The Next Best Fling is a phenomenal debut from Gabriella Gamez. I was instantly whisked away when I started the first page. As a library assistant, I loved seeing the all the library lingo and can completely relate to having stacks of library books taking up every inch of free space in my house. Marcela is such a great character because of how hard she's trying to get by while being in love with her engaged, best friend. She doesn't want to hurt anyone, even if it might lead to her own happiness. 

Marcela and Theo have chemistry like no other. He wants her bad folx!! Their romance is unique and messy and delightful. They quickly become each other's confidantes. Communication is key and I liked seeing how these two navigated the difficult conversations and reveals they had. Really, once they "got it out of their systems" it was genuinely so fun to see them break the rules they set in the beginning. Theo knows how to put it down and let Marcela know just how much he wants her. I liked the portrayal of Marcela's thoughts on her body. It's always refreshing to see a fat character who sometimes has their struggles (because it's so real) but also loves themselves so much. 

Read this if you like bookish MCs, MMCs who are down bad, getting it out of our systems, communication that isn't perfect but is doing it's damn best, and fat MCs that are deeply desired.