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The Heartbreak Hotel
Ella has officially hit rock bottom.
After getting dumped by her girlfriend and soon-to-be ex-boss, Ella’s thirties have her feeling lost. In an attempt to cheer her up, her best friend colludes with her mother to send her to Sandy Springs, a wellness retreat on a remote Portuguese island. Ella can’t deny that sun, sand, and sea sound like the perfect combination to drown her sorrows.
But Sandy Springs is not a holiday.
It’s an alcohol-free, signal-less hellhole with an interfering cockerel called Bernardo. Forced to confront her life without any distractions, Ella’s urge to give up and float out to sea is stronger than ever. That is, until she meets Riley, the attractive yoga instructor, and things on the island start to shift.
Riley’s career is her solace, but even now she can't escape the memories that haunt her. When she comes across the fiery Ella, she realises just how much she’s been holding herself back.
As their feelings for each other grow, the two of them must make a decision: continue down a path of self-destruction or face some difficult truths. Can they resist temptation or will they risk everything for love in paradise?
After all, what harm could a holiday romance really do?
After getting dumped by her girlfriend and soon-to-be ex-boss, Ella’s thirties have her feeling lost. In an attempt to cheer her up, her best friend colludes with her mother to send her to Sandy Springs, a wellness retreat on a remote Portuguese island. Ella can’t deny that sun, sand, and sea sound like the perfect combination to drown her sorrows.
But Sandy Springs is not a holiday.
It’s an alcohol-free, signal-less hellhole with an interfering cockerel called Bernardo. Forced to confront her life without any distractions, Ella’s urge to give up and float out to sea is stronger than ever. That is, until she meets Riley, the attractive yoga instructor, and things on the island start to shift.
Riley’s career is her solace, but even now she can't escape the memories that haunt her. When she comes across the fiery Ella, she realises just how much she’s been holding herself back.
As their feelings for each other grow, the two of them must make a decision: continue down a path of self-destruction or face some difficult truths. Can they resist temptation or will they risk everything for love in paradise?
After all, what harm could a holiday romance really do?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2025
153 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Emily Wright
6 books254 followersEmily Wright is a dog-loving, book-sniffing, ukulele-playing author who lives in Barnsley in the UK. When she isn’t attached to her computer writing, she loves the outdoors, especially the crash of the ocean, the smell of pine, and starry night skies that make her feel absolutely obsolete. When not drinking tea and eating an unthinkable amount of Bourbons, she spends the rest of her time chasing her two naughty Cocker Spaniels around the house to stop them from eating anything and everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 9, 2025
I especially loved the first part of the book. The British humor, the comical situations Ella finds herself in, made me laugh a lot. I really felt like I was watching some sort of Bridget Jones. It made Ella hitting bottom less heavy, despite it being necessary. Seeing Ella obsessing over her ex and being stuck felt so real, even if it can be frustrating.
As usual, Wright layered characters with great chemistry. Ella and Riley are both really likeable, with deep scars, and seeing them healing together was satisfying. Bonus points to Wright for writing Ella as a curvy MC. But I have to be honest, vacation-based love stories aren't my favorites because I always have a lot of trouble believing someone would give up everything for the other after such a short time, in a context that feels like an illusion bubble to me. But it didn’t prevent me from enjoying Ella and Riley's story.
As usual, Wright layered characters with great chemistry. Ella and Riley are both really likeable, with deep scars, and seeing them healing together was satisfying. Bonus points to Wright for writing Ella as a curvy MC. But I have to be honest, vacation-based love stories aren't my favorites because I always have a lot of trouble believing someone would give up everything for the other after such a short time, in a context that feels like an illusion bubble to me. But it didn’t prevent me from enjoying Ella and Riley's story.
April 7, 2025
One of my notes in this book stated that “this book is doing my soul a solid.” Now I’m sad this book is over. I had just finished a book that was sad and, frankly,quite toxic and this book was exactly what I needed in a romance.
Let’s talk spice. Damn. Just damn. There was such fantastic chemistry and communication and frankly hotness in the spice. Emily Wright outdid herself in the spice department on this one. Ella and Riley just fit together. Not gonna lie, I read chapter 16 three times. The best part about Emily’s writing is that the characters are so relatable and real. Nobody was a contortionist or circus performer during the scenes and it was REAL. I was just on fire for this.
I was hesitant going in because I knew there was a clock ticking on the time that Ella and Riley had with each other. The best part about that was that the characters knew that too. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. The time issues were dealt with in a way that felt true to the characters and the story.
Ella is so relatable and snarky and cheeky and grows so much. The situations she finds, and places, herself in were really funny. Riley, female Thor, was heroic and vulnerable and so sweet. I loved their arc and growth.
This will become one of my go-to books when I’m in a books slump. Now excuse me while I go reread some chapters.
Let’s talk spice. Damn. Just damn. There was such fantastic chemistry and communication and frankly hotness in the spice. Emily Wright outdid herself in the spice department on this one. Ella and Riley just fit together. Not gonna lie, I read chapter 16 three times. The best part about Emily’s writing is that the characters are so relatable and real. Nobody was a contortionist or circus performer during the scenes and it was REAL. I was just on fire for this.
I was hesitant going in because I knew there was a clock ticking on the time that Ella and Riley had with each other. The best part about that was that the characters knew that too. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. The time issues were dealt with in a way that felt true to the characters and the story.
Ella is so relatable and snarky and cheeky and grows so much. The situations she finds, and places, herself in were really funny. Riley, female Thor, was heroic and vulnerable and so sweet. I loved their arc and growth.
This will become one of my go-to books when I’m in a books slump. Now excuse me while I go reread some chapters.
March 2, 2025
When female Thor meets a fiery redhead - I would call the fiery redhead Ariel but Ella and water… maybe not…
The infallible Emily Wright strikes again - not perfect by any means because, who is? - but if you want an author who writes relatable sapphic romance, with heart and the complexities of human nature and a sprinkle of “hallmark”, Emily Wright is your gyal. My foray into spicy sapphic romance, many moons ago, left me feeling unsatisfied with either the lack of plot or the abundance of cheese. Luckily, this has changed with the emergence of greats such as Ashley Herring Blake and Emily Wright - who writes sapphic romance so beautifully. And the reason why this is another 5⭐️ Emily Wright read for me.
I must admit, the premise of the book did not appeal to me at first - personal opinion - holiday romances are not for me. The first 30% felt slow but, again, I think that was partly a “me problem”. As the relationship between the two female protagonists flourished, so did my investment in the book. Told from a dual perspective, the story plays around with the “forbidden love” and the “found family” tropes in a way that has nothing to do with their sexuality, and everything to do with their life circumstances; this is something I love about Emily Wright’s writing. She never shies away from the complexities of queer love in society, and she will pass commentary on this. However, the deeper, hard-hitting elements are done with such a lightheartedness whilst also being considerate AND her characters are unashamedly gay - which I love. All obstacles in their lives and relationship are extraneous to their sexuality, making the worlds she creates a perfect haven whilst also being real and not shirking away from the hard stuff - the way we doubt ourselves, second guess our decisions and let life lead us down the wrong path sometimes until we allow ourselves time to reflect and make changes.
I loved the development of the characters in The Heartbreak Hotel, as individuals and as a couple - the imagery of our “fiery redhead” being attacked by the island where the story is set inextricably linking to the negativity surrounding her life before she embarks on this physical and spiritual journey. Then the way, as her character develops, so does her point of view.
Then there’s our female Thor - who relies on found family and her spirituality and uses it so heavily as a guide but also as a cloak. Until they find each other.
I had a fun time reading this book, not to mention the spice. Again, Emily Wright writes REAL sapphic spice, which is so important and so appealing. But it never detracts from the plot or depth.
I look forward to venturing further into Sandy Springs through the eyes of Emily Wright!
Special mention to the MAJOR minor characters - Pauline we love you and Ziggy, my baby.
The infallible Emily Wright strikes again - not perfect by any means because, who is? - but if you want an author who writes relatable sapphic romance, with heart and the complexities of human nature and a sprinkle of “hallmark”, Emily Wright is your gyal. My foray into spicy sapphic romance, many moons ago, left me feeling unsatisfied with either the lack of plot or the abundance of cheese. Luckily, this has changed with the emergence of greats such as Ashley Herring Blake and Emily Wright - who writes sapphic romance so beautifully. And the reason why this is another 5⭐️ Emily Wright read for me.
I must admit, the premise of the book did not appeal to me at first - personal opinion - holiday romances are not for me. The first 30% felt slow but, again, I think that was partly a “me problem”. As the relationship between the two female protagonists flourished, so did my investment in the book. Told from a dual perspective, the story plays around with the “forbidden love” and the “found family” tropes in a way that has nothing to do with their sexuality, and everything to do with their life circumstances; this is something I love about Emily Wright’s writing. She never shies away from the complexities of queer love in society, and she will pass commentary on this. However, the deeper, hard-hitting elements are done with such a lightheartedness whilst also being considerate AND her characters are unashamedly gay - which I love. All obstacles in their lives and relationship are extraneous to their sexuality, making the worlds she creates a perfect haven whilst also being real and not shirking away from the hard stuff - the way we doubt ourselves, second guess our decisions and let life lead us down the wrong path sometimes until we allow ourselves time to reflect and make changes.
I loved the development of the characters in The Heartbreak Hotel, as individuals and as a couple - the imagery of our “fiery redhead” being attacked by the island where the story is set inextricably linking to the negativity surrounding her life before she embarks on this physical and spiritual journey. Then the way, as her character develops, so does her point of view.
Then there’s our female Thor - who relies on found family and her spirituality and uses it so heavily as a guide but also as a cloak. Until they find each other.
I had a fun time reading this book, not to mention the spice. Again, Emily Wright writes REAL sapphic spice, which is so important and so appealing. But it never detracts from the plot or depth.
I look forward to venturing further into Sandy Springs through the eyes of Emily Wright!
Special mention to the MAJOR minor characters - Pauline we love you and Ziggy, my baby.
May 11, 2025
3.5⭐️
This is a sweet, (and very spicy), romance between two somewhat broken women, both trying to find something to put them back together again
This is a sweet, (and very spicy), romance between two somewhat broken women, both trying to find something to put them back together again
April 27, 2025
Good story but wordy for what it was. A lot of emotional unpacking which was hard.
March 2, 2025
ARC review The heartbreak hotel
Riley & Ella
This story has allllll the British humour/ Sarcasm we've come to expect from Emily wright!
Poor Ella is a walking disaster/ accident prone... If something happens it'll be to her lol.
Riley is drawn to her from the moment Ella arrives on the Island and the miss-adventures kick off lol.
It's nice to have a bigger lady representation in this book.
And that Riley finds all Ella's Curves sexy as hell.
Whilst we're laughing at Ella's accidents, there's also a serious storyline in the background.
Both ladies have things they're running from when they find each other.
Ella is here to recover and heal from a broken hurtful relationship and then loss of her job ....
And Riley has been working on the Island for the last few years trying deal with he own heartbreak.
Emily Wright as always is perfectly delivered, humourous, touching moments and those spicy scenes are SPICY!.... Hot Strap and use of headboards spring to mind 🤪🤪🤪
Riley & Ella
This story has allllll the British humour/ Sarcasm we've come to expect from Emily wright!
Poor Ella is a walking disaster/ accident prone... If something happens it'll be to her lol.
Riley is drawn to her from the moment Ella arrives on the Island and the miss-adventures kick off lol.
It's nice to have a bigger lady representation in this book.
And that Riley finds all Ella's Curves sexy as hell.
Whilst we're laughing at Ella's accidents, there's also a serious storyline in the background.
Both ladies have things they're running from when they find each other.
Ella is here to recover and heal from a broken hurtful relationship and then loss of her job ....
And Riley has been working on the Island for the last few years trying deal with he own heartbreak.
Emily Wright as always is perfectly delivered, humourous, touching moments and those spicy scenes are SPICY!.... Hot Strap and use of headboards spring to mind 🤪🤪🤪
March 4, 2025
A sweet romance in the beautiful and relaxing Portuguese island. Both Ella and Riley suffering from painful breakups and low self esteem, and their close encounters in the island healed the body and soul and ignited their hope of finding love again. I totally enjoy this love story, wish I could be on the lush island with them! The writing is excellent and at times very funny, and all the characters are vivid and most are likable, especially the wise Senhor Arenoso, whose wisdom is very helpful to everyone!
May 6, 2025
somehow, amidst extreme uni assignment stress, I finished this book in a day. if that doesn’t highlight how GOOD of a book it is, I don’t know what will. it’s a beautiful combination of self-love and romantic love and, somehow even after reading several of Emily’s books, this has topped them all. The characters were amazing, the plot? amazing. I truly would recommend this to anyone in an instant. suddenly, I’m in desperate need for a retreat to Portugal too!
March 23, 2025
Amazing read. I love that Ella often finds herself in the most ridiculous and comical situations. Like how does this keep happening to her? She’s so funny. At Sandy Springs she meets the beautiful and blonde yoga instructor Riley. It’s nice that while Ella is extremely attracted to Riley, she can also acknowledge that she needs to put herself first. It’s refreshing and not always represented in romance books. The chemistry and sex scenes were so hot. I was honestly left speechless and blushing. I could go on and on, so just read it. I highly recommend it and promise you’ll laugh. Happy reading!
March 11, 2025
The Heartbreak Hotel by Emily Wright is a very entertaining and steamy romantic comedy set at a wellness retreat on a Portuguese island. Ella's well-meaning best friend and mother collude for an intervention and offer her a 3-week getaway when it seems she is at her lowest. Riley is the yoga instructor who literally picks her up when she falls down, multiple times, and offers her a different perspective on life while dealing with her own past trauma. The two have an immediate attraction and things move quickly, but there are many moments of shared vulnerability and growth over this short time. They also share several very satisfying spicy scenes.
I love the beautifully described tropical locale, the supporting cast, and the fun animal additions, including Ziggy the sweet cat, Bernardo the unwanted alarm clock cockerel, and a cheeky underwear-stealing goat. Ella's best friend Winnie and her new friend Pauline are great for added comic relief. Marco Marcos and Senhor Arenoso add much-needed grounding and guidance.
There are lots of laughs throughout, but the seriousness of their personal struggles is handled gently and positively.
Mains over 30, a strong found family, character growth, fun, funny, sweet, spicy, and a lovely tropical location are some of the things that make this a winner for me. I recommend it for low angst, laugh-out-loud situations, spice, and a happy ever after.
#oppositesattract #wellnessretreat #spiritualretreat #Portugal #Portuguese #animals #tropical #romanticcomedy #epilogue #HEA #surfer #painter #yogainstructor #marketingprofessional #MainsOver30 #spicy #foundfamily #kissingintherain #Irish #English
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
I love the beautifully described tropical locale, the supporting cast, and the fun animal additions, including Ziggy the sweet cat, Bernardo the unwanted alarm clock cockerel, and a cheeky underwear-stealing goat. Ella's best friend Winnie and her new friend Pauline are great for added comic relief. Marco Marcos and Senhor Arenoso add much-needed grounding and guidance.
There are lots of laughs throughout, but the seriousness of their personal struggles is handled gently and positively.
Mains over 30, a strong found family, character growth, fun, funny, sweet, spicy, and a lovely tropical location are some of the things that make this a winner for me. I recommend it for low angst, laugh-out-loud situations, spice, and a happy ever after.
#oppositesattract #wellnessretreat #spiritualretreat #Portugal #Portuguese #animals #tropical #romanticcomedy #epilogue #HEA #surfer #painter #yogainstructor #marketingprofessional #MainsOver30 #spicy #foundfamily #kissingintherain #Irish #English
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2025
Ella has just been made redundant from her job by her boss Maeve. Maeve was also her girlfriend, until she cheated with the company secretary. So now Ella has no girlfriend and no job. Ella’s mum and her best friend Winnie are best of friends themselves, and they pay for a healing and mindfulness course on the island of Sandy Springs in Portugal as a sort of intervention for Ella.
Riley runs yoga and surfing at Sandy Springs. Four years ago she was in a terrible place emotionally after a tragedy, and the owner at the Sandy Springs centre Senhor Arenoso took her in and gave her a home, a job and a purpose.
After Ella shows how clumsy she can be, Riley has to rescue her several times, and their connection happens fast.
I liked this story a lot. It’s funny in places, warm and cozy with little angst. From the writing we get a really good view of the island; the sunshine the sea, fresh fruit, and the heat. Both women are lovely; Ella seems a bit ditzy but some of that is her emotional state. Riley is sweet and cute.
The only thing I was a little confused by, where does the title of the book come from? It doesn’t seem relevant, as it’s not a hotel at all.
Overall, a lovely story.
Riley runs yoga and surfing at Sandy Springs. Four years ago she was in a terrible place emotionally after a tragedy, and the owner at the Sandy Springs centre Senhor Arenoso took her in and gave her a home, a job and a purpose.
After Ella shows how clumsy she can be, Riley has to rescue her several times, and their connection happens fast.
I liked this story a lot. It’s funny in places, warm and cozy with little angst. From the writing we get a really good view of the island; the sunshine the sea, fresh fruit, and the heat. Both women are lovely; Ella seems a bit ditzy but some of that is her emotional state. Riley is sweet and cute.
The only thing I was a little confused by, where does the title of the book come from? It doesn’t seem relevant, as it’s not a hotel at all.
Overall, a lovely story.
March 12, 2025
By far my favourite of Emily’s books so far (and they’re all great). It had me laughing out loud several times. I really loved Ella and all her predicaments, and I enjoyed her character arc and growth, same for Smiley Riley. Such believable characters, that you can’t help rooting for. A super-cute, funny romance set against a blissful backdrop …it would be hard not to enjoy it! What would make this story even better? If Emily were to announce she’s already writing Book 2 :)
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2025
4.5 stars
Emily outdid herself with this one. God I was laughing from the get go 😂 her writing is not only brilliant but so witty and funny. I loved every minute of it. She was also right in sticking with Kyo Sija for the narration of the audiobook, she did an amazing job with these characters!
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Kyo Sija. Femme/Femme, Opposites Attract, Starting Over, Romcom, Island/Beach Setting. 4x Spicy Scenes.
Emily outdid herself with this one. God I was laughing from the get go 😂 her writing is not only brilliant but so witty and funny. I loved every minute of it. She was also right in sticking with Kyo Sija for the narration of the audiobook, she did an amazing job with these characters!
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Kyo Sija. Femme/Femme, Opposites Attract, Starting Over, Romcom, Island/Beach Setting. 4x Spicy Scenes.
March 6, 2025
Once again Emily has created an absolute masterpiece here! It’s rare that I like female characters but I have NEVER hated any of Emily’s, they are so fun and easy to get along with! As for the story, this was a holiday romance vibe with added spice 🌶️ British/northern humour is EXCELLENT and missing from a lot of books I read. Did not disappoint and I’m so excited for this to be shared with the rest of the bookish community ⭐️🫶 Can’t wait for the rest of the series 📚
March 12, 2025
‘Time is a storm in which we are all lost.’
I was SO excited to receive an ARC of this book as Emily Wright is one of my favourite authors & this was one of my most anticipated reads. I LOVED it!
I’m such a big fan of Emily because she writes realistic sapphic books that always make me think.
I adored the main character Ella, a curvy redhead, which is a representation that I find is often missed in books (shoutout to us curvy girls!)
Ella and Riley’s journey is heartfelt, real, and the self discovery/character growth is captured so well. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a sapphic book!
A huge 5 stars from me! ❤️
I was SO excited to receive an ARC of this book as Emily Wright is one of my favourite authors & this was one of my most anticipated reads. I LOVED it!
I’m such a big fan of Emily because she writes realistic sapphic books that always make me think.
I adored the main character Ella, a curvy redhead, which is a representation that I find is often missed in books (shoutout to us curvy girls!)
Ella and Riley’s journey is heartfelt, real, and the self discovery/character growth is captured so well. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a sapphic book!
A huge 5 stars from me! ❤️
August 25, 2025
guys my summer reads have all been a hit and this one did not disappoint. i loved the quiet island vibe and the disconnection from everything, i genuinely felt like i was inside the book with the characters, and everything else in life fell away while reading. both riley and ella’s characters were so messy and had so many issues but loved spending time with them as they grew and their relationship was beautiful. i felt like i connected to ella with her thoughts of feeling like too much, so her growth journey resonated with me. i absolutely loved they way they went about solving their problems and communicated so well together and it didn’t become a fight or a big break up.
the situations ella found herself in were so funny! i was cracking up multiple times like her falling down the hill had me dying😂 and pauline’s character was so lighthearted and fun and i really liked their friendship, i hope they would stay in touch after. the fact she got a cougar is so ironic, and ella’s turkey was so damn funny! it’s so random and i’m here for it.
riley’s relationship with senhor arenoso was so sweet, like a father figure she never had and a mentor, and him leaving the resort to her basically was not at all what i expected but loved it!
honorable mention for ziggy, pets in books make me haph
overall, i absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more🥰
the situations ella found herself in were so funny! i was cracking up multiple times like her falling down the hill had me dying😂 and pauline’s character was so lighthearted and fun and i really liked their friendship, i hope they would stay in touch after. the fact she got a cougar is so ironic, and ella’s turkey was so damn funny! it’s so random and i’m here for it.
riley’s relationship with senhor arenoso was so sweet, like a father figure she never had and a mentor, and him leaving the resort to her basically was not at all what i expected but loved it!
honorable mention for ziggy, pets in books make me haph
overall, i absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Emily Wright never misses for me!
I absolutely adored that the main character, Ella is a full figured woman who struggles with her self confidence and finds a partner in Riley who enjoys every bit of not just her body but also her personality. Accepting that someone enjoys every single part of you including all the things you have learned to dislike about yourself from other people's opinions was so lovely to read about.
Then there is the spice! Riley and that headboard.. oof.
I find it really refreshing that the MC's try to have open communication about their struggles and issues instead of making decisions and assumptions for one another that cause a whole 3rd act breakup. "Let's just be grown ups and actually TALK about the issues here". This is one of my favorite things that Wright does in a few of her books. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to returning to Sandy Springs in the future!
I have been a big fan of Emily Wright for a bit now and I always look forward to reading her books. I appreciate receiving this book and being a part of the ARC team.
I absolutely adored that the main character, Ella is a full figured woman who struggles with her self confidence and finds a partner in Riley who enjoys every bit of not just her body but also her personality. Accepting that someone enjoys every single part of you including all the things you have learned to dislike about yourself from other people's opinions was so lovely to read about.
Then there is the spice! Riley and that headboard.. oof.
I find it really refreshing that the MC's try to have open communication about their struggles and issues instead of making decisions and assumptions for one another that cause a whole 3rd act breakup. "Let's just be grown ups and actually TALK about the issues here". This is one of my favorite things that Wright does in a few of her books. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to returning to Sandy Springs in the future!
I have been a big fan of Emily Wright for a bit now and I always look forward to reading her books. I appreciate receiving this book and being a part of the ARC team.
March 12, 2025
Great start. Two clear mains voices. Not only literally lol lines, but actually some pretty thought provoking ones too!
I found this book amusing and really liked the mains. Just as I was beginning to get a bit fed up with how well things were going (I’m not a bad person….. although the kinder way to put it (to me) would be lack of tension!) the writer amped up the holiday romance/end date angle.
This tension was not dragged out, there was no silly misunderstanding. There is however a few decent length coming together scenes. Quite a few actually.
I really enjoyed this, more so the first half and a bit when the mains were not quite together. I was delighted however that they got their neatly tied up happy ending. Strong 4 slipping a wee bit to 3.5, but certainly not enough of a slip to drop to 3.
I found this book amusing and really liked the mains. Just as I was beginning to get a bit fed up with how well things were going (I’m not a bad person….. although the kinder way to put it (to me) would be lack of tension!) the writer amped up the holiday romance/end date angle.
This tension was not dragged out, there was no silly misunderstanding. There is however a few decent length coming together scenes. Quite a few actually.
I really enjoyed this, more so the first half and a bit when the mains were not quite together. I was delighted however that they got their neatly tied up happy ending. Strong 4 slipping a wee bit to 3.5, but certainly not enough of a slip to drop to 3.
March 12, 2025
The Heartbreak Hotel has officially made it in my top 10 favorite reads. I had trouble putting the book down once I started reading, which doesn't happen too often for me.
I enjoyed how much background information was given on both Ella and Riley. It helped explain quite a few quirks of their budding relationship.
As always, I love when pets are made an important character in the story. Ziggy was written as a precious baby and I love it!
I did not see the plot twist at the end coming (Riley's work dilemma). The resolution to it was great because I would have had many unanswered questions with any other ending.
I loved both of Riley and Ella's background stories and I loved how their relationship progressed.
Highly recommend!
I enjoyed how much background information was given on both Ella and Riley. It helped explain quite a few quirks of their budding relationship.
As always, I love when pets are made an important character in the story. Ziggy was written as a precious baby and I love it!
I did not see the plot twist at the end coming (Riley's work dilemma). The resolution to it was great because I would have had many unanswered questions with any other ending.
I loved both of Riley and Ella's background stories and I loved how their relationship progressed.
Highly recommend!
March 12, 2025
Another great read by the amazing Emily Wright! The character development for Ella is beautiful, she is so frustrated and unhappy, miserable, in the beginning. It’s a process of course, but when something finally clicks for her it’s momentous. Riley is amazing. Her character learns how to heal and open up to love and to living. Their chemistry sparkles. Told in both Ella’s and Riley’s POV, there is a depth to their stories you wouldn’t get with single pov. I loved the Island descriptions and the Portuguese language included as my wife is from Portugal so it just tickled me throughout.
Highly recommend this book (and all others by this author!)
Highly recommend this book (and all others by this author!)
March 2, 2025
I very much enjoyed all of the spicy scenes and the setting was very beautifully described. Although I loved the happily ever after, I would not say that this was my most favorite of Emily’s books. I felt like the plot was a bit rushed between Ella and Riley’s attraction and growing relationship. I wasn’t getting the slow burn that I had gotten from previous books and other sapphic romance. It was cute overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
Well this was an absolute joy to read - beautifully written characters, healing journeys and all the sapphic spice!
Huge thanks to Emily for the arc ebook - it's always a pleasure to be part of your arc team.
Huge thanks to Emily for the arc ebook - it's always a pleasure to be part of your arc team.
September 26, 2025
I've absolutely loved Ella and Riley, this story is so so good, the chemistry is insane and THE SPICY SCENES OMG-. It's the second book I read from Emily and definitely love her writing style so so much. Definitely gonna buy more💗
November 12, 2025
love an easy read and this was just what i needed! love how both these characters went on a journey of self discovery and what they both actually wanted, whilst also finding each other. big fan and the second book i’ve read by this author. smut was IMPECCABLE.
May 7, 2025
3.5. This was good! It was a nice summery romance. Mostly low drama and I appreciated the exclusion of a third act breakup- I don’t think it would have fit well in this case.
May 11, 2025
3.5⭐️
June 13, 2025
Very cute read! Enjoyed the self-love perspective even more than the budding romance! It’s so important to love yourself first, and then life just tends to fall in to place!
October 30, 2025
cute lol
November 16, 2025
DNF
I honestly don’t know how this book has so many rave reviews. The romance feels incredibly unearned. They’re just all the sudden out of nowhere in love with each other.
Ella is absolutely obnoxious and entitled. I think she’s super rude to Riley and calls her a coward for having…boundaries? Ugh toxic
I honestly don’t know how this book has so many rave reviews. The romance feels incredibly unearned. They’re just all the sudden out of nowhere in love with each other.
Ella is absolutely obnoxious and entitled. I think she’s super rude to Riley and calls her a coward for having…boundaries? Ugh toxic
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