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Love in Ruins: A swoony and spicy brother's-best-friend romance set in Italy
First love never dies.
Diana Russo has spent years convincing herself she’s over Levi Jasinski. Her brother’s best friend was her first crush — a golden-haired aviator with a brilliant mind, a killer smile, and a talent for breaking her heart. When Levi disappeared after her brother’s tragic accident, Diana thought she’d lost him forever.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when Levi unexpectedly walks back into her life and she realizes she’s definitely not over him. Even she’s invented a fiancé to get into an exclusive weekend party at an Italian villa, and the imaginary man she created just happens to resemble the fighter pilot standing right in front of her.
Levi agrees to play along because he’d sacrifice anything for Diana, even his own resolve to keep her safe from the one person who could hurt her the himself.
But as old memories resurface and secrets finally come to light, the lines between pretending and reality blur. And from the ruins of the past, Diana and Levi may finally discover that the love they lost was the one thing worth finding again.
Love in Ruins is the third stand-alone novel in the Taste of Love series. Perfect for fans of emotional, steamy romance set abroad.
Diana Russo has spent years convincing herself she’s over Levi Jasinski. Her brother’s best friend was her first crush — a golden-haired aviator with a brilliant mind, a killer smile, and a talent for breaking her heart. When Levi disappeared after her brother’s tragic accident, Diana thought she’d lost him forever.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when Levi unexpectedly walks back into her life and she realizes she’s definitely not over him. Even she’s invented a fiancé to get into an exclusive weekend party at an Italian villa, and the imaginary man she created just happens to resemble the fighter pilot standing right in front of her.
Levi agrees to play along because he’d sacrifice anything for Diana, even his own resolve to keep her safe from the one person who could hurt her the himself.
But as old memories resurface and secrets finally come to light, the lines between pretending and reality blur. And from the ruins of the past, Diana and Levi may finally discover that the love they lost was the one thing worth finding again.
Love in Ruins is the third stand-alone novel in the Taste of Love series. Perfect for fans of emotional, steamy romance set abroad.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 21, 2026
3.25🌟 | 3🌶️
Fake dating your childhood crush in Italy sounds like a pretty good idea until all those old feelings come rushing back!
Diana and Levi had lovely chemistry, and their shared history made their second chance more meaningful. I especially enjoyed the banter, the mutual pining, and the archaeology woven into the story. The Italian setting was a bonus, too!
Diana was a great FMC, and watching her stand up for herself at work was so satisfying. Levi took longer to win me over, but his grief and guilt added depth to his character. I appreciated seeing him confront his fears and seek therapy rather than keep running from them. Their growth felt important, although I did wish they’d communicated a little better at times instead of letting their insecurities get in the way.
It took me a while to get into the story, and even after I was invested, some parts felt slower than they needed to be. Still, the fake dating, childhood crush, and brother’s-best-friend dynamics kept me entertained, and I appreciated that their relationship focused on healing and choosing each other without a drawn-out third-act breakup.
I liked the direction their relationship took, even if getting there felt a little longer than necessary.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Fake dating your childhood crush in Italy sounds like a pretty good idea until all those old feelings come rushing back!
Diana and Levi had lovely chemistry, and their shared history made their second chance more meaningful. I especially enjoyed the banter, the mutual pining, and the archaeology woven into the story. The Italian setting was a bonus, too!
Diana was a great FMC, and watching her stand up for herself at work was so satisfying. Levi took longer to win me over, but his grief and guilt added depth to his character. I appreciated seeing him confront his fears and seek therapy rather than keep running from them. Their growth felt important, although I did wish they’d communicated a little better at times instead of letting their insecurities get in the way.
It took me a while to get into the story, and even after I was invested, some parts felt slower than they needed to be. Still, the fake dating, childhood crush, and brother’s-best-friend dynamics kept me entertained, and I appreciated that their relationship focused on healing and choosing each other without a drawn-out third-act breakup.
I liked the direction their relationship took, even if getting there felt a little longer than necessary.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
October 22, 2026
First love never dies.
Diana Russo has spent years convincing herself she’s over Levi Jasinski. Her brother’s best friend was her first crush — a golden-haired aviator with a brilliant mind, a killer smile, and a talent for breaking her heart. When Levi disappeared after her brother’s tragic accident, Diana thought she’d lost him forever.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when Levi unexpectedly walks back into her life and she realizes she’s definitely not over him. Even she’s invented a fiancé to get into an exclusive weekend party at an Italian villa, and the imaginary man she created just happens to resemble the fighter pilot standing right in front of her.
Levi agrees to play along because he’d sacrifice anything for Diana, even his own resolve to keep her safe from the one person who could hurt her the himself.
But as old memories resurface and secrets finally come to light, the lines between pretending and reality blur. And from the ruins of the past, Diana and Levi may finally discover that the love they lost was the one thing worth finding again.
Love in Ruins is the third stand-alone novel in the Taste of Love series. Perfect for fans of emotional, steamy romance set abroad.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Some content and scenes may not suit all readers and could be triggering for others. Remember, your mental health comes first. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Triggers include but are not limited to: Grief/loss of Family Member, Brief Mention of Suicide, Anxiety & Mental Health, Alcohol Consumption, Sexual Harassment.
Tropes: First Crush, Forbidden Romance, Unrequited Love, He Falls Hard/Secretly in Love, Reunited After Years Apart, It's Always Been You, He Pushes Her Away to Protect Her, Emotional Baggage, Shared Tragedy, Secrets and Revelations, Pretend Relationship Turns Real, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Grief and Healing, Love Conquers Fear, Destination Romance/Italian Setting, STEM/Academic FMC, Past Meets Present, Brother’s-Best-Friend, Second Chance, Fake Engagement, First Love, Mutual Pining, Forced Proximity, Protective MMC, It's Always Been You, Military MMC.
Love in Ruins, A Swoon & Spicy Brother’s-Best-Friend Romance Set in Italy by Maggie Deryn.
I really like archaeology as well as ancient Greece and Italy, which is why I became interested in this book. I thought it was a very enjoyable account of love, second chances, and what it was like to grow up with Diana Jones Russo. Diana was always a tomboy who often followed her older brother, Josh, and his friend, Levi Jasinski.
I found Levi kind and well-mannered, and Diana admired him greatly. As Diana entered her teenage years, she began building her own dig sites because she had always wanted to become an archaeologist and make important discoveries. Diana found a meteorite that had broken into three pieces, and at one point, both Josh and Levi each took a part of the “star” as a measure of good luck.
Levi thinks that he is unlucky because both of his parents died when he was a child. He spends a lot of time with Josh and Diana's family. Unfortunately, when Diana was 16 years old, Levi fell in love with Josh and Diana's cousin, Ashleigh, which broke Diana's heart.
When Josh dies as a result of a disastrous training accident, Levi leaves since he is unable to cope with the memory of Diana and her family.
Apart from the events already mentioned, Diana came across Levi again more than ten years after their first meeting, while on a business trip to Italy to conduct archaeological research. Levi was a jet pilot, and his work brought him close to Diana's position.
Diana recalled the damage Levi had done to her heart years earlier; Levi was surprised to see her again. Since Diana was having difficulties with her employer, she was looking for a replacement for her former mentor and financial help to keep working. Because Levi was there, Diana asked him to pretend to be her fake fiancé so that she could get an invitation to attend an event with her prospective new mentor.
So long as Levi blames himself for Josh's death, he will always stay lost and solitary. Even though Levi tells himself he cannot go on a date with Diana because she is Josh's sister, he agrees to help her as a way to make amends. It isn't long before Levi and Diana realise that chemistry is developing as their 'fake' relationship moves forward. As Diana lowers the barriers around her heart, Levi starts to regain his vitality.
Diana's boss's bias makes the story interesting. Will Diana and Levi finally end up happy, given that they share so many memories and emotions? I really enjoyed the ending to this story!
Diana Russo has spent years convincing herself she’s over Levi Jasinski. Her brother’s best friend was her first crush — a golden-haired aviator with a brilliant mind, a killer smile, and a talent for breaking her heart. When Levi disappeared after her brother’s tragic accident, Diana thought she’d lost him forever.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when Levi unexpectedly walks back into her life and she realizes she’s definitely not over him. Even she’s invented a fiancé to get into an exclusive weekend party at an Italian villa, and the imaginary man she created just happens to resemble the fighter pilot standing right in front of her.
Levi agrees to play along because he’d sacrifice anything for Diana, even his own resolve to keep her safe from the one person who could hurt her the himself.
But as old memories resurface and secrets finally come to light, the lines between pretending and reality blur. And from the ruins of the past, Diana and Levi may finally discover that the love they lost was the one thing worth finding again.
Love in Ruins is the third stand-alone novel in the Taste of Love series. Perfect for fans of emotional, steamy romance set abroad.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Some content and scenes may not suit all readers and could be triggering for others. Remember, your mental health comes first. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Triggers include but are not limited to: Grief/loss of Family Member, Brief Mention of Suicide, Anxiety & Mental Health, Alcohol Consumption, Sexual Harassment.
Tropes: First Crush, Forbidden Romance, Unrequited Love, He Falls Hard/Secretly in Love, Reunited After Years Apart, It's Always Been You, He Pushes Her Away to Protect Her, Emotional Baggage, Shared Tragedy, Secrets and Revelations, Pretend Relationship Turns Real, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Grief and Healing, Love Conquers Fear, Destination Romance/Italian Setting, STEM/Academic FMC, Past Meets Present, Brother’s-Best-Friend, Second Chance, Fake Engagement, First Love, Mutual Pining, Forced Proximity, Protective MMC, It's Always Been You, Military MMC.
Love in Ruins, A Swoon & Spicy Brother’s-Best-Friend Romance Set in Italy by Maggie Deryn.
I really like archaeology as well as ancient Greece and Italy, which is why I became interested in this book. I thought it was a very enjoyable account of love, second chances, and what it was like to grow up with Diana Jones Russo. Diana was always a tomboy who often followed her older brother, Josh, and his friend, Levi Jasinski.
I found Levi kind and well-mannered, and Diana admired him greatly. As Diana entered her teenage years, she began building her own dig sites because she had always wanted to become an archaeologist and make important discoveries. Diana found a meteorite that had broken into three pieces, and at one point, both Josh and Levi each took a part of the “star” as a measure of good luck.
Levi thinks that he is unlucky because both of his parents died when he was a child. He spends a lot of time with Josh and Diana's family. Unfortunately, when Diana was 16 years old, Levi fell in love with Josh and Diana's cousin, Ashleigh, which broke Diana's heart.
When Josh dies as a result of a disastrous training accident, Levi leaves since he is unable to cope with the memory of Diana and her family.
Apart from the events already mentioned, Diana came across Levi again more than ten years after their first meeting, while on a business trip to Italy to conduct archaeological research. Levi was a jet pilot, and his work brought him close to Diana's position.
Diana recalled the damage Levi had done to her heart years earlier; Levi was surprised to see her again. Since Diana was having difficulties with her employer, she was looking for a replacement for her former mentor and financial help to keep working. Because Levi was there, Diana asked him to pretend to be her fake fiancé so that she could get an invitation to attend an event with her prospective new mentor.
So long as Levi blames himself for Josh's death, he will always stay lost and solitary. Even though Levi tells himself he cannot go on a date with Diana because she is Josh's sister, he agrees to help her as a way to make amends. It isn't long before Levi and Diana realise that chemistry is developing as their 'fake' relationship moves forward. As Diana lowers the barriers around her heart, Levi starts to regain his vitality.
Diana's boss's bias makes the story interesting. Will Diana and Levi finally end up happy, given that they share so many memories and emotions? I really enjoyed the ending to this story!
Did Not Finish
October 21, 2026DNF at 45%
When I saw that this series was getting a new couple and that their story would be set in Italy, I didn't hesitate to request the ARC and dive in! I was so invested in Callie and Nikos's story, and Levi had already piqued my interest when he appeared in the previous book, so I was really excited to get to know these characters better. Unfortunately, and with some disappointment, this story just didn't work for me the way I'd hoped. I'm not sure whether it was the tone, which felt a little too goofy and chaotic at times, the fact that the characters didn't grab me as much as I expected, or that I just wasn't in the right mood for this story.
Levi, to my surprise, was the character I struggled with the most. His constant moping about his circumstances and his insistence that he's bad luck started to get on my nerves, especially when he was still so eager to tease Diana. He was the one who chose to cut ties with her, yet some of their interactions made them feel more like bickering teenagers than two people with so much history. There's nothing inherently wrong with that dynamic, but I felt like they hadn't really grown as people and were trying to pick up where they left off rather than reconnecting as the adults they'd become. I also struggled to understand his shift from seeing Diana as his little sister to developing romantic feelings for her. I know more develops later on, but I wasn't convinced by what I read. On the other hand, I liked Diana (FMC), and her work on the archaeological dig definitely caught my interest. However, I wish she'd given Levi a harder time, considering how things ended between them after her brother's death. I wanted to see more of that hurt and resentment explored between them. Instead, Diana came across as a girl who was still in love with someone she'd once hoped would be by her side when she grew up.
The premise had so much potential, from the Italian setting to their respective careers and complicated history. There were definitely some cute and funny moments, and I can see how the author's writing style might appeal to other readers. However, the way the story was executed made it difficult for me to feel invested or curious enough to keep going. It's a shame because I genuinely wanted to love this one, especially after how much I enjoyed the previous couple. While I know the story might have gone in an interesting direction after I stopped reading, I just wasn't invested enough to find out.
This is a sad DNF for me because I was genuinely looking forward to getting to know these characters. I'm still not sure if I simply wasn't in the right mood for this story or if the writing style just didn't work for me, but unfortunately, that's how it went this time. I hope to pick it up again in the future and give it a second chance, because I really feel like this story could have offered me something.
Thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the ARC. I'm sad this one didn't work for me, but I hope to give it another chance in the future.
When I saw that this series was getting a new couple and that their story would be set in Italy, I didn't hesitate to request the ARC and dive in! I was so invested in Callie and Nikos's story, and Levi had already piqued my interest when he appeared in the previous book, so I was really excited to get to know these characters better. Unfortunately, and with some disappointment, this story just didn't work for me the way I'd hoped. I'm not sure whether it was the tone, which felt a little too goofy and chaotic at times, the fact that the characters didn't grab me as much as I expected, or that I just wasn't in the right mood for this story.
Levi, to my surprise, was the character I struggled with the most. His constant moping about his circumstances and his insistence that he's bad luck started to get on my nerves, especially when he was still so eager to tease Diana. He was the one who chose to cut ties with her, yet some of their interactions made them feel more like bickering teenagers than two people with so much history. There's nothing inherently wrong with that dynamic, but I felt like they hadn't really grown as people and were trying to pick up where they left off rather than reconnecting as the adults they'd become. I also struggled to understand his shift from seeing Diana as his little sister to developing romantic feelings for her. I know more develops later on, but I wasn't convinced by what I read. On the other hand, I liked Diana (FMC), and her work on the archaeological dig definitely caught my interest. However, I wish she'd given Levi a harder time, considering how things ended between them after her brother's death. I wanted to see more of that hurt and resentment explored between them. Instead, Diana came across as a girl who was still in love with someone she'd once hoped would be by her side when she grew up.
The premise had so much potential, from the Italian setting to their respective careers and complicated history. There were definitely some cute and funny moments, and I can see how the author's writing style might appeal to other readers. However, the way the story was executed made it difficult for me to feel invested or curious enough to keep going. It's a shame because I genuinely wanted to love this one, especially after how much I enjoyed the previous couple. While I know the story might have gone in an interesting direction after I stopped reading, I just wasn't invested enough to find out.
This is a sad DNF for me because I was genuinely looking forward to getting to know these characters. I'm still not sure if I simply wasn't in the right mood for this story or if the writing style just didn't work for me, but unfortunately, that's how it went this time. I hope to pick it up again in the future and give it a second chance, because I really feel like this story could have offered me something.
Thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the ARC. I'm sad this one didn't work for me, but I hope to give it another chance in the future.
October 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This was such a cute and enjoyable read. I struggled a little to get into the story at the beginning, but once I reached the 20% mark, I was completely hooked and ended up finishing it in just 24 hours.
Diana was such a great FMC. She’s strong, passionate about her work, and determined to prove herself, even when she has to deal with men who constantly belittle her and underestimate what she can do. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book and finally find the confidence to make herself seen and heard. Watching her stand her ground and fight for what she wants was one of my favorite parts.
And Levi… I really liked him. He has a bit of a communication problem, though. He genuinely believes he’s cursed, and that fear of losing the people he loves keeps him from letting anyone get too close. I understood where he was coming from, but I also loved seeing him slowly open up and learn to deal with his fears. The fact that he finally confides in Diana and goes to therapy made me appreciate his character even more. I’ll always love seeing mental health represented in a thoughtful and healthy way in romance books.
Diana and Levi have known each other their whole lives, but after going their separate ways, they find themselves in the same place again years later. I loved seeing them reconnect and work through their struggles together. Their relationship felt mature and realistic, and I really appreciated how they communicated and found ways to make things work instead of letting misunderstandings ruin everything.
It’s refreshing to read about a couple who aren’t perfect and have their own issues to work through, but who are still willing to put in the effort and choose each other. I loved seeing them grow both individually and as a couple.
Overall, this was such a sweet and comforting read. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. A lovely romance with great character development, healthy communication, and a couple worth rooting for.
This was such a cute and enjoyable read. I struggled a little to get into the story at the beginning, but once I reached the 20% mark, I was completely hooked and ended up finishing it in just 24 hours.
Diana was such a great FMC. She’s strong, passionate about her work, and determined to prove herself, even when she has to deal with men who constantly belittle her and underestimate what she can do. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book and finally find the confidence to make herself seen and heard. Watching her stand her ground and fight for what she wants was one of my favorite parts.
And Levi… I really liked him. He has a bit of a communication problem, though. He genuinely believes he’s cursed, and that fear of losing the people he loves keeps him from letting anyone get too close. I understood where he was coming from, but I also loved seeing him slowly open up and learn to deal with his fears. The fact that he finally confides in Diana and goes to therapy made me appreciate his character even more. I’ll always love seeing mental health represented in a thoughtful and healthy way in romance books.
Diana and Levi have known each other their whole lives, but after going their separate ways, they find themselves in the same place again years later. I loved seeing them reconnect and work through their struggles together. Their relationship felt mature and realistic, and I really appreciated how they communicated and found ways to make things work instead of letting misunderstandings ruin everything.
It’s refreshing to read about a couple who aren’t perfect and have their own issues to work through, but who are still willing to put in the effort and choose each other. I loved seeing them grow both individually and as a couple.
Overall, this was such a sweet and comforting read. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. A lovely romance with great character development, healthy communication, and a couple worth rooting for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love In Ruins📜
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Maggie Deryn for trusting me with this ARC!🎥
Diana Russo is over Levi Jasinski,until he walks into her life again & everything around him becomes a blur.
Now,as a working lady is an archaeological dig in Italy and a (fake) fiancee,she has secured a place in a exclusive weekend party.The only problem?That imaginary man is an exact copy for Levi,& he is ready to play his part in the play.
