Your next beach read: A BRAND NEW sun-kissed romantic comedy from bestseller Sandy Barker for 2026
Ally Novak is perfectly happy being single – in fact, her career depends on it. As the Divorced Diva – blogger, brand ambassador and businesswoman extraordinaire – she’s spun three failed marriages into gold, building a brand that celebrates single life.
So when her wealthy ex-husband Julian invites her to front his new wellness retreat, Ally jets off to his exclusive Greek island, certain it’ll be just another glamorous gig.
What she doesn’t expect is to find another ex on the island – the one who got away, and the only one she can’t forget.
Is fate handing her a second chance at love, or is it simply a case of too many exes in paradise?
Praise for Sandy
'A delightful romance that left me with a big smile on my face.' Jessica Redland
'A perfect romcom filled with delicious banter, a swoony hero and a classy, confident heroine!' Katie Ginger
'A brilliantly funny and addictive love story with all the feels and so much more!' Nina Kaye
'A cracking romcom, full of laughs and misadventure.' Leonie Mack
'Such a heartwarming, uplifting read, full of love, hope, heart, friendship and joy! Thoroughly enjoyed it!' Kim Nash
'With smart banter and swoony moments… Sandy Barker gives us another brilliant romcom and joyful read.’ Pernille Hughes
‘A wonderfully warm and witty will they/won’t they romance... a perfect romantic read.’ Kathleen Whyman
‘Pure escapism. I laughed, I smiled, I swooned.’ Laura Carter
'It's so brilliantly will they, won't they that it really kept me guessing!' Anita Faulkner
'I loved this book! An adorable laugh-out-loud romance, that gives all the right tingles and touches the heart.' Ella Hayes
I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.
I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.
I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.
I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.
Big thanks to Boldwood Books for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Aussie author Sandy Barker releases her latest destination and contemporary fiction. Be blasted away to the warm and exotic country of Greece where romance, fun, second chance love and comedy are top of the agenda. With three husbands, marriages and divorces under her belt, Ally Novak is happy being single. She has even built a very successful social media career out of it. The Divorced Diva blogger is living her best life. When her wealthy ex Julian calls her in a tizz asking if she can be the spokesperson for his new wellness retreat on a Greek island. Ally arrives ready for a working vacation, some sun and luxury. Then she stumbles on another ex Tom, who works here on the island. He’s the one that got away and now Ally is the one in a befuddlement. Can love spark a second time…….. A quick, comfortable and happy beach read. I adored Ally, this lead strong female lead is fabulous, funny and one hell of a gal. This would make a great adaptation for the big or small screen. A book that will make the heart flutter and the mind satisfied.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💖☀️ My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape by Sandy Barker was such a fun, entertaining read! Ally is just a bit over-the-top, which totally worked for this story – I really liked her energy. The story kept me hooked the whole way, with all the half-finished sentences and interruptions making the reveals suspenseful – I couldn’t put it down! The Greek island setting added a sunny, light vibe, even if it mostly stayed in the background 🌊🍹. Overall, it made me smile and kept me thoroughly entertained. A perfect escapist romcom with sass and heart 💕. Thank you to Boldwood Books, Sandy Barker, and NetGalley for this lovely read!
With three ex-husbands behind her before turning thirty-two, Ally has turned her experiences into a highly successful career – establishing herself as The Divorced Diva with an on-line brand that’s very much in demand. But she has maintained a friendship with her filthy rich third husband, Julian – and agrees to be the face of the wellness resort he’s opening on his private Greek island.
On arrival, she’s surprised to find first husband Tommy working there too – their divorce was the one she most bitterly regretted, and there’s still more than a spark of attraction between them that she finds difficult to resist. Nothing can come of it, of course – taking up with him again would hardly be brand appropriate. And she wonders why he’s there anyway – their marriage break-up was because of his ambitious travel plans, but it seems he’s now working for Julian. And as well as Ally trying – and singularly failing – to resist Tommy, there’s something of a mystery developing too, that gathers speed as the story unfolds.
The whole setting is so vividly drawn – the luxurious accommodation, the personally tailored menus in the restaurant (with another hot man – the waiter – in attendance), the spa, the various outings with their photo opportunities. But the thing I particularly loved was Ally’s voice throughout the narrative – she’s immensely likeable, talking the reader through her tangled thoughts and feelings as she tries (and fails) to stay on the straight and narrow, to do the job she’s being paid for and walk away. The dialogue sparkles throughout too – and I really liked Ally’s relationship with her sister, not keeping her entirely in the loop for the first time ever for the most valid of reasons.
There are some particularly spicy moments – Ally has travelled with the necessary toys in her suitcase, but finds she doesn’t really need them after all. I’ll admit that the level of heat did rather exceed my expectations, although I know that can be quite a personal thing. But it was all just a bit more full-on than in the author’s other books, I thought – always very much in the context of the simmering romance, nothing gratuitous, but not entirely for me.
But the whole book really is tremendous fun, with plenty of laughter, and an intriguing element of mystery – and the more emotional moments are really nicely handled too. A well-told and very engaging story, with what I thought was the most perfect ending – and, despite my minor personal reservations around those more graphic scenes, this is a book I’d very much recommend to others.
Perfect for fans of Mamma Mia!, this fun-filled romantic comedy set on a Greek island will have you laughing out loud! ☀️🇬🇷🩷 For fans of Sarah Morgan, Sue Roberts and Sophie Kinsella!
A delightfully fun romantic caper set on the glorious Greek island of Aetheria.
I was sent this brilliant book by @lovebookstours as a digital and my goodness me what a book! I devoured this in one day. It was easy to read, packed in some sun sea and a lot of sex with an ex husband and I just couldn’t get enough of it. Kept me wanting to keep reading on and escape reality. Love love loved Ally and I did chuckle and some of her humour🤣. I adored the little life affirmations at the beginning of each chapter, was some brilliant ones there. Just loved this book along with the cover😍. Thank you so much to @lovebookstours and @sandybarkerauthor
Divorced diva, Greek island getaway, 2 exes, and a twist?? This Rom-Com had pretty much everything going on! I really enjoyed the strong FMC, witty back and forth banter, and the sprinkle of spice.
My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape by Sandy Barker is pure, sun soaked escapism and one of those romcoms that’s impossible not to enjoy.
Ally Novak is a fabulous, larger than life heroine. Three divorces before thirty two might sound chaotic, but Ally has turned her experiences into power, confidence, and a hugely successful brand as the Divorced Diva. When her wealthy third ex husband Julian invites her to promote his luxury wellness resort on a private Greek island, it sounds like the perfect work trip. Gorgeous surroundings, indulgent food, glamorous photo ops, and absolutely no emotional complications. Except there are emotional complications. Enter Tommy, ex husband number one and very much the one who got away.
The Greek island setting is vividly written and feels like a holiday in itself. From the luxurious accommodation to the food, spa treatments, and island excursions, it’s easy to picture every scene and wish you were there yourself. Sandy Barker really excels at making the setting feel immersive without slowing the pace.
What truly makes the book shine, though, is Ally’s voice. She is funny, self aware, and incredibly relatable. Her internal monologue is sharp and honest, and the dialogue throughout sparkles with wit and warmth. The chemistry between Ally and Tommy is undeniable and layered with real emotion, regret, and longing, making the second chance romance feel earned rather than rushed. I also loved Ally’s relationship with her sister, which adds heart and grounding to the story.
There’s more here than just romance too. A thread of mystery runs through the plot, adding intrigue and keeping the story moving, while the emotional beats are handled with care and sincerity. The story balances humor, heat, and heartfelt moments beautifully, never taking itself too seriously but still delivering real depth.
This book is fun, sexy, emotional, and utterly engaging. A perfect beach read or winter escape that leaves you smiling, swooning, and very satisfied by the end. Highly recommended for fans of romcoms, second chance romances, and anyone craving a little Greek sunshine.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I thought this book was okay, it did make me want to travel to Greece and eat all the food my body possibly could handle but the writing around the characters and story line was a bit annoying. It took almost halfway through to the book before you find out what one of the characters has been wanting to say since the beginning - it was dragged out for so long. On the other hand, I guess the author does a good job to make the reader wanting to continue reading. The storyline was also just meh and the romance storyline was very predictable for most of the book. I also found it difficult to visualize the characters but the description for the islands and Greek food was so well done!!! I just wish that writing was consistent. This book felt more like a travel tourism ad than a book but it was a quick read. I debated giving this 3 or 3.5 stars but it didn’t feel right rounding up to a 4 so I’m giving it a 3.
If you’re looking for a quick romance read with a bit of mystery and Greek flavor, this book is for you!
This book was such a fun read! Great from the moment I picked it up and enjoyable through every page. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from it but I was endlessly surprised by the unfolding plot that added layers to the story and kept me engaged throughout.
This was more than a romance. It had a bit of mystery, it was about life and how events impact you, and it was about balancing a career and love. All rolled up into a fun read, set in a beautiful location and with a brilliantly written plot with likeable characters.
Ally was a really great lead female character. I loved how I saw glimmers of her personality through the book - I highly relate to giving yourself a good talking to in the mirror! And I really loved her relationship with her sister. Julian and Tommy were both great in their own way and the whole cast of characters we are introduced to on the island are also great to adding to the depth of the story.
Honestly it surprised me just how much I enjoyed this read and I will probably find myself picking up more from this author in future.
I had lots of fun reading this book not only did we get treated to a trip to beautiful Greece but I really enjoyed this second chance romance story. I loved the whole ‘divorced diva’ storyline with Ally and the relationships she had with her friends and ex husband Julian. The idea of going away and ending up with 2 ex husbands was great I did get me giggling. A truly escapism read where I could just switch off the world for a bit and just enjoy the journey the book took me on. A new author for me but this read will get me reading more books by Sandy Barker
Loved this quick easy read. Finished in one day, from the moment you pick up you want to know more behind the Divorced diva, only wish i had for this was bring in the 3rd ex husband.
I really enjoyed this story - hot and sexy with gorgeous, beautiful settings. Ally is a brilliant character, she was fun to get to know. And the hot sex scenes, oh my, Sandy Barker, just brilliant. This is my favourite of your romantic novels, a must read.
I received an ARC for My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape from NetGalley. This was my first book by Sandy Barker. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was a fun read. A mystery mixed with romance. Some parts were predictable but still so much fun to read. I am 100% following this author now. This is a MUST read for 2026. Five solid stars. Thank you for the ARC.
This book was so funny that I actually read it in one sitting.
Known as the "Divorced Diva' Ally is thrice divorced and making a living out of it. Ad promoting online the benefits of being single.
She has stayed friends with her third husband, Julian, and when he asks her for a favour at his new resort in Greece, because he has been let down by the celeb he had planned, she uses it as a marketing ploy. What she doesn't expect is to bump into her first ex-husband, Tom, the one who got away and broke her heart.
This book has all the feels and has, without a doubt, been my favourite book of January.
Thank you to Sandy Barker, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape by Sandy Barker. Published by Boldwood Books — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I picked up this book thinking I’d get a breezy little escape, maybe a few laughs, maybe a bit of Greek sunshine I could pretend was real. Instead, I fell straight into Ally Novak’s chaotic, sun-glittered orbit and didn’t climb out until the final page. Ally, the famously single Divorced Diva, has built an entire brand on being happily unattached. Three ex-husbands, a thriving career, a fanbase that treats her like a patron saint of independence — she’s got it all under control. Or so she thinks, right up until one of those exes, the wealthy and annoyingly composed Julian, invites her to be the face of his fancy new wellness retreat on a private Greek island.
Naturally, Ally accepts, because who turns down first-class airfare and an island that looks like it was handcrafted by a travel photographer on vacation from reality? What she doesn’t expect is the emotional minefield waiting for her: another ex-husband, the one she never quite got over, is also on Aetheria. And from that moment on, the trip becomes less about staged serenity and more about trying to keep her heart from doing anything embarrassing.
Sandy Barker knows exactly how to blend humor with sincerity. Ally’s inner monologue is snarky in all the right ways, like she’s whispering commentary to you from behind oversized sunglasses while refusing to admit she’s flustered. The dialogue crackles. The side characters feel like people you’d absolutely gossip with at a beach bar. And the island setting is so vivid I could practically feel the heat coming off the stone steps and hear the splash of distant diving tourists who clearly packed better than I did.
What really impressed me, though, is how Barker weaves the emotional threads into the comedic ones without letting either overpower the story. Ally’s brand may be built on independence, but the book gently nudges her to consider that independence doesn’t have to mean shutting every door to intimacy. It never turns saccharine, never lectures, and never tries to make her into someone she’s not. Instead, it lets her evolve with humor and bite and a bit of sunburned humility.
There’s one line that stuck with me, mostly because it sums up the whole emotional mess in one clean swipe: “Sometimes the heart remembers what pride tries to forget.” It’s a moment that sneaks up on you, quiet but sharp, and it’s exactly the kind of truth this story delivers when you’re busy laughing.
And yes, the plot occasionally follows familiar rom-com beats. But the charm here isn’t in reinventing the wheel. It’s in how Barker drives it — playfully, confidently, with enough wit that I didn’t mind knowing where we were headed. Sometimes you want a story that surprises you. Other times you want one that wraps you in sunshine, hands you a cocktail, and lets you enjoy the slow burn of a second chance.
By the end, I was fully invested, fully entertained, and fully jealous of every fictional person who gets to live on Aetheria full-time. If you like romantic comedy that blends warmth, bite, and a setting so cozy you’ll want to move in, this is your next read.
Utterly brilliant, possibly Sandy Barker's best book to date!
I went into this book completely blind, I literally saw the author had a new book and knew I wanted to read it. I never even read the blurb so I had absolutely no idea other than presumably a book based in Greece, what would be contained in the pages.
The prologue captured my attention instantly, and made me intrigued by Ally and just what bonkers tale she was promising to tell us. For she let us know it was going to involve not one but two of her three ex-husbands, while on a private and luxurious Greek Island.
She agreed to the trip to help out ex 3 - Julian, with promotion as she is now the Divorced Diva on social media, and helps empower divorced women, and has a fabulous platform. What she didn't realise until she was already on the island is that Tommy, ex number one, and the one that really did get away, has been hired and is working on the island too.
So suddenly instead of a potentially awkward few days with one ex, she now has two of them at once to contend with. When you add in that Tommy is warning Ally to leave the island immediately and that there is a lot more to that statement than meets the eye, and you have the ingredients for a wonderful book.
This has various twists and turns and I definitely was shocked by elements of it, but it also has sizzling sexual chemistry, a possible new friendship, and some fabulous descriptions of the hotel and the island itself. Plus Naxos where there is a lovely excursion which included some lovely innuendo at a cookery class!
I don't think I can explain just how genius this story is, it felt quite unique in terms of concept and the bits I'd most love to talk about would definitely be spoilers.
I devoured this story and couldn't have enjoyed it more.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I have always been a book lover, and romance has been my favorite genre for many years. Over time, I have discovered certain tropes that always seem to work for me, and second chance romances are high on that list. I also love stories that do not take themselves too seriously and include plenty of humor along the way. Because of that combination, I was really excited to pick up this book.
I honestly cannot remember the last time I connected with a main character as quickly as I did with Ally. The story is told entirely from her point of view, and being inside her head made the reading experience even better. Her inner thoughts had me laughing out loud more than once, and I loved watching her step into her own strength as the story unfolded. Following her as she worked through the mystery at the heart of the book kept me fully engaged, and she felt like the kind of character you cannot help but root for.
I also really enjoyed the cast of side characters. They added so much charm and personality to the story, and several of them stood out in a way that made me want to know more about them.
All in all, I really loved this book. It was funny, heartfelt, and completely enjoyable from start to finish. I would absolutely love to see some of these characters pop up again in future books, because I am not quite ready to say goodbye to them yet.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
If you are looking for a romance with a complex story (the plot can only be described as way over top) and a deep dive into the characters, this one will not tick these boxes. If you are looking for a fun, quick and very enjoyable read, this one will be for you.
I wanted something easy, something to give me a few hours on the sofa to simply enjoy reading a book. What stands out to me is the FMC. Ally is so witty and with the story being told by her, her perspective, her snarky comments, and interactions (and the self monologues) are what made me laugh so much and emerge on this wild ride. The book never took itself too seriously and highlights especially the topic of influencers, social media, and the marketing required to do something well (and how volatile it is). Add to that not just one ex, but two at the same time, and you will get some funny and spicy moments (not too much thankfully, just enough in my opinion).
Overall, I was immediately addicted after the first few sentences and was unable to put it down. It's shallow in some areas but compensates with the entertainment factor very well in others. It might not be the perfect season for a summer romance (for most of us) - and if that does not stop you, go for it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When life handed Ally three divorces, she turned the experience into a global influencer brand: the Divorced Diva. An opportunity to grow the brand leads her to agree to ex-husband number three’s request to promote his new luxury resort on a Greek island. What should be a dream assignment quickly turns awkward when she arrives and discovers that ex-husband number one is also working on the island.
The opening pages initially felt a little over the top, but once I reminded myself that this is a rom-com—and happily leaned into it—I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Ally is a sassy, unapologetically bold FMC whose energy and sharp banter bring the story to life. The descriptions of the scenery and cuisine are mouth-watering and make this an ideal summer read.
This is one of the most unusual second-chance rom-coms I’ve come across, with plenty of unexpected twists along the way. While the book is packed with humour, there are also moments that hit surprisingly close to home. I especially loved the “thoughts of the day” that open each chapter—they were completely on brand and a fun touch.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a quick summer read with a twist. This is the first Sandy Barker novel I’ve read, and I’ll definitely be picking up more.
Thank you to Sandy Barker, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
🩵 Blurb- When the past lies buried beneath the waves, and the present hides behind a veneer, what power do we have over the future? As high-flying energy magnate, Parsley Ringland, prepares for maternity leave, tragedy strikes. She passes out after a health complication and wakes up elsewhere. In the tower that sustained the life she had once known. As she fights to protect herself and her unborn child, Parsley begins to fear for humanity itself. She is faced with an impossible dilemma. Does she keep the world in comforting darkness? Or expose a cruel truth that might destroy it? Is it better to endure a terrible truth than to lounge inside a lie? 🩷 Review - This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. This was such a fun read. I couldn't put it down and I read it in one sitting. I even found myself laughing at times. The story was fun and easy to follow with a great cast of characters and beautiful place settings. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author. 💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Sandy Barker and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I've always loved Sandy Barker's stories, and was very excited to read this new story. Ally is the 'Divorced Diva'. Having been through the D-word three times, she is now an expert in all things related to moving on and coping without that messy man you've left behind. After all, she has managed to come out three times, unscathed! Then a call to action comes, and it is from one of her ex-husbands, Julian (#3), and the chance to partner with him on his exclusive island resort, with her becoming the influencer to support the promotion. The only thing is that once she arrives, she finds that another one of her exes, Tommy (#1), is also there, causing a flare-up of emotions and unresolved emotions that she really should not be having, as it is not brand-appropriate. I loved the descriptions of the locations, the food and drink, and all the scene setting. I think I want to visit, now too! And the story has not only shed loads of 'will they-won't they?' moments, but also spicy sparks and a little mystery thrown in, which was a pleasant surprise. Another cracker from Sandy! Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Sandy Barker for an ARC of this book! I loved the Ever After Agency series by this author and was so excited when my request was approved for this book! As always, I'll give my review without too many spoilers but this was just as thrilling and exciting as I expected and surrounded by so much romantic angst. Ally is on a thrilling Grecian adventure and I loved every minute of it. If you're looking for the drama that comes with multiple ex-romantic interests while also working in a beautiful Greek backdrop, this is the book for you. I also loved reading the book from Ally's point of view and how through all her decisions, we see her values and convictions to make a difference in people's lives. I loved the side characters and how they added new elements throughout the book. The author has once again done a great job of having moments of intense emotions and plot development along with moments of reflection and introspection. It is definitely a roller coaster experience which is made all the sweeter at the end. Overall, wonderful book and looking forward to potentially more in this series/from the author!
Imagine going on holiday and coming face to face with two out of your three ex-husbands, that's exactly what happens to Ally, "the divorced diva" when she agrees to go to husband number 3's island for a promo break and is surprised to see husband number 1 there too. As you can imagine there is a lot of funny moments hereafter, but there is also a lot of drama throughout that I hadn't expected from what I thought would just be a lighthearted romcom. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, Ally and Claudia in particular were incredibly supportive sisters which was wonderful to see. The setting was beautiful and I enjoyed the experiences they had such as meeting the Yiayia - they always add great fun to a Greek romcom. I always like an epilogue in this kind of read and I liked seeing some news about Jules and Claude but I didn't think the ending for Ally and Tommy gave me the closure to their character arcs that I would have hoped for. This is a pretty quick read which I am sure many will enjoy. I hadn't read anything by this author before but I would definitely read more in the future.
Who doesn't love a beach book in the middle of winter, to help you forget the weather where you live. This was my first book to read by Sandy Barker, this story is a breezy escape filled with Greek sunshine. My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape delivered that "excape" and so much more! Ally Novak, enjoys living life unapologetically on her own terms. When one of her exes invites her to be the face of a luxury wellness retreat on a private Greek island, she can’t resist the draw of first-class flights and turquoise waters.
What Ally doesn’t anticipate is the emotional chaos waiting for her on the island—especially when the ex she never truly got over is also there. Suddenly, paradise becomes a mix of old feelings, great banter, and making her question all her life choices.
Sandy Barker perfectly balances humor and heart. Ally’s snarky inner monologue is laugh-out-loud funny, the dialogue sparkles, and the island setting is so vivid, you feel like you are there and need some sun screen. So pack your bags and fall in love with this story.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story!
Three time divorced Ally has a very successful Brand, Divorced Diva, when she is contacted by her most recent husband Julian, asking her to come to his new Wellness Retreat on a private Greek island for a PR gig. She travels in style to find a wonderful sounding resort for the ultra wealthy - and the first of her ex-husbands , Tommy. I always enjoy books by Sandy Barker and this was another enjoyable rom-com. I would love to be pampered in a resort like this, although I would feel totally out of my depth. In addition to the simmering romance between Ally and Tommy there is also a touch of mystery going on in the background, which is explored later in the story. There are some very spicy scenes if these are not your thing, although they do fit in the story, rather than just bolted on. A fun read, with some more serious undertones, ideal for reading by the pool or warming you up in the depth of winter, which was the case when I was reading it. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Thank you to Sandy Barker and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!
First, I just have to say that I love the cover of this book. It is so bright and eye-catching, and immediately screams rom-com to me, which is perfect because that’s exactly what this is! I love a book that clues you into what you are getting from the beginning. This was my first book by Sandy Barker, and I really enjoyed her writing style and ability to tell a story. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another one of her books. The blurb really intrigued me from the beginning. Greece is at the top of my bucket list of places to travel, so I was so excited to be transported there in this story! Sandy is so descriptive of the landscape and the food that it just makes me want to go there even more. I enjoyed the characters in this book and love a good second-chance story. It’s not one of those super deep, trauma-filled second-chance romances, but it's light-hearted and feel-good, and honestly just everything you’d expect it to be. There is a little bit of mystery in this story, and I thought that added to the fun. The banter between the characters was a lot of fun, and good, laugh-out-loud banter is one of my absolute favorite elements of a rom-com. Overall, this was just a really fun read that really left me smiling.
This was an enjoyable quick read, for fans of second chance romance.
Ally has been married 3 times and is still friendly with her ridiculously wealthy 3rd ex husband Julian. He invites her to the island he just bought! to help with the PR as the Divorced Diva. Ally goes along and is shocked to see ex husband 1 as the skipper on the fancy schmancy boat/yacht.
Things seem a little off, with why he is there and that he goes by Tom and not Tommy, but Ally can't quite put her finger on it. The plot for this book is kind of out there and not typical of a romance book set in the Greek islands, but it made it quite fun.
Tommy owns the mistakes he made which was ultimately due to them both barely being in their 20's when they got married and him not sharing his career secrets with her. This time around though, things are very different, but can they forgive and move on or is there too much to get over?
This book was such a good time, with some parts that were so laugh out loud funny, I couldn't resist reading them out loud to my partner - and some incredible food descriptions too. Not a book to read while hungry!
Each chapter being opened with a thought of the day was a nice touch - getting to see how Ally's posts corresponded to her experiences that day added a bit of extra depth.
The romance was really cute too, I loved how kind and determined Ally was, and how she and Tommy couldn't help but be affected by their shared history and their stubbornly lingering love for each other. However, I would have liked to see a bit more of Tommy's personality, as I don't feel like we got a very clear read on him by the end of the story.
Overall, a fun and quick read that brought a smile to my face on more than one occasion.
My Greek Island Exscape swept me away. From the very first pages, I felt transported to sun-drenched streets, turquoise waters, and long summer days that blur into even longer, emotionally charged nights. The setting is absolutely dreamy, the kind that makes you want to pack a bag. And the romance? Swoon!
The second-chance dynamic between the stunning main characters is exciting. The chemistry is undeniable, layered with history, longing, and all the unresolved tension I love. It’s the kind of romance where you can feel how much the past still matters, and how scary (and hopeful) it is to fall back into something that once meant everything.
This book made me want to book a flight, fall in love on vacation, and believe in timing, forgiveness, and love that doesn’t fade. This quick and easy (I read it in one night) read is emotional and romantic escapism with gorgeous scenery and serious heart.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is perfect for fans of late Sophie Kinsella. It’s light, breezy (at times literally) and so wonderfully whimsical that you can’t believe the story that’s unfolding before your eyes.
Ally was just the right amount quirky to keep the reader entertained while supposedly trying to focus on her work tasks at hand. Though, I gotta say - her influencer gig sounded fantastic! I wish something like that existed when I needed some girl power support while going through my divorce.
Take this book along on your exotic Valentine’s Day trip or as a beach read for next summer. It’s a superb escape into the eternal sunshine!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.