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Love Blooms #4
Under the Summer Sun
Poppy Stanton is a mess. Her sabbatical from work and summer was supposed to start with her and her boyfriend heading on holiday to stay with her best friend and sister-in-law, Kiki. Instead, at the start of a long holiday and healing she'd planned, Poppy finds Harry cheating with another woman.
Heading to Kiki and Luke's house without Harry, Poppy is determined to hold her head high and have a relaxing summer. She deserves it. She needs it. She has six months before she's due back at work, and they expect her back with her head in a better state. Poppy’s sure she can do it. Ahead of her is supposed to be gorgeous summer days at the Cornish seaside with the people she loves the most–just the medicine she needs.
When Poppy arrives for her holiday, she's surprised to discover Kiki and Luke have another houseguest, the mysterious Nate, the handyman who is helping on the house renovations and seems determined to show Poppy how to have fun.
Summer starts to feel like a fun dream until Poppy's world shifts again, discovering secrets she wasn't aware of, and she wonders if she, and life, will ever be the same again.
Heading to Kiki and Luke's house without Harry, Poppy is determined to hold her head high and have a relaxing summer. She deserves it. She needs it. She has six months before she's due back at work, and they expect her back with her head in a better state. Poppy’s sure she can do it. Ahead of her is supposed to be gorgeous summer days at the Cornish seaside with the people she loves the most–just the medicine she needs.
When Poppy arrives for her holiday, she's surprised to discover Kiki and Luke have another houseguest, the mysterious Nate, the handyman who is helping on the house renovations and seems determined to show Poppy how to have fun.
Summer starts to feel like a fun dream until Poppy's world shifts again, discovering secrets she wasn't aware of, and she wonders if she, and life, will ever be the same again.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2026
About the author
Roxie Holland
9 books16 followersRoxie Holland grew up in the UK. As a quiet child from a busy family, she spent a lot of time reading anything she could get her hands on, and then started writing her own stories.
Now, she lives in the Midlands with her husband, two loud children and two even louder dogs.
Roxie likes to create and write about characters who are slightly flawed, perhaps a little broken, and endeavouring to create them all a wonderful 'happily ever after'.
When she isn't writing, she's either plotting stories, imagining new story lines, or reading.
Now, she lives in the Midlands with her husband, two loud children and two even louder dogs.
Roxie likes to create and write about characters who are slightly flawed, perhaps a little broken, and endeavouring to create them all a wonderful 'happily ever after'.
When she isn't writing, she's either plotting stories, imagining new story lines, or reading.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 2, 2026
This one definitely evokes some heavy emotions, and reflections on life, trauma and self discovery.
The main story focuses on Poppy, she's fresh out of a relationship, on a sabbatical from work, and off to spend the summer with her best friend Kiki at the Cornish seaside.
It's a chance for Poppy to have a summer break free from responsibility and leads to an unexpected romance.
It's flirty, spicy and funny, Poppy and Nate have a sweet and playful connection, and I enjoyed their interactions and his supportiveness.
The side story explores Poppy's best friend Kiki, their friendship, the relationship with her husband Luke, and all the hidden emotions and conflicts.
It's a deep dive into friendship bonds, mental health, desperation, and the pressures from family expectations and image.
I loved how Kiki and Poppy got to heal and grow together, confront their struggles and find resolutions, and how it challenged toxic behaviour and encourages redemption.
The main story focuses on Poppy, she's fresh out of a relationship, on a sabbatical from work, and off to spend the summer with her best friend Kiki at the Cornish seaside.
It's a chance for Poppy to have a summer break free from responsibility and leads to an unexpected romance.
It's flirty, spicy and funny, Poppy and Nate have a sweet and playful connection, and I enjoyed their interactions and his supportiveness.
The side story explores Poppy's best friend Kiki, their friendship, the relationship with her husband Luke, and all the hidden emotions and conflicts.
It's a deep dive into friendship bonds, mental health, desperation, and the pressures from family expectations and image.
I loved how Kiki and Poppy got to heal and grow together, confront their struggles and find resolutions, and how it challenged toxic behaviour and encourages redemption.
May 2, 2026
This was a heartfelt and reflective summer romance that focuses on healing, self discovery, and moving forward after heartbreak. Poppy’s situation at the start feels very real, and her journey throughout the story is centered on rebuilding herself in a way that feels gradual and believable.
The seaside setting adds a warm, calming atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the emotional struggles she is working through. The dynamic with Nate brings a lighter, more playful energy, while still allowing space for deeper moments as their connection develops.
