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Room 214, San Juan
She was chasing funding. He was chasing freedom. Neither expected the storm to reroute everything.
Sanaa Jordan is one pitch away from saving her wellness tech start-up. After a whirlwind trip to Antigua for her cousin's wedding, she boards a flight back to Philly, ready to return to structure, strategy, and her ever-growing to-do list.
But a hurricane brewing across the Caribbean changes everything.
Her plane is rerouted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where a citywide hotel overflow leaves her sharing a luxury suite with Ezra Blake—a photographer from Brooklyn who just wrapped an assignment in Barbados. He's carefree. She’s frazzled. He journals in ink. She bullet-points in apps.
The plan is simple coexist until the storm passes. But three days of blackout skies, slow kisses, and conversations deeper than the floodwaters prove that fate had a layover of its own in mind.
Because sometimes the most unexpected detours… lead exactly where you’re meant to land.
Sanaa Jordan is one pitch away from saving her wellness tech start-up. After a whirlwind trip to Antigua for her cousin's wedding, she boards a flight back to Philly, ready to return to structure, strategy, and her ever-growing to-do list.
But a hurricane brewing across the Caribbean changes everything.
Her plane is rerouted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where a citywide hotel overflow leaves her sharing a luxury suite with Ezra Blake—a photographer from Brooklyn who just wrapped an assignment in Barbados. He's carefree. She’s frazzled. He journals in ink. She bullet-points in apps.
The plan is simple coexist until the storm passes. But three days of blackout skies, slow kisses, and conversations deeper than the floodwaters prove that fate had a layover of its own in mind.
Because sometimes the most unexpected detours… lead exactly where you’re meant to land.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
42 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 18, 2026
Listen! Leave me stranded anytime anyday in San Juan, Puerto Rico if I’m going to end up stuck in room 214 with Ezra! That man brought all the book boyfriend and BDE imaginable.
I love how this story allowed us to see the workaholic stepping away from real life for a few days (although forced), but this is something we all can relate to. Taking some time for our mental health away from the everyday stresses of life should literally be mandatory.
I also loved how it highlighted how black women typically have to work 10 times harder to be in the same rooms and given the same level of respect when it comes to corporate America. L. B. Gaines packed a lot in this short story and I wouldn’t be disappointed if I saw more of Ezra & Sanaa in another book. Thank you Victory Editing & NetGalley for a reader copy.
I love how this story allowed us to see the workaholic stepping away from real life for a few days (although forced), but this is something we all can relate to. Taking some time for our mental health away from the everyday stresses of life should literally be mandatory.
I also loved how it highlighted how black women typically have to work 10 times harder to be in the same rooms and given the same level of respect when it comes to corporate America. L. B. Gaines packed a lot in this short story and I wouldn’t be disappointed if I saw more of Ezra & Sanaa in another book. Thank you Victory Editing & NetGalley for a reader copy.
October 3, 2025
Okay, first of all… forced proximity + hurricane + luxury suite?? Yes, please! ✨ This was giving me all the cozy-stormy vibes while also making me want to book a ticket to Puerto Rico immediately.
Sanaa was such a relatable main character the classic overachiever, always on grind mode, who suddenly gets thrown into a situation where she can’t control anything. Enter Ezra, the laid-back, artsy photographer with just enough charm to make you forget there’s a hurricane outside. Their banter felt natural, and the chemistry? Whew. I was rooting for them from page one.
What I loved most was the reminder that you don’t have to “earn” rest. Sometimes slowing down and being still is where the real connection happens with yourself and with others.
Was it predictable? A little. Did I care? Not at all. Because the vibes, the tension, and the little sparks made it such a feel-good, weekend-binge read. 🌺
Rating: 4/5: Sweet, swoony, and stormy in the best way. Perfect for romance lovers who enjoy “trapped together” tropes with heart.
Sanaa was such a relatable main character the classic overachiever, always on grind mode, who suddenly gets thrown into a situation where she can’t control anything. Enter Ezra, the laid-back, artsy photographer with just enough charm to make you forget there’s a hurricane outside. Their banter felt natural, and the chemistry? Whew. I was rooting for them from page one.
What I loved most was the reminder that you don’t have to “earn” rest. Sometimes slowing down and being still is where the real connection happens with yourself and with others.
Was it predictable? A little. Did I care? Not at all. Because the vibes, the tension, and the little sparks made it such a feel-good, weekend-binge read. 🌺
Rating: 4/5: Sweet, swoony, and stormy in the best way. Perfect for romance lovers who enjoy “trapped together” tropes with heart.
December 28, 2025
4.5⭐️ forced proximity? yea sign me up. enjoyed this one ALOT! loved how it touched on health in black women! So many quotes i highlighted too!
December 29, 2025
“Why did peace make me anxious? Why did stillness feel like guilt?”
Room 214, San Juan by LB Gaines (@lbgainestheauthor)felt like a love letter to the Black woman who’s always on the go—the one with the deadlines, the to-do lists, the constant pressure to prove herself through perfection.
Sanaa was such a relatable character and a beautiful reminder that it’s okay to slow down, breathe, and just be. I adored watching her journey unfold, especially her budding romance with Ezra. Whew, let’s just say the spice was spicing! 🔥 They balanced each other so well, and their connection added such depth to her story.
What really stood out to me was how refreshing it was to watch Sanaa learn to release control and embrace stillness. It was a gentle nudge for me to do the same in my own life. While this story didn’t wrap up with the typical HEA, the ending was absolutely perfect for Sanaa’s journey.
I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see what LB Gaines gives us next. 💕
Room 214, San Juan by LB Gaines (@lbgainestheauthor)felt like a love letter to the Black woman who’s always on the go—the one with the deadlines, the to-do lists, the constant pressure to prove herself through perfection.
Sanaa was such a relatable character and a beautiful reminder that it’s okay to slow down, breathe, and just be. I adored watching her journey unfold, especially her budding romance with Ezra. Whew, let’s just say the spice was spicing! 🔥 They balanced each other so well, and their connection added such depth to her story.
What really stood out to me was how refreshing it was to watch Sanaa learn to release control and embrace stillness. It was a gentle nudge for me to do the same in my own life. While this story didn’t wrap up with the typical HEA, the ending was absolutely perfect for Sanaa’s journey.
I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to see what LB Gaines gives us next. 💕
September 3, 2025
First of all, L.B. Gaines, why are you so amazing with words?!!! So many good quotes, some that spoke straight to my heart. I feel like I highlighted half the book with sayings that stuck out to me. Gaines has an amazing way of describing certain scenes. It makes you feel like if you are actually there and can picture everything so vividly.
Sanaa has been overworking herself trying to get her wellness up and established. She has a constant to do list and is always overthinking everything which I can definitely relate to. Her plane ends up getting rerouted to San Juan. On top of that, they end up double booking her room and it’s where she meets Ezra. He listens to her and gets her to relax and enjoy San Juan.
Ezra, oh how I wish I could view life through his eyes. He was just perfect!
Gaines is on my list of authors that I will automatically buy their new book without even having to know what it’s about. I already preordered the physical book and the other book she currently has. The story is really good but her writing is honestly just so amazing.
Forget 5 stars this novella was 6 stars!
Sanaa has been overworking herself trying to get her wellness up and established. She has a constant to do list and is always overthinking everything which I can definitely relate to. Her plane ends up getting rerouted to San Juan. On top of that, they end up double booking her room and it’s where she meets Ezra. He listens to her and gets her to relax and enjoy San Juan.
Ezra, oh how I wish I could view life through his eyes. He was just perfect!
