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Cape Heartbreak
Not yet published
Expected 19 Nov 26A mysterious map.
An old sailboat.
And a skipper determined to ruin her plans.
Lucy Santos has spent years pushing people away. But with her beloved restaurant on the brink of closure, she’s also desperate for a fresh start. So when her father sends an old treasure map from prison, Lucy is determined to follow it and she doesn’t need anybody’s help—except for someone to sail the boat.
That’s when she hires Angus Fletcher, the charming sea captain and savvy opportunist, who she happened to have a one night stand with. He’s arrogant, has a questionable past, and won’t let Lucy forget about their night together, as much as she insists it meant nothing.
With other treasure hunters hot on their trail, their quest becomes far from easy. Especially when Lucy finds out Angus has secrets of his own.
Too bad they’re trapped together on a small boat—forced to battle the sea, the bad guys...and their feelings for each other.
Cape Heartbreak is a standalone adventure romance, filled with nonstop action, morally gray characters, humor, and spice. Click ‘Buy Now’ to go along for the ride!
An old sailboat.
And a skipper determined to ruin her plans.
Lucy Santos has spent years pushing people away. But with her beloved restaurant on the brink of closure, she’s also desperate for a fresh start. So when her father sends an old treasure map from prison, Lucy is determined to follow it and she doesn’t need anybody’s help—except for someone to sail the boat.
That’s when she hires Angus Fletcher, the charming sea captain and savvy opportunist, who she happened to have a one night stand with. He’s arrogant, has a questionable past, and won’t let Lucy forget about their night together, as much as she insists it meant nothing.
With other treasure hunters hot on their trail, their quest becomes far from easy. Especially when Lucy finds out Angus has secrets of his own.
Too bad they’re trapped together on a small boat—forced to battle the sea, the bad guys...and their feelings for each other.
Cape Heartbreak is a standalone adventure romance, filled with nonstop action, morally gray characters, humor, and spice. Click ‘Buy Now’ to go along for the ride!
- GenresRomance
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 19, 2026
About the author
Jenny Coen
1 book11 followersJenny Coen is a romance author residing in her home state of Washington. On a whim, she bought an old sailboat, took one lesson, and Cape Heartbreak was born. She strives to write adrenaline-filled, swoon-worthy adventures with lots of heart and humor.
She still sails occasionally, but is more likely to be found under a blanket, with coffee, and a good book.
She is @authorjennycoen on all social platforms.
She still sails occasionally, but is more likely to be found under a blanket, with coffee, and a good book.
She is @authorjennycoen on all social platforms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 28, 2026
So so so good and HOT too!! 🥰 this book has the perfect mixture of romance and adventure and kind of has a fun 80s/90s action movie vibe!!
I’ve read A LOT of romance novels, but I’ve never read anything quite like this! I felt like this kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I loved the treasure hunt! I thought it was so fun and I loved all the drama along the way!
Lucy and Gus have such a fun dynamic. Their relationship starts out so hot and heavy, but we’re still able to get so much depth! Ahh they’re so cute!!
Gos is an absolute sweetie I love him so so much!!
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fun addictive ready!! This is really such a treat and I can’t wait to read what Jenny writes next!! Pick this cute book up on November 19th!!
Read if you like:
Action packed romance
Heist/ mystery
Forced proximity
Tropical setting
Black Cat FMC x Golden Retriever MMC
Open door
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author, Jenny Coen, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I’ve read A LOT of romance novels, but I’ve never read anything quite like this! I felt like this kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I loved the treasure hunt! I thought it was so fun and I loved all the drama along the way!
Lucy and Gus have such a fun dynamic. Their relationship starts out so hot and heavy, but we’re still able to get so much depth! Ahh they’re so cute!!
Gos is an absolute sweetie I love him so so much!!
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fun addictive ready!! This is really such a treat and I can’t wait to read what Jenny writes next!! Pick this cute book up on November 19th!!
Read if you like:
Action packed romance
Heist/ mystery
Forced proximity
Tropical setting
Black Cat FMC x Golden Retriever MMC
Open door
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author, Jenny Coen, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is so good! The vibes were on point. Kind of gave Outer banks with a splash of 90s adventure movie. The cover was the first thing that drew me in. Rightfully so, this style of art is stunning.
Rating - 4.5⭐️
Emojis - 🗺️⚓️🌴💕
The book itself exceeded my expectations. It was just so much fun to read. I felt that the romance and action balanced perfectly together and the plot never lagged or got boring. It was also a great length. All in all this was a very nice reading experience and Lucy and Gus make such a cute pairing. Cape Heartbreak was a really great debut and I'm excited to see what Jenny Coen writes next! Thanks again for the arc!
Rating - 4.5⭐️
Emojis - 🗺️⚓️🌴💕
The book itself exceeded my expectations. It was just so much fun to read. I felt that the romance and action balanced perfectly together and the plot never lagged or got boring. It was also a great length. All in all this was a very nice reading experience and Lucy and Gus make such a cute pairing. Cape Heartbreak was a really great debut and I'm excited to see what Jenny Coen writes next! Thanks again for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to author Jenny Coen for the ARC, which is out on November 19th!!
Lucy is struggling to keep her restaurant afloat when she receives a treasure map from her estranged dad who is in prison. Desperate to track down the funds to help her restaurant survive, she sees this as an opportunity and hires a sea captain to help take her dad's boat in pursuit of the promised treasure. But she isn't expecting the hired man to be none other than Gus Fletcher, a charming sea captain with a questionable past - that she just so happens to have had a one-night stand with.
This book has great 1980s adventure movie vibes - think Romancing the Stone. I loved that Gus is Australian and Lucy is Colombian and that they both have complicated family dynamics. The two have some great forced proximity scenes onboard the boat where they get to know each other better, not to mention bonding over the high-stakes hijinks they find themselves embroiled in.
