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Twist of Fate: A Slow Burn Second Chance Travel Romance

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She wanted a new beginning—she found an unfinished story.

Two years ago, Aisling Farrell fell hard for a charming Irish tour guide during a whirlwind six-day romance. Finn Larkin was intense, magnetic—the kind of man who made promises that felt like forever. But reality had other plans, and when she returned home, their connection didn’t survive the journey.

Now, after the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Aisling moves to Ireland to honor her mother’s final wish. A job at O’Connell Tours—the company that once brought her so much joy—seems like the perfect fresh start. Until she walks into the office and sees him.

Finn Larkin isn’t just still here—he’s the company’s acting CEO. And if time has changed anything, it definitely isn’t the way he looks at her.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is the weight of everything left unsaid. Is this their second chance or just a cruel twist of fate?

Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland, Twist of Fate is a sweeping, emotional romance about love lost, love found, and the undeniable pull of destiny. Perfect for fans of second chances, unforgettable journeys, and slow-burn chemistry that smolders.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

22 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

J.L. Berg

36 books2,265 followers
J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready series, the Walls duet and the Lost & Found series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her cuddled up, watching a movie with her family, obsessing over minions or devouring anything chocolate! J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for caroline.
211 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2025
Oh how I adored every minute of reading this book! The yearning had me in shambles the whole time /pos

I don’t usually enjoy second-chance romances, but the format and the characters really hooked me!

The transitions between the past and present chapters were so seamless—everything unfolded so naturally and believably. Genuinely such good pacing.

Finn and Aisling were so perfect to me. Their chemistry was very believable and they were both reasonably flawed without it being too over the top or dramatic. I was rooting for them from their first meeting.

I will definitely be rereading this one as it was so comforting and sweet <3 I must experience that first mo chroí again!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Profile Image for Louise Hall.
Author 14 books19 followers
May 25, 2025
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Twist of Fate had so much promise but ultimately it was no more than an OK read for me. I enjoyed the Irish setting and it brought back memories of my own visit to Blarney Castle but I found myself getting confused when the plot kept switching back and forth between Then and Now. I’d just be getting to know Aisling and Finn and then the time period would change again. I didn’t get enough from Then to justify why they still had so many feelings for each other when they met up again. I didn’t fully understand the justification for why Finn went MIA on Aisling the first time.

I really liked the relationship between Aisling and her Mum and would’ve been happy to read more about their travels. Aisling’s ex, Theo was so irritating though and every time he appeared, I wanted to stop reading.
Profile Image for Jessika.
32 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2025
*EARC REVIEW*

Two years ago Aisling and Finn had 6 incredible days together….. Now? She’s headed back to Ireland and he’s her BOSS?!?

Twist of Fate is a second chance romance with a workplace romance for Finn and Aisling (Ash) after they met on a tour in Ireland! Finn is a tour guide and Aisling is an American visiting the country with her mom after an awful relationship. But will their undeniable connection be enough to find their way back to each other after Aisling has to return to the states?!?

I absolutely adored this book. I was hooked right away as you can just feel the connection between the characters. It was so nice to go back n forth between past and present. It was done so flawlessly. I love how Finn never gave up on what fate had set out for their relationship. He was down BAD for his girl 🥹 I loved the side characters and getting to know them all and their stories. The amount of growth shown in this story over the chapters was truly amazing. I will be thinking about Finn Larkin for years to come🥰

Mo chroí 🫶🏽
Profile Image for Kelly.
370 reviews53 followers
June 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book . It is a second chance romance about Aisling who takes a tour of Ireland with her mother. Finn is the tour director and immediate sparks fly between the two. They hold off these sparks due to him being the tour director. Once home Aisling tries to contact Finn but her ghosts her. Several years later Aisling takes a job in Ireland and turns out Finn is her new boss . I loved seeing them work out their issues and loved the setting in Ireland since I had been to several of these places on a bus tour myself.
Profile Image for Dimitra.
473 reviews9 followers
May 12, 2025
Twist of Fate 🪄
Firstly,I want to thank LovesNotes Pr and J.L. Berg for giving me such an opportunity with this ARC!

In Twist Of Fate,we follow a trope that I have literally never read again,and I absolutely loved it,which in none other than the guideXtourist.Yet,I don't think you believed we have simple loving story going on,because things are going to get really messed up.
Aisling Farrer had her six-days romance 2 years ago while travelling in Ireland,what will happen when she goes back and find that the same boy who thought to never see again was her now boss?GIRL YES THIS IS THE STATE WE START,and things are just right now going to unravel..
J.L.Berg made me fall in love not only with Ireland,with the wonderful places and landmarks she described still,with the slow burn romance.Literally,this is the first one that I absolutely enjoyed without feeling the need for the story to go faster.I felt it suited so much and added depth to the book.We see two people wanting to make everything clear before getting into a relationship,yet in the same time the flame for each other is burning them alive-how beautiful💚
As for our characters,I ABSOLUTELY loved them!Ash,was my girl.Complicated,hurt ,caring & loving to everyone,she has been through so so much,however she puts her smile on and after all the pain and betrayals she is still the sunshine in every room she is walks in.
On the other side,Finn is even more complex,as a kid he took it ALL-literally ALL-for granded leading him to colapse,and being a tour guide instead of a CEO,when he unexpectedly took the position,he was lost.Something Berg make us see through his own words.He mostly feels like every weight of the world is on his shoulders and is constantly trying to survive & make the right desicion,the only time we see him calm is when he is with Ash-I think that summons up not only his character,but the relationship and chemistry they have.
Generally,I loved the story not only because of the steamy romance and beautidul landskapes,yet she potrayed everything so raw and nice,with the particular example I have in my mind being grief.Ash lost her mom,and she never deep down forgot it,every now and then ,as a reader, we see how Ash copes with it.Those situations added much more emotional depth into the story and constantly remined us that no,it is not JUST a romance.
5⭐
363 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2025
Twist of Fate by J.L. Berg is a story about love, timing, and how destiny sometimes offers us a do-over.

Set against the lush backdrop of Ireland, the vivid and immersive scenic descriptions truly bring the setting to life.

The romance is slow burn, with a lot of time spent exploring both the characters’ shared and individual pasts. At times, this made the pacing feel a bit uneven, especially with the frequent switches between past and present. However, when the reason for the main characters’ original breakup is revealed, I found myself genuinely rooting for them. The emotional depth, character growth, and representation of chronic illness are all handled with care.

Overall, this was a fun and heartfelt read — perfect for anyone who enjoys second-chance romances, beautiful settings, and stories about finding love again.

Thank you to J.L. Berg, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nicki.
145 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2025
4 star ⭐️

Twist of fate is an absolutely heartwarming and emotionally rich read that beautifully weaves past and present into a seamless narrative. The story of Finn and Aisling is filled with tenderness, emotional depth, and just the right touch of nostalgia.

The time jumps between their initial romance and present day reunion are handled with skill never confusing and always purposeful. Aisling’s mother plays a touching role in their story, and the subtle ways her presence is felt throughout adds layers of sentiment and warmth.

Berg's writing is easy to get lost in engaging without being heavy, making it the perfect book to pick up anytime. Each character feels fully realized and genuinely likable.

thank you to authorjlberg and lovenotes.pr for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Emma Louise.
87 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2025
4.5⭐️

Firstly, thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book.

I absolutely ADORE this book. Reading about the development of Finn and Aisling’s story right from the very beginning up until the present day was really heartwarming. The time jumps were done well, I didn’t get confused at all which sometimes happens when going back and forth between past and present. I also loved hearing the role that Aisling’s mum played in them getting to know each other.

The writing style of this author was exactly what I needed. A really easy read - nothing too heavy. So I was able to just pick this up whenever I got a spare few minutes and read a few pages at a time without getting confused.

All of the characters were super likeable (except Theo of course) and it was lovely to just read a book that genuinely made me happy. The friendships almost gave a ‘found family’ vibe.

I would absolutely love to read about Rian’s life.

Overall a fun, heartwarming and loveable read.
Profile Image for elle ⋆ ☄︎. ᯓ★.
77 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2025
i was graciously given this book as an arc copy from net galley (didn't even realize but i got it on the last day it was available) but unfortunately i physically could not get myself to finish this book. not only was finn entirely unlikable--i mean, his first thought when he saw ash was about how sex with her would be like and what her lips would look like wrapped around his wiener--the plot felt like it dragged on and i just couldn't get myself to like this book at all. for context before the rest of this review, the book is split into jumping between what happened in the past--the one week ash and finn spent together when they met on the tour--and the present--ash just so happening to get a job at the same exact firm finn worked at and being surprised that he was there and happened to own the place (i mean, seriously, could that be any more purposefully placed ??? like girl why are you so surprised YOU'RE THE ONE WHO APPLIED TO A JOB AT THE SAME PLACE HE USED TO WORK AT!!! yeah sure he never told you his dad owned the company but that to me does not matter because you knew he would likely be there??? like be SO fr rn.)

the characters
finn was a beefy, asshole-ish, lust-filled man who literally could not stop thinking about wanting to have sex with ash. it was honestly disgusting at some points, because you cannot tell me that this man fell in love with her in a week when the majority of his thoughts were about screwing her. i especially hate the fact that when he first met her, instead of his first thoughts being something about how pretty she is or whatever, it was immediately wondering what sex with her would be like. in multiple dialogues later on that finn had with ash, when we were in his pov, he'd constantly be thinking about wanting to have sex with her and, once again, the whole "what would her lips look like wrapped around my wiener" shtick. it was getting old, annoying, and just plain icky. i hate that these kinds of male characters in books completely degrade the strong women who are their love interests to objects for screwing. it's disgusting and quite frankly i hated it. i do not care if later on he redeemed himself or if he felt bad for what he did to ash (which, from what i picked up/was explained, he basically ghosted her after that week and never spoke to her again even though they promised to stay in touch) because his intentions from the get-go showed to be sex-motivated. then when theo came along in the present he was acting all self-righteous and like he deserved to be with ash.

news flash--both men suck ass and neither "deserved" to be with her (theo fuck u for using ash for publicity stunts to further ur career and for cheating on her!!!)

ash... i wanted to like her. i really did. she truly wasn't that bad, though often times her actions annoyed and confused me. the main problem i had with her character is something that is more fault of the writing, i think, but i truly disliked the fact that her chronic illness wasn't mentioned until 1/3rd of the book had already been read, and then it was relevant for a little bit and suddenly disappeared again. i mean, truly, that's something that should've been mentioned long before hand. why wasn't it ???? the chronic illness she has is rheumatoid arthritis, and if she was on this trip and walking around a ton, more than she usually would, then that would cause a flare up--even a small one. it should've been mentioned at the start, even with something as small as her mom asking about if she remembered to bring her medicine. having it be randomly mentioned 1/3rd of the way in, and then not again after that, felt like it was added just so it can be said that the main character is chronically ill. i simple wish it was mentioned better. of course chronic illness is not the only part of a character that should be mentioned, and it should not take over every part of their personality/what is mentioned about them, but it's also not something that should be brushed under the rug. i myself am chronically ill, and i am constantly having to manage it, think about if i have my medicine and if i took it, be aware of my surroundings and whether or not there are places for me to sit down if i'm in too much pain or feel faint. in this case i just felt like it was mentioned in that scene but not really seen again afterwards, as though it didn't exist.

the side characters were all fairly likable from what i saw of them. i only was able to get 60% through this book, and i wanted so badly to finish it, but i just couldn't. it wasn't a book i enjoyed and i was truly immediately put off by how finn was acting/thinking about ash. i truly did want to like this, and i wish all the best to the author, but unfortunately this just was not for me.

once again thank you for the arc and i truly do wish i would've like this book more! the concept was one i was really excited for and it's unfortunate that it did not hit home for me. i wish all the best for the author and maybe one day in the future i'll like a different one of her books.
Profile Image for goodfukngirl.
52 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2025
J.L. Berg’s Twist of Fate is a gentle ache wrapped in romance and rooted in Irish charm. With a dual timeline that flickers between a whirlwind six-day past and a present steeped in grief and growth, this story delivers the kind of emotional resonance that lingers like a favorite melody.

Aisling and Finn’s love story smolders with second chance promise. I felt their chemistry and rooted for them to find their way back to each other.

The friendships Aisling forms in Ireland are vibrant and grounding, adding warmth and dimension to her journey. And her bond with her mother? Absolutely lovely. Their trip together felt so real and intimate—like a page out of my own life. As someone incredibly close to my mom, I found those scenes especially moving. I could totally see us setting off on an impromptu escape like that, teacups clinking in a cozy inn while swapping stories over scones.

Berg handles the dual timeline with finesse, weaving past and present into a cohesive narrative that never loses its emotional thread. I’ve only read a few books with the dual timeline and I find that I really do enjoy the time jumps. I found the timeline easy to follow.

While Finn’s broody intensity could’ve used a touch more emotional sunlight, the chemistry still crackled. The scenic setting was vivid, the pacing mostly steady, and the overall vibe? Like flipping through memories on a rainy day.

This was my first JL Berg book but won’t be my last! Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
44 reviews
June 4, 2025
"I found her. Not once, but twice. What are the chances of that happening? Every minute I spend with her, I'm wishing for another. I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye to this girl."

Thank you J.L. Berg and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review. All opinions are my own.

I really had a fun time reading this book. I enjoyed reading about the various locations in Ireland in the past timeline, and exploring various aspects of the culture from Aisling's point of view. I think the author did an amazing job balancing the past/present timelines while also writing from both Aisling and Finn's point of views, which is vital in a second chance romance. The romance was engaging and at times reminded me of the movie Serendipity.

However, there were a few things missing for me. I think a couple more interactions with Aisling's co-workers early on in the book would have helped better distinguish their personalities and establish the group dynamic. I wish there was an extra chapter of Aisling spending time with her family. Additionally, Aisling has a specific challenge that I think could have been shown more often—I felt like it was only mentioned a few times and rarely depicted which would have made more of an impact if further expanded on.

Overall, this book was really enjoyable and did an amazing job transporting me to Ireland. Both timelines were engaging, especially Aisling and Finn's relationship.
Profile Image for Sarah Gletnak.
23 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2025
With thanks to @authorjlberg and @lovenotes.pr for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Two years after a whirlwind tour of Ireland, Aisling Farrell returns to Dublin for a new beginning. What she didn’t expect was to run into Finn, the charming guide she fell hard for on her first visit, who is now the acting CEO of the company she just started working for. While their undeniable chemistry would make it easy to pick up where they left off, two years has changed them both in different ways. Twist of Fate by J.L. Berg is a dual timeline, dual point of view second chance romance that will grab your heartstrings. Can they resist the fate that keeps bringing them together?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There are beautiful settings, supportive secondary characters, Claddagh rings, banter, and sweet and spicy moments. The dual timeline was engaging, and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next and how it impacted the present-day storyline. I liked Aisling and Finn together, the way they showed they cared with actions, the use of Gaelige for tender moments and Aisling’s growth to have clarity towards those closest to her. The book also dealt with various forms of grief in lovely ways. I would recommend this book and now I want to book a bus tour of Ireland of my own!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,445 reviews155 followers
May 27, 2025
As soon as I stumbled across a social media post for this book I had to add it to my TBR right away! Having read this author's work quite a few times before I couldn't wait to pick this book up. I enjoyed this story so much!

Aisling and Finn's journey had my attention right from the start! Meeting another person can stay with the heart which Finn and Aisling know after their time spent together. Two years after they went their separate ways, Aisling and Finn are reunited in Ireland once again when Aisling starts working at O’Connell Tours and Finn is the acting CEO. Can Finn and Aisling move forward and work together? And could it lead them right back into each other's hearts?

From how they were brought into each other's lives to their reunion, Aisling and Finn had my full attention throughout! I enjoyed the fact that these two had history and the way O’Connell Tours brought them together again. I couldn't wait to see how they'd deal with personal things, their past, the present, working together, and the feelings still between them.

Aisling and Finn were both tackling with things in their lives and I was glad that I got to dig deeper with them. I so enjoyed getting to see these two work together and figure things out. Finn and Aisling had me feeling so much with them throughout their journey! The chemistry between these two was wonderful.

From their lives to the tours and so much more, I so enjoyed Aisling and Finn's story!

It's a dream of mine to one day visit Ireland. I absolutely loved the Ireland setting through O’Connell Tours and how I could picture it while reading.

With Twist of Fate, Ms.Berg has created such a good second chance / workplace romance that brought realness and heart, spice, a beautiful Ireland setting, and feels! I'm looking forward to reading what this author brings our way next! 💚☘


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Notes PR / The author*
Profile Image for Hannah Savage ♥️.
132 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2025
Thank you JL Berg and Love Notes PR for sending me this e-arc ☘️

I adored this book. The transitions between the past and present chapters were so seamless, everything unfolded naturally and beautifully and it genuinely was such good pacing.

I loved Ash. Complicated and hurting. Caring and loving to everyone. She’d been through so much, yet always had her smile on and after all the betrayal and pain she endured throughout her journey, she was still the sunshine in every room she walked in. Fin, was complex. He constantly felt the weight of the world on his shoulders and was always trying to survive and make the right decisions. The only time he calmed throughout this book was when he was with Ash and that summed up not only his character, but their chemistry and relationship.

All the characters I found to be very likeable, with the exception of Theo 😡 of course and this book just genuinely made me feel happy.

🤍second chance romance
☘️Irish vacation setting
🥰forced proximity (he’s her boss!!)
❤️‍🩹a little emotional damage
❤️chronic illness rep

Dual Pov
4.25/5 stars ⭐️

“I know this is a bad idea. I know I should stop, but I can’t bring myself to make good decisions right now.”
Profile Image for Tanisha.
196 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2025
For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of traditional romance. Once I read more, I started to really enjoy both romantic suspense, and romantic comedies. As this was an author that I had not heard of before, I have to admit I was a bit nervous, as I didn’t know what to expected. I need not have worried.

I really liked the way that this book switched perspectives. I also like how we got to see both the past and the present. One of the things that bothered me a bit (slight spoiler), is that at first, I couldn’t tell how much time had passed between the two timelines. The actual time jump was a whole lot shorter than I initially guessed.

Ultimately, I absolutely loved this book. I wanted both the characters to “win” and I didn’t want to see either character have to compromise too much. This book accomplished that in a way that made sense. Also, I’m a sucker for a really satisfying epilogue, and it definitely delivers. Although I don’t see that this is a series, there are definitely two side characters who I would love to read their stories.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Rachel  Wagner.
166 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2025
If you’re a fan of second-chance romances and dreamy Irish backdrops, Twist of Fate is one to add to your list. With a past/present dual timeline that’s done well, this one hooked me from chapter one and had me flipping pages like I was racing to Ireland itself.

Aisling and Finn shared a six-day whirlwind romance two years ago, and now they’re reunited in the lush hills of Ireland, both carrying the weight of grief, personal growth, and what-ifs. Their chemistry? Instant and electric, but what really shines is the emotional depth. They’re not just falling back into each other, they’re learning who they are now.

The banter is top-tier, the side characters (especially Rian and Aisling’s mum) bring warmth and laughs, and the setting? Absolutely stunning. I could feel the Irish rain, smell the sea, and see every landmark they visited. 🌧️🍀

While the constant timeline switches made the pacing feel a bit uneven in spots, the story stuck the landing with heart, growth, and a big dose of destiny.

✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Travel, healing & do-overs
✨ Chronic illness rep
✨ Banter, grief, and emotional payoffs

📚 I need a physical copy—this one’s a keeper.
Profile Image for Zee Hernandez.
216 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2025
✨I received this book as an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review✨

🖤 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Vacation
🖤 Workplace Romance
🖤 Past/Present
🖤 Chronic Illness Rep

This heartwarming and emotional story of the right person, wrong time. Finn and Aisling’s love story takes us on an adventure while we follow them through a time jump romance from past to present in Ireland.

Finn, is an Irish bus tour guide who has been cut off from his family due to his bad boy reputation and now needs to get his life in order. Aisling, is an American tourist who goes to Ireland with her mom to mend a broken heart. They bump into each other one night and again the next day when Aisling finds out Finn is her tour guide. They instantly connected with each other and spent some time with one another. As the trip ended, they promised to stay in touch. However, life happens and their plans don't work out as they would have liked. With fate on their side, Finn and Aisling have a second chance to make their relationship work while navigating their new life and work roles.

Thank you to the Author J.L. Berg and Love Notes PR for the ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews63 followers
May 20, 2025
Aisling honors her mother’s last wish and moves to Ireland.

In Twist of Fate, J.L. Berg crafts a heartfelt second-chance romance set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland. Two years after a whirlwind romance with tour guide Finn Larkin, Aisling Farrell returns to Ireland, seeking a fresh start after her mother’s passing. But fate has other plans—Finn is now the acting CEO of O’Connell Tours, and their unresolved past resurfaces with undeniable chemistry. As Aisling navigates grief, new beginnings, and the weight of unspoken words, she must decide whether this reunion is a second chance or just another twist of fate. A beautifully written journey of love, loss, and destiny, this novel is perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and emotional storytelling. A deeply emotional romance that captivates from the first page. Get your copy today!

• ASIN: B0F1DY5G3M
• Publisher: Love N. Books Press
• Publication Date: 5/20/2025
• File Size: 3.7 MB
• Print Length: 371 pages
• Genre: Workplace Romance - Contemporary Women's Fiction
4,201 reviews22 followers
August 29, 2025
Twist of Fate is the kind of emotional, slow-burn love story that stays with you long after the final page. Set against the lush, windswept backdrop of Ireland, this novel follows Aisling Farrell as she returns to the place where her heart was both found and broken. What begins as a fresh start quickly turns into a collision course with the past—namely, Finn Larkin, the charming tour guide-turned-CEO she once thought might be her forever.

The chemistry between Aisling and Finn is palpable, laced with longing, regret, and a spark that refuses to die. Their reunion is messy and real, full of unsaid words and what-ifs, but it’s also deeply satisfying to watch unfold. The writing is atmospheric and evocative, perfectly capturing the ache of lost time and the hope that maybe—just maybe—some stories aren’t finished yet.

If you're a fan of second chances, emotional depth, and romances that simmer before they ignite, then this is one you definitely will want to pick up.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
11 reviews
May 27, 2025
Twist of Fate is an emotionally charged and beautifully written story that perfectly balances heartache, humor, and hope.

Aisling joins her mom on a tour through Ireland to escape the shadows of a failed engagement, but she doesn’t expect to collide—literally—with Finn, their witty and unexpectedly soulful tour guide. What begins as playful flirtation turns into something far deeper as both characters confront past wounds and future fears. The dual POV offers rich insight into their emotional journeys, while the Irish setting adds charm and atmospheric beauty to every page.

Berg does a fantastic job of layering humor with grief, growth, and healing. The supporting characters (especially Aisling’s hilarious, lovable mom) bring warmth and depth, making the entire story feel like a tight-knit, bittersweet road trip across emotional landscapes.

A must-read for romance lovers who crave substance alongside swoon.
Profile Image for Julia Horlander.
18 reviews
June 18, 2025
Oh goodness. What to say. Honestly, I don't think this book was for me from the first chapter. I liked the idea of it all when I read the synopsis, but it just got worse and worse with each page turn. Let's talk about it:

The AMOUNT of italics and him calling her "darlin'" was just... it was way too much. It was like 5 times each on every page.

All the time traveling back and forth from her first time being in Ireland to the present time of her being there became so confusing. It also confused the timeline. While they were on the tour in the past, he said when it didn't happen until after the tour. I was lost. Also, .

To help with all the time jumping confusion, I think this could have been two books. The first one would be the tour and second would be when she's back working at O'Connell's. Wouldn't have felt as rushed.

They are in "love" with each other from the first literal run in. They literally run into each other and are infatuated. They are more like in lust than in love. The book would have been better titled "Twisted Lust" than "Twisted Love". They only ever noticed physical attributes of each other than their character, the reason you would be in love with someone.

Once a dickhead, always a dickhead. Yeah Finn. I'm talking about you.

Finn, the MMC, seems like such a complainer. His family kicked him out because he decided to behave like the worst person in the world ON PURPOSE and then constantly complains about it while also saying he knows he deserves it. When it comes Aisling, the FMC, he's possessive and all jealous when they weren't even friends in the past and then the same way in the present when he knows he was a total dickhead.



Aisling literally forgives him so quickly for no reason. Well, the reason is because she wants to get laid.

There is no tension or pining between these two. There is no pull or denying of feelings. They are just flat out infatuated and tell themselves they can't when doing exactly what they can't do.

I don't even want to talk about the rest of it. We'd be here all day.

What I did like about this book was the original concept. I liked the idea of a forbidden romance with a tour guide. It was different.

Also, I didn't mind Theo coming back and all that. It made things somewhat interesting, but his actions don't make Finn any better. As Finn said , and I stand by that. Aisling would have been better off with secret option number 3.

The ONLY reason this is a 2 star review is because J.L. Berg can write and I was able to finish the book and the original concept is somewhat interesting.
Profile Image for Shauna.
59 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2025
I am a little torn about how I felt with this one. On one hand the chemistry between Aisling and Finn was amazing and I loved seeing the emotional connection between the two. The travel romance with the forbidden element of the tour guide and one of his guests added zing to the longing that the two felt.

However, this story doesn’t just follow the two on the one-week tour of the Irish countryside. After Finn ghosts Ash due to family complications after the tour, they run into each other years later with Finn as Aisling’s boss. They then try to sort through the fall out of their initial meeting and the latent feelings.

The problem with this story was the dual timelines. I found it very difficult to follow at times and felt it took away from the general character building. Perhaps it would have worked better as a two part story?

Thank you to NetGalley and J.L. Berg for an ARC copy of this story.
158 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2025
A new trope guide/tourist and finally a dual timeline done well. Our MC’s met two years ago and a 6 day whirlwind romance ensued.

Two years later, a lot has happened to both Finn Larkin (now CEO of company) and Ansling Farrer (moved to Ireland per her dying mother’s wish. They is extreme depth to each other their characters.

Their chemistry? Never in question, always there, but each has things they need to work on individually (grief; the weight of the world on his shoulders).

I absolutely loved the description of Ireland and the landmarks. I could almost feel myself there.

The past and present was written well and the pacing was perfect. This had a perfect pace and I was completely sucked into the story from the beginning.

Thank you to Love Notes PR and JL Berg for an early of this phenomenal book.
Profile Image for litlindseyreads.
192 reviews12 followers
May 24, 2025
Thank you to J.L. Berg and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was such a feel-good read for me. I loved the relationship between Finn & Ash. The side characters like Ash’s mother and their friends were funny and enjoyable. The writing and plot made me feel all the emotions for the two MCs. It was a slow burn but once the spice got going, phew! I would definitely recommend this book and suddenly feel the urge to book a trip to Ireland...

You would enjoy this book if you enjoy:
-Slow burns
-Dual POV
-Stories set in Ireland
-Forced proximity
-Second chance romance
-Contemporary romance
-Shared grief
-Chronic disease rep
Profile Image for Em.
269 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2025
📚✨ Twist of Fate by J.L. Berg
⭐️ 3/5 | 🌶️ 2/5

Thank you to @lovenotes.pr for the ARC!

Set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland, Twist of Fate is a heartfelt second-chance romance that hit all the right notes. It’s an easy read — light enough to dip in and out of during a busy day, but still packed with emotional depth and gorgeous prose.

I loved the dual timeline (done so well for once!) and the guide/tourist trope felt fresh and fun. It’s a slow burn, but once the spice hits... 🔥 yeah, it delivers.

Honestly, I finished this with a strong urge to book a one-way ticket to Ireland and find my own plot twist.

If you’re into romances that are equal parts emotional and escapist, this one’s worth checking out.
Profile Image for Hannah.
870 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2025
Lovely to read

This was a lovely read. Set in Ireland, it’s part holiday fling, part workplace romance, all love letter to the Emerald Isle. It’s a second chance romance and I will always have time for them.

You’ll get chronic disease rep, ex boyfriend drama, Claddagh rings, found family, border collies and Irish dancing. It’s open door but not over the top. There’s discussion of some difficult issues in a sensitive manner, so please check your triggers.

This is my first book by Ms Berg and it won’t be my last. Her characters, comic timing, sense of drama and romance are marvelous and I love how she wove two timelines together to build the story. It will be perfectly at home on the shelf of any contemporary romance reader.
Profile Image for Mona.
22 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2025
This review is based on ARC provided via NetGalley

This story is told in two POVs, both Aisling and Finn, and in two timelines, the past and present. I loved being able to see where the characters were in the present, as well as in the past and how the time between the two had shaped them. I had visited a number of the places that were mentioned in the past and the author did a great job of making you feel like you were there. The side characters did a great job of complimenting the MCs without taking away attention from the plot. The plot was well developed and spice was good, well placed and fit with the vibe of the story.

TW: parental death (off page), parental sickness (on and off page), cheating (not between the MCs), toxic relationship (not between the MCs)
Profile Image for Joi.
37 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2025
Twist of Fate might have been the story of Aisling and Finn but it truly was a love letter to Ireland.

A dual-POV novel where we meet a grieving Aisling as she returns to Ireland to find herself reunited with the one who broke her heart, Finn.

I loved seeing Aisling’s journey, both past and present, to find herself after loss. Finn was a typical MMC, supportive and grounding but that made their love easy to root for throughout.

This could have been a mid-tier romance novel but the backdrop of Ireland and the love the author has for the place made it a very enjoyable read.

Now off to find someone who can say “Darlin”” for me in an Irish accent….

Thanks #netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC!
Profile Image for Lisa Conant.
624 reviews39 followers
May 13, 2025
It was a pretty cute romance. But I admitted I had a hard time getting into it. Some of the time jumps in the beginning were jarring, almost unnecessary. I felt like the narrative was struggling with pace.

Once it got going we did get to see a bit deeper into each character. Finn wanted something different for himself in his career so we can realte to that, and Ash is in the midst of a loss. So it's a fairly expected romance as they reconnect and bond again. Just wasn't as well paced or dramatically deep as I would've liked.
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