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Not His Girlfriend (Yet): 4 1/2 Dates and a Fracture
She called his mother at 1 AM and said "sa copine." She told the nurse at 5:47 and said "girlfriend." He doesn't know about either one.
A warm, sharp, stay-up-past-your-bedtime winter romance about a graphic designer who accidentally becomes a firefighter's emergency contact — and then his temporary roommate. Two cats. One hallway. Neither of them will cross it — until someone does.
Set in Montréal, where the snow falls straight down, the cats have opinions, and the truth keeps slipping out at 2 AM.
A warm, sharp, stay-up-past-your-bedtime winter romance about a graphic designer who accidentally becomes a firefighter's emergency contact — and then his temporary roommate. Two cats. One hallway. Neither of them will cross it — until someone does.
Set in Montréal, where the snow falls straight down, the cats have opinions, and the truth keeps slipping out at 2 AM.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 7, 2026
I really enjoyed some of the figurative language in this book and that it was nice and short (only 16 chapters)! Some parts moved slowly and at some parts the dialouge was hard to follow, but it was still a soft read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (one closed door scenes between an unmarried couple)
Language: None
Drug/Alcohol Content: 🍺🍺
Other Content: the main characters live together at first only because the guy needs someone to stay with him after his accident, but later in the book they start living together because they want to
*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Gallery and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (one closed door scenes between an unmarried couple)
Language: None
Drug/Alcohol Content: 🍺🍺
Other Content: the main characters live together at first only because the guy needs someone to stay with him after his accident, but later in the book they start living together because they want to
*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Gallery and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2026
It’s a cute story. It had a great plot and I enjoyed seeing how they learned each other and found themselves
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of Not His Girlfriend (Yet). I was not paid or otherwise compensated for this review.
This novella follows Nora, when she finds herself thrust into the role of carer for Ethan, her erstwhile haven't-defined-what-they-are-to-eachother, after two kisses and four-and-a-half-dates and a car accident that leaves Ethan with a broken hip.
It examines the tension between Nora's need to feel needed, her fear that she was overstepping, and the competing demands on her time; and Ethan's fear of being too demanding. I really loved how this novel exposed the cost of caregiving and framed it as a gendered expectation; how it was just expected by the doctors and physios that one of the women in his life would take on all the unpaid care for him; how it exposed the cost of that care (working with nightmare clients at all hours while Ethan is asleep so she can afford rent) and the expectation that she will make it invisible.
The author clearly knows what it's like inside a hospital. They captured really beautifully the way you focus on anything else so you don't have to think about what you're afraid of, how jarring and limiting pain can be, how your whole identity can be displaced by pain, especially when your identity was based around what you did physically. I really liked how they showed Ethan losing, then regaining, part of himself that he was known for - unflappable calmness under pressure.
Makeup is used beautifully as a metaphor for armor. Nora wasn't born in a vacuum; the reader has a fair idea of what must have happened to her for her to feel the need to layer on protection. It's interesting to me that Ethan just wants to see her behind the walls, but never questioned why she felt the need to build them in the first place.
This book got so, so close to exposing a truth that is core for so many women. But it stopped short of where it could have gone. Now, fair, not everyone wants a feminist treatise backdoored in their fluffy romance read. I get it. But it got SO close.
It said the quiet part out loud - that care is expensive and exhausting, that women are expected to hide the cost, so we build these walls, we hide behind our masks, because we have been conditioned culturally to believe that we won't be lovable if we let the cost to us, or our imperfections, show. Ethan SAW the labor that would normally slip past, invisible.
But it didn't take the next step. Ethan said nothing instead of, I don't know, offering to pay her fairly for the enormous amount of work she was doing so she wasn't working freelance at all hours so she could clear her rent check (and we know he'd got the driver's insurance details!). When they FINALLY have a conversation like adults - and I'll give them grace, I didn't expect them to while he was hopped up on morphine, but it took over six frigging weeks of misaligned expectations and an accident that left him helpless on the floor for them to finally talk - instead of him acknowledging the imbalance, expressing gratitude and trying to make things fair, or her acknowledging the imbalance and asking for fairness when he's feeling well enough, she leans in to needing to be needed and threatens to throw his crutches out the window.
What came so close to being a really lovely feminist romance novel ended with a note of codependence.
I get it. It can't be pushed too far. I just wish it had gone half a step further and challenger Nora as to why she feels like she needs to be needed, and let them navigate a romance where labor is writ visible and kept balanced.
