Gorgeous and the Geek by Rachel John

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book Review—Gorgeous and the Geek: A Reality TV Rom-Com by Rachel John ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Charming, Clean Rom-Com That Makes Geeky Feel Gorgeous

If you’re a fan of clean, swoony romances with clever banter and heartfelt moments, Gorgeous and the Geek by Rachel John is your next must-read. Set in the glittery chaos of a reality TV show, this book had me grinning from chapter one and swooning by the end. Rachel John knows how to write characters you want to root for—and this story absolutely delivers.

This is the third book I have read by Rachel John, and so far, I love them all.

💡 The Premise

Willa Stanton is a rising star with a wary heart. Pressured into a publicity stunt romance to boost her show’s ratings, she picks someone safe: Doug Keller. A little geeky, a lot reliable, and not the type to let fake feelings get too real. Or so she thinks.

Doug knows the score, he’s not Hollywood material. But the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to remember that it’s all just for the cameras. Offscreen, Willa’s playing cards with him, babysitting his cat, invading his personal space in the best way, and shaking his heart up in ways he never expected.

This isn’t just “a beauty falling for the nerdy guy.” It’s what happens when the lines blur, vulnerabilities rise to the surface, and two unlikely hearts fall into something very real.

🎬 Why I Loved It

✔️ Slow Burn, Fast Smiles
This is the kind of romance that builds just right: steady chemistry, witty conversations, and meaningful moments that sneak up on you. Rachel John strikes that ideal balance of fun and feels.

✔️ Doug Is the Dream
Doug Keller is everything we wish more rom-com heroes would be; self-aware, kind, emotionally grounded, and totally lovable. He’s not flashy, but he shines in his own right. He’s geeky in the best way and manages to set boundaries even when feelings get messy.

✔️ Willa’s Journey Is Relatable
Willa isn’t just a pretty face on TV. She’s tough, driven, layered, confused, and guarded—and her growth throughout the book is both believable and satisfying. I loved watching her begin to trust not just Doug, but herself.

✔️ Behind the Scenes Magic
The reality TV setting offers an entertaining backdrop without ever overshadowing the romance. The scripted drama adds stakes, but it’s the unscripted connection between Willa and Doug that makes the story shine.

💬 Favorite Moments

Uno and Gin Rummy games
Unexpected cat and dog-bonding scenes
That perfect blend of awkward, honest, and hopeful as the fake dating starts feeling very, very real

💕 Final Thoughts

This book was like a cozy blanket and a box of sunshine all in one. It’s witty, clean, heartfelt, and full of romantic tension. Gorgeous and the Geek isn’t just a palate cleanser, it’s a standout in the clean romance genre.

Rachel John continues to prove why she’s a go-to author for readers who love modern love stories with integrity, charm, and a whole lot of heart. Willa and Doug are characters you won’t forget, and their story will leave you smiling long after the final page.

Highly recommend!

She thought he was a safe bet. She was wrong…

Pressured into dating one of her costars to draw attention to their new reality TV show, Willa Stanton chooses Doug Keller—a little on the geeky side and totally reliable. Without the typical Hollywood ego, he’ll know her on-camera adoration is just an act. Except, sometimes it’s not, and Willa didn’t count on real feelings getting involved.

Doug knows his part. She’s a rising star and he’s the convenient pawn. But as their friendship grows along with the attention on them, he wishes things could be different. Willa is everything he’s ever wanted, and way too much for him to handle. Their on-camera chemistry is making it hard for him to keep his true feelings under wraps. And off-camera is even worse: she’s making friends with his cat, kicking his butt in Gin Rummy, and making him wish he could be that soft place for her to land.

She’s afraid of love. He’s afraid of getting played. What happens when the beauty falls for the geek?

**All of Rachel John’s books are closed-door romances sprinkled with flirty banter and swoony kisses only.**

USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel John loves to read anything with romance or humor, and thinks the best books should combine the two. She’s found that writing is the best way to burn dinner. When not writing, she’s reading, drawing, driving kids to various locations, or attempting to revive her exercise habit. Come visit Rachel on her Facebook page or Instagram. She’d love to hear from you!

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