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Casual Terms Apply
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 24, 2026
This is a ARC review - I started reading more romance books lately. Causal terms apply was a romance novel but I also had a good laugh in a couple of the chapters. The main male character Lincoln and main female character met on a dating app , they ran into a hump but was able to get over that.I don’t want to spoil it for others but if you love romance and a good laugh I think you will enjoy this book.
February 24, 2026
Casual Terms Apply Review
Can the "right person" ever overcome the "wrong timing"? This story grabs you by the throat from the opening pages, forcing you to navigate the messy line between loyalty and desire.
Lincoln is a man who perfected the art of the "clean break"—valuing his spotless condo and isolated life. Brooke is a nurse who is done with the "swiping" culture and looking for something real. Their connection is instant, but it hits a massive wall when Brooke realizes Lincoln is her sister Tara's ex.
The tension in this book is incredibly high because of Brooke’s firm boundary: “I didn’t eat my big sister’s leftovers as a kid, and I won’t be eating them now.” It’s a relatable, high-stakes conflict that makes their chemistry feel both earned and forbidden.
The Cincinnati setting acts as a beautiful reset button. Descriptions of the city dipped in full golden hour glory create a romantic, cozy escape that softens the characters' guards. It’s the "right time" atmosphere that makes you root for them despite the "wrong" circumstances.
While the emotional stakes are high, the middle of the book can feel a bit circular. There are moments where the tension over the sister drama feels stretched, leading to a pacing that felt a little flat before the final resolution.
The heart of the story is Lincoln’s transformation. Watching him go from avoiding commitment to wanting to build a life and fill his home with "messy mornings" is a satisfying payoff. It’s a reminder that sometimes the "right person" is worth the fallout with the past.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Can the "right person" ever overcome the "wrong timing"? This story grabs you by the throat from the opening pages, forcing you to navigate the messy line between loyalty and desire.
Lincoln is a man who perfected the art of the "clean break"—valuing his spotless condo and isolated life. Brooke is a nurse who is done with the "swiping" culture and looking for something real. Their connection is instant, but it hits a massive wall when Brooke realizes Lincoln is her sister Tara's ex.
The tension in this book is incredibly high because of Brooke’s firm boundary: “I didn’t eat my big sister’s leftovers as a kid, and I won’t be eating them now.” It’s a relatable, high-stakes conflict that makes their chemistry feel both earned and forbidden.
The Cincinnati setting acts as a beautiful reset button. Descriptions of the city dipped in full golden hour glory create a romantic, cozy escape that softens the characters' guards. It’s the "right time" atmosphere that makes you root for them despite the "wrong" circumstances.
While the emotional stakes are high, the middle of the book can feel a bit circular. There are moments where the tension over the sister drama feels stretched, leading to a pacing that felt a little flat before the final resolution.
The heart of the story is Lincoln’s transformation. Watching him go from avoiding commitment to wanting to build a life and fill his home with "messy mornings" is a satisfying payoff. It’s a reminder that sometimes the "right person" is worth the fallout with the past.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
February 25, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Thank you to the author for this e-ARC!
This was an overall enjoyable read. I flew through the first 50-60% of the book! I found the banter between the characters funny and engaging, Especially between the FMC and MMC. I enjoyed watching Brooke and Linc get to know eachother better and it was fun reading their text message banter back and forth. Brooke frustrated me early on in the book but luckily she redeemed herself.
Linc started off as this charismatic, direct, attractive man with swag. I loved his pursuit of Brooke but overall my like for him took a turn when he allowed another situation with a different couple to really affect his own developing relationship. I found his movements towards the end really coward like and but understand that is how a typical “f boy” would act. Attempting to quiet quit the relationship without being direct, honest and vulnerable was frustrating.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me and while everyone loves and wants a happy ending, I was left with a few questions due to drama that happened just days prior.
I loved the supporting characters and thought they were all hilarious. I could definitely see this as a series and other characters getting a story of their own. I would be open to continuing if so.
Also being from Cincinnati, I loved all of the s/o to local Cincinnati places and landmarks.
Thank you to the author for this e-ARC!