I love when European baddies write about Europe.The vibes is this story reached,literally,SKY.I especially loved the landscapes,the food was absolutely DELISH! & MY BABES WERE BORN,in order to fall in love under the Italian stars.The wiring was truly good,with the narration being vivid,the characters so alive and generally everyone was so loud in this book!Yes,let's say everything about this story was made in the Mediterranean way.
The romance was a good,steamy second chance,which lately I absolutely adore! Those two,also,had a strong past behind them,that was always there to strengthen each feeling that they both shared,and worked as constant reminded of what these two would be able to live,if they give themselves the opportunity to do so!
Into the main couple.Levi was a man who carried a lot of stuff in his heart for a really long time,and side by side with his grief about a person that was one of the few people he was able to call family,found himself treating his very own life lie it was unworthy.More,he did some very specific actions,which in the first read had me honestly be 'what is going on with this man? '& me leaning on the negative side for him,but on the very next thought I was like,wait this is grief,this is what grief makes you do.You do not care about the next day,you chance positions with the person you lost,comparing your life with the ones they had before they lost it,and specifically for Levi,you think that this is your own fault,that YOU should be dead.& then I just wanted to give him a big hug.🫂
Diana,on the other side,was a woman who always needed to prove herself to others,and that stole so many moments from her,and her social/love life.However,in the end ,as Levi did,found what she really needed and got a big self confidence boost in her life.
Overall,it was a really nice story,about finding yourself while at the same time giving a much needed second chance to the person that you should most to🫠
Out On Oct,14th🪷
3⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Maggie Deryn for trusting me with this ARC!🎥
Diana Russo is over Levi Jasinski,until he walks into her life again & everything around him becomes a blur.
Now,as a working lady is an archaeological dig in Italy and a (fake) fiancee,she has secured a place in a exclusive weekend party.The only problem?That imaginary man is an exact copy for Levi,& he is ready to play his part in the play.
I love when European baddies write about Europe.The vibes is this story reached,literally,SKY.I especially loved the landscapes,the food was absolutely DELISH! & MY BABES WERE BORN,in order to fall in love under the Italian stars.The wiring was truly good,with the narration being vivid,the characters so alive and generally everyone was so loud in this book!Yes,let's say everything about this story was made in the Mediterranean way.
The romance was a good,steamy second chance,which lately I absolutely adore! Those two,also,had a strong past behind them,that was always there to strengthen each feeling that they both shared,and worked as constant reminded of what these two would be able to live,if they give themselves the opportunity to do so!
Into the main couple.Levi was a man who carried a lot of stuff in his heart for a really long time,and side by side with his grief about a person that was one of the few people he was able to call family,found himself treating his very own life lie it was unworthy.More,he did some very specific actions,which in the first read had me honestly be 'what is going on with this man? '& me leaning on the negative side for him,but on the very next thought I was like,wait this is grief,this is what grief makes you do.You do not care about the next day,you chance positions with the person you lost,comparing your life with the ones they had before they lost it,and specifically for Levi,you think that this is your own fault,that YOU should be dead.& then I just wanted to give him a big hug.🫂
Diana,on the other side,was a woman who always needed to prove herself to others,and that stole so many moments from her,and her social/love life.However,in the end ,as Levi did,found what she really needed and got a big self confidence boost in her life.
Overall,it was a really nice story,about finding yourself while at the same time giving a much needed second chance to the person that you should most to🫠
Out On Oct,14th🪷
3⭐
October 15, 2026
📚 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 📚
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Love in Ruins by Maggie Deryn was such a lovely surprise! I went into this book expecting a sweet second-chance romance, but what stayed with me most was the emotional depth beneath the love story.
Diana and Levi are both carrying wounds that have shaped the people they’ve become. I especially appreciated how their grief affects them differently and how it influences their ability to let others in. Levi’s guilt and belief that he somehow brings misfortune to the people he loves made his character particularly heartbreaking. Seeing him slowly confront those feelings reminded me that sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself.
Diana’s journey was just as meaningful. She’s passionate about her work, but constantly having to prove her worth takes a toll on her confidence. I loved that her growth wasn’t simply about finding love, but also about learning to trust herself and stand up for what she deserves. Neither character is perfect, and I appreciated how their personal struggles gave their relationship more emotional weight.
Their shared history adds another layer to their connection, making their second chance feel rooted in more than just chemistry and attraction. I also enjoyed how they gradually found their way back to each other while learning to face the things that had kept them apart.
One of my favorite surprises, though, was the archaeology! I loved seeing it woven into the story, adding something fresh to the romance and making the setting even more captivating. It genuinely sparked my interest in reading more books featuring archaeology, which is always a wonderful thing to take away from a story.
While the pacing didn’t always work perfectly for me, the emotional moments and character development made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. A heartfelt romance about grief, healing, self-worth, and finding your way back to the people who matter.
Thank you to @lovenotes.pr for sending me an ARC copy!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Love in Ruins by Maggie Deryn was such a lovely surprise! I went into this book expecting a sweet second-chance romance, but what stayed with me most was the emotional depth beneath the love story.
Diana and Levi are both carrying wounds that have shaped the people they’ve become. I especially appreciated how their grief affects them differently and how it influences their ability to let others in. Levi’s guilt and belief that he somehow brings misfortune to the people he loves made his character particularly heartbreaking. Seeing him slowly confront those feelings reminded me that sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself.
Diana’s journey was just as meaningful. She’s passionate about her work, but constantly having to prove her worth takes a toll on her confidence. I loved that her growth wasn’t simply about finding love, but also about learning to trust herself and stand up for what she deserves. Neither character is perfect, and I appreciated how their personal struggles gave their relationship more emotional weight.
Their shared history adds another layer to their connection, making their second chance feel rooted in more than just chemistry and attraction. I also enjoyed how they gradually found their way back to each other while learning to face the things that had kept them apart.
One of my favorite surprises, though, was the archaeology! I loved seeing it woven into the story, adding something fresh to the romance and making the setting even more captivating. It genuinely sparked my interest in reading more books featuring archaeology, which is always a wonderful thing to take away from a story.
While the pacing didn’t always work perfectly for me, the emotional moments and character development made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. A heartfelt romance about grief, healing, self-worth, and finding your way back to the people who matter.
Thank you to @lovenotes.pr for sending me an ARC copy!
October 22, 2026
🇮🇹 Digging Up the Past and Falling for the One Man She Never Forgot ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
An archaeologist, a handsome fighter pilot, a fake fiancé, and a second chance at first love, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy? Oh, this sounded like such a fun combination! 🇮🇹❤️
Love in Ruins by Maggie Deryn was a sweet, emotional romance filled with childhood memories, unresolved feelings, and two people learning that sometimes the hardest part of moving forward is finally facing the past.
And Levi Jasinski? Good grief, this man certainly knows how to make things complicated! 😂
Diana Russo has spent years trying to convince herself that she's over her childhood crush, Levi Jasinski. He was her older brother Josh's best friend, the boy she grew up following around, and the one person who always seemed to have a special place in her heart.
But after Josh's tragic death, Levi disappeared from her life, leaving Diana with more heartbreak than she knew what to do with.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is in Italy working on an archaeological dig, determined to build the career she's always dreamed of.
And who should unexpectedly walk back into her life?
Levi, of course!
Because apparently the universe decided Diana needed a little more excitement! 😂
I really liked Diana. She's intelligent, hardworking, passionate about archaeology, and determined to prove that she deserves to be taken seriously in her field.
But she's also dealing with people who underestimate her abilities, and I especially enjoyed watching her begin to stand up for herself.
Seeing her find the confidence to speak up, recognize her own worth, and fight for the opportunities she deserves was one of my favorite parts of her story.
And I loved that archaeology wasn't simply mentioned as her profession. It was woven into the storyline, giving us a glimpse into the work Diana loves so much.
Honestly, it made me want to read more romances featuring archaeologists!
Now, let's talk about Levi. ✈️❤️
Levi is a fighter pilot with a complicated past and a whole lot of emotional baggage.
He lost his parents when he was young, and after Josh's death, he's spent years carrying guilt and convincing himself that something terrible happens to the people he loves.
My heart hurt for him.
But I also wanted to give him a little shake every now and then!
Levi, my goodness, you cannot keep running away from your feelings and expect everything to work itself out! 😂
What I appreciated about his character was that we eventually got to see him confront those fears instead of continuing to hide from them.
His decision to seek therapy and begin working through his grief was such an important part of his growth.
I love when a romance acknowledges that love can be a wonderful source of support, but healing also takes personal effort.
And while Levi took a little longer to win me over, I appreciated seeing him recognize that he couldn't keep allowing his past to control his future.
Of course, their reunion becomes even more interesting when Diana finds herself needing a fake fiancé to attend an exclusive event at an Italian villa.
There's just one little problem.
She's already invented one.
And the imaginary man happens to look an awful lot like Levi!
Oh, the timing! 😂💍
I really enjoyed the fake-dating aspect of their story, especially because these two already had so much history between them.
They weren't strangers pretending to be in love.
They were two people who had known each other since childhood, shared so many important memories, and never completely moved on from what they'd lost.
The banter, the chemistry, and all those feelings neither wanted to admit were still there made their relationship entertaining to follow.
And I absolutely loved the little details from their childhood!
Levi calling Diana Indy because of her love for archaeology was adorable. And the fact that he remembered things from the archaeology shows she made him watch when they were younger?
Oh, my heart! 🥹❤️
I also loved the memory of Diana discovering a meteorite and sharing pieces of that little star with Josh and Levi.
Those personal touches made their connection feel so much more meaningful.
But beneath the romance, there's also a story about grief and learning how to move forward.
Diana and Levi both lost Josh, but they handled that loss in very different ways. Levi's guilt kept him from allowing himself to get close to the people he cared about, while Diana had to learn how to protect her heart without closing herself off completely.
I appreciated watching them begin to understand each other again, even if there were moments when I wished they'd just sit down and communicate a little sooner!
Sometimes these two made things harder on themselves than necessary. 😂
And I especially liked that their journey focused on personal growth and choosing each other rather than relying on a dramatic third-act breakup.
The Italian setting was another lovely part of the story. Between Diana's archaeological work, the beautiful surroundings, and the fake engagement at the villa, there was plenty to enjoy beyond the romance.
I will say that the pacing was a little slower than I would have preferred in certain places, and it took me some time to become fully invested. But once Diana and Levi's story began coming together, I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
Four stars from me! Love in Ruins was a heartfelt second-chance romance about childhood love, grief, forgiveness, finding your confidence, and learning that sometimes the person you've been searching for has been part of your story all along.
Diana and Levi weren't perfect, and their journey wasn't always easy, but I appreciated the way they grew both individually and together.
And really, an archaeologist falling back in love while uncovering the past in Italy?
That's a pretty fitting love story if you ask me! 🇮🇹🏺❤️
Thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
An archaeologist, a handsome fighter pilot, a fake fiancé, and a second chance at first love, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy? Oh, this sounded like such a fun combination! 🇮🇹❤️
Love in Ruins by Maggie Deryn was a sweet, emotional romance filled with childhood memories, unresolved feelings, and two people learning that sometimes the hardest part of moving forward is finally facing the past.
And Levi Jasinski? Good grief, this man certainly knows how to make things complicated! 😂
Diana Russo has spent years trying to convince herself that she's over her childhood crush, Levi Jasinski. He was her older brother Josh's best friend, the boy she grew up following around, and the one person who always seemed to have a special place in her heart.
But after Josh's tragic death, Levi disappeared from her life, leaving Diana with more heartbreak than she knew what to do with.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is in Italy working on an archaeological dig, determined to build the career she's always dreamed of.
And who should unexpectedly walk back into her life?
Levi, of course!
Because apparently the universe decided Diana needed a little more excitement! 😂
I really liked Diana. She's intelligent, hardworking, passionate about archaeology, and determined to prove that she deserves to be taken seriously in her field.
But she's also dealing with people who underestimate her abilities, and I especially enjoyed watching her begin to stand up for herself.
Seeing her find the confidence to speak up, recognize her own worth, and fight for the opportunities she deserves was one of my favorite parts of her story.
And I loved that archaeology wasn't simply mentioned as her profession. It was woven into the storyline, giving us a glimpse into the work Diana loves so much.
Honestly, it made me want to read more romances featuring archaeologists!
Now, let's talk about Levi. ✈️❤️
Levi is a fighter pilot with a complicated past and a whole lot of emotional baggage.
He lost his parents when he was young, and after Josh's death, he's spent years carrying guilt and convincing himself that something terrible happens to the people he loves.
My heart hurt for him.
But I also wanted to give him a little shake every now and then!
Levi, my goodness, you cannot keep running away from your feelings and expect everything to work itself out! 😂
What I appreciated about his character was that we eventually got to see him confront those fears instead of continuing to hide from them.
His decision to seek therapy and begin working through his grief was such an important part of his growth.
I love when a romance acknowledges that love can be a wonderful source of support, but healing also takes personal effort.
And while Levi took a little longer to win me over, I appreciated seeing him recognize that he couldn't keep allowing his past to control his future.
Of course, their reunion becomes even more interesting when Diana finds herself needing a fake fiancé to attend an exclusive event at an Italian villa.
There's just one little problem.
She's already invented one.
And the imaginary man happens to look an awful lot like Levi!
Oh, the timing! 😂💍
I really enjoyed the fake-dating aspect of their story, especially because these two already had so much history between them.
They weren't strangers pretending to be in love.
They were two people who had known each other since childhood, shared so many important memories, and never completely moved on from what they'd lost.
The banter, the chemistry, and all those feelings neither wanted to admit were still there made their relationship entertaining to follow.
And I absolutely loved the little details from their childhood!
Levi calling Diana Indy because of her love for archaeology was adorable. And the fact that he remembered things from the archaeology shows she made him watch when they were younger?
Oh, my heart! 🥹❤️
I also loved the memory of Diana discovering a meteorite and sharing pieces of that little star with Josh and Levi.
Those personal touches made their connection feel so much more meaningful.
But beneath the romance, there's also a story about grief and learning how to move forward.
Diana and Levi both lost Josh, but they handled that loss in very different ways. Levi's guilt kept him from allowing himself to get close to the people he cared about, while Diana had to learn how to protect her heart without closing herself off completely.
I appreciated watching them begin to understand each other again, even if there were moments when I wished they'd just sit down and communicate a little sooner!
Sometimes these two made things harder on themselves than necessary. 😂
And I especially liked that their journey focused on personal growth and choosing each other rather than relying on a dramatic third-act breakup.
The Italian setting was another lovely part of the story. Between Diana's archaeological work, the beautiful surroundings, and the fake engagement at the villa, there was plenty to enjoy beyond the romance.
I will say that the pacing was a little slower than I would have preferred in certain places, and it took me some time to become fully invested. But once Diana and Levi's story began coming together, I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
Four stars from me! Love in Ruins was a heartfelt second-chance romance about childhood love, grief, forgiveness, finding your confidence, and learning that sometimes the person you've been searching for has been part of your story all along.
Diana and Levi weren't perfect, and their journey wasn't always easy, but I appreciated the way they grew both individually and together.
And really, an archaeologist falling back in love while uncovering the past in Italy?
That's a pretty fitting love story if you ask me! 🇮🇹🏺❤️
Thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2026
“𝓕𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓮𝓼.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
EXCUSE ME. AN ARCHAEOLOGIST AND A FIGHTER PILOT?!
IN ITALY?!
WITH A FAKE ENGAGEMENT?!
MAGGIE DERYN, MA’AM, I CAME HERE FOR ROMANCE, NOT TO DEVELOP AN URGENT NEED FOR A PLANE TICKET AND A DEGREE IN ARCHAEOLOGY. 🇮🇹✈️
New-to-me author, four stars, two peppers, and one ridiculously endearing childhood nickname that nearly took me OUT.
Diana Russo is doing her best to build the career she loves. She’s on an archaeological dig in Italy, working hard to prove herself in a field where people don’t always take her seriously.
WE SUPPORT WOMEN WHO DIG UP ANCIENT THINGS WHILE THEIR LOVE LIVES ARE IN RUINS.
Unfortunately, the past has apparently decided it would like to be excavated, too.
ENTER LEVI JASINSKI.
Golden-haired fighter pilot. Older brother’s best friend. First crush. First heartbreak. And a man who vanished from Diana’s life after her brother Josh died.
SIR. YOU KNOW AIRCRAFT REQUIRE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, RIGHT? PERHAPS CONSIDER USING ONE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.
Nearly a decade later, he’s back, and Diana is discovering that being over someone and telling yourself you’re over someone are two very different recreational activities.
And THEN comes the fake fiancé problem.
Diana needs to attend an exclusive event at an Italian villa. She’s already invented herself a fiancé for the occasion, which would be fine if the imaginary man didn’t happen to bear a suspicious resemblance to Levi.
WHOOPS.
Levi agrees to play along, because clearly pretending to be engaged to the woman you’ve never stopped caring about is a completely reasonable way to maintain emotional distance.
BABES. THAT’S NOT A PLAN. THAT’S A BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED TRAP.
But beneath the banter and forced togetherness, these two are carrying a lot.
Diana has spent years grieving Josh and trying to protect herself from being hurt by Levi again. She’s smart, passionate, and determined, but the constant need to prove herself has chipped away at her confidence.
I LOVED that her growth wasn’t limited to choosing romance. Watching her learn to advocate for herself professionally mattered just as much.
GIVE ME A HEROINE WITH CAREER GOALS AND A BACKBONE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
And Levi? OH, LEVI.
The man has enough survivor’s guilt to fill the cargo hold of his aircraft.
After losing his parents young and then losing Josh, he has convinced himself that loving people puts them in danger. His response is to keep his distance, even when that distance hurts the very people he’s trying to protect.
DOES SOMEONE NEED TO SHAKE THIS MAN? YES.
DO I ALSO WANT TO WRAP HIM IN A BLANKET? ALSO YES.
What won me over was seeing him begin to confront those beliefs rather than letting romance magically solve them. His decision to seek therapy matters. Loving Diana isn’t a cure for grief, and I appreciated that he has his own work to do.
Their shared history made the second chance feel especially tender.
The nickname Indy, because Diana loved archaeology as a kid? ADORABLE.
Levi remembering details from the archaeology shows she used to make him watch? STOP IT.
And the memory of Diana finding a meteorite and sharing pieces of her little star with Josh and Levi?
EXCUSE ME WHILE I SOB INTO MY IMAGINARY PASSPORT.
Those details made their connection feel lived in. This wasn’t simply two attractive adults forced to pose for romantic photographs in a villa. They had a childhood together, an enormous loss between them, and years of things left unsaid.
I enjoyed the chemistry and the fake-dating antics, but I especially liked that the romance made room for two imperfect people to grow.
Diana needed to believe in her own worth. Levi needed to stop treating himself like a walking disaster waiting to happen.
And yes, I occasionally wanted to sit them both down with a PowerPoint titled PLEASE COMMUNICATE BEFORE I LOSE MY MIND.
The pacing was a little uneven for me, particularly early on. It took some time for me to feel fully absorbed, and a few stretches could have moved more briskly.
But once I settled into their emotional journey, I found plenty to love.
The Italian backdrop was gorgeous, and I appreciated that archaeology wasn’t simply Diana’s quirky job title. Her work actually contributed to the story.
Now I want more romances involving ancient ruins and people who know the difference between a priceless artifact and a decorative rock.
FINAL VERDICT:
Four stars and two peppers for a heartfelt second-chance romance about grief, forgiveness, ambition, and learning that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the people you’ve lost.
Love in Ruins gave me a capable heroine, a wounded fighter pilot working toward healing, an Italian setting I wanted to step into, and little shared memories that made the romance feel genuinely personal.
Maggie Deryn, you’ve officially gained another reader.
And Levi Jasinski?
YOU CAN FLY A FIGHTER JET, BUT YOU NEEDED NEARLY A DECADE TO FIGURE OUT YOUR FEELINGS?!
SIR, THE EMOTIONAL FLIGHT PLAN NEEDS WORK.
Luckily, Diana appears to be rather good at uncovering things that have been buried for years.
INCLUDING YOUR HEART. 🏺❤️✈️
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend • Second Chance • Fake Fiancé • Childhood Crush • Fighter Pilot MMC • Archaeologist FMC • Italy • Grief & Healing
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
EXCUSE ME. AN ARCHAEOLOGIST AND A FIGHTER PILOT?!
IN ITALY?!
WITH A FAKE ENGAGEMENT?!
MAGGIE DERYN, MA’AM, I CAME HERE FOR ROMANCE, NOT TO DEVELOP AN URGENT NEED FOR A PLANE TICKET AND A DEGREE IN ARCHAEOLOGY. 🇮🇹✈️
New-to-me author, four stars, two peppers, and one ridiculously endearing childhood nickname that nearly took me OUT.
Diana Russo is doing her best to build the career she loves. She’s on an archaeological dig in Italy, working hard to prove herself in a field where people don’t always take her seriously.
WE SUPPORT WOMEN WHO DIG UP ANCIENT THINGS WHILE THEIR LOVE LIVES ARE IN RUINS.
Unfortunately, the past has apparently decided it would like to be excavated, too.
ENTER LEVI JASINSKI.
Golden-haired fighter pilot. Older brother’s best friend. First crush. First heartbreak. And a man who vanished from Diana’s life after her brother Josh died.
SIR. YOU KNOW AIRCRAFT REQUIRE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, RIGHT? PERHAPS CONSIDER USING ONE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.
Nearly a decade later, he’s back, and Diana is discovering that being over someone and telling yourself you’re over someone are two very different recreational activities.
And THEN comes the fake fiancé problem.
Diana needs to attend an exclusive event at an Italian villa. She’s already invented herself a fiancé for the occasion, which would be fine if the imaginary man didn’t happen to bear a suspicious resemblance to Levi.
WHOOPS.
Levi agrees to play along, because clearly pretending to be engaged to the woman you’ve never stopped caring about is a completely reasonable way to maintain emotional distance.
BABES. THAT’S NOT A PLAN. THAT’S A BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED TRAP.
But beneath the banter and forced togetherness, these two are carrying a lot.
Diana has spent years grieving Josh and trying to protect herself from being hurt by Levi again. She’s smart, passionate, and determined, but the constant need to prove herself has chipped away at her confidence.
I LOVED that her growth wasn’t limited to choosing romance. Watching her learn to advocate for herself professionally mattered just as much.
GIVE ME A HEROINE WITH CAREER GOALS AND A BACKBONE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
And Levi? OH, LEVI.
The man has enough survivor’s guilt to fill the cargo hold of his aircraft.
After losing his parents young and then losing Josh, he has convinced himself that loving people puts them in danger. His response is to keep his distance, even when that distance hurts the very people he’s trying to protect.
DOES SOMEONE NEED TO SHAKE THIS MAN? YES.
DO I ALSO WANT TO WRAP HIM IN A BLANKET? ALSO YES.
What won me over was seeing him begin to confront those beliefs rather than letting romance magically solve them. His decision to seek therapy matters. Loving Diana isn’t a cure for grief, and I appreciated that he has his own work to do.
Their shared history made the second chance feel especially tender.
The nickname Indy, because Diana loved archaeology as a kid? ADORABLE.
Levi remembering details from the archaeology shows she used to make him watch? STOP IT.
And the memory of Diana finding a meteorite and sharing pieces of her little star with Josh and Levi?
EXCUSE ME WHILE I SOB INTO MY IMAGINARY PASSPORT.
Those details made their connection feel lived in. This wasn’t simply two attractive adults forced to pose for romantic photographs in a villa. They had a childhood together, an enormous loss between them, and years of things left unsaid.
I enjoyed the chemistry and the fake-dating antics, but I especially liked that the romance made room for two imperfect people to grow.
Diana needed to believe in her own worth. Levi needed to stop treating himself like a walking disaster waiting to happen.
And yes, I occasionally wanted to sit them both down with a PowerPoint titled PLEASE COMMUNICATE BEFORE I LOSE MY MIND.
The pacing was a little uneven for me, particularly early on. It took some time for me to feel fully absorbed, and a few stretches could have moved more briskly.
But once I settled into their emotional journey, I found plenty to love.
The Italian backdrop was gorgeous, and I appreciated that archaeology wasn’t simply Diana’s quirky job title. Her work actually contributed to the story.
Now I want more romances involving ancient ruins and people who know the difference between a priceless artifact and a decorative rock.
FINAL VERDICT:
Four stars and two peppers for a heartfelt second-chance romance about grief, forgiveness, ambition, and learning that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the people you’ve lost.
Love in Ruins gave me a capable heroine, a wounded fighter pilot working toward healing, an Italian setting I wanted to step into, and little shared memories that made the romance feel genuinely personal.
Maggie Deryn, you’ve officially gained another reader.
And Levi Jasinski?
YOU CAN FLY A FIGHTER JET, BUT YOU NEEDED NEARLY A DECADE TO FIGURE OUT YOUR FEELINGS?!
SIR, THE EMOTIONAL FLIGHT PLAN NEEDS WORK.
Luckily, Diana appears to be rather good at uncovering things that have been buried for years.
INCLUDING YOUR HEART. 🏺❤️✈️
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend • Second Chance • Fake Fiancé • Childhood Crush • Fighter Pilot MMC • Archaeologist FMC • Italy • Grief & Healing
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was drawn to this book because I love archaeology and ancient Greece/Italy. What an amazing story of longing and second chances! Diana Jones Russo grew up as a tomboy always tagging along after her older brother Josh and his best friend Levi Jasinski. Diana had a huge crush on Levi, and he was always thoughtful and kind to her. Diana always dreamed of being an archeologist who made big discoveries, and she created her own digs as a teen. When Levi and Josh see her discover a meteorite that is in three pieces, they each take a piece of the “star’ for luck.
Levi lost both his parents at a young age and believes that he is unlucky. He spends a lot of time with Diana and Josh’s family. Unfortunately, he falls for their cousin Ashleigh and breaks Diana’s heart when she is age 16.
Levi and Josh aspire to become astronauts and go in the Airforce as pilots. Josh dies in a tragic training accident, and Levi runs away, unable to face the memories with Diana and her family.
Over a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when she runs into Levi again. He’s now a fighter pilot stationed nearby. Levi is shocked to see her again and Diana remembers how he broke her heart all those years ago. Diana is having issues with her boss at work and wants to get a new mentor and financing for her work. She has made up a fake fiancé based on Levi and now that he’s here in person, she asks him to be her fake fiancé to get invited to an event with her prospective new mentor.
Levi is lost and lonely, still blaming himself for Josh’s death. He agrees to help Diana as a way to redeem himself but still tells himself that she is off limits due to her being Josh’s sister. As their fake relationship unfolds, they both start to feel the undeniable chemistry between them. Levi starts to come back to life, and Diana lets down the walls around her heart.
There is an underlying mystery surrounding the motivations of Diana’s unsavory boss which keeps things even more interesting. With so much mutual pining and emotions from the past, will Diana and Levi have a happy ending? The conclusion of the story is very satisfying!
Levi lost both his parents at a young age and believes that he is unlucky. He spends a lot of time with Diana and Josh’s family. Unfortunately, he falls for their cousin Ashleigh and breaks Diana’s heart when she is age 16.
Levi and Josh aspire to become astronauts and go in the Airforce as pilots. Josh dies in a tragic training accident, and Levi runs away, unable to face the memories with Diana and her family.
Over a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when she runs into Levi again. He’s now a fighter pilot stationed nearby. Levi is shocked to see her again and Diana remembers how he broke her heart all those years ago. Diana is having issues with her boss at work and wants to get a new mentor and financing for her work. She has made up a fake fiancé based on Levi and now that he’s here in person, she asks him to be her fake fiancé to get invited to an event with her prospective new mentor.
Levi is lost and lonely, still blaming himself for Josh’s death. He agrees to help Diana as a way to redeem himself but still tells himself that she is off limits due to her being Josh’s sister. As their fake relationship unfolds, they both start to feel the undeniable chemistry between them. Levi starts to come back to life, and Diana lets down the walls around her heart.
There is an underlying mystery surrounding the motivations of Diana’s unsavory boss which keeps things even more interesting. With so much mutual pining and emotions from the past, will Diana and Levi have a happy ending? The conclusion of the story is very satisfying!
October 20, 2026
Love in ruins
Ik kreeg dit boek al recensieexemplaar. Lovenotepr heel erg bedankt daarvoor! Het is een boek met ups en downs. Rouw, liefde, verdriet, een glimlach, alles zit in dit verhaal. Het verhaal zit mooi inelkaar, je wilt weten hoe het afloopt. Wel vond ik het lastig lezen. De schrijfstijl was voor mij moet zo fijn, waardoor ik een paar keer opnieuw in het boek moest komen. De personages waren wel leuk, de chemie tussen elkaar is mooi beschreven en je hoopt zo dat ze elkaar terugvinden op emotioneel vlak. Verder hoop je ook dat ze weer toekomstdromen durven maken en die uit kunnen laten komen.
I received a review copy of this book. Lovenotepr, thank you so much for that! It is a book with ups and downs. Grief, love, sadness, a smile—it has it all. The story is beautifully constructed; you want to know how it ends. However, I did find it difficult to read. The writing style was not quite right for me, which meant I had to get back into the book a few times. The characters were likeable, though; the chemistry between them is beautifully described, and you really hope they find each other again on an emotional level. Furthermore, you also hope that they dare to make dreams for the future again and can make them come true.
Diana Russo has spent years convincing herself she’s over Levi Jasinski. Her brother’s best friend was her first crush — a golden-haired aviator with a brilliant mind, a killer smile, and a talent for breaking her heart. When Levi disappeared after her brother’s tragic accident, Diana thought she’d lost him forever.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when Levi unexpectedly walks back into her life and she realizes she’s definitely not over him. Even worse: she’s invented a fiancé to get into an exclusive weekend party at an Italian villa, and the imaginary man she created just happens to resemble the fighter pilot standing right in front of her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsoctober
Ik kreeg dit boek al recensieexemplaar. Lovenotepr heel erg bedankt daarvoor! Het is een boek met ups en downs. Rouw, liefde, verdriet, een glimlach, alles zit in dit verhaal. Het verhaal zit mooi inelkaar, je wilt weten hoe het afloopt. Wel vond ik het lastig lezen. De schrijfstijl was voor mij moet zo fijn, waardoor ik een paar keer opnieuw in het boek moest komen. De personages waren wel leuk, de chemie tussen elkaar is mooi beschreven en je hoopt zo dat ze elkaar terugvinden op emotioneel vlak. Verder hoop je ook dat ze weer toekomstdromen durven maken en die uit kunnen laten komen.
I received a review copy of this book. Lovenotepr, thank you so much for that! It is a book with ups and downs. Grief, love, sadness, a smile—it has it all. The story is beautifully constructed; you want to know how it ends. However, I did find it difficult to read. The writing style was not quite right for me, which meant I had to get back into the book a few times. The characters were likeable, though; the chemistry between them is beautifully described, and you really hope they find each other again on an emotional level. Furthermore, you also hope that they dare to make dreams for the future again and can make them come true.
Diana Russo has spent years convincing herself she’s over Levi Jasinski. Her brother’s best friend was her first crush — a golden-haired aviator with a brilliant mind, a killer smile, and a talent for breaking her heart. When Levi disappeared after her brother’s tragic accident, Diana thought she’d lost him forever.
Now, nearly a decade later, Diana is working on an archaeological dig in Italy when Levi unexpectedly walks back into her life and she realizes she’s definitely not over him. Even worse: she’s invented a fiancé to get into an exclusive weekend party at an Italian villa, and the imaginary man she created just happens to resemble the fighter pilot standing right in front of her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsoctober
October 29, 2026
Love and Ruins by Maggie Deryn
If you love a good brother’s best friend romance, this is definitely one to add to your TBR!
This story follows Diana (Indy) and Levi, who was her late brother’s best friend. Indy and Levi had always been close, but after her brother was killed in a military accident, Levi couldn't handle the guilt and walked away. Years later, their paths cross again, and all those unresolved feelings come rushing back.
You have the classic “I shouldn't want her because she's my best friend's little sister” mixed with “I've secretly been in love with him forever.” And let me tell you, the tension between these two! The banter, the fighting, the chemistry, and all those feelings they've tried so hard to bury made their story so enjoyable.
But what I also loved was that this book wasn't just about the romance. Indy is a determined, stubborn, and passionate archaeologist who is fighting to prove herself in her field. We get archaeological digs, discoveries, and a little adventure along the way, which added something extra fun to the story.
And Levi? Watching him support Indy and believe in her, even when it meant putting his own career in jeopardy, made me love him even more. Despite everything they had been through, he was willing to stand beside her and fight for what mattered to her.
I truly enjoyed this book! It had romance, emotional moments, great chemistry, and an interesting archaeological storyline that kept me invested.
I highly recommend Love and Ruins, and I can't wait to see what Maggie Deryn writes next! ❤️
#LoveAndRuins #MaggieDeryn #BrothersBestFriend #RomanceBookReview #BookRecommendations #RomanceReads #Bookstagram
If you love a good brother’s best friend romance, this is definitely one to add to your TBR!
This story follows Diana (Indy) and Levi, who was her late brother’s best friend. Indy and Levi had always been close, but after her brother was killed in a military accident, Levi couldn't handle the guilt and walked away. Years later, their paths cross again, and all those unresolved feelings come rushing back.
You have the classic “I shouldn't want her because she's my best friend's little sister” mixed with “I've secretly been in love with him forever.” And let me tell you, the tension between these two! The banter, the fighting, the chemistry, and all those feelings they've tried so hard to bury made their story so enjoyable.
But what I also loved was that this book wasn't just about the romance. Indy is a determined, stubborn, and passionate archaeologist who is fighting to prove herself in her field. We get archaeological digs, discoveries, and a little adventure along the way, which added something extra fun to the story.
And Levi? Watching him support Indy and believe in her, even when it meant putting his own career in jeopardy, made me love him even more. Despite everything they had been through, he was willing to stand beside her and fight for what mattered to her.
I truly enjoyed this book! It had romance, emotional moments, great chemistry, and an interesting archaeological storyline that kept me invested.
I highly recommend Love and Ruins, and I can't wait to see what Maggie Deryn writes next! ❤️
#LoveAndRuins #MaggieDeryn #BrothersBestFriend #RomanceBookReview #BookRecommendations #RomanceReads #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy
These two were fine together, just the will-they-won't-they got a little tiresome.
Diana knew she wanted to be an archaeologist since she was a child. She also knew she wanted her brother's best friend. That is, until Levi went and fell for her cousin. They're now both adults, and while she knows he's nearby at the air force base, he doesn't, so he's surprised when he goes to hit on the pretty girl at the bar, and it's Diana. Diana, who's Indy to Levi, needs his help to try to convince someone in her field to give her a fellowship to continue her work. These to back together more brings back old feelings for both of them at an especially bad time of year for Levi. So what happens when they both admit feelings are still there, only to have a ghost from the past show up?
Levi and Diana get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I'm surprised no one recommended that Levi see someone before then, as it seemed like he had been flying recklessly for quite some time. Or maybe none of his commanding officers cared before then. I do love how much Diana's friend was looking out for her until she saw how happy Diana was, and then was just backup in case she got hurt. It would be interesting to know how Diana's cousin felt about being blown off for Diana after finding a way onto the base just to try to win Levi back and being told there wasn't a chance. Did she go back home to try again with her husband, or did she go through with the divorce as planned?
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Diana knew she wanted to be an archaeologist since she was a child. She also knew she wanted her brother's best friend. That is, until Levi went and fell for her cousin. They're now both adults, and while she knows he's nearby at the air force base, he doesn't, so he's surprised when he goes to hit on the pretty girl at the bar, and it's Diana. Diana, who's Indy to Levi, needs his help to try to convince someone in her field to give her a fellowship to continue her work. These to back together more brings back old feelings for both of them at an especially bad time of year for Levi. So what happens when they both admit feelings are still there, only to have a ghost from the past show up?
Levi and Diana get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I'm surprised no one recommended that Levi see someone before then, as it seemed like he had been flying recklessly for quite some time. Or maybe none of his commanding officers cared before then. I do love how much Diana's friend was looking out for her until she saw how happy Diana was, and then was just backup in case she got hurt. It would be interesting to know how Diana's cousin felt about being blown off for Diana after finding a way onto the base just to try to win Levi back and being told there wasn't a chance. Did she go back home to try again with her husband, or did she go through with the divorce as planned?
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2026
Her name is Diana but he calls her Indy cause he’s In Diana Jones… get it? it’s also kind of fitting because she studies history and archaeology (hence the title love in “ruins”). And I just love a man who remembers her favourite things, because what do you mean he remembers facts from the archaeology shows she made him watch when they were teenagers? There was so much chemistry from the start, and was intense with the banter and angst at the start. They have not seen each other for over a decade since her brother, who’s also his best friend, accident and they can deny their feelings all they want, but they’ve both been secretly yearning. I love a little childhood crush scenario come true especially paired with fake dating. But there are some parts seem a little confusing partially because they need to communicate more. Diana is incredibly insecure thinking that Levi is hung up on his cheating ex Ashleigh (who also happens to be her cousin), when Levi apparently has loved her all along. And this man may be swoon worthy and totally would do anything for Diana, but there were times I think he needed to step up his game. He is an amazing “fake boyfriend” though and undoubtably a freak in the sheets, because those spicy scenes get real HOT. I really enjoyed the plot and LOVED how there wasn’t a third act breakup, and the whole book was such a fun time. The end definitely had me in the feels though, like I was close to tearing up and I although I fell some parts were slower, I overall give it a 4/5
October 21, 2026
SHE LOVED HIM FOR YEARS, AND THIS MAN DIDN'T EVEN REALISE HE WAS IN LOVE WITH HER. LEVI, I NEED YOU TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF. 😭
I kept procrastinating picking up Love in Ruins, but once I finally did, I finished it in TWO DAYS. Diana and Levi have my whole heart, and I'm so glad I gave this book a chance.
Diana had loved Levi since childhood, believing her feelings would always be one-sided. And Levi? SIR, HOW WERE YOU SO OBLIVIOUS TO YOUR OWN FEELINGS? Their childhood connection, little inside jokes, and the fake-fiancé situation made their relationship even more enjoyable.
But my favourite detail has to be the earth-and-sky parallel. Diana, an archaeologist, belongs to the earth, while Levi dreams of the sky and stars. Tell me that's not poetic! Two people with different dreams, carrying so much grief, finding their way to each other? I LOVE THAT.
What made this story special was that it wasn't just about romance. Both Diana and Levi were grieving Josh, but they dealt with their loss differently. Watching them find comfort in each other and slowly heal was genuinely beautiful.
My only struggle was the vocabulary. I practically had Google open beside me the entire time. 😭 But that didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Love in Ruins reminded me that sometimes love finds us when we're still trying to put ourselves back together. I'm definitely reading the first two books in the series now.
Levi, your girl was RIGHT THERE. HOW DID IT TAKE YOU SO LONG? ❤️🩹
I kept procrastinating picking up Love in Ruins, but once I finally did, I finished it in TWO DAYS. Diana and Levi have my whole heart, and I'm so glad I gave this book a chance.
Diana had loved Levi since childhood, believing her feelings would always be one-sided. And Levi? SIR, HOW WERE YOU SO OBLIVIOUS TO YOUR OWN FEELINGS? Their childhood connection, little inside jokes, and the fake-fiancé situation made their relationship even more enjoyable.
But my favourite detail has to be the earth-and-sky parallel. Diana, an archaeologist, belongs to the earth, while Levi dreams of the sky and stars. Tell me that's not poetic! Two people with different dreams, carrying so much grief, finding their way to each other? I LOVE THAT.
What made this story special was that it wasn't just about romance. Both Diana and Levi were grieving Josh, but they dealt with their loss differently. Watching them find comfort in each other and slowly heal was genuinely beautiful.
My only struggle was the vocabulary. I practically had Google open beside me the entire time. 😭 But that didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Love in Ruins reminded me that sometimes love finds us when we're still trying to put ourselves back together. I'm definitely reading the first two books in the series now.
Levi, your girl was RIGHT THERE. HOW DID IT TAKE YOU SO LONG? ❤️🩹
October 21, 2026
It took me a little while to actually get into the story at the beginning, but once the pacing picked up, it turned out to be a decent read. The book follows Diana, an archaeologist working in Italy, who runs into her childhood crush and brother's best friend, Levi, nearly a decade after a tragic accident tore them apart. To get into an exclusive weekend party, Diana invents a fake fiancé who happens to look exactly like Levi, and he agrees to play along.
I liked Diana as a main character; she’s passionate about her work and it was satisfying to watch her stand her ground against colleagues who underestimate her. Levi took a bit longer to win me over because of his communication issues, but his grief and guilt over the past added some real depth to his character, and I appreciated the inclusion of him going to therapy to deal with his fears. The fake-dating and only-one-bed setups made for some good banter and mutual pining against a nice Italian backdrop. However, the story did feel a bit slower than it needed to be in several places, and I found myself wishing the plot would move along a little faster. It’s a sweet second-chance romance focused on healing, but it dragged on a bit too long to be a favorite.
Thank you LoveNotePR for the gifted e-ARC! My review is my thoughts and my thoughts alone!
I liked Diana as a main character; she’s passionate about her work and it was satisfying to watch her stand her ground against colleagues who underestimate her. Levi took a bit longer to win me over because of his communication issues, but his grief and guilt over the past added some real depth to his character, and I appreciated the inclusion of him going to therapy to deal with his fears. The fake-dating and only-one-bed setups made for some good banter and mutual pining against a nice Italian backdrop. However, the story did feel a bit slower than it needed to be in several places, and I found myself wishing the plot would move along a little faster. It’s a sweet second-chance romance focused on healing, but it dragged on a bit too long to be a favorite.
Thank you LoveNotePR for the gifted e-ARC! My review is my thoughts and my thoughts alone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good brother's best friend romance, especially when you throw in a fake fiancé and only one bed, so I was excited to read this one!
I really liked Diana and Levi's story, but I have to admit, it took me a while to get into it. The beginning was pretty slow, and even after things picked up, I felt like the story dragged on longer than it needed to.
What I did love was how emotional their story was. Both Diana and Levi were carrying so much grief and guilt from losing her brother, and it was sweet watching them find their way back to each other after so many years. I especially loved how they helped each other work through their pain and anxiety. Sometimes you just need that one person who understands what you're going through.
I enjoyed the romance and the healing that came with it, but I found myself wishing things would move along a little faster. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if the story had been a bit shorter.
Overall, it was a sweet, emotional read with some of my favorite tropes and a nice HEA. Not a favorite for me, but still a good story.
Overall: 3/5 ⭐
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
I really liked Diana and Levi's story, but I have to admit, it took me a while to get into it. The beginning was pretty slow, and even after things picked up, I felt like the story dragged on longer than it needed to.
What I did love was how emotional their story was. Both Diana and Levi were carrying so much grief and guilt from losing her brother, and it was sweet watching them find their way back to each other after so many years. I especially loved how they helped each other work through their pain and anxiety. Sometimes you just need that one person who understands what you're going through.
I enjoyed the romance and the healing that came with it, but I found myself wishing things would move along a little faster. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if the story had been a bit shorter.
Overall, it was a sweet, emotional read with some of my favorite tropes and a nice HEA. Not a favorite for me, but still a good story.
Overall: 3/5 ⭐
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
October 21, 2026
Ten years.
Ten years.
T.E.N. Y.E.A.R.S.
That’s what lies between when Levi and Diana last spoke and saw eachother The hurt. The disappointment. The grief. What could happen when life brings them back together. There will be pent up emotions and anger. But will that change when Levi is the “fake fiancé” that she has been telling everyone about. The secrets. The wanting. This was EVERYTHING! made my heart so happy!!
TROPES:
💕fake dating
💕 brother’s best friend
💕 fake fiancé
💕 only one bed
💕 it’s always been you
Favorite quotes:
“That’s the point I’m trying to make. You’ve made mistakes and so have I. You ran away and I let you. I could have reached out to you, but I didn’t.” I took his hand. “We can’t keep running away from each other. No more secrets.”
The fact that I have loved these two since the beginning! I have been waiting for this book to come out, I became obsessed with Maggie’s book a year ago when I ARC read the previous book. Now Maggie, WHEN are we getting the next book?
NOW AVAILABLE!!! Go read, and thank me later 😘
QOTD: What is an upcoming release that you are most excited about?
#supportindieauthors #maggiederyn #romancebookrecs #kindlegirlie
Ten years.
T.E.N. Y.E.A.R.S.
That’s what lies between when Levi and Diana last spoke and saw eachother The hurt. The disappointment. The grief. What could happen when life brings them back together. There will be pent up emotions and anger. But will that change when Levi is the “fake fiancé” that she has been telling everyone about. The secrets. The wanting. This was EVERYTHING! made my heart so happy!!
TROPES:
💕fake dating
💕 brother’s best friend
💕 fake fiancé
💕 only one bed
💕 it’s always been you
Favorite quotes:
“That’s the point I’m trying to make. You’ve made mistakes and so have I. You ran away and I let you. I could have reached out to you, but I didn’t.” I took his hand. “We can’t keep running away from each other. No more secrets.”
The fact that I have loved these two since the beginning! I have been waiting for this book to come out, I became obsessed with Maggie’s book a year ago when I ARC read the previous book. Now Maggie, WHEN are we getting the next book?
NOW AVAILABLE!!! Go read, and thank me later 😘
QOTD: What is an upcoming release that you are most excited about?
#supportindieauthors #maggiederyn #romancebookrecs #kindlegirlie
October 21, 2026
“Love in Ruins”by Maggie Deryn was such a lovely surprise! I went into this expecting a sweet second chance romance, but I ended up loving the emotional depth of the story even more.
Diana and Levi both have their own struggles, and I really liked how their past shaped their relationship. Levi's guilt and Diana's journey toward believing in herself made their characters feel more real. I loved seeing them slowly find their way back to each other while learning to deal with their past.
The second chance romance, mutual pining, and fake fiancé trope made their relationship even more interesting. I also really enjoyed the archaeology aspect of the story. It was something different and added an extra layer to the book.
The pacing wasn't perfect for me, but the characters, emotional moments, and overall story made this an enjoyable read. If you love second chance romance with a little angst, healing, and characters finding their way back to each other, this one is worth picking up!
Thank you to lovenotes.pr for sending me an ARC copy! 💗
Diana and Levi both have their own struggles, and I really liked how their past shaped their relationship. Levi's guilt and Diana's journey toward believing in herself made their characters feel more real. I loved seeing them slowly find their way back to each other while learning to deal with their past.
The second chance romance, mutual pining, and fake fiancé trope made their relationship even more interesting. I also really enjoyed the archaeology aspect of the story. It was something different and added an extra layer to the book.
The pacing wasn't perfect for me, but the characters, emotional moments, and overall story made this an enjoyable read. If you love second chance romance with a little angst, healing, and characters finding their way back to each other, this one is worth picking up!
Thank you to lovenotes.pr for sending me an ARC copy! 💗
Read
October 6, 2026Diana estaba enamorada de Levi, el mejor amigo de su hermano Josh y con el paso del tiempo ellos también se volvieron amigos. Para ella, él era mucho más que el chico que siempre había estado fuera de su alcance, hasta que Levi comenzó una relación con su prima y todo cambió. Poco a poco se fueron alejando, hasta que la muerte de Josh terminó de romper la amistad que alguna vez habían tenido.
Durante casi una década no volvieron a verse, pero ahora el destino los ha puesto nuevamente en el mismo lugar. Diana está en Italia, concentrada en su carrera como arqueóloga y tratando de hacerse un nombre. Levi también ha cambiado, aunque volver a encontrarse con ella despierta sentimientos que ninguno de los dos esperaba. Y cuando una mentira sobre un supuesto prometido termina involucrándolos de nuevo, tendrán que enfrentarse a todo lo que no se dijeron.
Durante casi una década no volvieron a verse, pero ahora el destino los ha puesto nuevamente en el mismo lugar. Diana está en Italia, concentrada en su carrera como arqueóloga y tratando de hacerse un nombre. Levi también ha cambiado, aunque volver a encontrarse con ella despierta sentimientos que ninguno de los dos esperaba. Y cuando una mentira sobre un supuesto prometido termina involucrándolos de nuevo, tendrán que enfrentarse a todo lo que no se dijeron.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Love in Ruin by Maggie Deryn sounds like the perfect read for anyone who loves a steamy brother’s-best-friend romance! The combination of forbidden feelings, romantic tension, and a gorgeous Italian setting made this story an irresistible addition to the Taste of Love series. I love the brother’s-best-friend trope because it brings that extra layer of angst, complicated emotions, and delicious tension that kept me invested in the romance. Add in the spice and the dreamy Italian backdrop, and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining romantic escape! Overall, Love in Ruins is a great pick for readers looking for heat, heart, and a little Italian romance!
I received an ARC copy from Love Notes PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Love Notes PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Review of advance copy
Oh my, oh my. 😍 This was beyond a good read!
I absolutely loved how all the different elements were woven together so perfectly throughout the storyline. Childhood magic, love, friendship, grief, family, healing, and so much more. There was so much heart packed into this story!
I loved Levi and how beautifully, perfectly imperfect he was portrayed. Indy’s personality hooked me from the very beginning, and I immediately wanted to go back and read the other stories to see if these characters were mentioned!
I cried, I laughed, I got angry, and I may have even fallen a tad in love myself. 🥹❤️
An emotional, heartwarming read that pulled me in and made me feel all the things. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved how all the different elements were woven together so perfectly throughout the storyline. Childhood magic, love, friendship, grief, family, healing, and so much more. There was so much heart packed into this story!
I loved Levi and how beautifully, perfectly imperfect he was portrayed. Indy’s personality hooked me from the very beginning, and I immediately wanted to go back and read the other stories to see if these characters were mentioned!
I cried, I laughed, I got angry, and I may have even fallen a tad in love myself. 🥹❤️
An emotional, heartwarming read that pulled me in and made me feel all the things. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 19, 2026
This is my first time reading Maggie Deryn, and a second-chance romance set in Italy with a fake fiancé? That definitely caught my attention! Diana has spent years trying to move on from Levi, her brother's best friend, only for him to show up again right when she needs someone to play the part of her fiancé. They have so much history, and the grief and secrets between them make this about more than pretending to be a couple. I love the idea of finding your way back to someone when life has taken you in completely different directions. Add an Italian setting, old feelings, and a little mystery, and there's plenty here to pull you in
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC. Thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the opportunity!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC. Thank you to Maggie Deryn and Love Notes PR for the opportunity!
October 20, 2026
A second-chance romance, brother’s best friend, and a beautiful Italian setting? Sign me up!
❤️ Second-Chance Romance 🇮🇹 Brother’s Best Friend ❤️ First Love 🇮🇹 Italian Setting ❤️ Spicy Romance 🇮🇹 Years of History
I really enjoyed Diana and Levi’s story! I’m a sucker for a first love finding its way back to each other after years apart, and I loved their shared history and the chemistry between them. The Italian setting was such a beautiful backdrop, and there was plenty of spice and swoony moments to keep me invested!
Overall, this was an enjoyable, spicy romance with plenty of heart!
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
❤️ Second-Chance Romance 🇮🇹 Brother’s Best Friend ❤️ First Love 🇮🇹 Italian Setting ❤️ Spicy Romance 🇮🇹 Years of History
I really enjoyed Diana and Levi’s story! I’m a sucker for a first love finding its way back to each other after years apart, and I loved their shared history and the chemistry between them. The Italian setting was such a beautiful backdrop, and there was plenty of spice and swoony moments to keep me invested!
Overall, this was an enjoyable, spicy romance with plenty of heart!
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
October 25, 2026
I picked this up because of the cover, fake dating and the archaeology angle sounded a little different.
Diana has spent years building a career for herself while carrying heartbreak and grief from the past. When she unexpectedly reconnects with her first crush Levi in Italy, it brings back a lot of emotions neither
Their history runs deep, which made their relationship feel more meaningful.
Diana was passionate about her work and determined to prove herself.
Levi arries so much guilt and spends years blaming himself for things he can't change.
The archaeology side of the book added something unique. I enjoyed the dig sites, historical elements, and beautiful setting. Made it stand out from other romances.
Diana has spent years building a career for herself while carrying heartbreak and grief from the past. When she unexpectedly reconnects with her first crush Levi in Italy, it brings back a lot of emotions neither
Their history runs deep, which made their relationship feel more meaningful.
Diana was passionate about her work and determined to prove herself.
Levi arries so much guilt and spends years blaming himself for things he can't change.
The archaeology side of the book added something unique. I enjoyed the dig sites, historical elements, and beautiful setting. Made it stand out from other romances.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC from love notes PR. Initially I really struggled to get into this book, I attempted to start reading 3 times before I was able to actually get stuck in. I think the romance between Levi and Indy is sweet however I did feel as though Levi’s attraction went from 0-100 definitely no soft build up here! A feel good romance with a lot of good tropes, one bed, childhood friends, brothers best friend - the archeology base to the story was a struggle for me (my own fault!) with a lot of the terminology stopping the flow. Overall a solid romance and the writing style of the book itself was good, no cringey moments!
Read
October 13, 2026🌸ARC REVIEW 🌸
There’s something so lovely about a story that reminds you that some loves never really fade, no matter how much time has passed.
I loved the second-chance romance between Diana and Levi, with all the unresolved feelings, old heartbreak, and the hope of finding their way back to each other.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy, this was such a lovely mix of yearning, secrets, and learning to heal from the past.
If you enjoy emotional romances about first love, second chances, and finding your way back to the person who feels like home, then I’d definitely recommend this read.
There’s something so lovely about a story that reminds you that some loves never really fade, no matter how much time has passed.
I loved the second-chance romance between Diana and Levi, with all the unresolved feelings, old heartbreak, and the hope of finding their way back to each other.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy, this was such a lovely mix of yearning, secrets, and learning to heal from the past.
If you enjoy emotional romances about first love, second chances, and finding your way back to the person who feels like home, then I’d definitely recommend this read.
October 14, 2026
there is something so sweet about a found family, and found family I mean by a child who's adopted by a family when they unfortunately lose their parents. levi. Levi had my heart from the very beginning. he was full of grief, for both his family and josh. he was torn an tortured.
dianne was a strong fmc and I absoutely loved her.
I loved that her parents rooted for them to be together and make him an official( by marriage) apart of their family. I loved how much they loved him.
I love when two people who were always meant to be find their way to each other.
this was a really lovely sweet bothers best friend romance. it was a sweet and spicy read!
dianne was a strong fmc and I absoutely loved her.
I loved that her parents rooted for them to be together and make him an official( by marriage) apart of their family. I loved how much they loved him.
I love when two people who were always meant to be find their way to each other.
this was a really lovely sweet bothers best friend romance. it was a sweet and spicy read!
October 22, 2026
I love a good brother's best friend romance, especially when you throw in a fake fiancé and only one bed, so l was excited to read this one!
I really liked Diana and Levi's story, but it took me a while to get into the story. The beginning was slow for me. Then things started to pick up but it took a while to pick up.
I did love how emotional the story was. Both Diana and Levi carrying the grief with them all those years after loosing someone very close to them and to them finding their way back to each-other.
Overall, it was a sweet emotional read, just wish the pacing of the book was a bit faster for me. I still enjoyed the book, just a little too slow of a start for me.
I really liked Diana and Levi's story, but it took me a while to get into the story. The beginning was slow for me. Then things started to pick up but it took a while to pick up.
I did love how emotional the story was. Both Diana and Levi carrying the grief with them all those years after loosing someone very close to them and to them finding their way back to each-other.
Overall, it was a sweet emotional read, just wish the pacing of the book was a bit faster for me. I still enjoyed the book, just a little too slow of a start for me.
October 16, 2026
Loved it! Oh my gosh this book was SO good. It was funny, emotional, exciting, and had a bad@$$ FMC. I think it’s going to launch me into an archaeological reader era. Diana (girl, how did you not like Indy??) was relatable and trying to work her way back from a professional embarrassment. Levi is convinced he’s cursed and can’t believe he runs into his childhood friend in Italy. We love a fake dating scheme! It’s a slow burn in the best way because you get to be immersed in their history and remembered moments. The storytelling is excellent and I can’t wait to read more from Maggie Deryn.
October 17, 2026
I enjoyed Diana and Levi’s story, especially the brother’s-best-friend trope, their shared history, and the beautiful Italian setting. I’m a sucker for second-chance romance, and I loved the idea of first love finding its way back after all those years. Their chemistry was good, but the constant back-and-forth about their feelings got a little tiresome. I also would have liked more closure on a few side-story details. Overall, an enjoyable, spicy romance with plenty of heart, even if it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me!
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