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Elm Hollow Holidays #3
Queen of Hearts : A Smutty Romcom perfect for Valentine's Day
SPECIAL EDITION
Sloane Heart doesn’t miss.
With a flawless 100% matchmaking record and the reputation of being Cupid in heels, she’s built her entire career on turning chaotic love lives into heart-eyed success stories.
Cohen Becker doesn’t date.
The broody, spotlight-magnet pro soccer player would rather take a red card than pretend to be boyfriend material. But when a scandal tanks his image — and his team’s sponsorship deal — he’s forced to find a stable relationship and join a Valentine’s Day reality show to redeem his reputation and secure a major sponsor.
The problem?
The insufferably cocky athlete gets assigned to the Cupid’s Agency… and sitting on the other side of the desk is the woman he spent one unforgettable night with.
Sloane Heart doesn’t miss.
With a flawless 100% matchmaking record and the reputation of being Cupid in heels, she’s built her entire career on turning chaotic love lives into heart-eyed success stories.
Cohen Becker doesn’t date.
The broody, spotlight-magnet pro soccer player would rather take a red card than pretend to be boyfriend material. But when a scandal tanks his image — and his team’s sponsorship deal — he’s forced to find a stable relationship and join a Valentine’s Day reality show to redeem his reputation and secure a major sponsor.
The problem?
The insufferably cocky athlete gets assigned to the Cupid’s Agency… and sitting on the other side of the desk is the woman he spent one unforgettable night with.
- GenresRomance
652 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2026
24 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Valentina Iania
7 books180 followersValentina Iania writes steamy contemporary romance and rom-coms rooted in small-town worlds, where heart, heat, and emotional intensity collide. Her stories feature found family, seasonal vibes, and sizzling chemistry, blending cozy settings with unapologetically spicy romance.
She also writes scorching cowboy romances, known for strong heroines, stubborn heroes, and high-heat, emotionally charged love stories.
When she’s not writing, she’s out at the ranch—riding horses and dreaming up her next obsession-worthy cowboy.
You can find her on social media @valentinaianiaauthor. Saddle up, it’s gonna get hot.
She also writes scorching cowboy romances, known for strong heroines, stubborn heroes, and high-heat, emotionally charged love stories.
When she’s not writing, she’s out at the ranch—riding horses and dreaming up her next obsession-worthy cowboy.
You can find her on social media @valentinaianiaauthor. Saddle up, it’s gonna get hot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 21, 2026
This story follows Sloane, a matchmaker with a perfect success rate, and Cohen, a professional soccer player with a bad-boy reputation who desperately needs to clean up his image. Their paths cross in the most unexpected way, and the tension between them is impossible to ignore.
I loved how their relationship started with friction and banter. Sloane is strong, confident, and determined not to let Cohen get under her skin, while Cohen is charming, stubborn, and surprisingly vulnerable once you get past his grumpy exterior. Watching them clash, resist, and eventually give in to their chemistry was so much fun. The enemies-to-lovers vibe was done really well, with plenty of humor and heat to keep me turning the pages.
The small-town setting of Elm Hollow added its usual dose of chaos and charm. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the earlier books. It made the story feel connected and alive, while also giving me that cozy, small-town romance atmosphere.
The romance itself was full of spice, but also had heart. Both Sloane and Cohen carried baggage from their pasts, and I appreciated how the book showed them working through those insecurities. Their journey wasn’t smooth, but that made the ending even more satisfying.
I loved how their relationship started with friction and banter. Sloane is strong, confident, and determined not to let Cohen get under her skin, while Cohen is charming, stubborn, and surprisingly vulnerable once you get past his grumpy exterior. Watching them clash, resist, and eventually give in to their chemistry was so much fun. The enemies-to-lovers vibe was done really well, with plenty of humor and heat to keep me turning the pages.
The small-town setting of Elm Hollow added its usual dose of chaos and charm. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the earlier books. It made the story feel connected and alive, while also giving me that cozy, small-town romance atmosphere.
The romance itself was full of spice, but also had heart. Both Sloane and Cohen carried baggage from their pasts, and I appreciated how the book showed them working through those insecurities. Their journey wasn’t smooth, but that made the ending even more satisfying.
January 9, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This is the 3rd book in Elm Hollow Holiday Series that follows Sloane and Cohen. I love how all the books flow together!! This book drew me in starting at Chapter 1!! Cohen is your typical bad boy soccer player he is always in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons!! After a situation on a night out Cohen wants to clean up his image and was sent to Sloane who is the CEO of a match making business who has a great success rate. Tension builds up between them as they realize they have met somewhere before. This book is filled with spice and tension that keeps you wanting more!! Ready to see whats in stored for the other characters. If you like small town enemies to lovers you will love this book hands down!!
“Sloane Heart doesn’t miss.
With a flawless 100% matchmaking record and the reputation of being Cupid in heels, she’s built her entire career on turning chaotic love lives into heart-eyed success stories.
Cohen Becker doesn’t date.
The broody, spotlight-magnet pro soccer player would rather take a red card than pretend to be boyfriend material. But when a scandal tanks his image — and his team’s sponsorship deal — he’s forced to find a stable relationship and join a Valentine’s Day reality show to redeem his reputation and secure a major sponsor.
The problem?
The insufferably cocky athlete gets assigned to the Cupid’s Agency… and sitting on the other side of the desk is the woman he spent one unforgettable night with.”
“Sloane Heart doesn’t miss.
With a flawless 100% matchmaking record and the reputation of being Cupid in heels, she’s built her entire career on turning chaotic love lives into heart-eyed success stories.
Cohen Becker doesn’t date.
The broody, spotlight-magnet pro soccer player would rather take a red card than pretend to be boyfriend material. But when a scandal tanks his image — and his team’s sponsorship deal — he’s forced to find a stable relationship and join a Valentine’s Day reality show to redeem his reputation and secure a major sponsor.
The problem?
The insufferably cocky athlete gets assigned to the Cupid’s Agency… and sitting on the other side of the desk is the woman he spent one unforgettable night with.”
January 4, 2026
4.75🌟-If you’re looking for a small town, enemies to lovers read that will have you hooked, you need to read Queen of Hearts! You’ll be invested in this Cupid and Lucifier duo from the first chapter!💘
Queen of Hearts is book 3 in the Elm Hollow Series and follows characters Sloane and Cohen.