The story balances quieter, introspective moments with emotional reveals, especially as secrets begin to surface. The pacing leans steady, giving Poppy time to grow and process everything around her.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and engaging read for anyone who enjoys summer settings, emotional healing, and character driven romance.
The seaside setting adds a warm, calming atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the emotional struggles she is working through. The dynamic with Nate brings a lighter, more playful energy, while still allowing space for deeper moments as their connection develops.
The story balances quieter, introspective moments with emotional reveals, especially as secrets begin to surface. The pacing leans steady, giving Poppy time to grow and process everything around her.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and engaging read for anyone who enjoys summer settings, emotional healing, and character driven romance.
May 8, 2026
This was a fast and engrossing read and I'd have expected nothing less from Holland.
There are two intertwined tales both of which will stop your heart, re-launch it on a 10 mile roller-coaster and will have you trying to resuscitate your heart and catch your breath at the end.
One of the stories is a straight-forward, cute and feel-good summer romance that ends in a blissful HEA.
The other is a very complicated treatise on friendships, marriage and inter- and intra-family dynamics that will leave you questioning the events, already wanting to read the next book in the series.
I loved sitting by the pool-side with Poppy and Nate as they exchange some of the most well-written innuendo I'd read in romance. I loved the world the romance is set in - the beautiful coasts of England. I loved the raw, truthful and realistic complexity of the characters, especially Kiki.
All in all: I read the first 49% of the book over five days, and the rest in seven hours. Such an intense read.
FRIENDLY Warning!
Do read the trigger warnings, and reflect before you pick up the book, because Holland doesn't pull punches when it comes to describing the harsh realities of tragedy and misfortune.
There are two intertwined tales both of which will stop your heart, re-launch it on a 10 mile roller-coaster and will have you trying to resuscitate your heart and catch your breath at the end.
One of the stories is a straight-forward, cute and feel-good summer romance that ends in a blissful HEA.
The other is a very complicated treatise on friendships, marriage and inter- and intra-family dynamics that will leave you questioning the events, already wanting to read the next book in the series.
I loved sitting by the pool-side with Poppy and Nate as they exchange some of the most well-written innuendo I'd read in romance. I loved the world the romance is set in - the beautiful coasts of England. I loved the raw, truthful and realistic complexity of the characters, especially Kiki.
All in all: I read the first 49% of the book over five days, and the rest in seven hours. Such an intense read.
FRIENDLY Warning!
Do read the trigger warnings, and reflect before you pick up the book, because Holland doesn't pull punches when it comes to describing the harsh realities of tragedy and misfortune.
May 2, 2026
This book absolutely WRECKED ME!! I normally have no triggers and the book didn't trigger me but I did need to take a minute for a good cry because, dang this book is so close to what I felt and went thru. The book is about Poppy and Nate but I identified with Poppys best friend and her attempt, I couldn't stop reading. The love story...on point...the betrayals, lies..on point...the spice..OMGGG YES.... the banter..some of the best around. But the best part of this book, it will make you feel everything. Every high and every low. You hit happy, sad, mad, hot and all within chapters. It is the 2nd book in my life to ever make me cry and that's not easy.
I would 100% recommend this book. check your triggers. But also know this book really shows what friendship and living life is for. I also love Roxie shows the despair some of us with mental illness truly deal with.
Thank you Roxie for an amazing book!!!
I would 100% recommend this book. check your triggers. But also know this book really shows what friendship and living life is for. I also love Roxie shows the despair some of us with mental illness truly deal with.
Thank you Roxie for an amazing book!!!
May 4, 2026
4.5 Stars
Going into this book, I never thought it would make me so emotional. I thought it was just going to be a nice contemporary happy romance, which it is, but man some of the things in this book hits deep. I loved Poppy and the friend she is to KiKi. Everyone deserves a Poppy in their life. They are the true definition of platonic soulmates. The whole beginning of the book I kept saying I don’t like Luke, why is Poppy almost idolizing him and why doesn’t she tell KiKi he isn’t good for her, and then when everything happens and it all comes out, wow. Also I am OBSESSED with Nate. His banter with Poppy and their relationship is so cute. I want so bad to read the next book with KiKi, but I just know it’ll ruin me.
Going into this book, I never thought it would make me so emotional. I thought it was just going to be a nice contemporary happy romance, which it is, but man some of the things in this book hits deep. I loved Poppy and the friend she is to KiKi. Everyone deserves a Poppy in their life. They are the true definition of platonic soulmates. The whole beginning of the book I kept saying I don’t like Luke, why is Poppy almost idolizing him and why doesn’t she tell KiKi he isn’t good for her, and then when everything happens and it all comes out, wow. Also I am OBSESSED with Nate. His banter with Poppy and their relationship is so cute. I want so bad to read the next book with KiKi, but I just know it’ll ruin me.
April 28, 2026
Roxie Holland does it again with another book pulling me in to finish within 24 hours. I absolutely love the stories she creates. What starts off light turns dark, but I feel the darker themes are definitely handled/written so well. The reactions, the emotions, it all feels so real. This is another contemporary romance masterpiece you don’t want to miss!
Favourite quotes include:
The gasp I give as everything overwhelms me, and then all I can do is sink to the ground, wondering what has just happened, knowing that everything has changed and that nothing will ever be the same again.
So, I’m going to be the boss. I’m going to be a brave bitch, and if you want to fall asleep in the car, go ahead.
Favourite quotes include:
The gasp I give as everything overwhelms me, and then all I can do is sink to the ground, wondering what has just happened, knowing that everything has changed and that nothing will ever be the same again.
So, I’m going to be the boss. I’m going to be a brave bitch, and if you want to fall asleep in the car, go ahead.
April 29, 2026
***ARC Review***
Under the Summer Sun by Roxie Holland is the fourth book in Love Blooms series. I was lucky enough to receive the second and third books as an ARC to read and review as well.
This book follows the story of Poppy and Nate. There are two very strong supporting characters that you read about, Luke who is Poppy’s overprotective stepbrother and his wife Kiki and Poppy’s best friend.
❗️❗️ This story does mention death and describes an attempted suicide and the under math of it. ❗️❗️
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of five stars and 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Under the Summer Sun by Roxie Holland is the fourth book in Love Blooms series. I was lucky enough to receive the second and third books as an ARC to read and review as well.
This book follows the story of Poppy and Nate. There are two very strong supporting characters that you read about, Luke who is Poppy’s overprotective stepbrother and his wife Kiki and Poppy’s best friend.
❗️❗️ This story does mention death and describes an attempted suicide and the under math of it. ❗️❗️
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of five stars and 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 5, 2026
This book packs a punch of emotions! After a breakup, Poppy visits her best friend and stepbrother at their house for the summer. She idolizes their relationship, but not everything is as it seems. Enter the “handy man,” Nate, and we get the best banter and sexual tension between the two. What starts off light, this book definitely leans toward darker themes, but it all comes together beautifully, deepening the relationships of these characters. Grab some tissues and enjoy!
May 31, 2026
So in love with this one. Poppy and Nate were everything. She deserved this holiday. Especially after finding her guy with another. This needed to be the most fun and relaxing time for her. Heading over to Kiki and Luke’s held a lot of promise. And it turned out to be the promise was rewarded with Nate. He was so determined to make sure she had a wonderful time. What an absolute doll. These two were so much fun together. This was such a sweet and cozy read. I absolutely fell for this one.
May 2, 2026
4.5 stars!
I loved this book! It was written so well and had me hooked from the first page. The banter between Poppy and Nate was everything!! I loved the jokes and innuendo, they had me laughing and giggling nonstop. This was such a fun read although towards the end there was some heavy topics but it was done so well. I also adored Poppy and Kiki's friendship. To have that kind of connection and support 💕 I loved the ending. I dont think it could be more perfect 🩷
Thank you so much for letting me read an ARC, I really enjoyed it!
I loved this book! It was written so well and had me hooked from the first page. The banter between Poppy and Nate was everything!! I loved the jokes and innuendo, they had me laughing and giggling nonstop. This was such a fun read although towards the end there was some heavy topics but it was done so well. I also adored Poppy and Kiki's friendship. To have that kind of connection and support 💕 I loved the ending. I dont think it could be more perfect 🩷
Thank you so much for letting me read an ARC, I really enjoyed it!
May 17, 2026
Snap Judgement
(2.5 stars) A slow-starting romance-ish/friendship-ish book that improves once the deeper conflicts and relationships begin to develop.
Bookish Magic
✨ The banter adds humor and keeps the story somewhat readable during the slower setup.
✨ The friendship between Kiki and Poppy was one of the stronger emotional elements.
✨ The second half was more meaningful emotionally and actually had scenes that progressed the plot. I did appreciate the way certain aspects were handled realistically rather than wrapped up too neatly.
