Thank you to Love Notes PR and Stephanie Harell for the opportunity to review this ARC! :)
✨ Summary
No Rings Attached is a small-town romantic comedy that sparkles with wit, warmth, and just the right amount of chaos. When Ellie, a plus-size heroine with a sharp sense of humor and a soft heart, accidentally lies about having a boyfriend, she never expects the lie to come to life — or that her “boyfriend” would turn out to be her new boss, Drew Kingsley. What follows is a delightful blend of fake dating, family drama, and found family magic, all wrapped around a heartfelt journey of self-acceptance and love.
🏠Story and Setting
The novel opens with Drew Kingsley, a kind-hearted CEO returning to his hometown of Ruby River, where his family’s jewelry business and his beloved grandmother, Glamma, await him. A sudden roadside encounter brings him face-to-face with Ellie, his virtual assistant whom he has never met in person. What begins as a moment of awkwardness — and a hilarious case of mistaken identity — quickly spirals into an arrangement neither of them saw coming.
When Ellie’s family pressures her into attending her sister’s wedding — where her ex will be the groom — Drew steps in as her pretend boyfriend. What follows is a heartwarming, sometimes messy, but always sincere exploration of love, belonging, and emotional courage.
The small-town backdrop of Ruby River enhances the story’s warmth and intimacy. Its sense of community, the nosy yet lovable residents, and the Kingsley family’s charm make the world feel cozy and lived-in.
💖 What I Loved
This book is more than just a romcom — it’s a story about belonging, boundaries, and bravery. The chemistry between Ellie and Drew is electric from their very first (and hilariously awkward) encounter. You can feel the tension simmering between them long before either of them says a word.
Ellie shines as a heroine who’s strong yet vulnerable. She’s navigating a complicated family dynamic, a high-pressure job, and her own insecurities — all while trying not to fall for her charming boss. Her voice feels authentic and relatable, especially in how she handles anxiety and self-doubt.
Drew, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in the world of romance heroes. He’s respectful, emotionally intelligent, and quietly devoted — the kind of man who listens before he speaks. His interactions with his grandmother, the sassy and unforgettable Glamma, add humor and heart to the story. Glamma herself deserves a spin-off; she’s a whirlwind of sass, scheming, and unconditional love.
🌸 Writing & Themes
The author captures the rhythm of small-town life beautifully — Ruby River feels like a place you’d want to visit, complete with nosy neighbors, cozy festivals, and family-run businesses. Beneath the humor and romance, the novel explores toxic family expectations, self-worth, and the courage to demand respect.
The fake dating trope is handled with genuine emotional depth. What begins as a scheme evolves naturally into something real, making the eventual emotional payoff both satisfying and well-earned. The side characters — especially Drew’s family — create a strong sense of found family that contrasts Ellie's strained relationship with her own.
💬 Final Thoughts
If you enjoy the fake-dating trope, a slow-burn romance that pays off beautifully, and a story where the heroine finds confidence and acceptance, this book is a must-read. The dynamic between Ellie and Drew—especially when their "rules" start to blur—is irresistible. Be warned: the passionate make-out scenes are plentiful!
No Rings Attached delivers everything you could want from a contemporary romance: humor, heart, heat, and healing. It is a fun, flirty, and profoundly satisfying story about two people who find real love when they least expect it, proving that sometimes, you have to fake it to make it... to forever.
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