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The Lifeline Plan
Julia Thomas had a plan: promotion, proposal, maybe a cat.
Instead, her boyfriend cheats, she’s passed over at work, and her only lifeline is a three-month assignment that takes her from sunny L.A. to gloomy London.
She’s determined to prove she’s leadership material—no distractions allowed. But a stormy evening forces her into a quiet bar where she meets a witty, annoyingly charming, and oddly familiar Brit. Only later does she realize he’s Joshua Hollywood’s golden boy, currently laying low after a PR disaster.
Julia knows she should stay away. Yet what begins with handwritten notes, quickly builds into undeniable chemistry. Joshua’s past with the press, however, is the exact kind of mess her bosses don’t want. With her career on the line, and her return flight looming, Julia must choose whether to protect the future she’s rebuilding or risk everything for a love story that was never in the plan.
Instead, her boyfriend cheats, she’s passed over at work, and her only lifeline is a three-month assignment that takes her from sunny L.A. to gloomy London.
She’s determined to prove she’s leadership material—no distractions allowed. But a stormy evening forces her into a quiet bar where she meets a witty, annoyingly charming, and oddly familiar Brit. Only later does she realize he’s Joshua Hollywood’s golden boy, currently laying low after a PR disaster.
Julia knows she should stay away. Yet what begins with handwritten notes, quickly builds into undeniable chemistry. Joshua’s past with the press, however, is the exact kind of mess her bosses don’t want. With her career on the line, and her return flight looming, Julia must choose whether to protect the future she’s rebuilding or risk everything for a love story that was never in the plan.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 13, 2025
I got my hands on an ARC copy of this book and really enjoyed it!!! This book made me giggle out loud and kick my feet! If you’re in the mood for a good romance, this is the book for you!
October 9, 2025
This was cute!
Maybe too cute?! If you’re not the biggest fan of soft romances don’t read this, but if you’re a heartfelt romantic then this is perfect for you.
Maybe too cute?! If you’re not the biggest fan of soft romances don’t read this, but if you’re a heartfelt romantic then this is perfect for you.
December 16, 2025
Thank you so much Ana Berbel for this read!
The tropes in this book immediately caught my attention, and once I started reading, I was completely hooked. Ana’s writing style is so engaging and immersive. Time just flew by while reading, and it constantly made me want to keep turning the pages.
The romance in this story was incredibly sweet and felt very genuine. The slow build through letter writing had me swooning. You truly see a realistic relationship develop, filled with doubts, patience, and honesty. I love it when a book portrays romance in such an authentic way, showing both the beautiful moments and the struggles that come with it.
Lastly, the character development was done so well. I really connected with the FMC, which made me even more invested in the story. The writing added so much depth, allowing you to feel both perspectives and fully immerse yourself in the story. 💕📖
The tropes in this book immediately caught my attention, and once I started reading, I was completely hooked. Ana’s writing style is so engaging and immersive. Time just flew by while reading, and it constantly made me want to keep turning the pages.
The romance in this story was incredibly sweet and felt very genuine. The slow build through letter writing had me swooning. You truly see a realistic relationship develop, filled with doubts, patience, and honesty. I love it when a book portrays romance in such an authentic way, showing both the beautiful moments and the struggles that come with it.
Lastly, the character development was done so well. I really connected with the FMC, which made me even more invested in the story. The writing added so much depth, allowing you to feel both perspectives and fully immerse yourself in the story. 💕📖
January 24, 2026
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
A very nice PG 13 book. While I am usually with spicy books, this was an amazing addition to my read list. I know this book has very few reviews so I think it deserves credit where it's due.
I found this on tiktok. And I don't regret it one bit. It was a really good book.
Good plot, good building of characters and relationships. I loved it. I am looking for a second book of their friends 🤣
Ana, you are an amazing writer. You have tremendous potential ❤️
A very nice PG 13 book. While I am usually with spicy books, this was an amazing addition to my read list. I know this book has very few reviews so I think it deserves credit where it's due.
I found this on tiktok. And I don't regret it one bit. It was a really good book.
Good plot, good building of characters and relationships. I loved it. I am looking for a second book of their friends 🤣
Ana, you are an amazing writer. You have tremendous potential ❤️
October 11, 2025
this was the cutest book ever, it’s not like all of the other cheesy little romance books i have read. don’t get me wrong, i love a good cheesy romance every once in a while.
julia sounded wonderful, i loved all of her hard work and dedication. i was very frustrated that she let some lowlife man “Noah” ruin most of her life and her love life. i hate how he took photography from her, especially since it was something that she loved so dearly.
Joshua…. my oh my i could picture him so perfectly, he sounded amazing. i could HEAR his British accent as i read his parts. i instantly fell in love with that man and he was perfect for julia from the start!
i loved josh and julia so much, this story had my feet kicking like a little fangirl. every moment they shared together, every date and every moment spent away i loved it. now the ex of josh made me soooo mad. like how rude of her to completely overlook julia???? i mean, i get it because im sure she was trying to make her feel small in a big pond at the premier. but i was ready to jump through my kindle screen and beat her up for julia.
in the end, this was the cutest love story ever, i loved all the details, the characters and the story they built together. thank you for giving me the chance to read your book before it was published. 5/5 ⭐️
julia sounded wonderful, i loved all of her hard work and dedication. i was very frustrated that she let some lowlife man “Noah” ruin most of her life and her love life. i hate how he took photography from her, especially since it was something that she loved so dearly.
Joshua…. my oh my i could picture him so perfectly, he sounded amazing. i could HEAR his British accent as i read his parts. i instantly fell in love with that man and he was perfect for julia from the start!
i loved josh and julia so much, this story had my feet kicking like a little fangirl. every moment they shared together, every date and every moment spent away i loved it. now the ex of josh made me soooo mad. like how rude of her to completely overlook julia???? i mean, i get it because im sure she was trying to make her feel small in a big pond at the premier. but i was ready to jump through my kindle screen and beat her up for julia.
in the end, this was the cutest love story ever, i loved all the details, the characters and the story they built together. thank you for giving me the chance to read your book before it was published. 5/5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
first and foremost i’d like to thank Ana Berbel for allowing me an arc copy of this masterpiece she’s written.
to say i loved this book would be an understatement. i was hooked from the start, seeing our main character, julia, struggling with such difficult feelings while traveling to Landon for her job. The way real world issues were addressed and dealt with was so empowering, and how thoroughly understood these complex feelings were throughout the duration of the novel made me feel so seen. i yearn for something to make me feel the ups and downs the laughter and the tears this brought from me. i felt viscerally connected to the characters, and found bits of myself within them. they were so intricately layers in ways that made it feel all too real. this book really did do it for me, and i don’t hand out 5 stars lightly. overall, i adored this story, and am very satisfied with it as a whole; the writing, the characters, and the resolution.
to say i loved this book would be an understatement. i was hooked from the start, seeing our main character, julia, struggling with such difficult feelings while traveling to Landon for her job. The way real world issues were addressed and dealt with was so empowering, and how thoroughly understood these complex feelings were throughout the duration of the novel made me feel so seen. i yearn for something to make me feel the ups and downs the laughter and the tears this brought from me. i felt viscerally connected to the characters, and found bits of myself within them. they were so intricately layers in ways that made it feel all too real. this book really did do it for me, and i don’t hand out 5 stars lightly. overall, i adored this story, and am very satisfied with it as a whole; the writing, the characters, and the resolution.
October 8, 2025
The author does a great job developing the characters and their emotions. The book pulled me in with Julia working through her past breakup and finding her love story. I really liked when Julia stood up to Noah to finish relationship and developed her courage to speak her truth. I also liked how Julia developed her relationship with her new co-workers so the story wasn't only focused on finding love.
October 17, 2025
It's a delightful read. I like their banter and how she really just liked him for him and not for being a celebrity. I liked how their relationship grew and how she really was into her career because she was good at it. Her confidence had been shaken by having been in a prior relationship with a narcissist.
Very nicely done!! 👍
Very nicely done!! 👍
November 16, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
This was really frickin cute. I had seen a blurb about the book on social media and knew that I needed to read it right away.
I had so much fun reading this book, and really enjoyed the characters and story. I was kicking my feet and giggling like a school girl, even had a few tears.
Full recommend everyone to read this is they want a cute, cheesy romance 🥰
This was really frickin cute. I had seen a blurb about the book on social media and knew that I needed to read it right away.
I had so much fun reading this book, and really enjoyed the characters and story. I was kicking my feet and giggling like a school girl, even had a few tears.
Full recommend everyone to read this is they want a cute, cheesy romance 🥰
January 22, 2026
Great book!!!
I really enjoyed this story from Julia’s POV. The book is great! I am so excited to know what happens next. This book kept me hooked. I would’ve loved a Joshua chapter here and there to get his POV but it’s not a deal breaker. I love all the characters in this book except Noah. 🙄😂
I really enjoyed this story from Julia’s POV. The book is great! I am so excited to know what happens next. This book kept me hooked. I would’ve loved a Joshua chapter here and there to get his POV but it’s not a deal breaker. I love all the characters in this book except Noah. 🙄😂
January 26, 2026
Such a hopeless romantic book! I loved every second of it.
“So American” by Olivia Rodrigo x “London Boy” by Taylor Swift!! The banter is TOP TIER! There are good supporting characters for both the male and female main characters. This is EVERYTHING and easily my newest comfort read.
“So American” by Olivia Rodrigo x “London Boy” by Taylor Swift!! The banter is TOP TIER! There are good supporting characters for both the male and female main characters. This is EVERYTHING and easily my newest comfort read.
April 8, 2026
Boo tomato tomato tomato etc
July 15, 2026
It met my 2000s romcoms expectations and I loved every second of it.
July 3, 2026
This basically was Disney’s Starstruck for grown ups and set in London
October 14, 2025
This book was cute!! I was an ARC reader and liked it a lot!! The writing was great and it was a breezy read!
July 21, 2026
I received this as an ARC✨
But I really enjoyed this so much
Julia & Josh are my bew fav couple ❤️
The yearninngggggg and specially Josh it’s everything
If you want a book that has 2000s movies vibes then this book is for you!
But I really enjoyed this so much
Julia & Josh are my bew fav couple ❤️
The yearninngggggg and specially Josh it’s everything
If you want a book that has 2000s movies vibes then this book is for you!
October 28, 2025
Let me start with a huge thank you to Ana for letting me be a part of the ARC team (I’m sorry for the delay in reviewing).
I’m literally sobbing!!
This book made me long for the type of love they share. It’s a story about hurt and learning how to reinvent yourself. I had an amazing time reading this book, and I’m very excited about Ana’s next ideas and books.
I’m literally sobbing!!
This book made me long for the type of love they share. It’s a story about hurt and learning how to reinvent yourself. I had an amazing time reading this book, and I’m very excited about Ana’s next ideas and books.
October 29, 2025
First off a huge thank you to the amazing author for allowing me to read an arc of her amazing book!
This book was absolutely amazing! It gave me the same vibes as an early 2000s romcom. The pacing was amazing, the characters were all relatable in so many ways, and the writing was phenomenal!
Julia’s character as a whole just gave me early 2000s romcom. She was written beautifully and authentically! I wish we got to see her interact with her parents a bit more specifically her mom. I feel like some scenes would’ve been even more amazing if it included Julia talking to her mom. Having Emma and showing their friendship was amazing! I know lots of real life friendships like there’s.
Joshua’s character had me hooked from the start! I kinda thought he would have the plot of actually using Julia, but as i read the story i was obviously proven wrong! I do wish we had seen more of the relationship between Josh and Tony more. Separately they spoke highly of each other but it would’ve been nice to see them together a bit more !
I highly recommend this book !! It did not disappoint and i cannot wait to read more from this author!!
This book was absolutely amazing! It gave me the same vibes as an early 2000s romcom. The pacing was amazing, the characters were all relatable in so many ways, and the writing was phenomenal!
Julia’s character as a whole just gave me early 2000s romcom. She was written beautifully and authentically! I wish we got to see her interact with her parents a bit more specifically her mom. I feel like some scenes would’ve been even more amazing if it included Julia talking to her mom. Having Emma and showing their friendship was amazing! I know lots of real life friendships like there’s.
Joshua’s character had me hooked from the start! I kinda thought he would have the plot of actually using Julia, but as i read the story i was obviously proven wrong! I do wish we had seen more of the relationship between Josh and Tony more. Separately they spoke highly of each other but it would’ve been nice to see them together a bit more !
I highly recommend this book !! It did not disappoint and i cannot wait to read more from this author!!
May 28, 2026
2 / 2.5 stars
About halfway through The Lifeline Plan, I was bored enough that I put it aside and then legitimately forgot I was in the middle of reading it. Three months later, I picked it back up just to finish it. Unfortunately, it was so easy and predictable that I slipped right back into the story without feeling like I’d missed anything, which is really not what I want from a book.
I do think the second half picked up the pace a bit, but it still relied on a third act breakup that I didn’t like, and I found Julia exhausting more often than sympathetic. She seemed to overreact to almost every problem in her life, which made the drama feel repetitive instead of compelling. Joshua was a decent MMC, if a little overzealous at times. He kept insisting he’d communicate and take care of things, but the second he messed up, Julia completely spiraled, and the conflict just didn’t feel all that interesting or believable to me.
Overall, this was fine, but very forgettable. Nothing about it really stood out, though.
About halfway through The Lifeline Plan, I was bored enough that I put it aside and then legitimately forgot I was in the middle of reading it. Three months later, I picked it back up just to finish it. Unfortunately, it was so easy and predictable that I slipped right back into the story without feeling like I’d missed anything, which is really not what I want from a book.
I do think the second half picked up the pace a bit, but it still relied on a third act breakup that I didn’t like, and I found Julia exhausting more often than sympathetic. She seemed to overreact to almost every problem in her life, which made the drama feel repetitive instead of compelling. Joshua was a decent MMC, if a little overzealous at times. He kept insisting he’d communicate and take care of things, but the second he messed up, Julia completely spiraled, and the conflict just didn’t feel all that interesting or believable to me.
Overall, this was fine, but very forgettable. Nothing about it really stood out, though.
October 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, this book was like binge-watching a comfort rom-com mixed with Notting Hill and The Proposal, but with way better banter and 100 percent more chaos.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
The Lifeline Plan is witty, heartfelt, and full of laugh-out-loud moments. Julia’s inner monologue had me snort-laughing, and Joshua Harrison was the perfect mix of charming and emotionally wrecked. Their chemistry? Off the charts! The kind that makes you kick your lil feet.
The London setting gave it that cozy-rainy-city vibe I love, and the letter exchanges? Ugh, pure serotonin. The writing style is sharp, cinematic, and full of personality. I could see every scene like it was playing out on screen.
If you love slow burns, cheeky humor, and characters who feel real, this one’s for you.
Okay, this book was like binge-watching a comfort rom-com mixed with Notting Hill and The Proposal, but with way better banter and 100 percent more chaos.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
The Lifeline Plan is witty, heartfelt, and full of laugh-out-loud moments. Julia’s inner monologue had me snort-laughing, and Joshua Harrison was the perfect mix of charming and emotionally wrecked. Their chemistry? Off the charts! The kind that makes you kick your lil feet.
The London setting gave it that cozy-rainy-city vibe I love, and the letter exchanges? Ugh, pure serotonin. The writing style is sharp, cinematic, and full of personality. I could see every scene like it was playing out on screen.
If you love slow burns, cheeky humor, and characters who feel real, this one’s for you.
December 18, 2025
This was freaking adorable. Emily in Paris meets Knotting Hill…this is for the classic romcom lovers. Julia takes a career saving opportunity to work in London for a few months. This first bar she visits, after her first day of work, she meets a hollywood movie star, Joshua, who quickly becomes smitten with her. Now Julia is off a bad breakup. Her trust in men is at zero. She took this chance in London to refocus herself and recenter her life not around relationships. But Joshua is not going to make that easy on her. It starts with chance meetings, then letters, then texts and phone calls and then it snowballs to romantic dinners…and more and more. And it’s so cute and so dreamy. Can Julia handle a relationship, the spotlight, a career and friends? Can she get over all her past trauma?
This was a very fun, very light and happy read. Would recommend!
This was a very fun, very light and happy read. Would recommend!
February 2, 2026
This was such a cute and fun read!! It felt like an early 2000's romcom which I loved!
Our fmc, Julia was so driven and relatable! I loved how she pushed herself to do the best she could in life and to follow her passions. It was really inspiring 🥹
I loved Josh so much as a mmc, especially the way he always paid extra attention to the little things. Sending Julia an umbrella to her work when she didn't have one so she wouldn't get rained on, sending her lunch and making time to spend quality time with her (even as a movie star)🥹
Also this man literally cut off the tags on dresses so that Julia wouldn't worry about the prices?! Can you see me swooning?
The plot was so entertaining and made me laugh out loud quite a few times! I will definitely be reading more books by this author in the future!
Thank you so much to the author for an e-book copy of this book!🫶
Our fmc, Julia was so driven and relatable! I loved how she pushed herself to do the best she could in life and to follow her passions. It was really inspiring 🥹
I loved Josh so much as a mmc, especially the way he always paid extra attention to the little things. Sending Julia an umbrella to her work when she didn't have one so she wouldn't get rained on, sending her lunch and making time to spend quality time with her (even as a movie star)🥹
Also this man literally cut off the tags on dresses so that Julia wouldn't worry about the prices?! Can you see me swooning?
The plot was so entertaining and made me laugh out loud quite a few times! I will definitely be reading more books by this author in the future!
Thank you so much to the author for an e-book copy of this book!🫶
August 6, 2026
Was cute read finished in one setting i loved the first half more (the romcom half) didn’t like the writing of noah it felt like cause you want him to appear the jerk that he is you made him dumb too my mistake his line was a bit weird like he could be full of himself and all that and yes be dumb and inconsiderate you’ve set him up like this before we meet him but you also set him up to be a manipulative with big ego he just came off dumb in the scene.
Felt like josh wasn’t himself when it all fell down like you telling me this is the doing of sweet persistent josh in the first half (even the night beforeeee)
Still i enjoyed it ❤️ mainly cause of the romcom half
Also loved him sensing the overthinking
Felt like josh wasn’t himself when it all fell down like you telling me this is the doing of sweet persistent josh in the first half (even the night beforeeee)
Still i enjoyed it ❤️ mainly cause of the romcom half
Also loved him sensing the overthinking
October 21, 2025
This debut romcom felt like a nostalgic Amanda Bynes movie - famousXnormal, American overseas, and all the longing!
I am a SUCKER for flirty text exchanges and this book has it in spades! I adored the progression from letters being exchanged, to texts, to drop by in-person hangouts.
Truly enjoyed the adult flirtations, the fact that HE FELL FIRST, and the edgy romance without falling over into the explicit zone. Her friend, Emma, had me cracking up everytime she would call with an update.
Excited to see more books from this author in the future and to watch her writing grow. An absolutely fun debut to pick up!! ❣️
I am a SUCKER for flirty text exchanges and this book has it in spades! I adored the progression from letters being exchanged, to texts, to drop by in-person hangouts.
Truly enjoyed the adult flirtations, the fact that HE FELL FIRST, and the edgy romance without falling over into the explicit zone. Her friend, Emma, had me cracking up everytime she would call with an update.
Excited to see more books from this author in the future and to watch her writing grow. An absolutely fun debut to pick up!! ❣️
March 8, 2026
4.5/5⭐️
This book was quite perfect. The tension was so good, and the characters were actually emotionally intelligent (can you believe it??). Their past issues were present enough to create real, meaningful situations, but they never took over the story or kept getting repeated in a way that overshadowed the romance.
The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is the last chapter, I loved these characters so much that I felt a little left wanting more.
But honestly, the writing was great. I didn’t want to skip a single part. It had the perfect mix of yearning, lightness, love, and introspection. Definitely one of my favorite reads from the beginning of 2026 !
This book was quite perfect. The tension was so good, and the characters were actually emotionally intelligent (can you believe it??). Their past issues were present enough to create real, meaningful situations, but they never took over the story or kept getting repeated in a way that overshadowed the romance.
The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is the last chapter, I loved these characters so much that I felt a little left wanting more.
But honestly, the writing was great. I didn’t want to skip a single part. It had the perfect mix of yearning, lightness, love, and introspection. Definitely one of my favorite reads from the beginning of 2026 !
February 1, 2026
I’ve been following the author on TikTok for a bit and finally got the time to read this, and it did not disappoint, I absolutely devoured it! The chemistry between Julia and Joshua is electric, and I loved that their connection started with handwritten notes; it was such a romantic touch.
The book perfectly captures the cozy vibe of a rainy London and nails the 'celebrity falling for a normal girl' trope. It’s a witty, heartwarming, and clean read that was totally worth the wait. Ana Berbel has written a gem, and I am so excited for her next release!
The book perfectly captures the cozy vibe of a rainy London and nails the 'celebrity falling for a normal girl' trope. It’s a witty, heartwarming, and clean read that was totally worth the wait. Ana Berbel has written a gem, and I am so excited for her next release!
February 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this whirlwind, cute romcom set in London with an American FMC and a British celebrity MMC. There were all the cute moments we yearn for in a romance book, as well as the struggles and trust issues the FMC went through which were very relatable 💕 both character's growth was so sweet but I wanted to throw the book at the wall toward the end though, things were just off and the ending was cute but left me confused as well with the MMC's actions. Overall, a cute, uplifting read that gets you in the feels 🥹
April 5, 2026
Dnfd only because it wasn’t right for me.
Honestly this one’s cute it’s straight in full on meet cute but when there’s cute there’s cringe little lines and phrases are just so ew like a no for me. The banter is amazing and the description of the connection between them is amazing. I hate to have negatives but I hate that she’s finding her way now that a mans involved I get seeing the world differently but having a mental block and the only way to fix it shouldn’t have to be talking to a guy every night before work.
Honestly this one’s cute it’s straight in full on meet cute but when there’s cute there’s cringe little lines and phrases are just so ew like a no for me. The banter is amazing and the description of the connection between them is amazing. I hate to have negatives but I hate that she’s finding her way now that a mans involved I get seeing the world differently but having a mental block and the only way to fix it shouldn’t have to be talking to a guy every night before work.
June 12, 2026
What can I say about this wonderful book... I think that is written for all the girl who are obsessed with hot actors, especially if he is British 🔥
Everything here is very special, Joshua is all the girls want in a man, that he falls first and harder and of course if he crawls for her attention. This is the type of man that I want to find someday, who writes me letters and put his number phone in. 💖
I can wait for the next book, because Emma was my favourite character, I found very reassembles between her and me. ✨
Everything here is very special, Joshua is all the girls want in a man, that he falls first and harder and of course if he crawls for her attention. This is the type of man that I want to find someday, who writes me letters and put his number phone in. 💖
I can wait for the next book, because Emma was my favourite character, I found very reassembles between her and me. ✨
July 23, 2026
This is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.
Julia is just a girl, with a broken heart, trying to re-learn who she is and get over her hurt. Little does she know, it’s not that easy when McDreamy is dropped into your lap. Josh is soooo swoon worthy and every girls British dream. But is he too good to be true for our girl?! I loved this one and I hope the next book is just as good and we still get some Julia.
Julia is just a girl, with a broken heart, trying to re-learn who she is and get over her hurt. Little does she know, it’s not that easy when McDreamy is dropped into your lap. Josh is soooo swoon worthy and every girls British dream. But is he too good to be true for our girl?! I loved this one and I hope the next book is just as good and we still get some Julia.
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