Gaines is on my list of authors that I will automatically buy their new book without even having to know what it’s about. I already preordered the physical book and the other book she currently has. The story is really good but her writing is honestly just so amazing.
Forget 5 stars this novella was 6 stars!
September 11, 2025
Thank you LB Gaines for the ARC.
As soon as I was done reading i jumped right into LB’s inbox to give her all the flowers. This was absolutely beautiful to me. LB was writing poetry and art on a page. From the way she describes the sun over the buildings in San Juan to her handling the love and care of the characters. Sanaa and Ezra had me blushing from my heart. This is Black Love.
These two are exactly what the doctor ordered for one another. Ezra finding his love and muse for photography again. Sanaa knowing it’s okay to just take time for you. The way Ezra spoke life into and encouraged Sanaa had my cheeks hurting from smiling. Ezra gave her a safe place to just be and let loose. You better love that black woman sir. That man was perfectly written. What a breath of fresh air. Sanaa embracing and letting herself have permission to ask for what she wants was powerful. Baby those spicy were just right.
LB has the ability to make her readers feel full after reading her novellas. She takes us on an experience. Like as if you’re right there in the place she’s talking about. Along with feeling exactly what the characters feel. You can almost feel Sanna holding her breath through the book and then starts exhaling when she realizes “And maybe that’s what Room 214 in San Juan will always be. Not just where the storm hit, but where I finally let it pass and learned I could hold peace without asking permission.”
Some Favs:
-I love Sanaa’s health care app.
-“Built like he’s carved from lust and discipline.“
-“You’re built for bigger things than fear.”
-Truth or Dare game
-“You do not have to earn rest. You are still worthy, even if you achieve nothing today.”
-The way Ezra Blake introduced himself to Sanaa.
As soon as I was done reading i jumped right into LB’s inbox to give her all the flowers. This was absolutely beautiful to me. LB was writing poetry and art on a page. From the way she describes the sun over the buildings in San Juan to her handling the love and care of the characters. Sanaa and Ezra had me blushing from my heart. This is Black Love.
These two are exactly what the doctor ordered for one another. Ezra finding his love and muse for photography again. Sanaa knowing it’s okay to just take time for you. The way Ezra spoke life into and encouraged Sanaa had my cheeks hurting from smiling. Ezra gave her a safe place to just be and let loose. You better love that black woman sir. That man was perfectly written. What a breath of fresh air. Sanaa embracing and letting herself have permission to ask for what she wants was powerful. Baby those spicy were just right.
LB has the ability to make her readers feel full after reading her novellas. She takes us on an experience. Like as if you’re right there in the place she’s talking about. Along with feeling exactly what the characters feel. You can almost feel Sanna holding her breath through the book and then starts exhaling when she realizes “And maybe that’s what Room 214 in San Juan will always be. Not just where the storm hit, but where I finally let it pass and learned I could hold peace without asking permission.”
Some Favs:
-I love Sanaa’s health care app.
-“Built like he’s carved from lust and discipline.“
-“You’re built for bigger things than fear.”
-Truth or Dare game
-“You do not have to earn rest. You are still worthy, even if you achieve nothing today.”
-The way Ezra Blake introduced himself to Sanaa.
September 13, 2025
ARC Review
Even though this was a short story, it packed a punch. This book is more than a romance, it is a rebirth if you will for both Sanaa and Ezra. Sanaa is so used to being in control of everything but when a storm enters town right before a big pitch that can change her life and career she spirals a little. While the situation wasn't ideal for her to have to share a suite with a complete stranger, she really had no choice. Meanwhile Ezra is the calm to the storm and once she reveals why she reacted the way that she did, he understands her better but that doesn't stop him from still trying to help her relax and understand that some things you just can't control.
The setting of the story helped to provide that calming vibe that Sanaa needed and allowed her time to reset herself and just relax. Add to that Ezra's persistence to let loose and have some fun while they were waiting for new flights and we saw Sanaa come alive and not be laser focused on her business. The scenery described in the book also brought Ezra back to life with his photography. It gave him things to want to take pictures of more and helped him realize, with the businesses he owned that photography was his true passion. It also helped that he had a willing subject to take pictures of when it came to Sanaa which was definitely something they both could remember.
I liked that Ezra was patient with Sanaa and helped her with her business pitch but also helped her see that there was more to life than just that. I enjoyed seeing her step into his world a little and be open to doing new things and let her hair down to just live in the moment. That unplanned time away was exactly what she needed to see that she doesn't always have to be in control of everything and she can take time to be about business but also have some time to just breathe and relax.
The attraction between these two was there from the beginning and once they became really comfortable with each other it made for some really explosive sex scenes which was a welcomed surprise. Not only did this book have that passion, but it also had a lesson in Sanaa's character who was very relatable because it showed sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward and you need to take care of yourself before you anything else. Overall, I enjoyed the book and even if it was just for a few days, you could see there definitely was something more there and I wouldn't mind getting a follow-up book with these two characters.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Even though this was a short story, it packed a punch. This book is more than a romance, it is a rebirth if you will for both Sanaa and Ezra. Sanaa is so used to being in control of everything but when a storm enters town right before a big pitch that can change her life and career she spirals a little. While the situation wasn't ideal for her to have to share a suite with a complete stranger, she really had no choice. Meanwhile Ezra is the calm to the storm and once she reveals why she reacted the way that she did, he understands her better but that doesn't stop him from still trying to help her relax and understand that some things you just can't control.
The setting of the story helped to provide that calming vibe that Sanaa needed and allowed her time to reset herself and just relax. Add to that Ezra's persistence to let loose and have some fun while they were waiting for new flights and we saw Sanaa come alive and not be laser focused on her business. The scenery described in the book also brought Ezra back to life with his photography. It gave him things to want to take pictures of more and helped him realize, with the businesses he owned that photography was his true passion. It also helped that he had a willing subject to take pictures of when it came to Sanaa which was definitely something they both could remember.
I liked that Ezra was patient with Sanaa and helped her with her business pitch but also helped her see that there was more to life than just that. I enjoyed seeing her step into his world a little and be open to doing new things and let her hair down to just live in the moment. That unplanned time away was exactly what she needed to see that she doesn't always have to be in control of everything and she can take time to be about business but also have some time to just breathe and relax.
The attraction between these two was there from the beginning and once they became really comfortable with each other it made for some really explosive sex scenes which was a welcomed surprise. Not only did this book have that passion, but it also had a lesson in Sanaa's character who was very relatable because it showed sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward and you need to take care of yourself before you anything else. Overall, I enjoyed the book and even if it was just for a few days, you could see there definitely was something more there and I wouldn't mind getting a follow-up book with these two characters.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2025
This was an interesting read, but it moved a little too fast for me. I didn’t get the chance to really connect with the characters or really get to know their story. I knew more about the App that the character Sanaa was creating and that she had a health scare than the actual person. I also needed to know more about Ezra, he came across as a demanding stranger, and honestly he kind of scared me of how fast he was falling for someone he didn’t know. There wasn’t much buildup or closure, and the ending left me with a few questions. Still, the premise had potential, I just wish it had been explored a bit more. Maybe I’m just not the audience for short, spicy reads. I need the buildup, the longing, the love… guess I’m just a hopeless romantic.
September 20, 2025
E-ARC Review. Room 214, San Juan was released on September 19.
She's done it again! In just 97 pages, author L.B. Gaines weaves a story of love, how to find meaning again in pausing, the impact of embracing life's detours and the importance of remembering who you are.
Sanaa Jordan is always on the go. The creator of a wellness app, she's the antithesis of her target audience. While I can understand why she's always thinking, moving, doing as she tries to raise the necessary funding to launch it, she really should slow down.
