Theodora

by Summer Cassel

**RE-EDITED
What if the biggest risk wasn’t leaving, but going back?

When Theo sets off on a solo journey to Scotland, she’s chasing adventure, freedom, and maybe even a piece of herself she’s lost. A spontaneous friendship with the vibrant Isla leads her to meet Iain. Darkly handsome, infuriatingly cocky, and completely off-limits, Iain is everything Theo shouldn’t want. Because she is married to a man named James.

But the pull between them is undeniable. An unspoken force drawing them closer until resisting no longer feels like an option. As their worlds collide in stolen moments and breathless confessions, Theo finds herself standing on the edge of a choice that could unravel everything.

When a moment of passion turns into a tangled web of secrets and betrayal, the cost of what she’s done becomes terrifyingly clear. When she returns home, nothing feels the same. Torn between the life she built and the one calling her back, she must stay where she belongs or else.



A captivating story of forbidden desire, self-discovery, and the invigorating choices that have eruptible consequences.

Genres: Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2025

About the author

Summer is a writer based in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not immersed in her work, she enjoys baking bread, getting lost in a good book, and tending to her garden, which makes her an old soul. A devoted 90's horror movie fan, she’s always on the hunt for the next great scare. She shares her home with her husband, their little boy, and their two lovable doodle dogs, Bingo and Lila.

Reviews

[Iman Söderström · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Temptation You’ll Feel in Your Bones
This isn’t your typical romance. It’s about what happens when your heart wants what your life can’t have. The chemistry between Theo and Iain is electric, but it’s the emotional stakes that make this story unforgettable. A bold, gripping read about choices and consequences.

[Franklin Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland, Secrets, and a Soul Unraveling
Set against the moody backdrop of Scotland, this book captures what it means to crave more—from life, from love, from yourself. Theo’s struggle is real and relatable, and her inner conflict keeps the tension simmering until the very last page.

[Elodie Nastas · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️ More Than a Love Triangle ❤️❤️❤️
Forget clichés. This is a modern, complicated tale about longing—for freedom, truth, and love. Theo’s story challenges you to consider what it means to be faithful… to others, and to yourself.

[Madison McGehee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book 4 stars ⭐️

[Jessica Vroman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Theodora. This novel is a different style that I usually read but enjoyed the most parts of the book.

[JennyC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as a giveaway win!
This was a quick easy read for me. Once I got towards the end, I couldn’t put it down!

[Adam Haris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Reckless, and Real
Theo’s journey is messy and magnetic. The forbidden romance with Iain crackles with tension, but it’s her internal war—the guilt, the ache, the hope—that makes this story unforgettable.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Desire Crosses the Line
Theodora is a beautifully messy portrait of temptation and the search for authenticity. Summer Cassel crafts a raw, emotionally charged journey that explores what happens when your heart wants what your life can’t hold.

[Lexie Kolpus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! This book had me smiling, laughing and “oh oh oh”! The plot was great, loved every second

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the progression of characters in this book . I found myself wanting the spicy scenes to happen even though I knew I shouldn't. The balance of desire vs responsibilities was spot on.

[Mark taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Theodora by Summer Cassel is a romance novel about a young wife and mother who goes on holiday to Scotland and ends up having an affair with a local.

So where do I begin with the review of this novel? Normally the beginning is a good point however due to how i felt about this novel it should be the end.

There are times when reading a book that is independently published that has mistakes in it but unfortunately we live in the year 2025 and a 10 minutes on google would have solved a number of problems.

Not the one where it said we are in the Highlands of Scotland then shortly afterwards have a point a few lines later that they are entering them. This is just simple editing.

I am talking about wanting to go to Edinburgh all your life and being surprised by the architecture. When people have mobile phones people have the internet i am sure she would have used it once researching a holiday.

In addition, only mentioning one specific tourist spot in the city and only using generalisations seemed a bit strange. I am not expecting the writer to cover every specific place where the character goes.

However when you're told that Theodora has always wanted to come here a little bit of why would be easy to put this in and have a go to a couple of these.

There could be more of things like this like looking at the sight of the Glencoe massacre on the route from Edinghbrugh to Inverness, or even the use of the term ‘Love’ in the context it was used seemed out of place.

While the book does have a number of issues other than those mentioned here the use of Laird for one. Theodora felt like a chocolate box version of Scotland and for fiction that is ok.

But when the novel makes small mistakes continuously then those little changes from reality which are used for the flow of the story can not be overlooked making the novel almost unreadable.

As for who should read Theodora by Summer Cassel if you are from Scotland or have any close connection with the area avoid it like the plague. However if you only want the chocolate box version then you may be able to look over some of the issues with the novel to make it readable,


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

[Lauren Dussia · Rating 1 out of 5]

such potential

The start of the book was good! Storyline intriguing although lots of grammar issues however I could overlook it for the most part. Then the second half of the book really went downhill. The storyline didn’t flow, didn’t make sense and most of all was all over the place.
It felt as if the author just gave up and rushed the last half of the book to be done. There’s constant jumping of point of views without proper flow leaving the readers having to figure out who is even talking.
There was so much error in the end. The sister was referenced as a friend, the attack went from one angle to another without making sense as to how the characters got there, the love interest sounded very American in the beginning until author realized he was Scottish then threw in a few words, and overall just no complete thoughts. Just felt like she started an idea then rushed to finish it or didn’t bring any conclusion.
This is story had potential but it didn’t have great review before being published.

[Marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so bad. Truly, I did.
I was drawn to read it by the synapse. I thought the premise of the book would be interesting.
Unfortunately, it was very poorly executed. There were far too many typos, grammar errors, and sentences that made no sense throughout the entire book. I pushed through to finish reading it, to be able to give a fully honest review.
The ending also left much to be desired. I don’t understand the “to be continued” because it felt like the story wrapped up pretty nicely? I guess the ending should have been what I was expecting. I mean, why not make a story that didn’t make sense in so many areas end in a way that also did not make sense?
10/10 can not recommend to anyone in know, unfortunately.

[Nickalli · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t do it. Pages and pages of typos, missing punctuation, incorrect grammar. I’d start to get into the story and BAM. Another error. This author has complete disrespect for the reader or they would have hired an editor and proofreader. Maybe if it was an audiobook so I didn’t have to see how awful the writing was I would have given it a better rating. To the author - please hire a professional to help you before publishing. And if you did, ask for your money back.

[Karlting · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️ A Love Letter to Lost Selves ❤️❤️❤️
Cassel captures what it feels like to go looking for adventure and instead find yourself. Theodora is about more than romance—it's about identity, consequence, and rediscovering a voice that was quietly fading.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Home Doesn’t Feel Like Home Anymore
This book is a deep dive into the emotional aftermath of choices we can't undo. It doesn’t shy away from the wreckage we leave behind or the beauty in chasing something that finally feels real.

[Sonali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Cassel writes like she’s lived through every breathless glance and unspoken confession. Theodora is haunting, lush, and deeply introspective—perfect for readers who crave emotional authenticity.

[Noel Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland, Secrets, and Second Chances
This story is more than a love triangle—it’s a powerful tale of rediscovery and the quiet ache of unmet needs. Theo���s internal war is heartbreakingly relatable, and her choices will stay with you long after the last page.

[Chrys Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tangle of Love, Loyalty, and Longing
Cassel captures the storm of forbidden connection with lyrical prose and gut-punch honesty. Theodora dares to ask: what if your truth lies outside the life you thought you wanted?

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! I really enjoyed the catch towards the end! It really kept me guessing and on my toes! Totally recommend for anyone like spice and fun twist! So excited there’s more to come 🤩

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I loved the main character as well as all the supporting cast in the book. Can’t wait for part 2.

[Sarah Crowther · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF after chapter 3. All the conversations between characters were summarized and not really said. I want to get to know these characters, show me their personalities!