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Not Over You, Actually
Discover a BRAND NEW, exceptionally fresh and funny second-chance romance, for fans of Holly Borne, Alexandra Potter and Monica Heisey. 💓💫💖📚 She’s moved on. Absolutely. Definitely…Sort of Two years post-divorce and flying solo at a family wedding in France, Kate locks eyes with a strikingly handsome man – only to realise it’s Hugh, her ex-husband. The cardigan-wearing, workaholic history professor she left behind has been transformed into a man who is sleek, confident, and maddeningly attractive.
She expected wedding drama, but not this. And when a favour she can’t refuse lands her on a road trip across France and Spain with the newly upgraded Hugh, Kate is forced to confront more than just old memories.
As detours turn into revelations, she has to is this just a scenic route back to heartbreak, or could revisiting the past lead her somewhere entirely new?
Smart, stylish, emotionally fearless romantic fiction for readers who love contemporary writing and heroines who’ve lived a little.
Praise for Heidi
'Witty, wise and romantic. Escapist fiction at it's absolute best' KATIE FFORDE
'Fun, sexy, and wonderfully escapist, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read!' EMILY STONE
'The blast of escapism we all need right now!' FIONA GIBSON
'The perfect escape for anybody who loves a swoon-worthy hero and a fabulous setting!' ZARA STONELEY
She expected wedding drama, but not this. And when a favour she can’t refuse lands her on a road trip across France and Spain with the newly upgraded Hugh, Kate is forced to confront more than just old memories.
As detours turn into revelations, she has to is this just a scenic route back to heartbreak, or could revisiting the past lead her somewhere entirely new?
Smart, stylish, emotionally fearless romantic fiction for readers who love contemporary writing and heroines who’ve lived a little.
Praise for Heidi
'Witty, wise and romantic. Escapist fiction at it's absolute best' KATIE FFORDE
'Fun, sexy, and wonderfully escapist, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read!' EMILY STONE
'The blast of escapism we all need right now!' FIONA GIBSON
'The perfect escape for anybody who loves a swoon-worthy hero and a fabulous setting!' ZARA STONELEY
- GenresSecond Chance
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 26, 2026
Second-Chance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Travel
Divorced Kate runs into ex Hugh at a French wedding—he’s totally transformed! Stuck on a road trip across France & Spain, old sparks flare, secrets unravel, and they realise they never really got over each other. Witty, warm, gorgeous setting, full of heart.
Divorce, past relationship hurt
Fun, flirty, and utterly delightful—perfect escapist romance! 🇫🇷❤️
Divorced Kate runs into ex Hugh at a French wedding—he’s totally transformed! Stuck on a road trip across France & Spain, old sparks flare, secrets unravel, and they realise they never really got over each other. Witty, warm, gorgeous setting, full of heart.
Divorce, past relationship hurt
Fun, flirty, and utterly delightful—perfect escapist romance! 🇫🇷❤️
May 27, 2026
"If the last two years has taught me anything, it’s that we’re both more than the version of ourselves we show to other people."
3.5⭐
This was a cute read, but it just didn’t hit like the romcom I was promised. I hate to say this, because I feel like books featuring older main characters are often automatically pushed into the literary fiction category when we absolutely can have fun, lighthearted romcoms featuring older people, but this really felt more litfic than romance to me. I picked this up because it was marketed as "an unmissable second-chance romance set in the South of France" that was "hilarious, romantic, and heartwarming," and while it definitely delivered on the second-chance romance aspect, the humour never really landed for me. We follow Kate, who has just turned fifty and is two years post divorce, she attends a family wedding in France only to reunite with her ex husband Hugh, who has experienced a major glow up. A few chaotic moments later, the two end up on a road trip across France and Spain together, where old feelings and unresolved questions slowly begin to resurface.
There were definitely a lot of things in this book that were nice to read. The storyline follows a bit of a "too good to be true" theme, and I found a lot of the events pretty unrealistic, but I still had fun going along with it. The setting and scenery were absolutely the standouts for me, I could completely picture all the places they were travelling to (it helps that I have driven from Bordeaux to Barcelona myself before, albeit on a Flixbus for seven hours straight, but anyway). The descriptions of the sultry heat and beautiful vistas made me feel like I was right there with them. I also really liked the commentary on navigating relationships that have become stale and how sometimes people need a wake up call to realise they’re no longer putting enough effort in. There was a part where Kate’s monologue said that she and Hugh were so focused on keeping the breakup clean and civil that they avoided having any real conversations about how they actually felt. She wondered if things could’ve turned out differently if they’d slowed down and communicated more, and that realisation felt very genuine to me. Noticing that perhaps you made a huge decision without properly talking it through, while the other person wanted to please you so badly that they simply went along with it, is definitely a form of miscommunication I’ve seen happen in real life. Kate also realised that the sense of control and confidence she’d been searching for wasn’t something Hugh could give her, because she’d actually been holding herself back all along, and I loved that this message of doing things for yourself instead of waiting on others was included here.
But unfortunately, I found a large portion of this book rather monotonous and slow. When I read a romcom, even a closed door one like this, I still want to feel the butterflies the characters are feeling. I want the comedy aspects to actually have me giggling and kicking my feet, but with this, I just didn’t really feel it. Hugh seems like a lovely man who lost his way for a while and needed a kick up the backside. He got himself into a rut where he stopped taking care of himself and his relationship suffered for it, but I don’t think the reasons behind their divorce were explored deeply enough for me to fully feel the tension between them. I also hated the way Hugh was essentially forced onto the trip. In my head, I just kept repeating, “She’s meant to be a fifty year old woman, why is she letting her mother and children boss her around like this? Tell them to calm down and let her be adventurous for once!” because there’s no way I would’ve stood for that. I also noticed that a lot of the opportunities for genuinely interesting scenes and proper comedy happened off page. They would mention things like white water rafting or driving through crazy traffic almost as an afterthought with comments like "wow, that was insane" or "my bruises have bruises," but those scenes could’ve been really funny moments if they’d actually been shown. The line about Alan being her concierge was also repeated four or five times, "He’s my concierge. He travels ahead." was said almost verbatim, to the point where it started getting on my nerves.
Overall, this was by no means a bad book. It was incredibly readable and very relaxing to sit down and immerse myself in a story about travel, even if I did find it a bit far-fetched at times. There were some lovely messages woven throughout and a few genuinely cute moments, but I just didn’t buy into the romance enough to feel fully invested in it. I wanted more emotion, more depth, and more tension to really feel that spark and believe there was still something between them. To me, it sometimes felt like Hugh had simply put on some muscles and a nice pastel shirt and suddenly that was enough for Kate. Even though she kept insisting his personality had changed, and I could see how it had too, it just wasn’t convincing enough for me personally. I think this works well as a palate cleanser with some lighthearted, improbable moments that are enjoyable enough to keep you reading, but sadly it’s not something I would go out of my way to highly recommend. Thank you to Heidi Stephens, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
3.5⭐
This was a cute read, but it just didn’t hit like the romcom I was promised. I hate to say this, because I feel like books featuring older main characters are often automatically pushed into the literary fiction category when we absolutely can have fun, lighthearted romcoms featuring older people, but this really felt more litfic than romance to me. I picked this up because it was marketed as "an unmissable second-chance romance set in the South of France" that was "hilarious, romantic, and heartwarming," and while it definitely delivered on the second-chance romance aspect, the humour never really landed for me. We follow Kate, who has just turned fifty and is two years post divorce, she attends a family wedding in France only to reunite with her ex husband Hugh, who has experienced a major glow up. A few chaotic moments later, the two end up on a road trip across France and Spain together, where old feelings and unresolved questions slowly begin to resurface.