I think a few elements that didn't work as well for me are a ME problem, not the book problem. I struggle with books where the characters get together immediately and/or have casual hookups straight out of the gate just because it typically feels like it kills some of the tension for me. The author did a good job of creating tension between them after this one-night fling, but I still struggled with this. After this hot night together, it was hard to believe that she was as annoyed and put off by him as she claimed, since there was no real reason for her to feel that way other than she wanted it to be a one off event.
I also am too much of a coward haha. I just kept thinking about HOW insanely and absolutely paralyzed by fear I would be in this scenario with bullets flying and bad guys chasing me and having to leap into water if I couldn't swim. It was difficult for me to suspend my disbelief that Lucy wasn't more scared and was able to just sing karaoke, flirt with Gus, show up to fancy parties in other countries despite all that was going on, especially considering she is a chef and not someone hardened by a past life of crime. I think if there had been less gunshots being fired (which feels SO extreme in terms of risk) that I might have bought into it more.
I also thought there were a few elements that I wish were more fleshed out. Gus in particular has a very shady past but we get very few details. It seems he is a major player with a shady past. While Lucy's dad has a shady past, she has lived an honest life, and it sort of pained me to see her fall in with someone so morally gray. While the hope is that he leaves all that behind him, it's hard to really know what will happen while she's falling for him and they don't talk about it all enough to really get clear answers.
I also thought the pacing of this felt a tad off. It was SO fast paced that it was easy to miss some great lines. It felt like they were just dropped in there and then the characters swiftly moved on so you don't really get to absorb the emotional impact of the feelings shared. There was no lingering over anything.
I think this would be an outstanding movie. I could so see this on the screen. The combination of adventure/treasure hunting plot and steamy romance would translate so well to the screen and I think some of the issues I had would be less problematic in a shortened film format.
I also loved the epilogue of this! SO fun that we get some scenes from Gus's POV and also get a glimpse of the characters 6 months after the end of the book. I thought the conclusion of this tied the story up in a really satisfactory way and I was really happy with the ending.
I was honored to read this debut. The cover is beautiful. The characters are hot. The premise is so fun!
Lucy is struggling to keep her restaurant afloat when she receives a treasure map from her estranged dad who is in prison. Desperate to track down the funds to help her restaurant survive, she sees this as an opportunity and hires a sea captain to help take her dad's boat in pursuit of the promised treasure. But she isn't expecting the hired man to be none other than Gus Fletcher, a charming sea captain with a questionable past - that she just so happens to have had a one-night stand with.
This book has great 1980s adventure movie vibes - think Romancing the Stone. I loved that Gus is Australian and Lucy is Colombian and that they both have complicated family dynamics. The two have some great forced proximity scenes onboard the boat where they get to know each other better, not to mention bonding over the high-stakes hijinks they find themselves embroiled in.
I think a few elements that didn't work as well for me are a ME problem, not the book problem. I struggle with books where the characters get together immediately and/or have casual hookups straight out of the gate just because it typically feels like it kills some of the tension for me. The author did a good job of creating tension between them after this one-night fling, but I still struggled with this. After this hot night together, it was hard to believe that she was as annoyed and put off by him as she claimed, since there was no real reason for her to feel that way other than she wanted it to be a one off event.
I also am too much of a coward haha. I just kept thinking about HOW insanely and absolutely paralyzed by fear I would be in this scenario with bullets flying and bad guys chasing me and having to leap into water if I couldn't swim. It was difficult for me to suspend my disbelief that Lucy wasn't more scared and was able to just sing karaoke, flirt with Gus, show up to fancy parties in other countries despite all that was going on, especially considering she is a chef and not someone hardened by a past life of crime. I think if there had been less gunshots being fired (which feels SO extreme in terms of risk) that I might have bought into it more.
I also thought there were a few elements that I wish were more fleshed out. Gus in particular has a very shady past but we get very few details. It seems he is a major player with a shady past. While Lucy's dad has a shady past, she has lived an honest life, and it sort of pained me to see her fall in with someone so morally gray. While the hope is that he leaves all that behind him, it's hard to really know what will happen while she's falling for him and they don't talk about it all enough to really get clear answers.
I also thought the pacing of this felt a tad off. It was SO fast paced that it was easy to miss some great lines. It felt like they were just dropped in there and then the characters swiftly moved on so you don't really get to absorb the emotional impact of the feelings shared. There was no lingering over anything.
I think this would be an outstanding movie. I could so see this on the screen. The combination of adventure/treasure hunting plot and steamy romance would translate so well to the screen and I think some of the issues I had would be less problematic in a shortened film format.
I also loved the epilogue of this! SO fun that we get some scenes from Gus's POV and also get a glimpse of the characters 6 months after the end of the book. I thought the conclusion of this tied the story up in a really satisfactory way and I was really happy with the ending.
I was honored to read this debut. The cover is beautiful. The characters are hot. The premise is so fun!
October 26, 2026
*ARC REVIEW*
Uhhhh….the idea was good. The dialogue was so cringe. And so much telling instead of showing.
Uhhhh….the idea was good. The dialogue was so cringe. And so much telling instead of showing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun quick romp in a style that was reminiscent of the late 80s/early 90s with their action packed adventure rom-coms. While the book felt a little surface level in the emotional depth, I found the adventure parts of the book very entertaining (if completely preposterous). If I can suspend my disbelief and enjoy watching a movie like Romancing the Stone, I can certainly take a step back and let this book be exactly what it advertised itself to be.
And can we just take a moment for one of the most incredible covers I’ve seen in romance this year?! Stunning. 10/10 cover. From the tones and colors, to the pop art feel. The book gets an extra half star just for how great the cover was.
This was a really fast, easy read, and recommend for a guilty pleasure adventure rom-com that doesn’t need to take itself too seriously.
And can we just take a moment for one of the most incredible covers I’ve seen in romance this year?! Stunning. 10/10 cover. From the tones and colors, to the pop art feel. The book gets an extra half star just for how great the cover was.
This was a really fast, easy read, and recommend for a guilty pleasure adventure rom-com that doesn’t need to take itself too seriously.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Jenny Coen for the arc!