As a side note - being set with a Quebecois male lead, all the characters are bilingual, most of them trilingual. I actually loved the way the author used the different languages and showed subtleties of meaning and miscommunication that couldn't be done any other way. That being said, while the author often puts as an aside what is actually meant, they didn't always, which meant I had to do a lot of translation, which rather broke the immersion.
I wanted to give this 3.5 stars but have rounded up to 4. Codependent ending aside, it at least pulled back the mask. Which is a hell of a lot more than most other romances.
This novella follows Nora, when she finds herself thrust into the role of carer for Ethan, her erstwhile haven't-defined-what-they-are-to-eachother, after two kisses and four-and-a-half-dates and a car accident that leaves Ethan with a broken hip.
It examines the tension between Nora's need to feel needed, her fear that she was overstepping, and the competing demands on her time; and Ethan's fear of being too demanding. I really loved how this novel exposed the cost of caregiving and framed it as a gendered expectation; how it was just expected by the doctors and physios that one of the women in his life would take on all the unpaid care for him; how it exposed the cost of that care (working with nightmare clients at all hours while Ethan is asleep so she can afford rent) and the expectation that she will make it invisible.
The author clearly knows what it's like inside a hospital. They captured really beautifully the way you focus on anything else so you don't have to think about what you're afraid of, how jarring and limiting pain can be, how your whole identity can be displaced by pain, especially when your identity was based around what you did physically. I really liked how they showed Ethan losing, then regaining, part of himself that he was known for - unflappable calmness under pressure.
Makeup is used beautifully as a metaphor for armor. Nora wasn't born in a vacuum; the reader has a fair idea of what must have happened to her for her to feel the need to layer on protection. It's interesting to me that Ethan just wants to see her behind the walls, but never questioned why she felt the need to build them in the first place.
This book got so, so close to exposing a truth that is core for so many women. But it stopped short of where it could have gone. Now, fair, not everyone wants a feminist treatise backdoored in their fluffy romance read. I get it. But it got SO close.
It said the quiet part out loud - that care is expensive and exhausting, that women are expected to hide the cost, so we build these walls, we hide behind our masks, because we have been conditioned culturally to believe that we won't be lovable if we let the cost to us, or our imperfections, show. Ethan SAW the labor that would normally slip past, invisible.
But it didn't take the next step. Ethan said nothing instead of, I don't know, offering to pay her fairly for the enormous amount of work she was doing so she wasn't working freelance at all hours so she could clear her rent check (and we know he'd got the driver's insurance details!). When they FINALLY have a conversation like adults - and I'll give them grace, I didn't expect them to while he was hopped up on morphine, but it took over six frigging weeks of misaligned expectations and an accident that left him helpless on the floor for them to finally talk - instead of him acknowledging the imbalance, expressing gratitude and trying to make things fair, or her acknowledging the imbalance and asking for fairness when he's feeling well enough, she leans in to needing to be needed and threatens to throw his crutches out the window.
What came so close to being a really lovely feminist romance novel ended with a note of codependence.
I get it. It can't be pushed too far. I just wish it had gone half a step further and challenger Nora as to why she feels like she needs to be needed, and let them navigate a romance where labor is writ visible and kept balanced.
As a side note - being set with a Quebecois male lead, all the characters are bilingual, most of them trilingual. I actually loved the way the author used the different languages and showed subtleties of meaning and miscommunication that couldn't be done any other way. That being said, while the author often puts as an aside what is actually meant, they didn't always, which meant I had to do a lot of translation, which rather broke the immersion.
I wanted to give this 3.5 stars but have rounded up to 4. Codependent ending aside, it at least pulled back the mask. Which is a hell of a lot more than most other romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 25, 2026Not His Girlfriend (Yet): 4 1/2 Dates and a Fracture is a warm, emotionally engaging romance that beautifully balances humor, vulnerability, and slow burning connection within an intimate and cozy atmosphere. M.T. Liu crafts a story filled with charm, emotional sincerity, and sharp dialogue, creating a reading experience that feels both comforting and deeply immersive.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the natural chemistry between the characters and the subtle emotional tension woven throughout their interactions. The accidental emergency contact setup and temporary roommate dynamic create moments that feel both humorous and emotionally authentic, allowing the relationship to unfold in a way that feels genuine and emotionally rewarding. The quiet intimacy between them becomes just as powerful as the romantic tension itself.
