The Art of Loving You

Forever Falling #2

by Natasha Bishop

From the buzzy, viral sensation Only for the Week, comes the next book in Natasha Bishop’s The Forever Falling series, featuring an intimate bucket list road trip, sexy banter, and a sweet and spicy second chance romance.

If you’re reading this, I’m dead.

Dani Jenkins is a boss. A model turned influencer, she doesn’t have time for taking a risk on romance. She prefers to keep things casual, but when her mentor Tanya dies, she is brought face-to-face with the man who broke her heart.

Dani and Micah had their chance at love . . .

Artist Micah Wright is a protector who loves fiercely. He’s known as the man everyone can count on, but he’s never forgiven himself for letting down the woman he loves. With Tanya’s dying wish forcing Dani and Micah back together to complete a scavenger hunt road trip, Micah sees a second chance for them to get things right.

Does time heal all wounds?

Tensions are high as their undeniable connection reignites, but Dani refuses to let her guard down. As they continue their journey, Micah is determined to prove to Dani that love is worth fighting for, but can she release her fears and relearn the art of loving?

Tropes: Friends to lovers / He falls first / Second-chance romance / Black joy / Forced proximity / Right person, wrong time / Fling to forever

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, African American, Adult, African American Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

432 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 14, 2026

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story jumped right into the deep emotions. Very different from the 1st book in the series. A slow burn and where the characters find themselves and each other. I enjoyed watching the MCs grow together. This story will definitely pull on your heartstrings as it visits heavy topics such as grief, death and illness. At times I did feel like things were missing and often got confused with the number of characters introduced (and several nicknames).

Thank you Netgalley and Zando or this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[mmmkay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes: second chance, friends to lovers, forced proximity, grief

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First, let me say this: this book is nothing like Only for the Week, and I think that’s important to know going in. If you’re expecting the same vibe, reset those expectations. This story leans deeply emotional—and it delivers.

This was such a beautiful, angsty slow burn. Slow burns are one of my favorite romance tropes, so I fully soaked up the tension between Danielle and Micah. The longing, the history, the unspoken feelings? Chef’s kiss.

A major theme throughout the story is learning to let go and rediscover yourself. Both characters are forced to confront their grief, their past choices, and the obstacles life places in their way. Watching them grow individually—and then find their way back to each other—was incredibly satisfying.

One of my favorite elements was the scavenger hunt storyline. It was creative, heartfelt, and such a sweet way to pull them closer together.

And the spice? Whew. Let’s just say Micah understands the assignment. I was blushing.

This is my second Natasha Bishop read, and it definitely won’t be my last.

[AlexTRBG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been praying for a Black romance set in Baltimore for years, so thank you Natasha for making that a reality. The Art of Loving you was such a heartfelt second chance that feels like a perfect beach/summer read 🥲🫶🏽

This book focuses on Dani and Micah, 2 exes from way back when who are forced to work together to properly honor their shared mentor Tanya. In the beginning the 2 learn that Tanya just passed and they’re given letters and videos from her instructing them to visit her favorite places and put on a fabulous ceremony of life for her. And since Dani and Micah have this constant will they won’t they (but mostly likely won’t they) type of relationship, this is the perfect opportunity for them to spend time together if only for sake of Tanya 🙃

I really liked how this book incorporated Dani and Micah’s shared love for Tanya and her love for them in return bc she seemed like a colorful and loving person. Through her letters and destinations you really get to know everything about her and why she lived the way she did. And tbh learning about her was inspiring to me 😌 I also liked the slow burn romance between Dani and Micah. I felt like it was a good change of pace. Shout out to Natasha for the warning tho bc this truly is the slowest of burns 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 but Dani and Micah’s reconnection was still very sweet and a lil freaky tbh 😜💕🙂‍↕️ They really were each other’s missing piece and they just needed some forced proximity to figure their shit out.

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite different from the first one, but in a good way! In "Only For The Week," I sensed that these two had some history, and I was thrilled to finally dive into their journey.

It was so touching to see Dani gradually break down her walls and allow herself to be vulnerable, while Micah learned that he was worthy of happiness. The slow-burn connection and the emotional healing they both experience are written so beautifully.

Thank you Netgalley & Zando for the ARC!

[Sammy 💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so different from the first book in the series. It carries a completely different emotional tone, diving deep into grief and healing. Micha is so sweet and patient when it comes to Dani. He does so many small gestures that make you love his character more and more.

I loved the scavenger hunt elements woven throughout the story because of their friend Tanya. The scavenger hunt slowly helps Dani and Micha find their way back to each other and rediscover their love.

The romance, friendship, and grief in this book were handled beautifully. Both characters show so much growth individually and as they come back together. I truly loved this story!

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for the gifted E-arc for my honest review.

[The Dope Book Dealer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Bishop's "Art of Loving You" is an exquisite exploration of love, grief, and resilience that captivates the heart and soul. This five-star read stands apart from her previous work, "Only for the Week," yet it equally enchants with its unique charm and depth.

Bishop masterfully delves into complex themes, weaving a narrative that not only touches on love and loss but also highlights the challenges of living with medical conditions. The relationship between Micah and Dani is beautifully portrayed—an inspiring testament to pure, patient, and passionate love. Their unwavering support for each other is both heartwarming and invigorating, adding a delightful spice to the story.

I am grateful to Net Galley and Natasha Bishop for the advance copy of this remarkable novel. It is sure to be a standout feature at Pages & Volumes Bookstore and a stimulating choice for any book club discussion. This book is a journey of emotions that will stay with you long after the final page. 💜💜

[ashley ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since finishing Janelle and Rome’s story in Only for the Week, I’ve been itching to dive back into this world and The Art of Loving absolutely delivered. Dani does everything she can to keep her conversations with Micah short and guarded, but grief has a way of breaking down walls especially when you’re mourning the same person. This book took my emotions on a full blown rollercoaster, Bishop captures the messy, nonlinear reality of grief so beautifully, reminding us that healing doesn’t happen in silence and it definitely doesn’t have to happen alone. I am such a sucker for second chance romance and a story within a story, and this book was everything my heart didn’t know it needed. ❤️‍🔥💗

[Charnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Bishop dives deep into emotions, backstory, grief, and second chances with this one. I loved the direction she took with this book, compared to the first one. Exploring Dani’s background with her career and traumas was so interesting. I loved reading about Micah and Dani’s shared grief journey. So inspiring.
Thankful to the publisher and Hear Our Voices for my advanced copy.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

It was so nice being back with the girls! I absolutely adore Dani, Janelle, and Evie. They are such great friends.

This book is definitely giving a different energy than the first book. I love that the author included that this is two people working through a lot of shit for themselves-to eventually come back together. I really appreciated the exploration of grief, love, and forgiveness.

There is also a character with MS and I loved that representation as well. I felt like the author did a great job of handling it with care, but honesty.

This is a second chance romance and I do love second chance. The reason this didn’t work for me as much is because we are just told about what happened and I think this is one of those stories where I would have loved to experience their relationship vs being told what happened. I felt a big disconnect between them the entire time and for me that’s what I was needing.

Don’t get me wrong Micah is down bad—as he should be and I ate up all of their little banter and moments together.

It also felt a bit rushed which impacted my reading experience.

Now I know that I may have had some issues, but I do recommend this book! Adore Natasha Bishop and I’m excited for more books in this world.

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for the ARC.

[LexRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW 💜💛🩷

I really enjoyed this book. Natasha definitely flexed some muscle with this one because it’s a very different vibe from Book 1. Where the first book is fast paced and leans heavily into heat and angst, this installment is more of a slow burn with layered, thoughtful elements woven throughout.

I especially loved the artistic themes. The way art—whether it’s music, painting, acting, or anything in between—brings people together felt so reflective of Tanya’s character. She’s multifaceted, expressive, and complex in the best ways, and Natasha captured that beautifully.

My only wish is that the story had included a dual timeline. I feel like we missed out on a deeper connection to the younger versions of the FMC and MMC. We’re given small glimpses of their past, but I wanted just a bit more detail and context to really feel the weight of their history.

Overall, it’s a compelling read with heart, artistry, and depth. Be sure to check it out when it releases in April 2026!

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Art of Loving You. While it’s part of the same series as Only for the Week, the story has a very different feel. Where the first book delivered steamy scenes early, this one is a true slow burn, but it never feels slow.

The pacing is thoughtful and engaging. I never found myself wishing things would hurry up because each moment felt earned. The emotional build up made the connection between Micah & Dani feel deeper and more meaningful.

Micah being an artist truly comes through in how he communicates and how he moves through the world. His softness and creativity beautifully offset Dani’s tough exterior, creating a dynamic that feels balanced and real. Their connection unfolds with care rather than urgency, which fits the emotional weight they’re both carrying.

The overall tone of the story is tender. There’s a quiet tenderness wrapped up in the grief of Tonya’s passing. I appreciated how the book acknowledges that sadness and anger are often loud and demanding, while tenderness can be easy to overlook. This story makes space for that softness and treats it with respect.

This was a deeply satisfying read and an easy 5 stars for me. I look forward to listening when the audiobook is released!

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC.

[Tomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok first and foremost. I need everyone to know this is a VERY different book than Only for the Week. Where book 1 gave summer Netflix blockbuster this one is giving award winning mini series on HBO with an ensemble cast lol. Second chance romance is always a favorite of mine and this was incredibly well done. The book just felt so complete? For a moment I felt there were too many storylines but it honestly just portrays how complex real life can be. That grief can’t take a back seat and just happens to be thrown into the chaos of every day life. There was also a subplot of Micah’s sister dealing with an MS diagnosis. As an MS baddie myself, it was really cool to see his relationship with his sister and how protective he was of her. And now for the love story: Micah and Dani have such a beautiful relationship. So much trust and both parties interested in therapy?! We love to see it. If they truly existed, they’d 100% be soulmates and together until the end of time. Honestly there are so many intricacies in this book and themes tied together I could write a thesis. So I’ll stop with just saying this has top 10 books of 2026 potential and it’s only February.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Zando, and Natasha Bishop for the arc. The Art of Loving You is out 4/14/26!


CW: Sexual assault (off page), pregnancy loss (not the main characters), anxiety, grief, chronic illness.

[kierstinn ;) · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. just wow. this book was a true masterpiece. I stayed up until 1am to finish this because the book really is that good😩 I actually want to cry over this book being over… like this is sickening.

let me say two things first before we get into the real tea about this book…
1. I wasn’t a huge second chance trope lover (I didn’t hate it, but I also wasn’t crazy about it)
2. I was expecting this book to be good, BUT was I expecting it to literally become my next favorite book of all time? ABSOLUTELY NOT. but I’m happy about it🤭🤭

the art of loving you🎨 follows micah & dani as they navigate the death of their shared mentor, who they never even knew was sick. tanya sends them on a quest to uncover the mystery of her life & hopefully rediscover themselves along the way.

I have to start by saying wow. It has been such a long time since I read a romance that was this layered & intense. It was honestly one of the greatest journeys reading about micah & dami falling back in love with each other. I appreciated every second of watching them both deal with the grief of losing tanya. I really felt like this topic was handled with such care, and that really shined through in this book. I loved how they both went to seek out mental health help in their own ways. I honestly loved everything about this book & these characters.

reading this book felt like a really warm hug from your favorite person in the world🧸 this is the book I will constantly be comparing other romance books to because it was just that good!!

5⭐️ for the art of loving you by natasha bishop.

special thank you to @netgalley, @natashabishopwrites, @slowburn.reads for sharing this masterpiece of an ARC with me🥺

[Deira · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️ rounded up

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.

I was really ecstatic to read this book as I really loved the first book in this series, Only for the Week. Unfortunately, this book really fell flat for me. I didn’t care for Dani and Micah as a couple. Even though it was a slow burn, I felt like there wasn’t any actual build up; So when they finally got together, I didn’t really care. I just wanted to finish reading the book. I think if there was maybe a flashback of the times they met their connection would have been believable. There was more telling than showing when it came to their past. I also would have liked flashbacks of their time together with Tanya since she is the one the essentially brought them together in the beginning and she’s the reason why they are together now.

Even though I didn’t really care for this story, I gotta say Natasha Bishop is still a great writer! The spicy scenes are still really nice and well written. I will continue to read books from this author.

[YanaKeii · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOOVEEEDDD LOVEEEDDD THIS BOOK

Dani and Micah, had two flings that just didn't work out due to personal circumstance and also due to self sabotaging. Their mentor unexpectedly passes away and sends them on a journey to learn who she was but also helps rekindle their friendship and flame. Throughout this scavenger hunt they learn not only about themselves and what they need to let go in order for their connection to stick this time. Right person wrong time. The twice fling come back full circle while confronting their separate fears and then the fear of making a full commitment to each other.

Dani is guarded and through past incidents has a hard time letting that wall down for easy access. She is a beautiful, messy and hurt character but you also see the healing she does on her own through this journey.

Micah was the perfect definition of "meet you where you are but lets grow into this together". Loved that man, down. He also has to learn to let go and let people come around on their own and find their own strength. He is the hero that learns to fall back not only for Dani but his sister

This book also had me on emotional roller coaster ride with representation with MS and Lupus. Bishop did a wonderful job with details of both diseases and due to knowing through family and a friend that had these autoimmune diseases, it hits home.

Natasha wrote the perfect second chance love story. I did not want this book to end.

Tropes: He falls hard and first, second chance romance and forced proximity.

Thanks to publisher Zando/Slowburn via NetGalley

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a moving read! Very different from the first book but it was still really good. This has some pretty heavy themes of loss and grief but we also get some amazing scenes of love, platonic and romantic. The scavenger hunt was so well written. It really showed the layers a person can have and how you can not know everything about someone you love deeply. Tanya sending them on this hunt together showed them how multifaceted a person can be. It took me a while to get behind Micah and Dani because I really didn’t feel the connection between them. But when it hit, it hit! I loved his devotion to the people around him and how she learns to be softer with herself. Teared up a couple times throughout. Definitely a little on the heavy side for romance but I loved it nonetheless.

[Shurida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different than Only For A Week! There were a lot of themes here that Micah and Dani had to navigate and I feel so proud of them. There was banter, some spice, discussion about mental and physical illnesses, lots of romance, lots of family but the biggest takeaway for me was the impact you leave once you are no longer on this Earth is truly a testament to who you were as a person. This was a beautiful read and I’m honored to have read it. I hope people enjoy it as much as I did. This book shed light on things we don’t talk about enough.

[Zhariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first installment in this series, Only for the Week so naturally I was drawn to this story. It was interesting to see a pairing that had such deep history and bond despite their shortcomings. I liked the touch of mystery and intrigue of the scavenger hunt. It was different and it gave the characters a way to work their way back to each other through the mutual interest.

I will say the story felt more like Tanya’s story with a subplot of the main characters. When it was time to focus on the Dani and Micah it felt inferior in comparison. Overall, I liked the creative approach to the story but I just wished it was more balanced.

Thank you to Zando for this advanced copy of this book!

[Janette Braggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Zando & NetGalley for this eARC.

I LOVED Only for the Week, & was so excited to be granted an arc of the next book in The Forever Falling series. Unfortunately, this book did not offer me the same excitement.

I was confused by the structure of the book. The time jumps between past & present took me out of the story often. The romance felt forced between Dani & Micah. Not once while reading this did I feel like these two were meant to be together. I also really struggled with how much of the exposition we were told instead of shown. I would have loved this book so much more if we had a solid flashback moment, a couple of chapters worth, detailing their first go round at a “relationship.” Try as I might, I just didn’t feel or see a spark & felt like it was being spoon fed to me.

I would definitely still read another book in this series (give Christian & Evie an enemies to lovers book & I am SAT). This one just missed the mark for me.

[Shakira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes sequels struggle to live up to the magic of the first book, but The Art of Loving You doesn’t just keep pace with One for the Week. It stands beautifully on its own and deepens the world in a way that feels meaningful and earned. This story follows Dani and Micah as they navigate the grief of losing their beloved mentor Tanya, the complicated history of their past relationship, and the weight of their own creative legacies. What begins as honoring Tanya’s final request becomes a journey that forces both of them to confront old wounds, unresolved feelings, and the paths they’ve taken since their relationship fell apart.

Dani is an incredibly compelling FMC. She is strong, talented, and determined, but she also hides behind a carefully constructed mask within her career, shaped by trauma and the expectations placed on her. Watching her wrestle with that identity and slowly reclaim her voice and power is deeply relatable and inspiring. Micah’s journey is just as moving. His struggle with grief, the trauma surrounding loss and death, and the responsibility he feels toward protecting his sister while still allowing her the freedom to live her own life adds incredible emotional depth to his character. Together, Dani and Micah carry so much history, and as they work side by side to honor Tanya, they begin to relearn each other in the most beautiful way.

What makes this story shine is how thoughtfully everything unfolds. The pacing allows the emotions to breathe, letting their healing feel natural rather than rushed. Their previous breakup, fueled by miscommunication and pain, is finally addressed, giving them the space to rebuild something stronger and more honest. The disability representation and themes of therapy and acceptance are handled with care, especially as Dani and Micah realize that grieving Tanya also means confronting parts of themselves they have avoided. It was wonderful to see glimpses of Janelle and Rome woven into the story, reminding readers that this world is interconnected while still allowing Dani and Micah’s love story to stand apart.

I laughed, I cried, and I swooned my way through this book. By the time everything came together, it felt incredibly satisfying watching each character find their own version of healing and happiness. And that ending! I was genuinely so happy with how everything wrapped up, with both major and minor characters getting the happily ever after they deserved. The Art of Loving You is emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully written.

[Natasha P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You blends some of my favorite romance ingredients—second chances, forced proximity, and a slow burn that actually earns every spark—into a story that feels tender, grown, and deeply satisfying.

Early in the book, Natasha Bishop drops that emotional gut-punch of a line: If you’re reading this, I’m dead. It’s bold, a little dramatic, and exactly the kind of setup that forces Dani and Micah back into each other’s orbit long before either one of them is ready. What starts as a grief-tinged scavenger hunt turns into a road trip full of tension, unresolved feelings, and the kind of banter that walks a perfect line between flirty and fragile.

Dani and Micah are standout leads—not just as a couple, but as individuals trying to rebuild after heartbreak. Dani’s guarded confidence paired with Micah’s steady, soft-protector energy makes for a dynamic that’s both electric and emotionally rich. The dual POV really elevates the story; being inside both of their heads adds depth to their chemistry, their fears, and their gradual healing. You feel every moment of longing and every step toward vulnerability.

The story never rushes their journey. The slow burn is truly a slow burn, but in the best way—measured, intentional, and deeply rewarding when things finally click into place. And throughout, Bishop centers Black joy, complicated love, and the kind of emotional growth that makes a second-chance romance feel earned rather than inevitable.

I went in with sky-high expectations, and it still exceeded them. This is second-chance romance done really well—tender, messy, emotional, and absolutely worth the wait.

I genuinely can’t wait for publication day so I can buddy read it with my friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


#TheArtofLovingYou
#NetGalley

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vicie L. Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, a massive thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! After devouring Only for the Week last month, I didn’t just want this book—I needed it. Getting back together with this friend group felt less like reading a sequel and more like a rowdy family reunion where I’m the honorary cousin 😂

Let’s talk about Dani. Oh, Dani. I loved her, I hated her, and I definitely wanted to send her a bill for the emotional labor she put me through. She is the reigning queen of being emotionally unavailable and "immaturely" allergic to a good thing. Watching her hook up with a random dude just to "prove" she’s not into relationships while Micah is standing right there? 🫠 Internal screaming intensified.

Then we have Micah. If "Perfect Book Boyfriend" was a job title, he’d be the CEO. The man is a saint, a scholar, and a literal work of art!
• The Talent: A brooding artist.
• The Heart: Taking care of his sister and godson.
• The Patience: Dealing with Dani’s "I’m not into you" nonsense for the third time.

The Plot: Scavenger Hunts & Soul-Searching
The setup is pure magic. Their deceased mentor, Tanya (the ultimate matchmaker from beyond the grave), sends them on a scavenger hunt of old memories. The tension? Thick. The chemistry? Combustible. The threads tying their past to their present? Chef's kiss. While Dani was busy running away from her feelings, the universe (and Tanya) was busy bringing these two back together for the third (and final) time.

The Verdict
The ending—the big reveal, the gala, and making art together—was the perfect payoff for all the "will they/won't they" frustration. It’s a beautiful, messy, artistic love story that proves sometimes you have to get lost in the scavenger hunt to find what was right in front of you the whole time.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first: this is book two in the Forever Falling series. You don’t have to read Only for the Week to understand this story, but a few references will land deeper if you do.

This book follows Dani Jenkins, a model and influencer still reeling from being stuck in Tulum for two weeks with her secret ex, Micah Wright — an artist who clearly still knows how to shake her foundation. Just when things couldn’t get more complicated, their shared mentor — the woman who brought them together — passes away, leaving behind one final request: a scavenger hunt meant to uncover hidden pieces of her life and, maybe, lead Dani and Micah back to each other.

And when I say this is a slow burn? I mean it in the best way.
Natasha Bishop takes her time. She lets you sit with these characters as they navigate grief, identity shifts, unresolved love, and who they are now versus who they used to be. The emotional growth feels intentional and earned.

There are definitely triggers here — grief, autoimmune disease, and sexual assault — so go in aware. But none of it feels exploitative. It feels honest. Tender. Thoughtful.

The romance unfolds gently, layered with history and vulnerability. Watching Dani and Micah relearn each other in this new season of life? Chef’s kiss.

This isn’t just about getting back together. It’s about becoming the kind of people who can love each other well.
Slow burn. Emotional depth. Healing and heat. Exactly the kind of messy-beautiful love story I apparently can’t stop reading.

Thank you to Zando for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own!

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This vibrant, heartfelt romance is a true celebration of Black joy and second chances. Dani Jenkins shines as a fierce, independent heroine—her journey from model to influencer is inspiring, and her determination to guard her heart is both relatable and refreshing. The chemistry between Dani and Micah leaps off the page; their history is palpable, and every interaction is charged with longing and unresolved emotion.

Micah Wright is the perfect blend of artistic passion and protective devotion, making him a compelling counterpart to Dani’s strength. The scavenger-hunt road trip, inspired by Tanya’s final wish, is a brilliant narrative device that forces these two characters into close proximity, allowing their friendship, trust, and love to rekindle in believable, touching ways.

With tropes like friends-to-lovers and the right person/wrong time, this story delivers all the angst and sweetness romance fans crave. The forced proximity and second-chance elements are executed beautifully, leading to moments of vulnerability, laughter, and healing. The author does a fantastic job portraying the complexities of letting go of past hurts and learning to embrace love again.

If you love contemporary romance that blends heartfelt emotion with playful banter—and centers Black love with authenticity—this novel is not to be missed. Dani and Micah’s journey from heartbreak to hope is unforgettable, making this a must-read for fans of the genre.

Thank you, Natasha Bishop, NetGalley, and Zando for this audiobook ARC.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - The Art of Loving You was definitely a slow-burn romance, and while I did enjoy it overall, it took a little while for the story to fully grab me. The pacing leaned heavily into the emotional development of the characters, which some readers may really appreciate, but for me it sometimes made the story feel slower than I expected.

That said, I did enjoy watching the relationship unfold over time. The author clearly put a lot of care into building the characters and their emotional journeys, and once the connection between them started to deepen, I found myself more invested in seeing where things would go. The writing style itself was solid and thoughtful, and there were moments where the emotional depth really came through.

Many parts of the story explore themes of love, grief, healing, and how relationships evolve over time, which gave the book a reflective tone rather than a fast-paced romantic one. That approach worked well in certain sections, though at times I wished the story had picked up momentum a bit sooner.

By the second half of the book I was much more engaged, and I appreciated how everything came together toward the end. The emotional payoff felt satisfying, even if the journey getting there was slower than I personally prefer.

Overall, this was a thoughtful and emotional romance with strong character focus and a gradual relationship build. If you enjoy slow-burn love stories that lean heavily into feelings and character growth, this one will likely work well for you.

[SheKea Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC of The Art of Loving You! It is book two in the “Forever Falling Series”. This book was nothing short of amazing. It’s a slow burn/second chance romance which I’m normally not too fond of but I really enjoyed this one. This book follows Dani & Micah (Friends of Janelle and Rome) and picks up right after Amerie and Arnold’s wedding in Tulum. Unbeknownst to the friend group Micah and Dani have history and haven’t seen each other in years up until the wedding. What are the odds of your soulmate being friends with your friend’s groom. When they get home Micah and Dani find out that their mentor has passed away suddenly from cancer. She’s given them a task to complete together and it’s a cross country scavenger hunt. As they find out the deepest secrets of their mentor they also work through their unfinished business. They become friends again and each other’s shoulder to lean on during the grieving process. The love and yearning in this book is on another level and it was so special to see it unfold! We see cameos from the Only for the Week crew Rome, Janelle, Evie, Christian and unfortunately Amerie and Arnold. They briefly mention how the later two aren’t there for them and essentially bad friends but not enough for my liking lol. I’m excited to see what’s next for Evie and possibly Jalen (Rome’s brother) and is playboy Christian going to find the women to knock him off his axis lol.

[Norell Alesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re expecting something along the lines of “Only for The Week,” Natasha Bishop’s previous entry in this interconnected standalone series, throw those expectations out the window. It’s almost a disservice to The Art of Loving You that it’s a part of a series, because the books couldn’t be more different and I know people will go in with assumptions just like I did.

This book is definitely a romance, but it’s more so an ode to grief and living your life to the fullest while you’re still alive. Our MMC and FMC, Micah and Dani respectively, lose their shared mentor at the beginning of the novel, and from there the book follows the two as they embark on journey throughout the country piecing together hidden parts of their mentor’s life. This story was nearly as much about the mentor as it was about Micah and Dani falling in love.

I admit it took me a while to get into the romance. Dani and Micah share a past, and in the beginning there’s a lot of “tell” instead of “show” when it comes to that past relationship. There’s a large ask that the reader just buys into their past love when again so much focus of the book is on the mentor and not on the couple.

The story ultimately came together for me though, and I enjoyed it enough to give it four stars. Hopefully it finds readers who are able to let it stand as its own thing, because that was almost a hinder for me.

Thank you to netgalley and Zando for the ARC.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC via NetGalley

Okay so… I’m not even a romance girly like that, so the fact that this is a 4 for me already says a lot.

I picked this up because I read Only for the Week last year for book club and really liked it, and I wanted to see what Natasha Bishop would do next. This one follows Dani and Micah, who were side characters before, and it’s a second chance romance. They used to be together, life happened, and now they’re finding their way back to each other while also dealing with the loss of someone important to both of them.

The characters? I really liked both of them. Their dynamic felt real, not overly dramatic or forced.

The romance itself… I liked it, but I’ll be honest, I wasn’t fully emotionally attached to it the whole time. I was actually more invested in some of the subplots. But their chemistry was there, and I believed them as a couple.

Also, the cultural references?? Yeah, she knew exactly who she was writing for. The ATL reference, A Goofy Movie, anime… I was like oh this book was written for ME. It gave very millennial Black woman energy in the best way.

Spice level is like a 3. Enough for me. If you’re here for heavy smut, this is probably not your book.

And the ending? Wrapped up perfectly. No complaints there.

Overall, this was just a really solid, enjoyable read. Nothing overly complicated, but it didn’t need to be. It knew what it was doing and did it well.

If you liked Only for the Week, definitely pick this up.

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Loving You by Natasha Bishop is one of those stories that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, I was emotionally invested in the characters, their journeys, and the complicated, beautiful mess that love can sometimes be.

What I loved most about this book is how real it felt. The emotions, the relationships, the vulnerability, it all felt authentic. Natasha Bishop did an incredible job showing that love isn’t always perfect or easy, but it is intentional, patient, and something that grows when two people are willing to truly see and understand each other.

The chemistry between the characters was undeniable, but what made the story stand out was the emotional depth behind it. It wasn’t just about romance, it was about healing, growth, learning to trust again, and figuring out how to love someone while still loving yourself.

There were moments that had me smiling, moments that had me frustrated (in the best way), and moments that had me fully in my feelings. The character development was beautifully done, and by the end of the story I felt like I had gone on the journey right along with them.

If you love romance that is emotional, layered, and filled with heart, this book is absolutely worth the read. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why love, real, intentional love, is always worth the risk.

[Leayzia thelawlibrary._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good second chance romance trope! Micah truly won me over because I loved how patient and intentional he was. Even with never forcing Dani to open up, just creating space for her walls to come down naturally. He’s genuinely sweet, deeply caring, and always thinking about others. And listen… Bailey? His sister absolutely stole my heart. I loved every moment she was on the page. I especially appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of loving and supporting a family member with an autoimmune disease. Natasha Bishop was respectful and realistic as someone who has a close friend with an autoimmune illness, that representation really resonated with me. Dani was such a relatable FMC if you experience hurt. I loved her growth watching her learn how to be softer & gentler with herself after everything she’d been through. The romance itself is a true slow burn not fast like Only for the Week. I also appreciated the little updates and callbacks to Rome and Janelle, and any time a book mentions my hometown, it’s an automatic plus for me. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The Art of Loving You is an emotional, and reflective second chance love story about healing, love, and learning how to open your heart again when it would be easier to stay closed💛