Attending her cousin's Caribbean wedding is the perfect prescription for pausing but soon enough she's eager to get back to the US to meet with potential funders. But life, as some, if not most of us can attest, can derail our best laid plans.
On her way home, the plane is rerouted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as a hurricane is approaching. We in the Caribbean know very well that during the Atlantic Hurricane Season from June 1 to November 30, the weather can change in an instant and throw us pell mell into preparations for a storm. We've adapted to it but for those who are unfamiliar, it takes some getting used to.
And that's what happened to Sanaa. She elected to stay in a hotel and booked the last room. However, on arriving, she must deal with a booking snafu that leads to her sharing the luxury suite - Room 214- with Ezra Blake, a Brooklyn based photographer who had an assignment in Barbados.
Even though the story isn't centered there, the fact L.B mentioned Barbados was enough to make me want to read it.
Ezra is the opposite of Sanaa. He's unhurried. He stops to enjoy the beauty of his surroundings. He listens, he feels things and he sees people in front of him and through his camera lens. He is the foil that she needs even if she doesn't know it when they met.
Their plan for the layover is to simply coexist as they shelter from the storm passes. But as the author writes in the synopsis, "sometimes the most unexpected detours lead exactly where you're meant to land."
Ezra gives Sanaa the space she needs to prepare for her pitch, he even helps with it but when he realises how tightly wound she is, he also gets her outside to explore San Juan and see life in vivid colour. He also helped her to relax inside the room.
Three glorious days spent together is the reset that she needs. On their last day together, she thanked him saying,
"For teaching me how to let go. For laughing with me. For showing me that I don't have to keep grinding myself into dust to be worthy. You reminded me that I can feel good without earning it. That I don't have to explain every inch of my existence to someone for them to see me."
Their time together also helped Ezra gain the clarity he was seeking about himself and how he wanted to move forward with his life. He was searching for answers to what he really wanted to do and the chance encounter provided those. She reminded him that he was "still an artist, not just a businessman and entrepreneur" and that his "camera's not dead, it just needed the right muse."
I think Sanaa summed up everything best when she said, "Because who knew a storm could be the thing that brought me back to myself?
"Who knew tranquility could wear someone's name on your lips and still feel like your own?
"And maybe that's what Room 214 in San Juan will always be.
"Not just where the storm hit, but where I finally let it pass and learned I could hold peace without asking for permission."
If you enjoy stories with opposites attract, forced proximity, and whirlwind romance themes and spice, this is perfect for you.
L.B. Gaines is now on my list of favourite authors. I will be reading her new book Beneath the Harvest Moon soon. Thanks for granting me early access.
She's done it again! In just 97 pages, author L.B. Gaines weaves a story of love, how to find meaning again in pausing, the impact of embracing life's detours and the importance of remembering who you are.
Sanaa Jordan is always on the go. The creator of a wellness app, she's the antithesis of her target audience. While I can understand why she's always thinking, moving, doing as she tries to raise the necessary funding to launch it, she really should slow down.
Attending her cousin's Caribbean wedding is the perfect prescription for pausing but soon enough she's eager to get back to the US to meet with potential funders. But life, as some, if not most of us can attest, can derail our best laid plans.
On her way home, the plane is rerouted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as a hurricane is approaching. We in the Caribbean know very well that during the Atlantic Hurricane Season from June 1 to November 30, the weather can change in an instant and throw us pell mell into preparations for a storm. We've adapted to it but for those who are unfamiliar, it takes some getting used to.
And that's what happened to Sanaa. She elected to stay in a hotel and booked the last room. However, on arriving, she must deal with a booking snafu that leads to her sharing the luxury suite - Room 214- with Ezra Blake, a Brooklyn based photographer who had an assignment in Barbados.
Even though the story isn't centered there, the fact L.B mentioned Barbados was enough to make me want to read it.
Ezra is the opposite of Sanaa. He's unhurried. He stops to enjoy the beauty of his surroundings. He listens, he feels things and he sees people in front of him and through his camera lens. He is the foil that she needs even if she doesn't know it when they met.
Their plan for the layover is to simply coexist as they shelter from the storm passes. But as the author writes in the synopsis, "sometimes the most unexpected detours lead exactly where you're meant to land."
Ezra gives Sanaa the space she needs to prepare for her pitch, he even helps with it but when he realises how tightly wound she is, he also gets her outside to explore San Juan and see life in vivid colour. He also helped her to relax inside the room.
Three glorious days spent together is the reset that she needs. On their last day together, she thanked him saying,
"For teaching me how to let go. For laughing with me. For showing me that I don't have to keep grinding myself into dust to be worthy. You reminded me that I can feel good without earning it. That I don't have to explain every inch of my existence to someone for them to see me."
Their time together also helped Ezra gain the clarity he was seeking about himself and how he wanted to move forward with his life. He was searching for answers to what he really wanted to do and the chance encounter provided those. She reminded him that he was "still an artist, not just a businessman and entrepreneur" and that his "camera's not dead, it just needed the right muse."
I think Sanaa summed up everything best when she said, "Because who knew a storm could be the thing that brought me back to myself?
"Who knew tranquility could wear someone's name on your lips and still feel like your own?
"And maybe that's what Room 214 in San Juan will always be.
"Not just where the storm hit, but where I finally let it pass and learned I could hold peace without asking for permission."
If you enjoy stories with opposites attract, forced proximity, and whirlwind romance themes and spice, this is perfect for you.
L.B. Gaines is now on my list of favourite authors. I will be reading her new book Beneath the Harvest Moon soon. Thanks for granting me early access.
September 11, 2025
ARC Review: ROOM 214, San Juan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
"ROOM 214, San Juan" is an intimate and beautifully written exploration of what it means to reach your breaking point and what, if anything, waits on the other side. What truly resonated with me was how deeply and honestly the book focused on burnout. It didn’t just touch on exhaustion as a plot point or side theme, it lived in it. The protagonist’s emotional unraveling felt so authentic. This wasn’t the dramatized burnout you see in movies. It was raw, slow, and real. The kind of burnout that creeps in when you ignore your own needs for too long, when your ambition turns into self destruction, and when most people around you have no idea how far gone you are. Set against the beautiful , surreal backdrop of San Juan, the story unfolds in fragments, that slowly pieces together a life falling apart at the seams. And yet, there’s beauty in the chaos. There’s clarity in the breakdown. I appreciated how the book didn't offer easy answers or forced redemption. Instead, it honored the complexity of burnout how it's not always about quitting your job or going on a yoga retreat, but about confronting parts of yourself that you’ve ignored for too long. A must-read if you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in your own life while almost everyone else believes you’re fine.
What elevated the emotional depth of the book even further for me was the relationship between Sanaa and Ezra. And I’m not just talking about the A1 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️. But the fact they are not written as opposites, but as foils two people who reflect each other’s fractures in different ways. Where Sanaa is intensity, momentum, and quiet self-erasure, Ezra is presence, steadiness, and a kind of emotional intelligence that’s rare to see depicted without sentimentality. Their connection doesn’t follow the typical arc of a romantic or savior dynamic. Instead, Ezra becomes a kind of mirror a gentle but unrelenting force who challenges Sanaa not to change, but to see herself clearly.
Their connection doesn’t follow the typical arc of a romantic or savior dynamic. Instead, Ezra becomes a kind of mirror a gentle but unrelenting force who challenges Sanaa not to change, but to see herself clearly.
