The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez had a lot of potential, and there were definitely moments I enjoyed, but overall it felt a little uneven. Marcela, the librarian heroine, is relatable and charming, especially in her love of books and the library scenes, which are a dream for any book lover. I liked the focus on representation, body positivity, and Mexican-American heritage, and there were cute, swoony moments with Theo that I did genuinely enjoy.
That said, I found Marcela frustrating at times. Her indecision and overthinking dragged on longer than necessary, and some of her choices—like lying or running from someone who genuinely likes her—felt unnecessary. It made her growth feel inconsistent, even though the story was clearly trying to show her working through her self-doubt. Theo is sweet and emotionally open, but even with him, some of their interactions felt like they were overly convenient for the plot.
The story itself can feel a little messy. The relationships—romantic and familial—are soap-opera level dramatic, and a few subplots felt like filler rather than meaningful character development. I also felt that some of the bookish or modern details, like extended chatroom conversations, went on too long and didn’t always add to the story.
Still, there were plenty of things I liked. The chemistry between Marcela and Theo is undeniable, the San Antonio setting added charm, and the bookish details made it a fun read for anyone who loves libraries, reading, or quirky romantic touches. The writing is warm and approachable, and there’s a sweetness to the romance that works.
Overall, this is a cute, light contemporary romance with a lot of heart, but it’s not without flaws. If you’re looking for a fun, bookish romance with messy relationships, swoony moments, and relatable characters, it’s worth a read—but don’t expect a perfect story.
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