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Nerds of Happy Valley #1
You're My I.T. (The Nerds of Happy Valley Series)
Dice meets derby in a new contemporary romance novel by bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.
Fourth try’s the charm… or is it?
The first guy Blaine ever confessed her feelings to dismissed her. The second made her friendless. The third, a viral internet sensation.
And Blaine is praying the fourth will be different.
After two years of pining for the aloof and secretly hilarious IT guy at work, roller-derby-warrior Blaine creates a master plan: after Lysander returns from his transfer in California, she’s going to spill everything. And why not? She’s got a killer undercut, thighs of steel, and shares his love for superheroes. In her book, they’re a match made in heaven.
Lysander has enough self-esteem to fill a thimble and has always struggled with his place in the world. When his father has a health scare, Lysander takes charge of his own, and consequentially loses fifty pounds. Suddenly the people around him think he’s worth his space—especially the women. And when Lysander fishes the literally shallow waters of dating and returns with a girl on his arm, Blaine fears she may have lost her chance with him entirely.
Fourth try’s the charm… or is it?
The first guy Blaine ever confessed her feelings to dismissed her. The second made her friendless. The third, a viral internet sensation.
And Blaine is praying the fourth will be different.
After two years of pining for the aloof and secretly hilarious IT guy at work, roller-derby-warrior Blaine creates a master plan: after Lysander returns from his transfer in California, she’s going to spill everything. And why not? She’s got a killer undercut, thighs of steel, and shares his love for superheroes. In her book, they’re a match made in heaven.
Lysander has enough self-esteem to fill a thimble and has always struggled with his place in the world. When his father has a health scare, Lysander takes charge of his own, and consequentially loses fifty pounds. Suddenly the people around him think he’s worth his space—especially the women. And when Lysander fishes the literally shallow waters of dating and returns with a girl on his arm, Blaine fears she may have lost her chance with him entirely.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 31, 2022
146 people are currently reading
3796 people want to read
About the author
C.N. Holmberg
2 books133 followersCharlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg. She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
May 12, 2022
IT Nerd with a hot makeover, cute office girl who had a crush on the IT Nerd for the past two years. Rom-com eat your heart out!
Blaine has liked Lysander even before his insane weight loss makeover. Following Lysander's return after a 6 month health sabbatical Blaine finally pulls her courage together to tell him how she feels, but off course karma just really wants to get in-between and nip it in the butt.
A really fun office romance listen. You really got to give credit to Blaine for keeping her chin up. The character development was really awesome as it was short and sweet but you still get to know the character enough to really like them.
The dual narration was stellar and really brought that extra bit of pump to the story.
Rom-com fundi's - highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for this absolutely wonderful audiobook ARC.
Blaine has liked Lysander even before his insane weight loss makeover. Following Lysander's return after a 6 month health sabbatical Blaine finally pulls her courage together to tell him how she feels, but off course karma just really wants to get in-between and nip it in the butt.
A really fun office romance listen. You really got to give credit to Blaine for keeping her chin up. The character development was really awesome as it was short and sweet but you still get to know the character enough to really like them.
The dual narration was stellar and really brought that extra bit of pump to the story.
Rom-com fundi's - highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for this absolutely wonderful audiobook ARC.
August 27, 2022
This was a really clean, fast paced read and had such an adorable set of characters!
Blaine was actually so adorable and her attempts to make him realise how much she liked him were too cute. She was so relatable in some aspects and that made me like her more.
Lysander was hilarious while texting and I really enjoyed watching his confidence grow. Him being oblivious got kind of tiring at one point but it all worked out in the end.
Some parts (about their work and stuff) got boring so I skimmed quite a bit. The third act conflict was not as aggravating as it could’ve been so that’s a plus 🤸🏻♀️
The ending was the nice all-is-well type of thing.
I felt like there could’ve been more to this book but it was a standard romcom which I had fun reading.
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
There’s no spice but it was NA 🙃
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Meet me in the margins
Blaine was actually so adorable and her attempts to make him realise how much she liked him were too cute. She was so relatable in some aspects and that made me like her more.
Lysander was hilarious while texting and I really enjoyed watching his confidence grow. Him being oblivious got kind of tiring at one point but it all worked out in the end.
Some parts (about their work and stuff) got boring so I skimmed quite a bit. The third act conflict was not as aggravating as it could’ve been so that’s a plus 🤸🏻♀️
The ending was the nice all-is-well type of thing.
I felt like there could’ve been more to this book but it was a standard romcom which I had fun reading.
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
There’s no spice but it was NA 🙃
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀:
Meet me in the margins
May 19, 2022
You're My IT is a slow burn office romance that features several popular tropes, such as friends to lovers, second chance romance and for a moment there - enemies to lovers. It took me a minute to get into it, but now I’m really glad I picked it up.
