First Loves and Last Resorts

by Dee Rollings

When you’ve given up on love . . . but he finds you anyway.

Lizette Howell-Xu is married to her work. She didn’t even cry when her husband of fifteen years left her for his very muscular, very male personal trainer. But now it’s time for her ex to break the news to his family—and he’s asking Lizette to help him do it. All they have to do is find a way to talk to his parents alone . . . At a family reunion, that’s easier said than done.

Convincing herself that she needed a vacation was the easy part; juggling lost luggage and a major business opportunity from a tiny cabin in Michigan is trickier, especially while pretending to still be married. Luckily Ben, the rugged handyman with a British accent, doesn’t mind offering Lizette his desk, especially since he’s in on her secret.

But the more Lizette gets to know him, the more willing she becomes to step away from her computer and spend some quality time with a man who finally stirs something deep inside of her. Something she hasn’t felt in years.

As their romance threatens to turn into a family scandal, Lizette must decide what parts of her life are the most important, which may mean breaking a few hearts . . . including her own.

First Loves and Last Resorts , the third book in The Pacifica Resort series, is a first person POV romantic comedy that will leave you swooning.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Dee Rollings was born and raised in the big city, but her heart lives in the forest. She does her best writing on the porch of her tiny house in the woods when she’s not wrangling her kid or her dogs and having one-sided conversations with chipmunks.

She’s a multi-genre author, penning both romantic thrillers and romantic comedies, but there is one thing for sure about all of her books—they’ll make you think a little differently about society and the world, exploring topics such as addiction, grief, womanhood, and self-worth.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a fun time reading this one - it was really easy to get engrossed with the story and just breeze on through. Lizette is the quintessential workaholic and I loved being able to see her internal struggle with keeping that up vs. giving in to a more laid-back way of living. Her chemistry with Ben was immediate and swoon-worthy, and I love how he brought out her relaxed side. I also really enjoyed the playfulness of all the characters, but especially the side characters - their meddling in Lizette’s life and relationships had me cracking up. Definitely recommend this one as a good summer read!

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
• She’s a billionaire
• He’s a handyman
• Hidden Identity
• Vacation Fling
• Love After Divorce
• Secret Relationship
• Open Door Spice

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like watching a Hallmark movie, complete with the over involved family members who know what the MC needs more than she does and refuse to let her stay comfortable but also somehow keep dumping cold water on her when she's stepping out of her box.

Izzy and Zane are joining Zane's family for their annual family reunion with a fun secret - they're divorced! They have been divorced for quite a while, and unhappy for much longer, and Zane has a new boyfriend, yet they remain great friends who realized that they just weren't great for each other. But telling your parents is scary - especially when Zane's brother is running for Senate and is hyper vigilant of scandals, and his family is the one truly loving family that Izzy has ever had and after 10 years of being a part of it, she doesn't want to lose them.

Izzy is a high powered badass hospitality/real estate queen who is very dedicated to her work - one (like Zane perhaps) may say she is too dedicated - married to it even. During what is supposed to be a vacation, she ends up working on an important corporate acquisition until Zane and the other "kids" they're close to in the family convince her that this trip is a perfect opportunity for her to clear some cobwebs and find a nice guy to have some fun with. As Izzy falls for her new leading man she falls back into herself and lets some of her typically icy exterior melt to the point where she is able to say what she really wants - someone to love who loves her just as much and makes her want to take a step back from work to have a real life.

This is part of a series, but I found that out halfway through and I think it works totally fine as a standalone as well.

Thank you to Pen Pal PR for the ARC of this book!

[Chrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dee Rollins delivers another charming and heartfelt romance with First Loves and Last Resorts, the third installment in The Pacifica Resort series. The story follows Lizette Howell-Xu, a billionaire who has long abandoned the idea of love—until an unexpected vacation forces her to confront her past and reconsider her future.

With humor and emotional depth, Rollins crafts a compelling journey of self-discovery, second chances, and the complicated ties that bind us to our first loves. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious resort, the novel blends witty dialogue, swoon-worthy moments, and rich character development, making it a delightful read for fans of romantic comedy.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series at first, but now I want to go back to the previous books to get more insight into these characters and their histories. If you're drawn to stories of rekindled romance, found family and emotional growth, First Loves and Last Resorts is a novel worth adding to your reading list.

Thank you PenPal and Dee Rollings’ team for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

[lauren dedinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What To Expect:
- third book in the pacifica resort series
- first person pov
- rom-com
- marriage of convenience
- fake dating
- billionaire/handy man
- love after divorce
- vacation fling
- found family


first loves and last resorts is a quick and easy read that will brighten up your day, especially on a yucky rainy day (like it was when is when i reading it 😂). i kinda wished i was reading it in a luxurious cabin in the woods though, it definitely gave me some fomo. so if you want something quirky, fun and quick i definitely recommend giving this a read.

i have never read a dee rollings book before and am very glad that i was able to arc this one. what a great introduction to her and her writing style. i definitely need to go back and read the first two after this one because it was just so much fun and cute.

thank you pen pal pr for gifting me this e-arc!

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
First Loves and Last Resorts
A Novel Written By Dee Rollings
Fiction - Romance
Published May 2025
304 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She is a billionaire who owns an international real estate company. She is married to her career. She goes on a family vacation to Michigan with her ex-husband. They are pretending to still be married until he can tell his parents they are divorced and he is gay.

He is the handyman at the resort in Michigan.

Is Ben, the handyman, the man who can help Izzy get her groove back?

This book is filled with family drama, secrets, hidden identities, and surprises.

“Home isn’t a place. Home is who makes you happy. And I think that person is going to be you.”

[Lynda Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to help someone you loved?

Lizette "Izzy" was about to find out. Only problem was, she had to hide her lustful feelings for Ben.

This was a different take on a fake relationship troupe. Only the fake relationship wasn't the realtionship to take centre stage.

When no-one knows that you're divorced and you attend the yearly family reunion with your in-laws, the only caring family you've had and you're scared to lose it, you'll do anything but Izzy wasn't prepared for Ben and everything he stirred up in her. With encouragement from her "husband", Izzy takes a chance but will secrets tear her and Ben apart before they can find out if what they have is the start of something magical?

Such a well written story. The banter between Ben & Izzy was great. But there was so much more to ths story. Her extended in-law family were hysterical. The book was over before I wanted it to be and now I'm hoping for more.

Jump straight in and get lost in First Loves & Last Resorts. You won't regret it.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read!! I really enjoyed this book!

Izzy is all a workaholic! Now she is on her way to a resort with her ex husband to tell his family they are divorced!

Ben owns the resort that Izzy goes to. He loves being there and it gives him a sense of peace since his wife passed.

Ben and Izzy are trying to navigate their feelings while also trying to hide it from her inlaws! Ben and Izzy talk about their work but don't go into great detail and ends up being surprised when they find out the truth! Will Izzy do what her family wants or finally get her once in a lifetime love.

[Kailli Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Dee's books since her first novel and her fourth continued the trail of greatness.

One of my favorite parts was that I was already familiar with the female lead from previous books so I was excited to learn more about her and see her story. Lizette is the final friend of the friend group to realize she wants love in her life and Dee helps her figure it out. This isn't a story that is stuck on one trope but includes a trope that all enjoy.

I loved that our main character, while a self admitted workaholic, was still there for those important to her. Mainly her ex-husband who had a boyfriend he wanted to tell his family about. She embarks on a family trip in support of him and while having to pretend she loved him; finds the love of her life. Now of course, nothing is that simple and there has to be some sort of conflict.

The conflict of course being that somehow he's her first kiss and arch enemy but they didn't know this about each other right away. I loved that while she worked through her feelings; her gal pals were by her side.

Without giving away too much - I also loved that Dee included an epilogue 7 years out that not only wrapped up Lizette's story; but it also wrapped up the characters from the Pacifica Resort. I enjoyed getting a glimpse at everyone's futures and knowing they all got their happy ending.

Great job Dee!! I can't wait for all future reads.

#SaveAHorseRideACowboy

[Liv Plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Pen Pal PR for the ARC of this book! As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - multiple explicit and detailed scenes, semi-public intimate scene (no actual sex, but pretty close)

I don't think I will ever get enough of powerful women who are forced to face the fact that they are not actually living for themselves and finally learn to make their own choices WHILE STILL remaining powerful and amazing. Lizette Howell, or Izzy, is such an interesting character and I absolutely loved her development throughout the book. Starting off as a woman who say her work as her soulmate, throughout the course of the book she became someone who still knew how to kick ass in the board room and in negotiations, but also learned how to trust those around her to support her as well. Her relationship with those around her, including Ben, Zane, her father, and her ex-in laws changed dramatically throughout the book in a really authentic and wonderful way.

Rollings packed a lot of tropes into this book, but in ways that all had twists. Marriage of Convenience and Fake Marriage? Yes, but pretending to be married for the sake of appearances and family. Second chance romance? Yes, but it started as a sweet interaction between two characters when they were younger and how they managed to find each other again without even trying. Mistaken and Secret Identities? Yes again, but not as a way of hiding the truth, but because of trying to be their own person, rather than just being part of the family business. Of course with all of this, a lot of the challenges the characters faced, particularly Izzy and Ben's relationship, were predictable, but in a way a comfort show is predictable, so it was not necessarily a bad thing at all!

I had a great time reading this and can't wait to read more of Dee Rolling's books.

[Caffs37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"First Love and Last Resort" by Dee Rollings captures the essence of rediscovering love when you least expect it. From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked and found myself devouring it in one sitting. The story centers around Lizette Howell-Xu, a woman who has put her heart on hold after a painful betrayal by her husband. Her journey from heartbreak to healing is not only engaging but also relatable for anyone who has ever struggled with love.

Rollings masterfully weaves humor and emotion, making Lizette’s predicament both entertaining and heartfelt. The unconventional premise of exes reconvening for a family reunion adds a layer of tension and excitement to the narrative. I appreciated how Lizette, initially focused on her career, gradually finds joy in her unexpected encounters with Ben, the charming handyman whose British accent and rugged charm make him irresistible.

The dynamics between the characters are authentic and wonderfully developed. Lizette’s internal conflict about balancing her personal desires with her past commitments is portrayed with nuance, allowing readers to feel her struggles and triumphs deeply. The dialogue is witty and sharp, adding to the fast-paced nature of the read, which kept me turning pages late into the night.

Rollings has a knack for creating characters that leap off the page, and I found myself rooting for Lizette as she navigated this tumultuous chapter of her life. The story’s themes of love, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace change resonate long after the final pages are turned.

Overall, "First Love and Last Resort" is a delightful escape filled with charm, laughter, and poignant moments. It left me eager to explore more of Dee Rollings' work. If you’re looking for a light yet meaningful romance that reminds you of the power of second chances, this book is a must-read!

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the first Dee Rollings book that I've read, and it is always a delight for me reading an author for the first time and enjoying my first ever taste of their work..

I actually found the initial part of the book a bit sluggish, owing to the build up of the characters and their relationships: first with Izzy and her ex-husband Zane, then with Izzy and her growing connection with Ben. That build up I knew was essential in establishing the personas of each character and the unique dynamic between them. I was especially fascinated with the relationship between Izzy and Zane - their story was written in such a way that you'd understand why they truly were better off as friends than as husband and wife. Then with Izzy and Ben, I loved how Ben slowly coaxed her out of her armor, and encouraged her to break free from the masks and walls she had built around herself. It became clear that both Ben and Izzy were in reality very similar in their upbringing, but were only at different points in their life with regards to how they'd come to terms with their past experiences. That was the reason for their connection, one that allowed them to be able to fully understand the other through the masks and beyond the walls all the way to their raw vulnerabilities.

Eventually, the book became even more engrossing when family secrets and scandals started unraveling, and the precarious relationship between Ben and Izzy became even more questionable as to whether they could ever be together. I had held my breath, so to speak, wondering how the two of them were ever going to resolve their issues. And when it was finally resolved, I was thoroughly gratified with how it all worked out.

I am grateful to the author for granting me a free review copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

🏝️ First Loves and Last Resorts 🏝️

Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Author : Dee Rollings

Thank you so much to PenPalPR for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fun, adorable and a much needed read after a full on month - First Loves and Last Resorts was a great read in preparation for summer!

First Loves and Last Resorts follows Lizette Howell - Xu playing fake wife to her ex husband, who left her for another man, to break the news to his family during his family reunion. With guilt stabbing at her every move, the last thing she wants is another relationship. Enter Ben, the rugged British handyman at the resort who seems to have caught her attention and pulling Izzy away from her work. Will they be able to get together or will her ‘marriage’ get in the way?

I did enjoy the premise of this book, usually fake relationships are with the love interest but I enjoyed the change of direction! It was fun to watch Izzy navigate through her ‘marriage’ and the fact that she may or may not have fallen for Ben.

I utterly adored Ben - his character was like a warm hug and I just loved how easily he could talk to Izzy.

Despite not being a massive fan of Izzy, I did enjoy her character development. Starting off as a corporate, married to her work woman before slowly letting herself loosen up and becoming comfortable with a work-life balance. It helped with Ben being around… but I didn’t enjoy the little digs Zane was making (whether joking or not) about how she needed someone in her life for her to be happy.

Other than that, I did enjoy this book and is the perfect - no thoughts, just vibes romance book!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could be crazier than agreeing to be your ex husband’s wife again at his family reunion, losing your luggage, working remotely and finally meeting a man that gives you butterflies? Certainly not what Lizette expected to happen when she agreed to go to Michigan and she certainly wasn’t expecting to meet Ben, the resort handyman with a slight British accent. Ben awakens something within Lizette that has her leaving her borrowed desk and breathing in a whole new set of possibilities while still being herself without judgement.

And what’s a family vacation without a bit of drama? Because Lizette certainly found herself embroiled in a scandal threatening to derail the vacation as well as her professional life which leads Lizette to reevaluate her priorities and those within her circle. I enjoyed the connection Lizette and Ben experienced and how it was vastly different from her connection with her ex husband- it highlighted how much Lizette and Zane weren’t right for each other (for a number of reasons) because even after such a short time that Ben and Lizette shared it was already a better fit.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series until I was already reading the book and once I start a book I have to finish it. I would like to go back and read the previous two books in the series just to get the whole series experience but I don’t feel like I was missing anything big by not having read them.


Thank you @penpalpr and @deerollingsbooks  for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

[Ella Staffolani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt, funny, and emotionally rich romance that will leave you wanting more.

First Loves and Last Resorts, the third installment in Dee Rollins’ Pacifica Resort series, is a charming and layered story of rekindled love, hidden truths, and the families we choose. At the center is Lizette "Izzy" Howell-Xu, a billionaire who’s given up on love, until an unexpected vacation and a complicated reunion force her to confront feelings she thought she buried long ago.

Izzy finds herself returning to her in-laws' annual family retreat, despite being secretly divorced. They're the only real family she's ever had, and she’s not ready to let them go. So when her longtime friend Ben steps in to play the role of her supportive husband, things get... complicated. What starts as a fake relationship slowly transforms into something neither of them saw coming. But with unresolved feelings, long-held secrets, and simmering attraction in the mix, can Izzy and Ben find a way forward?

Rollins masterfully blends witty banter, emotional depth, and a fresh take on familiar tropes. The dynamic between Izzy and Ben is electric, equal parts tender and hilarious, and the extended family cast adds warmth and chaos in all the right ways. Even though I didn't realize this was part of a series at first, it reads well as a standalone, and now I’m eager to go back and meet the characters from the earlier books.

If you enjoy stories about second chances, found family, and the messy, beautiful path to love, First Loves and Last Resorts deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Samantha]

If there was a book equivalent of a Hallmark movie, it would be First Loves and Last Resorts. Though where those are cheesy beyond mention, we actually got a great plot to go with FLLR. The book starts off with us finding out Izzy and Zane are getting a divorce and while it was confusing for a moment, trying to figure out if he was the MMC or not, we find out pretty quickly after that it’s because he has left her for another man. Interesting but not even the best part! We’re introduced to Izzy as this buttoned up, rigid, emotionless corporate heiress who feels like she may never be able to find someone she would be able to have a relationship with post Zane, let alone be comfortable in one with. We get easter egg after easter egg of Izzy’s past and why she’s being portrayed this way and (happily) finding Izzy to be wrong about herself. She is capable of more and her true MMC (I won’t state for spoilers) brings out a more relaxed and human side of her. She feels safe with him and it was feeling safe that helped lower her boundaries. It was really comforting to feel with her the change in compatibility. This book goes to show that every person and every relationship is different and it’s not about being able to be one thing with any person but whether you can be anyone with that one person. I was also pleased to find Izzy struggling with her life goals, self expectations, and love interests at thirty years old! Often now we’re seeing the FMC’s getting younger and younger. It’s such a joy to be a part of the single crowd reading for her age range now!

[Jenny Bushnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Loves and Last Resorts is the first book by Dee Rollings that I have ever read and it will not be the last! Rollings has made a very good first impression on me with this secret vacation love journey. While First Loves and Last Resorts is the third book in the Pacifica series by Dee Rollings, it does make a great stand-alone novel!

From the very beginning I was captivated by the immediate banter of Lizette and her ex-husband, Zane. I had so may questions- why was this woman with her ex-husband? why were they so close? where were they going? It was obvious that these two individuals had some type of chemistry, but why were they exes? I loved that Rollings started the novel in the setting she did because it had the reader asking these questions and on their toes to keep reading!

Throughout the novel, there is never a dull moment. Everything flowed so naturally and had a purpose. I do not think there were "filler" events to make the book longer, but rather each event was significant and provided backstory, character development, setting development, or moving the story along. I found myself going through a slew of emotions and in suspense to know what will happen next. Even when I thought I had the twists and turns figured out, I was still wrong- which I enjoyed because it proved it was not cliché.

Overall, Rollings does a phenomenal job with First Loves and Last Resorts. I am very grateful for the Arc opportunity!

[Hannah Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to @penpalpr for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! Before getting into it, I want to provide a disclaimer that I have not read the first two books in the Pacifica Resort series, so this is my review of First Loves and Last Resorts as a standalone.

I gave this book 3 stars. Overall, it was fine. I think, given some of the context provided about the previous books, that I might feel differently about Lizette’s growth had I been able to compare her to earlier versions of herself, but as it stands, her “turning point” just seemed a bit too easy? Ben was nice enough, if a little boring, until you get more of his back story right near the end.

I did really enjoy Zane and Lizette’s relationship. It was very obvious to the reader that while they may never have had a passionate, romantic love, they were both very protective of each other and cared enough to sit and have hard conversations. I loved that his family made it clear that no matter what happened between her and Zane, Lizette would always be a member of their family because they wanted her to be.

Again, given the topics I believe were addressed in previous books, this story just felt a bit flat and lackluster to me. I do think I will go back to read the other books, and maybe that will alter my opinions of Lizette.

[Alleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two books in the Pacifica series so I had high expectations for this third installment - finding out it was set not in California like the first two novels but in my hometown? Wild!

I heard someone describe this book as “Crazy Rich Asians meets Hallmark movie” and YES. It has all the fun and excitement along with an undercurrent of that cozy romance feeling we all love (and a flannel-wearing muscular handyman).

One of my favorite things about this novel was the way it played with romance tropes in unexpected ways…

Marriage of (in)convenience? Check.
Fake Dating? Yes, but not like *that*.
One bed at the inn? Depends on who you ask. 😉

There were more, but I don’t want to spoil too much. As a romance reader this book felt like it had so many little Easter eggs hidden inside, which made reading even more fun!

I loved the characters, and want more books about the Xu family reunions. The side characters in Dee Rolling’s books always shine and this book is no exception!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a romance novel I didn’t want to put down, that was fun as hell and made me more than a little homesick.

(Also I love an author that can wrap a series up with a heartfelt epilogue and this author is not going to leave you hanging, don’t worry! 💕)

[Iqra Hasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

I didn’t realize First Loves and Last Resorts was the third book in The Pacifica Resort series when I started it, but it worked perfectly as a standalone. This was a fast, fun read that I finished in one sitting. It gave me classic Hallmark energy with a twist, and I mean that in the best way.

The tropes are all here: secret relationship, marriage of convenience, billionaire heroine, rugged handyman love interest, hidden identity. But they are flipped and reshaped in ways that felt fresh and unexpected. Dee Rollings plays with what readers expect and turns it into something uniquely her own.

I really enjoyed following Lizette as she started questioning the roles she has always played and slowly began choosing herself. Watching her find clarity, connection, and a spark she didn’t even know she was missing felt quietly powerful.

This book made me wish I was reading it from a cozy log cabin in the woods, spending my afternoons horseback riding and picnicking by a quiet lake. It gave me major setting FOMO in the best way.

If you are looking for a light romantic comedy that still gives you something to chew on emotionally, this one is worth picking up.

Thank you Pen Pal PR for the arc!

[Anna Christodoulou-Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW 📚
Just finished this gem by Dee Rollings and I loved every second of it!! 😍✨

Lizette is your classic workaholic queen 👩‍💼💻 — a total powerhouse billionaire boss — but watching her slowly unravel that stress ball of a life in a cozy, small-town setting?? Perfection. 🏞️☀️

Enter Ben: the swoon-worthy handyman with a heart of gold and arms that probably lift more than just lumber 🛠️💪. Their chemistry?? 🔥🔥 Immediate. Electric. Delicious.

I was obsessed with the meddling side characters 😂 — seriously, they had no chill and I was here for ALL of it. The banter, the chaos, the feels… this book had me laughing, blushing, and maybe even wiping away a tear or two. 👀🥲

If you're looking for a book that balances emotional depth with major summer-romcom vibes, this one’s for you! 📖🌸🍹

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
💼 She’s a Billionaire
🛠️ He’s a Handyman
💔 Love After Divorce
🌶️ Open Door Spice (yes please!!)

A must-read summer escape 💕

#DeeRollings #BookTok #RomComReads #HiddenIdentity #VacationFling #RomanceRecs #SpicyReads #BookishHumor #SummerVibes #SheBillionaireHeHandyman #OpenDoorRomance #CurrentlyReading

[Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well now I have to backtrack and read the first two books in The Pacifica Resort Series, this is one quirky family.

I found the book predictable but this doesn't mean it wasn't good or it didn't have a few twists and turns in it.  Sometimes I prefer this, a nice relaxing read, but a few ooohh moments.  

The FMC handled one of my holiday fears with calm grace; her luggage went missing, and this was just the tip of the iceberg.   I would have held up in my cabin, read books and ate copious amounts of snacks.  Instead she stepped out of her comfort zone with the help of her ex-husband (yes her ex) and found love on a family vacation.  MMC wasn't too handy with wi-fi but I think he had an alterior motive. 

Single POV
Insta attraction. 
Marriage of convenience
Love after divorce
Vacation fling 🏖
Billionaire 💵 /Handyman 🛠

I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amber Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Dee Rollings for the ARC of this book! Izzy and Ben’s story was a nice, quick read. I enjoyed that she was a FMC in her 30s and had life experience. Her and Zane’s experience is unique in some ways and also relatable to many in the struggles they face. While on vacation, Izzy meets the man she didn’t know she was looking for, Ben. Through the story more and more is revealed about their pasts and we see this “vacation fling” tested after only a short time. While I don’t personally know what it is like to have the financial situation that these two MCs have, it seems a reasonable ending overall. Initially, Izzy’s character wasn’t super relatable and she annoyed me just a bit. However, once she loosened up a little bit, her character was much more enjoyable. Ben as an MC treated her well, but did withhold some key information which makes things interesting later on in the book. I enjoyed this book!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you penpal pr for the ARC.

This is the first Dee Rollings book I have read and not my last. This will sound petty, but I was annoyed that I thought this romcom was not dual POV and the FMC annoyed me so much.

I realized the FMC was much like myself and the pov made so much sense when I gave this book another chance. I enjoyed watching Izzy's growth in this book and how self-aware she was as a person. I know what it's like to spend your time being a workaholic to keep proving yourself. I think it especially showed how often her mind drifted toward her job and how close she was to making the deal if she kept working that extra bit more. Then, when the deal could have landed in her lap, she chose not to take it which resulted in her reevaluating her job and relationship. I feel like reading this book initially was watching myself in an alternate universe.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a super cute book!

Lizette (Izzy) is forced to go to her ex-husbands family reunion because his family is unaware that they are divorced and he is dating his male person trainer. Izzy does not go on vacations because she would much rather expand her empire of luxury hotels and resorts. The only problem is that she meets Ben and he is handsome, British, and just what she needs to get over her ex. How you get over someone is definitely to get under someone else, clearly. But what happens when Ben is a great guy, and Izzy starts to have feelings for Ben? Well you hide from your exs family and cause a scandal, right? Or we confess the truth and hope everything works out?

I just love seeing people get there happily ever after! Thank you PenPal PR and Miss Dee for allowing me to read this story early! I really enjoyed the journey!

[Ashley Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me if Crazy Rich Asians and Hallmark were smashed into one and I'm all for it. Her writing style is so simple and will get you hooked as you read. I loved the story like and the plot. This has probably been the best contemporary romance I have ever read. The fact that you get to see Lizettes walls break down about herself when it comes to Ben and all this negative talk she had about herself in the beginning that she uses it as a shield is not only relatable but inspiring. The heart wrenching twists and the going across the states for eachother? SOLD!!!! This has my heart and the epilouge made me cry it was so cute and sweet and just ugh!! I would recommend this is you want a good romance to feel every emotion possible just perfection.

[Katlyn Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! And now I need to go read the first two in the series.

This was a lovers turned friends kind of twist on your traditional tropes with a billionaire ex wife that meets a swoon worthy handyman while on vacation for a family reunion with her ex husband’s family.

This has found family, a workaholic FMC who just needs the right person to help her find balance, and a lovely secluded resort that brings the family together.

There’s also some messy politics causing more drama. I loved the flow. There were some miscommunication parts that had me grinding my gears but Dee resolved them all fairly quickly and didn’t drag them out.

Overall I loved and can’t wait to catch up on the rest of the series.

[Briana Jacobus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, easy read with fun tropes (fake dating, marriage of convenience, billionaire/handyman dynamic). It held my attention and gave me a few "aww" moments and some good laughs.
Izzy took me a bit to warm up to, but I appreciated her growth and vulnerability. The setting at the Pacifica Resort added a nice layer of escapism, perfect for a quick weekend or rainy day read.
While I didn’t realize it was the third book in a series, it stood well on its own. That said, there were definitely times I felt like I was missing a bit of backstory with some of the side characters. I might go back and check out the earlier books if I want more lighthearted romance.
Overall: fun, low-stakes, and worth the read if you’re into cozy rom-coms with a dash of second chances.

[Ash Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Dee Rollings, takes us back to the Pacifica Resort, gifting us with another love story to devour this summer. A third in the series, but easily digestible as a stand-alone if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading its predecessors, A Liar and a Thief, or Love and Reservations.

First Loves and Last Resorts brings us to a luxurious cabin in the woods filled with plot twists, found family, and heart-wrenching character development.

A witty demonstration that love stories aren’t always linear, and takes another look at the idea of soulmates and family dynamics in such a refreshing way.

Perfect for romantic comedy fans looking for a fun, quick read.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you PenPal PR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This is my first book by Dee and it was good I thought the story line was fine there were moments where I was bored with the characters and what was happening. This is an interconnected series but I felt like some things were missing because I have not read the first two books in this series. I like Zane and Lizette’s chemistry and I enjoyed their relationship. I also liked that Zane was a regular guy working as a handyman and has a good family compared to Lizette who was married to her job with a not so great family. If you like hidden identity, a vacation fling and a secret relationship then you will enjoy this book

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an e-ARC

This was one of the few books I’ve read where I was actually surprised and held captive by the interwoven plot twists. I loved the relationship that Izzy and her ex-husband foster and how he encourages her to follow what she wants instead of what she’s “supposed” to do. The periphery characters were funny and entertaining and acted as the perfect foils for Izzy and Ben. This had just enough spice and sweetness to balance out the drama of two families at odds while the prodigal son and dutiful daughter struggle to live their lives on their own terms.

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