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Wild Brothers #1
The Chocolate Shop on Cherry Lane
The brand new, sweet, sexy and utterly romantic story from multi-million bestselling author Holly Martin. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jill Mansell and Sue Moorcroft
Spring is in the air and love is blooming in the beautiful seaside town of Lovegrove Bay. This irresistible romance will sweep you off your feet and melt you heart…
On the day Immy Berry finds out she’s pregnant and her life changes forever, an accidental fire in her gorgeous little sweet shop turns her dreams into ashes. But the very last person she expects to rush in and save her from the blaze is the man she’s tried to put behind her, the father of her baby, Xander Wild
Incredibly gorgeous and impossibly unattainable, Xander made Immy feel like a goddess on the nights they spent together only to go cold on her the next morning. The chemistry between them may be electric but Xander made it clear he doesn’t want anyone in his life other than his daughter, Etta. Which makes telling him she’s now pregnant with his child an almost impossible task.
With her home and business in flames and Xander her unexpected hero, Immy doesn’t dare hope that he will welcome her bombshell news. But there’s a reason Xander has kept his distance from love. And if Immy gives him the chance, maybe he’ll prove he’s worthy of her heart…
Let the sweet scent of romance blossoming whisk you away to the seaside this spring with this gorgeously romantic love story
Single, grumpy dad
Second chance romance
Knight in shining armour
Found family
Small town romance
Gorgeous seaside location
One beautiful love story
Spring is in the air and love is blooming in the beautiful seaside town of Lovegrove Bay. This irresistible romance will sweep you off your feet and melt you heart…
On the day Immy Berry finds out she’s pregnant and her life changes forever, an accidental fire in her gorgeous little sweet shop turns her dreams into ashes. But the very last person she expects to rush in and save her from the blaze is the man she’s tried to put behind her, the father of her baby, Xander Wild
Incredibly gorgeous and impossibly unattainable, Xander made Immy feel like a goddess on the nights they spent together only to go cold on her the next morning. The chemistry between them may be electric but Xander made it clear he doesn’t want anyone in his life other than his daughter, Etta. Which makes telling him she’s now pregnant with his child an almost impossible task.
With her home and business in flames and Xander her unexpected hero, Immy doesn’t dare hope that he will welcome her bombshell news. But there’s a reason Xander has kept his distance from love. And if Immy gives him the chance, maybe he’ll prove he’s worthy of her heart…
Let the sweet scent of romance blossoming whisk you away to the seaside this spring with this gorgeously romantic love story
Single, grumpy dad
Second chance romance
Knight in shining armour
Found family
Small town romance
Gorgeous seaside location
One beautiful love story
314 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2026
About the author
Holly Martin
55 books1,568 followersHolly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 22, 2026
Before I shower this book in glowing praise which it certainly deserves give just how much I absolutely adored Immy and Xander - I do want to say that there was no where near enough chocolate or sweets in this book featuring a chocolate shop owner and a sweet shop owner! The book didn't make me feel hungry and given it was set in the run up to Easter, although there was some chocolate, this chocaholic was not sated by the amount!
That is literally my only negative, as even the one character the characters I really disliked, was fabulous, as you are definitely meant to dislike Immy and Xander's respective exes. I think Xander's ex and thus his back story explaining his relationship reticence is definitely worse than Immy's, in fact she did unforgiveable things.
I totally and utterly fell for Xander in this book, like I do to many of Holly Martin's leading men. He is a single father, who saves Immy and dog Jacob from a fire in her shop, and then goes out of his way to do his best by both Immy and daughter Etta.
There are so many completely sweet and adorable moments, between all of our main characters, and I loved getting to know some of Xander's brothers too. As well as being surprised about his parents too. Just shows that some people don't make their parents mistakes and try to be even better parents, which is he to Etta. I loved that little girl a lot, and the way certain more adult things are explained to her is so adorable, and her questions were so funny.
Immy has a great heart, and I really felt for the situation she is in, where she is unsure whether to fully trust Xander and his intentions. When they are together though, I could feel the care coming from each of them.
This was a really quick book to read, I devoured it and am already looking forward to the next book in this new series, featuring another of Xander's brothers.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
That is literally my only negative, as even the one character the characters I really disliked, was fabulous, as you are definitely meant to dislike Immy and Xander's respective exes. I think Xander's ex and thus his back story explaining his relationship reticence is definitely worse than Immy's, in fact she did unforgiveable things.
I totally and utterly fell for Xander in this book, like I do to many of Holly Martin's leading men. He is a single father, who saves Immy and dog Jacob from a fire in her shop, and then goes out of his way to do his best by both Immy and daughter Etta.
There are so many completely sweet and adorable moments, between all of our main characters, and I loved getting to know some of Xander's brothers too. As well as being surprised about his parents too. Just shows that some people don't make their parents mistakes and try to be even better parents, which is he to Etta. I loved that little girl a lot, and the way certain more adult things are explained to her is so adorable, and her questions were so funny.
Immy has a great heart, and I really felt for the situation she is in, where she is unsure whether to fully trust Xander and his intentions. When they are together though, I could feel the care coming from each of them.
This was a really quick book to read, I devoured it and am already looking forward to the next book in this new series, featuring another of Xander's brothers.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 8, 2026
This is a strong start for a new series, and I’m already impatient to catch up with the rest of the Wild Brothers. Holly Martin never fails to capture my imagination with her glorious storylines, engaging characters and a gentle sprinkling of spice.
This time, we are in a brand-new location with a tight-knit community that boasts some terrific characters and landmarks that I would love to visit. As a new series, the story sets the stage well, as we are introduced to all of the Wild brothers as we follow Immy and Xander’s story.
Immy is a more recent addition to Lovegrove Bay, having opened the local sweet shop after her engagement fell apart. Her sister is married to one of the Wild brothers, but we only get a glimpse of that relationship. My heart went out to Immy. The discovery of her pregnancy is a shock, and she’s determined to do the right thing by the father but is set on raising the child on her own. I loved her independence and her resolute approach to avoiding being a burden on anyone.
Xander sounded like my kind of guy. He’s so much more than his good looks and his wizardry as a chocolatier; he’s a devoted Dad and determined to protect his daughter at all costs. Those costs may even include his own happiness.
I just loved the caution with which both Immy and Xander approached their burgeoning relationship. They were both aware of their painful backstories, but sharing them with each other was a tough challenge. At the forefront for both of them was Etta, Xander’s daughter. Sadly, she deserved their protection as her own short life had known some terrible heartbreak, which, once uncovered, left me shocked.
This is a quick read, but it absolutely packs a punch, and that is what I have come to expect from this amazing author. Highly recommended.
This time, we are in a brand-new location with a tight-knit community that boasts some terrific characters and landmarks that I would love to visit. As a new series, the story sets the stage well, as we are introduced to all of the Wild brothers as we follow Immy and Xander’s story.
Immy is a more recent addition to Lovegrove Bay, having opened the local sweet shop after her engagement fell apart. Her sister is married to one of the Wild brothers, but we only get a glimpse of that relationship. My heart went out to Immy. The discovery of her pregnancy is a shock, and she’s determined to do the right thing by the father but is set on raising the child on her own. I loved her independence and her resolute approach to avoiding being a burden on anyone.
Xander sounded like my kind of guy. He’s so much more than his good looks and his wizardry as a chocolatier; he’s a devoted Dad and determined to protect his daughter at all costs. Those costs may even include his own happiness.
I just loved the caution with which both Immy and Xander approached their burgeoning relationship. They were both aware of their painful backstories, but sharing them with each other was a tough challenge. At the forefront for both of them was Etta, Xander’s daughter. Sadly, she deserved their protection as her own short life had known some terrible heartbreak, which, once uncovered, left me shocked.
This is a quick read, but it absolutely packs a punch, and that is what I have come to expect from this amazing author. Highly recommended.
June 11, 2026
The Chocolate Shop on Cherry Lane is exactly what you want and expect from a Holly Martin book; lovable characters, a lovely setting and full of romance.
Immy has been trying to put Xander, the man across the road in his chocolate shop, when she discovers that she is pregnant with his baby. On the same day there is a fire in her sweet shop and flat and it is Xander that comes to her rescue. With both her home and business temporarily lost she is forced to tell Xander the truth knowing he has made it clear that he didn’t want to get in a relationship to protect his daughter, Etta.
What Holly Martin does so well is to not only create two lovable characters but ones with such a strong chemistry between them that from the very beginning you are cheering for them to realise what they would be missing out on.
There are some lovely moments along the way as we see both Immy and Xander have to deal with their past hurts to come together. And not only that we get to see the full community spirit of Lovegrove Bay again.
As the first book in a new series I can’t wait to read more about the Wild brothers.
An easy, heart-warming read that’s full of romance and guaranteed to make you smile.
Immy has been trying to put Xander, the man across the road in his chocolate shop, when she discovers that she is pregnant with his baby. On the same day there is a fire in her sweet shop and flat and it is Xander that comes to her rescue. With both her home and business temporarily lost she is forced to tell Xander the truth knowing he has made it clear that he didn’t want to get in a relationship to protect his daughter, Etta.
What Holly Martin does so well is to not only create two lovable characters but ones with such a strong chemistry between them that from the very beginning you are cheering for them to realise what they would be missing out on.
There are some lovely moments along the way as we see both Immy and Xander have to deal with their past hurts to come together. And not only that we get to see the full community spirit of Lovegrove Bay again.
As the first book in a new series I can’t wait to read more about the Wild brothers.
An easy, heart-warming read that’s full of romance and guaranteed to make you smile.
Read
June 24, 2026Yikes! Way too many sexual innuendoes starting at page 4. A few chapters later, we are in the bedroom with details. Not interested in reading any more!
Amazon synopsis:
On the day Immy Berry finds out she’s pregnant and her life changes forever, an accidental fire in her gorgeous little sweet shop turns her dreams into ashes. But the very last person she expects to rush in and save her from the blaze is the man she’s tried to put behind her, the father of her baby, Xander Wild
Incredibly gorgeous and impossibly unattainable, Xander made Immy feel like a goddess on the nights they spent together only to go cold on her the next morning. The chemistry between them may be electric but Xander made it clear he doesn’t want anyone in his life other than his daughter, Etta. Which makes telling him she’s now pregnant with his child an almost impossible task.
With her home and business in flames and Xander her unexpected hero, Immy doesn’t dare hope that he will welcome her bombshell news. But there’s a reason Xander has kept his distance from love. And if Immy gives him the chance, maybe he’ll prove he’s worthy of her heart…
Amazon synopsis:
On the day Immy Berry finds out she’s pregnant and her life changes forever, an accidental fire in her gorgeous little sweet shop turns her dreams into ashes. But the very last person she expects to rush in and save her from the blaze is the man she’s tried to put behind her, the father of her baby, Xander Wild
Incredibly gorgeous and impossibly unattainable, Xander made Immy feel like a goddess on the nights they spent together only to go cold on her the next morning. The chemistry between them may be electric but Xander made it clear he doesn’t want anyone in his life other than his daughter, Etta. Which makes telling him she’s now pregnant with his child an almost impossible task.
With her home and business in flames and Xander her unexpected hero, Immy doesn’t dare hope that he will welcome her bombshell news. But there’s a reason Xander has kept his distance from love. And if Immy gives him the chance, maybe he’ll prove he’s worthy of her heart…
May 24, 2026
I haven’t read a romance book for a while, so I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with The Chocolate Shop on Cherry Lane. I needn’t have worried, I absolutely loved it!
This book focusses on Immy and Xander, who run a sweet shop and a chocolate shop, respectively. I really loved getting to know these characters, and their friends and family. I haven’t read any other books in the series, but this book worked very well as a standalone.
The location was delightful, and I’ll definitely be reading more of the series to explore that more. I really loved the community spirit that the local residents showed.
Overall, this was an excellent reintroduction to the genre for me, I didn’t want to stop reading to do anything else, which is unusual for me.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
This book focusses on Immy and Xander, who run a sweet shop and a chocolate shop, respectively. I really loved getting to know these characters, and their friends and family. I haven’t read any other books in the series, but this book worked very well as a standalone.
The location was delightful, and I’ll definitely be reading more of the series to explore that more. I really loved the community spirit that the local residents showed.
Overall, this was an excellent reintroduction to the genre for me, I didn’t want to stop reading to do anything else, which is unusual for me.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
June 13, 2026
Holly Martin kicks off her new series with The Chocolate Shop on Cherry Lane. Immy and Xander live and work right across the street from one another in the same English small town.
They have no shortage of chemistry, but he is not sure he wants a relationship after his wife passed away. However, everything changes and they are faced with some big decisions and a deepening connection.
The story and writing were cozy and sweet and I really enjoyed reading it. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
They have no shortage of chemistry, but he is not sure he wants a relationship after his wife passed away. However, everything changes and they are faced with some big decisions and a deepening connection.
The story and writing were cozy and sweet and I really enjoyed reading it. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the chemistry Holly Martin injects into the characters, how the sparks crackle. And Immy and Xander certainly had all the chemistry!
I just adore the setting in the beautiful seaside town of Lovegrove Bay. This is a fun and emotional read, set in and around the lovely shops on Cherry Lane.
An absolute dream to read and I look forward to hearing more stories from this lovely place.
Many thanks to the author for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
I just adore the setting in the beautiful seaside town of Lovegrove Bay. This is a fun and emotional read, set in and around the lovely shops on Cherry Lane.
An absolute dream to read and I look forward to hearing more stories from this lovely place.