When I just started the book, I thought I’m not going to like it. It was similar to so many other rom-coms I’ve read. And the someone-fat-loses-weight-and-is-suddenly-attractive trope - I’m really not a fan, though it was interesting it was the guy this time.
But - there was something about this book. Something charming and adorable and super cute. Whatever it was, it kept me invested and cheering for the MCs even through the most cliché scenarios.
The book is fairly short - perfect for when you need some nerdy, adorable office romance to add some cheer and relaxation to busy, stressful days. But it surprised me how well we get to know the characters considering how short the read was.
The next book in the series follows Rue, and I most definitely want to read it ASAP. Hope I’ll love it at least as much as I loved You're My IT. And if the narrators are the same, I have to listen to that one as well, because I just loved them both!
A huge thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of You're My IT by C.N. Holmberg in exchange for an honest review.
When I just started the book, I thought I’m not going to like it. It was similar to so many other rom-coms I’ve read. And the someone-fat-loses-weight-and-is-suddenly-attractive trope - I’m really not a fan, though it was interesting it was the guy this time.
But - there was something about this book. Something charming and adorable and super cute. Whatever it was, it kept me invested and cheering for the MCs even through the most cliché scenarios.
The book is fairly short - perfect for when you need some nerdy, adorable office romance to add some cheer and relaxation to busy, stressful days. But it surprised me how well we get to know the characters considering how short the read was.
The next book in the series follows Rue, and I most definitely want to read it ASAP. Hope I’ll love it at least as much as I loved You're My IT. And if the narrators are the same, I have to listen to that one as well, because I just loved them both!
A huge thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of You're My IT by C.N. Holmberg in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2022
4.25 ⭐
What a cute little book showing that what's on the inside, not the outside, is really what counts.
Blaine and Lysander (interesting names!) work in the same tech building. They have been instant messaging for quite a while and slowly getting to know each other. Blaine has had a crush on Lysander, but has been too shy to say something and missed her opportunity when he is transferred to another location.
Flash forward 6 months and Lysander comes back more confident, unrecognizable and looking like a hottie~boom~bottie. His father's health scare made him take a look at this own habits and make some changes. Now he's having a tough time figuring out if the person showing interest in him is shallow or really likes him for him.
I always love when there are dual pov's because we get to really see what they are thinking. Then we get to shout, UGH!, why are you saying that ~ can't you see that they like you!! Eventually they get their happily ever after, but not without a few misunderstandings along the way.
This was a quick listen at 6 hours and 2 minutes, easy to follow along at 2x. I've listened to a few books narrated by Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro and they did a lovely job.
I really enjoyed this clean, slow burn, office romance and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
*Thanks to Tantor Audio, C.N. Holmberg and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
What a cute little book showing that what's on the inside, not the outside, is really what counts.
Blaine and Lysander (interesting names!) work in the same tech building. They have been instant messaging for quite a while and slowly getting to know each other. Blaine has had a crush on Lysander, but has been too shy to say something and missed her opportunity when he is transferred to another location.
Flash forward 6 months and Lysander comes back more confident, unrecognizable and looking like a hottie~boom~bottie. His father's health scare made him take a look at this own habits and make some changes. Now he's having a tough time figuring out if the person showing interest in him is shallow or really likes him for him.
I always love when there are dual pov's because we get to really see what they are thinking. Then we get to shout, UGH!, why are you saying that ~ can't you see that they like you!! Eventually they get their happily ever after, but not without a few misunderstandings along the way.
This was a quick listen at 6 hours and 2 minutes, easy to follow along at 2x. I've listened to a few books narrated by Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro and they did a lovely job.
I really enjoyed this clean, slow burn, office romance and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
*Thanks to Tantor Audio, C.N. Holmberg and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
May 31, 2022
3.5 Stars
On paper this seems like 100% the type of book I would love. Friends to lovers, forced proximity because...co workers, nerdy main characters, roller derby, etc. Its also set in my home state of Utah so I had a connection to SLC. Experiencing someones story outside my faith is always eye opening especially when its set in Utah.
What I loved about this book was the body representation in a MALE character. We see so many books where women are allowed to be curvy but the men are always muscular and athletic. Lysander is a gamer, a role player, loves LOTR and is shy and insecure. He really does have some great growth pertaining to his arc and I liked seeing him have added confidence by not only what he looked like but what value he had as a person.
What I wish there would have been more of....the book starts out with Blaine in love with Lysander from chapter 1...so as a reader we didn't get to see the progression of the relationship. What we do see is Blaine pining, hinting and trying to get an oblivious man to notice her. So a large majority of the book is people hiding their feelings for one another.
When the feelings are recognized they are really sweet and genuine! I did feel like the after portion of the story could have been a bit more tidy and brief. There were a couple plot points that didn't make sense to me but overall I get what the author was trying to do in terms of commitment.