Meet Cohen, a professional soccer player who can’t be handled and is an athlete who is always in the press for the wrong reasons. Cohen heads on a night out, unapproved by the soccer coaches, and ends up in a public situation regarding his one night stand! In the hopes to clean up his image, Cohen is sent to Sloane, CEO of a match making business in Elm Hollow that has a 100% successful match rate. Upon meeting, they soon realise, they’ve met before. Tensions are overflowing but can Sloane help Cohen clean up his image or will the pair of them end up to be another statistic for Sloanes business?
This book is overflowing with spicy scenes, drawn out tension and is an enemies to lovers book that I just could not put down! This book is longer than the previous two books in the series but hands down was my favourite! I loved these characters, I loved the spice and it had me laughing out loud so many times!
If you’re looking for a small town romance book that is filled with sexual tension, a valentines theme and lots of spice then look no further than Queen of Hearts💕
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I honestly cannot recommend it enough! My favourite book in the Elm Hollow series so far! Thank you to Valentina for trusting me to be an ARC reader and I’m already excited for book 4!✨
Queen of Hearts is book 3 in the Elm Hollow Series and follows characters Sloane and Cohen.
Meet Cohen, a professional soccer player who can’t be handled and is an athlete who is always in the press for the wrong reasons. Cohen heads on a night out, unapproved by the soccer coaches, and ends up in a public situation regarding his one night stand! In the hopes to clean up his image, Cohen is sent to Sloane, CEO of a match making business in Elm Hollow that has a 100% successful match rate. Upon meeting, they soon realise, they’ve met before. Tensions are overflowing but can Sloane help Cohen clean up his image or will the pair of them end up to be another statistic for Sloanes business?
This book is overflowing with spicy scenes, drawn out tension and is an enemies to lovers book that I just could not put down! This book is longer than the previous two books in the series but hands down was my favourite! I loved these characters, I loved the spice and it had me laughing out loud so many times!
If you’re looking for a small town romance book that is filled with sexual tension, a valentines theme and lots of spice then look no further than Queen of Hearts💕
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I honestly cannot recommend it enough! My favourite book in the Elm Hollow series so far! Thank you to Valentina for trusting me to be an ARC reader and I’m already excited for book 4!✨
January 31, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s
I loved Sloane and Cohen, I would say they have the best chemistry out of all of the Elm Hollow characters. I also loved seeing more of the side characters making an appearance within the Elm Hollow Universe.
I cannot wait for Lina and Sebastian’s story as well as Nathan and Grace’s. The format of the book is really fun and I love the coloured chapter headings with their individual titles; it gives the book a really unique feel.
I really like that all the books in the series follow the same format with chapter headings. I enjoyed the camera confessions in the dating show part of the book, as well as the social media blogs and group chats. It gave the book a really fun and modern feel and made me feel included as a reader and properly immersed in the story.
One critique I have is I would’ve liked for the dating show part of the book to be introduced sooner. I understand needing to introduce the characters and set the scene, however, it took 300 pages to get to this point, which made me feel like I’d read two books by the end because of how many pages there were. Romance books are usually shorter. However, the content was good so I did not mind reading more.
Another thing I would have liked to have seen in this book was to see more of Grace and Cohen’s family history as I don’t feel this was fully explained. I did not have a full grasp on what their father’s involvement was in their life and why he kept trying to come back.
Overall, I can always rely on Valentina Iania to write a page-turning, steamy romance with loveable characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I loved Sloane and Cohen, I would say they have the best chemistry out of all of the Elm Hollow characters. I also loved seeing more of the side characters making an appearance within the Elm Hollow Universe.
I cannot wait for Lina and Sebastian’s story as well as Nathan and Grace’s. The format of the book is really fun and I love the coloured chapter headings with their individual titles; it gives the book a really unique feel.
I really like that all the books in the series follow the same format with chapter headings. I enjoyed the camera confessions in the dating show part of the book, as well as the social media blogs and group chats. It gave the book a really fun and modern feel and made me feel included as a reader and properly immersed in the story.
One critique I have is I would’ve liked for the dating show part of the book to be introduced sooner. I understand needing to introduce the characters and set the scene, however, it took 300 pages to get to this point, which made me feel like I’d read two books by the end because of how many pages there were. Romance books are usually shorter. However, the content was good so I did not mind reading more.
Another thing I would have liked to have seen in this book was to see more of Grace and Cohen’s family history as I don’t feel this was fully explained. I did not have a full grasp on what their father’s involvement was in their life and why he kept trying to come back.
Overall, I can always rely on Valentina Iania to write a page-turning, steamy romance with loveable characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review:
An easy 5/5⭐
Queen of Hearts pulled me in from page one with giving all the spice and never loosened its grip!💕🥹
Cohen was total eye candy🤤 with all the smirks and quiet confidence, watching him fall first and harder was deeply satisfying. But Sloane truly stole the show for me. It was so devastatingly HOTTT🔥 to see her step fully into her bold, sexy energy and never shying away when it came to making love or owning her desire. She knew what she wanted and Cohen? Completely undone — willingly at her mercy, heart and all🙈
The chaos of Elm Hollow town was at its absolute peak as always — gossip flying, pictures circulating around town and everyone having an opinion. That familiar small-town madness added so much fun and made everything feel unmistakably Elm Hollow😂❤️
Running into familiar faces from the previous Elm Hollow books added so much warmth and chaos to the story, making the world feel lived-in and comforting. At the same time, I’m genuinely excited to see the stories of the new characters who made their entry in this book (if we get them!😉) because Elm Hollow has a way of making every appearance count!!!
The Lakewood Locker Room chats were laugh-out-loud entertaining and the 'Love Goals' contest was absolute perfection. Watching our CAPTAINS win felt so deserved and so satisfying.
And the epilogue… beautiful, comforting and impossible to get over. I truly can’t get over the Elm Hollow holiday series — it keeps stealing my heart every single time💘🥹
An easy 5/5⭐
Queen of Hearts pulled me in from page one with giving all the spice and never loosened its grip!💕🥹
Cohen was total eye candy🤤 with all the smirks and quiet confidence, watching him fall first and harder was deeply satisfying. But Sloane truly stole the show for me. It was so devastatingly HOTTT🔥 to see her step fully into her bold, sexy energy and never shying away when it came to making love or owning her desire. She knew what she wanted and Cohen? Completely undone — willingly at her mercy, heart and all🙈
The chaos of Elm Hollow town was at its absolute peak as always — gossip flying, pictures circulating around town and everyone having an opinion. That familiar small-town madness added so much fun and made everything feel unmistakably Elm Hollow😂❤️
Running into familiar faces from the previous Elm Hollow books added so much warmth and chaos to the story, making the world feel lived-in and comforting. At the same time, I’m genuinely excited to see the stories of the new characters who made their entry in this book (if we get them!😉) because Elm Hollow has a way of making every appearance count!!!
The Lakewood Locker Room chats were laugh-out-loud entertaining and the 'Love Goals' contest was absolute perfection. Watching our CAPTAINS win felt so deserved and so satisfying.
And the epilogue… beautiful, comforting and impossible to get over. I truly can’t get over the Elm Hollow holiday series — it keeps stealing my heart every single time💘🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
Queen of Hearts by Valentina Iania was a read that I couldn't put down! It's a soccer player x matchmaker, one-night stand, fake dating story with a Valentine's game show aspect that I enjoyed every second of. Definitely a 5-star read! It was hilarious, and Cohen and Sloane pulled me in so quickly. Thanks for allowing me to ARC read! 💘
One thing that I loved was the fun title names! That's something that I always find myself enjoying! THE COMMUNICATION!!! While Cohen and Sloane had their issues, they took the time to separate and think things through before coming back to talk and work through it properly. As for the game show aspect, I ate up every second of it! In a weird way, it was kinda of giving Love Island, which was something that I was very here for. Let me tell yall, this book was so funny. I had SO MANY quote highlights. Living for the chaos, always! 🙌
This was my first read by Valentina. I went into this having not read books 1 or 2 in the Elm Hollow Holidays series yet. However, if they're anything like this one is, it's a MUST-read!
One thing that I loved was the fun title names! That's something that I always find myself enjoying! THE COMMUNICATION!!! While Cohen and Sloane had their issues, they took the time to separate and think things through before coming back to talk and work through it properly. As for the game show aspect, I ate up every second of it! In a weird way, it was kinda of giving Love Island, which was something that I was very here for. Let me tell yall, this book was so funny. I had SO MANY quote highlights. Living for the chaos, always! 🙌
This was my first read by Valentina. I went into this having not read books 1 or 2 in the Elm Hollow Holidays series yet. However, if they're anything like this one is, it's a MUST-read!
January 16, 2026
What To Expect:
- valentines reality show
- small town
- enemies to lovers vibes
- romcom
- soccer player x professional matchmaker
- nicknames
- spicy 🌶️
5⭐️
i am definitely rereading this book on valentines day. i dont need any other plans than that 😍
every book i have read of valentina iania has been absolutely incredible and always leaves you wanting more. and i mean that in the best possible way, it may wrap up beautifully but you will still want more! and that is exactly what this book does too.
i dont remember the last book i have read that made me so giddy while giggling and kicking my feet. i truly had so much fun reading this book
do be warned that there is some spice in it incase that isn't your taste. but if you are like me and love a spicy book, you will absolutely love this one!!
thank you so much valentina for giving me this amazing opportunity to arc read this masterpiece!
- valentines reality show
- small town
- enemies to lovers vibes
- romcom
- soccer player x professional matchmaker
- nicknames
- spicy 🌶️
5⭐️
i am definitely rereading this book on valentines day. i dont need any other plans than that 😍
every book i have read of valentina iania has been absolutely incredible and always leaves you wanting more. and i mean that in the best possible way, it may wrap up beautifully but you will still want more! and that is exactly what this book does too.
i dont remember the last book i have read that made me so giddy while giggling and kicking my feet. i truly had so much fun reading this book
do be warned that there is some spice in it incase that isn't your taste. but if you are like me and love a spicy book, you will absolutely love this one!!
thank you so much valentina for giving me this amazing opportunity to arc read this masterpiece!
January 3, 2026
Cohen and Sloan meet at a club in costume for one night. Flash forward they are shoved back in each other’s atmosphere so that Sloan (a skilled matchmaker) can find a girlfriend for Cohen (professional soccer player, and the reputation of a bad boy). And did we mention her dad’s the coach? Will they be able to work together or is there more than chemistry between them?
Some of my favorite parts
❤️ “Cupid never takes a day off”
🩷Elm Hollow beefcake brigade
🤍Love the girl chats/gossip
❤️ when she’s yells “COHEN!” & their back and forth banter
🩷Loved the Unmasked reference
🤍The town hall meetings
“Welcome to Elm Hollow, the town, where everyone knows everything except how to mind their own business.”
✨hopefully we will get for details on Dominic Vos, the mysterious tech guru 🤞🏻
✨ I can’t wait for Lena and Sebastian’s book!!
I love how all the books overlap- timeline wise it’s really fun to see their inner monologues during peak times
Some of my favorite parts
❤️ “Cupid never takes a day off”
🩷Elm Hollow beefcake brigade
🤍Love the girl chats/gossip
❤️ when she’s yells “COHEN!” & their back and forth banter
🩷Loved the Unmasked reference
🤍The town hall meetings
“Welcome to Elm Hollow, the town, where everyone knows everything except how to mind their own business.”
✨hopefully we will get for details on Dominic Vos, the mysterious tech guru 🤞🏻
✨ I can’t wait for Lena and Sebastian’s book!!
I love how all the books overlap- timeline wise it’s really fun to see their inner monologues during peak times
January 17, 2026
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Valentina Iania letting me receive an ARC Copy of this book.
Wow! This book was so good! I am in love with this book! This book was so spicy from the beginning book to the end of the book. There were also some really sweet moments as well. I loved the relationship development between Sloan and Cohen. I loved the banter and it had me laughing a lot. I loved the soccer/professional matchmaker trope it was written really well. I also loved the Valentine’s Day reality show.
If you love an enemies to lovers, soccer players, and a Valentine’s Day reality show you’ll love this book!
#enemiestolovers #elmhollowseries #valentinaianaiauthor #spicybooks #romance
Thank you to Valentina Iania letting me receive an ARC Copy of this book.
Wow! This book was so good! I am in love with this book! This book was so spicy from the beginning book to the end of the book. There were also some really sweet moments as well. I loved the relationship development between Sloan and Cohen. I loved the banter and it had me laughing a lot. I loved the soccer/professional matchmaker trope it was written really well. I also loved the Valentine’s Day reality show.
If you love an enemies to lovers, soccer players, and a Valentine’s Day reality show you’ll love this book!
#enemiestolovers #elmhollowseries #valentinaianaiauthor #spicybooks #romance
January 18, 2026
Small town, enemies to lovers written by Valentina?? SIGN ME ALL THE WAY UP!!