There were definitely a lot of things in this book that were nice to read. The storyline follows a bit of a "too good to be true" theme, and I found a lot of the events pretty unrealistic, but I still had fun going along with it. The setting and scenery were absolutely the standouts for me, I could completely picture all the places they were travelling to (it helps that I have driven from Bordeaux to Barcelona myself before, albeit on a Flixbus for seven hours straight, but anyway). The descriptions of the sultry heat and beautiful vistas made me feel like I was right there with them. I also really liked the commentary on navigating relationships that have become stale and how sometimes people need a wake up call to realise they’re no longer putting enough effort in. There was a part where Kate’s monologue said that she and Hugh were so focused on keeping the breakup clean and civil that they avoided having any real conversations about how they actually felt. She wondered if things could’ve turned out differently if they’d slowed down and communicated more, and that realisation felt very genuine to me. Noticing that perhaps you made a huge decision without properly talking it through, while the other person wanted to please you so badly that they simply went along with it, is definitely a form of miscommunication I’ve seen happen in real life. Kate also realised that the sense of control and confidence she’d been searching for wasn’t something Hugh could give her, because she’d actually been holding herself back all along, and I loved that this message of doing things for yourself instead of waiting on others was included here.
But unfortunately, I found a large portion of this book rather monotonous and slow. When I read a romcom, even a closed door one like this, I still want to feel the butterflies the characters are feeling. I want the comedy aspects to actually have me giggling and kicking my feet, but with this, I just didn’t really feel it. Hugh seems like a lovely man who lost his way for a while and needed a kick up the backside. He got himself into a rut where he stopped taking care of himself and his relationship suffered for it, but I don’t think the reasons behind their divorce were explored deeply enough for me to fully feel the tension between them. I also hated the way Hugh was essentially forced onto the trip. In my head, I just kept repeating, “She’s meant to be a fifty year old woman, why is she letting her mother and children boss her around like this? Tell them to calm down and let her be adventurous for once!” because there’s no way I would’ve stood for that. I also noticed that a lot of the opportunities for genuinely interesting scenes and proper comedy happened off page. They would mention things like white water rafting or driving through crazy traffic almost as an afterthought with comments like "wow, that was insane" or "my bruises have bruises," but those scenes could’ve been really funny moments if they’d actually been shown. The line about Alan being her concierge was also repeated four or five times, "He’s my concierge. He travels ahead." was said almost verbatim, to the point where it started getting on my nerves.
Overall, this was by no means a bad book. It was incredibly readable and very relaxing to sit down and immerse myself in a story about travel, even if I did find it a bit far-fetched at times. There were some lovely messages woven throughout and a few genuinely cute moments, but I just didn’t buy into the romance enough to feel fully invested in it. I wanted more emotion, more depth, and more tension to really feel that spark and believe there was still something between them. To me, it sometimes felt like Hugh had simply put on some muscles and a nice pastel shirt and suddenly that was enough for Kate. Even though she kept insisting his personality had changed, and I could see how it had too, it just wasn’t convincing enough for me personally. I think this works well as a palate cleanser with some lighthearted, improbable moments that are enjoyable enough to keep you reading, but sadly it’s not something I would go out of my way to highly recommend. Thank you to Heidi Stephens, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3/5⭐
Tropes
🩷Second chance romance
🩷Small town setting
🩷he falls first and harder
🩷The one that Got away
🩷emotional growth/self-discovery
🩷Forced Proximity
First and foremost i would like to thank Author Heidi Stephens and Boldwood publications for giving me the ARC of the book in return for an honest review. Im truly grateful for it
This is definitely my first time reading not only from this author but also a story that involves two divorced people going on a trip and finding another chance at love again. And honestly? This book completely took me by surprise. I genuinely didn’t expect that I would enjoy it this much, but the moment I read the blurb I just knew I needed to read this one.
This story revolves around Kate and Hugh, two divorced people in their 50s who get a chance to go on a honeymoon trip together to complete something. What they didn’t realize though was that this trip would slowly become another chance at fixing their relationship and finding love again.
First of all, this book was WAY more humorous than I expected. Like I genuinely found myself laughing out loud during so many scenes. The drama in the first few pages alone had me cackling because it genuinely felt like I was watching an early 2000s rom-com movie unfold in front of me. The friendship dynamics throughout the story were also so wholesome and entertaining to read. Every interaction felt natural, comforting, and real.
But what truly made this book work for me was Hugh and Kate themselves. Their story, their struggles, their fallout, and eventually their reconciliation all felt emotional and realistic. I’ve honestly never read a romance with characters in their 50s before, so this felt completely new and refreshing to me. Their relationship made me realize that you can deeply love someone and still fail to love them the way they deserve to be loved.
It was so painfully obvious that Hugh never stopped loving Kate. Even after two years of divorce, he still struggled to find the same connection he once had with her in anyone else. Throughout the entire trip, it became so clear that he still deeply cared about her. The way he constantly supported her, never made her feel like her opinions didn’t matter, silently reassured her during her doubtful moments, and always made sure she knew he had her back — it was honestly so soft to witness.
And don’t even get me started on how badly this man was yearning for her while trying so hard not to make it obvious. The way he kept finding random excuses and coming up with ideas just so he could spend more time with her? Sir please stand up. It was genuinely cute, wholesome, and honestly kind of adorable watching him slowly fall for her all over again.
Kate’s journey was equally beautiful to witness. I loved seeing how much she changed throughout the trip. The difference between the Kate before the trip and the Kate after the trip felt so empowering. Watching her slowly rediscover herself again after everything she went through was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. Her struggles and emotions were written beautifully.
I also really loved how both Hugh and Kate were such wonderful parents to their children. Even after the divorce, they never made their kids feel like they had to choose sides and I genuinely admired that so much. And the way Kate was proud of Hugh for how far he had come and how much he had changed? You could tell she was genuinely happy seeing him become a better version of himself.
That being said, this book also made me think a lot because would Hugh really have changed if the divorce never happened? Would he have realized where he went wrong if Kate hadn’t finally chosen herself and walked away? There was honestly way too much miscommunication between them at times and even though they clearly loved each other deeply, sometimes it weirdly felt like they weren’t emotionally connected at all which slightly detached me from the story.
I also found it a little difficult to fully connect with the characters emotionally because even though this book is written in third person POV, it still heavily focused on Kate’s perspective more than Hugh’s. I really wish we got more insight into what was actually going on inside his mind because I would’ve loved understanding his emotional journey more deeply.
Most importantly, I really wish the book had included a few flashback scenes. Maybe little snippets of how they first met, moments from their marriage, or even happier memories before everything fell apart. Not too much, just enough to make Hugh’s transformation feel even more impactful and emotional.
Overall though, this was such a wholesome, emotional, funny, and surprisingly refreshing read about love, divorce, healing, and second chances. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you love mature romances with emotional depth and characters who slowly find their way back to each other.
Tropes
🩷Second chance romance
🩷Small town setting
🩷he falls first and harder
🩷The one that Got away
🩷emotional growth/self-discovery
🩷Forced Proximity
First and foremost i would like to thank Author Heidi Stephens and Boldwood publications for giving me the ARC of the book in return for an honest review. Im truly grateful for it
This is definitely my first time reading not only from this author but also a story that involves two divorced people going on a trip and finding another chance at love again. And honestly? This book completely took me by surprise. I genuinely didn’t expect that I would enjoy it this much, but the moment I read the blurb I just knew I needed to read this one.
This story revolves around Kate and Hugh, two divorced people in their 50s who get a chance to go on a honeymoon trip together to complete something. What they didn’t realize though was that this trip would slowly become another chance at fixing their relationship and finding love again.
First of all, this book was WAY more humorous than I expected. Like I genuinely found myself laughing out loud during so many scenes. The drama in the first few pages alone had me cackling because it genuinely felt like I was watching an early 2000s rom-com movie unfold in front of me. The friendship dynamics throughout the story were also so wholesome and entertaining to read. Every interaction felt natural, comforting, and real.
But what truly made this book work for me was Hugh and Kate themselves. Their story, their struggles, their fallout, and eventually their reconciliation all felt emotional and realistic. I’ve honestly never read a romance with characters in their 50s before, so this felt completely new and refreshing to me. Their relationship made me realize that you can deeply love someone and still fail to love them the way they deserve to be loved.
It was so painfully obvious that Hugh never stopped loving Kate. Even after two years of divorce, he still struggled to find the same connection he once had with her in anyone else. Throughout the entire trip, it became so clear that he still deeply cared about her. The way he constantly supported her, never made her feel like her opinions didn’t matter, silently reassured her during her doubtful moments, and always made sure she knew he had her back — it was honestly so soft to witness.
And don’t even get me started on how badly this man was yearning for her while trying so hard not to make it obvious. The way he kept finding random excuses and coming up with ideas just so he could spend more time with her? Sir please stand up. It was genuinely cute, wholesome, and honestly kind of adorable watching him slowly fall for her all over again.
Kate’s journey was equally beautiful to witness. I loved seeing how much she changed throughout the trip. The difference between the Kate before the trip and the Kate after the trip felt so empowering. Watching her slowly rediscover herself again after everything she went through was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. Her struggles and emotions were written beautifully.
I also really loved how both Hugh and Kate were such wonderful parents to their children. Even after the divorce, they never made their kids feel like they had to choose sides and I genuinely admired that so much. And the way Kate was proud of Hugh for how far he had come and how much he had changed? You could tell she was genuinely happy seeing him become a better version of himself.
That being said, this book also made me think a lot because would Hugh really have changed if the divorce never happened? Would he have realized where he went wrong if Kate hadn’t finally chosen herself and walked away? There was honestly way too much miscommunication between them at times and even though they clearly loved each other deeply, sometimes it weirdly felt like they weren’t emotionally connected at all which slightly detached me from the story.
I also found it a little difficult to fully connect with the characters emotionally because even though this book is written in third person POV, it still heavily focused on Kate’s perspective more than Hugh’s. I really wish we got more insight into what was actually going on inside his mind because I would’ve loved understanding his emotional journey more deeply.
Most importantly, I really wish the book had included a few flashback scenes. Maybe little snippets of how they first met, moments from their marriage, or even happier memories before everything fell apart. Not too much, just enough to make Hugh’s transformation feel even more impactful and emotional.
Overall though, this was such a wholesome, emotional, funny, and surprisingly refreshing read about love, divorce, healing, and second chances. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you love mature romances with emotional depth and characters who slowly find their way back to each other.
May 7, 2026
Kate is nervous about attending her godson's wedding; her ex-husband, Hugh, whom she hasn't seen in 2 years, will also be in attendance. Hugh has had a glow-up in all aspects in the last two years, which throws Kate into a tailspin. Once the wedding starts to go off the rails, the two are forced together on an adventure. This time together begins to remind Kate of what they had once had, and if there is still something left to fight for.
I enjoyed that this was an older couple who already had a large part of life together. I liked the aspects of the story around Kate's feelings of being the sole parent and her loss of identity as a mother/wife. I found it strange that her kids and mum had so much control over her life at 50 years old but I guess we needed a reason for Hugh to be on the roadtrip!
Hugh, I liked his character, but he didn't feel as well defined as Kate (I mean it's not in his POV so I get that's expected). I think it might also be due to all his personal growth happening off-page. I also thought the whole not girlfriend who exists off page was a strange addition. Who is that person? I'm not sure why so much time was spent on her, other than making Kate jealous?
There were also more dynamic sequences not in the book; they went canoeing, but it was skipped over. I read a full chapter of them hiking. They went to vineyards near the start, but we hear about it in retrospect instead of going with them. I personally wanted to see these events.
There are not really any spicy scenes in the book; there is a hint of them, but it's a closed-door book. I just thought I would mention, as some people like those :)
I really didn't care for the friend characters. I wasn't even really sure why these people were friends, as Kate doesn't seem to like them. I think this is just a me thing. I found the whole obnoxious, posh, wealthy thing off-putting to read. They, on occasion, had real champagne problems.
I did find the slow build second chance romance realistic; it wasn't showy or over the top in any way. I like that Hugh was upfront about wanting to try again, leaving Kate space to think about it. I thought the Alan story was a little on the nose (for a minute, I legitimately thought he might be making it up to help her, but it was just too horrible not to be true!)
It's an easy read, and I enjoyed a lot of aspects of it of the actual romance. Good for second-chance romance fans, summer romance fans, or people who love architecture (/churches :) )
I enjoyed that this was an older couple who already had a large part of life together. I liked the aspects of the story around Kate's feelings of being the sole parent and her loss of identity as a mother/wife. I found it strange that her kids and mum had so much control over her life at 50 years old but I guess we needed a reason for Hugh to be on the roadtrip!
Hugh, I liked his character, but he didn't feel as well defined as Kate (I mean it's not in his POV so I get that's expected). I think it might also be due to all his personal growth happening off-page. I also thought the whole not girlfriend who exists off page was a strange addition. Who is that person? I'm not sure why so much time was spent on her, other than making Kate jealous?
There were also more dynamic sequences not in the book; they went canoeing, but it was skipped over. I read a full chapter of them hiking. They went to vineyards near the start, but we hear about it in retrospect instead of going with them. I personally wanted to see these events.
There are not really any spicy scenes in the book; there is a hint of them, but it's a closed-door book. I just thought I would mention, as some people like those :)
I really didn't care for the friend characters. I wasn't even really sure why these people were friends, as Kate doesn't seem to like them. I think this is just a me thing. I found the whole obnoxious, posh, wealthy thing off-putting to read. They, on occasion, had real champagne problems.
I did find the slow build second chance romance realistic; it wasn't showy or over the top in any way. I like that Hugh was upfront about wanting to try again, leaving Kate space to think about it. I thought the Alan story was a little on the nose (for a minute, I legitimately thought he might be making it up to help her, but it was just too horrible not to be true!)
It's an easy read, and I enjoyed a lot of aspects of it of the actual romance. Good for second-chance romance fans, summer romance fans, or people who love architecture (/churches :) )
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of Not Over You, Actually by Heidi Stephens in exchange for my honest review.
Not Over You, Actually is a heartfelt and emotionally honest second chance romance that really surprised me in the best way. I loved that this story focused on an older divorced couple reconnecting later in life, which made the romance feel refreshing, mature, and incredibly realistic.
Kate was such an easy character to connect with. Two years after her divorce, she is still trying to figure out who she is outside of being a wife and mother, and I really appreciated how authentic her emotional journey felt throughout the story. Seeing her reunite with Hugh at their godson’s wedding — only to discover he has completely transformed himself — created so much tension, awkwardness, and unresolved emotion right from the start.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting. The road trip through France and Spain was beautifully written and added such a warm, escapist atmosphere to the story. From the French château wedding to the spontaneous travels across Europe, the scenery made the entire book feel immersive and cinematic. I also loved how the trip forced Kate and Hugh back into each other’s orbit, giving them the chance to finally have the conversations they should have had years ago.
What really made this story stand out for me was how emotionally grounded it felt. The book does not pretend their marriage failed for no reason, and I appreciated how both characters had to reflect on their mistakes and grow individually before considering a second chance together. Their chemistry, shared history, and lingering affection felt believable the entire way through.
The banter, emotional tension, and quieter vulnerable moments balanced each other really well, and I especially loved watching Kate slowly rediscover her confidence and independence throughout the journey. Also… everyone genuinely needs an Alan in their life.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, warm, and engaging romance filled with emotional depth, gorgeous settings, humor, and healing. A lovely second chance romance that proves it is never too late to rediscover yourself — or love. I would definitely read more from Heidi Stephens in the future.
Not Over You, Actually is a heartfelt and emotionally honest second chance romance that really surprised me in the best way. I loved that this story focused on an older divorced couple reconnecting later in life, which made the romance feel refreshing, mature, and incredibly realistic.
Kate was such an easy character to connect with. Two years after her divorce, she is still trying to figure out who she is outside of being a wife and mother, and I really appreciated how authentic her emotional journey felt throughout the story. Seeing her reunite with Hugh at their godson’s wedding — only to discover he has completely transformed himself — created so much tension, awkwardness, and unresolved emotion right from the start.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting. The road trip through France and Spain was beautifully written and added such a warm, escapist atmosphere to the story. From the French château wedding to the spontaneous travels across Europe, the scenery made the entire book feel immersive and cinematic. I also loved how the trip forced Kate and Hugh back into each other’s orbit, giving them the chance to finally have the conversations they should have had years ago.
What really made this story stand out for me was how emotionally grounded it felt. The book does not pretend their marriage failed for no reason, and I appreciated how both characters had to reflect on their mistakes and grow individually before considering a second chance together. Their chemistry, shared history, and lingering affection felt believable the entire way through.
The banter, emotional tension, and quieter vulnerable moments balanced each other really well, and I especially loved watching Kate slowly rediscover her confidence and independence throughout the journey. Also… everyone genuinely needs an Alan in their life.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, warm, and engaging romance filled with emotional depth, gorgeous settings, humor, and healing. A lovely second chance romance that proves it is never too late to rediscover yourself — or love. I would definitely read more from Heidi Stephens in the future.
June 2, 2026
Not Over You, Actually by Heidi Stephens is the kind of second-chance romance that sneaks up on you. What begins as an awkward exes-at-a-wedding setup turns into a deeply emotional, funny, and quietly hopeful story about rediscovering not only love—but yourself.
Kate is instantly relatable in that messy, “I swear I’m over this… probably” kind of way. Two years after her divorce, she arrives at a dreamy French château wedding expecting champagne, family chaos, and maybe some self-reflection—not her ex-husband looking unexpectedly attractive and somehow more confident than ever. Hugh’s glow-up is real, but what makes him compelling isn’t just the transformation. Beneath the sharper edges and sleeker exterior is still the thoughtful man Kate once loved, and watching them slowly peel back years of hurt, resentment, and misunderstanding felt incredibly authentic.
The South of France and Spain backdrop adds such warmth and escapism to the story. The road trip element gives Kate and Hugh nowhere to hide from their history, and every scenic detour feels layered with emotional weight. Their conversations carry that bittersweet tension unique to second-chance romances: the ache of what went wrong mixed with the impossible hope that maybe things could be different now.
What stood out most was how emotionally mature this felt. This isn’t a romance about pretending the past never happened. It’s about unpacking why a marriage failed, confronting the people they used to be, and figuring out whether love deserves another try after heartbreak. Kate’s personal growth especially shines—she’s not just revisiting a relationship; she’s rediscovering herself.
Warm, heartfelt, and packed with emotional honesty, Not Over You, Actually is perfect for readers who love divorced-couple second chances, romantic road trips, and stories that prove timing matters—but so does growth.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy; all opinions are my own.
Kate is instantly relatable in that messy, “I swear I’m over this… probably” kind of way. Two years after her divorce, she arrives at a dreamy French château wedding expecting champagne, family chaos, and maybe some self-reflection—not her ex-husband looking unexpectedly attractive and somehow more confident than ever. Hugh’s glow-up is real, but what makes him compelling isn’t just the transformation. Beneath the sharper edges and sleeker exterior is still the thoughtful man Kate once loved, and watching them slowly peel back years of hurt, resentment, and misunderstanding felt incredibly authentic.
The South of France and Spain backdrop adds such warmth and escapism to the story. The road trip element gives Kate and Hugh nowhere to hide from their history, and every scenic detour feels layered with emotional weight. Their conversations carry that bittersweet tension unique to second-chance romances: the ache of what went wrong mixed with the impossible hope that maybe things could be different now.
What stood out most was how emotionally mature this felt. This isn’t a romance about pretending the past never happened. It’s about unpacking why a marriage failed, confronting the people they used to be, and figuring out whether love deserves another try after heartbreak. Kate’s personal growth especially shines—she’s not just revisiting a relationship; she’s rediscovering herself.
Warm, heartfelt, and packed with emotional honesty, Not Over You, Actually is perfect for readers who love divorced-couple second chances, romantic road trips, and stories that prove timing matters—but so does growth.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy; all opinions are my own.
May 24, 2026
ᗰY TᕼOᑌGᕼTS: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This is my first Heidi Stephens book and it was so refreshing! I love a second chance romance with more mature adults. And I’m so happy to see more of this sub-genre. And what’s not to love about this book?!? Ex’s seeing each again after 2 years at a wedding! And SURPRISE, ex husband Hugh is a CHANGED MAN. In every sense of the word! Kate has also worked on herself, or has tried to, but is still trying to rediscover who she is after 25 years of marriage and 2 girls and also caring her elderly parents…. The exhaustion is real and I can relate!
I loved that she’s trying to figure out what life all means for her after 2 years post divorce… and trying to move on with her life. I loved her bravery for it. And then there’s Hugh, who had such a rude awakening after the divorce too. And even though this was single POV from Kate’s perspective, we do find out Hugh’s feelings, regrets and newly found better version of himself. The work he’s done to try to be a better man for his family, albeit a tad too late… which also touches on the topic of, why didn’t Kate and Hugh ever try couples counselling or why didn’t Kate communicate her unhappiness to Hugh and just decided for the both of them.
Honestly, this book brought out a lot of topics that are relatable to the 40s/50s aged adults right now. Even if you’re not married.. the topic of caring for elderly parents is not discussed enough! Cause the struggle is real! Anyways, all to say that I absolutely enjoyed reading this book! And finished it rather quickly! Cant wait for you all to try it too!
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🩷Second Chance
🩷Close Proximity
🩷MCs are in their 50s
🩷Wedding
🩷Road Trip
🩷Self Discovery
🩷Single POV
🩷Closed Door
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first Heidi Stephens book and it was so refreshing! I love a second chance romance with more mature adults. And I’m so happy to see more of this sub-genre. And what’s not to love about this book?!? Ex’s seeing each again after 2 years at a wedding! And SURPRISE, ex husband Hugh is a CHANGED MAN. In every sense of the word! Kate has also worked on herself, or has tried to, but is still trying to rediscover who she is after 25 years of marriage and 2 girls and also caring her elderly parents…. The exhaustion is real and I can relate!
I loved that she’s trying to figure out what life all means for her after 2 years post divorce… and trying to move on with her life. I loved her bravery for it. And then there’s Hugh, who had such a rude awakening after the divorce too. And even though this was single POV from Kate’s perspective, we do find out Hugh’s feelings, regrets and newly found better version of himself. The work he’s done to try to be a better man for his family, albeit a tad too late… which also touches on the topic of, why didn’t Kate and Hugh ever try couples counselling or why didn’t Kate communicate her unhappiness to Hugh and just decided for the both of them.
Honestly, this book brought out a lot of topics that are relatable to the 40s/50s aged adults right now. Even if you’re not married.. the topic of caring for elderly parents is not discussed enough! Cause the struggle is real! Anyways, all to say that I absolutely enjoyed reading this book! And finished it rather quickly! Cant wait for you all to try it too!
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🩷Second Chance
🩷Close Proximity
🩷MCs are in their 50s
🩷Wedding
🩷Road Trip
🩷Self Discovery
🩷Single POV
🩷Closed Door
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2026
🇫🇷🇪🇸🛥🍷💕 Not Over You, Actually by Heidi Stephen's
Genre: Rom Com
Length: 315 pages
Pub Date: May 26 2026
Spice Level: 🫑
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Summary:
Kate and Hugh, married for 25 years, two teenage daughters, have now been divorced for two years. As Kate turns 50, she is convinced she will not find love again.
Invited to her godson's wedding in the south of France, she attends with solo. But of course, Hugh is also invited, which should be interesting. Except, Hugh looks NOTHING like the Hugh of old, having completely undergone a radical transformation in both body and otherwise.
When the wedding goes awry, Kate strangely finds herself on an outlandishly lavish French/Spanish holiday on a mission for the jilted bride's wealthy father. On said mission, she ends up with one extra passenger... Hugh. Will they be able to spend all this time together and bury the hurt of their failed marriage, or will could they find a second chance at love?
Review:
I LOVED this romance! A European setting is always a win for me, including the lavish hotels, Aston Martin, and adventure. I loved both Kate and Hugh and how their second chance at romance played out. They were both such kind, lovable MCs and I was rooting for them to rekindle what had been lost the whole time! The story had just the right amount of humor, romance, reflection, and serious parts that made it into a book any romance lover would enjoy. This was my first book by Heidi Stephens and it definitely won't be my last. Great book for fans of UK rom com authors Portia MacIntosh or Fiona Gibson. This is a no-spice, but full of longing and romance read!
Genre: Rom Com
Length: 315 pages
Pub Date: May 26 2026
Spice Level: 🫑
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Summary:
Kate and Hugh, married for 25 years, two teenage daughters, have now been divorced for two years. As Kate turns 50, she is convinced she will not find love again.
Invited to her godson's wedding in the south of France, she attends with solo. But of course, Hugh is also invited, which should be interesting. Except, Hugh looks NOTHING like the Hugh of old, having completely undergone a radical transformation in both body and otherwise.
When the wedding goes awry, Kate strangely finds herself on an outlandishly lavish French/Spanish holiday on a mission for the jilted bride's wealthy father. On said mission, she ends up with one extra passenger... Hugh. Will they be able to spend all this time together and bury the hurt of their failed marriage, or will could they find a second chance at love?
Review:
I LOVED this romance! A European setting is always a win for me, including the lavish hotels, Aston Martin, and adventure. I loved both Kate and Hugh and how their second chance at romance played out. They were both such kind, lovable MCs and I was rooting for them to rekindle what had been lost the whole time! The story had just the right amount of humor, romance, reflection, and serious parts that made it into a book any romance lover would enjoy. This was my first book by Heidi Stephens and it definitely won't be my last. Great book for fans of UK rom com authors Portia MacIntosh or Fiona Gibson. This is a no-spice, but full of longing and romance read!
June 9, 2026
I'm a huge fan of second-chance romances, and this one sounded right up my alley. We meet Kate, who runs into her ex-husband at a wedding. She was the one who asked for the divorce two years ago, feeling stuck and not wanting to spend the rest of her life in a relationship she was unhappy with.
When she meets Hugh again, he is not the man she left years ago. What she gets is Hugh 2.0 - he has obviously changed, and no one told her. It seems her daughters kept that part to themselves.
It was very obvious that there was still something lingering between the two of them, but after being married for so long, Kate does not want to fall back into old patterns, and they both part ways.
That would make for a very boring ending :) When the wedding ends in disaster, Kate is presented with the chance for a dream vacation. The honeymoon was already booked, so why let it go to waste? She can enjoy some days by herself, right? Well, her mother and children don’t think so, and so she ends up on a road trip with her ex. It’s the perfect opportunity for both of them to spend some time together. Two friends on a trip… what could go wrong?
Was this a bit over the top here and there (especially the luxurious vacation)? Absolutely - but I was here for it. Kate and Hugh were such a pleasure together, and I appreciated that we did not simply gloss over the fact that there was a reason for their divorce. While a lot can happen in two years, it cannot just be erased. The way this was acknowledged and explored felt real and believable to me. If you are looking for a grown-up love story, you might enjoy this as much as I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When she meets Hugh again, he is not the man she left years ago. What she gets is Hugh 2.0 - he has obviously changed, and no one told her. It seems her daughters kept that part to themselves.
It was very obvious that there was still something lingering between the two of them, but after being married for so long, Kate does not want to fall back into old patterns, and they both part ways.
That would make for a very boring ending :) When the wedding ends in disaster, Kate is presented with the chance for a dream vacation. The honeymoon was already booked, so why let it go to waste? She can enjoy some days by herself, right? Well, her mother and children don’t think so, and so she ends up on a road trip with her ex. It’s the perfect opportunity for both of them to spend some time together. Two friends on a trip… what could go wrong?
Was this a bit over the top here and there (especially the luxurious vacation)? Absolutely - but I was here for it. Kate and Hugh were such a pleasure together, and I appreciated that we did not simply gloss over the fact that there was a reason for their divorce. While a lot can happen in two years, it cannot just be erased. The way this was acknowledged and explored felt real and believable to me. If you are looking for a grown-up love story, you might enjoy this as much as I did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a longtime romance lover, and I always enjoy stories that bring something a little different to the genre. While I tend to read romances featuring younger couples, there is something really special about stories that focus on love later in life. When I read the description of this book, I was immediately intrigued. A second chance romance between a divorced couple who were married for years felt like such a unique and emotional premise.
This story pulled me in right from the beginning. Even though it is told in third person, I still felt very connected to both Kate and Hugh. There is so much history between them, and you can feel that in every interaction. I really liked how the story slowly peeled back the layers of their past and allowed you to see both sides of what went wrong. It was one of those books where you find yourself wanting the characters to just sit down and be honest with each other, while also understanding why that is not so easy for them.
I also really enjoyed the mix of humor and heart throughout the book. There were definitely some funny moments, especially with the side characters, but it also had a lot of emotional depth. Watching Kate reflect on her choices and start to see things from a different perspective added a meaningful layer to the story.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was thoughtful, emotional, and different in a way that made it stand out. I love a good second chance romance, and this one delivered in a way that felt mature and satisfying.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
This story pulled me in right from the beginning. Even though it is told in third person, I still felt very connected to both Kate and Hugh. There is so much history between them, and you can feel that in every interaction. I really liked how the story slowly peeled back the layers of their past and allowed you to see both sides of what went wrong. It was one of those books where you find yourself wanting the characters to just sit down and be honest with each other, while also understanding why that is not so easy for them.
I also really enjoyed the mix of humor and heart throughout the book. There were definitely some funny moments, especially with the side characters, but it also had a lot of emotional depth. Watching Kate reflect on her choices and start to see things from a different perspective added a meaningful layer to the story.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was thoughtful, emotional, and different in a way that made it stand out. I love a good second chance romance, and this one delivered in a way that felt mature and satisfying.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Second-chance romances don’t always feel this real—but Not Over You, Actually truly does. As someone who has been married for 25 years, I found this story especially meaningful. It explores not just falling in love, but what happens when people grow apart—and whether they can find their way back.
Kate and Hugh have been managing a civil divorce and co-parenting well, but when they see each other for the first time in two years at their godson’s wedding, everything shifts. Especially since Hugh has clearly done some work on himself. Their shared history comes through in every interaction, and I appreciated how the story slowly reveals what went wrong between them. It makes you want them to just be honest with each other, while also understanding why that’s so difficult.
Kate, in particular, felt very relatable. Her reflections on balancing life, family, and her own identity really resonated, and I enjoyed watching her begin to put herself first and recognize she deserved more. Their time traveling together added a beautiful backdrop to the story, but it was the quiet conversations and gradual rebuilding of their relationship that stood out most.
What I liked most was that the story felt honest. It doesn’t rush forgiveness or ignore the harder parts of marriage and divorce. Instead, it allows both characters to grow and figure out if they can create something stronger than what they had before.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, emotional read with just the right mix of humor and heart. A mature and satisfying take on a second-chance romance that lingers after you finish.
Thank you, NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Heidi Stephens!
Kate and Hugh have been managing a civil divorce and co-parenting well, but when they see each other for the first time in two years at their godson’s wedding, everything shifts. Especially since Hugh has clearly done some work on himself. Their shared history comes through in every interaction, and I appreciated how the story slowly reveals what went wrong between them. It makes you want them to just be honest with each other, while also understanding why that’s so difficult.
Kate, in particular, felt very relatable. Her reflections on balancing life, family, and her own identity really resonated, and I enjoyed watching her begin to put herself first and recognize she deserved more. Their time traveling together added a beautiful backdrop to the story, but it was the quiet conversations and gradual rebuilding of their relationship that stood out most.
What I liked most was that the story felt honest. It doesn’t rush forgiveness or ignore the harder parts of marriage and divorce. Instead, it allows both characters to grow and figure out if they can create something stronger than what they had before.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, emotional read with just the right mix of humor and heart. A mature and satisfying take on a second-chance romance that lingers after you finish.
Thank you, NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Heidi Stephens!
August 13, 2026
This one took me a moment to separate from as a person whose husband left. I like the idea oreunion and reflection on what each did not prioritize in the marriage. This is my first Heidi Stephens book and it was engaging and kept my interest. Second-chance romances, and this one sounded right up my alley. We meet Kate, who runs into her ex-husband at a wedding. She was the one who asked for the divorce two years ago, feeling stuck and not wanting to spend the rest of her life in a relationship she was unhappy. When she meets Hugh again, he is not the man she left years ago. She gets is Hugh 2.0 - he has obviously changed, and no one told her. It seems her daughters kept that part to themselves. It was very obvious that there was still something lingering between the two of them, but after being married for so long, Kate does not want to fall back into old patterns, and they both part ways. Love the luxury vacation but how many would this happen to so not as relatable. The South of France and Spain backdrop adds such warmth and escapism to the story. The road trip element gives Kate and Hugh nowhere to hide from their history, and every scenic detour feels layered with emotional weight. Their conversations carry that bittersweet tension unique to second-chance romances: the ache of what went wrong mixed with the impossible hope that maybe things could be different now. This is a reminder to not take your marriage for granted, and that each person should continue to grow for themselves as well as a couple. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I ended up having pretty mixed feelings about this one.
On the surface, I did enjoy it—the writing was engaging, and I was invested enough to see how everything played out. Kate and Hugh’s story has a lot of emotional weight, especially with the backdrop of their divorce. Kate’s frustration felt very real: the miscommunication, feeling underappreciated, and being stuck in the day-to-day grind of raising their two girls largely on her own. That sense of being trapped in a “hamster wheel” for over twenty years really came through.
What gave me pause, though, was Hugh’s arc. When we meet him again, he’s had a bit of a glow-up—both in appearance and outlook—but it’s hard to ignore that he never actually fought for their marriage when it mattered. Yes, he still loved Kate, and yes, he eventually apologizes and recognizes where he went wrong… but it takes a wedding, forced proximity, and a shared trip for him to get there.
That left me wondering: if they hadn’t been thrown back together like this, would he have ever tried to make things right? After two years of co-existing post-divorce without that effort, it’s a tough question to shake.
Still, there’s something satisfying about seeing them reconnect and confront the past. I just wish the emotional work—especially on Hugh’s side—had come sooner and felt a bit more earned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
On the surface, I did enjoy it—the writing was engaging, and I was invested enough to see how everything played out. Kate and Hugh’s story has a lot of emotional weight, especially with the backdrop of their divorce. Kate’s frustration felt very real: the miscommunication, feeling underappreciated, and being stuck in the day-to-day grind of raising their two girls largely on her own. That sense of being trapped in a “hamster wheel” for over twenty years really came through.
What gave me pause, though, was Hugh’s arc. When we meet him again, he’s had a bit of a glow-up—both in appearance and outlook—but it’s hard to ignore that he never actually fought for their marriage when it mattered. Yes, he still loved Kate, and yes, he eventually apologizes and recognizes where he went wrong… but it takes a wedding, forced proximity, and a shared trip for him to get there.
That left me wondering: if they hadn’t been thrown back together like this, would he have ever tried to make things right? After two years of co-existing post-divorce without that effort, it’s a tough question to shake.
Still, there’s something satisfying about seeing them reconnect and confront the past. I just wish the emotional work—especially on Hugh’s side—had come sooner and felt a bit more earned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC read, a big thanks to NetGalley. As someone that went through a divorce a lifetime ago, the thought of rekindling anything other than it being his soul, is hard for me to imagine. Took a big step away from my own baggage to allow myself enjoyment for Kate and Hugh’s second chance, once in a lifetime adventure. I really was jealous of the location, our mc’s travelled from France to Barcelona, Spain, with frequent stops along the way we were able to experience with them. Never having travelled across the Atlantic, I was hanging word for word about the details…and for me who is not a detail oriented reader, that says a lot. I do have one complaint, everything about this story is based in the UK and Europe, but there was an poorly placed joke about the American President, that weather you love, hate or are indifferent, it just didn’t belong when everything in this story is based on European continent. Felt a bit like pandering to American audiences to me. I have a good sense of humor regarding US politics in general and how crap they are, but the joke just didn't belong. There is a tad bit of OW drama, but overall it’s safe. What I enjoyed most is Kate’s realization that Hugh has really changed in the 2 years they’ve been apart, and Hugh seeing he didnt fight for his marriage like he should have. We get a cute HEA and between the humor throughout that kept me laughing, and the location details, Not Over You, Actually is a definite recommend. .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This second-chance romance follows fifty-year-old Kate at her godson’s wedding, where she encounters her ex-husband, Hugh, for the first time since their split.
My main problem with this story is the disconnect with Kate's autonomy. The book starts with her deciding to finally live for herself after years of just surviving and taking care of others, but her family immediately shuts down her planned solo trip to France. While Hugh got two years to have a midlife crisis and become a better man, Kate never really gets to be on her own.
But aside from that, I really enjoyed the character dynamics, like how Hugh totally changed after his life took a sudden turn, and the banter between him and Kate was just lovely. They'd been together for 30 years, so they didn't walk on eggshells around each other, which made their interactions feel super real. The story's got some quirky side characters, but it keeps that fast-paced beach read vibe with a sweet, fade-to-black romance.
While the book had a few skips ,where we were told about major events rather than experiencing them alongside the characters, it's still a comfortable read for anyone who want a quick paced story about reconnecting with the past. I was hoping for more of a journey of self-discovery for Kate, but the chemistry with Hugh makes it a nice afternoon read.
My main problem with this story is the disconnect with Kate's autonomy. The book starts with her deciding to finally live for herself after years of just surviving and taking care of others, but her family immediately shuts down her planned solo trip to France. While Hugh got two years to have a midlife crisis and become a better man, Kate never really gets to be on her own.
But aside from that, I really enjoyed the character dynamics, like how Hugh totally changed after his life took a sudden turn, and the banter between him and Kate was just lovely. They'd been together for 30 years, so they didn't walk on eggshells around each other, which made their interactions feel super real. The story's got some quirky side characters, but it keeps that fast-paced beach read vibe with a sweet, fade-to-black romance.
While the book had a few skips ,where we were told about major events rather than experiencing them alongside the characters, it's still a comfortable read for anyone who want a quick paced story about reconnecting with the past. I was hoping for more of a journey of self-discovery for Kate, but the chemistry with Hugh makes it a nice afternoon read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
Kate and Hugh have had a civilised divorce and are co-parenting perfectly fine. When their godson gets married they are forced to see each other in person for the first time in two years. Cue a new and improved High who has worked on himself and had a definite glow up.
The story flowed brilliantly and Kate was a really relatable character. I could emphasis with her life of being a middle aged peri menopausal woman just being dragged down by motherhood and work life balance etc I loved how she transformed and began to put herself first after realising she deserved more.
Kate and Hugh’s trip was so fun to read as they travelled together and shared new experiences while repairing first their friendship and then relationship. I loved how it was realistic and didn’t shy away from all parts of marriage and what they had both lost as their family had grown.
The setting was stunning and really added to the book.
I also loved the shared intimacy between Kate and Hugh and the romantic tension as they began to feel more comfortable together and realise what they had.
A fantastic read with some wonderful characters such as Angel Alan which I think we would all like in our life.
Thanks to NetGalley, Heidi Stephen’s and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The story flowed brilliantly and Kate was a really relatable character. I could emphasis with her life of being a middle aged peri menopausal woman just being dragged down by motherhood and work life balance etc I loved how she transformed and began to put herself first after realising she deserved more.
Kate and Hugh’s trip was so fun to read as they travelled together and shared new experiences while repairing first their friendship and then relationship. I loved how it was realistic and didn’t shy away from all parts of marriage and what they had both lost as their family had grown.
The setting was stunning and really added to the book.
I also loved the shared intimacy between Kate and Hugh and the romantic tension as they began to feel more comfortable together and realise what they had.
A fantastic read with some wonderful characters such as Angel Alan which I think we would all like in our life.
Thanks to NetGalley, Heidi Stephen’s and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not over you, actually, is a second-chance romance. Not just two people who have been in a relationship and then moved on for whatever reason and then reconnect, but this is a couple who were married for twenty years before splitting up and divorcing. Now, back into one another's lives, it's clear that the spark is still there and perhaps their story isn't finished after all.
I really liked that Hugh and Kate were a little bit older than the lead characters in romances tend to be. They've met and had that initial spark that led to a life together and children, but somehow, along the way, everything fell apart, and the romance fizzled out. Of course, there were reasons for this, and although both of them, particularly Hugh, have moved on and changed, I'm not entirely convinced that the reasons are addressed enough. Still, they clearly worked as a couple, and it was possible to find their way back to the love that they shared previously.
This was a refreshing read, very different to many other romances that I've read. I loved hearing about their past together while they challenged each other to become all that they could be. Overall, a really great read that I didn't want to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I really liked that Hugh and Kate were a little bit older than the lead characters in romances tend to be. They've met and had that initial spark that led to a life together and children, but somehow, along the way, everything fell apart, and the romance fizzled out. Of course, there were reasons for this, and although both of them, particularly Hugh, have moved on and changed, I'm not entirely convinced that the reasons are addressed enough. Still, they clearly worked as a couple, and it was possible to find their way back to the love that they shared previously.
This was a refreshing read, very different to many other romances that I've read. I loved hearing about their past together while they challenged each other to become all that they could be. Overall, a really great read that I didn't want to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would rate this second chance romance 3.5 stars if I could.
It is 2 years after her divorce and Kate is going to her godson's wedding in France where she will have to meet up with Hugh, her ex. When she does, he is not the emotionally detached husband that she remembers. Can a person really change that much?
The wedding implodes and Kate gets the opportunity to pick up what was meant to be the young couple's wedding present. What follows is an adventure across Europe on a grand scale. Hugh has come along for the ride and it gives them the opportunity to finally communicate and discuss what went wrong with their marriage. Is their marriage worth a revisit or will Hugh's relationship with his "casual friend", Diane be what he really wants?
I think the book really captured what happens to marriages after a long time together. Maintaining a relationship is work on both parties. Sometimes life needs some introspection to get you back on track. The chemistry between Hugh and Kate made for an enjoyable ride. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes second chance romances and that happily-ever-afters are possible at any age.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It is 2 years after her divorce and Kate is going to her godson's wedding in France where she will have to meet up with Hugh, her ex. When she does, he is not the emotionally detached husband that she remembers. Can a person really change that much?
The wedding implodes and Kate gets the opportunity to pick up what was meant to be the young couple's wedding present. What follows is an adventure across Europe on a grand scale. Hugh has come along for the ride and it gives them the opportunity to finally communicate and discuss what went wrong with their marriage. Is their marriage worth a revisit or will Hugh's relationship with his "casual friend", Diane be what he really wants?
I think the book really captured what happens to marriages after a long time together. Maintaining a relationship is work on both parties. Sometimes life needs some introspection to get you back on track. The chemistry between Hugh and Kate made for an enjoyable ride. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes second chance romances and that happily-ever-afters are possible at any age.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🩷 I found this book to be absolutely stunning and enjoyable in so many ways! It is hilariously funny, empowering, hopeful, and emotional all at once. I also loved how relatable the story feels because you do not need to be 50 or divorced to connect with it.
🩷 The combination of a French château wedding, a road trip through France and Spain (in an Aston Martin!), and all the unresolved tension between Kate and Hugh made me love this book even more. Stephens creates a beautiful setting filled with gorgeous scenery, wedding chaos, and travel moments that give the story such a cozy, feel-good atmosphere.
🩷 On this road trip, Kate and Hugh are given a second chance to learn about each other — not as they were before, but as the people they have become after two years apart. Seeing Kate reunite with her ex-husband was one of my favorite parts of the story! The banter is hilarious, there are plenty of awkward moments, and the emotional conversations feel like ones they should have had long ago. I also loved watching Kate finally see herself differently and find strength she no longer believed she had.
🩷 Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough! I had never read Heidi Stephens before, but now I am already looking forward to reading more from her!
🩷 The combination of a French château wedding, a road trip through France and Spain (in an Aston Martin!), and all the unresolved tension between Kate and Hugh made me love this book even more. Stephens creates a beautiful setting filled with gorgeous scenery, wedding chaos, and travel moments that give the story such a cozy, feel-good atmosphere.
🩷 On this road trip, Kate and Hugh are given a second chance to learn about each other — not as they were before, but as the people they have become after two years apart. Seeing Kate reunite with her ex-husband was one of my favorite parts of the story! The banter is hilarious, there are plenty of awkward moments, and the emotional conversations feel like ones they should have had long ago. I also loved watching Kate finally see herself differently and find strength she no longer believed she had.
🩷 Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough! I had never read Heidi Stephens before, but now I am already looking forward to reading more from her!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review Not Over You, Actually by Heidi Stephens.
This second chance romance was filled with adventure and really transported me with its rich descriptions of the South of France and Spain. The settings were one of my favourite parts of the book and made the journey feel vivid and immersive throughout.
Kate’s emotional journey after her divorce felt very real, especially the pain and frustration of feeling like she hadn’t moved on as quickly as her ex husband, Hugh, seemed to have. You could really feel her heartbreak, insecurities, and inner conflict throughout the story, which made her character easy to empathise with. While the trip begins awkwardly and emotionally complicated, it slowly becomes a healing journey full of self discovery, reflection, and growth.
I also enjoyed the dynamic between Kate and Hugh and the tension that comes with being forced back into each other’s orbit while travelling together. The emotional side of the story was definitely the strongest part for me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and heartfelt read with beautiful settings, emotional depth, and plenty of reflective moments. A solid 3 star read for me and honestly, everyone needs an Alan in their life.
This second chance romance was filled with adventure and really transported me with its rich descriptions of the South of France and Spain. The settings were one of my favourite parts of the book and made the journey feel vivid and immersive throughout.
Kate’s emotional journey after her divorce felt very real, especially the pain and frustration of feeling like she hadn’t moved on as quickly as her ex husband, Hugh, seemed to have. You could really feel her heartbreak, insecurities, and inner conflict throughout the story, which made her character easy to empathise with. While the trip begins awkwardly and emotionally complicated, it slowly becomes a healing journey full of self discovery, reflection, and growth.
I also enjoyed the dynamic between Kate and Hugh and the tension that comes with being forced back into each other’s orbit while travelling together. The emotional side of the story was definitely the strongest part for me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and heartfelt read with beautiful settings, emotional depth, and plenty of reflective moments. A solid 3 star read for me and honestly, everyone needs an Alan in their life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the first time I read a book about a divorced couple reconnecting. I thought it was done well. Kate receives a once-in-a-lifetime offer to go on an adventure through France and Spain as a thank you for ruining a wedding (I promise it makes sense in the story). Struggling to discover herself post-divorce after a long marriage and recently turning 50, Kate agrees to the trip. While her ex-husband Hugh was also at the wedding, he is headed to Scotland with a lady friend when a phone call home to their daughters results in Hugh joining Kate’s trip, much to her dismay. It seems Hugh did a lot of self-discovery in the two years since the split and has transformed inside and out. The trip offers a chance for them to become friends again and have some open dialogue that was needed in their marriage. I felt the author took care with this type of relationship, and it felt natural. The ending was done well, and I think readers will be pleased. This was a closed-door romance with no spice. Check it out.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 28, 2026
Not Over You, Actually was an emotional journey through Kate and Hugh’s relationship both in the past and currently.
It was great being able to see how the marriage broke down over time and the realisation about what they each could have done differently.
I loved how their love story was messy and imperfect. They both had to grow as people to really appreciate each other.
What stopped me from giving more stars is the feeling that Kate never truly got her independence on the week away. It felt that she had Hugh forced on her for the trip and then the girls later. It felt like it went against the list of things that she wanted to do at 50 and that she never got to truly do something for herself. The other thing missing for me was if Hugh was still in love with Kate when was he going to tell her, rather than telling the girls not to mention him at all.
I loved how realistic Kate’s storyline was and how easy it is to picture yourself in the same shoes.
This is for anybody that loves second chance romances and middle aged main characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced review copy. All thoughts are left voluntarily.
May 26, 2026
When Kate arrives at a family wedding in the France she is surprised when she meets her ex-husband Hugh , who is also attending, but the transformation from nerdy Professor to a buff, attractive man. After a wedding drama she agrees to taking a road trip across France and Spain accompanied by Hugh.
This is a reminder to not take your marriage for granted, especially applicable to myself as my wife and I approach our 40th wedding anniversary. Although Kate's and Hugh's divorce was amicable for the sake of their two daughters it still was painful for them both. The road trip sounded fantastic, driving an Aston Martin and stopping at luxury accommodation, all the while with Alan as a personal concierge making their journey special. The trip gives them a chance to reflect on where their relationship went wrong, leaving the reader to hope for a reunion, but you'll have to read it to find out what happens. A heartwarming read with a touch of glamour and everyone needs an Alan.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I subsequently purchased it on release.
This is a reminder to not take your marriage for granted, especially applicable to myself as my wife and I approach our 40th wedding anniversary. Although Kate's and Hugh's divorce was amicable for the sake of their two daughters it still was painful for them both. The road trip sounded fantastic, driving an Aston Martin and stopping at luxury accommodation, all the while with Alan as a personal concierge making their journey special. The trip gives them a chance to reflect on where their relationship went wrong, leaving the reader to hope for a reunion, but you'll have to read it to find out what happens. A heartwarming read with a touch of glamour and everyone needs an Alan.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I subsequently purchased it on release.
May 31, 2026
An unexpected pleasure
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this and initially I found it a bit hard to get into, but I persevered and was sucked into the story of a failed marriage, a disastrous wedding, an unexpected road trip, a 2 time BAFTA winning actor and two Labrador puppies.
Kate and Hugh had divorced amicably after 25 years, Kate remained in Bath and Hugh moved to Leeds and it was two years before they met again, at their godson’s wedding in France. Kate was shocked to see Hugh at the wedding, he was tanned, toned and well-groomed, something he had never been during their marriage. According to their daughters he was dating again so being single suited him very well.
The day following the catastrophic wedding, Maurice, the father of the bride asked Kate to drive from the South of France to Barcelona to collect a precious gift. He had meant it as a gift for the newly married couple but as the wedding didn’t take place, he wanted Kate to take the journey instead, there would be planned overnight stops in 5-star accommodation and lovely activities to enjoy during the journey, a trip of a lifetime, plus she got to drive a gorgeous Aston Martin, so she said yes.
The trip was a fabulous opportunity, though it didn’t go exactly as planned, but life is like that sometimes.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this and initially I found it a bit hard to get into, but I persevered and was sucked into the story of a failed marriage, a disastrous wedding, an unexpected road trip, a 2 time BAFTA winning actor and two Labrador puppies.
Kate and Hugh had divorced amicably after 25 years, Kate remained in Bath and Hugh moved to Leeds and it was two years before they met again, at their godson’s wedding in France. Kate was shocked to see Hugh at the wedding, he was tanned, toned and well-groomed, something he had never been during their marriage. According to their daughters he was dating again so being single suited him very well.
The day following the catastrophic wedding, Maurice, the father of the bride asked Kate to drive from the South of France to Barcelona to collect a precious gift. He had meant it as a gift for the newly married couple but as the wedding didn’t take place, he wanted Kate to take the journey instead, there would be planned overnight stops in 5-star accommodation and lovely activities to enjoy during the journey, a trip of a lifetime, plus she got to drive a gorgeous Aston Martin, so she said yes.
The trip was a fabulous opportunity, though it didn’t go exactly as planned, but life is like that sometimes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Imagine seeing your ex-husband two years post-divorce, at a beautiful wedding in France no less, and discovering he’s undergone a transformative glow-up since entering his singledom, while you’re newly 50 and starting to wonder who you actually are, what you want for yourself out of life, and what you’re willing to do to get it. Add to this a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience across France and Spain planned and funded by a *very* wealthy man and you’ve got yourself a fun time. While the experience Kate is offered is very much in the “too good to be true” realm (it basically reads as fantasy, one that many people would happily accept), this doesn’t take away from the journey she goes on with Hugh, and the very real, very human emotions they go through as they navigate their new relationship with one another, bringing a new perspective into their shared history.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC.
May 10, 2026
This was an advance read prior to its publication date.
This was a nice little second chance romance with the story focusing on Kate from her perspective initially her feelings regarding the failure of her marriage, how it has affected the children and whether she can move on and find love again.
Of course you then go on the journey with Kate as she travels from France to Spain, having her coming out of her skin and trying new experiences and then of course there is Hugh and his major transformation, which then makes her think about what would happen if she gave him another chance, could it work or could it potentially break her heart all over again.
It was nice to read a romance that isn't spicy, as everything that happens between Kate and Hugh being behind closed doors.
Loved the tension between the two of them which was fabulous, and enjoyed it as it slowly began to build up throughout.
A delightful read with no real angst.
💕 Second Chance Romance
❤️ Closed Door
🥰 Finding Love Again
⛱️ Holiday Romance
This was a nice little second chance romance with the story focusing on Kate from her perspective initially her feelings regarding the failure of her marriage, how it has affected the children and whether she can move on and find love again.
Of course you then go on the journey with Kate as she travels from France to Spain, having her coming out of her skin and trying new experiences and then of course there is Hugh and his major transformation, which then makes her think about what would happen if she gave him another chance, could it work or could it potentially break her heart all over again.
It was nice to read a romance that isn't spicy, as everything that happens between Kate and Hugh being behind closed doors.
Loved the tension between the two of them which was fabulous, and enjoyed it as it slowly began to build up throughout.
A delightful read with no real angst.
💕 Second Chance Romance
❤️ Closed Door
🥰 Finding Love Again
⛱️ Holiday Romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
No Over You is a story that will likely resonate with many people who have experienced divorce—especially those that end amicably simply because the love has faded. The main character, a relatable middle-aged woman, is trying to redefine herself after her marriage ends. As she embarks on a new bucket list at age 50, she sets out to rediscover who she is as a single woman.
Along the way, she unexpectedly finds herself falling back in love with her ex-husband during a quirky and adventurous journey. While the story is engaging and easy to follow, I found it lacking a deeper sense of independence, passion, and personal freedom. There was an opportunity to explore what it truly means for a woman to reclaim her identity outside of marriage and motherhood.
Too often, women lose their voice and sense of self within relationships and family life. By the end, it feels like the character gravitates back toward those familiar roles rather than fully embracing who she could become without them. While the story is heartfelt and relatable, I was left wanting a stronger message of self-discovery and empowerment.
Along the way, she unexpectedly finds herself falling back in love with her ex-husband during a quirky and adventurous journey. While the story is engaging and easy to follow, I found it lacking a deeper sense of independence, passion, and personal freedom. There was an opportunity to explore what it truly means for a woman to reclaim her identity outside of marriage and motherhood.
Too often, women lose their voice and sense of self within relationships and family life. By the end, it feels like the character gravitates back toward those familiar roles rather than fully embracing who she could become without them. While the story is heartfelt and relatable, I was left wanting a stronger message of self-discovery and empowerment.
May 27, 2026
ARC for review, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this book, but I still have slightly mixed feelings about it... it was rather predictable and because of this, it felt very slow burn. Which isn't generally my favourite, however I loved every page of this. Hence the mixed feelings!
It dragged out a bit and I would have loved a bit more romance and adventure in those parts (although those aspects were also still great), but I was excited to see if what I suspected was how it ended.
On another note though, I'm so glad they got their happy ending!
Still a great read though and nice to have a second chance romance for a more mature couple. I'd still read again and definitely recommend! Would love to read more by Heidi Stephens as this was my first of her work, and although it wasn't perfect for me, I'd definitely like to read more.
I really enjoyed this book, but I still have slightly mixed feelings about it... it was rather predictable and because of this, it felt very slow burn. Which isn't generally my favourite, however I loved every page of this. Hence the mixed feelings!
It dragged out a bit and I would have loved a bit more romance and adventure in those parts (although those aspects were also still great), but I was excited to see if what I suspected was how it ended.
On another note though, I'm so glad they got their happy ending!
Still a great read though and nice to have a second chance romance for a more mature couple. I'd still read again and definitely recommend! Would love to read more by Heidi Stephens as this was my first of her work, and although it wasn't perfect for me, I'd definitely like to read more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a great five-star read filled with romance and adventure. This was a great story, about moving on and coming back to yourself. Kate was just such a delightful character, and there were some really fun characters in this story. I especially liked that most of the characters were middle aged, and not all in their 20’s and showing that you can have fun and enjoy yourself no matter your age. I loved the scavenger hunt type trip, the excitement that it brought to me wondering what next was just the balm I needed to make the world a brighter place again. This was a delightful romance that was paced well, I liked how they thought things though but still enjoyed the moments life gives us. Once again showing us what a great author they are.
May 13, 2026
What a fun read, set in the lovely France region of Bordeaux, there is family, weddings and an ex. When Kate gets an invitation to go to her god sons wedding, she knows her ex Hugo will be there. When they met, he’s a totally different person and after the wedding didn’t go ahead, she’s ready to go on an adventure to pick up the brides wedding gift from her father. She didn’t thing her ex would be coming along. Loved reading about the fun things they got up to on there travels, it was full of fun and laughter. An easy book to get into and leaves a smile on your face. Great 4.5 star read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.
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