This was an overall enjoyable read. I flew through the first 50-60% of the book! I found the banter between the characters funny and engaging, Especially between the FMC and MMC. I enjoyed watching Brooke and Linc get to know eachother better and it was fun reading their text message banter back and forth. Brooke frustrated me early on in the book but luckily she redeemed herself.
Linc started off as this charismatic, direct, attractive man with swag. I loved his pursuit of Brooke but overall my like for him took a turn when he allowed another situation with a different couple to really affect his own developing relationship. I found his movements towards the end really coward like and but understand that is how a typical “f boy” would act. Attempting to quiet quit the relationship without being direct, honest and vulnerable was frustrating.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me and while everyone loves and wants a happy ending, I was left with a few questions due to drama that happened just days prior.
I loved the supporting characters and thought they were all hilarious. I could definitely see this as a series and other characters getting a story of their own. I would be open to continuing if so.
Also being from Cincinnati, I loved all of the s/o to local Cincinnati places and landmarks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Casual Terms Apply is a a refreshing stroll through the world of romance and relational drama with clear and distinct viewpoints. J Spencer has carefully populated the streets of this urban love story with believable and relatable female and male characters, a task so often neglected by his peers. He manages to step us around the typical potholes of key-holing personalities into neat boxes and lets the diamonds in the rough show through the dross in their natural dross of societal expectation and bad decision making without forgetting to highlight that the true beauty of each character, allowing their positive personality traits to shine through just as brightly as their desirable physical attributes. At 3.5 chilis out of 5, there is enough spice in this book to wet the pallet and turn the page, that combined with the slow burn pacing draws the reader in and onward and enhances the story as much as it entices. Mr. Spencer has done more in these pages than set us down to an entertaining read. He has invited us to sit on his couch, look him in the eye and tell us a relatable, enthralling story that when he pats us on the back and shakes our hand goodnight, leaves us with a half smile and pondering how happy endings are possible even if we aren’t perfect. 5 stars. So worth it.
February 28, 2026
A beautiful romance
My favorite kind of romance novel is a great love story with an MMC and FMC I’m fully invested in—where the author writes emotions the reader can truly feel. When the supporting characters also have depth, the book is even better. Casual Terms Apply by J. Spencer has all of these elements and more.
I like to include my favorite lines from a book, and here is one of mine:
“Love isn’t supposed to be this complicated, and it only is because you both are living in your heads.”
When I started Casual Terms Apply by J. Spencer, I was expecting a quick, spicy reformed-rake romance, but this book was so much more. It explores a very interesting topic: how love develops in the current digital age. Unlike the time of our parents and grandparents, today’s digital-footprint era has definitely changed the way relationships grow. The story questions whether we can model modern relationships—shaped by social media and public perception—after those of previous generations.
Here is another favorite line from this five-star read:
“I stayed in the single game too long. Played it for so many years that now, when something solid stares me in the face, I don’t know what to do with it unless it’s wrapped in someone else’s blueprint.”
My favorite kind of romance novel is a great love story with an MMC and FMC I’m fully invested in—where the author writes emotions the reader can truly feel. When the supporting characters also have depth, the book is even better. Casual Terms Apply by J. Spencer has all of these elements and more.
I like to include my favorite lines from a book, and here is one of mine:
“Love isn’t supposed to be this complicated, and it only is because you both are living in your heads.”
When I started Casual Terms Apply by J. Spencer, I was expecting a quick, spicy reformed-rake romance, but this book was so much more. It explores a very interesting topic: how love develops in the current digital age. Unlike the time of our parents and grandparents, today’s digital-footprint era has definitely changed the way relationships grow. The story questions whether we can model modern relationships—shaped by social media and public perception—after those of previous generations.
Here is another favorite line from this five-star read:
“I stayed in the single game too long. Played it for so many years that now, when something solid stares me in the face, I don’t know what to do with it unless it’s wrapped in someone else’s blueprint.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Casual Terms Apply by J. Spencer
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I was genuinely excited to read a romance told from a male POV, especially by an African American male author. That perspective felt refreshing and different from what I typically read, and I appreciated that representation.
This was a cute read with clear potential. I enjoyed seeing Lincoln’s character development throughout most of the story. Watching him confront his patterns and grow felt meaningful… which is why it was disappointing when some of those F-boy tendencies resurfaced toward the end. The ending felt a bit rushed and left me with lingering questions, which impacted the overall payoff for me.
Brooke frustrated me early on, but she definitely redeemed herself. By the end, she stood firm in what she wanted, and I respected that growth.
The side characters brought strong energy, Mark and Lucy especially felt like they could easily carry their own stories. If this becomes a series, I’d be open to continuing.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with promising elements, but I wanted a little more depth and a stronger finish.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I was genuinely excited to read a romance told from a male POV, especially by an African American male author. That perspective felt refreshing and different from what I typically read, and I appreciated that representation.
This was a cute read with clear potential. I enjoyed seeing Lincoln’s character development throughout most of the story. Watching him confront his patterns and grow felt meaningful… which is why it was disappointing when some of those F-boy tendencies resurfaced toward the end. The ending felt a bit rushed and left me with lingering questions, which impacted the overall payoff for me.
Brooke frustrated me early on, but she definitely redeemed herself. By the end, she stood firm in what she wanted, and I respected that growth.
The side characters brought strong energy, Mark and Lucy especially felt like they could easily carry their own stories. If this becomes a series, I’d be open to continuing.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with promising elements, but I wanted a little more depth and a stronger finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this romantic novel! It gave all the feels; butterflies, honeymoon phase, betrayal, and forgiveness. I feel in love with the main characters and a couple of the secondary characters. Lincoln is a ladies man to the core lol, he reminds me of a Marcus Graham (Boomerang) or Dray (How To Be A Player). He definitely enjoys his bachelor lifestyle, making sure to guard his heart and feelings. Then you have my girl Brooke; attractive, laidback, good friend, and Sims connoisseur. Through the fate of online dating they match with each other, but there is one small hitch…Lincoln dated Brooke’s sister. They have a what seems like a simple conversation and develop a crazy connection with one another. Outside of the two main characters you have their friends. Lucy, who is Brooke’s ride or die since middle school is a ball of energy to Brooke’s laidback lifestyle and always there for Brooke no matter what. On Lincoln’s he has his friends Mark ( trust fund baby), Eli ( happily married with a toddler), and Dante ( about to be wed). The guys keep each other grounded while looking up to each other for their different strengths and where they are in life. Something I loved about this book was the title of the chapters, they are the titles of 90s and 2000 songs ( you can definitely make a fire playlist to cruise to, or just vibe to). This story is something that could definitely be real life, especially in today’s world. It also has some spice! Not too much and not too little, it has just the right kick. It’s a medium read, but once it gets to the climax it definitely picks up. I also must give the author credit, it’s written from a male and female pov and he did an amazing job at showing both sides positively. I would recommend this to my homegirls and to the fellas’ group chat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m particular about romance fiction. I don’t like obvious tropes, I will DNF a story where love becomes a person’s entire identity, and the sappy, sentimental stuff makes me cringe.
J Spencer’s romantic debut not only passed all of my weird tests, it delivered stories about true friendship, messy and loving families, growing into and out of relationships and sucked me in to an authentic love story where two characters, complete whole people on their own, found the someone that complimented the lives they’d built for themselves sooo sweetly.
Spencer writes complicated and real characters, male and female. His banter is next level, the conversations his characters have felt real and familiar.
Damn, I might be a romance reader, now. Well, his, at least!
So, that makes, Jane Austen, Stephenie Meyer (don’t hate, Twilight was amazing) and J Spencer.
Mr Spencer, we need more of this, please tell me you are working on a sequel?
J Spencer’s romantic debut not only passed all of my weird tests, it delivered stories about true friendship, messy and loving families, growing into and out of relationships and sucked me in to an authentic love story where two characters, complete whole people on their own, found the someone that complimented the lives they’d built for themselves sooo sweetly.
Spencer writes complicated and real characters, male and female. His banter is next level, the conversations his characters have felt real and familiar.
Damn, I might be a romance reader, now. Well, his, at least!
So, that makes, Jane Austen, Stephenie Meyer (don’t hate, Twilight was amazing) and J Spencer.
Mr Spencer, we need more of this, please tell me you are working on a sequel?
