend's brother-in-law, workplace romance. This is the third and final book for the series Love and Other… it was such a pleasure to round out the trio of friends and for Amaya to finally have her HEA. (While written as a standalone, reading the books in order will provide the best reader experience.)

Amaya is so focused on work and climbing the ladder of success that she has sworn off love and relationships completely. Exclusively relying on her BEEFS for any support she may need, when she does show how she’s feeling.

Miguel is Amaya’s best friend’s brother-in-law and a data specialist who is brought in to help her in her new promotion. He also used to put work first.

Thinking she can get his assistance quickly and move him along, she tries to push things forward and rush the process but soon learns that she needs to slow down. Just because she had a crush on him a few years back doesn’t mean she can move on those feelings now. She has a goal and a relationship will just get in the way.

I really enjoyed getting to understand Amaya’s character better and see her faith grow into so much more. Seeing her growth turned the tide for me with enjoying this book. It started out with a lot of business terms and Tracy really showed the depth of her workaholism. As she spent time with Miguel, she was able to see where her focus was instead of God and why she focused on it so much. She was able to have some healing and grow so much that I grew to love her.

Content Toxic awareness: absent parent, past drug use and promiscuity, mentions of miscarriage and opioid overdose.

#coverreveal #sweetromance #christianromance #closeddoorromance #bestfriendsbrotherinlaw

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beefs are back!
I loved this conclusion to the Beefs. It took me awhile to finish it because I didn't connect as much to Amaya's character as she is strong, determined, work focused (completely opposite to myself) so I put the book down for a few weeks. I picked it up again last night and I couldn't put it down. The book changed half way through when Amaya starts to realise there is more to life than work. I loved Amaya's back story, and how meeting Jesus changed her, enabled her to walk away from her hurts. So much growth spiritually and personally throughout this book.

[Robin Henicksman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Other Distractions is a book about finding one self and maybe one true love on the way. Amaya is a strong independent women that wants to climb to the top of the corporate ladder. When she gets a new job to start on her way, she didn’t know she was going to see the man she was going to change everything for. While finding what truly matters Amaya finds herself and finds her true love along the way! This is the 3rd book of the series and I read this one first . I do recommend going back and reading the first two first and then this one. though this one was really good as a stand alone and the epilogue are to die for!! thanks for letting me be part of the arc team!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, not me on the couch sobbing. BEEFs! The was the most perfect conclusion to this series. I savored this book and let myself sit in all my feelings as I read it. Tracy has such a way with taking readers on an emotional journey. I loved watching the relationship between Amaya and Miguel bloom. Amaya had so much personal growth as she worked through why she placed so much of her identity in her work and success. I loved how supportive the BEEFs are of each other and to see snippets of their stories continue as well. Full circle. These characters will be living rent free in my head for a long time.

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now officially obsessed with Tracy Bacck and the BEEFs. 😍 Full review to come…


Love And Other Distractions is my first read by Tracy Baack and I. Am. A. Fan. I love Tracy’s writing style. This book is so heartwarming — it felt like a breath of fresh air. I didn’t want to stop reading! I’ve heard about the BEEFs since joining Bookstagram, and this story absolutely lived up to the hype. I can’t wait to go back and read the first two.

I loved Miguel and Amaya — they complement each other perfectly! She is driven, ambitious, and extremely career-focused, but she also has such a heart for people and service. Miguel is brilliant and successful, but he has the wisdom and maturity of someone who has learned through personal experience and grown from it. He is steady and supportive while also gently challenging some of Amaya’s workaholic tendencies. I love how patient and understanding he is, delicately balancing her determined drive with his tender care and concern. He wasn’t intimidated by her success and ambition and was genuinely proud of her accomplishments. His desire to help her find a hobby that brought her joy was so endearing!

Miguel seemed kind of reserved at first, but once he made his feelings known, all bets were off. He was absolutely swoony! The direct and honest conversations between him and Amaya were so refreshing. He left no room for doubt or misunderstanding. He said some of the sweetest things — I found myself highlighting line after line.

I loved the prayers and spiritual themes Tracy included. They were woven into the story so seamlessly. I especially loved seeing Amaya lean into her relationship with God when she needed direction. Her growth was beautiful to watch.

If you love strong friend groups, intentional dating without unnecessary drama, upfront communication, spiritual themes, and total green flag MMCs, definitely add this one to your TBR!

✨ Tropes:✨
• Newly Promoted Rev Ops Director
• Brilliant Data Analyst
• She’s Driven and Ambitious
• He’s Steady and Supportive
• Best Friend’s Brother-in-Law
• Workplace Romance
• She Falls First
• One Bed
• She Takes Care of Him
• Forced Proximity
• Girl Group
• Faith Themes
• Single POV

Favorites:
💭Amaya’s inner dialogue
📱Miguel and Amaya’s texts
😁Hexagon of Happiness
☺️Brooks’ insight and wisdom
❤️‍🩹The conference + one room
🤕Her taking care of him
💙Him sharing his feelings and desires
💕Their first date
🤭Miguel’s thoughtfulness + the sweet things he would say
😉How in tune they are with one another
💖The relationships between the BEEFs
🥹Amaya and Miguel’s Dad
😍The intentional way they dated and pursued one another
🫶🏻Open and honest conversations even when they are hard
📝Love notes from Miguel
🥰Making space for the people who matter


Thank you Tracy Baack and Happily Ever Reader Services for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!! Amaya’s story was WORTH THE WAIT!!!
What a beautiful conclusion to the BEEF’s trilogy.

Amaya is ambitious and I loved that she is celebrated and encouraged to follow the gifts God has given her. I love ALL the friend and family dynamics we get to experience throughout the story.

If you love stories that champion strong, goal driven women, and endearing found families, you will adore this story. What a precious way to wrap up this beloved series.

Thank you, Tracy for the ARC copy of Amaya’s beautiful story.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the sweet romance and how Miguel supported Amaya through all of her big career goals. I also lived how they said they brought each other joy.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want the Beefs story to end! What a journey we’ve been on with them.

Content warnings: kisses only

[Bri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Other Distractions by @authortracybaack
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was the absolute best ending to our BEEFs journey. I absolutely loved getting to read Amaya's HEA and see how she grew through this book. 

Our Corporate Queen taking KC by storm and our favorite Data Analyst supporting his strong woman in all the right ways. 

Miguel is absolutely one of the best MMCs I've read (and I absolutely LOVE all Tracy's MMCs; don't make me pick a favorite). He is so supportive of Amaya and her dreams and constantly reassuring her that her ambition doesn't scare him. He is exactly what she needs in her life: a supportive, understanding, full of love man who loves her deeply. 

I also loved getting to learn more about Amaya's past: what led to her ambitions, the struggles she walked through, and how she ultimately worked to overcome them and learn to find her identity in Christ, not her job.

This time, I tried to keep a cry counter...and failed. I lost count after ~25 (this incudes sobbing and misty eye moments).

Reading the end of the BEEFs was so bittersweet and emotional, but Tracy did a phenomenal job wrapping up this series. Be sure to get the bonus epilogue so you can also get a 5 years later chapter 

Thank you for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to ARC read your books and be a part of your BEEFs. It's healed a part of me and helped me in so many different ways. Thank you 🫶🏻

#loveandotherdistractions
#supportindieauthors #favoriteauthor #closeddoorromance #bookreview

[Jordan Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Tracy Baack couldn’t have wrapped up this “Love and Other…” series any better! Amaya has always been the go-getter of the friend group while her besties find their happily ever afters, but it’s finally her turn! And Miguel is her perfect match (and my new fave book boyfriend of this series👏🏼). The character growth and tension in this one are top notch!

read if you like:
+ workplace romance
+ kisses only romance (but plenty of banter + swoon-worthy moments!)
+ best friend’s brother-in-law
+ faith themes
+ family dynamics

✨what I loved✨
+ Amaya the Corporate Queen
+ Miguel’s dimples
+ a man with quiet kindness + thoughtfulness
+ KC vibes and sports!!
+ hobby hunting
+ macarons
+ bestie group chat
+ the hexagon of happiness 😂
+ “May, pronounced My, as in Mine” 💌
+ character growth + intentional conversions 👏🏼
+ 12 minutes ahead of schedule (iykyk 🥹)

favorite quote: “To be so wanted, so cherished by this man is more intoxicating than any job promotion.”

[Hannah & Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love and Other Distractions

5 Stars

Overview: Amaya Simmons is laser-focused on her rising career until a promotion pairs her with Miguel Alvarez. Connecting in the past, he was the one man who once made her question her no-love rule. As their connection deepens, she must decide whether risking her heart will change her career ambitions or lead her to exactly what she’s been missing.

Our Thoughts: ""Love and Other Distractions"" is an irresistible blend of workplace tension, second-chance romance, and a heroine whose ambition feels real and relatable. With heartfelt faith elements, swoon-worthy chemistry, and emotional depth, it’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after the final page—a true five-star read! Tracy Baack does it again!

#LoveAndOtherDistractions #LoveAndOther #TracyBaack #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #readwithushm #sisterwhoread"

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️ARC REVIEW‼️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book 3 in this beautiful series! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but don’t miss out on these girls and their friendship!

Amaya struggles with wanting to succeed no matter the cost. Miguel comes along and causes her to question how she can make time to find joy in her life outside of work. Follow along to see how the most patient, loving man shows up for his girl. ❤️