There’s a pivotal quietness to Ezra’s role in Sanaa’s journey to self . He doesn’t offer solutions or rescue her. Instead, he holds space. He listens without fixing, stays without demanding, and reminds her sometimes without words, that rest is not something she has to earn. That was one of the most powerful messages of the book: that rest and self-acceptance are not rewards for surviving, but rights!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
"ROOM 214, San Juan" is an intimate and beautifully written exploration of what it means to reach your breaking point and what, if anything, waits on the other side. What truly resonated with me was how deeply and honestly the book focused on burnout. It didn’t just touch on exhaustion as a plot point or side theme, it lived in it. The protagonist’s emotional unraveling felt so authentic. This wasn’t the dramatized burnout you see in movies. It was raw, slow, and real. The kind of burnout that creeps in when you ignore your own needs for too long, when your ambition turns into self destruction, and when most people around you have no idea how far gone you are. Set against the beautiful , surreal backdrop of San Juan, the story unfolds in fragments, that slowly pieces together a life falling apart at the seams. And yet, there’s beauty in the chaos. There’s clarity in the breakdown. I appreciated how the book didn't offer easy answers or forced redemption. Instead, it honored the complexity of burnout how it's not always about quitting your job or going on a yoga retreat, but about confronting parts of yourself that you’ve ignored for too long. A must-read if you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in your own life while almost everyone else believes you’re fine.
What elevated the emotional depth of the book even further for me was the relationship between Sanaa and Ezra. And I’m not just talking about the A1 spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️. But the fact they are not written as opposites, but as foils two people who reflect each other’s fractures in different ways. Where Sanaa is intensity, momentum, and quiet self-erasure, Ezra is presence, steadiness, and a kind of emotional intelligence that’s rare to see depicted without sentimentality. Their connection doesn’t follow the typical arc of a romantic or savior dynamic. Instead, Ezra becomes a kind of mirror a gentle but unrelenting force who challenges Sanaa not to change, but to see herself clearly.
Their connection doesn’t follow the typical arc of a romantic or savior dynamic. Instead, Ezra becomes a kind of mirror a gentle but unrelenting force who challenges Sanaa not to change, but to see herself clearly.
There’s a pivotal quietness to Ezra’s role in Sanaa’s journey to self . He doesn’t offer solutions or rescue her. Instead, he holds space. He listens without fixing, stays without demanding, and reminds her sometimes without words, that rest is not something she has to earn. That was one of the most powerful messages of the book: that rest and self-acceptance are not rewards for surviving, but rights!
August 26, 2025
Room 214, San Juan by L.B. Gaines is Book 2 in the Stamped: A Love Story Collection, however, it can be read as a standalone.
After an eventful weekend celebrating her cousin’s wedding in Antigua, when heading back home, everything that could possibly go wrong went wrong for Sanaa. As a type A entrepreneur with an upcoming pitch to prepare for, this is her worst nightmare coming true. Sanaa finds herself stranded in San Juan with nowhere to stay. In comes Ezra, an entrepreneur with a passion for photography, who offers to share the same hotel room with Sanaa. One bed, forced proximity…you know where this is going.
Things spice up between the two! Although they spend lots of time in the room *wink wink*, they also use this opportunity to get to know one another and explore Old San Juan. Ezra and Sanaa become one another’s muses: Ezra taking pictures every chance he can and Sanaa finally practicing what she preaches regarding rest and taking care of her own mental health.
This novella includes commentary on the challenges black women endure, always being seen as the strong one and not resting. So much pressure is often placed on black women to survive and succeed. This is something I can definitely relate to. I saw myself in Sanaa, due to our many shared experiences. This book made me reflect on my own practices of rest. The author’s note and dedication further allows readers to be more gentle with themselves and I truly did feel like they were written for me.
Gaines does an amazing job describing the characters’ experiences and the setting with great detail, employing lots of figurative language. This is my second book by this author and I love how she often uses metaphors and personification to describe events and places.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! I finished it in a few hours. This book was written for black women like myself and Sanaa, who always plan, are always in motion, and need a reminder to take a break. This book is also for readers who enjoy a good spicy romance! Thank you to Love Letter Collector Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
After an eventful weekend celebrating her cousin’s wedding in Antigua, when heading back home, everything that could possibly go wrong went wrong for Sanaa. As a type A entrepreneur with an upcoming pitch to prepare for, this is her worst nightmare coming true. Sanaa finds herself stranded in San Juan with nowhere to stay. In comes Ezra, an entrepreneur with a passion for photography, who offers to share the same hotel room with Sanaa. One bed, forced proximity…you know where this is going.
Things spice up between the two! Although they spend lots of time in the room *wink wink*, they also use this opportunity to get to know one another and explore Old San Juan. Ezra and Sanaa become one another’s muses: Ezra taking pictures every chance he can and Sanaa finally practicing what she preaches regarding rest and taking care of her own mental health.
This novella includes commentary on the challenges black women endure, always being seen as the strong one and not resting. So much pressure is often placed on black women to survive and succeed. This is something I can definitely relate to. I saw myself in Sanaa, due to our many shared experiences. This book made me reflect on my own practices of rest. The author’s note and dedication further allows readers to be more gentle with themselves and I truly did feel like they were written for me.
Gaines does an amazing job describing the characters’ experiences and the setting with great detail, employing lots of figurative language. This is my second book by this author and I love how she often uses metaphors and personification to describe events and places.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! I finished it in a few hours. This book was written for black women like myself and Sanaa, who always plan, are always in motion, and need a reminder to take a break. This book is also for readers who enjoy a good spicy romance! Thank you to Love Letter Collector Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
Room 214, San Juan by LB Gaines is a short, spicy read 🌶️✨. I devoured it in a single sitting! The chemistry and fire between Sanaa and Ezra were delicious 🔥. I really enjoyed the plot and what the characters were undergoing in their lives. The writing is engaging, and I found myself interested in both leads. It struck a perfect balance of opposites attract 💞.
That said, I wish it had been more developed. I know it’s a novella, but with such a strong story idea, it could have worked even better if everything had been built up more instead of moving so quickly. The romance and spice could have benefitted from a little more slow-burn pacing ⏳❤️🔥. The ending was fine, but I hoped the characters would get more closure than what we were given.
Still, as a novella, I’d totally recommend it if you’re looking for something short, fun, and hot to pass the time 📖🔥.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
"I finally let it pass and learned I could hold peace without asking permission."
💙✨
"Sanaa.
You're the storm. The stillness. The shift.
When you walk into that room. I want you to remember you are already everything.
They don't get to decide your worth. Go kill this pitch. -Ez"
💙✨
SYNOPSIS :
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦. 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫-𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨-𝐝𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐳𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞—𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐬. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐤. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭-𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐬.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝.𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬… 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝.
That said, I wish it had been more developed. I know it’s a novella, but with such a strong story idea, it could have worked even better if everything had been built up more instead of moving so quickly. The romance and spice could have benefitted from a little more slow-burn pacing ⏳❤️🔥. The ending was fine, but I hoped the characters would get more closure than what we were given.
Still, as a novella, I’d totally recommend it if you’re looking for something short, fun, and hot to pass the time 📖🔥.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
"I finally let it pass and learned I could hold peace without asking permission."
💙✨
"Sanaa.
You're the storm. The stillness. The shift.
When you walk into that room. I want you to remember you are already everything.
They don't get to decide your worth. Go kill this pitch. -Ez"
💙✨
SYNOPSIS :
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦. 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫-𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨-𝐝𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐥𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐳𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞—𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐥𝐲𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐬. 𝐇𝐞'𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐥𝐞𝐝. 𝐇𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐤. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭-𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐬.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝.𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬… 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝.