Overall I think this is a really sweet story that is easy to read and has a great message. Its closed door but has some sexual innuendo in terms of humor.
On paper this seems like 100% the type of book I would love. Friends to lovers, forced proximity because...co workers, nerdy main characters, roller derby, etc. Its also set in my home state of Utah so I had a connection to SLC. Experiencing someones story outside my faith is always eye opening especially when its set in Utah.
What I loved about this book was the body representation in a MALE character. We see so many books where women are allowed to be curvy but the men are always muscular and athletic. Lysander is a gamer, a role player, loves LOTR and is shy and insecure. He really does have some great growth pertaining to his arc and I liked seeing him have added confidence by not only what he looked like but what value he had as a person.
What I wish there would have been more of....the book starts out with Blaine in love with Lysander from chapter 1...so as a reader we didn't get to see the progression of the relationship. What we do see is Blaine pining, hinting and trying to get an oblivious man to notice her. So a large majority of the book is people hiding their feelings for one another.
When the feelings are recognized they are really sweet and genuine! I did feel like the after portion of the story could have been a bit more tidy and brief. There were a couple plot points that didn't make sense to me but overall I get what the author was trying to do in terms of commitment.
Overall I think this is a really sweet story that is easy to read and has a great message. Its closed door but has some sexual innuendo in terms of humor.
May 19, 2022
This book was absolutely adorable!
A workplace romance that builds slowly from friendship with a cute technical writer and a nerdy I.T. guy.
It was relatable, cute and a refreshing change to see the male MC transformation instead of a female MC. Touching on body positivity as well as the insecurities and the mental toll a weight loss journey can take you on, she really got across the lingering self confidence issues that can remain with such a transformation in a perfectly sympathetic situation.
I appreciated the authors portrayal of Blaine and Lysander's insecurities navigating a workplace crush and the slow progression of their friendship to romance. It was a quirky and fun romcom but had depth to not make it an overly fluffy romance novel.
It left me wanting more and excited for the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for a copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
A workplace romance that builds slowly from friendship with a cute technical writer and a nerdy I.T. guy.
It was relatable, cute and a refreshing change to see the male MC transformation instead of a female MC. Touching on body positivity as well as the insecurities and the mental toll a weight loss journey can take you on, she really got across the lingering self confidence issues that can remain with such a transformation in a perfectly sympathetic situation.
I appreciated the authors portrayal of Blaine and Lysander's insecurities navigating a workplace crush and the slow progression of their friendship to romance. It was a quirky and fun romcom but had depth to not make it an overly fluffy romance novel.
It left me wanting more and excited for the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for a copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2021
Ahhhhhh! This was so fun!
I'm super glad Holmberg decided to try her hand at contemporary romance, because this was straight up adorable. I loved every second of it.
Blaine was a fiesty, formidable protagonist. A technical writer who does roller derby in the evenings? I mean, what's not to love? I really related to her and her awkwardness when it came to relationships.
And then Lysander. I wish we'd had a little more from his POV, because it was good to get into his head. He was so shy and reserved and clueless about girls.
Bring these two together in a slow burn office romance with some great side characters and magic happens! I hope to see more contemporary novels from Holmberg in the future, because she clearly had a knack for writing it.
I honestly want to reread this book again. And again. And maybe even again.
*I received a digital review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I'm super glad Holmberg decided to try her hand at contemporary romance, because this was straight up adorable. I loved every second of it.
Blaine was a fiesty, formidable protagonist. A technical writer who does roller derby in the evenings? I mean, what's not to love? I really related to her and her awkwardness when it came to relationships.
And then Lysander. I wish we'd had a little more from his POV, because it was good to get into his head. He was so shy and reserved and clueless about girls.
Bring these two together in a slow burn office romance with some great side characters and magic happens! I hope to see more contemporary novels from Holmberg in the future, because she clearly had a knack for writing it.
I honestly want to reread this book again. And again. And maybe even again.
*I received a digital review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
June 6, 2022
This was a cute, clean, contemporary, slow burn office romance. Both protagonists Lysander (I.T. nerd) and Blaine (roller derby girl) have issues--Lysander with his body and self image and Blaine with her horrible luck in finding love which has also led her to feel the prick of cancel culture (thanks to her ex-best friend)--and it was good to see that both refuse to let their issues define them even though it takes them some time to get to that point. I listened to the audiobook which was short and quick and was narrated well by both the narrators Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro.
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Tantor Audio and the author for the audio Arc of the book. It looks like this is the first book in the 'Nerds of Happy Valley' series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Tantor Audio and the author for the audio Arc of the book. It looks like this is the first book in the 'Nerds of Happy Valley' series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
June 20, 2022
This book was sloooow. And it had so much miscommunication it hurt.
In this book we follow Blaine, she’s had some very cruel rejections in the past, one of them went viral and now she’s obviously very cautious when it comes to telling someone she likes. Lysander on the other hand is shy and insecure and doesn’t think he could ever get someone like Blaine to like him.
This book is actually very short, but at times it feels like forever. If you love the miscommunication trope, this book is for you. There are so many times when it could have been resolved with a few words.
Overall, I actually did like it, even though it doesn’t sound like it. It was a good book. The love story was cute and I think the representation of (over-) weight/ weight loss and all the feelings that result from that was really good.
In this book we follow Blaine, she’s had some very cruel rejections in the past, one of them went viral and now she’s obviously very cautious when it comes to telling someone she likes. Lysander on the other hand is shy and insecure and doesn’t think he could ever get someone like Blaine to like him.
This book is actually very short, but at times it feels like forever. If you love the miscommunication trope, this book is for you. There are so many times when it could have been resolved with a few words.
Overall, I actually did like it, even though it doesn’t sound like it. It was a good book. The love story was cute and I think the representation of (over-) weight/ weight loss and all the feelings that result from that was really good.
June 1, 2022
You’re my IT is book 1 of The Nerds of Happy Valley series by author CN Holmberg. It is a standalone, contemporary romance. Dual POV with a happy ending.
Tropes:
❤️ Slow burn
❤️ Workplace romance
❤️ Both main characters secretly crushing for years
My thoughts:
The romance between Blaine and Lysander was a particularly slow burn where both have liked each other, but because he had some body issues and was also a tad clueless, he never acknowledged Blaine’s subtle and not so advances.
A couple of years passed and Lysander lost weight while on an away job. When he comes back, Blaine flat out lets him know about her feelings towards him. Sadly, he believes she only noticed him romantically because of his body transformation. It takes them a bit more time to get on the same page but it’s close to the end which made the story feel rushed.
I enjoyed the performance by the narrators Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige which made the characters come to life.
★ I was given an audiobook ARC of this title by the author via NetGalley. I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
Tropes:
❤️ Slow burn
❤️ Workplace romance
❤️ Both main characters secretly crushing for years
My thoughts:
The romance between Blaine and Lysander was a particularly slow burn where both have liked each other, but because he had some body issues and was also a tad clueless, he never acknowledged Blaine’s subtle and not so advances.
A couple of years passed and Lysander lost weight while on an away job. When he comes back, Blaine flat out lets him know about her feelings towards him. Sadly, he believes she only noticed him romantically because of his body transformation. It takes them a bit more time to get on the same page but it’s close to the end which made the story feel rushed.
I enjoyed the performance by the narrators Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige which made the characters come to life.
★ I was given an audiobook ARC of this title by the author via NetGalley. I am voluntarily reading and reviewing it.
★ Check out all my book edits over at my Bookstagram
June 3, 2022
4.5⭐️
I loved this and especially the ending❣️And can we pause for just a minute and just talk about how clueless (dumb) men are?! Ugh.. moving on.
FYI this is a clean romance and it was a fun and a well written novel. I haven’t read anything like this one before. It focused on “real” things going on now. Examples were , smart carbs, instant messenger, stigmas on body image and the realities of social media. Nothing to deep but realistic nonetheless. I really like the MC, they were adorable.
Will I listen to another audiobook by this author? Definitely❣️
This was narrated by Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro and they were awesome. Listening time is 6 Hours, 2 Minutes.
Thanks Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
I loved this and especially the ending❣️And can we pause for just a minute and just talk about how clueless (dumb) men are?! Ugh.. moving on.
FYI this is a clean romance and it was a fun and a well written novel. I haven’t read anything like this one before. It focused on “real” things going on now. Examples were , smart carbs, instant messenger, stigmas on body image and the realities of social media. Nothing to deep but realistic nonetheless. I really like the MC, they were adorable.
Will I listen to another audiobook by this author? Definitely❣️
This was narrated by Tim Paige and Kelsey Navarro and they were awesome. Listening time is 6 Hours, 2 Minutes.
Thanks Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
May 27, 2022
I received this book as an arc for my honest review. Thank you to C.N. Holmberg and Katie at the Howard Marketing Group.
I was offered this book last month but I refused it since it wasnt in my normal go to genre to read. I was then asked if I wanted to interview the author instead. That was a great honor so I agreed and in doing so accepted the book so I can talk about it with her.
This book took me by surprise. I think the thing that made me love it was the fact that I could relate to both of the characters. Blaine was down to earth, kind, and fierce in her friendships. Lysander is the picture of an amazing nerdy person. They both struggle with their own issues, Blaine trying to show Lysander that she actually likes him and Lysander with his weight loss journey.
When he comes back looking like a whole new person it shows yet that no matter how someone changes on the outside, they are the same inside.
There were times when I wanted to shake them both and make them see each other. They just keep missing each other and there were time that I yelled at my book. Also time that made me smile so hard. I've known a few Lysanders in my life who are just as sweet.
I loved the nerdy stuff that the author included like Lysander playing D&D and Blaine doing roller derby. It mad them more grounded in real life for me. I can not wait to read the next book.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read and interview C.N. Holmberg.
I was offered this book last month but I refused it since it wasnt in my normal go to genre to read. I was then asked if I wanted to interview the author instead. That was a great honor so I agreed and in doing so accepted the book so I can talk about it with her.
This book took me by surprise. I think the thing that made me love it was the fact that I could relate to both of the characters. Blaine was down to earth, kind, and fierce in her friendships. Lysander is the picture of an amazing nerdy person. They both struggle with their own issues, Blaine trying to show Lysander that she actually likes him and Lysander with his weight loss journey.
When he comes back looking like a whole new person it shows yet that no matter how someone changes on the outside, they are the same inside.
There were times when I wanted to shake them both and make them see each other. They just keep missing each other and there were time that I yelled at my book. Also time that made me smile so hard. I've known a few Lysanders in my life who are just as sweet.
I loved the nerdy stuff that the author included like Lysander playing D&D and Blaine doing roller derby. It mad them more grounded in real life for me. I can not wait to read the next book.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read and interview C.N. Holmberg.
May 15, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!
I wasn't really looking for a romcom with a little depth to it, but I'm sure glad that this one found me! I had no idea that this was going to be so heavily about self-image and a healthy perception of weight and I ended up loving how these things were written.
Normally I really dislike a miscommunication trope, but there was so much substance behind this one that I adored it. The book really shows you exactly why each of them are acting the way they are, and I loved getting their sides to the story. It was so hard to watch, but it was so rewarding and really took you on their journeys as they navigated self-esteem.
Lysander's journey with his weight really hit home as someone who is currently trying to lose weight, and his thoughts and feelings were so well done. Both of them really got you immersed and had you feeling as though you were in their shoes.
This was a book I couldn't put down, and it's one that I highly recommend to any romcom lovers out there!
I wasn't really looking for a romcom with a little depth to it, but I'm sure glad that this one found me! I had no idea that this was going to be so heavily about self-image and a healthy perception of weight and I ended up loving how these things were written.
Normally I really dislike a miscommunication trope, but there was so much substance behind this one that I adored it. The book really shows you exactly why each of them are acting the way they are, and I loved getting their sides to the story. It was so hard to watch, but it was so rewarding and really took you on their journeys as they navigated self-esteem.
Lysander's journey with his weight really hit home as someone who is currently trying to lose weight, and his thoughts and feelings were so well done. Both of them really got you immersed and had you feeling as though you were in their shoes.
This was a book I couldn't put down, and it's one that I highly recommend to any romcom lovers out there!
May 8, 2023
ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝟐.𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐈𝐓 .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿
𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 (h) has had bad luck in the men's department, and each time she has confessed her feelings, either they didn't reciprocate or worse, she ends up as a viral sensation. When she falls for her IT friend, she wants to tell him but fears losing his friendship. It is worse timing when he gets transferred to another office and won't return until six months. So, his appearance months later comes as a surprise when he has lost nearly 50 he is with someone, and she feels like she lost her chance. 𝐋𝐲𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐲 (H) isn’t used to the attention he’s getting now that he lost weight, but he is glad Blaine isn’t treating him differently. When she randomly exclaims that she likes him, he realizes that maybe she isn’t who he thought she was. 💻👓🖱️
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿
Blaine carried this book, and Lysander was just there. I liked him initially, mainly because he seemed like an introvert with more personality online (so real of him). However, his personality changed when he came back with a different look. While it was great that he gained self-confidence, it didn’t mean he should have assumed Blaine was interested in him for the same reason, especially since she had been his friend for two years when no one else was.
She liked him initially, and his weight didn’t contribute to her admitting her feelings; it was more of a “wrong timing” situation. He called her shallow, and I’m still upset over that because she sent him so many signals, and he was just too oblivious to get the hint. It felt like he never showed interest, and because of the limited POVs we got from him, the relationship did not convince me as it should have. Blaine was a great character, she knew she liked him regardless of his looks, and it sucked that she gained the courage to tell him how she felt, only for him to throw it in her face. He should have groveled more instead of showing up with flowers and thinking that would fix all the times he was an asshole for no reason whatsoever. I understand he felt like she only liked him because of his weight loss, but he should have known her better. It was pretty insulting for him to disregard Blaine and paint her as a shallow woman only after him for his body.
Another issue, he was on a dating site the entire time. He brought a girl to her birthday. Why is it that Blaine always had to make a move and never did? It seemed like a one-sided relationship, and his mind was elsewhere. I'm not convinced the ending was realistic because she should have dumped him and moved on. Also, he's shallow too if we compare scenes. He noticed her body when she was at her game, and he was suddenly nice again. Lysander needed to do better, and that's my take. The story had potential, but the pacing was all off and could have been executed better.
