Single Again

Unexpected Love #3

by Stephanie Riley

Chelsi’s dating life is the story of legends. She’s a magnet for every walking red flag, the men who seem great at first and turn out to be real duds—each one worse than the previous. After her most recent dumpster fire of a relationship, she swears off dating for good and decides to rely on her trusty collection of toys to get her through the lonely nights.

Until the quiet and broody Alex walks into her life.

Alex is everything Chelsi’s not. He’s highly structured, methodical, and keeps everything close to the vest, letting few people get to know the real him. The last thing he’s looking for is to fall in love, but all that changes when he sees Chelsi for the first time. Now, he’s dreaming about what life would look like with her by his side and being hopeful for the first time in almost two decades.

Sparks will fly, but the real test is whether these opposites can truly put their hearts on the line for a chance at love and be able to weather the storm when the past comes calling.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, Stephanie's love for reading began in elementary school thanks to BOOK IT and free pizza (IYKYK). She grew up reading everything from The Baby-Sitters Club to Shakespeare, and majored in English in college (plus two other majors because she's an overachiever).

After spending 20 years as a marketing leader and CEO, she decided to pursue her true passion: writing. Her debut romance novel, Practically Perfect, was released in March 2026.

She's happily married to her husband of 20+ years and a mom to four kids and three dogs.

Reviews

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️
💙He Falls First
🩵Forced Proximity
💙Friends to Lovers
🩵Found Family
💙“Good Girl”
🩵Toys are Teammates
💙Dual First Person POV

This was a fun, sweet, & flirty romance. Chelsi’s dating life is a complicated dumpster fire filled with red flags. She gets dumped by her boyfriend who was only with her to go to her now famous friend’s wedding. Then she laid off from her job. Her best friend’s invite her to live with them in Nashville until she figures out what to do next. She’s ready for a new city, being with her friends, & absolutely no men. Except, her battery operated boyfriends. I really liked Chelsi. She’s unpredictable & a total spitfire. Then there’s Alex, a marine reservist, very quiet & controlled. A huge walking green flag & so down bad for Chelsi. He saw her a year ago & has been quietly pining after her, never thinking he deserved her. He knows she’s it for him & wants to take things slow. He’s a true romantic at heart, but fair warning, he’s also controlling in the bedroom. These two are total opposites, resulting in great banter & sizzling chemistry. This was a very slow burn with great characters, but an even slower story. Halfway through the book, it felt like nothing had happened. I’m all for building the relationship with friendship, but it was just too slow. There were many things being repeated like mentions of her toys & his hinting at a something from his past. Overall, I enjoyed reading this & I’m curious what’s going to happen in the next book with Anna & Jason.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 4
Engaging: 3.5
Character: 4

Thank you Stephanie Riley for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Is it possible to org@sm from a man’s voice? The way he stares at you like you’re the only person in the room. Because my panties are soaked, thanks to this man.”

“I plan on taking my time with you. Wooing you until you can’t imagine life without me. Only then will I take you to my bed.”

“Oh, Chelsi. I don’t think you’re ready to hear the things I want to do to you. What I plan to do once you give me your heart. Once I fully have you, I don’t plan on ever letting you go.”

“When we’re in the bedroom, I’m in charge. You do exactly what I say, or you don’t get to come.”

“I love you, Alex. Today. Tomorrow. Always.” She kisses me softly, sending a tingle from my lips to my toes. “Now, f_€k me like you love me.”

“Nothing and no one will ever tear us apart. An enormous wave of peace caravans through my soul, knowing Alex is mine and I’m his. And we’ll never be single again.”

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect romance book, and introduction to Stephanie Riley’s books! I loved the banter, Chelsi’s naughty tongue, Alex’s shy nature (outside the bedroom, iykyk) and all the flirting.

This friends to lovers book had me hooked from the beginning. Chelsi has such a huge wall around her heart. She knows she has a tendency to attract the wrong guys and therefore doesn’t really open herself up too much.