A treasure hunt, questionable decisions, romantic tension, and ’90s adventure movie vibes? Yeah, I never stood a chance with this one.
It was giving 40 Days & 40 Nights/The mummy in the best way possible. Two people with undeniable chemistry forced to go on a wild ride together with danger & sexual tension around every corner? YES PLEASE! I have been beyond excited to read this since I saw the stunning cover, and can genuinely say it exceeded all expectations.
It was such a thrilling adventure from start to finish. The tension was so deliciously thick, the banter was electric, and the spice was erotic. It also needs to be noted that Gus is going down as one of my top MMC’s of 2026. That man is FINE.
I also found it to be emotionally layered and beautifully written. I read this at the perfect time in my life.
A treasure hunt, questionable decisions, romantic tension, and ’90s adventure movie vibes? Yeah, I never stood a chance with this one.
It was giving 40 Days & 40 Nights/The mummy in the best way possible. Two people with undeniable chemistry forced to go on a wild ride together with danger & sexual tension around every corner? YES PLEASE! I have been beyond excited to read this since I saw the stunning cover, and can genuinely say it exceeded all expectations.
It was such a thrilling adventure from start to finish. The tension was so deliciously thick, the banter was electric, and the spice was erotic. It also needs to be noted that Gus is going down as one of my top MMC’s of 2026. That man is FINE.
I also found it to be emotionally layered and beautifully written. I read this at the perfect time in my life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so grateful to the author for sending me an ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
I was drawn to the premise of the book and the fact that it veered away from the standard contemporary romance. I do love an adventure story from time to time and I appreciated how Jenny balanced the romantic aspects of the book with a sense of mystery and danger.
The chapters were captivating and there was plenty of crime and intrigue to keep me going! I finished the book in one weekend and enjoyed the wild ride it took me on! One of my favorite scenes in the book was when Lucy and Gus were sharing a meal with Gus' friends--I wanted more of that feeling throughout the book! Despite suspending belief, as encouraged by the author, there were several plot holes I couldn't look past and I wish some things were better explained throughout the book. Perhaps building in more context or backstory on the characters and their respective histories would have made the story stronger. I was also looking for more tension between Lucy and Gus, as I feel like that would have allowed me to buy into their love/hate (enemies to lovers-ish) relationship even more. I love a man who yearns and was really hoping to see that play out back and forth and drawn out a bit more than it was.
Overall, this is a light-hearted read and one that you sure don't want to miss if you're looking for adventure and a good time, but I don't think I ended up being the right reader for this!
I was drawn to the premise of the book and the fact that it veered away from the standard contemporary romance. I do love an adventure story from time to time and I appreciated how Jenny balanced the romantic aspects of the book with a sense of mystery and danger.
The chapters were captivating and there was plenty of crime and intrigue to keep me going! I finished the book in one weekend and enjoyed the wild ride it took me on! One of my favorite scenes in the book was when Lucy and Gus were sharing a meal with Gus' friends--I wanted more of that feeling throughout the book! Despite suspending belief, as encouraged by the author, there were several plot holes I couldn't look past and I wish some things were better explained throughout the book. Perhaps building in more context or backstory on the characters and their respective histories would have made the story stronger. I was also looking for more tension between Lucy and Gus, as I feel like that would have allowed me to buy into their love/hate (enemies to lovers-ish) relationship even more. I love a man who yearns and was really hoping to see that play out back and forth and drawn out a bit more than it was.
Overall, this is a light-hearted read and one that you sure don't want to miss if you're looking for adventure and a good time, but I don't think I ended up being the right reader for this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
I took so many notes while I was reading this book but in the end, none of them really mattered because it was incredibly entertaining and the romance was great. I read this entire book in one day because I kept needing to know what happened next. Usually I'm not big on adventure books like this, but the romance storyline kept me engaged and the humor kept me entertained.
There were a few plot holes that I enjoyed the book enough to look past, but the one piece I really wish had been resolved is about Gus and his past with women. First of all, it doesn't bode well for this man that he says he doesn't pick up women at bars as often as Lucy thinks, and he gets a little mad when she calls him anti-monogamous, but the guy literally had set up two different dates on the same night and then ditched both of them for a third! I assumed that would eventually be explained away, considering he'd been hired to follow Lucy that night, I think? That part wasn't super clear.
Also, when Cliff accused him of breaking up a marriage, and Gus said it wasn't what it sounded like... that was never explained either. He swore to her that he’d never cheat but apparently doesn’t have any issue being the other man? I don't know, I get that he saved her life, risked his life for hers, and they've lasted 6 months by the end of the book, but I still wouldn't trust this man, especially considering he told her over and over again not to trust him and that he was just an asshole. When a person tells/shows you who they are... believe them girly.
I took so many notes while I was reading this book but in the end, none of them really mattered because it was incredibly entertaining and the romance was great. I read this entire book in one day because I kept needing to know what happened next. Usually I'm not big on adventure books like this, but the romance storyline kept me engaged and the humor kept me entertained.
There were a few plot holes that I enjoyed the book enough to look past, but the one piece I really wish had been resolved is about Gus and his past with women. First of all, it doesn't bode well for this man that he says he doesn't pick up women at bars as often as Lucy thinks, and he gets a little mad when she calls him anti-monogamous, but the guy literally had set up two different dates on the same night and then ditched both of them for a third! I assumed that would eventually be explained away, considering he'd been hired to follow Lucy that night, I think? That part wasn't super clear.
Also, when Cliff accused him of breaking up a marriage, and Gus said it wasn't what it sounded like... that was never explained either. He swore to her that he’d never cheat but apparently doesn’t have any issue being the other man? I don't know, I get that he saved her life, risked his life for hers, and they've lasted 6 months by the end of the book, but I still wouldn't trust this man, especially considering he told her over and over again not to trust him and that he was just an asshole. When a person tells/shows you who they are... believe them girly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Luciana Santos already has enough problems to deal with when her restaurant starts failing, but everything gets much worse after her father dies and leaves her a boat and a mysterious map. Soon, Lucy discovers that other people are willing to do dangerous things to get their hands on it, and she realizes that following the map might be her only chance to change her situation. She hires Gus, a charming boat captain, to help her reach a hidden treasure in the Bahamas. What begins as a desperate plan turns into an adventure full of secrets, danger, unexpected twists, and feelings Lucy never expected to have. With her past making it hard to trust anyone, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for the treasure and the man who has become part of her journey.
I enjoyed reading this book because it blends romance, adventure, and mystery in a way that keeps the story engaging. I liked Lucy because she is stubborn and independent, even when she clearly needs help, and Gus brings a lot of fun to the story with his personality and the way he interacts with her. Their first meeting was one of my favorite parts because it was funny and showed their chemistry right away. I also enjoyed the treasure hunt and the obstacles they face along the way, since it makes the story feel like more than just a romance. Some moments were a little frustrating, especially when trust becomes an issue, but I appreciated seeing how their experiences shape their connection.
I enjoyed reading this book because it blends romance, adventure, and mystery in a way that keeps the story engaging. I liked Lucy because she is stubborn and independent, even when she clearly needs help, and Gus brings a lot of fun to the story with his personality and the way he interacts with her. Their first meeting was one of my favorite parts because it was funny and showed their chemistry right away. I also enjoyed the treasure hunt and the obstacles they face along the way, since it makes the story feel like more than just a romance. Some moments were a little frustrating, especially when trust becomes an issue, but I appreciated seeing how their experiences shape their connection.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a debut! This was so good. First of all, I am in love with the cover. It is gorgeous and I love this style of art for a cover so much; I see them more and more lately and I love them, especially for the content of the book - it just made sense!
I loved Lucy and Gus together and their unconventional meet cute of sorts. I loved the adventure in this; it was just so fun and I really felt like it was a nonstop moving plot that always had something going on. I thought the letters that contained clues were really cool and so was the treasure hunt.
It was also SPICY! I enjoyed these parts because I felt like it didn't take up too much of the book, but was equally balanced with the plot and the adventure and the mystery. Lucy and Gus had to work together and that included working to build trust instead of trying to go it alone and I really liked how they came together and realized they were better as a team than separately, especially Lucy, who was resitant at first because she was so used to doing everything by herself and taking care of everything with no help from anyone.
I just think this was a fun adventure romance that will appeal to so many people!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Coen, and Left on Olive Books for the eARC of this book.
I loved Lucy and Gus together and their unconventional meet cute of sorts. I loved the adventure in this; it was just so fun and I really felt like it was a nonstop moving plot that always had something going on. I thought the letters that contained clues were really cool and so was the treasure hunt.
It was also SPICY! I enjoyed these parts because I felt like it didn't take up too much of the book, but was equally balanced with the plot and the adventure and the mystery. Lucy and Gus had to work together and that included working to build trust instead of trying to go it alone and I really liked how they came together and realized they were better as a team than separately, especially Lucy, who was resitant at first because she was so used to doing everything by herself and taking care of everything with no help from anyone.
I just think this was a fun adventure romance that will appeal to so many people!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Coen, and Left on Olive Books for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy
Cape Heartbreak by Jenny Coen | 4.5/5 stars
Romance, heist and mystery? This combination seems to be popping up more and more lately, and after finishing Her Life in Ruins, I was happy to dive into another book that blends romance with a little more going on.
Lucy and Gus’s story starts with a one-night stand, only for Lucy to discover that her surprise hookup is actually the boat captain she’s hired. Told entirely from Lucy’s POV, the story takes us through plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.
Of course, there’s a third-act conflict (because what would a romance be without one?), but I thought Jenny Coen handled it really well. It felt earned and given the space it needed, rather than being thrown in for the sake of drama or rushed through to get to the happily ever after.
While this isn’t the spiciest romance I’ve read, the open-door scenes were well done and felt like a natural part of the story rather than something shoehorned in just to tick a box.
I read this in a day, which is always a good sign, and I’d happily pick up another book by Jenny Coen. If you enjoy romance with a mystery and heist element, this one is worth adding to your list.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Romance, heist and mystery? This combination seems to be popping up more and more lately, and after finishing Her Life in Ruins, I was happy to dive into another book that blends romance with a little more going on.
Lucy and Gus’s story starts with a one-night stand, only for Lucy to discover that her surprise hookup is actually the boat captain she’s hired. Told entirely from Lucy’s POV, the story takes us through plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.
Of course, there’s a third-act conflict (because what would a romance be without one?), but I thought Jenny Coen handled it really well. It felt earned and given the space it needed, rather than being thrown in for the sake of drama or rushed through to get to the happily ever after.
While this isn’t the spiciest romance I’ve read, the open-door scenes were well done and felt like a natural part of the story rather than something shoehorned in just to tick a box.
I read this in a day, which is always a good sign, and I’d happily pick up another book by Jenny Coen. If you enjoy romance with a mystery and heist element, this one is worth adding to your list.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2026
🌴Forced proximity
⛵️Open door 🌶️
🌴1st person FMC POV
⛵️One bed
🌴Boat/ocean/beach
⛵️HEA
I really enjoyed this book. It really offered something different than a lot of your standard contemporary romances out there. This had a lot of over the top adventurous and high stake hijinxs while still showcasing the budding romance between our main characters and keeping things lighthearted.
Our MMC was giving me Flynn rider (tangled) vibes. The cocky, confident, charming, roguish con man who is full of witty banter. Very cute and sweet. I also liked the growth our FMC experienced as well, moving past her burdens and finding peace at sea surrounded by unknown circumstances.
I take a little issue with the cover though. It’s a cool cover but our FMC is described as brown skinned from Colombia (frequently questioned on her immigration status even though she is American, which Gus the actual immigrant, is an Australian white man) but the cover has a standard white woman. Who approved that! They are the same color on the cover but described so differently in the book.