Cohen is the famous soccer player who is always in trouble with the media so when his coach comes up with a plan to fix his public image he has no choice but to agree! Enter Sloane the professional matchmaker and let me tell you do they find their match alright lol!! I couldn’t put this book down!
This is the third book in the elm hollow series and honestly it’s probably my favorite! This book flows so well and the tension, the angst, the anticipation, and the build up!! Soo freaking good!! Also the spicy scenesss?? Ohhhhkayyy HOT!!
I can’t wait for more!
5/5✨
Cohen is the famous soccer player who is always in trouble with the media so when his coach comes up with a plan to fix his public image he has no choice but to agree! Enter Sloane the professional matchmaker and let me tell you do they find their match alright lol!! I couldn’t put this book down!
This is the third book in the elm hollow series and honestly it’s probably my favorite! This book flows so well and the tension, the angst, the anticipation, and the build up!! Soo freaking good!! Also the spicy scenesss?? Ohhhhkayyy HOT!!
I can’t wait for more!
5/5✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cohen and Sloane have a very long, very bumpy journey from Strangers to Enemies to Lovers - at least from Sloane's POV. Cohen is immediately taken with her, and boy does he make matchmaking difficult when the only match he wants is HER. Valentina absolutely DELIVERS. And the competition! Oh I want to be Aunt Tina when I grow up! I adored every chaotic, heat-inducing, heart-stopping, jaw-dropping moment sprinkled with delicious banter and ravaging levels of spice. If you love Hate to Love, forbidden relations, and forced proximity - this is the read for you.
January 30, 2026
Loved this book so much! Is PERFECTION!
January 21, 2026
OMG, where do I start? Cohen and Sloane were the absolute best! I am in love with this book and these two.
Cohen, the naughty boy that he is, got himself in trouble. and to save face, he has to go to a matchmaker to fix what he broke lol. but as he sets foot into the establishment, he's noticing and familiarity of the woman behind the desk. oh yeah that's because she's the one he had a wonderful and fiery hot night with. Sloane is the matchmaker with a 100% success rate. and now she has to set him up... or are they setting themselves up?
Sloane and Cohen are a match made in heaven in this small town romance. these two just click in an undeniable way. the spice was hot, the banter was fun. i laughed, I swooned, I had a great time reading this. by far one of my faves so far this year.
thx so much for allowing me to be a part of your arc team
Cohen, the naughty boy that he is, got himself in trouble. and to save face, he has to go to a matchmaker to fix what he broke lol. but as he sets foot into the establishment, he's noticing and familiarity of the woman behind the desk. oh yeah that's because she's the one he had a wonderful and fiery hot night with. Sloane is the matchmaker with a 100% success rate. and now she has to set him up... or are they setting themselves up?
Sloane and Cohen are a match made in heaven in this small town romance. these two just click in an undeniable way. the spice was hot, the banter was fun. i laughed, I swooned, I had a great time reading this. by far one of my faves so far this year.
thx so much for allowing me to be a part of your arc team
January 25, 2026
Valentina Iania never disappoints. I’ve loved Sloane from book one and her story is just perfect! She deserves the world and she gets it! The banter between her and Cohen is top notch and don’t even get me started on the romance! This book will be living in my head rent free for the foreseeable future. I highly suggest getting to know these two and falling just as much in love with Sloane and Cohen as I do💕 If you haven’t read the Elm Hollow series yet you are truly missing out on some amazing characters.
January 22, 2026
Thank you so much @valentinaianiaauthor for this ARC! I was honored to be one of the first to read it and to be apart of your street team! Thank you for understanding with my review being late with life throwing some major curve balls lately.
This is perfect little Valentine’s Day read! I absolutely love how spicy this book was! It was a perfect little turn of advents in Elm Hollow matchmaking magic!
Any chance I get to return to Elm Hollow, I will absolutely take it! I love this little world! Valentina knocked this one out of the park! And who doesn’t love a good sports romance?!
That ending was everything!!!!!!!
This is perfect little Valentine’s Day read! I absolutely love how spicy this book was! It was a perfect little turn of advents in Elm Hollow matchmaking magic!
Any chance I get to return to Elm Hollow, I will absolutely take it! I love this little world! Valentina knocked this one out of the park! And who doesn’t love a good sports romance?!
That ending was everything!!!!!!!
February 1, 2026
ARC Review
I absolutely adored this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Queen of Hearts is the 3rd book in the Elm Hollow Holiday series. Once Sloane was introduced in Pumpkin Spice….. Lessons. I knew I wanted her book.
Sloane is a matchmaker who has a 100% recording with all her matches. She is known for being Cupid in heels throughout Elm Hollow.
Cohen is your broody grumpy pro soccer player. He does not date. He is always in the press for all the wrong reasons. After a scandal he finds himself being sent to Sloane to find a relationship to help clean up his image.
This book is just so so so good. I will come back to put more into this review when I know I won’t spoil anything! 😂 don’t come at me for that I just don’t want to give anything away. Highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a Valentine’s read.
I absolutely adored this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Queen of Hearts is the 3rd book in the Elm Hollow Holiday series. Once Sloane was introduced in Pumpkin Spice….. Lessons. I knew I wanted her book.
Sloane is a matchmaker who has a 100% recording with all her matches. She is known for being Cupid in heels throughout Elm Hollow.
Cohen is your broody grumpy pro soccer player. He does not date. He is always in the press for all the wrong reasons. After a scandal he finds himself being sent to Sloane to find a relationship to help clean up his image.
This book is just so so so good. I will come back to put more into this review when I know I won’t spoil anything! 😂 don’t come at me for that I just don’t want to give anything away. Highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a Valentine’s read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the book so much. Sloane is a matchmaker whose love life was a disaster to say the least. A one night stand with Cohen Becker changes everything.
It's a story full of humor, pain, tears, and finding a love that you never knew you needed.
I love Cohen and Sloane together. Their banter back and forth is hilarious. There are a lot of surprises in this book. You are going to love it all. I highly recommend this book. Everything Valentina Iania writes is so amazing. Definitely a must read.
It's a story full of humor, pain, tears, and finding a love that you never knew you needed.
I love Cohen and Sloane together. Their banter back and forth is hilarious. There are a lot of surprises in this book. You are going to love it all. I highly recommend this book. Everything Valentina Iania writes is so amazing. Definitely a must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Valentina is so good at getting that balance of sweet and spicy in her books, and this one is no different!
