Tailored to You: A No-Spice Friends to Lovers Christian Chick Lit

by Marissa Adams

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 19, 2026

Reviews

[Katja Labonté]

Rtc

[Paula Shreckhise]

This was a fun foray into a fashion designer with a self image problem.
Clever dialogue makes this cute story sing.
Mari is a fashion designer who crafts unusual clothes. I appreciate learning about the art of designing since I have been sewing for 60 years. I loved the angle of matchmaker Aunt Theresa planning Monday dates for Mari, although it has been 3 years of not finding that special person. “I had learned to expect every Monday to be a disappointment. So far, my expectations had been met.” One criteria with no exception- her date must be a Christian. Lots of funny moments when Mari critiques her dates with internal dialogue. She always discusses the dates with her favorite barista at her favorite coffee shop. Q is a Christian too and offers advice and suggestions. Could her special person be right in front of her?
Her big fashion break comes when a famous actress wants her to design something unique, which turns out great after many false starts and some snarky reviews. The witty banter is just priceless.
I will definitely read this author again.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Aimee Moody]

So happy to be a part of the ARC team for this book! 🤍

If you’re looking for a cozy book that has the tension, banter, faith themes, and twists with no explicit content – this is the book for you.

Where to begin? I am absolutely in love with this story, and loved every character in this book. From Maronica and Q, to the slew of blind dates, to the small group members, every character was written with detail and a unique voice and personality.

There were so many interesting parts to this book; twists I didn’t see coming, witty banter that had me giggling, and tension that was palpable.

The faith elements were beautifully written and not cheesy or forced. Just gentle reminders of a God who loves His children who has good plans for them all.

I enjoyed reading this book so much, I loved every chapter and wasn’t ready for it to end! This is a book I will definitely reread again and again.

[Hannah Foster]

RTC

[Clean Book Hoarders]

This is the first book I’ve read by Marissa Adams and I really enjoyed it! This was such a great, faith filled, contemporary romance. Maronica and Q’s story is so great! I love the young adult Bible study friend group, and Maronica’s supportive family. I can’t wait to read more of Marissa Adams’ books!

I received an ARC copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts.

[Abby (words for my king)]

4.5 ⭐️— When I tell you I adored this story… 🤭 I was giggling (and melting 🫠) constantly, and I finished the last 75% of it in a single night! I was up until 3am cackling over this book. Mari and Q were hilarious and their relationship was very well done. I especially liked how they still felt like them after they started dating. Sure, the dynamic changed a bit, but they still felt so comfortable with each other and that felt so realistic to me. I seriously loved Mari’s character, and I related so much to her overthinking 😅 I’ve seen few characters’ brains work how mine does, and it honestly made her so realistic and relatable. And Q???? Think Luke Danes but a hundred times better! Y’all, trust me, he was setting the bar HIGH 👏🏻👏🏻

And the friendship and sibling dynamics? Literal perfection. Brontë and Dickens had me cracking up nearly every time they talked. I also loved how charmingly chaotic their YA group was. But the part with Q’s nephews might just be my favorite 🤭 could this story be any more adorable?

I also loved how the faith elements were clearly so intentional and not just an afterthought. The characters’ testimonies seemed incredibly realistic and I appreciated how their relationships with Jesus genuinely impacted their decision-making. That sounds like a given, but I have read many Christian books where this was not a priority. Needless to say, I adored this book and I will need to buy a physical copy ASAP! This is definitely one I want to reread 😍

[Gloria Elemide]

This one took me a little while to settle into, but as I got further into the story, I found myself enjoying it more. 🥰

Maronica and Q’s friendship was definitely one of my favorite parts. The whole “let’s go on a fake date so we can help each other” plan had me like… we all know how this is going to end. 😂 But I enjoyed watching their relationship slowly unfold and seeing their friendship change along the way.

I also really liked the fashion and design aspect of the story. Seeing Maronica work towards building something for herself while dealing with the pressure and opinions that came with it was interesting, and I appreciated the reminder to stay true to yourself.

The friendship and sibling dynamics were another thing I enjoyed. There were some genuinely funny moments, and I loved seeing the different relationships around Maronica and Q.

I also appreciated the faith element. Their relationship with Jesus wasn’t just there in the background. Their faith actually influenced their choices, their relationships, and the way they handled different situations, which I always appreciate in Christian romance.

Overall, this was a sweet, slow-burn Christian romance with friendship, fashion, family, and faith woven through it. It got better for me as I read, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. ❤️

[Fiction Fellowship]

Maronica wins her town’s fashion design contest and a famous actress has asked her to make her dress for a movie premiere. The critics are very harsh in their reviews and it really makes Maronica feel defeated. Besides that, her aunt has been setting her up with dozens of Christian guys but none of them have been right. She has been confiding in her best friend, Q, who works at their local coffee shop. Q is interested in a girl but his introverted personality makes things awkward so he and Maronica decide to go on a date to coach each other and practice, but it’s weird trying to pretend date. But sometimes what you really need is right under your nose.