Overall, very pleased with the adventure and the romance for this quick tropical read
Thank you the ARC provided through NetGalley.
⛵️Open door 🌶️
🌴1st person FMC POV
⛵️One bed
🌴Boat/ocean/beach
⛵️HEA
I really enjoyed this book. It really offered something different than a lot of your standard contemporary romances out there. This had a lot of over the top adventurous and high stake hijinxs while still showcasing the budding romance between our main characters and keeping things lighthearted.
Our MMC was giving me Flynn rider (tangled) vibes. The cocky, confident, charming, roguish con man who is full of witty banter. Very cute and sweet. I also liked the growth our FMC experienced as well, moving past her burdens and finding peace at sea surrounded by unknown circumstances.
I take a little issue with the cover though. It’s a cool cover but our FMC is described as brown skinned from Colombia (frequently questioned on her immigration status even though she is American, which Gus the actual immigrant, is an Australian white man) but the cover has a standard white woman. Who approved that! They are the same color on the cover but described so differently in the book.
Overall, very pleased with the adventure and the romance for this quick tropical read
Thank you the ARC provided through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌊 ARC Review | Cape Heartbreak | Out Nov. 19th 🌊
Oh, where do I even begin with this masterpiece?! 😮💨🤍
Jenny Coen is a TRUE artist, and Cape Heartbreak is proof of that! This action packed, romance infused treasure hunt had me completely hooked from beginning to end. The adventure, the chemistry, the emotions?! I ate up EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND. of it.
Jenny has such a beautiful way of bringing her characters to life. I felt every ounce of emotion Lucy and Gus experienced, and I absolutely adored their dynamic. A black cat FMC and a charming, scoundrel sailor MMC?! SIGN. ME. UP. 🏴☠️
And can we talk about Gus for a second?! Because that man has officially claimed a spot as one of my all-time favorite MMCs. 🥹 Learning his backstory absolutely broke my heart, but watching Lucy grow and, in turn, help Gus realize that he was always worthy and always enough? Oh, be still my heart!
This story felt so refreshingly original, full of adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance that had me swooning. It was everything I didn’t know I needed and SO much more.
I loved, LOVED everything about this book!! Jenny Coen, you have my whole heart with this one. Thank you so so much for letting me apart of the ARC team for this! 🤍🌊
Oh, where do I even begin with this masterpiece?! 😮💨🤍
Jenny Coen is a TRUE artist, and Cape Heartbreak is proof of that! This action packed, romance infused treasure hunt had me completely hooked from beginning to end. The adventure, the chemistry, the emotions?! I ate up EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND. of it.
Jenny has such a beautiful way of bringing her characters to life. I felt every ounce of emotion Lucy and Gus experienced, and I absolutely adored their dynamic. A black cat FMC and a charming, scoundrel sailor MMC?! SIGN. ME. UP. 🏴☠️
And can we talk about Gus for a second?! Because that man has officially claimed a spot as one of my all-time favorite MMCs. 🥹 Learning his backstory absolutely broke my heart, but watching Lucy grow and, in turn, help Gus realize that he was always worthy and always enough? Oh, be still my heart!
This story felt so refreshingly original, full of adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance that had me swooning. It was everything I didn’t know I needed and SO much more.
I loved, LOVED everything about this book!! Jenny Coen, you have my whole heart with this one. Thank you so so much for letting me apart of the ARC team for this! 🤍🌊
Read
October 24, 2026Su enamoramiento de la nada no tiene sentido. Lucy debería estar concentrada en estudiar el mapa, pero está más interesada en Gus. Y más aún porque, cuando se conocieron, se supone que eran desconocidos y solo sería algo de una noche. Sin embargo, al día siguiente, él sale con que sí sabía quién era ella y que trabajaría para ella. ¿Cómo confiar en él después de eso? Y a todo esto se suma que es un criminal. Al final, todo se pone peor porque él la estaba utilizando, pero cómo se arrepintió, ella lo perdonó 🙄. Ojalá Lucy tuviera un poco de amor propio.
El tipo es un mentiroso y traicionero, pero ella lo da todo por él, preocupándose por él y jamás por sí misma. Nunca se detiene a pensar que él no se lo merece y termina tratándolo como si fuera un pobrecito al que hay que proteger. Su personalidad se basaba en hacer feliz a Gus. Por ejemplo, el viaje que hizo para salvar su restaurante, cuando finalmente lo logra su cometido, en lugar de centrarse en su éxito, lo deja de lado para que alguien más se encargue de él mientras se va de viaje durante meses con Gus. Odio cuando moldean a la mujer en torno al hombre, cuando primero la describen de cierta manera y solo hace falta que él aparezca para arruinarla.
October 19, 2026
ARC REVIEW thank you to Jenny Cohen for the copy!
was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team for Cape Heartbreak and what a fun read this was!! I loved the adventure elements in this that perfectly intertwined with the romance. Jenny’s writing style made it such an easy read to get lost into and really brought the world she made to life. She does such a great job with dropping little hints into the story that unfold later, keeping it light and fun with beautiful moments of vulnerability and the truth of how scary it can be to trust someone with your heart after it’s been hurt. Gus and Lucy are such great MMC and FMC that really have you invested in their story and relationship from their first meeting (one of my favourite parts of the book 🤭)! I highly recommend this one!!
The pacing of this story was well timed with all the different beats of adventure, spice, humor and romance! The forced proximity on the sail boat was for sure the icing on the cake for me as it really set up such a perfect place for the story and for Gus and Lucy to slowly let each other in!
was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team for Cape Heartbreak and what a fun read this was!! I loved the adventure elements in this that perfectly intertwined with the romance. Jenny’s writing style made it such an easy read to get lost into and really brought the world she made to life. She does such a great job with dropping little hints into the story that unfold later, keeping it light and fun with beautiful moments of vulnerability and the truth of how scary it can be to trust someone with your heart after it’s been hurt. Gus and Lucy are such great MMC and FMC that really have you invested in their story and relationship from their first meeting (one of my favourite parts of the book 🤭)! I highly recommend this one!!
The pacing of this story was well timed with all the different beats of adventure, spice, humor and romance! The forced proximity on the sail boat was for sure the icing on the cake for me as it really set up such a perfect place for the story and for Gus and Lucy to slowly let each other in!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cape Heartbreak by Jenny Coen gave me major Romancing the Stone vibes, and I was here for every minute of it! The treasure hunt, the danger, the close quarters, and two people trying very hard not to fall for each other made this such an enjoyable escape.
Lucy and Angus (Gus) were a great pair to follow. Neither of them is perfect, and they both come with their own baggage, but I loved watching them see past each other's flaws and find something real between them. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the dialogue felt natural, which made their interactions all the more enjoyable.
This was a quick romance read that swept me right into the adventure. Between the treasure hunt, the trouble chasing them, and the romance unfolding along the way, I was completely entertained. If you love adventure romances with a little danger, witty dialogue, and a romance that sweeps you off your feet, Cape Heartbreak is one to pick up!
Thank you to the author for the advanced reading copy, all thoughts are my own!
Lucy and Angus (Gus) were a great pair to follow. Neither of them is perfect, and they both come with their own baggage, but I loved watching them see past each other's flaws and find something real between them. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the dialogue felt natural, which made their interactions all the more enjoyable.
This was a quick romance read that swept me right into the adventure. Between the treasure hunt, the trouble chasing them, and the romance unfolding along the way, I was completely entertained. If you love adventure romances with a little danger, witty dialogue, and a romance that sweeps you off your feet, Cape Heartbreak is one to pick up!
Thank you to the author for the advanced reading copy, all thoughts are my own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
first of all, thank you so much to netgalley for the arc!
this book to me feels a little bit like uncharted vibe but more romancey and spicy. i love the adventure aspect of the book as much as i love the romance bits. i love that we have the one night stand bits because that explains more on why both of our mc are physically attracted to each other without making it seem like an insta lust kind of situation. i really enjoyed my time reading this book and my oh my, the dirtiness of angus fletcher's mouth? phew, i get you lucy, i get you.
overall, this was a very fun and easy read for anyone who wants some adventure and romance at the same time. i couldn't give this a higher rating because i wished we had more backstory to gus tbh. there were a lot of shady stuff about gus that were mentioned but never really explained in depth that when the twist happen, i almost dont want lucy to forgive him at all. also, the cover is this book is so beautiful hello???? this was such a good debut book and i am excited to read more from the author!!
this book to me feels a little bit like uncharted vibe but more romancey and spicy. i love the adventure aspect of the book as much as i love the romance bits. i love that we have the one night stand bits because that explains more on why both of our mc are physically attracted to each other without making it seem like an insta lust kind of situation. i really enjoyed my time reading this book and my oh my, the dirtiness of angus fletcher's mouth? phew, i get you lucy, i get you.
overall, this was a very fun and easy read for anyone who wants some adventure and romance at the same time. i couldn't give this a higher rating because i wished we had more backstory to gus tbh. there were a lot of shady stuff about gus that were mentioned but never really explained in depth that when the twist happen, i almost dont want lucy to forgive him at all. also, the cover is this book is so beautiful hello???? this was such a good debut book and i am excited to read more from the author!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lucy and Gus are the perfect black cat x golden retriever and loathe to lover characters I’ve read in a long time! My millennial heart saw so many movies intertwined in their story, from Indiana Jones to Pirates of the Caribbean to Mummy. Lucy’s story starts out with so much hurt and trust issues that it makes sense for someone like Gus to come into her life and blow things up, in a good way. Gus showing up for Lucy in the ways that matter broke down her walls faster than ice cream melting on the 4th of July in the Miami heat. And what a freaking adventure Lucy and Gus go on!! I didn’t see any of the twists and the story kept me coming back for more. The book was from Lucy’s POV so when we get one at the end of Gus’ I can’t help but melt on how he sees Lucy and the admiration he has for her not only as a partner but as a friend and how he shows up everyday to show her she is who he wants.
Also, how is Jenny a debut author?! Jenny, your writing is captivating, I can’t wait for more! Thank you for trusting me with an ARC, I’ll be back!!
Also, how is Jenny a debut author?! Jenny, your writing is captivating, I can’t wait for more! Thank you for trusting me with an ARC, I’ll be back!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cape Heartbreak was AMAZING!! I loved the action/adventure portion of this story and the romance was amazing! Luciana has been through so much loss in her life and I could understand her hard feelings towards her dad but I love that she took his letters and decided to follow his notes and map in his boat. I loved how her and Gus first met and their dynamic as they were on their adventure. There were some mysterious things going on and while I had an idea as to what was going on, it was fun to see how it all unraveled! There were so many twists and turns and I loved how it all came together! The adventure they ended up on going to the different islands and at sea made this book impossible to put down and I loved every moment! I also loved seeing how they slowly opened up to each other and put their trust in each other and even when it was tested, they worked past the hurt and found their way back to each other.
I hope to read more Jenny Coen soon!
Thanks to NetGalley, Left on Olive Books, and Jenny Coen for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I hope to read more Jenny Coen soon!
Thanks to NetGalley, Left on Olive Books, and Jenny Coen for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick fun read. It gave me a lot of "Romancing the Stone" vibes, and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. Lucy and Gus were fantastic characters to get to know, and I really couldn't put the book down. It was face paced and spicy, which added perfectly to the plot. I loved having the Caribbean as the backdrop as well. I think my only complaint was I would have liked a bit more focus on the treasure hunting aspect. You really don't get into it until the end of the book. It's sprinkled a bit, but this felt more strictly like a romance novel with the adventure aspect just tacked on at the very end. It was still a great read through, and I don't think it bothered me too much since I still came out of having fun. If you like modern romances, with a dash of piracy, treasure hunting, and spice, you'll like this. Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My ARC Review: Cape HeartBreak
By: Jenny Coen
Pages: 276
If you are looking for a romance-forward adventure/mystery-side quest read, look no further. Jenny Coen’s, Cape Heartbreak, was a delightfully spicy romance between Lucy and Gus! I really enjoyed their playful banter, and the fast paced nature of the book.
We start in Luciana’s (Lucy) declining restaurant, and to make matters worse her father’s untimely death, but he leaves her a mysterious treasure map and a boat. Lead her to hire a Boat Captain, Gus, to help steer her on her adventure.
I love Lucy’s steadfast nature and in contrast to Gus’s playful nature. They had great chemistry.
Tropes:
•Forced Proximity
•Black Cat x Golden Retriever
•Loath to Love
•Tropical Adventure
Thank you for this opportunity Jenny Coen, I appreciate it, I had a fun with this one! I read it in one day! Great Debut Novel,
4 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By: Jenny Coen
Pages: 276
If you are looking for a romance-forward adventure/mystery-side quest read, look no further. Jenny Coen’s, Cape Heartbreak, was a delightfully spicy romance between Lucy and Gus! I really enjoyed their playful banter, and the fast paced nature of the book.
We start in Luciana’s (Lucy) declining restaurant, and to make matters worse her father’s untimely death, but he leaves her a mysterious treasure map and a boat. Lead her to hire a Boat Captain, Gus, to help steer her on her adventure.
I love Lucy’s steadfast nature and in contrast to Gus’s playful nature. They had great chemistry.
Tropes:
•Forced Proximity
•Black Cat x Golden Retriever
•Loath to Love
•Tropical Adventure
Thank you for this opportunity Jenny Coen, I appreciate it, I had a fun with this one! I read it in one day! Great Debut Novel,
4 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy
I was initially drawn in by the stunning cover artwork, but Cape Heartbreak by Jenny Coen delivered so much more than just a pretty face! It’s a captivating blend of mystery, high-stakes adventure, and a genuinely tender romance that kept me hooked from the very first chapter.
Jenny Coen executes the multi-genre balance brilliantly. The mystery builds with incredible momentum, the adventure elements keep the energy soaring, and the romantic chemistry between the leads is absolute perfection—grounded, passionate, and deeply satisfying.
If you're looking for an atmospheric, fun, and thrilling page-turner that delivers on every front, put this at the very top of your reading list. Absolutely loved every minute of it!
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free via Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jenny Coen executes the multi-genre balance brilliantly. The mystery builds with incredible momentum, the adventure elements keep the energy soaring, and the romantic chemistry between the leads is absolute perfection—grounded, passionate, and deeply satisfying.
If you're looking for an atmospheric, fun, and thrilling page-turner that delivers on every front, put this at the very top of your reading list. Absolutely loved every minute of it!
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free via Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!
This was giving peak 1990s/early-2000s adventure rom-com vibes; Fool’s Gold meets Romancing the Stone (a lil’ 80s to match the cover of this book!), with a dash of Pirates of the Caribbean.
I had the best time. This book is bingeable in length and the plot, adventure and pure chaos just keeps you turning the pages!
The chemistry between our two main characters was chemistry-ing and I found myself kicking my legs happily while devouring this book.
This was the perfect rainy day read for me, taking me from Miami to The Bahamas. I could see parts of this playing out in my head just like a movie. What a trip.
Thank you to the author, Left on Olive Books and Netgalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
This was giving peak 1990s/early-2000s adventure rom-com vibes; Fool’s Gold meets Romancing the Stone (a lil’ 80s to match the cover of this book!), with a dash of Pirates of the Caribbean.
I had the best time. This book is bingeable in length and the plot, adventure and pure chaos just keeps you turning the pages!
The chemistry between our two main characters was chemistry-ing and I found myself kicking my legs happily while devouring this book.
This was the perfect rainy day read for me, taking me from Miami to The Bahamas. I could see parts of this playing out in my head just like a movie. What a trip.
Thank you to the author, Left on Olive Books and Netgalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
So I wanna start this review off, by saying that this is one of my favorite book covers of the year. It reminds me of old 80s/90s adventure romcoms, wow also reminding me of old bodice ripper novels. And it’s truly an incredible cover.
Now onto the story itself, the chemistry was crackling enough to start a fire that they might have needed on this journey of theirs.
The adventure of this book will have you on the edge of your seat, and this would definitely be a great vacation book because you could read it in one day. And it goes with those vibes. It’s like National Treaure meets Romancing the Stone.
So I wanna start this review off, by saying that this is one of my favorite book covers of the year. It reminds me of old 80s/90s adventure romcoms, wow also reminding me of old bodice ripper novels. And it’s truly an incredible cover.
Now onto the story itself, the chemistry was crackling enough to start a fire that they might have needed on this journey of theirs.
The adventure of this book will have you on the edge of your seat, and this would definitely be a great vacation book because you could read it in one day. And it goes with those vibes. It’s like National Treaure meets Romancing the Stone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so fun and gave Fools Gold vibes, which is a fave action romcom of mine! So if you also love that movie, I can guarantee you'll love this book 🫶🏼
There really was nonstop action and adventures alongside a healthy dose of longing and swooning. Lucy and Gus were such a fun opposites attract pair! I loved their banter and shenanigans from the beginning!
I also absolutely loved the intros for the chapters, it really kept me wanting more and had me pushing myself to keep reading even when I was so tired 😂 it took me 2 days to read if that tells you anything about how easy this is to devour!
If you love yearning, treasure hunting, sailing, and sass this is the book for you ⛵
Thank you so much to Jenny Coen for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 💖
There really was nonstop action and adventures alongside a healthy dose of longing and swooning. Lucy and Gus were such a fun opposites attract pair! I loved their banter and shenanigans from the beginning!
I also absolutely loved the intros for the chapters, it really kept me wanting more and had me pushing myself to keep reading even when I was so tired 😂 it took me 2 days to read if that tells you anything about how easy this is to devour!