February 27, 2026
This was a short and sweet love story. Not a bring tears to your eyes romance, but an eye opening romance. The main plot in my opinion is about how most of the time in life and in love we sabotage our own happiness. You find the right person usually when you aren't expecting them, and then intentionally mess things up because of fear or some childhood trauma that makes you believe you don't deserve happiness. This was a romance that was full of banter, that had me laughing out loud throughout the entire book. It had a some spicy chapters, that were on point. I enjoyed the bits of text conversation to mix things up a bit, and I liked that there was song referencing in the beginning of each chapter, something I had never seen before. It was the perfect length, not filled with unnecessary fluff used to meet a word count. I feel like it's more for a 20-30ish crowd, as the language is very on trend. Very good read for my romance lovers. Highly recommend adding to your TBR.
March 11, 2026
***Contains some spoilers!!!!***
Reading a romance written by a man is something I have not done in years! It made me remember why I love E. Lynn Harris, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Omar Tyree.
This book was such a good read. Realistic characters, realistic growth. Lincoln and Brooke are in their 20s, post college, with wonderful professions and creating their lives. I love the two of them together. They are figuring out life and love, who they are and who they want to be. They aren't toxic, they choose each other and are able to create the life they both want.
There are some good laughs in there from their friends Lucy and Marky Mark! You can feel the chaos of those two jump off the pages. The other members of the friend group are married. Eli and Ashley have their own set up problems that makes Lincoln start doubting if he can do the love thing. I enjoyed this read, hope you will too!
Reading a romance written by a man is something I have not done in years! It made me remember why I love E. Lynn Harris, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Omar Tyree.
This book was such a good read. Realistic characters, realistic growth. Lincoln and Brooke are in their 20s, post college, with wonderful professions and creating their lives. I love the two of them together. They are figuring out life and love, who they are and who they want to be. They aren't toxic, they choose each other and are able to create the life they both want.
There are some good laughs in there from their friends Lucy and Marky Mark! You can feel the chaos of those two jump off the pages. The other members of the friend group are married. Eli and Ashley have their own set up problems that makes Lincoln start doubting if he can do the love thing. I enjoyed this read, hope you will too!
February 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Thank you again for the advanced copy!!
I was so excited to read this, you don’t see a lot of romances based in Cincinnati! This overall was a good intro to romance and it definitely has potential.
I did struggle through this slightly but I’m not a fan of insta-love stories. I think the character arc of Lincoln was interesting to read; I’ve never seen another couple’s relationship cause so much turmoil for a character like that, yet somehow it was still very relatable to read that mindset. Sometimes we have to remember to not compare our relationships to others, I see you Lincoln.
I did think the ending felt a bit rushed; a proposal, house, and possible baby after about 1 season is just FAST. With the insta-love and attraction, and the fast ending, it takes my rating down slightly.
Overall, a cute read! I would recommend to any beginner romance reader!
Thank you again for the advanced copy!!
I was so excited to read this, you don’t see a lot of romances based in Cincinnati! This overall was a good intro to romance and it definitely has potential.
I did struggle through this slightly but I’m not a fan of insta-love stories. I think the character arc of Lincoln was interesting to read; I’ve never seen another couple’s relationship cause so much turmoil for a character like that, yet somehow it was still very relatable to read that mindset. Sometimes we have to remember to not compare our relationships to others, I see you Lincoln.
I did think the ending felt a bit rushed; a proposal, house, and possible baby after about 1 season is just FAST. With the insta-love and attraction, and the fast ending, it takes my rating down slightly.
Overall, a cute read! I would recommend to any beginner romance reader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Casual Terms Apply is a masterclass in navigating the gray areas of love and ego. I was immediately hooked on Brooke and Lincoln; their chemistry is electric, but it’s their baggage that kept me turning the pages.
The story doesn't just stop at the romance, though. The sibling dynamics were so raw—exploring that specific kind of hurt that only family can inflict. It highlights how much courage it actually takes to be vulnerable when you’ve been burned before.
Warning: Lincoln will have your blood pressure rising! His ego is a lot to handle, but watching him navigate his mess was worth the stress. The side stories with the friend groups added such a great layer of realism. A must-read for anyone who loves a "complicated" love story!
The story doesn't just stop at the romance, though. The sibling dynamics were so raw—exploring that specific kind of hurt that only family can inflict. It highlights how much courage it actually takes to be vulnerable when you’ve been burned before.
Warning: Lincoln will have your blood pressure rising! His ego is a lot to handle, but watching him navigate his mess was worth the stress. The side stories with the friend groups added such a great layer of realism. A must-read for anyone who loves a "complicated" love story!
March 1, 2026
Cute, modern, messy, and genuinely charming!
Casual Terms Apply sneaks up on you like that delightful surprise dessert after a satisfying meal. You begin with light-hearted and playful banter, and before you know it, you’re deeply invested, treating the characters as your newfound best friends. J. Spencer’s writing masterfully captures the chaotic and authentic essence of real life: awkward moments, mixed signals, and the classic “I like you, but what now?”. The effortless banter, gradual chemistry, and relatable emotions make it a modern and genuine read. It’s a rollercoaster of fun and sweetness, striking the perfect balance between tension and tenderness without delving into heavy drama. If you’re seeking an unexpectedly delightful journey, this is your ticket!
Casual Terms Apply sneaks up on you like that delightful surprise dessert after a satisfying meal. You begin with light-hearted and playful banter, and before you know it, you’re deeply invested, treating the characters as your newfound best friends. J. Spencer’s writing masterfully captures the chaotic and authentic essence of real life: awkward moments, mixed signals, and the classic “I like you, but what now?”. The effortless banter, gradual chemistry, and relatable emotions make it a modern and genuine read. It’s a rollercoaster of fun and sweetness, striking the perfect balance between tension and tenderness without delving into heavy drama. If you’re seeking an unexpectedly delightful journey, this is your ticket!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was SOOOOOOOOO good!!!!!!! I loved the complexity of the romance. It was not a cheesy romcom that you find so often these days. The characters really had depth and I loved the dual POV of both characters. It was so refreshing to read a romcom by a male author. I think it added some important context to the male characters perspective and I also really appreciated how the tone of the male and female character were distinctly different and unique. There was a lot of humor and one liners in this book that had me laughing out loud but also one liners that have me tearing up with joy! Fantastic read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall 4 stars
3 chili peppers
J Spencer delivered a great novel, a romcom that has complexity and depth.
The characters in the book are well thought out. You see them developing throughout the story. This includes the very human reaction of falling back into old habits, old hurts, old insecurities.
I love that this was a he falls first and harder type of book, and that it wasn’t instalove. In fact, she just walked away initially. It was good to see how the characters developed both on their own and in their relationship.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dual POV, romcoms, who doesn’t mind some late in the book drama/turmoil.
3 chili peppers
J Spencer delivered a great novel, a romcom that has complexity and depth.
The characters in the book are well thought out. You see them developing throughout the story. This includes the very human reaction of falling back into old habits, old hurts, old insecurities.
I love that this was a he falls first and harder type of book, and that it wasn’t instalove. In fact, she just walked away initially. It was good to see how the characters developed both on their own and in their relationship.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dual POV, romcoms, who doesn’t mind some late in the book drama/turmoil.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a delight to read! J Spencer crafted relatable, rounded characters who were both realistic and easy to root for. It was especially fun to watch the MMC’s arc develop! Also, in a genre full of cringe-worthy conflict, this one was a breath of fresh air, *never* feeling contrived or awkward. The friend groups and family dynamics were all entertaining but still managed to feel lived in, with texture and nuance. Plus, this was well written, laugh-out-loud funny, and swoon-worthy, with just the right amount of spice. What more could you want?? Can’t wait to read more from this author. 5 enthusiastic stars.
February 24, 2026
Perfectly Done!
From the beginning I fell in love with the whole vibe of this book. Not to mention one of the characters introduced had my name so of course I was hooked. The growth shown between the MMC & FMC is immaculate. The banter?! It’s bantering. The 🌶️?! Not too much. Not too little. But most importantly, it isn’t forced. I mean seriously, what can go wrong when they want to keep it casual but we all know that never ends well 🤣. With this being J Spencer’s first romance novel, I am VERY impressed! Highly recommend for those who enjoy a good romcom that’s just a whole vibe!