*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢
The idea was good; when I first read the synopsis, I was intrigued and thought it was unique, but the result could have been much better. It was a fun read, but the characters just lacked an emotional connection; it seemed like the FMC was into him, and she had been interested for two years, but he never showed that he was interested in her just as much. She fell first, but did HE even fall?
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐈𝐓 .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿
𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 (h) has had bad luck in the men's department, and each time she has confessed her feelings, either they didn't reciprocate or worse, she ends up as a viral sensation. When she falls for her IT friend, she wants to tell him but fears losing his friendship. It is worse timing when he gets transferred to another office and won't return until six months. So, his appearance months later comes as a surprise when he has lost nearly 50 he is with someone, and she feels like she lost her chance. 𝐋𝐲𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐲 (H) isn’t used to the attention he’s getting now that he lost weight, but he is glad Blaine isn’t treating him differently. When she randomly exclaims that she likes him, he realizes that maybe she isn’t who he thought she was. 💻👓🖱️
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿
Blaine carried this book, and Lysander was just there. I liked him initially, mainly because he seemed like an introvert with more personality online (so real of him). However, his personality changed when he came back with a different look. While it was great that he gained self-confidence, it didn’t mean he should have assumed Blaine was interested in him for the same reason, especially since she had been his friend for two years when no one else was.
She liked him initially, and his weight didn’t contribute to her admitting her feelings; it was more of a “wrong timing” situation. He called her shallow, and I’m still upset over that because she sent him so many signals, and he was just too oblivious to get the hint. It felt like he never showed interest, and because of the limited POVs we got from him, the relationship did not convince me as it should have. Blaine was a great character, she knew she liked him regardless of his looks, and it sucked that she gained the courage to tell him how she felt, only for him to throw it in her face. He should have groveled more instead of showing up with flowers and thinking that would fix all the times he was an asshole for no reason whatsoever. I understand he felt like she only liked him because of his weight loss, but he should have known her better. It was pretty insulting for him to disregard Blaine and paint her as a shallow woman only after him for his body.
Another issue, he was on a dating site the entire time. He brought a girl to her birthday. Why is it that Blaine always had to make a move and never did? It seemed like a one-sided relationship, and his mind was elsewhere. I'm not convinced the ending was realistic because she should have dumped him and moved on. Also, he's shallow too if we compare scenes. He noticed her body when she was at her game, and he was suddenly nice again. Lysander needed to do better, and that's my take. The story had potential, but the pacing was all off and could have been executed better.
*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢
The idea was good; when I first read the synopsis, I was intrigued and thought it was unique, but the result could have been much better. It was a fun read, but the characters just lacked an emotional connection; it seemed like the FMC was into him, and she had been interested for two years, but he never showed that he was interested in her just as much. She fell first, but did HE even fall?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2022
3.5/5.0
Light, fun contemporary romance. Nothing really smashes me but nothing really annoys tremendously either. Lysander and Blaine each frustrated me in their own way but I realize that, although their actions were at times hair-pulling, they were also surprisingly true and realistic (as far-fetched as that seems) because I actually know people who have acted in exactly the same ways.
Light, fun contemporary romance. Nothing really smashes me but nothing really annoys tremendously either. Lysander and Blaine each frustrated me in their own way but I realize that, although their actions were at times hair-pulling, they were also surprisingly true and realistic (as far-fetched as that seems) because I actually know people who have acted in exactly the same ways.
February 11, 2025
4.5 stars
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This contemporary romance was so freaking adorable!
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I like that it takes place in Utah Valley; it's fun to be familiar with all of the places.
.
But seriously, such a cute story!
2/11/25: This was even more adorable than I remembered it being. Listened on Audible, and the narrators were excellent.
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This contemporary romance was so freaking adorable!
.
I like that it takes place in Utah Valley; it's fun to be familiar with all of the places.
.
But seriously, such a cute story!
2/11/25: This was even more adorable than I remembered it being. Listened on Audible, and the narrators were excellent.
May 19, 2022
I'm a mood reader. That is the phrase of the year, maybe even the decade.
I have a huge tbr, but I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book.
I'm a frequent IT user/help seeker. I try to hold down my desperation when I contact IT or at my job, "The Help Desk". LOL
This author is new to me but Kelsey & Tim are among my favorite narrators. They are perfectly cast as Blaine & Lysander. Their names added to my curiosity.
Blaine's POV starts it off. I was rooting for her. What's wrong with Lysander, can't you seek Blaine is into you? What are you thinking?
Each characters' inner thoughts had some vulnerability. Lysander in present day is smart, hunky, seems confident. He'd lost weight, got fit and a whole new look. Blaine had noticed him before.
They're coworkers, then friends. I love the natural build up. Tim's narration is very emotional at times.
Blaine needs to overcome work/boss issues+ her mom's health.
I love this author's writing style. There's romance in this, but I'm not sure it's totally Romance.
This could me contemporary fiction, or women's fiction + a male POV.
I love dual POV. The ending is so sweet. Thank you to Net Galley for this audio ARC.
I have a huge tbr, but I jumped at the chance to read/listen to this book.
I'm a frequent IT user/help seeker. I try to hold down my desperation when I contact IT or at my job, "The Help Desk". LOL
This author is new to me but Kelsey & Tim are among my favorite narrators. They are perfectly cast as Blaine & Lysander. Their names added to my curiosity.
Blaine's POV starts it off. I was rooting for her. What's wrong with Lysander, can't you seek Blaine is into you? What are you thinking?
Each characters' inner thoughts had some vulnerability. Lysander in present day is smart, hunky, seems confident. He'd lost weight, got fit and a whole new look. Blaine had noticed him before.
They're coworkers, then friends. I love the natural build up. Tim's narration is very emotional at times.
Blaine needs to overcome work/boss issues+ her mom's health.
I love this author's writing style. There's romance in this, but I'm not sure it's totally Romance.
This could me contemporary fiction, or women's fiction + a male POV.
I love dual POV. The ending is so sweet. Thank you to Net Galley for this audio ARC.
September 26, 2021
A huge thank you to the author for a copy of the eBook in exchange for my honest review!
This. Book. Was. Amazing. A solid 4.5/4.75 star read. I LOVED Blaine and Lysander right from the beginning. This author has a way with characters. There has never been a single one she's written that I didn't feel connected to right from the beginning, and that's not always easy to do.
Let's start with how REAL they both feel. Both Blaine and Lysander have their own quirks and personalities, and they have an incredibly solid feel to them. They are just... so, SO relatable on every level.
The world is familiar in a sense that you didn't have to do a ton of digging to gain understanding. It was given to you in a way that made you feel comfortable. I loved how easy it was to sink myself into my own cubicle and just watch Lysander and Blaine.
The "I secretly love you but you don't love me" trope is MY FAVORITE of all romance tropes, so this was an automatic feels-fest for me. I adored it. I adored every moment of the entire book.
The ONLY REASON... literally the only, singular reason... why this isn't a full 5 stars was because it did feel rushed in SOME places (not all - but some). I would have loved to seen specific scenes written out a but more and to see what happened during certain instances, so for that, I did feel a bit rushed. However, the story flows well and it was a super quick and engaging read.
I am left fully satisfied at the end. For an author who is known for her fantasy and whimsical worlds and writing, she really BROUGHT HER A-GAME to the contemporary romance genre.
Well freaking done! This book is officially preordered.
This. Book. Was. Amazing. A solid 4.5/4.75 star read. I LOVED Blaine and Lysander right from the beginning. This author has a way with characters. There has never been a single one she's written that I didn't feel connected to right from the beginning, and that's not always easy to do.
Let's start with how REAL they both feel. Both Blaine and Lysander have their own quirks and personalities, and they have an incredibly solid feel to them. They are just... so, SO relatable on every level.
The world is familiar in a sense that you didn't have to do a ton of digging to gain understanding. It was given to you in a way that made you feel comfortable. I loved how easy it was to sink myself into my own cubicle and just watch Lysander and Blaine.
The "I secretly love you but you don't love me" trope is MY FAVORITE of all romance tropes, so this was an automatic feels-fest for me. I adored it. I adored every moment of the entire book.
The ONLY REASON... literally the only, singular reason... why this isn't a full 5 stars was because it did feel rushed in SOME places (not all - but some). I would have loved to seen specific scenes written out a but more and to see what happened during certain instances, so for that, I did feel a bit rushed. However, the story flows well and it was a super quick and engaging read.
I am left fully satisfied at the end. For an author who is known for her fantasy and whimsical worlds and writing, she really BROUGHT HER A-GAME to the contemporary romance genre.
Well freaking done! This book is officially preordered.
June 5, 2022
first half was better than the second sadly
July 4, 2022
I simply adored this book and the unique characters that the author portrayed! This book was the first one I'd read by this author, but I will definitely read more.
This book did have some swear words, but very mild and only sprinkled throughout. It wasn't something that bothered me. Other than that, it was a clean and totally closed-door romcom.
I really loved that this book wasn't all about the physical appearance and that the characters didn't just have flaws with their personalities, but they looked like REALY people! It was refreshing to see a "fit" woman fall in love with the guy who had a belly over his belt and a double chin.
However, he does lose the weight, but not because he is trying to look "hot". It's because his father is diagnosed with diabetes and he wants to be healthier and keep from getting diabetes too. Even after losing weight, one character calls him "soft". So he's healthier...but he's not jacked up like most male characters in romcoms (or in any book really). And Blaine doesn't care either way.
It was so well done and I just loved it. It wasn't spouting all the body positivity..because that isn't always healthy. But it was very much, love doesn't have a size. Lysander even talks about how he may not always be that trim (because you know, things happen as you get older!)
I totally related with Lysander. I don't think I've ever related with a male character so much. He was introverted and awkward and had lived most of his life being overweight. Blaine saw him with the weight and loved him then just as much as she loved him once he lost weight.
It was just adorable and so, so sweet.
The ending did feel just a bit rushed, but it was still really good!
This book did have some swear words, but very mild and only sprinkled throughout. It wasn't something that bothered me. Other than that, it was a clean and totally closed-door romcom.
I really loved that this book wasn't all about the physical appearance and that the characters didn't just have flaws with their personalities, but they looked like REALY people! It was refreshing to see a "fit" woman fall in love with the guy who had a belly over his belt and a double chin.
However, he does lose the weight, but not because he is trying to look "hot". It's because his father is diagnosed with diabetes and he wants to be healthier and keep from getting diabetes too. Even after losing weight, one character calls him "soft". So he's healthier...but he's not jacked up like most male characters in romcoms (or in any book really). And Blaine doesn't care either way.
It was so well done and I just loved it. It wasn't spouting all the body positivity..because that isn't always healthy. But it was very much, love doesn't have a size. Lysander even talks about how he may not always be that trim (because you know, things happen as you get older!)
I totally related with Lysander. I don't think I've ever related with a male character so much. He was introverted and awkward and had lived most of his life being overweight. Blaine saw him with the weight and loved him then just as much as she loved him once he lost weight.
It was just adorable and so, so sweet.
The ending did feel just a bit rushed, but it was still really good!
May 16, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
I really enjoyed this workplace, second chance romance with lots of great You've got mail vibes. Blaine is a strong, roller derby girl who has the worst luck at love, while Lysander - the I.T. guy she has a crush on at work has a few extra pounds and an adorable geeky side. When his Dad has a health scare, Lysander moves away to help him out, losing fifty pounds before he comes back. While Blaine tries to tell him how she feels they have a misunderstanding when Lysander thinks she only likes him now because of his thinner shape. I loved that this story featured a male MC with body image and confidence issues - it was a refreshing change. Great on audio and recommended for fans of the Ponto Beach reunion series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this workplace, second chance romance with lots of great You've got mail vibes. Blaine is a strong, roller derby girl who has the worst luck at love, while Lysander - the I.T. guy she has a crush on at work has a few extra pounds and an adorable geeky side. When his Dad has a health scare, Lysander moves away to help him out, losing fifty pounds before he comes back. While Blaine tries to tell him how she feels they have a misunderstanding when Lysander thinks she only likes him now because of his thinner shape. I loved that this story featured a male MC with body image and confidence issues - it was a refreshing change. Great on audio and recommended for fans of the Ponto Beach reunion series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2022
Blaine has joined an IT company as a Tech Writer, where she meets Lysander and instant messaging has started between them. Blaine almost immediately has a crush on Lysander, but is too shy to say anything and missed her opportunity when he is transferred to a different location. Six months later Lysander is back as a more confident and fitter version of himself.
I loved that this book had the body representation in a male character. This is very common with female characters. I really enjoyed this clean, slow burn, office romance and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
I loved that this book had the body representation in a male character. This is very common with female characters. I really enjoyed this clean, slow burn, office romance and I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
May 13, 2022
This was a fun rom com. This is a slowburn, office friends to lovers story. You can see the characters growth/development through out this book. I adored Blaine and Lysander and their connection that they had. I also thought the dual narration was great in this.
Pub date May 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this audiobook for a honest review!
Pub date May 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this audiobook for a honest review!
March 3, 2025
3.75 stars 🌟 this was superrrrr cute ☺️ lysanderblaine were really adorable and i loved how they liked each other from afar! blaine was so kind and lysander was such a sweetheart so they were perfect together 🛼👨💻👾 these nerds were cute & i liked this
May 31, 2022
This was adorable! I binged it in one day. I can't wait for book two!
July 12, 2022
o final foi um pouco apressado, mas adorei o drama hahaha
June 27, 2025
Smiled all the way through this one! Could directly relate to both MCs and was just so happy to listen to their story. Short, cute, and sweet.
September 6, 2021
This is an adorably nerdy romance! Read it!
August 24, 2022
This was not BAD but it was not really good either? It felt body positive and fatphobic at the same time. I did enjoy our main character. Blaine was a well flushed out character. I was more interested in just what she was doing, than the actual plot of the book.
March 29, 2022
Hi! Make this book on your list. The advance was amazing so the finished product should be also!!
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