Thank you so much to NetGalley and Three Birds Press for the opportunity to read and review Falling for The Suitor.

I finished this book in less than I day, I could barely put it down. I stayed up until 2 am devouring it and read it while I was brushing my teeth, eating and during my break from work.

The premises of the book is so fun, especially if you have seen shows like the Bachelor. Kerr’s writing creates a fun and fast-paced read.

I loved that it was a dual perspective and really enjoyed getting a peek inside of both Bexely and Grayson’s heads. Their relationship was adorable and their chemistry very well written.

There were two things that made me give this book a rating of 3.5.
1. This book had some definite “I’m not like the other girls” pick me girl moments which was a bit obnoxious.
2. The first few weeks of the dating show lasted the majority of the book. It didn’t feel like it dragged on but there were other parts of the book that I felt could have been expanded. The conclusion happened so quickly it felt rushed and left me feeling unsatisfied which is unfortunate because otherwise I loved this book. I was ready to give it a 4 or a 5 but the way it wrapped leaves me with rating it a 3.5.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in return for an honest review!

This was…something. This Canadian version of The Bachelor franchise sees Bexley and Grayson going on this journey together to find love against all odds and the drama anticipating audience at home.

I thought that because of my new Bachelor's obsession that this would hit the spot as I wait for this week's new episode but it really frustrated me. I found the dialogue struggled to really say or do anything for the reader (aside from the girls' pow-wow waxing scene), the characters of Grayson and Bexley were miscommunication nation for no reason at all and the whole climax/big conflict of the novel was subpar at best. I also don’t feel like we got to see enough of the falling in love bits that we would should this have just been a normal romance novel. I think the isolated perspective of having this reality show being the bookends of the story really limited the perspective for the reader to truly care about any of the characters, especially the secondary ones. The end also felt really rushed and tried to be too ‘cinematic’ without really painting the picture for the reader.

I also did not like how Chrissa’s honest and really powerful search for her sister, speaking to the history and current issues of Indigenous women in Canada, was tacked on at the end of her storyline. Whether that was meant to set the stage for another book, it felt lazy on behalf of the author to put something so important like that as an almost postscript for Chrissa.

I can say that I did like the fact that this was set in Canada and that the author really did capture the cattiness of reality tv and what it means to truly feel like you can trust someone fully when you’re also playing to an audience.

Maybe I’m being overly critical but since this is my first NetGalley arc review, I wanted to be thorough! Overall, this book could have done well with a few more drafts and better structuring of the very characters we are supposed to root for.

Thank you very much NetGalley and Three Birds Press for letting me read and review this ARC.

I posted my review on my Bookstagram account @readwithfrance and also on Goodreads @readwithfrance

Review published: January 18, 2022

♡ Falling for The Suitor revolves around Bexley, a woman who couldn't see herself compete in a reality dating show, but when she met The Suitor—former pro baseball player Grayson Grant, there's an instant spark between them that makes her forget all the reasons she didn’t want to come on the show. Unfortunately, 25 other women are also trying to win Grayson's heart.

♡ This story is narrated from a dual perspective. It hyped my anticipation because I love reading lead male POV and @hollykerr.author nailed it.

♡ I love watching reality dating shows and this story gave me The Bachelor vibes, the reason why I was instantly hooked when I read the first chapter. Expect that there would be petty, snob, mean girls, rivalries, as well as annoying crew staff in this story. Bexley and Grayson are really into each other and their first meeting was so good that it made me want the ground to swallow me up! I love their banter and they always made my toes curl and felt the butterflies in my stomach.

♡ I enjoyed reading this story! I finished reading it in one day because I loved it and it made me not want to stop reading! I was not even aware that I had already reached the last part. Though, I think they both deserve a proper ending because it feels like it's kinda rushed. I'm expecting there's gonna be more of Bex and Grayson moments off the cam. Also, it would have been better if Grayson's career ending was expounded more. Overall, this is a sweet, quick-paced, and light-read story. If you're into watching The Bachelor, Love Island etc...This story will make you swoon!

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY22unsv8wO/?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4482254384?book_show_action=false

Bexley applied to be on The Suitor for a dare, and never expected to actually fall for Grayson. But what is for real and what is for the camera. Will the mean girls of the group get their own way and keep Bexley and Grayson apart?

I liked how it is told from their different points of view.

Thank you to the author, Three Birds Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick, fun read - fluffy, but not saccharine. Although I'm not a fan or terribly familiar with the "Bachelor" franchise on TV, I have of course heard enough about it to know how it works. Told in alternating POVs by chapter (Grayson, the "Bachelor" and Bexley, one of the candidates), both come across as likeable and 3-dimensional humans - even though the heroine's (very funny) inner monologue reminded me of that old trope of the ugly duckling who takes off the hideous glasses and transforms into a beautiful swan. I would have loved a bit more character development and depth on at least some of the other candidates, and some of the deeper issues that were only hinted at. Even with those caveats, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend for anyone looking for a fun, light romance.

**Thank you NetGalley for the free copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

This was an easy and cute read that I got through in one session. If you love reality shows like The Bachelor, Falling for The Suitor is set completely around a Canadian based version of the show. Whilst there were changes of the format to make this its own little world as well as perhaps more readable, I did find the concept matched well with what you come to expect from shows like this. There were enough characters to play the different types of people you run into on these shows to make a variety of reactions and situations as the book progressed.

However, I did find this story to overall lack in anything that took it a further step and made this more than just the dating show concept. It was a fun read, and both Bexley and Grayson were likeable. Their connection was more told than shown, but the moments together were sweet and genuine. I liked that they both struggled with their instant connection within the show's format, but it did get a little repetitive that Grayson had to be reminded that he had to put effort into all the girls equally instead of rushing towards Bexley every time. Whilst this did add a little angst to the plotline, it didn't do enough to make the hardships of this book believable enough. As I said above, there was more telling than building up the relationship and storyline enough for the reader to find the experience realistic.

I also struggled with the ending being far too rushed and neatly tied together in a bow, where attention dragged on some of the earlier parts of the story. Whilst it was still an enjoyable enough read, I feel the author could have focused more on some of the ideas they started but never fully followed through with, such as resolving the issue Grayson had around his father. It's a shame because I could truly see the potential of what the author was attempting to do with this world but didn't quite execute it enough.

I believe this could make for an enjoyable read for many people who enjoy reality shows written into books.

the first ~15-20% of this was really fun and engaging but then it just so quickly lost me. it brought up a whole bunch of plot lines that didn't lead anywhere or were at all relevant (Bexley's car accident, Chrissa's season, Grayson's dad, etc.) and I understand they were for emotional depth but honestly it was more fun when it was just a behind the scenes -esque look at reality dating shows. Also, I don't know if this was maybe just me but it felt so scattered, at the beginning it sort of outlines the process and then every chapter there's an indeterminate time jump and things have happened that aren't fully explained at all. is it fun? yes. is it the most fun romance i've ever read? no :/

Thanks NetGalley for the review copy!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Three Birds Press for letting me read and review this ARC. I've had great fun getting to know Bexley and the gorgeous Grayson and watching their fight for love unfold. I'm such a sucker for a reality TV Show and so I knew from the start this was going to be an enjoyable read.

Holly Kerr has nailed the dual narrative, and the easy flick between Bexley and Grayson keeps the story running at a fast pace. The drama, jealously and overall cattiness of the other contestants make the story engaging whilst also not overwhelming the plot line. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the only thing I felt I missed was a proper ending. After all the banter and butterflies between Grayson and Bexley I wanted a little more from the ending than I got. Overall though it was an easy 4 stars from me. If your a Love Island or The Bachelor fan then defo give this a read.

actual rating: 3/5

This was a fun read for me! If you enjoying watching The Bachelor, then you will eat this story up. I read this story really quickly, and I liked Bexley and Grayson. However, I didn't like how unnecessarily back and forth he was about Bexley. I understand that some of the decisions he made weren't really made by him but for the TV show drama. But he would seem so set on Bexley, kiss some other girl, and go through all of the indecision that he has already worked through. He and Bexley had some sweet moments, but the connection felt pretty superficial to me for the most part, but that's pretty much what the bachelor is too.

