Caroline Builta's Reviews > The Next Best Fling

"The Next Best Fling" by Gabriella Gamez is a charming and spicy debut romance that delivers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and heat. Marcela Ortiz, a librarian with a secret crush on her best friend, finds herself entangled in a no-strings-attached relationship with Theo Young, an ex-NFL player and the older brother of the man she’s in love with. What starts as a convenient cover-up for their unrequited feelings quickly turns into a passionate and complicated romance.

Marcela has been pining for her best friend for years, but when he gets engaged, she knows it’s time to move on. Enter Theo, who drunkenly plans to confess his love for his brother’s fiancée at their engagement party. Marcela steps in to stop him, and one thing leads to another, leading everyone to believe they’ve hooked up. Needing a distraction from their respective heartaches, they decide to keep up the charade.

Theo is a cinnamon roll hero with a heart of gold. Despite his initial attraction to his brother's fiancée, his chemistry with Marcela is undeniable. Their relationship, filled with late-night bar escapades and steamy moments in library aisles, evolves from a simple rebound to something much deeper. Marcela’s journey from unrequited love to self-discovery and acceptance is both relatable and inspiring.

The book is a fun and breezy read, perfect for those who love a mix of humor and drama in their romances. Gamez does a great job of balancing the light-hearted moments with more serious themes, such as body image issues and family dynamics. Marcela’s insecurities about her plus-size figure are handled with sensitivity and realism, and Theo’s unwavering support and admiration for her are heartwarming.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with a slow start that picks up significantly in the second half. Some of the plot twists are predictable, and the resolution of the central conflict feels a bit rushed. Despite these minor issues, the story’s charm and the characters’ chemistry keep you hooked until the end.

Overall, "The Next Best Fling" is a sweet and engaging romance that will leave you smiling. Gabriella Gamez’s debut is a promising start, and I’m excited to see what she writes next. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good romance with a touch of spice, this book is definitely worth a read.

Thank you to Forever Publishing for the ARC!