I've been so excited to get the story of Sloame and Cohen after seeing the occasional interaction in the previous 2 books, and it did not disappoint. I loved the growth of the relationship between these two so much, Cohen's absolute adoration and Sloane's denial make for such a cute, funny read. This book is especially great for lovers of tension, there are so many heated moments and longing looks.
People have been waiting for our Cupid of Elm Hollow to get her own love story and Valentina has absolutely nailed it. This could be your perfect read for Valentine's Day ❤️
*arc review*
I've been so excited to get the story of Sloame and Cohen after seeing the occasional interaction in the previous 2 books, and it did not disappoint. I loved the growth of the relationship between these two so much, Cohen's absolute adoration and Sloane's denial make for such a cute, funny read. This book is especially great for lovers of tension, there are so many heated moments and longing looks.
People have been waiting for our Cupid of Elm Hollow to get her own love story and Valentina has absolutely nailed it. This could be your perfect read for Valentine's Day ❤️
*arc review*
January 20, 2026
This book was SO amazing! I loved the tension and back and forth, the one night stand trope, to fake dating & coaches daughter! I loved both the fmc & mmc, it had everything I wanted and more. Can’t wait for the next in this series!
January 31, 2026
This third book in the series was SO good. Enemies to lovers? Check. Fake dating? Check. Spicy tension that had me kicking my feet? Absolutely. Even though it’s part of a series, it totally works as a standalone, and the chemistry between these two was just so perfect. The banter was fun, the buildup was worth it, and the spice hit just right without taking over the story. If you love fake dating and good old classic enemies to lovers with plenty of heat, you need this one on your TBR ASAP.
January 23, 2026
2025 was the first time I’d ever read a valentina Lania book. Now I’m a fan. This is the second book I’ve read by her and this didn’t disappoint. It was so fun, yet heartbreaking and in the end steamy and everything I could have asked for. Thank you to the author for providing me with a ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
💘⚽️ARC Review⚽️💘
♾️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Valentina Iania for this ARC of Queen of Hearts! I have read ALL your books, I am in love with being on your team, and this book just took over my top spot of your books! (Previously a spot held by Unmasked)
Everything about this book was pure perfection‼️From the moment the book started you are sucked into the characters and the spice, an unforgettable night turns into something that could have only been aligned by the fates themselves.
Everything was put into motion the night of their initial meet cute, he was Lucifer and she was an Angel but make her Cupid. When they hooked up it was suppose to be a secret it was supposed to be a night of to strangers having a night of passion. What they didn’t count on was a photo, the photo that shattered any last bit of good standing that Cohan had with his team, a photo that thankfully no-one recognized the girl, because she just so happened to his head coaches daughter!
Leading to them meeting up again, under different circumstances and then realizing who they are in each other’s lives.
Cohen is down bad from the second he laid eyes on her that first time and all the times after. He wants her and you wouldn’t think the “Bad Boy of Soccer” could/would ever fall for the girl he can’t have, the girl of his dreams who he calls Angel.
There is NO denying the way that Sloane’s body and soul light up even when she knows it shouldn’t. She wants him, he knows it, and they just push each other’s buttons!
The game show aspect of this book was PHENOMENAL! I LOVED the confessionals, that first challenge was HOT and I love how initially they tried to fight the relationship that was building, that they would keep it professional but in front of the cameras the would play at how much they loved each other.
Initially the page count of this one had me holding my breath for a minute, but to be honest it FLEW by and I actually want more!! I know we will see more of Cohan and Sloane in the next book, I absolutely love how Valentina has created this world of Elm Hollow!
I will say I was trying to pair off the couples like Sloane, trying to piece together who the next couple and future book couples will be🤭
Another Buddy read in the books for us Nicole!! I can’t get enough of our voice notes and our theories, and our complete freak outs when something happens!
Tropes: 💘One Night
⚽️”Bad Boy” professional soccer player
💘Match Maker FMC
⚽️He falls first
💘Forbidden (Coaches Daughter)
⚽️The CHEMISTRY
💘Fake Dating
⚽️They keep accidentally hooking up
💘She is in denial
⚽️The way he wants to protect her heart
💘THE BANTER!!
⚽️No 3rd Act Break up, but a slight moment?
♾️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Valentina Iania for this ARC of Queen of Hearts! I have read ALL your books, I am in love with being on your team, and this book just took over my top spot of your books! (Previously a spot held by Unmasked)
Everything about this book was pure perfection‼️From the moment the book started you are sucked into the characters and the spice, an unforgettable night turns into something that could have only been aligned by the fates themselves.
Everything was put into motion the night of their initial meet cute, he was Lucifer and she was an Angel but make her Cupid. When they hooked up it was suppose to be a secret it was supposed to be a night of to strangers having a night of passion. What they didn’t count on was a photo, the photo that shattered any last bit of good standing that Cohan had with his team, a photo that thankfully no-one recognized the girl, because she just so happened to his head coaches daughter!
Leading to them meeting up again, under different circumstances and then realizing who they are in each other’s lives.
Cohen is down bad from the second he laid eyes on her that first time and all the times after. He wants her and you wouldn’t think the “Bad Boy of Soccer” could/would ever fall for the girl he can’t have, the girl of his dreams who he calls Angel.
There is NO denying the way that Sloane’s body and soul light up even when she knows it shouldn’t. She wants him, he knows it, and they just push each other’s buttons!
The game show aspect of this book was PHENOMENAL! I LOVED the confessionals, that first challenge was HOT and I love how initially they tried to fight the relationship that was building, that they would keep it professional but in front of the cameras the would play at how much they loved each other.
Initially the page count of this one had me holding my breath for a minute, but to be honest it FLEW by and I actually want more!! I know we will see more of Cohan and Sloane in the next book, I absolutely love how Valentina has created this world of Elm Hollow!
I will say I was trying to pair off the couples like Sloane, trying to piece together who the next couple and future book couples will be🤭
Another Buddy read in the books for us Nicole!! I can’t get enough of our voice notes and our theories, and our complete freak outs when something happens!
Tropes: 💘One Night
⚽️”Bad Boy” professional soccer player
💘Match Maker FMC
⚽️He falls first
💘Forbidden (Coaches Daughter)
⚽️The CHEMISTRY
💘Fake Dating
⚽️They keep accidentally hooking up
💘She is in denial
⚽️The way he wants to protect her heart
💘THE BANTER!!
⚽️No 3rd Act Break up, but a slight moment?
January 17, 2026
Honestly, I couldn’t wait to revisit Elm Hollow in Book 3 of the series and the whole gang did not disappoint!
