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The Love Hotel #5
Regret This Later: A steamy age gap romance set in Paris from Olivia Spring for 2026
The BRAND NEW instalment in the gorgeously romantic, spicy series from BESTSELLER Olivia Spring 💖 🌶️ Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Ali Hazelwood! He’s forbidden. She knows better. But The Love Hotel Paris has other plans...🤭
Single mum Laila is officially an empty nester. But her social life’s flatter than a crêpe, and her love life? Non-existent. So when her best friend signs her up to The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows it’s rude to say no!
Laila cannot wait to see the city of her dreams – and the added promise of a holiday romance. Until she discovers her “perfect match” is Gabriel—her best friend’s twenty-seven-year-old son. She hasn’t seen him in years, and now he’s all man… Broader. Infuriatingly good-looking. And absolutely, one hundred per cent off-limits.
Laila knows better. But her connection with secret tech millionaire, Gabriel is undeniable. And as the days melt into nights filled with electric glances, near-miss kisses, and one unforgettable moment under the Paris lights, resistance becomes impossible. Will Laila walk away before her heart and friendship are destroyed? Or will she fall for the one man she can never have and worry about the consequences later?
Regret This Later is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good romantic escape about forbidden sparks, unexpected chemistry, and the delicious chaos of falling for the one person you really shouldn’t. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Emily Henry 💖
Praise for Olivia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'ADORE Olivia’s pitch perfect romances - one of the few who can have me swooning over her male characters.' Bestselling author Kristen Bailey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I was hooked from the first chapter. An absolute delight!' Bestselling author Laura Carter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Through Olivia’s wonderful writing style, I honestly felt as though I was there' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Well what can I say apart from this book is a rare gem. It has everything book lovers will adore' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Once you get hooked into the story you won’t want to put it down.' Reader Review
Single mum Laila is officially an empty nester. But her social life’s flatter than a crêpe, and her love life? Non-existent. So when her best friend signs her up to The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows it’s rude to say no!
Laila cannot wait to see the city of her dreams – and the added promise of a holiday romance. Until she discovers her “perfect match” is Gabriel—her best friend’s twenty-seven-year-old son. She hasn’t seen him in years, and now he’s all man… Broader. Infuriatingly good-looking. And absolutely, one hundred per cent off-limits.
Laila knows better. But her connection with secret tech millionaire, Gabriel is undeniable. And as the days melt into nights filled with electric glances, near-miss kisses, and one unforgettable moment under the Paris lights, resistance becomes impossible. Will Laila walk away before her heart and friendship are destroyed? Or will she fall for the one man she can never have and worry about the consequences later?
Regret This Later is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good romantic escape about forbidden sparks, unexpected chemistry, and the delicious chaos of falling for the one person you really shouldn’t. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Emily Henry 💖
Praise for Olivia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'ADORE Olivia’s pitch perfect romances - one of the few who can have me swooning over her male characters.' Bestselling author Kristen Bailey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I was hooked from the first chapter. An absolute delight!' Bestselling author Laura Carter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Through Olivia’s wonderful writing style, I honestly felt as though I was there' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Well what can I say apart from this book is a rare gem. It has everything book lovers will adore' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Once you get hooked into the story you won’t want to put it down.' Reader Review
- GenresRomance
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
About the author
Olivia Spring
32 books189 followersOlivia Spring is the bestselling author of more than twenty romance, romantic comedy and women’s fiction books.
Whether you want to fake date a hot Hollywood movie star in London, jet off to Paris with a handsome billionaire, enjoy some sun, sand and sea with a gorgeous Spanish DJ in Marbella or attend a castle wedding in the South of France, Olivia’s books will help you to escape reality and transport you to a dreamy romantic location. No ticket or passport required!
Olivia was born and raised in London and divides her time between the UK and Spain.
When she's not writing new steamy romcoms, Olivia can be found reading on the beach, enjoying cupcakes and cocktails and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!
For exclusive updates, join the Olivia Spring VIP club at
https://www.oliviaspring.com/
Whether you want to fake date a hot Hollywood movie star in London, jet off to Paris with a handsome billionaire, enjoy some sun, sand and sea with a gorgeous Spanish DJ in Marbella or attend a castle wedding in the South of France, Olivia’s books will help you to escape reality and transport you to a dreamy romantic location. No ticket or passport required!
Olivia was born and raised in London and divides her time between the UK and Spain.
When she's not writing new steamy romcoms, Olivia can be found reading on the beach, enjoying cupcakes and cocktails and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!
For exclusive updates, join the Olivia Spring VIP club at
https://www.oliviaspring.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 11, 2026
A fun, exciting romance read. My first read with an age gap and an older FMC. I enjoyed the storyline and realized there must be other books in a series that help bring other characters pasts/histories into play.
A good read and definitely worth the rec!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
A good read and definitely worth the rec!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
February 28, 2026
This was such a cute read! I absolutely loved Laila’s character: a single, independent mum who put her dreams on hold to devote herself to raising her son. Now that he’s grown, she’s finally ready to put herself first and explore love again.
Her BFF whisks her away to the Love Hotel in Paris, a matchmaking experience that pairs you with your soulmate from a pool of applicants for a two-week romantic stay. Laila heads to Paris excited for her fresh start, only to discover her match is a decade younger, and her best friend’s son. Surprise!
This Parisian romance is simply divine! Charming, swoony, and full of self-discovery. Think Emily in Paris meets How Stella Got Her Groove Back…glamorous, heartfelt, and oh-so-fun.
Her BFF whisks her away to the Love Hotel in Paris, a matchmaking experience that pairs you with your soulmate from a pool of applicants for a two-week romantic stay. Laila heads to Paris excited for her fresh start, only to discover her match is a decade younger, and her best friend’s son. Surprise!
This Parisian romance is simply divine! Charming, swoony, and full of self-discovery. Think Emily in Paris meets How Stella Got Her Groove Back…glamorous, heartfelt, and oh-so-fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laila and Gabriel have both decided to try out a brand new concept, a Love Hotel. Don't worry though, it's not as dodgy as they first thought because instead it's a very high end, upmarket hotel where you get matched to your partner using a questionnaire. Think Married at First Sight vibes but set in France for 2 weeks.
It was an enjoyable read and had me lightly chuckling to some of their innuendos and flirting, especially because Laila herself didn't expect that at all. At times some word choices felt very formal, though this was often during Gabriel's POV so it would make sense as a French speaker.
It was an enjoyable read and had me lightly chuckling to some of their innuendos and flirting, especially because Laila herself didn't expect that at all. At times some word choices felt very formal, though this was often during Gabriel's POV so it would make sense as a French speaker.
February 22, 2026
It’s part of The Love Hotel which is a 5 book series! I enjoyed it loved her writing style
Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Ali Hazelwood!
He’s forbidden. She knows better. But The Love Hotel Paris has other plans...🤭
Single mum Laila is officially an empty nester. But her social life’s flatter than a crêpe, and her love life? Non-existent. So when her best friend signs her up to The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows it’s rude to say no!
Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Ali Hazelwood!
He’s forbidden. She knows better. But The Love Hotel Paris has other plans...🤭
Single mum Laila is officially an empty nester. But her social life’s flatter than a crêpe, and her love life? Non-existent. So when her best friend signs her up to The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows it’s rude to say no!
March 1, 2026
I cannot preach enough about how much I adore this series.
Instalment number 5 of the love hotel and it is still as dreamy and magical as ever! Love in this series is intoxicating. This one felt like it went SO quickly, I felt like I was on Gabriel and Laila’s journey and two weeks went by in the blink of an eye. I devour these books so for it to feel this quick must mean great things 😉.
Laila and Gabriel are signed up to The Love Hotel by their best friends, determined to show them that they need to live their lives for themselves and not for other people anymore. However, arriving at the hotel to learn they have been matched with eachother leaves Gabriel elated and Laila disappointed.
Laila cannot move past the fact that Gabriel is much younger than her, but worse still is Juliette’s son! Immediately she puts the breaks on and makes it clear that nothing can happen between them. I loved that Laila wanted to give herself a chance to enjoy Paris, trying to push aside that this involved Gabriel. I loved the tasks and the things that they done together, you could feel the spark through the pages 😍. I adored the way that Gabriel treated Laila, he saw right through her layers and the walls she put up around her. He was so kind and patient and I deserved more credit than Laila first gave him.
Funny highlight - Ricky calling Laila later in the book, the shock that shooketh my face 🤣 honestly I read that and said ‘omg no’ out loud 😳.
If you’re a fan of Emily In Paris then you need to read this, there were so many references and u honestly ate them up it was soo good and gave me even more visuals of what Laila and Gabriel were getting up to!
If you’re looking for a steamy, best friends son 🙊, age gap, he falls first romance set in the most romantic city in the world then this is your sign that you need to pick this up.
Instalment number 5 of the love hotel and it is still as dreamy and magical as ever! Love in this series is intoxicating. This one felt like it went SO quickly, I felt like I was on Gabriel and Laila’s journey and two weeks went by in the blink of an eye. I devour these books so for it to feel this quick must mean great things 😉.
Laila and Gabriel are signed up to The Love Hotel by their best friends, determined to show them that they need to live their lives for themselves and not for other people anymore. However, arriving at the hotel to learn they have been matched with eachother leaves Gabriel elated and Laila disappointed.
Laila cannot move past the fact that Gabriel is much younger than her, but worse still is Juliette’s son! Immediately she puts the breaks on and makes it clear that nothing can happen between them. I loved that Laila wanted to give herself a chance to enjoy Paris, trying to push aside that this involved Gabriel. I loved the tasks and the things that they done together, you could feel the spark through the pages 😍. I adored the way that Gabriel treated Laila, he saw right through her layers and the walls she put up around her. He was so kind and patient and I deserved more credit than Laila first gave him.
Funny highlight - Ricky calling Laila later in the book, the shock that shooketh my face 🤣 honestly I read that and said ‘omg no’ out loud 😳.
If you’re a fan of Emily In Paris then you need to read this, there were so many references and u honestly ate them up it was soo good and gave me even more visuals of what Laila and Gabriel were getting up to!
If you’re looking for a steamy, best friends son 🙊, age gap, he falls first romance set in the most romantic city in the world then this is your sign that you need to pick this up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Olivia Spring’s Regret This Later threw me straight into scandal, temptation, and the kind of chaos that makes you gasp, “Oh no… oh YES,” in the same breath. Published by Boldwood Books, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
Because let’s not pretend this premise is calm. A forty-year-old newly empty-nester checks into a luxury matchmaking retreat in Paris hoping for a little reinvention… and discovers her soulmate is her best friend’s twenty-seven-year-old son. I mean. The drama writes itself.
But here’s the thing. This isn’t messy for the sake of shock value. It’s layered. It’s funny. It’s surprisingly tender.
Laila is at that strange crossroads so many women quietly hit. Her child has flown the nest. Her career feels beige. Her love life is a fossil. She’s done everything right for everyone else. Watching her step into The Love Hotel felt less like escapism and more like witnessing someone finally exhale. She’s sharp, self-aware, and very aware that wanting Gabriel is a terrible idea. The guilt sits heavy. The loyalty to her best friend complicates every glance. And yet.
Gabriel is not written as a reckless boy chasing something taboo. He’s steady. Thoughtful. Disarmingly mature. Yes, he’s younger. Yes, he’s wealthy and annoyingly attractive. But what made me melt was how intentionally he sees Laila. Not as a fantasy. Not as rebellion. As a woman. As his equal. When he tells her, “I don’t regret you,” it doesn’t feel like a throwaway line. It feels earned.
The chemistry simmers before it ignites. There are electric almost-kisses, lingering eye contact across candlelit tables, and moments under the Paris skyline that made me pause and just sit in it. The spice is present, absolutely, but it never overshadows the emotional core. This is about a woman rediscovering desire without apology. About choosing joy even when it’s inconvenient.
I’ll be honest, I went in slightly wary of the best-friend’s-son dynamic. That could have tipped into uncomfortable fast. Instead, it’s handled with care. The conflict feels real. The consequences aren’t brushed aside. Some resolutions may land a little neatly, but honestly? In a romance set in Paris at a matchmaking hotel, I’m willing to suspend a little disbelief.
This book will speak directly to readers who love age gap romance with emotional weight. If you enjoy Meghan Quinn’s playful tension or Emily Henry’s heart but want something bolder and a little more forbidden, this fits beautifully. It also stands strong as a story about midlife reinvention, which I adored.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pure escapism with heart, heat, and just enough scandal to make it delicious.
So tell me… if the universe matched you with the one person you absolutely shouldn’t want, would you walk away? Or would you regret it later?
#RegretThisLater #OliviaSpring #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #AgeGapRomance #ForbiddenRomance #ParisRomance #SteamyReads #RomanceReview #Bookstagram
Because let’s not pretend this premise is calm. A forty-year-old newly empty-nester checks into a luxury matchmaking retreat in Paris hoping for a little reinvention… and discovers her soulmate is her best friend’s twenty-seven-year-old son. I mean. The drama writes itself.
But here’s the thing. This isn’t messy for the sake of shock value. It’s layered. It’s funny. It’s surprisingly tender.
Laila is at that strange crossroads so many women quietly hit. Her child has flown the nest. Her career feels beige. Her love life is a fossil. She’s done everything right for everyone else. Watching her step into The Love Hotel felt less like escapism and more like witnessing someone finally exhale. She’s sharp, self-aware, and very aware that wanting Gabriel is a terrible idea. The guilt sits heavy. The loyalty to her best friend complicates every glance. And yet.
Gabriel is not written as a reckless boy chasing something taboo. He’s steady. Thoughtful. Disarmingly mature. Yes, he’s younger. Yes, he’s wealthy and annoyingly attractive. But what made me melt was how intentionally he sees Laila. Not as a fantasy. Not as rebellion. As a woman. As his equal. When he tells her, “I don’t regret you,” it doesn’t feel like a throwaway line. It feels earned.
The chemistry simmers before it ignites. There are electric almost-kisses, lingering eye contact across candlelit tables, and moments under the Paris skyline that made me pause and just sit in it. The spice is present, absolutely, but it never overshadows the emotional core. This is about a woman rediscovering desire without apology. About choosing joy even when it’s inconvenient.
I’ll be honest, I went in slightly wary of the best-friend’s-son dynamic. That could have tipped into uncomfortable fast. Instead, it’s handled with care. The conflict feels real. The consequences aren’t brushed aside. Some resolutions may land a little neatly, but honestly? In a romance set in Paris at a matchmaking hotel, I’m willing to suspend a little disbelief.
This book will speak directly to readers who love age gap romance with emotional weight. If you enjoy Meghan Quinn’s playful tension or Emily Henry’s heart but want something bolder and a little more forbidden, this fits beautifully. It also stands strong as a story about midlife reinvention, which I adored.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pure escapism with heart, heat, and just enough scandal to make it delicious.
So tell me… if the universe matched you with the one person you absolutely shouldn’t want, would you walk away? Or would you regret it later?
#RegretThisLater #OliviaSpring #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #AgeGapRomance #ForbiddenRomance #ParisRomance #SteamyReads #RomanceReview #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tropes:
Age Gap, Matchmaking, Friend to Lovers, Second Chance
Regret This Later by Olivia Spring is another solidly entertaining entry in her The Love Hotel series. Readers also get to catch up with Cassie and Nico from My Lucky Night. Single parent (and slightly struggling) Laila is likable from the very start of the story! She has an eclectic group of friends who unselfishly assist her from time to time. For her birthday, her best friend gifts her with a booking at the love hotel in Paris. Laila is leery but eventually agrees to accept this fabulous gift. What could go wrong? Gabriel is estranged from his mother and no longer visits her in her London home. Really, the highlight of his visits was getting to know Laila. When he learns that Laila will be visiting the hotel in Paris, he accepts his friend’s urgings to check out the facilities. Perhaps while there he will run into his crush, Laila. Stranger things have happened, right?
Conclusion:
While Laila had plenty of misgivings about dating her friend’s much younger son, this book was mostly an angst free zone. I thought it was so cute and sweetly romantic that Gabriel had been smitten with Laila for years and seized his first opportunity to be in her orbit. Resistance is futile as Laila soon discovered. Gabriel was not totally forthcoming about his situation in life but instead of pushing them apart they were able to find some commonalities and solidify their connection. Final words, this story is another easy-to-read romance, with descriptions of places I would love to see (reading about them is the next best thing) AND with a guaranteed happy ending. No regrets
Favorite Lines:
I knew Juliette, Marjorie and Cordelia all took pity on me and saw me as their ‘poor friend’ and I’d made my peace with it, but paying for this was too much.
‘G-Gabriel?’ I stuttered, my throat contracting as I struggled to speak. ‘Wh-what are you doing here? This is—’
I thought coming to this hotel was a dream, but now that I’d been introduced to my match, it’d just become my worst nightmare.
I liked how selfless she was. That was why I listed it as one of the things I had learnt about her. But then I realised that it was not something new.
‘I hear you. I also suffer from cakeitus, which in case you’re wondering is the very serious medical condition where whenever I’m within a few feet of cake I absolutely have to eat it.’
Yet in walked Gabriel after seven years and remembered like it was yesterday.
‘Your mum thinks I’m a bloody angel. If she saw the way I was just licking that ice cream like it was your balls, she’d send me straight to hell.’
‘Well, of course the most romantic thing to do at the top of La Tour Eiffel is to share a kiss.’
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/regret...
Age Gap, Matchmaking, Friend to Lovers, Second Chance
Regret This Later by Olivia Spring is another solidly entertaining entry in her The Love Hotel series. Readers also get to catch up with Cassie and Nico from My Lucky Night. Single parent (and slightly struggling) Laila is likable from the very start of the story! She has an eclectic group of friends who unselfishly assist her from time to time. For her birthday, her best friend gifts her with a booking at the love hotel in Paris. Laila is leery but eventually agrees to accept this fabulous gift. What could go wrong? Gabriel is estranged from his mother and no longer visits her in her London home. Really, the highlight of his visits was getting to know Laila. When he learns that Laila will be visiting the hotel in Paris, he accepts his friend’s urgings to check out the facilities. Perhaps while there he will run into his crush, Laila. Stranger things have happened, right?
Conclusion:
While Laila had plenty of misgivings about dating her friend’s much younger son, this book was mostly an angst free zone. I thought it was so cute and sweetly romantic that Gabriel had been smitten with Laila for years and seized his first opportunity to be in her orbit. Resistance is futile as Laila soon discovered. Gabriel was not totally forthcoming about his situation in life but instead of pushing them apart they were able to find some commonalities and solidify their connection. Final words, this story is another easy-to-read romance, with descriptions of places I would love to see (reading about them is the next best thing) AND with a guaranteed happy ending. No regrets
Favorite Lines:
I knew Juliette, Marjorie and Cordelia all took pity on me and saw me as their ‘poor friend’ and I’d made my peace with it, but paying for this was too much.
‘G-Gabriel?’ I stuttered, my throat contracting as I struggled to speak. ‘Wh-what are you doing here? This is—’
I thought coming to this hotel was a dream, but now that I’d been introduced to my match, it’d just become my worst nightmare.
I liked how selfless she was. That was why I listed it as one of the things I had learnt about her. But then I realised that it was not something new.
‘I hear you. I also suffer from cakeitus, which in case you’re wondering is the very serious medical condition where whenever I’m within a few feet of cake I absolutely have to eat it.’
Yet in walked Gabriel after seven years and remembered like it was yesterday.
‘Your mum thinks I’m a bloody angel. If she saw the way I was just licking that ice cream like it was your balls, she’d send me straight to hell.’
‘Well, of course the most romantic thing to do at the top of La Tour Eiffel is to share a kiss.’
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/regret...
February 23, 2026
4 ⭐️
Tropes: dual POV, forbidden romance, best friends son, age gap romance, forced proximity, millionaire MMC, no third act breakup
“Maybe knowing that he was forbidden made me want him more.”
“I knew it was wrong, but the truth was I just couldn’t help myself…”
I adored this! It was a sweet, spicy and scandalous romance. Laila and Gabriel were both so good together and I couldn’t get enough of them. They both had past hurts that made them hesitant to seek out their happily ever after, but fate had other plans.
“If this was not the definition of fate, I did not know what was.”
They both submitted applications to be matched at a matchmaking resort in Paris; (a little against their will), but neither ever expected what waited for them at Hotel Love. Gabriel had always had a thing for Laila and the way he didn’t let this opportunity pass him by was everything. He knew he needed to give it his all to try and get her if not he’d regret it. I SWOONED at how Gabriel showed up for her, took care of her and showed her that real men (although younger) still existed.
“Gabriel was proving yet again that he wasn’t like all the others. He was in a league of his own.”
“When Laila kissed me for the first time, I wanted her to want it just as much as I did. I wanted her to crave me like someone drowning craves oxygen. Because that was the way I felt about her. That was how much I’d always wanted to kiss her.”
Even when she had her reservations Gabriel allowed her to go at her own pace until she was ready. He not only showed her that real love still existed but he showed her how to prioritize and love herself as well, and it was so perfect!
“Perhaps if you will not allow yourself to fall in love with me, you will use this as an opportunity to fall in love with yourself.”
And I so appreciate that there was not third act breakup, and we ended with their happily ever after without the mess 😍
I’ve read a few of Olivia’s books and this is another book that did not disappoint 🩵 Mark your calendars for 2/27/2026 🗓️
Thank you to NetGalley and Olivia Spring for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: dual POV, forbidden romance, best friends son, age gap romance, forced proximity, millionaire MMC, no third act breakup
“Maybe knowing that he was forbidden made me want him more.”
“I knew it was wrong, but the truth was I just couldn’t help myself…”
I adored this! It was a sweet, spicy and scandalous romance. Laila and Gabriel were both so good together and I couldn’t get enough of them. They both had past hurts that made them hesitant to seek out their happily ever after, but fate had other plans.
“If this was not the definition of fate, I did not know what was.”
They both submitted applications to be matched at a matchmaking resort in Paris; (a little against their will), but neither ever expected what waited for them at Hotel Love. Gabriel had always had a thing for Laila and the way he didn’t let this opportunity pass him by was everything. He knew he needed to give it his all to try and get her if not he’d regret it. I SWOONED at how Gabriel showed up for her, took care of her and showed her that real men (although younger) still existed.
“Gabriel was proving yet again that he wasn’t like all the others. He was in a league of his own.”
“When Laila kissed me for the first time, I wanted her to want it just as much as I did. I wanted her to crave me like someone drowning craves oxygen. Because that was the way I felt about her. That was how much I’d always wanted to kiss her.”
Even when she had her reservations Gabriel allowed her to go at her own pace until she was ready. He not only showed her that real love still existed but he showed her how to prioritize and love herself as well, and it was so perfect!
“Perhaps if you will not allow yourself to fall in love with me, you will use this as an opportunity to fall in love with yourself.”
And I so appreciate that there was not third act breakup, and we ended with their happily ever after without the mess 😍
I’ve read a few of Olivia’s books and this is another book that did not disappoint 🩵 Mark your calendars for 2/27/2026 🗓️
Thank you to NetGalley and Olivia Spring for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2026
Regret This Later by Olivia Spring completely pulled me in with its emotional intensity and messy, human vulnerability. This is one of those stories where the characters feel painfully real—flawed, guarded, and shaped by choices they can’t undo.
What stood out most to me was how authentically Spring captures regret—not just as something dramatic and life-altering, but as something quieter and more insidious. It lives in the small moments, the words left unsaid, and the decisions made out of fear rather than courage. Watching the main character wrestle with past mistakes and the possibility of second chances was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I especially appreciated how the emotional growth didn’t come easily; it felt earned, step by step.
The romance was layered with tension and unresolved history, which made every interaction feel meaningful. There’s a constant push and pull between wanting to move forward and being afraid to reopen old wounds. Spring does a wonderful job of showing how love doesn’t magically erase regret—but it can offer a path toward forgiveness and healing.
I also loved the introspective tone. The writing has a reflective, almost intimate quality, like you’re inside the character’s thoughts as they confront truths they’ve been avoiding. It made the emotional moments hit even harder.
My only reason for not giving it five stars is that there were a few pacing dips in the middle where the story lingered a bit too long in reflection without moving the plot forward. However, the emotional payoff and satisfying character development made it absolutely worth the journey.
Overall, Regret This Later is a poignant, emotionally driven story about mistakes, accountability, and the courage it takes to face your past. If you enjoy character-focused romances with depth, emotional realism, and meaningful growth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
What stood out most to me was how authentically Spring captures regret—not just as something dramatic and life-altering, but as something quieter and more insidious. It lives in the small moments, the words left unsaid, and the decisions made out of fear rather than courage. Watching the main character wrestle with past mistakes and the possibility of second chances was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I especially appreciated how the emotional growth didn’t come easily; it felt earned, step by step.
The romance was layered with tension and unresolved history, which made every interaction feel meaningful. There’s a constant push and pull between wanting to move forward and being afraid to reopen old wounds. Spring does a wonderful job of showing how love doesn’t magically erase regret—but it can offer a path toward forgiveness and healing.
I also loved the introspective tone. The writing has a reflective, almost intimate quality, like you’re inside the character’s thoughts as they confront truths they’ve been avoiding. It made the emotional moments hit even harder.
My only reason for not giving it five stars is that there were a few pacing dips in the middle where the story lingered a bit too long in reflection without moving the plot forward. However, the emotional payoff and satisfying character development made it absolutely worth the journey.
Overall, Regret This Later is a poignant, emotionally driven story about mistakes, accountability, and the courage it takes to face your past. If you enjoy character-focused romances with depth, emotional realism, and meaningful growth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow…yet again another amazing book from the wonderful and very talented Olivia Spring! She writes books so beautifully and full of romance, comedy and spice and each one always transports me to a wonderful place too.
Regret This Later is book number five from The Love Hotel series and in it we find Gabriel and Laila who have been matched at the new Love Hotel in Paris.
Olivia’s style of writing is beautiful and her descriptions of all the places visited are spot on and i found myself imagining the places exactly as they are and it was perfect for a bit of armchair travel and quite honestly I do love a book set in Paris.
Laila was a wonderful character and i definitely warmed to her straight away. Her twenty one year old son has just left home to go travelling and she decides to concentrate on what she wants for a change and has a lot of fun doing it too!!
Gabriel is the smooth Frenchman and every time I read his part i do it in a sultry French accent and i love it! Gabriel is not only a friend of Laila’s son but is also the son of her best friend Juliette…
We also have a few little snippets and cameo’s from characters from previous books and i absolutely loved this little touch and getting to know what the characters are up to now, sort of a little life update!
Regret This Later is romantic, picturesque, funny, full of banter, is hot and spicy and overall a must read and you will start to fall in love with it as soon as you start to read it. There is some intrigue throughout the story too and this helps to pull the story along and kept me turning the pages throughout because i just HAD to know what was going to happen next!
This book gets a definite ten out of ten from me and now i cannot wait to find out what happens in the sixth instalment from The Love Hotel series…..
Regret This Later is book number five from The Love Hotel series and in it we find Gabriel and Laila who have been matched at the new Love Hotel in Paris.
Olivia’s style of writing is beautiful and her descriptions of all the places visited are spot on and i found myself imagining the places exactly as they are and it was perfect for a bit of armchair travel and quite honestly I do love a book set in Paris.
Laila was a wonderful character and i definitely warmed to her straight away. Her twenty one year old son has just left home to go travelling and she decides to concentrate on what she wants for a change and has a lot of fun doing it too!!
Gabriel is the smooth Frenchman and every time I read his part i do it in a sultry French accent and i love it! Gabriel is not only a friend of Laila’s son but is also the son of her best friend Juliette…
We also have a few little snippets and cameo’s from characters from previous books and i absolutely loved this little touch and getting to know what the characters are up to now, sort of a little life update!
Regret This Later is romantic, picturesque, funny, full of banter, is hot and spicy and overall a must read and you will start to fall in love with it as soon as you start to read it. There is some intrigue throughout the story too and this helps to pull the story along and kept me turning the pages throughout because i just HAD to know what was going to happen next!
This book gets a definite ten out of ten from me and now i cannot wait to find out what happens in the sixth instalment from The Love Hotel series…..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a longtime romance lover, and I always enjoy finding stories that bring something a little different to the genre. Age gap romances have been growing on me lately, and this one was a great reminder of why. The dynamic between an older FMC and a younger MMC was handled with care and emotional depth, and I found myself drawn into their connection almost immediately. Inter-racial romances are not something I read often, so this story also felt like a refreshing change of pace. Their chemistry developed naturally, and their bond felt genuine and earned.
Since this book is part of an existing series, there were a few side characters whose histories clearly came from earlier installments. Even so, I never felt lost while reading. The story stood well on its own, and I was still fully invested in the main characters and eager to see how their relationship would unfold. If anything, it made me more curious about the earlier books and the larger world surrounding them.
The MMC was a standout for me. While he is wealthy and carries a certain level of influence, those traits never overshadowed the romance. Instead, they added an interesting layer to his character. I really enjoyed watching him soften over the course of the story and consistently show up for the FMC in meaningful ways. His support and emotional presence made their relationship feel even stronger and more believable.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It delivered a heartfelt romance with strong chemistry, thoughtful character development, and a dynamic that kept me engaged from start to finish. By the end, I was rooting for both of them and left feeling satisfied with their journey.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Since this book is part of an existing series, there were a few side characters whose histories clearly came from earlier installments. Even so, I never felt lost while reading. The story stood well on its own, and I was still fully invested in the main characters and eager to see how their relationship would unfold. If anything, it made me more curious about the earlier books and the larger world surrounding them.
The MMC was a standout for me. While he is wealthy and carries a certain level of influence, those traits never overshadowed the romance. Instead, they added an interesting layer to his character. I really enjoyed watching him soften over the course of the story and consistently show up for the FMC in meaningful ways. His support and emotional presence made their relationship feel even stronger and more believable.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It delivered a heartfelt romance with strong chemistry, thoughtful character development, and a dynamic that kept me engaged from start to finish. By the end, I was rooting for both of them and left feeling satisfied with their journey.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
March 19, 2026
The Love Hotel Paris and single mum Laila. With her love life flatter than a crepe . Love the description so stole it. Her best friend signs her up. I’d say thank you now cos I know how it’s going anyhow. So she goes with the flow. How was she to know how it would go…
What the hell? Her best friend’s so Gabriel is her match …He’s quite a catch but god in heaven ,he’s twenty seven! He’s grown up in all the right places . But what’s his status?
He’s a secret tech billionaire. He only has eyes for her and boy does it stare. Is she about to go there with this dreamy man. Because undo her he can,just with one look. She’s hooked. No time to think of consequences she just loves the dalliance that’s the consensus..
Well wouldn’t you? Because phew 😮💨 He’s hot and has her leaking as he’s speaking not a holler, from under her collar. Well she’ll ever remember this moment under the Paris lights full of promise and delights as her whole body ignites for him. Is she in a dream? If she is she doesn’t want to wake. This man makes her body quake and shiver and boy? No , this man can deliver…
Well this single mum just got her yum. Does she stay or does she run from this? This man is the chef’s kiss and the connection is on fire with desire . She can’t douse the spark as her body does arc and burn for his heat. He makes her feel complete.
Do they go their separate ways or stay and satisfy her every day forevermore? You’ll have to read and find out. This later in life ex wife has something to remember always. Oh my days this book is a delight. It hits just right and it’s written so well. Olivia Spring had me under her spell. The writing is exciting and a great story. Divine and compelling storytelling.
What the hell? Her best friend’s so Gabriel is her match …He’s quite a catch but god in heaven ,he’s twenty seven! He’s grown up in all the right places . But what’s his status?
He’s a secret tech billionaire. He only has eyes for her and boy does it stare. Is she about to go there with this dreamy man. Because undo her he can,just with one look. She’s hooked. No time to think of consequences she just loves the dalliance that’s the consensus..
Well wouldn’t you? Because phew 😮💨 He’s hot and has her leaking as he’s speaking not a holler, from under her collar. Well she’ll ever remember this moment under the Paris lights full of promise and delights as her whole body ignites for him. Is she in a dream? If she is she doesn’t want to wake. This man makes her body quake and shiver and boy? No , this man can deliver…
Well this single mum just got her yum. Does she stay or does she run from this? This man is the chef’s kiss and the connection is on fire with desire . She can’t douse the spark as her body does arc and burn for his heat. He makes her feel complete.
Do they go their separate ways or stay and satisfy her every day forevermore? You’ll have to read and find out. This later in life ex wife has something to remember always. Oh my days this book is a delight. It hits just right and it’s written so well. Olivia Spring had me under her spell. The writing is exciting and a great story. Divine and compelling storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Regret This Later leans into a romance setup that’s undeniably fun on paper: a matchmaking retreat in Paris, a freshly empty-nest heroine, and a forbidden connection that’s complicated in all the right ways. The concept does a lot of the heavy lifting here, and for the most part, it works.
The Love Hotel’s matchmaking premise adds a playful, slightly chaotic energy to the story, and the Paris setting delivers exactly what you’d hope for—romantic backdrops, dreamy vibes, and a sense of escape that makes the book easy to sink into. The age-gap romance, which could have veered into uncomfortable territory, is handled with enough care that it never feels icky, and I appreciated that restraint. The forbidden aspect creates tension, but it’s more subdued than sizzling.
Where the book fell a bit short for me was in the emotional connection. While Laila and Gabriel are fine on the page, I never fully clicked with either of them, individually or as a couple. Their chemistry is present, but it didn’t quite reach the level that made me root hard for them or feel deeply invested in the outcome. The execution is solid, just not especially memorable.
Overall, Regret This Later is a decent, enjoyable read—one that’s easy to recommend if you’re in the mood for a light, Paris-set romance with a playful premise and low emotional stakes. It may not be a standout, but it’s still a pleasant way to pass the time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
#RegretThisLater
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We meet Laila, a woman in her early forties who has spent most of her life putting everyone else first. Now she’s finally in a place where she could start prioritizing herself, she just doesn’t really know how.
When a friend gives her the generous gift of a stay at The Love Hotel in Paris, where guests are matched with their ideal partner, Laila hesitates. But eventually she accepts. In Paris, we also meet Gabriel, whose friends convince him to try his luck at the same hotel. When Laila and Gabriel discover they’ve been matched with each other, they react very differently. Gabriel is open to the idea right away, while Laila pulls back. He is her friend’s son, noticeably younger, and the situation feels complicated. And so begins a few unexpected, interesting days in Paris.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between them. Their connection felt natural, their flirting and banter were charming, and their personal struggles made sense. Laila truly deserved the joy coming her way, and Gabriel was a complete green flag from start to finish. I laughed often, loved watching them grow closer, and even found the steamy moments easy enough to tolerate (there are definitely a few).
If you’re looking for a romance that leaves you warm and happy, this one is a great pick. While it references other Love Hotel stories and couples, it works perfectly well as a standalone. And honestly, it made me curious to explore the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When a friend gives her the generous gift of a stay at The Love Hotel in Paris, where guests are matched with their ideal partner, Laila hesitates. But eventually she accepts. In Paris, we also meet Gabriel, whose friends convince him to try his luck at the same hotel. When Laila and Gabriel discover they’ve been matched with each other, they react very differently. Gabriel is open to the idea right away, while Laila pulls back. He is her friend’s son, noticeably younger, and the situation feels complicated. And so begins a few unexpected, interesting days in Paris.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between them. Their connection felt natural, their flirting and banter were charming, and their personal struggles made sense. Laila truly deserved the joy coming her way, and Gabriel was a complete green flag from start to finish. I laughed often, loved watching them grow closer, and even found the steamy moments easy enough to tolerate (there are definitely a few).
If you’re looking for a romance that leaves you warm and happy, this one is a great pick. While it references other Love Hotel stories and couples, it works perfectly well as a standalone. And honestly, it made me curious to explore the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
Regret This Later, the fifth book in the Love Hotel series, can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the previous books as we meet the main characters from each one.
The story follows single mum Laila, who’s dedicated her life to raising her son. Now Ricky’s travelling the world, she’s at a crossroads. When her best friend signs her up for The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows she can’t refuse.
From London to Paris, Laila’s excited to explore the city and hopefully find her perfect match. However, she’s shocked to discover it’s Gabriel, her best friend’s 27-year-old son.
Gabriel was asked to attend the Love Hotel as a favour to his friend and the hotel’s investor. He knew Laila had applied and dreamed she’d be his match. He’s thrilled and wants to convince her to trust the process.
Laila finally agrees to explore Paris with him but only as friends. Their days quickly blend into nights filled with goofy photo shoots and near-miss kisses. She can’t deny her attraction to him, their shared loves but she discovers he’s one of the most considerate men she’s encountered. Can she walk away from a chance of happiness to save her friendship?
Olivia’s writing is so engaging and her characters are always interesting, keeping me turning pages. I love age gap romances and relate to many of Laila’s concerns, especially with a 12-year age gap myself, it felt very real and relatable.
Paris is a beautiful city and we’re also treated to their visit to the opening of the new Santorini hotel, the next location in the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Olivia Spring and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story follows single mum Laila, who’s dedicated her life to raising her son. Now Ricky’s travelling the world, she’s at a crossroads. When her best friend signs her up for The Love Hotel, Paris’s hottest matchmaking retreat, Laila knows she can’t refuse.
From London to Paris, Laila’s excited to explore the city and hopefully find her perfect match. However, she’s shocked to discover it’s Gabriel, her best friend’s 27-year-old son.
Gabriel was asked to attend the Love Hotel as a favour to his friend and the hotel’s investor. He knew Laila had applied and dreamed she’d be his match. He’s thrilled and wants to convince her to trust the process.
Laila finally agrees to explore Paris with him but only as friends. Their days quickly blend into nights filled with goofy photo shoots and near-miss kisses. She can’t deny her attraction to him, their shared loves but she discovers he’s one of the most considerate men she’s encountered. Can she walk away from a chance of happiness to save her friendship?
Olivia’s writing is so engaging and her characters are always interesting, keeping me turning pages. I love age gap romances and relate to many of Laila’s concerns, especially with a 12-year age gap myself, it felt very real and relatable.
Paris is a beautiful city and we’re also treated to their visit to the opening of the new Santorini hotel, the next location in the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Olivia Spring and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Regret This Later: The Love Hotel, Book 5 by Olivia Spring is a fun, flirty, and feel good romance that completely swept me away. With its irresistible Paris setting and a forbidden love story that delivers both laughs and heart, this book is pure romantic escapism.
Laila is a wonderfully relatable heroine. As a newly empty nester, she is navigating a new phase of life where freedom feels exciting but also a little lonely. Watching her rediscover herself at The Love Hotel is both empowering and entertaining. Her match, Gabriel, is everything you want in a romantic lead. Confident, charming, and impossible to ignore. The fact that he is her best friend’s son raises the stakes and adds a delicious layer of tension that keeps the pages turning.
The chemistry between Laila and Gabriel is undeniable and beautifully written. From lingering looks to near kisses and one truly magical moment under the Paris lights, the slow burn is handled perfectly. Olivia Spring balances humor and emotional depth with ease, making the romance feel heartfelt without ever becoming heavy.
This story embraces the chaos of falling for the wrong person at the wrong time and makes you root for love anyway. Fans of Meghan Quinn and Emily Henry will absolutely adore this charming, laugh out loud romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book.
Laila is a wonderfully relatable heroine. As a newly empty nester, she is navigating a new phase of life where freedom feels exciting but also a little lonely. Watching her rediscover herself at The Love Hotel is both empowering and entertaining. Her match, Gabriel, is everything you want in a romantic lead. Confident, charming, and impossible to ignore. The fact that he is her best friend’s son raises the stakes and adds a delicious layer of tension that keeps the pages turning.
The chemistry between Laila and Gabriel is undeniable and beautifully written. From lingering looks to near kisses and one truly magical moment under the Paris lights, the slow burn is handled perfectly. Olivia Spring balances humor and emotional depth with ease, making the romance feel heartfelt without ever becoming heavy.
This story embraces the chaos of falling for the wrong person at the wrong time and makes you root for love anyway. Fans of Meghan Quinn and Emily Henry will absolutely adore this charming, laugh out loud romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book.
February 28, 2026
This is another brilliant outing in Olivia’s Love Hotel series. We are in the new Paris hotel following along Lalia and Gabriel’s story. Lalia our FMC faces a huge dilemma of been matched with her best friends son. The question of what will she do follow her heart and happiness or do what she thinks she should do to please everyone else. Lalia’s character grows so much over the course of the story and I’m so glad with the outcome at the end of the book. Gabriel the MMC please can he be real and here in real life. He is just so genuine, caring and amazing! In my head whenever I was reading him I kept thinking about the actor Ned Porteous who plays Joe Tate in Emmerdale. If we ever get a onscreen adaptation please can it be him.
Paris was also the most wonderful setting I’ve been lucky enough to visit the city myself a few times so far in my life. No where else could have been better for me as I could picture all the landmarks that the pair visited on there dates set up by the hotel. I particularly loved the date with the picnic it made me literally laugh out loud with the disaster the couple face as it’s definitely something that would happen to clumsy me. This is the second book I’ve read in this series and I lived all the little cameos and Easter eggs that popped up. Some familiar faces were wonderful to catch up with again.
Olivia has written another great book full of love, laughs and wonderful characters.
Paris was also the most wonderful setting I’ve been lucky enough to visit the city myself a few times so far in my life. No where else could have been better for me as I could picture all the landmarks that the pair visited on there dates set up by the hotel. I particularly loved the date with the picnic it made me literally laugh out loud with the disaster the couple face as it’s definitely something that would happen to clumsy me. This is the second book I’ve read in this series and I lived all the little cameos and Easter eggs that popped up. Some familiar faces were wonderful to catch up with again.
Olivia has written another great book full of love, laughs and wonderful characters.
February 20, 2026
“I’m on the shelf for you. If I’m taking you away from doing this work that matters, I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
3.5/5 ✨
First of all the concept?? A luxury hotel designed to match you with the love of your life? Stellar. And the fact that this is book 5 in a series of love hotel standalones?? Catching me skipping to book one immediately.
Gabriel 🥵. I’m OBSESSED with his directness. Ugh and he’s successful on top of that? god, when? Like pls.
Laila was interesting… for a 40 year old woman she reads very young. Sabrina Carpenter references, how she describes her attraction to Gabriel, the list goes on…
A few things I didn’t like:
I’m not of fan of dual povs where the first portion of the chapter is the other character recounting what just happened… as if I need a recap for something I read three pages ago. This happened pretty consistently and took me out every time.
The dialogue/sentence structure were a little odd. Primarily in Gabriel’s POVs. Not sure if it’s a choice due to his first language being French or if this is just the authors writing style. His chapters moreso than Laila’s read a bit choppy to me.
Overall, Regret This Later was a cute and quick read and I did have a good time. Perfect for lovers of destination romances, forbidden love, and no third act break ups!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 ✨
First of all the concept?? A luxury hotel designed to match you with the love of your life? Stellar. And the fact that this is book 5 in a series of love hotel standalones?? Catching me skipping to book one immediately.
Gabriel 🥵. I’m OBSESSED with his directness. Ugh and he’s successful on top of that? god, when? Like pls.
Laila was interesting… for a 40 year old woman she reads very young. Sabrina Carpenter references, how she describes her attraction to Gabriel, the list goes on…
A few things I didn’t like:
I’m not of fan of dual povs where the first portion of the chapter is the other character recounting what just happened… as if I need a recap for something I read three pages ago. This happened pretty consistently and took me out every time.
The dialogue/sentence structure were a little odd. Primarily in Gabriel’s POVs. Not sure if it’s a choice due to his first language being French or if this is just the authors writing style. His chapters moreso than Laila’s read a bit choppy to me.
Overall, Regret This Later was a cute and quick read and I did have a good time. Perfect for lovers of destination romances, forbidden love, and no third act break ups!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2026
4.5⭐️ I can’t lie, I loved this book from the beginning. It’s always refreshing to read a romance focusing on a woman in her 40’s but also when we get to see different family dynamics. Single mum dealing with empty nest syndrome.
The concept behind the love hotel is brilliant. It’s a shame such a thing doesn’t exist in the real world because I’d wanna sign up! lol
Laila is a phenomenal main character. Following her journey and watching her grow and blossom made me extremely happy.
Maybe one day, I’ll look in a mirror too and say “je t'aime” to myself!
And we can’t forget Gabriel. He is such a beautiful, strong character that made me swoon. Oh to have a man that lavishes that kind of attention on me.
And I have to mention the daily tasks during their stay at the Love Hotel. They were so cute and, if I ever go on a trip anywhere with a partner, I’m going to make sure I do my variation of them. 📸
Throughout the book, Laila struggles with the fact she’s been paired with her best friend’s son. Obviously, as she grows, she starts to put herself and her happiness first (which is amazing) but I wanted a little more when the truth finally came out.
I will definitely be checking out the first 4 books in The Love Hotel series as this had everything I wanted from a romance. Beautifully written with humour, spice and heart! ♥️
The concept behind the love hotel is brilliant. It’s a shame such a thing doesn’t exist in the real world because I’d wanna sign up! lol
Laila is a phenomenal main character. Following her journey and watching her grow and blossom made me extremely happy.
Maybe one day, I’ll look in a mirror too and say “je t'aime” to myself!
And we can’t forget Gabriel. He is such a beautiful, strong character that made me swoon. Oh to have a man that lavishes that kind of attention on me.
And I have to mention the daily tasks during their stay at the Love Hotel. They were so cute and, if I ever go on a trip anywhere with a partner, I’m going to make sure I do my variation of them. 📸
Throughout the book, Laila struggles with the fact she’s been paired with her best friend’s son. Obviously, as she grows, she starts to put herself and her happiness first (which is amazing) but I wanted a little more when the truth finally came out.
I will definitely be checking out the first 4 books in The Love Hotel series as this had everything I wanted from a romance. Beautifully written with humour, spice and heart! ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the 5th book in the „Love Hotel“ series by author Olivia Spring but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. The Love Hotel is a resort that specialises on match-making and if you get to stay there it is because they found your soul-mate - even though you might not realize it at first. In this book 40-year-old single mom Laila is matched with Gabriel - a man who is 13 years her senior and her best friend‘s son - so it is obvious that nothing can ever come of this match. Or can it?
This was a very entertaining romance book. I liked that the age-gap-romance was not the usual older man - younger woman but the other way around. I liked Laila and Gabriel from the start but I had trouble believing that Laila would get over her feeling of betraying her best friend rather easily. Also I thought that all arising problems are solved too easily - usually within one conversation (like the one they had with Juliette at the train station). As always with this series the setting and described touristy activities made me want to visit Paris asap.
All in all an entertaining light romance set in beautiful places in France.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a very entertaining romance book. I liked that the age-gap-romance was not the usual older man - younger woman but the other way around. I liked Laila and Gabriel from the start but I had trouble believing that Laila would get over her feeling of betraying her best friend rather easily. Also I thought that all arising problems are solved too easily - usually within one conversation (like the one they had with Juliette at the train station). As always with this series the setting and described touristy activities made me want to visit Paris asap.
All in all an entertaining light romance set in beautiful places in France.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a fun read that brings home the message that love can be found when you least expect it! 🥰
We follow the story of Laila who seems to be stuck in a rut as a 40 year old woman who's grown son has moved out, love life is non existent and work is dull and unfulfilling. Her friend applies to send her to the Love Hotel in Paris to find her dream man and inject some passion into her life! The problem? That man is the friends grown up son Gabriel, who has always had a crush on Laila since he became friends with her son and would visit their house as a younger man. 😮😱
Initially Laila feel like she must be responsible and stay far away from Gabriel as spending time with and potentially falling for her friends son is a big no-no but as they begin to explore Paris together and spend time with each other it becomes increasingly difficult to deny the feelings they have for each other!
This book tackles all these adult themes with real feelings and thoughts which makes the story so much more relatable and shows that finding love isn't so straight forward but can be something amazing if you let it develop naturally! Highly recommend reading! 💕
We follow the story of Laila who seems to be stuck in a rut as a 40 year old woman who's grown son has moved out, love life is non existent and work is dull and unfulfilling. Her friend applies to send her to the Love Hotel in Paris to find her dream man and inject some passion into her life! The problem? That man is the friends grown up son Gabriel, who has always had a crush on Laila since he became friends with her son and would visit their house as a younger man. 😮😱
Initially Laila feel like she must be responsible and stay far away from Gabriel as spending time with and potentially falling for her friends son is a big no-no but as they begin to explore Paris together and spend time with each other it becomes increasingly difficult to deny the feelings they have for each other!
This book tackles all these adult themes with real feelings and thoughts which makes the story so much more relatable and shows that finding love isn't so straight forward but can be something amazing if you let it develop naturally! Highly recommend reading! 💕
March 14, 2026
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
✨️ Forced Proximity
✨️ Reverse Age Gap
✨️ Forbidden Romance
✨️ Match-Making Hotel
I love this series!! It is seriously such a feel good, vibes read with phenomenal leading ladies!
I adored Laila, she reminded me so much of myself in some ways. She made me laugh with how things would shock her or the way she'd misunderstand something. Despite being 41, she came across as such a sweet and innocent woman — you could tell her life had been dedicated to her son and not much to herself.
The Parisian setting was wonderful, I loved the way the sights and culture were dispersed throughout the story. I've never been so I couldn't tell you if it was accurate but it has me itching to hop on the Eurostar!
If I'm being completely honest, I wasn't a huge fan of Gabriel. Compared to the previous books MMC's, he seemed to be lacking something for me. I couldn't tell you what it is specifically because I don't know 😅 I just didn't feel as invested in the romance as I have done previously but honestly, I was just happy for Laila. My girl deserved all the happiness 🫶
Thank you so much to Olivia Spring and Boldwood for the advanced e-book! I can't wait for book 6 🩷
✨️ Forced Proximity
✨️ Reverse Age Gap
✨️ Forbidden Romance
✨️ Match-Making Hotel
I love this series!! It is seriously such a feel good, vibes read with phenomenal leading ladies!
I adored Laila, she reminded me so much of myself in some ways. She made me laugh with how things would shock her or the way she'd misunderstand something. Despite being 41, she came across as such a sweet and innocent woman — you could tell her life had been dedicated to her son and not much to herself.
The Parisian setting was wonderful, I loved the way the sights and culture were dispersed throughout the story. I've never been so I couldn't tell you if it was accurate but it has me itching to hop on the Eurostar!
If I'm being completely honest, I wasn't a huge fan of Gabriel. Compared to the previous books MMC's, he seemed to be lacking something for me. I couldn't tell you what it is specifically because I don't know 😅 I just didn't feel as invested in the romance as I have done previously but honestly, I was just happy for Laila. My girl deserved all the happiness 🫶
Thank you so much to Olivia Spring and Boldwood for the advanced e-book! I can't wait for book 6 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Regret This Later was a delightful romance novel. I have not read any of the others in this Love Hotel series but I will be seeking them out.
Laila, a single mom was turning 41 and had recently became an empty nester. Her life up to this point had felt like a series of failures. Her best friend gave her a trip to the newest Love Hotel in Paris with the opportunity to find her perfect match.
Surprise! Her perfect match ends up being the son of her best friend, Gabriel who is more than a few years younger than herself.
I found myself rooting for Laila and Gabriel to overcome these difficulties and get together as a couple. Being competitive myself I found myself hoping that they would win the daily competitions and the grand prize as they explored France together. The descriptions of places that they visited made me feel like I had gone along for the ride and was experiencing this along with them.
This spicy romance will leave you feeling good and was a quick, entertaining read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Laila, a single mom was turning 41 and had recently became an empty nester. Her life up to this point had felt like a series of failures. Her best friend gave her a trip to the newest Love Hotel in Paris with the opportunity to find her perfect match.
Surprise! Her perfect match ends up being the son of her best friend, Gabriel who is more than a few years younger than herself.
I found myself rooting for Laila and Gabriel to overcome these difficulties and get together as a couple. Being competitive myself I found myself hoping that they would win the daily competitions and the grand prize as they explored France together. The descriptions of places that they visited made me feel like I had gone along for the ride and was experiencing this along with them.
This spicy romance will leave you feeling good and was a quick, entertaining read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 13, 2026
Regret This Later by Olivia Spring is a forbidden, age-gap romance that leans heavily on emotional tension and character development. The story centers on two main characters who are drawn together despite knowing their connection crosses clear boundaries, which creates a constant push-and-pull throughout the book.
The characters are written in a way that makes their internal conflict believable—especially the hesitation, guilt, and desire that come with a relationship they know they shouldn’t pursue. Their chemistry builds steadily, and much of the story’s strength comes from the way their interactions evolve as they struggle between what feels right and what they know is risky.
Plot-wise, the book focuses less on external drama and more on emotional stakes, choices, and consequences. The pacing allows the tension to simmer, and the spice is used to heighten the connection rather than overwhelm the story. Overall, it’s an engaging read for fans of forbidden romance who enjoy strong chemistry and character-driven storytelling.
The characters are written in a way that makes their internal conflict believable—especially the hesitation, guilt, and desire that come with a relationship they know they shouldn’t pursue. Their chemistry builds steadily, and much of the story’s strength comes from the way their interactions evolve as they struggle between what feels right and what they know is risky.
Plot-wise, the book focuses less on external drama and more on emotional stakes, choices, and consequences. The pacing allows the tension to simmer, and the spice is used to heighten the connection rather than overwhelm the story. Overall, it’s an engaging read for fans of forbidden romance who enjoy strong chemistry and character-driven storytelling.
March 18, 2026
It's not very often you come across an age-gap romance in which the heroine is older than the hero. Regret This Later is one such book, though. Laila is looking to live a little after her son moves out of the home to go travelling. After having him when she was very young herself, everything that she'd planned for her life had been put on hold. The last thing she expects is a romance with Gabriel, the son of her best friend, who is only in his 20s.
I loved the way that Laila struggled with herself and the idea of being with a younger man. Gabriel had no such concerns and tried his hardest to win Laila over. Although there is a big age gap between them, it works. Laila struggled with all of the concerns that you might expect for a woman who is falling for a much younger man, but ultimately, they didn't matter, and love won through.
This was a fun read and one I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I loved the way that Laila struggled with herself and the idea of being with a younger man. Gabriel had no such concerns and tried his hardest to win Laila over. Although there is a big age gap between them, it works. Laila struggled with all of the concerns that you might expect for a woman who is falling for a much younger man, but ultimately, they didn't matter, and love won through.
This was a fun read and one I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This time we are following Laila and Gabriel, He’s forbidden. She knows better. But The Love Hotel Paris has other plans...
This romcom had me laughing out loud and cringing in embarrassment for the characters. The author's writing is effortless, and loved the banter and all of the characters in this book . Beyond the humor, the story delivers heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy scenes. The perfect blend of spice, romance, and comedy makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
If you're looking for a lighthearted, engaging romance with a dash of spice, this book is for you. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a true page-turner.
I look forward to reading all Olivia’s next Love Hotel story and highly recommend to all spicy romance loving friends.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I requested and received an advance reader’s copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
This romcom had me laughing out loud and cringing in embarrassment for the characters. The author's writing is effortless, and loved the banter and all of the characters in this book . Beyond the humor, the story delivers heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy scenes. The perfect blend of spice, romance, and comedy makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
If you're looking for a lighthearted, engaging romance with a dash of spice, this book is for you. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a true page-turner.
I look forward to reading all Olivia’s next Love Hotel story and highly recommend to all spicy romance loving friends.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I requested and received an advance reader’s copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
February 20, 2026
Would like to thank Boldwood Books for letting me have an advance copy of this book prior to it's publication date.
This is is my first ever Olivia Spring book, and as soon as I dived in, I was hooked and didn't want to put it down.
This story was so beautiful and the slow burn, as Laila tries to grapple with her feelings towards Gabriel, and also the inner turmoil she is facing when she knows it could potentially affect her friendship with Juliette, was gorgeous.
And then there was the way that Gabriel was towards Laila, when he could see her turmoil and to let her deal with it in her own time, whilst showing how much he wants to be there for her, no matter what the circumstances or how long it was going to take.
Absolutely loved this story and I will certainly be looking at the other books in this series, as I can see that these will be just a much fun as Laila and Gabriel's story.
💔 Forbidden Romance
💗 Age Gap
😘 Best Friend's Son
🤱🏻 Single Mum
🔥 Slow Burn
This is is my first ever Olivia Spring book, and as soon as I dived in, I was hooked and didn't want to put it down.
This story was so beautiful and the slow burn, as Laila tries to grapple with her feelings towards Gabriel, and also the inner turmoil she is facing when she knows it could potentially affect her friendship with Juliette, was gorgeous.
And then there was the way that Gabriel was towards Laila, when he could see her turmoil and to let her deal with it in her own time, whilst showing how much he wants to be there for her, no matter what the circumstances or how long it was going to take.
Absolutely loved this story and I will certainly be looking at the other books in this series, as I can see that these will be just a much fun as Laila and Gabriel's story.
💔 Forbidden Romance
💗 Age Gap
😘 Best Friend's Son
🤱🏻 Single Mum
🔥 Slow Burn
March 5, 2026
I was excited to read the next instalment in the Love Hotel series, and it did not disappoint. Olivia Spring creates such down-to-earth characters that you can’t help but empathise with them. Laila and Gabriel’s connection made sense to me despite the age gap, though I understood Laila’s angst about how her best friend might react.
While this wasn’t my favourite Love Hotel location (nothing will beat Italy!), I enjoyed reading about the different tourist sites and activities in Paris, and I loved the nod to the TV series Emily in Paris.
I found Gabriel’s point of view a little stilted and formal. This may have been intentional to convey his Frenchness, and it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
If you enjoy billionaire rom-coms filled with secrets, sightseeing, and spice, this one’s for you!
Thank you to Olivia Spring, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
While this wasn’t my favourite Love Hotel location (nothing will beat Italy!), I enjoyed reading about the different tourist sites and activities in Paris, and I loved the nod to the TV series Emily in Paris.
I found Gabriel’s point of view a little stilted and formal. This may have been intentional to convey his Frenchness, and it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
If you enjoy billionaire rom-coms filled with secrets, sightseeing, and spice, this one’s for you!
Thank you to Olivia Spring, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Regret This Later” is a romance book by Olivia Spring. While this book is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone. This wasn’t quite as enjoyable, for me, as the previous books in the series - maybe it’s just because I’m not really happy with wide age gaps. While I understood the attraction (and was really glad it wasn’t insta-lust), I found the understanding by someone to be a bit too “oh, okay, I understand, I’ll support you” - it would’ve taken me a bit longer to be as accepting. I did like the story taking place in Paris and, once again, the song list inclusion was great. Will I continue reading this series - oh, yes, especially as I believe Santorini will be the next location. It was a fun, quick read - and sometimes that’s just what someone needs.
“Regret This Later” is a romance book by Olivia Spring. While this book is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand alone. This wasn’t quite as enjoyable, for me, as the previous books in the series - maybe it’s just because I’m not really happy with wide age gaps. While I understood the attraction (and was really glad it wasn’t insta-lust), I found the understanding by someone to be a bit too “oh, okay, I understand, I’ll support you” - it would’ve taken me a bit longer to be as accepting. I did like the story taking place in Paris and, once again, the song list inclusion was great. Will I continue reading this series - oh, yes, especially as I believe Santorini will be the next location. It was a fun, quick read - and sometimes that’s just what someone needs.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another great instalment in the Love Hotel stories. I have really loved this series of books. In this book we discover the Love Hotel in Paris and there also the introduction to the Love Hotel in the French Riviera. This book centres around a 40 year old single mother of a child that has recently flown the nest, which particularly resonated with me. She is an endearing, strong and independent woman, whose rich best friend treats her to a new start at the Love Hotel. Her match is not quite what she expects, making her feel guilty and that the trip has been a waste of money. Full of new genuinely warm characters that you fall in love with as well as reacquainting with few well known characters from previous books. As always with this writer there is a lovely insight into the feelings from all sides, romance balanced with some hot lust. I can’t wait for the next book!
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