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

Falling for the Suitor is a palate cleanser romcom, which is equal parts sweet and forgettable. While I knew the premise, I was still a little irked by the idea of pitting women against each other to fight for a man. I wanted the novel to do something more, to subvert the trope but while that didn't happen, it was still enjoyable. It was okay.

Expect a standard romance book and you'll be fine

This was, just, SUCH A FUN READ!!!! A play on the bachelor, this book has all the drama of reality TV dating shows and the sweetness of a Hallmark movie. I loved the connection between Greyson and Bexley, and getting their dual POV. I also really appreciated Chrissa and Bexley’s friendship! This book was super lighthearted, quick, easy read, and felt just like reading the Selection. It’s the perfect afternoon read. I only wish the ending wasn’t so rushed, and there had been like ~50 more pages. Overall, super enjoyed and would love to read another book with this set up!!

This was my fist book by Holly Kerr, and I’m sure it won’t be my last.
I’ve never read a book about a dating show, even though I used to watch types shows every day.
When Bexley goes to the Suitor because of a dare that her bestie gave her, she met Grayson.
The competition stars with twenty six women and at the end Grayson, will get engaged to one.
The connection between Bex and Gray is so good from the begging til the end.
I enjoyed every second of this book, I really recommend it to everyone.
If you like a romcom, cute, funny and competitive read, this book is for you.

I received and arc for this book and I’m giving my review for free.

There's no way I'd ever (willingly) watch the Bachelor, I don't like reality shows but that whole concept into a book tho? It sounded like a great idea for a romcom right away.
I loved that we get to see POVs of both sides it was a great fast paced read that had the right amount of fun, cuteness and drama.

Thank you NetGalley & Three Birds Press for the digital ARC

If you love The Bachelor, then you will love this story! It's book form and you are guaranteed a happy ending... or are you?

Bexley decides to tryout for The Suitor after being dared by her best friend Fiona. Grayson Grant's baseball career ended after a shoulder injury so when he is asked to be The Suitor, he jumps at the chance. At times I felt it needed more explanation of other characters instead of rushed introductions. But overall it was a fun cheesy read
#FallingforTheSuitor #NetGalley

This is a fun, light contemporary romance for fans of The Bachelor. It very much delves into the politics of what goes on when the cameras are not watching, and highlights the artificial nature of reality TV.
I liked the central relationship, but was a bit put off by the way the relationships between the contestants were handled. Bexley is very much a 'not like the other girls' sort of heroine, and there were few, if any, supportive female friendships depicted on the page (Bexley has a female best friend, but we never see her, and her other friends are all male). The relationships between the contestants all had levels of calculation and bitchiness thrown in, which is to some extent inevitable in a story based around the Bachelor franchise, but it would have been nice to see some real friendships develop between some of the contestants. As it stood, I felt like the story perpetuated some really negative stereotypes around female friendships, which was a pity. There were so many interesting ways this could have been explored.
I do think fans of The Bachelor would enjoy this regardless - I think there were a lot of Easter eggs there which I would have missed. But I was left feeling a bit wistful about the stories that could have been told.

Spoiler free review- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

This book is one fast paced whirlwind delight!
I went into this book hoping to like it and it did not disappoint. Grayson(or should i say Bryson?) was a fresh change because he wasnt perfect. I love that the author wrote a realistic pov for him and still managed to make me like him. He seems like an actual human instead of being all- "too perfect and noble."
Bexley was a girl boss and if this was actually a season of The Suitor, I'd totally be betting on her! I'd love to know more about what happens with Chrissa, Esme and Perry. Chrissa more, though. Also, Fiona (who represent me lol) needs to have her own book and a HEA.
This book has
- Likeable characters
- Banterrrrr
- A heartwarming romance
- Friendships in competitions (because those are the best.)
I loved it and you should to!!

Holly Kerr takes you on Bexley and Grayson's emotional journey as they struggle to dig deep and find love while juggling the attention of other ladies. The reader will experience butterflies, jealousy, and frustration due to the miscommunications due to the alternating perspectives of the two. I liked this intriguing narrative about reality dating shows and people trying to form deeper connections as the rest of the world looks on. My only criticism of the book is that the finale appears to be rushed in compared to the rest of it. There's no real sense of time in terms of where they are in the show. If you enjoy reality dating shows, this is the show for you! You'll receive an insider's perspective.

Thank you to Net Galley and Three Birds Press for providing me an ARC on this book. Friends, this one comes out on January 25th and you need to grab a copy. This was so entertaining. I just loved Grayson and Bexley and was rooting them on the entire way. It has The Bachelor vibe which I didn't think I would love it, but I so did!

Thank you to NetGalley and Three Birds Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

This was a 3.5/5 stars for me so I rounded it up a bit!

"You just forgot my name, didn't you?"


Let me just say, I am a sucker for romance novels, I love reading things that I can't have--my therapist might need to hear about this. I loved it, it was cute and had moments where you'd laugh but there were times where I felt like the book needed more. More details to the other contestants make us have some sort of doubt it wouldn't work out so we won't know how the story ends but overall it was a decent read and I'm glad I got a chance to read this one!

With thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Falling for the Suitor by Holly Kerr

Publication Date: 25 January 2022

The synopsis was my cup of tea, and I couldn’t wait to delve into it to see how the competition to find love would play out.

It captured my attention right from the start as it’s straight to the action of the show beginning. The writing style flows well and is immersive, you feel as though you’re a part of the show!

The two main characters, Grayson and Bexley, are likeable and I felt invested in the outcome and protective of them during this crazy, intense experience they’re participating in.

Their was depth to the characters. Grayson is an ex baseball player who had to stop due to injury. He feels lost without his main love, baseball. He’s also dealing with the past hurt of his Father leaving the family when he was a teenager, which you can see has shaped his relationships leading to him being closed off and struggling to make meaningful connections.

Bexley is not a girly girl which I liked and has her own issues when it comes to finding love. It’s a difficult environment for her to try to find love in, and most of the women are there for themselves. Can she trust the contestants who want to befriend her?

I really enjoyed the dual POV, it’s a fave of mine as you get into the psyche of both characters to better understand their feelings. I loved the easy way the relationship develops between them, and their teasing each other back and forth was great. They have good chemistry and you can see there’s a genuine connection there.

I enjoyed the interviewing segments which gave a bit more insight into the other contestants, and shows how it would feel to be under the microscope in such a way the whole time. I can’t even imagine being under that intense scrutiny whilst trying to work out how you feel about someone.

The side characters were interesting and added to the understanding of the main characters. I really liked Emmett and Shae when they had the double date, and it was good to see Bexley’s brother Boen and girlfriend Rachel - the skunk part had me laughing!

Let’s be honest, the show isn’t a great place to be if you have genuine feelings for someone. Bexley had the other women’s jealousy to deal with at times, plus her own feelings on having to watch, and hear about, the guy she likes go on numerous dates with other women.

Plus as it’s a show there’s the element where neither main character knows what’s genuine and what’s just for the cameras so they can stay in the competition. They are also restricted in their interactions as have to follow the schedule of the show and can’t have any alone time together, although they manage to find a couple of moments! The producers also throw in some complications along the way which has Bexley and Grayson second guessing things - his ex turning up and becoming a contestant was unexpected but made for some good reading!

I really enjoyed reading the last few chapters and wondering how everything would play out. It did feel a little rushed at the end - there’s some confusion, some hurt feelings, followed by the happy ending we all want,

Overall, Falling for The Suitor was a fun, feel good read. It’s the first novel in a new Suitor Science series, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment!