The Vacation Bubble

To Barcelona with Love Trilogy #1

by Marcella Steele

Readers’ Favorite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect for fans of Beach Read, The Unhoneymooners, and Part of Your World—this witty second chance romance is a sun-drenched escape with heart, heat, and humor.


A fling wasn’t on her vacation itinerary. Neither was falling in love.


Romance has ghosted, gaslit, and gone full Shakespearean tragedy on Sofia Drake. She’s officially a one-woman rom-com with no third act in sight, ready to bolt if love sneaks up on her again.


Freshly dumped and jobless, Sofia is mid-pity-party (yes, wine and ice cream are involved)‌ when a friend drags her to a job fair. If she’d known how a chance meeting would blow up her carefully constructed life, she would’ve stayed home. One look into Ryan Hunter’s crystal-blue eyes and she can tell he’s trouble. He’s gorgeous, charming, and way too young. He’s also the first man in years to make her feel a real, rocket-exploding kind of heat. But when the jet-setting Ryan invites her on a spontaneous trip to Barcelona, Sofia does what she does best: she runs.


It takes a kick from her best friend (a “get a life” lecture) to move Sofia out of her comfort zone and onto a plane to Barcelona—alone. No men, no pressure, just a solo adventure. At least… until she runs straight into the one man she swore she’d never see again.


Now, Ryan is offering to be her personal tour guide, and Sofia is breaking her own ‘no men’ rule for a new one: keep it vacation-only. Sun, sangria, and maybe a little sizzle. Thirty days—no falling in love, no risky complications. Really.


Sometimes the best adventures happen when you finally stop running from what scares you the most.


“The Vacation Bubble will resonate with readers who crave wanderlust, sizzling chemistry, and second chances.” Readers’ Favorite

Genres: Romance

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

Marcella Steele is an American author/screenwriter who now writes with her laptop precariously balanced on a café table in Barcelona, but can sometimes be found dreaming up stories on a terrace in Bali or on a balcony in Paris. Marcella champions the radical idea that women over forty are just getting started and her contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels celebrate love, passion, and self-discovery at any age. With her passion for travel, she delights in bringing the reader along to discover the magic of faraway places. When she’s not writing, she’s planning her next adventure or practicing her spins on a salsa dance floor.

Reviews

[Ann Listen’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

Location: California and Spain

Tropes: age gap, romance over 40, life after divorce, new lease on life

Sophia got broken up with and lost her job all at the same time. But while out she meets Ryan, a younger and mysterious man whom their share an instant connection. He gives her an invitation to go to Barcelona with him and while Sophia doesn't go with him....she decides to go on her own and they run into each other. A romance blossoms and all the obstacles present themselves.

As a woman over 40 I absolutely loved this book. And I don't say this lightly because I honestly don't love a lot of romance novels. However, this book is different because this book explores a romance of a woman in her 40s and deconstructs all of the hesitations she has about dating and dating younger men This book was done so well, and it was so believable and realistic that I absolutely could not put it down. I would recommend this book to Eddie woman who is looking for love after 40, recently divorced, or coming out of a break up, and anyone who has had to choose a different path or goal from your partner. I really resonated with the characters in this book and the thoughts that ran through Sophia's head.

[Kostia D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a well written book 📕 Marcella Steele gripped me from page 1, Sofia Drake is a wonderful FMC and so realistic. I appreciated her vulnerability and raw emotions about dating/relationships about being 40 and up. I also enjoyed that a lot of things were kept real about how judgmental people can be about age gap relationships, especially when the woman is older than the man. I loved the descriptions of Barcelona, made me dream of traveling and also had me feeling hopeful about living in the moment and enjoying life despite how the curveballs of life may kill your enthusiasm. I’d deffo recommend this book to a friend.
Marcella Steele ticked all the boxes of what the book was supposed to be and she nailed it, she even exceeded my expectations. Also, the cover is matching the book vibes. The nod to the yacht scene, chef’s kiss 🙌🏻 IYKYK

[EmReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style had me hooked from the start and I devoured this book so quickly! The pacing was great as I could easily breeze through it but there was enough substance to keep me invested until the very end.

The love story between Sophia & Ryan was so wholesome and feel-good. There were moments of real introspection and the author's portrayal of a woman on the cusp of 50, at a crossroad in her life, was perfect and made Sophia so relatable.

I found the story a little predictable at times but the book's warmth and character development make up for it.

Overall, this was a gorgeous example of being open to starting over.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lupita_333 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story deals with the main characters emotions and insecurities of aging and having to start her romantic life all over again after a divorce as a woman in her 40’s. I really enjoyed getting to read from a perspective of an older woman in the book when it came to these subjects.

As for the romance, I didn’t enjoy it so much. FMC and MMC had strong attraction and tension. The attraction development was too instant for my liking. The feelings they claimed to have for each other didn’t feel genuine.

[Marylovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of The Vacation Bubble: To Barcelona with Love Trilogy
by Marcella Steele
4⭐️

Sofia Drake is at a crossroads. As a middle-aged woman with a grown son, she is suddenly let go from the company she’s spent a decade building her career at, and a long-term relationship ends due to circumstances beyond her control. Disillusioned with love, Sofia decides to take a trip to Barcelona on the recommendation of a handsome younger man, Ryan Hunter, whom she meets at a networking event.

When their paths continue to cross and Ryan’s interest becomes more than just friendly, Sofia must challenge her long-held beliefs about romance, love, and what her future might look like.

This story is very relatable for middle-aged women navigating a midlife reckoning—questions of happiness, purpose, health, and inner peace collide in a way that feels honest and grounded. The romance is refreshingly different from anything I’ve read before, and I truly enjoyed it.

This book works well as a standalone, though Sofia and Ryan’s story continues in book two.
Thanks to Booksprout and the author for the the ALC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this is a story of a 40+ woman recently divorced, who takes a risk or a leap of faith to start a new chapter in her life, She is wholeheartedly, looking for a nice, put together life partner. It gave you those warm, cozy, hopeful vibes regardless of little to no spice. The audio was fabulous!

[Elaine Panzaratti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vacation Bubble is an entertaining story with a relatable mature heroine and a swoon-worthy leading male character (RYAN). SOFIA is at a turning point in her life after being dumped by a guy who is having his own midlife crisis. Then, age discrimination plays a part in her losing her job. Themes of inequality, age discrimination, and society's focus on youth run throughout the story, providing depth to the romantic elements.

The author sheds light on the insecurities women have as they age, but Steele also shows how Sofia works through them to become more confident, self-assured and is able to pursue her desires, despite the societal pressures against her---particularly when it comes to dating a younger man. The romance isn't superficial or based on sex; the love that develops out of friendship feels real and it's easy to get invested, rooting for them to make it.

I loved how the author, through beautiful descriptive writing, takes you on an escape to an exotic destination. You want to run to the store for some sangria! Personally, I know so many women who are struggling with dating after forty and often finding complicated love matches with younger guys. Steele has nailed all the emotions, conflicts, highs and lows as one tries to weigh if it's worth it to risk the heart. The Vacation Bubble is both funny and emotional; light and filled with deep, meaningful issues. I would compare it to some of my favorite authors' books, such as "Part of Your World" and "People We Meet on Vacation" and others.
Overall, it's an enjoyable, well-written read and I am looking forward to following the couple's story in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meagan Luton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Vacation Bubble! From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Marcella Steele’s ability to create a vivid, sun-soaked setting that felt like a getaway in itself. The characters were so well-drawn—real, flawed, and incredibly relatable. I especially enjoyed how the author balanced the escapist vacation vibe with genuine emotional depth. It wasn’t just a “fluffy” read; there were moments of introspection and heartfelt connection that really grounded the story.

The chemistry between the leads practically leapt off the page, and their banter had me smiling more than once. I also appreciated that the romance built naturally instead of feeling rushed, allowing me to savor the tension and slow-burn development. The side characters added richness to the world without overshadowing the main storyline, and the setting descriptions were so immersive I could almost feel the ocean breeze and taste the fruity drinks.

The pacing was perfect for a vacation-style read—light enough to breeze through but with enough layers to keep me fully invested. I finished the last page feeling warm, happy, and a little wistful, which is exactly what I want from a beachy romance.

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

This was a total treat, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from Marcella Steele!

[Elizabeth Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read perfectly captures the feel of Barcelona. It was the best vacation read and I am so thankful to even get to meet up with Marcella in Barcelona! She is wonderful.

[Shay's book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was well written really liked the fact it was a older FMC we don't come across that often
Was so refreshing to read about FMC nearer to my age

Great beach/holiday read

Would definitely read more in the series
Could not put the book down

Thank you so much for the arc copy I enjoyed this read

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

[L Barratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vacation Bubble: To Barcelona With Love, Book One
How refreshing to read a romance story about a woman I can relate to. Finally, Marcella Steele defies those who say romance should only happen to younger women and cultivates a character I can relate to. Her protagonist, Sofia, is strong, intelligent, capable, and bruised. Her cynicism of the dating world is a shield of protection against the judgmental stance that women over 40 should look and act a certain way. But Sofia is taken by surprise when she meets a younger man who pushes at her beliefs and insecurities, compelling her to embody the truth we hold deep within ourselves, that we are worthy and capable of addressing our fears head-on.

Marcella Steele’s artfully developed dialogue gives the reader a view into Sofia’s inner most thoughts as she battles her self-judgement, fears, and insecurities. Sofia’s innermost thoughts often mirrored my own and those of women I know, so much so in fact, they were, at times, uncomfortable to read. This however made Sofia’s revelations and positive experiences equally as powerful.

The budding romance between Sofia and Ryan is cleverly constructed, and highlights the humor that befalls us as we navigate new relationships and situations. Marcella Steele has an uncanny ability to create realistic characters who feel like best friends relaying their latest romantic experiences, over a coffee, at your favorite café.

Embedded in the magical background of Barcelona and San Francisco, The Vacation Bubble: To Barcelona With Love, by Marcella Steele, will leave readers with hope and a smile. I cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing story
This story really resonated with me, imagining how hard the dating scene would be after divorce.
Sofia is 49, beautiful and divorced and is trying to navigate being single plus soon to be in her 50’s.
Having just broken up with a man that wanted children she is done with relationships and has decided she just wants fun.
Along comes Ryan, 35 and the chemistry is electric between them.
She has dinner with him and great conversation but decides he is too young so leaves.
Neither can stop thinking about each other and find themselves bumping into each other on a plane to Barcelona.
Their journey starts there and he convinces her to allow him to show her around Barcelona while she is there for the next 30 days.
Their journey starts and the story telling is amazing with many highs and a few lows facing this couple along the way.
As they travel around Barcelona the places they visit are so vividly written that it felt like I was there, reminding me of my own travels to this beautiful city.
Loving the slow burn of the story, the fun times, the hard times and the amazing characters throughout, I was so engrossed and loving every minute of my time listening along to the audiobook.
Narrated mainly by Zoe Black with James Cassidy performing a few chapters I adored their performances and how they made the story came alive.
I’m excited to read or listen to their next adventures in book 2, The Relationship Contract and hope it’s just as fun and enjoyable as this story was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Michelle Barcelona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcella paints Barcelona with a beautifully descriptive brush — her writing captures the colors, textures, and rhythms of the city in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic. Through the story of a 49-year-old woman rediscovering love with a younger man, we experience the city as more than a setting — it becomes a living, breathing presence in their journey.

As an American who has lived in Barcelona for more than 15 years, I especially appreciated how she captures the way the city can enchant newcomers — its light, its food, its energy. Her perspective as an American falling in love not just with a person, but with Barcelona itself, feels genuine and heartfelt.

While I found the story somewhat predictable and the characters perhaps a bit too idealized, the novel’s warmth and sense of place more than make up for it. I might have wished for a bit more tension or conflict to deepen the emotional arc, but there’s a gentle charm in the author’s approach — a celebration of romance, discovery, and the beauty of being open to new beginnings.

Overall, The Vacation Bubble is a lovely, sensory read — one that will especially delight readers who dream of Barcelona or who have yet to experience its “magic” for themselves. For me, as someone who now calls this city home, that magic has become familiar — but I can still appreciate the author’s ability to remind us how special this place truly is.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, this is my idea of a love story. It has characters so richly drawn that you can feel their attitudes and personality as they   journey through Barcelona. Sofia Drake is 49 years old and hasn't had much luck in romantic entanglements. Her marriage, ooops, failed marriage and now after an unceremonious "dumping," she's come to realize that she's simply not cut out for happiness. But fate is waiting right around the corner when she literally bumps into Ryan Hunter. He is 35 and is immediately attracted to Sofia and he suggests that they spend their vacation together. What both Sofia and Ryan may have considered a one-night-stand became so much more, but she couldn't shake the fear that her age would become a problem. How could she resist his caring and kindness when she understandably has a distrust of men? Ryan succeeds in convincing her that she's what he needs and this story ends in a HFN, with more to come. The narration is brilliantly done by Zoe Black and James Cassidy. Their dynamic voices, the pace at which they read, and the emotions they bring to each character make this story come to life. 

[Tracy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you are going through a breakup, you get laid off from your job, in your mid-to-late 40’s, and a handsome man invites you to go to Barcelona? You turn him down. – That’s crazy! You don’t even know the guy. But then your gears start ticking, and you think, “What have I got to lose?” You have a rough morning, get on the plane, wait in line for the restroom when *BAM* (literally) you are hit in the face by the man you can’t stop thinking about. This book was laugh-out-loud funny and had the best swoon-worthy moments that you just wanted to keep reading. Sofia (FMC) is so relatable in the most tragic of ways – if there is any luck to be had, it may just be bad luck, but Ryan (MMC) helps her find all the rights in the world. This is book 1 of the “To Barcelona with Love” series, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the books to keep tabs on this couple and find out if they make it in the end.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.

[❤️ Mandi Listens & Reads ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎁Source: I purchased this audiobook!
📚📖Title: The Vacation Bubble; To Barcelona with Love book #1
✍️Author: Marcella Steele
🎙️Narration: Zoe Black with James Cassidy

☀️Dual narration
🇪🇸Open door spice
☀️Rom com
🇪🇸Slow burn
☀️Reverse age gap
🇪🇸Over 40 FMC
☀️Vacation
🇪🇸Second chance

My thoughts:
I love a vacation romance, and this audiobook was the perfect escape from the winter weather. It felt like a mini getaway and I could totally see it playing out on the big screen! The story between Sofia and Ryan was such a feel good, easy listen that felt like destiny at work, unfolding in the most natural and charming way.

I especially loved that this featured an older FMC. Sofia’s character felt so relatable and refreshing, and it was wonderful to see her story told with so much depth and heart. The story was filled with charm, humor, and warmth, with so many moments that made me smile.

🎧James and Zoe did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. Their chemistry was wonderful, and they felt so natural in these roles. Overall, this was a comforting, feel good audiobook that I truly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s the thing… as a mid-40s bi/gay guy, it goes without saying that nothing in the dating world of today ever gets easier. What I really loved about this book was the author’s play with the characters & with how realistic it looks at love and at an age where post-40/50s changes the way we view relationships and love in general. If you are past millennial age, things just get even more difficult and the symbiosis between these characters made a lot more sense at this age than I suppose I would’ve thought even five or 10 years ago. I would’ve loved some steamier scenes because I’m just a guy, but this needs to be on the streaming screen pronto. More? Yes please, thank you!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me Feel so much. It made me chuckle. It made me oooo and aaaa. Barcelona is beautiful. It made me want to travel. It made me want to fall in love all over again.

I was gifted an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. Listening to Zoe Black as Sofia was a pleasure. She portrayed her insecurities, her fears, her boldness to perfection. I even found her voice for Ryan believable and quite good. Jack Cassidy performs a couple of Ryan's chapters. Probably not necessary, but his deep, sexy voice is heart melting.
5 stars for the narration, as well.
Now on to Book 2.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. The writing style grabbed me from the beginning and the story kept me invested. I’m not sure what I liked more about this one, the love story between Sofia and Ryan or the wonderfully realistic portrayal of a woman in middle age. I could relate so well to Sofia. I just hope I’ll eventually find my own Ryan. Recommended.

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

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mature Woman finds adventure and maybe love

Yhis is an enjoyable story of a woman, Sofia, at crossroad in her life ND how she decides to me changes.
Ryan seems to have it all. He is successful, travels extensively for work and is living good life but is missing someone to share his life with.
Together they share experiences and might even find love.
On to book 2.

[Andrew Acton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverse age gap romance, gives all woman on the cusp of 50 hope. Loved it. Great narration! Romance is not dead!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun vacation read. Thanks to BookSirens for the e-arc to read for free. All reviews are my own and given freely.

[Heather Wrathall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, the plot was pretty dull, not a lot of depth.

[Carolyn Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, 2 spice

Age gap (she's older), high travel vacation vibes.
I loved that the FMC was older and the travel scenes were so gorgeously written -- a fun read if you are in the mood for travel.

What was missing for me is that I didn't really feel the feels of their story. And it bothered me how hung up Sophia continued to be about their age difference and worrying about her body. I'd like to think at 49 a woman wouldn't be self-conscious about her body in front of a man she just slept with!

A solid entry if you are looking for a vacationy travel book.

Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.