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Loving Eva
I’m single—so single it’s painful.
All my friends are head over heels, and here I am, Esteban Báez, still walking the streets of Honey Springs as the last, lonely bachelor. It used to be fine… until it wasn’t. Maybe it’s time I find the one.
But life being what it is, I managed to make things worse. During a business meeting, trying way too hard to impress a big-shot investor, I may have… accidentally said I was engaged.
Now I have just a few days to find myself a fake fiancée. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Because the woman who offers to help me out is none other than my best friend’s little sister, Eva. The girl who left Honey Springs ten years ago and came back absolutely stunning. One look at her and I knew I was in trouble.
What started as a simple act to save my business has turned into the hardest thing I’ve ever done… pretending I don’t want her for real.
And if her brother finds out what’s really going on between us, I might lose more than just this deal.
All my friends are head over heels, and here I am, Esteban Báez, still walking the streets of Honey Springs as the last, lonely bachelor. It used to be fine… until it wasn’t. Maybe it’s time I find the one.
But life being what it is, I managed to make things worse. During a business meeting, trying way too hard to impress a big-shot investor, I may have… accidentally said I was engaged.
Now I have just a few days to find myself a fake fiancée. Easy, right?
Wrong.
Because the woman who offers to help me out is none other than my best friend’s little sister, Eva. The girl who left Honey Springs ten years ago and came back absolutely stunning. One look at her and I knew I was in trouble.
What started as a simple act to save my business has turned into the hardest thing I’ve ever done… pretending I don’t want her for real.
And if her brother finds out what’s really going on between us, I might lose more than just this deal.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Maria Esther
7 books61 followersMaría Esther is a Puerto Rican native and Spanish teacher with a deep love for reading. Her passion for romance novels inspired her to start writing her own contemporary romance stories, which she pours her heart into creating.
When she’s not teaching or writing, María spends her time with her husband and three children, or getting lost in a spicy book that keeps her up all night.
Find me on Instagram @mariaestherauthor
TikTok @mariaestherauthor
When she’s not teaching or writing, María spends her time with her husband and three children, or getting lost in a spicy book that keeps her up all night.
Find me on Instagram @mariaestherauthor
TikTok @mariaestherauthor
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 28, 2026
Esteban completely stole the show for me this man had me hooked from the very beginning.
Even though he had a reputation as a playboy and a flirt, the moment he met Eva, he was all in. What started as a fake relationship quickly turned into something real, and I loved that his feelings felt genuine from the start.
One of my favorite things was that there was no third-act breakup. Despite all the pressure from the people around them especially her brother they chose to stay together and face everything as a team, which made their relationship feel even stronger.
💫 This is book 3 in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone!
🤍 This was my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed it. I love supporting Latina authors, especially a fellow Puerto Rican author 🇵🇷. I’m definitely going back to read books 1 and 2! Thank you, Maria, for sending me this eARC before release day.
Even though he had a reputation as a playboy and a flirt, the moment he met Eva, he was all in. What started as a fake relationship quickly turned into something real, and I loved that his feelings felt genuine from the start.
One of my favorite things was that there was no third-act breakup. Despite all the pressure from the people around them especially her brother they chose to stay together and face everything as a team, which made their relationship feel even stronger.
💫 This is book 3 in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone!
🤍 This was my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed it. I love supporting Latina authors, especially a fellow Puerto Rican author 🇵🇷. I’m definitely going back to read books 1 and 2! Thank you, Maria, for sending me this eARC before release day.
March 12, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Esteban deserved better friends. I was so mad when Noah treated him as a womanizer when people can change, and he showed that he was a great man, not the big bad wolf he kept saying he was. That big brother thing was too much. Because you don’t want your best friend with your sister, but when her ex disrespect her, you shut your mouth and hit your friend? Ohhh noooo!!!!
Eva… she was compassionate, understanding and caring. A perfect partner for Esteban. The chemistry was outstanding. Both were honest since the beginning.
The book felt slow but at the same time everything happened so fast.
Loved the spanglish and how the Puerto Rican culture is represented.
Esteban deserved better friends. I was so mad when Noah treated him as a womanizer when people can change, and he showed that he was a great man, not the big bad wolf he kept saying he was. That big brother thing was too much. Because you don’t want your best friend with your sister, but when her ex disrespect her, you shut your mouth and hit your friend? Ohhh noooo!!!!
