A Summer on the Riviera by Rachel Barnett is a light-hearted, cosy escapist read. From the get-go, it reminded me of the TV show "Below Deck", with vivid and not overtly done descriptions. Rachel Barnett has created a great mix of characters, and their secrets and motivations are deciphered exceptionally well throughout the book.
The protagonist Bella comes from humble beginnings and is driven to establish a name for herself in a new industry. But when the heart wants what it wants, will she choose love or her career? About 40% in, the realm of possibilities and the danger of secrets being unearthed gave this a surprising element of tension and suspense. I was engaged throughout and turned pages to see how the ending unfolded. The ending had a few loose ends, which made it a tad underwhelming, but overall, it was realistic and well done. If you're looking for a book with suspense and romance elements, do not skip this one!
Thank you, NetGalley & Embla Books, for inviting me to read this ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.