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Stumbling into Love #1
Stupid Love
Elijah
Out of all the apartments in Atlanta, I ended up with the worst neighbor. Shaw Hastings is a headache. He's so full of himself it makes me crazy. Our official language is snarky banter--which I don't enjoy, I swear. I've got eyes for my bestie Danny, anyway. I need to figure out if he feels the same, so I email an advice column written by a serial dater, who's just as annoying as Shaw. Now, I'm asking myself why am I thinking less about Danny and having a blast virtually flirting with Anonymous?
Shaw
I don't know why I like my adorable neighbor, Elijah Coleman. We've got nothing in common, yet somehow he's both boring and kinda fun. He reminds me of this guy who emailed my advice column, so it shouldn't be surprising that--oops--they're the same person. Imagine me then offering to help Elijah get Danny in real life just because it means spending time with him. We go from angry neighbors, to frenemies taking dancing lessons together, to a flirtatious friendship where I enjoy making him happy.
No matter how much we fight it, Elijah and I are stumbling toward the L word. It's messy and scary, but then he smiles, strikes a beautiful dance pose, or kisses me, and suddenly it's not so bad. He's ruining me, and I sort of like it. Stupid love. Unfortunately, with my track record of running scared, I just might wreck the only real relationship I've ever had.
Stupid Love is a low angst, frenemies to lovers story, with an anonymous advice column, flirty emails, banter and other fun shenanigans. There's no love triangle or cheating in this book.
Out of all the apartments in Atlanta, I ended up with the worst neighbor. Shaw Hastings is a headache. He's so full of himself it makes me crazy. Our official language is snarky banter--which I don't enjoy, I swear. I've got eyes for my bestie Danny, anyway. I need to figure out if he feels the same, so I email an advice column written by a serial dater, who's just as annoying as Shaw. Now, I'm asking myself why am I thinking less about Danny and having a blast virtually flirting with Anonymous?
Shaw
I don't know why I like my adorable neighbor, Elijah Coleman. We've got nothing in common, yet somehow he's both boring and kinda fun. He reminds me of this guy who emailed my advice column, so it shouldn't be surprising that--oops--they're the same person. Imagine me then offering to help Elijah get Danny in real life just because it means spending time with him. We go from angry neighbors, to frenemies taking dancing lessons together, to a flirtatious friendship where I enjoy making him happy.
No matter how much we fight it, Elijah and I are stumbling toward the L word. It's messy and scary, but then he smiles, strikes a beautiful dance pose, or kisses me, and suddenly it's not so bad. He's ruining me, and I sort of like it. Stupid love. Unfortunately, with my track record of running scared, I just might wreck the only real relationship I've ever had.
Stupid Love is a low angst, frenemies to lovers story, with an anonymous advice column, flirty emails, banter and other fun shenanigans. There's no love triangle or cheating in this book.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
282 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
117 books7,113 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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August 17, 2025
|| 3.0 stars ||
This was actually pretty cute. I didn’t love it, since I had quite a few issues with it, but I did think it was sweet.
When it comes to the romance, I really liked that it was a bit of slow-burn, and that Elijah and Shaw truly got to know each other in depth. Even though they were opposites in a lot of ways, they matched well together. Their connection was genuine and extensive, and did not feel superficial at all.
They were also prepared to go to great lengths for the other’s happiness, and always managed to remember the little things. Their actual relationship was just very thoughtful and cute.
I also liked the fake-dating trope we got here, and even more so when it was paired with Shaw’s jealousy and their constant realizations of how real their feelings truly were.
However, I did think that their banter was a little annoying and I believed that their animosity towards each other at the beginning went on for a little too long. It didn’t quite make sense to me why they were so rude to each other when there was literally no reason for it (especially Elijah). Luckily, they eventually grew out of that childish behaviour a little, but still not entirely, which was a shame.
I also thought that their inability to admit that they liked, and eventually even loved, each other was a little immature and stupid. Especially Shaw was ridiculous in this aspect: I mean, I’m sure teenage heartbreak can hurt like hell, but refusing to believe in love after that for seven years straight, even when you are basically dating the perfect man for you? That’s just silly.
Anyway, long story short, this book had some things that annoyed me, but I did think these two could be plenty adorable together. Thus, it was an okay read and I enjoyed myself quite a bit.
'Stumbling into Love' series:
1. Stupid Love - 3.0 stars
2. Awkward Love - 3.0 stars
Other Riley Hart books:
Broken Pieces - 3.5 stars
Finding Finley - 1.5 stars
‘Havenwood’ series - var. ratings
‘Atlanta Lightning’ series - var. ratings
Boyfriend Goals - 3.5 stars
Rookie Move - 4.0 stars
Playing Games - 4.0 star
The Hookup Mix-up - 2.0 stars
This was actually pretty cute. I didn’t love it, since I had quite a few issues with it, but I did think it was sweet.
When it comes to the romance, I really liked that it was a bit of slow-burn, and that Elijah and Shaw truly got to know each other in depth. Even though they were opposites in a lot of ways, they matched well together. Their connection was genuine and extensive, and did not feel superficial at all.
They were also prepared to go to great lengths for the other’s happiness, and always managed to remember the little things. Their actual relationship was just very thoughtful and cute.
I also liked the fake-dating trope we got here, and even more so when it was paired with Shaw’s jealousy and their constant realizations of how real their feelings truly were.
However, I did think that their banter was a little annoying and I believed that their animosity towards each other at the beginning went on for a little too long. It didn’t quite make sense to me why they were so rude to each other when there was literally no reason for it (especially Elijah). Luckily, they eventually grew out of that childish behaviour a little, but still not entirely, which was a shame.
