Review: Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez 

Only Lovers in the Building had a fun, high-concept premise that felt like a vacation in book form—romance readers turned accidental love gurus, a quirky building full of neighbors, and a slow-burn connection set in a vibrant Miami Beach backdrop. I expected something more ensemble-driven, with a stronger focus on the building’s book club and the messy romantic lives of its residents.

But the story took a different turn—and not in a way that worked for me.

Instead of diving into the dynamics of the building or creating a true ensemble rom-com vibe, the plot leaned heavily into Lily’s career shift. The pacing around her rise from anonymous reviewer to podcast host to book deal felt wildly unrealistic and left the story feeling rushed and off-balance. The podcast element, while promising, lacked spark—the on-air scripts felt stiff and missed the fun energy of the characters’ off-air chemistry.

And while I appreciated the meta-discussions around romance tropes and archetypes, the romance itself didn’t quite land. The chemistry simmered but never boiled, and Ben’s POV—something I really would’ve loved to see more of—arrives too late and too briefly to carry any weight. A deeper dive into his head throughout could’ve added nuance and depth to their connection.

There were some charming moments, and I liked the idea of two people who know romance on the page but can’t navigate it in real life. But ultimately, this one didn’t deliver on the vibe or emotional payoff I was hoping for.

🎧 Audiobook note: Narrated by Aure Nash, who brought a calm and pleasant tone, but it couldn’t fully energize a plot that stayed too surface-level for my tastes.

⭐️⭐️💫 (2.5 stars)
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
📚 Books-about-books
🏖️ Vacation settings
💘 Friends-to-lovers dynamics
🎧 Light, easy-listening audiobooks
🏠 Eccentric ensemble casts ala Only Murders in the Building