Meanwhile Alex is just completely shut off, only cares about work and some few, close friends. The two of them make a perfect match, and luckily their friends know it!

It’s always healing to find a book where they both slowly but surely open up to each other, and let each other in. These two are the definition of soul mates and I absolutely adore them.

“You are the love of my life. My true north. My lighthouse in a storm. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, and so much more.”

Thank you so much Stephanie, for reaching out to me, asking if I wanted to arc read some of your books. Your books are an obvious match for me 🥹

[Whitney Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and I’m so excited to share my honest review!

Chelsi’s dating life has been… complicated. She somehow always seems to find the red flags, and after being dumped by a man who apparently only wanted to date her long enough to attend her best friend’s wedding, things go from bad to worse. Her best friend is now married to a popular singer, her company is closing, and suddenly Chelsi finds herself asking, what now?

With the push she needed, she packs up and move to Nashville to live with her best friend and her husband while she figures out what comes next. New city, fresh start, and the rule of no men. She’s done with dating and is determined to learn how to be okay on her own.

Alex has had his eye on Chelsi for a while and always assumed she was someone he could never have. But now that she’s in Nashville and suddenly within reach, walking away from her is proving impossible. And honestly? Alex is the green flag Chelsi desperately needed. He’s patient, protective, and completely sure about what he wants. But while Alex has spent his life living by structure, Chelsi is exactly the person he needs to shake things up and break him out of those habits.

I absolutely loved this story. Chelsi is such a strong, amazing woman, and she deserves to find happiness. Watching her start over, find herself, and finally realize what she deserves was one of my favorite parts of the book. And then there’s Alex—this green-flag man who needed someone like Chelsi to remind him that life doesn’t always have to follow a plan. Sometimes the best things happen when you let someone in and allow them to turn your perfectly organized world upside down. Watching these two find each other was everything, and I absolutely loved seeing Chelsi finally get the happiness she deserves.

[reading_with_chels · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Single Again by Stephanie Riley
4.25⭐️

This was such a fun, spicy, and flirty book that also had a dash of heartbreak, found family, and heartwarming moments! Chelsi is a flirtatious spitfire with no filter and I absolutely LOVED that. You never know the things that will come out of her mouth, but they’re always hilarious and sexual. After her love life and work life come crashing down, she’s exploring and doing some self reflection to find what brings her joy. I love that she takes a leap of faith even though it’s scary because it ultimately pays off in the end. Her relationship with her parents, especially her mom, was so fun to read. We really got to see where she gets her personality from!

Alex, although he majorly messed up by withholding information, is as down bad as a man can be. Whatever Chelsi wants, Chelsi gets. He lacked the confidence to go after her at first, but just needed a little push to make that jump. He is a massive romantic with a big heart and willingness to help the people he loves, but has a completely different dominant side in the bedroom that’s so hot.

Overall this was a good book with funny and lovable characters that you can’t help but to root for, even Jimmy!

🎶 Red flag magnet FMC x Green flag MMC
💙 He falls first
🎶 Forced proximity
💙 Friends to lovers
🎶 Found family
💙 Opposites attract
🎶 Dual POV

🌶️ $exting
🌶️ “Good girl”
🌶️ He licks his fingers clean
🌶️ He finishes in his pants
🌶️ Restraints
🌶️ Spanking
🌶️ Toys are teammates
🌶️ Mile high club
🌶️ He rips her panties
🌶️ He pushes it back in

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single Again by Stephanie Riley was such a fun, spicy, and swoony read! I really enjoyed this story with a spitfire FMC who always says what’s on her mind, a broody hero who hasn’t dated anyone in twenty years, and undeniable chemistry. Chelsi's dating life has been a complete disaster full of walking red flags, so she swear off men for good until she crosses paths with Alex. He is highly structured, methodical, and keeps everything close to the vest, but he completely falls first the moment he sees her.

I liked reading about Chelsi finding her confidence again after her last dumpster fire of a relationship, while Alex definitely knows what he wants… HER! The opposites-attract and forced-proximity dynamics made for an awesome slow burn, and their connection brings so much natural friction and great banter before the lines finally blur. The open-door scenes have a perfect amount of yummy spice, and the tension stays high as their pasts come calling. The pacing moves along nicely from start to finish, and the chemistry between these two was electric. If you want a fast contemporary romance with an obsessed hero who falls hard, you need to pick this up!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my first Stephanie Riley book and will not be my last. Riley has a way to pull you in and immerse you in her world with her words. The writing is so descriptive you can feel everything the characters are going through. I loved Single Again so much. It was fun and and filled with just the right amount of spice to keep a reader wanting more. Initially I felt so bad for Chelsi, what happened after the wedding was really a crappy thing to have to go through. But had that not happened...things would have turned out quite different for her. I was shocked and I mean shocked when I learned about Alex's secret. I know he kept trying to tell her, but Alex...did she have to find out that way???? I wanted to close the book on him and keep reading all at the same time. I couldn't wait to see how it all worked out. To say I flew through the end of the book just to see if there was an HEA was an understatement. I loved this story. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.

[Kaitlin Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to enjoy, spicy, fast paced read! Chelsi and Alex’s story is really cute, sometimes downright cheesy, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. After chasing red flags she gives up dating altogether. He’s not dated in FOREVER. But they both seem to be what the other needs to crumble the walls they’ve built to keep people out. Lots of super slow burn yearning and tension through a lot of the story, but with the help of meddling friends they end up giving it a try. It’s an interconnected stand alone, you don’t need the prior book to read this one, but it would probably help with the building of characters.

[Jillian Fairfax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Stephanie Riley, and I really enjoyed!

It’s always a fear of mine to start an interconnected standalone series mid series, but she wrote this so well it almost felt like the first book in the series! I had no problem diving into this world and meeting all the characters and getting to know their personalities.

I lovedddd our FMC, Chelsi! She was spunky, sassy, flirty, confident in her body, and everything I wish I could be! And then we had our sweet and semi shy MMC, Alex, who stole my heart before I even learned about his back story- which made me love him even more!

The one thing I genuinely appreciated about this book was the fact that these characters were older and the communication was not lacking! The way this man sought to understand everything Chelsi was saying or not saying. The way Chelsi was up front about her feelings and didn’t reserve anything. The communication in times of conflict was as spectacular!

Anywho, I’m off to go download the first couple of books in this series!

[Becky Whitney Manuzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to see more of Jake and Kate while also getting to see Chelsi finally have her dating luck turn around. This book was spicy and open door for sure. I enjoyed that but know people have different levels of comfort!

I loved all the characters (even Jimmy, I think he is some good comedic relief) and the story felt realistic. The struggles and wins seemed to fit the characters and weren’t forced which I deeply appreciated.

This book is a slow burn, with lots of yearning. You’ll be yelling at the characters to just kiss already. If you don’t want a slow burn, this book may not be for you but I really enjoyed it.

[whatinthehea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww such a good book!!!

She’s a red flag magnet
He’s a green flag
She goes for bad boys
He wants to change that bad habit
She’s scared to fall
He has a secret

Ooohhh, so good

[Kiara Johnson Polcyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of having an advanced reader copy of this book.

I absolutely loved Chelsi. Her personality, her honesty, just everything about her. I wish we had more of Alex’s backstory, but I really enjoyed him as a character as well. Extremely spicy, amazingly funny. Great read all in all.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved every single thing about this book(aside from the very short lived breakup). These 2 were absolutely perfect for each other and Chelsi deserved such a good man after all the deadbeats she had dealt with in the past. Alex was the perfect man even though he kept a huge thing from Chelsi but at the end of the day the way his heart is makes so much sense why he did what he did.

[BeamieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Stephanie, for the ARC! As always, my opinions are my own and honest.
✨ Romance Comfort-Read Alert ✨
I’ll always fill you in on:
🛑 Cheating / OW-OM drama: eh...sorta-will explain
💞 Angst:
🚫💔 Third-act breakup: Not really 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
🔥 🌶️🌶️.5
🏡 HEA ALWAYS

I've followed this crew since the first book and loved seeing Kate and Jake's relationship grow, and Chelsea was there as Kate's bff thru it all. This is Chelsea and Alex's book.
Chelsea is the ever faithful BFF to Kate. The book starts at Kate and Jake's wedding and Chelsea is there with her boyfriend. All the guys in the band dig Chelsea, in particular, Jimmy. But Jimmy is a manwhore and if he has a book, I probably won't read it b/c of the constant references in these books to his manwhore ways. I can't stand it and don't find it endearing.

Anyway, Chelsea's boyfriend breaks up with her after Kate's wedding and admitted he was with her to go to that celebrity wedding...total prick. She loses her job and Kate has her come to stay with her.
Alex is Jake's tour manager and I've never been more stressed out for someone's job than I was for him LOL My poor man is STRESSED to the max. He's also reserve Marine. He's nearing 20 years and will retire. As the story unfolds we learn why he's stayed in as long as he has.

Alex has always had an eye for Chelsea, but in a really sweet way-not just physical like Jimmy.

Things I loved:
*I loved Alex. He was a good dude. He cared for her well, acts of service. He was protective of her.
* Chelsea's arc of starting over. That is hard to do in your 30s and feeling lost and wondering what the next move is.
* I love that when Alex FINALLY got off his ass and made a move, he was very all in and communicative...until he kept something very important from Chelsea. See spoilers below.
*SPOILERS*
Alex is married, but it's not a "real" marriage, even though legally it is. He grew up in foster care and he had a bff who was also in foster care. In foster care, when you age out, you're on your own. So he joins the Marines and marries BFF to give her benefits, especially after knowing she has MS. So he stayed married to her for these 20 years to keep her with the best health insurance, but they never lived as a married couple. The cat gets out of the bag, in a very miscommunicated way, and there is a bit of a separation, but it is resolved.
As much as I loved Alex, I felt like the part of the story where he stood by watching everyone flirt with Chelsea and her semi flirt back went on for too long. Like, grow a pair, my guy.

Overall, I loved their story so much. Alex has a mouth on him ;) Definitely read it!

[After The Last Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ❣️

4 Hearts for me! ❤💞

I really enjoyed this one! 🥹🖤 There's just something about a man who secretly yearns, falls first, and is quietly losing his mind over the woman he can't seem to stop thinking about… and Alex absolutely delivered 😂

Chelsi has had the worst luck when it comes to relationships, so after everything she's been through, watching her swear off dating and then have Alex walk into her life was such a fun setup. She's chaotic, outspoken and full of personality, while Alex is quiet, broody and much more reserved. They couldn't be more different, which made their dynamic even more entertaining to watch.

And then there's Alex. 👀

This man was absolutely EVERYTHING when it came to secretly yearning. The fact that he was already imagining a future with Chelsi before she had even fully realised what was happening? 🥹❤️ YES, PLEASE. I loved watching him fall first and seeing his feelings slowly deepen while he tried so hard to keep them to himself.

Their relationship had so many of the tropes I love: forced proximity, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, found family, and a hero who is completely gone for her 🖤 I especially enjoyed how their connection developed rather than everything happening instantly. There was plenty of chemistry, but I also loved the friendship and emotional connection underneath it.

The found family aspect was another highlight for me. It gave the story that warm, comforting feeling that balanced out some of the heavier emotional moments. I found myself genuinely invested in these characters and their relationships, and by the end, I absolutely wasn't ready to say goodbye to them.