I also thought that their inability to admit that they liked, and eventually even loved, each other was a little immature and stupid. Especially Shaw was ridiculous in this aspect: I mean, I’m sure teenage heartbreak can hurt like hell, but refusing to believe in love after that for seven years straight, even when you are basically dating the perfect man for you? That’s just silly.
Anyway, long story short, this book had some things that annoyed me, but I did think these two could be plenty adorable together. Thus, it was an okay read and I enjoyed myself quite a bit.
'Stumbling into Love' series:
1. Stupid Love - 3.0 stars
2. Awkward Love - 3.0 stars
Other Riley Hart books:
Broken Pieces - 3.5 stars
Finding Finley - 1.5 stars
‘Havenwood’ series - var. ratings
‘Atlanta Lightning’ series - var. ratings
Boyfriend Goals - 3.5 stars
Rookie Move - 4.0 stars
Playing Games - 4.0 star
The Hookup Mix-up - 2.0 stars
June 2, 2020
~3.5~
This is a gentle, lower angst story about two men who prove that opposites do attract.
Elijah doesn't like his annoying, arrogant neighbor. He's been in love with his best friend, Danny, for ages and isn't sure what to do about it, so he emails Anonymous, who answers love and relationship related questions, to ask for advice.
Shaw isn't arrogant; he's just confident. And he definitely doesn't believe in love. He thinks Elijah is hot as hell though.
The guys realize they know more about each other than they ever imagined. They take dance lessons together, and Eli is determined to find Shaw's passion.
The steam is on the low end, and we have to wait for it, but I liked the banter between the MCs and the lovable secondary characters (I want Danny's and Will's stories!). There is no love triangle!
I'll admit parts of the book dragged for me, but maybe that was just my mood. The ending is super sweet though.
This is a gentle, lower angst story about two men who prove that opposites do attract.
Elijah doesn't like his annoying, arrogant neighbor. He's been in love with his best friend, Danny, for ages and isn't sure what to do about it, so he emails Anonymous, who answers love and relationship related questions, to ask for advice.
Shaw isn't arrogant; he's just confident. And he definitely doesn't believe in love. He thinks Elijah is hot as hell though.
The guys realize they know more about each other than they ever imagined. They take dance lessons together, and Eli is determined to find Shaw's passion.
The steam is on the low end, and we have to wait for it, but I liked the banter between the MCs and the lovable secondary characters (I want Danny's and Will's stories!). There is no love triangle!
I'll admit parts of the book dragged for me, but maybe that was just my mood. The ending is super sweet though.
May 5, 2021
Wow. Just wow.
First of all, I read the second book in this series before I read the this one for some reason and I think I started that review with screaming "this is the cutest book ever!!"
Well, THIS IS CUTER THAN THE CUTEST BOOK EVER!!
I can't stop smiling. Seriously. I'm writing this review in the middle of the night, in the dark. With the biggest, goofiest smile on my face and teary eyes because it was just so god damn cute. And I cry when things are that cute. Thank god I'm the only one awake.
Elijah and Shaw are neighbors. The kind of neighbors that can't stand each other. But at the same time they are oddly intrigued by each other. When Elijah reaches an all time low and writes to a dating column written by a serial dater because of having what he thinks is romantic feelings towards his best friend, he doesn't think it might be his annoying neighbor... but they are oddly similar. Shaw has sworn to never love again. He's been burned before and seeing his parents turbulent relationship taking twists and turns, he knows he can't let himself go down that road.
The banter between Elijah and Shaw are wonderful. They had me laughing over and over again. It was hilarious. And the way they fell in love and couldn't do a thing about stopping it. Romance gold. This is going straight to the top of my favorite M/M books.
First of all, I read the second book in this series before I read the this one for some reason and I think I started that review with screaming "this is the cutest book ever!!"
Well, THIS IS CUTER THAN THE CUTEST BOOK EVER!!
I can't stop smiling. Seriously. I'm writing this review in the middle of the night, in the dark. With the biggest, goofiest smile on my face and teary eyes because it was just so god damn cute. And I cry when things are that cute. Thank god I'm the only one awake.
Elijah and Shaw are neighbors. The kind of neighbors that can't stand each other. But at the same time they are oddly intrigued by each other. When Elijah reaches an all time low and writes to a dating column written by a serial dater because of having what he thinks is romantic feelings towards his best friend, he doesn't think it might be his annoying neighbor... but they are oddly similar. Shaw has sworn to never love again. He's been burned before and seeing his parents turbulent relationship taking twists and turns, he knows he can't let himself go down that road.
The banter between Elijah and Shaw are wonderful. They had me laughing over and over again. It was hilarious. And the way they fell in love and couldn't do a thing about stopping it. Romance gold. This is going straight to the top of my favorite M/M books.
November 16, 2021
[4.8] ELIJAH AND SHAW!!!! *insert incoherent noises here*
y'all i had no clue i was going to love this book so much, but even my girl goldilocks agrees that the push and pull was just right and boy oh boy THE BANTER!!!!! such a perfect balance of snark and (much sooner than later) vulnerability. the way they mutually supported each other's passions and grew as individuals was lovely to watch before my very eyes 😌 now *this* is opposites attract with frenemies-to-lovers at its finest 🥺
two of my all-time favorite tropes (the unintentional catfish aka messaging without knowing who the other is & fake relationship) were also included, and although i wished they both lasted longer in the overall scope of the story, i basically didn't sleep last night because my brain was too eager to listen to what came next--that in itself says everything 🤣
i only wish we got more of Elijah's love for dance and that the ending didn't include .
my favorite Riley Hart book to date, she really hit the nail on this one!
y'all i had no clue i was going to love this book so much, but even my girl goldilocks agrees that the push and pull was just right and boy oh boy THE BANTER!!!!! such a perfect balance of snark and (much sooner than later) vulnerability. the way they mutually supported each other's passions and grew as individuals was lovely to watch before my very eyes 😌 now *this* is opposites attract with frenemies-to-lovers at its finest 🥺
two of my all-time favorite tropes (the unintentional catfish aka messaging without knowing who the other is & fake relationship) were also included, and although i wished they both lasted longer in the overall scope of the story, i basically didn't sleep last night because my brain was too eager to listen to what came next--that in itself says everything 🤣
i only wish we got more of Elijah's love for dance and that the ending didn't include .
my favorite Riley Hart book to date, she really hit the nail on this one!