If you love yearning, treasure hunting, sailing, and sass this is the book for you ⛵
Thank you so much to Jenny Coen for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a fast-paced, unputdownable debut that blends mystery, romance, and thrills, Cape Heartbreak by Jenny Coen is a fantastic pick!
This is a quick little read that wastes no time jumping right into the action, hitting the heavy spice within the first few chapters. While super-early spice isn’t always my personal preference, romance readers who love diving straight into the heat will definitely eat this up!
Beyond the romance, the story does a great job of keeping you hooked. The mystery and thrills made it genuinely hard to put down. Plus, I loved the fun side quests along the way and the genuinely laugh-out-loud moments that balanced out the tension.
An impressive and entertaining debut novel! Perfect for a cozy, fast-paced weekend reading binge.
This is a quick little read that wastes no time jumping right into the action, hitting the heavy spice within the first few chapters. While super-early spice isn’t always my personal preference, romance readers who love diving straight into the heat will definitely eat this up!
Beyond the romance, the story does a great job of keeping you hooked. The mystery and thrills made it genuinely hard to put down. Plus, I loved the fun side quests along the way and the genuinely laugh-out-loud moments that balanced out the tension.
An impressive and entertaining debut novel! Perfect for a cozy, fast-paced weekend reading binge.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If this book were turned into a movie, I would eat it up!
This was such a fun read! It had the perfect mix of romance, adventure, banter, and just the right amount of action. The forced proximity on a boat was such a fun setup, and I loved watching these two slowly fall for each other while working through their own trust issues.
And THAT betrayal?! I was so caught up in the romance that I didn't see it coming at all! It completely caught me off guard and had me on the edge of my seat!
Overall, such an entertaining read with all the fun rom-com vibes! 💕
A huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy!
This was such a fun read! It had the perfect mix of romance, adventure, banter, and just the right amount of action. The forced proximity on a boat was such a fun setup, and I loved watching these two slowly fall for each other while working through their own trust issues.
And THAT betrayal?! I was so caught up in the romance that I didn't see it coming at all! It completely caught me off guard and had me on the edge of my seat!
Overall, such an entertaining read with all the fun rom-com vibes! 💕
A huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review ✨
Judge this book by it's cover. It is just as much fun as it looks. Inspired by action adventure rom coms of the 80's and 90's, Cape Heartbreak delivers on every level.
✅ Fun. A treasure map sends a couple of sexy people on an adventure on the high seas. Enough said.
✅ Hot. Lucy & Gus's spicy connection is immediate but their love story evolves, becoming more interesting and delicious over time.
✅ Thrilling. It felt like riding the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland - I didn't always know where we were going, but I was always 💯 in.
Hey, Hollywood - Jenny Coen just wrote the next summer blockbuster. Get on it. 🎬
Judge this book by it's cover. It is just as much fun as it looks. Inspired by action adventure rom coms of the 80's and 90's, Cape Heartbreak delivers on every level.
✅ Fun. A treasure map sends a couple of sexy people on an adventure on the high seas. Enough said.
✅ Hot. Lucy & Gus's spicy connection is immediate but their love story evolves, becoming more interesting and delicious over time.
✅ Thrilling. It felt like riding the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland - I didn't always know where we were going, but I was always 💯 in.
Hey, Hollywood - Jenny Coen just wrote the next summer blockbuster. Get on it. 🎬
October 19, 2026
Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC!
I thought this was a good debut! I could definitely see this being turned into a movie, and I think it would make such a fun vacation or beach read!
I liked that this was a little different from your typical romance. The whole treasure hunt storyline, the boat, and all the trouble Lucy and Gus found themselves in made for a fun adventure. There was a lot going on, and I liked how the romance was mixed in with all the action and chaos. I really think this story would translate well to the big screen!
I also enjoyed Lucy and Gus together. Their history definitely made things interesting, especially with them being stuck together while trying to find the treasure. There were some fun moments between them, and I liked seeing their relationship develop along the way. My biggest issue was the ending. I was left with some unanswered questions, and I wish a few things had been explained a little more before the story wrapped up. There were parts I wanted more from, but I still had a good time reading it!
I buddy read this one with some friends, and we all ended up having pretty similar feelings about it. I think this would be such a fun book to take on vacation or read at the beach, and I’m curious to see what this author comes out with next!
I thought this was a good debut! I could definitely see this being turned into a movie, and I think it would make such a fun vacation or beach read!
I liked that this was a little different from your typical romance. The whole treasure hunt storyline, the boat, and all the trouble Lucy and Gus found themselves in made for a fun adventure. There was a lot going on, and I liked how the romance was mixed in with all the action and chaos. I really think this story would translate well to the big screen!
I also enjoyed Lucy and Gus together. Their history definitely made things interesting, especially with them being stuck together while trying to find the treasure. There were some fun moments between them, and I liked seeing their relationship develop along the way. My biggest issue was the ending. I was left with some unanswered questions, and I wish a few things had been explained a little more before the story wrapped up. There were parts I wanted more from, but I still had a good time reading it!
I buddy read this one with some friends, and we all ended up having pretty similar feelings about it. I think this would be such a fun book to take on vacation or read at the beach, and I’m curious to see what this author comes out with next!
October 16, 2026
I received an ARC from Jenny Coen.
I loved this book so much!! I randomly applied for an ARC based on the cover alone and I’m so glad I did. I adored Gus & the way he loved Lucy. From the beginning he was so smitten with her and I loved it. It was fast-paced and action packed while also having many beautiful romantic moments. And the spicy scenes delivered!! I would definitely pick up another book from Jenny.
I loved this book so much!! I randomly applied for an ARC based on the cover alone and I’m so glad I did. I adored Gus & the way he loved Lucy. From the beginning he was so smitten with her and I loved it. It was fast-paced and action packed while also having many beautiful romantic moments. And the spicy scenes delivered!! I would definitely pick up another book from Jenny.
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