Stephanie Riley also did a great job with the emotional side of the story. There were plenty of moments that made me smile, moments that made me feel ALL the feelings, and, of course, plenty of moments where I was just sitting there thinking, Alex, PLEASE just tell her already! 😂🖤

Single Again was such a fun, emotional romance, and Alex has officially joined my ever-growing list of men who secretly yearn 😂🖤

This was a really enjoyable read for me. I loved the characters, their chemistry and the emotional journey, even though a few things kept it from being a full five-star read for me. But overall, I had a great time with this one and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a romance with a falling-first MMC and plenty of yearning. 🥹🖤

Thank you, Stephanie Riley, for the opportunity to read and review Single Again! 🖤✨

[Misty (Red's Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsi has been unlucky in love more times than she cares to count, when it comes to men she is just a magnet for the bad ones. Her last boyfriend was a real piece of work, he hurt her in ways she is still recovering from, and it has inspired her to take a hiatus from men. Then she meets him...

Single Again is a wonderfully penned opposites attract romance that is destined to have you smiling the whole way through! Chelsi has had her troubles in the love department and it's made her hesitant to put herself out there again, she feels like she just isn't meant to find the "right" one. Every time she puts herself out there and thinks she is on the right track it ends in heartbreak instead of walking down the aisle. She is so tired of dating, maybe she just needs to take a break from it all... But then Alex walks into her life and she takes notice, but also quickly realizes that they share a lot of differences. But are they enough to keep them apart?

This book was amazing... it has spice, banter, tender moments, and moments that had me laughing out loud! I loved this pairing, you always know when it's an opposites attract love story that there is going to be some push and pull to it. The doubts that their right for one another, but then there's also the curiosity and intensity, and these two had it all. They danced around one another for a bit, but once they got over their little hang-ups about being too different, all bets were off and the fireworks happened! I loved what I found between the pages here and I know if you give it a chance you will love it too!! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Brooke Tingey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about a man who worships the woman he loves that gets me every single time, and Alex absolutely delivered. 😭🖤

Single Again was such an easy 5-star read for me. I loved the romance, the chemistry, the friendship, the found family and especially the way Alex adored Chelsi.

He didn’t just love her — he worshipped her. The way he looked at her, supported her and made it so obvious that she was everything to him was probably my favourite part of the entire book. Give me a man who falls first, falls hard and never makes you question how obsessed he is with his woman, and I am SOLD.

The friends-to-lovers and forced proximity elements made their relationship even better because you really get to watch that tension build. I loved seeing the friendship line slowly disappear as their feelings became harder and harder to ignore.

And the chemistry? 🔥

Stephanie Riley absolutely knew what she was doing. The spice was delicious, but it worked because there was so much genuine affection and emotional connection underneath it. Alex and Chelsi never felt like they were just physically attracted to each other — their relationship had heart.

I also adored the found family aspect. Those relationships gave the story so much warmth and made the whole world feel like somewhere I wanted to stay a little longer.

Overall, Single Again gave me exactly what I want from a romance: incredible chemistry, emotional connection, spice, friendship, found family and a MMC who is completely and utterly gone for his girl.

Alex worshipping Chelsi = immediate 5 stars from me. 🖤

⭐️ 5/5 stars

Thank you so much to Stephanie Riley and the entire team for trusting me with an ARC and allowing me to be part of the ARC team.

[Spreading Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo I loved this so freaking much that I proceeded to go and sign up for every other @authorstephanieriley ARC I possibly could.... (including both Canceled, the next in this series, AND a new one written WITH @authoremmakate who I also love called Mistaken Fate. Both are still open for ARC sign ups wink wink)

What to Expect in Single Again:

💙Friends to Lovers
🤍He Falls First
💙Forced Proximity
🤍Found Family
💙Opposites Attract
🤍Contemporary Romance
💙Anticipation and Tension

My Thoughts:

I absolutely LOVED this contemporary romance read. The way Stephanie Riley writes literally grabs you and pulls you in. I felt like I was right there with Chelsi and Alex. I was rooting for them the wholeeee time.

This is a story about a woman who needs to find her way...in life and in love. She was lost and is looking for herself, wanting NO man. Isn’t that always how it happens?!? She is relishing being free and not being tied down while she sorts out her career and entire life honestly.

Enter Alex. The most disciplined and routine, straight laced man. Friend and tour manager to her best friend’s hubby. Least likely to shoot his shot. Absolutely enthralled with Chelsi for years now (can anyone say #hefallsfirst ?).

Honestly this entire friend group is so fascinating and I am already anticipating stories on the others. I love them all in their realistic, honestly depicted glory.

I don’t want to drop any spoilers but this is one you really are not going to want to miss. The building romance between these two has so much tension and anticipation even the darkest heart is going to feel all the things. Absolutely brilliant.

Thank you SO much to Stephanie Riley for the ARC opportunity!

[Jamie Tuckwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Happy Release Day & Book Review📚

Single Again - @authorstephanieriley

This was my first book Stephanie Riley and I really enjoyed this story.

I absolutely love a man who pines and Alex delivers this in spades. He's admired Chelsi from afar for a really long time and now that she's in Nashville and within reach he finds he cannot stay away from her. He is exactly what she needs as she's had some awful relationships. But Alex is the perfect green flag for her. He's patient, protective and absolutely adores her. He is used to living his life in routine and likes everything in order. He knows exactly what he wants in life and he sticks to it.

Chelsi on the other hand is more chaotic. She goes with the flow and says whatever is on her mind. She's fun, sassy and unlucky in love. But together these two fit perfectly.

I loved the journey that Chelsi went on to find herself and take the time to figure out what she really wanted. She slowly started to see that deserved so much more than what previous relationships had given her and it was great seeing her find her self worth.

It was also great that Alex realised that life doesn't always have to follow a plan or a routine and sometimes things can take a different direction and that's ok.

I really loved the character development for both characters. There were some funny moments as well as spice and real tender moments. Alex's inner monologues where he was pining for Chelsi literally melted my heart and I was so happy they both got their HEA.

A great read and I will definitely check out more from this author in the future.

[Reignited Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun introduction to Stephanie Riley's work!

"It’s time to refocus. Throw myself into my work and stop believing men can make my life better when all they’ve shown so far is their ability to give me an occasional orgasm and a shit ton of unwanted drama."

Chelsi's dating life is a dumpster fire of red flags and career is in shambles after the company she worked for closes its doors. Swearing off men and becoming a temporary roommate to her best friend in Nashville, she's hoping the change of scenery and a focus on self will help her get back on the right track. She expects to enjoy life as a young and single woman and figure out what she wants from her life without needing to consider a man. What she wasn't expecting was Alex.

Alex is the strong and silent type who has been pining for Chelsi since he first laid eyes on her but he's busy with his own career, always on the road, and has baggage in his past that he doesn't want to subject anyone to... bad timing. It was easier to keep pushing his feelings aside when she lived out of state but now she's living in his town and all of their friends are mutual.

I loved the two of them individually and as a couple. The forced proximity and angst ensured an emotional roller coaster full of banter and depth. Their personalities were perfectly matched and it was incredible to watch them learn to trust themselves, and each other, as they fell into a healthier relationship than either had ever been a part of before.

[Jen Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy of Single Again! I was pleasantly surprised by this past paced, fun, spicey, and low angst read! 5 Stars!

Chelsi is unabashedly herself and I am here for it! Open and forthcoming about literally anything and everything, she has been heartbroken time and time again. Her last relationship hurts just a bit more as Chelsi may be ready to find love and settle down. After also losing her job, she moves to live with her best friend and husband and things get good!

Alex has always longed for a family. He never had one growing up, he sought one in the Marines and now with Jake's band. When he meets Chelsi, he knows she could be his soulmate and he would take the best care of her. He keeps his attraction a secret or so he thinks. After some set-up and mutual attraction between Alex and Chelsi, their love story is fast and strong.

I loved this found family and the dynamics they have. The support they have for each other and the banter between them all! I love how Chelsi made Alex sweat for a bit and then the easy communication. The heat between these two plus the sweet moments! Alex, a man who cooks and is also so down bad for his girl with a dirty mouth?! Yes, please! Such a fun read!

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Stephanie Riley has officially made herself an author I need to keep on my radar because Single Again was such a fun read!
I’m always a sucker for romance, but there was something about this one that made it so easy to get invested. The chemistry, the tension, the flirting and those little moments that had me smiling at my book… YES PLEASE.
I loved watching the characters navigate everything that comes with finding love when life hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. There’s something so satisfying about seeing two people who have their own walls and baggage slowly realise that maybe letting someone in isn’t such a bad idea after all.
And the banter?! I’m always here for a couple who can make each other laugh while also bringing ALL the chemistry.
Stephanie has such an easy writing style that completely pulled me into the story, and I can definitely see why her books are so loved.
Thank you so much to Stephanie for reaching out and trusting me with an ARC. I’m officially adding Stephanie Riley to my romance author watch list.
If you love:
💕 Friends to lovers vibes
💕Plenty of chemistry
💕Great banter
💕 Characters with walls to break down
💕 A romance that gives you all the feels
…add this one to your TBR!

[Kristina B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single Again by Stephanie Riley
I could not put this book down. I mean, I was literally obsessed to see what would happen next and how the two main characters’ stories would go. Single Again is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone — I did.
He seems to be a broody MMC, but is he really once he opens his heart? Love it when he falls first? She has sworn off ever dating again after being pursued by one too many men with red flags — especially the last one who kept his hidden. She is outspoken to his quiet broody. Opposites definitely attract in this book.
If you love the slow burn that turns hot and heavy when they finally come together, this book is for you. (Oh, and when it finally happens — hot damn, FIREWORKS.) They start off as friends thanks to other friends, but then they realize it’s more. And of course the meddlesome best friend had to help them see the light that maybe they should open their hearts and give this a shot.
This is a must‑read, and I cannot wait to go back and read the previous books in the series — and to see what the next book will bring.
📖 Single Again by Stephanie Riley
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏷️ Rom‑Com, Fun and lighthearted
✅ Recommend to: anyone who loves forced proximity, he falls first, broody MMC, opposites attract, friends to lovers

[Been Busy Reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

When I read the description and requested this book, I had high hopes. A forced-proximity romance featuring a guy who hasn’t dated in 20 years and only has eyes for the heroine sounded like it would be right up my alley. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into this book and stopped reading at 135 pages.

I absolutely hate giving up on a book, but the inconsistencies in the story, along with the constant discussions about Chelsi’s vibrator collection, had me cringing more than once. I also struggled with Chelsi’s reaction to the people around her. For example, she completely ignored Anna’s praise of how she handled Kate and Jake’s PR crisis the year before, yet immediately thought Alex was right for pointing out the same thing. Given Chelsi’s tragic dating history and her tendency to choose the wrong guys, I found it frustrating that she seemed more willing to listen to a man she barely knew than to her own friends.

Ultimately, this book just frustrated me more than it entertained me, and I found it difficult to continue reading.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review from Content Team / ARC*
*May contain spoilers*

"Over the years, I’ve been made well aware that my personality isn’t for everyone. I’m too loud. Too outspoken. Too brash. Too sexually forward. Too sarcastic. Too bitchy. You name it, I’ve been called it." This may have made me cry a little bit because I've been told and made to feel this way my entire life. Even reading the dedication page felt personally written for me, but I know many women experience this to some degree! We're not too much, people just aren't equipped to handle us 👏🏽

I enjoyed reading Alex and Chelsi's story because it was about time Chelsi moved on from "boy toys." I pictured Chelsi as Bonnie from TVD and I can't see her any other way!

The book was the best pace and I was sincerely satisfied by the end of the book. And now I'm curious about Anna and Jason...

Also, who breaks up with someone directly after doing the deed?! Mind blown! Worst than Brian!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single Again by Stephanie Riley was a fun, spicy, and swoony read! If you love the he-falls-first trope, forced proximity, and unexpected romance, this book checks all the boxes. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and watching their relationship develop from an unexpected situation into something much deeper. The hero falling first was definitely one of my favorite parts: I love seeing a man realize he's completely gone for the woman before she catches up! The story had plenty of humor, emotional moments, romantic tension, and, of course, some spice. The chemistry kept me turning the pages, while the emotional side of their relationship gave the story more heart. Overall, Single Again was an entertaining, steamy romance that delivered the tropes romance readers love.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved Single Again! Chelsi was such a relatable FMC, especially when it came to her terrible track record with men. Her personality had me laughing, and I loved how real she felt throughout the story.

Then there’s Alex. Quiet, broody, guarded Alex who completely stole my heart. I loved the contrast between the two of them and how their relationship developed. Their chemistry felt natural, but it was the emotional connection that really pulled me in. Watching Alex slowly open himself up to the possibility of love again was one of my favorite parts.

There were sweet moments, funny moments, plenty of chemistry, and enough emotion to keep me completely invested. I loved watching two people who weren’t exactly looking for love find something worth taking a chance on.

Stephanie Riley gave me another couple to fall in love with, and I ate this one up! Easily 5 stars for me!

[Tasha Thrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsi, an energetic single woman, experiences an unexpected turn in her life, leading her to rebuild amidst the lively atmosphere of her newly married best friend's home in Nashville. Having a history of choosing the wrong partners, Chelsi, weary of past errors, has decided to impose a dating ban on herself. Surrounded by a variety of toys for her amusement, she contemplates why she would even need a man. Meanwhile, Alex, who thrives on structure and organization, finds it difficult to take his gaze off Chelsi.

This is the third installment of the series, and I highly recommend reading the first two books to gain a deeper understanding of Kate's romantic journey and the circumstances under which Chelsi first encountered Alex.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.

[Steamy Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC 🥹🎀🫶🏻 And a special thank you to Stephanie Riley for this amazing book!

Both of them were going through some stuff, and my heart was with them.

Chelsi was so sweet, and I loved her personality! She was so fed up with men and didn’t want another relationship, but then… Alex 🤭

Alex, aka “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”
My sweet boy, it was so cute watching him fall for Chelsi 🥹
“This amazing, wonderful woman loves me. Me. The kid who had no family growing up. Bounced from one foster home to another. The one no one could ever really love. She. Loves. Me.”
That man was beyond obsessed with her. He wanted to take care of her, and what a dirty talker 🫠 Their chemistry was amazing, and it was very spicyyyy! 🔥

If you’re looking for a cute, spicy romance, I definitely recommend this one!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Angela Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Stephanie Riley book, and I really enjoyed it! ❤️

Chelsi and Alex were such a fun opposites-attract couple. Chelsi is outspoken and has definitely had her share of terrible men, while Alex is quiet, broody, and very much a “I know what I want” kind of guy. 😂 I really liked watching them get to know each other and seeing Alex slowly let his guard down.

The found-family aspect was probably one of my favorite parts. I loved the friendships, the banter, and the way everyone supported each other. And once Chelsi and Alex finally gave in to that attraction… 🔥🔥 There was definitely some heat!

This was such a fun, low-angst romance, and Stephanie Riley is definitely going on my TBR author list! ❤️

Thank you so much to Stephanie Riley for the opportunity to read Single Again and share my honest thoughts!

[Kaitlyn | read_withkaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Stephanie for the eARC of Single Again in exchange for an honest review!

Book 3 in the Unexpected Love series and my first step into this world Stephanie has created.

Let me start off by saying... Chelsi’s dating history is a MESS 😂 Every man is somehow a bigger red flag than the last, so I honestly loved watching her swear off dating and then have Alex come along and ruin that plan.

I really liked the opposites-attract dynamic between Chelsi and Alex. She’s chaotic and fun, while he’s quiet, broody, and very much a “keep my feelings to myself” kind of guy. Their chemistry was BURNING HOT and there was plenty of spice, humor, and swoony moments along the way.

Overall, this was such a fun, easy romance read! Chelsi and Alex definitely kept me entertained, and I loved watching them work through their pasts and figure out what they wanted.