May 20, 2020
Stupid Love by Riley Hart was adorable, fun, and sweet.
There was so much to love about this book.
· I loved the main and secondary characters.
· Frenemies to lovers
· Bisexual
· Interracial couple
· A touch of fake boyfriend.
· Banter. The banter was written smoothly; if that makes sense, it didn't feel awkward or forced.
· All around feel good; I often had a smile on my face.
· UST. Hart's books tend to be on the steamier side, but she made us wait for it.
· Good relationship development and character growth.
This story was a real joy to read; I loved every second of it.
4.5 Stars
There was so much to love about this book.
· I loved the main and secondary characters.
· Frenemies to lovers
· Bisexual
· Interracial couple
· A touch of fake boyfriend.
· Banter. The banter was written smoothly; if that makes sense, it didn't feel awkward or forced.
· All around feel good; I often had a smile on my face.
· UST. Hart's books tend to be on the steamier side, but she made us wait for it.
· Good relationship development and character growth.
This story was a real joy to read; I loved every second of it.
4.5 Stars
January 22, 2021
4.75 “There’s no one I’d rather be stupid with than you” stars
When i’m asked who my favourite MM writer is, my automatic answer is always Riley Hart, but I expecially love her low angst books, they’re my favourites and I always keep them for when i’m in a reading slump or need a pick me up. And I really needed a pick me up at the moment, so I knew this book would be absolutely perfect for my current mood. I was expecting to love this book, which is why I chose it and it delivered perfectly on that front. This is such a feel good book, really sweet and really low angst.
I rarely read books in one sitting anymore, I really don’t have the time for that, so the fact that I read a 375 pages book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down should be enough to explain how much I loved this book.
I can’t really explain what I loved about this book, I just know that I absolutely adored it and that it made me so fucking happy reading it. This book put the biggest smile on my face for most of it, it was so swoony and romantic and really low angst, and then it made me cry, but it wasn’t for long so I can forget it for that. This book is just a feel good book, the kind of book you read when nothing is going right in your life and you just need to lose yourself in a story for a bit. In short, it was absolutely perfect for me at this point in my life.
Quick summary: Elijah is in love with his best friend and he writes to this website that offers dating advices to get help about it. Shaw is Elijah’s neighbour and they’re kind of ennemies. Shaw doesn’t believe in love, while all Elijah wants is to be in love. Then they both catch feelings for each other.
Some things I really loved about this book were:
- The relationship the two MCs had, they were so fucking good together. I loved how they started out as ennemies and then became friends and then fell in love. It was so fucking lovely. And their banter was just the best.
- I loved Elijah, he was so precious and all he wanted was to fall in love, he was a really strong character and I really enjoyed him. Also I loved how it was shown that he fell out of love with his best friend and then fell in love with Shaw, it felt so real and was really well done.
- I really loved the way these two fell in love, it was so well done and I loved how it caught them both by surprise, they weren’t expecting to fall in love with each other but they did and it was really fucking well done.
- I really loved how honest these two were with each other, they didn’t keep any secrets from each other and they openly shared their fears, it was so nice to see.
- I really liked Shaw, he was such a strong guy and so so nice, and him opening up and starting to trust Elijah and seeing him give him his heart was so fucking lovely to read about, I really enjoyed that part.
Also, all the bonus points for that cover, it’s so damn gorgeous and looks exactly like Elijah from his description in the book. I really fucking love it!
The only reason why this isn’t a 5 stars read for me is that there was a couple things that bothered me about it, they didn’t really change my enjoyment of the book, but they bothered me enough that I had to mention them. There was a situation where there was miscommunication and it kind of annoyed me because it would have been so easy for them to talk it out, like they had done about everything before that. Also, it was resolved by a public gesture and I really don’t enjoy big public gestures, they make me really uncomfortable. But I did adore how the big public gesture didn’t fix everything, the MC who fucked up wasn’t forgiven on the spot and he still had to grovel and I adored that, so all in all, it didn’t really bother me, but I still had to mention it because I didn’t think it was necessary.
In brief, this was just the low angst book of my dreams and everything I needed at the moment. I loved it very much.
When i’m asked who my favourite MM writer is, my automatic answer is always Riley Hart, but I expecially love her low angst books, they’re my favourites and I always keep them for when i’m in a reading slump or need a pick me up. And I really needed a pick me up at the moment, so I knew this book would be absolutely perfect for my current mood. I was expecting to love this book, which is why I chose it and it delivered perfectly on that front. This is such a feel good book, really sweet and really low angst.
I rarely read books in one sitting anymore, I really don’t have the time for that, so the fact that I read a 375 pages book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down should be enough to explain how much I loved this book.
I can’t really explain what I loved about this book, I just know that I absolutely adored it and that it made me so fucking happy reading it. This book put the biggest smile on my face for most of it, it was so swoony and romantic and really low angst, and then it made me cry, but it wasn’t for long so I can forget it for that. This book is just a feel good book, the kind of book you read when nothing is going right in your life and you just need to lose yourself in a story for a bit. In short, it was absolutely perfect for me at this point in my life.