I was immediately hooked - the spicy prologue was 🔥 After an unforgettable one night stand, our FMC and MMC assume they won’t see each other again… Elm Hollow had other plans for them.
Valentina’s spicy cocktail of
💘 Professional matchmaker FMC
💘 Successful, confident, feisty FMC
💘 Classic bad boy rep MMC with a hidden, gooey soft side
💘 Forced proximity
💘 Forbidden romance
💘 One bed
💘 Coach’s daughter/Professional Footballer,
is a recipe for a perfect cosy read with banter and spice.
The game show aspect of the book is absolutely ✨ GOLDEN ✨ The challenges add to the spice and increase the tension between all of the couples. I love how Valentina creates the Video Archives, WhatsApp groups, Gazette articles and Confessionals which add so much personality and extra little nuggets of plot and drama. Aunt Tina is a hero and I could only ever aspire to be such a force.
Once again, a lil shout to the ChitChat and Chardonnay Club 🙏🏻
A massive thank you to @valentinaianiaauthor allowing me to read this ARC. I already can’t wait for Book 4 of the Elm Hollow series, manifesting a Grace story!
Queen of Hearts is out now!
#valentinaianiaauthor #bookreview #arcreader #advancedreadercopy #romancereader
💘 FAVE QUOTES: 💘
“You’re not shelf material. You’re made to take up the whole damn room”
“Who cares if you can roast a chicken? I care about the way you yell at me when I’m being an idiot. The way you laugh when everything’s chaos. The way you hold everyone else together. You are incredible. Exactly like this.”
I was immediately hooked - the spicy prologue was 🔥 After an unforgettable one night stand, our FMC and MMC assume they won’t see each other again… Elm Hollow had other plans for them.
Valentina’s spicy cocktail of
💘 Professional matchmaker FMC
💘 Successful, confident, feisty FMC
💘 Classic bad boy rep MMC with a hidden, gooey soft side
💘 Forced proximity
💘 Forbidden romance
💘 One bed
💘 Coach’s daughter/Professional Footballer,
is a recipe for a perfect cosy read with banter and spice.
The game show aspect of the book is absolutely ✨ GOLDEN ✨ The challenges add to the spice and increase the tension between all of the couples. I love how Valentina creates the Video Archives, WhatsApp groups, Gazette articles and Confessionals which add so much personality and extra little nuggets of plot and drama. Aunt Tina is a hero and I could only ever aspire to be such a force.
Once again, a lil shout to the ChitChat and Chardonnay Club 🙏🏻
A massive thank you to @valentinaianiaauthor allowing me to read this ARC. I already can’t wait for Book 4 of the Elm Hollow series, manifesting a Grace story!
Queen of Hearts is out now!
#valentinaianiaauthor #bookreview #arcreader #advancedreadercopy #romancereader
💘 FAVE QUOTES: 💘
“You’re not shelf material. You’re made to take up the whole damn room”
“Who cares if you can roast a chicken? I care about the way you yell at me when I’m being an idiot. The way you laugh when everything’s chaos. The way you hold everyone else together. You are incredible. Exactly like this.”
January 25, 2026
Queen of Hearts is spicy, chaotic, addictive perfection.
Let’s talk about the spice because… WOW.
This book is the kind of spicy that has you closing the Kindle, staring at the wall for a second, and then diving right back in like nothing happened. The tension is insane, the chemistry is off the charts, and every scene between them feels dangerously addictive. This is the kind of spice that lives rent free in your head.
But this book isn’t just heat — it’s heart and small-town chaos too.
The characters are absolutely wonderful: flawed, magnetic, dramatic in the best possible way. You can’t help but fall in love with them, root for them, scream at them, and then love them even more. Their dynamic is messy, intense, and wildly entertaining.
And the small-town chaos? Chef’s kiss.
Elm Hollow feels alive on every page — gossip, reactions, side characters, and especially the Gazzetta articles, which I completely adored. They add such a fun, clever layer to the story, making the whole town feel like it’s watching, commenting, and stirring the drama right along with us.
And can we talk about the reality show?
Because wow. So hot. So brilliant.
The contestants’ entrances, the confessional moments, the challenges… it all feels cinematic and addictive, like binge-watching your favorite dating show, but with depth, emotion, and a story that actually matters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love:
• spicy romance with real tension
• small-town chaos done right
• unforgettable characters
• and a reality-show setting that completely slaps
then Queen of Hearts needs to be on your shelf immediately.
Let’s talk about the spice because… WOW.
This book is the kind of spicy that has you closing the Kindle, staring at the wall for a second, and then diving right back in like nothing happened. The tension is insane, the chemistry is off the charts, and every scene between them feels dangerously addictive. This is the kind of spice that lives rent free in your head.
But this book isn’t just heat — it’s heart and small-town chaos too.
The characters are absolutely wonderful: flawed, magnetic, dramatic in the best possible way. You can’t help but fall in love with them, root for them, scream at them, and then love them even more. Their dynamic is messy, intense, and wildly entertaining.
And the small-town chaos? Chef’s kiss.
Elm Hollow feels alive on every page — gossip, reactions, side characters, and especially the Gazzetta articles, which I completely adored. They add such a fun, clever layer to the story, making the whole town feel like it’s watching, commenting, and stirring the drama right along with us.
And can we talk about the reality show?
Because wow. So hot. So brilliant.
The contestants’ entrances, the confessional moments, the challenges… it all feels cinematic and addictive, like binge-watching your favorite dating show, but with depth, emotion, and a story that actually matters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love:
• spicy romance with real tension
• small-town chaos done right
• unforgettable characters
• and a reality-show setting that completely slaps
then Queen of Hearts needs to be on your shelf immediately.
January 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Queen of Hearts by Valentina Iania
If you love spicy small-town romances with banter, chaos, and reality-show drama, this book is EVERYTHING.
From the very first page, Queen of Hearts pulls you straight into Elm Hollow with a premise that’s irresistible: a sassy professional matchmaker in heels + a cocky soccer player with a bad-boy reputation + a Valentine’s reality show? Yes. Please. Immediately.
Sloane is sharp, ambitious, and hilarious — the kind of heroine you instantly root for. And the MMC? Pure trouble in the best way. Their chemistry is explosive, their banter is addictive, and the tension between them had me glued to the page.
What I loved most is how this book balances spice with real emotion. The one-night stand to enemies-to-lovers arc is done so well, and the reality-show setting adds the perfect layer of drama, jealousy, and public chaos. Every chapter made me want to keep reading “just one more”… until suddenly it was 2 a.m.