Many thanks to the author for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
May 23, 2026
A sweet, small town romance! Xander and Immy’s short-lived affair has left a life-long impression… a baby on the way! The unexpected turn of events means that Immy will be tied to Xander forever. Though she has feelings for him she truly believes he will never feel the same way. I so loved how he proved her wrong!
This book was so sweet but had underlying issues of past hurts (on both sides) making it a truly emotional journey of learning to trust again, believing in your own self-worth, and how family is what you make it. Also, it was oh so romantic and sexy! There’s a lot of depth to these characters living in Lovegrove Bay - I look forward to reading more on these residents! 4.5 stars
This book was so sweet but had underlying issues of past hurts (on both sides) making it a truly emotional journey of learning to trust again, believing in your own self-worth, and how family is what you make it. Also, it was oh so romantic and sexy! There’s a lot of depth to these characters living in Lovegrove Bay - I look forward to reading more on these residents! 4.5 stars
June 15, 2026
Alsorts of love in here
Oh wow holly you have done it again I couldn't put it down I'm really sad it's ended....
But oh what a happy ending and a lot of love all the way through....
Oh wow holly you have done it again I couldn't put it down I'm really sad it's ended....
But oh what a happy ending and a lot of love all the way through....
June 17, 2026
First book in a new series which has got off to a great start.
Loving the setting and the characters, can’t wait to read more!
A chocolate shop and a sweetshop romance, what’s not to love?
Loving the setting and the characters, can’t wait to read more!
A chocolate shop and a sweetshop romance, what’s not to love?
June 25, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Real life relationship problems etc but with the happy ending we all wish for
June 28, 2026
A lovely family story with a few ups and downs
July 1, 2026
The chocolate shop on cherry lane
Another wonderful read Holly. Thank you . I have preorder your next and I am looking forward to reading it
Another wonderful read Holly. Thank you . I have preorder your next and I am looking forward to reading it
June 30, 2026
Sweet, Heartwarming and Romantic.
I loved this book so much. It was a gentle, easy read with likeable characters and a fab setting.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes romantic fiction. It was the perfect summer read.
I won't give too much of the plot away, but it's focus is firmly on the relationship between Immy and Xander. The author does a great job creating chemistry between them and I enjoyed the will they, won't they achieve their happy ever after.
A lovely cover and a fitting title. Well written, endearing read. I loved it.
I loved this book so much. It was a gentle, easy read with likeable characters and a fab setting.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes romantic fiction. It was the perfect summer read.
I won't give too much of the plot away, but it's focus is firmly on the relationship between Immy and Xander. The author does a great job creating chemistry between them and I enjoyed the will they, won't they achieve their happy ever after.
A lovely cover and a fitting title. Well written, endearing read. I loved it.
May 22, 2026
Where can I get my very own Xander? Asking for a friend…
This is the first book in the Wild Brothers series and it kicked it off with a bang. The characters were fantastic, the plot and side plots were perfect. This is the type of story I would love to see as tv episodes to get even more visuals. I think that sweet shop needed to be seen to be believed, especially that pink till!!
This is the first book in the Wild Brothers series and it kicked it off with a bang. The characters were fantastic, the plot and side plots were perfect. This is the type of story I would love to see as tv episodes to get even more visuals. I think that sweet shop needed to be seen to be believed, especially that pink till!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Xander, the owner of the chocolate shop, pushes Immy from the sweet shop away after several nights of passion, she is heartbroken, but needs to get on with life, as there were never any promises of a happy ever after.
When Xander notices a fire late one night at the sweet shop, his heart nearly stops and he realises how much he cares for Immy, but has been afraid to get involved, following the death of his wife, who abandoned him and their daughter Etta several years before.
After he rescues Immy and her beloved dog from the flat above the shop, and discovered he is going to be a dad again, his life changes forever. Can he get Immy to trust him again, and how will his young daughter Etta react?
A story of love, trust, broken hearts and most of all community, as the whole village comes together to get Immy's shop sorted in time for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
A lovely story that is a real page turner 🥰
When Xander notices a fire late one night at the sweet shop, his heart nearly stops and he realises how much he cares for Immy, but has been afraid to get involved, following the death of his wife, who abandoned him and their daughter Etta several years before.
After he rescues Immy and her beloved dog from the flat above the shop, and discovered he is going to be a dad again, his life changes forever. Can he get Immy to trust him again, and how will his young daughter Etta react?
A story of love, trust, broken hearts and most of all community, as the whole village comes together to get Immy's shop sorted in time for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
A lovely story that is a real page turner 🥰
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews