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Venus Love Trap
A heartbroken single dad. A restless scientist. One reunion that’s as angsty as it is irresistible in this spicy second chance romance from the author of
Yes No Maybe
and
Every Chance After
.
The two most important people in Henry Greene’s life are his six-year-old son, Olly, and Venus Blake—his high school sweetheart that he hasn’t seen in ten years, not since the night that changed everything. He’s tried to forget her, but he can’t. Henry is caught between missing his best friend and resenting her for abandoning him.
Venus Blake relies on logic, not love. Love is a trap—stifling, confining, no room to breathe. Venus craves space, adventure, and the freedom to indulge impulses that only hurt those closest to her—especially Henry, the only person she’s ever loved. For a decade, she’s traveled the world in the name of science, avoiding relationships, avoiding Henry, avoiding love.
But Venus can’t run forever. When her impulses cause dire consequences, she must face what she’s avoided most—her hometown… and Henry.
When her father forces their angsty reunion and a second chance, feelings clash with complications. He can’t walk away. She doesn’t know how to stay. But one last summer might be enough to rewrite their story—if their hearts can survive the experiment.
The two most important people in Henry Greene’s life are his six-year-old son, Olly, and Venus Blake—his high school sweetheart that he hasn’t seen in ten years, not since the night that changed everything. He’s tried to forget her, but he can’t. Henry is caught between missing his best friend and resenting her for abandoning him.
Venus Blake relies on logic, not love. Love is a trap—stifling, confining, no room to breathe. Venus craves space, adventure, and the freedom to indulge impulses that only hurt those closest to her—especially Henry, the only person she’s ever loved. For a decade, she’s traveled the world in the name of science, avoiding relationships, avoiding Henry, avoiding love.
But Venus can’t run forever. When her impulses cause dire consequences, she must face what she’s avoided most—her hometown… and Henry.
When her father forces their angsty reunion and a second chance, feelings clash with complications. He can’t walk away. She doesn’t know how to stay. But one last summer might be enough to rewrite their story—if their hearts can survive the experiment.
- GenresRomance
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
118 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sherry
13 books132 followersJessica loves stories that make her heart race, one way or another, so it’s no wonder that she writes mysteries and romances. Her novels feature broken, imperfect people, emotional plots, quirky found families, and better-ever-afters. She aches for a good story and loves building worlds where people laugh, cry, hurt, find themselves, and, of course, fall in love. When she isn’t lost in a book, she finds inspiration at the beach, on her daily park walks, thrift store shopping, and hanging out in beautiful Wilmington, NC, where she lives with her family. Connect and follow her on Instagram & TikTok @authorjessicasherry
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 20, 2026
I would actually d!e for Venus Blake.
Slutty little glasses and slutty little inhaler Henry is perfect.
Full RTC but seriously I love Venus + Henry so f-ing much. They are perfect.
p.s. the cameos in this book are next level good.
| IG | TikTok |
I received a gifted early copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Slutty little glasses and slutty little inhaler Henry is perfect.
Full RTC but seriously I love Venus + Henry so f-ing much. They are perfect.
p.s. the cameos in this book are next level good.
| IG | TikTok |
I received a gifted early copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2026
Wow this was sooooo cute! Venus has got to be one of my favorite FMCs of all time now. Her simplistic views on how life works and just how people perceive her.
Venus and Henry were childhood friends turned into high school sweethearts. Due to her feeling like Henry would be better off without her and the constant ridicule of how Venus approaches life in general, Venus just takes off and ghosts Henry for YEARS. But the brief flashbacks to their childhood adventures will just MELT your heart! 🫠 I’m now a big fan of Frank the Frog. 😂 Everything is just so cute. Henry has asthma and an overprotective and judgmental mother and a father that constantly belittles him so he has a bit of a problem coming out of his shell until he meets Venus. Venus shows him how to have adventures and basically makes Henry LIVE life.
BUT Venus comes back home after many years pass to help teach her dad’s class and unexpectedly runs into Henry after her dad did a little rug pull and tricked her into running into him. Over the years, neither of them could stop thinking about each other and when she sees Henry she bolts and when Henry sees her he has an asthma attack 🤣. So so cute.
I can’t recommend this book enough! I mean! Hello! It’s sweet, it’s cute, it’s funny and it’s sexy! Also romantic in a very pragmatic way according to Venus. I love love love how she views romance 🥰.
🌹TROPES🥀
✌🏻Second-chance romance
🏘️Small town
💘Childhood friends to High school sweethearts
🫠Angsty
🧍🏼Single dad
Favorite parts:
🐸Frank the Frog
⛈️They hold each other during a storm when they’re only 8 years old
🖕🏼Their “Fuck-It Experiment”
⛴️”I think that’s why I jumped into the ocean so many times aboard that ship…I wanted you to find me again.” - Venus
👗She buys more dresses because Henry, ahem…can “access” her 🌸much more easily 😂 and mmmm yeah
🥸”You’ve covered yourself in lovely sex organs.” (Gotta read it to find out!)
Anyways! There’s soooo many more good parts I could highlight but just go read it!!
Thank you soooo much to Good Girls PR and Jessica Sherry for the gift of this AMAZING book in exchange for my honest review! I am buying this as a shelf trophy as well because props to the cover artist!!!!! I wish there was a Venus fly trap emoji! Used to be my favorite plant as a kid too. Might still be!
Venus and Henry were childhood friends turned into high school sweethearts. Due to her feeling like Henry would be better off without her and the constant ridicule of how Venus approaches life in general, Venus just takes off and ghosts Henry for YEARS. But the brief flashbacks to their childhood adventures will just MELT your heart! 🫠 I’m now a big fan of Frank the Frog. 😂 Everything is just so cute. Henry has asthma and an overprotective and judgmental mother and a father that constantly belittles him so he has a bit of a problem coming out of his shell until he meets Venus. Venus shows him how to have adventures and basically makes Henry LIVE life.
BUT Venus comes back home after many years pass to help teach her dad’s class and unexpectedly runs into Henry after her dad did a little rug pull and tricked her into running into him. Over the years, neither of them could stop thinking about each other and when she sees Henry she bolts and when Henry sees her he has an asthma attack 🤣. So so cute.
I can’t recommend this book enough! I mean! Hello! It’s sweet, it’s cute, it’s funny and it’s sexy! Also romantic in a very pragmatic way according to Venus. I love love love how she views romance 🥰.
🌹TROPES🥀
✌🏻Second-chance romance
🏘️Small town
💘Childhood friends to High school sweethearts
🫠Angsty
🧍🏼Single dad
Favorite parts:
🐸Frank the Frog
⛈️They hold each other during a storm when they’re only 8 years old
🖕🏼Their “Fuck-It Experiment”
⛴️”I think that’s why I jumped into the ocean so many times aboard that ship…I wanted you to find me again.” - Venus
👗She buys more dresses because Henry, ahem…can “access” her 🌸much more easily 😂 and mmmm yeah
🥸”You’ve covered yourself in lovely sex organs.” (Gotta read it to find out!)
Anyways! There’s soooo many more good parts I could highlight but just go read it!!
Thank you soooo much to Good Girls PR and Jessica Sherry for the gift of this AMAZING book in exchange for my honest review! I am buying this as a shelf trophy as well because props to the cover artist!!!!! I wish there was a Venus fly trap emoji! Used to be my favorite plant as a kid too. Might still be!
March 1, 2026
*ARC REVIEW*
Every ARC I’ve read recently has been a hit - and this is no different! I really enjoyed this second chance, childhood friends to almost lovers to strangers(?) to lovers again.
Venus is so unique and I just loved her character. Henry and Olly are super sweet and cute and GAH they’re just the sweetest.
I love a good STEMinist book! I always feel smarter after reading. This definitely is a good choice for someone who’s a fan of Ali Hazelwood.
Every ARC I’ve read recently has been a hit - and this is no different! I really enjoyed this second chance, childhood friends to almost lovers to strangers(?) to lovers again.
Venus is so unique and I just loved her character. Henry and Olly are super sweet and cute and GAH they’re just the sweetest.
I love a good STEMinist book! I always feel smarter after reading. This definitely is a good choice for someone who’s a fan of Ali Hazelwood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into The Venus Love Trap by Jessica Sherry expecting a smart, character-driven romance…but what I found was something far more layered and quietly moving.
Venus is one of those protagonists who lingers with you long after you close the book. Although it’s never explicitly stated, I couldn’t shake the impression that she may be neurodivergent. She takes things very literally, processes language with striking precision, and possesses extraordinary intelligence. Yet despite that sharp mind, she struggles profoundly with reading other people; especially their emotional subtext. There’s a heartbreaking gap between what she understands intellectually and what she intuits socially.
One of the most poignant threads in the story is how deeply she internalizes something her father told her about love as a young child. She holds onto his words with unwavering literalness, shaping her identity around them in ways that ripple into adulthood. It’s such an authentic portrayal of how a single message, especially delivered in childhood, can calcify into belief. Venus presents herself as extraordinarily confident, almost formidable. But beneath that surface, you can see the erosion. She cannot quite articulate how certain words from teachers and certain dismissals (don’t want to spoil by saying whom!), have chipped away at her self-esteem over the years. That emotional bottleneck feels painfully real.
What makes this story shine is that it isn’t about “fixing” Venus. It’s about understanding her. It’s about someone taking the time to see how her mind works, to appreciate her literalness and brilliance rather than being frustrated by it. The romance between Henry and Venus feels earned because it’s rooted in recognition and patience. Watching Venus slowly come into her own and separating inherited narratives from her true self is deeply satisfying.
This is a lovely, tender story about self-discovery and finding someone who truly understands you: not despite who you are, but because of it. If you’re drawn to character-driven romance with emotional depth and a heroine who feels refreshingly different, this one is well worth your time.
Venus is one of those protagonists who lingers with you long after you close the book. Although it’s never explicitly stated, I couldn’t shake the impression that she may be neurodivergent. She takes things very literally, processes language with striking precision, and possesses extraordinary intelligence. Yet despite that sharp mind, she struggles profoundly with reading other people; especially their emotional subtext. There’s a heartbreaking gap between what she understands intellectually and what she intuits socially.
One of the most poignant threads in the story is how deeply she internalizes something her father told her about love as a young child. She holds onto his words with unwavering literalness, shaping her identity around them in ways that ripple into adulthood. It’s such an authentic portrayal of how a single message, especially delivered in childhood, can calcify into belief. Venus presents herself as extraordinarily confident, almost formidable. But beneath that surface, you can see the erosion. She cannot quite articulate how certain words from teachers and certain dismissals (don’t want to spoil by saying whom!), have chipped away at her self-esteem over the years. That emotional bottleneck feels painfully real.