The spice? 🔥🔥🔥
The banter? Elite.
The small-town vibes? Cozy but messy in the best way.
Even though this is book 3 in the Elm Hollow Holidays series, it works perfectly as a standalone — but trust me, you’ll want to read them all after this.
If you love:
💘 Enemies to lovers
⚽️ Soccer romance
🎥 Reality-show drama
🔥 Spicy banter & emotional tension
🏹 Small-town interconnected standalones
…this one belongs at the top of your TBR.
Absolutely obsessed. Highly recommend.
Queen of Hearts by Valentina Iania
If you love spicy small-town romances with banter, chaos, and reality-show drama, this book is EVERYTHING.
From the very first page, Queen of Hearts pulls you straight into Elm Hollow with a premise that’s irresistible: a sassy professional matchmaker in heels + a cocky soccer player with a bad-boy reputation + a Valentine’s reality show? Yes. Please. Immediately.
Sloane is sharp, ambitious, and hilarious — the kind of heroine you instantly root for. And the MMC? Pure trouble in the best way. Their chemistry is explosive, their banter is addictive, and the tension between them had me glued to the page.
What I loved most is how this book balances spice with real emotion. The one-night stand to enemies-to-lovers arc is done so well, and the reality-show setting adds the perfect layer of drama, jealousy, and public chaos. Every chapter made me want to keep reading “just one more”… until suddenly it was 2 a.m.
The spice? 🔥🔥🔥
The banter? Elite.
The small-town vibes? Cozy but messy in the best way.
Even though this is book 3 in the Elm Hollow Holidays series, it works perfectly as a standalone — but trust me, you’ll want to read them all after this.
If you love:
💘 Enemies to lovers
⚽️ Soccer romance
🎥 Reality-show drama
🔥 Spicy banter & emotional tension
🏹 Small-town interconnected standalones
…this one belongs at the top of your TBR.
Absolutely obsessed. Highly recommend.
January 30, 2026
OH. MY. GOD.
Let’s talk about Queen of Hearts because I am not okay and it’s entirely Cohen’s fault.
I don’t say this lightly: Cohen is a full-on book boyfriend. The kind that rewires your standards and makes you stare at the wall after closing the book like, so… this is my life now. Confident, magnetic, a little dangerous, stupidly charming—and painfully aware of it. Every scene he’s in? I was locked in. Every line of dialogue? Highlight-worthy.
The chemistry is insane. Not just spicy (though YES, very spicy), but charged. Lingering looks. Tension you can feel in your chest. That delicious push-and-pull where you’re internally screaming JUST KISS ALREADY while also praying they don’t yet because the buildup is too good.
And then there’s Elm Hollow—small-town chaos at its finest. The gossip, the commentary, the Gazette articles?? Obsessed. It feels like the whole town is shipping them right along with us, and honestly, same.
The reality show element adds such a fun, messy layer. Public moments, private feelings, cameras everywhere, emotions running way too deep for something that’s supposed to be “just a game.” I devoured this book. Absolutely inhaled it.
Bottom line:
I came for the concept.
I stayed for the drama.
I will never recover from Cohen.
If you love book boyfriends who live rent-free in your head, do yourself a favor and pick this up. I’m already jealous of anyone reading it for the first time.
Let’s talk about Queen of Hearts because I am not okay and it’s entirely Cohen’s fault.
I don’t say this lightly: Cohen is a full-on book boyfriend. The kind that rewires your standards and makes you stare at the wall after closing the book like, so… this is my life now. Confident, magnetic, a little dangerous, stupidly charming—and painfully aware of it. Every scene he’s in? I was locked in. Every line of dialogue? Highlight-worthy.
The chemistry is insane. Not just spicy (though YES, very spicy), but charged. Lingering looks. Tension you can feel in your chest. That delicious push-and-pull where you’re internally screaming JUST KISS ALREADY while also praying they don’t yet because the buildup is too good.
And then there’s Elm Hollow—small-town chaos at its finest. The gossip, the commentary, the Gazette articles?? Obsessed. It feels like the whole town is shipping them right along with us, and honestly, same.
The reality show element adds such a fun, messy layer. Public moments, private feelings, cameras everywhere, emotions running way too deep for something that’s supposed to be “just a game.” I devoured this book. Absolutely inhaled it.
Bottom line:
I came for the concept.
I stayed for the drama.
I will never recover from Cohen.
If you love book boyfriends who live rent-free in your head, do yourself a favor and pick this up. I’m already jealous of anyone reading it for the first time.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
***ARC Review***
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Valentina Iania for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Queen of Hearts was the third book in Elm Hollow Holiday series.
This was such a fun read. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, so I knew I would love this book. Sloane and Cohen’s tension was hilarious. I loved how they bantered back and forth. You knew they would have a connection because it was kind of predictable. Loved the progress of their relationship throughout the book.
Synopsis:
Sloane Heart, a professional matchmaker with a perfect record, prides herself on helping others find love. Cohen Becker is a professional soccer player who avoids relationships, but a scandal forces him to project a stable image for his team's sponsorship.
To redeem his reputation, Cohen agrees to join a Valentine's Day reality show, which assigns him to the Cupid's Agency. The plot twist: the matchmaker he must work with is Sloane, the woman he had an unforgettable one-night stand with, leading to an "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic. Reviewers praise the book for its tension, witty banter, and blend of sweet and spicy moments as their relationship develops.
A huge thanks to Valentina Iania for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is released.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author Valentina Iania for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Queen of Hearts was the third book in Elm Hollow Holiday series.
This was such a fun read. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, so I knew I would love this book. Sloane and Cohen’s tension was hilarious. I loved how they bantered back and forth. You knew they would have a connection because it was kind of predictable. Loved the progress of their relationship throughout the book.
Synopsis:
Sloane Heart, a professional matchmaker with a perfect record, prides herself on helping others find love. Cohen Becker is a professional soccer player who avoids relationships, but a scandal forces him to project a stable image for his team's sponsorship.
To redeem his reputation, Cohen agrees to join a Valentine's Day reality show, which assigns him to the Cupid's Agency. The plot twist: the matchmaker he must work with is Sloane, the woman he had an unforgettable one-night stand with, leading to an "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic. Reviewers praise the book for its tension, witty banter, and blend of sweet and spicy moments as their relationship develops.
A huge thanks to Valentina Iania for giving me the privilege to read the book before the book is released.
