Book Review: I’m Only Me When I’m With Him (Sweeter Than Fiction #3) by Amanda Schimmoeller

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 305 pages
Author: Amanda Schimmoeller
Publisher: ABS Publishing
Release Date: April 15th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Firefighters are supposed to be the ones putting out fires, not causing sparks.

I thought I stifled everything I felt for Connor Porter over a decade ago. But now he’s back home, and I’m hit with those old feelings again, stronger than a firehose to the face.

Feelings I most certainly should not be having for my best friend’s older brother.

I’m trying to push all thoughts of Connor aside and focus on opening a flower truck when his sister persuades him to help me get my business off the ground.

Now, I’m spending more time with my childhood crush than can be considered healthy. And it’s difficult to get him out of my mind when I’m constantly being distracted by his muscular arms and thinking about how they feel when they’re wrapped around me.

My attraction to him grows into a roaring inferno, but I don’t think Connor’s ever seen me as anything other than his little sister’s friend. I need to extinguish these feelings before I’m in too deep.

It’s like that old saying if I keep playing with fire, I’m bound to get burned.

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.

SOFT & SWEET.

Oh this book was off the charts with sweetness y’all. If you’re needing something low key and light (aren’t we all???) you should absolutely pick this one up. And if you love all things floral (me, it’s me) you’ll love all of the flower content throughout. I really need a Daffodil in my life now.

I looooved the dynamic between Shayna and Connor. It’s low angst with this genuine, strongly built over time connection. That one that shows up regardless of how long you’ve been apart. It was interesting seeing the MMC as less confident than the usual romantic male lead and I liked that arc for him as he grew and found peace with Shayna.

As often Schimoeller’s books there’s incredible friend groups and supportive and loving families. Another highlight to picking up her stories. Sometimes I really don’t want all of the excess drama and I love how fast these flow and showcase such light.

And are you kidding me…we get a baseball romance next?????

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: workplace fire, verbally abusive ex (recounted)

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