What makes this story shine is that it isn’t about “fixing” Venus. It’s about understanding her. It’s about someone taking the time to see how her mind works, to appreciate her literalness and brilliance rather than being frustrated by it. The romance between Henry and Venus feels earned because it’s rooted in recognition and patience. Watching Venus slowly come into her own and separating inherited narratives from her true self is deeply satisfying.
This is a lovely, tender story about self-discovery and finding someone who truly understands you: not despite who you are, but because of it. If you’re drawn to character-driven romance with emotional depth and a heroine who feels refreshingly different, this one is well worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second chance.
Single dad.
Childhood best friends who never actually stopped loving each other.
Yeah… this one hurt a little. In a good way.🥹
Henry and Venus were everything to each other growing up. Safe place. Adventure partners. First love. And then one night changes everything and she leaves. Just… gone. For ten years. And when she comes back to town? He’s still wrecked. Still in love. Still angry. Still soft.
And the reunion scene... When she runs and he literally has an asthma attack seeing her again...
What made this book hit deeper for me though was Venus. She isn’t your typical FMC. She’s logical, literal, fiercely intelligent, and she genuinely believes love is a trap. That it limits you. That staying means shrinking. And you can feel how much of that belief was shaped by things said to her when she was young.
Words that stuck.
Words that calcified.
There’s this line that just sat in my chest:
“Love is freedom, Venus. To be yourself without compromise, to discover your passion, to belong.”
That’s the entire book right there.
Henry sees her. Not in a “let me fix you” way. But in a patient, steady, I know how your brain works kind of way. And that felt so mature. Their communication surprised me too... when they talk, they actually talk. No endless drama just for drama’s sake. It’s messy because they’re human, not because they’re immature.
Also… the spice? Quietly feral. 😌
The “Fuck-It Experiment”? I beg your pardon??
And the ocean line:
“I think that’s why I jumped into the ocean so many times aboard that ship… I wanted you to find me again.”
Babe. That is unhinged romance in the best way.
Henry as a single dad melted me. Watching Venus slowly realize that leaving wasn’t strength it was fear and that staying doesn’t mean losing yourself? That growth arc felt earned.
If you love:
💘 second chance
🌻 childhood friends to lovers
🏡 small town returns
🧍♂️ soft single dads
🔥 angsty but emotionally intelligent spice
This one will absolutely get you.
Tender. A little chaotic. A little nerdy. A lot of heart.
And yes… I would let Henry Greene ruin my life for a summer. 😌
Single dad.
Childhood best friends who never actually stopped loving each other.
Yeah… this one hurt a little. In a good way.🥹
Henry and Venus were everything to each other growing up. Safe place. Adventure partners. First love. And then one night changes everything and she leaves. Just… gone. For ten years. And when she comes back to town? He’s still wrecked. Still in love. Still angry. Still soft.
And the reunion scene... When she runs and he literally has an asthma attack seeing her again...
What made this book hit deeper for me though was Venus. She isn’t your typical FMC. She’s logical, literal, fiercely intelligent, and she genuinely believes love is a trap. That it limits you. That staying means shrinking. And you can feel how much of that belief was shaped by things said to her when she was young.
Words that stuck.
Words that calcified.
There’s this line that just sat in my chest:
“Love is freedom, Venus. To be yourself without compromise, to discover your passion, to belong.”
That’s the entire book right there.
Henry sees her. Not in a “let me fix you” way. But in a patient, steady, I know how your brain works kind of way. And that felt so mature. Their communication surprised me too... when they talk, they actually talk. No endless drama just for drama’s sake. It’s messy because they’re human, not because they’re immature.
Also… the spice? Quietly feral. 😌
The “Fuck-It Experiment”? I beg your pardon??
And the ocean line:
“I think that’s why I jumped into the ocean so many times aboard that ship… I wanted you to find me again.”
Babe. That is unhinged romance in the best way.
Henry as a single dad melted me. Watching Venus slowly realize that leaving wasn’t strength it was fear and that staying doesn’t mean losing yourself? That growth arc felt earned.
If you love:
💘 second chance
🌻 childhood friends to lovers
🏡 small town returns
🧍♂️ soft single dads
🔥 angsty but emotionally intelligent spice
This one will absolutely get you.
Tender. A little chaotic. A little nerdy. A lot of heart.
And yes… I would let Henry Greene ruin my life for a summer. 😌
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5
Another great read from Jessica Sherry. Venus Love Trap will pull on your heartstrings with its emotional and tender moments. I really liked Venus as a FMC: she always put other people above herself; even if her reasoning was flawed, she never acted with the intention to hurt the people she cared about. Like her namesake, on the surface, Venus seems to be all bite. But in reality, she's deeply caring and protective over the people she loves. From the beginning, Henry seems to be one of the only people who really see her for who she is through her tough exterior. Henry is an absolute sweetie pie. He's the opposite of Venus, and throughout their lives, he's given her his patience and unconditional love.
Originally friends to lovers, Venus and Henry are torn apart by an unfortunate accident, but are forced to reunite ten years later when Venus is called back into town by her father. While I was expecting a lot of bitterness and avoidance in the beginning of their reunion, I was pleasantly surprised by the immediate honest communication between Venus and Henry. They had open conversations and were always clear with their intentions towards each other. I loved how they were able to get their feelings on the table and resolve their conflicts, allowing them more time to rebuild the foundation of their relationship and make it stronger. It was a breath of fresh air to see them embark on a mature relationship/romance. While Venus still has her flight reflex in the face of emotional conflicts, Henry is there to ground her and help her through it. It was beautiful to see Venus's character development from her past and how she was dedicated to improving herself for Henry and her family.
I love a good second-chance romance, and this hit the spot.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Another great read from Jessica Sherry. Venus Love Trap will pull on your heartstrings with its emotional and tender moments. I really liked Venus as a FMC: she always put other people above herself; even if her reasoning was flawed, she never acted with the intention to hurt the people she cared about. Like her namesake, on the surface, Venus seems to be all bite. But in reality, she's deeply caring and protective over the people she loves. From the beginning, Henry seems to be one of the only people who really see her for who she is through her tough exterior. Henry is an absolute sweetie pie. He's the opposite of Venus, and throughout their lives, he's given her his patience and unconditional love.
Originally friends to lovers, Venus and Henry are torn apart by an unfortunate accident, but are forced to reunite ten years later when Venus is called back into town by her father. While I was expecting a lot of bitterness and avoidance in the beginning of their reunion, I was pleasantly surprised by the immediate honest communication between Venus and Henry. They had open conversations and were always clear with their intentions towards each other. I loved how they were able to get their feelings on the table and resolve their conflicts, allowing them more time to rebuild the foundation of their relationship and make it stronger. It was a breath of fresh air to see them embark on a mature relationship/romance. While Venus still has her flight reflex in the face of emotional conflicts, Henry is there to ground her and help her through it. It was beautiful to see Venus's character development from her past and how she was dedicated to improving herself for Henry and her family.
I love a good second-chance romance, and this hit the spot.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Good Girls PR and Jessica Sherry for an advanced copy of this book
Venus and Henry are estranged lovers - soulmates, even - who were also once childhood best friends. After an accident that changes their relationship, things are never the same between them and their families, and Venus decides to leave, believing it's for the best for everybody.
Years later, due to unforeseen career circumstances, Venus finds herself back in their hometown, where she never quite felt like she belonged, except when she was with Henry.
This book is a second chance, friends to lovers story about deeply flawed people who ended up hurting each other, but ultimately could also not see themselves with anyone else.
This is my first Jessica Sherry book, and wow I am a newly-converted fan! This is such a good book! The story feels real and the characters feel real - not just the main ones, but their loved ones as well.
Even I fell in love with Venus Blake as a character, how endearing and deeply flawed she is, and despite all that how she owns up to her mistakes and still tries for the people that she loves.
The tender flashbacks we get of moments of Henry and Venus growing have to be my favourite part of the book.
The whole setting around the story is also very interesting to me. Carnivorous plants, a museum of curiosity full of peculiar objects, and a greenhouse and a forest where Venus and Henry shared their most special moments.
Overall I love this book so much! This is a beautiful character-driven second chance romance, that's not afraid of having characters face their flaws and tugging on the readers' heartstrings. Go read this one, I promise it's worth it!!
Venus and Henry are estranged lovers - soulmates, even - who were also once childhood best friends. After an accident that changes their relationship, things are never the same between them and their families, and Venus decides to leave, believing it's for the best for everybody.
Years later, due to unforeseen career circumstances, Venus finds herself back in their hometown, where she never quite felt like she belonged, except when she was with Henry.
This book is a second chance, friends to lovers story about deeply flawed people who ended up hurting each other, but ultimately could also not see themselves with anyone else.
This is my first Jessica Sherry book, and wow I am a newly-converted fan! This is such a good book! The story feels real and the characters feel real - not just the main ones, but their loved ones as well.
Even I fell in love with Venus Blake as a character, how endearing and deeply flawed she is, and despite all that how she owns up to her mistakes and still tries for the people that she loves.
The tender flashbacks we get of moments of Henry and Venus growing have to be my favourite part of the book.
The whole setting around the story is also very interesting to me. Carnivorous plants, a museum of curiosity full of peculiar objects, and a greenhouse and a forest where Venus and Henry shared their most special moments.
Overall I love this book so much! This is a beautiful character-driven second chance romance, that's not afraid of having characters face their flaws and tugging on the readers' heartstrings. Go read this one, I promise it's worth it!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off thank you so much Jessica for allowing me to be an arc reader.
I have to made this super known- I don't cry often at books- but this book shattered me in the best way possible. I have also have never read a book where a main character has a special needs factor in play.
When I first started reading I thought- wow this girl reminds me of Sheldon from the big bang theory some. She didn't have the tendencies he does (like knocking 3 times on a door while saying their name 3 times) but she is definitely high IQ and struggles when people explain things to her certain ways when she clearly understands the curriculum just fine. So I originally thought she's on the spectrum for Autism.... turns out she has ADHD and Impulsive disorder combined.
Regardless of her characteristics I loved this book. I felt like I had a true insiders perspective of how someone who has been labeled as "difficult" her whole life feels and lives. I can't imagine never feeling like they were enough for anyone so they just run away thinking that's the best for everyone.
Venus's growth throughout the years is amazing. It shows that she wants to be better and be a part of her family and soulmates lives again. It shows that the time away taught her how to better control and express her feelings in a healthier light.
Henry's love for Venus never waivered. It appears that it did for awhile but deep down while he was writing or telling stories of their adventures it becomes adamant that he never stopped loving her. He was just hurt she left with no explanation.
Once again thank you Jessica for allowing me to be an arc reader. I look forward to your next book.
I have to made this super known- I don't cry often at books- but this book shattered me in the best way possible. I have also have never read a book where a main character has a special needs factor in play.
When I first started reading I thought- wow this girl reminds me of Sheldon from the big bang theory some. She didn't have the tendencies he does (like knocking 3 times on a door while saying their name 3 times) but she is definitely high IQ and struggles when people explain things to her certain ways when she clearly understands the curriculum just fine. So I originally thought she's on the spectrum for Autism.... turns out she has ADHD and Impulsive disorder combined.
Regardless of her characteristics I loved this book. I felt like I had a true insiders perspective of how someone who has been labeled as "difficult" her whole life feels and lives. I can't imagine never feeling like they were enough for anyone so they just run away thinking that's the best for everyone.
Venus's growth throughout the years is amazing. It shows that she wants to be better and be a part of her family and soulmates lives again. It shows that the time away taught her how to better control and express her feelings in a healthier light.
Henry's love for Venus never waivered. It appears that it did for awhile but deep down while he was writing or telling stories of their adventures it becomes adamant that he never stopped loving her. He was just hurt she left with no explanation.
Once again thank you Jessica for allowing me to be an arc reader. I look forward to your next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars.
With The Venus Love Trap, I was expecting what I usually get with Jessica's stories -- a clever, witty, unique romance — that's what she always delivers in such an amazing way. But with this amazing book, we also get a deeply moving, nuanced story with incredible depth and emotional resonance from beginning to end.
FMC Venus is unforgettable — a genius with a mind for facts but wildly out of sync with everyone else’s emotional subtext. The gap between her intellect and intuition is both funny and quietly heartbreaking. While it's not explicit beyond discussion of her ADHD diagnosis, she seems to have clear neurodivergence and it's beautiful to read every moment with this captivating character. I loved Venus with my whole heart — she's endearing, deeply flawed, and still determined to own her mistakes and show up for the people she loves.
MMC Henry, a single dad who has been Venus' friend since second grade, sees the real Venus. He’s gentle where she’s jagged, patient when she's more analytical than emotional — and he’s loved her, wholly and without hesitation, for all these years. We get tender flashbacks of her and Henry growing up together, which is easily one of my favorite parts of the book too.
In the end, this is a beautifully crafted, character‑driven second‑chance romance that isn’t afraid to let its characters confront their messiness — and tug hard at your heartstrings.
With The Venus Love Trap, I was expecting what I usually get with Jessica's stories -- a clever, witty, unique romance — that's what she always delivers in such an amazing way. But with this amazing book, we also get a deeply moving, nuanced story with incredible depth and emotional resonance from beginning to end.
FMC Venus is unforgettable — a genius with a mind for facts but wildly out of sync with everyone else’s emotional subtext. The gap between her intellect and intuition is both funny and quietly heartbreaking. While it's not explicit beyond discussion of her ADHD diagnosis, she seems to have clear neurodivergence and it's beautiful to read every moment with this captivating character. I loved Venus with my whole heart — she's endearing, deeply flawed, and still determined to own her mistakes and show up for the people she loves.
MMC Henry, a single dad who has been Venus' friend since second grade, sees the real Venus. He’s gentle where she’s jagged, patient when she's more analytical than emotional — and he’s loved her, wholly and without hesitation, for all these years. We get tender flashbacks of her and Henry growing up together, which is easily one of my favorite parts of the book too.
In the end, this is a beautifully crafted, character‑driven second‑chance romance that isn’t afraid to let its characters confront their messiness — and tug hard at your heartstrings.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have been a fan of traditional romance for as long as I can remember, and second chance stories are always near the top of my list. After loving “Every Chance After,” I was really excited to dive into this book and see what the author would do next. It did not take long for me to realize this story was going to stay with me.
This book gave me an experience I do not think I have ever had before as a reader. I found myself wishing I could step into the pages just to give one of the characters a hug. Venus completely captured my heart. Watching her navigate the world, especially while dealing with challenges in communication and social situations, felt incredibly emotional and real. It is hard to watch a character be misunderstood, and I kept hoping someone would truly see her for who she is. That emotional connection made the story even more powerful and meaningful for me.
What I appreciated most was how much heart this book had. It balanced emotional depth with a romance that felt genuine and earned. By the end, I was fully invested in these characters and deeply satisfied with where their journey led.
All in all, this book was amazing. It left a lasting impression on me, and I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
This book gave me an experience I do not think I have ever had before as a reader. I found myself wishing I could step into the pages just to give one of the characters a hug. Venus completely captured my heart. Watching her navigate the world, especially while dealing with challenges in communication and social situations, felt incredibly emotional and real. It is hard to watch a character be misunderstood, and I kept hoping someone would truly see her for who she is. That emotional connection made the story even more powerful and meaningful for me.
What I appreciated most was how much heart this book had. It balanced emotional depth with a romance that felt genuine and earned. By the end, I was fully invested in these characters and deeply satisfied with where their journey led.
All in all, this book was amazing. It left a lasting impression on me, and I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
February 27, 2026
“Love is freedom, Venus. To be yourself without compromise, to discover your passion, to belong. This is what I hope for you.”
🌻🐸🪴🐦
This story is about Henry and Venus; best friends and each other’s safe place all their childhood and throughput high school, until one day when everything changes. Venus leaves their hometown with no return and Henry is left devastated and heartbroken. Ten years later, Venus is back in their hometown and the old flame resurface; making Henry and Venus wonder if what they had can come back or if they can build a new future together.
I think this is a very cute story; Venus is a neurodivergent STEM woman with an impressive mind and fear of her strong feelings towards Henry, and throughout the book I found myself having more and more empathy towards her and her reasons of leaving. And Henry is a sweet man, a single father with a big heart and strength to leave his fears aside and follow his heart. Their relationship from the beginning is so sweet and you can just tell how much they love each other and how much they’re willing to learn from their past and grow to rebuild their love and trust for each other. It is a heartwarming (and educational btw, I never knew so much about plants in my life) story and I always rooted for Henry and Venus to end up happy without leaving their dreams aside. The only thing I didn’t love was how they kept going around the same problem and how they wouldn’t communicate what they wanted. Otherwise this was a nice and sweet love story.
🌻🐸🪴🐦
This story is about Henry and Venus; best friends and each other’s safe place all their childhood and throughput high school, until one day when everything changes. Venus leaves their hometown with no return and Henry is left devastated and heartbroken. Ten years later, Venus is back in their hometown and the old flame resurface; making Henry and Venus wonder if what they had can come back or if they can build a new future together.
I think this is a very cute story; Venus is a neurodivergent STEM woman with an impressive mind and fear of her strong feelings towards Henry, and throughout the book I found myself having more and more empathy towards her and her reasons of leaving. And Henry is a sweet man, a single father with a big heart and strength to leave his fears aside and follow his heart. Their relationship from the beginning is so sweet and you can just tell how much they love each other and how much they’re willing to learn from their past and grow to rebuild their love and trust for each other. It is a heartwarming (and educational btw, I never knew so much about plants in my life) story and I always rooted for Henry and Venus to end up happy without leaving their dreams aside. The only thing I didn’t love was how they kept going around the same problem and how they wouldn’t communicate what they wanted. Otherwise this was a nice and sweet love story.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the publisher and Good Girls PR for the advanced copy of Venus Love Trap by Jessica Sherry 💌
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Childhood best friends → first love
✨ Single dad
✨ Scientist FMC
✨ Angsty reunion
✨ One last summer
Henry Greene is a heartbroken single dad whose entire world revolves around his son… and the girl who broke his heart ten years ago. Venus Blake is a restless scientist who believes love is a trap—something that limits her freedom and always ends in pain. When circumstances force Venus back to her hometown, she and Henry are thrown into an angsty reunion neither of them is prepared for. Old feelings resurface, past wounds reopen, and they’re faced with the possibility of one last summer to see if they can rewrite their story.
The premise had so much potential, and I appreciated the emotional tension, spice, and second-chance setup. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with the characters, which made it hard for the romance to truly resonate with me. While I can see this working really well for readers who love angst-heavy reunions and complicated pasts, it just didn’t quite hit for me.
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Childhood best friends → first love
✨ Single dad
✨ Scientist FMC
✨ Angsty reunion
✨ One last summer
Henry Greene is a heartbroken single dad whose entire world revolves around his son… and the girl who broke his heart ten years ago. Venus Blake is a restless scientist who believes love is a trap—something that limits her freedom and always ends in pain. When circumstances force Venus back to her hometown, she and Henry are thrown into an angsty reunion neither of them is prepared for. Old feelings resurface, past wounds reopen, and they’re faced with the possibility of one last summer to see if they can rewrite their story.
The premise had so much potential, and I appreciated the emotional tension, spice, and second-chance setup. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with the characters, which made it hard for the romance to truly resonate with me. While I can see this working really well for readers who love angst-heavy reunions and complicated pasts, it just didn’t quite hit for me.
Review of advance copy
Venus is not your typical female main character. She’s brilliant and unique in her birth given right. She’s so smart that when something she doesn’t understand like feelings get involved she does what most girls do, freak out and run. She pushes herself so hard that she manages to become someone so remotely educated that she finds herself unable to capture exactly what she wants: to finally be enough for Henry. Henry on the other hand is a good person through and through. He’s had to live his life without the one person he loves: Venus. He captures her essence by retelling stories to his son Olly, just so that he can relive their past without having to deal with the pain. Henry is not perfect and has some regrets he must overcome to be sure he is good enough for Venus. When their paths collide once more, the chemistry is still there. As they relearn who they are, it’s hard to leave past hurts in the past. In the end, they find that they are both exactly what the other needs. Love truly prevails in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
Venus Love Trap by Jessica Sherry is giving what if the one that got away came back with unresolved feelings and a child
Henry single dad supremacy and Venus our restless STEM queen had me seated from the start. The second chance angst was working. The small town reunion tension absolutely did what it needed to do. And the slow burn friends to lovers energy felt soft but charged at the same time.
I really appreciated Venus as a neurodivergent scientist who craves independence but still wants connection. That push and pull felt honest. Henry being steady and emotionally open made the dynamic even sweeter.
Was it perfect No. There were moments where I wanted a little more depth and a little less circling the same conflict. But overall it was enjoyable to a certain extent. The spice delivered. The tension was there. And I stayed invested in their messy complicated love.
If you love second chance romance, single dad energy, angsty hometown reunions, and smart girls in STEM this might be your vibe.
Henry single dad supremacy and Venus our restless STEM queen had me seated from the start. The second chance angst was working. The small town reunion tension absolutely did what it needed to do. And the slow burn friends to lovers energy felt soft but charged at the same time.
I really appreciated Venus as a neurodivergent scientist who craves independence but still wants connection. That push and pull felt honest. Henry being steady and emotionally open made the dynamic even sweeter.
Was it perfect No. There were moments where I wanted a little more depth and a little less circling the same conflict. But overall it was enjoyable to a certain extent. The spice delivered. The tension was there. And I stayed invested in their messy complicated love.
If you love second chance romance, single dad energy, angsty hometown reunions, and smart girls in STEM this might be your vibe.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rating 4.5 stars
What I love about Jessica Sherry's books is that she creates characters that are so realistic. I like that the characters aren't perfect, in a way that the average reader can relate to. And I like that the characters make realistic mistakes. The story does NOT follow the romance trope of conflict being caused by some stupid miscommunication that could've easily been avoided but is then dragged out for 150 pages. Venus is a twice exceptional young adult struggling to find her place in the world. Henry is a young single dad struggling with asthma. The history of the characters is interwoven into the story in a way that really helps build the story and move the plot along. And the growth the two main characters experience is a joy to read. And Olly......well he just kind of stole the show in some ways.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I love about Jessica Sherry's books is that she creates characters that are so realistic. I like that the characters aren't perfect, in a way that the average reader can relate to. And I like that the characters make realistic mistakes. The story does NOT follow the romance trope of conflict being caused by some stupid miscommunication that could've easily been avoided but is then dragged out for 150 pages. Venus is a twice exceptional young adult struggling to find her place in the world. Henry is a young single dad struggling with asthma. The history of the characters is interwoven into the story in a way that really helps build the story and move the plot along. And the growth the two main characters experience is a joy to read. And Olly......well he just kind of stole the show in some ways.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
February 20, 2026I requested this book because the cover, title, and blurb completely sold me. And honestly? Some parts were good. Every time I thought of DNF-ing, something juicy would happen and grab my attention… then it would lose me again. It’s a very slow burn (50+ chapters), and some chapters felt unnecessarily long while others were super short. I loved Henry and Venus’s backstory, but the way their feelings unfolded in the present just didn’t work for me. It dragged to the point where I was falling asleep. I ended up fast-reading from around chapter 25 and then finally deciding to DNF.
✨ Overall Thoughts
There’s definitely potential here, and I did enjoy certain moments. But the pacing and execution just didn’t keep me hooked. It might work better for readers who love an ultra slow burn second-chance romance, but sadly, this one wasn’t for me.
Do you enjoy super slow burn second-chance romances, or do you need the tension to actually move somewhere?
✨ Overall Thoughts
There’s definitely potential here, and I did enjoy certain moments. But the pacing and execution just didn’t keep me hooked. It might work better for readers who love an ultra slow burn second-chance romance, but sadly, this one wasn’t for me.
Do you enjoy super slow burn second-chance romances, or do you need the tension to actually move somewhere?
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is such a sweet love story! Slutty little glasses, inhaler-dependent Henry is so patient and kind, even when he claims to hate his childhood bestie/ex-girlfriend Venus.
To be honest, second chance with dual timeline is one of my least favorite tropes. I was skeptical but Jessica wove those past scenes into the present timeline and it worked so well! It never felt disruptive when we took a trip down memory lane.
Venus’s logic-based thinking pushes her away from Henry and her feelings for him. And Henry continues to show unwavering support of her and her career. And his son Olly brought out the very best in Venus. Their relationship was so sweet!
I have to say I was most impressed by the plant facts! You can tell Jessica is either an expert botanist or very much committed to the research for this story.
This slow burn, second chance romance is emotional, heartbreaking and healing. Henry and Venus’s connection truly stood the test of time!
To be honest, second chance with dual timeline is one of my least favorite tropes. I was skeptical but Jessica wove those past scenes into the present timeline and it worked so well! It never felt disruptive when we took a trip down memory lane.
Venus’s logic-based thinking pushes her away from Henry and her feelings for him. And Henry continues to show unwavering support of her and her career. And his son Olly brought out the very best in Venus. Their relationship was so sweet!
I have to say I was most impressed by the plant facts! You can tell Jessica is either an expert botanist or very much committed to the research for this story.
This slow burn, second chance romance is emotional, heartbreaking and healing. Henry and Venus’s connection truly stood the test of time!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jessica Sherry can do no wrong in my eyes and her books just keep getting better.
I loved this second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance about Venus a neurodivergent genius who feels deeply misunderstood in her hometown. The only place she feels truly seen is with her boy next door best friend Henry, until she ends up breaking his heart in a misguided attempt to give him the life he deserves.
Watching them find their way back to each other was satisfying and emotional. Their honesty and vulnerability made the reconnection feel truly earned. I understood their frustrations on both sides, but it was clear they never stopped wanting the best for each other.
Interactions between Venus and Olly, Henry's son were so adorable and the icing on the cake.
This was a sweet and heartfelt story about soulmates, acceptance and learning to be loved exactly as you are.
I loved this second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance about Venus a neurodivergent genius who feels deeply misunderstood in her hometown. The only place she feels truly seen is with her boy next door best friend Henry, until she ends up breaking his heart in a misguided attempt to give him the life he deserves.
Watching them find their way back to each other was satisfying and emotional. Their honesty and vulnerability made the reconnection feel truly earned. I understood their frustrations on both sides, but it was clear they never stopped wanting the best for each other.
Interactions between Venus and Olly, Henry's son were so adorable and the icing on the cake.
This was a sweet and heartfelt story about soulmates, acceptance and learning to be loved exactly as you are.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**Coming Out In 2 Days**
Venus Love Trap is an emotionally charged, high-angst second-chance romance that masterfully balances scientific logic with raw human vulnerability. Jessica Sherry delivers a "gut-punch" narrative centered on Venus Blake, a guarded scientist who uses data as a shield, and Henry Greene, the soulful single father she abandoned a decade ago. While Venus’s clinical detachment can be frustrating for readers who prefer softer heroines, her growth—forced by the undeniable charm of Henry’s six-year-old son, Olly—makes the hard-won "slow burn" payoff feel deeply earned. It is a messy, atmospheric, and ultimately healing look at whether you can truly go home again when the person you left behind has built a whole life without you.
Venus Love Trap is an emotionally charged, high-angst second-chance romance that masterfully balances scientific logic with raw human vulnerability. Jessica Sherry delivers a "gut-punch" narrative centered on Venus Blake, a guarded scientist who uses data as a shield, and Henry Greene, the soulful single father she abandoned a decade ago. While Venus’s clinical detachment can be frustrating for readers who prefer softer heroines, her growth—forced by the undeniable charm of Henry’s six-year-old son, Olly—makes the hard-won "slow burn" payoff feel deeply earned. It is a messy, atmospheric, and ultimately healing look at whether you can truly go home again when the person you left behind has built a whole life without you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I bawled my eyes out. This book was so good. With Wuthering Heights bringing everyone to a fever pitch with all of the angst & yearning, this book landed in my inbox at just the right time.
Henry and Venus have a gut wrenchingly beautiful love story. Separated but never far from each other’s thoughts, these two are childhood friends with an unlikely meet cute. But with both of them facing fears that feel insurmountable, we watch as they spend a decade apart…and in love.
When a confluence of events leads to our two lovebirds back in each other’s orbit, it begs the question - are their fears still enough to keep them apart?
This was my first encounter with Jessica Sherry’s work and she is definitely an author whose writing I will be going back to again & again.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
My spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Henry and Venus have a gut wrenchingly beautiful love story. Separated but never far from each other’s thoughts, these two are childhood friends with an unlikely meet cute. But with both of them facing fears that feel insurmountable, we watch as they spend a decade apart…and in love.
When a confluence of events leads to our two lovebirds back in each other’s orbit, it begs the question - are their fears still enough to keep them apart?
This was my first encounter with Jessica Sherry’s work and she is definitely an author whose writing I will be going back to again & again.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
My spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy
It’s so fitting that Venus is described as being complex, because Venus Love Trap was such a complex story and I loved every minute of it!
I couldn’t get enough of Venus and Henry! I loved their story so so much! This book was so incredible and I don’t know how I’m going to move on from it! I think I felt every possible emotion while reading this!
❤️second chance
❤️single dad
❤️stem fmc
❤️intense yearning
Thank you to Jessica Sherry and Good Girl’s PR for this ARC!
I couldn’t get enough of Venus and Henry! I loved their story so so much! This book was so incredible and I don’t know how I’m going to move on from it! I think I felt every possible emotion while reading this!
❤️second chance
❤️single dad
❤️stem fmc
❤️intense yearning
Thank you to Jessica Sherry and Good Girl’s PR for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've said in previous reviews of Jessica's books that I don’t know what Jessica Sherry puts in her books but they make for the best kind of reading experiences. The MCs are top tier and so well written they jump right out of the pages fully formed and real, I love the cameos or mentions of characters from previous books, it makes everything like an inside joke that I’m in on. I love the side characters she writes too because they too bring the comedic value to moments. This is all true of Venus Love Trap, I struggled to like Venus for 60% of the book, only warming to her about 35% when she finally meets Olly. All of this to say, while I didn't immediately or for the longest time warm up to Venus, I got there in the end. I knew it would be worth it. I trust Jessica, and she's not let me down yet!
I loved seeing Marnie and Grady pop up as well as getting to know Ivy and Gil better (their book when?) I also clocked Cleo, I'm excited to meet her properly in Jessica's next book! Thank you so much to Jessica Sherry and GoodGirlsPR for the ARC. Venus Love Trap is out 3rd March!
I loved seeing Marnie and Grady pop up as well as getting to know Ivy and Gil better (their book when?) I also clocked Cleo, I'm excited to meet her properly in Jessica's next book! Thank you so much to Jessica Sherry and GoodGirlsPR for the ARC. Venus Love Trap is out 3rd March!
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