This was possibly better than Chloe Brown!?

I don't consider myself a romance reader, but I'll try most things once. As a recovering academic, reading about a PhD candidate fills me with familiar feelings (both good and bad). Reading about a PhD candidate who meets an emotionally intelligent but anxious man who encourages her academic achievements and respects her professional career while also encouraging her to take care of herself? Listen, I -

I read a lot of sad books, so this was a good change of pace. This book is ridiculous and fully leans into it. It features a fake dating trope while explicitly mocking the fake dating trope. It features someone accidentally playing the spicy part of a romance audiobook out loud in public while also being a book that includes spicy parts. It's funny, it's breezy, and it's a ridiculous but enjoyable ride.

Let's wrap this up with an excerpt from my notes app from when I was listening to the audiobook:

"Lmao at first I thought him donating to a charity was a joke but no he's legit into NGOs

Can't wear a top that fits his wrists lmao
Guy so jacked he needs a tailor
He's so strong he breaks the door!!"

Anyway, I unironically kinda loved this. I may even give the other romance authors a shot (recommendations welcome). Solid four stars!