January 22, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure of ARC reading Queen of Hearts, book three in the Elm Hollow Holiday Series—and from the very first page, I was completely hooked. I couldn’t get enough of Sloane and Cohen, and honestly? This might just be my favorite book in the series so far.
Elm Hollow and its characters are incredibly near and dear to my heart, and I adore how all three books flow together so seamlessly. Queen of Hearts follows Elm Hollow’s very own Cupid and professional matchmaker, Sloane, and Cohen—a professional soccer player deep in his bad-boy reputation era. Together, they are chef’s kiss enemies-to-lovers perfection. After a previously tangled-in-the-sheets one-night stand, Cohen is thrust back into Sloane’s life thanks to none other than his coach… who also happens to be Sloane’s father. Her mission? Rebrand this bad boy and clean up his very public image. But will Sloane succeed—or will Elm Hollow’s Cupid finally fall in love herself? You’ll have to read Queen of Hearts to find out. If you love fake dating, enemies to lovers with playful, witty banter, slow-burning tension, angst that hurts so good, swoon-worthy moments, and spice so hot it’ll make you blush—this book is absolutely for you. I adore Valentina’s writing, and I’ll forever hold Elm Hollow and all its characters close to my heart. I’ll follow them anywhere, right up until the very last page.
Elm Hollow and its characters are incredibly near and dear to my heart, and I adore how all three books flow together so seamlessly. Queen of Hearts follows Elm Hollow’s very own Cupid and professional matchmaker, Sloane, and Cohen—a professional soccer player deep in his bad-boy reputation era. Together, they are chef’s kiss enemies-to-lovers perfection. After a previously tangled-in-the-sheets one-night stand, Cohen is thrust back into Sloane’s life thanks to none other than his coach… who also happens to be Sloane’s father. Her mission? Rebrand this bad boy and clean up his very public image. But will Sloane succeed—or will Elm Hollow’s Cupid finally fall in love herself? You’ll have to read Queen of Hearts to find out. If you love fake dating, enemies to lovers with playful, witty banter, slow-burning tension, angst that hurts so good, swoon-worthy moments, and spice so hot it’ll make you blush—this book is absolutely for you. I adore Valentina’s writing, and I’ll forever hold Elm Hollow and all its characters close to my heart. I’ll follow them anywhere, right up until the very last page.
January 25, 2026
If you love:
💘 spicy slow burns
🔥 chaotic small towns
📺 reality show vibes
🖤 and romances that emotionally destroy you before putting you back together
then Queen of Hearts is 100% your next obsession.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Queen of Hearts had me absolutely FERAL.
This book is small-town chaos, spicy romance, and reality show drama all rolled into one addictive, unputdownable story.
The chemistry? Illegal.
The tension? Criminal.
The spice? The kind that makes you pause, reread, and then keep going like nothing happened.
But what really made me fall in love were the characters. They’re messy, magnetic, emotional, and so painfully human that you can’t help but get attached. I laughed with them, screamed at them, rooted for them, and yes — got emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.
And can we please talk about the setting?
Elm Hollow is peak small-town chaos. Gossip, side characters, reactions, and especially the Gazzetta articles (I was obsessed) made everything feel so alive and dramatic in the most delicious way.
Now add a dating reality show into the mix and… game over.
The contestants’ entrances? Iconic.
The confessionals? Addictive.
The challenges? So fun, so tense, so HOT.
It literally felt like binge-watching my favorite trashy dating show, but with depth and a romance that actually made my heart hurt.
💘 spicy slow burns
🔥 chaotic small towns
📺 reality show vibes
🖤 and romances that emotionally destroy you before putting you back together
then Queen of Hearts is 100% your next obsession.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Queen of Hearts had me absolutely FERAL.
This book is small-town chaos, spicy romance, and reality show drama all rolled into one addictive, unputdownable story.
The chemistry? Illegal.
The tension? Criminal.
The spice? The kind that makes you pause, reread, and then keep going like nothing happened.
But what really made me fall in love were the characters. They’re messy, magnetic, emotional, and so painfully human that you can’t help but get attached. I laughed with them, screamed at them, rooted for them, and yes — got emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.
And can we please talk about the setting?
Elm Hollow is peak small-town chaos. Gossip, side characters, reactions, and especially the Gazzetta articles (I was obsessed) made everything feel so alive and dramatic in the most delicious way.
Now add a dating reality show into the mix and… game over.
The contestants’ entrances? Iconic.
The confessionals? Addictive.
The challenges? So fun, so tense, so HOT.
It literally felt like binge-watching my favorite trashy dating show, but with depth and a romance that actually made my heart hurt.
January 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Queen of Hearts is the kind of romance that makes you feel things — deeply and unexpectedly.
This isn’t just a love story, it’s an emotional experience wrapped in small-town charm, sharp banter, and heart-tugging vulnerability.
What struck me the most was how intimate this book feels. Every look, every touch, every moment of hesitation between the characters is loaded with meaning. Their connection grows in a way that feels organic and earned, never rushed, never forced — just beautifully real.
The tension is delicious. The slow burn is perfectly paced. And when it finally ignites… it’s worth every page.
But beyond the romance, Queen of Hearts shines because of its emotional depth. It talks about fear, longing, and the courage it takes to let someone truly see you — all while keeping that irresistible rom-com sparkle that makes you smile through the tears.
If you love romances that:
• make your heart ache before making it soar
• blend sweetness with heat
• and leave you thinking about the characters long after you’re done
then this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
Queen of Hearts didn’t just entertain me — it stayed with me. And that’s the kind of book I’ll always recommend.
Queen of Hearts is the kind of romance that makes you feel things — deeply and unexpectedly.
This isn’t just a love story, it’s an emotional experience wrapped in small-town charm, sharp banter, and heart-tugging vulnerability.
What struck me the most was how intimate this book feels. Every look, every touch, every moment of hesitation between the characters is loaded with meaning. Their connection grows in a way that feels organic and earned, never rushed, never forced — just beautifully real.
The tension is delicious. The slow burn is perfectly paced. And when it finally ignites… it’s worth every page.
But beyond the romance, Queen of Hearts shines because of its emotional depth. It talks about fear, longing, and the courage it takes to let someone truly see you — all while keeping that irresistible rom-com sparkle that makes you smile through the tears.
If you love romances that:
• make your heart ache before making it soar
• blend sweetness with heat
• and leave you thinking about the characters long after you’re done
then this one deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
Queen of Hearts didn’t just entertain me — it stayed with me. And that’s the kind of book I’ll always recommend.
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