Review: The Upside of Down by Nicole Rodrigues


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by Boom Factory Publishing via Give Me Books Promotions.

Nicole Rodrigues is a new-to-me author and The Upside of Down is my introduction to her writing. This is a friends-to-lovers romance with a marriage of convenience story angle. At twenty-eight, Sorayah Wilson leads a rather good life. She's a single mom to a great seven-year-old son, Matteo, co-owns Soriano Flips, and has an amazing support system. When word gets out that her flipping business would be the focus of a new TV show, her ex suddenly shows up, insisting that he wants to step up as a father--and he isn't shy about pointing out that he's prepared to fight for custody. Worrying about what that would mean for Matteo, Sorayah's best friend, Cristiano Mendes, offers up a solution: marriage...to him. It could be exactly what she needs, but how will she survive being around thirty-year-old Cristiano at work AND at home? This is the guy she's loved since she was thirteen; they're best friends and business partners. She trusts no one more than him, but will she still say that when she uncovers the secret he's kept from her for years?

It's been an interesting reading year, one filled with a slew of new authors who've graced my bookshelves, both the digital and actual ones. Nicole Rodrigues clearly knows how to put together the kind of romance that piques the curiosity of her readers. The Upside of Down had a couple of creative touches to it, making for an entertaining twist on the whole friends-to-lovers trope. Both Sorayah and Cristiano have had feelings for each other since they were teenagers, and maybe it need a twist of fate for them to not only act on said feelings but to also deal with issues. This was a good first read from Rodrigues, and if another couple gets their own story told, I would not say no to reading it. 3.5 stars.

Release Date: 12 November 2021

Date Read: 12 November 2021

Learn more about Nicole Rodrigues.

Purchase The Upside of Down on Amazon.

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