I really enjoyed this book and was impressed with this new-to-me indie author. I liked the banter between the main characters and how the faith elements fit right in, she didn’t try to force them in random areas. Maronica realized that someone else’s opinion of her changed nothing in her standing with Christ and only in her identity in Him can she be made whole. It’s important to know our worth in the eyes of the One who formed us. If you enjoy clean, funny and faith-filled books, you’ll love this new chick-lit story by Marissa Adams!

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective)]

Here's what sold me on this book - Mari required anyone she dated to be a Christian. But she knew that people use that term loosely today, and so even though her loving aunt may have set up a bunch of (horrible) blind dates, she needed to find out the answer to their Christianity on her own. How many books do we see like that today? Not many, especially geared towards young women. I really loved that Adams wrote Mari's character in this way.

Now this is also a sweet romance story. Sometimes we don't realize that what we needed all along was right there in front of us. I also loved the fashion aspect of the story. I wish I could sew clothes (guess I'll stick to smaller things), which really is why I loved this side of Mari. It made me want to try again. Who knows? Maybe I will!

All in all this is a sweet, Christian, closed-door romance that is perfect for young adults.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review.

[Triniti]

New favorite 💚

I am just so enamored with this book. Even though I am a Christian and a no spice reader-this was the first contemporary Christian rom com I’ve read 🙈 and what a book to start with! The writing is so good, with next level banter, story telling and implementing of faith. The Christian aspect feel realistic, and portrays what life actually looks like sometimes.

From the beginning I was rooting for the main couple. Even though it is a true slow burn-I didn’t realize I loved you-kind of story. Aka the best kind!

Overall-when the MC’s are reminding me of a Christian Luke and Lorelai, the majority is fall vibes, the faith is strong, and there’s a matchmaking aunt that reminds me of side characters from my favorite rom coms? How can I say no?

Just read this book, you won’t regret it!


Content:

💋: kisses only!
No violence
⚠️: previous infidelity (cheating ex)

[Words And Lore]

This was a little outside of what I typically read. I generally don't read chick lit, but this was such a great story. It has such beautiful faith themes woven through out. There are rich relationships between the characters. I absolutely loved the main couple. The way the romance plot slowly unfurls is great. There were so many great moments. I thought the writing was very witty, too. Very enjoyable read.

Some quotes I liked:
“She was in a desert of singleness, and she came upon an oasis of a man.”

“Why didn’t I think to pray?”
He shrugged, running his hand along the top of the cabinet. “There’s a reason God wants us in communion with other believers. Sometimes we forget the most basic things and need someone to remind us.”

“No, not bad. Until he brother-in-Christ-zoned me.”
Q leaned back, as though he’d been personally offended. “I beg your pardon. He what?”

[Kaytelynn Grace]

I am so thankful I got to be part of the ARC team for this wonderful book!

Okay, first off, this book was such a cute read! I really loved the fashion aspect. The characters were also so lovable, especially the friend and family relationships.
Second, the faith is this book was so amazing! Most of my favorite moments were when characters prayed or talked about God. It was so encouraging. While this is predominantly a romcom, I found it to have so much depth because of their faith. Definitely an enjoyable read!

~Content~
Romance: Clean/Light
Violence: None
Profanity: None

[Chris]

I truly appreciated this story for many reasons: 1) I was taken in by the fashions bases; 2) Repeated dating that went south (can relate!); 3) Real emotions etched on the pages; 4) A good-home love story of being there for someone else.

This is about to be released and I would strongly suggest taking a chance to be amused, laughing out loud often with tears and heartbreak all packed into these lovely pages. I am going to reread this since I feel hook, line and sinker for these characters and the author's touch to my heart.

[DeannaReadsClean]

The banter was laugh inducing and just oh so cute. I love how Q was always the listening ear for her troubles and bad dates. The set up first dates from aunt Theresa that Maronica went on were so funny and true I was cackling reading about them. The detailed outfits and clothing she was designing & creating was superb. I felt like I was holding the clothing in my hands at times. Marissa wrote a beautiful but complex love story that I wish I could re read for the first time again❤️

[Lisa]

Maronica and Q is a slow burn Christian romance where you are waiting for them to realize that they are good together. I enjoyed the career of fashion and design in which Maronica was trying to establish a name for herself. I liked the message of staying true to yourself. This is something young and mature readers will find resonates with them.

I received a copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

[Rachel Gruber]

Such a cute book I love Q and Maronica’s friendship and how Q listening ear for her bad dates and gives her advice .
She is a fashion designer and just starting out , but a famous star wants her to design a dress .
She’s navigating designing the dress and the dates she’s going on .
I love the Christian fiction and this won’t be the last book I read from Marissa .
I highly recommend reading this book .
Thank you Marissa for the ARC

[E.R. Ware]

Quirky, real, and entertaining - Adams has crafted a work of art. Refreshingly brilliant, like a glorious breath of fresh air, every paragraph brings a smile... I could not fault any part of the story.

So delicious I actually immediately began reading it from the start the moment I finished! Faith, truth, and sweetness rolled into one and mixed with coffee.

No language, completely clean.
Go read it!

[Geneva]

I received an ARC. Thank you Marissa Adam's. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wonderfully written. Great relatable characters. Absolutely enjoyed this Christian friends to lovers book.