Picking up the second book in a series of interconnected standalones is always fun, which is why I was dying to read The Love Simulation by Etta Easton. Easton is the author of 2024’s The Kiss Countdown.
If you’ve read the first book, you’ll know that Etta Easton’s stories focus on space in some capacity, and The Love Simulation is no different. However, it’s a slightly different take than you might imagine from the previous novel.
Whether you were drawn to her gorgeous cover, need a new book to pick up ahead of spring, or loved her debut, The Love Simulation is an incredible pick to start March with. While I did love The Kiss Countdown, I can’t deny that the cover sucked me in as well.
I’d like to thank Berkley for sending me an ARC so I’m able to share my thoughts and feelings with all of you.
The Love Simulation is a starry sophomore novel by Etta Easton.
This time around, we’re getting Brianna’s story who is Vincent’s sister from the first book. She has recently become a vice principal. The only problem is that she’s harboring a small crush on one of the teachers: Roman Major who is the son of the school’s principal. Did I mention that said principal has been making Bri’s life miserable for the entire school year?
The final straw comes when he allocates funds for library updates to build a new football field and Bri decides to take matters into her own hands. She ends up joining the team of teachers who are headed to a Mars simulation. The winners get a cash prize to be able to help out their school despite it taking place during their summer vacation.
At first, Bri is able to relax until Roman ends up replacing one of their teammates and she has a choice but to either ignore her feelings or confront them. The two end up tip-toeing around each other as the Mars mission is most important along with winning the money. However as the pool gets smaller, the two are unable to face their attraction any longer but it doesn’t come without its issues.
Honestly, the third-act conflict Etta Easton chose to add won’t be for everyone, but I loved it. I know why the characters made the choice they did and it was just delicious. While it’s slightly dramatic, it truly made me gasp and I can’t believe she did that. Frankly, it makes me respect Etta Easton all the more because making that choice couldn’t have been easy.
As much as I adored The Kiss Countdown, I can say that The Love Simulation is even better and it’s clear Etta Easton is on the star path to becoming one of my favorite authors. I can only hope we get another book in this series in 2026.
The Love Simulation by Etta Easton is out now where books are sold.