November 5, 2025
Rating: 3/5
Spice 🤭: 🌶️Medium - High
Let me just say— this one was wild! A lot went down in that room. The level of spice in this one was unexpected after reading the first book 😅 but once again the author did a great job of weaving realistic, heartfelt issues in between the heat.
Sanna is a classic Type A —structured, ambition and always working. On her way home from her cousin’s wedding, her flight gets rerouted to San Juan due to a storm. A booking error forces her to share a hotel room with Ezra, a laid back photographer. Sparks fly, and through their unexpected closeness, Ezra helps Sanna see life—and rest— in a different light.
Thoughts:
I cared more about the FMC; her issues and growth felt real and relatable. The pace was a bit fast for my taste, though not unexpected for a novella. If you enjoy forced proximity and opposite attract, you should check this out.
PS - If you are not a fan of spice or fast paced romance, this isn’t for you.
PSSS - If you can’t keep a straight face, don’t read this in public because…🤭🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Women don’t just need rest. We need repair,” she’d said. “You can’t keep outsourcing your healing to productivity.”
“You do not have to earn rest. You are still worthy, even if you achieve nothing today.”
‘’I hate how the world conditions Black women to survive, but never really teaches them how to live.’’
‘’This wasn’t a relationship. It wasn’t even a fling. It was a pause. A slow inhale in the middle of a life that didn’t usually allow for breath.’’
Themes
Feminine Agency and control, Freedom v Structure, Healing, Rest and worthiness
Spice 🤭: 🌶️Medium - High
Let me just say— this one was wild! A lot went down in that room. The level of spice in this one was unexpected after reading the first book 😅 but once again the author did a great job of weaving realistic, heartfelt issues in between the heat.
Sanna is a classic Type A —structured, ambition and always working. On her way home from her cousin’s wedding, her flight gets rerouted to San Juan due to a storm. A booking error forces her to share a hotel room with Ezra, a laid back photographer. Sparks fly, and through their unexpected closeness, Ezra helps Sanna see life—and rest— in a different light.
Thoughts:
I cared more about the FMC; her issues and growth felt real and relatable. The pace was a bit fast for my taste, though not unexpected for a novella. If you enjoy forced proximity and opposite attract, you should check this out.
PS - If you are not a fan of spice or fast paced romance, this isn’t for you.
PSSS - If you can’t keep a straight face, don’t read this in public because…🤭🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Women don’t just need rest. We need repair,” she’d said. “You can’t keep outsourcing your healing to productivity.”
“You do not have to earn rest. You are still worthy, even if you achieve nothing today.”
‘’I hate how the world conditions Black women to survive, but never really teaches them how to live.’’
‘’This wasn’t a relationship. It wasn’t even a fling. It was a pause. A slow inhale in the middle of a life that didn’t usually allow for breath.’’
Themes
Feminine Agency and control, Freedom v Structure, Healing, Rest and worthiness
September 8, 2025
I’m so grateful to have received the ARC for Room 214, San Juan by LB Gaines.
Come along on an unplanned but much needed trip to Puerto Rico!
Sanaa is on the precipice of changing her life. She’s preparing to do a pitch to save her start-up and, finally listening to those who know and love her, she slips off to her cousin’s destination wedding in Antigua. On the way back home, a hurricane disrupts the Caribbean and her carefully laid plans- redirecting her flight to San Juan until it’s safe to travel.Pushing past her frustration and thinking quickly, she books a suite at hotel only to arrive and find that the suite had been double booked and the other person has just checked in.
The other person happens to be the gorgeous man she noticed while waiting to check into her room and he graciously offers to share the space with her. Grudgingly, Sanaa agrees to share the space with Ezra, a photographer trying to get home from a photo shoot in Barbados. After all, they just need to coexist until they can each get back to their homes and lives. But Sanaa has difficulty being still while Ezra has perfected the art of moving only if and when necessary.
Ezra encourages Sanaa to find purpose in stillness while Sanaa motivates him to move in ways he has not done in years… or maybe ever. Their chemistry is palpable and every word feels like a lyric song softly during a dance.
This connection is essentially a detour. Sometimes, though, what looks like a detour is the path you were supposed to be on.
Come along on an unplanned but much needed trip to Puerto Rico!
Sanaa is on the precipice of changing her life. She’s preparing to do a pitch to save her start-up and, finally listening to those who know and love her, she slips off to her cousin’s destination wedding in Antigua. On the way back home, a hurricane disrupts the Caribbean and her carefully laid plans- redirecting her flight to San Juan until it’s safe to travel.Pushing past her frustration and thinking quickly, she books a suite at hotel only to arrive and find that the suite had been double booked and the other person has just checked in.
The other person happens to be the gorgeous man she noticed while waiting to check into her room and he graciously offers to share the space with her. Grudgingly, Sanaa agrees to share the space with Ezra, a photographer trying to get home from a photo shoot in Barbados. After all, they just need to coexist until they can each get back to their homes and lives. But Sanaa has difficulty being still while Ezra has perfected the art of moving only if and when necessary.
Ezra encourages Sanaa to find purpose in stillness while Sanaa motivates him to move in ways he has not done in years… or maybe ever. Their chemistry is palpable and every word feels like a lyric song softly during a dance.
This connection is essentially a detour. Sometimes, though, what looks like a detour is the path you were supposed to be on.
September 7, 2025
ARC Review
📚 Book Title: Room 214, San Juan
✍🏽Author: L.B. Gaines
Format: eARC = 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕑Quick Take:
Sanaa Jordan is a Type A individual who likes to have control. She is preparing to pitch her wellness app, Formara Health, to venture capitalists. However, her plans are delayed due to an incoming hurricane.
Ezra Blake is a photographer and serial entrepreneur who has learned the importance of pausing and staying still.
One in coming storm, one hotel room, and hot 72 hours!
💕What I Loved:
This novella addresses the strong Black woman trope with great care and sensitivity. I appreciated the dichotomy between Sanaa and Ezra; she is high-strung and burnt out, while he is calm and composed, truly seeing her. He gives her the space to focus, but also encourages her to rest and be free. The best part is that Sanaa learns she “can hold peace without asking for permission.”
Tropes:
- Instant Connection
- Forced Proximity
- Strong Black Woman
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings):
- Mental Health Rep: OCD
- Physical Health Rep: Autoimmune Disorder
💭Final Thoughts: Room 214, San Juan is not only a steamy romance but also a beautifully written novella that explores the experiences of Black women who feel they must earn their rest. This is my second read by L.B. Gaines, and she has a remarkable gift for descriptive writing that draws you in and captivates you. I truly felt like I was in San Juan!
Thanks to Net Galley and Victory Editing for this advanced reader’s copy.
📚 Book Title: Room 214, San Juan
✍🏽Author: L.B. Gaines
Format: eARC = 📱
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕑Quick Take:
Sanaa Jordan is a Type A individual who likes to have control. She is preparing to pitch her wellness app, Formara Health, to venture capitalists. However, her plans are delayed due to an incoming hurricane.
Ezra Blake is a photographer and serial entrepreneur who has learned the importance of pausing and staying still.
One in coming storm, one hotel room, and hot 72 hours!
💕What I Loved:
This novella addresses the strong Black woman trope with great care and sensitivity. I appreciated the dichotomy between Sanaa and Ezra; she is high-strung and burnt out, while he is calm and composed, truly seeing her. He gives her the space to focus, but also encourages her to rest and be free. The best part is that Sanaa learns she “can hold peace without asking for permission.”
Tropes:
- Instant Connection
- Forced Proximity
- Strong Black Woman
⚠️ Heads Up (Trigger/Content Warnings):
- Mental Health Rep: OCD
- Physical Health Rep: Autoimmune Disorder
💭Final Thoughts: Room 214, San Juan is not only a steamy romance but also a beautifully written novella that explores the experiences of Black women who feel they must earn their rest. This is my second read by L.B. Gaines, and she has a remarkable gift for descriptive writing that draws you in and captivates you. I truly felt like I was in San Juan!
Thanks to Net Galley and Victory Editing for this advanced reader’s copy.
September 14, 2025
3.75🌟
NetGalley ARC review.
3.75🌟
NetGalley ARC review
Spending three unexpected days in San Juan wasn’t part of Sanaa’s itinerary. Anyone else might have said “Yay, extra holiday!”—especially when you’re your own boss. But for Sanaa, whose to-do lists have their own to-do lists, it was a nightmare.
The plan was simple: fly to Antigua for the wedding on Thursday, back to Philly by Saturday easy peasy. But when a hurricane rerouted her flight, rescheduled for Tuesday night and just to make things worse? Every hotel rooms within twenty miles were fully booked, except one. Which ended up being double booked and she had to share the room with a man.
One thing that struck out to me was how the author made the chapters, albeit short, descriptive and vivid, made imagining it so easy. It didn't feel chunky nor underwhelming.
For a novella, it's quite a deep.
Sanaa is a woman at the edge of a burnout, the kind that seeps in slowly and eventually consumes you fully and she didn't even realize it. It shows how hard she's trying to prove herself and
The instant Connection between she and Ezra wasn't the usual or cliche "love at first sight", it was "Let's live in the moment" kind of romance. But it was deep and reflective, they got to find out about themselves through each other. Thinking more on who they want to be rather than who they currently are.
Generally, it was a good one
NetGalley ARC review.
3.75🌟
NetGalley ARC review
Spending three unexpected days in San Juan wasn’t part of Sanaa’s itinerary. Anyone else might have said “Yay, extra holiday!”—especially when you’re your own boss. But for Sanaa, whose to-do lists have their own to-do lists, it was a nightmare.
The plan was simple: fly to Antigua for the wedding on Thursday, back to Philly by Saturday easy peasy. But when a hurricane rerouted her flight, rescheduled for Tuesday night and just to make things worse? Every hotel rooms within twenty miles were fully booked, except one. Which ended up being double booked and she had to share the room with a man.
One thing that struck out to me was how the author made the chapters, albeit short, descriptive and vivid, made imagining it so easy. It didn't feel chunky nor underwhelming.
For a novella, it's quite a deep.
Sanaa is a woman at the edge of a burnout, the kind that seeps in slowly and eventually consumes you fully and she didn't even realize it. It shows how hard she's trying to prove herself and
The instant Connection between she and Ezra wasn't the usual or cliche "love at first sight", it was "Let's live in the moment" kind of romance. But it was deep and reflective, they got to find out about themselves through each other. Thinking more on who they want to be rather than who they currently are.
Generally, it was a good one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
For under 100 pages, this quick novella was a whole vibe from start to finish. Opposites attract? Check. Forced proximity? Check. A fine man who falls first? Double check!
Sanaa Jordan is a Type A, high-achieving Black woman who built her own wellness app and is preparing for a huge pitch to venture capitalists. She runs on bullet points and structure—until a hurricane reroutes her flight to San Juan and leaves her sharing a hotel room with Ezra Blake. Ezra is her opposite in every way: a photographer and serial entrepreneur who lives by stillness, patience, and going with the flow.
I loved how Ezra not only helped Sanaa refine her pitch but also encouraged her to breathe, rest, and enjoy the unexpected detour. Through him, she realizes she doesn’t have to grind herself into the ground to be worthy of peace and joy. Watching her go from wound-up to soft, open (really open) lol, and free was both beautiful and deeply relatable.
And yes—the romance delivers! Their chemistry is instantmand their intimacy both tender and muy caliente. My only wish? A few more pages with them once the storm cleared.
L.B. Gaines’ writing is vivid and immersive. I felt like I transported to San Juan, caught in the storm. More than just a quick romance, this novella gives us two reminders that 1. sometimes God will sit you down and dare you to reevaluate your priorities, and 2. Black women don’t have to grind themselves into the ground to be worthy of rest, joy, and softness.
Thank L.B. Gaines and Netgalley for the ARC!
Sanaa Jordan is a Type A, high-achieving Black woman who built her own wellness app and is preparing for a huge pitch to venture capitalists. She runs on bullet points and structure—until a hurricane reroutes her flight to San Juan and leaves her sharing a hotel room with Ezra Blake. Ezra is her opposite in every way: a photographer and serial entrepreneur who lives by stillness, patience, and going with the flow.
I loved how Ezra not only helped Sanaa refine her pitch but also encouraged her to breathe, rest, and enjoy the unexpected detour. Through him, she realizes she doesn’t have to grind herself into the ground to be worthy of peace and joy. Watching her go from wound-up to soft, open (really open) lol, and free was both beautiful and deeply relatable.
And yes—the romance delivers! Their chemistry is instantmand their intimacy both tender and muy caliente. My only wish? A few more pages with them once the storm cleared.
L.B. Gaines’ writing is vivid and immersive. I felt like I transported to San Juan, caught in the storm. More than just a quick romance, this novella gives us two reminders that 1. sometimes God will sit you down and dare you to reevaluate your priorities, and 2. Black women don’t have to grind themselves into the ground to be worthy of rest, joy, and softness.
Thank L.B. Gaines and Netgalley for the ARC!
September 4, 2025
Listen… Room 214, San Juan by LB Gaines was only 97 pages but babyyyy it packed a whole vibe. Steamy, sweet, and had me lowkey wanting to book a trip to San Juan myself.
We’ve got Ezra and Sanaa opposites attract, forced proximity, and yes, he falls first (my fave!) Sanaa is giving Type A to the fullest. Sis literally built her own app for women that’s like self-regulation meets mental health… and I wish it was real. When her flight gets rerouted and she ends up having to share a room with a fine stranger. Yeah, she was stressed stressed. On top of that, she’s trying to prep for a big pitch, so her plate was full.
Ezra steps in not just fine but an entrepreneur too. He helps her with her pitch, then takes her out to actually enjoy San Juan. Watching her go from tense and on-edge to relaxed, soft, and open was beautiful. And seeing how being in her presence helped Ezra find his own footing again. Loved that.
What I really adored was that Sanaa got to be a soft Black woman here. Not the strong, always-carrying-it-all version we see too much of. Ezra gave her space to breathe, laugh, and just exist — and that hit me in the heart.
So thank you NetGalley for the early access. This read will be out September 19!!!
We’ve got Ezra and Sanaa opposites attract, forced proximity, and yes, he falls first (my fave!) Sanaa is giving Type A to the fullest. Sis literally built her own app for women that’s like self-regulation meets mental health… and I wish it was real. When her flight gets rerouted and she ends up having to share a room with a fine stranger. Yeah, she was stressed stressed. On top of that, she’s trying to prep for a big pitch, so her plate was full.
Ezra steps in not just fine but an entrepreneur too. He helps her with her pitch, then takes her out to actually enjoy San Juan. Watching her go from tense and on-edge to relaxed, soft, and open was beautiful. And seeing how being in her presence helped Ezra find his own footing again. Loved that.
What I really adored was that Sanaa got to be a soft Black woman here. Not the strong, always-carrying-it-all version we see too much of. Ezra gave her space to breathe, laugh, and just exist — and that hit me in the heart.
So thank you NetGalley for the early access. This read will be out September 19!!!
August 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you NetGalley & L.B. Gaines for the ARC.
This book is proof that sometimes the universe drags you out of your grind, locks you in a hotel room with a stranger, and dares you to live a little.
Sanaa is all sharp edges, deadlines, and “sleep-when-I’m-dead” energy. That's until a hurricane reroutes her flight and throws her into the arms (and bed) of Ezra, a man who radiates freedom like sunlight after a storm. Their chemistry? Immediate. Their clash? Delicious. Their slow burn in a cramped room with rain hammering against the windows? Unforgettable.
What really struck me was how raw this felt. Yes, the spice is definitely there but so is the truth: Black women aren’t machines built to keep pushing until we collapse. Watching Sanaa wrestle with her need for control, then unravel enough to taste joy, softness, and pleasure, was powerful and personal.
For a novella under 100 pages, it hits like a shot of rum...sweet, hot, and burning all the way down. It’s not flawless (I craved a few more pages of them together), but it left me buzzing. Room 214, San Juan is a reminder that sometimes the real storm isn’t outside...it’s what’s happening inside of us.
Thank you NetGalley & L.B. Gaines for the ARC.
This book is proof that sometimes the universe drags you out of your grind, locks you in a hotel room with a stranger, and dares you to live a little.
Sanaa is all sharp edges, deadlines, and “sleep-when-I’m-dead” energy. That's until a hurricane reroutes her flight and throws her into the arms (and bed) of Ezra, a man who radiates freedom like sunlight after a storm. Their chemistry? Immediate. Their clash? Delicious. Their slow burn in a cramped room with rain hammering against the windows? Unforgettable.
What really struck me was how raw this felt. Yes, the spice is definitely there but so is the truth: Black women aren’t machines built to keep pushing until we collapse. Watching Sanaa wrestle with her need for control, then unravel enough to taste joy, softness, and pleasure, was powerful and personal.
For a novella under 100 pages, it hits like a shot of rum...sweet, hot, and burning all the way down. It’s not flawless (I craved a few more pages of them together), but it left me buzzing. Room 214, San Juan is a reminder that sometimes the real storm isn’t outside...it’s what’s happening inside of us.
September 9, 2025
Room 214, San Juan by LB Gaines, is for all the black women whose to-do lists have to-do lists. Somehow in all the planning and organizing, our well-being never seems to make the list.
Sanaa is over worked, over scheduled and over stimulated. As she prepares for the biggest sales pitch of her young life, she reluctantly attends a family wedding in the Caribbean and her trip home gets derailed. The universe forces Sanaa to take a much needed break and step way outside her comfort zone. To add insult to injury, she and a complete stranger have both reserved the last available hotel room in San Juan. Being “trapped” in room 214 with Ezra gives her the reset she needs. Ezra is handsome, easy going and talented. He supports Sanaa with wisdom, affirmation and a much needed release. The sexual tension is evident immediately but the pair soon develop a sweet, comfortable rapport and enjoy 3 days together that neither will soon forget.
This story is a sweet, easy read that leaves you rooting for each character and hoping that they have an off page HEA. Thank you to Net Galley and Love Letter Collector Press for the ARC.
Sanaa is over worked, over scheduled and over stimulated. As she prepares for the biggest sales pitch of her young life, she reluctantly attends a family wedding in the Caribbean and her trip home gets derailed. The universe forces Sanaa to take a much needed break and step way outside her comfort zone. To add insult to injury, she and a complete stranger have both reserved the last available hotel room in San Juan. Being “trapped” in room 214 with Ezra gives her the reset she needs. Ezra is handsome, easy going and talented. He supports Sanaa with wisdom, affirmation and a much needed release. The sexual tension is evident immediately but the pair soon develop a sweet, comfortable rapport and enjoy 3 days together that neither will soon forget.
This story is a sweet, easy read that leaves you rooting for each character and hoping that they have an off page HEA. Thank you to Net Galley and Love Letter Collector Press for the ARC.
September 1, 2025
Room 214, San Juan was an absolute delight from start to finish. This novella hit every note I love in a romance—beautifully paced, gorgeously written, and so satisfying in the end.
The hurricane layover premise gave the perfect backdrop for Sanaa and Ezra’s connection to unfold. Their chemistry felt instant but never rushed, and the writing gave their moments together a warmth and intimacy that made me want to linger on every page.
What I appreciated most is how complete the story felt. Short romances can sometimes leave you wanting more, but this one delivered a full, satisfying journey that I didn’t want to put down. It’s one I’ll be keeping on my re-read list for when I want a romance that feels both cozy and sweeping.
If you’re looking for a quick read that brims with charm, serendipity, and swoon-worthy romance, Room 214, San Juan is a five-star recommendation.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
#Room214SanJuan
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The hurricane layover premise gave the perfect backdrop for Sanaa and Ezra’s connection to unfold. Their chemistry felt instant but never rushed, and the writing gave their moments together a warmth and intimacy that made me want to linger on every page.
What I appreciated most is how complete the story felt. Short romances can sometimes leave you wanting more, but this one delivered a full, satisfying journey that I didn’t want to put down. It’s one I’ll be keeping on my re-read list for when I want a romance that feels both cozy and sweeping.
If you’re looking for a quick read that brims with charm, serendipity, and swoon-worthy romance, Room 214, San Juan is a five-star recommendation.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
#Room214SanJuan
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Love Letter Collector Press for this ARC. This novella was everything and more! Our FMC is literally on the brink of self-destruction. She pushes herself so hard to perform and produce. Mother Nature and a series of things intervene and force her to press pause. She and the MMC end up sharing a suite and much, much more. This is a sexy read with thoughtful messages threaded through it. While it initially seems like this is a story of opposites attract, I felt that they had more in common than not. Both are in desperate need of some rejuvenation. Our MMC just embraces that more. You will be left wanting more. It’s a HFN. I believe this quote from the book captures the essence of this novella perfectly : “This wasn’t a relationship. It wasn’t even a fling. It was a pause. A slow inhale in the middle of a life that didn’t usually allow for breath.”. This is my first read by this author but I will definitely be reading other titles from her. Fingers crossed that they get a follow up. 🫣🤗
September 4, 2025
Room 214, San Juan by L.B. Gaines is a treat. This novella is a spicy, emotionally deep romance that can be enjoyed in one sitting. It includes forced proximity, opposites attracting, and a steamy, captivating romance.
The story follows Sanaa, a career-focused tech genius and Ezra, a carefree photographer. A hurricane leaves them stranded in San Juan. Their chemistry is apparent from the start.
The depth of the characters is a highlight, especially Sanaa. She's dealing with a relatable struggle of burnout. The story explores the idea that Black women deserve to rest and find joy. Ezra is patient, kind and helps her reconnect with herself which makes their romance more meaningful than a simple fling.
Overall, it’s a beautifully written, engaging and genuinely a heartfelt story that leaves a lasting impression. Thank you, NetGalley & L.B. Gaines, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Sanaa, a career-focused tech genius and Ezra, a carefree photographer. A hurricane leaves them stranded in San Juan. Their chemistry is apparent from the start.
The depth of the characters is a highlight, especially Sanaa. She's dealing with a relatable struggle of burnout. The story explores the idea that Black women deserve to rest and find joy. Ezra is patient, kind and helps her reconnect with herself which makes their romance more meaningful than a simple fling.
Overall, it’s a beautifully written, engaging and genuinely a heartfelt story that leaves a lasting impression. Thank you, NetGalley & L.B. Gaines, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 10, 2025
Let me start off by saying that I’m pretty new to the romance genre in general, and that this is my first romance novella.
This is a short quick read (100 pages). The book is about a hard working woman who is very organized, successful, and is working on her startup. The problem is, she is not taking time out for herself.