The Montréal winter setting and small details throughout the story add tremendous personality and warmth to the narrative. From the late night conversations to the cats with opinions and emotionally vulnerable moments slipping out unexpectedly, the atmosphere feels cozy, grounded, and memorable. M.T. Liu balances wit, emotional depth, and romantic development with confidence and heart.
Charming, intimate, and emotionally satisfying, Not His Girlfriend (Yet) is a delightful contemporary romance that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy slow burn relationships, cozy winter settings, emotionally driven storytelling, and heartfelt romantic tension.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the natural chemistry between the characters and the subtle emotional tension woven throughout their interactions. The accidental emergency contact setup and temporary roommate dynamic create moments that feel both humorous and emotionally authentic, allowing the relationship to unfold in a way that feels genuine and emotionally rewarding. The quiet intimacy between them becomes just as powerful as the romantic tension itself.
The Montréal winter setting and small details throughout the story add tremendous personality and warmth to the narrative. From the late night conversations to the cats with opinions and emotionally vulnerable moments slipping out unexpectedly, the atmosphere feels cozy, grounded, and memorable. M.T. Liu balances wit, emotional depth, and romantic development with confidence and heart.
Charming, intimate, and emotionally satisfying, Not His Girlfriend (Yet) is a delightful contemporary romance that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy slow burn relationships, cozy winter settings, emotionally driven storytelling, and heartfelt romantic tension.
July 1, 2026
I was sold on this novella the moment I read in the description that cats were involved. It certainly lives up to its literary form: short, focused on one main conflict, centred around two protagonists, with minimal subplots and concise storytelling. Although, I must say, there were fewer on cats than I had hoped for.
At the heart of the story is a very interesting question: what are you to each other after four successful dates and one meaningful kiss? Are you already a couple? Or, if nothing has actually been discussed, are you still just two strangers? Honestly, it feels like a kind of emotional purgatory.
Nora and Ethan are stuck in exactly this situation and have to figure out what they mean to each other while Nora helps Ethan recover from an accident caused by her best friend. I found it interesting to see the emotional restraint from both characters, and their inability to fully express their feelings. I think many of us can relate to that in some way: wanting to keep making a good impression, while being afraid to show vulnerability. But then again, how much trust can you really build after only four dates?
I would have preferred each chapter to have a title or clearer indication of whose perspective we were reading, rather than having to guess. I was also slightly put off by the way some chapters began by repeating what had just been said at the end of the previous one. In general, the book felt quite repetitive at times, and towards the end I also became tired of the clinical language.
For these reasons, I can only give it 3 stars.
At the heart of the story is a very interesting question: what are you to each other after four successful dates and one meaningful kiss? Are you already a couple? Or, if nothing has actually been discussed, are you still just two strangers? Honestly, it feels like a kind of emotional purgatory.
Nora and Ethan are stuck in exactly this situation and have to figure out what they mean to each other while Nora helps Ethan recover from an accident caused by her best friend. I found it interesting to see the emotional restraint from both characters, and their inability to fully express their feelings. I think many of us can relate to that in some way: wanting to keep making a good impression, while being afraid to show vulnerability. But then again, how much trust can you really build after only four dates?
I would have preferred each chapter to have a title or clearer indication of whose perspective we were reading, rather than having to guess. I was also slightly put off by the way some chapters began by repeating what had just been said at the end of the previous one. In general, the book felt quite repetitive at times, and towards the end I also became tired of the clinical language.
For these reasons, I can only give it 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nora Chen and Ethan Morin have been on four and a half dates when a freak accident lands Ethan in the hospital with a broken pelvis. Is she his girlfriend? They've only kissed twice and one of those was an accident.
Nora feels like she has to be perfect all the time. She spends hours before every date getting ready, plastering on make-up so she always looks pristine. Carefully schooling her features, her voice, even her breathing. Always scared that her authentic self is too much, too big, too loud.
Ethan is a firefighter who feels like he has to downplay everything and is afraid to ask anyone for anything (including help) because when he leans on someone they always leave.
Can forced proximity face these two lost souls to drop the façade and be real?