Eva… she was compassionate, understanding and caring. A perfect partner for Esteban. The chemistry was outstanding. Both were honest since the beginning.
The book felt slow but at the same time everything happened so fast.
Loved the spanglish and how the Puerto Rican culture is represented.
January 24, 2026
Loving Eva eso libro favorito de Maria. Ambos personajes encajan a la perfección, su química fue increíble. Me encantó el desarrollo de la historia y lo coqueto que fueron ellos. Simplemente los amo a los dos. 💕😍
March 16, 2026
✨ARC✨
Y yo pensando que Noah se ganó mi corazón pero nooo Esteban es el mejor de los 3 juntos!! Definitivamente el mejor libro de la serie 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Y yo pensando que Noah se ganó mi corazón pero nooo Esteban es el mejor de los 3 juntos!! Definitivamente el mejor libro de la serie 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 17, 2026
This is, without a doubt, the most Puerto Rican–coded installment in the Honey Springs series and I mean that in the best way possible. From the very first page, the island flavor is alive in every line of dialogue, every scene and every bite of food. I’m not exaggerating when I say this book had me craving tostones like it was a secondary plot point.
María Esther delivers yet another home run with this third installment. The romance is beautifully developed, sweet and engaging without falling into the trap of being overly cliché. The chemistry feels natural, the pacing works, and the emotional beats land exactly where they should. The characters are incredibly lovable, making it easy to root for them from beginning to end, while the villain? Perfectly irritating in the way that keeps you invested.
What truly sets this book apart is how it feels…it brings a sense of home, of culture, of identity that elevates the entire story. And that ending? Along with the extended epilogue, it gives you exactly what you want from a romance: a deeply satisfying, heartwarming happily ever after.
I can’t say enough great things about this series, but Loving Eva truly (and literally) brought it home 🇵🇷. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that doubles as the perfect palate cleanser, this is it.
Thank you María Esther for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
—————————
Esta es, sin duda, la entrega más puertorriqueña de la serie Honey Springs, y lo digo en el mejor sentido posible. Desde la primera página, el sabor de la Isla se respira en cada diálogo, en cada escena y en cada bocado. No exagero cuando digo que este libro me hizo desear tostones como si fuera un elemento secundario de la trama.
María Esther vuelve a triunfar con esta tercera entrega. El romance está bellamente desarrollado, es dulce y cautivador sin caer en el cliché. La química se siente natural, el ritmo funciona y los momentos emotivos llegan justo donde deben. Los personajes son increíblemente adorables, lo que hace que sea fácil apoyarlos de principio a fin, ¿y el villano? Perfectamente irritante, de una forma que te mantiene enganchada.
Lo que realmente distingue a este libro es la sensación que transmite… evoca una sensación de hogar, de cultura, de identidad que eleva toda la historia. ¿Y ese final? Con su epílogo extendido, te ofrece justo lo que buscas en una novela romántica: un final feliz, conmovedor y profundamente satisfactorio.
No tengo palabras para describir lo maravillosa que es esta serie, pero Amando a Eva realmente me conquistó por completo. Si buscas una novela romántica que te haga sentir bien y que, además, te sirva para desconectar, esta es la indicada.
Gracias María Esther por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
María Esther delivers yet another home run with this third installment. The romance is beautifully developed, sweet and engaging without falling into the trap of being overly cliché. The chemistry feels natural, the pacing works, and the emotional beats land exactly where they should. The characters are incredibly lovable, making it easy to root for them from beginning to end, while the villain? Perfectly irritating in the way that keeps you invested.
What truly sets this book apart is how it feels…it brings a sense of home, of culture, of identity that elevates the entire story. And that ending? Along with the extended epilogue, it gives you exactly what you want from a romance: a deeply satisfying, heartwarming happily ever after.
I can’t say enough great things about this series, but Loving Eva truly (and literally) brought it home 🇵🇷. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that doubles as the perfect palate cleanser, this is it.
Thank you María Esther for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
—————————
Esta es, sin duda, la entrega más puertorriqueña de la serie Honey Springs, y lo digo en el mejor sentido posible. Desde la primera página, el sabor de la Isla se respira en cada diálogo, en cada escena y en cada bocado. No exagero cuando digo que este libro me hizo desear tostones como si fuera un elemento secundario de la trama.
María Esther vuelve a triunfar con esta tercera entrega. El romance está bellamente desarrollado, es dulce y cautivador sin caer en el cliché. La química se siente natural, el ritmo funciona y los momentos emotivos llegan justo donde deben. Los personajes son increíblemente adorables, lo que hace que sea fácil apoyarlos de principio a fin, ¿y el villano? Perfectamente irritante, de una forma que te mantiene enganchada.
Lo que realmente distingue a este libro es la sensación que transmite… evoca una sensación de hogar, de cultura, de identidad que eleva toda la historia. ¿Y ese final? Con su epílogo extendido, te ofrece justo lo que buscas en una novela romántica: un final feliz, conmovedor y profundamente satisfactorio.
No tengo palabras para describir lo maravillosa que es esta serie, pero Amando a Eva realmente me conquistó por completo. Si buscas una novela romántica que te haga sentir bien y que, además, te sirva para desconectar, esta es la indicada.
Gracias María Esther por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loving Eva, the third installment in the Honey Springs series, is a warm and charming return to a town that continues to feel more familiar and inviting with every book. One of the great pleasures of following a series like this is revisiting characters we already know while watching new relationships take center stage.
This story follows Eva and Esteban as a fake dating arrangement gradually evolves into something much deeper. Of the three books so far, this installment feels the lightest and most romantic in tone. Esteban is introduced as a former lover boy in need of a fake fiancé ready to settle down, while Eva is confident, determined, and unapologetic about what she wants from life.
I especially appreciated how the author highlights Esteban’s Puerto Rican roots while portraying his life in the continental United States. His pride in his heritage adds authenticity to his character and brings an additional cultural layer to the story.
The romance unfolds as a slow burn, allowing the emotional connection between Eva and Esteban to develop naturally. The result is a relationship that feels both heartfelt and satisfying. Readers who enjoy small-town romances, fake dating tropes, and character driven love stories will likely find Loving Eva a delightful addition to the series. It’s a refreshing, funny, romantic and sexy.
Many thanks to Maria Esther, the author of Loving Eva, for providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows Eva and Esteban as a fake dating arrangement gradually evolves into something much deeper. Of the three books so far, this installment feels the lightest and most romantic in tone. Esteban is introduced as a former lover boy in need of a fake fiancé ready to settle down, while Eva is confident, determined, and unapologetic about what she wants from life.
I especially appreciated how the author highlights Esteban’s Puerto Rican roots while portraying his life in the continental United States. His pride in his heritage adds authenticity to his character and brings an additional cultural layer to the story.
The romance unfolds as a slow burn, allowing the emotional connection between Eva and Esteban to develop naturally. The result is a relationship that feels both heartfelt and satisfying. Readers who enjoy small-town romances, fake dating tropes, and character driven love stories will likely find Loving Eva a delightful addition to the series. It’s a refreshing, funny, romantic and sexy.
Many thanks to Maria Esther, the author of Loving Eva, for providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2026
Loving Eva is the third book in the Honey Springs series, and I have to say — out of the three, this one has been my favorite so far.
I connected deeply with both protagonists. Esteban, our Puerto Rican male lead, felt especially close to home for me. And Eva’s journey of returning home resonated on a personal level. I moved back to Puerto Rico about two years ago, so that emotional layer of rediscovering your roots, your people, and yourself really hit me in the best way.
I loved their dynamic — the fake dating trope was executed in such a fun and heartfelt way. Their chemistry felt natural, and watching their relationship unfold brought both warmth and comfort. Honey Springs continues to feel like a happy, welcoming little town you don’t want to leave.
Maria Esther writes beautifully. Her storytelling has a softness to it that makes the characters and setting come alive in a very tender way.
If I had one small observation, it would be that the resolution toward the end felt a little rushed. I would have loved just a bit more time to sit with those final emotional moments. That was the only reason I couldn’t give it a full five stars.
Overall, this was such a lovely reading experience and definitely my favorite in the series so far. I’m so glad I got to return to Honey Springs again.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
I connected deeply with both protagonists. Esteban, our Puerto Rican male lead, felt especially close to home for me. And Eva’s journey of returning home resonated on a personal level. I moved back to Puerto Rico about two years ago, so that emotional layer of rediscovering your roots, your people, and yourself really hit me in the best way.
I loved their dynamic — the fake dating trope was executed in such a fun and heartfelt way. Their chemistry felt natural, and watching their relationship unfold brought both warmth and comfort. Honey Springs continues to feel like a happy, welcoming little town you don’t want to leave.
Maria Esther writes beautifully. Her storytelling has a softness to it that makes the characters and setting come alive in a very tender way.
If I had one small observation, it would be that the resolution toward the end felt a little rushed. I would have loved just a bit more time to sit with those final emotional moments. That was the only reason I couldn’t give it a full five stars.
Overall, this was such a lovely reading experience and definitely my favorite in the series so far. I’m so glad I got to return to Honey Springs again.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
March 17, 2026
Arc Reader
I really loved Esteban and Eva’s relationship. It has that perfect mix of humor, tension, and spicy moments that made everything feel so alive. The way the story unfolds keeps you hooked. I kept wanting to read just one more chapter to see what would happen next.
As is typical in María Esther’s writing, I loved how she brings back characters from previous books. It gives new readers enough context while also helping those of us who’ve read the series reconnect with the story. I also really enjoy seeing how characters grow, and that development felt very natural here. Within María Esther’s universe, there are always characters you might not fully like because of their actions, but others completely steal your heart, and that definitely happened to me in this book. It’s also beautiful to see a connection where someone truly believes in you and wants to see you succeed just as much as they do.
The setting between Honey Springs and Puerto Rico added something special, especially with those touches of Puerto Rican culture woven into the story.
Overall, this was a yes for me. A very entertaining read that I wouldn’t put off for later.
I really loved Esteban and Eva’s relationship. It has that perfect mix of humor, tension, and spicy moments that made everything feel so alive. The way the story unfolds keeps you hooked. I kept wanting to read just one more chapter to see what would happen next.
As is typical in María Esther’s writing, I loved how she brings back characters from previous books. It gives new readers enough context while also helping those of us who’ve read the series reconnect with the story. I also really enjoy seeing how characters grow, and that development felt very natural here. Within María Esther’s universe, there are always characters you might not fully like because of their actions, but others completely steal your heart, and that definitely happened to me in this book. It’s also beautiful to see a connection where someone truly believes in you and wants to see you succeed just as much as they do.
The setting between Honey Springs and Puerto Rico added something special, especially with those touches of Puerto Rican culture woven into the story.
Overall, this was a yes for me. A very entertaining read that I wouldn’t put off for later.
Review of advance copy received from Author
¡Ya estaba loca por conocer la historia de Esteban! Y ahora que la conozco, él es mi MMC favorito de la serie. Aunque me encanta la historia de Eva, siento que el crecimiento personal estuvo más inclinado hacia Esteban, y eso me encantó porque necesitábamos conocer sus emociones y vulnerabilidades más allá del "funny guy" que siempre ha sido. Ver las capas detrás de su fachada de mujeriego carismático, descubrir sus inseguridades, sus deseos genuinos por algo real, y cómo lucha internamente entre respetar los límites y rendirse a sus sentimientos, le dio una profundidad que me conquistó completamente.
Esteban representa ese personaje secundario que todos queríamos conocer mejor, y la autora no decepcionó al darle el protagonismo que merecía. Su desarrollo emocional es el corazón de esta historia, y verlo transformarse de ese mejor amigo bromista a un hombre confrontando lo que realmente quiere en la vida fue simplemente perfecto.
Esteban representa ese personaje secundario que todos queríamos conocer mejor, y la autora no decepcionó al darle el protagonismo que merecía. Su desarrollo emocional es el corazón de esta historia, y verlo transformarse de ese mejor amigo bromista a un hombre confrontando lo que realmente quiere en la vida fue simplemente perfecto.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loving Eva is one of my favorite reads so far this year. The fake dating, the age gap, and Esteban’s reformed player energy had me hooked. Knowing he used to be a total flirt but chooses to commit was everything 🥹
I was obsessed with them as a couple and their chemistry and I can’t forget his loyalty and the way he tries so hard to keep his promise to his best friend made everything even more intense. He’s definitely one of my new book boyfriends.
Maria Esther never disappoints. Her writing style is captivating, and the Puerto Rican slang and culture made the story feel so authentic and special.
Definitely give this one a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
I was obsessed with them as a couple and their chemistry and I can’t forget his loyalty and the way he tries so hard to keep his promise to his best friend made everything even more intense. He’s definitely one of my new book boyfriends.
Maria Esther never disappoints. Her writing style is captivating, and the Puerto Rican slang and culture made the story feel so authentic and special.
Definitely give this one a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
I was so excited to see Esteban's turn. He'd always been the funny one, the one who made me laugh, and here he steals the show. I loved it: seeing his evolution, how he opens up, how he falls in love… he's Puerto Rican like me, and I really enjoyed every detail related to my Puerto Rico; especially the ending, I loved it. He's officially my favorite character on the show. The spicy touch is perfectly balanced, without overshadowing the story, and even with a little nod for those of us who enjoy dark romance. In short, I found more depth, more emotion, more intention, and I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💍fake engagement
💍brother best friend
💍only one bed
💍age gap
💍forced proximity
Eva decides to go back home after graduation college. Leaving behind the life the she work so hard on for 10 years and boyfriend that wasn’t willing to cheer her dreams. Back home going out with her friends and her brother friends including Esteban 🥰😘 who had his hands tied because of a lied that could changed his life and of course Eva had to help him because she has a big crush on him❤️🔥❤️🔥
💍brother best friend
💍only one bed
💍age gap
💍forced proximity
Eva decides to go back home after graduation college. Leaving behind the life the she work so hard on for 10 years and boyfriend that wasn’t willing to cheer her dreams. Back home going out with her friends and her brother friends including Esteban 🥰😘 who had his hands tied because of a lied that could changed his life and of course Eva had to help him because she has a big crush on him❤️🔥❤️🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Esteban and Eva were perfect together. Their chemistry and banter was so much fun. I love a good fake dating story then add in brother's best friend, and I know it's gonna be great. Esteban was a great MMC, he was protective and sweet, plus had a great dirty talking mouth on him. Eva was independent and knew what she wanted. From creating her own skincare line to getting Esteban. A fun read from the start.
March 22, 2026
4.5⭐️
I’ve been waiting for Esteban’s story since the first book, and the wait did not disappoint me. I might be a little biased because Esteban is boricua 🇵🇷… but he’s definitely my favorite 🫶
I absolutely loved his relationship with Eva, their banter and chemistry were so good and made the story really enjoyable to read. I did wish Noah had stepped up more when it mattered, especially as a big brother.
I’ve been waiting for Esteban’s story since the first book, and the wait did not disappoint me. I might be a little biased because Esteban is boricua 🇵🇷… but he’s definitely my favorite 🫶
I absolutely loved his relationship with Eva, their banter and chemistry were so good and made the story really enjoyable to read. I did wish Noah had stepped up more when it mattered, especially as a big brother.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!!! Consider my loyalty card to Maria Esther officially stamped. 💳✨ This book gave me absolute life!
Esteban is the *perfect* representation of a Boricua Papi; the swag, the energy, everything! And Eva? Don't let the "sweet girl" act fool you, she is a naughty one and I was here for it! 🌶️
I absolutely enjoyed every second of this journey. Huge thank you to the author for the ARC! If you want a romance with heart and heat, add this to your TBR immediately. 🇵🇷🔥
Esteban is the *perfect* representation of a Boricua Papi; the swag, the energy, everything! And Eva? Don't let the "sweet girl" act fool you, she is a naughty one and I was here for it! 🌶️
I absolutely enjoyed every second of this journey. Huge thank you to the author for the ARC! If you want a romance with heart and heat, add this to your TBR immediately. 🇵🇷🔥
March 16, 2026
After graduating college, Eva decides to go back home. Leaving behind the life built for 10 years and a boyfriend that wasnt willing to cheer for her dreams. Back home going out wt her friends she meets wt her brother’s friends including Esteban (yep, the lover boy we met at Violet’s and followed on Josy’s book) who had his hands tied wt a lied that could changed his life and of course ‘super hero’ Eva had to step in.
✨fake dating
✨brothers best friend
✨puertorrican mmc
✨one bed
✨forzed proximity
This book is set to realese on March 17th so 👀 on our social media to get your copy of “Loving Eva” by Maria Esther at mariaestherauthor.com
Thanks to @Mariaestherauthor for counting on me to read and review this book.
🥂For more to come🥂
✨fake dating
✨brothers best friend
✨puertorrican mmc
✨one bed
✨forzed proximity
This book is set to realese on March 17th so 👀 on our social media to get your copy of “Loving Eva” by Maria Esther at mariaestherauthor.com
Thanks to @Mariaestherauthor for counting on me to read and review this book.
🥂For more to come🥂
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews