She’s running from the spotlight. He’s chasing his dream. Love will give them a new story to tell.
When scandal shatters the glamorous life Olivia Hastings has created for herself in Toronto, the influencer who has always lived for the spotlight suddenly wants nothing more than peace and quiet. With her father’s arrest splashed across the news, she escapes to the small town of Brookhaven, where no one cares who she’s related to.
Theo Brown has no time for women like Olivia. Flashy and, most importantly, temporary. At least, that’s what he tells himself. While he shoulders the weight of his father’s beloved bookstore, Theo secretly dreams of the day when it’s his books sitting on the shelves. However, his hopes of becoming an author seem to be slipping further away with every blank page he’s unable to fill. The last thing he needs is a distraction.
But Olivia isn’t what he expects. Behind the perfect photos and polished exterior is a woman who is lonelier than she lets anyone see. She challenges him and sparks something in the words that he thought had abandoned him. And Theo, with his kindness and unwavering honesty, might be the first person to want Olivia for who she truly is—not for the life she left behind.
In a small town where everyone knows your story, can they risk writing a new one?
This is the first book I’ve read by Danielle Sarah and it had everything I could ever wish for in a contemporary romance! From a strong, relatable FMC to a MMC that has you swooning! There’s no shortage of tension build-up, but once that spice hits? It’s definitely not a tall glass of milk you’ll be wanting, but probably “the quiet one” that you didn’t see coming 😉
But in all seriousness, the character development is incredible and the mental health representation in this book is so well written. As someone who suffers with anxiety and panic attacks, it’s refreshing that Danielle Sarah describes these the way she does through these characters.
I can guarantee you are not ready for Brookhaven and all it has in store for you. Just make sure you’re ready for spice and probably some tears.
I enjoyed the small town vibes of this one a lot. Loved that everyone knew everyone and that there was a constant gossip mill (in a small town way, not in a horrible way).
I also really enjoyed Theo and his sister’s bickering, which was very relatable and added some humor to the overall story. I won’t lie, I do kinda want to know more about how his sister and his best friend became an item!
Lastly, Theo’s mouth during spicy times was very enjoyable 😉
For me, I felt like there were more events happening to the characters than actual character development. While I enjoyed their bucket list, I didn’t really see how it developed the characters or his writing project. I also felt there was a very sharp turn in Olivia’s personality maybe around the 50% or 60% mark where she started snapping at her best friend and Theo. I understood she was under a lot of stress, and they obviously forgave her, but I felt it came out of left field for the character and she never really atoned for it.
Ultimately, this was ok for me, but may be great for you!
Thank you so much to Danielle Sarah for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions above are honest and my own.
This was such a cute romance. So far I have never read a romance with an influencer as the FMC . The bond that grows between the FMC and MMC is so natural. Olivia’s dad a thief that came out of nowhere but i’m glad she didn’t lie about him being a good father when she didn’t really know him he wasn’t present anymore. It was nice to see how welcoming Theo’s family was and how they include Olivia especially since her family is very much disconnected. Also her friendship with Ari is unmatched I hope to have a best friend like her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
For the Plot is a super cute romance in an adorable small town that follows the love story of Olivia, a social media influencer, and Theo, a bookstore owner and writer.
Olivia, I just want to hug and squeeze that girl. She has the appearance of being this strong and confident woman (which she is) but also struggles with some kind of intense anxiety (which relatable). But she is so sweet and fun, and encourages Theo to break out of his shell.
Theo. Theo. Theo. Your honor, I love him. The warmest cinnamon roll that writes AND owns a bookstore? Glasses and sweaters? He falls first? Stays with her through her high anxiety/ panic attacks? What’s not to love!?
I loved reading this - had me giddy and even tearing up at points, and I really enjoyed my time in Brookhaven with Olivia and Theo!
You’ll wanna check this out if you love: 🩷 Small Town Romance 🩷 Opposites Attract 🩷 Influencer x Bookstore Owner 🩷 Allergic to Commitment (FMC) 🩷 Cinnamon Roll (MMC) 🩷 He Falls First & Harder 🩷 Bucket List 🩷 Mental Health Rep (Anxiety) 🩷 Vacation Fling
Thank you Danielle and team for the opportunity to read and review the ARC!
I absolutely loved For the Plot by Danielle Sarah! After the fallout from her father’s very public mess, Olivia retreats to Brookhaven to regroup with her best friend Aria—only to find herself unexpectedly drawn to Theo, a quiet bookstore owner with more depth than he lets on.
The tone of this story is soft yet emotional, with their connection unfolding naturally and with intention. Once their dynamic settles in, it’s hard not to get completely invested � What stood out most to me is how much care is given to personal growth. Olivia’s journey, especially navigating anxiety and learning to prioritize herself, felt real and meaningful without becoming overwhelming. And Theo is the kind of character who reveals himself slowly. Quiet but constant, layered, perceptive, and undeniably swoon-worthy. He shows up in ways that matter, and that kind of steady support will always do it for me. Out NOW —don’t sleep on it. And if you haven’t started the series yet, go back and read Hometown Rebound first!
I love Brookhaven and this small town love romance. For The Plot was a great read. I absolutely loved this cute little romance.
Olivia Hastings is a big influencer in Toronto. She has millions of followers and a life she has built for herself on her own. Things go bad because of her father. She needs to escape the headlines and to be able to breathe for a little bit. Liv decideds going to Brookehaven to see her best friend is just what she needs. She doesn't realize the trip could make thinga more complicated for her life.
Theo Brown a Brookhaven resident and now book store owner is struggling to write his very first boom. With no hope of finishing it in sight until one beautiful person comes walking into his store. Theo is taken out of his comfort zone to help him finish his book. He didnt realize by doing so he would fall in love with someone he couldnt have.
You love a small town romance this is the book for you! It is cute, adorable, funny, and spicy.
One of the things I love most about reading ARCs is the element of surprise. I may know the genre I’m stepping into, but I never really know the writing style or the voice of the author beforehand, especially when they’re new to me.
Danielle Sarah delivered such an easy, cozy read. The pacing felt natural and effortless, the kind of story you can slip into comfortably and revisit again without ever getting tired of it.
What stood out to me most was how relatable it felt. The emotions, the inner thoughts, the small moments that shape our decisions all felt very human. It’s the kind of story that reflects feelings and situations we see in everyday life, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
A simple, heartfelt read that quietly pulls you in.
This was my first Danielle Sarah book and I enjoyed it so much. Olivia and Theo were fantastic characters, their chemistry and banter was so good. They were the opposite in the best ways. They complimented each other so well.
Arc reader: a small town romance to make you fall in love with bookstores all over again! Theo and Olivia are a match made in heaven, the chemistry between them is perfect.
A cute romance story. If you want a quick read then this is perfect.
It’s a sweet storyline, and I liked the characters but the romance between Theo and Olivia felt super rushed.
There was no slow buildup and they lacked that deeper connection. I loved the bucket list idea but rather than using this to build the relationship and make it more meaningful, they basically just landed straight into bed together.
There were other moments that also could have been fleshed out a little more, but I did enjoy the story.
I absolutely loved For the Plot by @daniellesarahwrites. This is the second book in the Brookhaven series, following Olivia—Ari’s best friend—and her romance with Theo, a small-town bookstore owner.
From the very beginning, Theo and Olivia have incredible chemistry, and watching their relationship develop was truly chef’s kiss.
What I really appreciated about this story is how well it balances a compelling plot with meaningful personal growth. The characters are navigating their own struggles, and the portrayal of mental health and therapy felt thoughtful, realistic, and refreshing.
Olivia is such a lovable FMC. She’s warm, endearing, and easy to root for. Watching her navigate anxiety was emotional at times, but the way she approaches her challenges—with growth, self-awareness, and strength—made her journey especially rewarding.
And Theo… whew. The ultimate book boyfriend. His quiet, bookish charm paired with an unexpectedly bold, confident side? I was not prepared. 🤣 He’s not only a great romantic lead, but also a genuinely supportive and protective presence in Olivia’s life—even before anything romantic fully develops.
And listen… while this isn’t a super spicy book, the moments that are there? They absolutely deliver. Let’s just say Theo proves that appearances can be very deceiving. 😏
I can’t recommend this book enough. It has everything—banter, chemistry, emotional depth, and just the right touch of drama and heartache to keep you fully invested.
For the Plot releases 3/20—definitely add it to your TBR! And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Hometown Rebound, the first book in the Brookhaven series.
Thanks so much to Danielle for allowing me the opportunity to read this gem early.
This is a review of the advanced copy received by the author.
For The Plot is a cute, small town romance set in the fictional town of Brookhaven, Nova Scotia. You meet Olivia, a content creator/IG baddie, who is on top of the influencer game when a family scandal happens and rocks her world. She goes to visit her bestie, Ari, who is living her best life with her fiancé, Beckett. There, she has a meet cute with the hot bookstore owner, Theo, who is smitten with Olivia from day 1.
The MCs for this story are total opposites in personality but it works for them because they bring out the best in each other. Olivia isn’t afraid to live life on the edge, whereas Theo is more careful and reserved. However Olivia is afraid to let herself be loved because she believes she doesn’t deserve it, and Theo shows her that she is capable of being loved truly and wholly.
I do feel like the romance moved a little too fast but they were into each other from the first meeting, so it was bound to happen quickly. Especially since she was there to get away from her family and they’re in a small town. Also people IRL have moved faster than they did, so it’s a non-issue for me. The plot point of “fulfilling a bucket list” seemed a little out there but I suppose it works since they otherwise wouldn’t have been each other’s circle of friends. There was a small miscommunication trope but it was resolved fast so I did enjoy that aspect.
I also really liked the side characters! Tessa, Ari, and some of the other characters were integral to the plot and I enjoyed whenever they would show up in the story. Overall, it’s a cute, quick read that will have you smiling by the end. I think I’ll go pick up Ari’s story now, she’s a delight.
“I know that this couldn’t really be anything, but maybe, while I’m here-“…
I genuinely had such a fun time reading For the Plot by Danielle Sarah. It’s one of those books you pick up thinking “I’ll just read a chapter” and suddenly it’s 2am and you are way too invested in someone else’s chaotic life choices 😂
The main female character is witty, a little messy and very relatable, if you’ve ever made a questionable decision and justified it with “well… it makes life more interesting.” Olivias vibe felt so really natural, and I found myself laughing at some of her inner thoughts and interactions.
The whole “for the plot” idea is such a clever concept, and it’s used really well. It adds humour, but also gives the story a bit of depth because underneath the chaos, there’s actually a lot about growth, taking risks, and figuring yourself out, even if you stumble your way there.
The pacing, didn’t drag and I loved that!! There was always something happening to keep me engaged. The relationships felt genuine too, not overly perfect or forced, which made everything more believable and interesting.
Overall, this is such a feel-good, entertaining read with just the right mix of humour and heart. Definitely recommend if you like contemporary stories with strong, slightly chaotic characters and a lot of personality. And fair warning—you might come out of it tempted to do something a little impulsive… you know, for the plot.
Thank you @daniellesarahwrites for sending me this ARC.
Olivia Hastings is a influencer based in Toronto. Just when she’s about to land the partnership of her dreams, her life is suddenly put to a HALT when her life is quite LITERALLY turnt upside down. When news breaks out about her father’s SCANDAL and arrest, everyone starts to question whether she was in on it the whole time.
The father she grew up with wasn’t who she thought he was… not even close to the guy who taught her the important things in life. Her mother is not help in helping providing comfort during this time. At one point, she really looked up her father.. not so much anymore. What do you do when your family’s name is put on the line versus your career? You go to your best friends’ inn in Brookhaven, a small town , to go into hiding. What she thought was just an escape from the news, turns into so much more after meeting Theo Brown.
Who is Theooo 🙂↔️? Theo Brown grew up reading books and with one goal in life, to convince his father to retire so that he could take over the family bookstore. Secretly, his true dream is to finish the manuscript for his book. However, when an unexpected visitor comes into town, stopping him in his tracks, he starts to question what he really WANTS, what he really NEEDS.
Honestly this book was so good 😍!! As someone currently in her content creator era 🙂↔️💁🏾♀️ this book actually drew me in even more. I mean Theo was my type of guy ✨ you’ll love to read this!! And for the lady, perhaps a male lead that’s cute, nerdy, and wears glasses 👓. Are you ready for this? Because the story is tea 🫖. You will be gagged in the best way possible.
Are you down for for the plot 👀? Read For The Plot by Danielle Sarah 💕✨
TW - anxiety, panic attack, pregnancy (mentioned, scs), strained parental relationships, parent being arrested, convicted and sentenced (on page, corporate fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement), divorce (parents, mentioned), alcohol consumption, broken bones (past, mentioned), laryngitis (past, mentioned), car accident (on page, subsequent concussion)
CW - semi public play, light food play (liquid)
Tropes - small town, opposites attract, jealousy,
Representation - queer rep - bi FMC
After reading Hometown Rebound, I was excited to see that Danielle Sarah was writing another book in the series and this was soooooo fun.
I loved being back in the small town of Brookhaven. Theo (MMC) is the town’s bookstore owner and I do really love when it’s the MMC that is book obsessed because, for me, it just feels more genuine.
Theo and Olivia (FMC) were just what the other needed and I enjoyed reading Olivia help Theo step out of his comfort zone with Operation: Do It For The Plot. Likewise, I enjoyed all the times Theo just showed up for Olivia even when she didn’t know she needed it.
There are some other characters that we hear about / see on page that I’m hoping we get a book for 🤞🏾
Scale: ⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite ⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
When Olivia's dad gets arrested, she realizes very quickly just who she can count on. Her best friend Ari has a new suite at the bed and breakfast that could use some influencer notoriety. It also helps Olivia lie low for a couple of weeks. Theo is taking over the bookstore when his dad retires, but this means he has even less time to think about finishing the book he's been writing. Who doesn't want to read a romance about a nerdy bookstore owner/author MMC?
Olivia and Theo start out a friendship meant to help distract her from her father's trial and benefit Theo's writing. They create a kind of bucket list to give Theo inspiration. Olivia can't spend every day cooped up and hiding away. Through all of the experiences and people she meets, Olivia realizes that maybe real relationships and happy families do exist. Not everything is fake. Theo doesn't want short-term though. Olivia has a lot of healing to do and can't commit to anything. Her own family has constantly degraded her career, despite building it from the ground up. She doesn't believe people will stay for the real her.
Theo gets to see a side of Olivia that is always hidden. The walls start to break down. She can't figure out where or how she's supposed to fit into anything, especially with her father's trial coming up. He doesn't run from the hardest parts of her life, but she assumes he will anyway. They've already helped one another in so many ways. There's so much tension and definitely a couple of plot twists I didn't see coming. May this kind of love find anyone who feels lost.
For the Plot is my very first book by Danielle Sarah and let me tell you she did not disappoint!! I received this book as an ARC and when I signed up for it I thought it was just going to be a little spice small town romance, but after reading I was way wrong. I say that in a good way!
Olivia Hastings is an influencer in Toronto who has always lived for the spotlight. This is until one day her whole life is turned upside down when her father gets arrested. She learns that her so called friends are not actually her friends. They start to ignore her and refuse to hang out with her because they all think Olivia knew what her father was doing even thought she had no clue. Well Olivia decides after talking to her best friend Ari that she needs some distance and change from the drama in her life right now so she decides to book a flight to a small town called Brookhaven. This is where Ari lives with her fiancee and they own an Inn where Olivia will be staying.
Theo Brown is a small town bookstore owner from Brookhaven who has been working on his manuscript that no one knows about until Olivia. Theo has had no time for relationships that is until Olivia walked into his world. Theo could feel it the moment she walked into his store for a journal. He tried to avoid the feelings but, unfortunately he could not get Olivia out of his head.
Unfortunately Olivia has never had a good experience with relationships. Everybody she had ever tried to have something with has only ever wanted to use her for something for their gain. So when Theo starts to show Olivia he wants to be more than just a hookup Olivia runs scared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story was incredibly bingeable — I finished it in a single day because it was the kind of book that keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter.
One of the highlights for me was definitely the male lead. I won’t go into details to avoid spoilers, but he quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story. Readers will understand why once they meet him.
What I appreciated most about this book was the way it explores insecurities and self-doubt. The story touches on how sometimes the biggest challenges in relationships come from the narratives we build in our own minds, and how those thoughts can almost cause us to lose something meaningful.
That emotional layer made the romance feel more authentic and relatable.
The small town setting, the relationship dynamics, and the emotional moments all came together to create a warm and engaging story.
My only small wish is that I wished the story had a few extra pages because I really enjoyed spending time with these characters and would have loved to stay in their world a little longer.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable and heartfelt read, and I’m excited for readers to experience the final version when it releases.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity.
For more romance book reviews and reading updates, you can find me on Instagram: @monaafterdark 🌙📚✨
For the Plot is the kind of romance that feels light and fun on the surface but has so much heart underneath. The small town setting adds that cozy, charming backdrop, but it is the contrast between these two that really makes the story shine. She is guarded and commitment shy, he is steady, soft, and all in from the start, and watching that dynamic unfold is equal parts entertaining and emotional. The influencer meets bookstore owner pairing brings a fresh, modern twist, and the bucket list element adds a sense of adventure that keeps things moving while still allowing space for real connection.
What I loved most is how this story handles vulnerability. Beneath the playful moments and undeniable chemistry is a thoughtful look at anxiety, self protection, and what it means to take a chance on something real. The romance builds in a way that feels natural, with him falling first and harder in the sweetest, most reassuring way, while she slowly learns that love does not have to feel overwhelming to be worth it. It is soft in the best places, a little swoony, and leaves you with that warm, hopeful feeling by the end.
If you love opposites attract with a cinnamon roll hero who is impossible not to root for, this one is such a satisfying escape.
Tropes: 🩷 Small town romance 🩷 Opposites attract 🩷 Influencer x bookstore owner 🩷 Commitment phobic FMC 🩷 Cinnamon roll MMC 🩷 He falls first and harder 🩷 Bucket list 🩷 Mental health rep (anxiety) 🩷 Vacation fling
For the Plot is short and sweet, and I liked the way Olivia pushes Theo to expand his horizons and find the confidence to finish his manuscript, while he encourages her to slow down and actually enjoy the moment. Their dynamic worked well for me in that sense, and I thought they had strong chemistry together.
That said, the romance itself felt a little rushed. The push and pull of the opposites-attract dynamic didn’t last long enough to feel meaningful, and it quickly became clear that simple lust was the main driver of them letting go of their reservations and getting together. I also wish the on-page relationship development had been more fleshed out. As it stands, their chemistry seems to do most of the heavy lifting, rather than more meaningful interactions that show their connection deepening into something more substantial.
The bucket list was a sweet idea and it did help Theo grow, but a lot of those moments ended up circling back to the same place. Instead of building the relationship in new ways, many of those interactions just led to them ending up in bed. A little more variety in how their bond developed would have gone a long way toward making the romance feel richer and more convincing.
❤️ “Every writer needs their muse. And you’re mine, blossom. You inspire me.”
After having read Hometown Rebound I immediately started looking forward to more from this author and world! Back to Brookhaven I went. I so enjoyed this story!
Olivia and Theo's journey pulled me in! Olivia is an Influencer and needs to get away from everything which leads her to Brookhaven. Theo runs his father's bookstore in Brookhaven and is an aspiring author. As Olivia and Theo collide, can so much more be in store for their hearts?
It made me happy to see Theo and Olivia be brought into each other's lives in Brookhaven. From Olivia being an influencer to Theo wanted to become an author, I enjoyed what all of that brought to their story.
I really connected with Olivia and Theo. They were both relatable and tackling things in their lives. It touched my heart to see Theo and Olivia really get each other and how they lifted each other up. Their chemistry was wonderful and spicy! I felt so much with Olivia and Theo while reading.
It was great to be back in Brookhaven and see some familiar faces!
With For The Plot, Ms.Sarah has created such a good influencer x bookstore owner romance that brought relatability, heart and spice, realness, and feels! 📚💗📱
Head to Brookhaven today!
Check out the author's content warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Thank you to the author for an ARC opportunity! This was my first time reading anything from Danielle Sarah and I was hooked from the first chapter. I literally read this in 2 sittings!
Within the first few chapters, I was getting the same vibes as It Happened One Summer from Tessa Bailey so if you like that book, you will love this! Olivia was not just your typical influencer, she had depth and her anxiety made her surprisingly relatable.
I loved the opposites attract aspect, Theo complimented Olivia perfectly and he was such a gentleman. I am obsessed with how his love language is acts of service because wow, he knows how to please a girl. The author did such a good job at writing the spice scenes. Theo said that he was not sexually compatible with his ex because of different preferences, so I loved that he was finally able to find someone on the same page as him!
Also the nicknames of "Hemmingway and Blossom" were too cute! I loved how the two characters lifted eachother up and seeing Theo come out of his shell was so nice to see. He said that he was living his life in black and white before she came and introduced color 🥹 so perfect. There is a third act breakup, but it didn't bother me, I think it was needed for Olivia to do a little soul searching and it made the ending so worthwhile.
Ome of my favorite microtropes was in it too - a guy wearing glasses!
Firstly I want to say a big thank you to Danielle Sarah for an early copy and also accepting me onto her ARC team.
Olivia Hastings is a big time influencer, from days in the life to beauty. But a scandal breaks out about her dad, one day she's on top of the world. The next, her friends have abandon her and are avoiding her as if she had caused it herself. So she reaches out to her closest friend Ari, gets on a flight and travels to brookhaven to get away for a while. There she meets Theo.
Theo Brown is local store owner, after inheriting his family's bookstore he and his sister run it togther. But he is also working on a book on the side, not long after Olivia comes to town he receives an email from his dream publisher. Their submissions are open and are looking for new authors. So he gets to work, just to not be able to write anything more than what he has so far.
Theo and Olivia create a "Bucket List" where they do stuff to get Theo out of his slump. Along the way, they realise that they may be falling for eachother.
For the plot was a fabulous quick read. Once you get started, you cannot stop for this one. This is truely a small town romance book. Throughout this book I also felt like I didn't need to read the first book to understand the plot and the town.
For the Plot is a cozy, bingeable small‑town romance that pulled me in from the start. Danielle Sarah delivers an easy, heartfelt read with natural pacing and characters who feel relatable and human.
Olivia, a confident influencer shaken by a family scandal, escapes to Brookhaven, Nova Scotia, where she meets Theo, the charming and reserved bookstore owner, instantly smitten with her. Their opposites‑attract dynamic works well, she encourages him to take risks and rediscover his creativity, while he helps her slow down and see her own worth.
The romance moves a bit quickly, and I would’ve liked a little more development beyond their strong chemistry, but the emotional depth, especially around insecurities and self-doubt adds authenticity. The bucket‑list plot is sweet, even if some moments repeat themselves, and the side characters (Ari, Tessa, and others) bring warmth and personality to the story.
Overall, it’s a cute, heartfelt, quick read with a lovable male lead and a charming setting. I only wish it had a few more pages because I genuinely enjoyed spending time with these characters. I’ll definitely be picking up Ari’s story next.