She agrees to take some much needed time off to attend a wedding, but ends up getting stuck in Puerto Rico. While there, she meets a guy and together they have an unforgettable weekend.
I enjoyed the plot and it had so much potential, but I felt like the pacing was too fast for me. Again, maybe this is what romance novellas are like. Idk 🤷🏾♂️
If you’re looking for a quick romance that’s heavy on the spice, I found one for you.
Apparently, I’m more geared for slow burn romances. By the end of this one, I was left with several unanswered questions. I needed less spice and more story. 3.5 stars
This is a short quick read (100 pages). The book is about a hard working woman who is very organized, successful, and is working on her startup. The problem is, she is not taking time out for herself.
She agrees to take some much needed time off to attend a wedding, but ends up getting stuck in Puerto Rico. While there, she meets a guy and together they have an unforgettable weekend.
I enjoyed the plot and it had so much potential, but I felt like the pacing was too fast for me. Again, maybe this is what romance novellas are like. Idk 🤷🏾♂️
If you’re looking for a quick romance that’s heavy on the spice, I found one for you.
Apparently, I’m more geared for slow burn romances. By the end of this one, I was left with several unanswered questions. I needed less spice and more story. 3.5 stars
August 26, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and L.B. Gaines, for my advance copy. This was such a beautiful escape read. Sanaa and Ezra had completely different energies, but the forced detour brought out the best in both of them. Sanaa’s need for control and Ezra’s free spirit clashed at first, but the way they balanced each other felt so natural.
The storm set the perfect backdrop for their slow-burn connection, intimate, tender, and a little soul-stirring. Sometimes you just need someone who can calm your storm, and that’s exactly what Ezra was for Sanaa. They turned out to be a perfect match, proof that fate steps in right when you need it most.
This book also reminded me that as Black women, we deserve rest too, even when we feel overwhelmed. Taking time for ourselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, and seeing Sanaa slow down enough to embrace that really resonated with me.
The storm set the perfect backdrop for their slow-burn connection, intimate, tender, and a little soul-stirring. Sometimes you just need someone who can calm your storm, and that’s exactly what Ezra was for Sanaa. They turned out to be a perfect match, proof that fate steps in right when you need it most.
This book also reminded me that as Black women, we deserve rest too, even when we feel overwhelmed. Taking time for ourselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, and seeing Sanaa slow down enough to embrace that really resonated with me.
August 25, 2025
L.B. Gaines does it again! First, she took us to Accra, and now we’re in San Juan. This book was short, but nothing about it was sweet! We first meet Sanaa, stressing about pitching her baby, Formara Health, to potential investors. Her life has been filled with nothing but calendars, planners, and calendars and planners for her calendars and planners. After her flight is rerouted due to a hurricane, she finds herself stuck in San Juan, PR, for 48 hours, sharing a hotel room with the deliciously fine Ezra.
Ezra gives Sanaa everything she wants and needs in those 48 hrs to get back to Philly ready to knock her pitch out of the park. L.B. Gaines is giving a masterclass in writing short, beautiful stories, that leave you yearning for more. I also saw some very sexy glimpses of BDSM in there, and I can't wait to see if L.B. gives us a full erotica at some point. 👀
Ezra gives Sanaa everything she wants and needs in those 48 hrs to get back to Philly ready to knock her pitch out of the park. L.B. Gaines is giving a masterclass in writing short, beautiful stories, that leave you yearning for more. I also saw some very sexy glimpses of BDSM in there, and I can't wait to see if L.B. gives us a full erotica at some point. 👀
August 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley & Love Letter Collector Press for the ARC. With everything happening in the world right now, this story couldn’t have come at a better time. As Black women, we often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders—sometimes without even realizing it. When you add ambition and the constant push to reach your goals, burnout becomes almost inevitable.
From the very first page, Sanaa’s journey felt so relatable. We’re often so focused on painting the perfect picture that we forget to include ourselves in the frame. Seeing her take a step back, reset, and ultimately receive everything she deserves was both powerful and inspiring. Her Kairos moment (that's a church reference for a romance book, lol) truly resonated with me, and I love that for her.
I can't wait to read more from L.B. Gaines, especially if I get to see a flashback to the wedding portion of this book. :)
From the very first page, Sanaa’s journey felt so relatable. We’re often so focused on painting the perfect picture that we forget to include ourselves in the frame. Seeing her take a step back, reset, and ultimately receive everything she deserves was both powerful and inspiring. Her Kairos moment (that's a church reference for a romance book, lol) truly resonated with me, and I love that for her.
I can't wait to read more from L.B. Gaines, especially if I get to see a flashback to the wedding portion of this book. :)
September 7, 2025
Room 214, San Juan beautifully shows how an unexpected change can shift everything.
Sanaa has been overworking herself to perfect the pitch for her wellness app, determined to secure seed funding. When the hotel double-books her room, she meets Ezra—who graciously offers her the bed while he takes the couch.
I loved how Ezra helped Sanaa slow down, live a little, and truly see her worth, while Sanaa simultaneously helped Ezra in his own journey. The representation of OCD was also thoughtfully and authentically written, adding even more depth to the story.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was:
“Sanaa, you’re the storm, the stillness, the shift.”
This was a quick yet enjoyable read, both heartfelt and spicy. It’s a solid 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for approving this ARC!
Sanaa has been overworking herself to perfect the pitch for her wellness app, determined to secure seed funding. When the hotel double-books her room, she meets Ezra—who graciously offers her the bed while he takes the couch.
I loved how Ezra helped Sanaa slow down, live a little, and truly see her worth, while Sanaa simultaneously helped Ezra in his own journey. The representation of OCD was also thoughtfully and authentically written, adding even more depth to the story.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was:
“Sanaa, you’re the storm, the stillness, the shift.”
This was a quick yet enjoyable read, both heartfelt and spicy. It’s a solid 4.5-star read for me, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for approving this ARC!
September 19, 2025
Room 214, San Juan takes you on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, healing, and unexpected connection. Sanaa learns the difficult but necessary lesson of letting go of control, while Ezra rediscovers his passion for photography. When unforeseen circumstances force the two strangers to share a suite, what begins as a frustrating inconvenience slowly transforms into a welcome blessing.
The story reminds us of the importance of pausing, exhaling, and embracing stillness amid life’s chaos. Sanaa, always on the move and having to be in control, struggles with the unexpected, but Ezra’s patience, care-free vibes, and understanding created the space she needed to breathe and let loose. Together, their dynamic illustrates that if we don’t take the time to slow down, be in the stillness, and savor the moment, life will simply pass us by.
Thank you #NetGalley for the e-ARC.
The story reminds us of the importance of pausing, exhaling, and embracing stillness amid life’s chaos. Sanaa, always on the move and having to be in control, struggles with the unexpected, but Ezra’s patience, care-free vibes, and understanding created the space she needed to breathe and let loose. Together, their dynamic illustrates that if we don’t take the time to slow down, be in the stillness, and savor the moment, life will simply pass us by.
Thank you #NetGalley for the e-ARC.
August 27, 2025
Sanaa lives in each and every one of us! She is intelligent, driven, goal focused and most of all burnt out and exhausted. She has to do lists for her to do lists and through unexpected circumstances is forced to slow down, take in the sights smells and tastes of paradise while sharing a hotel room with a random stranger. Through her experience, the reader will learn about the power of women, love, unexpected romance (with a large helping of spice thrown in), and most of all taking up space when it matters the most. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a little bit of Sanaa lives in each of us if we would only take the time to stop and enjoy the ride. Thank you NetGalley and Love Letter Collector Press for the ARC of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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