Quick summary: Elijah is in love with his best friend and he writes to this website that offers dating advices to get help about it. Shaw is Elijah’s neighbour and they’re kind of ennemies. Shaw doesn’t believe in love, while all Elijah wants is to be in love. Then they both catch feelings for each other.
Some things I really loved about this book were:
- The relationship the two MCs had, they were so fucking good together. I loved how they started out as ennemies and then became friends and then fell in love. It was so fucking lovely. And their banter was just the best.
- I loved Elijah, he was so precious and all he wanted was to fall in love, he was a really strong character and I really enjoyed him. Also I loved how it was shown that he fell out of love with his best friend and then fell in love with Shaw, it felt so real and was really well done.
- I really loved the way these two fell in love, it was so well done and I loved how it caught them both by surprise, they weren’t expecting to fall in love with each other but they did and it was really fucking well done.
- I really loved how honest these two were with each other, they didn’t keep any secrets from each other and they openly shared their fears, it was so nice to see.
- I really liked Shaw, he was such a strong guy and so so nice, and him opening up and starting to trust Elijah and seeing him give him his heart was so fucking lovely to read about, I really enjoyed that part.
Also, all the bonus points for that cover, it’s so damn gorgeous and looks exactly like Elijah from his description in the book. I really fucking love it!
The only reason why this isn’t a 5 stars read for me is that there was a couple things that bothered me about it, they didn’t really change my enjoyment of the book, but they bothered me enough that I had to mention them. There was a situation where there was miscommunication and it kind of annoyed me because it would have been so easy for them to talk it out, like they had done about everything before that. Also, it was resolved by a public gesture and I really don’t enjoy big public gestures, they make me really uncomfortable. But I did adore how the big public gesture didn’t fix everything, the MC who fucked up wasn’t forgiven on the spot and he still had to grovel and I adored that, so all in all, it didn’t really bother me, but I still had to mention it because I didn’t think it was necessary.
In brief, this was just the low angst book of my dreams and everything I needed at the moment. I loved it very much.
September 20, 2020
Can frenemies become true loves ?
A gay romance with biracial guys, lots of sass, snark, sarcasm, and fun, plus a frenemies to lovers tale.
Elijah is a lean, bendable ballet dancer and teacher, a big loving family and super BFF, Daniel. Elijah thinks he loves Daniel, but in reality, they love each other but are still hey both in-love.
Living across the hall of their apartments is Shaw, a writer who needs to find his passion, and let go of his family’s constant battles. Plus he’s a great looking, but grumpy neighbor, with a revolving door for hook-ups.
The men have been writing back and forth on a web site and soon they figure out who they have written to.
They argue about everything, but for some reason the unique banter is addicting. Our guys begin to like being around the other.
Shaw and Elijah take ballroom dance lessons and volunteer for a gala.
We get tons of inner thoughts, misconceptions, new feelings, and super hot sexy times.
We watch as each man struggles to figure out what real love is.
Enjoy !
======
A gay romance with biracial guys, lots of sass, snark, sarcasm, and fun, plus a frenemies to lovers tale.
Elijah is a lean, bendable ballet dancer and teacher, a big loving family and super BFF, Daniel. Elijah thinks he loves Daniel, but in reality, they love each other but are still hey both in-love.
Living across the hall of their apartments is Shaw, a writer who needs to find his passion, and let go of his family’s constant battles. Plus he’s a great looking, but grumpy neighbor, with a revolving door for hook-ups.
The men have been writing back and forth on a web site and soon they figure out who they have written to.
They argue about everything, but for some reason the unique banter is addicting. Our guys begin to like being around the other.
Shaw and Elijah take ballroom dance lessons and volunteer for a gala.
We get tons of inner thoughts, misconceptions, new feelings, and super hot sexy times.
We watch as each man struggles to figure out what real love is.
Enjoy !
======
November 1, 2021
This is a really sweet story. That's what I needed.
I loved how complicated the main characters Elijah and Shaw were. Obviously, Shaw is more hurt one, but they've both allowed their pasts to influence their current relationship decisions. And even though Shaw is the one with a more complicated past, he is the one who jokes all the time. It was great to see that he doesn't have to be dark and brooding like many other characters in the books, but covers his pain with jokes and cheerfulness. This added depth to his character.
I also liked how it all started. Both the fact that at first they weren't sure if they liked each other and when they pretended to be a couple. I generally really like the fake fiancé theme, so that was exactly up my alley. But I also liked that they had doubts and questioned their feelings all the time. They weren't sure what was really going on.
They make such a cute couple together. I loved their banter. This is something that I always like in my books. But at the same time, I had no doubts that they make an excellent pair together. This is how an opposites attracts couple should look like in my opinion. Their feelings were obvious to the reader, but Elijah and Shaw's reactions were in line with their personalities and past experiences.
I also liked the other characters. I even had the slightest hope that Danny and Will would be together, but it doesn't seem to be going to happen. It's a pity, because in my opinion they would make a great couple with very interesting dynamics. I will probably read more books in this series soon.
I loved how complicated the main characters Elijah and Shaw were. Obviously, Shaw is more hurt one, but they've both allowed their pasts to influence their current relationship decisions. And even though Shaw is the one with a more complicated past, he is the one who jokes all the time. It was great to see that he doesn't have to be dark and brooding like many other characters in the books, but covers his pain with jokes and cheerfulness. This added depth to his character.
I also liked how it all started. Both the fact that at first they weren't sure if they liked each other and when they pretended to be a couple. I generally really like the fake fiancé theme, so that was exactly up my alley. But I also liked that they had doubts and questioned their feelings all the time. They weren't sure what was really going on.
They make such a cute couple together. I loved their banter. This is something that I always like in my books. But at the same time, I had no doubts that they make an excellent pair together. This is how an opposites attracts couple should look like in my opinion. Their feelings were obvious to the reader, but Elijah and Shaw's reactions were in line with their personalities and past experiences.
I also liked the other characters. I even had the slightest hope that Danny and Will would be together, but it doesn't seem to be going to happen. It's a pity, because in my opinion they would make a great couple with very interesting dynamics. I will probably read more books in this series soon.
June 9, 2021
I love this brand of stupid love!♥️♥️
Shaw and Elijah were like oil and water BUT each of them made the other person better.
This started out as frenemies but slow burned it to love.
Riley Hart is SO great at telling stories like this. Making you care about her characters. I LOVED these guys. The vulnerability..the rawness... it felt so real and genuine. I’m glad Shaw and Elijah fought for what they wanted and it was stupid, crazy love.
Loved their story!
Shaw and Elijah were like oil and water BUT each of them made the other person better.
This started out as frenemies but slow burned it to love.
Riley Hart is SO great at telling stories like this. Making you care about her characters. I LOVED these guys. The vulnerability..the rawness... it felt so real and genuine. I’m glad Shaw and Elijah fought for what they wanted and it was stupid, crazy love.
Loved their story!
October 27, 2021
“Shaw?” Eli said a few minutes into the movie.
“Yeah?”
“There’s no one I’d rather be stupid with than you,” he said softy, and my chest swelled.
I kissed the top of his head. “There’s no one I’d rather be stupid with than you either.”
(enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fake relationship, bickering neighbors, femme pilates instructor, dating advice columnist, lovers triangle).
I really like Riley Hart, but this is my least favorite book of hers so far. It’s a sweet, low angst romance. It was mediocre. That sums it up in a nutshell.
What to Expect
• Enemies-to-lovers.
• Opposites attract.
• Fake relationship.
• Lovers triangle.
• Bickering neighbors.
• Elijah, a femme pilates instructor who lives next door to Shaw and is desperately in love with his best friend Danny.
• Shaw, a cocky, sexy neighbor who writes a love and dating advice column as Anonymous.
• Cute texts and letters to the advice column.
• Fake dating as Elijah enlists Shaw to help him in a campaign to win Danny.
• Silly, OTT banter.
• Good relationship buildup. A natural transition from the "I can't stand you" phase to tentative friendship, then hookup buddies and finally lovers.
• Hot sex.
Plot
Elijah is in love with his best friend Danny, but is scared of ruining their friendship by declaring his feelings. He writes in to an anonymous column seeking relationship advice and pretty soon finds himself engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of emails which reminds him a lot of his aggravating interactions with his cocky neighbor Shaw.
Likes
• Fun, flirty romance
• Shaw is considerate and really listens to Eli, e.g., signs them up for a dance class once he learns how much Eli loves dance.
Dislikes
• Stupid Love is an apt title. Eli and Shaw act pretty silly.
• Got bored midway.
• Not a fan of their banter.
“Yeah?”
“There’s no one I’d rather be stupid with than you,” he said softy, and my chest swelled.
I kissed the top of his head. “There’s no one I’d rather be stupid with than you either.”
(enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fake relationship, bickering neighbors, femme pilates instructor, dating advice columnist, lovers triangle).
I really like Riley Hart, but this is my least favorite book of hers so far. It’s a sweet, low angst romance. It was mediocre. That sums it up in a nutshell.
What to Expect
• Enemies-to-lovers.
• Opposites attract.
• Fake relationship.
• Lovers triangle.
• Bickering neighbors.
• Elijah, a femme pilates instructor who lives next door to Shaw and is desperately in love with his best friend Danny.
• Shaw, a cocky, sexy neighbor who writes a love and dating advice column as Anonymous.
• Cute texts and letters to the advice column.
• Fake dating as Elijah enlists Shaw to help him in a campaign to win Danny.
• Silly, OTT banter.
• Good relationship buildup. A natural transition from the "I can't stand you" phase to tentative friendship, then hookup buddies and finally lovers.
• Hot sex.
Plot
Elijah is in love with his best friend Danny, but is scared of ruining their friendship by declaring his feelings. He writes in to an anonymous column seeking relationship advice and pretty soon finds himself engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of emails which reminds him a lot of his aggravating interactions with his cocky neighbor Shaw.
Likes
• Fun, flirty romance
• Shaw is considerate and really listens to Eli, e.g., signs them up for a dance class once he learns how much Eli loves dance.
Dislikes
• Stupid Love is an apt title. Eli and Shaw act pretty silly.
• Got bored midway.
• Not a fan of their banter.
May 30, 2020
3.5
Un monada muy dulce, me lo he bebido.
Un monada muy dulce, me lo he bebido.
June 9, 2020
I enjoyed this one.
This is about Elijah, a twenty something former dancer and current pilates instructor, and who he lives across the hall from, Shaw, a twenty something realtor, but who also seems to love several things, and who runs a blog as Anonymous, dispensing out advice on sexual and romantic relationships. Only, he supposedly doesn't believe in love.
Elijah is supposedly in love with his best friend, Danny of many years, since high school. Elijah and Shaw do not get along at first, but there's a spark of something there, and they both love the banter between them, although they'd never admit it.
When Elijah sends in for some advice from Anonymous about what he should do, being in love with his best friend and all, these two start a back and forth without even knowing that the other is Anonymous or the one talking about loving their BFF.
Soon though, they both figure it out, and after some freaking out, they connect and start to become friends, and then eventually, something more.
But more scares Shaw, and it takes a bit for Elijah to realize he's not actually in love with Danny.
But soon that is cleared up, but Shaw still has his fear of love, of being rejected, of love being like his parents who have a toxic relationship.
But Shaw is nothing like his parents. And Elijah is nothing like the best friend who broke Shaw's heart all those years ago. It just takes Shaw awhile to realize that.
I enjoyed this, these two were fun and cute together. I wish the sex had been steamier, and I know by now with this author sometimes the sex will be written really well, sometimes...not so much. Sometimes it feel very by rote, glossed over and over way too quickly. This was one of those times with this author. I found the sex lacking, for the most part, and I wish if sex is included in romance novels that they could be written like the author actually cares or puts effort into them. Otherwise it feels a waste, really.
But overall I enjoyed this, I enjoyed the romance, I enjoyed the somewhat slow burn between these two and I am eager to read the next in this series.
Two thumbs up for me!
This is about Elijah, a twenty something former dancer and current pilates instructor, and who he lives across the hall from, Shaw, a twenty something realtor, but who also seems to love several things, and who runs a blog as Anonymous, dispensing out advice on sexual and romantic relationships. Only, he supposedly doesn't believe in love.
Elijah is supposedly in love with his best friend, Danny of many years, since high school. Elijah and Shaw do not get along at first, but there's a spark of something there, and they both love the banter between them, although they'd never admit it.
When Elijah sends in for some advice from Anonymous about what he should do, being in love with his best friend and all, these two start a back and forth without even knowing that the other is Anonymous or the one talking about loving their BFF.
Soon though, they both figure it out, and after some freaking out, they connect and start to become friends, and then eventually, something more.
But more scares Shaw, and it takes a bit for Elijah to realize he's not actually in love with Danny.
But soon that is cleared up, but Shaw still has his fear of love, of being rejected, of love being like his parents who have a toxic relationship.
But Shaw is nothing like his parents. And Elijah is nothing like the best friend who broke Shaw's heart all those years ago. It just takes Shaw awhile to realize that.
I enjoyed this, these two were fun and cute together. I wish the sex had been steamier, and I know by now with this author sometimes the sex will be written really well, sometimes...not so much. Sometimes it feel very by rote, glossed over and over way too quickly. This was one of those times with this author. I found the sex lacking, for the most part, and I wish if sex is included in romance novels that they could be written like the author actually cares or puts effort into them. Otherwise it feels a waste, really.
But overall I enjoyed this, I enjoyed the romance, I enjoyed the somewhat slow burn between these two and I am eager to read the next in this series.
Two thumbs up for me!
February 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. The two MCs fitted well together, their brand of sarcasm was funny, flowed well and made me laugh. They communicated well. I really liked the secondary characters and the fact the two MCs had a life and friends outside the relationship. I only have a few minor niggle. I wish we had seen more of Eli's dancing and how that was an integral part of him because I feel that it was but we did not see it enough. The last 3 chapters were not really necessary and OTT, it was great until then so it was fine . The sex: there was not a ton of it which is fine but I felt it wasn't specific to the couple enough. I mean we are told twice that Eli is very bendy (which makes sense) and that Shaw rips the benefits of that but we don't see it. That's very very minor. I would highly recommend this one :)
January 10, 2021
This was a cute book.
- Enemies to lovers...the guys are neighbors and rub each other the wrong way
- Fake relationship...To help one MC get his best friend jealous
- Opposites attract...these guys cannot be more different which only adds to their relationship!
- A tentative Friendship that blooms when they discover how much they enjoy each other's company.
- A serial hook-up artist who falls in love with a bendy Pilates instructor...wink wink
#happyreading
- Enemies to lovers...the guys are neighbors and rub each other the wrong way
- Fake relationship...To help one MC get his best friend jealous
- Opposites attract...these guys cannot be more different which only adds to their relationship!
- A tentative Friendship that blooms when they discover how much they enjoy each other's company.
- A serial hook-up artist who falls in love with a bendy Pilates instructor...wink wink
#happyreading
September 18, 2022
4 stars
Well this was cute! Haha made me smile throughout the book and I couldn’t put it down! I am excited to read the rest of the series!
Shaw and Eli were adorable, loved their banter and how they were enemies turned friends turned lovers!
Well this was cute! Haha made me smile throughout the book and I couldn’t put it down! I am excited to read the rest of the series!
Shaw and Eli were adorable, loved their banter and how they were enemies turned friends turned lovers!
June 17, 2020
This author always write the sweetest books! This one is no exception. I liked it and will definitely waiting for what’s next!
February 22, 2022
This was such an easy, sweet, romantic read. I flew through it in one sitting. Both Elijah and Shaw were incredibly likeable, funny, and sweet characters that I loved reading about. They were both very well rounded, and the supporting cast was awesome as well.
I even thought we were gonna slide on by without an 80% miscommunication, especially as I breezed on by 80% with two characters who were absolutely fantastic and realistic with their communication (props to the consent in the sex scenes, by the way). Then at nearly 90% we’re given the classic miscommunication scene and I wanted to scream as per usual. Then there was a public apology at a function that had nothing to do with either MCs which I absolutely despised.
Lastly, I LOVED that Elijah was biracial. More POC in romance please!
I even thought we were gonna slide on by without an 80% miscommunication, especially as I breezed on by 80% with two characters who were absolutely fantastic and realistic with their communication (props to the consent in the sex scenes, by the way). Then at nearly 90% we’re given the classic miscommunication scene and I wanted to scream as per usual. Then there was a public apology at a function that had nothing to do with either MCs which I absolutely despised.
Lastly, I LOVED that Elijah was biracial. More POC in romance please!
July 14, 2020
I would probably give it 3.5 stars if I could, because I enjoyed it. It was cute but a lot of words and phrases were repeated constantly like "annoying." The story was fine but not my favorite of this authors.
The cover though was stunning!
The cover though was stunning!
May 22, 2020
4.5 stars
May 20, 2020
Riley Hart's Stupid Love, the first book in the Stumbling into Love series, is a beautiful book. Even better though, it's a riveting page turner from the start.
First of all, the cover is stunning, definitely grabbing my attention upon first look. Upon reading the story, you'll find the cover model perfectly represents Elijah, a twink who teaches pilates.
A classic enemies to lovers tale, this one is between neighbors Elijah and Shaw. These two are such an interesting couple from the start. Elijah is a man looking for love, having long been pinning over his best friend. He takes an instant disliking to his neighbor Shaw, as he seems to be looking for no repeats.
This is a great combination of slow burn and an online relationship. Shaw is an online love column advice guru. Seriously, he's a love guru who gives heart-felt advice, all while being cynical of real love. So fun!
When he and Elijah start talking via his column, they don't know each other's real life identities. If you enjoy stories like this, you'll love this book.
Their story includes homophobia and racism, as Elijah is biracial.
The highlight of this tale is the difference between the men and their individual journeys. Elijah and Shaw want vastly different things out of life. Shaw has been burnt in the past and doesn't want to open his heart up again, all while Elijah just keeps longing for real love. Their story is emotional and will grab your heart, as these men deal with their developing feelings.
And then the author just adds to the fun with Eli's bendiness!
As far as quotes are concerned, I think we can all relate to this one by Shaw. "...I made myself believe those feelings of fear were gone. If you don't acknowledge something, it's not there, right?"
As usual, the author gifts the reader with lovable characters and creates a fantastic journey for them. Told in alternating first person pov, the reader easily follows these men and their feelings throughout.
One important theme the author addresses is the difference between thinking you're in love with someone, versus real love. She handles this well, with major character revelations.
Stupid Love is a beautiful slow burn neighbor romance. I love every second of this sweet and touching Riley Hart gem. I can't wait to see what Riley has in store for the rest of this series!
First of all, the cover is stunning, definitely grabbing my attention upon first look. Upon reading the story, you'll find the cover model perfectly represents Elijah, a twink who teaches pilates.
A classic enemies to lovers tale, this one is between neighbors Elijah and Shaw. These two are such an interesting couple from the start. Elijah is a man looking for love, having long been pinning over his best friend. He takes an instant disliking to his neighbor Shaw, as he seems to be looking for no repeats.
This is a great combination of slow burn and an online relationship. Shaw is an online love column advice guru. Seriously, he's a love guru who gives heart-felt advice, all while being cynical of real love. So fun!
When he and Elijah start talking via his column, they don't know each other's real life identities. If you enjoy stories like this, you'll love this book.
Their story includes homophobia and racism, as Elijah is biracial.
The highlight of this tale is the difference between the men and their individual journeys. Elijah and Shaw want vastly different things out of life. Shaw has been burnt in the past and doesn't want to open his heart up again, all while Elijah just keeps longing for real love. Their story is emotional and will grab your heart, as these men deal with their developing feelings.
And then the author just adds to the fun with Eli's bendiness!
As far as quotes are concerned, I think we can all relate to this one by Shaw. "...I made myself believe those feelings of fear were gone. If you don't acknowledge something, it's not there, right?"
As usual, the author gifts the reader with lovable characters and creates a fantastic journey for them. Told in alternating first person pov, the reader easily follows these men and their feelings throughout.
One important theme the author addresses is the difference between thinking you're in love with someone, versus real love. She handles this well, with major character revelations.
Stupid Love is a beautiful slow burn neighbor romance. I love every second of this sweet and touching Riley Hart gem. I can't wait to see what Riley has in store for the rest of this series!
May 21, 2020
OMG, my heart!!!
Riley Hart has done it again. Her books manage to fill my heart with warm, fuzzy feelings and make it ache at the same time. Such a great feeling!! Elijah and Shaw are perfect. I love how they challenge each other at every turn. From the very beginning, before they officially met, you could feel the chemistry. Frenemies turned lovers are some of my favorites. This one is close to the top. My heart ached for Shaw because you can tell right away that he's hiding from his feelings!! Elijah was the perfect compliment to his personality!!!
Riley Hart has done it again. Her books manage to fill my heart with warm, fuzzy feelings and make it ache at the same time. Such a great feeling!! Elijah and Shaw are perfect. I love how they challenge each other at every turn. From the very beginning, before they officially met, you could feel the chemistry. Frenemies turned lovers are some of my favorites. This one is close to the top. My heart ached for Shaw because you can tell right away that he's hiding from his feelings!! Elijah was the perfect compliment to his personality!!!
January 9, 2023
If you’re into frenemies to lovers, fake dating, opposites attract, unapologetic charming characters and great banter between them, this might be for you!
Elijah and Shaw are neighbors who don’t get along but Shaw runs a site of advice in dating and he receives an anonymous consult about someone who thinks might be in love with their best friend. Of course Shaw realizes this is his twink neighbor and they set up a plan to make Danny (Elijah’s best friend) jealous of him.
But, as any other romance with these tropes, the guys end up spending time together, getting along and actually caring for each other. They’ve always been attracted to the other but never fully embraced it until now that they’re “faking it”.
To me, this was a nice romance between two younger men who happen to have a great banter and who kinda reminded me of the way I am with my gf, lol. I totally get where Shaw is coming from, not wanting to waste time with love and Elijah being totally up for it and not for the regular hook ups.
I was in the middle of a couple of tough weeks and it helped me get through them. I really believe Riley Hart is one of my comfort authors ‘cause she always writes characters in a way that make me love them and have a great time! She’s always sex positive and touches deep subjects like racism, homophobia and other things I find myself gravitating towards to in my everyday life.
I cannot recommend it enough and I will be gladly continuing with the series!
Elijah and Shaw are neighbors who don’t get along but Shaw runs a site of advice in dating and he receives an anonymous consult about someone who thinks might be in love with their best friend. Of course Shaw realizes this is his twink neighbor and they set up a plan to make Danny (Elijah’s best friend) jealous of him.
But, as any other romance with these tropes, the guys end up spending time together, getting along and actually caring for each other. They’ve always been attracted to the other but never fully embraced it until now that they’re “faking it”.
To me, this was a nice romance between two younger men who happen to have a great banter and who kinda reminded me of the way I am with my gf, lol. I totally get where Shaw is coming from, not wanting to waste time with love and Elijah being totally up for it and not for the regular hook ups.
I was in the middle of a couple of tough weeks and it helped me get through them. I really believe Riley Hart is one of my comfort authors ‘cause she always writes characters in a way that make me love them and have a great time! She’s always sex positive and touches deep subjects like racism, homophobia and other things I find myself gravitating towards to in my everyday life.
I cannot recommend it enough and I will be gladly continuing with the series!
August 28, 2021
On a scale of 1 to 5 on my Feel Good meter, this one rated a 5. It was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. The main characters, Elijah and Shaw, were well-developed with strong personalities and diverse backgrounds and from the moment they met when they stepped outside their facing apartments, sparks flew, and they became sworn enemies. But really not long after, frenemies would be the better term.
The best parts revolved around their banter and the development of their friendship and ultimately close sexual relationship. Elijah doesn't really do hookups as he's looking for a strong permanent relationship like his parents have. Shaw doesn't believe in love, and no wonder--his first and only love rejected him and his parents are constantly fighting, leaving each other, making up, fighting again, etc., so he's never had good role models.
I loved the way the author presented the men, the storyline, the humor, the dance lessons, photo shoots, secondary characters, and ultimately the makeup scene. Not giving spoilers here, but the last chapters are really delightful. So I feel really good today. I needed this pick-me-up so badly and Riley Hart came through. Highly recommend.
The best parts revolved around their banter and the development of their friendship and ultimately close sexual relationship. Elijah doesn't really do hookups as he's looking for a strong permanent relationship like his parents have. Shaw doesn't believe in love, and no wonder--his first and only love rejected him and his parents are constantly fighting, leaving each other, making up, fighting again, etc., so he's never had good role models.
I loved the way the author presented the men, the storyline, the humor, the dance lessons, photo shoots, secondary characters, and ultimately the makeup scene. Not giving spoilers here, but the last chapters are really delightful. So I feel really good today. I needed this pick-me-up so badly and Riley Hart came through. Highly recommend.
May 26, 2020
Super sweet
I’m not really good with the enemies to more books, mostly because me and hurt feelings conflicts make me anxious, but this one was really good. I think it pays that I really like this author also. First I just want to ask if you have been a fly on my wall? E’s parents are totally my hubs and me, 2nd Yes Yes Yes to a biracial MC. Hits home with my family. So now to this story of two men who are afraid of real love finding it with each other. I loved the banter between the two. It was light fun in a super sweet way. I enjoyed their journey and yay a dancer. The writing was of course great, the smexy was hawt, and the side characters were cool. Wonder if we will follow a few of them.
I’m not really good with the enemies to more books, mostly because me and hurt feelings conflicts make me anxious, but this one was really good. I think it pays that I really like this author also. First I just want to ask if you have been a fly on my wall? E’s parents are totally my hubs and me, 2nd Yes Yes Yes to a biracial MC. Hits home with my family. So now to this story of two men who are afraid of real love finding it with each other. I loved the banter between the two. It was light fun in a super sweet way. I enjoyed their journey and yay a dancer. The writing was of course great, the smexy was hawt, and the side characters were cool. Wonder if we will follow a few of them.
June 22, 2020
Le doy 3 por el fantástico banter que se traen los MC, porque, en general, me he acabado aburriendo un poco. Riley Hart creo que no es para mí.
June 21, 2021
This was unexpected and sweet. Great writing as always, loveable characters.
November 19, 2021
That was really cute and heart-warming. 💖
Bonus points for the hot cover boy. This is exactly what Elijah looks like in the book.
Bonus points for the hot cover boy. This is exactly what Elijah looks like in the book.
April 23, 2021
5
M/m
חמודיייייים ומהממים
טוינק ודו מיני שכנים שונאים עוזרים אחד לשני .
כן משנאה לאהבה ועזרה עם אהבה נכזבת ואהבה של ידידות לא ממומשת
כן קצת מתוק מידי קצת לא אמיתי אבל נהנתי בטירוף
M/m
חמודיייייים ומהממים
טוינק ודו מיני שכנים שונאים עוזרים אחד לשני .
כן משנאה לאהבה ועזרה עם אהבה נכזבת ואהבה של ידידות לא ממומשת
כן קצת מתוק מידי קצת לא אמיתי אבל נהנתי בטירוף
May 27, 2020
I can always count out Riley Hart for a book pick me up!!! This was a winner for sure! I love both these characters....the enemy party is always rocky but I loved it from beginning to end!
Recommended Read.
Recommended Read.
November 27, 2022
I thought there was no such thing as too much banter, this book proved me wrong.
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