There's Something about Greece

by Sue Roberts

One holiday could change her life forever.

When Tania is invited to spend the summer with her aunt Judith on the stunning Greek island of Crete, she’s torn. She hasn’t been able to bring herself to travel since her last vacation romance utterly broke her heart. But is it time to put the past behind her?

Taking in gorgeous views of the turquoise harbour and white beaches from the little village, Tania can’t imagine a better place to be. Until, at the villa, preparing a delicious moussaka together, Tania sees her aunt’s beaming smile falter. And it’s clear the normally sparkling and lively Judith is unwell.

Not wanting to show just how worried she is, Tania sets off for a refreshing dip in the crystal sea to clear her head – and when grumpy, handsome local Nicos bumps right into her, Tania brushes off his apologies. She has too much on her plate to jump at the first Greek god she sees.

So, when Nicos turns up at the door offering to help her aunt, it’s not just Tania’s racing pulse that catches her by surprise. And as he opens up about his own family, she sees the kind heart underneath the brooding demeanour and impressive muscles.

But, with her aunt thankfully on the mend, the sun is setting on Tania’s time in Greece. Until Nicos promises her the life of her dreams – if she would only stay in Crete. Now she must choose between the safety of her life back home or taking a chance on love. She can’t risk her heart on another holiday romance… can she?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Greece, Friends To Lovers

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2023

About the author

Sue was born in Liverpool and moved to Lancashire as a teenager where she has lived ever since. She has written three books, the third 'My Summer of love and limoncello.' will be published on March 6th and she is busy working on a fourth book. When not busy writing, Sue spends her time with her ever growing family. She enjoys walking, cinema and travelling. Her first book 'My Big Greek Summer.' was inspired by frequent visits to the Island of Rhodes in Greece. All Sue's books are available from Amazon in kindle and paperback format.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Sue Roberts has captured the essence of life on Crete! Not only does she give you enough description to place yourself there, but she also describes the faces and actions of passers-by and paints the setting with such vivid detail that the book plays out as a movie in your head as you read. This isn’t one of those books that you race through, it’s meant to be savoured.

Tania gets invited to spend the summer helping out her Aunt Judith with her animal rescue while her aunt recovers from knee surgery. Will the magic of Crete charm her? Will she return home at the end of the summer or take a chance on love?

I felt refreshed, my heart was full and I had a yearning for Greek food after this armchair travel to Crete. I can’t wait for another Sue Roberts book.

If you are an animal lover, love Greek food and life, and/or love slow-burn romances, this one’s for you.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time with her Aunt Judith couldn’t have come at a better time for Tania. Traveling to the Greek island of Crete gives her the second chance in life she desperately needs. Sadly, despite her feeling good about being there, Tania becomes concerned about her aunt, who has been putting off a much-needed knee replacement. Meanwhile, Tania finds herself distracted by a man named Nico.

Tania discovers that working with the dogs at her aunts animal rescue is very rewarding. There are also donkeys there and she finds herself really enjoying what she is doing and thinking that perhaps she may want to stay in Greece.

What a lovely story. From the stunning setting, the characters, the Greek food, the brewing romance that was brewing between Tania and Nico…it all came together in beautiful fashion in this latest book by Sue Roberts.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite sharing a name with this author, this is the first book of hers that I've read. I thought it was a basic romance novel but there was one important addition to the story - the descriptions of the Greek Island of Crete. After reading all of the beautiful descriptions of the land, I feel like I've been on a mental vacation.

Tania has broken up with her boyfriend and is unhappy with her dead-end job. Her parents have moved to Spain and she is basically alone. Her aunt Judith offers her a chance to travel to Crete to help out with the animal rescue site while Judith is recovering from knee surgery. Growing up she spent a lot of time with her aunt and now that her life has become unfulfilling, she decides that a trip to Crete is just what she needs.
She soon meets Nicos who lives across the road but appears to be grumpy and unfriendly. That's ok with her because she's busy with the rest of the volunteers taking care of the dogs and mules currently housed at the rescue facility. Even though they all work hard, there seems to be plenty of time for swimming and going to the small nearby city and going to restaurants and bars there. When Nicos volunteers to help her aunt and she gets to know him better, her interest in him builds even though she isn't sure at first what he thinks of her. As her time in Greece dwindles away, she has to decide what to do with the rest of her life and whether Nicos will be part of her past or part of her future.

I enjoyed meeting the other volunteers and the budding romance between Tania and Nicos. I thought that parts of the book were pretty slow and that the book could have been a bit shorter. Despite that, the descriptions of the beautiful views of the turquoise harbor and white beaches from the little village and descriptions of the views from other parts of the island made this is a special book.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Tania finds out her boyfriend has been cheating and her job is less than fulfilling she decides she needs to make a change. Her aunt who Judith who she’s always been super close to runs an animal rescue in Greece and is in need of knee replacement surgery but has been putting it off because she needs help while she recovers. So Tania decides now is the time to go visit aunt Judith so she can have her surgery and Tania can clear her head and soak up some sun and beauty in gorgeous Greece while working amongst the dogs and donkeys of the sanctuary. She enjoys it so much that she begins to question her life goals whether or not she wants to go back home, especially after she meets Nicos, the handsome neighbor.
The setting was gorgeous and I loved the animals! It maybe could have been a little shorter or paced a little faster, but other than that, it was lovely.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Lenaasty · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC✨️


let me say first and foremost that the following review is not a reflection of the author's work but more of my experience with the book. bad experience🤺

maybe it's my fault for expecting a romcom? or a novel where anything happens?? I didn't expect a detailed vacation in Greece and that's it nothing else😐

the love interest felt like a background character for the entirety of the book, MC is just vibing and chatting with all the co-workers on and on and on.😴

if I had to describe this book in a few words I'd say : imagine a bunch of characters with life stories and plans, and all they do is talk about it. 🧍‍♀️

very long read despite the moderate amount of pages, I wanted to DNF so bad I almost fell asleep reading at some point because of how bored I was.

judging by the crazy amount of books from this author centered around Greece I'm guessing she LOVES the place but when writing a book it's nice to have some sort of plot too 🥰

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first exposure to this author who has written many books featuring Greece. Her ability to paint highly evocative word pictures of the scenery and residents of Crete made this novel a delight to read.

After finding out her boyfriend of two years has been cheating on her and that her beloved aunt requires surgery, Tania decides to submit her resignation to a dead-end job and travel to the island of Crete. She is familiar with the island having spent many summers there at the rescue sanctuary for dogs (and donkeys!). As she assists her aunt and the other volunteers in caring for the animals, she begins to question her life goals, forges some life-long friendships, and develops feelings for a handsome neighbor.

I found all the characters interesting, believable, and likeable. The setting of the animal sanctuary and its noble mission set the book apart from the unusual summer fare. My one problem was that the story crawled along at a snail’s pace.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Micki | blonde_bookarazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first want to say the detail of this book was amazing and I feel like I took a little mental vacation to Crete, Greece. I love when books transport me to the location the story takes place!

While this book was heartwarming, fun, and very easy-going overall, there are a few things that stuck out and made this book extra enjoyable for me:

- Getting to know all of the volunteers and their stories. I love found family aspects in books and I felt like each person was given the spotlight in their own way and they weren’t just filler to the story as a whole.
- Watching Tania struggle to know what her future held, but willing to take chances in the hopes that it will help her find herself and what she wants out of life.
- The closeness of Tania and her Aunt Judith which makes Tania quit her job and move to Greece to man the animal rescue while her aunt recovers from surgery.
- Tania and Nicos relationship not having the typical storyline of things going great and then one of them messing up only to fall back into place with each other. Things always going well was a nice change!

Read If you like:
Light hearted romance
Found family
Family ties
Rescue Animals
Travel

Thank you to @netgalley, the author, and @bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Rita Shuttleworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good summer read
Read in a day
So chilling to read

[Gem ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful escape to Greece with azure seas and all the charm of Crete, this book really explores what it means to find your place in the world. I loved the characters, especially the animals. This story is ideal if you want an easygoing, feelgood vibe from a book.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have cheating boyfriend problems? An Aunt that lives in Greece that runs an animal sanctuary? No? Neither do I, but what a place to escape to when it all goes wrong!

I so need a holiday to Greece now, the authors descriptions made it easy to visualise and it sounds absolutely amazing.

There's Something About Greece is a heartwarming summer romance, the perfect summery beach read. The settings are charming and the characters all realistic, although being an animal lover I have to say they were my favourite.

Overall the book is entertaining, enjoyable and Roberts is my go to author for anything Greece.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sue Roberts books and couldn’t wait to get my hands on There’s Something About Greece. In her latest novel we are transported to the beautiful island of Crete as Tania heads out to the island to help her Aunt Judith at her animal rescue centre. After being unlucky in love, this could be the holiday that changed her life. If you’re after hot Mediterranean sun, fun, friendship, family and a hot Greek love interest then this is the book for you. I loved every page. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read from this brilliant author. This book takes the reader on another fabulous journey through the sights and sounds of Greece and makes you feel like you are in the book with the characters.

This book is filled with the ingredients of a good read romance sunshine family and friendships and a beautiful setting.

This was the perfect escapism read and would make a great holiday read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Roberts is back to brighten up your summertime with her latest wonderfully romantic new novel, There’s Something About Greece.

When Tania’s aunt Judith asks her to accompany her to Crete for the summer, she finds herself torn between excitement and trepidation. She has barely managed to recover from the acrimonious end to her last holiday romance, but thinks that the time has come for her to draw a line under the past and embrace new experiences. The second she sets foot on Crete, Tania falls under the island’s spell – until she realises that her aunt is unwell. Needing to unwind and to stop herself from worrying, Tania heads off for a dip in the sea and bumps – literally! – into a handsome Greek God called Nicos! Could Tania’s holiday be looking up?

With fate conspiring to throw the two of them together, Tania and Nicos begin to spend more and more time together and as temperatures rise and feelings intensify, they find themselves falling head over heels in love with one another. As Aunt Judith’s health improves, Tania realises that her time on Crete is coming to an end. But is she ready to bid farewell to the man who has come to mean everything to her? Can she leave her old life behind and begin to call Crete home? Tania’s last holiday romance had almost destroyed her, but is she ready to risk her heart again? Or will her fears and doubts cost her the man she is meant to be with?

Sue Roberts’ books are the next best thing to a holiday and she has outdone herself with There’s Something About Greece. Witty, sparkling and romantic, There’s Something About Greece is a magical and enchanting tale with wonderfully drawn characters, laugh out loud humour and heart-warming emotion.

A terrific romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud, summertime escapism doesn’t come any better than Sue Roberts’ There’s Something About Greece.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been to Crete, around the very areas mentioned in the book I completely submersed myself in the story and let my memories of the area fill in the blanks.

Tania's boyfriend cheated on her and has moved on. Now she's stuck in a rut, in a job that's sufficient but not exactly exciting. When her aunt needs an operation and needs assistance at the dog refuge she runs. Tania makes the bold decision to move to Greece temporarily to help out.

Nicos is the new owner of a house near to the dog rescue and initially appears a bit of a grump. But he hides a kind heart and soon is involved in helping out at the rescue centre. But is it more than the dogs that hold his interest.

Tania's own life may be in disarray but she has a talent for sorting out others people problems. Her own parents are very aloof and cold towards her and I just could not find anything redeeming about them other than them allowing Judith to look after Tania when she was young.

This is a story that you shouldn't rush. Take in the beautiful descriptions of the people and scenery of Crete. This is very much a slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine and low spice romance. The secondary characters of the volunteers, Yolanda and Phillipe are well crafted and add to the story.

[κris ☄ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartwarming and cute story about family, love, dream, and finding happiness amidst pursuing career and life choices.

Thoughts:

- a bit dragging tho, but not to the point that bores me (I was invested and I kept on reading) just an average cozy flow of the story, and not gonna lie, but some parts are a bit cringe-y and unnecessary. However, I liked the premise and writing.

- slow-burn romance, also I find the main character's chemistry lacking and it could have been better, needs more improvement, especially the emotions, I thought it lacks sincerity and genuine affection.

- Tania is admirable for being a good adviser, and bringing out the best in others but can't say the same about herself until the end. Her character was such a great part of the story. She helped and respected everyone.

- Nicos is intriguing, I wish I know him more than Tania sees him (the book is mainly Tania's POV). I just wish I could say more for him but in the end, he was such a romantic.

Overall, this was such a lovely and cozy book to read. I am genuinely pleased with this book and perfect for a summer reading.

Big thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars!

[E Dod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by author Sue Roberts and I will be reading more of her novels. I am normally an avid reader of thrillers but the front cover of this novel caught my eye and when I read the blurb I really wanted to try reading this book.

In There's Something about Greece, we meet main character Tania, recently split from a long term partner, Tania is left feeling quite stung from her last relationship and what I would describe as a bit of a cross roads.

Tania's relative lives in Greece running an animal sanctuary and Tania decides to go and help her and have a break from her "usual, mundane" life.

Whilst working in the glorious back drop of Greece she meets Nicos who wants to help with the animals. Tania's life in Greece is then rocked by Nicos and how she feels towards him.

I did find this novel quite slow in some points, but I really enjoyed the characters and the descriptive writing about Greece. This novel is a perfect holiday read.

Thanks to Sue Roberts, Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read so many thrillers that it was nice to read a feel good story. It’s a book about taking a leap, friendships and love. I loved the setting and all the descriptions of the places they went. I could feel the beautiful backdrop and almost feel the heat. I liked Tania. She’s so willing to help others and listen like a good friend. She opened up so easy to everyone. Telling her life story and helping other figure out problems they did not know they had.

I either hadn’t read the synopsis or had forgotten it by the time I read it, because I also liked the tease over all the eligible men that Tania met. And I am always going to love a book with a dog rescue. While I liked all the characters in this one, Smudge might be my favorite. A Hungarian Vizsla, which I had to look up, that is overly excited all the time.

This really was a great book to bring my reading back to reality and give me a smile and a good character to root for.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This was a great little vacation read. A heartwarming story with good characters, good food, great scenery and a dog rescue, what more could you need. Tania offers to go to Greece to help her aunt Judith out with her dog rescue while she has knee surgery. I loved the idea of the rescue taking on volunteers from anywhere on an at least six week basis, what interesting people you would meet. As Tania settles in to the routine, she meets handsome neighbour, Nicos, could he be just what her heart needed. Could she start over in Greece and have the life she has always wanted. It was a lovely story and I enjoyed reading it.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely summer read, full of animals especially two incredibly lovely dogs that I had a real soft spot for, a gorgeous Greek guy and a whole lot of fun.

I loved getting to know Tania and her aunt Judith, as well as all the other volunteers at this Greek animal rescue.

It was a joy to read, and I always love Sue Roberts descriptions of Greece and this was no exception. I felt transported to Crete and just really wish I had been able to read this in the sun myself.

I loved how Tania was able to see how everyone else's lives could be improved but she couldn't initially work out what it is she really wanted to do, and whether she could trust her instincts.

Always a pleasure to read a book from this author and this was no exception.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“There’s Something About Greece,” by Sue Roberts, takes place on the island of Crete. Ms. Roberts paints a beautiful portrait of this island, so the descriptive sections felt very real. The characters are also very believable, which was also enjoyable. My one complaint is that this book moved very slowly and, honestly, not a lot happens. Tania quits her job in the UK, she has adventures and meets people at her Aunt’s animal rescue farm, Tania falls in love, and there are some interesting animal stories. The romance is rated G (I’m praising that right now) but there’s not a lot that actually happens. I guess overall I’d rate this book as a sweet story - maybe even a nice little beach read.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her aunt needs an operation - and soon it seems
So Tania decides to follow her dreams
She flies to Crete for the summer there
For her Aunt - and her rescue centre - to take care.

With animal antics and new friends, too,
A summer to re-think what she wants to do.
There's drama a plenty and surprises galore
As the locality and locals she gets to know more.

From her aunt's old friends and the helpers who're new
There's always something that they need to do.
The animals provide lots of laugh out loud surprises
And friendships grow as the temperature rises.

A story where romances bloom in the sun
With drama, laughter, rescues and fun.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Leona (ateachersguidetoreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a summer beach read with holiday vibes then this is it!

I have never been to Greece but when flipping through the pages of this book I felt like I was there in the sea and sun living my best Mamia Mia life.

This was my first Sue Roberts book and it was a real feel good read. I adore animals so I loved the rescue shelter element. Tania has a close relationship with her Aunt Judith but the found family aspect with the shelter volunteers was a favourite aspect. And Nicos! The Greek God! Tania has been unlucky in summer romance before so is cautious to begin - expect a sloooow burn. But what I loved is no third act breakup! Just two adults saying it how it is!

[Nisha Mathias castelino · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tania is invited to spend the summer with her aunt Judith who runs an animal shelter on the stunning island of Crete, she is torn. She hasn't been able to bring herself to travel since her last vacation romance utterly broke her heart. Does that mean it is time to put the past behind her?

I would like to begin my review by saying what an absolutely delightful book this was. It felt like I was mentally on a vacation in Crete, Greece. The author has painted a vivid picture of the locales and the mention of Greek cuisine had me yearning for it. While the endearing characters, food and culture captivated me I felt the narrative slow down a bit with very little plot.

To sum it up, it was just an easy going, feel good book that was full of love, laughter and new beginnings. Pick it up if you want to enjoy a light summer read.

[Becky Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Greek corker!


I always wait impatiently for a new Sue Roberts book to come out as they always make me laugh out loud and are usually based in my favourite place on Earth 🇬🇷 Greece. Although none as yet have been set in Kos which I would love to read!

This has all the ingredients for a fabulous story, great characters, lovely animals, fabulous scenery and landscapes described perfectly so I can picture them.
The only reason I have given this a 4 instead of a 5 is I did not find as much humour in this book. This did not take away from the story at all. I loved every page but for me I always look forward to a tummy tickler from Sue x

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book! It’s about romance, family, and friendships. The best part about this book for me was the animal rescue/sanctuary. I loved that volunteers helped, and just anyone that was friends with Judith helped out at the sanctuary. I genuinely felt the love for the animals. Roberts did a great job describing Crete so much so that I was able to picture it. Makes me want to hop on a plane right now and go there! It really felt like Crete and the animal rescue was also a rescue for humans in an in-between stage of life. Nicos was dreamy. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t want to give anything away, but there’s so much good about him. Overall, an easy, lovely read!

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I read one of Sue Roberts’ books I want to Chuck it all into the wind, fly to Greece and crask=h with a distant relative (that I don’t have) and start a romance with a hunky Greek man who only has eyes for Me.
Alas, I have to live vicariously through the characters in her books.
It’s pure reading pleasure to crack open one of her sunny, pleasant stories.
This one has a temperamental donkey and a mischievous dog to go along with the likable characters and lovely scenery.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this could have had so much potential but there was no real plot to the story.
The way it was written, the characters, definitely the scenery and the way it was described was beautiful, just makes you want to go on holiday, enjoy the sun and play with the dogs.
There was just no oomph to the story, you could leave the story like a month and then go back and you'd be fine remembering, there was no big dramas making you want to read on, and even when it finished I thought and actually said really, that's it?
The main "drama" was the fire, but that was soon fixed and was more like a minor blip in the story.
A beautifully written story that felt abruptly ended with no real meaning.

[Sarah Bickings · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's Something About Greece is an enjoyable afternoon read. I loved the setting of the dog reserve in Crete and the interaction between the volunteers. The main character and the love story was underdeveloped, I wanted more depth in their interaction and romance. I wasn't as invested in the characters as Take a Chance on Greece, which I loved. Still a sweet way to spend an afternoon in Greece. :)
Thanks #NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, relaxing and light read that takes you on a journey through Greece.
Slow burn romances, family and friendships keep the story flowing.
If you are an animal lover, you will certainly enjoy reading this book.
Perfect reading for the beach or by the pool.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of books set in Greece, this one is up there with my favourites. Not only is it set on Crete, one of my favourite places in the world, but the author brings the setting to life. The characters are great as they weave in an out of the book. What a pity that Brexit has put an end to the spontaneity of living and working in the EU. Luckily we can escape vicariously and live our lives though books. Can thoroughly recommend as a must-read this summer.