I really enjoyed Olivia and Theo's story. It was a 1 sitting read. Olivia's life is a reminder that not everything we see online about someone represents their true self. Life in the the spotlight is more isolating than most people realize. Her relationship with her parents feels like a common situation that people my age deal with. She has an internal struggle to decide how she feels, knowing they raised her, but aren't the parents she longed for. She is talented, smart, and savvy, yet her parents make her feel like less any time she is around them.
Theo's life couldn't be more different. He has a loving family, a bookstore, and friends. He just doesn't have a muse that inspires that spark he needs to commit to his writing career. Olivia walks into his life and things begin to change almost instantly. It is a bit of a 'will they, won't they' type of situation.
Danielle did a really good job at showing the complexities of a parent relationship and how it can affect the child well into adulthood. When parents don't show affection to their child, or each other, it can have damaging impacts. Everyone deserves love, but so many people don't think they deserve it, or they settle thinking that love isn't real.
Reviewed by Dee on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club. Title: For The Plot Author: Danielle Sarah Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was an absolutely beautiful story. It starts with Olivia Hastings who is an influencer who starts to have a little bit of a downfall. Her father was arrested, and she decided to pack up and move to a small town called Brookhaven. Brookhaven is a place where no one really cares through your related to they just accept you for who you are. This is when Theo Brown comes into the story. He is an aspiring author but he's in a bit of a writer slump, and he's also running his father's bookstore. He meets Olivia and he feels like she's not his person because she's an influencer and she's out there but he is totally wrong. Olivia challenges Theo in ways he never thought possible as well as inspires him in ways he never thought possible. This overall was just an amazing story the characters were amazing, I loved how the author spoke about mental health in such a beautiful way. I think this is an amazing contemporary Romance I will say be ready for the spice as well as ready to shed a few tears. Yet this book is absolutely amazing I am so glad I was introduced to this author because I'm going to be following her from here on out.
Olivia heads to Brookhaven to escape the whirlwind of news about her father’s recent arrest. Her best friend, Ari, has extended an offer to stay at the Hideaway—a newly built couples’ sanctuary Airbnb—in exchange for honest feedback and possibly a social media review.
Theo has been working on his book off and on for 16 years but can’t get past what he has so far. When Olivia reads a bit of his manuscript and offers feedback, Theo’s thoughts begin to flow. That’s how the bucket list is born—created by Olivia to inspire Theo’s writing and to encourage him to live a little on the edge.
While completing the bucket list together, Olivia and Theo start to learn more about each other and become supportive of one another. But feelings? That’s never mentioned in the list.
Olivia and Theo couldn’t be more different. Olivia is a social media influencer who’s outgoing, bubbly, and spontaneous. Theo is quiet, reserved, and loves routines— but don’t let his sweater-loving, bookstore-owning persona fool you because books aren’t the only things he’s cracking and spreading (if you know what I mean 😉). I absolutely love how they’re different but compliment each other so well—they pull out the sides of each other that they tend to hide.
“Every writer needs their muse. And you’re mine, blossom. You inspire me.”
ARC Review:
Tropes: Small town Influencer FMC x Librarian MMC Opposites attract Fresh start
This was a heartfelt return to Brookhaven. It was nice to revisit this small-town setting and spend time with new characters, especially Ari’s best friend Olivia and Theo, the quiet librarian who dreams of becoming an author.
Olivia comes to Brookhaven hoping to step away from the attention surrounding a family scandal and find some peace. Theo is focused on helping run his father’s bookstore while quietly working toward his goal of writing his own books. When their paths cross, they begin to form an unexpected connection, and it was enjoyable to see their relationship develop throughout the story.
Olivia and Theo have strong chemistry, and their banter adds a lot of charm to their interactions. Their conversations and shared moments give the relationship a natural and sincere feeling.
I also appreciated the inclusion of anxiety representation, which adds another layer to Olivia’s character and her personal journey.