From the beginning I fell in love with the whole vibe of this book. Not to mention one of the characters introduced had my name so of course I was hooked. The growth shown between the MMC & FMC is immaculate. The banter?! It’s bantering. The 🌶️?! Not too much. Not too little. But most importantly, it isn’t forced. I mean seriously, what can go wrong when they want to keep it casual but we all know that never ends well 🤣. With this being J Spencer’s first romance novel, I am VERY impressed! Highly recommend for those who enjoy a good romcom that’s just a whole vibe!
February 25, 2026
Happy to support a local author and read a story from a fresh point of view. Lincoln and Brooke have some personal baggage to overcome before they can be together. A lot of the conflict between our MMC and FMC stems from dealing with expectations: the perception of other people’s opinions of them and their perceptions of how they are seen.
Their reactions to their perceptions of each other keep these characters stuck in a loop for a while in the story but happy they eventually work through it. I did appreciate the moments of highlighting Cincinnati.
Overall, it was enjoyable to watch these two characters work towards being together and find their HEA.
Their reactions to their perceptions of each other keep these characters stuck in a loop for a while in the story but happy they eventually work through it. I did appreciate the moments of highlighting Cincinnati.
Overall, it was enjoyable to watch these two characters work towards being together and find their HEA.
February 26, 2026
Chef’s Kiss
Lincoln’s Mantra should be “not a player just crush a lot”
I follow J. Spencer on Tik Tok and he asked questions and did research on how to make a romance novel. I have to say this one is a winner. It’s not that spicy, but it doesn’t have to be. This man uses words just right to make you giggle and blush.
This book has so much depth and feelings in it, friendships that last forever and a bestie who would take a grown man down in a heartbeat.
Our FMC Brooke tames the player Lincoln and they make you believe in true love.
I will be making a play list of the songs he quotes and listen to it while I reread.
Lincoln’s Mantra should be “not a player just crush a lot”
I follow J. Spencer on Tik Tok and he asked questions and did research on how to make a romance novel. I have to say this one is a winner. It’s not that spicy, but it doesn’t have to be. This man uses words just right to make you giggle and blush.
This book has so much depth and feelings in it, friendships that last forever and a bestie who would take a grown man down in a heartbeat.
Our FMC Brooke tames the player Lincoln and they make you believe in true love.
I will be making a play list of the songs he quotes and listen to it while I reread.
March 6, 2026
This story hits all the bases a romance reader looks for and I really enjoyed it. There's humor, lust, love, and serious situations. One of the things I really loved is the depth of self discovery, and emotional growth that all the characters experience in this story. I'm a reader that needs to connect to the characters and these ones felt like people I know. Sometimes you think you really know a person but then you find out your perception of that person was totally wrong and that is shown well in this storyline. I would love to see where things are going for everyone so I hope we get a series from this.
February 4, 2026
“I didn't eat my big sister's leftovers as a kid, and I won't be eating them now.” 🤪
Every players worst nightmare..
When Lincoln finally falls in love, and his f*ck boy habits come biting him in the ass. He does everything he can to fight for the woman he loves.
Just when he think he’s got it figured- he spirals…
Super slow burn, lots of fun casual banter, the tension builds up, excellent character development! (Don’t tell but Brooke was my favorite)
Definitely a page turner, especially if you’re looking for a raw and real emotional cozy romance!
Every players worst nightmare..
When Lincoln finally falls in love, and his f*ck boy habits come biting him in the ass. He does everything he can to fight for the woman he loves.
Just when he think he’s got it figured- he spirals…
Super slow burn, lots of fun casual banter, the tension builds up, excellent character development! (Don’t tell but Brooke was my favorite)
Definitely a page turner, especially if you’re looking for a raw and real emotional cozy romance!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
OMG! Go get your hot drink and cozy blanket and settle in for the night with this one! This was a next level steamy, rom-com!! Lincoln is a player, always has women chasing after him, until he stumbles across a profile on a dating app. Brooke isnt too sure about him. She makes him work for it, and work for it he does!
I would love to see another book with the other characters -Lucy especially, the feisty BFF- I just wasn’t ready to let them go.
❤️Banter
❤️Dating App
❤️ Group chats
🔥 Slow burn
📖 330 pages
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📍OH
I would love to see another book with the other characters -Lucy especially, the feisty BFF- I just wasn’t ready to let them go.
❤️Banter
❤️Dating App
❤️ Group chats
🔥 Slow burn
📖 330 pages
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📍OH
February 27, 2026
I am normally a romantasy girl. Like, I can't even tell you the last time I read a book that wasn't in some way fantasy 🤣 but I paused my fantasy to read this story by a local Author and let me tell you, I got sucked in. I loved reading a story set in Cincinnati since I live and worked in the area. Casual Terms Apply really digs into the not pretty side of new relationships and hits home with how real it is. I finished it fairly quickly (like started reading it last night and finished the last 7% this morning). Even though the end seemed rushed, it was such a fun read!
February 24, 2026
I Loved this rom com! Who doesn’t just love a book written by an author from your own city and bases it on that city this definitely made the book feel a lot more relatable along with the characters! The relationships especially between the FMC and her sister! The growth seen in Lincoln! (MMC)! I Lived it and highly recommend Casual Terms Apply to anyone wanting to read a good time!! Oh and let’s not forget to Mention Zelda!! Loved that fur baby!!
February 26, 2026
Easily one of best romances I have ever read!!The characters were so well written- authentic, believable & 3 dimensional. This book just played out perfectly like a movie in my head & I didn't even have to work for any of it- everything just made sense & all the pieces came together so perfectly. I was really impressed by this male authors ability to write such wonderful female characters 👏👌 🙌. I think I just added another auto-buy author to my list 🥰❤️⚘️
March 4, 2026
I got this as an ARC read and honestly it was amazing.
Brooke is seriously one of my favorite female leads in a novel. Shes relatable, realistic and very well written. Most women authors tend to self insert a perfect version of themselves as the female lead. This book didnt do that and was written by a man. I tend to have a hard time with male authors writing female leads because they make the perfect woman that they want, and it comes out as an overly busty anime character. not this time. she was perfect. The dual perspective was very well written to where I felt in their shoes. Link was also amazingly well written. Perfectly flawed with enough room for growth and he did in fact grow. IFYKYK!
overall this was such an easy read. it flowed so smoothly and was so much fun. I love indie authors and I always love supporting them.
Brooke is seriously one of my favorite female leads in a novel. Shes relatable, realistic and very well written. Most women authors tend to self insert a perfect version of themselves as the female lead. This book didnt do that and was written by a man. I tend to have a hard time with male authors writing female leads because they make the perfect woman that they want, and it comes out as an overly busty anime character. not this time. she was perfect. The dual perspective was very well written to where I felt in their shoes. Link was also amazingly well written. Perfectly flawed with enough room for growth and he did in fact grow. IFYKYK!
overall this was such an easy read. it flowed so smoothly and was so much fun. I love indie authors and I always love supporting them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
ARC READ! - Without spoilers- the couple meet through online dating and have to overcome something to make it work. There's definitely some spice but its not the whole plot, just the right amount in my opinion. This is also a dual POV (MMC & FMC) which i thought was amazingly refreshing- i always love when we can get BOTH POV! Super great read! Also I was LIVING for the the chapter titles! Lol
March 3, 2026
Great Story
I loved every minute of this book! I was captured after chapter 2 right away! I enjoyed the Cincinnati hometown setting such a different read than I normally go for(fantasy lover). I would give 5 stars if I didnt feel like the ending was rushed I feel like it could have gone on for at least another couple chapters but other than that such a good read!
I loved every minute of this book! I was captured after chapter 2 right away! I enjoyed the Cincinnati hometown setting such a different read than I normally go for(fantasy lover). I would give 5 stars if I didnt feel like the ending was rushed I feel like it could have gone on for at least another couple chapters but other than that such a good read!
March 4, 2026
This was great, I really enjoyed it. The banter between Lincoln and Brooke. Lincoln wasn’t really looking for a relationship and was more of a one date wonder but when he matched with Brooke on a dating app and then got blocked he became a little obsessed despite her seeming lack of interest. There was drama, incredible chemistry, fun dialogue back and forth- definitely a great, quick read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was excellent! It was a perfect light hearted romance. It was witty and cute. The character development was really good and the unexpected twist at the end had me messaging the author saying “so there’s going to be a book 2 right??” I look forward to the rest of this series.
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