This is a difficult book to review, I see from NetGalley that it is a novella (although it didn't feel that way reading it) and it sort of makes sense because there's a whole lot of nothing much happening and not a lot of backstory as to why Nora and Ethan feel they have to behave the way they do. Also, I'm not sure on what grounds they fall in love. It was pleasant enough but I wasn't enthralled enough to download the free epilogue.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Nora feels like she has to be perfect all the time. She spends hours before every date getting ready, plastering on make-up so she always looks pristine. Carefully schooling her features, her voice, even her breathing. Always scared that her authentic self is too much, too big, too loud.
Ethan is a firefighter who feels like he has to downplay everything and is afraid to ask anyone for anything (including help) because when he leans on someone they always leave.
Can forced proximity face these two lost souls to drop the façade and be real?
This is a difficult book to review, I see from NetGalley that it is a novella (although it didn't feel that way reading it) and it sort of makes sense because there's a whole lot of nothing much happening and not a lot of backstory as to why Nora and Ethan feel they have to behave the way they do. Also, I'm not sure on what grounds they fall in love. It was pleasant enough but I wasn't enthralled enough to download the free epilogue.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
August 20, 2026
Not His Girlfriend (Yet): 4 1/2 Dates and a Fracture by M.T. Liu has an immediately appealing romantic premise built around an accidental emergency contact, an unexpected living arrangement, and two people trying very hard not to cross a line that seems increasingly difficult to maintain. The Montréal winter setting adds a cozy atmosphere, while the presence of two opinionated cats gives the story an extra layer of warmth and humor.
The relationship between the graphic designer and firefighter develops through an unusual combination of circumstance, proximity, and the little moments where feelings begin to reveal themselves before either character is ready to acknowledge them. The detail of people already referring to them as a couple before he even realizes what is happening creates a playful source of tension and gives the story its distinctive charm.
Readers who enjoy contemporary romance, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, slow burn relationships, cozy winter settings, romantic comedy, and emotionally warm novellas should find this story particularly appealing. Its compact length and character focused premise also make it a strong choice for readers looking for a quick romantic escape that still delivers chemistry, humor, and genuine emotional development.
The relationship between the graphic designer and firefighter develops through an unusual combination of circumstance, proximity, and the little moments where feelings begin to reveal themselves before either character is ready to acknowledge them. The detail of people already referring to them as a couple before he even realizes what is happening creates a playful source of tension and gives the story its distinctive charm.
Readers who enjoy contemporary romance, forced proximity, roommates to lovers, slow burn relationships, cozy winter settings, romantic comedy, and emotionally warm novellas should find this story particularly appealing. Its compact length and character focused premise also make it a strong choice for readers looking for a quick romantic escape that still delivers chemistry, humor, and genuine emotional development.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5⭐️ 0🌶️
This was a cute book but felt it left a lot to be desired. The chapters do not specify who's POV it is, so it's like a fun game of "new phone who dis?" with each chapter. It is a novella, so I was expecting it to be fast moving with not a lot of back story, but I feel this story line needs the back story.
Both Nora and Ethan are wonderfully chaotic, but it was hard to connect to the character when you don't understand why they are the way they are, when the way they are leads to a lack of communication and awkward encounters, and when it's still happening at 70% it's frustrating. These could have the potential to be endearing, but they fall flat because we don't understand the characters fully.
Thank you, MT Liu and SensSheng Labs, for an advanced copy of this ebook.
This was a cute book but felt it left a lot to be desired. The chapters do not specify who's POV it is, so it's like a fun game of "new phone who dis?" with each chapter. It is a novella, so I was expecting it to be fast moving with not a lot of back story, but I feel this story line needs the back story.
Both Nora and Ethan are wonderfully chaotic, but it was hard to connect to the character when you don't understand why they are the way they are, when the way they are leads to a lack of communication and awkward encounters, and when it's still happening at 70% it's frustrating. These could have the potential to be endearing, but they fall flat because we don't understand the characters fully.
Thank you, MT Liu and SensSheng Labs, for an advanced copy of this ebook.
June 15, 2026
Not His Girlfriend (Yet) is a sweet, emotionally tender romance filled with yearning, miscommunication, and two lovable MC's. Nora and Ethan's relationship unfolds slowly, revealing layers of insecurity, vulnerability, and quiet affection that made their connection feel genuine.
The FMC's (Nora) struggle to present a perfect version of herself was so relatable to me and heartbreaking, while the MMC's (Ethan) protective nature and inability to share his own feelings created the perfect emotional tension. The slow burn occasionally tested my patience, especially with the ongoing misunderstandings, but the emotional payoff was worth it. Add in two scene-stealing cats, plenty of heartwarming moments, and a hero who's impossible not to root for, and this becomes a charming romance that will leave readers smiling. 🐱❤️🔥
The FMC's (Nora) struggle to present a perfect version of herself was so relatable to me and heartbreaking, while the MMC's (Ethan) protective nature and inability to share his own feelings created the perfect emotional tension. The slow burn occasionally tested my patience, especially with the ongoing misunderstandings, but the emotional payoff was worth it. Add in two scene-stealing cats, plenty of heartwarming moments, and a hero who's impossible not to root for, and this becomes a charming romance that will leave readers smiling. 🐱❤️🔥
June 7, 2026
Not His Girlfriend (Yet) by M.T. Liu is a charming contemporary romance that delivers warmth, humor, and emotional depth in a compact, satisfying package. Set in the snowy backdrop of Montreal, we get to meet the FMC Nora, a graphic designer and the MMC Ethan, a Québécois firefighter, two unlikely people that find themselves in close proximity of each other after a unexpected accident. One of the things I liked about this novel is the character development for Nora and Ethan as the story progresses. Overall, Not His Girlfriend (Yet) is a delightful slow-burn contemporary romance with lovable characters, engaging banter, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
June 15, 2026
Book 1 of Montreal Seasons. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'A warm, sharp, stay-up-past-your-bedtime winter romance about two people who communicate through barbecue chips, fridge labels, and the precise distance of a hallway neither of them will cross — until someone does. Set in Montreal, where the snow falls straight down, the cats have opinions, and the truth keeps slipping out at 2 AM.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'A warm, sharp, stay-up-past-your-bedtime winter romance about two people who communicate through barbecue chips, fridge labels, and the precise distance of a hallway neither of them will cross — until someone does. Set in Montreal, where the snow falls straight down, the cats have opinions, and the truth keeps slipping out at 2 AM.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2026
ARC Review :
To be honest, this book isn't very well constructed grammatically; many sentences didn't really make sense or add much to the narrative.
I feel the story had potential, but the writing squandered it. The initial concept was good, and there are some solid elements,but unfortunately, the execution is very bad. For example, in a scene the female lead says one thing but contradicts herself just two pages later,there are far too many inconsistencies. Yet, there were good aspects,like the male lead's relationship with his family, or even the dynamic between the two leads,but the author simply piled on details that didn't actually say anything or move the plot forward.
I really hope that if the author writes another book, it will be much better written than this one.
To be honest, this book isn't very well constructed grammatically; many sentences didn't really make sense or add much to the narrative.
I feel the story had potential, but the writing squandered it. The initial concept was good, and there are some solid elements,but unfortunately, the execution is very bad. For example, in a scene the female lead says one thing but contradicts herself just two pages later,there are far too many inconsistencies. Yet, there were good aspects,like the male lead's relationship with his family, or even the dynamic between the two leads,but the author simply piled on details that didn't actually say anything or move the plot forward.
I really hope that if the author writes another book, it will be much better written than this one.
June 13, 2026
Relatable to the process of thinking, overthinking, and worrying about small details and meanings.
It takes some time for people to get to know others and get comfortable with them to show their quirky, messy, imperfect side. It's also a choice what to show and what not, and when.
The way the protagonists' communication went, at one point I was waiting for their honest talk that didn't disappoint and after which they became truer around each other.
Having not one but two cats and a melting heart for cats in general is swoon-worthy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It takes some time for people to get to know others and get comfortable with them to show their quirky, messy, imperfect side. It's also a choice what to show and what not, and when.
The way the protagonists' communication went, at one point I was waiting for their honest talk that didn't disappoint and after which they became truer around each other.
Having not one but two cats and a melting heart for cats in general is swoon-worthy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2026
A cute and sweet contemporary romance, though the pacing felt a bit uneven!
Having lived in Montreal for a few months, I absolutely loved the nostalgic trip down memory lane, spotting local neighborhoods and culinary specialties. As a French speaker, the French phrases were a breeze, but the dual perspective got confusing; I really wish the chapters had clear indicators so I didn't have to spend the first few sentences guessing whose head we were in. While it’s a quick read, it dragged a bit in the middle with unnecessary medical jargon and overly detailed descriptions of the heroine's job. Still, a very charming and lighthearted story!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Having lived in Montreal for a few months, I absolutely loved the nostalgic trip down memory lane, spotting local neighborhoods and culinary specialties. As a French speaker, the French phrases were a breeze, but the dual perspective got confusing; I really wish the chapters had clear indicators so I didn't have to spend the first few sentences guessing whose head we were in. While it’s a quick read, it dragged a bit in the middle with unnecessary medical jargon and overly detailed descriptions of the heroine's job. Still, a very charming and lighthearted story!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 4, 2026
3.5/5
This story shows two realities coming together in a semblance of love. Nora and Ethan have gone out for 4 1/2 dates before he has an accident and she stays to care for him. What happens after is the disarmament of their facades while in close proximity. She seeks perfection to avoid pain and being set aside, he is a protector who downplays everything in order to avoid feeling too much. They go from barely knowing each other to being caretaker and roommates who are missing in communication.
A sweet read !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story shows two realities coming together in a semblance of love. Nora and Ethan have gone out for 4 1/2 dates before he has an accident and she stays to care for him. What happens after is the disarmament of their facades while in close proximity. She seeks perfection to avoid pain and being set aside, he is a protector who downplays everything in order to avoid feeling too much. They go from barely knowing each other to being caretaker and roommates who are missing in communication.
A sweet read !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
not his GF yet…
I have some notes about this book that I’d like to point out…
1: you will need to use Google Translate quite a bit in this book. But don’t let that deter you from reading it (English, French & Chinese)
2: I was not prepared for how emotionally heartbreaking and sad 1 was going to feel for these MCs… how their mental health plays a big part in this book. How they put on an act for the world everyday to be a person they think they need to be. It’s simply just so sad to read about… how people do this all the time.
2.5: I thought this was suppose to be a cute romance book but I’m over here getting all emotional for these MCs wellbeing.
3: THANK GOODNESS they can both see that the other one is putting up an act and they both prefer the real version of them and not the mask they put on.
4: even better they stop putting on the masks and they be themselves and they get their real HEA.
Side note … was also not prepared one HOW the MC gets hurt … just saying….
I have some notes about this book that I’d like to point out…
1: you will need to use Google Translate quite a bit in this book. But don’t let that deter you from reading it (English, French & Chinese)
2: I was not prepared for how emotionally heartbreaking and sad 1 was going to feel for these MCs… how their mental health plays a big part in this book. How they put on an act for the world everyday to be a person they think they need to be. It’s simply just so sad to read about… how people do this all the time.
2.5: I thought this was suppose to be a cute romance book but I’m over here getting all emotional for these MCs wellbeing.
3: THANK GOODNESS they can both see that the other one is putting up an act and they both prefer the real version of them and not the mask they put on.
4: even better they stop putting on the masks and they be themselves and they get their real HEA.
Side note … was also not prepared one HOW the MC gets hurt … just saying….
August 12, 2026
Really good, real romance. I love how these characters are so invested in eachother but dont dare say anything. If theres one thing to learn from this book. It is that you should say what you mean!! Tell people that are important to you that they are important to you and why. I really loved this and i would love to see what sophies story will be.
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️
**ARC Review**
Not your girlfriend (yet) was a push and pull kind of read.
I loved the way the characters complimented each other and how they were forced into defining their relationship. Both of their personalities were beautifully developed and were so good together.
This was fun to read and I am so grateful for the opportunity to ARC read for you.
**ARC Review**
Not your girlfriend (yet) was a push and pull kind of read.
I loved the way the characters complimented each other and how they were forced into defining their relationship. Both of their personalities were beautifully developed and were so good together.
This was fun to read and I am so grateful for the opportunity to ARC read for you.
June 7, 2026
This is such a cute and charming story! After 4 and a 1/2 dates the last interrupted and ends up with a freak accident. I found it charming as both main characters are learning the relationships as they go both have insecurities and it is fun seeing how both felt as their relationship developed. Definitely read the extended epilogue that you can get at the end of the book!
August 6, 2026
Look, the cover had me thinking this was going to be a fairly standard, light rom-com. And I mean, it is funny, and I love the internal banter, and I definitely am not disappointed, just pleasantly surprised. I absolutely read this book because of the cats on the cover, and their opinions.
The first 60% is compulsively readable. The internal narratives of Nora and Ethan are sharp, and I found myself giggling and sometimes even guffawing. (Seriously though, are there people this witty? And are they allowed to be in the same book??)
But just past halfway, the sturm und drang gets a bit... tiresome. I get you guys have issues, but listen - L.I.S.T.E.N: you are grown adults. This isn't a typical miscommunication trope, it's deeper and more insecure than that, and... y'all need therapy. I love these characters. And I would love for them to get therapy. It takes so long for these two to get to the same metaphorical page, and I just wanted to strangle them sometimes.
I'm excited that this is the start of a series(-ish). Liu writes with accuracy and wit, and I can't wait to read more by her.
The first 60% is compulsively readable. The internal narratives of Nora and Ethan are sharp, and I found myself giggling and sometimes even guffawing. (Seriously though, are there people this witty? And are they allowed to be in the same book??)
But just past halfway, the sturm und drang gets a bit... tiresome. I get you guys have issues, but listen - L.I.S.T.E.N: you are grown adults. This isn't a typical miscommunication trope, it's deeper and more insecure than that, and... y'all need therapy. I love these characters. And I would love for them to get therapy. It takes so long for these two to get to the same metaphorical page, and I just wanted to strangle them sometimes.
I'm excited that this is the start of a series(-ish). Liu writes with accuracy and wit, and I can't wait to read more by her.
July 17, 2026
A bad accident lands Ethan in the Hospital with a hip fracture. Nora is taking care of him just after four dates. Are they something to each other or just two strangers in a bizarre situation that has thrown them together? Thanks to Netgafor the ARC. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forced Proximity With a Side of Chaos
Not His Girlfriend (Yet) by M.T. Liu is the first book in the Montreal Seasons series and follows Nora Chen and Ethan Morin, who have only gone on 4.5 dates when a freak accident leaves Ethan on bedrest. Nora unexpectedly moves in to help take care of him, and what follows is a story about two people so afraid of being honest about their feelings that they spend most of the book pretending to be who they think the other person wants.
The premise immediately gave me While You Were Sleeping vibes, which had me really excited going in. There’s so much potential in the forced proximity and caretaking setup, especially with two characters clearly developing feelings for each other.
Unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. I understand that the blurb leans into the idea that “both of them are idiots,” but at some point the constant lack of communication became more frustrating than endearing. The misunderstandings and emotional avoidance eventually became repetitive for me and made it difficult to stay fully invested in the romance.
There were still moments that worked for me, particularly the cozy setup and the initial chemistry. I also absolutely loved the cats, who honestly may have stolen the show for me. Overall though, I struggled to fully connect with the romance because of how repetitive the emotional conflict became.
Thank you, SenSheng Labs, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#NotHisGirlfriendYet #NetGalley #BookReview #RomanceBooks #ContemporaryRomance #ForcedProximity #MontrealSeasons #RomanceReader
Not His Girlfriend (Yet) by M.T. Liu is the first book in the Montreal Seasons series and follows Nora Chen and Ethan Morin, who have only gone on 4.5 dates when a freak accident leaves Ethan on bedrest. Nora unexpectedly moves in to help take care of him, and what follows is a story about two people so afraid of being honest about their feelings that they spend most of the book pretending to be who they think the other person wants.
The premise immediately gave me While You Were Sleeping vibes, which had me really excited going in. There’s so much potential in the forced proximity and caretaking setup, especially with two characters clearly developing feelings for each other.
Unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. I understand that the blurb leans into the idea that “both of them are idiots,” but at some point the constant lack of communication became more frustrating than endearing. The misunderstandings and emotional avoidance eventually became repetitive for me and made it difficult to stay fully invested in the romance.
There were still moments that worked for me, particularly the cozy setup and the initial chemistry. I also absolutely loved the cats, who honestly may have stolen the show for me. Overall though, I struggled to fully connect with the romance because of how repetitive the emotional conflict became.
Thank you, SenSheng Labs, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#NotHisGirlfriendYet #NetGalley #BookReview #RomanceBooks #ContemporaryRomance #ForcedProximity #MontrealSeasons #RomanceReader
Review of advance copy
This was such a fun read! I can’t wait for the next one!
June 22, 2026
The story of Ethan and Nora. They have only been on a few dates when he has an accident, caused by her best friend, so she steps in to care for him. I liked the setting and the sprinkling of French.
June 25, 2026
La redacción fue diferente a lo que estoy acostumbrada, sin embargo, eso fue lo que mantuvo atenta.
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