Bookish Woes
😫 The pacing, plot, and emotional investment during the first half were not there. I kept reading because of one review that said after 49% it was worth it. I literally could have read one chapter in the first 49% and then the last 51% of the book and been fine.
😫 It would benefit from more depth and emotional balance, and a stronger setup.
Final Thoughts
A book with enjoyable characters, somewhat, some strong emotional themes (in the second half), but having a slow first half really held this book back.
(2.5 stars) A slow-starting romance-ish/friendship-ish book that improves once the deeper conflicts and relationships begin to develop.
Bookish Magic
✨ The banter adds humor and keeps the story somewhat readable during the slower setup.
✨ The friendship between Kiki and Poppy was one of the stronger emotional elements.
✨ The second half was more meaningful emotionally and actually had scenes that progressed the plot. I did appreciate the way certain aspects were handled realistically rather than wrapped up too neatly.
Bookish Woes
😫 The pacing, plot, and emotional investment during the first half were not there. I kept reading because of one review that said after 49% it was worth it. I literally could have read one chapter in the first 49% and then the last 51% of the book and been fine.
😫 It would benefit from more depth and emotional balance, and a stronger setup.
Final Thoughts
A book with enjoyable characters, somewhat, some strong emotional themes (in the second half), but having a slow first half really held this book back.
July 1, 2026
Nate and his Freeloader
This book was a beautiful emotional adventure. Reading Poppy go through the end of one relationship after dealing with an accident, then meet a new man, discover her friend has been going through her own emotional and mental turmoil, put her entire life on hold to help her friend recover, wow! So many twists! The ending was absolutely beautiful. I need to know what happens between Nate and Poppy! I need to know if Luke follows through with his promises. I need to know if Kiki continues to heal. I can't wait for the next book!!!!
This book was a beautiful emotional adventure. Reading Poppy go through the end of one relationship after dealing with an accident, then meet a new man, discover her friend has been going through her own emotional and mental turmoil, put her entire life on hold to help her friend recover, wow! So many twists! The ending was absolutely beautiful. I need to know what happens between Nate and Poppy! I need to know if Luke follows through with his promises. I need to know if Kiki continues to heal. I can't wait for the next book!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5...Right from the start, her carefully planned escape crumbles when she discovers her boyfriend Harry cheating, and the emotional fallout feels raw without being overdone. Her decision to continue on to Kiki and Luke’s house alone sets the tone for a summer that’s meant to heal her, even if she doesn’t quite know how to begin putting herself back together. What works especially well is how Poppy’s vulnerability is balanced with quiet resilience. She’s not instantly “fixed” by sunshine and sea air, and the story doesn’t pretend that a change of scenery magically solves everything. Instead, her growth unfolds gradually, shaped by her relationships—especially with Kiki, Luke, and the intriguing Nate. As secrets begin to surface, the story shifts in a way that deepens both the emotional stakes and Poppy’s internal journey. Those twists feel meaningful rather than gratuitous, forcing her to confront not just what’s happened to her, but what she actually wants moving forward. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2026
This book honestly felt really comforting to read.
It has that kind of writing where it’s easy to settle into and just stay there for hours without noticing how much time passed.
I also really loved the emotional side of it. Nothing felt overly dramatic, it just felt genuine and warm in a way that made me really attached to the whole reading experience.
And by the end I just had that satisfied feeling where you close the book and sit there for a second because you don’t quite want it to be over yet.
It has that kind of writing where it’s easy to settle into and just stay there for hours without noticing how much time passed.
I also really loved the emotional side of it. Nothing felt overly dramatic, it just felt genuine and warm in a way that made me really attached to the whole reading experience.
And by the end I just had that satisfied feeling where you close the book and sit there for a second because you don’t quite want it to be over yet.
May 10, 2026
Another must read from Roxie!
Another must read from Roxie! Absolutely loved this book. A story that just keeps making you turn the pages with relatable characters you fall in love with. Can’t wait for the next book to be released.
Another must read from Roxie! Absolutely loved this book. A story that just keeps making you turn the pages with relatable characters you fall in love with. Can’t wait for the next book to be released.
Review of advance copy
This book pulled me right in! Poppy I just loved her!! Poppy visits her bestfriend Kiki and Luke for the summer, that’s where she ends up meeting Nate. The banter sexual attention between them with chefs kiss. I loved the way Poppy was with her best friend. I believe everyone needs a Poppy in their life. I sure wish I did lol. Nate and Poppy together are so stinking cute! I couldn’t get enough of this book and I will be recommending it. Thank you, Roxie and Naughty Nook PR for this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews